China's top diplomat meets U.S. climate envoy in Beijing

Xinhua) 09:08, September 07, 2024

BEIJING, Sep. 6 (Xinhua) -- China's top diplomat Wang Yi met with U.S. Senior Advisor to the President for International Climate Policy John Podesta here on Friday.

Wang, Chinese foreign minister and also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, noted that this year marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and the United States.

The 45 years of experience have revealed that China and the United States should be partners instead of being rivals, said Wang, adding that the two sides should enable each other's success instead of competing viciously.

China stands ready to work with the United States to follow the important common understandings reached by the two presidents in San Francisco, find a right way to get along with each other as two major countries, and strive for the sound, stable and sustainable development of bilateral relations, Wang said.

Noting that China is firmly committed to green, low-carbon and sustainable development, Wang pointed out that dialogue and cooperation on climate change is not only an integral part of bilateral relations, but also an important measure to implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state.

He noted that the teams of both sides on climate response have maintained close communication and reached a series of practical cooperation outcomes this year. It is hoped that the U.S. side will maintain policy stability, earnestly respect China's concerns, avoid protectionism and overstretching the concept of security, and jointly address this global challenge with China.

Podesta stated that cooperation on addressing the climate change is an important consensus reached by the two heads of state, and it is a key component of the U.S.-China relationship and concerns the global multilateral cooperation process.

The collaboration between the United States and China will not only benefit the people of both countries but also bring more welfare to the world, he said.

The U.S. side is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with China and engage in constructive cooperation, Podesta said.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Wu Chaolan)
China's public security minister meets Interpol head, Ethiopian, Maldivian officials

Xinhua) 10:40, September 07, 2024

Chinese State Councilor and Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong meets with International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) President Ahmed Nasser Al-Raisi, who is in China for the upcoming 2024 Conference of Global Public Security Cooperation Forum (Lianyungang), in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 6, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

BEIJING, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor and Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong met with officials from the Maldives and Ethiopia, as well as the president of Interpol, in Beijing on Friday.

International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) President Ahmed Nasser Al-Raisi, Commissioner General of the Ethiopian Federal Police Commission Demelash Gebremichael, and Maldivian Minister of Homeland Security Ali Ihusan were all in the Chinese capital for the upcoming 2024 Conference of Global Public Security Cooperation Forum (Lianyungang).

Meeting with Al-Raisi, Wang said that China will actively fulfill its responsibilities as a major country, and is committed to deepening practical cooperation with Interpol and supporting its leadership position in the global law-enforcement security architecture through concrete actions.

Al-Raisi expressed Interpol's firm support for the one-China principle, and said that the organization is willing to maintain communication and coordination with China on major issues.

Wang presented Gebremichael with the Great Wall Commemorative Medal, saying that China is willing to work with Ethiopia to implement the spirit of the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), deepen practical cooperation in areas such as the security of the Belt and Road Initiative, and law-enforcement capacity building.

Gebremichael said Ethiopia will effectively protect the safety of Chinese institutions and projects, and strengthen cooperation on law-enforcement and security.

During the meeting with Ihusan, Wang said that China is willing to work with the Maldives to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, deepen cooperation on combating cross-border crimes and law-enforcement capacity building, and effectively protect the safety of the personnel, institutions and projects in each other's countries.

Ihusan said the Maldives will further expand new channels for bilateral law-enforcement and security cooperation, and better safeguard the common interests of the two countries.

Chinese State Councilor and Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong meets with International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) President Ahmed Nasser Al-Raisi, who is in China for the upcoming 2024 Conference of Global Public Security Cooperation Forum (Lianyungang), in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 6, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

Chinese State Councilor and Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong meets with Commissioner General of the Ethiopian Federal Police Commission Demelash Gebremichael, who is in China for the upcoming 2024 Conference of Global Public Security Cooperation Forum (Lianyungang), and presents Gebremichael with the Great Wall Commemorative Medal, in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 6, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

Chinese State Councilor and Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong meets with Commissioner General of the Ethiopian Federal Police Commission Demelash Gebremichael, who is in China for the upcoming 2024 Conference of Global Public Security Cooperation Forum (Lianyungang), in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 6, 2024. Wang also presented Gebremichael with the Great Wall Commemorative Medal. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Wu Chaolan)
Bodies of 5 Russian climbers found on Nepal's Dhaulagiri 08 Oct 2024 | 4:34 PM Dhaulagiri, Oct 8 (UNI) A five-strong group of Russian climbers, who went missing on October 6 while trying to ascend Mount Dhaulagiri in Nepal, have been found dead, Mingma Sherpa, director of the Heli Everest travel company involved in the search operation, said on Tuesday. see more..

Ukraine loses over 200 soldiers in Kursk Region 08 Oct 2024 | 4:31 PM Moscow, Oct 8 (UNI) The Ukrainian armed forces have lost over 200 soldiers, three armored fighting vehicles, as well as four artillery pieces and two mortars over the day, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Tuesday. see more..

5 Russian climbers dead on Mt Dhaulagiri 08 Oct 2024 | 3:47 PM Kathmandu, Oct 8 (UNI) Five Russian climbers who went missing on Sunday while descending from Mount Dhaulagiri were found dead on Tuesday. see more..

Turkiye to evacuate citizens from Lebanon 08 Oct 2024 | 3:19 PM Ankara, Oct 8 (UNI) Turkiye announced on Tuesday that it will evacuate Turkish citizens from Lebanon on Wednesday via sea routes, as Israel's bombing of the country intensifies. see more..
Home News Lawmakers seek to force tech companies to remove deepfake pornography

A new bill was introduced in Congress Wednesday by a bipartisan group of senators led by Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, to mandate that technology and social media platforms remove any deepfake pornography within 48 hours of its detection.

This bipartisan initiative seeks to provide a more robust legal framework to combat the emerging threat of digitally manipulated abusive content.

The TAKE IT DOWN Act proposes stricter penalties for individuals and tech companies that fail to remove harmful content within 48 hours upon a victim's request. Individuals found guilty of creating and distributing deepfake pornography could face up to two years in prison for images of adults and up to three years for images involving children.

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

Failure by a company to diligently comply could be classified as either an unfair or deceptive practice under the Federal Trade Commission Act.

Led by Cruz, the bill is also sponsored by Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyo., Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., Jacky Rosen, D-Nev., Ted Budd, R-N.C., Laphonza Butler, D-Calif., Todd Young. R-Ind., Joe Manchin, I-W.Va., John Hickenlooper, D-Colo., Bill Cassidy, R-La., and Martin Heinrich. D-N.M.

In recent years, weve witnessed a stunning increase in exploitative sexual material online, largely due to bad actors taking advantage of newer technologies like generative artificial intelligence," Cruz said in a statement.

"Many women and girls are forever harmed by these crimes, having to live with being victimized again and again. ... While some states provide legal remedies for victims of non-consensual intimate imagery, states would be further supported by a uniform federal statute that aids in removing and prosecuting the publication of non-consensual intimate images nationwide."

Cruz believes the bill would put the "responsibility on websites to have in place procedures to remove these images."

Praising the bill, Melissa Henson, vice president of the Parents Television and Media Council, said in a statement there is an urgent need for this legislation.

"Children and teens are becoming the targets of deepfake pornography. Right now, tech and social media platforms aren't prioritizing taking down this kind of content, leaving families nowhere to turn for justice," she said.

Deepfake content uses artificial intelligence to create or alter video content so convincingly that it can be difficult to detect as fake.

"It is appalling that children are being subjected to this kind of abuse, which is magnified as it spreads on the internet. The tech industry must confront this and the 'Take it Down Act' will ensure that tech has accountability for acting to remove deepfake pornography," Henson added.

Echoing the concerns, other voices across the political and technological spectrum have pointed out the inadequacies in the existing mechanisms to handle such abuses.

The encrypted messaging platform Telegram was listed on the National Center on Sexual Exploitation's annual Dirty Dozen List of mainstream facilitators of sexual exploitation due to lax content moderation policies concerning image-based sexual abuse, including deepfake pornography and nonconsensual distribution of explicit material.

The issue has personally touched politicians such as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., who revealed her own disturbing encounter with deepfake pornography.

While discussing legislation with aides, she came across an AI-generated image depicting her in a sexually explicit act.

"There's a shock to seeing images of yourself that someone could think are real," Ocasio-Cortez told Rolling Stone. "As a survivor of physical sexual assault, it adds a level of dysregulation. It resurfaces trauma."

Ocasio-Cortez is spearheading the House version of the Disrupt Explicit Forged Images and Non-Consensual Edits (DEFIANCE) Act of 2024, aimed at facilitating easier legal action for victims of nonconsensual AI-generated porn.

It's more real than some people believe, she said at the time, adding that it profoundly affects not only the victims but also those who view and engage with it.

Breeze Liu, a survivor of online image abuse, shared her harrowing experience with The New York Times in April.

After discovering a video of herself on Pornhub, Liu felt an overwhelming sense of despair, contemplating suicide due to the shame and violation she felt. It was one of the most devastating moments of her entire life, Liu recounted. Despite the removal of the original video, deepfakes of her continued to circulate, worsening her trauma.

Liu's struggle reflects the larger issue of tech companies' complicity in the proliferation of such content.

Nicholas Kristof, a columnist for The Times, criticized the role of search engines like Google and Bing in facilitating access to deepfake content. These companies monetize such victims, Kristof said, suggesting that more stringent regulations and amendments to Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act could hold tech companies more accountable.

The TAKE IT DOWN Act and the DEFIANCE Act seek to establish a legal framework that penalizes the creation and distribution of such content and empowers victims to seek justice.
Home News Maryland high school shooting: 15-year-old student killed; 16-year-old arrested

A 16-year-old student allegedly shot and killed a 15-year-old boy during an altercation in the boys bathroom at Joppatowne High School in Joppa, Maryland, on Friday, according to Harford County Sheriff Jeff Gahler. The suspect has been arrested.

The victim, identified as Warren Curtis Grant, was quickly attended to by fellow students, school nurses and the principal after being removed from the bathroom, Gahler told reporters at a news conference.

Gahler said that the student was airlifted to a trauma center, where he succumbed to his injuries shortly after his arrival.

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 suspect, a new student experiencing his first day at Joppatowne High School, despite the school year being four days in, fled the scene immediately after the incident, Gahler said. He was apprehended shortly after in nearby residences with the assistance of community members.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of this amazing young man, with his friends, with all of our staff members, with all of our students, Joppatowne High School Principal Melissa Williams said at the conference, as quoted by USA Today. Joppatowne is a loving and strong community who will, without a doubt, rally among our families.

The incident involved the firing of a single bullet, and the firearm had not yet been recovered.

More than 100 police officers were deployed to the scene in response to the shooting, with the first responding to the incident within two minutes.

The motives behind the altercation remain unclear, but authorities noted that the suspect has had previous encounters with law enforcement.

Gahler said state laws, which he referred to as criminal friendly, have prevented officers from interviewing the suspect. But now he stated there is sufficient overwhelming evidence to proceed with charges.

Gahler said he has handled more than 10 incidents since 2022 where this suspect was either the victim, witness or suspect.

Charges against the teenager are expected to be filed by early Saturday.

Harford County Public Schools Superintendent Sean Bulson expressed devastation over the event and a commitment to preventing future occurrences.

Were just devastated to be a part of this awful group of schools that have experienced things like this. And were going to do everything we can, working with this community, to make sure this absolutely never happens again, Bulson was quoted as saying by ABC News.

The incident occurred days after another school shooting in Georgia, where a 14-year-old armed with an AR-style weapon fatally shot two teachers and two students at Apalachee High School in Barrow County.

Colin Gray, the father of 14-year-old Colt Gray, was arrested and charged in connection with his sons actions. Authorities stated that he knowingly allowed his son to possess a weapon, which he had gifted to his son in December 2023.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation identified the victims as 14-year-old students Mason Schermerhorn and Christian Angulo and teachers Richard Aspinwall, 39, and his colleague Christina Irimie, 53.
Home News Nebraska ballot measure could eliminate school voucher program

Nebraska voters will vote this November on a ballot initiative to overturn a legislative measure allowing students to attend private schools using vouchers as questions remain over whether voters have the authority to repeal the law.

In a statement Thursday, the Office of Nebraska Secretary of State Robert Enven announced that the "Private Education Scholarship partial referendum" qualifies for the general election ballot.

If approved by voters, the referendum would "Repeal Section 1 of LB 1402, passed by the Nebraska Legislature in 2024, which directs $10 million annually for financial grants-in-aid for eligible students to attend a qualifying privately operated elementary or secondary school in Nebraska."

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 referendum has already collected 68,184 valid signatures, meeting the requirement to secure signatures from at least 5% of registered voters statewide, according to data provided by the Secretary of State's office.

The ballot measure exceeded the requirement that 5% of registered voters in at least 38 of the state's counties back the effort, as 5% of registered voters in 60 counties have expressed support for it.

LB1402, which would be partially repealed if the referendum passes, was approved by the unicameral, nonpartisan Nebraska Legislature in a 32-14 vote earlier this year and signed into law by Republican Gov. Jim Pillen.

The bill enables parents to use vouchers to send their children to any "privately operated elementary or secondary school located in this state," insisting that "making it possible for more parents and legal guardians to be able to choose privately operated schools benefits Nebraska parents and taxpayers."

Support Our Schools Nebraska, which spearheaded the effort to place the referendum on the ballot, said it collected over 86,000 signatures, a higher number than the 68,164 provided by the Secretary of State's Office.

"Nebraskans have sent a clear message that they want their voices heard," said Support Our Schools Nebraska President Jenni Benson in a statement. "Voting to repeal LB1402 will ensure public funds are used to support public schools, not to pay for private schools. Nebraskans cannot afford to pay for two school systems."

Support Our Schools Nebraska maintains that LB1402 constituted an attempt by the Legislature to create an "end-run around the petition process" as the group sought to place a repeal of LB753, described as a "previous voucher bill," on the ballot.

"Serious questions have been raised as to whether the statute sought to be repealed is a legislative appropriation," Secretary Enven said in a statement.

"Under the Nebraska Constitution, legislative appropriations might not be able to be repealed by referendum. This question ought to be resolved by the courts."

The Nebraska Secretary of State's office noted, "a petition has been filed in the Nebraska Supreme Court regarding the referendum."

The petition in question, filed Thursday, asserts that the ballot measure "violates Article III, Section 3 of the Nebraska Constitution as it seeks to invoke the power of referendum to repeal an act, or a portion thereof, that makes an appropriation 'for the expense of state government or a state institution existing at the time of the passage of such act.'"

The lawsuit was filed by a mother whose child attends a private school using funds provided by the Nebraska Opportunity Scholarships Act that LB1402 replaced.

Article III, Section 3 of the Nebraska Constitution states that the power of referendum can be invoked "against any act or part of an act of the legislature, except those making appropriations for the expense of the state government or a state institution existing at the time of such acts."

The complaint contends that since LB1402 appropriates $10 million to the voucher program, it cannot be subject to a referendum.

Nebraska is not the only state where voters are expected to weigh in on the future of school voucher programs this fall. In Kentucky, Amendment 2 will appear on the ballot. If approved, Amendment 2 would enable the state to "provide financial support for the education of students outside the system of common schools."
Call for prayer as Parliament prepares to debate assisted suicide

Church leaders are calling for prayer and "compassionate action" as the issue of legalising assisted suicide returns to Parliament.

Lord Falconer's Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults Bill will soon have its second reading in the House of Lords, and backbench Labour MP Jake Richards has won a ballot to bring forward a Private Member's Bill aimed at legalising the practice.

Bishop John Sherrington, the Catholic Church's Lead Bishop for Life Issues, said that the Catholic Church "has always been opposed to assisted suicide in every circumstance". He called for proper care and support for terminally ill people at the end of their lives.

"The legalisation of assisted suicide undermines the sanctity and dignity of human life," he said.

"There is also now ample evidence across the world that the legalisation of assisted suicide puts the most vulnerable members of society at risk," he said.

"The Catholic Church accompanies those suffering and nearing the end of their lives with hope and affection, but also reminds them that their life is precious until the very last breath.

"This is the work that hospices and other healthcare institutions and hundreds of thousands of individual carers undertake every day, helping the terminally ill and dying to leave this world whilst preserving their dignity. They truly provide assistance to those who are dying."

Bishop Sherrington urged people to be informed about the issue and pray that politicians would have "wisdom and compassion".

"In preparation for these challenging debates, let us offer our prayers for those facing the end of their lives, that they may receive the care and support they need to live their final days with respect for their dignity," he added.

CEO of Christian advocacy group CARE, Ross Hendry, called assisted suicide "medically dangerous and unethical".

"The moral framework that underpins our approach to healthcare in the UK is based on the Christian belief that human beings, made in God's image, are endowed with inherent dignity, and worthy of strong protection. And that a person's value is not diminished by an illness or any other factor," he said.

"Involving doctors in the suicides of some people sends a regressive message that some lives are not worth living. The dangers of endorsing this idea are clear and were underlined in past parliamentary debates."

Recent polling by research group Living and Dying Well has found that fewer than half of 18 to 24 year olds in the UK support legalising assisted suicide, while more than half of UK adults fear it would lead to the normalisation of suicide. Nearly half of the over 2,000 people surveyed expressed concerns that some patients would feel pressure to end their lives.

Mr Hendry continued, "Instead of legalising assisted suicide, which undermines human dignity and puts vulnerable groups at greater risk of abuse and harm, UK politicians should ensure that investment and infrastructure are in place to ensure high quality palliative care for all people.

"The UK has huge work to do in this area, given a chronic underfunding of this aspect of healthcare. We'd also emphasise the need to enhance suicide prevention, and work towards a society where all lives are considered precious."
Russell Brand kneels in prayer at Tucker Carlson event, prays against 'dark and demonic forces'

(CP) A barefoot Russell Brand knelt on the floor at the conclusion of an hour-long conversation with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson in Phoenix, Arizona, on Wednesday, and prayed against the "dark and demonic forces" in government and corporate America.

The British actor also asked that the upcoming 2024 presidential election would provide an opportunity for "unity" in the United States.

Kicking off the first of Carlson's multi-stop live national tour this month that will feature various guests ranging from Donald Trump Jr. to Roseanne Barr, Carlson spoke at length to Brand about the comedian's newfound Christian faith and how it has affected his worldview.

As the two wrapped up their conversation, Carlson asked if Brand would be willing to close them in prayer, to which he enthusiastically obliged.

"We haven't talked about this  and I mean this in the most open possible way, not everyone's going to share your beliefs or my beliefs  but would you close in prayer?" Carlson asked.

"I call on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, our heavenly Savior," Brand prayed after hopping from his chair to kneel on the stage. "Lord, I humbly [ask] in this great congregation in Phoenix, Arizona, with my host, Tucker Carlson, in deference to him, but in ultimate deference to you, our Lord and Savior, to whom we are all your younger siblings and your children."

"I pray in your name that the forthcoming election be an opportunity for unity, for America and for Americans, for forgiveness and for grace; that the dark and demonic forces that appear to operate at the level of the state  the deep state and the corporate and global world  experience your light, Lord."

Brand went on to ask God to "guide all of our tongues and all of our words and all of our hearts, that we feel your forgiveness and that we feel your grace."

"Thank you, Lord, for the many gifts that you have bestowed upon us," he added. "Thank you for the glory of consciousness itself, in which we can experience you and live you. Thank you for the beauty of nature, in which we see your wisdom and your creativity and your infinite glory."

He also thanked God that He "was born and died, that we may be forgiven and that we may have eternal life, not through merit or anything that we have individually achieved. For surely, all of us are fallen.

"But in your holy name, we are forgiven by your act of redemption. By your sacrifice in your name, we pray. Amen." Carlson also chimed in a hearty "Amen," to which the audience applauded in response.

When The Christian Post reached out to Carlson for comment on Brand's prayer and whether he believes a religious revival is coming, he said, "I can't say, but I loved it."

Brand posted a picture of his prayer to X on Friday, writing simply, "My life has changed. Praise Jesus."

After spending months wrestling with the claims of the Christian faith and reading authors such as C.S. Lewis and Rick Warren, Brand was baptized on April 28 in the River Thames with the help of TV host and author Bear Grylls.

Brand's conversion came less than a year after a joint investigation by The Times, The Sunday Times and Channel 4's Dispatches reported on allegations from four women who accused Brand of rape, sexual assault and emotional abuse.

Brand has denied the "very serious criminal allegations" and acknowledged that while he was "very, very promiscuous" in the past, his sexual encounters were "always consensual."

During a previous interview with Carlson last year, Brand said he realized his need for God after seeing the futility of fame and fortune.

"Like many desperate people, I need spirituality," the former Buddhist said. "I need God, or I cannot cope in this world. I need to believe in the best in people."

Acknowledging he "didn't have enough self-discipline to resist the allure of stardom," he said he "fell face-first into the glitter, and I'm only just pulling myself out now."

 The Christian Post
Woman arrested after allegedly screaming 'I am here to kill the God of the Jews' inside London church

A woman was arrested after allegedly entering a London church and screaming "Allahu Akbar" and saying that she was "here to kill the God of the Jews".

The incident happened at the Angel Church in Islington last Sunday as the pastor, Regan King, and his Jewish wife and children were preparing for the service.

Police arrested the woman at the scene for a racially and religiously aggravated public order offence.

Pastor King said his family had been "shaken" by the incident and that his wife was "traumatised and now fears going outside".

He said his family had experienced "multiple incidents of antisemitism and anti-Christianity" since Hamas' terrorist attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, which left over 1,100 Israelis dead.

Despite the incident, the pastor said they remained "undeterred" and would continue to operate as usual, although with increased security.

"The darkness of our world would threaten to divide, discourage, and destroy, yet it cannot conquer the light of Christ's truth. While this incident created significant concern and distress, we did what never fails - we prayed," he said.

"Jesus calls us to love our enemies and to bless those who curse and do good to those who hate. This does not mean, however, that we do not desire both justice and mercy in this matter and we pray for our neighbours wellbeing and salvation.

"We remain unintimidated from fulfilling our calling to be Christ's light and show His love in our community. We extend our gratitude to the members of Islington's Metropolitan police who attended and dealt with the situation in a timely way."

Andrea Williams, chief executive of Christian Concern and the Christian Legal Centre, which is supporting the family said: "We are here to support any church leaders, Christians and Jews in communities who are subjected to such attacks and abuse.

"We are encouraged that the police responded swiftly and decisively during this incident, but believe more must be done to protect synagogues and churches across the UK from emboldened radical Islam."

The woman was taken into custody and later released on bail pending further enquiries.
Over 30k Afghan refugees return home in one week

Kabul, Sep 7 (UNI) More than 30,000 Afghan refugees have returned to their homeland from Pakistan, Iran and Turkiye over the past week, said an official from the Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation on Friday.

"Among them, around 2,500 are from Pakistan, about 190 from Turkiye, and the remaining from Iran," local media outlet TOLO news quoted Abdul Mutalib Haqqani, spokesperson for the ministry, as saying.

Moreover, a total of 1.78 million Afghan refugees have returned from abroad over the past year, according to the ministry.
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.
Harvard and Columbia universities ranked last in a recent free speech survey, receiving "abysmal" reviews.

The survey, conducted by College Pulse and the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, included 251 schools, with Harvard, Columbia, and New York University being the only institutions to receive the lowest rating.

This marks Harvard's second year as the worst university for free speech; Columbia's free ranking dropped from last year's "Below Average" status, where it was ranked 214.

The rankings are based on responses from over 58,000 undergraduates, compiled into an overall score derived from student perceptions of free speech on campus, and the actions of administrators, faculty and students related to free expression.

Tensions at both universities have remained high since the spring following pro-Palestine protests and encampments that led to student arrests and suspensions, which impacted free expression.

Harvard President Claudine Gay stepped down earlier this year after facing backlash over comments made at a congressional hearing on campus antisemitism. Columbia President Minouche Shafik also resigned in August following heavy criticism, particularly for her handling of pro-Palestinian protests that began in April. Both universities have since introduced new policies ahead of the fall semester, likely to prevent a repeat of the spring's protests.

The updated "campus use" rules at Harvard, announced on Aug. 1, include stringent measures that could impact student demonstrations. Students now need administrative approval before engaging in activities like chalking sidewalks, pitching tents, putting up art exhibits or using public spaces, with potential consequences for non-compliance.

Among the rules are requirements for booking event spaces, ensuring the free flow of traffic, and guidelines on noise levels and event sponsorships. Harvard affiliates must also present valid university identification upon request by officials.

Meanwhile, Columbia began restricting access to its Morningside campus ahead of move-in day in preparation for potential disruptions and protests. Several barricades and fenced-off green space were also reported on campus. University officials are considering giving campus police broader authority to arrest protesters.

This summer, Jewish students also filed lawsuits and criticized the administration for not doing enough to protect them during the spring protests, alleging that harassment and hate speech were allowed to go unchecked. Shafik later testified before the House Committee on Education & the Workforce, which called into question Columbia's handling of antisemitism on campus.

Many Columbia students said they also felt unable to express their views freely.

"My university writing teacher gave me a bad grade and wrote comments saying he disagreed with my thinking," one student wrote.

"Most professors and classes assume progressive ideas as a matter of fact. This is the frame for nearly every class," wrote another student. "Most of the curriculum is curated to fit this narrative, so disagreeing on an assignment or in class requires students to do much of their own research and studying, whereas students in agreement are catered to."

Harvard students echoed these sentiments, with one student recalling threats for being part of a conservative newspaper.

During a class about pregnancy, another student claimed the teaching fellow allowed students to mock Christian anti-abortion stances. "I have learned that I am expected to take insults on the chin and say nothing. I dare not challenge a graduate student who chooses my grade," they wrote.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, the University of Virginia earned the top spot for free speech, followed by Michigan Technological University and Florida State University.
CIA Director Bill Burns testifies next to Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines during a House (Select) Intelligence Committee hearing on diversity in the intelligence community, on Capitol Hill in Washington, October 27, 2021.

CIA Director William Burns believed there was a real risk in the fall of 2022 that Russia could use nuclear weapons on the battlefield against Ukraine, though he said the West should not be intimidated by Russian President Vladimir Putin's threats.

"None of us should take lightly the risks of escalation," Burns said Saturday in a moderated conversation with the U.K.'s secret intelligence chief Richard Moore at the Financial Times Weekend Festival.

"There was a moment in the fall of 2022 when I think there was a genuine risk of the potential use of tactical nuclear weapons," Burns said.

"I have never thought, however, and this is the view of my agency, that we should be unnecessarily intimidated by that. Putin's a bully. He's going to continue to saber-rattle," Burns added.

At President Joe Biden's order, Burns met with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Naryshkin, at the end of 2022 to reiterate "the consequences" of nuclear escalation, the CIA director recounted.

"We've continued to be very direct about that," Burns said Saturday.

The White House did not immediately respond to CNBC's request for comment sent outside of regular business hours.

In the more than two years since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, the Kremlin has regularly signaled that it would consider using nuclear weapons in the war.

Those hints have grown louder since Ukraine's offensive into Russia's Kursk region in early August, which Putin has pledged to match with a "worthy response."

The Kursk offensive boosted morale for Ukrainian troops, Burns said, and in turn, rattled the Kremlin: "It has exposed some of the vulnerabilities of Putin's Russia and of his military."

Russia's official nuclear doctrine is defensive in nature and founded on the principle of deterrence. It allows the use of nuclear weapons in response to an attack with nuclear or other weapons of mass destruction against Russia or its allies, as well as a conventional attack that threatens the existence of the Russian state.

But in the wake Ukraine's incursion into Kursk, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said last Sunday that the Kremlin is working on amendments to the nuclear code.

"There is a clear direction to make adjustment," Ryabkov said, though he did not specify details on whether the nuclear doctrine changes would ultimately be finalized.
Carol Yepes | Moment | Getty Images

In Stacey D'Erasmo's new book, "The Long Run," she interviews artists who are late in their careers. There's dancer and performer Valda Setterfield, who performed through her 80s despite serious injuries from a car accident in her 40s. There's writer Samuel Delany, now 82, who has published more than 40 books although he's dyslexic. D'Erasmo also provides anecdotes from artists of the past, including that Monet painted his impressionist water lilies the way he did because his vision was deteriorating from cataracts.

Author Stacey D'Erasmo Photo: Sarah Shatz

What interested D'Erasmo was not what got these artists going, but what kept them going over decades of life. Romanticized ideas of the starving artist, she says, ignore the reality that art is made "by real people with real needs in real places." Those include financial realities, which often require balancing one's art with another job. "What gets us started  those first few years, or perhaps those early moments of artistic ignition  is brief, fiery, and beautiful, of course," D'Erasmo said. "It's a story the culture loves to tell as in, say, 'A Star is Born.'" On the other hand, she said, "The story of duration, of a sensibility unfolding over time and the life that evolves to keep art at the center is a story that gets told less often. To me, that is such a heroic story." CNBC interviewed D'Erasmo, the author of five novels and two nonfiction books, by email this month. (The conversation has been edited and condensed for style and clarity.)

'When you starve the artist, you starve artmaking'

Annie Nova: Why is it a heroic story when someone sticks to their art over a lifetime? Stacey D'Erasmo: In this world, it is so hard to do that. As a writer who knows lots of other writers and artists, I've experienced firsthand the urgency of this question: How do we keep doing this, on all levels? Which is to say: How do I support a complex and often difficult practice that means everything to me, even though it may not immediately, or ever, produce money, glory or approval? That's not a three-act drama, roll credits. It's a life. AN: The idea of the "starving artist" is a familiar trope in our culture. What does it get wrong? How does financial stability help to create art? SD: Well, if all the artists were starving, they'd be dead, and we wouldn't have any art! That trope romanticizes deprivation, and it's a fantasy of art as some sort of magic that can live on nothing, but art doesn't get made in some ethereal realm. It's made by real people with real needs in real places. Financial stability is a godsend to the artist, primarily because the less you have to think about money, the more you can think about what truly matters to you. In this country, though, even basic financial stability can be very hard to come by, as we know. Among other things, that is never good for the arts. When you starve the artist, you starve artmaking.

We long endlessly for more time. Stacey D'Erasmo

AN: What do you see with people balancing a job to pay the bills with their art? Does it matter if the job is related to their art? SD: I would say that 99% of the artists and writers I know balance a bill-paying job with their own work. Whether it's related to one's art or not is a matter of temperament: Some people love to do something totally unrelated, and others want to be immersed in cultural work. The problem people constantly face is that the day job's demands are often urgent  things need to happen today, this week, right now, before 5. That's true whether your job is woodworking or running a gallery. Art-making has its own idiosyncratic clock. The difference between these two clocks is hard to navigate, which is why I and nearly everyone I know pines not so much for money per se as for time. We long endlessly for more time.

'There really is no free lunch' for artists

AN: The artists profiled in your book work in all different mediums. Do some take more money to sustain than others? SD: Film, as we all know, just inhales money. Even the lowest-budget film costs way more than what it costs a writer to sit down at their desk and write. Visual art requires all sorts of materials. Dance requires not only costumes and lighting and so on, not to mention dancers who need to eat, but rehearsal space, and space often does not come cheap. Artists, writers and arts organizations all spend a fair amount of time seeking grants and other sources of funding just to keep the lights on. Writing is probably the cheapest medium in terms of art creation, but distributing it in the world  publishing, also requires a fair amount of money that someone has to pay. Sadly, there really is no free lunch. More from Personal Finance:

How investors can prepare for lower interest rates

Why some investors shouldn't max out 401(k) contributions

'Was my Social Security number stolen?' Answers to your data breach questions AN: How does economic inequality determine who gets to make art? SD: That's a book-length question, but the short answer is: A lot. I would also say that economic inequality is most brutal not only in who gets to make art, but also in who gets to have a career and a life in art. I live in New York City, and I see acts of creation everywhere every day: a person walking down the street who has put together a fantastic look, a person making glorious graffiti, or something like ball culture, which you can now see in the glossy television show "Pose." All of those people are making art, but the structural inequality of opportunity means that few of them would ever be able to build a life around it. We're missing out greatly on what those people might be able to do not for a moment or a season, but for decades.

'As the artist changes over time, so does the art'

Valda Setterfield attends the Hold My Hand Forever Exhibition By Forevermark at Highline Studios in New York City, Nov. 17, 2014. Dustin Harris | Getty Images

AN: There are some artistic professions that come with an early retirement age. I'm thinking of dancers. How do people reinvent themselves after an early end to a career? SD: Some dancers become choreographers. Some actors move into directing  think of someone like Ron Howard. But that makes it sound seamless or easy, and often it isn't. Valda Setterfield, a dancer whom I profile in the book, had a horrific car accident at 40 and she thought her life on stage might be over. Her husband, choreographer David Gordon, helped her learn to move again, and she also began to do more theater and film work, which continued for the rest of her life. Vera Wang was an aspiring Olympic figure skater, but she didn't make the Olympic team in 1968. Then she turned to fashion. Later, she began designing costumes for Olympic-level figure skaters such as Nancy Kerrigan and Michelle Kwan. When I look at Wang's designs, it seems to me that they have a precision and grace not unlike a figure skater's balletic moves. Often, people reinvent themselves by opening up a slightly different channel through which their gifts can flow



AN: What advantages do middle and later career artists hold over younger ones? SD: So much more comfort with the weirdness, unpredictability and challenges of the process. You're just not as freaked out all the time. I don't mind my own stumbling. I also don't feel as brittle or defensive. When I was younger, for instance, I would look at all the incredible writers who had come before me, and who were around me, and feel terribly intimidated by the depth and breadth of the field. But now, it all looks to me like this extraordinary abundance. If you're fortunate enough to have a long run, there can be so much freedom in mid- and late career. AN: How do you see people's art change as they get older? SD: Again: a book-length question, and several books have been written about it, such as Edward Said's "Late Style." What I noticed about the people I interviewed is that their work changed, and changed again, over time. They weren't waxwork replicas of their younger selves. The musician Steve Earle, for instance, who came up as a rollicking solo artist in country music in Nashville in the '70s and '80s, has moved increasingly toward musical theater in the latter half of his life  a collaborative, multimedia form. The renowned writer Samuel Delany has traversed myriad genres over the course of his life. Intuitively, it makes sense. As the artist changes over time, so does the art, because we make it out of ourselves.

'Creativity isn't a machine'

Zoom In Icon Arrows pointing outwards
Gary Logan and Rob Grover, partners in life and business, co-founded The Journeymen Collective, a luxury psilocybin retreat for personal and professional development.

Psychedelic trips aren't just for hippies anymore. These days everyone from moms to CEOs and entrepreneurs are turning to magic mushrooms to help improve their mental health and even expand their businesses. Based in British Columbia, married couple Gary Logan and Rob Grover offer what they say is a unique experience for CEOs, athletes and even high-profile celebrities: a guided trip on psychedelic mushrooms. The pair started The Journeymen Collective, a luxury psilocybin retreat, after the loss of Logan's mother, who lived with the couple for three and half years before her passing. A friend of the pair suggested they try a guided experience on psilocybin mushrooms with the help of a shaman to process their grief. "Robert kindly stepped forward and went first," Logan tells CNBC Make It. And after Grover's experience, "the sadness had disappeared. He found his joy and his happiness. It looked like he was back in alignment and purpose-grounded," Logan says. Soon after, Logan decided to have a shamanistic experience for his birthday, and says it was the best gift he ever gave himself. After the guided experiences, Logan and Rob "both had similar visions related to magic mushrooms and guiding people on journeys," Logan tells Make It. "And then we spoke to the medicine man, and he stepped forward to assist us to develop a program and guide us on how we should guide people on a journey."

A luxury psilocybin retreat for executives

The Journeymen Collective, founded in 2018, offers a number of options that include a four-day solo retreat, a joint experience for couples or business partners and a group retreat for three to four people, according to the TJC site. Experiences start at $15,000, and Logan emphasizes to prospective participants that "it's a personal development investment," into their inner self, health and the well-being of them and those around them. "We go for hikes, there's a saltwater pool, a hot tub, a plunge pool in the winter. The whole piece creates an expansion in people's consciousness," Grover told CEO Magazine in 2023. The retreat is in an 8,000-square foot home and offers a menu that is curated for those partaking in the experience. The meals are mostly vegetarian and are made with organic food cooked by Logan himself. But of course, the main attraction is the psilocybin and the ceremonies where clients get to take psychedelic mushrooms. "There's two ceremonies, two full days of integration. And we work on the spiritual, mental, emotional and physical planes of what it's like to be human. So we're teaching people how to work with the medicine, how to continue working with it once [they] leave," Grover says.

The Journeymen Collective is frequented by CEOs and entrepreneurs for professional development. Courtesy of The Journeymen Collective.

"When you're working with us, we're with you the entire time, so we're with you from the time you wake up to the time you go to bed." The experience begins far before clients even step foot into the luxury retreat. Applicants must share their medical history. "People will meet with us, typically, at least two times on a Zoom call, [and] we have a fairly good intuition as to whether or not we can work with people," before the retreat, Grover says. "Again, this is for personal development. This is not a clinical setting," he adds. Neither Grover or Logan are medical doctors. "So this is not a recreational setting, either." And after the retreat, the couple stays in touch with their clients and checks in with them for three months. "Again, that's Zoom calls and interaction to help people apply what they learned," Grover told CEO Magazine. Most attend a retreat once every three years, Grover says. Some as frequently as once a year, but that's less common.

'It creates better leaders'

But what is it that professionals take away from the experience? "They're more passionately and purposefully engaged in their business and as a function of that, profits take care of themselves," Grover told The New York Post earlier this year. One client claims that he completed work that typically took eight hours to finish in just an hour or two after his TJC experience, Grover says. "He was able to just work more effectively and more efficiently, and people have greater awareness within themselves, and as a function of that, it creates better leaders." "I think they develop an ability to maintain a presence of being here in the moment. They're not multitasking, they're completing the task," Logan says of his clients. "They have greater creativity in creating business plans, creating new businesses or amplifying an existing business. They have greater courage as well," Grover adds. "Sometimes people have business ideas that they've been keeping on the back burner, and then after this experience, the back burner ideas come out into the foreground, and they actually start acting on some of the old ideas that they've had for a while."

The Journeymen Collective retreat is in an 8,000-square foot home and offers a menu that is curated for those partaking in the experience, prepared by Gary Logan himself. Courtesy of The Journeymen Collective.
Chip stocks kicked off September with their worst stretch in over four years, as shares of artificial intelligence favorite Nvidia lost momentum and concerns over U.S. economic growth weighed on the market. The VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH) sank 11.7% in the Labor Day-shortened, four-day trading week. That was its worst week since a 15.2% drop in March 2020, spurred by the Covid lockdown. The sharp decline is just the latest twist in what has been a volatile summer for semiconductors. Over the past two months, the SMH has moved more than 5% on seven different trading days, according to FactSet. On Friday, it closed more than 24% below its July 10 all-time high. SMH 3M mountain This semiconductor ETF just had its worst week since 2020. The SMH has more than $20 billion in assets and is one of the most actively traded funds on the market. Its top holdings include Nvidia and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing . To be sure, the semiconductor industry is no stranger to big swings. The sector is historically cyclical, tied to the ups and downs of the economy, and now it's paired with the excitement around AI. Analysts standing by Today, however, Wall Street analysts are not abandoning ship, even with the recent turmoil. "Weeks with the SOX declining 25% and then recovering 20%, all within the span of 6 weeks (what a long, strange trip it's been). Our call - Just Keep Truckin' On amidst the current mid-cycle correction and remain overweight semiconductors," Cantor Fitzgerald analyst CJ Muse wrote in a Sept. 3 note. Muse confirmed in an email to CNBC on Friday that he stands by that call despite the rough week for chip stocks. While there are struggles at some chipmakers  such as Intel , which announced layoffs in August  much of the sell-off seems unrelated to business fundamentals. For example, shares of Broadcom tumbled 10.4% on Friday despite an earnings report the day before that topped analysts' earnings and revenue estimates. While Broadcom's third-quarter revenue guidance was slightly less than expected, there's no cause for alarm, as the stock sell-off suggested, Bernstein analyst Stacy Rasgon said in a note to clients Friday. "Nevertheless under the lid things are still simmering here," Rasgon wrote. "The non-AI semi businesses at least appear to have bottomed (some starting to grow again) and the company has seen orders growing at 20%+ for the last few quarters; given their leadtimes this would suggest recovery over the next 2-4 quarters and setting up next year much better. The AI story still looks really good to us, with clear evidence of high demand and outlook for 'strong' growth next year." AVGO 5D mountain Broadcom fell more than 10% on Friday after its quarterly report. Of course, it's possible for some chip stocks to rebound even as a broad sector fund like the SMH  comprised of 26 stocks  struggles. VanEck itself launched a somewhat narrower version of the fund  the VanEck Fabless Semiconductor ETF (SMHX) , with 22 stocks  last month. The "fabless" fund is focused on companies that design chips but are not themselves major manufacturers. Nick Frasse, associate product manager at VanEck, said the idea for the new fund came from studying Nvidia which, togetrh with Broadcom, accounts for one-thid of the new fund's portfolio. The VanEck team decided that Nvidia's asset-light business model was key to its success, and the new ETF is designed to capture companies with similar structures that, in theory, have the flexibility to focus more on innovation. "When we looked at just kind of the long-term opportunity set, it seemed like fabless were going to be the names that were the long-term winners in the AI space," Frasse said. This summer sell-off, however, is hitting all types of semiconductors. SMHX, too, was down more than 12% last week. Looking ahead, investors will likely get updates from several chipmakers next week at the Goldman Sachs Communacopia + Technology Conference. Executives from many of the largest semiconductor companies are scheduled to speak at the conference, including the CEOs of Nvidia and Advanced Micro Devices .  With reporting contributed by CNBC's Gina Francolla
Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei receives the Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and his cabinet members on the occasion of Government Week, in Tehran, Iran on August 27, 2024.

The United States has informed allies that it believes Iran has transferred short-range ballistic missiles to Russia for its war in Ukraine, according to two people familiar with the matter.

They did not offer any details about how many weapons have been delivered or when the transfers may have occurred, but they confirmed the U.S. intelligence finding. They spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss a matter that has not been publicly disclosed.

The White House declined to confirm the weapons transfer but reiterated its concern that Iran is deepening its support of Russia. The White House has been warning Iran for months not to transfer ballistic missiles to Russia.

"Any transfer of Iranian ballistic missiles to Russia would represent a dramatic escalation in Iran's support for Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and lead to the killing of more Ukrainian civilians," National Security Council spokesman Sean Savett said in a statement. "This partnership threatens European security and illustrates how Iran's destabilizing influence reaches beyond the Middle East and around the world."

The U.S. finding comes as the Kremlin tries to repel Ukraine's surprise offensive that has led to the seizure of about 500 square miles (1,300 kilometers) of Russia's Kursk region. Meanwhile, Ukraine's president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, is pressing allies to allow his country to use Western-supplied missiles to strike deep inside Russia and hit sites from which Moscow launches aerial attacks.

Iran, as it has with previous U.S. intelligence findings, denied providing Russia with weapons for its war in Ukraine.

"Iran considers the provision of military assistance to the parties engaged in the conflict  which leads to increased human casualties, destruction of infrastructure, and a distancing from ceasefire negotiations  to be inhumane," according to a statement from Iran's mission to the United Nations. "Thus, not only does Iran abstain from engaging in such actions itself, but it also calls upon other countries to cease the supply of weapons to the sides involved in the conflict."

CIA Director William Burns, who was in London on Saturday for a joint appearance with his British intelligence counterpart, warned of the growing and "troubling" defense relationship involving Russia, China, Iran and North Korea that he said threatens both Ukraine and Western allies in the Middle East.

The White House has repeatedly declassified and publicized intelligence findings that show North Korea has sent ammunition and missiles to Russia to use against Ukraine, while Iran supplies Moscow with attack drones and has assisted the Kremlin with building a drone-manufacturing factory.

China has held back from providing Russians with weaponry but has surged sales to Russia of machine tools, microelectronics and other technology that Moscow in turn is using to produce missiles, tanks, aircraft and other weaponry, according to U.S. officials.

The White House has been on edge for months about a possible deal between Iran and Russia.

The Democratic administration said in January that U.S. intelligence officials had determined a Russian-Iran deal had not been completed, but officials were concerned that Russia's negotiations to acquire missiles from Iran were actively advancing.

Last September, according to the White House, Iran hosted a top Russian defense official to show off a range of ballistic missile systems, adding to the U.S. concern that a deal could come together.

The U.S. and other countries have taken steps aimed at thwarting the supply, sale or transfer involving Iran and ballistic missile-related items, including issuing guidance to private companies about Iranian missile procurement practices to make sure those companies are not inadvertently supporting Iran's development efforts.

President Joe Biden is set to host British Prime Minister Keir Starmer for talks at the White House on Friday. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said "continuing robust support to Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression" will be on their agenda.

The Wall Street Journal first reported on the U.S. intelligence finding.
Israeli military vehicles patrol in the Jenin refugee camp, in the occupied West Bank on November 29, 2023, during an ongoing military operation in the camp.

The family of a 26-year-old American citizen killed amid a protest in the occupied West Bank said an Israeli military shooter killed her, and said an Israeli investigation into the incident would not be enough.

Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, a recent graduate of the University of Washington in Seattle, was fatally shot during a demonstration in Beita on Friday, the International Solidarity Movement (ISM), said.

Eygi's family said, "Aysenur was peacefully standing for justice when she was killed by a bullet that video shows came from an Israeli military shooter."

"We welcome the White House's statement of condolences, but given the circumstances of Aysenur's killing, an Israeli investigation is not adequate," her family said in a statement.

"We call on President Biden, Vice President Harris, and Secretary of State Blinken to order an independent investigation into the unlawful killing of a U.S. citizen and to ensure full accountability for the guilty parties," they said.

The White House said it has asked Israel's government for more information and requested an investigation. National Security Council spokesman Sean Savett said they were "deeply disturbed" by Eygi's death.

The ISM said Eygi was taking part in its weekly demonstration in the town of Beita, north of Ramallah, against the expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank.

In a statement, the organization said the protest "primarily involved men and children praying" and was met with force by the IDF who fired tear gas before using live ammunition.

The ISM said Eygi was shot in the head and died shortly after she was taken to a hospital in Nablus. Eygi is the 18th demonstrator to be killed in Beita since 2020, and the only non-Palestinian, according to the ISM.

The Israel Defense Forces said it had been in the area next to Beita and "responded with fire toward a main instigator of violent activity who hurled rocks at the forces and posed a threat to them."

"The IDF is looking into reports that a foreign national was killed as a result of shots fired in the area." the IDF said. "The details of the incident and the circumstances in which she was hit are under review."

Eygi was a dual national, also carrying Turkish citizenship. In a statement, Turkey President Recep Erdogan said he condemned Israel's "barbaric intervention against a civilian protest against the occupation in the West Bank."

Eygi's profile on social networking site LinkedIn says she was a psychology graduate with a minor in Middle Eastern languages and cultures, and that she was committed to under-served communities.

"I'm driven by a passion for making a positive impact and continuously seek opportunities to learn, grow, and contribute to meaningful projects," she wrote.

The University of Washington in Seattle said that Eygi was a recent graduate, and UW's president called news of her death "awful."

"My heart goes out to Aysenur's family, friends and loved ones," President Ana Mari Cauce said in a statement. "Aysenur was a peer mentor in psychology who helped welcome new students to the department and provided a positive influence in their lives."

Cauce said Eygi is the second member of the UW community to die in violence in the region. "I again join with our government and so many who are working and calling for a ceasefire and resolution to the crisis," she said.

Eygi's family said in the statement Friday that her killing is an "unimaginable tragedy," and that she had just turned 26. "Aysenur was a loving daughter, sister, partner, and aunt," they said.

"She was gentle, brave, silly, supportive, and a ray of sunshine. She wore her heart on her sleeves. She felt a deep responsibility to serve others and lived a life of caring for those in need with action," the family said. "She was a fiercely passionate human rights activist her whole lifea steadfast and staunch advocate of justice."

Eygi, who graduated from the university three months ago, had taken part in protests on campus while a student and then traveled to the West Bank.

"Aysenur felt compelled to travel to the West Bank to stand in solidarity with Palestinian civilians who continue to endure ongoing repression and violence," they said.

At least two other American citizens have been killed in the West Bank since Oct. 7. Mohammad Ahmed Mohammad Khdour, 17, was killed by IDF troops in February, and Tawfic Hafeth Abdel Jabbar, 17, was killed by Israeli fire in January.

Israeli settlements have expanded rapidly over the past several years, with Israeli settler violence against Palestinians on the rise. In April, Human Rights Watch issued a report alleging that armed settlers forcibly and violently drove out Palestinian residents from at least five West Bank settlements "with the active participation of army units."

Israeli forces are appearing to withdraw from the city of Jenin and other parts of the West Bank, where the IDF has been carrying out a deadly dayslong operation that has left ruin to neighborhoods across the city and beyond.

In Jenin, the IDF said at least 14 people they identified as terrorists had been killed, including Wassem Hazem, the head of Hamas' presence in Jenin who they said had directed shooting and explosive attacks in the area.

More than 30 people were also taken into IDF custody as suspects, though the military did not expand on what they were suspected of.

Palestinian health officials had said Thursday that at least 39 people had been killed in the West Bank since Israel launched what it described as an operation to dismantle "terrorist cells" in the territory on Aug. 28.

Many of those killed have been claimed as members of militant groups Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, although the Palestinian health ministry has said at least eight children were also among those killed at the time.

"For over a week, Israeli forces have been using lethal, war-like tactics across the northern West Bank, deepening people's humanitarian needs and raising concerns over excessive use of force," the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said in a humanitarian update published Wednesday.

OCHA said that from Aug. 27 to Sept. 2, Israeli forces had killed 30 Palestinians in the territory, including seven children, "marking the highest weekly death toll since November 2023."

In 2022, Israel admitted that one of its soldiers fatally shot Palestinian American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, who was covering raids in the occupied West Bank for Al Jazeera at the time. No one in the Israeli army has been prosecuted, and the military has not announced any disciplinary action.
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.
This winter, Macaulay Culkin will give the Home Alone film franchise the holiday tour Q&A cash-in treatment. Good luck to anyone who tries to sneak into the screenings.

Its an American holiday tradition for families to crowd around the living room on a chilly night with mugs full of hot cocoa and a bowl full of microwave popcorn and watch their favorite Christmas comedies. Out in the Midwest, Middle America takes this custom one step further as countless fans of classic films like National Lampoons Christmas Vacation are happy to fill up the minivan and brave the frozen tundra to see 80-year-old Chevy Chase plug in the festive string lights at a Raising Canes at 8 p.m. on a Wednesday in November. For some reason only Illinois anthropologists can identify, the Christmas comedies of the 1980s and 1990s are still incredibly bankable appearance opportunities for the films stars, many of whom havent had steady screen work in at least a decade and one of whom has been chased out of Hollywood over his ho-ho-horrendous use of racial slurs on set.

Don't Miss

Or put more simply, every holiday season, Chase goes on tour across the Midwest and parts of Pennsylvania to attend screenings and Q&A sessions for his festive films in an annual reminder that, at one point, we all loved the comedy superstar like an onscreen father. This year, though, hell have some formidable competition cornering the Christmas comedy nostalgia market as Culkin mounts his own speaking tour with Home Alone: A Nostalgic Night with Macaulay Culkin.

Relive the iconic scenes and heartwarming moments from Home Alone on the big screen, and then dive deep into the behind-the-scenes stories and insights with Macaulay Culkin himself, the tour description reads. Hear about his experiences on set, his favorite memories from filming and his take on why this movie has become such a beloved holiday classic. Beginning November 30th, Culkin, now 44, will take the screening and Q&A session to 14 different small-to-midsized cities ranging from Buffalo to Louisville with plenty of stops in the Heartland in between.

Advertisement

As opposed to Chases annual and mostly-seated nostalgia tour, Culkins decision to dust off his best aftershave face and cash a dozen-or-so paychecks this Christmas season doesnt feel quite as desperate. For starters, Culkins acting career both still exists and isnt punctuated by countless horror stories of bad behavior behind-the-scenes  Culkin recently appeared in the incredible The Righteous Gemstones and starred in the 10th season of American Horror Story, which has yet to give the terrifying anthology treatment to the setting of Chases green room.

And, honestly, nobody deserves to cash in on their 34-year-old, career-defining film more than the grown-up child star who famously had to take his own parents to court when he was still a kid to get control of his own trust fund and the ample royalties stashed within it. The fact that the biggest child star of the 1990s is well-adjusted enough to make jokes, shoot commercials and answer questions about his early work is a rare success story for an industry with a terrible track record when it comes to kids in general.

Advertisement

So enjoy the tour, Macaulay  just make sure that no neighbor kids are pawing around the tour bus when you do your head count.
Nearly 36 years have elapsed between the release of the original Beetlejuice and the new sequel Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, but in that span of time, the Ghost with the Most still popped up occasionally on the small screen, first in the beloved 90s animated series, and later in one episode of Community  if you were looking closely enough, that is.

As weve discussed before, back in 2011, Community gave us one of the most impressive pop-culture Easter eggs of all time. One that somehow took three whole years to set up.

In Season Threes Horror Fiction in Seven Spooky Steps, Annie mentions the Beetlejuice soundtrack while prepping for a Halloween party. Since this was the third time in the shows history that the name Beetlejuice had been intoned, following brief references in each of the first two seasons, he showed up!

Don't Miss

As per the lore of the movie, saying his name three times (albeit over the course of three seasons) summoned Beetlejuice (or a guy in a Beetlejuice costume), who can briefly be glimpsed sauntering past the window behind Annies shoulder.

Again, this is a gag that took years to set up before ultimately paying off with a punchline that was as easy to detect as a fart in a hurricane broadcast on NBC. The Easter egg that took three years to hide. Our show is TOTALLY ACCESSIBLE, Community creator Dan Harmon posted on social media once once eagle-eyed fans shared their discovery.

The Beetlejuice bit was a big hit with fans, essentially rewarding their devotion to the show with proof that its creators were willing to go the extra mile, even for a gag that 99 percent of viewers wouldnt pick up on.

Advertisement

Harmon credits the Beetlejuice cameo to writer Megan Ganz, who once revealed in a Reddit AMA that the scene wasnt part of a three-year-long plan. According to Ganz, Beetlejuice was originally referenced in a different Season Three episode, during Changs conversation with the school security guard about that striped thing that comes down from the parking booth.

Recalling that Beetlejuice had been mentioned in Season Twos bottle episode, Ganz jokingly warned Harmon that the show had said Beetlejuice twice, and we had better be careful. But Harmon out-nerded her by remembering that his name had also been said in the first season by Jeffs love interest, Professor Slater.

Advertisement

Advertisement

So the writers decided to remove the word Beetlejuice from the speech about parking lot barriers, and instead work it into the Halloween episode, specifically so we could have him make an appearance. Thats perhaps not as impressive as planning it for three years, Ganz admitted, but come on. Have you ever heard (of) a writing staff (that is) more nerdy about their own show?

Well have to wait and see if Beetlejuice Beetlejuice returned the favor by including a blink-and-you-miss-it Jeff Winger cameo.

You (yes, you) should follow JM on Twitter (if it still exists by the time youre reading this).
Because no 80s movie is immune to the Hollywood reboot trend (a $20 million-per-episode prestige TV remake of Weird Science will surely happen any day now), were now getting a new version of The Burbs, the 1989 Tom Hanks comedy about a gang of middle-class suburbanites who begin to suspect that their new Slavic neighbors are murderous Satanic cultists.

Play

As weve pointed out before, The Burbs has arguably never been more relevant, coming at a time when conspiracy theories are as rampant as ever, and American xenophobia has been cranked up to 11. And while the original was clearly riffing on the Satanic Panic paranoia of the 1980s, were currently living at a time when everything from Taylor Swift concerts to restaurants at Disney World have been accused of promoting demonic messaging.

Don't Miss

At least people seem to have backed off from the idea that He-Man toys and Smurf dolls are the handiwork of Lucifer.

The reboot is coming in the form of a new streaming series for Peacock, with executive producers that include Brian Grazer and Seth MacFarlane. While well have to wait and see whether or not MacFarlane insists on working in random cutaways and talking animals, it does sound like the premise of the show will be quite different from the film.

Advertisement

Written by Celeste Hughley, who previously wrote episodes of Palm Royale, Dead to Me and the excellent High Fidelity series, the new take on The Burbs will star Keke Palmer as half of a young married couple who return to the husbands childhood home. The couples world is upended when new neighbors move in next door, bringing old secrets of the cul-de-sac to light, and new deadly threats shatter the illusion of their quiet little neighborhood.

Obviously, the original didnt involve any old secrets being brought to light, and the movie begins with all of the characters firmly established in the suburbs, not moving there for the first time. The synopsis also makes the show sound quite dramatic, so its possible theyre going for more of a thriller vibe than the film, which featured gloriously goofy scenes such as this one:

Advertisement

Advertisement

Despite these changes, one director whod be a perfect fit for the Burbs show is the guy who literally made The Burbs: director Joe Dante. And Dantes made it known that hes available for the gig. Either that, or hes just a big Carly Rae Jepsen fan.

Advertisement

Dante, who also helmed classics like Gremlins and Innerspace, is a great filmmaker and a Hollywood icon. Even if the show differs from the movie, it would undoubtedly be interesting to see his take on a new reinterpretation of his past work. Its not just me saying this either, other folks online have been making this very same point.

Advertisement

Advertisement

If Peacock doesnt hire him to work on The Burbs, maybe Universal can finally give him a Small Soldiers sequel instead.

You (yes, you) should follow JM on Twitter (if it still exists by the time youre reading this).
Hackers Attack Russia & Belarus

A hacktivist group known as Head Mare has been linked to cyber attacks that exclusively target organisations located in Russia and Belarus. They are well versed in methods more generally used by cyber criminals for large-scale ransom attacks.

Since the beginning of Ukraine's defence against Russian invasion forces, there have emerged numerous hacktivist groups whose main goal is not financial gain, but to cause as much damage as possible to companies on the opposing side of the conflict. Head Mare is one such group, likely comprising members of Ukraine's notorious cyber crime community, who have taken up the national struggle using criminal methods.

Researchers say that over the past year, at least 14 state-sponsored hacker groups from around the world have targeted Russia and some former Soviet Union members, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan, with destructive or espionage campaigns. Some of these groups were likely linked to Ukraine, which is in an ongoing war with Russia; others acted in the interests of their own countries, including North Korea and China

Head Mare, active since 2023, is one of the hacktivist groups attacking Russian organisations since th failed Russian invasion oof Ukraine and the subsequent two years of of bloody conflict. Targets of the group's attacks include governments, transportation, energy, manufacturing, and environment sectors.

Belarus, a close ally of Russia, was rocked by mass protests after an election in 2020 that gave authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko his sixth term in office, a vote that was denounced by the West and the opposition as fraudulent. The domestic protest was so severe that the government resorted to shutting down the internet and national mobile telecoms network in an effort to keep control.

Locked & Encrypted Devices

Unlike other hacktivist groups that likely operate with an aim to disrupt operatioms and cause damage to companies in the two countries, Head Mare goes further, by encrypting victims' devices using well known and powerful ransomware tools including LockBit for Windows and Babuk for Linux (ESXi), and demanding a ransom for data decryption.

PhantomCore (aka PhantomRAT), a predecessor to PhantomDL, is a remote access trojan with similar features, allowing for downloading files from the C2 server, uploading files from a compromised host to the C2 server, as well as executing commands in the cmd.exe command line interpreter.

Both the artefacts have been found to be distributed via phishing campaigns in the form of business documents with double extensions (e.g.,  201-5_10_001-24   --2.pdf.exe or   .pdf.exe).

Another crucial component of its attack arsenal is Sliver, an open-source C2 framework, and a collection of various publicly available tools such as rsockstun, ngrok, and Mimikatz that facilitate discovery, lateral movement, and credential harvesting.

The intrusions culminate in the deployment of either LockBit or Babuk depending on the target environment, followed by dropping a ransom note that demands a payment in exchange for a decryptor to unlock the files.

The Hacker News | Secure List | The Record | X.com | AP News | Kyiv Post

Image: Ideogram & Unsplash

You Might Also Read:

Cyberwar: Lessons From Ukraine:

If you like this website and use the comprehensive 7,000-plus service supplier Directory, you can get unrestricted access, including the exclusive in-depth Directors Report series, by signing up for a Premium Subscription.

Individual 5 per month or 50 per year. Sign Up

Multi-User, Corporate & Library Accounts Available on Request

Cyber Security Intelligence: Captured Organised & Accessible
We live in an age of authoritarians who have not only halted, so far, the spread of democracy in the 21st century but whose totalitarian methods and attitudes are now infecting and undermining the democracies themselves, especially when it comes to that most valuable of all rights  free speech.

The right to say or write what you want without fear of repercussions is, of course, the first right dictators snuff out when they grab power.

But free speech is now in retreat across the democratic world too, as governments, politicians, judges and powerful lobbies, intent on imposing their view of the world, increasingly seek to curtail or censor what we can say, see or hear.

Everywhere you look, free speech is in retreat. Last month, a Hong Kong court convicted two editors of a now-defunct independent news website of sedition for reporting Chinas brutal crackdown on pro-democracy dissent in the former British colony in 2020 and 2021.

Hong Kong was once a beacon of the free press in a part of the world where censorship was too often the norm. Now, when it comes to free speech, it has entered the dark ages with the rest of totalitarian China.

Last month, a Hong Kong court convicted two editors of a now-defunct independent news website of sedition for reporting Chinas brutal crackdown on pro-democracy dissent

Also late last month  but closer to home  Pavel Durov, the Russian billionaire founder of Telegram, a secure messaging service with 50 per cent more users than X/Twitter, was arrested when his private jet landed in Paris.

French prosecutors have since indicted him on six charges of illicit activity on the platform.

Durovs arrest created much more of a fuss than the Hong Kong case, largely because, since it was swallowed up whole by Communist China, which has never known free speech, Britains former colony has become just another casualty of the two decades long march of the autocrats.

Nor is Durovs arrest purely a free speech matter. Telegram has been a boon to those who live in the grimmest dictatorships, giving them a platform on which to opine and exchange information banned by the regime.

But the apparent impossibility of cracking its content has also made it a platform for child pornographers and abusers, drug dealers, people traffickers and money launderers. Durov is being charged for allowing this to happen on his platform unchecked.

Free speech does not mean unbridled licence. It cannot be used to promote criminality or racism or violence.

You cannot shout Fire! in a crowded cinema just for the fun of it.

But in weighing competing claims in the balance, democracies should always have a bias in favour of freedom of expression. That disposition, which should come naturally in free societies, is being lost.

In Brazil, an imperfect, messy but rumbustious and vibrant Latin American democracy, a senior activist judge has just banned X/Twitter, with the full support of the countrys Supreme Court and the government, led by a Left-wing populist, Lula da Silva.

Brazil is Xs fourth largest market, where 22 million users regularly take to the platform, often to let off steam about the government and its supporters.

It has been banned because its multi-billionaire owner, Elon Musk, refused to comply with court orders to remove dozens of accounts critical of the government, including some belonging to members of Brazils Congress.

Free speech  along with transparency  is the disinfectant that keeps democracies free, writes Andrew Neil

The judge has also ordered Google and Apple to remove the X app from their platforms and threatened fines of 6,750 a day for anybody who tries to get round the blockade by using a VPN connection which can disguise where youre tweeting from.

Its a clear clampdown on democratic dissent. We should not be surprised President de Silva supports it. Hes a fan of Communist Cuba, where free speech is still not tolerated, and a supporter of Russias invasion of Ukraine. He even has a soft spot for Hamas.

X, of course, is banned in most of the worlds autocracies, from Russia to China to Venezuela, whose dictator president, Nicolas Maduro, banned it to cover up the fact that he won the recent election only thanks to widespread fraud.

Pakistan has also banned X, in its case to hide political repression and systemic human rights violations.

But Brazil has the inglorious distinction of being the first democracy to outlaw its use. People wonder wholl be next in Latin America.

Perhaps Mexico, whose outgoing President Obrador, another Left-wing populist, became increasingly authoritarian the longer he was in power and whose final act was to end the independence of the judiciary. Obradors successor will be Mexicos first female president  she is also his protege.

Events in Brazil are perhaps at the extreme end of threats to free speech in a democracy. But even in America, where free speech has always enjoyed the protection of the mighty First Amendment to the Constitution, it is being whittled away.

In a remarkable letter to the US Congress last week, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg admitted that the Biden administration strong-armed him into taking down posts suggesting Covid vaccines might have serious side effects or that masks didnt work. I regret we were not more outspoken about it, wrote Zuckerberg, somewhat belatedly.

It doesnt bode well for free speech under a Kamala Harris presidency. After all, she was second-in-command when the US government was leaning on Facebook to censor content it regarded as inconvenient. Plus, she has previous in the censorship stakes.

Five years ago, when she was Californias attorney general (the states top legal officer), she pressed the boss of what was then known as Twitter to ban Donald Trump from the platform. Trump was then the president.

When it was put to her on CNN that this was surely a violation of free speech and a slippery slope to widespread banning, she replied that online free speech was a privilege and that censorship defended our democracy from those who spread fake news and disinformation.

It would be hard for her to be more wrong.

Free speech is not a privilege in America: it is guaranteed by the First Amendment.

The idea people need censorship to protect them from bad information is not appropriate language for a Democrat.

That is the argument of dictators throughout the ages to justify their control of news and opinion. Free speech  along with transparency  is the disinfectant that keeps democracies free.

The fact she clearly doesnt understand this suggests that, should she win in November, free speech will not have an ally in the Oval Office.

Things are not that much better over here in Blighty.

Left-wing feminists are hounded from their academic posts or face having their careers stymied for refusing to bow before the ideology of the ubiquitous  and vitriolic  trans lobby. A similar fate greets more conservative scholars who dare to challenge the new academic consensus that Britains past is uniquely evil.

This all serves to close down discourse in the one place where free speech should be at its free-est: our universities.

Instead they are now dominated by a debilitating groupthink from which you deviate at your peril: unless you have the tenacity and resources of a JK Rowling.

But the threat to free speech in Britain goes far beyond the campus. Everybodys right to say what they want is at risk.

Police, slow to investigate burglaries, theft and other crimes that people care about, seem to spend an inordinate amount of time chronicling so-called non-crime hate incidents, or NCHIs.

The fact they are, by definition, not crimes might make you wonder why the police are involved at all. But that does not deter the forces of law and order, which now appear to be more interested in what we think than what we do.

Trans rights are boring, tweeted a Surrey parish councillor. He was threatened with arrest.

An ex-soldier who shared on social media a stupid image in which rainbow pride flags had been rearranged into a swastika was arrested because someone has been caused anxiety by the post. I need to check your thinking, said one officer investigating an NCHI. It spoke ominously for the current police frame of mind.

In fact, the police have neither the right nor the qualifications to investigate our thoughts.

Almost 50 per cent of Englands police forces have failed to solve a single burglary in the past year.

They might like to do a little better when it comes to whats going on inside our houses before trying to see inside our minds.

But its about to get worse.

The previous Tory government recently tried to tighten up the basis for investigating NCHIs.

It didnt seem to make much difference and the numbers logged stayed the same.

The Free Speech Union, a doughty defender of freedom, reckons about a quarter of a million such incidents have been recorded since the College of Policing concocted the concept in 2014.

If youre linked to an NCHI it can show up on enhanced criminal record checks.

It can seriously undermine your chances of being hired for a new job, especially one in the public sector. The Court of Appeal has talked about the chilling effect on public debate  in other words on free speech.

No matter. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, a bossy Roundhead if ever there was one, wants to reverse the Tories tighter rules so that the police can record more NCHIs, not fewer.

Keir Starmers government has already canned legislation designed to protect free speech in higher education. Its also toughened up online safety laws in ways that will endanger free speech.

All the signs are that the Starmer administration is no more a friend of free speech than a Harris White House would be.

We have come a long way since the days we thought progress was best served by allowing all manner of opinions to be expressed, to be tested by time, events, argument and scrutiny, with the best emerging triumphant to guide us forward.

Now we have a ruling elite, increasingly dominant in public life, which is hostile to free speech if it means the expression of opinions of which it disapproves.

Unfashionable ideas are no longer to be tested, they are to be shut down. Promotion and plum jobs will go to those who toe the line. Those stupid enough to dissent will be dispatched to some metaphorical gulag. The glittering prizes will go to the compliant and obedient. Its already happening.

Of course were still a free society compared to the dictatorships. But bit by bit our freedoms are being eroded, above all when it comes to free speech.

The Enlightenment set us on our free-speech path more than 250 years ago and, until recently, we have followed it faithfully, to our immense benefit, and exported it to nascent democracies which also saw its value.

Now, in an epochal change, we are putting the Enlightenment into reverse. Free speech is under siege on multiple fronts.

We know that freedom is hard won, now were about to learn that its easily lost unless good people stand up for it.

If they dont, we will wake up one day to discover we are so cribbed and confined in what we can say that free speech has effectively become a feature of our past.

We would not quickly get it back.
Three uniformed officers in stab vests bearing the title Immigration Enforcement drove their van down a quiet residential street and drew up outside a pebble-dashed terraced house.

A camera crew followed them as they went inside and arrested a young man, put him in handcuffs and led him outside to be locked in the cage in the back of their vehicle. Next stop was an equally undistinguished property  this one with the gate hanging off  where another man was detained and locked in the back of the van.

These were just two of a 'series of nationwide operations' conducted across the country in the early hours of April 29 as the then-Conservative government deployed 800 enforcement officers to round up scores of asylum seekers set to be flown to Rwanda.

The Home Office had identified an initial cohort of 5,700 people who could be sent to the African country and the effort to round them up  Operation Vector  was designed to last 11 weeks. But exactly three weeks after the first of the detainees had been arrested, the operation was brought to an abrupt end when the prime minister Rishi Sunak announced a snap election.

An arrest during the early hours of April 29 as the then-Conservative government deployed 800 enforcement officers to round up scores of asylum seekers set to be flown to Rwanda

The rest, as they say, is history. Labour won the resulting poll by a landslide and, just 18 days after the vote, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper (pictured) revealed she was scrapping key elements of the immigration laws introduced by the Conservatives last year

The Bibby Stockholm in Dorset which was home to migrants . Another 30,000 live in migrant hotels, where they are billeted  on a comfortable full-board basis  at the taxpayer's expense and also enjoy an allowance of about 9 per week

Asylum seekers crossing the English Channel. Many who could have faced deportation to Rwanda under the Tories' now-abandoned asylum deal  and others whose cases were in limbo  now have the chance to win refugee status and every prospect of staying in Britain indefinitely

The rest, as they say, is history. Labour won the resulting poll by a landslide and, just 18 days after the vote, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper revealed she was scrapping key elements of the immigration laws introduced by the Conservatives last year.

Background papers from her department, which were not publicised at the time, reveal the startling consequences of that decision. Some 125,385 migrants whose asylum applications had been blocked under the Tories will now see their cases go ahead.

In other words, many who could have faced deportation to Rwanda under the Tories' now-abandoned asylum deal  and others whose cases were in limbo  now have the chance to win refugee status and every prospect of staying in Britain indefinitely.

The migrants arrested in April and May, who had been earmarked for the first flights, are all now understood to be free again.

This is despite the fact they were selected because they had the weakest asylum claims, as their applications had already been rejected and they had gone through the full and lengthy gamut of appeal stages, paid for, of course, by legal aid.

Many are thought to have returned to taxpayer-funded self-catering accommodation around the country, receiving 49.18 per head each week for food and essentials.

Others may be back among the 30,000 still in migrant hotels, where they are billeted  on a comfortable full-board basis  at the taxpayer's expense and also enjoy an allowance of about 9 per week.

The Conservatives attempted to end the use of four-star hotels but some are still in use and cost an estimated 150-a-night or more.

The Hope Hostel in Kigali, Rwanda, where migrants would live. The Daily Mail can also reveal for the first time that the inaugural Rwanda flight was booked to depart on June 26, Another flight was chartered for a week later, with more to follow

The new Labour Government's own figures suggest that an even higher number of migrants are already benefiting from Labour's reversal of those measures

When the Mail visited one such migrant hotel in Peckham, south London, recently, the mood was buoyant. Asylum seekers living in some comfort in the Victorian red-brick property told us they were full of renewed hope following Ms Cooper's reversal of the Tories' plans.

'It's made a real difference for a lot of people,' said 40-year-old Ahmed, from Egypt. 'Every day we see progress.' Tariq, 33, a Jordanian who claimed asylum in March, heartily agreed. 'I'm glad things are moving forward,' he said, standing by the hotel's ornate black and gold wrought iron gates. 'It's given many of us new hope.'

And who can blame them for their new-found optimism? Since Labour took over, their chances of staying here have become a lot stronger. Shadow home secretary James Cleverly is far from alone in describing this new state of affairs as an 'effective amnesty'. That phrase is disputed by Labour sources, however, on the grounds that the Government still intends to remove failed asylum applicants from Britain.

So far, however, ministers have failed to explain in detail how this will be achieved, given all the legal challenges at the migrants' disposal. Labour's Human Rights Act, passed by Tony Blair in 1998, includes a 'right to family life', a clause frequently cited by immigration lawyers in successful arguments against removal. A client might have had children here in Britain, for example  meaning they can't be removed.

In the few short weeks since Ms Cooper's decision, many migrants have already received invitations to interviews with asylum caseworkers who will decide their claims.

Ahmed, who came to Britain on a visa in November 2023 then claimed asylum, told us: 'A lot of asylum appointments are being made and they are accelerating the process. Until the election, all the files were stagnant. But now the process is speeding up. I welcome it: People are getting their interview dates and decisions are being made.'

Ahmed was clear who to thank for this newly relaxed attitude towards asylum seekers like him.

'The new government is doing a good job,' he told us.

'Until they came in, nobody who had arrived from March 2023 was getting an interview. But now people who were coming as recently as last month are getting appointments, especially those from Syria, Sudan and Afghanistan [which have some of the highest acceptance rates for asylum claims].

Shadow home secretary James Cleverly is far from alone in describing this new state of affairs as an 'effective amnesty'. That phrase is disputed by Labour sources, however, on the grounds that the Government still intends to remove failed asylum applicants from Britain

The new legislation, the innocuously titled Illegal Migration Act 2023 (Amendment) Regulations 2024, runs to just 550 words  but is one of the most significant pieces of immigration law in years

'Some of the interviews now are done by video-conferencing, so you don't even have to have a face-to-face meeting.'

But while migrants like Ahmed welcome Labour's approach, the new Home Secretary's policy announcement deserves careful scrutiny. Her legal changes in July involved none of the blood, sweat and tears that accompanied the passage of the Conservatives' last stab at stopping migrants crossing the Channel by small boats.

The Illegal Migration Act 2023 triggered histrionic speeches in the House of Lords, the threat of a Tory split, late night Parliamentary sittings and knife-edge votes.

Ms Cooper, in contrast, made her changes at the stroke of a pen. She deployed a form of secondary legislation known as a 'statutory instrument', which can be put into force immediately and with little oversight.

The new legislation, the innocuously titled Illegal Migration Act 2023 (Amendment) Regulations 2024, runs to just 550 words  but is one of the most significant pieces of immigration law in years.This becomes apparent when the legislation is read along with its supporting paperwork.

This shows that of the 125,385 asylum seekers who arrived in Britain between March 7, 2023, and July 16 this year, no less than 40 per cent  just over 50,000  would have faced removal under Tory measures.

This is because the Conservatives' laws contained retrospective measures barring any illegal migrant who arrived after March 7 last year from seeking 'lawful immigration status'.

In other words, any illegal migrant who came here after that date could not have an asylum claim accepted. But Labour has scrapped this retrospective element of the legislation.

In the few short weeks since Ms Cooper's decision, many migrants have already received invitations to interviews with asylum caseworkers who will decide their claims

The effect is that tens of thousands of migrants the Tories had planned to remove from this country will now have a chance to settle here permanently.

Even more startlingly, the documents predict that 54 per cent of the 125,385 asylum seekers will be granted refugee status by the Home Office at the 'initial decision' stage, but this figure could, in fact, be as high as 70 per cent. That's 88,000 people  the equivalent of a large town. Others who fail at the initial stage will go on to win asylum on appeal.

And there's more. The papers make clear that Labour's reforms will also benefit the 7,269 asylum seekers who have reached Britain since July 16, and those who arrive in the future  both totals that are not covered in the Home Office's calculations.

There could hardly be a more radical turnaround from the Conservatives' action plan to combat illegal migration.

On April 22, Rishi Sunak promised the first Rwanda removals flight would depart in 10 to 12 weeks. Seven days later, Operation Vector was launched.

Over the next month, around 160 migrants were arrested, it can now be disclosed, and moved to immigration removal centres ready to leave on the first Home Office charter plane to Kigali.

The Daily Mail can also reveal for the first time that the inaugural Rwanda flight was booked to depart on June 26  804 days after the scheme was announced by Boris Johnson in April 2022. Another flight was chartered for a week later, with more to follow.

But after Mr Sunak called the general election, all plans were put on hold at the insistence of the PM's Downing Street team.

Ex-Home Office insiders have told us that  had the election not been called  the Rwanda flights would have taken off, despite the prospect of last-minute legal challenges by some of those detained.

'There would definitely have been people on that first plane. It was going to work,' said one former aide. 'But No 10 didn't want flights to take off during the election campaign. Maybe they were less confident than us that it would work.'

The source added: 'Whether that would have changed anything in terms of the election result, I don't know. But it would have proved the concept of the Rwanda scheme.

'However, No 10 wanted to go into an election campaign where they could say: 'If you want Rwanda flights to take off, vote for us'.' When Ms Cooper announced her immigration 'reforms' to the House of Commons in July, she claimed the Rwanda scheme had cost the taxpayers 700million and boasted that, by changing the law, the Home Office could 'immediately start clearing cases from after March 2023', saving the taxpayer an estimated 7billion over the next 10 years.

But her figures have been hotly disputed. The Home Office has admitted that its calculations did not take into account the 'wider impact across the immigration system', nor did it consider how handing migrants permission to stay would affect Britain's job market', wage levels or the impact on public services.

After all, once asylum has been granted, much of the cost of supporting migrants passes from the Home Office to beleaguered local councils. Moreover, migrants whose claims are finally rejected are still funded by the taxpayer, under rules that forbid the Home Office from leaving people destitute.

Conservative MP Nick Timothy has described Ms Cooper's 7billion claim as 'clearly ridiculous'.

In April, the pro-migrant Refugee Council lamented that, by the end of the year, more than 115,000 asylum seekers would have been affected by the Tories' tough policies.

But the new Labour Government's own figures suggest that an even higher number of migrants are already benefiting from Labour's reversal of those measures.

Migrants who once faced removal under the Tories now have a strong chance of being able to remain in Britain indefinitely. Some may, indeed, end up making a net contribution to Britain's economic and cultural life.

Conservative MP Nick Timothy (pictured) has described Ms Cooper's 7billion claim as 'clearly ridiculous'

But shadow minister Mr Cleverly, who also hopes to be the next Tory leader  with a re-introduction of the Rwanda scheme among his policies  insists that Labour's generosity comes at too high a cost, particularly in the Channel which just this week saw another 12 deaths, including six children and a pregnant woman.

'Labour are allowing thousands to apply for asylum and granting the same right to any who arrive here illegally in the future too,' he told the Mail.

'They have ditched our Rwanda partnership and our best deterrent, opening our borders to the people-smugglers... and there is still no sign of their phantom Border Command.

'Labour do not care about controlling our borders.'

Back at the Peckham hotel, Tariq from Jordan says that in the wake of Ms Cooper's decision, he has already received an appointment for his asylum interview.

Another resident, 27-year-old Zia from Afghanistan, came here on a student visa in February last year on the understanding he would do a master's degree in international business management.

Instead, he lodged an asylum claim just weeks later, he says, after the Taliban barred its citizens from sending more than 230 per month out of the country, meaning his father was no longer able to fund his living costs.

'I'm glad the new government has made changes to the system and I hope to get my asylum interview soon,' he told us.

'I still have my father, a brother and three sisters in Afghanistan.

'If I'm successful in that, I hope that one day I can bring my whole family to Britain.'
Housing investors can often get a bad name  and stories like this are the reason why.

Charisse endured a rental 'nightmare' but when the landlord wouldn't return her bond, it was the final straw. Source: Supplied/Facebook

After suffering through months of living in a flooded rental property with algae growing on the verandah and mould growing in the bedrooms, all Charisse wanted was her bond back. But the landlord refused.

The audacious denial sparked a near two year battle to secure the bond as well as further compensation from the homeowner. In the end, she was "vindicated" with the judge awarding her the $2,800 bond as well as four weeks worth of rent in extra compensation.

It was a win, but her case highlights the exhaustive measures tenants have to go to in order to seek justice when landlords fail to rectify substandard living conditions that breach state law.

For close to 10 months Charisse and her husband lived in the Victorian property, along with her elderly parents, despite the "nightmare" conditions they found themselves in after heavy rains and plumbing issues caused water to backwash into the bath, shower and toilets, sending a foul-smelling odour throughout the house.

"I have 48 separate emails to the real estate agent mentioning the flooding but they just kept ignoring it," Charisse told Yahoo News Australia.

The flooding issues began on the very first day they moved into the property in Officer, about 48 kilometres south-east of Melbourne's CBD, in December 2021.

They initially thought it was caused by blocked gutters. "The only thing they did the whole time was unblock the gutters, but it made no difference," she said.

Despite sending a "delightful" handyman "who barely spoke english" and a small procession of uninterested tradesmen, nothing was done. Meanwhile water pooled around the house and seeped into the living areas.

"We had permanent standing water on the verandah from literally the day we moved in to the day we moved out," she said. "The water seeped in through the bricks and there was mould coming through the walls. The carpet got mouldy.

"We had to move out of our bedroom and my husband and I slept in the lounge room."

Mould pictured on the roof and infested in the carpet, while algae covered the patio of the property. Source: Supplied

They ultimately found another property and were able to move out towards the end of 2022. According to Charisse, her elderly father passed away three months after they left the property. "A black mass was found in his lung  unfortunately it wasnt identified but the medical examiner said it may have been related to mould."

Tenants rewarded compensation after lengthy VCAT battle

Under the state's Residential Tenancies Act, Victoria's minimum standards for rental properties mandates, among other things, the absence of mould or dampness caused by the building structure.

In fact, recent research conducted by Tenants Victoria and the Consumer Policy Research Centre found that about 15 per cent of properties (at least of the 100 rental inspections they covertly analysed) were in breach of the Tenancies Act, for things such as maintenance issues, visible mould and inadequate heating.

While Victoria actually has some of the strongest rental rights in the country, when the research was conducted earlier this year Tenants Victoria chief executive Jennifer Beveridge lamented that too many properties failed to meet "even basic standards".

Do you have a story about rental rights you would like to share? Nick.whigham@yahooinc.com

Aggrieved renters can take bad behaving landlords to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal. Source: ABC

Charisse was denied the return of her bond for "ridiculous" reasons such as the lawns not being mowed  something she said was not even true. So she was determined to seek proper justice.

"Wed taken excellent care of the place and they hadnt taken care of us," she said. "He could of just let us have our bond back and there would have been no issue, instead of it carrying on for two years."

The couple had also seen a number of their possessions ruined by the damp conditions and incurred vet bills from their horses standing in a waterlogged paddock. She made a claim for three months worth of rent and reimbursement for vet bills and lost possessions.

Advice for renters looking to take on landlords

Charisse was armed with nearly 200 pages of evidence but her case was postponed seven times by the tribunal before it was finally heard this week. In the end the judge firmly sided with the couple and awarded them their bond and four weeks worth of rent to be paid in compensation.

For others renters considering taking claims to the tribunal, Charisse says it is "absolutely" worth it.

Despite the drawn out process, she would encourage other aggrieved tenants to pursue their rights.

"The thing that worried me is that after going through all of it, even though we knew we were in the right, that the process wouldn't be fair and that we would've wasted all this time and energy. But that's certainly not the case," she said. "We found that it was very fair and it was very comforting actually to hear that the judge believed we had been treated very unfairly."

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Much of my schooling involved learning things by heart. And that is where they still are, in my heart. Ask me what eight nines are and I can answer in a flash without thinking. Likewise, I know how many ounces there are in a pound and how many yards in a mile. And I can still recite quite a lot of Alfred, Lord Tennyson's great poem The Revenge: A Ballad Of The Fleet, to the dismay of anyone who has to listen, longing for me to stop.

I have always been grateful. I still use my tables several times a day, which is more than I can say for most of the stuff I was taught at school.

That great writer, Laurie Lee, author of Cider With Rosie, described his own village schooldays in Gloucestershire a century ago 'unhearing, unquestioning, we rocked to our chanting, hammering the gold nails home'. And so did my much later generation, in private and state schools, which in those days both believed that teachers taught and pupils learned. Now any such arrangement is said to be a threat to everybody's 'mental health'.

Author Laurie Lee pictured outside the Cotswold cottage that he lived in as a child in Slad, Gloucestershire

Modern teachers hate it and make up excuses not to do it  though I expect there are, even now, still a few last survivals, mostly in private fee-charging schools. When I found out that my own children's schools did not bother, I took on the task myself.

My daughter, now herself a parent, has probably not yet forgiven me for making her chant her tables on the No 39 tram in Moscow, as we rumbled down the tracks across Lenin Avenue, on the way to her expensive international school (which did not teach tables) in the grey and chilly Soviet morning. What our fellow passengers made of it, I did not know, and did not care. She was jolly well going to learn them.

But why are they so hated now? Why is learning by heart sneered at as 'learning by rote', a phrase which seethes with liberal scorn? Because modern 'education' is not education at all. It does not accept that children are subject to adult authority. It does not accept that there are things which grown-ups know and children do not, but should. On the other hand it is obsessed with what they should believe. So we end up with a school system which fails to teach people what they need to know to work and live as independent beings  but incessantly fills their heads with propaganda.

Sahra Wagenknecht, who is the leader of the BSW

Why clever Sahra could go far

I cant count the number of times various editors sent me rushing off to Germany to report on the latest wave of neo-Nazism. None of them came to anything, because, actually, most Germans dont really want to be Nazis.

But the British obsession with the possible return of Hitlerism is also blinding us to the most significant new political leader in Europe. She is Sahra Wagenknecht, an elegant, clever, half-Iranian Leftie.

Her party, the BSW, is modestly named after her and did strikingly well in last weeks elections in Thuringia. I think she may go far, and suspect this will be a good thing. Her childhood in Communist East Germany (which thought itself so perfect that it made little effort to combat bigotry) was stained with racial insults. So she has no time for race hate of any kind. But she has urged her former far-Left comrades to stop being so silly about the large votes for the dubious AfD party  which undoubtedly contains some unpleasant types.

She has told them: People dont vote for the AfD because they are fascists. They vote for it because they are angry.

They are angry about uncontrolled immigration. But they are also angry about Green lunacy, and about their governments strange self-destructive part in the war with Ukraine. The whole country is impoverished by its boycott of Russian energy. Its government is silent about the destruction of a large part of its national property, the Nordstream pipeline  presumably for fear that it was done by one of its major allies. And for what? Who needs this war?

But she still supports the Left-wing causes which are popular, especially the welfare state.

I am endlessly surprised that this sort of Left-patriotic politics, pioneered in 1958 in France by Charles de Gaulle, is not more popular.

Perhaps you need to be an outsider to see it.

There is a pair of hills near Alexander Boris Johnsons new country home which are so shaped that they are rudely known to locals as Mother Dunchs Buttocks (Mrs Dunch was Oliver Cromwells aunt). As he sits in their curvaceous shade, musing on the fate of the world, Mr Johnson should consider my oft-repeated invitation to a debate about the Ukraine war.

Hereditary Hamish gets to the top

In the week that Labour confirmed its dogma-driven plan to get rid of the last hereditary peers, I learn that one Hamish Falconer, new MP for Lincoln, is now an equally new minister in the Foreign Office within minutes of arriving at Westminster. And Lo! His father is Charlie Falconer, My Lord Falconer of Thoroton, once Flatmate-in-Chief to Sir Anthony Blair WMD, KG, but promoted to the post of Lord Chancellor entirely on his merits. Young Hamish attended 40,000-a-year Westminster School (think of the VAT on that!). But be sure Labour is still doggedly against inherited privilege and private education.

Some days ago, in our sister paper, the Daily Mail, I wrote about a worrying bicycle accident in Oxford, my home town. I plan to return to this here soon, but cannot today because I am so hopelessly confused by the information now coming from the police. The one good thing I know for certain is that the victim, left lying unconscious and bleeding, has recovered and is well.

Letbys days of reckoning

It is now 384 days since Lucy Letby was told she would die in prison. If it turns out that she is innocent, every one of those days will be a terrible stain on the national conscience. The courts, even juries, do make mistakes, and there is no aspect of this case, from the statistical claims to the medical evidence to the supposed confession, which has not now been called into question.
Sir Keir Starmer has decided to bet the house on Kamala Harris. Last week it emerged the Prime Minister has despatched his polling guru Deborah Mattinson to the United States to assist the Democrats in their fight to defeat Donald Trump and retain control of the White House.

As one Labour insider told the Politico website: 'For Democrats following British politics, they have been intrigued by the speed with which Labour has gone from the Corbyn days to being in power now. It's really got people's attention.'

It will also have got Donald Trump's attention. The notoriously thin-skinned former president will not take kindly to the head of one of his nation's closest allies attempting to derail his renewed bid to make America great again. Although, as one Labour source observed wryly: 'If Mattinson really does want to help Kamala Harris, she'll have to do a lot better than show her how to get the 34 per cent of the vote Labour got here.'

Kamala Harris waves to the crowd after her speech on the final night of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago last month

Until now, the official line from within Downing Street has been that they will happily work with whoever is elected in November.

But privately there is increasing trepidation at the prospect of a Trump victory  and the implications for the fabled 'special relationship' between Britain and the US. Within government there has even been talk of 'Trump-proofing' relations, with David Lammy leading efforts to open channels between Downing Street and a potential MAGA administration.

Given Lammy once described Trump as a 'women-hating, neo-Nazi sympathising sociopath'  comments that were dismissed last month by Trump's son Eric as 'dumb c**p'  it is not proving to be our new Foreign Secretary's easiest diplomatic mission.

Yet according to allies, he has been making some headway, not least in the form of a surprising friendship with Trump's vice-presidential nominee JD Vance.

'They've met several times, and have developed a strong bond,' one Foreign Office official told me.

'They found there were quite a few parallels in their backgrounds. They both grew up in poverty, amidst fractured families. They talked about it a lot. David regards JD as a friend now.'

But the reality is that despite this burgeoning bromance, the chasm that would exist between Prime Minister Starmer and President Trump would likely be so wide as to be almost unbridgeable. Which in turn could find Britain and its new Labour administration standing in worrying isolation.

Last week Starmer and Lammy announced they were imposing an arms embargo on Israel. Although the Prime Minister insisted the decision was taken on the basis of legal advice, the level of outrage in Jerusalem was unprecedented.

The Israeli government publicly condemned the decision as 'shameful'. Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid claimed the ban actually undermined the position of moderates in the country who were pushing for a ceasefire. 'Friends and allies should stand together in the fight against terrorism,' he chided.

There were even reports the arms embargo had angered the Biden administration, although government sources insist US officials 'respected the decision'.

But an important strategic alliance has been undermined  and currently Britain has precious few of those to rely on.

During his first months in office, Starmer and his team have been making efforts to 'reset' the relationship with the European Union  and claim to have again made some progress. They point to the 'E3' axis that is being constructed with French President Emanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, as well as the recent joint diplomatic visit Lammy made to the Middle East with French foreign minister Stephane Sejourne.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who has despatched his polling guru Deborah Mattinson to the US to assist the Democrats in their fight to defeat Donald Trump

'The Sunak government spent five months trying to get that mission with the French sorted,' a minister told me, 'and we arranged it in a few weeks.'

But as The Mail on Sunday reports today, progress towards a major new deal with the EU, which Starmer had hoped to unveil in January, is gaining little traction.

Foreign Office officials point out this is partly because of the time being taken to construct a new EU Commission. But as one minister admitted frankly, the politics of Brexit means there is only limited scope for a renegotiation of the relationship with Europe.

'Keir has made it clear he doesn't want to reopen that can of worms,' he told me. 'We're not going to rejoin. We're not going to sign up to the Single Market or a Customs Union. Free movement is off the table. So there are limits to how far we can go.'

This represents the realpolitik of Starmerism. As one Labour Party insider told me: 'He's boxed himself in. He doesn't want to reopen Brexit, so he can't offer Europe anything meaningful.'

Meanwhile, the global threats are mounting. Britain is currently engaged in a hot war, by Ukrainian proxy, with Russia. The cold war with China is turning chillier, as cyber agents target British hospitals, power plants and even the Royal Family. Iran is threatening a new wave of Western terror, while simultaneously continuing with its programme of enriching uranium at non-civilian levels.

It looks increasingly possible our new Prime Minister will be forced to confront these threats alone.

When Tony Blair secured power in 1997, he was embraced within a new global progressive alliance.

Bill Clinton occupied the White House. Gerhard Schroder's Social Democrats stood on the brink of power in Germany. Lionel Jospin's socialists were beginning their period of 'co-habitation' with Jacques Chirac in France.

The political landscape facing Starmer could hardly be more inhospitable. In France, Marine Le Pen continues to snap at Macron's heels. In Germany, the far-Right AFD are surging. Italy's Giorgia Meloni and Hungary's Victor Orban are flourishing as Europe's insurgent disruptors. And his natural allies within the European Commission see him as an amiable irrelevance.

So in a sense, his gamble on Kamala Harris is logical. A Democratic win would provide a check on the surging tide of populism  not to mention a rebuff to Trump's leading cheerleader, the Honorable Member for Clacton.

And it would also help protect the diplomatic architecture of Nato and the G7, which is why Starmer is jetting back to Washington on Wednesday.

But if Kamala Harris loses on November 5, Britain really will be standing alone. At the moment, the polls show the race on a knife edge, although her predicted post-convention surge has failed to materialise.

So Sir Keir had better hope Deborah Mattinson can work her magic in the coming weeks and months. Because if she can't, David Lammy and JD Vance's bromance may represent the Grand Atlantic Alliance's last hope.
If Sir Keir Starmer thought his ardent Europhilia would lead to a swift post-election deal with Brussels, he has received a shock. The Prime Minister has vowed to 'reset' relations with the EU without having to make any concessions that would alienate Labour's Brexit-supporting voters. But it turns out that Brussels federalists are not just truculent and obstructive with Conservative governments.

EU leaders have made it clear that if Sir Keir wants a deal, he will indeed have to make concessions, which would dismay the millions of Britons who voted Leave.

The PM had set himself the target of securing a quick 'win' by January in four areas: a new security pact, easier touring for UK musicians in the EU, greater access to the bloc for UK professionals and fewer border checks on food and drink exports.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz at a press conference in Berlin last week

To achieve this, however, he will have to reintroduce freedom of movement in the UK for EU citizens aged under 30. He must also exempt EU students from the high university fees charged in Britain to other international students.

If Sir Keir agrees, pro-Brexit voters  include those in the northern Red Wall seats Labour won back from the Tories in the General Election  will surely revolt. But if he doesn't, he will leave any talks empty-handed. A source said: 'If Starmer doesn't agree to free movement and equal tuition fees, he will receive a good old-fashioned 'non'.'

His strategy of trying to cosy up to France and Germany rather then dealing directly with Brussels has 'gone down like a f**t in un ascenseur', according to one diplomat close to the negotiations. 'Starmer has over-reached and p***** off the Brussels bubble. The EU hates the idea of separate little deals because it would damage the EU project. It's all or nothing for them.'

The strategy  masterminded by Paymaster General Nick Thomas-Symonds in the Cabinet Office rather than David Lammy's Foreign Office  started with Sir Keir's schmoozefest with European leaders at a summit at Blenheim Palace in July. It has since involved multiple meetings with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron.

Fees of 9,250 a year for UK students compare with more than five times that for international students in the most expensive disciplines. Meanwhile, EU sources have said that some form of youth mobility deal allowing 18- to 30-year-olds to work and travel here is an 'indispensable element' of any new pact. Not only that, but they have indicated Labour should 'manage expectations' about what is achievable if Sir Keir keeps his pledge not to rejoin the EU single market, accept freedom of movement or form a customs union with the bloc.

They have also made it clear that a security pact should not be a backdoor route into the EU market for UK defence companies.

Perhaps in a nod to Sir Keir's past as a childhood flautist, the Cabinet Office insists that 'the mood music is good' on the negotiations and that it is 'too early for any substantive talks to have taken place'. They point to the so-called 'E3' axis with the French and Germans and the joint diplomatic visit Mr Lammy made in August to the Middle East with French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne. 'The Sunak Government spent five months trying to get that mission with the French sorted and we arranged it in a few weeks,' a Minister said.

According to a Cabinet Office spokesman: 'We will work to reset the relationship with our European friends to strengthen ties, secure a broad-based security pact and tackle barriers to trade. Britain is stronger when we work with others.' But as one Minister put it, unless Sir Keir opens the 'can of worms' on free movement, 'there are limits to how far we can go'. A Labour insider said: 'He's boxed himself in. He can't offer Europe anything meaningful.'

It's not just Eurocrats who are unhappy about Sir Keir's strategy. One senior Labour MP and Brexiteer believes that far from making him looking statesmanlike and diplomatic, it has made the PM look weak.

The MP said: 'To be honest, he looks desperate. He doesn't look powerful  he appears to be going round Europe cap in hand, begging for a deal.

'Everyone at Westminster knows how, as Jeremy Corbyn's Brexit spokesman, Starmer fought for a second referendum to thwart the Brexit result. That is why the EU leaders take his vow to respect the Brexit vote with a pinch of salt.'

Sir Keir Starmer with French President Emmanuel Macron ahead of their meeting last week at the Elysee Palace in Paris

Despite his Remainer passions, the PM has repeatedly dismissed any talk of a return to free movement, the single market or a customs union. But many senior Labour figures are urging Sir Keir to return to his Remainer roots.

At a meeting of the Labour Movement for Europe a couple of days after the Blenheim summit, former party leader Lord (Neil) Kinnock suggested a far more gung-ho approach to restoring the relationship.

'Fortune favours the brave  especially in the wake of a triumphant victory in the election,' he told the meeting. He also urged pro-EU Labour MPs to 'support all efforts by the new Labour Government in building a new relationship with the EU as quickly, as broadly, and  I am not afraid to use the word  as adventurously as we can'.

Adventurous, though, is hardly Sir Keir's middle name. And when it comes to the poker game with an intransigent EU, Labour Eurosceptics fear that the result is pre-determined.

Said one: 'When it comes to a showdown, we all know who'll blink first in this. And it won't be Brussels.'
Kate Yardy had been enjoying a snow trip when she first noticed the bruises covering her body.

While she wasn't immediately concerned, that quickly changed when she felt an unusual lump near her armpit when running her hand over the swelling.

'When I found the lump I was nervous... it didn't feel normal,' Kate, a fit and healthy manager from Sydney, told Daily Mail Australia.

'I wasn't sure what to make of it but knew that it would be best to get checked.'

Two weeks later, she was handed a shock diagnosis. She had breast cancer at 31.

'My heart dropped in an instant and this sudden rush of numbness rushed over my body, I just froze,' Kate, now 32, recalled.

'My GP continued speaking to me but it was as though I couldn't hear anything. My thoughts and imagination ran wild as I tried to make sense of what was happening. I pictured myself dying and missing out on everything that life has to offer.'

As her condition deteriorated over the following months, Kate went from being an active woman in her 30s to fighting for her life in the body of what felt like a 'sick 90-year-old'.

Kate Yardy (pictured) was a 'fit and healthy' 31-year-old when she was diagnosed with cancer

Before the devastating diagnosis, Kate led a seemingly normal life.

She was very active, ate well, enjoyed working out at the gym and took her dogs for regular walks.

But she knew something was not right shortly after noticing the bruises she endured during a 'rough' snowboarding trip with her partner in September 2023.

After feeling the lump on her right breast, she went straight to her GP the next day who booked her in for a mammogram, ultrasound and a biopsy.

'I was really nervous and had a gut feeling that it was not going to be good news,' she explained.

'When I saw my GP again, he told me the words that nobody should ever hear, "Your test results have come back, unfortunately you have metastatic carcinoma".'

Her maternal auntie and paternal grandmother were both diagnosed with breast cancer in their late 50s so she knew there was a history on both her dad's and mum's side of the family.

She never imagined she would have cancer at 31 because she thought she was 'too young'

But she never imagined she would be given a stage 2B breast cancer diagnosis at 31.

According to National Breast Cancer Foundation, stage 2B breast cancer is when there's a tumour, measuring between 2-5cm in size, and the cancer has spread to one to three lymph nodes in the armpit.

'I thought that I was "too young",' Kate explained.

'I thought about the possibility of my family losing me and it just broke my heart.

'When I left my GP I instantly called my brother to tell him the news. Both my parents were on holiday in Europe at the time and I dreaded the thought of having to tell them while they were away.'

Kate decided to drive from Sydney to Mudgee where her brother lived so he could help her plan the 'best way' to tell their parents about her diagnosis.

'With the support of my brother, we called my parents together. It's one thing to be told about your diagnosis, but telling your parents who you are so close to is another thing entirely,' she explained.

'They wanted to book the first flight back to Sydney but I wouldn't let them. I didn't want to ruin their trip further and asked for them to soak up all the good times while they could as I knew this new chapter in my life would not allow for much travel.'

Kate led a seemingly normal life - she ate healthy and enjoyed working out at the gym

Just three weeks following her diagnosis, her beloved dog Miso died. Her condition deteriorated after a vet found a large cancerous mass in her bowel.

'The day after her 13th birthday I had to say goodbye to my little 'therapy pup'. Being told that I had cancer just to lose my dog to cancer weeks after was an unimaginable pain that has greatly scarred me,' Kate said.

Just three weeks following her diagnosis, her beloved dog Miso died from cancer

'We did everything together, she was my sidekick in life, and to lose her to cancer was beyond heartbreaking.'

Before going through with cancer treatment, Kate was told she may not be able to conceive naturally so she needed to freeze her eggs.

'I made a point that I definitely wanted to have children in the future, so we started planning the IVF process to retrieve my eggs,' she said.

'The type of chemotherapy that I had planned on the horizon threatened my chances of being able to conceive, so I was totally on board with doing what I needed to do to ensure that I could still have children when I'm ready down the track.'

After her egg retrieval, she spent the next six months undergoing 'intense' chemotherapy, a double mastectomy, surgery to remove 13 lymph nodes and radiotherapy.

'My treatment has been one hell of a roller coaster,' she said.

'(Chemo) broke me... I met the weakest versions of myself, but also the strongest too. I would think to myself, "If I can survive this, then I can survive anything".

'I knew that I had to throw everything that I possibly could at beating this cancer.'

She spent the next six months undergoing 'intense' chemotherapy, a double mastectomy, surgery to remove 13 lymph nodes and radiotherapy

Kate was put onto hormone therapy, which is a cancer treatment that slows or stops the growth of cancer that uses hormones to grow.

'My hormone therapy has forced me into menopause,' she said.

'One of my doctors described that I would feel like a "sick elderly 90-year-old woman" - and she was absolutely correct. I'm not as able bodied as I used to be, I'm always in pain one way or the other and it takes a lot to get my body moving.'

She said her treatments were 'incredibly debilitating' and the experience was 'life altering'.

'I was fighting for my life every day, constantly pushing through all the awful side effects that I was experiencing,' she said.

'During IVF and chemotherapy my body changed so much - thanks to steroids, stress, lack of sleep and countless medications I started to gain quite a lot of weight over the course of this time, no matter what I ate.'

After her second round of chemo, she celebrated her 32nd birthday with her friends at her brother's farm in Mudgee.

Kate celebrated her 32nd birthday with her friends at her brother's farm. During the trip, her friends shaved off all her blonde hair because chunks of her locks were starting to fall out

'We had the most lovely weekend but my long blonde hair was falling out every time I touched it and it was incredibly confronting,' she explained.

'I couldn't bare the anguish of slowly losing my hair each day, so I pulled out a razor and told my friends that enough was enough, I wanted them to help me shave it.

'I then spend the afternoon having each of my friends shave off a part of my hair... We were crying, we were laughing, but most importantly I felt supported and loved by those around me.

'I turned what would have been a very isolating and sad experience into one that helped to minimise those feelings. Definitely a birthday party that I'll never forget.'

As she went through multiple rounds of treatment, Kate said she fell ill after experiencing most of the side effects she was warned about.

'I was constantly sick, trying to deal with each day as it came, and each day my side effects would change and would be unpredictable,' she recalled.

'During chemo thanks to my nausea and dizziness I fell down my stairs and broke my ankle, ending up in a moonboot during treatment.'

Kate had to learn how to walk again - twice in the space of two months - after her 'hectic' procedures left her unable to move.

'Right before I left the hospital my surgeon told me that my pathology results came back and that while my surgery was successful in removing the lumps, my cancer did spread just beyond my lymph node which was new information to me,' she said.

'I was exhausted, sore, and petrified of this new information after going through everything that I had already experienced.'

During chemo, she fell down the stairs and broke her ankle so she ended up in a moonboot

Kate started 25 daily sessions of radiotherapy from mid-July.

'I slowly watched my breast and chest turn more red by the day. Towards the end my skin started to burn, sting, and peel off,' she explained.

'When I started radiotherapy, I began to lose all the weight that I had put on during chemotherapy.

'I finished radiotherapy just the other week on August 21, my side effects from this will get worse before it gets better.

'I still have the bandages on and will have to continue this routine for some time.'

Kate has been told her treatments are 'working' - but she's 'yet to be in the clear'.

'I'm hoping that proceeding with all the treatments that my doctors have advised for me to take part in will give me a better chance at surviving cancer,' she said.

One of the hardest things she's faced is 'learning to live' with her 'new normal'.

'Having breast cancer and all of the challenges that come with it changes your perspective greatly on pretty much every aspect of your life - not only in terms of your health, your future, the possibility of death, the unknown, but also your femininity and your self love,' she said.

'While I'm sad that this is my new reality and I do mourn my 'old life', I am eternally grateful and so happy to be alive. I'm relieved that I found out when I did, it terrifies me to think of how my life would be if I had discovered my cancer later.'

By sharing her story, she hopes to 'make a difference' and encourage everyone to see a doctor immediately if they notice anything abnormal

After being given the green light to go travelling, Kate flew to India on August 28 with her parents and sister for a 10-day holiday.

'It's been nearly a year since my diagnosis so I'm really looking forward to travelling again,' she said.

'Even though my fatigue is through the roof, I'm exhausted mentally and physically... I'm so excited to spend my days exploring rather than going to relentless and never-ending medical appointments.'

By sharing her story, she hopes to 'make a difference' and encourage everyone to see a doctor immediately if they notice 'anything abnormal'.

'My cancer journey so far has been incredibly confronting and isolating,' she said.

'While I'm lucky and fortunate to have such an incredible support network - fantastic family, friends, work, and doctors, I know that this is an experience I never want to have to go through again.

'So don't delay going to the doctor - go get checked.'

Kate said if the last year has taught her anything, it's that 'life is so bloody precious'

Reflecting back, Kate said if the last year has taught her anything, it's that 'life is so bloody precious'.

'Sometimes the universe has an interesting way of altering the way you perceive your life and how you choose to live it,' she said.

'Advocate for yourself, choose to fight for yourself. Know that you are not alone in this battle, as isolating as it may feel. Be kind to yourself and listen to your body.

'Celebrate the little wins, because any progress is still progress. Perspective is everything, life is a privilege. The days that break you are also the days that make you. Cancer is tough, but so are we.'

She is sharing her story in support of Chris O'Brien Lifehouse's 'Go The Distance' challenge where participants can swim, bike, run, or walk to help bring life-changing cancer care closer to home for regional patients.

'While I recover and continue to focus on my own cancer treatments, I want to do more for our local cancer community,' she said.

'With your support, every kilometre we cover will ensure more people across NSW can access life-changing specialist cancer care.

'Please support us by making a donation. All donations will help Chris OBrien Lifehouse provide compassionate, research-driven cancer care.'
A hairdresser has revealed a comment she sometimes receives from customers that she considers a 'red flag'.

UK-based hairdresser Sarah Louise Tyne, known as the The Mobile Hairdressing Guru, took to TikTok to reveal the one thing customers say that grates on professional hair stylists.

Sarah revealed in the video that the phrase 'my old hairdresser used to do my hair like this' gets on stylists' nerves.

The content creator said this type of comment can be counterproductive, as your current stylist might not know what exactly you mean or they may have a different skill set to offer.

She started the clip with: 'Your new client sits down in the chair and says to you ''my old hairdresser used to do it like this'.'

UK based hairdresser Sarah Louise Tyne, known as the The Mobile Hairdressing Guru, took to TikTok to reveal the one comment that customers make that grates on professionals

When a client sits down in the chair and says this, Sarah said the initial thought is often one of frustration.

She added: 'Your first thought in your head is 'I'm not your old hairdresser'.

'In fairness though, their old hairdresser might have moved away, they may have retired, they might be looking for some common ground with you, a way of communicating with you how they normally like to have their hair done.

'It can be useful to have some reference points, but when does it cross the line? When you feel like you are in competition with a hairdresser that you never met.'

Sarah went onto recommend a number of different ways to communicate the look you truly want that won't offend or upset the hairdresser.

Explaining the importance of visual cues, she said: 'Rather than showing me how your old hairdresser used to do your hair, can you show me some images of what you're hoping to achieve and I'll see if they will work with your hair type/texture?'

Taking to the video caption, Sarah also had advice for hairdressers themselves, urging them not to get annoyed by the comment.

She wrote: 'How do you answer/respond? You could get really a**ey and say, 'Well go back to them then'.'

@mobilehairdressingguru When your new client says "My old hairdresser used to do my hair like this" How do you answer/respond ? You could get really arsey and say "Well go back to them then" OR  Say " Rather than showing me how your old hairdresser used to do your hair, can you show me some images of what you're hoping to achieve and I'll see if they' will work with your hair type/texture."  Rather than getting annoyed by the comment say " I appreciate you may be nervous about having your hair done by another hairdresser, but you really are in safe hands" reassure them and help to calm their nerves.  If it seems that no matter what you do/say nothing seems to reassure/relax and your client continues to say " he/she/they didn't used to do that, it doesn't look like - - - - - used to do my hair" The 2 of you just may not me a good match, it happens. Do your best to offer the best possible outcome, and politely explain that you may not be a good fit for each other. How did you handle this situation when it happened to you? tell me in the comments. #themobilehairdressingguru #mobilehairdresser #petpeeves #redflag  original sound - Mobile Hairdressing advice

Sarah revealed in the video that the phrase ''my old hairdresser used to do my hair like this'' gets on stylists nerves

Other hairdressers took to the comments to leave their own thoughts on the topic with some saying they don't mind the comment

'Or rather than getting annoyed by the comment say, 'I appreciate you may be nervous about having your hair done by another hairdresser, but you really are in safe hands,' reassure them and help to calm their nerves.

'If it seems that no matter what you do/say nothing seems to reassure/relax and your client continues to say ''he/she/they didn't used to do that, it doesn't look like XX used to do my hair'.

'The two of you just may not be a good match, it happens. Do your best to offer the best possible outcome, and politely explain that you may not be a good fit for each other.'

Other hairdressers took to the comments to leave their own thoughts on the topic with some saying they don't mind it when a client brings up their old stylist.

One person said: 'It crosses the line when they say. My old hairdresser ONLY CHARGED me XYZ.'

Another added: 'I normally ask what they liked about how they did it or Ill explain why I do it differently.'

Someone else added: 'I dont see this comment as a problem, if they liked that way I would try to do it the way she wanted.'

To which Sarah replied: 'Totally, but it's also about establishing a new relationship. Also what if the client is keeping to that style because they've never been offered anything different?'
You needn't look far to spot a Hollywood couple on the brink - from Bennifer's divorce to Isla Fisher and Sacha Barhon-Cohen announcing their split.

Other casualties from just this year include Hugh Jackman's 27-year marriage and Natalie Portman's relationship with Benjamin Millepied.

But one A-lister duo appears to be breaking the curse - with a 13-year-marriage going strong, even thought they didn't date until a decade after first meeting.

Daniel Craig and Rachel Weisz have known each other as far back as 1994, when they first played lovers in a steamy theatre production together.

But after years of friendship, the couple fell in love while filming a movie together in 2010 - and were married in a 'secret' ceremony within a year.

But one A-lister duo appears to be breaking the curse - with a 13-year-marriage going strong, even thought they didn't date until a decade after first meeting. Daniel Craig and Rachel Weisz have known each other as far back as 1994, when they first played lovers in a steamy theatre production together

In 2018, the couple - both of whom have children from previous relationships - also welcomed a daughter.

While they have been very low-key about the romance - with Rachel even stating she feels it's 'betrayal' to discuss their love when her James Bond star beau is so famous - they have wowed fans at the Venice Film Festival earlier this week.

Rachel and Daniel were loved-up as ever as they shared a kiss on the red carpet premiere of his latest film - a gay erotic drama called Queer - and were also spotted sharing a romantic meal in Italy.

Here, FEMAIL looks at how the power couple found their way back to each other, after first connecting 30 years ago...

FIRST MEETINGS AND ROMANTIC REUNIONS

While they've now been married for over a decade, the pair didn't even begin dating until 14 years after first meeting one another.

Daniel and Rachel were introduced to one another in 1994, after being a play - Les Grandes Horizontales at the National Theatre Studio in London - together.

The production, a steamy tale of a man - Daniel - caught up in sultry affairs with four French courtesans, one of which was portrayed by Rachel.

While they've now been married for over a decade, the pair didn't even begin dating until 14 years after first meeting one another. Pictured in 2004

By 2010, the pair met again to work on Dream House - where they played husband and wife. Pictured in the film

In 2013, when asked by a New York Times interviewer, the actress admitted the hints of attraction were there all those years back.

'We would have to literally spend the day trying to seduce him,' she said. 'It was really hard work, as you can imagine.'

A more subdued Daniel however offered: 'I'd rather not say... But we're together, so maybe there's a clue in that.'

That same year, the Bond actor had divorced from his first wife Fiona Loudon, with whom he shares daughter Ella, 31.

By 2010, the pair met again to work on Dream House - where they played husband and wife.

Rachel was fresh off her break-up with Darren Aronofsky, who she had been in a relationship with for nine years and also had a son with the American filmmaker and producer - called Henry, who is now 18.

The pair reconnected while filming, and, according to InStyle , started dating in December of that year, even enjoying a holiday in the English countryside together.

'SECRET' WEDDING

The following year, the couple got married totally in secret - and have refused to divulge any details on it.

Speaking to GQ in 2012, Daniel said: 'We got away with it. We did it privately. And I've got a lot of people to thank for that. But that was the point. We did it for private reasons.

'Because we didn't want it f***ed up, because that would be sharing a secret. And the whole point is that it was a secret. A secret is a secret in my mind.'

He continued: 'Look. I'm in love. I'm very happy. And that is as far as I'm prepared to go. Life is long, life goes wrong and I don't want to say something now that might be thrown back later.

The following year, the couple got married totally in secret - and have refused to divulge any details on it. Both pictured n 2013

Meanwhile, Rachel admitted that she in past 'never wanted to get married' before tying the knot with Daniel.

'I mean, I wear a ring all the time. I wear my ring with pride. I'm taken,' she told ES Magazine. 'You don't join [marriage] like it's the Rotary Club. You make it your own. It's very personal, it's very private.

'I don't think mine's particularly exceptional apart from that we're both in the public eye. But I never thought I would get married.

'It was not an ambition of mine. It was the opposite. I couldn't relate to romantic comedies  marriage seems to be the whole point of them. Then it just happened, happily, at a more mature moment.'

TACKLING BROADWAY TOGETHER

In 2013, Daniel and Rachel decided to spark up their working relationship again as they - once more - played husband and wife in a Harold Pinter play, Betrayal, on Broadway.

However, far from a lovey-dovey romance, the theatrical endeavour saw them portray a wife who was cheating on her husband with his best friend for years.

Director Mike Nichols told the New York Times that they had been looking for a play to do together for 'quite some time'.

In the same interview, Daniel expressed to the outlet that his marriage with Rachel had 'changed him for the better' - and that he was 'far happier than he had been for many years'.

In 2013, Daniel and Rachel decided to spark up their working relationship again as they - once more - played husband and wife in a Harold Pinter play, Betrayal, on Broadway. Both in 2015

Rachel also said that she'd love for her and her husband to collaborate again on Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? sometime down the line - and that she 'loves' the certainty her marriage to Daniel has brought her.

However, speaking on the Today show last year, she admitted the pair likely won't be co-starring in anything for the time being.

'I think we really love our private life, as a life, as a family. And then we go to work separately,' she explained.

'It also means we can alternate. So I can stay home with the family while he works. We can swap out.

'If we're both doing something at the same time, it's probably less ideal.'

BABY NEWS

The couple, who are now largely New York based, have maintained a very low-key romance, also welcomed a daughter in 2018.

But they have maintained their life together largely under wraps.

'Celebrity  it really doesn't mean anything to me,' she told The Guardian last year.

'And it's no work at all to keep not showing up at events. It's no work at all, to keep a private life.

'Life can be demanding, life in a family can be complicated but I don't even know what 'celebrity' means. I don't think of myself like that.'

Rachel also added that she didn't register if she got any public judgement for having her second child at 48.

'Perhaps it's just that we were very, very tired,' she remarked. 'Maybe I didn't notice what was going on. You go into a bubble when you have a newborn, don't you?' We pause. 'Of course there's tremendous privilege that comes with it.'

LOW-KEY ROMANCE

Both Daniel and Rachel have discussed the importance of keeping their relationship between themselves.

Last year, as reported by Hello!, the actress told More magazine that she 'protects her marriage' by keeping details of their romance under wraps.

'He's just too famous. It would be a betrayal,' she said. 'When you're young, you tell your girlfriends everything. One of the great pleasures of not being an adolescent is that you don't have to share everything.

'When you're married, that door closes. The audience goes, and you're in your own life.'

Both Daniel and Rachel have discussed the importance of keeping their relationship between themselves. Pictured at the Venice Film Festival this week

However, fans have still gotten fun glimpses into the couple's dynamic.

Speaking on The Graham Norton Show in 2015, Rachel revealed she has a car screen visor that says 'Mrs Daniel Craig' on it.

Audiences couldn't hold back their laughter as comedian Dawn French joked: 'I'm not sure I can forgive you Rachel... you have come between me and Daniel.

'I've never met Daniel but I decided he would be my husband and then he decided on you.'

Rachel hilariously replied: 'Do you know what you can buy? I've got one of those screen visor things that you put up at the top that says Mrs Daniel Craig.'

'I don't put it up all the time,' she quipped. 'But just now and again.'

VENICE POWER COUPLE

While Daniel has told the New York Times in past that he doesn't understand why people call him and Rachel a 'power couple' - the loved-up pair absolutely stole the show at this year's Venice Film Festival.

They enjoyed a romantic lunch date in Italy on Monday and were spotted dining al fresco along along the Grand Canal, with the James Bond star adoringly feeding his wife a bit of his dish.

Daniel and Rachel also had crowds swooning as they shared a tender smooch on the red carpet - as the actress stole tole the limelight at the Queer premiere on Tuesday.

While Daniel has told the New York Times in past that he doesn't understand why people call him and Rachel a 'power couple' - the loved-up pair absolutely stole the show at this year's Venice Film Festival

She looked glamorous in a shimmering blue strapless gown and a diamond necklace.

Her husband, meanwhile, looked dapper in a white suit and brown shoes as he posed with Rachel.

They pair appeared packed on the PDA as the embraced and leaned into one another.

It comes as Daniel also appeared in high spirits on Tuesday as he attended the photocall for Queer.

The actor was seen larking around with his co-star Drew Starkey, 30, on the carpet as they promoted the same-sex romance movie in which they play lovers.

Dressed in a crisp white shirt and jeans, Daniel - who has been tipped for Oscars success thanks to his role - beamed for the cameras before donning black sunglasses to pose with his other co-stars and the film's director Luca Guadagnino.

Earlier, Daniel spoke about the frank gay love scenes in the movie, telling the Venice Film Festival: 'We just wanted to make it as touching and as real and as natural as we could.'

Craig stars in the movie which is an adaptation of a novella by American writer William Burroughs.

The actor, 56, was seen larking around with his co-star Drew Starkey, 30, on the carpet as they promoted the same-sex romance movie in which they play lovers

The photocall comes as Daniel spoke about the frank gay love scenes in his new film Queer, telling the Venice Film Festival: 'We just wanted to make it as touching and as real and as natural as we could

The James Bond star plays an American expat and war veteran who becomes embroiled in a romance with younger man, and is said to feature several explicit sex scene

Craig plays an American, William Lee, living in Mexico City who becomes sexually obsessed with a former sailor, Allerton [Starkey].

Delegates at the film festival have professed surprise at the sex scenes which are like nothing hitherto seen in a mainstream film.

'Drew (Starkey) is a wonderful fantastic beautiful actor to work with and we had a laugh, we tried to make it fun,' Daniel said.

'There was some choreography in the movie which was a very important part of the movie. Drew and I started months before filming rehearsing the dancing. Dancing with someone is a great icebreaker.

'You know as well as I do there is nothing intimate about filming a sex scene on a movie set, but we just wanted to make it as touching and as real and as natural as we could.'

Director Luca Guadagnino, behind the recent hit Challengers starring Zendaya, said: 'Daniel in our first Zoom was adamant that this was going to be a love story first and foremost. We stuck with that - what does it mean to love and to be loved, to be connected and to be disconnected.'

Asked if James Bond  the spy played five times by his leading man  could be gay, Guadagnino replied: 'Let's all be grown up about this. There is no way around the fact that nobody would know James Bond's desires.

'Having said that  no! The important thing is that he does his missions properly.'

He added: 'I have been an admirer of this gentleman (Daniel Craig) for a long time. I had this intuition about him that I suffocated within me because have to make movies you have to not daydream.'

However when he asked Daniel to play Lee in this film he said yes.

Describing Daniel as 'one of the greatest actors', he cited his 'generosity of approach' and added: 'He has the capacity of being very mortal on screen, very few are. Very few iconic legendary actors allow that fragility to be seen and one of them is Daniel to be sure.'

Guadagnino added that he had tried to create imaginary worlds when filming the unfinished novella, and including scenes in which the actors try the hallucinogenic drug Ayahuasca.
A new docuseries is set to uncover the chilling true story of Hollywood's Wonderland Massacre - a quadruple homicide that involved a drug kingpin, porn star, and Liberace's lover - and still remains a mystery to this day.

Over 40 years after the murders, best-selling crime novelist Michael Connelly has taken a deep dive into the murders in an MGM+ docuseries titled: The Wonderland Massacre & The Secret History of Hollywood.

Throughout the 1970s, a group of drug dealers known as The Wonderland Gang became one of the most prominent - and feared - cocaine distributors in all of Los Angeles.

But on July 1, 1981, their reign was cut short when three of the gang's top members, as well as one of their lovers, were found brutally beaten to death in the Hollywood Hills home that acted as their base.

As police began their investigation, they uncovered the victims had a dark history and a slew of prominent figures as rivals - only making the already puzzling case more murky.

A new docuseries is set to uncover the chilling true story of Hollywood's Wonderland Massacre - a quadruple homicide that still remains a mystery to this day

The chilling murders confounded investigators for decades - and in true Hollywood fashion, it is yet to be solved and shrouded in mystery.

Michael - who was a young crime reporter with the Los Angeles Times when the crime took place - talks with the original detectives, prosecutors, and undercover cops from the case, hoping to shed new light onto the case.

In the four-episode docuseries, he searches for key details about the horrific quadruple murder in an attempt to uncover what really happened that night in the Hollywood Hills.

On July 1, 1981, police discovered the bodies of Ron Launius, William 'Billy' Deverell, Joy Miller, and Barbara Richardson inside a townhouse located at 8763 Wonderland Avenue in Laurel Canyon.

The bodies were all brutally beaten by what police believed to be hammers and metal pipes, and it was later determined that they died from extensive blunt-force trauma injuries.

Ron's wife, Susan, was also attacked but survived - barely. Susan sustained a series of horrific injuries that resulted in her needing emergency surgery to remove part of her skull.

Investigators quickly discovered that each of the victims had gruesome pasts filled with multiple run-ins with the law and even a murder charge.

Ron had been arrested in 1974 for the killing of a police drug informant, but the charges were later dropped after the key witness in the case died in an unrelated shootout.

At the time of his death, he was a person of interest in over two dozen other homicide cases.

As for Billy, he had been taken into custody 13 different times due to drug-related charges, while Joy, Billy's girlfriend, had been arrested seven times during her years in the gang.

Throughout the 1970s, a group of drug dealers known as The Wonderland Gang became one of the most prominent - and feared - cocaine distributors in all of LA. Leader Ron Launius is seen

On July 1, 1981, Ron, along with fellow members William 'Billy' Deverell (left) and Joy Miller (right), and a woman named Barbara Richardsonas were found brutally beaten to death

As police began their investigation, they uncovered the victims had a dark history and a slew of prominent figures as rivals - only making the case more murky

It was believed that Barbara was not part of the gang, and that she was only there at the time of the murder because she had become romantically entangled with a different member of the group.

Best-selling crime novelist Michael Connelly (seen) has taken a deep dive into the harrowing events

Police also found out that the victims had been involved in an armed robbery of one of the biggest crime barons of all time, just two days before their deaths.

On June 29, 1981, Ron, Billy, and two other Wonderland Gang members broke into the home of Eddie Nash, a successful nightclub owner, drug dealer, and rival gang leader.

It's been said that they handcuffed Nash, shot his bodyguard, and stole more than $1 million in drugs, cash, and jewelry from him.

Immediately, police began to suspect that Eddie had murdered the four members as revenge for the robbery.

But soon, another suspect arose: porn actor John Holmes, whose palm print was discovered at the crime scene.

It was said that John, a well-known adult film star at the time, often bought drugs from the Wonderland Gang.

He was arrested and charged with four counts of murder in March 1982.

The bodies were found inside a townhouse located at 8763 Wonderland Avenue in Laurel Canyon (seen)

The bodies were all brutally beaten by what police believed to be hammers and metal pipes, and it was later determined that they died from extensive blunt-force trauma injuries

Police found out that the victims had been involved in an armed robbery of one of the biggest crime barons of all time Eddie Nash (seen) just two days before their deaths

Porn actor John Holmes (pictured in 1975) was arrested and charged with four counts of murder in March 1982 after his palm print was discovered at the crime scene

Prosecutors believed he killed the members of the Wonderland Gang after he helped them rob Eddie but didn't get his share of the loot.

However, his lawyers claimed that John was actually a victim in the case, as he had been forced into helping the real killers.

John's lawyers claimed was actually a victim in the case, who had been forced into helping the real killers, and he was acquitted of all charges in June 1982. He's seen in 1981

John was acquitted of all charges in June 1982, after an extremely publicized trial, leaving investigators back at square one.

For eight years following John's trial, the case sat unsolved, but in 1990, police arrested Eddie and claimed he had orchestrated the murders.

During his trial, Scott Thorson, the former boyfriend of acclaimed musician Liberace, claimed that he witnessed Eddie beating John until he gave up the names of the people who had robbed him.

The jury was divided and couldn't agree on a verdict, forcing a mistrial. He was tried again a year later, and this time acquitted.

Eddie was later arrested again in 2000 after police claimed he had bribed a juror during his first trial.

He reached a plea deal in September 2001, and ultimately confessed to ordering his associates to break into the Wonderland home in an attempt to get back his stolen property.

However, he insisted he never told them to murder the gang members.

For eight years following John's trial, the case sat unsolved, but in 1990, police arrested Eddie and claimed he had orchestrated the murders

During his trial, Scott Thorson, the former boyfriend of musician Liberace, claimed that he witnessed Eddie beating John until he gave up the names of the people who had robbed him

Eddie confessed to ordering his associates to break into the Wonderland home (seen) in an attempt to get his stolen property, but the men who committed the killings are still not known

Michael interviewed Scott (seen) in the docuseries, and set out on a quest to 'pin down the facts of his many larger-than-life and stranger-than-fiction stories'

Eddie was found guilty of money laundering and received four-and-a-half years in prison.

While it's now known that Eddie encouraged his gang members to enter the Wonderland home that night, what happened inside is still unknown. And the men who committed the killings still walk free.

Michael interviewed Scott at length for the series, believing he may hold important clues to solving the mystery.

As per the press release for the film, he set out to 'pin down the facts of his many larger-than-life and stranger-than-fiction stories.'

Scott spent the last decade in prison after failing a drug test while on probation for burglary; he passed away from cancer last month at age 65.

The Wonderland Massacre & the Secret History of Hollywood premieres on September 8, 2024 at 10pm ET/PT on MGM+.
Dear Jana,

I'm a 46-year-old divorced mum who's just started dating again after nearly three years. I tried dating men in their mid-forties and fifties, but it never clicked. So, I took a chance and started dating guys in their late twenties and early thirties. I ended up in an unexpected relationship with a 27-year-old, and it's one of the best and healthiest relationships I've ever had.

But at a recent dinner party, one of my close friends jokingly called me a 'cougar,' and the joke quickly caught on with the group. While I'm usually pretty laid-back and will happily admit I enjoyed some of the attention from younger guys on dating apps, being labelled a 'cougar' feels a little insulting. It seems to imply that my interest in younger men is something laughable or predatory. It's made me wonder if there's something wrong with my midlife dating choices or if I'm just being overly sensitive.

Am I making too much of this, or are my friends being inconsiderate?

Anonymous

Oh girl.

27 isn't predatory! That man has been legally allowed to drink, vote and lay naked at nudist beaches for the last nine years!

So let me just say kudos to you for diving back into the dating pool with such gusto. Dating younger guys is really having a moment right now. Just ask Cher, Priyanka Chopra and Cameron Diaz.

Jana Hocking offers advice to Aussies who confess their dark secrets

And trust me, I have met enough Peter Pans (men who refuse to grow up) in their 40s and 50s to know that age is but a number.

Now, about this 'cougar' business. Look, I get it. When I hear that word, the first thing that comes to mind is Stifler's mum and it does sound a bit icky. So yes, it can sting a little when it feels like people are reducing you to a punchline. But here's the thing: your dating life is your own, and if you're happy and it's working, that's what truly matters.

Have three wines and tells those broads to bugger off.

Okay, not really. But think of it this way - if they're joking about it, it's probably because they find it fascinating or intriguing. And if you've got a great thing going with this younger guy, then your friends' comments are just background noise to your fabulous new love (and I'm assuming sex) life.

You're not being overly sensitive; you're just in tune with how words can sometimes cut deeper than intended. So, I say enjoy your brand spankin' new relationship and let the naysayers deal with their own receding hairline, bad back partners. You've got this.

Dear Jana,

I keep catching my highly suspicious girlfriend snooping through my phone. I swear, I'm not cheating, but my Google search history is embarrassing. We're talking things like 'How to fake a sick day without getting caught,' 'Normal d*ck size', 'Hangover cures,' and 'Why does my dog hate me?' I need to figure out how to get her off my phone. Got any tips?

Cheers,

Anonymous

Dear anonymous,

I actually have a very nifty solution for you! And I learnt it from a podcast hosted by Sylvester Stallone's daughters called 'unwaxed' which I know, is so random!

This hack is bad news for people that are paranoid in relationships! (**hangs own head in shame!). But Sophia Stallone broke the internet when she revealed that there is a new iphone update that allows you to lock an app, and hide an app.

So if you lock an app, it means you now you have a second layer of passwords (so it's a second password or a face ID) to open it up. You are going to go with the face id my friend!

'I have met enough Peter Pans (men who refuse to grow up) in their 40s and 50s to know that age is but a number,' Jana says

And if you lock an app you won't receive any notifications. Handy, right!

The new update also makes sure the apps you have locked have no evidence of a search history, call history, or recent map searches. Handy for your 'normal d*ck size' debacle.

PLUS, if you hide an app (like the Google app for example) no one but the owner of the phone knows where to find it!

Great news for cheaters and those who are sick of their partners snooping!

So update your phone. If you happen to have an android phone then that's on you, and also, how the heck did you get a girlfriend in the first place? Green text messages from android users is such an ick!

Dear Jana,

Every time my ex gets drunk he calls or texts me, telling me how much he misses me and asking if he can come over. I'm a deep sleeper and most of the time I don't see these messages until the morning, but I've occasionally given in to temptation and then the next morning he always apologises and tells me we should try and stick with the breakup.

For reference, he dumped me a few months ago saying he's not ready to settle down and I was heartbroken. I don't know whether to try and move on or let him go out and have his fun so he can realise the grass is not greener. I mean if it was he wouldn't be contacting me right? Should I be setting a healthier boundary and tell him to stop getting in contact with me after a few drinks. Every time I see his name pop up it gives me hope.

I'm finding the whole thing so confusing.

Sasha

Okay Sasha, I'm going to be real with you. First of all, your ex is a horny loser. He dumped you for not being ready to settle down, and now he's begging you back when he's drunk? That's not love, that's desperation-with-a-boner.

Second, you're not doing yourself any favors by letting him back into your life. Every time you give in to temptation, you're just giving him more power over you. You need to set a boundary and tell him to stop contacting you when he's drunk. He wants easy attention and you're giving it to him. By simply ignoring him, you are turning that man into a cave man and making him go on a hunt for you. Blokes actually enjoy the chase. Weirdos.

Third, you need to move on. There are plenty of other fish in the sea. Don't waste your time on someone who doesn't appreciate you.

So, here's what I suggest:

 Block his number

 Delete all of his texts and emails

 Unfollow him on social media

 Go out with your friends

 Date someone new

It won't be easy, but it's worth it. You deserve someone who loves you for who you are, not someone who just wants to use you when he's lonely. I heard a quote last week that said 'every time you say no to someone who isn't committing, you are setting your future self up for success' and aint that the truth!
From the green Burberry coat she wore dating Prince Charles to an iconic Versace gown on the cover of Harpers Bazaar, not to mention jewelry, LPs and a childhood teddy bear, its a collection of treasures from every era of Princess Dianas life.

Author and Diana expert Renae Plant has scoured the globe to amass a cornucopia of exhibits that once belonged to the late princess  including some of the most famous gowns in the world.

Yet among the most surprising things of all is that this mesmerizing collection remains entirely under lock and key, confined to the darkness of an anonymous warehouse in Los Angeles.

While millions of Diana fans have been able to view the exhibition online, Renae believes it's time her vast collection should seen up close and in person.

Which is why, today, shes looking for investors to help build a physical home for this extraordinary enterprise.

Known as the Swan Lake dress, Diana wore this beaded gown by French designer Jacques Azagury to a performance by the English National Ballet at the Royal Albert Hall, London, in June 1997. It takes pride of place in Renae Plant's collection

The collection also features the Washington Dress', a red silk georgette column gown worn by the princess to a Red Cross Ball Gala dinner at the British Embassy in the capital

The museum will even feature a 'back-up' version of Diana's famous wedding dress - in case the original was damaged - by David and Elizabeth Emanuel. Diana is pictured wearing the original as she leaves St Paul's Cathedral following her London wedding to the Prince of Wales in 1981

There is something magical about seeing a dress worn by Diana with your own eyes, explained Australian-born Renae.

Diana captured an era, a moment in time. You cant help but be moved by it. My dream is to find someone experienced in working with historical collections like this to help find the Princess Diana Museum a bricks and mortar home. The time has come.

Among the 2700 separate items are a green velvet Catherine Walker dress worn to the National Portrait gallery in March 1995.

Theres also a couture beaded blue-grey silk dress by the same designer worn by Diana to a charity auction of her dresses in June 1997, shortly before her death. That, too, is instantly recognizable to fans.

Still more poignant is the Chanel wool dress jacket and belt which Diana wore to her grandmother and fathers funerals.

The collection, which can be viewed online in 3D, includes a replica of the Swan Lake dress worn by Diana to a Royal Gala performance of the ballet at Londons Royal Albert Hall in June 1997, hand-beaded by designer Jacques Azagury with crystal bugle beads.

Then theres the Washington dress, a red silk georgette column gown worn by the princess to a Red Cross Ball Gala dinner at the British Embassy, Washington, in June 1997.

Renaes museum covers every decade of Dianas life.

A well-worn childhood teddy bear and Barbie doll sit alongside exquisite baby dresses, a paint box and an amethyst friendship ring.

From her teenage years the collection houses LP albums including favorite records by Abba, the Beatles, and Bryan Adams. Theres also an Elton John disc which, touchingly, has a heart drawn by Diana around the song Candle in the Wind on the cover.

Elton would become one of Dianas closest confidantes and this is the song, of course, that he would later rework into a poignant tribute played live at Dianas 1997 funeral.

Visitors to The Princess Diana Museum can see images of the princesss Hunter rainboots, worn during a photoshoot in Balmoral, Scotland in May 1981 with her then-fiance Prince Charles ahead of their July 29,1981 wedding. They look particularly well worn-in.

The collection features Dianas classic olive-green Burberry wool coat with Diana Spencer sewn into the label.

She often wore this when dating Charles, including on the occasion when in October 24, 1980, she was photographed at Ludlow Races with Camilla Parker Bowles  the woman who would become her nemesis and of whom Diana famously said: There were three people in this marriage.

Dianas black sheep sweater is part of the collection as, intriguingly, is a spare wedding dress made by designers Elizabeth and David Emanuel, a back-up in case the real dress was stolen or burned in a fire.

Dianas memorable black sheep sweater features in the collection. She is pictured here watching polo at Windsor in 1980. The lone black sheep is visible among the white ones at the front

The newly married princess wore her Hunter rainboots on honeymoon at Balmoral, Scotland in 1981

The wide-ranging collection includes more unusual items like the bicycle ridden to Kensington Palace by Dianas friend Dr James Colthurst as he and Diana secretly taped interviews which would later be used to devastating effect by Andrew Morton in his 1992 book Diana: Her True Story.

At the other end of the technological scale, there are electronic scrambling devices the paranoid princess attached to her phones, so convinced was she that men in grey suits at the Palace were spying on her.

Renae, herself, has conducted hours of interviews with members of Dianas inner circle including her security guards, designers, staff members and personal hairdresser Richard Dalton, who styled the princesss hair for a decade.

She has co-authored a new book with Mr Dalton, Its All About the Hair: My Decade With Diana, a 444-page tome which describes how he created some of the princesss most memorable looks.

Its so important to me that Dianas legacy is preserved, said Renae.

Before I opened my online museum I wrote to both Prince Harry and Prince William to seek their permission, which they gave. I would never have embarked on this project without their approval.

Renaes passion for the princess was conceived after she met Diana as a child.

That was when Diana visited The Ginger Factory in Yandina, Queensland near Reneas hometown in April 1983 and shook Renaes hand  although at that stage she could hardly have known she would one day curate one of the worlds great Diana collections.

Moments later, as she walked away, the princess dropped a tiny clay model of a platypus in the dirt.

Renae recalled the moment: Diana and Charles were about to get into the car and I ran over to a policemen who had shut the gate and I said: Lady Di dropped this!

He looked me in the eyes and said: She must have dropped it to give it to you."

And Renae has treasured the tiny platypus ever since.

It has even inspired the name of her Princess and The Platypus charitable foundation, to which her Diana museum belongs.

Renae met Diana for a second time when the Prince and Princess of Wales made their 1988 tour of Australia.

Even thought I was born in Australia, like millions around the world I could relate to Diana, recalled Renae. She was a princess, yet she was vulnerable and struggled like the rest of us.

Diana exuded a compassion for humankind. She was the first royal to remove her gloves and shake the publics hands.

She helped diminish the stigma around AIDS when everyone else was scared to touch visibly ill AIDS patients.

Diana touched millions with her style, grace and human kindness.

To me this has been a legacy of love. Its about preserving and honoring Diana both now and for future generations.

Renae bought her first Diana dress in December 2014, a red number by designer Caroline Charles.

My husband Livinio and I had saved up some money and were about to invest it in a restaurant. But when I saw the dress - it was one Diana was photographed in carrying Prince William in 1982 - I knew I had to buy it, she said.

I see it as my mission to preserve her legacy for future generations.

At some stage, Diana will become the mother of the King, when William takes over, and she will continue to be a historic figure long after we are gone.

Renae has amassed a collection of Dianas jewelry, too.

This features a pair of Avon gold button earrings, a present from Dianas mother Frances Shand Kydd which Diana then gave away to raise money.

The collection also includes Venus black pearl and Venus white pearl drop earrings, both gifts from her father Earl Spencer. They, too, had been donated to charity to raise money for AIDS.

There is something magical about seeing a dress worn by Diana with your own eyes, says Renae. Diana is pictured in Vancouver wearing a dress designed by Jacques Azagury

A striking Butler & Wilson diamond necklace given to Diana from Prince Charles has found its way to Renaes museum by the same route.

Perhaps one of the most poignant of Renaes exhibits is a Jacques Azagury Final Goodbye dress in black silk georgette.

The last gown Diana ever tried on, she wore it at a fitting with Azagury, one of her favorite designers, in August 1997. Days later she was dead.

The pins are still there, sticking into the unfinished back straps, awaiting Dianas return.
Two years ago, Felicity was studying for a degree in Business and Management, while at the same time  inspired in part by Selling Sunset (the US reality TV series about life inside an elite estate agency)  building her own career in property; all while enjoying the busy social life of any other outgoing 21-year-old.

Then came the events of September 24, 2022, the concluding night of the racing season at historic Chester Racecourse.

The circumstances of that Saturday night were played out in lurid detail at Chester Crown Court this week, when 22-year-old some-time groom and equestrian Mia Troake pleaded guilty to thrusting a stemmed gin glass into Felicitys face in a fit of rage over a man.

The glass shattered, leaving Felicity, herself a keen horsewoman, covered in glass and blood and needing the attention of a plastic surgeon to sew her upper lip back together.

Before she was attacked in September 2022, Felicity Calveley, pictured aged 21, was studying for a degree in Business and Management

She narrowly escaped being blinded, as fragments of glass were embedded in the delicate skin underneath her eye.

Two years on, the faded but still visible scar above Felicitys lip stands testament to the damage caused that night  an ever-present reminder of the weeks of being unable to smile without pain.

There are, however, as the young businesswoman read out in her victim impact statement, other scars that are less visible: psychological, emotional and financial reminders.

It is why she is speaking to the Mail and why she was so bitterly disappointed when Troake, who admitted unlawful wounding, walked free from court on Monday with, as Felicity puts it, little more than a telling off.

Under sentencing guidelines, Troake, who has worked as a nanny and in a nursery, faced up to three years jail  instead she was given an 18-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, and an order to complete 100 hours of unpaid work and pay 1,000 in compensation to her victim.

Its ridiculous, says an exasperated Felicity, who was so shaken by her ordeal that she didnt go out for three months after the attack and only felt confident enough to walk up to a bar and order a drink again this year.

For her to just walk away with a telling off from a judge . . . really? She suffers for 15 minutes and I suffer for two years. I feel like the whole justice system has completely let me down. I want her to know what I have gone through and what I have had to deal with.

Felicity was attacked by a former flame's new girlfriend while she was out celebrating her friend's birthday in Chester

Felicitys ordeal came out of nowhere on a night that should have been one of light-hearted fun to celebrate a friends birthday. Theyd gone to The Church, in Chester city centre, a bar and restaurant that was bustling on any weekend, but even more so on a race night.

I remember sitting in the taxi on my way out, thinking to myself, I wonder what is going to happen tonight?, out of pure excitement about who I was going to meet.

Also in the bar were Mia Troake and her then boyfriend, a man (who shall remain nameless) who had some two years earlier been Felicitys long-term boyfriend.

Not that she was carrying a torch for him. I was completely over it, she insists. When Felicity saw her former flame with a group of pals, she went to say hello, even complimenting Troake  a petite brunette  on her dress.

It was all really nice and civil and that was the end of it.

Or so she thought. Half an hour later, she found herself standing next to her ex at the bar and engaging in small talk, while Troake stood near by.

Felicity describes what happened next as coming out of nowhere. Mia taps me on the shoulder and she was really angry and asking me questions, like, Why are you speaking to my boyfriend? Leave him alone, he doesnt want to talk to you.

I was like, thats fine, calm down. I just want to have a nice time with my friends, theres no need to have an argument.

Felicity remains bewildered. She approached me, she was asking me these questions ... winding me up, asking me stupid things, like whether I still fancied him, whether I wanted to sleep with him again, why I was here, why I was stood next to him... Troakes drunken goading culminated in one final question, did Felicity want to sleep with her boyfriend?

Felicitys flippant, sarcastic response is one she must sorely wish she had never uttered. Yeahh, I want to ... she quipped. The rest is a blur. She pulls me around by the shoulder and then she smashes me in the face with a glass.

It felt like there was liquid all over my face, so I was wiping my face with my hands and then I looked down at my hands and my body and realised I was covered in blood, says Felicity, whose composure belies the panic attacks she still gets when she hears the sound of breaking glass.

She still has the photographs on her phone that document, so vividly, what happened that night.

At the start of the evening she is glamorous in a striking blue, figure-hugging dress  at the end of it, she stands in the back of an ambulance, the same dress covered in blood.

The keen horse rider said that the ordeal left her with extreme anxiety and mild PTSD

Of the many mental snapshots of the chaotic aftermath, one stands out; it is of her reaching inside her dress and pulling out the broken stem of the glass, before adrenaline and panic kicked in.

Im surrounded by security, she says. People asking me questions, taking photos, theres blood everywhere, people are picking glass out of my hair, out of my dress and Im just like, What the heck is going on?. I was in shock, utter shock.

An ambulance was called and Felicity was taken to hospital, where she was joined by her terrified mother. I just remember the look on my mums face when she walked in and saw me, says Felicity. She stopped in her tracks, then came towards me and sobbed.

The clean-up operation was far worse than the pain of the attack, as the doctor picked the glass, piece by piece, from her face.

There was glass underneath my nose, in between my nostrils and by my lip there was a flap of skin, with glass underneath it. There were tiny pieces of glass all over the right side of my face and my forehead. At one point the pain was so intense, she fainted.

It was when I got home that it hit me what had happened. I couldnt smile without it hurting; my friends would come over and try to cheer me up and I every time I smiled, whenever I tried to think, Be happy, Im fine, Im alive there was a twinge of pain, like a constant reminder.

Felicity counts herself fortunate that the pain, like her scar, has faded.

But as she tells me, the psychological and emotional impact has been worse.

It happened in September and I couldnt go out again until New Years Eve. It wasnt until this year that I felt I could walk up to a bar and order a drink.

She is not someone who likes to focus on the negative, but her victim impact statement to court laid out the extent of her ordeal.

The psychological impact has been debilitating, she said. I have suffered from extreme anxiety, especially in social settings. The sound of breaking glass triggers panic attacks and I struggle to relax in crowded spaces. I have been diagnosed with mild PTSD and am receiving cognitive behavioural therapy online to manage symptoms. This has helped, but I continue to face significant challenges in rebuilding my confidence.

This young womans career, too, has undergone a dramatic change; in the wake of the attack she had to take three months off work and when she returned she was made redundant. Her confidence was so eroded, she left the property world altogether and now has her own digital marketing business.

This has knocked my confidence, she says. I was very open-minded, I would confidently speak to anyone, I was very ambitious to continue my career in property . . . her voice trails away. Im not the same, I would usually be out and about doing things, now I would rather be at home, around people I know.

If I hear the sound of breaking glass, even on the TV, I go completely inside myself and remember what happened again.

The two-year wait for justice has not helped, nor has the knowledge that Troake tried to flee the scene of the attack and initially claimed shed acted in self-defence.

In mitigation, her solicitor advocate Peter Barnett said his client, who did admit her guilt, earning a reduction in sentence, has subsequently split up with her boyfriend, adding: It would seem quite clear that at the time she had insecurity issues in respect to her relationship and the partner she had at the time.

Sentencing her, judge Mr Recorder Eric Lamb noted the stark contrast in impact on two lives. The effects of what you have done to Felicity Calveley have been long-lasting and substantial, he said. For your part, you have been able to move on from the failed relationship. You moved elsewhere in the country and were able to follow your chosen career.

By contrast Miss Calveley has made it clear that your actions have resulted in her being beset by anxiety and fear. Not only has she suffered medically, she has also suffered a lot of substantial effects, the impact on her social life, her work was affected for months, it had a direct consequence on her finances.

All of that is directly as a result of you drinking too much in the course of one day and choosing to confront someone you plainly saw as your rival.

All words with which Felicity would wholeheartedly agree. She is bright and determined, planning a relocation to Australia and, finally, in a place where she is excited about what her future holds; but given all she has been through to get to this point, she struggles to understand why her attacker has escaped so lightly.

An 18 months sentence suspended by two years and 100 hours of community service, thats like five hours a week. Its ridiculous, how is that going to teach her anything?

I just cant understand it, when somebody violently hurts some another person, with a weapon, how is that OK?
When I founded my 501(c)(3) nonprofit The Solution to Hunger in 2018, I had a vision of how it would operate. I needed technical support to complete the vision. In the meantime, it has grown to include almost 300 partners, providing 3 million meals and raising 275,000 socks, clothing, toiletries and toys for those in need throughout Auburn, the surrounding areas and several other states.

In 2024, that vision is now complete. Any business anywhere in New York, America, and even other countries, can register in minutes for free through the link under the lightbulb on the main page of the website thesolutiontohunger.org. There are five categories of donating: Food, socks, toiletries, clothing and toys. They can then list what they want to donate.

Then, any church, nonprofit, food pantry, homeless shelter, soup kitchen or street outreach program can also register through the link under the lightbulb on the main page of the website. When donations become available in their area, they will get a notification by email. They can then login to see whats available and click on a button to "claim this listing." Then someone from their organization can pick up the food.

This nonprofit is now unlimited to expand wherever businesses want to donate their excess food or other items instead of throwing them away. With approximately 150 billion pounds of food going to waste in this country every year, getting the food that can be donated to those in need is literally the solution to hunger.

The Solution to Hunger works to claim food going to waste in every way possible  farms, grocery stores, restaurants, catering companies, businesses of any kind  and to connect that food through a growing network of charities to every demographic of people in need. Families, the homeless, veterans, senior citizens, men, women, and children can all be served through this self-sustaining, ever-expanding network.

Food donating is a tax write-off for businesses, and invoices can be provided upon request. Food donors are protected by good Samaritan laws and the 501(c)(3) status of this nonprofit and the nonprofits who make the pickups. This information is also available on the website. Any questions may be directed to me at thesolutiontohunger@gmail.com.

Businesses do not even need to contact me to get on-board  they can simply register and get connected with available food, or list the food they want to donate immediately. I haven't received funding or grants, but donation opportunities are available through the website.

The mission of this nonprofit is to gain thousands of partners and provide billions of meals annually in New York, America and across the world. With one food rescue, one meal and one partner at a time, we can end hunger.
Queen Rania of Jordan cut a sophisticated figure today as she attended an economic conference in Italy.

The royal, 54, who is the wife of King Abdullah II, looked elegant in a powder blue blazer as she arrived at the European House-Ambrosetti Forum in Cernobbio.

The mother-of-four paired the jacquard piece with a matching waistcoat, and opted to keep to the light blue theme with a silk blouse.

Queen Rania completed her ensemble with a pair of white tailored trousers, which she matched with a small, classic white handbag.

The royal styled her brown hair in loose waves and opted for her signature brown smokey eye and nude lipstick.

Queen Rania of Jordan cut a sophisticated figure today as she attended an economic conference in Italy

After arriving at the European House-Ambrosetti Forum, Queen Rania took to the stage to address those gathered at the annual end-of-summer conference.

It comes after the 54-year-old became a grandmother for the first time in August.

Princess Iman, who shares her name with Rania's daughter, 27, is the first grandchild the Queen and her husband, King Abdullah bin Al-Hussein II.

Prince Hussein, 30, announced the birth of his first child on Instagram earlier this month and thanked the 'dedicated' medical staff who assisted.

Though now known as a stylish queen living a luxurious lifestyle with more than 10million followers on Instagram, Rania had humble beginnings in Kuwait.

The royal, 54, who is the wife of King Abdullah II, looked elegant in a powder blue blazer as she arrived at the European House-Ambrosetti Forum in Cernobbio

Queen Rania completed her ensemble with a pair of white tailored trousers, which she matched with a small, classic white handbag

She was born on August 31, 1970, to Palestinian parents - her doctor father Faisal Sedki Al-Yassin and mother Ilham Yassin.

The same year, she moved to Amman, Jordan, where her parents had moved after fleeing Kuwait along with thousands of other Palestinians following the Gulf War.

Her family eventually settled in a comfortable home in Tulkarm in the West Bank, close to the border with Israel.

Queen Rania was educated first at the New English School in Kuwait City and then at the American University in Cairo, where she graduated with a business degree in 1991.

The royal styled her brown hair in loose waves and opted for her signature brown smokey eye and nude lipstick

In her early professional career, Rania worked with Citibank, before later taking on a marketing position with Apple.

She met her husband at a dinner party in 1993 and the couple were engaged just two months later. Just five months after they first met, they married.

Rania and Abdullah have four children. Along with Crown Prince Hussein, they have Princess Iman, 27, Princess Salma, 23, and Hashem, 19.
The King today cried tears of happiness at the annual Braemar Gathering Highland games, one of his late mother's very favourite events a day before the anniversary of her death and his accession to the throne.

A cheery Charles, wearing a tartan jacket and a navy, red and green kilt, was accompanied by his wife Queen Camilla, who wore a navy dress with a feather pattern and a hat with two feathers.

The couple were seen smiling as they chatted at the event held at Cairngorms National Park, a short distance from their summer residence at Balmoral in Aberdeenshire.

Before their arrival, competitors took part in traditional Highland games including tug-of-war and enjoyed music played by bagpipers and drummers.

The Braemar Gathering - the most famous of the Highland Games - was a particular favourite of the late Queen Elizabeth, who rarely missed the spectacle which takes place in September each year near Balmoral Castle, Aberdeenshire.

King Charles III bursts into laughter as je enjoys Highland Games alongside Queen Camilla

King Charles III and Queen Camilla attend The Braemar Gathering 2024 at The Princess Royal and Duke of Fife Memorial Park on September 07, 2024 in Braemar, Scotland

The Braemar Gathering, renowned globally, is the most famous of the Highland Games

Shortly before her death, the late Queen was forced to miss the even - prompting the initial concerns for her health.

The Royal Family will mark the second anniversary of her death on Sunday.

Prince Charles would often accompany the monarch at the gathering which has existed in some form for 900 years - and its most modern form stretching's back nearly 200 years.

Then the Prince of Wales, Charles still attended the event last year despite officials saying at the time that the the decision was made that the late Queen wound not be there 'for her comfort'.

The festival is known to attract visitors from all over the world and frequently features competitors from Scotland, England, Australia and America.

The King wore a tartan jacket and a navy, red and green kilt

ueen Camilla attends The Braemar Gathering 2024 at The Princess Royal and Duke of Fife Memorial Park on September 07, 2024 in Braemar, Scotland

The couple were seen smiling as they chatted at the event

Competitors take part in the tug of war during the Braemar Gathering highland games

A piper from one of the Massed Pipe Bands performs in the arena during The Braemar Gathering 2024 at The Princess Royal and Duke of Fife Memorial Park on September 07, 2024 in Braemar, Scotland

A competitor throws a 28lb weight during the Braemar Gathering highland games

dancer competes in the Highland Dance competition

With a history spanning nearly two centuries in its modern form, the Gathering stands as one of Scotland's most celebrated events

Various events throughout the day include traditional Scottish games, including caber-tossing and tug-of-war, and take place at the Princess Royal and Duke of Fife Memorial Park in Braemar.

The Braemar Gathering is the most famous of the Highland Games and is known worldwide.

Each year thousands of visitors descend on this small Scottish village on the first Saturday in September to watch one of the more colourful Scottish traditions.
Eve Wilson from Portsmouth is only 16 but already knows the terrible burden of cancer.

At all times  at the dance classes which are her passion, while studying for GCSEs, when hanging out with friends  she lives with a constant worry that the brain tumour she was diagnosed with five years ago could start to grow again.

It began with fatigue, blurred vision and excruciating headaches. And although doctors dismissed her problems as just hormones  shockingly, one even suggested that she was making up her symptoms  her condition worsened and she lost her sight.

Eve Wilson lost her sight after suffering from a brain tumour

Tests revealed she had a craniopharyngioma  a rare tumour that grows at the base of the brain and can interfere with vision and the hormonal system.

For Eve, an operation shortly after the diagnosis to shrink the growth was like a miracle.

She says: When I woke up after surgery, I could see again.

Eve is just one of the brave children to feature in a new documentary called Kids Like Us, which will stream on Sky next week. Filmed in association with the charity Children With Cancer UK, it reports on the touching, uplifting and often heartbreaking experiences of children with the disease and the toll it takes on them, their friends and their families  as well as the astonishing medical advances which are saving their lives.

The documentary comes at a pivotal time. The number of children diagnosed with cancer has risen by more than 15 per cent since the 1990s, says the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health. Around 1,600 under-15s are now diagnosed on the NHS every year.

The good news is that, in that period, the number of children surviving cancer has improved as treatments have become more efficient.

IT'S A FACT Nearly 250 children die of cancer in the UK every year, according to research. Advertisement

However, the exact cause of this rise remains a mystery.

For Eve, her tumour was in a really dangerous place, right smack-bang in the middle of my brain, she says.

It meant it couldnt be removed completely, and to reduce the risks of it growing back she underwent proton therapy  targeted radiotherapy using high-powered beams of energy to destroy the tumour with minimal damage to the neighbouring tissue.

Even so, she has been warned the side-effects  insomnia, tiredness and hormonal disturbances  may last 15 years.

And while her tumour is stable, and controlled, the fear remains.

She says: Its scary, having the voice in the back of your mind saying, This is not over It could come back. This is what Im living with. Even if Im stable, it still affects me every day.

As well as revealing the gruelling side-effects of treatment, the children featured in the programme speak openly about the school bullies who teased them when chemotherapy made them bald, their fears of dying and hopes for the future.

Poignantly, they also talk about hiding their pain to make sure they dont upset their parents.

All show exceptional resilience and good humour  none more so than seven-year-old live-wire Dulcie OKelly from Telford, Shropshire, who in 2021 was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a form of cancer where nerve cells grow uncontrollably and lump together to form tumours.

Dulcie OKelly says she is determined to kick cancers butt

Despite surgeons removing a 2.5lb (1.2kg) tumour  roughly the size of a pineapple  from her abdomen, the cancer spread to her bones.

After a successful course of immunotherapy drugs, which boosted her immune system so it could recognise and destroy the cancer cells, she is now receiving regular chemotherapy to kill off any remaining cancerous cells.

To check the treatment is working, she also needs frequent scans. And although she hates the big doughnut machine  her name for the MRI scanner  Dulcie remains cheerfully determined, in her own words, to kick cancers butt.

There has also been a parallel rise in the number of young adults being diagnosed with cancer.

Last month, a major study found that people born in 1990 are three times more likely to develop certain forms of the disease than those over the age of 70.

And other types are on the rise in younger age groups, while rates have declined in older people.

Some experts blame the increased consumption of ultra-processed foods for this rise  as well as other factors such as antibiotic over-use, mobile phone radiation and particles of plastic in our drinking water.

Could these environmental changes also be to blame for the rise in childhood cancer cases?

Intriguingly, other experts believe a different aspect of modern life may be to blame  that childrens immune systems are not being given a chance to develop properly because of homes that are now super-clean.

The explosion of cancer in the younger adult population is clearly related to environmental exposure, but childhood cancers are not likely to be related to these factors, says Dr Sara Ghorashian, consultant haematologist at Great Ormond Street Hospital. However, its possible they may be related to changes in the immune system. One theory is that because we as a society are now very clean, our immune systems are not educated from birth as they used to be.

We are delaying childrens exposure to infections until they go to nursery or school, and then their immune systems are suddenly activated, leading to problems. This may be why immune-system related cancers, such as leukaemia, are most common in those between the ages of two and ten.

However, other experts believe more children are getting cancer because medical advances mean fewer are dying.

Of course, cancer is an awful thing for any child and their family to go through, and it remains one of the biggest killers of children, says Alastair Sutcliffe, professor of general paediatrics at University College London. But one reason for this is that, fortunately, there are many other conditions these days which no longer kill as many children  such as premature births and infectious diseases.

And although cancer case numbers may be going up, overall childhood mortality is decreasing, with childrens cancer being an area where there have been huge triumphs.

But campaigners believe more still needs to be done to develop new treatments, arguing that while childhood cancers differ significantly from adult cancers, children are often still treated with drugs developed for adults, which can cause significant long-term side effects.

Last week, Cancer Research UK and medical research charity LifeArc launched a 28 million drive to accelerate drug development. Dr David Jenkinson, head of childhood cancer at LifeArc, said: Although survival rates for children with cancer have improved in recent decades, children are often left with life-changing side effects from their treatment. There is an urgent need for safer, more effective solutions for children.

The documentary also features 11-year-old identical twins Alec and Aden Robinson, from Fort Worth, Texas, whose extraordinary story is as touching as it is heartbreaking.

In 2019 Alec was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, affecting the blood and bone marrow. He said: I had this cough  I could barely breathe. My mum rushed me to hospital and they found a huge mass growing in my chest  it was pushing against my trachea so I couldnt breathe.

They sent me in for an X-ray and found I had leukaemia.

Twins Alec and Aden Robinson, who both developed leukaemia

After surgery to remove the growth  a massively enlarged gland in his chest caused by the leukaemia  Alec underwent chemotherapy. The side effects werent nice, he said, but it worked.

In 2022, when doctors confirmed he was in remission, it was news the twins mother Rhea, 49, had prayed for.

She said: It was an amazing feeling. I wasnt worried any more. I felt that God had created a miracle for us.

But in a ghastly twist, within a year, Alecs brother was diagnosed with an even more aggressive form of the same disease.

Eleven months later, Aden was diagnosed with the same cancer that Alec was diagnosed with. I was devastated, says Rhea. My first words were, God, I cant do this again. 

Experts believe that identical twins can be prone to getting the same diseases.

Some childhood leukaemias develop during birth, says Dr Ghorashian.

Identical twins have shared a blood system at one point, meaning the same abnormal cells, which become cancerous, might be in both children.

Aden suffers from T-cell leukaemia, where specialist cells which normally help the body fight infection do not form properly but instead grow and divide quickly, building up in the bone marrow and preventing production of healthy blood cells.

IT'S A FACT Blood cancer is the most common in childhood  followed by brain and spinal cord tumours. Advertisement

This can lead to symptoms such as weakness, tiredness, bruising and vulnerability to infection.

As with many of the children in the documentary, Adens side-effects are brutal, including diabetes and brain bleeds.

When hes in pain, he goes into extreme panic attacks affecting all his body, says Rhea. Those are the times my heart breaks for him  no kid should have to go through half of what he has to go through.

Luckily his twin is there to help. Alec, who remains cancer-free, said: Its crazy how we both had cancer  but the best thing about being a twin is knowing you have each others backs.

Sometimes Aden is scared something bad is going to happen to him.

I help by asking him to calm down and take deep breaths.

Hes going through pain. But Ive already gone through it  I can tell him whats going to happen so he can prepare.

For Aden, who faces two more years of chemo, the support of his twin clearly means the world.

He said: We fight and we rib each other  but we never want to be apart.

My first thought when I got diagnosed was, Im gonna be OK. Seeing Alec survive, Im know Im going to be OK too.

 Kids Like Us will be on Skys streaming service from Thursday.
Ive always wanted to emerge from the sea like Ursula Andress playing Honey Ryder in the 1962 James Bond film Dr No. And now, even if my bikini is from John Lewis and Im old enough to be the young Ursulas mother, I can finally pretend to be a Bond girl.

Ive just had a swim at GoldenEye, the resort on Jamaicas north coast that was home to Bonds creator, Ian Fleming. Waiting for me on a lounger on the alabaster sands, rum punch in hand, is my very own James  in this case my husband. I settle beside him.

The Beach at Jamaica Inn

Do you think this is heat rash or a mosquito bite? James asks, shoving his arm in my face.

OK, so I cant imagine Bond and Ryder having such a conversation, but just being at GoldenEye is still pretty much as glamorous as it gets. For James and me its also rather romantic  the longest time weve been away together since our oldest (now at university) was born 19 years ago.

We chose Jamaica for guaranteed heat (my number one requirement) as well as flights and fabulous accommodation that were (just about) affordable in the summer low season. Trip booked, dog sitter sorted, I relaxed for about half an hour until James broke the news. Jamaicas been officially declared one of the most dangerous places in the world. Should we cancel? The US Travel Department, it turned out, had just reissued a Level 3 advisory for the island, the same as Trinidad & Tobago, Colombia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with the warning: Reconsider travel due to crime.

My heart sank, but further research was more reassuring. Yes, crime rates are very high in some areas of Jamaica, but they tend to be inner-city ghettos youre highly unlikely to enter as a tourist.

Ian Fleming and his wife Ann at Goldeneye, early 60s

Still, I was slightly nervous landing at the capital Kingstons airport at night, from where Lloyd, whom Id booked online, drove us in a Ford Mondeo through downtown streets deserted apart from a pair of apparently stoned figures weaving across the road, oblivious to the traffic.

In all honesty, Ive witnessed far dodgier sights in cities in the US, not to mention London. It was a matter of being sensible and not doing anything  or going anywhere  youd consider out of bounds at home.

In two hours, after zipping across the island on its empty new superhighway, Bob Marley on the sound system and Lloyd telling us all about his grandchildren, Id fully embraced the islands irie (all is well) spirit.

Lloyd took a quiet road lined with lean-to shops and disused cars through the small town of Oracabessa, and stopped to buzz the intercom at an unmarked gate like one belonging to a private house  no indication of what lay beyond

Spread over more than 50 acres, GoldenEye has two beaches, a cove for snorkelling and a lagoon where I swam daily with turtles; even a treehouse restaurant and, in our case, a bedroom on stilts, yards from the water, in dense foliage. Walking over the bridge, lit with fairy lights, that links the reception to the main resort, you see why GoldenEye is a favourite with the stars. Madonna, Kate Moss and Bono are among those to have stayed.

You can, if its unoccupied, tour the Fleming Villa, posing at the tiny desk in the authors bedroom where he wrote all 13 Bond novels, and gawking at the lyrics to Every Breath You Take, which Sting wrote while a guest. In the grounds we found trees planted by Pierce Brosnan, Johnny Depp and Naomi Campbell.

Ursula Andress as Honey Ryder in Dr No

At GoldenEye, the glamour has deep roots. Fleming owned it from 1946 until his death in 1964; in 1976 Marley was all set to buy it, sight unseen, before visiting, pronouncing it too posh and getting cold feet, whereupon it was sold to Island Records founder Chris Blackwell. Now 87, Blackwell lives on site when in Jamaica (we saw him frequently with one of his children and grandchildren) and has pulled off a remarkable feat in making GoldenEye feel luxurious but also  unlike many other five-star Caribbean properties  like a hotel with a strongly Jamaican vibe.

Bizot Bar, the main watering hole, with its pillars plastered in faded album covers, plays reggae tunes such as youd hear blasted from Kingston boomboxes. The menus list delicious takes on local classics: creamy ackee fruit, callaloo (similar to spinach), saltfish and jerk chicken, while the staff greet every request cheerily.

GoldenEye is the best hotel Ive ever stayed in, so its a wrench when, after three nights, we move on to Jamaica Inn, 20 minutes drive away in Ocho Rios. Glimpsing its emerald grass, croquet lawn, uniformed staff and antique furniture, for a moment I think this five-star might be too fusty a contrast to GoldenEyes hip factor. But as soon as I set eyes on our premier veranda suite, its outdoor sitting room with white sofa and marquetry desk, by a pristine beach, I forget (how fickle!) my previous love.

GoldenEye's spa

As the public rooms reveal, 66-year-old Jamaica Inn is even more steeped in history than GoldenEye. In the 1950s and 1960s, the celebrity likes of Errol Flynn, Noel Coward, Sean Connery and Vivien Leigh all holidayed here, while Marilyn Monroe and Arthur Miller came for their honeymoon, as black-and-white photographs in the lounge reveal. Its also, we realise, the place Meghan Markle chose for her first wedding, to Trevor Engelson  theres a photo of her cuddling her father before they were estranged.

Everything at Jamaica Inn is impeccable. I spent most of my time snorkelling around the headland where, in the 50s, Sir Winston Churchill stayed in Suite 21 (bookable, with a private pool). At breakfast on the terrace, there is heavy silver cutlery on starched pink tablecloths. We watch a stingray swooping through the Listerine waters below.

Like GoldenEye, Jamaica Inn embraces its past without being stuffy. It is family run, and staff have been here for decades. Teddys Beach Grill, where we enjoy jerk chicken pizzas from a wood-fired oven, is named after the late bartender, who started aged 16 and was employed for more than 65 years. Theres even an in-house puppy, Shadow, the fifth generation of black labradors (all named the same), who favours a shady spot under the beachs majestic almond tree, and who guests are encouraged to walk on a lead in the surf, or take on a (doggy-)paddleboard. Virtually all guests we met were returning: one couple were on their 17th visit.

I hope we will be joining that group. I was heavily pregnant when we married, so we never had a honeymoon. But during a couples massage in a hut above the pounding water, with a sea breeze replacing air conditioning, I realise were enjoying one right now. It feels all the sweeter for the 19 years of child-raising weve gone through.

We may not be Marilyn and Arthur, and Ill never be a Bond girl now, but here with a James of my own, I couldnt be happier.

Julia Llewellyn Smith travelled independently. Doubles at goldeneye.com start from 330 a night; jamaicainn.com from 400
Is anyone else alarmed by the ever-rising cost of olive oil? The last time I scanned the supermarket shelves the prices were more in line with the premium wine section. The cost per litre has nearly doubled in the past few years and theres no indication that its likely to come down. The hike is said to be due to extreme weather: searingly hot summers, along with droughts in Spain (the worlds largest producer), have led to much lower yields. Its a similar story in Greece and Turkey, while in southern Italy many trees have been blighted by a bacterial disease. We should eventually start seeing more bottles coming from South America, but in the meantime Im afraid we just have to stomach the prices. Which is a shame because olive oil is by far my preferred fat for cooking and there is increasing evidence of its health benefits, particularly the high levels of polyphenols in good-quality extra virgin olive oil.

So, without forgoing it altogether, Im currently buying bigger, better-value bottles of regular olive oil for cooking, while keeping a smaller, high-quality bottle of extra virgin for drizzling (though you can cook with extra virgin despite much advice to the contrary). Ive been sparing with the olive oil for frying in this recipe, though you could absolutely be more generous as the courgettes will happily soak it up.

320g fusilli, 75p; 100g feta, 1.79

3 courgettes, 1.56; 400g chickpeas, 49p

METHOD

Trim and halve the courgettes lengthways and cut into half-moons. Heat up to 5 tbsp olive oil in a large frying or saute pan. Add the courgettes and 3 sliced garlic cloves with  tsp salt and fry for 8-10 minutes until the courgettes are soft and golden.

Meanwhile bring a large pan of salted water to the boil and add the pasta, cooking for a minute less than the pack instructions. Just before draining, scoop out a mug of the cooking water.

Add the drained and rinsed chickpeas to the pan with the courgettes and fry for a minute, then add the drained pasta and a splash of the pasta cooking water then stir over the heat for a minute.

Take off the heat and stir through the crumbled feta. You can also add lemon zest, chilli flakes and some chopped mint or basil if you like, plus a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to finish.

Do you have a great recipe for eating well and cutting food bills? Email editor@you.co.uk. If we print it here, well send you a bottle of champagne

*This cost assumes you already have some basic store-cupboard ingredients. prices taken from tesco and correct at time of going to press.

Illustrations: Ellie Allen-Eslor
Kanpai Classic is, in many ways, the perfect Mayfair restaurant. Theres the expensively minimalist decor: black, black and still more black. The only flash of colour comes from chopsticks, discreetly red, and napkins so white that they glow. Service is formal and immaculately drilled  the sort of place where even pouring ones own water is met with a sharp intake of breath.

Kamameshi, the rice dish from Hokkaido (served here with chicken)

Then theres the food, mainly wagyu (the collective name for four specific breeds of native Japanese cattle), exquisitely marbled and exquisitely expensive, chopped into tartares, stuffed into gyozas and draped over soft lozenges of exceptional vinegared rice. But thats just for starters. The main event is yakiniku, various cuts cooked at your table over fiercely glowing cylinders of British binchotan charcoal. As I said, all very Mayfair, aside from one small detail. Kanpai Classic sits bang smack in the middle of Soho.

Its not that you cant find places in Soho to splash the hedgie wedgie (getting jiggy with the caviar menu at Bob Bob Ricard could sate the most lavish of hedge-fund whims); its that the very best restaurants  from Quo Vadis to The French House, Bocca di Lupo to Barshu  are more low key. The food and the atmosphere are the thing rather than the size of the bill. But while you can shell out nearly 90 for a katsu sando  two matchbox-size squares of seared, top-grade A5 wagyu, between two slices of toasted milk bread (as lusciously, outrageously splendid as they are insanely expensive)  you can scarf the whole yakiniku wagyu moriawase menu for just under 60.

Which is not exactly giving it away, but you do get six different wagyu cuts, from tongue (utterly sensational) to sirloin and short rib, delicately grilled by our lovely Taiwanese waitress. Some are achingly tender, others possessing more chew. All are lasciviously sweet and salaciously rich.

Throw in a wooden pot of the magnificent kamameshi  a traditional rice dish made with an astonishingly pure nanatsuboshi variety from Hokkaido  and you could escape for just over 50 a head. For food of this quality, its

a hell of a deal. Dinner may start off as a glacially formal smile, but it soon transforms into a broad, sake-fuelled grin. Which makes Kanpai Classic rather more Soho than it originally seems.

About 80 a head. Kanpai Classic, 147 Wardour St, London W1; kanpaiclassic.co.uk


When Fred Sirieix was 14 years old, he visited the UK for the first time. The 52-year-old Frenchman, best known as the charming maitre d on Channel 4s First Dates, was on a school exchange. He left his home city of Limoges in Southwest France and spent two weeks in Stratford-upon-Avon where he attended a local secondary school. I had one thing in mind  to kiss girls, he says, speaking on the phone from Paris, where he is on a work trip.

Fred with daughter Andrea after her medal win at the Paris Olympics

Sirieix was, he is pleased to report, successful, managing to kiss ten of them. One was called Belinda. She had blonde hair and blue eyes. And I did this kind of falling in love with her. When he returned home, his mother bought him and his brother pet guinea pigs. He named his Belinda.

Six years later, aged 20, Sirieix bought a one-way ferry ticket to Dover. He moved to London, rented a 50-a-week bedsit in Pimlico and got a job as a waiter at the two-Michelin-starred restaurant La Tante Claire in Chelsea. Thirty-two years on, hes still in the UK, having left the capital and moved to Kent, where he lives with his partner, whose name remains a secret but who he calls Fruitcake. (Sirieix has two children with his ex-partner Alex Spendolini: Lucien, 15, and Andrea, 19, who won a bronze medal for Team GB at the Paris Olympics in the 10m synchronised diving.)

Three decades is a long time to observe the British psyche, and this week Sirieix publishes his book, Seriously British. Its partly a love letter to the UK, partly a Frenchmans thoughts on British life. Its strange to say, but I have been writing it in my head ever since the first day I arrived.

These are some of his musings:

On bank holidays

After moving to London, Sirieix quickly came to understand the sanctity of a British bank holiday. He spent his first with a friend he had met in Pimlico called Paul, whose parents had a beach house in Margate. It was early May, sunny and, in the spirit of all good long weekends, Basically, we got drunk for three days. It was one of those great weekends. When I look back, its like I can see it through a kaleidoscope. I remember the warm feeling of it all: collecting mussels on the beach, having midnight chats, dancing with locals to Abba, drinking vodka shots. It was brilliant.

On sex and love

According to Sirieix: The French think that Brits dont like sex and that they dont think about sex, but its not true! They think about it a lot, its just if you mention the word sex they get red. Sirieix is an authority on this: I have worked in the First Dates restaurant for ten years. Of course, he says, there are some romantic differences. In the UK, if someone has an affair its almost always scandalous. In France, if somebody is having an affair [and you tell someone about it] the next thing that person will say is: OK did you buy the bread for lunch? Also, theres some discrepancy in what constitutes a romantic gesture. Once, on Valentines Day, Sirieix was travelling so Fruitcake tucked a letter inside his suitcase; he gave her a small Greek statue of a man wearing a pair of red Speedos.

On the countryside

Sirieix says he understands why the Vikings invaded Britain. When they saw these shores they must have thought, Wow, this is unbelievable, man. This is going to be nice. Its green, its lush, look at those rolling hills! They knew beauty when they saw it and thats why they did what they did. I mean, dont ask me whether they were right or wrong! He thinks that Britains dramatic landscapes  the Highlands, the Lake District  often go unsung. He suspects its down to a national tendency towards understatement. You Brits dont like to shout about anything too much. Nature included.

On attitudes

Since moving to the UK, Sirieix has worked front of house in many restaurants. The British customer, he says, has a distinct quality: The way they communicate. The understatement. The way they dont like to make anybody embarrassed. The way they wont say what food they dont like. If you had a restaurant with two tables  one with French people at it and one with English  and you gave them the same bread, if the French group are not happy with their bread, they are going to complain. The Brits he trails off. Nothing. And then you [the waiter] say: Is everything all right? And they say: Yes, yes, Im fine. Theyre British! They dont make a fuss. In summary, Siriex says: The French love to complain, the British love to apologise.

Seriously British by Fred Sirieix will be published on 12 September by Bloomsbury, 20. To order a copy for 17 until 22 September, go to mailshop.co.uk/books or call 020 3176 2937. Free UK delivery on orders over 25.
Brussels might not seem the obvious choice for a Friday lunch date but, having exhausted the West London options, thats where we set our sights. After all, given its just two hours away by Eurostar  shorter than the trip from London to Manchester  we reckoned wed have time for both moules-frites and a whiz around the city. The Belgian capital is a tenth of the size of London, but its packed with everything from royal palaces and a 15th-century town hall to more than 100 museums, one of which is dedicated to beer. You will also never visit a city with more peeing statues. If thats not enough to get you aboard the Eurostar, we dont know what is.

It doesnt get much grander than the grand-place, which is decked out every second summer in a carpet of flowers

8:46am

Relatively bright and early (given a quarter of Team YOU was at Taylor Swift the night before), were zipping through the Channel Tunnel and into France. After a stop at Lille, we arrive an hour and 53 minutes later in Brussels. The name Belgium comes from Belgae, after the Celtic people who lived there in Roman times. Julius Caesar said they were the most courageous fighters in Europe. Unfortunately, that didnt stop him from defeating them, and Belgium remained under external control until a revolt against the Dutch in 1830. Things remained grisly in the years following: Belgium was invaded early in both world wars.

11:35am

After arriving at Brussels-Midi train station, we take a cab to Brasserie Ommegang, just off the central districts Rue de la Montagne. The menu reads more like a travel guide, telling us about the origin of the restaurants name (it means coming together) and the seven-centuries-old tradition in which a 1,400-person procession descends upon the citys Grand-Place every July. Its not as though we need to scour the menu for food options: were set on mussels all round, teamed with heaps of garlic, greens and salty frites. Our waiter brings a mysterious tipple to wash it down with, which tastes like crema catalana (a variation on creme brulee) and sees us through until the drizzle eases up.

When in Brussels eat mussels, of course! Sophie and Natasha at Brasserie Ommegang

2:11pm

Feeling sufficiently merry, we meet our tour guide Michael, who promises to show us Brusselss best chocolatier in Les Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, a 19th-century arcade designed as a shopping location for upper-class ladies. The perfect place for Team YOU! The chocolate shop is Maison Mary, where artisan goodies are presented in luxurious boxes. Create your own selection from the dizzying array or go for the royal box, which includes the favourite chocolate of each of Belgiums kings and queens.

Hail Mary! The chocolatiers tantalising selection

2:35pm

Next is the Grand-Place, a Unesco World Heritage site comprising opulent buildings covered in stunningly well-kept gold paint (its replenished every ten years, Michael tells us). The most impressive is the Town Hall, a 96-metre Gothic masterpiece designed by Jacob van Thienen in 1402. According to legend, when the architect realised the intricate facade wasnt centred, he jumped from the top. Its just a myth, Michael tells us happily. No Belgian person cares that much about details.

Chocs away: digital writer Scarlett, creative director Natasha, editor Jackie and fashion director Sophie outside Maison Mary

3:11pm

On the corner of the cobbled Rue du Chene we find Manneken Pis, or, in English, little p***ing man. The original statue was designed by Brabantine sculptor Jerome Duquesnoy in 1619, but hes been stolen so many times hes now stored in Brussels City Museum, and a replica is in his place. It turns out Belgians love little p***ing things. Jeanneke Pis or little p***ing Joan squats on Impasse de la Fidelite; youll find Zinneke Pis or little p***ing dog on the Rue des Chartreux. A little repetitive, but we appreciate the commitment.

Oui oui: the citys Manneken Pis water feature

4:26pm

Having seen all the peeing crew, we fall into a bar off Rue Henri Maus. Michael suggests we drink kriek, or Belgian cherry beer, which tastes just like cherryade. With all the booze, chocolate and mussels, its a good job were only spending a day here.

5:47pm

Back to the Eurostar, via Brusselss underground tram network (all leather seats and panelled wood). In no time were home in time for Celebrity MasterChef. Sante!

Sophie samples the cherry beer

Fares from 39 one way; eurostar.com
Finally, David 2.0 replied to my frantic text asking, Was the German angry I wrote about meeting him?

Why are men so slow to reply? Come on!

He thought it was funny.

Oh god. I dont need this stress. Then the German texted me himself. Guess who called me? David. He was very excited to tell me about your Mail on Sunday article He seems happy for us.

Me: Are you OK with it?

I feel honoured and complimented.

The weight has fallen from my shoulders. I suggested meeting up in London next Friday, as I will be in town for a photo shoot. Im staying in a hotel, so I said he should join me downstairs for dinner. My best friend Sue is going to meet me at the bar at 6pm, then leave as soon as he arrives, before texting her verdict. Do men know we do this?

I have never known a man so emotionally intelligent and straightforward. He texts me all the time. He says he knows more about me than I do about him, given my five million Google entries. He said yes straight away to dinner and the hotel in Soho, but suggested I stay at his apartment next time. I told him I was worried hed say no.

You and your worries.

Hotel sex.

Well, sex by your log fire was pretty good.

Weird, good things keep happening to me. I bought this house, I met the German, I won a lottery prize. Then, just yesterday, a PR emailed to invite me to a country house hotel in Suffolk for my birthday, with spa treatments and food included. So, of course, I have invited him. Took him ten seconds to accept. Just remember, I am in France the following weekend for my nephews wedding.

He hasnt invited me yet. But I suppose a family wedding is a big step. Still, Im fantasising about my outfit. He says over our next dinner we need to figure out how to be together: I want to wake up holding you. We are going to do this, please. He says he fancied me straight away but thought, no chance. He says he is the lucky one. I tell him I fancied him within seconds.

He thinks he is falling in love with me. Oh god: I need to buy more underwear (I keep finding it in strange places all over the house) and address my low self-esteem. I never thought someone so handsome, solvent, intelligent would look at me twice. I asked him about this as we sat in a pretzel of sweaty limbs in front of the fire. I said that in his work he must be surrounded by supermodels, Russian 20-somethings. He admitted he does get a lot of female attention, and my heart sank. But they have nothing to say! They are not interesting! They wouldnt be here, as you are, telling me all your stories, surrounded by dogs and nature.

I say that when I became successful, all anyone wanted to do was take money from me, use me as a cashpoint. We are so the same, he said.

I think Im different from the women he has dated and even married in the past. I want nothing from him, bar his company. And its weird: because hes my equal I dont boss him around, he doesnt get on my nerves, Im not on edge, trying too hard. I let him use my expensive Zara Home plates. I tell Nic that I even let him smoke indoors, and wear shoes. Oh my god! Who on earth are you?

I never thought Id have sex again, let alone within a couple of hours of meeting someone. I tell him that next time he comes to Yorkshire I will have had more work done. Not on my face, on the house. Remember when I had a nervous breakdown the moment I exchanged contracts, thinking I had made a mistake buying somewhere?I made a huge, scary leap of faith. All the nesting, the buying stuff on Ebay, was leading to this. Me being relationship ready.

He tells me my face is perfect, not to change anything.

And then he sends this.

I love you. x

Jones Moans... What Liz loathes this week

Ive been told that before I can install an en suite on the top floor, I need a bat survey. Remember in Somerset, when I was converting a barn for my sister? I was forced to build a 26,000 bat sanctuary first, a figure that allowed trolls to attack me for decades. And yet we allow sows to be imprisoned in metal crates. It makes no sense.

Contact Liz at lizjonesgoddess.com and find her @lizjonesgoddess
Tony Hetherington is Financial Mail on Sunday's ace investigator, fighting readers corners, revealing the truth that lies behind closed doors and winning victories for those who have been left out-of-pocket. Find out how to contact him below.

Journalists receive press releases every day, but it is not often that one takes the breath away. Days ago, though, one landed on my desk, headlined Honours List recognition demands for Henley consumer hero.

It told of Andrew Cooper, boss of European Consumer Claims (ECC), based in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, and his fight to gain justice for victims of timeshare rip-offs.

Andrew Cooper, boss of European Consumer Claims

Calling Cooper revered and an altruistic British hero, the release told how 34 years ago, Andrew Cooper worked briefly in the timeshare business itself.

He was a salesman for a UK firm in Tenerife during a long-forgotten era when the product worked and had a stellar reputation.

Later, timeshare owners found themselves trapped, unable to resell and facing rising annual fees. In 2016 Cooper set up ECC which, despite its official-sounding title, is a private company which earns its profits by launching legal claims against timeshare firms.

Now ECC compares its boss to Sir Alan Bates, knighted after fighting for years to get justice for wrongly convicted sub-postmasters.

It claims: Industry experts and ECCs clients alike are uniting behind a growing groundswell of demands for Andrew Coopers dedication and selflessness to be recognised in the New Year Honours List.

ECC spokesman Mark Jobling explained: If Andrew Cooper hasnt earned a gong, there is no justice in the world. And the press release adds that he deserves a knighthood, or an MBE at the bare minimum.

Such awards are awarded by the King. Those put forward are first checked by the Honours Committee, an offshoot of the Cabinet Office that includes reputable experts from outside government circles.

So, if Coopers campaign reaches the committee, they will need to know about what he did between 1990, when a 21-year-old salesman in Tenerife, and 2016, when he set up in Henley.

And this is where I explain why my breath was taken away. For Cooper himself crops up more than once in my own files on dodgy timeshare dealers.

Some 25 years ago Cooper was marketing director at Club Class, which attracted huge numbers of complaints.

He went on to be a director of Club Class Concierge and Bridge View Consultants, both part of the group of companies headed by known timeshare shark Peter Utal.

They offered victims the chance to get rid of their unwanted timeshare and its big annual bills, but first they had to pay thousands of pounds to join Club Classs holiday scheme.

I reported that timeshare owners who accepted Coopers invitations to meetings had been told they were supporting a victims group called International Timeshare Refund Action (ITRA).

But instead, they faced a hard sell, scaring them into paying 7,000 or more for Club Class membership. And they still found themselves on the hook for the original timeshare fees they wanted to escape.

In 2012, the Advertising Standards Authority banned an ITRA television commercial for failing to reveal that its meetings were a sales pitch for Club Class.

Later that year the then Business Secretary Vince Cable won a High Court action to forcibly close down seven companies which made up the Club Class group, including those run by Andrew Cooper.

The court action came after lengthy enquiries by the Insolvency Service, whose investigator David Hill said: These companies were set up with the aim of duping consumers. They were a scam, he added, saying that there was nothing investors could gain from paying these companies.

Liquidators Grant Thornton took control of all seven companies. It took until 2020 to unscramble their finances, with the liquidators confirming allegations of misleading selling and high-pressure sales tactics.

There was no money to meet any claims against the Club Class group, and all the companies were dissolved.

I invited ECC to comment. Spokesman Mark Jobling claimed the entire press release had been written by someone he refused to name, and that it was published erroneously.

The release disappeared from the internet and was replaced by one which instead attacked the press for failing to give ECC enough favourable publicity. It said nothing about Coopers disreputable past.

If Coopers current company genuinely helps timeshare victims, then I applaud it. But giving the man a medal for switching sides would be like rewarding a burglar who retires from breaking into houses and sells burglar alarms instead.

Tui's problem with the truth

H.T. writes: Tui are liars. My wife and I, with many others, were caught in a horrendous storm on the Greek island of Skiathos while on a Tui package holiday. For 48 hours, our hotel had no electricity, running water or sanitation. No Tui rep made contact to see how we were. Tui has offered a voucher for money off a future holiday, as compensation for their lack of concern. But we have no intention of using Tui again, so we asked for this in cash. They replied that everyone was offered vouchers, with no cash alternative. This is untrue as we know others who were with us received cash. Tony Hetherington replies: Recently, I reported how a couple booked a Tui cruise but ran into trouble with their US visa. They called Tui and were relieved to be told they could change holidays, free of further charges. However, this turned out to be a lie, followed by more lies which Tui dismissed as a customer services error. The couple lost thousands of pounds. Tui offered 400 as an apology. Now you are facing the same sort of disinformation from Tui. I put all this to the company, but Tui refused to comment. Instead, it contacted you directly and paid you and your wife 200 cash. If it had done this before you would never have contacted me and I would not be writing about Tui again. There is a lesson there, if Tui cares to learn it.

If you believe you are the victim of financial wrongdoing, write to Tony Hetherington at Financial Mail, 9 Derry Street, London W8 5HY or email tony.hetherington@mailonsunday.co.uk. Because of the high volume of enquiries, personal replies cannot be given. Please send only copies of original documents, which we regret cannot be returned.
The Cayuga Nation's leadership council has filed litigation in U.S. District Court, Western District of New York, seeking a declaration that stays of its tribal court by Seneca County Supreme Court are illegal.

According to a Friday news release from the nation, it is also seeking a preliminary injunction that would prevent the state court from continuing to interfere in tribal court matters while the litigation proceeds.

The litigation is a result of Seneca County Supreme Court Judge Barry Porsch issuing temporary restraining orders to prevent the nation from enforcing evictions granted by its tribal court. The defendants are nation citizens residing in nation-owned houses and refusing to pay rent, the nation argued, making the evictions "clearly" within its court's purview.

"The state court's actions demonstrate a concerning and unacceptable disregard for the nations inherent right to self-governance," said Clint Halftown, the nation's federally recognized representative. "The nation is resolute in our commitment to defend our sovereignty and ensure our ability to uphold our own laws within our reservation."

Halftown continued, The nation has an explicit right to establish its own court system to adjudicate disputes under nation law. Federal courts have limited jurisdiction to review nation court decisions, but state courts have none. In fact, a federal court judge recently referred a matter back to nation court because the defendant had not followed the nation court processes. Justice Porschs actions completely trample on the nations sovereignty and we are forced to take this action in federal court to protect the nations rights to self-government."
A 500million state rescue deal for Tata Steels Port Talbot plant will be confirmed this week.

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds will give the Governments backing for an agreement that the Mail on Sunday understands will be similar to the one thrashed out under the Tories.

That deal involved switching to electric arc furnaces and shutting blast furnace production  costing thousands of jobs.

Deal: A 500m state rescue deal for Tata Steels Port Talbot plant will be confirmed this week

During the election campaign, Keir Starmer had attacked the deal, throwing it into doubt.

Ministers are likely to point to other aspects which they will say represent an improvement on the Tory deal.

Reynolds told the BBC last month that job guarantees would be part of talks with Indian-owned Tata and that there was a better deal available.

An announcement is expected in the middle of this week, the Mail on Sunday has been told. The Department for Business and Trade would not comment.

Some 2,800 jobs could be axed in a switch to less carbon-intensive electric arc furnaces.

The first furnace, known as Blast Furnace 5, closed in July after 65 years of operating.
Another storm of protest is rising over the controversial takeover of Royal Mail by the Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky.

The delivery firms owner International Distribution Services (IDS) has been slammed for deliberately making it hard for hundreds of thousands of private shareholders to have their say on the 3.6billion deal.

Shareholders were sent an offer document on June 26 but the document was 140 pages long and it was unclear how to vote for or against the deal. The information was branded unhelpful by shareholder rights groups.

Brewing: Another storm of protest is rising over the controversial takeover of Royal Mail by a Czech billionaire

A spokesman for the UK Shareholders Organisation said: As an organisation, we find that the information made available by IDS is unhelpful to the point that one wonders if it is a deliberate ploy by IDS and Royal Mail.

ShareSoc, which also represents private shareholders, added that it is concerned that individual investors may have had difficulty in knowing how to accept or oppose the offer.

It highlighted the lack of plain language in the 140-page offer document, saying it is too complex and legalistic.

A ShareSoc spokesman said: We have been contacted about this by individual investors and stand ready to assist our members, where we can.

An IDS spokesman said: The takeover of IDS, as a UK listed company, is subject to the strict requirements of the Takeover Code. The offer document has been prepared in line with the format prescribed by the [code].

We dont understand why the UK Shareholders Association and ShareSoc are querying the materials but are contacting them to understand any specific concerns.

'We appreciate that the formal offer document sent out to shareholders is long, complex and technical and understand that some shareholders may find the information difficult to digest.

'Recognising that, we have gone to great lengths to provide a wide range of additional resources - including videos, timetable and frequently asked questions - to help shareholders understand the details of the offer. These can be accessed online at www.idsoffer.shareview.info or shareholders can contact a dedicated helpline on +44 (0) 333 207 6505.'

Takeover: Daniel Kretinsky is on a mission to complete a takeover of Royal Mail owner IDS

These concerns have been heightened by the view that Kretinsky, 49, who is nicknamed the Czech Sphinx for his inscrutability, could be gaining control of Royal Mail on the cheap.

This follows last weeks announcement from regulator Ofcom that it may relax the Universal Service Obligation (USO) on making changes to the delivery of second-class letters, which would only be delivered every other working day and not on Saturdays.

The USO requires Royal Mail to deliver letters six days a week to 32million homes for the fixed price of a stamp.

These proposals would save about 300million, suggesting that IDS is worth much more than the 370p-a-share being offered by Kretinsky since he would be the beneficiary of the concession.

Also, Kretinsky is refusing to rule out further price rises for stamps. First-class stamps are already going up from 1.35 to 1.65 next month.

Under Ofcoms proposals, first-class post and parcels would still be delivered six days a week, but there is no cap on how much Royal Mail could charge for postage. Kretinsky has made a commitment to uphold the USO  but only for five years.

The IDS board has backed Kretinskys bid, sending shockwaves through the City and Westminster. But investors holding at least 75 per cent of IDS shares must give the takeover the green light.

Most IDS shares are owned by large institutional investors and Kretinsky is the biggest shareholder with a 27.5 per cent stake.

But many people, including current and former posties, also bought  or were given  shares when the Coalition government privatised the service in 2013.

During the share sale, it was not anticipated that the postal service  established in 1516  would be allowed to fall into foreign ownership. Royal Mail staff still own 5.5 per cent of the shares.

Some 700,000 people backed the privatisation.

The UK Shareholders Association said the information provided to shareholders is not easily accessible, transparent or understandable.

The spokesman said: If IDS want well-informed and well-engaged shareholders, they must make the information more digestible. If they dont, then their chosen approach is spot on.

If this offer is being conducted according to the rules then wed better change the rules.

The deal was called in for investigation by the Government last month over national security concerns. No date has been given for the outcome of this investigation.
Thriller writer Lee Child

Thriller writer Lee Child is best known for his Jack Reacher novels which have sold more than 100million copies globally.

The books have been adapted for cinema, with Tom Cruise in the title role, and turned into a hit Amazon Prime TV series starring Alan Ritchson.

Coventry-born father-of-one Lee, 69, and his American wife Jane divide their time between their Wyoming ranch and New York townhouse.

What did your parents teach you about money?

My parents Audrey and John met in 1947, having known nothing in their young lives except economic hardship and war, and that defined their financial attitude.

Save for a rainy day, never borrow, focus on job security, think about pensions, never indulge, and turn the light off if you leave the room  even for a minute.

I was one of four boys and grew up in Birmingham back when people were paid in cash on Friday  prompting the saying: As rare as a pound note on a Thursday.

My conclusion? If you want to escape being ruled by money, you always need slightly more than you think.

Have you ever struggled to make ends meet?

I was broke as a student, like everyone. I made pretty good money at Granada TV, where I was Transmission Controller, but even so we struggled when our daughter was born  we had a mortgage on our Manchester home, the house to fix and all the normal new-parent stuff. Like being nibbled to death by goldfish. We had overdrafts for a decade.

Have you ever been paid silly money?

The silliest was by a famous movie producer who asked me to turn a concept he had bought into a screenplay.

I didnt really want to do it  I had decided to chill that summer  so asked for a ridiculous fee.

Thats the polite thing to do  they then tell you it doesnt fit the budget, nothing personal, everyone saves face. But the guy agreed! It was 11 days work and I bought a Renoir with the money. The movie was never made. Good screenplay, though.

Wow factor: Lee Child has a brownstone townhouse in New York City and a ranch in Wyoming

What was the best year of your financial life?

My pay arrives in fits and starts, irregular and unpredictable, and in 2016 a whole bunch of things happened to come in together  old movie bonuses, a new movie payment, old book royalties, the front-loaded part of a new book deal, and so on.

It was spectacular  easily the best numbers I ever had. But emotionally the best year was my first as a writer in 1996. We paid off the overdrafts, and could finally afford curtains for the dining room.

The most expensive thing you bought for fun?

Im prey to that old-guy thing where at last we can afford what we craved as teenagers.

I love music and wanted to be a rock star. The words electric guitar still give me goosebumps. So I bought a vintage Fender Telecaster made the year I was born. It cost $20,000. Stupid really  it doesnt sound all that different, and I cant really play anyway.

Big star: Tom Cruise as Jack Reacher

What is your biggest money mistake?

I have no concept of financial sophistication, my decisions are ignorant and random. I have no shares or bonds or investments.

If I could, Id keep cash in a coffee tin buried in the back yard. I dont really trust financial advisers. I wonder, if youre such a market genius, why are you calling me on the phone? Why arent you lying on a beach in Barbados, rich, happy and retired?

Best money decision you have made?

Ive made money on some houses, and lost money on others  but my best investment was the 3.99 I spent at WHSmith on pads of paper and a pencil, to write my first book. That paid off big time.

But the decision Im happiest with is to give a lot away, mostly for education: I support about 100 students around the world  40 of whom are in Britain, mostly at Sheffield, my old university.

But I do some on-a-whim things, too.

Once, I saw a woman in a wheelchair struggling to get up a kerb. I helped her, and then wheeled her to a medical supply store down the street, where I bought her an electric wheelchair there and then. I never even knew her name, but I hope shes still buzzing around.

Do you have a pension?

I have half a careers pension from ITV and half a lifetimes old-age pension from the UK government. I paid for them, so I claimed them.

In America everyone saves up for themselves, in an IRA  an Independent Retirement Account, not the other kind of IRA. There are tax advantages, so I max it out every year; I have to take it within four years from now.

Lastly, Ill get the US old-age pension [which Lees been paying into since moving to the States in 1988], which you can take any time between 65 and 74, though I havent started claiming yet. So Ill have four pensions. I guess I must have listened to my parents.

Do you own any property?

I have a brownstone townhouse in New York City and a ranch in Wyoming, which has a house  although you wouldnt know that from the deed.

Out west, you buy land. If it has a house on it, well, good for you. The legal process doesnt care either way.

If you were Chancellor, what would you do?

My dad was a tax inspector and a tax history buff. Its clear that our notion of tax is essentially a 19th, or at best a 20th, century concept, from when money was slow to move and always visible.

Now its hidden, hyper-mobile, and cheeky. Profits made in Britain show up as expenses owed to a shell company in Luxembourg. I would abandon corporate taxes altogether for big multinationals. I would tell them, if you want to do business here, you need to buy a billion-pound licence first.

What is your number one financial priority?

To cross my fingers and hope this crazy ride lasts to the end.

Safe Enough, a new collection of short stories by Lee Child, is published by Bantam, priced 22.
The Royal Family may want Prince Harry to remain on a diplomatic visa indefinitely so it does not have to reveal aspects of its finances to the U.S. Government.

If the Duke of Sussex was to become a U.S. citizen, or a permanent resident with a green card, it could be a financial 'dagger in the heart' for the royals, one tax expert told Dailymail.com.

It would mean the Duke having to report his entire worldwide income to America's Internal Revenue Service, including details of any British bank accounts or trusts.

And documents relating to any joint finances involving the rest of the Royal Family would have to be disclosed.

It comes amid growing speculation about the Duke's immigration status in the U.S.

Immigration experts have suggested to Dailymail.com that he may be on an extremely rare A-1 Head of State visa.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex dance on a recent tour of Colombia, four years after moving to the U.S.

The Royal Family could have to disclose financial details if the Duke is tax resident in the U.S., according to experts

Meanwhile, a court case brought under the Freedom of Information Act, seeking to establish what visa the royal is on, appears to have stalled.

The case was brought by a Washington D.C.-based think tank, the Heritage Foundation, against the Department of Homeland Security,

In April, the judge in the case requested records from the Department of Homeland Security, but there has been no public hearing since then.

It also comes as the Duke is reportedly set to receive a multi-million pound payout in the U.K. on his 40rth birthday later this month from a trust set up by his great-grandmother, the late Queen Mother.

If he is on a diplomatic visa then he would be taxed, including on that windfall, under the U.K. system.

He would only be subject to U.S. income tax on his earnings in America, such as his deal with Netflix, which would have to be reported on an IRS Form 1099-NR.

'The Royal Family wants him to stay on the A-1,' international tax expert Clayton Cartwright told Dailymail.com. 'I think they have common ground wanting him to stay on an A-1. If he's consulted tax advisers then he will be staying on an A-1.

'The A-1 is his golden ticket. If he's on an A-1 he can sit here (in the U.S.) forever. The U.S. would not care.'

He added: 'The US has a foreign policy interest in not triggering U.S. tax residency for diplomats. It is good diplomatic practice.

'It keeps private to Great Britain, not just the foreign assets Prince Harry owns, but also other assets of the Royal Family on which he is listed.'

The Duke could be on a diplomatic visa but his immigration status is not publicly known

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex at a gala in New York City

The Duke is entitled to apply for a green card through his marriage to U.S. citizen Meghan Markle.

It would make him a permanent resident in the U.S. for tax purposes, and his worldwide income would then be taxed in the U.S. rather than the U.K.

'In that situation he would have to disclose the interest in the (Queen Mother's) trust (to the IRS). He has to disclose the trust document,' Cartwright said. 'The Royal Family probably doesn't want that to happen.

'Doubtless they're saying spare him from a green card, that's a tax dagger in the heart of the Royal Family.

'All that entanglement that probably exists between the Royal Family and his finances would be subject to disclosure. If you said you weren't going to disclose it because its the Royal Family there would be huge blowback.'

Under America's Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR) law the Duke, if he becomes tax resident in the U.S., would also have to disclose any bank accounts in the U.K.

'Over the last four-and-half years they have probably started to unwind him, some of the financial relationships, such as the Duchy of Cornwall,' Cartwright added. 'But it would take the Royal Family quite a long time to untangle it all. He could be divested from trusts.'

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex kiss at the trophy presentation at the Sentebale Polo held at the Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club on July 26, 2018 in Windsor, England

If he is on a diplomatic visa any windfall Harry receives from the Queen Mother's trust on his birthday would be taxed in the U.K.

The U.S. would 'not care' about it and 'would not have a dog in that fight.'

If he is on a green card it would count as worldwide income and he would have to pay the tax in the U.S.

Under a double taxation treaty he would not be taxed in both countries.

In February, the Duke said he had 'considered' applying to become a U.S. citizen.

Asked on ABC's Good Morning America what was stopping him, he said: 'I have no idea. Its a thought that has crossed my mind but its not a high priority for me right now.'

Two months later the Duke indicated that he is 'usually resident' in the U.S.

The classification was made in a business filing at U.K. Companies House for British-based Travalyst Ltd, which he owns 75 percent of. The company advises travel brands on sustainable tourism.

In March, Donald Trump suggested he could deport the Duke, telling GB News: 'Well have to see if they know something about the drugs, and if he lied theyll have to take appropriate action.'

Donald Trump suggested he might deport the Duke if re-elected to the White House

Another possibility is that the Duke has an O-1 visa, a temporary nonimmigrant visa for foreign nationals with extraordinary ability.

If so, he would probably meet the 'substantial presence' test - meaning the amount of time he spends in the U.S. would make him resident there for tax purposes.

In the ongoing Freedom of Information case in Washington D.C. the Heritage Foundation wants to see if, given his admissions of drug use in his autobiography 'Spare', the Duke has been given preferential treatment by the Biden administration.

When applying for a non-diplomatic U.S. visa foreigners are asked on a form: 'Are you or have you ever been a drug abuser or addict?'

They are also asked whether they have ever 'violated any law relating to controlled substances'.

If they answer 'yes' they can still receive a waiver.

Sources close to the Duke have previously indicated that he answered truthfully on any visa application.

However, it has not been confirmed which type of visa he applied for.

London-based US Immigration lawyer Melissa Chavin has previously told Dailymail.com the Duke could have been on an A-1 Head of State visa, which is used by heads of state and royal family members, since he is fifth in line to the throne.

'It's just extremely special,' she said. 'And the security check is not the same. It's a lower security check. It's a visa especially for members of royal families.'

Such individuals are only vetted for espionage, terrorism and 'activities contrary to US foreign policy,' rather than drug use.

The A-1 'Head of State' visa is distinguishable from the A-1 visa, which is for senior diplomats.

Holders of an A-1 visa, such as an ambassador, are supposed to come to the U.S. to work as a senior diplomat.

But an A-1 Head of State visa holder is free to come to the U.S. without working as a head of state or royal family member.

At a hearing in Washington D.C. in February, John Bardo, a lawyer for the Department of Homeland Security, told the court: 'He (the Duke) could be on a Category A diplomatic visa. It's possible. We would argue that it's possible.'

Cartwright, the international taxation expert, said there would be financial downsides for the Duke if he is on a diplomatic visa.

The Duke would be sacrificing tax breaks he could have as a U.S. citizen.

He said: 'Prince Harry will not be able to file jointly with his spouse and take advantage of "married filing jointly" tax rate brackets.'
Shocking new details of an Emmy-nominated Palestinian filmmaker's alleged links to a terrorist group have been unearthed by pro-Israel nonprofit groups.

Bisan Owda was nominated last month for an Emmy in the News and Documentary category, for her film 'It's Bisan From Gaza and I'm Still Alive', aired on the Qatar-owned Al Jazeera channel AJ+.

But pro-Israel groups uncovered videos and photos showing Owda giving speeches at four rallies for the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), a US government-designated terrorist group  including one event where children were pictured wielding swords and attendees waved terror group flags.

Last month a pro-Israel group of top Hollywood professionals, the Creative Community For Peace (CCFP), called on Emmy runners to take back the gong nomination, claiming that Owda had given multiple speeches at PFLP rallies in Gaza.

Photos of Palestinian filmmaker Bisan Owda speaking at rallies for the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), a US government-designated terrorist group, have emerged since she was nominated for an Emmy. She is pictured giving a speech at a 2015 event

Owda was nominated last month for an Emmy in the News and Documentary category, for her film 'It's Bisan From Gaza and I'm Still Alive', aired on the Qatar-owned Al Jazeera channel AJ+

But the organization behind the Emmys, the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS), doubled down, saying the claims were uncorroborated and from several years ago.

Now, researchers at US nonprofit the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI) have documented further incidents they claim show Owda's support for PFLP, and the CCFP have renewed their calls to rescind the Emmy nod.

Videos and pictures uncovered by MEMRI and the CCFP appear to show Owda speaking on stage at the terror group's 2015 anniversary rally where children were photographed holding daggers and wearing PFLP bandannas, and masked men brandished swords.

Posts on the terror group PFLP's own website describe the celebrated filmmaker as 'Comrade Bisan Owda' and picture her in military outfits giving speeches at the 2014, 2015, and 2016 anniversary rallies for the terror group in Gaza.

A 2018 PFLP post referred to Owda as a member of the organization's youth wing, publishing pictures of her taking part in a panel discussion for the PFLPs Progressive Youth Union.

AJ+ said the claims of Owda's terror links were 'baseless allegations'.

Owda did not respond to DailyMail.com's request for comment.

The controversy was first sparked on August 19, when CCFP wrote an open letter to the Emmy organization calling on them to rescind Owda's nomination over her alleged PFLP links.

In an August 20 email obtained by DailyMail.com, Academy President Adam Sharp replied to CCFP that they were 'unable to corroborate these reports' and found no 'contemporary or active involvement by Owda with the PFLP organization'.

A pro-Israel group of top Hollywood professionals, the Creative Community For Peace (CCFP), had called on Emmy runners to take back the gong nomination, but the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) is standing by the award consideration

Her Emmy-nominated documentary It's Bisan From Gaza and I'm Still Alive, which has received over 40 million views, was given a 2023 Peabody award

Posts on the terror group PFLP's own website describe the celebrated filmmaker as 'Comrade Bisan Owda' and picture her in military outfits giving speeches at the 2014, 2015, and 2016 anniversary rallies for the terror group in Gaza

'NATAS is aware of reports, cited in your letter and initially surfaced by a communications consultant in the region, that appear to show a then-teenaged Bisan Owda speaking at various PFLP-associated events between six and nine years ago,' Sharp wrote to the CCFP.

'NATAS has been unable to corroborate these reports, nor has it been able, to date, to surface any evidence of more contemporary or active involvement by Owda with the PFLP organization.

'NATAS has found no grounds, to date, upon which to overturn the editorial judgment of the independent journalists who reviewed the material.'

Researchers at US nonprofit the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI) found more recent controversial statements by Owda  including a reported Instagram post in which she appeared to justify the October 7 Hamas terror attacks in Israel last year that killed 1,139 people.

'For every action, there is a reaction,' Owda posted on social media following the attacks, according to the Jerusalem Post.

In an August 20 email obtained by DailyMail.com, Academy President Adam Sharp replied to CCFP saying the claims were uncorroborated and from several years ago

'This means: What was expected after 75 years of occupation and 17 years of siege? What was expected of us? Would the families of the prisoners remain silent?'

And MEMRI researchers highlighted that the day before her Emmy nomination, Owda posted a video on Instagram in which she repeatedly said: 'Free Palestine from the River to the Sea'  a phrase often interpreted to mean the eradication of Israel from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea.

As well as giving speeches and even allegedly helping organize the three PFLP anniversary rallies, MEMRI said Owda 'hosted' a fourth event in 2016 'held in honor of PFLP operatives who had been wounded in a 'Day of Rage' against Israel organized by the PFLP', and published pictures of her speaking at the event.

MEMRI documented photos and videos from the 2015 anniversary rally where Owda gave a speech dressed in military camouflage clothing.

Attendees waved flags for Lebanese terror group Hezbollah, and masked PFLP operatives brandished swords and knives.

One photograph even shows a young child holding a dagger and wearing a PFLP bandanna.

The PFLP's website described her as the 'master of ceremonies' at the 2016 anniversary rally.

Owda's documentary was aired on AJ+, a media organization owned by the government of Middle East nation Qatar

A mural painted by artist and illustrator Anna Dittmann in Edinburgh features Bisan Owda, a 25-year-old journalist in Palestine

The PFLP was designated a terrorist group by the US government in 1997. The group was behind two hijackings in 1968 and 1969, as well as a Rocket Propelled Grenade attack on planes at Orly Airport in Paris in 1975.

The PFLP was held responsible for assassinating Israeli lawmaker Rehavam Ze'evi in a Jerusalem hotel, conducting suicide bombings at a bus stop in 2003 and a Tel Aviv market in 2004, as well as a shooting in Jerusalem in October last year.

According to the US Office for the Director of National Intelligence, a PFLP bomb killed a 17-year-old girl near an Israeli settlement in August 2019, and 'two PFLP-affiliated Palestinians' killed three Americans and two other worshippers and injured 12 at an Israeli synagogue in 2014.

In an August 21 press release, the channel that aired Owda's documentary, AJ+, said the allegations of her links to the PFLP were 'baseless allegations' and 'an attempt to silence Bisan'.

'The call for the Emmy nomination to be rescinded is nothing more than an attempt to deny an important perspective to the global audience on the war and its devastating impact on innocent civilians,' AJ+ said.

Despite the new controversy surrounding Owda, her work has already received accolades and notoriety.

Her Emmy-nominated documentary It's Bisan From Gaza and I'm Still Alive, which has received over 40 million views, was given a 2023 Peabody award, a coveted journalism gong, as well as the prominent Edward R. Murrow Award.

The Peabody website said it awarded Owda 'for showing bravery and persistence in the midst of imminent danger, and for carrying a heavy journalistic burden as the entire world looks on'.

'Owda's frequent video and livestream reports from the Gaza Strip vividly document the Palestinian civilian experience under Israeli siege following Hamas' attack on October 7,' the organization said.

'Reporting from her makeshift tent outside the medical center, she shows what survival looks like for her and the masses around her, reporting through tears and horror when Israeli forces strike an ambulance nearby.'

The PFLP was designated a terrorist group by the US government in 1997 and is responsible for a shooting in Jerusalem in October last year. Pictured: Supporters of the PLFP wave flages during a rally in Gaza in 2022

CCFP executive director Ari Ingel told DailyMail.com that he supported other Palestinian Emmy nominees, but that Owda's terror ties should have ruled her out.

'There are two other documentaries nominated in the same exact category about the war in Gaza, which we have no problem with, since these are voices that should be heard and stories that should be told,' he said.

'The NATAS decision to nominate Owda  whose goal with this project was to spread PFLP propaganda  alongside respected journalists and storytellers seeking the truth, sets a dangerous precedent for the future of objective journalism.

'She is a longtime proud member of the terrorist group and supports their tactics wholeheartedly.

'The Emmys have decided that supporting a member of a terrorist group that murders innocent men, women, and children is not a dealbreaker for their award.'

Owda's documentary was aired on AJ+, a media organization owned by the government of Middle East nation Qatar.

In 2020 the Department of Justice ordered AJ+ to register as a foreign lobbying agent, saying it conducts 'political activities' on behalf of Qatar's government and is designed to 'influence American perceptions' of 'domestic policy'.

The CCFP says that AJ+ promotes 'anti-Semitic' content and even suggested Jews 'benefited' from the holocaust.

'In 2019, AJ+ released a video captioned The Gas Chambers Killed Millions of Jews  That's How the Story Goes. What Is the Truth behind the Holocaust and How Did the Zionist Movement Benefit from It?' the organization said in a statement.

The PFLP was behind two plane hijackings in 1968 and 1969, as well as a Rocket Propelled Grenade attack on planes at Orly Airport in Paris in 1975. Pictured: Scenes at Orly after Palestinian terrorists took hostages before fleeing Paris to Bagdad in January 1975

An Israeli hostage is greeted on her return to Israel after Operation Entebbe on July 3, 1976, in which, Israeli special forces rescued 100 hostages held by the PFLP following their hijack of Air France Flight 139

'In December 2023, AJ+ released a 17-minute video downplaying the genocidal nature of [Palestine terror group] Hamas, arguing that they are merely 'freedom fighters' who are 'resisting occupation and colonial violence.'

CCFP said that in a seemingly innocuous February 2024 Instagram post, AJ+ wrote: 'People around the world demanded an end to Israeli attacks on Gaza this weekend. This is what global solidarity looks like.'

But behind the text was a photo of protesters holding placards that said in Arabic: 'God is the greatest, death to America, death to Israel. Curse the Jews, victory to Islam.'

AJ+ said that they deleted the 2019 holocaust video and suspended the journalists who produced it in May 2019. The outlet declined to comment on CCFP's other allegations.

NATAS did not provide a further response to DailyMail.com, but pointed to their August 20 letter to CCFP, which says that all submissions are 'judged by experienced journalists from across multiple news organizations, serving in an independent, volunteer capacity'.

'It's Bisan From Gaza and I'm Still Alive was reviewed by two successive panels of independent judges, including senior editorial leadership from each significant U.S. broadcast news network,' NATAS' letter said.

'It was selected for nomination from among more than 50 submissions in one of the year's most competitive categories.'
EXCLUSIVE

The new wife of top designer Wayne Cooper has been banned by a court from stalking her own husband - despite her claims the couple are more in love than ever.

But Elizabeth Adams, 47, admits the shadow of Cooper's ex-wife still looms over their marriage nine months after they wed, triggering a meltdown that landed her in court.

'Like Princess Diana said, "There's three of us in this marriage", so it's getting a bit crowded,' Ms Adams told Daily Mail Australia at the couple's home in Myocum, near Byron Bay in northern NSW.

'But, despite the uncertainties, my commitment to Wayne is unwavering. Our love for one another is infectious and we're more committed than ever.'

The former UBS banker and mum-of-two faced Byron Bay Local Court last month over an Apprehended Violence Order taken out by NSW Police for her husband's protection.

Last month Magistrate Kathy Crittenden imposed the AVO for two years, preventing Ms Adams from assaulting or threatening her husband as well as stalking, harassing or intimidating him.

The order also includes intentionally or recklessly destroying or damaging any property owned by Mr Cooper as well as harming an animal that belongs to or is in his possession.

Elizabeth Adams, the newlywed wife of top designer Wayne Cooper has been banned by a court from stalking her own husband, despite her claims the couple are more in love than ever

Fashion designer Wayne Cooper (left) proposed to Elizabeth Adams (right) after eight months of dating

Wayne Cooper told Daily Mail Australia that his wife's AVO was 'a storm in a teacup'

But this week both Ms Adams and Cooper insisted their fledgling marriage was still strong, and dismissed the impact of the court's strict ruling on their relationship.

Cooper, 61, insisted that despite the court proceedings, the pair remain happy together.

'Everything is fine,' he told Daily Mail Australia. 'It's a storm in a teacup. We're together and we're happy and that's it.'

Ms Adams has previously admitted Cooper's continuing links to first wife and mother of his two children, Sarah Marsh, had created 'immense pressure' for the couple.

She admitted this week that it had driven her to the point of mental collapse.

'My recent breakdown underscored the difficulties I thought I could overcome for Wayne to be creative again,' she told Daily Mail Australia.

'It reiterates to me, like cigarettes' warning sign, "Family court will kill your finances". Leave your past grievances out of court. No one wins.

'Amidst the chaos, the support I received from my daughters was a source of solace.

'This support was especially meaningful, and reminiscent of a round table meeting, that served our girls well, allowing us to heal and find harmony today.'

But she added: 'I would hope we can prioritise Australia's domestic violence crisis over a minor legal matter and focus on what truly matters in our community.'

Cooper popped the question to Adams when he hid an engagement ring in a bowl of caviar during a romantic dinner at Bondi Icebergs in Sydney's east.

Despite the uncertainties, the pair are more in love than ever

Sarah Marsh (above) seen leaving Waverly Court house in August 2023

Cooper and Ms Marsh were married for 14 years (pictured, Wayne Cooper with his estranged wife Sarah Marsh in 2011)

They tied the knot in December in front of close friends and family after dating for eight months, following the breakdown of Cooper's 14-year marriage to Ms Marsh.

His second marriage came after Cooper himself became the subject of an AVO, when police took one out on behalf of Ms Marsh, a former model.

But Cooper was acquitted of two charges of domestic violence-related common assault at Waverley Local Court, in Sydney's eastern suburbs, in August last year

Magistrate Emma Manea said she doubted Ms Marsh's reliability and her allegations that he assaulted her twice in 2015 and 2016.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Ms Marsh for comment.
Two hikers were left stunned after encountering a frightening 20-foot-tall figure clinging to the side of a Colorado mountain.

Jessee Clauson, 29, and Camille Avarella, 28, were descending Longs Peak in the Rockies when they unwittingly caught the lanky gray creature on camera as it appeared to scale the crag.

The Denver-based duo didn't see the beast at the time of their trek on August 24 - but noticed it lurking in the backdrop of a photograph as they reminisced about the adventure weeks later.

'I was shocked to the bone when we were looking at the picture,' behavior analyst Clauson told DailyMail.com.

Two hikers have been left stunned after encountering a frightening 20-foot-tall figure clinging to the side of a Colorado mountain (a zoomed out version pictured)

Two hikers have been left stunned after encountering a frightening 20-foot-tall figure clinging to the side of a Colorado mountain (a zoom on the specimen is pictured)

Jessee Clauson (right), 29, and Camille Avarella, 28, were descending Longs Peak in the Rockies when they caught the lanky gray creature on camera

Recalling the hike, she added: 'We didnt see anything.

'We didnt take the picture because we saw that thing - we just took it because the mountain range was pretty.

Clauson said they set off on the intrepid walk at 2am in order to conquer the 14,000-foot crag by dusk the next day.

They had been walking for seven hours when they snapped the figure just after scaling the peak at around 9am, she said.

'We were in full adrenaline mode so we werent really paying attention,' Clauson told DailyMail.com.

Graphic designer Avarella explained that it was while they were sharing the photographs with family on a plasma screen TV that they first noticed the creature.

They zoomed in after noticing an odd white coloration on the side of the crag.

'Camilles dad said, what the hell, that thing is at least 20 foot or so and Camille was like, should we call the rangers? Clauson recalled.

The duo didn't see the beast at the time of their trek on August 24 - but noticed it lurking in the backdrop of a photograph as they reminisced about the adventure weeks later

Jessee Clauson (right), 29, and Camille Avarella, 28, were descending Longs Peak in the Rockies when they caught the lanky gray creature on camera

'We were all like: "What the hell is that?"'

It could be a rock,' Avarella added. But it has all the features of something that is human.

We are open to interpretations,' said Clauson, adding that they posted the pictures on a Facebook group for Colorado hikers, and dozens of commenters were disturbed by the phenomenon.

It was so far away it couldnt really do anything to us. I like to think it was an alien.

The anatomy is so human like, its freaky as hell,' added Avarella.

The duo said that although they're keen to see the creature again, they won't be embarking on the 15-hour trek ever again.

'I hope someone else does it and sees it,' Clauson said.
When police discovered a 240-yard tunnel that led to the vault of a bank in Argentina last month, it sparked a memory for the nation of the infamous 2006 bank robbery known as 'The Heist of the Century' almost two decades ago.

It was just after midday on Friday, January 13, 2006, when police were called to reports of a bank robbery in Acassuso, an affluent suburb north of Buenos Aires.

Once they arrived at Banco Rio, one of Argentina's largest financial institutions, they surrounded the building and watched as the bank's lone security guard nervously stumbled out the door.

There were hostages inside, he told police. Minutes later, another guard emerged, and shortly after that, a masked thief in a grey suit appeared, clutching onto one of the hostages.

Reenactment on Netflix documentary 'Bank Robbers: The Last Great Heist' of how a group of thieves in Argentina managed to escape through an underground tunnel network after carrying out a bank robbery dubbed 'the heist of the century'

One of the hostages of a bank robbery in Buenos Aires, is escorted by police agents after her release 13 January 2006

A policeman carries boxes of pizzas to be taken to a bank during a hostage-taking robbery in Buenos Aires, 13 January 2006

He had come to negotiate with police, who had swarmed the bank and its surrounding streets, whilst snipers patiently waited atop trees and neighbouring buildings, ready to shoot the criminals at any moment.

They had learned that there were five thieves inside the bank along with 23 hostages. But the thugs weren't ready to give up.

And as for police, they knew they had to be wary.

The evolving heist had struck a chord with law enforcement, as just six years ago, in the town of Ramallo, a heist of a similar style had unfolded, after three armed men burst into a bank and used hostages as human shields.

This resulted in two captives and a robber being killed as a devastating shoot-out between the robbers and police unfolded on live television.

The tragic incident had sparked a national scandal, and as camera crews and news stations rolled in to document the Banco Rio heist, police knew that one wrong move could result in disaster.

For more than six hours, cops precariously negotiated with the man in the grey suit. He reassured them that the hostages were uninjured and were being treated well.

Eventually the robber surprised police when he told them they were ready to concede.

Buenos Aires' elite troops surround a bank in the Argentine capital during a hostage-taking robbery, 13 January 2006

Hostages (C) of a bank robbery in Buenos Aires, are escorted by police agents after their release 13 January 2006. Twenty-three people were held hostage for around eight hours by a group of armed raiders in the exclusive locality of Acassuso in northern Buenos Aires, Argentina

Note left by the gang of robbers after they fled Banco Rio, reading: 'In a neighbourhood of rich people, without weapons or grudges, it's only money and no love'

'Bring us some pizzas, bring us some soda, we'll have a little food and surrender,' he told police.

Little did they know that the robbers had a genius plan to get away that would mark them as the most legendary robbers in Argentina's history.

In the time that it took the pizza order to reach the bank, the band, who had looted an estimate of 19 million dollars, managed to escape.

Once the pizzas were delivered, the oblivious police officers failed to make contact with the negotiator.

For more than three hours, police leaders and city officials nervously fretted over what to do as their attempts to reach the criminals continued to fail.

Finally, it was decided that a team of special forces would enter the bank, and at 7pm, armed agents burst inside the bank.

But to their surprise, the thieves had vanished, leaving nothing but the unharmed hostages and a note that read: 'In a neighbourhood of rich people, without weapons or grudges, it's only money and no love'.

They soon discovered that the robbers had managed to break into and clean out 143 safes holding millions of dollars.

Image shows one of the robbers on January 13, 2006 inside a tunnel leading to Banco Rio on the day of the infamous heist

A sketch of the tunnel system used by the thieves to carry out their epic heist in Buenos Aires' suburbs, 2006

The 2006 Buenos Aires heist has inspired several television series and films, such as Spanish Netflix series 'Money Heist'

Police swept every corner and crevice of the bank, but there was no sign left of them. The windows were all intact, and the two exits to the building had been patrolled by police since the siege had begun. So how had the robbers managed to escape?

It turns out that the criminal gang had been planning their epic escape for several months, as the criminals built an underground tunnel network in order to access the bank, and managed to escape on inflatable boats through storm drains.

They had brought on engineers and mechanics to do this. One of them had even posed as an architecture student so that he could call the public works agency to get insider information on how the ground might handle tunnels.

They also bought an old van and customized it to have a floor hatch so that they could park it above a manhole less than a mile away from the bank.

Through here, they would climb directly into the vehicle without ever going out onto the street, and most importantly, without being seen by police.

Their bizarre plan had succeeded. They split the money between themselves and on their way they went.

They were untouchable - they had just gotten away with the greatest heist of the century - a tale that has continued to captivate Argentinians years after the Banco Rio siege unfolded.

Baffled police officers only discovered that they had tunnelled themselves out of the bank a few days later when a worker spotted a hole beneath a piece of furniture.

Sebastian Garcia Bolster in Netflix documentary 'Bank Robbers: The Last Great Heist'

Fernando Araujo was the mastermind behind the Banco Rio heist. Picture shows Araujo being interviewed for Netflix documentary 'Bank Robbers: The Last Great Heist' in which he details the day his plan came into action

Luis Mario Viette, who was also involved in the Banco Rio heist in 2006. Here, he is pictured when being interviewed for Netflix documentary 'Bank Robbers: The Last Great Heist'

Ruben Alberto De La Torre (pictured) is one of the masterminds of the 'robbery of the century' committed in January 2006 when he and four other men cleared 147 safety deposit boxes

For weeks, Argentines who had sat glued to their TVs as they watched the saga unfold were left mesmerised by the Banco Rio mystery, and were all left wondering who the genius masterminds behind it were.

Along the years, unbelievable details of the iconic heist have emerged, from how the thieves first thought of the plan, to how they managed to dig up the tunnel and epically trick police.

It all began with the eccentric Fernando Araujo a martial arts expert and cannabis cultivator.

The 2006 heist had been inspired by the Ramallo heist, and decided to tell his longtime friend Sebastian Garcia Bolster about his idea to rob a bank, and to then vanish through a hole.

While Bolster had agreed that it was a genius plan, he didn't take Araujo very seriously - his unorthodox friend was known to smoke a lot of weed.

But a couple years later, Araujo came back to his friend with more concrete plans.

The suburbs of Buenos Aires have an intricate storm tunnel system that runs beneath the streets. Araujo concluded that all he needed to do was find one that would get him near the bank, from where he could dig upward.

Bolster, an engineer, reluctantly agreed to participate, and before they knew it, their legendary plan began to take shape. They brought in veteran bank robbers Luis Mario Vitette Sellanes, who would come on as the police negotiator and Ruben Alberto de la Torre, who went by the name Beto.

Beto's wife Alicia Di Tullio turned her husband in after she found out he was planning a getaway with his lover

They recruited another man, Julian Zalloechevarria.

After years of careful deliberation, their scheme came into action on that Friday in January.

But their perfect plan began to fall apart when five weeks later, on February 18, Beto and his mistress were pulled over by police and detained.

But how had he been discovered? Finding the culprits to the heist seemed almost impossible to police.

Before disappearing into the depths of the underground tunnels, the robbers had poured litres and litres of chlorine to get rid of DNA samples, and even scattered mounds of hair belonging to other people to throw off police.

But clearly there was a loose string in their intricate plan that blew his cover.

It turns out Beto had made the careless mistake of being unfaithful to his wife Alicia Di Tullio, who turned him in when she discovered he was allegedly planning a romantic getaway to Paraguay with his over.

As a result, Alicia was able to assist police in identifying most of the Banco Rio gang, after having seen them in her garage working with her husband as they prepped their master plan.

The Money Heist series traces two long-prepared heists led by the Professor one on the Royal Mint of Spain, and one on the Bank of Spain, told from the perspective of one of the robbers

The Spanish crime drama 'Money Heist' has received several awards including the International Emmy Award for Best Drama Series

One by one, each of the delinquents were arrested.

Di Tullio has rarely spoken about her involvement in their arrests, but in her most recent interview in 2015, she told journalist Rodolfo Palacios that she had intended to hurt only Beto, and had asked for the forgiveness of Araujo and Vitette.

In 2010, Beto was sentenced to 15 years, Araujo was given 14, while Zalloecheverria got 10 and Bolster nine.

Meanwhile, Sellanes agreed to a separate, expedited trial where he was given 14 years for not just the robbery but other miscellaneous crimes he was found connected to around that time as well.

None of the men, however, ended up serving the sentences in full and all are now free.

The heist is still as legendary today as it was 18 years ago, and the great bank robbery endures as a modern-day Robin Hood saga, immortalising a gang of quirky thieves who inspired movies and television shows, such as Spanish Netflix crime series 'Money Heist' and the 2020 film The Heist of the Century.

It has even inspired criminals to carry out a similar type of heist, or at least try to.

Last month, in the suburbs of Buenos Aires, Argentinian police managed to foil what could have been one of the largest money heists in the country's recent history after they uncovered a 240-yard tunnel that led to the vault of a bank.

But it was a humble delivery worker who helped thwart the robbery in San Isidro after he spotted a rogue metallic spike poking out of the cobbled road, prompting him to call the police.

Officers discovered that the rod was part of an intricate tunnel network that ran from an empty warehouse all the way to the safe deposit room of a Banco Macro branch in San Isidro.

Police officers arrived at the scene and called in excavators, which drilled through a layer of cobblestones and cement in order to reach the underground system.

It is believed that the rod was used by the criminals underground to get a sense of where they were.

The underground tunnel system was a sophisticated and time-consuming engineering job that police believe took months to engineer.

In the depths of the tunnels, police discovered bags filled with waste, building materials, mattresses, and even a kitchen.

The men who robbed the Banco Rio back in 2006 are now all free to brag about their master plan and have even monetised off of it.

In 2022, the criminals starred in the Netflix documentary Bank Robbers: The Last Great Heist, in which they share their personal accounts of how their arduous operation unfolded.
Have you got an Outback love story? Email Steven.Jackson@mailonline.com

EXCLUSIVE

Out in the sunbaked centre of Queensland, in a tiny mining town known as Blackwater, there is only one thing more precious than the coal getting hauled from the ground.

Young, single women.

The outback outpost - about a four-hour drive inland from Rockhampton - is experiencing the worst 'lady drought' in its history.

Locals reckon there are more than 5,000 rugged, cashed-up miners and tradies vying for the affections of just 30 eligible young local ladies.

Competition for their attention is so fierce in the male-dominated community that the town's young bucks have even resorted to jelly wrestling each other in their undies in a bid to showcase their natural prowess and impress the women.

Now the town is crying out for single ladies from the city to redress the balance and 'come find true love' in the bush.

The plea comes as outback towns across the country contend with an ongoing shortage of single ladies as they continue to move to bigger cities for work and study.

Shae Stinson, who runs Blackwater's most popular pub, the Capricorn Hotel, said demand for young, romantically unattached females was so high, they barely need to bother making any effort to attract a fella.

'There are just so many young single men out here, they're everywhere you look,' she told Daily Mail Australia.

'You can wear Ugg boots to the pub and still have a line-up of blokes wanting to buy you a drink because there are just so many men in town. I mean, they are just everywhere.'

The remote Queensland mining town of Blackwater is experiencing the worst 'lady drought' in its history as young women continue to migrate to bigger cities for work and study

The shortage of young single women means every woman in the town has a group of young men vying for their affections, with the Capricorn Hotel the hottest spot to find true love

The popular outback pub is even hosting a male strip show night in a bid to lure more young, single women to the hard-working regional coal mining centre

According to exclusive analysis by The Demographics Group, Blackwater has one of the lowest single rates - for both women and men - in the country.

Data extrapolated from the Australian Bureau of Statistic Census 2021 suggested there were only about 120 women in the town in their twenties who were not married or in a de facto relationship.

But Ms Stinson said that once young women with a boyfriend were also ruled out, the real number of 'single ladies' in the town fell even further.

'Women are in hot demand, I would be hard pressed to name more than 30 single women in their twenties in the whole town, and that's me working at the main pub and knowing just about all of them,' she said.

'There's maybe a couple of older single women who don't come to the pub but that would be about it.'

At first glance, the stats suggested there was an equally low number of young single men in their twenties in Blackwater, with just 139 eligible local bachelors.

But Ms Stinson said the data failed to take into account the community's army of mostly male fly-in, fly-out miners.

'I'm actually across all the numbers because I just did a Community Impact Statement as part of our licence requirements, and I had to do all the research,' she said.

'Blackwater has about 4,700 people who live here full-time, but we're primarily a mining town - we're the coal capital of Queensland - and there are easily about 5,000 FIFO miners who work around the town and that more than doubles our population.

'The vast majority of them are men. I mean, there is definitely a few women that work in FIFO, but by and large it's all men.'

Blackwater's Capricorn Hotel has become a hot destination for young backpacking bar staff

Many of the pub's staff end up finding love with local miners and tradesmen

Almost any one of them would make a suitable candidate for a partner.

'They're all good types, definitely marriage material,' Ms Stinson said.

'They're well-employed gentlemen; obviously they've got good jobs working in the mining industry and they're committed to their work.

'Most of them are tall and fit, sort of muscly tattooed types; you know, those kind of guys.

'They're away from home, so they're maybe feeling a bit lonely so they come to the pub looking for new friends or looking for a new girlfriend.

'And in addition to the mining, the hospital is being revamped, so we've got a heap of tradies - like builders, plumbers, electricians and landscapers - that have flooded into town too.

'So if you can't find a fella in the city, then you should probably be heading to Blackwater where you can take your pick from literally dozens. You can't miss.'

She said her pub was doing its level best to help alleviate the woman shortage by attracting dozens of young female backpackers to town and hiring them to work its busy bars.

'We employ about between 15 and 20 on average at a time,' she said.

'They're primarily from the UK, Ireland and Scotland but we've got Canadian girls and French girls, too. Just a really good mixed bag of youngsters.

'It's sparked a lot of love stories.

'One single backpacker who came to work with us ended up shacking up with a local boy and now they're travelling the world together and having a "happy ever after".

'Then again, they don't all end that way. Another girl who came to town, she met a local guy and he fell in love with her, then she ended up leaving and breaking his poor little heart.'

Although some of the Capricorn's backpacker bar staff have ended up settling down in the Outback town, others have left behind broken hearts among the local male patrons

Mount Isa has been struggling with a woman drought for decades and attracted international attention after mayor John Molony encouraged 'beauty-disadvantaged' women to move there

In addition to her popular jelly wrestling nights and Hawaii lauas, Ms Stinson said she was also hosting an upcoming 'male strip show' at the Capricorn in an attempt to lure more young women to the town.

'We haven't put on a singles night so far because that could end up being very one sided,' she said.

'But we've got the male strippers coming out on the 17th of October so we hope that is going to be a lot of fun for everyone.'

Australia has been in the grip of a growing Outback lady drought since the turn of the century.

In 2008, Mount Isa's former mayor John Molony sparked international outrage when he called for 'beauty-disadvantaged' women to move to the mining town, where he assured them anyone could find a man.

But Ms Stinson said the simple truth was that someone who considered themselves something of a 'plain June' in a big city would be seen as an absolute knockout in the bush.

'I'm not saying that to offend anyone, there are just fewer women out here,' she said.

'It's simple supply and demand.'

The tropical seaside mining town of Weipa has also been hit by the Outback women drought

About 1,400km north, in tropical Cape York, Weipa has also been hard hit by the Outback woman drought.

The Demographic Group's analysis showed there were just 102 single 20-something women in the small seaside mining town - the lowest number in the country.

While the data suggest there were also only about 140 young single men, like Blackwater, the real number was boosted by the community's mining workforce

In fact, locals suggested there were at least four eligible young bachelors for every bachelorette in town.

Weipa Town Authority chair Jaime Gane said young women looking for a little adventure and a lot of romance should come meet a real man up north.

Weipa Town Authority chair Jaime Gane says there are plenty of fish in the sea up north

'Our median age is only about 31 so it's definitely a young person's town,' she told Daily Mail Australia.

'We have a lot of young families, but there are a lot of young singles as well who are here for work - and there are way more men than women.

'It'd probably be four blokes to one woman, so the chicks definitely have the upper hand.

'They're all really well-paid, making good coin, and they're all genuine people who love the bush, camping, fishing, hunting and exploring the best country in Australia.

'If you like outdoor types, you'll love the real men here.'

The suburbs around Charles Sturt University, just outside Wagga Wagga, are among the best hot spots in the country for young men hoping to hit it off with an eligible young lady

Broome is one of the only remote towns in Australia to avoid a young woman drought

As for young blokes looking to gain an edge in the dating game, they were best off avoiding the Outback and instead heading towards big cities boasting big university campuses.

The NSW suburb of Estrella, which is adjacent to Charles Sturt University, just north of Wagga Wagga, was a particularly advantageous hotspot, with 392 single twenty-something women to just 274 single men in the same age bracket.

Broome was one of the few regional and remote centres across the country to buck the migration trend and escape a singles drought.

The far-flung Western Australian resort town also offered some of the most favourable odds in the country, with 473 young single women compared with just 371 eligible young men.
A food vlogger who visited Jeremy Clarkson's new 1million Cotswolds pub has revealed whether it is really worth the hype.

Toby Inskip, who posts to social media under the handle @eatingwithtod, shared a TikTok of his experience at The Farmer's Dog in Asthall, Oxfordshire after it opened on August 23.

As part of his review, the popular food reviewer also shared how long it took him to get a pint at the in-demand pub.

Toby remarked: 'We queued from just outside the tent and it took precisely 11 minutes to get a pint'.

'The beer was great! It was cold, light, not too hoppy and went down a treat on a hot summer's day'.

A food vlogger who visited Jeremy Clarkson 's new 1million Cotswolds pub has revealed whether it is really worth the hype

The Grand Tour presenter pictured pouring 6 pints. Clarkson defended the pricing by saying: 'Every single thing was grown by British farmers, even the black pepper and sugar!'

Moving on to The Farmer's Puppy, an on-site food van which sells burgers, the content creator gave his verdict after sampling one.

He remarked: 'The patty was well-seasoned, thick, juicy and the burger sauce had a lovely twang and I loved the buttery brioche roll'.

However, despite his positive review of the burger, Toby was less than impressed with its 14 price, which he joked was why Clarkson was able to afford a Lamborghini tractor.

Moving on to the meals served inside The Farmer's Dog, Toby said the pate 'tastes how it looks' and 'was nothing special'.

Commenting on the taste of the steak and ale pie for 19, he said that although 'the pastry did taste slightly burnt, the meat was soft and tender'.

After trying the sausages and mash, Toby said he found the 19 dish to be 'underwhelming' because of 'lukewarm sausages and a lack of butter in the mash'.

Giving his overall verdict, the food vlogger said: 'The food inside the pub was bang average but I would definitely come back here again for a pint'.

Toby Inskip, who posts to social media under the handle @eatingwithtod, shared a TikTok of his experience at The Farmer's Dog in Asthall, near Burford in Oxfordshire after it opened to the public on August 23

Commenting on the taste of the steak and ale pie, he said that although 'the pastry did taste slightly burnt, the meat was soft and tender'

Reacting to the video, other users were quick to express their bemusement at the offering after Toby's lowdown.

They wrote: 'Clarkson absolutely rinsing people'.

'14 for a burger with no chips would be moaned about by Clarkson on TV'.

'That pie was burnt'.

'Most honest review from you fair play'.

'Might not be a dogging site but everyones still getting shafted'.

Prices have divided fans but Clarkson has defended his menu and said: 'Every single thing was grown by British farmers, even the black pepper and sugar!'

The TV star said using only British produce meant that profit margins would be much lower at The Farmer's Dog.

He explained using pork from his Diddly Squat farm would cost more to turn into a sausage than imported pig meat.

People queuing outside Jeremy Clarkson's new pub, The Farmer's Dog, for its opening day

People stand inside The Farmer's Dog waiting to be served

Clarkson holds girlfriend Lisa Hogan's hand amid the chaos of opening day at The Farmer's Dog in Asthall, Oxfordshire

Clarkson said: 'It costs us 0.74p to get a sausage into here, but if I buy imported pig meat it is 0.18. There is something wrong with the food system in this country.'

But buying directly from local producers and guaranteeing fair pay for British farmers means an increase in price for pub customers.

Hawkstone IPA, Hawkstone Premium, Hawkstone Hedgerow Cider, and Hawkstone Cider all come in at 6 a pint, a half-pint will set punters back 3.10.

Hawkstone Session Lager comes in at the fractionally cheaper cost of 5.50 per pint, which is the same price for a Hawkstone Pils, Hawkstone Breeze, and cask ale - halves of which are 2.90.

The pub also sells cans of alcohol-free Hawkstone Spa lager for 3.10.

Along with steak pie and mash (19), other main courses include gammon steak (19), sausages and mash (18), as well as a vegetable and cheddar crumble (15).

Puddings cost around 8 with both apple crumble and cheesecake on the menu.

Other produce from Diddly Squat Farm is also available to purchase, with Clarkson's Hot Seed Beer Mustard priced at 6.

Meanwhile, his interestingly-titled 'B*****s candle' is priced at 22 for one or you can buy two for 39.
Fighter jet flies to designated area

China Military Online) 13:55, September 07, 2024

Fighter jet attached to an aviation brigade under the Chinese PLA Southern Theater Command speeds up during a round-the-clock flight training exercise on August 7, 2024. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Hou Kaiwen)

Fighter jet attached to an aviation brigade under the Chinese PLA Southern Theater Command speeds up during a round-the-clock flight training exercise on August 7, 2024. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Hou Kaiwen)

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Wu Chaolan)
The Honda Elevate , sold as the WR-V in the Japanese markets gets a few things which differ from what the Elevate gets in India. A few pictures from what looks like a privately owned vehicle show what the car looks like in a paint shade that Honda does not offer in India.

In the images, the Honda Elevate can be seen with a Japan-spec grille and a Crystal Black colour. The grille garnish is also different from the plain version offered in India.

Also check these Cars Find more Cars Honda Elevate 1498 cc 1498 cc Petrol Petrol  11 Lakhs Compare View Offers UPCOMING Honda Elevate EV  18 Lakhs Alert Me When Launched Tata Curvv 1497 cc 1497 cc Multiple Multiple  9.99 Lakhs Compare View Offers Mahindra Thar ROXX 2184 cc 2184 cc Multiple Multiple  12.99 Lakhs Compare View Offers UPCOMING Mahindra Bolero 2024 1999 cc 1999 cc Diesel Diesel  10 Lakhs Alert Me When Launched Kia Seltos 1497 cc 1497 cc Multiple Multiple  10.90 Lakhs Compare View Offers

Even though the vehicle is manufactured in India and exported to Japan, Honda does not offer an option for the black shade. Apart from this, the Japan spec version also gets a UV & IR cut front windshield which helps reduce heating inside the cabin, a useful feature for the harsh summers of India.

The Honda Elevate misses out on the black paint shade in Indian markets. (Youtube: YonZero)

Honda Elevate: Engine

Honda Elevate gets a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder naturally aspirated engine that produces 119 bhp and a peak torque output of 145 Nm. The transmission options include a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed CVT gearbox. These are some of the best numbers in the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engines category.

Watch: Honda Elevate SUV: First drive review

Honda Elevate: Features

The list of features in the Elevate are adequate, but not exquisite, which for the price can be justified. It gets features such as level 2 ADAS which functions via only a front camera, hill hold assist, ESC, traction control and 6 airbags. Convenience features include auto headlamps, a single pane sunroof, rear AC vents, automatic climate control, up to 8 speakers, a 10.2-inch infotainment system and LED headlamps as well as LED fog lamps.

Also Read : Honda Elevate turns one: Key hits and misses

Honda Elevate: Pricing

The Honda Elevate retails in four variants in India- SV, V, VX, and ZX. In Japan, the variants are X, Z and Z+. In India, the price of the Honda Elevate is between 11.58 lakh and 16.20 lakh (ex-showroom).

Check out Upcoming Cars in India 2024, Best SUVs in India.

First Published Date:
A young man took his own life in front of his horrified girlfriend after leaving a heartbreaking suicide note for his siblings.

Jezavion 'Jigga' Moody, 21, died in a local hospital on Tuesday despite three doctors battling to save his life, just four days before his sister's wedding.

He was to be a groomsman when his sister Shaisha Moody, 30, marries her fiancee, Markeezia Silver, in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, on Saturday.

'Damn, ima (sic) miss y'all, glad I got a chance to bond with y'all,' he told his eight siblings in the handwritten note addressed to them all by name.

Jezavion 'Jigga' Moody, 21, took his own life in front of his horrified girlfriend Nia Chantel, 20, (pictured together) on Tuesday

Jezavion left a heartbreaking suicide note for his eight siblings, addressed to them all by name

'Ya boy just got tired and ready to lay it down so I can sleep peacefully. If y'all love me y'all would understand I'm at peace now not worrying about anything.

'Always let y'all kids know [you] love them forever. I'm forever watching over y'all, my spirit beside y'all every step.'

Shaisha shared the note in a series of heartbroken posts as she tried to come to terms with her brother's sudden death.

'A letter to all his siblings. Y'all ths s**t is so hard I cannot make ths s**t up,' she wore on social media.

'I've read this letter sooooo many times I've lost count. I'm trying find an understanding and process this.'

Jezavion's girlfriend Nia Chantel, 20, shared a text he sent her earlier in the week, in which he referred to himself in the past tense.

'I wanna tell you happy birthday early, it's been a long time coming, we done came so far in this s*t & I still love ya no matter what,' he wrote.

Jezavion was to be a groomsman when his sister Shaisha Moody, 30, (right) marries her fiancee Markeezia Silver (left) in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, on Saturday

Jezavion (left) at his younger brother Keshoan's high school graduation, along with his older brother Daveon (right) and mother Lakisha Whitaker

'I'm glad I met you ima (sic) miss your smile, everything about you... I still thank you for tryin (sic) to push me to do better you was my peace from all my problems even tho (sic) [you] see it.

'I'm only OK wen (sic) I'm 'round you, I enjoyed every moment [with] you, live it up to the fullest. I love you, happy 20th birthday, get litty for me.'

Chantel revealed Jezavion took his own life in front of her, and was suffering from depression for some time.

'His depression wasn't new to me, I fought with him I kept trying to push him to let him know he had a purpose, he was supposed to be here,' she wrote.

'I was by his side every step of the way. I watched my baby take his life... and y'all up here talking about what y'all wouldve did and what I shouldve known.'

Shaisha on Tuesday morning insisted her brother was still alive, as doctors tried to save him, and believed he would survive.

Chantel shared a text Jezavion sent her earlier in the week, in which he referred to himself in the past tense

Jezavion (left) as a boy with his sister Shaisha and one of his brothers

'My brother is still here! stop f**king calling around spreading lies until you hear from the horse's mouth! continue to pray for us all,' she wrote.

'Jigga you hurt me four days before my wedding but I know you got this, bruh, I know you do.'

But less than two hours later, Jezavion was dead, and she wrote a mournful message to him beyond the grave.

'Jigga, I watched the doctors do ALL they could do to save you, it was three doctors working on you at one time and I swear to God I was watching them all,' she wrote.

'When I entered your room your eyes were closed shut as soon as I started talking to you telling you how much I loved you and telling you we got a big day Saturday, you open your eyes a little bit for me and looked at me...

'And I broke down and cried and you closed your eyes back as if you couldn't watch me be sad behind you.

'But boy, I swear to God I hurt more than you watching you lay there knowing there was NOTHING I could do than you watching me cry my eyes out... I ain't mad at you, just wish I could've saved you.'

Jezavion took his own life in front of his girlfriend, and was suffering from depression for some time, she said

Jezavion (left) as a boy alongside his older brother Daveon

The heartbroken bride considered calling off her wedding, but later declared it would go ahead and hoped he would be there in spirit.

'The happiest and biggest day of my life is in FOUR DAYS and my baby brother is gone FOREVER and he was one of our groomsmen. Jigga was so ready man, I'm just not understanding. Lord help me,' she wrote in one post.

Silver also wondered if the wedding could go ahead, writing to Jezavion, 'how we suppose to go on Saturday without you?'

Man, seeing my wife hurt and I cant do anything about it is killing me. Jigga you messed us up man, we love you and you're definitely gonna be missed,' she wrote in another post.

Numerous other family and friends sent their condolences to Jezavion's siblings, along with his parents Edward Moody and Lakisha Whitaker.
The Albanese government seems to have finally recognised the errors in its poorly worded law requiring tax practitioners to disclose any mental health problems to their clients.

Daily Mail Australia drew to its readers' attention the alarming ramifications of the law weeks ago - but it was only in a meeting on Friday between the government and tax practitioners that there seems to have been a belated admission of such.

Labor's assistant treasurer Stephen Jones had issued a ministerial directive requiring tax practitioners to disclose 'any' matter a client might consider relevant to whether or not they would engage their services.

Anyone with an ounce of common sense could see that 'any' matter is too broad for legally binding legislation and therefore needed tightening up.

The poor drafting was done to satisfy the Greens, who have been on a crusade since revelations of misconduct by a small number of tax practitioners within 'big four' accounting firm PwC.

The vague wording of the new laws opened a Pandora's box of problems, including the potential that tax professionals would need to disclose mental health problems to clients.

That would be a horrendous breach of privacy as well as a reason tax professionals might avoid mental health support no matter how much it was required.

Suicide Prevention Australia, the nation's peak body in this area, wrote to the minister expressing its concerns, and understandably so.

Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones (pictured) has comprehensively stuffed up new laws designed to make the government appear tough in the wake of the PwC scandal

But for weeks Jones revealed his inner stubborn self, refusing to concede his badly worded law would force mental health disclosures.

Probably concerned about getting the Greens offside.

Jones kept insisting he didn't intend the new law to be interpreted that way, so that was the end of the matter. As though he had the power of an overlord or emperor.

He seemed to think the wording of the law was not relevant if he - as the junior minister responsible - offered misguided musings to the contrary.

Courts interpreting laws don't care about what the minister says; they care about what the law says, in black and white. You don't need a law degree to know that - it's common sense, just not to the minister.

Never mind also that the Chair of the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB), Peter de Cure, explicitly said mental health might need to be disclosed given the way the law was worded. The TPB is the government body applying the law on a case-by-case basis.

And never mind that when Daily Mail Australia rang the TPB's help line for tax agents we were told yes, mental health disclosures would be required under the new laws:

'It falls into the typical grey area of the TPB's wording. If [mental health] is affecting operations or working for the client it probably should be disclosed... It would be advised and it's recommended.'

The confusion highlighted the ambiguity that was in need of fixing, which the government is now finally - reluctantly - doing.

The emperor had no clothes but the Assistant Treasurer has finally accepted a barely there sheet to preserve some of his modesty.

Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones (pictured) had Silk's advice in his possession that mental health might need to be disclosed under his new laws but he still claimed concerns were 'unfounded'

Did any of this lead the minister to reflect on his policy stupidity in the first place? Sadly not. At least not until pressure was brought to bear by the media and the industry being affected.

Jones even continued his Monty Python-style Black Knight routine after receiving Silks advice that mental health was something that might need to be disclosed, unless the law was changed.

A Silk is a Senior legal Counsel - the highest-ranking barrister within the profession with many years of experience to go with their expert standing. This particular Silk was also the university medalist in law at ANU: Not exactly a junior burger whose legal advice should be discarded by a minister seemingly out of his depth.

Despite receiving such advice, Stephen Jones continued to describe claims that mental health would need disclosing as 'unfounded'.

Journalists such as Ed Tadros from the Australian Financial Review (AFR) parroted the false claim that the concerns were 'unfounded', even though, like the minister, he knew there was legal advice proving the concerns were, in fact, well-founded.

Unfounded? The minister knew there was legal advice confirming the fears were well-founded and so did the journalist parroting the minister's line (AFR article published on 28 August)

I'm not sure if I'm more critical of him replicating the spin of the minister or the ethics of describing something as 'unfounded' when he knew there was evidence to back up the concerns.

Lets call it a callow tie. We reached out to Tadros for comment but got no response.

Tadros even tried to claim yesterday that leading mental health expert Patrick McGorry agreed the wording of the new law did not require mental health disclosures.

However, when Daily Mail Australia contacted Professor McGorry he said he had not seen the law and Tadros had not even contacted him about the piece he wrote for Saturday.

'Haven't seen the draft law nor the AFR piece and nor have I been interviewed in relation to any story today.'

Tadros was forced to concede yesterday that Labor is now fixing the problem (you know, the 'unfounded' one):

'The government will amend the wording of proposed laws', he wrote, seemingly unaware that ministerial directives can't be 'amended'.

They need to either be forcibly removed via a disallowance motion in the Senate or withdrawn by the government. Or an entirely new directive needs to be issued, which is what Labor is now proposing.

Also, these aren't 'proposed' laws, as Tadros misunderstood. When directives are tabled in the Senate they are written into law. In this case, the start date has been delayed as the government works through this mess of its own making.

AFR journalist Ed Tadros claimed mental health concerns were 'unfounded' echoing Labor's spin before it backflipped. He knew there was legal advice substantiating the concerns

While Labor has done an about-face to fix the mental health implications of its new laws, there are other problems that still need fixing, such as loose wording forcing tax professionals to dob in clients.

We only know about these continuing problems with the new law because those who attended the consultation meeting on Friday refused to sign non-disclosure agreements. At one point, the government threatened to walk away from discussions if attendees would not do so.

It is the same anti-transparency action Labor tried to get away with when consulting the anti-gambling lobby, a move to silence them that Tim Costello called out in all its shameful ignominy just the other week.

To better understand how political spin doctors seek to avoid answering straight-up questions, just look at the below text message exchange I had with the most senior person in the Prime Minister's media team, when I asked a very simple series of questions about the Silk's advice Jones had received but ignored:

Me: 'The assistant treasurer Stephen Jones has said publicly that mental health disclosure concerns regarding his tax practitioners directive as tabled in the senate are "unfounded"; however, he made that claim publicly even AFTER being provided with silks (senior counsel) advice to the contrary. Do you consider such misleading conduct acceptable by one of your ministers? Doesn't it fall outside of the standards imposed in the ministerial code of conduct? What will you do to address such bad behaviour by one of your ministers?

Anthony Albaneses spin doctors response: 'From a spokesperson: The Assistant Treasurer has categorically ruled out any requirement for tax agents to disclose mental health, sexual orientation or religious views. The Government has actively engaged with the industry on the changes. The Minister wrote to industry peak bodies in July and August affirming his ongoing commitment to work with them to ensure the code works as intended. There is a meeting planned for this Friday to finalise any necessary changes to provide clarity and confidence that the code will work as intended.

My text message to the Prime Minister's Office asking some questions

The non-response by the PM's chief spinner not answering the questions asked

My exasperated response to reasonable questions asked not being answered

In anyone's language that response from the PM's office doesn't answer the questions asked. It's just a word salad of spin aimed at avoiding the questions asked. Presumably because a direct answer would be utterly embarrassing.

Having been alerted to the fact Daily Mail Australia was onto the minister for deliberately misleading, in the wake of the legal advice he'd been made aware of, lo and behold a change of heart followed.

He finally backed down, albeit trying to disguise the shame of it as just part of the consultation process, cheered on by his media apologists.

It fooled no one.

To be clear, if a new ministerial directive is introduced to fix a previous one, that's a backflip. Because it makes it abundantly clear the first one was poorly drafted with unintended consequences.

Which is why the new one needs to be issued, to fix the mess already made.

Labor has now finally committed to doing that, at least so far as mental health disclosures are concerned. But there is plenty more wrong with Jones' poorly drafted new laws in need of fixing.

For example rules requiring tax practitioners under investigation to make disclosures to their clients before any findings have been made against them.

Daily Mail Australia understands Labor has still left this aspect of the law intact to satisfy the Greens, which has left tax practitioners deeply unhappy.

Requiring accountants to disclose any investigation before findings are made, no matter how vexatious accusations of wrongdoing might turn out to be, is a very different process to how Labor set up its own federal parliamentary watchdog.

That body can't make investigations public until findings are made. So what is good for the politicians isn't good for accountants, apparently.

How does Labor justify such hypocrisy?

For context, less than one in 10 investigations undertaken by the TPB results in adverse findings against tax practitioners.

So if Labor doesn't fix this issue it will require accountants and bookkeepers to tell all their clients they are under investigation even when 90 per cent of investigations ultimately clear them of any wrongdoing.

The AFR in its reporting got this particular aspect of the law wrong too, claiming concerns that investigations would require disclosure were disputed.

But the explanatory note to the new law Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones put out specifically requires disclosure of a current investigation by the board of a material breach.

If the AFR's professional services editor had been more professional he would have realised that. Its right there, in black and white, obvious for all to see.

Inaccurate claims in the AFR that concerns over disclosure were 'disputed'

The proof in black and white: The explanatory note for the new laws makes it clear that investigations are included for disclosure

The new laws even require accountants to dob in their clients - something lawyers and doctors aren't required to do - destroying the client's trust in the professional relationship they have with their tax agent.

There is no sign the government will change this ticking time bomb either.

Ive watched all manner of poor public policy-making by politicians over the years, but the mismanagement of this issue takes the cake.

Belligerence, stubbornness, false narratives and downright devious refusals to answer simple questions define how Labor has approached the issue.

Daily Mail Australia understands that the Friday meeting between the government and tax practitioners was littered with implied threats by the minister's team, despite the minister's office claiming afterwards just how constructive it was.

Stephen Jones, as the responsible minister, was supposed to attend that meeting. But, in the end, he didn't even bother to show up, only sending his political staffers instead.

Such disinterest neatly sums up why he has mismanaged the whole issue so badly.

This is a story of government failure in but one particular policy area. However, when you talk to people across business and industry, you hear similar stories of incompetence.

No wonder the polls have tightened as the election looms large. If this wasn't a first-term government, its chances of re-election would be slender.
The mother of mass school shooter Colt Gray had threatened to kill her estranged husband less than a year before their son gunned down four people at Apalachee High School in Georgia, DailyMail.com can exclusively reveal.

Marcee Gray, 43, has a criminal record spanning more than 17 years, and was in jail as recently as April, court records show.

The former quality engineer was arrested in November in Barrow County, suspected of possessing methamphetamine, fentanyl and muscle relaxants.

She also faced charges of aggravated battery, theft by taking, criminal trespass, false imprisonment and failure to appear in January, in nearby Fitzgerald County.

Sources told DailyMail.com that the mother-of-three threatened to kill her husband during one of the incidents.

She also tied up her elderly mother and left her for 24 hours.

Marcee Gray, the mother of mass school shooter Colt Gray, had threatened to kill her estranged husband less than a year before their son gunned down four people at his Georgia high school. The mother is seen with son Colt Gray and estranged husband Colin Gray in 2011

Marcee, 43, has a record across four Georgia counties and includes drug use, domestic violence and property damage, as well as civil claims of fraud

It is unclear exactly what sparked the spiral, but Marcee Gray had previously posted online about what substance abuse can do to a family.

She had made several concerning Facebook posts throughout the years, sharing her struggles with estranged husband Colin Gray, who she accused of abuse.

In November, 2022, Marcee Gray wrote: 'From my husbands first memory, all he knew was abuse. Severe physical abuse (Im talking everything from getting a broken arm at age 8 while he was totally asleep to having a barstool crack his skull open...I still rub my fingers across the scar/gouge on his scalp and think to myself How?! I cant even comprehend it!...that is what substance abuse can do. To a mama, a daddy, a spouse, a sibling....you name it and it will reach them.'

The same day, Marcee said in a different post: 'I know its hard to understand from the outside looking in. Everyone in my and his family couldnt understand why I stayed as long as I did. Ultimately it was my own decision

Gray had made several concerning Facebook posts throughout the years, sharing her struggles with estranged husband Colin Gray, who she accused of abuse

'I made a commitment to the Lord and my husband. No one but me understands the pain that my husband lives with every single day. Every single person in his life has hurt or betrayed him And I truly believe that the Lord sent me to him because no one else was strong enough to stay by his side through thick and thin. Im not about to give up on him now We are just taking a break.'

The next month, Marcee wrote on LinkedIn: 'Finally separated from my abusive husband of almost 14yrs... Hardest shit Ive ever done but were in good hands.'

In May, 2023, she said in a post: 'I packed myself and my babies up and relocated to my hometown in south GA. We are all good and my kids are thriving.'

The same month, police contacted Colin Gray after receiving an FBI tip that Colt Gray had threatened to shoot up his school on the platform Discord.

Speaking to police at the time, Colin Gray said he had recently separated from his son's mother, and that 'she took his younger two' kids.

Marcee Gray pleaded guilty in December, 2023, to one count of using a license plate to conceal identity, criminal damage to property in the second degree and criminal trespass/family violence.

She was prosecuted under Georgias First Offender Act, which allows eligible defendants to plead guilty without being convicted.

Court record indicate that she was not actually charged with drug possession in relation to her arrest.

Gray was arrested on Wednesday at Apalachee High School in Winder, minutes after authorities say he opened fire on students and teachers, killing four. Colt reportedly told police 'I did it' when read his Miranda rights

Georgia school shooter Colt Gray made his first court appearance on Friday

An arrest warrant obtained by DailyMail.com states that Gray had a glass jar containing methamphetamine, a baggie containing fentanyl, another baggie containing multiple muscle relaxants, and a glass pipe used for the ingestion of narcotics.

She also concealed the identity of her Nissan Rogue by affixing a tag for a Nissan Kick, the warrant states.

Court documents show that she was sentenced to five years in jail, the first 46 days to be spent in confinement and the remainder on probation.

A condition of her probation banned her from having contact with her husband, except through a third party for matters concerning their children or divorce. She was also ordered to pay $1,500 in restitution and made to participate in a family violence intervention program and to stay away from drugs and alcohol.

Court records also showed that she had misdemeanor traffic offences in 2019, 2014, 2008 and 2007.

The earlier charges included driving under the influence of alcohol, and was fined $600, sentenced to 12 months of probation and ordered to complete 40 hours of community service.

His father, 54-year-old Colin Gray, is accused of buying his 14-year-old son Colt the AR-15-style rifle the boy used and was arrested Thursday on several counts of second degree murder, involuntary manslaughter and cruelty to children

Speaking to police last year, Colin Gray said he had recently separated from his son's mother, and that 'she took his younger two' kids

Gray was also sued in 2019 by Nash Chevrolet Company, which claimed she bought a 2018 Chevrolet Suburban in September 2018 using a $10,000 check as a down payment. The check, which had both Gray and her husbands names on it, was dishonored due to lack of funds.

In February 2020, Gray was ordered to pay the dealership just over $19,000, reflecting the money initially owed for the vehicle as well as interest, attorney fees and punitive damages.

It comes as her 14-year-old son has been charged as an adult with four counts of murder. His father Colin has also been charged in connection with the killings after he reportedly told police he bought the weapon used in the massacre as a holiday present for his son.

The teenager Gray is accused of shooting two of his fellow students and two teachers at the school Wednesday morning, with nine others taken to hospital with injuries.

He reportedly had an obsession with other infamous school shooters such as Parkland, Florida killer Nikolas Cruz.

When police searched the teen's Georgia home following the bloodbath, they reportedly found clues the teenager was 'obsessed' with mass shootings - specifically the Parkland massacre in 2018, which left 17 people dead.

Gray was known to the FBI after several tips came in about him last year.

On December 21, Gray was sentenced to five years in jail and banned from having any contact with Colt's father Colin, as well as paying out $1,500 to an Atlanta construction company in restitution

In May 2023, officers from Jackson County questioned both Gray and his father about a Discord channel believed to be linked to the then-13-year-old which allegedly made threats about a school shooting.

The Discord account had a user name written in Russian, and the translation of the letters spelled out the name Lanza, referencing Adam Lanza, the perpetrator of the Sandy Hook Elementary school tragedy, officers said.

The teen denied he was the author of the threats, telling police he'd shut down his Discord after being repeatedly hacked. He expressed concerns that someone would make those accusations about him.

Gray's father Colin told investigators at the time that his son 'knows the seriousness of weapons and what they can do, and how to use them and not use them.'

Colin reportedly assured officers that he would be 'mad as hell' if he learned the allegations about his son making threats were true, and that 'all the guns [would] go away.'

The report also stated that deputies were unable to substantiate the information in the tip to take further action.
An endangered predator has returned to California after vanishing more than 100 years ago.

At least 44 gray wolves have been spotted in the West Coast state, including a record-breaking 30 new pups this year alone, according to Axel Hunnicutt, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife's gray wolf coordinator.

This is the biggest increase in a century, with the animals from seven different packs now in nine of the state's 58 counties, Marin Independent Journal reported.

But not everyone is happy about the return of the the gray wolf and are concerned about the risk to farmers' livestock.

Janna Gliatto, a manager at Table Rock Ranch in Monatgue, told SF Gate: 'Our hands are tied. We've been invaded'.

The last gray wolf was killed in the summer of 1924 after a government hunter named Frank Koehler shot it two times in Litchfield, about 75 miles outside of Lake Tahoe

It would be nearly 90 years before the first gray wolf would step foot on California soil after a young male crossed the border from Oregon in 2011. Now, there are 44, with a record-breaking 30 new pups (pictured: Big Chico Creek)

Gliatto explained how her livestock have been attacked by wolves but can't do anything about it.

The State Endangered Species Act dictates that a gray wolf can only be killed if it is threatening a human.

Rick Roberti, a cattle rancher in Plumas County, said one of his calves was killed by a wolf a quarter-mile from his house and that he has also been left with no recourse.

'Its adding a lot of stress,' he told The Journal. 'Wolves chase the cattle. They stress them out. It gets frantic. They will run them for miles. The cattle stampede through fences.

'The wolf is going to spread throughout California. Theres nothing to stop it. They are going to move, and I think its going to be a crisis. Were not set up for it.'

Gray wolves are now in nine of the state's 58 counties that are dispersed in seven packs (pictured: San Francisco)

Steve Arnold, the president of the California Cattlemens Association, said he plans to sue California once the wolf population gets bigger to bring in more lax rules.

'Were going to go after this for all we can,' he told The Journal.

The state does help ranchers protect their livestock through non-lethal methods, such as fencing and guard dogs.

In 2021, the state gave ranchers $3 million to compensate them for the cost of funding those non-lethal methods.

That money ran out in March of this year, but Governor Gavin Newsom has approved adding $600,000 to the program's budget.

Meanwhile, many conservation groups are excited that gray wolves have become a more common sight in the state.

Rick Roberti, a cattle rancher in Plumas County, said one of his calves was killed by a wolf a quarter-mile from his house and that he has also been left with no recourse

However, some are calling it a 'redemption story' to see the wolves come back to the Golden State. 'It has shown that California is wolf country,' Amaroq Weiss said

'Its a redemption story. Its a renewal story. Its inspiring,' the Center for Biological Diversity's Amaroq Weiss told The Journal. 'It has shown that California is wolf country.'

Biologists estimate that California could be home to nearly 500 wolves north of I-80, according to The Journal.

Wolves used to roam around California and the American West for years until settlers began shooting and poisoning them in the 1800 and early 1900s.

Before they returned, the last gray wolf in California was killed in the summer of 1924 after a government hunter named Frank Koehler shot it twice in Litchfield, about 75 miles outside of Lake Tahoe, according to The Journal.

But not everyone is happy with the re-emergence of the gray wolf. Janna Gliatto, a manager at Table Rock Ranch, believes the state has been 'invaded'

Koehler had set 21 traps near the remote town to try and trap a coyote that had killed a farmer's turkeys.

When he came back to check the traps, he found one missing and followed the footprints for five miles until he came across the aging and injured wolf.

It would be nearly 90 years before a gray wolf would step foot on California soil again, with a young male crossing the border from Oregon in 2011.

Four years later, the first pack reestablished itself in Siskiyou County, and by 2019, there was seven gray wolves in California.

Outside California, the laws around hunting the wolves are less strict.

Wyoming allows residents to shoot wolves on sight. In Idaho, hundreds are hunted each year. And in Oregon and Washington, the animal can be shot if it's attacking livestock.

'The growing population brings significant challenges in regards to the people and agricultural landscape thats currently there,' Hunnicutt told SF Gate. 'I have mixed emotions about it.'
Peter and Anne Hall are the most unlikely couple to contemplate murder. In their 70s, they are intelligent people with a strong moral compass whove never been in trouble with the police.

But when their privately-educated eldest daughter, a former Virgin Atlantic flight attendant, formed a relationship with an abusive, heavy-drinking drug addict and career criminal, it would prompt them to consider doing something unimaginable.

Unable to protect Michaela Hall from regular violent beatings from her boyfriend Lee Kendall, and feeling let down by police, probation officers and the courts, they discussed  in their despair  having him killed.

Their sense of hopelessness had increased after serial thug Kendall made two vile, expletive-ridden phone calls (recordings of which have been obtained by the Mail) in which he drunkenly threatened to murder them.

In the first of the calls, Kendall, slurring his words in his heavy West Country accent, told Michaelas father Peter: I am gonna burn your house down and I am gonna burn you down.

In the second one, he said: I know where you live, and I know where your cars are. I know where the f***ing lot are because your daughter took me there, so f*** you.

Peter, 72, says: All we wanted to see was this guy dead. Those discussions had taken place between us. What do we do with this guy? Do we dispose of him? In irrational moments, you think these things.

Quietly spoken Anne, 74, a policemans daughter who often seems close to tears as she talks, adds: We had somebody offer to do it, at a price.

Ultimately, the Halls didnt go ahead with the disposal of their daughters monstrous partner. Its a decision that to this day Anne regrets because Kendall would go on to murder Michaela in a shockingly violent attack.

Anne may have lost her liberty by taking the law into her own hands, but at least her daughter  a single mother of two  would be alive today.

She would still be here, wouldnt she? Anne tells me when I ask her if she wished shed done it. I want her here and hes nothing, hes never contributed to life. Hes just a parasite.

Kendall is now a convicted killer, serving a minimum of 21 years for strangling Michaela and stabbing her in the eye with a kitchen knife. Such are the dangers he poses to the public; he will probably never be freed.

It is more than three years since Michaela was murdered by Kendall, now 45, who she had taken pity on and tried to rehabilitate after meeting him through her work helping offenders released into the community.

But the fallout from her death at the age of 49, leaving two sons now aged 16 and 12 without a mother, continues.

Earlier this year, a coroner ruled that Michaela, from Mount Hawke, Cornwall, had been failed by agencies. The Halls have now launched legal action against a number of organisations including, the Mail understands, the Probation Service.

In the past few weeks, letters of claim have been submitted to those deemed responsible for the fatal blunders in Michaelas case.

The couple are determined that lessons are learned and those who wronged her are held to account. So far, no one has faced misconduct proceedings let alone lost their job.

In a ruling which has effectively paved the way for the Halls legal action, Cornwall coroner Andrew Cox said shortcomings and errors by probation services happened before her death.

She had been attacked by Kendall on multiple occasions. This led to him being recalled to prison and, after he was released in July 2020, he kept up the attacks, being arrested ten times.

In April 2021, Kendall admitted two assaults on Michaela and the following month (May), he was given a three-year community order. A few weeks later, she was dead.

Mr Cox told the inquest that probation services had wrongly assessed as medium the risk of serious harm posed by Kendall, who had an extensive criminal record.

That meant management of him was by local probation services rather than the national Probation Service, which was inappropriate, he said.

On the night of her murder, despite an emergency call warning that she was being attacked, yet again police officers did not try to force entry to her home.

Radioing the Devon and Cornwall police control room just after 11.30pm on May 31, 2021, they speculated about what might be going on. We have visions . . . like her lying there with him covering her mouth and stuff, the first officer told their colleague.

Police had been called to the property many times before for incidents of domestic abuse. On previous occasions when Michaelas partner had attacked her, he would drink and drink and drink until he passed out, the officer said. Maybe thats what had happened this time, too.

Michaela Hall, a former Virgin Atlantic flight attendant, met her killer through her work helping offenders released into the community

Besides, they concluded, even if they could get inside, Michaela wouldnt speak to them. What can you do if she doesnt help herself? the officer asked a colleague over the radio.

Michaela was found dead the following night. Her parents are convinced that had police forced entry, she might have been saved.

It was left to her father Peter, a former export manager and financial adviser, to make the heartbreaking discovery of his daughters body in a bedroom after she was murdered.

He and his wife had become alarmed after Michaela did not make a scheduled call to one of her two sons and frustrated by the attitude of the police, drove to their daughters home to investigate.

Peter rang the police, who said they had no authority to enter the property. So, he collected a spare key from the landlady. Then I opened the front door and went through the house.

I went into her bedroom and there was nothing in there, but the door was closed for the bedroom next to it. So, I opened that door and thats where I found Michaela. I realised that she was dead, I felt her pulse, she was lying on the floor. I went out. I had to tell Anne.

Michaela had been fatally stabbed in the eye, but Kendall was nowhere to be seen. He was found by police the next day, wandering around Truro.

Anne closes her eyes as her husband relives that horrific day.

'Well, thats the first time Ive repeated it without breaking down, Peter tells me.

We are sitting in their cottage near Redruth, Cornwall, discussing the events which led up to their precious daughters murder. They told me of her life, their journey of discovery about domestic violence and coercive behaviour, and why they have launched legal action against the authorities.

From the outside, it is difficult to understand what Michaela saw in Kendall. A confidential Probation Service report, seen by the Mail, lays bare his terrible criminal record.

Lee Kendall is serving a minimum of 21 years for strangling Michaela and stabbing her in the eye with a kitchen knife

First convicted of arson aged 17, hed been repeatedly before the courts for a variety of offences including dishonesty, violence, driving offences, drug offences, acquisitive crime, threatening behaviour, possession of a knife, racially aggravated harassment, criminal damage and breaches of court orders.

Before killing Michaela, he had 53 convictions for 97 offences, while between 2019 and 2021 police recorded eight incidents linked to his relationship with her, such as domestically abusive behaviour and use of intimidation.

Parents cant choose who their children end up with, and the Halls have struggled to understand Michaelas choice of boyfriend. She met him while working with offenders leaving jail. It was a post they say she was not properly trained for, making her especially vulnerable.

Michaela was bright, intelligent and had had a good education. Leafing through family photo albums, there are heart-warming pictures from her childhood and glowing images of her immaculately dressed in her air stewardess days, firstly with British Caledonian and later with Virgin Atlantic.

Rationalising his daughters choice of boyfriend, Peter says: Michaelas relationship with him, I guess, developed from the point of view her wanting to help him and not being aware of how corrosive that relationship would become and how coercive he was.

The one thing I can tell you is that drug users have developed an acute sense of how to manipulate people because thats how they get hold of their drugs. Thats how they survive. So, its not difficult to see how he could realise hes got someone caring here who he can manipulate. I think Michaela saw a man that was drowning, and she jumped into the water to save him.

Michaela told her parents of her relationship with Kendall in 2019, and through their own research online they were quickly shocked to discover he was a habitual criminal.

Peter recalls: So, we thought, crikey, this is a warning, so we got hold of Michaela and said: Do you know who this guy is?

At this point, we still didnt know how serious an offender he was. We did not know he had been a drug addict since he was 14 and 40 per cent of his incidents were violent.

Michaela, aged 31, smiles alongside Sir Richard Branson and her father Peter in Cape Town

After assaulting Michaela in a psychotic outburst early in their relationship, Kendall was returned to prison but managed to continue manipulating her from jail, telling her to send him money because he didnt like the food.

The violence continued after his release, putting a strain on Michaelas relationship with her parents who were concerned that money theyd given their daughter was in fact feeding Kendalls drug habit.

Peter said: We had a phone call from Michaela one night, again in desperation as we probably appreciate it now, because they had run out of money.

It was quite an abusive conversation because we had stopped supporting them financially.

Towards the latter part of when she was with him, we would get 30 phone calls of an evening. She would say to me: Dad, you dont understand, youre not helping, the phone would slam down, 30 seconds later it would go again. That was when Peter got the threatening calls from Kendall.

I recorded it, just sent it straight to the police and they went instantly and arrested him, says Peter. He had assaulted her. Michaela was going to make a statement but then she dropped the statement but, anyway, that (the threatening phone calls) got him locked up for a period.

When he was locked up, we saw what I call a massive change in her, she got a job with the RNLI as a fundraiser. She was beginning to come out of herself.

Anyway, we found out eventually that Kendall was being released from prison and I think just before he was freed, she had coffee with us, didnt she?

Anne looks reflective as she says: Yes, it was the last time.

She was laughing, she was joking, something we hadnt seen for two years, Peter says.

Anne replies: She was making plans for the future, which was new. It was her 50th birthday in the October and she talked about joining a cold-water swimming club. Such optimism was misplaced. Michaela would not make it to her 50th birthday.

In May 2021, just weeks after the Probation Service deemed him a medium risk of causing harm, he took her life.

Prior to her death, police had received 34 pieces of intelligence about his domestic abuse against her. Police, social services, charities and probation workers knew that he had tried to strangle Michaela, threatened her with weapons and beaten her up so badly she could not go to work, but he was free to kill.

Peter says her death was caused not only by human errors but systematic failings.

The probation service signed her death warrant, without question, he adds. How many people are they letting out of prison that they shouldnt let out?

The problem looks set to get even worse under the new Governments plan to release offenders after they serve just 40 per cent of their sentence in a bid to tackle prison overcrowding.

Such was the concern about her safety, Michaela was referred to a specialist multi-agency panel six times due to the very high risk she faced. This years inquest heard Kendall should have been classified as high or very high risk and that the assessment was done by an unqualified staff member.

A supervisor then co-signed the report, telling the inquest she did sometimes skim such documents owing to what she described as horrendous work pressures.

Had she read it diligently, she might have noticed it failed to include crucial facts including Kendalls strangulation attempt  a red flag for future lethal violence, the inquest heard.

The flawed report resulted in a judge imposing a non-custodial sentence on Kendall for two assaults against Michaela and he was released from prison with minimal supervision.

Around two weeks after his release, after other failings, including a mandatory face-to-face probation appointment not taking place, he murdered Michaela.

Anne says: It makes you so angry that Michaela, who always worked, had two beautiful children, contributed to life, looked after loads of people in her life and he was just a parasite and all the people that should have dealt with him didnt do it.

Now she and her husband hope that their decision to sue various agencies will help them get some accountability. The Ministry of Justice described Michaelas murder as a horrific crime but said it would be inappropriate to comment on live legal proceedings.

Explaining their course of action, Peter said: I just think people should be held accountable. The only way you can get that is through legal redress. What else can we hope for?

We want Michaelas boys to understand that we as grandparents have done as much as possible to bring people to account for the failings which resulted in the death of their mother.

Annes voice is still raw with emotion, as she puts it more bluntly: Putting Kendall in jail hasnt given us justice.
A mother who shot dead her three young children inside a car outside their home before turning the gun on herself called her children 'her life' in an eerie Facebook post.

The body of Maribel Isela Ibarra, 32, was found on Tuesday night in West Haven, Utah, alongside the remains of her son, 4, and two daughters, 1 and 2.

Police confirmed their deaths were a murder-suicide committed by Ibarra at a press conference on Friday, after reviewing CCTV footage from neighbors.

Ibarra carried out the unthinkable crime overnight on Sunday or Monday, and their bodies were not found until family called 911 at 9:47 pm on Tuesday.

Astonished family said they had no idea Ibarra was struggling with her mental health and there were no signs she was anything but a 'loving mother'.

Maribel Isela Ibarra, 32, shot dead her son, 4, and two daughters, 2 and 1, before turning the gun on herself in a car outside their home

The killer mom came from a large family (pictured in 2020), including at least nine nieces and nephews (youngest ones were not yet born)

Ibarra at the beach with her two eldest children in one of two photos left on her social media

Her Facebook bio even read 'mis hijos son mi vida' in Spanish, which translates to 'my children are my life'.

Photos showed Ibarra taking her children to the beach and to meet Santa, and posing on a rhino statue with her son.

But she was clearly shaken by the death of her mother Elvia Ibarra on April 1, at the age of 69, changing her Facebook profile picture to a black mourning ribbon.

Ibarra also changed her name on social media to 'Jya Canchola' sometime before the murder-suicide, the meaning of which is unclear.

She moved in with her father, Jose Ibarra, who was married to Elvia for more than 50 years, after her mother's death and appeared to have split from her husband.

Ibarra had four brothers (pictured left to right, Angel, Jason, Christian and Julio, along with their parents Jose and Elvia)

Ibarra was clearly shaken by the death of her mother Elvia Ibarra on April 1, at the age of 69 (pictured together along with Ibarra's murdered children)

Photos showed Ibarra taking her children to the beach and to meet Santa, and posing on a rhino statue with her son

Ibarra in another family photo at her brother Jason's university graduation

The killer mom came from a large family with roots in Mexico, and had four brothers named Jason, Julio, Christian and Angel, and at least nine nieces and nephews.

Jason is a local real estate agent and father of five daughters, Julio a father-of-four and Angel a biochemical engineer at the University of Utah.

'We are going through an extremely difficult time, with a pain in our hearts that cannot be explained in words due to the invaluable loss we have suffered, because they were the light of our lives,' the family said in a statement.

'As a family, we unfortunately knew nothing about her mental health. We always saw her as a loving mother, which makes this so shocking for us.

'We do not know the exact reasons why this tragedy happened, and we deeply regret it. This pain is something we wish no one would ever have to go through.'

Friends, family and neighbors piled flowers and plush toys on the steps in memorial

A child's toy bike sat on the front lawn of the house

Ibarra (left) with her mother and other family

The family urged anyone going through difficult times to seek help instead of hiding their pain until it was too late.

'Speak out and trust that you can overcome any situation. As we mentioned, our pain is beyond words, and as a family, we are trying to get through this, even though we honestly do not know exactly how to cope with it,' they said.

'This is why we ask you to please respect our grief, so that in this way you can help us begin to heal, little by little, even though right now it seems unattainable.

'We trust that God and the outpouring of love from the community will keep us strong and guide us to a path where we may one day find peace.

'We are grateful for the support and prayers of the entire community.'

Ibarra carried out the unthinkable crime overnight on Sunday or Monday and their bodies were not found until family called 911 at 9.47pm on Tuesday

Two white SUVs were parked at the front of the house, and it was unclear which one Ibarra and her children were found in the rear storage area of

Weber County Sheriff's Office Lieutenant Terance Lavely said the children's father was interviewed, and police were satisfied no one else was involved.

'I don't know if we will ever be able to answer that question. Maribel would be the one to answer that and obviously we can't ask her that,' he said.

Two white SUVs were parked at the front of the house, and it was unclear which one Ibarra and her children were found in the rear storage area of after cops investigated.

A child's toy bike sat on the front lawn, and friends, family, and neighbors piled flowers and plush toys on the steps in memorial.

'These kinds of cases are very tough on everybody involved, as well as the community,' Lieutenant Colby Ryan said.

'Whenever you may have little kids die in such a way, yeah, it's very difficult for our officers, our deputies, our CSI team, the homicide task force and neighbors.'
Recounting the story of her marriage in court, on Thursday, the victim in Frances sensational sleeping rape trial mentioned a seemingly small and insignificant detail.

Though Dominique Pelicot began his working life as an electrician, his ex-wife Gisele said, he had loftier ambitions and later became an estate agent in the suburbs of Paris, where they were then living.

This career change appears to have no bearing on the case in Avignon, in which 71-year-old Pelicot is accused of routinely drugging Gisele to be violated by dozens of strangers he met on the internet.

However, her revelation that her husband once worked for a property sales company near the capital is no doubt of great interest to investigators at Frances cold-case murder unit in Nanterre, some 400 miles north.

It may also raise hopes of belated justice for the families of two young women subjected to unsolved sex attacks in the 1990s, one of whom was murdered.

Gisele Pelicot at court yesterday, where she recounted the story of her marriage to Dominique Pelicot in the 'sleeping rape' trial

And, in a further twist to a story sending waves of revulsion around the world, Pelicots years as an estate agent are linked to a deeply uncomfortable truth for the French police and judicial authorities.

For they inexplicably passed up on a golden opportunity to jail Pelicot  for many years  long before he began sacrificing his unwitting wife to perverted strangers.

I will explain why shortly. But first the clock winds back to the 1990s, when Pelicot was in his 30s. Using the cover of his job in real estate, did he become the French equivalent of Britains sinister Mr Kipper?

Kipper, of course, was the alias used by the bogus house-hunter believed to have abducted and murdered estate agent Suzy Lamplugh, 25, after luring her to a viewing in Fulham, West London, in 1986.

A few years later, two strikingly similar crimes  for which Pelicot is expected to face trial after the rape case is concluded  sent chills through the young professional women of Paris.

Just like Suzy, the victims, Sophie Narme and Estella B. (her surname remains private) were young, ambitious and attractive

girls-about-town who were making their way in upmarket property sales.

And, like Suzy, they were ambushed by a sexual predator using a false name to fix a rendezvous with them at apartments he feigned interest in buying.

Sophie was the first victim. In December 1991, when she was 23 years old, she agreed to meet a man who gave his name as Monsieur Duboste for a flat viewing in the 19th arrondissement of Paris, to the north-west of the city.

Soon afterwards her naked body was found, face-down on the blood-soaked carpet, with a belt still fastened round her neck. In a frenzied onslaught, Sophie had been stabbed, raped, and strangled.

Down the years several suspects have been identified, among them Frances most notorious serial killer, Michel Fourniret, now deceased, who murdered British exchange student Joanna Parrish in 1990.

Another notorious character in the frame was Francois Verove, dubbed the Pockmarked Man for his acne-scarred face.

He claimed at least three victims between 1986 and 1994, and probably more, while serving as a police officer, but committed suicide in 2021 as the net finally closed in.

Sophies killer was never identified and May 1999 saw the second shocking attack on an estate agent tricked into meeting a supposed potential client alone.

Tellingly, the apartment where Estella B. was set upon is situated in Seine-sur-Marne, a modern Paris suburb 40 minutes drive from Villiers-sur-Marne, where the Pelicots lived until 2013 before retiring to the south of France.

Estate agent Sophie Narne was murdered when she went to an appointment at a Paris flat in 1991

Moreover, as the court heard this week, it was when they resided in Villiers-sur-Marne that Pelicot captured a sickening photograph of his own semi-naked daughter, Caroline Darian.

She, too, was allegedly drugged before being dressed in her mothers underwear and arranged on a bed. But back to Estella B. who, unlike Sophie, survived her appalling ordeal and later told what happened to her.

Soon after entering the flat, she said, her attacker began choking her, then he placed a knife to her neck, and forced her to the floor and rendered her unconscious with an ether-soaked compress.

Somehow, however, the young woman came round and managed to fend him off, whereupon he took fright and fled.

Pelicot, then in his mid-40s, now admits to being the beast who took advantage of Estellas vulnerability.

He confessed to this in 2022, two years after being arrested for orchestrating and filming the rapes on his wife.

When cold-case investigators questioned him at the Marseille prison where he was on remand, he initially denied any knowledge of the attack.

However, informed that traces of DNA found on one of Estellas shoes had been run through Frances national genetic

fingerprinting base, and matched the sample he had given after being arrested for the rapes of his wife, he had little choice but to confess.

Yet even then he attempted to play down the seriousness of the attack. As the French newspaper Le Monde disclosed this week, he claimed to an investigating magistrate that he never intended to rape Estella, only to look at her.

Despite his protestations, Pelicot was charged with attempting to rape the young estate agent using a weapon.

It is an offence that will inevitably earn him a lengthy jail term, whatever the outcome of the Avignon trial (where he faces a maximum 20-year sentence). Yet, as Le Monde also revealed, for his attack upon Estella, he ought to have been imprisoned 12 years earlier.

Authorities had discovered the incriminating DNA match in 2010, when he was arrested for the first time, for taking photographs up the skirts of female shoppers in a Paris supermarket.

Incredibly, there was what a source close to the case describes as a screw up: Pelicot was not prosecuted for attempting to rape Estella then  because, under French law, that investigation had been formally closed in 2001.

It remained so for two decades, until it was re-opened and examined afresh by the then newly formed cold-case unit.

Therefore, Pelicots only punishment, after that first arrest for upskirting, in 2010, was a 100 fine.

Were it not for this classic piece of French bureaucratic intransigence, his wife might have been spared her appalling ordeal. A fact she pointed out, with commendable restraint, this week.

So, what of Sophie Narme? Was the young Pelicot, who would have been 38 at the time, also the Monsieur Duboste who subjected Sophie to his fatal frenzy?

While the cold-case team refused to comment on the case this week, they appear to believe so, for they have now charged him with her murder.

Evidence against him reportedly includes that of a witness, who says the man who made the flat viewing appointment resembled the young Pelicot.

His description was used for a photofit of the suspect. It shows a man with a broad face, wide-bridged nose, full lips and thick, dark hair styled in a mullet, fashionable in the early 1990s.

Dominique Pelicot is accused of recruiting men online to assault his wife over a ten-year period

Is there a resemblance to the man we have seen shambling into the Avignon courtroom with a walking stick this week? Possibly, though as Pelicot is now jowly and grey it is impossible to tell.

Crime profilers have also apparently detected possible similarities between Sophies murder and the attack on Estella, but we are yet to learn what they are.

Pelicot, for his part, vehemently denies killing Sophie, and in her case, there is no DNA evidence. For, in another instance of French investigative incompetence, samples found in the apartment have been lost.

His lawyer, Beatrice Zavarro, believes the real killer to have been the Pockmarked Man, whom she says refused to take a DNA test before his suicide in 2021.

Mme Zavarro claims Pelicot is being scapegoated by the cold-case unit because they badly need to solve the high-profile murder, and he presents the ideal culprit.

He says he wasnt there and doesnt know anything whatsoever about this woman, she told me, adding that, with the investigation still ongoing, a trial remained a long way off.

Concerned that it might affect her plea of mitigation, Zavarro believes it is unfair for the Sophie Narme murder case to be raised in the rape trial.

However, under cross-examination this week from a lawyer acting for one of the 50 men accused of raping her, Mme Pelicot was asked whether she believed her husband to be capable of such a crime.

I couldnt imagine him being involved in anything like that, replied his wife, who says he was only ever physically violent towards her once  after discovering she had cheated on him with a man at work.

She added: I spent all those years with him, but Im not the first person who has lived with someone all their lives without really knowing them.

Yesterday, it was the turn of Pelicots daughter another woman who spent a lifetime with him without discerning his dark side  to address the court.

Ms Darian, who has written a memoir titled I No Longer Call Him Daddy and is now a campaigner against rape, sobbed as she remembered the man she once adored.

I loved the image of the man I thought he was, she said.

He was an affectionate dad. There was never an inappropriate look or gesture. This landed on me like a cataclysm. I wish this pain on no one.

Addressing the judge, she added: How can a person like me get better? How can you ever get better when you know your father is a sexual predator?

How indeed? But was the monster who took pleasure in videoing his elderly wife being molested also a cold-hearted killer?

Did his depravity take root many years ago, after he swapped his electricians overalls for a smart suit and clipboard, and began hawking Paris apartments in a bid to climb the social ladder?

Only after he has been punished for his breathtaking betrayal might we find out whether he really was the French Mr Kipper.

And, if so, whether he was as ruthless as the faceless imposter who lured Suzy Lamplugh to her death.

Additional reporting by Rory Mulholland
A group of multi-millionaire homeowners in Florida are fighting to protect their exclusive access to some of the state's most scenic beaches from tourists.

Residents in Walton County are attempting to keep off visitors from their private beaches as a growing number of tourists argue that their property rights are unfair.

The county which boasts 26 miles of crystal blue water coastline and 16 beachside communities has become a vacation hotspot in the past few years.

Located on the Emerald Coast and bordering the Gulf of Mexico, Walton County is home to the cities of Freeport, Panama City Beach, Laguna Beach, Vernon and Westville.

Last year, the county hosted over 2.3 million tourists and counting and about 1.3 million people visited this spring.

But as popularity increases, longtime beachgoers argue that public access area has become extremely crowded over the years.

Residents in Walton County are attempting to keep off visitors from their private beaches as a growing number of tourists argue that their property rights are unfair

This summer, Georgia resident James Jordan rented a three-bedroom home for his family for four nights for about $3,200 total in hopes of having a perfect beach vacation but was left disappointed after it was swarming with people.

'In one word: crowded. The hardest part was you could look across this imaginary line and see unused beach,' he told the Wall Street Journal.

But South Walton property owners have refused to give up their private access - claiming that they paid for it with their houses years ago.

Eric Wilhelm, founder of two supply-chain companies based in Atlanta revealed that he made the 'very conscious decision' to buy two multimillion dollar worth properties along the coastline with private beaches as he felt it was quieter and safer than other nearby vacation destinations.

The issue has further escalated after officials created a legal settlement agreement, making more than 1,000 beachfront properties private in Walton County earlier this year - causing protests and legal action

The county which boasts 26 miles of crystal blue water coastline and 16 beachside communities has become a vacation hotspot in the past few years

South Walton property owners have refused to give up their private access - claiming that they paid for it with their houses years ago

'A lot of my neighbors are third-, fourth-generation beach owners down there, and that's their biggest, biggest asset,' he told the publication.

The issue has further escalated after officials created a legal settlement agreement, making more than 1,000 beachfront properties private in Walton County earlier this year - causing protests and legal action.

John Dillard, Concerned Citizen with the Support Open Florida Sand & Beaches Facebook group explained: 'One of the things we're really focused on is trying to raise awareness both locally and regionally, where all of our tourists come from, to raise awareness about the problems that we're having down here on the beach because it's not fun to go to the beach anymore.

'Theres security guards, police, red cones, orange cones, all kinds of signs just kind of creating stress when it used to be a stress-free environment.'

Since then, hundreds of appeals have been filed by private property owners and regular visitors in hopes to change the law.
Police have charged three men with the alleged theft of antique handguns from a regional museum.

Twenty-seven rare weapons were allegedly stolen from the Lithgow Small Arms Factory Museum in the Central Tablelands region of NSW early in the morning of August 25.

On Thursday, three men aged 46, 41 and 27, were arrested in police raids across NSW and taken to Nowra Police station.

Police seized 13 of the 27 allegedly stolen firearms, a shortened shotgun, a BMW X5, seven NSW vehicle registration plates, shotgun ammunition, $3,500 cash, electronic devices and small amounts of methamphetamine and cannabis.

The 46 and 27-year-old men were charged with two counts of aggravated break and enter commit serious indictable offence.

The 41-year-old man was charged with aggravated break and enter commit serious indictable offence, participate criminal group contribute criminal activity and steal motor vehicle.

They all appeared before Nowra Local Court on Friday and were refused bail.

CCTV video released by NSW Police of the alleged theft revealed display cabinets at the museum being smashed to remove the historically significant guns worth more than $200,000.

Three men have been arrested after the alleged theft of 27 rare weapons from the Lithgow Small Arms Factory Museum in NSW

The weapons included a pistol gifted by the Sultan of Oman and one from the 1700s.

The guns had been made inoperable by the Lithgow Small Arms Factory Museum, but police allege the three men were attempting to manufacture firing pins to make the guns operable.

Detective Superintendent John Watson, Commander of Drug and Firearms Squad said, 'There is no question that their sole purpose was to make profit from the sale of these guns.'

Of the 14 guns still to be recovered, Detective Superintendent Watson said, 'There is information to suggest that these guns have been moved on.'

'We believe these firearms may have been sold to members of the public who aren't aware they are stolen.'

The stolen weapons included a pistol gifted by the Sultan of Oman and one from the 1700s

'Due to this, we are asking those members of the public to return these firearms as quickly as they can,' Detective Superintendent Watson said.

'NSW currently has an amnesty in place for unregistered and prohibited firearms meaning you will not be prosecuted for returning these firearms to a registered firearms dealer or Police Station.'

'Detectives are working hard to return the firearms we did seize to the museum with the hope the public can continue to visit and learn about the history of these handguns,' he said.

Speaking to 7 News, Kerry Guerin from the Lithgow Small Arms Factory implored anyone in possession of the weapons to hand them in.

The 13 recovered weapons will be forensically examined before being returned to the Lithgow Small Arms Factory Museum

'Please don't destroy them, they are part of our of our heritage and history,' he said.

The 13 recovered weapons will be forensically examined before being returned to the Lithgow Small Arms Factory Museum.

The museum opened in 1998 on the site of the former Lithgow Small Arms Factory that was established in 1912.

It is community owned and managed by volunteers and funded through admissions and shop sales.

The museum's website states it is 'is widely recognised for its comprehensive collection of modern firearms from around the world, but more than that, it is a showcase of Australian manufacturing.'
A civil servant scared of catching viruses has won the first stage of an employment tribunal case over his bosses' refusal to let him work from home.

John-Paul Pryce, who worked as a case officer dealing with debt and bankruptcy, was allowed to work from home during the pandemic.

As a child he was frightened of germs, viruses and illnesses and those fears continued into adulthood.

But with the emergence of Covid-19, and him contracting the virus in March 2020, he became fearful in the presence of others and would suffer panic attacks if people were close by.

Mr Pryce said he saw them as 'coughing, sneezing germ and virus spreaders'.

John-Paul Pryce, who worked as a case officer dealing with debt and bankruptcy, was allowed to work from home during the pandemic (stock image of home worker)

In 2022, he was asked to return to the office, and his flexible working request emphasising the benefits of home-working because of his embarrassment in admitting to his phobia was rejected.

But now he has won the first stage of an employment tribunal fight, with a judge in Glasgow ruling his symptoms should be classed as a disability under equality laws.

Judge James Hendry said the claimant 'lives a very isolated life' and he accepted he had a 'mental impairment'.

He added: 'He seldom ventures from the house. He would not let a colleague into his house when they delivered a laptop to him, insisting that the exchange took place in the open air.

'Whatever the label put on such behaviour, which is in no way voluntary, the phobia he has which drives this behaviour has an adverse effect.'

In May 2022, Mr Pryce wrote to his HR department, saying: 'I have no distractions of background noise, do not need to try and feign interest in what other people did with their weekend or watched on TV the previous night.

'There is no work task which I cannot do far better without the distractions of a toxic, open-plan work environment.

In May 2022, Mr Pryce wrote to his HR department, saying: 'I have no distractions of background noise, do not need to try and feign interest in what other people did with their weekend or watched on TV the previous night' (stock image of stressed out man)

'It is unfair to assume that everyone wants or needs other people around them.'

Last year, Mr Pryce's doctor said he had 'social anxiety and agoraphobia and he feels safe working from home' and that his 'symptoms and beliefs have worsened since the outbreak of the pandemic'.

He was referred to a mental health practitioner who confirmed he has 'social anxiety and mysophobia'.

His doctor added: 'He denies any other mental health difficulties and believes he is protecting himself and his family from germs.'

In a disability impact statement, Mr Pryce said he avoided indoor settings, adding: 'On the few occasions I have had to go into indoor spaces, I can only spend a few minutes before I start sweating, get angry at anyone remotely coming close to me and feel nauseous and feel the need to leave as soon as possible.'

The judge said he found Mr Pryce to be 'credible' but that his case was 'not particularly well assisted' by medical evidence.

Mr Pryce, who worked for the Debt Arrangement Scheme since 2007, was urged by the judge to contact a counselling service, and a further hearing is set to be held.

The Debt Arrangement Scheme is run by a section of the Scottish government called Accountant in Bankruptcy, which was contacted for comment.
Skoda-Auto Volkswagen India Pvt. Ltd. (SAVWIPL) has been cleared by the Maharashtra government for a fresh investment of 15,000 crore in its manufacturing facility in Chakan. The fresh investment is part of the 120,000 crore investments cleared by the Maharashtra government that will see several auto and component makers set up shop in the state across several regions for EVs, semiconductors and more. Apart from Skoda Auto Volkswagen India, the state government has also cleared Toyota Kirloskar Motors upcoming plant in Maharashtra.

Skoda Auto Volkswagen said it will utilise the fresh investment to develop new products including electric vehicles, along with upgrading its manufact

Skoda Auto Volkswagen said it will utilise the fresh investment to develop new products including electric vehicles, along with upgrading its manufacturing facility and creating additional 1,000 jobs in the state. The announcement aligns with the automakers India 2.5 strategy which includes upgrading the existing made-in-India model range and introducing new products in the market. Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra announced that the automaker is planning an EV and hybrid car plant at Chakan.

Also check these Cars Find more Cars Volkswagen Virtus 1498 cc 1498 cc Petrol Petrol  11.56 Lakhs Compare View Offers Hyundai Verna 1497 cc 1497 cc Petrol Petrol  10.96 Lakhs Compare View Offers Honda City 1498 cc 1498 cc Petrol Petrol  11.82 Lakhs Compare View Offers UPCOMING Toyota Belta 1462 cc 1462 cc Petrol Petrol  10 Lakhs Alert Me When Launched Skoda Slavia 1498 cc 1498 cc Petrol Petrol  10.69 Lakhs Compare View Offers Maruti Suzuki Ciaz 1462 cc 1462 cc Petrol Petrol  9.40 Lakhs Compare View Offers

Also Read : Maharashtra approves mega projects in semiconductors, EVs.

One more BIG news for Maharashtra !

Huge investments of total

 1,20,220 crore approved in todays Cabinet Sub-Committee Meeting, with CM Eknath Shinde ji !



The detailed list of approved investments is as follows:



Tower Semiconductor with Adani Group at Taloja MIDC, Panvel pic.twitter.com/DVI9z94WyU  Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) September 5, 2024

Skoda Auto Volkswagen Chakan Plant: New EVs, Upgradation, Improved Products Incoming

In a statement, Skoda-Auto Volkswagen said, Skoda Auto Volkswagen India Pvt. Ltd welcomes the Maharashtra State Governments approval of the fresh investment of up to 15,000 crore. The investment aims to further enhance the Groups product portfolio in the best interests of the Indian customers while also focusing on more sustainable mobility solutions. This includes among other things BEVs and the further improved next generation of ICE vehicles, manufacturing facilities upgrades, and creating additional jobs  both direct/indirect  and thereby fostering sustainable growth in the region. We will provide more details on the agreement at a later date."

The news also comes at a time when Skoda Auto Volkswagen is said to be looking for an Indian partner to expand its interests in India. The automaker is reportedly in talks with several major players including JSW and Mahindra with the latter said to be a frontrunner. Notably, Volkswagen and Mahindra are already collaborating on the latters upcoming electric vehicles with the future INGLO-based EVs to use Volkswagen batteries.

The upcoming Skoda Kylaq will be the brand's new subcompact SUV for India set to arrive in 2025. Volkswagen is yet to announce its next all-new offering for the Indian market

Skoda Auto Volkswagen India 2.5 Strategy

The announcement reaffirms the German auto giants India plans which saw a major revival in 2021 with the India 2.0 strategy. That said, while Skoda Auto India has announced its next offering - the subcompact SUV for 2025, Volkswagen is yet to announce an all-new offering for the market. However, with the investments now in place, the automaker is expected to reveal more about its future product strategies going forward.

India acts as a major export hub for Skoda Auto Volkswagen, which will also receive a major boost with the latest investment. Meanwhile, the group could finally firm up its EV plans with the launch of models like the Skoda Enyaq and Volkswagen ID4 in limbo for a while now. Both models have been spotted testing in India on multiple occasions.

Also Read : Toyota signs MoU with Maharashtra government to propose investment for new plant

New Toyota Plant In Maharashtra

Apart from SAVWIPL, the Maharashtra governments approval has also greenlit Toyota Indias new greenfield manufacturing facility in the state. The company had announced plans to open its fourth facility in the country in Maharashtra at AURIC, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar (formerly Aurangabad). The automaker will be investing about 21,273 crore in the new facility built for hybrid, plug-in hybrid, fuel cell EV and battery electric vehicles. The new facility is expected to generate about 8,800 jobs. This will be Toyotas first plant in India outside of Karnataka.

Get insights into Upcoming Cars In India, Electric Vehicles, Upcoming Bikes in India and cutting-edge technology transforming the automotive landscape.

First Published Date:
Lucy Letby's new barrister has said there is 'absolutely' a strong case for her innocence, ahead of a new attempt to appeal the serial killer nurse's convictions.

Lawyer Mark McDonald has claimed fresh medical evidence as well as expert opinion has unearthed 'flaws', which undermined the prosecution of the ex-neo natal nurse.

Letby is currently serving 15 whole life sentences, with no prospect of parole, after being convicted of the murders of seven babies and the attempted murder of seven others at the Countess of Chester Hospital, following two separate trials.

The serial killer nurse had previously made two applications appeal during the time Ben Myers KC, who also was also her barrister throughout her 2022 trial, was representing her.

But now her new lawyer Mark McDonald, a specialist barrister in appeals and miscarriages of justice, has told Channel 5 News that there is strong argument for her innocence.

Lucy Letby's (Pictured) new barrister Mark McDonald has claimed there is 'absolutely' a strong case for the ex-neonatal nurse's innocence

Letby is serving 15 whole life sentence, with no prospect of parole, after being convicted of the murders of seven babies and the attempted murder of seven others

Before Letby's case can be put before the Court of Appeal, the lawyer will need to secure fresh evidence and persuade the CCRC that such evidence undermines the safety of her convictions.

He told the news outlet: 'Absolutely, there is. And I will be drafting the application to the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC).

'You know, I've been so encouraged by the amount of people that have come forward.

'Experts in neonatology, anaesthetists, pathology, statistics; that have come forward and have identified flaws in the trial that now want to give evidence for her, and we'll want to draft reports to put in to the CCRC to assist.'

Letby is serving several life prison sentences - making her only the fourth woman in UK history - after the likes of Rose West, Myra Hindley, and Joanna Dennehy -to be told she would never be released from behind bars.

Mr McDonald explained that they were looking into issues relating to statistics, adding: 'And I know that sounds probably quite bizarre to hear, "well, what statistics got to do with it?"

'You may remember that there were some bold assertions made during the trial in relation to, for example, [that] there was a spike of deaths, she was always on duty, when in fact, when analysed by some of the leading statisticians in the country.

'They're seeing flaws in those assertions made by the prosecution to such a fundamental extent we believe it undermines the conviction,' he claimed.

New medical evidence, which contradicts that presented by prosecution experts at the trial, has also been brought forward, Mr McDonald said.

She is one of only four women - which includes, Rose West, Myra Hindley, and Joanna Dennehy - who have been told they will never be released from prison (Pictured: Letby's arrest)

The new lawyer insists there is fresh medical evidence, which contradicts that presented by prosecution experts at the trial, has also been brought forward (Pictured: A drawing of Letby at trial)

He also revealed there will be an analysis of the neonatology evidence put forward, particularly in relation to insulin testing, during the original hearing.

He explained: 'We're looking at the whole idea in relation to insulin, the testing of insulin, whether or not that testing was reliable, whether or not that the assertion that there was insulin present is accurate.'

The barrister said he would be requesting that Letby's case to be sent back to the Court of Appeal 'on fresh evidence' to the CRCC.

However, the lawyer has said the process may take a considerable time.

'I knew almost from the start, following this trial, that there is a strong case that she is innocent,' he previously told BBC's File on 4.

'The fact is juries get it wrong. And yes, so do the Court of Appeal, history teaches us that.'

Mr McDonald has previously been involved in several high-profile appeals, including that of Ben Geen, another nurse jailed for life in 2006 for murdering two of his patients and poisoning 15 others.

Geen's application to appeal his convictions was denied by the Court of Appeal in 2009 and two further applications to the CCRC, in 2013 and 2015, also refused.

Letby's trial ran for 10 months from October 2022 to August 2023, with a retrial ordered after a jury was unable to reach a verdict on one count of attempted murder of a baby girl.

The neo-natal ward at the Countess of Chester Hospital where Letby worked

Mr McDonald compared Letby's conviction to that of the Guildford Four and Birmingham Six - two groups of people wrongly accused of carrying out IRA pub bombings in the 1970s whose convictions were later quashed.

'These were some of the biggest miscarriages of justice in UK history, and yet they were found to be innocent,' he said.

The barrister added that he had so far seen 'quite a lot of evidence that there are some real concerns' over Letby's convictions.

A public inquiry examining events at the Countess of Chester Hospital following Letby's multiple convictions is due to begin on September 10 in Liverpool.
Domestic abusers are set to be released from behind bars under Labour's new early release scheme, reports claim.

The governments 'SDS40' scheme, could see prisoners automatically freed after serving between 40 to 45 per cent of their prison time, as ministers attempt to tackle the overcrowding crisis in UK prisons.

Among the 1,700 set to walk free next Tuesday are a man who told his partner he was 'enjoying' attacking her, The Times reports.

Domestic abusers are set to be released from behind bars under Labour's new early release scheme (Pictured: Keir Starmer)

Shane Riley, who said he 'enjoyed' attacking his partner after she broke off their relationship will also be free after serving barely nine months of his sentence

An abuser who will be granted freedom after serving barely half of his prison sentence is Shane Riley.

The then 44-year-old said he was 'enjoying' assaulting his partner as he punched, kicked ,and headbutted the victim in her Soham home when she broke off their relationship on June 8, 2020.

He was sentenced to 23 months for causing actual bodily harm, common assault, making threats to kill, and criminal damage. He will serve less than nine months.

Inmates now behind bars will be set free after serving only 40 per cent of their sentence - lowered from the previous 50 per cent - in a fresh bid to tackle prison overcrowding.

The emergency plan, also known as standard determinate sentence 40 SDS40, will mark the first time the automatic release point for prisoners fell below half sentence served.

It comes as official figures showed there were 88,521 people behind bars on Friday, 171 more than the previous record set at the end of last week.

The prison population has now risen by 1,025 people over the past four weeks and now stands at its highest level since weekly population data was first published in 2011.

Jordan Green, who was put behind bars after he pleaded guilty to robbery and dangerous driving in March, will also be released under the new scheme

The governments 'SDS40' scheme, could see prisoners automatically freed after serving between 40 to 45 per cent of their prison time, as ministers attempt to tackle the overcrowding crisis in UK prisons (Pictured: HMP Wandsworth)

Another offender who will also taste freedom thanks to Labour's new scheme will be Jordan Green, who was put behind bars after he pleaded guilty to robbery and dangerous driving in March.

He was jailed for 27 months after an incident saw him approach a woman's window in Thornaby, Stockton-on-Tees and screech: 'Get out of the f***ing car'

He proceeded to hurl her mobile phone out of his window as he sped off, which allowed her take an image the criminal.

Green, who was previously handed a prison sentence after he attacked his own mother. will only spend four months in jail.

Sir Keir Starmer previously told the BBC no high-risk prisoners will be released, maintaining that risk assessment procedures will be put in place to prevent this.

Despite this, the Prime Minister confessed the risk could not be entirely quashed, saying: 'We have put a threshold on risk, very much bearing in mind the victims in this.'

Newly appointed Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood has declared several offences would also be exempt from the new scheme in a bid to keep the public safe from the most dangerous criminals.

Crimes exempt from the new early release scheme include prisoners sentences for sexual and violent offences of over four years.

Newly appointed Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood (Pictured has declared several offences would also be exempt from the new scheme in a bid to keep the public safe from the most dangerous criminals

Crimes exempt from the new early release scheme include prisoners sentences for sexual and violent offences of over four years (stock image)

Mahmood also aimed to curb the amount of domestic abusers set free from prison, by ensuring those serving time for coercive control, stalking, harassment or breach of a restraining or non-molestation order as well as non-fatal throttling would be exempt.

The Justice Secretary was previously advised that the emergency early release plan could prevent prisons running out of space within weeks.

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) was been told by officials that the move would give them an extra 18 months to allow more prison places to be freed up. It would also allow for a wider review of sentencing to take place.

According to The Times, the government had announced the early release scheme two months prior so that relevant bodies and services had time to get ready for inmates to be released, and to tell their victims.
This video is no longer available

This video is no longer available

New CCTV reveals the moment a woman was nearly hit by an out-of-control Tesla in a crash that left four people, including a mother and young daughter, trapped.

Live power wires were brought down on top of a nearby Subaru after the electric vehicle crashed into a utility pole on Raymond Street at Bankstown, in Sydney's south-west, about 10.45am on Thursday.

CCTV footage has revealed the car nearly hit a pedestrian in the incident, while the driver and his passenger - as well as a mother and daughter - were trapped following the crash.

A bystander told Nine News there were 'wires all over the place', with neighbouring businesses shutting for the day as emergency crews worked to restore power.

'I heard this deafening noise and some people screaming,' the man said.

'I went out and I saw wires all over the place.

'As many as 10 people were trying to assist, trying to smash the window.'

The driver and his passenger, both in their 70s, were taken to Liverpool Hospital with multiple injuries, but were stable as of Friday.

The woman (pictured) was remarkably uninjured but the downed power lines kept four people trapped in their cars until the electricity could be shut off

The Tesla was a write off with the front bonnet completely smashed in (pictured)

Raymond Street was blocked off between Restwell Street and West Terrace following the incident.

The mother and young daughter are understood to be freed uninjured after the electricity was shut off.

NSW Police said they are looking into the incident.
Staff will be able to sue their bosses if they are made to work too hard under a new law being considered for the autumn.

Ministers could allow employees to bring claims if they are forced to work more than 48-hours-a-week, The Times has reported.

These rules, set out under the European working time directive, were incorporated into UK law by the previous Labour government.

But currently they can only be enforced by bodies such as councils and the Health and Safety Executive, not heard in tribunals.

The changes are set to be included in a package of additional rights for workers brought in by Labour this October, that also include the right of workers to demand a four-day week.

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner is championing the changes which are being developed in close consultation with businesses and trade unions.

Staff will be able to sue their bosses if they are made to work too hard under a new law planned for the autumn (Pictured: Angela Rayner)

The changes are set to be included in a package of additional rights for workers brought in by Labour this October (stock photo)

Ministers are also set to give workers longer to make claims against their employers.

Under the new rules, the time limit will be increased from three to six months since a person has left the company and workers may even be able to sue while they are still employed.

Breach-of-contract claims for issues with working conditions and unpaid bonuses would also be permitted, with the maximum damages that could be paid out increased from 25,000 to 100,000.

Kathleen Healy, the deputy chair of the Employment Lawyers' Association said of the new plans: 'This may mean that employees look to seek redress by challenging the number of hours they work rather than other means, but equally they may prefer to pursue other claims like discrimination.'

It comes as it emerged that employees would have the right to demand a four-day week under Labour's new 'work-shy charter'.

Under a system of 'compressed hours', workers could be able to work their contracted hours in four days rather than five.

Currently workers have a legal right to request flexible working from their employers but companies are under no obligation to agree.

However, the new package of workers' rights will shift the balance of power with businesses forced to offer flexible working unless it is 'not reasonably feasible'.

The increased flexibility will mean workers will have a greater legal weight behind them if they ask to complete their week's work in four days, rather than five.

Conservatives, however, have criticised the plans, saying they would leave businesses 'petrified'.

Kevin Hollinrake, the Tory shadow business secretary, described the legislation as 'French-style union laws'.

Kevin Hollinrake, the Tory shadow business secretary, described the legislation as 'French-style union laws'

Currently workers have a legal right to request flexible working from their employers but companies are under no obligation to agree (stock photo)

He said: 'Labour must listen to businesses who are petrified about day one employment rights and bringing in the four-day week through the back door.

'It will be businesses and consumers who pay and growth that suffers if they don't listen.'

In response to Mr Hollinrake's comments, the government said it had 'no plans' to force businesses to accept employees' four-day working week requests.

A spokesperson for the Department of Business and Trade said they have a 'significant and ambitious agenda to ensure workplace rights are fit for a modern economy.'

A Department for Business and Trade spokesperson said: 'The Plan to Make Work Pay sets out a significant and ambitious agenda to ensure workplace rights are fit for a modern economy and we will introduce an Employment Rights Bill soon as part of our plan.

'We are already committed to increasing employment tribunal time limits from three months to six months, which is in line with the Law Commission recommendation from 2020.'

The workers rights package due this autumn has been referred to as Labour's Plan to Make Work Pay.

It has been the subject of years of internal debate within the party but Labour has promised to submit draft legislation to Parliament by mid-October.

Other plans under consideration as part of it include giving employees the 'right to switch off'.

The government are looking to push out a code of practice which sets out normal working hours and clarifies when an employee can expect to be contacted by their employer.

The policy, believed to be spearheaded by new deputy prime minister Angela Raynor, includes the right for worker's to refuse to take on extra work on weekends or to carry out work-related tasks while on annual leave.

Pushy bosses who repeatedly breach this agreement could be taken to an employment tribunal and drained of thousands of pounds as compensation.
Labour last night faced an internal backlash over David Lammy's decision to restrict some arms exports to Israel.

The Government's own Solicitor General Sarah Sackman and two other Labour MPs said the Foreign Secretary's move could send the wrong message to Hamas while 'adversely affecting the security and safety' of Israelis.

Mrs Sackman and fellow North London MPs Dan Tomlinson and David Pinto-Duschinsky also said many of their constituents were 'upset and angry' that the announcement came during the funeral of one of the October 7 hostages, Hersh Goldberg-Polin.

The letter from the three MPs represents the first instance of Labour politicians publicly questioning Mr Lammy's decision on Monday to suspend 30 out of 350 arms export licences to Israel.

The trio wrote: 'Many constituents are upset and angry about the timing of the announcement Secondly, our constituents have raised questions about the message that the decision sends to Israel's enemies While the decision may have been intended to de-escalate the conflict, there is great concern that it may inadvertently have the opposite effect and adversely affect the security and safety of Israel.'

Labour last night faced an internal backlash over David Lammy's decision to restrict some arms exports to Israel

The Government's own Solicitor General Sarah Sackman and two other Labour MPs said the Foreign Secretary 's move could send the wrong message to Hamas

Mrs Sackman told the Mail last night: 'The letter speaks for itself.

'I fully support the government's position and upholding international humanitarian law.

'This letter represents the views of some of my constituents.'
The National Trust faced a fierce backlash last night after plans to make half of its food vegan were revealed.

Amid efforts to reach Net Zero, the charity  which has 280 cafes across Britain  will vote on making their menus 50 per cent plant-based at their next annual general meeting.

Trust bosses are reportedly backing the resolution, arguing that limiting meat and dairy-based items on menus would reduce their environmental impact. They also described animal agriculture as 'inherently inefficient'.

But ex-Tory MP Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg called it a 'silly attention-seeking proposal'.

And Tom Bradshaw, president of the National Farmers' Union, told The Daily Telegraph that 'what we eat is a personal choice and not something which is imposed'.

The National Trust faced a fierce backlash last night after plans to make half of its cafes food vegan were revealed (stock image of cafe)

Ex-Tory MP Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg called it a 'silly attention-seeking proposal'

It comes after the Trust launched a review into its 'colonial history' and sparked concerns over encroaching 'wokeism' at the charity.

Earlier this year, The Mail on Sunday revealed a secret plan by the Trust to make its scones vegan  swapping butter for a vegetable-based spread in the recipe.

The charity's cafes currently offer a menu that is 40 per cent plant-based nationally.

The proposing National Trust members' supporting statement said:

'Moving towards a majority plant-based food system would allow more than 70 per cent of farmland to be freed for nature restoration, a change that would capture massive amounts of carbon and increase biodiversity while still providing enough nutritious food for our growing population.'
Following a lengthy criminal investigation, a Melbourne tradie has been charged with 13 sexual offences.

Kent Albert Stephenson, 51, was charged with 13 sexual offences including eight counts of rape, two counts of attempted rape and three counts of sexual touching, The Herald Sun reported.

The offences were allegedly committed between December 2018 and November 2022 in Melbourne.

The charges were laid in mid-August by the Knox Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Team.

Charge sheets reveal Stephenson allegedly slapped his penis across his female victim's face, groped her bare breast and allegedly raped her on multiple occasions.

In a Melbourne Magistrates' Court hearing on Friday, the prosecution and Stephenson's lawyer had sought a gag order for details of the case to be withheld from the public.

Following consultation with Stephenson's alleged victim, this request was abandoned after she requested the charges against Stephenson be made public.

The release of the material was granted by Magistrate Vincenzo Caltabiano.

Kent Albert Stephenson, 51, was charged with 13 sexual offences including eight counts of rape, two counts of attempted rape and three counts of sexual touching

In a Melbourne Magistrates' Court hearing on Friday, the prosecution and Stephenson's lawyer had sought a gag order. This was abandoned after the alleged victim requested the charges against Stephenson be made public.

After the hearing, Stephenson attempted to avoid waiting media outside the court who were covering the case.

He was supported in court by a female friend, who he dramatically left behind after he emerged from court, sprinting away from media cameras.

Stephenson will face court again on November 1.
A Pakistani man has been arrested after allegedly plotting to attack Jewish centers in New York City on the anniversary of Hamas' October 7 terrorist attacks.

Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, 20, an alleged supporter of the Islamic State, was taken into custody on Wednesday in Canada after the DOJ said he was plotting to 'kill as many Jewish people as possible.'

According to an indictment against Khan, also known as Shahzeb Jadoon, he had planned to travel across the northern border before carrying out a devastating shooting spree with automatic and semi-automatic weapons.

Khan's alleged scheme was foiled after it was discovered by two undercover cops, who chatted with the 20-year-old online as he attempted to recruit them into a 'real offline cell' for ISIS, the indictment claimed.

A Pakistani man has been arrested after allegedly plotting to attack Jewish centers in New York City to 'kill as many Jewish people as possible.' Pictured: A crowd of Hasidic people gather outside a main synagogue in Brooklyn

The suspect, named as Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, 20, allegedly plotted to go on a shooting spree in Brooklyn on the anniversary of the October 7 Hamas terrorist attacks (pictured)

The indictment did not specify what Khan's alleged target was, but said he discussed with the undercover cops a 'plot to carry out mass shootings at or around Jewish religious centers' in Brooklyn.

He allegedly picked the New York City borough because it would be 'perfect to target Jews' because it has 'the largest Jewish population in America.'

'Khan told the (undercover cops) he intended to kill as many Jewish civilians as possible', the indictment claimed.

Cops said Khan began sharing threats and ISIS propaganda videos in November, where he began speaking with the two undercover police officers.

In his conversations online, he allegedly picked out several possible synagogues and community centers, and proclaimed 'we are going to NYC to slaughter them.'

Khan is also accused of instructing the undercover cops to obtain AR-style assault weapons and ammunition to join him in the attack, and allegedly said he and another ISIS supporter based in the US were attempting to gather supplies for the plot.

He was arrested on Wednesday in Canada, just 12 miles from the US border, and charged with attempting to provide material support and resources to ISIS.

US Attorney General Merrick Garland praised the undercover investigation and said Jewish communities 'should not have to fear that they will be targeted by a hate-fueled terrorist attack'

Khan also allegedly shared details of how he would hire a people smuggler to help him slip into the US undetected, and had already used three separate vehicles on his way to the border before he was arrested.

In a statement following Khan's arrest, Attorney General Merrick Garland praised the investigation in a statement.

'We are deeply grateful to our Canadian partners for their critical law enforcement actions in this matter,' Garland said.

'Jewish communities  like all communities in this country  should not have to fear that they will be targeted by a hate-fueled terrorist attack.'

It is unclear at this time if Khan will be extradited to America following his arrest in Canada.
The Ubud district on the holiday island of Bali has been struck by a 5.1 magnitude earthquake at 9.52am local time, which was 11.52am Australian east coast time.

The quake, which struck 10kilometres north-north-east of Ubud, was listed as being 4.8 magnitude by the United States Geological Survey, at a depth of 35km.

But local reports and a Thai earthquake monitoring group said it was 5.1.

Around 1.2million Australians visited Bali, which is part of Indonesia, last year, making up the largest number of tourist visitors.

Retired Australian farmer James Dillon wrote on X that he had 'Come to Bali for a relaxing holiday' but got an earthquake.

'No damage near here that I have seen yet,' he said.

American man Todd Miller wrote that he had felt Saturday's quake.

'We are on a raised wooden deck having breakfast and the whole deck shook like an elephant ran into it,' he wrote on social media.

The Ubud district (pictured with the red dot) on the holiday island of Bali has been struck by a 5.1 magnitude earthquake

Around 1.2million Australians visited Bali, which is part of Indonesia, last year, making up the largest number of tourist visitors. Stock image

People in Canggu and Pererenan also tweeted that they had felt the tremor, with one saying he 'thought a truck had driven into the house'.

Another wrote that it 'scares the hell out of me every time (there is an earthquake in Bali).

'I think this is the closest I've been to the epicenter in the past 5 years.'

More to come...
Students recovering from the traumatic shooting at Apalachee High School revealed the moment they narrowly avoided gunman Colt Gray as he opened fire and killed four people.

Classmate Bri Jones, 14, said Gray quietly left the room and she almost let him back inside before noticing he was brandishing an AR-style weapon.

'As I was looking at the door, he was pulling his gun out, and then I froze up, like I froze up and I said "no" to myself,' Jones told CNN. 'He would have got every single one of us in that class.'

The entire community of Winder, Georgia is still reeling with the tragedy on Wednesday, with heartbreaking vigils taking place at the school's campus as Gray, 14, faces felony murder charges.

Bri Jones, 14, a classmate of the alleged school shooter, said she almost opened the door to the gunman but stopped when she saw his gun, and admitted that if she had done so he 'would have got every single one of us in that class'

Colt Gray, 14, allegedly shot 13 people, four fatally, in a horror shooting spree at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia on Wednesday morning

Gray has been arrested and charged with the murders of teachers Christina Irimie and Richard Aspinwall, and students Mason Schermerhorn and Christian Angulo, both 14.

The shooter's father, Colin Gray, has also been charged with a litany of crimes, including murder. Prosecutors say he gave his son the weapon 'with knowledge he was a threat to himself and others.'

Both father and son are facing life in prison.

Several classmates shared similar stories describing how the teen quietly slunk out of algebra class at around 10am on Wednesday. He returned minutes later with a gun.

Jones said she almost opened the door, but stopped herself thanks to a tip from her mother.

'I always look out the door before I open it it's a habit my mom taught me,' she said.

Although she saw the gun, Jones said her teacher urged her to open the door 'because she didnt know he had a gun because she was at her desk.'

'She was going to walk over there, open it, and I was like, "no, he has a gun,"' Jones said.

Mason Schermerhorn, 14, an autistic student at Apalachee High School, was the first victim to be identified. Christian Angulo, 14, also lost his life in the senseless shooting

'The shooter, he looked up,' Jones continued. 'He was looking at me, my teacher, and then somebody was in the hall. He turned his head, and he just started shooting.

'Once he started shooting, its like he kept going, it was so many gunshots after gunshots... It felt like he was just shooting forever  and then like it stopped.'

Students said when Gray failed to enter his own classroom, he opened fire into the one next door as their door was open.

At that moment, teacher Richard Aspinwall was shot dead in front of his horrified class, which student Malaysia Mitchell said left her traumatized.

'We had to drag our teacher's body fully into the classroom,' she told CNN. 'We heard him take his last breath.'

Prosecutors said they have not ruled out bringing further charges against Gray in relation to the shooting.

When his father Colin was hauled into court Friday to face charges, footage showed him rocking back and forth and sobbing while victim's loved ones looked on.

Colt's father, 54-year-old Colin Gray, is accused of buying his 14-year-old son the AR-15-style rifle the boy used and was arrested Thursday on several counts of second-degree murder, involuntary manslaughter and cruelty to children

Georgia school shooter Colt Gray made his first court appearance on Friday

Colin Gray's hearing took place right after his 14-year-old son Colt learned that, as a minor, he won't face the death penalty for killing four people.

The teen appeared in person in shackles, dressed in a green t-shirt and grey sweat pants. He kept his head down, with his hair covering his face, and spoke softly only to Judge Currie Mingledorff, replying yes sir when asked to confirm his name.

The distraught father began rocking after Judge Mingledorff told him the maximum sentences that he could receive, and is expected to appear in court on December 4.

Judge Mingledorff advised the elder Gray that he could face up to 30 years in prison for each felony murder count, 10 years for each involuntary manslaughter charges and cruelty to children  the maximum totaling 180 years.

Victims' family members stared at him throughout the hearing while he kept his head down and avoided eye contact with anyone but the judge.

Dozens of emotional family members packed the courtroom for both Grays first appearances, with some visibly crying before the hearing even began. Some wore sunglasses to cover their faces, and were supported by detectives in the court room.

Family members for both father and son did not appear to be supporting them in the courtroom.

Judge Mingledorff advised the elder Gray that he could face up to 30 years in prison for each felony murder count, 10 years for each involuntary manslaughter charges and cruelty to children  the maximum totaling 180 years.
The serial paedophile who abducted, drugged and killed schoolgirl Samantha Knight has died in custody.

Michael Anthony Guider, 73, died at the Prince of Wales hospital on Saturday at 7.25am, a Corrective Services NSW spokeswoman confirmed.

'As a matter of protocol, Corrective Services NSW and NSW Police investigate all deaths in custody regardless of the circumstances,' the spokeswoman said.

Guider kidnapped Samantha Knight from near her Bondi home in 1986 before he drugged and killed her. He was later convicted of manslaughter.

Samantha's disappearance had led to one of the largest searches for a missing person in Australian history and the hunt for her abductor continued for 15 years.

Australian parents changed the way they considered their children's safety and hundreds of thousands of posters were distributed across the nation featuring smiling images of the blonde, green-eyed girl.

Guider had preyed upon other children across two decades and never showed any remorse for killing Samantha.

He was let out of jail in 2019 but was re-arrested in 2022 for breaching conditions relating to his five-year extended supervision order.

He was being held in Sydney's Long Bay prison complex when he was taken to hospital suffering heart problems on Friday afternoon.

Guider has always refused to say what he did with the Samantha's body and his death means the whereabouts of her remains may never be known.

Michael Guider (pictured in 2022) has died in hospital while in custody in Long Bay Jail

Michael Guider kidnapped, drugged and killed nine-year-old school girl Samantha Knight in 1986. She was snatched from near her home at Bondi and her remains have never been found

Another of Guider's victims, Lisa Giles, said on Saturday she was relieved to learn of her abuser's death death.

'This morning I got the phone call I've been waiting for for many years,' Ms Giles told Daily Mail Australia.

'It doesn't feel they way I thought it would... I can probably rest, but how?'

Ms Giles said she had lived in fear he would offend again when he was released from prison.

'I had been trying to outsmart the whole system. To build documents to send to the DPP, to write my own story, to appeal to the courts to increase the intensity of his conditions.'

Ms Giles was preyed upon by 'Uncle Mick' from age five to 11 and fought hard in 2019 to keep Guider in prison when his 17-year sentence for killing Samantha finished.

'The current structure can't possibly put the community's minds to rest because the threat has not dissipated,' Ms Giles said.

'This is an openly unrepentant criminal, and according to psychiatric reports heard in court, has not been rehabilitated, in spite of completing the full arsenal of courses available to him in jail.

'There has been a systemic, cumulative build-up of loopholes and leniency available to Guider, and he has been largely protected throughout his incarceration.'

Ms Giles, who made a powerful submission to the Supreme Court in August 2019 objecting to Guider's release, described then how he coaxed his way into her family.

'I was one of his conquests,' she said. 'Michael is the psychotic bad guy you see in the movies  narcissistic and delusional.'

For the first six months of his freedom in 2019, Guider was holed-up in a secure facility attached to Long Bay along with other offenders too problematic to return to society.

But in March 2020 the loathed paedophile was quietly moved out of the Nunyara Community Offender Support Program centre at Malabar and placed in new permanent accommodation.

That angered and frustrated some of Guider's surviving victims, who said at the time authorities had refused to reveal where their tormentor was now living.

Guider's younger brother Tim had previously warned his sibling would have used his time in Nunyara preparing himself to commit sex crimes on prepubescent girls again.

After his initial release Guider refused to receive letters, phone calls or visits from anyone, including Tim.

'His minders have said to me he doesn't want contact with anybody from the outside world,' Tim said in 2019.

Guider served 17 years for the manslaughter of schoolgirl Samantha Knight

'He's trying to keep his secrets basically. He doesn't want anyone to know where he is or what he's doing.'

Tim predicted Guider would have altered his appearance before he left Nunyara, including removing the long grey beard he grew in 2019.

Guider had previously been jailed for sexually assaulting 13 children from 1980 to 1996. Police are aware of other victims still too traumatised to come forward.

Michael Guider is pictured left on Christmas Day, 1986, four months after he killed Samantha. He is pictured right clutching a Kodak film packet and developed photographs in 1984, the year he began molesting Samantha

His brother believed Michael would find a way to return to his old ways once he was back in the community.

In September 2022, Guider was arrested again for allegedly possessing child abuse material on his mobile phone, violating the terms of his extended supervision order.

During a routine check on his home at Fairfield Heights in Sydney's south-west police discovered Guider had been looking up material on his phone in contravention of those conditions.

He was subsequently sentenced to a maximum of three years in prison.
A death row inmate forced to pick between three options for his execution is set to be put to death this month via lethal injection in South Carolina.

Freddie Owens, 46, a convicted killer who gunned down a store clerk during a botched robbery in 1997, was given the choice of lethal injection, electric chair or firing squad when he is put to death.

Although he was forced to decide his execution method, Owens left his fate up to his lawyer as he argued that his Muslim faith means he cannot take an active role in his own death.

But even as his attorney Emily Paavola opted for lethal injection, she cited ongoing issues with the method that has seen a number of recent executions last several hours and even fail to kill inmates.

Freddie Owens, 46, a convicted killer, was given three options for his execution this month, with his attorney deciding on lethal injection

Owens was given the choice between lethal injection, firing squad or electric chair. Pictured is the SC execution chamber, showing the electric chair (right) and firing squad chair (left)

Experts have sounded the alarm in recent years over the issues surrounding lethal injections, with a shortage of the drugs used in the method leading some states to allegedly extend their supplies beyond their expiration date.

Critics argue this has caused several executions to become drawn out and painful, including inmate Joe Nathan James, 50, who suffered through the longest execution in US history in 2022 at over three hours.

In court filings deciding Owens' fate this month, Paavola cited these concerns as she said she is still unsure prison officials will be able to effectively and humanely execute the killer.

'I have known Mr. Owens for 15 years. Under the circumstances, and in light of the information currently available to me, I made the best decision I felt I could make on his behalf,' she wrote.

'I sincerely hope that the South Carolina Department of Corrections assurances will hold true.'

Owens put the decision down to his attorney because of his Muslim faith, which teaches that suicide is a sin, and he saw choosing his execution as taking an active role in his own death.

If Paavola had not made a decision, the state would have sent Owens to the electric chair, which the killer said he wanted to avoid.

Owens, pictured during his 1999 trial, was sentenced to death over the murder of store clerk Irene Graves during a botched robbery in 1997

Owens denied being the one who killed Graves, and the store's surveillance video couldn't clearly show who shot Graves in the head - and scientific evidence was never presented at his trial

Owens' attorney Emily Paavola opted for lethal injection on his behalf, but cited ongoing issues with the method that has seen a number of recent executions fail

His execution is now set for September 20, and it will become the first execution to take place in South Carolina in 13 years.

The delay had been down to the issues plaguing executions in states across the country, however last year South Carolina lawmakers voted to keep their supplier of pentobarbital a secret, effectively re-opening the death chamber, reports the Associated Press.

This came as the state had previously used a cocktail of three drugs, but moved to a single dose of pentobarbital - similar to the federal government's method - to make obtaining the drug easier.

The state's Supreme Court also ruled in July 2024 that the electric chair and firing squad method were also legal.

This led Owens to have his execution date finally set as he had exhausted all his appeal options.

However, Owens could still be granted a stay of execution as the Supreme Court will hear an argument from his attorneys that his co-defendant lied during his 1999 trial about striking a deal to testify against Owens.

At the trial, his co-defendant Steven Andra Golden testified that Owens was the one who pulled the trigger to kill store clerk Irene Graves when she struggled to open the safe during a robbery.

Owens denied being the one who killed Graves, and the store's surveillance video couldn't clearly show who shot Graves in the head - and scientific evidence was never presented at his trial.

However, while Owens has pleaded his innocence over the murder, prosecutors say the testimony against him was bolstered by Owens confessing to the killing to his mother and girlfriend.

Less than 12 hours after he was convicted of Graves' murder, Owens also killed fellow prisoner Christopher Bryan Lee, 28, in a jail cell argument, after Lee allegedly revealed his cousin was on the jury that sentenced Owens to death.

Less than 12 hours after he was convicted of Graves' murder, Owens also killed fellow prisoner Christopher Bryan Lee, 28, (pictured) in a jail cell argument

Owens, seen in a more recent mugshot from death row, will become the first person executed in South Carolina in 13 years if his September 20 execution goes ahead

Prosecutors also say that the issues being raised by Owens' attorneys to stay his execution have all been poured over during his numerous appeals.

Owens has had his death penalty conviction overturned twice while he sat on death row, only for subsequent re-trials to end up with a recommendation of death again.

'Owens has had ample opportunity to litigate claims regarding his conviction and sentence. He is due no more,' the South Carolina Attorney Generals Office wrote in a court filing.

With his other options exhausted - including failed arguments over the extended use of pentobarbital - Owens may need to rely on South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster granting him a last-minute clemency.

However no governor has done that in the states 43 executions since the death penalty was restarted in the U.S. in 1976.

Gov. Henry McMaster has said he will follow longtime tradition and not announce his decision until prison officials make a call from the death chamber minutes before the execution.
An elementary school in Colorado could be turned into a shelter for migrants as they continue to flood across the country's southern border.

The building which is currently standing empty in Denver has been floated as an option and is being considered by the city's Democratic Mayor.

The specific school property involved, which is owned by Denver Public Schools, has not been made public, but city officials say they are making contingency plans to turn it into emergency accommodation.

The building has been 'identified as a potential migrant shelter, but nothing is final and there's no paperwork,' a spokesperson for Denver Mayor Mike Johnston said.

Johnston explained how the city has been 'looking for buildings that would be suited as an emergency shelter. [But that] no determination has been made yet.'

An elementary school in Colorado could be about to be turned into a shelter for migrants (file photo)

The building which is currently standing empty in Denver is currently an option and is being considered by the city's Democratic Mayor Mike Johnston, pictured above

Denver, a city of more than 700,000 residents is also a 'sanctuary city' meaning it does not enforce federal immigration law.

'The location you reference has been looked at as a possible site to provide temporary shelter for newcomers,' Jon Ewing, a spokesperson for the Denver mayor's office said to Fox News. 'No decisions have been made, nor contracts signed.

'It's also probably worth pointing out that very few newcomers are in shelter at this time. In all of August, we saw around 150 people come through our shelter system, many of whom stayed for only a matter of hours before departing for other locations.'

The city also refuses to offer cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents - but there are fears parts of Denver have recently become overrun by Venezuelan gangs.

Last month a video was released shot in the Denver suburb of Aurora showing armed men knocking on an apartment door, intensifying fears the Tren de Aragua gang was in control of the six-building complex.

On Thursday, police in Aurora said the street gang had a small presence in the city and had not taken over the rundown apartment complex.

Footage from a resident in an Aurora apartment complex appeared to show armed men knocking on a door, intensifying fears the Tren de Aragua gang was in control of the complex

Nevertheless, the allegations continues to gain steam among conservatives and was amplified by former President Donald Trump in a Wednesday Fox News town hall where he said Venezuelans were 'taking over the whole town.'

Aurora is a diverse city that has long grappled with crime and gangs, and police said they have so far linked 10 people to Tren de Aragua and arrested six of them, including the suspects in a July attempted homicide.

But in a visit to the apartments where the armed men were filmed, interim Aurora police chief Heather Morris said gang members had not taken over and weren't collecting rent.

The remarks came after Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman said that 'criminal elements' had taken over some unspecified buildings and were extorting residents.

After residents held a news conference to speak out against the gang claims, Coffman, a Republican and former congressman, conceded he was 'not sure where the truth is in all of this.'

Aurora police are seen at the complex. They say that claims that the building has being taken by a gang are false

In a video, other members of the gang rush up the stairwell, bearing weapons. In the background, the men can be heard speaking in Spanish to one another

A boy guides his bicycle past apartment buildings as a rally is held in the courtyard to address chronic problems in the apartment buildings occupied by people displaced from their home countries in central and South America in Aurora

In an interview this week with Denver7 TV station, Coffman said the narrative that all of Aurora was unsafe was not true and harmful to the economic health of the rapidly growing city of more than 400,000 people.

Trump has sought to capitalize on concerns over immigration as he seeks a second term in November.

At Wednesday night's town hall, he repeated his call for mass deportations after overstating the gang situation in Aurora.

'Take a look at Aurora in Colorado, where Venezuelans are taking over the whole town, theyre taking over buildings, the whole town,' Trump said. 'You saw it the other day theyre knocking down doors and occupying apartments of people.'

The video helping fuel the allegations showed armed men, including one holding a long gun, climbing up the stairs and knocking on an apartment door.

The former residents who filmed it told KDVR-TV it was taken before a shooting at the complex on August 18 in which a 25-year-old man later died.

Venezuela's most violent gang Tren de Aragua has moved its headquarters to just across the US border in the Mexican town of Ciudad Juarez

Among the nearly 1 million Venezuelan migrants who entered the U.S. in recent years were suspected gang members tied to police shootings, human trafficking and other crimes - yet there's no evidence that the gang has set up an organizational structure in the U.S., Jeremy McDermott, the Colombia-based co-director of InSight Crime, told the Associated Press this summer.

He published a recent report on Tren de Aragua's expansion.

Social media posts about a video purporting to show migrants taking over a school bus in San Diego and a 911 call reporting Venezuelan migrants taking over an apartment building in Chicago have also received attention lately. Both were unsubstantiated.

Many of the immigrants from Venezuela and other Latin American countries who live in the Aurora complex say there are no gangs there, and they are being unfairly painted as criminals.
A teacher at prestigious Sydney school Knox Grammar is alleged to have told a teenager 'do you find it hot that you are as old as some of my students,' a court has heard.

William Roberto Gulson, 27, appeared in his Knox teaching uniform - bearing the school motto Virile Agitur ('do the manly thing') - at a bail hearing on Saturday charged with child grooming over his alleged communications with a 15-year-old.

Gulson was arrested at Wahroonga on Friday and taken to Hornsby Police Station where he was charged with one count of procuring or grooming a child under 16 for unlawful sexual activity.

Earlier this month, police began an investigation into allegations a man had groomed a child online.

Gulson appeared in Parramatta Local Court via videolink from Surry Hills Police Station, appearing on screen wearing a jacket bearing the Knox logo and with his hands bound by handcuffs.

The court heard the complainant in the matter was in Year 9 and 15 years old.

The court was told that Gulson told the complainant: 'Sorry dude, I feel super conflicted, do you find it hot that you are as old as some of my students.'

Mr Gulson knew the teen's age at the time, the court was told.

William Roberto Gulson, 27, appeared at a bail hearing in Sydney on Saturday charged with child grooming over his alleged communications with a 15-year-old

Gulson is seen leaving the Surry Hills Police Station in his Knox teaching uniform

Gulson was confronted by reporters following his court hearing on Saturday

Knox Grammar teacher William Gulson (pictured) is alleged to have told a teenager 'do you find it hot that you are as old as some of my students,' a court has heard

The court heard evidence of the communication was found on his phone, which police seized during his arrest.

Gulson's Legal Aid lawyer, Edward Gilson, told the court the alleged offences were a result of 'effective vigilantism' and 'entrapment'.

'There isn't a suggestion of a pattern of behaviour,' Mr Gilson told the court.

The case against Gulson was described as an 'extremely strong prosecution case', with prosecutors opposing his release on bail citing the risk of further offences and the safety of the community.

He was released on bail under a string of conditions including that he not contact anyone under 18 and not enter or loiter around Knox Grammar.

Gulson will face court again later this month

Gulson is seen being escorted by a police officer out of the Surry Hills Police Station on Saturday

He must also surrender his passport and not enter an airport.

In a letter to parents, Knox Grammar principal Scott James said Gulson's employment had been terminated.

'I am writing to inform you that late this afternoon a senior school teacher was charged by police in relation to allegations of online grooming of a minor,' he wrote.

In a letter to parents, Knox Grammar (pictured) principal Scott James said Gulson's employment had been terminated

'When this was brought to our attention, the teacher concerned was immediately removed from the school and his employment was terminated.

'We are only now able to write to you because the teacher has been charged, but we remain restricted in what we can say because of the ongoing investigation by police.'

Gulson will return to court later this month.
Hundreds of Comanchero outlaw motorcycle gang members have descended on the streets of Canberra for their national meeting.

Police were out in force on Saturday, surrounding Mitchell Mistresses, a strip club in an industrial area about 11kilometres north of Parliament House, as they waited for the group to gather.

Part of Grimwade Street was closed off as officers set up traffic cones to slow the group's movement away from the meet-up location.

But it didn't stop the bikies from gathering, with a large group pulling up on motorbikes outside the strip club in vests emblazoned with the Comanchero logo.

A checkpoint was set up by police as part of their operation, with two men spotted taking a selfie in front of the check in.

Police funnelled the sea of tattoos and leather through the checkpoints.

Officers meticulously documented members, photographing tattoos, motorbikes and papers.

With many wearing designer sunglasses and sporing finely sculpted beards, the gang appeared a far cry from its origins as a scruffy brotherhood of hardened military veterans.

Hundreds of Comancheros outlaw motorcycle gang members have descended on the streets of Canberra for their national meeting

A checkpoint was set up by police as part of their operation, and officers meticulously documented members, photographing tattoos, motorbikes and papers

It's understood many local businesses weren't aware of the gathering, and have had to shut up shop for the day as customers aren't able to access the stores.

The ACT was probably chosen to host the national meeting as it remains the only state or territory yet to implement the tough anti-consorting laws that have stopped outlaw motorcycle gang members from gathering or wearing club colours.

In Canberra, they will be able to wear their patches and ride in a group.

The lax legislation has created a haven for motorcycle gangs, with the Comancheros, Rebels, Finks and Hells Angels all touting an established presence in the nation's capital.

Detective Inspector Matthew Smith, who heads the NSW Raptor Squad State Crime Command's southern region, said police knew about the gathering.

'We are fully aware of a significant outlaw motorcycle gang gathering planned in the ACT this weekend,' he said.

In Canberra, the gang members (pictured) will be able to wear their patches and ride in a group

Police officers are pictured stopping and questioning members of the Comanchero bikie gang

'These criminal gangs go to great lengths to avoid police detection, but equally, we have been interacting with them for some time, so we have a level of knowledge about how they operate.

'SCC Raptor Squad is designed to disrupt and dismantle outlaw motorcycle gangs in NSW.

'Raptor Squad takes great pride in the work they do in identifying any illegal activity or anti-social behaviour arising from these outlaw motorcycle gangs.'

Melbourne house painter Bemir Saravec is the group's National President after former bikie boss Allan Meehan was arrested over a breach of a Serious Crime Prevention Order last year.
Police are investigating whether a man who threw hot coffee over a baby in a shocking unprovoked attack may have fled interstate or overseas.

Nine-month-old Luka was on a picnic with his mother in Hanlon Park, in inner south east Brisbane, when the man approached them at about midday on August 27 and poured the thermos of scalding coffee over the toddler before fleeing.

The baby suffered life-threatening burns to his face, upper body and arms and has undergone four operations in Queensland Children's Hospital.

An image of the man police believe is responsible for the attack has circulated online but detectives are yet to track him down.

'Detectives are continuing to investigate the matter and are working with interstate and international partner agencies to progress the investigation,' a Queensland Police spokesperson said.

'An update to media will be provided on Monday.'

The man is described as being in his 30s or 40s and of a proportionate build with tanned skin.

He was wearing a black hat, glasses, a shirt and shorts at the time of the attack.

Police are seeking this man in connection with the shocking attack on nine-month-old Luka on August 27 in Brisbane

Police have tracked his movements after the attack to the southern Brisbane suburb of Tarragindi, where he changed his clothes outside a church.

He then caught a rideshare car into central Brisbane, before moving onto Caxton Street.

Luka has meanwhile returned to hospital after a short stay back at home.

His mother, Erna Burgic, previously said she fears he may need skin grafts and laser.

She also told Nine news last week that she was having flashbacks of the nightmare incident.

'It's torture and I'm supposed to be his protector and I couldn't protect him,' she said.

'I'm just having flashbacks all the time about what happened.

Luka's mother (pictured with her son) said she has been suffering flashbacks of the horrendous attack

'I don't know who would think that is okay to harm a little, innocent baby.'

A gofundme has been set up by Zara Mazza, a friend of Ms Burgic who was with her at the time of the attack.

By Saturday evening the page had raised a whopping $144,744, hugely surpassing its stated goal of $5,000.

It comes after criminal psychologist Dr Tim Watson-Munro told Daily Mail Australia it was possible the offender could harm another baby.

'Two things could occur. It may have been a one-off incident and we hope that he's caught or he may have found it - for some perverse reason - exciting and daring and that may embolden him to do it again,' he said.

'The notoriety surrounding this case has been quite high. It's been well described in the media and sometimes these people become emboldened and enlivened by the press, they get off on it in a way and that may lead to further offending.'

The criminal psychologist said he was surprised that not one person had come forward with information about the 'cruel and callous offender'.

'I think he will be hiding somewhere,' Dr Watson-Munro said.

'He may well be protected by people who know him or family members but I don't think that the lack of detection to date means that the police are not doing their job.

'But the fact that this photo has been published, that it's out there in cyberspace, I'm a little surprised that no one has come forward and he hasn't been detected yet.

'I would have thought somebody might have come forward by now and said "I recognise this person" but as far as I'm aware, unless the police are keeping their cards pretty close, that hasn't occurred.'
Typical British weather is back in full swing this weekend with thundery showers set to sweep across the country and more flooding on the way, the Met Office says.

A new band of 'heavy and thundery rain' will arrive on the south coast on Saturday and move northwards overnight, affecting central and southern England and Wales, the Met Office said.

Up to 100mm of rain could fall over a short period of time in some areas by Sunday evening.

The forecaster has issued a yellow weather warning for rain, covering almost the whole of southern and central England up to South Yorkshire and all southern Welsh counties, from 9pm on Saturday to 6pm on Sunday, with a chance of flooding and power cuts.

People heading to the historic Goodwood Revival motor race meeting in West Sussex this morning wore their wellington boots with their period outfits as they waded through thick mud whipped up by rain over night.

It comes after earlier heavy rain lashed southern England and Wales on Thursday and Friday.

People wade through mud in their wellies this morning as they arrive at the historic Goodwood Revival motor race meeting in West Sussex

One woman dressed up in her period outfit for the themed event tries to avoid ruining her pumps in the mud

Cars splash through floodwater first thing on Friday morning on a country road in Eton, Berkshire after heavy overnight rain

A woman looks over London's dreary skyline with fog obscuring St Paul's Cathedral on Thursday

One flood warning remains in place in Ilston, south Wales with two flood alerts also issued in the region as of Saturday morning.

The Environment Agency still had two flood alerts issued in south-west England, including in populated areas around the Lower Avon river.

It added much of southern and central England was at low risk of flooding impacting on properties and causing travel disruption.

Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Dan Harris said: 'Reminiscent of this time last week, the forecast for later this weekend comes with larger uncertainties than average.

'This is due to a more complex than usual meteorological pattern involving multiple corridors of heavy, locally thundery rain revolving around a slow-moving area of low pressure.

'We are keeping warnings under review, and will look to issue them over the weekend as confidence increases, so please keep up to date with our latest forecasts and warnings.'

People caught in the heavy rainfall try to cover themselves as they head for shelter in London on Thursday

Pedestrians on the south bank sheltering with umbrellas during rain showers

People looking glum as they walk along Westminster Bridge with their umbrellas on Thursday

Tourists dodged huge puddles and donned ponchos as they walked around the city on September 5

A city worker brightens up the dull looking Westminster with his rainbow umbrella

An initial band of cloud and patchy rain will scatter across England and Wales on Saturday before a further band of heavy and thundery rain arrives in the far south later in the day, the Met Office said.

Rainfall amounts will vary considerably, with some areas seeing 40-60 mm of rain and some spots potentially set for up to 80-100mm, with the latter more probable in the southern half of the warning area.

Lengthy sunny and dry spells are still expected further north in a continuation of recent days, but conditions will be turning cloudier and more mild.

The showers will continue to move northwards into Sunday when spells of heavy rain will affect many central and southern areas.

Cooler, fresher temperatures are widely expected across the country into next week with a generally unsettled outlook, the forecaster added.
Two of the killers of 28-year-old council worker Ashley Dale made a total of more than 2 million from drug dealing but have only been ordered to pay back 1 each.

Niall Barry and Sean Zeisz were described as being the 'organisers' of the gangland attack, which saw the 28-year-old council worker shot dead with a Skorpion submachine gun by James Witham in her own home on Leinster Road in Old Swan, Liverpool, in the early hours of August 21, 2022.

Barry, 27, and Zeisz, 28, were both convicted of her murder last November.

The men, both ordered to serve minimum terms of more than 40 years, were also sentenced for drugs supply offences and Barry was sentenced for possession of prohibited firearms and conspiracy to sell or transfer firearms.

In a proceeds of crime application hearing on Friday, Judge Denis Watson KC found Barry had benefited from crime by 1,580,800 and Zeisz had made 686,350.

Ashley Dale was murdered in 2022

Pictured: Niall Barry, who is among the four men convicted of Ms Dale's murder

Sean Zeisz was also convicted of the murder of Ashley Dale in 2022

In both cases, the court found there were no available assets to seize so a confiscation order for the nominal amount of 1 was made.

An order was also made to deprive Barry of any interest in the Hyundai i30 used in the murder.

Alex Langhorn, prosecuting, said: 'By the findings of the jury in that case, he clearly had control of it.'

Barry told the court: 'It wasn't mine.'

He was not represented by counsel after barrister Katy Appleton told the court she was withdrawing due to 'professional embarrassment'

Barry, who was sentenced to life with a minimum of 47 years, was said to have been the 'malign presence' behind Ms Dale's killing.

Family handout of Ashley Dale

Meanwhile, Gunman Witham was sentenced to a minimum of 43 years and Joseph Peers, 29, was jailed for at least 41 years for driving him to the scene of the murder.

The four were also found guilty of conspiring to kill Harrison and conspiring to posses a Skorpion submachine gun with ammunition with intent to endanger life.

The trial heard Ms Dale's murder happened after a drug feud between Barry and her partner Lee Harrison, which was 're-ignited' at the Glastonbury festival in June 2022.

Three years before the shooting, Mr Harrison had sided against Barry in a dispute over drugs which resulted in a bitter disagreement.

This comes after a new documentary broadcast last month looking into how Merseyside Police solved tge cases and brought the men to justice.

Last week marked the two-year anniversary of the social worker's murder.

Gunman James Witham who killed Ashley Dale in 2022

Boyfriend Harrison, who was the intended target of the shooting, shared pictures of her on social media, including images of Ashley at Glastonbury Festival, where he clashed with gang rival Barry ahead of the murder, the Sun reported.

He added captions including '2years ash love n miss u sis' and '2yr miss ye ash u was a real member hope ur in paradise happy miss u taken an angel from me feed a demon to u'.

An Instagram account in his name includes the bio words 'Ashley my world forever', along with a profile photo of the pair taking a selfie.

Ashley's mother Julie Dale criticised Mr Harrison after the guilty verdicts for her daughter's four killers, saying: 'The way he's acted since this has happened has been absolutely despicable - it really, really has.

In 2015 Ms Dale's own brother Lewis was shot dead as he walked down a canal towpath in Vauxhall, north Liverpool.The 16-year-old was shot in the back in a case of mistaken identity.
A married British Airways pilot has been suspended over claims he assaulted three female crew members during a stop-over flight.

The father-of-two, who is in his 50s, allegedly went for a boozy night out during a layover in Johannesburg when he got into an argument with his 25-year-old lover, who had flown to the country with him on a discounted ticket.

He later confronted three of his fellow colleagues, a cabin manager, a first class stewardess and an in-flight lead, in the bar of a Marriott Hotel where they were staying, the Sun reported.

The pilot was barely able to stand and was eventually escorted to his room by hotel security staff, the Sun added.

The next day, the crew refused to operate the plane with him on board and the man was forced to fly home in disgrace as a passenger on a different flight.

A married British Airways pilot allegedly assaulted three female crew members during a stop-over flight (Stock image)

The pilot has since been suspended for the incident which took place after a BA flight from Heathrow (pictured) to Johannesburg

The pilot has since been suspended for the incident which took place after a BA flight from Heathrow to Johannesburg.

He remains grounded while enquiries continue.

The Sun claimed that BA bosses have been getting increasingly alarmed at staff's behaviour during stops in between flights.

It added that Johannesburg is seen as the ultimate party destination for crew members.

A BA spokesperson said: 'A member of flight crew has been suspended pending further investigation.'
Diane Abbott has accused Keir Starmer's aides of being intent on her 'humiliation' when they demanded she step down as an MP before the election.

The MP launched a blistering attack on the party - refusing to share if she would join them under the current leadership and even revealing that she hinted she might run as an independent candidate in the last election to 'upset them'.

She said the party had tried to push her around - as she admitted she is not friends with Starmer.

The veteran left-winger, who has been MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington since 1987, was suspended for more than a year before being handed back the whip in May after an investigation into her comments about Jewish people in a letter to the Observer newspaper.

Ms Abbott says that they tried to make her stand down from her post 'within hours' of the her being allowed back into the party - which she refused as she felt she would have felt like she had traded her constituency to save her reputation.

Blasting the government in an interview with The Guardian, she said: 'My humiliation was their intent. That's why I wouldn't agree to it. They thought there was political gain in it. Keir Starmer had kept saying, 'It's a new party, it's a new party.' If it's a new party, then what could be more emblematic than getting rid of Diane Abbott. People tried to tell them to leave it. But they were insistent.'

Diane Abbott launched a blistering attack on the party - refusing to share if she would join them under the current leadership and even revealing that she hinted she might run as an independent candidate in the last election to 'upset them'

She said the party had tried to push her around - as she admitted she is not friends with Starmer

She continued: 'I held out and held out, and it was a question of who blinked first. And they blinked first. You don't become Britain's first Black woman MP because you give in to being pushed around like that.'

Ms Abbott said that under the deal for her standing down she could 'maybe' become a part of the House of Lords.

The Mother of the House - who has earned the title for being the longest-serving female MP in the Commons - was one of the staunchest supporters of Jeremy Corbyn, serving as his Shadow Home Secretary.

The former Leader of the Opposition himself was suspended by Labour in 2020 after he refused to fully accept the Equality and Human Rights Commission's findings that the party broke equality law when he was in charge and said antisemitism had been 'dramatically overstated for political reasons'.

The pair - who had a romantic relationship in the 1970s - were well known for fighting for their left-wing beliefs for decades.

And now Ms Abbott has slammed Starmer - who became an MP less than ten years ago - and his team for having 'no sense' of the history of the party, and her grass-roots support network.

She told editor-at-large Gary Younge: 'I think they didn't understand how much resistance there would be to that because a lot of the people around Starmer are these young guys and have no sense of the history.'

The backbencher added: 'What people forget about Keir Starmer is he hasn't been in the party very long. So though we were in the shadow cabinet at the same time under Jeremy, he's not somebody I know, in the way I know, say, Harriet Harman. We're not best friends or anything, but I've known her for a long time. There's a history. There's no way I'd know him in that way because he's not been around the movement in that way.'

The Mother of the House - who has earned the title for being the longest-serving female MP in the Commons - was one of the staunchest supporters of Jeremy Corbyn, serving as his Shadow Home Secretary

Ms Abbott says that they tried to make her stand down from her post 'within hours' of the her being allowed back into the party - which she refused as she felt she would have felt like she had traded her constituency to save her reputation. Pictured: Supporters of Diane Abbott outside Hackney Town Hall in May

The treatment of Ms Abbott earlier this year sparked anger at Sir Keir from even among the party leader's allies.

John McTernan, who was Tony Blair's political secretary, said: 'It's not for the Labour Party to ban a woman with Diane Abbott's record from standing for the Labour Party if that's what she wishes to do.'

He added: 'This kind of briefing is aimed at humiliating her and that is disgraceful, utterly disgraceful.

'Whoever is responsible for this should hand their head in shame.'

Mr Corbyn, who ran and won as an independent candidate in the recent elections, claimed Ms Abbott had been 'disgracefully treated' by Labour bosses.

Ms Abbott 'liked' a social media post by Mr Corbyn's wife Laura Alvarez praising his decision to stand against Labour in his Islington North constituency.

Endorsing anyone other than a Labour candidate in an election risks being a breach of party membership rules.

Mr Corbyn told the PoliticsJoe website: 'Diane has been disgracefully treated by the Labour Party and by, particularly, the individual national officials of the party - all of them.'

The treatment of Ms Abbott earlier this year sparked anger at Sir Keir from even among the party leader's allies. Pictured: On the steps of Hackney Town Hall in May

He added: 'If she's reinstated, good. If not she's got a choice of her own to make. But whatever she does, I'll support her.'

Liverpool Riverside MP Kim Johnson said: 'Solidarity with Diane, undeniably a trailblazer & a hero of our movement.

'At a time when all our energy should be focussed on throwing the Tories out, this process looks nakedly factional.

'Diane should have the whip restored now so she can stand as Labour's candidate in the GE.'

The Labour leader's first full week on the campaign trail was overshadowed by the embarrassing row over whether she would be allowed to stand for the party.

In front of around 200 supporters at a rally outside Hackney Town Hall, Ms Abbott vowed to stay on as an MP 'by any means possible' and accused the Labour party of wanting to 'exclude' her from Parliament.

On top of this Starmer was defied by some of his key shadow cabinet members including his deputy Ms Rayner who said was no good reason Ms Abbott couldn't run. Shadow health secretary Wes Streeting admitted that he was 'not particularly comfortable' with the way Ms Abbott has been treated.

He finally took the decision to allow her to stand for Labour a week into the campaign, telling reporters: 'The whip has obviously been restored to her now and she is free to go forward as a Labour candidate.'

Praising her as a 'trailblazer', he said: 'Diane Abbott was elected in 1987, the first black woman MP. She has carved a path for other people to come into politics and public life.'

A member of the NEC claimed Sir Keir had 'lied' about not being in charge of the decision to allow Ms Abbott to stand.

A spokesman for Momentum, a campaign group set up to back Jeremy Corbyn, mocked Sir Keir, saying: 'You come at the queen, you better not miss. Diane Abbott has been bullied & abused her whole career. Starmer tried to force her out. She held firm  and won. This is a huge victory.'

The Labour Party has been contacted for comment.
An old social media post shows wife of former Scotland rugby player Scott Hastings wild swimming in the exact same spot where she went missing in Edinburgh, as her family revealed that she had been suffering from mental health struggles.

Jenny Hastings, 60, had shared an image on X back in March of her swimming in Wardie Bay, Edinburgh on a clear and sunny day.

But on Tuesday afternoon she vanished after going for a group swim in the same location.

The Hastings family said they were 'absolutely heartbroken' at the news, adding that Jenny had 'struggled with her mental health for a number of years'.

A massive search was launched in Wardie Bay by boat and helicopter, but unable to find her, rescuers were stood down after a few hours.

An image shared on social media shows Jeny Hastings swimming in Wardie Bay, Edinburgh in March, six months before she went missing from the same spot after going for a group swim on Tuesday

Former rugby star Scott Hastings and his wife Jenny, who has been missing since Tuesday

..& thanks for coming along to be a second back up lifeguard @Chick_Chalmers & @ScottHastings13 before you went golfing, two   & a lot of  pic.twitter.com/amgh7urpf5  Jenny Hastings (@JennyHastings17) March 23, 2024

In an emotional statement on Wednesday, her devastated family said her loss would leave a 'gaping hole in all of our hearts'.

The mother-of-two had made attempts on her life before and the Hastings family said this week's disappearance was 'being treated as a high risk missing person case'.

They added: 'As many of you know Jenny struggled with her mental health for a number of years and ultimately she was unable to cope on this occasion.

'She swam out into the Firth of Forth from Wardie Bay in Edinburgh and it appears that she wished to end her suffering in what was a regular and healing place for her.

'She loved the water but unfortunately her mind was not in a place of safety.

'The Hastings family are absolutely heartbroken.'

Mrs Hastings has previously spoken out about her long-standing battle with severe depression.

She has suffered the illness all of her adult life, and previously made attempts on her own life.

Emergency services were called to the scene at 2.45pm on Tuesday after a wild swimmer went missing after heading into the Firth of Forth (Pictured: Coastguard rescue teams)

A massive search and rescue operation was launched after Jenny failed to emerge with the rest of the group to the shoreline at Wardie Bay (Pictured: A helicopter flying overhead)

The couple had previously revealed she attempted suicide by eating nuts in an attempt to trigger a severe allergy with Mr Hastings having to administer an adrenaline shot to save her life.

They also revealed she once 'panicked and bolted' and, over 36 hours, walked for around 25 miles from Leith to the Pentland Hills before going to a police station.

She had no phone with her and did not make contact as her husband desperately searched for her.

Opening up about the incident, Mrs Hastings: 'It's awful to think about that, but the reality is I just wanted to get away.

'I wanted to be alone. I didn't think anyone wanted me around anymore. It's just awful, it's an awful illness.'

She has campaigned to end the stigma over mental health and encourage those suffering with poor mental health to take active steps to improve their well-being.

In 2017, she spearheaded the 100 Streets Challenge in support of Support in Mind, with husband and rugby star Scott Hastings.

Jenny Hastings has been open about her mental health struggles

The aim was for people to walk, jog, or cycle 100 streets, to encourage outdoor activity.

'I know I can talk with people and maybe that's one of the messages we are trying to get out,' Ms Hastings said about the challenge.

'We all can talk with people. The stigma is definitely breaking down - even the Royals are talking about mental health.'

Pinned on the top of her X account, Mrs Hastings has a post advocating for mental health.

'Let's support one another with out mental health. Together we can #endthestigma', her caption reads.

Mr Hastings is one of Scotland's greatest players, winning 65 caps for his country and representing the British and Irish Lions twice.

He had previously described his wife's disappearances as a form of self harming.

Speaking in 2017, Mr Hastings said: 'It's clinical depression. Being an illness, it just happens.

'I am in awe of Jenny because it's extraordinary her capacity to talk about it, and also when she is so low it's very difficult to encourage her to do anything.

'She suffers lack of self respect, low self esteem, exhaustion, low energy levels but somehow she is able to turn it around and through walking, swimming, yoga and getting out of the building she is able to get over it.

'We have had three very acute episodes over the last three years but each time you learn a little bit more.'

For confidential support, call Samaritans on 116 123, visit samaritans.org or visit https://www.thecalmzone.net/get-support
A person has died and two others have been injured after an industrial warehouse went up in flames.

Firefighters were called to a marine engineering facility on Zeta Crescent, in O'Connor, in Perth's south, at about 3.30pm on Saturday.

Thirteen crews worked to extinguish the blaze for an hour before it was brought under control.

WA Police have confirmed one body was found inside the warehouse.

Firefighters were called to a marine engineering facility on Zeta Crescent, in O'Connor, in Perth's south, at about 3.30pm on Saturday

Arson squad detectives have been called in to investigate the cause of the fire.

Thick black smoke was seen billowing into the sky with nearby residents told to stay inside with all windows and doors closed.

Witness Candice Waugh told reporters she heard a loud bang before she saw smoke fly into the sky.

'We heard a big, big boom and felt a shockwave, a little bit of a tremor, through the ground,' she said.

'It sounded like a gas explosion, we could see black smoke coming out of the door.'

More to come
Grenfell fire could have been avoided and 72 lives would have been saved if one key construction role - that seems to have nearly died out in the industry - was filled, a building expert has said.

Owner of east London based building company Tarbrook, Sherman Webb, has 43 years of experience in the construction trade and believes that the 2017 tragedy could have been avoided had there been a clerk of the works on site during the refurbishment of the tower.

A clerk of the works (CoW) is employed by the client to inspect the workmanship, quality and safety of work on construction sites and highlight any design and specification shortcomings.

The CoW role has died out over the years to cut costs with clients relying on site inspectors instead which is a broad term encompassing anyone who inspects a construction site, potentially including individuals from the contractor's team as well as the client's representative, so are less likely to be as thorough as a CoW.

Mr Webb, 59, who has worked with local councils on public sector jobs, said: 'They've saved so much money getting rid of clerk of the works but it may have cost us human lives.'

Owner of east London based building company Tarbrook, Sherman Webb (pictured), has 43 years of experience in the construction trade believes that the 2017 tragedy could have been avoided had there been a clerk of the works on site during the refurbishment of the tower

The Grenfell Tower fire in West London in June 2017 left 72 people dead in a shocking tragedy

Grenfell Tower pictured the day after the fire

Highlighting the importance and value of the role, he said: 'The clerks that I have worked with in the past have all been ex-tradesmen, pretty much all carpenters. They have a working knowledge of how things are put together and the materials that are used.

'They are on hand should you come across something unexpected and advise and discuss the best way around the problem with both the contractor and designers.'

He added: 'I learnt very quickly to get the clerk involved early in the job, find out what he expected and do just that, if the clerk is happy, you get paid!

There was some confusion during the Grenfell Tower Inquiry around whether or not there was a CoW working on the Grenfell refurbishment site.

In 2020, the Grenfell Inquiry was shown evidence of Kensington and Chelsea Tenant Management Organisation's (KCTMO) tender documents, which stated the requirement for a clerk of works with experience of cladding.

John Rowan and Partners (JRP) were the firm hired by KCTMO to provide this service but the consultant they sent to do the job, Jon White, told the Grenfell Inquiry in 2020 that he was not acting as a clerk of the works.

Mr White said: 'It is important, in my opinion, to explain that there seems to be a misunderstanding in what my role, and by association, that of my employers JRP, was on the Grenfell Tower project.

'A more accurate description of my role and function was one of site inspector or site monitor of works. This was because our role was far more limited in its scope and our overall involvement.'

He added: 'Perhaps this discrepancy needs to be raised in terms of awareness within the construction industry as a whole.'

Jon White, told the Grenfell Tower Inquiry in 2020 that he was not acting as a clerk of the works on the Grenfell refurbishment

A graphic showing how the structure of the cladding supplied by Arconic allowed the fire to spread

While Mr White had experience with cladding, he admitted that he had only ever worked on one project that involved rainscreen cladding before Grenfell. He said he was unaware that there KCMTO required a clerk of the works with experience in this particular kind of cladding.

He said: 'The cladding could be anything: it could be brickwork, glazing, stonework, so I have got lots of experience in cladding.'

When the counsel for the inquiry asked him whether the KCTMO was ever informed of his lack of experience on rainscreen cladding projects, he replied: 'I don't know.'

An email from JRP to KCTMO project manager Claire Williams on 16 July, 2014 was shown in evidence, in which Mr White was stated to be clerk of works.

The counsel asked Mr White: 'Did you ever say to [Williams], "I am not a clerk of works, I am a site inspector"?' to which he replied: 'No.'

When asked if he had ever explained the difference to the KCTMO, he said: 'No, because everyone gets confused between the term "clerk of works" and "site inspector", so we were anxious just to carry on and do whatever she [Williams] wanted us to do.'

Mr White told the inquiry that at the time he didn't know the type of cladding, insulation or cavity barriers that were being used on Grenfell and that he was never given manufacturer's instructions for any of these products and never asked to see them.

The Grenfell Inquiry found that the cladding and insulation used was highly combustible and so didn't meet UK regulations but was made to look like it did with misleading documents.

The cavity barriers, which are installed behind the cladding to prevent flames and smoke from spreading via the walls, were so poorly installed that they were deemed 'totally ineffective'.

Christopher Mort, a technical officer for fire at cavity barrier firm Siderise inspected the undamaged cladding and fire-damaged cladding a year after the Grenfell fire and said the installation of the barriers, which was undertaken by subcontractor Osborne Berry for cladding specialist Harley Curtain Wall, was 'probably of the poorest standard I have ever seen'.

Christopher Mort, a technical officer for fire at cavity barrier firm Siderise, told the Grenfell Tower Inquiry that the installation of the cavity barriers was 'probably of the poorest standard I have ever seen'

An inquiry found the cladding was the 'principal reason' for the fire's spread (illustrated here in this graphic)

When Mr White was questioned about whether he thought it was his responsibility to check that products were being installed in compliance with instructions, he said: 'No, I didn't think that was my role.'

Mr White said he wasn't aware of fire regulations in detail at the time of working on Grenfell, and said he didn't familiarise himself with the requirements of building regulations. When asked why, he said: 'That wasn't my role.'

Mr Webb believes that the Grenfell fire could have been avoided if had there been a clerk of the works with the correct experience working on the towers refurbishment.

He said: 'I know there was some combustible materials already on the building and remained there and were cladded over, Im sure a clerk of the works would have questioned this. I know I would!

'I am not sure how he would deal with misleading paperwork, he would of definitely picked up on how badly the cavity barriers were fitted and should fire socks be in place, his name would be on that job and the old guys I worked with would not put their name to something that wasnt right.

'An experienced clerk of the works working directly for the employer could well have prevented the disaster.'

Mr Webb believes that the Grenfell fire could have been avoided if had there been a clerk of the works with the correct experience working on the towers refurbishment

Smoke rises from the fire at the Grenfell Tower in 2017 as firefighters spray the building with water to put out any remaining flames

Mr Webb also believes that competitive tendering - a process where multiple suppliers compete to win a contract - is partly to blame for corner cutting and a decline of quality, long-lasting construction.

He said: 'In this day and age everything is competitively tendered, health and safety being my biggest bug bear. Health and safety is included as part of a contractors tender submission, surely this can be done on a percentage basis of the contracts total cost. Why are we competitively tendering for a mans safety?

'The building game is full of consultants who consult mainly on how to absolve themselves of any responsibility.

'The clerk of the works that I worked with was always directly employed by the client, he worked every day and wasnt under a budget or restricted to how many site visits he made, his role was not competitively tendered for.

'The guys fitting the cladding would most likely be on a price, if there is not a clerk with working knowledge of cladding, who checks the work? Its human nature to earn as much money as you can, so corners can and will be cut if no one is there to check.

'Its easy to make a job look good at the end, but its how its put together that makes it last. That is what the clerk of works job was in a nutshell. Make sure it is built to last!'
Eight arrests have been made as pro-Palestinian demonstrators marched through central London in protest at the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Thousands of campaigners set off from Piccadilly Circus shortly after 1.30pm on Saturday, with the march passing alongside Hyde Park before ending on Kensington Road.

The Metropolitan Police said in a post on X that the arrests were for a range of offences, including those under the Public Order Act.

Protesters held signs at the demonstration that read 'Starmer has blood on his hands' and 'Stop the war coalition'.

The march was briefly halted when at least two counter-protesters, including one holding up a sign reading 'Hamas is terrorist', blocked its progress outside the Park Lane Hotel near Green Park. It has now, however, completely ended.

Eight arrests have been made as pro-Palestinian demonstrators marched through central London today

Counter-demonstrators to a pro-Palestine march been allowed to gather on Kensington High Street close to the Israeli embassy

The smaller counter protest waved dozens of Israeli and Union Jack flags

Police stand guard on Kensington High Street where a counter protest was allowed to gather just by the entrance to the road

Dozens of police officers were stationed around Old Court Street in Kensington, west London to keep protesters from swarming the Israeli embassy

Met police officers formed a ring of steel around the Israeli embassy during a pro-Palestinian protest this afternoon

Israel flags we draped over the barriers outside the Israeli embassy

Two men were then detained by police after a significant struggle.

A separate counter-protest gathered on Kensington High Street, with participants dancing to music and waving Israeli, British and American flags, but was kept away from the much larger pro-Palestinian march by police officers and barricades.

The protest is the 18th organised by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) since the conflict began last October.

The Metropolitan Police had imposed a series of conditions on the event, including that the demonstration must end by 5pm.

Another event which had been scheduled to take place on the intended route for the march was cancelled, the force said.

The demonstration comes after senior MI6 and CIA officials said in a rare public statement they were together 'working ceaselessly' for a ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza, and have 'exploited our intelligence channels to push hard for restraint and de-escalation' in the Middle East.

Tens of thousands of activists have made their way onto Kensington Road, around 300 yards away from hundreds of counter-demonstrators who have been allowed to gather on Kensington High Street.

The smaller counter protest waved dozens of Israeli and Union Jack flags and played loud dance music on speakers, including this year's controversial Eurovision entry Hurricane by Eden Golan.

Met police officers have formed a ring of steel around the Israeli embassy to keep protesters from swarming the building.

Dozens of officers were stationed around Old Court Street, where the embassy is located, while six police vans were also parked on Kensington High Street.

One counter-protester held a sign that read: 'We love life more than Hamas loves death.'

Counter-demonstrators to a pro-Palestine march been allowed to gather on Kensington High Street close to the Israeli embassy

One sign compared the attack by Hamas on the Nova Festival on October 7 to the 2017 Manchester Arena attack by Islamist terrorists with the slogan: 'Your fight is our fight'

Pro-Palestine protesters have marched on the Israeli embassy in London to demand a ceasefire in the war in Gaza

Tens of thousands of activists have made their way onto Kensington Road, around 300 yards away from hundreds of counter-demonstrators

One sign compared the attack by Hamas on the Nova Festival on October 7 to the 2017 Manchester Arena attack by Islamist terrorists with the slogan: 'Your fight is our fight'.

Another flag read: 'Nova - we will dance again.'

One counter-protester said: 'We are proud to be Jewish. Hamas are terrorists and we are here to stand behind Israel.

'We are calling for the October 7 hostages to be brought home. The attack on the Nova Festival was shocking but we want to show it has not broken us.'

Police officers manned gates on the west side of Kensington Gardens to stop protesters from clashing.

However a small number of pro-Palestine protesters wandered through to the counter protest after finding their way through roadblocks.

During the brief clashes the pro-Palestinian protesters were heckled with calls of: 'Gaza is a fascist state', 'Gaza is homophobic' and 'Bring them home' before officers quickly escorted them away.

The march was briefly halted when at least two counter-protesters blocked its progress outside the Park Lane Hotel near Green Park.

Two men were detained by police after a significant struggle. Some pro-Palestine demonstrators shouted angrily at the duo as they passed.

The National March for Palestine, which has been organised by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, is set to conclude by 5pm at the latest, following restrictions imposed by the Met.

Police stand as people gather to attend a pro-Palestine protest in London on Saturday September 7

Police detain a counter protester during the Palestine Solidarity Campaign national march. The counter protester, Niyak Ghorbani, pictured, is an exiled Iranian who is opposed to the current Tehran regime which backs Hamas

Two men were detained by police after a significant struggle. Some pro-Palestine demonstrators shouted angrily at the duo as they passed

The march was briefly halted when at least two counter-protesters blocked its progress outside the Park Lane Hotel near Green Park

Counter protesters hold up a banner directed at those taking part in the Palestine Solidarity Campaign

Police detain a counter protester during the Palestine Solidarity Campaign national march

Thousands of activists started marching from Regent Street St James shortly after 1:30pm on Saturday

Pro-Palestinian activists and supporters hold placards as they march through London

The masses of protesters filled the streets as they carried flags through the capital's roads

Thousands now at Piccadilly Circus in London getting ready to march for Palestine.  pic.twitter.com/HfyYpSOfQd  PSC (@PSCupdates) September 7, 2024

The force had originally set out stricter conditions for the rally to begin at 2:30pm instead, which saw organisers accuse Scotland Yard of deliberately trying to 'deter people from attending'.

However the timings were later changed after another event, which was taking place along the protest route, was cancelled, with the PSC claiming it as a 'major victory in defence of the democratic right to protest'.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan said after the change of plan on Friday: 'The risk-assessment process in relation to planned events is dynamic and takes into account the constantly changing picture across London.

'Conditions were imposed to mitigate concerns from communities, including in relation to a specific event which would have clashed with the intended route of the march.

'The last-minute decision to cancel one of the other pre-planned events means we have reviewed the conditions imposed on the march - this in line with our legal obligation to balance the lawful right to protest and the risk of serious disruption to the wider community.'

Following the changes, the PSC said in a statement: 'With less than 24 hours to go, the Metropolitan Police has dropped its attempt to frustrate our national march for Palestine. Tomorrow we will march to the Israeli Embassy as planned.'

It added: 'Following a week of argument and attempts to bully and intimidate the demonstration organisers, the police have now agreed that protesters will assemble from 12 noon, at Regent Street St James's as we had originally intended.

The PSC shared this image of Saturday protest route on X. The march will start in Regent Street St James and end along Kensington Road

The force had originally set out stricter conditions for the rally to begin at 2:30pm instead

However the timings were later changed after another event, which was taking place along the protest route, was cancelled

A woman looks on as people gather to attend a demonstration in support of Palestinians in Gaza on Saturday

The PSC claimed the timing change as a 'major victory in defence of the democratic right to protest'

People take part in the Palestine Solidarity Campaign national march in central London

Protesters marched through the centre of London carrying a range of banners

'Previous conditions that were imposed in a wholly unjustified attempt to prevent us from doing so have now been rescinded.'

The campaign group said the restrictions were an 'unacceptable curtailment of our right to demonstrate peacefully'.

Saturday's march is the first to be organised by the PSC in the capital for over two months with the last protest having taken place in July.

Protesters have been prevented from entering the street where the Israel embassy is located.

Protesters have also been seen on the streets of Dublin today objecting to Britain's continued military support of Israel.

The Irish-Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC) said it was staging the demonstration to 'let the visiting British Prime Minister know that Ireland stands with Palestine'.

Speaking at the event on O'Connell Street, IPSC spokesman Harun Siljak said the group was asking Sir Keir 'to end British complicity in the ongoing genocide and illegal occupation of Palestine'.

He added: 'It is really concerning to see how persistent and unwavering the idea of the British Government maintaining support for Israel really is, especially at this stage when we can't even estimate the number of people who have been killed.'

Demonstrators, some wearing keffiyehs, waved Palestinian and Irish flags as they chanted slogans including 'free, free Palestine'.

The IPSC said the recent suspension of 30 arms export licences to Israel is a 'testament to the tireless work' of Palestine solidarity activists in the UK.

However, it added: 'But it doesn't go anywhere near far enough - Britain is still exporting components for F-35 warplanes to Israel via the US, and still giving diplomatic cover for genocide.

'This needs to end now.'

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is in Dublin today to meet with Irish Taoiseach Simon Harris, left, ahead of tonight's crunch match between the two countries. Protesters have been seen on the streets of the Irish capital objecting to Britain's continued military support of Israel

Some of those supporting the Palestinian cause in London today were the descendants of Holocaust survivors

A number of those on the march accused Israel of being involved in 'a new Holocaust'

A pair of police horses were on duty as protesters prepared to march through the city

Some of the protesters called for the removal of illegal Israeli settlers from the occupied territories

Meanwhile pro Israeli and anti Tehran regime protesters have been gathering on High Street Kensington where the Free Palestine march is expected to hear speeches from a platform.

The protest is the 18th organised by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) since the conflict began last October.

The Metropolitan Police had imposed a series of conditions on the event, including that the demonstration must end by 5pm.

Another event which had been scheduled to take place on the intended route for the march was cancelled, the force said.

The demonstration comes after senior MI6 and CIA officials said in a rare public statement they were together 'working ceaselessly' for a ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza, and have 'exploited our intelligence channels to push hard for restraint and de-escalation' in the Middle East.

The crowd reached their destination near the Israeli embassy at 3pm.
An Ohio teacher wept in court as she tried to defend laughing and filming while her colleague duct-taped an autistic child with Down Syndrome to a chair.

Rachel Smith, 27, was found guilty of unlawful restraint and two counts of endangering children over the March incident, Fox 19 reports.

The ex-West Clermont High School teacher told the court that and colleague Allison Vestring engaged in the sick act in 'fun' rather than punishment.

But her defense was rejected by the court and the teen's devastated parents.

'We sent him to school to make sure hes not bullied and we wouldnt have expected it from the teachers,' his father said.

Ohio teacher Rachel wept in court as she tried to defend laughing and filming while her colleague duct-taped an autistic child with Down Syndrome to a chair

They added that their son has limited physical and verbal skills and that the ordeal makes them 'sick to their stomach'.

The 15-year-old student's plight was captured in a harrowing video taken by Smith in which he can be heard trying to call for help as she laughs.

'Try and get up,' Smith taunts the boy as he sits helplessly tied to the chair.

'This isn't funny,' he manages to say, prompting the teachers to giggle again and insist that it is.

Another video shows the boy trying to call another teacher who he is close to for help.

'He's not coming to help you,' Smith laughs as the teen cries out again. 'He's not coming, you're stuck,' she adds.

Court documents state that the teen was left bound to the chair for up to five minutes.

On the stand, Smith tried to defend her heinous actions by claiming the boy never asked her to stop.

The 15-year-old has limited physical and verbal capabilities but was seen calling for help in a distressing video of the ordeal

Smith, 27, was found guilty of unlawful restraint and two counts of endangering children over the March incident

Her colleague Allison Vestring previously pleaded no contest and was sentenced to five years of community service

'I was honestly not thinking at the time I just thought he would say something funny,' she sobbed. 'He never said "stop", he never said, "quit" he has said those words before in the past and that didn't happen at that time.'

But in court, the teen's parents said that their son had been left with lasting trauma.

'We were putting up birthday decorations and he saw the tape and said, "scared of tape" so we had to take him and move him out of the room,' his father explained.

Vestring previously pleaded no contest and was sentenced to five years of community service. She has been banned from working with special needs students.

Smith is due to be sentence at the beginning of October.
The Body Shop has been rescued from administration by a consortium led by British tycoon Mike Jatania, with remaining stores to continue trading.

Mr Jatania's investment firm Aurea announced the completion of the acquisition on Saturday, with Mr Jatania and Charles Denton, former chief executive of beauty brand Molton Brown, to head the new leadership team.

In a statement, Aurea said the acquisition was its largest transaction to date and it would 'steer the Body Shop's revival and reclaim its global leadership in the ethical beauty sector it pioneered'.

It is currently understood there are no immediate plans to shut any of its 116 remaining UK stores.

The Body Shop has been rescued from administration by a consortium led by British tycoon Mike Jatania, with remaining stores to continue trading

In a statement, Aurea said the acquisition was its largest transaction to date and it would 'steer the Body Shop's revival and reclaim its global leadership in the ethical beauty sector it pioneered'

Mr Jatania previously ran Lornamead - the owner of personal care brands including Lypsyl, Woods of Windsor, Yardley and Harmony haircare - which he sold to rival Li & Fung for around 155 million more than 10 years ago.

The Body Shop fell into administration in early February after previous forecasts for how much funding it would need to keep going proved too low.

In the weeks that followed, administrators said hundreds of jobs would be lost and dozens of shops closed.

The business had employed about 1,500 store workers before the administration.

The Body Shop was founded in 1976 by Dame Anita Roddick, trading out of a small shop in Brighton originally and made its name selling cruelty-free fairtrade products.

Popular products which helped establish the brand's name included bath bombs, White Musk fragrance and hemp hand cream.

Set up in 1976 by the late Dame Anita Roddick, the company became famous for its no-nonsense ethical trading ethos and refusal to test products on animals

Mr Jatania, co-founder of Aurea, said: 'With the Body Shop, we have acquired a truly iconic brand with highly engaged consumers in over 70 markets around the world.

'We plan to focus relentlessly on exceeding their expectations by investing in product innovation and seamless experiences across all of the channels where customers shop while paying homage to the brand's ethical and activist positioning.'

Charles Denton, chief executive of the Body Shop, said: 'We believe there's a sustainable future ahead and working closely with the management team we aim to restore the Body Shop's unique, values-driven, independent spirit.'

However, in recent years it has seen its popularity in the UK with shoppers diminish due to the rise of rivals Lush and Holland and Barrett, and a growing online market of cheaper alternatives.

The firm also fell out of favour with some buyers after being sold to L'Oreal for 675million by Dame Anita in 2006 - a move that stunned many who saw the sale to a large corporation as running counter to the company's values.

The Body Shop changed hands again in 2017 when the French cosmetics giant sold it to Brazilian cosmetics maker Natura&Co for 1billion.

After purchasing the brand, Aurelius said that 'despite the challenging retail market there is an opportunity to re-energise the business to enable it to take advantage of positive trends in the high-growth beauty market.'
A 23-year-old Taylor Swift fan who seemingly vanished without a trace has been found dead in her car just days after moving to Maine.

Autumn Danielle Cleveland of Virginia was first reported missing on Saturday. Two days later, she was found dead in her blue 2018 Mazda CX5 in Dayton, a small town in Maine about 25 miles southwest of Portland.

According to social media posts, the young woman had been staying in a rental home in Maine and when she checked out on Saturday morning, she had contacted her father, mother and sister, as per the Portland Press Herald.

The State Police Major Crime Unit South are investigating her death but said the public is not in danger, as per a news release.

A spokesperson would not comment on whether her death is suspicious. Officials said an autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause and manner of death.

Autumn Cleveland, 23, was reported missing on Saturday. She was found deceased on Monday

She was later found deceased on Monday inside her car

On Monday around 3:30 pm, someone had called 911 reporting a dead woman inside a parked car near Goodwins Mills Road in Dayton.

The person inside the vehicle matched Cleveland's description, according to state police.

Her family said she was last seen driving a blue 2018 Mazda CX5 with Washington state plates around southern Maine, as per the news outlet.

Autumn's devastated parents described her as 'shy, soft-spoken' and 'anxious' and having a few close friends.

Renee Cleveland, Autumn's mom told the Portland Press Herald her daughter was 'very selective about who she let into her life'.

Autumn's family said she 'loved Taylor Swift, cats and every type of sweet treat, especially chocolate'

Pictured: Autumn's selfie she took presumably in the same car in which she was found dead

'When she picked you, when she loved you, family or otherwise, there wasnt any other love like hers,' Renee said. 'Her love languages were different than most. She showed you in tiny ways.'

Her family said Autumn 'loved Taylor Swift, cats and every type of sweet treat, especially chocolate'.

Autumn's sister Brooke Cleveland called her sister 'very selfless'.

'It wouldnt matter if she was having the worst day ever, if somebody else was having a slightly bad day she would make sure to be there for them.'

The pair enjoyed spending time hiking together and would always end the day by getting ice cream.

Autumn's sister Brooke Cleveland called her sister 'very selfless'

Cleveland was found on Monday after state troopers were alerted to a woman dead in a parked car on Goodwins Mills Road (pictured) in Dayton, Maine, approximately 25 miles from Portland

Brooke said if my sister 'ever shared any of (her sweets) with you, you knew you that you were in her good graces'.

Autumn's father, Michael Cleveland, said that the pair had gone on a cross-country road trip before she went to Virginia and then to Maine.

'Anybody that met her fell in love with her,' Michael Cleveland said. 'I know dads say that about all of their daughters, but it truly is true.'

Her mother said her daughter enjoyed traveling and seeing the world, a goal she wanted for herself before she settled down one day.

She was planning to return home around the holidays to spend her birthday - November 14 - with her family before going wedding dress shopping with her sister who was getting married.

Autumn's mother said her daughter enjoyed traveling and seeing the world, a goal she wanted for herself before she settled down one day

Autumn was planning to return home around the holidays to spend her birthday

A GoFundMe was created by a family friend to help Cleveland's family in their time of despair.

The money will go towards 'travel between Virginia and Maine, travel accommodations, funeral and memorial expenses, living expenses during time off of work, food, and animal boarding and care,' Christy Clements, the organizer wrote.

'As the family navigates through this difficult time, your generosity will help to ease the burden of expenses and allow them to grieve without worry,' she said.

As of Saturday, nearly $1,900 was raised toward their goal of $20,000.
Insiders have revealed how Donald Trump and Kamala Harris are preparing for their debate shown down next week.

The presidential hopefuls are due to face-off in Philadelphia in front of ABC hosts David Muir and Linsey Davis.

Their preparations have taken very different forms, sources close to their campaigns told the New York Times.

Harris has been holed up in a Pittsburgh hotel sparring with a suit-and-tie wearing Trump stand-in, insiders said.

The former president meanwhile has maintained his insistence that he does not prepare for debates, instead calling his sessions 'policy time', where he is reportedly brushing up on his record and batting around the occasional set of questions.

Insiders have revealed how Donald Trump and Kamala Harris are preparing for their debate shown down next week

Florida Representative Matt Gaetz has reportedly stepped up to pose the toughest questions.

Trump is also said to be studying his opponent's techniques and tuned into her Democratic National Convention speech.

In addition to different approaches, the challenges each candidate faces are also unique.

Harris must try and assert her political identity before crucial swing voters unfamiliar with her style and record, experts said.

Trump meanwhile may need to rein in some of his personality so as not to appear too aggressive as he has done in other debates.

Nowhere is this more evident than in both sides' reported request regarding muting microphones during the speech.

Trump's team has accepted turning them off while candidates are not speaking, while Harris was hoping to leave them unmuted in hopes of catching the Republican nominee speaking over her or making snide remarks.

Harris has been holed up in a Pittsburgh hotel sparring with a suit-and-tie wearing Trump stand-in, insiders said

The technique worked well for Harris during a showdown against Mike Pence in which she managed to undermine his attempts to interrupt her.

The debate is said to serve as a cautionary tale for Trump who is keen to avoid a repeat of the situation.

But former presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton is hoping that Harris can still coax out some of the colorful outbursts for which Trump is lauded and loathed for in equal measure on both side of the political divide.

'She should not be baited, she should bait him,' Clinton told the NYT.

'When I said he was a Russian puppet, he just sputtered onstage. I think that's an example of how you get out a fact about him that really unnerves him.'

There are fears he could repeat his performance against Joe Biden in the 2020 debate, in which he repeatedly interrupted the president.

His team are also preparing for tough questions on topics such as his criminal convictions and his stance on abortion which has been somewhat confused of late.

But Jason Miller, a senior strategy adviser, is hoping Trump can hone in on perceived failures of the current administration and Harris' role within it.

Trump, pictured debating Joe Biden earlier this year, is said to be brushing up on his past record during 'policy sessions'

Harris is reportedly hoping to rile Trump up and cause him to lose his cool

'You cant "turn the page" when youre singularly responsible for the current economic and border nightmare our country is living through,' he said.

Similarly, Harris is reportedly striving to portray Trump as repeating tired tactics from his previous playbook having moved away from attempting to portray him as a bad person.

Trump has a further advantage in that he has been involved in debates more recently than Harris.

Still he is said to be engaging in more preparation than ever before ahead of the clash.

Sources also suggested Trump had considered dropping out, citing a perceived bias from ABC, but has ultimately decided that doing so would appear weak.
Dan Walker has said that Strictly has to 'sort out' its issues and show 'more honesty' with viewers, as he revealed the negative effect the misconduct probe had on his family.

The presenter left BBC Breakfast in April 2022 after six years to join Channel 5 News where he is reportedly being paid 500,000 a year.

However, the multi-talented 47-year-old also did a stint on Strictly in 2021 coming in a very impressive fifth place with his partner, Ukrainian dancer Nadiya Bychkova.

Speaking to the Telegraph he professed how he adored his time on Strictly, and when pressed about the recent scandal that has enveloped the dancing show he said: 'I found the programme to be really positive for me, but I think from a BBC perspective they have to sort it out.

'You don't want somebody to go on it and feel the way that some of those people have felt.'

Helen Skelton and Dan Walker in Malham Cove. Walker has said that Strictly has to 'sort out' its issues and show 'more honesty' with viewers, as he revealed the negative effect the misconduct probe had on his family

The multi-talented 47-year-old also did a stint on Strictly in 2021 coming in a very impressive fifth place with his partner, Ukrainian dancer Nadiya Bychkova (above)

Dan Walker left the BBC to present the evening news on Channel 5 in 2022

The BBC show has been engulfed by drama since Giovanni Pernice was suspended after his celebrity partner Amanda Abbington accused him of abusive behaviour, saying he was 'cruel and mean.' He denies the claims.

It was followed by Graziano Di Prima's sacking in June over reports he verbally and physically abused Zara McDermott during rehearsals. Graziano has apologised for kicking his former partner and added other allegations do not align with 'how he remembers it.'

Despite Strictly being plunged into chaos in recent months Walker is adamant that the show is 'strong enough to survive'.

'It has to sort out those issues. It has to address those things. And I think they are,' he said.

He added that to go on the show is incredibly hard, both physically and emotionally, and believed that following the scandal the show will likely pivot and become more 'honest with the public about the rigours'.

'You're asking somebody who has never danced before to go and dance in front of 12 million people and to actually be half decent at it. [And the professionals] are professional athletes, and it's really difficult to get to a standard which is acceptable.'

The pair were partnered up for the nineteenth series of the hit BBC show back in 2021 and they reached Week 11, coming fifth

Dan dressed smart in a black striped suit while Nadiya looked sensational in a dazzling grey gown which featured sheer sleeves and feathered edging

Despite Strictly being plunged into chaos in recent months Walker is adamant that the show is 'strong enough to survive'

'It's not about turning Strictly into SAS: Who Dares Wins, but I think what we might see is a bit more 'this is quite difficult', 'my leg is hurting this week', because it is hard for someone in their fifties to get thrown around in the air.

'It's not a case of that being hidden before, but I think there will just be a bit more honesty with the public about the rigours of Strictly and how hard it is.'

Walker also found himself at the centre of a multi-pronged investigation at Channel 5 earlier this year after a 'colleague working in the media' made a complaint.

Investigators were brought in to carry out the probe which found there was a 'lack of evidence to support the allegations' against him.

The investigation sent 'shockwaves' through Channel 5 as Dan is 'well-respected' in media circles, according to an industry source.

Speaking about the allegations for the first time to the Telegraph he described it as 'difficult' for both him and his family.

'I know I'm not that person, so And yeah there's days you worry about that but also you know that that's a picture you don't recognise, and nobody you've ever worked with recognises.'

He added that he wasn't afraid of the outcome as he 'doesn't have a closet' and ' doesn't 'have skeletons to worry about.'

In February, Dan revealed that he 'used to cry in the toilets' while presenting BBC Breakfast during an appearance on This Morning

Dan recalled that his early 3am starts was one of the difficulties of his job and made him struggle with bad sleep deprivation. Dan with with TV star Helen Skelton (pictured)

In February, Dan revealed that he 'used to cry in the toilets' while presenting BBC Breakfast during an appearance on This Morning.

Dan recalled that his early 3am starts was one of the difficulties of his job and made him struggle with bad sleep deprivation.

Speaking to This Morning hosts Josie Gibson and Dermot O'Leary on the ITV Daytime show, Dan shed light on the downside of waking up double early for work.

He said: 'When I used to do BBC Breakfast, you know what it's like. If that alarm goes off at three that's far too early, that's flight to Spain time isn't it.

'I get up now about 5.30am/ 5.45am, which is essentially a lie in and I feel great, I feel refreshed and I really enjoy the job I do.

'By Wednesday I was, like, full zombie mode. And also you get really emotional. By Wednesday I was like, end of the show, you are like, in the toilets just crying.
Murder suspect Karen Read has broken her silence in a rare interview to insist she is innocent and claim there was a police 'conspiracy' over the death of her boyfriend.

Read, 44, was charged with second-degree murder and vehicular manslaughter in the death of her boyfriend, Boston Police Officer, John O'Keefe, 46, whose body was found in a pile of snow in the driveway of his retired officer Brian Alpert's home after a heavy night of drinking.

She was accused of hitting O'Keefe with her SUV and then leaving him to die in a blizzard in January 2022. An autopsy revealed the officer died from hypothermia and blunt force injuries to the head.

After a trial that lasted eight weeks, the judge declared a mistrial in July after the jury of 12 were deadlocked. Prosecutors plan to retry her in January.

During the ABC 20/20 interview that premiered on Friday, 'Karen Read: The Perfect Storm,' Read maintained her innocence, claiming that she has been 'framed' for a murder she did not commit and is the victim of a cover-up.

Karen Read, 41, was accused of hitting O'Keefe with her SUV and then leaving him to die in a blizzard in January 2022

Boston Police Officer John O'Keefe pictured with Read before his death

During one interview that took place before her trial, Read was asked questions including: 'Did you kill John O'Keefe?'

'Is it possible you just hit him with the back of your car and just didn't realize it?'

Read insisted that it is 'not possible' that she backed over her boyfriend, and dismissed any evidence, including the broken tail light found in the back of her Lexus SUV - that has become the central key piece of key evidence in the case.

Shards of the broken tail light were found on O'Keefe's body at the scene.

Read insisted that a 'police conspiracy' was to blame her for the mysterious death of her boyfriend.

Read speaks with her lawyer - and has a stunned expression on her face- as the jury deliberates in her murder trail in June at Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham, Massachusetts

Pictured: Read sits at Norfolk County Superior Court during a pre-trial hearing as photos are shown

John O'Keefe's dream was to become a police office, a longtime friend told ABC

She shared that she had a strange feeling when she discovered O'Keefe was not home after she left him earlier in the night.

'I called a few of his buddies there wives. I had a sense of dread - a fright in me I never expected before.

'I was worried he may had gotten hit by a plow.'

When she drove to Albert's house to look for him that is when she made the horrifying discovery.

'I jumped out the passenger side, and I fell into the street. His eyes were shut, and he had spots of blood in different areas on his face, and he was still  not stiff, but still,' she recalled.

'It was cold. I felt cold, but I didn't feel dangerously cold and it was just an odd feeling to know that "I'm OK. I'm not dying, but he's here with me, and he's dying, and I can't warm him up."'

Karen Read reflects on her trial in an interview with ABC News reporter Matt Gutman on the 20/20 episode

Read's attorney told 20/20, 'John O'Keefe was murdered. No question. He died at the hands of another person,' he said. 'There are people that know exactly what happened to John O'Keefe, and they are not talking'

Read's defense team argues that the injuries on O'Keefe's body and the trauma to his head and hands are not consistent with being hit by a car.

A longtime friend of O'Keefe told ABC that his friend always dreamed of becoming a police officer and he was following in his grandfather's footsteps.

In 2014, O'Keefe become a surrogate father to his niece and nephew.

During the sit-down, Read recalled how O'Keefe's parents acted toward her after she met with them after their son's death and when she realized they suspected her of the murder, Fox News reported.

'They had pulled into the driveway before me. I was presuming she saw my cracked taillight and was thinking, "Did you hit my son?" Read said.

'When we were driving home, I said to my father, "I gotta get an attorney."

Read was arrested days after O'Keefe's death on February 1, 2022, and charged with manslaughter, motor vehicle homicide, and leaving the scene of a motor vehicle collision causing death.

The broken tail light on Read's SUV is the central peice of evidence in the case

She pleaded not guilty in Stoughton District Court. She was dubbed 'Americas happiest murderer as she smiled and giggled her way through court.

In June of the year, a Norfolk County grand jury indicted her and her charges were upgraded to second-degree murder.

At the time, the Norfolk County District Attorneys Office had presented the circumstances surrounding OKeefes death as a drunken night out gone awry.

The team spoke of Read's high blood alcohol content before she struck her boyfriend with her SUV in front of a private residence and left him to die.

She shared: 'This is no life. I'm not in prison, but this is no life. I'm stressed every day.

'I'm waiting for the next shoe to drop.

'It just feels like a kind of purgatory.

Read's attorney told 20/20 'this guy did not hit by a car.'

'John O'Keefe was murdered. No question. He died at the hands of another person,' he said.

'There are people that know exactly what happened to John O'Keefe and they are not talking.'
Donald Trump has insisted that there should be no boxes or 'artificial lifts' used in his debate against Kamala Harris next week.

The bizarre demand came ahead of the presidential hopefuls' showdown in Philadelphia.

Trump, who is 6-foot-3, took to his Truth Social platform to denounce the use of the height boosters as 'cheating'.

'No boxes or artificial lifts will be allowed to stand on during my upcoming debate with Comrade Kamala Harris,' he said.

'We had this out previously with former NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg when he was in a debate, and he was not allowed a lift. It would be a form of cheating, and the Democrats cheat enough. You are who you are, it was determined!'

Donald Trump has insisted that there should be no boxes or 'artificial lifts' used in his debate against Kamala Harris next week

The issue has potential significance since past elections have shown that the taller candidate tends to win more of the popular vote.

This could be a problem for Harris, who at at 5-foot-4, will be dwarfed by Trump even if she wears heels.

Trump's own height has been the source of debate after a discrepancy emerged

He self-reported his height and weight at 6-foot-3, 215 pounds prior to his booking at Fulton County jail in Georgia where he was previously indicted on election meddling charges.

The figures were different from the 6-foot-2, 240 pounds he claimed in April 2023, when he was indicted in New York on allegations of falsifying business records.

Ahead of the ABC debate, Trump's team has also reportedly accepted that candidates' microphones will be muted when they are not talking.

It is said to come as a blow to Harris, who was allegedly hoping to use one of his famous outbursts to her advantage during the face off.

The bizarre demand came ahead of the presidential hopefuls' showdown in Philadelphia

Trump took to Truth Social to detail the unusual stipulation

Trump's team was also given a boost after New York Judge Juan Merchan on Friday delayed his sentencing in the Stormy Daniels case until weeks after the November elections.

The decision sets sentencing for November 26th, when Americans will have voted and the results of the election should be known.

It had been scheduled for September 18th, which would have fallen just two months before Election Day.

Trump's team had asked for a delay, while prosecutors had left the matter up to the judge's discretion  something Merchan took as an indication prosecutors backed the move.
A high-ranking figure in conservative Christian politics has raised concerns about former President Donald Trump's recent positions on issues like abortion and in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Kentucky-based Southern Baptist leader Albert Mohler, 64, made the comments this week, warning the candidate's inconsistency could be his undoing.

The comments came in response to recent statements from Trump on Truth Social, where he said his administration would be 'great for women and their reproductive rights'.

In April, the 78-year-old refused to endorse a national abortion ban, saying it should be up to individual states. In 2020, he said he wanted to overturn federal protections for the procedure, and would support a near-total ban.

In an interview with The New York Times, the president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary explained why this, along with statements from Trump saying his administration would require insurers to cover IVF, could alienate loyal voters.

Scroll down for video:

Kentucky-based Southern Baptist leader Albert Mohler, 64, made the comments this week, warning the candidate's inconsistency could be his undoing

The comments came in response to recent statements from Trump saying his administration would be 'great for women and their reproductive rights' and that either the government or insurers will cover IVF

'Trump is in grave danger,' Mohler told host Astead W. Herndon on the paper's podcast The Run-Up.

'[He] is basically daring the pro-life movement to turn on him,' he added of the comments on Truth Social.

Referencing deviations from Trump's two prior presidential campaigns, Mohler added: 'I have no idea what Donald Trump really believes about abortion,'

'Donald Trump is either gonna win or lose this election,' the Louisville Baptist concluded.

'And I think it'll, in large part, be on this question in terms of the intensity with which conservative voters, pro-life voters either vote for him or don't.

'And that's my warning.'

Mohler, who in 2020 was subject to a more than 11,000-strong petition from fellow Christians for his 'failure to condemn systemic racism and police violence' during the George Floyd protests, went on to turn his attention to IVF.

The popular procedure that's legal in all but Alabama allows women to extract eggs from their ovaries to be fertilized by sperm in a lab, though when the frozen embryos are thawed and prepared for transfer, they are sometimes destroyed.

They also came in response to recent statements on the former president's Truth Social, where he said his administration would be 'great for women and their reproductive rights'

In April, the 78-year-old refused to endorse a national abortion ban, after previously taking credit for the nixing of Roe v. Wade

This has alarmed some who view the destruction of human embryos as immoral - unrest that's been renewed after Trump last week that either the government or private insurance companies will cover the cost of the procedures that costs tens of thousands of dollars with no guarantee of success.

'We are going to be, under the Trump administration, we are going to be paying for that treatment,' Trump told NBC News and other news stations on the campaign trail August 29, during stops in Michigan and Wisconsin.

'We're going to be mandating that the insurance company pay.'

The declaration served as a swift about-face for the man who supported Supreme Court justices who struck down Roe v. Wade, and came shortly after Trump received criticism for previous policy proposals.

One policy singled out was his 2017 tax plan that many said favored the wealthy, seemingly leading the Republican to abruptly announce last month that he would eliminate taxes on tips for service workers.

Facing similar criticism for effectively striking down federal abortion rights, the aspiring president has now running on protecting IVF, no matter the cost.

This, coupled with Trump long going back and forth on abortion, has frustrated Mohler to no end, the preacher said Thursday.

Suggesting that without support from anti-abortion voters, Trump's path to victory may be jeopardized, Mohler said Trump's comments reflect 'disorganization', and that his comments about IVF show a lack of understanding.

Mohler said Trump's comments reflect 'disorganization', and that his comments about IVF show a lack of understanding

The preacher who was once the subject to a more than 11,000-strong petition from fellow Christians for his 'failure to condemn systemic racism and police violence' during the George Floyd protests said these reversals are sure to jeopardize his campaign

'I believe nothing less than the sacredness and dignity of human life is at stake,' Mohler said, claiming that younger evangelical voters are now showing less enthusiasm for the Republican than in previous election bids.

'I don't think he understands all that is involved there,' he added of Trump's newfound appreciation for IVF, which he has openly panned at his own congregation.

'I hear far, far less excitement about a Donald Trump campaign,' he said - while conceding that compared to Harris, the politician is still the 'lesser of two evils'.

Trump, meanwhile, continues to pivot from supporting national restrictions that could prove a hindrance for Republicans struggling to win back key groups - such suburban women - who have strayed from the GOP in recent years.

However, he remains eager to take credit for the reversal of Roe v. Wade, despite deflecting authority on abortion back on the states.

'The states will determine by vote or legislation or perhaps both. And whatever they decide must be the law of the land,' Trump said of abortion rights in April. 'Now, it's up to the states to do the right thing.'
A sleepy lakefront town in North Carolina has been named the fast growing suburb in America as one can scoop up a new home for under $500,000.

Mooresville is the fastest growing part of the Charlotte Metropolitan area with a population of 50,000, according to the town's website.

The quiet town, located near Lake Norman, is a only 25 miles out the big city and is best known for how many NASCAR racing teams and drivers have come from the place - earning it's nickname 'Race City USA.'

Outside of the its residents' need for speed, it's a nice place to settle down with home prices averaging around $480,500 as of July.

The population of the town has grown nearly 30 percent in two years, jumping from 38,500 to 50,000 between 2020 and 2022, according to GoBankingRates, which ranked the towns.

Mooresville is the fastest growing part of the Charlotte Metropolitan area with a population of 50,000. The quiet town, located near Lake Norman, is a only 25 miles out of the big city

Is is best known for how many NASCAR racing teams and drivers have come from the place - earning it's nickname 'Race City USA'

Those who choose to settle in the Southern town can enjoy plenty of activities on nearby Lake Norman from boating to fishing to hiking. It also has farmer's markets, a corn maze, and festivals to delight residents.

Boat and water toy rentals are also available, as well as, cruising charters.

Residents and tourists alike can enjoy an 'ale trial' but visiting tons of local breweries or even relaxing at one of the town's many spas.

The town also has plenty of museums to visit, including art and motorsport ones, according to Visit Mooresville.

Residents and tourists alike can enjoy an 'ale trial' but visiting tons of local breweries

Those who choose to settle in the Southern town can enjoy plenty of activities on nearby Lake Norman from boating to fishing to hiking. It also has farmer's markets, a corn maze, and festivals to delight residents

It's also home to a Trump National Gold Club course.

It is also home to NASCAR Technical Institute, the country's first technical training school that blends complete automotive and motorsports technology.

It also houses Team Penske's NASCAR teams, as well as, IndyCar and ALMS teams.

Mooresville also has a Hall of Fame for its racing famous and plenty of race car driving ventures.

The town also made the list alongside Concord and Clayton.

It's also home to a Trump National Gold Club course (pictured)

GoBankingRates choose the cities on the list based on suburbs that had home values below $500,000 and had a nine percent population growth between 2020 and 2022.

Out of the 50 chosen, plenty came from Arizona, California, Florida, Maryland, Michigan, and Texas.

The top five best places to move is Moorseville, Hamtramck, Michigan; Buckeye, Arizona; Union City, Georgia; and Canyon Lake, Texas.

Some more recognizable cities also made the list, including Dearborn, Michigan; Brocton, Massachusetts; and Desert Hot Springs, California.
Supporters of Tory leadership hopeful Kemi Badenoch - named as the bookies' favourite - fear she has fallen victim to 'dirty tricks' that will see her bid ended early.

Whispers are aplenty among campaigners for the housing, communities and local government shadow secretary after she failed to top the first round ballot on Thursday.

Robert Jenrick, the former immigration minister, secured the most votes from MPs with 28, six ahead of Kemi Badenoch on 22.

Badenoch was barely ahead of ex-home secretary James Cleverly, who received 21 to place third.

Her supporters are questioning whether her campaign has lost momentum - or if tactical voting is at play.

Some believe a group of Jenrick-backing MPs 'lent' their support to Cleverly in a bid to boost his numbers and oust Badenoch, the candidate they see as being the biggest threat to their preferred candidate's bid.

Supporters of Tory leadership hopeful Kemi Badenoch - named as the bookies' favourite - fear she has fallen victim to 'dirty tricks' that will see her bid ended early

Kemi Badenoch was barely ahead of ex-home secretary James Cleverly, who received 21 votes

One Badenoch ally told The Times: 'It feels like dirty tricks by the Jenrick campaign to 'lend' Cleverly supporters so he gets momentum and knocks Kemi out of the final two.

'What we're telling MPs is that if they don't want Jenrick to win, the only person who can beat him among the members is Kemi.'

Jenrick's camp however described the claims as 'desperate'.

They said: 'We need to do better as a party than anonymously [lying] to newspapers about colleagues.

Priti Patel will play no further part after coming last in the ballot with 14, behind Mel Stride (16) and Tom Tugendhat (17).

MPs are whittling the numbers down to four before a 'beauty parade' at the party conference in Birmingham at the start of next month.

The figures finally give a clear indication of support for the candidates, after barely half of the 121 politicians still standing after the election rout publicly declared an allegiance.

A second round will take place next week.

The ballot followed the latest poll by the ConservativeHome website, which found Ms Badenoch is favourite among activists, with 34 per cent support compared to 18 per cent for her nearest rival Mr Jenrick.

Despite her disappointing showing Ms Badenoch publicly claimed the result of the first round of voting showed there was 'huge support' for her campaign.

'Thank you to every one of my colleagues who voted for me. This, coupled with all the independent members polls, show that there is huge support for @renewal2030,' she posted on X.

Some of Badenoch's supporters believe a group of Jenrick-backing MPs 'lent' their support to Cleverly in a bid to boost his numbers and oust her

'It's time to deal with hard truths today, rather than big problems tomorrow.

'I look forward to making the case for renewal around the country, with colleagues and members.'

Mrs Badenoch has highlighted that the Tories 'talked right but governed left' and 'acted like Labour'.

Mr Jenrick has focused his campaign on immigration, with a promise to introduce a binding cap on the number of legal migrants and to leave the European Convention on Human Rights.
A United Nations agency has been branded 'Orwellian' after it told staff not to use the term 'Englishman' in the latest crackdown on 'gendered' language.

The Geneva-based World Intellectual Property Organisation  which protects trademarks and patents globally  has also vetoed masculine terms including 'forefathers' and 'brotherhood of man'.

Even 'man's best friend' has been blacklisted  with 'a faithful dog' to be used instead. And 'birth attendant' is suggested as an alternative to 'midwife'.

The move comes after the British Red Cross was accused of having been 'hijacked by political extremists' after clamping down on phrases such as 'ladies and gentlemen' and 'maiden name'.

According to the 'Guidelines on inclusive language' published by the UN agency  known as WIPO  using 'masculine-specific' terms risks giving the impression that 'women are not represented in certain groups or do not possess certain skills'.

File photo. 'Englishman' is the latest term to stay avoid, according to the World IP Organisation

Among the terms staff should not use are Englishman  with 'English person' or 'English national' given as alternatives.

'Man in the street' should be replaced by 'ordinary citizen' or 'typical person', while the word 'sportsmanlike' is to be avoided in favour of 'fair' or 'sporting'.

Caveman or cavewoman are both frowned upon, with the guide suggesting 'cave dweller' or 'prehistoric people', while 'humanity' is preferred to 'the brotherhood of man'.

A separate list of gender-neutral terms for occupations advises replacing 'lumberjack' with 'wood chopper' or 'logger' and waiter/waitress with 'wait staff' or, 'server'.

Another on the list is 'midwife', with the suggested alternative given as 'birth attendant'  although the guide does concede that midwife 'may still be the preferable term, depending on the context'.

Last night Toby Young, founder of the Free Speech Union, said: 'This is precisely what George Orwell warned us about.

'Banning certain words and phrases to advance a dogmatic political ideology is a hallmark of totalitarianism.'

File photo. The United Nations agency came under criticism for its policing of certain terms

Last month the Daily Mail revealed how staff at the British Red Cross were being told that 'people who are not women' can get pregnant and have periods.

Meanwhile NHS trusts have instructed employees to use gender-neutral language, with midwives told to refer to 'mothers or birthing parents', and 'chestmilk' as an alternative to breastmilk.

Signed off by WIPO director general Daren Tang, the guidelines are 'not prescriptive and common sense and clarity of text should always prevail'.

WIPO said the document was 'designed to be a straightforward awareness-raising exercise for our colleagues on how to use

language that resonates with the widest possible audience, which may include avoiding terms that are linked to one specific gender when other neutral, more-inclusive words are available.'
It must have seemed like a good idea, and lots of fun, at the time.

Hair awry, white knuckles gripping the safety bar, the new Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy, squeals with excitement on Blackpool's 85mph Big One rollercoaster.

But it didn't seem quite so thrilling when a none-too-flattering photo of the 45-year-old minister  mid-ride and open-mouthed  appeared on local news websites.

Days after footage surfaced of Angela Rayner raving in Ibiza, here was another key member of Sir Keir Starmer's Government letting her hair down  and with seemingly similar wild abandon.

True, Ms Nandy's department has long been known as the Ministry of Fun. But presumably her advisers feared that critics would scoff and say that, if nothing else, our Cabinet ministers know how to have a good time.

The ride they can't hide: Lisa Nandy's team tried to make this photograph disappear

Ms Nandy's department is known as the Ministry of Fun. But presumably her advisers feared that critics would scoff at the new Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport pictured on a rollercoaster at Blackpool

A photo of Lisa Nandy's Blackpool excursion appeared just days after Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner was snapped dancing in an Ibiza nightclub

For they quickly tried to make the problem  and the photo  disappear.

Cue, one imagines, scenes of panic reminiscent of the BBC political satire The Thick Of It.

The image was originally shared by Blackpool Pleasure Beach's publicity department, which having innocently thought it a happy snap, did not foresee the potential for a political pratfall.

Now it was being told to help expunge all trace of it.

It complied and asked news organisations to delete the image from their reports, adding darkly that it could not be used under any circumstances.

Sadly the photo is now missing from the Blackpool Gazette's online story headlined 'Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy takes on Big One rollercoaster at Blackpool Pleasure Beach Resort', which chronicled her visit last weekend.

While noting she is a 'self-confessed theme park fan', the report said she visited the seaside resort in an official capacity and was joined by the town's Labour MP Chris Webb and various tourism bigwigs.

In addition to riding the Big One and visiting Blackpool's famous tower, Ms Nandy spoke to some of the Pleasure Beach's apprentices about their work.

Marketing apprentice Houston King said: 'It was really insightful meeting Ms Nandy.

'I had the opportunity to talk about why I love working here and what we do not only inside the Pleasure Beach, but also for tourism on the Fylde Coast and beyond.'

A local newspaper report stated that Nandy visited the seaside resort in an official capacity and was joined by the town's Labour MP Chris Webb and tourism representatives

The Big One rollercoaster at Blackpool's Pleasure Beach which was tried out by Lisa Nandy

Pleasure Beach Resort chief executive Amanda Thompson said: 'It was great to have the Secretary of State visit us and see the hard work and dedication of our team.'

In contrast to Ms Nandy, her Cabinet colleague Ms Rayner brushed aside the furore over her exuberant 4am dancing in the DJ booth at an upmarket nightclub.

The Deputy Prime Minister had jetted out to party in Ibiza less than 12 hours after hosting a meeting about unsafe cladding.

One critic said the footage  which showed her in a red dress dancing, singing and pumping the air  demeaned her office.

But Ms Rayner  dubbed 'Angela Raver' after once boasting of all-night, vodka-fuelled rave sessions  was unrepentant.

'I was on holiday for a couple of days,' she said. 'You can criticise my dancing, it is subjective, but... I take my job really seriously and you've got to have downtime.'

She added: 'Yes, I'm working class, I like a dance, I like dance music. I got criticised for going to the opera [too]... I was a champagne socialist for going to the theatre.'
Sir Keir Starmer is facing a growing crisis over slashing pensioners' winter fuel payments amid claims that up to 30 Labour MPs will this week refuse to back the plan.

One potential rebel even suggested that it would be 'shameful' for MPs earning 91,346 a year to cut aid to elderly people living on about 13,000 a year.

In a key Commons vote, the Government will seek approval for plans to stop the payments to about ten million pensioners.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has justified the shock cut as necessary to combat an alleged 22 billion blackhole left by the previous Tory Government.

But the move has angered many Labour MPs amid warnings that cutting the payments, which are worth up to 300, would lead to 'excess deaths' this winter.

Labour's online election campaign manifesto included a video in which a pensioner  named only as 'Gary' (pictured)  said he was 'supporting Labour because they'll give us cheaper energy...' and would look after the 'elderly'

Sir Keir Starmer is facing a growing crisis over slashing pensioners' winter fuel payments amid claims that up to 30 Labour MPs will this week refuse to back the plan

Yesterday, Labour backbencher Rosie Duffield told Radio 4's Today programme she intended to abstain, saying her job was to 'represent my constituents', not to 'suck up' to the Labour leadership

Embarrassingly for the Prime Minister, union leaders at this week's TUC conference are also set to vote on the policy on the same day he addresses the event.

Rebel Labour MPs claimed last night that as many as 30 of them would defy the Government by refusing to vote for the measure.

However, most are likely to do that by abstaining after seven Labour colleagues had the Whip suspended in July after openly voting against the Government to scrap the two-child benefit cap.

Yesterday, Labour backbencher Rosie Duffield told Radio 4's Today programme she intended to abstain, saying her job was to 'represent my constituents', not to 'suck up' to the Labour leadership.

Under the new proposals, pensioners living on just above 13,000 a year will lose the winter fuel help.

Today presenter Mishal Husain reminded Ms Duffield how Labour's online election campaign manifesto included a video in which a pensioner  named only as 'Gary'  said he was 'supporting Labour because they'll give us cheaper energy...' and would look after the 'elderly'.

Tory party chairman Richard Fuller said: 'No MP from any party should run scared from stopping Labour's cruel plans to cut the winter fuel payments'

Ms Husain pointed out that it wasn't known if Gary, would lose his winter fuel payment, but Ms Duffield said the video message was 'pretty awful to hear'.

Ms Duffield added: 'I find it particularly shameful that MPs, backbenchers like me, get 91,000 a year and here we are, making these decisions that will affect people on 13,000.'

The Government has already launched a campaign to get up to 880,000 people who miss out on pension credit to apply for the benefit, which also entitles them to keep winter fuel payments.

With its huge Commons majority, Labour is assured of winning the key vote this week.

But last night, Tory party chairman Richard Fuller said: 'No MP from any party should run scared from stopping Labour's cruel plans to cut the winter fuel payments.'
Southern California has been rocked by two earthquakes less than 30 minutes apart.

The quakes were felt by millions across the region after they hit on Saturday morning.

The first measured 3.5 on the Richter scale as it struck at 10.05am local time.

The epicenter was 4.3 miles southeast of Ontario, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

The second, stronger 3.9 magnitude quake, rattled in at 10.34am, with an epicenter almost exactly in the same spot.

Southern California has been rocked by two earthquakes less than 30 minutes apart southeast of Ontario

There have been no reports of any injuries or damage at this stage.

So far, Californians up to 119km away from the epicenter have reported feeling the latest tremor.

Earthquakes are not uncommon in the region, but rarely excess a magnitude of around three.

However, 2024 has seen a record number of mini-quakes across the state.

Geophysicists now warn California could be at risk of a generation-defining massive earthquake.

2024 has had more earthquakes than any year we've seen since 1988,' Caltech geophysicist Dr Lucy Jones told reporters. 'We should expect this to continue.'

Experts believe a major quake in Southern California- usually defined as 7.0 and up - could kill at least 1,800,leave 50,000 injured and cause more than $200 billion in damage.

The quakes were felt by millions across the region after they hit on Saturday morning

Geophysicists now warn California could be at risk of a generation-defining massive earthquake

Dr Jones noted that it's a common misconception that spike in mini-earthquakes relieve tension in the plate tectonics underground, leaving a region more calm and less prone to 'The Big One.'

She warned locals that the opposite is true.

'The most constant feature of earthquakes is the relative number of large to small,' Dr Jones told local KTLA 5 Morning News on Tuesday.

'For every magnitude seven, you have 10 magnitude sixes, 100 magnitude fives, 1,000 magnitude fours, etc.'

'So, if your rate of [magnitude] fours goes up, your chance of having a bigger one would go up by about the same amount,' the CalTech researcher explained.

There are concerns the state is poised to be struck by the 'Big One' within the next decade - researchers believe the San Andreas Fault Line ruptures roughly every 150 years.

If the Big One did strike, 'it would be a matter of a few tens of seconds before the shaking from a San Andreas event that ruptures the segments closest to Los Angeles reach our urban areas,' Jonathan Stewart with the University of California, Los Angeles told DailyMail.com.
A Tory secretary who was at the centre of one of the most infamous '#metoo' scandals at Westminster has defected to work for Nigel Farage.

Caroline Edmondson revealed in The Mail on Sunday in 2017 that Mark Garnier had called her sugar t**s in front of witnesses and given her cash to buy two vibrators at a sex shop in Soho in 2010, standing outside while she bought them.

Mr Garnier, who was a Brexit Minister for Theresa May at the time, was investigated by then-senior civil servant Sue Gray, who is now Sir Keir Starmer's Chief of Staff.

Ms Edmondson, 61, who has worked for Tory MPs including Michael Ancram, Steve Norris and John Whittingdale over a 40-year career, will manage the Reform leader's Commons office.

Her brother, Christopher Edmondson, was the Reform UK candidate in West Worcestershire, coming fourth in July's General Election.

Last night she said: 'I'm very happy in my new role. There are exciting times ahead. This is the party of the future. Watch this space!'

Caroline Edmondson (right) will join Nigel Farage (left) after defecting (pic undated)

Caroline Edmondson confirmed on Saturday she would be joining Nigel Farage's team

The 'sugar t**s' row came as Westminster was being swept by allegations of inappropriate behaviour by MPs.

Ms Edmondson said wealthy ex-banker Mr Garnier told her one of the sex toys was for his wife, also called Caroline, while the other was for a female assistant in his Wyre Forest constituency office in the West Midlands.

When approached by the MoS, Mr Garnier said: 'I'm not going to deny it, because I'm not going to be dishonest. I'm going to have to take it on the chin.'

He has said his sugar t**s comment was part of a conversation about sitcom Gavin & Stacey, in which the phrase is used as a term of endearment.

He denied that asking Ms Edmondson to buy sex toys in Soho constituted sexual harassment, saying it was 'good-humoured high jinks'.

He said he told Ms Edmondson he didn't think it was a good idea, but she went ahead.

He claimed they later fell out and disgruntled Ms Edmondson had been using the incident against him 'ever since'.

Ms Edmondson denied his claims.

She said: 'Another time in the bar he said to me in the hearing of others: "You are going nowhere, sugar t**s."

'He was worried I was going to go off and work for another MP. It was awful.'

Ms Gray found Mr Garnier had not breached the ministerial code, as the incident took place before he was appointed.

Caroline Edmondson revealed in The Mail on Sunday in 2017 that Mark Garnier (pictured) had called her sugar t**s in front of witnesses
A horror fire in a private Kenyan boarding school has killed at least 21 children aged 10 to 14.

The fire broke out in a dormitory housing 156 boys at the Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri, a town in the countrys central highlands around 125 miles north of the capital Nairobi, at around 11pm local time on Thursday.

Since most of the buildings are built with wooden planks, the fire spread quickly while the students slept.

Firefighters were delayed by bad roads, causing people living nearby to rush to help with the rescue efforts.

Investigators have been forced to use DNA to identify the remains of some of the youngsters burnt to death as some of the bodies were burnt beyond recognition.

Relatives of the students who perished in a fire react after visiting Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri, Kenya, on Friday

More than 100 boys have been accounted for and the government is urging parents and people living near the school to help account for all the youngsters

This aerial view shows the destruction left on the school following the fire

Pictures from the scene show government workers in white overalls with a tent full of black body bags.

Officials say 17 children remain unaccounted for, causing some parents and relatives to camp at the school to demand answers as they worry their child could be added to the official death toll.

More than 100 boys have been accounted for and the government is urging parents and people living near the school to help account for all the youngsters.

'We saw several children in there that had been burnt,' Phillip Gathogo, a local resident, told reporters.

'I was just lucky to save one of them, but I heard that he later died. It was a very troubling and sad tragedy.'

Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura called for patience from members of the public as government agencies comb through the scene to ascertain the numbers of those who died and what caused the fire.

Mr Mwaura said that some of the children were burnt beyond recognition and agencies would take longer to identify the victims.

He said: 'These figures are still preliminary because the process is ongoing. It's a DNA process that will take a number of days.'

Since most of the buildings are built with wooden planks, the fire spread quickly while the students slept

This aerial view shows the location of the school in the Kenyan central highlands

Officers from the office of government pathologist walk outside the Hillside Endarasha Academy

Grieving relatives of Hillside Endarasha Academy fire tragedy, receive counselling at an emergency care and counselling centre set up by Kenya Redcross

Relatives of the students who perished in a fire react after visiting the boarding school the day after the fire started

Kenyan security forces take safety precautions at the scene on Friday

Relatives of the students who perished in a fire wait at the Hillside Endarasha Academy

Some of the pupils who were rescued at the Hillside Endarasha Academy sit in a school bus

Kenya's president William Ruto declared three days of mourning on Friday.

Police are still investigating the cause of the fire, with Kenya's chief prosecutor saying in a statement they should 'assess whether or not the tragedy may have resulted from negligence and/or recklessness'.

Anxious parents who had been waiting all day for news about their children were allowed to see Friday evening what remained of the dormitory. Some parents broke down as they left the scene.

The Red Cross has set up a tracing desk and is offering support to those affected.

Journalists gathered outside the school compound as a team that included the government pathologist and morticians from the Nyeri provincial hospital set up facilities outside the dormitory on Saturday.

The government has urged school administrators to enforce boarding guidelines that require dormitories to be spacious, with three doors and no grills on the windows for easy escape in case of fires.

A woman reacts with tears after hearing the news of her loved one at the school

Kenyan security forces have cordoned off the scene while they investigate

Relatives of the pupils wipe away their tears after arriving at the school on Friday

School fires are common in Kenyan boarding schools, often caused by arson fuelled by drug abuse and overcrowding, according to a recent education ministry report.

More than 100 children have died in the past two decades from fire-related incidents in Kenyan schools.

A report by the countrys auditor general also revealed that many schools lacked the proper equipment to handle fire outbreaks and were not built with required safety standards.

Many students board because parents believe it gives them more time to study without long commutes. Some fires have been started by students during protests over the workload or living conditions.

Director of Public Prosecutions Renson Ingonga said the recent tragedy 'evokes bad memories of other similar school fire incidents' that many times pointed to a failure to comply with safety standards.

In 2017, 10 high school students died in a school fire in Nairobi started by a student.

Kenya's deadliest school fire in recent history was in 2001, when 67 students died in a dormitory fire in Machakos county.
Kamala Harris is preparing for her 'do or die' debate against presidential rival Donald Trump on Tuesday by practising against an aide wearing an orange wig, The Mail on Sunday can reveal.

The US Vice President has spent all week in intense preparations for the 90-minute debate in Philadelphia, which many believe will decide the outcome of November's presidential election.

Ms Harris has been staging twice-daily mock debates in a room full of advisers, with close aide Philippe Reines playing the role of Mr Trump, complete with orange wig and three-inch platforms in his shoes to make him the same imposing height as the 6ft 3in former President.

An informed source told the Mail on Sunday: 'Kamala knows this is her do or die moment. You only have to look at the first debate and what happened to Joe Biden to know how high the stakes are.

'She's a smart woman, a former prosecutor, so preparation is everything for her.'

Kamala Harris (pictured in March) goes head to head with Trump on Tuesday 10 September

Massachusetts delegate Jimmy Davidson wears a Donald Trump style wig at the 2016 RNC

President Biden was forced to drop out of the presidential race after a disastrous appearance against Mr Trump in a debate in June that exposed him as old and doddery and led supporters such as George Clooney to demand he step aside in favour of Ms Harris.

Trump stand-in Mr Reines is a former senior adviser to Hillary Clinton and considered 'one of the smartest Democrats out there'.

The source said: 'The Dems used to follow Michelle Obama's mantra of 'When they go low, we go high', but now the gloves are off. Kamala's being prepped to poke the bear.

'The focus has been on how to goad Trump into losing his temper on live TV in front of millions.

'Philippe's a brilliant strategist. It might sound funny to say he's wearing a wig and lifts in his shoes, but it's all about getting Kamala 100 per cent ready.

'The candidates will be standing at podiums. Philippe wants her to know exactly how big Trump will appear.

'Trump is obsessed with people teasing him about his small hands, so be ready for a joke about that.

'Kamala will attack him for all the crazy stuff he's said, like talking about the 'late, great, Hannibal Lecter'.

'She's unlikely to call him President Trump, even though that is a courtesy given to all ex-presidents. The team is working on zingers about Trump being a convicted felon and how she, as a lawyer, locked up men like him.'

Incredibly, Ms Harris and Mr Trump  who are neck and neck in the polls  have never met or spoken and have been in the same room only once before, for his State of the Union address in 2018.

'We are heading into the unknown,' the source said. 'They are both fighting for the soundbite that will go around the world.'

Ms Harris is likely to bring up last year's civil trial, when Mr Trump was found liable for sexual battery against writer E. Jean Carroll, who accused him of raping her in a department store changing room.

The former President's press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed he has not undergone any debate training.

'Trump is obsessed with people teasing him about his small hands, so be ready for a joke about that,' a source told the Mail on Sunday (Trump pictured on September 6 in New York City)

Trump, pictured debating Joe Biden earlier this year, is said to be brushing up on his past record during 'policy sessions'

'President Trump has proven to be one of the best debaters in political history, as evidenced by his knockout blow to Joe Biden.

'He has a command of the issues, frequently sits down for interviews and takes questions from hostile media almost every day.'

Mr Trump memorably stalked Hillary Clinton around a debate stage in 2016, hovering over her as she answered questions in a way she said 'made my skin crawl'.

A source at TV network ABC, which is hosting Tuesday's debate, said: 'Most people think whoever wins will be the next president. The pressure is on Harris to over-perform.

'This will come down to temperament. Can he keep his temper and can she appear presidential?'
An au pair accused of murdering a BDSM fetishist as part of an elaborate scheme to get her boss' wife out of the way so they could be together has spoken out from jail.

Juliana Peres Magalhaes, 24, is charged with the murder of Joseph Ryan, 39, who was found shot dead inside the $1million home of the family she worked for in Herndon, Virginia.

Magalhaes claimed to have shot Ryan dead after finding him midway through an attack on her employer's wife Christine Banfield, 37, who was found fatally stabbed in February last year. Nobody has been charged over her death.

Magalhaes has maintained her innocence and told her mother she hopes to be reunited with her in her native Brazil soon.

'We will be together soon, with God's grace, mommy,' she wrote in Portuguese to her mother in June, The Washington Post reports. 'I am unhappy, and nothing makes me happy. I just want to get out of here and go back home to be with you guys.'

Juliana Peres Magalhaes, 24, who is accused of killing a BDSM fetishist as part of a plot with her IRS agent boss to get rid of his wife so they could be together, has spoken out from jail

She also complained about her current incarceration at Fairfax County Jail.

'I am tired of this place, this situation,' Magalhaes added.

Her mom, Marina Peres Souza also remains convinced of her daughter's innocence.

'I pray for the prosecutors and the judge to understand who is guilty in this case, because it is not Juliana,' she said in Portuguese.

Magalhaes and Banfield's husband claimed they entered the home to find Ryan attacking Christine.

Banfield, a law enforcement officer for the Internal Revenue Service, told police he grabbed his service gun and shot and injured Ryan.

He told police he then ordered Peres Magalhaes to grab another gun and shoot him again, which she did and allegedly killed him.

But in a preliminary prosecutors said the evidence points to a different story, suggesting Ryan was gunned down as part of a confusing scheme to get rid of Christine, so Banfield and Magalhaes could be together romantically.

Mother-of-one Christine Banfield, 37, was also found fatally stabbed at the scene in her home after being attacked in her bedroom in February 2023. She is seen with husband Brandon

Joseph Ryan, 39, was found shot dead inside the $1million home. Prosecutors sugges

Now shocking new details have emerged about that day, including that the Banfield's four-year-old daughter was in the basement as the killings unfolded.

Magalhaes told police she had left the family home to take the child to the zoo but returned after realizing she had left their lunches.

She said she left the child in the basement after she and Banfield heard what sounded like an intruder before she followed upstairs him where they tumbled upon Christine being attacked.

Investigators first became suspicious about Magalhaes' story after she and Banfield failed to disclose their alleged romance when speaking to detectives.

But police said they uncovered evidence of a secret lovers' getaway and pointed out that just eight months after the killings Magalhaes had moved into the main bedroom.

They submitted a picture showing a framed photo of Magalhaes and Banfield on her nightstand and her clothes were in Christine's closet.

According to prosecutors, the au pair and her boss Brendan Banfield were having an affair, which detectives discovered when they returned to the home after the killings and found picture frames filled with photos of the now-couple in the bedroom where Christine died

At a preliminary hearing, Banfield, who has not been charged, took to the stand but plead the fifth amendment and declined to answer questions about his relationship with the au pair and whether he shot Ryan.

Prosecutors allege that someone created a fake account for Christine on a BDSM site and made plans to have 'rough sex' with Ryan before they were both killed.

The mom reportedly did not sound like herself in her alleged conversations with Ryan, leading police to believe someone else was pretending to be Christine and set up a meeting at the home on the day of the killings.

In court it emerged that the fetish website account Ryan had been messaging on was maintained on Christine's computer under the username Annastasia9.

However, there was not one iota of evidence that she was into knife play, binding, BDSM,' said prosecutor Eric Clingan.

Ryan and the account user discussed rough sex and bloodplay, an act where someone deliberately cuts another.

During the chats, Annastasia9 wrote that she cheats on her husband 'whenever she wants to'.

Prosecutors say someone created a fake account for Christine on a BDSM site and made plans to have 'rough sex' with Ryan before they were both killed at the upscale home

Detectives also said Magalhaes moved into the master bedroom just months after the killings

Prosecutors also pointed out a 10 minute delay between the first 911 call being placed and Magalhaes' final call.

'That is not what a person in that situation would do unless they were trying to cover something up,' Deputy Commonwealth's Attorney Kelsey Gill said.

One the first call at 7.47am, dispatchers heard a guttural moan and then silence.

There were a further two attempts within a few seconds before Magalhaes called again begging for help.

She was interrupted by Banfield who then told the operator he had just shot an intruder who was stabbing his wife.
A cash-strapped Scottish health board is handing almost 1m to a private firm of financial troubleshooters - to help save money.

NHS Ayrshire & Arran was recently revealed to be overspending its budget by more than 5 million per month.

However, the Scottish Mail on Sunday can reveal the board has chosen to tackle its financial problems by handing 966,000 to an external consultancy firm.

A company called Viridian Associates is being paid the sum to advise on reducing staff numbers and cutting costs by providing Interim Support and Financial and Workforce Efficiency Delivery Programmes.

The appointment comes despite the health board already having a well-paid leadership team - including a chief executive earning 130,000 a year and a finance director who receives a basic salary of 115,000.

Hospitals in NHS Ayrshire and Arran are overspending

Although the firm has been recruited by the health board, the cost is being met by the Scottish Government - which also employs hundreds of civils servants within its Health and Finance departments.

Critics have said it is ridiculous to try and save money by spending so much on external consultants.

Scottish Conservative shadow health secretary Dr Sandesh Gulhane said: Suffering patients and dedicated staff in NHS Ayrshire and Arran will be asking serious questions about this near 1 million spend on external troubleshooters. They are experiencing first-hand the impact of the SNPs mismanagement of frontline services across the area.

That is resulting in longer A&E waiting times, operations being routinely cancelled and patients finding it increasingly hard to access GP appointments. Given the health board already have a well-paid board at their disposal, the SNP must come clean about the justification for this contract.

Elliot Keck, head of campaigns at the TaxPayers Alliance, said: The financial stability of the NHS is a huge concern for taxpayers across the country. Cracking down on waste and getting their spending under control is absolutely essential - but its ridiculous to be spending huge sums on external consultants just to work out what to do.

NHS bosses must ensure every penny of taxpayers money is spent efficiently, delivering the frontline care people depend on.

Awarding the consultancy contract, which is worth 966,750, to Viridian, NHS Ayrshire said: NHS Boards engage with a number of external consultancy type firms to support in different areas, based on expertise, availability and value for money. Following discussions between NHS Ayrshire and Arran senior leadership team and Scottish Government, NHS Ayrshire and Arran have awarded Viridian Associates the contract to provide Interim Support and Financial and Workforce Efficiency Delivery Programmes to provide an updated Financial Improvement Plan to meet Scottish Government 2024/25 targets.

Viridian, based in Worcester in England, has previously been hired to help NHS Orkney make savings.

According to the firms website, it is a healthcare finance and workforce improvement consultancy with over 80 years collective experience supporting NHS organisations transform the way in which they deliver services.

Last month an update on NHS Ayrshire & Arrans finances revealed the board had overspent by 16.6m between April and June - more than 5m a month - with the costs driven by higher-than-expected pay rises, the use of unfunded beds due to delayed discharges and the increasing cost of medicines.

Without a reduction in costs and spending, the board would face a shortfall of 66.4m by the end of the financial year.

However director of finance, Derek Lindsay, said he hoped to bring the projected deficit down to 53.5m.

Where health boards struggle to balance the books, the Scottish Government has previously been prepared to offer brokerage loans that have allowed them to break even.

However the government - itself facing dire financial pressures - has this year capped any potential lifeline loan for Ayrshire & Arran at 27.7m.

The board was warned that if finances deteriorated any further the NHS Scotland could be forced to step in to sort out the budget - with last resort would be direct intervention by government ministers.

A spokesperson said: NHS Scotland makes very limited use of the independent sector, however there are instances where it is appropriate to bring in additional support, expertise and capacity for short periods of time.

NHS Ayrshire and Arran are on Stage 3 of the NHS Scotland Support & Intervention Framework for financial management and have access to tailored support which the Board are using to engage Viridian Associates.

This compliments the existing Executive Team to bring additional expertise and knowledge to accelerate improvement and this support will be in place for as short a time as possible. The long term sustainability of the Board is the responsibility of the Executive Team working closely with Scottish Government.

NHS Ayshire & Arran chief executive Claire Burden said the 1m contract was an important enabler in our sustainable recovery.

She said: Since May 2024, the Scottish Government has funded the support of an independent company, Viridian Associates, to work with NHS Ayrshire & Arran to secure a sustainable financial plan for the benefit of the citizens of Ayrshire and Arran.

Following a ten-week analytical review, Viridian have produced a wide range of cost reduction opportunities that will run alongside our current work to support us deliver our current Cost Releasing Efficiency Savings (CRES) programme.

The additional resource and expertise is to support the Board in its commitment to deliver an in-year cost reduction of more than 20 million.

Viridian Associates will also provide analytics and forecasts to secure a further 26 million cost reduction as is required to close our current forecast deficit.

As a Board we have a significant period of recovery ahead and the route to a sustainable NHS Ayrshire & Arran will take time. This additional support is an important enabler in our sustainable recovery.
A dilapidated mansion built more than a century ago has hit the market for just $80,000 - but it needs extensive work to restore.

The 4,305-square-foot six-bedroom house can be found in a quiet corner of Frankfort, Maine, and was built in 1864.

The home, however, has been vacant for years - falling on hard times after the previous owner planned to restore it into a bed and breakfast.

His death in 2022 saw it passed to a relative, who is now set to sell the historic property.

Racked with water damage and structural deterioration, the home was recently branded a 'ghost house' by one wary resident.

Scroll down for video:

The 4,305-square-foot six-bedroom can be found in a quiet corner of Frankfort, Maine, and was built in 1864

The home, however, has been vacant for years - falling on hard times after the previous owner planned to restore it into a bed and breakfast

'Someone please save this house,' the local wrote, sharing the listing on a community Facebook page.

'It's a total gut job,' added listing agent Suzanne Chase of the home, in a Friday interview with the Bangor Daily News.

Two days before, she told Fox ABC Maine while stood outside the downtrodden domicile, 'It's the only one that's left in this architectural design.'

To save it, first 'you'd have to fix the roof', she said - citing the 'funnel' of water 'that's putting all of the [rain] into the third, second, first floor and even the basement.'

'Fix the roof and then everything else [follows],' she said, conceding that such undertaking would be as costly as time-consuming.

The $79,900 asking price reflects this, she said.

The listing adds that 'the materials used and craftsmanship can still vaguely be seen[,] but decades of abandonment and lack of maintenance have taken a rough toll.'

The historic estate is listed as a 'former beauty that is 'currently in need of a massive clean out [and] extensive renovations and repairs.'

The home is listed for $79,999

His death in 2022 saw it passed to a relative, who is now set to sell

The listing adds that the 'the materials used and craftsmanship can still vaguely be seen[,] but decades of abandonment and lack of maintenance have taken a rough toll'

Billing the historic estate as a 'former beauty', the ad further states that the home is 'currently in need of a massive clean out[,] then extensive renovations and repairs'

Racked with water damage and structural deterioration, the home was recently branded a 'ghost house' by one wary resident

To save it, first 'you'd have to fix the roof', the realtor selling the property said - an undertaking that would be as costly as time-consuming

A tour through the property carried out by Chase and Fox ABC Maine showed some of the damage to the home's interior, that included sunken ceilings and graffiti.

The outside, meanwhile, has fared a bit better over the years, but is in desperate need of a fresh coat of paint - not to mention some home improvement.

'You know, it's it's a story,' said Michele Christle, who lives by the home built 160 years ago by famed shipwright Franklin Treat.

Situated down the street, she said, 'When I tell people where live, they always say what's up with that house?'

Aside from architecture that harks back to a former age, the house does boast quite the history.

Treat, a Maine shipbuilder and merchant, had it designed by the Boston architect Calvin Ryder, Christle told the Bangor Daily News - citing features like a mansard-style roof and a foundation made solely of granite secured from a nearby mountain.

Also commissioned was a grand staircase, plaster crown moldings and arched windows, which still stand today.

The shipwright went on to sell his creation to Louisa T. Peirce, the wife of the late granite baron George Albert Peirce. From there, it changed hands several times, before being abandoned for more than two decades.

'It's a total gut job,' added listing agent Suzanne Chase of the home, in a Friday interview

'You know, it's it's a story,' said Michele Christle, who lives by the home built 160 years ago by famed shipwright Franklin Treat. 'When I tell people where live, they always say what's up with that house?'

A tour through the property carried out by Chase and Fox ABC Maine showed some of the damage to the home's interior

Also commissioned was a grand staircase, plaster crown moldings and arched windows, which still stand today

The outside, meanwhile, has fared a bit better over the years, but is in desperate need of a fresh coat of paint - not to mention some home improvement

Thus, prospective buyers will have to weigh whether the bargain is worth the inevitable project that comes with it - a considerable undertaking for anyone, according to Chase

That's when it came into possession of the most recent buyer, Dana Geel.

The senior did what he could do for the residence, hosting regular yard sales within its walls and on its porch while working to transform it into an inn.

'We'd often say, "Oh abandoned for 20 years but today you can come in,"' Christle recalled of these showings.

'And people loved that.'

But Dana passed and the house had to be abandoned again, falling into further disrepair.

Prospective buyers will have to weigh whether the bargain is worth the inevitable project that comes with it - a considerable undertaking for anyone, according to Chase.

In the meantime, the house continues to sit at its place at 9 Main Rd. South, looking more eerie than welcoming.

'Currently in need of a massive clean out then extensive renovations and repairs, this 4,300 square foot historic icon could offer up to 6 bedrooms and as many bathrooms with its three floors,' the fresh listing warned.

'Bring your safety shoes, flashlight and visions of preservation!'
The single mother of an autistic child is launching a High Court challenge to Labour's plan to charge VAT on private school fees on the basis it contravenes her daughter's right to education.

Alexis Quinn said she represents thousands of parents who will be forced to transfer vulnerable children with special needs into unsuitable schools if the Government's policy goes ahead.

She told how scores of parents like her will no longer be able to afford the fees of independent schools catering for their children's needs as they are hiked to absorb the additional VAT.

Ms Quinn, who earns 1,900 per month as a charity worker, told the Mail on Sunday: 'My biggest fear is that we will no longer be able to afford the fees and my daughter will no longer be able to go to a school that she's thriving in.

'Instead she will have to attend a school that she may suffer in.

Alexis Quinn (pictured) who has concerns over the proposed addition of VAT to private school fees

The single mother of an autistic child is launching a High Court challenge to Labour's plan to charge VAT on private school fees on the basis it contravenes her daughter's right to education

'I am hopeful that the Government will listen to my situation, which is representative of thousands of others.'

Ms Quinn also rejects Labour's claims special needs children will be protected from fee rises by 'EHCP' certificates granted by local authorities, which can be used to obtain funding for private educational costs.

She argued that parents often wait years to be given 'Education, Health and Care Plans' (EHCP) and many simply have their requests rejected by struggling councils.

Research by the Independent Schools Council has found that just 7,600 special needs pupils at private schools currently have an EHCP, while 103,000 do not.

Describing her own situation, Ms Quinn told how she first decided to place her daughter Addison -who has been diagnosed with autism and dyspraxia - in a private school after a torrid experience at a state primary school in Herne Bay, Kent.

The 40-year-old mother recalled: 'The environment at school was overstimulating for her, she wasn't performing with the curriculum and socially she was being bullied and victimised due to her differences.

'She began having tummy aches and headaches and would cry on returning home and leaving for school.

'She refused to eat and regressed in her ability to dress and manage self-care.

Alexis Quinn said she represents thousands of parents who will be forced to transfer vulnerable children with special needs into unsuitable schools if the Government's policy goes ahead (file pic)

'But at the time, fearing the fines that the Government were inflicting for non-attendance and the current Government are continuing to do so, I'm ashamed to say that I was forcing her into school.'

Ms Quinn said in response the primary school recommended she apply for an EHCP, leading her to commission a psychological report for her daughter that revealed she needed a smaller school environment and lower stimulus.

However, when she applied to Kent Council for an EHCP they refused to assess her daughter for a certificate after concluding 'appropriate provision' for her needs was being provided by her primary school.

As a result, Ms Quinn says that she began looking at state secondary schools that her daughter might be able to move onto.

But she was advised by staff at her nearest option that the school of 2,000 pupils would not be a suitable environment for the child.

'At that stage my parents and I decided that we had to club together and send her to an independent school and it's the best decision we've made,' Ms Quinn said.

They chose to send Addison, who is now 12, to Rochester Independent College some 50 minutes from the family's home.

'It describes itself as an alternative school, so it's not a special school but lots of the children are on EHCPs and many are like Addison in that they've been failed and parents have taken matters into their own hands,' Ms Quinn explained.

'Addison is in a class of seven, it's a homely environment and they don't have to wear uniform so she hasn't got all those sensory problems she had before.

'She has absolutely has thrived at the school.'

But with Labour's announcement that it will charge private schools 20 per cent VAT from January next year, Ms Quinn says she has been told by her daughter's headteacher that the 16,800 per year fees she currently pays will rise.

Responding to this prospect, she said: 'I'm a single parent and both my parents are retired.

'My dad is an Army veteran and was a prison officer and my mum is an ex-police officer. They are public servants  they're not wealthy.

'We're just about able to afford the fees, so any increase would be disastrous.'

Ms Quinn this week instructed lawyers to send a pre-action letter to the Treasury and Department for Education informing them of her intention to bring a judicial review against the Government's amendment of the VAT Act 1994.

The correspondence warns that the plan to remove the VAT exemption for private schools is 'incompatible' with the European Convention on Human Rights 'because it results in discrimination in access to education'.

Speaking of her hopes for the legal action, Ms Quinn said: 'Ultimately I'd like to see this legislation scrapped.'
Last March, Sir Keir Starmer warned the big spenders of local government that there was no 'magic money tree', copying Tory Theresa May's warning to Jeremy Corbyn.

It is now very interesting to revisit his speech, in which he asked: 'Can I stand here and pretend to you that there's a magic money tree that we can waggle the day after the election?' and then gave the crystal-clear answer: 'No.'

It is his explanation that is especially striking. Starmer stated that his hands were tied because the Tories had 'broken the economy'.

Now, as Prime Minister, he says this all the time  but these days he claims the news is a total surprise, and that Labour had no idea until they walked into the Treasury that things were so bad.

The truth is that everyone has always known they were quite bad. But that did not stop Starmer from promising before the election that he would not load new taxes on what he called 'working people'.

As Prime Minister, Keir Starmer says the Tories have 'broken the economy'  and that the news is a total surprise to Labour

Starmer has already taken  or tried to take  the winter fuel allowance from almost ten million pensioners, perhaps thinking that this would mainly hit Tory voters - but he was mistaken about that and faces angry denunciations from his own allies at the Trades Union Congress

It is clear that this promise was wholly false, and that he knew it was false when he made it.

Again, speaking before the poll, Starmer attacked the Tories for stealth taxation, saying: 'They tell you they're cutting your taxes, while at the same time they're rifling through your back pocket.

'Give with one hand, take even more with the other'.

Well, as PM, he has already taken  or tried to take  the winter fuel allowance from almost ten million pensioners, perhaps thinking that this would mainly hit Tory voters.

He was mistaken about that and faces angry denunciations from his own allies at the Trades Union Congress.

But where else can he turn to fill the 'black hole' he claims he has only just discovered?

Hiking up capital gains tax rates would not raise very much. Extra duty on petrol would risk a motorists' revolt.

Huge numbers of people rely on cars to work, and they operate on very tight margins, counting each penny.

Inheritance tax is a direct attack on the millions of all political persuasions who plan to hand on hard-earned savings to their children.

Or perhaps he can find a way of twisting council tax into a 'mansion tax', if he can inveigle people into believing a three-bedroom semi is a mansion.

There really is not very much about this Labour Government that has so far been impressive.

There really is not very much about this Labour Government that has so far been impressive - it has nothing of substance to say about immigration

It has nothing of substance to say about immigration. Starmer's carefully groomed reputation as a stern prosecutor is so much air.

His response to the criminal justice crisis (about which he must also have already known everything, given his experience) is to release dangerous criminals from jails.

And now Labour's sums  as usual  don't add up. Among those who fell for the claim that Labour had 'changed', there must already be quite a lot of buyer's remorse.

Where is the justice?

The independent police watchdog has announced that it is investigating how shocking mobile-phone video footage of a fracas at Manchester Airport in July was made public.

The clip appeared to show two female police officers being attacked and hit to the ground before officers incapacitated a man with a Taser.

The independent police watchdog has announced that it is investigating how shocking mobile-phone video footage of a fracas at Manchester Airport in July was made public

Certainly, the scenes were deeply disturbing.

Four men remain on bail.

Two officers are under criminal investigation.

But why a probe into the leak of the video? What happened to accountability, the public's right to know and the principle of open justice?
Hundreds of victims of violent criminals have not been notified of their tormentors early release from prison amid the SNPs bungled liberation of almost 500 offenders.

Scores of prisoners were let off with shorter sentences this summer after the Scottish Government enacted emergency laws to ease pressure on Scotlands dangerously full prisons.

A similar scheme during the pandemic saw hundreds of convicts allowed out early to reduce the virus risk in jails, resulting in more than 40 per cent ending up back behind bars after committing further offences.

In May, justice minister Angela Constance insisted that the new early release scheme would see victims protected by a range of notification schemes.

However, the MoS can today reveal that the Victim Notification Scheme has only managed to contact five victims of the total 477 people let go early so far.

Justice secretary Angela Constance agreed to let hundreds of prisoners out early

Meanwhile, a further five victims have contacted the Scottish Prison Service themselves in a desperate search for answers over the whereabouts of their perpetrators.

Two additional enquiries were received on behalf of victims wanting to know when a prisoners release date was.

It means that in total, if each of the prisoners had a victim, just around 2 per cent of those harmed by convicts freed early have had contact with victim support services since the controversial plans were announced.

The justice minister has also admitted that none of the prisoners freed early have been subject to supervision by authorities since their release.

The astonishing situation, laid bare in a letter from Ms Constance to Labour MSP Katy Clark, has sparked outrage among opposition parties and campaigners.

Ms Clark, Scottish Labours spokeswoman for Community Safety said: The fact that only five victims were notified out of the 477 prisoners released under the Scottish Governments early release programme, a mere 1 per cent, shows how badly victims of crime are being let down by the SNP Government.

The Scottish Governments Victim Notification Scheme is not fit for purpose,

Scottish Conservative deputy justice spokeswoman Sharon Dowey MSP added: This flagship SNP scheme has woefully let down victims time and time again.

Their needs - even when prisoners are being released - are always a total afterthought for SNP ministers.

Barlinnie jail on the outskirts of Glasgow

Ms Constance announced the early release move in May, confirming the Scottish Mail on Sundays exclusive story which revealed prisons were atmaximum capacity.

We told how, fearing a catastrophic breakdown, prison governors had written to Ms Constance to demand that she authorise the blood-letting in jails.

The head of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) had also claimed levels of overcrowding could lead to concerted violence - and inmates demanding compensation because their human rights have been breached.

Ms Constance announced the emergency release laws shortly afterwards in a statement to Holyrood.

The target operating capacity of the prison estate is 8,007 but the population was 8,348 on the day the plans were put forward.

Only those already due for release within the six months from May after serving a sentence of less than four years were eligible to be released early.

Those sentenced for domestic violence, terrorism or sexual crimes were excluded from the scheme.

Yet victims campaigners instantly raised grave concerns over the plans having been inundated by terrified victims anxious about their safety.

The justice minister told them there would be a streamlined process for notifying victims that would see those on an already established Victim Notification Scheme told about early releases.

Those not registered with the victim notification scheme would also be made aware, she said.

Labour MSP Katy Clark raised the issue in writing with Ms Constance, who responded on August 29.

The correspondence, which has been obtained by The MoS, reads that protecting victims and public safety was a core priority in the planning and implementation of the emergency release process.

However, it confirms: In total five victims who were registered on the VNS were notified ahead of the offenders release from custody. There was one case where contact with a victim was attempted several times, using the contact information they had provided, however, despite efforts SPS contact was not returned by the victim.

A new process was also introduced during Emergency Early Release to enable victims who had not registered on the VNS to enquire whether they could be provided with the release date of an offender. Through this process SPS also notified a further five victims of the release date of an offender. And finally, it said a further two inquiries were made on behalf of others via the prison services contact team.

Concerningly, it also adds that as the prisoners who were freed were all deemed short-term prisoners anyway, they were not subject to licence conditions when they were freed.

Ms Constance wrote that they were not subject to supervision on release.

Last night, a spokeswoman from Victim Support Scotland said they were deeply disappointed that such a low number of victims had been notified.

They added: Our view is that these low numbers do not mean that victims do not want to know, it represents a lack of focus on identifying and communicating effectively with victims about the prisoner in their case. Victim Support Scotland expressed initial concerns when the Emergency Early Release scheme was first announced, and these concerns are now being realised.

A Scottish Prison Service spokesman said: The safety and wellbeing of people in our care, our staff, and the communities we support was a key priority throughout the Emergency Early Release programme.

Anyone who was registered on the Victim Notification Scheme (VNS) was contacted prior to the individuals release and advised of the individuals release date. Four named Victim Support Organisations (VSOs) were also able to seek information from us on their behalf.

And, in addition to these measures, victims who had not registered on VNS, and did not want to go through a named VSO, were able to contact us directly to seek information.

A guide to using these various measures was also published on our website and highlighted through our social media channels, along with links to support organisations.

A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: The legislation we introduced meant actions were taken to ensure victims could access information about the release of the prisoner in their case, if they wanted to receive it. We are well aware that not everyone wants to receive this.

Victims already registered with the two Victim Notification Schemes were automatically informed. Anyone else who wanted information was able to do so through four named Victim Support Organisations or through contacting the prison service direct.
A 9-year-old Alabama girl made a 911 call after she witnessed her father getting stabbed to death by his girlfriend, whom the child referred to as her stepmom, police said.

Taylor Rawlins, 33, was fatally stabbed in his Mobile home on August 22 at the Charleston Apartments on Sollie Road. His girlfriend Jennifer Heathcoe's attorney claimed that her client acted in self-defense.

Mobile County District Attorney Keith Blackwood claims that Heathcoe, 31, tried to get the girl to lie during the call, Fox10 TV reported.

During the 911 call that came in at 7:40 pm, the young girl told the operator 'my stepmom stabbed my dad,' before saying, 'Please come quick! My daddy is gonna die.'

According to the transcript, the operator asked where the child's stepmom is and if she still has the knife. The child replied, 'I don't know. I'm in my room.'

Pictured: Jennifer Heathcoe, 31, is accused of stabbing her boyfriend Taylor Rawlins, 33

Her attorney claims that she acted in self-defense

The DA said that during the call, 'you can hear what appears to be the defendant's voice telling the child that's calling to say that it wasn't her.'

Blackwood added, 'And you know, the fact that this happened in front of children is absolutely tragic.'

The transcript revealed a second call made to 911 - this time by Heathcoe - who tells the operator that there was an emergency.

'Yes there was just this, uh, a dispute and ... I got you baby. I got your no you're not. Breathe for me,' she is heard saying on the call.

Leslie McEdlerry, Heathcoe's lawyer, put up a self-defense claim alleging that Rawlins was the the aggressor that night.

Leslie McEdlerry, Heathcoe's lawyer, put up a self-defense claim alleging that Rawlins (pictured) was the the aggressor that night

Heathcoe remains in Mobile Metro Jail. Her next preliminary hearing is scheduled for October 1

However, the DA implied that the 911 calls could undermine her claims of self defense.

It was reported that the children were home during the time of the stabbing. Heathcoe's attorney testified that they came into the room after they heard a commotion.

She also said that a neighbor who heard the 911 call, went to check in on Heathcoe, who is a registered nurse, and saw her performing CPR on Rawlins, WKRG reported.

'This was a tumultuous relationship, and it was a violent relationship and there was a violent incident that led up to this,' McElderry said.

'This did not just spring up out of nowhere. Her position does she felt the need to defend herself.'

'This was a tumultuous relationship, and it was a violent relationship and there was a violent incident that led up to this,' McElderry said

During her Tuesday arraignment, Heathcoe pleaded not guilty

During her Tuesday arraignment, Heathcoe pleaded not guilty.

Her father, Daniel Cain, was present and was overcome with emotion.

He told the news outlet that his daughter and Rawlins were dating for about a year, and her name was on the lease on the apartments.

Heathcoe and Rawlins were dating for about a year, according to her father

'I just hope she gets out because I don't feel like she deserves this,' he said, in part. 'It was self-defense.'

Heathcoe was denied bail due due to her failure to appear for a domestic violence charge after she and Rawlins allegedly got into a fight in a bar in Daphne.

Her attorney said that the couple fought over the car keys, and said her client believed Rawlins was too intoxicated to drive, according to the news outlet.

Currently, Heathcoe remains in Mobile Metro Jail. Her next preliminary hearing is scheduled for October 1.
A violent British criminal has escaped from a Portuguese jail - five years after a foiled prison break when he smothered his body in oil to squeeze through the bars.

Mark Roscaleer, 39, made headlines in August 2019 when his plan to escape a jail in Lisbon, while awaiting trial for the kidnap and robbery charges, was thwarted.

Four years earlier the Cheshire-born criminal handed himself in to police after absconding from HMP Kirkham in Lancashire after nine days on the run.

Now today Portuguese Prison Service authorities confirmed Roscaleer was one of five men who escaped in a mass-jail break from a prison in Alcoentre near Lisbon.

Roscaleer had been serving time for a terrifying burglary in 2018 when he put a battery clamp on his victim's private parts to make him hand over thousands of pounds worth of cash.

Mark Roscaleer, 39, made headlines in August 2019 when his plan to escape a jail in Lisbon, while awaiting trial for the kidnap and robbery charges, was thwarted

CCTV released by the prison shows escapee believed to be Mark Roscaleer

CCTV released by the prison shows two other escapees - believed to be Fernando Ribeiro Ferreira, 61, and Rodolf Jose Lohrmann, 59

The prisoners fled at around 10am this morning although it has been reported they went unnoticed until a lunchtime roll call.

Local reports said they used a ladder to scale the 20ft jail wall and were assisted by accomplices who were waiting outside for them in a small black Mercedes.

The other inmates that escaped, two Portuguese nationals and two Romanians, include a convicted drug trafficker and a money launderer both serving 25-year jail terms.

Portuguese authorities have described all five men as 'dangerous' and warned members of the public not to approach them.

One is reported to have used to have a firearm against police before he was incarcerated.

An investigation into the embarrassing prison break, linked to a lack of guards, is ongoing.

Roscaleer was jailed for nine years in June 2020 for robbery and kidnap after a trial at an Algarve court.

The convicted burglar was accused of putting a battery cable clamp on his victim's nipple and penis with an accomplice named as Robert George Anthony Wood, then 20.

The torture session at an abandoned house on the Algarve led to the terrified 45-year-old victim revealing where he kept thousands of pounds in cash at home.

The British pair were extradited following the incident on October 2, 2018 after it was discovered they were in Spain.

State prosecutors accused them of robbing the victim at gunpoint before submitting him to 'cruel, degrading and inhuman treatment' to try to force him into handing over more cash.

The guilty verdicts were made public on June 22, 2020 and Wood reportedly received a four-and-a-half year suspended prison sentence.

Portuguese Prison Service authorities confirmed Roscaleer was one of five men on the run after a mass-jail break from a prison in Alcoentre (pictured) near Lisbon

EP Lisbon prison in Portugal where Roscaleer previously tried to escape from by smothering himself in oil

Roscaleer was previously jailed for four years at Chester Crown Court in March 2014 after admitting to aggravated burglary at an Ellesmere Port pub with an accomplice.

Three judges at London's Appeal Court later increased his sentence to seven years and four months for the raid on May 8, 2012.

He donned a balaclava and carried a claw hammer before ordering one of the licensees at the Gunners Arms pub to hand over the contents of the safe with the warning: 'Get a move on or I'll smash your skull in' and fleeing with 6,300.

At the time Roscaleer was said to have 18 previous convictions for 32 offences, including possessing an offensive weapon, burglary, battery and threatening behaviour.

In August 2019 he made headlines again by trying to escape EP Lisbon in Portugal.

Roscaleer was said at the time to have smashed his cell window and smothered his body in oil in a bid to squeeze through bars he planned to saw through.

Guards are understood to have thwarted his jailbreak around 11pm on August 18, 2019 after catching him red-handed when they heard strange noises coming from his cell.

Prison sources denied at the time a rope made out of bed linen was found hanging from his cell window as one report claimed.

Portuguese TV station TVI reported the Brit had been transferred from another prison in the Algarve town of Silves after an earlier escape attempt in May 2019.

A Portuguese Prison Service spokesman, commenting on the prison break this afternoon, said: 'From the preliminary assessment, through consultation of CCTV, it can be confirmed that the escape took place with external help through the use of a ladder that allowed the inmates to climb the wall and get outside.'
I am acutely and painfully aware of what is often the everyday experience of crime victims in Scotland.

Many tell me about Police Scotland officers treating them with consideration and sensitivity, but how this professionalism can evaporate when their case disappears into the shadowy world of the Crown Office prosecution service and courts.

To be deprived of basic information and dismissively viewed as an inconvenient spectator or even a nuisance is commonplace. And this high-handed approach is often exacerbated when victims see the kid-gloves treatment of those who have committed harm against them.

One of the most common sources of fear and pain relates to secrecy around sentencing. It never ceases to anger me when families of murder victims have no idea that the person who killed their loved one is back on the streets.

I suspect that I may be the only MSP to have signed up to the Victim Notification Scheme (VNS) which gives some victims a statutory right to limited information about when the perpetrator of the crime against them is due for release.

'It never ceases to anger me when families of murder victims have no idea that the person who killed their loved one is back on the streets', says Russell Findlay

In my case, I should be told about the release date of a gangland hitman who is serving a 10-year sentence for throwing sulphuric acid into my face on the doorstep of my own home. The attack, from which I emerged unscathed, was in response to my past job as a journalist investigating organised crime.

The career criminal responsible has spent his entire life perpetuating extreme violence on behalf of his organised crime paymasters. Over the decades, he has been entitled to have his hand held and his rights robustly defended at every turn by Scotlands most expensive defence lawyers, inevitably bankrolled by taxpayers.

The VNS is not fit for purpose. For several months, I have been repeatedly informed of new parole hearing dates for my attacker, only to then receive an email saying that no decision could be reached by the board. I have no right to an explanation or any further information.

I have long argued that Scotlands antiquated parole process could be fixed if only we had a government in Edinburgh with a wee bit of ambition and ability  so not John Swinney and his gang of blithering incompetents.

Every single sentence that is imposed in Scotlands criminal courts is  quite rightly  a matter of public record. There is no sound reason why the general public, and especially victims, should not also be entitled to know how much of that time a criminal actually serves behind bars.

Given the way in which a bunch of hand-wringing apologists appear to have seized control of much of Scotlands justice system, I have little confidence in there being any sudden outbreak of transparency.

But even I was shocked to learn of todays revelations in the Scottish Mail on Sunday.

In June, the SNP justice secretary Angela Constance announced that up to 550 prison were to be freed early due to overcrowding.

Just four months earlier, in the Holyrood chamber, Ms Constance told me: As he [Russell Findlay] knows, I have no plans for the emergency release of prisoners.

Even if we accept this earlier claim at face value, numerous senior bosses from the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) had been granted the freedom to issue portentous public warnings about dangerous levels of overcrowding.

This seemed to me, and others, like an exercise in softening up the public for the inevitable mass early release that duly followed.

Of course, the problem of overcrowding is entirely due to the SNP governments failure to deliver new prisons, such as long overdue HMP Glasgow, and their sustained failure to invest in meaningful and effective alternatives to custody.

It has now been established by this newspaper that of the 477 prisoners who were set free prematurely by the SNP government, only 12 victims were told.

Of that dozen, five received automatic notification as they had, like myself, signed up to the VNS. Which means that just seven other victims were informed.

In other words, a staggering 98 per cent of victims were kept in the dark and it is reasonable to think that many of them, probably most, still have no idea that the person who committed a crime against them was freed early.

As the Scottish Conservative justice spokesman, I robustly challenged Ms Constance when she appeared before parliaments criminal justice committee to explain her mass early release plan.

I found it beyond frustrating when she could not, or would not, provide answers to perfectly straightforward questions. Those committee sessions felt like removing teeth without an anaesthetic.

What she did admit is that victims, quite deliberately in her governments view, should NOT be proactively informed about the early release of the person who had committed an offence against them.

Instead, to the incredulity and anger of Victim Support Scotland and the Scottish Conservatives, victims would instead be expected to make contact with the prison service or victims groups and ask to be provided with information pertaining to their case.

The information sharing protocol was still a work in progress just two weeks prior to the SNP opening the prison gates. Little wonder the take up rate was so low. How on earth would victims know who or how to ask, let alone whether their case might qualify for possible early release?

This is a yet another SNP soft touch justice scandal and nails the lie constantly parroted by their politicians about being on the side of victims and being trauma informed.

With Scotlands prison population showing no signs of reducing any time soon, I am fearful of what might come next.

It seems inevitable that the SNP will be encouraged and emboldened by Keir Starmers Labour government which appears to be itching to introduce an even more extreme exercise in early mass release,

If the SNP decide to open the prison gates again, crime victims must be told.
Broadcaster Angus Simpson has won a landmark legal battle against a housing factor in a move that has potentially wide-ranging implications for Scotlands tenants.

Mr Simpson, 65, the former face of STV news programme Scotland Today, was being pursued by Peter Cusack Property Consultancy Ltd for 1,700 - money he insisted he did not owe.

The legal action was sparked after Mr Simpson reduced the amount he was paying the factors each month as he believed he was being overcharged.

He had taken the step after the firm failed to provide him with a full breakdown of the fee and what it related to.

The protracted legal battle put a terrible strain on Mr Simpson, especially as it coincided with the final months of his wife Audreys life.

Mr Simpson with his late wife Audrey

The beloved mother died from cancer two years ago this month and knew her condition was terminal for the last nine months of her life.

Mr Simpson said: This case was heard across 28 months, in 14 different hearings, in front of five different sheriffs  all for the sum of 1,700.

He added: Although I have been vindicated, no one in any court has acknowledged that we were needlessly put through this pain at one of the worst times imaginable, and all for 1,700 that we never owed.

Mr Simpson lives in a building in Glasgow with 130 flats, all managed by Peter Cusacks firm.

He believed that the monthly fee of 145 then being charged to all of the flats was excessive and asked for a breakdown of costs.

This was not forthcoming. However, based on the services covered in the contract, Mr Simpson calculated that the costs would have been 75 a month per flat, including a management fee and some leeway.

As such he reduced his payments to this amount.

The firm eventually took him to the small claims court in 2022. There then followed nine separate hearings.

Mr Simpson later took his case to the Sheriff Principal and the presiding sheriff called an extra procedural hearing, but Peter Cusacks representatives argued the sum being sought, which included the firms legal fees, had increased to more than 6,000.

This took the case out of the remit of the small claims court, which can only decide on matters up to 5,000.

The case went before a new sheriff, in January this year, and in March he ruled in Mr Simpsons favour, agreeing that he had never owed the money.

He also described Mr Cusacks own financial statements as illogical and incompetent.

The firm appealed, but at a hearing before three sheriffs last month, the judgement was upheld.

The property consultancy increased its fees during the legal battle, with the current charge of 235 per flat per month coming to more than 30,000 a month for the building, and more than 360,000 over a year.

Mr Simpson confirmed that he continued to pay a little bit more than the figure he believes covers all expenses and the management fee.

Mr Cusack was asked to comment.

I took my greedy property factors to court and won. I went through hell, but if this gives others hope its truly worth it

By Angus Simpson, former STV News presenter

If you buy a burger and chips from your favourite takeaway or restaurant you wont expect to be charged 100  and certainly not without a bill, a receipt or even a menu. Yet thats how the factor of my apartment block in the centre of Glasgow is running his business  and it seems hes not the only one.

Factors are often seen as an expensive by-product of living in a flat or apartment.

My suspicions about mine  Peter Cusack Property Consultancy  were raised when I looked at his firms monthly bill. Something didnt seem right.

Angus Simpson believed he was being overcharged by factor

So I challenged him and quickly found myself in a lengthy, extraordinary  and personally very costly  court battle.

After looking at the services his firm is contracted to supply, I calculated the cost I believed I should be paying and concluded that I was being overcharged.

I asked for a breakdown so I could understand the reasoning behind the fee that I  and the 100-plus other residents in my building  were being charged. But this was never supplied.

Every month I was being asked to pay the firm 145. However, by my own calculations, I shouldnt have been paying more than 75.

As such, I paid the 75 I estimated should be enough to cover my share of the services. This figure even included some extra for a bit of leeway.

It seemed clear to me the factors were in breach of the Property Factors Code of Conduct, which decrees that factors must supply all supporting paperwork for how they spend their clients money.

Imagine my surprise then when  almost three years ago  the firm took ME to the small claims court for 1,735 of unpaid common charges.

I thought I was asking Mr Cusack to spend two or three minutes cutting-and-pasting some documentation from his PC. Instead he was intent on dragging a case through the courts over many months at the publics expense.

Naively I thought the sheriff would see the spurious nature of the case against me. But, no, he opened the case  clearly thinking I owed the money.

Angus Simpson fronted STV news programme Scotland Today

I checked my Idiots Guide to the Law and there it was on Page One. The first question any law officer should ask is, Wheres your evidence?. I was out of luck though, because over nine consecutive court dates the evidence to fully explain the fee I was being charged was never provided.

At times, I thought of throwing in the towel, but one thing made me determined to see this through  my wife, Audrey.

She had been diagnosed with cancer some years ago and had undergone treatment which resulted in a period of remission.

However, during this legal debacle the cancer returned and this time it was terminal.

The ordeal for our family was made all the more awful by being pursued for money we did not owe and every so often being dragged to court.

Audrey was worried about me dealing with the strain of the action while trying to live her final weeks with dignity. She passed away five months after the action was raised.

Despite this, she continued to be named on the writ as a co-mortgagee. In fact, Audrey still gets a monthly request from Mr Cusacks firm for whatever fee he is asking for. A fee which has since risen to 235 a month.

Eventually, the money the factors were pursuing me for rose to 6,000 as the firm had included its legal costs. This took the case out of the remit of the small claims court, which can only decide on matters up to 5,000.

The case went before a new sheriff in January this year and in March he ruled in my favour.

Arithmetic was never my strong point but even I could see the factors annual financial report just didnt make sense. And the sheriff agreed that the report was illogical and incompetent.

The case had gone via the Ordinary Cause court and finally the Appeal Court. Yes, thats right, the factor appealed against the 37-page ruling.

During that ultimately doomed appeal, the firms lawyer claimed that a ruling against the company could have consequences for all factors in Scotland.

Could those consequences mean theyll be transparent and accountable to their clients in future, or will some of them have to accept they cannot charge what they like, when they like, for doing (or not doing) what they like, at least not without some paperwork?

Its been a long haul. Its drained me, its affected my health and its affected my relationship with some of my neighbours. But, if it gives others some hope against

any other ineffective and unscrupulous factors, its been worth it.
The chief of the CIA has revealed that there was a 'genuine risk' Russia would have used nuclear weapons at the beginning of the Ukraine war.

Bill Burns, the head of the organisation, said a sudden breakthrough of troops in the north east of the country sparked the fears.

Sir Richard Moore, the head of the Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) also branded the Russian leader as 'deeply irresponsible', the Telegraph reports.

Mr Burns said: 'There was a moment in the fall of 2022 when I think there was a genuine risk of a potential use of tactical nuclear weapons,' Mr Burns said.

'The president sent me to talk to our Russian counterpart, Sergei Naryshkin, at the end of 2022 to make very clear what the consequences of that kind of escalation would be, and we've continued to be very direct about that.

The chief of the CIA has revealed that there was a 'genuine risk' Russia would have used nuclear weapons at the beginning of the Ukraine war

Britain's MI6 chief Richard Moore and U.S. Central Intelligence Agency Director Bill Burns

Some 34 per cent of Russians - just over one in three - would definitely or likely support use of the ultimate weapon in the conflict (stock image)

'I don't think we can afford to be intimidated by that sabre rattling or bullying [but] we've got to be mindful of it.'

Speaking alongside Mr Burns, Sir Moore said: 'There's only one party talking about nuclear escalation and that's Putin.

'It's deeply irresponsible [but] nobody in the West is going to be intimidated by such thoughts or any other behaviour by the Russian state'.

Back in July it was revealed that some 34 per cent of Russians - just over one in three - would definitely or likely support use of the ultimate weapon in the conflict.

This is five per cent higher than one year ago, and the highest since Putin launched his illegal war against the sovereign state Ukraine.

The findings from the Levada Centre show 31 per cent are definitely against the use of weapons, while 21 per cent are likely against it.

The upward trend shows the success of Russian propagandists seeking to gain support for nuclear use.

Russian troops load an Iskander missile onto a mobile launcher during drills at an undisclosed location in Russia

Soldiers stand next to a Russian RS-24 Yars ballistic missile parked along Tverskaya street prior to a rehearsal for the Victory Day military parade in Moscow

It comes after Ukraine suffered one of its darkest days after two ballistic missiles killed at least 51 people and injured 219, President Volodymyr Zelensky said.

The missiles hit a military training centre and a nearby hospital in a central region of Ukraine with Zelensky vowing 'Russian scum will pay for this' following the devastating attack.

The strike occurred in the Poltava region, the president said in a video posted on his Telegram channel.

It appeared to be one of the deadliest carried out by Russian forces since the war began more than 900 days ago on February 24, 2022.
Prince Harry is pressing ahead with his legal battle against the Home Office over his taxpayer-funded security, The Mail on Sunday can reveal.

This newspaper has learnt that a two-day hearing will be held at the Court of Appeal in April in the latest dramatic twist to Harry's three-year legal fight with the Government.

The Duke of Sussex's determination to restore his round-the-clock security while in the UK is understood to be part of his desire to return here more regularly.

The looming courtroom showdown comes after the MoS revealed last week how the Duke has sought advice from trusted aides in Britain on how to mastermind a return from self-imposed exile in the United States.

Earlier this year, a High Court judge ruled that Harry had 'comprehensively lost' a 'frankly hopeless' bid to appeal against a Home Office decision about his UK security.

Prince Harry (Pictured leaving the High Court is pressing ahead with his legal battle against the Home Office over his taxpayer-funded security, The Mail on Sunday can reveal

It comes shortly after the Mail On Sunday revealed that the Duke (Pictured) was attempting to make a return to Britain following his self-imposed exile in the United States

He had sought a judicial review over a decision made by the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (Ravec) to remove his right to automatic police protection after he left the working Royal Family.

However in May, the Court of Appeal granted him leave to challenge the High Court judgment.

Now a court official has confirmed that a date has been set for the Duke's appeal to be heard in London, starting on either April 8 or 9.

The hearing is also listed on an official, publicly available website. It shows how the case was passed to the Court of Appeal listing office on July 12.

The King and his son are believed to be locked in a stalemate over Harry's decision to pursue his legal fight, which has cost the British taxpayer 500,000 so far.

Charles is said to find the dispute 'very tricky' because it means 'His Majesty's son is suing His Majesty's Government' and wants no involvement in it.

'Harry, however, reportedly believes that members of his father's household influenced the decision to remove his enhanced security.

Royal biographer Ingrid Seward described Harry as 'tunnel visioned' and said the King knows his son is 'very stubborn'.

'It's damaging to his father,' she added. 'It's embarrassing to his father on a more personal level, to think that his own son doesn't feel safe in the country in his own homeland.

'He doesn't let things go, Harry. That's his nature, a bit like his mum. It's very Diana to pursue something and Harry is just not letting go in spite of advice to the contrary. I do feel that this is certainly not helping any situation.'

Harry received full publicly funded protection before stepping back as a working royal and moving to Montecito, California, with his American wife Meghan Markle four years ago.

King Charles III (Pictured in 2024) is said to have found the legal dispute difficult as it means 'His Majesty's son is suing His Majesty's Government'

Harry received fully tax-payer funded protection before stepping back as a working royal and moving to Montecito, California with Meghan Markle (Pictured at San Basilio de Palenque)

He still receives protection when he returns to Britain in specific circumstances but must give 28 days' notice of his plans.

While the Duke is not seeking a permanent return to the UK, the move to proceed with his legal fight against the Home Office is believed to be an indication that he wants to spend more time here.

Sources have told this newspaper the Duke had been consulting people 'from his old life', which, it is claimed, signified the first stage in a strategy to 'rehabilitate' him towards spending more time in the UK, repairing his fractured relationship with his father and potentially initiating a partial return to the Royal Family.

He is not believed to have seen his father since a brief meeting earlier this year when it was announced the monarch had been diagnosed with cancer.

In his recent biography of the Princess of Wales, Robert Jobson said the King and Harry spent only 30 minutes together at Clarence House. 'Clearly not nearly enough to mend the shattered bridges, not after all the disparagement and misrepresentations echoing from Montecito,' he wrote. 'After a brief embrace and short conversation, they said their goodbyes.'

One source last night said Harry's apparent refusal to drop the legal case risks undermining a possible rapprochement with his father, adding: 'Getting the trust back is a huge issue.'

Ms Seward added: 'It's not going to help any reconciliation because it will upset the King. But he knows his son and probably realises Harry isn't going to let go.'

Harry believes that he is currently unable to bring his wife, Meghan, or their two children, Prince Archie, five, and Princess Lilibet, three, to the UK.

His lawyers argue he's been treated unfairly by the changes to his police protection, because he still faces significant security threats.

Lord Justice Bean gave Harry the green light to appeal as there was a 'real prospect of success' in the Duke's argument that Ravec should have followed its written policy.

But he rejected a move to expedite the appeal, saying Harry should not 'jump the queue because of his status'.

One source said Harry's (Pictured at the coronation of King Charles III) supposed refusal to drop the legal case risks undermining a possible reconciliation with his father

The Duke of Sussex is reportedly believed to inherit millions of pounds from his the late Queen Mother (Pictured with Princess Diana in 1992) on his 40th birthday

Is he in line for millions from his great gran?

Prince Harry is to receive millions of pounds from the late Queen Mother when he celebrates his 40th birthday next Sunday, reports say.

The Queen Mum is believed to have deposited 19 million into a trust fund for her great-grandchildren in 1994.

Reports at the time suggested that William and Harry would claim their shares in two payments  on their 21st and 40th birthdays.

Royal experts suggest Prince Harry will be in line for a bigger share than his brother as compensation for not being a sovereign.

A former Palace aide told The Times the trust 'was a way of passing a slice of her estate down in a tax-efficient way'.

Zara and Peter Phillips and the Duke of York's daughters Beatrice and Eugenie are among the other beneficiaries.
Queen Elizabeth was 'thrilled' at the dramatic resignation of the then Prince Charles's closest aide following a Mail on Sunday expose, it was sensationally claimed last night.

Michael Wynne-Parker, a society fixer  himself now embroiled in a 'cash for access' scandal  alleges he was told by Prince Andrew in a phone call that the late Queen was relieved when Michael Fawcett, who ran Charles's charities, stepped down amid the MoS's revelations about his misuse of his position.

The Duke of York, who was calling from Balmoral, is said to have informed Mr Wynne-Parker: 'I'm with Mum and she's thrilled with you, Michael, because you've probably saved the monarchy.'

The astonishing claim is just one of a number of incendiary comments made by Mr Wynne-Parker, 78, who was speaking for the first time since being disqualified by the Charity Commission last week after a three-year investigation into donations to The King's Foundation.

He told this newspaper: 'They have singled out the one person who was a player, but was not the principal player.'

Queen Elizabeth (Pictured in 2022) was 'thrilled' at the dramatic resignation of the then Prince Charles 's closest aide following a Mail on Sunday expose, it has been claimed

The Metropolitan Police also launched an investigation in 2022 following claims that the King's right-hand man Michael Fawcett (Pictured with King Charles III in 2021) had fixed an honour for Dr Bin Mahfouz

Michael Wynne-Parker, a society fixer  who is now embroiled in a 'cash for access' scandal  has alleged Prince Andrew told him in a phone call that the late Queen was 'thrilled' when Fawcett resigned

In August 2021, The Mail on Sunday published a leaked email in which Mr Wynne-Parker provided details of how dinner with Prince Charles and an overnight stay at Dumfries House in Scotland  owned by the King's Foundation (then the Prince's Foundation)  could be secured in exchange for a six-figure donation paid through a bank account linked to Burke's Peerage, a guide to the aristocracy.

A week later, in a further bombshell revelation, this newspaper exposed how Mr Fawcett, who was at Charles's side for 40 years, offered to help secure a knighthood and British citizenship for Mahfouz Marei Mubarak bin Mahfouz  a Saudi billionaire and a donor to the Foundation.

Mr Fawcett, 61, the King's former valet, resigned as the Foundation's chief executive shortly after being confronted with the MoS's evidence. His downfall was a huge blow to Charles the year before his mother's death and his accession to the throne. He is said to have once remarked: 'I can manage without just about anyone, except Michael.'

But elsewhere in the Royal Family, claims Mr Wynne-Parker, there was gratitude to him for what was perceived as his role in bringing the controversy to light.

Last night he said: 'I was really chuffed to get a call from Prince Andrew. What he meant was the Queen was so thrilled that Fawcett was now finally exposed that she would have felt relief  thank God we won't have to deal with him again.'

Mr Wynne-Parker claimed there were concerns about the considerable influence Mr Fawcett had over Charles.

'He would say 'Sir, this is what we should do, this is how we should do it', and in a very busy life you would tend to go along with it.'

Michael Wynne-Parker has been deemed unfit to serve as a charity trustee and disqualified from holding a senior position or trustee role in any charity for 12 years following an investigation into the King's Foundation

The Charity Commission found that almost 200,000 in donations meant for the King's Foundation were transferred to Mr Wynne-Parker's (Pictured right) private company's bank account

Michael Fawcett (Pictured with His Majesty and Queen Camilla in 2018) was previously accused of helping to secure the Saudi tycoon a CBE that was handed over by Charles in a private ceremony in 2016

However the case was later dropped by the Metropolitan Police two years later as detectives decided to take no further action (Pictured: Michael Fawcett outside his southwest London home)

The Palace and Mr Fawcett declined to comment last night.

Mr Wynne-Parker, who was an adviser to Dr Bin Mahfouz and a trustee of his charity, the Mahfouz Foundation, was last week ruled 'unfit to serve as a charity trustee' following a probe by the Charity Commission. A damning inquiry found that he used the Foundation as a conduit to try to channel donations to The King's Foundation.

A separate Charity Commission report on the Burke's Peerage Foundation said that trustees

William Bortrick and Mark Ayre misspent more than 113,000 of charity money, including 16,000 on an antique desk and bookcase that both ended up at Mr Bortrick's home.
The police watchdog provoked outrage last night after launching a 'leak inquiry' into the release of CCTV footage that showed a vicious attack against officers at Manchester Airport.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating whether any police officers were responsible for passing the shocking footage to the media.

The dramatic video showed the moment three police officers, including two women, were violently assaulted by two brothers after they attempted to arrest one of them at the airport in July.

It shed crucial new light on the incident after earlier mobile phone footage, which showed the male police officer kicking one of the brothers in the head, sparked protests and allegations of police brutality and racism.

One senior police source said the footage was widely circulated among officers before it became public and branded the IOPC's determination to hunt down whoever passed it to the press as 'Orwellian'.

Videos emerged showing clashes breaking out between members of the public and Greater Manchester Police officers at Manchester Airport on July 23

Protests were held outside Greater Manchester Police divisional headquarters in Rochdale on July 24 in response to the first footage of the incident emerging

Solicitor Aamer Anwar is seen holding up a picture of Shameem Akhtar, 56, alongside her son Fahir Amaaz, 19, at a news conference

'They are straying outside their remit going after the source. You have got two police women being attacked and it's taking weeks and months for them to do an investigation into the incident.

'It could have come out from many a cop. That footage has been circulated. How do you think officers at Greater Manchester Police are going to be feeling about that? They will be outraged.'

Reform MP Richard Tice said the IOPC decision to pursue the source of the footage was 'madness'.

'The police should have released that footage within two hours of the incident and it would have prevented the whole crisis in confidence in the police officers.

'Frankly the IOPC and GMP need to take a good long, hard look at themselves and if they don't understand this they should resign or be fired. I can not be more cataclysmically angry about that.'

Mobile phone footage, taken on July 23, showed a male police officer kicking Fahir Muhammed Amas, 19, in the head and sparked outrage when it went viral on social media.

Amid appeals for calm, and concerns that protests would escalate, CCTV footage then emerged online which showed the violence that took place before that incident.

The video showed how Fahir punched a female officer in the face, breaking her nose, before knocking down a second woman officer.

It also showed his brother Amaad, 25, throwing a barrage of 'full-bloodied' punches at an armed male officer, leaving him stunned and slumped on the floor. Fahir also punched the male officer and grabbed him by the neck in a 'chokehold', which he released only when one of the female officers tasered him.

Footage of a police officer kicking Fahir Amaaz, 19, while he was arrested alongside his brother Muhammad Amaad

A second video was posted online, showing moments before the police 'stamping' incident

A Stand Up To Racism demonstration in Manchester took place on July 25

Last month, both brothers from Rochdale appeared alongside their solicitor Aamer Anwar at a press conference in Manchester city centre to 'set the record straight' after what they called 'a deliberate attempt to smear the family'.

Mr Anwar told reporters of the family's unhappiness at the release of the new footage and queried how it had come into the public domain.

And, despite the apparent public interest in the release of the footage, the IOPC is now probing whether or not someone working for Greater Manchester Police (GMP) sent the video to the Manchester Evening News (MEN).

An IOPC spokesperson said: 'Following a press conference on 6 August 2024, when concerns were raised about the source of a video provided to the media, we received a conduct referral from Greater Manchester Police (GMP).

'This referral, whilst considering other possibilities, relates to whether someone employed by the force may have shared footage relating to an active police investigation without a legitimate policing purpose.

'We are in the early stages of an independent investigation, which will consider whether there is any evidence to suggest this was provided by someone working for GMP and, if so, the justification for this.'

On August 23 and September 3, the MEN received letters from the IOPC seeking access to the CCTV footage and asked questions which the newspaper paper said were designed to identify its source.

The newspaper said: 'We denied these requests because it is journalistic material and the provision of material - like the CCTV footage - to the free press is a cornerstone of our democracy.'

Shameem Akhtar, 56, appeared tearful as she faced the media

Mrs Akhtar said she was racially abused on her flight to Manchester from Pakistan

In another letter on September 4, the IOPC disclosed: 'We are conducting a criminal investigation into the provision of CCTV footage to Manchester Evening News (MEN), specifically CCTV footage from Manchester Airport relating to an incident which occurred there on 23 July 2024.'

The IOPC asked the newspaper confirm if it held the original video and whether it would be prepared to supply it for inspection.

The investigator also asked the newspaper to list 'all additional material' that it holds in relation to the case.

The MEN declined to enter into any discussions about the source. Its editor Sarah Lester said: 'The protection of sources of information is a key journalistic principle.'

The IOPC is also investigating the officers involved in the violent incident.

One officer has been put under criminal investigation and suspended from their job, while another has been told they were under investigation over another incident.

Two men were arrested on suspicion of assault, assault of an emergency worker, affray and obstructing police. Two other men were arrested on suspicion of affray and assault of an emergency worker.

GMP has passed a dossier of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) over the incident.
A man has been taken to hospital after a plane came down in a London suburb close to an airfield.

Emergency services were called to Aveley Road, Upminster - one mile west of the M25 - at around 1pm on Saturday.

The Metropolitan Police said a male passenger was taken to hospital for treatment, while the London Ambulance Service and Essex Fire Brigade also attended the crash site.

The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) is now leading enquiries into the crash, which saw the plane land in Belhus Woods Country Park.

Images show the upturned wreckage of the plane, registration G-AYGG, on the edge of woodland.

Did you see what happened? Email: jon.brady@mailonline.co.uk

The light aircraft came down in a field in Belhus Woods Country Park in Upminster, east London

The crash site was close to a local airfield. Police say one man was taken to hospital after the plane came down

Damyns Hall Aerodrome is across the road from the crash site - though it is not known if the plane was coming from, or travelling to, the airfield at the time it came down

Records say the plane is a Jodel D.120 - a two-seater French leisure plane - built in 1960.

The crash site was close to Damyns Hall Aerodrome, which hosts light aircraft, flying lessons, aerobatic experiences and helicopters, according to its website.

However, it is not known where the plane had come from or where it was ultimately heading when it came down.

But an eyewitness has suggested that the plane's engine may have cut out mid-flight.

Alex Sarzi-Sartori told the Romford Recorder: 'It was dead quiet. In my head I jokingly thought "do they make electric planes now?".

'I saw the propellers weren't actually moving and I thought 'hang on a minute  that's trying to land'.

'It was going away from us for most of the time and then it started turning around and I realised it was actually aiming for a field to land.'

He added that people ran to the scene to help as the plane was 'gushing' fuel.

The crash occurred near Belhus Country Park in South Ockendon. Essex Live reports the entrance to the park was closed off as emergency services attended the scene.

The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) is now leading inquiries into the crash, the Met said.

An AAIB spokesperson said: 'We are aware of the accident. We will be deploying inspectors to the scene.'

A spokesperson from Metropolitan Police said: 'Officers were called to an area on Aveley Road, Upminster, at 1.08pm on Saturday, September 7 to reports that a light aircraft had crashed.

'One male passenger was taken to hospital for treatment. We await an update on his condition.'

The crash came after a glider landed in the middle of a main road near Frampton Mansell, Gloucestershire last week.

The pilot, 70-year-old Christopher Tooze, refuted suggestions that he had been lucky, telling the Telegraph: 'I'd consider myself lucky if I hadn't come down in the first place.'
A former RAF engineer and his wife are signing up to become the first British couple to use a double suicide pod.

Peter and Christine Scott, who have been married for 46 years, made the decision after former nurse Christine, 80, was diagnosed with early-stage vascular dementia several weeks ago.

The couple want to travel to Switzerland to die in each other's arms in the death capsule  known as the Sarco  to mark the end of their long and happy marriage.

Following an emotional family summit during which the couple shared their fears of suffering years of infirmity within a failing NHS, and losing their home and life savings to pay crippling care costs, their son and daughter have reluctantly said they'll respect their choice.

Peter, 86, and Christine, who have six grandchildren, are now in the process of registering with The Last Resort, a Swiss-based organisation that offers assisted dying in the Sarco, unveiled in July.

Peter and Christine Scott, who have been married for 46 years, made the decision after former nurse Christine, 80, was diagnosed with early-stage vascular dementia several weeks ago

Peter and Chris Scott about 35 years ago

The pod works by replacing air, which is 21 per cent oxygen and 79 per cent nitrogen, with 100 per cent nitrogen. This swiftly renders the occupant unconscious and they then stop breathing in a process that takes less than ten minutes

It has not yet been tried but its creator, Australian-born Philip Nitschke  nicknamed Doctor Death by right-to-life opponents  expects the first suicide to take place soon. The Scotts say they will wait until the new twin model of the machine is launched later this year.

In an extraordinarily frank interview at their Suffolk village home, they revealed their plans in the hope of lending weight to the campaign to allow assisted dying in the UK, where it is illegal.

Currently, a backbench Labour MP is considering bringing forward a private members' bill after Sir Keir Starmer backed having a free Commons vote on the issue.

Peter said: 'We have had long, happy, healthy, fulfilled lives but here we are in old age and it does not do nice things to you.

'The idea of watching the slow degradation of Chris's mental abilities in parallel to my own physical decline is horrific to me.

'Obviously I would care for her to the point I could not, but she has nursed enough people with dementia during her career to be adamant she wants to remain in control of herself and her life. Assisted dying gives her that opportunity and I would not want to go on living without her.

Australian-born Philip Nitschke  nicknamed Doctor Death by right-to-life opponents  expects the first suicide to take place soon

A view of the Sarco suicide machine, a 3D-printed capsule that gives the user the ultimate control over the timing of her/his death

A view shows the login screen and release button for pure nitrogen in the Sarco suicide machine

'We understand other people may not share our feelings and we respect their position. What we want is the right to choose. I find it deeply depressing we can't do that here in the UK.

'Yet look at the alternative. The chances of getting prompt NHS treatment for the ailments of old age seem pretty remote so you end up trapped by infirmity and pain.

'I don't want to go into care, to be lying in bed dribbling and incontinent  I don't call that a life.

'Finally, the Government swoops in to take your savings and your house to pay for it all.'

Currently he is wrestling with all the paperwork required for the full application.

He is anxious about Christine's application since securing assisted suicide for dementia sufferers is harder than for people with, for example, terminal cancer.

The Sarco was invented at the request of British stroke victim Tony Nicklinson who was left conscious but unable to move or speak following a stroke.

He approached Nitschke to make a death pod that could be operated by the blink of an eye, the only communication left to him.

person stands near the Sarco suicide machine during a presentation by The Last Resort in Zurich, Switzerland, July 17, 2024

A view of 02 detector and the release button for pure nitrogen in the Sarco suicide machine

Nicklinson, who begged the courts to be legally allowed to die but was refused, eventually starved himself to death in 2012, before the Sarco was created.

The pod works by replacing air, which is 21 per cent oxygen and 79 per cent nitrogen, with 100 per cent nitrogen. This swiftly renders the occupant unconscious and they then stop breathing in a process that takes less than ten minutes.

A camera inside the pod records their final moments and the footage is handed to a coroner.

It is anticipated that the Sarco, which is made using a 3-D printer, will be free but people must be able to pay for their body to be removed by funeral directors afterwards. Peter and Christine would like to be cremated and have their ashes repatriated and scattered in the graveyard of their local church.

The only additional currently known cost would be 16 for the liquid nitrogen used in the pod, making it more economical than other assisted dying clinics, which typically charge 10,000.

Speaking to The Mail on Sunday, Dr Nitschke confirmed his couple's suicide pod was ready for launch. He said: 'The capsule for two people works exactly the same as the single Sarco but there is only one button so they will decide between them who will push it. Then they'll be able to hold each other and one of them will push the button.'

The Sarco was invented at the request of British stroke victim Tony Nicklinson who was left conscious but unable to move or speak following a stroke

Christine already has her final days planned. 'I'd like to go walking with Peter in the Swiss Alps, by a river. I'd have a beautiful plate of fish for my last supper, and enjoy a great bottle of Merlot.

'I'd make a playlist including Wild Cat Blues and The Young Ones by Cliff Richard and I've found a poem called Miss Me But Let Me Go, which sums up exactly how I feel.'

Appropriately, the 1930s song Goodbye by the American composer Gordon Jenkins will be on Peter's playlist. A former RAF aero engineer, he worked in the aviation industry around the world before returning to his native East Anglia to carve a second career as a careers adviser.

He and Christine fell in love at first sight after meeting in a jazz club. She was a nurse with a small daughter from a first marriage. After marrying, they had a son together.

Their children have been encouraging them to move into a retirement complex but the couple are determined to make assisted dying a possibility.

Christine says: 'It's a lovely life but I have this diagnosis, and that's crystallised our thinking. Medicine can slow vascular dementia but it can't stop it. At the point I thought I was losing myself, I'd say: 'This is it, Pete, I don't want to go any further.'

He adds: 'I've said to her, 'You make the decision and I'll be with you.' Death holds no problem for me whatsoever.

'I'd just give her a big hug and say: 'Hope to see you later.'
It is one of the puzzling questions about the new regime at No 10, with some even fearing a cat-astrophe.

Two months after the Starmers moved in, there has been no sighting of their rescue cat JoJo.

Westminster watchers wonder if there are tensions between the ginger tom, 'revered' by the PM's two children, and the Cabinet Office's chief mouser, 17-year-old Larry, who has served under six Prime Ministers since 2011.

The Cats Protection charity recommends keeping pets in for at least three weeks after moving house to allow them time to adjust.

But it is now nine weeks since the election  and still not a glimpse.

Ground control to ginger tom: The Cabinet Office's chief mouser, 17-year-old Larry, looks like the cat that got the cream, but the Starmers' rescue cat is nowhere in sight

Paw-sible explanation? Larry, who has served under six Prime Ministers since 2011, has been notoriously territorial in the past

Two months after the Starmers moved in, there has been no sighting of their rescue cat JoJo

Cat -astrophe? Westminster watchers wonder if there are tensions between the ginger tom, 'revered' by the PM's two children, and the Cabinet Office's chief mouser

Questions over JoJo deepened after Sir Keir revealed the family had a new Siberian kitten.

He said it was a compromise after his children had asked for a German Shepherd dog.

He added: 'The problem we've got, which is the same for JoJo the cat, is that the door out of our new flat is bombproof so getting a cat flap in it is proving a little difficult.'

On his unofficial social media account on X, Larry wrote: 'The new kitten will REPORT to Larry the Cat.'

Larry also previously said he 'looked forward' to welcoming JoJo to his team, 'the cat-inet'.

Sir Keir has said JoJo was 'treated with far more respect in my household than I am'.

He added: 'If JoJo wants food, a seat on the settee or to sleep on the kids' bed, he's got pride of place.'
An 84-year-old South Florida woman has been left hospitalized with brutal injuries after she and her pet were attacked by a seven-foot long alligator.

Del Boppel and her dog Queen were out on a walk near a pond located close her Julia Mobile Home Park home at around 7pm on September when she spotted the predator.

'All of a sudden, I had a premonition, I'm telling you. It was like, 'uh-uh', Boppel said from her hospital bed.

Second later, as the 7'3" alligator bit Boppel on her right leg, she threw Queen in the air and punched the animal in its face.

Del Boppel and her dog, Queen were out on a walk near a pond located close her Julia Mobile Home Park home at around 7pm on September when she spotted the predator

'It was like a torpedo. I didn't see anything go that fast in my life. I didn't have time to think,' Boppel said.

The gator managed to take a chunk of her leg and fingers before scurrying away - leaving her with 'significant' injuries to her arms and a wrist.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Lee County Sheriffs Office and Lee County Emergency Medical Services also responded to a 911 call made by a neighbor.

According to NBC News, a nuisance alligator trapper later found the animal and 'humanely euthanized' the predator.

The gator managed to take a chunk of her leg and fingers before scurrying away - leaving her with 'significant' injuries to her arms and a wrist

A nuisance alligator trapper later found the animal and 'humanely euthanized' the predator

Despite her condition, she remains in good spirits and is looking forward to reuniting with her dog.

Boppel also revealed that she had previously complained about the big gators to her community but never heard back.

Back in July, another Florida woman' leg was savaged by an eight feet alligator as she swam in a river.

Rachel Thompson was going through her daily morning routine of yoga and jogging when she went down to the Hillsborough River near her Temple Terrace home.

According to the FWC , between 2004 and 2022, the state recorded nearly 190 alligator attacks, 12 of which were fatal

As she got out of the river, she discovered the alligator and was immediately under attack.

'The moment that I saw his head, it was just a fraction of a second from me seeing his head and him grabbing my leg,' Thompson said.

Thompson tried everything she knew to try and stop the gator: grabbing a rock and punching it. The gator attacked her further until she made an amazing escape.

According to the FWC, between 2004 and 2022, the state recorded nearly 190 alligator attacks, 12 of which were fatal.
The race for the White House is tightening up in two states previously thought to be solidly Republican.

Latest polls suggest the southern states of Texas and Florida, which Trump carried comfortably by 5 points and 4 points respectively in 2020, are now far closer than at any time in the race.

Trump won Florida in both 2016 and 2020 securing 30 electoral votes, while Texas which has remained solidly red since 1976 was also won by Trump in 2020, garnering him 40 electoral college votes.

But the former president has seen his support erode among most demographic groups since his Democratic rival in the November 5 election, Vice President Kamala Harris, replaced President Joe Biden atop the Democratic ticket over the summer.

Now things could be about to change in states that were never considered swing states or toss-ups, with latest surveys from Emerson College suggesting Harris is now within the margin of error (about 3 points) in both.

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump on Saturday spoke at a rally in Wisconsin, a battleground state that could decide the election

Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, right, is seen during a campaign stop at Penzeys Spices, in Pittsburgh

The poll suggests Trump is only narrowly ahead in his home state of Florida at 50 percent with Harris at 45 percent.

In Texas things are even tighter with just 4 percentage points separating the pair at 50 percent compared to Harris' 46 percent, well within the margin of error.

Texas has remained a squarely red state since the late 1970s despite Democrats attempting to to turn the state blue.

In Florida, the state has steadily become more Republican since Obama carried the state in both the 2008 and 2012 presidential election.

The steady turn towards the GOP is in no small part due to the rise in the number of Republicans registered in the state with 1 million more GOP supporters registered to vote than Democrats.

Latest polls suggest the southern states of Texas and Florida , which Trump carried comfortably by 5 points and 4 points respectively in 2020, are now far closer

Donald Trump gestures as he addressed the Fraternal Order of Police at their meeting in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Friday

Kamala Harris was welcomed by Senator John Fetterman and his wife Gisele Barreto Fetterman at Pittsburgh Airport on Friday

County elections supervisors revealed there are currently 5.3 million active Republican voters in Florida compared to 4.3 million active Democratic voters.

But Florida could still flip either way with a further 3.9 million voters who are either not affiliate with any political party or who affiliate with minor parties.

Nationally, Harris is leading Trump among Hispanic voters by 13 percentage points, according to the latest Reuters/Ipsos poll, conducted in August, while Biden led that demographic by just five points in May.

She has also boosted her support among black Americans, outperforming Biden by seven points among that demographic.

But she has barely moved the needle among white voters, those same polls show.

Whites without a college degree, long the linchpin of Trump's coalition, still favor the former president by 25 points, according to the latest Reuters/Ipsos poll.

Trump dances as he departs a campaign event in Mosinee, Wisconsin

Kamala Harris waves to the media members as she arrives at Pittsburgh days ahead of the first presidential debate

Your browser does not support iframes.

They favored Trump by 29 points when he was running against Biden.

That relative resilience among white voters represents an electoral bright spot for Trump, and several Trump advisers and allies have said in recent weeks that maintaining the former president's margins within that demographic will be crucial if he is to defeat Harris.

That is especially true in the northern 'Rust Belt' states, Wisconsin included, which skew white and have large rural populations.

Trump relied heavily on these voters when he swept the Rust Belt's swing states on the way to his 2016 victory over Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton.

Biden won the White House in 2020 in part by bringing some of these voters back into the Democratic Party.

While the Trump campaign has identified Hispanics and black men as a key area of growth for the Republican Party, much of Trump's campaigning in recent weeks has taken place in small cities and towns in the Rust Belt that are not diverse.

Trump's running mate, Ohio U.S. Senator JD Vance, is expected to hit relatively rural areas of the Rust Belt particularly hard in the final weeks before the election.
The BBC is fourteen times more likely to accuse Israel of genocide than Hamas, a study of its coverage of the conflict has shown.

The report which analysed the BBC's output across different platforms over a four-month period found a 'deeply worrying pattern of bias' against Israel.

The research, led by British lawyer Trevor Asserson, revealed the BBC associated Israel with genocide 283 times compared to 19 times for Hamas - a 14 fold difference.

It also found the BBC breached its own editorial guidelines more than 1,500 times in the four-month period from October 7.

It comes as former executive Danny Cohen warned on Saturday that there was now an 'institutional crisis' at the BBC, The Telegraph has reported.

And two leading Jewish groups, the Campaign Against Antisemitism and the National Jewish Assembly, have since joined calls for an independent review into the broadcaster's coverage of the Israel-Hamas war.

An anti BBC placard is seen at the anti-Semitism march on November 26 last year

Hundreds of protesters take part in 'March Against Antisemitism' march in central London

Members of the Jewish community gather outside BBC Broadcasting House to demonstrate against the BBC's refusal to label Hamas as terrorists

The Asserson report looked at BBC output across television, radio, online news, podcasts and social media during a four-month period beginning October 7 last year.

The research was carried out by a team of 20 lawyers and 20 data scientists who used artificial intelligence to analyse nine million words of BBC coverage.

A total of 1,553 breaches of the BBC's guidelines were identified, including impartiality, accuracy, editorial values and public interest.

The report read: 'The findings reveal a deeply worrying pattern of bias and multiple breaches by the BBC of its own editorial guidelines on impartiality, fairness and establishing the truth.'

The BBC's Arabic Channel was singled out in the report as one of the 'most-biased' media outlets in its coverage of the war.

In total, it was found that the broadcaster's output associated Israel with war crimes four times more than Hamas, with genocide 14 times more and with breaching international law six times more.

It also raised concerns about the number of journalists at the corporation who have previously shown sympathy with the terrorist organisation.

The report found 11 cases where the coverage was done by reporters who allegedly had made public statements in support of Hamas.

Pro-Israeli demonstrators gather outside the headquarters of the BBC to protest about the corporation's coverage of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas

A man holds an Israeli flag outside the BBC's headquarters during a protest

A member of the Jewish community holds a poster outside the BBC

In March, it emerged that BBC journalists behind one damning report which accused Israeli soldiers of beating medics at a Gaza hospital had 'liked' videos celebrating Hamas terror attacks and anti-Israel posts online.

The story initially led to worldwide condemnation of Israel, and was called 'very disturbing' by Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron who called for 'answers'.

However The Mail on Sunday later revealed concerns about the views of two BBC Arabic reporters, Soha Ibrahim and Marie-Jose Al Azzi, who were credited with working on the story.

Earlier that month, Ms Ibrahim liked a video on X of Palestine Action activists slashing an oil painting of former British prime minister Arthur Balfour, who helped pave the way for the creation of Israel.

On the day of the Hamas attacks on October 7, she 'liked' videos of people in Lebanon and Tunisia chanting, dancing and waving Palestinian flags in the street in apparent celebration.

Meanwhile Ms Al Azzi, who has worked at the BBC since 2019 and is based in Lebanon, described Israel as a 'terrorist apartheid state' in a post from 2018 that has since been deleted, according to anti-Semitism researchers.

A former attorney general also previously claimed that the BBC is 'institutionally anti-Semitic' and has inflamed community tensions due to its 'biased' reporting of the Gaza conflict.

Sir Michael Ellis said the BBC's impartiality had been brought into 'disrepute' over its coverage of Israel and Hamas.

Opening a Westminster Hall debate on the subject in February, he warned that the corporation's reporting had 'fuelled the appalling rise of anti-Semitism' and 'harmed diplomatic efforts to bring an end to the violence'.

Police maintain a heavy presence at a protest outside the BBC

Members of the Jewish community gather outside BBC Broadcasting House to demonstrate against the BBC'srefusal to label Hamas as terrorists

A woman holds a sign in protest against the BBC's coverage of the Hamas-Israel war

Pro-Israeli demonstrators gather outside the headquarters of the BBC to protest about the corporation's coverage of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas

Members of the National Jewish Assembly (NJA) protest outside the BBC headquarters in London,

A BBC spokesperson said: 'We have serious questions about the methodology of this report, particularly its heavy reliance on AI to analyse impartiality, and its interpretation of the BBC's editorial guidelines.

'We don't think coverage can be assessed solely by counting particular words divorced from context.

'We are required to achieve due impartiality, rather than the 'balance of sympathy' proposed in the report, and we believe our knowledgeable and dedicated correspondents are achieving this, despite the highly complex, challenging and polarising nature of the conflict.

'However, we will consider the report carefully and respond directly to the authors once we have had time to study it in detail.

'The most recent research shows that audiences are significantly more likely to turn to the BBC for impartial coverage than to any other provider. Independent research from More in Common found that the highest proportion of people thought BBC coverage of this story was mostly neutral.'

They added: 'We strongly reject the claims that our reporters 'celebrated acts of terror' and we strongly reject the attack on individual members of BBC staff, all of whom are working to the same editorial guidelines.'
The parents of a baby murdered by Lucy Letby have blasted a 'sick' campaign calling for her to be freed run by activists who claim the neonatal nurse's conviction for killing seven infants is not safe.

Their outrage was further inflamed today after Letby's parents, Susan, 63 and John, 78, expressed their 'heartfelt thanks' to those supporting her bid for freedom.

Letby is serving 15 whole-life sentences after she was convicted of murdering seven newborns and attempting to murder six others - with a further attempted murder conviction secured following a retrial in July.

A host of medical experts and other professionals have since expressed concerns over the strength of the evidence used to convict the nurse.

Susan and John Letby, who have not spoken publicly, are actively hoping to overturn what they believe is 'the biggest miscarriage of justice in British legal history,' sources close to the pair told The Mirror.

Lucy Letby is currently serving multiple life sentences for the murder of seven babies and the attempted murder of seven others

However, their calls for the convictions to be revisited have outraged the parents of two babies targeted by the serial killer, who worked at the Countess of Chester Hospital in Cheshire.

Baby E, as the infant is known for legal reasons, was murdered by Letby after she caused an internal bleed and injected the baby with air. Baby F was one of the survivors of Letby's attempts to kill despite being poisoned with insulin.

Letby worked at the Countess of Chester hospital (pictured) when she killed the infants on the hospital's neonatal ward

Letby's police mugshot, released after she was convicted of murdering seven babies and attempting to murder six babies. The seventh conviction for attempted murder came following a later retrial

Protesters and experts have sought to undermine the prosecution case in Letby's trials, arguing that the evidence was not safe

Letby was found to have scrawled notes reading 'I am evil, I did this' that were used in the evidence presented at her trial

The parents of the two youngsters, who were twins born to a mother following a number of IVF attempts after she had been told she could not have children, have hit out at those who claim their children had not been attacked by the nurse.

They sat through the trial in full - and have criticised campaigners who they say were not present in court to hear all of the evidence.

Some of those who have signed open letters calling for Letby's convictions to be reexamined have also refused to identify themselves, claiming that to do so would jeopardise their careers.

'Our family is deeply shocked by the ongoing speculation surrounding what is being referred to as a miscarriage of justice,' the parents of babies E and F said, blasting claims about the safety of the convictions as 'misinformation'.

'This whole traumatic experience made us question humanity,' they told The Sunday Times. 'Why are people going out of their way to support a serial killer of babies?'

The parents, who retain legal anonymity, have criticised the piecemeal approach to analysing the evidence used to send Letby down, describing the prosecution case as building a 'wall of evidence' that was 'overwhelming' in assuring the nurse's guilt.

They added: 'The spread of lies and misinformation is deeply distressing and makes us sick to our cores. We just want some peace to grieve, knowing the person who caused so much agony is where she belongs.'

Another family of Letby's victims told The Mirror they could not understand how people could support her given her conviction by two separate juries and a denial at the Court of Appeal.

They said: 'There is no conspiracy. The last couple of years have been torture, our babies' memories tarnished.'

An inquiry is set to begin next week looking at how the nurse - who scrawled notes reading 'I am evil, I did this' - was able to kill seven babies and attempt to kill seven others at the Countess of Chester hospital and remain undetected for so long.

She was found guilty of the killings, which occurred across 2015 and 2016, across two trials last summer and this July, after being arrested in 2018.

Bodycam footage of Lucy Letby being arrested in July 2018 on suspicion of murdering babies

An image shows the Countess of Chester Hospital's neonatal ward where Lucy Letby worked

Tory MP Sir David Davis used parliamentary privilege to discuss a New Yorker article about the case against Letby's conviction that had been blocked inside the UK

Letby was described as friends as 'geeky' and images issued by the police after her conviction showed twee wall decorations and cuddly toys on her bed

One baby died days after Letby returned from Ibiza. In her absence, there were no suspicious events on the ward

Two separate applications from Letby to appeal against her convictions have been denied - but she has since geared up with a new legal team, led by human rights lawyer Mark McDonald.

Mr McDonald has previously been involved in several high-profile appeals, including that of Ben Geen, another nurse jailed for life in 2006 for murdering two of his patients and poisoning 15 others.

Geen's application to appeal his convictions was denied by the Court of Appeal in 2009 and two further applications to the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC), in 2013 and 2015, were also refused.

But the lawyer told Channel 5 News this week he had been 'so encouraged' by those who had come forward to lend their expertise to the appeal case.

He says statisticians were looking particularly at claims made during the trial that deaths on the neonatal unit at the Countess of Chester spiked whenever Letby was on duty - a notion he says is not supported by the evidence.

'You may remember that there were some bold assertions made during the trial in relation to, for example, (that) there was a spike of deaths, she was always on duty,' he told the broadcaster.

'When in fact, when analysed by some of the leading statisticians in the country, they're seeing flaws in those assertions made by the prosecution to such a fundamental extent we believe it undermines the conviction.'

New medical evidence, which contradicts that presented by prosecution experts at the trial, has also been brought forward, Mr McDonald said.

'I knew almost from the start, following this trial, that there is a strong case that she is innocent,' he previously told BBC's File on 4.

'The fact is juries get it wrong. And yes, so do the Court of Appeal, history teaches us that.'

Police at Lucy Letby's home in 2019 as the investigation continued into the deaths and near-deaths of infants that were found to have been in her care

A court sketch of Lucy Letby giving evidence during her trial at Manchester Crown Court

Her new lawyer has compared Letby's conviction to that of the Birmingham Six (above), who were wrongly convicted of the 1974 Birmingham pub bombings and sent to jail for life

Mr McDonald compared Letby's conviction to that of the Guildford Four and Birmingham Six - two groups of people wrongly accused of carrying out IRA pub bombings in the 1970s whose convictions were later quashed.

'These were some of the biggest miscarriages of justice in UK history, and yet they were found to be innocent,' he said.

Friends had described Letby as 'geeky' and were shocked when she was arrested. Images of her bedroom showed cuddly toys, schmaltzy wall decorations and fluffy pink dressing gowns hung on the back of the door.

The prosecution has insisted its case was built on solid evidence examining the medical history of each baby that died, or came to close to death.

But questions were raised about the safety of her conviction on the internet - where the reporting restrictions preventing the UK media from reporting details of Letby's retrial had little effect.

The New Yorker published a hugely detailed analysis of what it said were the flaws in the prosecution's case - and the Tory MP Sir David Davis used parliamentary privilege to discuss the report in the House of Commons.

But the article - which was 'geoblocked' in the UK, meaning British readers could not see it - did not include details of some of the stronger cases against Letby, such as that of Baby O, which had suffered a liver injury and internal bleeding.

His death happened while Letby had been on duty - after she came back from a week in Ibiza. There were no suspicious incidents reported on the ward while she was away sunning herself.

A group of anonymous nurses claimed last month that medical staff were 'terrified' to continue working in the NHS for fear of becoming the next Lucy Letby - urging Sir Keir Starmer to conduct a 'full forensic review' of the evidence used to convict her.

But the Court of Appeal, made up of some of Britain's most senior judges, concluded that the trial had been handled with 'exemplary skill and patience'.

It added of the convictions: 'The various rulings challenged in this renewed application were swiftly delivered in every case, and were thoughtful, fair, comprehensive and correct.'

The parents of Baby E and F, meanwhile, remain resolute - and want those trying to deny their sense of justice to stop.

'We have seen all the comments circulating on social media and in the mainstream news,' they said, 'And we find them both hurtful and distasteful.'
The mother of suspected Apalachee High School shooter Colt Gray told her family that she called her son's school to warn them of an 'extreme emergency' on the morning that he allegedly killed four people.

Marcee Gray, the alleged shooter's mother, was seen in text messages shared by The Washington Post telling her family: 'I told them it was an extreme emergency and for them to go immediately and find [my son] to check on him.'

The outlet reported that a call log from the family's shared phone plan shows Gray made a 10-minute call to the school at 9:50am on Wednesday, about half an hour before Colt allegedly opened fire.

Marcee's father, Charles Polhamus, told The New York Post that Colt had delivered an apology to his mother via text message prior to the shooting, prompting her to call the school.

'Im sorry, mom,' the text read.

Marcee Gray, the alleged shooter's mother, told her family that she called her son's school to warn them of an 'extreme emergency' on the morning that he allegedly killed four people

Colt Gray, 14, was arrested on Wednesday at Apalachee High School in Winder, minutes after authorities say he opened fire on 13 students and teachers, killing four

Marcee then hopped in her car and started driving toward the school, more than three hours away. But about half way there she learned that the tragedy she was racing to prevent had already taken place.

A counselor at the school told Marcee that her son had been talking about school shootings that morning, according to Gray's sister Annie Brown who spoke to The Post.

Soon after the shooting began, reports surfaced that Apalachee High School received a warning that the tragedy could unfold.

In reported texts sent by Marcee, she told her family: 'I was the one that notified the school counselor at the high school.'

According to Brown, her sister called the school because she learned something concerning that made her fear an 'impending disaster', however it is not reported what it was that she learned.

Her sister Annie Brown said that Marcee was told by a counselor that her son was displaying disturbing behavior that morning, ominously talking about school shootings.

At the same time, one of Colt's classmates Lyela Sayarath - who previously shared a chilling account of how close she came to death - told the outlet that a school administrator went to find Colt in their class.

In her previous account to CNN, Sayarath said Colt was a serial class skipper and she assumed that was what he was doing when he left the classroom minutes before the administrator arrived.

However, there was some confusion as there was another student with a similar name to Colt's in the class. Neither was in the room, and the administrator left the room with the similarly named student's backpack.

Minutes later, the shooting began.

Mason Schermerhorn, 14, an autistic student at Apalachee High School, was the first victim to be identified. He was among four people killed in the mass shooting

Teachers Richard Aspinwall and Christina Irimie were also killed in the tragedy

Student Christian Angulo, 14, also lost his life in the senseless shooting

The texts offer a clearer picture over how Colt's family understood his mental turmoil and how close school officials came to finding him before he allegedly opened fire.

In one exchange after the shooting, Marcee texted her sister that she was questioning why officials had not found her son in time, as she felt there was a 'long time for them to intervene so Im curious to know what happened in that time.'

Further text exchanges reported from Marcee's sister showed that Colt's school and family were also in contact regarding his deteriorating mental health at least a week before the shooting.

In one text, Brown reportedly told a relative that Colt was having 'homicidal and suicidal thoughts.'

'He shouldnt have a gun, and he shouldve been in THERAPY months ago,' she added in the text.

It comes as the teen's, Colin Gray, has also been charged with a litany of crimes, including murder. Prosecutors say he gave his son the weapon 'with knowledge he was a threat to himself and others.'

Both father and son are facing life in prison.

Colin Gray, 54, appeared shortly after his son in the same courtroom, charged with four counts of involuntary manslaughter, two of second degree murder and eight of cruelty to children

Brown said that her nephew had spent months 'begging' for mental health help, but the 'adults around him failed him.'

Marcee was previously ordered by a court to have only limited contact with Colt's father Colin after she pleaded guilty in December to a charge of family violence.

The alleged gunman's parents split in 2022 after they were evicted, and the family had been involved in Georgia's child welfare agency during their turmoil.

Months later in May 2023, the family were visited by local law enforcement after receiving an FBI tip about threats to carry out a school shooting.

Colt denied making the threats, and Colin told cops that he kept hunting rifles in the home but his son was not allowed to use them unsupervised.

Georgia school shooter Colt Gray made his first court appearance on Friday

Several classmates shared similar stories describing how the teen quietly slunk out of algebra class at around 10am on Wednesday, before he returned minutes later with a gun.

Another student, Bri Jones, 14, said she almost opened the door to Gray but stopped herself 'as he was pulling his gun out.'

'I froze up, like I froze up and I said "no" to myself,' Jones told CNN. 'He would have got every single one of us in that class.'

Jones said she almost opened the door, but stopped herself thanks to a tip from her mother.

'I always look out the door before I open it it's a habit my mom taught me,' she said.

Although she saw the gun, Jones said her teacher urged her to open the door 'because she didnt know he had a gun because she was at her desk.'

'She was going to walk over there, open it, and I was like, "no, he has a gun,"' Jones recalled.

Two girls embrace during a vigil following the shooting at Apalachee High School

The Winder, Georgia community has been shaken by the tragedy

'The shooter, he looked up,' Jones continued. 'He was looking at me, my teacher, and then somebody was in the hall. He turned his head, and he just started shooting.

'Once he started shooting, its like he kept going, it was so many gunshots after gunshots... It felt like he was just shooting forever  and then like it stopped.'

Students said when Gray failed to enter his own classroom, he opened fire into the one next door as their door was open.

At that moment, teacher Richard Aspinwall was shot dead in front of his horrified class, which student Malaysia Mitchell said left her traumatized.

'We had to drag our teacher's body fully into the classroom,' she told CNN. 'We heard him take his last breath.'

Prosecutors said they have not ruled out bringing further charges against Gray in relation to the shooting.
Russia's intelligence services have become 'feral' and 'reckless' in the way they are plotting attacks in Britain and across Europe, the head of MI6 warned in a rare public appearance yesterday.

In an historic joint interview with the head of the CIA, Richard Moore said Moscow is now using criminal gangs for state-sponsored terror attacks in Europe, which are endangering more lives as they are 'more amateurish'.

His CIA counterpart William Burns said coordinated operations between UK and US intelligence services are thwarting the plots across the Continent and in mainland Britain.

They were appearing before a packed audience amid tight security at the FT Weekend Festival in north London, where they spoke of the long-standing relationship between MI6 and the CIA.

Mr Burns also revealed how the CIA feared Vladimir Putin was going to deploy tactical nuclear weapons in Ukraine in the autumn of 2022, after falsely accusing President Volodymyr Zelensky of amassing nuclear materials for such an attack against his troops.

In an historic joint interview with the head of the CIA, Richard Moore (pictured) said Moscow is now using criminal gangs for state-sponsored terror attacks in Europe, which are endangering more lives as they are 'more amateurish'

His CIA counterpart William Burns (pictured) said coordinated operations between UK and US intelligence services are thwarting the plots across the Continent and in mainland Britain.

They were appearing before a packed audience amid tight security at the FT Weekend Festival in north London, where they spoke of the long-standing relationship between MI6 and the CIA

The CIA chief also said 90 per cent of a new peace deal between Israel and Hamas is complete, adding that its details may be published in the 'next few days'.

Mr Moore, known as C by his officers, spoke about how the two services often conduct intelligence operations together. 'We will sometimes decide who is better-placed to go first  we call it the best athlete model. Whoever is best placed to do it, we work in a non-competitive way to get the result,' he said.

The MI6 boss said Russia's intelligence services have conducted sabotage and criminal acts in Britain and in Europe, becoming 'a lot more feral'.

He added: 'The fact they are using a criminal element shows they are becoming a bit desperate  they can't use their own people. They're happy to use criminals. It's just a bit more reckless.'

In April, an alleged arson attack was carried in Leyton, East London, on a Ukrainian-linked business, which was suspected of being directed by Moscow. Seven men have been charged in relation to the incident, with two under the new National Security Act.

Mr Moore said the Salisbury poisoning in 2018 was emblematic of the recklessness of Russian agents.

'They left a large phial of a deadly poison lying around to be picked up,' he said. 'It could have killed an entire school  in fact, it killed an innocent British civilian.'

Two Russian agents daubed Novichok nerve agent on the door knob of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal (pictured), which nearly killed him and his daughter

Dawn Sturgess died in 2018 after being exposed to the Novichok nerve agent that had been discarded in a perfume bottle following the attack on Sergei Skripal

Two Russian agents daubed Novichok nerve agent on the door knob of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal, which nearly killed him and his daughter. But the perfume bottle with the poison in it was later picked up by a woman called Dawn Sturgess, who later died.

Speaking publicly for the first time about how the CIA feared Russia was close to using a tactical nuclear weapon in Ukraine months into the conflict, Mr Burns said: 'There was a moment in the fall of 2022 that I think there was a genuine risk of potential use of tactical nuclear weapons. I felt we should not be intimidated by Putin.'

He was dispatched to the Turkish capital Ankara to tell the head of the FSB, Sergei Naryshkin, how the West would respond 'militarily' if Russia used nuclear weapons in Ukraine.

Mr Burns said yesterday: 'We cannot afford to be intimidated by that sabre-rattling and bullying. The record shows the United States has provided enormous support to Ukraine, and I'm sure we'll continue to.'

Mr Burns has been intimately involved in the difficult negotiations in the Middle East between Hamas and Israel, with Qatar and Egypt acting as intermediaries.

Russian troops load an Iskander missile onto a mobile launcher during drills at an undisclosed location in Russia

The intelligence chiefs gave the public interview to Financial Times editor Roula Khalaf on the grounds of Kenwood House in Hampstead

He said 90 per cent of a peace deal is complete, adding: 'The last 10 per cent is the last 10 per cent for a reason... it's the hardest part to do. But we will make this more detailed proposal, I hope in the next several days, then we'll see.'

And he warned that Hamas cannot be entirely defeated. 'Hamas is a despicable terrorist organisation,' he said. 'You can severely degrade their military capabilities, but it is a movement and an idea, and the way you kill an idea is with a better idea.'

The intelligence chiefs  who gave a public interview to Financial Times editor Roula Khalaf on the grounds of Kenwood House in Hampstead  said China was their main preoccupation, with 20 per cent of the CIA's resources being devoted to the Beijing regime.
Trial to be held in the Latrobe Valley in Victoria's east

A little town with a shady past is set to make the world stage when alleged mushroom killer Erin Patterson enters the court.

The first in a series of pre-trial hearings concluded last week, with more scheduled to take place in October and again in December, before her murder trial next year.

Those hearings - the details of which cannot be published to prevent prejudicing a jury trial - are all being heard at the Supreme Court of Victoria in Melbourne's court precinct.

But Patterson's trial will be at the Supreme Court of Victoria in Morwell - 150km east of Melbourne in the state's Latrobe Valley in Gippsland - when it starts on April 28.

That date was set on day one of last week's five-day pre-trial hearing, sparking the instant attention of media outlets all around the world.

Almost all available accommodation within 13km of Morwell - as far away as Traralgon - has now been snapped up by media organisations flocking to the trial.

The trial could run for up to six weeks, with crowds of photographers and camera crews expected alongside a horde of court and crime reporters in Morwell.

True crime podcasters and documentary crews will also converge on the town, which is located among lush green fields and has a population of under 15,000.

Media congregate outside the Latrobe Valley court precinct during an earlier hearing for Erin Patterson

Erin Patterson is accused of murdering members of her extended family during a lunch

The city is known for its role as a major energy production centre for Victoria, as the centre of a major coalmining and fossil-fuel power generation industry.

The Supreme Court of Victoria has yet to reveal its plans on how it will cater for the world's media in Morwell when Daily Mail Australia lodged an enquiry last week.

But the region is no stranger to large-scale media circuses and has previously made global headlines at the centre of a series of unrelated high-profile crimes.

Among those was the tragic death of little Jaidyn Leskie in the Latrobe Valley town of Moe - 20 minutes' drive from the courthouse where the Patterson trial will be held.

Greg Domaszewicz was charged with murdering 13-month-old Jaidyn in 1997 but was found not guilty at trial.

Domaszewicz, then aged 28, was babysitting Jaidyn at the home of the boy's mum when a pig's head was bizarrely thrown onto the home's front yard in an unrelated dispute.

Jaidyn went missing the same night, but six months later, he was found dead in a creek with horrific injuries, including a badly broken arm that was poorly treated.

Domaszewicz admitted to police the one-year-old boy had been hurt that night and that he 'cleaned up the blood', but denied killing him.

Police investigators at the time thought Domaszewicz had been working on a car which may have fallen off its jack and hurt the toddler playing nearby.

They believed Domaszewicz panicked, gave Jaidyn a drug and killed him with a blow to his head before dumping his body in the dam.

But the jury rejected that theory and cleared Domaszewicz of killing the child.

The trial, which unlike the upcoming Patterson trial was held in Melbourne, attracted widespread media coverage.

The Hazelwood power station can be seen from Morwell

Greg Domaszewicz after he was charged with murder

Jaidyn Leskie and his mother

A follow-up coronial inquest in 2003 heard evidence from more than 50 witnesses.

In his opening address, former Attorney-General Jim Kennan, SC, claimed there was evidence Domaszewicz had mistreated Jaidyn in the weeks before his death.

The inquiry went for nearly a month but when it came to an end, the coroner could still not determine who had killed the toddler.

In June last year, the Latrobe Valley again made headlines for the gruesome death of a 'gentle giant', who died after being lured to his death by a glamorous barista.

Moe man Jarrad Lovison, 38, was killed by Jake Brown, 31, and his mate Andrew Price, 50, who forcefed him a toxic overdose of GHB and left in him the bush in 2019.

Barista Samantha Guillerme, who received a non-parole sentence of just 15 months after pleading guilty to his manslaughter and agreeing to a deal to inform on the others, had set up Lovison as part of a deadly love triangle.

And just months later East Gippsland man Albert Thorn was sentenced to life in prison for the horrific murder of father-of-eight Bradley 'BJ' Lyons.

Mr Lyons, of Lakes Entrance, was tortured and executed after being betrayed by his meth-addled wife Jana Hooper, who falsely accused him of sexually assaulting her daughters.

The trial, which also attracted significant media attention, was also held in Melbourne.

Samantha Guillerme became the talk of the Gippsland region after luring a man to his death

Don and Gail Patterson were allegedly murdered

Patterson faces three counts of murder over the deaths of her father-in-law Don Patterson, mother-in-law Gail Patterson and extended relative Heather Wilkinson, after inviting the trio to a lunch at her home in July last year.

She is accused of the attempted murder of her estranged husband Simon Patterson - who was invited to the lunch but did not attend - and two other alleged attempts on his life in 2022, and another in 2021.

Patterson is also accused of the attempted murder of pastor Ian Wilkinson, who was at the lunch but survived after a long fight for life in hospital.

The court had previously heard Patterson was keen to have the trial held near her hometown of Leongatha, which is about 60km southwest of Morwell.

Patterson has always denied any wrongdoing and broke down in tears when she broke her silence prior to her arrest last year.
Queen Letizia of Spain is renowned for her bold and immaculate fashion choices, not least her sky-high heels.

However, earlier this year, the monarch, 51, fractured a toe on her right foot and so traded in her signature heels for comfortable footwear.

In May, Letizia debuted a pair of white trainers at an official event for the first time.

And over the weeks that followed, she continued to pair her fresh white kicks with trouser suits in a spectrum of colours.

But now, the Spanish monarch has been favouring a new, elegant style: block-heeled sandals.

In July, Queen Letizia elevated a sequinned Self-Portrait dress with 565 mid-heeled sandals from Aquazzura

Queen Letizia is believed to have been suffering from Morton's neuroma in her left foot since 2022.

This condition is characterised by a thickening of the tissue around the nerves between the third and fourth metatarsal bones.

It can cause severe stabbing pain, numbness and tingling.

She is also reported to have metatarsalgia - pain in the ball of the foot - in both feet, which also explains why she has been choosing comfortable shoes.

Her favourite trainers appear to be the Primus Lite Knit, costing 140, by British sustainable running shoe label Vivobarefoot.

Crafted from recycled plastics, with woven detailing, these shoes aim to make the wearer feel 'as close to barefoot as possible.'

Letizia was spotted wearing these shoes, with various trouser suits, in May, June and July.

A recent fracture in the proximal phalanx of her right foot's third toe has forced the monarch, 51, to trade in her signature heels for comfortable footwear

As the Spanish queen recuperates, her footwear choices have shifted to comfortable summer sandals, all featuring a block heel. She is pictured in July wearing Mango's Gaby sandals, which cost 45.99

As the Spanish queen recuperates from her broken toe, her footwear choices have shifted to comfortable summer sandals, all featuring a block heel.

In July, Letizia showcased a variety of shoes from both high street and luxury designers, including Mango, Aquazzura and Dior.

Her silver faux leather Mango sandals, priced at 45.99, were a perfect pick.

The block heel and metallic sheen paired beautifully with her BOSS slip dress and Barbara Goenaga diamond earrings.

A week earlier, the monarch chose Aquazzura's sought-after Sundance mid-heeled sandals.

Crafted in Italy from light gold mirrored leather, the 565 design boasts a quilted effect on the 5cm heel and delicate straps.

These sandals were an ideal match for Letizia's stunning Self-Portrait sequinned dress.

Letizia has showcased a variety of shoes from both high street and luxury designers, including & Other Stories (left) and Aquazzura (right)

She has showcased BOSS Melanie sandals in black and white, costing 239

Letizia indulged in the 890 Christian Dior Adiorable heeled sandals in black fringed grosgrain

It seems Letizia is opting for shoes one size larger for enhanced comfort.

She also indulged in two pairs of BOSS sandals, costing 239 each, and an 890 style from Dior.

The black fringed grosgrain upper of the latter features a deconstructed bow, adorned with a signature resin pearl.

With their ankle strap and 4cm heel, these shoes added a sophisticated touch the royal's beaded ensemble from the luxury French fashion house.

This choice marks a clear departure from Letizia's previous high-heeled pumps in versatile hues of black and beige, usually from extravagant brands such as Saint Laurent and Carolina Herrera.
After several together, Prince William and Kate were beginning to take the next steps in their relationship, though they were still not engaged.

So when William was posted to RAF Valley in Anglesey in 2010, Kate decided it was time to move too.

According to Robert Jobson's new biography of the Princess of Wales, Kate 'ruled out a long-distance relationship' and instead the couple rented a house together for 750 a month.

This was a first for a young couple in the Royal Family - an institution that tends to keep things traditional.

Despite rumours swirling around in the media for some time of an impending engagement, William was yet to get down on one knee.

Kate and William at a wedding in St Andrews in 2010, the same year they moved in together when the prince was based at Anglesey

William was a Sea King search and rescue pilot at the RAF Valley base in Wales. Above: In his uniform at RAF Valley during his father's visit to the base, July 2012

A lighthouse pictured in Holyhead, Anglesey. The couple lived in the area for three years from 2010 to 2013

The couple lived in a cottage on the estate of country home Bodorgan Hall in Anglesey.

There, Kate worked from home for her family's business as a website designer and photographer, while William was a Sea King search and rescue pilot at the RAF base.

Looking back at their time spent there, Jobson wrote how William said it was an 'immensely special place for us both'.

The secluded location meant the young couple could live relatively normal lives.

Kate enjoyed cooking and baking and she and William often ventured to the local pub together.

Unlike most royals living in the spotlight, Kate even did weekly shopping trips to Waitrose and Morrisons.

When William was posted to the RAF Valley, Kate decided to join him and move too

One of the Sea King helicopters that Prince William flew with during his time working at RAF Valley

Prince William's car pictured at the gatehouse of Bodorgan Estate, where he lived with Kate at the time in 2012

William pictured sat at the controls of a Sea King helicopter during a training exercise in March 2011

Kate pictured at a polo match where William and Harry were playing in July 2010

Holyhead Lighthouse pictured in Anglesey, Wales, near where Prince William was based with the RAF

They stayed in Wales even after getting married in 2011 and were joined by Lupo, a cocker spaniel given to Kate and William as a wedding present.

Lupo was bred from a dog which was owned by Kate's parents, Michael and Carole Middleton.

He lived to spend time with all three of the couple's children but passed away in 2020.

Prince George spent his very early life living in Anglesey, until the family eventually moved in 2013 to Kensington Palace.

Though a special place for William and Kate, Anglesey could be too remote at times, especially when they had a new-born Prince George.

Kate revealed during a visit to a children's centre in Cardiff in 2020: 'It was so isolated, so cut off, I didn't have my family around me, he was doing night shifts, so if only I'd had a centre like this at a certain time.'

Since 2022, William and Kate and their three children have lived at Adelaide Cottage in Windsor.
It was a bed-hopping bonanza which brought a whole new meaning to the phrase brotherly love.

At the centre of the action was a tall, willowy blonde who was the daughter of an aristocratic horse-trainer.

Either side of 25-year-old Beryl Markham - who went on to become the best-known woman pilot of her age - were two royal brothers.

David, the Prince of Wales, and Henry, Duke of Gloucester, both chased after her, but she couldn't decide which one to choose. So she had them both.

It was the 1920s - the era of flappers, cocktails and wild behaviour. The place was Happy Valley, Kenya - the redoubt of scores of British bluebloods who fancied a taste of all the freedoms Africa had to offer.

The Prince of Wales (right), who would go on to briefly reign as King Edward VIII, is seen above in Africa with his brother Harry, the Duke of Gloucester, in 1928

Beryl Markham bedded both the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Gloucester when she joined them in Kenya in 1928. Above: The pilot standing on the wing of her plane

Freed from the shackles of their home country's decorum, they could drink till dawn, ride out to chase wildlife, indulge in drugs, and swap each others' wives.

One of the liveliest of these was Beryl, who had married for barely a year to baronet's son Mansfield Markham.

A truly free spirit who'd soon become a world famous name, she was already on her second husband and had rarely given a moment's thought to conventional morality.

The British colony centred around Nairobi were thrilled to hear in early 1928 that they were to be visited by the future king and his younger brother.

The pair were officially to tour British East Africa, as it was then named, but had marked out a chunk of leisure time to go off on safari.

The ex-pats made plans for their welcome with feverish excitement  and vicious competitiveness.

Who was to host the princes? Who was to dance with them? And who was to accompany them as they chased lions, tigers and elephants?

It was the inbred spirit of one-upmanship that filled their days.

The Prince of Wales (right) seen with his younger brother Prince Henry (left), Duke of Gloucester, at Epsom for the Derby, 1927

The Prince of Wales seen with his brothers, Prince Henry (left) and Prince Albert, who would go on to reign as King George VI after his brother's abdication

The one thing nobody mentioned was who was to bed the princes.

But there was just as much competition there, with Beryl only one among many wives plotting to claim a royal scalp if they could.

Freed from the prying lenses of photographers and newsreel cameramen, the Prince of Wales had brought with him on the voyage out to Africa one of his bedroom favourites  Audrey Coats, recently-divorced wife of a Guards officer.

But she was no match for the hungry women waiting on the dock when his ship docked in Mombasa in September 1928.

First to fall under the Prince's spell was the 'outlandish' Gwladys, Lady Delamere, a lively 27-year old who'd been married to her husband - thirty years her senior - for no more than six months.

'She never recovered from her success with the Prince of Wales,' wrote the historian Errol Trzebinski.

But the first to actually get him into bed was Beryl, who managed it less than a week after his arrival.

'Her sang-froid and her conquests made her an object of enduring jealousy, yet her approach was so different from the usual simpering bids for favouritism,' wrote Trzebinski, explaining how she got ahead of the field.

But this first conquest was just the start of what the prince would later look back on as the greatest sex safari of all time.

'His restless womanising meant he was continuously in the throes of one shattering and absorbing love affair after another, not to mention a number of streetcorner affairs,' according to his disapproving biographer Philip Ziegler.

A hideway bungalow was provided for the Prince to allow these trysts, while his brother Harry, who at 28 was six years his junior, stayed at the Muthaiga Club.

There, the elite drank champagne and pink gin for breakfast, played cards, danced through the night, and generally woke up with someone else's spouse in the morning.

Harry went off on safarai  and Beryl came too.

Although the pair largely kept a discreet distance, they still found time to be together - to the point where he Harry ahd become so smitten he asked her to come back to London with him.

This was despite the fact that she'd only just been married.

'This gutsy lady was easily able to cope with two or more affairs at the same time and that was precisely what was going on,' recalled a Happy Valley veteran, Bunny Allen.

The moment she got back from safari with the Duke, Beryl set off with the Prince of Wales for Uganda.

Back in Nairobi, he was the guest of honour at a cocktail party at Government House, where according to one witness the Governor's wife Joan, Lady Grigg, had the hots for him too.

But he escaped early from the party claiming he wanted an early night  only to be arrested an hour later by security guards patrolling the Government House grounds.

He had been caught shinning down a drainpipe to spend the rest of the night with Beryl.

The trip came to an end, but for Harry Gloucester, Beryl had become a fatal attraction.

Beryl Markham went on to become the best-known woman pilot of her age

Beryl Markham poses for a photographer at Abingdon Aerodrome, Berkshire, before her solo flight across the Atlantic, 1936

Beryl Markham waves as she arrives back in Britain - at Southampton - after her solo flight across the Atlantic

A crowd of autograph seekers mob Beryl Markham after her solo Atlantic flight

Beryl Markham seen with a taped up cut on her head which she received when her plane crash landed in Nova Scotia after making it across the Atlantic

Beryl Markham's plane after crash landing in Nova Scotia, 1936. Beryl survived the crash and her flight across the Atlantic was a success

Beryl Markham speaks to the world's press after completing her flight across the Atlantic

She sailed for England and, true to his promise, he was waiting for her on the dockside.

He set her up in a suite at the Grosvenor Hotel, conveniently close to the back gates of Buckingham Palace, where they continued the affair  even though she was by now six months pregnant.

Astonishingly, she still found time to slip away for secret trysts at the Royal Aero Club with Harry's elder brother.

That was until one day her husband (yes, she still had one) discovered letters sent to her by Harry.

There was a family row, and Beryl's brother-in-law Sir Charles Markham  believing the forthcoming baby to be Harry's  demanded that Buckingham Palace pay up if they wanted to avoid the scandal of a divorce.

Queen Mary herself angrily intervened, trying to talk the Markhams out of it, but in the end the royals paid up.

It was Harry who footed the bill, paying out an annual sum to Beryl until her death in 1986.

Her baby wasn't his - and if he'd counted the months back to when he first arrived in Happy Valley in September 1928 when he met Beryl, he'd have realised it.

But the Duke was besotted with her and either was bad at maths or didn't care.

Beryl went to become the first woman to fly solo non-stop across the Atlantic.

Achieving the feat in 1936 brought her riches and fame.

The royal brothers carried on  the Prince became King Edward VIII in January 1936 before abdicating 11 months later so he could marry his most famous lover, American divorcee Wallis Simpson.

The duke soldiered on as a second-rank royal until his death in 1974.

Did they ever, in later life, compare notes on that wild safari they went on in their youth? The one where they both fell for the same girl? Alas we shall never know.
Prince Harry is set to get 8million when he turns 40 after the Queen Mother set aside a lump sum for her great-grandchildren 30 years ago.

A trust containing 19million was set up in 1994 by Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, when Prince Harry was just ten years old, to be distributed between all her grandchildren.

Allegedly they would receive the first payment on their 21st birthday and the second payment on their 40th birthday, with palaces sources claiming Harry received a larger amount than William.

A former Palace aide told the Times: 'There was a trust fund set up at the time. It was a way in which the Queen Mother could set aside money for when her great-grandchildren were older and a way of passing a slice of her estate down in a tax-efficient way.

A trust containing 19million was set up in 1994 by Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother (bottom right), when Prince Harry was just ten years old, to be distributed between all her grandchild

On their 21st's each brother would get 6million, this would increase to 8million on their 40th's, which Harry will celebrate next week on 15 September

Harry has seen his net worth skyrocket since he made the big move across the pond

They continued: 'It was a way in which some of her estate could be ring-fenced for them.'

On their 21st's each brother would get 6million, this would increase to 8million on their 40th's, which Harry will celebrate next week on 15 September.

It was believed that Prince William and Prince Harry, along with their cousins the Princess Royal's children, Zara and Peter Phillips, and the Duke of York's daughters Beatrice and Eugenie, together with Princess Margaret's children, Viscount Linley and Lady Sarah Chatto, would be the beneficiaries of the fund.

The fund was allegedly created to help the Queen Mother side step paying any inheritance tax on her very generous gift to her great-grandchildren.

In April it was revealed that Prince Harry had already made 22million from his book Spare, after it became the UK's fastest-selling non-fiction book ever after being published by Penguin Random House in January 2023.

Harry used the tell-all book to make various claims about his family including that William called Meghan 'difficult', 'rude' and 'abrasive', and that Charles refused to allow Meghan to join Harry in Scotland as the late Queen was dying.

In 2023 Royal author Tom Bower claimed that Meghan had been 'surprised and disappointed' after realising that Harry had 'very little money' - an estimated worth of 35million.

Discussing the Duchess' misconceptions about the Royal Family, the author - who wrote the 2022 book Revenge: Meghan, Harry and the War Between the Windsors - described the former Suits actress as 'money-obsessed'.

The fund was allegedly created to help the Queen Mother side step paying any inheritance tax on her very generous gift to her great-grandchildren

The Duke of Sussex has described himself, the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Cambridge as being 'trapped' within the system

The Duke is said to keep a low profile among the eucalyptus trees and bougainvillea-draped lanes of Montecito...

The expert said: 'Her great surprise and disappointment was that Prince Harry had very little money.

'She had imagined he would be worth hundreds of millions, if not billions, and she is having to make up for it now.'

While they were still senior working royals, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were mostly funded by King Charles' Duchy of Cornwall estate.

Following the couple's decision to leave the Firm, it was reported Charles' 1.2billion Duchy of Cornwall estate paid his youngest son around 2.3million-a-year on average.

However, the couple said this sum covered 95 per cent of their office expenditure.

The remaining five per cent of their annual income came from the taxpayer-funded 82m annual Sovereign Grant, which is handed to the most senior members of the royal family.

Since quitting the firm and heading over the pond to the US, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's joint bank account has been boosted to the tune of 100million - despite their increasingly diminished popularity.

Following their Oprah interview, which they were not paid for, a string of lucrative deals and jobs followed.

First came the 25million Spotify deal for Archewell Audio, then a 81million Netflix deal for their fly-on-the wall series and then a 32million four-book deal starting with Spare, now an international bestseller.

Harry is living the American dream, writes Jan Moir, but turning 40 brings him to a crucial crossroads in his life

Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry Prince Harry and Meghan Duchess of Sussex visit to Canada House on Tuesday before their announcement that they would be 'stepping back' from the royal family physically and financially

There have also reportedly been big money appearance fees for speeches and appearances at various events in the US, including a JP Morgan summit.

Every Prince needs a castle and it seems the pair bought well, snapping up a 7.5million mortgage on their nine-bed, 13 bathroom, 11million mansion in Montecito, California.

Harry and Meghan are also able to make money through the lucrative after dinner speaking circuit.

GDA Speakers, whose clients include Nicole Kidman and Diane Keaton, said the Duke and Duchess of Sussex would attract much higher fees than regular celebrities, even without their HRH titles.

Last November wealthy Americans spent up to $1million (800,000) per ticket to rub shoulders with Prince Harry and Markle at a glittering New York gala.
Two thugs from the notorious Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua arrested in Colorado for a shooting are free and on the streets in Aurora, Colorado, DailyMail.com can reveal.

Dixon Azuaje-Perez, 20, and Nixon Azuaje-Perez, 19, are two of four Tren de Aragua gang members arrested by local police in recent days for an attempted murder on July 28 that occurred at the Nome Street Apartments.

It's one of the apartment buildings overtaken by armed members of South American mob.

Aurora police confirmed Dixon and Nixon are no longer in jail.

'Nixon and Dixon both posted $1,000 bond on their charges,' a police spokesman told DailyMail.com.

'They are no longer in custody.'

Dixon Azuaje-Perez, 20, and Nixon Azuaje-Perez, 19, are two of four Tren de Aragua gang members arrested by local police in recent days for an attempted murder in July that occurred at the Nome Street Apartments

Both Dixon and Nixon are described as suspected members of TdA, as the gang is known to federal law enforcement officials.

Meanwhile, Jhonnarty Dejesus Pacheco-Chirinos, 24, and his brother Jhonardy Jose Pacheco-Chirinos, also known as 'Cookie' or 'Galleta' are known gang members.

They were arrested in connection with the same shooting and are in the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

TdA is best known for its brutal sex trafficking of women and girls in South America, as well as its smuggling of their own countrymen.

A bombshell report details the complete control the criminal organization had on the Whispering Pine Apartments in the Denver suburb,

Vacant units had reportedly been used to host 'parties' where the gang provided 'drug and child prostitution,' according to the apartments' manager, who added that the gangster said 'minors are a good source of money.'

Harrowing new footage appears to capture the moment an armed Venezuelan gang seized control of an apartment complex in Aurora, Colorado

Then other members of the gang rush up the stairwell, bearing weapons. In the background, the men can be heard speaking in Spanish to one anothe

The notorious South American gang arrived in the US in recent years, as Daily Mail was first to report, mixed in with asylum-seeking migrants.

They have been linked to a crime wave stretching from Miami to New York.

In recent days, the Dallas Police Department has confirmed it's hunting TdA members in the Texas city.

TdA established its new headquarters on the US-Mexico border, just south of El Paso, Texas, as DailyMail.com exclusively reported.

In Texas' sixth largest city, about a nine hour drive from Dallas, police are working on a confidential plan to address the growing threat, insiders told DailyMail.com last month.

As a DailyMail.com investigation revealed, Venezuelan migrants have infiltrated food delivery and ride-share apps, renting or buying accounts that do not belong to them and showing up at your door illegally.

Venezuela's most violent gang Tren de Aragua has moved its headquarters to just across the US border in the Mexican town of Ciudad Juarez

Last month, the US government designated Tren de Aragua a transnational criminal organization and announced a $5 million reward for the capture of its leader, Hector 'El Nino' Guerrero Flores

In July, the US government designated TdA as a transnational criminal organization.

'Todays designation of Tren de Aragua as a significant Transnational Criminal Organization underscores the escalating threat it poses to American communities,' Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian Nelson said last month.

TdA's leader remains on the run with a $5 million bounty on his head.

Dubbed the 'epitome of evil', the notorious criminal organization Tren de Aragua, or TdA as it is known by federal agents, previously operated out of an infamous South American prison.

But after kingpin Hector Guerrero Flores escaped last year, the mafia moved its command center to Ciudad Juarez in Mexico on the US border - directly across from El Paso, Texas, local officials told DailyMail.com.

'Tren de Aragua is the epitome of evil,' Congressman Tony Gonzales, who represents El Paso, said.

'This gang is known to rape children, spearhead murders, and cause widespread chaos.'

Since forming behind the walls of the Tocoron Prison in the Venezuelan state of Aragua, Tren de Aragua (Spanish for Train of Aragua) is now linked to widespread human and sex trafficking on the South American continent.

Law enforcement now considers the gang as dangerous as El Salvador's Mara Salvatrucha or MS-13.
Police chiefs of America's largest cities have published the first guide about UAPs, which details chilling encounters and how officers can report such incidents.

The 11-page document warned that unidentified flying objects 'pose significant safety risks to law enforcement air support units,' urging teams to be vigilant when in helicopters.

The report also highlights stories from officers who claimed to confront UFOs, specifically one in 2023 where a law employee saw a 'triangle craft with green lights gliding through the sky' before a local resident said something 'ran' nearby.

The police executives created the reference because 'it's in the interest of law enforcement to be aware of trends and reporting on UAP due to the unknown threat they may pose.'

A Las Vegas police officer appeared to capture a UFO on his bodycam

The organization, called the Major Cities Chiefs Association (MCCA), includes nearly 80 executives from major US cities who work together to advance public safety through a range of initiatives, including community outreach, research and policy development and now, UFO investigations.

The guide, released in June, also includes details from America's investigations into UFO encounters, as well as the testimony of 'whistleblowers' such as former United States Air Force officer and intelligence official David Grusch.

One article shared the US Congress UAP hearing held in 2023, which saw Grusch testify about his knowledge about aircraft with 'nonhuman' origins.

The report provided other articles about the US government and its potential link to alien life.

A section includes links to various UAP reporting websites, urging officers to report any bizarre sightings.

More interesting, the pages detail first-person stories from police officers who encountered unknown spacecraft while out in the field.

An officer patrolling Blairsville, Georgia in November 2023 claimed to have witnessed green lights in the sky.

'I am a police officer and deputy sheriff. While on duty after dark, near the top of my windshield (frame of view) I witnessed movement in the sky (southbound direction of view),' the officer's report stated.

'Upon concentrating my focus, viewing through the low light, I was able to make out a triangle craft, with 3 dim green lights per side (just bright enough to assess size, shape, and movement).'

The officer said he lost sight of the craft quickly due to trees, and was unable to hear anything due to being inside his vehicle.

The report described UAPs as a potential danger to police pilots (Major Cities Chiefs Association)

The report cites the testimony of 'whistleblowers' such as former United States Air Force (USAF) officer and intelligence official David Grusch

'I am privy to what helicopters and airplanes look like in the sky, frequently working alongside medical flight crews in the area, and where nearby airports are, making me somewhat familiar with common areas of the sky in which low air travel is common. This was unlike anything I had ever witnessed,' he said.

Within an hour of the sighting, the officer responded to a call from a homeowner in the same direction the object was traveling, reporting 'something running outside of his home which did not sound like an animal.'

Another encounter happened in Harper Woods, Michigan in 2020, which included two officers who witnessed three mysterious objects in the sky - before they 'blinked out' of existence.

The officer wrote: 'At approximately 6:00am, myself and a fellow officer were standing in a parking lot of a church talking before the end of our shift.

'I was looking towards the southwest at the moon when I glanced towards the southeast. I saw 3 objects in the southeast sky and pointed towards them.

The guide details police encounters with UFOs

'The objects appeared to drift towards the east, maintaining the equal distance. As we watched the objects, they appeared to 'blink out' of our vision.'

Other reports in the guide recount civilian sightings of police helicopters allegedly pursuing UFOs.

In one encounter in Austin, Texas, a civilian wrote: 'When I walked out front door, saw Triangle Craft - with white lights illuminated on each corner - being closely followed by police helicopter - traveling south - near 620 freeway.

'Thought I was seeing things - but checked again - and was not. Hoping that others may corroborate.'

Another incident occurred in Winnipeg, Canada, where a civilian reported seeing a police helicopter being chased by unknown craft.

'While sitting in my hot tub in my back yard, I heard the familiar sound of the police chopper passing over the city. after it passed over our house, it made a few circles to the south of our location and after a few course adjustments, headed north at a higher rate of speed,' reads the statement.

'About 10 seconds later, 2 lights with the same relative brightness of the background stars traveled parallel and at a constant rate of speed.'

Nigel Watson, author of 'Captured by Aliens? A History and Analysis of American Abduction Claims' told DailyMail.com that the guide is 'very handy' for law enforcement officers.

'The short history of the study of UAPs and the links to organizations where sightings can be reported is very helpful,' he said.

'For me the references to the ex-government 'whistleblowers' David Grusch and Luis Elizondo is superfluous as they have only repeated rumors that have circulated for years without any substantial evidence.

'Although it notes numerous official studies, it does not mention the fact that the US Project Bluebook closed due to their finding such research is of no scientific value. Other projects have also found it very difficult to uncover any real evidence of non-terrestrial craft.

'The guide also lacks any references to skeptical websites and blogs that would give a more balanced view of the subject and counteract the wilder stories, like the alleged Roswell crash of 1947.

'Certainly there is now a case to be made that terrestrial UAPs do pose a threat to air safety and national security, but as with this guide, it gets mixed with the science fiction rumors of remarkable non-terrestrial vehicles that have little credibility.'
There's nothing quite like a fresh portion of fish and chips after a long day at the beach.

While many chippies might think they've perfected their recipes, scientists believe there is still room for improvement.

To celebrate National Fish and Chips day, MailOnline asked the experts for the secret to the perfect fish supper.

From cracking open a cold can of Guinness to pressurising your mix with Nitrous Oxide, these strange tips could be the secret to banishing soggy batter.

And, for the richest experience possible, scientists say it is best to eat your fish and chips while sitting at the seaside and listening to the waves.

Scientists have revealed that the perfect fried fish recipe involves adding Guinness and pressurising that batter using nitrous oxide

The formula for the perfect battered fish Dry ingredients 25 per cent wheat dextrin

75 per cent plain flour

A pinch of maltodextrin Wet ingredients 100 per cent Guinness Method Combine the wet and dry ingredients in a 60/40 ratio Mix and transfer to a whipped cream syphon Charge with two canisters or either NO2 or CO2 and keep cold until ready to use Preheat neutral oil to 160C (320F) Squirt just enough batter to cover your fish into a bowl Coat the fish in batter and lower it into the oil cook until golden brown Serving Serve in a newspaper wrapping, preferably sitting on the beach or while listening to sounds of the sea

Spray with malt vinegar before eating Advertisement

The science of getting battered

Before you start warming up the fryer, it's important to understand some batter basics.

Batter acts like a thermal blanket around delicate foods like fish, preventing too much heat reaching in while also preventing steam from leaking out.

When this goes right, the batter steams the fish inside a protective layer while also repelling the oil to leave a crunchy exterior.

This is possible because batter is made largely out of two important ingredients: water and starch.

The moment this mixture hits the hot oil, several chemical processes start to happen at the molecular level which allows a light crust to form.

As the hydrated starch in the batter heats up it starts to undergo a process called 'starch gelatinisation', becoming a glue-like gel which envelopes the fish.

At the same time, water trapped in the batter instantly explodes into steam, forcing itself out of the mixture in a bubbling torrent.

Dr Sue Bailey, a food scientist from London Metropolitan University, told MailOnline: 'When battered fish is fried it becomes crispy because oil gets to a higher temperature than water.

'The moisture in the fish and batter quickly turn to steam and this escaping stem prevents the oil from penetrating the food and turning it greasy.'

Driving the water out of the batter also causes the gelatinised layer of starch to dry out and harden, setting it into a hard crunchy layer.

Finally, Dr Bailey explains that the surface browns as the proteins and sugars in the batter react through a process called the Maillard reaction.

If everything has gone to plan, this should leave you with a batter that is golden brown, crunchy, and not greasy.

The crispy batter around your fish is the product of several complex chemical interactions, using science we can improve these reactions to get an even better piece of fish (stock image)

The dry ingredients

Typically, chip shop batter is made of a mixture of plain flour because this contains the right mix of starch for crispness and gluten which gives the batter structure.

But with an understanding of batter science, we can do a lot more to enhance the crunch and flavour of our fried fish.

Barry Tonkinson, director of culinary research and development at the Institute of Culinary Education, recommends using a chemical called wheat dextrin.

Dextrins are a type of soluble fibre made when long starch molecules have been broken down into smaller pieces by water.

Wheat dextrin is formed as a byproduct of cooking in places like the crispy brown part on top of fresh baked bread but it can also be used as a food additive.

Unlike normal flour, wheat dextrin is essentially 100 per cent starch and contains almost no gluten whatsoever.

This promotes more starch gelatinisation which means the batter becomes crispier when fried.

Since starch does not easily absorb water, swapping some of the glutenous flour for wheat dextrin also makes the resulting batter stay crisper for longer.

Researcher Barry Tonkinson found that by adding wheat dextrin (shown in sample number four) he could create a batter that was even lighter and crispier than normal

Researchers have also found that adding maltodextrin to batter results in a crust that is deep brown and crisp. These pictures show courgette slices fried with normal batter (left), batter with maltodextrin (middle) and batter made with ethanol (right)

In a blog post, Mr Tonkinson explains that by mixing a commercially available wheat dextrin, Evercrisp, with flour in a four-to-one ratio, you can achieve an unbeatably crisp crust.

Studies have also found that adding the sugar substitute maltodextrin can produce a batter that is lighter, and deeper brown.

Researchers found that the maltodextrin leads to more of the Maillard reaction occurring, leading to 'improved goldenbrown coloring of the crust without affecting oil uptake.'

Cooking with beer

However, just making our batter crisp isn't enough for the perfect fried fish.

Without air pockets, the batter will just be a thin crisp shell which wouldn't give a satisfying bite or properly insulate the delicate fish within.

To get the batter nice and light we actually need a way of putting air into the batter so that it can puff up once it hits the hot oil.

Thankfully, the perfect solution is already at hand: beer.

Ethanol from beer in batter evaporates rapidly when exposed to hot oil, creating more air pockets and a crunchier experience. In these microscope photos of fried batter you can see that picture D has larger holes because it was made with ethanol

Dr Bailey says: 'Cold beer adds three ingredientscarbon dioxide, foaming agents and alcoholeach of which brings to bear different aspects of physics and chemistry to make the batter even more light and crisp.'

The beer's alcohol content is really important since ethanol has a lower evaporation point than water.

This means that the liquid content of a batter with alcohol will evaporate faster than one which just contains water.

'The faster the batter dries, the lower the risk of overcooking the food and the crispier will be the batter,' Dr Bailey explains.

As ethanol evaporates it also creates bubbles which are trapped in the web of gluten stands which then sets into an airy lattice.

One 2018 research paper found: 'Substitution of water with ethanol in tempura fried squids promotes a more porous, dehydrated and glassy crust structure, which in turn makes the coating crispier and crunchier.'

Beer is actually even better than just using ethanol since the same foaming agents which give your pint its head help to trap bubbles of CO2 and make the batter even lighter.

Guinness is the perfect beer to use in your batter because it contains Nitrous Oxide and foaming agents which create bubbles that are very slow to dissolve

Of all the possible beers you could choose for this application, Guinness stands out as the winning choice.

As Mr Tonkinson points out, Guinness not only adds a delightfully nutty flavour to the batter but also happens to be chemically perfect for this application.

What makes Guinness so good is that each can contains a 'widget' full of nitrogen which surges up through the beer when opened.

Nitrogen dissolves significantly slower in water than carbon dioxide, which means that Guinness can make batter stay lighter for longer.

Preparation and frying

With your wet and dry ingredients prepared, it's now time to mix your batter and get frying.

Research has found that a batter made up of 60 per cent wet and 40 per cent dry ingredients is best.

This ratio allows almost all of the water to be driven out of the batter during frying, leaving it as crisp as possible.

Chef Heston Blumenthal (pictured) recommends using a whipped cream syphon to pressurise batter with Nitrous Oxide

Just as you can use Nitrous Oxide to add air to whipped cream, researchers recommend using the gas to add more air to your batter for a lighter product (stock photo)

One study found that batters at 60 per cent hydration were left with only five per cent of their original moisture content after five minutes of frying.

Once mixed, it is now critical to try and keep the batter as airy as possible for as long as you can.

In his fish and chips recipe, culinary experimenter Heston Blumenthal recommends opening the beer at the very last moment and immediately putting the batter into a whipped cream syphon.

You can then charge this syphon with nitrous oxide, or carbon dioxide if you can't get your hands on it, to add even more air.

It is also important to keep the syphon as cold as you can while you get everything else ready.

Gluten, which will make your batter tough, is formed by the chemical reaction between water and flour so keeping it cool will inhibit this reaction.

When you're ready, squirt just enough batter to cover one piece of fish into a bowl, coat it, and then lower the battered fish into 160C (320F) neutral oil.

Experts recommend frying at 160C (320F) in neutral oil which is hot enough to vaporise the water in the batter but not so hot that the batter burns

The perfect chips, according to science

Ingredients 1kg Russet Potatoes cut into 1.2x1.2x7cm cuboids

2 tbsp white vinegar

Rapeseed oil (enough to fill your pan halfway up)

Salt Method Wash the chopped potatoes under cold running water for four minutes to remove excess starch Place potatoes in boiling water with vinegar until almost falling apart - between 5 to 10 minutes Once tender, remove from the water, pat dry with paper towel, and lay out on a baking tray; place this in the freezer for at least one hour Heat rapessed oil to just over 325F (160C) Gently drop chips into the hot oil and cook until firm and lightly coloured - one to five minutes Remove chips from oil and allow to cool Increase the oil temperature to 360F (180C) Once the oil is hot, return chips to the pan and cook until a deep golden brown and crispy - around five minutes Remove chips from the oil and sprinkle with salt immediately Serve piping hot Advertisement

You will need to work quickly since the bubbles will begin to dissolve as soon as the batter leaves the syphon, leaving you with a soggy, oily coating.

When the fish is a rich golden brown, pull it from the oil and let it drain on some paper towels to wick away any oil that might soak back into the batter.

Since alcohol-rich batters have so many microscopic holes on the surface, they absorb any nearby oil as they cool so it's important to get the fish dry.

The perfect chip

Of course, you can't have the perfect fish without sparing a thought for the humble chip.

Luckily, many of the same chemical principles that make batter crisp can also be used to make crunchy potatoes.

The only difference is that the starch that will form the crisp outer layer comes from the potato itself rather than any additional source like flour.

As potatoes cook, long chains of carbohydrates uncoil into shorter starches which makes the flesh soft and flexible.

Just like batter, these starches then undergo starch gelatinisation and dry out into a crunchy outer layer once the chip is cooked in hot oil.

Experts say that the key to crunchier chips is making that layer of gelatinised starch as thick as possible by starting with a starchier spud.

Dr John Lioumbas, a scientist from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, previously told MailOnline: 'Generally, potatoes with higher starch levels tend to undergo more extensive gelatinization during cooking.'

In his own research, Dr Lioumbas used the Angria variety, but other research suggests that a Russet variety might be best thanks to its high starch levels and good size.

The difficulty is that drying out the starch into a hard layer requires using temperatures that would burn the exterior before the chip can cook all the way through.

The scientific formula for the perfect chip involves three stages of cooking: once in water, once in cooler oil, and once in hot oil

Heston Blumenthal's recipe for perfect chips (pictured) uses the triple-cook method to boost the thickness of the outer crust while ensuring the centre remains fluffy

This is why Heston Blumenthal developed the 'triple-cooked chip' method which has become the standard for top restaurants.

Once cut to size, the chips are boiled for anywhere from five to ten minutes until they are completely cooked through.

To avoid them falling apart completely, add a tablespoon of white vinegar since the acidity slows the breakdown of pectin and ensures they retain their structure.

When the potatoes are cooked through, remove them from the water and allow them to dry out in the freezer for at least an hour.

The arid conditions in the freezer help remove any water which would interfere with the crisping process and the resulting ice crystals burst starchy interior cells to create a fluffier texture.

Next, the chips must be fried at a relatively cool temperature of 160C (325F) for about five minutes or until lightly coloured.

The best potatoes for chips are Russets (pictured) or other high-starch varieties. Just like in batter, the more starch there is the crispier the finished product will be

Once the chips have been through their third and final stage of cooking they should be light brown and shatteringly crisp (stock image)

Dr Lioumbas explains: 'When lower temperatures of oil are utilized, the heat transfer occurs at a slower rate.

'The slower heat transfer allows for gradual water evaporation from the potato, leading to a softer exterior with less pronounced browning and crispiness.'

Finally, remove the chips and crank up the heat to 180C (360F) for the final of the three cooking stages.

This last dip in the oil will drive out any remaining moisture in the outer starch layer and brown the exterior through the Maillard reaction.

This process will leave you with chips that are fluffy and tender on the inside but golden brown and crisp on the outside.

Presentation is key

From the feeling of the cutlery to the sounds you can hear - all the sensory components of a meal will have an effect on your sense of taste.

Even relatively subtle factors like the setting and your mood can result in surprisingly big changes to how we experience a meal.

Food psychologist Professor Charles Spence of Oxford, himself the son of a fish fryer, told MailOnline: 'The sounds of the sea, not to mention the seagulls, as well as the smell of the salty sea air are all part of the multisensory experience, and can help to enhance the taste of fish and chips.'

Food psychologist Professor Charles Spence says that eating off of paper sheets can actually make the fish taste crunchier and put you in a better mood

Professor Spence helped Heston Blumenthal develop a dish called 'The Sound of the Sea' (pictured) which involves playing guests seaside sounds while they eat. By eating near the sea or hearing waves while you eat you can make your seafood taste better

This was the principle behind a dish called 'The Sound of the Sea' which Professor Spence helped Heston Blumenthal develop in 2006.

After finding that people found oysters significantly more salty while being played a recording of seaside sounds, Blumenthal designed a hidden speaker inside a conch shell which would accompany the meal.

'The salty smell of the sea air that you get at the coast is likely an important part of the experience too, though it turns out that it is much harder to bottle that than you might think,' Professor Spence adds.

Research has also shown that holding something warm in your hand can actually put people in a better mood and even promote feelings of interpersonal warmth.

Professor Spence adds that the 'rattle of wrapping paper likely enhances perceived crispness of fried fish.'

This means that sitting by the seaside and eating it straight off of paper wrapping is actually the scientifically best way to enjoy your fish and chips.

Finally, while researchers are yet to weigh in on the matter of mushy peas, there are some scientific tips for how to apply vinegar.

The acid in vinegar helps to cut through any of the oil which might have soaked into the fish.

But drowning your perfectly crispy fish with vinegar until it was soggy would undo all the crispness that was carefully cultivated.

Therefore, Dr Spence recommends spraying vinegar over the fish rather than pouring it.

By aerosolising the vinegar we can smell it more easily and thereby elevate the experience while only using a light, even coating.
Millions of people are set to swap their smartphones for the new iPhone 16 next week.

But selling or trading an outdated device could leave users at risk of identity theft, stalking and other dangers.

There are important steps to take to secure an iPhone that will stop your digital life from ending up in someone else hands.

The action plan incudes backing up the iPhone, unpairing certain devices and turning off tracking.

Apple is set to launch its new iPhone on Monday, which means millions of people will swap their old devices, like this iPhone 15, for the latest smartphone

Apple is hosting an event on September 9 titled 'It's Glowtime', where it's expected to unveil its latest flagship iPhones.

Rumors have suggested that four new iPhone models called the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max will launch that Monday.

Even more, the smartphones are set to support the latest iOS 18 features, specifically the new AI-powered platform.

Apple has reportedly produced more than 90 million iPhone 16 units for the upcoming season, which means users will be ditching their older smartphones that should first be wiped and secured.

1. Back it up

Our phones contain our entire lives in one place. Pictures, contacts and other important bits of personal information are all stored on that one piece of technology.

Dont take chances on losing any of it. Heres how:

Note: Make sure youre signed into a Wi-Fi network for the entire backup process.

 Go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup.

 Tap Back Up Now.

If you dont have enough cloud storage for a full backup, use your Mac or PC.

2. Unpair your Bluetooth-connected devices

Start by unpairing your Apple Watch, here's how:

 Sign out of iCloud and the iTunes & App Store.

 In iOS 10.3 or later, tap Settings > [your name]. Scroll down and tap Sign Out. Enter your Apple ID password and tap Turn Off.

 In iOS 10.2 or earlier, tap Settings > iCloud > Sign Out. Tap Sign Out again, then tap Delete from My [device] and enter your Apple ID password. Then go to Settings > iTunes & App Store > Apple ID > Sign Out.

A tech expert has shared several steps users must take when ditching their old iPhones, such as backing up their information to iCloud

Next, take care of the rest of your Bluetooth devices like AirPods or other headphones, speakers, headsets, wearable devices, health trackers and smart home devices.

To find everything connected to your iPhone:

 Find the device you want to unpair and tap the 'i' icon next to it.

 Tap Forget This Device and confirm.

3. Turn off tracking

Disabling Find My is essential so the new owner can activate and use it without any issues. You also dont want any lingering connections to you and your account.

 Go to Settings > [your name] > Find My > Find My iPhone.

About Kim Komando National Radio Hall of Famer, Host on 510+ stations, Podcaster & Tech Expert. Join over 500,000 people who are in the know with her free daily newsletter. Advertisement

 Toggle Find My iPhone off.

 Enter your Apple ID password to confirm.

Next, youll want to make sure to disable the Find My Activation Lock. The feature is designed to prevent anyone else from using your iPhone if it's lost or stolen.

When you turn off Find My on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, Activation Lock is automatically removed.

On your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, go to Settings > [your name] > Find My. Tap Find My [device], then turn off Find My [device].

4. Factory reset the phone

Now that your data is backed up and youre signed out, time for the big guns.

Youll want to factory reset your phone to ensure all your personal stuff stays, well, personal.

 Open Settings > General.

 Tap Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset.

 Select Erase All Content and Settings, then wait for the process to finish up.

 If your device uses eSIM, choose the option to erase your device and the eSIM profile when asked.

5. The final step

If youre setting up a new phone, your eSIM should transfer to the new phone. That means youre done.

Need help? Call your carrier, visit their website or stop by a retail location. Request to deactivate the old phone from their network.

That was a lot of work. Lucky for you, getting all your data onto your new phone is easy. These days its basically as simple as opening the box, turning on the phone and following a few steps on screen.
Psychological profiles and therapy sessions for thousands of patients, including 'telehealth' audio and video and even driver's licenses, has leaked to the open web.

Over 1.7 million activity logs, comprised of an estimated 5.3 terabytes of mental health data, were left exposed online by the healthcare start-up Confidant Health.

The Austin-based firm  which promised to build 'the next-generation of virtual care' for those seeking addiction treatment and other behavioral therapies  had left its patients' confidential information exposed via a 'non-password-protected database.'

The severe privacy lapse comes amid a summer of catastrophic leaks, including July's Independence Day 'RockYou2024,' which exposed an astonishing 10 billion passwords to cyber criminals, and a massive breach of US social security numbers.

Since its founding in 2018, Confidant Health's app, which is available via iOS and Android, has been downloaded over 10,000 in the Google Play Store.

The company currently offers clinical services to patients in Connecticut, New Hampshire, Virginia, Texas, and Florida.

Austin-based telehealth firm Confidant Health was caught leaving its patients' confidential information exposed on the open web via a 'non-password-protected database'

Above, a redacted a collage of screenshots that shows some of the insurance documents, driver's licenses and other state-issued IDs and that were publicly accessible

Jeremiah Fowler, the cybersecurity researcher who discovered the stunning breach of patient privacy, said the audio and video files contain 'some heartbreaking, really painful family trauma, personal trauma.'

'It's almost like having your deepest darkest secrets that you've told your diary revealed,' Fowler continued. 'It's things that you never want to get out.'

For reasons of professional ethics, Fowler said that he did not download any of the private medical information. He also did not attempt to access the password-protected databases, but noted that a dedicated hacker would make short work of it.

'Cyber criminals have a range of tools at their disposal including brute force attacks and social engineering attempts that could potentially result in unauthorized access to those protected files and documents,' the researcher explained.

Fowler reported that he observed publicly visible patient documents that were clearly psychotherapy intake notes, assessments that detailed medical professional's opinions on patients' mental health, substance abuse, family issues, psychiatric history and more.

But that private medical data was just one facet of breach: many other files also included records stored for administrative and verification purposes, like driver's licenses, state-issued ID cards and insurance cards.

According to Fowler, the million-plus logs in the leak indicated that some of the above data had been collected by Confident Health's proprietary chatbots and its artificial intelligence, features that the company has long touted in the press.

'A data-centric environment like the one we are constructing lends itself to leveraging AI [artificial intelligence] to make predictive suggestions,' Confident's co-founder Sam Arsenault Wilson said in a 2022 interview.

'That's where we're headed once the data reaches proper scale,' she said.

The leak also included drug tests, including some with Personally Identifiable Information (PII) of a patient and their positive drug test results  in one case marijuana and alcohol.

Above, a breakdown of the exposed private mental health data as documented by cybersecurity researcher Jeremiah Fowler, who discovered and reported the lapse to both Confident Health, itself, and the cybersecurity researchers at vpnMentor

Under the US Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), medical professionals, companies and organizations are required to take detailed measures to preserve the privacy of their clients' Protected Health Information (PHI).

PHI often overlaps with this similar class of data PII, which is protected across myriad industries and government agencies.

'In a random sample I reviewed,' Fowler noted in his report for the security site vpnMentor, 'the open and publicly accessible files [...] contained what could be considered a very serious potential risk to the personal privacy and PII of those individuals.'

Fowler said he reviewed approximately 1,000 files to verify the extent of the exposure risk and better understand how the lapse had occurred so he could more accurately alert the company, adding: 'I was able to view using only a web browser.'

An exposed database containing both password-protected and unlocked patient data files, or any files, according to Fowler, is unusual.

'Public access to the documents was restricted within hours' of his own direct message to Confident notifying them of the lapse in patient privacy, Fowler said.

DailyMail.com has reached out to Confidant Health's co-founder Jon Read via two email addresses for comment, but Read has not yet responded.

Since Confidant Health's founding in 2018, its app has been downloaded over 10,000 times in the Google Play Store. The company (logo above) currently offers clinical services to patients in Connecticut, New Hampshire, Virginia, Texas and Florida

Another screenshot from cybersecurity researcher Jeremiah Fowler, confirming that this leak included drug tests, like the above, containing the Personally Identifiable Information (PII) of a patient and their positive drug test results - in this case marijuana and alcohol

But, speaking to WIRED magazine earlier, the company's co-founder said that he 'take[s] issue with the sensational nature' of Fowler's published findings.

After confirming Fowler's own report that the exposure was restricted shortly after the company was notified, Read told WIRED that 'during that time' only 'a small subset of files (less than 1 percent of the total files), could be accessed openly.'

'These files included documents, such as faxes, as well as synthetic training data.'

'No malicious actors had accessed any patient records,' Read continued, adding that 'no external chatbots or AI interacted with this data.'

Read maintained that Confident Health conducted its own internal security audit alongside contracted external experts to confirm the security of its patients' data.

The company's policies have been updated to prevent future exposures, he said.

The firm also alerted its customers to the inquiry: 'When we were notified about the improper configuration by a third-party security researcher,' Read said, 'several patient records were accessed by data security personnel.'

'Those patients have been informed that their information was accessed by non-clinical staff,' according to the co-founder.
Boeing's Starliner has returned to Earth empty after leaving two astronauts who rode the spaceship up to the International Space Station stranded until next year.

The space capsule touched down at the White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico today at approximately 4am GMT, around six hours after departing the ISS on Friday.

It was due to return to earth much earlier, having launched in June for what was meant to be a roughly weeklong test mission with astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams on board.

But unexpected thruster malfunctions and helium leaks on its way up derailed those plans and NASA ultimately decided it was safer to bring the pair back on a spacecraft from rival Elon Musk's SpaceX.

The next scheduled SpaceX flight is not until February next year, meaning Wilmore and Williams will be stranded in space for another six months.

Boeing and NASA teams working around NASA's Boeing Crew Flight Test Starliner spacecraft after it landed at White Sands, New Mexico, on Saturday

Boeing's Starliner lands at the landing site at White Sands Space Harbor in White Sands, New Mexico

Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams were initially planned to depart on the Starliner, but issues with the capsule's thrusters have delayed their return until at least February 2025

Ground teams reported hearing sonic booms as it streaked red hot across the night sky, having endured temperatures of 3,000F (1,650C) during atmospheric reentry.

A smooth, uneventful ride was seen as critical not only for salvaging some pride but also for Boeing's prospects of achieving certification in the future.

The century-old aerospace giant had carried out extensive ground testing aimed at replicating the technical issues the spaceship had experienced on its ascent and devised plans to prevent more problems.

With its reputation already battered by safety concerns affecting its passenger jets, Boeing made assurances in public and in private that it could be trusted to bring the astronauts home - an assessment not shared by NASA.

'Boeing believed in the model that they had created that tried to predict the thruster degradation for the rest of the flight,' Steve Stich, program manager for NASA's Commercial Crew Program, told reporters this week.

But 'the NASA team, due to the uncertainty in the modeling, could not get comfortable with that,' he added, characterizing the mood during meetings as 'tense.'

Starliner capsule fires its thrusters as it pulls away from the International Space Station on Friday, September 6

The gumdrop-shaped capsule touched down softly at the White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico, its descent slowed by parachutes and cushioned by airbags

Shortly after undocking, Starliner executed a powerful 'breakout burn' to swiftly clear it from the station and prevent any risk of collision - a maneuver that would have been unnecessary if crew were aboard to take manual control if needed.

Following that, mission teams conducted thorough checks of its thrusters in preparation for the critical 'deorbit burn,' required to guide the capsule onto its reentry path around 40 minutes before landing.

While expectations were high that Starliner would stick the landing, as it had in two previous uncrewed tests, NASA will now carefully review all aspects of the mission's performance before deciding on the next steps.

NASA awarded Boeing and SpaceX multibillion-dollar contracts over a decade ago to develop spacecraft to taxi astronauts to and from the ISS, after the end of the Space Shuttle program left the US space agency reliant on Russian rockets.

Although initially considered the underdog, Elon Musk's SpaceX surged ahead of mighty Boeing, successfully flying dozens of astronauts since 2020.

The Starliner program, meanwhile, has faced numerous setbacks.

The space capsule touched down at the White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico today at approximately 4am GMT, around six hours after departing the ISS on Friday

Boeing and NASA teams working around NASA's Boeing Crew Flight Test Starliner spacecraft after it landed uncrewed at White Sands, New Mexico

A full timeline of Boeing's Starliner program, from the singing of their massive contact to the incident that left two astronauts stranded aboard the ISS

In 2019, during its first uncrewed test flight, a software glitch prevented the capsule from rendezvousing with the ISS. A second software issue, which could have caused a catastrophic collision between its modules, was caught and fixed just in time.

In 2021, with the rocket poised on the launchpad for another attempt, blocked valves forced yet another postponement.

The capsule finally reached the ISS in May 2022 on a non-crewed flight, but further issues, including weak parachutes and flammable tape in the cabin that needed removal, delayed the crewed test.

For the current mission, astronauts Wilmore and Williams had been strapped into their seats and ready to fly twice before last-minute 'scrubs' due to technical glitches sent them back to their quarters.
Richard Eden says that although there has been much speculation about Prince Harry investigating a return to the UK, the prince would likely find the door to his brothers forgiveness firmly shut.

How can there be that reconciliation when William and Catherine dont know what will appear in a TV programme or in a book? he asks on Palace Confidential. Genuinely, once youve lost that trust, youve lost it forever.

The Mail on Sundays Charlotte Griffiths reveals the details behind her story about how Prince Harry has been in touch with old advisors and old school friends who are discussing how he might have a life in Britain again as part of a move dubbed Operation Bring Harry in from the Cold.

The Daily Mails Royal Editor Rebecca English meanwhile discusses the awkward situation where William and Harry were in the same church recently, but didnt speak.

On Palace Confidential this week:
Seeing the sights on holiday always sounds good on paper, but in reality it can often involve the faff and expense of car hire or navigating unfathomable public transport networks.

Sign up instead for a break in an ultra-walkable city - and get your 10,000 steps a day in while you're at it.

Need some inspiration? European travel experts have shared their favourite walkable destinations with MailOnline Travel.

All of these cities have something unique to offer - and they are all easy to explore on foot.

Read on for the lowdown on a Spanish spot with streets too narrow for cars, an English seaside spot with 150 parks, a walkable French city with a 'mightily impressive river' and more...

Seville, Spain

Seville has winding streets 'so narrow' they 'prohibit most traffic'

'Seville is a city built for walking,' says the team at Lonely Planet.

In fact, the 'winding streets' in the city's 'historic core' are 'so narrow' they 'prohibit most traffic'.

The team adds: 'The traffic-free cobbled streets, riverside promenades, parks and squares mean there are plenty of reference points to help you avoid getting lost.'

Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm's architecture, food scene, museums and galleries are all worth exploring, says Justin at Responsible Travel. Pictured here is Stockholm's old town

Justin Francis, founder of Responsible Travel, loves exploring cities on foot as he says thats 'where you find the living culture and character of a place'.

He recommends Stockholm as a worthwhile walkable destination, saying: It's a city rich in green space and culture - and fantastic for exploring on foot or bike.'

The Swedish capitals 'long summer days are perfect for walking tours, while in December 'you can meander through cosy, atmospheric Christmas markets'.

The expert adds: 'Stockholm's architecture, food scene, museums and galleries are all worth exploring.'

Oxford, UK

Oxford's key tourist attractions are all easily accessible by foot, notes one travel expert

Oxford's 'compact layout and well-maintained footpaths' make it an ideal spot for a walkable city break, says Gareth Mills, UK country manager at AllTrails.

He adds: 'The citys key tourist attractions, including its historic colleges, charming streets, and cultural landmarks, are all easily accessible on foot.

'Oxfords pedestrian zones and rich heritage also create an ideal environment for avid walkers.'

AllTrails has 60 recommended walking routes in Oxford, including the popular Oxford Tour Circular, which hits some of the city's top attractions, including the historic Bear Inn.

Bordeaux, France

Bordeaux is fairly flat with most of the main sights centrally located on streets that spur from a mightily impressive river,' says Clare at Travel Counsellors

Clare Payne of Travel Counsellors, says port city Bordeaux, in the wine-growing region of west France, is one of her favourite walkable cities.

The expert says: The city is fairly flat with most of the main sights centrally located on streets that spur from a mightily impressive river.

Make sure you check out Miroir d'eau (Water Mirror), which is a beautiful spot in the city near the river and great fun for kids too.

You can find suggested walking routes on the Bordeaux Tourism website, including an 8km walk (4.9 miles) that hits all of the city's main sights.

Bruges, Belgium

Rozenhoedkaai [pictured above], otherwise known as Rosary Quay, is one of the top sights in 'compact' Bruges

Bruges, in northwest Belgium, is an 'extremely walkable city', says Clare Payne.

She tells MailOnline: The city is quite compact so you can reach all of the main sights easily by foot.

The historic centre is Unesco World Heritage listed and full of beautiful, cobbled streets. Dont miss Rozenhoedkaai, otherwise known as Rosary Quay, for that perfect social media shot.

Athens, Greece

'Wherever you walk in Greece's storied capital, the ancients have walked before,' says Lonely Planet

The capital of Greece is 'easy to tackle on foot', says the expert travel team at Lonely Planet.

They say: 'Strolls through neighbourhoods like old-town Plaka, flea-market famous Monastiraki and hip Pangrati are highlights.'

As an added bonus for history buffs, 'wherever you walk in Greece's storied capital, the ancients have walked before', says Lonely Planet.

Brighton, UK

Brighton's compact layout means visitors can easily stroll between 'diverse attractions'

Gareth at AllTrails says: 'Brighton is celebrated for its walkability thanks to its vibrant, pedestrian-friendly city centre and its famous seafront promenades and undercliff walks, which offer 13km [eight miles] of off-road trails.

'The citys compact layout allows visitors to easily stroll between diverse attractions, including eclectic shops, cafes, and cultural sites.'

Gareth loves the city's 150 parks, which mean visitors to the city are 'never far from nature'.

However, he adds: 'Brightons beach is not one for distance walking as the stones make it a serious challenge.' Tourists are better off sticking to the paved seafront, which has enough cafes, bars and ice-cream stands to 'reward any walker'.

Koblenz, Germany

Walkable Koblenz in Germany sits in a super location at the junction of two of Europes great rivers - the Rhine and the Moselle [above]

The team at Byway, a flight-free travel company, recommends tourists choose a small city if theyre looking for a walkable destination.

They love Koblenz in Germany, which sits 'in a super location at the junction of two of Europes great rivers - the Rhine and the Moselle'.

Koblenz, they note, is a 'delightful old city' with 'fine riverside walks'.

Koblenzs tourism board recommends exploring the citys old town to discover hidden gems and experience traditional half-timbered architecture up close.

Byway adds that the city is also a 'brilliant base' for out-of-town excursions to the wider region.
The USA might be a top destination for them and Hollywood movies are beamed into their homes - but that doesn't mean Brits always get the etiquette right on a trip across the pond.

But they needn't panic.

To help ensure faux-pas-free-forays, MailOnline caught up with travel experts to discover all the unspoken rules Brits need to know before touching down in the USA, from the one drink they should never order to the perils of swearing and only tipping five per cent.

Do...

Do remember to tip

Travel experts told MailOnline the rules British tourists need to follow in the USA, including how much they should tip

Elaine Warren, travel blogger and founder of The Family Cruise Companion, says: 'In the US, tipping is not just appreciated, it's expected. Service workers like waiters, taxi drivers and hotel staff often rely on tips as a significant part of their income.'

She recalls when a British friend left an American waiter unhappy as they only tipped five per cent, believing it was 'generous'. In the USA, tips are expected to be around 15 to 20 per cent of the price.

Esteban Touma, a teacher at Babbel Live and stand-up comedian, adds: 'Over the years Brits have made a bad name for themselves within the US hospitality community for not tipping enough, if at all. This can often lead to awkward, even hostile, encounters across the pond. Brits must be aware that most servers make their wage through tips.'

Do try to use American English

Britons - that's a 'sidewalk' above, not a pavement. And those vehicles have 'trunks', not 'boots'

Esteban explains: 'For Brits visiting the US, you have the luxury of not worrying too much about a language barrier for your trip. However, dont get complacent and forget that actually there are significant differences. So do remember commonly mixed-up words - trousers are "pants", the pavement is the "sidewalk", the car boot is the "trunk".

'This particularly applies to some common food words you might encounter when eating at a restaurant, cafe or diner, like how we say "appetizer" rather than starter and "check" rather than bill.

'Also, when youre reading the menu, remember that "jelly" means jam, "arugula" is rocket, "cilantro" is coriander, "zucchini" is courgette, "eggplant" is aubergine and we say "cookie" rather than biscuit.'

Do respect cultural differences

Elaine says: 'The US is a melting pot of cultures, and what might be a norm in one area could be considered offensive in another. I once had a lovely chat with a Texan who was baffled by a British tourists comment about cowboy hats being "quaint". Remember, what seems quirky to you might be an integral part of someones identity.'

Esteban adds: 'Tourists should not make the mistake that all Americans are alike. Consider how accents can vary dramatically within just a two-hour drive in the UK. Now, think about the fact that the whole of the UK is smaller than a number of the US's states, and is roughly 40 times smaller than the US.'

Do engage in small talk

Elaine says: Ive seen many Brits caught off guard by the American enthusiasm for small talk. Dont be surprised if a stranger in an elevator asks how your day is going. Its not an interrogation, its just friendliness. Embrace it, and you might find yourself having some delightful conversations with locals.'

And don't...

Don't use bad language in public

Esteban warns: 'Swearing in public is frowned upon in the States, much more so than in the UK. It would be rare to be reprimanded by a stranger for using a "bad word" in public on the streets of London or Manchester, but say an expletive too loudly in some parts of the States and theyll let you know what they think about it.'

Don't order a cup of tea

The 'age-old British tradition' of a cup of tea is unlikely to be upheld in the States, where tea is served iced, if at all

Esteban jokes: Unless you like your tea iced and sweetened, as it is found in the South, dont assume that this age-old British tradition is upheld in the States. After all, we famously threw chests of the stuff into the Boston Harbour!'

Don't overdo the sarcasm

While the British are known for their wit and self-deprecating style of humour, it is something that can be lost in translation with Americans, who can take some of those mannerisms personally or even take them seriously at face-value,' says Esteban.

He adds: 'Brits and Americans may share a language, but it does not mean that humour always translates well across cultures. As a comedian, I understand more than most the pain of a joke not landing, so I would warn Brits to consider their audience.

Don't forget about sales tax

Esteban says: You might go shopping wide-eyed at all the amazing deals you seem to be getting, until you reach the till and the total amounts to a lot more than you were anticipating. In stores, the price on the label is not the final price because sales tax has not been added. It varies state by state but can be around 10 per cent in some cities.
Netflix fans have gone wild for a 'must-watch' drama that they say makes for 'brilliant' viewing.

Taking to the Facebook group Netflix Bangers, which has over three million members, viewers were quick to praise one series that featured 'a lot of X-rated scenes'.

Fans were referring to Banshee, which ran for four seasons from 2013 to 2016, telling the story of a former convicted criminal who assumes the identity of a murdered sheriff in the town of Banshee, Pennsylvania, where he has unfinished business.

The series' main character is played by Antony Starr, and sees him assume the identity of Sheriff Lucas Hood, to hide from powerful crime lord Rabbit, played by Ben Cross.

Imposing his own brand of justice, Hood attempts to reconcile with his former lover, Rabbit's daughter Anastasia (Ivana Milicevic), who has started a new life, married, and raised a family during Hood's time in prison.

Netflix fans have gone wild for a 'must-watch' drama that makes for 'brilliant' viewing

Hood struggles to maintain his new identity as he embraces crime alongside his partners Job (Hoon Lee) and Sugar (Frankie Faison) - while conflicting with local kingpin Kai Proctor (Ulrich Thomsen).

The first season zeroes in on Hood's attempts to restore his relationship with Carrie under the looming threat of Rabbit finding them.

Hood illustrates a complete contempt for the law while clashing with Proctor and pursuing his own criminal activities, alienating his own deputies.

Rabbit eventually tracks him down and Hood surrenders to spare Carrie - who then sparks a shock by leading criminal accomplices and deputies in a raid to free Hood and shoot Rabbit.

Fans have lauded the cult show for its steamy scenes and gripping narratives.

They enthused: 'The brutality in this series is unreal in certain scenes....this series is addictive'.

Another said: 'One of the most underrated 9 out of 10 type series....must watch'.

One posted: 'One of the best of the best.'

Another wrote: 'Brilliant show from start to end. I am glad finally people are recognising it'.
Netflix viewers have hailed a 'crazy' comedy series starring Michelle Keegan with the binging viewers insisting: 'This is mental, but I love it.'

British comedy-drama Brassic has been airing on Sky since 2019 - but its first four series debuted on Netflix in August.

The series was created by Misfits actor Joe Gilgun, who also stars, and with Danny Brocklehurst, the creator of Michelle's Netflix hit Fool Me Once.

Brassic follows the lives of a group of friends in a fictional town named Hawley, led by Joe's character Vinnie and featuring single mum Erin (Michelle).

In June, Brassic was renewed for a record seventh series, making it the longest-running scripted programme on Sky - and fans cannot get enough.

Netflix viewers have hailed a 'crazy' comedy series starring Michelle Keegan with the binging viewers insisting: 'This is mental, but I love it'

British comedy-drama Brassic has been airing on Sky since 2019 - but its first four series debuted on Netflix in August

The series was created by Misfits actor Joe Gilgun, (centre) who also stars, and with Danny Brocklehurst, the creator of Michelle's Netflix hit Fool Me Once

Taking to X, formerly Twitter, they wrote: 'I'm just watching the 4th season of #Brassic on #Netflix. Oh my God... This is mental, but I absolutely love it. What a series!';

'How have I never watched Brassic before? Best UK comedy Ive seen for years';

'Brassic could be one of the best series ever';

'Watching the first episode of Brassic this is unreal telly';

'I am ashamed to say I am only just now watching Brassic. Im already on S2 & its pure genius';

'Brassic has got it all. Comedy, pathos, drama, perfect casting, excellent soundtrack. Just bl**dy brilliant!

'Just started watching the series Brassic and I think I am going to like it. And for a bonus, it only has Michelle flipping Keegan in it ';

'Been binging Brassic recently and have come to the conclusion that Joe Gilgun is, without question, the sexiest man alive.'

Brassic follows the lives of a group of friends in a fictional town named Hawley, led by Joe's character Vinnie and featuring single mum Erin (Michelle)

In June, Brassic was renewed for a record seventh series, making it the longest-running scripted programme on Sky - and fans cannot get enough

Brassic's renewal comes after it was feared to be be cancelled in October 2023, following the announcement of series six, airing this year

Brassic's renewal comes after it was feared to be be cancelled in October 2023, following the announcement of series six.

Speaking of its return, co-creator Danny said: 'Season 7! How did this happen?!? Brassic is a delight to make and it's a privilege to create more chaos for our loyal and loving audience.'

Meanwhile, the head of comedy commissioning at Sky Studios, Alex Moody, said: 'We couldnt be happier that Vinnie and the gang will return for another raucous ride, bringing heart, laughs and Farmer Jims unrivalled swear count back to Sky for a seventh series.'

Series six of Brassic will air sometime this year.
Ben Affleck and Matt Damon are iconic Hollywood BFFs - whose bond was first forged in childhood.

Affleck, now 52, and Damon, 53, first crossed paths aged eight and 10 when they lived near one another in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The future Oscar winners quickly bonded over a love of acting.

In the wake of his latest marital split from Jennifer Lopez - Affleck has been leaning on his best friend - who is happily married to Luciana Barroso with whom he shares three daughters.

Affleck and Damon's unbreakable bond was showcased in an adorable photobooth snap of the pair when they were teenagers.

The two future stars looked angelic as they mugged for the camera, with Damon cracking a wide smile while Affleck smirked as he embraced his best friend.

Ben Affleck and Matt Damon are iconic Hollywood BFFs - whose bond was first forged in childhood - pictured 2012

Damon previously recounted in a 2019 interview that the pair became friends after Affleck defended him in a fight against an older child at school.

He said: 'I remember that was like a big moment. He will put himself in a really bad spot for me. This is a good friend.'

Their first joint appearance on the big screen came in 1989 when they were two of some 3,000 uncredited extras in the Kevin Costner film Field of Dreams.

Damon told The Los Angeles Times in 1999: 'Ben has always had an incredible charisma. People are just getting introduced to it through film.

'It's hard to think of your best friend as a movie star, but the fact that he is [stems from] the extent to which parts of the real him come through.

'He is somebody that everybody wants to be around.'

The duo came to major public prominence when they won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay in 1998, for their film Good Will Hunting, in which they both starred in and wrote.

Affleck told Boston Magazine the pair had considered going their separate ways creatively - saying: 'For a while, we thought maybe we should chill and just do other stuff, and not be Matt and Ben, Matt and Ben.

Affleck and Damon's unbreakable bond was showcased in an adorable photobooth snap of the pair when they were teenagers. The two future stars looked angelic as they mugged for the camera

Affleck and Damon are childhood pals who first found fame after they wrote and co-starred in 1997's smash hit drama Good Will Hunting

'We have our company together, we're developing together. And Matt lives down the street from me like he used to. His kids are living with him, the way we used to live with our folks. The only difference is that we have pools.

Further projects they've worked on together include most The Last Duel and Air.

As well as supporting Ben through the breakup, Matt also supported his friend through his battle with alcoholism. The Daredevil star revealed in 2015 that he had turned to drinking amid his failing marriage, though he has since become sober.

Damon told ET in 2016: 'Ive known him for 35 years, and we grew up together. We were both in love with the same thing  acting and filmmaking.

'I think we fed on each others obsession during really formative, important years and that bonded us for life.'

Rumors flew all summer Affleck and Lopez's relationship was on the verge of collapse, culminating in her finally submitting papers to dissolve their union on their second wedding anniversary, August 22.

The mother-of-two filed to end her marriage from Affleck on August 20, which happened to be the anniversary of their second wedding in Georgia back in 2022.

The day after she made her first social media post since she filed for divorce, citing 'irreconcilable differences,' the Let's Get Loud hitmaker maintained a stoic expression as she made her first public appearance in weeks.

Meanwhile, Ben's estranged wife Jennifer filed for divorce from him last week

According to legal documents she filed without a lawyer, their official date of separation was back in April.

They had been broken up for weeks prior to her filing for divorce, but the estranged couple were seen on various rare outings together in the time in between.

Her latest sighting also comes after it was revealed that she no longer feels 'comfortable' living in the Beverly Hills mansion she and Affleck once shared with their kids.

Earlier this month, as rumors swirled about the state of Affleck and Lopez's marriage, Damon said he 'could never imagine living like' his famous friend.

Matt said that was fortunate his own personal life had been mostly ignored due to his 19-year marriage to Luciana being considered 'boring'.

Promoting his new film The Instigators which he stars in alongside Ben's brother Casey, 49, Matt told Radio Time Podcast: '25 years ago, the gossip magazine culture was huge but they ignored me.

'I wasnt an exciting story; the guy whos married, its boring! Scandal and sex, thats what people would read magazines for. Ive been really lucky'.

He continued: 'Especially when I look at Caseys brother, Ben. Weve had parallel careers in a lot of ways, but I cant imagine living under that scrutiny for 25 years'.

Affleck has recently been 'hanging out' with Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s daughter, Kathleen 'Kick,' amid his divorce from Lopez.

The long-time friends at the premiere of their film Air last year

The Good Will Hunting actor has been seen with Kick, 36, on various outings, a source told the outlet.

The insider stated the pair have spent time at the Polo Lounge located at the iconic Beverly Hills Hotel, as well as other celebrity hotspots.

Despite the two being spotted together, the nature of Ben and Kick's relationship is currently not known.
Model Roxy Horner looked sensational as she hit the town with her daughter Elsie, 12 months, at Soho House White City on Wednesday.

The stunner, 33, who shares her daughter with funnyman Jack Whitehall, 36, wowed in a denim waistcoat as she celebrated the launch of the new YOYO3 stroller.

Opting for a chic ensemble, the blonde beauty nailed her ensemble by pairing the statement waistcoat with a black skirt and Chanel bag.

During the bash, which marked the launch of the latest iteration of the iconic stroller, Roxy cradled her daughter, who she welcomed with Jack in September last year.

Roxy welcomed Elsie at the iconic Lindo Wing, in which a host of royals have given birth, last year, after which Jack admitted the experience was both 'utterly overwhelming' and 'joyous' in ways he 'couldn't have imagined'.

Model Roxy Horner looked sensational as she hit the town with her daughter, 12 months, at Soho House White City on Wednesday

The stunner, 33, who shares her daughter with funnyman Jack Whitehall, 36, wowed in a denim waistcoat as she celebrated the launch of the new YOYO3 stroller

Roxy and her partner welcomed their daughter at the iconic Lindo Wing, in which a host of royals have given birth, last year, after which Jack admitted the experience was both 'utterly overwhelming' and 'joyous' in ways he 'couldn't have imagined'

Opting for a chic ensemble, the blonde beauty nailed her ensemble by pairing the statement waistcoat with a black skirt and Chanel bag

Roxy looked incredible at the event, where she donned cat-eye sunglasses atop her choppy blonde tresses while donning a slick of liquid eyeliner.

She paired her waistcoat with a ruched skirt and envy-inducing Chanel handbag.

The event saw guests view the new stroller offered by giant Stokke, with CBeebies star Nigel Clarke acting as host at the swanky launch while young attendees were treated to arts and crafts and Little City UK role play areas .

The new YOYO offering - YOYO3 - was on show at the party, hot on the heels of stars including Joe Wicks and Millie Mackintosh declaring love for the product.

Details of the latest YOYO state: 'YOYO3 is the most versatile stroller that grows with your child, from birth to toddler. YOYO3 stroller from 6 months has double the agility and ingenuity with its signature folding and unfolding...

'It can be stored in the smallest space at home, takes up very little room in the trunk of a car and can be worn over the shoulder. Catch the subway, get on a bus, jump in a taxi or fly to the other side of the world!'

Ahead of the launch, Stokke CEO, Jacob Kragh, said: 'I'm excited about this launch, as it marks the first YOYO novelty under the Stokke brand umbrella and a great advancement of an already iconic stroller!...

'At Stokke, we are always pursuing excellence, and looking to enhance our products and strengthen the bond between parents and children. With Stokke YOYO, we aim to enrich the lives of urban parents, and help them to navigate any environment with their little ones by their side.'

During the bash, which marked the launch of the latest iteration of the iconic stroller, Roxy cradled her daughter, who she welcomed with Jack in September last year

The event saw guests view the new stroller offered by giant Stokke, with CBeebies star Nigel Clarke acting as host at the swanky launch while young attendees were treated to arts and crafts and Little City UK role play areas

The new YOYO offering - YOYO3 - was on show at the party, hot on the heels of stars including Joe Wicks and Millie Mackintosh declaring love for the product

Ahead of the launch, Stokke CEO, Jacob Kragh, said: 'I'm excited about this launch, as it marks the first YOYO novelty under the Stokke brand umbrella and a great advancement of an already iconic stroller!'

Jack has gushed over life as a father with girlfriend Roxy

Jack, Roxy, and Elsie live in a 12 million converted pub mansion - complete with a swimming pool, gym, and sauna

New features include enhanced ventilation and convenient peek-aboo window, the extended canopy for superior sun protection, and the reflective wheels with improved shock absorbers for a smoother ride.

The party comes just days after it was revealed Roxy's partner and Elsie's dad Jack had reportedly become one of the Britain's richest comedian behind Peter Kay, Stephen Merchant and Ricky Gervais.

The funnyman is said to have amassed a whopping 11.4M fortune, after raking in 2.3M and welcoming his first child with Roxy.

According to The Sun Jack's earnings are mostly thanks to his Netflix shows, including Travels With My Father in which he globe trots with grouchy dad Michael, as well as his own comedy special that debuted on the streaming service last year.

Last month, the publication reported the comedian's company Jackpot Productions grew its shareholders' fund to 11,420,635 from 9,585,293 over the last year, as well as having a whopping 4.4M in the bank.

A source said: 'There is no stopping Jack. Even becoming a dad hasn't slowed down his earnings  and the commissions keep coming. He remains hugely likeable, and crucially his comedy appeals to advertisers as it's safe and clean...

'Leaning on the relationship he has with his grouchy dad Michael and fun-loving mum Hilary has helped take him from laddy topics to more relatable topics, too. It's hard to see a time when Jack won't be popular.'

Roxy is pictured with Jack at Wimbledon in July

The funnyman is said to have amassed a whopping 11.4M fortune, after raking in 2.3M and welcoming his first child with Roxy

Nigel hosted the bash to showcase the new product

Young attendees were treated to Little City UK role play areas

Roxy looked stunning at the party in the iconic venue
They were the Posh and Becks of reality television, loved more as a pair than as separate entities.

So when Molly-Mae Hague and Tommy Fury split last month, not only were their millions of devoted fans left in mourning, but their extremely lucrative joint brand was left in tatters, too.

Their romance had begun after meeting on ITV's Love Island in 2019. Runners up on the show, they were rapidly taken to the hearts of the captivated Gen Z viewers, who regarded them as a 'fairytale family'.

As Molly, a model and beauty pageant winner, and Tommy, a professional boxer and younger brother of world champion boxer Tyson Fury, shared more and more of their seemingly envious life on social media, their fanbase grew and grew.

Along with the millions of followers came lucrative endorsement deals: Tommy became M&S's food ambassador, as well as picking up contracts with fashion brands like Diesel.

Tommy Fury and Molly-Mae Hague were due to be married next year but split last month after the boxer was accused of cheating

Molly-Mae, meanwhile, was snapped up as the face and creative director (she has now stepped down from this role) of fast-fashion range PrettyLittleThing. The money came rolling in  some 9million.

Then came heartbreak. The pair, who were due to be married next year, split three weeks ago after Tommy was accused of cheating.

They both spoke of their devastation  and their fans launched an extraordinary outpouring of emotion online.

One image from Molly-Mae's Instagram relating to the split attracted 1.2 million likes from her 8 million followers, and thousands of comments: 'I always thought this couple were so perfect!' wept one female fan.

Those fans can now rest easy, however  as can those companies who've paid good money to tap into the commercial power of the couple's brand. (One forthcoming deal with Netflix, for example, is said to be worth a potential 1million.)

For the Mail can reveal that the pair are mending their relationship. Friends have told me that Molly-Mae and Tommy, who share 18-month-old daughter Bambi, are getting their romance back on track.

So much so that Tommy is now a regular visitor to Molly-Mae's 4million six-bedroom Cheshire mansion where the trio lived as a family until she kicked him out last month.

Astonishingly, so successful has Molly-Mae become, that it was recently reported that she bought the pile alone, without her fiance's help.

Friends say that they are 'getting on really well' and Tommy has been spending evenings with Molly-Mae.

Molly-Mae and Tommy enjoy a holiday with their daughter Bambi, who was born in 2023

One catalyst for their rekindled affection has been Bambi, the star of both Molly-Mae and Tommy's social media platforms, who they have been co-parenting since they went their separate ways.

A source tells me they are getting 'close again' and getting back together is now 'very much a reality'.

'Molly-Mae and Tommy appear to be finding a way through their issues,' said one friend. 'Some close to them are even going as far as to say they are heading for a full-on reconciliation.

'It might come as a surprise to many but, despite what might have gone on, they adore one another.

'They as good as grew up together, they were barely 20 when they met and they have navigated the whole fame thing together. That bond and those times can never be taken from them.

'They have had to see one another because of Bambi and that has been a good opportunity for them to have begun the process of getting back together. They're enjoying quiet time away from the limelight.

'Things have been so dramatic in the past three or four weeks, they just want some calm to work through their issues.'

It's true that these few weeks, since Molly suddenly announced their split on  where else?  Instagram have been intense.

After writing her emotional revelation online  'Never in a million years did I think I'd ever have to write this ' she began her statement  Molly-Mae has given a pitch-perfect window of her life as a singleton on social media.

Thanking all her 'online friends' for their support, she even went to a bridal shop to try on wedding dresses for a white-themed party, and spoke of her emotion that she wasn't buying one for real.

The pair met on the dating show Love Island in 2019, finishing as the couple in second place

Undeniably, this is all absorbing online content and her non-stop publicity campaign is something Molly-Mae has undoubtedly been aided with by her manager, Francesca Britton, who has been at her side since the earliest days after she left Love Island.

There's no denying though that the split was terrible timing for many of the couple's joint deals. They were in negotiations for a Netflix deal thought to be worth in excess of 1 million, which would have seen Molly-Mae and Tommy following in his big brother Tyson's footsteps (he and his wife Paris have their own vastly popular series At Home With The Furys on the streaming giant).

The plan was for their show to be a fly-on-the-wall documentary which would allow her millions of fans inside their home to see how they lived their daily lives, Bambi included.

However, plans looked to be quashed when they broke up.

'It's an example of just what being a brand can do for you,' said one showbusiness insider.

Tommy is now said to be a regular visitor to Molly-Mae's 4million six-bedroom Cheshire mansion where they lived together until she kicked him out

There's also the matter of Tommy's book. His autobiography  much anticipated among their fans  is due on October 9. However, as it was finished before he split from Molly-Mae, it doesn't include any details of their separation which may put potential readers off buying it.

Tommy, apparently, is under pressure to add a chapter, but given how close the publication date is, it could be impossible.

'You're basically buying a book that was written while Tommy was in one of the most high profile celebrity relationships but now he isn't,' a source tells me.

'Were they to be back together, surely it will help sales.'

It would have all been a high price to pay for what looked to be a truly banal act of infidelity. Within hours of Molly-Mae announcing the end of their relationship online, there were claims Tommy had cheated.

At the centre of these claims was a 20-year-old Danish jewellery assistant Milla Corfixen who met Tommy while he was on holiday with his friends in North Macedonia.

There were reports that Tommy had flirted with her and behaved 'inappropriately'. Tommy, however, staunchly denied any allegations of wrongdoing.

As for Milla, she said: ' We had a great time, but nothing happened. We were talking about Molly-Mae, and talking about Bambi and how beautiful she was.

'We were just getting to know each other  no flirting.'

Since then, Molly-Mae has been carefully balancing her social media output between the personal and the professional. Her posts have been busily teasing her fans about a new project named Maebe.

In what appears to be a carefully orchestrated publicity campaign, she had made several video blogs where she has spoken about the forthcoming project which she is set to announce tomorrow. She will begin selling her goods  thought to be clothing and accessories  from September 21.

In addition, she has been promoting her successful fake tan brand called Filter, which is thought to have added to her fortune.

In one clip she seemed to draw upon her split to raise its profile, saying: 'It's been bad timing with everything, but it's also been kind of a blessing because it's a huge distraction for me and it's something that I can like plummet all my emotions into.

'I've been non-stop working on it, near enough every single day,' she said. 'My heart and soul has gone into this project.'

Earlier this week, Tommy revealed he also has a 'new and exciting' project' lined up for the end of the year.

Yesterday, there were reports he is in conversations to take part in ITV reality show I'm A Celeb in what would be a megabucks deal.

Perfect timing then, all in all, for a reconciliation. And who knows, maybe there will be wedding bells before long. After all, celebrity weddings can be very lucrative indeed.

The Mail approached representatives of both Tommy Fury and Molly-Mae Hague for comment.
Strictly Come Dancing's cast and crew are reportedly furious over the return of professional dancer Aljaz Skorjanec, as it's claimed he was involved in backstage row with a female dancer.

The Slovenian dancer, 34, is set to return to the BBC show for its new series, two years after an altercation on the 2022 live tour, according to The Sun.

Two years after his exit, it's reported that Aljez departed the show after an alleged 'shocking' incident with a fellow female professional dancer on the nationwide tour.

The decision to bring back the star to the BBC show has reportedly raised eyebrows, especially given a string of scandals that have beset the show in recent weeks.

A source told the publication: 'Has the BBC learned nothing from the past ten months?

Strictly Come Dancing's cast and crew are reportedly furious over the return of professional dancer Aljaz Skorjanec

The Slovenian dancer, 34, is set to return to the BBC show for its new series, two years after an altercation on the 2022 live tour (pictured with celebrity partner Sara Davies in 2021)

'Amid ongoing furore around the behaviour of its male pros, they actively recruited a dancer who left under a cloud.

'Aljaz was touted as an unproblematic, returning legend but that couldn't be further from the truth.'

The source claimed the crew and cast were 'relieved' to see his departure two years ago and are now 'aghast' to see him back on the show

They revealed he allegedly got 'very drunk' on a night out on tour two years ago which led him being involved in a 'very serious, pretty shocking altercation' with a female.

The incident was said to have made the female dancer feel 'deeply uncomfortable'.

Aljaz's scene has been reportedly discussed backstage at length since and the decision to bring him back has 'baffled' the crew.

'Execs would have to be living in a cave not to have heard the rumours', the source added.

According to the publication, the BBC denied an official complaint was made over the incident, and it had been previously stated that Aljaz left of his own accord.

The BBC declined to comment when contacted by MailOnline, and told The Sun that they did not recognise the claims against Aljaz.

A spokesperson for Aljaz said: 'Aljaz has the utmost respect for everyone he works with.

'He chose to leave the show in 2022 of his own accord but he has always loved Strictly and was delighted to be asked back.

'It is untrue to say or suggest he was forced out or that he acted in an aggressive manner at any time. He is excited to make his return to the dancefloor this year.'

At the time, Aljaz reportedly agreed to exit the show after an alleged 'shocking' incident with a fellow female professional dancer on the nationwide tour

Aljaz is married to fellow Strictly pro and It Takes Two host Janette Manrara, and sources claim that after his 2022 altercation, the crew are 'aghast' bosses have invited him back

The return of the professional dancer, who is married to fellow Strictly pro and It Takes Two host Janette Manrara, is the latest drama to hit the BBC show, as several allegations of abuse from professionals have come to light.

The scandal erupted when actress Amanda Abbington quit the show last year before claiming that her partner Giovanni Pernice was abusive towards her - later leaving the show. Giovanni has vehemently denied the claims.

Amanda, 50, abruptly left the BBC show citing 'personal issues' and hasn't been seen on screen since, even quitting social media last month in the wake of her former dance partner's sacking.

Giovanni, 33, was suspended while a BBC probe is underway over allegations made by Amanda and two other former celebrity partners.

Sources previously claimed Amanda, Ranvir Singh and Laura Whitmore had an 'emotional summit' where they 'compared notes' about their time working with Giovanni on the show.

Amanda quit Strictly due to 'personal reasons' before reports she had demanded footage of their rehearsals after the experience in the competition left her with PTSD.

Meanwhile Ranvir complained about Giovanni to producers back in 2020, during their time on the show, while Laura said she 'cried every day' and felt 'uncomfortable' while dancing with him in 2016.

The BBC are currently believed to be scouring through nine years of Strictly footage to confirm or deny claims from three celebrities.

Giovanni has not returned for the show's 2024 season.

Soon after, it emerged that Graziano Di Prima had been sacked for 'kicking' his partner, Love Island star Zara McDermott.

Strictly bosses then announced plans to introduce chaperones during training, and the appointment of two new welfare producers, after Graziano's shock sacking from the show.

Love Island star Zara broke her silence on the scandal as she wrote on Instagram on Tuesday morning that while much of her time on Strictly 'was everything I could have dreamt of' inside the training room with Graziano there were 'particular incidents which are incredibly distressing'.

'I felt it was right that I post something regarding the recent media reports,' Zara began. 'Strictly is one of the most magical shows on TV and one that I dreamt of being on since I was a little girl.'

He reportedly agreed to exit the show and competition after an alleged 'shocking' incident with a fellow female professional dancer on the nationwide tour (pictured in 2019)

despite the show''s controversial months, Aljaz - who was accused of upsetting show staff with 'aggressive and pompous behaviour' in 2022 - is set to return (pictured in 2019)

Zara explained that she didn't report the incidents at the time as she was 'scared' of backlash.

New reports then emerged claiming that Zara also suffered a leg fracture during training, and continued to dance.

She picked up the nasty injury while preparing to dance and despite being in agonising pain, pushed through to compete in the dance-off.

Zara is thought to have told BBC bosses of the 'rigorous' training sessions she endured while paired with Graziano on the show.

However, a source close to Graziano told the publication that he encouraged her to take breaks, and she wanted to continue training despite her pain.

Then an unnamed female Strictly dancer was brought into the scandal after it was reported that they screamed in their male partner's face and berated him off-camera.

The Daily Mirror reported that the household name's allegations do not include physical abuse.

A source said: 'The man in question felt very much victimized by the behaviour of his Strictly partner.

'He alleges that on several occasions she flew into a real fury when he couldn't get the steps right, and on one occasion screamed full in his face. They rowed every single day.

'He was left upset, struggling to sleep, and feeling isolated in the process. But even worse, he felt totally unsupported by Strictly. When he suffered the setback, it was clear he was struggling, but he felt there was no duty of care. After leaving the show, he was not contacted again, even by phone.'

The source said he had been in a bad place and feared a public backlash if he spoke out.

And despite the show''s controversial months, Aljaz - who was accused of upsetting show staff with 'aggressive and pompous behaviour' in 2022 - is set to return.

Aljaz, who the series before was paired with Dragon's Den star Sara Davies, revealed in 2022 that he would be leaving Strictly, with sources adding he was 'on the fence' about leaving before deciding to move onto other projects.

A source told The Sun that members of the crew were left 'really upset' by 'incidents' involving Aljaz during Strictly's previous series.

They added: 'He verbally lashed out at various staff members behind the scenes in what some thought was an unnecessarily aggressive manner.

'Aljaz was seen by some as arrogant and pompous too  and it left a bad taste in some of the staff's mouths. Not many people will miss him.'

However a representative for Aljaz told the publication: 'Aljaz has the utmost respect for everyone working on the show and it is untrue to say he was forced out or acted in an aggressive manner at any time.

'It was Aljaz's decision to leave the show after an incredible 9 years.'

Sarah James, Executive Producer of Strictly Come Dancing said at the time: 'We are so sad to be saying goodbye to Aljaz after almost a decade as a professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing.

'Since lifting the glitterball with Abbey Clancy in his debut series he has become a firm favourite with viewers across the country.

'During his nine series he has provided us with some unforgettable moments on the show through his incredible choreography, passion for dance and heart of gold.

'He will be missed by his Strictly family, both on and off the dancefloor, and we wish him only the very best as he embarks on his next chapter.'

It came after sources revealed that Aljaz had made his decision to leave Strictly 'a little while ago' having pondered for some time, and is grateful to the show for allowing his 'dream become a reality'. '
Nicole Kidman was forced to stop an interview at her latest film premiere after swarms of flying insects targeted the actress on the red carpet.

The Australian actress, 57, appeared at the premiere of Netflix's The Perfect Couple, which was held at The Egyptian Theatre on Wednesday.

But the event was invaded by bugs that emerged in the Los Angeles heat and were attracted to the stage lights.

While chatting with E! News on the red carpet, the reporter noticed a gnat fly directly into the Kidman's blonde hair before halting the interview and attempting to remove the critter for her.

'This is awful,' the star said. 'What is going on here?!'

Kidman wasn't the only star to fall victim to the swarm  her co-stars Liev Schreiber and Meghann Fahy were also seen swatting flies mid-interview.

'I think one just bit me,' Schreiber said before smacking his neck.

'This is unhinged! ... We got to leave LA,' Fahy said to another reporter.

Nicole Kidman was forced to stop an interview at her latest film premiere after swarms of flying insects targeted the actress on the red carpet

Kidman looked radiant in a plunging black dress at the Hollywood premiere.

The Oscar winner easily defied her 57 years as she posed alongside co-stars almost half her age like 34-year-old Meghann Fahy, who plays Merritt Monaco in the show, and Bono's daughter Eve Hewson, 33.

Nicole showcased her slim, statuesque 5ft11in figure in a custom Ferragamo halter gown, which was so sheer her panties were visible, and Paris Texas shoes selected by stylist Jason Bolden.

Kidman had a black tuxedo blazer slung over one shoulder as she posed at the film festivities.

Hairstylist Adir Abergel coiffed the Hawaiian-born Australian's high-volume blonde mane.

Nicole Kidman looked radiant in a plunging black dress at the Hollywood premiere of The Perfect Couple, which was held at The Egyptian Theatre on Wednesday

Make-up artist Gucci Westman fully contoured Nicole's alabaster, suspiciously unlined complexion.

Kidman executive produced and stars as famous novelist Greer Garrison Winbury in Jenna Lamia's six-episode mystery drama, which premieres this Thursday on Netflix.

In it, 'Amelia Sacks (Eve Hewson) is about to marry into one of the wealthiest families on Nantucket, until a shocking death derails the wedding  and turns everyone into a suspect.'

'I grew up on [murder mysteries] and I haven't seen one like this for a while, so it was really exciting to be a part of it and to be able to produce it as well,' the Blossom Films founder told Reuters on Monday.

'[Greer is] strong and and powerful and that was exciting to play. I'm always on this quest to find things that I haven't done or have different experiences.'

Susanne Bier directed the small-screen adaptation of Elin Hilderbrand's 2018 novel of the same name.

Nicole was joined at the premiere by her onscreen husband Liev Schreiber, who plays patriarch Tag Winbury in The Perfect Couple.

Kidman has likely known the 56-year-old Tony winner as far back as 2005 when he began his 11-year relationship with her best friend Naomi Watts, which amicably ended in 2016.

Nicole showcased her slim, statuesque 5ft11in figure in a custom Ferragamo halter gown, which was so sheer her panties were visible, and Paris Texas shoes selected by stylist Jason Bolden

Kidman had a black tuxedo blazer slung over one shoulder as she posed at the film festivities

Make-up artist Gucci Westman fully contoured Nicole's alabaster, suspiciously unlined complexion

Kidman executive produced and stars as famous novelist Greer Garrison Winbury in Jenna Lamia's six-episode mystery drama, which premieres this Thursday on Netflix

Liev (born Isaac) dressed his fit 6ft3in form in a white unbuttoned shirt beneath a black suit.

Meanwhile, the A Family Affair actress' real-life second husband - four-time Grammy winner Keith Urban - was in Brisbane performing a concert at Lefty's Music Hall.

Nicole and the 56-year-old Kiwi country crooner - who wed one year after meeting at G'Day LA in 2005 - are proud parents of 16-year-old daughter Sunday Rose and 13-year-old daughter Faith Margaret.

Kidman also has two adult children - daughter Isabella, 31; and son Connor, 29 - from her decade-long first marriage to four-time Oscar nominee Tom Cruise, which ended in 2001.

Liev (born Isaac) dressed his fit 6ft3in form in a white unbuttoned shirt beneath a black suit
Artem Chigvintsev has updated his Instagram bio by removing his wife Nikki Garcia's name, in the wake of his domestic violence arrest.

The Dancing With The Stars pro, 42, previously had a link to Garcia's, 40, social media in his bio with a bride emoji and a diamond ring emoji, but it has now been removed.

His bio currently reads, 'Father to Matteo, DWTS Pro Dancer, Emmy Nominated Choreographer, DWTS Mirror Ball Winner, SCD Mirror Ball Winner.'

Artem  who was arrested on August 29 in Napa County, California  and Nikki are still both following each other on the social media platform.

It comes following news that the dancer is desperately trying to salvage his marriage with Nikki  but she believes 'divorce is the only option.'

Artem Chigvintsev, 42, has updated his Instagram bio by removing his wife Nikki Garcia's, 40, name, in the wake of his domestic violence arrest; they are seen in 2019

The Dancing With The Stars pro previously had a link to Garcia's social media in his bio with a bride emoji and a diamond ring emoji, but it has now been removed

Cops were called to the couples $1.5 million marital home in Yountville, California, following reports of a bust-up.

Sources said the couple dialed 911 twice  first to request assistance for an injury before calling back and asking paramedics not to come.

But due to the sounds of a domestic disturbance in the background, cops from the Napa Sheriffs Department descended on the couples leafy neighborhood anyway, taking Russian-born Chigvintsev with them.

He was booked into the Napa County Jail on felony domestic violence charges at 10:59 am before being released on a $25,000 bond at approximately 2.18am.

A mugshot released by the Napa County Sheriffs office showed the ballroom star looking glum-faced in a check shirt while sporting a grizzled beard.

The arrest, which reportedly came after Garcia threw shoes at her husband, took place less than four days after the pair celebrated the anniversary of their August 2022 wedding  with both marking the moment on social media.

Sources said Chigvintsev is currently scheduled to face court in Napa on Tuesday over the incident and cannot leave Napa County until the case is resolved.

And now Artem is said to be hellbent on proving to wife Nikki that he 'can be a changed man.'

While she has allegedly banned Artem from seeing their four-year-old son Matteo without supervision and is searching for a divorce lawyer, sources have revealed to DailyMail.com that he is in the 'fight of his life' to win her back  especially now that he has been dropped from the upcoming season of DWTS.

The change comes over a week after his domestic violence arrest on August 29 in Napa County, California; pictured in his mugshot

Artem and Nikki are still both following each other on the social media platform; seen in 2019

It comes following news that the dancer is desperately trying to salvage his marriage with Nikki  but she believes 'divorce is the only option'; seen in 2019

Insiders told DailyMail.com that Artem has to be supervised 'if and when' he wants to see his young son Matteo, four

'Artem is very frustrated and mad that he wasn't asked to be on this season of Dancing with the Stars, and now it looks like he will never be back,' they said.

'His life professionally and personally is and has been flipped upside down.'

'He doesn't know what his next steps are with Nikki, he has been upset for a long time and now he is in the fight of his life to clear his name and win back Nikki, but as of right now he hasn't decided what he might do to show her that he can be a changed man.'

'They currently have limited dialogue with each other.'

'If and when he sees Matteo, Nikki wants it supervised. Her trust has been thrown out the door and she is very angry with Artem, he has an uphill battle ahead of him. The whole thing is a mess.'

'She has tried and tried to make it work, but she feels divorce is the only option. It hurts but Nikki is such a strong woman, and she is doing what is right for her, and for Matteo.'

Although Artem is desperately trying to repair his marriage, Nikki's twin Brie Garcia is said to want her sister to leave him for good.

His arrest  which reportedly happened after Nikki threw shoes at him  came days after he and Nikki celebrated their second wedding anniversary; they are seen in 2017

Sources said Chigvintsev is currently scheduled to face court in Napa on Tuesday over the incident and cannot leave Napa County until the case is resolved

Earlier this week, an insider close to former WWE star Brie, 40, said she is 'disgusted' by the news of Artem's arrest, and wants her twin to have nothing to do with him.

'Nikki's sister Brie is disgusted, shocked, disappointed and just sad that this happened,' they told DailyMail.com.

'She loves Artem, and for this to be going down is so out of the realm of possibility of the person who she knows. Brie is very concerned about it all and is there for her sister at all costs.'

The added: 'Brie, who is obviously the closest to Nikki, as anyone would, is telling her to leave Artem, if this is as bad as it seems, and if it happened before, once she finds out everything that happened, she will be the first to tell Nikki to leave him.'

Nikki and Artem's two-year marriage was reportedly plagued by arguments, but his violent outburst has shocked the WWE star and her family.

'One thing Nikki never showed was the verbal troubles that she had with Artem,' the source continued. 'They wouldn't treat each other very nice and they never built on a friendship.'

'Their sole focus has been on their son and not on each other. That caused arguments, but as far as everyone knows it never got physical.'

'Family and friends are very surprised things got physical, but they're not exactly surprised that they were having trouble, it just seemed like normal relationship issues to outsiders.'

Nikki's twin Brie Garcia (pictured) is said to want her sister to leave Artem for good

Over the weekend, Nikki was seen boarding a JSX flight to Sin City at Oakland airport without her wedding ring. She was accompanied by her son and an assistant.

On Tuesday, TMZ claimed that Nikki began the hunt for an attorney the day after Artem had allegedly attacked her.

The publication alleged that she has been making calls since Friday and has the intention of ending her marriage.

Artem and Nikki initially crossed paths in 2017 when they were paired up on the 25th season of Dancing with the Stars.

Artem had previously been in high-profile relationships with other celebrities, including dancer Giselle Peacock, 43, between 2004 and 2005. He also dated DWTS judge Carrie Ann Inaba, 56, between 2006 and 2008.
Matt Damon and his stunning wife Luciana Barroso lit up the red carpet at the Unstoppable premiere on Friday.

The 53-year-old Talented Mr. Ripley vet wrapped his arm around the 48-year-old former bartender as they made a striking entrance at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival.

Damon, looking sharp in a grey suit, beamed with his signature smile while affectionately gazing at his wife of nearly 20 years - moments after posing with BFF Ben Affleck's ex Jennifer Lopez.

Luciana, in a stunning black dress with a plunging neckline, paired her ensemble with a sleek metallic clutch.

The couple, who share daughters Isabella, 18, Gia, 16, and Stella, 14, appeared to relish the evening, sharing laughs and remaining close throughout the glamorous event.

Matt Damon and his stunning wife Luciana Barroso lit up the red carpet at the Unstoppable premiere on Friday

They have three daughters together: Isabella, 18, Gia, 16, and Stella, 14. Barroso is also mom to Alexia, 26, from a previous relationship

Damon, along with Affleck, produced the film, which Lopez stars in alongside Jharrel Jerome, Bobby Cannavale, Michael Pena and Don Cheadle.

Notably absent from the event was Affleck, 52, who is in the midst of a divorce from Lopez.

Damon and Affleck have been friends for over 40 years. They grew up together in Boston, Massachusetts, and went to school together.

They both broke into Hollywood through their work on the 1997 film Good Will Hunting.

They wrote the screenplay together, with Damon also starring in the film, which was a critical and commercial success, earning them an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.

Meanwhile Lopez had all eyes on her at the premiere, wearing a sultry gown that was completely open down the sides, and secured with just three black bows.

She paired her silver, disco ball-inspired dress, from Tamara Ralph, with a pair of open-toed high heels and Hassanzadeh jewelry.

The Hustlers actress wore her waist-length, light brown hair down in loose waves that cascaded down her back.

The pair, who've been married since 2005, laughed up a storm together

Luciana's tresses were pinned up in an elegant updo, with a few strands left to frame her face

She accessorized with a black clutch and golden jewelry

The pair seen arriving to the event

Her appearance comes just two and a half weeks after she filed for divorce on her and Affleck's two-year wedding anniversary.

Despite navigating the end of her fourth marriage, a source told DailyMail.com that the Let's Get Loud hitmaker was happy to 'head to the Toronto Film Festival to promote this film because Unstoppable means a lot to her, she wants to support it.'

'It is a true life story that is very inspirational and she is proud to be a part of it. Acting in the movie was a high point for her,' the insider added.

'The movie has been getting a lot of attention and Jennifer wants it to do the best it can. She is very professional and always works hard to give her movies their best opportunities.'

She looked sensational in a skintight plunging black gown

The Talented Mr. Ripley star, 53, and the Love Don't Cost a Thing hitmaker, 55, were pictured in a group shot along with co-stars Bobby Cannavale, Jharrel Jerome, and Don Cheadle

Lopez has a supporting part as a wrestler's mother in the movie, which already has Oscar buzz.

The source noted that it will be a 'quick trip' for the performer 'as she has other matters to attend to.'

Certain producers on the movie were trying to 'pushing the two to appear together at the premiere in Toronto to create buzz on the film,' DailyMail.com reported earlier this week.

She paired her silver, disco ball-inspired dress, from Tamara Ralph, with a pair of open-toed high heels and Hassanzadeh jewelry

Her appearance comes just two and a half weeks after she filed for divorce on her and Affleck's two-year wedding anniversary; they are seen in January at the Golden Globes

According to DailyMail.com earlier this week, some producers of the film had hoped to have both stars appear together at the Toronto premiere to generate buzz.

However, their efforts did not succeed, and now only one of them will attend.

The project is produced by Ben Afflecks production company, Artists Equity, which he co-founded with Matt Damon.

It will be featured in the Special Presentations section at the Toronto International Film Festival and is slated for a limited theatrical release in December 2024, distributed by Amazon MGM Studios.
Rebel Wilson has shared an exclusive sneak peek at her upcoming directorial debut musical film The Deb, amid a controversial legal battle with the producers.

The Pitch Perfect actress, 44, who is being sued by the film's producers for defamation, posted a scene to Instagram which captured the characters singing an R-rated song.

The clip showcases the privileged female high school characters singing a raunchy song called F**k My Life, as they complain about how hard their wealthy lives are.

The hilarious footage indicates Rebel's movie, which is adapted from a 2022 stage production of the same name, will be a side-splitting spoof of classical Hollywood musicals.

Rebel also shared a clip of her directing a dancing scene from her upcoming movie and captioned it with some informative words: 'My directorial DEB-ut is about to world premiere in Toronto.

'Can't wait for The Deb to premiere in Toronto and for you to see all the hard work that's gone into this awesome movie. This film is great because every department was GREAT!'

It comes after Rebel fired back at the producers of the movie in an expletive-laden rant after they filed legal action against her.

The actress made her point of view very clear after it emerged she was being sued for defamation by the producers of her movie in a shock fallout.

Rebel Wilson has shared an exclusive sneak peek at her upcoming directorial debut musical film The Deb, amid a controversial legal battle with the producers. Pictured: Rebel directing a scene from the movie

Producers Amanda Ghost and Gregor Cameron, and executive producer Vince Holden launched a lawsuit after Rebel accused them of blocking her movie from premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival in September.

Last month, the trio filed an amended complaint, prompting Wilson to hit back in a fiery statement aimed at Len Blavatnik, the billionaire whose company AI Film financed the coming-of-age musical.

'Len Blavatnik, please stop funding and protecting Amanda Ghost, Gregor Cameron and Vince Holden,' Wilson wrote in an impassioned post on Instagram.

The Pitch Perfect actress posted a scene to Instagram which captured the characters singing an R-rated song. The clip showcases the privileged female high school characters singing a raunchy song called F**k My Life, as they complain about how hard their wealthy lives are

The hilarious footage indicates Rebel's movie, which is adapted from a 2022 stage production of the same name, will be a side-splitting spoof of classical Hollywood musicals

Labelling the producers as 'f***wits', she continued her tirade, also abusing them for being 'vile and disgusting'.

'Clearly these recent press articles and constant retaliations against me for speaking the truth on my small Australian movie are FALSE,' Wilson continued.

'All I did was tell the truth about these absolute f****wits  now they launch a bogus defamation suit and bogus articles to inflict further harm.'

Prior to that, the producers of The Deb branded Wilson a 'malicious bully' in a defamation lawsuit launched against her as the fallout from the movie's bungled premiere continues to deteriorate.

In their amended complaint, The Deb producers claimed Wilson defamed them in an Instagram post in which she accused the trio of embezzling money from the film's budget and also claimed that Ghost sexually harassed one of the lead actresses.

Meanwhile, Rebel's lawyer Bryan Freedman claimed 'the number of people who back up Rebel's experience is staggering' in a statement given to Deadline.
Florence Pugh captivated the red carpet alongside Andrew Garfield at the premiere of their new film We Live in Time on Friday.

The 28-year-old British actress, who recently stirred up romance rumors with Peaky Blinders star Finn Cole, stole the show with her co-star, 41, at the Toronto International Film Festival.

Pugh dazzled in a plunging pink ball gown embellished with black silk bows, effortlessly commanding attention.

Her sandy blonde hair was styled in soft waves, swept to one side, complementing her choice of minimal makeup that highlighted her natural beauty.

Garfield, looking sharp in a light grey suit paired with a brown shirt, kept things classy as he posed with his arm around Florence, making for a striking duo in front of the cameras.

Florence Pugh captivated the red carpet alongside Andrew Garfield at the premiere of their new film We Live in Time on Friday

The 28-year-old British actress, who recently stirred up romance rumors with Peaky Blinders star Finn Cole , stole the show with her co-star, 41, at the Toronto International Film Festival

Last month, the trailer for We Live In Time dropped, offering a glimpse into the decade-long romance between Pugh's character, Almut, and Garfield's Tobias.

Directed by John Crowley, the romantic drama teases a heartfelt journey of love and connection over ten years.

At the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, the film production company StudioCanal sold the movie to A24 for U.S. distribution.

Nick Payne, who has worked as a writer on The Crown, wrote the screenplay and developed the script.

The film is executive produced by Benedict Cumberbatch via his company SunnyMarch alongside Leah Clarke, Adam Ackland and Guy Heeley.

On Tuesday, Pugh and Cole sparked romance rumours as they slipped out of The Perfect Couple premiere afterparty together.

The pair had been living it up at The Hoxton in London as they celebrated the release of Nicole Kidman's new Netflix series.

However, Florence, 28, apparently went to great lengths to keep his identity secret - with The Daily Mail's Richard Eden reporting they were very low-key in their arrival.

Pugh dazzled in a plunging pink ball gown embellished with black silk bows, effortlessly commanding attention

Her sandy blonde hair was styled in soft waves, swept to one side, complementing her choice of minimal makeup that highlighted her natural beauty

Last month, the trailer for We Live In Time dropped, offering a glimpse into the decade-long romance between Pugh's character, Almut, and Garfield's Tobias

Directed by John Crowley, the romantic drama teases a heartfelt journey of love and connection over ten years

Nick Payne, who has worked as a writer on The Crown, wrote the screenplay and developed the script

Florence was seen getting her hair touched up before dazzling the crowds

The beauty had all eyes on her as she attended the glitzy premiere

A guest also shared: I saw them holding hands at the after-party at The Hoxton hotel.'

Yet they were keen to make a quick getaway at the end, sneaking out of a side door and sliding into their waiting car.

It's not the first time the pair have enjoyed an outing - having partied at Glastonbury Festival together.

Florence has also 'liked' every Instagram post of Finn's this year and shared her delight when it was revealed he had landed a role in the theatre production of Red Speedo.

She commented on the post: 'Oh my gosh this is unbelievably exciting!' and added she'd be bringing her beloved grandmother, sharing: 'Granny Pat wants to come.. #obvi'.

Finn is best known for playing Michael Gray in the BBC series Peaky Blinders, where he starred alongside his brother Joe.

While Finn has not had any notable relationships, earlier this year, Florence was said to have attracted the attention of Normal People star Paul Mescal.

The pair reportedly enjoyed one another's company after the BAFTA Film Awards at the Royal Festival Hall in London on Sunday.

Garfield, looking sharp in a light grey suit paired with a brown shirt, kept things classy as he posed with his arm around Florence, making for a striking duo in front of the cameras

The film is executive produced by Benedict Cumberbatch via his company SunnyMarch alongside Leah Clarke, Adam Ackland and Guy Heeley

Garfield cut a cool figure on the red carpet

At the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, the film production company StudioCanal sold the movie to A24 for U.S. distribution

Florence had earlier made a graceful arrival to the premiere as she carefully left her vehicle

The film follows the story of a recent divorcee and an on-the-rise chef, played respectively by Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh, over a decade in their lives together

Florence split from her photographer boyfriend Charlie Gooch in October last year.

Prior to her romance with Charlie, Florence was briefly linked to Harry Styles who she was said to have kissed while filming their movie Don't Worry Darling.

In August 2022, Florence announced she and her ex-boyfriend Zach Braff had split up after three years together.

The 21-year age gap between the pair drew attention during their three-year courtship.
Leonardo DiCaprio's girlfriend Vittoria Ceretti looked casual cool as she arrived to the Alaia Spring 2025 show, during New York Fashion Week, on Friday.

The Italian beauty, 26, was among a number of models who strutted down the iconic spiral ramp at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, to show off creative director Pieter Mulier's latest designs.

As she arrived to the show, Vittoria opted for a laid-back look in a white top, a black leather vest, and bright red oversized pants.

The Vogue cover girl sported a Western black belt with a silver buckle and mesh Alaia flats.

She opted for natural makeup, and wore her dark tresses slicked down and brushed back for the fashion event.

Leonardo DiCaprio's, 49, girlfriend Vittoria Ceretti, 26, looked casual cool as she arrived to the Alaia Spring 2025 show, during New York Fashion Week, on Friday

Kendall Jenner also walked the runway at the show, which was attended by superstar Rihanna.

Other A-listers at the event included Steven Tyler's daughter Liv Tyler, Tracee Ellis Ross, Amber Valletta, Naomi Campbell, and more.

The Alaia fashion house was founded by Azzedine Alaia, who started his career as a pattern cutter in Paris in the 1960s, before launching his own label in the 1980s.

Mulier is the current creative director of Alaia.

With Rihanna watching from the front row, Mulier experimented with abstract ethereal gowns, consistent with the modern yet sexy aesthetic he has cultivated during his tenure at the brand.

Vittoria returned to work after recently enjoying a European vacation with the Titanic star, 49.

Last month she was seen taking off her bikini top as they frolicked on a luxurious yacht off the South Of France.

The actor and his younger flame have spent a chunk of the summer cruising around the Mediterranean, stopping at such fashionable pleasure spots as Sardinia.

The Italian beauty opted for a laid-back look in a white top, a black leather vest, and bright red oversized pants

She was among the models who strutted down the iconic spiral ramp at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, to show off creative director Pieter Mulier's latest designs; seen in May

Vittoria was discovered in 2012 and has since walked over 400 fashion shows, as well as covering various international editions of Vogue 23 times; seen in March in Beverly Hills

While they were in Italy, Vittoria was spotted sporting a ring on her engagement ring, unleashing an avalanche of rumors about the true state of their relationship.

Her left hand was bare of jewelry when she was seen gamboling around on the yacht near Cannes this Friday, accompanied by her shirtless celebrity boyfriend and another bikini bombshell.

Vittoria indulged in a bit of sunbathing on a deck chair - and removing her barely-there swimsuit top, with its straps seen dangling down her sides.

Meanwhile Leo could be glimpsed enjoying a dip in the ocean, then clambering back up onto the vessel, where a crew member was already waiting for him with a towel.

The bikini bombshells were evidently unable to retain his undivided attention, as he sat staring at his phone while they flaunted their figures sunbathing in front of him.

Leo had a few round marks on his lower back that resembled the imprints left by cupping therapy, a treatment from traditional Chinese medicine in which hot cups are applied to the skin.

During his latest summer jaunt in Europe, Leo has occasionally been accompanied by his longtime pal Tobey Maguire.

The two actors share a tight bond stretching back to the 1990s, when they led a group of men about town famously dubbed the 'P***y Posse' by New York magazine.

Leo and Vittoria were first linked over the summer of last year, when she had just turned 25, and have been spotted together on several occasions since.

Near the end of March, Leo and Vittoria were spotted out to dinner at the Santa Monica celebrity hot spot Giorgio Baldi - and she then drove them away from the venue.

Vittoria returned to work after recently enjoying a European vacation with the Titanic star; (L) Leo seen in January; (R) Vittoria seen in May

Leo and Vittoria were first linked over the summer of last year, when she had just turned 25, and have been spotted together on several occasions since; Leo seen in April

The restaurant has been Leo's favorite for years and he's enjoyed date nights with Vittoria several times,' an insider explained to People.

'She's, of course, Italian, so she takes care of ordering all the favorites,' said the source. 'She is very cute, sweet and charming. Leo seems to really like her.'

Vittoria and Leo are said to have met at last year's Cannes Film Festival, where his new Martin Scorsese movie Killers Of The Flower Moon was premiering.

They were first linked in August 2023, after a flurry of rumors that had connected Leo to Vittoria's fellow supermodel Gigi Hadid.

Vittoria was previously married from 2020 until 2023 to the Italian DJ Matteo Milleri, who is part of the Berlin-based duo Tale Of Us.

Vittoria was discovered in 2012 and has since walked over 400 fashion shows, as well as covering various international editions of Vogue 23 times.
Edwina Bartholomew's husband has paid tribute to his 'strong' wife after her shock on-air admission on Friday that she has cancer.

The veteran presenter, 41, tearfully shared that she has been diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia - a type of blood and bone marrow cancer - live on Sunrise.

On Saturday, her husband Neil Varcoe shared an Instagram post showing an image of the presenter alongside a moving caption.

'Edwina is the strongest person I know. She'll get through this. We'll get through this. Thanks for your support' he wrote.

Just hours after the news, Edwina took to Instagram to thank fans for their support and give an insight into her life with her beloved family since receiving the diagnosis.

She shared an array of photographs of herself with her farmer husband Neil, 42, and their two beloved children - daughter Molly, four, and son Tom, two.

One picture showed Edwina and her husband Neil smiling at one another and sharing a look of love as he supported his wife through the difficult time.

Another adorable snap showed her son Tom carrying their house's door stop on an outdoor walk, which Edwina revealed was a 'reminder that life goes on' in a caption.

Edwina Bartholomew 's husband has paid tribute to his 'strong' wife after her shock on-air admission on Friday that she has cancer (pictured with Neil)

In the emotional post, Edwina also admitted it has been a 'strangely joyous time' with her family despite her diagnosis and thanked her fans for their support.

She penned: 'Thank you. Thank you so much for all the love. This past month has been such a strangely joyous time.

'The day I got back from having my bone marrow biopsy, Tom insisted on taking the door snake to the park.

'It made me laugh so much to accompany him down the street with the damn thing flung over his shoulder. It was a lovely reminder that life goes on.

On Saturday, her husband Neil Varcoe shared an Instagram post showing an image of the presenter alongside a moving caption

Edwina is the strongest person I know. She'll get through this. We'll get through this. Thanks for your support' he wrote

'I have been ocean swimming, dreaming up plans with @neilwrites and handing out a lot of hugs. Long may that continue xx.'

Edwina has been married to her farmer husband Neil, 42, for six years. They first met over a decade ago while working together on radio station 2GB.

She has previously given a candid insight into their family life, revealing how she and her beloved husband share an unconventional living arrangement.

After they tied the knot in 2018, Edwina and Neil moved into a Sydney home, but sleep in different bedrooms to ensure they both got a good night's rest.

She recently told Stellar Magazine that despite their love for each other being stronger than ever, they have not slept in the same bed for years.

'We have been sleeping in separate rooms for about 10 years, long before we were married and had kids,' Edwina shared.

Just hours after the news, Edwina took to Instagram to thank fans for their support and give an insight into her life with her beloved family since receiving the diagnosis. She shared an array of photographs of herself with her farmer husband Neil, 42, and their two beloved children - daughter Molly, four, and son Tom, two

Edwina has been married to her farmer husband Neil, 42, for six years. They first met over a decade ago while working together on radio station 2GB

The South Australian-born star explained that while they both initially 'hated the idea' of sleeping apart, they realised it worked for them and grew to love it.

In 2022, Neil was laid off from his role at Twitter in Australia, and in a shock move, he became an agriculture farmer in Carcoar, NSW, 260km from Sydney.

Neil left his job at Twitter following Elon Musk's takeover - and rebranding of the site to X - and moved to Capertee Valley, three hours west of Sydney.

He now works as the 'chief farming officer' at Warramba - the 1890s farm he and Edwina lovingly restored several years ago.

However, Edwina chose to stay in Sydney to ensure she could continue her role at Sunrise, meaning the lovebirds adapted to a long distance relationship.

'My husband lives in the country with the dog, I live in the city with the kids. Each weekend, we traipse back and forth between the two or meet somewhere in the middle,' she told Stellar.

'It feels like a Love Actually airport reunion every time we come together with a slow-motion embrace and those newlywed feels.'

Edwina added while their living arrangements might seem unconventional, it works for both of them and their children, saying their love is stronger than ever.

After they tied the knot in 2018, Edwina and Neil moved into a Sydney home together - but slept in different bedrooms to ensure they both got a good night's rest

On Friday, Edwina revealed she has been diagnosed with cancer in a tearful on-air admission during Sunrise.

The Seven star found out about her shock diagnosis in July and kept it secret from the public, telling only a few friends at work.

Revealing her diagnosis publicly on Friday, the TV star broke down as she admitted: 'I have been diagnosed with cancer. That's a shock and hard to say.'

What is chronic myeloid leukaemia? CML is an uncommon type of cancer in the bone marrow and is very slow to progress. Various symptoms can occur, such as bone pain, fatigue, fever, weight loss, blurry vision and loss of appetite among others. Advances in treatment have improved the prognosis of people with CML and most people diagnosed with it can achieve remission and live for many years. Source: Mayo Clinic Advertisement

'It is a really good kind, called chronic myeloid leukaemia. It can be treated with a daily tablet. If I take care of myself, I will be completely fine,' she went on.

The veteran TV star then began to weep before telling the audience: 'I thought I could keep it together.'

Edwina went on to reveal her co-star Natalie Barr was actually to thank for her getting diagnosed as quickly as she had been.

Her colleague, 56, had her own cancer scare in June after a routine skin check uncovered skin cancer on her nose.

Concerned about her own health, Edwina visited her doctor for a mammogram, blood tests and a skin check - before discovering the news.

'I feel very, very lucky and I wanted to share this with you for a couple of reasons,' Edwina continued.

'Firstly, because everyone at home and here has been here for all the wonderful times, for the engagements, and the weddings and the babies, for all of us. It felt right to share this with you too.

'Many of you have been in similar situations or much, much worse and come out the other side stronger... and more resilient. That's exactly what I plan to do.'

Edwina said the other reason she wished to share her sad news was because she wanted to encourage others to prioritise their health as well.

'Please, particularly for mums who always take care of everyone else, please take care of yourself too. And just check in with your doctor,' she said.

After thanking her bosses at Sunrise, Edwina revealed to viewers that she will be 'taking time off in September' before cutting down on her work at Sunrise.

On Friday, Edwina revealed she has been diagnosed with cancer in a tearful on-air admission during Sunrise. The TV star broke down as she shared: 'I have been diagnosed with cancer'

The former Dancing With The Stars co-host said she will knock her work responsibilities down to just a few days a week at Sunrise when she returns.

'I just do need to take care of myself and rest. We are unbelievably lucky to have access to that in this country, and that that's the kind [of cancer] I have,' she said.

'Also, I've reacted really well to the medication so far which is fantastic. I have no side effects.

'I also had no symptoms, which is why I wanted to give that health warning at all. I didn't have anything.'

Edwina went on to say chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) often doesn't present symptoms, but can become very serious if left untreated.
Teresa Palmer appeared relaxed and happy as she attended a film event on Friday.

The Australian actress walked the red carpet at the Don Julio & Audi Canada Celebrate We Live In Time After Party at the Toronto International Film Festival.

The 38-year-old stunned in a sweet baby doll dress with a white Peter Pan collar and matching waist band, as well as cuffs in the same tone.

The short black frock put her trim pins on display, and she added a pair of black heels to the look.

Teresa opted for bright makeup look with lots of glowing highlighter as well as a peachy eye shadow and pink lipstick.

She pulled her blonde locks off her face and wore a pair of gold earrings, while carrying a black clutch purse.

It comes after the actress revealed she suffered a miscarriage three months after falling pregnant with her fifth child.

She shared a heartbreaking video on Instagram in May, which documented the moment she found out she was expecting another baby.

Teresa Palmer (pictured) walked the red carpet at the Don Julio & Audi Canada Celebrate We Live In Time After Party at the Toronto International Film Festival on Friday

In the clip, the mother-of-four showed a positive pregnancy test to her family members, including husband Mark, 43.

Other moments showed Teresa displaying her growing baby bump, as well as her kids kissing her stomach.

But as the video continued, Teresa broke down in tears in what appeared to be the moment she lost her baby.

'TW: pregnancy loss. It feels really good to be able to share my story,' she wrote in her caption.

The 38-year-old stunned in a sweet baby doll dress with a white Peter Pan collar and matching waist band, as well as cuffs in the same tone

'Honoured and grateful to have been able to carry this little soul, my fifth baby, in my heart and body for the past three months. Sometimes in life things happen that we just dont understand.

'Brimming with gratitude for my people who have held me close during this time. To anyone who knows the pain of pregnancy loss, sending you immense love.

Teresa had not publicly announced her pregnancy, and revealed that she will be sharing 'the full story' of her loss in an episode of The Mother Daze Podcast.

She shares four children with husband Mark - Bodhi Rain, nine, Forest Sage, six, Poet Lake, four, and Prairie Moon, two.

She is also a dedicated stepmother to Mark's 15-year-old son Isaac Love, whom he shares with his ex, SMILF actress Frankie Shaw.

It comes after the actress revealed she suffered a miscarriage three months after falling pregnant with her fifth child. Teresa shares four children with husband Mark - Bodhi Rain, nine, Forest Sage , six, Poet Lake, four, and Prairie Moon, two. All pictured

The couple wed in 2013, while Teresa was still pregnant with their first child.

Mark, also an actor, has appeared in the film Scott Pilgrim vs The World and co-starred in the animated Netflix spin-off Scott Pilgrim Takes Off.

Meanwhile, on the eve of their ninth wedding anniversary in 2022, Teresa said she was aiming to add more children to her brood.

The Hollywood star says she wants at least three more kids and is hoping she falls pregnant with twins.

'Twins run in the family. I might get two for one next time,' she said in an interview with The Daily Telegraph.

Teresa said she told Mark on their first date she wanted six kids.

'He said he also wanted six,' she added. 'So I am holding him to that number.'

Teresa said the pressures of raising five kids has meant juggling the demands of a career.

'I don't think I've slept properly in about eight years,' she joked.
Katie Holmes looked effortlessly chic in a white blouse and grey jeans as she stepped out in Midtown, New York on Friday.

The actress, 45, couldn't wipe the smile off her face as she was seen out and about in the big apple.

She teamed her look with chic black ballet pumps and a tan leather handbag during her outing.

The Dawson's Creek alum is currently rehearsing at at the Barrymore Theatre for the new production of Thornton Wilder's Our Town.

Katie made her Broadway debut in 2008 for a production of All My Sons, and last appeared on Broadway in 2012's Dead Accounts.

Katie Holmes, 45, looked effortlessly chic in a white blouse and grey jeans as she stepped out in Midtown, New York on Friday

The actress couldn't wipe the smile off her face as she was seen out and about in the big apple

'Love working on @ourtownbroadway,' the actress wrote on social media recently.

'We are in rehearsals and having a great time. This is the very talented and kind and funny and wonderful @zoeydeutch and me.

'Come see @ourtownbroadway, preview performances begin September 17. We open October 10! '

She will star as Mrs. Webb, the mother of Deutsch's protagonist Emily Webb.

Richard Thomas, 73, of The Waltons fame will star as her husband Mr. Webb, and Jim Parson's will tackle the role of Stage Manager.

Ephraim Sykes will star as George Gibbs and Billy Eugene Jones will play his father Dr. Gibbs in the contemporary update to the play first performed in 1938.

In an interview with Town & Country magazine for the September issue, Holmes revealed her daughter hopes to join the family business and will study acting and dance at Carnegie Mellon University.

The actress shares her daughter with ex-husband Tom Cruise, 62.

She teamed her look with chic black ballet pumps and a tan leather handbag during her outing

Katie's daughter Suri Cruise is a freshman at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburg, studying acting and dance

Suri and Tom inside the Waldorf Astoria Ballroom in New York City in 2012

The Top Gun star is estranged from his youngest child because she is not a member of Scientology, and is considered a 'suppressive person.'

In their divorce, Cruise agreed to pay Holmes $38,000 a month in child support, which ended when Suri turned 18. He also agreed to cover her college costs. Tuition is currently $68,000 a year.

One of the acting courses available at Carnegie Mellon focuses on the films of Stanley Kubrick, which include his works from 1967-1999.

Among those are; Paths of Glory, Lolita, Dr. Strangelove, the Oscar winning 2001: A Space Odyssey, and Eyes Wide Shut, starring Cruise and then-wife Nicole Kidman.
Towie star Ella Rae Wise has hinted at a feud within the cast as she shared a cryptic quote about 'losing friends'.

Over the summer, there had been reports of fall-outs and confrontations amid the Essex set, with their quarrels set to be played out in the latest series of the ITVBe show, which returned to screens last month.

One such drama has been between Ella, 25, and her co-star Harry Derbidge, with the two having a huge bust-up at the series 33 wrap party back in April.

And with her on-off boyfriend Dan Edgar recently confirming that Harry and Ella's fallout has caused a divide among the cast, it's safe to say that Ella's latest Instagram post is alluding to the drama.

The blonde beauty shared a post by Bill Gates which read: 'You'll lose a lot of friends when you get serious about your life goals. That's why a Lamborghini has got two seats and a bus has 50.'

Towie star Ella Rae Wise has hinted at a feud within the cast as she shared a cryptic quote about 'losing friends'

Over the summer, there had been reports of fall-outs and confrontations amid the Essex set, with their quarrels set to be played out in the latest series of the ITVBe show, which returned to screens last month

Though Ella failed to elaborate on who she may be referring too, fans can only guess amid her recent drama with her fellow castmates.

Ella's relationship with her former friend Harry turned sour sour when he told Dan's ex Amber Turner about their romance.

At the time, Ella told OK! magazine about their discord, stating: 'It wasnt really his business to tell. I sit around his house every day and see him as a friend outside of the show so his loyalties should lie with me.

'It is so upsetting. He said he feels as if he owes 'girlband' (Amber, Courtney Green and Chloe Meadows) because he is getting close to them. But I am the one who texts him every day. Do they bother with him? No." But the ordeal had also a devastating impact on Amber'.

Meanwhile, Dan recently shed light on their altercation, detailing their drama has caused unrest within the cast, especially as Harrys pal Freddie Bentley took Ella's side.

The hunk told OK! magazine: 'Yes, there is a divide. There is a conversation that needs to be had between Ella, Harry and Freddie as well. Harry and Freddie have been friends for so long.

'It is not my drama to get involved in. But there is a big divide there. I spoke to Harry earlier and he said he missed her.'

Things came to a head at the TOWIE wrap party in April, which was thrown into chaos when a massive row erupted between the pair.

One such drama has been between Ella, 25, and her co-star Harry Derbidge , with the two having a huge bust-up at the series 33 wrap party back in April

The blonde beauty shared a post by Bill Gates which read: 'You'll lose a lot of friends when you get serious about your life goals. That's why a Lamborghini has got two seats and a bus has 50'

Though Ella failed to elaborate on who she may be referring too, fans can only guess amid her recent drama with her fellow castmates

Insiders claimed Ella Rae and Harry Derbidge, 30, who is one of the last remaining original stars of the show which has been on-screen for 14 years, were at loggerheads in a huge argument in front of their staggered co-stars.

Sources claimed at the time the root of the issue stemmed from Harry's growing friendship with the 'Girl Band' - the self-Christened name for Amber and her long-time pals Chloe, Courtney Green, 29, and Elma Pazar.

A source told The Sun: 'Ella and Harry's relationship has become strained ever since he grew friendly with girl band and she started dating Dan. The row had been building up for a while and after a discussion was brought up, it ended badly.'

Meanwhile, Dan added to OK! that he and Ella are exclusive after going through a rough patch in their romance.

Ella's romance with Dan began in Bali after Amber accused the pair of sharing a flirtation in the late stages of her relationship with Dan.

In May, Ella confirmed she and Dan had split after reports he cheated on her with his ex-girlfriend Hannah Rally.

The Essex beauty had told her followers she was 'happily single' and 'focusing on myself and my brand' during a Q&A on her Instagram Stories.

Ella and Dan were reportedly open to continuing their romance after Bali and discussed their future while filming their final scenes for series 32.

The romance had followed Dan's messy and emotional split from Amber Turner, who joined the cast in Bali, and his subsequent relationship with Hannah.

Ella's relationship with her former friend Harry turned sour sour when he told Dan's ex Amber Turner about their romance [Dan and Ella pictured]

The romance had followed Dan's messy and emotional split from Amber Turner, who joined the cast in Bali , and his subsequent relationship with Hannah [Dan and Amber pictured]

A source told The Sun: 'Dan was dating Hannah for around nine months, they got together shortly after he split from Amber.

'Things were going really well and he even told her he loved her  but he said he wasn't ready for anything serious. Next thing he is in Bali for TOWIE filming and is getting with Ella.'

They added: 'Hannah was obviously really shocked, but she just didn't want the drama to decide to wash her hands of him. But they ended up getting together again when Ella was out of town in Dubai.'

After returning to the UK, Ella was furious with Dan's transgression and even reportedly confronted Hannah and called her 'embarrassing'.

However, it was revealed all had now been forgiven when Ella and Dan were pictured sharing a steamy kiss on the beach in Paphos.
The Block's heartthrob Ricky Recard has been seen out in public with new love Erin Lee for the first time.

The 34-year-old plumber was branded a love rat by his jilted ex, Lauren Smith, after he dumped her on the eve of their dream trip overseas to hook up with a married make-up artist he met while filming the show.

The pair appeared not to have a care in the world as they headed out for a shopping trip in Seaford, Victoria - the area where Ricky lives.

Erin walked ahead of her boyfriend, carrying what appeared to be a bottle of alcohol and a mixer.

Ricky meanwhile had a case of drinks slung over his arm, and later also carried a shopping bag full of groceries.

He dressed down on a comical black tank top with lettering that read 'shut up and fish'.

The reality star added a pair of bright watermelon shorts and neon green socks with novelty fish themed slides.

He completed his look with a dark cap and appeared relaxed as he made trips to the car to load it with shopping.

The Block's heartthrob Ricky Recard has been seen out in public with new love Erin Lee for the first time. Both pictured

The 34-year-old plumber was branded a love rat by his jilted ex, Lauren Smith, after he dumped her on the eve of their dream trip overseas to hook up with a married make-up artist he met while filming the show

The pair appeared not to have a care in the world as they headed out for a shopping trip in Seaford, Victoria - the area where Ricky lives

Makeup artist Erin opted for an olive green cropped shit that put her toned stomach on display.

She added a pair of light grey track pants and white sneakers, as well as a smattering of accessories.

It's the first time the couple have been seen on a public outing since the 34-year-old plumber broke up with ex Lauren.

She had waited three months at home for him while he filmed the new series of Nine's reno show on Phillip Island.

Erin walked ahead of her boyfriend, carrying what appeared to be a bottle of alcohol and a mixer

Ricky meanwhile had a case of drinks slung over his arm, and later also carried a shopping bag full of groceries

He dressed down on a comical black tank top with lettering that read 'shut up and fish'

The reality star added a pair of bright watermelon shorts and neon green socks with novelty fish themed slides

He completed his look with a dark cap and appeared relaxed as he made trips to the car to load it with shopping

on display. She added a pair of light grey track pants and white sneakers, as well as a smattering of accessories

Just days after the split, he revealed he was now dating married mother-of-two Erin who had broken up with her heartbroken husband to be with the show's star.

To add insult to injury, Recard jetted straight off on holiday with his new lover, leaving Lauren to go on their romantic getaway to Mexico for her 30th by herself.

'I was absolutely blindsided,' she told Daily Mail Australia.

'I spent three months looking after his dogs and his house while also helping his employee with the business.'

It's the first time the couple have been seen on a public outing since the 34-year-old plumber broke up with ex Lauren (pictured)

She had waited three months at home for him while he filmed the new series of Nine's reno show on Phillip Island

Just days after the split, he revealed he was now dating married mother-of-two Erin who had broken up with her heartbroken husband to be with the show's star

To add insult to injury, Recard jetted straight off on holiday with his new lover, leaving Lauren to go on their romantic getaway to Mexico for her 30th by herself

'I was absolutely blindsided,' she told Daily Mail Australia

'I spent three months looking after his dogs and his house while also helping his employee with the business' she added

Smith said the couple had an overseas holiday arranged to celebrate her milestone birthday, which would have been the first trip away from her young daughter

'We were due to go at the beginning of July for my 30th birthday but we broke up about two weeks after he got back from filming,' she said

Smith said the couple had an overseas holiday arranged to celebrate her milestone birthday, which would have been the first trip away from her young daughter.

'We were due to go at the beginning of July for my 30th birthday but we broke up about two weeks after he got back from filming,' she said.

'I found out while I was in Mexico that he had apparently begun a relationship with Erin during the time I was away.'

Recard, from Melbourne, has proudly boasted of his budding relationship with 40-year-old Erin on social media.

'I found out while I was in Mexico that he had apparently begun a relationship with Erin during the time I was away' she added

Recard, from Melbourne, has proudly boasted of his budding relationship with 40-year-old Erin on social media

The couple flew to Port Douglas in Far North Queensland last month and 'hard launched' their relationship on his private Instagram page

He posted an image of the couple together with the caption: 'Beach time with this stunner'

Team mate Haydn Wise and Wife Chelsea (pictured) were later seen visiting Ricky's house

Ricky and Erin appeared to be having a gathering at Ricky's home

The couple flew to Port Douglas in Far North Queensland last month and 'hard launched' their relationship on his private Instagram page.

He posted an image of the couple together with the caption: 'Beach time with this stunner.'

On Thursday, Lee also shared an image of her with Recard, with the message: 'Sometimes the path we never planned leads us to brighter things and the happiness we always needed.

'Trust the journey.'

Recard and his new love enjoyed a getaway to Port Douglas together last month

Lee's estranged husband Lucas Day - who is a lookalike for love rival Recard - insists his wife only hooked up with the Block tradie after their marriage ended

'We are separated now and I've dealt with it,' he told Daily Mail Australia.

'They got together after we split when he got back from Mexico in July and we were done then.'

Day also agreed he bears a striking resemblance to Lee's new lover, calling the similarity between the pair as 'strange'.

'It is a bit strange, it definitely is,' he said.

Ricky, left, has made an impression with female fans after joining The Block alongside his best mate Haydn Wise (pictured) on the Yellow Team

In a recent interview with New Idea, Recard confirmed his new lover, but didn't identify her.

Bizarrely though, despite her working as a make-up artist on The Block, he claimed she not know of his role on the show.

'I can definitely say she was impressed, and why wouldn't she be?' he said.

'The reason why she was impressed was not because I'm on The Block. She thinks it's pretty funny.

'She didn't know I was on The Block when we started seeing each other.'

Lauren shared a gushing post about her now ex on Instagram

He even claimed she poked fun at him and joked she was now dating 'someone famous'.

Recard also responded to viewers who have called him the heartthrob on this year's hotly-anticipated 20th anniversary series.

He has won female fans, with many viewers naming him their all-time celebrity crush as they swooned over his rugged looks.

Fans have also been left charmed by his positive attitude and cheeky sense of humour, taking to social media to claim Ricky's Yellow Team as their favourites.

The plumber laughed off being called a celebrity crush as he insisted he is not famous enough to be given the label.

'I don't know if I consider myself a celebrity, seriously,' he told Yahoo Lifestyle.

'I think as a celebrity, you've got to have a fair resume, right? Like Shelley [Craft], she's got The List - Saturday Disney for years, Funniest Home Videos, The Block.

'She's an Australian icon and I'm just an absolute nobody. But if people want to have a crush on me, that's cool. I appreciate the love.'

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Recard and Nine Network for comment.
Sienna Miller welcomed her second child earlier this year at the age of 42.

The actress gave birth to her daughter Marlowe, now 12, with her ex Tom Sturridge in July 2012, and welcomed a daughter with her boyfriend Oli Green earlier this year.

And Sienna has now told this week's issue of Stellar Magazine that she could not recommend late motherhood more highly.

The American Sniper star welcomed a baby girl, whose name she has not revealed, with boyfriend Oli Green in January.

'My own experience of motherhood 12 years later is completely different' the British star told the publication.

'I'm a very different person. People often have lots to say about having babies in your 40s as women, but I can't advocate for it more. I feel very lucky.'

Sienna went on to say that she has found it easy to balance motherhood and her career.

'I've just finished maternity leave. My baby is eight months old. It's great, since this whole focus on the female experience in Hollywood, I can take my baby everywhere and they'll have to stop filming for me' she said.

Sienna Miller (pictured) welcomed her second child earlier this year at the age of 42. And the actress tells this week's issue of Stellar Magazine that she could not recommend late motherhood more highly

'I'm still breastfeeding. I've been pumping and sending milk back to the hotel, and you just make it work' Sienna continued.

'I'm equally fulfilled by both things. And I'm lucky that I'm in a job where I can have my baby at work.'

Sienna, 42, and Oli, 27, were first linked in February 2022 and welcomed their baby daughter together eight months ago.

Speaking to Harper's Bazaar about Oli, Sienna said: 'I didn't expect to take it seriously and then quite quickly, I fell in love. I wasn't like, "I'm gonna get a younger boyfriend." It was more, "F*ck! Why are you young? That's so annoying".'

'There is a difference in the way that generation of men respect women. It's specific to him, he is very wise and well-adjusted, but I do believe it's also that generation.

'They have grown up with a slightly more level playing field. I see it in his female friends as well as in the men.'

The American Sniper star welcomed a baby girl, whose name she has not revealed, with boyfriend Oli Green in January. Pictured at the Cannes Film Festival joined by Oli and daughter Marlowe, 12, at the premiere of her film Horizon: An American Saga

As well as the eight-month old she shares with Oli, she has daughter Marlowe, 12, with her ex partner Tom Sturridge.

In the candid interview Sienna said having her second child has been a 'cathartic, healing experience'.

The blonde beauty said: 'I'm in heaven. It's been a cathartic, healing experience, which sounds woo-woo, but it's grounded in a way that reflects the life that I want to be living.'

She explained that the 11-year age gap between her daughters is, 'actually quite useful because one is tiny and portable, and the other is becoming increasingly independent.'

Speaking about Marlowe, who walked the Cannes red carpet with her mother earlier this year, Sienna said: 'She's so stylish and very critical.'

'She's like a young Anna Wintour in her total disdain for some of the things I wear.'

'I'm a very different person. People often have lots to say about having babies in your 40s as women, but I can't advocate for it more. I feel very lucky' she said. Sienna showed off her baby bump at the Vogue World in December, before giving birth a month later to a baby girl

Sienna is currently promoting her new movie - Kevin Costner 's western epic, Horizon: An American Saga.

Embracing being a mother again in her early forties , Sienna is undergoing a renaissance with fans and commentators declaring that the British actress has 'never looked better' despite the demands of work and having a young family.

Brand and Culture Expert Nick Ede told MailOnline that he predicts that Sienna could be about to 'steal the crown to become the UKs biggest Hollywood star'.

He said: 'Sienna's been looking after herself and got herself red carpet ready knowing this is going to be her big return to the big screen and knowing all eyes will be on her. She's done everything right and she commands The Croisette' - the beating heart of Cannes.

Sienna's breakthrough roles came 20 years ago in Layer Cake and Alfie - but despite winning plaudits for American Sniper her acting career hasn't consistently hit the same heights.

Experts are predicting that 2024 is the year she is stepping out of the shadows having been eclipsed for years by boyfriends such as Jude Law and Orlando Bloom as well as rumoured lovers Leonardo DiCaprio, Daniel Craig and Brad Pitt.
Geri Horner cut a chic figure as she enjoyed a family day out at Goodwood Revival, held at the Goodwood Motor Circuit in West Sussex on Saturday.

The Spice Girl, 51, slipped into a stylish white boilersuit for her cosy day out with husband Christian Horner.

Geri kept warm with a cream polo neck jumper beneath her outfit, while accessorizing her look with stylish sunglasses, a crossbody bag and trainers.

The star appeared in good spirits at the fun day out as she and Red Bull F1 team principal Christian, 50, put on a united front following his recent sexting scandal.

Christian put on a dapper display in a grey tweed blazer teamed with cream trousers, a blue skirt and a brown fedora hat to top things off.

Geri Horner cut a chic figure as she enjoyed a family day out at Goodwood Revival, held at the at the Goodwood Motor Circuit in West Sussex on Saturday

It comes following inappropriate text messages sent by her Formula One boss husband, whom she wed in 2015, emerged in February.

The woman, in her 40s, went to HR at the Formula 1 team after she received the messages from Horner, often late at night.

She accused him of 'coercive behaviour' but an internal inquiry chaired by an unknown KC appointed by Red Bull cleared him. Horner has strongly denied any wrongdoing.

The accuser has been suspended as the saga rages on, sparking fury from campaign groups who claim 'women just don't have confidence that their complaints will be investigated properly'.

Geri recently told of the importance of finding 'courage' amid her family's ongoing scandal and said that themes 'within' her, including finding 'power' in difficult situations and seeking out support are explored in her new children's book.

She said: 'There are themes within me that are in the book which are about finding your power in any situation.

The Spice Girl kept warm with a cream polo neck jumper beneath her outfit, while accessorizing her look with stylish sunglasses, a crossbody bag and trainers

The star appeared in good spirits at the fun day out as she and Red Bull F1 team principal Christian, 50, put on a united front following his recent sexting scandal

Christian put on a dapper display in a grey tweed blazer teamed with cream trousers, a blue skirt and a brown fedora hat to top things off

US cabaret dancer Dita Von Teese turned heads in a quirky red and black ensemble

She hid her eyes behind retro gold glasses and accessorised with a red feather fedora

'If you are being bullied, and it doesn't matter how old you are, if you feel lonely or you're grieving over loss - it's about finding courage.'

Christian's F1 future remains under scrutiny after text messages between him and what appears to be a female colleague were leaked in 79 screenshots, as an anonymous sender sent an email that also copied in FIA chief Mohammed Ben Sulayem and F1 boss Stefano Domenicali.

MailOnline has previously revealed how the woman at the centre of the texting scandal has told friends she 'feels let down' by the Austrian based FI team, who she worked with.

Officials suspend her for 'dishonesty' just after announcing Christian had been exonerated but she has now appealed although no timeline has been established for her case.

Red Bull took action against her after the suggestive WhatsApp messages were sent from anonymous email address to 149 people including officials at F1 and motor racing correspondents.

It comes following inappropriate text messages sent by her Formula One boss husband, whom she wed in 2015, emerged in February

MailOnline has previously revealed how the woman at the centre of the texting scandal has told friends she 'feels let down' by the Austrian based FI team , who she worked with (Christian and Geri pictured in March)

The woman insists she was not the source and is 'disappointed' at how she has been treated by a company where she has worked the last five years.

A pal said: 'Questions need to be asked of the Red Bull investigation, transparency would bring confidence in what is happening to her.

'She just can't get over the fact that she made a complaint and was suspended  all she wants is transparency in the process.'

The woman's plea echoes that of Red Bull racing's current engine partner Honda who also called for 'clarity' over the investigation that ultimately cleared Horner.
Mark Moffatt has died at the age of 74.

Dubbed 'an unsung hero of Australian music' the Queensland-born producer passed away on Friday, in Nashville, Tennessee, after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

Well known in the music industry as a skilled guitarist and producer, Moffatt worked with some of Australia's biggest pop and rock stars.

Among his credits are The Saints hits (I'm) Stranded and No Time, as well as Yothu Yindi's smash single Treaty.

'This was life-changing, really' Moffat told The Music of working on the track.

'I spent time with the band and learned their tribal beliefs. The didge player, Milkay, was unbelievable. He was like the master' he explained.

'I remember when Treaty was out, and we were still working on the album, I was with the band at Tullamarine airport, and these white schoolkids came running up to these Aboriginal guys to ask for their autographs.

'That was a very special moment.'

Mark Moffatt (pictured) has died at the age of 74. Dubbed 'an unsung hero of Australian music' the Queensland-born producer passed away on Friday, in Nashville, Tennessee , after a battle with pancreatic cancer

Additionally, he was producer on Slim Dusty's Fiddler Man and Tim Finn's Fraction Too Much Friction.

The Aussie moved to Nashville in 1996, forging a successful career in the USA, working with artists such as Keith Urban and Richard Clapton.

During his time in Nashville, he was awarded the CMA Global Achievement Award.

Moffat has 'more APRA Top 30 songs of all time than any other producer,' according to The Music, and worked with 15 ARIA Hall of Fame nominees.

Moffatt worked with some of Australia's biggest pop and rock stars. Among his credits is Yothu Yindi's smash single Treaty, which he said changed his life. Yothu Yindi are pictured

Additionally, he was producer on Slim Dusty's Fiddler Man and Tim Finn's Fraction Too Much Friction. Slim Dusty is pictured

The Aussie moved to Nashville in 1996, forging a successful career in the USA, working with artists such as Keith Urban (pictured) and Richard Clapton

Among those paying tribute was Aussie country music star Troy Cassar-Daley.

'I am saddened to hear of the passing of Mark Moffat this morning, He hailed from around Maryborough, Queensland and did so much for so many as a producer, guitar player and mentor' he wrote in a post on X.

'I first met him in Sydney he had just produced one of my favourite Shane Howard records, The River' Tory began.

'He ended up in Nashville doing wonderful work uniting the great divide between Australia and the USA country music industries and brought a lot of people together on so many levels' he continued.

Moffat is survived by his wife, Lindsey, his son Geordie, stepdaughter Dana and two granddaughters

Among those paying tribute was Aussie country music star Troy Cassar-Daley

'We always caught up when I went to Nashville and I'll miss his stories and wonderful guitar playing.

'We wrote a song called Long way home together which was a title track years ago.

'Just another good human gone too soon Who I will miss, Such a huge array of artists that he has produced and helped Will miss you in Nashville Moff'.

Moffat is survived by his wife, Lindsey, his son Geordie, stepdaughter Dana and two granddaughters.
Rob Kardashian and Blac Chyna's daughter Dream, seven, made her first-ever post on Instagram.

The account was first launched by her parents back in 2016 when Dream was born, but there were never any posts on it until a heartwarming video dropped this Friday.

In the clip, little Dream faced the camera and cheerfully told fans: 'Hi! My name is Dream, and welcome to my new page!'

Her father, 37, was among the first to comment on his daughter post as he wrote: 'I love you' with a number of heart and crying emoji.

By Saturday morning, Dream's Instagram - which is 'run by parents' according to the bio - garnered over 650,000 followers.

Rob Kardashian and Blac Chyna 's daughter Dream, seven, has starred in the first-ever post on her Instagram page

Her second post, uploaded later in the day, announced that she would be walking her first-ever runway later that day.

Dream's catwalk debut will be for the children's boutique Zeus & Lexi Kids and will occur during New York Fashion Week, which began on Friday.

'Walking my first fashion show in NYC' read Dream's caption, with a Statue Of Liberty emoji. 'Im so excited. Thank you @zeusandlexikids.'

Earlier this week, Rob's elder sister, Kim Kardashian, revealed she has permitted her own son Saint, eight, to start a YouTube channel.

Kim shares Saint as well as three other children - daughters North, 11, and Chicago, six, and son Psalm, five - with her third ex-husband Kanye West.

'I finally allowed Saint to have a YouTube channel after signing an extensive contract! lol Please subscribe!' Kim wrote on her Insta Stories.

The homemade 'contract' read in part: 'I, Saint West, agree to follow my mom's rules in order to have a YouTube channel. I am not allowed to comment [on] any personal family information. I am not allowed to film any personal information.'

Saint is also not to film North - who has featured on her father's recordings before - while she is in the process of recording music.

The account was set up by her parents and launched in 2016, but there were never any posts on it until a heartwarming video dropped this Friday

In the clip, little Dream faced the camera and cheerfully told fans: 'Hi! My name is Dream, and welcome to my new page!'

That day another post went up on Dream's page, announcing that she would be walking her first-ever runway later that day for a children's boutique at New York Fashion Week

Rob shares Dream with his ex-fiancee Blac Chyna, who carried on an explosive feud with the Kardashian-Jenner family after the engagement ended; Rob and Chyna pictured in 2016

Although Dream never posted to her own Instagram until this week, she did occasionally appear on her adult family members' pages, including Rob's, pictured in 2018

Chyna is pictured on Easter 2019 with both her children, Dream as well as her son King Cairo, 11, whom she shares with the rapper Tyga - who himself used to date Kylie Jenner

On an episode of The Kardashians last year, Rob's sister Khloe Kardashian described herself as Dream's 'third parent' and confessed that she was not in touch with Chyna

'I must show my mom or guardian all videos before I post them. I give permission to any grown-up if mom says to delete my video for any reason. If I don't listen to all of the rules, my mom could make my page private or delete my account.'

Meanwhile, although Dream never posted to her own Instagram until this week, she did occasionally appear on her adult family members' pages - including those her parents and her aunt Khloe Kardashian, who calls herself Dream's 'third parent.'

Rob shares Dream with his ex-fiancee Blac Chyna, who carried on an explosive feud with the Kardashian-Jenner family after the engagement ended.

She unsuccessfully sued multiple members of the family - including Khloe - claiming they connived to have her reality show Rob And Chyna canceled.

After losing the suit, Chyna became a born-again Christian and overhauled her life, quitting OnlyFans, having her plastic surgery reversed and going on the wagon.

On an episode of The Kardashians last year, Khloe described herself as Dream's 'third parent' and confessed that she was not in touch with Chyna.

'I do not have a relationship with Dream's mom,' she said. 'It's hard to have a relationship with someone when they sue you for hundreds of millions of dollars.'
Dennis Quaid opened up about the end of his marriage to Meg Ryan, 62.

During an appearance on Who's Talking to Chris Wallace on Friday, the Rookie star, 70, said he has no regrets over his 10-year marriage to the Sleepless in Seattle star  who was recently honored at the Sarajevo film festival.

While both parties had torrid affairs during their relationship, the A Dog's Purpose star also admitted Meg's fame played a part in the breakdown of their marriage.

'When I met Meg, I was here as far as career thing and she was here and then it just went like that,' Quaid said, indicating how Meg's stardom surged and surpassed his during their marriage.

He continued: 'I tried to be a big person and tell myself that didn't bother me, but people are human.'

Dennis Quaid opened up about the end of his marriage to Meg Ryan, 62, seen here in 2024

The couple started dating in 1987, shortly after Meg appeared in Top Gun and her star started to rise.

By the time he went to rehab in the 1990s, she was unstoppable with hits including When Harry Met Sally and Sleepless in Seattle.

He claims her success, ultimately, drove a wedge between them.

'Meg is really such a great, sweet person and really talented and deserved all her success,' he gushed about his ex-wife.

'I don't regret anything about my marriage to Meg,' he added. 'We got Jack Quaid out of it who is really going on to maybe eclipse both of us.'

Dennis faced allegations of infidelity in their marriage and Meg carried on an affair with Russell Crowe.

Still, from Meg's point of view, the affair with Crowe was a symptom of her 'unhealthy marriage' and not the cause of its demise.

'I was very sad that it came apart in the way it seemed to have. It was never about another man,' she told Oprah Winfrey in 2006. 'It was just about what my and Dennis' relationship couldn't sustain.'

'I think once the tabloids get a hold of three celebrity names you're just really in trouble  I didn't leave my marriage for Russell Crowe,' she added. 'I left my marriage.'

During an appearance on Who's Talking to Chris Wallace on Friday, the Rookie star, 70, said he has no regrets over his 10-year marriage to the Sleepless in Seattle star, seen here in 1995

While both parties had torrid affairs during their marriage, the A Dog's Purpose star admitted Meg's fame played a part in the breakdown of their marriage, seen here in 2024

'When I met Meg I was here as far as career thing and she was here and then it just went like that,' Quaid said, indicating how Meg's stardom surged and surpassed his during their relationship, seen here in 1995

During an interview with In Style, per Lainey Gossip, the You've Got Mail star said, 'Dennis was not faithful to me for a long time, and that was very painful. I found out more about that once I was divorced.'

Meg never remarried, but she was in a decade long relationship with rocker John Mellencamp that ended in 2019.

Quaid went on to married Kimberly Buffington (now Quaid) in 2004 when she was 31. They divorced in 2018.

In 2000, he married Laura Savoie who was 26 at the time and a PhD student at the University of Texas.
Securing Cloud Infrastructure with Confidential Computing In this webcast, youll learn about the confidential computing model: a new security paradigm that uses hardware-based memory encryption to keep cloud data and code protected when being processed. Tune in now to find out how you can prevent instances of unauthorized access and safeguard your sensitive data in the cloud.

Designing Cloud Teams How to Build a Better Cloud Center of Excellence According to Google Clouds recent findings, the fastest cloud migrations are outpacing the slowest by 900% when migrating similar technical solutions. In this eBook, Google Cloud presents a guide for how to build a better cloud center of excellence. Read on to learn more.

5 Reasons Why Amd Epyc Processors Matter For Google Cloud Google Cloud virtual machine instances powered by AMD are designed to provide competitive performance and a range of options to help customers optimize their workloads for cost-efficiency. Download this overview to unlock 5 Reasons Why AMD Epyc Processors matter for Google Cloud.

Confidential VMs - A Security Breakthrough For Medical Device Software Discover in this blog post how a Confidential Virtual Machine, a type of N2D Compute Engine VM running on processors using AMD Secure Encrypted Virtualization, can help healthcare organizations keep sensitive code and confidential data secure during processing, no matter where healthcare devices may be.

Google Cloud & AMD Video Join this webinar to learn how Gemini automates routine tasks, suggests optimizations, and provides infrastructure insights, all while making cloud infrastructure management a breeze.

Cloud Migration Made Easy: Take Your First Step With A Complimentary Assessment Want to make your journey to the cloud fast, seamless, and smooth? Access this free self-assessment to get started planning your cloud migration initiative.

The IT Leader's Guide To Optimizing Your Cloud Budget: In The IT Leader's Guide to Optimizing Your Cloud Budget by Google Cloud and AMD, discover 3 best practices and find out how CPU technology can factor into cost savings.

Revolutionizing CI/CD Pipelines with Powerful VMs Discover in this case study how the Google Compute Engine helped Salesforce to boost performance and reduce costs associated with its mission-critical CI/CD pipeline, all while dramatically reducing the time it takes to scale up VMs.

Spareroom Uses C3d VMs To Quickly And Reliably Help Roommates Find Each Other Discover in this case study how C3D VMs helped SpareRoom serve 25% more requests at a 10% reduction in response time and at a lower cost than leading competitors.

Palexy delivers scalable retail video analytics with Google Cloud VMs featuring AMD EPYC CPUs Along with providing security data, cameras in retail environments offer insights about how to optimally place products. Palexys mission is to help retailers harness those advanced video analytics capabilities. Check out this case study to learn about the powerful compute infrastructure that supports Palexys mission.

Compute Engine Tau T2D: Industry Leading Price-Performance Virtual Machines with x86 Compatibility In this product overview, discover how Tau T2D, an important expansion to Google Clouds already comprehensive Compute Engine portfolio designed to drive cost efficiency for large-scale cloud workloads, can help your organization better price-performance from your cloud investments.

Leveraging Cloud FinOps to Measure the Business Value Realized By Your Cloud Transformation In this white paper, discover how your organization can find the answers to cloud value questions, highlighting how organizations are generating measurable business value - beyond cost savings - through their cloud transformation.

Magic Quadrant for Strategic Cloud Platform Services Use this Gartner research report to compare the hyperscale providers on the criteria that matter most to your business.
Sarah Roza ensured all eyes were on her as she stepped out at the opening night of A Chorus Line at the National Theatre in St Kilda, Melbourne on Saturday.

The Married At First Sight Australia star opted for a skin tight navy blue mini dress in a knitted fabric.

She added a gold chain belt that matched her necklace, and had on a pair of thigh-high suede boots in the same tone as her long-sleeved frock.

Sarah opted for a full face of glamorous makeup including a rosy blush and nude lipstick, while wearing he red locks down around her face.

The appearance comes after Sarah posted to social media in May to reveal her shock career move, as she plans to become a 'classy' adult content creator.

The former reality star, 45, posted an eye-popping photo to Instagram which captured her in a bedroom posing up a storm in barely there lingerie.

The flame haired beauty captioned the snap with some revealing words.

'For years I've toyed with the idea of launching my own portal. I've finally decided to do it now because my intent is clear,' she wrote.

Sarah Roza (pictured) ensured all eyes were on her as she stepped out at the opening night of A Chorus Line at the National Theatre in St Kilda, Melbourne, on Saturday

'It has to be classy, glamorous and something I'd be proud of. I want to prove it can be super sexy whilst also being incredibly classy.'

Sarah added she hoped her bold move would in turn inspire her fans to also follow their dreams.

'I am hoping what comes from this is you gain some inspiration from me. You get a small grain of daily courage and confidence to say, "Hell yeah!!! She's my age and if she can do that, then surely I can be who I want, too!".'

Many of Sarah's celebrity pals quickly took to the comment section to congratulate her on her brave steps.

The Married At First Sight Australia star opted for a skin tight navy blue mini dress in a knitted fabric. She added a gold chain belt that matched her necklace, and had on a pair of thigh-high suede boots in the same tone as her long-sleeved frock

Sarah opted for a full face of glamorous makeup including a rosy blush and nude lipstick, while wearing he red locks down around her face

'All the best, I'm sure you will kill it,' wrote Big Brother star Reggie Bird and radio star Mel Greig added: 'Can't wait to hear how you go. I love everything about this.'

In 2021, Sarah went under the knife for full-body liposuction and a Brazilian butt lift.

She unveiled her new figure towards the end of August that year and also shared a series of graphic photos that were taken before and after her surgery.

In the 'before' images, Sarah's naturally proportioned figure was covered in markings to indicate the areas her surgeon would focus on - The 'after' images showed the star's body looking bruised, while a piece of surgical gauze protected her modesty.

Her waist appeared dramatically slimmer after the procedure, while her bottom looked as if it had doubled in size.

Sarah said that while she has always considered herself a curvy girl, she wanted to get surgery to enhance the shape she already had.

Sarah decided to take the plunge and get Vaser liposuction on her arms, back, flanks/waist and abdomen.

She's not the only Married At First Sight star who has been under the knife for a BBL, with season seven star Cathy Evans also undergoing a similar procedure.
Pax Jolie's near-fatal e-bike incident isn't the only crash he's been involved in recent months.

Two months before the e-bike accident crashing his e-bike into a car during rush hour in late July, the 20-year-old wrecked his Tesla, according to TMZ.

Just before midnight on May 19, the son of Angelina Jolie, 49, and Brad Pitt, 60, reportedly drove his car into a box truck outside of RED Studios in Hollywood.

The incident was uncovered via the studio's accident report and while Pax wasn't hurt in the crash, his car was seemingly 'totaled.'

Officers on the scene reported that Pax wasn't under the influence and no report was taken.

Pax Jolie's near-fatal e-bike incident isn't the only crash he's been involved in in recent months, pictured in 2023

News of his accident comes after Pax, who is estranged from his father, was seen for the first time since his e-bike crash as he continues to recover from the injuries he sustained in the accident.

He suffered 'complex trauma' in the collision with a car on July 29 in Los Angeles and sported an arm cast and a bucket hat emblazoned with 'Miracle' as he continued his recovery with family.

Angelina has been by Pax's side at the hospital since he crashed into a car in the Los Feliz area of Los Angeles. He was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident.

A source told TMZ that witnesses initially believed Pax had died in the crash as he laid lifeless on the ground.

Pax regained consciousness after paramedics arrived on the scene.

Page Six reported that this was not the first time the young man has been involved in incidents involving two and four wheeled vehicles.

'His friends are concerned about him,' an insider told the outlet alleging, 'He's being reckless. They're worried.'

'He has had a string of car crashes,' the source asserted. 'It's not great. Pax is a troubled kid, and Angelina is doing her best to help him.'

Two months before the e-bike accident he crashed and totaled his Tesla , according to reporting by TMZ. Brad Pitt pictured at the 2024 Venice Film Festival

Just before midnight on May 19, the 20-year-old son of Angelina Jolie, 49, and Brad Pitt, 60, drove his car into a box truck outside of RED Studios in Hollywood, seen in 2023

In recent months, Pax has been spotted around Los Angeles riding on a Talaria Sting R MX4 electric bike, which costs around $3,000, though it's not known if that was the same bike he crashed.

He was most recently pictured on the dirt bike on July 11.

He is regularly seen not wearing a helmet when he is spotted out riding the bike in public.

California state laws require all bike and motorcycle riders under 18 to wear helmets, but it's unclear if the type of bike Pax was riding at the time would have required him to wear a helmet.
Will Jennings, the songwriter known for hit songs such as My Heart Will Go On, has died at age 80.

Jennings' death was announced on Friday, August 6 by his longtime publisher.

No cause of death was revealed, but the songwriter had reportedly been ill for some time.

Jennings won an Oscar in 1998 for the Titanic theme song, along with the late composer James Horner, for the chart topping hit sung by Celine Dion.

More than a decade before that, Jennings had won the Academy Award for Best Original song for Up Where We Belong from An Officer and a Gentleman, starring Debra Winger and Richard Gere.

He shared that honor with co-writers Jack Nitzsche and Buffy Sainte-Marie.

Will Jennings, a two time Oscar winning songwriter has died at age 80 (Pictured in New York City in June 2006)

The emotional Tears in Heaven, sung by Eric Clapton, and included in the movie Rush, earned a Golden Globe award and a Grammy in 1993.

Jennings was born in Kilgore, Texas in June 1944, and pursued an academic career after obtaining a degree in English from the Stephen F. Austin State University in his home state, and taught for three years at the University of Wisconsin in Eau Claire.

During his prolific career, Jennings penned hits for a number of artists including Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Jimmy Buffett, Tim McGraw and more.

Houston's Didn't We Almost Have It All? went to number one, as did Barry Manilow's Looks Like We Made It.

Jennings produced two chart topping hits for Steve Winwood - Higher Love and Roll With It, along with the popular Back in the High Life Again and Dont You Know What the Night Can Do.

The prolific artist was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2006.

Jennings won the Oscar for Best Original Song, along with the late James Horner for Celine Dion's My Heart Will Go On from Titanic (Pictured in Los Angeles in 1998)

In 1983 Jennings had won the Academy Award for Best Original song for Up Where We Belong from An Officer and a Gentleman, starring Debra Winger and Richard Gere. He shared that honor with co-writers Jack Nitzsche and Buffy Sainte-Marie

Jennings was a prolific songwriter and worked with a variety of artists. He wrote Eric Clapton's Tears in Heaven, Barry Manilow's Looks Like We Made It, and Whitney Houston's Didn't We Almost Have It all and more (Pictured in New York City in 2006)

Longtime friend Peter Wolf paid tribute to Jennings on social media.

'A sad time, the passing of Will Jennings, a maestro, brilliant mind and a gentle spirit,' began the former J. Geils Band frontman.

'Will shared his talents with me, ever patient and generous; he was a treasured friend and teacher, enriching my life in so many ways.'

'It was an enormous honor to have worked with such a musical genius for so many years To quote one of his favorite poets, W.B Yeats, "Think where mans glory most begins and ends, and say my glory was I had such friends."'
Jude Law has revealed he gorged on 'late night ice-cream' as part of his transformation into a bloated Henry VIII.

Speaking to The Sunday Times, the Closer actor, 51, revealed his metamorphosis for the historical drama was his 'most extreme transformation yet', while also reflecting on some of the lower moments of his career.

Starring alongside Alicia Vikander, who plays Henry VIII's sixth wife Katherine Parr, Jude transforms into a miserable incarnation of the king who could barely walk at the time, weighed 28st and needed nine men to lift him on his horse.

Lifting the lid on how he managed to gain weight for the role, he said: 'It was a process.

'Like Charlie Chaplin or Father Christmas, Henry has a familiar silhouette, so if you get that shape, the brain fills in a lot of the gaps. So I grew a beard. I had bodysuits, clothes, weights on my legs and bits in my shoes to perfect his gait.

Jude Law has revealed he gorged on 'late night ice-cream' as part of his 'extreme' transformation into a bloated Henry VIII

The Closer actor revealed his metamorphosis for the historical drama was his 'most extreme transformation yet' (pictured with co-star Alicia Vikander)

'I only had about four months to prep, so couldn't balloon up to full weight, but I did eat loads  late-night pasta and ice cream  so I had a bigger face.

He added bluntly that sometimes he would think of him as a 'paraplegic gorilla' as if he had a lot of power but couldn't move, in a way that made him 'weirdly helpless'.

The acting icon believes Firebrand is in fact about 'surviving domestic abuse' and describes his character as 'a gangster  a former golden boy who's rotting'.

The London-born star, originally from Lewisham, has been Hollywood's darling between the 1990s and early 200s after his legendary performances in films as The Talented Mr Ripley, Closer, Cold Mountain, Road To Perdition and AI.

In 2004 he became Alfie Cartwright for the remake of romcom Alfie, for which Jude was paid 6 million - yet he admitted he was 'probably paid too much'.

Not too long after it, he became the topic of a Chris Rock joke at the Oscars, comparing him with Tom Cruise.

'Why is he in every movie I've seen in the last four years?,' the comedian joked, but Jude revealed he found it 'upsetting'.

'The attention cools off if your movies are not making a ton of money.

Starring alongside Alicia Vikander , who plays Henry VIII's sixth wife Katherine Parr, Jude transforms into a miserable incarnation of the king who could barely walk at the time

'I only had about four months to prep, so couldn't balloon up to full weight, but I did eat loads  late-night pasta and ice cream  so I had a bigger face,' he revealed

The London-born star, originally from Lewisham, has been Hollywood's darling between the 1990s and early 200s after his legendary performances in films as The Talented Mr Ripley (pictured with Matt Damon and Gwyneth Paltrow), Closer, Cold Mountain, Road To Perdition

'There is a definite tier system as to who is offered what first, and if the work is not coming in as freely you have to consider what you want to do.'

Jude's most recent project, historical crime film The Order, just premiered at the Venice Film Festival in August and will be available to watch on Prime Video.

Jude's performance as Terry Husk, a washed-up FBI agent who goes up against real-life white supremacist group The Order, received a seven-minute standing ovation at the Festival.

He said of his character: 'There was a sort of lived-in quality to him that I enjoyed.

'There was a lot of discussion about facial hair, but every agent I interviewed had a moustache, so it was just a given that I had to grow one.'

Also starring are Alison Oliver, Tye Sheridan, Jurnee Smollett, and Nicholas Hoult.

Nicholas plays The Order leader Bob Mathews, an American neo-Nazi who led the white supremacist group in 1983.

Nicholas revealed that the film's director Justin Kurzel gave each actor a 'manifesto' for their character, including tasks for them to complete.

'I just found out on the boat here  one of Jude's tasks was to follow me for a day!' he said.

'He was trailing me for a day when I landed in Calgary.'

The Order is based on the 1989 biography The Silent Brotherhood by Kevin Flynn and Gary Gerhardt.

It was written by Zach Baylin and distributed by Prime Video (though Amazon MGM Studios).

Though a Prime Video film, Vertical acquired partial rights to the film, and will release it on December 6, 2024, in a limited theatrical release.

At The Order's Venice Film Festival press conference, Jude spoke about the importance of the film at a time when far-right ideologies are rising again.

In 2004 he became Alfie Cartwright for the remake of romcom Alfie, for which Jude was paid 6 million - yet he admitted he was ' probably paid too much' (pictured at the afterparty of Alfie's London premiere with ex Sienna Miller in 2004)

'There is a definite tier system as to who is offered what first, and if the work is not coming in as freely you have to consider what you want to do,' he told bluntly about the film industry

Jude's most recent project, historical crime film The Order, just premiered at the Venice Film Festival in August and will be available to watch on Prime Video. (cast pictured L-R: Matias Garrido, Nicholas Hoult, Jurnee Smollett, director Justin Kurzel, Jude, Tye Sheridan, and Philip Lewitski)

'Sadly, the relevance speaks for itself,' he said. 'It felt like a piece of work that needed to be made now. Its always interesting finding a piece from the past that has some relevant relationship to the present day.

Director Justin agreed with Law, adding that the films parallels with todays world were what made it so interesting to make.

'Its always an extraordinary thing when you find a piece of writing or event from the past that has some sort of perspective that can have a conversation with todays politics. Thats a rare gem. So, we felt that there was a lot that was being said about today.'
Rihanna put on a fashionable display in a custom silk shirt and wrap skirt as she stepped out during New York Fashion Week over the weekend.

The 36-year-old bombshell  who wore a crystal mesh corset to the Alaia show  was clad in custom Jawara Alleyne pieces.

The top, which the fashionista layered over a brown corset, fell off one shoulder and had extra long sleeves.

The mother-of-two, who shares son RZA and Riot with ASAP Rocky, wore her dark hair in tight, voluminous waves that fell over her shoulder.

She accessorized with thick Phoebe Philo aviator sunglasses and wore a large, gold Sabyasachi cross necklace.

Rihanna put on a fashionable display in a custom silk shirt and wrap skirt as she stepped out during New York Fashion Week over the weekend

The 36-year-old bombshell was clad in custom Jawara Alleyne pieces

Rihanna, whose full name is Robyn Rihanna Fenty, rounded out her ensemble with a pair of strappy brown Manolo Blahnik heels.

When she smiled, she flashed custom Gabby Elan Jewelry 'DIRT' grills.

Her footwear exposed her pristine white pedicure, which coordinated nicely with her French manicure.

It comes after the music artist made a statement in a daring outfit as she arrived at the Alaia Spring 2025 show this week.

She draped a matching crystal shawl with a modest train and added complementary heels with straps that went up her calves.

The star came directly from The Daily Front Row Fashion Media Awards, where she wore another showstopping look.

She made a special appearance at the event to present the Magazine of the Year award to Katie Grand and Jahleel Weaver for their publication Perfect.

'I got called for this less than 36 hours ago,' Rihanna shared while on stage.

'I wrote this speech in the car because it's my friend, and I have to show up for my friend,' she added in reference to Weaver, who's the creative director of her cosmetics brand Fenty Beauty.

The top, which the fashionista layered over a brown corset, fell off one shoulder and had extra long sleeves

The mother-of-two, who shares son RZA and Riot with ASAP Rocky , wore her dark hair in tight, voluminous waves that fell over her shoulder

She accessorized with thick Phoebe Philo aviator sunglasses and wore a large, gold Sabyasachi cross necklace. When she smiled, she flashed custom Gabby Elan Jewelry 'DIRT' grills

The Love on the Brain singer was spotted later Saturday evening putting on a busty display while enjoying a night out in the Big Apple

She modeled a gold bustier and chic mom jeans while rocking an bulky cross necklace

Last month, the billionaire mogul enjoyed a family vacation in Barbados.

The longtime couple, who began dating in 2020, soaked up time with their two sons  RZA, two, and Riot, one.

While spending time in her native, Rihanna return to the country's annual carnival celebration for the first time since 2019.

On May 13, Rihanna and A$AP celebrated their firstborn child's second birthday.

'HAPPIEST BIRTHDAY 2 MY 1st BORN BABY BOY RZA,' the proud dad wrote on Instagram.

And on August 1 he did the same for the pair's second son, writing, 'HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY TO MY 2ND BORN SON RIOT ROSE MAYERS.'
When James Corden announced that he was making a Gavin & Stacey Christmas special, he insisted it would be the last fans would see of the show.

But here's some tidy news  the cast are working on a behind-the-scenes programme to mark its final ever outing.

Corden and Ruth Jones have been recording it as they made the festive special in the Welsh seaside town of Barry Island last week.

Cameras followed them as they mixed with fans, posing for more than 100 selfies, capturing the interactions between the cast and their adoring public, who began arriving last Monday.

Joanna Page  the actress who plays Stacey Shipman  was also seen being trailed by a crew when she greeted fans. Sources on the set say that the footage is to be used to make a documentary about the much loved comedy series, which first launched on BBC Three in 2007.

The Gavin & Stacey cast are working on a behind the scene documentary to mark their final hurrah for the iconic series (Pictured: Joanna Page, who plays Stacey and James Corden)

The highly anticipated final episode of the much-loved British is set to air Christmas day this year

One said: 'When the cameras filming Gavin & Stacey stopped, other cameras went on to film the behind-the-scenes action. There was loads of lovely footage for the programme; it has been so special for its viewers. James is astute and realises that there is a wonderful story to be told about the making of it and what goes on behind the scenes.'

Barry Island was mobbed last week when the original cast returned to make the finale.

As well as Corden, Jones and Page, Mathew Horne, who plays Gavin Shipman, was also back on set despite allegedly falling out with Corden in the past. Rob Brydon, who portrays Stacey's Uncle Bryn was also seen filming.

An emotional Corden told fans: 'It's all overwhelming, the fact that it's the last time we'll be here on the island. It's wonderful. It's the home of the show. It's the centre of it really, and every bit of it you're thinking: "God, I remember when we were here." '

Joanna Page  the actress who plays Stacey Shipman  was also seen being trailed by a crew when she greeted fans (Pictured)

Ruth Jones, who portrays Nessa, and Joanna Page tkaing a break from filming the behind-the-scenes documentary in Barry

On the first day of filming the cast shared a picture of a clapperboard with the caption: 'The final episode of Gavin & Stacey started filming today. Truth be told, we're a little bit excited.'

It will be the first episode of the BBC sitcom since the last Christmas special in 2019. That episode, which was watched by 12 million viewers, ended on a cliffhanger with Nessa down on one knee as she proposed to Smithy.

The show centres around the ups and downs of Gavin and Stacey's initially long-distance relationship, with him living with his parents in Billericay, Essex, and her in Barry Island. The pair eventually marry, while their respective best friends Smithy and Nessa have a son, Neil, who is now 15 and will also return for the final ever episode.

Neil is played by the same actor, Oscar Hartland, who portrayed him as a baby.
Amanda Abbington is 'deeply disappointed' with BBC bosses over fears they're 'protecting' Giovanni Pernice amid bullying probe.

Sherlock actress Amanda, 50, has made a series of accusations about her pro Giovanni Pernice's teaching methods and has described his behaviour as 'unnecessary, abusive, cruel and mean'. He strongly denies all of the claims.

The report has been completed and is ready to be published within days.

A friend of Amanda told The Sun: 'She's deeply disappointed with the BBC. She thinks it feels like such a boys' club.

'As well as the probe taking so long, it feels like they are protecting Giovanni to save themselves and ignoring not only her experience but that of other women who've bravely come forward.

Amanda Abbington is 'deeply disappointed' with BBC bosses over fears their 'protecting' Giovanni Pernice amid bullying probe

Sherlock actress Amanda, 50, has made a series of accusations about her pro Giovanni Pernice's teaching methods and has described his behaviour as 'unnecessary, abusive, cruel and mean'. He strongly denies all of the claims

'Amanda feels tired, upset and very angry with the way it's all been handled.

'She is worried there will be a predictable whitewash and others will, once again, suffer from aggression and abuse.'

MailOnline has contacted Amanda and the BBC for comment.

It comes after it was revealed Amanda has found BBC bosses line of questioning 'highly offensive' amid the show's ongoing misconduct probe.

The actress has been quizzed for a second time about an illicit video shared with her by the dancer as well as a 'lewd remark' he made about another celebrity contestant when the video was sent.

Giovanni is also reported to have made a crude comment about a member of Amanda's own family, only for her to 'effectively be asked' by BBC bosses whether the dancer meant the remark as light-hearted banter.

A source told The Sun: '[Amanda] found this line of questioning highly offensive.'

In regards to the alleged video they told the publication: 'The BBC can't ignore the fact the video was sent. There seems to be a trail of evidence'.

'Even if it is established the footage was shared with innocent intentions, the BBC are concerned this could constitute a breach of conduct according to the contract handed to the pro dancers.'

A BBC spokesman said: 'As we have said before, we will not be commenting on individuals or engaging in speculation'.

Amanda shares daughter Grace and son Joe with ex partner Martin Freeman, 52, who she was for 16 years from 20002016.

The actress has been quizzed for a second time about an illicit video shared with her by the dancer as well as a 'lewd remark' he made about another celeb (Amanda pictured in rehearsals)

In one interview, Amanda compared the dance show to 'the trenches' telling Channel 4 News that BBC producers had been left 'horrified' by clips that also allegedly exhibited 'humiliating behaviour of a sexual nature'

An investigation was launched after several celebrities including Amanda Abbington and Zara McDermott (pictured) sparked abuse and bullying scandals on the family show

It comes after Martin reached out to her to support after the scandal and been someone to lean on amid the turbulent time, as well as her fiance Jonathan Goodwin, reports The Sun.

It is expected that the probe into Giovanni will soon be completed by the BBC after several weeks of investigations.

It comes after it was reported that Amanda recently handed over more texts with fresh revelations over Giovanni 's behaviour on Strictly.

It has been claimed the dramatic intervention has thrown the BBC investigation into professional Giovanni's behaviour into chaos and has 'changed the course of the probe'.

The Sun reports that Amanda has come forward with new bombshell messages just as the probe was about to conclude which reportedly show that Giovanni did 'step over the line of what is acceptable'.

Amanda was reportedly questioned by BBC bosses for a second time about 'crude comments' she claimed were made by Giovanni.

She is said to have been quizzed via video call last week as she sat down with two ex-Met detectives to discuss her allegations about the professional dancer, 33.

They reportedly discussed claims of sexual comments during rehearsals, as well as 'new evidence'. Giovanni has denied all allegations made against him.

MailOnline contacted representatives for Amanda, Giovanni, and The BBC for comment.

Amanda has made a series of accusations about Giovanni's teaching methods and has described his behaviour as 'unnecessary, abusive, cruel and mean'. He strongly denies all of the claims.

In one interview, Amanda compared the dance show to 'the trenches' telling Channel 4 News that BBC producers had been left 'horrified' by clips that also allegedly exhibited 'humiliating behaviour of a sexual nature'.

In another, where she spoke to Christine Lampard on Lorraine , she said: 'It was inappropriate, it was mean, it was nasty, it was bullying and I put up with it for five, six weeks.

Amanda shares her children with ex partner Martin Freeman (pictured 2015) and he has reportedly reached out to support the actress amid the scandal

'It started very early on and when it started to happen I would shut down because I recognised those red flags.

'And so I would shut down and it would be difficult to get in, and that would be a self-fulfilling prophecy.'

Talking about her schedule on the show, she said: 'I was going into the rehearsal room every day. I've been in rehearsal rooms for 32 years.

'I know what rehearsal rooms are supposed to be like.

'I don't care what background you're from  whether it's dancing, acting, singing  you have a duty of care to bring into that rehearsal room compassion, understanding, sensitivity and kindness.

'And that wasn't extended to me (at Strictly). And so I just said I don't think this is right.'
Malin Andersson has opened up about one of the darkest times of her life following her famous stint on Love Island - when she 'used her mum's inheritance to pay off a huge Botox debt' in her early 20s.

The reality star, 31, shot to fame on the hit ITV dating show in 2016 but not too long after leaving the villa, she found herself splashing money to fund endless cosmetic procedures.

The make up artist-turned-mental health campaigner was in fact caught up in a vicious 'cycle' using different credit cards, until she was hit by a huge bill.

Yet, the 'addiction' - as she called it - made her reckless and unreliable, using her mum's inheritance to pay off her debt after she died from stomach cancer in 2017.

The TV sensation admitted if she didn't have such money at the time, she wouldn't know what to do.

Malin Andersson has opened up about one of the darkest times of her life - when she 'used her mum's inheritance to pay off a huge Botox debt' in her early 20s

The reality star, 31, shot to fame on the hit ITV dating show in 2016 but not too long after leaving the villa, she found herself splashing money to fund endless cosmetic procedures (pictured on the show in 2016)

'I wasted all my savings and got payday loans out for Botox and lip fillers in my early twenties. It was addictive and ridiculous,' Malin admitted speaking to The Mirror.

'You think those types of treatments are minor - a quick 200 or 300. But I took out loans to pay for them and they were like small pockets of debt.

'I wasn't worried about the money at the time. I didn't care. It wasn't like I was spending 10,000 on big surgery. But that's the dangerous part of getting Botox and filler.'

The internet star reflected: 'I loved a payday loan. It cost me more to pay it back than what I took out. And then when my mum died, I had to use her money to pay it all off. I got stuck in the cycle.

'I was young and I didn't care about the repercussions of what I spent my money on.'

Malin has previously used her social media platforms to talk about her own journey with cosmetic surgery, often issuing warning to her followers and trying to raise awareness.

She has been praised by fans for becoming a vocal campaigner for body confidence, the dark side of fame and the problems with social media since moving into the limelight.

In a recent post from last month, she encouraged her followers to 'throw away the weighing scales'.

'I wasted all my savings and got payday loans out for Botox and lip fillers in my early twenties. It was addictive and ridiculous,' Malin admitted speaking to The Mirror

The 'addiction' - as she called it - made her reckless and unreliable, using her mum's inheritance to pay off her debt after she died from stomach cancer in 2017

She looked incredible in a sheer pink bra and orange lace briefs as she put on a confident display.

Malin penned in the caption: 'THROW AWAY THE WEIGHING SCALES BECAUSE EACH TIME YOU STEP ON THEM YOU'RE TELLING YOURSELF YOU ARE UNLOVABLE AND NOT WORTHY OF YOUR OWN TRUST AND GUIDANCE WITHIN YOURSELF.'

She wore her brunette tresses in a choppy bob and opted for a glowing, natural makeup look.

Malin has used her Instagram to document her journey and weight loss, showing her dedicated fitness regime and how it helps her both mentally and physically.

Earlier this year she issued a stark warning to followers about the perils of surgery in an Instagram post.

Having spoken previously about her regrets over surgery, in the new post shared with her followers she posed in sportswear while pulling down her shorts to show her stomach - which she branded 'lumpy and strange'.

Malin explained that she had ventured to Turkey seven years ago to undergo the fat removal, however carrying both her daughters, Xaya, two, and Consy, who tragically passed away at just 30 days old in 2019, left her skin damaged.

In an accompanying caption, she penned: 'When you get liposuction 7 years ago, have two babies but you still have lumpy strange skin on your stomach from it

'Just a little warning to anyone that's thinking of getting liposuction done, especially Turkey. This is 7 years on. YOU LIVE AND YOU LEARN. Or I would have never evolved.

'Funny how I've learnt to love every part of me through ALL of the pain. I just don't want anyone making the same mistakes I did.'

She then posted in the comments section: 'Remember surgery is anyone's choice. But it doesn't fix anything INTERNAL. You heard it here first.'

Malin has been very candid about her experiences with domestic violence and has campaigned for abuse survivors.

In a recent post from last month, she encouraged her followers to 'throw away the weighing scales'

Malin has used her Instagram to document her journey and weight loss, showing her dedicated fitness regime and how it helps her both mentally and physically (pictured before left and after right)

Earlier this year she issued a stark warning to followers about the perils of surgery in an Instagram post

Her former boyfriend Tom Kemp was jailed for 10 months in 2020, after admitting to an assault on her that left her 'black and blue' with a broken hand.

He was the father of Malin's baby girl Consy, who tragically died with a heart defect in January 2019, just one month after being delivered at 33 weeks.

The couple met in late 2017 and Malin has been open about the abuse and emotional torment she suffered while in the on/off relationship.
Geordie Shore's Sophie Kasaei has revealed whether or not Charlotte Crosby will return to the reality show on which they made their names.

Sophie, 34, now also on The Only Way Is Essex, starred alongside Charlotte, 34, on Paramount's, previously E4's, Geordie Shore from its 2011 inception until 2024.

Charlotte first left the show in 2016, but had been appearing consistently since her 2022 return. She is currently on the Australian version of the show, Aussie Shore.

Sophie, though still a cast member as of September, took breaks from the series from 2013 to 2016 and from 2019 to 2022.

The beauty, currently dating TOWIE's Jordan Brook, 29, told The Sun what the future had in store for Charlotte and Geordie Shore.

Geordie Shore's Sophie Kasaei, 34, (pictured in August) has revealed whether or not Charlotte Crosby, also 34, will return to the reality show on which they made their names

Sophie, now also on The Only Way Is Essex, starred alongside Charlotte on Paramount's, previously E4's, Geordie Shore from its 2011 inception until 2024 (both pictured in March)

Sophie began: 'Charlotte will always be my best friend. Charlotte is the type of girl that I might not see for months and months but when I see her it's like nothing ever is different.

'She will always be my best friend, I adore that girl. She's got the most beautiful life. She's got everything she wanted and is everywhere she wanted to be and we'll always support each other and we speak every day.'

She said of Charlotte rejoining Geordie Shore: 'Who knows...I don't know. I would love it. But I think Charlotte has her own thing going on now. She has her own fashion brand, she's got a baby and she's got Jake. But with Geordie Shore, you never know, you never know who's going to come back.'

Charlotte left the programme for a second time after a fight with Sophie's cousin Marnie.

The TV personality was seen storming out after a fiery row with her co-star over a highchair and insisted she had quit for good.

Charlotte flew home early from filming the upcoming series of Geordie Shore in Cyprus, and she and Marnie later unfollowed each other on social media.

The star then broke down in tears on her Always On podcast, revealing she had quit the show 'forever' and would not return.

She said: 'It just ended up going so terribly wrong. I don't know why but the whole series, I later discovered, was a bit weird.'

While Charlotte did not name Marnie, she admitted: 'There was a silly argument, over a high chair of all things, that escalated. And I just left.'

The series one cast of Geordie Shore. (Top, left to right) Jay Gardner, Greg Lake, James Tindale, Gary Beadle. (Bottom, L-R) Charlotte Crosby, Holly Hagan, Vicky Pattinson, and Sophie Kasei

Charlotte pictured with her fiance Jake Ankers and their daughter Alba Jean, 22 months, in June, parts of the reason Sophie thinks Charlotte may not return, though 'you never know'

Sophie is busy filming the thirty-fourth series of TOWIE, alongside boyfriend Jordan.

On Saturday, her co-star Ella Rae Wise, 24, hinted that there was a cast feud brewing as Harry Derbidge takes exception to her relationship with Dan Edgar, 34.

Series 34 sees all of the series 33 cast return, including Dan's ex Amber Turner, and it will have 11 episodes in total.

The series kicked off in Cyprus on August 25 and will end on November 3, airing every Sunday on ITVBe and ITVX.
The South China Sea issue has always been the focu...
Actor Vikrant Massey believes his latest Sector 36 is a film that will always remain important to people due to the persistent and pervasive nature of crimes against women and children.

Based on true events, the crime thriller is directed by Aditya Nimbalkar and features Massey as a serial killer who targets children.

"This film is not just important right now. Unfortunately, it will be important at any point in time. I say this with a very heavy heart because of the world that we live in. If I can very briefly tell you about crimes against women and children, these are very pertinent issues that we are dealing with day in and day out," Massey told PTI in an interview.

His comments come against the backdrop of two cases that have shaken the nation -- the rape and murder of a doctor in Kolkata, as well as the alleged sexual assault of two four-year-old girls at a school in Badlapur, Maharashtra.

Massey said though India has made great strides in other fields, there are still a lot of things that people of the country "need to work on collectively".

"We have reached the moon, we are one of the largest democracies. We are everywhere and an emerging superpower... As much as we want to entertain, we also want to sort of leave you with a thought, Is this really the world that we want to live in? Is this the direction that we need to head into?' the actor said.

As a father, Massey said that issues related to the safety of women and children remain as frightening as they were a decade ago

It scares me all the more today when I am a parent. But it would scare me even way back in 2010 when I was not married... Such is the travesty of our times that unfortunately, things remain the same, he added.

"Sector 36" follows Inspector Ram Charan Pandey (Deepak Dobriyal), father to a young daughter and doting husband, who chases after a serial killer despite warnings to desist.

"With the lives of missing children in the balance, he hunts the enigmatic yet beguiling Prem Singh (Massey), hiding in plain sight," read the official plotline.

To prepare for the role, the "12th Fail" actor said he studied serial killer documentaries and books like "Inside the Mind of a Serial Killer" to understand the character's mindset.

"The larger idea remains the same whether it is a serial offender or a killer, they look just like you and me. But what separates them from a so-called average person or a normal person is what lies within them. The way they process things, see things or their worldview at large.

"Nonchalance was something which was very important for me to portray this character. We wanted to keep it very simple... So that's the ease with which you see me operate, Massey said.

The actor said he is not looking for praise for his performance as he wants viewers to focus on the issue the film is trying to highlight.

"I hope people love the film at large. I definitely do not want to outshine the larger idea. I'm just a small part of this larger puzzle which is the story. And I hope that people resonate with the story much more than my character. If they end up doing that, I will consider that as my victory.

"This particular part is not the one wherein I want people to empathise with me or get inspired by me. I definitely want people to enjoy my character and like my work, he said.

At the same time, Massey said the film does not seek to glorify such criminals but rather to explore their psychology.

"I definitely don't want to be the Joker in this Batman film. I want people to listen to our Batman, who is Deepak Dobrial," he said.

"There was a very conscious effort, we definitely don't want to glorify a serial killer. But we definitely present certain aspects of a serial killer which you might have not seen in a movie. We don't do that for you to glorify him. We do that for you to identify with him a little more. I see a huge difference between identification and glorification."

"Sector 36" is produced by Dinesh Vijan's Maddock Films. The film is slated to release on Netflix on September 13.
Predicting the Assembly poll results in advance, Union Home Minister Amit Shah Saturday declared the National Conference and the Congress will never be able to form a government in Jammu and Kashmir.

Shah said the BJP will contest and win these elections with full strength. He also emphasized that the election results will be decided by the people of Jammu.

Addressing the Karyakarta Sammelan, a day after releasing the partys Sankalp Patra (Manifesto) here in Jammu Shah motivated the booth-level party workers to launch a door-to-door campaign to ensure the formation of the BJP government. We just dont have to defeat them, we have to seize their deposits.

I am reading the writing on the wall that NC and Congress will never form a government. They are the people who forced Maharaja Hari Singh to exile and only his ashes could be brought back after his death, Shah said. The movement started by Pandit Prem Nath Dogra was ended by PM Modi Ji on August 5, 2019.

He said, It is a coincidence that the first election rally of BJP is starting on the day of Ganesh Chaturthi and we all know that Lord Ganesh destroys all the obstacles of the path.

The Union Home Minister said the upcoming elections are historic. For the first time since the countrys independence, the voters of Jammu and Kashmir will cast their votes under the tricolor. For the first time, votes will be cast under the Constitution of Baba Saheb Ambedkar and not under two constitutions. For the first time, no PM will sit in Jammu and Kashmir as only one person can be PM. These elections are taking place out of the shadow of article 370 and we have seen its results in Lok Sabha elections. More than 58 percent of voters participated in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

Addressing the gathering of party workers Shah assured people about the restoration of Jammu and Kashmirs statehood after the assembly election.

Shah also urged the youth of Kashmir to refrain from supporting the National Conference-Congress alliance, warning their vote could potentially bring militancy back.

The NDA Government will not allow the revival of terrorism, autonomy and injustice with any community, including Gujjars, Pahari, Bakerwals and Dalits who were granted reservation by the BJP dispensation, he asserted.

The Union Home Minister came down heavily on Congress and the National Conference on their claims that they would restore statehood and start talks with Pakistan. Shah, however, assertedtill there is no peace, there will be no talks with Pakistan.

The Home Minister said that the NC-Congress alliance was fooling people by saying they would restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir as only the government can do this and PM Modi will do this.

Congress and the National Conference are saying they will restore statehood. Tell me who can give it? It is only the Central government, PM Modi who can give it. So stop fooling the people of Jammu and Kashmir. We have said that at an appropriate time after the elections, we will give statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. We have said this in Parliament. Rahul Gandhi should stop misleading the people of J&K, Union Minister Amit Shah said. He further alleged that only the Central Government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has the authority to restore statehood in Jammu and Kashmir.

Stating the BJPs 10 agendas for elections, Shah said, Congress and NC want to bring back two flags, article in Jammu and Kashmir, will you? They want to snatch the reservation of Gujjars, Bakarwal, Paharis and Dalits. I want to tell one thing to Rahul Gandhi: no matter how much effort you put in, we will not let the reservation of Gujjars, Bakarwal, Paharis and Dalits be touched. Abrogation of Article 370 has given rights to women, will you let them snatch their rights? They want to release the criminals wrapped up in terrorism, but we wont let them spread terrorism in Jammu, Poonch, Rajouri, and Doda. They say we will restart LoC trade, but who will benefit from it? Their profit will be used to spread terrorism. They want to talk to Pakistan but I want to say that till there is no peace, there will be no talks with Pakistan.

Three families want Jammu and Kashmir to incline towards terrorism. Gandhi, Abdullah and the Mufti family have looted money from Jammu and Kashmir; they want to restore the old system, which means there will be inequality in Jammu.

In a veiled attack at the National Conference and the PDP, Shah said

Kashmir has suffered a lot from terrorism. There were governments in Kashmir that turned a blind eye to terrorism. Some people would come here and become chief ministers when there was peace and when there was terrorism, they would go to Delhi and drink coffee in coffee bars.

Praising the Modi government, Shah said that the BJP government has reduced up to 70 percent of terrorism in the territory and now Amarnath Yatra is carried out fearlessly.

The Bharatiya Janata Party has done the work of reducing terrorism by 70 percent in 10 years. After many years, the Amarnath Yatra was carried out fearlessly. After many years, night theatre started in the valley, Tazia procession was carried out in the valley. The people of Jammu and Kashmir, especially the people of Jammu have to decide whether they want terrorism peace, or development. If NC and Congress come to power, terrorism will come and if BJP will come, then no one can infiltrate here, said Shah.
To enhance weather data accuracy and improve response to climate-related challenges, Himachal government has signed an MOU with the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) in the presence of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.



Under the agreement, 48 automatic weather stations will be installed across the state initially, providing real-time data to improve forecasting and preparedness, particularly for sectors like agriculture and horticulture. The network will later be expanded to the block level in a phased manner. Currently, 22 automatic weather stations are already operational, set up by the IMD.



Sukhu stated that this network of weather stations would significantly improve the management of natural disasters like excessive rainfall, flash floods, snowfall and cloudbursts by enhancing early warning systems and emergency response capabilities.



Additionally, the State government reached a consensus with Agenc Francaise de Development (AFD) to provide Rs. 890 crore for a comprehensive disaster and climate risk reduction project. The Chief Minister said The project will help transition the state towards a more resilient disaster management framework, focusing on strengthening infrastructure, governance, and institutional capacity.



He said that the funds will be directed towards strengthening the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (HPSDMA), District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs), and both state and district Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs). Additional efforts include conducting Climate Change Vulnerability Assessments (CCVA) at the village level and developing an Early Warning System (EWS) for various natural disasters.



The initiative will also expand fire response capabilities by establishing new fire stations in unserved areas and upgrading existing ones to handle hazardous material emergencies. It aims to build bioengineering nurseries for landslide mitigation, create earthquake-resistant infrastructure, and improve last-mile connectivity through an enhanced satellite network. Continuous monitoring will be carried out through a dedicated software platform. Further support may be provided through a technical assistance grant from France under a bilateral cooperation agreement, said the Chief Minister.



Sukhu stated A state institute for disaster management would be established besides constructing helipads to enhance disaster response, and a new State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) company would be formed to strengthen local disaster management efforts.
The Delhi health department has so far administered the BCG vaccine to over 50,000 adults as part of its efforts to combat tuberculosis (TB) and reduce mortality rates, according to an official statement.

The Adult BCG Vaccination Study, conducted under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP), aims to target high-risk adult populations in five revenue districts  New Delhi, North-East, West, East, and South  with six other districts serving as control areas, the statement said. The Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine, traditionally administered to newborns, is now being explored for its potential to reduce TB cases among adults, especially those at higher risk, the release said.

Previous studies, including the Chingleput BCG trial, have shown a modest 36 per cent efficacy over a 15-year period, suggesting potential benefits of adult vaccination, it added. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a TB vaccine with just 50 per cent efficacy could reduce TB incidence by 12 per cent and mortality by 8.5 per cent, by 2030.

The Delhi government's study is part of an initiative by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Department of Health Research (DHR).

"It focuses on vaccinating adults aged 18 years and above from high-risk groups, including contacts of TB patients within the last three years, individuals treated for TB within the last five years, those with a Body Mass Index (BMI) below 18 kg/m, adults aged 60 and above, self-reported smokers and self-reported diabetics," read the statement.

So far, around 50,000 eligible adults across the targeted districts in Delhi have received the BCG vaccine, the statement said. The study will closely monitor the health outcomes of these participants over the next three years, with 14 periodic assessments to evaluate the vaccine's effectiveness, it added.

This effort aligns with the National Strategic Plan 2017-2025 for TB, which seeks to meet India's Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) targets for TB elimination by 2025, the release said. By focusing on prevention, including adult BCG vaccination, Delhi hopes to make significant strides in eradicating the disease, the statement added.
In preparation for the visit of the Chief Minister, Hemant Soren, to Kaju Maidan, Dobo, on September 10, a crucial meeting was held by District Magistrate-cum-Deputy Commissioner Ananya Mittal. The meeting, held at the Collectorate Auditorium, focused on the arrangements for the 'Aapki Yojana-Aapki Sarkar Aapke Dwar' program, where beneficiaries from East Singhbhum and West Singhbhum districts will participate.

The program, part of a government initiative to bring welfare schemes directly to the people, will include the distribution of assets and acceptance letters to beneficiaries. Additionally, several schemes will be inaugurated and foundation stones laid during the event.

Mittal provided detailed guidelines to the officials regarding transportation arrangements for beneficiaries, seating and refreshments, and overall event management. He stressed the importance of coordination among departments to ensure the smooth execution of the program.

To ensure the seamless organization of the event, District Magistrate-cum-Deputy Commissioner of Saraikela Kharsawan, Ravishankar Shukla, along with his East Singhbhum counterpart Ananya Mittal, conducted an on-site inspection at Kaju Maidan. The inspection team also included SSP East Singhbhum Kishore Kaushal, DDC East Singhbhum Manish Kumar, PDITDA Dipankar Chaudhary, SP Saraikela Kharsawan Mukesh Lunayat, and Rural SP East Singhbhum Rishabh Garg, among other administrative and police officials.

During the inspection, officials reviewed key aspects such as venue cleanliness, the construction of a temporary helipad, parking arrangements for visitors arriving from various routes, and seating arrangements. Guidelines were also provided on maintaining law and order, ensuring an adequate supply of drinking water, mobile toilet facilities, and medical support, including the availability of an ambulance and fire brigade. The need for proper barricading and signage at strategic points was also emphasized to facilitate smooth traffic movement and visitor management.
A government hospital doctor was allegedly thrashed in front of his minor son by a man in Chakkarpur village over a car parking issue, police said on Saturday.

In his complaint, Dr. Abhishek Anil Kumar Jha, who works as a general surgeon at Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in Delhi, claimed that at around 8.30 pm on Thursday he along with his family went to Chakkarpur village and parked his car outside Balaji PG, they said.

When Jha returned along with his son, he noticed another car parked behind his vehicle and requested its owner to move the car. However, the man started misbehaving with the doctor and hit him in the eye, they said.

"I could not see anything from my left eye but after some time, I got up, sat in the car with my son and locked the car. After sometime my wife and mother-in-law came there and the man started saying go away from here else he will kill us', the doctor alleged. An FIR was registered against unidentified accused under relevant sections of the BNS at sector 29 police station on Friday, the police said, adding that the doctor is being treated at a hospital.

A senior police officer said they are trying to identify the accused with the help of CCTV footage of the nearby area.
The Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) of the Punjab Police, in joint operation with central agencies and Maharashtra Police, has solved the sensational Ferozepur Triple Murder case with the arrest of six shooters from Aurangabad, Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav said on Saturday.



Those arrested have been identified as Gurpreet Singh alias Gopy Baba of Chohla Sahib in Tarn Taran; Prince of village Kunde in Ferozepur; Ravinder Singh alias Ravi alias Sukhu, Sukhchain Singh, Akshay alias Bagicha and Rajbeer Singh alias Daler Singh, all residents of Basti Bagh Wali in Ferozepur. All the arrested accused have criminal history with cases pertaining to murder, attempt to murder, robbery, NDPS Act, Arms Act etc registered against them. While, accused Gurpreet Singh alias Gopy Baba has also been declared proclaimed offender in two cases.



Three persons, including a young girl, were shot dead by six assailants on two motorcycles in broad daylight near Gurudwara in Ferozepur on Tuesday.

DGP Yadav said that acting on human-intel inputs and connecting the dots, AGTF Punjab headed by ADGP Promod Ban, Police teams under the supervision of AIG Gurmeet Singh Chauhan and AIG Sandeep Goel launched a special operation spread over states of Punjab, UT Chandigarh, Delhi and Maharashtra, have arrested six accused persons from Hruday Samrat Balasaheb Thakre Express Highway. The operation was led by DSP Bikramjit Singh Brar and DSP Rajan Parminder Singh was supported by the QRT Aurangabad Police team.



He said that preliminary investigation has revealed all the arrested six shooters are close associates of mastermind Ashish Chopra, who is a fugitive and hiding abroad on a fake passport. The probe revealed that the incident is the fallout of intergang rivalry between two groups, he added. The DGP said more arrests are expected soon, he added.
The Himachal Pradesh government would urge the Supreme Court to direct the Punjab government to hand over the 110 MW Shanan Hydel Project back to Himachal before October 31 this year, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said on Saturday.



Presiding over a meeting of senior officers of the Energy Department here, he emphasised the need to assert Himachal Pradesh's "rightful claims" in the court of law to maximise benefits to the people of the state. He said that 110 MW Shanan Hydel Project in Jogindernagar must be handed over to Himachal as the lease period of this project in favour of Punjab has expired.



He said the matter would also be brought up with the government of India and the Punjab government to ensure prompt transfer of the project. The state government would also expedite the matter of securing Himachal Pradesh's legitimate rights in the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) as adjudicated by the Supreme Court earlier, the CM said.



The Himachal government will leave no stone unturned to achieve this goal, he said, adding that a notice of non-compliance of the implementation agreement will be served to JSW company regarding the 1045 MW Karcham Wangtoo Hydro Power Project as well. To safeguard the interests of the state in the hydel sector, it has been decided to ensure 12 percent, 18 percent and 30 percent royalty slabs in power projects and after 40 years, the project will be handed over back to the state, reiterated the chief minister.



He said this step would also go a long way in strengthening the state's economy. Hydropower and tourism are the key sectors for the state's economy and the present government is giving top priority to both these sectors, he said.
Amid uncertainty over an alliance with the Congress for the assembly polls in Haryana, AAP on Saturday warned that those who "underestimate" the party would "regret" it. AAP national secretary (organisation) Sandeep Pathak said during a press conference that the party was ready to contest from all 90 seats in the Haryana elections with full force.

"We are fully prepared and waiting for the party's order. As soon as we get the 'go' word, we will announce everything. We are prepared to fight the elections with full force on all the seats and those who underestimate us will themselves regret it in the future," Pathak said.

Alliance talks between AAP and the Congress have hit an impasse over seat sharing. AAP has demanded 10 seats while the Congress is offering five to seven, insiders have said. Haryana goes to the polls on October 5. The last date to file nominations is September 12.

Earlier in the day, AAP chief national spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar said talks were underway and expressed hope that there would be "some conclusion". "Talks are ongoing, so it's too early to comment," she said when asked about the number of seats AAP would contest if it struck an alliance with the Congress.

AAP has been on a continuous campaign in Haryana. Sunita Kejriwal, wife of party chief Arvind Kejriwal, is scheduled to hold public meetings in the state on Saturday. "We are ready to contest on all 90 seats," Kakkar said.

AAP sources on Friday claimed that the talks over an alliance were on the verge of "collapse". They had also claimed that the party was planning to contest 50 seats and might announce its first list of candidates on Sunday.

INDIA bloc constituents AAP and the Congress contested the Lok Sabha polls in an alliance in Haryana, Gujarat and Delhi.

In Haryana, AAP contested the Kurukshetra seat, where its state unit chief Sushil Gupta lost to the BJP's Navin Jindal. Addressing a public meeting in Bhiwani, Kejriwals wife Sunita dubbed him as "Haryana ka laal" (son of Haryana), and urged people to stand against the ruling BJP by voting for the AAP in the upcoming assembly polls. Claiming that the Delhi chief minister was put behind bars in a fake case, the AAP leader said, "Your son is a lion and he will not bend before (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi ji."

"I, your daughter-in-law and your sister, want to ask, will Haryana tolerate this insult? Will you remain quiet and will you not support your son (the Delhi CM)," she asked while addressing a gathering here.

Sunita also slammed Haryana's ruling party BJP, alleging it only wants to "remain in power" and has "no interest" in working for the welfare of society. She also said the BJP only knew how to break parties and put opposition leaders in jail.

She asked electors to ensure that not even a single vote goes to the BJP, which has been in power for the last 10 years. Hitting out at the BJP, the AAP leader asked people if they saw any improvement in the education and health sectors in the last 10 years.

"Has the condition of government schools improved? Is there any hospital in your area where good medical treatment is provided, free medicines are given," she asked. "Are you getting free and round-the-clock electricity? There is nothing as such," she said, adding that these facilities are being provided in Delhi and Punjab where the AAP is in power.

Sharpening her attack on the ruling party, she said the BJP just wanted to remain in power. "It only knows how to break parties and put opposition leaders in jail. They (BJP) have no interest in working for (the welfare of) the society," she alleged. She said her husband Arvind Kejriwal was "Haryana ka laal" (son of Haryana), adding that he was born in Siwani village and was brought up in Hisar.
In 2021, The National Achievement Survey (NAS) made a categorical statement about the state of education in Jharkhand. It stated that in the state, the performance of SC, ST, OBC, and other social groups is lower than the national average in language while the performance of both rural and urban students is below the national average in language as well as mathematics. The report informs that tribal districts lag behind in learning outcomes, conveying that while more infrastructure facilities in schools are necessary, improved pedagogy and inclusivity are critically important as well.

Transform Rural India addresses such inequities with initiatives like PPIA (Public Policy in Action) which delivers transformative rural design solutions where they are needed the most. Acknowledging the importance of staying cognisant of grassroots realities. TRI's PPIA program places a cadre of young professionals and future policymakers directly in the heart of rural India who then design specific solutions to address systemic problems like educational inequality at the root.

On International Literacy Day (September 8), here is an overview of two pioneering PPIA projects that are making education more accessible and inclusive across Jharkhand.

A PPIA Fellow Ramesh Kumar, played a pivotal role in the success of the inaugural Gumla Book Fair in the Chotanagpur region of Jharkhand. He assisted with its planning and execution, reached out to guest speakers and publishers, and coordinated with the education department. The Gumla Book Fair was an attempt to rekindle a culture of learning and intellectual fervour in an underserved region whose cultural and literary heritage dates back to the reign of Nagvanshi rulers. The inaugural Fair celebrated this legacy and brought together local authors, poets, publishers, and literary enthusiasts from across the region.

Another significant project is Gumlas Library Mission. The goal of this district-led effort is to establish libraries and make a wide range of books and literary resources accessible to the youth.

Another PPIA-supported initiative is a Braille Literacy drive for visually impaired students for more inclusivity in education. A Smart Braille Literacy Device for students has been introduced in Latehar District by the district administration, in collaboration with a dedicated PPIA Fellow Sonali Layek. This initiative harnesses technology to ensure that visually impaired rural students have equal access to education. The PPIA Fellow identified the educational disparities faced by visually impaired students in the district, collaborated closely with the District Administration and introduced the Smart Braille Literacy Device to revolutionize the way visually impaired students learn and interact with educational content.

The introduction of the Smart Braille Literacy Device is a significant intervention aimed at enhancing educational outcomes for visually impaired students. The primary objective of the assistive technology is to improve literacy rates and the outcomes so far have been overwhelmingly positive, with students demonstrating improved Braille literacy skills, increased engagement in the classroom, and a heightened sense of inclusion.

The success of this program serves as a powerful example of how innovative solutions and collaborative efforts can transform lives and ensure that every student has the chance to succeed.
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar hailed Uttar Pradesh as a shining example of progress, saying it plays a key role in shaping Indias unique global identity and every citizen will have to make a sacrifice in the Developed India mission.

Vice President Dhankhar was addressing the inauguration ceremony of Sainik School in Gorakhpur on Saturday. In his address, he called upon citizens to actively participate in the ongoing campaign for realising the vision of a Developed India by 2047.

He said, Every person should make sacrifices for the Developed India Mission because no sacrifice is too great when it comes to serving the country.

Hailing Uttar Pradesh as a shining example of progress, the vice president commended Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for the significant transformations witnessed in the state since 2017. He said that Uttar Pradesh had made a qualitative contribution in the distinct and strong identity of India in the world.

He praised the transformative changes in Uttar Pradesh under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi, noting significant advancements in education, healthcare, entrepreneurship and other sectors since 2017.

He remarked: Indianness is our identity, and the nation is our religion.

He urged everyone to prioritise national interests above personal ones, warning that any compromise with nationalism would be a betrayal to the country. He asserted that those who question the nations integrity would not be tolerated.

The vice president highlighted the dramatic change in Kashmir, where, following the abolition of Article 370, more than two crore tourists have visited the region over the past two to three years. He reminded the audience that while the framers of the Constitution intended Article 370 to be temporary, some mistakenly viewed it as permanent.

Vice President Dhankhar also praised Purvanchal as a vital region of Uttar Pradesh, commending the construction of the first Sainik School in the area. He exuded confidence that the school will play a crucial role in shaping future generations, standing as a testament to Chief Minister Yogis unique vision and impact.

The vice president recalled that the countrys first Sainik School was founded in Lucknow in 1960 by then-Chief Minister Dr Sampurnanand. Now, decades later, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has surpassed that legacy, setting a new benchmark by swiftly establishing another Sainik School, he stated.

The vice president shared an emotional moment, recounting the day when Chief Minister Yogi personally visited his residence to extend an invitation for the inauguration of Sainik School Gorakhpur. He described the invitation as extraordinary, noting that Chief Minister Yogis attention to detail and thoughtfulness were evident in how he invited him not just as a dignitary, but as an alumnus of a Sainik School.

Reflecting on the inauguration ceremony, the vice president expressed how the event brought back vivid memories of his own time as a Sainik School student six decades ago. He described the experience as unforgettable, noting that Chief Minister Yogis efforts had created an indelible moment in his life.

He emphasised that this invitation also served as a reminder of the transformative power of education, which has the ability to bridge inequalities and foster change.

The vice president lauded the newly established institution, expressing his belief that it will serve as an inspiration for other states to form similar societies and establish Sainik Schools of their own. He emphasised that the bond he has formed with Gorakhpur through this event will remain with him for life.

He reflected on his own connection to the region, recalling the time he served in the Lok Sabha alongside Yogi Adityanaths mentor, Mahant Avaidyanath, from whom he received blessings when he became a minister at the Centre.

Following the inauguration of the Sainik School Gorakhpur, Vice President Dhankhar inspected the new institution. He toured the schools facilities, including classrooms, playgrounds, the swimming pool, and the residential complex. He also tried his hand at shooting at the newly established Eklavya Shooting Range.

In a gesture reflecting his commitment to environmental sustainability, the vice president planted trees on the school grounds, sending a strong message about the importance of keeping nature green and maintaining a clean and beautiful environment.

The days events commenced with the National Anthem and Saraswati Vandana as the vice president took the stage. The highlight of the ceremony was an emotional drama staged by the cadets, depicting the transition from student life to military service.
Vijender Gupta, the Leader of Opposition in the Delhi Assembly, has demanded CBI inquiry into the alleged financial mismanagement by the AAP government particularly in relation to the Delhi Skill and Entrepreneurship University (DSEU) and questionable expenditures made through the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) between 2020 and 2023.

Making this demand in his letter to Delhi Lt Governor V K Saxena, Gupta claimed a "massive recruitment scam" within DSEU, where political appointees have allegedly been placed in high-paying positions without following the established recruitment processes.

The recruitment practices, according to Gupta, undermine the principles of fairness, transparency, and accountability in public administration, with salaries exceeding those of the Vice-Chancellor.

Further compounding these concerns is the AAP government's expenditure through BCG, which Gupta claims totals an astronomical Rs. 250 crore of public funds without following GIF (General Financial Rules).

Notably, Rs. 100 crore has been spent on advertisements, while Rs. 60 crore worth of fake bills remain unpaid. Gupta has expressed alarm over the reckless spending that appears to have yielded no tangible benefits for educational institutions or students.

The current state of DSEU, as described by Gupta, is dire. The university is critically understaffed, with only 85 non-teaching staff against a sanctioned strength of 1700, and 500 teaching staff out of the required 1600. Infrastructure across campuses is severely lacking, with some facilities missing even basic amenities such as water and electricity.
In the last two years, India's travel and tourism industry has flourished in an unprecedented manner. In the past, Westerners and even visitors from other Asian countries associated India mainly with landmarks like the Taj Mahal, Lal Qila, Qutub Minar, and Jama Masjid. Although India had several opportunities in the 1980s and 1990s to showcase its rich heritage to the world, leadership failed to seize the moment and market the country's lesser-known attractions. Events like the Non-Aligned Movement meeting in 1982 and the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in 1984 were limited to New Delhi. The same pattern followed during the SAARC summit under Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi's tenure.

The world, however, took notice during Chinese President Xi Jinpings visit to India in 2014, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted him in Ahmedabad and Raj Nagar, Gujarat. This visit stood out for the unprecedented camaraderie between Modi and Xi. The "Chai Pe Charcha" and stroll along the Sabarmati River, along with traditional Gujarati delicacies, were a new experience for Xi (though, in an ironic twist, while enjoying hot and crispy pakoras, Xi had already instructed the PLA to provoke incidents along the India-China border).

After this visit, India hosted several significant events, including the G-20 summit. For the first time in India's history, global dignitaries were taken beyond the capital to experience the diversity of the subcontinent. They were captivated by India's opulence and natural beauty, pushing the country to the forefront of desirable travel destinations.

India truly has something for everyone. The enchanting beauty of Kashmir, the stunning landscapes of the northeast, the lush jungles of the south, and the winding rivers of Krishna, Kaveri, and Godavari, along with the mesmerizing western coastline, are sure to attract hundreds of thousands of tourists every year. The concept of tourism has evolved over the last decade, and it is no longer just about leisure. The serene locations across India can rejuvenate the spirit, and the ancient Ayurvedic medicine system offers a holistic experience, revitalizing both body and soul.

An untapped potential in Indias tourism sector is MICE tourismMeetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions. Pradeep Shetty, president of the Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India, believes that MICE tourism could play a crucial role in positioning India as a global tourism powerhouse.

Beyond its cultural and scenic wealth, the sector offers immense job and business potential, catering to both skilled and unskilled labour, as well as entrepreneurs. Hotels in India are no longer limited to luxury chains like Taj Residencies or Hilton. Even clean, hygienic, and safe accommodations that serve regional cuisine with a smile can qualify as excellent hospitality options, regardless of star ratings.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Saturday welcomed Lord Ganesh at his official residence in south Mumbai as the 10-day festival dedicated to the elephant-headed god began with pomp.

Shinde along with his wife and MP son Shrikant Shinde conducted a 'puja' at Varsha, the CM's official residence.

Talking to reporters later, the chief minister said he prayed to Lord Ganesh, known as the god of wisdom and prosperity, for the well-being of the state.

He said the state has received good rains this year and hoped it will bring prosperity to the farmers.

"In some parts, there has been excess rainfall which has led to crop loss," Shinde said, stressing that the government will firmly stand behind the farmers.

Shinde listed out his government's various schemes aimed at the welfare of women and farmers in the state.

Maharashtra ranks first in the state in terms of foreign direct investment (FDI) and has 52 per cent share, he added.

State Governor C P Radhakrishnan performed 'aarti' of Lord Ganesh at his official residence 'Jal Bhushan' in Raj Bhavan.

Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis welcomed Lord Ganesh at his official 'Sagar' bungalow, while Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray conducted a puja at his residence 'Shivtirth'.

Talking to reporters, Fadnavis said police are maintaining vigil and taking all kinds of precautions for security during the festival.

Taking a dig at the opposition, the former chief minister said everyone should be blessed with good sense.

Fadnavis also said he will not tolerate someone calling Chhatrapati Shivaji a looter, referring to the Maratha empire founder's raid in Surat.

If history is written wrongly, then it needs to be corrected because it had been written by an English historian, Fadnavis said, again referring to the Surat raid.

Union minister and senior BJP leader Nitin Gadkari also brought Lord Ganesh to his Nagpur residence.

Several political leaders also visited famous Ganesh pandals in the state capital to offer prayers.

Shiv Sena (UBT) president and former chief minister Uddhav Thackeray and his family members, including his MLA son Aaditya Thackeray, visited the famous 'Lalbaugcha Raja' Ganesh mandal in central Mumbai to take darshan of the deity on the first day of the festival.

Maharashtra minister and senior NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal visited the Akhil Anjirwadi Sarvajanik Utsav Mandal in Mazgaon in south Mumbai. Bhujbal is also the president of the mandal.
Aberdeen New Thai Investment Trust Plc (LON:ANW  Get Free Report) dropped 1% during trading on Friday . The company traded as low as GBX 396 ($5.21) and last traded at GBX 398 ($5.23). Approximately 2,962 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 82% from the average daily volume of 16,020 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 402 ($5.29).

Aberdeen New Thai Investment Trust Stock Performance

The stock has a 50 day moving average of GBX 398 and a 200 day moving average of GBX 398. The company has a quick ratio of 0.12, a current ratio of 0.13 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 12.25. The firm has a market cap of 63.63 million and a price-to-earnings ratio of 120.61.

About Aberdeen New Thai Investment Trust

(Get Free Report)

Aberdeen New Thai Investment Trust PLC is a closed ended equity mutual fund launched and managed by Aberdeen Fund Managers Limited. It is co-managed by Aberdeen Standard Investments (Asia) Limited. The fund invests in the public equity markets of Thailand. It seeks to invest in stocks of companies operating across diversified sectors.

Recommended Stories

Receive News & Ratings for Aberdeen New Thai Investment Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Aberdeen New Thai Investment Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Isabella Bank (OTCMKTS:ISBA  Get Free Report) and University Bancorp (OTCMKTS:UNIB  Get Free Report) are both small-cap finance companies, but which is the superior stock? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their earnings, analyst recommendations, valuation, risk, dividends, institutional ownership and profitability.

Valuation & Earnings

This table compares Isabella Bank and University Bancorps gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

Get Isabella Bank alerts:

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Isabella Bank $93.46 million 1.56 $18.17 million $2.12 9.20 University Bancorp N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Isabella Bank has higher revenue and earnings than University Bancorp.

Dividends

Volatility & Risk

Isabella Bank pays an annual dividend of $1.12 per share and has a dividend yield of 5.7%. University Bancorp pays an annual dividend of $0.45 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.9%. Isabella Bank pays out 52.8% of its earnings in the form of a dividend.

Isabella Bank has a beta of -0.04, indicating that its share price is 104% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, University Bancorp has a beta of 0.36, indicating that its share price is 64% less volatile than the S&P 500.

Analyst Ratings

This is a summary of recent ratings for Isabella Bank and University Bancorp, as provided by MarketBeat.com.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Isabella Bank 0 1 0 0 2.00 University Bancorp 0 0 0 0 N/A

Isabella Bank presently has a consensus price target of $22.00, suggesting a potential upside of 12.82%. Given Isabella Banks higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe Isabella Bank is more favorable than University Bancorp.

Profitability

This table compares Isabella Bank and University Bancorps net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Isabella Bank 14.98% 7.50% 0.72% University Bancorp N/A N/A N/A

Summary

Isabella Bank beats University Bancorp on 6 of the 8 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Isabella Bank

(Get Free Report)

Isabella Bank Corporation operates as the bank holding company for Isabella Bank that provides various banking products and services to businesses, institutions, and individuals and their families. Its deposit products include checking accounts, savings accounts, certificates of deposit, direct deposits, and money market accounts. The company's loan portfolio comprises commercial, agricultural, and residential real estate loans, as well as consumer loans, including secured and unsecured personal loans. It also offers cash management, mobile and internet banking, electronic bill pay, automated teller machines, trust and investment, estate planning, and safe deposit box rental services; and insurance products. The company operated banking offices in Clare, Gratiot, Isabella, Mecosta, Midland, Montcalm, and Saginaw counties. Isabella Bank Corporation was founded in 1903 and is headquartered in Mount Pleasant, Michigan.

About University Bancorp

(Get Free Report)

University Bancorp, Inc. operates as the bank holding company for University Bank that provides various personal, business, and community banking services in the United States. It offers checking, NOW, savings, money market, time deposit, and certificates of deposit accounts. The company's consumer loans include home equity, short term, automobile, personal, and recreational vehicle loans, as well as home equity lines of credits; SBA, commercial real estate, equipment, home improvement, and other instalment loans; and non-profit loans, as well as working capital lines of credit. In addition, the company provides foreign currency exchange; reverse mortgage; online banking and bill pay; online reorder checks; wire transfer; and courier services, as well as credit card and ATM services. Further, it offers life, health, property, and casualty insurance products, as well as investment products, including annuities. University Bancorp, Inc. was founded in 1890 and is based in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Receive News & Ratings for Isabella Bank Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Isabella Bank and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Berenberg Bank reaffirmed their buy rating on shares of Sovereign Metals (LON:SVML  Free Report) in a research report report published on Wednesday, MarketBeat.com reports. They currently have a GBX 55 ($0.72) target price on the stock.

Sovereign Metals Stock Down 2.5 %

Shares of Sovereign Metals stock opened at GBX 35.10 ($0.46) on Wednesday. Sovereign Metals has a 52 week low of GBX 20 ($0.26) and a 52 week high of GBX 41 ($0.54). The firms 50 day moving average is GBX 34.40 and its two-hundred day moving average is GBX 29.44. The firm has a market capitalization of 197.61 million, a P/E ratio of -2,600.00 and a beta of 1.01.

Get Sovereign Metals alerts:

About Sovereign Metals

(Get Free Report)

Featured Stories

Sovereign Metals Limited, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the exploration, development, and appraisal of mineral resource projects in Malawi. Its flagship project is the Kasiya rutile deposit in Malawi. Sovereign Metals Limited was incorporated in 2006 and is headquartered in Perth, Australia.

Receive News & Ratings for Sovereign Metals Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Sovereign Metals and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Lundin Gold (TSE:LUG  Free Report) had its price objective lifted by CIBC from C$25.00 to C$28.00 in a research note issued to investors on Wednesday, BayStreet.CA reports. They currently have an outperform rating on the stock.

Several other analysts have also weighed in on the company. Cormark lifted their price objective on Lundin Gold from C$26.00 to C$27.00 in a report on Friday, August 9th. TD Securities lifted their price target on shares of Lundin Gold from C$24.00 to C$27.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 30th. Canaccord Genuity Group increased their price objective on shares of Lundin Gold from C$27.50 to C$28.50 in a research note on Tuesday, August 20th. Desjardins upgraded shares of Lundin Gold to a moderate buy rating in a research report on Friday, May 10th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group increased their price target on shares of Lundin Gold from C$24.00 to C$26.00 in a research report on Friday, July 12th. One analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, six have assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Buy and an average price target of C$26.27.

Get Lundin Gold alerts:

Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Lundin Gold

Lundin Gold Stock Performance

TSE LUG opened at C$25.86 on Wednesday. The companys fifty day moving average is C$24.14 and its two-hundred day moving average is C$20.64. Lundin Gold has a 52-week low of C$14.23 and a 52-week high of C$28.26. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 14.28, a current ratio of 1.98 and a quick ratio of 1.41. The firm has a market capitalization of C$6.20 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.36 and a beta of 1.23.

Lundin Gold (TSE:LUG  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, August 8th. The company reported C$0.55 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of C$0.62 by C($0.07). Lundin Gold had a net margin of 24.30% and a return on equity of 22.88%. The company had revenue of C$412.43 million during the quarter. Equities research analysts forecast that Lundin Gold will post 2.5546059 EPS for the current year.

Lundin Gold Increases Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, September 25th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, September 25th will be given a $0.551 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, September 10th. This is a positive change from Lundin Golds previous quarterly dividend of $0.10. This represents a $2.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 8.52%. Lundin Golds payout ratio is 86.61%.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, Senior Officer Chester See sold 30,100 shares of Lundin Gold stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, June 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of C$20.27, for a total value of C$610,253.42. Insiders own 58.79% of the companys stock.

Lundin Gold Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Lundin Gold Inc operates as a mining company in Canada. The company holds interests in 28 metallic mineral concessions and three construction material concessions covering an area of approximately 64,454 hectares located in Southeast Ecuador. It primary holds 100% interests in the Fruta del Norte gold project that comprising seven concessions covering an area of approximately 5,566 hectares located near the city of Loja in Ecuador.

Further Reading

Receive News & Ratings for Lundin Gold Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Lundin Gold and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Eaton Vance California Municipal Bond Fund (NYSEAMERICAN:EVM  Get Free Report)s stock price passed above its 50 day moving average during trading on Wednesday . The stock has a 50 day moving average of $0.00 and traded as high as $9.61. Eaton Vance California Municipal Bond Fund shares last traded at $9.61, with a volume of 40,397 shares trading hands.

Eaton Vance California Municipal Bond Fund Price Performance

Eaton Vance California Municipal Bond Fund Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Eaton Vance California Municipal Bond Fund is a close-ended fixed income mutual fund launched and managed by Eaton Vance Management. The fund invests in the fixed income market of United States. It invests primarily in high grade municipal obligations comprising of various industries, such as general obligations, hospital, electric utilities, transportation, water and sewer, public education, and private education.

See Also

Receive News & Ratings for Eaton Vance California Municipal Bond Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Eaton Vance California Municipal Bond Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
iShares MSCI Colombia ETF (NYSEARCA:ICOL  Get Free Report)s stock price dropped 0.2% during trading on Wednesday . The stock traded as low as $9.00 and last traded at $9.02. Approximately 4,100 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 89% from the average daily volume of 36,905 shares. The stock had previously closed at $9.04.

iShares MSCI Colombia ETF Price Performance

The firms fifty day simple moving average is $9.02 and its 200 day simple moving average is $9.02.

Further Reading

Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI Colombia ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI Colombia ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Peoples Financial Co. (OTCMKTS:PFBX  Get Free Report)s share price crossed above its two hundred day moving average during trading on Wednesday . The stock has a two hundred day moving average of $16.18 and traded as high as $17.80. Peoples Financial shares last traded at $17.70, with a volume of 1,776 shares trading hands.

Peoples Financial Stock Performance

The firm has a market capitalization of $82.52 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.22 and a beta of 0.47. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.63, a quick ratio of 0.36 and a current ratio of 0.36. The firms 50-day moving average price is $17.04 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $16.20.

Get Peoples Financial alerts:

Peoples Financial (OTCMKTS:PFBX  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 24th. The financial services provider reported $0.50 EPS for the quarter. The firm had revenue of $7.66 million for the quarter. Peoples Financial had a net margin of 20.91% and a return on equity of 12.26%.

About Peoples Financial

Peoples Financial Corporation operates as the bank holding company for The Peoples Bank that provides banking, financial, and trust services to government entities, individuals, and small and commercial businesses in Mississippi. The company accepts various deposits, such as interest and non-interest-bearing checking accounts, savings accounts, certificates of deposit, and individual retirement accounts (IRAs).

Featured Articles

Receive News & Ratings for Peoples Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Peoples Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Salesforce, Inc. (NYSE:CRM  Get Free Report)s stock price was up 0.3% during mid-day trading on Wednesday . The company traded as high as $249.16 and last traded at $248.72. Approximately 959,516 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 85% from the average daily volume of 6,599,152 shares. The stock had previously closed at $248.06.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several brokerages have commented on CRM. TD Cowen raised their price target on shares of Salesforce from $285.00 to $290.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, August 29th. Piper Sandler lifted their target price on Salesforce from $250.00 to $268.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, August 29th. Oppenheimer increased their price target on Salesforce from $280.00 to $300.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, August 29th. Bank of America restated a buy rating and set a $325.00 price objective on shares of Salesforce in a research note on Friday. Finally, Raymond James increased their target price on shares of Salesforce from $325.00 to $350.00 and gave the company a strong-buy rating in a research report on Thursday, August 29th. Eight analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, twenty-seven have issued a buy rating and three have issued a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Salesforce currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $304.41.

Get Salesforce alerts:

Get Our Latest Report on Salesforce

Salesforce Price Performance

The company has a quick ratio of 1.11, a current ratio of 1.04 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.15. The stock has a market capitalization of $235.02 billion, a PE ratio of 43.66, a P/E/G ratio of 2.22 and a beta of 1.29. The stocks 50-day moving average is $254.78 and its 200 day moving average is $270.11.

Salesforce (NYSE:CRM  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, August 28th. The CRM provider reported $2.56 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.36 by $0.20. Salesforce had a net margin of 15.44% and a return on equity of 12.01%. The business had revenue of $9.33 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $9.22 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $1.63 earnings per share. Salesforces revenue for the quarter was up 8.5% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities analysts predict that Salesforce, Inc. will post 7.52 earnings per share for the current year.

Salesforce Announces Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, July 25th. Investors of record on Tuesday, July 9th were paid a $0.40 dividend. This represents a $1.60 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.66%. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, July 9th. Salesforces payout ratio is presently 28.78%.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, insider Parker Harris sold 4,200 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $262.97, for a total transaction of $1,104,474.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 117,581 shares in the company, valued at approximately $30,920,275.57. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In other news, Director Craig Conway sold 6,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, June 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $239.64, for a total transaction of $1,437,840.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 6,855 shares in the company, valued at $1,642,732.20. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, insider Parker Harris sold 4,200 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, August 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $262.97, for a total transaction of $1,104,474.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 117,581 shares in the company, valued at approximately $30,920,275.57. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 83,692 shares of company stock valued at $21,006,957 over the last three months. 3.20% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Institutional Trading of Salesforce

A number of hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of CRM. Ruedi Wealth Management Inc. boosted its stake in Salesforce by 186.7% during the first quarter. Ruedi Wealth Management Inc. now owns 86 shares of the CRM providers stock worth $26,000 after buying an additional 56 shares in the last quarter. Piscataqua Savings Bank boosted its position in shares of Salesforce by 2,400.0% during the 2nd quarter. Piscataqua Savings Bank now owns 100 shares of the CRM providers stock valued at $26,000 after acquiring an additional 96 shares in the last quarter. Clear Investment Research LLC raised its position in Salesforce by 816.7% in the second quarter. Clear Investment Research LLC now owns 110 shares of the CRM providers stock worth $28,000 after purchasing an additional 98 shares in the last quarter. Red Tortoise LLC acquired a new position in Salesforce in the first quarter worth about $33,000. Finally, Stephens Consulting LLC lifted its stake in Salesforce by 3,125.0% during the second quarter. Stephens Consulting LLC now owns 129 shares of the CRM providers stock worth $33,000 after purchasing an additional 125 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 80.43% of the companys stock.

Salesforce Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Salesforce, Inc provides Customer Relationship Management (CRM) technology that brings companies and customers together worldwide. The company's service includes sales to store data, monitor leads and progress, forecast opportunities, gain insights through analytics and artificial intelligence, and deliver quotes, contracts, and invoices; and service that enables companies to deliver trusted and highly personalized customer support at scale.

Recommended Stories

Receive News & Ratings for Salesforce Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Salesforce and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Shares of United States Copper Index Fund (NYSEARCA:CPER  Get Free Report) fell 0.1% on Wednesday . The stock traded as low as $25.34 and last traded at $25.44. 83,835 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 51% from the average session volume of 169,973 shares. The stock had previously closed at $25.47.

United States Copper Index Fund Stock Performance

The firms 50-day moving average is $26.45 and its two-hundred day moving average is $26.82. The stock has a market cap of $176.60 million, a P/E ratio of 3.28 and a beta of 0.49.

Get United States Copper Index Fund alerts:

Institutional Trading of United States Copper Index Fund

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Sanctuary Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of United States Copper Index Fund in the 2nd quarter valued at $402,000. Advisory Alpha LLC acquired a new position in shares of United States Copper Index Fund in the 2nd quarter valued at $255,000. Commonwealth Equity Services LLC grew its holdings in shares of United States Copper Index Fund by 16.4% in the 2nd quarter. Commonwealth Equity Services LLC now owns 9,595 shares of the companys stock valued at $261,000 after buying an additional 1,349 shares during the period. WESPAC Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of United States Copper Index Fund in the 2nd quarter valued at $606,000. Finally, Brookstone Capital Management acquired a new position in shares of United States Copper Index Fund in the 2nd quarter valued at $211,000.

About United States Copper Index Fund

The United States Copper Index Fund, LP (CPER) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the SummerHaven Copper index. The fund tracks a rules-based index of copper futures contracts selected based on the shape of the copper futures curve. CPER was launched on Nov 15, 2011 and is managed by US Commodity Funds.

Featured Articles

Receive News & Ratings for United States Copper Index Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for United States Copper Index Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Advisor OS LLC boosted its holdings in shares of ServiceNow, Inc. (NYSE:NOW  Free Report) by 7.7% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 2,708 shares of the information technology services providers stock after acquiring an additional 194 shares during the period. Advisor OS LLCs holdings in ServiceNow were worth $2,130,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of NOW. Creekmur Asset Management LLC bought a new position in ServiceNow during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Versant Capital Management Inc increased its holdings in shares of ServiceNow by 466.7% during the second quarter. Versant Capital Management Inc now owns 34 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $27,000 after acquiring an additional 28 shares in the last quarter. University of Texas Texas AM Investment Managment Co. purchased a new position in shares of ServiceNow in the 4th quarter worth about $29,000. EntryPoint Capital LLC grew its position in ServiceNow by 3,900.0% during the 1st quarter. EntryPoint Capital LLC now owns 40 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $30,000 after purchasing an additional 39 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Ridgewood Investments LLC bought a new stake in ServiceNow during the 2nd quarter valued at about $32,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 87.18% of the companys stock.

Get ServiceNow alerts:

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several brokerages have recently issued reports on NOW. Truist Financial upped their target price on shares of ServiceNow from $750.00 to $780.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, July 25th. KeyCorp cut their target price on ServiceNow from $950.00 to $920.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, July 2nd. JMP Securities boosted their price target on ServiceNow from $825.00 to $850.00 and gave the stock a market outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, July 25th. Robert W. Baird increased their price objective on ServiceNow from $885.00 to $900.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, July 25th. Finally, TD Cowen boosted their target price on ServiceNow from $870.00 to $900.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, July 25th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have given a hold rating and twenty-five have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $849.62.

Insider Transactions at ServiceNow

In related news, insider Paul John Smith sold 187 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, August 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $795.58, for a total value of $148,773.46. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 3,779 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,006,496.82. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other news, General Counsel Russell S. Elmer sold 1,937 shares of ServiceNow stock in a transaction dated Friday, August 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $779.81, for a total value of $1,510,491.97. Following the sale, the general counsel now directly owns 6,736 shares of the companys stock, valued at $5,252,800.16. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, insider Paul John Smith sold 187 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, August 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $795.58, for a total value of $148,773.46. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 3,779 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,006,496.82. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 6,914 shares of company stock valued at $5,608,936 over the last 90 days. Company insiders own 0.25% of the companys stock.

ServiceNow Price Performance

Shares of NYSE:NOW opened at $825.39 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $169.20 billion, a P/E ratio of 88.28, a P/E/G ratio of 5.13 and a beta of 0.99. ServiceNow, Inc. has a 1-year low of $527.24 and a 1-year high of $863.85. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $799.33 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $762.78. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.17, a current ratio of 1.12 and a quick ratio of 1.12.

ServiceNow (NYSE:NOW  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, July 24th. The information technology services provider reported $3.13 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.85 by $0.28. ServiceNow had a net margin of 11.51% and a return on equity of 14.52%. The company had revenue of $2.63 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.61 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $0.77 EPS. ServiceNows revenue for the quarter was up 22.2% on a year-over-year basis. Research analysts expect that ServiceNow, Inc. will post 6.78 EPS for the current fiscal year.

ServiceNow Company Profile

(Free Report)

ServiceNow, Inc provides end to-end intelligent workflow automation platform solutions for digital businesses in the North America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Asia Pacific, and internationally. The company operates the Now platform for end-to-end digital transformation, artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotic process automation, process mining, performance analytics, and collaboration and development tools.

Featured Stories

Receive News & Ratings for ServiceNow Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ServiceNow and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Advisor OS LLC lifted its holdings in The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG  Free Report) by 9.2% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 19,721 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 1,664 shares during the quarter. Advisor OS LLCs holdings in Procter & Gamble were worth $3,252,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in PG. Alera Investment Advisors LLC grew its position in shares of Procter & Gamble by 1.2% in the first quarter. Alera Investment Advisors LLC now owns 5,007 shares of the companys stock valued at $812,000 after purchasing an additional 60 shares during the period. Hudson Value Partners LLC lifted its holdings in Procter & Gamble by 4.1% during the 2nd quarter. Hudson Value Partners LLC now owns 1,516 shares of the companys stock worth $250,000 after buying an additional 60 shares during the last quarter. Fiduciary Alliance LLC grew its stake in Procter & Gamble by 2.8% during the 2nd quarter. Fiduciary Alliance LLC now owns 2,261 shares of the companys stock worth $371,000 after buying an additional 61 shares during the last quarter. LCM Capital Management Inc lifted its stake in shares of Procter & Gamble by 1.1% in the 1st quarter. LCM Capital Management Inc now owns 5,701 shares of the companys stock worth $925,000 after acquiring an additional 63 shares during the period. Finally, Home Federal Bank of Tennessee increased its holdings in shares of Procter & Gamble by 0.3% in the 2nd quarter. Home Federal Bank of Tennessee now owns 23,318 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,846,000 after purchasing an additional 63 shares in the last quarter. 65.77% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Get Procter & Gamble alerts:

Procter & Gamble Trading Up 0.1 %

NYSE:PG opened at $175.59 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.51, a current ratio of 0.73 and a quick ratio of 0.53. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $168.26 and its 200-day simple moving average is $164.65. The Procter & Gamble Company has a fifty-two week low of $141.45 and a fifty-two week high of $177.04. The stock has a market capitalization of $414.42 billion, a PE ratio of 28.69, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.72 and a beta of 0.41.

Procter & Gamble Announces Dividend

Procter & Gamble ( NYSE:PG Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, July 30th. The company reported $1.40 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.37 by $0.03. Procter & Gamble had a return on equity of 33.46% and a net margin of 17.71%. The company had revenue of $20.53 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $20.69 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $1.37 earnings per share. Procter & Gambles revenue for the quarter was down .1% compared to the same quarter last year. Sell-side analysts expect that The Procter & Gamble Company will post 6.97 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, August 15th. Shareholders of record on Friday, July 19th were given a dividend of $1.0065 per share. This represents a $4.03 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.29%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, July 19th. Procter & Gambles dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 65.85%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several equities analysts recently weighed in on PG shares. Wolfe Research upgraded shares of Procter & Gamble to a strong-buy rating in a report on Friday, August 23rd. TD Cowen started coverage on shares of Procter & Gamble in a report on Tuesday, July 23rd. They set a buy rating and a $189.00 price target on the stock. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft raised their price target on Procter & Gamble from $171.00 to $176.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 17th. Jefferies Financial Group downgraded Procter & Gamble from a buy rating to a hold rating and cut their price objective for the company from $182.00 to $175.00 in a research note on Wednesday, July 24th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus upped their target price on shares of Procter & Gamble from $157.00 to $161.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research note on Monday, July 22nd. Eight investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, fourteen have issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $175.79.

View Our Latest Stock Analysis on PG

Insider Transactions at Procter & Gamble

In other Procter & Gamble news, insider Susan Street Whaley sold 450 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, August 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $169.22, for a total value of $76,149.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 13,072 shares in the company, valued at $2,212,043.84. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In related news, insider Susan Street Whaley sold 450 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, August 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $169.22, for a total transaction of $76,149.00. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 13,072 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,212,043.84. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, COO Shailesh Jejurikar sold 10,623 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, August 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $169.22, for a total value of $1,797,624.06. Following the sale, the chief operating officer now directly owns 23,890 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,042,665.80. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 375,553 shares of company stock worth $63,829,141 in the last 90 days. Corporate insiders own 0.17% of the companys stock.

Procter & Gamble Company Profile

(Free Report)

The Procter & Gamble Company provides branded consumer packaged goods worldwide. It operates through five segments: Beauty; Grooming; Health Care; Fabric & Home Care; and Baby, Feminine & Family Care. The Beauty segment offers conditioners, shampoos, styling aids, and treatments under the Head & Shoulders, Herbal Essences, Pantene, and Rejoice brands; and antiperspirants and deodorants, personal cleansing, and skin care products under the Olay, Old Spice, Safeguard, Secret, and SK-II brands.

See Also

Receive News & Ratings for Procter & Gamble Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Procter & Gamble and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Shares of Arch Resources, Inc. (NYSE:ARCH  Get Free Report) traded down 3.2% on Thursday . The company traded as low as $124.08 and last traded at $124.26. 39,877 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 90% from the average session volume of 414,825 shares. The stock had previously closed at $128.34.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of equities research analysts have recently commented on ARCH shares. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Arch Resources in a research report on Saturday, August 31st. They issued a hold rating for the company. Benchmark reiterated a buy rating and issued a $180.00 price objective on shares of Arch Resources in a report on Friday, July 26th. Finally, B. Riley decreased their target price on shares of Arch Resources from $198.00 to $188.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Friday. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Arch Resources presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $175.75.

Get Arch Resources alerts:

Get Our Latest Report on ARCH

Arch Resources Stock Performance

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.07, a quick ratio of 1.77 and a current ratio of 2.54. The firms 50-day moving average price is $141.20 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $155.35. The stock has a market cap of $2.18 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 7.07 and a beta of 0.64.

Arch Resources (NYSE:ARCH  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, July 25th. The energy company reported $0.81 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.31 by ($0.50). The firm had revenue of $608.75 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $562.23 million. Arch Resources had a net margin of 9.24% and a return on equity of 17.91%. The businesss quarterly revenue was down 19.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the company earned $4.04 EPS. On average, analysts expect that Arch Resources, Inc. will post 12.74 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Arch Resources Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 13th. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 30th will be paid a dividend of $0.25 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, August 30th. This represents a $1.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.83%. Arch Resourcess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 5.88%.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Arch Resources

Several large investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. CWM LLC raised its holdings in Arch Resources by 132.0% in the 2nd quarter. CWM LLC now owns 174 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $26,000 after buying an additional 99 shares during the period. Lindbrook Capital LLC raised its stake in shares of Arch Resources by 99.0% in the 1st quarter. Lindbrook Capital LLC now owns 201 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $32,000 after acquiring an additional 100 shares during the period. Newbridge Financial Services Group Inc. raised its stake in shares of Arch Resources by 1,900.0% in the 4th quarter. Newbridge Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 200 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $33,000 after acquiring an additional 190 shares during the period. Blue Trust Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Arch Resources by 5,500.0% in the 2nd quarter. Blue Trust Inc. now owns 336 shares of the energy companys stock worth $54,000 after acquiring an additional 330 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Innealta Capital LLC purchased a new position in shares of Arch Resources during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $55,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 88.14% of the companys stock.

Arch Resources Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Arch Resources, Inc engages in the production and sale of metallurgical products. It operates in two segments, Metallurgical and Thermal. The company operates active mines. It owned or controlled primarily through long-term leases of coal land in Ohio, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Wyoming, Kentucky, Montana, Pennsylvania, Colorado, and Illinois; and smaller parcels of property in Alabama, Indiana, Washington, Arkansas, California, Utah, and Texas.

Recommended Stories

Receive News & Ratings for Arch Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Arch Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Candriam S.C.A. boosted its stake in Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS  Free Report) by 114.5% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 393,841 shares of the financial services providers stock after buying an additional 210,226 shares during the quarter. Candriam S.C.A.s holdings in Morgan Stanley were worth $38,276,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the company. University of Texas Texas AM Investment Managment Co. acquired a new stake in Morgan Stanley in the 4th quarter worth approximately $25,000. Opal Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Morgan Stanley during the second quarter worth approximately $25,000. POM Investment Strategies LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Morgan Stanley by 1,147.6% in the 2nd quarter. POM Investment Strategies LLC now owns 262 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $25,000 after acquiring an additional 241 shares in the last quarter. Bank & Trust Co acquired a new position in Morgan Stanley in the second quarter worth $26,000. Finally, Bbjs Financial Advisors LLC bought a new stake in Morgan Stanley during the 2nd quarter worth about $29,000. 84.19% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Get Morgan Stanley alerts:

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several equities analysts recently weighed in on MS shares. Royal Bank of Canada increased their price objective on shares of Morgan Stanley from $91.00 to $108.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a report on Wednesday, July 17th. BMO Capital Markets upped their price objective on shares of Morgan Stanley from $116.00 to $118.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, July 18th. Oppenheimer downgraded Morgan Stanley from an outperform rating to a market perform rating in a report on Wednesday, July 17th. UBS Group increased their target price on Morgan Stanley from $100.00 to $105.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 9th. Finally, Barclays upped their price target on shares of Morgan Stanley from $116.00 to $121.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, July 17th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, thirteen have issued a hold rating and seven have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Morgan Stanley has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $101.45.

Morgan Stanley Trading Down 3.0 %

Shares of MS stock opened at $96.58 on Friday. Morgan Stanley has a 12-month low of $69.42 and a 12-month high of $109.11. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $100.79 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $95.85. The company has a quick ratio of 0.78, a current ratio of 0.78 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.96. The company has a market capitalization of $156.96 billion, a PE ratio of 17.59, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.06 and a beta of 1.37.

Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, July 16th. The financial services provider reported $1.82 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.65 by $0.17. The firm had revenue of $15.02 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $14.32 billion. Morgan Stanley had a net margin of 10.17% and a return on equity of 11.85%. The businesss revenue was up 11.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $1.24 EPS. As a group, analysts predict that Morgan Stanley will post 7.03 earnings per share for the current year.

Morgan Stanley Increases Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, August 15th. Investors of record on Wednesday, July 31st were given a dividend of $0.925 per share. This is a positive change from Morgan Stanleys previous quarterly dividend of $0.85. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, July 31st. This represents a $3.70 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.83%. Morgan Stanleys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 67.40%.

Insider Activity at Morgan Stanley

In related news, CFO Raja Akram sold 7,500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, July 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $106.37, for a total transaction of $797,775.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now directly owns 87,119 shares in the company, valued at approximately $9,266,848.03. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. In other news, insider Mandell Crawley sold 3,500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, July 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $105.25, for a total transaction of $368,375.00. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 43,224 shares in the company, valued at $4,549,326. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, CFO Raja Akram sold 7,500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, July 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $106.37, for a total transaction of $797,775.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer now owns 87,119 shares in the company, valued at approximately $9,266,848.03. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 252,000 shares of company stock valued at $26,546,370 over the last three months. 0.24% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Morgan Stanley Profile

(Free Report)

Morgan Stanley, a financial holding company, provides various financial products and services to corporations, governments, financial institutions, and individuals in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. It operates through Institutional Securities, Wealth Management, and Investment Management segments.

Read More

Receive News & Ratings for Morgan Stanley Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Morgan Stanley and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Shares of CarMax, Inc. (NYSE:KMX  Get Free Report) have earned an average rating of Hold from the thirteen research firms that are currently covering the company, MarketBeat.com reports. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, five have issued a hold rating and six have assigned a buy rating to the company. The average twelve-month target price among analysts that have covered the stock in the last year is $76.25.

Several brokerages have recently weighed in on KMX. Argus upgraded shares of CarMax to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, June 25th. StockNews.com upgraded shares of CarMax to a sell rating in a report on Friday, July 26th. Evercore ISI raised their price target on shares of CarMax from $68.00 to $72.00 and gave the company an in-line rating in a report on Tuesday, July 16th. Oppenheimer restated an outperform rating and issued a $105.00 price target on shares of CarMax in a report on Monday, June 24th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada raised their price target on shares of CarMax from $73.00 to $75.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Monday, June 24th.

Get CarMax alerts:

View Our Latest Research Report on CarMax

CarMax Price Performance

Shares of NYSE KMX opened at $79.38 on Monday. The stock has a market cap of $12.39 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 31.01, a PEG ratio of 1.72 and a beta of 1.69. CarMax has a 52 week low of $59.66 and a 52 week high of $88.22. The companys 50-day moving average price is $79.60 and its 200 day moving average price is $76.34. The company has a current ratio of 2.50, a quick ratio of 0.60 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.95.

CarMax (NYSE:KMX  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Friday, June 21st. The company reported $0.97 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.94 by $0.03. CarMax had a net margin of 1.55% and a return on equity of 6.64%. The firm had revenue of $7.11 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $7.16 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $1.16 EPS. The firms revenue was down 7.5% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, research analysts forecast that CarMax will post 2.99 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Insider Transactions at CarMax

In related news, EVP Mohammad Shamim sold 25,000 shares of CarMax stock in a transaction on Friday, July 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $82.26, for a total transaction of $2,056,500.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 11,738 shares of the companys stock, valued at $965,567.88. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. In other CarMax news, EVP Mohammad Shamim sold 25,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, July 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $82.26, for a total value of $2,056,500.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 11,738 shares in the company, valued at $965,567.88. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, CEO William D. Nash sold 120,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, July 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $79.62, for a total value of $9,554,400.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 181,683 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $14,465,600.46. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last ninety days, insiders have sold 185,243 shares of company stock valued at $14,893,042. 1.66% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Institutional Trading of CarMax

A number of hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the company. Sanctuary Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of CarMax in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $814,000. Cetera Investment Advisers lifted its position in shares of CarMax by 12.3% during the 2nd quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 141,266 shares of the companys stock worth $10,360,000 after buying an additional 15,476 shares during the period. Truist Financial Corp lifted its position in shares of CarMax by 1.3% during the 2nd quarter. Truist Financial Corp now owns 74,647 shares of the companys stock worth $5,475,000 after buying an additional 951 shares during the period. Quarry LP lifted its position in shares of CarMax by 78.6% during the 2nd quarter. Quarry LP now owns 418 shares of the companys stock worth $31,000 after buying an additional 184 shares during the period. Finally, Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. lifted its position in shares of CarMax by 2.3% during the 2nd quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 6,220 shares of the companys stock worth $456,000 after buying an additional 142 shares during the period.

CarMax Company Profile

(Get Free Report

CarMax, Inc, through its subsidiaries, operates as a retailer of used vehicles and related products in the United States. It operates in two segments: CarMax Sales Operations and CarMax Auto Finance. The CarMax Sales Operations segment offers customers a range of makes and models of used vehicles, including domestic, imported, and luxury vehicles, as well as hybrid and electric vehicles; used vehicle auctions; extended protection plans to customers at the time of sale; and reconditioning and vehicle repair services.

See Also

Receive News & Ratings for CarMax Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for CarMax and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Ceera Investments LLC acquired a new position in shares of WPP plc (NYSE:WPP  Free Report) during the second quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor acquired 10,020 shares of the business services providers stock, valued at approximately $459,000.

A number of other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of WPP. International Assets Investment Management LLC acquired a new position in WPP during the 4th quarter worth approximately $1,279,000. Bard Financial Services Inc. lifted its stake in shares of WPP by 7.7% in the 4th quarter. Bard Financial Services Inc. now owns 97,205 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $4,624,000 after acquiring an additional 6,945 shares during the last quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD boosted its holdings in shares of WPP by 26.0% during the 1st quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 120,564 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $5,715,000 after acquiring an additional 24,899 shares in the last quarter. Crossmark Global Holdings Inc. grew its position in WPP by 21.9% during the 4th quarter. Crossmark Global Holdings Inc. now owns 18,287 shares of the business services providers stock worth $870,000 after acquiring an additional 3,281 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Brandes Investment Partners LP increased its holdings in WPP by 47.9% in the 4th quarter. Brandes Investment Partners LP now owns 567,653 shares of the business services providers stock worth $27,003,000 after purchasing an additional 183,955 shares in the last quarter. 4.34% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Get WPP alerts:

WPP Trading Down 1.7 %

Shares of WPP stock traded down $0.86 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $48.35. 220,626 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 168,361. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.09, a quick ratio of 0.86 and a current ratio of 0.89. WPP plc has a fifty-two week low of $41.13 and a fifty-two week high of $54.21. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $46.78 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $47.95.

WPP Increases Dividend

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

The company also recently announced a Semi-Annual dividend, which will be paid on Friday, November 1st. Stockholders of record on Friday, October 11th will be paid a $0.954 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, October 11th. This is an increase from WPPs previous Semi-Annual dividend of $0.24. This represents a dividend yield of 5.7%.

Several research firms recently commented on WPP. StockNews.com upgraded shares of WPP from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Monday, September 2nd. Citigroup upgraded WPP to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Thursday, August 8th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have assigned a hold rating, one has issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, WPP has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $46.00.

Read Our Latest Analysis on WPP

WPP Profile

(Free Report)

WPP plc, a creative transformation company, provides communications, experience, commerce, and technology services in North America, the United Kingdom, Western Continental Europe, the Asia Pacific, Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and Central and Eastern Europe. The company operates through three segments: Global Integrated Agencies, Public Relations, and Specialist Agencies.

Read More

Receive News & Ratings for WPP Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for WPP and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Ceera Investments LLC purchased a new position in shares of Corpay, Inc. (NYSE:CPAY  Free Report) in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor purchased 13,236 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,526,000. Corpay makes up approximately 1.5% of Ceera Investments LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 22nd largest position.

A number of other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Vanguard Group Inc. acquired a new position in Corpay during the first quarter worth about $2,431,089,000. JPMorgan Chase & Co. purchased a new stake in shares of Corpay during the 1st quarter worth approximately $1,429,445,000. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD acquired a new stake in shares of Corpay in the 1st quarter worth approximately $1,355,377,000. Boston Partners purchased a new position in Corpay in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $553,667,000. Finally, Sustainable Growth Advisers LP acquired a new position in Corpay during the first quarter worth $553,279,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 98.84% of the companys stock.

Get Corpay alerts:

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of brokerages have issued reports on CPAY. William Blair upgraded shares of Corpay to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Thursday, August 8th. Royal Bank of Canada restated a sector perform rating and set a $310.00 price objective on shares of Corpay in a research report on Thursday, August 8th. Wells Fargo & Company initiated coverage on Corpay in a report on Wednesday, June 5th. They set an equal weight rating and a $285.00 target price on the stock. Barclays cut their target price on shares of Corpay from $355.00 to $350.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Monday, May 13th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price target on shares of Corpay from $327.00 to $353.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, August 20th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, nine have given a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $332.50.

Corpay Trading Down 0.6 %

Shares of CPAY traded down $1.82 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $302.97. 283,251 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 464,506. Corpay, Inc. has a 1-year low of $220.39 and a 1-year high of $319.94. The companys 50-day moving average is $288.91. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.74, a quick ratio of 1.02 and a current ratio of 1.02. The stock has a market capitalization of $21.29 billion, a P/E ratio of 22.55, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.26 and a beta of 1.22.

Corpay (NYSE:CPAY  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, August 7th. The company reported $4.55 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $4.51 by $0.04. The company had revenue of $975.70 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $973.84 million. Corpay had a net margin of 26.41% and a return on equity of 38.93%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 2.9% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $3.85 earnings per share. Equities research analysts anticipate that Corpay, Inc. will post 17.81 earnings per share for the current year.

Corpay Company Profile

(Free Report)

Corpay, Inc operates as a payments company that helps businesses and consumers manage vehicle-related expenses, lodging expenses, and corporate payments in the United States, Brazil, the United Kingdom, and internationally. The company offers vehicle payment solutions, which include fuel, tolls, parking, fleet maintenance, and long-haul transportation services, as well as prepaid food and transportation vouchers and cards.

Featured Stories

Receive News & Ratings for Corpay Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Corpay and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Chemtrade Logistics Income Fund (TSE:CHE.UN  Get Free Report)s stock price reached a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Thursday . The company traded as high as C$10.11 and last traded at C$10.09, with a volume of 90044 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at C$10.00.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of equities research analysts recently commented on the company. Royal Bank of Canada lifted their price objective on Chemtrade Logistics Income Fund from C$11.00 to C$12.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, May 17th. Scotiabank raised their price target on shares of Chemtrade Logistics Income Fund from C$10.50 to C$11.00 in a report on Monday, August 19th. Desjardins lifted their price target on Chemtrade Logistics Income Fund from C$13.00 to C$13.25 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Friday, August 16th. National Bankshares raised their price target on shares of Chemtrade Logistics Income Fund from C$13.50 to C$14.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, August 16th. Finally, CIBC increased their price objective on Chemtrade Logistics Income Fund from C$13.50 to C$14.00 in a research report on Friday, August 16th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of C$12.85.

Get Chemtrade Logistics Income Fund alerts:

View Our Latest Research Report on Chemtrade Logistics Income Fund

Chemtrade Logistics Income Fund Stock Performance

Chemtrade Logistics Income Fund Announces Dividend

The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of C$9.58 and a 200-day simple moving average of C$8.99. The company has a market cap of C$1.15 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 8.95 and a beta of 1.49. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 128.02, a current ratio of 0.40 and a quick ratio of 0.48.

The firm also recently declared a monthly dividend, which was paid on Friday, August 30th. Investors of record on Friday, August 30th were paid a dividend of $0.055 per share. This represents a $0.66 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 6.70%. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, July 31st. Chemtrade Logistics Income Funds dividend payout ratio is currently 60.00%.

About Chemtrade Logistics Income Fund

(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.

Featured Stories

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.
StockNews.com upgraded shares of Companhia de Saneamento Basico do Estado de Sao Paulo  SABESP (NYSE:SBS  Free Report) from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report sent to investors on Wednesday morning.

Companhia de Saneamento Basico do Estado de Sao Paulo  SABESP Stock Down 1.1 %

Shares of Companhia de Saneamento Basico do Estado de Sao Paulo  SABESP stock opened at $16.95 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.63, a quick ratio of 1.21 and a current ratio of 1.23. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $16.23 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $15.65. Companhia de Saneamento Basico do Estado de Sao Paulo  SABESP has a 52-week low of $11.29 and a 52-week high of $18.36. The stock has a market capitalization of $11.58 billion, a PE ratio of 15.99 and a beta of 1.16.

Get Companhia de Saneamento Basico do Estado de Sao Paulo - SABESP alerts:

Companhia de Saneamento Basico do Estado de Sao Paulo  SABESP (NYSE:SBS  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 8th. The utilities provider reported $0.34 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.26 by $0.08. Companhia de Saneamento Basico do Estado de Sao Paulo  SABESP had a net margin of 15.00% and a return on equity of 13.35%. The firm had revenue of $1.30 billion during the quarter. On average, analysts anticipate that Companhia de Saneamento Basico do Estado de Sao Paulo  SABESP will post 1.06 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Companhia de Saneamento Basico do Estado de Sao Paulo  SABESP Company Profile

Several hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. QRG Capital Management Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Companhia de Saneamento Basico do Estado de Sao Paulo  SABESP by 7.2% during the first quarter. QRG Capital Management Inc. now owns 11,664 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $196,000 after purchasing an additional 780 shares during the last quarter. First Affirmative Financial Network raised its holdings in shares of Companhia de Saneamento Basico do Estado de Sao Paulo  SABESP by 10.6% during the second quarter. First Affirmative Financial Network now owns 11,165 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $150,000 after purchasing an additional 1,069 shares during the last quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC grew its position in Companhia de Saneamento Basico do Estado de Sao Paulo  SABESP by 9.8% during the first quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC now owns 14,832 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $250,000 after buying an additional 1,319 shares during the period. Russell Investments Group Ltd. grew its position in Companhia de Saneamento Basico do Estado de Sao Paulo  SABESP by 3.3% during the first quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd. now owns 53,214 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $896,000 after buying an additional 1,702 shares during the period. Finally, Acadian Asset Management LLC grew its position in Companhia de Saneamento Basico do Estado de Sao Paulo  SABESP by 6.2% during the second quarter. Acadian Asset Management LLC now owns 29,706 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $399,000 after buying an additional 1,728 shares during the period. 10.62% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

(Get Free Report)

Companhia de Saneamento Basico do Estado de Sao Paulo SABESP provides basic and environmental sanitation services in the Sao Paulo State, Brazil. The company supplies treated water and sewage services to residential, commercial, and industrial private customers, as well as public. As of December 31, 2022, it provided water services through 10.1 million water connections; and sewage services through 8.6 million sewage connections in 375 municipalities of the Sao Paulo State.

Recommended Stories

Receive News & Ratings for Companhia de Saneamento Basico do Estado de Sao Paulo - SABESP Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Companhia de Saneamento Basico do Estado de Sao Paulo - SABESP and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Cullen Frost Bankers Inc. lifted its position in shares of KKR & Co. Inc. (NYSE:KKR  Free Report) by 2.1% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 142,025 shares of the asset managers stock after acquiring an additional 2,983 shares during the quarter. Cullen Frost Bankers Inc.s holdings in KKR & Co. Inc. were worth $14,947,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Riverview Trust Co purchased a new stake in shares of KKR & Co. Inc. during the 1st quarter worth approximately $27,000. Versant Capital Management Inc raised its position in shares of KKR & Co. Inc. by 622.9% during the 2nd quarter. Versant Capital Management Inc now owns 253 shares of the asset managers stock worth $27,000 after purchasing an additional 218 shares during the last quarter. Mather Group LLC. raised its position in shares of KKR & Co. Inc. by 371.4% during the 2nd quarter. Mather Group LLC. now owns 264 shares of the asset managers stock worth $27,000 after purchasing an additional 208 shares during the last quarter. American National Bank raised its position in shares of KKR & Co. Inc. by 202.6% during the 2nd quarter. American National Bank now owns 351 shares of the asset managers stock worth $37,000 after purchasing an additional 235 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Missouri Trust & Investment Co raised its position in shares of KKR & Co. Inc. by 408.9% during the 4th quarter. Missouri Trust & Investment Co now owns 458 shares of the asset managers stock worth $38,000 after purchasing an additional 368 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 76.26% of the companys stock.

Get KKR & Co. Inc. alerts:

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

KKR has been the subject of several research reports. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lifted their price objective on KKR & Co. Inc. from $128.00 to $141.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, August 1st. JMP Securities boosted their price target on KKR & Co. Inc. from $115.00 to $135.00 and gave the company a market outperform rating in a report on Thursday, August 1st. Argus upgraded KKR & Co. Inc. to a strong-buy rating in a report on Thursday, August 1st. TD Cowen boosted their price target on KKR & Co. Inc. from $145.00 to $154.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, August 1st. Finally, Citigroup boosted their price target on KKR & Co. Inc. from $130.00 to $150.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Friday, August 2nd. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has given a hold rating, thirteen have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $124.93.

KKR & Co. Inc. Stock Down 1.9 %

KKR & Co. Inc. stock traded down $2.20 during trading on Friday, reaching $116.24. 2,657,606 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 4,668,418. The companys 50-day moving average is $115.27 and its two-hundred day moving average is $105.77. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.86, a quick ratio of 0.07 and a current ratio of 0.07. KKR & Co. Inc. has a 52-week low of $53.72 and a 52-week high of $128.79. The firm has a market cap of $103.15 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 26.07, a PEG ratio of 1.03 and a beta of 1.62.

KKR & Co. Inc. (NYSE:KKR  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 31st. The asset manager reported $1.09 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.89 by $0.20. KKR & Co. Inc. had a net margin of 17.99% and a return on equity of 5.05%. The firm had revenue of $4.17 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.07 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $0.58 EPS. On average, analysts predict that KKR & Co. Inc. will post 4.01 earnings per share for the current year.

KKR & Co. Inc. Dividend Announcement

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, August 27th. Shareholders of record on Monday, August 12th were given a $0.175 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Monday, August 12th. This represents a $0.70 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.60%. KKR & Co. Inc.s payout ratio is currently 15.70%.

Insider Buying and Selling at KKR & Co. Inc.

In other KKR & Co. Inc. news, major shareholder Kkr Group Partnership L.P. sold 2,554,644 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, July 25th. The shares were sold at an average price of $18.85, for a total value of $48,155,039.40. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. 39.34% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

About KKR & Co. Inc.

(Free Report)

KKR & Co Inc is a private equity and real estate investment firm specializing in direct and fund of fund investments. It specializes in acquisitions, leveraged buyouts, management buyouts, credit special situations, growth equity, mature, mezzanine, distressed, turnaround, lower middle market and middle market investments.

See Also

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding KKR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for KKR & Co. Inc. (NYSE:KKR  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for KKR & Co. Inc. Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for KKR & Co. Inc. and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
General American Investors Co. Inc. raised its position in Everest Group, Ltd. (NYSE:EG  Free Report) by 4.2% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 134,686 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 5,490 shares during the quarter. Everest Group comprises about 3.6% of General American Investors Co. Inc.s holdings, making the stock its 10th largest position. General American Investors Co. Inc. owned about 0.31% of Everest Group worth $51,318,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in EG. American National Bank bought a new stake in shares of Everest Group during the 2nd quarter valued at about $27,000. Heritage Wealth Advisors purchased a new position in Everest Group in the 4th quarter worth approximately $30,000. FinTrust Capital Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of Everest Group in the 4th quarter worth $33,000. Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV purchased a new stake in shares of Everest Group during the 1st quarter valued at $33,000. Finally, Benjamin F. Edwards & Company Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Everest Group during the 4th quarter worth $35,000. Institutional investors own 92.64% of the companys stock.

Get Everest Group alerts:

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several equities analysts recently commented on the stock. Morgan Stanley reduced their target price on shares of Everest Group from $450.00 to $445.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, July 10th. BMO Capital Markets reiterated a market perform rating and issued a $403.00 price objective on shares of Everest Group in a report on Friday, August 30th. Barclays initiated coverage on Everest Group in a report on Wednesday. They set an overweight rating and a $527.00 target price for the company. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods decreased their price target on Everest Group from $454.00 to $438.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, August 8th. Finally, TD Cowen lowered their price objective on Everest Group from $419.00 to $405.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, August 13th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, five have assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $439.00.

Everest Group Stock Down 1.6 %

EG stock opened at $383.39 on Friday. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $379.26 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $378.74. Everest Group, Ltd. has a fifty-two week low of $343.76 and a fifty-two week high of $417.92. The company has a market capitalization of $16.66 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 5.70, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.56 and a beta of 0.62. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.24, a quick ratio of 0.38 and a current ratio of 0.38.

Everest Group (NYSE:EG  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 31st. The company reported $16.85 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $16.97 by ($0.12). Everest Group had a return on equity of 24.09% and a net margin of 18.36%. The firm had revenue of $4.23 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.32 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $15.21 earnings per share. Everest Groups revenue for the quarter was up 15.8% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, analysts forecast that Everest Group, Ltd. will post 61.76 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Everest Group Announces Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 27th. Investors of record on Monday, September 16th will be issued a dividend of $2.00 per share. This represents a $8.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.09%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, September 16th. Everest Groups payout ratio is currently 11.89%.

Everest Group Profile

(Free Report)

Everest Group, Ltd., through its subsidiaries, provides reinsurance and insurance products in the United States, Europe, and internationally. The company operates through two segment, Insurance and Reinsurance. The Reinsurance segment writes property and casualty reinsurance; and specialty lines of business through reinsurance brokers, as well as directly with ceding companies in the United States, Bermuda, Ireland, Canada, Singapore, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

Further Reading

Receive News & Ratings for Everest Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Everest Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Gemsstock Ltd. bought a new stake in Newmont Co. (NYSE:NEM  Free Report) in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund bought 305,100 shares of the basic materials companys stock, valued at approximately $12,775,000. Newmont comprises 4.1% of Gemsstock Ltd.s investment portfolio, making the stock its 10th largest position.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in NEM. LRI Investments LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Newmont in the 1st quarter valued at about $25,000. Manchester Capital Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Newmont by 171.9% in the 4th quarter. Manchester Capital Management LLC now owns 628 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $26,000 after purchasing an additional 397 shares during the last quarter. Heritage Wealth Advisors lifted its holdings in shares of Newmont by 1,310.4% in the 1st quarter. Heritage Wealth Advisors now owns 945 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $34,000 after purchasing an additional 878 shares during the last quarter. Crewe Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Newmont in the 1st quarter valued at about $35,000. Finally, Rise Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Newmont by 2,373.2% in the 1st quarter. Rise Advisors LLC now owns 1,014 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $36,000 after purchasing an additional 973 shares during the last quarter. 68.85% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Get Newmont alerts:

Insider Activity at Newmont

In related news, CEO Thomas Ronald Palmer sold 20,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, September 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $52.47, for a total value of $1,049,400.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 291,469 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $15,293,378.43. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. In other Newmont news, EVP Peter Toth sold 3,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, September 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $52.47, for a total transaction of $157,410.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 94,596 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,963,452.12. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, CEO Thomas Ronald Palmer sold 20,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, September 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $52.47, for a total value of $1,049,400.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 291,469 shares in the company, valued at approximately $15,293,378.43. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last 90 days, insiders have sold 56,000 shares of company stock valued at $2,744,700. 0.06% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several equities analysts recently issued reports on NEM shares. Sanford C. Bernstein dropped their price target on Newmont from $46.00 to $45.00 and set a market perform rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, May 16th. UBS Group upgraded Newmont from a neutral rating to a buy rating and boosted their price target for the company from $40.00 to $50.00 in a research report on Monday, June 17th. Scotiabank upgraded Newmont from a sector perform rating to a sector outperform rating and boosted their price target for the company from $48.00 to $59.00 in a research report on Monday, August 19th. BMO Capital Markets boosted their price target on Newmont from $56.00 to $57.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, July 25th. Finally, Bank of America boosted their price target on Newmont from $49.00 to $50.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, June 26th. Five analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, ten have given a buy rating and two have issued a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $51.46.

View Our Latest Report on NEM

Newmont Price Performance

Shares of NEM traded down $1.59 on Friday, reaching $50.34. The stock had a trading volume of 6,476,450 shares, compared to its average volume of 10,571,216. The firm has a market capitalization of $58.05 billion, a PE ratio of -18.85, a PEG ratio of 0.39 and a beta of 0.47. The company has a quick ratio of 1.85, a current ratio of 2.11 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.31. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $48.43 and a 200 day moving average of $42.00. Newmont Co. has a twelve month low of $29.42 and a twelve month high of $53.88.

Newmont (NYSE:NEM  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 24th. The basic materials company reported $0.72 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.62 by $0.10. Newmont had a positive return on equity of 8.35% and a negative net margin of 13.16%. The business had revenue of $4.40 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.13 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $0.33 EPS. The companys revenue was up 64.1% compared to the same quarter last year. Sell-side analysts expect that Newmont Co. will post 2.82 EPS for the current year.

Newmont Dividend Announcement

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, September 30th. Investors of record on Thursday, September 5th will be paid a $0.25 dividend. This represents a $1.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.99%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, September 5th. Newmonts payout ratio is currently -37.45%.

About Newmont

(Free Report)

Newmont Corporation engages in the production and exploration of gold. It also explores for copper, silver, zinc, and lead. The company has operations and/or assets in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Peru, Suriname, Argentina, Chile, Australia, Papua New Guinea, Ecuador, Fiji, and Ghana.

Featured Stories

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding NEM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Newmont Co. (NYSE:NEM  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Newmont Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Newmont and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
General American Investors Co. Inc. increased its stake in shares of Transocean Ltd. (NYSE:RIG  Free Report) by 8.3% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 650,000 shares of the offshore drilling services providers stock after acquiring an additional 50,000 shares during the quarter. General American Investors Co. Inc.s holdings in Transocean were worth $3,478,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Arizona State Retirement System boosted its position in shares of Transocean by 3.2% during the 2nd quarter. Arizona State Retirement System now owns 206,501 shares of the offshore drilling services providers stock valued at $1,105,000 after acquiring an additional 6,395 shares during the last quarter. Ovata Capital Management Ltd purchased a new position in shares of Transocean in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $1,605,000. Kailix Advisors LLC increased its position in shares of Transocean by 78.9% during the 2nd quarter. Kailix Advisors LLC now owns 4,139,392 shares of the offshore drilling services providers stock valued at $23,346,000 after purchasing an additional 1,825,044 shares during the last quarter. Rhumbline Advisers raised its holdings in Transocean by 53,530.4% during the 2nd quarter. Rhumbline Advisers now owns 1,109,612 shares of the offshore drilling services providers stock valued at $5,936,000 after buying an additional 1,107,543 shares during the period. Finally, Lisanti Capital Growth LLC lifted its position in Transocean by 12.9% in the second quarter. Lisanti Capital Growth LLC now owns 805,520 shares of the offshore drilling services providers stock worth $4,310,000 after buying an additional 92,130 shares during the last quarter. 67.73% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Get Transocean alerts:

Insider Activity

In other Transocean news, Director (Cyprus) Ltd Perestroika purchased 2,000,000 shares of Transocean stock in a transaction dated Friday, August 2nd. The stock was acquired at an average price of $5.23 per share, for a total transaction of $10,460,000.00. Following the acquisition, the director now owns 89,574,894 shares in the company, valued at approximately $468,476,695.62. The purchase was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Insiders own 13.16% of the companys stock.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several equities research analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. DNB Markets raised shares of Transocean from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday. StockNews.com raised shares of Transocean to a sell rating in a research report on Monday, August 5th. Finally, Benchmark restated a buy rating and set a $8.00 target price on shares of Transocean in a research report on Friday, August 2nd. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, three have given a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $7.25.

View Our Latest Analysis on Transocean

Transocean Price Performance

Transocean stock opened at $4.13 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $3.62 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -7.94 and a beta of 2.80. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $5.12 and a two-hundred day moving average of $5.48. Transocean Ltd. has a 1 year low of $4.07 and a 1 year high of $8.88. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.63, a current ratio of 1.36 and a quick ratio of 1.08.

Transocean (NYSE:RIG  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 31st. The offshore drilling services provider reported ($0.15) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of ($0.08) by ($0.07). Transocean had a negative return on equity of 4.76% and a negative net margin of 11.34%. The firm had revenue of $861.00 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $862.25 million. During the same period last year, the company earned ($0.15) EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 18.1% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, research analysts forecast that Transocean Ltd. will post -0.19 earnings per share for the current year.

Transocean Company Profile

(Free Report)

Transocean Ltd., together with its subsidiaries, provides offshore contract drilling services for oil and gas wells worldwide. It contracts mobile offshore drilling rigs, related equipment, and work crews to drill oil and gas wells. The company operates a fleet of mobile offshore drilling units, consisting of ultra-deepwater floaters and harsh environment floaters.

Featured Stories

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding RIG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Transocean Ltd. (NYSE:RIG  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Transocean Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Transocean and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Greystone Financial Group LLC raised its position in Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT  Free Report) by 18.2% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm owned 99,323 shares of the healthcare product makers stock after acquiring an additional 15,293 shares during the period. Abbott Laboratories makes up 2.0% of Greystone Financial Group LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 16th largest holding. Greystone Financial Group LLCs holdings in Abbott Laboratories were worth $10,321,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. One Wealth Management Investment & Advisory Services LLC grew its holdings in Abbott Laboratories by 3.0% in the second quarter. One Wealth Management Investment & Advisory Services LLC now owns 10,313 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $1,072,000 after purchasing an additional 301 shares during the last quarter. Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund grew its position in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 8.1% in the second quarter. Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund now owns 183,003 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $19,016,000 after purchasing an additional 13,694 shares during the last quarter. Sivia Capital Partners LLC increased its stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 13.2% during the 2nd quarter. Sivia Capital Partners LLC now owns 3,443 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $358,000 after purchasing an additional 402 shares in the last quarter. SFE Investment Counsel grew its holdings in Abbott Laboratories by 9.3% during the 2nd quarter. SFE Investment Counsel now owns 69,890 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $7,262,000 after buying an additional 5,941 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Candriam S.C.A. boosted its stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 18.5% during the second quarter. Candriam S.C.A. now owns 359,676 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $37,372,000 after acquiring an additional 56,167 shares during the last quarter. 75.18% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Get Abbott Laboratories alerts:

Abbott Laboratories Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE:ABT traded up $0.76 during trading on Friday, hitting $113.86. 3,802,320 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 5,855,512. The stock has a market capitalization of $198.07 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 35.49, a PEG ratio of 2.82 and a beta of 0.72. Abbott Laboratories has a one year low of $89.67 and a one year high of $121.64. The company has a quick ratio of 1.18, a current ratio of 1.68 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.33. The businesss fifty day moving average is $107.87 and its 200-day moving average is $108.79.

Abbott Laboratories Announces Dividend

Abbott Laboratories ( NYSE:ABT Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, July 18th. The healthcare product maker reported $1.14 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.10 by $0.04. The company had revenue of $10.38 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $10.37 billion. Abbott Laboratories had a return on equity of 20.18% and a net margin of 13.65%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 4.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $1.08 earnings per share. As a group, equities analysts predict that Abbott Laboratories will post 4.66 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, August 15th. Shareholders of record on Monday, July 15th were paid a dividend of $0.55 per share. This represents a $2.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.93%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, July 15th. Abbott Laboratoriess dividend payout ratio is presently 68.54%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several analysts have commented on the stock. Evercore ISI lowered their target price on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $125.00 to $120.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, July 2nd. Edward Jones cut Abbott Laboratories from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, July 30th. The Goldman Sachs Group initiated coverage on shares of Abbott Laboratories in a research report on Thursday, May 30th. They set a buy rating and a $121.00 price target on the stock. Royal Bank of Canada reissued an outperform rating and issued a $125.00 target price on shares of Abbott Laboratories in a research note on Tuesday, June 4th. Finally, Citigroup upped their price target on Abbott Laboratories from $119.00 to $127.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Thursday, August 22nd. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Abbott Laboratories has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $121.80.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on ABT

Abbott Laboratories Profile

(Free Report)

Abbott Laboratories, together with its subsidiaries, discovers, develops, manufactures, and sells health care products worldwide. It operates in four segments: Established Pharmaceutical Products, Diagnostic Products, Nutritional Products, and Medical Devices. The company provides generic pharmaceuticals for the treatment of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, irritable bowel syndrome or biliary spasm, intrahepatic cholestasis or depressive symptoms, gynecological disorder, hormone replacement therapy, dyslipidemia, hypertension, hypothyroidism, Meniere's disease and vestibular vertigo, pain, fever, inflammation, and migraine, as well as provides anti-infective clarithromycin, influenza vaccine, and products to regulate physiological rhythm of the colon.

Featured Articles

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ABT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Abbott Laboratories Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Abbott Laboratories and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund lessened its stake in Kimberly-Clark Co. (NYSE:KMB  Free Report) by 23.5% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 129,273 shares of the companys stock after selling 39,649 shares during the period. Illinois Municipal Retirement Funds holdings in Kimberly-Clark were worth $17,866,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

A number of other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD lifted its position in Kimberly-Clark by 19.1% during the first quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 5,893,146 shares of the companys stock valued at $762,279,000 after acquiring an additional 944,920 shares during the last quarter. Norges Bank acquired a new stake in shares of Kimberly-Clark in the 4th quarter worth $437,420,000. Capital World Investors grew its stake in Kimberly-Clark by 17.8% during the 1st quarter. Capital World Investors now owns 2,269,492 shares of the companys stock worth $293,559,000 after buying an additional 342,790 shares during the last quarter. Nordea Investment Management AB increased its position in Kimberly-Clark by 2.9% during the 1st quarter. Nordea Investment Management AB now owns 1,720,051 shares of the companys stock valued at $222,093,000 after buying an additional 48,103 shares in the last quarter. Finally, ProShare Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in Kimberly-Clark by 9.8% in the first quarter. ProShare Advisors LLC now owns 1,487,835 shares of the companys stock worth $192,451,000 after acquiring an additional 132,576 shares in the last quarter. 76.29% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

Get Kimberly-Clark alerts:

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several analysts have weighed in on the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their target price on shares of Kimberly-Clark from $123.00 to $135.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a research report on Monday, July 22nd. Wells Fargo & Company lowered their price target on Kimberly-Clark from $138.00 to $134.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, July 24th. Barclays reduced their price objective on Kimberly-Clark from $136.00 to $135.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research note on Friday, July 19th. BNP Paribas began coverage on shares of Kimberly-Clark in a report on Monday, June 24th. They issued a neutral rating and a $146.00 price target on the stock. Finally, Argus raised Kimberly-Clark to a hold rating in a report on Friday, July 26th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have given a hold rating and seven have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Kimberly-Clark has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $145.67.

Insider Activity

In related news, insider Jeffrey P. Melucci sold 37,699 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, July 25th. The stock was sold at an average price of $141.42, for a total value of $5,331,392.58. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 19,935 shares in the company, valued at $2,819,207.70. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. In other Kimberly-Clark news, insider Jeffrey P. Melucci sold 37,699 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, July 25th. The shares were sold at an average price of $141.42, for a total transaction of $5,331,392.58. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 19,935 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,819,207.70. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. Also, insider Gonzalo Uribe sold 1,780 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, July 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $140.84, for a total transaction of $250,695.20. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 7,377 shares in the company, valued at $1,038,976.68. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Corporate insiders own 0.62% of the companys stock.

Kimberly-Clark Price Performance

Shares of Kimberly-Clark stock traded up $0.08 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $146.91. 2,160,596 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 2,137,545. The company has a quick ratio of 0.58, a current ratio of 0.85 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 5.59. Kimberly-Clark Co. has a fifty-two week low of $116.32 and a fifty-two week high of $149.30. The stock has a market capitalization of $49.47 billion, a PE ratio of 27.02, a PEG ratio of 3.07 and a beta of 0.39. The business has a 50-day moving average of $141.51 and a 200 day moving average of $134.51.

Kimberly-Clark (NYSE:KMB  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, July 23rd. The company reported $1.96 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.71 by $0.25. The company had revenue of $5.03 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.10 billion. Kimberly-Clark had a return on equity of 223.55% and a net margin of 11.28%. The firms quarterly revenue was down 2.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $1.65 EPS. On average, analysts predict that Kimberly-Clark Co. will post 7.25 EPS for the current year.

Kimberly-Clark Announces Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, October 2nd. Stockholders of record on Friday, September 6th will be paid a $1.22 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, September 6th. This represents a $4.88 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.32%. Kimberly-Clarks dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 89.71%.

Kimberly-Clark Company Profile

(Free Report)

Kimberly-Clark Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures and markets personal care and consumer tissue products in the United States. It operates through three segments: Personal Care, Consumer Tissue, and K-C Professional. The company's Personal Care segment offers disposable diapers, training and youth pants, swimpants, baby wipes, feminine and incontinence care products, reusable underwear, and other related products under the Huggies, Pull-Ups, Little Swimmers, GoodNites, DryNites, Sweety, Kotex, U by Kotex, Intimus, Thinx, Poise, Depend, Plenitud, Softex, and other brand names.

Featured Stories

Receive News & Ratings for Kimberly-Clark Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Kimberly-Clark and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Intelligence Driven Advisers LLC lessened its position in Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY  Free Report) by 4.1% in the 2nd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 1,199 shares of the companys stock after selling 51 shares during the period. Intelligence Driven Advisers LLCs holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $1,086,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Twelve Points Wealth Management LLC boosted its position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 1.4% in the second quarter. Twelve Points Wealth Management LLC now owns 811 shares of the companys stock valued at $734,000 after acquiring an additional 11 shares during the period. Verum Partners LLC raised its stake in Eli Lilly and Company by 1.5% in the 2nd quarter. Verum Partners LLC now owns 731 shares of the companys stock worth $662,000 after purchasing an additional 11 shares in the last quarter. Acorn Creek Capital LLC boosted its holdings in Eli Lilly and Company by 1.3% in the 2nd quarter. Acorn Creek Capital LLC now owns 927 shares of the companys stock valued at $840,000 after purchasing an additional 12 shares during the period. Thompson Davis & CO. Inc. grew its position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 0.7% during the 2nd quarter. Thompson Davis & CO. Inc. now owns 1,687 shares of the companys stock worth $1,527,000 after purchasing an additional 12 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Versant Capital Management Inc increased its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 1.8% during the first quarter. Versant Capital Management Inc now owns 736 shares of the companys stock worth $573,000 after purchasing an additional 13 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 82.53% of the companys stock.

Get Eli Lilly and Company alerts:

Eli Lilly and Company Trading Down 1.1 %

Shares of LLY stock traded down $10.04 on Friday, hitting $902.71. The company had a trading volume of 3,439,999 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,063,074. The stocks 50-day moving average is $895.97 and its two-hundred day moving average is $827.49. Eli Lilly and Company has a twelve month low of $516.57 and a twelve month high of $972.53. The firm has a market cap of $857.94 billion, a P/E ratio of 132.95, a P/E/G ratio of 2.91 and a beta of 0.41. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.74, a quick ratio of 0.87 and a current ratio of 1.11.

Eli Lilly and Company Announces Dividend

Eli Lilly and Company ( NYSE:LLY Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, August 8th. The company reported $3.92 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.64 by $1.28. Eli Lilly and Company had a net margin of 18.86% and a return on equity of 67.52%. The firm had revenue of $11.30 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $9.83 billion. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that Eli Lilly and Company will post 16.51 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, September 10th. Investors of record on Thursday, August 15th will be paid a dividend of $1.30 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, August 15th. This represents a $5.20 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.58%. Eli Lilly and Companys dividend payout ratio is currently 76.58%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of brokerages recently issued reports on LLY. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price target on Eli Lilly and Company from $900.00 to $1,000.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, July 11th. BMO Capital Markets raised their price target on Eli Lilly and Company from $1,001.00 to $1,101.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, August 9th. Argus upped their price objective on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $770.00 to $840.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, May 14th. Bank of America raised their target price on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $1,000.00 to $1,125.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Friday, August 9th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft raised shares of Eli Lilly and Company from a hold rating to a buy rating and upped their price target for the stock from $725.00 to $1,025.00 in a report on Monday, August 12th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seventeen have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $961.76.

View Our Latest Report on LLY

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other Eli Lilly and Company news, major shareholder Lilly Endowment Inc sold 75,510 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, June 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $860.78, for a total transaction of $64,997,497.80. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 97,793,810 shares in the company, valued at approximately $84,178,955,771.80. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Over the last three months, insiders sold 737,410 shares of company stock worth $669,719,100. 0.13% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Eli Lilly and Company Company Profile

(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.

Featured Articles

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.
New York Life Investment Management LLC trimmed its holdings in shares of iShares Convertible Bond ETF (BATS:ICVT  Free Report) by 3.9% in the 2nd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The institutional investor owned 419,335 shares of the companys stock after selling 17,144 shares during the period. New York Life Investment Management LLCs holdings in iShares Convertible Bond ETF were worth $32,972,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Advisors Preferred LLC purchased a new stake in iShares Convertible Bond ETF in the 1st quarter worth $26,000. LGT Financial Advisors LLC increased its stake in shares of iShares Convertible Bond ETF by 336.1% during the second quarter. LGT Financial Advisors LLC now owns 362 shares of the companys stock worth $29,000 after purchasing an additional 279 shares in the last quarter. LRI Investments LLC acquired a new position in shares of iShares Convertible Bond ETF during the 1st quarter worth about $29,000. International Assets Investment Management LLC purchased a new position in iShares Convertible Bond ETF in the 2nd quarter valued at about $33,000. Finally, Banque Cantonale Vaudoise boosted its holdings in iShares Convertible Bond ETF by 34.0% in the 1st quarter. Banque Cantonale Vaudoise now owns 670 shares of the companys stock worth $53,000 after buying an additional 170 shares during the last quarter.

Get iShares Convertible Bond ETF alerts:

iShares Convertible Bond ETF Trading Down 0.6 %

BATS:ICVT opened at $79.74 on Friday. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $79.72 and a two-hundred day moving average of $78.80. iShares Convertible Bond ETF has a 12 month low of $50.43 and a 12 month high of $58.18.

iShares Convertible Bond ETF Cuts Dividend

iShares Convertible Bond ETF Profile

The company also recently declared a dividend, which was paid on Friday, September 6th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, September 3rd were paid a $0.1528 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, September 3rd.

(Free Report)

The iShares Convertible Bond ETF (ICVT) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in broad credit fixed income. The fund tracks an index of USD-denominated convertible bonds weighted by market value. The index contains only cash-pay convertibles and excludes mandatory and preferred convertibles.

Featured Articles

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ICVT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Convertible Bond ETF (BATS:ICVT  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for iShares Convertible Bond ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Convertible Bond ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
SRS Capital Advisors Inc. trimmed its holdings in shares of iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF (NYSEARCA:IWN  Free Report) by 3.2% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 133,267 shares of the companys stock after selling 4,435 shares during the quarter. iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF accounts for about 2.0% of SRS Capital Advisors Inc.s portfolio, making the stock its 17th largest position. SRS Capital Advisors Inc. owned approximately 0.17% of iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF worth $20,297,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Chicago Capital LLC purchased a new stake in shares of iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF during the second quarter worth about $564,000. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust increased its stake in iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF by 1.1% during the 2nd quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 25,780 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,926,000 after purchasing an additional 274 shares in the last quarter. Farmers & Merchants Investments Inc. raised its holdings in shares of iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF by 1.7% in the second quarter. Farmers & Merchants Investments Inc. now owns 12,078 shares of the companys stock worth $1,839,000 after buying an additional 205 shares during the last quarter. Vance Wealth Inc. lifted its stake in shares of iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF by 5.5% during the second quarter. Vance Wealth Inc. now owns 20,427 shares of the companys stock worth $3,111,000 after buying an additional 1,056 shares during the period. Finally, Cozad Asset Management Inc. grew its holdings in shares of iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF by 1.3% during the second quarter. Cozad Asset Management Inc. now owns 7,885 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,201,000 after buying an additional 100 shares during the last quarter.

Get iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF alerts:

iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF Stock Performance

Shares of NYSEARCA IWN traded down $2.59 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $159.29. The stock had a trading volume of 1,634,412 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,246,577. The firm has a market cap of $12.19 billion, a PE ratio of 10.79 and a beta of 1.17. The company has a 50 day moving average of $161.55 and a two-hundred day moving average of $156.03. iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF has a twelve month low of $124.97 and a twelve month high of $174.83.

iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF Profile

iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF, formerly Ishares Trust Russel 2000 (the Fund), formerly iShares Russell 2000 Value Index Fund, is an exchange traded fund. The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the Russell 2000 Value Index (the Index). The Index measures the performance of equity securities of Russell 2000 Index issuers with relatively lower price-to-book ratios and lower forecasted growth.

See Also

Receive News & Ratings for iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Letko Brosseau & Associates Inc. cut its holdings in Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT  Free Report) by 4.7% during the second quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 1,000,086 shares of the retailers stock after selling 49,219 shares during the period. Letko Brosseau & Associates Inc.s holdings in Walmart were worth $67,716,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in WMT. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Walmart by 199.4% in the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 411,745,334 shares of the retailers stock valued at $24,774,717,000 after buying an additional 274,229,968 shares during the last quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD grew its position in shares of Walmart by 181.0% in the 1st quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 56,861,234 shares of the retailers stock valued at $3,421,342,000 after acquiring an additional 36,625,314 shares during the period. Norges Bank acquired a new position in shares of Walmart during the 4th quarter worth about $3,674,652,000. Bank of New York Mellon Corp raised its holdings in shares of Walmart by 183.0% in the 1st quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 29,172,985 shares of the retailers stock valued at $1,755,339,000 after purchasing an additional 18,865,484 shares during the period. Finally, Swiss National Bank lifted its stake in Walmart by 187.4% in the 1st quarter. Swiss National Bank now owns 13,303,200 shares of the retailers stock valued at $800,454,000 after purchasing an additional 8,674,100 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 26.76% of the companys stock.

Get Walmart alerts:

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, major shareholder Alice L. Walton sold 2,375,563 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, September 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $76.96, for a total value of $182,823,328.48. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 619,646,544 shares in the company, valued at approximately $47,687,998,026.24. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In other news, major shareholder Alice L. Walton sold 3,633,800 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, June 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $66.80, for a total transaction of $242,737,840.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 636,898,811 shares of the companys stock, valued at $42,544,840,574.80. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, major shareholder Alice L. Walton sold 2,375,563 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, September 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $76.96, for a total value of $182,823,328.48. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 619,646,544 shares in the company, valued at approximately $47,687,998,026.24. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last quarter, insiders have sold 10,144,237 shares of company stock valued at $730,497,016. 45.58% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

WMT has been the subject of a number of recent analyst reports. Citigroup raised their price objective on Walmart from $63.33 to $75.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Friday, May 17th. Morgan Stanley upped their price objective on shares of Walmart from $75.00 to $82.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Friday, August 16th. Roth Mkm raised their target price on shares of Walmart from $71.00 to $81.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Friday, August 16th. Royal Bank of Canada upped their price target on shares of Walmart from $74.00 to $80.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, August 16th. Finally, Robert W. Baird raised their price objective on shares of Walmart from $65.00 to $70.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, May 17th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, twenty-six have assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $78.99.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on WMT

Walmart Price Performance

Shares of Walmart stock traded down $0.32 during trading on Friday, reaching $76.64. 14,548,588 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 17,411,770. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.46, a quick ratio of 0.22 and a current ratio of 0.80. Walmart Inc. has a 1-year low of $49.85 and a 1-year high of $77.81. The company has a market cap of $616.05 billion, a P/E ratio of 32.80, a PEG ratio of 3.87 and a beta of 0.51. The firms 50-day moving average price is $71.45 and its 200 day moving average price is $65.38.

Walmart (NYSE:WMT  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, August 15th. The retailer reported $0.67 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.65 by $0.02. Walmart had a return on equity of 21.72% and a net margin of 2.34%. The firm had revenue of $169.30 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $168.56 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $0.61 earnings per share. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 4.7% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, research analysts anticipate that Walmart Inc. will post 2.44 earnings per share for the current year.

Walmart Profile

(Free Report)

Walmart Inc engages in the operation of retail, wholesale, other units, and eCommerce worldwide. The company operates through three segments: Walmart U.S., Walmart International, and Sam's Club. It operates supercenters, supermarkets, hypermarkets, warehouse clubs, cash and carry stores, and discount stores under Walmart and Walmart Neighborhood Market brands; membership-only warehouse clubs; ecommerce websites, such as walmart.com.mx, walmart.ca, flipkart.com, PhonePe and other sites; and mobile commerce applications.

Further Reading

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding WMT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Walmart Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Walmart and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Letko Brosseau & Associates Inc. increased its stake in AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T  Free Report) by 1.9% in the 2nd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The institutional investor owned 4,406,910 shares of the technology companys stock after purchasing an additional 81,525 shares during the quarter. AT&T makes up approximately 1.6% of Letko Brosseau & Associates Inc.s investment portfolio, making the stock its 23rd largest position. Letko Brosseau & Associates Inc.s holdings in AT&T were worth $84,216,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other large investors also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Mosley Wealth Management boosted its holdings in shares of AT&T by 11.1% in the 2nd quarter. Mosley Wealth Management now owns 20,863 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $399,000 after buying an additional 2,082 shares during the last quarter. Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund lifted its holdings in AT&T by 2.5% during the 2nd quarter. Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund now owns 1,245,347 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $23,799,000 after purchasing an additional 30,476 shares during the last quarter. Gentry Private Wealth LLC bought a new position in AT&T during the second quarter worth $488,000. Sivia Capital Partners LLC boosted its position in AT&T by 11.5% during the second quarter. Sivia Capital Partners LLC now owns 14,024 shares of the technology companys stock worth $268,000 after purchasing an additional 1,441 shares during the period. Finally, Cahaba Wealth Management Inc. increased its holdings in shares of AT&T by 24.6% in the second quarter. Cahaba Wealth Management Inc. now owns 27,337 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $522,000 after purchasing an additional 5,392 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 57.10% of the companys stock.

Get AT&T alerts:

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several brokerages recently commented on T. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lifted their target price on shares of AT&T from $24.00 to $26.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Friday, June 28th. Oppenheimer upped their target price on AT&T from $21.00 to $23.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, July 25th. Moffett Nathanson lifted their price target on AT&T from $17.00 to $18.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Thursday, August 15th. Royal Bank of Canada upped their price objective on AT&T from $18.00 to $19.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a report on Thursday, July 25th. Finally, UBS Group reissued a buy rating and set a $24.00 target price on shares of AT&T in a report on Tuesday, June 18th. Nine analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $22.06.

AT&T Price Performance

NYSE:T traded up $0.32 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $20.97. The stock had a trading volume of 53,079,539 shares, compared to its average volume of 35,856,078. AT&T Inc. has a 12 month low of $14.12 and a 12 month high of $21.00. The stock has a market capitalization of $150.36 billion, a PE ratio of 11.28, a P/E/G ratio of 3.36 and a beta of 0.59. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.05, a current ratio of 0.70 and a quick ratio of 0.66. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $19.31 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $18.00.

AT&T (NYSE:T  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 24th. The technology company reported $0.57 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, meeting the consensus estimate of $0.57. AT&T had a return on equity of 14.16% and a net margin of 10.41%. The company had revenue of $29.80 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $30.05 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $0.63 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was down .3% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities analysts anticipate that AT&T Inc. will post 2.22 earnings per share for the current year.

AT&T Dividend Announcement

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, August 1st. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, July 10th were paid a $0.2775 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, July 10th. This represents a $1.11 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 5.29%. AT&Ts payout ratio is currently 59.68%.

AT&T Company Profile

(Free Report)

AT&T Inc provides telecommunications and technology services worldwide. The company operates through two segments, Communications and Latin America. The Communications segment offers wireless voice and data communications services; and sells handsets, wireless data cards, wireless computing devices, carrying cases/protective covers, and wireless chargers through its own company-owned stores, agents, and third-party retail stores.

See Also

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding T? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for AT&T Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for AT&T and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Los Angeles Capital Management LLC cut its stake in shares of Carrier Global Co. (NYSE:CARR  Free Report) by 9.7% during the 2nd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The fund owned 1,432,006 shares of the companys stock after selling 154,402 shares during the period. Los Angeles Capital Management LLCs holdings in Carrier Global were worth $90,331,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other large investors have also bought and sold shares of CARR. Savant Capital LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Carrier Global by 0.5% in the 2nd quarter. Savant Capital LLC now owns 32,408 shares of the companys stock worth $2,044,000 after purchasing an additional 162 shares in the last quarter. Founders Capital Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of Carrier Global by 3.4% in the second quarter. Founders Capital Management LLC now owns 5,250 shares of the companys stock valued at $331,000 after buying an additional 175 shares in the last quarter. Manchester Capital Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of Carrier Global by 4.3% during the first quarter. Manchester Capital Management LLC now owns 4,385 shares of the companys stock valued at $255,000 after buying an additional 180 shares during the last quarter. Sunbelt Securities Inc. increased its position in shares of Carrier Global by 2.3% during the first quarter. Sunbelt Securities Inc. now owns 8,033 shares of the companys stock worth $467,000 after acquiring an additional 182 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Checchi Capital Advisers LLC raised its holdings in shares of Carrier Global by 2.3% in the 1st quarter. Checchi Capital Advisers LLC now owns 8,900 shares of the companys stock worth $517,000 after acquiring an additional 197 shares during the last quarter. 91.00% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Get Carrier Global alerts:

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of research firms have issued reports on CARR. Robert W. Baird cut their price target on Carrier Global from $75.00 to $74.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Friday, July 26th. Barclays lifted their target price on Carrier Global from $79.00 to $81.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, June 14th. Citigroup raised Carrier Global from a neutral rating to a buy rating and increased their price target for the company from $65.00 to $74.00 in a research report on Monday, June 24th. Royal Bank of Canada raised their price objective on Carrier Global from $72.00 to $79.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday. Finally, Bank of America upgraded shares of Carrier Global from an underperform rating to a neutral rating and upped their target price for the stock from $55.00 to $72.00 in a research note on Monday, July 29th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have assigned a hold rating, six have assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Carrier Global presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $69.38.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In related news, VP Ajay Agrawal sold 62,382 shares of Carrier Global stock in a transaction dated Thursday, August 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $64.55, for a total value of $4,026,758.10. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now owns 103,066 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $6,652,910.30. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Company insiders own 6.95% of the companys stock.

Carrier Global Stock Performance

NYSE CARR traded up $0.44 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $69.48. 4,182,643 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 4,234,270. The stock has a market capitalization of $62.60 billion, a P/E ratio of 48.62, a P/E/G ratio of 2.90 and a beta of 1.32. The company has a quick ratio of 0.80, a current ratio of 1.08 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.80. Carrier Global Co. has a 1 year low of $45.68 and a 1 year high of $73.06. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $66.98 and its 200-day simple moving average is $62.48.

Carrier Global (NYSE:CARR  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, July 25th. The company reported $0.87 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.85 by $0.02. The firm had revenue of $6.70 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $7.05 billion. Carrier Global had a net margin of 14.27% and a return on equity of 23.68%. The companys revenue was up 11.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $0.79 EPS. On average, equities research analysts expect that Carrier Global Co. will post 2.84 earnings per share for the current year.

Carrier Global Profile

(Free Report)

Carrier Global Corporation provides heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC), refrigeration, fire, security, and building automation technologies in the United States, Europe, the Asia Pacific, and internationally. It operates through three segments: HVAC, Refrigeration, and Fire & Security.

Read More

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CARR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Carrier Global Co. (NYSE:CARR  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Carrier Global Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Carrier Global and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Malvern International Plc (LON:MLVN  Get Free Report)s stock price hit a new 52-week low on Thursday . The company traded as low as GBX 17 ($0.22) and last traded at GBX 17 ($0.22), with a volume of 23 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at GBX 18.50 ($0.24).

Malvern International Stock Down 9.7 %

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 70.89, a current ratio of 0.57 and a quick ratio of 0.50. The firm has a market capitalization of 4.08 million, a P/E ratio of -1,670.00 and a beta of 0.68. The firms fifty day moving average price is GBX 19.52 and its 200-day moving average price is GBX 20.95.

About Malvern International

(Get Free Report)

Malvern International Plc provides educational services in the United Kingdom. The company operates Malvern House London; Malvern House Brighton; Language in Action; Communicate School in Manchester; International Study Centres; and Malvern Online Academy. Its colleges offer English language courses, juniors and summer camps, and bespoke group courses; and university pathway programs, such as pre-university, foundation year, year one, graduate diploma, and pre-master's program; and in-sessional and pre-sessional English programs.

Further Reading

Receive News & Ratings for Malvern International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Malvern International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Los Angeles Capital Management LLC cut its stake in shares of Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA  Free Report) by 10.4% during the second quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 427,697 shares of the credit services providers stock after selling 49,387 shares during the quarter. Los Angeles Capital Management LLCs holdings in Mastercard were worth $188,683,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in MA. Norges Bank acquired a new stake in shares of Mastercard during the 4th quarter worth approximately $4,595,559,000. Swedbank AB purchased a new position in Mastercard in the first quarter valued at $660,652,000. PineStone Asset Management Inc. raised its position in shares of Mastercard by 145.6% in the second quarter. PineStone Asset Management Inc. now owns 1,777,468 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $784,148,000 after acquiring an additional 1,053,616 shares during the period. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Mastercard by 1.0% during the 4th quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 75,253,734 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $32,096,470,000 after acquiring an additional 742,076 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Capital International Investors grew its position in shares of Mastercard by 3.3% during the 4th quarter. Capital International Investors now owns 21,041,685 shares of the credit services providers stock valued at $8,974,478,000 after acquiring an additional 676,452 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 97.28% of the companys stock.

Get Mastercard alerts:

Mastercard Stock Down 0.3 %

NYSE:MA traded down $1.24 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $476.12. 2,116,234 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,444,963. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $456.26 and a 200 day simple moving average of $459.59. The company has a market capitalization of $442.61 billion, a PE ratio of 37.86, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.90 and a beta of 1.10. Mastercard Incorporated has a fifty-two week low of $359.77 and a fifty-two week high of $490.00. The company has a current ratio of 1.14, a quick ratio of 1.14 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.95.

Mastercard Announces Dividend

Insiders Place Their Bets

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, August 9th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, July 9th were paid a $0.66 dividend. This represents a $2.64 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.55%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, July 9th. Mastercards dividend payout ratio is currently 20.99%.

In other Mastercard news, CFO J. Mehra Sachin sold 13,439 shares of Mastercard stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, August 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $455.00, for a total value of $6,114,745.00. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 27,304 shares in the company, valued at approximately $12,423,320. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. In related news, CFO J. Mehra Sachin sold 13,439 shares of Mastercard stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, August 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $455.00, for a total value of $6,114,745.00. Following the sale, the chief financial officer now directly owns 27,304 shares in the company, valued at $12,423,320. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, major shareholder Foundation Mastercard sold 113,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, June 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $447.85, for a total transaction of $50,607,050.00. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 93,446,308 shares in the company, valued at $41,849,929,037.80. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last three months, insiders have sold 1,167,931 shares of company stock valued at $531,284,982. Insiders own 0.10% of the companys stock.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

MA has been the topic of several research analyst reports. Compass Point assumed coverage on Mastercard in a report on Wednesday. They issued a neutral rating and a $525.00 price objective on the stock. Bank of America lowered shares of Mastercard from a buy rating to a neutral rating and cut their price target for the stock from $505.00 to $480.00 in a report on Wednesday, July 10th. KeyCorp lifted their target price on shares of Mastercard from $490.00 to $515.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, August 1st. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price objective on Mastercard from $500.00 to $570.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, August 20th. Finally, Argus raised shares of Mastercard to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Thursday, August 1st. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, twenty-one have assigned a buy rating and three have issued a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $510.88.

View Our Latest Research Report on Mastercard

About Mastercard

(Free Report)

Mastercard Incorporated, a technology company, provides transaction processing and other payment-related products and services in the United States and internationally. The company offers integrated products and value-added services for account holders, merchants, financial institutions, digital partners, businesses, governments, and other organizations, such as programs that enable issuers to provide consumers with credits to defer payments; payment products and solutions that allow its customers to access funds in deposit and other accounts; prepaid programs services; and commercial credit, debit, and prepaid payment products and solutions.

See Also

Receive News & Ratings for Mastercard Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Mastercard and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Motiv8 Investments LLC grew its stake in Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT  Free Report) by 6.7% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 7,168 shares of the healthcare product makers stock after acquiring an additional 451 shares during the period. Motiv8 Investments LLCs holdings in Abbott Laboratories were worth $745,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the business. Chicago Capital LLC raised its stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 6.0% during the second quarter. Chicago Capital LLC now owns 44,626 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $4,637,000 after buying an additional 2,516 shares during the last quarter. Greystone Financial Group LLC raised its stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 18.2% during the second quarter. Greystone Financial Group LLC now owns 99,323 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $10,321,000 after buying an additional 15,293 shares during the last quarter. One Wealth Management Investment & Advisory Services LLC raised its stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 3.0% during the second quarter. One Wealth Management Investment & Advisory Services LLC now owns 10,313 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $1,072,000 after buying an additional 301 shares during the last quarter. Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund raised its stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 8.1% during the second quarter. Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund now owns 183,003 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $19,016,000 after buying an additional 13,694 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Sivia Capital Partners LLC raised its stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 13.2% during the second quarter. Sivia Capital Partners LLC now owns 3,443 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $358,000 after buying an additional 402 shares during the last quarter. 75.18% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Get Abbott Laboratories alerts:

Abbott Laboratories Stock Up 0.7 %

ABT traded up $0.76 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $113.86. 3,802,320 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 5,855,512. Abbott Laboratories has a 1-year low of $89.67 and a 1-year high of $121.64. The stocks 50-day moving average is $107.87 and its two-hundred day moving average is $108.79. The stock has a market cap of $198.07 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 35.47, a PEG ratio of 2.82 and a beta of 0.72. The company has a quick ratio of 1.18, a current ratio of 1.68 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.33.

Abbott Laboratories Dividend Announcement

Abbott Laboratories ( NYSE:ABT Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, July 18th. The healthcare product maker reported $1.14 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.10 by $0.04. Abbott Laboratories had a net margin of 13.65% and a return on equity of 20.18%. The business had revenue of $10.38 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $10.37 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $1.08 earnings per share. The firms revenue was up 4.0% on a year-over-year basis. Sell-side analysts predict that Abbott Laboratories will post 4.66 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, August 15th. Investors of record on Monday, July 15th were issued a dividend of $0.55 per share. This represents a $2.20 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.93%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, July 15th. Abbott Laboratoriess payout ratio is 68.54%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of brokerages recently issued reports on ABT. Royal Bank of Canada restated an outperform rating and set a $125.00 price objective on shares of Abbott Laboratories in a report on Tuesday, June 4th. Citigroup boosted their price objective on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $119.00 to $127.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, August 22nd. The Goldman Sachs Group began coverage on shares of Abbott Laboratories in a report on Thursday, May 30th. They set a buy rating and a $121.00 price objective for the company. Barclays boosted their price objective on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $140.00 to $143.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Monday, July 29th. Finally, Edward Jones cut shares of Abbott Laboratories from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, July 30th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Abbott Laboratories has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $121.80.

Get Our Latest Analysis on Abbott Laboratories

Abbott Laboratories Company Profile

(Free Report)

Abbott Laboratories, together with its subsidiaries, discovers, develops, manufactures, and sells health care products worldwide. It operates in four segments: Established Pharmaceutical Products, Diagnostic Products, Nutritional Products, and Medical Devices. The company provides generic pharmaceuticals for the treatment of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, irritable bowel syndrome or biliary spasm, intrahepatic cholestasis or depressive symptoms, gynecological disorder, hormone replacement therapy, dyslipidemia, hypertension, hypothyroidism, Meniere's disease and vestibular vertigo, pain, fever, inflammation, and migraine, as well as provides anti-infective clarithromycin, influenza vaccine, and products to regulate physiological rhythm of the colon.

Read More

Receive News & Ratings for Abbott Laboratories Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Abbott Laboratories and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Narwhal Capital Management decreased its position in shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (NYSE:BUD  Free Report) by 27.1% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 5,375 shares of the consumer goods makers stock after selling 2,000 shares during the quarter. Narwhal Capital Managements holdings in Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV were worth $313,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Capital International Investors boosted its stake in Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV by 0.9% during the 4th quarter. Capital International Investors now owns 2,124,860 shares of the consumer goods makers stock valued at $137,447,000 after purchasing an additional 18,280 shares during the last quarter. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC increased its holdings in Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV by 1.1% in the 1st quarter. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC now owns 31,386 shares of the consumer goods makers stock worth $1,908,000 after buying an additional 354 shares in the last quarter. Simplicity Wealth LLC purchased a new position in Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV in the 1st quarter worth about $1,604,000. Perpetual Ltd lifted its stake in Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV by 13.7% during the 1st quarter. Perpetual Ltd now owns 127,155 shares of the consumer goods makers stock valued at $7,736,000 after acquiring an additional 15,364 shares during the period. Finally, OLD Mission Capital LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV during the 1st quarter valued at about $4,046,000. Institutional investors own 5.53% of the companys stock.

Get Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV alerts:

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of research analysts recently weighed in on the stock. Morgan Stanley lowered their price objective on shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV from $70.00 to $68.50 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, July 2nd. UBS Group raised Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV from a neutral rating to a buy rating in a report on Monday, June 24th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $72.13.

Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV Trading Down 0.9 %

Shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV stock opened at $62.84 on Friday. Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV has a 1-year low of $51.66 and a 1-year high of $67.49. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $60.79 and its 200-day simple moving average is $61.14. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.85, a current ratio of 0.69 and a quick ratio of 0.51. The stock has a market capitalization of $112.94 billion, a PE ratio of 26.40, a P/E/G ratio of 1.75 and a beta of 1.09.

Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (NYSE:BUD  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, August 1st. The consumer goods maker reported $0.90 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.84 by $0.06. The company had revenue of $15.33 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $15.21 billion. Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV had a return on equity of 14.77% and a net margin of 9.89%. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $0.72 earnings per share. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV will post 3.37 earnings per share for the current year.

Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV Profile

(Free Report)

Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV produces, distributes, exports, markets, and sells beer and beverages. It offers a portfolio of approximately 500 beer brands, which primarily include Budweiser, Corona, and Stella Artois; Beck's, Hoegaarden, Leffe, and Michelob Ultra; and Aguila, Antarctica, Bud Light, Brahma, Cass, Castle, Castle Lite, Cristal, Harbin, Jupiler, Modelo Especial, Quilmes, Victoria, Sedrin, and Skol brands.

Recommended Stories

Receive News & Ratings for Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
New York Life Investment Management LLC lowered its holdings in shares of Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN  Free Report) by 0.4% during the second quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 94,817 shares of the information technology services providers stock after selling 374 shares during the period. New York Life Investment Management LLCs holdings in Accenture were worth $28,768,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of ACN. Addison Advisors LLC increased its stake in Accenture by 2.1% in the second quarter. Addison Advisors LLC now owns 3,269 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $992,000 after acquiring an additional 68 shares during the period. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust grew its stake in shares of Accenture by 3.8% in the 2nd quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 30,085 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $9,128,000 after purchasing an additional 1,091 shares during the period. Jensen Investment Management Inc. lifted its position in shares of Accenture by 1.1% during the 2nd quarter. Jensen Investment Management Inc. now owns 2,442,792 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $741,168,000 after buying an additional 26,629 shares during the period. Arizona State Retirement System boosted its stake in Accenture by 1.3% in the 2nd quarter. Arizona State Retirement System now owns 182,272 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $55,303,000 after buying an additional 2,346 shares in the last quarter. Finally, National Bank of Canada FI grew its position in Accenture by 64.0% in the second quarter. National Bank of Canada FI now owns 525,122 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $158,832,000 after acquiring an additional 205,003 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 75.14% of the companys stock.

Get Accenture alerts:

Insider Buying and Selling at Accenture

In other news, CFO Kathleen R. Mcclure sold 3,000 shares of Accenture stock in a transaction on Friday, July 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $309.22, for a total transaction of $927,660.00. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 40,070 shares of the companys stock, valued at $12,390,445.40. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. In related news, CEO Julie Spellman Sweet sold 3,776 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, July 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $309.05, for a total transaction of $1,166,972.80. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 11,819 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,652,661.95. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, CFO Kathleen R. Mcclure sold 3,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, July 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $309.22, for a total transaction of $927,660.00. Following the sale, the chief financial officer now owns 40,070 shares in the company, valued at $12,390,445.40. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last 90 days, insiders sold 21,421 shares of company stock valued at $6,912,635. Corporate insiders own 0.07% of the companys stock.

Accenture Stock Performance

Shares of ACN stock opened at $339.73 on Friday. The firms 50 day moving average price is $323.63 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $324.57. The stock has a market cap of $212.91 billion, a PE ratio of 31.11, a PEG ratio of 3.81 and a beta of 1.24. Accenture plc has a 52-week low of $278.69 and a 52-week high of $387.51.

Accenture (NYSE:ACN  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, June 20th. The information technology services provider reported $3.13 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $3.15 by ($0.02). Accenture had a return on equity of 27.48% and a net margin of 10.79%. The company had revenue of $16.47 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $16.55 billion. During the same period last year, the firm earned $3.19 earnings per share. The firms revenue for the quarter was down .6% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Accenture plc will post 11.95 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Accenture Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, August 15th. Investors of record on Thursday, July 11th were paid a dividend of $1.29 per share. This represents a $5.16 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.52%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, July 11th. Accentures payout ratio is 47.25%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of equities research analysts recently issued reports on ACN shares. TD Cowen dropped their target price on shares of Accenture from $294.00 to $293.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research report on Friday, June 21st. Guggenheim reiterated a buy rating and issued a $395.00 target price on shares of Accenture in a research note on Friday, May 24th. Stifel Nicolaus decreased their price target on Accenture from $395.00 to $340.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, June 12th. Morgan Stanley downgraded Accenture from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating and cut their price objective for the company from $382.00 to $300.00 in a research report on Wednesday, June 26th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group assumed coverage on Accenture in a report on Monday, June 24th. They set a neutral rating and a $335.00 target price on the stock. Eleven analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Accenture presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $353.41.

Check Out Our Latest Research Report on Accenture

Accenture Company 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.
Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO  Get Free Report) shares fell 2.3% during mid-day trading on Thursday . The company traded as low as $130.86 and last traded at $131.38. 1,097,204 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 75% from the average session volume of 4,321,349 shares. The stock had previously closed at $134.53.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of research firms have recently commented on NVO. The Goldman Sachs Group began coverage on Novo Nordisk A/S in a research report on Thursday, May 30th. They set a buy rating and a $156.00 target price for the company. StockNews.com lowered Novo Nordisk A/S from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research note on Monday, August 19th. Cantor Fitzgerald restated an overweight rating and set a $160.00 price target on shares of Novo Nordisk A/S in a research note on Monday, August 19th. BMO Capital Markets cut their price target on Novo Nordisk A/S from $170.00 to $160.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, August 8th. Finally, Argus lifted their target price on Novo Nordisk A/S from $125.00 to $160.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Monday, June 10th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $145.17.

Get Novo Nordisk A/S alerts:

View Our Latest Report on NVO

Novo Nordisk A/S Price Performance

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.46, a current ratio of 0.94 and a quick ratio of 0.75. The stock has a market cap of $588.49 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 45.25, a P/E/G ratio of 1.52 and a beta of 0.42. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $134.79 and a 200 day moving average of $132.47.

Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, August 7th. The company reported $0.65 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.71 by ($0.06). Novo Nordisk A/S had a net margin of 34.86% and a return on equity of 87.43%. The company had revenue of $9.82 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $9.91 billion. On average, analysts expect that Novo Nordisk A/S will post 3.11 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Novo Nordisk A/S Cuts Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a semi-annual dividend, which was paid on Monday, August 26th. Stockholders of record on Friday, August 16th were given a $0.5126 dividend. This represents a dividend yield of 0.7%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, August 16th. Novo Nordisk A/Ss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 24.83%.

Institutional Trading of Novo Nordisk A/S

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Advisor OS LLC grew its holdings in Novo Nordisk A/S by 0.6% in the 2nd quarter. Advisor OS LLC now owns 13,972 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,994,000 after buying an additional 82 shares in the last quarter. Cascade Financial Partners LLC grew its holdings in Novo Nordisk A/S by 2.3% in the 2nd quarter. Cascade Financial Partners LLC now owns 3,801 shares of the companys stock valued at $543,000 after buying an additional 84 shares in the last quarter. Cravens & Co Advisors LLC grew its holdings in Novo Nordisk A/S by 1.0% in the 1st quarter. Cravens & Co Advisors LLC now owns 8,250 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,059,000 after buying an additional 85 shares in the last quarter. AA Financial Advisors LLC lifted its stake in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S by 3.2% in the 2nd quarter. AA Financial Advisors LLC now owns 2,805 shares of the companys stock valued at $400,000 after purchasing an additional 86 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Steel Grove Capital Advisors LLC lifted its stake in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S by 2.3% in the 2nd quarter. Steel Grove Capital Advisors LLC now owns 3,790 shares of the companys stock valued at $541,000 after purchasing an additional 86 shares during the last quarter. 11.54% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About Novo Nordisk A/S

(Get Free Report)

Novo Nordisk A/S, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the research and development, manufacture, and distribution of pharmaceutical products in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, North America, and internationally. It operates in two segments, Diabetes and Obesity Care, and Rare Disease.

Recommended Stories

Receive News & Ratings for Novo Nordisk A/S Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Novo Nordisk A/S and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Opes Wealth Management LLC lessened its stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT  Free Report) by 9.9% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 2,724 shares of the healthcare product makers stock after selling 300 shares during the period. Opes Wealth Management LLCs holdings in Abbott Laboratories were worth $283,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. SFE Investment Counsel raised its holdings in Abbott Laboratories by 9.3% during the 2nd quarter. SFE Investment Counsel now owns 69,890 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $7,262,000 after buying an additional 5,941 shares during the period. Candriam S.C.A. lifted its position in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 18.5% during the second quarter. Candriam S.C.A. now owns 359,676 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $37,372,000 after purchasing an additional 56,167 shares during the last quarter. North Star Asset Management Inc. lifted its position in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 2.1% during the second quarter. North Star Asset Management Inc. now owns 299,990 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $31,172,000 after purchasing an additional 6,193 shares during the last quarter. New York Life Investment Management LLC lifted its position in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 0.9% during the second quarter. New York Life Investment Management LLC now owns 243,821 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $25,335,000 after purchasing an additional 2,161 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Fluent Financial LLC bought a new stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories during the second quarter worth $774,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 75.18% of the companys stock.

Get Abbott Laboratories alerts:

Abbott Laboratories Price Performance

ABT opened at $113.93 on Friday. The businesss 50-day moving average is $107.87 and its two-hundred day moving average is $108.79. Abbott Laboratories has a 1 year low of $89.67 and a 1 year high of $121.64. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.33, a current ratio of 1.68 and a quick ratio of 1.18. The firm has a market capitalization of $198.20 billion, a PE ratio of 35.49, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.82 and a beta of 0.72.

Abbott Laboratories Announces Dividend

Abbott Laboratories ( NYSE:ABT Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, July 18th. The healthcare product maker reported $1.14 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.10 by $0.04. Abbott Laboratories had a return on equity of 20.18% and a net margin of 13.65%. The company had revenue of $10.38 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $10.37 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $1.08 earnings per share. The firms quarterly revenue was up 4.0% compared to the same quarter last year. Research analysts anticipate that Abbott Laboratories will post 4.66 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, August 15th. Shareholders of record on Monday, July 15th were issued a $0.55 dividend. This represents a $2.20 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.93%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, July 15th. Abbott Laboratoriess dividend payout ratio is presently 68.54%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several analysts have recently weighed in on the company. The Goldman Sachs Group assumed coverage on Abbott Laboratories in a research report on Thursday, May 30th. They set a buy rating and a $121.00 target price for the company. Barclays lifted their target price on Abbott Laboratories from $140.00 to $143.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, July 29th. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and set a $125.00 target price on shares of Abbott Laboratories in a research report on Tuesday, June 4th. Evercore ISI cut their price target on Abbott Laboratories from $125.00 to $120.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, July 2nd. Finally, Edward Jones lowered Abbott Laboratories from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 30th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $121.80.

Check Out Our Latest Report on Abbott Laboratories

About Abbott Laboratories

(Free Report)

Abbott Laboratories, together with its subsidiaries, discovers, develops, manufactures, and sells health care products worldwide. It operates in four segments: Established Pharmaceutical Products, Diagnostic Products, Nutritional Products, and Medical Devices. The company provides generic pharmaceuticals for the treatment of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, irritable bowel syndrome or biliary spasm, intrahepatic cholestasis or depressive symptoms, gynecological disorder, hormone replacement therapy, dyslipidemia, hypertension, hypothyroidism, Meniere's disease and vestibular vertigo, pain, fever, inflammation, and migraine, as well as provides anti-infective clarithromycin, influenza vaccine, and products to regulate physiological rhythm of the colon.

Read More

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ABT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Abbott Laboratories Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Abbott Laboratories and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Leerink Partners started coverage on shares of Penumbra (NYSE:PEN  Free Report) in a research note released on Tuesday morning, Marketbeat Ratings reports. The firm issued an outperform rating and a $263.00 price objective on the stock.

A number of other equities analysts also recently weighed in on PEN. Truist Financial reaffirmed a buy rating and set a $200.00 target price (down previously from $230.00) on shares of Penumbra in a research note on Wednesday, July 31st. BTIG Research raised their price target on shares of Penumbra from $187.00 to $224.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 28th. Royal Bank of Canada reduced their price target on shares of Penumbra from $289.00 to $205.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, July 31st. Robert W. Baird reduced their price target on shares of Penumbra from $231.00 to $180.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, July 31st. Finally, Piper Sandler reduced their price target on shares of Penumbra from $260.00 to $200.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, July 31st. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, seven have assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $205.27.

Get Penumbra alerts:

Get Our Latest Analysis on PEN

Penumbra Stock Performance

Penumbra stock opened at $203.73 on Tuesday. The company has a current ratio of 6.25, a quick ratio of 3.77 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.02. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $187.35 and a 200-day moving average of $202.79. The firm has a market cap of $7.91 billion, a P/E ratio of 85.96, a P/E/G ratio of 2.26 and a beta of 0.54. Penumbra has a 1-year low of $148.00 and a 1-year high of $302.00.

Penumbra (NYSE:PEN  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, July 30th. The company reported $0.64 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.56 by $0.08. Penumbra had a net margin of 1.26% and a return on equity of 8.39%. The company had revenue of $299.40 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $298.24 million. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $0.43 earnings per share. Penumbras revenue for the quarter was up 14.5% on a year-over-year basis. Sell-side analysts expect that Penumbra will post 2.64 EPS for the current year.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other Penumbra news, CEO Adam Elsesser sold 15,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, July 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $202.52, for a total value of $3,037,800.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 927,582 shares in the company, valued at approximately $187,853,906.64. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other news, CEO Adam Elsesser sold 15,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, July 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $202.52, for a total value of $3,037,800.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 927,582 shares in the company, valued at approximately $187,853,906.64. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, EVP Johanna Roberts sold 600 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $175.98, for a total transaction of $105,588.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 61,688 shares in the company, valued at $10,855,854.24. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 19,372 shares of company stock worth $3,888,852 in the last 90 days. 5.00% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Penumbra

Several hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in PEN. Champlain Investment Partners LLC grew its holdings in Penumbra by 131.8% during the 1st quarter. Champlain Investment Partners LLC now owns 1,084,595 shares of the companys stock valued at $242,060,000 after purchasing an additional 616,700 shares during the last quarter. Norges Bank bought a new position in Penumbra during the 4th quarter valued at about $85,222,000. AQR Capital Management LLC grew its holdings in Penumbra by 439.8% during the 2nd quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 178,413 shares of the companys stock valued at $31,283,000 after purchasing an additional 145,364 shares during the last quarter. Braidwell LP boosted its position in Penumbra by 133.7% in the 4th quarter. Braidwell LP now owns 222,792 shares of the companys stock valued at $56,041,000 after buying an additional 127,477 shares during the period. Finally, Dimensional Fund Advisors LP boosted its position in Penumbra by 96.7% in the 2nd quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 257,058 shares of the companys stock valued at $46,257,000 after buying an additional 126,392 shares during the period. 88.88% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

About Penumbra

(Get Free Report)

Penumbra, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, designs, develops, manufactures, and markets medical devices in the United States and internationally. The company offers peripheral products, including the Indigo System for power aspiration of thrombus in the body; Lightning Flash, a mechanical thrombectomy system; Lightning Bolt 7, an arterial thrombectomy system; and CAT RX.

Recommended Stories

Receive News & Ratings for Penumbra Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Penumbra and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
PPL Co. (NYSE:PPL  Get Free Report) has been given a consensus rating of Moderate Buy by the ten analysts that are covering the stock, MarketBeat Ratings reports. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and six have assigned a buy recommendation to the company. The average 12-month price objective among brokers that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $33.18.

Several equities analysts have recently commented on PPL shares. StockNews.com raised PPL from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, May 10th. Wells Fargo & Company upped their price target on PPL from $32.00 to $35.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, August 5th. Morgan Stanley upped their price target on PPL from $31.00 to $33.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, August 23rd. Finally, Bank of America upped their price target on PPL from $33.00 to $34.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, August 29th.

Get PPL alerts:

View Our Latest Report on PPL

Institutional Investors Weigh In On PPL

PPL Stock Performance

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of PPL. Whittier Trust Co. of Nevada Inc. purchased a new stake in PPL during the 2nd quarter worth about $29,000. Redwood Wealth Management Group LLC purchased a new stake in PPL during the 2nd quarter worth about $29,000. Lynx Investment Advisory purchased a new stake in PPL during the 2nd quarter worth about $38,000. Family Firm Inc. purchased a new stake in PPL during the 2nd quarter worth about $38,000. Finally, EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC increased its holdings in PPL by 46.7% during the 4th quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 1,507 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $41,000 after purchasing an additional 480 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 76.99% of the companys stock.

NYSE PPL opened at $32.07 on Monday. The stocks fifty day moving average is $29.97 and its two-hundred day moving average is $28.48. The firm has a market capitalization of $23.66 billion, a P/E ratio of 31.14, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.72 and a beta of 0.82. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.12, a quick ratio of 0.91 and a current ratio of 1.11. PPL has a fifty-two week low of $22.20 and a fifty-two week high of $32.54.

PPL (NYSE:PPL  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Friday, August 2nd. The utilities provider reported $0.38 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.33 by $0.05. The company had revenue of $1.88 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.92 billion. PPL had a return on equity of 9.26% and a net margin of 10.17%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 3.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $0.29 earnings per share. On average, research analysts anticipate that PPL will post 1.72 earnings per share for the current year.

PPL Dividend Announcement

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 1st. Investors of record on Tuesday, September 10th will be issued a $0.2575 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, September 10th. This represents a $1.03 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.21%. PPLs dividend payout ratio is presently 100.00%.

About PPL

(Get Free Report

PPL Corporation, an energy company, focuses on providing electricity and natural gas to approximately 3.6 million customers in the United States. It operates through three segments: Kentucky Regulated, Pennsylvania Regulated, and Rhode Island Regulated. The company delivers electricity to customers in Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Virginia, and Rhode Island; delivers natural gas to customers in Kentucky and Rhode Island; and generates electricity from power plants in Kentucky.

Featured Stories

Receive News & Ratings for PPL Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for PPL and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Automotive Properties Real Est Invt TR (TSE:APR.UN  Free Report) had its price objective raised by Raymond James from C$12.00 to C$13.00 in a report issued on Friday morning, BayStreet.CA reports.

APR.UN has been the subject of several other reports. BMO Capital Markets lifted their price objective on Automotive Properties Real Est Invt TR from C$11.50 to C$12.00 in a report on Monday, August 19th. Royal Bank of Canada boosted their price objective on shares of Automotive Properties Real Est Invt TR from C$11.50 to C$12.50 in a research report on Monday, August 19th. Canaccord Genuity Group raised their target price on shares of Automotive Properties Real Est Invt TR from C$11.50 to C$12.50 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, July 30th. Finally, TD Securities lifted their price objective on Automotive Properties Real Est Invt TR from C$11.00 to C$12.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of C$12.57.

Get Automotive Properties Real Est Invt TR alerts:

Get Our Latest Analysis on APR.UN

Automotive Properties Real Est Invt TR Stock Down 0.2 %

Automotive Properties Real Est Invt TR Company Profile

APR.UN stock opened at C$11.78 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 2.24, a quick ratio of 0.02 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 78.62. The companys 50-day moving average price is C$10.52 and its 200 day moving average price is C$10.25. Automotive Properties Real Est Invt TR has a 52 week low of C$9.69 and a 52 week high of C$11.83. The company has a market cap of C$577.81 million, a P/E ratio of 7.75 and a beta of 0.91.

(Get Free Report)

Automotive Properties REIT is an unincorporated, open-ended real estate investment trust focused on owning and acquiring primarily income-producing automotive dealership properties located in Canada. The REIT's portfolio currently consists of 54 income-producing commercial properties and one development property, representing approximately two million square feet of gross leasable area, in metropolitan markets across Ontario, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia and Quebec.

See Also

Receive News & Ratings for Automotive Properties Real Est Invt TR Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Automotive Properties Real Est Invt TR and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Shares of ROBO Global Artificial Intelligence ETF (NYSEARCA:THNQ  Get Free Report) traded down 0.2% on Thursday . The stock traded as low as $42.38 and last traded at $42.72. 14,075 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 51% from the average session volume of 28,927 shares. The stock had previously closed at $42.82.

ROBO Global Artificial Intelligence ETF Trading Down 2.0 %

The company has a 50-day moving average of $43.97 and a 200-day moving average of $43.59. The company has a market capitalization of $173.68 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 43.56 and a beta of 1.59.

Get ROBO Global Artificial Intelligence ETF alerts:

Institutional Trading of ROBO Global Artificial Intelligence ETF

Several large investors have recently bought and sold shares of THNQ. Ashton Thomas Private Wealth LLC purchased a new stake in ROBO Global Artificial Intelligence ETF during the 2nd quarter valued at about $74,000. Lindbrook Capital LLC acquired a new stake in shares of ROBO Global Artificial Intelligence ETF during the first quarter worth about $86,000. Finally, Strategic Advocates LLC purchased a new stake in ROBO Global Artificial Intelligence ETF in the second quarter valued at approximately $441,000.

About ROBO Global Artificial Intelligence ETF

The Robo Global Artificial Intelligence ETF (THNQ) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the ROBO Global Artificial Intelligence index. The fund tracks a global index of companies involved in developing the technology and the infrastructure of enabling artificial intelligence. THNQ was launched on May 11, 2020 and is managed by ROBO Global.

Further Reading

Receive News & Ratings for ROBO Global Artificial Intelligence ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ROBO Global Artificial Intelligence ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Shares of RPM International Inc. (NYSE:RPM  Get Free Report) have been given a consensus recommendation of Hold by the eight brokerages that are covering the stock, Marketbeat reports. Five analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and three have issued a buy recommendation on the company. The average 12 month price target among analysts that have covered the stock in the last year is $122.22.

Several equities analysts have commented on RPM shares. BMO Capital Markets decreased their price objective on shares of RPM International from $140.00 to $139.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, August 27th. Royal Bank of Canada upped their price target on shares of RPM International from $119.00 to $120.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research note on Friday, July 26th. Vertical Research upgraded shares of RPM International from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $126.00 price objective for the company in a research report on Tuesday, July 16th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. downgraded RPM International from an overweight rating to a neutral rating and set a $120.00 target price on the stock. in a research report on Friday, July 26th. Finally, UBS Group lowered their target price on RPM International from $122.00 to $117.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, July 9th.

Get RPM International alerts:

View Our Latest Research Report on RPM

RPM International Stock Up 1.1 %

Shares of RPM stock opened at $115.32 on Monday. RPM International has a 52-week low of $88.84 and a 52-week high of $122.92. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.79, a quick ratio of 1.32 and a current ratio of 1.97. The stock has a market cap of $14.85 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 26.57, a PEG ratio of 1.74 and a beta of 1.00. The firms 50-day moving average is $113.67 and its 200-day moving average is $112.84.

RPM International (NYSE:RPM  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, July 25th. The specialty chemicals company reported $1.56 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, meeting the consensus estimate of $1.56. RPM International had a return on equity of 26.80% and a net margin of 8.02%. The firm had revenue of $2.01 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.01 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $1.36 earnings per share. The businesss revenue for the quarter was down .4% compared to the same quarter last year. Sell-side analysts predict that RPM International will post 5.51 EPS for the current year.

RPM International Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, July 31st. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, July 17th were paid a dividend of $0.46 per share. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, July 17th. This represents a $1.84 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.60%. RPM Internationals dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 42.40%.

Insider Buying and Selling at RPM International

In other news, CEO Frank C. Sullivan sold 57,083 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, August 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of $116.06, for a total transaction of $6,625,052.98. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 1,039,040 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $120,590,982.40. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. In other RPM International news, VP Matthew T. Ratajczak sold 1,452 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, July 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $117.79, for a total transaction of $171,031.08. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president now directly owns 24,339 shares in the company, valued at $2,866,890.81. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, CEO Frank C. Sullivan sold 57,083 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, August 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of $116.06, for a total value of $6,625,052.98. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 1,039,040 shares of the companys stock, valued at $120,590,982.40. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders own 1.50% of the companys stock.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. V Square Quantitative Management LLC acquired a new position in RPM International during the 4th quarter worth approximately $25,000. Rise Advisors LLC bought a new position in RPM International in the first quarter valued at about $38,000. Cambridge Trust Co. boosted its stake in shares of RPM International by 273.3% during the first quarter. Cambridge Trust Co. now owns 336 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $40,000 after purchasing an additional 246 shares in the last quarter. Versant Capital Management Inc grew its holdings in shares of RPM International by 588.9% during the second quarter. Versant Capital Management Inc now owns 372 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $40,000 after purchasing an additional 318 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Ashton Thomas Private Wealth LLC acquired a new position in shares of RPM International in the second quarter valued at approximately $45,000. Institutional investors own 80.95% of the companys stock.

About RPM International

(Get Free Report

RPM International Inc manufactures and sells specialty chemicals for the industrial, specialty, and consumer markets worldwide. It offers waterproofing, coating, and traditional roofing systems; sealants, air barriers, tapes, and foams; residential home weatherization systems; roofing and building maintenance services; sealing and bonding, subfloor preparation, flooring, and glazing solutions; resin flooring systems, polyurethane, MMA waterproof, epoxy floor paint and coatings, concrete repair, and protection products; fire stopping and intumescent steel coating, and manufacturing industry solutions; rolled asphalt roofing materials and chemical admixtures; concrete and masonry admixtures, concrete fibers, curing and sealing compounds, structural grouts and mortars, epoxy adhesives, injection resins, polyurethane foams, floor hardeners and toppings, joint fillers, industrial and architectural coatings, decorative color/stains/stamps, and restoration materials; insulated building cladding materials; and concrete form wall systems.

See Also

Receive News & Ratings for RPM International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for RPM International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
SFE Investment Counsel bought a new position in Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC  Free Report) in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor bought 3,399 shares of the financial services providers stock, valued at approximately $202,000.

Several other large investors have also made changes to their positions in WFC. John W. Brooker & Co. CPAs boosted its stake in Wells Fargo & Company by 2.5% in the 2nd quarter. John W. Brooker & Co. CPAs now owns 7,075 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $420,000 after purchasing an additional 171 shares during the period. McAdam LLC boosted its position in shares of Wells Fargo & Company by 3.3% during the second quarter. McAdam LLC now owns 5,609 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $333,000 after acquiring an additional 178 shares during the last quarter. Prentice Wealth Management LLC grew its stake in Wells Fargo & Company by 2.0% during the second quarter. Prentice Wealth Management LLC now owns 9,426 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $560,000 after acquiring an additional 184 shares in the last quarter. Clearstead Trust LLC increased its holdings in Wells Fargo & Company by 13.0% in the 1st quarter. Clearstead Trust LLC now owns 1,617 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $94,000 after acquiring an additional 186 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Fortitude Family Office LLC lifted its stake in Wells Fargo & Company by 3.4% in the 2nd quarter. Fortitude Family Office LLC now owns 5,897 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $350,000 after purchasing an additional 193 shares in the last quarter. 75.90% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Get Wells Fargo & Company alerts:

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of brokerages have recently weighed in on WFC. Morgan Stanley raised their price objective on Wells Fargo & Company from $64.00 to $68.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 30th. BMO Capital Markets boosted their price target on shares of Wells Fargo & Company from $55.00 to $57.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a research report on Thursday, July 11th. Evercore ISI decreased their price target on shares of Wells Fargo & Company from $67.00 to $65.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Friday. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft upgraded shares of Wells Fargo & Company from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $65.00 target price on the stock in a research report on Tuesday. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group downgraded Wells Fargo & Company to a hold rating and decreased their price objective for the company from $62.00 to $59.00 in a research report on Friday, August 16th. Twelve 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 company. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $60.29.

Wells Fargo & Company Stock Down 5.0 %

Shares of Wells Fargo & Company stock opened at $54.01 on Friday. Wells Fargo & Company has a 1 year low of $38.38 and a 1 year high of $62.55. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.11, a current ratio of 0.86 and a quick ratio of 0.85. The stock has a market cap of $188.30 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.09, a PEG ratio of 1.43 and a beta of 1.16. The firms 50-day moving average is $57.31 and its two-hundred day moving average is $57.88.

Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Friday, July 12th. The financial services provider reported $1.33 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.29 by $0.04. Wells Fargo & Company had a return on equity of 12.30% and a net margin of 15.17%. The business had revenue of $20.69 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $20.29 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $1.25 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was up .8% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, research analysts expect that Wells Fargo & Company will post 5.15 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Wells Fargo & Company Increases Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Sunday, September 1st. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 9th were given a dividend of $0.40 per share. This represents a $1.60 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.96%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, August 9th. This is an increase from Wells Fargo & Companys previous quarterly dividend of $0.35. Wells Fargo & Companys payout ratio is currently 32.85%.

Wells Fargo & Company Company Profile

(Free Report)

Wells Fargo & Company, a financial services company, provides diversified banking, investment, mortgage, and consumer and commercial finance products and services in the United States and internationally. The company operates through four segments: Consumer Banking and Lending; Commercial Banking; Corporate and Investment Banking; and Wealth and Investment Management.

Featured Stories

Receive News & Ratings for Wells Fargo & Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Wells Fargo & Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Smartsheet (NYSE:SMAR  Free Report) had its price objective upped by Canaccord Genuity Group from $52.00 to $60.00 in a research report sent to investors on Friday, Benzinga reports. The brokerage currently has a buy rating on the stock.

Several other analysts have also commented on SMAR. DA Davidson restated a buy rating and issued a $55.00 price objective on shares of Smartsheet in a report on Friday. UBS Group raised their target price on Smartsheet from $56.00 to $61.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, August 29th. Royal Bank of Canada lifted their price target on Smartsheet from $43.00 to $51.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research report on Friday. Barclays increased their price objective on Smartsheet from $45.00 to $50.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Friday. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company boosted their target price on shares of Smartsheet from $47.00 to $50.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, June 6th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have assigned a hold rating and thirteen have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $55.06.

Get Smartsheet alerts:

Check Out Our Latest Research Report on SMAR

Smartsheet Stock Up 5.9 %

Shares of NYSE:SMAR opened at $52.28 on Friday. The companys fifty day moving average is $47.00 and its 200 day moving average is $42.52. Smartsheet has a 52 week low of $35.52 and a 52 week high of $54.28. The stock has a market cap of $7.23 billion, a PE ratio of -84.32 and a beta of 0.74.

Smartsheet (NYSE:SMAR  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, September 5th. The company reported $0.44 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.29 by $0.15. Smartsheet had a negative return on equity of 12.06% and a negative net margin of 8.35%. The company had revenue of $276.41 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $274.23 million. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted ($0.23) EPS. Smartsheets revenue for the quarter was up 17.3% on a year-over-year basis. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Smartsheet will post -0.21 EPS for the current year.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other news, COO Stephen Robert Branstetter sold 2,004 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, July 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $48.00, for a total value of $96,192.00. Following the transaction, the chief operating officer now owns 61,791 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,965,968. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. In other Smartsheet news, COO Stephen Robert Branstetter sold 2,004 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, July 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $48.00, for a total transaction of $96,192.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief operating officer now owns 61,791 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,965,968. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, CFO Pete Godbole sold 7,500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, June 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $43.54, for a total value of $326,550.00. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now owns 36,846 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,604,274.84. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 32,929 shares of company stock valued at $1,446,805 over the last 90 days. Company insiders own 4.52% of the companys stock.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Large investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. First Horizon Advisors Inc. increased its stake in Smartsheet by 37.5% in the 2nd quarter. First Horizon Advisors Inc. now owns 894 shares of the companys stock worth $39,000 after buying an additional 244 shares in the last quarter. Amalgamated Bank lifted its position in shares of Smartsheet by 3.5% in the second quarter. Amalgamated Bank now owns 8,678 shares of the companys stock valued at $383,000 after acquiring an additional 294 shares in the last quarter. Advisors Asset Management Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Smartsheet by 24.6% in the first quarter. Advisors Asset Management Inc. now owns 1,822 shares of the companys stock worth $70,000 after acquiring an additional 360 shares during the period. Washington Capital Management Inc. grew its position in shares of Smartsheet by 2.1% during the second quarter. Washington Capital Management Inc. now owns 19,775 shares of the companys stock worth $872,000 after purchasing an additional 400 shares in the last quarter. Finally, PNC Financial Services Group Inc. raised its stake in Smartsheet by 3.0% during the 4th quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 14,014 shares of the companys stock valued at $670,000 after purchasing an additional 402 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 90.01% of the companys stock.

About Smartsheet

(Get Free Report)

Smartsheet, Inc engages in managing and automating collaborative work. Its platform provides solutions that eliminate the obstacles to capturing information, including a familiar and intuitive spreadsheet interface as well as easily customizable forms. The company was founded by W. Eric Browne, Maria Colacurcio, John D.

Further Reading

Receive News & Ratings for Smartsheet Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Smartsheet and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Stonebrook Private Inc. boosted its position in Motorola Solutions, Inc. (NYSE:MSI  Free Report) by 7.6% in the second quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 14,007 shares of the communications equipment providers stock after buying an additional 988 shares during the period. Motorola Solutions makes up approximately 1.6% of Stonebrook Private Inc.s portfolio, making the stock its 15th biggest position. Stonebrook Private Inc.s holdings in Motorola Solutions were worth $5,407,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Norges Bank acquired a new stake in Motorola Solutions in the 4th quarter valued at $646,341,000. Swedbank AB grew its holdings in shares of Motorola Solutions by 215.7% during the second quarter. Swedbank AB now owns 1,023,956 shares of the communications equipment providers stock valued at $395,298,000 after buying an additional 699,615 shares during the last quarter. Groupama Asset Managment acquired a new stake in shares of Motorola Solutions in the 4th quarter worth about $178,361,000. National Bank of Canada FI boosted its stake in Motorola Solutions by 428.2% during the 2nd quarter. National Bank of Canada FI now owns 501,601 shares of the communications equipment providers stock valued at $193,798,000 after purchasing an additional 406,638 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Alphinity Investment Management Pty Ltd increased its holdings in Motorola Solutions by 36.5% during the 1st quarter. Alphinity Investment Management Pty Ltd now owns 1,478,757 shares of the communications equipment providers stock worth $524,929,000 after purchasing an additional 395,096 shares in the last quarter. 84.17% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Get Motorola Solutions alerts:

Insider Buying and Selling

In other Motorola Solutions news, SVP Rajan Naik sold 5,274 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, June 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $373.81, for a total transaction of $1,971,473.94. Following the sale, the senior vice president now directly owns 8,939 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,341,487.59. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. In other Motorola Solutions news, SVP Rajan Naik sold 5,274 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, June 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $373.81, for a total transaction of $1,971,473.94. Following the sale, the senior vice president now owns 8,939 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,341,487.59. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, COO John P. Molloy sold 23,985 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, August 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $407.50, for a total value of $9,773,887.50. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief operating officer now directly owns 46,821 shares of the companys stock, valued at $19,079,557.50. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 1.50% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several brokerages recently issued reports on MSI. Bank of America lifted their target price on Motorola Solutions from $370.00 to $440.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, July 18th. Barclays lifted their price objective on shares of Motorola Solutions from $372.00 to $467.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Friday, August 2nd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their target price on shares of Motorola Solutions from $436.00 to $440.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, August 2nd. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft raised their price target on shares of Motorola Solutions from $385.00 to $440.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, August 6th. Finally, Evercore ISI upped their price objective on shares of Motorola Solutions from $450.00 to $500.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, August 30th. Eight analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating, According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Buy and a consensus price target of $466.17.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Motorola Solutions

Motorola Solutions Stock Performance

MSI traded down $5.81 during trading on Friday, hitting $431.50. 732,493 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 665,506. Motorola Solutions, Inc. has a one year low of $269.64 and a one year high of $448.98. The stocks fifty day moving average is $408.50 and its 200 day moving average is $373.20. The company has a quick ratio of 1.03, a current ratio of 1.20 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 7.03. The firm has a market cap of $71.97 billion, a P/E ratio of 53.34, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.85 and a beta of 0.97.

Motorola Solutions (NYSE:MSI  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, August 1st. The communications equipment provider reported $3.24 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $3.01 by $0.23. The firm had revenue of $2.63 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.59 billion. Motorola Solutions had a net margin of 14.04% and a return on equity of 337.36%. The companys revenue was up 9.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $2.41 EPS. As a group, equities analysts predict that Motorola Solutions, Inc. will post 12.22 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Motorola Solutions Announces Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 15th. Stockholders of record on Friday, September 13th will be paid a dividend of $0.98 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, September 13th. This represents a $3.92 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.91%. Motorola Solutionss payout ratio is 48.45%.

Motorola Solutions Profile

(Free Report)

Motorola Solutions, Inc provides public safety and enterprise security solutions in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Products and Systems Integration, and Software and Services. The Products and Systems Integration segment offers a portfolio of infrastructure, devices, accessories, and video security devices and infrastructure, as well as the implementation and integration of systems, devices, software, and applications for government, public safety, and commercial customers who operate private communications networks and video security solutions, as well as manage a mobile workforce.

Featured Articles

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MSI? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Motorola Solutions, Inc. (NYSE:MSI  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Motorola Solutions Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Motorola Solutions and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Sustainable Insight Capital Management LLC acquired a new position in Valero Energy Co. (NYSE:VLO  Free Report) in the 2nd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm acquired 1,900 shares of the oil and gas companys stock, valued at approximately $298,000.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the stock. EdgeRock Capital LLC bought a new stake in Valero Energy during the second quarter worth $27,000. Lynx Investment Advisory bought a new stake in shares of Valero Energy in the 2nd quarter worth $29,000. Summit Securities Group LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Valero Energy in the second quarter valued at about $31,000. Rise Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of Valero Energy during the first quarter valued at about $33,000. Finally, Pathway Financial Advisers LLC purchased a new position in Valero Energy during the first quarter worth about $33,000. 78.69% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Get Valero Energy alerts:

Valero Energy Trading Down 1.0 %

Shares of VLO stock opened at $134.20 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $42.99 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 6.65, a PEG ratio of 2.72 and a beta of 1.40. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $148.79 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $155.47. Valero Energy Co. has a 1 year low of $119.88 and a 1 year high of $184.79. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.34, a current ratio of 1.48 and a quick ratio of 1.04.

Valero Energy Announces Dividend

Valero Energy ( NYSE:VLO Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, July 25th. The oil and gas company reported $2.71 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.60 by $0.11. Valero Energy had a return on equity of 21.01% and a net margin of 4.25%. The company had revenue of $34.49 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $32.97 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $5.40 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was down .1% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, analysts anticipate that Valero Energy Co. will post 12.86 earnings per share for the current year.

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, September 3rd. Stockholders of record on Thursday, August 1st were issued a $1.07 dividend. This represents a $4.28 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.19%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, August 1st. Valero Energys payout ratio is 21.20%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several research firms have commented on VLO. Scotiabank increased their price objective on shares of Valero Energy from $165.00 to $173.00 and gave the company a sector outperform rating in a research note on Friday, July 12th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their price target on Valero Energy from $178.00 to $172.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, July 2nd. Wells Fargo & Company raised their target price on Valero Energy from $165.00 to $172.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research report on Tuesday. Argus downgraded shares of Valero Energy from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Thursday, May 16th. Finally, Wolfe Research began coverage on shares of Valero Energy in a report on Thursday, July 18th. They set an outperform rating and a $177.00 price objective for the company. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have given a hold rating, ten have given a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Valero Energy currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $174.50.

View Our Latest Research Report on Valero Energy

About Valero Energy

(Free Report)

Valero Energy Corporation manufactures, markets, and sells petroleum-based and low-carbon liquid transportation fuels and petrochemical products in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Latin America, Mexico, Peru, and internationally. It operates through three segments: Refining, Renewable Diesel, and Ethanol.

Featured Stories

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding VLO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Valero Energy Co. (NYSE:VLO  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Valero Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Valero Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
SRS Capital Advisors Inc. increased its stake in The Sherwin-Williams Company (NYSE:SHW  Free Report) by 6.4% in the second quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 6,381 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock after purchasing an additional 384 shares during the period. SRS Capital Advisors Inc.s holdings in Sherwin-Williams were worth $1,904,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

Several other large investors also recently bought and sold shares of SHW. Conning Inc. grew its position in Sherwin-Williams by 1.9% in the second quarter. Conning Inc. now owns 1,606 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $479,000 after acquiring an additional 30 shares during the period. Oxbow Advisors LLC grew its holdings in shares of Sherwin-Williams by 4.5% during the 2nd quarter. Oxbow Advisors LLC now owns 690 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $206,000 after purchasing an additional 30 shares during the period. Optas LLC increased its position in shares of Sherwin-Williams by 1.3% during the 2nd quarter. Optas LLC now owns 2,424 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $723,000 after purchasing an additional 32 shares during the last quarter. Capital Advisors Ltd. LLC raised its holdings in Sherwin-Williams by 2.9% in the 2nd quarter. Capital Advisors Ltd. LLC now owns 1,173 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $350,000 after buying an additional 33 shares during the period. Finally, Meixler Investment Management Ltd. lifted its position in Sherwin-Williams by 5.1% in the second quarter. Meixler Investment Management Ltd. now owns 695 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $207,000 after buying an additional 34 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 77.67% of the companys stock.

Get Sherwin-Williams alerts:

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of equities research analysts have weighed in on the stock. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and set a $418.00 price target on shares of Sherwin-Williams in a research report on Friday, August 30th. Barclays upped their price target on Sherwin-Williams from $315.00 to $355.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 24th. Morgan Stanley lifted their price objective on Sherwin-Williams from $338.00 to $375.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 24th. KeyCorp lifted their price objective on Sherwin-Williams from $400.00 to $410.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 24th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group lifted their price objective on Sherwin-Williams from $344.00 to $390.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 24th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have issued a hold rating, fourteen have assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $362.68.

Insider Buying and Selling at Sherwin-Williams

In other news, CFO Allen J. Mistysyn sold 14,520 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, August 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $366.83, for a total value of $5,326,371.60. Following the sale, the chief financial officer now directly owns 63,520 shares in the company, valued at $23,301,041.60. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. 0.60% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Sherwin-Williams Stock Performance

Shares of Sherwin-Williams stock traded up $0.75 on Friday, hitting $360.83. The stock had a trading volume of 1,171,249 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,602,140. The Sherwin-Williams Company has a 52-week low of $232.06 and a 52-week high of $371.19. The company has a current ratio of 0.81, a quick ratio of 0.50 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.17. The stock has a market cap of $91.02 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 38.47, a P/E/G ratio of 2.90 and a beta of 1.17. The companys 50 day moving average price is $339.22 and its 200 day moving average price is $324.88.

Sherwin-Williams (NYSE:SHW  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, July 23rd. The specialty chemicals company reported $3.70 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $3.51 by $0.19. The business had revenue of $6.27 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $6.33 billion. Sherwin-Williams had a return on equity of 75.58% and a net margin of 10.92%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up .5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $3.29 EPS. On average, research analysts anticipate that The Sherwin-Williams Company will post 11.47 EPS for the current year.

Sherwin-Williams Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, September 6th. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 16th were issued a $0.715 dividend. This represents a $2.86 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.79%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, August 16th. Sherwin-Williamss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 30.49%.

Sherwin-Williams Profile

(Free Report)

The Sherwin-Williams Company engages in the development, manufacture, distribution, and sale of paints, coating, and related products to professional, industrial, commercial, and retail customers. It operates through three segments: Paint Stores Group, Consumer Brands Group, and Performance Coatings Group.

Featured Stories

Receive News & Ratings for Sherwin-Williams Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Sherwin-Williams and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Victoria PLC (LON:VCP  Get Free Report)s stock price crossed below its 200-day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of GBX 201.47 ($2.65) and traded as low as GBX 133 ($1.75). Victoria shares last traded at GBX 133.20 ($1.75), with a volume of 22,562 shares trading hands.

Victoria Stock Up 0.2 %

The companys fifty day moving average is GBX 158.53 and its 200-day moving average is GBX 200.50. The company has a market capitalization of 151.58 million, a PE ratio of -141.91 and a beta of 1.01. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1,494.32, a quick ratio of 0.79 and a current ratio of 1.43.

About Victoria

(Get Free Report)

Victoria PLC, together with its subsidiaries, designs, manufactures, and distributes flooring products primarily in the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Turkey, the United States, and Australia. The company operates through four segments: UK & Europe Soft Flooring, UK & Europe Ceramic Tiles, Australia, and North America.

See Also

Receive News & Ratings for Victoria Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Victoria and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada

Zip Code
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.
The Old Dundalk Society is delighted to announce a Tour of Faughart.

The Society feels it is important to celebrate the extraordinary life of St Brigid of Faughart, as we near the end of the County Louth celebrations, marking the 1500th anniversary of her death. The Tour will begin on The Hill of Faughart, with its panoramic views of the surrounding countryside (car parking available) on Saturday, September 14 commencing at 2.00pm.

The tour will include the pre-history and history of the area, its importance in the ancient Irish epic, AnTain, its association with St Brigid and the older pre-Christian Brigid, Edward the Bruce and William of Orange. In the adjacent ancient Faughart cemetery we will visit St Brigids Holy Well, Brigid's Bed and the grave of Edward the Bruce.

READ NEXT: Dundalk Stadium returns to Friday Night Lights

Leaving the Cemetery, we will then proceed to St Brigids Shrine (car parking & toilet facilities available) to follow St Brigids Stream down from the water font, along the Stations of the Cross to the wonderful healing stones at the bottom of the Shrine and hear their association with stories from the Life of St Brigid.

The Old Dundalk Society Tour will also include a Pleasant Surprise for all attendees on the day. The tour guide for our visit will be local lady Roisin Cotter, one of the organisers of The Brigid Of Faughart Festival. Roisin leads tours of Faughart as part of the festival programme each year and at other times on request. Roisin is also an organic gardener and a tutor in organic horticulture with LMETB.
Minister Neale Richmonds first meeting of his recent visit to Louth was with Dundalk Chamber.

Paddy Malone, PRO, stressed the need to retain the growth centres as defined by the National Development Plan 2040.

In particular, the twin towns of Drogheda and Dundalk and the recognition of Newrys importance in the region.

Minister Richmond indicated that while there is a review being carried out on the Plan, he would be in favour of enhancing the existing growth centres.

This would mean that the IDA and EI would prioritise those centres and that there would be no constraints placed on growth.

Pat McCormick, President, pointed out that the infrastructure in Dundalk was already at capacity in some areas.

He expressed the hope that capital expenditure on transport, wastewater and housing would be available to meet anticipated growth.

Read Next: Louth stats revealed in Director of Public Prosecution's annual report

Minister Richmond pointed out that this region, with DkIT, was well placed to develop in the financial services area. Mr Malone reminded the Minister of Dundalks recent win with Kaseya.

Mr Malone also raised the question of cross border businesses and employees working and living in different jurisdictions, not just Dundalk/Newry. The Minister asked for a briefing document on this.

Hanna McDonnell, VP, raised the issue of the threats to the hospitality sector.

She said that the restoration of the VAT rate from 9% to 13.5% was a blow that many businesses found difficult to cope with when the other costs were considered.

The Minister did indicate some sympathy on this but said that the tax cost of the 9% was prohibitive and would welcome alternative recommendations.
State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada

Postal Code
In the two weeks preceding Orchard Park police officers fatal shooting of a man with mental health issues, at least two police calls to 27 Hawthorne Drive prompted officers to connect James Cushman with crisis agencies.

Cushmans actions during those previous mental health calls, however, did not meet the requirements for police to arrest and order him to receive treatment, Orchard Park Police Chief Patrick M. Fitzgerald said at a news conference Saturday.

Cushman, 31, was killed by two Orchard Park police officers at about 9 p.m. Aug. 31 after running three times at law enforcement while brandishing a knife, Fitzgerald said.

Man killed by Orchard Park police reportedly told dispatcher he planned to 'go out with a bang' James Tighe Cushman, 31, a man with a history of mental health problems and confrontations with police, was the person fatally shot by Orchard Park police officers over the weekend, authorities told The Buffalo News on Thursday.

The chief played audio Saturday of Cushmans 911 call, which remained active as he engaged with police. At one point, Cushman told the dispatcher: Im going out with a bang tonight, and he said his mother was armed with a gun. The investigation determined his mother was not armed. Cushman is later heard saying to police, You should have shot me.

A doorbell cam video supplied by a neighbor showed, at least from roughly 50 yards away, Cushmans interaction with police. The department stopped using body cameras about three years ago because the equipment fell into disrepair, Fitzgerald said Saturday. He expects to have new cameras and a revised policy in 2025.

While the State Attorney Generals Office conducts its own investigation, Fitzgerald said visual and audio evidence collected so far is consistent with suicide by cop. Suicide by cop refers to a situation in which someone intending to commit suicide provokes law enforcement to kill them. It is recognized as a psychiatric phenomenon by the American Journal of Psychiatry.

Orchard Park police release names of officers involved in fatal shooting In a press release late Wednesday afternoon, the Orchard Park Police Department confirmed the names of the two officers involved in a shooting incident last Friday that took the life of a man who reportedly was holding a knife.

Fitzgerald said officers told Cushman 12 times to drop his knife before they fired the seven shots that killed him. The chief said, following an investigation, the lethal actions of officers Thomas Fowler Jr. and Tanner Till were consistent with the justification provisions of New York State Penal Law, and there were no violations of (department) operating procedures.

Cushman was not arrested in the two incidents prior to his death because his actions did not rise to the level of Section 9.41 of New York States Mental Hygiene legislation. Officers must weigh the likelihood to result in serious harm to or by the person with mental illness. Threats or attempts of suicide or homicidal or violent behavior toward others must be evident.

Although officers could not force Cushman into treatment, they took steps to offer help, Fitzgerald said.

In the days leading up to this, those officers that responded not only provided those (agency) referrals but went so far as to actually dial the phone and make sure that that communication was being made between Mr. Cushman and those outside resources that could provide additional help, the chief said.

Out of respect for the familys privacy, Fitzgerald declined to specify what type of mental health issues Cushman was experiencing.

Fitzgerald said mental health police calls are common in Orchard Park.

Its a call thats responded to quite regularly as individuals either call for help themselves or others call for help for them, he said. Its not out of the ordinary for us to handle these types of calls throughout the course of every shift that we have here.

Officers are trained to connect those with mental health needs to Erie County Crisis Services or, more locally, to the Orchard Park Central School Districts Family Services Center, which opened two years ago and provides resources to students and family members.

For anyone experiencing a mental health emergency, Crisis Services 24-hour hotline is 716-834-3131.
There is no estimate as to what the final cost of redress to victims of sexual abuse at schools run by religious orders will be, but those orders will be expected to contribute significantly, Tanaiste Micheal Martin has said.

Mr Martins comments come after the publication this week of a scoping report into abuse at schools run by religious orders.

The report, which followed an investigation led by senior counsel Mary OToole, found almost 2,400 allegations of abuse against 884 alleged abusers in 308 schools across 24 counties.

The report contains more than 300 allegations of abuse against more than 130 alleged abusers in more than 30 Cork schools.

Meeting

Speaking in Fermoy on Thursday, Mr Martin said there had been a meeting of the three Government party leaders on Monday evening, prior to the reports publication, and all were anxious to proceed with a redress scheme as quickly as possible.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin said religious orders will be expected to contribute significantly, the final cost of redress to victims of sexual abuse at schools run by them.

We had an agreed position, [Education] Minister Norma Foley is really anxious and ready to go, but obviously there are different departments in Government, the Department of Public Expenditure and others, will want an input into that, he said.

I equally believe that we should develop a redress scheme in advance of the completion of any commission of investigation, because a commission of investigation will take a significant length of time and theres a lot to be worked out, first of all in terms of reference for that inquiry, and the manner in which it will be carried out  that will be logistically challenging.

Victim-led approach

Mr Martin said Ms Foley had worked hard to ensure that the scoping inquiry had a victim-led approach.

He said there was no final figure being considered for how much a redress scheme might cost, adding that the estimates are very wide.

No-one know at this stage the potential redress bill, but obviously religious orders will be expected to contribute significantly, said Mr Martin.

There have been cases in the past in terms of various orders, or indeed various teachers being convicted, and claims then being made by individuals against orders and against schools and theres been a lot of obfuscation by school owners and so on against individuals who took cases and the courts did make awards to some.

There is an obligation, there clearly is an absolute need to make sure that religious orders do contribute to any redress scheme but the State will obviously have to work that out and there is a lot of detail work to be done yet.

The minister herself is very keen to press on, but will need the support of other Government departments as well, and thats the key issue.
A consistent shortfall of around 10% in bus driver numbers in Cork City is said to be having a significant impact on Bus Eireanns ability to meet current passenger demands and to improve services.

Latest figures show that, as of the end of July, there was a shortfall of 54 drivers in the Capwell Depot in Cork city, with 19 drivers in training, leaving a deficit of 35.

The information was obtained by Sinn Fein TD Thomas Gould who held two public meetings in Cork city this week to discuss issues with the bus service.

Realistic requirement

In the document from the NTA, the authority stated that, based on discussions held with Bus Eireann over many months, a total of 520 drivers is believed to be the more realistic requirement for all current services running in Cork for 2024 to serve all current services in Cork city.

Based on this figure, the NTA said driver shortfall has consistently been closer in real terms to c10% than c5% for the year 2024, and that this has had a significant impact on the ability of Bus Eireann to meet current passenger demands and scheduled services within Cork City, as well as precluding the implementation of planned service improvement measures.

Reviewed

Over the course of 2023 and into 2024, the NTA said all bus routes within the Cork city and hinterland region were reviewed.

It was determined that certain routes in Cork City needed further attention to enhance on-time punctuality and reliability performance.

To date, it is acknowledged that limited improvements have taken place, although the NTA is working collaboratively with Bus Eireann to address these issues as soon as possible, the NTA document stated.

The authority said discussions on the issues arising in Cork City take place every week as they are being treated with the highest priority for both organisations.

Sinn Fein TD for Cork North Central Thomas Gould said while recruitment is clearly an issue, he is concerned retention might be a bigger one.

Mr Gould said he believes a number of factors, including driver shortages, traffic congestion, and dealing with increasingly frustrated passengers is making the job less and less attractive for those currently trained and working on our buses.

This week I held two very successful public meetings, he said.

Across two evenings in Blarney and Glanmire, over 80 people turned up to discuss their own experiences of the bus service.

Crying

One woman in Glanmire spoke of losing a full days pay because she arrived so late to her shift when the bus didnt show up, while another told us about her daughter, in her first year of college, crying at the bus stop in the cold and rain wishing she could get home.

People in Glanmire and Blarney were clear  theyre not looking for a more frequent bus route, they just want a more reliable service.

That surely doesnt require more drivers, it just requires better planning and a timetable that reflects reality.

A spokesperson for Bus Eireann said: There has been service delivery issues on some of our routes in Cork in recent times and we do apologise for customers who have been inconvenienced.

This is owing in large part to two factors: congestion and staffing issues.

The spokesperson said traffic congestion is an operational challenge Bus Eireann is increasingly encountering, adding that there is very limited bus prioritisation outside of Dublin.

Recruitment

Regarding recruitment, the spokesperson said Bus Eireann is continuously carrying out recruitment campaigns and that it has established a B to D driver training school in Cork to support those with car licences to gain their bus licence.

We continue to undertake extensive advertising campaigns and would encourage anyone with an interest in joining Bus Eireann to log on to careers.buseireann.ie, the spokesperson said.

We are also offering a 2,000 sign on bonus to D licence drivers in Cork for a limited time (must start before the end of September), the spokesperson added.
A four-month jail term was imposed on a man who stole alcohol from Top Oil on the South Link Rd, and from Aldi on Eglinton St, Cork  with both thefts on the same day.

William ODriscoll, aged 41, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to the offences in which he put the bottles of alcohol down his pants in each premises and walked out without paying.

At the Aldi on Eglinton St, on August 17, he stole a bottle of whiskey valued at 22.

On the same date, he stole two bottles of white wine at Top Oil, South Link Rd.

Later in the day, gardai found him stumbling out in front of traffic at Patricks St, Cork.

The accused had 259 previous convictions, of which 45 were for theft.

Solicitor Frank Buttimer said the accused turned to alcohol arising out of the loss of family contact.

After efforts to rehabilitate, Mr ODriscoll hopes to go to Dublin  where his partner and children are living.

Mr Buttimer said: He accepts he is going to get a custodial sentence. I would ask you to take into consideration his plea of guilty to the charges and his meaningful efforts at rehabilitation.

Imposing the sentence, Judge Dorgan said: You would get your life back on track if you managed to stay off alcohol. I wish you well. I hope you manage your alcohol problem.

The four-month sentence was backdated to August 18, as the defendant has been in custody since that date.
Cork-based advocate for victims of stalking, Una Ring, has said that new legislative measures to prevent stalking behaviours will make a huge difference.

Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee TD, this week announced new provisions that will allow victims to apply to the District Court for a civil order to prohibit stalking behaviours.

This means that a victim will no longer be required to prove an intimate or personal relationship with the accused to achieve a protective order, and will not require an affected person to present the level of proof that is required to achieve a criminal conviction to achieve an order.

This new measure is being introduced by Part 5 of the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2023, which was signed into law by the President in July of last year.

Apply

Under this Act, an affected person, or a member of An Garda Siochana acting on their behalf, can apply to the District Court for an order prohibiting another person from engaging in relevant conduct.

This extends protections, which are available to certain victims under the Domestic Violence Act 2018, to all victims of stalking behaviour.

Announcing the legislation, Ms McEntee said: Providing for civil orders to prevent stalking is an important step forward in our work to tackle all forms of sexual and gender-based violence, regardless of the relationship between the victim and the perpetrator.

Stalking can have very serious impacts on people subjected to it and I am introducing robust legislation to ensure that everyone has what is needed to ensure they are protected and safe.

Speaking to The Echo,Ms Ring said that she and another victim advocate, Eve McDowell, had been discussing new legislative measures with Ms McEntee and her legal team at Leinster House for several years, as both women felt the existing protections for victims were severely lacking.

Weve been campaigning tirelessly for the last three years to get all this stuff done and stalking was made a standalone crime last November. Now this is the next part of that legislation, said Ms Ring.

When I was going through it, because he was an ex-colleague [her stalker], it wasnt available for me at all.

I didnt meet the criteria because I didnt have a relationship with him beforehand, so I wasnt able to get any order of protection against him. Had I been able to, maybe it would have stopped it from escalating to the point it did.

The fact that you dont have to have a relationship with somebody now is huge, because its crazy not to be able to get a protection order against somebody just because youve never been involved with them.

Its going to help an awful lot of people now that you can get an order against anybody, she added.

Deterrent

While Ms Ring believes this new measure will be a deterrent for perpetrators escalating their behaviour, she said she does not believe it will deter them from starting it.

It will be a huge deterrent I think for people to stop escalating, [but] I dont think it will stop it starting, she said.

Thats just the mindset of [a stalker] anyway, but I think it might deter them from continuing at least.

The main thing is that the guards can apply on someone elses behalf, so the person doesnt have to go to the District Court themselves.

It is a big deal and its going to make a huge difference, she added.

Mary Crilly, founder and director of the Cork based Sexual Violence Centre, urged people who are being stalked to get in contact with the centre. Picture: Larry Cummins. - If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please click here for a list of support services.

Founder and CEO of the Sexual Violence Centre Cork, Mary Crilly, said: Victims are saying to us that they are really glad this is coming [into effect] because they feel they are now going to be taken seriously.

Its a very serious crime and often leads to escalations. Its brilliant that this has been introduced now.

Ms Crilly said that she would like to see increased information available to the public on how this new legislation will be implemented, coupled with television ads that will help combat stalking behaviours from beginning in the first instance.

Were going to keep working on it, making sure its implemented, and letting people know its there, she said.

People have serious mental health issues after stalking, so I would ask people if they feel they are being stalked, give us a call, well talk it through and take it seriously.

For further information on the new legislation, or for information on victim services, visit: https://www.stalkinginireland.ie.
Finance Minister Jack Chambers was urged during a visit to Cork City on Friday to give more targeted support in the upcoming budget to local authorities to allow them allocate resources that address their unique needs.

The Cork Chamber of Commerce met with Mr Chambers, who took over the portfolio from Cork South Central TD and now EU commissioner designate, Michael McGrath, earlier this summer, during a series of afternoon engagements.

Cork Chamber said it had also called on the Government to prioritise investment in skills and talent and promoting social and environmental sustainability. It identified as the key business priorities for Budget 25, which is to be announced on October 1, as housing, competitiveness, infrastructure investment, renewables and urban evolution.

Key Contributor

According to Cork Chamber CEO, Conor Healy, the Cork region was a key contributor to the economy and offered immense opportunity for further growth.

Our vision is to develop vibrant, inclusive cities that offer a wide range of amenities and are easily accessible to everyone. We urge the Government to implement Urban Evolution Deals, which would provide dedicated funding for local authorities, allowing them to allocate resources in ways that best address their unique needs, said Mr Healy.

This approach will empower cities to capitalise on local assets, foster sustainable growth, and transform city-centre living into a reality.

Mr Healy added that he was looking forward to the Government addressing the rising burden of costs for business.

Mr Chambers said that he was delighted to engage with Cork Chamber during his visit to the county.

We discussed a range of topics including areas of priority for the Chamber in Budget 2025 in terms of supporting business, growing enterprise and enhancing competitiveness, he said.

We also considered the longer-term needs of the city and the wider region, including infrastructure investment, the transition to renewable energy sources and upskilling in the workforce.

Fruitful discussion

Chamber President Rob Horgan pointed out that Cork was Irelands fastest growing urban region; With Budget 2025 fast approaching, we had a fruitful discussion regarding the key issues for businesses here in Cork and across the country.

Cork  Irelands fastest growing city region  is at a turning point presently, with considerable population growth and economic development anticipated in the coming years.
Measures including tighter controls on the use of fertilisers that impact water quality and a target of 4,500 farm inspections per year are top of a list of priorities aimed at improving the status of the countrys water bodies to good.

They are included in a National Water Plan launched this week by the minister of state for nature, heritage, and electoral reform, Malcolm Noonan.

Describing the plan, subtitled Irelands Third River Basin Management Plan as an overarching national policy and a key step in meeting Irelands obligations under the EU Water Framework Directive, Mr Noonan said the aim was to restore Irelands waterbodies and protect against further deterioration in the period up to 2027.

Integrated approach

He said the new plan would use what he described as an integrated catchment management approach.

As well as the measures directed at pollution with links to land use by farmers, other measures include proposals for greater focus on compliance  with more than 60 new staff to be employed by local authorities.

There will be continued investment in waste-water infrastructure, with a multi-billion euro budget for Uisce Eireann over the 2025-29 period. The plan also contains a new River Barriers Mitigation Programme, which aims to ramp up efforts to remove blockages from rivers that impact on fish species, such as salmon and lamprey, which swim upstream to spawn.

More inspections

Speaking at the launch, Mr Noonan said that it was well past time to clean up our rivers, lakes, and coasts, and that was the aim of the Water Action Plan.

This new plan will deliver on this through an approach that embeds better governance, co-ordination, and accountability, putting tighter controls, more inspections, and a focus on enforcement alongside a stronger evidence base for actions that tackle the right problems in the right places.

Crucially, communities are at the heart of the effort and will be empowered to understand the challenges in their area and get involved in solving them through new participation structures, he said.

As our population grows and our climate changes, its vital that everyone puts their shoulder to the wheel to protect the vulnerable water resources that we all depend on.

The launch of the National Water Plan has been welcomed by the Local Authority Waters Programme.
On Saturday afternoon, more than 600 people marched through Corks city centre in support of the people of Gaza in what has become over the past months a weekly show of solidarity.

It was the Cork Palestine Solidarity Campaigns 48th protest condemning the ongoing violence in Gaza and what they say is Irelands complicity in the crisis.

The Israel-Hamas war erupted after Hamas-led militants killed about 1,200 people in a co-ordinated series of attacks in southern Israel on October 7, and took about 250 people hostage, according to Israeli tallies.

Since then, more than 100 hostages have been released, eight have been rescued, and nearly a dozen bodies have been recovered.

Before the bodies of six more hostages were recovered last week, Israel authorities believed about 70 captives left in Gaza were still alive.

The war has killed more than 40,900 Palestinian people and injured about 94,000, according to Gazas Hamas-run health ministry, which does not distinguish between combatants and civilians.

The war has displaced most of the Palestinian territorys 2.3 million population and triggered widespread hunger. According to the United Nations, at least 1.9 million people across the Gaza Strip are internally displaced, including some people who have been uprooted more than 10 times.

Israeli military strikes across Gaza over the past two days have killed at least 61 people, local medics said, as Israeli forces battled Hamas-led militants in the territory.

This week, US secretary of state, Anthony Blinken, said it was incumbent upon both Israel and Hamas to make concessions to secure a ceasefire, but the two warring sides continue to blame one another for the failure of mediators, including the US, Qatar, and Egypt, to broker a ceasefire.

After nearly a year of continuous demonstrations, the Cork Palestine Solidarity Campaign has called for urgent action from the Irish government in response to what it said was new evidence of state involvement in the genocide.

Sinn Fein councillor Mick Nugent told The Echo that the turnout of between 500 and 1,000 people for a weekly rally was remarkable, and showed the depth of sympathy Cork people have for the people of Gaza.

Mr Nugent said the theme of this weekends activities, which include a planned rally at Shannon Airport to highlight the use of Irish airspace in the transport of weaponry from the United States to Israel.

We had the situation recently where the Taoiseach and the Tanaiste seemed to be unaware that Irish airspace was being used to transport armaments to Israel for use by the Israeli military, which appals a lot of people, he said.

Journalist Eoghan McNeill spoke at Saturdays rally in Cork, detailing the findings of his investigative work to expose the use of Irish airspace to transport weapons to Israel.

"All of these planes, they needed diplomatic clearance to come through our airspace. We know they didnt have them, Mr McNeill said.

We also know that last night the Department of Transport, theyve said they have an ongoing examination and that theyve identified more planes that have gone through our airspace with weaponry that is being used to kill civilians - they are being used to carry out a genocide. The use of Irish airspace for military transfers that contribute to the suffering and death of Palestinian civilians was unacceptable and must be stopped immediately, Mr McNeill said.

The Cork Palestine Solidarity Campaign pledged to continue its weekly protests, and another demonstration planned for Sunday at Shannon Airport.
The Apple iPhone 16 launch event is now live and you can stream it on YouTube or the company's website. You can also follow along as we live-blog the news, and hopefully we'll get a chance to check out the new iPhone  which will come equipped with iOS 18  after the event.

The biggest news we're expecting from Apple's It's Glowtime event is the iPhone 16 lineup. Following past events, we're also anticipating a new Apple Watch or two. But a late-breaking update from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman suggests that we won't be seeing a full refresh on the Apple Watch Ultra line  just a new Ultra 2 color. (See below for details).

Beyond that, rumors have been swirling about various changes to the AirPods line, including new noise-canceling models and maybe even a small refresh to the AirPods Max. And what about new M4 Macs, HomePods, iPad mini or even the baseline iPhone SE? Some of those may hit later this year, while others probably won't see the light of day until 2025 or beyond. But until Tim Cook takes the (virtual) stage, however, everything is pure speculation. With that said, lets get into the most likely leaks and rumors ahead of the Apple event.

iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro

No matter what else happens, these new handsets will take center stage during the Apple event. Thats good news for people ready for an upgrade. The bad (ish) news? The vast majority of leaks and rumors indicate that this will be another year of iterative improvements, so dont expect a game-changing new hardware feature.

Cherlynn Low / Engadget

There are likely to be four new models announced at the event, which is similar to what Apple did last year. The new phones will allegedly be called the iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max, according to industry analyst Mark Gurman. This is the exact same naming convention as last years iPhone 15 reveal, so the rumors of Apple adopting an iPhone Ultra moniker seem to have been greatly exaggerated.

Even if Apple doesn't use the Ultra naming, the Pro models might be getting slightly larger screens, which is always nice (if you like big phones, that is). The regular Pro is likely to move to 6.3 inches from 6.1 inches, while the Pro Max should hit 6.9 inches, an increase from 6.7 inches. Finally, there will likely be a new color or two, as always. Bloombergs Gurman suggests that Apple is ready to ditch the blue model in favor of the return of rose gold. Separately, 9to5Mac has reported on a new "gold-colored titanium" hue for the iPhone 16 Pro model. Based on a source who apparently nailed last year's gray titanium color, they are showing off what appears to be more of a dusky sand hue than gold.

On the hardware side of things, look for a new chipset that takes advantage of the companys recent push toward AI, also known as Apple Intelligence. Beyond that, the upgraded A18 chip will be an iterative improvement, specs-wise. As is typical, the Pro and Pro Max will likely get a more powerful chip than the standard models. It looks like the base amount of RAM here will be 8GB, so as to handle those aforementioned AI tasks.

Its also been rumored that the standard iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus will get the Action Button, a feature introduced last year for the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. This multi-purpose button is a direct replacement for the mute switch, by default, but can be adjusted to control a bunch of different things. The Action Button can be used to to change ringer settings, turn on the flashlight, launch the camera and more.

Cherlynn Low/Engadget

Theres also talk of another new button, this one on the right side of the phone. This will control camera features, operating like a button on a DSLR. Reporting indicates that a soft press will trigger autofocus and a harder press will take a photo. Consumers may also be able to swipe along the button to zoom in and out while shooting photos or taking videos. Its been reported that this camera button will only come with the Pro and Pro Max, which makes sense since the high-end models typically offer a more robust camera experience.

To that end, new iPhones always get a camera spec bump, but we dont know exactly what that will look like this time. Its been reported, however, that the iPhone 16s camera module could be getting a design refresh. Apple might be ditching the square and going with a vertical orientation. This might only apply to the base iPhone 16 and maybe the Plus, as the Pro and Pro Max phones tend to place a much higher emphasis on photos and videos.

Apple

We already know whats coming on the software side of things, thanks to the recent WWDC event. Based on previous years, iOS 18 should be available within the week following the event. The software update features a more customizable Control Center and Home Screen. It'll also finally bring RCS support to iPhones.

As for Apple Intelligence, youll have to wait a bit. It was announced as part of iOS 18, but its been delayed until iOS 18.1. This isnt a huge deal, as that OS refresh is expected in October, but does mean that early adopters of the iPhone 16 wont be able to fool around with AI right away.

The new iPhone drop may also spell the end of Apples widely panned FineWoven case, which was just introduced last year as an alternative to leather but has been criticized for durability issues. Bloombergs Mark Gurman recently reported that FineWoven inventory is getting low, suggesting the company is either phasing it out or planning a refresh. One leaker on the Saturday ahead of the event shared a look at an array of iPhone cases in neutral colors, claiming these may be coming out in a new material to replace FineWoven.

Apple Watch Series 10 and Apple Watch Ultra 3

Ever since 2016, iPhone events have also included a deep dive on the latest Apple Watch. This year looks to be no different. As a matter of fact, this is a big year for the Apple Watch. We are coming up on the gadgets tenth birthday, so there are conflicting rumors as to whether the next entry will be called the Apple Watch Series 10 or the Series X.

No matter what it ends up being called, Apples next standard smartwatch is reported to have a bigger screen thats more in line with the Ultra. Its expected that the company will ditch the 41mm form factor and introduce a 49mm design.

Rumors have also suggested that Apple has completely redesigned the band system and added new connectors. This will likely make these straps easier to adjust, but theres a downside. This move could make it so all of those old bands no longer work.

Cherlynn Low / Engadget

Of course, theres going to be a new chip to power these watches, but we dont have any specifics. Its been suggested that these chips have been designed to accommodate Apples recent foray into AI, but that integration is likely to happen later on. For now, Apple Intelligence will be tethered to iPhone, iPad and Mac.

There are likely to be two watches revealed at the event, which are codenamed N217 and N218. Its possible one of these will be the Apple Watch Ultra 3, though Mark Gurman at Bloomberg says the high-end smartwatch wont get a major redesign this time out. Itll likely be an iterative refresh.

On the software front, it looks like Apple has run into some snags while developing long-anticipated health tracking tools. Health monitoring is one of the key features of the Apple Watch, so the company has been working on new sensors to detect high blood pressure and sleep apnea. However, the tech will likely not be ready for this years smartwatch. Apples also been developing a glucose sensor for almost a decade so, who knows, maybe itll finally show up with the Series X.

Finally, its highly possible that Apple announces a new version of the budget-friendly Watch SE. This was last updated in 2022, so a refresh is overdue. There has been some reporting that Apple will be swapping out the aluminum exterior with a rigid plastic shell. This should help get costs down even further. As it stands, the Apple Watch SE is $250, but Samsungs cheapest wearable is the $200 Galaxy Watch FE. Apple may want to compete closer to that price range.

Two new sets of AirPods

Billy Steele/Engadget

Its been reported that Apples prepping two new variants of its standard earbuds. According to a Bloomberg roundup that was published on September 6, Apple will introduce an entry-level model and a mid-tier version, which would effectively replace AirPods 2 and AirPods 3.

The big news here is that both new AirPods versions are likely to transition to a USB-C case to keep pace with the iPhone and the second-gen AirPods Pro. Its been suggested that the cheaper of the two forthcoming models would lack wireless charging, but that the mid-tier version would support this technology. This is the same strategy Apple followed with previous generations, so it makes sense. The case for the more expensive AirPods may also include a speaker, which would make it easier to find with Apple's Find My feature.

Both versions should feature similar designs, though the mid-tier variant is likely to support active noise cancellation like the Pro model. If that's the case, it's not really clear what's left to differentiate those earbuds from the AirPods Pro, but we'll find out soon enough.

As for the AirPods Max, four years on, we might finally an updated model, too. In a tweet just a day before the big event, Mark Gurman says we could see a new pair of premium headphones. They'll get USB-C and "better noise cancellation."

One more thing

The iPhone event doesnt typically have a one more thing moment, but theres one piece of hardware that could get a surprise shout out. Its been rumored that Apple is preparing a massive redesign of the Mac mini, which would include ditching the USB-A port, according to Gurman. Analysts have suggested that this will be the companys smallest ever desktop computer and could be around the same size of an Apple TV streaming box.

There will reportedly be two versions of the upcoming Mac Mini, one with the standard M4 chip and another with the more powerful M4 Pro chip. The base model is rumored to start shipping from suppliers this month, so its possible Apple will spend a few minutes on the computer at the iPhone event. However, dont count on it. This is an event for iPhones and smartwatches and a miniaturized desktop could feel out of place. And, just like it did last fall, Apple could easily hold a Mac-specific event later this year.

There's also a lot of noise online about an upcoming iPad mini refresh. Apple's smallest iPad hasn't had an update since 2021, and is currently "considered 'constrained' internally," according to Gurman. While a new model is likely to come soon, it's not common for Apple to announce iPads during its iPhone event.

Beyond that, a whole bunch of software updates are about to drop. Theres iOS 18, which weve written about extensively, and iPadOS 18. As for smartwatches, watchOS 11 is also coming out sometime this fall. Apple already detailed all three operating systems at WWDC, but the upcoming iPhone event would be a good time to announce official release dates.

One... early thing?

Here's something we know for sure: Apple has a updated Beats Powerbeats Pro update coming next year. Beats teased an update to the earbuds on its Instagram account on September 4 with a short Reel. In the clip, Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani swings a bat while wearing the upcoming earbuds, before a "Powerbeats Pro 2" wordmark and "Coming 2025" flash up on screen.

That's it  there's no mention of specs, pricing, or a tighter release window, but we do at least see a tweaked design. You can read senior reporter Billy Steele's analysis of this glimpse here. Chances are we won't hear about this new set of buds at the iPhone event, but expect to see them adorning many more athlete and celebrity ears before long.

The Engadget Podcast with special guest Mark Gurman

This embedded content is not available in your region.

In preparation for Apple's September 9 event, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman joined Engadget Podcast hosts Cherlynn Low and Devindra Hardawar to talk all things Apple. The trio talked at length about the latest Apple rumors, including the new camera button for iPhone, tweaks to screen sizes, the new AirPods lineup and what to expect from the latest Apple Watch models. There's also a little more detail on the future of Apple, from next year's "super slim" iPhone redesign through to the company's burgeoning ambitions in home robotics. You can listen to the episode above, and a full transcript is available here.

Update, September 9 2024, 8:00AM ET: This story has been updated multiple times since its original publishing. The updates were as follows, in chronological order:
Thousands gathered in Seoul to march in the country's biggest demonstration so far this year, seeking more action by the government against global warming.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Despite a government-imposed ban, riverbed mining continues in Manicaland, allegedly led by high-ranking Zanu PF officials and security forces, causing severe environmental damage.James Mupfumi, director of the Centre for Research and Development (CRD), reported that mining activities, especially in Chimanimani and Odzi, have intensified since the ban. He claims that the operations are benefiting individuals rather than the government, with politically connected figures involved.However, Tafirei Masuma, chairperson of the chrome sector in the Zimbabwe Miners Federation, denied that a military-affiliated company was involved in illegal riverbed mining.He stated that the firm was instead rehabilitating damaged land and rivers in accordance with the Environmental Management Agency's (Ema) guidelines.The riverbed mining ban, reissued after previous failures to enforce it, was aimed at curbing environmental destruction by mechanized operations, particularly by Chinese-run firms.Despite the ban, advanced equipment continues to devastate rivers, including Odzi and Mutare, with no effective enforcement in place.Civil society organizations, including Mupfumi and Farai Maguwu, director of the Centre for Natural Resource Governance (CNRG), argue that political elites and cartels are perpetuating the illegal mining.They claim there is no political will to enforce the ban, as many senior politicians are benefiting from the environmental destruction.Zanu PF's director of information, Farai Marapira, denied allegations that ruling party members are involved in illegal mining, insisting that Zanu PF adheres to the law.Meanwhile, government officials claim they have not received reports of illegal activities, and the Zimbabwe National Army has requested further inquiries in writing.The situation underscores the challenges of enforcing environmental laws in Zimbabwe, particularly when politically connected figures are implicated in illegal activities.
Gemma Arterton barely works because she is too picky.

Gemma Arterton admits she's 'too picky'

The 38-year-old actress admitted she made some wrong choices in the early days of her career after ignoring her intuition, but now shell only pursue projects she knows are right.

She told Britains OK! magazine: I feel as though I made choices when I was younger that werent right for me, that I knew intuitively werent right for me, but I did those things because thats what you do.

Asked if she listens to herself now, she said: Yes. To the point where I never work any more because Im just too picky.

But when I know that something is right for me, Ill go for it.

Meanwhile, Gemma  who is married to fellow actor Rory Keenan was left upset when she returned to work after giving birth to her son because she looks so different in character in 1960s comedy drama Funny Women that her little boy didnt recognise her.

She said: It was my first job and he was 10 months old. I dye my hair blonde in this season and I brought my family up to Liverpool, where we shoot the show.

I know it sounds ridiculous but I was convinced he didnt recognise me. Hed come on set and see me for an hour and Id be dressed up as Sophie.

I just dont look like myself when Im playing Sophie, with the costumes and the hair and make-up, and I was convinced he didnt know I was his mum. I found it quite hard

It was hard not to be with him [during filming] but it was OK. Hes forgiven me  he recognises me now.
The judge in Alec Baldwin's criminal trial has denied a motion to revive the case.

Alec Baldwin's criminal case won't be revived

The 66-year-old actor was standing trial in July over the death of Halyna Hutchins - who was fatally shot on the set of 'Rust' in 2021 - when Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer dismissed the case after his legal team argued prosecutors had hidden evidence relating to the passing of the cinematographer, and Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer has now denied a motion from the prosecution to revive the case.

Special prosecutor Kari T. Morrissey recently requested that the case be reconsidered. However, Judge Sommer has dismissed the request, noting that the motion exceeded a ten-page limit on briefs filed without permission.

In a statement given to PEOPLE, Morrissey - who was accused of direct involvement in the decision to withhold evidence - subsequently said: "The ten-page motion has already been filed. I cannot comment beyond that."

Baldwin was indicted by a New Mexico grand jury in January after the gun he was holding during a 2021 rehearsal on the set of Rust discharged, killing Hutchins and injuring the films director, Joel Souza.

The Hollywood star has subsequently maintained that he didnt pull the trigger of the gun or know why it contained live ammunition.

Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the film's armourer, was jailed for 18 months in April after being found guilty of charges connected to the incident.

Rust resumed filming and finished its shoot in May 2023, saying in an Instagram post marking its completion: "Its been a long and difficult road. But we reach the end of the trail today."
ICE cotton has experienced steep losses, erasing almost all the gains from the previous trading session. US cotton is heading towards new lows due to significant pressure following declines in stocks, crude oil, and grain markets. US cotton export sales were average, while Chinas purchasing was notably low.

Yesterday, the ICE cotton December contract settled at 67.88 cents per pound (0.453 kg), down 1.56 cents. The contract traded between 67.80 and 69.57 cents yesterday, touching its lowest level since August 19. It lost 3 per cent over the week, marking the second consecutive weekly decline.

ICE cotton futures saw steep declines, erasing previous session gains, with US cotton nearing new lows due to pressure from falling stocks, crude oil, and grain markets. US cotton export sales were average, while China's purchasing remained low. Crude oil dropped further after disappointing US employment data. Speculators increased short positions.

Crude oil dipped more than 2 per cent on Friday following weaker-than-expected US employment data, which outweighed the positive impact of a supply delay from OPEC+ producers.

The trading volume on Friday was 37,979 contracts, with 26,113 contracts cleared the previous day. Open interest increased by 552 contracts, bringing the total to 229,809 contracts.

Data released by the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) on Friday showed that speculators increased their net short positions in ICE cotton futures and options by 740 contracts during the week ending September 3. This brought the total net short positions held by speculators to 56,371 contracts.

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) released an export sales report on Friday, showing an increase of 207,500 bales in US upland cotton export sales for the current market year during the week ending August 29.

Traders noted that overall market sentiment remains negative, with signs of a weakening US economy adding to the pressure. Speculators continued to maintain a bearish outlook as they anticipated the upcoming harvest.

Traders are now awaiting the USDA WASDE report, due on September 12, for insights into the global demand and supply scenario.

ICE cotton for December 2024 settled at 67.88 cents per pound, down 1.56 cents. Cash cotton settled at 62.62 cents (down 2.37 cents), the October contract at 67.12 cents (down 2.37 cents), the March 2025 contract at 69.69 cents per pound (down 1.56 cents), the May 2025 contract at 71.02 cents (down 1.49 cents), and the July 2025 contract at 71.87 cents (down 1.29 cents).

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KUL)
Critic's rating 3.0 /5

Visfot, meaning "explosion" in Hindi, plunges viewers into a slow-burning Mumbai noir experience that mirrors the gritty style of producer Sanjay Gupta's directorial pedigree. Directed by Kookie Gulati, this Hindi remake of the Venezuelan film Rock, Paper, Scissors (2012) immerses us in the dark and contrasting realities of Mumbais underbelly. The film begins with a high-stakes premise: Shoeb Khan (Fardeen Khan), a down-to-earth taxi driver from Dongri, inadvertently misplaces a jacket stuffed with drugs belonging to a dreaded female don, Tai (Seema Biswas). Meanwhile, Akash (Riteish Deshmukh), an airline pilot, finds his world turning upside down when he discovers his wife Tara (Priya Bapat) is having an affair. As the day unfolds, a seemingly simple error spirals into a high-stakes, chaotic mess. Shoeb's misplaced jacket triggers a deadly chain reaction, intertwining his fate with Akash's as both men are pulled into a treacherous game involving the ruthless mafia, corrupt police, and their unsuspecting families. The narrative builds on the intersection of their lives, revealing how their individual crises converge into a dramatic confrontation with fate, exposing the vulnerabilities and moral ambiguities.



Despite its intense premise, the film struggles to sustain its gripping momentum after a while. The editing is at fault here. The hook points of the plot are not synced the way they should have been and that totally jars the viewers attention. The film hints towards a bloody climax and when it happens, you see so many bodies falling down that it borders on the ridiculous. And mind you, our two heroes do manage to not get killed amidst the melee. But then, thats always been the norm in Hindi films and the director was just following tradition.



Sheeba Chadha delivers a standout performance as Fardeen's mother, whose grief-stricken portrayal elevates the film to new heights. Her powerful depiction of a woman overwhelmed by the loss of her husband is deeply moving. Seema Biswas also makes a memorable impact with her hauntingly nuanced portrayal of the female don, Tai. It takes some doing seeing Fardeen as a Dongi lad but once he gets into the groove, he wins you over with his sincere effort. He manages to capture his characters desperation and makes Shoeb sound real. Riteish Deshmukh adds significant depth to Akash, skillfully conveying both vulnerability and inner conflict. Hes the very picture of a father whose heart belongs to his son. This was supposed to be Fardeen Khans comeback vehicle, before Heera Mandi and Khel Khel Mein, where he played a nawab and a gay man respectively. Hes surely showcasing his versatility, what with playing a reformed thug here. Riteish Deshmukh is as reliable as ever and has shown that theres more to his repertoire than comedy. One can sense that Akash would go to any length for the safe return of his son. Priya Bapat's portrayal of Tara effectively conveys the tragedy of a conflicted relationship. Though she loves her son and respects her husband, theres no love remaining between them anymore, forcing her to take a lover and Priya brings all these layers into her performance with aplomb. Krystle DSouza brings a captivating charm to Lucky. Shes the good girl caught in the wrong place with the wrong man and much could have been made of her struggles. Sadly, her role seems somewhat underwritten.



Visfot is a thriller but it is also a morality tale of sorts, pitting human greed against love and innocence. The universal appeal of the story gets somewhat dimmed due to the uneven execution. The film, which was initially set for a theatrical release, was released without any fanfare on Jio Cinema. It remains true to the original in most parts and would remind you of the Guy Ritchie brand of films. Kookie Gulati is no Guy Ritchie though he comes close to being Sanjay Gupta 2.0.

TRAILER : Visfot
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 6, 2024) - Dryden Gold Corp. (TSXV: DRY) (OYCQB: DRYGF) ("Dryden Gold" or the "Company is pleased to announce that as a result of excess demand it is increasing the previously announced (August 26, 2024) non-brokered equity financing (the "Upsized Financing") of up to a maximum of 27,000,000 shares comprised of (1) flow-through common shares (the "FT Shares") and (2) charity flow-through units (the "CFT Unit") and (3) hard dollar units (the "HD Units"). The FT Shares will be offered at $0.13 per share. The CFT Units will be offered at a price of $0.15 per CFT Unit. Each CFT Unit will consist of one FT Share of the Company and one-half of one common share purchase warrant. Each whole warrant (a "Warrant") will entitle the holder to purchase one additional common share at an exercise price of $0.18 per common share for a period of 24 months. The HD Units will be offered at $.11 and will consist of one common Share of the Company and one-half of one Warrant. The FT Shares, the CFT Units and the HD Units will combine for maximum aggregate proceeds of up to $3,500,000. The upsized offering is subject to compliance with applicable securities laws and the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. Finders' fees of 6% cash and non-transferable Warrants equal to 6% of the number of FT Shares, CFT Units and HD Units sold under the Upsized Financing may be payable to eligible arm's length persons with respect to certain subscriptions accepted by the Company.

Closing of the Offering is subject to receipt of applicable regulatory approvals including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. All securities issued in connection with the Upsized Financing will be subject to a four-month hold period. The gross proceeds of the Upsized Financing will be used to fund drilling, re-logging, on the Company's Dryden Gold Property in northwestern Ontario and a portion of the proceeds from the sale of HD Units will be used for working capital and general and administrative expenses. The FT Shares and the CFT Units will qualify as "flow-through shares" (within the meaning of subsection 66(15) of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the "Tax Act"). An amount equal to the gross proceeds from the issuance of the FT Shares and the CFT Units will be used to incur eligible resource exploration expenses which will qualify as (i) "Canadian exploration expenses" (as defined in the Tax Act), and (ii) as "flow-through mining expenditures" (as defined in subsection 127(9) of the Tax Act). The gross proceeds from the issuance of the HD Units will be used for general corporate purposes.

The Upsized Financing will close in one or more tranches on completion of documentation and is conditional upon receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, including the approval of the Exchange.

The Company anticipates that insiders may subscribe for HD Units. The issuance of HD Units to insiders is considered a related party transaction subject to Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions. The Company intends to rely on exemptions from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements provided under sections 5.5(b) and 5.7(b) of Multilateral Instrument 61-101.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO US NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATON INTO THE USA

ABOUT DRYDEN GOLD CORP.

Dryden Gold Corp. is an exploration company focused on the discovery of high-grade gold mineralization listed on the TSX Venture Exchange ("DRY") and traded on the OTCQB ("DRYGF"). The Company has a strong management team and Board of Directors comprised of experienced individuals with a track record of building shareholder value through property acquisition and consolidation, exploration success, and mergers and acquisitions. Dryden Gold controls a 100% interest in a dominant strategic land position in the Dryden District of Northwestern Ontario. Dryden Gold acknowledges all Indigenous Peoples and that it is operating on the traditional homelands of the Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation and Eagle Lake First Nation. Dryden Gold's property package includes historic gold mines but has seen limited modern exploration. The property hosts high-grade gold mineralization over 50km of potential strike length along the Manitou-Dinorwic deformation zone. The property has excellent infrastructure, enjoys collaborative relationships with First Nations communities and proximity to an experienced mining workforce.

For more information go to our website www.drydengold.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 Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

The information contained herein contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to future development plans; future acquisitions; exploration programs; and the business and operations of Dryden Gold. Forward-looking statements relate to information that is based on assumptions of management, forecasts of future results, and estimates of amounts not yet determinable. Any statements that express predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "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 statements." Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties which could affect actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements including, the potential for delays in exploration or development activities; the uncertainty of profitability; risks and uncertainties relating to the interpretation of drill results, the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits; risks related to the inherent uncertainty of production and cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses; the possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with the Company's expectations; risks related to commodity price fluctuations; and other risks and uncertainties related to the Company's prospects, properties and business detailed elsewhere in Dryden Gold's and the Company's disclosure record. Should one or more of these risks and uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking statements. Investors are conditioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and Dryden Gold and the Company do not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. Actual events or results could differ materially from Dryden Gold's and the Company's expectations or projections.

UNITED STATES ADVISORY. The securities referred to herein have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), have been offered and sold outside the United States to eligible investors pursuant to Regulation S promulgated under the U.S. Securities Act, and may not be offered, sold, or resold in the United States or to, or for the account of or benefit of, a U.S. Person (as such term is defined in Regulation S under the United States Securities Act) unless the securities are registered under the U.S. Securities Act, or an exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act is available. Hedging transactions involving the securities must not be conducted unless in accordance with the U.S. Securities Act. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in the state in the United States in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/222371

SOURCE: Dryden Gold Corp.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Zimbabwe's industries have been severely affected by a sharp power tariff hike implemented in November, leading to a 15% rise in costs for mines and disrupting various sectors.The 44% tariff increase has forced some mining companies to halt expansion projects, with chrome miners particularly hard hit. Farmers are also reconsidering the viability of certain crops due to rising electricity costs.Economists warn that the country's growth targets are now at risk, compounded by a drought that has devastated crops.Despite the tariff hike, Zesa, the power utility, struggles to meet its US$160 million monthly payments to Chinese lenders for loans funding the Hwange Power Station. Further tariff hikes may be needed to service the debt.Mining companies, already facing falling mineral prices, are grappling with unsustainable electricity costs, which now account for up to 50% of production expenses in energy-intensive industries. The tariff also exceeds regional averages, adding to operational challenges.The manufacturing sector is similarly affected, with businesses facing high operational costs, foreign currency shortages, and power outages.Zesa reports that industries owe significant debts, and analysts suggest that the government's 3.2% growth target may be difficult to achieve under these conditions.Business leaders warn of the knock-on effects of higher production costs, which could hurt local manufacturers and reduce consumer spending. Farmers are also urged to reassess production models in light of the new tariffs and smart meters that increase energy costs.
BANGALORE, India, Sept. 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Lyophilized Reagent Beads Market is Segmented by Type (<10L, 10L-30L, >30L), by Application (In Vitro Diagnostics, Scientific Research, Pharmaceuticals, Food, Cosmetics, Others): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2024-2030.

The global Lyophilized Reagent Beads market was valued at USD 188 Million in 2023 and is anticipated to reach USD 380 Million by 2030, witnessing a CAGR of 11.0% during the forecast period 2024-2030.

Claim Your Free Sample Now: https://reports.valuates.com/request/sample/QYRE-Auto-28Z16292/Global_Lyophilized_Reagent_Beads_Market_Research_Report_2024

Major Factors Driving the Growth of Lyophilized Reagent Beads Market:

The market for lyophilized reagent beads is expanding as a result of the growing use of molecular diagnostics, customized medicine, and point-of-care diagnostics. For regular and dependable results, these beads-which provide improved stability and simplicity of use-are becoming indispensable in labs and medical institutions.

Because of improvements in diagnostic accuracy and healthcare technology, North America and Europe are leading the industry. Furthermore, the market is growing in Asia-Pacific as a result of growing investments in healthcare and a growing focus on quick and precise diagnosis in developing nations.

Unlock Insights: View Full Report Now! https://reports.valuates.com/market-reports/QYRE-Auto-28Z16292/global-lyophilized-reagent-beads

TRENDS INFLUENCING THE GROWTH OF THE LYOPHILIZED REAGENT BEADS MARKET

The market for lyophilized reagent beads is expanding at a substantial rate because of the <10L volume category, which is crucial for high-throughput screening applications and ultra-low volume experiments. For precise and reliable responses in microfluidic devices, PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) assays, and other diagnostic procedures where little reagent consumption is vital, these reduced volume lyophilized beads are essential. <10L lyophilized reagent beads are an appealing alternative since laboratories are increasingly in need of small, dependable, and affordable solutions. Research and diagnostic applications are being advanced by their capacity to preserve reagent stability and performance in such small amounts, which is driving market expansion.

The market for lyophilized reagent beads is mostly driven by in vitro diagnostics (IVD), as these beads are being utilized more and more in diagnostic procedures that call for stability, usability, and extended shelf life. Lyophilized reagent beads are perfect for IVD applications such as molecular diagnostics, immunoassays, and point-of-care testing because they offer a stable environment for enzymes and other reagents. Lyophilized reagent beads are becoming more and more popular due to the increasing need for quick, dependable, and simple-to-use diagnostic procedures, particularly in decentralized and resource-constrained environments. The primary reasons propelling the growth of this market are its ability to improve test performance and its interoperability with several IVD platforms.

The market for lyophilized reagent beads is expanding due to the large number of diagnostic and research applications that need medium-volume reagents, which are served by the 10L-30L volume range. For many molecular biology tests, such as qPCR, sequencing, and multiplex assays, where stability and repeatable performance are essential, this volume range is perfect. This category of lyophilized reagent beads offers a pre-measured, stable, and easy format that minimizes mistakes and shortens preparation times in the laboratory. Market expansion is anticipated from the increasing usage of 10L-30L lyophilized reagent beads, which will be driven by the growing need for dependable and effective diagnostic and research instruments.

The market for lyophilized reagent beads is expanding due in large part to the growing need for point-of-care testing (POCT). POCT necessitates robust, user-friendly diagnostic systems that can produce fast findings outside of a laboratory. These requirements are satisfied by lyophilized reagent beads, which offer sensitive reagents a stable environment, do away with the necessity for cold chain storage, and streamline the testing procedure. POCT usage is expanding due to the increased emphasis on decentralized healthcare, particularly in distant and resource-constrained locations. It is anticipated that this trend would increase demand for lyophilized reagent beads, which are essential to POCT devices' dependability and performance.

The market for lyophilized reagent beads is mostly driven by the growth of molecular diagnostics. Reagents that are extremely precise and stable are necessary for molecular diagnostics, which includes methods like PCR, qPCR, and sequencing, in order to guarantee correct findings. Lyophilized reagent beads are crucial for labs and diagnostic businesses because they provide the stability and uniformity required for these tests. Demand for trustworthy molecular diagnostic tools is rising as infectious disease testing, genetic research, and customized treatment get more attention on a worldwide scale. Lyophilized reagent beads are becoming more and more popular as molecular diagnostics expands. various beads are essential to raising the precision and effectiveness of various procedures.

Own It Today - Buy Now! https://reports.valuates.com/api/directpaytoken?rcode=QYRE-Auto-28Z16292&lic=single-user

LYOPHILIZED REAGENT BEADS MARKET SHARE ANALYSIS

Due to its sophisticated healthcare system and widespread use of in vitro diagnostics (IVD), North America leads the world in the market for lyophilized reagent beads, while other regions also exhibit growing tendencies. The demand for these reagents is particularly high in the United States because of the continued advancements in life sciences research and development as well as the prominence of major companies in the sector.

Europe is right behind, with nations like the UK and Germany placing a strong emphasis on the application of lyophilized reagents in pharmaceutical research and clinical diagnostics. In the meanwhile, the Asia-Pacific area is becoming a profitable market due to the region's growing emphasis on expanding healthcare, higher investments in diagnostics, and greater awareness of cutting-edge medical technology in nations like China and India.

Key Players:

Biofortuna

Biopharma Group

Argonaut

Geno Technology, Inc.

Meridian Bioscience

JANZY BioTECHNOLOGY

IPOC

Applyo Jena

Evik Diagnostics

DCN Dx

Lyobead

HaiGene

SBS Genetech

Promega

Catachem

Zimmer and Peacock

Biolyph LLC

Purchase Regional Data: https://reports.valuates.com/request/regional/QYRE-Auto-28Z16292/Global_Lyophilized_Reagent_Beads_Market_Research_Report_2024

SUBSCRIPTION

We have introduced a tailor-made subscription for our customers. Please leave a note in the Comment Section to know about our subscription plans.

DISCOVER MORE INSIGHTS: EXPLORE SIMILAR REPORTS!

- Pharmaceutical Grade Lyophilized Reagent Beads Market

- IVD Reagents for Research Market

- Lyophilized Molecular Biology Reagent Market

- The global Molecular Biology Enzymes, Kits & Reagents market was valued at USD 15170 Million in 2023 and is anticipated to reach USD 26940 Million by 2030, witnessing a CAGR of 8.4% during the forecast period 2024-2030.

- Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification(LAMP) Reagent Market

- Lyophilized Kit Market

- Trypsin Lyophilized Powder Market

- The global Lyophilizer Equipment market was valued at USD 59 Million in 2023 and is anticipated to reach USD 75 Million by 2030, witnessing a CAGR of 3.6% during the forecast period 2024-2030.

- The global SWFI for Reconstitution of Lyophilized Drugs market is projected to grow from USD 14 Million in 2024 to USD 19 Million by 2030, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.4% during the forecast period.

DISCOVER OUR VISION: VISIT ABOUT US!

Valuates offers in-depth market insights into various industries. Our extensive report repository is constantly updated to meet your changing industry analysis needs.

Our team of market analysts can help you select the best report covering your industry. We understand your niche region-specific requirements and that's why we offer customization of reports. With our customization in place, you can request for any particular information from a report that meets your market analysis needs.

To achieve a consistent view of the market, data is gathered from various primary and secondary sources, at each step, data triangulation methodologies are applied to reduce deviance and find a consistent view of the market. Each sample we share contains a detailed research methodology employed to generate the report. Please also reach our sales team to get the complete list of our data sources.

YOUR FEEDBACK MATTERS: REACH OUT TO US!

Valuates Reports

sales@valuates.com



For U.S. Toll-Free Call 1-(315)-215-3225

WhatsApp: +91-9945648335

Website: https://reports.valuates.com

Blog: https://valuatestrends.blogspot.com/

Pinterest: https://in.pinterest.com/valuatesreports/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/valuatesreports

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/valuatesreports/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@valuatesreports6753



https://www.facebook.com/valuateskorean

https://www.facebook.com/valuatesspanish

https://www.facebook.com/valuatesjapanese

https://valuatesreportspanish.blogspot.com/

https://valuateskorean.blogspot.com/

https://valuatesgerman.blogspot.com/

https://valuatesreportjapanese.blogspot.com/

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1082232/Valuates_Reports_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/lyophilized-reagent-beads-market-size-to-grow-usd-380-million-by-2030-at-a-cagr-of-11-0--valuates-reports-302240690.html
ED searches uncovered a complex network of over 500 shell companies used by the diversified group to hold and invest in high-value real estate and luxury properties read more

Indian authorities have attached properties worth more than Rs 5,000 crore under the anti-money laundering law in connection with an alleged bank loan fraud involving insolvent automotive equipment manufacturer Amtek Group, the Enforcement Directorate said Saturday (September 7).

The IDBI Bank and Bank of Maharashtra had filed a complaint with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), accusing the group of illegally diverting bank loans and causing significant losses to the lenders. According to the ED, the fraud is estimated at around Rs 27,000 crore.

Advertisement

The Rs 27,000 crore loan fraud

Several Amtek Group companies, including Amtek Auto Limited, ARG Limited, ACIL Limited, Metalyst Forging Limited, and Castex Technologies Limited, went into insolvency, resulting in an 80 per cent haircut for banks, causing substantial losses to public sector lenders.

Investigations revealed that the group had deceitfully manipulated its financial statements to obtain fraudulent loans and create fake assets and investments.

In June, ED searches uncovered a complex network of over 500 shell companies used by the group to hold and invest in high-value real estate and luxury properties, with their ownership concealed through a highly complex shareholding structure.

The EDs statement said these shell companies held assets whose beneficial ownership was linked to Dham, who was found to be alienating or transferring these properties.

Multiple assets attached

The ED filed the case against the company and its promoters under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), based on a CBI FIR and a Supreme Court directive issued in February.

As part of the provisional order under the PMLA, 85 immovable properties valued at Rs 2,674.75 crore were attached. These assets include commercial properties and farmhouses in Delhi, 200 hectares of land in Maharashtra, and hundreds of acres of land in Haryana and Punjab, including prime locations in Gurugram, Chandigarh, Rewari, and Panchkula.

Advertisement

In addition to real estate, the attached assets include shares worth Rs 2,353.46 crore in both listed and unlisted companies, such as Alliance Integrated Metaliks Limited, Newtime Infrastructure Limited, Rollatainers Limited, and Barista Coffee Company Limited. Debentures worth Rs 87.10 crore were also seized, bringing the total value of attached properties to Rs 5,115.31 crore, the ED said.

With inputs from PTI
GSB Seva Mandals Maha Ganapati, the richest in Mumbai, has been insured for a whopping Rs 400.58 crore, breaking last years record of a little above Rs 360 crore. Insurance coverage has also been secured for the famous Lalbaugcha Raja. And it is not just Ganpati pandals that are getting insurance read more

The idol of Lord Ganesha at GSB Seva Mandal is unveiled, at Matunga, in Mumbai, September 5, 2024. PTI

Ganesh Chaturthi, the popular festival in India celebrating Lord Ganesha, is set to begin today (September 7). The 10-day-long festival is observed across India, especially in Maharashtra, with much enthusiasm and devotion.

Ganpati pandals have come up across Mumbai to worship the elephant-headed deity. Like every year, mandals are buying insurance covers for these Ganesh puja pandals. But why?

Lets take a closer look.

Insurance for Ganpati pandals

Many Ganpati mandals in Mumbai have insurance coverage for the festival.

Advertisement

The Gaud Saraswat Brahmin (GSB) Seva Mandals Maha Ganpati in the city, known as the richest idol of Lord Ganesha, has been insured for an extraordinary Rs 400.58 crore, breaking its last year record, as per a Deccan Herald (DH) report.

The insurance of GSB Seva Mandal, located in the Kings Circle area, will cover several risks such as theft, fire, and earthquake for its five-day festival starting today and ending on September 11.

The mandal has not revealed the premium it paid to secure the insurance amount.

The all risk insurance policy for gold, silver and jewellery is worth Rs 43.15 crore. Gold and silver prices have increased. It all depends on that, Mangesh Kadam from New India Insurance Company Ltd, which insured the pandal, told Free Press Journal (FPJ).

Rs 2 crore is meant for standard and special peril policy with earthquake risk include furniture, installations like computers and CCTVs, utensils, groceries, fruits and vegetables. A whopping Rs 325 crore is for personal accident insurance cover for volunteers, cooks, chappal stall workers, valet parking persons, and security guards, among others. The standard fire and special peril policy for the venue is for Rs 43 crore, the DH report noted.

According to the newspaper, the Maha Ganapati idol will be adorned with over 66 kg of gold ornaments, 325 kg of silver and other precious items.

Last year, the GSB Seva Mandal was insured for Rs 360.40 crore, up from Rs 316.40 crore in 2022.

The New India Insurance Company Ltd has also provided insurance cover worth Rs 32.76 crore for Lalbaugcha Raja, Mumbais most famous Ganpati. The break-up of the insurance amount includes Rs 12 crore for personal accident cover for mandal workers, trustees and service personnel; Rs 10 crore for third-party liability including poisoning by prasad; Rs 2.5 crore for sets, property and electrical fittings of the pandal; and Rs 8.26 crore for gold jewellery and other precocious items decorating Lord Ganeshas idol, reported Times of India.

Advertisement

Oriental Insurance Company has insured Mumbaicha Raja of Ganesh Gully for a Rs 10 crore-worth policy.

Advertisement

Need for insurance covers in festivals

The Ganesh puja season offers a good opportunity for general insurance companies for business. With the mandals organising the festival on a large scale, they have to bear responsibility.

The pandal insurance cover usually spans from the beginning of the festival to the day of immersion of the idol.

As Hindustan Times (HT) noted, the insurance is generally for gold and silver ornaments, the pandals, the visarjan procession and personal accident covers for volunteers and devotees. It also covers any damage to pandals, stampedes and poisoning of food and prasad.

Some companies even provide terrorism insurance and fire insurance. Insurance company executives reveal that cover size has increased year-on-year due to a rise in footfall and associated risks, Business Standard reported in 2016.

Advertisement

Specialised policies are also being offered by some firms for the festival. The premium varies from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 20 lakh for a Rs 100-crore insurance cover, as per the HT report in 2016.

An artisan gives finishing touches to an idol of the Hindu God Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, ahead of the Ganesh Chaturthi festival, at his workshop in Ahmedabad, India, September 4, 2024. Reuters

The big mandals usually approach the four public sector general insurance companies  National Insurance Company, New India Assurance, Oriental Insurance Company and United India Insurance Company.

However, there has been a surge in demand for such covers from private insurers as well.

Mostly pandals for all festivals  Ganesh, Durga Puja and even Diwali besides others  are serviced by the public sector insurers. The risk is skewed and mostly the private sector players do not get involved, a senior official in a large private sector general insurance company told HT earlier.

Advertisement

High secrecy is reportedly maintained during talks between pandal organisers and insurance companies due to fierce competition. Many times, there are privacy clauses in insurance contracts to prevent the terms from getting leaked.

ALSO READ: Ganesh Chaturthi: From Thailand to Japan, how Ganpati is revered beyond India

Not just Ganpati pandals

Insuring pandals is not just a trend during the 10-day Ganesh Chaturthi. As festivals often get government support now, organisers are encouraged to opt for insurance packages to safeguard their assets and participants, as per Business Standard.

It is becoming more and more common to insure Durga puja pandals. Insurance policies are also being availed for other religious festivals like Janmashtami, Dahi Handi, and Navratri. Bajaj Allianz General Insurance saw 60 event insurance policies for different festivals in 2015-16.

These policies are not only sought by big or popular pandals even small event organisers who are aware of the risks associated with events go for this policy. However the uptake was higher amongst the bigger pandals, the insurer told Business Standard at the time.

In 2020, many Durga puja committees in West Bengal bought COVID-19 insurance for electricians and labourers involved in setting up and later dismantling pandals.

With inputs from agencies
India took another step this week in its aim to become a semiconductor powerhouse by signing a Memorandum of Understanding with Singapore in the backdrop of Prime Minister Narendra Modis trip. A controversy erupted over Netflixs IC-814 with some including BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya has criticising the makers of the show. All this and more in our weekly roundup from India read more

This past week saw some major developments in India.

A controversy erupted over Netflixs IC-814 with some including BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya has criticising the makers of the show.

India continued its quest to become a semiconductor powerhouse by signing a Memorandum of Understanding with Singapore in the backdrop of Prime Minister Narendra Modis trip.

A report that some graduates of the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT-Bombay) were forced to accept salaries as slow as Rs 33,000 sparked concern.

Advertisement

All this and more in our weekly wrap from India.

1. Its the question on everyones minds. How true is Netflixs show IC-814?

The series is a retelling of the hijacking of Indian Airlines flight in December 1999 that left the country shaken.

On December 24, 1999, five masked men hijacked the aircraft  IC 814  40 minutes after it took off from the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, bound for New Delhi.

The six-episode series, directed by Anubhav Sinha stars a number of popular actors including Vijay Varma, Naseeruddin Shah, Pankaj Kapur, Dia Mirza and Amrita Puri.

Anubhav Sinhas directorial & Netflixs IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack

Though many enjoyed the show, some criticised the makers over the names of the hijackers.

But what happened? Why were some taking the shows creators to task and even taking to social media to cancel Netflix.

2. India has made no secret of its goal to become a semiconductor powerhouse.

In March, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stones of three semiconductor fabrication plants which will be built at a cost of Rs 1.25 lakh crore.

India, which is playing catch-up with Taiwan and China, has also vowed to offer subsidies to woo chipmakers to its shores.

Advertisement

Now, Modis trip to Singapore has given Indian ambitions yet another fillip with the two nations signing an MOU to deepen cooperation in the field of semiconductors.

But how can tiny Singapore, a chip-making powerhouse, help India?

3. For many students, getting into an IIT remains the target.

The prestigious institutions offer a stepping stone to high-paying careers and upwards social mobility.

But not for everyone.

IIT-Bombays 2023-2024 placement report noted how its average annual package was at 23 this year compared to Rs 21.8 lakh this year.

Some IIT-Bombay students were offered as little as Rs 4 lakh this year  compared to the lowest annual package being at Rs 6 lakh last year.

However, on the flip side, some students were offered as little as Rs 4 lakh this year  compared to the lowest annual package being at Rs 6 lakh last year.

Advertisement

But what happened? What factors are to blame? Will things get better in the future?

4. The rape and murder of a woman medic at the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital last month made headlines across the country and spurred outrage.

Questions were raised about what authorities need to do to ensure the safety of women.

On Tuesday, the West Bengal Assembly has passed the Aparajita Woman and Child (West Bengal Criminal Laws Amendment) Bill, 2024.

The aim of the bill is to create a safer environment for women and children.

But what do we know about the bill? What are its provisions? And can states actually make such legislation?

Advertisement

5. Villagers in Uttar Pradeshs Bahraich district are terrified.

Wolf attacks in the past two months have left at least nine dead including eight children.

While authorities have launched Operation Bhediya  and picked off two of these predators  two more remain at large.

A a loss of habitat and lack of prey could make wolves target humans. Wikimedia Commons

Residents are also taking matters into their own hands by conducting night patrols and setting off firecrackers.

But what makes wolves, who live near human settlements, turn man-eaters?

6. The Supreme Court this week came down harshly on bulldozer justice.

This refers to the practice wherein some state authorities raze properties of alleged criminals and communal violence rioters.

Advertisement

How can a house be demolished just because he is accused? Cant be demolished even if hes a convict. Even after telling SC Bar is  we dont find any change in attitude, the Supreme Court said in a stern rebuke while hearing a clutch of cases.

But how does it work exactly? How did it first begin in India? And which states have practiced it?

7. Its nearly here.

Apple is set to launch its new iPhone 16 on 9 September in an event called Its Glowtime.

Four versions of the phone are slated to be launched  the iPhone 16, the iPhone 16 Plus, the iPhone 16 Pro and the iPhone 16 Pro Max.

According to several reports, the iPhone 16 may cost around Rs 66,300 while the iPhone 16 Plus model may be priced at around 74,600.

Apple is set to launch its new iPhone 16 on 9 September in an event called Its Glowtime. Reuters

The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max are expected to retail at Rs 91,200 and Rs 99,500 respectively.

The iPhone 16 will also get a Capture button as well as a slew of AI-powered features including a better version of Siri, AI summary and object detection.

Lets take a look at what we know about the iPhone and what we dont.

Thats all we have for you this week. If you enjoy reading our explainers and want to stay updated, heres the page to bookmark.
Alice Guo, a former mayor of a small Philippine town, once presented herself as a humble public servant. Now, shes at the centre of a major international scandal, accused of ties to Chinese criminal syndicates, money laundering, and human trafficking. After months on the run, Guo was arrested in Indonesia and deported to face charges read more

Alice Guo, also known as Chinese national Guo Hua Ping, a fugitive former Philippine mayor, who was was arrested and deported from Indonesia, answers questions during a press conference upon arrival at a private plane charter in Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines, September 6, 2024. Reuters

Accused of deep ties to Chinese criminal syndicates and facing numerous allegations ranging from money laundering to human trafficking, Alice Guos story reveals a web of deception, political intrigue, and international crime.

After months on the run across Southeast Asia, the former mayor of a small Philippine town was finally deported from Indonesia back to the Philippines.

What is the story around Alice Guo?

Alice Guo, 34, was once the mayor of Bamban, a quiet agricultural town north of Manila. Running for office in 2022, Guos public persona was that of a relatable and humble woman, even featuring in campaign videos showing her tending chickens and eating traditional Filipino food.

Advertisement

She presented herself as a natural-born Filipino, but as investigations into her background unfolded, this image began to unravel. In reality, Guos real name was Guo Hua Ping, a Chinese national with alleged connections to a vast criminal network operating in Southeast Asia.

In this handout photo provided by the Philippine Senate Social Media Unit, then Bamban Mayor, Alice Guo, speaks during the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality inquiry on the alleged human trafficking and cyber fraud operation in Angeles, Pampanga province held at the Philippine Senate in Pasay City, Philippines on May 22, 2024. AP

Her rise to political office came under sharp scrutiny after Philippine authorities raided a gambling hub in Bamban in March, discovering hundreds of foreign workers, including Chinese and Vietnamese nationals, who had allegedly been trafficked and forced to participate in various online scams.

As the investigation progressed, Guos fingerprints were linked to immigration records from 2005, revealing her Chinese nationality. Her alleged deep involvement in illegal gambling and human trafficking further exacerbated suspicions that she had been operating as a sleeper agent for China.

What are the criminal allegations against Alice Guo?

Guos political rise was swift, but her fall from grace was even faster. She was elected mayor in 2022, but her reputation took a dramatic turn when the Presidential Anti-Organised Crime Commission (PAOCC) received reports from two foreign workers about a POGO (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operation) in Bamban.

The workers claimed they were held against their will, prompting a raid in which authorities found over 800 trafficked individuals. The building, which was partially owned by Guo, had been operating as a front for online gambling targeting Chinese citizens and linked to organised crime.

Senator Risa Hontiveros led a senate inquiry into Guos activities in May 2024, where her absence at key hearings fueled public outrage. Although Guo cited death threats and mental health issues as reasons for not attending, her failure to appear raised further suspicion.

Advertisement

Law enforcers find rows of mobile phones allegedly being used in scam transactions, during a raid at a POGO facility in Bamban, Tarlac on March 13, 2024. Authorities rescued a total of 875 Filipino and foreign workers during the operation. PAOCC

The inquiry revealed that Guo had incorporated multiple businesses tied to gambling and money laundering operations, many of which had connections to criminals in China, some already serving prison time for fraud in Singapore.

Philippine law enforcement agencies filed multiple money laundering charges against Guo and her associates in August 2024, accusing them of laundering over PHP 100 million ($1.8 million) and owning assets worth over PHP 6 billion ($106 million).

Guo, her alleged sister Shiela, and another accomplice named Cassandra Li Ong were implicated in running scam operations through companies like Baofu Land Development and Hongshen Gaming Technology Inc. Before authorities could arrest her, Guo fled the Philippines in July, leading to an international manhunt.

Advertisement

How was Alice Guo captured?

Guos escape from the Philippines sparked outrage. She reportedly fled the country by boat to Malaysia, accompanied by two of her supposed siblings. From there, she travelled through Singapore and finally reached Indonesia.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, on August 21, took to X, and wrote: ??? ?? ?? ?????: ????? ???? ????."

The departure of   has laid bare the corruption that undermines our justice system and erodes public trust.



   :   .



We will  the culprits who have betrayed the people's trust and aided in her pic.twitter.com/70KiZX5Zre  Bongbong Marcos (@bongbongmarcos) August 20, 2024

Advertisement

On September 3, 2024, Guo was arrested in Tangerang, Indonesia, by Interpol officials after a tip-off. According to reports, a Singaporean national had helped her secure accommodation on Batam Island, where she stayed under the radar until her arrest.

In this photo released by the Directorate General of Immigration of Indonesias Justice and Human Rights Ministry (Ditjen Imigrasi), Alice Guo, centre, a dismissed Philippine town mayor accused in Manila of helping establish an illegal online gaming and scam center and evading an investigation by the Philippine Senate is escorted by immigration officers prior to her deportation, in Jakarta, Indonesia, September 5, 2024. AP

In her first public statement after her extradition to the Philippines, Guo maintained her innocence, claiming, I have received death threats, and I asked for help (from authorities). And I was happy when I saw them. I felt safe. Her legal team expressed relief that she would finally have the opportunity to respond to the numerous allegations against her.

Advertisement

Meanwhile, Marcos Jr vowed to ensure that justice would be served, stating, The arm of the law is long, and it will reach you.

Is Guo connected to Chinese criminal syndicates?

A central element of Guos case revolves around her suspected connections to Chinese criminal syndicates. During the senate inquiry, her evasive answers about her Chinese parentage, lack of ties to the local community, and the discovery of her business ventures with individuals already convicted of fraud raised red flags.

It was revealed that she had worked closely with Zhang Ruijin and Lin Baoying, both of whom were serving time in Singapore for using forged documents to launder millions of dollars, reported CNN.

In July 2024, Marcos Jr delivered a stern message to the nation, highlighting concerns over the growing presence of offshore casinos like the one in Bamban. Disguising as legitimate entities, their operations have ventured into illicit areas furthest from gaming, such as financial scamming, money laundering, prostitution, human trafficking, kidnapping, brutal torture  even murder, he stated. Marcos then ordered a complete shutdown of such operations across the country.

The investigation into Guo became a symbol of the Philippines rising concerns about Chinas growing influence in the region, particularly in light of increasing tensions over overlapping territorial claims in the South China Sea.

A potential prisoner swap?

Guos arrest also brought attention to the case of Gregor Johann Haas, an Australian national with alleged ties to the Mexican Sinaloa drug cartel, who is currently detained in the Philippines.

Media reports speculated that Indonesian authorities had proposed a prisoner swap: Guo in exchange for Haas, who is wanted in Indonesia for attempting to smuggle over five kilograms of methamphetamine concealed in floor tiles, reported Reuters.

Alice Guo, also known as Chinese national Guo Hua Ping, a fugitive former Philippine mayor, who was was arrested and deported from Indonesia, turns her back during during a press conference upon arrival at a private plane charter in Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines, September 6, 2024. Reuters

Philippine Justice Secretary Crispin Remulla, however, denied any formal request for such a swap but acknowledged that such discussions might be taking place behind the scenes.

Also Read: How former New York Governor aide Linda Sun spied for China in exchange for salted ducks

With inputs from agencies
Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, a 26-year-old Turkish-American, was allegedly killed by Israeli forces while protesting against settlement expansion in the West Bank. Eygi, who recently graduated from the University of Washington, was shot in the head during a demonstration near Beita. Eyewitnesses report that she was not posing a threat at the time of her death read more

Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, a 26-year-old Turkish-American and recent graduate of the University of Washington, was allegedly killed by Israeli forces in the West Bank on Friday while participating in a protest against Israeli settlement expansion.

Eygi was struck by a live bullet to the head during the demonstration near the town of Beita. Eyewitnesses said that Eygi was not posing any threat at the time of the shooting, which occurred after a period of relative calm following earlier clashes between Palestinian protesters and Israeli soldiers.

Advertisement

The protest had begun with a communal prayer held by dozens of Palestinians and international activists. Shortly afterward, confrontations broke out between protesters, who were throwing stones, and Israeli forces, who responded with tear gas and live ammunition.

Eygi was shot as the clashes subsided, with soldiers on the roof of a nearby house reportedly firing into the crowd. Two Palestinian doctors confirmed that she was shot in the head, and efforts to save her life were unsuccessful.

Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, 26 year old US citizen from Turkish origin, was executed by Israeli soldiers in the town of Beita, Nablus.



Her body is currently at Rafidia Hospital in Nablus. pic.twitter.com/yMxWwEXdOs  Gaza Notifications (@gazanotice) September 6, 2024

Eygi had travelled to the West Bank just two days before her death and was attending the weekly demonstration that regularly protests the expansion of Israeli settlements. This demonstration near the Israeli settlement of Evyatar has often seen confrontations between protesters and Israeli forces, with the International Solidarity Movement (ISM) reporting that 17 Palestinians have been killed in the same location since March 2020.

Advertisement

The Israeli military stated that they were looking into reports of the incident, noting that their troops had been responding to instigators of violent activity. The US government, which confirmed Eygis death, called on Israel to investigate the circumstances of the shooting. The White House stated it was deeply disturbed by the killing of a US citizen.

Who was Aysenur Ezgi Eygi?

Born in Turkey and raised in Seattle, Eygi held dual Turkish and American citizenship. She moved to the US as an infant and grew up in Seattle, where she attended local schools, including Seattle Public Schools and Seattle Central College, before transferring to the University of Washington (UW).

Advertisement

Eygi graduated from UW in the spring of 2023 with a degree in psychology. She had expressed an interest in pursuing further studies, including the possibility of a doctorate in Near East archaeology.

At UW, Eygi was an active participant in several political causes, including pro-Palestinian activism. In the spring of 2023, she was involved in organising a protest encampment related to the war in Gaza, during which she and other protesters engaged in negotiations with the universitys administration.

This image taken from an Associated Press video shows Aysenur Ezgi Eygis body being transported through the Rafidia Surgical Hospital, where she was taken after after witnesses say she was fatally shot by Israeli soldiers, September 6, 2024, in the West Bank city of Nablus. AP

Eygi was known for her work in coordinating teach-ins and other educational programming at the encampment, which ultimately led to an agreement that included scholarships for students displaced by the Israel-Hamas war.

Advertisement

Eygi was also involved in previous protests, such as demonstrations against the Dakota Access Pipeline in the United States, and was known for advocating on various human rights issues.

Her involvement in the International Solidarity Movement (ISM), a group that supports Palestinian resistance to Israeli occupation, reflected her broader commitment to these causes. ISM has reported that three of its activists have been killed since 2000 while participating in protests against Israeli actions in Palestinian territories.

Cok iyi bir universiteden mezun

Iyi bir kariyeri var

Maddi durumu oldukca iyi

Daha 26 yasnda



Tum bunlara ragmen o rahatlk icinde yasamay degil de serefli bir sekilde olmeyi tercih etti.



Hem canyla hem de malyla mazlumlarn yannda oldu



Sehit Aysenur Ezgi Eygi  pic.twitter.com/iKOqEBNhbP  Tugberk (@tugberk37) September 6, 2024

Advertisement

Her former professors and friends described her as a dedicated and passionate advocate. One former professor at UW, Dr. Nadine Naber, recalled Eygi as someone deeply committed to human rights and willing to go to great lengths to defend the vulnerable, reported The Seattle Times.

Another close friend from Seattle, Maria Clark, spoke of Eygis courage and her unwavering belief in the importance of activism. Ezgi believed in standing up for whats right, no matter the cost, said Clark. She was fearless.

A fellow organiser in Seattle, Amir Patel, stated that Eygi had always been at the forefront of protests. He recounted her participation in the Black Lives Matter marches in Seattle, where she often carried signs calling for justice not only in the US but also in Palestine.

Ezgi had this ability to connect struggles across borders, Patel remarked, She saw the links between oppression in the US, Palestine, and elsewhere. Her activism was global.

Other friends highlighted her compassionate personality. She was a listener, someone who cared deeply about people and always tried to help others understand complex issues, said fellow activist Laura McKenzie. She wanted justice not just for Palestinians, but for everyone who faced oppression.

How did the shooting happen?

Eygis death has drawn widespread condemnation from both local and international figures. Eyewitnesses to the shooting, including fellow ISM activists Jonathan Pollak and Mariam Dag, provided detailed accounts of the events leading to her death.

Pollak described seeing soldiers on a rooftop aiming at the crowd before Eygi was shot. Dag similarly stated that she saw the gunfire that struck Eygi and a Palestinian protester, noting that the shots appeared to come from the direction of Israeli forces.

Two doctors confirmed that Eygi had been shot in the head: Dr. Ward Basalat, who provided first aid at the scene, and Dr. Fouad Naffa, the director of Rafidia Hospital in Nablus, where Eygi was transported. Despite their efforts, she succumbed to her injuries shortly after arriving at the hospital.

How did the US & Turkey react?

Following the incident, US Ambassador to Israel Jack Lew expressed concern over Eygis death, stating that the US government was gathering more information about the circumstances.

We are aware of the tragic death of an American citizen, Aysenur Eygi, today in the West Bank, Lew posted on X on Friday. We are urgently gathering more information about the circumstances of her death, and will have more to say as we learn more. We have no higher priority than the safety and security of American citizens.

We are aware of the tragic death of an American citizen, Aysenur Eygi, today in the West Bank. We offer our deepest condolences to her family and loved ones. We are urgently gathering more information about the circumstances of her death, and will have more to say as we learn  Ambassador Jack Lew (@USAmbIsrael) September 6, 2024

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken echoed these sentiments, noting that the US was intensely focused on understanding what happened. He also stated that the US would take necessary steps once the investigations findings were made clear.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry also condemned the killing, with spokesperson Oncu Keceli stating that Turkey would push to ensure that those responsible were held accountable. Human rights organisations have criticised the lack of accountability for Israeli soldiers involved in similar incidents, pointing to previous cases where soldiers were not prosecuted or received light sentences.

What is happening in the West Bank?

Eygis killing took place amid an intensification of violence in the West Bank following the Israel-Hamas war that began in October 2023. The West Bank has seen a sharp increase in Israeli military raids, attacks by Palestinian militants, and violence between Israeli settlers and Palestinians.

According to Palestinian health officials, over 690 Palestinians have been killed in the region since the conflict escalated. Eygis death is one of several recent incidents involving the deaths of foreign nationals in the region.

A month earlier, an American, Amado Sison, was shot in the leg by Israeli forces during a similar protest in Beita. Additionally, two Palestinian-American teenagers, Mohammad Khdour and Tawfic Abdel Jabbar, were killed by Israeli fire while driving near their villages.

US Senator Chris Van Hollen has criticised the Biden administration for not doing enough to pursue justice in these cases, calling for greater accountability for American citizens harmed in the conflict.

3 U.S. citizens have now been killed in the West Bank in 11 months. There MUST be justice & accountability. The Netanyahu gvt hasn't provided that & the Biden Admin needs to do more to obtain it.



Those responsible must be held accountable & the DOJ must take action if necessary: https://t.co/QTja0vFzkN pic.twitter.com/wTDS0AEJzl  Senator Chris Van Hollen (@ChrisVanHollen) September 6, 2024

In response to the growing violence, several US lawmakers, including Senator Patty Murray and Representative Pramila Jayapal, issued statements condemning Eygis killing and the broader situation in the West Bank.

I am heartbroken & angry about the killing of Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, an American citizen, in the West Bank today, who was peacefully protesting against illegal settlement activity. Israel must deliver answers immediately & hold the perpetrators fully accountable.



Read my full  Senator Patty Murray (@PattyMurray) September 6, 2024

Murray described the expansion of Israeli settlements as destabilising and called for an end to settler violence, while Jayapal criticised the policies of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government.

My statement on the death of Aysenur Eygi, a recent University of Washington graduate, who was killed while protesting occupation in the West Bank: pic.twitter.com/OUbN45jDIY  Rep. Pramila Jayapal (@RepJayapal) September 6, 2024

The International Solidarity Movement, which described Eygi as a martyr, has been vocal in its opposition to the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories.

It is with heavy hearts that we report that one of ISM's volunteers- Aysenur Eygi -was intentionally shot and killed today by the Israeli army in the village of Beita. She is the 18th protester to be martyred in Beita

You can read ISM's press release here: https://t.co/vtd7JOAmku  ISM Palestine (@ISMPalestine) September 6, 2024

The group has pointed to previous incidents involving the deaths of activists such as Rachel Corrie, who was killed in Gaza in 2003 while attempting to prevent the demolition of a Palestinian home, and Tom Hurndall, a British ISM activist shot in Gaza that same year.

Will those responsible be held accountable?

Eygis death has prompted widespread calls for accountability. Human rights organisations have raised concerns over the lack of prosecutions for Israeli soldiers involved in fatal shootings of both Palestinians and international activists.

The Israeli military has stated that it investigates incidents involving the deaths of civilians, but rights groups claim that these investigations rarely lead to meaningful consequences.

In 2022, the death of Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh similarly drew global attention. Abu Akleh was shot while covering an Israeli military raid in the West Bank. In Abu Aklehs case as well, eyewitnesses confirmed that Israeli forces on the same street fired deliberately on the reporters on what seemed to be a targeted attack.

A picture of Al Jazeera reporter Shireen Abu Akleh, who was killed during an Israeli raid in Jenin, is displayed at the Al-Jazeera headquarters building in Doha, Qatar, May 11, 2022. File Image/Reuters

US officials concluded that an Israeli soldier likely killed her, although Israel stopped short of launching a criminal investigation. Eygis death has once again highlighted concerns about the safety of foreign nationals and civilians in the region.

Also Read | Shireen Abu Akleh: Crime of execution raises fear for journalists

With inputs from agencies
In the labyrinth of human experience, the intersection of sexual activity and mental health reveals a complex tapestry of physical pleasure and psychological well-being. Imagine a symphony where every notefrom stress relief to sexual satisfactionplays a crucial role in harmonising the human experience.

Sexual activity isnt just a biological function. Its a reflection of overall health and emotional balance. Like a finely tuned instrument, the body and mind must be in sync to truly experience the profound pleasure that sexual activity can offer. Through this dialogue with Dr Anshu Kulkarni, a Mumbai-based senior consultant psychiatrist, the delicate threads connecting physical intimacy with mental health will be unravelled, shedding light on how different dynamicswhether in straight or LGBTQ+ relationshipsshape experiences and perceptions.

Advertisement

How do you observe the relationship between sexual activity and stress relief?

Sexual activity requires a healthy body. A healthy body includes a healthy brain and overall well-being both physically and mentally. Just as every system in the body has its own functions, the reproductive system has its role too.

Similarly, since its all about achieving a balanced emotional, mental and physical state, thats what contributes to good sexual health. Its just one aspect of it. Stress relief can come from socialising, reading or any other activities we engage in. In the same way, practicing sexuality varies from person to person.

What patterns have you identified in how sexual satisfaction or dissatisfaction influences overall mental well-being?

So, like other forms of learning and activities, all of these work by providing a certain sense of pleasure, right? This pleasure is processed by the brain through the release of dopamine. Similarly, sexual activity is also associated with dopamine release. Dopamine release is similar to positive learning, which makes us feel good when we engage in activities that bring us pleasure. The same applies to sexual activity.

How does sexual dysfunction contribute to mental health disorders like anxiety and depression or vice versa?

Its a vicious cycle. One needs to have a healthy body and a healthy brain to engage in sexual activity, which is just a normal part of daily life. Theres nothing particularly different about it. However, since all activity begins in the brain, if we are happy, we feel motivated to engage in it. This motivation extends to speaking, connecting emotionally, and physically with our partner or partners, as it varies greatly from person to person.

Advertisement

When we are mentally healthy, we are more inclined to engage in sexual activity. Conversely, if someone is not doing well mentally, whether due to anxiety, depression, psychosis, or any other condition, sexual activity, like other activities, can be affected. It may impact ones desire for pleasure, perceptions of their partner and ability to relate to their partner among other aspects.

And not to overlook, certain medications can cause diminished sexual libido or, in men, issues with ejaculation or erection, and in women, decreased libido. These effects can also impact sexual activity. Therefore, as mental health professionals, we must be informed and aware that theres no specific age limit to sexual activity.

Advertisement

Its important to have open conversations with our clients about their physical intimacy with their partners. We should ask how they are feeling in this regard because if their illness or medication is affecting them, they may be too shy or reluctant to open up unless we encourage this dialogue.

I would also like to emphasise that not all psychotropic medications cause these issues, and not all individuals will experience them. Its important to be aware of this. For example, if I take a certain medication, my reaction to it may be different from someone elses. This varies from person to person. Therefore, its not true that all psychotropic medications lead to sexual dysfunction.

Advertisement

What role do you believe self-esteem and body image play in the sexual and mental health of a person?

If a person is comfortable with their body, they are more likely to engage in healthy sexual activity. Some people might be so uncomfortable with their appearance that they shy away from looking at themselves in the mirror or while showering. Its important for individuals to be comfortable with the way they look, although this can be very subjective.

A person may be preoccupied with thoughts about their appearance, worrying about how they look or how they are perceived by their partner. This preoccupation can hinder their ability to engage in sexual activity as it all starts in the brain.

Advertisement

How do these factors differ in their impact between straight and LGBTQ+ individuals?

I think its important to consider how these factors impact individuals differently in opposite-sex relationships compared to those in LGBTQ relationships. For LGBTQ individuals, the impact can be similar, but their experiences may be more complex due to their personal and social struggles.

For instance, I have a client with schizophrenia who is receiving treatment and has a same-sex orientation. He is very cautious about medication and wants to understand how it might affect him, particularly in terms of sexual expression. For some people, how they express themselves sexually is crucial, as it significantly impacts their life due to the social challenges they face. Thus, understanding and addressing these concerns is essential.

How do relationship dynamics, including emotional intimacy, factor into the mental health challenges faced by an individual?

In a physical relationship, intimacy is a crucial precursor. This question addresses how relationship dynamics, including emotional intimacy, factor into mental health challenges faced by an individual. Emotional intimacy involves engaging with another person, interpreting signals, understanding conversations, recognising subtle cues, and being aware of ones own reactions. If someone is facing mental health challenges, emotional intimacy can be affected.

For example, someone with major depressive disorder or a thought disorder might be preoccupied with their own ruminations and thoughts, making it difficult to connect with others and perceive their cues. As a result, their emotional intimacy may suffer. Similarly, if a person is overly focused on sexual activity and disconnected from their partners needs and signals, they may not be on the same page, impacting the relationship. These dynamics illustrate how mental health challenges can affect emotional intimacy and overall relationship quality.

Have you noticed different challenges or needs between straight couples and LGBTQ+ couples? What challenges do you see in addressing sexual health within the context of psychiatric care?

Yes, as I mentioned, expressing sexual identity is particularly important for LGBTQ individuals. Mental health professionals must be cautious and considerate when discussing this aspect. For example, if there are two peopleone with a different sexual orientation and the other LGBTQit is crucial for the mental health professional to carefully address their expectations and challenges related to medication.

Its important to understand and respect what is on the patients mind, as sexual expression can be a significant aspect of their life. Professionals should not overlook these concerns. Beyond this, there is no fundamental difference in how these issues should be addressed.

Are there specific barriers that LGBTQ+ patients face in accessing appropriate care for their sexual health? How does societal stigma around sexual orientation and identity affect the mental health of LGBTQ+ individuals?

Awareness about safe sex practices, family planning, gender-affirmative procedures and preventive measures for sexually transmitted infections, cancers and fertility is notably lacking within the LGBTQ+ community. Many LGBTQ+ individuals do not receive this crucial education at an early age and biases and negative experiences with healthcare providers further exacerbate the issue.

How do you balance the focus between addressing sexual health and other aspects of a persons mental well-being?

Negative psychological well-being, including conditions like depression, anxiety disorders and psychosis, can hinder sexual health. Chronic diseases such as diabetes, high cholesterol and hypertension also affect sexual health, highlighting the need for increased awareness of their interconnection. There is a need for greater emphasis on female sexual health, including sexual satisfaction and orgasm, as well as addressing social and cultural biases. Its important to screen for mental health issues during vulnerable times, such as pregnancy and menopause. Conversely, individuals with high life satisfaction and good psychological well-being generally experience better sexual health.

How do different sexual positions, such as a female-dominant position or a male-dominant position, impact intimacy and pleasure for individuals experiencing erectile dysfunction or other challenges?

Different sexual positions can impact intimacy and pleasure in various ways. For instance, a female-dominant position may enhance the experience of affection and intimacy, as it allows for a more expressive form of connection. On the other hand, if someone is experiencing erectile dysfunction, a male-dominant position might be more helpful and advised in such cases. This adjustment can contribute to a more satisfying and comfortable experience for both partners.

In what ways do expressions of affection, such as kisses, contribute to the overall experience of intimacy and pleasure in a relationship, especially when both partners are in sync and enjoying the activity together?

Expressions of affection, like kisses, play a significant role in enhancing intimacy and pleasure. When both partners are on the same page and fully engaged in the activity, kisses can serve as a meaningful expression of love and connection. This mutual enjoyment and communication can elevate the overall experience, making the moment more pleasurable and fulfilling.

Do the dynamics of intimate moments change when a partner, whether male or female, say physically lifts and carries the other? Specifically, do these actions provide mental satisfaction in addition to the obvious physical satisfaction?

Aside from the personal pleasure and fantasy it may provide, there are few tangible benefits. In fact, it might contribute to unrealistic expectations fuelled by movies and media, unless specific positions, such as one partner being on top, enhance manoeuvrability and sexual satisfaction.
Jammu and Kashmir has voted in 12 assembly elections when it was a full-fledged state. Each election has had its significance, but five polls stand out for their historic importance  right from the first in 1951 to the last in 2014 read more

A scenic beauty par excellence, Jammu and Kashmir has been a special story in India, mostly for political reasons. It goes to the polls after 10 years in three phases on September 18, 25 and October 1. Results will be declared on October 8, when votes polled in Haryana state election will also be counted.

The upcoming assembly polls are significant in many ways. It is the first election since the Narendra Modi government ended its special status by abrogating Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir in 2019. It is the first election since it lost its statehood to become a Union Territory, losing Ladakh as its part, which became a separate Union Territory. It is also the first election after a fresh delimitation of assembly, and the first election after 1951 to be held without a Jammu and Kashmir constitution in force.

Advertisement

How Jammu and Kashmir voted in its first assembly election

Jammu and Kashmir became a part of India under dramatic circumstances. The British had left the country sharply divided into hundreds of practically sovereign units in the form of princely states. Jammu and Kashmir was a big one, with its king Hari Singh harbouring the ambition of making it the Switzerland of the East.

Authorised under the Indian Independence Act of 1947, the king initially decided to remain independent but newly formed Pakistan invaded Kashmir only two months after the British partitioned India and left. Facing a certain defeat, the king acceded to India, signing the Instrument of Accession, similar to those signed by hundreds others. By the time, Jammu and Kashmir became a part of India, Pakistan had captured about a third of the princely state. That remains with Pakistan as Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK)  though Pakistan has attempted to integrate its regions with its own territory through various instruments.

While India continues to press for the release of the land  now divided under the jurisdiction of two Union Territories, with Ladakh having the largest chunk  Pakistan has maintained its interest in electoral, political and developmental processes in Jammu and Kashmir.

When the first assembly election happened in 1951, after India adopted its Constitution, Jammu and Kashmir was a full state but it did not yet have its separate constitution.

It was a unique election as the largest political party Congress of then-Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, the stalwart from the freedom struggle, sided with Jammu and Kashmirs National Conference leader Sheikh Abdullah, who had been appointed the executive head of state  then called the prime minister  by the king soon after acceding to India.

Advertisement

The state then had 75 assembly seats  43 in the Kashmir Valley region, 30 in the Jammu region and two in Ladakh. Sheikh Abdullas National Conference won all 43 seats from the Kashmir Valley unopposed. In Jammu, Praja Parishad was set for a fight but boycotted the polls after 13 of its nominees were disqualified. In Ladakh, Sheikh Abdullahs associates won the polls.

Thus, in the first Jammu and Kashmir election, all 75 seats went to Sheikh Abdullahs NC. There was no Opposition bench in the assembly. The NCs slogan was  One Leader, One Party and One Programme.

The first election under J&K Constitution

Advertisement

By the time, Jammu and Kashmir voted next for its assembly, a political understanding had been arrived at and a separate constitution had been assigned to it. Sheikh Abdullah had been sacked in 1953 after his deputy Bakshi Ghulam Muhammad opposed his predecessor for advocating independence.

This election saw about 70 per cent voting in the 28 constituencies that actually went to the polls. Of the 75 assembly seats, 47 were declared unopposed, giving the NC a majority even before the votes were cast. In the final tally, the NC won 68 of the 75 assembly seats to extend its governance in Jammu and Kashmir.

Advertisement

The first vote after Emergency

The national emergency imposed by the Indira Gandhi government in 1975 remains a watershed episode in Indian politics. Just a year before Emergency was clamped, suspending most of the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution of India, Indira Gandhi had reached an agreement with Sheikh Abdullah.

Sheikh Abdullah had been in jail for several years in multiple phases  during the rule of Nehru, his successor Lal Bahadur Shastri and later his daughter Indira Gandhi. The 1974 accord ensured the return of Sheikh Abdullah as the J&K head of the government in exchange for dropping the independence demand by the influential Kashmiri leader.

Advertisement

This accord brought Sheikh Abdullah Jammu and Kashmirs chief ministership after about 22 years  interestingly with the Congress choosing him as its candidate. The NC party founded by Sheikh Abdullah had merged with the Indian National Congress in the 1967 assembly election. After becoming the chief minister, Sheikh Abdullah revived a Plebiscite Party, which had earlier boycotted elections and mobilised its cadres to re-erect the National Conference, which won the 1977 assembly held after the Janata Party government of the Centre dismissed the state government following the fall of India Gandhi post-Emergency.

The number of seats in Jammu and Kashmir increased to 76, and Sheikh Abdullahs NC won 47 to get a comfortable majority in the legislative assembly. The debutant Janata Party got 13 and the Congress 11. So, in a way, the Congress was decimated both at the Centre and Jammu and Kashmir in the shadow of Emergency.

The post-militancy election

The years of late 1980s and the 1990s were tumultuous for Jammu and Kashmir as Pakistans thousand cuts policy of exporting terrorism to India created an atmosphere of fear and violence in the state, particularly the Valley. Kashmiri Hindus were singled out and attacked  most fled the state. The political atmosphere had vitiated especially after the 1987 assembly election that is largely believed to have been massively rigged.

In January 1990, terror outfits and their sympathiser clerics announced from mosques  ralive, tsaliv ya galive [convert to Islam, leave the land or die]. Other slogans raised by the mobs that poured into the streets in tens of thousands were  Death to India and Death to Kafirs. Scores of Kashmiri Hindus were killed and women brutalised.

The election returned to Jammu and Kashmir after nine years in 1996. The election was announced even as an estimated 4,000 terrorists were still roaming in Jammu and Kashmir. It had entered the next phase as the security forces had largely foiled Pakistans deep state attempt but Islamabads establishment had started recruiting foreign (mostly Afghan) terrorists to infiltrate into India. These new foreign recruits came from the hardened stock that had fought with the Soviet forces through the 1980s, but were jobless and money supply had dried up after the collapse of the Soviet Union and the withdrawal of the Red Army from Afghanistan.

The NC emerged as the lead party with 40 seats in the 87-member house, falling short of a majority. The Congress came second with 26 seats. The NCs Farooq Abdullah formed the next government, and three years later joined hands with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Atal Bihari Vajpayees coalition. The 1996 election was an important turning point in Jammu and Kashmirs history as it largely settled the political debate of separatism in the state politics.

The last election

Elections were regularly held in Jammu and Kashmir until 2014, when the voters gave a sharply divided mandate  parties with starkly different ideologies, the Peoples Democratic Party and the BJP emerged biggest blocs in the state assembly.

The PDP won 28 seats  25 from the Kashmir region, which had 46 constituencies. The BJP won 25  all from the Jammu region, which had 37 constituencies. The NC got 15  12 from Kashmir and three from Jammu.

The Congress was the only party that won seats in all three regions  five from Jammu, four from Kashmir and three from Ladakh that had four constituencies. But the Congress had the least number of legislators among the four major parties.

The government formation became a tedious task. No government was possible without the PDP or the BJP. The local rival powers  the PDP and the NC  were not ready to patch up to form the government. Ultimately, a formula was arrived at between the BJP and the PDP. But that government collapsed in June 2018, with the PDP alleging that the BJP wanted to push its muscular policy in Kashmir.

A year later, the Modi government brought resolutions in Parliament, ending special status of Jammu and Kashmir, and abrogating Article 370, ceasing its operation there and also nullifying Article 35A, a part of the annexure. The government also brought a state reorganisation law, creating two Union Territories  J&K and Ladakh  in place of the existing state of Jammu and Kashmir.

The Union Territory has voted in local (District Development Council, DDC, polls in 2020) and parliamentary elections (2019 and 2024) since then but this is the first time in 10 years that about 8.7 million voters would use their franchise to elect their local legislative assembly and a government.
The CBI has accused Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal of being involved in a criminal conspiracy related to the Delhi Excise Policy, alleging he sought illegal funds for his party in exchange for policy favors. Kejriwal, who was arrested in connection with the case, has denied the charges, and the Supreme Courts decision on his petition challenging the arrest is awaited read more

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was party to the criminal conspiracy of the formulation and implementation of the Delhi Excise Policy since the beginning, the CBI has alleged in its latest supplementary charge sheet in the case.

Concluding its probe with the submission of the fifth and final charge sheet in the case, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has alleged that Kejriwal already had a pre-conceived idea of privatising the excise policy, which was scrapped after allegations of corruption surfaced.

Advertisement

He (Kejriwal) demanded monetary support for his party AAP in the month of March 2021, when the policy was being formulated by the GoM headed by the co-accused Manish Sisodia.

His close associate and in-charge of media and communication of AAP (and) accused Vijay Nair was approaching different stakeholders of the Delhi excise business and demanding illegal gratification from them in lieu of a favourable excise policy, the agency has alleged.

The AAP has denied the allegations.

Kejriwal was arrested by the CBI on June 26 from Tihar jail while he was lodged there in connection with a money laundering case linked to the alleged excise policy scam registered by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

The Supreme Courts verdict on his petition challenging the arrest by CBI is awaited.

In its submissions, the CBI further alleged that Vijay Nair acted as a conduit for Kejriwal to contact the accused persons of the South Group headed by co-accused and BRS leader K Kavitha and obtained Rs 100 crore from them in lieu of a favourable excise policy.

As the chief minister, Kejriwal had a role in processing and approval of the manipulated excise policy, it said.

The CBI alleged that Kejriwals role has surfaced in transfer of the ill-gotten money to Goa through two other accused  Vinod Chauhan and Ashish Mathur  through the hawala route.

Further, as the national convener of AAP, it was on his (Kejriwals) directions that the money from the South Group was diverted to Goa for meeting election expenses of the AAP. He is also responsible for the end use of the ill-gotten money during the Goa assembly elections as the AAP is the ultimate beneficiary of the same, the agency said.

Advertisement

It said AAPs Goa incharge Durgesh Pathak was also allegedly responsible for receiving and using the ill-gotten money generated from the criminal conspiracy regarding the formulation and implementation of the Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22.

According to the CBI, of the total Rs 90-100 crore paid by the South Group to tweak the excise policy in its favour, Rs 44.5 crore cash was sent to Goa for meeting election-related expenses.

Two former Goa MLAs who contested the assembly polls on AAP tickets have alleged that they were paid in cash by a party volunteer for meeting campaign-related expenses, the CBI has alleged.

It has claimed that a cartel was formed between three stakeholders of the said policy  liquor manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers  by violating provisions and against the spirit of the policy.

Advertisement

All the conspirators allegedly played active roles in achieving the illegal objectives of the said criminal conspiracy. It resulted in huge losses to the exchequer and undue pecuniary benefits to the public servants and other accused involved in the conspiracy, the agency has alleged.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh said Omar Abdullahs statement on Afzal Gurus hanging inside Tihar jail in February 2013 was shocking as the UPA government was in power at the Centre, and Omar was the chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir. read more

With some separatists contesting in Assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir, Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Saturday asserted those who decide to join the national mainstream cannot be deprived of this democratic opportunity.

He also said the alliance between the National Conference and the Congress is just for the sake of power and it has nothing to do with national interest.

If any separatist has decided to join the national mainstream by fighting elections, should he be deprived of this democratic opportunity? (NC founder Sheikh) Abdullah after spending 12 years in prison came out the same way and became the chief minister. We cannot have two different yardsticks, Singh, the minister of state in the Prime Ministers Office, told reporters here while replying to queries on separatists entering the electoral fray.

Advertisement

On former chief minister and National Conference vice president Omar Abdullahs claim that the BJP has struck a deal with some regional parties and independents candidates to be part of the government in J-K, the minister said, The BJP does not need proxies to fight elections as we are ourselves capable enough to form the government.

Asked about Omar Abdullah fighting elections from two seats of Ganderbal and Budgam in the Kashmir Valley, Singh said when anyone changes his constituency it means he is on a weak wicket.

He said the question should be posed to Abdullah as to why he is contesting from two seats.

You have to prove your democratic credentials and for that, you have to stick to your constituency. Changing your constituency means that you are on a weak wicket, the senior BJP leader said, adding he had won elections for the third consecutive term from Udhampur Lok Sabha constituency and never thought of changing the constituency.

He said Omar Abdullahs statement on Afzal Gurus hanging inside Tihar jail in February 2013 was shocking as the UPA government was in power at the Centre, and Omar was the chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir.

If the central government at that time made a decision about Guru, it was surely with the cabinets consent, and NC president Farooq Abdullah raised no objections, nor did the then Chief Minister Omar protest against the decision, he said.

He said Omar Abdullahs claim of ignorance of Gurus hanging is misleading.

Advertisement

He questioned the Congress stance on Article 370 and said there are 70 per cent young voters in Jammu and Kashmir who are eager to respond strongly to the appeasement politics of the National Conference and Congress in the upcoming assembly elections.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Two illegal miners were murdered on a farm in Esigodini while searching for gold at a panning site. One of the victims has been identified as 50-year-old Bulisani Ncube, while the other remains unidentified.National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi reported that the investigation is ongoing, and the police are seeking information to help solve the case."Police in Bulawayo are requesting any information that could aid the investigation into a murder that occurred at Springvale Farm, Esigodini, on September 5, 2024," Nyathi said. "The victims, Bulisani Ncube, aged 50, and an unidentified male, were attacked by unknown suspects who used machetes, axes, and logs to assault them."The victims were taken to Esigodini District Hospital but unfortunately succumbed to their injuries while receiving treatment.
Following the killing of the man in his sleep, an exchange of gunfire erupted between armed groups from both communities in nearby hills. Three of the five people killed were militants, the police said read more

Violence in Manipur has been ongoing since at least May 2023. File image/PTI

Five people were killed in fresh violence in Manipurs Jiribam district on Saturday (September 7), police said, as clashes between two ethnic communities continued.

A man was shot dead in his sleep by militants who broke into his home in an isolated area, about 5 km from the district headquarters, a police officer said.

Following the killing, an exchange of gunfire erupted between armed groups from both communities in nearby hills, resulting in four more deaths. Three of those killed were militants from the hills-based group, the officer added.

Advertisement

Jiribam, located in the westernmost part of the state, close to the Assam border, had been spared from initial violence. However, it saw unrest in June 2024 after the killing of a 59-year-old man prompted mass displacement and the establishment of relief camps.

Spate of attacks, killings in Manipur

Earlier in the week, arsonists believed to be village volunteers set fire to the abandoned home of a retired police officer in Jakuradhor, police said. A tribal group, the Indigenous Tribes Advocacy Committee, denied involvement in the incident.

Following that, on Friday (September 6), at least one person was killed and five were injured after militants fired two rockets in Bishnupur district. That same day, another bomb attack in the same district had left several people injured.

Continuing ethnic clashes

The latest flare-up comes despite an agreement between representatives of the Meitei and Hmar communities on August 1 to restore peace.

The deal, reached at a meeting moderated by officials from the Jiribam district administration, Assam Rifles, and Central Reserve Police Forces (CRPF), included a pledge to halt violence. However, some Hmar groups later rejected the agreement, saying they had not been consulted.

More than 200 people have been killed, and thousands displaced, in ethnic violence between the valley-based Meitei and hills-based Kuki-Zo communities since May last year.

With inputs from PTI
Khedkar has been accused of cheating and wrongly availing Other Backward Classes (OBC) and disability quota benefits to ensure her selection in the service. She has denied all allegations. read more

The centre has discharged Puja Khedkar, a former probationary civil servant, from the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) with immediate effect, news agency PTI cited sources as saying on Saturday.

The central government, vide order dated September 6, 2024, discharged Khedkar from the Indian Administrative Service under Rule 12 of IAS (Probation) Rules, 1954, with immediate effect, sources told PTI.

The rules allow the central government to discharge probationers from service if they fail to pass the re-examination or if the central government is satisfied that the probationer was ineligible for recruitment to the Service or is unsuitable for being a member of the Service, among others.

Advertisement

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) had, on July 31, cancelled her candidature and debarred her from future exams. Khedkar allegedly misrepresented information in her application for the UPSC Civil Services Examination, 2022 to get reservation benefits. She has been accused of cheating and wrongly availing Other Backward Classes (OBC) and disability quota benefits.

Khedkar was serving as a probationary IAS officer in her cadre state Maharashtra.

On September 5, Khedkar told Delhi High Court that she was willing to get herself medically examined in All India Institute Of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), after the city police claimed that one of her disability certificates may be forged and fabricated.

I am willing to get myself medically examined. First they say I changed my name. Now they say disability is questionable. I am willing to go to AIIMS, the senior counsel appearing for Khedkar said.

She was earlier transferred from Pune to Washim over alleged misuse of power. It was alleged that Khedkar had been using a red-blue beacon, VIP number plates and a Government of Maharashtra sticker on her privately-owned Audi sedan - unauthorised under the Motor Vehicles Act.

According to various reports, she even demanded facilities which are not meant for probationary officers in the IAS. According to a report submitted by Pune collector Suhas Diwse to the General Administration Department, Khedkar had demanded a separate cabin, car, residential quarter and a peon even before joining the duty as a trainee on June 3.

Advertisement

With inputs from agencies.
The exploitation, atrocities, and frustrating status quo maintained by the Pakistani state in Balochistan demanded a breakthrough, which manifested in the strong participation of women in the public space under the feisty leadership of Mahrang Baloch read more

The Baloch uprising against the coercive Pakistani state has found a different face and a new voice in Mahrang Baloch, the leader of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC). Baloch nationalism has been revitalised into an expressive form. Her clarity of perception and grit of Balochi struggle for self-determination inspire a new wave of protest where women take the leading role and become the prominent voice.

This indicates the gravity of the political situation in Balochistan. The frustrating status quo maintained by the Pakistani state demanded a breakthrough, which manifested in the strong participation of women in the public space. The Balochi women tore apart the Islamic social conservatism and participated in a greater cause of Balochi autonomy and dignity. Running to Islamabad for justice for their disappeared kin, relatives, and family members and tedious paperwork were meaningless exercises and a waste of money, time, and resources.

Advertisement

The growing angst against the callous indifference of the Pakistani establishment to the plights of Baloch people snowballed into a major crisis. The feisty leadership of Mahrang Baloch mobilised women, men, and the common people of Balochistan to protest against the apathy of Pakistan. The genesis of the conflict goes back to 1948, when Mir Ahmad Yar Khan Ahmadzai, the ruler of Kalat, signed the instrument of accession. The contentious annexation of Balochistan to Pakistan and the neglect the former suffered despite being a resource-rich and strategically significant region constituted a compelling cause for growing unrest and uprisings for liberation.

The increasing cases of forced disappearances, extra-judicial killing, the polity of divide and rule, economic deprivation, restricted representation, discrimination, indifference, coercion, fake encounters, biased judiciary, and human rights violations forced a groundswell, which manifested in the guerrilla warfare of the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA).

The BLAs violent retaliation was always negatively construed to give the Baloch insurgency a bad name. The Pakistani state-sponsored media and its propaganda machinery diluted the Baloch fight for self-determination into a mere militant reaction and downplayed its weight on the ground. The military solution to the Baloch conflict was a grave miscalculation.

Baloch ethnonationalism undergirds the history of consistent resistance and demand for autonomy. Against this determinism, suppressing its intensity and dismissing it as a non-event was an expression of condescension. The continuous wave for a bigger conflagration was always mischaracterised as the reactions of the fringe groups.

Mahrang Balochs movement has shown the Janus face of Pakistan. The mass support she has attracted disturbs the Pakistani deep state. No propaganda and fake narrative dissemination help Pakistan to avoid the crisis that is corroding it from within. Pakistan is imploding. The crisis has gone out of hand. The patchwork nation is dismantling from within. A synthetic nation stitched together without consensus develops strong disagreements. Pakistans preference for force to secure agreement among the constituent states was either a misreading or egotism.

Advertisement

This miscalculation manifested in the resistive forms. It also crystallised the perceptions of Balochi nationalism. Mahrang Baloch galvanises this political perception into an enduring and undying movement. Her preference for peace as a decisive methodology of political freedom strikes a chord with the general aspirations of the people. Therefore, her call for freedom has reached the grassroots.

The Baloch nation has reawakened itself to a new realisation of complete freedom. Her voice gets the force from her suffering and the suffering of the Baloch people. This combination develops a synergy of forces that demand results. Her fathers political activism led to his forced disappearance, and he was found dead in 2011. Her brother also disappeared in 2017. She resorted to untiring campaigning, sit-ins, and marches. Her brother returned home in 2018. This is not just her story. Its recurrence is uniform and a Pan-Baloch reality.

Advertisement

The forced disappearances of Baloch and their intimidation have become the status quo and seen no perceivable change. The deafness of Islamabad gave no heed to the Baloch suffering. Her courage to say no to Islamabad for its atrocities led to the birth of BYC in 2019. Now, she is unstoppable. Her vision and demands are clear. She is gutsy, sharp, and articulate enough to call a spade a spade. She has become the voice of the Baloch people. She speaks to the global audience and international agencies directly and unpacks the Pakistani cunning in peddling bias, misrepresentation, and deliberate falsification of the Baloch reality. She began from the grassroots, spoke to young women, and carried out a door-to-door campaign. She is an MBBS from Bolan Medical College, Quetta. Her ability to understand human suffering as a doctor is corroborated by her tone of sympathy.

Advertisement

This combination attracted women to support and participate in her effort to seek justice for the suffering Baloch. The Baloch youth found a sincere effort and a hope of difference in her voice. She sensitised the young women to the need for comprehensive participation in the Baloch political problem. Her movement gradually perceived the involvement of all sections of women, from teenagers to the ageing. Despite the roadblocks, hindrances, and arrests, the women of Balochistan fought against the persecution of the Baloch people.

Pakistans step-brotherly attitude towards Balochistan, inadequate representation, chronic inattention, economic demoralisation, and repression of dissent, despite being the largest province and resource-rich region, have reached a critical point where it has invited strong resentment.

Advertisement

Given this background, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has developed more apprehension. The Chinese debt trap diplomacy, its hegemonic nature, technological might, and resource-draining interests have intensified fear. The urgency to resist these forces that weaken Baloch nationalism, human rights, and territorial and resource integrity has found an impactful articulation in the voice of a young women leader, Mahrang Baloch. She has called Pakistans atrocities against the Baloch people a genocide. Her protest is against the state-sponsored oppression and suspension of democratic values and principles.

Military and intelligence agencies cannot replace democracy. The Pakistani state has foregrounded the former and muzzled the voices of the people of Balochistan. She protests to restore democracy, the rule of law, and a new Balochistan free from state oppression. She feels that the role of women is important in the domains of politics, geopolitics, and international affairs. This will break the shackles of socio-cultural restrictions imposed upon them. Her actions also alter the social perceptions of women and their forced confinement to domesticity. Womens liberation has become her core philosophy.

The Baloch resistance liberates women. It develops in them the political consciousness to ensure a free Balochistan where democracy shines. This optimism gives her resistance movement a new dimension, force, and aspiration. It will achieve a new milestone of womens liberation and freedom in Balochistan.

Given these developments in Balochistan, the Baloch amalgamation with Pakistan in 1948 was a failed project. Consensus cannot be achieved through coercion. Pakistan tried to stitch its relations with Balochistan by force. It failed miserably. Pakistans disintegration is nearing faster. Its neo-colonial mindset, elitism, intimidation, and territorial occupation have failed to adopt integrative approaches to statecraft. Territorial disintegration is now work-in-progress. If Balochistan secedes, other resentful states await exit from Pakistan. Pakistans cartography will shrink to a fragile and tottering miniature. However, there is no dearth of symptoms for such an eventuality, but the endgame is yet to be delivered.

Jajati K Pattnaik is an Associate Professor at the Centre for West Asian Studies, School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. Chandan K Panda is an Assistant Professor at Rajiv Gandhi University (A Central University), Itanagar. The views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the authors. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
The baseless stereotype that dictators are going to start a war when they are in troubleplays right into Beijings psychological warfare. It creates a mindset in which China should not be troubled lest it trigger a global apocalypse read more

When Taiwanese president Lai Ching-te said China should focus on retaking land occupied by Russia, he turned Chinas narrative around, and this is exactly what Taiwan needs.

China is nowhere as strong as it seems, and its claim on Taiwan is baseless, but it fully intends to fake it until it makes it. China manages to project an aura of invincibility and a sense of inevitability that aims at achieving what everyone seriously involved in Taiwan has understood: Beijing wants to take the island without a fight by scaring everyone into surrendering and accepting its lies about the island.

Advertisement

The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) wants the Taiwanese people themselves to be frightened until theyd rather give up, and the rest of the world must be convinced that defending Taiwan is a lost cause that isnt worth the pain.

And most of the time, China doesnt have to work hard to push its narrative that all is lost. Taiwan, and most like-minded democracies, have disregarded this global psychological offensive for too long, enabling Beijing to create a permanent background noise in its favour even though its message is actually clumsy and its methods rather basic.

China dominates the narrative by default, because it is the only one that even tries. This is something I witnessed in my time as a journalist around Taiwan: China doesnt even need any sort of 3D chess strategic thinking to relay its message. All it needs is to endlessly repeat it in the most simple terms, and the laziness, ignorance, and general apathy of its opponents do the trick: Chinas message is amplified by a lack of interest in countering it. It is not because of corruption or a wish to serve propaganda; it is simply laziness, ignorance, and complacency, especially in newsrooms.

China has one perfect tool for it: Americas most reputable international news agency. Media rely essentially on Reuters and Associated Press (AP) for their video and audio grabs, and international news stories are based on what these two agencies will provide. It is important to know that AP provides the content of Chinese state media CCTV to its clients, meaning newsrooms are granted the use of whatever propaganda images China wants to bring on their table. Of course, AP includes a disclaimer at the beginning of every newsreel that those are not part of APs editorial choices, and no self-respecting journalist in any democracy would repeat whatever script comes with these reels. But I saw what the effect is: underpaid, exhausted, or simply unqualified journalists will cherish the opportunity to use these images to illustrate their story. And even if the story is not overly pro-Chinese, the images are what China wants to show: warships fearlessly cutting the waves, soldiers parading, missiles being shot A dream come true for a journalist looking to fix an exciting story within a tight deadline, serving China their audience on a silver plate, presenting them terrifying images of Chinese forces about to overwhelm Taiwan and short grabs justifying its claims. Why even try to resist?

Advertisement

Journalists also need experts, none the least because they are the only people who are always eager to speak: try to interview government officials and dive into a rabbit hole of bureaucratic obstacles, but any academic would readily jump in an online call for an interview, and thats what you need when you must fix up a story on a deadline. And you would never believe how many people hold a PhD or previous experience in intelligence, military, or diplomacy, until you start paying attention to cross-Straits relations.

A massive ecosystem of China watchers built their personal brand on reading the future, propelled by a media industry that would grant the honours of their front page to anyone with a varnish of respectability who picks up a megaphone and screams loudly their own personal prediction on when a war will happen.

Advertisement

Its like a supermarket: you can shop around for an expert who will tell you their two cents about when Taiwan will meet its doom. I sometimes make it a game to count down how many occurences of might, may, could, possibly, and other variations of maybe I can find in their analyses.

The use of weasel words and constant conditional mood means they will be right whatever happens. Exploring the widest span of options only makes them look superficially smarter. For readers who browse through what seems like a legit source, what will remain imprinted in their mind is the general idea that Taiwan is already lost and theres no point dying for it. But if you make the effort to trim through the uncertainties of their discourse, nothing remains: these people know nothing, which is not surprising because nobody knows if and when a conflict would arise. But the damage is done: someone got taps in the back about their cleverness, and everyone who saw the headline thinks I am about to face the biggest thing since the Normandy landings in my neighbourhood. Its not even China that is at fault for it: we simply give up on fighting equally against their false narrative, in favour of a fauna of fortune-tellers that provide an ingestible story.

Advertisement

And Chinas discourse is now so deeply ingrained that our experts and journalists do not even need to be nudged further; they already accepted it. In an otherwise very interesting and well documented article, the respected Paul Krugman committed the mistake of repeating the well-worn cliche that you dont have to study much history to be aware that autocratic regimes sometimes respond to domestic difficulties by trying to distract the population with foreign adventurism in reaction to Chinas economic woes. It is alarming that even such a high-level personality as Paul Krugman repeats that trope as if it were obvious and did not need to be supported by facts, when actually looking into much history teaches us there is literally not one occurence in modern times of a war conducted by a dictator to drive attention away from domestic troubles. Every article mentioning domestic trouble in China will be inundated with comments that Xi Jinping will attack Taiwan to distract his population from domestic troubles, based on the false narrative that dictators often do this.

Advertisement

In fact there is no such pattern, and indeed no such example, at all. For starters, war is too costly to serve as a distraction, especially in times of economic troubles. When I interviewed researcher Azar Gat on his work on the history of warfare, he demonstrated that war typically costs around half of a nations GDP. The concept of waging war during economic instability defies practicality. The logistical complexities, resource allocation, and strategic foresight required for conflict belie the notion of using war as a swift diversion tactic.

The Falklands War is a frequently cited example. But while Argentinian dictator Leopoldo Galtieris decision to invade the Falklands was influenced by a degree of domestic discontent, it was propelled more by an erroneous assessment that the British would not fight back and the perceived ease of victory. If anything, Galteri invaded the Falklands precisely because he thought it would not start a war. This is not the case for Taiwan, at least until the defeatist narrative has defanged the Taiwanese and their allies.

The baseless stereotype that dictators are going to start a war when they are in troubleplays right into Beijings psychological warfare. It creates a mindset in which China should not be troubled lest it trigger a global apocalypse. When Paul Krugman concludes that Chinas domestic problems make it more, not less, of a danger to global security, he unwittingly echoes Beijings propaganda: its narrative has been so thoroughly embedded in our subconsciousness that there is not even a need to push it further; our analysts are doing the job themselves.

Everything China says about Taiwan is a lie, and it is not even especially good at formulating them, but the other side has been enabling it for too long. If Lais declaration is a sign that the tables are going to be turned and that another narrative will be pushed, then Taiwan will benefit greatly. It is time now to offer an equally sharp and efficient message to assert that Taiwan can defend its right to exist.

Julien Oeuillet is a Taiwan-based journalist. He works for several English-language media such as Radio Taiwan International and television channel TaiwanPlus. The views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the authors. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
The protest came in the wake of a recent South Korean court ruling that criticised the countrys laws for failing to protect basic human rights and future generations read more

Tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets in Seoul, south Korea over climate justice inaction. Representative image/AP

More than 30,000 protesters filled the streets of South Koreas capital, Seoul, on Saturday (September 7), demanding stronger government action on a burning global issue amid scorching summer heat.

Demonstrators of all ages gathered in one of the countrys largest protests this year, causing traffic disruptions in the bustling Gangnam district on a hot day with temperature over 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit), to raise their voice against inaction on climate change.

Advertisement

Organisers chose the Gangnam area, a financial and shopping hub, to ensure their message reached major corporations they hold accountable for significant carbon emissions. Last year, the protest took place in Seouls Gwanghwamun area.

Conservative government blamed

Waving banners with messages like Climate justice, Protect our lives! and denouncing President Yoon Suk Yeols administration as a climate villain, the protesters called for urgent reforms to address global warming.

Protesters highlighted the urgency of the climate crisis, pointing to a record-breaking summer in Seoul, where temperatures stayed above 25 C (77 F) for 20 consecutive nightsofficially classified as tropical nights.

This is a survival issue for younger generations, said Kim Ki-chang, a 46-year-old novelist attending the protest for the third year in a row. The older generation should do more to protect the future.

Running out of time

Without air conditioning, this summer would have been unlivable, said Yu Si-yun, an environmental activist and protest leader. This is a global crisis, and we are running out of time. We need systemic change now.

The protest was organised by the 907 Climate Justice March Group Committee and came in the wake of a recent South Korean court ruling that criticised the countrys climate laws for failing to protect basic human rights and future generations.

Advertisement

The lawsuit, filed by 200 plaintiffs, including young climate activists, accused the government of not doing enough to curb climate change.

A failing carbon neutrality pledge

Despite South Koreas pledge to reach carbon neutrality by 2050, the nation remains the second-largest coal polluter among G20 economies, behind Australia. Critics argue the government has been slow to adopt renewable energy and last year lowered its 2030 targets for reducing industrial greenhouse gas emissions, although it maintained its national goal of a 40 per cent reduction from 2018 levels.

Climate change is already impacting South Koreas agriculture. Farmers have reported reduced quality and quantity of napa cabbage, a key ingredient in the countrys staple kimchi, as a result of rising temperatures.

Advertisement

With inputs from Reuters
Starmer visited the White House two months ago for one-on-one talks with Biden when he was in Washington for the NATO Summit read more

President Joe Biden will host British Prime Minister Keir Starmer for talks in Washington next week that are expected to touch on the wars in Ukraine and Gaza and other issues.

Next Fridays meeting with the leader of one of Americas closest allies comes as Biden looks to step up engagement on the international stage in his final months in office. U.S. allies and adversaries are also intently watching how the race to succeed Biden between Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican former President Donald Trump plays out.

Advertisement

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement that the Oval Office visit, the second by Starmer since he was elected earlier this summer, will focus on continuing Western support for Ukraine as it tries to repel Russias invasion, ongoing efforts to secure a hostage and cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas, threats to commercial shipping in the Red Sea posed by the Houthis, an Iranian-backed group, as well as shared concerns about the Indo-Pacific.

Starmer visited the White House two months ago for one-on-one talks with Biden when he was in Washington for the NATO Summit.
Starliner autonomously undocked from the space station at 6:04 pm Eastern Time (2204 GMT), and is set to land at White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico at approximately 0403 GMT read more

In this screen grab from a NASA livestream, the Boeing Starliner spacecraft can be seen pulling away from the International Space Station for its unmanned return to the surface of Earth on September 6, 2024. Source: NASA

Boeings beleaguered Starliner left the International Space Station (ISS) on Friday, bound for Earth without the astronauts who rode up on the spaceship after NASA deemed the risk too great.

After years of delays, Starliner launched in June for what was meant to be a roughly weeklong test mission  a final shakedown before it could finally be certified to ferry crew to and from the orbital laboratory.

But unexpected thruster malfunctions and helium leaks on its way up derailed those plans, and NASA ultimately decided it was safer to bring astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams back on a rival SpaceX Crew Dragon  though theyll have to wait until February 2025.

Advertisement

Starliner autonomously undocked from the space station at 6:04 pm Eastern Time (2204 GMT), and is set to land at White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico at approximately 0403 GMT.

It is time to bring Calypso home, Williams radioed to mission control, using the spaceships nickname.

A smooth, uneventful ride is critical not only for salvaging some pride but also for Boeings prospects of achieving certification in the future.

The century-old aerospace giant had carried out extensive ground testing aimed at replicating the technical issues the spaceship had experienced on its ascent, and devised plans to prevent more problems.

With its reputation already battered by safety concerns affecting its passenger jets, Boeing made assurances in public and in private that it could be trusted to bring the astronauts home  an assessment not shared by NASA

Boeing believed in the model that they had created that tried to predict the thruster degradation for the rest of the flight, Steve Stich, program manager for NASAs Commercial Crew Program, told reporters this week.

But the NASA team, due to the uncertainty in the modelling, could not get comfortable with that, he added, characterizing the mood during meetings as tense.

Advertisement

Certification decisions to come

Shortly after undocking, Starliner performed a powerful breakout burn to quickly send it clear of the station to prevent a collision  a manoeuvre that would have been unnecessary if it had crew aboard who could take manual control of the ship if needed.

Overall, the expectation is that Starliner will successfully carry out its parachute- and airbag-assisted landing in the desert  just as it has during two previous uncrewed tests in 2019 and 2022.

But ground teams will be closely studying all aspects of its performance, particularly its nettlesome thrusters ahead of the critical deorbit burn that brings the spacecraft back through Earths atmosphere, scheduled to take place at 0217 GMT.

Advertisement

NASA awarded Boeing and SpaceX multibillion-dollar contracts a decade ago to develop spacecraft to ferry astronauts to and from the ISS, following the end of the Space Shuttle program, which had left the US space agency reliant on Russian rockets for rides.

Elon Musks SpaceX, initially considered the underdog, beat the mighty Boeing to the punch, and has successfully flown dozens of astronauts since 2020.

The Starliner program meanwhile has been plagued by setbacks.

In 2019, during the first uncrewed test flight, a software defect meant the capsule failed to rendezvous with the ISS. A second software bug could have caused a catastrophic collision between its modules but was caught and fixed just in time.

Advertisement

Then in 2021, with the rocket on the launchpad for a new flight, blocked valves forced another postponement.

The ship finally reached the ISS in May 2022 on a non-crewed launch. But other problems including weak parachutes and flammable tape in the cabin that needed to be removed caused further delays to the crewed test.

For the current mission, Wilmore and Williams were strapped into their seats and ready to fly twice before late scrubs due to technical hitches sent them back to their quarters.
Following the announcement, Franco thanked the Brazilian President for his decisive action over the matter read more

Brazils President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has sacked one of his most popular cabinet ministers Silvio Almeida amid allegations that he sexually harassed at least two women. Human Rights Minister Almeida, who denied the allegations hurled against him was also accused of harassing Racial Equality Minister Anielle Franco.

Following the announcement, Franco thanked the Brazilian President for his decisive action over the matter. However, the whole scandal has delivered a major blow to the Lula administration and the Black rights movement in the country. Both Almeida and Franco were among the leading voices in Brazils fight against racism.

Advertisement

Both were also the prime targets of attacks from supporters of the far-right former president Jair Bolsonaro since the start of Lulas administration in January 2023. On Friday, Lula issued a statement in which he sacked his highly trusted minister.

In light of the serious allegations against minister Silvio Almeida and after calling him in for a discussion  [I] decided to dismiss him," the Brazilian president said in a statement. The federal government reiterates its commitment to human rights and reaffirms that no form of violence against women will be tolerated, the statement concluded, also reiterating that the federal police were investigating the case," he added.

The scandal

The case came to light on Thursday when Brazilian news outlet Metropoles reported that Almeida had been reported to Me Too Brasil, an organisation that defends female victims of sexual violence, for alleged incidents of sexual harassment against women. While the report did not specify the exact number of victims, Francos name was on the list.

Another news outlet called UOL also reported that Almeida is also facing allegations of bullying the ministrys staff. While elucidating the alleged harassment towards Franco by Almeida, Metropoles reported that it involved touching her legs, inappropriate kisses during greetings, and the use of vulgar expressions with sexual content.

The report stated that all the incidents were set to have occurred last year and were reported to other ministers, as well as the first lady, Rosangela da Silva. Despite this, no action was taken over the matter.

Advertisement

Me Too Brasil released a statement on Thursday confirming that the body received complaints against Almeida. However, it did not disclose how many or the names of people involved. The victims faced difficulties in obtaining institutional support to validate their allegations, the organisation said. Meanwhile, on the same day, Almeida swiftly posted a video on his social media in which he declared: I want to  vehemently reject the lies and falsehoods being hurled at me.

It is evident that there is a very well-orchestrated campaign to damage my image as a Black man, as a human rights advocate, and as someone in a prominent public position," he claimed. The Human Rights Minister also used his ministrys official social media accounts to attack Me Too Brasil, claiming that the organisations modus operandi often involved anonymous, unfounded, and baseless accusations.

Advertisement

Franco thanks Lula

Shortly after the announcement, Fraco took to her Instagram and said that it is not acceptable to relativise or downplay episodes of violence, adding that attempts to blame, discredit, coerce, or pressure victims to speak during moments of pain and vulnerability are also inappropriate, as they only perpetuate the cycle of violence.

Advertisement

Since the allegations surfaced, several Black rights organisations in Brazil expressed dismay over the matter. The Black Coalition for Rights, an alliance of about 300 black movement organisations and entities, issued a statement of solidarity with minister Anielle Franco and other female victims with the hashtag #AnielleNaoEstaSo (Anielle is not alone).

Advertisement

While the group did not name Almeida in the statement, it demanded a thorough investigation of the facts, with due accountability for those found guilty and also for those who failed to act in the face of these extremely serious allegations.

With inputs from agencies.
Thousands of supporters of Brazils former President Jair Bolsonaro have started gathering on Sao Paulos main avenue, Avenida Paulista, to participate in a rally commemorating Independence Day. read more

Demonstrators take part in a demonstration calling for the impeachment of Supreme Court Minister Alexandre de Moraes, who recently imposed a nationwide block on Elon Musks social media platform X, in Sao Paulo, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024.- AP

Supporters of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro began flooding Sao Paulos main boulevard for an Independence Day rally Saturday, buoyed by the governments blocking of tech billionaire Elon Musks X platform, a ban they say is proof of their political persecution.

A few thousand demonstrators, clad in the yellow-and-green colors of Brazils flag, poured onto Av. Paulista. References to the ban on X and images of Musk abounded.

Thank you for defending our freedom, read one banner praising the tech entrepreneur.

Advertisement

Saturdays march is a test of Bolsonaros capacity to mobilize turnout ahead of the October municipal elections, even though Brazils electoral court has barred him from running for office until 2030. Its also something of a referendum on X, whose suspension has raised eyebrows even among some of Bolsonaros opponents all the while stoking the flames of Brazils deep-seated political polarization.

A country without liberty cant celebrate anything this day, Bolsonaro wrote on his Instagram account Sept 4., urging Brazilians to stay away from official independence day parades and instead join him in Sao Paulo.

Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes ordered Xs nationwide ban on Aug. 30 after months of feuding with Musk over the limits of free speech. The powerful judge has spearheaded efforts to ban far-right users from spreading misinformation on social media, and he ramped up his clampdown after die-hard Bolsonaro supporters ransacked Congress and the presidential palace on Jan. 8, 2023, in an attempt to overturn Bolsonaros defeat in the presidential election.

The ban is red meat to Bolsonaros allies, who have accused the judiciary and President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silvas government of colluding to silence their movement.

Elon Musk has been a warrior for freedom of speech, staunch Bolsonaro ally and lawmaker Bia Kicis said in an interview. The right is being oppressed, massacred, because the left doesnt want the right to exist.

Our liberties are in danger, we need to make our voices heard. De Moraes is a tyrant, he should be impeached, and people on the streets is the only thing that will convince politicians to do it, added retiree Amaro Santos as he walked down the thoroughfare Saturday,

Advertisement

Musk, a self-proclaimed free speech absolutist, has also urged Brazilians to turn out in droves for the rally, resharing someone elses post claiming that Xs ban had awakened people to the fact that freedom isnt free and needs to be fought for. Hes also created an X account, named for the controversial jurist, to publish sealed court orders directing X to shut down accounts deemed unlawful.

But De Moraes decision to ban X was far from arbitrary, having been upheld by fellow Supreme Court justices. And while expression, online and elsewhere, is more easily censored under Brazils laws than it is in the U.S., Musk has emerged as both a cause celebre and a mouthpiece for unrestricted free speech.

Advertisement

Since 2019, X has shut down 226 accounts of far-right activities accused of undermining Brazils democracy, including those of lawmakers affiliated with Bolsonaros party, according to court records.

But when it refused to take action on some accounts, de Moraes warned last month that its legal representative could be arrested, prompting X to disband its local office. The U.S.-based company refused to name a new representative  as required in order to receive court notices  and de Moraes ordered its nationwide suspension until it did so.

A Supreme Court panel unanimously upheld de Moraes decision to block X days later, undermining Musks efforts to cast him as an authoritarian bent on censoring political speech.

Advertisement

The more controversial component of his ruling was the levy of a whopping $9,000 daily fine for regular Brazilians using virtual private networks (VPNs) to access X.

Some of these measures that have been adopted by the Supreme Court appear to be quite onerous and abusive, said Andrei Roman, CEO of Brazil-based pollster Atlas Intel.

In the lead-up to Saturdays protest, some right-wing politicians defied de Moraes ban and brazenly used a VPN to publish posts on X, calling for people to partake in the protests.

The march in Sao Paulo is organized in parallel to official events to celebrate Brazils anniversary of independence from Portugal. Commemorations have been fraught with tension in recent years, as Bolsonaro used them while in office to rally supporters and show political strength.

Advertisement

Three years ago, he threatened to plunge the country into a constitutional crisis when he declared he would no longer abide de Moraes rulings. He has since toned down the attacks  a reflection of his own delicate legal situation.

Bolsonaro has been indicted twice since his term ended in 2022, most recently for alleged money laundering in connection with undeclared diamonds from Saudi Arabia. De Moraes is overseeing an investigation into the Jan. 8 riot, including whether Bolsonaro had a role in inciting it.
CIA Director William Burns and MI6 Chief Richard Moore emphasized the importance of sustained support for Ukraine in their joint op-ed, marking a rare collaborative statement from the heads of their agencies. They vowed to continue aiding Ukraine, counter Russian disinformation, and address global intelligence challenges, including the rise of China read more

The heads of the U.S. CIA and Britains spy service said in an op-ed on Saturday that staying the course in backing Ukraines fight against Russia was more important than ever and they vowed to further their cooperation there and on other challenges.

The op-ed in the Financial Times by CIA Director William Burns and Richard Moore, chief of the Secret Intelligence Service, was the first ever jointly authored by heads of their agencies.

Advertisement

The partnership lies at the beating heart of the special relationship between our countries, they wrote, noting that their services marked 75 years of partnership two years ago.

The agencies stand together in resisting an assertive Russia and (Russian President Vladimir) Putins war of aggression against Ukraine, they said.

Staying the course (in Ukraine) is more vital than ever. Putin will not succeed in extinguishing Ukraines sovereignty and independence, they said, adding their agencies would continue aiding Ukrainian intelligence.

Russian forces have been slowly advancing in eastern Ukraine, Ukrainian troops have been occupying a large swath of Russias Kursk region and Kyiv has been pleading for more U.S. and Western air defenses.

The spy chiefs said their agencies would keep working to thwart a reckless campaign of sabotage across Europe by Russian intelligence and its cynical use of technology to spread disinformation to drive wedges between us.

Russia has denied pursuing sabotage and disinformation campaigns against the U.S. and other Western countries.

Burns and Moore noted that they had reorganized their agencies to adapt to the rise of China, which they called the principle intelligence and geopolitical challenge of the 21st Century.

The agencies, they said, also have exploited our intelligence channels to push hard restraint and de-escalation in the Middle East, and are working for a truce in Gaza that could end the appalling loss of life of Palestinian civilians and see Hamas release hostage it seized in its Oct. 7 assault on Israel.

Advertisement

Burns is the chief U.S. negotiator in talks to reach a deal.
News / National

by Staff reporter

On Friday, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA), the Zimbabwe Prisons Correctional Services (ZPCS), and the Hope for a Child in Christ (HOCIC) participated in the National Clean-Up Day held in Bulawayo.This initiative is part of a tradition established by President Mnangagwa, who launched the program in December 2018. The initiative encourages citizens to clean their surroundings from 8 am to 10 am on the first Friday of each month.Approximately 100 personnel were involved in the clean-up along Masotsha Ndlovu Avenue, near the Highlanders Flea Market, to honor the President's decree that the first Friday of each month be designated as National Clean-Up Day.Environmental concerns about waste and litter highlight their impact on global temperature control, as greenhouse gases are emitted from plastic waste. Plastics can also physically harm wildlife, contaminate ecosystems with hazardous chemicals, and disrupt important biological processes like carbon sequestration.During the event, Environmental Management Agency (EMA) provincial manager Mrs. Sitshengisiwe Ndlovu urged all stakeholders and vendors from the Highlanders Flea Market to actively engage in keeping the environment clean and to make cleanliness a daily habit."By participating in the clean-up while wearing our uniforms, we aim to inspire citizens to regularly clean their environments," Mrs. Ndlovu said. She emphasized that this month focuses on raising awareness about maintaining a litter-free environment."We need to be a society that is zero-tolerant to litter, not just in urban areas but in every aspect of our lives, including our homes," she added.
The father-daughter duo have been ardent critics of the former president, most notably during Liz Cheneys ill-fated re-election campaign in 2022 read more

As the race for the White House intensifies, former US Vice President Dick Cheney has endorsed the current US Vice President Kamala Harris for the 2024 US Presidential Elections scheduled to take place in November. What makes the endorsement so significant is the fact that Cheney has been a lifelong Republican. His endorsement came after his daughter expressed support for the Democratic presidential nominee.

In our nations 247-year history, there has never been an individual who is a greater threat to our republic than Donald Trump, Cheney said of the former president and Republican nominee. He tried to steal the last election using lies and violence to keep himself in power after the voters had rejected him. He can never be trusted with power again, he added.

Advertisement

The US vice president insisted that by supporting Kamala Harris in the upcoming polls, he is putting the country above partisan divisions. As citizens, we each have a duty to put country above partisanship to defend our constitution. That is why I will be casting my vote for Vice-President Kamala Harris," the veteran politician averred.

Trump reacts

Before the formal endorsement, Liz Cheney, the daughter of the vice president had already made it clear that her father would be voting for Harris, while she was taking part in an onstage interview at the Texas Tribune festival in Austin. Dick Cheney will be voting for Kamala Harris, Liz Cheney said to audience cheers.

When asked for the comment, Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung asked: Who is Liz Cheney? Shortly after Dick Cheneys endorsement of Harris, Trump unleashed a lethal attack against the family on TruthSocial. Dick Cheney is an irrelevant RINO, along with his daughter, who lost by the largest margin in the History of Congressional Races! They couldnt get Scooter Libby, who did so much for them (but was so unfairly treated!), PARDONED. I did it! Hes the King of Endless, Nonsensical Wars, wasting Lives and Trillions of Dollars, just like Comrade Kamala Harris, Trump wrote on TruthSocial.

I am the Peace President, and only I will stop World War III! What Liz Cheney did with the Unselect Committee of Political Losers is unthinkable. She and her Unselects deleted and destroyed all evidence and information - ITS GONE. Much of it proved that Nancy Pelosi was responsible for J6 - DIDNT PROVIDE SECURITY. Cheney and the others should be prosecuted for what they did, but Comrade Kamala is even worse! he added.

Advertisement

The father-daughter duo have been ardent critics of the former president, most notably during Liz Cheneys ill-fated re-election campaign in 2022. The political scion lost her Republican primary to the Trump-endorsed attorney Harriet Hageman. With the 2022 midterm election results, the Cheney family lost Wyomings lone, deep-red region that once was held by the Cheney family.
The family of Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, a Turkish-American woman shot dead in the West Bank, is calling for an independent investigation into her death, accusing the Israeli military of unlawful killing. Eygi was participating in a protest against Israeli settlements when she was shot, and her family seeks accountability beyond an Israeli-led inquiry read more

Colleagues of Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, US-Turkish activist who died after reportedly being shot in the West Bank town of Beita, react on news of her death in a hospital in Nablus in the occupied West Bank on September 6, 2024. AFP

The family of a Turkish-American woman shot dead while demonstrating against Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank demanded an independent investigation into her death on Saturday, accusing the Israeli military of killing her violently.

Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, 26, was shot in the head while participating in a demonstration in Beita in the West Bank on Friday.

Her presence in our lives was taken needlessly, unlawfully, and violently by the Israeli military, Eygis family said in a statement.

Advertisement

A US citizen, Aysenur was peacefully standing for justice when she was killed by a bullet that video shows came from an Israeli military shooter.

We call on President (Joe) Biden, Vice President (Kamala) Harris, and Secretary of State (Antony) Blinken to order an independent investigation into the unlawful killing of a US citizen and to ensure full accountability for the guilty parties.

The Israeli military said its forces responded with fire toward a main instigator of violent activity who hurled rocks at the forces and posed a threat to them during the protest.

Eygi was a member of the International Solidarity Movement (ISM), a pro-Palestinian organisation, and was in Beita on Friday for a weekly demonstration against Israeli settlements, according to ISM.

In recent years, pro-Palestinian demonstrators have frequently held weekly protests against the Eviatar settlement outpost overlooking Beita, which is backed by far-right Israeli ministers.

During Fridays protest, Eygi was shot in the head, according to the UN rights office and Rafidia hospital where she was pronounced dead.

Turkey said she was killed by Israeli occupation soldiers, with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemning the Israeli action as barbaric.

Washington called it a tragic event and has pressed its close ally Israel to investigate.

But her family has demanded an independent probe.

Given the circumstances of Aysenurs killing, an Israeli investigation is not adequate, her family said.

Advertisement

Her family said Eygi always advocated an end to the violence against the people of Palestine.

Israeli settlements in the West Bank  where about 490,000 people live  are illegal under international law.

Since Hamass October 7 attack on Israel which triggered the war in Gaza, Israeli troops or settlers have killed more than 690 Palestinians in the West Bank, according to the Palestinian health ministry.

At least 23 Israelis, including security forces, have been killed in Palestinian attacks during the same period, according to Israeli officials.
Dick Cheneys statement Friday was similar to a 2022 campaign ad for Liz Cheney as she sought a fourth term as Wyomings lone congressperson read more

Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., arrives, with her father, former Vice President Dick Cheney, to vote at the Teton County Library during the Republican primary election Aug. 16, 2022, in Jackson Hole, Wyo. File image/ AP

Former Vice President Dick Cheney, a lifelong Republican, will vote for Kamala Harris for president, he announced Friday.

Liz Cheney, who herself endorsed Harris on Wednesday, first announced her fathers endorsement when asked by Mark Leibovich of The Atlantic magazine during an onstage interview at The Texas Tribune Festival in Austin.

Wow, Leibovich replied as the audience cheered.

Like his daughter, Dick Cheney has been an outspoken critic of former President Donald Trump, notably during Liz Cheneys ill-fated reelection campaign in 2022.

Advertisement

Dick Cheney put out a statement Friday confirming his endorsement, which read almost entirely as opposition to Trump rather than support of Harris.

He can never be trusted with power again, the statement said. As citizens, we each have a duty to put country above partisanship to defend our Constitution. That is why I will be casting my vote for Vice President Kamala Harris.

Trump responded on his Truth Social platform by calling the former vice president an irrelevant RINO, along with his daughter. The acronym stands for Republican in name only.

Asked for comment, Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung said, Who is Liz Cheney?

The campaign confirmed Cheung was being sarcastic by also pointing to a comment Liz Cheney posted online four years ago in which she called Harris a radical liberal.

Jen OMalley Dillon, Harris campaign chair, released a statement saying, The Vice President is proud to have the support of Vice President Cheney, and deeply respects his courage to put country over party.

Dick Cheney, 83, has made few if any public appearances over the past year or more. He has dealt with heart issues since his 40s and underwent a heart transplant in 2012.

Dick Cheneys statement Friday was similar to a 2022 campaign ad for Liz Cheney as she sought a fourth term as Wyomings lone congressperson. In it, he called Trump a coward for trying to steal the last election using lies and violence to keep himself in power after the voters had rejected him.

Advertisement

The ad did little good for his daughter in a deep-red state that once held the Cheney family dear but is now thoroughly in Trumps corner. By a more than 2-to-1 margin, Liz Cheney lost her Republican primary to Trump-endorsed attorney Harriet Hageman.

Dick Cheney has been friends with Democrats over the years but never supported one for president.

Both Cheneys backed Trump in 2016, but after Liz Cheney criticized Trump foreign policy decisions and Trump criticized the endless wars in Afghanistan and Iraq launched when Dick Cheney was vice president, their support waned.

If either Cheney supported Trump in 2020, they were mum about it. Meanwhile, their home state of Wyoming that year delivered Trump his widest margin of victory.

Advertisement

By 2021, Liz Cheneys vote to impeach Trump and her investigation into him for the 2021 U.S. Capitol riot made them irredeemable to Trump  and soon most of the GOP.

There were exceptions. One was Cheney ally Rep. Adam Kinzinger of Illinois, a Republican Trump critic who earlier this year endorsed Biden and spoke in support of Harris at the Democratic National Convention in August.

Several other top Republicans have come out in support of Harris while some, including Sen. Mitt Romney and former Vice President Mike Pence, say they wont be voting for Trump.

Of them only Romney, who is not seeking reelection, is still in office.
Prosecutors are increasingly holding parents accountable for providing access to guns. The case raises questions about negligence laws and potential shifts in prosecuting parents for gun-related tragedies read more

This combo of booking images provided by the Barrow County, Ga., Sheriff's Office shows Colin Gray, left, and his son Colt Gray, who have been charged in relation to the shootings at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia. AP

Murder charges filed against the father of a 14-year-old boy accused of a Georgia school shooting follow the successful prosecution of two parents in Michigan who were held responsible for a similar tragedy at a school north of Detroit.

Is it a sign of a crackdown on parents accused of gross negligence when it comes to kids and guns? Could public outrage lead to more prosecutions or changes in law in other states, too?

Advertisement

Its a matter of looking at the relationship between what the child says and does and what the parent knows about what the child says and does, said David Shapiro, a former prosecutor who teaches at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York.

Colin Gray, 54, has been charged with involuntary manslaughter and second-degree murder related to the deaths of two students and two teachers at Apalachee High School in Winder, outside Atlanta. Nine more people were wounded.

Grays son, Colt Gray, is charged with murder. Investigators said he used a semi-automatic AR-15 style rifle in the attack.

The charges against Colin Gray are directly connected with the actions of his son and allowing him to possess a weapon, said Chris Hosey, director of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

Milestone in Michigan

James and Jennifer Crumbley were convicted of involuntary manslaughter earlier this year for the deaths of four students at Oxford High School in 2021. It was the first time that parents were held criminally responsible for a U.S. mass school shooting. Theyre serving 10-year prison terms while appeals are pending.

Advertisement

The Crumbleys didnt know what son Ethan Crumbley was planning. But prosecutor Karen McDonald said their sons actions were foreseeable. They were summoned to discuss the 15-year-olds macabre drawings of a gun and blood on a math assignment and a message, The thoughts wont stop. Help me. My life is useless.

The Crumbleys declined to take him home but said they would seek counseling. On that same day, Ethan Crumbley removed a gun from his backpack and began shooting, using a weapon that James Crumbley had purchased as a gift just a few days earlier. No one  parents or school staff  had checked the backpack.

Advertisement

The parents actions and inactions were inexorably intertwined with what their son ultimately did at Oxford, the Michigan Court of Appeals said in 2023 when the groundbreaking case was allowed to move forward.

The Georgia case

Prosecutor Brad Smith declined to publicly disclose details that led him to charge Colin Gray in the Apalachee shooting. But in arrest warrants, authorities said he had provided a gun to his son with knowledge that he was threat to himself and others.

Smith acknowledged the Michigan case during a news conference Friday and said his case was a first for Georgia.

Im not trying to send a message, he said. Im just trying to use the tools in my arsenal to prosecute people for the crimes they commit.

Advertisement

Colin Gray was interviewed last year when authorities were investigating his son about a menacing post on social media. The father said the teen knows the seriousness of weapons and what they can do, and how to use them and not use them, according to a transcript. Nothing more was pursued.

McDonald, the prosecutor in Michigan, said the Georgia shooting and the fathers arrest was a real punch in the stomach.

I cant believe the facts that stood out as so egregious in our case seem to be so similar, she told The Associated Press.

More scrutiny for parents?

McDonald said states have laws that carry consequences for gross negligence in various situations. She said its encouraging that police in Georgia immediately investigated how the gun was obtained.

Advertisement

I have never felt it was a moment that would open the floodgates to charges against parents or sending a message to people, McDonald said of the Crumbley case. Most people dont need that message. Its heartbreaking to watch it play out.

She said it takes only seconds to put a lock on a gun, which she demonstrated for a jury.

Shapiro, the former New Jersey prosecutor, said all states likely have laws that can be used to hold parents responsible, though much depends on the facts and a prosecutors views.

You dont want to be able to allow parents to overlook those kinds of signs there is something seriously wrong or a serious risk, he said.

Michigan has a new law this year that requires adults to keep guns locked up when minors are present. In Newaygo County, a grandfather pleaded no contest in August in the death of a 5-year-old grandson. Another boy had picked up and fired a loaded shotgun.

If people simply locked up their firearms, we would not be putting parents behind bars for this reason, said Kris Brown, the president of Brady, a gun violence prevention group. And we would not be digging as many graves.
For the first time in 22 years, two German warships will sail through the Taiwan Strait, a move likely to provoke Beijing. Germany joins other Western nations in asserting freedom of navigation in the region amid Chinas territorial claims over Taiwan read more

Two German warships are set to pass through the sensitive Taiwan Strait in the middle of this month, becoming the first German naval vessels to do so in 22 years, Spiegel magazine reported on Saturday.

Reuters reported last month that the warships were awaiting orders from Berlin to sail the Strait, prompting a rebuke to Germany from Beijing.

Spiegel cited unspecified sources as saying Beijing would not be formally notified of the German ships passage to emphasise that Berlin views the trip as normal.

Advertisement

Germanys defence ministry declined to comment.

While the United States and other nations, including Canada, have sent warships through the strait in recent weeks, it would be the German navys first passage since 2002.

China claims sovereignty over democratically governed Taiwan and says it has jurisdiction over the nearly 180-km (110-mile) wide waterway in-between. 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 is an international waterway.

The commander of the German naval task group, Rear Admiral Axel Schulz, told Reuters last month that such a passage would demonstrate Germanys commitment to a rules-based order and the peaceful solution of territorial conflicts.

The two German vessels are taking part in exercises in the region with France, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines and the United States.

Sailings through the waterway by foreign warships are regularly condemned by Beijing, which says they undermine peace and stability in the region.

Germany, for which both China and Taiwan are major trade partners, has joined other Western nations in expanding its military presence in the region in response to Beijings growing territorial ambitions.
So far in the Russia-Ukraine war, Indias interests have led to New Delhi maintaining a position of formal neutrality. New Delhi has also refrained from openly criticising Moscow and Putin as the aggressor in the crisis read more

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni speaks during a final media conference at the G7 in Borgo Egnazia, near Bari in southern Italy. AP

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Saturday (September 7) that she believes India can play a role in resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

China and India have a role to play in resolving this conflict. The only thing that cannot happen is to believe the conflict can be solved by abandoning Ukraine, Meloni said after meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the annual conference of The European House - Ambrosetti (TEHA).

Advertisement

Italy has been a strong supporter of Ukraine, providing weapons to help Kyiv defend itself against Russian forces, with the stipulation that these arms be used solely on Ukrainian territory.

Putins take on India as a mediator

Melonis remarks follow similar comments from Russian President Vladimir Putin, who suggested that China, India, and Brazil could act as mediators in potential peace talks over Ukraine.

We respect our friends and partners, who I believe are sincerely seeking to resolve this conflict, particularly China, Brazil, and India. I am in constant communication with them on this issue, Putin said, according to Russias state-owned news agency TASS.

Putin also referred to a preliminary agreement reached between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators during talks in Istanbul in the early weeks of the war, which was never implemented. That proposal could serve as a foundation for future discussions, he said.

In 2022, early in the conflict, Russia and Ukraine held multiple rounds of talks to explore a peace deal. However, disagreements over territorial control, Ukraines national identity, and security guarantees prevented the agreement from being finalized.

Indias formal neutrality

So far in the Russia-Ukraine war, Indias interests have led to New Delhi maintaining a position of formal neutrality.

Advertisement

The country has been abstaining from key votes at the UN Security Council, General Assembly, and Human Rights Council that condemned Russias actions in Ukraine.

New Delhi has also refrained from openly criticising Moscow and Putin as the aggressor in the crisis.

With inputs from agencies
In a tearful prime-time TV interview Italys Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano admitted that he had an affair with Maria Rosaria Boccia, a self-proclaimed fashion entrepreneur, who said last month was nominated adviser to the minister for major events read more

Italys Prime Minister Giorgia Melonis government was hit with yet another scandal after Italian Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano resigned amid controversy over a consultancy role given to his former lover. The 62-year-old former journalist had to face the media frenzy after Maria Rosaria Boccia, a self-proclaimed fashion entrepreneur, said last month was nominated adviser to the minister for major events.

Initially, the culture minister denied such an appointment, but Sangiuliano later explained he had agreed to take her on as an unpaid consultant before changing his mind due to a conflict of interest. I deem it necessary for the institutions and for myself to hand in my resignation, Sangiuliano said in Fridays letter to the prime minister.

Advertisement

While tendering his resignation, the Italian minister defended his record and denied breaching of ministerial rules.

The affair that stirred all the drama

In a tearful prime-time TV interview on Wednesday, Sangiuliano admitted that he had an affair with Boccia. During the interview, he apologised to his wife and the Italian Prime Minister. The Italian minister also mentioned that Meloni had rejected his first offer to resign.

Soon after the interview, the affair dominated the front pages of the major Italian news outlets. Interestingly, the case evoked comparisons with past sex-and-politics scandals, including the bunga bunga parties hosted by the former premier Silvio Berlusconi.

In past weeks, Boccia has filled her Instagram with posts of herself accompanying Sangiuliano to various public events and showing that she had access to ministry offices and documents. Amid the chaos, Angelo Bonelli, the leader of the opposition Green Europe party, filed a complaint to police this week. She asked for an investigation over possible misuse of public funds and disclosure of confidential information. Italys audit court is now looking into the case.

Meloni speaks on the matter

Meanwhile, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni took to X, formerly known as Twitter to pay tribute to the Sangiuliano. I sincerely thank Gennaro Sangiuliano, a capable person and an honest man, for the extraordinary work done so far, which has allowed the Italian Government to achieve important results in the relaunch and valorization of the great Italian cultural heritage, even outside the national borders, she wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

I have taken note of Sangiulianos irrevocable resignation and have proposed to the President of the Republic to nominate Alessandro Giuli, currently President of the MAXXI Foundation, as the new Minister of Culture.

Ringrazio sinceramente Gennaro Sangiuliano, una persona capace e un uomo onesto, per lo straordinario lavoro svolto finora, che ha permesso al Governo italiano di conseguire importanti risultati di rilancio e valorizzazione del grande patrimonio culturale italiano, anche fuori  Giorgia Meloni (@GiorgiaMeloni) September 6, 2024

Advertisement

The action of relaunching national culture will continue, consolidating that discontinuity with the past that Italians have asked of us and that we have initiated since our establishment to date, she furthered. This marked the first change in her rightwing coalition government which currently chairs the G7 forum. While Sangiuliano was touted as a close ally to Meloni, he was not a member of her party.

With inputs from agencies.
Tighter surveillance of Moroccos northern borders is prompting an increasing number of migrants to try the riskier and longer Atlantic route to the Canary Islands. read more

The Moroccan navy has also rescued 10,859 migrants at sea so far this year, MAP said, citing the interior ministry data. File Photo- AFP

Morocco has stopped 45,015 people from illegally migrating to Europe since January and busted 177 migrant trafficking gangs, Moroccos state news agency MAP reported on Friday, citing interior ministry data.

It did not give comparative data for the same period in 2023 and the interior ministry did not respond to a Reuters request for comment.

Last year, Morocco stopped 75,184 people from illegally crossing to Europe, up 6% from a year earlier, government data showed.

Advertisement

The Moroccan navy has also rescued 10,859 migrants at sea so far this year, MAP said, citing the interior ministry data.

In 2024, Morocco continues to face an increasing migratory pressure as a direct outcome of the prevailing instability in the Sahel region and porous borders, it quoted the ministry as saying.

The North African country has for long been a major launch pad for African migrants aiming to reach Europe through the Mediterranean, the Atlantic or by jumping the fence surrounding the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla.Morocco and Spain have strengthened their cooperation in addressing illegal migration since they patched up a separate diplomatic feud in 2022.

Last month, however, hundreds of migrants took advantage of a thick mist to swim to Ceuta, according to Spanish police.

Tighter surveillance of Moroccos northern borders is prompting an increasing number of migrants to try the riskier and longer Atlantic route to the Canary Islands.
Paetongtarn was elected prime minister by the countrys House of Representatives last month following the shock removal of Srettha by a court for ethical violations read more

Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, arrives at Government House in Bangkok ahead of a royal oath-taking ceremony for her cabinet. AFP

Thailands Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said on Saturday her new government will seek to stimulate the economy right away and will continue with the policies of former premier Srettha Thavisin.

She held a special cabinet meeting earlier in the day to prepare policies that will be delivered at a 2-day meeting of parliament on Thursday and Friday that will mark the formal beginning of her administration.

Paetongtarn was elected prime minister by the countrys House of Representatives last month following the shock removal of Srettha by a court for ethical violations.

Advertisement

She said her government will mainly continue the policies of her predecessor with some adjustments. This includes tackling issues such as debt restructuring, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises as well as boosting the agricultural and tourism sectors.

Our work will continue from Sretthas government, particularly in stimulating the economy, Paetongtarn said at her first press conference since her cabinet was sworn in by King Maha Vajiralongkorn a day earlier.

She did not directly address a question about potential adjustments to the governments flagship digital wallet scheme or when it might be implemented. The scheme calls for 50 million Thais to each receive 10,000 baht ($295) via a smartphone application.

Paetongtarn said this week that part of the governments 450 billion baht ($13.4 billion) handout plan would be distributed in cash, signalling that the wallet scheme could be adjusted but did not provide details.

The youngest daughter of the divisive former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, Paetongtarn has not served in government previously and will face difficulties on multiple fronts from the floundering economy to potential legal challenges similar to the one that led to the dismissal of Srettha.

She is the fourth family member to hold the premiership, with the other three removed by either coups or court decisions.

Advertisement

($1 = 33.71 baht)
U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland said Muhammad Shahzeb Khan had attempted to travel from Canada, where he lives, to New York City with the stated goal of slaughtering, in the name of ISIS, as many Jewish people as possible read more

The Department of Justice seals is seen during a news conference at the DOJ office in Washington. File image/ AP

A Pakistani man was arrested in Canada this week and accused of plotting a mass shooting at a Jewish center in Brooklyn on the one-year anniversary of the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas that sparked the latest conflict in the Middle East, federal authorities announced Friday.

U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland said Muhammad Shahzeb Khan had attempted to travel from Canada, where he lives, to New York City with the stated goal of slaughtering, in the name of ISIS, as many Jewish people as possible.

Advertisement

The 20 year-old, who is also known as Shahzeb Jadoon, was apprehended Sept. 4 and charged with attempting to provide material support and resources to the terror group, which stands for the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham.

Jewish communities  like all communities in this country  should not have to fear that they will be targeted by a hate-fueled terrorist attack, Garland said in a statement.

It was unclear if Khan has a lawyer, where in Canada he was being held and when he may be brought to the U.S. to face the charges.

Spokespersons for the Justice Department and the Manhattan federal prosecutors office, which is handling the case, deferred to Canadian national police, which didnt respond to an email seeking comment but said in a statement posted online that Khan will appear in the Superior Court of Justice in Montreal on Sept. 13.

This planned antisemitic attack against Jewish people in the U.S. is deplorable and there is no place for such ideological and hate-motivated crime in Canada, Michael Duheme, commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, said in the statement.

U.S. authorities said Khan began sharing ISIS propaganda videos and expressing his support for the terror group in social media posts and communications with others on an encrypted messaging app last November.

Advertisement

In conversations with two undercover law enforcement officers, he said he was trying start a real offline cell of ISIS in order to carry out attacks against Israeli Jewish chabads in America. Khan said he and another ISIS supporter based in the U.S. needed to obtain AR-style assault rifles, ammunition, hunting knives and other materials, according to the Justice Department.

Khan also provided details about how he would cross the border from Canada and said he was considering conducting the attacks on either the Oct. 7 anniversary or on Oct. 11, which is the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur, authorities said.

On Aug. 20, he told the undercover officers that he had settled on targeting New York because of its sizeable Jewish population and sent a photograph of the specific area inside a Jewish center where he planned to carry out the attack, according to the Justice Department.

Advertisement

His online messages described the Brooklyn site, which is not named in court documents, as the ultra orthodox hasidic jews world headquarters, according to authorities.

A spokesperson for the Chabad-Lubavitch, an influential Hasidic Jewish movement headquartered Brooklyns Crown Heights section, didnt immediately comment Friday.

Khan began making his way to the U.S. on Wednesday morning from the Toronto area in a car that also picked up additional passengers, according to the federal complaint unsealed Friday.

The group switched cars around Nepanee and again around Montreal, before their vehicle was eventually stopped around Ormstown, a town in the province of Quebec that is about 12 miles (19 kilometers) from the international border, the complaint states.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Albert Nyambara, a teacher from Marondera who was arrested for attempting to convert his local currency, ZiG, salary into United States dollars, has been summoned to appear at the Marondera Magistrates' Courts on 23 September 2024, according to the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ).Zimbabwe operates a multi-currency system, allowing transactions in several legal tender currencies. The US dollar is the dominant currency, representing over 70% of transactions in the country.ARTUZ commented: "Zimbabwe's multi-currency system, which will remain in effect until 2030, permits transactions in various currencies. This teacher faces repercussions for preferring one currency over another within the same system."In August 2024, the RBZ reported that USD accounted for 70% of all transactions. However, the government does not accept ZiG for services like passports, nor do fuel traders. While USD is often favored by those in power, ordinary workers are forced to use ZiG."This disparity penalizes the working class and benefits politically connected individuals. It is unacceptable and must end. The working people must unite and demand FreedomNow."
During his visit to Papua New Guinea, Pope Francis called for an end to long-standing tribal conflicts and highlighted the urgent need for gender equality, addressing the countrys severe violence against women. He also emphasised the importance of equitable and environmentally sustainable development of the nations natural resources read more

Pope Francis called Saturday for an end to tribal conflicts that have wracked Papua New Guinea for decades and appealed for equitable development of its natural resources during a visit where the countrys problem of violence against women was also raised.

Dancers in swishing grass skirts performed for Francis as he opened his first full day in the South Pacific nation with a mix of political and church business. He met with the governor general and dignitaries from around the region before visiting with disabled children who performed for him and drew laughs from the pope as he handed out candies to them.

Advertisement

Francis is on an 11-day, four-nation tour through Southeast Asia and Oceania, the longest and most challenging of his pontificate. He landed on Friday evening in Port Moresby, the capital of the Commonwealth nation, from Jakarta, Indonesia, for the second leg of his journey.

During his speech to government authorities and diplomats, Francis marvelled at the diversity of Papua New Guineas people  there are some 800 languages spoken here  saying their variety must be a challenge to the Holy Spirit, who creates harmony amid differences! But he also noted that such diversity has long created conflict here, a reference to the tribal violence over land and other disputes that have long characterised the countrys culture but have grown more lethal in recent years. Francis appealed for a sense of civic responsibility and cooperation to prevail, to benefit everyone.

It is my particular hope that tribal violence will come to an end, for it causes many victims, prevents people from living in peace and hinders development, he said.

If people agree to sacrifice their personal interests for the common good, he said, the necessary forces can be used to improve infrastructure, address the health and educational needs of the population and increase opportunities for dignified work." The poor but strategically important Commonwealth nation is home to more than 10 million people, most of whom are subsistence farmers.

Advertisement

Papua New Guineas governor general, Bob Dadae, referred to the violence in his remarks, calling in particular for greater protection of women and respect for their rights. It was a reference to the gender violence that has been normalised in a country where allegations of sorcery are common.

According to UN Women, 60 per cent of the countrys women have experienced physical or sexual violence from an intimate partner at some time in their lives, double the global average. Papua New Guinea ranked 151 out of 166 countries on a UN gender inequality index in 2022.

We want to acknowledge the role of the woman and air the need for protection," Dadae said. We also recognise the physical and the spiritual care that the church continues to give to those that are being abused, neglected or rejected by families and communities. Francis amended his remarks to pick up on the theme, saying women are the ones who carry the country forward, they give life, build and grow a country. Let us not forget the women who are on the front line of human and spiritual development. The issue of women and inequality is particularly fraught for the Catholic Church, given women are barred from the priesthood and are often treated as second-class citizens by the all-male hierarchy. Francis has denounced gender-based violence, appointed women to top Vatican positions and called for women to have greater decision-making roles in the church, but he has reaffirmed the ban on womens ordination.

Advertisement

Francis also called for fair and environmentally sustainable extraction of countrys vast natural resources, which include gold, nickel and natural gas. Disputes over how wealth should be distributed and who is entitled to mining royalties have often led to conflicts.

Francis, who has written entire encyclicals about the environment, has long insisted that development of natural resources must benefit local people, not just the multinational companies that extract them, and be pursued in an environmentally responsible way to preserve them for future generations.

He made that argument again Saturday, saying Papua New Guineas resources are destined by God for the entire community. Even if outside experts and large international companies must be involved in the harnessing of these resources, it is only right that the needs of local people are given due consideration when distributing the proceeds and employing workers, he said.

Advertisement

These environmental and cultural treasures represent at the same time a great responsibility, because they require everyone, civil authorities and all citizens, to promote initiatives that develop natural and human resources in a sustainable and equitable manner, he said.

Finally, Francis called for a definitive solution to the question of Bougainville, an island region whose people voted overwhelmingly to become independent from Papua New Guinea in 2019. The outcome of the nonbinding referendum has not been implemented.

Later Saturday, Francis was visiting with charity workers who care for street children and then meeting with Papua New Guineas clergy and religious sisters at a Marian sanctuary. On Sunday, he travels deep into the jungle to meet with Argentine missionaries.

Advertisement

Despite the rigors of the trip and jet lag  Papua New Guinea is eight hours ahead of Rome time  the 87-year-old Francis appeared in relatively good form, though he coughed through his speech. He smiled and laughed as he handed out candies to young children dressed in traditional clothes who had performed for him, and even took a turn playing a kundu drum, a traditional hand-held hourglass-shaped drum that one group of children gave him.

He was warmly welcomed by crowds outside at each of his stops, with people young and old dressed in traditional grass skirts, facepaint and headdresses dancing and singing to drums. And several South Pacific leaders came to Port Moresby for the rare chance to greet the pope, including the prime minister of Vanuatu, the president of Nauru and the prime minister of Tonga.

Francis is the second pope to visit Papua New Guinea, after St. John Paul II visited first in 1984, then in 1995 to beatify Peter To Rot, a Catholic layman who was declared a martyr for the faith after he died in prison during World War II.
The Garuda Indonesia plane carrying the pope and his entourage arrived in Port Moresby, the Papua New Guinean capital, where he will stay for the next three nights read more

Pope Francis arrived in Papua New Guinea on Friday evening from Indonesia, where the 87-year-old leader of the global Catholic Church will continue an ambitious 12-day tour across Southeast Asia and Oceania.

The Garuda Indonesia plane carrying the pope and his entourage arrived in Port Moresby, the Papua New Guinean capital, where he will stay for the next three nights.

The pontiff, departing the plane using his wheelchair, was met on the tarmac by Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso and senior members of the Catholic Church in the country.

Advertisement

Local children presented him with gifts as a military band played the anthem of the Vatican.

After the brief ceremony at the airport, Francis headed to the Vatican embassy for the evening. His first public event in the country will be an address to political leaders on Saturday morning.

While in PNG Francis will make a day trip to the northwestern town of Vanimo, before departing the country on Monday. He is then scheduled to visit East Timor and Singapore before returning to Rome on Sept. 13.

In Indonesia, the worlds most populous Muslim-majority nation, Francis urged political leaders to guard against religious extremism.

The pope also visited Istiqlal Mosque, Southeast Asias largest, and signed a joint declaration with the national grand imam. The statement called for decisive action by Catholics and Muslims to urge global leaders to confront the dangers of climate change.

The warming planet is expected to remain a focus for the popes visit in Papua New Guinea, where political leaders have blamed climate change for a spate of natural disasters, including a landslide in March that killed at least 2,000 people.

The pope has stressed the importance of environmental issues throughout his 11-year papacy.

Advertisement

With Fridays flight, the pope will have travelled about 16,000 km (about 10,000 miles) on the overseas trip, his longest yet. By the time he returns to Rome, he will have clocked nearly 33,000 km (20,500 miles).
Both the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces are implicated in war crimes, with civilians facing targeted violence, mass displacement, and an escalating humanitarian crisis across the country read more

A handout photograph, shot in January 2024, shows women and babies at the Zamzam displacement camp, close to El Fasher in North Darfur, Sudan. Reuters

Sudans conflict continues to spiral, marked by widespread violations of human rights that may amount to war crimes.

Both the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have been found responsible for indiscriminate airstrikes, shelling, and attacks on civilians, hospitals, schools, and vital infrastructure such as water and electricity supplies.

The first report by the UNs Independent International Fact-Finding Mission to the African nation has the horrid reality of civil war.

Advertisement

The findings, based on investigations conducted between January and August 2024, reflect testimony from survivors, eyewitnesses, and experts.

Both sides likely committed war crimes

The conflict, which has now spread to 14 of Sudans 18 states, has displaced millions and caused immense suffering for civilians.

The report spotlights the devastation caused by both warring factions, who have not only carried out direct assaults on civilians but have also obstructed humanitarian access to those in dire need of assistance.

The UNs findings indicate that the actions of both the SAF and RSF may amount to war crimes, particularly concerning attacks that have caused extensive harm to civilians.

Child soldiers, rape, and slavery

The UN report also highlights the recruitment of child soldiers by the RSF and its allies, as well as reports of sexual violence, including rape and sexual slavery, which may constitute additional war crimes.

Nearly eight million people have been displaced internally, while two million more have fled to neighbouring countries. As civilians bear the brunt of the violence, calls for a ceasefire have intensified.

However, efforts to halt the fighting and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid have been stymied by ongoing hostilities.

Targeted violence against ethnic groups

Advertisement

One of the most alarming aspects of the report is the targeted violence against certain ethnic groups, particularly the Masalit community in West Darfur. The report documents incidents of rape, torture, and destruction of property carried out by the RSF and allied militias.

Such acts, alongside widespread displacement, have had a particularly brutal impact on Sudans non-Arab communities, with evidence pointing to ethnic and gender-based persecution.

The gravity of these findings underscores the urgent need to protect civilians, said Mohamed Chande Othman, Chair of the Fact-Finding Mission. The failure of the warring parties to spare civilians demands independent and impartial intervention.

A call for arms embargo

Advertisement

The missions report calls for an expanded arms embargo to prevent further escalation and urges greater international oversight, including cooperation with the International Criminal Court (ICC) to bring those responsible for violations to justice.

Former President Omar al-Bashir remains a symbol of the impunity that has persisted, with little progress made toward holding those involved accountable.

The failure of international community

Humanitarian organisations continue to face significant challenges in providing aid due to blockades and the targeting of relief workers.

While the international community has undertaken some efforts to mediate between the warring parties, the situation remains critical.

For now, Sudans civilians remain caught in the crossfire, with no immediate end in sight. The scale of human suffering continues to grow, and without decisive action, the humanitarian crisis is likely to worsen.
In their homeland in Africa, the animals are responsible for more human deaths than almost any other animal, but in Colombia, the hippopotami have become loved members of the local community and a tourist attraction read more

A Colombian court on Friday called for the hunting of hippos, introduced to the country in the 1980s by drug kingpin Pablo Escobar.

The Administrative Court of Cundinamarca set a three-month deadline for the Ministry of Environment to issue a regulation that contemplates measures for the eradication of the species, which is affecting the areas ecological balance.

In their homeland in Africa, the animals are responsible for more human deaths than almost any other animal, but in Colombia, the hippopotami have become loved members of the local community and a tourist attraction.

Advertisement

Theyve also been increasingly posing problems for the local community near Escobars old ranch in Antioquia state  one that experts worry may soon turn deadly.

After Escobars death, hippos from his private zoo made their way into nature, in an area of abundant vegetation and where there are no predators.

There are now some 166 of the two-ton beasts wandering freely.

Attacks on fishermen have been reported on the Magdalena River, and experts argue manatee populations could be threatened  though animal rights activists and tourism workers oppose hippopotamus hunting.

The court specified that measures to eliminate the hippos should include controlled hunting and sterilization.

The environmental ministry had already announced last year plans to sterilize part of the population, while euthanizing others, as part of an effort to contain the growing number of hippos.

The sterilizations have proceeded slowly while no cases of euthanasia have been carried out.

Plans to move the animals to Mexico, India or the Philippines have also floundered.
Turkey President Tayyip Erdogan said recent steps that Turkey has taken to improve ties with Egypt and Syria are aimed at forming a line of solidarity against the growing threat of expansionism, which he said also threatened Lebanon and Syria. read more

Turkeys President Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday that Islamic countries should form an alliance against what he called the growing threat of expansionism from Israel.

He made the comment after describing what Palestinian and Turkish officials said was the killing by Israeli troops of a Turkish-American woman taking part in a protest on Friday against settlement expansion in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

The only step that will stop Israeli arrogance, Israeli banditry, and Israeli state terrorism is the alliance of Islamic countries, Erdogan said at an Islamic schools association event near Istanbul.

Advertisement

Erdogan hosted Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in Ankara this week and they discussed the Gaza war and ways to further repair their long-frozen ties during what was the first such presidential visit in 12 years.

Ties between them started thawing in 2020 when Turkey began diplomatic efforts to ease tensions with estranged regional rivals, including the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.

Erdogan said in July that Turkey would extend an invitation to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad any time for possible talks to restore relations between the two neighbours, who severed ties in 2011 after the outbreak of the Syrian civil war.

Israel did not immediately comment on Erdogans remarks on Saturday.

Israels military said after Fridays incident that it was looking into reports that a female foreign national was killed as a result of shots fired in the area. The details of the incident and the circumstances in which she was hit are under review.
So far, Yagi has led to deaths, injuries, power cuts, electricity outages, and other destruction. Scientists have warned that typhoons are becoming stronger due to climate change read more

View of damage in the aftermath of Super Typhoon Yagi in Haikou, Hainan, China September 7, 2024 in screengrabs obtained from a social media video. Reuters

Super Typhoon Yagi, the most powerful storm to hit Asia this year, made landfall in northern Vietnam on Saturday (September 7), after sweeping through Chinas southern Hainan island, where it reportedly killed two people and injured dozens, according to the meteorological agency.

Yagi, which is also the worlds second-strongest tropical cyclone of 2024, had already claimed at least 16 lives in the Philippines after forming earlier in the week.

It struck northern Vietnam around 1 pm local time (6 am GMT) with winds reaching 160 kilometres per hour, down from its peak of 234 kmph that was recorded as it passed over Hainan a day earlier.

Advertisement

In Hainan, home to more than 10 million people, the storm felled trees, flooded roads, and left over 800,000 homes without power.

Destruction in Vietnam

The coastal city of Haiphong, an industrial hub with a population of 2 million and home to factories of foreign multinationals and local automaker VinFast, has been among the hardest hit. Authorities reported power outages in parts of the city, while witnesses described shattered glass windows and broken tree branches. Streets remained empty as residents followed official warnings to stay indoors.

Vietnamese authorities evacuated nearly 50,000 people from coastal areas and deployed 450,000 military personnel to assist with emergency measures, according to Reuters.

Four airports, including Hanois Noi Bai, the busiest in northern Vietnam, were closed for several hours, leading to the cancellation of more than 300 flights. Schools in 12 northern provinces, including the capital, were also shut.

The impact of climate change

Scientists have warned that typhoons are becoming stronger due to rising ocean temperatures linked to climate change.

Last week, Typhoon Shanshan battered southwestern Japan, the most severe storm to hit the country in decades.

Yagi, named after the Japanese word for goat and the Capricorn constellation, still continues to pose a threat as it moves inland.

With inputs from agencies
Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of Abu Dhabi begins a two-day visit to India on Sunday, aimed at bolstering the strategic partnership between the UAE and India. The visit will include high-level talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, discussions on the Israel-Hamas conflict, and participation in a business forum in Mumbai read more

Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan will begin a two-day maiden visit to India on Sunday to hold wide-ranging talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, amid escalating tensions in West Asia.

The visit of Al Nahyan will further reinforce strong ties between India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and open avenues for partnership in new and emerging areas, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, announcing the trip.

Advertisement

Prime Minister Modi and the Crown Prince will hold talks on Sunday covering a wide range of areas of bilateral cooperation, it said.

Besides bilateral issues, the two leaders are also expected to deliberate on the overall situation arising out of the Israel-Hamas conflict.

The visiting leader is also scheduled to call on President Droupadi Murmu. He will visit Rajghat to pay tributes to Mahatma Gandhi.

The Crown Prince will be accompanied by several ministers from the UAE government and a business delegation.

After concluding the Delhi leg of his visit, Al Nahyan will travel to Mumbai to participate in a business forum on Monday. Top business leaders from both countries will participate in the forum.

At the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, will pay an official visit to India on September 9 and 10, the MEA said on Saturday.

The MEA also referred to the boosting of bilateral cooperation in a range of areas in the last few years.

India and UAE share historically close and friendly ties. In recent years, the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and the UAE has deepened in a wide range of areas including political, trade, investment, connectivity, energy, technology, education, and culture, it said.

Advertisement

Following the landmark visit of Modi to UAE in August 2015, bilateral relations between the two countries were elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Both countries signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in February 2022 and a Local Currency Settlement (LCS) System in July 2023 to promote the use of Indian Rupee and AED (United Arab Emirates Dirham) for cross-border transactions.

The two countries are among each others top trading partners with a bilateral trade of about USD 85 billion in 2022-23, according to official data.

The UAE is also among the top four investors in India in terms of foreign direct investments in 2022-23.

Advertisement

About 3.5 million strong and vibrant Indian community forms the largest expatriate group in the UAE.

The UAE was invited as special invitee for G20 during Indias Presidency of the grouping.

In Feb 2023, the India-UAE-France (UFI) trilateral was formally launched.

With Indias active support, the UAE joined SCO as dialogue partner in May 2023. The UAE also joined BRICS as a member on January 1 with Indias support.

The India-UAE defence cooperation has also witnessed a renewed momentum in the last few years.

In January 2024, the first India-UAE bilateral army exercise Desert Cyclone was held in Rajasthan.
CIA Director and UKs MI6 chief said a cease-fire in Israels war against Hamas could end the suffering and appalling loss of life of Palestinian civilians and bring home the hostages after 11 months of hellish confinement. read more

Richard Moore, the head of MI6, said Kyivs surprise move in August to seize territory in Russias Kursk region was typically audacious and bold on the part of the Ukrainians, to try and change the game. File - Reuters

The heads of the United States of America and United Kingdom foreign intelligence agencies called for a Gaza ceasefire on Saturday, saying that the world order was under threat in a way we havent seen since the cold war.

CIA Director Bill Burns and UK MI6 chief Richard Moore said their agencies had exploited our intelligence channels to push hard for restraint and de-escalation.

In an opinion piece for the Financial Times, the two spymasters said a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war could end the suffering and appalling loss of life of Palestinian civilians and bring home the hostages after 11 months of hellish confinement.

Advertisement

Burns also warned of the growing and troubling defense relationship between Russia, China, Iran and North Korea that he said threatens both Ukraine and Western allies in the Middle East. North Korea has sent ammunition and missiles to Russia to use against Ukraine, while Iran supplies Moscow with attack drones.

Burns said the CIA had yet to see evidence of China sending weapons to Russia, but we see lot of things short of that. And he warned Iran against supplying ballistic missiles to Moscow, saying it would be a dramatic escalation of the relationship.

Burns has been heavily involved in efforts to broker an end to the fighting, traveling to Egypt in August for high-level talks aimed at bringing about a hostage deal and at least a temporary halt to the conflict.

So far there has been no agreement, though United States officials insist a deal is close. US President Joe Biden said recently that just a couple more issues remain unresolved. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, however, has said reports of a breakthrough are exactly inaccurate."

The US and the United Kingdom are both staunch allies of Israel, though London diverged from Washington on Monday by suspending some arms exports to Israel because of the risk they could be used to break international law.

Burns and Moore also stressed the strength of the trans-Atlantic relationship in the face of an unprecedented array of threats, including an assertive Russia, an ever-more powerful China and the constant threat from international terrorism all complicated by rapid technological change.

Advertisement

They highlighted Russias reckless campaign of sabotage across Europe and the cynical use of technology to spread lies and disinformation designed to drive wedges between us. We saw it coming, and were able to warn the international community so we could all rally to Ukraines defense, they said.

The joint article comes just days before UK Prime Minister Keir Starmers visit to Washington on September 13, where he will be received by US President Joe Biden.

They will discuss, among other things, continuing robust for Ukraine and the desire to achieve a truce in Gaza, the White House said on Friday. This meeting takes place at a time when the two nations stance on Israel is diverging.

Advertisement

London has announced the suspension of 30 arms export licences to Israel, citing a risk that they could be used in violation of international law in war-destroyed Gaza.

With inputs from agencies.
At a regular meeting of Ukraines allies at Ramstein US Air Base in Germany, Zelenskyy repeated his plea for Western nations to supply more long-range missiles and lift restrictions on using them to hit targets such as airfields inside Russia read more

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin cautioned on Friday there was no one capability that would turn the war in Ukraine in Kyivs favour after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged the West to let his forces use its long-range weapons to strike Russia.

At a regular meeting of Ukraines allies at Ramstein US Air Base in Germany, Zelenskyy repeated his plea for Western nations to supply more long-range missiles and lift restrictions on using them to hit targets such as airfields inside Russia.

Advertisement

Austin said Washington and its allies would continue to give strong support to Ukraine in fighting Russias invasion, announcing another $250 million in U.S. security assistance.

But, questioned by reporters, the Pentagon chief pushed back on the idea that allowing deep strikes inside Russia with Western weapons would be a game-changer.

He said Russia had already moved aircraft that launch glide bombs into Ukraine beyond the range of U.S.-supplied ATACM missiles.

Theres no one capability that will in and of itself be decisive in this campaign, Austin told reporters at the end of the meeting.

He also said Ukraine had capabilities of its own - such as drones - to hit targets inside Russia that were beyond the reach of ATACM and British-supplied Storm Shadow missiles.

There are a lot of targets in Russia - big country, obviously, Austin said. And theres a lot of capability that Ukraine has in terms of UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) and other things to address those targets.

Among other donations, Germany pledged to supply an additional 12 self-propelled howitzers to Kyiv, while Canada said it planned to send 80,840 surplus small unarmed air-to-surface rockets as well as 1,300 warheads in the coming months.

Advertisement

Zelenskyy made his first appearance at a Ramstein meeting at an important moment in the 2-1/2-year-old war.

Ukrainian forces have made a surprise offensive into Russias Kursk region even as Russian forces focus on seizing the city of Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine, a logistics hub for Kyivs war effort.

We need to have this long-range capability not only on the occupied territory of Ukraine but also on Russian territory, yes, so that Russia is motivated to seek peace, Zelenskiy said, in remarks that drew support from countries including Baltic nations Lithuania and Estonia.

Red Lines

Zelenskyy has long pushed back against allies who have supplied long-range weapons but told Kyiv they cannot use them deep inside Russia for fear of instigating a direct conflict between the West and Russias President Vladimir Putin.

Advertisement

In his remarks on Friday at Ramstein, Zelenskyy said: Russias attempts to draw red lines simply do not work.

The talks in Germany came as Americans prepared for a November presidential election that could have major implications for Ukraine. Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic candidate, has promised to stand with Ukraine.

Former President Donald Trump, the Republican candidate, has vowed to resolve the Ukraine war immediately on taking office with possible peace talks that might require Kyiv to cede territory. Trump and many of his supporters are sceptical of the billions of dollars in aid Bidens administration has poured into Ukraines war effort.

Advertisement

At Ramstein, Austin gave statistics on the toll the war has taken on Russian forces, estimating more than 350,000 Russian troops have been killed or wounded. He said Ukrainian forces have sunk, destroyed, or damaged 32 Russian Navy vessels and pushed Russias Black Sea Fleet further east.

Zelenskyy said that about 6,000 Russian soldiers had been killed or wounded in Ukraines Kursk offensive.

Today we control an area of more than 1,300 square kilometres in the Kursk region and this includes 100 settlements, Zelenskiy said, adding that a large part of that territory was abandoned by Russian troops.

But Moscow has also been pounding cities across Ukraine with missiles and drones in some of its largest attacks since its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, The number of air defence systems that have not yet been delivered is significant, Zelenskyy said.
US has issued a new advisory warning businesses about heightened risks in Hong Kong due to recently enacted national security regulations, which could impact routine activities like research and local connections. Hong Kong officials dismissed the advisory as an attempt to undermine the citys economic stability and asserted that national security cases are handled fairly read more

The United States on Friday warned of growing risks for businesses operating in Hong Kong, saying that routine activities could run afoul of the financial hubs new national security regulations.

China had agreed to a One Country, Two Systems approach for Hong Kong before the territory was handed over from Britain in 1997.

But Beijing has clamped down since mass protests in 2019, with Hong Kongs opposition-free legislature in March passing an ordinance that carries life imprisonment for crimes including treason and insurrection.

Advertisement

Updating a business advisory first issued in 2021, the State Department and other US agencies warned of new and heightened risks for firms operating in Hong Kong.

The vaguely defined nature of the law and previous government statements and actions raise questions about risks associated with routine activities, it said of the new Article 23 law.

Such routine activities could include research on government policies and maintaining connections with local officials, journalists and non-governmental organizations, it said.

The advisory also said differences were narrowing between Hong Kong and mainland China.

Under similar laws to those recently enacted in Hong Kong, PRC authorities in mainland China appear to have broad discretion to deem a wide range of documents, data, statistics or materials to be state secrets and to detain and prosecute foreign nationals for alleged espionage, it said, using the acronym for Chinas official name.

More than 300 people have been arrested under an initial 2020 security law. According to the State Department, they include one US citizen.

Hong Kongs number two official Eric Chan said Saturday the US advisory was an attempt to suppress Chinas rise and that national security cases are treated fairly in court.

Advertisement

The National Security Law has been enacted for a long time and we can all see that we have never groundlessly arrested any business people, Chan told reporters.

(The US advisory) involves an element of intimidation, to scare away business people hoping to invest in Hong Kong. I dont think this ploy will succeed.

The United States has repeatedly warned that Beijing-led security regulations are putting at risk the openness that allowed Hong Kong to flourish as a trading hub.

Hong Kong leader John Lee has defended the new ordinance as a move to prevent violence following the mass demonstrations of 2019.
News / National

by Staff reporter

As President Emmerson Mnangagwa seeks to extend his term beyond the 2028 constitutional limit, despite his public claims of upholding constitutionalism, the military stands as a significant obstacle.Online publication Newshawks claims that sources within the military inform the that Mnangagwa will be prevented from pursuing any constitutional changes to prolong his presidency, a move currently being pushed by his party, Zanu PF. The military is expected to leverage its institutional and operational power to block any such succession efforts.Mnangagwa is engaged in a fierce internal power struggle with Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga, who supported his rise to power through a 2017 coup. The battle for control over state resources and political influence is intensifying.A military insider stated: "The army's stance is unequivocal. The President is required to complete his constitutional second term and retire in 2028. From a military perspective, he should not have even been eligible for a second term. Although he publicly agrees to retire in 2028, he is privately signaling his supporters to push for a constitutional amendment to extend his term until 2030. This proposal is unpopular among the security forces and the general public, with only a few self-interested individuals supporting it."Despite Mnangagwa's attempts to consolidate power, the military remains a decisive force in Zimbabwean politics. A recent report by the Zimbabwe Democracy Institute underscores the military's crucial role: "The military has historically played a central role in Zimbabwean politics. As ZANU PF faces a significant succession battle, the military's influence in intra-party politics will become more apparent, although it has not been overtly visible yet. The military is unlikely to remain passive in selecting Zanu PF's new leader and the country's head of state."It is probable that the military will exercise veto power in leadership elections, as it has done in the past. The office of the head of state is seen as requiring military credentials, and this likely extends to the Zanu PF leadership position as well. Consequently, the successor to President Mnangagwa is expected to be a military figure or a candidate backed by the military, rather than a civilian politician."The ongoing succession debate within Zanu PF, characterized by factionalism, creates a volatile scenario. Understanding the military's internal dynamics and its stance on extending Mnangagwa's presidency requires thorough research."Despite 44 years of independence, the military remains a cornerstone of power in Zimbabwe, as seen during the 2017 coup against Mugabe. The next leader will need strong military connections to succeed in a party lacking a structured leadership succession plan."The military's influence is profound and enduring, shaping both Zanu PF and the broader political landscape. Addressing these dynamics is crucial for Zimbabwe's path to democratic governance and upholding constitutional principles."
The US Department of State confirmed the death of the 26-year-old volunteer peace activist who was working with the anti-occupation International Solidarity Movement (ISM) read more

The White House said that it was deeply disturbed after reports emerged that a Turkish-US national was shot dead during protests against Israeli settlers in the West Bank. Things became even more complicated for the US after Palestinian officials and witnesses said that a woman named Aysenur Ezgi Eygi was shot dead in the head by the Israeli forces.

The US Department of State confirmed the death of the 26-year-old volunteer peace activist who was working with the anti-occupation International Solidarity Movement (ISM). Shortly after the confirmation, the White House called for Israel to investigate her death. Eygis killing garnered strong reactions from the world since she is a US-Turkey dual national.

Advertisement

What ISM said about the matter

The ISM where Eygi was working, said in a statement that the Israeli forces intentionally shot and killed an international human rights activist during the weekly protest on Friday morning. However, the initial statement did not name the volunteer.

The demonstration, which primarily involved men and children praying, was met with violence from the Israeli army stationed on a hill. The volunteer died shortly after being transported to a local hospital in Nablus, the ISM statement reads.

The body maintained that the Eygis family had requested privacy to mourn the loss. Their wish to grieve in peace should be respected by all, as they navigate this tragic and difficult situation," the statement furthered. The White House later confirmed the identity of the victim. However, they still have not said that Eygi was shot by Israeli troops stationed in the region.

White Houses reaction

US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller commented on the tragic news and urged the Israeli authorities to investigate the matter. We are urgently gathering more information about the circumstances of her death, and will have more to say as we learn more, Miller said in a press briefing on Friday.

Meanwhile, the US ambassador to Israel, Jacob Lew, echoed similar comments. We are aware of the tragic death of an American citizen, Aysenur Eygi, today in the West Bank. We offer our deepest condolences to her family and loved ones, he said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. We are urgently gathering more information about the circumstances of her death and will have more to say as we learn more. We have no higher priority than the safety and security of American citizens, he added.

Advertisement

We are aware of the tragic death of an American citizen, Aysenur Eygi, today in the West Bank. We offer our deepest condolences to her family and loved ones. We are urgently gathering more information about the circumstances of her death, and will have more to say as we learn  Ambassador Jack Lew (@USAmbIsrael) September 6, 2024

The White House maintained that it is in contact with the Israeli government regarding an investigation of the matter. We are deeply disturbed by the tragic death of an American citizen, Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, today in the West Bank and our hearts go out to her family and loved ones, said Sean Savett, the White Houses National Security Council spokesperson.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called Eygis death a tragic loss. When we have more info, we will share it, make it available and, as necessary, well act on it, Blinken told reporters, AFP reported.

How is Turkey reacting to the incident?

Since Eygi is a Turkish national as well, Turkeys foreign ministry said it had learned with great sorrow about her death. Condemning the whole ordeal, Turkeys president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan described the attack as Israels barbaric intervention against a civilian protest". I condemn Israels barbaric intervention against a civilian protest against the occupation in the West Bank and pray to God to have mercy on our citizen Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, who lost her life in the attack, the Turkish president wrote on X.

Advertisement

As Turkey, we will continue to work on every platform to end Israels occupation and genocide policy, which has been continuing for almost a year and has killed 41 thousand people, including children, young and old, and to make it account for its crimes against humanity before the law, he furthered.

Israilin Bat Seriadaki isgal karst sivil bir protestoya kars yaptg barbarca mudahaleyi lanetliyor, saldrda hayatn kaybeden vatandasmz Aysenur Ezgi Eygiye Allahtan rahmet niyaz ediyorum.  Recep Tayyip Erdogan (@RTErdogan) September 6, 2024

Advertisement

It is pertinent to note that while the Israeli military admitted to firing at the demonstrators, it maintained that it was looking into the reports of a foreign national killed in the attack. Earlier, the Israel Defense Forces said it responded with fire toward a main instigator of violent activity who hurled rocks at the forces and posed a threat to them.

Interestingly, Eygi is the third ISM activist to have been killed since 2000. She was also the 18th demonstrator to be killed in Beita since 2020. The last time something like this happened was in 2003 when an Israeli army bulldozer killed 23-year-old Rachel Corrie while she was protesting against the Israeli militarys destruction of houses in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. A month later, Tom Hurndall, a 22-year-old Briton, was shot in the head while he was helping Palestinian children cross a street in Rafah. The volunteer died the following year and an Israeli soldier was found guilty of manslaughter.

With inputs from agencies.
In a rare public acknowledgement by a serving Pakistani army chief, General Asim Munir has mentioned the involvement of Pakistan army in the Kargil war as he listed the 1999 conflict with India among the major wars fought with the eastern neighbour. read more

Nawaz Sharif, Pakistan's Prime Minister during the Kargil war, has publicly denounced the military operation, which is frequently characterised as a strategic "blunder" by Pakistan's armed forces.

Twenty-five years after the Kargil War, the Pakistan Army has accepted its involvement in the deadly conflict with India for the first time. In a speech on Defence Day, Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir said, Be it 1948, 1965, 1971, or the Kargil war of 1999, thousands of soldiers sacrificed their lives for the country and Islam.

The Kargil conflict of 1999 had brought India and Pakistan to the brink of nuclear conflagration. Pakistan says it pulled out after the US intervened to cool the frayed tempers while India claims a decisive victory in the war that took place in the Himalayan heights.

Advertisement

In his speech, General Munir highlighted the role of the army in defending the motherland with the support of the people of Pakistan and also touched upon various conflicts with India, including the Kargil war.

Indeed Pakistani nation is a courageous and bold nation, which understands best the importance of independence and how to protect it at any price. Whether the Pak-India wars of 1948, 1965, 1971 and Kargil or Siachen conflict, thousands of martyrs gave sacrifices for the security and honour of the country, Munir said.

First time ever #PakistaniArmy accepts involvement in #KargilWar. Pakistan Army Chief General #AsimMunir confirms Pakistan Army's involvement in #KargilWar. Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir in a defence day speech on Friday said, "1948, 1965, 1971 or Kargil war between pic.twitter.com/Um83MwSrwM  Upendrra Rai (@UpendrraRai) September 7, 2024

Pakistan had initially distanced itself from the conflict by saying that only private freedom fighters were involved in it. However, soon the scale of fighting revealed that the armies of two countries were fighting against each other.

Advertisement

The 2006 book In The Line Of Fire written by then Pervez Musharraf, who was the army chief during the Kargil war, clearly acknowledged the Pakistan Armys role.

Musharraf had sent in the Northern Light Infantry men in the Kargil theatre of war.

Pakistan awarded Captain Karnal Sher Khan of 27th Battalion, Sind Regiment and Havaldar Lalak Jan of Northern Light Infantry with the highest gallantry award called Nishan-e-Haider after the Kargil war was over.

This statement is considered a shift in Pakistans stance, deviating from its traditional narrative as the Pakistani Army has been avoiding openly acknowledging its direct role in the Kargil conflict, attributing it to mujahideen or freedom fighters in its official account.

Advertisement

In contrast, Nawaz Sharif, the Prime Minister of Pakistan during the Kargil war, has publicly criticised the military operation, which is often regarded as a strategic blunder by Pakistans armed forces.

Lt Gen (retd) Shahid Aziz, a former Pakistani military officer, had previously acknowledged the role of their troops in Kargil after his retirement. His admission came after he retired from the forces.

Aziz described the operation as a four-man show, known only to General Pervez Musharraf and a few other top commanders. Sharif, who signed the 1999 Lahore Declaration with former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, later admitted that Pakistan had violated the agreement through its actions in Kargil.

Advertisement

BREAKING NEWS



 After 25 years, the Pakistan Army has admitted it was directly involved in the Kargil War.



 This is the first time they've done so, as they previously said it was just "Mujahideen" fighters. Pakistan had also refused to accept the bodies of its officers who https://t.co/BFNQIW8HAV pic.twitter.com/CDjZDvAW8L  Bharat Spectrum (@BharatSpectrum) September 7, 2024

The Ladakh and Kargil sectors have gone through a tumultuous period since independence, and this region has been at the forefront of significant battles in all the wars India has fought. Twenty-five years ago, in 1999, this remote area, isolated by high mountains with hostile climatic conditions, was where a military ingress by Pakistan took place across the Line of Control.

Advertisement

On May 3, 1999, the locals first reported the presence of unidentified personnel in Kargil Sector. Reconnaissance patrols were expeditiously dispatched to investigate the presence of infiltrators. The magnitude of Pakistans invasion and preparation were quickly revealed, and plans were prepared to evict Pakistani troops from the Indian side of the LoC. To avert escalation of the conflict, the Indian government stipulated that the Indian armed forces should not cross the LoC.

On May 26, 1999, the Indian Army launched Operation Vijay, a coordinated infantry and artillery assault with air support against regular Pakistani soldiers of the Northern Light Infantry occupying high-altitude mountain peaks and ridgelines to evict the Pakistani intruders.
Elon Musk, the billionaire CEO of Tesla, publicly endorsed Donald Trump for the first time in the US presidential race in July this year, calling the Republican former president tough. read more

Elon Musks America PAC has launched its digital advertising campaign to support Donald Trumps presidential bid, targeting swing-state voters with messages that leave little to the imagination.

One ad on Googles YouTube platform, viewed over three million times, warns, If you sit this election out, Kamala and the crazies will win,. You will be stuck with higher costs and more illegals invading our country." The ad goes on to portray Trump as an American Badass, with a video of the former president after the July assassination attempt that led Musk to publicly support his candidacy.

Advertisement

On Metas Facebook, where America PAC has invested heavily, another ad reads, We must STOP Kamala while we can, emphasising that Arizona families have had ENOUGH of radical liberals. A separate Facebook ad features a voice-over with a Russian accent, declaring, Meet Comrade Kamala, and suggesting she is Ready to bring the Soviet Union to Michigan.

On X, the platform Musk purchased in 2022 for $44 billion, an ad claims, without evidence, that Trumps political opponents tried to kick Trump off your ballot. They even tried to end his campaign and take him out for good, as reported by Bloomberg.

These ads carry a bold message, urging voters not to sit out the election. America PACs ad campaign is part of a larger effort to influence the presidential election, with Musk emerging as one of Trumps loudest supporters.

Elon Musk, the billionaire CEO of Tesla, publicly endorsed Donald Trump for the first time in the US presidential race in July this year, calling the Republican former president tough.

Musk, the worlds richest person, posted the endorsement with a video of Trump with blood on his face pumping his fist after multiple shots rang out at Trumps rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday. Trump was safe. The posts cement Musks shift towards right-wing politics and hand Trump a high-profile backer in his quest to return to the White House in the Nov. 5 election.

Advertisement

Meanwhile, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump said on Thursday he would establish a government efficiency commission headed by billionaire supporter Elon Musk if he wins the Nov. 5 election, during a wide-ranging speech in which he laid out his economic vision for the country.

Speaking at the New York Economic Club, the former president also pledged to slash corporate tax rates for companies that manufacture domestically, establish low-tax zones on federal lands where construction companies would be encouraged to build new homes, and start a sovereign wealth fund.

As the US presidential election enters its final stages, attention is concentrated on Elon Musk, the wealthiest individual globally with a net worth of $236.8 billion, and how he will utilise his financial resources and influence to shape the campaigns outcome, according to a report by Bloomberg.

Advertisement

This week, Donald Trump announced plans to create a task force to examine federal spending, a concept initially proposed by Musk, who serves as the CEO of Tesla Inc. and SpaceX.

According to Metas spending tracker, America PAC, affiliated with Musk, has invested approximately $1.4 million in advertising on Facebook and Instagram since its registration in May. In the week concluding September 3, the PAC spent over $251,000 on ads, with a significant concentration in North Carolina, Arizona, and Georgia - three crucial states where some polls indicate Kamala Harris has surpassed Trump in popularity.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Ex-convict Wicknell Chivayo has ridiculed his detained business associates, Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu, dismissing them as petty criminals rather than friends.In a post on X, Chivayo claimed that Chimombe and Mpofu are facing "inevitable conviction" for fraud involving two tender scandalsthe goat supply scheme and streetlight contractswhere they allegedly falsified documents and misappropriated millions of dollars for personal gain.Chivayo has previously referred to them as "incompetent idiots," calling one his "teaboy" and the other a "shoe-polisher."Chimombe and Mpofu are accused of defrauding the government in a US$7.7 million scheme linked to the President's Goats Initiative and a US$9 million tender for streetlights from the Harare City Council. Their arrest came after they allegedly exposed a US$100 million corruption scandal involving the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) and high-ranking officials.In response to a question from user LynneM on X, who asked, Hana yako hairove here kana uchinzwa kuti your friends [Chimombe] & Mpofu are rotting in Chikurubi? Chivayo replied:Why should my heart race, dear sister? If you have a few US dollars in your pocket, your heart rarely skips a beat in panic."Get this straight, those two were never my friends. As a patriotic and law-abiding citizen, I'm grateful that such petty, small-time criminals have been brought to justice. "I'm no lawyer, but the key elements of FRAUD' are unlawful misrepresentation and prejudice. They used fake documents = misrepresentation."They got paid, didn't deliver, and pocketed the money = they prejudiced the government. Even if they hired top lawyers like George Chikumbirike and Chris Anderson, in my view, a conviction is inevitable..."If they're smart, their lawyers should focus on mitigating factors. For example, My lord, our clients are both breadwinners, fathers of 16 and 11 children, each with different mothers. They also suffer from various venereal diseases, which we can't mention in open court but can whisper to you in your chambers, my Lord.'"You could say I'm being harsh, but I've already given them one strong mitigation point, courtesy of Advocate Wicknell Chivayo SC.
News / National

by Staff reporter

The government has finalized the Teaching Professional Council Bill, a legislative initiative aimed at creating a regulatory framework to maintain high moral standards, ethical conduct, and professional excellence among teachers in Zimbabwe. The Bill is now ready to be presented to Parliament after extensive consultations with various stakeholders.Speaking to the media, Primary and Secondary Education Ministry Director of Communications and Advocacy, Taungana Ndoro, expressed satisfaction with the progress of the Bill."We are pleased to announce that the Ministry, in collaboration with various stakeholders, including teachers' unions and other government arms, has concluded the draft of the Teaching Professional Council Bill," Ndoro said. "This Bill is designed to restore the dignity of the teaching profession."The proposed law will require all teachers in Zimbabwe to register with the Teaching Professional Council, a body to be established under the new legislation."This council will serve as the regulatory body for teachers, enforcing professional standards and ensuring that only qualified individuals are permitted to teach," Ndoro explained. "No school will be allowed to employ a teacher who is not registered with the council."The Bill also outlines improved conditions of service for teachers and a streamlined registration process, all aimed at enhancing the status and welfare of teaching professionals.Sifiso Ndlovu, CEO of the Zimbabwe Teachers Association, welcomed the establishment of the Teaching Professional Council, which he believes will elevate the standards of the country's education sector."This initiative aims to uplift the teaching standards and ensure quality service delivery for learners and the government," Ndlovu said. "The focus is on promoting the professionalization of teaching through continuous development and self-regulation, giving teachers more control over their profession and future, while also improving their welfare."The Bill is viewed as a crucial step toward aligning Zimbabwes education sector with the government's broader vision of becoming an upper-middle-income economy by 2030. By establishing a legal framework to regulate the teaching profession, the government aims to ensure that students receive high-quality education from well-qualified and ethically responsible teachers.
News / National

by Staff reporter

The trial of eight Harare councillors accused of corruptly allocating 24 industrial stands to themselves resumed on Thursday, with the State presenting testimony from the council's acting town clerk, Pakhamile Mabhena Moyo.Moyo informed Magistrate Donald Ndirowei that the accused councillors had not violated any rules, as their positions allowed them to acquire land through proper deliberation by the responsible authorities. However, he noted that his expertise was limited to the water department, so he could not provide a comprehensive assessment of the legality of the councillors' actions.Earlier testimony from Kennedy Chikandamina, the acting city valuer and Harare City Council estates manager, suggested that irregularities had occurred. Chikandamina claimed that instructions from the town clerk bypassed standard procedures, allowing certain individuals to receive stands without paying application fees.In the case of senior council officials and councillors who were allocated commercial or industrial stands, we received a memorandum dated June 17, 2022, from the town clerk, directing the allocation of these stands, Chikandamina testified. As a result, applications were not verified, and allocations were made without following the waiting list.He further noted that some councillors had not paid the required fees, including Dr. Prosper Chonzi, while councillors Tichaona Mhetu and Brian Matione paid their fees only after the allocations had already been reported to the council.According to State prosecutor Tendai Tapi, the accused, including Costa Mande, Gilbert Thamsanqa Hadebe, Maxwell Dutuma, Loveness Gomba, Happymore Gotora, Ian Muteto Makone, Stanley Manasi Manyenga, and Shepherd Chikomba, face two counts of criminal abuse of duty as public officers. The councillors, all members of the finance and development committee, are accused of allocating stands to themselves and senior council officials without following proper procedures.The State's case alleges that in June 2022, a committee chaired by acting town clerk Moyo recommended that council employees be allocated 20% of all new stands in Harare. Following this, Moyo directed the acting finance director, Godfrey Kusangaya, to begin identifying stands for executives as a matter of urgency.The accused councillors allegedly allocated themselves commercial and industrial stands during meetings in November and December 2022. The court heard that councillors would briefly leave the meeting when their allocation was being discussed, allowing their colleagues to approve the stands in their absence, before rejoining the meeting to participate in further allocations.Tapi told the court that the councillors unlawfully allocated 24 commercial stands to 12 councillors, 11 senior council officials, and one Member of Parliament. He also highlighted a Local Government Ministry circular, which states that councillors are entitled to a single residential stand within their ward, but must follow normal procedures for commercial or industrial stands.On a second charge, Tapi alleged that the accused councillors recommended waiving a 2005 sub-committee resolution requiring such stands to be advertised for tender. Instead, they recommended leasing 14 commercial or industrial stands to senior council employees as a condition of service - something outside the committees mandate, as remuneration policies are determined by the human capital department.Tapi concluded that Harare City Council has no policy granting employees the privilege of leasing commercial or industrial stands as part of their service conditions.
Protestors from Colorado and beyond gathered at the local Grand Junction Bureau of Land Management Field Office to protest next weeks removal of more than 80-100 of the roughly 220 wild horses in the BLM Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse Range and ask questions directly to BLM staff about the need and cause for the round up on Sept. 6, 2024. BLM staff answered questions from the protestors inside the office for nearly two hours.
Clues show Huang Ping was Chinese diplomat directing New York official

Linda Sun is accused of acting as a Chinese agent while she was an aide to 2 governors.

By Jane Tang for RFA Investigative 2024.09.06 -- Linda Sun, a former aide to two New York governors, appears to have received direct orders and bribes from a top Chinese diplomat, according to evidence in the Justice Department's list of allegations against her.

Sun, 41, was arrested on Sept. 3 on 10 federal criminal charges, including acting as an agent for the Chinese government, visa fraud and other offenses while working for Gov. Kathy Hochul and former Gov. Andrew Cuomo. In return, she and her husband, who has also been charged, received "substantial benefits" that included significant financial gains, according to the 64-page indictment.

U.S. prosecutors allege that Sun was in direct contact with several Chinese government officials, including an unnamed person labeled as "PRC-Official 1."

PRC refers to the People's Republic of China. Based on evidence included in the filing, RFA has identified PRC-Official 1 as Huang Ping, who at the time was the consul general of the Chinese Consulate in New York.

The official is accused of directing Sun to persuade Hochul and Cuomo to issue statements favorable to the Chinese government and to censor their speeches for content that put the country in a negative light.

Huang has since left his post, though the circumstances of his departure remain unclear.

The alleged connections between Sun and Huang should be a warning to leaders across fields to watch for efforts by the Chinese Communist Party to influence their activities, said Sophie Richardson, who tracked human rights abuses in China for years as China director for Human Rights Watch.

"This isn't just in politics, but also in universities, professional associations and cultural groups," Richardson told RFA. "Again and again, the CCP tries to write the script when they can get their foot in the door."

The U.S. State and Justice departments did not respond to a request for comment, nor did the Chinese Consulate in New York or the Chinese Embassy in Washington. Sun's lawyers also did not return requests for comment.

Salted duck and other perks

According to the indictment, PRC Official-1 was one of four New York Chinese consulate officials who Sun was in touch with and who provided perks to her and her family. The benefits included the delivery of Nanjing-style salted duck, cooked by Huang's personal chef, to Sun's parents.

Money that Sun and her husband, Chris Hu, 42, received from the scheme described in the indictment helped them buy a $3.6 million property in Manhasset, New York, a condominium in Honolulu for $1.9 million, and various luxury automobiles, including a 2024 Ferrari, the indictment alleges. Hu, a businessman, was charged with money laundering in the same indictment on Sept. 3.

In all, Huang, as identified as PRC Official-1, is mentioned 42 times throughout the indictment.

The evidence that Huang is the unnamed diplomat includes a photo of Huang and Sun together at a Lunar New Year event at the consulate in 2023 where he allegedly received a framed gubernatorial proclamation.

PRC Official-1's face is blurred but the exact image with Huang's unblurred face can still be found on the New York consulate official website, with a caption that says he was receiving a recognition from Hochul, whom the indictment identifies as "Politician 2."

The indictment also alleges that Chinese officials had earlier asked Sun to obtain a gubernatorial proclamation for PRC Official-1.

On April 3, 2020, PRC Official-1 told Sun to remind Cuomo to thank the Chinese government for facilitating the ventilator donation during the COVID crisis, according to the indictment. The following day, Cuomo publicly thanked Huang both in his public remarks and in a Twitter (now X) post for arranging the donation. Huang's name can still be seen in Cuomo's post and a video from that day.

Avoiding controversial topics

In another instance, Sun allegedly bragged to Huang that she had "successfully blocked all formal and informal meetings" between a Taiwanese diplomat and the New York governors.

She also sought Huang's advice on managing future requests from the Taiwanese diplomat. China considers Taiwan to be part of its territory and pressures foreign officials to avoid recognizing the democratic island as its own country.

Sun worked behind the scenes with Huang to influence what her bosses publicly said as well. For example, Huang encouraged Sun to keep any reference to the plight of the Uyghurs in Xinjiang, China, out of Hochul's Lunar New Year message.

According to the indictment, a speechwriter in the governor's office was insisting on noting human rights abuses perpetrated against the largely Muslim community in the speech.

Huang blamed the sour relationship between China and the United States on people like the speechwriter, whom he said had likely never been to China, according to the indictment. Sun agreed, and the New Year's message didn't mention the Uyghurs. Huang later posted Hochul's short address on the consulate's Facebook page.

The allegations read like a "spy novel," said U.S. Rep. John Moolenaar, a Michigan Republican who chairs the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party.

"We need to recognize that the Chinese Communist Party isn't simply way over there, but they are on our shores and working to subvert the American experience," Moolenaar said.

Questions about Huang's departure

Huang Ping, meanwhile, is moving on, although the circumstances are still unclear.

On Wednesday, Hochul said she had expressed to the State Department her desire to have him expelled and told reporters that he was no longer in the position. The State Department later said that his term had ended but not at the direction of the United States.

Huang himself spoke to the issue at a Sept. 3 farewell party in Philadelphia hosted by the Chinese American community, the day Linda Sun was arrested.

"I have been ordered to return to China soon," he told the gathered crowd. "As the time comes to say goodbye, my heart is filled with nostalgia and reluctance."

He then sang "My Chinese Heart" and "I Am Chinese" in karaoke, and posed for photos with the crowd in front of a large LED screen that read, "Farewell to Ping Huang, completing his term and returning to China."

Stephen Young, a former U.S. ambassador and diplomat with over 33 years of experience, told RFA that the conflicting information about Huang's departure suggests both countries prefer to handle the situation "quietly" and not let what may be a case of corruption have broader diplomatic significance.

"[Given] our significant economic and political interests with China, we try to proceed cautiously in our actions," Young told RFA.

Tara McKelvey for RFA Investigative and Nuriman Abdureshit for the RFA Uyghur Service contributed to this report. Edited by Boer Deng and Jim Snyder.

Updated to replace lead image and to correct timing of Sun's interaction with Gov. Cuomo.

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 September 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






'You Wanted Turmoil. You Got It': How FSB Officers Chatted, And Plotted, To Sow Discord In The U.S.

By Mike Eckel, Mark Krutov and Sergei Dobrynin September 06, 2024

On March 12, 2018, just before 6 p.m. in Moscow, Aleksandr Ionov, a well-traveled Russian man with a penchant for tailored three-piece suits, sent a series of text messages to a local phone number regarding a quixotic effort to get the state of California to secede from the United States.

Two years earlier, Ionov, who ran an NGO called the Anti-Globalization Movement, had helped marginal California pro-secession activists set up an office in the Russian capital and had hosted them and other activists from around the world at a Moscow conference called the Dialogue of Nations.

The first two messages Ionov sent were links to U.S. news articles about California's secession.

"You wanted turmoil," Ionov then wrote. "You got it."

The recipient of the message, according to U.S. officials, was Yegor Popov, an officer in Russia's main intelligence agency, the Federal Security Service (FSB). Popov's superior was Aleksei Sukhodolov, a unit chief in a division called the Service for the Protection of the Constitutional System and the Fight Against Terrorism, informally known as the Second Directorate.

The messages are included in dozens of pages of chat logs obtained by U.S. authorities that were released in U.S. court proceedings, revealing FSB officers' internal discussions of coordination with American activists, some of whom went on trial in U.S. federal court in Florida this week.

While a handful of quotes from the chats were previously included in U.S. indictments, the detailed transcripts -- some four dozen pages -- had not previously released publicly.

In addition to details of the FSB officers' work on U.S. politics, the messages also reveal their discussions of government critics, FSB bureaucracy, independent media the Kremlin sees as hostile to its interests, and Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Ionov, Popov, and Sukhodolov -- along with two other FSB officers, Yevgeny Vistorpovsky and Aleksei Mityagin -- allegedly engaged in a multiyear effort to work with several groups of American activists "who provided the FSB with the information...to sow division inside the U.S."

Ionov and the FSB officers have all been identified publicly, with Popov and Sukhodolov indicted by the Justice Department alongside Ionov last year. It's highly unlikely any will ever be tried in a U.S. courtroom.

On July 29, 2022, the day U.S. prosecutors announced the first indictment, Ionov texted Popov a euphemism roughly translating as "friggin' frick."

"Trash the phones," he wrote.

Back Up To The Cloud

The broad outlines of the effort orchestrated by Ionov and his FSB handlers were initially described in the 24-page indictment issued in July 2022, followed by the second indictment issued 10 months later.

The detailed transcripts of the chats were entered into the record in the Florida federal case last month, on August 21, shortly before the opening of the trial of the American activists accused of coordinating with the FSB officers.

The transcripts were included in a filing by a defense lawyer for one of the activists, Penny Hess, who argued they should not be allowed to be introduced during the trial, calling them "hearsay" evidence.

U.S. prosecutors argued otherwise, saying "Ionov's work with these U.S. groups was done on behalf of the FSB, an arm of the Russian government, which is an essential element of the charged crimes."

The messages "were an integral part of this conspiracy, providing the FSB with the information needed to 'utilize' the defendants to, in their own words, 'sow division inside the U.S.,'" prosecutors said.

The U.S. Attorney's office in Tampa, Florida, where the case is being tried, confirmed the chat files had been turned over by the Justice Department as part of the discovery process -- the requirement that any evidence being introduced as part of a criminal trial be shared with the opposing legal counsel before trial.

A spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorney's office declined to say how the chats were obtained -- whether U.S. intelligence agencies had hacked the FSB officers' phones, for example.

However, the lists of exhibits scheduled to be used during the trial -- and the metadata accompanying the chat message -- indicate that U.S. authorities got the bulk of the communications through a backup on iCloud, the Apple cloud computing service.

That means Ionov and Popov in all likelihood used iPhones, which backed up some of their chats, including their WhatsApp messages, to Apple servers -- giving U.S. prosecutors the ability to obtain the chats with a court-authorized search warrant.

RFE/RL sought comment from Ionov and the others identified in the logs, calling all the phone numbers listed in the court records.

Ionov and Sukhodolov's numbers were out of service; a call to Popov's number was directed to what sounded like a call center recording, asking RFE/RL to call back later.

A man answered the phone identified as Vistoropsky's and appeared to respond affirmatively when addressed by name but then refused to answer questions and hung up shortly thereafter. A man answered the phone identified as Mityagin's number asked a reporter, who identified himself, if it was a prank call, and then hung up.

'Why Were They Thrown Into A Massacre?'

Ionov's work cultivating activists in California advocating the state's secession has been well-documented.

About a month before Ionov gloated about his efforts with California activists, Popov wrote to him to press for photographs of a march that was planned to the California state house in Sacramento. Popov also appeared underwhelmed with how little coverage U.S. news outlets gave to the event.

"This is the only article I've seen," Popov wrote.

Two weeks later, in early March, Popov invited Ionov to meet at a Moscow cafe not far from the offices of the Second Directorate.

Popov also advised Ionov that his superior, Sukhodolov, wanted to meet, which prompted a complaint from Ionov.

"I'm angry at AB for some reason," he wrote, using the initials of Sukhodolov's first and middle names. "He's stirring up trouble. I really don't like it. I might just lose my temper. And start a fight."

"They cut our money, that's a fact," Popov tried to reassure Ionov. "Different agenda, different people, plus a lot of other things. No need, he's a good man, he just can't tell us everything. He's limited by his superiors."

But different American activists are currently on trial in the Florida federal court: four men and women who are current or former members of a relatively obscure political organization called the African People's Socialist Party. Several are also members of a related group called the Uhuru Movement.

Prosecutors charged that the activists knowingly worked with Ionov and by extension the FSB officers; Ionov paid for at least one of them to travel to Moscow in 2015 for a conference planned by Ionov's organization, the Anti-Globalization Movement of Russia. All have denied the charges.

Ionov also allegedly advised the group on wording for protest signs; according to the indictment, he also paid $3,000 to several activists for them to travel to San Francisco to protest at the headquarters of Meta, Facebook's parent company, after it restricted pro-Russian posts about Moscow's invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022.

The chat logs show Ionov messaged frequently with Popov and less frequently with Sukhodolov, sending photographs, links to news articles, and even links to online photo albums.

A day after the invasion, Ionov appeared to comment on reports of internal divisions among Russia's ruling class over the war, including an Instagram post by the daughter of Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov that read "No to War!"

"Peskov has lost his mind," he wrote to Sukhodolov, adding in a subsequent message: "Everyone has completely f***ing lost it."

The two also discussed a battle in the early days of the invasion, when Russian paratroopers tried to land troops at an airport north of Kyiv. Ukrainian soldiers mounted a hasty defense that inflicted serious losses on the paratroopers, thwarting the raid.

"Why were they thrown into a massacre?" Sukhodolov asked Popov. "Where were the reinforcements? Was that a tactical blunder?"

"You'll need to call the [Defense Ministry] to find out," Popov replied.

'You're A Stud'

In late April 2019, a Russian woman named Maria Butina was sentenced to 19 months in U.S. prison for not registering as a foreign agent with the Justice Department. Butina had spent several years in the United States befriending and ingratiating herself with political figures, mainly Republicans.

About a week after her sentencing, Ionov, who had been raising money for Butina's legal defense, and Popov discussed the sentencing and a press event that Ionov hosted in Moscow to advocate for Butina's release. Ionov included a link to an online photo album that shows a Moscow press event, with more than a dozen reporters.

"Awesome material on Butina! You're a stud," Popov wrote to Ionov.

The tone of that message differed starkly from a message Popov sent six weeks earlier following a report about Ionov's financial links to Butina published by The Atlantic, a U.S. magazine. Ionov sent a link to his FSB handler.

"I will not report this! You are called the patron of Butina, who admitted to interfering in the 2016 elections," Popov wrote to Ionov. "They also mention the separatist conferences [a reference to the Dialogue of Nations events in Moscow]. Now they will impose sanctions against you."

Three years later, Ionov was hit by U.S. Treasury Department sanctions.

On July 29, 2022, discussing the news of the initial indictment, Ionov advised Popov to discard his phone, apparently suspecting it had been hacked or accessed.

"And I told you: the Arabs gave you a strange phone," Popov replied.

It's unclear from the message exactly who Popov is referring to as the source of the "strange phone," though Ionov had business interests in Lebanon and Syria.

"I haven't had it for ages," Ionov responded. "It was my second one."

'Political Division Is Weakness'

Going back decades, Soviet and Russian intelligence agencies have sought to spread disinformation and stoke dissent to undermine foreign governments, Western or otherwise.

In the 1980s, the KGB helped spread the suspicion that the United States had invented the virus that causes AIDS as part of a biological weapons research project.

During the 2016 U.S. presidential election campaign, Russian government-linked "trolls" created scores of fake online personas to try and sow discord on social media.

"This campaign sought to polarize Americans on the basis of societal, ideological, and racial differences, provoked real world events, and was part of a foreign government's covert support of Russia's favored candidate in the U.S. presidential election," a bipartisan report compiled by the U.S. Senate's Intelligence Committee found.

On September 4, one day after the Florida trial started, U.S. authorities announced wide-ranging sanctions and other measures against Russia entities, accusing them of trying to interfere, and sway American opinion, in the ongoing presidential campaign. The State Department announced new restrictions of five state-funded news outlets, including RT -- the Russian state-funded TV network formerly known as Russia Today.

The Justice Department also announced a new criminal indictment against two RT employees, accusing them of a conspiracy to spread disinformation and propaganda, partly by using a media company in Tennessee.

"Russia...does what it can to accentuate divisions in its adversaries' societies, especially the United States, applying the philosophy that political division is weakness," said Kevin Riehle, a scholar at Brunel University London and author of a new history of the FSB.

"If the Russian government can highlight fringe opposition groups within the United States (or elsewhere) then it diminishes Western powers in the eyes of the world," he told RFE/RL. "It also makes them less attractive to Russians. Russia can claim that the United States is weak because it is chaotic and riven with divisions, including from a few groups that the FSB itself supports."

Left-wing political activists weren't the only individuals that the FSB's Second Directorate targeted.

Two of the FSB officers identified by the Justice Department in court papers and elsewhere have also been publicly linked to a parallel case involving a Russian woman named Natalia Burlinova.

A 2023 FBI wanted poster targeting Natalia Burlinova.

In 2023, U.S. prosecutors charged Burlinova in connection with what they said was a multiyear effort to recruit and cultivate young Western professionals who might be sympathetic to Russia's foreign policies.

Burlinova held meetings at major U.S. universities with academics and students and oversaw a conference that paid for recent university graduates to travel to Moscow and attend workshops and lectures. One of the lectures featured a Russian man who was among those kicked out of the United States in 2010 for being a deep-cover "illegal."

The effort, according to the U.S. Treasury Department, was overseen and coordinated by Popov and Sukhodolov.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-fsb-election-us- interference/33107203.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






US adversaries step up efforts to influence results of next election

By Jeff Seldin September 06, 2024

Russia, Iran and China are ramping up efforts to impact the outcome of the U.S. presidential election and down-ballot races, targeting American voters with an expanding array of sophisticated influence operations.

The latest assessment from U.S. intelligence agencies, shared Friday, warns that Russia remains the preeminent threat, with Russian influence campaigns seeking to boost the chances of Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump over Democratic candidate Vice President Kamala Harris.

Russian actors, led by networks created by the Kremlin-backed media outlet RT, "are supporting Moscow's efforts to influence voter preferences in favor of the former president and diminish the prospects of the vice president," a senior intelligence official told reporters, briefing on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive information.

"RT has built and used networks of U.S. and other Western personalities to create and disseminate Russia-friendly narratives while trying to mask the content in authentic Americans' free speech," the official said.

And RT, the official added, is just part of a growing Kremlin-directed campaign that is looking to impact not just the race for the White House, but smaller elections across the United States, with an added emphasis on swing states.

"Russia's influence apparatus is very large and it's worth highlighting that they have other entities that are active," the official said. "Russia is working up and down ballot races, as well as spreading divisive issues."

Tracking the Russian influence efforts has become more difficult, with U.S. officials saying that there is a greater degree of sophistication and an increased emphasis on amplifying American voices with pro-Russian views rather than seeding social media with narratives crafted in the Kremlin.

"It's not just about Russian bots and trolls and fake social media persona, although that's part of it," White House national security spokesperson John Kirby told VOA Friday.

"We're not taking anything for granted," he added. "There's no question that [Russian President Vladimir] Putin has every intent to try to sow discord here in the United States, to try to pump disinformation and Russian propaganda through to the American people, through what he believes were our credible sources, be they online or on television and we have to take that seriously."

The intelligence officials declined to share additional specifics about Russia's network of influence operations. But indictments Wednesday from the U.S. Justice Department have shed some light on the scope of the Kremlin's recent operations.

In one case, the U.S. charged two employees of RT with using fake personas and shell companies to funnel almost $10 million to Tenet Media, a Tennessee-based company producing videos and podcasts for a stable of conservative political influencers.

The aim, prosecutors said, was to produce and disseminate content promoting what Moscow viewed as pro-Russian policies.

In a separate action, the U.S. seized 32 internet domains linked to an operation directed by a key aide to Putin. The aim, U.S. officials said, was to mimic legitimate U.S. news sites to spread Russian-created propaganda.

RT publicly ridiculed the allegations while some of the influencers working with Tenet posted statements on the X social media platform saying they were unaware of the company's links to Moscow.

As for the latest U.S. intelligence allegations, the Russian Embassy in Washington has yet to respond to VOA's request for comments, though it has described previous accusations as "Russophobic."

Requests for comment to the Trump and Harris campaigns have also, so far, gone unanswered.

But earlier U.S. intelligence assertions of Russian support for Trump have raised the ire of the Trump campaign, which has pointed to public statements by Russia's Putin supporting Trump's opponents.

"When President Trump was in the Oval Office, Russia and all of America's adversaries were deterred, because they feared how the United States would respond," national press secretary for the Trump campaign, Karoline Leavitt, told VOA in an email this past July.

U.S. intelligence officials, however, said it would be a mistake to put any faith in Putin's words, including public comments Thursday expressing support for Harris.

The U.S. intelligence community "does not take Putin's public statements as representative of Russia's covert intentions," the senior official said. "There are many examples over the past several years where Putin's public statements do not align with Russian actions. For example, his comments that he would not invade Ukraine."

Experts say Iran, China trying to influence results

U.S. intelligence agencies Friday emphasized Russia is not alone in its effort to shape the outcome of the U.S. elections in November, warning both Tehran and Beijing are sharpening their influence campaigns with just about 60 days until America voters go to the polls.

"Iran is making a greater effort than in the past to influence this year's elections, even as its tactics and approaches are similar to prior cycles," the intelligence official said, describing a "multi-pronged approach to stoke internal divisions and undermine voter confidence in the U.S. democratic system.

U.S. intelligence agencies previously assessed that Iran has focused part of its efforts on denigrating the Trump campaign, seeing his election as likely to worsen tensions between Tehran and Washington.

U.S. officials last month also blamed Iran for a hack-and-leak operation targeting the Trump campaign, though they said that Iran-linked actors have also sought to infiltrate the Harris campaign.

As for China, U.S. intelligence officials said it appears Beijing is still content to stay out of the U.S. presidential race, seeing little difference between Trump and Harris.

But there are indications China is accelerating its efforts to impact other political races.

U.S. intelligence "is aware of PRC [People's Republic of China] attempts to influence U.S. down-ballot races by focusing on candidates it views as particularly threatening to core PRC security interests," the official said.

"PRC online influence actors have also continued small scale efforts on social media to engage U.S. audiences on divisive political issues, including protests about the Israel-Gaza conflict and promote negative stories about both political parties," the official added.

'Malicious speculations against China'

The Chinese Embassy in Washington, Friday, rejected the U.S. intelligence assessment.

"China has no intention and will not interfere in the U.S. election, and we hope that the U.S. side will not make an issue of China in the election," spokesperson Liu Pengyu told VOA in an email.

Liu added that accusations Beijing is using social media to sway U.S. public opinion "are full of malicious speculations against China, which China firmly opposes."

While U.S. intelligence officials have identified Russia, Iran and China, as the most prominent purveyors of disinformation, they are not alone.

Officials have said countries like Cuba are also engaging in influence operations, though at a much smaller scale.

And other countries are edging closer to crossing that line.

"We are seeing a number of countries considering activities that, at a minimum, test the boundaries of election influence," according to the U.S. assessment. "Such activities include lobbying political figures to try to curry favor with them in the event they are elected to office."

Misha Komadovsky contributed to this report.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Secretary Antony J. Blinken at a Press Availability

US Department of State

Remarks

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

Toussaint Louverture International Airport

Port-au-Prince, Haiti

September 5, 2024

SECRETARY BLINKEN: I came to Haiti today to meet with Prime Minister Conille, the Transitional Presidential Council, other political and security leaders, to advance our shared commitment to a secure and democratic Haiti.

Back in March, we were with CARICOM leaders and other critical stakeholders, Haitians and other partners from beyond the region, in Kingston, Jamaica to rally regional support for a Haitian-led political transition.

Since that time, the Haitians have stood up a Transitional Presidential Council. There's a government with an interim prime minister, a cabinet, and we see these institutions moving forward to do the work of delivering for the Haitian people.

The United States appreciates Haiti's leaders putting aside their differences, working together to put the country on the path to free and fair elections. And we look forward to the TPC swiftly naming a Provisional Electoral Council to organize those elections. That is the critical next step.

We also welcome Haitian efforts to address corruption allegations and promote transparency and accountability. These are essential for this transition government to maintain the trust of the Haitian people.

As the United States demonstrated with our recent sanctions on former President Martelly, we will use every tool that we have to hold accountable those who facilitate violence, drug trafficking, instability.

As this political process has moved forward, in parallel, so too is the necessary efforts to provide a strong security foundation. And in particular, the Multinational Security Support mission, authorized by the United Nations last year, has moved forward. Over the past several months, more than 380 Kenyan personnel have arrived in support of the Haitian National Police as part of this mission - with more to come.

In recent weeks, the MSS, with the Haitian National Police, has increased joint operations, taking the fight to the gangs and delivering a powerful message: The Haitian people - not Haitian gangs - will write the country's future.

As a result, the airport's reopened. Commercial flights have resumed, allowing goods to enter the country. In parts of Port-au-Prince, there's more economic activity, more markets reopened, more people venturing out.

In my meetings today with leaders of the security mission, the Haitian police, we discussed how to ensure that security personnel are well-trained, well-equipped, and accountable so that they can work together to effectively combat violence and instability, and maintain Haiti's momentum.

The United States, for our part, has already delivered over $300 million to support this multinational mission - sending armored vehicles, radios, night-vision goggles; standing up an entire base of operations - and we'll be getting more assistance here more quickly.

We've also provided $200 million to the Haitian police since 2021, helping to train and equip new recruits as well as specialized anti-gang units.

We deeply appreciate the indispensable leadership of Kenya, President Ruto, as well as the contributions of CARICOM and the international community.

Canada has been one Haiti's strongest and most enduring partners, devoting millions in training and equipment to bolster the Haitian National Police and the Multinational Security Support mission.

Jamaica, as deputy commander of this mission, has committed to sending its own personnel to Haiti.

El Salvador is sending a medevac team.

But at this critical moment, we do need more funding, we do need more personnel, to sustain and carry out the objectives of this mission.

The United States has been actively working to secure this additional support. In a couple of weeks, we'll be at the United Nations for the General Assembly. I intend to convene a ministerial meeting to encourage greater contributions to help meet Haiti's security needs, its economic needs, its humanitarian needs, as well as to renew the mission's mandate, which expires in early October.

The United States is also committed to using this foundation of security to support and unlock the potential of the Haitian people.

We're the largest contributor of humanitarian assistance to Haiti. That includes an additional $45 million in humanitarian aid that I'm announcing today - bringing the total U.S. aid to over $210 million this year. That means more food, more water, more sanitation, more health and support services, for one and a half million more Haitians.

In the long term, the United States is working to return Haiti to the path of growth and opportunity, including through a whole-of-government strategy that the United States and Haitian stakeholders have developed to prevent conflict and promote stability here in Haiti.

We're particularly focused in shoring up the apparel sector, which constitutes a quarter of Haiti's GDP, 90 percent of its exports, and employs tens of thousands of Haitians.

The United States' HOPE/HELP trade preference program is an essential part of this effort, incentivizing companies to locate factories here by allowing Haitian-produced clothing to be exported to the United States duty-free.

This critical legislation expires next year, so we're working with our Congress to quickly reauthorize it. We'll also continue partnering with the Haitian government to make it easier for companies to do business here in Haiti.

Now, we're very clear-eyed about what is required to address Haiti's challenges. It's an enormous amount of work to be done. The challenges are significant. But I think from just a few hours here today, meeting with leaders, talking to people, as well as being immersed in the work that we've done these past few months, what I am seeing is tremendous resilience and the emergence - the re-emergence - of hope.

We see it in young police recruits who are ready to reclaim their communities.

We see it in citizens who see the transition government beginning to address challenges with seriousness and a sense of purpose.

We see it in parents who can begin again to imagine going out to the supermarket, sending their kids to school without fear.

Everyone that I met today cares about this country and is committed to its future.

And I want the people of Haiti to know that the United States is with you - (in French) - will remain with you, and many other countries are as well.

So I think we've seen a good start to moving Haiti forward, but much remains to be done. We're determined to continue. We're determined to help the Haitian people write the future that they deserve.

MR MILLER: The first question goes to Rotchild Francois with Radio RFM.

QUESTION: (Via interpreter) Secretary of State Antony Blinken, you just announced new humanitarian help to Haiti. Humanitarian assistance is important, but the country also needs investments that are important for economic growth and the creation of jobs and rich - wealth in Haiti. You see, when we have resolved the security problem, how will the United States continue to help Haiti rebuild its future after the gangs have been dealt with?

SECRETARY BLINKEN: (In French.) And the question is what can we do to really help Haiti develop its economy. Humanitarian assistance is critical, but we also, the question suggests, need to do other things.

And the truth is we have been and we'll continue to do so. Besides the humanitarian assistance, if you go back just over the last few years, going back to 2021, we've provided more than $800 million in development, economic, and health assistance, as well as security assistance. And then separate from that is the humanitarian assistance. So you're exactly right that these investments in Haiti's foundational economic activities and everything that needs to happen to support them - that is essential, and we'll continue to do that.

I mentioned the HOPE/HELP Act that's been critical in supporting the apparel sector, which is so central to Haiti's economy. We want to renew that. It expires next year. But that's been critical because it incentivizes companies to put factories here in Haiti to produce the apparel that then gets sold in the United States and throughout the region. So these and other measures, as well as a program we have that is part of the Global Fragility Act - where we have a 10-year plan in effect for Haiti to help support its development, to prevent instability, but to promote as well economic activity.

So all of these things have to come together. But I'd just say again I think the first thing to get right is to make sure that the security foundation is there, and that's what's happening now with the MSS and the Haitian National Police. A lot more work to be done, but it's starting to move. And then we also want to make sure that Haiti is back on a clear democratic track, and that means elections next year.

MR MILLER: For the next question, Michael Crowley with The New York Times.

QUESTION: Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Secretary.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Michael.

QUESTION: Thank you. Turning to the Middle East for a moment, if we may - there'll be more questions about Haiti, I'm sure - many of us were with you in Israel in June. At that time, there was a ceasefire proposal on the table, and you said to the press corps that the possibility, the prospect of a ceasefire really is down to one person at this point, and you said it was Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas. Of course, a lot of things have happened since that time, but I wonder whether it is still your assessment that really it comes down at this point to that one man, Yahya Sinwar. There is a lot of criticism right now about the role of Prime Minister Netanyahu and what his exact position is. So I wondered if you could just kind of come back to that basic question of where you place the primary responsibility.

And then if I just may add one more question, this may be in the department of stating the obvious, but can you just - would you acknowledge at this point that the prospect of a normalization agreement between Saudi Arabia and Israel that would include some sort of a security agreement between the United States and Saudi Arabia is not going to happen under President Biden's presidency? Thank you.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Great. Thanks, Michael. So you're right that that's exactly what I said in June, and you're also right that since then there have been intervening events. And I think that only underscores something truly essential, which is that as close as we have gotten and as close as I believe we are to getting a ceasefire agreement, every day that goes by where it is not finalized and the parties don't say yes, period, is a day in which something else happens and there is an intervening event, which simply pushes things off and runs the risk of derailing what is a pretty fragile apple cart.

So the experience that we've had over the last couple of months, where there's been extraordinary work done to get a framework agreement that both parties signed onto, then to work to fill in some of the gaps because the framework agreement doesn't have every detail in it that remained to be negotiated, things that need to be implemented, we've been doing that work. And I think based on what I've seen, 90 percent is agreed, but there are a few critical issues that remain where we need to be able to get agreement, and they really go to how certain aspects of the agreement would be implemented. And I think much of this has been discussed in recent days, including the Philadelphi Corridor, including some of the exact specifics of how hostages and prisoners are exchanged. So that remains, but pretty much everything else is there.

So at this point, it seems to me that it's really incumbent on both parties to get to yes on these remaining issues. And we're in very active discussions with - first of all with our partners in this effort, Egypt and Qatar. And I expect in the coming days we will share with Israel, and they'll share with Hamas, our thoughts, the three of us, on exactly how to resolve the remaining outstanding questions. And then it will be time really for the parties to decide yes or no, and then we'll see.

As to normalization - Saudi Arabia - no, I don't agree with the premise of the question or at least the statement that it's no longer possible. Now, it's very clear to me from my conversations since - with the Israelis, with the Saudis, that both very much would like to pursue this, but there are a couple of requirements for that to happen. Number one is calm in Gaza, so the ceasefire is an essential prerequisite to being able to move forward with normalization. Second, as we've discussed, is a credible pathway for a Palestinian state. A lot of work would have to go into that.

But given all the work that we've done, the United States has done with Saudi Arabia over the last year in terms of what would be required between us, given the fact that both Israel and Saudi Arabia, and in conversations with us, have expressed clearly that it's something they'd like to pursue, I think if we can get the ceasefire in Gaza, there remains an opportunity through the balance of this administration to move forward on normalization.

MR MILLER: Sheilla Louis Joseph with Radio Metropole.

QUESTION: (Via interpreter) Hello, Secretary of State. With the will to transform the MSS in Haiti into a peacekeeping mission, will this not encounter opposition from Russia and China, who have the right to veto? And what will happen after October 2nd, 2024?

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thank you. (In French.)

First, I think it's important to note that the entire UN Security Council got behind the Multinational Security Support mission, and I think it's because it was clear that that mission is important to the people of Haiti and to the future of this country, it's important to countries throughout the region, and we even see countries well beyond the region making clear the importance that they attach to the mission, because they know that restoring security here - taking the streets back from the gangs - is critical.

So given that, it seems to me the world, including the countries you mentioned, have already demonstrated support. The mission itself needs to be renewed, and that's what we're working on right now. But we also want to make sure that we have something that is reliable, that's sustainable, and we'll look at every option to do that. So a peacekeeping operation would be one such option. I think there are others. We just want to make sure that we have a way to move forward - first renewing the mission, and then making sure we have a way to make it sustainable for the future, because this is going to take some time.

The ultimate objective is this, though: It's not an indefinite endeavor. The entire purpose of the mission is first and foremost to regain control from the gangs, but then to enable Haitian institutions, particularly the Haitian National Police, to take this on for themselves. The point is not to have an indefinite international mission here; the point is to help our Haitian colleagues stand strongly on their own two feet and to be able to carry this on. But to get to that point we need some time, so we'll look at the best way to make sure we can sustain this effort.

MR MILLER: And for the final question, Christina Ruffini with Decision Points.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Christina.

QUESTION: Mr. Secretary, nice to see you. You just said that you need more funding to carry out the objectives of this mission. Why do you think you're not seeing financial commitments from other regional allies like Brazil or Mexico? What do they say to you when you try to engage them on this issue? I know you mentioned you're going to bring it up at the UN. Does the U.S. support an expanded multinational UN peacekeeping mission, or do you think the MSS - where you just were - is sufficient? And based on what you heard today and what we've been discussing, do you think Haiti will be on track to be able to hold elections next year?

And if I may, your schedule has been pretty grueling over the last year. You've got a young family. If Democrats win in November and you're asked, do you stay on or is it time for a break? Thank you, sir.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thanks, Christina. So look, there are different kinds of support, each of which is essential. There's money, there's equipment, there's personnel. And we have a number of countries that have already stood up in one or more of those areas to support Haiti and to support the MSS, and I went through a number of them just a short while ago.

But we also, I think, want to make sure that the mission has the resources that it needs to do the job as effectively as possible. And so we're looking at additional personnel contributions. Kenya will be coming forward with more, but other countries - some have already agreed to do that. There are others that we want to see if they're willing to participate.

Making sure that the financial support is there, including to pay the salaries of the people who are engaged in these missions - that's critical. We have some money in the bank to do that, including through the UN fund that's been established. But as we're projecting out and as we're looking at growing the MSS mission itself, we also have to figure out what's going to be required to pay for that, and I think we're going to need more funding to do that. That's exactly why I'm bringing together colleagues at the UN General Assembly on the margins of that, just to make sure that we are properly resourcing it.

Now, I think the other thing is success breeds success. So countries are looking at what's happening right now in Haiti. They're looking at what's happened over the last few months. They're looking at the start of this Multinational Security Support mission and whether it's getting results, and I think what they're seeing is it is. Now, again, I'm very clear-eyed about this. This is hard stuff. But we've already seen, thanks to the work of the MSS and with supporting the HNP, the Haitian National Police, the airport taken back and reopened, the main hospital in Port-au-Prince taken back, some neighborhoods where there's now economic activity again.

And what I heard today, talking to the leaders of the Haitian National Police and the MSS, is a clear plan for what they'll do next, and I think that's going to build on itself. That, in turn, will attract more support. And I hope that by the time, for example, we get to the UN in about two and a half weeks, there'll be a record of initial success as well as, again, this plan for going forward, and that will bring in more support.

As to my own future, all I'm looking at right now is the balance of this administration and January. And I can tell you from having spent some time over the last week on a bit of a break with my kids, I will relish having a lot more time with them.

MR MILLER: Thank you, all.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thank you. Thanks, everyone.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






News / National

by Staff reporter

SpaceX's broadband satellite internet service, Starlink, is now available in Zimbabwe for US$50 a month, plus US$350 for a setup kit, the company said on its website.Several local companies have obtained government approvals to work as Starlink's local resellers, but the company's website shows it is doing direct sales to customers who must pay US$23 for shipping.Customers who opt for the Starlink Mini, ideal for basic internet use and smaller households but with a cap of 100 Mbps compared to the standard package with speeds of up to 200 Mbps, will pay US$200 for the setup kit and a monthly subscription of US$30.The system, which brings connectivity where there is no land-based network, is seen as a game changer in Zimbabwe where data prices are high and rural communities are unserved.Zimbabwe's telecom regulator POTRAZ approved the licensing of Elon Musk's Starlink in May, with President Emmerson Mnangagwa saying the service would "result in the deployment of high speed, low cost, low-earth-orbit internet infrastructure throughout Zimbabwe and particularly in all the rural areas."A World Bank report in 2021 said only 34.8 percent of Zimbabwe's population had access to the internet.The country's internet service is dominated by three major mobile network operators - Econet, NetOne and Telecel.Starlink made its African debut in January 2023, with Nigeria as its first launch site. The service is now available in 14 African countries, including Zimbabwe's neighbours Eswatini, Botswana, Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique.
Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Eric Jacobstein on Nicaraguan Political Prisoners

US Department of State

Special Briefing

Eric Jacobstein, Deputy Assistant Secretary For Central America

Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs

Via Teleconference

September 5, 2024

MODERATOR: Okay, it does appear that we have a critical mass to get started. Good afternoon. Thank you for joining us for this on-the-record briefing with Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Eric Jacobstein, who will discuss the political prisoners that were released today from Nicaragua. This call will take - will be embargoed until it is completed.

So I'm going to turn it over to DAS Jacobstein to start, and then we will take questions. If you would like to ask a question, please use the raise your hand function and we will get to as many as we can. Thank you.

MR JACOBSTEIN: Great. Good afternoon from Guatemala City. Earlier today a plane landed in Guatemala carrying 135 released political prisoners and prisoners of conscience whom Nicaraguan authorities had unjustly detained. It was an incredible, emotional experience to greet the individuals on the tarmac here as they took steps to reclaim their lives and freedom.

The United States facilitated their transportation to Guatemala after months of advocacy with Nicaragua. We thank Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo and Foreign Minister Carlos Ramiro Martinez for working with us to welcome these individuals to Guatemala and really continuing to be a democratic leader for the region in both words and actions.

Among the released prisoners are 13 individuals affiliated with Mountain Gateway, a Texas-based religious organization, as well as Catholic laypeople, students, journalists, human rights defenders, and others. Nicaraguan authorities unjustly imprisoned these individuals on unsubstantiated charges simply for exercising their fundamental freedoms. They now begin the difficult work of rebuilding their lives in another country.

The governments of the United States and Guatemala, together with the international community's humanitarian and civil society partners, will temporarily provide them food, lodging, psychosocial and mental health support, and medical assistance to help them recover from the difficult conditions and trauma they have experienced. These individuals will now have the opportunity to apply for lawful pathways to reclaim their lives outside Nicaragua.

Ortega and Murillo continue to violate the human rights of Nicaraguans and other individuals by stifling dissent, jailing political opponents, and seizing their property. The United States continues to prioritize support for the Nicaraguan people's demands for a peaceful return to democracy and a Nicaragua where every individual can exercise their human rights and fundamental freedoms free from fear of persecution or reprisal.

So thank you very much again for the opportunity to talk today, and I'm now happy to take any questions you have.

MODERATOR: Wonderful. Again, if you would like to answer a question, please use the raise your hand function and we will get to you. Okay, the first question is going to be from Shaun Tandon from AFP. Shaun, you have the floor.

QUESTION: Hey there, thanks for doing this. I wanted to ask you about your interaction with the Nicaraguans and how cooperative or not you were. I mean, do you see any broader political significance in this? I mean, there was the release last year. Do you see it as a way for them to try to improve relations with the U.S. at all, or are you skeptical of drawing any greater political implication of what Ortega might be up to this with? Thank you.

MR JACOBSTEIN: Thank you very much. So I do want to emphasize that this does not signal a change in our policy toward this repressive regime. Ortega and Murillo continue to suppress democracy, fail to respect the human rights of Nicaraguans, and deepen Nicaragua's collaboration with authoritarian governments like Russia and the PRC. So we will continue to promote accountability with the Ortega-Murillo regime and those who help to facilitate or sustain the regime's corruption and assaults on democracy and human rights.

This is the result of months of public and private pressure on the part of the United States for Ortega and Murillo to release those unjustly detained. Though the pressure itself has been consistent, the planning and execution of this release was rapid and we've worked quickly to facilitate the travel of these individuals and really ensure their safety at every step of the journey.

MODERATOR: Thank you. Our next question is from Halley Toosi with Politico.

QUESTION: Hi. Sorry, can you hear me? Sorry. This is Eric Bazail from Politico filling in for Halley Toosi. Look, can you talk through what specifically Nicaragua got in terms of this deal and also what Guatemala got for their cooperation receiving these dissidents and process - holding them while they're waiting to be processed to come to the United States?

MR JACOBSTEIN: Thank you. So these individuals were already in prison. The Nicaraguan regime got nothing from this. This was a unilateral action. So we're really pleased that these individuals are now in freedom.

And sorry, the second part of your question? Oh, sorry. The second part of your question had to do with the Guatemalan Government. So this is just - from our perspective, this is another sign of the important relationship between the United States and Guatemala. We're seeing Guatemala, again, stepping up as a regional leader, as it has on a number of other issues, on Venezuela, Haiti, and otherwise. So we're extremely grateful to President Arevalo for his leadership in welcoming these unjustly detained individuals, and really more than anything for continuing to demonstrate democratic leadership in the region.

MODERATOR: Thank you. Our next question is going to be from Mary Beth Sheridan from The Washington Post. Mary Beth, you have the floor.

QUESTION: Can you hear me now? Oops.

MODERATOR: Yes, we can.

QUESTION: Yeah, okay, great. Sorry. Thanks again very much for doing this. Can you walk us through a little bit how this all transpired? Was there a call from the Nicaraguan Government? Was - was it to the embassy? Was it to the State Department? Who was it from? And also, did Kamala Harris play a role in this? Thank you.

MR JACOBSTEIN: Great, thank you for that, Mary Beth. So this is - while we do not comment on diplomatic discussions, for us the important news here is that these foreign political prisoners are released and starting the difficult journey to reclaim their lives and freedom. More generally speaking, Congress has advocated for a long time for the release of the 13 individuals affiliated with Mountain Gateway, and we too as a result of collaboration with Congress, we have pushed for the release of these individuals. So we've advocated for a long time for the release of these individuals. The Nicaraguan Government agreed to release these individuals, along with others, for a total of 135 individuals.

And then in terms of the role of the U.S. Government, we have worked very closely with senior officials at the White House, certainly including the Vice President's office, USAID, and the Department of Homeland Security. So it has been a true whole-of-government effort to ensure that this happened as quickly as possible.

MODERATOR: Thank you. Our next question is coming from Tracy Wilkinson from the LA Times. Tracy, you have the floor.

Tracy, do you have a question?

QUESTION: Can you hear me now?

MODERATOR: Yes, we can.

QUESTION: Okay, sorry. I thought I unmuted. Sorry. Still can't get this figured out four years later.

Some technical questions. Are all of the people released Nicaraguan nationals? Is anybody coming to the United States - the Texas group, for example? And do you have any ballpark figure on how many similarly unjustly detained people continue to be in Nicaraguan jails and prisons? Thanks.

MR JACOBSTEIN: Thanks, Tracy. So first of all, yes, all 135 of these individuals are Nicaraguan citizens. And so for us, it's very important these individuals, again, have agency. So here in Guatemala, these individuals will have the option to pursue lawful pathways, including to the United States via processing through the United States Refugee Admission Program or to other countries. So some may ultimately choose local integration in Guatemala to the extent this option is available under Guatemalan law. But for us, the real key here is that these individuals are now free, they're in Guatemala thanks to the partnership with President Arevalo, and now we will work closely with them to ensure that they're able to avail themselves of various lawful pathways.

And then in terms of the total political prisoners, can't speak to that at this moment, but happy to take that.

MODERATOR: The next question is from Simon Lewis with Reuters. Simon.

QUESTION: Hi. Can you hear me?

MODERATOR: Yes, we can.

QUESTION: Yeah, great. Thank you. I just wanted to follow up on one thing from Tracy. I know you said you can't say the total number of political prisoners, but I'm guessing there are some who are - based on the figures that I've seen, there are some people of a similar category who are still detained. So is there anything you can say on whether some people that the Nicaraguan Government refused to release, that you had to kind of settle for, or have you sort of got everyone who was the target of these negotiations?

And I'm guessing also you're not - you're not disclosing any of the names, but is there any sort of characterization you can give of the - some of the - particularly the members of the Catholic Church who were released that might give us an idea of the kind of profile?

And I just wanted to also follow up on something that came up in an earlier answer you mentioned slightly away from today's events, but the cooperation between the Ortega government and Russia and China. I wonder if there's anything you can - more you can say to sort of characterize that and how the U.S. views the roles of Russia and China sort of in propping up this government. Thank you.

MR JACOBSTEIN: Thank you. So let me try to take all three of those. So first of all, yes, Nicaragua continues to unjustly detain individuals. We believe that only Ortega and Murillo can control the freedom of these individuals, so we urge them to immediately and unconditionally release all political prisoners and prisoners of conscience in Nicaragua, and essentially allow all Nicaraguans to reclaim their lives free from repression and fear of reprisal.

In terms of the types of individuals, so obviously it's the 13 individuals affiliated with Mountain Gateway, which is a Texas-based religious organization. Those released also include human rights defenders and Catholic laypeople - students as well. And then finally, in terms of Russia and China, this is extremely concerning, the collaboration between Ortega and Murillo and the Russia - Russia and the PRC, and we continue to be very concerned about it.

MODERATOR: Thank you. Our next question is from Celia Mendoza with Voice of America.

QUESTION: Great. Thank you so much for this. Can you hear me?

MODERATOR: Yes, we can.

QUESTION: Great. Talking about the people - you mentioned it's 135, all Nicaraguan citizens, and February 2023, I believe, is when they also did a massive release of prisoners, get them out of the country. They actually flew to the United States. Is any fear that it will be removal of citizenship or persecution of family members of these people that was - that are now in Guatemala? That is the first question.

And then the second - so we know that Ortega has received damning reports by the United Nations. Those were - play a part on the decision of the Ortega government to release this group of prisoners. And finally, we have received reports from the ground that says that they are now trying to round up other additional people to try to detain more people. Is that a fear from the United States that they will see - now that they don't have these amount of people, they might start just rounding up additional people to try to have some leverage internationally? Thank you.

MR JACOBSTEIN: Thank you. So in terms of the citizenship question, I cannot speak to that, but obviously urge Ortega and Murillo not to do so, as they did with the 222. That was extremely troubling. In terms of the UN report, other reports, all advocacy is extremely helpful, and we urge the international community to continue to raise the voice - raise voices about the repression in Nicaragua.

Oh, and then - sorry, and then the third question you asked was fear of them doing this again. Absolutely. I mean, we - this is a government that continues to imprison individuals for exercising their fundamental freedoms so we continue to be extremely concerned about their actions right now and their future actions.

MODERATOR: Great. Our next question is from Tifani Roberts with Univision. Tifani, you have the floor.

QUESTION: Yes, hello. Hello, Mr. Jacobstein. Good to know that you're in Guatemala. I wanted to ask you first: what was your personal take as you received the 135 political prisoners? Like what's their shape? What do they look like? What's their health? If you could just give us, like, an overall estimate on a personal level what you saw. And the other question I have is regarding Guatemala. How did Guatemala come about to be the country in Central America to be - like the stepping stone for these - that receive these prisoners? Did you try calling Costa Rica or any other countries that you tried to get involved before calling on Guatemala?

MR JACOBSTEIN: Thank you. So in terms of a personal take, certainly these are individuals some of whom have been victims of torture, so these individuals have had an extremely difficult time. We did find them generally in very good health and spirits. These individuals came off the plane saying "God bless America," "God bless Guatemala" - extremely grateful, in good spirits. So obviously they're moving on now to health support, psycho-social support. There was health support for them on the plane as well. But we do generally find that they were in good health and spirits, all things considered.

In terms of the question about conversations, I won't get into diplomatic discussions but would just say that Guatemala was an obvious partner for this given its leadership in the role - leadership in the region, given the leadership of President Arevalo on issues, including human rights in the region.

MODERATOR: Thank you. Our next question comes from Christopher Sherman from the AP. Chris.

QUESTION: Hello. Can you hear me now?

MODERATOR: Yes, we can.

QUESTION: Okay. Just one more precision on Tracy and Simon's questions. Were there any prisoners that Nicaragua was willing to release who decided to not leave Nicaragua voluntarily, as we saw in some cases with the 222 back in February of last year?

MR JACOBSTEIN: Thanks for that question. Unfortunately, I can't speak to the details of that.

MODERATOR: Great. Our next question is from Stefanie Bolzen.

QUESTION: Hello. Can you hear me?

MODERATOR: Yes, we can.

QUESTION: Hello - hello. Thank you for doing this briefing. You said that the execution of the release was very rapid, very quick. Can you give any more details why the release has happened right now? Thank you.

MR JACOBSTEIN: Thank you. So it's been months of advocacy, both from the executive branch and Congress, on the Mountain Gateway individuals but also broader political prisoners in Nicaragua. So we believe that certainly played an important role in leading to the release today.

MODERATOR: Thank you. Our next question is from Michele Kelemen from NPR.

Michele, if you're there, you're on mute.

QUESTION: Can you hear me this way?

MODERATOR: Yes, we can hear you now.

QUESTION: This is - okay. It was like I had to do space and hold or something; I've never seen that before. Anyway, Tifani kind of asked the question that I wanted to, but can you give us a little bit more flavor for what it was like, or are there any particular conversations you had with people that struck you as they got off the plane? And then also, how long do you think it'll take for them to be processed to come to the U.S.? Is the U.S. paying for them to be able to stay in Guatemala during all of this time? Thank you.

MR JACOBSTEIN: Thank you very much. I would say one personal reaction I had in having conversations with some of these individuals is the true pettiness and cruelty of the regime who imprisoned individuals for things that are obviously - have no reason to put people in prison for, so extremely concerning. Hearing about the treatment of individuals in prison is also - was also very troublesome. So it continues to speak to our concerns about this government.

In terms of timing, our hope is to process - for these individuals to find lawful pathways as expeditiously as possible. And to your question on U.S. support, yes, the U.S. is providing assistance to support these individuals in the coming weeks and months. But again, we hope this to be as rapid as possible.

MODERATOR: Thank you. Our next question is from Javier Ansorena from ABC.

Javier, are you unable to unmute yourself?

Okay. Thank you all so much. We don't have any additional questions in the queue, so we will go ahead and end this call, but thank you very much for joining us. And again, this was an on-the-record call and it - the embargo is now over, as the call has ended. Thank you.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






September 6, 2024

Transcript

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General "CQ" Brown Jr. Hold a Press Conference

PENTAGON PRESS SECRETARY MAJ GEN PAT RYDER: All right. Well, good afternoon, everyone. Thank you very much for being here today. It is my pleasure to introduce Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General CQ Brown Jr. The Secretary and the Chairman will deliver opening remarks and then we'll have time to take a few questions.

Please note that I will moderate those questions and call on journalists and due to time constraints, I would ask those who are called upon to please limit your follow up questions. And with that, I will turn it over to Secretary Austin. Over to you, sir.

SECRETARY OF DEFENSE LLOYD AUSTIN: Thanks, Patrick. Well, good afternoon, everyone, and thanks for joining us today. We just held the 24th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group and I am deeply grateful to all the countries who came back to Ramstein again today. It was great to see Minister Umarov again after our recent meeting at the Pentagon.

He is a valued partner and a friend, and it was an honor to have President Zelenskyy join this contact group for the first time here at Ramstein. The whole contact group heard his passionate call for more security assistance for Ukraine, and I share President Zelenskyy's outrage over Putin's most recent barrage of airstrikes, which have been some of the heaviest since Moscow's full-scale invasion in February 2022. Ukrainian forces still face perilous battlefield conditions, especially in Pokrovske, but Ukraine's troops continue to fight with skill, courage and daring.

And that's why we're meeting at such a dynamic moment on the battlefield. Ukrainian forces have advanced into Russia's Kursk region since early August. And for two and a half years, Ukraine has more than held its own against the largest military in Europe. And above all, the credit for that goes to Ukraine's brave troops.

But I'm also deeply grateful to the allies and partners who have given Ukraine's forces the tools to defend themselves and their country. Some 50 nations of goodwill were back at Ramstein today and they continue to rush urgently needed capabilities to Ukraine, including air defense, armor, artillery ammunition and most recently, F-16 fighters.

This coalition has committed more than $106 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since February 2022, and our friends continue to dig deep. As a percentage of GDP, a dozen of our allies actually contribute more to Ukraine's self-defense than the United States and we continue to see impressive new security assistance commitments.

Just look at Denmark's announcement of some $115 million in near-term and long-term support for Ukraine. Importantly, that includes procuring new military equipment through Ukrainian defense industries. And Norway is transferring defense tech through Norwegian industry to support 155 millimeter shell production in Ukraine.

That will further boost Ukraine's ability to produce modern artillery ammunition at home. And the United States remains proud to do our part. Since this contact group convened in June, the United States has committed more than $4 billion in new security assistance for Ukraine, and we will continue to focus on Ukraine's priority capability needs.

So we're providing armored vehicles and fires to support Ukrainian troops on the front lines and our security assistance includes air defense systems to protect Ukrainian civilians and ward off Russian attacks against Ukraine's power grid, but the Kremlin continues to put Ukraine's cities in the crosshairs.

And I'm grateful to all the allies and partners who have done so much to help meet Ukraine's dire need for air defense. And as Ukraine heads into its third winter of war, the United States will continue to stand up and lead. So I'm pleased to announce that President Biden has authorized a new security assistance package for Ukraine worth $250 million. That will provide Ukraine with additional air defense, armored vehicles, anti-tank weapons and munitions for rocket systems and artillery.

But we're not just focused on Ukraine's near-term needs. We're also working with allies and partners to help Ukraine forge its long-term security. The eight capability coalitions let our allies and partners coordinate our support for Ukraine and together with the Contact Group's national armaments directors, they're helping Ukraine build a combat credible future force.

And you can see that in the tireless work of the Air Force Capability Coalition, which over the past year, has trained Ukrainian pilots and equipped Ukraine with its first F-16 fighters. We're also working together to spur investments in Ukraine's own defense industrial base and the national armaments directors are helping to translate Ukraine's needs into expanded production lines around the globe and into accelerated deliveries of key capabilities.

The United States and our fellow contact group members are also partnering with Ukraine's defense firms to help Ukraine ramp up its own production and we're working with Ukraine to create an enduring framework for long-term support. So we're confident that we're building the right structure to help Ukraine succeed in the weeks, months and years ahead.

I always find it moving to look around the room at this contact group. It's still sort of amazing to see leaders from 50 countries from all around the world, all sticking up for what's right. And they're also standing up for our shared security in the 21st century. Putin seeks a world of empires and autocrats, a world where might makes right, a world where bullies get to invade their peaceful neighbors with impunity. And that would be profoundly dangerous for the United States and for peace loving people everywhere.

So, the United States and our allies and partners worldwide rallied together, and today we stood up again for our values in our security. The members of this contact group understand what's at stake and we won't back down. And with that, let me turn it over to General Brown.

GENERAL CQ BROWN, JR.: Well, thank you, Mr. Secretary. Good afternoon, everyone. About two weeks ago, Ukraine celebrated its Independence Day, marking 33 years as a free nation. On 24 August 1991, the Act of Declaration of Independence of Ukraine was signed. The declaration invokes the nation's right to self-determination under the United Nations Charter and reads: The territory of Ukraine is indivisible and inviolable; from this day forward, the constitution and laws of Ukraine only are valid on the territory of Ukraine.

For two and a half years, Ukraine's sovereignty has been under siege. Russia still aims to annex Ukraine and impose their laws on its people. But Ukraine has shown the world that they are indivisible, and they defended their freedom with unwavering resolve. With the support of the nations here today, Ukraine will remain an independent and sovereign nation.

I'd like to thank Secretary Austin for convening this coalition once again and, sir, thank you so much for your leadership. A sincere thank you and an honor to be joined today by President Zelenskyy, and also a thanks to Defense Minister Umarov for being here today with the Ukraine delegation, and to all the nations of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group here today, thank you.

This coalition has been indivisible in supporting Ukraine to repel Russian aggression. Our collective stand is more than just beating back one illegal invasion. Potential aggressors are watching how the world responds, how we collectively fight to uphold international law, national sovereignty, and democratic norms.

Russia's aggression in Ukraine is a challenge to the free world. The principles we are defending, the right to self-determination, the sanctity of national borders, and the rule of law, are the very foundations of global peace and stability. If these principles are compromised in Ukraine, that precedent can encourage similar acts of aggression elsewhere, undermining the international order we worked so hard to build.

That is why our support for Ukraine is not just about helping one nation, it's about safeguarding the principles that bind us together as a global community. And this coalition has shown that collective commitment to common principles can translate into significant battlefield success.

When Russia invaded Ukraine, many thought Kyiv would fall in just a matter of days. But Ukraine proved to be a stubborn opponent. Within days, millions of everyday Ukrainians mobilized, determined to defend their freedom, independence, and way of life. The Ukrainians have exploited Russian vulnerabilities and innovated unconventional solutions. In recent months, Ukraine's stymied Russia's offensive toward Kharkiv and has inflicted tremendous losses on Russian forces.

And now Russia is facing Ukraine's counteroffensive on their own soil. Without a doubt, Ukraine's indivisible strength of will is the main reason Russia is failing in its own invasion. It's the ongoing support from the nations here today that has helped turn that will into fighting power.

But in the last few weeks, Russia has doubled down on its objectives, launching major multi-axis attacks with devastating outcomes. This week's attacks on hospitals, schools, and residential areas, along with major shelling of energy and agricultural infrastructure, remind the world that Russia will take any means necessary to challenge Ukraine's sovereignty.

The sum 50 nations here today are responsible for helping build Ukraine's combat power for the past two and a half years. We cannot stop now. The challenge before us is that Ukraine needs help reconstituting their combat forces, engineering new ones between now and the next spring. We must build on the current momentum providing parts, equipment and training to sustain Ukraine's fleet of supplied weapons systems.

We must also help Ukraine build its own industrial base by unlocking technical specifications, pursuing co-production opportunities and providing key maintenance training. This will enable robust domestic production and sustainment capacity.

Our continued support, combined with Ukraine's indivisible determination to defend itself, sends a message to authoritarian regimes -- they won't win against a group of nations that stand for freedom and democracy.

33 years ago, Ukraine declared that they were a nation that is indivisible and inviolable, that they would obey only the laws set forward by the democratically elected Ukrainian government. They have fought courageously for these principles over the past two and a half years, and with the Ukraine Defense Contact Group's assistance, they will continue to withstand Russia's attacks and remain a free, independent and democratic nation. Thank you and I look forward to your questions.

RYDER: Thank you, both gentlemen. Our first question will go to Phil Stewart, Reuters.

Q: Thank you. Two questions, one for each of you. General Brown, in your military opinion, do you believe Ukraine's loss of Pokrovsk would deal Kyiv a serious blow? How high are the stakes here? And are you concerned that Kyiv might not be able to defend Pokrovsk without drawing forces from Kursk?

And for Secretary Austin, did President Zelenskyy offer more detail on his plan for victory that he says he'll be presenting to the United States later this month? And as a former US general, do you believe that either side could definitively win the war on the battlefield in the next few months? Thank you.

BROWN: Well, thanks, Phil, for the question. I think the key thing I would highlight is what Ukraine has been able to do to defend its territory over the course of the past two and a half years shows their distinct will to fight. And when you look at Pokrovsk, it's an area that you can see that the Russians have made one of their main efforts.

But we're going to work very closely with the Ukrainians to help defend that area as well as every -- all parts of their terrain as well. The key part here is that we want to make sure that they protect that, so it doesn't impact -- one of the objectives they had was to defend the north and east to defend their industrial areas.

So, it's an important aspect for the nation. It's also an important aspect of protecting that area to continue to allow them to generate combat power, not just there in that Donbas region, but really across the entire front.

AUSTIN: Phil, could you repeat your question please? The second --

Q: --Absolutely, one second. Did President Zelenskyy offer more detail on his plan for victory that he says he'll be presenting in the United States later this month? And as a former US general, do you believe that either side could definitively declare victory on the battlefield in the next few months while the Biden administration still has time in office? Thank you.

AUSTIN: Well, thanks, Phil. I did get a chance to spend some quality time with President Zelenskyy. And you'll recall that President Zelenskyy outlined his goals and objectives during his opening comments, and I would point you to that if you have questions about specific objectives.

But in terms of a plan for victory, Phil, we didn't discuss that. We talked about a number of things but that specific piece we didn't discuss. And President Zelenskyy is going to present that to President Biden and other leaders at the first opportunity.

In terms of whether or not victory is achievable, again, I think this war could end very quickly if Mr. Putin decided to pull his forces out of the places that he's occupied in Ukraine. I mean, this was started by Putin. It could end -- Putin could end it very quickly if he just made the simple and right decision to undo what he's done.

In terms of absolute victory, it really depends on how you define it. Ukraine is focused on defending its sovereign territory. We're going to continue to do everything we can to help them do that. What Russia's goals and objectives are, I couldn't speak to that specifically. And victory would be defined by goals and objectives, but we know from the very beginning that he's wanted to annex Ukraine because he doesn't believe that Ukraine is a bona fide country.

I think eventually this conflict will be resolved at a negotiation table, but when that point comes, it's hard to predict, Phil. So we're going to continue to work to put Ukraine in the best possible position that it can be in when and if that day comes in the future.

RYDER: Thank you. Our next question will go to Yuta Spangenberg [ph] ARD.

Q: Mr. Secretary of Defense, hello. Ukraine is demanding permission from the United States to attack targets in deep Russia with long range weapons. What is your opinion on that?

AUSTIN: What is my opinion on long range weapons? Yuta, what I have been focused on throughout is trying to help Ukraine be successful in this tactical fight, in this operational struggle to make sure that it can defend its sovereign territory and there's a number of ways to accomplish that.

We've said all along, Yuta, there's no one capability that will in and of itself be decisive in this campaign. We had this discussion about tanks. We had this discussion about other capabilities and each time we point out that it's not just one thing, it's the combination of capabilities and how you integrate those capabilities to achieve objectives.

So we're going to remain focused on doing everything we can, Yuta, to ensure that they have what they need to be successful and to create the right dynamics on the battlefield that maybe creates some opportunities and that would help Ukraine better defend its sovereign territory. And they haven't done so bad, Yuta. If you think about the fact that what I said earlier, this is the largest military in Europe that they faced. And when this conflict started, Ukraine didn't have much of a military, much of an army to speak of, but they built capability over time, and they've been able to do that with the tremendous security assistance that allies and partners have provided them throughout.

So I don't believe that one specific capability is going to be decisive, but again, our approach to integrating things and to making sure that they have the right skill sets to employ those capabilities and those capabilities are linked to specific objectives.

RYDER: Thank you, sir. Our next question will go to Charlie D'Agata [ph], CBS News.

Q: Thank you. First of all, Mr. Chairman, when it comes to the operation in Kursk, how satisfied are you that they have the resources that they need, especially as we head into the winter months? And are there contingency plans underway or at least in place, should they need to be redeployed?

And Mr. Secretary, I have to go back, President Zelenskyy has repeatedly requested for these long range attacks inside Russia, even allies agree. So what is stopping the United States from giving the go ahead?

AUSTIN: I don't believe one specific capability will be decisive, and I stand by that comment. I think Ukraine has a pretty significant capability of its own to address targets that are well beyond the range of ATACMS or even Storm Shadow for that matter.

And as we look at the battlefield currently, we know that the Russians have actually moved their aircraft that are using the glide bombers beyond the range of ATACMS. So this is an interesting argument. But again, I think for the foreseeable future, we're going to make sure that we remain focused on helping them do those things that enable them to be effective in defending their sovereign territory. Chairman.

Q: Mr. President--excuse me, Mr. Secretary, President Zelenskyy and others have said that there are other strategic targets inside Russia within range that could be effectively taken out with these long range weapons.

AUSTIN: There are a lot of targets in Russia, a big country, obviously. And there's a lot of capability that Ukraine has in terms of UAVs and other things to address those targets.

BROWN: Charlie, to answer your question on Kursk and this is one of the areas that as we talked to the Ukrainians and some of the conversations we had today and the conversations I've had with my counterpart, General Tschirschky, is ensuring they have the capabilities logistically to support themselves while they're there in Kursk.

And so that is the conversation. At the same time, how do we make sure that they're able to, tied to the earlier question, protect Pokrovske as well. And so it's how they balance out that capability. In addition to that, continue the force generation that's required to ensure they have the force, not only through the winter, but after they get through the winter as well. And so these are the conversations we're having with them and very positive conversations with the Ukrainian delegation that was here today.

RYDER: Thank you. Our final question will go to Crystal Haas, ZDF.

Q: Mr. Secretary, soon there will be elections in the United States. If Donald Trump wins, would this affect the help for the Ukraine? And to the chairman, the question, do you think that it's possible for the Ukrainian forces militarily to conquer back the landscapes they lost?

AUSTIN: So Crystal, your question is, are the elections going to affect the outcome in Ukraine? Crystal, I won't speculate on any outcomes of the election. What I'm focused on right now is what I said earlier, is making sure that Ukraine has the ability to create the conditions on the battlefield that provide some advantage to them so that they can be successful in the defense of their sovereign territory, and that remains my focus.

BROWN: Crystal, I think one of the areas I would highlight is part of our objective is to ensure that Ukraine can defend itself and continue to be a sovereign nation, just as I outlined, when they declared their independence. Pretty broad amount of territory to conquer back.

And I know that was an original strategic objective and not to speak for President Zelenskyy, that may be still a strategic objective. The key point is how we operate and support them here in the near-term to allow them to continue to defend themselves and to be successful in the operations that are being executed right now. Thanks.

RYDER: Secretary Austin, General Brown, thank you very much, gentlemen. Ladies and gentlemen, that concludes our press briefing for today. Thank you again for joining us.

https://www.defense.gov/News/Transcripts/Transcript/Article/3897925/

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






The Netherlands - AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II Missiles

Media/Public Contact: pm-cpa@state.gov

Transmittal No: 24-78

WASHINGTON, September 6, 2024 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of the Netherlands of AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II Missiles and related equipment for an estimated cost of $691 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.

The Government of the Netherlands has requested to buy two hundred forty-six (246) AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II tactical missiles; six (6) AIM-9X Block II sidewinder captive air training missiles (CATM); two (2) AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder special air training missiles; fourteen (14) AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder tactical guidance units; and two (2) AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder CATM guidance units. Also included are missile containers; spares; personnel training and training equipment; classified and unclassified publications and technical documents; warranties; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total program cost is

$691 million.

This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a NATO Ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in Europe.

The proposed sale will improve the Netherlands' capability to meet current and future threats and enhance interoperability with the United States and other NATO members. The Netherlands will have no difficulty absorbing these weapons into its armed forces.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The principal contractor will be RTX Corporation, located in Tucson, AZ. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to the Netherlands; however, U.S. Government Engineering and Technical Services may be required on an interim basis for training and technical assistance.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

The description and dollar value are for the highest estimated quantity and dollar value. Actual dollar value will be lower depending on final requirements, budget authority, and signed sales agreement(s), if and when concluded.

All questions regarding this proposed Foreign Military Sale should be directed to the State Department's Bureau of Political Military-Affairs, Office of Congressional and Public Affairs, pm-cpa@state.gov.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Nicaragua: Statement by the Spokesperson on the release of over hundred political prisoners

European External Action Service (EEAS)

06.09.2024

EEAS Press Team

The Nicaraguan authorities have released 135 political prisoners, all Nicaraguan citizens, who were immediately transferred to Guatemala. The European Union expresses its satisfaction and relief over their release and commends the key efforts by the governments of the United States and Guatemala in ensuring their safe journey to Guatemala, facilitating their transit to the United States or other countries, and providing necessary emergency support.

The EU has consistently called for the release of all political prisoners in Nicaragua. The latest release is a positive step that should be followed by dialogue and further actions, including the liberation of the remaining political prisoners.

The EU reiterates the need to restore fundamental freedoms and respect the right to freedom of expression and dissent in the country. To this end, the EU remains open to dialogue with Nicaragua.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Six negative decisions on real estate transactions

Finnish Ministry of Defence

06.09.2024

On 4 September 2024, Minister of Defence Antti Hakkanen signed six negative permit decisions concerning real estate acquisitions by buyers from outside the EU and EEA. The negative decisions concern properties in Mikkeli, Imatra and Kouvola, and three properties in Lieksa.

Real estate transactions in Mikkeli, Lieksa and Imatra were made by private individuals while the transaction in Kouvola was made by a company. Both the private individuals and actual beneficiaries of the company are Russian, Ukrainian and Swiss citizens.

Negative permit decisions are based on the Act on Transfers of Real Estate Requiring Special Permission (470/2019). The Ministry of Defence justifies the decisions by stating, among other things, that it cannot be ruled out that the real estate acquisitions in question could threaten national security and hinder the organisation of national defence or the surveillance and safeguarding of territorial integrity.

A permit may also be denied because of unpaid permit fees or because the intended use of the real estate is not credible.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Successful Northern Viking exercise comes to an end

Government of Iceland - Ministry for Foreign Affairs

06 September 2024

Exercise Northern Viking 2024 came to an end this week, after eleven days of successful cooperation between Iceland and the United States, as well as seven other NATO Allies. The main focus was on credible defence of critical infrastructure, the rapid deployment of forces and materiel to Iceland and enhancing interoperability.

"The exercise sends a strong message about defence commitments and provides an important opportunity to strengthen the cooperation of Icelandic agencies with our closest allies so that we can jointly deal with challenges and threats, whether they are of military nature or due to major natural disasters or other crises," said Foreign Minister Thordis Kolbrun Reykfjor Gylfadottir in an address when she visited the area.

Some 1,200 people, including about 200 Icelanders, took part in the exercise this time, which is held on the basis of the bilateral defence agreement between Iceland and the United States from 1951 and normally takes place every two years.

Several ships, including from the Standing NATO Maritime Group, conducted maritime exercises, along with Coast Guard personnel on board the patrol ships Freyja and or.

In addition, key Icelandic agencies linked to security and defence related tasks- the Directorate for Defence of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, the Coast Guard, the office of the National Commissioner of Police and the National Hospital - used the exercise to train their national coordination as well as cooperation with Allied forces.

During Northern Viking 2024, participants represented nine Allied countries. They were, in addition to Iceland and the United States, Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland and Portugal.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Hezbollah launches new attacks on Israeli positions

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Sep 6, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- Hezbollah has launched a new wave of attacks targeting Israeli military positions and settlements in northern occupied Palestine.

On Friday, the Israeli Army Radio announced that three anti-tank missiles were fired from southern Lebanon towards the settlement of al-Mutla in northern occupied territories.

Al Jazeera also reported that two military bases of the Israeli army in the occupied Shebaa Farms and the Kfarchouba Hills were targeted by Hezbollah's missile attacks.

In a statement, Hezbollah declared that its fighters, in support of the Palestinian people in Gaza and their courageous resistance, targeted the Ma'ayan Baruch base with a drone.

4353**2050

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Displacing Palestinians from West Bank 'deceleration of war': Jordan

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Sep 6, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- In a stark warning to the Israeli regime, Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi has emphasized that any attempts to forcefully displace Palestinians from the West Bank would be considered a "declaration of war".

Speaking at a press conference alongside his German counterpart Annalena Baerbock in Amman, Safadi expressed deep concerns over the escalating tensions in the region.

Safadi said that Israeli premier Benjamin Netanyahu and his cabinet are intent on igniting the flames of war in the region.

The Israeli regime has launched its largest raids on the occupied West Bank in more than two decades, with analysts saying the offensive threatens to spread the genocidal war in Gaza to other parts of Palestine.

Jordan is currently preparing a legal case on Israeli incursions into holy sites in al-Quds, Safadi said, without specifying to which international organization the case would be submitted.

He also reiterated Jordan's support for a prisoner exchange agreement, criticizing Netanyahu for changing his stance and blocking a potential ceasefire in Gaza.

4353**2050

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Israeli forces withdraw from Jenin after ten days of violence

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Sep 6, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- Israeli occupying forces have withdrawn from the city and refugee camp of Jenin in the West Bank after ten days of deadly raids, media reports said.

According to Palestinian sources citing Al Arabiya, Israeli soldiers left the flashpoint city of Jenin Friday morning following an aggressive military offensive, which has left dozens of Palestinians dead.

Israeli Army Radio confirmed the withdrawal but noted that the raids are not over, indicating that Israeli troops may soon return to Jenin and other areas of the West Bank.

In related news, the director of Al-Razi Hospital in Jenin reported that during the ten days of violent incursions, 30 Palestinians were killed and 75 others in Israeli attacks.

The Israeli army has also significantly damaged infrastructure and destroyed Palestinian properties in what has been the largest assault in the West Bank in more than two decades.

4353**2050

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






US officials tell Israel naval forces cannot be deployed indefinitely

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Sep 6, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- US officials have reportedly warned the Israeli regime that American naval forces cannot be deployed to the region indefinitely.

The message comes amid rising tensions following Hezbollah's retaliatory attacks against Israel, Israeli Channel 12 reported without providing further details.

Last week, the US Department of Defense said the deployment of two American aircraft carrier strike groups in the Middle East had been extended.

The Pentagon said Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin had discussed tensions on the border with Lebanon during a phone call with Israeli minister of military affairs Yoav Gallant.

In a statement, the Pentagon emphasized that Secretary Austin highlighted the United States' steadfast commitment to supporting Israel against threats from Iran and Hezbollah.

The Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah has ramped up its attacks against the Israeli regime in retaliation for the assassination of a senior Hezbollah commander in Beirut.

4353**2050

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






News / National

by Staff reporter

Gwanda-based magistrate Talent Phiri is in trouble after he allegedly demanded a $3000 bribe from an accused person in a domestic violence case.The 35-year-old magistrate was dragged to Bulawayo regional magistrate court where he appeared before magistrate Shingirai Mutiro who remanded him in custody to September 9.The state alleged on August 27, 2024, Phiri granted an Interim Protection Order in favor of an applicant against her former husband. A warrant of arrest was subsequently issued as part of the protection order process. It is alleged that on September 4, Phiri solicited a USD 3,000 bribe from the ex-husband of the applicant, who was acting as an informant, in exchange for assistance with the case.The magistrate reportedly claimed that members from the Presidents Office, National Prosecuting Authority, and the Zimbabwe Republic Police had an interest in the case and intended to have the ex-husband incarcerated. The informant negotiated the bribe down to USD 2,500, after which Phiri instructed him to deliver the money to his residence.The informant secretly recorded phone calls and reported the matter to the police. Authorities set up a trap, leading to Phiris arrest.
Israel says will continue Jenin op. to 'achieve objectives' as extent of atrocities revealed

Iran Press TV

Friday, 06 September 2024 3:29 PM

The Israeli military says its "military operation" in the occupied West Bank city of Jenin, which began 10 days ago, is still ongoing after some reports said the regime's forces were withdrawing.

The Israeli military said in a statement on Friday its "troops are continuing with the operation until its objectives are achieved", without specifying those goals.

The statement claimed that the Israeli troops killed 14 Palestinian fighters in Jenin in the past 10 days, including Wissam Hazem, whom it identified as the commander of Hamas in the city, and arrested more than 30 "suspects."

It also claimed to have destroyed "over 30 explosive devices planted under roads in the city."

The Israeli military's raid on Jenin and its refugee camp killed at least 21 people, including elderly people and children, and cut off water, power and sewage lines.

That statement came while media reports cited eyewitnesses as saying that the Israeli forces withdrew from the cities of Jenin and Tulkarm and their camps in the northern West Bank, leaving a trail of destruction and deaths.

Footage (shown below) has been also shared on social media showing the detention of women, children and men in Jenin in a humiliating way as they were forced to walk in one line.

The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) described the past week as "the deadliest for Palestinian civilians in the West Bank since November last year."

"As the war rages in Gaza, violence and destruction in the West Bank increase by the hour," it said in a post on social media platform X on Thursday, adding "This is unacceptable. It must stop now."

However, Israeli hawkish minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said on Friday that he has requested that the regime's prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu include the defeat of Hamas in the occupied West Bank among the goals of the genocidal war in Gaza to avoid the repetition of the October 7 operation.

"We must not repeat the mistakes, war on Hamas - also in Judea and Samaria!" he said in the post, which was accompanied by a copy of a formal letter, using the Israeli name for the West Bank.

Since the start of Israel's aggression on Gaza, the West Bank has also seen a rise in violence from Israeli forces and settlers that claimed the lives of hundreds of Palestinians.

The Israeli army launched its largest incursion into the northern West Bank in two decades on August 28, killing dozens of Palestinians.

According to the Palestinian Health Ministry, at least 691 Palestinians were killed and more than 5,700 others injured by Israeli army fire since October 7.

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 at least 40,878 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured 94,454 others. Thousands more are also missing and presumed dead under rubble.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Hezbollah hits Israeli military bases with drones, rockets in retaliation

Iran Press TV

Friday, 06 September 2024 5:54 AM

Lebanon's Hezbollah says it carried out strikes on multiple Israeli sites in response to the brutal aggression on Gaza and in retaliation for assaults on southern Lebanese regions.

Hezbollah said in a brief statement that its members launched a squadron of kamikaze drones and multiple BM-21 Grad rockets at the Ramot Naftali barracks on Thursday evening, hitting the designated targets precisely.

The resistance group also fired drones at the command headquarters of the al-Sahl Battalion in the Beit Hillel barracks, and the newly established headquarters of the Western Brigade 300 south of the Yaara barracks

Hezbollah said the attacks were in response to Israeli airstrikes on border towns in southern Lebanon.

Moreover, Hezbollah fighters launched a salvo of rockets at a gathering of Israeli soldiers in the al-Tayhat Hill, resulting in "direct hits."

The resistance group also pounded the Israeli al-Malikiyah site with artillery shells.

Hezbollah and Israel have been exchanging deadly fire since early October last year, shortly after the regime launched a genocidal war against the Gaza Strip following a surprise operation by Hamas.

The Lebanese resistance movement has vowed to keep up its retaliatory attacks as long as the Israeli regime continues its Gaza war, which has so far killed at least 40,878 Palestinians, mostly women and children.

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






The Azadi Briefing: Reclusive Afghan Taliban Chief Appears To Make Rare Trip

By Abubakar Siddique September 06, 2024

The Key Issue

The Taliban's spiritual leader, Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada, appears to have made a rare trip outside his stronghold in southern Afghanistan.

The reclusive leader seldom leaves the southern city of Kandahar, which is known as the birthplace of the Taliban and has become the de facto capital under the militant group's rule.

But this week, the Taliban said Akhundzada travelled to northern Afghanistan in what is believed to be his first trip to the region since the group's takeover in 2021.

Videos uploaded by the Taliban on social media showed a long convoy of armored cars traveling to cities and towns in the provinces of Badghis, Faryab, Jowzjan, Balkh, and Samangan.

Akhundzada was not seen in any of the videos or photos released by the Taliban. In its press statements, the Taliban said he met local officials and called on them to enforce a new draconian morality law.

Adopted on August 21, the widely condemned law imposes severe restrictions on the appearances and movements of women and men.

Why It's Important: Akhundzada, a hard-line cleric, is believed to only meet a small cadre of Taliban officials and avoids public appearances. He has rarely met foreign diplomats or dignitaries visiting Afghanistan. The Taliban chief also avoids being photographed or filmed.

Sami Yousafzai, a veteran Afghan journalist and commentator, said Akhundzada's trip to northern Afghanistan was aimed at projecting power and confidence.

As the Taliban's "Amir ul-Momineen," or leader of the faithful, Akhundzada has the final say on all important matters.

Akhundzada's extremist policies, many of them reminiscent of those under the Taliban's brutal regime in the 1990s, has made the militant group an international pariah.

What's Next: It's unclear whether Akhundzada will play a more active and visible role, or if his recent trip was a one-off.

But what is clear is that he has consolidated power and empowered extremist clerics within the Taliban, despite growing internal opposition to his policies.

What To Keep An Eye On

Afghan migrants and refugees have complained that they are being detained and harassed in neighboring Pakistan.

Police detained a group of Afghans in a neighborhood in the capital, Islamabad, on September 4.

"We were scared and surprised," Sabira, an Afghan woman, told RFE/RL's Radio Azadi.

She said police questioned several Afghan families visiting a park in Islamabad's B-17 neighborhood.

Why It's Important: The detentions appear to suggest the Pakistani authorities could launch a new crackdown on Afghans.

Last year, Islamabad expelled more than 500,000 Afghans as part of its campaign to deport undocumented migrants from the country.

Earlier this year, Pakistan suspended the planned expulsion of more Afghans amid mounting international pressure.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/afghanistan- taliban-haibatullah-akhunzada-power/33109633.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






German Politicians Tell Georgia It Cannot Enter EU With Current 'Foreign Agents' Law In Place

By RFE/RL's Georgian Service September 06, 2024

Georgia has no chance of becoming a member of the European Union until its "foreign agents" law is abolished and all recommendations of the European Commission are implemented, a delegation of German politicians visiting Tbilisi said on September 6.

Four German legislators representing the three parties in the government coalition and the main opposition party traveled to Georgia to call for free and fair parliamentary elections on October 26, while at the same time slamming the controversial "foreign agents" law enacted in June.

Juergen Hardt of the Christian Democrats (CDU), Nils Schmid of the Social Democrats (SPD), Ulrich Lechte of the Free Democrats (FDP), and Deborah Duering of the Green Party spoke about recent developments in Georgia and the country's European future during the news conference.

They stressed that last time representatives of the four main German parties held a joint visit to Tbilisi was after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Emphasizing the importance and rarity of such a visit, Schmid said: "Why? Because we are very sorry for the events that have developed in Georgia and for Georgia's European future."

Schmid told a press conference at the German Embassy in Tbilisi that with the policy of the current government, Georgia had "no chance to become a member of the European Union."

He added that if nothing changes, his party will not support the opening of EU membership negotiations for Georgia.

The four politicians also agreed that with the "foreign agents" law in place, Georgia would not have enough support in the Bundestag to back the start of talks on EU membership.

The start of negotiations for joining the European Union requires the consent of the parliament, Schmid said, noting that the three government coalition parties and the main opposition party represent the vast majority of the Bundestag.

"I can tell you that with the current policy, Georgia will not be able to obtain the consent of the German Bundestag to open negotiations for joining the European Union," said Schmid, whose party is the largest faction in the Bundestag and the party of Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

Duering said Georgia had been a leader among the candidate countries seeking EU membership, "but, unfortunately, now it is lagging behind. To be clear, Georgia will not be able to join the European Union under the Law on Foreign Agents. It's just not up for discussion."

The law, which has been widely criticized as being modeled on a similar Russian law used by the Kremlin to repress dissent and stifle democratic opposition, requires civil-society and media organizations that receive more than 20 percent of their funding from foreign sources to submit to oversight that could encompass sanctions for potential criminal offenses.

Tens of thousands of Georgians braved a brutal crackdown and violent retaliation to demonstrate against the bill prior to its passage by the Georgian parliament in May.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/georgia-germany-eu-foreign- agents/33109987.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






Kyrgyzstan Takes Taliban Off Of Its Terrorist List

By RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service September 06, 2024

Kyrgyzstan's foreign minister said on September 6 that the country had taken the Taliban off of its terrorist list "to secure regional stability and further develop the ongoing dialogue." A day earlier, the Taliban-led Afghan government's Foreign Ministry expressed thanks to Bishkek for removing the group from its terrorist list. The Kyrgyz Prosecutor-General's Office earlier this week issued a list of 20 groups labeled as terrorist organizations. It did not include the Taliban. In early June, Kazakhstan said it removed the Taliban from its terrorist list. The Taliban regained control over Afghanistan in August 2021 after the withdrawal of U.S. troops from the country.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/kyrgyzstan-afghanistan-taliban- terrorist-list/33109802.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






Secretary Antony J. Blinken And Dominican President Luis Abinader At a Joint Press Availability

US Department of State

Remarks

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

Palacio Nacional

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

September 6, 2024

MODERATOR: (Via interpreter) Ladies and gentlemen, we would like to welcome all of you to this encounter with the press under the visit of the Secretary of State of the United States of America on this Friday, September the 6th of the year 2024. We also would like to welcome His Excellency President Luis Abinader, constitutional president of the Dominican Republic; His Excellency Mr. Antony Blinken, Secretary of State of the United States of America. We would also like to welcome the delegation of the Dominican Republic - as the delegation of the United States of America, national and international press that are with us today. Ladies and gentlemen, good morning, everyone. Immediately we would like to give the floor to His Excellency President Luis Abinader, president of the Dominican Republic.

PRESIDENT ABINADER: (Via interpreter) His Excellency Mr. Antony Blinken, Secretary of State of the United States of America; Mr. Jose Ignacio Paliza, minister of the presidency: Mr. Ricardo de los Santos, president of Senate; Alfredo Pacheco, president of the chamber of representatives; Faride Raful, minister of interior and police; Mr. Ruben Silie, vice minister of multilateral foreign policy affairs; Ms. Patricia Aguilera, charge d'affaires of the Embassy of the United States of America; Mr. Brian Nichols, [assistant] secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs; Ms. Isobel Coleman, administrator of the USAID; and other representatives that are part of the U.S. delegation that is with us today; officials of the Government of the Dominican Republic; members of local and international press; ladies and gentlemen:

I would like to express my most sincere appreciation to the Secretary of State of United States Mr. Antony Blinken for his visit to the Dominican Republic, a gesture that expresses the strength of our bilateral relationship and under current context is a reaffirmation that the relationship between the Dominican Republic and the United States of America is in one of its best historic moments based on respectful, solid, and continuous cooperation in key areas such as regional safety and security, financial prosperity, human rights, and democratic stability of our region.

In today's meeting we expressed our concerns for the Haitian crisis, where the government is now facing challenges, the lack of cooperation and security, and the escape of prisoners that is making the situation much more severe. We also expressed details of the contingency that has come for support, the MSS delegation and resources needed to establish UN resources for them. We're also reminded that it is essential to include the mandate of the MSS delegation in October.

The crisis in Haiti has increased migration pressure in our country, impacting our public services and generating risks in safety and security. This pressure is reflected in the national enrollment amounts, where 6.5 percent of students, 147,000 in total, are from Haitian nationality. In addition, our public hospitals, 14 percent of processes and 34 percent of deliveries of - are undocumented migrants. In no health care system of the world this happens.

Third, we reaffirmed our commitment in fighting human trafficking, implementing international recommendations and presenting a legislative reform to protect victims, especially underage victims.

Four, we have spoken about ways of establishing regional safety and security under the framework of the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative.

Fifth, we express our concern to the situation in Venezuela, especially the arrest warrant against the main candidate of the opposition party, and we will continue supporting the OAS and we want a hemispheric response coordinated with the UN. We remember that the Dominican Republic will be hosting the Summit of the Americas in December 2025 in Punta Cana. We also invited the U.S. delegation to the special event that we are going to be holding in December of this year, 2024, to hold the 30 anniversary of the summit, where we will analyze its evolution and future perspectives. We reiterate our commitment with collaboration and cooperation among our countries for the strengthening of safety, security, and regional stability, respecting natural differences of perspectives in different areas.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Good morning, everyone. Mr. President, thank you for your warm hospitality, for your warm welcome, but mostly thank you for your leadership and partnership - something that the United States deeply values.

Two of my colleagues were recently in Santo Domingo: United States Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm and the USAID Administrator Samantha Power. This is just further evidence through these high-level engagements of the importance that the United States attaches to our partnership with the Dominican Republic, the importance that it has for both of our countries, the importance that is has for the region, and increasingly the importance that it has for the world, and I'll have a few things to say about that in a minute.

The Dominican Republic is already the largest Caribbean economy and one of the fastest growing in Latin America. Together, our two countries are driving further growth and expanding inclusive opportunity for people in both the Dominican Republic and the United States.

Last month, we signed an Open Skies agreement that will enable more commercial flights between our countries - fueling trade, tourism, creating jobs.

Later today, I'll meet a number of students and teachers - some of the tens of thousands of Dominicans that the State Department has helped prepare for jobs in today's global economy, notably through English language training.

We're building on this work by launching a new initiative between three U.S. and Dominican universities, which will provide Dominican college students cutting-edge skills to succeed in the semiconductor industry - making microchips that are the building blocks of the 21st century economy.

I'm also announcing the first phase of a supply chain investment through USAID, an initial $3 million that will help the Dominican Government improve its workforce training, build industrial parks, attract high-tech industries here to the Dominican Republic.

This program will advance the priorities of our Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity, which brings together now a dozen countries to modernize economic relationships, strengthen worker and climate protections, and make our critical supply chains even more resilient.

I thank the president for the Dominican Republic's leadership in this effort, particularly in promoting democracy, transparency, and the rule of law throughout the hemisphere that we share.

As the president mentioned, we discussed the situation in Haiti, whose ongoing insecurity concerns not only the Haitian people but also, of course, its neighbors here in the Dominican Republic and across the hemisphere.

In Port-au-Prince yesterday, as we've had an opportunity to discuss, I reaffirmed the United States commitment to the Multinational Security Support mission as well as to broader efforts to promote peace and prosperity in Haiti. Today, I thanked the president for his vital work to mobilize the international community to do more for Haiti. This is a collective responsibility - one's that born out of shared values and trying to help people in need, but also shared interests because the repercussions of what's happening in Haiti are felt well beyond Haiti.

Our two countries are also collaborating closely through the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative. This is a bipartisan effort spanning multiple U.S. administrations - Republican and Democrat - to tackle transnational crime, combat drug trafficking, to make our citizens safer.

Thanks in part to these efforts, Dominican authorities last year seized over 100 tons of illicit narcotics - excuse me, from 2020 to 2023 - 100 tons of illicit narcotics, more than in the previous decade and a half. Now that shows two things. It shows the increasing success that our colleagues are having. It also shows the magnitude of the challenge. We're committed to working on this together to strengthen even more the important efforts we've already made. And here again, I applaud the leadership that the president and the Dominican Republic are showing.

Through the PACC 2030 partnership that Vice President Harris launched in 2022, the United States, the Dominican Republic, and members of the Caribbean community are also working to address the urgent challenge of climate change - improving climate-smart agriculture, investing together in green infrastructure, developing the necessary renewable technologies.

We're also defending our shared democratic values. President Abinader has shown real leadership in undertaking important reforms, including combatting corruption, strengthening an independent judiciary.

The United States is committed to working alongside the Dominican Republic and the Dominican people to support these efforts - from training Dominican officials to help fight fraud and abuse, promoting human rights and worker rights as I discussed today with some labor leaders with whom I had the opportunity to meet this morning.

And we're grateful to the Dominican Republic for hosting the next Summit of the Americas, as the president said, to build an even more competitive and even more sustainable and even more democratic region.

Mr. President, when you met with President Biden in the Oval Office just this past November, you said, and I quote, "The Dominican people are your friends, the Dominican people are your allies, the Dominican people are your partners." I and the United States could not be more grateful for that.

Whether it's the work that we've advanced today, whether it's the millions of Dominican Americans that have enriched the United States - including the president's own family - I'm pleased to say that this friendship, this alliance, this partnership has never been stronger.

Thank you very much. Muchas gracias. (Applause.)

MODERATOR: (Via interpreter) Antony Blinken, Secretary of State of the United States of America, we would like to open the floor for questions and answers.

QUESTION: (Via interpreter) One question for our Secretary. The history of Haiti has been set by violence and political instability in the last few centuries - something that has happened for years and years, and there's been very little interest for the peacekeeping mission that the United Nations has sent. Do you think that for Haiti to become a feasible country, what else can the Dominican Republic do for Haiti?

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thank you very much. And of course, you're exactly right that this has been a longstanding challenge (inaudible) many years; indeed, many decades. And precisely because of that, I don't think anyone can minimize the magnitude of the challenge.

But I also think we can't minimize the importance of addressing it, and addressing it together, because of the impact that it has first and foremost on the Haitian people, who deserve better; but also because of the impact that it has throughout our hemisphere - in the Dominican Republic, as you heard from the president; in the United States and in many other countries. And I think there is a growing collective will to try to effectively do something about it.

As I said yesterday in Haiti, I think we've seen real progress over the last few months - again, without minimizing magnitude of the challenges that remain. Countries throughout this region came together in Jamaica a few months ago with the United States, with CARICOM, with other interested countries, and together we supported a Haitian-conceived and Haitian-led transition. And what we've seen in the last few months is the standing up now of an interim presidential council, the standing up of an interim government with prime minister and ministers, hopefully the establishment very soon of an electoral council to oversee elections next year, which are so vital to get Haiti back on a democratic course.

So that is moving forward. It's challenging, but it is moving forward.

At the same time, we have a commitment from countries quite literally around the world to help Haiti find security, to take security back from the gangs and to put it in the hands of the state and of the Haitian people. And again, just in the space of a few short months now, we have the deployment of the Kenyan contingent. And I again want to thank President Ruto and Kenya for standing up. We now have about 380 - 383, I think as of yesterday - Kenyans working to support the work of the Haitian National Police. We have a number of other countries in the region and beyond - from Jamaica, to El Salvador, to Canada, to countries outside of the hemisphere - all of whom are standing up with financial resources, personnel, equipment for this mission.

The mandate of the mission needs to be renewed - this is something that we're taking up in New York - because it will expire in October. And we'll all be together at the United Nations General Assembly, and I will bring together ministers from many concerned countries to sustain and build on our support.

The president and I strongly agree that the foundation for progress in Haiti has to be security, that this has to be something that the authorities, the state, and ultimately the Haitian people control, not the gangs. So our first task is getting that done. And as I said yesterday, we've seen some progress - the reopening of the airport, the renewal of flights, the retaking of the main hospital in Port-au-Prince, the beginning of openings of some critical roads. Starting to see people come back and go out in their neighborhoods, starting to see people who have greater confidence in sending their kids to school or going out to try to find groceries. It's starting. But it has to be sustained, and it has to be built.

Finally, I think we also recognize that we all have to do our part in trying to create economic opportunity for the Haitian people, because security is the foundation, but people also need to know that they can put food on the table, they can provide for their families at home in Haiti. We have a program that extends over a decade to try to help build Haitian capacity. We have laws on our books that will drive investment in Haiti, particularly in the apparel sector, which is so critical to the Haitian economy that we need to renew. The United States has a responsibility there. And then I hope working together in the hemisphere we can find more ways to create opportunities for Haitians.

But I again want to thank the president for everything that he's done both to contribute to the Multilateral Security Support mission and to rally other countries in support of the mandate. And we'll be working together at the United Nations to make sure it gets renewed. Thank you.

QUESTION: (Via interpreter) Yes. This question is for both Secretary Blinken and President Abinader. Well, Secretary Blinken, you have requested a path towards normalizing relationships between the Dominican Republic and Haiti. Seeing the difficulties with the implementation of the Open Skies Agreement, border tensions, and even the anti-Haitian feelings that we've seen in some sectors of Dominican society, how can you - how do you think that we can move forward towards having a normal relationship between countries?

And if you allow me to ask a second question: Have you been able to speak of cooperation in sanctions to Venezuela, and what has happened recently with the two aircrafts that were seized here? Thank you.

PRESIDENT ABINADER: (Via interpreter) Yes. We spoke about Haiti, and also the challenges that we have ahead. And our idea is to try to normalize, if possible, relationships, but always respecting and caring for the Dominican Republic's safety and security. Our priority as a government is the safety and security of Dominican people, and they've had a situation where they have been impacted in their safety and security, and thus we've been empathic. And from our speech in the United Nations in September 2021, we have been alerting this for three years, and thanks to the effort of the United States, we now have this peacekeeping force in Haiti. In the sense that they can continue moving forward with their domestic, safety, and security, we will continue moving forward in normalizing our relationship, such as opening our air for flights, and that's something that we discussed during our meeting.

And regarding Venezuela, we also spoke of our concerns, and we will continue working with the international community and other countries to become advocates for democracy and the desire of the Venezuelan people.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: And I would simply add I agree with everything the president said. I think that of course it's very challenging and complicated in terms of Haiti. These are longstanding issues, longstanding history, as your colleague alluded to, and very deep-rooted problems. But I think what we know is this: Our futures and our fates are joined - DR, Haiti, the United States, other countries in our hemisphere. And so what happens in Haiti is I think first and foremost a matter of human interest and human necessity because people are suffering so much and we all want to help, but as I said, it also has consequences, repercussions for countries throughout the hemisphere, starting here in the Dominican Republic, but also the United States.

And so we have a strong interest in trying to help Haiti succeed, and we're working on that together. We're committed, both of us, to making sure that the support is there to help Haitians build security, take it away from the gangs, and we'll work on ways as well to help create greater opportunity for the Haitian people and of course make sure that people are treated humanely throughout our hemisphere. All of that's very important and I think it's an important shared agenda.

But (inaudible) said there's a lot of history here, and we recognize that and appreciate that. I think that the United States can and will continue to play a helpful role in working through any of the challenges and problems, as will some of the organizations in the hemisphere that we share.

With regard to Venezuela, as the president said, yes, we also discussed this, and I would just say a few things. We are deeply concerned about the trajectory in Venezuela in the wake of elections where the will of the Venezuelan people could not have been more clear, but unfortunately that will and their votes were not reflected in what has happened since. Getting Venezuela on a clear democratic trajectory is vital, and it's vital first and foremost for the Venezuelan people, but here again I think you've seen countries throughout the hemisphere and well beyond express their deep concern for the situation in Venezuela. And we're working very closely together both with regional organizations but as well with the Dominican Republic, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, other concerned countries who know, again, that the future in Venezuela also affects them (inaudible) determination to see Venezuela return clearly to a democratic track that reflects the will of the Venezuelan people.

With regard to the plane seizures, we've been very clear: We'll implement our sanctions, and if we find violations of them, we will act. That's what we did and that's what we'll continue to do.

QUESTION: (Via interpreter) Good afternoon. My question is for both. What do you think about the declarations of Mr. Diosdado Cabello, who is threatening the country - the Dominican Republic - with an intention of blackmailing with the use of oil because the Dominican Republic just responded legitimately to a judicial action of the United States of America?

And if you'll allow me a second part of my question, also, there is a second aircraft of Maduro here in the country in the Joaquin Balaguer Airport. Are you going to extradite this as well? And what is the destination or what happens with the aircrafts after?

PRESIDENT ABINADER: (Via interpreter) Well, the Dominican Republic has worked to improve the quality of life of its people, lowering poverty, and it has become the seventh economy of Latin America in the last few year without having oil, without having any hydrocarbons, but with an administration that works in favor of its people with transparency and respecting democracy and human rights. We don't have oil, but our economy is greater than Venezuela's now, so we will continue defending democratic values now in this administration and we will continue being advocates for them whenever and wherever we can. And we will continue defending the democratic rights and being empathic with the situation in Venezuela despite who gives a different opinion or who may threaten us. That don't bother us whatsoever.

About the second topic, we don't have any legal notification at the moment done through our system through the Government of the United States for that second aircraft. However, they can speak further on that.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: And on that, I can only repeat what I said a moment ago, which is we have and we will continue to enforce our sanctions as appropriate.

QUESTION: Thanks so much. Michael Birnbaum from the Washington Post. Mr. Secretary, we've seen these reports this morning about the killing of an American in the West Bank. Could you tell us a little bit about what you know about the killing of that American, Aysenur Eygi. What's your message for Americans who are concerned that you are providing military aid to a country that is killing U.S. citizens? And is there ever a point at which the killing of Americans in that region could lead to a change in U.S. policy of weapons provision?

And Mr. President, could I just ask a little bit about the U.S. election? Could you tell us about your outreach to the Trump campaign and what you are doing to insulate your country against the possibility of general changes in U.S. foreign policy? Thanks a lot.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Michael, thank you. First, I just want to extend my deepest condolences, the condolences of the United States Government to the family of Aysenur Eygi. We deplore this tragic loss. Now the most important thing to do is to gather the facts, and that's exactly what we're in the process of doing, and we are intensely focused on getting those facts. And any actions that we take are driven by the facts. So first things first, let's find out exactly what happened, and we will draw the necessary conclusions, consequences from that. As you've heard me say many times before, I have no higher priority than the safety and protection of American citizens around the world, wherever they are, something I take with the utmost seriousness. So when we have more info, we'll share it, make it available, and as necessary, we'll act on it.

PRESIDENT ABINADER: (In progress) (Via interpreter) of the Dominican Republic, I do not get involved in electoral issues of other countries, especially the United States. Further on, we will work with the decision of the United States and with their government, as we've worked with them in other occasions.

MODERATOR: (Via interpreter) And after concluding with this questions-and-answer session, we formally close this meeting with the press. Thank you, everybody, for their time, and have a great afternoon. Thank you.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






No: 181, 6 September 2024, Regarding the Killing of a Turkish Citizen in the West Bank by the Israeli Occupation Forces

Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs

We have learned with deep regret that our citizen Aysenur Ezgi Eygi has been killed by the Israeli occupation forces in Nablus, West Bank.

We wish Allah's mercy on our citizen and offer condolences to her relatives.

We condemn this murder committed by the Netanyahu Government.

Israel is trying to intimidate all those who come to the aid of the Palestinian people and who fight peacefully against the genocide. This policy of violence will not yield results.

The Israeli authorities who commit crimes against humanity and those who unconditionally support them will be held accountable before international courts.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Gaza: 160,000 more children vaccinated against polio in southern Gaza

6 September 2024 - More than 160,000 children were vaccinated in southern Gaza on Thursday, the first day of a polio vaccination campaign there, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) said on Friday.

UN agencies and partners in the Strip will continue to vaccinate "as many Gazan children as possible" during the agreed humanitarian pauses, before moving to the north of the war-shattered enclave, UNRWA added.

Thousands of families visited health centers to get their doses from UN medical teams, UNRWA reported. In southern Gaza, more than 152,000 children were vaccinated in Khan Younis city, nearly 8,800 in Rafah and another 1,000 elsewhere in the south.

The promising development follows the successful completion of the first phase of the vaccination campaign in central Gaza earlier this week, which saw more than 187,000 children under 10 receive protection from polio. To date, combined coverage for central and southern Gaza now stands at 354,786 children.

340,000 need shots in the south

In total, aid teams aim to reach 340,000 children in southern Gaza by Saturday, either in schools, health centres or by going from tent to tent.

A third and final phase is scheduled to begin in northern Gaza on Monday 9 September for three days, targeting around 150,000 children, with a repeat of the whole exercise in four weeks.

Once completed, some 640,000 youngsters will have received two drops of the new type 2 oral polio vaccine in each of the two phases, after the highly transmissible virus resurfaced in Gaza in June after 25 years.

The campaign is being led by the Palestinian Ministry of Health in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), UNRWA, the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) and other humanitarian partners.

International media ban remains

Nearly 11 months since the start of the war that was sparked by Hamas-led terror attacks on multiple targets in Israel, international media teams are still barred from entering Gaza by Israeli authorities.

"It is standard for international journalists to cover conflicts and wars," said UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini, as he urged international media to push harder for access to the enclave and report freely.

"Palestinian journalists have my admiration. They continue to hold the torch despite far too many of them have been killed. They need the support of their colleagues," he said.

Wennesland: Stop West Bank violence

While war continues to rage in Gaza, ongoing deadly clashes in the occupied West Bank that have left two Palestinian children dead in Jenin and Tulkarem have been condemned by the UN's top representative for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland.

"I am appalled by the tragic killing of two children over the past two days by Israeli security forces during military operations in Jenin and Tulkarem," he said in an online post on Thursday.

"I call for an immediate and thorough investigation into these incidents, underscoring the urgent need for accountability and justice to ensure the protection of all civilians. Every child's life is precious, and the loss of so many young lives serves as a grim reminder that decisive action must be taken now to stop the violence."

Echoing that message, UNWRA reported that violence and destruction "increase by the hour" in the West Bank.

According to the UN agency, last week was the deadliest for Palestinian civilians in the West Bank since November last year, with seven children among the many killed.

"This is unacceptable. It must stop now," UNRWA insisted on X.

The UN aid coordination office, OCHA, also reported that medical facilities have been nearly under siege for over a week, with severe restrictions on ambulance and medical staff movement.

Humanitarian needs are growing amid increasing insecurity and an excessive use of force, it added.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Sudan war: Rights probe demands wider arms embargo to end 'rampant' abuse

By Daniel Johnson

6 September 2024 - Top human rights investigators into Sudan's brutal war called on Friday for a country-wide arms embargo as they recounted harrowing testimony of victims of horrific sexual attacks whose bodies are treated as a "theatre of operation" by fighters acting with total impunity.

"Since mid-April 2023, the conflict in Sudan has spread to 14 out of the 18 states impacting the entire country and the region, leaving eight million Sudanese internally displaced as a result of the conflict, with two million - over two million - forced to flee to neighbouring countries," said Mohamed Chande Othman, Chair of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for the Sudan.

Disturbing first findings

In its first report on the crisis after being created by the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva in October 2023, the panel insisted that rival militaries the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), as well as their respective allies, were responsible for large-scale, indiscriminate and direct attacks involving airstrikes and shelling against civilians, schools, hospitals, communication networks and vital water and electricity supplies - indicating a total disregard for the protection of non-combatants.

The three independent rights experts leading the work of the Mission - Mohamed Chande Othman, Chair, Joy Ngozi Ezeilo and Mona Rishmawi - emphasized that responsibility for the grave violations lay with "both parties and their respective allies" with many amounting to international crimes.

"In particular, we have found that both SAF and RSF conducted hostilities in densely-populated areas, in particular through constant strikes and artillery shellings in different cities, including Khartoum and different cities in Darfur, amongst others," said Ms. Rishmawi.

Survivors' bravery

Although the Government of Sudan has refused to cooperate with the fact-finding Mission after rejecting its mandate, investigators have gathered first-hand testimony from 182 survivors, family members and eyewitnesses.

Extensive consultations with experts and civil society activists have also been conducted to corroborate and verify additional leads.

"Members of the RSF in particular have perpetrated sexual violence on a large scale in the context of attacks on cities in Darfur region and the greater Khartoum area," insisted Ms. Ezeilo.

"Victims recounted being attacked in their homes, beaten, lashed and threatened with death or harm to their relatives or children before being raped by more than one perpetrator.

They were also subjected to sexual violence while seeking shelter from attacks or fleeing. We also found evidence of women being subjected to sexual slavery after being abducted by RSF members."

El Geneina horrors

The panel's report also offered insight into "large-scale, ethnic-based attacks on the non-Arab civilian population" - and in particular, the Masalit people - in El Geneina, the capital of West Darfur, an ethnically diverse city to around 540,000 people.

Shortly after the outbreak of war in April 2023, the RSF and allied militia attacked the city, killing thousands, the investigators said, with "horrific assaults...torture, rape" and the destruction of property and pillage the norm.

"Masalit men were systematically targeted for killing," the Mission's report continued. "RSF and its allied militias went door to door in Masalit neighborhoods, looking for men and brutally attacking and killing them, sometimes in front of their families.

Lawyers, doctors, human rights defenders, academics, community and religious leaders were apparently specifically targeted. RSF commanders reportedly issued orders to 'comb the city' and place checkpoints throughout".

Highlighting the failure of the Sudanese military to protect civilians in cities and camps for those uprooted by the war, the rights experts urged the international community to extend the current arms embargo on the Darfurs to the whole of the country. "Starving the parties of arms and ammunition including new supplies of ammunition and arms will help in slowing down the appetite for hostilities," said Mr. Othman.

Peacekeeping force call

The investigators also urged the establishment of a peacekeeping force by the international community, either under the purview of the UN or a regional body:

"This can be done by the United Nations and there has been in the neighbouring country, in South Sudan, there is actually a mandate for the United Nations to protect civilians in particular countries," said Ms. Rishmawi. "This can also be done, as we know, from also the African Union, so regional organizations can actually do that."

The breakdown in law and order in Sudan is such that children are widely recruited to take part in the conflict, too, the investigators said.

"SAF is mobilizing and sometimes is mobilizing in schools, but its allied forces have been recruiting children and have been using children in combat. And that's where the distinction that you find in our report. It is much more systematic and widespread by RSF," Ms. Rishmawi noted.

"There has to be accountability" for this and other crimes, she continued, in a call for the creation of a special tribunal to hold perpetrators to account for the grave crimes continuing across Sudan with total impunity.

"These people need to be held to account. The fact that they were not held to account in previous conflicts is what made women the women's body, as a theater of operation for this war. This has to stop, and the only way to stop is to have an international judicial mechanism because there is no confidence," she said.

Aid keeps flowing: WFP

The UN World Food Programme (WFP) in Sudan announced on Friday that trucks carrying 100 metric tonnes passed through the vital Adre crossing on the Chadian border.

The agency has supervised over 1,500 metric tonnes of vital food and nutrition supplies - enough for nearly 130,000 people - since the crossing reopened on 20 August, said UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, briefing reporters in New York.

"Some of this assistance has already been delivered to Mornei in West Darfur - which is an area at famine risk- where over 22,000 people received emergency food rations and nearly 4,800 children and pregnant, as well as nursing women received nutritional supplements.

The rest is en route to other communities in West Darfur that are also at risk of famine, and those are in the Kereneik and Sirba areas.

"The convoys' progress, however, has been slowed by flooded and muddy roads as the peak of the rainy season approaches", Mr. Dujarric added.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Air Force activates first Air Task Force at Scott AFB

Published Sept. 6, 2024

By Jacob Silva-Dreyer

375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. (AFNS) -- The 12th Air Task Force, the first ATF under the new Air Force deployment model, was officially activated during a ceremony at Scott Air Force Base, Sept. 4.

Lt. Gen. Randall Reed, Air Mobility Command deputy commander, handed the guidon to Col. Gabriel Arrington, who, along with Chief Master Sgt. Chastity Hert, command chief, will lead the new unit.

"The way we organized, trained, and deployed over the past two decades to fight the war on terror was efficient but not effective to endure global competition," Reed said. "The ATF paves the way for a fundamental change for our Air Force where deployed units prepare together, execute together, and win together. As we make this shift, the ATF will show us how."

ATFs will allow the Air Force to provide a definable unit of action and establish a sustainable pace for posturing forces. Rather than the old deployment model, which often deployed individuals and units who were unfamiliar to each other to the same locations, members of an ATF will deploy already having worked and trained together through the Air Force Force Generation cycle.

The 12th ATF's mission is to be an Air Force's ready unit of action for competition and combat as part of a major step in evolving its force generation model as the Air Force shifts with a sense of urgency toward Great Power Competition.

The weight of his new unit's mission is not lost on Arrington.

"This new task force could not exist without the dedication of all of you," Arrington said, addressing the attendees. "The Airmen who make up this task force will be able to train and deploy with greater efficiency and be more mission-ready than ever before, and I am honored to be leading you in this new environment."

Approved by Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall in 2022, Air Task Forces consist of a command element with an attached expeditionary A-Staff and Special Staff, along with a Combat Air Base Squadron, and Mission Generation Force Elements with attached Mission Sustainment Teams.

As part of the pilot program, five additional ATFs are scheduled for activation across the United States in the coming months.

"I have full confidence in the future of the 12th ATF," Reed said. "Their activation reiterated the Air Force's continued support and commitment to evolving airpower to fight and win."

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






News / National

by Staff reporter

Pricing and Package Options

Standard Package

Mini Package



How to Order Your Starlink Kit

Activating Your Starlink Service

Coverage and Performance

Starlink vs. Other Options

Is Starlink Right for You?

GREAT news for internet users across Zimbabwe - Starlink has officially launched nationwide services as of September 7, 2024.After months of anticipation and a slight delay, Zimbabweans can now order Starlink equipment directly and enjoy high-speed satellite internet.Let us break down everything you need to know about getting connected with Starlink in Zimbabwe.Starlink is offering two residential packages for Zimbabwean customers: Standard Package: US$50 per month and Mini Package: US$30 per month. Both packages provide unlimited data. The key differences are in the hardware and speeds:-Hardware cost: US$350-Speeds up to 200 Mbps-Best for multiple users and high-bandwidth activities-Hardware cost: US$200-Speeds up to 100 Mbps-Ideal for basic internet use and smaller householdsThere's also a one-time shipping fee of US$23. This direct pricing from Starlink is significantly lower than earlier quotes from resellers. For example, Frampol, an approved Starlink reseller in Zimbabwe, had quoted US$460 for hardware. The lower direct prices make Starlink much more accessible to Zimbabwean consumers.Ordering your Starlink equipment is a straightforward process. Visit http://starlink.com and go to orders. Enter your service address. Choose your preferred hardware option. Provide contact and payment details. Complete your order.Starlink accepts various payment methods, including credit/debit cards and even EcoCash. For those who prefer to use EcoCash, you can utilise the EcoCash Virtual Card Number (VCN) service to make your Starlink payment. Here is s how:Dial *151# on your mobile. Select "Wallet Services". Choose "EcoCash Debit Card". Select "EcoCash MasterCard Virtual". Choose "Request Virtual Card (VCN)". You'll receive a message with a one-time virtual card number. Use this number as you would a regular credit card when ordering on the Starlink website. Remember, you will need a sufficient United States dollar balance in your EcoCash wallet to cover the full cost of your chosen Starlink package.Once your equipment arrives (typically within 1-2 weeks), activation is simple: Download the Starlink app on your smartphone. Follow the in-app instructions to set up your dish. Connect your devices to your new Starlink WiFi network.Starlink's satellite constellation provides coverage across all of Zimbabwe. However, service quality can vary slightly based on factors like: Line of sight to the sky; Surrounding obstacles (trees, tall buildings) and local weather conditions.Most users can expect speeds between 50-200 Mbps, with latency around 20-40ms. This is a significant improvement over many existing internet options in Zimbabwe, especially in rural areas.The arrival of Starlink introduces robust competition to Zimbabwe's internet market. Let's compare it to some existing options:TelOne Blaze LTE: Offers speeds up to 100 Mbps in select urban areas, but with data caps. Starlink provides wider coverage and unlimited data.Econet SmartBiz: A strong 5G offering, but limited to areas with 5G infrastructure. Starlink can serve both urban and rural customers. Traditional Fibre: Often faster in urban centres, but installation can be costly and unavailable in many areas. Starlink offers a quicker setup with broader coverage.Starlink is an excellent option for:-Rural residents with limited internet choices-Users needing consistent, high-speed connections-Households with multiple internet users-Anyone frustrated by data caps or slow speeds.
MSC Reserve Sailors Participate in Ulchi Freedom Shield 24

US Navy

06 September 2024

From By Grady Fontana

Military Sealift Command Sailors participate in exercise Ulchi Freedom Shield 2024, Aug. 19-29.

BUSAN, South Korea -- Military Sealift Command (MSC) reserve-component Sailors traveled to Pier 8, Busan, South Korea, and participated in exercise Ulchi Freedom Shield 2024, Aug. 19-29.

Exercise UFS 24 is a combined exercise between the U.S. and Republic of Korea with participation from United Nations Command Member State militaries as well as U.S. and ROK governmental agencies to fortify the combined defense posture and enhance response capabilities. The annual exercise was focused to ensure a constant state of readiness and is defensive in nature.

The 11-person team of MSC Sailors were from Reserve unit MSC Far East Det. 101 out of St. Louis.

Despite their small exercise footprint, the scope of the training was both diverse and complex, managing a large number of simulated U.S. government and commercially contracted dry cargo ships and fuel tankers to and from the Korean area of operations.

According to Navy Reserve Capt. Jonathan B. Bass, chief staff officer, MSCFE Det. 101, MSC-related scenarios included adverse weather, unscheduled maintenance, fueling of vessels, bunkering, and working with host nation port authorities.

During UFS 24, the MSCFE team monitored and directed all simulated MSC shipping traffic throughout the western Pacific.

"We're that liaison between the ship and port operations," said Bass. "Having the knowledge and familiarity with our ships and their [ROK] ports are important. We can help spot issues and recommend courses of action if our ships need to be diverted to another port. We can advise if a port is capable of receiving a ship of a particular size or draft."

At Pier 8, the Sailors from MSCFE Det. 101 augmented permanent MSC Office Korea (MSCO-K) staff. They helped man a 24/7 crisis action team, and the Combined Seaport Command Center, which is a centralized command and control center that can manages cargo ships at ports throughout South Korea.

MSCFE Sailors worked closely with MSCO-K, the Army's Surface Deployment and Distribution Command, and ROK army and Navy personnel.

"The Naval Reserve augments we receive from the MSC Far East Reserve unit are critical to MSCO-K's successful participation in UFS and our support to U.S. and ROK Alliance," said Cmdr. Patrick J. Moore, commanding officer, MSCO-K. "Being able to have a number of Sailors participating in this exercise for the first time also ensures we continue to expand the training audience and build depth on the bench. The team performed extremely well and integrated seamlessly with the MSCO-K team."

Despite yearly participation, this exercise provides a continuous challenge for the MSC reserve unit. Every year, the majority of reserve unit members are new to the Korean peninsula and to UFS. Some members had to travel far to their U.S. drill site in St. Louis, prior to ramping up for the exercise.

"We have a good mix of people from various parts of the U.S. that are participating this year," said Lt. Cmdr. Steven D. Pascal, watch stander with MSCFE Det. 101. "They are also a wide range of rates."

The Reserve team was made up of information systems technicians, administrators, quartermasters, gunner's mate, interior communications technicians, information system technicians, logistics specialists, and officers.

"When they show up, they're well prepared and ready to go from day one," said Pascal. "Only four of the 11 have been to Korea before. We're constantly training the next wave of folks; it's an ongoing process."

Pascal, from Lenexa, Kan., was on his third consecutive year supporting the exercise in South Korea. His main focus this year was to provide the necessary training and guidance he's garnered from those years of experience to those who are here for the first time.

"This is such a unique exercise, you really don't understand what's going on until you sit in that watch-stander seat and see firsthand what is going on," said Pascal. "There are so many components involved."

Prior to the exercise at the Navy Reserve Center, the team discussed expectations, command structure, and understanding the Korean culture.

"All our preparation at home paid off," said Pascal. "These folks have been training hard. We have a lot of new people but they're doing well, and between the mixes of people that have done this a couple of times, we have the right skills, and we have the right people."

MSCO Korea provides operations, logistics, maintenance, and administrative support for all MSC operated, controlled, and interest vessels in support of the Type Commander and/or as directed by the Area Commander in support of the Fleet Commander.

MSC Far East supports the U.S. 7th Fleet and ensures approximately 50 ships in the Indo-Pacific Region are manned, trained, and equipped to deliver essential supplies, fuel, cargo, and equipment to warfighters, both at sea and on shore.

U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

Celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2024, MSC exists to support the joint warfighter across the full spectrum of military operations, with a workforce that includes approximately 6,000 Civil Service Mariners and 1,100 contract mariners, supported by 1,500 shore staff and 1,400 active duty and Reserve military personnel.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






SECNAV Shares Perspectives on Modern War and Climate Change at Newport Forum

US Navy - Press Release

06 September 2024

NEWPORT, R.I. -- Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro delivered remarks at the Forum at Newport, a conference about national security and climate change co-hosted by the Naval War College and the Pell Center at Salve Regina University, Sept. 5.

Secretary Del Toro talked about Department of the Navy efforts to counter the impacts of extreme weather and climate change on warfighting readiness. He outlined two goals of the Department's new Climate Action 2030 strategy to ensure a climate-ready force - building climate resilience and reducing climate threats.

He noted that while many initiatives are already underway or complete, such as the Farragut Seawall project at U.S. Naval Academy, innovative partnerships with government, academia and industry must continue.

"Climate resilience is force resilience," said Secretary Del Toro. "We must look beyond normal operations and approach solutions to climate change through the lens of innovation."

Following his remarks, Secretary Del Toro met with Stephen Mariano, provost of NWC, and Rear Adm. Darryl Walker, president of NWC. They discussed the linkage between climate change and national security as a seminar topic in NWC's new course, Perspectives on Modern War. The yearlong course combines theoretical analysis of war with development of practical solutions for current and future global security challenges.

Secretary Del Toro praised Perspectives on Modern War as an example of the Navy's academic institutions adapting to modern security challenges, like climate change, and the value of these institutions to develop future strategic leaders.

"When I meet with senior officers I often tell them I expect them to be brilliant at naval warfare," said Secretary Del Toro. "I really need them to think critically and strategically about solutions to the dynamic challenges our Navy and Marine Corps face -- a course like this will help grow future leaders with those critical skills."

PMW is now one of five core course offerings provided by NWC's College of Naval Command and Staff, College of Naval Warfare, Naval Command College and Naval Staff College. NWC's curriculum provides a framework for military and civilian leaders to gain an understanding of strategy and operations and the ability to think critically, deal with uncertainty and surprise, be proficient in joint matters, and comprehend both the security environment and all elements of national power.

Established in 1884, NWC is the oldest institution of its kind in the world. The college delivers excellence in education, research, and outreach, informing today's decision makers, educating tomorrow's leaders, and engaging partners and allies on all matters of naval power in order to preserve the peace, respond in crisis, and win decisively in war.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Van Hollen Statement on American Citizen Killed in West Bank

U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen

September 06, 2024

Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) released the following statement regarding the killing of an American citizen in the West Bank.

"The Netanyahu Government  including racist extremists like Smotrich and Ben-Gvir  has fueled settler violence in the West Bank at the same time that it has announced new illegal settlements. The United States cannot turn a blind eye to these actions  including the killing of American citizens. To date, the U.S. has not received satisfactory responses from the Netanyahu Government about the two other Americans killed in the West Bank since October 7th, and the Biden Administration has not been doing enough to pursue justice and accountability on their behalf. I have repeatedly raised these concerns with the Administration, including when I met with Ambassador Jack Lew during my recent trip to the region  where I also met with the families of those Americans killed  as well as in two letters to Secretary Blinken and in further meetings with the Department of State. The Biden Administration must do more to hold the Netanyahu Government accountable and use American influence to demand the prosecution of those responsible for harm against American citizens. If the Netanyahu Government will not pursue justice for Americans, the U.S. Department of Justice must."



NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






American woman killed by Israeli troops during West Bank protest, witness says

By VOA News September 06, 2024

An American woman was shot and killed Friday by Israeli soldiers, a witness said, during a pro-Palestinian protest of Israeli settlers on the West Bank.

The director of Rafidia Hospital in the West Bank city of Nablus told the Reuters news agency the woman was brought to the hospital in critical condition with a head wound.

"We were trying to save her, but unfortunately, we couldn't revive her heart because of her severe injury and then we announced she lost her life," Fouad Nafaa said.

The woman has been identified as 26-year-old Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, described as a Turkish-American activist.

A paramedic at the scene, Faiz Abdel Jabar, described for Reuters what happened at the protest in the town of Beita, not far from Nablus, where demonstrations have been occurring regularly and recently growing more violent.

"As usual we have a Friday prayer at the Jabal Subaih, the foreign activists also joined us," he said. "The [Israeli] army arrived, and they shot two bullets, one targeted a young man, and it was fine, and the second one was shot in the head of the foreign activist."

At a joint news conference in the Dominican Republic, along with Dominican President Luis Abinader, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed the deepest condolences on behalf of the U.S. government to Eygi's family.

Blinken said the U.S. deplores this tragic loss and that the U.S. is focused on gathering the facts of the shooting.

"First things first, let's find out exactly what happened, and we will draw the necessary conclusions and consequences from that," Blinken said.

"As you have heard me say many times before, I have no higher priority than the safety and protection of American citizens around the world, wherever they are. It's something I take with the utmost seriousness. When we have more info, we'll share it, make it available and if necessary, we will act on it."

U.S. National Security Council spokesperson Sean Savett also issued a statement.

"We are deeply disturbed by the tragic death of an American citizen, Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, today in the West Bank and our hearts go out to her family and loved ones," the statement said. "We have reached out to the government of Israel to ask for more information and request an investigation into the incident."

Israel Defense Forces released a statement regarding the incident on its X and Telegram social media accounts, saying: "Today, during Israeli security forces activity adjacent to the area of Beita, the forces responded with fire toward a main instigator of violent activity who hurled rocks at the forces and posed a threat to them."

"The IDF is looking into reports that a foreign national was killed as a result of shots fired in the area. The details of the incident and the circumstances in which she was hit are under review," the statement said.

The incident comes as the Israeli military pulled out of the city of Jenin and its three refugee camps early Friday following a 10-day operation in the occupied West Bank. Fighting in Jenin accounts for the deaths of 21 of 39 Palestinians who local health officials say were killed during the Israeli operation. The military says most have been militants.

In a video interview with The Associated Press, Jenin Governor Kamal Abu al-Rub confirmed the withdrawal, calling it the most destructive incursion by the IDF yet. The video showed destroyed and damaged buildings and streets filled with rubble.

While not confirming the withdrawal, the IDF issued a statement Friday summarizing its "counterterrorism operations in Jenin," saying there were "14 terrorists eliminated, over 30 suspects apprehended, approximately 30 explosives planted under roads [that were] dismantled."

The statement went on to say, "numerous terrorist infrastructure sites have been dismantled, including an underground weapons storage facility located beneath a mosque, and a lab used to manufacture explosives."

Israeli fire has killed nearly 700 Palestinians in the West Bank, Palestinian health officials say, since the war started in the wake of the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel. The militants killed about 1,200 people and captured about 250 hostages. Israel said it believes Hamas is still holding about 100 hostages, including 42 the military says are dead.

Israel's counteroffensive in Gaza has killed more than 40,000 Palestinians, according to the territory's health ministry, which does not distinguish between combatants and civilians but does say most of the dead are women and children. Israel says that most of the dead are combatants.

"The terrorist Wassem Hazem, head of the Hamas terrorist organization in Jenin, was also eliminated," the statement said. "Hazem directed shooting and explosive attacks in the area of Jenin and was responsible for advancing terror attacks in Judea and Samaria."

Hamas has been designated a terror group by the U.S., U.K., EU and others.

Some information for this report was provided by The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






At UN, growing calls for reversal of latest Taliban edict against women

By Margaret Besheer September 06, 2024

A dozen U.N. Security Council ambassadors strongly condemned on Friday the Afghan Taliban's recent "morality law" which further erodes the rights of women and girls in that country and called for its reversal.

"On top of the existing edicts, this new directive confirms and extends wide-ranging and far-reaching restrictions on personal conduct and provides inspectors with broad powers of enforcement, thus deepening the already unacceptable restrictions on the enjoyment by all Afghans of human rights and fundamental freedoms," said Japan's U.N. ambassador, Yamazaki Kazuyuki.

"Day by day, Afghan women and girls lose their opportunities and hope for their future," he added. "This is unacceptable."

Envoys from Ecuador, France, Guyana, Malta, Mozambique, Republic of Korea, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States joined him as he read the statement before reporters.

The only Security Council members not to lend their support to the statement were Algeria, China and Russia.

On August 21, the Taliban announced the ratification of a detailed "Law on the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice," which includes among its restrictions a prohibition on Afghan women using their voices in public and orders them to completely cover their bodies and faces outdoors. Women are also forbidden from interacting with non-Muslims, using public transport alone, and looking at men who are not their husband or blood relative.

The Taliban government, which is officially not recognized by any country, has dismissed U.N.-led foreign criticism of the law as offensive.

Zabihullah Mujahid, the chief Taliban spokesperson, asserted this week that "non-Muslims should first educate themselves about Islamic laws and respect Islamic values" before expressing concerns or rejecting the law. "We find it blasphemous to our Islamic Sharia when objections are raised without understanding it," he said.

The United States, European Union, United Nations and others have condemned the edict, the latest in a series that have eroded the rights of Afghan women and girls.

"Today, we once again urge the Taliban to swiftly reverse all the policies and practices that restrict the enjoyment by women and girls of their human rights and fundamental freedoms," Ambassador Kazuyuki said.

"The Taliban need to listen and respond to the voices of Afghan women and girls by respecting their rights to education and for women to work, as well as the freedoms of expression and movement. It is a prerequisite for a stable, peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan."

The Japanese envoy noted that the 15-nation Security Council has repeatedly discussed the worsening human rights situation in Afghanistan since the Taliban took over in August 2021 and have "raised a united voice on multiple occasions."

Last year, the council unanimously adopted Resolution 2681 which calls for the full, equal, meaningful and safe participation of women and girls in Afghanistan.

The 12 Security Council members also called on those countries with influence over the Taliban to promote the "urgent reversal" of the policy, which violates Afghanistan's obligations under international human rights treaties to which it is a signatory.

They also urged the Taliban to allow the U.N. special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan to visit the country. The Taliban have publicly said they will not allow Richard Bennett entry.

The U.N.'s agency for gender equality and women's empowerment, U.N. Women, warned in a statement on August 28 that the new law is "effectively erasing women from public life and granting broad enforcement powers to the morality police."

U.N. political chief Rosemary DiCarlo warned last month that the law would only impede Afghanistan's return to the international fold.

The Security Council plans to next discuss Afghanistan in a meeting on September 18.

Ayaz Gul in Islamabad contributed to this report.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






UN says both Sudan sides committed rights abuses, possibly war crimes

By Lisa Schlein September 06, 2024

United Nations investigators are accusing both of Sudan's warring parties and their allied militias Friday of an appalling range of human rights violations that may amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The report, the first by the three-member Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan, presents a harrowing account of large-scale violations, including "indiscriminate and direct attacks carried out through airstrikes and shelling against civilians, schools, hospitals, communication networks and vital water and electricity supplies."

Mona Rishwami, expert member of the fact-finding mission, told journalists in Geneva that both the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) "conducted hostilities in densely populated areas," damaging and destroying infrastructure and objects that were "indispensable for the survival of the civilian population."

"We found that there are reasonable grounds to believe that both SAF and RSF and their respective allies have committed the war crimes of violence against life and persons, in particular murder of all kinds, mutilation, cruel treatment, and torture, and committing outrages upon personal dignity, in particular humiliation and degrading treatment," she said.

The 19-page report, which will be submitted to the U.N. Human Rights Council next week, is based on over 700 submissions from various entities, organizations, individuals and experts.

Sudanese authorities refused to grant investigators access to the country, so they gathered information and evidence of violations through in-depth interviews with 182 victims, their families and other eyewitnesses during visits to Chad, Kenya, and Uganda.

"Since mid-April 2023, the conflict in Sudan has spread to 14 of 18 states impacting the entire country and the region," Mohamed Chande Othman, chairperson of the fact-finding mission, said.

Over the past 17 months, the conflict has uprooted millions of people from their homes. U.N. officials estimate 10.7 million people are displaced inside Sudan with some 2 million others having fled to neighboring countries as refugees, making Sudan the world's largest displacement crisis.

"It is our view that the conflict is protracted and has engulfed the territory, affecting the whole of Sudan," Othman said, adding that the true scale of the devastation caused by the conflict and the extent of suffering of the population is yet to be known, but the impact from the horrors inflicted upon the Sudanese "will last for decades to come."

"We have found that the Sudanese warring parties ... have committed an appalling range of violations," he said. "We found reasonable grounds to believe that many of these violations amount to international crimes."

The report accuses the warring parties of targeting civilians through rape and other forms of sexual violence, arbitrary arrest and detention, as well as torture and ill-treatment.

Fact-finding mission expert Joy Ngozi Ezeilo observed that women and children are among the main victims.

"Conflict-related sexual violence in Sudan has a long and tragic history and often is used as a weapon of war to terrorize and control communities," she said.

While both parties to the conflict are guilty of rape and sexual violence, Ezeilo said that members of the RSF in particular have perpetrated the crimes on a large scale in Darfur and the greater Khartoum area.

"Victims recounted being attacked in their homes, beaten, lashed and threatened with death or harm to their relatives or children before being raped by more than one perpetrator," she said. "They were also subjected to sexual violence while seeking shelter from attack or fleeing."

The report also found that the RSF and its allied militias "committed the additional war crimes of rape, sexual slavery, and pillage, as well as ordering the displacement of the civilian population and the recruitment of children below 15 in hostilities."

Investigators condemned what they called the "horrific assaults" carried out by the RSF and its allies against non-Arab communities  specifically the Masalit in and around El Geneina, West Darfur  including "killings, torture, rape and other forms of sexual violence, destruction of property and pillage."

The report describes in searing detail the abuse to which children are subjected. Beyond recruitment for battle, children have been "killed, injured, forcibly displaced, detained with adults, tortured, subjected to sexual violence and deprived of healthcare and education."

"The rare brutality of this war will have a devastating and long-lasting psychological impact on children in Sudan," Ezeilo said.

Mission chairperson Othman warned that "The gravity of our findings and failure of the warring parties to protect civilians underscores the need for urgent and immediate intervention.

"Our report therefore calls and recommends for the deployment of an independent, impartial force to protect civilians in the country," adding that both sides to the conflict must comply with their obligations under international law and "immediately and unconditionally cease all attacks on the civilian population.

The people of Sudan, he added, "have suffered greatly and the violations against them must stop."

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






US to continue to enforce sanctions after aircraft linked to Venezuela's Maduro seized, Blinken says

By Nike Ching September 06, 2024

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Friday that the United States will continue enforcing sanctions against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro following the seizure and investigation of two aircraft linked to him earlier this week in the Dominican Republic.

On Friday, Blinken held discussions with Dominican President Luis Abinader during his first official visit to Santo Domingo as the top U.S. diplomat.

Blinken underscored the U.S. commitment to continued collaboration with the Dominican Republic to promote inclusive economic growth, strengthen democratic institutions, uphold human rights, and improve governance and security.

On Monday, U.S. authorities seized a plane used by Maduro, the equivalent to the U.S. Air Force One. The aircraft, undergoing maintenance in the Dominican Republic, was seized for being illegally purchased through a shell company and smuggled out of the United States, violating U.S. export control and sanctions laws.

After the controversial reelection of Maduro on July 28, Venezuela suspended commercial flights to and from the Dominican Republic.

A second plane linked to Maduro is under investigation in the Dominican Republic. This aircraft is similar to the one seized on Monday and is listed among the sanctioned assets by the U.S. Treasury as belonging to Maduro.

"With regard to the plane seizures, we've been very clear. We'll implement our sanctions, and if we find violations of them, we will act. That's what we did, and that's what we'll continue to do," Blinken told reporters during a joint press conference with Abinader at the National Palace.

The Dominican Republic will host the 2025 Summit of the Americas, where Western Hemisphere leaders will address shared challenges and policy issues facing the region.

On August 16, Abinader was sworn in for a second four-year term, vowing to enhance security by increasing police training over the next four years. His administration has also implemented policies barring migrants from neighboring Haiti.

The U.S. has urged the Dominican Republic to establish a path toward normalization with Haiti, as border tensions continue to escalate.

Blinken said he and Abinader are committed to support the Haitians to build security and "make sure the people are treated humanely."

Abinader told reporters his country will continue moving forward and normalizing the relationship with Haiti, such as opening air flights, but the security and safety of citizens of the Dominican Republic is still the priority.

The U.S. and the Dominican Republic signed a historic Open Skies agreement on August 2. Once in effect, the agreement will expand opportunities for airlines, travel companies and people-to-people exchanges. More than 4 million U.S. citizens visit the Dominican Republic each year.

The Dominican Republic is a crucial partner for the U.S. in hemispheric affairs, due to its position as the second-largest economy in the Caribbean, after Cuba, and the third-largest country by population, behind Cuba and Haiti. The U.S. is its primary trading partner.

Additionally, the Dominican Republic is home to Pueblo Viejo, one of the world's largest gold mines, and serves as a major global supplier of ferronickel, used for making stainless steel.

The Dominican Republic and the United States, along with five Central American countries, are parties to the Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement, known as CAFTA-DR. This agreement enhances economic opportunities by eliminating tariffs, opening markets, reducing barriers to services and promoting transparency.

The U.S. Agency for International Development is investing more than $9.5 million to strengthen the Dominican Republic's existing justice system and to reduce crime and violence.

Blinken also announced on Friday "the first phase of a supply chain investment through USAID, an initial $3 million that will help the Dominican government improve its workforce training, build industrial parks, attract high-tech industries here to the Dominican Republic."

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






PLA refutes rumors regarding China-India border conflict, urges cessation of military-related speculations

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Sep 07, 2024 12:40 AM

The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Western Theater Command on Friday refuted recent online rumors regarding conflicts at the China-India border and soldier casualties, urging an end to the spread of military-related speculations.

The refutation was made in response to rumors circulating on Chinese social media platforms recently regarding fabricated videos and images suggesting that there had been a conflict at the China-India border, during which six PLA soldiers sacrificed their lives.

The internet is not a lawless zone, and it is essential to put an end to the production and spreading of military-related rumors, the PLA Western Theater Command said on its official WeChat account.

Many netizens expressed their support for the refutation, urging all internet users not to believe or spread rumors, and emphasizing the need to appropriately punish those who create false information for ulterior motives.

According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, China and India held the 31st Meeting of Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on China-India Border Affairs in Beijing on August 29. The two sides agreed to work together to turn the page on the border situation at an early date in accordance with the guiding principles of the important common understandings reached between the two foreign ministers.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Israeli army withdraws from Jenin after 10-day operation

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 10:29, September 07, 2024

RAMALLAH, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- The Israeli army withdrew from the West Bank city of Jenin on Friday after a 10-day operation that left 21 people dead, according to Palestinian and Israeli sources.

During the operation, Israeli forces caused significant damage to infrastructure and residential buildings, leading to power, communication, and internet outages in large areas of the city, Palestinian security sources said.

The Palestinian Civil Defense announced that more than 25 km of streets and neighborhoods in Jenin city and its camp were completely destroyed by the army's operation, according to initial damage assessments.

Meanwhile, Israeli public broadcaster Kan reported that the army had eliminated "terrorists" during the operation, arresting over 40 suspects, seizing 24 weapons, and destroying dozens of explosive devices.

However, Israeli security sources told the broadcaster that the operation is not over, and "we will soon return to Jenin and other places."

On Thursday, the Ramallah-based Palestinian Ministry of Health said that 39 Palestinians had been killed and about 150 others injured in the West Bank since the start of the Israeli military operation on August 28.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Russo-Ukraine War - 06 September 2024 - Day 926

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

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 the Defense Forces are directing efforts to disrupt the execution of Russian invaders' offensive plans and exhaust their combat potential.

Since the beginning of the day, there have been 165 combat clashes, Russian forces launched 2 missiles (6 missiles), 57 air strikes (61 KABs in particular) and 472 kamikaze drones strikes, completing 2,776 shelling positions of Ukrainian troops.

In the Kharkiv direction, Russian terrorists four times stormed the positions of Ukrainian units in the areas of Liptsiv and Vovchansk.

Twenty-four times Russian forces attacked Ukrainian fortifications in the Kupians komu direction near synkivka, glushkivka, andriyivka, berestovoye and stelmahivka. At this time, the clashes are ongoing in six locations.

In the Lyman direction a day Russian troops 17 times stormed the positions of Ukrainian defenders in the areas of settlements of Novoyegorivka, Druzhelyubivka, Cherneshchyna, Terniv, Torsky, Dibrova and Makiyivka. Still one attack of the enemy is going on.

In the Siver direction, Ukrainian troops stopped five Russian attempts to improve the tactical position near Verkhnyokamiansky and Spirny. The invaders suffered losses. Another fight, in the area of Spirnogo, is ongoing.

In the kramators komu direction, three attempts of zagarbnikiv to advance near grigorivka, temporary yar and andriyivka.

In the Toretsky direction, Russian forces for today nine times stormed in the areas of Toretsk and Nelipivka. The enemy assault and bombarduvalna aviation was actively involved. Continuing combat in two locations - the enemy is pressing, trying to advance in the area of Dry Balka.

Intense Russian attacks of Ukrainian defenders in the Pokrovsky direction. Throughout the day, in general, made 45 assault and offensive actions. The largest activity of Russian occupiers is kept in the regions of Novogrodivka, Hrodivka and Mykhailivka. Nine clashes in the direction are still ongoing.

According to preliminary calculations, today Ukrainian warriors eliminated 92 and wounded 195 invaders. A tank, a cannon and six cars were destroyed. Also damaged nine Russian cars and the artillery system of the zagarbnikiv.

A difficult situation in the Kurakhiv direction, at this time of the day there are 41 combat encounters. Russian forces have tried to advance in the areas of settlements of Krasnogorivka, Konstantinivka and Georgiyivka, currently nine fights are underway.

In the Vremivsky direction today, Russian forces stormed the front edge of Ukrainian defense eight times in the direction of Vodyany and Staromayorsk. The battle is on.

Nine Russian attacks were carried out in the Pridniprovsky direction, the opponent was unsuccessful.

The operation of the Defense Forces of Ukraine in the Kursk region is ongoing.

In other directions, there have been no significant changes in the environment.

The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that from 31 August to 6 September 2024, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation delivered 17 group strikes by long-range high-precision weaponry, including Kinzhal aeroballistic missiles and attack UAVs, to hit enterprises of rocket and space and aviation industry, critical power objects, missile artillery weaponry, POL, and logistics depots.

In addition, strikes were delivered at UAV assembly workshops, uncrewed surface vehicle depots as well as temporary deployment points of AFU, nationalists, and foreign mercenaries.

The AFU 179th Joint Training Centre was struck in Poltava, where under supervision of foreign instructors, electronic warfare specialists and UAV operators, which deliver strikes at civilian objects on the territory of the Russian Federation, were trained.

Units of the Sever Group of Forces continued the operation to eliminate the AFU formations in Kursk region.

Operational-Tactical and Army aviation, unmanned aerial vehicles and artillery delivered strikes at concentration areas of personnel and hardware of six mechanised brigades, one tank brigade, two air assault brigades, one jaeger brigade of the AFU, one marine brigade, and three territorial defence brigades, as well as thwarted attempts to attack and deploy reserves of the enemy.

In Volchansk and Liptsy directions, losses were inflicted on formations of one assault brigade, one jaeger brigade, one air assault brigade of the AFU, and two territorial defence brigades.

The AFU losses in the area of responsibility of the Sever Group of Forces amounted to up to 3,280 troops, nine tanks, 112 armoured fighting vehicles, 135 motor vehicles, 13 MLRS launchers, including four of U.S.-made HIMARS and five of MLRS systems, 34 field artillery guns, and 12 electronic warfare stations and counter-battery radars. Six counter-attacks launched by the enemy's assault detachments were repelled.

Units of the Zapad Group of Forces took more advantageous lines and positions and inflicted losses on formations of five mechanised brigades, one motorised infantry brigade, one assault brigade of the AFU, two territorial defence brigades, one national guard brigade, and the Azov Special Operations Brigade. Fourteen counter-attacks launched by AFU assault detachments were repelled.

The AFU losses amounted to more than 3,350 troops, three tanks, 10 armoured fighting vehicles, including two U.S.-made M113 armoured personnel carriers, 42 motor vehicles, 37 field artillery guns, with 21 of them supplied to Ukraine by Western countries.

Moreover, 14 electronic warfare stations and counter-battery radars as well as 45 field ammunition depots were destroyed.

Units of the Yug Group of Forces improved the tactical situation along the front lines and inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of seven mechanised brigades, one motorised infantry brigade, one infantry brigade, one airmobile brigade, three assault brigades of the AFU, and two territorial defence brigades. Six counter-attacks launched by AFU assault detachments were repelled.

The AFU losses amounted to more than 4,725 troops, two tanks, three armoured fighting vehicles, 29 motor vehicles, and 45 field artillery guns, including 18 made by the NATO countries.

Eleven electronic warfare stations and 20 field ammunition depots were destroyed.

As a result of active and decisive actions, units of the Tsentr Group of Forces liberated Kirovo, Ptichye, Skuchnoye, Karlovka, Zavetnoye, and Zhuravka (Donetsk People's Republic).

Losses were inflicted on formations of five mechanised brigades, one infantry brigade, one jaeger brigade, one air assault brigade of the AFU, one national guard brigade, and one territorial defence brigade. Fifty-three counter-attacks launched by AFU units were repelled.

The AFU losses in this direction amounted to up to 3,515 troops, four tanks, 14 armoured fighting vehicles, and 32 field artillery guns.

Units of the Vostok Group of Forces liberated Prechistovka (Donetsk People's Republic), took more advantageous lines and positions, and inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of two mechanised brigades, one motorised infantry brigade of the AFU, and two territorial defence brigades. Ten counter-attacks launched by the enemy's assault detachments were repelled.

The AFU losses amounted to up to 860 troops, three tanks, two armoured fighting vehicles, 29 motor vehicles, six field artillery guns, including three Polish-made 155-mm Krab self-propelled artillery systems.

Units of the Dnepr Group of Forces inflicted losses on formations of two mechanised brigades, one infantry brigade, one mountain assault brigade of the AFU, one marine brigade, one coastal defence brigade, and three territorial defence brigades.

The AFU losses amounted to up to 485 troops, one armoured fighting vehicle, 31 motor vehicles, and six field artillery guns, including four Western-made 155-mm howitzers.

Moreover, three electronic warfare stations and four field ammunition depots were destroyed.

Over the week, air defence units shot down one MiG-29 aircraft of the Ukrainian Air Force, and intercepted seven U.S.-made ATACMS operational-tactical missiles, 20 French-made Hammer guided aerial bombs, 54 U.S.-made HIMARS and Czech-made Vampire MLRS projectiles as well as 367 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles.

Units of the Black Sea Fleet destroyed 11 Ukrainian uncrewed surface vehicles.

Over the past week, 41 Ukrainian servicemen have surrendered on the line of contact.

In total, 642 airplanes and 283 helicopters, 31,068 unmanned aerial vehicles, 578 air defence missile systems, 17,947 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,446 combat vehicles equipped with MLRS, 14,158 field artillery guns and mortars, as well as 25,735 units of support motor vehicles have been destroyed during the special military operation.

The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation also reported that units of the Sever Group of Forces supported Army Aviation and artillery repelled two attacks of the enemy's assault detachments in the direction of Matveyevka and Olgovka. The AFU attacks in the direction of Borki, Komarovka, and Maryevka were thwarted.

As a result of active actions of Russian troops, the AFU losses amounted to up to 30 troops killed and wounded. Moreover, one armoured personnel carrier, two armoured fighting vehicles, and two motor vehicles were destroyed.



Aviation, artillery, and actions of Russian troops inflicted losses on manpower and hardware clusters of the AFU 22nd, 61st, 115th mechanised brigades, 80th, and 82nd air assault brigades, 92nd Assault Brigade, 152nd Jaeger Brigade, and 1004th Security and Service Brigade near Apanasovka, Borki, Vishnyovka, Vnezapnoye, Gordeyevka, Kruglenkoye, Kazachaya Loknya, Kositsa, Leonidovka, Martynovka, Malaya Loknya, Novoivanovka, Novaya Sorochina, and Snagost.



Operational-Tactical Aviation and Missile Troops delivered strikes at concentration areas in Sumy region of reserve manpower and military hardware of the 22nd, 115th mechanised brigades, 80th, 95th air assault brigades, 92nd Assault Brigade of the AFU, the 1st National Guard Brigade, 101st, 103rd, 106th, 107th, and 129th territorial defence brigades near Belopolye, Boromlya, Bruski, Gritsenkovo, Glukhov, Glybnoye, Linovo, Miropolye, Orlovka, Obody, Pisarevka, Sumy, Khoten, Yunakovka, and Yampol.

Over the past 24 hours, the AFU losses amounted to up to 300 troops and 12 units of hardware, including two armoured personnel carriers and 10 armoured fighting vehicles, two artillery guns, one electronic warfare station, and 14 motor vehicles.



Since the beginning of hostilities in Kursk region, the AFU losses amounted to more than 10,400 servicemen, 81 tanks, 41 infantry fighting vehicles, 74 armoured personnel carriers, 599 armoured fighting vehicles, 339 motor vehicles, 76 artillery guns, 24 MLRS launchers, including seven M142 HIMARS and five M270 MLRS systems, eight SAM launchers, two transport-loading vehicles, 19 electronic warfare stations, seven counter-battery radars, two air defence radars, eight units of engineering vehicles, including two 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






Pakistani National Charged for Plotting Terrorist Attack in New York City in Support of ISIS

Friday, September 6, 2024

For Immediate Release

Office of Public Affairs

Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, also known as Shazeb Jadoon, Attempted to Enter the United States to Carry Out a Mass Shooting at a Jewish Center in New York City

Note: View the complaint here.

A Pakistani citizen residing in Canada, Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, 20, also known as Shahzeb Jadoon, was arrested on Sept. 4 in Canada in connection with a complaint filed in the Southern District of New York. Khan was charged with attempting to provide material support and resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization (FTO), the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS).

"The defendant is alleged to have planned a terrorist attack in New York City around October 7th of this year with the stated goal of slaughtering, in the name of ISIS, as many Jewish people as possible," said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. "Thanks to the investigative work of the FBI, and the quick action of our Canadian law enforcement partners, the defendant was taken into custody. As I said to Canada's Minister of Public Safety yesterday, we are deeply grateful to our Canadian partners for their critical law enforcement actions in this matter. Jewish communities a like all communities in this country a should not have to fear that they will be targeted by a hate-fueled terrorist attack. The Justice Department will continue to work closely with our domestic and international partners to aggressively counter the threat posed by ISIS and other terrorist organizations and their supporters."

"The defendant was allegedly determined to kill Jewish people here in the United States, nearly one year after Hamas' horrific attack on Israel. This investigation was led by the FBI, and I am proud of the terrific work by the FBI team and our partners to disrupt Khan's plan." said FBI Director Christopher Wray. "The FBI will continue to work closely with our partners to investigate and hold accountable those who seek to commit violence in the name of ISIS or other terrorist organizations. Fighting terrorism remains the FBI's top priority."

As alleged in the complaint, Khan, who resided in Canada, attempted to travel from Canada to New York City, where he intended to use automatic and semi-automatic weapons to carry out a mass shooting in support of ISIS at a Jewish center in Brooklyn, New York. Khan began posting on social media and communicating with others on an encrypted messaging application about his support for ISIS in or about November 2023, when, among other things, Khan distributed ISIS propaganda videos and literature. Subsequently, Khan began communicating with two undercover law enforcement officers (collectively, the UCs).

During those conversations, Khan confirmed that he and a U.S.-based ISIS supporter (Associate-1) had been planning to carry out an attack in a particular U.S. city (City-1). Among other things, Khan said that he had been actively attempting to create "a real offline cell" of ISIS supporters to carry out a "coordinated assault" in City-1 using AR-style rifles to "target[] Israeli Jewish chabads . . . scattered all around [City-1]." During subsequent conversations, Khan repeatedly instructed the UCs to obtain AR-style assault rifles, ammunition, and other materials to carry out the attacks, and identified the specific locations in City-1 where the attacks would take place. Khan also provided details about how he would cross the border from Canada into the United States to conduct the attacks. During these conversations with the UCs, Khan emphasized that "Oct 7th and oct 11th are the best days for targeting the jews" because "oct 7 they will surely have some protests and oct 11 is yom.kippur."

On or about Aug. 20, Khan changed his target location from City-1 to New York City. After initially suggesting certain neighborhoods in New York City to the UCs, Khan decided to target Location-1, a Jewish center located in Brooklyn, New York. Khan told the UCs that he planned to carry out this attack on or around Oct. 7, 2024 a which Khan recognized as the one-year anniversary of the brutal terrorist attacks in Israel by Hamas, a designated FTO, which, on Oct. 7, 2023, launched a wave of violent, large-scale terrorist attacks in Israel. In support of his choice of New York City as his target location, Khan boasted that "New york is perfect to target jews" because it has the "largest Jewish population In america" and therefore, "even if we dont attack a[n] Event[,] we could rack up easily a lot of jews." Khan proclaimed that "we are going to nyc to slaughter them," and sent a photograph of the specific area inside of Location-1 where he planned to carry out the attack.

Thereafter, Khan continued to urge the UCs to acquire AR-style rifles, ammunition, and other equipment for his attack, including "some good hunting [knives] so we can slit their throats." Khan repeatedly reiterated his desire to carry out the attack in support of ISIS, and discussed planning for the attack, including by identifying rental properties close to Location-1 and paying for a human smuggler to help him reach and cross the border from Canada into the United States. During one communication, Khan noted that "if we succeed with our plan this would be the largest Attack on US soil since 9/11."

On or about Sept. 4, as Khan said he planned to do in connection with his attack, Khan attempted to reach the U.S-Canada border. To do so, Khan used three separate cars to travel across Canada towards the United States, before he was stopped in or around Ormstown, Canada, approximately 12 miles from the U.S.-Canada border.

Khan is charged with one count of attempting to provide material support and resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The FBI New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles Field Offices are investigating the case. The Justice Department is grateful to Canadian law enforcement for their actions in this matter. The Office of International Affairs of the Department of Justice's Criminal Division is seeking the extradition of Khan from Canada.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kaylan E. Lasky and David J. Robles for the Southern District of New York and Trial Attorney Kevin C. Nunnally of the Justice Department's National Security Division's Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case.

A complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Topic: National Security

Components: Office of the Attorney General

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

National Security Division (NSD)

USAO - New York, Southern

Press Release Number: 24-1108

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






China's planned lunar research station ushers in new era of global space collaboration

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 09:13, September 07, 2024

* China's ambitious initiative to construct an international lunar research station (ILRS) is paving the way for a new era of global space collaboration, drawing in developing countries without their own space missions and igniting widespread enthusiasm for participation.

* The ILRS is a scientific experimental facility designed to be an expandable and maintainable system capable of long-term robotic operation with short-term human participation on the moon.

* The Chang'e-7 lunar exploration mission, scheduled for launch around 2026, will carry six international scientific instruments. Chang'e-8, targeting a launch around 2028, will offer 200 kilograms of international payload capacity.

HEFEI, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- China's ambitious initiative to construct an international lunar research station (ILRS) is paving the way for a new era of global space collaboration, drawing in developing countries without their own space missions and igniting widespread enthusiasm for participation.

In 2017, the China National Space Administration (CNSA) officially launched the ILRS cooperation initiative to the international community. To date, over 40 institutions from across the world have signed cooperation documents with China.

The ILRS is a scientific experimental facility designed to be an expandable and maintainable system capable of long-term robotic operation with short-term human participation on the moon.

The project will be implemented in two phases. The first phase will see a basic facility built by 2035 in the lunar south pole region, while the second phase aims to establish a network connecting the moon's south pole, equator and far side by 2050.

CONCERTED EFFORTS

Wu Weiren, director and chief scientist of Deep Space Exploration Lab (DSEL), said at an ongoing space conference in east China's Huangshan city that the ILRS adheres to the principles of mutual consultation, joint construction and shared benefits to foster collaborative efforts with global partners.

Speaking at the conference, Wu Yanhua, chief designer of the country's major deep space exploration project, extended an invitation to nations worldwide to participate in the two-phase program at various levels, including concept study, equipment, system and even mission levels.

Wu Yanhua also announced that China is planning to establish multiple international organizations, including a cooperation committee, an expert consultative committee, a tech innovation alliance, a science alliance and a coordination headquarters, to enhance global collaboration efforts.

Following the successful operation of payloads from the European Space Agency (ESA), France, Italy and Pakistan in China's Chang'e-6 mission, the country's Chang'e-7 lunar exploration mission, scheduled for launch around 2026, will carry six international scientific instruments. Chang'e-8, targeting a launch around 2028, will offer 200 kilograms of international payload capacity. Chang'e-8 and Chang'e-7 will finally be part of the basic model of ILRS.

Ayman Ahmed, senior director of space program at the Egyptian Space Agency, proudly introduced an AI-enabled camera at a seminar during the two-day conference on Friday. This camera, set to be part of the Chang'e-7 mission, is currently in the testing phase, supported by the Changchun Institute of Optics under the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

ILRS is a space program that aims to provide "a synergy in international lunar exploration on the basis of the set of complex research facilities on and around the Moon," said Dmitrii Zarubin, an engineering fellow of the Space Research Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Russia's payload PmL-Ch7 is slated to be brought into orbit by Chang'e-7, according to Zarubin.

"Free riding plus data sharing is the selection principle and cooperation philosophy," said Han Siyuan, an official of the CNSA, on Friday.

PASSIONATE PARTNERS

Senegal is a new partner in the ILRS cooperation initiative. On Sept. 5, the CNSA and its counterpart in Senegal signed an agreement, following a joint statement released earlier this week that emphasized deepening bilateral relations and establishing a high-level China-Senegal community with a shared future.

During the conference, the DSEL inked memoranda of understanding with 10 institutions from countries including Serbia, Indonesia, Pakistan, Panama and South Africa. Among the institutions are the Belt and Road Alliance for Science &Technology, the Foundation for Space Development Africa, and the Africa Business Alliance.

Adriana Marais, director of the Foundation for Space Development Africa, expressed her excitement about the collaboration between China and Africa at the educational, scientific and partnership levels for lunar exploration.

Marais, a visiting scientist in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen, is advancing her Africa2Moon Project, which aims to send Africa's first mission to the moon. She is now particularly focused on the Chang'e-8 mission and considers it a significant opportunity.

Wiphu Rujopakarn, deputy director general of the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand, said that space cooperation with China will benefit the people of his own country.

"This year, we have collaborated with the Shanghai Astronomical Observatory to connect our radio telescope in Thailand with Chinese ones, forming a very long baseline interferometry observation network," Rujopakarn said.

Thailand has also worked on the development of a science payload set to enter the lunar orbit with Chang'e-7. "If the collaboration is successful, it could also serve as a model to demonstrate to other ASEAN members," Rujopakarn added. Among Asian nations involved in China's lunar exploration programs, Pakistan has already begun to reap the benefits. In May, China delivered data provided by a cube satellite aboard its Chang'e-6 spacecraft to Pakistan.

The cube satellite, ICUBE-Q, developed by Pakistan's Institute of Space Technology and China's Shanghai Jiao Tong University, was sent to space, together with the Chang'e-6 orbiter, to carry out exploration activities such as capturing images of the moon.

China and Pakistan have also signed a cooperation agreement on the ILRS and China has already received Pakistan's application for payload cooperation on the Chang'e-8 mission.

EDUCATION FOR FUTURE

Nurturing young talent for future space exploration is equally crucial, if not more, for numerous nations in the Global South.

"Our population may not yet fully realize the importance of developing lunar exploration or space programs," said Maram Kaire, director-general of the Senegalese Space Studies Agency, noting that the country is still facing challenges in power supply and space education.

China's lunar exploration initiatives could be "one of the best ways for Senegal to seize the opportunity to cultivate young space scientists and simultaneously build the necessary infrastructure," Kaire said.

Highlighting Africa's large youth population, Marais said that space education collaboration with China can "prepare the next generation of humans to become excited about space exploration and to share knowledge, skills, infrastructure and capabilities."

"The idea of looking back at Africa from the moon with African designed, African-built mission, in partnership with China, will be a huge inspiration for young people for years to come," Marais said.

Jing Guifei, deputy director of the regional center for Space Science and Technology Education in Asia and the Pacific affiliated to the United Nations, outlined the goals of ILRS education and training. The goals include nurturing specialized engineering technicians and project management experts for developing countries in areas such as short-term projects, space law and policy, and the design of micro and cube satellites.

Relying on this UN institution, China has trained nearly 1,000 space professionals, according to a white paper released by the country in 2022.

China deems the peaceful exploration, development and utilization of outer space as rights equally enjoyed by all countries, the white paper stressed.

"As a major spacefaring nation, it is our country's responsibility to provide a platform for scientists and peers from countries around the world," Wu Weiren said.

"Space is a shared domain, a common dream, and a collective treasure for humanity," said Chinese astronaut Zhai Zhigang who made history as the country's first person to conduct a spacewalk. "Our aspiration to build and seek new homes in space is a testament to the unity and relentless efforts of global space pioneers."

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Action-packed month for the ready brigade

By Major Martin Hadley

6 September 2024

Rapid deployment, interoperability and force projection were successfully rehearsed on Exercise Diamond Trident in and near Weipa in Far North Queensland late last month.

Battle Group Heeler, comprising soldiers from Army's 7th Brigade, primarily from 6th Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment, and joined by Kiwi soldiers from the New Zealand Army's 1st Brigade, was hastily re-tasked after just completing its annual warfighting and live-fire exercise, Diamond Run, at Shoalwater Bay in central Queensland.

Commander 7th Brigade Brigadier Giles Cornelia said the combined readiness activity was nested with the Royal Australian Air Force's Exercise Mobility Blue Gum.

"What we have just conducted is training to seize, open and hold an airfield and we have lodged over 400 soldiers from an Anzac Battle Group at the very northern tip of Queensland, some 2000 kilometres from the start point," Brigadier Cornelia said.

"We mounted at very short notice out of a warfighter exercise, and were able to reconstitute with the support of the Royal Australian Air Force and the United States Air Force at RAAF Base Amberley, deliver confirmatory orders, load artillery, protected mobility vehicles, stores, equipment and troops and launch the force with a flight time of just under three hours.

"The activity is a tactical air land operation. We had five aircraft with 45-second intervals conducting tactical flying and then coming in fast and seizing the airfield with our troops offloading and assuming tactical battle positions."

Brigadier Cornelia said the activity generated readiness and capability between two essential components of the integrated force - Air Mobility Group with its air transport assets and 7th Brigade.

"The 7th Brigade is the ADF's ready brigade, which permanently generates the Ready Battle Group. The Battle Group must be able to deploy rapidly and the quickest way to go is by air," he said.

The Battle Group then worked with deployed personnel from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) to safely evacuate Australian citizens and Approved Foreign Nationals from the fictional war zone within 24 hours of touching down.

"The NEO [non-combatant evacuation operations] demonstrated a whole-of-government response to a crisis by supporting DFAT with its crisis response plan actions in a rapidly deteriorating security situation, which was a key part of our mission," Brigadier Cornelia said.

"This extraction was only possible after we had, in a joint land combat sense, set the security conditions to recover the civilians.

"Our Battle Group performed superbly. Seeing our combat power in action was an outstanding opportunity for all involved, and a rare treat for me as Commander 7th Brigade."

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Hercs reach 25-year milestone

By Tastri Murdoch

6 September 2024

Bigger, faster, stronger ... that was the hope 25 years ago for Air Mobility Group's addition of 12 C-130Js at RAAF Base Richmond, and they have worked tirelessly to deliver.

Ultimately replacing the E model, the C-130J offered increased capability with its added length allowing an increase in capacity, fitting 30 per cent more cargo and 128 troops or 92 paratroopers, compared to 90 troops or 64 paratroopers in the C-130E.

The upgrades also enabled a smaller crew. The E model required five, while the modernised J model needs only three - two pilots and a loadmaster.

With more than 65 years of collective C-130J experience between them, Officer Commanding 84 Wing Group Captain Matthew Cooper and 37 Squadron Loadmasters Warrant Officers Paul Ross and Steven Pugsley remember the introduction of the C-130J over the two-year period from September 7, 1999.

"On graduation from pilot's course in June 1998, I was posted to 36 Squadron to fly the C-130H and was subsequently cross-qualified on the C-130E as a co-pilot," Group Captain Cooper said.

"In August 1999, I was offered the opportunity to transition to the C-130J, and I commenced training at the Lockheed Martin C-130 facility in Marietta, Georgia, United States, as one of the second cadre of flight crews."

Warrant Officer Pugsley was part of the same cadre, conducted over seven weeks during August to September 1999.

"It involved theory components on C-130J - in particular the differences between the C-130E/H short aircraft and the new C-130J stretched aircraft, combined with 20 hours flying time for loadmasters," Warrant Officer Pugsley said.

Warrant Officer Ross, initially an all-trades aircraft mechanic (re-mustering to loadmaster in 2008), also spent time in the US to complete the C-130J aircraft mechanic conversion course.

Prior to arrival at RAAF Base Richmond, the new fleet was put through its paces, with numerous test flights and evaluation sorties.

"My first flight as crew on a C-130J occurred a few months before the first one was delivered to RAAF Richmond. I was lucky enough to be selected for a C-130J aircrew workload assessment to assess the workload changes due to the reduced aircrew on the C-130J," Warrant Officer Pugsley said.

While still under training, Group Captain Cooper's first flight was on September 7, 1999, while in the US.

"It was about four hours long and was primarily an aircraft system familiarisation flight," he said.

"I was also fortunate to be a part of the delivery crew for the A97-465 in January 2000 and A97-468 in May 2000, from Marietta to RAAF Richmond."

Warrant Officer Ross recalls: "They were initially busy times at 37 Squadron as we were still operating C-130Es as the Js arrived, but the squadron was very excited about the new model".

Celebrating this significant milestone, the 37 Squadron C-130J fleet still plays a crucial role in transporting and air dropping troops and cargo, often using short, unsurfaced runways in protection of national interests, and in support of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR).

For example, Operation Falconer, Catalyst, Slipper, Accordion, Highroad and Okra (Middle East Operations from 2001 - 2021), Operation Tamar (Rwanda), the International Force East Timor (INTERFET) Operations, and Operation Beech.

The Hercules also worked with international partners to deliver humanitarian assistance such as Pakistan Assist, Yasi Assist, Philippines Assist, Padang Assist, Bali Assist, Fiji Assist, Bush Fire Assist 20 and Flood Assists 20/21/21/23, and more recently Papua New Guinea, New Caledonia, Cyclone Megan, Borroloola and Tonga in 2024.

The three members have crossed over operations throughout the years, but some key experiences have remained with them.

"The deployments to the Middle East stand out the most as they were lengthy deployments. The flying was often varied and had an increased risk due to the dynamic environment we were flying into, but it was equally both challenging and fulfilling," Warrant Officer Pugsley said.

Warrant Officer Ross said: "The stand out for me was in 2014 when we air-dropped supplies to thousands of displaced persons onto Mt Sinjar in Northern Iraq, as part of an HADR".

During Operation Yasi Assist 2011, when the scale and trajectory of Cyclone Yasi became clearer, Group Captain Cooper said they were dispatched late in the afternoon to Cairns Hospital.

"We sat on the ground for a lengthy period of time as ambulatory, wheelchair bound and litter patients slowly arrived and were loaded on board for transport to Brisbane," he said.

"I remember the strong sense of achievement having landed in Brisbane and watching the sunrise after a very long night.

"I feel incredibly privileged and proud to have been a part of the C-130J story since its introduction to service and will watch with interest as it transitions from one generation of aircraft to the next in the coming years."

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Australia to boost military cooperation with Japan

By Phil Mercer September 06, 2024

Australia, Japan, and the United States are expanding defense cooperation. Analysts say the moves are a response to China's growing military assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region.

Senior Australian and Japanese officials Thursday met for the 11th Australia-Japan 2+2 Foreign and Defense Ministerial Consultation in the state of Victoria.

Australia's deputy prime minister and minister for defense, Richard Marles, told reporters that plans were agreed for Japan to join U.S. Marine rotations in northern Australia, as well as more joint exercises and fighter jet deployments.

"The relationship between our two countries really has gone to a very different level. Today we have agreed to enhance our air engagement with greater people-to-people links, more training, greater exercises between our two air forces," he said.

Long-standing territorial disputes and differences over Taiwan have unsettled Japan's relations with China.

China overtook Japan as the world's second-largest economy in 2010 and analysts have said that greater economic prosperity in China has been accompanied by more aggressive military posturing.

The bilateral talks in Victoria came after two Chinese incursions into Japanese territory.

A Chinese surveillance plane breached Japanese airspace on August 26, while a survey ship entered Japan's territorial waters a few days later.

Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko told reporters that closer ties with Australia are essential.

"Amidst the increasingly difficult security environment in the Indo-Pacific, we need to raise the Japan-Australia security cooperation to a new height," said Yoko.

Under the plans, Japanese troops could join up to 2,500 U.S. Marines who train in Australia's Northern Territory each year. Japan and Australia could also collaborate on their long-range missile systems. There has been no response, so far, from Beijing to these strategic plans.

Japan was an enemy of Australia and the United States in World War II, but Euan Graham a senior analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, a research organization funded by the Australian and other governments, said on social media the proposals show "at a symbolic level how successfully Australia and Japan have put wartime memories behind them."

Australia's formal military ties with Washington date to the early 1950s and are considered by successive governments in Canberra to the cornerstone of Australia's sense of security in an increasingly fractious region.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Opening of facilities for A Company 41st Royal NSW Regiment, Tweed Heads

Issued by Defence Media

7 September 2024

Defence has opened new facilities for Australian Army's A Company, 41st Battalion, Royal New South Wales Regiment and 225 Army Cadet Unit at Tweed Heads, New South Wales.

The $12 million development provides the Australian Army fit-for-purpose facilities, including a multi-user depot, storage, ablutions, vehicle parking and associated infrastructure.

DDR Pty Ltd, a majority owned Indigenous business, was awarded the contract which has been supported by Project Manager Jabin Project Management, a 100% Indigenous-owned company.

The Defence estate plays a critical role in supporting ADF operational readiness, force posture and structure, and ensuring a safe and maintained estate - especially for those personnel who live, work and train on our bases.

Based in northern New South Wales, 41st Battalion, Royal New South Wales Regiment, is a reserve unit of the Australian Army. The battalion has provided significant natural disaster relief support including supporting the 2019-2020 bushfires and the 2021 and 2022 Eastern Australia floods.

Quotes attributable to Director General Capital Facilities and Infrastructure, Air Commodore Ron Tilley

"Defence is committed to providing Indigenous-owned companies opportunities; it's great to see another project completed, ensuring the Defence Estate is providing fit for purpose facilities for our people who live, work and train across the estate"

Quotes attributable to Commanding Officer, 41st Battalion, Royal New South Wales Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Danial Healy

"The newly constructed Gordon VC Multi-User Depot at Chinderah provides the 41st Battalion with state of the art facilities for infantry, transport and supply chain training and unit administration."

"The official opening of the Depot celebrates the completion of the project and the opportunities that it brings to the battalion, Army cadets and the wider community from training activities to its use as a support base for domestic operations in times of need".

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Poland Issues Warrants For 3 Belarusians Over Forced Landing Of Commercial Flight In 2021

By Current Time September 06, 2024

A court in the Polish capital, Warsaw, on September 6 issued arrests warrants for three Belarusian men over their roles in the forced landing in Minsk of a commercial flight from Athens to Vilnius in May 2021 with dissident blogger Raman Pratasevich aboard.

The Wyborcza.pl website reported on September 6 that the warrants were issued on charges of "capture of an aircraft" and "illegal deprivation of freedom" for the former chief of the Belaeronavigatsia air navigation company, Leanid Churo; the head of the air-traffic control shift, Yauhen Tsyhanau; and an unidentified KGB officer who was present in the air-traffic control booth during the operation to land the Ryanair passenger jet.

The charges were filed after Polish investigators obtained data from a 42-year-old Belarusian dispatcher who fled to Poland in summer 2021.

After the plane was forced to land in Minsk in May 2021, Belarusian police arrested Pratasevich and his then-girlfriend, a Russian citizen, Sofia Sapega.

Pratasevich, who fled Belarus in 2019, worked as an editor at the Poland-based Nexta Live channel on Telegram that extensively covered a violent crackdown on unprecedented protests in Belarus following an August 2020 presidential election that the opposition and Western governments say was stolen by authoritarian ruler Alyaksandr Lukashenka, who has run the country with an iron fist since 1994.

In early May 2023, a Minsk court sentenced Pratasevich to eight years in prison, and his co-defendants, Stsyapan Putsila and Yan Rudzik, who were tried in absentia, to 20 years and 19 years in prison, respectively, on charges stemming from their online coverage of the 2020 anti-Lukashenka protests.

Weeks later, Pratasevich told journalists he had received a pardon from Lukashenka.

Sapega was sentenced to six years in prison in May 2022 on a charge of administering a Telegram channel that published the personal data of Belarusian security forces.

Sapega was released and allowed to return to Russia in June 2023 after Lukashenka pardoned her.

Lukashenka, who denies stealing the election, has cracked down hard on the opposition, whose leading members were either jailed or forced to flee the country out of fear for their safety.

With reporting by Wyborcza.pl

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/pratasevich-sapega-poland- arrest-warrants-belarusian-citizens/33109585.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






Royal Canadian Air Force implements new technology for search and rescue missions

National Defence

News release

September 6, 2024 - Ottawa - National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

The Cellular Airborne Sensors for Search and Rescue (CASSAR) system is a new technology that the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and the Civil Air Search and Rescue Association have begun to employ on select aircraft to enhance the effectiveness of search and rescue (SAR) operations. The CASSAR system capability is currently being used on specific CC-130H Hercules, one of the RCAF's primary search and rescue aircraft types flown from 19 Wing Comox, B.C.; 17 Wing Winnipeg, Man.; and 14 Wing Greenwood, N.S.

Provided that an individual is reported overdue or believed to be in distress, their cellphone is turned on, has sufficient battery power and not in airplane mode, a CASSAR equipped aircraft can identify and communicate with that person's device. This provides a precise location and enables text or voice messaging to confirm a subject's condition and distress level, even in the absence of a cellular network.

The CASSAR system has achieved an initial operational capability within the SAR community and has already been successfully employed on search and rescue missions including on June 8, 2024, when a boat with five people onboard was reported overdue, and on June 15, 2024, when two missing hunters equipped with a boat were also reported overdue. Crews of a CC-130H Hercules from 413 Squadron, based at 14 Wing Greenwood, were able to locate the missing vessels using the CASSAR system and communicate with their occupants within minutes of being in range, despite prevailing weather conditions that included thick fog.

This new technology is designed to help locate individuals more quickly saving valuable time in a distress situation and improving search outcomes.

Quotes

"Canadian Joint Operations Command has responsibility for all Canadian Armed Forces Search and Rescue operations for an aeronautical and maritime search and rescue area that extends over 18 million square kilometres. With such a vast area, an enabling technology like the CASSAR system augments the existing search and rescue capability, reduces search time, and improves outcomes; a positive addition to search and rescue operations." Lieutenant-General Steve Boivin, Canadian Joint Operations Command

"The Royal Canadian Air Force is always ready to support the Canadian Armed Forces' enduring search and rescue requirements in support of federal, provincial/territorial, and municipal organizations, as well as air, ground, and maritime volunteer search and rescue organizations. Together we help those in distress. We are extremely pleased with what CASSAR has to offer to our crews, and are equally as pleased to see it in action, as it enhances our crews' collective search and rescue capabilities - this is a capability that will surely save lives." Major-General Chris McKenna, 1 Canadian Air Division Commander

Quick facts

The Cellular Airborne Sensors for Search and Rescue (CASSAR) capability will strictly be used for search and rescue purposes, to locate and communicate with persons reported missing and believed to be in distress. In accordance with the Privacy Act and the Radiocommunication Act and Regulations, CASSAR does not intercept any personal data and cannot retain information beyond the near-term requirements of the mission. The system is unable to intercept any cellphone's contact list, text messages, emails or voice calls.

Coordination with network service providers ensures that the Cellular Airborne Sensors for Search and Rescue (CASSAR) system will not interfere with cellphone networks in the region that it is being used and will limit CASSAR interaction to the specific cellphone belonging to a missing individual using a cellphone's unique network identification.

Emergency distress beacons (PLB, EPIRB, 406 MHz ELT), integrated into the Cospas-Sarsat global distress alerting system, remain the most direct and often quickest means of alerting search and rescue authorities.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on September 6, 2024

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China

Updated: September 06, 2024 16:30

CCTV: The FOCAC Beijing Summit was concluded today. Can you further brief us on the event and its outcomes?

Mao Ning: Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi together with foreign ministers of the current and upcoming co-chairs of FOCAC met the press yesterday and elaborated on the Beijing Summit of FOCAC and its outcomes. Foreign Minister Wang Yi noted it is yet another friendly gathering of the big China-Africa family in Beijing after six years, and the event is of great significance and influence. President Xi Jinping attended the opening ceremony of the Beijing Summit of FOCAC and delivered a keynote speech. The clear political consensus of enhancing all-round cooperation between China and Africa was reached by the two sides and the Summit was a great success.

China has established strategic partnership with all African countries having diplomatic ties with China. During the Summit, China forged or elevated strategic partnership with 30 countries. The overall characterization of China-Africa relations has been elevated to an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era. The decision determined a clearer characterization for and added more dimensions to the relations. China and Africa affirmed that the two sides should jointly advance modernization characterized by six features and formulated the blueprint for future cooperation. The Summit adopted the Beijing Declaration and the Beijing Action Plan. President Xi Jinping announced 10 partnership actions for China and Africa to advance modernization in the next three years.a

China and Africa compared notes on strategies regarding international situation and global governance. The two sides agreed to firmly support each other on issues bearing on each other's core interests, jointly practice true multilateralism, implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, advocate an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally-beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, break "small yard with high fences", reject discrimination and bias, correct historical injustice, and bring the benefit of modernization to all people.

The Summit sends a strong message of China and Africa seeking common development, demonstrates the firm determination of the Global South working together in solidarity, and sets the Global South as a stellar example in jointly building a community with a shared future for mankind.

AFP: The US Commerce Department announced yesterday tighter export controls on quantum computing, semiconductor manufacturing, and other technologies, citing "national security" considerations. What is China's comment?

Mao Ning: China is opposed to the US turning trade and tech issues into political issues and weapons. Obstructing normal cooperation on tech and trade and economic exchange violates the principle of market economy, destabilizes global industrial and supply chains and serves no one's interest.



China News Service: Four Chinese irrigation projects were included in the 11th batch of World Heritage Irrigation Structures (WHIS 2024) unveiled days ago. The inclusion of the Karez Wells in Turpan, Xinjiang, the ancient Weirs consisting of the Huizhou Weirs in Anhui and the Wuyuan Weirs in Jiangxi (joint application), the Fengyan Terraces in Hanyin, Shaanxi, and the Jufeng Weirs in Xiushan, Chongqing, brought the total number of Chinese irrigation sites on the list to 38. China's time-honored water conservancy meets people's needs in their life and production activities, and is significant globally. What's your comments?

Mao Ning: Congratulations on the inclusion of these four projects in the World Heritage Irrigation Structures. China has an age-old tradition of water governance and well-known water conservancy projects such as the Dujiangyan irrigation system, the Karez Wells and the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal. Since New China was founded, China's water conservancy has borne fruitful results, lent stronger support to socioeconomic development and people's better life, and more importantly, provided valuable experience for the global response to water challenges.

As you may all follow the Beijing Summit of the FOCAC closely these days, water conservancy cooperation is also part and parcel of China-Africa cooperation. As climate change worsens, Africa urgently needs to enhance its capacity-building in using, managing and governing water resources. China has deepened water conservancy cooperation with African countries and actively shared with them China's experience and practical know-how through capacity-building, joint research and project cooperation. Chinese companies have helped run a good number of signature programs and "small and beautiful" projects of water supply, flood control, irrigation and hydropower station in Africa, and offered China's solution to Africa's integrated management and sustainable use of water resources. Going forward, China will continue working with African countries and other parties to enhance international cooperation and promote the sustainable use of global water resources.

Reuters: Yesterday, Chinese leader pledged to support infrastructure projects in Africa. And we're just trying to understand should that be interpreted as a renewed signal for support of big-ticket infrastructure? And how does that square with the emphasis on "small and beautiful projects" that you just referred to?

Mao Ning: I don't see any contradiction between the two. The cooperation between China and African countries is carried out under the principle of mutual respect and mutual benefit, and what projects to be implemented will be determined by the two sides through discussion.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Chinese military planes displayed at Egypt airshow, but demand is in question

By Stephanie L. Freid September 06, 2024

As the first Egypt International Air Show wrapped up Thursday, industry analysts debated the significance of China's presence, which included the most complete demonstration of its advanced Y-20 transport aircraft and the first showcase of its J-10 fighter jets in Africa.

Analysts say the high-profile presence of the Chinese air force at the event held at Egypt's El Alamein International Airport underscores China's growing technological prowess, military ambitions, and expanding influence in the Middle East and North Africa.

But analysts also question how much demand the region will have for the Chinese military planes.

"China is expanding and targeting the [Middle East] regional market," Kostas Tigkos, manager of mission systems and intelligence at global military intelligence company Janes, told VOA. "This marks another milestone in China's military diversification and opens doors to more collaboration in security domains, encourages investment opportunities and opens new channels to developing trade beyond traditional ties."

Tigkos said the Middle East's ranking as the region with China's highest bilateral trade growth rate, and source of half of its imported oil, gives it a strategic interest in fostering economic, security, supply route and energy source development.

Interest in Chinese equipment

Countries in the region, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, are increasingly turning to China for military equipment, such as drones, missiles and anti-drone systems. Egypt has expressed interest in acquiring the J-10 fighter jet to diversify its military suppliers and enhance its capabilities.

In July, Egypt's air force commander, Lieutenant General Mahmoud Foaad Abdel Jawad, traveled to Beijing at China's behest for a meeting with China's air force commander, Star General Chang Dingqiu.

According to an Egyptian military statement, the visit was characterized by Egypt's "keenness to enhance areas of military cooperation with brotherly and friendly countries." The statement added that the talks "opened new prospects between the air forces of both countries."

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi attended the opening ceremony for this week's air show and visited the Chinese pavilion.

Images of the Chinese-manufactured Y-20 transporter trailed by six J-10 jets flying over Egypt's Giza pyramids in formation last week drew global attention, demonstrating distance and performance capabilities in the 10,000-kilometer flight from China to Egypt.

The Y-20 appearance at the airshow is significant, Wendell Minnick, editor of the "China in Arms" Substack newsletter, told VOA.

"This is their attempt to match the U.S. heavy lift, long-range transport or aerial-refueled aircraft," Minnick said.

Capabilities

China says the Y-20 can lift up to 66 tons and carry several tanks over a distance of 7,800 kilometers. Nicknamed "Chubby Girl" by China's aviation industry for its broad fuselage girth, the Y-20 has been in development for 17 years.

Dubbed "Vigorous Dragon," China's Chengdu J-10C is a combat aircraft armed with air-to-air and surface attack weapons. Primarily an air-to-air combat aircraft that can perform strike missions, the J-10C has been compared to and contrasted with the U.S. F-16 Fighting Falcon.

"China needs these to project force beyond the mainland for expeditionary warfare," Minnick said, "like the U.S. with the C-5 Galaxy and the C-17 Globemaster."

The C-5M Super Galaxy is the U.S. Air Force's largest aircraft, strategically designed to transport cargo and personnel. With a cargo load of more than 127 tons, nearly double China's Y-20, it can carry oversized cargo over oceans and take off and land on relatively short runways.

The C-17 Globemaster III is "the most flexible cargo aircraft to enter the airlift force," according to a U.S. Air Force press release, with a maximum payload of 74 tons.

Nonetheless, China's state media touted the Y-20's performance debut and quoted the People's Liberation Army Air Force saying it carried out six maneuvers on Tuesday, "including large angle ascension and dive, large slope turning and fast landing, showing the aircraft's outstanding maneuverability."

China's Y-20 and J-10 appeared at last November's Dubai Air Show, and the Y-20 took part in a joint drill in Russia in July and joint drills with Mozambique and Tanzania in August. But this was the first time the Y-20 had performed aerial maneuvers in a show outside China, and the first time the J-10 had performed in Africa.

"China wants to have an Africa footprint as part of their expansionist plans," Minnick said.

The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute in March reported, "China, which accounted for 19% of deliveries to sub-Saharan Africa, overtook Russia as the region's main supplier of major arms."

US suppliers

Despite China's military sales in the region, Middle East buyers won't be cutting ties with U.S. suppliers in favor of China in the near future, according to defense experts, who note that while the Y-20 is cheaper than the U.S. C-17 or C-5, it is less impressive and more vulnerable to missile attacks.

Minnick questions whether there will be any demand from customers in Africa and the Middle East for China's military aircraft.

The Chinese transporter requires "tremendous training, technical support and additional off-the-shelf parts and components that most Mideast countries can't handle" on both technical and financial fronts, he said.

"Iran is too poor," Minnick said. "Saudi prefers Western aircraft, and Jordan is far more focused on internal security."

Other defense experts like Tigkos say the Y-20 and J-10 present opportunities for long-term business and relationships with training programs, spare parts and maintenance - if they can find buyers.

"When a country is successful in the aviation realm, it marks a significant difference and 'upgrade,' if you will, toward helping foster relationships of trust and wider markets for China," he said.

The first Egypt International Air Show was held Tuesday through Thursday with about 50 aircraft on display and with representatives from 100 countries and 300 companies in attendance, including U.S. industry giants Boeing and Lockheed Martin.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Editor's Note The original version of this story misidentified U.S. Highway 30 as a different highway. This story has been updated with the correct name. The Telegram deeply regrets the error.

If you've traveled along U.S. Highway 30 between Columbus and Fremont lately, you may have noticed the road is little smoother and the drive is a little faster.

The stretch of highway recently opened all four lanes after being under construction for more than three years, which state and local officials celebrated in Rogers on Aug. 23.

The project and its completion wouldn't have been possible without State Sen. Mike Moser, Gov. Jim Pillen said at the event, commending Moser's creative thinking when it comes to funding.

"One shout out would be that he doesn't introduce very many bills and create chaos in the Unicameral, so I'm grateful for that, Sen. Moser," Pillen said. "Sen. Moser introduced these bills that really matter, like bonding. To change the thought process that we can invest in our future by bonding so we can build more roads instead of paying for them for the last 50, 60 years, 100 years, whatever, out of our cash funds."

Moser said the work around bonding could have gotten the project done years ago and probably considerably cheaper as the project could have been arranged and paid for when bond rates and construction costs were lower.

"Instead of seven miles at a time, they could have maybe done it half and half and it could have been done maybe five years ago, you know," Moser said. "At that time, construction costs were lower and bond rates were really low, and so you could actually make money borrowing the money to build it and then save money in the long run."

This stretch opens up a lot of space for commuters and businesses looking to set up shop somewhere along U.S. Highway 30, Pillen said.

"We want to make sure that we have the infrastructure in the connecting way, so that all of our kids and our grandkids and their kids have tremendous opportunities for great careers, great careers," Pillen said.

Columbus Mayor Jim Bulkley attended the celebration and said after the event that Columbus has been waiting to see this complete for a while and it's encouraging to finally see things finished and back in motion.

"It's a final connection, four lanes," Bulkley said. "We've actually been waiting for it longer than anybody else because we got the first part of it done," Bulkley said. "It's just great to know that it's finally completed, with safety, ease of traffic, economic development, the whole nine yards."

Pillen also praised LB 1335, a bill introduced by Moser earlier this year to align state construction guidelines with federal, more specifically relating to endangered species in those areas.

"The environmental rules for Nebraska were stricter than the federal ones and construction projects had to meet the ones of state and federal government so it really increased the time and expense of getting those permits," Moser said. "Getting their heads together and coming to an agreement once on what we're going to do to make it so much easier going forward, not going to have this and that report, it's all going to go through in a more organized fashion."

The U.S. Highway 30 project began 35 years ago when then-Gov. Kay Orr initiated a program to connect the state's rural communities and larger cities by a four-lane highway system.

With this stretch of highway complete, the four-lane highway project is about 80% finished.
China's new pledges reflect concern over its competition in Africa

By Kate Bartlett September 06, 2024

After pledging $51 billion in financial support for Africa over the next three years and positioning China as a fellow developing country in contrast to the West's colonialist past, President Xi Jinping told dozens of African leaders gathered in Beijing this week that "the China-Africa relationship is now at its best in history."

This year's Forum on Africa-China Cooperation, held every three years, was the first since the pandemic and China's own economic slowdown. It comes amid growing geopolitical rivalry between Beijing and the West, and Xi was blunt in his assessment of the latter's influence on the continent.

"Modernization is an inalienable right of all countries," he said in his opening speech to more than 50 African leaders. "But the Western approach to it has inflicted immense sufferings on developing countries."

Lucas Engel, an analyst with the Global China Initiative at Boston University, said China is reacting to increased competition in the region.

"Xi's reminder of the 'immense suffering' inflicted on Africa by the West in his keynote speech this year is a sharper rebuke of Africa's Western partners than we've seen in the past," he told VOA. "It is likely that China is feeling the heat as Western partners ramp up cooperation with Africa."

The theme of FOCAC 2024 was "joining hands to promote modernization," and analysts told VOA beforehand they expected China to focus on green technology and the green energy transition, agricultural modernization and trade, and education and training.

The money announced was an increase on the $40 billion pledged at the last FOCAC, in 2021, but still fell short of previous pledges, such as the $60 billion earmarked for Africa in 2018 and 2015.

For some time, China has been seen to be moving away from the massive infrastructure projects of the early years of Xi's trademark Belt and Road Initiative and toward what it has dubbed "small is beautiful projects."

Some of the announcements made at FOCAC, however, surprised analysts by bucking that trend.

Xi announced China would be undertaking a $1 billion upgrade of the TAZARA railway, which will link mineral-rich, landlocked Zambia with Tanzania's coast. He signed an agreement with the presidents of those two countries on Wednesday.

"There was already a sense that infrastructure would be one of those asks that would not be entertained by the Chinese side, so I think that has come as a bit of a surprise," Paul Nantulya, a research associate with the Africa Center for Strategic Studies in Washington, told VOA.

"I think African countries were also quite concerned about infrastructure financing. ... Now it seems like the Chinese side may have finally backed down," said Nantulya, who was in Beijing for FOCAC. "That would indicate that China does not want to be locked out of the infrastructure game, given what the U.S. is doing with the Lobito Corridor."

Nantulya was referring to the G7-backed strategic economic corridor that Washington says is designed to create jobs and enhance export potential for resource-rich Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zambia. As the first big infrastructure project in Africa the U.S. has undertaken in a generation, Washington recently announced it could extend the railway to Tanzania and on to the Indian Ocean.

"China's offer to refurbish the TAZARA railway connecting copper-rich Zambia with Tanzania on Africa's eastern coast appears to be a direct answer to the Western-led Lobito Corridor," said Engel of Boston University.

Did African leaders get what they wanted?

China was not the only country with an agenda at FOCAC, as African leaders also laid out their priorities for relations with their largest trading partner.

For South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who leads the continent's most developed economy, the primary aim was to reduce a long-standing trade imbalance and to get China to import more agricultural products. He also wants to see more value-added exports made in South Africa.

Ramaphosa embarked on a state visit to China ahead of FOCAC and made several announcements, including that South Africa would sign up for China's Beidou satellite navigation system and inviting Chinese electric vehicle company BYD to use South Africa as a manufacturing hub.

Xi said China would in turn expand market access to African agricultural products and exempt 33 countries from import tariffs. He also announced that China would support 60,000 vocational training opportunities for Africans.

Nantulya said there seemed to be a lot of attention to detail regarding this year's announcements.

"What that tells me is that the Chinese side has been responding to the African side," he said. "You know, the African delegates are very mindful of the fact that one of the big criticisms of FOCAC is that it's very high on pledges and very low on actual concrete tasks."

Yunnan Chen, a researcher at London-based research group ODI, told VOA the pledged areas of cooperation spanned almost every sector.

"I think what's interesting to note about them is this very striking emphasis on areas of technological cooperation a in industry, in agriculture, in science and technology," she said.

"There's a lot of emphasis on training and initiatives that would support knowledge transfer from China to African parties, and I think this is something that's been very much an African demand for many years," she added.

"Even though we have seen a decline in Chinese financing in Africa and we know that China is experiencing a lot of domestic financial troubles, there's still a very clear and very emphatic political commitment," she said.

Aside from Ramaphosa's trade demands, other African leaders who held bilateral meetings with Xi had specific areas of concern.

Kenyan President William Ruto had infrastructure at the top of his list, asking that Beijing fund an extension of Kenya's Chinese-built Standard Gauge Railway. It marked a sharp change from Ruto's campaign rhetoric, in which he criticized his predecessor's policy of taking Chinese loans.

Ruto made the request even though Kenya is heavily in debt to Western financial institutions such as the IMF and lenders such as China and has been experiencing violent anti-government protests.

Other key areas of cooperation announced at the conclusion of FOCAC included the military and security sectors, with Beijing vowing to allocate some $140 million in military assistance grants alongside training programs for thousands of military personnel from across the continent.

Green energy was also a focus, with Xi announcing China would launch 30 new clean energy projects on the continent.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Fruitful FOCAC summit sends strong message of joint development

Global Times

Blueprint, plans unveiled to advance China-Africa modernization

By Liu Xin, Fan Anqi and Liu Caiyu Published: Sep 07, 2024 12:34 AM

The 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) concluded in Beijing on Friday with significant achievements made. In addition to reaching a clear political consensus on enhancing all-round cooperation, China and African countries drafted a blueprint for future cooperation, and China also proposed 10 partnership actions with Africa to advance modernization in the next three years, sending a powerful message of joint development, analysts said.

They also noted that the summit showcased unwavering confidence in the unity and cooperation of the Global South and unveiled a new chapter for building a community with a shared future for humanity.

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday met with African leaders and representatives attending the summit including President of the Central African Republic Faustin-Archange Touadera, South Sudanese President Salva Kiir, Chairman of Sudan's Sovereignty Council Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, President of Madagascar Andry Nirina Rajoelina, Gambian President Adama Barrow, Liberian President Joseph Nyumah Boakai, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye, and President of the Republic of Congo Denis Sassou Nguesso.

The bilateral meetings are a continuation of intensive meetings between Chinese and African leaders before and during FOCAC, highlighting how the friendship between China and Africa will also contribute to their joint cooperation, advancing the construction of a high-level China-Africa community with a shared future and injecting new momentum into the development of China-Africa relations, analysts said.

The 2024 Summit of the FOCAC, which kicked off on Wednesday, has achieved complete success, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thursday.

Wang also highlighted achievements in four areas - bilateral relations between China and all African countries having diplomatic ties with China have been elevated to the level of strategic relations, the overall characterization of China-Africa relations has been elevated to an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era, six major proposals to advance China-Africa modernization have been put forward, and a blueprint for action to advance China-Africa cooperation has been drawn up.

China and Africa also agreed to oppose prejudice, address historical injustice and advance modernization to make it benefit all people, Wang said, noting that the summit has demonstrated the Global South's firm confidence in solidarity and cooperation.

Joseph Kahama, Secretary General of the Tanzania-China Friendship Promotion Association, said that President Xi introduced new dynamic initiatives for Africa that will benefit the continent's industrialization, development, and regional and global peace.

During the speech delivered by President Xi, in which he proposed 10 partnership actions with Africa to advance modernization in the next three years, the audience burst into applause several times! That shows how inspiring Chinese initiative is and how much it aligns with the needs of African people, said Han Jinghua, chairman of Jiayou International Logistics Co., Ltd.

New prospects

This year's FOCAC session also includes business-to-business matchmaking sessions, allowing Chinese companies that are just starting to extend their business to Africa to efficiently connect with demand-side partners and engage with local enterprises.

"The dynamics of China-Africa cooperation are accumulating in more and more fields, and we will continue to contribute the strength of AI enterprises to China-Africa economic and trade cooperation," a spokesperson of 4Paradigm, one of the leading AI platform companies in China that attended sideline events of the summit, told the Global Times.

This reunion of the China-Africa family has also highlighted new features of China-Africa cooperation, said Yang Baorong, director of African Studies of the Institute of West-Asian and African Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, noting that many African leaders, before arriving in Beijing, visited various other places and enterprises across China to promote concrete cooperation and deepen exchanges with different regions of China.

The US and some Western media closely followed this year's FOCAC summit, with some amplifying clichAd narratives such as "debt trap."

Economists have pointed out that the US and some Western countries promote the "debt trap" narrative due to biases and fears that China's growth and cooperation with Africa might reduce their influence in the continent. They are also reluctant to see the successful and complementary development between China and Africa, said Yang.

The success of China-Africa cooperation stems from the alignment between China's infrastructure capabilities and Africa's industrial needs. China's diverse industries provide significant advantages, addressing crucial demands on the continent.

Han of Jiayou International Logistics Co., Ltd, also refuted the "debt trap" narrative, saying that such hyping stems from a "sour grapes" mentality.

China's investments in Africa not only create local jobs and increase tax revenues but also consider each country's specific circumstances for debt relief or deferral, so that local governments can better utilize their fiscal revenues and form a healthy, sustainable cycle of development, Han said.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






China-US commercial, trade working group to hold 2nd meeting

Global Times

Washington urged to act responsibly, maintain global trade order

By Ma Jingjing Published: Sep 07, 2024 12:37 AM

China and the US, the world's two biggest economies, are set to hold a high-level meeting on Saturday in China to exchange views on China-US economic and trade relations as well as issues of common concern, maintaining the positive momentum on high-level engagement between the two sides as senior Chinese and US officials are holding or scheduled to hold meetings in multiple fields including climate and military.

However, ahead of the talks, the US announced a flurry of actions, including new export curbs on critical technologies including quantum computing and semiconductor goods, widely seen as primarily targeting China. Analysts called on the US to handle relations with China from the perspective of a responsible major country and join hands with China to maintain normal global trade order and reasonable market competition, which will benefit the whole world.

The vice-ministerial meeting of the China-US commercial and trade working group, the second of its kinds, will be co-chaired by China International Trade Representative and Vice Minister of Commerce Wang Shouwen and the US Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade Marisa Lago. The two sides will exchange views on a wide range of issues, including their respective concerns about economic and trade policies, appeals from businesses and pragmatic cooperation, according to the Chinese Commerce Ministry.

Enhancing bilateral dialogues is necessary in addressing certain issues of concern to both sides and helps stabilize bilateral ties, especially in the economic and trade fields, said He Weiwen, senior fellow from the Center for China and Globalization.

The upcoming meeting of the China-US commercial and trade working group continued the momentum of recent increased interactions between Chinese and US officials.

Following US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's China trip in late August, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with US Senior Advisor to the President for International Climate Policy John Podesta on Friday. The US is reportedly planning to send a deputy assistant secretary of defense to 11th Beijing Xiangshan Forum this month.

Given the US' foreign policy of "decoupling" from and cracking down on China is fundamentally unchanged, it is expected the Chinese side will likely raise concerns over a series of unilateral policies from the US, for example, plans to impose hefty additional tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles and export restrictions of tech products targeting China at the upcoming commercial and trade talks, He said.

The Biden administration plans to impose export controls on critical technologies including quantum computing and semiconductor goods, seeking to align the US with allies working to thwart advancements in China and other adversarial nations, media reported.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Friday that China is opposed to the US turning trade and tech issues into political issues and weapons. Obstructing normal cooperation on tech and trade and economic exchange violates the principle of market economy, destabilizes global industrial and supply chains and serves no one's interest.

It is a familiar gimmick made by the US to leverage unilateral measures as a bargaining chip ahead of talks with China. This also indicates the challenges of the upcoming trade talks between the two countries, Bao Jianyun, director of the Center for International Political Economy Studies at Renmin University of China, told the Global Times.

However, despite the US' political maneuvers, China has showed sincerity and is trying to boost bilateral relations back to normal track, Bao said. "In combination, the output of the Chinese and US economies accounted for over 40 percent of the global total in 2023, and thus it bears monumental significance for the two countries to maintaining global economic stability," he said.

US should view its relations with Beijing from the perspective of a responsible major country and join hands with China to maintain normal global trade order and reasonable market competition, which will not only benefit the two countries but the whole world, Bao said.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Chinese, South Sudanese presidents elevate bilateral ties

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 10:37, September 07, 2024

BEIJING, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday met with South Sudanese President Salva Kiir, who is here for the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

The two leaders jointly announced the elevation of bilateral relations to a strategic partnership.

Xi said that building substantive and dynamic China-South Sudan relations is in line with the common expectations and long-term interests of the two peoples.

China is willing to share development experience and opportunities with South Sudan, continue to implement education, technology and other projects, strengthen cooperation in fields such as petroleum, mining and agriculture, and help South Sudan diversify its economy, he said.

Xi noted that China supports South Sudan in steadily advancing its political transition process and opposes external interference in its internal affairs, expressing the hope that South Sudan will realize lasting peace and development at an early date.

Thanks to China's support, South Sudan's economy has recovered and people's livelihood has improved, Kiir said, adding that his country will strive to provide a safe and sound environment for Chinese enterprises.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Satellite imagery suggest floods damaged North Korea's power grid

North Korean cities appear darker at nighttime in late August photos.

By Seo Hye Jun for RFA Korean 2024.09.06 -- North Korean nights look darker than usual these days, satellite imagery revealed, leading experts to conclude that damage from floods in July may have damaged the country's archaic power grid.

The Joint Polar-orbiting Satellite System, a satellite jointly operated by NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, on Aug. 23 photographed the area around the North Korean city of Sinuiju, which lies across the Yalu River from the Chinese city of Dandong.

When compared to a satellite photo taken June 26 of the same area, the North Korean side appears to be much darker, with very little change in brightness on the Chinese side.

Bruce Songhak Chung, a researcher at the Korean Institute for Security and Strategy, who analyzed the nighttime lighting footage, told RFA Korean on Aug. 28 that the reason the Sinuiju area has become dark could be damaged power lines and facilities from the flood.

"It appears that during the heavy rains, power lines were damaged due to the loss of or damage to telephone poles and wires, including the nighttime barbed wire fences installed along the Yalu River," he said.

"So I think they are experiencing a power shortage because the power is not being supplied properly," Chung said.

The high-voltage electric fences along the Yalu River that were under construction are meant to prevent North Korean residents from escaping.

Jacob Bogle, a private satellite imagery analyst, told RFA that although the two hydroelectric dams that supply Sinuiju with power are not known to have been damaged, he believes some of the transmission lines and electrical substations were.

"It's possible that the dams, which are operated jointly with China, underwent inspections, with turbines being temporarily shut down one by one leading to less electricity generation," he said.

Pockets of darkness in Pyongyang

The darkness was not only limited to the Sinuiju area. The Hwasong area of Pyongyang, site of a major housing construction project, was also dark.

JPSS satellite images taken on June 26 and Aug. 26 show that the bright lights that illuminated the area for nighttime workers were noticeably darker.

"We may presume that the power situation in Pyongyang may have suddenly worsened recently, or perhaps that construction workers may have been mobilized for flood recovery in Sinuiju," said Chung.

Jiro Ishimaru, the founder and chief editor of the Osaka-based Asia Press news outlet that specializes in North Korea, told RFA that authorities are making an all-out flood recovery effort.

"Even in areas where flood damage is not as severe, each company is organizing stormtroopers and sending them to the flood sites," he said, using the term by which North Korea calls its soldiers assigned to construction work.

Translated by Claire S. Lee. Edited by Eugene Whong and Malcolm Foster.

Copyright 1998-2016, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content September 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






South Korea, Japan 'ready to stop North Korea hiding behind Russia'

Japanese leader Fumio Kishida held his final summit with the South Korean President on Friday before stepping down.

By Taejun Kang for RFA 2024.09.06 -- Leaders of South Korea and Japan said they would maintain their readiness to stop North Korea hiding behind Russia in its provocative acts, Kim Tae-hyo, South Korea's deputy national security adviser, said on Friday.

Kim was speaking after South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida met for talks in Seoul that included ways to deepen cooperation, even as Kishida prepares to step down at the end of the month.

Kishida arrived for a two-day visit and talks with Yoon, their 12th summit in about two years. It was their last summit, as Kishida will not seek reelection as prime minister and leader of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party after three years in the job.

During the summit, Kishida called for peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula through a "unification doctrine" that Yoon announced last month, which focuses on expanding North Koreans' access to external information and proposes establishing an official dialogue channel between the two Koreas to discuss various issues.

Yoon, in his opening remarks at Friday's summit, said it was important to maintain the positive momentum in relations with Japan.

He added that the two countries have a chance to raise their relations to another level when they mark next year's 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties and that working with Kishida on improving relations was the most meaningful development since he became president.

Relations between the two U.S. allies have been fraught for years because of South Korea resentment of Japan's behavior during its occupation of Korea before and during World War II.

But Yoon and Kishida have been able to build a close relationship as a result of Yoon's decision last year to resolve a long-standing dispute regarding Japan's wartime mobilization of Koreans for forced labor by compensating victims without contributions from Japanese firms.

The two leaders have since resumed a "shuttle diplomacy" of holding meetings on the fringes of international conferences and visiting each other as needed.

Their restored relations have also substantially enhanced trilateral security cooperation with the United States, as all three of the allies warily watch North Korea's development of nuclear weapons and the missiles to carry them.

South Korea has been trying to bolster cooperation with regional partners in response to deepening military ties between North Korea and Russia.

On Wednesday, Yoon met New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. They condemned North Korea's nuclear weapons development and its military cooperation with Russia, including the North's export of ballistic missiles to Russia in violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions.

Yoon and Luxon denounced Russia's war against Ukraine, while pledging to support Ukrainian sovereignty and its efforts to secure a just and lasting peace, according to a joint statement.

Edited by Mike Firn.

Copyright 1998-2016, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content September 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






5th India-Maldives Defence Cooperation Dialogue held in New Delhi

India - Press Information Bureau

Ministry of Defence

Posted On: 06 SEP 2024 4:12PM by PIB Delhi

5th Defence Cooperation Dialogue between India and the Maldives took place in New Delhi on September 06, 2024. The Indian delegation was led by Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane, while the Maldivian delegation was headed by Chief of Defence Force, Maldives National Defence Force General lbrahim Hilmy.

The meeting provided both sides with an opportunity to discuss the matters related to bilateral defence cooperation. This, inter alia, included expediting the implementation of various ongoing defence cooperation projects.

The two sides also deliberated on few other areas of common interest such as high-level exchanges and capability development projects. The aspects of participation in forthcoming bilateral military exercise were also discussed. The entire range of talks were productive which will advance shared interests of both the nations in near future and bring stability & prosperity in the Indian Ocean Region.

*****

SR/Savvy



(Release ID: 2052539)

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






AEOI chief says no deviation in Iran's nuclear program

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Sep 6, 2024

Sari, IRNA -- The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) announced that there are no deviations in Iran's nuclear program, Head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Mohammad Eslami said.

For more than 20 years, the nuclear case has been opened for Iran, and the arrogance system and the Zionists claim that Iran has a secret and undeclared nuclear program, and with this trick, these centers want to put pressure on the Atomic Energy Agency of Iran, Eslami said on Friday.

IAEA is responsible for investigating who gives it news about nuclear activity in any corner of the world, and its arrangement is done by the arrogance system, he added.

Iran and the P5+1 participated in Iran nuclear deal known as the JCPOA , he said, adding that Iran agreed to limit its enriched uranium capacity and put it under strict supervision, and it was decided to apply the restrictions at a certain time under the double supervision of the IAEA, and to close the case of the alleged locations and programs, and to impose sanctions.

Iran signed this document and agreements were made, but after some time the US decided to withdraw from this agreement and former US President Donald Trump withdrew from this agreement, he noted.

The IAEA announced that there are no deviations in Iran's nuclear program, but it was stopped when the US withdrew from the JCPOA, which coincided with an economic war against Iran, Eslami said.

The US announced that Iran will not see the 40th anniversary of the victory of the revolution, but Iran was faithful to its commitments, and we have witnessed the strength of Iran in this regard, he added.

9376**2050

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Air Defense Force fully equipped to defend Iran's skies: Cmdr.

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Sep 6, 2024

Sari, IRNA -- Commander of the Iranian Air Defense Force Brigadier General Alireza Sabahifard has highlighted the critical role of this military force in safeguarding the country's airspace and countering aerial threats.

Sabahifard visited Iran's northeast air defense zone on Friday to assess the operational readiness of air defenses in the region.

The commander underscored the necessity of maintaining combat readiness and vigilance among his force's personnel to defend the nation's airspace.

The Air Defense Force plays a vital role in protecting Iran's skies through the use of state-of-the-art equipment and skilled personnel, he said.

Sabahifard also noted that the Islamic Republic has achieved air defense superiority in the region by equipping its armed forces with advanced air defense systems.

He attributed the achievement to years of dedication from domestic experts and substantial investments in the defense sector.

4353**2050

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Global arrogance fears power of Iran's nuclear industry capacity: AEOI chief

Iran Press TV

Friday, 06 September 2024 2:32 PM

The head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) has described sanctions as "common tool" used by the global imperialist system to force independent nations into submission.

"The entire policy led by the imperialist system rests on using threats and supporting aggressive attitudes," Mohammad Eslami said in the northern Iranian province of Mazandaran on Thursday.

"And their common and ostentatious tool [to realize this purpose is to use] sanctions for [bringing about] submission so they can cripple a nation, bring it to its knees, and neutralize it so they can achieve apparent victory," he added.

The United States and its allies have brought Iran under the most extensive array of sanctions, accusing the country of deviation in its nuclear energy program towards, what they allege, military purposes.

The Islamic Republic has routinely rejected the accusations, saying it does not and will never pursue acquiring nuclear weapons in line with moral and religious standards.

Inspections carried out by the International Atomic Energy Agency have also verified the peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear activities.

Washington removed some of the sanctions following conclusion of nuclear agreement between Tehran and world countries in 2015, but returned the bans three years later after ditching the deal in a unilateral and unlawful move.

The global arrogance, including the US, has announced that it has chosen to wage an economic war against Iran so the Islamic Republic's currency is devaluated and the Iranian people come under pressure, he added.

"[Through these measures,] the United States seeks to say that its dominance is mandatory and that it rules the world," Eslami said.

The Iranian nation, however, should be alert and insightful and heed the directives of Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei so it can reduce its vulnerability to damage and the influence being exercised by the enemies, he noted.

'They fear capacity of Iran's nuclear industry'

Elsewhere in his remarks, Eslami said what the global arrogance and Zionist system feared was not the potential of Iran's acquisition of nuclear weapons.

"[They actually] fear the power of the capacity of Iran's nuclear industry," he said, citing the adversaries' remarks concerning the country's underway construction of a nuclear power plant and its potential of building more such facilities.

The enemies were alarmed by the country's scientific, industrial, and economic power, the official added.

Eslami also called for moving towards reducing the country's economic dependence on oil and enabling the emergence of a knowledge-based economy.

He said the young Iranian generation was investing efforts towards realization of this purpose so it could contribute to the enhancement of the country's economic, industrial, and productive efficiency.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Iran 'extensively' upgrades radar, missile systems: Air defense chief

Iran Press TV

Friday, 06 September 2024 1:54 PM

The commander of the Iranian Army's Air Defense Force says the country has ascended to the top air defense power in the region and is fully ready to ward off any aerial threats as "extensive" measures have been implemented to upgrade radar and missile systems, says the force's commander.

"In line with strengthening the country's defense capabilities, the Army's Air Defense Force has undertaken extensive measures to upgrade its radar and missile systems," said Brigadier General Alireza Sabahifard on Friday during a visit to Iran's Northeast Air Defense region.

"Joint maneuvers with other armed forces also demonstrate the full readiness of the air defense to protect the country's airspace," he added.

He stressed that this milestone is the culmination of years of efforts by domestic experts and substantial investments in the defense sector.

He said these advancements have greatly enhanced the security of Iran's airspace, ensuring full readiness against any aerial threats.

During his visit, the general inspected various positions in the area and assessed the combat and operational readiness of the forces.

He emphasized the importance of maintaining combat readiness and vigilance among personnel to defend the country's airspace effectively.

The visit came amid heightened tensions in the West Asia region following the Israeli regime's assassination of late Hamas Chief Ismail Haniyeh.

Iran has vowed to retaliate against the Israeli attack.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Iran rejects US allegations of election meddling as 'hackneyed, groundless'

Iran Press TV

Friday, 06 September 2024 8:45 AM

Iran has rejected as "hackneyed and groundless" the US administration's claims of Tehran's interference in the forthcoming American election.

"Once again, we consider these hackneyed allegations to be groundless, biased, and to serve domestic political purposes in the United States, and we reject such accusations," Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kan'ani said on Friday.

The comment came after US Attorney General Merrick B. Garland, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and some other American spying agencies accused certain countries, including Iran, of engaging in efforts to influence the outcome of the US presidential vote in November by conducting cyberattacks.

Kan'ani stressed that US officials, unable to heal rifts and settle their country's internal problems, which have structural, political and social roots, seek to shift the blame on others by leveling accusations against various countries.

"The US government, which spearheads illegal interference in the internal affairs of the other independent states and has a long list of such destructive measures on its record, cannot attribute its domestic problems and crises to other countries by making accusations against them or covering up the dark record of its extrajudicial actions and interference in the internal affairs of the independent states," Kan'ani added.

Garland recently accused Iran of "aggressive" actions aimed at swaying the November election in the US, citing what he claimed as intelligence reports.

In a joint statement last month, the FBI, Office of the Director of National Intelligence and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) also claimed that Iran was taking measures to target political campaigns and American public with cyber and influence operations.

Iran's permanent mission to the United Nations rejected at the time the "unsubstantiated" allegations of efforts to interfere in the 2024 US presidential election.

"Such allegations are 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 US presidential election," the Iranian mission in New York said.

Iran's permanent mission to the United Nations had earlier made clear that the country had no goal or interest in "cyber activities" to influence the upcoming US presidential election.

The US presidential election will be held in November, pitting former US president Donald Trump against Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, with the latter commanding a marginal lead in the latest polls.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






US 'alarmed' by reports Iranian missile transfer to Russia is imminent or completed

By Michael Lipin September 06, 2024

The White House tells VOA it is "alarmed" by unconfirmed Western news reports that an unprecedented Iranian transfer of missiles to Russia for use against Ukraine recently happened or will occur imminently. Iran is responding to those reports by separately telling VOA that it "abstains" from arming parties engaged in the war that its ally Russia launched against Ukraine.

The Wall Street Journal reported Friday that unnamed U.S. and European officials determined in recent days that Iran has delivered ballistic missiles to Russia in what would be a first for the growing military partnership of the two anti-Western allies.

Prior to the WSJ story, Bloomberg and Reuters published reports on Monday and on Aug. 10 respectively, citing unnamed European officials as saying an Iranian transfer of ballistic missiles to Russia was imminent.

VOA asked the White House National Security Council on Friday to confirm whether such a transfer already has happened or remains imminent, as the Western news outlets have reported. NSC Spokesperson Sean Savett responded with a statement saying the U.S. is "alarmed by these reports."

"Any transfer of Iranian ballistic missiles to Russia would represent a dramatic escalation in Iran's support for Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine," Savett added, leaving it unclear as to whether the U.S. has detected such a transfer or not.

The Reuters report cited two European "intelligence officials" as saying the transfer would involve Iran's Fath-360 and Ababil missiles, both of which are classified as close-range ballistic missiles (CRBMs) with a range of less than 300 kilometers. Such Iranian missiles could free up Russia's own missile stockpiles for longer-range strikes into Ukraine.

Savett said the U.S. and its partners in the Group of Seven advanced economies and the NATO alliance have "made clear ... that together we are prepared to deliver significant consequences" for an Iranian missile transfer to Russia. Western powers have supplied weapons worth billions of dollars to their ally Ukraine to push back Russia's full-scale invasion that began in 2022.

VOA asked Iran's U.N. Mission in New York for a response to the U.S. warning of significant consequences for any missile transfer to Russia.

In a statement received on Friday, the Iranian U.N. mission said Tehran "considers the provision of military assistance to the parties engaged in the conflict ... to be inhumane." It added: "Not only does Iran abstain from engaging in such actions itself, but it also calls upon other countries to cease the supply of weapons to the sides involved in the conflict."

U.S. and Europe-based researchers monitoring Iranian-Russian military cooperation told VOA there are several ways that a missile transfer could be detected by the West. They said the transfer likely would employ one of three methods: Iran shipping the missiles to Russia through the Caspian Sea whose coastline they share, flying the missiles over the Caspian Sea or via the airspace of Azerbaijan or the airspace of Armenia and Georgia, or transporting them overland through those nations.

The researchers said open information sources such as ship and flight tracking data and satellite imagery could be used to try to detect a missile transfer being prepared or executed. But they said Iranian and Russian efforts to conceal such transfers would make detection more likely by Western intelligence agencies with access to confidential sources.

"The movement of individuals also is something that I'm looking at," said Nicole Grajewski, a fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

"We saw a lot of open-source information about Russian drone operators visiting Iran to be trained in using Iranian drones," she said. "So tracking Iranian military advisers who train Russians to use these ballistic missiles could provide another indication of a missile transfer."

The strongest evidence of an Iranian missile transfer to Russia, Grajewski said, may come only after a transfer takes place. Remnants of Iranian missiles fired by Russia and collected by Ukrainian authorities and displayed to the world would be what she called the "smoking gun."

The researchers interviewed by VOA said Western powers face a dilemma in considering what significant actions to take if they detect an Iranian missile transfer to Russia.

One of the most significant yet also problematic actions would be interdiction of a transfer, said Fabian Hinz, a researcher for the International Institute for Strategic Studies.

"There is no good way of interdicting these kinds of transfers, short of Western powers taking control of the Caspian Sea or the airspace above the Caspian Sea or the airspace above Russia or Iran and triggering an all-out war, which the U.S. is not going to want," Hinz said.

Ramping up Western sanctions against Iran's ballistic missile program and tightening export controls to further constrain Iranian access to Western components used in missile production are legal steps that the U.S. and its allies could pursue, the researchers said.

"But for a lot of these missile components, the Iranians have been adept at navigating sanctions and procuring parts," Grajewski said.

Behnam Ben Taleblu, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, said Western powers could try to prevent or thwart a missile transfer by attempting sabotage within Iran's missile program, or by declassifying intelligence that detects an imminent transfer and publicizing it quickly to try to deter Iran from proceeding.

"You also should make sure that wherever these Iranian missiles are going to be fired, the targeted people have the military systems to defend themselves and to offset this change in the Russian capability," Ben Taleblu said. "For Ukraine, that means providing it with more air defenses and an independent capability to carry out long-range strikes against Russia."

The Biden administration announced its latest U.S. military assistance package for Ukraine on Friday, saying it includes air defense missiles. U.S. officials have not authorized Ukraine to use U.S. weapons for strikes deep into Russia, citing concerns that such Ukrainian attacks could provoke Moscow into using its nuclear weapons.

VOA White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara and Pentagon correspondent Carla Babb contributed to this report.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Myanmar junta airstrike kills 11 civilians in northern town

Eleven people were wounded in the bombing of the insurgent-controlled town.

By RFA Burmese 2024.09.06 -- Myanmar junta forces launched an airstrike on an insurgent-controlled town in Shan state on the border with China in the early hours of Friday, killing 11 civilians and wounding 11, residents said.

A military aircraft dropped two bombs near the night market in the town of Namhkan, said a resident who wished to remain anonymous for fear of reprisals.

"At 1 a.m. the bombs fell to the north of the Pawng Pwe night market. About six houses were hit," he said. "A child and a pregnant woman were killed, entire families were killed."

Radio Free Asia telephoned Shan state's junta spokesperson Khun Thein Maung to ask about the incident but he did not answer calls.

Residents said five women, four men, a four-year-old boy and a newborn girl were killed. Residents shared video with RFA showing people clawing through rubble to uncover lifeless bodies.

The border trade town of Namhkan is under the control of the ethnic minority Ta'ang National Liberation Army, or TNLA, a member of the Three Brotherhood Alliance of insurgent groups that has made unprecedented gains against junta forces since late last year.

China has intervened to protect its economic interests in Myanmar and brokered two short-lived ceasefires. Recently, China has been pressing the TNLA to agree to peace, insurgent sources said.

The TNLA and its allies in pro-democracy People's Defense Forces have this year attacked and captured Nawnghkio, Kyaukme, Hsipaw and Mongmit towns in Shan state and Mandalay region's Mogoke town.

On Sept. 4, a junta airstrike on Hsipaw town in northern Shan state killed a civilian and injured four.

In southern Shan state, an airstrike on a camp for the internally displaced killed at least nine people late on Thursday, according to Banyar Khun Aung, a vice secretary of the anti-junta Karenni State Interim Executive Council.

"The plane dropped the bomb at around 10 p.m.," he said. "Nine bodies were found, including seven children and two women. There were also many injured and missing people. A teacher was among the dead."

The victims were two boys and five girls aged between 10 and 13, and two women in their 40s, he added.

Residents of the area in Pekon township said that more than 1,000 people displaced by the fighting are sheltering in the camp, including about 600 children.

Translated by RFA Burmese. Edited by Mike Firn.

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 September 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






Elections in America could affect US nuclear umbrella over Seoul

By Young Gyo Kim September 06, 2024

A South Korean senior official has rekindled debate over the U.S. commitment to that nation's defense, bringing up the possibility of the U.S. rolling back its nuclear umbrella if former President Donald Trump is reelected.

Kim Tae-hyo, South Korea's deputy national security director, said in a Seoul forum Tuesday the reelection of Trump could "weaken a U.S. nuclear umbrella" designed to protect South Korea from North Korean aggression.

"Trump as candidate can be seen as pursuing transactional benefits in terms of the South Korea-U.S. alliance," Kim said, according to news reports. "It is not unlikely that he would suggest negotiating defense cost-sharing or the deployment of U.S. strategic assets from a cost perspective."

Skepticism about America's willingness and capability to protect South Korea from a North Korean nuclear attack has grown among South Koreans as North Korea's nuclear and missile programs become increasingly sophisticated. A recent poll by South Korea's Institute of National Unification revealed that 66% of respondents supported the country having its own nuclear weapons.

Concern over commitment

Gary Samore, former White House coordinator for arms control and weapons of mass destruction during the Obama administration, said Kim's remarks reflect widespread concern among U.S. allies.

There is a concern that "Trump, if reelected, would pursue policies that will weaken U.S. alliances around the world, including in Europe and East Asia," Samore told VOA Korean Wednesday via email.

"In the case of Korea, Trump might seek to resume summit diplomacy with Kim Jong Un and make concessions that weaken the U.S.-ROK alliance, as he did at the Singapore summit in June 2018," Samore said. ROK stands for Republic of Korea, the official name for South Korea.

According to the joint statement released after the 2018 summit, Trump "committed to provide security guarantees" to North Korea, while the North Korean leader reaffirmed "commitment to complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula."

"However, I think it's premature to predict exactly what policies President Trump will adopt toward Korea if he is reelected," Samore added. "There are too many uncertainties, including, for example, who President Trump appoints for his top foreign policy and defense positions."

Michael O'Hanlon, director of foreign policy research at the Brookings Institution in Washington, told VOA Korean Tuesday via email the South Korean official's assessment of Trump is justifiable.

"I think the official is correct," O'Hanlon said, adding Trump could take steps to address this concern. "I do not know if he will."

'Treat us properly,' says Trump

Trump has often complained that U.S. allies do not pay the U.S. enough for bases and troops used in their defense. In an April interview with Time magazine, Trump said, "I want South Korea to treat us properly," suggesting he would demand that South Korea pay more for the American troops stationed there.

But Frederick Fleitz, who served as chief of staff of the National Security Council in the Trump White House, told VOA Korean by phone Tuesday that Trump's reelection is not likely to affect the U.S. nuclear umbrella.

Making clear that he was speaking for himself, not for Trump, Fleitz said the former president "was a strong friend of Japan, South Korea and Taiwan when he was in office last time and he'll be a strong friend again."

"Why would there be such a big change in a second Trump term when he didn't do that in the first term?" Fleitz asked. "The second Trump administration, concerning South Korea, will be countering the threat from North Korea and this new axis relationship between China, Russia, North Korea and Iran."

Fleitz stressed there is no evidence to suggest Trump would link the defense cost-sharing with offering a nuclear umbrella, adding discussions on how much South Korea pays for U.S. troops in South Korea will not be a "deal breaker" for the second Trump administration.

"It is an issue that will be resolved among friends," he said. "The security threats in the region are so severe a I think that's what the U.S. will focus on."

Redeployment of nukes

Robert Peters, a fellow for nuclear deterrence and missile defense at the Heritage Foundation, told VOA Korean Tuesday via email it is "far more likely" that America's extended deterrence commitment to South Korea would strengthen during a second Trump term.

Peters said a second Trump administration could consider redeploying U.S. tactical nuclear weapons to the Korean Peninsula, due to the threats coming from North Korea and China.

"I think a second Trump administration would field SLCM-N [nuclear-armed, sea-launched cruise missiles] in the near term and potentially reintroduce American nuclear weapons to South Korea as a means to assure the ROK, deter North Korea and strengthen regional stability," said Peters.

Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, is widely expected to inherit incumbent President Joe Biden's Asia policies should she win the election.

The Biden administration is not considering the redeployment of tactical nuclear weapons to South Korea. In 1991, the U.S. withdrew from South Korea all its nuclear weapons, roughly 100 in number, according to some studies.

"The United States does not assess returning nuclear weapons to the Indo-Pacific as necessary at this time," a State Department spokesperson said in an emailed statement on May 31 in response to a VOA Korean inquiry. "The United States has no plans to forward deploy nuclear weapons to the Korean Peninsula."

In April 2023, Biden and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol adopted the Washington Declaration, in which the U.S. declared that its commitment to the defense of South Korea will be backed by the full range of U.S. capabilities, including nuclear.

During this week's high-level security talks between the U.S. and South Korea, the Biden administration reiterated its commitment to defend South Korea with nuclear weapons if necessary to deter attacks from North Korea.

"We reaffirm the U.S. extended deterrence commitment to the ROK using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, and that any DPRK [North Korea] nuclear attack on the United States or its allies and partners is unacceptable and will result in the end of that regime," Bonnie Jenkins, U.S. undersecretary of state for arms control and international security, told reporters after Wednesday's talks.

VOA Korean contacted the Trump campaign and asked what Trump's stance is on the U.S. nuclear umbrella offered to South Korea, but did not receive a reply by the time this article was published.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Telegram Founder Durov Says French Investigation, Arrest 'Misguided'

By RFE/RL's Russian Service September 06, 2024

Telegram founder Pavel Durov, in his first public comments since his arrest in France late last month, expressed surprise that he was interrogated and told by investigators that he "may be personally responsible for other people's illegal use" of the popular messaging app.

Durov said in a lengthy blog post that he was arrested and questioned for four days after arriving in in Paris because "the French authorities didn't receive responses from Telegram" regarding their complaints.

He was charged on August 28 with several crimes related to alleged illicit activity on the messaging app but avoided jail after posting a $5.5 million bail and was released on the condition that he remain in France and report to a police station twice a week.

French prosecutors accuse the 39-year-old Durov of complicity in allowing drug trafficking and the sharing of sexual images of children on Telegram, and of refusing to share documents demanded by authorities investigating illegal activity on the app.

But the Russian-born Durov -- who has citizenship in France as well as Russia, the United Arab Emirates, and the Caribbean archipelago of St. Kitts and Nevis -- said his arrest was "misguided."

"Telegram has an official representative in the EU that accepts and replies to EU requests," Durov wrote. "If a country is unhappy with an Internet service, the established practice is to start a legal action against the service itself."

He denied any suggestion that the app is an "anarchic paradise" and defended efforts to monitor its 950 million users, saying that "we take down millions of harmful posts and channels every day."

Durov said Telegram also publishes daily transparency reports and that he had personally helped set up a hotline on Telegram to help the French authorities deal with the threat of terrorism.

"Sometimes we can't agree with a country's regulator on the right balance between privacy and security. In those cases, we are ready to leave that country," he wrote. He singled out Russia and Iran, where the encrypted app is a popular and safe means of communication among citizens and during protests, as places where Telegram was banned because it would not aid authorities' efforts to monitor users.

"When Russia demanded we hand over 'encryption keys' to enable surveillance, we refused -- and Telegram got banned in Russia. When Iran demanded we block channels of peaceful protesters, we refused -- and Telegram got banned in Iran. We are prepared to leave markets that aren't compatible with our principles, because we are not doing this for money," Durov said.

He acknowledged that Telegram was "not perfect" and that "growing pains" had "made it easier for criminals to abuse the platform," but Durov said the app was driven by the "intention to bring good and defend the basic rights of people, particularly where these rights are violated."

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/pavel-durov-telegram- statement-detainment-questioning/33109423.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






Moscow accuses Washington of undue pressure on Russian media

By VOA News September 06, 2024

The Russian government on Friday accused the United States of exerting undue pressure on Russian media after the U.S. Justice Department charged a Russian state TV contributor and his wife with schemes to violate U.S. sanctions.

This week, the U.S. Department of Justice unveiled indictments against Dimitri Simes and his wife, Anastasia, charging them with laundering funds and violating U.S. sanctions for the benefit of Channel One Russia, a Russian broadcaster that was sanctioned in 2022.

The indictments came after the DOJ took several legal actions against Russia to fight alleged interference in the 2024 U.S. presidential election. Those actions included charging two employees at the Russian state news network RT, along with sanctioning RT and its top editor.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that the U.S. government was trying to prevent people from accessing Moscow's perspective on global issues.

"Washington continues to try to put pressure on Russia, on Russian citizens, and even on the Russian media, which is engaged in informing both citizens inside our country and world public opinion about what is happening, from our perspective," said Peskov, who has also said that Moscow is not trying to influence the U.S. election.

"Washington does not even accept that there should be options out there for anyone to get news from our perspective. This is nothing other than blatant pressure. We strongly condemn this stance as unacceptable," Peskov added.

Russia has also said it will retaliate against U.S. media over Washington's actions against RT.

Some information in this report came from Reuters.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






DPP hypes up case of separatist to smear mainland's actions against 'Taiwan independence': Taiwan Affairs Office

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Sep 07, 2024 12:20 AM

The Wenzhou Intermediate People's Court of East China's Zhejiang Province, after a legal hearing, publicly sentenced Yang Chih-yuan to nine years in prison for the crime of separatism and deprived him of political rights for three years on August 26, Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for the State Council's Taiwan Affairs Office, said in a statement on Friday, refuting the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities' attempt to hype up Yang's case to smear the mainland's righteous actions against "Taiwan independence."

Yang, a Taiwan resident, was detained by the national security department of Wenzhou in August 2022 on suspicion of engaging in separatist activities and endangering national security, according to the Xinhua News Agency.

In recent days, Taiwan island's "mainland affairs council" claimed that Yang was "secretly sentenced" by the mainland and that his case "proves" the criminal punishment measures put forward by the mainland targets all Taiwan residents, urging "caution" regarding the necessity of traveling to the mainland, according to Taiwan media.

The court found that from 2008 to 2020, Yang, aiming to split the country and pursue "Taiwan independence," publicly promoted separatism through the so-called "Taiwanese National Party" and "Taiwan Action Party Alliance" among other "Taiwan independence" organizations, and actively implemented plans to promote "Taiwan independence" and join the United Nations, undermining national unity.

The court ruled that Yang's actions violated China's Criminal Law, constituting the crime of separatism. Yang's long-term involvement in separatist activities, his promotion of "Taiwan independence" ideas, and his role as a key figure in the "Taiwanese National Party" and other separatist organizations were deemed severe.

Since August 2022, the national security bureau in Wenzhou has taken coercive measures against Yang. National judicial authorities have handled the case strictly according to the law, ensuring Yang's legal rights, and disclosed the case according to law, Chen said.

The DPP authorities maliciously tarnished the national judicial authorities' righteous actions against "Taiwan independence," attempting to conflate the vast majority of Taiwan residents with a small number of stubborn "Taiwan independence" forces, Chen said.

The DPP authorities are trying to deceive, confuse, intimidate, and block Taiwan compatriots from participating in normal cross-Straits exchanges and cooperation, inciting cross-Straits confrontation.

Chen emphasized that the judicial documents on punishing "Taiwan independence" separatists target only a small number of diehard "Taiwan independence" activists and their acts of splitting the country and inciting separatism, not the public in Taiwan island.

From January to August this year, over 2.6 million people from Taiwan island came to the mainland for visits and exchanges, which exposes the lies and rumors spread by the DPP authorities, Chen said.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Minister Blair announces additional military assistance for Ukraine at the 24th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group

From: National Defence

News release

September 6, 2024 - Ramstein Air Base, Germany - National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

Today, the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, and General Jennie Carignan, Chief of the Defence Staff, participated in the 24th Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) meeting at Ramstein Air Base in Germany hosted by United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III.

Minister Blair announced that this week, Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) pilots arrived in Canada to begin fighter-lead-in-training (FLIT). Canada has taken over leadership of the FLIT element of the UDCG Air Force Capability Coalition (AFCC) - backed by an investment of $389 million over five years in F-16 pilot training for Ukrainian personnel. This package of support includes the launch of advanced pilot training. As part of our support to the AFCC, Canada will also be providing critical equipment and other support to Ukrainian air bases and fleets.

Minister Blair also announced that Canada will donate and transport 80,840 additional CRV-7 rocket motors and 1,300 warheads to Ukraine. This follows Canada's initial delivery of 2,160 CRV-7 rocket motors, as pledged earlier this year. The additional 80,840 rocket motors are being prepared for shipment to Poland and will arrive in the coming months. The decommissioned rocket motors were previously used by the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) on CF-18 fighter aircraft. Canada will also be donating 970 surplus C6 machine guns as well as 10,500 surplus 9mm pistols from our inventory.

In response to a specific request from Ukraine, Minister Blair also announced that Canada will donate decommissioned chassis from 29 M113s and 64 Coyote LAVs, formerly used by the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). These surplus vehicles, no longer operational in the Canadian Army, will be repurposed or used for spare parts by Ukraine.

Minister Blair also provided the following updates on other Canadian donations:

An initial set of Armoured Combat Support Vehicles built by Canadian workers in London, Ontario has arrived in Europe, and training for the AFU on the vehicles is underway. Following training, the 10 ambulances will be delivered to Ukraine in September. The additional 40 vehicles (of the Troop/Cargo variant) will begin arriving in spring 2025 with full delivery by the end of 2025.

Training with the AFU on Teledyne FLIR Skyranger drones donated by Canada will begin in Ukraine this month.

In August, Canada delivered approximately $200,000 worth of IT equipment to support Ukraine's cyber capabilities.

While in Germany, Minister Blair also visited the Security Assistance Group - Ukraine (SAG-U) in Wiesbaden, where he met with CAF members and American officers. SAG-U is currently transitioning to NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU), which will be comprised of approximately 700 personnel from NATO Allied nations - as announced at the NATO Summit in Washington earlier this summer.

Since 2022, Canada has committed $4.5 billion in military assistance to Ukraine. Canada will continue to support Ukraine until its victory.

Quotes

"The UDCG is a testament to the unity and commitment of Allies and partners to provide Ukraine with the crucial capabilities it needs to fight for its sovereignty and security. What happens in Ukraine will help determine the trajectory of global security. Canada's support for Ukraine remains unwavering and we will continue to do what it takes to help Ukraine win this war." The Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence

Quick facts

The UDCG was created by the United States Secretary of Defense in April 2022 to allow Allies and partners to synchronize donations, consult, and coordinate military assistance to Ukraine, and build up the capabilities of the AFU. Convening monthly at the ministerial level, the UDCG now brings together more than 50 countries.

Canada is a member of the UDCG's Armour, Air Force, and Drone capability coalitions.

Since February 2022, Canada has committed over $19.5 billion in total assistance to Ukraine, including $4.5 billion in military assistance. This includes Leopard 2 main battle tanks, armoured combat support vehicles, anti-tank weapons, small arms, M777 howitzers and associated ammunition, high-resolution drone cameras, winter clothing, and more. Canada is also contributing to multinational efforts to train pilots and maintainers to support Ukraine's F-16s.

Since the launch of Operation UNIFIER, the CAF has trained more than 42,000 members of the AFU. Canada has announced the extension of this mission until March 2026, so the CAF can continue to respond to Ukraine's training needs.

Canada continues to train AFU members under Operation UNIFIER, with approximately 300 CAF members currently deployed in the United Kingdom, Poland, and Latvia in various roles.

Since late March 2022, the RCAF has been transporting Ukraine-bound military aid donated by Canada, allies, and partners. To date, the RCAF has transported over 19 million pounds of military donations.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






September 6, 2024

Release

Fact Sheet on Efforts of Ukraine Defense Contact Group - National Armaments Directors

Following Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III directed Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment (USD(A&S)) Dr. William LaPlante to regularly convene National Armaments Directors (NADs) under the auspices of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG).

Focused on accelerating capability deliveries to Ukraine by synchronizing international procurement, production, and sustainment efforts, the forum has convened twelve (12) times to date since its first meeting on September 28, 2022. More than 40 nations and representatives from NATO and the European Union actively participate. Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister Major General (retired) Oleksandr Serhii currently co-chairs the forum alongside USD(A&S) LaPlante.

The forum focuses on (1) requirements-based planning for production, and (2) tangible deliveries against increasing capacity and the commitments made by UDCG members to date. Major lines of effort include:

Mapping global production capacity, and opportunities to increase throughput;

Identifying production constraints and mitigations, including opportunities for co-production, joint ventures, and other mechanisms;

Enabling the sustainment of equipment and reconstitution of Ukrainian forces; and

Increasing opportunities for standardization, integration, and interchangeability.

Significant Achievements to Date

Through extensive collaboration across nations, UDCG NADs have enabled:

Expansion of existing, or establishment of new, production capacity of critical munitions around the world. The United States has invested $5.3 billion to expand domestic production capacity of the following munitions or subcomponents (NOTE: entries reflect increases from 2022 to current production rates): 155mm Projectiles : 14,400 per month to 40,000 per month (178% increase) 155mm Propelling Charge : 14,494 per month to 18,000 per month (24% increase) GMLRS : 833 per month to 1,167 per month (40% increase) Javelin : 175 per month to 200 per month (14% increase) AIM-9X : 116 per month to 137 per month (18% increase) PAC-3 MSE : 21 per month to 42 per month (100% increase) HIMARS : 5 per month to 8 per month (60% increase) M777 Tubes : 11 per month to 18 per month (64% increase)



Examples of production expansion and munitions delivery efforts announced by UDCG members include, but are not limited to: France and Sweden will double capacity of ammunition and explosives loading by 2025, double capacity of modular charges by 2026, and increase powder production capacity ten-fold by 2026. Sites in Germany, Spain, Hungary, South Africa, and Australia plan to increase production up to 700,000 artillery shells and up to 10,000 tons of gunpowder per year by 2025; this includes a new gunpowder factory in Romania as part of a project developed with the European Commission and a new artillery ammunition facility in Germany. Germany, the Netherlands, Romania, and Spain will co-produce up to 1,000 Patriot GEM-T missiles in Germany. A consortium of 15 countries led by the Czech Republic have pledged a1.7 billion to source 500,000 artillery rounds from around the world by the end of 2024. Through the Act in Support of Ammunition Production (ASAP), European defense industry is expected to increase annual ammunition shell production capacity to 2 million by the end of 2025. 31 projects cover five areas: explosives, powder, shells, missiles, and testing and reconditioning certification. Norway will invest more than NOK 1 billion to significantly expand artillery production for at least 15 years. Nordic other participating nations are increasing ammunition production through the NORDEFCO++ initiative to support Ukraine as well as to strengthen long-term capacity to ensure regional security of supply.



Identification of gaps and mitigations for production of propellants and explosives.

Delivery of VAMPIRE C-UAS systems and "FrankenSAM" iTEL and BUK systems.

Donations of trucks and gun mounts for Mobile Fire Teams (MFT) to assist Ukraine in protecting its critical national infrastructure.

Delivery of NASAMS units and munitions, and subsequent functionality upgrades to expand interceptor options.

Delivery of AIM-7, RIM-7, and AIM-9M missiles for air defense.

Integration of thousands of air-to-ground munitions donations for employment from Ukraine's current aircraft and donated F-16s.

Coordination of initial co-development of Extended Range Attack Munition (ERAM), a low-cost, long-range cruise missile for mass production.

Facilitation of Jumpstart Foreign Military Sales cases with allies and partners to provide funding for munitions purchases in lieu of donations.

Delivery of 90 refurbished T-72s tanks (45 Dutch and 45 U.S.), and more than 100,000 T-72 spare parts; a forthcoming jointly-funded effort will expand spares and overhaul support to all major Soviet-era armored combat platforms via the NATO Support and Procurement Agency.

Development of a common sustainment framework focusing on time-based, increased Ukrainian sustainment capability across spares, maintenance, training, and Ukrainian industrial support capacity.

Delivery of seven commercial-grade 3D printers and consumables to the Remote Maintenance and Distribution Center-Ukraine (RDC-U).

Establishment of tele-maintenance capabilities, and execution of an augmented reality demonstration to improve maintenance and repair training for Ukrainian personnel in the field.

Translation of more than 1,400 technical repair and operations manuals.

Facilitation of, and support to, partnerships with Ukrainian industry for co-production and co- sustainment activities. Examples of U.S.-Ukraine industry partnerships include: Northrop Grumman signed an agreement with the Government of Ukraine to provide equipment and training to establish a medium-caliber ammunition production line (July 2024). Amentum signed a Memorandum of Intent to form a Joint Venture with Ukrainian Defense Industry (UDI) for cooperation in restoring and maintaining U.S.-donated armored vehicles (June 2024). D&M Holding Company constructed an ammunition factory in Ukraine and are currently expanding production pursuant to agreements with the Ukrainian Ministry of Strategic Industries and key companies (October 2023). Examples of international-Ukraine industry partnerships include: Nammo (Norway) announced that it will license production of 155mm rounds in Ukraine (August 2024). KNDS (France/Germany) is establishing a subsidiary in Ukraine to produce 155mm rounds and spare parts (June 2024). Rheinmetall (Germany) signed a Letter of Intent to establish a production facility for Lynx armored vehicles in Ukraine, building upon a Joint Venture between Rheinmetall and UDI to establish a maintenance center in-country for German- donated military equipment (June 2024).



Working Groups

Efforts of the NADs under the auspices of the UDCG are organized across four Working Groups aligned to functional areas: Innovation, Production, Sustainment, and Ukraine Defense Industrial Base Support.

The intersection of the NAD Working Groups and the UDCG Capability Coalitions is complementary, not duplicative. The NADs are uniquely positioned to operationalize ministerial-level guidance produced via the Capability Coalitions by providing subject matter expertise in procurement, production, and sustainment. Specific, long-term requirements identified by Capability Coalitions will guide the NADs' deliberate prioritization and resourcing of corresponding industrial base and sustainment investments. This "require-deliver-sustain" partnership between the Capability Coalitions and NAD Working Groups closes gaps between requirements and capability deliveries, maximizes the effectiveness of investments by UDCG members while avoiding duplication of effort.

Innovation Working Group: Increases the speed from idea to fielded capability, focusing on anticipating adversarial advancements and maturing emerging technologies accordingly for operational use. Current efforts include: Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System (C-UAS) detect, track, and engage capabilities Counter-drone protection for wheeled and tracked vehicles Maritime mine countermeasures One-way attack and counter-drone capability experimentation

Increases the speed from idea to fielded capability, focusing on anticipating adversarial advancements and maturing emerging technologies accordingly for operational use. Current efforts include: Production Working Group: Accelerates and drives production efforts for critical weapons systems by supporting opportunities for co-production, facilitating funding opportunities, identifying production constraints and best practices for mitigation, and enabling replenishment contracts. Current efforts include: Source needs and opportunities for production increases or acceleration of 155mm artillery and TNT, among other critical programs and subcomponents Application of lessons learned from multinational production consortia to air defense interceptors

Accelerates and drives production efforts for critical weapons systems by supporting opportunities for co-production, facilitating funding opportunities, identifying production constraints and best practices for mitigation, and enabling replenishment contracts. Current efforts include: Sustainment Working Group: Supports Ukraine's weapon system availability by addressing cross- cutting sustainment issues in key enabling areas such as spare parts provisioning and ordering, operational maintenance and depot-level training, sustainment capacity across the Ukrainian and partner industrial bases, and supporting Ukraine's ability to maintain donated platforms. Current efforts include: Resourcing critical Ukraine sustainment requirements in support of combat reconstitution Pooling and joint provision of spares Maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) of legacy and western equipment, including expanding sustainment support for Soviet-era armored combat vehicles Supporting current weapon systems with a common sustainment package support framework (spares, technical data, training, maintenance devices, etc.)

Supports Ukraine's weapon system availability by addressing cross- cutting sustainment issues in key enabling areas such as spare parts provisioning and ordering, operational maintenance and depot-level training, sustainment capacity across the Ukrainian and partner industrial bases, and supporting Ukraine's ability to maintain donated platforms. Current efforts include:

Ukraine Industrial Base Support Working Group: Coordinates efforts to advance a robust Ukrainian industrial base that provides materiel for urgent needs, contributing to Ukraine's long-term security and economic resilience. Current efforts include: Identifying sources to help alleviate a shortage of milling equipment for ammunition production in country, and coordinating donations from UDCG members Facilitating partnerships supporting co-production or co-sustainment between Ukrainian industry and U.S. or international companies, including vetting proposals for potential funding and working with the Department of State to reduce timelines to receive necessary export licensing Identifying and troubleshooting policy and regulatory issues impeding industrial cooperation with Ukraine

Coordinates efforts to advance a robust Ukrainian industrial base that provides materiel for urgent needs, contributing to Ukraine's long-term security and economic resilience. Current efforts include:

https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3897721/

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






September 6, 2024

Speech

Opening Remarks by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III at the 24th Ukraine Defense Contact Group (As Delivered)

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Ramstein Air Base, Germany

Well, good morning, everyone. And thanks for joining the 24th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group. It's great to be back at Ramstein, and it's great to see all of you again.

Let me thank Minister Pistorius for welcoming us again in Germany.

I'd also like to welcome Lieutenant General Curtis Buzzard. He's just taken over as the Commander of Security Assistance Group-Ukraine. Curtis, we know that you'll do an outstanding job.

It's also great to see Minister Umerov and the rest of the Ukrainian delegation.

As many of you know, we have a special guest here with us today: President Zelenskyy.

[Applause]

Mister President, your forces and your people have inspired the world. And you have seen firsthand how this Contact Group has moved heaven and earth to get Ukraine what it needs.

We are absolutely honored to have you here in person at Ramstein for the first time.

And Mister President, the floor is yours.

[President Zelenskyy gives remarks.]

Well, thank you, Mister President, on behalf of everyone here.

We hear your urgency. And we share it.

Mister President, this coalition of some 50 nations of goodwill stands united and firm. And today, we'll push even harder to step up our support for Ukraine.

We're meeting at a dynamic moment. Ukraine continues to seize the initiative on the battlefield. And Ukraine's troops are now conducting an operation in Russia's Kursk region. The Kremlin's army of aggression is now on the defensive on its own turf.

But we know that Putin's malice runs deep. Moscow continues its offensive in the east of Ukraine, especially around Pokrovsk. Putin is repositioning his troops in Kursk. And the Kremlin continues to bombard Ukraine's cities and to target Ukraine's civilians.

That's an outrage. But Ukraine refuses to bend. And Russia has paid a massive cost for Putin's imperial fantasies.

More than 350,000 Russian troops have been killed or wounded since Putin launched his all-out invasion.

And since February 2022, Ukrainian forces have sunk, destroyed, or damaged 32 Russian Navy vessels. Ukraine has driven all of Russia's major naval vessels out of Crimea and pushed Russia's Black Sea Fleet further east.

Last month, Ukraine sank one of three Russian ferries in the Kerch Strait in Russian-occupied Crimea. And that seriously reduced Russia's capacity to move equipment and troops into Ukraine. A second ferry has been out of action since Ukraine's attack earlier this summer.

Additionally, Ukraine has destroyed 97 Russian combat aircraft since the start of Putin's full-scale invasion.

So over and over, Ukraine has stood up to Putin's aggression and atrocities. And this coalition has Ukraine's back.

And let me highlight just some major recent steps forward.

In July, Germany, the Netherlands, Romania, and the United States announced that we would provide more Patriot air-defense batteries and components.

And Italy said it would deliver another SAMP-T system.

And Germany recently delivered another IRIS-T air-defense system and more 155-millimeter ammunition.

Germany, the Netherlands, and Denmark have all provided more Leopard battle tanks.

And meanwhile, the European Union is using frozen Russian assets to fund arms purchases for Ukraine, including more ammunition from the Czech Initiative to rush more shells to Ukraine.

And since our meeting in June, the United States has committed more than $4 billion in new security assistance for Ukraine.

We are laser-focused on Ukraine's priority needs, including air defense, fires, and armor.

This Contact Group's innovative and nimble Capability Coalitions continue to help Ukraine fend off Russian aggression today a and deter Russian aggression tomorrow.

And thanks to the work of the Air Force Coalition, Ukraine has received its first tranche of F-16 fighters.

And together with our National Armaments Directors, we are posturing our industrial bases to meet Ukraine's needs a and sustain them long into the future.

But for its long-term security, Ukraine must continue to boost its own defense production. And many Contact Group members are already supporting that effort. Just weeks ago, Denmark committed some of its latest $115 million security-assistance package to buying arms from Ukraine's defense industry.

Meanwhile, with help from several European companies, the United States is working with Ukraine to design and build a substitute for the S-300 surface-to-air missile system and the R-27 air-to-air missile.

The United States has also allocated more than $200 million to purchase critical components to let Ukraine produce the UAVs and electronic-warfare systems that it has deployed so effectively.

Our National Armaments Directors are working in lockstep with the Capability Coalitions to meet these needs and speed up deliveries. So I look forward to discussing ways to strengthen Ukraine's defense industrial base as well as all of our own.

Friends, this is a critical moment. Time is of the essence, especially with winter on its way. And we must all step up our support a and quickly.

So I'm pleased to say that President Biden will announce today an additional $250 million security-assistance package for Ukraine. It will surge in more capabilities to meet Ukraine's evolving requirements. And we'll deliver them at the speed of war.

Ladies and gentlemen, when this Contact Group met in April, President Zelenskyy reminded us all that aggression spreads when it isn't stopped. And he's right.

If tyrants think that they can invade their peaceful neighbors, we will all be less secure. If autocrats conclude that nations of goodwill will lose our nerve and abandon our principles, our world will become far more dangerous.

So make no mistake. If Ukraine is not free, the world is not safe.

But this Contact Group gives us the structure to keep Ukraine sovereign and secure. The coalition is built to succeed. And it's built to last.

As President Biden has said, "Russia will not prevail in this conflict. The independent people of Ukraine will prevail a and the United States, our allies, and our partners will continue to stand with them every step of the way."

So thanks for being here.

And with that, we'll pause while our friends in the media depart.

[Applause]

https://www.defense.gov/News/Speeches/Speech/Article/3896714/

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






September 6, 2024

By Matthew Olay, DOD News

Austin, Brown Reaffirm Multinational Coalition's Commitment to Ukraine

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Air Force Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., today reaffirmed the commitment of the U.S. and other nations to aiding Ukraine at the 24th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in Ramstein, Germany.

The UDCG, a coalition of some 50 nations that meet regularly to discuss Ukraine's security needs, first met in April 2022 as a result of Austin's efforts to assemble the group after Russia had invaded Ukraine two months earlier.

Austin began the afternoon meeting by welcoming the UDCG's special guest, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

"Your forces and your people have inspired the world, and you have seen firsthand how this contact group has moved heaven and earth to get Ukraine what it needs," Austin told Zelenskyy.

"On behalf of everyone here, we hear your urgency, and we share it," Austin continued. "This coalition of some 50 nations of goodwill stands united and firm; and today, we'll push even harder to step up our support for Ukraine."

"This coalition has been indivisible in supporting Ukraine to repel Russian aggression," Brown said at a press conference following the meeting.

"The principles we are defending a the right to self-determination, the sanctity of national borders, and the rule of law a are the very foundations of global peace and stability," the chairman continued.

"I very much appreciate [the UDCG] continuously being with [Ukraine] since the start of this war," Zelenskyy told those UDCG members in attendance, adding that it's thanks to the bravery of the Ukrainian people and the support of the UDCG that Ukraine has been able to continue resisting Russia's aggression.

During his initial remarks, Austin extolled the many nations that compose the UDCG and have provided more than $106 billion in support to Ukraine for the past 2 1/2 years.

"I'm ... deeply grateful to the allies and partners who have given Ukraine's forces the tools to defend themselves and their country," he said, noting that contributing UDCG countries have supplied Ukraine with air defense, armor, artillery ammunition and, recently, F-16 fighter jets.

"As a percentage of [gross domestic product], a dozen of our allies actually contribute more to Ukraine's self-defense than the United States," Austin noted, "and we continue to see impressive new security assistance commitments."

Though both Austin and Brown had strong praise for the progress the UDCG has made in supporting Ukraine, both men pointed out there is much work to be done.

"We cannot stop now," Brown said. "[The Ukrainian people] have fought courageously ... over the past 2 1/2 years; and with the Ukraine Defense Contact Group's assistance, they will continue to withstand Russia's attacks and remain a free, independent and democratic nation."

"Today, we stood up again for our values and our security," Austin said during the post-meeting press conference.

"The members of this contact group understand what's at stake, and we won't back down."

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Foreign Minister Tsahkna in Finland to Ukraine's new foreign minister: our strong partnership to ensure Ukraine's victory continues

Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

06.09.2024

Today 6 September, Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna was on a visit to Helsinki, where he met with Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen, Minister for European Affairs Joakim Strand, and Speaker of the Eduskunta Jussi Halla-aho. With his Finnish counterpart, Minister Tsahkna had a phone conversation with Ukraine's new foreign minister Andrii Sybiha.

In the conversation, Tsahkna reaffirmed Estonia's unwavering support for Ukraine and said he was convinced Estonia's excellent cooperation with the government of Ukraine would continue. "Ukraine's victory is in the interests of the entire democratic world and Estonia is doing everything possible to achieve this," Tsahkna told his new Ukrainian counterpart.

At bilateral meetings with the members of the Finnish government and the speaker of the parliament, Tsahkna underlined that Estonia and Finland shared many challenges in the fields of security and economy. At the same time, it easier to face them because Estonia and Finland agree on all major issues.

"Meeting with our Finnish colleagues, we never need to persuade each other on major issues; instead, we can immediately have in-depth discussions, make plans for the future and deepen our cooperation," Tsahkna noted.

He emphasised that helping Ukraine contributed to our own security.

"Russia is waging a brutal war against its neighbour Ukraine but at the same time, it is conducting hybrid operations against the West," Tsahkna said. "Yesterday, Estonia announced that members of Unit 29155 of Russia's military intelligence (GRU) have launched cyberattacks against Estonia with the aim of obtaining sensitive information and undermining the sense of security in our societies. Finland has experienced the weaponisation of migration."

Tsahkna said the most effective and simple way to resist Russia was to support Ukraine.

"Estonia has pledged to provide Ukraine with military aid worth 0.25 per cent of our GDP on an annual basis; we also consider it right to use frozen assets for the benefit of Ukraine and tighten sanctions against Russia," Tsahkna said.

The meetings also covered opportunities for closer economic cooperation between Estonia and Finland. "Estonia and Finland are close trading partners and boosting economic cooperation would contribute to the increased welfare of people in both countries," the foreign minister said.

Improving the region's competitiveness and cooperation in the European Union will also continue. Tsahkna commended the smooth cooperation between the agencies of the two countries in improving critical maritime infrastructure and working on establishing new connections.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






EU provides 40 million in humanitarian aid for winter preparedness in Ukraine

European Commission

Press release

6 September 2024

Brussels

With relentless attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, the Commission is boosting its humanitarian funding to vulnerable Ukrainians with an additional 40 million ahead of the approaching winter. Out of this, 35 million is allocated for humanitarian projects in Ukraine and 5 million for supporting Ukrainian refugees and their host communities in Moldova.

The primary focus of this funding is to help prepare Ukraine for the freezing winter months. Together with its humanitarian partners, the EU aims to repair damaged buildings, ensure electricity and heating, and provide shelter to the ones most in need.

In Moldova, the new funding is targeting the most vulnerable refugees, to provide them with protection and access to basic services, and to enhance the preparedness for additional refugee flows.

The announcement comes as Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarcic, is in Lithuania today attending a regional Civil Protection Forum, with a focus on mobilising further support to Ukraine ahead of the upcoming winter. During his visit, he will meet with the Minister of Interior of Lithuania, Agne Bilotaite.

Background

The EU has been providing humanitarian aid in Ukraine since the conflict erupted in 2014 and is actively operating across the country, prioritizing hard-to-reach areas near the frontlines in the eastern and southern regions. Following Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, the EU substantially ramped up its relief efforts in Ukraine.

Including the new funding announced today, the European Commission has allocated in total 966 million for humanitarian aid programmes to help civilians affected by the war in Ukraine since Russia's invasion in February 2022. Of this funding, 895 million has been allocated for humanitarian programmes within Ukraine and 71 million to support refugees who have fled to neighbouring Moldova.

In addition to its humanitarian aid operations, the European Commission has been coordinating its largest ever operation under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism by delivering more than 150 000 tonnes of in-kind assistance into Ukraine, such as ambulances, fire engines, medicines, shelter supplies, power generators, and much more. For extra layer of crisis support, the EU has also deployed its own rescEU emergency stockpiles to send power generators, medical equipment, temporary shelter, and specialised equipment for public health risks such as chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Landsbergis at the meeting with the Chairman of the U.S. Senate Finance Committee: "American support is vital to Ukraine's victory"

Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

2024-09-06

On 6 September, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, Gabrielius Landsbergis, met with Ron Wyden, a Member of the Upper House of the United States Congress and Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, who is on an official visit to Lithuania.

The meeting focused on the security situation in the region, the need to continue military support to Ukraine, seek Russia's accountability for war crimes, and formulate a response to Russia's aggressive actions against allies. Lithuania's Foreign Minister also emphasized the importance of the U.S. military presence in Lithuania and security commitments to Europe. According to the Foreign Minister, Lithuania understands the need for Europe to invest in defence more. Thus, our country is taking concrete steps to boost its defence budget to over 3% of GDP and to build the infrastructure needed by allies.

Landsbergis expressed his gratitude to the long-serving U.S. Senator for his personal effort in Congress to support the development of Baltic capabilities and deploy a U.S. battalion in Lithuania. The Foreign Minister expressed his delight at the rapidly developing and extremely effective strategic partnership between Lithuania and the United States, which contributed to ensuring the security of Lithuania and the entire region.

Senator Wyden is one of the strongest supporters of Ukraine in the Senate. Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, it was Wyden who introduced the No Most Favored Nation Trading with Russia Act, providing the U.S. President with the authority to increase tariffs on Russia immediately.

Elected as a Democrat to the U.S. Senate in 1996, Wyden is also a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee. In the Senate, Wyden represents the state of Oregon in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Secretary General in Oslo, welcomes Norway's long-term commitment to Ukraine

NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation

05 Sep. 2024 - 06 Sep. 2024

Last updated: 06 Sep. 2024

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg met with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr StAre in Oslo on Friday (6 September 2024), to discuss continued support to strengthen Ukraine's defences.

Mr Stoltenberg praised Norway's significant role in the Alliance, including its contributions to NATO's multinational battlegroup in Lithuania, NATO's air-policing missions, and Norway's increased defence spending. "Norway will reach, and actually exceed, the 2% NATO guideline on defence spending and according to the long-term plan for defence, Norway will further increase significantly defence spending over the coming years," he said.

The Secretary General also welcomed Norway's long-term commitment to Ukraine, indicating that "Norway has provided advanced air defence, F-16 fighters and other cutting-edge capabilities". He called on all Allies "to continue their vital support, especially in this difficult phase", highlighting that the quickest way to end the war is to provide weapons to Ukraine. "President Putin must realise that he cannot win on the battlefield but must accept a just and lasting peace where Ukraine prevails as a sovereign and independent nation," he said. In addition, the Secretary General called on China to stop supporting Russia's illegal war, saying that "China cannot continue to fuel the largest military conflict in Europe without this impacting Beijing's interests and reputation."

At the NATO-Ukraine Council meeting on 28 August 2024, Allies strongly condemned Russia's indiscriminate strikes and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen Ukraine's defences. "Ukraine has the right to defend itself. And according to international law, this right does not end at the border," said the Secretary General.

During his visit to Norway, the Secretary General also met with King Harald V in Oslo on Friday, and participated in an event organized by the Norwegian Atlantic Committee at the Oslo City Hall on Thursday (5 September 2024).

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Ammunition and maintenance for Ukrainian F-16s

Netherlands Ministry of Defence

News item | 06-09-2024

The Netherlands is going to provide maintenance equipment and materials for Ukraine's F-16s, as well as air-to-air missiles that the aircraft can use to defend Ukrainian airspace. Dutch Minister of Defence Ruben Brekelmans announced this at today's meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (UDCG), held at Ramstein Air Base in Germany.

"The F-16 aircraft need support materials and spare parts for maintenance, otherwise they cannot fly. The Netherlands will supply a80 million worth of materials. Besides large quantities of spare parts, these include generators, small vehicles, essential maintenance materials, specialised tools, and stairs. With the air-to-air missiles, Ukraine can take down enemy aircraft." For reasons of operational safety, the minister did not provide any specifics about the quantities or types involved.

Nor did he comment on the planned delivery time, but the intention is to have the materials reach Ukraine as soon as possible.

IFU

It is also noteworthy that the International Fund for Ukraine (IFU) reported passing the A1 billion mark in pledged aid to Ukraine earlier this week. The Netherlands is a partner in this fund that is administered by the UK.

Before the summer, the Netherlands announced that it had contributed to the purchase of drones for Ukraine through the IFU, and to date the country has contributed a125 million to the fund.

All amounts mentioned are covered by the aid funds previously made available for Ukraine.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Minister Sikorski talks with Ukraine's new Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha

Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Republic of Poland

06.09.2024

During today's conversation, the head of the Polish MFA congratulated Anrii Sybiha on his appointment as Ukraine's minister of foreign affairs.

The ministers addressed the military situation at the frontline of the Ukrainian-Russian war. They also discussed possible solutions to historical problems in Polish-Ukrainian relations.

The heads of diplomacies of Poland and Ukraine also talked about plans of future bilateral cooperation.

It was the first conversation with Minister Sybiha in his new capacity as Ukraine's foreign minister. It was held in Polish.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






US announces $250 million in new military aid for Ukraine

Iran Press TV

Friday, 06 September 2024 10:57 AM

US President Joe Biden is set to approve an additional $250 million in security assistance for Ukraine despite warnings about the repercussions of funneling military aid to Kiev and prolonging a devastating war with Russia.

"I'm pleased to say that President Biden will announce today an additional $250 million security assistance package for Ukraine. It will surge more capabilities to meet Ukraine's evolving requirements and will deliver them at the speed of war," said Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin at the start of talks in a Ukraine Defense Contact Group Meeting at Ramstein Air Base in Germany on Friday.

"This coalition of some 50 nations stands united and firm, and today we will push even harder to step up our support for Ukraine," he said, adding, "This is a critical moment. Time is of the essence, especially with winter on its way, and we must all step up our support and quickly."

The new military aid to Ukraine is expected to include ammunition for HIMARS precision rocket launchers, artillery rounds, anti-tank and anti-air weapons.

Austin's statement comes at a time when Ukrainian forces are advancing into Russia's Kursk region which Russian forces are pushing deeper in the eastern Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk.

Zelensky: Ukraine needs 'more weapons'

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday met in person with top US military officials and the representatives of Kiev's international backers at the meeting in the southwest of Frankfurt to press for more weapons support.

"We need more weapons to drive Russian forces off our land," said Zelensky, who has reshuffled his cabinet recently amid war losses.

The Ukrainian president urged Kiev's supporters to follow through on previous commitments regarding air defense systems and called for restrictions on the use of long-range Western weapons to hit targets inside Russia to be lifted.

"We need to have this long-range capability, not only on the occupied territory of Ukraine, but also on the Russian territory," Zelensky added as the talks in Germany are focused on areas including bolstering Ukraine's air defenses.

Zelensky was also meet German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Friday and then head to Italy.

The United States has been Ukraine's biggest backer since the war broke out more than two and a half years ago, providing military aid worth upwards of $56 billion, with uncertainty looming over the future of that funding as a US election in November could see Ukraine-sceptic Donald Trump back in the White House.

Germany, Ukraine's second-biggest backer, has also come under pressure domestically over its aid for Kiev, which has been at the center of a protracted row over the 2025 budget.

Moscow launched its special military operation on February 24, 2022, aiming to liberate the Donbas region where the People's Republics of Donetsk and Lugansk were suffering from regular attacks on them by Ukrainian forces.

Since the war started, the Western countries' support for Ukraine in fighting a proxy war against Russia has led to the delivery of hundreds of shipments of military equipment, including all kinds of weapons and munitions, to the former Soviet republic.

The Western countries even supplied long-range missiles, tanks and warplanes to Ukraine despite initial resistance, turning the conflict into a full-fledged war.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






'There Are Still A Lot Of F-16s,' Dutch Minister Says After Zelenskiy Outlines Plans To Get More

By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service September 06, 2024

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's plan to increase the number of aircraft in the Ukrainian Air Force is realistic, Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans said on September 6 in an interview with RFE/RL.

Zelenskiy referred to the plan during a Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting at the Ramstein Air Base in Germany.

Brekelmans told RFE/RL afterward that he thinks the plan is realistic because "there are still a lot of F-16s" in other countries that could be handed over to Ukraine. "There are still opportunities," Brekelmans said.

He noted that the Netherlands was handing over 24 fighter jets to Ukraine, and another 18 will be used for training. The Netherlands will also help with aircraft maintenance under a package announced on September 6 at the meeting of the Contact Group.

"We have announced a new package of 80 million [euros, $89 million] to make sure these planes can stay in the air. Therefore, we provide the entire package and support each of its elements," he said. "We provide everything we have for the security of Ukraine."

The commander of the Dutch armed forces has said that the Netherlands has not imposed any restrictions on the use and range of the F-16s it donates as long as the laws of war are observed.

Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Kyiv has asked its Western allies to provide F-16s. Several countries, including the Netherlands, agreed last year to transfer several to be used in the fight. The first of the promised jets arrived early last month and were shown during Air Force Day celebrations on August 4.

The Ukrainian Air Force lost one of the jets in a crash last week that killed the pilot.

The Ukrainian military said the crash occurred during an attempt to repel a missile and drone strike by Russia. It was unclear whether the jet was struck by enemy fire or crashed for other reasons.

Zelenskiy subsequently dismissed the commander of the air force.

An investigation into the crash was launched last week, and international experts were invited to participate, Ukrainian officials said.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-netherlands-planes- f16-zelenskiy-brekelmans/33110074.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






Russian Drone Strikes Injure At Least 5, Cause Fire, Ukraine Says

By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service September 06, 2024

At least five people have been wounded in the latest Russian drone and missile attacks across Ukraine, Kyiv said on September 6, adding that the air defenses shot down 27 out of 44 Russian drones launched overnight. A missile attack in the morning on September 6 damaged residential buildings and injured three people in the northeastern Kharkiv region, local authorities said. Overnight attacks wounded two people, damaged at least 12 homes, and impacted power lines and gas pipelines in the central Dnipropetrovsk region, officials said. Falling debris from a downed Shahed drone in the western Lviv region caused fire at a warehouse, destroying four vehicles, according to local authorities.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-russia-shahed-drone-lviv- kharkiv/33109194.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






Russian Defence Ministry report on repelling an invasion attempt of the AFU on the territory of the Russian Federation (6 September 2024)

06.09.2024

Units of the Sever Group of Forces supported Army Aviation and artillery repelled two attacks of the enemy's assault detachments in the direction of Matveyevka and Olgovka. The AFU attacks in the direction of Borki, Komarovka, and Maryevka were thwarted.

As a result of active actions of Russian troops, the AFU losses amounted to up to 30 troops killed and wounded. Moreover, one armoured personnel carrier, two armoured fighting vehicles, and two motor vehicles were destroyed.



Aviation, artillery, and actions of Russian troops inflicted losses on manpower and hardware clusters of the AFU 22nd, 61st, 115th mechanised brigades, 80th, and 82nd air assault brigades, 92nd Assault Brigade, 152nd Jaeger Brigade, and 1004th Security and Service Brigade near Apanasovka, Borki, Vishnyovka, Vnezapnoye, Gordeyevka, Kruglenkoye, Kazachaya Loknya, Kositsa, Leonidovka, Martynovka, Malaya Loknya, Novoivanovka, Novaya Sorochina, and Snagost.



Operational-Tactical Aviation and Missile Troops delivered strikes at concentration areas in Sumy region of reserve manpower and military hardware of the 22nd, 115th mechanised brigades, 80th, 95th air assault brigades, 92nd Assault Brigade of the AFU, the 1st National Guard Brigade, 101st, 103rd, 106th, 107th, and 129th territorial defence brigades near Belopolye, Boromlya, Bruski, Gritsenkovo, Glukhov, Glybnoye, Linovo, Miropolye, Orlovka, Obody, Pisarevka, Sumy, Khoten, Yunakovka, and Yampol.

Over the past 24 hours, the AFU losses amounted to up to 300 troops and 12 units of hardware, including two armoured personnel carriers and 10 armoured fighting vehicles, two artillery guns, one electronic warfare station, and 14 motor vehicles.



Since the beginning of hostilities in Kursk region, the AFU losses amounted to more than 10,400 servicemen, 81 tanks, 41 infantry fighting vehicles, 74 armoured personnel carriers, 599 armoured fighting vehicles, 339 motor vehicles, 76 artillery guns, 24 MLRS launchers, including seven M142 HIMARS and five M270 MLRS systems, eight SAM launchers, two transport-loading vehicles, 19 electronic warfare stations, seven counter-battery radars, two air defence radars, eight units of engineering vehicles, including two counterobstacle vehicles and one UR-77 mine clearing vehicle.

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






Ukraine Loses Over 10,400 Troops During Operation in Kursk Direction - Russian Military

Sputnik News

20240906

MOSCOW, (Sputnik) - The Russian armed forces have eliminated more than 10,400 Ukrainian servicemen and 81 tanks during military operations in the border areas of the Kursk Region, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Friday.

In total, during the military operations in the Kursk direction, the enemy lost more than 10,400 servicemen, 81 tanks, 41 infantry fighting vehicles, 74 armored personnel carriers, 599 armored combat vehicles, 339 cars, the ministry said in a statement.

Over the past 24 hours, Kiev lost up to 300 servicepeople and 12 units of armored vehicles, including two armored personnel carriers and 10 armored combat vehicles, the ministry said.

Units of the Russian northern group repelled two attacks by Ukrainian troops and thwarted attempts by Ukrainian troops to attack in the Kursk Region, the ministry said, adding that Kiev has lost up to 30 servicepeople.

A Sputnik

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Secretary Blinken's Call with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Sybiha

US Department of State

Readout

Office of the Spokesperson

September 6, 2024

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Ukraine's new Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha. The Secretary congratulated Sybiha on his new position and underlined the enduring strength of the United States' partnership with Ukraine, including ongoing military, economic, and humanitarian support to sustain Ukraine's fight against Russia's aggression and speed the recovery of Ukraine's economy. The two discussed the upcoming diplomatic calendar, and the Secretary confirmed U.S. support for Ukrainian events planned for the opening week of the UN General Assembly.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Deputy Secretary Verma's Meetings in Kyiv, Ukraine

US Department of State

Readout

Office of the Spokesperson

September 6, 2024

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard R. Verma met today in Kyiv, Ukraine with senior Ukrainian officials. His meetings with Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, Minister of Finance Serhii Marchenko, and other senior officials reinforced ongoing U.S. support for Ukraine's economic recovery and resilience. They also discussed extraordinary revenue acceleration loans and emergency energy needs. Deputy Secretary Verma additionally met with representatives of the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine to discuss expanding war risk insurance for Ukraine, boosting private sector investment, and strengthening Ukraine's defense industrial base. Underscoring the importance of the private sector to Ukraine's economic recovery, senior representatives of several U.S. private companies joined Deputy Secretary Verma in Kyiv.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






United States Announces Significant New Military Assistance for Ukraine

US Department of State

Press Statement

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

September 6, 2024

The United States is providing a new $250 million package of urgently needed weapons and equipment to our Ukrainian partners as they defend against Russia's ongoing attacks.

This additional assistance, provided under a drawdown from Department of Defense stocks, includes: air defense missiles and support, munitions for rocket systems and artillery, anti-tank weapons, Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles and other armored vehicles, and other priority capabilities.

This announcement demonstrates the United States' enduring commitment to Ukraine's self-defense against Russia's brutal aggression. This assistance will be deployed as quickly as possible to bolster Ukraine's defense of its territory and its people. As President Biden has made clear, the United States and the international coalition we have assembled will continue to stand with Ukraine.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






UK to extend training programme for Ukrainian Armed Forces personnel throughout 2025

The UK has trained more than 45,000 Ukrainian recruits since Putin began his illegal full-scale invasion in 2022.

6 September 2024

The UK will train further cohorts of Ukrainian men and women to become soldiers on British soil, as part of this new government's commitment to stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.

The training operation, which continues to evolve to incorporate lessons identified from Ukraine's frontline, was due to come to an end this year but the scheme will now continue until at least the end of 2025.

The trainees will join the more than 45,000 Ukrainian personnel who have been trained under Operation Interflex since Russia's illegal invasion in 2022.

The Defence Secretary, John Healey MP, announced the extension at a meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (UDCG) at the US Air Force base in Ramstein, Germany, which was also attended by President Zelenskyy and more than 50 other nations.

The extension highlights that the UK remains ironclad in its commitment to supporting Ukraine fight Russian aggression.

The Defence Secretary discussed the training programme with his Ukrainian counterpart, Rustem Umerov, in London earlier this week, the meeting also focused on how the UK will continue to ramp-up support over the coming months, confirming that A300 million worth of artillery ammunition will start to be delivered by the end of this year.

Defence Secretary, John Healey MP, said:

Operation Interflex has provided the brave men and women of Ukraine the vital skills they need to defend their nation in the face of Putin's illegal invasion. The extension of this training, which is vital for Ukraine's defence, is another example of the UK's ironclad commitment to Ukraine. As I told our allies and partners today in Germany, the UK will continue to step up our support. We will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.

Delivered in locations throughout the UK, the programme takes volunteer recruits who have joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine with little to no previous military experience and teaches them the skills required for frontline combat. The training allows Ukraine's forces to accelerate their deployments, rebuild their forces, and scale-up their resistance as they continue to defend their nation against Russian invaders.

Over a minimum of five weeks, recruits will learn weapons handling, battlefield first aid, Law of Armed Conflict training, patrol tactics and receive rural environment training. With support from experienced British instructors, the brave men and women of Ukraine are supported as they become combat-ready soldiers.

This follows on from the UK announcing a A162m package of Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMM) to Ukraine at the UDCG meeting today, highlighting our commitment to ramping up and speeding up deliveries of vital equipment to support Ukraine's fight against Russia.

Following Russia's barbaric attacks on Poltava and Lviv this week, the UK is ensuring that this support to the front line as fast as we can.

From artillery ammunition to drones, the UK, thanks to a pledge to provide A3bn of military support each year, will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine for as long as it takes.

Operation Interflex is an example of the UK working with international partners to support Ukraine, with a number of international partner forces now members of the programme, providing vital experience, training and insight into frontline combat. These countries include Canada, New Zealand, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Lithuania, The Netherlands, Australia and Romania.

The vital training offered by the UK armed forces extends far beyond just basic infantry training, over the last two and half years we have supported training on UK supplied equipment, teaching Ukrainian medics life-saving battlefield medicine and running a two week training course for Ukrainian military chaplains as they offer vital spiritual and pastoral support to those on the front-line.

Alongside training for the Ukrainian Army, British Royal Air Force instructors have been training Ukrainian pilots on their journey to learning to fly F16 fighter jets. Pilots received basic flying training, including aircraft handling and navigation, alongside English language training to assist their further instruction on F16s with other NATO countries.

This latest announcement will continue to support the development of Ukraine's Armed Forces. From learning basic combat tactics, to being trained how to operate British Challenger II tanks and flying F16s, the UK is committed to teaching Ukrainian recruits' vital skills that are making a difference on the battlefield.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






The President Met with the Delegation of the U.S. Congress Led by Senator Lindsey Graham

President of Ukraine

6 September 2024 - 21:40

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with a bipartisan and bicameral delegation of the U.S. Congress in the framework of the 50th Ambrosetti International Forum in Italy.

The meeting was attended by Senator Lindsey Graham (Republican Party), Senator Ben Cardin (Democratic Party), Senator Roger Marshall (Republican Party), and Representatives Joe Wilson, William Timmons, and Russell Fry (Republican Party).

"We are very happy to have such a strategic partner. We are grateful to the Congress, President Biden, and the American people for your strong support and for many decisions that support our soldiers on the battlefield," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

The Head of State informed the audience in detail about the situation on the frontline, the results of the operation in the Kursk region, as well as the consequences of the Russian missile terror against Ukrainians and the critical infrastructure of our country.

During the meeting, they discussed the urgent needs of Ukraine's defenders on the battlefield. The key priorities include obtaining additional air defense systems and missiles for them, as well as expanding training missions for Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighters.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy once again emphasized that Ukraine needs permission to use long-range weapons provided by partners against military targets in Russia.

In addition, the President stressed the importance of developing joint defense production projects.

During the meeting, special attention was paid to the strengthening of sanctions against Russia, in particular in the energy and banking sectors, which would effectively reduce the ability of the aggressor state to continue the war against Ukraine.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






In Germany, Volodymyr Zelenskyy Met with Olaf Scholz

President of Ukraine

6 September 2024 - 17:23

During his working visit to Germany, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

The Ukrainian leader informed the Chancellor about the situation on the frontline and the consequences of Russian missile terror against the Ukrainian people and critical infrastructure.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Olaf Scholz for all the comprehensive assistance, especially military, received by Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion.

"Thank you that these supplies are of a permanent nature. It is very important. It is the foundation of our successful fight for Ukraine's independence. I am grateful for the leadership in strengthening our air defense system, which saves Ukrainian lives," the President said.

The Ukrainian leader commended the Government of Germany for ordering additional air defense systems of various configurations to strengthen the Armed Forces, as well as the decision to transfer additional Panzerhaubitze 2000 self-propelled howitzers and Leopard 1A5 tanks to Ukraine, which was announced at the Ramstein meeting.

Among the issues discussed at the meeting were the implementation of the bilateral security agreement and possible areas for expanding defense cooperation, including joint arms production.

The leaders paid special attention to the implementation of the Peace Formula. Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Olaf Scholz for his personal participation in the first inaugural Peace Summit. The parties discussed the implementation of its decisions and preparations for the second Summit.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Additional Air Defense Systems and Long-Range Capabilities: The President of Ukraine Met with the U.S. Secretary of Defense

President of Ukraine

6 September 2024 - 15:25

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin during the Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting in the Ramstein format.

"We are grateful for your clear stance on continuing to provide all necessary military support and for the leadership of the United States in the Ramstein format. This is the key to success on the battlefield," noted the President.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked the President of the United States for the announced $250 million military aid package. The parties discussed its contents and other needs of the Ukrainian Defense Forces.

The President also emphasized that Ukraine needs permission to use Western long-range weapons against military targets on Russian territory.

The President noted that due to the increased missile and bomb terror against Ukrainians and critical infrastructure by Russia Ukraine is in urgent need of additional air defense systems.

During the meeting, Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Lloyd Austin discussed how to expedite the delivery of military aid from already approved support packages and the expansion of training missions for Ukrainian pilots on F-16s.

The President also called on the U.S. to invest in Ukrainian weapons production.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Fewer adolescents are vaping this year than at any point in the last decade, government officials reported Thursday, pointing to a shrinking number of high school students who are using Elf Bar and other fruity, unauthorized e-cigarettes.

The latest survey numbers show the teen vaping rate fell to under 6% this year, down from 7.7% in 2023. More than 1.6 million students reported vaping in the previous month  about one-third the number in 2019, when underage vaping peaked with the use of discrete, high-nicotine e-cigarettes like Juul.

This years decline was mainly driven by a half-million fewer high school students who reported using e-cigarettes in the past month, officials said. Vaping was unchanged among middle schoolers, but remains less common in that group, at 3.5% of students.

This is a monumental public health win, FDAs tobacco director Brian King told reporters. But we cant rest on our laurels. Theres clearly more work to do to further reduce youth use.

King and other officials noted that the drop in vaping didnt coincide with a rise in other tobacco industry products, such as nicotine pouches.

Sales of small, flavored pouches like Zyn have surged among adults. The subject of viral videos on social media platforms, the pouches come in flavors like mint and cinnamon and slowly release nicotine when placed along the gumline. This years U.S. survey shows 1.8% of teens are using them, largely unchanged from last year.

Our guard is up, King said. Were aware of the reported growing sales trends and were closely monitoring the evolving tobacco product landscape.

The federal survey involved more than 29,000 students in grades 6 through 12 who filled out an online questionnaire in the spring. Health officials consider the survey to be their best measure of youth tobacco and nicotine trends. Thursdays update focused on vaping products and nicotine pouches, but the full publication will eventually include rates of cigarette and cigar smoking, which have also hit historic lows in recent years.

Officials from the FDA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention attributed the big drop in vaping to recent age restrictions and more aggressive enforcement against retailers and manufacturers, including Chinese vaping companies who have sold their e-cigarettes illegally in the U.S. for years.

Use of the most popular e-cigarette among teens, Elf Bar, fell 36% in the wake of FDA warning letters to stores and distributors selling the brightly colored vapes, which come in flavors like watermelon ice and peach mango. The brand is part of a wave of cheap, disposable e-cigarettes from China that have taken over a large portion of the U.S. vaping market. The FDA has tried to block such imports, although Elf Bar and other brands have tried to find workarounds by changing their names, addresses and logos.

Teen use of major American e-cigarettes like Vuse and Juul remained significant, with about 12% of teens who vape reporting use of those those brands.

In 2020, FDA regulators banned fruit and candy flavors from reusable e-cigarettes like Juul, which are now only sold in menthol and tobacco. But the flavor restriction didnt apply to disposable products, and companies like Elf Bar stepped in to fill the gap.

Other key findings in the report:

Among students who current use e-cigarettes, about 26% said they vape daily.

Nearly 90% of the students who vape used flavored products, with fruit flavors as the overwhelming favorite.

Zyn is the most common nicotine pouch among teens who use the products.
At the Ramstein Base, the President of Ukraine Met with the German Defense Minister

President of Ukraine

6 September 2024 - 14:56

As part of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting in the Ramstein format, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held talks with German Federal Defense Minister Boris Pistorius.

The Defense Minister expressed condolences over the deaths of dozens of Ukrainian men and women as a result of recent Russian missile attacks.

The President informed Boris Pistorius about the situation on the battlefield, Russia's constant attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, and efforts to mitigate their consequences, provide aid to those affected, and restore damaged facilities.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Germany for providing Ukraine with the largest volume of military aid among European countries since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion, particularly for air defense systems. He also shared details on the use of the air defense systems provided by Germany to protect the lives of Ukrainians.

"We thank your entire country and government. From the very beginning of this war, you have stood with us. We are grateful to your people for this," the President said.

During the meeting, they also discussed the timeline for the delivery of further defense assistance from Germany, specifically to enhance the protection of Ukraine's skies.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the need to grant Ukraine permission and the means to strike Russian air bases, where carriers of guided aerial bombs are located.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






At the Ramstein Meeting, the President Urged Partner Countries to Deliver Defense Packages on Time and Grant Permission for Long-Range Capabilities

President of Ukraine

6 September 2024 - 12:47

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy took part in the 24th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in the Ramstein format.

The Head of State noted that Ukraine is grateful for every package of support, but we need more weapons to drive out Russian troops, especially in the Donetsk region.

"Each of you understands how important it is for a soldier to know that the frontline is not only based on a soldier's loyalty to his country and his oath, but also on a sufficient supply of weapons. That is why it is important that every support package that is announced is promptly put to work on the battlefield - without any delay," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

The President also noted that a significant number of the systems that our country was supposed to receive after the decision taken at the NATO Summit have not yet been delivered.

"The world has enough air defense systems to ensure that Russian terror does not have results. I urge you to be more active in this work with us on air defense," he emphasized.

The Head of State also noted that Ukraine has already started operating F-16s that shoot down missiles and drones, but these aircraft are few.

The President urged the partners to allow the destruction of military targets in Russia with Western long-range weapons.

"Now we hear that your long-range policy has not changed, but we see changes in the ATACMS, Storm Shadows and Scalps - a shortage of missiles and cooperation. And this applies even to our territory, which is occupied by Russia, including Crimea. We think it is wrong that there are such steps. We need to have this long-range capability not only on the occupied territory of Ukraine, but also on the Russian territory, so that Russia is motivated to seek peace," Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Let's Make This Fall a Time for Russian Aggression to Fall - President's Speech at the 24th Meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in the Ramstein Format

President of Ukraine

6 September 2024 - 12:27

Thank you very much, Secretary Austin, thank you for the invitation and thank you very much for your leadership in this Ramstein format and for working with all of our partners. Thank you, dear partners, for your strong support.

Minister Pistorius, thank you very much for your support and highly practical and effective approach to cooperation and for welcoming us today.

Dear Ministers! Dear Generals! General Cavoli, General Brown! All our partners!

I'm glad to see all of you. And very much appreciate for continuously being with us since the start of this war and until now when our brigades hold the line on the battlefield thanks to the bravery of our Ukrainian people and your ironclad support. Now in Pokrovsk and in Toretsk in the Donetsk region of Ukraine it is especially overriding to feel the power of our agreements.

Dear friends!

Today marks one month since our army's operation began in the Kursk region of Russia. This is the borderland from which Putin was preparing to expand the war into Ukrainian territory - he was preparing to launch a new offensive against our city of Sumy. We've turned the tables and are pushing the war into Russia through our counteroffensive. Today, we control an area of more than thirteen hundred square kilometers in the Kursk region. And this includes one hundred settlements. A significant part of this territory was abandoned by Russian troops - they simply fled when they saw our forces approaching. Of course, a significant part of the territory was taken under control by our forces in the battles. So far, during the first month of our operation in the Kursk region, the Russian forces have lost about six thousand soldiers killed and wounded in Kursk only and other tens of thousands of Russian troops in other war zones.

Thanks to our actions, there is currently no threat that Russia will launch a new offensive operation on our territory against the city of Sumy, as was the case in May this year when Putin launched an assault against our city of Kharkiv.

We also see changes in the overall war situation.

First of all, as a result of our actions, Putin has shown his real interest. And this should be obvious even to those who could still believe that Putin is at war to protect some of his people or some of his security interests. At the same time as our advance in the Kursk region, the Russian army continues its offensive in Ukraine. The most capable units of the Russian army are involved in expanding the zone of occupation of our territory - in the Donetsk region. This is a clear choice by Moscow. Putin wants more Ukraine to occupy than he wants security for Russia. He doesn't care about Russian land and people - he just wants to grab as much of our land and as many of our cities as possible.

Secondly, Putin has already shed so much blood that against the backdrop of this blood, Russia's attempts to draw "red lines" simply do not work. Instead we need to keep our morale high for our joint values to rule the world and not the "red lines" soaked in blood. We have to sustain our spirit, stamina for the world to live by rules, to be governed by law and to ensure security for all of us, for all nations. And every operation that contributes to this, deserves your full support.

And third, we do want to end this war - we want peace. We want to save our people first of all, our country. It is Putin who doesn't want peace, and he is obsessed with territorial conquests. He wants our cities or the ruins that remain of them. And that is why we need strength. We need to force Russia to seek peace. We need to make Russian cities and even Russian soldiers think about what they need - peace or Putin? And it is realistic to push them to choose peace.

Dear partners, dear friends, I want to say a few things now in public and some things later without the press.

You all know that we are operating with a minimum of weaponry. Yes, we are grateful for every support package that is provided to Ukraine from you, from your countries. But we need more weapons to drive Russian forces off our land and especially in the Donetsk region.

Now, there are many people here at Ramstein who are actually warriors. And each of you understands how important it is for a soldier to know that the frontline is not only based on a soldier's loyalty to his country and his oath, but also on a sufficient supply of weapons. That is why it is important that every support package that is announced is promptly put to work on the battlefield - without any delay. The fighting in the Donetsk region depends on this. If Putin does not have any achievements there, he will not have any achievements anywhere or in anything.

Next.

I'm grateful to all partners for the fact that the NATO Summit in Washington was marked by decisions on air defense systems for Ukraine. I will not speak openly now about the number of systems we have received, thank you so much again, but the number of air defense systems that have not yet been delivered is significant. This is what was agreed upon, and this is what has not been fully implemented. The world has enough air defense systems to ensure that Russian terror does not have results. I urge you to be more active in this work with us on air defense. And we have already started operating F-16s. Thank you for this support, Secretary! And to you, partners! They strike down missiles and drones, they are very efficient but they are few. You know that. We need a much stronger fleet of F-16s, and I have proposals that I will say when the press leaves.

Third point.

Long-range capability. I'm glad that the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Italy are represented here. Thank you so much! I want to say this openly so that there is no speculation. Thanks to our joint courage, we have implemented very important operations, in particular in Crimea. These operations allowed us to return security to the Black Sea and our food exports. Now we hear that your long-range policy has not changed, but we see changes in the ATACMS, Storm Shadows and Scalps - a shortage of missiles and cooperation. And this applies even to our territory, which is occupied by Russia, including Crimea. We think it is wrong that there are such steps. We need to have this long-range capability not only on the occupied territory of Ukraine, but also on the Russian territory, so that Russia is motivated to seek peace.

And one more thing I would like to say.

Investments. We are ready to produce more of our own weapons, right here in Ukraine. We are ready to work with you on joint production. This includes drones, missiles, and other weapons that have proven themselves in combat and can strengthen your men and women in the Defense Forces after this war. To achieve this, we need funding - we are ready to quickly produce everything that will help us bring this war to an end, namely, by putting decisive pressure on Russia for real peace. Let's make this fall a time for Russian aggression to fall - in a way that will end the war and restore a reliable international security order.

We must do it.

Thank you very much again for all your support! Thank you so much for the invitation, Secretary!

Thank you! Glory to Ukraine!

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Ukraine's Zelenskyy emphasizes to allies the need to maintain military strength

By Carla Babb September 06, 2024

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told military allies meeting Friday in Germany that his country needs the long-range capability to strike deep inside Russian territory "so that Russia is motivated to seek peace."

"We need to make Russian cities, and even Russian soldiers, think about what they need: peace or Putin," Zelenskyy told members of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, a U.S.-led coalition of more than 50 nations that coordinates military support for Ukraine.

It marked the first time that the Ukrainian president had traveled to Ramstein Air Base in Germany to meet with the group.

Zelenskyy noted there has been no change in the U.S. policy, which does not allow Ukraine to use U.S.-supplied weapons to fire on targets deep within Russian territory. The White House has expressed concerns that could draw the United States into direct conflict with Russia.

When asked by reporters about Zelenskyy's request for U.S. permission to use American-supplied weapons to attack targets farther into Russian territory, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said there is no single capability that will be decisive in this war.

"Ukraine has a pretty significant capability of its own to address targets that are well beyond the range of ATACMS, or even Storm Shadow for that matter," he said, referencing two long-range missiles provided by the United States, and the United Kingdom and France, respectively.

He said that he thinks the conflict between Russia and Ukraine will ultimately be "resolved at a negotiating table, but when that point comes is hard to predict."

"We're going to continue to work to put Ukraine in the best possible position that it can be in, when and if that day comes in the future," he said.

However, other allies, like Canadian Defense Minister Bill Blair, said Friday the coalition should support what he called Zelenskyy's "very reasonable" request for more means to strike more long-range targets inside Russia, adding that the Ukrainians have made assurances that they would use the weapons in accordance with international law.

The Ukrainian president once again pressed the group for increased air-defense capabilities, as well.

Ukraine has been hit by wave after wave of drone and missile attacks in recent weeks, and Zelenskyy said the need for additional air-defense systems is clear. He thanked the group for the systems it has received but said there are a significant number of air-defense units promised that have not yet been delivered.

"The world has enough, has enough air-defense systems to ensure that Russian terror does not have results," he said. "And I urge you to be more active in this work with us on air defense."

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius told reporters Friday he was "disappointed" with the slow delivery time for the Patriot missile defense systems that were promised for Ukraine at a NATO summit in July.

"Up to now, they haven't yet arrived in Kyiv, and they do need them urgently, especially when it comes to the winter," he said.

Austin announced a new U.S. military aid package for Ukraine valued at $250 million that includes more ammunition for HIMARS and armored personnel carriers. At the opening of Friday's Ukraine Defense Contact Group, Austin said that allies would continue to help Ukraine "fend off Russian aggression today a and deter Russian aggression tomorrow." He said for its long-term security, however, Ukraine must continue to boost its own defense production.

He added that many contact group members already are supporting that effort, noting Denmark committed some of its latest $115 million security-assistance package to buying arms from Ukraine's defense industry.

Meanwhile, speaking Friday at a news briefing in Norway, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg urged Kyiv's allies to provide Ukraine with more military support, echoing Zelenskyy's message that a strong Ukraine offers the quickest path to ending the war.

Russian "President [Vladimir] Putin must realize that he cannot win on the battlefield but must accept a just and lasting peace, where Ukraine prevails as a sovereign and independent nation," the NATO chief said. "I call on all allies to continue their vital support, especially in this difficult phase of the war."

Some information for this report was provided by The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






San Jose, CA, Sept. 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- This year marks the 25th anniversary of Smash Mouths iconic hit All Star, and what better way to celebrate than with a flavor-packed collaboration with Ikes Love & Sandwiches? Known for its daring and delicious creations, Ikes is turning up the volume with not just one, but two special edition sandwiches: #167 Smash Mouth and #1999 Hey Now, Youre an All Star, both available at Ikes locations nationwide.

#167 Smash Mouth - This sandwich packs a punch with sizzling bacon, smooth cream cheese, and sharp provolone, all served on Ikes famous Dutch Crunch bread with their signature Dirty Sauce baked right in. Its a blend of flavors thats as bold and unforgettable as the band itself.

#1999 Hey Now, Youre an All Star - Inspired by the year Smash Mouth stormed onto the scene with their worldwide hit, this sandwich features a melody of spicy and savory with halal chicken, bacon, red pesto, sriracha, wasabi mayo, and pepper jack cheese, also on Dutch Crunch with Dirty Sauce. Its a tribute to a song thats been getting play on playlists for 25 years, designed to hit all the right notes with your taste buds.

Ike Shehadeh, the founder of Ikes Love & Sandwiches, shared his personal connection with the collaboration: Working with Smash Mouth to celebrate the 25th anniversary of All Star has been dope. Whenever Im in San Jose, I catch up with the guys; weve built a great friendship over the years. Its always fun hanging out and now, creating these awesome sandwiches together just adds to our shared adventures. Were excited to bring a piece of that friendship to everyone with these unique, flavor-packed sandwiches. Heres to good food, great music, and amazing friends!

Smash Mouth lead vocalist, Zach Goode, gave his take on this epic collab, Seeing our music celebrated through these amazing sandwiches is incredible. Ikes has really knocked it out of the park. We think fans of our music and epic food will love what weve come up with together. Heres to another 25 years of staying an All Star!

Ike added, Smash Mouth is the rarest of celebrity partners at Ikes. They are one of very few people who have TWO sandwiches on our menu. Its highest honor we can give someone and Im glad it's to commemorate their 25th Anniversary and our friendship.

The Smash Mouth and Hey Now, Youre an All Star sandwiches are available now at all Ikes Love & Sandwiches locations. Join the celebration, enjoy these limited-time offerings, and keep rocking like its 1999!

Get your backstage pass to Ikes Love & Sandwiches by joining Ikes Rewards at ikessandwiches.com. Raise your lighter and demand an encore by following @ikessandwiches on social media.

# # # # #



About Ikes Love & Sandwiches

If youve never been to Ikes Love & Sandwiches before, there really is no comparison. Ikes is about love first, then sandwiches, which is why they take extra special care to make sure there are great options for every kind of eater. No other restaurant in the world has more kick-ass options and endless combinations for meat lovers, vegetarian, vegan, halal, and gluten-free. Dutch Crunch bread paired with Ikes exclusive Dirty Sauce, a creamy garlic aioli toasted right into the bread, is a transcendent experience that will electrify your tastebuds. Ikes Love & Sandwiches has been voted the best sandwiches in the world (by Ikes mom). Start your love affair with Ikes and earn rewards today at ikessandwich.com. Help Ikes share the love and sandwiches on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.

Attachments




Scorpion Outdoors sets new standards in precision and value.

WINNIPEG, Manitoba, Sept. 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Scorpion Outdoors proudly announces its ongoing expansion and the introduction of its premium brand, Telson Optics, marking a significant milestone in the company's 15+ year history. Established as a trusted name in the outdoor and shooting industry, Scorpion Outdoors has embarked on an ambitious journey to enhance its product offerings and reach a global audience.

Under the new ownership three years ago, Scorpion Outdoors has redefined its mission by addressing a critical gap in the market: the need for high-quality shooting and outdoor products at reasonable prices. This shift was driven by the new owners' personal experiences as avid shooters and industry insiders, who recognized the potential to enrich the market while maintaining affordability.

The newly launched Telson Optics line embodies the company's commitment to excellence and value. Named after the scientific term for a scorpion's stinger, Telson Optics products, including premium rifle scopes , combine German engineering with Japanese craftsmanship and North American design, ensuring superior quality and performance. The optics range includes various innovative features, tailored to meet the rigorous demands of both amateur and professional users.

Scorpion Outdoors stands out in the industry not only for its products but also for its customer-focused approach. The company offers a lifetime "sting-free" warranty, promising comprehensive coverage and support for all its products. This commitment extends to ensuring quick and efficient service, with a guarantee that warranty issues will be resolved within 30 days, a stark contrast to the industry standard.

As part of its expansion strategy, Scorpion Outdoors is actively establishing its presence in the United States and South Africa, with plans to enter the Australian and European markets soon. Each country will host a dedicated warranty department, emphasizing the company's dedication to local support and fast service.

The expansion also reflects Scorpion Outdoors' broader goal to foster and support the shooting community worldwide. The company aims to introduce more people to shooting sports, thereby strengthening the industry's foundation and countering the challenges it faces, particularly in North America.

Looking ahead, Scorpion Outdoors is excited about its upcoming product launches, which include a target / competition optics, a hunting lineup available in MOA and MRAD formats, and a competition-grade tripod. Additionally, the company will continue to innovate with its Range Dial Shoot system, a unique feature that has been well-received in Canada and is poised for introduction in the U.S. and South African market.

With a clear vision for the next three years, including a debut at the Shot Show 2025 in the United States, Scorpion Outdoors is poised to make a significant impact on the global stage, demonstrating its commitment to quality, innovation, and community support in the shooting industry.

Contact

Brandon Schriemer

+1 866-225-6774

brandon@scorpionoutdoors.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/36893d99-9eca-4081-83ac-8ba6a3b60c71
New York, United States , Sept. 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Global Biological Buffers Market Size is Expected to Grow from USD 741.69 Million in 2023 to USD 1,524.14 Million by 2033, at a CAGR of 7.47% during the forecast period 2023-2033.





Get a Sample PDF Brochure: https://www.sphericalinsights.com/request-sample/5904

Biological buffers are significant structures that are present in living organisms that control pH levels, maintain stability, and help in cellular functions. Compounds that keep pH stability in biological systems are the focus of the biological buffers market. In medicine, research, and diagnostics, these buffers are important. Both stable drug formulation and accurate experimental outcomes are guaranteed by these biological buffer. Tris, HEPES, and phosphate buffers are important products. Innovations in the biological and life sciences are primarily driving the market. Demand is increased through increased R&D and biopharmaceutical production. The main drivers of the market's expansion are rising research activity, an increase in the need for blood and plasma, and technological improvement. Protein purification, electrophoresis, and chromatography are just a few of the research applications that depend on biological buffers, which are driving demand for these types of instruments. However, the high cost and availability of alternatives restrict the commercial growth of biological buffers.

Browse key industry insights spread across 250 pages with 110 Market data tables and figures & charts from the report on the " Global Biological Buffers Market Size, Share, and COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Type (Phosphate Type, Acetate Type, TRIS Type, and Others), By Application (Research Institution, Pharmaceutical Industry, and Others), and By Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa), Analysis and Forecast 2023  2033."

Buy Now Full Report: https://www.sphericalinsights.com/checkout/5904

The phosphate type segment is predicted to hold a greatest market share through the forecast period.

Based on the type, the biological buffers market is classified into phosphate type, acetate type, tris type, and others. Among these, the phosphate type segment is predicted to hold the greatest market share through the forecast period. Numerous factors contribute to the phosphate type, such as the need for additional biochemical research, shifting consumer preferences and behaviors, and the growth of the economies in fresh markets.

The research institution segment is anticipated to hold the greatest market share during the projected timeframe.

Based on the application, the biological buffers market is divided into research institutions, the pharmaceutical industry, and others. Among these, the research institution segment is anticipated to hold the greatest market share during the projected timeframe. The need for high-quality biological buffers among research institutions is increased by the necessity of advanced biological buffers for maintaining the stability and accuracy of these models.

Inquir Before Buying This Research Report: https://www.sphericalinsights.com/inquiry-before-buying/5904

Europe is estimated to hold the largest share of the biological buffers market over the forecast period.

Europe is estimated to hold the largest share of the biological buffers market over the forecast period. Europe's strong base in biotechnology and pharmaceutical research contributes to biological buffers. Many important research centers and pharmaceutical businesses in the region require dependable, high-quality biological buffers for a range of uses, including molecular diagnostics and drug development.

Asia Pacific is predicted to have the highest CAGR growth in the biological buffers market over the forecast period. A key driver is the rapidly increasing market for diagnostics and biopharmaceuticals in the Asia Pacific region. Distribution networks and market presence are enhanced through partnerships with foreign pharmaceutical companies in the region.

Competitive Analysis:

The report offers the appropriate analysis of the key organizations/companies involved within the global market along with a comparative evaluation primarily based on their product offering, business overviews, geographic presence, enterprise strategies, segment market share, and SWOT analysis. The report also provides an elaborative analysis focusing on the current news and developments of the companies, which includes product development, innovations, joint ventures, partnerships, mergers & acquisitions, strategic alliances, and others. This allows for the evaluation of the overall competition within the market. Major key players in the biological buffers market include WuXi AppTec, Charles River Laboratories, Merck KGaA, Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Avantor, GE Healthcare, Santa Cruz Biotechnology, Inc., Lonza Group Ltd., Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Hamilton Company, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Novartis AG, Aurobindo Pharma, and Others.

Get Discount At @ https://www.sphericalinsights.com/request-discount/5904

Recent Developments

In January 2023, the biological safety testing division of Eurofins Scientific was announced to have been purchased by Charles River Laboratories. This acquisition will allow Charles River to enhance its biological safety testing capabilities, allowing it to better serve the growing need for this type of service.

Market Segment

This study forecasts revenue at global, regional, and country levels from 2023 to 2033. Spherical Insights has segmented the biological buffers market based on the below-mentioned segments:

Global Biological Buffers Market, By Type

Phosphate Type

Acetate Type

TRIS Type

Others

Global Biological Buffers Market, By Application

Research Institution

Pharmaceutical Industry

Others

Global Biological Buffers Market, By Regional Analysis

North America US Canada Mexico

Europe Germany UK France Italy Spain Russia Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific China Japan India South Korea Australia Rest of Asia Pacific

South America Brazil Argentina Rest of South America

Middle East & Africa UAE Saudi Arabia Qatar South Africa Rest of the Middle East & Africa



Browse Related Reports

Global Burn Care Market Size, Share, and COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Product (Advanced Dressing, Biologics, Traditional Burn Care Products, and Others), By Depth of Burn (Minor Burns, Partial Thickness Burns, Full Thickness Burns), By Cause (Thermal Burns, Electrical Burns, Radiation Burns, Chemical Burns, Friction Burns), and By Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa), Analysis and Forecast 2023  2033.

Global Diabetes Associated Ophthalmic Treatment Market Size, Share, and COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Type (Devices, Drugs), By Application (Glaucoma, Diabetic Retinopathy, Eye Allergy & Infection, Dry Eye Syndrome, Diabetic Associated Macular Degeneration, Cataract, Uveitis), By End-Use (Ambulatory Surgical Centers, Hospitals, and Ophthalmic Centers), and By Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa), Analysis and Forecast 2023  2033.

Global Dentures Market Size, Share, and COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Material (Acrylic Dentures, Flexible Dentures, Ceramic Dentures, Metal Dentures), By Type (Complete, Partial), By End-Use (Hospitals, Dental Clinics), and By Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa), Analysis and Forecast 2023 - 2033.

Global Biohacking Market Size, Share, and COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Product (Supplements, Wearables, Smart Drugs, and Implants (Chips)), By Application (Genetic Engineering, Diagnosis and Treatment, Drug Testing, and Forensic Science), By End-Use (Research & Academic Institutes, Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Companies, Forensic Laboratories, and Hospitals & Clinics), and By Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa), Analysis and Forecast 2023  2033.

About the Spherical Insights & Consulting

Spherical Insights & Consulting is a market research and consulting firm which provides actionable market research study, quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight especially designed for decision makers and aids ROI.

Which is catering to different industry such as financial sectors, industrial sectors, government organizations, universities, non-profits and corporations. The company's mission is to work with businesses to achieve business objectives and maintain strategic improvements.

CONTACT US:

For More Information on Your Target Market, Please Contact Us Below:

Phone: +1 303 800 4326 (the U.S.)

Phone: +91 90289 24100 (APAC)

Email: inquiry@sphericalinsights.com, sales@sphericalinsights.com

Contact Us: https://www.sphericalinsights.com/contact-us

Follow Us: LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter
BEIJING, Sept. 07, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Aerospace Information Industry International Ecosystem Conference 2024 was held on Tuesday in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality as covered by China News Network, who attended as media representatives to report on the event. Many experts attending the conference said that the all-weather and accurate time and space data provided by the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) can meet the demands of various smart terminals in the digital era.



The BDS is a global navigation system constructed and operated independently by China. As a significant space infrastructure, it provides all-time, all-weather and high-accuracy positioning, navigation and timing services to global users.





By the end of 2023, BDS had been incorporated into initiatives of international organizations such as civil aviation, maritime affairs, search and rescue, mobile communication and global rescue.







Li Deren, academician at both the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Chinese Academy of Engineering, said the BDS has been applied to all walks of life, constantly generating new business forms and industrial chains.



For instance, last-mile autonomous driving can be realized with the BeiDou real-time sensing technology during complex urban road conditions.

According to Yu Chengdong, executive director of Huawei and chairman of the Board of Directors of the Consumer BG, in recent years, the company has launched the BDS applications in a number of its cellphones. In the future, the company will develop a seamless and three-dimensional super connection based on satellite internet to achieve all-time communication between the Earth and other planets.

PR Contact:

Wen Tianxia

Email: guojixinwenbu@chinanews.com.cn

Phone Number: +86(010)68315046

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/52e09123-3d6f-40c3-b355-6033a68f8a99

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e0a8f299-e795-40cc-9be5-090a0a6873ed
NEW YORK, Sept. 07, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of securities of Spire Global, Inc. (NYSE: SPIR) between March 6, 2024 and August 14, 2024, both dates inclusive (the Class Period), of the important October 21, 2024 lead plaintiff deadline.



SO WHAT: If you purchased Spire Global securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.

WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Spire Global class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=28159 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than October 21, 2024. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.

WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs Bar. Many of the firms attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.

DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, during the Class Period, defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) there were embedded leases of identifiable assets and pre-space mission activities for certain Space Services contracts; (2) Spire Global lacked effective internal controls regarding revenue recognition for these contracts; (3) as a result, Spire Global overstated revenue for certain Space Services contracts; and (4) as a result of the foregoing, defendants positive statements about Spire Globals 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.

To join the Spire Global class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=28159 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action.

No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investors ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, 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
Singapore, Singapore , Sept. 07, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In response to increasing regulatory "Know Your Customer" (KYC) compliance requirements and significant fines recently imposed on major banks in Singapore, Canada, and India, FlexM is excited to announce the launch of FlexComply. This comprehensive, cloud-based solution is designed to streamline KYC and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance for banks, fintech companies, and other regulated financial institutions globally.

Addressing the Challenges of KYC Compliance

The KYC process has become a substantial financial and operational burden for financial institutions. A recent study shows that banks and other financial institutions spend an average of $60 million annually on KYC compliance. These costs stem from labor-intensive manual processes, technology investments, and penalties for non-compliance. The lengthy timeframes required for onboarding new customers, which average 32 days, further exacerbate these challenges, leading to customer dissatisfaction and loss. In fact, 85% of businesses report negative experiences with KYC processes, and 12% of customers switch to competitors due to slow or cumbersome onboarding procedures.

FlexComply: A Solution for Streamlined Compliance

FlexComply is an end-to-end compliance platform that offers a 360-degree AML risk assessment of customers, from onboarding through ongoing monitoring and periodic reviews. This integrated solution ensures all regulatory requirements are met within a single system, helping financial institutions remain audit-ready and significantly reducing both costs and time associated with compliance.

Key Features of FlexComply:

KYC/KYB - Comprehensive Identity Verification and Screening: Facilitates customer due diligence during onboarding and regular checks, based on risk profiles.

Facilitates customer due diligence during onboarding and regular checks, based on risk profiles. AI-Driven Risk Scoring: Employs advanced algorithms to provide precise risk assessments for both individual and corporate clients.

Employs advanced algorithms to provide precise risk assessments for both individual and corporate clients. Transaction Monitoring: Continuously monitors transactions to identify and flag suspicious activities, enhancing fraud detection capabilities.

Continuously monitors transactions to identify and flag suspicious activities, enhancing fraud detection capabilities. Enhanced Due Diligence: Offers in-depth analysis for high-risk customers and transactions, minimizing potential exposure to financial crime.

Offers in-depth analysis for high-risk customers and transactions, minimizing potential exposure to financial crime. Ongoing Monitoring and Periodic Reviews: Ensures customer profiles are up-to-date and compliant with current regulations through regular monitoring and reviews.

Ensures customer profiles are up-to-date and compliant with current regulations through regular monitoring and reviews. Alert Management: Centralized management of alerts allows for timely intervention on fraud detection and compliance breaches.

Centralized management of alerts allows for timely intervention on fraud detection and compliance breaches. Regulatory Reporting: Automates the creation of compliance reports, simplifying the documentation process for audits and inspections.

Automates the creation of compliance reports, simplifying the documentation process for audits and inspections. Workflow Management: Streamlines workflow processes for compliance teams, promoting efficiency and collaboration in adherence to regulatory standards.

"FlexComply empowers financial institutions to significantly reduce the time and costs associated with KYC compliance," said Rune Nilsson, Chairman of FlexM. "Our solution not only simplifies compliance but also helps institutions focus on enhancing customer satisfaction by minimizing the administrative burden and ensuring faster, more accurate onboarding."

Understanding the KYC Burden

The challenges associated with KYC compliance are significant. Financial institutions globally spend billions annually on KYC and AML efforts, with a substantial portion dedicated to labor-intensive manual processes, fragmented data systems, and adapting to evolving regulations. According to a recent report, banks allocate up to 3-5% of their total operational budget to compliance activities, with KYC being a major driver of these costs. The complexity is compounded by varying regulatory requirements across different jurisdictions, requiring institutions to maintain accurate and current customer information across disparate systems.

FlexComply addresses these pain points by automating and streamlining KYC processes. By integrating data from multiple sources, reducing false positives, and ensuring compliance with the latest regulations, FlexComply enables institutions to cut down on KYC-related expenses, reduce onboarding times, and improve overall customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.

About FlexM:

FlexM is a leading Fintech-as-a-Service platform headquartered in Singapore, specializing in providing innovative financial solutions. Our mission is to simplify financial services and enhance operational efficiency and compliance for financial institutions worldwide.

Contact Information:

Rune Nilsson

Chairman, FlexM

Email: rune.nilsson@flexm.com

Phone: +47 9280 4000

Naveed Weldon

CEO, FlexM

Email: naveed.weldon@flexm.com

Phone: +65 9876 5432

For more information about FlexMs services and partnerships, please visit our website at www.flexm.com.





Attachment
The University of Virginia is investigating an alleged act of antisemitism after an Israeli flag inside one of its academic buildings was defaced this past week.

It is a sign that, four months on, tensions remain high after UVa and colleges across the country cracked down on student-led protests over Israels ongoing war with Palestinian terror group Hamas.

UVa officials reported on Friday, a little more than a week after classes began, that an Israeli flag hanging inside Rouss Hall, home to the universitys McIntire School of Commerce, was vandalized with the statement Where is Palestine.

The flag was part of a showcase representing the home countries of past and current McIntire students that was installed in 2019.

McIntire Dean Nicole Thorne Jenkins said the matter has been reported to the police and the University Office for Equal Opportunity and Civil Rights; it will be treated as an act of antisemitism, she said.

This is a direct violation of our community of trust and mutual respect, as well as an illegal act of vandalism that will not be tolerated by the McIntire School or the University, Jenkins said in her statement. Questions about the showcase of flags are welcome; however, this was an act of vandalism. Vandalism is not protected speech: it is criminal conduct. Moreover, this act of vandalism targeted and defaced the flag of the worlds only Jewish state. I have spoken with the Provost and we agree that on its face, this appears to be an act of antisemitism and will likely be experienced by many in our community as such.

Provost Ian Baucom and UVa President Jim Ryan issued a joint statement standing behind Jenkins and the investigation.

This act of antisemitism is antithetical to the values and norms of the McIntire School and the University as a whole, the pair said. As we all begin another year together on Grounds, we want to make it as clear as possible that while we are committed to free expression, vandalism is not protected speech. Like bigotry and harassment of any kind, it has no place at the University.

Jenkins reassured the university community that the flag has been removed but will be replaced.

Let me be clear: all forms of bigotry and intimidation  antisemitism, any other form of religious, racist, or other discrimination  have no place at McIntire or anywhere at the University, she said in her statement. This community strives to be welcoming and inclusive of all backgrounds and affinities, and when any member of our community is made to feel unsafe or unwelcome, it adversely affects us all.

The vandalism is evidence that a summer away has not soothed tensions on Grounds.

During the spring semester, the university called in the state police to break up an encampment of protesters that had been established on Grounds between University Chapel and the schools iconic Rotunda. Like similar movements at Columbia University, Virginia Tech and others, the UVa student-led protest was demanding the school divest from its financial ties to Israel, which has been locked in a bloody war in the Gaza territory since Hamas launched a surprise attack on the country on Oct. 7.

Palestinian terrorists killed nearly 1,200 people on Oct. 7, the majority of them civilians, and took roughly 250 hostages  many of whom, including a young Virginian, have since died. Another 40,000 more have been killed since then, a majority of them Palestinian women and children. To date, neither side has been able to broker a cease-fire, despite calls for one within and without Israel.

There were 27 people charged with trespassing at UVa after Virginia State Police broke up the encampment on May 4. The cases against nearly all of them have been dismissed. Four active cases remain. While they too likely could have had their cases dismissed, they are attempting to take on the commonwealth in court, maintaining that UVa and the state police  who indiscriminately pepper-sprayed protesters, bystanders and the press  acted unjustly and violated their right to free speech.

Outside of criminal charges, 11 students who participated in the protest are awaiting trial before the schools University Judiciary Committee, a student-run body that adjudicates alleged violations of the universitys standards of conduct, which could include withholding diplomas for those students who were meant to graduate this past spring and suspension or expulsion for those students still enrolled at UVa.
A 45-year-old Corvallis man accused of domestic violence against his girlfriend now faces allegations of witness tampering.

Jordan Silas Heeter is charged in Benton County Circuit Court with felony counts of second-degree kidnapping and strangulation as well as misdemeanor fourth-degree assault from an arrest in July.

On Thursday, Sept. 5, Heeter was arraigned on two felony counts of tampering with a witness in the same case, according to court documents, which claim he tried making the alleged victim call law enforcement or the District Attorneys Office to tell them to drop the charges against him.

Court documents state the alleged victim was particularly vulnerable due to cognitive impairment.

The victim alleges Heeter attacked her after she confronted him at their shared residence with accusations that he was still involved with an ex-girlfriend, according to a probable cause affidavit. She told authorities Heeter threw her to the ground, got on top of her, and choked her.

Unable to breathe or call for help and fearing for her life, the victim tried to bite Heeters hand and kick him, the affidavit states.

Heeter briefly let go of (her) throat, so she started to scream for help, the affidavit states. Heeter then took one of his hands and covered (her) mouth, again blocking her airway.

Heeter allegedly grabbed the victim by her hair and dragged her down a flight of stairs on her stomach, according to the affidavit, which states she could not recall exactly what happened next, but she managed to run out of the house to a neighbor who let her in and called her mom.

The victims mom took her to Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center, where law enforcement documented extensive bruising on both her elbows, and some bruising on her thighs and around her neck, the affidavit states.

Court documents show Heeter was released after posting $5,000 bail July 9 and is scheduled for a probable cause preliminary hearing Sept. 30.

In 2010, Heeter was charged with attempted murder for allegedly trying to shoot his estranged wifes boyfriend at an Albany residence.

Police said at the time that Heeter, believed to be under the influence of alcohol, banged and kicked on the front door of the womans home until he was let in, then he pointed a gun at her boyfriend.

She intervened and took Heeter into a bedroom, closing the door behind them, and Heeter allegedly fired a shot through the door, missing the man who was standing on the other side. Two children, ages 4 and 7, were reportedly sleeping in the next room and were unharmed.

The man suffered minor injuries from debris off the door and a mirror that was attached to it.

According to court records, Heeter later pleaded guilty to attempting to commit a felony and was sentenced to three years in prison.

Heeters criminal history includes convictions for criminal mischief, recklessly endangering another person, driving under the influence, harassment and disorderly conduct, according to court records.
Apple iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus: what we know so far

Next week Apple will introduce the iPhone 16 series during an event dubbed Its Glowtime. Here is what we think we know about the new models  here we will focus on the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus, the two Pros will be covered in a separate article.

The launch

Apple has officially confirmed that the iPhone 16 series will be unveiled on September 9 (Monday). The event will start at 5 PM UTC.

The more important question is when the phones will be available  according to Mark Gurman, all four iPhone 16 models are on track for a speedy pre-order (right after the event) and a September 20 launch.

Apple Intelligence is reportedly delayed and wont be available on launch day. Instead, it should arrive as an update in October. However, this delay will not affect the iPhone 16 launch.

The design

There hasnt been a significant evolution in vanilla iPhone design since the iPhone 11, unless you count the arrival of the Dynamic Island as significant. The overall look for the 16-series will remain the same, but dummies have been photographed showing some tweaks.

The rectangular camera island will be squished horizontally, aligning the two cameras vertically. This also moves the LED flash off the island and onto the back.

Apple iPhone 16 dummies

The dummies also reveal (all?) launch colors. These should be more saturated than the Pro models, which traditionally only get the lightest of hues.

Action and Capture buttons

Side views of dummies show the tentatively named Action and Capture buttons, which will trigger custom actions and will act as a camera shutter key, respectively. This does mean that the Alert Slider will be removed, however.

All four iPhone 16 models will have an Action button

And a capture button

Apparently, the Capture button will be more of a capacitive trackpad than a physical button, allowing swiping gestures  this could be used to control zoom, for example.

Same(-ish) displays

The iPhone 16 will have a 6.1 display, the iPhone 16 Plus display will be larger at 6.7, just as last year. However, both of these will be smaller than the respective Pro variants, which will have 6.3 and 6.9 diagonals. The bezels will be thinner, so we can expect slightly smaller dimensions on the vanilla and Plus models (the Pros will grow by a few millimeters).

The displays will be the same, save for slightly slimmer bezels

All four models will use the wide Dynamic Island hole in the display and that is unlikely to change for the vanilla models next year (the Pros could start moving hardware below the screen).

And, no, there will be no ProMotion, both iPhone 16 and 16 Plus displays will run at 60Hz like in the dark ages. Now that is something that might change for the 2025 vanilla pair, if you can hold out that long.

Apple A18 chipsets and AI for all

We already mentioned that Apple Intelligence will be delayed  but, crucially, it will eventually arrive on the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus. The 15 and 15 Plus are missing out because of their older chipsets (A16) and limited RAM capacities (6GB).

That wont be the case for the 16-series, however. Apple, like every other tech company right now, sees AI as the next big thing. This means that the new phones will have an NPU fast enough for quick on-device processing and enough RAM to hold the relatively large AI models.

That isnt to say that Apple will go wild with RAM capacities, at least not yet. This year the vanilla and Plus models are expected to get 8GB of RAM, next years successors could go up to 12GB (or not). Google increased the RAM capacity on the Pixel 9 series, but reserved part of it so that the AI model can always stay loaded in memory  ready to respond at a moments notice. Whether Apple does the same remains to be seen.

The non-Pro phones might get fewer GPU cores, but that shouldnt affect AI performance. And with their 60Hz displays, extra GPU power isnt needed anyway.

Same(-ish) cameras

As we already saw, the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus will have two cameras  no surprises here. Rumors suggest that the two phones will use the exact same 48MP main camera as on their 15-series predecessors. The jump from 12MP on 14-series and older models was quite big and we cant expect a similar improvement every year.

As for the ultra wide camera, it will be mostly the same except for an upgraded lens  it will have a brighter f/2.2 aperture (compared to f/2.4) for improved low-light performance. Even better, it will have autofocus, allowing it to shoot macro photos.

Weve heard rumors of other changes, e.g. JPEG XL support in the camera app (as an alternative to HEIC). And we already covered the Capture button above.

What comes next

Just a brief overview of what analysts predict will happen in 2025. This might be the end of the road for the large Plus series, which will allegedly give way to the iPhone 17 Slim. This one will have a slightly smaller 6.6 display, according to analyst Jeff Pu, which will further separate it from the Pro Max model (6.9).

Both the iPhone 17 and 17 Slim will retain the Dynamic Island, but will feature an upgraded 24MP selfie camera. The Pros should have a smaller Island, so there will be a noticeable difference between vanilla and Pro. At least the vanilla pair should finally get high refresh rate screens.

Anyway, there are a lot of rumors about the iPhone 17 generation flying around right now and their plausibility is fairly dubious. For example, weve heard that the iPhone 17 Slim will have only one rear camera but will be more expensive than the 17 Pro Max. One or both of these might not be true. Still, we thought that it was important to mention these things as context for what the iPhone 16 series will represent in terms of upgrades.

There is also the iPhone SE 4 to consider, which will complete Apples transition to OLED. The new SE will likely arrive in Q1 2025.
We welcomed the vanilla Google Pixel 9 and the Pixel 9 Pro XL flagship at the end of August, now attention shifts towards the small Pro and Googles next-generation foldable.

The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold shifts to a more traditional 20:9 aspect ratio for the cover display, compared to 17.4:9 for the original Pixel Fold. Also, the inner display grows significantly with the new 8 diagonal. Theres also the more efficient Tensor G4 chipset, but that pretty much covers the major upgrades this year.

For reference, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 is slightly more expensive.

The Google Pixel 9 Pro isnt here just yet, it will launch on September 16 (Monday). While not the smallest flagship around (both the Galaxy S24 and iPhone 15 Pro are smaller), it stands out with the 48MP 113mm periscope and 48MP ultra wide cameras, as well as the 42MP ultra wide selfie camera.

The Samsung Galaxy S24 is noticeably cheaper than the Pixel and it will have the same 7 years of support (the Z Fold6 will as well). However, the S24 has half the RAM capacity, a smaller 4,000mAh battery and less impressive cameras  10MP 3x tele and 12MP ultra wide.

Note that the Pixel 9 Pro comes with a free storage upgrade. Also, Amazon offers extra credit as bonus when trading in an old device.

This applies to the Google Pixel 9 and 9 Pro XL too, both get a free storage upgrade and trade-in bonus.

The Google Pixel Watch 3 will start shipping on Tuesday. This generation comes in 41mm size as the first two, but now you can opt for a larger 45mm model too  in addition to increasing the screen size from 1.2 to 1.4, you also get a larger 420mAh battery (up from 307mAh).

Finally, the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 deserve a mention  the new Tensor A1 chipset promises double the noise cancellation of the original Pros. However, these wont launch until later this month, so well have to revisit them.

We may get a commission from qualifying sales.
For months, a Starlink antenna secretly installed on a US warship remained undetected, even though it spread a Wi-Fi signal called STINKY and was networked with cables and repeaters throughout the ship. Some of the crew wanted to have Internet access on the high seas just like at home, but private Internet access is a security risk and therefore prohibited. Although STINKY did not go undetected, three ship-wide searches of the USS Manchester found nothing. The "ingenious trick": the antenna was lashed down on deck, where nobody was looking.

Anzeige

Only a civilian, who had to set up a military Starlink system (Spaceshield) during a stopover in a port, found the telltale white civilian antenna and reported it. The unauthorized antenna was then removed  and reinstalled the next day. The operator, a high-ranking non-commissioned officer on the US Navy ship, was able to claim that the antenna was authorized for use in port, although this was not true. When the matter really came to light a week later, the NCOs tried to find a scapegoat. In the end, there were penalties for around 15 NCOs and a military criminal conviction for the sailor who orchestrated STINKY.

STINKY becomes a printer

As the Navy Times reports on the basis of military documents, the woman with the rank of Command Senior Chief (NATO code OR-9) purchased a Starlink High Performance Kit in March 2023 at a price of 2,800 US dollars and smuggled it on board the ship, which was built for coastal warfare. As part of a rappelling operation, an unidentified person installed the antenna on an outside deck by lashing it to a wooden pallet with cable ties.

The seaman only instructed 15 seamen of the same, highest non-commissioned officer rank. They were only allowed to use the WLAN in their cabin and had to pay one-sixteenth of the monthly Starlink bill of 1,000 dollars. When the ship set off on a mission in the Western Pacific, it turned out that the WLAN did not reach all cabins. During a stay in Pearl Harbor in late April or early May 2023, the woman procured Ethernet cables and repeaters to make the secret Internet access available throughout the ship. The purchase was made in a US Navy store of all places, but apparently attracted just as little attention as the new cables on board.

However, the WLAN did attract attention on the ship, as it was probably set up in such a way that everyone could see the SSID. Other crew members soon asked about STINKY, whereupon the woman renamed the SSID so that it looked like a WLAN printer. There are no such printers on the ship.

Three unsuccessful searches

Anzeige

The NCO lied to a superior officer several times; in June 2023, she also stole a written message from a mailbox on board. Lower ranks would also have liked to have internet access and felt disadvantaged. A search found nothing. In July, another written communication did reach the commander, who had a second search carried out, without any results. The commander then announced that there was no WLAN on board. A third unsuccessful search followed in August after another report by a seaman who had disembarked. Nobody thought to search on deck.

A civilian spotted the illegal Starlink antenna (red arrow) and took this photo, which eventually found its way into the court file. (Image: Militargerichtsakte (via Navy Times))

It was only the civilian who had to install SpaceX Starshield equipment who happened to spot the unexpected Starlink antenna, took a photo and got the ball rolling. When the installation could no longer be denied, the operator claimed that it had only been used in ports. Less strict guidelines apply there for US warships. As "proof", she presented a manipulated excerpt from the usage history of her Starlink account, but it was so badly manipulated that it quickly became apparent.

Partial confession

Finally, the non-commissioned officer made a partial confession: before a military court in San Diego, she pleaded guilty to willful neglect of duty and two counts of lying to superiors. She pleaded not guilty to obstruction of justice, but was also found guilty of this. In March 2024, her pay grade was reduced by two ranks.

To make matters worse, the woman had previously worked in the US Navy's intelligence service and specialized in IT security and digital management as part of her business studies. "Her training as an IT should have taught her that commercial equipment would not be allowed on board the ship without (special approval)," the ruling states, "This same experience and training should have made her realize that such an application would not have been approved because of the lack of signal limiting and security hardening."

Internet is good for morale

Meanwhile, the US Navy itself is installing Starlink on warships to keep the crew happy. This project was initiated by an officer on the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln. It uses a device called Sailor Edge Afloat and Ashore (SEA2), which contains special precautions for IT security. First tested in 2022, SEA2 is now being installed at high pressure on as many ships as possible.

2 technicians install the approved Starlink system SEA2 on board the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) (Image: US Navy (gemeinfrei))

A press release from August 20 , which has since been deleted, describes the enormous benefits. Internet access has "completely transformed what life at sea means on board the USS Abraham Lincoln. Sailors' morale and work performance are boosted by the fast, stable and secure connection. A new Internet culture has developed around safe and healthy Wi-Fi use aboard an active warship. Last February, during the SEA2 test phase, there was a live Super Bowl party, which has never been done before."

The fact that the approval process for SEA2 only took five months shows just how urgent the US Navy is. Normally something like this takes years.

(ds)
In the summer of 1995, as Yitzhak Rabin pushed forward with the Oslo Accords based on territorial compromise, Benjamin Bibi Netanyahu, spearheaded protests against the Oslo process and Rabin himself. While Rabins assassination that year almost derailed Bibis political career given his proactive participation in demonstrations that called for Rabins death, it was a string of Hamas bombings in Jerusalem in 1996 that put Netanyahus star again on the ascent. Fiercely against ceding land to any potential Palestinian state, the Bibi brand of politics was populist from its provenance, intensifying further as Oslo proceeded, and ultimately yielding the biggest dividend to Netanyahu  the post of Prime Minister in 1996.

On September 3, 2024, about half a million Israelis took to the streets, chanting against Netanyahu, bringing the state to a halt. Led by Israels largest trade unions such as Histadrut, the protests were triggered by Hamas murder of six hostages and directed against Netanyahu for his failure to bring them home, even as the death toll in Gaza continued to rise. A year earlier, in July, Israel saw the then-largest street demonstrations in its history, against Netanyahus attempts to constitutionally subvert the judiciary after being indicted for corruption. However, while global protests against Israels killings of Palestinian civilians in Gaza continue, the ongoing protests within Israel are different in character. At once, they represent Netanyahus enduring legacy and the cost incurred as the longest-serving premier.

The Netanyahu doctrine

Netanyahus early years as Prime Minister revealed the fundamentals of his politics that he would exacerbate in the decades to come. Politically, he famously wavered on the two-state solution, paying lip service to American demands under successive Presidents from Clinton to Obama while domestically working against a Palestinian state, sanctioning more settlements over the years. Economically, Netanyahu undid Ben-Gurions over-reliance on foreign capital and pursued economic autonomy. The failure of Oslo along with the second Intifada allowed Netanyahu to focus on his Thatcherite neo-liberal reforms and private-sector growth without the need to placate Washington with participation in a peace process.

For perspective on the endurance of this approach, Israels foreign exchange reserves reached an all-time high in June 2024. Supporting these broader planks, was Bibis focus on security; specifically on Hamas and its rocket attacks from Gaza. This allowed Netanyahu to oversee key measures including the Iron Dome, a 40-mile smart fence, among others. As he earned the moniker, Mr Security, Hamas in turn also became a vital necessity for Netanyahu as the immediate, proximate, and enduring object of Israeli insecurity. To that end, Bibi reportedly encouraged indirect Qatari funding to the group, even as rocket-airstrike exchanges between Israel and Hamas became routine, incrementally increasing in scale. Collectively, these produced the Netanyahu Doctrine that has made security its centre-piece combined with a steady consolidation of Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory.

Even as massive protests for social justice  triggered by rising inequality  rocked his government in 2011, Netanyahus politics since the 2013 elections has only driven him farther to the right, injecting discomfort even into the usually centre-right leaders of the Likud party. For instance, in 2015, Netanyahu fought tooth and nail to prevent Likud voters from being drawn to far-right parties such as the Habayit Hayehudi. His strategy, however, had not been to contest their politics but to compete and co-opt  he doubled down on his commitment to preventing a Palestinian state, making more explicit statements in television interviews than before. Today, Hayehudis larger iteration (following a merger) is a crucial ally in Netanyahus government  the Miflaga Datit Leumit with the hard-line pro-settlement Bezalel Smotrich serving as finance minister. An earlier column showed how Smotrich now has greater powers over the West Banks administration.

This has largely been the result of the judiciary cornering Netanyahu, coupled with the effects of a shaky Naftali Bennett-Yair Lapid coalition unseating him after the 2021 polls. While the coalition fell, it forced Netanyahu to seek even more solace in the farther right in his 2022 electoral fight. Eventually, Bibi would bring to power, what the Jerusalem Post called, the most right-wing government in Israeli history, even elbowing out erstwhile allies from the centre-right such as Benny Gantzs National Unity and Gideon Saars New Hope (a break-away of Likud) as the war in Gaza progressed.

What do the current protests mean for Bibi?

Even as Netanyahu moved into the politics of self-preservation (of power), it is now well known that the October 7 terror attacks palpably dented his image as Mr Security. Few physical manifestations of this unravelling match the smart fence preventing Hamas mass infiltration. However, a key effect of the attack was to lock Bibi firmly into the far-rights embrace, removing all choice. Netanyahu would either give in and lose power, or swing even farther right and stay as premier. Having observed as far back as in 1992 that Likuds internal disunity had handed Yitzak Rabin a technical electoral victory, Netanyahu has since prioritised the need for a united front  leading to him staunchly standing by his far-right allies today even as they grow comfortable calling for the commission of war crimes in public.

While being against the war in Gaza in effect  due to Netanyahus failures to bring the hostages back  the protests are not anti-occupation. In fact, they overwhelmingly focus on the hostages and Hamas murders, rather than on the fundamentals of Israels occupation or Gazas rising death toll. Indeed, repeated polls in Israel show approval for Israeli control of Gaza, removing Hamas. Hence, rather than triggering an urgency to reach a deal, both the protests as well as his far-right crutch, push Netanyahu to further entrench his older kinetic approach. Consequently, the immediate failings of this approach matter little to Netanyahu  even as families of hostages approach Washington to bypass Israel and strike a deal with Hamas.

This allows Netanyahu to push back more privately and publicly against anything perceived as a concession. As recently as September 5, while President Biden stated that a ceasefire was close, Netanyahu publicly asserted that this was exactly inaccuratetheres not a deal in the making. With a history of opposing exchange deals with Hamas even when he had more political room (such as in 2011) as well as publicly rebuking US Presidents (with the exception of Trump), Bibis response to the protests today is comfortable and characteristic. He seeks forgiveness from hostages families but insists that it is Hamas that has to make the concessions.

Many have written off 74-year-old Netanyahu, who has been similarly declared politically dead several times before. However, while the protests reflect a growing focus on getting the hostages back, they do not concurrently yield new political fuel for the older centre-left such as Labour and Meretz. If anything, they vindicate Bibis broader brand of politics strategically by demolishing support for a potential peace process and the two-state solution. Indeed, the alternate leaders leading popularity polls are the likes of Benny Gantz who too has been forced to lean harder right despite being historically centre-right. It was Gantzs support that allowed the Knesset to pass the resolution against Palestinian statehood in July. Netanyahus own ratings improved after he committed to retaining control of the Philadelphi Corridor at least until Israels security was guaranteed. Consequently, as Bibi fails to bring the hostages home, he succeeds in cementing his broader policy of Israeli assertiveness against any concessions on Palestine  even if at the potential cost of his own person.

Bashir Ali Abbas is a research associate at the Council for Strategic and Defense Research, New Delhi, and a South Asia Visiting Fellow at the Stimson Center, Washington DC. The views expressed are personal.
The Karnataka High Court has declined to quash a Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) case against a school teacher accused of recording videos of girl students while they were changing clothes. The accused, employed at a residential school for children from backward communities in Kolar district, is facing charges of sexual harassment under the POCSO Act. High Court of Karnataka, Bangalore, India (Shutterstock)

Justice M Nagaprasanna, in a recent ruling, described the teachers actions as horrendous and highlighted the severity of the charges. The teacher was arrested in December 2023 after authorities discovered he had allegedly used mobile phones to secretly record the students. "What is deeply concerning is that the petitioner was found with five different mobile phones, all of which were seized and sent for forensic examination," the court observed. "Each device contained approximately 1,000 images and several hundred videos."

The teacher approached the court, arguing that his actions did not constitute sexual harassment under the POCSO Act. The High Court rejected this claim, asserting that filming children in such a manner clearly falls under the definition of sexual harassment as outlined in the Act. "Section 11 of the POCSO Act specifies that anyone who causes a child to expose their body in a way that can be viewed by others, or makes any inappropriate gesture, is committing sexual harassment," the court noted.

"Such behaviour is punishable under Section 12." Justice Nagaprasanna further explained that the accusations against the teacher align with the legal definitions of sexual harassment, making it impossible to dismiss the case at this stage. "The evidence presented, including the complaint, the teachers statements during the investigation, and the forensic report, clearly establish a prima facie case," the court said.

The case was initiated after a complaint was lodged via a helpline operated by the state social welfare department, which oversees such residential schools. The court emphasised that the teacher must face trial, concluding that allowing the petition at this stage would be tantamount to condoning his actions. "The fact that the petitioner is a teacher makes this offence particularly reprehensible," Justice Nagaprasanna remarked. "The alleged actions are not just illegal, they are morally indefensible." The court ruled that the teacher must face a full trial.
Four days after three youngsters were shot dead in a car in Ferozepur city, police arrested seven men in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, after a night-long joint operation based on intelligence from the Punjab Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF). The suspects, who were travelling in a Toyota Innova (MH26AC5599) were intercepted at 5.45am in the Samruddhi highway tunnel by personnel of the Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar Police. (HT Photo)

Maharashtra Police were contacted by the Punjab Police AGTF at 3am on Saturday for assistance to intercept the seven accused following a surveillance operation initiated from Nanded by Punjab Police, an official privy to the case said on condition of anonymity.

The seven had been booked under Sections 103, 109, 351(2), 191(3), 190, and 61(2) of the BNS Act, 2023, and Sections 25(6) and 25(7) of the Arms Act at the Ferozepur city police station for killing three car occupants, including two siblings in their early 20s on Tuesday.

The suspects, who were travelling in a Toyota Innova (MH26AC5599) were intercepted at 5.45am in the Samruddhi highway tunnel by personnel of the Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar Police. The swift and coordinated response was executed by the Maharashtra Police team, consisting of 10 officers and 40 personnel, including the quick response team (QRT). They intercepted the accused with necessary precautions, including bulletproof jackets, as they had information that all suspects were armed.

Ferozepur senior superintendent of police Saumya Mishra said the joint operation based on intelligence from the AGTF led to the arrest of seven accused, while one of the accused was caught earlier by the local police.

A team from Punjab Police is on its way to bring the accused to Ferozepur. Details of the motive and other aspects related to the triple murder will be shared soon, Mishra said.

Victims sustained 42 bullet injuries

On Tuesday, five people (all relatives) were travelling in a sedan (PB 15 E 5870) when six assailants on two motorcycles surrounded them and opened fire near a gurdwara in Ferozepur city before fleeing at 12.30pm.

Three of the passengers, including the woman whose wedding was scheduled in a couple of days, died, while two others sustained injuries and were hospitalised.

The deceased were identified as Jaspreet Kaur, 22, her brother Akashdeep Singh, 21, and cousin Daldeep Singh, 32. The injured were identified as Anmol Singh and Harpreet Singh, all residents of the local Kamboj Nagar.

During the post-mortem, 42 bullets were found in the victims. After the shootout, the assailants snatched a bike from a passer-by at gunpoint to flee from the spot.

Dubious background

Dildeep had a dubious background and was involved in two cases of murder and had been booked under the Arms Act. Last year, a team from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) raided his house, though the reasons and details of the raid are yet to be ascertained, a senior police official said.

A case was registered based on the statement of Charanjeet Kaur, the mother of Dildeep, against eight identified individuals including Ravinder Singh, alias Ravi, Rajveer Singh, alias Daler Singh, Sukhchain Singh, alias Jass Giani, as well as three unidentified persons.
Rajya Sabha member Sanjeev Arora has written to the Centre seeking immediate consideration and intervention in abolishing minimum export price (MEP) imposed on Basmati rice. Rajya Sabha member Sanjeev Arora has written to the Centre seeking immediate consideration and intervention in abolishing minimum export price (MEP) imposed on Basmati rice. (HT File)

In the letters marked to Union minister of commerce and industry Piyush Goyal, minister of agriculture and farmers welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan and minister of consumer affairs, food and public distribution Pralhad Joshi, he mentioned that the farmers of Punjab producing Basmati rice are grappling with significant challenges affecting their livelihood and the overall agricultural economy.

Raising the issue of low returns in mandis of the state, Arora said the average price at which farmers are selling their Basmati rice in Mandis stands at 2,500 per quintal. This represents a decline of 1,000 per quintal compared to the previous year. Such a dramatic drop in prices is leading to substantial financial losses for the farmers, who are already facing economic hardships due to lower yields.

Citing impact of MEP capping, Arora said the central governments capping MEP has also contributed to the financial strain on farmers before requesting for immediate resolution to the issue.

Suggesting support measures for farmers, he urged the Centre to implement immediate financial assistance or subsidies to offset the losses incurred due to lower yields and prices. He also suggested developing strategies to address the impacts of climate change on rice production, including investment in resilient crop varieties and sustainable farming practices.
The Baba Farid University of Health Sciences (BFUHS), Faridkot, on Saturday cancelled the recruitment test for 120 posts of staff nurse after a technical glitch caused by server failure at a few of the 14 examination centres in Punjab. The Baba Farid University of Health Sciences (BFUHS), Faridkot, on Saturday cancelled the recruitment test for 120 posts of staff nurse after a technical glitch caused by server failure at a few of the 14 examination centres in Punjab. (Representational photo)

The medical university issued a show-cause notice to the outsourced agency hired to conduct the computer-based test (CBT) for the recruitment of staff nurses.

The BFUHS also postponed the recruitment tests scheduled for the evening shift on Saturday and Sunday.

BFUHS vice-chancellor Dr Rajeev Sood, said: We have cancelled the test completely. The exam for the recruitment of staff nurses was delayed by more than an hour at some centres due to technical glitches. The candidates should have been able to log in at same time from all centres but that did not happen. We dont want to create any confusion so we cancelled all the exams scheduled on Saturday and Sunday. We have also issued a show-cause notice to the agency hired to conduct the computer-based test.

The fresh date for the examination will be notified on the university website, the BFUHS release said in the notice.

BFUHS hired the services of an outsourced agency to conduct the computer-based test for recruitment to 120 posts of staff nurse. As per the report of the outsourced agency, due to a technical glitch caused by server failure at a few examination centres of the outsourced agency, the CBT scheduled for September 7 (morning shift) stands cancelled. The evening shift (3.30pm to 6pm) on September 7 and morning shift (9.30am to 12noon) on September 8 stands postponed with immediate effect. The fresh date for the examination will be notified on the university website, the notice read.

Earlier, candidates at certain centres, including Bathinda, held protests when the exam was delayed due to the technical snag.
The death of an accident victim at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, where junior doctors have been on a strike since August 9 demanding justice for the trainee doctor who was allegedly raped and murdered last month, has triggered a row. Health workers and others take part in a protest rally over the alleged sexual assault and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata on Saturday. (PTI)

The 26-year-old victims mother has blamed the doctors who are on strike in the hospital for her sons death. The ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) has also alleged that the victim Vikram Bhattacharjee didnt get any medical treatment for three hours as doctors were on strike.

He died in front of my eyes without any treatment. I never thought in my life that I would have to face this. He lost his two legs and withered in pain. There was so much bleeding. He underwent a lot of pain. The doctors may be protesting but because of that they wouldnt treat a patient? What kind of justice is being demanded for that a mother is made to lose her son, Kabita Bhattacharjee, told the media, as she cried inconsolably.

Abhishek Banerjee, TMC MP and the partys national general secretary, said that it is tantamount to culpable homicide.

A young boy from Konnagar lost his life today following a road accident, after BLEEDING FOR 3 HOURS WITHOUT RECEIVING MEDICAL ATTENTION, a consequence of the ongoing protest by doctors in response to the #RGKar incident. While the demands of the junior doctors are both fair and valid, I urge them to protest in a way that doesnt disrupt essential medical services. Allowing a death due to PREVENTABLE NEGLECT is tantamount to CULPABLE HOMICIDE. If the protest has to continue, it should be done constructively, with empathy and humanity, ensuring no more lives are put at risk through inaction or neglect, Banerjee wrote on X.

This comes days after West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee had urged the doctors to resume duty while adding that if the government lodged any FIR against a trainee doctor it would ruin his career.

Many patients died because they couldnt get proper care. We will not take any action against you, but I appeal to you to resume duty. The Supreme Court too appealed to junior doctors to join work. One must remember that the SC has given the power to the state government to take action. We havent taken action. If an FIR is registered against you, your future will be ruined. He or she wont get a passport or visa, Banerjee had said at a political rally on August 28.

The junior doctors, however, decided to continue the cease work and said that the chief ministers statements related to lodging an FIR appeared to be a passive threat. Opposition too had upped their ante prompting Banerjee to issue clarification on social media the next day.

Top officials of the state health department had earlier said that at least nine persons have died in hospitals due to shortage of doctors over the past one month and more than 7,000 surgeries have bene held up.

The West Bengal government and the Kolkata Police have invited severe criticism for allegedly mishandling the investigation into the alleged rape and murder of the trainee doctor in the hospital. Even the Supreme Court reprimanded the West Bengal government stating that the conscience of the entire nation was shaken by the horrific and horrendous incident.

The courts criticism centred around the significant delay in lodging the first information report (FIR), the allegation by the parents that the hospital first told them it was a suicide, and the vandalism that occurred at the hospital five days later, raising questions about the competence of the West Bengal police in safeguarding medical professionals.

Over the past few days, many TMC leaders, including legislators like Chandranath Sinha, Lovely Maitra and Udayan Guha launched scathing attacks against the protestors and opposition parties from political rallies triggering a political row.

The TMC has lost its acceptance among the citizens. They are solely responsible for the situation today. West Bengal is facing such a crisis today because of the TMCs greed and corruption, said Samik Bhattacharya, BJP spokesperson.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), probing into the alleged rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata last month, has not mentioned gang rape in its remand note submitted before a trial court in Kolkata on Friday, people aware of the development said. Sanjay Roy, the accused in the Kolkata rape-murder case. (File Photo)

The Kolkata Police, which was probing into the case in the initial stage, had lodged a first information report (FIR) under sections 64 (rape) and 103 (1) (murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) on August 9. Later the CBI registered a FIR under the same sections, when it was directed by the Calcutta high court to investigate the case. The additional chief judicial magistrate (ACJM) court in Sealdah sent Sanjay Roy to 14 days of judicial custody.

The agency, while seeking judicial custody for Roy before the ACJM court on Friday, didnt include section 70 (1) of the BNS (section for gang rape) in the remand note indicating that Roy is the only accused in the case so far, an official aware of the details told HT.

Also Read | Kolkata doctor's rape: CBI asked Sanjay Roy 10 questions. His U-turn

The official, however, said that investigators may add penal sections at any stage of the case depending on how the probe was progressing. Even though the Kolkata Polices detective department was handling the case initially, the CBI has been probing into it since August 13 on the orders after the Calcutta high court.

No CBI official commented on this.

Roy is the only person arrested in the case so far. He was arrested by the Kolkata Police a day after the crime. The case was later handed over to the CBI.

Also Read | Accident victim dies at RG Kar Hospital where doctors are on strike; triggers row

Our probe revealed that Roy was the only person involved in the crime. He also confessed to the crime. All documents and materials related to the case were handed over to the CBI on the orders of the Calcutta high court, said a senior officer of the Kolkata Police.

While allegations of evidence being tampered have been surfacing for long, on August 22 the CBI had told the Supreme Court that the crime scene was altered. The state government had, however, refuted the charges.

Later videos went viral on social media which purportedly showed that a crowd had gathered in the seminar hall of the hospital where the junior doctors body was found. Kolkata Police later claimed that the crime scene was cordoned off and no unauthorised persons had entered the area. But subsequently questions were raised on the identity of two persons in the cordoned off area.

Roy, however, has claimed before the ACJM court that he was being framed.
The otherwise sleepy village of Semra, within the limits of Khandoli police station of Agra, was filled with grief and sorrow since Friday night once the bodies of the Hathras accident began coming in. In all, 16 bodies reached the village all through the night and were buried on Saturday amidst wailing next of kin in the village. Union minister of state Prof SP Singh Baghel consoling a villager in Semra on Saturday. (HT Photo)

The tragedy struck the village on Friday when the loader in which about 35 men, women and children were returning home, collided with a roadways bus near village Metei, under the Chandpa police station of Hathras on Friday evening, leaving 17 dead with one being from Firozabad.

Elders could not remember such an instance when so many were buried in a single day. A bulldozer was called in to dig the graves overnight for burial on Saturday. Those killed were from three families. They had all gone to village Mukandkheda where rites after a recent death took place, and thereafter, they boarded a loader otherwise used to carry goods, to return home to Semra.

Bodies, as they reached after the postmortem examination at Hathras District Hospital, were kept under a makeshift tent raised in one corner of Semra. The most painful part was the bodies of children arriving in the village.

It is so painful to see the bodies of my nephews whom I used to carry in my arms. They used to play with us and the family used to have pleasant time with these children, who are now lying lifeless, said Anees, a resident of Semra.

The women of the families were inconsolable and cried all through the night.

Houses of Bedaria, Latif, Munna, Chunasi and Noor Mohammad were shrouded in grief. The daughter of Bedaria was married in village Mukandkheda in Hathras and family members and villagers had gone to attend the Chalisa (a Muslim ritual after death) on passing of grandmother-in-law of Bedarias daughter in the Hathras village and were returning after attending it and a goods loader was hired for the journey.

Union minister of state and Agra MP, Prof SP Singh Baghel, cut short his visit to Maharashtra and reached Semra on Saturday and attended the burial in the village.

In list of the 17 killed are Irshad (40), Chotey (42), Munna (39), Muskan (15), Bhola (20), Hamid aka Talli (35), Tabassum (32), Nazma (25), Khushboo (25), Jameel (35), Ayan (2), Sufiyan (1), Shoaib (2), Alfaz (6), Akki (03) and Gulshan (14) all from Semra village in Agra, while Ishrat (50) was from Firozabad.

President of India, Dropadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and CM Yogiaditya Nath had expressed grief over the mishap in Hathras on Friday and condoled the deaths.

The Prime Minister and Chief Minister had on Friday seperately announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF for the next of kin of each deceased in the mishap in Hathras while those injured would be given Rs. 50,000.
The Communist Party of India (CPI) is eyeing a reasonable number of seats to contest as part of the INDIA bloc in the upcoming assembly elections in Jharkhand, with the party preparing to field candidates in around two dozen seats, leaders said on Friday. CPI general secretary D Raja said BJP is set to lose Jharkhand assembly elections, and his party wants to be part of the INDIA bloc (PTI)

The party will hold a day-long meeting of the state unit in the state capital to deliberate on the partys future strategy.

Addressing a press conference at the party office, CPI general secretary D Raja said the BJP is set to lose the Jharkhand assembly elections, and his party wants to be part of the INDIA bloc.

In the Lok Sabha elections, we had expressed a desire to contest as part of this alliance, but it didnt work out. I hope other parties in the INDIA bloc will do some serious introspection, and there should be mutual accommodation for all parties, said Raja.

In response to a specific question about the number of seats they are eyeing as part of the alliance, Raja said he was looking for a reasonable number. We need to learn lessons from the past. Here, we are looking at reasonable seats. We have a long history where we have won in the past. We have a strong presence through trade unions and the Kisan Sabha. We will discuss with Soren and Congress, he added.

Raja also accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of poaching leaders from other parties and raking up issues like infiltration to polarise people ahead of the assembly polls in Jharkhand.

The BJP and its conservative allies are targeting ruling parties in Jharkhand. In order to cripple functioning, they poach leaders from ruling parties if possible. This is happening in Jharkhand, he told reporters here.

On the issue of infiltration, if they are serious about it, the Union home minister should give an explanation to the country. Instead, they are targeting some states in order to create confusion and conflict among communities, Raja alleged.

Meanwhile, state secretary Mahendra Pathak said the party was preparing to contest 20-25 seats in the 81-member Jharkhand assembly. The CPI currently has no members in the existing assembly. Binod Singh of CPI-ML is the only legislator representing any Left party in the House.

While the CPI had expressed a willingness to contest the Hazaribag Lok Sabha seat in the 2024 general elections as part of the alliance, the INDIA bloc allotted the Koderma seat to CPI-ML. Bagodar MLA Binod Singh contested from Koderma but lost to Union minister Annapurna Devi.

People close to the developments said that while the induction of the CPI into the alliance is difficult, CPI-ML is set to get 2-3 seats, especially after the merger of the Maoist Coordination Committee (MCC) with CPI-ML.

Following the merger, CPI-ML is eyeing at least four seats, including Bagodar, Dhanwar, Sindri, and Nirsa, an insider said.

Cong to form coordination committee

The Congress on Saturday said a coordination committee would soon be formed to discuss the seat-sharing formula with allies in Jharkhand ahead of the assembly polls.

The announcement was made by AICC secretary Saptagiri Shankar Ulaka, who is also the Jharkhand co-incharge, after a meeting of the party here.

A coordination committee will be formed after discussions with our general secretary, who is coming to Jharkhand on Sunday. The committee will deal with the seat-sharing issue (for the polls), he said.

Ulaka said the party would declare how many seats it would contest after the panel members discuss the matter.

The committee will decide the seats with the JMM and other parties that would contest under the banner of the INDIA bloc. We want the seat-sharing arrangement to be a win-win situation for all the allies in order to win the assembly polls, he said.

The assembly elections are scheduled to be held later this year. The Congress had contested 31 out of the 81 seats in the 2019 polls in alliance with the JMM and RJD. The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) had contested 43 seats and the RJD seven.
Medical Education and Training, Uttar Pradesh has released UP NEET UG 2024 Counselling Round 2 schedule. The complete schedule is available on the official website of UP NEET at upneet.gov.in. UP NEET UG 2024 Counselling: Round 2 schedule out, registration begins Sept 9(Representational image)

The registration process begins on September 9 and will end on September 13, 2024. The last date for payment of the application fee is September 13, at 2 pm. The merit list will be displayed on September 14, 2024.

AP EdCET Counselling 2024: Revised Phase 1 schedule out at edcet-sche.aptonline.in, check seat allotment date

The choice filling will begin on September 14 and will conclude on September 18, 2024. The Round 2 seat allotment result will be announced on September 19, and candidates can download the allotment letter from September 20 to September 25, 2024.

UP NEET UG 2024 Counselling: How to apply for Round 2

To apply for the Round 2 counselling process, candidates can follow the steps given below.

Visit the official website of UP NEET at upneet.gov.in.

Click on UP NEET UG 2024 Counselling Round 2 registration link available on the home page.

Enter the registration details and click on submit.

Once done, fill the application form and make the payment of application fee.

Click on submit and download the confirmation page.

Keep a hard copy of the same for further need.

New candidates who want to participate in Round 2 counselling will have to pay 30000 as security money for government seats and 2 lakh for private medical college seats. For private sector dental colleges, it is mandatory to deposit Rs. 1,00,000/-.

NEET PG 2024 Counselling Live Updates

Un-allotted/admitted/not-reported candidates from the first round will have to participate in the second round of counselling. For those candidates participating in the second round of counselling who had not registered in the first round of counselling, it will be mandatory for such candidates to register online on the website by depositing the registration fee of Rs. 2000/-. For more related details candidates can check the official website of UP NEET.
The Banaras Hindu University (BHU) Vice-Chancellor Prof Sudhir Kumar Jain in his address to BHU's faculty members said that 300 new scholarships, each worth Rs. 25,000 per annum were introduced for underprivileged students. The university also informed with an aim of prioritising support for students from underprivileged backgrounds, 300 new scholarships, each worth Rs. 25,000 per annum were introduced. (IIT-BHU official website)

The university informed that with an aim of prioritising support for students from underprivileged backgrounds, 300 new scholarships, each worth Rs. 25,000 per annum were introduced. The scholarships have been launched under the Pratidana initiative.

Also Read: Govt making efforts to recognise bright teachers adopting innovative methods, says PM Modi

He also mentioned that the Teach For BHU initiative has benefited 125 Ph.D. students, while 320 Masters students have been awarded Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan Internships. Additionally, 203 Ph.D. students have received financial support to present their research at international conferences.

Also Read: Calicut University Result 2024 for regular, supplementary exams out at results.uoc.ac.in, direct link here

Prof. Jain highlighted initiatives aimed at enhancing student well-being, leadership development, and counseling services, along with new scholarships. 15 Ph.D. scholars have been approved to conduct research at international institutions overseas and 23 to do so within India, mentioned a post by the university on its official X page.

Highlighting the importance of cultivating a robust culture and governance system, Prof Sudhir Kumar Jain emphasised that attracting top talent, whether faculty, staff, or students, must be supported by ample resources and facilities to foster excellence.

Also Read: BFUHS Staff Nurse exam 2024 cancelled, fresh dates to be notified on bfuhs.ac.in
Rajasthan Subordinate and Ministerial Services Selection Board will close the RSMSSB CET Graduation Level Recruitment 2024 registration on September 7, 2024. Candidates who want to apply for the examination can find the direct link through the official website of RSMSSB at rsmssb.rajasthan.gov.in. RSMSSB CET Graduation Level Recruitment 2024: Registration ends today, link here(rsmssb.gov.in)

The examination of the Common Eligibility Test (Graduate Level) will be conducted by the Board from September 25 to September 28, 2024, at the allotted examination centres. The Board will issue online admit cards to all the candidates through the Board's website only. The Board will not send any admit card by post.

RSMSSB CET 2024 notification released, registration begins on August 9 at rsmssb.rajasthan.gov.in

Candidates who want to apply for the examination should have a Graduation degree from a recognized University or institute. The age limit should be between 18 years to 40 years to apply.

RSMSSB CET Graduation Level Recruitment 2024: How to apply

All the interested and eligible candidates can apply online by following these simple steps given below.

Visit the official website of RSMSSB at rsmssb.rajasthan.gov.in.

Click on recruitment advertisement link available on the home page.

A new page will open where candidates will get the apply online link.

Enter the registration details and click on submit.

Login to the account and fill the application form.

Once done, make the payment of application fee.

Click on submit and download the page.

Keep a hard copy of the same for further need.

Also Check: RSMSSB Rajasthan 12th level CET registration begins today at rsmssb.rajasthan.gov.in

For applicants belonging to general category and semi-layer category, other backward class / extremely backward class - 600/-. For applicants belonging to other backward class/very backward class and economically weaker section/Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe of non-cream layer category of Rajasthan - Rs. 400/-. For all disabled applicants  400/-. The payment of fee should be done through online mode. For more related details candidates can check the official website of RSMSSB.
University of Calicut has declared Calicut University Result 2024 for regular, supplementary exams. Candidates who have appeared for these examinations can check the results on the official website of Calicut University results at results.uoc.ac.in. Calicut University Result 2024 for regular, supplementary exams out, link here

The results have been announced for Semester 2 B.Com/BBA/BHD/BHA/BTHM(CBCSS) Regular/Supple/Improve Examination April 2024, B.Com,BBA,BHD,BHA,BTHM(CUCBCSS) Supplementary Examination April 2024, B.Com_prof (CUCBCSS) Regular Examination April 2024, SDE-CBCSS B.Com/B.B.A Supplementary/Improvement Examination April 2024 (2018 Admn.), SDE-CBCSS B.Com/B.B.A Regular/Supplementary/Improvement Examination April 2024 ( 2019 Admn. Onwards), B.A/AFU/BSW/BVC/BTFP(CUCBCSS) Supplementary Examination April 2024, B.A/AFU/BSW/BVC/BTFP Regular/Supple/Improve Examination April 2024. Apart from these the revaluation results have also been announced and the links are available on the website.

Calicut University Result 2024: How to check

All those candidates who have appeared for these examinations can check the results by following the steps given below.

Visit the official website of Calicut University at results.uoc.ac.in.

Click on B.Com result links available on the home page.

Enter the login details and click on submit.

Your result will be displayed on the screen.

Check the result and download the page.

Keep a hard copy of the same for further need.

Meanwhile, the varsity had released BSc/BCA and Master of Physical Education courses results few days back. Those results are also available on the official website. For more related details candidates can check the official website of Calicut University.
resident of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory letter to Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, President of the Federative Republic of Brazil, Azernews reports.

The lettter reads:

"Dear Mr. President,

On behalf of myself and the people of Azerbaijan, I am pleased to extend my sincere congratulations and my best wishes to you and, through you, to the entire people of Brazil on the occasion of Independence Day, September 7th.

We place great importance on the development of friendly and cooperative relations with Brazil. We are pleased with the expansion of Azerbaijan-Brazil relations, both bilaterally and multilaterally, over the past period.

I believe that during the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, which will be held in Baku this year, we will cooperate closely with Brazil. I highly value interaction with your country and the United Arab Emirates as part of Troika mechanism to maintain global warming at the 1.5C level.

Taking this opportunity, I wish your country success in hosting the G20 Summit.

On this significant day, I wish you good health, happiness, success in your endeavors, and continued peace and prosperity to your friendly nation.

Sincerely,

Ilham Aliyev

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Baku, 4 September 2024"
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said efforts were being made to recognise bright teachers practising innovative methods as he took an apparent swipe at past governments, saying he would not talk about what used to happen earlier. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday that the efforts were being by the government to recognise bright teachers practising innovative methods. (Photo Credit: ANI)

In an interaction with teachers who were conferred National Teachers' Awards, he said they could prepare young students for 'Viksit Bharat'.

The interaction took place on Friday while its video was shared on Saturday.

Also read: UGC NET June 2024 Answer Key awaited: Where, how to check provisional key

Modi suggested that the teachers could involve the students in selecting the top 100 tourist destinations in the country by encouraging them to learn about different places they might visit as part of education tours.

The teachers awarded were selected after a long process as their efforts can be useful in the new National Education Policy (NEP), Modi said while noting that there would be many others doing excellent work.

He told the teachers to take their students to nearby universities and watch sporting events as the experience could fire up their dreams.

Also read: Calicut University Result 2024 for regular, supplementary exams released, heres how to check at results.uoc.ac.in

As many as 82 teachers from around the country were selected for the award. They included 50 teachers by the Department of School Education & Literacy, 16 by the Department of Higher Education and 16 by the Union Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, an official statement said.

Modi suggested that the awardee teachers connect with each other on social media and share their best practices so that everyone could learn, adapt and benefit.

Also read: IIT Kanpurs SIIC-incubated startups showcase innovative defence technologies at Armed Forces Festival 2024

He highlighted the impact of the NEP and spoke about the significance of attaining education in the mother tongue.

The prime minister suggested that the teachers teach local folklore to their students in different languages so that they learn multiple languages and also get exposure to India's vibrant culture.
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpurs Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre (SIIC) took part in the three-day Armed Forces Festival Sashakt aur Surakshit Bharat: Transforming the Armed Forces inaugurated by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Lucknow on Friday, September 6. Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath checking defence technology displayed by a SIIC-incubated startup during the Armed Forces Festival 2024.

The event witnessed an impressive display of military might and innovation, showcasing modern technology-based military weapon systems, including tanks, infantry weapons, and artillery guns, a press release informed.

Demonstrations during the program included slithering, para jumps, and insertion of special forces via helicopters.

Also read: General Knowledge Quiz: Preparing for exams? solve these questions to stay ahead

Additionally, there were other highlights such as paramotors, microlight flying, fighter aircraft flypasts, and horse, dog, and motorcycle displays.

As part of the program, Animesh Mishra, the Manager of SIIC, IIT Kanpur, led a group of startups incubated under SIIC, all making significant contributions to the defence sector.

Some of the technological innovations highlighted were the Alakh, Sabal 10/20, and Vibhram, a suite of surveillance and logistics drones developed by EndureAir Systems Pvt. Ltd which have been designed to enhance operational capabilities.

Also read: Canadas unemployment rate raises concerns, highest since 2017 outside covid

The event also featured the Maraal Solar UAV by Maraal Aerospace Pvt. Ltd., an indigenously designed and developed solar-powered UAV with extended endurance and cyber-attack resilient features.

Likewise, Dream Aerospace Pvt. Ltd. showcased its Green Monopropellant Thruster named the Atom thruster, which utilizes a HAN-based non-toxic green fuel available in various thrust levels starting from 1N.

Other startups that featured their technological innovations included VU-Dynamics Pvt. Ltd., Space Philic Pvt Ltd., and Cyethack Solutions Pvt Ltd.

It is worth mentioning here that the products of these startups have been developed under the SIIC and aim to significantly contribute to the defence sector.

Also read: Last Call: RSMSSB CET Graduation Level Recruitment 2024 Registration Closes Today!

Prof. Deepu Philip, Professor-in-Charge of SIIC at IIT Kanpur, expressed his pleasure at the technological innovations brought by the startups to the defence sector.

He said that these young companies have showcased technologies that can significantly enhance the capabilities of armed forces.
Actor Alia Bhatt came across her old fan in Mumbai and had a conversation with him. She also greeted him with folded hands. The actor was shooting outdoors for the promotion of her upcoming film Jigraa. (Also Read | Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor get cosy and cuddly in cute new ad. Watch) Alia Bhatt met her old acquaintance in Mumbai.

Alia meets her fan after many years

Alia was seen in a blue top, matching trousers and a jacket. She also wore heels. In a video shared by a paparazzo on Instagram, Alia was seen standing near her car as she came across her fan. She folded her hands at him and said, "Itne saal baad. Aap yaha ho? Kitne saal se (After so many years. Do you stay here now? Since when)?" The fan explained what he was doing in Mumbai as Alia listened to him.

The person also spoke about meeting Alia's husband-actor, Ranbir Kapoor. He said that he told Ranbir about wanting to meet Alia. The actor then smiled and said, "So nice to see you. Hum milenge phir se. Bohut accha laga. Thank you (We will meet again. It was nice meeting you)." Alia then stepped inside her car and left the venue.

Alia's upcoming films

Fans will see Alia next in Jigraa, which will hit the cinema halls on October 11. Directed by Vasan Bala, the film will also star Vedang Raina, who made his Bollywood debut last year with Zoya Akhtar's The Archies. Jigraa is billed as a drama on a tale of a sister's love for her brother and how she would do anything to protect him. Earlier, it was supposed to be released on September 27.

Apart from this, Alia will be seen in Alpha, a film that also features Sharvari as a super agent. Alpha is directed by Shiv Rawail. The title signifies a major shift for the action-packed series, previously centered on male protagonists but now featuring strong female characters. Alia will also star in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Love & War alongside Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal, and Farhan Akhtar's road movie Jee Le Zaraa alongside Katrina Kaif and Priyanka Chopra.
Has the moment finally arrived? Bollywood couple Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh on Saturday were seen arriving at Mumbai's HN Reliance hospital in their car, surrounded by paparazzi eager to capture the special moment. Also read: Deepika Padukone-Ranveer Singhs post-wedding and pre-baby Siddhivinayak visits make fans emotional: Pics Deepika Padukone is expecting her first baby with Ranveer Singh.

DeepVeer at hospital

Although the couple kept a low profile and remained out of sight, the sighting has sent fans into a frenzy, speculating whether the time has finally come to welcome their little bundle of joy.

On Saturday, the couple was seen entering the hospital on the vehicle. The photographers could not click their picture. After their arrival, Deepika and Ranveers family members were also spotted arriving at the hospital.

However, it is not clear whether Deepika has arrived for a regular check-up or has been admitted for delivery.

On Friday, Deepika and Ranveer visited the Siddhivinayak temple in Mumbai on Friday, a day before Ganesh Chaturthi.

About their pregnancy

Deepika is expecting her first baby with actor Ranveer. In February, they shared the news of Deepika's pregnancy.

The couple took to Instagram to make the announcement, posting an adorable picture featuring baby shoes and clothing with the caption "September 2024". The post sent their fans into a frenzy, congratulating the soon-to-be parents. Deepika and Ranveer tied the knot in a picturesque wedding ceremony at Lake Como, Italy in 2018.

Deepika reportedly plans on resuming work in 2025 and would like to dedicate the next few months to her newborn. Her maternity leave will last till March of next year. And after that, shell immediately get busy with filming the sequel of Kalki along with Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan and Prabhas," said a source to News18.

Work update

When it comes to films, the couple will be reuniting on the silver screen. They will be seen sharing the screen space this Diwali in Rohit Shetty's ensemble cop drama Singham Again. In the film, Ranveer is reprising his role of Simmba and it is believed that Deepika will be introduced as Lady Singham. They will appear alongside a star-studded cast of Ajay Devgn, Kareena Kapoor, Akshay Kumar, and Tiger Shroff.
Mumbai, Actor Ananya Panday says she was in disbelief when filmmaker Vikramaditya Motwane approached her to star in his next feature film CTRL. It was a dream for me: Ananya Panday on working with Vikramaditya Motwane for next film CTRL

The cyber-thriller movie marks her maiden collaboration with Motwane, known for directing critically-acclaimed movies such as Udaan, Lootera and Trapped.

Panday said she has been a fan of Motwane's work as a filmmaker, starting from his 2010 debut movie "Udaan".

Udaan is my and my mothers favourite film to watch together, so it was a dream for me... I actually did not believe for the longest time that he was actually asking me to be a part of the film. I was like, You are just going to be there, you are not actually directing the film? He said, Im directing it, the 25-year-old actor told PTI.

Also starring Vihaan Samat, "CTRL" has been described as a cutting-edge thriller that will challenge the way people view their reliance on technology.

In the movie, the two actors star as Nella Awasthi and Joe Mascarenhas, a couple who create content together and are loved by their Internet audience.

But what happens when they break up? In a world where data is power, how much sharing is too much? How much of your life are you willing to share, and do you slowly lose control in the process? read the official synopsis.

Panday said she had a wonderful and different experience while working on CTRL with Motwane.

It was a different experience for everyone, given the kind of film it is. You will see more of it when it starts coming out. But he as a person is just wonderful, he is one of those directors who are in the moment. But the more time I spent away from him, I realised how much I learned from him. He is outstanding," she added.

CTRL is set to arrive on streaming service Netflix on October 4. It is produced by Saffron and Andolan Films.

Panday currently features in debut series "Call Me Bae", which is currently streaming on Prime Video. The comedy drama show is written by Ishita Moitra, Samina Motlekar and Rohit Nair, and directed by Colin D'Cunha.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Kangana Ranaut took to her X handle on Friday to announce that she's heartbroken that her maiden solo directorial, Emergency, wouldn't release on the day as it's still awaiting clearance from the Central Board of Film Certification. The actor-filmmaker, who plays former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in the period political thriller based on the 1975 Emergency, said the Sikh community has objected to their depiction in certain sections of her movie. (Also Read: Why this Jaya Bachchan throwback interview reminds fans of Kangana Ranaut. Watch) Not just Kangana Ranaut's Emergency, Vidya Balan's Indira Gandhi series is also awaiting a go-ahead

Not just Kangana

Much before Kangana started work on Emergency, in 2018, Vidya Balan had acquired the rights to journalist Sagarika Ghose's 2017 book Indira: India's Most Powerful Prime Minister. Vidya said it was her long-cherished dream to play Indira Gandhi on screen. Her husband, Siddharth Roy Kapur, was supposed to be the producer under his banner, Roy Kapur Films.

In 2019, in an interview with Firstpost, Vidya revealed a couple of developments about the project. It was being planned as a web series instead of a movie, and was supposed to be helmed by Ritesh Batra of The Lunchbox-fame. The Indira Gandhi web series is taking longer than I wish. Theyre rewriting the script according to the web, and will soon come to me with the final version. Web is a different ballgame so it takes more time, she said.

I was offered the role five years ago also, by multiple people. But I told them as long as you dont get the requisite permissions, I cant do the film. But its much easier in web, Vidya added.

Vidya was also offered Thalaivi

In the same interview, Vidya revealed why she turned down the opportunity to play former Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa in Thalaivi, a biopic directed by AL Vijay. She said that since she was already gearing up to play Indira Gandhi on screen, she didn't want to play two political figures of the same age too close to each other.

However, Kangana went on to play both Jayalalithaa and Indira Gandhi in Thalaivi (2021) and Emergency, respectively. Emergency is co-produced by Zee Studios and Kangana's Manikarnika Films.
Rajiv Thakur, known for playing a negative character in the thriller series IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, recently shared a story about Kapil Sharma coming to his rescue. The actor, who frequently participates in Kapil's comedy tours, was facing scheduling conflicts when he needed to shoot for Anubhav Sinha's show. In an interview with India Today, Rajiv revealed that Kapil adjusted the dates of his tour to accommodate his shooting schedule for the Netflix show. (Also read: IC 814 The Kandahar Hijack review: Avengers of Indian acting assemble for Anubhav Sinha's gripping, nuanced thriller) Rajiv Thakur revealed how Kapil Sharma supported him to manage his IC 814 shooting schedule.

Rajiv Thakur expresses gratitude towards Kapil Sharma

While sharing how much Kapil and his friends liked the show, Rajiv said, It's all thanks to Kapil that I managed to do the show. The series team asked for my dates in June last year, which were already with him for our America tour. This is why I decided to say no but when Kapil got to know about it, he encouraged me to take up IC 814. He told me, 'Tu series kar, hum show push kar denge (you do the series, we will push the show)'. And that's how our show was postponed to July. I had already committed to him, so I would have rejected the show, but he pushed me, and I am thankful for that. This is what true friends do, isn't it?

He also said, Whatever one does in life, I think we are each other's biggest cheerleaders. We are so happy when one of us succeeds and that is how we have been for years. Archana ji (Archana Puran Singh) was so happy, saying that my credit was long due. And when she watched the show she also posted a long note about us. I remember Kapil also watched the show late at night after a shoot and immediately messaged Anubhav sir. He called me the first thing the next morning and he sounded so happy and proud. I think this makes me so much happier.

About IC 814

IC 814 is based on the December 24, 1999, hijacking of Indian Airlines IC-814 aircraft by five terrorists, which happened just 40 minutes after the plane took off from Kathmandu. Rajiv plays the hijacker Ibrahim Akhtar alias Chief in the series. The show is available for streaming on Netflix.
Visfot movie review: Corrupt cops, gangsters, damsel in distress in love with one of the gangsters, lovemaking scenes, an encounter, the end  I have just described a random Sanjay Gupta film to you. And Visfot (which he has only produced), is no different. (Also Read  Call Me Bae review: Ananya Panday is pitch-perfect in her unapologetically breezy, decidedly sanitised series debut) Visfot movie review: Riteish Deshmukh and Fardeen Khan reunite

What's the story?

Kookie Gulati brings to us this directorial set in the slums of Mumbai (because filmmakers think this is the hub of all crimes, not cool). Shoaib Khan (played by Fardeen Khan) is a man who wants to leave Dongri, but his friend Manya (Nachiket Purnapatre) leaves a jacket containing illegal substances in his car, and later comes back to retrieve it. Due to a fire at their house, his mother (Sheeba Chadha), suffering from dementia, misplaces it.

Another track runs parallel  Akash Shelar (Riteish Deshmukh) has caught his wife Tara (Priya Bapat) cheating on him. His son Paddy, meanwhile, is also missing from the cafe he had left him at, as he chases his wife. The two lives converge due to both misplacing something, and thats the rest of the story.

How does the film fare?

The cracks show early in Visfot (a remake of the 2012 Venezuelan film Rock! Paper! Scissors!, and written by Hussain Dalal and Abbas Dalal) when you already know whats going to happen next. Theres no attempt made to be original, because the story follows the same pattern we wrote about in the beginning. One waits for some twist which is going to blow our minds, but theres nothing here you havent seen before. The only good bit here is the casting, which again doesnt get to rise above this boring screenplay. It is proof that only signing good actors minus a good script leads to a mess.

There is so much wasted potential. The extramarital affair track has been written so poorly that you feel bad for Riteish, who has proved himself as a consistent actor otherwise. In the midst of tensions running high, the dialogues boil down to yeh mera bachcha hai nahi hamara baccha hai mera baccha kahaan hai? Voh mera bhi beta hai! you get the drift. Its all there in these scenes supposed to make you feel bad for this couple  the close-up shots, the breaking down  but theres only so much that can make up for the amateur writing.

Casting Seema Biswas as a ruthless ganglord was a win in itself, because shes convincing from the word go. As a viewer, I was eager to know her backstory, and thats what defines a good actor. They make you feel for them, theres a connect. Riteish is unfortunately not given a deserving role to dig his teeth into. Fardeen, who was supposed to make a full fledged comeback with this, is strictly average in Visfot. Khel Khel Mein, which released in August this year, is a shining example of how good content and smart writing can even elevate the impact of Fardeens performances. Please note that I write the impact gets improved, not the performance itself.

Visfot, overall, ends up as a whimper instead of a banging time at the movies. It's streaming on JioCinema.
* Almodovar's 'The Room Next Door' triumphs at Venice Festival

Almodovar's first English-language film wins Golden Lion

*

Nicole Kidman, Vincent Lindon claim top actor awards

*

Brady Corbet best director for his epic 'The Brutalist'

*

Films shown at Venice often go on to shine at Oscars

By Crispian Balmer

VENICE, Sept 7 - Spanish director Pedro Almodovar's first English-language movie "The Room Next Door", which tackles the hefty themes of euthanasia and climate change, won the prestigious Golden Lion award at the Venice Film Festival on Saturday.

Starring Tilda Swinton and Julianne Moore, the film received an 18-minute standing ovation when it premiered at Venice earlier in the week - one of the longest in recent memory.

Almodovar is a darling of the festival circuit and was awarded a lifetime achievement award at Venice in 2019 for his bold, irreverent and often funny Spanish-language features.

He also won an Oscar in the best foreign language category for his 1999 film "All About My Mother".

Now aged 74, he has decided to try his hand at English, focusing his lens on questions of life, death and friendship. Speaking after collecting his prize, he said euthanasia should not be blocked by politics or religion.

"I believe that saying goodbye to this world cleanly and with dignity is a fundamental right of every human being," he said, speaking in Spanish.

He also thanked his two female stars for their performances.

"This award really belongs to them, it's a film about two women and the two women are Julianne and Tilda," he said.

While "The Room Next Door" had been widely tipped to win, the runner-up Silver Lion award was a surprise, going to Italian director Maura Delpero for her slow-paced drama set in the Italian Alps during World War Two - "Vermiglio".

Australia's Nicole Kidman won the best actress award for her risque role in the erotic "Babygirl", where she plays a hard-nosed CEO, who jeopardises both her career and her family by having a toxic affair with a young, manipulative intern.

Kidman was in Venice on Saturday, but did not attend the awards ceremony after learning that her mother had died unexpectedly.

France's Vincent Lindon was named best actor for "The Quiet Son", a topical, French-language drama about a family torn apart by extreme-right radicalism.

ROAD TO OSCARS

The best director award went to American Brady Corbet for his 3-1/2 hour-long movie "The Brutalist", which was shot on 70mm celluloid and recounts the epic tale of a Hungarian Holocaust survivor played by Adrien Brody, who seeks to rebuild his life in the United States.

"We have the power to support each other and tell the Goliath corporations that try and push us around: 'No, it's three-and-a-half hours long and it's on 70mm," he told the auditorium on Saturday.

The festival marks the start of the awards season and regularly throws up big favourites for the Oscars, with eight of the past 12 best director awards at the Oscars going to films that debuted at Venice.

The prize for best screenplay went to Murilo Hauser and Heitor Lorega for "I'm Still Here", a film about Brazil's military dictatorship, while the special jury award went to the abortion drama "April", by Georgian director Dea Kulumbegashvili.

Among the movies that left Venice's Lido island empty-handed were Todd Phillips's "Joker: Folie a Deux," starring Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga, the sequel to his original "The Joker" which claimed the top prize here in 2019.

Luca Guadagnino's "Queer," with Daniel Craig playing a gay drug addict, and Pablo Larrain's Maria Callas biopic "Maria", starring Angelina Jolie as the celebrated Greek soprano, also won plaudits from the critics but did not get any awards.

The Venice jury this year was headed by French actress Isabelle Huppert.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
By Crispian Balmer Almodovar's 'The Room Next Door' triumphs at Venice Festival

VENICE -Spanish director Pedro Almodovar's first English-language movie "The Room Next Door", which tackles the hefty themes of euthanasia and climate change, won the prestigious Golden Lion award at the Venice Film Festival on Saturday.

Starring Tilda Swinton and Julianne Moore, the film received an 18-minute standing ovation when it premiered at Venice earlier in the week - one of the longest in recent memory.

Almodovar is a darling of the festival circuit and was awarded a lifetime achievement award at Venice in 2019 for his bold, irreverent and often funny Spanish-language features.

He also won an Oscar in the best foreign language category for his 1999 film "All About My Mother".

Now aged 74, he has decided to try his hand at English, focusing his lens on questions of life, death and friendship. Speaking after collecting his prize, he said euthanasia should not be blocked by politics or religion.

"I believe that saying goodbye to this world cleanly and with dignity is a fundamental right of every human being," he said, speaking in Spanish.

He also thanked his two female stars for their performances.

"This award really belongs to them, it's a film about two women and the two women are Julianne and Tilda," he said.

While "The Room Next Door" had been widely tipped to win, the runner-up Silver Lion award was a surprise, going to Italian director Maura Delpero for her slow-paced drama set in the Italian Alps during World War Two - "Vermiglio".

Australia's Nicole Kidman won the best actress award for her risque role in the erotic "Babygirl", where she plays a hard-nosed CEO, who jeopardises both her career and her family by having a toxic affair with a young, manipulative intern.

Kidman was in Venice on Saturday, but did not attend the awards ceremony after learning that her mother had died unexpectedly.

France's Vincent Lindon was named best actor for "The Quiet Son", a topical, French-language drama about a family torn apart by extreme-right radicalism.

ROAD TO OSCARS

The best director award went to American Brady Corbet for his 3-1/2 hour-long movie "The Brutalist", which was shot on 70mm celluloid and recounts the epic tale of a Hungarian Holocaust survivor played by Adrien Brody, who seeks to rebuild his life in the United States.

"We have the power to support each other and tell the Goliath corporations that try and push us around: 'No, it's three-and-a-half hours long and it's on 70mm," he told the auditorium on Saturday.

The festival marks the start of the awards season and regularly throws up big favourites for the Oscars, with eight of the past 12 best director awards at the Oscars going to films that debuted at Venice.

The prize for best screenplay went to Murilo Hauser and Heitor Lorega for "I'm Still Here", a film about Brazil's military dictatorship, while the special jury award went to the abortion drama "April", by Georgian director Dea Kulumbegashvili.

Among the movies that left Venice's Lido island empty-handed were Todd Phillips's "Joker: Folie a Deux," starring Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga, the sequel to his original "The Joker" which claimed the top prize here in 2019.

Luca Guadagnino's "Queer," with Daniel Craig playing a gay drug addict, and Pablo Larrain's Maria Callas biopic "Maria", starring Angelina Jolie as the celebrated Greek soprano, also won plaudits from the critics but did not get any awards.

The Venice jury this year was headed by French actress Isabelle Huppert.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
X-Men star Sir Ian McKellen is not holding back any scathing remark when it comes to Queen Elizabeth II and her Royal Family. Ian McKellen, poses for photographers upon arrival at the European Premiere of the The Critic, in London, Monday, Sept. 2, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)(AP)

McKellen told The Times about his less-than-pleasant and very rude interactions with the late Queen Elizabeth II and shared his thoughts on the British royal family.

On the few occasions I met her, she was quite rude, he said.

When I received a medal for acting, she said, Youve been doing this for an awfully long time. I said, Well, not as long as you. I got a royal smile for that, but then she said, Does anyone still actually go to the theater?

Thats bloody rude when youre giving someone a medal for acting. It meant, Does anyone care a f**k about you because I dont. Now off you go!

ALSO READ| Prince Harry motivates how to heal, to change lives in a new video: Watch

The actor described how, during these meetings, the queen would shake his hand with some force that felt more like she was urging him to leave. It meant, Go! Go! he explained.

McKellen back Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

McKellen, who spent much of the summer recovering from a fall during a West End play in London that left him with a fractured wrist and vertebrae, took the time to read Prince Harrys memoir, Spare. A

fter finishing the book, McKellen expressed his support for the Duke of Sussex: Im most definitely on Harrys side.

Imagine being born into the royal family. Ive been in public life a bit, but these people are in prison. They cant do anything normal. Can you imagine having to be nice to everyone you talk to?

McKellen didnt hold back when discussing Prince Harrys exit from royal duties and his marriage to Meghan Markle. He speculated that Harry was probably not bright enough or doesnt have the right friends to really help himself.

The X Men star added, Mind you, he had the pick of all the pretty women in the world. I hope hes got the right one.

ALSO READ| Prince William's pals made it clear that Prince Harry is not wanted in Royal Family

He then shared his thoughts on other members of the royal family. Imagine being born into the royal family. Ive been in public life a bit, but these people are in prison, he said.

Hats off to anyone who manages to stay sane in that world. Like the [late] Duke of Edinburgh managed to do.

He theorized that the late Prince Philip was deeply, deeply eccentric and I suspect deeply unhappy. He continued with his assessment of King Charles, suggesting the current monarch sort of survives, but he is clearly damaged.
Artem Chigvintsev, the former Dancing With the Stars pro, seems to be making a big statement with a major change to his Instagram bio following his recent domestic violence arrest. Artem Chigvintsev was arrested on domestic violence charges in Napa Valley, California, just days after celebrating his wedding anniversary (Theartemc/Instagram)

In a move that has sparked speculation about the state of his current relationship with wife, Nikki Garcia, Chigvintsev has removed all references to the WWE star from his bio. As reports suggest that Garcia is seeking a divorce lawyer, the couples relationship appears to be on the brink.

Artem Chigvintsev drops Nikki Garcias name from Insta bio

The 42-year-old DWTS star once proudly flaunted a link to Nikki Garcia's social media in his Instagram bio, accompanied by a bride and diamond ring emoji, symbolising his happy married life. However, the link is now gone, and his bio now simply reads: Father to Matteo, DWTS Pro Dancer, Emmy Nominated Choreographer, DWTS Mirror Ball Winner, SCD Mirror Ball Winner.

Also read: Don Lemon makes urgent plea to Taylor Swift before elections; wants her to quickly endorse

On August 29, Chigvintsev was briefly detained in Napa Valley, California, on a felony charge, according to TMZ. He was released soon after, with bail set at $25,000. The shocking incident unfolded just days after the couple celebrated their second wedding anniversary. The authorities refrained from confirming anything about the victim.

Friends of the couple told TMZ that their relationship had been volatile, admitting they were shocked but not shocked by Chigvintsevs arrest

Nikki Garcia looking for a divorce lawyer

According to PageSix, Nikki "Bella" Garcia is reportedly moving forward with plans to end her marriage to Artem Chigvintsev following last week's incident. She has allegedly been searching for divorce lawyers, making several calls to attorneys since Friday, right after her husband was charged with felony corporal injury to a spouse or cohabitant, as reported by TMZ.

On September 1, the former WWE champion hinted her marriage might be over when she was seen without her wedding ring while boarding a private jet with her son, Matteo. This is a private matter, and Nikki asks for privacy for her and her family at this time, a family spokesperson mentioned. Chigvintsev and Garcia haven't formally said anything about what happened on August 29 yet.

Also read: Jennifer Lopez slays racy skin-baring dress at TIFF 2024 as Ben Affleck avoids any awkward run-ins

According to a 911 dispatch tape, Chigvintsev initially called for medical attention. He claimed that Garcia had thrown shoes at him during a heated confrontation. However, minutes later, he attempted to cancel the 911 request, stating that medical assistance was no longer needed.
There is a reason why quite literally, millions throng the humid, rain-soaked streets of Mumbai to make their way, a pilgrimage of sorts, to bless themselves with a glimpse of the King of Lalbaug. Lalbaugcha Raja represents that nexus of reverence that one can't help but feel drawn to, year on year, as the tithi for Ganesh Chaturti commences. This holds true irrespective of if one has ties to the city or not. Sustained tradition and a strong legacy of course play a major factor in ensuring the immortality of the Lalbaugcha Raja. But fact of the matter is, that this 14-feet tall regal statue of the affable Bappa, represents much more. This year's Lalbaugcha Raja idol was unveiled in Mumbai yesterday, September 6(Photo: X/LalbaugchaRaja)

A legacy rooted in faith

The Ganesh Chaturthi revelry that characterises Mumbai during this time of the year, actually began from the resolution of a sustained period of hardship. As the lore goes, Bappa came to the rescue. The Lalbaug area in the city, back in the 1900s, comprised of about a 100 textile mills which began to boom by the 1930s. This however, had a negative impact on the lives of the locals there. In such pressing times, the community collectively turned to Bappa in reverence, praying for a smooth passage to resolution. This is when they were granted a plot of land which is today known as the Lalbaug market. A portion of this plot is what evolved to become the Sarvajanik Ganesh Mandal which is where the King of Lalbaug is now installed year on year  a beautiful realisation of gratitude which has sustained itself for over a century.

The Kamblis are to thank for crafting Bappa's Lalbaugcha legacy

In a conversation with Indian Express, sculptor Santosh Kambli reminisced about his family's generational duty of bringing the magnanimity of Bappa's Lalbaug incarnation to life. The Lalbaug tradition was officially commenced in 1935 by Santosh's grandfather, Madhusudan Donduji Kambli. Over the decades, crafting the King of Lalbaug has become not just their profession but also the family's "sacred duty". Over nine glorious decades, the artful execution has been seen over first by Madhusudhan, then his brother Venkatesh. The baton now lies in the hands of Santosh and his father.

Not that there was any doubt about it, but bringing a 14-feet statue to life is not a short-lived process. And so it commences several months prior to the D-day  in the month of June to be precise, as shared by Santosh. The design of the idol remains unchanged and was originally inspired by the form and figure of Bappa, as depicted in the Puranas and sacred texts. A trademark of the idol is the soft piety it reflects in its eyes, coupled with an undeniable reverence it manages to invoke for any onlooker, in situ or from afar.

The supremacy of Lalbaugcha Raja: Explained

The number of Ganesha idols crafted in the run up to Ganesh Chaturthi are truly insurmountable. These come in all shapes, sizes and themes, each holding immense significance for it's worshipper. But the Lalbaugcha Raja idol does not enjoy its supreme position just on the basis of its larger-than-life presence. It is actually an amalgamation of multiple minute factors which have fortified its legacy over the years.

The King of Lalbaug as a rule of thumb, always has a slight tilt to His face balanced by a soft, benevolent smile. Additionally, He is seated on His throne in a manner very different from the typical posture Bappa assumes in most of his idols. As a matter of fact, to safeguard the authenticity of Lalbaugcha Raja, the design has been copyrighted by Santosh.

A fact worth mentioning as part of this year's Lalbaug idol is that it stands adorned with a real crown of gold, weighing 20 kgs and worth 15 crores. The same was donated by the newest member of the Mandal committee, Anant Ambani.

We wish our readers a blessed Ganesh Chaturthi!
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) lawmaker Raghav Chadha on Friday said the party is in talks with the Congress and every possible effort is being made for an alliance ahead of the Haryana assembly elections, even as the grand old party said a tie-up is still under consideration. Raghav Chadhs remarks came as the two parties, which began holding talks on Tuesday, continued their discussions on Friday. (ANI)

Both the parties had allied for the Lok Sabha polls in the state, Delhi and Gujarat earlier this year as part of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA).

Talks are going on. We are hopeful that an alliance will form in favour of Haryana and the country. Every possible effort is being made, Chadha said.

The AAP leaders remarks came as the two parties, which began holding talks on Tuesday, continued their discussions on Friday. People aware of the details earlier said the AAP has sought 10 out of 90 seats from the Congress but the grand old party is keen on offering only seven.

AICC in-charge of Haryana, Deepak Babari, said there is no development as of now. I got calls from them but I was not able to attend those calls because of our own meetings. I will speak to them now. Every political party expresses their opinion, and tries to create pressure. I cant say anything about the alliance right now. It is still under consideration, he said.

His remarks came a day after a section of Congress leaders expressed reservations over a tie-up with the AAP for the Haryana elections.

Earlier, Babaria said other constituents of the INDIA bloc, such as the Communist Party of India (CPIM) and the Samajwadi Party, have also approached the grand old party to fight the Haryana assembly elections together.

In the Lok Sabha elections, the AAP failed to win the sole Kurukshetra seat it fought in Haryana under a pact with the Congress as part of the INDIA bloc. The Arvind Kejriwal-led party, however, saw a rise in its vote share since 2014, when it made its poll debut in the state.

The Congress, on the other hand, won five of the nine seats it contested in this years Lok Sabha elections. To be sure, AAP has never won any Lok Sabha or assembly seat in Haryana.

An AAP functionary said the talks for a possible alliance with the Congress for the Haryana elections are on the verge of collapse, with the Kejriwal-led outfit looking to contest solo on 50 seats.

In Haryana, talks for an alliance with the Congress are on the verge of collapse. The AAP is preparing to contest on 50 seats. Several disgruntled leaders from the Congress and BJP in the state may also join AAP in the coming days, the AAP functionary, who did not wish to be identified, said, without citing any reason behind the possible failure of talks.

The functionary added that the party may release its first list of candidates on Sunday.
The Bombay high court on Friday directed the Central Bureau of Investigation to look into the murder of former Shiv Sena (UBT) corporator Abhishek Ghosalkar after noting that there were lapses and loose ends in the Mumbai Police's probe. Mauris Noronha (left) with Uddhav Sena leader Abhishek Ghosalkar on a Facebook live in which the Sena leader was shot by Noronha.

A division bench headed by Justice Revati Mohite Dere heard a plea filed by Tejasvee Ghosalkar, wife of the former Shiv Sena (UBT) leader, raising issues with the Mumbai Police's investigation and requesting a CBI probe into the matter.

The bench stated that certain angles of the case had not been properly explored which could lead to a miscarriage of justice. We have gone through the investigation carried out and find that there are some loose ends/areas which have not been examined by the police, the Bombay high court said.

Also Read: Aaditya Thackeray criticises transfer of salt pan land for Dharavi redevelopment

The court ordered that the case be transferred to the CBI to ensure a deeper investigation that would bring justice. The bench also instructed that papers related to the investigation should be handed over to the CBI within two weeks.

Abhishek Ghosalkar's gruesome murder was captured live on February 8 after he was shot by local businessman Mauris Noronha at the former's Borivali office during a Facebook Live session. After the murder, Mauris Noronha shot himself dead as well.

According to the police, Noronha was upset as he believed that Abhishek Ghosalkar had intervened in his political career and had a hand in a rape case registered against him.

Noronha's bodyguard, whose pistol was allegedly used in the shooting, was arrested in the case by the police, but was released on bail by a trial court after noting that there was no conclusive evidence tying him to the case.

Noting the gruesome circumstances of the murder, the court transferred the case as even innocent lapses by the police, could lead to a denial of justice.

"In the present case what surfaces is that the mystery surrounding the death of deceased Abhishek continues," the bench said. While the police claimed it had made it's best efforts to solve the case, the bench observed that many vital aspects of the case had been neglected.

The court also noted that though Abhishek Ghosalkar had previously been a Shiv Sena (UBT) corporator, his wife had not pointed towards any political party's motivations in the brutal murder.
Four militants and a civilian were killed in a fresh wave of violence that was reported from Manipurs Jiribam district on Saturday morning, according to the district administration. The civilian was killed inside his house, and this led to a gunfight during which four militants were killed, police have informed the district administration. Family members of a person who was killed when a missile struck mourn at Moirang in Manipur on September 6, 2024.(REUTERS)

An officer of a security force posted in Manipur said, A gunfight started in the morning after militants entered a village and killed a man. The killing was part of the ethnic clashes. The gunfight is on. We have reports that the ones who died are from both Kuki and Meitei communities.

While ethnic clashes have roiled Manipur for the last one and a half years, the situation has been extreme tense in the last 5 days after another wave of violence.

On Friday night, hours after the elderly man was killed in Bishnupur, mobs in Imphal attempted to loot weapons from the headquarters of the 2 Manipur Rifles and 7 Manipur Rifles. The security forces foiled their attempts.

Rockets attack in Manipur

Fridays attack is the first known use of rockets in the state since the conflict erupted 17 months ago, said officials, just six days after drones were first weaponised. Manipur police in a late-night statement said Kuki militants had used long range rockets.

The surging violence prompted the Manipur administration to order all education institutions across the state to remain shut on Saturday.

Conflict in the state, which has been besieged by ethnic clashes between Kukis and Meiteis since May 3 last year, has ratcheted up since Sunday, with militants turning to newer technologies such as drones and rockets and adding a fresh layer of violence even as the use of rifles and grenade continued unabated.

The senior officer said the rockets fired on Friday were at least four-feet long.

It seems the explosives were filled in a galvanised iron (GI) pipe. The GI pipes with explosives were then fitted in a country-made rocket launcher and fired simultaneously, the officer said.

For the projectile to travel a longer distance, the militants have to change the volume of the explosives. It seems they have been practising this during the months of lull, the second officer said.
While the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party have so far failed to reach a consensus on seat sharing for the upcoming Haryana assembly polls, AAP MP Raghav Chadha on Saturday said an alliance may be finalised soon. Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is seeking 10 seats for the upcoming Haryana assembly elections.(PTI )

Following a meeting with Congress leaders on Saturday evening to discuss alliance possibilities, Chadha said: I hope it (alliance) will be finalised, Ummeed pe duniya kayam hai.

His comments came hours after AAP general secretary Sandeep Pathak told mediapersons that those underestimating the party will repent in the future.

ALSO READ- Brij Bhushan's first reaction as Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia join Congress: 'Bhupinder Hooda wrote the script

Pathak said party workers are ready to contest alone on all seats and are only waiting for directions from the party leadership. We are ready to contest the election on all seats with all our strength. Whoever underestimates us will repent in future. From AAP, volunteers, and leadership I can say that we are completely ready (to contest alone). We are waiting for the word go from the party. We will make all announcements (of candidates) soon, he said.

The remarks that appeared to be a bargaining tactic came a day after Chadha said on Friday that the party is in talks with the Congress and every possible effort is being made for an alliance for the October 5 polls.

Pathak, on Saturday, refuted reports of the two parties reaching an agreement that the AAP will only contest five seats in the 90-member Haryana assembly.

The news about seats continues to appear in the media every day I do not have any such information, he said.

ALSO READ- Bajrang Punia hits back at Brij Bhushan Singh on ex-WFI chief's cheating dig at Vinesh Phogat

Alliance talks between the AAP and the Congress began on Tuesday, but no major breakthrough has been achieved even after several rounds of discussions.

According to people familiar with the matter, while AAP is ready for an alliance, a section of Haryana-based Congress leaders has expressed reservations over such a tie-up.

The AAP has sought 10 seats, even as the Congress has only offered seven, AAP functionaries said.

AICC in-charge of Haryana, Deepak Babaria, who was present at the meeting with Chadha on Saturday evening, did not respond to requests for comments.

To be sure, both parties allied for the Lok Sabha polls in Haryana, Delhi and Gujarat earlier this year as part of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA).

In the Lok Sabha elections, the AAP failed to win the sole Kurukshetra seat it fought in Haryana under a pact with the Congress as part of the INDIA bloc. The Arvind Kejriwal-led party, however, saw a rise in its vote share since 2014, when it made its poll debut in the state.

ALSO READ- Education, information can bring down crimes against women: UP women commission president

The Congress, on the other hand, won five of the nine seats it contested in the Lok Sabha elections. The AAP has never won any Lok Sabha or assembly seat in Haryana.

Reacting to speculation of the AAP-Congress alliance in Haryana, BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala said the INDIA bloc lacks mission and vision.

INDI alliance has no mission and vision. They have their own ambitions and operate through their confusion and they have obsession with Modi. They want to protect their corruption. Thats why they form an alliance in some places, however, it breaks later on. In Punjab, AAP and Congress are against each other. In Delhi, they were together earlier. And now there are uncertainties (between AAP and Congress) in Haryana, he said.

Polling in Haryana will take place on October 5 while counting of votes for the elections to the 90-member assembly will take place on October 8.
The December 1989 abduction of Rubaiya Sayeed, daughter of then Union home minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed, that resulted in the government releasing five terrorists to get her freed, became a benchmark during the Indian Airlines hijacking episode (flight IC 814) of December 1999, according to National Conference (NC) vice president Omar Abdullah. NC vice-president Omar Abdullah releasing the partys manifesto for the J&K assembly polls. (Waseem Andrabi/HT)

NC president Farooq Abdullah, Omar's father, was the chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir during the twin crises.

This (IC 814 incident) was the second time my father was forced to release people. They (families of passengers) used the Rubaiya Sayeed case as a benchmark. They said when you (government) could release terrorists for a home minister's daughter, our families are not precious? Why is it that only she (Rubaiya) is precious to the country? So, a benchmark was set and had to be followed, Omar said in an interview with ANI.

The NC vice president, himself a former J&K chief minister, further stated that in 1989, the government of then prime minister VP Singh, had the option of 'not negotiating with terrorists.

However, the government chose to negotiate. After that, once you've done it once, then you have to do it again, he added.

Omar Abdullah's comments come at a time when he has been in a war of words with a fellow ex-CM, People's Democratic Party (PDP) supremo Mehbooba Mufti, daughter of Mufti Mohammed Sayeed and sister of Rubaiya Sayeed.

His remarks also come ahead of the assembly polls in the erstwhile state, now a Union territory, the first such exercise in the region since December 2014. The polling will be held on September 18, 25, and October 1 and the counting of votes will be done on October 8.
The Assam Rifles has deployed a few anti-drone systems in Manipur and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has also handed over one anti-drone system to security forces in the ethnic strife-torn state, the Manipur Police said in a statement on Saturday night. Manipur has been roiled by ethnic clashes since May 2023. (REUTERS)

Stating that some more anti-drone guns are being brought to Manipur by CRPF shortly, the state police added the anti-drone systems were being installed to repel rogue drones that have been used to drop explosives in civilian areas.

ALSO READ- Rockets fired at first Manipur CMs house as conflict spirals

Assam Rifles has deployed a few anti-drone systems in the State at fringe areas to repel any rogue drones. CRPF has also tested one anti-drone system and given it to the force deployed in the State. Some more anti-drone guns are being brought to the State by CRPF shortly, the statement said.

It added: The State Police has also started the process for procurement of anti-drone system to enhance its security measures and tackle threats from drones effectively.

ALSO READ- Use of drone bombs adds to security woes in Manipur

Violence in Manipur  which has been besieged by ethnic clashes between Kukis and Meiteis since May 3 last year  has ratcheted up since the beginning of this month, with militants turning to newer technologies such as drones and rockets even as the use of rifles and grenade continued unabated.

Drones have been used to drop explosives in at least three different places, in which one woman died and over 12 others were injured, over the last one week. Security officials in the northeastern state believe that the armed militia groups are using impact explosives attached to expensive drones that can fly at higher altitude to drop the bombs.

ALSO READ- 4 militants, 1 civilian killed in fresh violence in Manipur

An anti-drone system will also be installed at the chief ministers office, the Raj Bhavan and the Manipur assembly, state home department officials said. A proposal for this was already pending. This will be done at the earliest. Police have been told to expedite the installation of this project, a home official said.

Meanwhile, the Manipur director general of police (DGP), on the Centres instructions, formed a committee of five top officials  armys 57 Mountain divisions lieutenant general, Manipur ADGP, Assam Rifles major general, and inspector generals from CRPF and Border Security Force (BSF)  on September 2 amid use of drones in recent militant attacks.

The committee will have to critically study and examine the drones used by militants, collect evidence, specification of the drones used and suggest ways to effectively counter such drones, according to a communication, seen by HT, from the DGPs office.

A team of experts from National Security Guards and IIT Delhi are also in Manipur and working with the committee.
Armed militia groups in the conflict-ridden state of Manipur likely used impact explosives attached to expensive drones that can fly at higher altitude to drop the bombs, security officials familiar with the matter said, commenting on events of September 1, when one person was killed in an attack where drones were used to drop explosives. In the last six months, security forces have shot down at least 18 drones in the valleys and hills of Manipur. (Representational image)

Their disclosure comes even as a committee of top officers from police, army and paramilitary forces in Manipur is preparing a report on the use of drone bombs by militants and will submit its report by September 13.

Over the last five days, Kuki militants have used drones to drop explosives in two more places.

These drones are better than the ones used by Pakistan based smugglers to send drugs and weapons from across the border. They can fly longer and at higher altitude. The bombs are most probably home-made improvised explosive devices, which explode on impact when dropped. We dismissed the idea that militants are using digital detonators. It is an advanced technology. There was another suspicion that the militants used a proximity fuse, such as the ones used in grenades which have a timer. But this modus operandi too is unlikely as the drones are being spotted at a higher altitude. A proximity fuse takes 30-45 seconds to detonate. Attaching explosives to the drone, flying it at a height and then dropping it above a target takes longer, a senior security forces officer said, asking not to be named.

In the last six months, security forces have shot down at least 18 drones in the valleys and hills of Manipur. But until last Sunday(September 1), drones were used by militants on both sides only for surveillance.

Some of the drones that the forces shot down in these last six months, are expensive ones. We have seen these drones flying more than 100m in the air. The ones in Punjab fly at a much lower altitude. A lever that usually holds payloads such as pesticides, is moved by the click of a button on the remote control. The technology is a simple one, but it was never used by militants in India for dropping explosives, a second officer said adding that the only time drones were used to drop explosives was during a terror attack at the Jammu air base in June 2021.

The second officer, who too asked not to be named said that the drones they shot down have a longer flight time of at least an hour and can travel almost 5-10 km. Along the border in Pakistan, the drug smugglers dont require very expensive drones. They just have to fly the drones with drugs over the border fence between villages in India and Pakistan. The distance there could be hardly 1 km. Militants here need to have drones that can fly to farther distance, which they seem to have acquired, based on the drones the forces have shot down, the second officer said adding that the drones are being used by militants from both Kuki and Meitei side.

This officer added that over the past six months, several intercepted conversations of militants are about the financing of drones.

Crowd funding is happening in both Kuki and Meitei sides. If people are unable to send manpower, the militants are demanding money to buy drones. There is a different department on each side that is at work to acquire drones.

The Manipur police director general on September 2, on the Centres instructions, formed a committee of five top officials  armys 57 Mountain divisions lieutenant general, the additional director general of Manipur Police, major general of the Assam Rifles, and inspector generals from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Border Security Force (BSF). The committee, according to a communication seen by HT from the police chiefs office, will have to critically study and examine the drones used by militants, collect evidence, specification of the drones used and suggest ways to effectively counter such drones.

A team of experts from National Security Guards and IIT Delhi are also in Manipur and working with the committee to study the use of drones to drop explosives and find ways to deal with this new challenge.

What possibly started as ethnic clashes has escalated into something far bigger. If drones are being weaponised and used to drop explosives with over 2kg payloads on civilians, and fire projectile bombs over a distance of 5km, then this is a major national security challenge. This modus operandi is commonly used by terror groups outside our country. The cure to this menace must be prompt and different from what is being done now to prevent further deterioration in the security situation in the state, said Lieutenant General Konsam Himalaya Singh (retired), a Manipur resident, who served in leadership roles in the army and headed the 27 Rajput in Siachen glacier during the Kargil war.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) on Friday lent its support to a controversial new Waqf bill at the third meeting of the joint committee examining the draft legislation, citing its ongoing tussle with waqf boards over 130 historical monuments, people aware of developments said. Muslims offer Eid al-Fitr prayers at the Jama Masjid mosque in New Delhi. (HT Photo)

The ASIs stand assumes importance as experts are apprehensive that if passed in its current draft, the bill might put the waqfs management of many historical properties under fresh legal scrutiny. With the new bill doing away with the waqf by usage provision and any government property identified as waqf could cease to be so, ASIs role is seen as crucial.

The Jama Masjid in Delhi is an example of a historical property managed by the waqf board.

The discussions in the joint parliamentary panel turned into a heated debate in the first session when officials of the culture ministry, which supervises ASI, made a casual remark that hinted that the waqf boards held arbitrary powers, said the people cited above.

Opposition members lashed out at the officials and even accused them of misleading the panels members and peddling WhatsApp university misinformation with its claim that waqf boards could declare ownership over any property, added the people cited above.

ASIs submissions came under heavy criticism from the Opposition. Congress leader Naseer Hussain challenged ASIs position and said no waqf body claimed forts, palaces or residence of kings or queens. He also asked if anybody had given the power to ASI to change the character of a property, said the people cited above.

All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen leader Asaduddin Owaisi highlighted that the law stipulates acquisition of rights shall not affect the use of any protected monument for customary religious observances.

He also argued that a 1958 act provided the legal framework for the preservation of a protected monument that is under private ownership but the law balanced private property rights in protected monuments with the public purpose of preservation of heritage by providing for a framework based on mutual agreement between the central government and the owners of the property, said the people cited above.

Bharatiya Janata Party leaders questioned ASIs statement on disputed properties and asked what the agency had done so far to get possession. One of the ruling side members told ASI officials that they should have approached the court, said the people cited above.

Some Opposition leaders reminded ASI that according to 2006 Rajinder Sachar committee, the WHAT is the biggest occupier of waqf lands in Delhi.

Owaisi and others also accused ASI of having selective approach and failing to protect monuments of national importance. They asked how many monuments were gradually converted to further the agenda of cultural nationalism, said the people cited above.

The bill, introduced in the previous session of Parliament, seeks to bring changes to the powers of state waqf boards, survey of waqf properties and removal of encroachments by amending the Waqf Act, 1995.

A waqf is a Muslim religious endowment, usually in the form of landed property, made for purposes of charity and community welfare.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday lashed out at National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah over his remarks on the execution of 2001 Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru. NC vice-president Omar Abdullah.(Waseem Andrabi/HT File)

The unfortunate thing was that the J-K government had nothing to do with Afzal Guru's execution. Otherwise, you would have had to do it with the permission of the state government, which I can tell you in no uncertain terms would not have been forthcoming. We wouldn't have done it. I don't believe that any purpose was served by executing him, Abdullah, who was serving as the chief minister of erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, told ANI.



Abdullah's remarks have triggered a storm ahead of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections.



ALSO READ: In memoir, Congs Shinde blames RK Singh for Afzal hanging row



Union minister of state for home Nityanand Rai said,"Omar Abdullah's statement is extremely objectionable and anti-India, any amount of criticism is not enough... He is speaking in favour of such terrorists... The Congress is with such anti-India statements. There is no difference between Abdullah and Congress... The people of India will not forgive this."



Former J&K deputy chief minister Kavinder Gupta told ANI,"After all, what does Omar Abdullah want to solve? If anti-national elements who hatched a conspiracy against India are given the death penalty, why do they object to this? They want to create a situation by taking support from terrorists. They are taking support from terrorists; that is why he is speaking such language."



Omar Abdullah is openly supporting Pakistan's policy and Pakistan so that he can win the election. He is scared after the loss in the Parliament election, BJP leader Altaf Thakur said.

Afzal Guru executed in 2013

On December 13, 2001, five terrorists belonging to Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Toiba and Jaish-e-Muhammad attacked the Parliament, before being neutralised by the security personnel deployed there.



Guru, a former Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) terrorist, was convicted and hanged on February 9, 2013.
Signboards banning the entry of non-Hindus and hawkers have been reportedly installed outside several villages in Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, prompting the state police to launch a probe, even as Muslim organisations raised concerns over the increasing number of cases targeting the community. Boards banning non-Hindus, Rohingya Muslims in Ukhand village spark row

While Uttarakhand director general of police (DGP) Abhinav Kumar said he has ordered local police and intelligence units to ascertain reports of such boards being installed in multiple villages, Rudraprayag circle officer Prabodh Kumar Ghildiyal confirmed that they have removed several signboards and were trying to identify the culprits who put them up.

It came to light that such boards have come up in some villages. We have been removing them. Some have already been removed from a few villages. We are also trying to ascertain the identities of those who have put up these boards, Ghildiyal said.

ALSO READ- Plea for ban on Chinese manjha: HC seeks action taken report from Centre, U.P.

A meeting with various gram pradhans (village heads) has also been held to ensure such things do not happen in future, he added.

It is prohibited for non-Hindus/Rohingya Muslims and hawkers to do business/roam around in the village. If found anywhere in the village, punitive action will be taken, the text on the signboard installed outside the Nyalsu village, written in Hindi, read. It claimed the directive had come from the gram sabha.

Pramod Singh, pradhan of Nyalsu, said that similar boards have come up in almost all villages in the region, including Shersi, Gaurikund, Triyuginarayan, Sonprayag, Barasu, Jamu, Ariya, Ravigram, and Maikhanda. Singh told HT that the signboard outside his village has been installed by the villagers and not the gram panchayat.

ALSO READ- Education, information can bring down crimes against women: UP women commission president

The boards have been installed to prevent hawkers from entering the villages without a police verification. Most men of our village are dependent on the yatra and therefore they live in Gaurikund and Sonprayag during the yatra. The women are in the houses alone. Many hawkers come to the village without a valid ID and police verification. Those with verification have been regularly visiting the village, they are not stopped. If hawkers commit any crime and flee, they cant be traced, he claimed.

Chandni Devi, pradhan of Maikhanda village, also confirmed that a similar board has been installed by villagers outside her village. We dont want outsiders to come into our village since there is a threat to our children and women, she claimed.

Soni Devi, the head of Gaurikund village, initially confirmed but later retracted that such a board had come up outside her village. It was put up by villagers that non-Hindus will not be allowed in the village. Such boards have not just come up in our gram sabha but in several others too, she told HT, but later retracted her statement, saying: No such boards have come up in our village. Since I am away from the village, I confirmed it now.

Though it was not immediately known when were the signboards put up outside the villages, the issue came to light after two Muslim delegations  from the Muslim Seva Sangathan and AIMIM  called on DGP Kumar on September 5 and conveyed their concerns over rising anti-minority incidents in the Himalayan state.

It has been found that on petty issues or any alleged criminal or anti-social activity by any Muslim, processions are taken out by right-wing organisations targeting the entire Muslim community in the towns and cities of the hills. Shops belonging to the members of the minority community are ransacked and looted and Muslims threatened to leave the state... there has been planned attempts bordering on Islamophobia to harass, humiliate, and threaten Muslims with an evil and unlawful design of the ethnic cleansing in the state, Naeem Qureshi of the Muslim Seva Sangathan wrote in a memorandum to the top cop.

DGP Kumar said he has ordered the local police to look into reports of such signboards. We have asked the intelligence and our local unit to look into such reports. If any such thing is found true, we will take appropriate action, he added.

Uttarakhand has witnessed communal tensions in various parts over the last few years, the latest coming from Nandanagar town in Chamoli district on September 1, when a mob attacked shops and properties belonging to members of the Muslim community. The violence during a protest, seeking the arrest of a Muslim man accused of flashing a 14-year-old girl, continued the next day as well.

The police have arrested the 26-year-old accused and also filed two cases against a large number of unknown people over the violence.

ALSO READ- Not in a feudal era: Supreme Court pulls up Uttarakhand government

However, at least 10 Muslim families have fled Nandanagar since the violence earlier this month.

We had to flee the town after we received death threats. After a crowd of hundreds of violent protesters attacked our shops and people from our community, we walked for around 20 kilometres in the middle of night to save our lives. It was raining, and the weather was stormy. But we were desperate to save our lives. We have come to our native place in Bijnor (Uttar Pradesh), Ahmad Hasan, a BJP minority wing functionary, who has been living in the hill town for three decades, said.

He added that at least 10 Muslim families who have been living in Nandanagar for decades have left the town.

Chamoli superintendent of police Sarvesh Panwar, however, refuted the claim of Muslim families leaving the town.

Nandanagar is safe. We have deployed additional force to maintain law and order. We have received no reports of Muslim families leaving the town, the SP added.

In June last year, communal tension erupted in Purola area of Uttarkashi district, with posters threatening Muslim shopkeepers to vacate their shops pasted on shops. The communal tension erupted after two men, including a Muslim, allegedly attempted to abduct a minor girl on May 26. The next day, the two accused  identified as Ubed Khan (24), a local shopkeeper, and Jitender Saini (23), a motorcycle mechanic  were arrested by the police for the alleged crime. In May this year, a court in Uttarkashi acquitted both the accused.
Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief and Bharatiya Janata Party leader, hit out at several top Congress leaders on Saturday, a day after wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia joined the Congress ahead of the Haryana assembly elections. Brij Bhushan alleged that the move began two years ago", referring to the wrestlers' protest against him in New Delhi that involved allegations of sexual harassment. Ex-WFI chief and BJP leader Brij Bhushan Saran Singh(PTI)

About two years ago, these sportspersons had started a conspiracy on January 18. The day this all began, I had said that this was a political conspiracy. The Congress was involved in this, Deepender Hooda was involved, Bhupinder Hooda was involved. The entire script was written. This is not an agitation by sportspersons. And now after about two years, it has become clear that the Congress was involved in this drama, Brij Bhusan told news agency PTI.

Targeting Bhupinder Hooda, Brij Bhushan alleged that the Haryana Congres leader was behind the "wrestlers movement". The Congress was behind it, especially Bhupinder Hooda, Deepender Hooda, Priyanka and Rahul Gandhi. This is a movement of the Congress. In this entire movement, the conspiracy that happened against us, Bhupinder Hooda was leading it. I want to tell the people of Haryana that Bhupinder Hooda, Deepender Hooda, Bajrang or Vinesh, they were not sitting (on protest) for the respect of girls. Due to them, the daughters of Haryana are facing embarrassment. We are not responsible for it, Bhupinder Hooda and Deependra Hooda and these protesters are responsible for it, news agency ANI quoted Brij Bhushan as saying.

What will they answer on the day when it will be proved that I was not present in Delhi on the day of the incident on which allegations are being made? They used daughters for politics, defamed daughters. They were not fighting for the honour of daughters, they were fighting for politics, he added.

Earlier on Friday, Brij Bhushan said, These people view politics as a breeze. They believe they can win the assembly elections in Haryana. They can run from any assembly seat in Haryana, but a minor BJP candidate will defeat them.

He added, "If my party directs me, I am prepared to campaign in the Haryana assembly elections. I am confident I will receive strong support from their community. I am ready to campaign for the BJP candidate right in front of them."

The former WFI president also criticised Congress leaders who joined the wrestlers' protests, saying, Many Congress leaders joined the protests under the guise of seeking justice for the wrestlers. One by one, wrestlers were turned into pawns. The Congress, together with the wrestlers, has undermined wrestling in this country.

Olympians Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia, who led the wrestlers' protest against Brij Bhushan last year, entered the political scene on Friday by joining the Congress. They pledged to not be scared or back down".

On Friday, Vinesh Phogat reflected on the ongoing battle over sexual harassment allegations against Brij Bhushan. The fight is continuing, it hasn't ended yet. It's in court. We will win that fight as well... With the new platform that we are getting today, we will work for the service of the nation, she said.

Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia's entry into politics

On Friday, the Congress announced its first list of 32 candidates for the Haryana Assembly elections. The list includes former chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda running from Garhi Sampla-Kiloi, state unit chief Udai Bhan from Hodal, and wrestler Vinesh Phogat from Julana.

Phogat, an Olympian, will contest from Julana in Jind district, a key political region that played a significant role during the farmers' protest against the now-repealed farm laws. Although Phogat is from Balali in Charkhi Dadri district, her in-laws' hometown is Julana.

Following his entry into Congress, Bajrang Punia was appointed as the working chairman of the All India Kisan Congress, making it unlikely that he will be a candidate in the upcoming elections.

The 90-member Haryana Assembly will hold elections on October 5, with vote counting scheduled for October 8.

Wrestlers' [rotest

Several top wrestlers, including Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, and Vinesh Phogat, have protested to demand the arrest of former WFI chief Brij Bhushan on charges of sexually harassing female wrestlers. Facing mounting pressure, Brij Bhushan resigned from his role as WFI chief, a position he had held since 2012. In addition to the sexual harassment and mental torture allegations, wrestlers like Bajrang Punia and Ravi Dahiya have criticised his dictatorial leadership style.

Following the allegations, the BJP chose not to field Bhushan from Kaiserganj and instead nominated his son, Karan Bhushan Singh, as the candidate in the recent Lok Sabha elections.
Sanjay Roy, the main suspect in the rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, has reportedly denied any involvement during a polygraph test conducted by the Central Bureau of Investigation. Sanjay Roy was arrested on August 10, a day after the grisly murder, on the basis of CCTV camera footage.

India Today, citing unnamed sources, reported that Sanjay Roy fled the scene after discovering the body of post-graduate trainee doctor at the hospital.

HT couldn't independently verify the authenticity of the claims.

The India Today report added that Sanjay Roy was asked 10 questions by the CBI during his polygraph test. Three polygraph experts along with the investigating officer of the probe agency were present during the test.



Also Read | Kolkata doctor's rape case: Youth's death at RG Kar hospital without treatment sparks row; Abhishek Banerjee reacts

Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer with Kolkata Police, initially confessed to the crime following his arrest on August 10. However, he has since retracted his confession, insisting that he is being framed and is innocent.

The polygraph test took place on August 25 at Kolkata's Presidency Central Jail, where Sanjay Roy is currently being held. It is important to note that polygraph results are not admissible as evidence in court.

"I didn't commit the murder. I ran from the seminar hall after seeing the body," Sanjoy Roy reportedly told the CBI during the test. However, the polygraph reportedly indicated several deceptive and unconvincing responses.

Sanjay Roy was arrested on August 10, a day after the grisly murder, on the basis of CCTV camera footage. His bluetooth headset was also found inside the seminar hall, where the incident took place.

According to Sanjay Roy's lawyer, Kavita Sarkar, he maintained his innocence during the polygraph test as well. Sanjay Roy was also asked what he did next after allegedly murdering the woman, The Times of India reported earlier. He told the CBI sleuths that the question was invalid because he didn't murder her.

RG Kar doctor wasn't gangraped, finds CBI: Report

The CBI has ruled out the possibility of gang-rape in the horrific murder and rape of the trainee doctor and has identified Sanjay Roy as the lone suspect in the case, reported NDTV.

Unnamed sources told NDTV that the available evidence only implicates Sanjay Roy and the investigation is now in its final stages, with the agency ready to file charges soon.

According to NDTV, the CBI has sent a medical report, with the accused's DNA, to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in Delhi for investigation and will conclude their report once they receive results.

The investigating agency has recorded over 100 statements and conducted 10 polygraph tests till now. They have also brought charges on financial irregularities on Dr Sandip Ghosh, who was the principal at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, when the incident occurred.
A 35-year-old Maoist, who had been involved with the banned CPI-Maoist organisation, has been arrested for the first time by the Central Crime Branchs (CCB) Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS), an officer said. Police said Aniruddha was in Bengaluru for the past three to four days and was allegedly gathering financial support for the banned group and organising meetings (File photo)

Deputy commissioner of police (DCP) Srinivas Gowda said that the accused, identified as Aniruddha Rajan, originally from Haryana, was arrested on Thursday. He was arrested at the KSRTC Majestic bus station while waiting to board a bus to Chennai.

He further said: We had received a tip off that Rajan was visiting a friend in the city. However, the authorities had warned us that Aniruddha had been working covertly for the banned CPI-Maoist organisation, was involved in spreading outlawed literature and was conducting secret meetings. His arrest marks the first time that he has been caught by law enforcement, despite his involvement with the extremist group for an extended period.

He said that Aniruddha had been in Bengaluru for past three-four days and was allegedly gathering financial support for the banned group and organising meetings.

The officer said that after arresting Rajan, several items were seized from him, including two bags, pen drives, and tablets. It was also discovered that he was carrying a fake Aadhaar card under the name Vikas Ghadge to conceal his true identity. A case has been registered against him under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and he has been taken into custody for 14 days for further interrogation, he said.

.
The Union government has discharged controversial IAS probationer Puja Khedkar from the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) with immediate effect, weeks after the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) cancelled her provisional candidature. Puja Khedkar (File Photo)

Khedkar, who faces serious allegations of cheating and misusing benefits under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) and disability quotas, was discharged from the IAS under Rule 12 of IAS (Probation) Rules, 1954, according to people aware of the matter.

The rules allow the central government to discharge probationers from service if they fail "to pass the re-examination..." or "if the central government is satisfied that the probationer was ineligible for recruitment to the Service or is unsuitable for being a member of the Service", among others.

Puja Khedkar's legal troubles began when it was alleged that she misrepresented information to avail reservation benefits in her application for the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2022. Both the UPSC and the Delhi Police have accused her of submitting forged disability certificates, with two different documents used for the 2022 and 2023 exams.

Also Read | Delhi HC extends interim protection from arrest to Puja Khedkar till Sept 5

The UPSC, which cancelled Khedkars candidature on July 31, earlier stated that she committed fraud against the Commission and the public, and her custodial interrogation was necessary to expose the full extent of the conspiracy. She has denied all allegations.

On Thursday, Khedkar told the Delhi high court she was willing to get herself medically examined in AIIMS, after the Delhi Police claimed that one of her disability certificates may be "forged" and "fabricated".

"I am willing to get myself medically examined. First they say I changed my name. Now they say disability is questionable. I am willing to go to AIIMS," the senior counsel appearing for Khedkar said.

She made the submission while the court was dealing with her anticipatory bail plea in the criminal case.
After three cheetahs died in just over a month last year in Madhya Pradesh's Kuno National Park, the National Tiger Conservation Authority in May 2023 called in experts from Reliance's wildlife facility in Gujarat to review health monitoring protocols, official records show. Three cheetahs died in just over a month last year in Madhya Pradesh's Kuno National Park. (File photo)

The National Tiger Conservation Authority's (NTCA) Assistant Inspector General of Forests Abhishek Kumar wrote to the CEO of Reliance Industries' Jamnagar-based Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre (GZRRC) on May 11, 2023, requesting that a team of experts be sent to Kuno to "review health monitoring protocols" and provide advice to "ensure the welfare of the cheetahs" following the deaths of three cheetahs between March 27 and May 9.

Kumar's letter said Project Cheetah was the first intercontinental reintroduction of a wild, large carnivore species with "no comparable historical precedent" and it was not surprising that a project of such a "magnitude and complexity would face many challenges".

"Due to careful planning and execution, all 20 cheetahs survived the initial capture, quarantine and lengthy transport to the purpose-built quarantine and larger acclimatisation enclosure in Kuno. We are given to understand that Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre has expert veterinarians who are handling a substantial number of cheetahs in captivity," read the letter, seen by PTI.

GZRRC director Brij Kishor Gupta wrote back on May 24, 2023, saying a four-member team would visit Kuno on May 25-26.

The team included "senior veterinary officers" Jorge Francisco Soares and Nitin Yashwant Tambe, lab in-charge Mandeep and Gupta himself.

In response to PTI's question via email, Gupta said, "The National Tiger Conservation Authority requested GZRRC last year to assess the healthcare protocols of cheetahs being followed at Kuno, we sent our team of experts veterinarians and (the) director and found that they are following the right protocol for health care management of cheetahs."

GZRRC experts visited Kuno only once, Gupta said but gave no clear answer on whether they were providing any guidance or support to the project at present.

Gupta added that all forms of interaction, engagement and knowledge exchange conducted by the GZRRC with government and non-government entities in the fields of animal welfare, research and conservation were carried out "strictly on a non-commercial basis".

As part of the first ever intercontinental translocation of big cats, a total of 20 cheetahs -- eight from Namibia in September 2022 and 12 from South Africa in February 2023 -- were brought to Kuno.

Since their arrival, eight adult cheetahs -- three female and five male -- have died. Seventeen cubs have been born in India, with 12 surviving. This brings the total number of cheetahs, including cubs, in Kuno to 24, all of which are currently in enclosures.

Three cheetahs -- one male and two female -- died between March 27 and May 9, 2023.

According to Project Cheetah's annual report for 2023-24, Namibian female cheetah Sasha died due to "chronic renal insufficiency" on March 27, 2023, becoming the first mortality in the project.

"Sasha developed kidney problems after her arrival and received continuous care for two months but, unfortunately, she did not respond positively to the treatment and passed away," the annual report says.

South African male cheetah Uday "suddenly died" on April 23, 2023, within the larger acclimatisation enclosure "without displaying any prior symptoms". South African female cheetah Daksha died on May 9, 2023, due to injuries from a violent encounter with a male coalition during a mating attempt, according to the report.

The GZRRC experts' visit was immediately preceded by the death of three cubs born to Namibian cheetah Jwala between May 23 and May 25 due to extreme heat.

Bhopal-based wildlife activist Ajay Dubey questioned the need to involve GZRRC in the project when "top wildlife experts from the NTCA, Wildlife Institute of India, South Africa, and Namibia are already part of it".

"The government even sent staff from the Madhya Pradesh wildlife department for training in cheetah management in South Africa and Namibia. What did they learn?" he asked.

"And even if you have approached GZRRC, why keep it a secret? There is no mention of the support sought from Reliance Industries' wildlife facility in the annual report of Project Cheetah," he added.

The minutes of the Cheetah Project Monitoring Committee meetings, obtained by PTI through an RTI application, also do not mention this involvement.

Besides wildlife experts from NTCA, the Wildlife Institute of India and other government facilities, Kuno currently has a dedicated team of four veterinarians for Project Cheetah.

It has also received veterinary support and guidance from wildlife veterinarians in South Africa and Namibia, including Adrian Tordiffe, hospital director at Onderstepoort Veterinary College, South Africa; Mike Toft from Kifaru Wildlife Veterinary Services, South Africa; Andy Fraser from Rooiberg Veterinary Services, South Africa; and Ana Basto from the Cheetah Conservation Fund, Namibia.

GZRRC director Gupta told PTI that they had more than 40 cheetahs rescued from different captive facilities.

All the cheetahs are captive born in the country of origin of the captive facility. There have been "no mortalities of cheetahs at GZRRC till date" and all the animals are all "faring very well", he said.

Gupta said they had "some of the best veterinarians in wildlife health management".

He said the cheetah project had been "doing very well". "It has been noted that birth of several cubs has taken place on Indian soil and the survival rate is good in comparison to similar projects in other parts of the world."

When asked about the challenges of cheetah management based on their experience, Gupta said, "GZRRC specialises in the study, management, care and research of cheetahs within captive environments. The primary focus areas for cheetahs in captivity include veterinary care, nutrition, housing, exercise and enrichment. GZRRC has successfully established optimal standards across all these domains."

He emphasised that "the operation and management of a captive programme differ significantly from those of a re-wilding programme".

The Central Zoo Authority (CZA) granted approval for the setting up of GZRRC on February 14, 2019, and accorded it recognition on August 17, 2020.

According to its 2023-24 annual report submitted to the CZA, new facilities such as Rescue Centre for Herbivores, Asiatic Lion Care, Medical Research and Hospital, Cheetah Conservation and Research Centre, Vulture Conservation Breeding Centre and multi-specialty hospital were added to GZRRC in 2023-24.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has a plan that it believes will help it win seats in the Kashmir Valley in the coming elections in the Union territory, and it revolves around contesting fewer constituencies. In the first phase, the BJP is contesting seven of the 24 constituencies that go to polls, leaving many seats vacant. Union home minister Amit Shah releases the BJP manifesto for the J&K elections in Jammu on Friday. (ANI)

In all, of the 47 seats in Kashmir, the BJP will field only 24 candidates, according to party spokesperson Sajjad Yusuf, with some of the rest being contested by friendly allies .

The party has never won a single seat in Kashmir although it has emerged as the single largest party in the Jammu region. But after the abrogation of Article 370, in the first local elections held in 2020, three BJP candidates won in Srinagar, Pulwama, and Kupwara districts in the valley, giving the party hope that it can win in assembly polls. I have reached every ward and village of my constituency and I am hopeful I will win as people support peace and development, said Engineer Ajaz, district development council (DDC) member from Srinagar who is the BJP candidate from the high profile Lal Chowk assembly segment, which was earlier known as the Amira Kadal constituency.

This is an urban constituency with rural pockets where leaders of other political parties were absent from the ground, he added. On Wednesday, BJP general secretary and Jammu and Kashmir election in-charge Ram Madhav campaigned for Ajaz. Our party will emerge as the single largest party in Jammu and will form next government ..., he said while campaigning for Ajaz in the city centre.

The BJPs state media in-charge Sajjad Yusuf , who may contest from Lolab, which goes to polls in the third phase, said that prospects of the party winning assembly seats in the valley are bright. We are contesting from 24 seats and at least seven to eight seats are such where our party is very strong. The results could be a surprise, he said.

In 2014, the BJP contested assembly elections in more than 30 seats in the valley but failed to win even one. But the party won 25 of the 33 seats in Jammu, and forged an alliance with the PDP, giving the coalition a total of 53 seats in the 87-member assembly. That alliance ended in 2018. In 2019, the state was broken up into two UTs.

Since then, BJP leaders have been working on making inroads in Kashmir. This time, the BJP is also hopeful that a section of the Pahari community could vote for the party as the party gave them reservation, a long-pending demand of the community which has a sizable number of voters in many assembly segments.

After delimitation in 2023, the UT now has 90 seats, with 43 in Jammu (compared to 37 pre-delimitation) and 47 in Kashmir (compared to 46 before).

The main focus of the BJP leadership will be on the assembly seats of Gurez, Tangdhar, Uri, Tregham, Habbakadal, Lal Chowk, Shangus and Anantnag West, party officials said. We have fielded good candidates and are also relying on many independent candidates who could become our potential allies after elections, said a former BDC member who is part of the partys working committee for Kashmir.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah will be addressing rallies in South and North Kashmir, and this too will have a good impact on voters, Yusuf said.

Former J&K legislator Surinder Ambardar, who is also a close aide of Ram Madhav, said that in 2014, there was no party organisation in Kashmir. We now have our booth level groups and workers in almost every place. Our district and constituency committees are present and we are hopeful this time that the lotus will bloom from Kashmir. And like 2014, BJP will again form the government .

Political commentator Maqsood Ahmad admitted that BJP appears to be working with a plan and acknowledged its focused effort in some seats especially Gurez and Tanghdar. While the party is also relying on allies and independent candidates to help it form the government, much depends on the performance of their candidates, he added.
Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav on Saturday met Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama in Dharamshala. She also visited the main Tibetan temple in the city. The Dalai Lama and Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav.(ANI/PTI)

Interacting with media persons after the visit, Dimple Yadav also tendered support for the cause of Tibet.

I have come here with a spiritual purpose. His Highness Dalai Lama is here today for his 'darshan'. So, I came to visit him," the MP from Uttar Pradesh's Mainpuri said. We support the cause of Tibet.

The Dalai Lama returned to Dharamshala on September 28 after undergoing a knee replacement surgery in the United States. The 89-year-old spiritual leader was welcomed by his devotees and well-wishers outside the Gaggal airport in Kangra.

Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Pema Khandu also visited Mcleodganj, Himachal Pradesh on Friday to meet the Dalai Lama.

The chief minister participated in the special prayers organised by the people of Tawang for the long life of the Dalai Lama. The five-day prayers began on September 3 and will conclude on September 7.

Also Read | US reiterates need for direct talks between Dalai Lama and China

His health has improved a lot. So, we also pray for the long life of His Holiness. This morning, I had a very good discussion with His Holiness. The people of Arunachal Pradesh share a very good relation with His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, he said, according to ANI.

So, on behalf of people of the state, I have invited him to visit Arunachal Pradesh as and when he feels so. He was kind enough to accept the invitation on behalf of the people and in coming days, he will definitely be visiting Arunachal Pradesh.

Democracy day in Dharamshala



Last week, Tibetans-in-exile commemorated the 64th anniversary of 'Democracy Day' in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh September 2.

The day marks the inception of the Tibetan democratic system in exile. On this day, the Tibetan parliament-in-exile was established in 1960 following the arrival of the Dalai Lama and 80,000 Tibetans in exile in Dharamshala.

Last year also, Tibetans-in-exile celebrated the 63rd anniversary of Democracy Day in Dharamshala, where leaders of the exiled Tibetan Government, including Tibetan parliamentarians and other dignitaries, gathered at the main Buddhist temple, Tsuglagkhang in the north Indian hill town Dharmashala.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2024: The ten-day-long Ganesh Chaturthi festivities took off on a grand scale across the country on Saturday, with people celebrating it with devotion and traditional fervour. Ganesh Chaturthi 2024: Devotees carry an idol of Lord Ganesha in Laxmi Nagar area of New Delhion September 7, 2024.(Raj K Raj/HT photo)

This auspicious ten-day festival starts with 'Chaturthi' and ends on 'Anantha Chaturdashi'.

The festive period is also known as 'Vinayak Chaturthi' or 'Vinayak Chavithi'. It celebrates Ganesha as the 'God of New Beginnings' and the 'Remover of Obstacles' as well as the god of wisdom and intelligence.

Last evening, President Droupadi Murmu extended greetings and best wishes to citizens of the country and abroad on the eve of Ganesh Chaturthi.

Also Read | Bengaluru embraces Ganesh Chaturthi with vibrant celebrations, community spirit

In her message to the citizens, the President said that this festival of joy and enthusiasm gives the message of social harmony and brotherhood.

"On the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, I extend my warm greetings and best wishes to all Indians living in India and abroad," President Murmu said. "Bhagwan Ganesh is a symbol of knowledge, wisdom, and prosperity. This festival motivates us to be humble and dutiful and also promotes social cohesion."

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari along with his family members performs worship of Lord Ganesh on Ganesh Chaturthi festival at his residence, in Nagpur on September 7.(PTI)

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar also greeted the people on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi.

"I extend my warm greetings and best wishes to all our fellow citizens on the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi. Lord Ganesha, the embodiment of wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune, holds a special place in the hearts of millions. As Vighnaharta, he inspires us to overcome challenges with courage, resolve, and resilience," Dhankhar wrote in his message.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his heartfelt wishes for Ganesh Chaturthi to the nation through a post on X (formerly Twitter), writing, "Heartiest greetings of Ganesh Chaturthi to all countrymen. Ganpati Bappa Morya!"

Also Read | Ganesh Chaturthi 2024: The history and divinity of the majestic Lalbaugcha Raja

In Mumbai, the festive spirit was further enhanced by the unveiling of the Lalbaugcha Raja idol. Each year, from celebrities to politicians, people visit the Lalbaugcha Raja to offer their prayers.

Ganesh Chaturthi: Massive 500-kg ladoo prepared in Kolkata



In Kolkata, a sweet shop in the Bhawanipore area of Kolkata has prepared a massive 500-kilogram laddu to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi, ANI reported.

Priyanka Malik, the owner of the historic sweet shop Balaram Mullick and Radharaman Mullick, told the news agency that they strive to do something special every year on the occasion.

A worker prepares a big size 'Laddu', weighed 500kg, fpr sale during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival, in Kolkata, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024.(PTI)

"Our festive season begins with Ganesh Chaturthi. This is a very auspicious day for us, and we strive to do something special every year. Our shop is nearly 140 years old, and this year, we have prepared a 500-kg laddu to offer to Lord Ganesh," Malik told.

Ganesh Chaturthi: 70-ft Ganapathi idol unveiled in Hyderabad

In Hyderabad, a 70-foot-tall idol of Lord Ganesh has been unveiled as part of the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations.

This impressive eco-friendly idol is among the tallest Ganesh idols in the entire state of Telangana, according to ANI.

New Delhi, India - Sept. 7, 2024: Devotees carry Lord Ganesha idols on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi in Lovely Public Senior Secondary School, Laxmi Nagar in New Delhi, India, on Saturday, September 7, 2024. Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated across the country to mark the birth of the god associated with wisdom and an auspicious beginning (Photo by RAJ K RAJ / Hindustan Times)(RAJ K RAJ /HT PHOTO)

The Khairatabad Ganesh idol is one of the tallest Ganesh idols in Telangana. This year, we have crafted it at a height of 70 feet using eco-friendly materials, Rajkumar, chairperson of the Khairatabad Ganesh Committee, told ANI.

Also Read | Ganesh Chaturthi 2024 Sthapana muhurat: Know Ganesh sthapana timings

"The idol features seven faces and is named 'Sri Saptamukha Maha Shakti Ganapathi.' This year marks the 70th anniversary of our celebrations," he added.
Bengaluru, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Saturday urged Union Minister Pralhad Joshi to work towards getting approvals for Mahadayi project and funds for Upper Bhadra project rather than wasting his energy on raising issues like MUDA and Darshan arrest. Get approval for Mahadayi project: Shivakumar tells Union Minister Joshi

Speaking at his Sadashivanagar residence, he said, "I appeal to Pralhad Joshi with folded hands on Ganesha Chathurthi to get us approval for the Mahadayi project and funds for Upper Bhadra project."

He was responding to Joshi's statement that the Congress government was trying to distract people from the Valmiki Corporation scam by releasing a photograph of actor Darshan smoking inside the jail.

"I will speak to the chief minister in about 15 days about whether to call for an all-party meeting on Mahadayi or to call for a meeting of the Commission. We will discuss the nature of our fight for Mahadayi," he added.

The Mahadayi project pertains to diversion of water from the Mahadayi river through the construction of dams by Karnataka on the rivers tributaries Kalasa and Banduri.

The Upper Bhadra project is a major irrigation project aimed at providing irrigation and drinking water to vast areas of drought affected central districts of Karnataka.

When asked about MP Sudhakar's challenge that he would call him 'Bhagiratha' if he can get Yettinahole water to Chikkaballapura and Kolar districts in the next two years, he said: "I accept his challenge with love and respect. This is my duty and responsibility to deliver Yettinahole.

"He was also there for the inauguration of the 1st stage of Yettinahole and it is natural for him to see Yettinahole water in his area."

"I am not in town due to some personal commitment. I will discuss with the CM and try to resolve issues the project is facing, including forest lands in the Tumakuru and Doddaballapura regions," he said.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations are in full swing across India, especially Maharashtra, as huge crowds assemble for darshan of famous idols at Lalbaugcha Raja, Dagdusheth and other temples in Mumbai. An idol of elephant-headed Hindu god Ganesh, popularly known as Lalbaugcha Raja (Photo by Satish Bate/ Hindustan Times)(Hindustan Times)

Mumbai's most famous idol Lalbaugcha Raja saw throngs of people arriving to worship the iconic statue, chanting Ganpati Bappa Morya on Saturday. Morning aarti at the famous Siddhivinayak temple in Mumbai also saw large crowds assembling to offer prayers to the god.

Elsewhere, outside Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati temple in Pune, people took to the streets playing dhol and celebrating the joyous festival.

Also Read: Metro to extend service hrs during Ganesh Festival

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has approved applications 2,635 mandals as of Friday, with 300 more pending, an official told ANI.

The GSB Seva Mandal in Matunga, with its gold adorned Lord Ganesha is also expecting footfalls from lakhs of devotees. In anticipation of the huge gatherings , around 15,000 police personnel will be on the streets for the next ten days to provide security, BMC officials said.

In Pune, police commissioner Amitesh Kumar told ANI, that 22 police help centres had been set up to prevent crime against women, mobile theft, and pickpocketing. Arrangements for crowd security and traffic regulations have also been made for the ten-day festival.

Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde extended his greetings ahead of the festival on Friday and also urged people to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi in an eco-friendly way.

Outside Maharashtra as well, excitement for the festival is high, with devotees in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, offering prayers at the Puliakulam Ganesh temple. In fact, prices of banana leaves have gone up due to demand during the festival in Thoothukudi district, reported ANI.

Morning aarti's have been conducted with great fervour at Mahakal temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh and Vastrapur Na Mahaganpati Temple in Gujarat, inviting devotees from all over.
Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday announced that all the new applicants for Aadhaar cards in the state will have to submit their National Register of Citizens (NRC) application receipt number. Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma (File Photo)

"Applications for Aadhaar cards are more than the population...It indicates that there are doubtful citizens and we have decided that new applicants will have to submit their NRC application receipt number (ARN)," PTI quoted him as saying.



The chief minister said that the move will "stop the influx of illegal foreigners" and the state government will be ''very strict" in issuing Aadhaar cards.

"It will not be easy to get Aadhaar in Assam," he added.

Submission of the NRC application receipt number will not be applicable for the 9.55 lakh people whose biometrics were locked during the National Register of Citizens (NRC) process, and they will get their cards, Sarma added.

The Assam CM also said his government will "intensify the process of identification of illegal foreigners as several Bangladeshis were apprehended in the last two months and handed over to the authorities of the neighbouring country.



ALSO READ: 'Not a single Hindu...35 Muslims infiltrated from Bangladesh': Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma

Himanta Sarma on demographic changes in Assam

The Assam chief minister in the past has raised the issue of demographic changes in the state. On August 28, Sarma promised a white paper on the issue.



Sarma said,"will bring out a comprehensive white paper on how the number of Muslims is increasing in the area with the Hindu majority...there is no report of communal violence and the two communities are living peacefully. But a reverse situation is happening on the other front."



A day earlier, the CM had said he won't let 'Miya' Muslims take over the the state.

Why will people from Lower Assam go to Upper Assam? So that Miya Muslims can take over Assam? We won't let it happen," PTI quoted Sarma as saying.



(With PTI inputs)
Iltija Mufti (36) is fighting her first political battle in her familys home turf of Bijbehara, also known as Bijbehara-Srigufwara constituency, and it isnt an easy one  she is in a direct contest with National Conference veteran Bashir Veeri. Anantnag: Iltija Mufti, daughter of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti and party candidate from Bijbehara constituency, after filing her nomination for J&K Assembly elections, in Anantnag district.. (PTI Photo/S Irfan)

Bijbehara-Srigufwara will go to polls in the first phase of elections on September 18. Muftis Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is pulling out all the stops to win the seat which has so far been represented by two generations of the Mufti family, although she herself hasnt spent too much time there. We know its a tough battle but voters here will vote for our developmental work, said PDP youth leader Najamus Saquib, who is one of the campaigners for Iltija Mufti.

ALSO READ- Ahead of J&K polls, Omar Abdullah sparks row with his view on Afzal Guru's hanging: 'Served no purpose'

Saquib, who is from Bijbehera town, said that both urban and rural pockets of the Bijbehara-Srigufwara constituency are part of the traditional voter base of the PDP. In the last 25 years, a lot of developmental projects and schemes have been initiated by the PDP in the constituency which has had good impact on the people.

In the recently held Lok Sabha polls, despite losing the Anantnag-Rajouri parliamentary constituency, of which this assembly constituency is a part, the PDP took a lead in the assembly segment. While the NC won 17,698 votes, PDP recorded 20,792 votes in the assembly segment.

ALSO READ- Stop fooling people on statehood: Amit Shah's message to Cong-NC from Jammu in poll-bound J&K

Since 1996, the party has never lost an assembly election from the constituency. But in the past decade, the National Conference has gained strength in the constituency. PDP is strong here. But NC, of late, has made serious inroads. Unlike the past, this is going to be a tough competition, said Waseem Mushtaq, a former PDP worker.

NC candidate Bashir Ahmad Veeri had previously lost two elections in a row from Bijbehara-Srigufwara. However, party supporters believe the situation will be different this year, especially given the anti incumbency against the PDP. In 2014, despite the strong wave of PDP, they could only win by a slim margin as they manipulated things then. This time, people know what they have done in the constituency, so they will teach them a lesson, said Veeri who is no stranger to the constituency; his father represented it thrice on a NC ticket. They (PDP) took votes to keep BJP away and later formed the government with the same party. So, people of the constituency will remember that while casting their votes, he added, referring to the partys alliance with BJP after the 2014 election.

ALSO READ- BJP launches 25-point poll manifesto for Jammu & Kashmir assembly elections

There is a BJP candidate in the fray too, former legislator Sufi Yusuf, but most people admit the contest is going to be between the NC and the PDP. While PDP will try to bank on the work it has done in the constituency and hope more people come out for voting in the urban pockets of Bijbehara, NC will rely on the contacts established by their candidate who has been camping in the constituency for the past 10 years. The competition will be very close, said Abdul Rashid Dar from Sirhama, which is one of the largest villages in the constituency with 4,522 voters.
The Indian side is yet to take a call on Bangladeshs request for a meeting between interim government head Muhammad Yunus and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the margins of the UN General Assembly in New York, people familiar with the matter said on Saturday. Muhammad Yunus (right), sworn in as leader of Bangladeshs interim government on August 8, spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi (left) on phone on August 16. (File Photos)

The people, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said a meeting appears unlikely following comments by Yunus in an interview with an Indian media outlet earlier this week. Yunuss remarks had not gone down well in New Delhi, they said.

The Bangladeshi side made a formal request earlier this week for a meeting between Yunus and Modi, who will both be in New York for the UN General Assembly later this month, the people said. The Indian side is yet to decide on this request and Modis agenda for bilateral meetings in New York is still being firmed up, they said.

In an interview this week, Yunus criticised former premier Sheikh Hasina for commenting on developments in Bangladesh while in exile in India. He suggested Bangladesh can seek her extradition and said India should move beyond the narrative that every political party other than Hasinas Awami League is Islamist.

If India wants to keep her until the time Bangladesh wants her back, the condition would be that she has to keep quiet, Yunus said. Sitting in India, she is speaking and giving instructions. No one likes it. Its not good for us or for India.

The Bangladeshi side has told India quite firmly that Hasina should keep quiet as she has been given shelter there and she is campaigning from there.

There has been no response so far from the Indian side to Yunuss remarks. However, the people cited above said such comments werent conducive to better relations.

Indias leadership has said Hasina was granted approval to come to the country at short notice after she stepped down on August 5. The external affairs ministry has declined to comment on any possible Bangladeshi request for her extradition, describing it as a hypothetical matter.

Yunus, sworn in as leader of Bangladeshs interim government three days after Hasina fled to India, spoke to Modi on phone on August 16. At the time, Modi urged Yunus to ensure the protection of Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh following attacks after the ouster of the previous government.

Yunus had said Bangladesh will give priority to the security of all minorities. In recent weeks, Yunus has repeatedly described reports in the Indian media about attacks on Bangladeshs Hindus as exaggerated.

During their phone conversation, the two leaders also discussed ways to take forward bilateral relations in line with national priorities.

However, the people said there was a growing sense that Bangladeshs interim government was not fully in control of the situation and elements within the caretaker setup are working at cross-purposes.
Budget carrier IndiGo issued an apology to passengers of a Delhi-Varanasi flight on Saturday after they faced major discomfort due to the aircraft's air conditioning system malfunctioning, reported news agency ANI. Representative image: Indigo airlines apologised for causing discomfort to its passengers on a Delhi-Varanasi flight (PTI Photo) (PTI)

Sources within IndiGo denied issues with the air conditioning unit and told ANI that while air conditioning system within the flight was functioning properly, a temperature shift had caused the cabin to heat up and caused panic among the passengers.

In a press statement, the airline said, We extend our apologies for the inconvenience experienced on flight 6E 2235 operating from Delhi to Varanasi on September 5, 2024.

The statement added the difficulties caused by the fluctuations in cabin temperature were adjusted as per passenger requests. Further the cabin crew assisted all passengers until the situation improved.

A video of the 6E 225 flight on Thursday showed that passengers were using magazines to cool themselves off. Reportedly, several passengers also fainted due to suffocation and intense heat.

A similar incident also took place win June on an Indigo flight travelling from Delhi to Bagdogra when the AC stopped working for an hour.

While all passengers experienced issues, elderly passengers in particular suffered from breathing difficulties due to suffocation. The incident caused outrage among flyers who said that they did not know what had happened and likened the experience to being hijacked.

In the case of the Delhi-Bagdogra flight, Indigo had issued an apology as well, saying, ""IndiGo flight 6E 2521 between Delhi and Bagdogra was delayed due to high ground temperatures impeding operations. IndiGo prioritises passenger safety above all else and is taking steps to enable a prompt departure. Passengers are being provided with regular updates, and we regret the inconvenience caused due to factors beyond the airline's control."
New Delhi, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will on Sunday embark on a six-day visit to Saudi Arabia, Germany and Switzerland with a larger aim to boost overall bilateral ties and deliberate on pressing regional and global challenges. Jaishankar to embark on 6-day visit to Saudi Arabia, Germany, Switzerland from Sunday

He will first travel to the Saudi capital Riyadh on a two-day trip primarily to attend the first India-Gulf Cooperation Council foreign ministers' meeting, according to the Ministry of External Affairs .

The GCC is an influential grouping comprising the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar and Kuwait. The total volume of India's trade with GCC countries stood at USD 184.46 billion in the financial year 2022-23.

In Riyadh, Jaishankar is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with foreign ministers of several GCC member countries.

The MEA said India and the GCC enjoy a deep and multifaceted relationship, including in areas of trade and investment, energy, cultural and people-to-people ties.

"The GCC region has emerged as a major trading partner for India and is home to a large Indian expatriate community, numbering around 8.9 million," it said in a statement.

"The Foreign Ministers meeting will be an opportunity to review and deepen institutional cooperation between India and the GCC across various sectors," it said.

From Riyadh, Jaishankar will travel to Berlin for a two-day visit from September 10 to 11. This will be his third bilateral visit to Berlin.

The external affairs minister's visit to Berlin is set to prepare grounds for German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's trip to India next month.

"The external affairs minister will meet the German Federal Foreign Minister as well as the leadership and other ministers from the German government with an objective to review the entire gamut of bilateral relations," the MEA said.

On the third and final leg of his trip, Jaishankar will visit Geneva from September 12 to 13.

"The External Affairs Minister will meet with heads and representatives of international organisations with whom India is actively engaged," the MEA said.

Geneva is home to a large number of UN bodies and international organizations.

Jaishankar will also meet the Swiss Foreign Minister to review the close partnership between the two countries and explore avenues to enhance the bilateral relationship further, the MEA added.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Authorities on Saturday recommended legal action against National Conference (NC) leader Mohammad Ashraf Ganie for his controversial speech at an election rally in Ganderbal. Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) Vice President Omar Abdullah addresses a public meeting ahead of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly election, in Ganderbal on Friday. (ANI Photo) (ANI)

Mushtaq Ahmad Simnani, the nodal officer for the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), recommended registering an FIR against Mohammad Ashraf Ganie, former sarpanch, for using the term "assassination" during an election speech at Kachan in Ganderbal.

"His comments were directed at individuals who do not show respect for the party flag," Simnani's letter read.

"FIR should be lodged against the culprit under applicable laws for promoting hatred through his speech and for violating the Model Code of Conduct," the letter added.

Also Read | Omar Abdullah calls Rubaiya Sayeed case a benchmark amid row over Netflix's IC 814. Here's why

The incident occurred during an election rally attended by National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah. In a widely circulated video, Ganie is heard saying, We can kill anyone for disrespecting the party flag.

However, Abdullah quickly intervened, cutting off Ganie's speech and preventing him from continuing. Several members of the audience also expressed their resentment of Ganie's statement.

Omar Abdullah contesting from Ganderbal

Surrounded by party leaders and supporters, Omar Abdullah filed his nomination papers on Wednesday from the Ganderbal assembly seat.

Ganderbal has historically been a stronghold for the National Conference and the Abdullah family. The NC's founder, Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah, and its current president, Farooq Abdullah, have represented the constituency multiple times. Omar Abdullah previously held the Ganderbal seat from 2009 to 2014, during his tenure as chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir.

Also Read | Ahead of J&K polls, Omar Abdullah sparks row with his view on Afzal Guru's hanging

Abdullah initially expressed reluctance to contest elections for the legislature of the newly formed union territory following the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir's special status in 2019. However, he reversed his stance, citing the need to set an example for party members and voters.

I am conscious of one thing which I had not thought over fully, which is my mistake. If I was not ready to contest an election for an assembly, how can I get the people ready to vote for that assembly?

"How can I hope that my colleagues will seek votes for an assembly which I am not ready to accept or may be suggesting that I look down upon? It has put a pressure on me and I do not want to give a wrong signal to the people," he had said.
The Karnataka government has decided to convene an all-party meeting and also take a delegation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the National Board of Wildlife (NBWL) deferring the decision on transfer of forest land for the Mahadayi water project to the state. Law minister HK Patil said the law ministry has been advised to consider filing a petition in the Supreme Court. (PTI)

The decision was taken in the cabinet meeting on Thursday. Briefing the media after the meeting, law minister HK Patil said the law ministry has been advised to consider filing a petition in the Supreme Court.

The minister read out the minutes of the 79th meeting of the Central governments NBWL. The National Tiger Conservation Authority had sent a team of experts for a fact-finding study of the Mahadayi project area. This committee made several recommendations. A response was sought from the Tiger Conservation Authority.

The Wildlife Board informed that no response was given so far, as it is subjugated. Additional Chief Secretary of the forest department said this is a scheme of the Karnataka government, and the Goa government has filed a case in the Supreme Court. After discussion, the board decided to postpone the matter to the next meeting, it said.

In a meeting presided over by Union minister for forests, environment, and climate change Bhupender Yadav, the NBWL declined to grant wildlife clearance for the Kalasa Nala Diversion Project, citing ongoing legal challenges by the Goa government in the Supreme Court pertaining to the Mahadayi project.

The wildlife board, however, approved the Goa-Tamnar 400 KV electricity line project. The board has given conditional approval to the proposal to use 435 acres of forest land in Karnataka for the power line, Patil pointed out.

Karnataka and Goa are locked in a political and legal tussle over the sharing of Mahadayi river, known as the Mandovi in Goa. The river descends from the Sahyadri range of mountains in Karnataka, travels 111 km westward including 76 km through Goa before entering into the sea. The Kalasa and Banduri are the upstream tributaries of Mahadayi that flow into the Malaprabha river in Karnataka before joining river Krishna.

According to officials familiar with the matter, Karnataka wants 7.56 tmcft of Mahadayi water for the Kalasa-Banduri Nala project, which would provide drinking water to the parched northern districts which have been facing continuous drought. In October 2016, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Karnataka tried to have negotiations between the two states eyeing the votes in Mumbai Karnataka (now Kittur Karnataka).

In the 2023 assembly manifesto, the BJP promised to complete all pending irrigation projects like the Upper Bhadra, Upper Krishna and Kalasa Banduri projects in a time bound manner. The opposition Congress, which released its manifesto a day later, promised utilisation of 100% water allocated to the Mahadayi project making a 500 crore provision in its first cabinet meeting, if it came to power. The Yediyurappa government had allocated 500 crore in the 2020-2021 budget
Kolkata rape-murder case: A lavish bungalow belonging to Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital who is currently in CBI custody over alleged financial irregularties, has come under scrutiny after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids on multiple locations linked to him in West Bengal on Friday. The bungalow, named Sangeeta Sandip Villa, belongs to Sandip Ghosh, and the locals often saw him visiting the property with his wife and family.(Source: X/@KamalikaSengupt)

During the raids, ED officials detained Prasun Chattopadhyay, an aide of Sandip Ghosh. Ghosh and three associates were earlier arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on September 3 over alleged financial irregularities at the state-run RG Kar hospital.

Following Prasun Chattopadhyays detention at his residence in Subhasgram, South 24 Parganas, ED officials took him to Madhya Narayanpur in Canning. There, Sandip Ghosh is alleged to have built a multi-crore farm house-cum-bungalow on a two-bigha plot three years ago, a property that Ghosh reportedly frequented with his family, News18 reporteed citing local residents.

The report claimed that the bungalow, named Sangeeta Sandip Villa, belongs to Sandip Ghosh, as they often saw him visiting the property with his wife and family. They also mentioned that Sandip Ghosh named the bungalow after himself and his wife, Sangeeta Ghosh, as reported by the local media outlet Ananda Bazar.

The EDs raids were part of a broader operation involving simultaneous searches at nine locations in Kolkata and its suburbs since early Friday morning, related to alleged financial misconduct at RG Kar Hospital during Ghoshs tenure as principal.

The investigation into financial misconduct at the hospital, led by the CBI and ED, began following the rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor on August 9 at RG Kar hospital, which occurred during Ghoshs tenure as principal.

ED raids multiple locations linked to Sandip Ghosh

- The Enforcement Directorate (ED) detained Prasun Chattopadhyay, a data entry operator at Calcutta National Medical College and an aide of Sandip Ghosh, on Friday.

- The ED has filed an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) against Ghosh, which functions similarly to a First Information Report (FIR) in criminal cases.

- Raids were conducted at multiple locations, including Ghosh's residence in Beliaghata, east Kolkata, and dual apartments owned by his relatives in Milan Palli near Airport Gate number 2 in the northern part of the city.

- After a nearly three-hour wait, the ED gained access to Ghosh's Beliaghata house at 9.30 am Ghosh's wife, who was not present initially, returned later to unlock the house for the officers.

- ED teams also searched the residences of arrested medical equipment supplier Biplab Sinha and Kaushik Koley, an accountant at Sinhas firm, in Sankrail, Howrah.

- At Milan Palli, ED began searching around 11.30 am for two apartments owned and rented by Ghosh's sister-in-law, Arpita Bera, and her husband, Pritin, both doctors at government institutions. Ghosh reportedly frequented the second rented apartment.

- An ED officer was seen carrying a black trolley bag out of one of the apartments during the raid.

- Another ED team searched Ghoshs in-laws house in Baidyabati, Hooghly, around 7 am but found it locked. They then moved to Kunal Roy's residence in the area, which works in the medical sector.

- ED also searched the home of Ankur Roy, a laundromat owner in Madurdaha, eastern Kolkata. Roys name reportedly surfaced during the interrogation of the arrested suspects.

- ED officials also searched Crescent Manufacturing Private Ltd's office on Camac Street in central Kolkatas business district.

(With PTI inputs)
Kolkata, India - Sept. 3, 2024: Former principal of RG Kar Medical College & Hospital Sandip Ghosh escorted by security officials being taken to Alipur CBI Court in Kolkata, India, on Tuesday, September 3, 2024. (Photo by Samir Jana/ Hindustan Times)

Kolkata rape-murder case highlights: West Bengal governor CV Anand Bose has sent the Aparajita Woman and Child (West Bengal Criminal Laws and Amendment) Bill 2024 to President Droupadi Murmu for her assent after it was passed in assembly. The anti-rape bill was introduced in the aftermath of a gruesome case where a trainee doctor was raped and murdered at RG Kar hospital in Kolkata on August 9. The case sparked outrage nationwide and has caused protests demanding justice....Read More

The bill seeks capital punishment for rape convicts if their actions result in the victim's death or leave her in a vegetative state.

Protesters as well as the Bharatiya Janata Party have been calling for chief minister Mamata Banerjee to resign, for allegedly mishandling the case. Her party the Trinamool Congress has faced allegations of trying to cover up the case, after the parents of the victim made a statement claiming that the Kolkata police offered them bribes.

Though the TMC debunked the allegation by releasing a video of the victim's father saying the contrary, the family claimed the conversation was forcibly recorded after the victim's rushed cremation.

West Bengal education minister Bratya Basu has stated that despite Kolkata Police having handed over all relevant documents to the CBI, there has been no progress in the case.

A CBI lawyer also caught flak from a court in Sealdah after delaying the proceedings for 50 minutes regarding the bail application of Sanjay Roy.

On September 8, ahead of one month of the crime being committed, thousands of women in Kolkata plan to hold the third Reclaim the Night protests, to demand justice and seek safety for women.

The Supreme Court, which took suo moto cognisance of the case, is listed to have it's next hearing on September 9.
The death of 28-year-old Bikram Bhattacharjee from West Bengal's Konnagar who died at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata on Friday after being hit by a truck has sparked a controversy. The incident took place a day after the state health department reportedly had to close down help desks at all the five medical colleges in Kolkata following the agitation of Joint Platform of Doctors. The youth from Hooghlys Konnagar was brought to RG Kar Medical College and died allegedly due to non-treatment at the same hospital. All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) general secretary and MP Abhishek Banerjee, (Samir Jana/ Hindustan Times file)

Trinamool Congress MP Kunal Ghosh claimed on social media, citing media reports, that Bikram Bhattacharjee did not receive proper treatment. However, the hospital refuted these allegations.

Although Bikram Bhattacharjee's family has not filed any formal complaint with the hospital or police, Lalbazar police sources told The Times of India that a general diary entry was made.

TMC MP and national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee also reacted to the incident. A young boy from Konnagar lost his life today following a road accident, after BLEEDING FOR 3 HOURS WITHOUT RECEIVING MEDICAL ATTENTION, a consequence of the ongoing protest by doctors in response to the #RGKar incident. While the demands of the junior doctors are both fair and valid, I urge them to protest in a way that doesnt disrupt essential medical services. Allowing a death due to PREVENTABLE NEGLECT is tantamount to CULPABLE HOMICIDE. If the protest has to continue, it should be done constructively, with empathy and humanity, ensuring no more lives are put at risk through inaction or neglect, Abhishek Banerjee wrote on X.

Also Read | Shall I grant bail to rape accused Sanjay Roy?: Kolkata court gets angry over CBI lawyer's absence. TMC reacts

Junior doctors had claimed that help desks were sending across the wrong message that health services were not available at hospitals due to junior doctors cease-work.

Also Read | Sandip Ghosh had criminal nexus with co-accused: CBI on RG Kar corruption case

What happened to the youth?

Local reported claimed that the victim was initially taken to a hospital in Serampore before being transferred to RG Kar Medical College. There are allegations that the victim was left unattended for several hours and was not properly admitted to the hospital. Family members reportedly claimed that they were told there were no available doctors, and that the patient would need to be moved elsewhere. Due to excessive bleeding, the victim lost consciousness and eventually died.

Kunal Ghosh addressed the incident on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, urging the protesting doctors to return to work. Notably, the Supreme Court had already called on the agitating doctors to resume their duties.

A hospital official stated, "The patient was promptly attended to by emergency medical officers and senior staff from the surgery and orthopaedic departments. Despite receiving immediate treatment, his injuries left him hemodynamically unstable, and doctors were unable to save him."

Bhattacharjee, who had been referred from Serampore hospital, suffered multiple fractures.
New Delhi, The Delhi High Court has said it will hear in November the appeals by the convicts in the murder case of former Railway Minister L N Mishra, who was killed in a blast at Bihar's Samastipur Railway station in 1975, noting that the incident dates back to nearly five decades. LN Mishra assassination case: Delhi HC to conduct hearing on convicts' appeals in Nov

A bench of justices Prathiba M Singh and Amit Sharma listed the appeals for hearing on November 29 at 'top of the board' and asked the counsel for the four convicts and the CBI to file their synopsis and judgments which they wish to reply upon.

The four convicts - Santoshanand, Sudevanand, Gopalji and advocate Ranjan Dwivedi - have filed appeals against their conviction and imposition of life sentence for the murder.

The court made it clear that no further adjournments will be granted in the matter.

"Adjournment is sought on behalf of the appellants. Considering that the incident in the present case dates back to the year 1975, as also the large number of witnesses who were produced in this matter, the appeals deserved to be heard.

"List for hearing on November 29, 2024 on top of the board. By the said date, all counsel shall file their synopsis and judgments which they wish to rely upon. It is made clear that no further adjournments shall be granted in these matters," the bench said in its September 3 order.

The high court had earlier allowed Mishra's grandson Vaibhav Mishra to assist the CBI at the time of final hearing of the convicts' appeal.

L N Mishra, a veteran Congress leader and senior cabinet minister, received fatal injuries in the grenade blast at Samastipur, where he had gone for inauguration of broad gauge line on January 2, 1975.

He was shifted for treatment from Samastipur to Danapur where he succumbed to injuries on January 3, 1975.

Three 'Ananda Margis' Santoshanand, Sudevanand and Gopalji and advocate Dwivedi were held guilty and were sentenced to life imprisonment in December 2014 by a trial court here for the killing of the former railway minister and two others.

The trial court had held that the terror act was aimed at pressuring the then Indira Gandhi government to release the group's jailed chief.

The convicts had filed the appeal before the high court in 2015 challenging the trial court's verdict convicting and sentencing them and they were granted bail.

The trial court had also directed the Bihar government to pay 5 lakh each to the legal heirs of Mishra and two other victims who had died in the blast on January 2, 1975, just few months before the proclamation of Emergency.

It had held that the conspiracy to eliminate the targets was hatched in a meeting in 1973 at a village in Bihar's Bhagalpur district, attended by six 'Ananda Margis'.

Accused Ram Nagina Prasad and Ram Rup were discharged by the court in January 1981 while Arteshanand Avadhoot died in 2004 during the pendency of the case.

Two others, Visheshwaranand and Vikram, were granted pardon after they turned approvers.

The case was transferred from Bihar to Delhi on the directions of the Supreme Court.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
A motivational and spiritual speaker, Maha Vishnu, faced backlash after making comments on rebirth and karma at two government schools in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, and allegedly blaming the children for their difficulties. His speech, delivered on Teachers' Day (September 5), prompted the state government to take action. Two government schools in Chennai invited Maha Vishnu, who runs an NGO, to deliver a motivational speech on the occasion of Teachers Day (HT file)

The controversy sparked when Maha Vishnu used the school setting to make religious remarks and engaged in a heated exchange with a differently abled teacher who challenged his statements.

Members of the DYFI and SFI held a protest questioning the School Education Department for allowing spiritual awakening classes in state-run schools at Saidapet and Ashok Nagar. They also called for action against the speaker from the Paramporul Foundation, an NGO, which organised the classes.

What did he say?

In his speech, Maha Vishnu blamed the British for systematically destroying Gurukulams and claimed that by chanting certain mantras, one could cause a rain of fire, cure ailments, and even fly.

All these were written as scriptures by our ancestors, but the British erased them, Maha Vishnu purportedly said in a video that went viral.

If God was kind, everyone should be born equal. One is born rich or poor, a criminal or a hero. Why such differences? You have been given in this life based on what you did in your previous birth, he had said. To this, a teacher objected and said, in the video, that he was invited for a motivational talk and not spiritual discourse on school premises. This led to an argument with Maha Vishnu who accused him of having ego issues, he said.

State School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi promised to take action against the speaker for his controversial speech at a government school.

The two government schools that invited Maha Vishnu for a motivational talk also faced criticism. Vishnu reportedly used the school setting to criticise the students and confronted a differently-abled teacher who challenged his religious comments.

Tamil Nadu CM Stalin and other leaders react

Amid the ongoing controversy, Tamil Nadu chief minister M K Stalin reiterated his commitment to promoting education and fostering scientific thinking, a message he has consistently delivered at various events over the past three years. Science is the way to progress, Stalin stated in a post on the social media platform X on Friday.

Stalin also announced that he had ordered the creation and implementation of new guidelines to regulate various school programmes across Tamil Nadu. This move aims to ensure that all students, who represent the future generation, are exposed to progressive scientific ideas and lifestyles.

Congress MP from Karur, Jothimani, condemned the incident, saying that it undermines the government's ideological efforts. The government must act against whoever invited and allowed him to speak against the scientific temper, the very basic foundation of our education system, and humiliate the teacher who asked the right question, she wrote in a post on X.

Congress MP Karti P Chidambaram also took to X saying, Distressing to see a charlatan peddle gobbledygook in a government school in Tamil Nadu.

Meanwhile, a source from the School Education Department, quoted by PTI, revealed that the principals of the two schools who invited Maha Vishnu have been transferred, and a departmental inquiry is underway.

BJP reacts

Tamil Nadu BJP state vice-president Narayanan Thirupathy questioned why the school principal was transferred despite her clarification that the lecture was intended to motivate students and did not include any religious remarks. Thirupathy criticised the minister's action against the principal, saying it was based on social media posts and was not only ridiculous but also reprehensible.

Without knowing that spirituality is science, the Tamil Nadu government is supporting the inimical forces that are sowing anti-Hindu thoughts in the name of rationality, he said in a post on the social media platform X, urging the government to revoke the transfer order against the principal.

In a separate post, Narayanan questioned whether the Indian Constitution prohibited discussions on spirituality in government schools.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday launched a scathing attack on the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) following the killing of Mangesh Yadav, a wanted criminal involved in a high-profile robbery in Sultanpur, in a police encounter. Rahul Gandhi alleged that in BJP-ruled states, the very people who are responsible for implementing the law and Constitution are violating them.

In a strongly worded post on X, Gandhi accused the BJP-led government of undermining the rule of law and condoning extrajudicial actions.

"In BJP-ruled states, the 'law and constitution' are being flouted by those who have the responsibility to enforce them," Gandhi wrote.

He argued that Yadavs killing in a police encounter is emblematic of the BJP's disregard for the 'rule of law'.

Also Read | PM should clarify why he apologised for statue collapse: Rahul Gandhi

What happened in Sultanpur encounter

Mangesh Yadav, a criminal with multiple charges, was gunned down in a police encounter in the early hours of Thursday. According to police, he was involved in a 1.5 crore robbery at a jewellery store in Sultanpur in late August and carried a reward of 1 lakh on his head. Police officials claimed that Yadav was killed in retaliatory firing by a Special Task Force (STF) team led by two senior officers.

However, Gandhi raised concerns about the increasing number of encounters under the BJP's rule in Uttar Pradesh, accusing the Special Task Force (STF) of operating like a "criminal gang" under the BJPs watch.

"A professional force like the STF is being run like a 'criminal gang' under the BJP government, on which the silence of the central government is their clear consent to this 'Thoko Niti' (shootout policy)," he said, adding that multiple encounters by the STF have come under scrutiny, yet no action has been taken against the officers involved.

"The tears of Mangesh's family are asking a question to the whole countrywho will live and who will not, will this be decided by the court or the police?" he asked, calling for an impartial investigation into the encounter.

"All the suspicious encounters in Uttar Pradesh should be investigated impartially and justice should be done."

Also Read | Rahul Gandhi attacks BJP for snatching J&Ks statehood, pledge to restore it

Taking a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha said that touching the Constitution with the forehead in front of the cameras is just a pretence when your governments are openly tearing it to pieces.

Mangesh Yadavs death is the latest in a string of encounters in Uttar Pradesh, where police have intensified crackdowns on criminals, often resulting in deaths. The opposition leaders have repeatedly raised concerns over the legitimacy of these actions.

Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav accused the BJP of manipulating the police and judiciary to target individuals based on caste. He alleged Mangesh Yadav was killed intentionally in an encounter because of his caste while the prime accused Vipin Singh strategically surrendered in connivance with the police and the three other accused were shot in the legs in a fake encounter.

Fake encounters turn the protector into a predator. The solution is not fake encounters, but real law and order, he posted on X.
The release of nearly 70 Indians serving in the Russian Army has been held up as authorities in Moscow are yet to annul their contracts for military service, people familiar with the matter said on Saturday. Sixty-eight Indians are currently awaiting release from the Russian Army. (File Photo)

The release and repatriation of Indian nationals serving as support staff with Russian military units has become a hot button issue after the death of at least nine Indians on the frontlines of the war with Ukraine. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had raised the matter with Russian President Vladimir Putin when they met in Moscow in July.

The issue has been taken up through diplomatic channels in both New Delhi and Moscow since that meeting, the people cited above said on condition of anonymity. The release of nearly 70 Indians from the Russian Army has been held up primarily because Russias defence ministry is yet to take action to cancel their contracts, they said.

Also Read | Eight Indians killed while serving with Russian military, govt tells Parliament

The Russian defence ministry has to issue a decree annulling the contracts and that hasnt happened as yet, one of the people cited above said. A second person said the delay on the part of the Russian defence ministry could be due to apprehensions about the impact of such an annulment on contracts signed by nationals of other countries.

According to information provided by the government in recent weeks, a total of 91 Indians were recruited into the Russian Army and 15 of them have been released and repatriated to India. Sixty-eight Indians are currently awaiting release from the Russian Army.

Also Read | 50 Indians serving with Russian military want to quit, come home: Govt

External affairs minister S Jaishankar had alluded to the problem of the contracts while speaking in Lok Sabha on August 9. The problem...is that the Russian authorities maintain that these Indian nationals entered into contracts for service with the Russian Army. We are not necessarily subscribing to that, he said.

The Indian side takes the matter very seriously, and Modi got an assurance from Putin that any Indian national in the service of the Russian Army will be discharged and released, Jaishankar said.

A day after Jaishankars statement in Parliament, the Russian embassy in New Delhi said the recruitment of Indian nationals into Russias armed forces was stopped in April this year, and authorities are working for the early discharge of Indians who voluntarily contracted for military service.

The embassy also expressed condolences to the families of the dead and said all contractual obligations and compensation payments will be fulfilled in full measure.

The Indian side has also said many Indians recruited into the Russian military were misled or duped by unscrupulous recruitment agents. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered a criminal case against 19 individuals and entities for their alleged role in recruiting Indians and made several arrests.
A motivational speakers remarks on karma and rebirth, and allegedly blaming children for their struggles in life at two government schools in Tamil Nadu, has sparked a massive row and prompted action by the state government. Two government schools in Chennai invited Maha Vishnu, who runs an NGO, to deliver a motivational speech on the occasion of Teachers Day (HT photo)

Two government schools in Chennai invited Maha Vishnu, who runs an NGO, to deliver a motivational speech on the occasion of Teachers Day. If God was kind, everyone would have been born equal. One is born rich or poor, a criminal or a hero. Why such differences? You have gotten this life based on what you did in your previous life, he said.

A visually challenged teacher in one of the schools also protested against the speaker for saying that past sins are the reason for people to be born with disabilities leading to an outrage in social media with political parties also criticising his views.

The remark sparked outrage, with chief minister MK Stalin saying: Science is the way to progress. Steps will be taken by the school education department to provide the necessary innovative training with the help of departmental experts.

He ordered the formulation and issuance of new guidelines to regulate various programmes in schools across Tamil Nadu, ensuring that all the school children who are the future generation received progressive scientific ideas and lifestyles.

TN Congress chief K Selvaperunthagai, too, said: I strongly condemn the speaker for uttering Sanatana ideas which incite certain religious sentiments...

Congress MP Karti P Chidambaram, said, Distressing to see a charlatan peddle gobbledygook in a government school.

A school education department official said principals of both the schools have been transferred and a departmental inquiry was on.

School education minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi promised strict action against those responsible for organising the event. I wont leave this easily. He (Vishnu) came into my territory (school) and insulted my teacher. Strict action will be taken against him, Poyyamozhi said. Such events will not happen in Tamil Nadu again.

The incident has sparked a massive outrage against the education minister on social media platforms with #Resign_AnbilMahesh hashtag trending on X. The netizens questioned Mahesh over schools being utilised as platforms for religious and spiritual propaganda. When reporters pointed out that Vishnu had met the minister two years ago and clicked a photograph with him, Poyyamozhi said that he cannot be expected to check the background of people who meet him every day.

DMKs allies, including the Congress and CPI (M), and opposition AIADMK, and PMK have demanded the arrest of Vishnu.

PMK founder Dr S Ramadoss accused the speaker of converting the school premises into a veritable ground for propagating superstitions and called for stringent action against the perpetrator.

Tamil Nadu BJP state vice-president Narayanan Thirupathy sought to know why the school principal was transferred though she had clarified that the lecture was organised to motivate the students and that no religious comments were expressed.

The Ministers action on the principal, based on some social media posts, was not only ridiculous but also reprehensible, the BJP leader said.

Without knowing that spirituality is science, the Tamil Nadu government is supporting the inimical forces that are sowing anti-Hindu thoughts in the name of rationality, he said in a post on the social media platform X and demanded that the government withdraw the transfer action initiated on the principal.In another post, Narayanan wondered whether the Indian Constitution stated that spirituality should not be discussed in government schools.

Members of the DYFI and SFI staged a protest here questioning the School Education Department for permitting spiritual awakening classes in state-run schools at Saidapet and Ashok Nagar, and demanded action against the speaker Maha Vishnu.

With inputs from PTI
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has told a court that Sandip Ghosh, ex-principal of Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, had a criminal nexus with other co-accused for wrongful gain. Sandip Ghosh, former principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, being escorted by security officials in Kolkata. (Samir Jana/ HT Photo)

The CBI's charges pertain to its investigation into suspected corruption at RG Kar, of which Ghosh was removed as principal following the August 9 rape-murder of a trainee doctor, allegedly by Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer with the city police. The doctor's case, too, is with the CBI.

Besides Ghosh, those in the CBI's custody in the corruption case are: Biplab Singha, Suman Hazra, and Afsar Ali.

The agency levelled its charges on September 3 before the special court in Alipur, where it produced the group following their arrest, The Indian Express reported. There, it told the judge how two vendors (Singha and Hazra) whom Ghosh knew from his days at the Murshidabad Medical College and Hospital, benefited from the award of hospital contracts after he moved to the Calcutta National Medical College and Hospital and then RG Kar.

The CBI also described how Ghosh favoured his security aide Afsar Ali, the fourth arrested individual.

"The award was the contract of a cafe on RG Kar's premises. The contract was signed between the hospital and M/s Eshan Cafe. Nargis Khanum w/o Afsar Ali Khan is the proprietor of this firm. However, Afsar Ali Khan manages all the affairs of this firm. Contract to M/s Eshan Cafe was awarded in a predetermined manner as it was the only eligible firm fulfilling the technical criteria to participate in the tender out of the total four bidders, the court was informed.

The agency is also investigating Ali's role in the alleged selling of biomedical waste.
The Supreme Court on Friday directed resumption of the YouTube channel that aired scurrilous interviews against politicians, judges and women police officers in Tamil Nadu, which was directed to be shut down by the Madras high court as part of a condition for granting bail to the channel host Felix Jerald. The state had detained Savukku Shankar following the interview under the Goondas Act (ANI)

A bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud said, Why do you host such scurrilous interviews against judges and women police officers. Why do you have to do this?

Senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan appearing for Jerald said, I agree it may demoralise women police officers. But to put this as a bail condition that you must close this channel cannot be sustained. He said that the content of the interviews was scurrilous but it raised a larger issue of freedom of speech and expression which the court seeks to protect.

The bench, also comprising justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, agreed to consider this question by issuing notice to the state government on the petition challenging the July 31 Madras high court order. Posting the matter on September 27, the bench said, Pending further orders, the condition imposed for closure of YouTube channel shall remain stayed.

The court, however, asked the petitioner to comply with other conditions contained in the bail order. One of these conditions required him to file an undertaking before the trial court that he would not indulge in similar type of activities in future.

Jerald told the court that his YouTube channel Red Pix 24X7 was a news channel aired on internet having 2.6 million subscribers since its launch in 2014. Even in the past, Jerald had faced criminal cases over his other interviews for airing derogatory content against politicians and police officers. In May, he interviewed Savukku Shankar, an investigative journalist, in which scurrilous allegations were levelled against women police officers.

The state had detained Shankar following the interview under the Goondas Act. Along with Shankar, even Jerald faced criminal cases under various offences of the Indian Penal Code, Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Women Act, 2002 and Section 67 of the Information Technology Act.

Shankar faced 16 FIRs in the state and the top court has granted him protection from arrest in all these cases. On August 9, the Madras high court had set aside Shankars detention order paving way for his release. However, on August 12, the state government issued a fresh detention order arresting Shankar in a narcotics case. Against this order, Shankar has filed a petition which is pending in the top court. He has also sought clubbing of the FIRs against him at one place in the state.
The Supreme Court on Friday imposed a stay on orders of the Madras high court directing two Tamil Nadu ministers and their spouses to face trial in separate disproportionate assets cases, even as they were discharged by a trial court. The ministers challenged the August 7 order of the high court, which had exercised suo motu revision powers to overturn the verdict of the lower court (File photo)

A bench headed by justice Hrishikesh Roy issued a notice to the Tamil Nadu government on appeals filed by state finance minister Thangam Thenarasu and his wife T Manimegalai, and revenue minister KKSSR Ramachandran and his wife R Adhilakshmi, challenging the August 7 order of the high court, which had exercised suo motu revision powers to overturn the verdict of the lower court.

The bench, also comprising justice PK Mishra, posted the matter after four weeks and said: In the meantime, the operation of the HC judgments (against the accused) are stayed.

Advocate general PS Raman, who appeared via video-conferencing for the Tamil Nadu government before the top court, said the state is in the process of filing an appeal against the high court order.

The benchs decision came days before the two ministers  both belonging to the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)  are scheduled to appear before the special court in Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu, this month. While Ramachandran is supposed to appear on September 9, Thenarasu has been summoned on September 11.

The two ministers have been accused of having accumulated wealth in excess of their known source of income between 2006 and 2011, when the DMK was in power. Separate criminal cases against them were registered by the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK)-led government after the party came to power in 2011. The spouses of the two ministers have been accused of helping them accumulate the assets.

In 2022 and 2023, the trial court discharged the two ministers, saying the cases against them under the Prevention of Corruption Act were not made out.

A single bench of justice N Anand Venkatesh of the high court, however, reversed the verdict, saying there was a pattern in all discharge orders that came pursuant to the new government coming to power.
Kolkata RG Kar doctor rape-murder case: A Sealdah court on Friday expressed displeasure after the Central Bureau of Investigation's investigating officer and lawyer failed to appear at the hearing of Sanjay Roy, the prime suspect in the rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor from Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Kolkata doctor rape-murder case: Sanjay Roy allegedly raped and murdered 31-year-old woman trainee doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

However, a CBI lawyer reportedly reached the court 50 minutes late, and opposed Sanjay Roy's bail plea, stating it would hamper its investigation, The Times of India reported.

The court emphasised the gravity of the situation and the need for more prompt action from the CBI, The Indian Express reported.

India Today reported that additional chief judicial magistrate Pamela Gupta was so miffed over the investigating officer's absence and the prosecutor's delay that at one point she asked, Should I grant bail to Sanjay Roy?"

"This shows a very lethargic approach by the CBI. It's highly unfortunate, the magistrate added.

Also Read | Kolkata doctor rape-murder case gets murkier as BJP posts fresh video of victim's parents

What happened in the Kolkata court?

The Times of India reported that the CBI lawyer delayed the Sealdah court hearing for 50 minutes regarding the bail application of Sanjay Roy.

If the lawyer isn't present, he (Sanjay Roy) should be granted bail, Pamela Gupta said when informed by a CBI officer at 4:10pm that the public prosecutor was running late, ToI reported.

As the delay continued, and the lawyer Dipak Poria had yet to arrive, the magistrate instructed the CBI officer to call him. It's 4:20 now. This is very unfortunate, she said.

Also Read | Kolkata case: RG Kar ex-principal Sandip Ghosh's lavish bungalow under scrutiny after ED raids, says report

The officer, identifying herself as an assistant investigating officer, left the courtroom to make the call and returned 15 minutes later, stating that Dipak Poria was on his way, the report added.

When Poria finally arrived at 5:00pm, defense lawyer Kavita Sarkar questioned why CBI wasn't represented by the counsel who attended the previous hearing on August 23. Dipak Poria replied saying that he was the probe agency's full-time lawyer and briefly opposed Sanjay Roy's bail without giving specific reasons.

During the hearing, the court rejected the bail plea of Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer with Kolkata Police, who was arrested on August 10.

The court also remanded the accused to 14 days of judicial custody. Sanjay Roy will remain in judicial custody till September 20 under the supervision of the CBI.

Kavita Sarkar had argued for Sanjay Roy's bail, pointing out that he had no criminal record and the CBI had yet to present any evidence against him, India Today reported.

Trinamool Congress slams CBI

Reacting to the development, Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha MP Saket Gokhale alleged that CBI wanted to get Sanjay Roy on bail.

CBI wants to get the rape & murder accused monster RELEASED on bail. An active effort is being made by CBI, BJP, & the Modi Govt to run a political agenda and BURY this case. How can CBI allow this monster to get bail? What is the sinister agenda that is being played out? Why was CBI ABSENT in court today? Saket Gokhale wrote on social media X.

Describing it a shocking development, the TMC MP said, The CBI must answer under whose pressure this heinous crime is being buried.

Kolkata rape-murder case: Supreme Court to resume hearing on September 9

The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear on Monday, September 9, the case it has initiated on its own regarding the rape and murder of the junior doctor.

As per the cause list for September 9 uploaded on the apex court website, a bench comprising Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra is slated to hear the matter.

The hearing assumes significance in the wake of a recent application filed by the Centre alleging unpardonable non-cooperation by the West Bengal government in extending logistical support to the CISF, tasked with providing security at the hospital.

While hearing the matter on August 22, the top court tore into the Kolkata police over the delay in registering the unnatural death of the doctor.

The trainee doctor's body with severe injury marks was found inside the seminar hall of the hospital's chest department on August 9. A civic volunteer was arrested by the Kolkata Police in connection with the case the following day.

On August 13, the Calcutta high court transferred the probe from Kolkata Police to the CBI, which started its investigation on August 14.
Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah on Friday hit out at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for not releasing any amount for the Yettinahole drinking water project during its tenure (2018-2023), but was preoccupied in spreading misconception over the impossibility of the scheme getting completed. Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah and deputy CM DK Shivakumar inaugurate the first phase of the Yettinahole project at Hebbanahalli in Hassan district on Friday. (PTI)

Inaugurating the first phase of the Yettinahole project at Hebbanahalli in Sakleshpur taluk of Hassan district, Siddaramaiah said: I am happy that I am inaugurating a project which was conceived during the BJPs tenure, but the foundation stone for it was laid by me in 2014.

Nobody should have any apprehensions of the projects completion, which will happen during our tenure in 2027. Some people are trying to sow seeds of suspicion and there is no truth in all the rumours he added.

Siddaramaiah said the Congress government had spent 16 crore- 17 crore in the last 10 years. If the BJP had allocated funds for the project, it should have been completed by now. But they will not think of doing such projects, he said. Quoting a statement often used by deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar, Siddaramaiah said: Allegations made die, but work done remains.

The project will mitigate drinking water problems in seven districts of Kolar, Chikkaballapur, Tumakuru, Chitradurga, Hassan, Ramanagara and Bengaluru Rural districts. Water from the Western Ghats streams will be diverted from west flowing river Netravati in Dakshina Kannada district to the eastern districts. The project envisages lifting 24.01 tmc (thousand million cubic feet, a unit of measurement for volume of water in a reservoir or river) of water available during monsoon. The project will cater to over 7 million (projected population for 2023-24) people of 6,657 villages and 38 towns in 29 taluks of the seven districts. The total cost is estimated to be 23, 251.66 crore.

Siddaramaiah recalled that Congress leaders from Kolar, Chikballapur and Tumakuru had previously met him for access to water to their parched districts and the project was envisaged for this purpose. Referring to the hurdles faced regarding acquisition of land from the forest department, he said: I will convene a meeting of the forest department officials. They shouldnt make things difficult for acquisition of land.

Shivakumar, also in charge of water resources, said the opposition to the project was immense. Some critics of the project said they will shave their heads, if it gets completed. I will not reply to all their talk on this special festival day and will reserve my reply to be given in Vidhana Soudha, he added.

Quoting a vachana ( a type of prose writing) from Siddeswara swami, Shivakumar said: Kudiyuvavaru Kudiyali, uriyuvaru uriyali, namma padige naavu kelasa madabeku, aaga kudiyuvavaru avayagutare, uriyuvavaru boodiyagutare. (let those who drink continue, those who are envious do so, we should do our work, then these people will be reduced to ashes).

Earlier, the stage specially designed for Siddaramaiah and other ministers to offer bagina (floral offering) at Hebbanahalli in Hassan district fell before the inauguration. The Visvesvaraya Jala Nigam officials had arranged a stage and decorated it with flowers. The stage, attached to the delivery chamber 4, was meant to offer bagina. Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar and others were expected to offer bagina after initiating the pumping of water from delivery chamber 3 at Doddanagara.

BJP reaction
The Tamil Nadu Police on Saturday evening arrested motivational and spiritual speaker Maha Vishnu amid a row over his spiritual awakening classes at government schools in Chennai, PTI reported. Motivational and spiritual speaker Mahavishnu.(X)

He was arrested at the airport on his arrival from abroad, according to the police. He was later produced before a court which remanded him to judicial custody.

Maha Vishnu has been booked under sections of BNS and the Rights of Persons with Disability Act, 2016, based on a complaint against him, according to ANI.

Maha Vishnu faced backlash after making comments on rebirth and karma at two government schools in Chennai on September 5, on the occasion of Teachers Day.

During his talks, he allegedly blamed the children for their difficulties. He was also seen engaging in a heated exchange with a differently abled teacher, Shankar, who challenged his statements.

Members of the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) and Students' Federation of India (SFI) held a demonstration against the 'Spiritual Awakening classes' organised by Maha Vishnu in government schools.

The DYFI and SFI cadres also questioned the Tamil Nadu Department of Education over the classes, seeking strict action over the incident as they protested before the Ashok Nagar Government Higher Secondary School.

Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin reacted to the criticism, saying that the textbooks in the state contain the best scientific ideas and that teachers are an instrumental part in bringing out the best ideas in the students.

"Our high-quality textbooks contain the best scientific ideas that students need to know. The teachers themselves can bring out the best ideas needed to face future challenges with confidence and sharpen the knowledge. Actions will be taken by the School Education Department to provide the necessary innovative training, social education with appropriate departmental experts and scholars." the chief minister said in a post on X.

State education minister Anbil Mahesh also ensured strict action against the people responsible for conducting the classes.

"Strong action will be taken. Following the action, such events will never happen in Tamil Nadu. I am also to meet the teacher who argued with Maha Vishnu," he said.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) termed Maha Vishnu's arrest 'hasty' and said the action was expected. That is 'Dravida Model'. Unnecessarily the govt has created a tiger out of a cat, BJP Tamil Nadu vice president Narayanan Tirupathi wrote on X.

What Maha Vishnu said in his classes?



In his speech, Maha Vishnu blamed the British for systematically destroying Gurukulams and claimed that by chanting certain mantras, one could cause a rain of fire, cure ailments, and even fly.

All these were written as scriptures by our ancestors, but the British erased them, Maha Vishnu purportedly said in a video that went viral.

If God was kind, everyone should be born equal. One is born rich or poor, a criminal or a hero. Why such differences? You have been given in this life based on what you did in your previous birth, he had said.

To this, a teacher present at the event objected and said that he was invited for a motivational talk and not a spiritual discourse on school premises. This led to an argument with Maha Vishnu, who accused him of having ego issues.
Addressing a rally on the second and final day of his visit to Jammu in poll-bound Jammu and Kashmir, BJP leader and Union home minister Amit Shah on Saturday asked the Congress and National Conference (NC) to stop fooling people in the name of statehood. Jammu: Union Home Minister Amit Shah during a party worker meet ahead of Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, in Jammu, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024. (PTI)

The Congress and NC are saying that they will restore statehood. Tell me, who can give it (statehood)? Only the central government and prime minister Narendra Modi can. So stop fooling the people. We have said that at an appropriate time after the election, we will give statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. We have said this in Parliament. Rahul Gandhi should stop misleading the people, Shah said.

He also asserted, citing his experience as a student of electoral politics,' that a Congress-NC government  they have teamed up for the assembly election  can never be formed in Jammu and Kashmir.

The home minister, who released BJP's manifesto for the Union territory on the previous day, also sent a message to ex-Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha.

I want to tell you (Gandhi), no matter how much effort you put in, we will not let the reservation of Gujjars, Bakarwal, Paharis, and Dalits, be touched. There will be no talks with Pakistan, Shah declared.

The upcoming election, the former BJP president remarked, will be historic, as for the first time, J&K will vote under the tricolour.

The Jammu and Kashmir flag lost its official status with the August 2019 abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution of India by the Modi government.

For its first assembly election since December 2014, J&K will poll on September 18, 25, and October 1. The counting is on October 8.
Imphal, Security forces have destroyed three bunkers in Churachandpur district after militants launched rocket attacks in adjoining Bishnupur that killed one person and injured six others, a police statement said. Three bunkers of militants destroyed by security forces

The operation was undertaken in Mualsang and Laika Mualsau villages in Churachandpur district on Friday.

"Militants deployed long-range rockets among the civilian population in two locations of Bishnupur district in one of which one senior citizen civilian expired and six other civilians were injured," the statement said.

Police teams and additional security forces conducted a combing operation in the adjoining hill ranges.

"Two bunkers at Mualsang village and one bunker at Laika Mualsau village of Churachandpur were destroyed," it said.

Police teams including the Bishnupur SP rushed to the area and were fired upon by suspected militants but the police team retaliated and repelled the attack.

A military helicopter has been deployed to conduct aerial patrolling, it added.

High-level security meetings have been held to take stock of the law and order situation, it said.

Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, and the police are prepared to respond to any contingency that may arise, the statement added.

Suspected militants fired two rockets in Bishnupur district on Friday, killing one person and injuring six others, as tension gripped Imphal Valley following high-tech attacks over the past few days.

The rocket attacks came after drones were employed to drop bombs on people at two nearby places in Imphal West district earlier this week.

Both were earlier unheard of in the state where ethnic violence left over 200 people dead and thousands homeless since May last year.

People in peripheral areas of Bishnupur and Imphal East districts turned off their lights on Friday night following sightings of multiple drones, officials said.

Multiple drones were sighted at Narainsena, Nambol Kamong in Bishnupur district and Pukhao, Dolaithabi, Shantipur in Imphal East district creating panic in the areas, they added.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) general secretary (organisation) and Rajya Sabha MP Sandeep Pathak on Saturday issued an indirect warning to the Congress amid ongoing talks for alliance between the both the parties for the Haryana assembly elections, saying whosoever underestimates AAP will repent in the future. Aam Aadmi Party general secretary (organisation) and Rajya Sabha MP Sandeep Pathak. (PTI)

Alliance talks between AAP and Congress leaders have been going on since Tuesday, but no major breakthrough has been achieved yet even after several rounds of discussions. While AAP is ready for alliance, a section of Haryana based Congress leaders have expressed reservations over such a tie-up with the AAP.

At a press conference (called on a separate issue) at the AAP headquarters in Delhi, Pathak said the party workers and leaders are ready to go it alone in the polls on all the seats and are waiting for a go ahead from the party high command.

We are ready to contest the election on all seats and all places with all our strength. Whoever underestimates us will repent in future. From AAP volunteers and leadership, I can say that we are completely ready (to contest election). We are waiting for the word Go (order) of the party. We will make all announcements (of candidates) soon after we get the go ahead, said Pathak.

The Congress in-charge of Haryana, Deepak Babaria, did not respond to requests for comments.

Pathaks remarks came a day after AAP Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha (on Friday) said the party is in talks with the Congress and every possible effort is being made for an alliance ahead of the Haryana assembly elections.

Leaders from both sides revealed on Tuesday that the Congress and the AAP have started hectic negotiations for a last-minute alliance in the upcoming Haryana elections. AAP functionaries said that the party wants 10 seats, but the Congress has so far offered seven seats. According to people in the two parties, Congress and AAP leaders have held several rounds of seat-sharing discussions so far.

Asked about agreement between the two parties that AAP will contest five seats in the 90-member Haryana assembly, Pathak said he does not have any such information. The news about seats and all continue to appear in the media every dayI do not have any such information. You are only informing me, said Pathak.

Pathak said Chadha has already briefed the media on the ongoing tie-up discussions. Today I have only as much information as you have. Raghav must have briefed you all yesterday. Currently, we all have only that much information, said Pathak.

Chadha on Friday told the media, Talks are going on. We are hopeful that an alliance will form in favour of Haryana and the country. Every possible effort is being made.

To be sure, both the parties had allied for the Lok Sabha polls in Haryana, Delhi and Gujarat earlier this year as part of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA).

In the Lok Sabha elections, the AAP failed to win the sole Kurukshetra seat it fought in Haryana under a pact with the Congress as part of the INDIA bloc. The Arvind Kejriwal-led party, however, saw a rise in its vote share since 2014, when it made its poll debut in the state.

The Congress, on the other hand, won five of the nine seats it contested in this years Lok Sabha elections. To be sure, AAP has never won any Lok Sabha or assembly seat in Haryana.

An AAP functionary, however, on Friday said the talks for a possible alliance with the Congress for the Haryana elections are on the verge of a collapse, with the Arvind Kejriwal-led party looking to contest solo on 50 seats.

In Haryana, talks for an alliance with the Congress are on the verge of a collapse. The AAP is preparing to contest on 50 seats. Several disgruntled leaders from the Congress and BJP in the state may also join AAP in the coming days, the AAP functionary said, seeking anonymity. The AAP functionary, however, did not reveal the reasons for the talks veering on the verge of collapse.

Earlier, Deepak Babaria confirmed talks with the AAP but said that other constituents of the INDIA bloc, such as the Communist Party of India (Marxist) or CPI(M) and the Samajwadi Party (SP) had also approached the grand old party to fight the Haryana assembly elections together.

However, on Thursday, a section of Congress leaders expressed reservations over a tie-up with the AAP.

AAP has no base in Haryana, and I feel why should we give them a footprint? But if there is some compulsion, then it is up to the high command to decide whether they want to have an understanding with them in other states also, Congress leader Captain Ajay Singh Yadav said.

As far as my personal opinion is concerned, Congress does not need an alliance in Haryana... The popularity of Congress is at its peak. AAP can cause no loss to Congress. Why should AAP be allowed to enter Haryana, he added.
Even before the advent of Islam in Maharashtra in the thirteenth century with Alauddin Khiljis conquest of Deogiri, non-vegetarianism was an integral part of the religious and festive way of life in Hindu culture.

The focus and intention of this chapter is not to elaborate on this but to write about the food culture that has survived as an insignificant fraction at the bottom of the social hierarchy. From pre-Buddhist times to the time of Emperor Ashoka, animals like bullocks, buffaloes, horses, sheep, goats and chicken were sacrificed for various reasons and rituals. Although pigs and buffaloes were not sacrificed as per the Vedic tradition, non-Vedic communities (Dalit, nomadic, tribals) continued to sacrifice these animals. This tradition continues even today.

Sacrifices and sacred feasts

In Vedic culture, it was a custom to sacrifice domesticated or other easily available animals. It is said that chicken, goats and sheep originated in Central Asia and Afghanistan... The people of the yajna culture used mainly goats, sheep, bulls, castrated bullocks, horses, infertile cows and occasionally birds for sacrifice. They also used nutritious foods such as toop (clarified butter or ghee), curd made from cows milk and the milk itself as essential ingredients for the ritual of yajna.

In the Mahabharata, according to the story of the rakshasa brothers Vatapi and Ilwal, sheep were slaughtered at their annual memorial feast for the dead and this feast was prepared by Brahmins. According to another story, Satyavrata hunted wild animals to feed the rishi Vishwamitras family during famine. When the animals were not available, Satyavrata stole a cow belonging to Vashishta (another rishi) and it was eaten by Vishwamitras family. Vashishta was infuriated by the fact that they stole a useful, lactating cow and did not even perform a ritual which was usually done before sacrificing a lactating cow. But Vishwamitra was pleased with Satyavrata because he saved his family from starvation.

In another story, Vishwamitra had gone to a Dalit locality (of the Chandal community) during a severe famine and tried to steal a haunch of meat (the leg) from the fresh meat of dogs hanging there. One of the Dalits said that stealing and eating dog meat was blasphemy for a Brahmin. Vishwamitra argued with him about religion and philosophy and finally offered yajna and only ate the dog meat afterwards.

In a story narrating the generosity of the King Shibi, he offered rice and beef to Indra, the king of gods (who was disguised as an eagle), to save Agni, the god of fire (who was disguised as a dove).

According to another incident cited in the Mahabharata, Dharmavyadha, who knew the profoundest secrets of dharma (righteousness and religion), was making ends meet by selling the meat of pigs and buffaloes in the city of Mithila. Brahmins would often go to him there for religious lessons. The list of such examples is endless.

The movement that started from Emperor Ashokas time to push society into vegetarianism is still actively going on. At the same time, in one way or the other, symbolically or in real terms, killing animals as a sacrifice is popular even today. All the meat is consumed after offering a small portion of the animal to please the deity. If we look at the local context, we find references to buffalo sacrifice in the Gaathasaptshati. There are also references to butchers in the pre-Islamic era. This book, also known as Hal Saatvaahanaachi Gaathasaptshati, is important as it chronicles the food culture of this region, that is, the present-day Marathwada.

If we analyse the current or past few generations of non-vegetarian people, it is clear that mainly herbivorous animals are used as food. Animals used as sacrifice to gods during festivals are also grass-eaters. These include goats, sheep, buffaloes and, in rare cases, even pregnant goats and sheep for some fierce deities. The chicken is a common bird used for sacrificial rites. Over time, some animals were dropped from this list.

Kshatriyas were not forbidden to eat meat other than beef. Although there are five distinct varnas in Maharashtra, it is found that the same gods and goddesses are worshipped by all five varnas as their family deities. Brahmins offer vegetarian, sweet food (without salt) to their deities but Kshatriyas, Bahujans and Dalits offer non-vegetarian food to the same deities.

Palms are drenched in the hot blood of the sacrificed animal and imprinted on the clothes of the host on his chest. (Nowadays, it has been replaced by kumkum.) If this sacrifice is done at home, then it is customary to imprint blood-soaked palms on and around the main door of the house. Perhaps the motive was to make children of warrior communities accustomed to seeing blood early on.

Sacrifices of goats and buffaloes are still performed at the shakti pithas (significant shrines and temples in the goddess-focused Hindu tradition). The goddesses killed the demons to save society from their menace. This is why these goddesses are often named after the demons, such as Mahishasuramardini (the One who killed Mahishasura).

.

A recipe from the Chapter 4: What does non-vegetarian mean for us?

Fashi (epiglottis)

The fashi begins where the tongue ends. It is also called tilli or tilvan. Epiglottis is the anatomical term for it. It is a thin, dark and elongated piece of flesh, with a purple or bluish tinge and is a few centimetres thick. It has a coating that looks like a plastic glazing and looks like a thin chocolate cake. The surface flesh looks like jelly. Underneath is dark, chocolatey flesh. Although the method of making fashi is similar to that of mutton, fashi has to be cooked separately. It is delicate and cooks faster than normal meat because it releases its own juices while cooking.

Recipe

Ingredients for marinating

1.Fashi

2.Salt

3.Turmeric

4.Ginger-garlic paste (optional, but greatly improves taste)

Ingredients for cooking

1.Oil or animal fat (used when there is no oil to be had)

2.Onions, chopped (finely or roughly)

3.Red or green chillies, roughly chopped (optional, but an improvement)

4.Green coriander leaves, chopped

Method

1.Cut and wash fashi. Mix with marinade and let it rest for 1030 minutes.

2.Heat fat in a pan.

3.Add onions and fry till a nice brown.

4.Add marinated fashi and cook a bit.

5.Fry chillies in a little oil and add. Or add chillies directly without frying.

6.Cook till done. Fashi is a delicate meat and cooks quickly, releasing a lot of liquid.

7.Taste for salt and chilli flavour. Add more if needed.

8.Add very little water to make a thick gravy or none to make a dry version. Expert cooks say excess water spoils the dish.

9.Throw in a small fistful of chopped coriander leaves, if available.

Fashi tastes delicious with bhakri. Fashi is delicate, and has no bones and no fat, so children relish it very much. In some regions, fashi cooked without chillies was given to lactating mothers to help produce more milk.

A side note: Tamasha is a popular art form of Maharashtra which has skits, plays, music, songs and dance. Villagers come and watch these shows during festivals, annual fairs or other occasions. Since the majority of tamasha performers belonged to this food culture, the pun on the word fashi was popular in tamasha. Here is a popular story enacted in the tamasha.

The story: A minister produces a thief in front of the king. When he reads out the list of his crimes, the king declares, Give fashi to this man [hang him] right away!

The thief, extremely surprised, says in a happy voice, licking his lips in anticipation: Wah! You are going to serve me fashi? In this royal place? Serve it, please. Its my favourite!

The funny thing was only the Mahars and Mangs in the audience could get this joke. Fashi, in Marathi, means to hang someone to death. The epiglottis is not consumed by the upper castes, hence the culinary meaning of the word is often not known to them.

(Excerpted with permission from Dalit Kitchens of Marathwada by Shahu Patole, translated by Bhushan Korgaonkar, published by HarperCollins India; 2024)
By Alicia Powell HT Image

NEW YORK, Sept 6 - Five menswear designers helped kick off New York Fashion Week on Friday, with designers citing influences as eclectic as Zanzibar beaches, the 1970s, and their own dreams.

Minnesota-based brand Earthling made their New York Fashion Week debut with a collection titled "Doves Cry" that was heavy on leather and denim and inspired by the 1970s and the founders' hometown hero, musician Prince.

"We're big on leather, and we're big on, like, warm color palettes," said brand co-founder and designer Tracey Mills. "So every color that you see is like the warm version of a color palette, because when you use warm colors, they can all mix and blend together seamlessly."

Aaron Potts continued his regular appearance at the show with a collection whose colors were inspired by the beaches in Zanzibar.

"I was looking at the sand and the water and the sky and all the gorgeous natural colors - so that really was the inspiration for the color palette," he said. "And then we have these other fabrics that are these iridescent organzas, and we put those in as this sort of nod to all the beautiful iridescent fish."

Designer Clara Son said she likes to turn her negative emotions into beautiful garments.

"This collection is all about my dreams, when I was going through a really challenging time," she said. "And in my dream, I'm riding a bike, right by the ocean and there was a stone, like the rocks, and there was like reeds and all the color palettes coming from that."

Other brands who showed at the event included The Salting, who debuted a nautical-themed line.

New York Fashion Week will run from Sept. 6 to Sept. 11, with roughly 60 designers on the official calendar.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi or Ganesh Utsav is a 10-day festival celebrating the birth of the elephant-headed deity Lord Ganesh. Though it is celebrated with great fanfare now, not many know that in modern times, the festival started gaining popularity only after 1893 when Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak turned it into a mass-celebration event, the primary intent being to invoke a sense of nationalism against the British rule. Check out special Goan dishes to try during Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations.

In Goa, Ganesh Chaturthi predates the Kadamba era (960-1318 AD). During the Portuguese Inquisition, all Hindu festivals were banned but the devout still celebrated it within the confines of their homes. Here, Ganesh is worshipped by making dekhavas (displays) in most village houses. In Marcel and Cumbharjua, the tradition takes centrestage with families and groups crafting the most captivating displays. The streets are resplendent with vibrant lights and decorations, while the air reverberates with devotional songs. Besides the village of Marcel, one of the best places to celebrate Chaturthi is Rannyanche Juvev (North Goa), a village comprising 30-35 houses. All the houses on this island create a diorama based on Indian mythology and should be on every Chaturthi visitor's bucket list.

Here are the Goan Chaturthi-special dishes.

Goas traditional dishes for Ganesh Chaturthi

Ukdiche Modak

This Ganesh Chaturthi, try Ukdiche Modak at home.

Modak has its roots in ancient India, dating back to the time of Lord Ganesh's birth. According to legend, Lord Ganesh's mother, Goddess Parvati, created modak as an offering to her son. The sweet dumpling is made with rice flour, coconut, and jaggery and either steamed or fried. The dumpling's shape represents the universe, with the sweet filling signifying the joy and happiness that Lord Ganesh brings. Ukdiche Modak, a steamed dumpling, is an essential Goan sweet for the festival. These days, however, the Modak comes in various fillings including chocolate, pistachio, mawa, mango, and occasionally rolled in either sesame seeds, coconut or chocolate.

Nevri

Nevri will satiate your sweet cravings.

Also known as Neureos, nevri is a crescent-shaped deep fried sweet made of whole wheat flour or maida and stuffed with grated coconut, jaggery and dry fruits. Resembling the north Indian ghujiya, it is a Goan version of the Maharashtrian karanji. No purist will ever fill a nevri with desiccated coconut, it has to be freshly grated coconut. The first batch of nevris are always set aside as an offering to the deity. In some households, the nevri is also made with roasted gram flour and spices such as asafoetida, turmeric and red chilli powder. It is customary for a new brides parents to send a platter of nevris to the grooms family on Ganesh Chaturthi. In Goa, the nevri is also offered to Baby Jesus on Christmas and made during Shigmo, a festival heralding Spring.

Moonga Gaathi

Moonga Gaathi is a savoury, soupy dish that will make your Ganesh Utsav celebrations more special.

Moong (whole green beans) Gaathi is a popular dish in Goan cuisine, particularly during Ganesh Chaturthi. Moong sprouts are considered a symbol of prosperity and good fortune, making this dish a significant offering to Lord Ganesh. The Moonga Gaathi is a savoury, soupy dish made with moong sprouts in coconut gravy tempered with mustard seeds and curry leaves. It is a satvic dish made without onion and garlic and the addition of tamarind and jaggery gives it a very unusual taste.

Khatkhate

Khatkhate is a medley of vegetables like pumpkin, colocasia root, raw banana, radish, carrot, corn on the cob, drumstick, potato, and yam.

Literally, mixing in Konkani, Khatkhate is a medley of vegetables cooked together in a rich, coconut-based gravy. The key ingredients include pumpkin, colocasia root (known as mundli in Goa), raw banana, radish, and carrot, corn on the cob, drumstick, potato, and yam (suran in Konkani). As a rule, Khatkhate must have at least five vegetables along with grated coconut, jaggery, kokum, turmeric powder, red chilli and tepphal, a pepper grown in the Konkan region.

Interestingly, Khatkhate is also a common surname in the Goan Hindu community.

Shankarpali

Shankarpali is also called Shakkarpara, Murali, Khurma, and Lakdi mithai.

Also called Shakkarpara, Murali, Khurma, Lakdi mithai, Shankarpali is a sweet snack made with maida dough, fried, coated in sugar syrup and left to crystallise. In north India, it is a very common Diwali sweet, though a lot of people prefer the savoury version. Mostly known as Lakdi (stick) and lactoe, Shankarpali is hugely popular within the Indian diaspora in Fiji and Guyana.

Pais/Payas

Payas is a traditional dish also called dudhacho payas or tandlacho payas.

Think of it as kheer (rice pudding). Borrowing its name from payas (literally, milk), this traditional dish is also called dudhacho payas or tandlacho payas. Made with rice, milk, sugar, dried fruits and nuts, payas is served as a prasad (offering) during Ganesh Chaturthi. Originally made with short-grain rice, sabudana (tapioca) is added for a thicker texture.

Another version of the payas is Mangane that is made using chana dal (split chickpeas), sabudana (sago or tapioca pearls), coconut milk, jaggery and cashew nuts.
Discover Best AI Tools for Marketing and Sales.

In the fast-paced world of social media, it can be challenging for businesses to keep up with the demands of managing multiple platforms. Thats where OnlySocial comes in. This all-in-one social marketing solution offers a wide range of features to help you organize your content, streamline conversations, create an online store, and more. But is OnlySocial the right tool for your business? Lets take a closer look at its key features.

Features

No Downloads: With OnlySocial, theres no need to download any software. Simply access the cloud-based service from any device, whether its your mobile phone, tablet, personal computer, or smart TV.

Save Time: Plan your social media strategy in minutes and improve your engagement with followers and customers.

Investment with Cause: 1% of all purchases made on OnlySocial are donated to Team Seas for ocean decontamination efforts.

Plan & Schedule Posts: Share content across multiple platforms simultaneously, including images, videos, text, and links. Schedule posts at your convenience and streamline your social media strategy.

Share Content with Automated RSS Feeds: Distribute blog content across social media platforms with customizable text for each post.

Messenger & Instagram Sales Bot: Automate responses, integrate online stores with Messenger and Instagram, and create campaigns.

Advanced Analytics: Gain insights into your social media pages to optimize content and boost engagement.

Advanced Link in Bio Features: Direct followers to your website, share links, create custom sites, generate QR codes, and more.

If youre looking to multiply interactions and sales across platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and more, OnlySocial offers a range of plans to suit your needs. Consider giving OnlySocial a try to see how it can benefit your business.

Pricing

OnlySocial offers three pricing plans  Freelancer at USD $49.00 monthly, Entrepreneur at USD $99.00 monthly, and Professional at USD $199.00 monthly. Each plan includes access to all modules and varies in the number of accounts per platform and storage capacity.

Visit onlysocial.io for more.

Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter , Facebook and Instagram.
Over the past decade, India has positioned itself as a provider of high-quality medical services at affordable costs, attracting medical tourists from around the world. According to data released by the credit rating agency Crisil, the number of medical tourists visiting India is projected to reach approximately 7.3 million in 2024, up from an estimated 6.1 million in 2023. Indias medical tourism boom: Why foreigners are choosing India for wellness and healthcare (Photo by Instagram/ infinite_cure)

Indias Medical Value Travel

World-class amenities, a pool of skilled and well-trained medical experts and cost-effective treatment alternatives make India an appealing destination for those seeking high-quality healthcare services. India has become a popular choice for medical value travel in recent times.

Heres Why India is the Go-To Destination for Health

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Kamlesh Kothari, Dental Implant Specialist, Cosmetic Dentist, Maxillofacial Surgeon, Founder and Clinical Director of Aesthetica in Kolkata, shared, The practice of travelling to India from another country to receive dental care has been on the rise in India for several reasons, like cost effectiveness being affordable compared to many western countries with highly qualified surgeons and hospitals equipped with modern facilities and technologies. Overall, the arrangement of affordable yet high-quality dental care, a wide range of services, minimal waiting times, and the opportunity for tourism makes India an appealing destination for foreigners seeking dental treatment.

Dr Rajeev Agarwal, an IVF specialist at Renew Healthcare in Kolkata, revealed, India has emerged as a preferred destination for foreign patients seeking affordable and high-quality medical treatments. Thousands of foreign nationals visit India annually for various procedures, attracted by the country's advanced healthcare infrastructure, skilled medical professionals and cost-effective services. The rise in medical tourism can be attributed to factors like India's competitive pricing compared to Western countries, the availability of advanced treatments, and the country's diverse cultural and touristic appeal. Kolkata, in particular, has seen a growing trend in the IVF landscape, with several state-of-the-art fertility clinics offering comprehensive services to both domestic and international patients. Our medical facilities are undoubtedly the best but we also add the personal touch which the western world lacks.

Not only doctors, foreigners are also seeking affordable psychological and psychotherapeutic consultations in India. Mansi Poddar, a trauma-informed Psychotherapist gushed, Medical tourism including mental health services are relatively cheaper and more easily accessible in India. For example, mental health appointments are faster in India. There is no hassle around insurance/ number of sessions/documentations etc. I work with various clients abroad and they say that scheduling appointments is easier and quicker, they have access to me on a regular basis, there is no insurance limit on sessions plus they dont have to worry about permanent documentation. Also, culturally its easier to see a therapist who has partly lived outside the country and in the country.

India's Medical Tourism Revolution

Medical tourism in India is set to grow, driven by cost-effectiveness, high-quality care and the appeal of exploring India. This trend reflects India's ability to provide world-class healthcare solutions at competitive prices, attracting millions of medical tourists from around the globe.
A man suspected of going on a three-hour shooting rampage in Northern California and killing 81 animals, including miniature horses, goats and chickens, pleaded not guilty to animal cruelty and other charges. This photo shows Vicente Arroyo, suspected of killing horses, goats and chickens. (AP)

Vicente Arroyo, 39, made his first court appearance Thursday after Monterey County Sheriff deputies arrested him earlier in the week for allegedly using several weapons to shoot the animals being housed in pens and cages on a lot in the small community of Prunedale.

The animal owners do not want to be identified or speak with the media, Monterey County Sheriff Commander Andres Rosas told The Associated Press Friday.

I went out there, and it was a pretty traumatic scene. These were peoples pets, he said.

One of the miniature horses belonged to the owner of the lot where the animals were housed, and the other 80 belonged to someone who rented the land to house their pets, Rosas said.

According to court records, Arroyo was charged with killing 14 goats, nine chickens, seven ducks, five rabbits, a guinea pig and 33 parakeets and cockatiels. Arroyo is also charged with killing a pony named Lucky and two miniature horses named Estrella and Princessa, KSBW-TV reported.

Some animals survived the shooting that lasted several hours but had to be euthanized because of the severity of their injuries, Rosas said.

Rosas said Arroyo lived in a camper in a vineyard next to the lot where the animals were kept and that a motive is not yet known.

His attorney, William Pernik, said that after talking to Arroyo and his family he became concerned about his client's mental competency and asked the judge for a mental health evaluation.

We're dealing with an individual who has very serious charges and who does not appear to be in the right state of mind to understand the proceedings against him, Pernik said.

Pernik said that Arroyo's family had reached out to various country agencies to get help for him but that unfortunately, he did not receive that mental health help in time before this tragic incident.

The judge ordered Arroyo, who is being held on a $1 million bail, to undergo a mental evaluation.

The court will get an update on Arroyos mental status in two weeks, Pernik said.

What happened on the fateful day?

Authorities received multiple 911 calls around 3:25 a.m. Tuesday reporting shots being fired in Prunedale, an incorporated community about 8 miles (13 kilometers) from the city of Salinas, he said.

Deputies who arrived on the scene could hear shots being fired, and a shelter-in-place was ordered for a five-mile radius.

Monterey County S.W.A.T. members were sent in, and the sheriffs office also requested drone assistance from the nearby Seaside Fire Department and Gonzales Police Department, Rosas said.

Officers in an armored vehicle arrested Arroyo without incident, he said.

Deputies found a crashed pickup truck and recovered eight firearms, including long rifles, shotguns and handguns, at the scene. After executing a search warrant on Arroyo's camper, they found another seven firearms, including an illegal AK-47 assault rifle, two ghost guns, and about 2,000 rounds of various calibers of ammunition, Rosas said.

Prosecutors charged Arroyo with dozens of charges involving animal cruelty, willful discharge of a firearm with gross negligence, illegal possession of an assault weapon, vandalism, drug possession and making criminal threats and terrorizing while being in possession of a firearm as a felon.

This is obviously the most horrific animal cruelty case weve ever seen in this county, Im sure, Chief Assistant District Attorney Berkley Brannon told KSBW-TV after the Thursday hearing.
Relatives of a father-daughter duo have forgiven a female from a wealthy, influential Pakistani business family here who ran down a luxurious SUV over them, her lawyer said on Friday. A woman from an influential Pakistani business family killed two and injured three after losing control of her car.

The incident drew widespread condemnation as the two killed came from lower middle class. The rich lady also injured three other motorcyclists on the main Karsaz Road in the city as she lost control of her car.

The accident on August 19 garnered lot of attention on social media and became a raging debate on television channels as videos of Natasha Danish appearing disoriented and unrepentant over her actions went viral.

As Natasha Danish hit Imran Arif and his daughter Amna Arif from behind, their motorcycle went flying, according to videos of the incident shared on social media and by the police.

Imran used to sell papers to shops while his daughter was employed in a private firm.

After the hearing at a Sessions Court earlier on Friday, Barrister Uzair Ghouri, representing the bereaved families, told the media outside the court that they (the families) had forgiven the driver in the name of Allah.

The defence lawyer had claimed after the incident that the accused had mental health issues and was under treatment since 2005.

The victims family submitted an affidavit in the court forgiving the accused.

The agreement between the affected families and the accused were presented in the court of a judicial magistrate where the case was under trial, after which the accused was granted bail.

Soon after social media erupted with blames that the family accepted blood money.

The bereaved families have forgiven the accused in the name of Allah and it is baseless rumours that they have taken blood money (Diyat in Islamic Shariah laws) to forgive her for the deaths, he said.

In Pakistan, under Sharia laws, a victims family/heirs can forgive an accused even if he or she has caused deaths.

Law in Pakistan

The law is called Qisas and Diyat law. Qisas, defined as punishment by causing similar hurt at the same part of the body of the convict, and diyat meaning, compensation payable to the heirs of the victims.

The court has released Natasha on bail, she can go anywhere in the world, said defence lawyer barrister Amir Mansoob.
Toronto: A Pakistani national has been arrested by Canadian law enforcement for allegedly planning the largest terror attack on the United States since 9/11, with the target being the Jewish community in New York City. Police officers stand at the scene of a deadly shooting at an office building in the Don Mills neighbourhood of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, on June 17. (REUTERS)

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) said, in a release on Friday, that Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, 20, was arrested in the town of Ormstown in the province of Quebec, on Wednesday. The investigation was undertaken in partnership with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Khan was allegedly in the process of planning a deadly attack targeting Jewish citizens in the United States, the release said. He has been charged with attempting to leave Canada to commit an offence for a terrorist group and participating in the activities of a terrorist group, among others.

He will appear before a court in Montreal on Friday.

According to a complaint filed against Khan, he also discussed coordinated attacks in India.

The news of threats to the Jewish community is alarming. We will not tolerate any form of threats, harassment or violence targeting Jewish communities, the release added.

This planned anti-Semitic attack against Jewish people in the US is deplorable and there is no place for such ideological and hate motivated crime in Canada. We are committed to keeping all Canadians safe and ask for the support of all Canadians to help prevent such threats, RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme said.

In a post on X, Canadas Minister of Public Safety Dominic LeBlanc said the arrest was a product of the strong partnership between RCMP and FBI. Jewish Canadians and Jewish Americans deserve to be safe in their communities, he added.

In a statement, US Attorney General Merrick Garland said that Khan, also known as Shazeb Jadoon, is alleged to have planned a terrorist attack in New York City around October 7th with the stated goal of slaughtering, in the name of ISIS, as many Jewish people as possible.

Thanks to the investigative work of the FBI, and the quick action of our Canadian law enforcement partners, the defendant was taken into custody. As I said to Canadas Minister of Public Safety yesterday, we are deeply grateful to our Canadian partners for their critical law enforcement actions in this matter, he added.

A Department of Justice release said that Khan began posting on social media and communicating with others on an encrypted messaging application about his support for the Islamic State or ISIS in or about November 2023, and Khan distributed ISIS propaganda videos and literature. He began communicating with two undercover law enforcement officers.

During those conversations, he revealed he allegedly wanted to undertake the terror attack along with an unnamed America associate. He wanted the attacks to take place on October 7 and October 11. October 7 is the first anniversary of the deadly terror attacks by Hamas on Israel, while October 11 is Yom Kippur.
The death toll from a devastating blaze at a primary school dormitory in a semi-rural area of central Kenya has risen to 21, the government said on Saturday. Death toll from Kenya school blaze rises to 21

Prosecutors said they had instructed police to look into whether the tragedy had been caused by negligence or recklessness, and vowed that those found culpable would face justice.

The flames engulfed a dormitory at the primary school in the county of Nyeri around midnight on Thursday as more than 150 boys aged between nine and 13 were sleeping.

Government spokesman Isaac Mwaura said a total of 19 bodies had been recovered at the site and another two died in hospital.

Out of the total 156 boys in the dorm at the time, 139 had now been accounted for, either at home or in hospital, he said.

"It is a catastrophe beyond our imagination," Mwaura said at a press briefing at the site.

"It is truly devastating for the nation to lose such a number of young and promising Kenyans. Our hearts are heavy."

The cause of the inferno is not yet known but homicide investigators and forensic experts are at the school, where media access has been blocked.

The charred bodies of victims, which police had said were burnt beyond recognition, were found in the dormitory, now a blackened shell with its corrugated iron roof completely collapsed.

Chief government pathologist Johansen Oduor said postmortems will begin on Tuesday.

Director of Public Prosecutions Renson Ingonga has instructed police to conduct a comprehensive investigation to determine the circumstances that led to the fire and "assess whether or not the tragedy may have resulted from negligence and/or recklessness of any responsibility holders", his office said in a statement.

"Any person found culpable towards the fire tragedy shall be expediently taken through the due process of a criminal trial."

The blaze has highlighted the issue of safety at schools in Kenya, after numerous similar disasters over the years.

Kenya's National Gender and Equality Commission said initial reports indicated the dorm was "overcrowded, in violation of safety standards".

Ruto has declared three days of national mourning from Monday after what he described as an "unfathomable tragedy".

Pope Francis said he was "deeply saddened" at the loss of young life and expressed his "spiritual closeness to all who are suffering the effects of this calamity, especially the injured and the families who grieve".

Many families had been waiting anxiously for news of their loved ones, with one mother at the school angrily crying: "We don't want the food donations. We want our children."

The Kenya Red Cross is offering psychological counselling sessions to traumatised children and relatives, setting up white tents in the fields outside the school gates.

Muchai Kihara, 56, said he was lucky to find his 12-year-old son Stephen Gachingi alive after rushing to the school around 1 am on Friday.

"I cannot begin to imagine what he went through. I am happy he is alive but he had some injuries at the back of his head and the smoke had affected his eyes," he told AFP.

"I just want him to be counselled now to see if his life will return to normal."

A string of disasters have hit schools in Kenya and other parts of East Africa in recent years.

In 2016, nine students were killed by a fire at a girls' high school in the sprawling slum neighbourhood of Kibera in Nairobi.

In 2001, 67 pupils were killed in an arson attack on their dormitory at a secondary school in Machakos south of Nairobi.

Two pupils were charged with murder, and the headmaster and deputy of the school were convicted of negligence.

In 1994, 40 school children were burned alive and 47 injured in a fire that tore through a girls' school in Tanzania's Kilimanjaro region.

In 2022, a blaze ravaged a school for the blind in eastern Uganda. Eleven pupils died after they were trapped inside their shared bedroom because the building had been burglar-proofed, government ministers said at the time.

ho-txw/rox

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Google was slammed Friday by U.K. regulators who say it's taking advantage of its dominance in digital advertising to thwart competition in Britain, ratcheting up pressure that the tech giant is facing on both sides of the Atlantic over its ad tech business practices. A logo is pictured above the entrance to the offices of Google in London. (AFP)

Britain's Competition and Markets Authority said that the U.S. company gives preference to its own services to the detriment of online publishers and advertisers in Britain's 1.8 billion pound ($2.4 billion) digital ad market. The watchdog leveled its accusations after an investigation, and the findings could potentially lead to a fine worth billions of dollars or an order to change its behavior.

Google is a major player throughout the digital ad ecosystem, providing servers for publishers to manage ad space on their websites and apps, tools for advertisers and media agencies to buy display ads, and an exchange where both sides come together to buy and sell ads in real time at auctions.

Weve provisionally found that Google is using its market power to hinder competition when it comes to the ads people see on websites, the watchdog's interim executive director of enforcement, Juliette Enser, said in a press release.

The watchdogs charges, known as a statement of objections, arrive two years after it opened its investigation. Googles digital ad business is also the focus of a European Union antitrust investigation and a U.S. Justice Department lawsuit that's set to go to trial this month.

The CMA said that Google's anti-competitive" conduct is ongoing, but the company disputed the allegations Friday.

Google remains committed to creating value for our publisher and advertiser partners in this highly competitive sector, the company said in a prepared statement. "The core of this case rests on flawed interpretations of the ad tech sector. We disagree with the CMA's view and we will respond accordingly.

The U.K. watchdog alleged Google has been exploiting its dominance since 2015 to strengthen the market position of its own AdX ad exchange and protect it from rivals. AdX is where Google charges the highest fees in the ad tech system, taking about 20% of the amount from bids, the CMA said.

The regulator's accusations include charges that Google manipulates advertiser bids so they have higher value when they go into AdX auctions then rival exchanges. AdX also gets to bid first in auctions run by Google's publisher ad server, potentially shutting out rivals from the chance to bid, the watchdog said.

Google now has the chance to reply to the charges. The CMA said it's considering what is needed to make sure Google ceases the anti-competitive practices. It has the power to impose a fine worth up to 10% of a company's annual worldwide revenue or issue a legally binding order to stop violations of competition law.
in paragraph 1) Israeli strikes in Gaza kill 61 as UN pursues vaccinations

*

Israeli air strike on Jabalia refugee camp kills 8, wounds 15

*

Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and Fatah fight Israeli troops with rockets and bombs

*

CIA director Burns says more detailed US truce proposal coming in days

*

UN has vaccinated over half of 640,000 children in Gaza amid conflict

By Nidal al-Mughrabi

CAIRO, Sept 7 - Israeli military strikes across the Palestinian Gaza Strip killed at least 61 people in the space of 48 hours, local medics said on Saturday, as Israeli forces battled Hamas-led militants in the territory.

Eleven months into the war, numerous rounds of diplomacy have so far failed to clinch a ceasefire deal to end the conflict and bring the release of Israeli and foreign hostages held in Gaza as well as many Palestinians jailed in Israel.

An Israeli air strike in on the Halima al-Sa'diyya school compound serving as a shelter for displaced people in the Jabalia urban refugee camp killed at least eight people and wounded 15 others, medics said.

The Israeli military said the strike had targeted a Hamas command centre inside the compound. It accused Hamas of repeatedly exploiting civilians and civilian infrastructure for military purposes, an allegation Hamas denies.

Five more people were killed in a strike on a house in Gaza City.

The armed wings of the Hamas, Islamic Jihad and Fatah groups said they had fought Israeli troops in Gaza City, in central areas and in the south with anti-tank rockets and mortars, and in some incidents detonated bombs to target tanks and other army vehicles.

The two warring sides continued to blame one another for the failure of mediators, including Qatar, Egypt and the United States, to broker a ceasefire. The U.S. is preparing to present a new proposal, but the prospects of a breakthrough appear dim as gaps between the sides remain large. CIA Director William Burns, the chief U.S. negotiator, told an event in London that a more detailed proposal would be made in the coming days.

PAUSES IN FIGHTING LET POLIO VACCINATIONS CONTINUE

On Thursday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said it was incumbent on both Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, which ran Gaza before the war and was responsible for the Oct. 7 killing spree against Jews in Israel that triggered it, to make concessions to reach a deal.

On Saturday, senior Hamas official Hossam Badran said the group had made no new demands and remained committed to a July 2 proposal put forward by the United States, accusing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of attaching new conditions that would not end the war.

Netanyahu says it was Hamas that introduced unacceptable conditions.

Despite the deadlock, the United Nations, in collaboration with local health authorities, has pursued a campaign to vaccinate 640,000 children in Gaza after its first polio case in around 25 years. Limited pauses in the fighting have allowed the campaign to proceed.

U.N. officials said they were making progress, having reached over half of the children needing the drops in the first two stages in the southern and central Gaza Strip.

On Sunday, the campaign will move to the northern Gaza Strip. A second round of vaccination will be required four weeks after the first.

The latest bloodshed in the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict was triggered on Oct. 7 when group Hamas attacked Israel, killing 1,200 and taking about 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.

Israel's subsequent assault on the enclave has killed over 40,900 Palestinians, according to the local health ministry, while also displacing nearly the entire population of 2.3 million, causing a hunger crisis and leading to genocide allegations at the World Court, which Israel denies.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Saturday said that India and China can play a role in resolving the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. India and China can help resolve Russia-Ukraine conflict, says Italian PM Meloni.( File/ REUTERS/Claudia Greco)

"I believe China and India have a role to play in resolving the conflict. The only thing that cannot happen is to think that the conflict can be solved by abandoning Ukraine," France 24 quoted Meloni as saying after meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the sidelines of a conference.

ALSO READ- Vladimir Putin says India, China, Brazil could mediate Russia-Ukraine talks

Meloni's statement comes as Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday named India among the three countries he is in touch with over the Ukraine conflict and said they are sincerely making efforts to resolve it.

In a separate statement, Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said earlier this week that India could play a role in facilitating dialogue with Ukraine as Prime Minister Narendra Modi "freely communicates with Putin, Zelenskyy, and the Americans".

"The choice of supporting Ukraine has been first and foremost a choice of national interest, and it's a choice that won't change," Meloni told the annual TEHA business forum in northern Italy.

ALSO READ- Meloni defends government after Italian culture minister quits over scandal

Modi, during his visit to Ukraine on August 23, the first by an Indian prime minister since the country gained independence in 1991, urged Zelenskyy to engage in direct talks with Russia, emphasising that both nations should not delay in seeking an end to the war.

The visit to Kyiv followed the prime minister's summit with Putin six weeks earlier, a meeting that raised concerns in some Western countries.

ALSO READ- Russian missiles blast Ukrainian military academy, hospital; over 50 killed: officials

In his meeting with Zelenskyy, the prime minister expressed his willingness to contribute personally to finding a peaceful resolution.
Kathmandu, The third edition of the Kathmandu Kalinga Literary Festival kicked off in Lalitpur Metropolitan City on Saturday with the participation of more than 200 literary personalities from Nepal, India and other South Asian countries. Kathmandu-Kalinga Literary Festival brings together litterateurs from Nepal and India

Economist and popular historian Sanjeev Sanyal, who is a member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister of India, Prasanna Srivastava, deputy chief of the Indian Embassy here, former Indian diplomat and a former UN Assistant Secretary-General turned novelist Lakshmi M Puri, were among those who addressed the inaugural ceremony.

Prominent Nepali litterateur Dr Bhuwan Dhungana also spoke at the inaugural session which was chaired by Rashmi Ranjan, who also chairs the Kathmandu Kalinga Literary Festival .

The two-day festival brings together some 200 writers from Nepal, India and other South Asian countries, fostering a rich exchange of literary and cultural traditions, the organisers said.

One of the speakers was former Ambassador of Nepal Ranjit Rai, who reflected on his tenure as ambassador during a challenging period as mentioned in his book Kathmandu Dilemma: Resetting India-Nepal ties. His book aims to address misconceptions about India's role in Nepal.

The event, titled Nepal: The Gateway to Asian Art, Culture, and Literature celebrates the spirit of Lord Shiva and Gautama Buddha in the context of Nepal-India literary ties, the organisers said. It was inaugurated by Bhupal Rai, Chancellor of Nepal Academy, which is a national institution for promotion of languages, culture and poetry among other things.

Speaking at the inaugural session, Rai said, culture and literature serves as the bridge to connect people among different countries in the South Asia region.

This has been instrumental in strengthening Nepal-India bilateral ties, he added.

Focussing on the glorious traditions of Nepal and India, the Kalinga Literary Festival Kathmandu will showcase literature, music, dance, poetry and other art forms.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
A Pakistani man, Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, was arrested in Canada after he allegedly attempted to aid the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) in planning a terrorist attack in New York City around October 7, according to the the US Department of Justice. A placard next to a fire during a demonstration urging the government into securing the release of Gaza hostages in Tel Aviv, Israel, on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024. Photographer: David Lombeida/Bloomberg(Bloomberg)

The 20-year-old has been accused of providing resources and support in order to plan an attack on Jewish people in New York City, close to the anniversary of Hamas' attack on Israel last year, reported news agency ANI.

Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, allegedly planned the terrorist attack with the intent of slaughtering in the name of ISIS, as many Jewish people as possible, attorney general Merrick B Garland said in a statement by the US Department of Justice.

Director of the FBI Christopher Wray also chimed in, expressing pride in the team that disrupted Khan's plan. "The FBI will continue to work closely with our partners to investigate and hold accountable those who seek to commit violence in the name of ISIS or other terrorist organizations. Fighting terrorism remains the FBI's top priority," he said.

Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, had allegedly attempted to travel from Canada to New York City to carry out a mass shooting at a Jewish center in Brooklyn, New York, to show his support for ISIS.

Khan's digital footprint showed that he began posting on social media about his support for ISISI and was communicating with others on an encrypted messaging application around November 2023.

During this time, Khan distributed ISIS propaganda videos and literature. While he was doing so, he began communicating with two undercover law enforcement officers, according to the US Department of Justice.

Muhammad Shahzeb Khan would tell the undercover agents how they could obtain AR-style assault rifles, ammunition, and other materials to carry out the attacks, and identified where the attacks would take place as well.

He also gave them details about how he would cross the border from Canada into the United States to conduct the attacks.

According to the US Department of Justice, during these conversations, Khan explained that "Oct 7th and Oct 11th are the best days for targeting the Jews" because October 7 is the anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel. October 11 was also mentioned as it was Yom Kippur, a Jewish religious holiday.

Khan is now being charged with attempting to provide material support and resources to a designated foreign terrorist organisation. If he is convicted, he will face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

On October 7, when Khan planned his attack, Hamas attacked Israel, killing an injuring several civilians, after which the two entities have been in conflict for close to a year.
Islamabad, Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan on Saturday sought relief in the Al-Qadir corruption case following the Supreme Court's reinstatement of amendments in the National Accountability Bureau laws. Pak's jailed former PM Imran Khan seeks relief in Al-Qadir corruption case

The top court on Friday gave a nod to an intra-court appeal in favour of restoring the changes made in the laws in 2022, which were struck down by the apex court in September last year.

The court also ruled the decision of the cabinet could not be prosecuted.

Khan submitted a plea for acquittal in the case during a hearing at the Adiala Jail, where he has been incarcerated since last year.

The former premier in his plea argued that after the restoration of the amendments, the Al-Qadir Trust case involving 190 million pounds of alleged corruption holds no ground since the changes grant immunity to all decisions taken by the cabinet.

Khan had taken approval regarding the above money before awarding it to a business tycoon to settle his fine imposed by the apex court.

It was also pleaded that Khans acquittal plea may be clubbed with a similar petition earlier filed by Bushra Bibi, his wife.

After the NAB legal representatives opposed Khan's plea, the court issued a notice to NAB and all other relevant parties for hearing arguments and adjourned the next hearing until Tuesday.

The case is based on the allegation that Khan and others adjusted 50 billion  equivalent to 190 million pounds at the time  that was transferred by the UK's National Crime Agency to the Pakistani government.

This sum was part of a settlement with a leading property tycoon in Pakistan.

Khan and his wife allegedly received land worth billions of rupees from the property tycoon, intended for the construction of an educational institute.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Anglo-Australian mining giant Rio Tinto's chief executive sought to reassure locals during a visit to Serbia on Saturday over his company's controversial lithium mining project, local media reported. Rio Tinto CEO in Serbia seeks to reassure over lithium mine

Serbia has vast lithium deposits near the western town of Loznica and the mining project has been a perennial political fault line in the Balkan country in recent years because of its potential environmental impact.

On Saturday, Rio Tinto CEO Jakob Stausholm attended a meeting of President Aleksandar Vucic with residents in Ljubovija, in the country's west, and pledged to protect both the environment and people, Beta news agency reported.

"The biggest challenge for us is to win the trust of you who live here," Stausholm said quoted by Beta.

"One of the reasons why I am here today is to convey our promises to you as a reflection of our dedication" to safety for both the environment and people, he said.

This includes the safety of those working in the mine and living nearby and of the environment so that water, soil and natural habitats are clean and secure, he said.

Vucic himself is on a five-day tour of the region where the mine would be located for talks with local inhabitants.

"These will be difficult, tough talks, but I believe they will yield an essential dialogue," he said on Friday.

Serbia's top court in July reversed an earlier government decision to halt the project, set to serve as a vital source to power Europe's green energy transition, following a string of protests in 2021.

The decision sparked fresh demonstrations across the country, the largest of which in early August saw tens of thousands take to the streets of the capital Belgrade, blocking key roads and occupying two main train stations.

Dozens of activists were arrested.

Despite the protests, the government signed a memorandum of understanding in July with the European Union that is seen as the first step in developing Serbia's lithium resources.

bur-ljv/imm

RIO TINTO PLC

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
New Delhi: A month after the ouster of Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh Interim Government headed by pro-west Mohammed Yunus and Army Chief General Waker-us-Zaman have not been able to restore law and order in the country with perceptible rapid rise of Islamist Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) even at the expense of Khaleda Zias Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus salutes to the attendees upon arrival at the Bangabhaban to take oath as the head of the interim government in Dhaka, Bangladesh.(REUTERS)

The rise of JeI, which has deep ideological links with Muslim Brotherhood, and the tactical joining of hands with ultra-Islamists Hefazat-e-Islam and pro-Islamic state Ansar-ul- Bangla Team poses a serious threat to the democratic credentials of Bangladesh as intelligence inputs indicate that student leaders are also been controlled or perhaps influenced by the Islamists.

Reports indicate that neither the Bangladesh Army nor Yunus have been able to control anti-Awami League worker and anti-Hindu violence in the country with the troops unwilling to engage the perpetrators and reduced to mere bystanders.

The rise of JeI has been noted by Indian national security planners as this has security ramifications within India as Jamaat has influence in Jammu and Kashmir and also in the Indian hinterland. In the 1990s, Jamaat was behind the rise of SIMI all over India particularly UP, Maharashtra, undivided Andhra Pradesh and the group was later weaponized by Pakistan into Indian Mujahideen. Jamaat has played a key role in orchestrating pro-Pak sentiment in the Valley by radicalizing youth to take up arms.

While the Interim Government in Bangladesh is in no hurry to announce elections, a weak government, rising Islamic radicalization, and spiraling down state of economy will spell disaster for Dhaka. The flip side is that presently terrified workers of Awami League may start to regroup and join hands in the coming months and challenge the BNP and its much stronger affiliate JeI. Inputs indicate that actually JeI has gained ground in Bangladesh post August 5 at the expense of BNP.

Even though Interim leader Yunus is targeting Sheikh Hasina and is hinting at extradition of ousted leader from India, the main threat to polity of Bangladesh is actually coming from Islamists with the exiled leader still to come to terms with her sudden exit.

While India is concerned about the violence and specific targeting of Hindus and Awami League workers, it is waiting and watching the situation as an indecisive Interim Government will lead to rise of dissatisfaction among the very youth who threw Sheikh Hasina out. This coupled with the looming economic crisis, closure of textile mills and garment manufacturing units will lead to unemployment and more political turmoil. Already, the external and internal debt of Bangladesh has crossed USD 100 billion.

Bangladesh is politically sitting on a powder keg and may explode once again within a year.
KYIV, Sept 7 - Ukraine's foreign ministry said on Saturday it was deeply concerned by reports about a possible impending transfer of Iranian ballistic missiles to Russia. Ukraine concerned at reports of Iranian ballistic missiles to Russia

In a statement emailed to reporters, the ministry said the deepening military cooperation between Tehran and Moscow was a threat to Ukraine, Europe and the Middle East, and called on the international community to increase pressure on Iran and Russia.

CNN and the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday that Iran had transferred short-range ballistic missiles to Russia, citing unidentified sources.

Reuters reported in August that Russia was expecting the imminent delivery of hundreds of Fath-360 close-range ballistic missiles from Iran and that dozens of Russian military personnel were being trained in Iran on the satellite-guided weapons for eventual use in the war in Ukraine.

On Friday, the United States, a key ally of Ukraine, also voiced concern about the potential transfer of missiles.

"Any transfer of Iranian ballistic missiles to Russia would represent a dramatic escalation in Iran's support for Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine," White House National Security Council spokesperson Sean Savett said.

Iran's mission to the United Nations in New York said on Friday that Tehran's position on the Ukraine conflict was unchanged.

"Iran considers the provision of military assistance to the parties engaged in the conflict - which leads to increased human casualties, destruction of infrastructure, and a distancing from ceasefire negotiations - to be inhumane," it said.

"Thus, not only does Iran abstain from engaging in such actions itself, but it also calls upon other countries to cease the supply of weapons to the sides involved in the conflict."

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
ALSO READ| Bill Gates recently claimed that if he had designed the US tax system he would be tens of billions poorer, per Independent. Bill Gates argues for a revised US tax system, stating he would be tens of billions poorer if he had designed it. (Photo by Ludovic MARIN / AFP)(AFP)

Gates, whose net worth is approximately $158 billion, expressed that he would have paid much more in taxes over the years. If I designed the tax system, I would be tens of billion dollars poorer than I am.

He elaborated on his belief that the US tax structure could be adjusted to be more progressive without undermining the incentives that drive innovation and success. According to Gates, The U.S. tax system could be more progressive without significantly damaging the incentive to do fantastic things.

Im a huge believer in the estate tax [the American equivalent of the UKs inheritance tax] and more progressive taxation.

ALSO READ| God of Chaos Friday 13th astronomic scare in the making: Giant asteroid could hit Earth despite previous negations

I don't think we should generally generationally let families whose great grandfather, through luck and skill, accumulated a lot of wealth, have the economic or political power that comes with that, Gates explained.

Gates prioritizing philanthropy over progeny

Despite his vast fortune, the Microsoft founder has consistently stated that his children will inherit only a small portion of his wealtharound $10 million each. The majority of his wealth has been donated to charitable endeavours.

Gates, along with his ex-wife Melinda French Gates, has donated nearly $59.5 billion to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation since its inception. The foundation, which holds an endowment of approximately $75 billion, is one of the largest philanthropic organizations in the world and aims to spend lots of money to save lots of lives. The foundations mission focuses on health, education, and alleviating poverty.

Gates co-founded the Giving Pledge alongside Warren Buffett. This campaign encourages the ultra-wealthy to donate the majority of their fortunes to charitable causes. Among the pledges notable signatories are tech moguls like Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg.

ALSO READ| Georgia school shooters father boasted about sons first kill in audio clip after giving him rifle at 13

The big work still has to be done by government, he told the Independent.

He went on to explain, Philanthropy is not a substitute for government. Making sure everybody's educated, has food, has shelter  it's the government who's going to create that safety net.
Former US President Donald Trump accepted the endorsement of the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) in North Carolina on Friday and warns the cops are in more danger than ever due to policies supported by Vice President Kamala Harris. Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks to the National Fraternal Order of Police fall meeting, Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)(AP)

The police union, announced its backing of Trump in the 2024 presidential race. Trump expressed his gratitude for the endorsement, saying he was deeply honored to stand alongside FOP president Patrick Yoes at the event in Charlotte.

We know all about you and the great job that you do and the people of this country respect you greatly for it, Trump said to the gathered officers.

So I just want to thank you on behalf of everybody because I see it.

However, Trump noted the increasing dangers police officers face, adding, Its probably also a profession thats under more danger and threat than ever before, which we hate to see.

ALSO READ| Donald Trump's lawyer says E Jean Carroll verdict tainted by implausible allegations

Trump laments deterioration of urban centers and retail theft

According to the FOP, as of July 31, 223 officers had been shot in the line of duty in 2024, a slight 2% decrease from the previous year. 31 officers had been killed by gunfire during that same period. In 2023, a record 378 officers were shot, with 46 losing their lives.

The ex-prez also mentioned officers shot in Milwaukee the night before and the struggles of citizens in crime-ridden areas. He lamented the deterioration of urban centres, referring to the filth, graffiti, and rampant retail theft plaguing cities like New York.

I visit a lot of families of police officers who are no longer with us, and we have to get back the power and respect that they deserve more than anybody. And were gonna do that, the former POTUS said.

While addressing the gathered officers, Trump also claimed to have been endorsed by New York police officers, though no public announcement has been made by any NYPD union. Theyre not supposed to. They said we dont care  were endorsing you anyway, Trump stated.

Trump used the endorsement event to contrast his own tough-on-crime platform with what he called Kamalas crime wave. He laid out his vision for a war on crime in America, which includes protecting qualified immunity for officers, advocating for the death penalty for those who kill police officers, and cracking down on drug gangs.

Kamala Harris and the communist left have unleashed a brutal plague of bloodshed, crime, chaos, misery and death upon our land. He quipped, Other than that, theyre doing actually quite well, Trump criticized.

ALSO READ| Donald Trump gets big relief as sentencing in hush money case delayed until after November election

He then attacked Harris for her time as San Franciscos district attorney: She destroyed San Francisco, while mocking Harriss alleged stance that people can steal as much as you want up to $950 and nothing happens to you after that.

So guys are walking in with calculators, drawing laughter from the audience of police officers.
Elon Musk accepted Donald Trump's exclusive proposal to chair a government efficiency council if gets elected to the White House. During his speech at the New York Economic Club on Thursday, Trump presented his strategy to boost the country's economy and reaffirmed Musk's commitment to chairing this group. The former President aims to audit the whole federal government by enacting drastic reforms. Elon Musk on Saturday released an AI-generated photo of himself bearing the moniker D.O.G.E." on X.(Reuters)

Musk, on the other hand, embraced his role at the Department of Government Efficiency, or D.O.G.E. Despite the fact that DOGE is unlikely to have an official status, Musk nevertheless used his platform in a distinctive way to highlight Dogecoin.

Additionally, the Tesla CEO released an AI-generated photo of himself bearing the moniker D.O.G.E. He can be seen sporting a leather jacket, a gold chain, and large black sunglasses in the picture, giving off a daring and fashionable vibe. His viral post has garnered 29.2 million views so far.

Netizens react on Trump's look

Earlier, Musk reacted to Trump's proposal by writing on X: I look forward to serving America if the opportunity arises. He even added that no pay, no title, no recognition is needed.

Reacting to Musk's Saturday post, one of his followers commented: HELL YES! This absolutely needs to happen.

Imagine Elon Musk heading the Department of Government Efficiency! With his track record of innovation and disruption, Musk could bring bold ideas to streamline government operations, cut red tape, and drive efficiency, another wrote.

Also Read: Elon Musk dares the world to take on X as he scoffs at Brazils ban

A third user went on to compare the Department of Government Efficiency with unicorn, saying that everyone talks about it, but no ones actually seen it in action.

The Department of Government Efficiency: where every problem has a committee and every solution takes three years, the user added.

Some even interpreted Musk's post, stating that he will be saying, I cant see your face, just do the right thing after his appointment in the cabinet. Others went on to predict that he will be unbiased.

Back in August, Musk released another AI-generated photo of himself, offering an intimidating appearance. I am willing to serve, Musk tweeted, stressing that he was prepared for the position.

Musk also reacted to initial reports about Trump giving him a cabinet role. Reacting to a humorous suggestion about department's name, the SpaceX CEO called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) a Perfect name.
A former landlord of a Georgia school shooting suspect's parents has described them as chaotic tenants who were ruthless and cold-hearted. On Friday, Colt Gray arrived in the court to face murder charges, while his father Colin, who faces involuntary manslaughter and second-degree murder charges, refused to seek bond and was ordered to remain in detention.(AP)

The parents of 14-year-old Colt came into limelight after their son was arrested following the killing of four people at Apalachee High School in Winder. Nine other individuals received injuries during the shooting.

His father reportedly gifted the gun used in the shooting to his son as Christmas gift.

Gray's landlord provide chilling details about couple

Under the condition of anonymity, the couple's ex-landlord revealed that he had to get rid of Marcee Gray, 43, and Colin, 54, due to their unruly behaviour.

The couple, who are currently separated, opted to leave their pets behind when they were evicted from the rental property in 2020 due to unpaid rent. It was even more startling, he claimed, that they returned solely to retrieve their guns allegedly by kicking in the front door.

Speaking to The Independent, the landlord said, The craziest part of all is that they left [their] two German Shepherds, adding that may be the next place they rented did not allow dogs. However, the couple ignored his calls when he attempted to reunite them with their pets. They weren't interested and ignored his calls.

Also Read: Georgia shooter Colt Gray uttered three chilling words after killing four people at Apalachee High School

Recalling his interactions with Grays, he said that he got a bad feeling about them from the beginning due to minor things, like Colin's refusal to shake his hand or make eye contact.

The landlord also mentioned that Marcee, the ex-wife, appeared to be scared as hell of her husband and had a lengthy criminal record for narcotics possession.

The family, which included their three children, was soon forced to leave the rental house after the couple fell behind on their rent.

Colt and Colin Gray appeared for court hearing

On Friday, Colt Gray arrived in the court to face murder charges, while his father, who faces involuntary manslaughter and second-degree murder charges, refused to seek bond and was ordered to remain in detention.

Judge Currie Mingledorff informed the teen that he is facing four charges of felony murder, which do not carry the death penalty because he is a juvenile. The maximum sentence would be life imprisonment without parole.
In a recently obtained audio clip, Colt Gray's father indicated that access to high-calibre firearms was "available" to the individual suspected of being involved in the Georgia school shooting a year prior to the alleged incident at Apalachee High School. In the recording, obtained by the FBI, his father even boasted about the "greatest day" of his life when his son killed his first deer. Colin Gray was questioned by police who were investigating the boy's alleged threats to carry out a school shooting in 2023. Colin Gray, 54, the father of Apalachee High School shooting suspect Colt Gray, 14, enters the Barrow County courthouse for his first appearance, on September 6, 2024, in Winder, Georgia. (Getty Images via AFP)

Troubling picture of Colts Gray's past

Last year, authorities visited Colin Grays home in Jefferson concerning his 14-year-old son, where according to the FBI, The father stated he had hunting guns in the house, but the subject did not have unsupervised access to them. The subject denied making the threats online.

Also read: Putins two secret sons with an ex-Olympic gymnast live luxurious, hidden lives with no government records: Report

In May 2023, the FBI's Atlanta Division questioned the boy about potential plans to carry out a school shooting. During the investigation, Colin revealed that he had been teaching his son about guns and hunting to encourage outdoor activities and reduce video game time, according to The New York Times. Colin described a photo of his son "shooting his first deer," calling it the greatest day ever.

The report stated that the FBI received a tip about troubling online messages from Colt Grays Discord page. The investigation revealed that Gray had created an account using a Russian username that spells out "Lanza," a reference to Adam Lanza, the perpetrator of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.

Colt Gray was given a rifle at the age of 13

Records reveal that Colin Gray owned multiple firearms, including an AR-15-style rifle. Now aged 54, Gray is on the hook for killing and manslaughter after his kid Colt allegedly took a gun his dad gave him as a Christmas present and shot up his high school in Georgia, killing four. During a May 2023 police interview, Colin Gray admitted that Colt had access to the weapons in their Jefferson home but he kept insisting that they werent loaded.

Also read: NASA's Sunita Williams, Butch Wilmore barred from wearing Starliner suits in SpaceX's Dragon: Heres why

"They are ... I mean there's nothing loaded, but they are ... we do a lot of shooting, we do a lot of deer hunting, according to the audio file obtained by Fox.

The officer emphasized the need for immediate action to prevent potential harm, while Colin Gray agreed and even expressed his frustration about the situation. "I'm going to be mad as hell if he did," he said replying to the officer to his son's alleged threat and promising that he would take all gun access.

Colt reportedly switched schools due to bullying and is now accused of shooting up Apalachee HS, about 15 minutes away from his previous one. Colt and his father were taken into custody on Thursday and appeared in court together on Friday morning.
Experts recently revised their previous statements regarding data about the collision course of a colossal asteroid dubbed God of Chaos. Overturning older claims that 99942 Apophis wasn't headed towards Earth, Canadian astronomer Paul Wiegerts new study indicates that the asteroids trajectory could unexpectedly change in a dramatic turn of events even if a small object crashes into it. In this artistic rendering, two asteroids fly past Earth.(AP)

Now that the God of Chaos level threat has surfaced again, it is also to be noted that experts previously anticipated it almost coming into contact with our dear planet (no closer than 18,300 miles) on the dreaded date, Friday the 13th  April 13, 2029.

What are the odds of the giant asteroid impacting Earth?

Discovered in 2004,99942 Apophis was initially believed to have a 2.7% chance of impacting Earth in 2029. Although subsequent observations also ruled out the eventuality of the cosmic incident even in a year as late as 2036, Wiegerts new findings have substantially launched an ominous warning.

Also read | 1st human-made meteor shower: How a NASA mission could make the impossible possible

The Daily Star quoted his scientific explanation earlier this week: The odds of an unseen small asteroid deflecting Apophis enough to direct it into a collision with Earth in 2029 (d  3.4 m, v > 5  102 m s1) are approximately 108.

Nevertheless, the astronomer also highlights the likelihood of the impending God of Chaos catastrophically crashing into Earth is less than one in two billion.Given that only 5% of such impulses are in the correct direction to generate an Earth impact, the overall probability of a small impact directing Apophis into a collision with the Earth is less than one in two billion.

For those still wondering what is what, Google Gemini clarifies that for the asteroids trajectory-changing course, the distance d must be at least 3.4 metres or more and the change in velocity v must be greater than 5  102 meters per second.

The God of Chaos Apophis has been largely unmonitored by telescopes since May 2021 and will remain so through 2027, Wiegert added. This is because of the relative geometry of Apophis, Earth, and the Sun, which puts the asteroid in the daytime sky for the time span in question.

Also read | Asteroid strikes Earth's atmosphere, burns up in fireball over Philippines. Watch

More about Apophis asteroid

NASA described Apophis as a near-Earth object (NEO) estimated to be about 1,100 feet (335 meters) across. At the time, it was identified as one of the most hazardous asteroids that could impact our planet. However, a radar observation campaign in March 2021 overruled the threat, with astronomers concluding that no such risk was in sight for at least a century.

Addressing an initial potential 2068 impact, Davide Farnocchia of NASAs Center for Near-Earth Object Studies said in 2021, A 2068 impact is not in the realm of possibility anymore, and our calculations dont show any impact risk for at least the next 100 years.

In ancient Egyptian mythology, the asteroid's cosmic moniker takes after the demon serpent, personifying evil and chaos.
King Charles has reportedly disappointed his other siblings with his ongoing rift with Prince Andrew . His siblings Princess Anne and Prince Edward along with his wife Sophie are upset with the ways the monarch is handling the issue about the scandal-scarred brother as the latter most refused to move out of the Royal Lodge. The King recently fired 10 members of the security staff which his siblings felt was wrong. King Charles' siblings are upset with his ways regarding the handling of Prince Andrew's case.(Getty)

Also Read: Don Lemon makes urgent plea to Taylor Swift before elections; wants her to quickly endorse

King Charles siblings upset with him

A source informed the Womans Day Magazine, via The Mirror, Charles does look at the current state of his family with deep concern. Everyone, it seems, has issues, whether it be health, financial, legal. This situation with Andrew and the Royal Lodge has somewhat divided the familywith Anne, Sophie, and Edward all disappointed in how hes handled it. The sources added, Then theres the diabolical situation with his two beloved sons, referring to the growing rift between Prince Harry and Prince William.

In addition, the sources also revealed to the media outlet that Prince Andrews wife Sarah Ferguson and his children Princess Beatrice and Eugenie are also upset with the treatment of their father at the hands of the King. The insider claimed, There are fallouts with Sarah, Beatrice, and Eugenie, who are deeply concerned Andrew is not being protected. Hes even managed to upset Camilla as shes the one always bearing the brunt of his irritability, as reported by the New York Post.

Also Read: Donald Trump claims cops are in more danger than ever because of Kamala Harris: She unleashed bloodshed

Prince Andrews stay at the Royal Lodge

The disgraced Duke of York has lived in the Royal Lodge located on the grounds of Windsor Castle since 2004 after he signed a 75-year lease a year prior. However, since his friendship with late paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein went public in 2019, the Prince has been at the edge of being evicted from the $38 million estate.

Since then the King has been struggling to boot his brother from the Royal Lodge and move to Frogmore Cottage which is empty as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were forced to hand over the keys. The sources from the palace revealed to the media outlet that Prince Andrew has plans to leave the lease to his daughters after his death.
Panama on Friday deported 130 Indian irregular migrants who had entered the country via the inhospitable Darien jungle, under a deal on repatriations signed with the United States in July. Panama's director of migration, Roger Mojica, told reporters the Indians were deported on a charter flight to New Delhi for "irregular migration."(Sanchit Khanna/HT PHOTO)

This was the first such expulsion outside of the Americas under the deal, and the fourth in total.

Washington pledged $6 million for migrant repatriations from the Central American nation in the hopes of reducing irregular crossings at its own southern border.

Panama's director of migration, Roger Mojica, told reporters the Indians were deported on a charter flight to New Delhi for "irregular migration."

At the same press conference, US Security Attache for Central America Marlen Pineiro said Washington was "very grateful to the government of Panama for all this support," adding that: "Irregular migration cannot continue."

The Darien Gap between Colombia and Panama has become a key corridor for migrants traveling overland from South America through Central America and Mexico to the United States.

Despite the dangers, including attacks by criminal gangs, more than half a million undocumented migrants -- mostly Venezuelans -- crossed the Darien last year.

Transit countries such as Panama and Mexico have come under increased pressure from Washington to tackle the highly contentious migration issue in a US election year.

The July deal makes provision for a first phase of deporting migrants with a criminal record, but could see the repatriation of any person entering Panama through the notoriously dangerous and rugged Darien Gap region.

It was signed the same day that Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino took office, after a campaign in which he pledged to crack down on Darien Gap crossings.

With Friday's deportation, Panama has expelled 219 migrants in two weeks.
It is indeed a sad day for Paris. The city's prolonged title of being the city of love has been taken away. As reported by New York Post, a survey of 2, 000 Americans was conducted by Talker Research and Funjet Vacations to identify the world's most romantic destinations. This surprisingly indicated a rare finding, declaring that Paris had lost the first position on the list. In fact, most American couples have voted Maui, Hawaii as their top choice for a romantic getaway. Paris is no longer the city of love. (REUTERS)

What else has been disclosed in the survey?

While Paris is still one of the preferred locations for many people, the majority has hand-picked a new city of love. It has been announced that Maui, Hawaii received approximately 34% votes and Paris followed shortly after with 33% votes.

Surprisingly, 69% of the all respondents have agreed that smaller and hidden destinations are far more romantic than the larger ones. Approximately 45% of participants also claimed that lesser known locations are a better option to set up an intimate mood and connect with each other.

Another result of the study revealed that 69% of the participants acknowledged that they were more romantic on a vacation as compared to their daily lives.

Also Read: From Baltimore to Denver, here are most romantic cities in US

Also Read | UK, US spy chiefs call for 'staying the course' on Ukraine

Most respondents, who vacationed with their partner, displayed much affection towards them. Around 55% went on romantic walks on the beach, 54% watched the sunset together and 53% were holding hands.

However, most couples who traveled together considered themselves in a serious relationship. The results indicated that three-quarters or 76% of the participants considered vacationing together as a serious step in their relationship. Meanwhile, 72% respondents agree that spontaneous couple vacations are sexy.

Also Read | House Republican unveil bill to avoid shutdown. Senate Democrats say they're wasting precious time

What advise do experts have on achieving a perfect vacation?

Dana Studbaker, vice president of marketing of consumer brands at Funjet Vacations said, Vacationing together isn't just about discovering new places; it's about igniting, deepening, or rekindling the romance, escaping the ordinary and celebrating the love that binds you. She added, The beauty of all-inclusive resorts is that they offer perfect stress-free escape, removing the hassle of planning and allowing you to focus entirely on each other.

The head of global consumer business at Funjet Vacations, Michael Lowery recommended, When planning your vacation, I always recommend including activities like yoga, snorkeling, paddleboarding, cooking classes, hiking, wine tasting and more as they help travelers bond in their relationships and offer opportunities to create in-person connections with new people over shared interest or new adventure. He also advised couples to choose all-inclusive resorts to prevent extra charges on activities and get better accessibility to new adventures.

Also Read | Ex-landlord opens up about Georgia school shooter's parents' cold-hearted treatment to their pets: The craziest part

A look at most romantic destinations
The United States has beefed up testing and surveillance for a new strain of mpox and has ensured that vaccines are readily available at local pharmacies and community health centers, senior administration officials said in a briefing on Friday. Mpox spreads from person to person mainly through close contact with someone who has the disease. (Pic for representation)(HT_PRINT)

No cases of the more transmissible strain of the virus have been confirmed in the United States, but experts are preparing for that possibility following a World Health Organization declaration last month of a global public health emergency, the second such declaration in two years.

The new strain, called clade Ib, has caused a major surge in cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has spilled over to several neighboring countries. Travel-related cases have been confirmed in both Sweden and Thailand.

ALSO READ| Scientifically Speaking | Mysterious deadly viruses spread by insects are on the rise

In a briefing on Friday, senior U.S. administration officials said any American doctor can now order an mpox test, which can be processed through national laboratory chains. Positive tests that are not the older strain of mpox will be sent to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for confirmation.

Health officials in Wayne County, Michigan, last month had reported a new case of mpox, but additional testing showed that it was from the older strain known as clade II, a county health official told Reuters on Thursday.

Currently, the United States is continuing to see about three cases a day of mpox from the clade II virus that caused a public health emergency in 2022.

US expands mpox vaccine access to encourage vaccination

Officials said they have been working to make mpox vaccines widely available through local pharmacies, noting that because Bavarian Nordic's Jynneos vaccine has been commercialized, it should be covered by most insurance plans.

Vaccines can also be obtained through public health departments and community health centers, irrespective of insurance status, to encourage vaccination among individuals who were most susceptible during the clade II outbreak in 2022: mostly men and bisexual men who have sex with men, officials said.

The U.S. government also has added testing for any form of mpox to its wastewater surveillance system, and said there is good coverage in most major cities. The government is working to add clade I-specific testing.

ALSO READ| Why mpox vaccines are only just arriving in Africa after two years

The government has also been working on rapid tests, and while such efforts have been challenging, an official said the Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics (RADx) Tech program that spurred production of COVID-19 tests has developed such a test, which could be available in the coming months.

Mpox, which typically causes flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions but can be deadly, spreads through close contact, including through sex.
Fred Trump, the nephew of former President Donald Trump, recalled a conversation he claims to have had with his uncle following his plea for financial assistance to cover his son's high medical expenses. Fred Trump (right) accused Donald Trump of making disparaging remarks about people with disabilities like his son, William. (Courtesy of Gallery Books)

In addition to offering fresh insights into the Trump family, Fred Trump III's new memoir, All in the Family: The Trumps and How We Got This Way, advocates for people with developmental impairments. Notably, William, the son of Fred, suffers from a rare genetic condition that results in significant intellectual and developmental difficulties.

Fred alleges Trump advised him to give up on William

He claims that at one point, Trump instructed him to give up on William, stressing that he doesnt recognize you. Let him die, and move down to Florida. Following an Oval Office meeting on allocating additional funding for those with disabilities, according to Fred, Trump remarked, Those people, the costs. They should just die.

Ahead of the November elections, Fred called on the next US President to assist Americans with disabilities. Blasting Trump, he said, How could one human being say that about any other human being, least of all your grandnephew?

Stressing that he believes in the positions expressed by the Harris campaign, he remarked, I have yet to hear anything regarding disability actions  and I will put their feet to the fire on this.

Fred Trump III is the son of Trump's elder brother, Fred Trump Jr, who passed away in 1981.

William was born in 1999 with severe seizures and a rare genetic disease causing intellectual and developmental difficulties. He is currently residing in a group home.

Trump came under fire during his presidential campaign in 2015 for poking fun at reporter Serge Kovaleski, who has a congenital disease that limits his range of motion in his joints.

Also Read: Donald Trump's pungent body odour is something to behold, Republican claims

All you need to know about William Trump's condition

When Amy Good of Democracy Now! asked Fred about his 25-year-old son's life, he said, He is the most courageous and inspirational person I have ever met.

He mentioned that he and his wife were able to find out about their son's genetic abnormality, known as KCNQ2, around 15 years after his birth.

William is wheelchair-bound. He needs assistance with everything he does, like millions of people in this country, Fred mentioned.

He further informed that William is doing fine medically, but added that he's on very intense seizure medications still to this day.
A California judge sentenced a TikToker convicted of brutally murdering his estranged wife and the man he suspected she was dating to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Well-known social media influencer Ali Abulabans sentence was handed down on September 6, following his conviction on two counts of first-degree murder. The judge also added an additional 50 years to his sentence for gun enhancement charges according to PEOPLE. A California judge sentenced TikToker Ali Abulaban to life in prison without parole for murdering his estranged wife and her suspected lover.(Ali and Ana Marie Abulaban. Pic- facebook)

TikToker sentenced after murdering wife

Alis verdict which was live-streamed by Court TV, was marked by an emotional outburst from the gallery as the judge declared that Abulaban would "die in prison." the judge added, "You will never be a free man, as he added another 50 years behind the bars.

Being sent to prison forever feels like Im being sent to hell, and I dont think thats fair, Ali was heard saying during the hearing. However, Judge Fraser condemned his actions as very selfish and chilling.

Also read: Georgia school shooters father boasted about sons first kill in audio clip after giving him rifle at 13

Ali Abulaban, 32, who goes by "JinnKid" on social media, received two consecutive sentences of 25 years to life for the murders of Ana Abulaban, 28, and Rayburn Cardenas Barron, 29. The killings took place at the Spire San Diego luxury apartment complex, and Abulaban admitted to the murders during his trial. "The bottom line here is you will die in prison," Judge Jeffrey Fraser said during the trial.

Ali Abulaban apologised but kept defending his actions

Ali Abulaban expressed remorse for his actions, acknowledging the immense pain he had caused to both families. During the sentencing hearing, Ana Abulaban's sister delivered a powerful victim impact statement, describing the devastating effects of the loss on their family. "If I had known what Ana was going through," she said, I would have flown again to see her and done my best to take her away from you.

On the other hand, Even though Ali apologised, he kept saying his actions happened because he was in a really bad state of mind because of drugs. "The fact that I spent more time on the stand than the jury took to deliberate my fate is very concerning," he said.

"When I saw the Scarface videos, it's as if when he committed these crimes he became that persona of Scarface. Just the cold-blooded killing without remorse," Judge Fraser said in response. Any tears he has cried in this courtroom have been for himself.

Tiktoker killed his estranged wife and her suspected lover

Ali was reportedly estranged from his wife, Ana Marie Abulaban, at the time of the killings. Their marriage was already in a rocky state, and hours earlier, Ana had texted Ali unequivocally: I want you out of my life, according to courtroom documents.

Also read: NASA's Sunita Williams, Butch Wilmore barred from wearing Starliner suits in SpaceX's Dragon: Heres why

Ali secretly placed a listening device on their daughters iPad and overheard Ana talking to someone he believed she might have been cheating with. The incident took place in October 2021 at their home. Shortly thereafter, Ali burst into their apartment and shot Rayburn Barron, 29, multiple times before fatally shooting his wife in the head. Immediately after the murders, Ali contacted his mother to confess what he had done.
By Kirsty Needham World Bank President in Tuvalu says youth skills key to climate change plan

FUNAFUTI, Tuvalu -World Bank President Ajay Banga said on Friday that young people in the Pacific Island nation of Tuvalu need training to help them move and adapt to climate change as he visited the frontline of the battle against rising sea levels.

On the first visit by a World Bank chief to Tuvalu - where 11,00 people live on 26 square km of land stretched across nine atolls - the impact of the changes was clear, he said, as the tiny nation fortified its ports and reclaimed coastal land.

Soon after taking on the top job in June last year, Banga expanded the global lender's remit for the first time in 80 years to encompass climate change, under the banner of alleviating poverty in a liveable planet.

Scientists say by 2050, half of Tuvalu's main town of Funafuti will be inundated by tides. A climate migration deal struck with Australia last year gives its population a pathway to move when its atolls become uninhabitable.

Banga spoke to young people who said they told him leaving their home was the "Plan B".

The World Bank's vision for a liveable planet was wider than physical infrastructure, he said in an interview with Reuters.

"It is also about human infrastructure," he said.

"Why should they not have education and health care when they are growing up? It's not just a question of survival. It's a question of quality of life."

Banga said he wanted the World Bank to move faster, focus on impact, share its knowledge with the Pacific islands and create jobs for young people.

In Tuvalu, this could mean investing in skills institutes to give young people who face migrating to another country training as a nurse or plumber, he said.

Nivaga Talua, vice president of the Tuvalu National Youth Council, said he discussed with Banga the skills a climate migrant might need.

"That skill would have been maintained in Tuvalu and first used for the benefit of our people," he said.

Since taking on the role just over a year ago, Banga has visited every region where the World Bank operates. The Pacific Islands nation of Tuvalu, population 11,000, is the last stop.

The World Bank said in December it will deploy 45% of its annual financing to climate change adaptation and mitigation by 2025. In the Pacific Islands, that goal has already been reached, he said.

Banga will use the platform of the United Nations General Assembly in New York this month to highlight reforms to the World Bank and urge rich nations to replenish funds to its International Development Association , which supports the poorest nations, including many in the Pacific Islands.

Tuvalu's Deputy Prime Minister, Panapasi Nelesoni, said on Friday that water inundation from sea level rise makes it harder to grow vegetables for food, compounding health problems.

"The IDA fund is very important because it is grants given to us. Right now it is difficult for us to borrow money and we like to see a continuation of that assistance from rich countries, given the problem we have with climate change," he said.

STAY OR GO?

Grace Malie, 25, one of the young people who spoke with Banga, said she learnt about climate change at the age of eight as her parents explained why the space for playgrounds was shrinking.

She wants support for Tuvalu to adapt for as long as it can. "I love my country, I love my home and I love doing what I do every day in Tuvalu and I wish to stay," she said.

In the streets of Funafuti, IT worker Maani Maani, 32, said his generation faced a difficult decision. While someone with his skills can get visas to work in places like Australia, he worried about the older people left behind.

"Our mainland is getting thinner and thinner. Crops can't grow well. I think God is not going to save us this time," he said.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
General Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith. (Photo: VNA)

The trip will be made at the invitation of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee and President To Lam and his spouse, announced the committees Commission for External Relations./.
The COP29 Azerbaijan Operations Company has held its second briefing for members of the diplomatic corps accredited in Azerbaijan, focusing on the preparations for the COP29 conference and event plans, Azernews reports.

The briefing was conducted by the press office of the COP29 Azerbaijan Operations Company.

The briefing featured the Chair of the Board and Chief Executive of Operations of the COP29 Azerbaijan Operations Company, Nermin Carjalova; Ramin Taghiyev, Deputy Head of the Protocol Service of the President of Azerbaijan; Wasim Mir, Director of the UNFCCC Conference Affairs Division; and Kevin OHanlon, a representative of the UN Security Department.

The interactive briefing, held in a hybrid format, included over 150 diplomats from diplomatic missions operating in Azerbaijan, as well as representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in the country and stationed abroad.

Nermin Carjalova provided a detailed presentation on key events included in the COP process calendar, the intensive preparatory work across various areas, the zoning and infrastructure setup at the Baku Stadium where the COP29 conference will be held, and the progress in establishing the Blue Zone, where all official events will take place, and the Green Zone, which will bring together various stakeholders for innovative climate approaches.

Diplomats were informed about the steps taken to ensure efficient and smooth organizational aspects of participation in COP29. These include the registration process managed by the UNFCCC, the introduction of a special COP29 visa service, media accreditation, registration of radio-electronic equipment, allocation of temporary radio frequencies, and the reservation of infrastructure and venues in the COP29 Green Zone. Various portals for reservation services, including translation services, were also explained in detail.

Efforts to provide a positive visitor experience for thousands of international representatives traveling to Baku for the conference were highlighted, including transportation, accommodation, and catering arrangements. It was emphasized that one of the main goals of the operations is to keep environmental impacts and carbon footprint at an acceptable minimum throughout all phases of the operation.

Ramin Taghiyev addressed the protocol details related to the privileges, reception, accommodation, and transportation of heads of state and government attending the Climate Action World Leaders Summit organized under COP29. He also updated the diplomats on the operational scheme at Heydar Aliyev International Airport, city transportation arrangements, and the agenda of the World Climate Action Summit.

The event concluded with a live discussion and Q&A session addressing questions and concerns from the attendees.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Cuba Le Quang Long and Head of the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP) Fernando Gonzalez Llort offer flowers at Ho Chi Minh Park in Havana (Photo: Vietnamese Embassy in Cuba)

Speaking at the event, Vietnamese Ambassador to Cuba Le Quang Long affirmed that over the past 79 years, Vietnams National Day has been a great source of encouragement for generations of Vietnamese people in national development and international integration.

Uncle Ho's testament, with its timeless value, not only influences generations of young Vietnamese today but will forever be a source of inspiration for them to study and follow his moral example, ideology and lifestyle, he stated.

He thanked the Party, Government and people of Cuba for their strong support, solidarity and heartfelt assistance to Vietnam over the past decades, and affirmed that the fraternal relationship between Vietnam and Cuba will live forever.

For his part, Head of the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP) Fernando Gonzalez Llort highlighted the significance of the National Day when President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence, founding the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, now the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

He affirmed that President Ho Chi Minh's Testament has always been the guideline and a foundation for the Vietnamese people and the Communist Party of Vietnam to achieve sustainable development, making Vietnam a strong country with prosperous people and a fair, democratic, civilized society.

He expressed his belief that Vietnam will steadfastly advance on the path of building a modern, developed, and prosperous nation, just as President Ho Chi Minh always expected.

He emphasized the special friendship and solidarity between the Cuban and Vietnamese peoples, which has been diligently nurtured by the leaders and citizens of both countries through generations./.
Wait!

Before you go

Please sign up for our Evening Digest and Breaking Newsletters

Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request.

* I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Pittsfield Councilor Requests Dept. of Public Services Restructuring

PITTSFIELD, Mass.  Mayor Peter Marchetti said his administration is working to improve the structure of the Department of Public Services and Utilities.



At the last City Council meeting, Ward 5 Councilor Patrick Kavey presented a petition requesting that Marchetti and Commissioner Ricardo Morales restructure the department.



Specifically, he would like to see the highway division and traffic division merged and update the standard operating procedures to streamline efficiency and improve outcomes in the city.



"As you know from previous documents, we are working to make improvements to the structuring of the department," Marchetti wrote in advance of Tuesday's council meeting.



"While we are not certain that the merging of the two divisions is the answer, we are committed to making the necessary enhancements to ensure efficiency and improve outcomes across the city and will keep you informed of our next steps."



In July, the Personnel Review Board supported the creation of a deputy commissioner in the department that would assist Morales. The full-time position, if approved by the City Council, will have a Grade M-8 pay scale with a yearly salary ranging from $89,247 to $116,021.



Marchetti engaged with a former commissioner shortly after taking office in January and asked for him to offer suggestions about how the department could be run more efficiently. This position was recommended and Morales agreed that changes need to be made to set the department up for success.



According to the FY25 budget, the highway division's major activities include street paving work and pothole repairs, sidewalk installation and maintenance, street sweeping, and stormwater system maintenance. The traffic division's responsibilities include compliance inspection of contractor street work, streetlights and traffic signals maintenance, contracted tree work, traffic signs, and public parking enforcement.


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

Lee Daniels has responded to outrage over a shocking scene involving Glenn Close in The Deliverance.

The horror film is currently the most-watched title on the streaming service and has led to many discovering the story of the Demon House, which saw an Indiana family claim they were haunted by a demonic presence and swarms of unkillable flies in 2011.

With the movie, Daniels, whose past credits include Precious and The Butler, has taken a foray into the horror genre  he even claimed strange occurrences plagued production.

The film stars Andra Day, Monique and Close, with the eight-time Oscar nominee playing Alberta, the chain-smoking mother of Days character.

*Spoilers follow  you have been warned*

By the end of the film, Closes character is being exorcised by a priest, which shows the actor disappear into one of her roles in a way film fans have not see before.

As part of these scenes, she utters a phrase that has since gone viral on social media, following the films release on Friday (30 August).

While being possessed by a demon, in a scene reminiscent of The Exorcist, the character sniffs and says to her daughter: I can smell your nappy p****y.

One viewer shared a clip of the film, writing: Lee Daniels you will pay for your crimes for having Glenn Close say this, to which Daniels replied: Had to do it.

open image in gallery Glenn Close in The Deliverance ( Netflix )

Daniels has repeatedly praised Close for her performance, promising viewers ahead of its addition to Netflix: Yall are not ready for Glenn in this.

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

Speaking about the role, the filmmaker wrote: Every Black person knows an Alberta. Shes part of the fabric of our community, but weve never seen her on screen before. Thank you Glenn for bringing her magnificently to life.

The Indianapolis Star article the film is based on chronicled claims made by Latoya Ammons, who said her family were haunted by evil spirits after hearing unexplained footsteps in the basement and seeing a shadowy figure of a man pacing back and forth in the living room.

Ammons also claimed that she saw her 12-year-old daughter levitating above her bed one night, and that all three children were possessed by demons who contorted their faces and deepened their voices.

Both the seven and nine-year-old boys were admitted to hospital, at which point the nine-year-old was claimed to have walked backward up a wall and onto the ceiling.

The Deliverance is available to stream on Netflix now.
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

Kevin Costner has commented on the scrapped plans to release part two of his Western epic Horizon: An American Saga in theaters.

The first Horizon film opened on June 28 but suffered a dismal reception from theater-goers, earning just $36m worldwide against a budget of $100m.

Costner said he spent around $38m of his own money to finance the production.

[Part one] didnt have overwhelming success, Costner admitted to reporters at the Venice Film Festival on Saturday (September 7). Ive had a lot of movies that way, that have stood the test of time.

He added that it was a studio decision to release Chapter Two six weeks after Chapter One, and it became a studio decision to not.

Back in July, New Line Cinema announced that the release of Chapter Two would be delayed from its original release on August 16 in order to give audiences a greater opportunity to discover the first installment of Horizon over the coming weeks.

open image in gallery Kevin Costner is promoting Horizon: An American Saga at Venice Film Festival ( Getty Images )

Striking an optimistic tone in Venice, Costner said it had always been his intention to show the sequel at the Italian festival.

I always wanted to come out with the movies about five, six months apart, and that was going to allow me to come to Venice When it was six weeks, I wasnt going to get to come here But what happened is a miracle in life My plan was always to bring it to Venice, and suddenly it has happened.

Asked about the future of the saga, Costner explained: If theres anything that you expect from part two, you realize that two gets harder than one. Its hard to go west. Three is the same thing. It gets harder. But I will tell you this, Chapter 3 is devastating. Its devastating because you begin to know all these people and life keeps coming at them, and you will see that.

He noted that hes eager to move forward with Chapter 3: I have to hurry and not let the rock fall back downhill. Ive gotta go put my hands on it again and start to push it up. Its a rope that I cannot let go of.

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

He then became emotional, Deadline reported, before adding: I dont know how Im gonna make 3 right now, but Im gonna make it.

Costner previously told Deadline that Chapter 2 is expected to be released before the end of the year.

Horizon, which Costner directed, co-wrote and stars in, is a four-part Western drama spanning 15 years amid the American Civil War.

It also stars Sienna Miller, Jamie Campbell Bower, Ella Hunt and Sam Worthington.

In a two-star review of the first film for The Independent, Geoffrey McNab wrote: The first chapter in Kevin Costners four or possibly even five-part cowboy epic is the movie equivalent of a three-hour ride around a western theme park. If youre a fan of Stetsons, stirrups and six-shooters  and if you have plenty of patience  you may enjoy the experience. But theres a hell of a lot of waiting around before you get properly in the saddle.
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

Nicole Kidman missed out on receiving the Volpi Cup for Best Actress at Venice Film Festival on Saturday (September 7) due to the death of her mother, Janelle Ann Kidman. She was 84.

The actor received the award for her role in Babygirl, Halina Reijns erotic thriller in which Kidman stars opposite Harris Dickinson (Triangle of Sadness).

Reijn read a statement on Kidmans behalf, saying she had flown into Venice, only to find out shortly after that my beautiful, brave mother, Janelle Ann Kidman, has just passed.

Im in shock and I have to go to my family, but this award is for her. She shaped me, she guided me and she made me. I am beyond grateful that I get to say her name to all of you through Halina, the statement continued. The collision of life and art is heartbreaking, and my heart is broken.

After reading Kidmans words, Bodies Bodies Bodies filmmaker Reijn said: We love you all, Nicole.

Kidmans representative confirmed Janelles death to People magazine, adding that the family is heartbroken and asks for privacy at this time.

In a 2020 interview with the Sydney Morning Herald, Kidman credited her mother with motivating her throughout her career.

open image in gallery Nicole Kidman (right) and her mother Janelle Ann Kidman in 2018 ( Getty Images for AFI )

Shes given me the fire to pursue the career I have because Ive always wanted to please her, Kidman said. But she also carved her own path and wanted her daughters to have the same opportunity to carve their own paths.

Mum didnt necessarily get the career that she wanted, but she was determined that her daughters would have opportunities that were equal, Kidman added. Thats given me my life. And she gave me my life, she and my dad.

Babygirl follows a powerful CEO who jeopardizes her career and family life by having an affair with a younger intern.

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

Banderas plays Kidmans characters husband and Dickinson plays the intern.

In her directors statement, Reijn wrote: The affair at the heart of Babygirl allows Romy and Samuel to play out their confusion around power, gender, age, hierarchy, and primal instinct.

Despite its forbidden nature, the joy of that exploration is liberating, even healing.

Kidman can also currently be seen in Netflixs new drama, The Perfect Couple.

The series, based on Elin Hilderbrands 2018 novel, follows the chaos that ensues when a body is discovered ahead of a lavish wedding ceremony.

Kidman stars as Greer Garrison, the grooms mother, alongside Eve Hewson as Amelia Sachs, the bride-to-be. The White Lotus alum Meghann Fahy, Liev Schreiber and Dakota Fanning also feature.

Babygirl is released in the US on December 25 and in the UK on January 10.
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

Stephen King has thrown his approval on a new movie adaptation of one of his books, calling it one of the good ones.

While the author is mainly known for writing horror novels, including Misery, The Shining, Carrie and The Stand, throughout his career he has also written novellas removed from the genre, which have been turned into films including The Shawshank Redemption, The Green Mile and Stand by Me (adapted from The Body).

One such novella is The Life of Chuck, which featured in Kings 2020 collection If It Bleeds. The film adaptation has been directed by Mike Flanagan, the Haunted of Hill House creator who previously translated Kings novels Geralds Game and Doctor Sleep for screen.

The film premiered at Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) on Friday (6 September), with 76-year-old King, who this week discovered that 23 of his books had been banned in Florida, telling his fans: This is one of the good ones. Its sad, has a touch of the paranormal, but its also joyful and life-affirming. Maybe not what youd expect from me, but there ya go.

Star Wars actor Mark Hamill, who appears in the film alongside Tom Hiddleston, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Karen Gillan, said of the film on X/Twitter: Mike Flanagans unique, moving, genre-bending & life affirming The Life of Chuck , which he wrote & directed based on Stephen Kings novella, is unlike anything Mike & Stephen have ever done before.

He called it a feel-good apocalypse movie.

open image in gallery Stephen King praises new book adaptation as one of the good ones ( X/Twitter )

The film has been met with praise from viewers, also, with TheWrap hailing it as magnificent and Collider calling it a contender for being crowned the best King-originated film ever made.

Over the years, there have been several adaptations of Kings books that were mauled by the critics. These include a 2013 remake of Carrie, which was released,The Dark Tower (2017) and a recent version of Firestarter (2022).

King himself famously disliked Stanley Kubricks adaptation of The Shining, once describing the 1980 release as a big, beautiful Cadillac with no engine inside it and branding the directors version of Wendy - played by Shelley Duvall opposite Jack Nicholsons Jack Torrance - one of the most misogynistic characters ever put on film.

open image in gallery Stephen King ( Getty Images )

There is currently no release date for The Life of Chuck.
Legislation to abolish the remaining hereditary peers right to sit in the House of Lords has been tabled by the government.

Fulfilling a manifesto commitment, it is the first step in a proposed more radical reform of the upper chamber of parliament, intended to place it on a democratic footing. Minister for the constitution Nick Thomas-Symonds says the proposed law is a landmark reform to our constitution and marks an end to voting on laws by an accident of birth.

Is it a landmark reform?

Not really, though it is certainly a historic moment, ending the last vestiges of a hereditary role in making English law dating back to the 11th century. However, the number of peers affected, 92, is now only a small proportion of the total membership, which now stands at 805. The Lords also has relatively little power after more than a centre of periodic reform.

Why 92?

It is an arbitrary figure, the product of some horse-trading between the peers concerned and the Labour government led by Tony Blair. In order to get his reform of the Lords through the upper House, he agreed to keep 92 hereditaries in return for an agreement to remove the other 660 from the upper chamber one year later. That controversial deal was brokered by Lord Strathclyde, who is now leading the resistance to the governments proposed changes.

The 92 have technically been elected  usually for life  by the wider hereditary peerage with the following quotas: two peers elected by the Labour hereditary peers; 42 peers elected by Tories; the Conservative hereditary peers; three peers elected by the Liberal Democrats; 28 by the crossbenchers; 15 by the whole House, plus, as ex-officio, the earl marshall and the lord great chamberlain.

Who are the hereditary peers?

A very mixed bunch of survivors, some with titles dating back centuries such as the present Duke of Wellington, and a chap named Jasset David Cody Ormsby-Gore, 7th Baron Harlech. Others are of more recent creation, including the grandson of Labour premier Clement Attlee, who was made an earl in 1955.

Unless they can persuade the prime minister, or possibly his successor, to appoint them life peers, their days as legislators are numbered.

Why are they being abolished, if they dont matter?

In the words of Thomas-Symonds: The hereditary principle in law-making has lasted for too long and is out of step with modern Britain. The second chamber plays a vital role in our constitution and people should not be voting on our laws in parliament by an accident of birth.

Is there a case for keeping the hereditary element?

Yes, but not a particularly compelling one. Lord Strathclyde, who happens to be a Conservative, argues this move violates the agreement made with Blair in 1998 and is a blunt instrument that does nothing to improve the workings of the House. It will leave appointments solely in the hands of the prime minister of the day, which is not exactly democratic either.

Will there be a struggle?

Word is that the Lords resistance squad will try to introduce a series of amendments to the bill to hold it up, such as proposing to expand and diversify the statutory faith representation behind the Anglican bishops. Arguments are expected to drag on for about 18 months but because the idea was in the Labour manifesto, it must pass eventually under a convention formulated by the fifth Marquess of Salisbury in 1948.

Whats next?

Labours manifesto also promised to compulsorily retire peers of all kinds once they reached the age of 80. However, that is not part of the current bill and theres some speculation that ministers are having second thoughts, promoted by the peerages recently given to Labour veterans Margaret Hodge (80 this week) and Margaret Beckett (81).

More ambitious democratic reform, aimed at turning the Lords into a House of the regions and nations of the UK, will require very lengthy consultations and care if it is not to rival the Commons electoral mandate and pre-eminence.
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 }}

Summer 2024 sweltered to Earth's hottest on record, making it even more likely that this year will end up as the warmest humanity has measured, European climate service Copernicus reported Friday.

And if this sounds familiar, that's because the records the globe shattered were set just last year as human-caused climate change, with a temporary boost from an El Nino, keeps dialing up temperatures and extreme weather, scientists said.

The northern meteorological summer  June, July and August  averaged 16.8 degrees Celsius (62.24 degrees Fahrenheit), according to Copernicus. That's 0.03 degrees Celsius (0.05 degrees Fahrenheit) warmer than the old record in 2023. Copernicus records go back to 1940, but American, British and Japanese records, which start in the mid-19th century, show the last decade has been the hottest since regular measurements were taken and likely in about 120,000 years, according to some scientists.

ariah Fields eats a popsicle, June 20, 2024, at YMCA Camp Kern in Oregonia, Ohio. ( ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

The Augusts of both 2024 and 2023 tied for the hottest Augusts globally at 16.82 degrees Celsius (62.27 degrees Fahrenheit). July was the first time in more than a year that the world did not set a record, a tad behind 2023, but because June 2024 was so much hotter than June 2023, this summer as a whole was the hottest, Copernicus Director Carlo Buontempo said.

What those sober numbers indicate is how the climate crisis is tightening its grip on us, said Stefan Rahmstorf, a climate scientist at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Research, who wasn't part of the research.

It's a sweaty grip because with the high temperatures, the dew point  one of several ways to measure the air's humidity  probably was at or near record high this summer for much of the world, Buontempo said.

Until last month Buontempo, like some other climate scientists, was on the fence over whether 2024 would smash the hottest year record set last year, mostly because August 2023 was so enormously hotter than average. But then this August 2024 matched 2023, making Buontempo pretty certain that this year will end up hottest on record.

In order for 2024 not to become the warmest on record, we need to see very significant landscape cooling for the remaining few months, which doesn't look likely at this stage, Buontempo said.

Anna, 7, cools off under a misting fountain on a hot afternoon during the 2024 Summer Olympics, ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

With a forecasted La Nina  a temporary natural cooling of parts of the central Pacific  the last four months of the year may no longer be record-setters like most of the past year and a half. But it's not likely cool enough to keep 2024 from breaking the annual record, Buontempo said.

These aren't just numbers in a record book, but weather that hurts people, climate scientists said.

This all translates to more misery around the world as places like Phoenix start to feel like a barbecue locked on high for longer and longer stretches of the year, said University of Michigan environment dean and climate scientist Jonathan Overpeck. The Arizona city has had more than 100 days of 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.8 degrees Celsius) weather this year. With longer and more severe heat waves come more severe droughts in some places, and more intense rains and flooding in others. Climate change is becoming too obvious, and too costly, to ignore.

Jennifer Francis, a climate scientist at the Woodwell Climate Research Center in Cape Cod, said there's been a deluge of extreme weather of heat, floods, wildfires and high winds that are violent and dangerous.

Like people living in a war zone with the constant thumping of bombs and clatter of guns, we are becoming deaf to what should be alarm bells and air-raid sirens, Francis said in an email.

While a portion of last year's record heat was driven by an El Nino  a temporary natural warming of parts of the central Pacific that alters weather worldwide  that effect is gone, and it shows the main driver is long-term human-caused climate change from the burning of coal, oil and natural gas, Buontempo said.

It's really not surprising that we see this, this heat wave, that we see these temperature extremes, Buontempo said. We are bound to see more.
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 }}

Supporters of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro began flooding Sao Paulos main boulevard for an Independence Day rally Saturday, buoyed by the government's blocking of tech billionaire Elon Musk's X platform, a ban they say is proof of their political persecution.

A few thousand demonstrators, clad in the yellow-and-green colors of Brazil's flag, poured onto Av. Paulista. References to the ban on X and images of Musk abounded.

Thank you for defending our freedom, read one banner praising the tech entrepreneur.

Saturdays march is a test of Bolsonaros capacity to mobilize turnout ahead of the October municipal elections, even though Brazil's electoral court has barred him from running for office until 2030. It's also something of a referendum on X, whose suspension has raised eyebrows even among some of Bolsonaro's opponents all the while stoking the flames of Brazil's deep-seated political polarization.

A country without liberty can't celebrate anything this day, Bolsonaro wrote on his Instagram account Sept 4., urging Brazilians to stay away from official independence day parades and instead join him in Sao Paulo.

Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes ordered Xs nationwide ban on Aug. 30 after months of feuding with Musk over the limits of free speech. The powerful judge has spearheaded efforts to ban far-right users from spreading misinformation on social media, and he ramped up his clampdown after die-hard Bolsonaro supporters ransacked Congress and the presidential palace on Jan. 8, 2023, in an attempt to overturn Bolsonaro's defeat in the presidential election.

The ban is red meat to Bolsonaros allies, who have accused the judiciary and President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silvas government of colluding to silence their movement.

Elon Musk has been a warrior for freedom of speech, staunch Bolsonaro ally and lawmaker Bia Kicis said in an interview. The right is being oppressed, massacred, because the left doesnt want the right to exist.

Our liberties are in danger, we need to make our voices heard. De Moraes is a tyrant, he should be impeached, and people on the streets is the only thing that will convince politicians to do it, added retiree Amaro Santos as he walked down the thoroughfare Saturday,

Musk, a self-proclaimed free speech absolutist, has also urged Brazilians to turn out in droves for the rally, resharing someone else's post claiming that Xs ban had awakened people to the fact that freedom isnt free and needs to be fought for. He's also created an X account, named for the controversial jurist, to publish sealed court orders directing X to shut down accounts deemed unlawful.

But De Moraes' decision to ban X was far from arbitrary, having been upheld by fellow Supreme Court justices. And while online expression is more easily censored under Brazil's laws than it is in the U.S., Musk has emerged as both a cause celebre and a mouthpiece for unrestricted free speech.

Since 2019, X has shut down 226 accounts of far-right activities accused of undermining Brazil's democracy, including those of lawmakers affiliated with Bolsonaros party, according to court records.

But when it refused to take action on some accounts, de Moraes warned last month that its top executive could be arrested, prompting X to disband its local office. The U.S.-based company refused to name a new legal representative  as required in order to receive court notices  and de Moraes ordered its nationwide suspension until it did so.

A Supreme Court panel unanimously upheld de Moraes decision to block X days later, undermining Musk's efforts to cast him as an authoritarian bent on censoring political speech.

The more controversial component of his ruling was the levy of a whopping $9,000 daily fine for regular Brazilians using virtual private networks (VPNs) to access X.

Some of these measures that have been adopted by the Supreme Court appear to be quite onerous and abusive, said Andrei Roman, CEO of Brazil-based pollster Atlas Intel.

In the lead-up to Saturday's protest, some right-wing politicians defied de Moraes ban and brazenly used a VPN to publish posts on X, calling for people to partake in the protests.

The march in Sao Paulo is organized in parallel to official events to celebrate Brazils anniversary of independence from Portugal. Commemorations have been fraught with tension in recent years, as Bolsonaro used them while in office to rally supporters and show political strength.

Three years ago, he threatened to plunge the country into a constitutional crisis when he declared he would no longer abide de Moraes' rulings. He has since toned down the attacks  a reflection of his own delicate legal situation.

Bolsonaro has been indicted twice since his term ended in 2022, most recently for alleged money laundering in connection with undeclared diamonds from Saudi Arabia. De Moraes is overseeing an investigation into the Jan. 8 riot, including whether Bolsonaro had a role in inciting it.

___

AP Writers Mauricio Savarese in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and Joshua Goodman in Miami contributed to this report. Hughes reported from Rio de Janeiro.
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 }}

Pope Francis called Saturday for an end to tribal violence that has wracked Papua New Guinea for decades and appealed for sustainable, equitable development of its natural resources during a visit to the South Pacific nation.

Dancers in swishing grass skirts performed for Francis as he opened his first full day in the country with a mix of political and church business. He met with the governor general and then addressed government authorities before visiting with the countrys priests, nuns and street children.

Francis is on an 11-day, four-nation tour through Southeast Asia and Oceania, the longest and most challenging of his pontificate. He landed on Friday evening in Port Moresby, the capital of the Commonwealth nation, from Jakarta, Indonesia to open the second leg of his journey.

During his speech to government authorities and diplomats, Francis marveled at the diversity of the Papua New Guineas people  there are some 800 languages spoken here  saying their variety must be a challenge to the Holy Spirit, who creates harmony amid differences!

But he also noted that such diversity has long created conflict here, a reference to the t ribal violence over land and other disputes that have long characterized the country's culture but have grown lethal in recent years. Francis appealed for a sense of civic responsibility and cooperation to prevail, to benefit everyone.

It is my particular hope that tribal violence will come to an end, for it causes many victims, prevents people from living in peace and hinders development, he said.

If people agree to sacrifice their personal interests for the common good, the necessary forces can be used to improve infrastructure, address the health and educational needs of the population and increase opportunities for dignified work, he said.

The poor, strategically important Commonwealth nation is home to more than 10 million people, most of whom are subsistence farmers.

In a related appeal, Francis also called for a definitive solution to the question of Bougainville, an island region whose people voted overwhelmingly to become independent from Papua New Guinea in 2019. The outcome of the nonbinding referendum has not been implemented.

Francis also appealed for fair and environmentally sustainable extraction of countrys vast natural resources, which include gold, nickel and natural gas. Disputes over how wealth should be distributed and who is entitled to mining royalties which have often led to conflicts.

Francis has long insisted that development of natural resources must benefit local people, not just the multinational companies that extract them, and be pursued in an environmentally responsible way to preserve them for future generations.

He made that argument again Saturday, saying Papua New Guineas resources are destined by God for the entire community.

Even if outside experts and large international companies must be involved in the harnessing of these resources, it is only right that the needs of local people are given due consideration when distributing the proceeds and employing workers, he said.

These environmental and cultural treasures represent at the same time a great responsibility, because they require everyone, civil authorities and all citizens, to promote initiatives that develop natural and human resources in a sustainable and equitable manner, he said.

Later Saturday, Francis was visiting with charity workers who care for street children and then meeting with Papua New Guineas clergy and religious sisters at a Marian sanctuary. On Sunday, he travels deep into the jungle to meet with Argentine missionaries.

Francis is the second pope to visit Papua New Guinea, after St. John Paul II visited first in 1984, then in 1995 to beatify Peter To Rot, a Catholic layman who was declared a martyr for the faith after he died in prison during World War II.

___

Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the APs collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.
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 man thought to be the oldest arrested in the aftermath of violent protests across England in August has pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him.

Keith Edwards, 81, was arrested after protests in Nottingham City Centre on August 3. Rival groups had to be separated by police as violence broke out on Old Market Square.

Edwards, of Kinglake Place, The Meadows, was charged with threatening behaviour with an intent to provoke unlawful violence.

Appearing at Nottingham Magistrates Court on Friday, he pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Edwards defence said he had been walking in the city centre and was not involved in the protest.

They added that he only intervened when he saw someone being arrested on the ground. They also said he was concerned about the chaos as his nephew had been injured whilst serving as a police officer.

His case will next be heard at Nottingham Crown Court on October 7.

Police have made 1,380 arrests, while 863 charges have been brought together with the Crown Prosecution Service.
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 }}

At first glance, the case against Lucy Letby in 2023 seemed overwhelming. She faced 22 charges of murder and attempted murder, arising from the deaths of an abnormally high number of newborn babies in her Countess of Chester Hospital.

Thousands of pieces of evidence were gathered for the first 10-month trial into Letbys case, which led to her conviction for the murder of seven babies and attempted murder of six more  after around 110 hours of jury deliberations.

This year, she was found guilty of attempting to murder another child on the unit.

A public inquiry has now started to examine the events around Letbys crimes. Led by Lady Justice Thirwall, it is also looking at the governance of hospitals across the UK, in a bid to ensure that Letbys actions are never repeated.

For live updates on the public inquiry - click here

Lucy Letby is questioned following her arrest on July 3, 2018 in Chester ( Getty Images )

however, it comes as the convicted nurses new legal team prepares to launch a fresh appeal into her conviction. Recent months have seen speculation over the evidence used by the prosecution grow rife. It is enough, her lawyer argues, to show the conviction was unsafe.

Letbys new barrister Mark McDonald told the BBC: I knew almost from the start, following this trial, that there is a strong case that she is innocent.

The fact is juries get it wrong. And yes, so do the Court of Appeal, history teaches us that.

As the inquiry into her crimes gets underway, here are the key questions that have been raised surround Lucy Letbys crimes:

The confession

A search of Letbys Chester home found a number of Post-it notes, on which she had written: I killed them on purpose because Im not good enough, I am a horrible person, and I am evil I did this.

The Guardian has reported that Lucy Letby scribbled the notes on the advice of her GP and hospital bosses to cope with her feelings of extreme stress about being under investigation for the unexpected deaths.

In excerpts from police interviews, Letby said: I just wrote it because everything had got on top of me. It was when Id not long found out Id been removed from the unit and they were telling me my practice might be wrong, that I needed to read all my competencies  my practice might not have been good enough.

I was blaming myself but not because Id done something (but) because of the way people were making me feel.

Letby herself spent 14 days in the witness box, facing close to 60 hours of questioning. The prosecution highlighted instances in her testimony in which Letby appeared to contradict her own evidence to police, or disputed evidence she had previously agreed with.

Speaking to Sky News after her guilty verdicts, prosecution expert witness Dr Dewi Evans suggested the smoking gun had been when two of the babies were found to have very high levels of unprescribed insulin in their blood, which Letby herself conceded would mean they had been deliberately attacked, but again insisted: Not by me.

Statistical evidence

In September 2023, the Royal Statistical Society wrote to the chair of the newly announced public inquiry into the Letby case to warn generally that it is far from straightforward to draw conclusions from suspicious clusters of deaths in a hospital setting.

Expressing hope that lessons from such cases in the past will be learnt, the societys leaders wrote: It is a statistical challenge to distinguish event clusters that arise from criminal acts from those that arise coincidentally from other factors, even if the data in question was collected with rigour.

The table shown in court shows that Lucy Letby was always on shift at the neonatal ward when the 25 incidents referred to in the case occurred. ( Cheshire Constabulary )

One key piece of statistical evidence was the rota data which suggested Letby was always on shift when babies in the neonatal unit where she worked took an unexpected turn for the worse.

While one such chart listed 25 collapses and fatalities in which Letby was present, the jury was not told about a further nine deaths over that period with which she was not charged, which were not included in the table, according to The Daily Mail.

A source said: Four of the deaths were babies born with a congenital problem or birth defect, another baby was sadly asphyxiated or deprived of oxygen at birth, the remaining four died of infection and their deaths were precipitated with a period of time consistent with infection  they did not suddenly and unexpectedly collapse and die.

The first review into the deaths was commissioned in July 2016, after fatalities at the unit rose from four each year in 2013-14 to an unusual spike of 13 deaths in the year to June 2016. That review found the unit was understaffed, with junior staff left feeling unable to call in consultants.

Cheshire Constabulary has not commented on the decision not to include the additional nine deaths in the table used in evidence.

Child K

One source of doubt originates in amended evidence offered when Letby was retried for, and found guilty of, one count of attempted murder.

Consultant paediatrician Dr Ravi Jayaram told the court that he had become increasingly concerned about Letby, following a spike in the number of baby deaths in the unit. When he realised that Letby was on her own with Baby K, he went into the nursery to reassure himself that everything was OK.

Dr Jayaram said he caught her virtually red-handed as he entered Nursery 1 at about 3.45am and he then went on to intervene and resuscitate Child K.

Dr Ravi Jayaram was among those who raised concerns about Letby to hospital bosses ( ITV News/PA Wire )

Dr Jayaram told jurors he saw no evidence that she had done anything to help the deteriorating baby as he walked in and saw her standing next to the infants incubator.

He said he heard no call for help from Letby or alarms sounding as Child Ks blood oxygen levels dropped.

From the witness box, Letby told the jury she had no recollection of the event described by Dr Jayaram and did not accept it took place.

Child K was transferred, as planned, to a specialist hospital later on 17 February because of her extreme prematurity and died there three days later.

The judge said that despite Child Ks fragility, her condition at the Countess of Chester was good and she was stable on a ventilator before Letby targeted her in the knowledge that a transfer was due to take place.

He told Letby: I repeat what I have said before: only you know the reason or reasons for your murderous campaign.

It was another shocking act of calculated, callous cruelty.

Dr Jayaram has shied away from praise for blowing the whistle on Letby, tearfully telling ITV News last year: Im not a hero. I was just doing my job.

Although Dr Jayaram was already suspicious of the nurse following a series of deaths and collapses, the court heard he failed to note down or report the incident.

Jayaram said it was a matter of infinite regret that he did not call 999, adding that he and his consultant colleagues were in uncharted territory feeling an element of denial about working alongside a serial killer.

I only wish I had the courage to escalate [the concerns] in a different way, he told the jury. I only wish I had the courage to do that. Thats why its going to be in my nightmares forever.

Senior crown prosecutor Nicola Wyn Williams, of CPS Mersey-Cheshires Complex Casework Unit, said: Staff at the unit had to think the unthinkable  that one of their own was deliberately harming and killing babies in their care.

Letby dislodged the tube a further two times over the following few hours in an attempt to cover her tracks and suggest that the first dislodgment was accidental. These were the actions of a cold-blooded, calculated killer.

Campaigners have called for CCTV evidence of the interaction, with the conviction hinging on one doctors testimony  and an error in the data suggesting another nurse was present.

In the initial trial, the prosecution said Dr Jayaram, a consultant, had discovered Letby standing over Baby K at 3.50am on 17 February 2016. The baby was deteriorating and its breathing tube had been dislodged.

The prosecution said door-swipe data showed that the babys designated nurse had left the intensive care unit three minutes earlier.

But the data was amended in the retrial for an attempted murder charge to show a nurse had returned at that time, meaning Letby was not alone.

Air embolism

Analysis by the prosecutions lead expert witness Dr Dewi Evans found that seven babies had been harmed by having air injected into them, which he said in some cases had caused fatal air embolisms, and in others alongside other harms such as liver trauma or overfeeding.

While other expert witnesses agreed that babies could have had air injected into their stomachs feeding tubes inserted into their nose, or into their bloodstream, seven neonatalogy clinicians told The Guardian that they believed it implausible that injecting air into the stomach in this way could cause a fatal collapse.

What happens next?

Letby is planning to launch a fresh appeal with a new legal team, her barrister has said.

In May, Letby lost her Court of Appeal bid to challenge her convictions from last year.

The BBC reported that her new barrister, Mark McDonald, told Radio 4s File On 4 that he plans to make an application to the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) for Letbys case to be sent back to the Court of Appeal.

I knew almost from the start, following this trial, that there is a strong case that she is innocent, he told the programme.

The fact is juries get it wrong. And, yes, so do the Court of Appeal, history teaches us that.

A public inquiry examining events at the Countess of Chester Hospital following Letbys multiple convictions started on 10 September in Liverpool.
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 van driver has been jailed for 10 years for smuggling migrants in a hidden compartment who were discovered screaming for help as they were starved of oxygen.

Anas Al Mustafa, 43, was convicted of assisting unlawful migration by trafficking the seven people in a specially-adapted van via a ferry between Dieppe, in France, and Newhaven, East Sussex, on February 16.

The six men and one woman were found by emergency services in a concealed space the width of a human chest and were being starved of oxygen and suffering from dehydration.

Sentencing, Judge Christine Laing KC said the offence compromises the economic and physical safety of the nation and all of its citizens.

She added: The safety of this country and every other is dependent on knowing who is living in it.

Tthe specially constructed space the width of a human chest' where seven people were rescued from on February 16 ( Home Office/PA Wire )

Desperate people are prepared to risk their lives to come into the UK, often with tragic consequences. They are exploited by those who profit from this trade and pay little attention to their safety.

As well as the prison sentence, the judge also ordered the forfeiture of the van and Al Mustafas telephone and sim card.

Prosecutor Nick Corsellis KC told the court that while the younger migrants recovered from the dehydration and heat, one man had a possible heart attack, one woman had acute kidney injury and another man went to hospital in a comatose state and suffered a stroke.

The trial heard how crew members on the Seven Sisters ship heard pleas from inside a van on deck during the journey and used an axe to break down the fake partition that was hiding the people inside to free them.

The van driven by Anas Al Mustafa ( Home Office/PA Wire )

Mr Corsellis had said the hidden compartment was two metres wide, 194cm tall and 37cm in narrow width, which forced the migrants to stand, and they could not move to any meaningful degree.

They were not provided with water, the prosecutor added.

Two of the migrants had lost consciousness by the time they were rescued at around 9.20am, and all of the group were taken to hospital and treated, jurors were told.

An Australian nurse and passenger on the ferry, Sari Gehle, responded to a call to assist the crew during the incident and described the female casualty as terrified, gripping her arm tightly repeatedly and saying Vietnam, Vietnam, so she understood the group were from there.

Other male casualties she recalled being on the floor, with one vomiting and another with a cut across his left shoulder. All of them were given oxygen masks.

During the trial, Al Mustafa, of Swansea, denied knowing they were in the vehicle and told jurors he was shocked and completely numb at the discovery. The father-of-two added it was the most difficult day of his life.

The court previously heard how Al Mustafa, who is originally from Syria but moved to the UK in 2010-2011, was introduced to a man called Badr last time he was in Syria who said he needed him to do a job for him driving a van.

The prosecution had said in a police interview with no interpreter Al Mustafa said he was paid 500 on a previous occasion to drive the van to get an MoT in Liverpool, but for the February job he was being paid 5,000 to drive the van to the UK.

Jurors heard that Al Mustafa told police he did not know there were people in the van but because he was being paid 5,000 he thought maybe this time there is people inside.

Mr Corsellis asked the jury to consider whether this is a confession, adding: We suggest that the defendant was not telling the full truth as to his involvement in the trafficking.

When asked about the interview, Al Mustafa told jurors via an interpreter that the 5,000 sum was incorrect and he meant 500.

He also said he did not remember telling police he thought maybe people were in the van and did not know why he said that.

Instead, Al Mustafa told the court he flew to Amsterdam for a holiday and met Badr at the airport who suggested he drive the same van he previously drove for the MoT to take it back to the garage as there was a fault with the gearbox.

During sentencing, Judge Laing said she rejected these claims and said she was satisfied you were not a mere driver in the operation.

Additional reporting by PA
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 }}

It is a gruesome mystery that has remained unsolved for half a century. In 1974, a womans body was found decapitated on Norfolk farmland, wrapped in plastic and wearing only a Marks & Spencer nighty.

The victim has never been identified and the killer has never been found. On the 50th anniversary of the grim discovery, a cold case detective has shared his theories about what may have happened.

Found in the undergrowth at a lovers lane opposite RAF Marhams shooting range, the womans hands and legs were bound to her body. She was wrapped in a sheet embossed with National Cash Registers, a brand of till.

The 1969 Marks & Spencer nighty the womans decapitated body was found in ( Albanpix/Shutterstock )

Her badly decomposed body had lain in the middle of an area of dense bracken and willow herb, at Cockley Cley, near Swaffham, for about three weeks. It was impossible to say whether the body and abdomen had sustained slashing injuries or determine her cause of death.

An expert told police the composition of the rare four-strand rope she was bound with suggests it was made for use with agricultural machinery.

Police traced the place of manufacture of the rope to Dundee in Scotland but the firms that made that type of rope had ceased trading.

Retired police officer Chris Clark produced bulletins for the detectives working the case ( Chris Clark )

Chris Clark, a retired Norfolk police officer and now a true crime author, accused Peter Sutcliffe of the murder, claiming the Yorkshire Ripper could have beheaded the woman as he was driving through East Anglia on his way to his honeymoon in Paris in August 1974.

Andy Guy, who investigates cold cases for Norfolk Constabulary, confirmed his team investigated links to Peter Sutcliffe, Peter Tobin and other active serial killers in the 1970s but without a name for the victim a solid link has never been established.

It is thought the woman could be a Danish sex worker who was known in Great Yarmouth as the Duchess and who vanished at the same time the body was found. She was well known for working the docks and even cleaning the boats. She would regularly get lifts with her lorry driver clients who would normally drop her back at the docks.

One expert has speculated Peter Sutcliffe, aka The Yorkshire Ripper, may have been involved but a solid link has never been established ( Getty )

The Major Investigation Team has interviewed and ruled out families of nearly 500 women declared missing at that time. As part of Operation Monton they exhumed the body in 2008, gaining valuable fingerprints and samples from hair and toenails, but they are still looking for that elusive DNA match.

Mr Guy and his team have tracked down and interviewed convicts who shared a cell with the Duchess, but they didnt know her real name and it appears she was let off with a caution and doesnt appear in any court documents.

Cley Road leading to Swaffham, where the body was found ( Albanpix/Shutterstock )

I think we are as far along the road as we can be with the case, he told The Independent. Unless someone rings in and says I think that it could be my mother or something as striking as that.

The detective said he met with the original 1974 investigators but with the passage of time various things had been misremembered.

It is frustrating, he said. We have made progress; we know she is between 25 and 35, around 5ft 2in, but we dont have a name. It is tantalisingly out of reach. If we had a name we would have a place to go to. And we would be on our way to solving this and maybe even getting justice for her.

Part of the four-strand jute fillis used to tie her up ( Norfolk Constabulary )

His small team of around four officers can only work around four cold cases at one time. He is also asking for people who think they could be related to the woman, believe a family member could have committed the murder, or know US Air Force members based near where she was found, to come forward.

Its difficult to articulate what it would mean to catch the offender, Mr Guy said. In the 10 years I worked on Operation Monton, including exhumation, anatomical study and at the time the use of cutting edge science, I feel I know the victim to some degree.

She had a family  possibly children  who must have wondered what happened to her, and to be deposited in the manner she was is particularly inhuman.

The cash register sheet the headless body was wrapped in ( Norfolk Constabulary )

The offender would probably be aged at least 75 now and may be dead. But the savagery displayed by decapitation makes me concerned as to what else the offender may have done during their lifetime, and is another reason why we continue to pursue this case.

It would be very unusual for a person who had committed this type of offence to hand themselves in to the police but there may be people around the offender who suspect a family member or close friend that had some association with the area, including USAF personnel, who were a line of enquiry at the time.

If you have any information you can contact Andy Guy and his cold case team on 01953 423819 or Email: unsolvedcasereviews@norfolk.police.uk

Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers 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 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 high court judge has emphatically ruled wealthy heiress Paula Leeson was unlawfully killed by her husband, blocking him from inheriting her 4.4m estate.

Serial liar Donald McPherson, 51, was ordered to be found not guilty of the 2017 murder of his wife Ms Leeson, 47, on a judges direction halfway through his trial in 2021.

But Ms Leesons family successfully blocked his bid to inherit her 4.4 million estate by bringing legal proceedings against McPherson at Manchester Civil Courts of Justice.

On Friday, Mr Justice Richard Smith ruled that McPherson had unlawfully killed his wife by compressing her neck in an arm lock then putting her in a swimming pool leaving her to drown. He said the motive was clear  money.

A judge has made the finding in a civil case, which has a lower standard of proof in criminal cases. The ruling does not mean that McPherson has been found guilty of a crime.

But how exactly did evil and dangerous McPherson come to  as the judge found  deliberately and unlawfully kill Ms Leeson at a holiday cottage in remote western Denmark in 2017?

How Donald McPherson and Paula Leeson met

Before McPherson, Ms Leeson lived with her parents and worked for the family business, specialising in groundwork and skip hire, in Sale in Greater Manchester. Ms Leeson, a mother-of-one, and her brother, Neville, stood to inherit the business from their father.

She oversaw the skip hire business  where she met McPherson, who renovated and sold on property.

Paula Leeson had her only child, Ben, when she was 17 years of age and her relationship with her sons father soon fizzled out.

Donald McPherson was ordered to be found not guilty of the 2017 murder of Ms Leeson ( MEN Media )

Ms Leesons brother Neville said McPherson just landed as if he dropped from space after she introduced him to the family.

He was taciturn with his wifes family. McPherson rarely engaged in conversation and it was said he resented the fact that Willy Leeson sat on his great wealth, his murder trial heard.

Paula and McPherson married following a whirlwind romance in a no expense spared ceremony at Peckforton Castle, Cheshire, in June 2014. McPherson had no family or friends present.

Paula Leesons father, Willy Leeson, outside Manchester Civil Justice Centre (Peter Byrne/PA) ( PA Wire )

Born Alexander James Lang and originally from New Zealand, McPherson met Ms Leeson in 2013, using a cover story of being an orphan to hide his past after serving jail time for an 11 million bank fraud in Germany, a court previously heard.

The court also heard how McPherson was described as a Walter Mitty due to him changed his name multiple times, had 32 convictions spanning 15 years in three countries.

The court had been told McPherson has been convicted of 32 criminal offences of dishonesty or fraud in New Zealand. He was also known to have used aliases, including the name Rob Jones.

At Fridays hearing, Mr Justice Richard Smith, on delivering his verdict, said: It is no exaggeration to say that lies and dishonesty pervade every aspect of Dons life. Don lies to anyone if it might serve his interests.

Paulas death in Denmark

Ms Leeson was found dead in a swimming pool while staying at a holiday cottage with McPherson in remote western Denmark in 2017.

McPherson told Danish police at the time he woke up to find Ms Leeson face down in the shallow swimming pool at the holiday home he had booked for them.

Her death was initially treated as a tragic accident by the Danish authorities  though she had suffered several external injuries. Pathologists found 13 separate injuries on Ms Leesons body, which jurors heard may have been sustained while being restrained or in a rescue and resuscitation attempt.

Paula Leeson died in 2017 ( Supplied )

Ms Leeson, who was 5ft 5in tall, drowned in the pool that was less than 4ft deep, though she could swim and was otherwise healthy.

Lawyers for the Leeson family argued to save herself from drowning she could simply have stood up, so must have been choked before being put into the water unconscious.

In 2021, McPherson was put on trial for her murder - and it was heard how he transferred thousands of pounds from her accounts to cover his debts in the hours after she died, and a week later joined a group, Widowed and Young, he described as, Tinder for Widows.

Manchester Crown Court also heard how he had taken out life insurance policies before her death worth 3.5million.

A judge ordered a jury to find him not guilty of the murder, ruling that despite circumstantial evidence, members could not be sure to the criminal standard  beyond reasonable doubt  that he had killed her.

McPherson had denied murder, claiming to be sleeping when she drowned in the pool. He did not attend the civil cases and is believed to be living in the Pacific.

What now for her heartbroken family?

Ms Leesons elderly father, Willy, and brother, Neville, sat with her son, Ben, in court as the judgment was given on Friday.

Outside court, the Leeson family said todays ruling confirmed what they had known all along: that Donald McPherson killed Paula.

Paula Leeson's brother Neville (left) and father Willy (right) outside Manchester Civil Justice Centre ( Peter Byrne/PA Wire )

Today is bittersweet. It has been very difficult for us to hear this outcome without it being followed by the sentencing of Donald McPherson to prison, their statement said.

This was a pre-meditated, cold-blooded murder, entirely motivated by Donald McPhersons wicked greed, to seek to benefit from insurance policies totalling 3.9 million, the majority of which he had incepted dishonestly, deceptively and without Paulas knowledge.

They called on Greater Manchester Police and the Crown Prosecution Service to re-open the murder investigation.

They added: As the judgment demonstrates, Donald McPherson is an evil, dangerous man and a long-standing fraudster. He has convictions worldwide for dishonesty offences.

We hope the judgment also serves as a warning to all who unwisely chose to associate with Donald McPherson or whatever he may now call himself. He is an extremely dangerous individual.
Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the

Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Sir Keir Starmers government has signalled a potential openness to setting up overdose prevention facilities after years of Tory opposition, Scotlands first official centre is set to open in Glasgow.

As grim data showed drug deaths in Scotland rose 12 per cent to hit 1,172 last year, councillor Alan Casey confimed that the long-awaited 2.3m drug consumption centre would open on 21 October in Glasgows East End, warning that the urgent need for such a facility couldnt be more important.

In the first indication of Labours approach since coming into power in July, Home Office minister Dame Diana Johnson has now said her department will consider any evidence emerging from evaluation of the Glasgow drug consumption room pilot in due course.

Several councils in England and Wales have approached experts for advice on how to set up the facilities, The Independent understands ( PA Wire )

The centre will be open 365 days of the year between 9am and 9pm to provide a safe and hygienic space for up to 30 people to inject illicit drugs such as heroin under the supervision of health professionals armed with the overdose-reversal drug naloxone.

Such facilities are already used in 17 countries worldwide, including the US, Canada, France and Australia, and have in some cases saved thousands of lives, while also reducing street injecting and bringing drug users into contact with vital support services.

But despite drug deaths rising for 11 consecutive years in England and Wales to reach a record of nearly 5,000 fatalities in 2022, growing calls for facilities south of the Scottish border were repeatedly rejected by the previous UK government.

With the emergence of new and lethal synthetic opioids now intensifying the crisis, experts are pleading with ministers to take more radical steps to save lives.

Policing minister Dame Diana Johnson said the government will consider the evidence from Glasgows new centre ( PA Wire )

Dame Dianas statement, in response to a parliamentary question by Labour MP Rachael Maskell, is in notable contrast to her Tory predecessor Chris Philps response to the same question in May.

Asked what assessment Rishi Sunaks government had made of the potential benefits of overdose prevention centres, Mr Philp said it did not support such facilities, citing concerns that they condone drug use and encourage their supply.

Experts had criticised Mr Philps response as inexcusable and verging on negligent not to be reconsidering this proven intervention thats saving lives across the world in light of the UKs existing drug deaths crisis and the threat of new synthetic opioids.

While welcoming the new governments change of tone, the charity Release urged ministers not to wait months for the Glasgow pilot to begin before expanding the desperately needed service to other parts of the UK, urging the Home Office to act now to save lives.

Under Dame Dianas leadership, MPs on the crossparty home affairs committee recommended piloting such facilities only last year, in addition to scaling up drugs-checking services and centrally funding heroin-assisted treatment services.

The minster should follow her own sensible recommendations immediately to prevent a catastrophic public health situation from unfolding, said Release chief executive Niamh Eastwood.

Noting that a vast body of peer-reviewed research spanning 25 years already exists, Martin Powell of Transform Drugs Policy Foundation urged ministers to approve immediately any area that wants a centre.

Peter Krykant risked prosecution to operate an overdose prevention service in Glasgow, heaping political pressure on Holyrood to back such facilities ( Andy Buchanan/AFP via Getty Images )

It would be pure discrimination to say poor and marginalised people who use drugs must keep dying unnecessarily when the government would never demand decades of research behind equivalent proven health interventions for other groups of people be repeated in the UK before believing it, he said.

An unsanctioned and unfunded overdose prevention service operated out of a repurposed ambulance by activist Peter Krykant in Glagow in 2020  which served to pave the way for the citys new facility  oversaw nearly 900 injections, successfully intervening in all nine overdoses at the facility, a study found.

With the emergence of lethal synthetic opioids in recent months now further imperilling drug users, The Independent understands that several councils in England and Wales have also approached experts for advice on how to set up overdose prevention facilities.

Kaleidoscope, a drug treatment charity on the frontline of the crisis in Wales is pushing to pilot  and, if necessary, fund  its own facilities in the coming months.

A government spokesperson said: Every death from the misuse of drugs is a tragedy for those who have lost their lives, their families and for their wider communities.

While we have no plans currently to change the UK drug laws, through our mission driven government, we will take preventative public health measures to tackle the biggest killers in society  including drug misuse  and better support people live longer, healthier lives.
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 }}

Police have found a body in the search for a British man missing in a mountainous area of Majorca where a 26-year-old British woman was found dead earlier this week.

Both are believed to have been swept away in a flash flood on the Spanish island, which was hit with torrential rains and stong winds this week.

Spains Civil Guard said both people were on a trail that leads through a small canyon to the sea when the storm hit the Mediterranean island on Tuesday.

The Guardia Civil said it had rescued 10 people this week in the flash floods ( Guardia Civil )

Emergency services have been searching the area near the Torrent de Pareis canyon in the Tramuntana mountains since Wednesday.

The mans body was found on Friday, the Civil Guard told Reuters.

The force said earlier this week that it had rescued 10 people who became trapped in the canyon by a torrent of water.

The Civil Guard said on Thursday: Officers were able to save the lives of 10 people who were trapped, without protective clothing, and completely soaked. They were transferred to safety using guides to assist them.

Once they reached a safe spot the rescued walkers, two Spaniards and the rest French, German and British, told us two members of a group of five who were among those assisted had been swept away by a torrent of water and they had been unable to do anything to save them and didnt know where they were.

A separate search and rescue operation was mobilised until nightfall which began again today with assistance from firefighters.

The dramatic gorge which leads to a hidden beach is often flooded from autumn until spring, and has no easy exits because of its sheer cliffs, according to a local tourism website.

The Balearic Islands and a large area of Spains eastern coast were under alert for strong winds and heavy rains earlier in the week.

Thunderstorms over Barcelona led the organisers of the Americas Cup sailing event to postpone racing, after lightning struck near a yacht on Tuesday, forcing a race to be abandoned.

Additional reporting by PA
Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the

Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

A body has been found in the search for the wife of former Scotland rugby star Scott Hastings, who went missing after going swimming in the Firth of Forth.

Jenny Hastings has been missing since Tuesday, when she went swimming in Wardie Bay, Edinburgh.

At around 3.20pm on Saturday the body of a woman was found in the Hound Point area of South Queensferry, police said.

Police Scotland said in a statement: Formal identification is yet to take place but the family of missing woman Jenny Hastings has been informed.

There do not appear to be any suspicious circumstances and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency said it received a report of concern at about 2.45pm on Tuesday, and a helicopter, Coastguard rescue teams, lifeboats and other nearby vessels all took part in a search.

In a statement on Thursday, the Hastings family said they were absolutely heartbroken at the news, adding that Mrs Hastings had struggled with her mental health for a number of years.

The statement said: Its with huge sadness that we write to advise you that Jenny went for a swim in the Firth of Forth on the afternoon of Tuesday 3 September 2024, and that the incident is being treated by the police as a high-risk missing person case.

The Hastings family are absolutely heartbroken.

Jenny and Scott have a huge following of friends from all walks of life including those that work in the media, and we ask that at this moment in time we are allowed to grieve privately with family members.

The statement was signed Scott, Corey, Daniel, Kerry-Anne & Ian.

If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.

If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you
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 }}

Boris Johnson failed to disclose that while serving as prime minister he met a uranium lobbyist connected to a co-director at his green energy consultancy Better Earth Limited.

The news comes after The Independent revealed that Mr Johnson had employed former aide Charlotte Owen as the firms vice-president, despite facing fierce criticism for elevating her to the House of Lords at the age of 29.

Transparency campaigners have now warned there appear to be serious public interest questions over the nature of the former Tory leaders relationship with his co-director Amir Adnani, The Observer reports.

Mr Adnani, a Canadian citizen, is the founder, president and CEO of Uranium Energy Corp, a US-based mining company that had previously been championed by former Trump adviser Steve Bannon.

Mr Johnson met Scott Melbye, the executive vice-president of Uranium Energy Corp, in Westminster in May 2022, while he was still prime minister.

Better Earth was incorporated last December by Mr Adnani, who is the director of a number of offshore companies in the British Virgin Islands.

Companies House filings show The Rt Hon Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson was added as a director and chair in May, while Ms Owen was added as vice-president this summer.

News of her latest role emerged in a two-line entry in her Lords register of interests in the last month. Her salary was not disclosed.

Charlotte Owen, the UKs youngest peer, has been made vice-president of Better Earth ( AFP/Getty )

The website for Better Earth, which is not fully operational, says: Better Earth is an internationally facing company that seeks to contribute to global decarbonisation by developing energy transition projects in the renewable, net-zero power generation, emissions reduction and removal sectors.

The committee that oversees ex-ministerial appointments had warned Mr Johnson in April 2024 that the broad overlap between his role in office and at the new company may entail unknown risks due to a lack of transparency over their clients.

The meeting with Scott Melbye was not recorded in his official diary ( PA Archive )

A statement from the Cabinet Office noted the potential for a conflict of interests, particularly because of the unknown nature of Better Earths clients  specifically that there is a risk of a client engaging in lobbying the UK government.

However, the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments was reassured that Mr Johnson did not meet with, nor did you make any decisions specific to Better Earth during your time in office.

The meeting with Mr Melbye was not recorded in the prime ministers official diary.

A post about the meeting on X by Mr Adnani said Mr Johnson and Mr Melbye discussed nuclear power and uranium, as well as celebrating the PMs call for a new nuclear reactor to be built each year.

Charlotte Owens elevation to the House of Lords caused a political storm ( UK Parliament )

The entrepreneur was among those who supported the former leaders 700m investment in the controversial Sizewell C plant, and had tweeted: Boris Johnson plans to sign off on new 30bn nuclear plant in his final week in power! #uranium.

Speaking to The Observer, Professor Roger Cashmore, former chair of the UK Atomic Energy Authority, said: What I really worry about is the technical expertise of many of the people coming in. Thats where the real shortage is. And what that means is that theres a lot of snake oil merchants in the business offering surefire investments when really theres no such thing.

And obviously Boris Johnson has no expertise in this area himself, hes just a frontman. I have no idea who these people are hes in business with so Im not passing any judgement, but I do wonder how much homework hes done.

According to Companies House, Better Earth currently has no person with significant control after Mr Adnani ceased to be listed as such in December. Its initial filing was made with a single share owned by Nevada firm Emissions Reduction Corp.

Baroness Margaret Hodge, the former Labour MP, told the paper: What on earth is an ex-prime minister of the United Kingdom doing, working for a company with an opaque structure?

In my experience, those who choose to have a UK company owned by a foreign entity only do that because they may have something to hide. What is it in this case? Given the sensitivities around nuclear capabilities, we should know who he is in business with, where the money is coming from and why he is using a financial structure that appears to hide the beneficial ownership of the company.

His role within Better Earth has also raised questions over Ms Owens appointment, just over a year after he caused a political storm by naming her in his honours list.

At the time, she was a previously unknown junior adviser who had only worked alongside Mr Johnson for a matter of months, before taking up her title as Baroness of Alderly Edge in July last year.

In her first speech in the Lords, she praised the former PM who put a great deal of trust in me I will be forever grateful not only for this but for his kindness and encouragement.

Boris Johnson and Uranium Energy Corp have been approached for comment.
Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the

View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Green deputy leader Zack Polanski has vowed to stand against the far-right and tell the truth about immigration and racism.

In a conference speech weeks after riots erupted across the UK in the wake of false claims about the murder of three girls at a dance class in Southport, Mr Polanski praised counter-demonstrators who marched in opposition to the far-right.

And he said the threat to Britain is not arriving by dinghy or a small boat - theyre flying in a private jet.

Zack Polanski said racist riots were sparked by decades of anti-migrant rhetoric by politicians and in the media ( Ben Birchall/PA Wire )

Addressing hundreds of party members and activists in Manchester, he promised the Greens would reject both Antisemitism and Islamophobia.

As well as accusing the Conservatives of lying about the scale of the immigration crisis facing Britain, Mr Polanski took aim at Sir Keir Starmers Labour Party.

We wont forget Labour politicians that echo Tory lies like we have lost control of our borders, he said.

It came a day after Green co-leader Adrian Ramsay used his opening speech to Green members to attack the lacklustre offers and U-turns of the party under Sir Keir.

Adrian Ramsay, co-leader of the Green Party, opened their conference yesterday on his own ( Getty )

The Greens have seen a surge in members as many disaffected left-wing Labour supporters have ditched the party over issues including the war in Gaza and climate change.

While he promised to work with Labour on issues where the parties agree, Mr Ramsay condemned Sir Keirs decision to withdraw the winter fuel payment from millions of pensioners and the half-hearted suspension of some arms sales to Israel.

Drawing the battle lines for next years local elections, and the next general election, Mr Polanski continued the attacks on Labour, accusing the party of cruelty affecting the most vulnerable children.

We are so needed - were two months in and Labour are still supporting the two child benefit cap, he added.

He highlighted the Green Partys immediate calls for a ceasefire in Gaza after the October 7 terror attacks, something for which Sir Keir has been heavily criticised. And he said: In telling the truth - we recognise peace just cant happen until we end our own governments complicity in violence.

We must end further arms sales to Israeland to all countries breaking international law.

Elsewhere in his speech, the London Assembly member accused the British media of encouraging disinformation and fanning the flames of the violent disorder in the wake of the Southport tragedy. Mr Polanski said there is a very narrow window of the things youre allowed to say - and the things you absolutely arent.

And he said the Green Partys electoral breakthrough in July, which saw it win almost 2m votes and secure four Westminster MPs, was driven by its ability to cut through and communicate with honesty.

I dont blame the media for absolutely everything thats gone wrong in the history of time - but I am saying there might just be some work for them to do, Mr Polanski added.

Listing historic events such as Oswald Mosley and the British Union of Fascists marching in the East End of London, he said the point about the media is that they refused to tell the truth even back then.

And recently, weve all seen the racist riots sparked by decades of anti-migrant rhetoric by politicians and in the media, he added.

Mr Polanski was addressing the Green Party conference on its second day in Manchester, where its four new MPs will also hold a meet the MPs session for members.

Members will also get the chance to vote on motions including one which would see the party call for closer alignment with the European Union and lay the groundwork for Britain eventually rejoining the bloc.
Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight 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

Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Sir Tony Blair has delivered the most devastating critique of the failure of Brexit and how consequently Britain has ended up with mass immigration instead of the promise to take back control.

Weve swapped out younger, usually single people coming in from Europe to work in hospitality, technology and other sectors for much increased immigration from Asia and Africa, he said.

In an exclusive interview with Geordie Greig, editor-in-chief of The Independent, Sir Tony highlighted the way we have weakened ourselves in the UK as a result of Brexit.

Watch the Blair interview in full on Independent TV

Britains most successful prime minister of the 21st century lambasted the Tories for putting politics before policy over 14 years, which led to a period of instability not seen since Margaret Thatcher won power in 1979. He said the Tories had perverted Thatcherism into a kind of nationalism through extreme Euroscepticism.

In a wide-ranging interview, following the publication of his book On Leadership, he highlighted:

The delusion of Vladimir Putin and why Western allies must stand firm with Ukraine.

The need for the UK and her allies to be prepared for a global war: It will almost certainly be as a result of the US-China relationship deteriorating.

The importance of working with controversial leaders  including Donald Trump  as his personal relationship with bunga bunga prime minister Silvio Berlusconi won London the Olympics over Paris.

How artificial intelligence (AI) is key to Britains future prosperity  commercially and for defence: The most important development since the industrial revolution.

How history may vindicate his controversial legacy over the Iraq war: Maybe different perspectives in time will come about. The most important thing for me at this juncture is for people to understand that its not all we did.

Sir Tony urged Sir Keir Starmer to repair the relationship with the EU as he warned that Western leaders must prepare for a potential global war in a world destabilised by the tension between America and China, and a delusional Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine.

Former PM Tony Blair is interviewed by editor-in-chief Geordie Greig for Independent TV ( Independent )

Sir Tonys priority has always been to underpin UK influence by being Americas closest ally, with a strong role in the European Union and peddling soft power through international aid. He sees an urgent need to repair the relationship with the EU in a world that some close to him believe is now in a potential pre-war scenario.

We need to think how we repair the relationship with the EU, and then in time, weve got to think as a country of where we fit in the world. One of the things that gives a country energy, and appetite for facing all the challenges is they know where they fit. Theres no doubt weve weakened ourselves, he said.

By the middle of this century, youre going to have three superpowers  America, China, and ... India. All other countries are going to be small in comparison, he added.

While not wanting to give a running commentary on the Starmer government, Sir Tony differs with the current prime minister over negotiations with the EU  with Sir Keir rejecting the youth mobility scheme that would allow easier travel for those under 30.

Personally, I think youth mobility within Europe would be a good thing for us, but, you know, the government's got to take a view on that, he said.

Tony Blair and Keir Starmer talk politics ( PA )

Sir Tony eviscerated Brexit for failing to deliver on its one big promise of reducing immigration, calling it absolutely extraordinary that Brexit had increased immigration as the most recent figures showed net migration hitting 764,000 in 2022.

I understand it wasnt the intention, but the result is we have higher levels of immigration and high levels of people bringing dependents into the country, he said.

He said Brexit has caused mass immigration instead of the promise to take back control of migration by Boris Johnson.

But Sir Tonys priority is the potential global crisis caused by a delusional Vladimir Putin and his invasion of Ukraine, warning that the West must stand up to the Kremlin and be resolute in its support for Kyiv.

The one thing that Putin thinks is that he can always outlast the West, that the West lacks staying power. We must provide evidence  and Ukraine is the test  that its got staying power.

Such tensions, with potential for terrible consequences, make him anxious.

People whose views I respect say we are almost in a pre-war period, Sir Tony said. If we ever end up with a major global conflict, it will almost certainly be as a result of the American-Chinese relationship deteriorating.

Tony Blair meeting Vladimir Putin in Downing Street in 2000 ( PA )

But he remains an optimist. I find it hard to believe that either America or China wants such a conflict. Chinas got such a massive interest in stability, the former prime minister said. Yet what Russia did in Ukraine changed the conventional wisdom. I think youve got to be anxious, because youve also got flash points like Taiwan, and obviously what Putins doing in Europe that could potentially lead to this.

The consequences of such a conflict would be so devastating, so I hope people wont do it, but youve got to prepare for all eventualities, he added.

Sir Tony is messianic about AI, which he sees as crucial  not just for future economic prosperity but also in any future conflict.

This is as important as the effects of the 19th-century industrial revolution, its going to change everything, he said. We must access its opportunities and mitigate risk. The UK already has a strong position in artificial intelligence; after America and China we are number three in the world. So, how do we keep that, and how do we grow?

When it comes to the US, Sir Tony believes that whoever is elected president in November, Sir Keir will make the relationship work.

You dont get to choose another countrys leader. You have to work with them and find the points of agreement and work with them. Ive worked with the Trump administration, and actually met Donald Trump in the context of the Abraham Accords in the UAE and Israel that I was working on, where we were working on the same path.

Blair and his wife Cherie meet with the then Italian PM Silvio Berlusconi in Sardinia in 2004 ( EPA )

Sir Tony cited his working relationship with the late Silvio Berlusconi, former prime minister of Italy, as an example of how it benefits Britain to deal with international leaders ignored or shunned or considered toxic on the world stage  claiming it clinched London hosting the 2012 Olympic Games over Paris.

[Berlusconi] gave us the votes for the Olympics which got us across the line in front of France, Sir Tony said. So we wouldnt have had the 2012 Olympics in the UK had they not backed us, because I think the votes were very narrow in the end, and they were originally pledged to France.

I went to see him  theres always this line that I went on holiday with Silvio. I didnt go on holiday  I went to see him when I was on holiday in Italy at his place in Sardinia, he added.

Sir Tony noted that the key to his relationship with the Italian premier was to deal with the man he experienced rather than the image others projected.

I had a relationship with him because Id always found him very straight to deal with. You speak as you find, not as other people tell you.

He said to me, because I always treated him with respect, when  because of all the bunga bunga stuff  many didnt want to be seen with him. He said to me How much does it matter to you? And I said, It really matters to me. I really want to win this bid for Britain. So he said, OK, well switch the votes

Legacy preoccupies Sir Tony. The relationship with the US was absolutely critical for me and still is, he said. Now, I know a lot of people didnt like the decisions I took post 9/11 on Afghanistan and, of course, Iraq. But it was always important that we stayed as the closest American ally, and I still believe thats still true.

On Iraq, which turned him from feted to hated for many, he added: History is a long time in the making and look, there may be different perspectives in time that come about on it.
Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the

View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

In a disarmingly personal interview, Sir Tony Blair discloses how his desire for political power was triggered by the early trauma of his father having a stroke and the death of his mother.

Speaking to Geordie Greig, editor-in-chief of The Independent, the former prime minister said his ambition to gain power came directly from those tragic moments. He was aged 10 when his father was incapacitated and 22 when his mother died.

Watch the Blair interview in full on Independent TV

The former Labour leader declares as his new book, On Leadership, is published: The moment I saw what power was and what it could do, I wanted it.

As well as providing a masterclass in how to wield power, it also reveals his personal faults and successes during his decade in No 10 as well as the next 17 years forming the Tony Blair Institute, which today has 1,000 staff and advises governments of more than 40 countries.

Power should be based on a desire to do something that you believe as a matter of conviction and principle. But, if you are being honest the power itself is attractive. It doesnt mean you should pursue it at the expense of the principle, but your wanting to exercise leadership in the exercise of power is what goes with it, he explains.

His motive when he was young, he says, was always to change the world, to put principles into practice, to be respected and recognised as a person with power and to feel that power, to feel how it could shape my world around me as well as the world of others.

Tony Blair speaks to Geordie Greig ( The Independent )

The impact of his mother dying aged 52 and his fathers devastating stroke at 40 was profound. I realised the fragility of everything, our life circumstances changed completely, our main source of income had gone. It was three years before dad could even speak again. It haunted me ever after and made me what I am, he says.

I remember my mother coming in that morning. Dad had come back from an event, late at night and I could tell immediately somethings wrong in the way that you do as a child. Then she explained that he was in hospital and had been seriously ill.

We thought he would probably die, but he didnt. Nowadays, they treat strokes completely differently, much better. Forty is a young age to have a serious stroke. Dad was just about to stand for what was a pretty safe Conservative seat in the northeast of England. He was a barrister, so everything was about communication. Suddenly his entire life trajectory changed, and he had to learn to speak again, which is very difficult.

Sir Tony recalls going to school and praying with a teacher that day, adding: I never spent a lot of time psychoanalysing myself. But of course, when something like that happens, you realise if Im going to make something of my life, Id better get on with it and work hard.

It is advice that he has imparted to his own children.

Blair with wife Cherie in Mumbai in July ( AFP/Getty )

I used to say to my children work hard, play hard and youve got a chance for success. But play hard, work hard then you are probably going to fail. Work hard first. Like most of what I told them they would ignore it completely! But I still think its true what I said, he says.

Sir Tonys close relationship with his children also came out in advice he later received from his son Euan about speaking at a conference on cryptocurrencies.

When I asked him what to say, even after he had given me some notes he bluntly said, just tell them youre sick, youre not fit for prime time on this subject!

Sir Tony wryly adds: But I did address them, unfortunately.

His struggles on that technical topic reflect his view that there are two different types of brains  artistic and scientific. Sir Tony puts himself in the first category, as an unfortunate rare failure at school proved.

Im on the art side. My physics teacher was in awe of how bad my physics paper was, and I failed miserably. I do try to read more about science to try and understand it but I know my own brain has difficulty understanding scientific concepts. A big contrast to Margaret Thatcher who liked to boast that she was a scientist.

The advice Tony Blair gives to his children

Learning while leading is a central theme of his new book, in which he recalls a humiliating early attempt to tackle antisocial behaviour and criminality, core to his premiership.

There was a guy on the street peeing against the door of someones house, and this is late at night. I was coming back from the Tube and I sort of confronted him. He pulled out a knife. So I moved on. But you know, even such small crimes leave you with a lingering sense of anger and humiliation. Ive always been very tough, hardline on crime. I think its really important  the first duty of government is to keep people safe.

The constant for Sir Tony throughout his adult life has been his marriage to Cherie. He calls it a joint leadership within their family but admitted he may be getting into trouble with her after it is pointed out to him that he barely mentions women in his new book. But more than half I employ are women, he says in his defence. He also boasts of creating more female MPs than ever before as well as in the cabinet.

He counts himself lucky to have had a devoted marriage.

What I never do is to preach to people about personal lives. Im just lucky with what I have. And I think the most important thing in any relationship is that you respect the other person, he says.

Blair with Cherie and their son Euan in 2010 ( Getty )

His Christian faith became an issue during his premiership not least when Jeremy Paxman asked if he prayed with George W Bush. His press secretary Alastair Campbell once interrupted an interviewer to say, We dont do God. And the Bible plays a part in his new book  there are almost a dozen biblical references, but he says that they are there accidentally rather than deliberately.

He adds: Its also just an interesting concept of leadership as Moses leads people to the promised land. But actually, most of the time people are complaining: Why did you bring us out of Egypt? Wed have been better to stay back there in slavery.

Every day, Sir Tony thinks of the empowerment his parents gave him, focused on what is required of the leadership and the strength and ambition they imbued. It must be exercised in a way that fulfils a mission or purpose, otherwise youre just occupying an office, he says. You are then just a placeholder and not a leader. For me it was very simple: it was about the modernisation of Britain and to try to do good in the world. I dont think you should ever go into politics unless they want to change things.

Today, Sir Tony has democracies and dictators as clients. It has to be about the leadership moving in the right direction. If theyre moving in the wrong direction I dont want to be part of that, he says. They must make reforms that are going to make them more open, more successful. Then I will work with them even though its a system with which I might have disagreements.

Of course, Sir Tonys own time in government was unique in that his first and only job was as prime minister. My book is about the things I wished I had known when I came in  it would have shortened the learning curve.

There is a sparkle, clarity and charisma about Sir Tony, now aged 71, almost uniquely among politicians, which was why George Osborne, when chancellor, referred to him as The Master. But even as one of his final chapters is titled How to Handle Criticism and another Protect Your Legacy, he candidly insists all former leaders must actively do both. He shows a particular ruthlessness in dealing with carping critics. Treat him like a psychopath you are unable to remove. Once you accept you cant escape him, you deal with that, and find a way so that he shall not define you, he says.

As Sir Tony metaphorically locks the attic door to keep the demons at bay, he hopes history will be kind to him. As to regrets, he says: I always say that is for me to know and others to find out!
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 }}

Labour frontbenchers and MPs have reportedly expressed fears that chancellor Rachel Reevess brutal plan to scrap the winter fuel allowance for all but the poorest pensioners will put more older people in hospital.

Around 10 million people are expected to be directly impacted by the plans announced by the chancellor in July  prompting gasps in the House of Commons  to cut the winter fuel payments first introduced by her predecessor Gordon Brown in 1997.

The decision, made ahead of Ms Reevess first budget next month, will axe the payment of up to 300 for all pensioners except those in receipt of those claiming pension credit or other means-tested benefits. It comes as regulator Ofgem raises its energy price cap by 10 per cent.

The decision comes as regulator Ofgem raises its energy price cap by 10 per cent ( POOL/AFP via Getty )

The plans have sparked anger and concern across the country  close to half a million people have signed an Age UK petition calling on Sir Keir Starmers government to rethink its plans.

With MPs set to vote on the policy on Tuesday, Labour politicians have expressed their own grave concerns amid a flood of worried emails from constituents reported by The Independent to have shocked new MPs in particular.

In remarks to The Guardian, anonymous Labour MPs lined up to relay the sheer volume of the correspondence they have received on the issue, with one saying: I dont think there is a Labour MP who isnt worried ... Ive had more people stopping me in the street than over Brexit. Pensioners just pleading that we dont do this.

One cabinet source complained to the paper that the policy hasnt even been thought through properly, warning: Were going to end up with more old people in hospital or care as a result, with all the costs involved in that.

Another MP said: Its going to save us 1.5bn but that wont be worth the political hit well take this winter. The right-wing press will be full of stories about elderly people sitting in A&E or on buses because they cant afford their fuel bills and its the only way they can keep warm.

Ofgem has announced a 10 per cent rise in the energy price cap ( Peter Byrne/PA )

Becoming the latest Labour MP to speak out on the record, Rosie Duffield told BBC Radio 4s Today programme on Saturday: I think all MPs have been inundated with emails. Its not just those constituents affected  its also their families and people who are really concerned.

Ms Duffield added: Ive had letters  I think we all have  from people who are suffering ongoing illness like cancer, and their doctors are telling them how important it is to keep warm.

Human life is our job to protect and we know that these people are going to feel cold and its going to affect their health. Thats my biggest worry  that were going to see people dying ... it just feels particularly brutal.

According to the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, some 4,950 excess deaths the winter before last were caused by living in cold homes.

Referencing the seven MPs who had the Labour whip removed after voting to scrap the two-child benefit cap in July, Ms Duffield said: Weve seen what happens when people vote against the government, which is a shame considering we have such a huge mandate.

But I wont be voting for this cut, the Labour MP added. Those of us who feel perhaps a bit more comfortable abstaining and know a bit more about being parliament are going to abstain to make the point that were there for our constituents more than we are for our party, Im afraid.

Twelve Labour MPs have now signed the early day motion set to be voted on next week calling on the government to postpone the cut.

The Treasury has been approached for comment.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Funeral services were held Saturday for victims of one of the deadliest Russian airstrikes since the war in Ukraine began, as Ukraines president vowed to increase domestic military production by creating underground weapons factories.

The funerals took place in the eastern Ukrainian city of Poltava for the victims of a Russian missile attack on a military training facility that left over 50 dead and more than 300 injured.

Hundreds of mourners, including grieving families, local residents, and officials, gathered at the Cathedral of the Assumption in the city, some 350 kilometers (200 miles) southeast of Kyiv, for the solemn ceremony. Sobbing relatives, many holding red carnations, stood over caskets placed outside the church, draped in yellow-and-blue Ukrainian flags. An air raid siren sounded during the service.

Local residents knelt in silent tribute as hearses carrying the victims passed by on their way to a military cemetery outside the city for burial.

Russia has intensified missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities in recent weeks, targeting energy infrastructure across the country and causing deadly strikes in residential areas.

The attacks have underscored Moscows long-range capabilities as Ukraine braces for what will likely be another difficult winter as Russia continues to smash Ukraines power grid, knocking out some 70% of generation capacity and rupturing heat and water supplies.

The sound of explosions thundered over the Ukrainian capital overnight as multiple Russian attack drones were intercepted by the citys air defenses. No injuries or serious damage were reported.

The Ukrainian Air Force said that 67 drones were launched over the country overnight, with air defenses active in 11 regions. Fifty-eight drones were shot down, with three more destroyed by electronic weapons systems, it said.

Debris from one drone was photographed on the street outside Ukraines parliament, the Verkhovna Rada. Ukraines parliamentary press service confirmed that drone fragments had been found but said there were no casualties and no damage to the parliament building.

Late Friday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the death toll from the Sept. 3 strike at the Military Institute of Communications in Poltava had risen to 55, with 328 people injured.

That includes people with severe injuries, such as amputations and internal organ damage, Zelenskyy said, speaking at a conference outside the Italian city of Milan.

Our people are under constant threat of Russian missile and drone strikes  every night and every day.

Zelenskyy renewed his call for the removal of restrictions on using Western-supplied weapons to strike Russian territory, adding that Ukraine was ramping up its own weapons production.

We are setting up underground weapons production facilities so Ukrainian soldiers can defend themselves, even if supplies from our partners are delayed, he said.

We have developed new drones and missiles, and we are gradually bringing this war back to Russia. Eventually, (Russian President Vladimir) Putin will feel the pressure to seek only one thing: peace.

Kyiv has continued to launch its own strikes against Russia. In the Russian border region of Voronezh Saturday, Gov. Aleksandr Gusev said that a drone strike had sparked a fire and the detonation of explosive objects.

Writing on social media, he said that a state of emergency had been declared for the regions Ostrogozhsky district and that several villages had been evacuated.

He did not provide the names of the villages affected and urged followers not to share photos or videos of the fire that could be geolocated. ___

Davies reported from Manchester, England. Evgeniy Maloletka and Alex Babenko in Poltava, Ukraine, and Derek Gatopoulos in Kyiv, Ukraine, contributed.

___

Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
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 }}

University of Southern California law student Elizabeth Howell-Egan isnt allowed on campus because of her role in last springs anti-war protests, but she is keeping up her activism.

She and like-minded students are holding online sessions on the Israel-Hamas war and passing out fliers outside the campus, which is now fortified with checkpoints at entrances and security officers who require students to scan IDs.

Change is never comfortable. You always have to risk something to create change and to create a future that we want to live in, said Howell-Egan, a member of the schools Students for Justice in Palestine chapter, which is calling on USC to divest from companies profiting off the war.

The stakes have gone up this fall for students protesting the war in Gaza, as U.S. colleges roll out new security measures and protest guidelines  all intended to avoid disruptions like last springs pro-Palestinian demonstrations and protect students from hate speech. Activism has put their degrees and careers at risk, not to mention tuition payments, but many say they feel a moral responsibility to continue the movement.

Tent encampments  now forbidden on many campuses  so far have not returned. And some of the more involved students from last spring have graduated or are still facing disciplinary measures. Still, activist students are finding other ways to protest, emboldened by the rising death toll in Gaza and massive protests this month in Israel to demand a cease-fire.

Tensions over the conflict have been high on American campuses since the war began on Oct. 7, when Hamas-led militants killed 1,200 people in Israel and took 250 hostage. The war in Gaza has killed more than 40,000 people, according to Gaza health officials.

As the pro-Palestinian demonstrations took off nationally, Jewish students on many campuses have faced hostility, including antisemitic language and signs. Some colleges have faced U.S. civil rights investigations and settled lawsuits alleging they have not done enough to address antisemitism.

A desire to be part of something

Temple University senior Alia Amanpour Trapp started the school year on probation after being arrested twice last semester during pro-Palestinian protests. Within days, she was back on the university's radar for another demonstration.

As she reflects on the fallout from her activism, she thinks of her grandfather, a political prisoner killed in 1988 massacres orchestrated by Iran's Ayatollah Khomeini.

He paid the ultimate price for what he believed in. And so I feel like the least I can do is stand my ground and face it, she said.

Trapp, a political science major, devotes much of her time outside classes to Students for Justice in Palestine, which led her to the back-to-school protest on Aug. 29. The group of a few dozen protesters made several stops, including outside the Rosen Center, a hub of Jewish life that is home to Temples Hillel Chapter.

Some Jewish students inside said they were shaken by the demonstration. Protesters used megaphones to direct chats toward people inside, Temple President Richard Englert said. The university called it intimidation and opened an investigation.

Targeting a group of individuals because of their Jewish identity is not acceptable and intimidation and harassment tactics like those seen today will not be tolerated, Englert said.

Trapp said they were not out to intimidate anyone, but to condemn Hillel for what she called its support of Zionism. To the students inside that felt threatened or harmed, Im sorry," she said.

Trapp is appealing a Temple panels ruling that she violated the college's conduct code last spring. As she reflects on the discipline, she recalls a Temple billboard she saw on Interstate 95 after her first visit to campus.

Because the world wont change itself," the ad beckoned. It reassured her that Temple was the right fit. I so badly wanted to be part of something, you know, meaningful, she said, a community committed to change.

A renewed push for divestment

At Brown University, some students who were arrested last spring are taking another tack to pressure the Ivy League school to divest its endowment from companies with ties to Israel.

Last spring, the university committed to an October vote by its governing board on a divestment proposal, after an advisory committee weighs in on the issue. In exchange, student protesters packed up their tents.

Now students including Niyanta Nepal, the student body president who was voted in on a pro-divestment platform, say they intend to apply pressure for a vote in favor of divestment. They are rallying students to attend a series of forums and encouraging incoming students to join the movement.

Colleges have long rebuffed calls to divest from Israel, which opponents say veers into antisemitism. Brown already is facing heat for even considering the vote, including a blistering letter from two dozen state attorneys general, all Republicans.

Rafi Ash, a member of the Brown University Jews For Ceasefire Now and Brown Divest Coalition, declined to say what activism might look like if the divestment push fails. A Jewish student who was among 20 students arrested during a November sit-in at an administrative building, Ash dismisses critics who see the anti-war protests as antisemitic.

The Judaism I was taught promotes peace. It promotes justice. It promotes tikkun olam  repairing the world, said Ash, who is on disciplinary probation. This is the most Jewish act I can do, to stand up for justice, for everyone.

Barred from campus, but strategizing on protests

For Howell-Egan, the crackdown at USC and her suspension only deepened her desire to speak out.

Even with this threat of USC imposing sanctions and disciplinary measures, I am at peace with it because I am standing up for something that is important, Howell-Egan said. There are no more universities in Gaza. We are in an incredibly privileged position for this to be our risk.

She is not allowed to attend in-person classes because she was suspended in May for joining protests at the private school in Los Angeles.

There has been a trend of heavier punishments for students engaging in activism than in the past, including banishment from campus and suspensions that keep students in limbo for months, said Tori Porell, an attorney with the nonprofit Palestine Legal, which has supported student protesters facing disciplinary measures. Howell-Egan sees it as part of a strategy to stifle free speech.

In a memo this month, USC President Carol Folt said the campus has seen peaceful protests and marches for years. "However, the spring semester brought incidents that tested our values, disregarded our policies, sparked fears, and required unprecedented safety measures, she said.

For now the focus of the USC Divest Coalition, which includes several student organizations, has moved off campus, to incorporate the wider community and take a cautious approach as students get a handle on the universitys new rules, Howell-Egan said.

In addition to the community outreach, students have been holding teach-ins.

The idea is to raise our skill set and our understanding of where we stand in this moment, and where we are in this fight," Howell-Egan said, "especially as we continue with it.

___

The Associated Press education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find APs standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.
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 }}

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed the first case of avian influenza A (H5) bird flu in a person not known to have been exposed to an infected animal, the public health agency announced on Friday.

The case was in a patient in Missouri, and the CDC confirmed a sample taken from the individual. The case is significant because the patient had no known exposure to infected animals, the most common way bird flu is spread.

The risk of sustained transmission or infection among the general public remains low, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services said on Friday.

The patient, who had underlying medical conditions potentially putting them at a higher risk of respiratory illness, was hospitalized on August 22, treated with antiviral medications, and has since recovered.

This is the 14th human case of H5 reported in the United States during 2024 and the first case of H5 without a known occupational exposure to sick or infected animals, the CDC wrote in a statement.

Missouri bird flu case is significant because patient had no known exposure to infected animals, the most common way bird flu is spread ( AP )

H5 outbreaks in cattle have not been reported in Missouri, but outbreaks of H5 have been reported in commercial and backyard poultry flocks in 2024. H5N1 bird flu has been detected in wild birds in that state in the past.

No ongoing transmission has been identified among close contacts of the patient, the CDC said.

Missouris health department is investigating the case.

The results of the investigation are particularly important, the CDC said, given the lack of obvious animal exposure.

The question now is: How did this patient acquire the infection? Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious diseases expert at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, told NBC News. We need a very, very thorough investigation.

Bird flu has been spreading among livestock in states across the U.S.

H5 is primarily found in wild birds and poultry, and recently in dairy cows and other animals, and can occasionally infect humans through close contact with infected animals or contaminated environments, according to Missouri officials.

The case marks the first time H5 has been detected as part of the general flu surveillance system, as opposed to ongoing outbreak-specific surveillance of the bird flu outbreak hitting humans, poultry, and cattle in multiple states.

Based on available data, CDCs current assessment is that the risk to the general public from H5N1 remains low, the public health monitor added in its statement. CDCs recommendations related to H5 virus have not changed at this time.

Bird flus jump from cows to birds raises concerns it could adapt and spread quickly among humans, Reuters reports.
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 }}

A Pakistani man living in Canada who was arrested for allegedly plotting terrorist acts against New Yorks Jewish population reportedly envisioned a multi-team simultaneous attack to maximize the body count.

Law enforcement officials arrested Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, 20, in Canada, after he was accused of plotting to attack a Jewish center in Brooklyn on the one-year anniversary of the Hamas October 7 attacks in Israel.

Khan, allegedly tried to travel from his home in Canada to New York City to carry out the "stated goal of slaughtering, in the name of ISIS, as many Jewish people as possible," Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement on Friday.

The suspect  who also goes by the name Shazeb Jadoon  was taken into custody on September 4 and has been charged with trying to provide material support and resources to a foreign terror organization, which in this case was ISIS.

"Through our investigation, we discovered Khan used encrypted messaging apps in planning a mass shooting attack at a Jewish site in New York City," Rob Kissane, the New York Join Terrorism Task Force special agent in charge, told reporters on Friday.

It's unclear where Khan is being held following his arrest or if he will be extradited to the US to face charges.

The exterior of the New York City Police Departments headquarters at 1 Police Plaza is shown, Friday, Sept., 6, 2024 ( Copyright 2024. The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. )

A spokesperson for the Manhattan federal prosecutor's office told NPR that the case was being deferred to the Canadian government.

Khan landed on the radar of federal agents after he allegedly began sharing ISIS propaganda videos and discussing his support for the terror organization's causes beginning sometime in the fall of last year. During that time Khan began interacting with an individual who was actually a confidential informant for the FBI.

Evidence gathered from Khan's discussions suggested he was planning to amass weapons and ammunition to attack Jewish community centers in Brooklyn.

In early versions of his alleged plan, Khan envisioned the use of an AR-15 assault rifle to carry out a mass shooting and for a three-prong attack  six men total, with three teams of two  attacking three targets simultaneously and maximizing the casualty count.

He allegedly wanted the attacks to align with the October 7 Hamas attack that kicked off Israel's war in Gaza last year, or with the Jewish holiday Yom Kippur on October 11.

Khan allegedly told the undercover agents "if we succeed with our plan this would be the largest Attack [sic] on US soil since 9/11."

"Jewish communities  like all communities in this country  should not have to fear that they will be targeted by a hate-fueled terrorist attack," Garland said in a statement.

On August 20 Khan told the confidential sources he was speaking with that he decided on targets in New York because of its large Jewish population. He also allegedly sent a photo of the Jewish center he intended to attack, according to the US Justice Department.

Khan allegedly described the site as the "the ultra orthodox hasidic jews world headquarters," according to investigators.

The 20-year-old was reportedly making his way toward the US-Canada border, where he intended to pay a smuggler to get him across the border. He allegedly used three different vehicles  which were driven by other people  before Canadian authorities stopped him in Ormstown, Quebec, and took him into custody.

Khan made it to approximately 12 miles (19km) of the US-Canada border before he was stopped.

"Terrorism has no place in our society," Kissane said. "This case underscores the commitment of our Joint Terrorism Task Force in New York City to continue to aggressively work to prevent deadly plots before they can be carried out. Our partners are on the front lines every day, united to protect our nation from those who threaten our safety and our way of life. We plan to keep up the good work,"
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 16-year-old student at a high school in Maryland has been detained after he allegedly shot and killed a 15-year-old student in one of the schools bathrooms.

The name of the suspect has yet to be released. The victim, Warren Curtis Grant, died following the shooting at Joppatowne High School. Harford County Sheriff Jeff Gahler made the announcement at a press briefing.

The suspect fled the scene but was detained close by just minutes later.

He has yet to be charged but will be charged, and at the time those charges are preferred as an adult, we will release the name of the suspect, Gahler told the press, according to The Guardian.

The sheriff added that his office has handled more than 10 cases in the last two years where the suspect was either the victim, witness or the suspect in an incident handled by the Harford county sheriffs office.

A member of the Harford County Sheriff's department tries to clear the way for an emergency vehicle as it heads toward Joppatowne High School after a shooting at the school, Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, in Joppatowne, Md ( AP )

While the sheriffs office told the public to avoid the area after the shooting, it said that it was an isolated incident, not an active shooter.

An active shooter situation refers to when a suspect is firing against everyone they see rather than targeting a particular person.

An area church was used as a reunification center for students and their parents. The school is located about 20 miles northeast of Baltimore.

Gahler noted that more than 100 law enforcement officials responded to the scene.

The fight at Joppatowne High School took place just two days after the shooting at a high school outside Atlanta, Georgia where a 14-year-old shot and killed four people.
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 }}

The U.N. independent investigator on the right to food accused Israel of carrying out a starvation campaign against Palestinians during the war in Gaza, an allegation that Israel vehemently denies.

In a report this week, investigator Michael Fakhri claimed it began two days after Hamas surprise attack in southern Israel that killed some 1,200 people, when Israel's military offensive in response blocked all food, water, fuel and other supplies into Gaza.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said accusations of Israel limiting humanitarian aid were outrageously false.

A deliberate starvation policy? You can say anything  it doesnt make it true, he said in a press conference Wednesday.

Following intense international pressure  especially from close ally the United States  Netanyahus government gradually has opened several border crossings for tightly controlled deliveries. Fakhri said limited aid initially went mostly to southern and central Gaza, not to the north where Israel had ordered Palestinians to go.

A professor at the University of Oregon School of Law, Fakhri was appointed by the Geneva-based U.N. Human Rights Council as the investigator, or special rapporteur, on the right to food and assumed the role in 2020.

By December, Palestinians in Gaza made up 80% of the people in the world experiencing famine or catastrophic hunger, Fakhri said. Never in post-war history had a population been made to go hungry so quickly and so completely as was the case for the 2.3 million Palestinians living in Gaza.

Fakhri, who teaches law courses on human rights, food law and development, made the allegations in a report to the U.N. General Assembly circulated Thursday.

He claims it goes back 76 years to Israeli's independence and its continuous dislocation of Palestinians. Since then, he accused Israel of deploying the full range of techniques of hunger and starvation against the Palestinians, perfecting the degree of control, suffering and death that it can cause through food systems.

Since the war in Gaza began, Fakhri said he has received direct reports of the destruction of the territory's food system, including farmland and fishing, which also has been documented and recognized by the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization and others.

Israel then used humanitarian aid as a political and military weapon to harm and kill the Palestinian people in Gaza, he claimed.

Israel insists it no longer places restrictions on the number of aid trucks entering Gaza, including food.

At Wednesdays press conference, Netanyahu cited figures from COGAT, Israels military body overseeing aid entry into Gaza, that 700,000 tons of food items had been allowed into Gaza since the war began 11 months ago.

Nearly half of that food aid in recent months has been brought in by the private sector for sale in Gazas markets, according to COGAT figures. However, many Palestinians in Gaza say they struggle to afford enough food for their families.

Israel allows trucks of aid through two small crossings in the north and one main crossing in the south, Kerem Shalom. However, since Israels invasion of the southern city of Rafah in May, the U.N. and other aid agencies say they struggle to reach the Gaza side of Kerem Shalom to retrieve the aid for free distribution because Israels military operations make it too dangerous.

U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric called the humanitarian situation in Gaza beyond catastrophic, with more than 1 million Palestinians not receiving any food rations in August and a 35% drop in people getting daily cooked meals.

The U.N. humanitarian office attributed the sharp reduction in cooked meals partly to multiple evacuation orders from Israeli security forces that forced at least 70 of 130 kitchens to either suspend or relocate their operations, he said Thursday. The U.N.s humanitarian partners also lacked sufficient food supplies to meet requirements for the second straight month in central and southern Gaza, Dujarric added.

He said critical shortages of supplies in Gaza are stem from hostilities, insecurity, damaged roads, and Israeli obstacles and access limitations.

___

AP writer Lee Keath contributed from Cairo.
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 }}

Each month, a dozen Louisiana residents get $1,000 in guaranteed income, thanks in part to a $1m donation by Deacon Leroy Buck Close and Gracie Close of South Carolina, descendants of a family that made much of its generational wealth from the labor of enslaved people.

The payments are part of a highly unique program, which launched last December, to address the ongoing impacts of Americas racist past and the present-day inequalities of its criminal justice system. The intiative stands out from a growing number of similar pilots by blending the ideas of universal basic income and reparations.

Janell Landry , 40, who lives outside of New Orleans, is one of the participants in the program called Louisiana ACLUs Truth and Reconciliation Project Guaranteed Monthly Income. She was held in prison in 2021 on flimsy obstruction of justice charges, after she protested the Kenner Police Departments initially warrantless search of her home for evidence on a nearby shooting.

Landry called 911 on September 11, 2020, when one of the teen victims of the shooting staggered up to her house bleeding. When officers arrived, they noticed a bullet had ricocheted off her car and into her house. During routine questioning, as she went to retrieve the paperwork for a set of firearms she legally possessed, police barged into her bedroom and began digging through her belongings.

Landry, who is Black, said she was used to seeing police mistreat people in her neighborhood on the outskirts of New Orleans, and often recorded the encounters. The state of Louisiana has been home to some of the countrys most high-profile cases of alleged police misconduct in recent years, including the fatal 2016 shooting of Alton Sterling in nearby Baton Rouge, which triggered national protests.

Janell Landry is one a dozen participants getting $1000 of reparations monthly ( Courtesy of American Civil Liberties Union of Louisiana )

I never felt like I could trust them, just knowing the things theyre doing, the things you see on the regular, Landry told The Independent. Ill just start recording. Theyre cursing people out. Theyre threatening people. Its horrible.

Landry protested the search in Kenner and demanded officers get a warrant, a stance she said enraged the police even further. The Kenner officers left to seek a warrant, forcing her to stand outside in her pajamas for hours and not enter her home. During the eventual search, Landry said a detective made racist comments, asking questions like, What is wrong with you people? and How are you people living?

After the incident, she said police spent months calling her into the station, only for her to find there was no warrant yet for her arrest. In January of 2021, she was imprisoned for four days while pregnant for obstruction of justice. There, she was denied medicine for her heart and thyroid issues.

She later miscarried from the stress, and the charges hampered her ability to find work and gain a liquor license for an events business she was starting. She paid to have the charges expunged, though shes still not sure why she was charged.

Louisiana has long struggled with what residents see as a deeply unequal justice system, from a disproportionately large Black prison population, to protests against the 2016 police shooting of Alton Sterling. ( Getty Images )

What was obstructed? she said. I never found out.

The Independent has contacted the Kenner PD for comment.

Landry told The Independent the $1000 monthly support from the program has helped her get back on her feet and open her now successful events business, but the program validating her experience is just as important.

They gave you that voice, she said. Your voice is heard. Thats what is major for me.

Both financial and moral support mean a lot in a state like Louisiana, one of the poorest in the country , which has the most prisoners per capita in the US and extremely low rates of success in civilian complaints against the police. In 2021, Black people were jailed in Louisiana at a rate twice their share of the population, while white people were under-represented by nearly the same proportion, according to the Prison Policy Initiative .

Participants in the income program reported double-digit percentage increases in the ability to cover a surprise $400 expense, eat sufficient food, and buy healthy groceries, according to survey data from the ACLU .

Slavery and racism casts a long shadow over the history of criminal justice in the US, and in particular the South, from the origins of many modern police departments in slave patrols, to the historical overlap between lynch mobs and legal executions.

The Louisiana ACLU argues the program isnt a handout, but just due for the centuries of discrimination Black people have faced within the criminal justice system. ( Courtesy of the American Civil Liberties Union of Louisiana )

We really want people to understand this as something that is owed. Its not a handout, Maggy Baccinelli, senior director for philanthropy and community investment at the Louisiana ACLU, told The Independent. Its what is owed to Black people for the history of this country and the vestiges of slavery.

This history is what inspired Buck and Gracie Close of South Carolina, who helped fund the program.

One of their ancestors, John Springs III, made his wealth in part from land worked by enslaved people, a fortune thats supported the family ever since as they diversified into other businesses. Over time, the memory that this wealth had roots in slavery faded from the family story, even as the benefits of this fortune continued.

For us, the benefits of slavery have not ended, the Close family wrote in a Newsweek op-ed last year. They are a very real part of our day-to-day lives. The institution of slavery allows us to have high incomes without having to work.

After inquiring more about their family history, the Closes sought to take some of the resources they had gained from the institutions of slavery and transfer them to the people impacted by the vestiges of that same legacy. In addition to funding the $1,000-a-month transfer, the familys donation also goes towards supporting counseling services, financial literacy courses, career help, and expungement assistance.

People in similar positions as ourselves may be afraid to ask questions about their own history because they are afraid of the answers, the family added in Newsweek. But we have asked those questions and did not find anything to fear.

The Louisiana program is the latest iteration of guaranteed income programs in the US, which have counted a surprisingly diverse group of supporters, ranging from Martin Luther King to Milton Friedman and Elon Musk. In recent years, the Covid pandemic, fears of automation, and widespread discussions of racism and equity in the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement have provided renewed momentum around such proposals, and an estimated 150 guaranteed income programs have been announced across the country since 2017, impacting nearly 60,000 people.

Sandra Carr had to engage in a lengthy, costly court battle to clear her name on charges she attacked a coworker. ( Courtesy of the American Civil Liberties Union of Louisiana )

The ACLU guaranteed income program runs through this December, but participant Sandra Carr told The Independent more work needs to be done.

Carr endured a grueling, expensive journey of being passed between three judges, four public defenders, and two court systems fighting a false accusation of attacking her coworkers before it was dropped. It made her think about all the other people still in prison as a result of racist policing or unfair courts.

This whole judicial system needs an overhaul, she told The Independent. What happens to me still impacts me, but at the same time, Im thinking about the people that are in the system.
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, now the oldest candidate to run for president, is facing intense scrutiny over his age and mental sharpness  and his biographer thinks Trump is hyper-aware that he is cognitively slipping and trying to make up for it with convoluted explanations, according to a report.

President Joe Biden dropped out of the 2024 race after a fumbled debate performance that had voters questioning his mental acuity. Now Trump is facing similar questions and is trying to provide explanations for his frequent mentions of Hannibal Lecter, garbled words, incomplete thoughts, conflating the names of prominent figures, and his penchant for rambling.

But the explanations caused one Trump biographer to believe the GOP nominee knows full well that he is losing his mental footing.

Timothy OBrien, author of TrumpNation: The Art of Being the Donald, told The Guardian that he believes the former president, who once dubbed himself a very stable genius, fully understands that he is saying more ludicrous things than ever and is trying to make up for it.

The reason hes now offering these convoluted explanations of his speech patterns in his public appearances is because hes hyper-aware that people have noted that hes making even less sense than he used to, OBrien said. What were seeing now is a reflection of someone whos very troubled and very desperate.

On Saturday afternoon, Trump also tried to explain his frequent, and apparently random, references to the late great Hannibal Lecter, a fictional cannibalistic serial killer from books and movies including Silence of the Lambs. As it turns out, he was making a statement about migrants, claiming the killer was representative of people that are coming into our country.

This type of explanation from Trump is not isolated.

Last week, the former president addressed his tendency to venture off topic. He bragged to a Johnstown, Pennsylvania crowd about the weave, or what he calls his tendency to wander in and out  often nonsensically  of multiple conversational threads before circling back to his original point.

When I do the weave...Ill talk about nine different things and they all come back brilliantly together, Trump told the crowd before criticizing the fake media as having accused him of rambling.

Donald Trump speaks during a campaign event at Central Wisconsin Airport, in Mosinee, Wisconsin ( AP )

He further defended himself: Friends of mine that are English professors, they say: Its the most brilliant thing Ive ever seen, Trump said, referring to the weave.

Another biographer, Jennifer Mercieca who wrote Demagogue for President: The Rhetorical Genius of Donald Trump, offered another reason behind his explained rambling: Hes very good at putting a marketing spin on anything that might be perceived as a negative.

She told The Guardian: Hes had a lot of criticism lately for rambling, for being low energy during his rallies, for failing to read the teleprompter properly, mispronouncing words and so his response is to spin it. He says, I have experts, these friends of mine, unnamed others, who are very impressed with my ability to weave.

While Trump claims the weave is strategic, many rally-goers could be confused by his rhetoric as he tends to leapfrog from topic to topic without any obvious connection.

Take a Wisconsin rally last month, when Trump jumped from bacon to wind turbines in a single minute.

You take a look at bacon and some of these products and some people dont eat bacon any more. We are going to get the energy prices down. When we get energy down, you know, this was caused by their horrible energy  wind. They want wind all over the place. But when it doesnt blow we have a little problem, he told the La Crosse, Wisconsin crowd.

In another infamous moment that raised eyebrows, Trumps July rant about electric boats shifted gears to a potential shark attack. He ended the tangent with a series of unusual questions: Do I get electrocuted if the boat is sinking? Water goes over the battery, the boat is sinking. Do I stay on top of the boat and get electrocuted, or do I jump over by the shark and not get electrocuted?

The incident prompted thriller novelist Stephen King to equate Trumps speech with listening to your senile uncle at the dinner table after he has that third drink.

On top of the mental leaps, Trump also frequently mixes up elected officials. He has confused former president Barack Obama and Biden, former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown and California governor Jerry Brown, and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and his former UN ambassador Nikki Haley. He also accidentally called Elon Musk Leon at Saturdays Wisconsin rally.

He often tries to chalk up these mistakes to him joking or being sarcastic. After mixing up the two women, Trump tried to write off the gaffe as a purposeful move: When I interpose  Im not a Nikki fan and Im not a Pelosi fan. When I purposely interpose names, they say He didnt know Pelosi from Nikki..They have something in common: they both stink.

In the face of his recent slip-ups, Trump has pointed to his cognitive tests. In one memory evaluation, which he took when he was in office, he touted his ability to recall the phrase: person, woman, man, camera, TV. He claimed that the test was usually considered quite difficult for others  but not for him: If you get it in order you get extra points. [The doctor] said nobody gets it in order, its actually not that easy, but for me, it was easy.

More recently, after struggling to pronounce the word climate at a rally, the former president defended himself by saying that he had recently aced a cognitive test.
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 urged members of the largest police union in the US to watch for voter fraud at a meeting of the Fraternal Order of Police in North Carolina.

The former president yet again pushed his baseless and debunked voter fraud claims regarding the 2020 election, claiming that Democrats could only win by fraudulent means in November.

Watch for the voter fraud, because we win without voter fraud, he told the meeting of the national board of the police union in Charlotte on Friday. We win so easily.

Trump spoke to the Fraternal Order of Police, which has more than 370,000 members, just hours after the union endorsed him, as they did in 2016 and 2020. They most recently backed a Democrat in 1996, when President Bill Clinton was running for re-election.

He argued that police officers could make some voters afraid.

You can keep it down just by watching, because, believe it or not, theyre afraid of that badge, Trump told the group. Theyre afraid of you people. Theyre afraid of that more than anything else.

Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks to the Fraternal Order of Police in Charlotte, N.C., Friday, Sept. 6, 2024. He urged the members to watch for voter fraud ( AP )

Before a single ballot has been cast, Trump has claimed that the November election will be riddled with fraud as he prepares to possibly call the integrity of the election into question if he loses again. While he has told his followers to monitor voters, telling a police union to do so increasingly makes it appear as if hes pushing for voter intimidation.

Katie Reisner, a senior counsel at the nonpartisan States United Democracy Center, told The New York Times that election officials and law enforcement have tried for years to improve community relations surrounding the police and elections.

She added that Trumps statements could negatively affect years of planning and work.

The idea of Trump telling the Fraternal Order of Police to take matters into their own hands and kind of go rogue, its certainly not a positive from a healthy elections standpoint, she told The Times.

But its also really counter to a lot of work thats happening in a lot of jurisdictions to make sure that law enforcement are both adhering to the law and not surprising their communities on Election Day or during voting, she added.

Law enforcement has previously been sent out to intimidate certain voters in the US, such as in the Jim Crow-era South. Poll taxes and tests supposed to restrict the poll access of Black voters were used to enforce racist laws.

As recently as in 1981, New Jersey Republicans employed off-duty officers to monitor polling places in mostly Black communities. They carried weapons and wore armbands stating they were part of a ballot security task force, The Times noted.

A lawsuit followed, and the Republican National Committee had to adopt a consent decree for the next 40 years, requiring the GOP to get permission from the courts for any new ballot security efforts.

Police tend to play a smaller role in probing election-related crimes. Such violations are usually investigated by state agencies alongside election officials. But election denialists have pushed law enforcement to take a more active role since 2020.

Trump has told officers to be more aggressive and has praised police who have done so, and he has said that he will work to pass legislation to improve police protection. Back in May, he promised to give officers immunity from prosecution.
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 }}

The late Republican senator for Arizona, John McCain, wouldnt have supported Kamala Harris if he saw the state of the US-Mexico border, according to GOP vice presidential candidate JD Vance during a Phoenix campaign stop this week.

Look, one of the things I love about Donald Trump, and I never knew John McCain, but I suspect that one of the things that I would have loved about John McCain is that they didnt let their personal grievances get in the way of serving the country, Vance said on Thursday.

OK, so John McCain, Im sure, disagreed with Donald Trump on a whole host of issues. And, yes, Donald Trump disagreed with John McCain on a whole host of issues. I do not believe for a second that if John McCain were alive today, and he sees whats going on at the American southern border, that he would support Kamala Harris and all the destruction shes wrought.

The Trump-Vance campaign has frequently sought to paint Kamala Harris, who as Vice President worked with Central American countries to address root causes of migration, as the border czar personally responsible for the record number of migrant encounters at the U.S.-Mexico border last year.

Arizona, a battleground state with both a high proportion of anti-immigration conservatives and immigrants from Mexico, is a testing ground for the appeal of the Trumps campaigns border message.

According to those who knew John McCain, Vances sentiment missed the mark. John McCain was working for a solution to the border, not just politicizing it, Wes Gullet, McCains former state director, toldPolitico.

Republican vice presidential nominee, JD Vance, speaks at the Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix on September 5. He claimed the late John McCain, a border-state Republican, wouldnt support Harris due to her immigration and border record ( REUTERS )

In fact, one of McCains last actions in the Senate was to introduce a bipartisan border bill in 2018 - an effort with similarities to the Biden administrations bipartisan border bill that Trump encouraged Republicans in Congress to tank earlier this year.

Earlier this week, McCains youngest son Jimmy, a longtime member of the military, announced he would be supporting Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris after Trumps recent controversial visit to Arlington National Cemetery, where he was photographed giving a thumbs-up near graves of recently-fallen soldiers.

Vance appeared to brush off that endorsement during his Phoenix speech.

I mean, who cares what somebodys family thinks about a presidential race? Vance said, before arguing that the fact family members of Democratic VP pick Tim Walz support Trump is a bigger story than what John McCains son said.

McCains daughter, Meghan McCain, has also said that she wont vote for Trump, but remains a proud Republican and wont endorse Harris either.

I greatly respect the wide variety of political opinions of all of my family members and love them all very much, she tweeted.

In 2017, John McCain took to the Senate floor and gave a thumbs down gesture, indication his opposition to repealing the Affordable Care Act

Gullett, the former McCain official, said the views of the late senators family still carry weight in Arizona, a hotly contested battleground which President Joe Biden flipped to blue in 2020.

John McCain frequently criticized Trump, blasting him as dangerous during the 2016 campaign. The Arizona senator often issued scathing remarks that many saw as directed at his fellow Republican, including implications he was a draft dodger and a backer of half-baked, spurious nationalism.

The Arizona senator died in 2018 from brain cancer and Trump was not invited to his funeral, reportedly at McCains request.

Trump, who avoided the Vietnam War draft due to a medical condition, famously questioned whether McCain, a naval pilot who became a prisoner of war, really was a hero.

He was captured, Trump told an interviewer. Does being captured make you a hero? I am not sure.

In 2017, McCain cast a key vote that stopped the Trump administration from repealing the Affordable Care Act.
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 }}

Former President Jimmy Carter is talking about politics again following the ascension of Vice President Kamala Harris to the top of the Democratic ticket.

After my grandmother passed, he had a pretty long low period when he wasnt really engaging much at all, his eldest grandchild Jason Carter told The Washington Post. But now hes talking about politics again.

Two members of the Carter family told the paper that after the death of his wife, former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, in November last year, his health has worsened. He has been in hospice for 18 months.

As he watched President Joe Biden announce that he wasnt seeking re-election, he said, Thats sad.

But he has recently been talking more and engaging others about the 2024 race for the White House, apparently buoyed by the progress of the Harris campaign.

James Carter III, who goes by Chip, told The Post that the former president watched all of the speeches from the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

Former President Jimmy Carter greets attendees as he departs the funeral service for his wife, former first lady Rosalynn Carter, at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Ga., Nov. 29, 2023. Carter has begun talking about politics again after the nomination of Kamala Harris ( AP )

He thought Michelle Obama was the best, and he thought Kamala was great, too, the presidents son told the paper.

Carter is set to turn 100 on October 1, and several events have been planned, including a concert in Atlanta and a 100-mile bike ride close to his hometown of Plains, Georgia.

Chip Carter told his father that many think hes trying to stay alive to reach his birthday, something the former president rejected.

He said he didnt care about that. Its just a birthday. He said he cared about voting for Kamala Harris, Chip Carter told The Post.

Carters home state of Georgia is one of the key battleground states that will decide the outcome of the 2024 election. In 2020, Biden won the state by less than one percentage point. The Carter family told The Post that the former president is looking forward to sending in his mail vote for Harris.

He does not believe Donald Trump should be president again, Chip Carter told the paper.

No one knows how long Carter will live, with Jason Carter telling The Post, I really think at this point he has given up his thought of being in control. I think he is waiting for Gods plan to run its course.

On his late wifes birthday, August 18, Carter was taken to her grave near a pond at their home.

He was looking at her tombstone, and I started talking, and he told me to be quiet, Chip Carter said.

The former president sat in front of the grave for about 20 minutes, not saying a word.

No doubt he was praying, but he could have been just having a conversation with Mom, Chip Carter added.

The Democratic National Convention began the next day. He has been shielded from TV news, particularly the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. But he wouldnt miss the DNC.

It took most of the day to watch the convention session from the night before with some breaks, Chip Carter told The Post. He is big-time interested in this campaign.

Carter was the first president to appoint a Black woman to the cabinet, tapping Patricia Roberts Harris to lead the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
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 }}

Texas has sued the federal government to try and get around federal health privacy protections so officials can get information on women who've had out-of-state abortions.

The state filed a lawsuit on Wednesday in Lubbock, Texas, targeting a law enacted in 2000 to protect Americans' medical privacy. In April, an addition to the law prohibited the disclosing of medical records for criminal or civil investigations if they dealt with the mere act of seeking, obtaining, providing or facilitating reproductive health care.

In simple terms: if an entity wants to bring a criminal or civil suit against a woman who sought an abortion outside of the state, under the current law they cannot access her records. Texas is suing to get access to those records and will use them to prosecute anyone who assists a woman who leaves the state to have an abortion.

The lawsuit argues that the current rules contradict other federal laws that allow investigators to access protected medical records for "law enforcement purposes."

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said the change to federal law was a "backdoor attempt" to weaken Texas's strict anti-abortion legislation, according to the New York Times.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton speaks during the annual Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) meeting on February 23, 2024, in National Harbor, Maryland. Paxton is fighting federal laws protecting the private medical records of women who have traveled out of Texas to receive abortions ( AFP via Getty Images )

The Biden administrations motive is clear: to subvert lawful state investigations on issues that the courts have said the states may investigate," he said.

The April regulation was a response to abortion bans in Republican state legislatures following the Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v Wade in 2022. Several states, including Texas, are trying to expand their bans to include women who travel out of state to seek reproductive health care services.

While it's currently unclear if Texas has tried to dig up the records of women who have traveled out of state for abortions, Paxton has demanded records concerning gender-transition procedures conducted in Washington state and Georgia.

A judge blocked his attempts to access those records in March.

States have worked with investigators to dig into individual's medical records, but that is typically when the investigation is focused on fraud that involves a person's health claims, according to the Times.

The federal government has made clear it does not want Texas poking around in women's medical records, and several states with Democratic legislatures have passed laws or executive orders to protect women and their doctors from states with far-reaching abortion bans.
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 wants his supporters to know that even if he loses his upcoming debate with Vice President Kamala Harris, he really won.

During a rally in Mosinee, Wisconsin on Saturday, Trump prepped his base, telling them that even if he does well in his debate with Harris, he'll still be blasted by the media.

"If I destroy her in the debate, they'll say Trump suffered a humiliating debate tonight," he told a crowd of MAGA faithful on Saturday.

While it's no secret that Trump  who for years has called members of the press enemies of the US and encouraged his crowd to boo them at his rallies  is regularly fact checked by reporters, few people leapt to Joe Biden's defense after his disastrous performance earlier this year.

Biden's poor debate performance  and the resulting pressure from the public, press, and other Democratic lawmakers  led to him ultimately dropping out of the presidential race in July.

Trump at a campaign event at Central Wisconsin Airport, in Mosinee ( AP )

Despite that, Trump is insisting that he'll be treated unfairly by the media after his upcoming debate. But that may just be expectation setting by the former president.

In addition to trashing the broader media, Trump has already specifically attacked the network hosting the debate, ABC News, calling it the "worst network in terms of fairness."

Some Republicans are privately afraid that Trump will blow his debate performance, according to a recent report from Politico.

I think  I pray  he can be disciplined, Tricia McLaughlin, a Republican strategist, told the outlet.

But she also admitted that her prayers may not be answered.

If Trump feels like hes backed into a corner and feels like its three on one, that could be a problem, she said.

Trump's own words suggest her fears may be well founded.

Podcaster Lex Friedman, who tends to be friendly to right-wing guests, recently spoke with Trump and encouraged him to share a "positive vision of the future" rather than criticizing his opponent.

Senator Lindsey Graham expressed a similar position in a New York Times op-ed.

Every day that the candidates trade insults is a good day for [Harris] because its one less day that she has to defend the failures of the Biden-Harris administration, he said.

Trump disagreed.

Yeah, I think you have to criticize though, he told the podcaster. I think theyre nasty.

Trump and Harris will face off on ABC on September 10 in Philadelphia at 9pm EST.
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 }}

Vice President Kamala Harris and former president Donald Trump are set to face off against each other for the first time on the national debate stage on Tuesday and how they perform under the limitations of the rules will be under a microscope.

After several days of back-and-forth, the two candidates finally agreed to comply with the same rules that Trump and President Joe Biden used during the first presidential debate back in June.

That includes muted microphones, no pre-written notes, no live audience, no sitting, and no speaking with campaign staff between commercial breaks.

Though many of the rules are standard for presidential debates, the originally agreed-up regulations could put Harris at a disadvantage since she has a different skill set than President Joe Biden.

Here are the rules for Tuesdays debate in Philadelphia and who stands to benefit.

Muted mics

Microphones will be live only when the candidate whose turn it is to speak is talking. Otherwise, they will remain muted.

This was a rule that Biden and Trump initially agreed upon. But its one that Harris tried to change once she became the Democratic presidential nominee.

Despite Trump saying it doesnt matter to him whether microphones stay on, his team threatened to pull out of the debate if the rules were changed.

Former president Donald Trump during the first presidential debate against President Joe Biden. Audiences and the media agreed that Trump prevailed in the first debate ( Getty Images )

Trump is notorious for interrupting people and making snide comments when he is being attacked. During his civil and criminal trials, judges have scolded the former president for speaking out of turn in the courtroom.

Brian Fallon, a top aide for Harris, wrote on X that Trumps handlers dont trust him to spar live.

Ultimately, Harris agreed to the muted microphone rule but Fallon told ABC News that Harris would be fundamentally disadvantaged.

However, a pool of journalists will be permitted in the hall and can report on remarks that are muted for television audiences, according to AP.

No prepared notes or help

Candidates cannot bring pre-written notes or props to the podium and must stand for the entire duration. They will be given a pen, pad of paper and water bottle. Additionally, campaign staff may not interact with either candidate during the two commercial breaks.

Improvising is neither Harris nor Trumps strong suit but the former president has more experience doing so than Harris.

Vice President Kamala Harris during the 2020 vice presidential debate. Audiences largely considered Harris to be the winner of that debate ( AFP via Getty Images )

Trump goes on long-winded, off-topic tangents at rallies, press conferences and during interviews. But hes good at praising his agenda and policies while tearing down Democrats, although sometimes it results in him making extreme statements.

As a former prosecutor, Harris excels in getting to the point concisely and clearly. But when asked to improvise, she can stumble and say things that are easily misconstrued. In previous interviews, she has been mocked or criticized for misspeaking.

No opening statements

There will be no opening statements during the debate, only closing statements. Trump has won a coin toss and chose the order of statements. Harris will give the first closing statement and Trump will go last.

The former president is at a slight advantage since he can hear all of Harriss talking points before delivering the final word of the debate.

Moderators will ask the questions

Only the moderators of the debate, David Muir and Linsey Davis, will be permitted to ask questions and there will be no live audience.

This means candidates must answer the question in full, and give a rebuttal in a direct and easy-to-understand way, because it will be a slightly more formal setting than previous debates.

Harris has a slight advantage to the former president in this aspect because she is better at remaining on topic and hitting multiple points more quickly than Trump.

The debate will air on ABC News beginning at 9 p.m. ET on Tuesday.
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 claimed Israel will be gone if Kamala Harris wins the election, during a speech to the Republican Jewish Coalition in Las Vegas.

If they win, Israel is gone. Just remember that. If they win, Israel is gone, Trump told the crowd via live video feed on Thursday. You can forget about Israel, thats whats going to happen. So they have to get out on Nov. 5 and they have to vote for Trump. If they dont, I think its going to be a very terrible situation.

He also claimed Jews who vote for Democrats need to have their head examined and wondered: How do they exist? He also claimed if Harris becomes president, youre not going to have an Israel...Israel will no longer exist.

During the speech, the former president appeared to initially misstate the last name of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, an Israel-American hostage killed by Hamas, as Goldman.

Goldberg-Polin was one of six hostages found dead in Gaza last week, which prompted widespread protests across Israel as residents demand faster progress on returning the remaining Hamas captives, and ending the war nearly a year after the militant groups initial October 7 invasion.

The Republican presidential candidates remarks to the group in Vegas were met with a mix of praise and criticism. A longtime member of the RJC told The Dispatch that the room largely viewed Trump as the superior candidate to Harris.

People may have lingering concerns or they wish maybe their preferred primary candidate would have prevailed, the member said. But everybody here I think isnot everybody, but the vast majority of people arepractical, living in the real world, and they understand that its a binary choice and most people think thats a very easy choice.

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump appears via live video feed at the Republican Jewish Coalition annual leadership summit on September 5 in Las Vegas ( AP )

Caroline Glick, an Israel-based policy expert and political commentator, said on X after the speech Trump was on fire at the RJC event.

Others argued that Trumps remarks, which echo claims he has made on the campaign trail, were both inaccurate and antisemitic.

The Harris campaign says it will strongly support Israel if the Vice President wins the White House in November, while also pushing for a ceasefire with Hamas and the return of hostages. The Democrats campaign accused Trump of being an insincere ally to Jewish people.

Donald Trump openly demeans Jewish Americans, proudly dined with a neo-Nazi, and reportedly thinks Adolf Hitler did some good things, Harris-Walz 2024 spokesperson Morgan Finkelstein said in a statement to Politico.

He has said the only people he wants counting his money are short guys wearing yarmulkes, and praised neo-Nazis who chanted Jews will not replace us as very fine people.

Others echoed that criticism. For centuries antisemites have depicted Jews as existential threats lurking inside the countries they inhabit, Rob Eshman wrote in the Forward, a Jewish news publication. Trump makes the same charges, not against all Jews, just against the ones who refuse to vote for him  which is most Jews.

He added: Theres a word for hatred directed at Jews you disagree with. The word is: antisemitism.

Halie Soifer, CEO of the Jewish Democratic Council of America, had a similar view, tellingThe Washington Post, This is antisemitism, plain and simple, and if any other elected official or candidate said these things even once  let alone on a nearly daily basis  they would be condemned as antisemitic.

In office, Trumps actions on Israel won praise from the countrys prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, but did not earn him the support of most U.S. Jews, nearly three-quarters of whom identify as Democrats.

Many young Jewish people have also been at the forefront of pro-Palestinian activism across the U.S. since October 7, and are unlikely to side with Trump on Israel issues.

During the Trump administration, the U.S. recognized Jerusalem as the Israeli capital; formally recognized Israels annexation of the Golan Heights; and pulled out of the Iran nuclear deal.

The Trump administration also helped usher in the Abraham Accords, through which the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain became the first Gulf states to formally normalize relations with Israel.
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 }}

Thousands of people have taken to the streets across France to protest president Emmanuel Macrons decision to appoint former Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier as prime minister  with left-wing parties accusing him of a power grab.

The left, led by the far-left France Unbowed (LFI) party, has accused Mr Macron of a denial of democracy and stealing the election after the president refused to pick the candidate of the New Popular Front (NFP) alliance that came top in the July vote.

In Paris, protesters gathered at Place de la Bastille and tensions ran high as police prepared for potential clashes. Some carried placards reading Where is my vote?

At the head of the Parisian procession, LFIs leader Jean-Luc Melenchon spoke passionately, declaring that the French people are in rebellion. They have entered into revolution.

There will be no pause, no truce. I call you to a long-term battle, he added.

In the southwestern city of Montauban, a rally speaker told the crowd that the people have been ignored. Other protests took place in some 150 locations nationwide.

While Mr Barnier was meeting with healthcare workers at Necker Hospital in Pairs for his first official visit as prime minister, opponents say the unrest in the streets is shaping his governments future. Mr Barnier, who is working to assemble his cabinet, expressed a commitment to listening to public concerns, particularly about Frances public services.

Jordan Bardella, leader of the far-right National Rally (RN), warned that Mr Barnier was under surveillance by his party as well. Mr Bardella, speaking at the Chalons-en-Champagne fair, called for the prime minister to include his partys priorities in his agenda, particularly regarding national security and immigration.

Jean-Luc Melenchon, leader of French far-left opposition party France Unbowed (LFI) in Paris ( Reuters )

Mr Barnier, 73, is the oldest of the 26 prime ministers that have served modern Frances Fifth Republic. He replaces the youngest, Gabriel Attal, who was 34 when he was appointed just eight months ago.

Mr Attal was forced to resign after Mr Macrons centrist government performed poorly in the July snap legislative elections. Mr Macron called the election in the hopes of securing a clear mandate, but it instead produced a hung parliament, leaving the president without a legislative majority and plunging his administration into turmoil.

Mr Attal was also Frances first openly gay prime minister. French media and some of Mr Macrons opponents, who immediately criticised Mr Barniers appointment, quickly dug up that when serving in parliament in 1981, the new prime minister had been among 155 legislators who voted against a law that decriminalised homosexuality.

Though Mr Barnier brings five decades of political experience, his appointment offers no guarantee of resolving the crisis. His challenge is immense; he must form a government that can navigate a fractured National Assembly, where the political spectrum is deeply divided between the far left, far right, and Mr Macrons weakened centrist bloc. The outcome of the snap poll, far from providing clarity, has only served to destabilise both the country and Mr Macrons grip on power.

The presidents decision to turn to Mr Barnier, a seasoned political operator with deep ties to the European Union, is seen as an attempt to bring stability to French politics. And Mr Barnier, who gained prominence as the EU's chief Brexit negotiator, has faced daunting tasks before.

Critics say Mr Macron, elected on the promise of a break from the old political order, now finds himself battling the instability he once promised to overcome.

Associated Press
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails 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 Italian culture minister has resigned days after tearfully apologising to his wife for having an affair.

Gennaro Sangiuliano tendered his resignation on Friday nearly two weeks after the rumours of his affair with consultant Maria Rosaria Boccia began.

The scandal included speculation that Boccia had been given access to sensitive government documents pertaining to an upcoming Group of Seven (G7) culture ministers meeting.

It erupted last month when Sangiuliano denied Boccias announcement on social media that she had formally been appointed as an adviser for major events in the ministry.

Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni accepted the resignation of Sangiuliano, a member of her far-right Brothers of Italy party, calling him an honest man.

In an interview Wednesday on RAI state television, Sangiuliano said Boccias appointment had never been finalised due to the potential conflict of interest related to the affair.

Gennaro Sangiuliano (C) leaves the ministry, in Rome, Italy, on Friday after tendering his resignation ( EPA )

He also said that he had personally footed the bill for her expenses while on ministry business, and insisted that she never had access to sensitive government material. He said he had broken off the brief affair on 8 August.

The first person I must apologise to, an exceptional person, is my wife, Sangiuliano said tearfully. I apologise to Giorgia Meloni, who trusted me, for creating embarrassment for her and for the government.

Boccia has since filled her Instagram feed with rebuttals as Sangiuliano tried to tamp down the firestorm surrounding her.

They included a recording that appeared to confirm her appointment and her insistence that the ministry had always paid for her expenses despite Sangiulianos denials.

Sangiuliano put his mark on the ministry by replacing foreigners who were directors at top Italian museums and installing a new head of the Venice Biennale to counter what some saw as years of left-wing bias. He also backed a new five-euro entrance fee to the Pantheon, Italys most visited cultural site.

In a statement, Meloni thanked him for his extraordinary work that permitted the Italian government to deliver important results in the relaunch and valorization of the great Italian cultural heritage, also beyond national borders.

Meloni was on hand later for the swearing in of Alesandro Giuli, head of Romes MAXXI museum of contemporary art and architecture for nearly two years, as the new culture minister.
Ukraine took more than 300 square miles of the Kursk region in the first month of its counter-invasion of Russia, raising morale at home and challenging a growing sense in the West that stalemate was the best Kyiv could hope for. Yet as a daring incursion looks set to become an open-ended occupation, doubts are growing about its long-term wisdom.

When Ukrainian forces crossed the Russian border on 6 August, Kyiv was tight-lipped about its objectives, both to keep Moscow guessing and also because it did not want to set itself up for a fall. It needed a victory for both foreign and domestic audiences. Since then, though, the goals seem to have changed  and gaps opened between the military and political leadership.

General Oleksandr Syrskyi, the military commander behind the daring operation, has largely highlighted the need to take pressure off the beleaguered Donbas front, where Russian forces continue to grind forwards.

President Volodymyr Zelensky, though, is increasingly talking of maintaining a buffer zone and a potential bargaining chip for eventual negotiations. Speaking to a US TV channel on Tuesday, he said that at the moment, we need it, and that this land could be held indefinitely as it was part of his still-unrevealed victory plan.

There is, however, a huge difference between overwhelming scattered and poorly trained conscript defence forces and using the Ukrainians mobility and elan to grab a piece of an under-defended border region and holding it.

The Russians have the advantage in firepower but lack the ability to quickly bring it to bear on the small units of fast-moving attackers. As soon as the Ukrainians move into the defence, consolidating their forces in fixed defensive positions, they will become an easier target for Russia's artillery and glide bombs.

So far, Vladimir Putin has not taken the bait and transferred seasoned troops from the Donbas front. The pace of Russia's advance has actually accelerated, as exhausted Ukrainians, their reserves committed instead to Kursk, fall back towards crucial objectives such as the strategic railway junction of Pokrovsk, now just six miles from the front line.

Putin has made the ruthless calculation that for now, a scratch force of conscripts and reservists must try to contain the Kursk incursion, because it is more important to maintain the momentum in Donbas.

The question is whether Zelensky risks overreaching. A cautionary tale is the city of Bakhmut, over which the bloodiest battle in Europe since the Second World War was fought. Originally, Kyiv intended to try to hold it against the Russian advance only so long as it made sense to try and slow the invaders and bleed them of some of their best assault troops. Then, the plan was that there would be a controlled withdrawal.

The aftermath of Ukrainian strikes on Kursk last month ( AFP/Getty )

Instead, though, it became a grudge match in which both sides became obsessed with a strategically irrelevant city. It finally fell in May 2023, after 10-and-a-half months of brutal fighting that left the city in ruins.

The Russians suffered more than 100,000 dead or wounded, but at least 20,000 of them were former convicts recruited by the Wagner mercenary army. Ukraines 25,000-40,000 casualties, by contrast, included many of their best troops.

Meanwhile, Moscow is vengefully pounding Ukrainian cities as far west as Lviv, and targeting the countrys power grid as winter approaches, according to their own ruthless plan.

They also have some good news for a change, with Russian propagandists crowing that Putin was able to visit Mongolia with impunity. The country is a member of the International Criminal Court, but even though there is an arrest warrant on war crimes charges for Putin, the Mongolians made no attempt to detain him, mindful of its dependence on Russian energy and the views of its other neighbour, China.

Firefighters extinguish a fire following an air attack in the Odesa region ( AFP/Getty )

In any case, while many Russians are angry at Putin for failing to protect Kursk (even some loyalists are daring cautious public criticism), they feel that it is not the time to rock the boat during a foreign invasion.

Conversely, Zelensky is beginning to face a backlash from those who feel defending Ukrainian territory is more important than taking Russias. He is currently embarking on his most comprehensive government reshuffle since the start of the war, and much now depends on how Ukrainians respond to his new team, and what Western allies make of his victory plan.

As one British diplomat wondered, Is it going to be more substantial than his 10-point peace plan, that was never more than a political statement?

The Kursk attack began as a brilliant success. The fear in Kyiv and the West is that there is still time for triumph to become tragedy. However, the British diplomat did warn against premature pessimism: Time and again, the Ukrainians have surprised us for the better.
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 boasted of a very good relationship with both Volodymyr Zelensky and Vladimir Putin on Friday as he hosted the Ukrainian leader for a meeting at his New York City skyscraper.

The former president also repeated a bizarre boast that he could, if re-elected in November, negotiate an end to the nearly three-year Russian war against Ukraine.

Trump, who was impeached in 2019 for using American defense assistance to pressure Zelensky to launch sham investigations into President Joe Biden and his son, was being briefed on Kyivs latest plan for victory against Putin.

We have a very good relationship, he told reporters as he stood with Zelensky. And I also have a very good relationship, as you know, with President Putin. And if we win, I think were going to get it resolved very quickly, he said.

Zelensky quickly interjected: I hope we have more good relations between us.

Zelensky said he and Trump share a common view that the war ... has to be stopped, and Putin cant win and Ukrainians have to prevail.

And I want to discuss with you the details of our plan, he added.

Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump meets with Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky at Trump Tower, Friday 27 September in New York ( AP )

For his part, Trump said he and Zelensky have had a great relationship, citing Zelenskys decision to deny that Trump had exerted any pressure on him during the July 2019 phone call in which hed linked sending Javelin anti-tank missiles to Zelenskys announcement of investigations into the Bidens.

So we're going to sit down just discuss it, and if we have a win, I think long before January 20, before I would take the presidency ... I think that we can work out something that's good for both sides. It's time, he said.

Trump had previously cancelled plans to meet with the Ukrainian leader after Zelensky sparked GOP outrage by visiting the Scranton Army Ammunition Plant in the battleground state of Pennsylvania over the weekend.

He reversed course late Thursday after Zelenskys meeting with Harris, during which the Democratic presidential nominee told Zelensky that her support for Kyivs defense is unwavering.

In what appeared to be a veiled swipe at Trump and his Republican allies, Harris admitted to Zelensky that there are some in the US who would instead force Ukraine to give up large parts of its sovereign territory, who would demand that Ukraine accept neutrality, and would require Ukraine to forgo security relationships with other nations.

These proposals are the same as those of Putin, and let us be clear: They are not proposals for peace. Instead, they are proposals for surrender, which is dangerous and unacceptable, she said.

Zelensky has been in the United States for the UN General Assembly, where on Wednesday he warned world leaders that Russian President Vladimir Putin is attempting to break the Ukrainian spirit by targeting his countrys energy infrastructure. He also cautioned against accepting purported peace deals that would be negotiated without Ukraine having a say.

Any parallel or alternative attempts to seek peace are, in fact, efforts to achieve an out instead of an end to the war, he said, adding later that he was skeptical of the true interest behind a recent push by China and Brazil to foster an end to the conflict.

When some propose alternatives, half-hearted settlement plans, so-called sets of principles, it not only ignores the interests and suffering of Ukrainians ... it not only ignores reality, but also gives Putin the political space to continue the war, he said.

Earlier in the week, Zelensky also toured a Pennsylvania plant where munitions destined for his armed forces are being made. That visit drew anger from Republicans, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, who called for Zelensky to fire the Ukrainian ambassador to the US in response. Johnsons outrage was supposedly due to no Republicans being invited along to the tour of the plant, though White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre dismissed it as a political stunt by the GOP at a press conference on Thursday afternoon.
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 international world order is under threat in a way not seen since the Cold War, the heads of MI6 and the CIA have warned.

In the first joint op-ed penned by the leaders of the British and American intelligence services in their shared 77-year history, the MI6 chief Sir Richard Moore and CIA director William Burns warned that both countries now face an unprecedented array of threats.

Writing in the Financial Times, the intelligence leaders reflected on their decades of cooperation over the course of two world wars and in their fight against terrorism, warning: The challenges of the past are being accelerated in the present, and compounded by technological change.

There is no question that the international world order  the balanced system that has led to relative peace and stability and delivered rising living standards, opportunities and prosperity  is under threat in a way we havent seen since the cold war, they wrote.

For both agencies, the rise of China is the principal intelligence and geopolitical challenge of the 21st century, and we have reorganised our services to reflect that priority, they said.

And they warned that staying the course in resisting Vladimir Putins war in Ukraine is more vital than ever, saying that Russia will not succeed in extinguishing Ukraines sovereignty and independence.

The spymasters criticised the reckless campaign of sabotage across Europe being waged by Russian intelligence, and its cynical use of technology to spread lies and disinformation designed to drive wedges between us.

In the 21st century, crises dont come sequentially, they wrote. While significant attention and resources are being deployed against Russia, we are acting together in other places and spaces to counter the risk of global instability.

Britains MI6 chief Richard Moore and CIA director Bill Burns were interviewed by Roula Khalaf, editor of the Financial Times ( Reuters )

Speaking on Saturday in London at an unprecedented joint appearance alongside Sir Richard, Mr Burns warned of the growing and troubling defence relationship between Russia, China, Iran and North Korea.

Following reports by CNN and the Wall Street Journal that Tehran had defied G7 threats of further sanctions by supplying Moscow with hundreds of short-range ballistic missiles, Mr Burns warned that such a move would mark a dramatic escalation of the relationship between Iran and Russia.

North Korea has sent ammunition and missiles to Russia to use against Ukraine, while Iran supplies Moscow with attack drones. Mr Burns said the CIA had yet to see evidence of China sending weapons to Russia, but we see a lot of things short of that.

With Ukraine currently urging Western allies to allow Kyiv to use their weapons to strike targets within Russia, Mr Burns said the West should be mindful of the escalation risk but not be unnecessarily intimidated by Russian sabre-rattling.

Disclosing that he had been sent by the US president Joe Biden to meet one of his Russian counterparts earlier in the conflict in order to warn him of the consequences of the use of nuclear weapons, he said: There was a moment in the fall of 2022 when I think there was a genuine risk of the potential use of tactical nuclear weapons.

Ukraines president Volodymyr Zelensky has urged allies to allow Kyiv to strike Russian territory with Western weapons ( AFP via Getty )

Weve continued to be very direct about that. So I dont think we can afford to be intimidated by that sabre-rattling or bullying.

Sir Richard added: I think Russian intelligence services has gone a bit feral, frankly, in some of their behaviour. The fact that they are using criminal elements shows you that theyre becoming a bit desperate ... its become a bit more amateurish.

He added: Amateurish can actually be more reckless and more dangerous as well.

The spymasters insisted that their agencies have exploited our intelligence channels to push hard for restraint and de-escalation in the Middle East.

They wrote: Our services are working ceaselessly to achieve a ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza, which could end the suffering and appalling loss of life of Palestinian civilians and bring home the hostages after 11 months of hellish confinement by Hamas.

Mr Burns, who is also the chief US negotiator in talks between Israel and Hamas, told the FT Weekend Festival that a more detailed ceasefire proposal would be made in the next several days.

After 11 months of conflict in Gaza sparked by Hamass cross-border attack on Israel on 7 October, Mr Burns said he was working very hard on texts and creative formulas with mediators Qatar and Egypt to secure a ceasefire.

While 90 per cent of the paragraphs have been agreed, the last 10 per cent are always the hardest, Mr Burns said, adding that it was a question of political will and that he hoped leaders on both sides recognised the time has come finally to make some hard choices and some difficult compromises.

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 }}

The United Nations and the White House have called for a thorough investigation after a US-Turkish woman was fatally shot during a protest in the occupied West Bank.

Aysenur Ezgi Eygi was shot in the head by Israeli forces on Friday, during a weekly protest against West Bank settlements in the town of Beita, near the city of Nablus, according to the Palestinian news agency Wafa.

The 26-year-old had only arrived on Tuesday as a volunteer with the International Solidarity Movement, Al Jazeera reported.

Aysenur Ezgi Eygi was a recent psychology graduate from the University of Washington ( @hzomlot/X )

The Israeli military said on Friday that it was looking into reports that a foreign national was killed.

Today, during Israeli security forces activity adjacent to the area of Beita, the forces responded with fire toward a main instigator of violent activity who hurled rocks at the forces and posed a threat to them, it said on the social media platform X.

The IDF is looking into reports that a foreign national was killed as a result of shots fired in the area. The details of the incident and the circumstances in which she was hit are under review, it added.

White House national security council spokesperson Sean Savett said Washington was deeply disturbed by the tragic death of an American citizen.

We have reached out to the government of Israel to ask for more information and request an investigation into the incident, he added.

Stephane Dujarric, the spokesperson for the UNs secretary general Antonio Guterres, said: We would want to see a full investigation of the circumstances and that people should be held accountable.

Palestinians survey the damage after Israeli forces raided the West Bank city of Jenin on Friday ( AP Photo/Nasser Nasser )

Civilians must be protected at all times, Mr Dujarric added.

Eygi, from Seattle, was a recent psychology graduate from the University of Washington, according to her Linkedin profile.

In a statement, Eygis family urged Joe Biden to pursue an independent Washington probe into her killing, and described her as a fiercely passionate human rights activist who had recently participated in college campus protests against US support for Israels war in Gaza.

Her death comes weeks after the village of Jit was attacked by around 100 masked settlers, who fired guns, burned homes and threw Molotov cocktails at vehicles, killing one Palestinian  a 23 year old named as Mahmoud Abdel Qader Sadda  and badly injuring others, health officials said.

In July, the US imposed new sanctions on an Israeli settler group and four unauthorised outposts in the occupied West Bank, two months after the UK also announced further sanctions on extremist Israeli groups inciting and perpetrating settler violence against Palestinian communities.

An undated family photo provided by the International Solidarity Movement shows Aysenur Ezgi Eygi ( AP )

More than 600 Palestinians in the West Bank have been killed by Israeli fire since Hamass attack on 7 October triggered the war in Gaza, according to the Palestinian health ministry. Most have died during near-daily raids by the Israeli military.

Over the past 10 days, dozens of Palestinians have reportedly been killed in the deadliest Israeli operation since the war with Hamas began 11 months ago, as its forces targeted the Jenin refugee camp, employing what the United Nations called lethal war-like tactics.

Water and electric services were cut, families confined to their homes and ambulances evacuating the wounded were slowed on their way to nearby hospitals, as Israeli soldiers searched for militants.

And in a separate incident on Friday near Beita, in the village of Qaryut, a 13-year-old girl was killed by Israeli gunfire, Palestinian health officials said, after settlers attacked the village.

Demonstrators sit before Israeli border guards during a protest vigil in Beit Jala in the occupied West Bank this week ( AFP via Getty )

The girls father was quoted by Wafa as saying she was in their home when it was hit by gunfire. The Israeli military said it was investigating after its troops had fired in the air to disperse what it described as violent confrontations between dozens of settlers and Palestinians in the area.

Israel captured the West Bank, Gaza and east Jerusalem in the 1967 war. It has since built scores of settlements in the West Bank occupied by hundreds of thousands of settlers with Israeli citizenship, while the three million Palestinians in the West Bank live under Israeli military rule.

According to the UN, the population of Israeli settlers living in some 279 settlements grew from 520,000 to more than 700,000 in the decade to 2022, many of which are illegal under Israeli law as well as international law.

The UNs human rights council was told in May that, in line with the expansion of such settlements, attacks against Palestinians last year reached the highest levels ever recorded, with Israel failing to investigate and prosecute such crimes against Palestinians committed by settlers and Israeli forces.

Additional reporting by agencies
Police detained a man during a Palestine Solidarity Campaign national march, the 18th national march since October 2023, in central London on Saturday, 7 September.

The march was briefly paused when at least two counter-protesters blocked its progress outside the Park Lane Hotel near Green Park.

Campaigners, watched by police officers, set off from Piccadilly Circus shortly after 1.30pm.

Protesters held signs reading Starmer has blood on his hands and stop the war coalition.

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: Officers intervened to prevent a breach of the peace involving two opposing groups.

During this, two arrests were made. An investigation is currently under way and we will update further when were able to.
A burglar who climbed on a tall structure in an attempt to flee police was rescued by officers in New York City on 3 September, newly-released footage shows.

Detectives from the NYPDs hostage negotiation team and Special Operations Emergency Service Unit were deployed to ensure the individual was brought down safely.

The NYPD said the man had earlier assaulted police and endangered their lives during the rescue, commending officers for exhibiting remarkable professionalism.

Officers rappelled him down to safety where he was taken into custody, an NYPD statement added.
Spanish police seized almost 3,000 litres of fake olive oil which could have been sold for 20,500 (17,313) from Huelva, newly-released video shows.

Guardia Civil officials shared footage of the operation from February, showing officers unpacking boxes containing containers of the liquid.

Authorities said they intercepted a vehicle from Portugal that was transporting large quantities of oils, supposedly from olive oil, and adhesive labels to re-label the containers with no correct documentation to trace its origin of production.

The oil was found to be lampante oil, sunflower oil, and unclassified oil, which did not match the characteristics described on the seized labels.

Six people are under investigation, police said.
Former prime minister Tony Blair discusses his new book On Leadership: Lessons for the 21st Century in a wide-ranging interview with The Independents editor-in-chief, Geordie Greig.

Touching upon his experience of power and leadership, Blair spoke of meeting and trying to work with the likes of Vladimir Putin on the world stage, what Brexit, the past 14 years under the Conservatives showcases about political decision-making and how Silvio Berlusconi helped deliver the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Blair also discusses his marriage to Cherie Blair and the advice he has given to his children.
Regulator move greeted with shock as it had already faced criticism for shortcomings

The director of the unit is moving to another job and will not be replaced, the Irish Independent has learned.

The move means there will be no senior leader with overall responsibility for consumer protection. It will inevitably be seen as a downgrade of the area within the Central Bank.

News of the development has come as a shock to consumer advocates.

Criticism has been consistently levelled at the regulator over the perceived lack of priority it shows consumer protection, an allegation it rejects.

A string of overcharging scandals in recent years have raised questions about the consumer protection function in the Central Bank.

It has taken flak for its role in the banking collapse from 2008 on, the tracker mortgage scandal, the sale of mortgages to vulture funds, the collapse of Custom House Capital, the departure of KBC and Ulster Bank, insurance company failures and for inadequacies with its fitness and probity regime.

Now, the Central Bank has admitted it is abolishing its consumer protection directorate as a standalone entity. But it insists it is not downgrading its consumer protection activities and is instead redistributing the 169 consumer protection staff to other divisions.

This will see them moving to the likes of the banking and payments directorate and the insurance directorate, where they will continue to have responsibility for consumer protection, but will operate as part of an integrated team.

Colm Kincaid is stepping down as director of consumer protection in the Central Bank and wont be replaced. He took up the role in August 2021.

Asked if the reshuffle will weaken the role of consumer protection in the Central Bank, given it has been regularly criticised for being weak in this area, the regulator insisted that consumer protection is a core part of its mandate.

The Central Bank said: The changes to our supervisory approach announced in July, in line with our strategy, are about ensuring we can continue to deliver on that mandate in the future  so that consumers of financial services are protected in a changing and increasingly complex and interconnected financial landscape. The changes will come into effect at the start of January, 2025.

It said that although its organisational structure was changing, its statutory mandate remains unchanged.

Responsibility for consumer and investor protection remains core to the role of deputy governor (consumer and investor protection) Derville Rowland and the senior leadership team led by governor Gabriel Makhlouf. It said: In the new structure, our focus on the protection of consumers will be strengthened by integrating and embedding it explicitly in the supervisory responsibilities of the directors in the financial regulation area of the Central Bank.

The changes will mean the directors responsible for banking, insurance and capital markets will also have responsibility for the protection of consumers in their sector, the Central Bank said.

The changes, along with the modernisation of the Central Banks consumer code, will position us better as an organisation to meet our objectives to ensure consumers are protected, it said.

Consumer advocate and founder of Askaboutmoney.com, Brendan Burgess, was surprised when told about the disbanding of the consumer protection directorate in the central bank.

He said: That seems weird. I cant see that it makes any sense. You need a strong consumer advocate, but they werent doing the job particularly well. They are reactive instead of proactive.

Mr Burgess said the move by the regulator to dispense with a director-level position with responsibility for overseeing consumer protection seems to be a demotion of the consumer protection role when that area should be promoted.

I can see the logic of having consumer protection people in each division, but consumer protection needs a strong advocate focused on consumer issues, or else consumer issues will fall by the wayside.

Mr Burgess said the banking collapse 16 years ago prompted the merging of the Central Bank with the Financial Services Regulatory Authority, whose mandate was consumer protection. He added that since that merger, there have been calls for a consumer financial protection agency.
I know so many learners who have benefited from going to Kneecap concerts: Molly Nic Ceile on making the Irish language fun again

From the Belfast rappers to An Cailin Ciuin, speaking Irish is having a mainstream moment. Now the YouTuber wants to take the fear out of learning our native tongue

Molly Nic Ceile: Music is a very powerful way to pick up Irish. Photo: Steve Humphreys

Edaein OConnell Sat 7 Sep 2024 at 03:30







Molly Nic Ceiles favourite Irish seanfhocail is maireann croi eadrom i bhfad. In English, it means a light heart lives long and emphasises the importance of letting go and living life with a sense of humour.
Nicole Kidman has said her heart is broken following the death of her mother (Jordan Pettitt/PA)

Nicole Kidman has been unable to receive her award for best actress at the Venice Film Festival in person after the death of her beautiful, brave mother.

Kidman, 57, won the award for her performance as a CEO having an affair with a young intern, played by Harris Dickinson, in director Halina Reijns Babygirl.

Speaking to the audience at the festival on Saturday night via a note read out by Reijn, Kidman said her heart is broken.

Halina Reijn read out a note on Kidmans behalf (Ian West/PA)

It read: Today I arrived in Venice to find out shortly after, that my beautiful, brave mother Janelle Ann Kidman has just passed.

I am in shock and I have to go to my family, but this award is for her, she shaped me, she guided me, and she made me.

I am beyond grateful that I get to say her name to all of you through Halina, the collision of life and art is heart-breaking, and my heart is broken.

We love you all.

The 81st edition of the film festival closed on Saturday, with Pedro Almodovars English-language debut The Room Next Door winning the festivals most prestigious prize, the Golden Lion, which is awarded for best film.

The movie, which stars Julianne Moore and Tilda Swinton, received a nearly 20-minute standing ovation when it premiered at the festival.

Venices last day also saw the world premiere of Horizon: An American Saga  Chapter 2, and Vincent Lindon win best actor for his performance as a single father whose son is radicalised by the far right in French drama The Quiet Son.

The Luigi De Laurentiis award for a debut film was won by Sarah Friedlands Familiar Touch, about an octogenarians transition to life in assisted living as she grapples with her age, memory and relationship to her caregivers.

The festival has seen the world premiere of Todd Phillips Joker: Folie A Deux, starring Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga, and Luca Guadagninos William S Burroughs adaptation Queer, which stars Daniel Craig as a junkie expat obsessed with a young student.
Ruby in her younger days on her husband Jims Honda 50.

Ruby at 100 sharing out the Presidents bounty with local charities  guide Dogs for the Blind, Donegal Hospice, Lifford Hospital, the Cancer Bus for patients going from Letterkenny to Galway.

Ruby on her 108th birthday with Carmel Harran and the late Margo Butler.

Donegal woman Ruby Druce is one of Irelands oldest residents but the title has left her undaunted.

Ruby Druce from Castlefin turned 108 on New Years Eve and following the passing of Galways Phyllis Furness (109) in August, she is one of the oldest women in Ireland.

When we told her the news, she just asked am I?, as calm as you like, her niece Carmel Harran said, with whom Ruby lives.

We have heard since then that there is a woman in Northern Ireland who turned 109 last month.

But, if God spares her, Ruby will be 109 on New Years Eve, said Carmel.

Ruby on her 108th birthday with Carmel Harran and the late Margo Butler.

Born on New Years Eve 1915, to George Crawford and Elizabeth, nee McBride, Ruby was the eldest of five children.

In her long lifetime, Ruby has lived through two World Wars and two global pandemics.

In 1918, the Spanish Flu sadly claimed the lives of her baby sister and younger brother, who both died in the same week.

Ruby has previously told the story of how her father gave her poitin when she was just three years old after she also contracted the Spanish Flu.

She went onto become a pioneer and never smoked, while she worked in Porters Shirt Factory from the age of 14 until she was 62.

In 1956, she married James Druce, who sadly passed away 14 years later.

Ruby in her younger days on her husband Jims Honda 50.

She has previously said the secret to her long life was plenty of walking, hard work and a daily cod liver oil capsule.

And Carmel agrees. She did a lot of walking in her time, so we think that kept her lungs healthy.

She has been through and seen so much - most recently, the Covid-19 pandemic.

Thankfully, she did not even realise she had Covid.

The only way she knew she had it was because she was admitted to hospital after she fell and cut her head, so they tested her, as they were testing everyone at that time.

It did not affect her at all. We had been keeping away from her the whole time to try and stop her from catching it.

We went over to see her every week but we only spoke to her through the window, Carmel added.

Ruby Druce. Photo: Northwest News Pix.

The Castlefin native has always been fiercely independent and lived on her own until she was 98.

She used to walk every day and enjoyed keeping her own house.

However, after sustaining a fall and spending a short period of time in hospital, she moved to Letterkenny to live with her niece, Margo Butler.

She lived in Letterkenny for ten years, but earlier this year, Margo was diagnosed with cancer and sadly, died a short time later.

Ruby moved in with Carmel and her husband Martin on July 1, 2024.

Ruby and I always got on well before she left Castlefin and the only reason she left Castlefin was because she had fallen and broken her hip, Carmel said.

She was in hospital and when she came out, she went to Letterkenny to stay with Margo.

She had lost a bit of the confidence at that time so Margo persuaded her to stay with her and she got on great.

That was her first time in her life that she did not live in Castlefin.

Ruby two years ago after turning on the Christmas Lights in Castlefiin at the request of local schoolchildren.

At the minute, Ruby is in good health. Carmel said she is a very healthy person and is in good form with a positive attitude.

However, she has lost a lot of her eyesight.

Her sight is very bad now and she can only see shadows, Carmel said.

She cannot watch TV or read anymore so it can be quite difficult for her.

She loves having someone to talk to. She truly is a pleasure to look after and it is lovely to have her in our company.

Ruby has come to be a bit of a celebrity around Donegal and in 2022, she was asked by the local school in Castlefin to switch on the towns Christmas lights.

On her birthday each year, well wishes and cards flood in from every corner of the country, however, she waits patiently for one special caller each year.

Ruby with Daniel and Majella O'Donnell.

Ruby has been a Daniel ODonnell fan for decades and they even performed The Homes of Donegal together when he called to visit her earlier this year.

She was always a big fan of Daniel ODonnell and she was just delighted when he called to see her, Carmel said.

He would phone her on her birthday but the visit was extra special.

She was all about Majella too.

When Ruby turned 100, she received well wishes from the President and a cheque.

However, her generous nature saw Ruby giving the money to charities in Donegal - Guide Dogs for the Blind, Donegal Hospice, Lifford Hospital and the Cancer Bus for patients going from Letterkenny to Galway for appointments.

Rubys great-grand niece, also called Ruby after her. Baby Ruby is wearing Rubys original christening gown.

With 100 years between the pair, Ruby shares a special bond with her great grand niece, who is her namesake.

Eight-year-old Ruby Shields was born just a couple of weeks before Rubys 100th birthday.

Wee Ruby as we call her, is the only one that was named after her and it is lovely for her to have her name, Carmel said.

Ruby was christened in auntie Rubys christening gown and that gown was around a long time at that stage so it was well over 100 years old now.

It is lovely to have wee Ruby named after her.

She is a very special lady.
Solicitors hit back at outlandish and unfounded allegations

An Irish businessman has been accused in the US of fraud and using money secured from investors to rent private jets.

An Irish businessman has been accused in the US of fraud and using money secured from investors to rent private jets, stay in luxury hotels and buy his son a house outside London.

A lawsuit filed in Florida also says that Paul Wright, with an address at Leinster Wood South, Carton Demense in Maynooth, Co Kildare, claimed he had been a member of the UKs elite military unit the SAS and that his family had also worked for the British royal family.
There was chaos around Leinster House last September amid aggressive far-right protests, with 13 people arrested

There were large aggressive protests on the day the Dail returned last September. Photo: Stephen Collins

A convicted drug dealer and son of a gangland killer is among those urging people to unite at a major anti-immigration rally that will march on Dail Eireann on the day it fully re-opens, sparking a garda policing plan.

Scott Delaney, who also goes by the name Scott Knight, previously claimed he was once the biggest ecstasy dealer in Dublin. He is one of a number of gangland figures being monitored by the Special Detective Unit (SDU) because of his links to the far right.

On his TikTok page, Scott Delaney is promoting the Citizens of Eire protest, which is starting outside the GPO on OConnell Street at 2pm on September 19 and will march to the Dail. The tagline on the promotional flier is: Lets Take Our Country Back.

Last year, 13 people were arrested for public order offences and TDs and other Oireachtas staff were effectively trapped in the complex for a period

A similar large-scale protest took place last year when the Dail reopened. On that day, 13 people were arrested for public order offences and TDs and other Oireachtas staff were effectively trapped in the complex for a period after protesters blocked the Merrion Street entrance to the building.

One group of protesters erected a makeshift, imitation gallows with photographs of prominent politicians, Garda Commissioner Drew Harris and former chief medical officer Tony Holohan attached to the frame.

It is understood that gardai are well aware of this months planned protest and a policing plan is under way to counter the potential for violence.

In 2007, Scott Delaney was exposed as a fully paid-up member of the anti-Irish British National Party (BNP) after their membership details were leaked to the press.

However, last year he began to urge people to join the Irish National Party, which has far-right views.

Mark Malone, a researcher with the Hope and Courage Collective, which monitors the far right in Ireland, said Scott Delaney was one of a number of far-right figures promoting the September 19 protest.

Many of those most vocal in calls for a far-right mobilisation on the 19th in Dublin have previously expressed support for racist riots in Belfast, including Scott Delaney, said Mr Malone.

In a post on TikTok calling people out on September 19, Delaney uses an image of republican Bobby Sands, which is ironic given Delaney was a paid-up member of the British National Party for many years, he added.

Delaney is the son of gangland killer Cotton Eye Joe Delaney

The vast majority of us want a society where everyone living here has access to proper housing, healthcare, education and properly resourced communities. Those calling people out on to the streets on the 19th have no solutions to offer except anger and increasing far- right violence.

Delaney is the son of gangland killer Cotton Eye Joe Delaney. He has previously used TikTok to appeal to people to join the Irish far-right National Party, which has been involved in a series of protests and has been widely condemned for inciting hatred of immigrants.

The way I was thinking was, if everyone who belongs to the Irish underworld in Dublin, nearly 30,000 boys, and their families, were to all join the National Party, it only takes 20 to register, he said.

If we all got together, if everyone put a bit of work in to help the National Party to get them into the Dail, our country would be restored, back to helping Irish people.

Scott Delaney added that he is the best cultivator of weed in Ireland and has references from Europe to prove it.

Scott Delaney previously served time in prison for his part in the murder of Mark Dwyer, who was killed over a stash of ecstasy. Dwyer was tied to a chair and beaten with iron bars for several hours after 40,000 ecstasy tablets were stolen.

Joe Delaney decided Dwyer was behind the theft and ordered that he be kidnapped and brought to him.

Scott Delaney was later convicted of murder, but this was quashed on appeal, and he was sentenced to five years on a new charge of accessory to murder.
Many pharmacists don't know what amount of each drug they will receive until it's delivered. Photo: Getty

Patients are facing ongoing medicine shortages, affecting people with a wide range of health conditions including cancer and high blood pressure, as well as skin and eye diseases.

Frontline pharmacists are scrambling to provide alternatives and women with debilitating symptoms of menopause are having to switch to hormone replacement treatment (HRT) gels instead of their normal patches.

Among the treatments out of stock are forms of hormone therapy for men with prostate cancer and an injection given to patients with leukaemia.

Kathy Maher, a pharmacist in Co Meath, said: I dread the winter in case we have a similar shortage in antibiotics as we experienced nearly two years ago.

She said there are ongoing difficulties with shortages of treatments for ADHD, with manufacturing delays cited as the reason for the absence of one drug.

This is particularly difficult for teenagers and young people returning to school or college, she added.

The lower strengths of the jab Ozempic, which is licensed here for people with diabetes for blood sugar control, are at the centre of another supply problem.

The 0.25 and 0.50 strengths have virtually no availability, Ms Maher said. The Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) estimates they will not be back in supply until December.

Ms Maher said patients who are newly prescribed Ozempic start off on the lower doses but I just got one Ozempic at 0.25 strength for August.

Pharmacists receive their supply at the beginning of the month and must manage what they get until the following month but some treatments will not be restored until 2025.

She said the delays faced by patients are exacerbated because pharmacists still have to return to the GP or consultant for authorisation to provide them with an alternative.

This can take days, Ms Maher said. Legislation was passed to allow pharmacists to supply a substitute medicine without reverting to the patients doctor. However, it cannot happen until a protocol is in place and we are hoping this will be finalised as soon as possible. It will be important to have it in place for the winter.

She added: One of my patients was recently going for a colonoscopy and needed to take medication in advance. I had to get authorisation from the patients doctor to provide an alternative medicine. It came through just three days before the procedure.

Other patients affected are those who have eczema due to a shortage of some creams, and people with cystic fibrosis are facing a lack of supplies of a drug used to support digestion.

The supplies come on the second or third day of the month. Its like Christmas, and I dont know how much I will get until I open the box. You have that for the month and thats it, said Ms Maher, a past president of the Irish Pharmacy Union.

The shortages can be very disruptive and distressing for patients, she added.

Pharmacists are importing medicines as alternatives which are not licensed in Ireland but are licensed in other countries.

In that case, you have to inform the patient and their doctor that the medicine has not been licensed here.

The HPRA has a list of medicine shortages on its website, among them treatments for moderate to severe pain in cancer patients, some antibiotics and drugs for the treatment of shingles.

In response, the HPRA said that in the majority of shortage cases, suitable alternatives are available and impact to the patient is minimised.

In some cases where the medicine originally prescribed for the patient is unavailable, patients may be switched to a suitable therapeutic alternative. Patients who require the medication can consult their GP or pharmacist on alternative brands.

A spokeswoman said medicine shortages are a global issue experienced by all countries regardless of size or economic status.

The causes of such shortages are multi-factorial, including shortages of raw materials, manufacturing difficulties, increased demand, product recalls due to potential quality defects and industry consolidations.

From industry information received by the HPRA, we know that over 60pc relate to delays or breakdowns during manufacturing or a product quality issue.

Greater than anticipated levels of seasonal illness can also result in shortages of medicines needed to treat those illnesses.

She pointed to recent developments at central EU level to ensure greater coordination and consistency in actions taken by member states to address medicine shortages.
Almost all parents accepted the new jab for their newborns to protect them from the potentially serious respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) on the first day of its roll out in the busiest maternity hospital in the country.

Professor Sean Daly, Master of the Rotunda Hospital in Dublin, said 76 of the 80 babies born last Sunday, the first day the new jab was offered, were immunised.

It is very encouraging. Some of our midwives came in on their own time to administer the injection, he said.

The new jab, known as nirsevimab, will be offered to all newborns until the end of February.

He said it is not a vaccine but can give antibodies directly to the baby to provide protection for 150 days.

Just one dose is needed and it is administered into the babys thigh, providing protection straight away.

Over 1,000 children had to be hospitalised with the virus in this country last winter and, depending on take-up, the injection could lead to 453 fewer having to be admitted.

He said the hospital contacted all expectant mothers due to give birth in the hospital last weekend in advance to advise them around the injection.

A group of anti-vaccination protesters held a demonstration outside the hospital yesterday before being asked to leave by gardai.

The Rotunda rolled out the jab from last Sunday along with all other maternity hospitals.

Prof Daly said the newborns are administered the injection in the labour ward and they are also offered a vitamin K injection.

Babies who get the RSV jab must be observed for 15 minutes. Babies who need intensive care receive it later.

RSV can be a very nasty virus for some children in their first year, he added.

A number of European countries have already rolled out the jab since it was approved two years ago. In Spain 90pc of newborns were immunised against RSV. The hospitalisation rate among this group fell by over 80pc.

The HSE said some babies get mild side effects from nirsevimab but this is not common. Side effects may include redness of the skin where your baby got the injection, a temperature or rash.
In the face of death threats and attacks, peace was brave Seamus Mallons ultimate prize

A giant of Irish life, the GAA man played pivotal role in the process to finally break murderous, hate-filled cycle of conflict

Seamus Mallon in 2005. Photo: PA

John Scally Sat 7 Sep 2024 at 03:30

He was wrapped in the cloak of integrity. A brave man seeking to sculpt a peaceful country  knowing he could not have one without the other.
Several religious orders have been given legal advice to stop participating in reviews by the Irish Catholic Churchs child abuse watchdog, over concerns about data protection.

The National Board for Safeguarding Children in Ireland (NBSCCCI) believes that the law needs to be changed before religious orders can share personal data with it.

It comes after the landmark Scoping Inquiry into historical sexual abuse in religious-run schools this week found that only 13 religious orders have been the subject of reviews of their child safeguarding since 2016.

The inquiry looking at religious-run day and boarding schools in Ireland revealed almost 2,400 allegations of abuse, against 884 accused abusers, involving 42 religious orders. The period in question ranged from the 1960s to the 1990s.

The wide-ranging 700-page report also examined the existing child safeguarding standards in the Catholic Church.

And it has emerged that only 13 reviews have been published by the NBSCCCI since its guidelines were updated in 2016.

At this point, the orders have all but ceased participation in reviews due to data protection concerns.

The NBSCCCI is the modern-day body set up to prevent abuse and safeguard children in the care of the Catholic Church.

It was set up in 2006 by the The Irish Bishops Conference, the Irish Missionary Union and the Conference of Religious Orders as the churchs own child safety watchdog.

A key role of the NBSCCCI is to set the policies and standards for how religious orders respond to allegations of child abuse, as well as clarifying what support should be available to the survivor.

The NBSCCCI could also audit individual dioceses to review the standards of their child safeguarding. The reviews take place at the request of a bishop.

But it has now emerged that a number of religious orders have received legal advice not to participate in the NBSCCCI reviews.

This is due to data protection concerns.

In relation to the review process, a number of religious congregations received legal advice that they should not share personal data with the National Board while we were carrying out a review as there is not currently a legal basis on which to do so, a spokesman for the NBSCCCI told the Irish Independent.

In order to address this issue we have engaged with the Law Reform Commission and hope to secure agreement to propose an amendment to existing legislation which would address this issue by affording the National Board the status of data processor in respect of our review activity.

Dr Helen Buckley, a child protection consultant and Fellow Emeritus of the School of Social Work and Social Policy of Trinity College, was tasked by the scoping inquiry with carrying out a report on current child safeguarding standards across church and state bodies.

In her report, Ms Buckley said that there has been significant improvement in compliance with child safeguarding standards in dioceses since the NBSCCCI was set up.

Almost all allegations made concerning priests and religious are retrospective at this point. It is also evident that the numbers of priests and religious are declining rapidly, with an average age of 80 years in religious orders and a shrinking proportion of working priests at parish level. Currently, less than one-third of the members of religious orders are in active ministry, the report said.

On June 11 of this year, the NBSCCCI updated its policy and procedures. It said that its latest guidelines place an emphasis on leadership, reporting complaints appropriately and creating safe environments for children.

If you have been affected by the contents of this article, the organisation One in Four provides services to adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse. One in Four can be contacted by calling 01 662 4070 or by completing the form at oneinfour.ie/contact
Mother regrets putting her faith in Taoiseach to help autistic people

Six-year-old Daniel Colgan has no school place as all junior infant classes for children with autism are full

One of the first words spoken by Daniel Colgan was school, but his parents have been repeatedly told there are no places for him to start junior infants.

Germaine and Alan Colgan have spent two years searching for a place for Daniel, but have been told all schools for children with autism are full.

The six-year-old, who is pre-verbal and has autism with additional needs, has to stay at home while other children his age have started big school.

The Colgans, who live in Blanchardstown, Dublin, have tried all schools specifically for autism, even miles away from their home, but always get the same answer.

While every other parent was buying books and school uniforms for the children, I was anxiously waiting for that phone call  which never came  to tell me a place had been found, Ms Colgan said.

Daniels psychology report recommends that he goes to a special school where he can access both primary and post-primary education, but it seems to be impossible to get a place as there are so few schools.

No one is refusing to take Daniel, they just have no spaces left. They are full to capacity.

I am so upset and frustrated that my child doesnt get to go to school because there is no place for him and his additional needs.

In a world where it is supposedly OK not to be OK, how is this situation OK? How is it OK for him to be at home and not attend school. Why is he forgotten?

If he didnt have autism, Tusla would be knocking down my door demanding to know why I havent sent him to school. But its OK to stay at home when he has a disability.

No one will ever understand this journey until they are in it themselves. No one will understand what a day in the life looks like for us fighting tooth and nail just for a basic human right that is education. It is soul-destroying.

I remember the day I heard Simon Harris was going to be our next Taoiseach. I was so happy knowing that he knew the struggles for parents with autistic children because of his brother, Adam. All us autistic mammies had hope that he was going to change the system. How wrong I was.

A spokesperson for the Department of Education said the provision of appropriate school places for children with special educational needs is a priority for the Government.

Responsibility for ensuring the provision of special classes lies with the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), and as minister of state with responsibility for Special Education and Inclusion, Minister [Hildegarde] Naughton is determined to ensure that all children who require a placement can access this as quickly as possible.

Minister Naughton is meeting with NCSE every week to discuss progress being made to ensure that every child has a school place for the 2024/25 school year.

They said that in response to an increased level of need for special education placements, the NCSE and the department have worked with a number of schools over the summer period to provide extra capacity.

It is expected there will be further progress in relation to the admission of students into these additional places shortly.

The department said it does not comment on individual cases.
The two English bulldogs attacked the woman at an apartment in Dun Laoghaire. Photo: Stock image/Getty

Two English bulldogs involved in a vicious and unprovoked attack which left a woman hospitalised with serious injuries have now been destroyed.

Armed gardai had to deploy incapacitant spray to restrain the animals following the attack at an apartment in Dun Laoghaire on Thursday afternoon.

It is understood one of the bulldogs knocked the woman (60s) over before both animals mauled her.

Today's News in 90 Seconds - Saturday, September 7

She suffered a number of puncture wounds to her limbs and was knocked unconscious during the attack. The woman underwent surgery at St Vincent's Hospital yesterday for injuries to her arm.

Speaking to the Irish Independent, the victims son, who owns the dogs, said the animals would be put down.

My mother is recovering from her injuries in hospital, and I have agreed for the dogs to be put down, he said.

The owner also said that rumours there was a so-called puppy farm or puppy mill at the apartment were not true.

They were just pets. They were well treated and used to sleep on our beds with us. I dont know what happened. I think one of them was the main aggressor and the other one was less involved, but they will both be put down, he said.

The animals were later humanely destroyed under Section 23 of the Animal Health and Welfare Act, 2013.

Emergency services and gardai rushed to the scene at an apartment complex in the Cualanor Park area, close to Sallynoggin and Dun Laoghaire, early Thursday afternoon after they were alerted to the incident by local residents.

A woman who had heard the cries of the victim is also reported to have tried to get the dogs away from her until medics arrived.

The victim was treated at the scene before being taken to hospital with serious injuries.

At one stage there were eight garda vehicles, including two armed response cars, and two ambulances at the scene.

Local Fine Gael councillor Lorraine Hall said the community is terrified by what happened, and that there are a lot of families and children in the area.

This attack happened in a ground floor apartment and the dogs could have escaped into the community. I cannot begin to imagine what might have happened if they got out, she said.

I think theres more work to be done on licensing and approval of dogs, and regulating and restricting dog breeding, as well as dealing effectively with reports from the public and enforcement of the law, Ms Hall added.

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council has recorded 49 attacks so far this year, which were carried out by a mix of restricted and non-restricted dogs. The attack on Thursday is believed to have involved English bulldogs, which are not on the restricted list.

The other breeds involved were XL Bully, Bull Mastiff, Pitbull, German Shepherd, Jack Russell, Yorkshire Terrier and Labrador. Some attacks were on people, while others were on a dog or other animal.

A Garda spokesperson said they could not comment on Thursdays attack, "as there is an ongoing Garda investigation".

Concerns have been raised about the number of serious dog attacks around the country in recent months.

On June 3, Nicole Morey was killed after two dogs attacked her at her home in Ballyneety, Co Limerick. She had earlier been celebrating her 23rd birthday and had just returned home when the attack happened. One of the dogs, an XL Bully, was shot dead at the scene by gardai. Three other dogs at the property were later destroyed.

The day before, gardai received reports of a care worker being attacked by a number of dogs in the Maryland area of south inner-city Dublin. Weeks later, on June 16, a man needed hospital treatment after being attacked by a rottweiler in Co Donegal.

On July 12, Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys announced a ban on XL Bully dogs. From October 1, the importing, breeding, selling and re-homing of such animals will be illegal.

Later today, animal welfare groups will take to St Stephens Green in Dublin in protest against the Governments ban.

More than 400 dog attacks were reported to An Garda Siochana in the first seven months of this year across the country.

Between January and July 8, there were 228 dog attacks on people, 103 on livestock and 116 on other animals including dogs.

There were 738 attacks recorded in 2022 and 850 in 2023. During the previous five years, there were 4,000 attacks reported in total. Gardai did not have a breakdown of what breeds were involved.

Research carried out by the Department of Agriculture found that thousands of people have been hospitalised over a 10-year period due to dog bites, with evidence showing the number of such attacks is increasing.

Despite this, local authorities are still struggling to clamp down on dangerous dogs, with some failing to issue any fines for restricted breeds being off the leash or unmuzzled in public in the last four years.

Last year, the Government increased on-the-spot fines for offences under the Control of Dogs Act from 100 to 300. However, councils are struggling to enforce legislation due to a lack of dog wardens.
Perseverance and hope prevail in Ukraine as life trundles on

President Volodymyr Zelensky thanks Ireland for its support during visit by Taoiseach Simon Harris

Taoiseach Simon Harris steps from a train at Nemishaieve station as he arrives for a visit to Kyiv. Photo: PA

Gabija Gataveckaite Sat 7 Sep 2024 at 03:30

The train rattled through the Ukrainian countryside from eastern Poland. In the dead of night, Taoiseach Simon Harris and his delegation travelled to a war zone. It was a rickety ride and no one got much sleep.
Ibrahim Halawa spoke about being a human rights activist and former 4 years political prisoner in Egypt at a TED Talk.

Ibrahim Halawa has graduated from UCD law school after four cold and dark years in an Egyptian prison.

Ibrahim was born and raised in Dublin and was arrested on a family summer holiday in August 2013 when he was 17.

He was arrested with his three sisters during protests against the ousting of then President Mohamed Morsi.

The women were freed and allowed to return home within three months, but their teenage brother was kept in jail where he faced a mass trial with hundreds of others under threat of the death penalty.

On Thursday, he graduated from the UCD Sutherland School of Law.

He said: My imprisonment was cold, unforgiving, dark, and suffocating. At 17, I was thrown into a nightmare. Unjustly imprisoned, beaten, and tortured, facing 19 charges that could have led to the death penalty.

I thought my life was over before it had even begun. I remember staring out of that tiny cell window, trying to see beyond those walls, beyond the life that was slipping away. For a long time, all I could see was darkness.

But there was something deeper inside me, something that wouldnt let go. It was faith. Faith in Allah SWT, faith that my cries wouldnt go unheard.

Every day, I stood at that window, imagining the life I was determined to live. In my mind, I was free. I saw myself in a graduation robe, surrounded by my loved ones, smiling in a future that seemed so far away. It was all I had to hold onto, this image of a better tomorrow.

Mr Halawa admitted that he always dreamt of becoming an engineer, but prison pushed him towards the legal path which wasnt easy.

But freedom didnt mean life became easy. After my release, I worked tirelessly through night shifts, balancing full-time university classes. It felt like I was living two lives, studying during the day, and working at night, he said.

But I wasnt just surviving; I was pushing myself beyond what I thought was possible. I travelled extensively to advocate for human rights, speaking up for those who couldnt. In the midst of all this, I took a leap of faith and opened my own business.

It was exhausting, and there were times I felt like I was running on empty, but every time I thought I couldnt keep going, I reminded myself that I had survived way too much to stop now.

Ibrahim is a son of Sheikh Hussein Halawa, the most senior Muslim cleric in Ireland.

The graduate thanked his family and his faith for getting him through his darkest times.

I owe everything to Allah SWT for guiding me through the darkest times. And to my family, who never once gave up on me, even when I was losing hope for myself, he said.

They stood by me, pushed me, loved me. My friends, who patiently waited for the day I could be myself again. And University College Dublin, especially the Sutherland School of Law, for giving me the opportunity to reclaim my life, to rebuild my future, to execute my dreams.

Today, Im proud to say that I have achieved more than I ever thought possible. Im not just an advocate for human rights, not just a business owner, Im a survivor of my own story. Freedom isnt found in the absence of struggle, but in the refusal to let that struggle define you.

I am deeply grateful to my family, whose unwavering support carried me through the darkest times. Without their love, strength, and belief in me, I wouldnt have made it this far.

To every friend I made along the way, thank you for your patience, understanding, and kindness, even when I couldnt be there for you.

And to those who witnessed my journey, stood by me, and supported me in ways both big and small, your presence meant more than words can express. You were all part of this story, and I am forever thankful for each of you.
The Muslim Sisters of Eire charity experienced a frantic and hectic, last night as they had a strong garda presence, and they needed a fire brigade for medical emergencies.

Volunteers gave out just under 350 hot meals along with pastries, fruit, sleeping bags, hats, gloves, and scarves yesterday.

They expressed that it's not very often that they have nights like they did last night as it was extremely frantic and hectic with lots of uneasiness and agitation in the queue.

We're very thankful we had a strong garda presence tonight which we usually don't, they said.

Having around four or five guards around the GPO was a great asset to us with the night we had.

There were a few young boys who were quite agitated, but the guards were able to deal with them and take them out of the queue very briskly and quickly.

We're thankful for such help as we would have been unable to deal with the rest of the queue under such circumstances.

We also had two young ladies tonight who required a fire brigade for assistance as one collapsed due to an epileptic fit and the other required immediate medical and professional assistance.

The Muslim Sisters Of Eire is a voluntary independent organisation of mainly Muslim women living in Ireland, providing a range of support services for the homeless, women and youth and promoting empowerment, social inclusion, and diversity.

A Dublin-based women's group, the Muslim Sisters provide support and a safe place for Muslim and Non-Muslim women and support their empowerment and integration within Irish society.

It has since grown to provide support for various disadvantaged and vulnerable groups across Ireland.

As we were packing up, we had a few guards mentioned how impressed they were with our swift and quick work and they also said that they wouldn't be able to deal with the situations we are faced with in such conditions, they added.

Out of 52 weeks a year we maybe get five weeks such as these and the remaining 47 are easy running and generally smooth. We take what comes each week and hope we can deal with it.

We'd like to give a huge shout-out to our security team tonight who all worked so incredibly hard. They often deal with abuse and violence, and they deal with it effectively each week.

A huge thank you also to our team of volunteers behind table who dealt with the queue making sure every single person got seen and helped and our team of sisters outside table who always deal with families and people to ensure the queue runs smoothly.
A Limerick man has been disqualified from driving for a year after he collided with a tractor in Moyvane.

Adrian Stack of 11 Hillside Drive, Athea, Limerick (38) was before the court charged with dangerous driving. His solicitor asked for the charge to be reduced to careless driving and after hearing a summary of the incident Judge David Waters said he would do so. Mr Stack pleaded guilty to this charge.
Concerns that sewage is still entering sections of the Big River in Tralee and causing a foul smell have been raised by Sinn Fein Councillor Paul Daly.

The popular local river runs from Oakpark/Killeen to the north of Tralee, extending to Brewery Road and along Casements Avenue before discharging into a culvert beneath Ashe Street.

Cllr Daly tabled a motion at a recent Tralee Municipal District meeting asking that every effort be made by Kerry County Council (KCC) to prevent sewage from entering the river.

If you are crossing any of the bridges at Killeen, you will get a smell straight away. Its worse on certain days. I dont know if its when its dry or when there is a lot of rain. But its been ongoing, and has been for years. Its located behind a lot of council estates and houses, Cllr Daly said.

KCC said the management and maintenance of the public sewer network is a matter for Uisce Eireann.

Cllr Dalys motion was seconded by Labour Party Councillor Terry OBrien who said the council needed to write to Irish Water on what is a very specific issue that has been ongoing for years.

Its certainly something we should look at. It [Irish Water] is something that comes up a lot at meetings, so I propose we write to them. Its abysmal to be honest. This [Big River effluent] is a specific problem that is not new, Cllr OBrien said.

The issue of the Big River was raised as far back as 2016 when wastewater pipes were found to be flowing directly into the river.

At the time, Kerry County Council stated that a septic tank used by some houses was being monitored and emptied on a regular basis.

The council admitted [in 2016] that in the past this communal tank has overflowed with the pipe spewing effluent and other waste into the river.
While many of us would use a time travel machine to right the wrongs of our past, to atone for previous errors and avail of missed opportunities, the characters in Caroline Bushers new childrens novel The Boy Who Slipped Through Time are far more noble. Upon discovering an ancient portal behind his cottage, 13-year-old Seamus OFlaherty travels from famine era Ireland to 1588 where he helps a Spanish sailor avoid execution.

Carolines fifth novel for children aged 8-12, The Boy Who Slipped Through Time is set in two time-periods, the Great Famine of the 1800s and the era of the Spanish Armada in the last sixteenth century. Naturally it required a lot of research.

When youre writing historical fiction you have to get things right, she says. I wanted to find out what life was like during the famine so I visited The Irish Famine Exhibition in Skibbereen Heritage Centre, it has first-hand accounts of people who lived through the famine, then also, obviously, I went to the Dunbrody Famine Ship in New Ross. They both gave me a real insight into what people went through.

"With the Spanish Armada I came across something which really sparked my imagination, I found out that in 1968 a Belgian diving team were on the coast of Antrim and they discovered a gold fede ring which belonged to a sailor who was with the Spanish Armada. It has an inscription on it which reads I have nothing more to give you.

It got me thinking about who owned the ring and who gave it to them, so I imagined a young sailor called Maximo saying goodbye to his mother and the ring is her last gift to him. I put the time two periods together then.

Having created two very different worlds, Caroline then had to find a way to connect them. What better way than with a magic portal?

The Boy Who Slipped Through Time is out on September 5.

That idea came from many years ago when I was a child when I visited Brownshill dolmen in Carlow, a five thousand year old megalithic tomb. I remember standing inside and closing my eyes and when I opened them I imagined Id travelled back in time to the 1800s. Ive always been fascinated with the idea of time travel.

Conscious that many accounts of The Great Famine are harrowing even for older readers, Caroline has written the story in a way which lightens any potential burden for her young audience.

I suppose I am teaching them about history, but through the eyes of other children. I always make sure its hopeful and theres a good outcome in the end. Once I have that in place I dont shy away from what happened in the famine, she explains.

As someone who regularly visits schools in her day job as an arts in education practitioner, Caroline says young Irish readers are, in general, capable of grasping a whole range of topics, their literacy levels comparable to any.

I speak to teachers every day and I have to say that, compared to other countries, Ireland is well up there in terms of literacy levels. It comes from the schools and how the teachers are so passionate about literacy. On a personal level, Ive always been passionate about finding the right book for each child and hopefully theres a book out there for everyone. Its about finding a book on something theyre into and sparking that love of reading.

My primary goal as a childrens author is getting people reading and encouraging a love of reading because it can bring you anywhere in life. For me, thats so fulfilling, thats why I write for young readers. When I see my books connect with a reader, with someone who may have struggled with reading, that is the biggest prize ever.

The Boy Who Slipped Through Time is out on September 5. Caroline is also having a book launch in Wexford Library on Saturday, September 14 at 2 p.m.
Tina Ahmadpour at the launch of Roxana Manouchehri's 'Uncanny' exhibition at the Courthouse Arts Centre in Tinahely. Photo: Michael Kelly

Nicou Manouchehri and Tony Kilduff at the launch of Roxana Manouchehri's 'Uncanny' exhibition at the Courthouse Arts Centre in Tinahely. Photo: Michael Kelly

Eimer Casey and Laoise Burke at the launch of Roxana Manouchehri's 'Uncanny' exhibition at the Courthouse Arts Centre in Tinahely. Photo: Michael Kelly

Fleur Obstha at the launch of Roxana Manouchehri's 'Uncanny' exhibition at the Courthouse Arts Centre in Tinahely. Photo: Michael Kelly

Roxana Manouchehri and Tony Kilduff at the launch of her 'Uncanny' exhibition at the Courthouse Arts Centre in Tinahely. Photo: Michael Kelly

Nahid Sadri, Sheelan Yousefizadeh and Pegah Azizi at the launch of Roxana Manouchehri's 'Uncanny' exhibition at the Courthouse Arts Centre in Tinahely. Photo: Michael Kelly

Merit Olimini, Ester Ukpong and Anie Johnson at the launch of Roxana Manouchehri's 'Uncanny' exhibition at the Courthouse Arts Centre in Tinahely. Photo: Michael Kelly

Nearly 100 visitors recently attended the successful opening of the much-anticipated Uncanny exhibition by the renowned Iranian-Irish visual artist Roxana Manouchehri at The Courthouse Arts Centre in Tinahely.

Kieran OToole, artistic director of The Courthouse Arts Centre, and Monika Sapielak, director of the Centre for Creative Practices and curator of the exhibition, warmly welcomed the guests, who came from Wicklow, Dublin, across Ireland and international guests from the USA and Italy.

Launching the exhibition, they congratulated the artists, elaborated on the exhibitions central theme, and expressed their heartfelt gratitude to all those who contributed to bringing the unique show to fruition.

The exhibition explores the concept of the uncanny, which describes the eerie and unsettling sensation that occurs when the familiar takes on a strange, almost surreal quality.

Inspired by Sigmund Freuds seminal essay Das Unheimliche, the exhibition examines this psychological phenomenon through intricate drawings, mixed media, and striking papier mache sculptures, with Manouchehris work skilfully merging human-animal hybrids and mythical figures, blurring the lines between the known and the unknown.

Manouchehris artistic practice is deeply rooted in studying ancient manuscripts from diverse cultures, including the Persian Shahnameh, various European Books of Hours, and the Book of Kells.

Her art reflects transcultural patterns that resonate across different societies, highlighting the interconnectedness of human experience throughout history.

One of the most rewarding aspects of working on this exhibition has been the opportunity to explore these transcultural patternshow motifs from one culture can find echoes in another, celebrating our shared heritage, Manouchehri explained.

Following the formal opening, Manouchehri conducted an insightful exhibition tour, discussing her creative process, the materials employed, and the techniques underpinning her intricate works.

Visitors praised the exhibitions artistic excellence and intercultural character, resonating with universal myth and memory themes.

The exhibition marks a significant cultural event for Tinahely, reflecting the ongoing commitment of both The Courthouse Arts Centre and the Centre for Creative Practices to fostering a richer, more inclusive cultural landscape in Ireland.

Uncanny will run until Saturday, September 21, and will be open Wednesday to Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Water Forum has welcomed the inclusion of its recommendations in Irelands third River Basin Management Plan, but urged that urgent action is essential to protect and prevent further deteriorations of Wicklows inland and transitional waters.

The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage recently published Irelands third River Basin Management Plan, the Water Action Plan, which sets out actions to be implemented between now and 2027.

The plan provides an opportunity for action to protect unpolluted waters, prevent further deterioration and to bring all of Wicklows rivers, lakes and coastal waters back to good status.

The River Basin Management Plan has made a commitment to develop 46 Catchment Management Plans, one for each major catchment in the country. Five pilots will be carried out initially in the Boyne in the midlands, Newry, Glyde, Dee on the border, Mal Bay in the southwest, Galway Bay in the west and Slaney in the southeast.

The pilot process is to identify the measures needed for water quality protection and improvement and the structures and supports for action to achieve water quality outcomes.

The catchment management planning process will be particularly important in Wicklow, as it will allow for collaboration between responsible agencies to address the specific pressures in rivers and coastal water bodies.

Wicklow communities and stakeholders are encouraged to engage with the Local Authority Waters Programme to find out more about the catchment management plans and to get involved in local water protection initiatives.

Community Catchment Fora will be set up to provide an opportunity for groups and individuals to participate in protecting local rivers, lakes and coastal waters.

According to the EPA catchments.ie website, agriculture is the biggest pressure in Wicklow, affecting nearly 23 per cent of at-risk water bodies, while 16 per cent are impacted by forestry. Human pressures and urban runoff and historic impacts all exert pressures on 11 to 14 per cent of water bodies each, while septic tanks and channel alternations cause 9 per cent of pressures each.

Considering that agriculture is the biggest pressure on at-risk rivers and consequently transitional areas, the increase in support for the Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advisory Programme (ASSAP) is very welcome.

Through this programme, advisors are available to help farmers identify actions they can take and the supports that are available to improve water quality in local areas.

The Farming for Water, European Innovation Project will also provide 50m in funding for specific on-farm water measures for quality outcomes. The Blue Dot Catchment Programme, aimed to protect Irelands highest-quality waters, can assist with protecting Wicklows fourteen precious high-status rivers and potentially restore others to high status.

Dr Matt Crowe, chairperson of the National Water Forum, stated: Drinking water comes primarily from local rivers and lakes, so it is imperative that water pollution is eradicated to protect public health as well as the health of the environment.
Seal Rescue Ireland are monitoring a seal pup which has been sighted on Glen Beach in Wicklow town, and are advising the public not to approach the pup, in order to give it some space and ensure it remains with its mother.

The charity urges the public not to approach or touch pups, or to attempt to put them in the sea. All beach goers are advised to keep at least 100 metres away, where possible, from seal pups and nursing mothers.

The pup is a couple of days old and has been spotted feeding from its mother, which is regarded as a positive sign.

Kim Townsend Smyth, general manager of Seal Rescue Ireland, said: We would be familiar with the Glen Beach and would generally get at least one report a year in relation to seal pups at that particular beach. We got a call this morning reporting the seal pup and we are asking people to keep a safe distance, The mum is with the pup and feeding him. Also make sure your dog is kept on a lead at all times.

We want the pup and the mum to stay together and want to make sure the seal remains on the beach and isnt scared into trying to flee into the water. Grey seals are born with a white fluffy coat to keep them warm and protected, but they arent waterproof and when wet can become heavy and cold and strong sea conditions can be difficult for young pups to manage.

Seal pups need to stay with their mothers for up to three weeks, when they have tripled their weight, and are able to fend for themselves. Wicklow is a great community when it comes to seals and locals are aware of the need to give them space and of the best practises when it comes to any seal pups found on local beaches.

Volunteers will continue to check in on the pup. Approaching, crowding or disturbing seal pups can also deter the mother seals from returning to shore to feed her pup, leading to orphaning.

With grey seal pupping season underway for several weeks now, Seal Rescue Ireland has receive calls and conducted rescues as early as August 8, including 14 pups in Wicklow, of which four were rescued and brought to their rescue centre in Courtown. At the moment Seal Rescue Ireland volunteers are monitoring newborn pups in Greystones, Wicklow town, Maghermore, Silver Strand and Blainroe
When a family member implied that Amy Molloy should have the treatment before her big day, it pulled back the veil on a seemingly growing trend  so what is driving it?

The remark about my forehead being very moveable initially seemed like a compliment. I had just finished an interview with the owner of an aesthetics clinic about the need for greater regulation in the beauty industry when the conversation turned to the engagement ring on my finger. She informed me how many of her bridal clients are investing in non-invasive treatments  otherwise known as tweakments  before their wedding, and asked if it was something I was considering.
At least 17 Kenyan children burnt to death as fire destroys school dormitory

Cause of blaze still unclear, but pupils often turn to arson as form of protest

The burnt-out dormitory at the Hillside Endarasha Academy in Kieni, Nyeri County, Kenya. Photo: AP

Katharine Houreld Washington Post Sat 7 Sep 2024 at 03:30







At least 17 children have been burnt to death and another 13 are badly injured after a fire at a school dormitory in the Kenyan county of Nyeri, police said yesterday, as parents swarmed the remains of the building searching for their children.
Ukraine needs the ability to strike deep within Russia now, president Volodymyr Zelensky told US and allied military leaders yesterday as Kyiv fervently pressed the West to loosen restrictions on weapons use.

Mr Zelensky made the case during an in-person meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group at Ramstein Air Base in Germany. He appeared to make inroads with some of the defence leaders from the 50-plus partner nations who regularly gather to co-ordinate weapons aid for the war.
Irish News

LATEST |

We will it evaluate when it comes closer  Tanaiste responds to soldiers concerns they may not be able to come home at end of Lebanon tour
Deeply disturbed White House calls for investigation

Israeli soldiers killed an American woman participating in an anti-settlement protest in the West Bank yesterday, another protester who witnessed the shooting told the Associated Press. Two doctors said she was shot in the head.
Joe Biden urged to rule out pardon for son after shock guilty plea

Hunter Biden faces up to 17 years in prison for tax charges

Hunter Biden and his wife Melissa leave the federal court building, in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Reuters

Kieran Kelly Telegraph.co.uk Sat 7 Sep 2024 at 03:30







Joe Biden is under increasing pressure to rule out pardoning his son Hunter, who pleaded guilty to federal tax charges at the 11th hour on Thursday in what Republicans criticised as a stunt.
Representational image by Praveen Thirumurugan on Unsplash

Mumbai/IBNS: Tata Sons FY24 annual report revealed that the Tata Group's aviation business narrowed losses to Rs 6,337 crore from Rs 15,414 crore in the previous fiscal year.

Tata's aviation business includes Air India, Air India Express, Tata SIA Airlines, or Vistara, and AIX Connect (formerly AirAsia India).

The annual report showed the Tata group's digital and electronics business grew 148 percent to Rs 1,612 crore, with net losses widening to Rs 2,223 crore from Rs 1,723 crore.

Tata Group-owned Air India recorded its highest consolidated operating revenue at Rs 51,365 crore powered by growth in capacity, according to the Tata Sons annual report.

The revenue of Air India was 24.5 percent higher compared to the last financial year, as per the report.

The annual report showed that Tata Digital recorded its portfolios user base growing to 20.76 million transacting customers, providing an aggregate merchandise value of Rs 37,355 crore.

Tata Group's board of directors have recommended a dividend of Rs 35,000 double the amount of Rs 17,500 paid in FY23, which will involve a cash outflow of Rs 1,415 crore (from Rs 707 crore in FY23) if approved by the shareholders, reports Business Today.

The directors of the Mumbai-headquartered company have also recommended dividend on the Cumulative Redeemable Preference Shares (CRPS) amounting to Rs 19.78 crore compared to Rs 20.22 crore last year.

The board at its meeting held on June 3 approved the dividend on CRPS for the period from April 1, till the date of redemption of CRPS, according to reports.

Meanwhile, Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran's remuneration went up 19.8 percent to Rs 135.3 crore in 2023-24, as per the company's annual report.

According to Tata Sons annual report, Chandrasekaran earned Rs 121.5 crore in commissions while the rest was his salary and perquisites, while the remuneration of all Tata Sons directors rose 16 percent with the company paying Rs 200 crore to the top tier compared to Rs 172.5 crore in 2022-23.
The glacier graveyard is located close to the Icelandic capital Reykjavik. Photo Courtesy: Josh Okun

Icelands glaciers are retreating so rapidly that future generations may wonder how the ancient island nation got its name.

No surprise then that the land of the Vikings was chosen to house the worlds first global glacier graveyard which was unveiled at a ceremony last month, close to the capital Reykjavik.

Coinciding with the powerful and symbolic monument to the ravages of unchecked climate change, the ceremony on 17 August also saw the publication of The Global Glacier Casualty list of 15 extinct and endangered glaciers by Rice University in Texas  a driving force behind the whole project.

According to scientists, global warming has led to the disappearance of thousands of glaciers around the world since the year 2000. It is expected that at least half of these glaciers will be lost by 2100.

Researchers from Rice University in Houston, the Icelandic Met Office, geologists, glaciologists and Government leaders attended the ceremony ahead of what will be the International Year of Glaciers Preservation, in 2025.

UNESCO, the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization and UN weather agency WMO, were among the many co-organizers of the event in Iceland.

Headstones, a poignant reminder

The glacier graveyard is made up of 15 headstones carved from ice by Icelandic ice sculptor Otto Magnusson.

We have never needed a graveyard for glaciers before, Rice Universitys Cymene Howe said. Now we do. And while these headstones will melt away  like their glacial counterparts  we hope the ceremony and icy gravestones serve as poignant reminders that the worlds glaciers are doomed to the same fate without quick action.

The headstones were placed in a field next to the sea in the Seltjarnarnes peninsula, adjacent to Reykjavik, with a splendid view of the Snfellsjokull glacier across the Faxafloi-bay.

The Snfellsjokull glacier is well-known to students of world literature as the entrance and embarkation point for the protagonists in Jules Vernes classic science fiction novel, Journey to the Centre of the Earth.

Although the Snfellsjokull glacier has lost more than half of its size since the end of the 19th century, there are many glaciers that are worse off.

Among the biggest casualties listed as disappeared, are the Pizol Glacier, Switzerland (2019), the Sarenne Glacier, France (2023), the Anderson Glacier, USA (2015) and the Martial Sur Glacier, Argentina (2018).

More will follow

Five years ago, the premature death of the Ok glacier in Iceland was commemorated in a ceremony attended by then Prime Minister of Iceland Katrin Jakobsdottir and former President of Ireland Mary Robinson.

Since that glacier has its plaque and fame we opted for another Icelandic glacier for the first entry to the list, one of the organisers, Hrafnhildur Hannesdottir glaciologist at the Icelandic Met Office, told the UN Regional Information Centre for Western Europe (UNRIC).

It is likely that many others will follow, since there are no indications that emissions of CO2 are diminishing.

Iceland has already lost 70 of its 400 glaciers. Some of them, like the next candidate for extinction, Hofsjokull East, are indeed very small. It is relatively low lying and flat and will not survive for long, said Hannesdottir.

Sea level set to rise

If all of Icelands glaciers disappear, the meltwater would create a one centimetre rise in the global sea level - almost as much as all the glaciers in the Himalayas, according to Icelandic glaciologist Thorsteinn Thorsteinsson, in an interview with UNRIC.

The glaciers in the Himalayas cover around 40,000 square kilometres. However, Vatnajokull, which is Icelands  and indeed Europes  largest glacier south of the Arctic Circle, alone covers 7,700 km2.

For various reasons the big one as it is known, is expected to survive for perhaps three more centuries.

Icelands second largest glacier, Langjokull is, on the other hand, in greater peril, not least because it is much more low-lying. Scientists predict that only 10 to 20 per cent of its mass will remain by 2100.

Water Tower of Asia

The melting of glaciers in the Himalayas attracts much more attention than the fate of those in Iceland, for understandable reasons.

The glacierized mountains of the Hindu-Kush-Himalaya region have been called the Water Tower of Asia since the feed some of the Earths most important rivers such as the Indus, Ganges, Brahmaputra and Yangtze  all of which originate there in what is a relatively small area.

They are considered a lifeline for hundreds of millions, if not billions of people in the words of Thorsteinsson. They have already lost 40 per cent of their volume since the end of the 19th century.

It is predicted that 75 per cent will be lost by the end of this century.

But their melting does not mean that 2-3 billion people in China and India will die of thirst. The Ganges for instance has its origins in a small glacier, the Gangotri. Rain and snow will continue to fall and groundwater and the monsoon feed into all of these great rivers, he told UNRIC.

His colleague Hrafnhildur Hannesdottir points out that the melting has caused increased risk of floods and mudslides, with a frequent and high death toll.

One has to look at the big picture, not focus on only one thing at a time, and we should not forget the sea level rise which will impact even more people.

Crucial to humanitys story

There is also an important cultural dimension: These are all glaciers wrapped up in our lives, Rice Universitys Dominic Boyer said.

They belong to the time that we have together, not abstract future losses, but real losses that you can feel and will feel with all of your senses.

Indeed, the glaciers are also a part of Icelands identity. The national flag features a red cross outlined in white with a blue body.

The cross stands of course for Christianity, the red for the fire of the volcanos, the blue for the sky and the sea, and the white for ice and snow.

The silver lining is that the white might not disappear - even if the glaciers do.

The magnificent Snfellsjokull may lose its status as a glacier, but its white cap might remain. As a matter of fact, the glacier ice on the mountain is relatively thin and its colour is greyish and not very pretty, explains Thorsteinsson.

But it will not stop snowing, and indeed it is the snow cap that we most admire from afar and all photographers love.

International year

The UN General Assembly has declared 2025 the International Year of Glaciers Preservation and proclaimed 21 March of each year the World Day for Glaciers.
Photo Courtesy: NASA X Page

Boeing's Starliner Spaceship has returned to Earth from the International Space Station (ISS) without carrying astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry E Wilmore who remain in space.

The Starliner arrived at 10:01 p.m. MDT Sept. 6 at White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico.

I am extremely proud of the work our collective team put into this entire flight test, and we are pleased to see Starliners safe return, said Ken Bowersox, associate administrator, Space Operations Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington.

Even though it was necessary to return the spacecraft uncrewed, NASA and Boeing learned an incredible amount about Starliner in the most extreme environment possible. NASA looks forward to our continued work with the Boeing team to proceed toward certification of Starliner for crew rotation missions to the space station," Ken Bowersox said.

The flight on June 5 was the first time astronauts launched aboard the Starliner.

It was the third orbital flight of the spacecraft, and its second return from the orbiting laboratory.

Starliner now will ship to NASAs Kennedy Space Center in Florida for inspection and processing.

"NASAs Commercial Crew Program requires a spacecraft to fly a crewed test flight to prove the system is ready for regular flights to and from the orbiting laboratory," read the NASA website.

Following Starliners return, the agency will review all mission-related data.

We are excited to have Starliner home safely. This was an important test flight for NASA in setting us up for future missions on the Starliner system, said Steve Stich, manager of NASAs Commercial Crew Program. There was a lot of valuable learning that will enable our long-term success. I want to commend the entire team for their hard work and dedication over the past three months.

NASA astronauts Barry E Wilmore and Sunita Williams launched on June 5 aboard Starliner for the agencys Boeing Crewed Flight Test from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.

On June 6, as Starliner approached the space station, NASA and Boeing identified helium leaks and experienced issues with the spacecrafts reaction control thrusters.

Following weeks of in-space and ground testing, technical interchange meetings, and agency reviews, NASA made the decision to prioritize safety and return Starliner without its crew.

"Wilmore and Williams will continue their work aboard station as part of the Expedition 71/72 crew, returning in February 2025 with the agencys SpaceX Crew-9 mission," read the NASA statement.

The crew flight test is part of NASAs Commercial Crew Program.

The goal of NASAs Commercial Crew Program is safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation to and from the International Space Station and low Earth orbit.

This already is providing additional research time and has increased the opportunity for discovery aboard humanitys microgravity testbed, including helping NASA prepare for human exploration of the Moon and Mars.
Photo courtesy: Screenshot grab/IBNS source

Kolkata/IBNS: A city court on Friday slammed the Central Bureau of Investigation lawyer for his late arrival at the hearing on civic volunteer Sanjoy Roy's bail plea in the case pertaining to the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

The CBI lawyer was 40 minutes late in the hearing prompting the infuriated magistrate at the Sealdah court to say, "Should I grant him bail?"

The court also slammed the central probe agency for its "lethargic" attitude.

After Sanjoy's lawyer made the argument, additional chief judicial magistrate Pamela Gupta was told that the public prosecutor will be late in arriving.

The magistrate, who seemed furious, said as quoted by NDTV, "Should I grant bail to Sanjay Roy? This reflects a severely lethargic attitude on the part of the CBI. It is very unfortunate."

Sanjoy is the only person so far being arrested in the RG Kar rape-murder case that has sent shockwaves across the country and ignited public fury.

Though the RG Kar case is now being probed by the CBI, the state administration is facing public anger over its slow progress in the case until it was handed over to the premier investigating agency under the central government.

Despite Sanjoy's arrest in connection with the case, junior doctors, who are on a ceasework, as well as the victim's parents suspect more people are involved in the case.

The CBI has arrested RG Kar Medical College and Hospital principal Dr. Sandip Ghosh in connection with the financial irregularities in the state-run hospital.

The CBI has ruled out gangrape in the RG Kar case and said that available evidence indicates only Sanjay Roy, arrested by the Kolkata Police, was involved in the crime, NDTV quoting sources reported on Friday.

Sources told the channel that the inquiry is in its "final stages" and that the agency will soon file its charges.

The CBI was handed over the case after the Calcutta High Court expressed dissatisfaction and pointed out several lapses in the investigation by the Kolkata Police.
Photo courtesy: IBNS File

Kolkata/IBNS: The administration of Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, where junior doctors are on ceasework demanding justice for the rape-murder of a trainee doctor last month, has outrightly rejected Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee's claim that a boy died due to no treatment.

Abhishek Banerjee wrote a long post on X claiming the boy died after bleeding for three hours due to "preventable neglect" which "tantamounts to culpable homicide".

The TMC MP, who happens to be the nephew of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, has appealed to the junior doctors to protest "constructively".

The TMC MP wrote, "A young boy from Konnagar lost his life today following a road accident, after BLEEDING FOR 3 HOURS WITHOUT RECEIVING MEDICAL ATTENTION, a consequence of the ongoing protest by doctors in response to the #RGKar incident.

"While the demands of the junior doctors are both fair and valid, I urge them to protest in a way that doesn't disrupt essential medical services. Allowing a death due to PREVENTABLE NEGLECT is tantamount to CULPABLE HOMICIDE.

"If the protest has to continue, it should be done constructively, with empathy and humanity, ensuring no more lives are put at risk through inaction or neglect."

A young boy from Konnagar lost his life today following a road accident, after BLEEDING FOR 3 HOURS WITHOUT RECEIVING MEDICAL ATTENTION, a consequence of the ongoing protest by doctors in response to the #RGKar incident. While the demands of the junior doctors are both fair and pic.twitter.com/1wJBVhPP7y  Abhishek Banerjee (@abhishekaitc) September 6, 2024

Outrightly rejecting the claim, RG Kar Hospital MSVP Dr. Saptarshi Chatterjee told NKTV Bangla, "It is true he was a referred patient. Our efficient team of surgeons, team of orthopaedics, trauma care team as well as senior doctors addressed the patient immediately. The digital X-ray was done and all treatment protocols were given to the patient.

"It was suspected that the patient probably had a head injury. He underwent CT scan during which he suffered a hypovolemic shock that led him to gasping. The patient breathed his last after three hours of continuous effort since he was admitted."

"It is completely false news that the patient was unattended. I have got the entire PhD. of what treatment was given to the patient or he should have been given. The cause of death will be determined by the post-mortem as it is a police case. We have a full Phd. of the treatment given to the patient to provide if someone files an RTI."

The protesting doctors have said the false news are being spread to stop the ongoing massive, unprecedented protests over the rape-murder case.

Mamata Banerjee's earlier appeal to junior doctor to lift cease work

In what was construed as a "threat" to the protesters, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had earlier appealed to the junior doctors to return to work lifting their ceasework reminding them that her government is not keen to take action against them.

"I have full support for the protesting junior doctors. I have always been on their side because their agony was justified. They have been on ceasework for a long time now. So I would request them to resume work now. The Supreme Court has also urged them to do so," Mamata Banerjee had said.

Mamata Banerjee had said she doesn't want to take any action against the protesters as that would ruin their careers.

The state government anyway has been restrained by the Supreme Court from taking action. The top court too urged the junior doctors to get back to work ensuring no action will be taken against them by the government.

The Chief Minister added, "I haven't taken any action against any protester until now. I don't intend to take any action. But the Supreme Court has empowered the state government to take action if they don't resume work. But I don't want to take any action as that would ruin their future."

One agitating doctor, however, said the CM's remark sounded like a passive threat.
Image Credit: File image/ video grab

Imphal: Six people were killed in a fresh spate of violence on Saturday morning in Manipur's Jiribam district, media reports said.

According to an NDTV report, attackers, suspected to be Kuki militants, raided Nungchappi village, located 229 km from Imphal, the state capital, resulting in the death of a 63-year-old man named Yurembam Kulendra Singha.

The attack followed the killing of an elderly man from the valley-based Meitei community, who was praying when a rocket-propelled bomb, allegedly launched by Kuki insurgents, struck in Manipur's Moirang town, according to police reports.

Five more people were reported dead in a gunfight between armed groups from the Meitei community and the hill-dwelling Kuki tribes, who refer to themselves as "village defence volunteers."

The Jiribam Superintendent of Police (SP) and a police team were dispatched to the area but came under fire; the police responded "strongly and controlled the situation," as stated in their report.

In Imphal, the Inspector General of Police (Intelligence) K Kabib confirmed the string of attacks by the Kuki militants.

He said the Kuki militants attacked fringe areas yesterday along the Bishnupur and Churachandpur border. In response, security forces conducted combing operations and destroyed two bunkers previously held by the militants. Later, Kuki militants launched a long-range rocket attack from the hills at Moirang, resulting in the death of a senior citizen and injuring six others.

Jiribam was the site of peace talks last month between Meitei and Hmar leaders, alongside security forces commanders.

The parties issued a joint statement committing to work towards peace.

However, Kuki groups based in Churachandpur opposed the talks, claiming the participants did not represent their interests and had convened only at the request of Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh.

The Hmar Inpui, meanwhile, refused to acknowledge the peace initiative and warned those involved to "cease their blind and selfish efforts."

The organization accused these leaders of surrendering to the "whims and fancies of a divisive and communal government under Biren Singh's leadership."

The report said that the security forces deployed an anti-drone system, a week after the suspected Kuki insurgents attacked villages in Imphal West district with weaponized drones.

This was the first time suspected insurgents launched attacks with drones on Indian soil.

The police reported that security forces have adopted a multi-layered strategy, including aerial surveillance by army helicopters and search operations in "targeted areas" in both the hills and the valley.

A separate team is also tracking social media activity to identify individuals instigating violence. Several bunkers located in the foothills have been demolished by the security forces.

On Friday evening, a mob attempted to seize weapons from the 2nd and 7th Manipur Rifles camps in Imphal, but were repelled by security forces using tear gas and blank rounds.

Two police officers, Inspector Kh Henery and Constable Issac Gangmei, were wounded when shots were fired from within the crowd; they are both receiving medical treatment.

Protesters in the Imphal valley expressed their dissatisfaction with the state and central governments' handling of the drone and rocket attacks, claiming that civilians are left with no option but to defend themselves.

Imphal resident M Nirmala Devi told NDTV that people werent safe in their homes despite the presence of over 50,000 central force personnel.

She cited the killings of a Meitei woman, who was shot by a sniper, and an elderly man attacked by a rocket.
Image Credit: Video grab

Ranchi: As many as 12 candidates died while completing the mandatory 10 km run, which is the initial stage of the Jharkhand Excise Constable Competitive Examination conducted by the Jharkhand Police, media reports said.

According to the rules of the selection, which started August 22, the candidates have to finish the run within 60 minutes to advance to the written test and a final medical examination before recruitment.

Top officials said the deaths during this year's Jharkhand Excise Constable Competitive Examination recruitment drive were caused by several factors, including a change in assessment rules that required candidates to run 10 km instead of 1.6 km, the absence of fitness level evaluations, high humidity, and the decision to conduct physical tests before the written exam, according to an Indian Express report.

The deceased, aged 19 to 31, include Amresh Kumar, Pradeep Kumar, Ajay Mahato, Arun Kumar, and Deepak Kumar Pandu from Palamu; Manoj Kumar and Suraj Kumar Verma from Hazaribagh; Vikas Linda from Sahibganj, and Sumit Yadav from Giridih, the report said.

The identities of three others have not been disclosed.

As of September 2, 1.87 lakh candidates participated in the physical tests, with 1.17 lakh qualifying for the next round, the report stated.

This recruitment drive, the first since Jharkhand's formation in 2000, had earlier been initiated in 2008 and 2019 but was never completed.

The state government asserts that the tests were carried out in compliance with legal procedures. Meanwhile, the police state that "many candidates died from heart attacks, which can occur for a variety of reasons."

Some candidates met with sudden death, some died before reaching the hospitals and some after being admitted. The postmortem has been done, and the remaining process in the FSL (tests of viscera samples) are being done. The final report will take time, Jharkhands Additional DG (Headquarter) R K Mallick was quoted as saying by The Indian Express.

He added that the candidates have now been advised to undergo medical checkup before the physical assessment.

The Hemant Soren government has ordered an investigation into the circumstances of the deaths, with the drive paused and set to resume on September 9. The inquiry report is awaited, the report added.

According to government sources, the issue may stem from a 2016 amendment to the assessment rules.

On August 1, 2016, the Jharkhand Excise Department issued a notification that revised the Jharkhand Excise Constable Cadre (Recruitment and Service Conditions) Rules, 2013. Previously, candidates were required to run 1.6 km, or one mile, within six minutes.

The amended rules, modelled after the Jharkhand State Police Recruitment Rules of 2014, increased the distance to 10 km for men and 5 km for women, to be completed within 60 minutes.

For comparison, the Indian Army's Agniveer policy requires a 1.6 km run in less than six minutes. The reasons behind this change in assessment remain unclear, according to sources.

Sources also pointed out another factor--a recent modification in the order of the assessment tests under the current Jharkhand Mukti Morcha-led government.

A top source indicated that this adjustment required candidates to undergo physical tests before the written exam, resulting in a larger pool of competitors.
Image Credit: Facebook/Omar Abdullah

Srinagar: Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and Jammu and Kashmir National Conference leader Omar Abdullah's recent remark that the execution of Afzal Guru, who was convicted in the 2001 Parliament attack, served no meaningful purpose has sparked a strong reaction from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), media reports said.

"What does Omar Abdullah want to solve? said BJP leader and former Deputy chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir Kavinder Gupta, questioning Omar Abdullahs stance.

If anti-national elements who hatched a conspiracy against India are given the death penalty, why do they object to this? They want to create a situation by taking support from terrorists. They are taking support from terrorists. That is why he is speaking such language," Gupta was quoted as saying by NDTV.

Omar Abdullah previously clarified that the Jammu and Kashmir government was not involved in the execution of Afzal Guru.

He added that if state approval had been required for the execution, it would have been withheld.

Abdullah said that it was unfortunate that the Jammu and Kashmir government had nothing to do with the Gurus execution.

Otherwise, you would have had to do it with the permission of the state government, which I can tell you in no uncertain terms would not have been forthcoming. We wouldn't have done it. I don't believe that any purpose was served by executing him," Abdullah was quoted as saying by NDTV.

Omar Abdullahs statement draws significance as it comes ahead of the Assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir, scheduled to be held in three phases on September 18, 25 and October 1.

Notably, the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference has entered into a seat-sharing agreement with the Congress.

Jammu and Kashmir has a total of 90 assembly constituencies, and 7 of these seats are reserved for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and 9 for Scheduled Tribes (STs).

According to the Election Commission of India, there are 88.06 lakh eligible voters in the region.

These upcoming assembly elections will be the first in Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370.
Men work at an apartment building in Poltava, a city in central Ukraine, that was damaged in an attack.Photo Courtesy: UNICEF/Oleksii Filippov

Continued Russian attacks across Ukraine this week made for a tragic start to the new school year, a senior official with the UN Childrens Fund (UNICEF) said in a statement on Friday.

John Marks, interim UNICEF Representative in Ukraine, issued a renewed appeal for schools to be protected as war rages on.

During the first week of the new academic year, educational facilities in areas including Dnipro, Kryvyi Rih, Kyiv, Lviv and Sumy were reportedly damaged in attacks, he said.

Evacuations across areas closer to the frontline are also ongoing with education once again disrupted as children flee their homes.

Young lives cut short

Marks statement centred around the deaths of three sisters.

Seven-year-old Emilia, along with Dariia, 18, and Yaryna, 21, were killed with their mother in an attack in the western city of Lviv on 4 September. Their father was injured.

The family were among the many reported casualties, which included other children.

Marks said the three sisters were all just starting out in life.

Although Emilia was present for the first days of school tragically she didnt make it back for the third day, he said.

Oldest sister Yaryna had found a job with the organization Lviv - European Youth Capital 2025, after finishing school. The organization is a UNICEF partner and works to empower young people through life skills training.

This tragic story reflects the reality for children and young people across Ukraine today as attacks continue to hit populated areas, he said.

Civilian deaths increase

Russian missile and bomb attacks since 26 August have caused extensive harm across the country, the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU) said on Friday.

Investigators verified that attacks in Government-controlled areas killed 64 civilians, and injured 392, in addition to causing significant damage and destruction to civilian property and critical infrastructure.

The figures include children, six of whom were killed and 43 injured.

The high casualty numbers follow a recent sharp increase in civilian deaths and injuries. In August alone, 184 people were killed, and 856 injured  the second highest monthly casualties this year, after July.

Electricity infrastructure targeted

Danielle Bell, Head of HRMMU, noted that targeted attacks on Ukraine's electricity infrastructure have again triggered lengthy nationwide power cuts while recent attacks have destroyed or damaged hospitals, schools, supermarkets, and critical energy infrastructure.

HRMMU said that on 26 August, Russian armed forces launched one of the largest coordinated aerial attacks across Ukraine since the start of the full-scale invasion in February 2022. Eight civilians were killed, and at least 23 were injured, while at least 25 energy facilities in 15 regions were damaged.

Also, on 30 August, aerial bombs in four districts of Kharkiv city killed six civilians and injured at least 44. Kharkiv was again hit by multiple missiles the following day, killing a medical worker and injuring at least 11 civilians.

Additionally, seven civilians died in the 4 September attack in Lviv which killed the three sisters and their mother. Another 62 people were injured, and three schools were also damaged. HRMMU said this was the first civilian casualty incident there since February 2024

Russian-occupied areas

The UN investigators also recorded reports of civilian casualties in Russian-occupied territory and in Russia itself.

For example, on 4 September, an attack struck a market in Donetsk city, killing four civilians, including two children, and injuring another seven people.

Another attack on Belgorod city in Russia on 30 August left five people dead and dozens injured, according to local reports, but HRMMU has not been able to verify the figures.

Education under fire

On Monday, UNICEF reported that the first day of school in Ukraine was marred by deadly and destructive attacks.

Children in the capital, Kyiv, woke up to loud explosions, with schools reportedly damaged.

Prior to the start of the academic year, educational facilities were damaged in the Kherson region and in the city of Sumy, where six children were injured, according to local authorities.

Reports also indicate that a child was killed, and 29 others injured, in the deadly attacks in Kharkiv on 30 August and 1 September.

Lives lost, learning disrupted

Since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, more than 2,180 children have been killed or injured, and more than 1,300 educational facilities have been damaged or destroyed, UNICEF said, although the true numbers are likely higher.

Boys and girls are entering a fifth year of disrupted education, with the escalation of the war now in its third year following the COVID-19 pandemic, and they are showing signs of widespread learning loss.

UNICEF said data from the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) conducted in 2022 and released in late 2023, show that the scale of learning gaps seen in 2022 compared to 2018 is equivalent to two years of loss in reading and one year of loss in math.

Protect education from attack

Marks recalled that 9 September will mark the fourth International Day to Protect Education from Attack.

The Day was established by a unanimous decision of the UN General Assembly, calling on both the UNs educational and cultural agency, UNESCO, and UNICEF to raise awareness of the situation of millions of children living in countries affected by conflict.

We use this moment to once again call for educational facilities to be protected from attack, for parties to refrain from the military use of educational facilities and for the right to education to be respected, upheld and enjoyed by children across Ukraine, he said.

Schools must be safe and provide nurturing learning environments for every child to develop and thrive.

Children in Ukraine have suffered enough

Meanwhile, UNICEF continues to work with the Ukrainian Government and partners to help keep children learning, to support their mental health, and to maintain some semblance of childhood.

Activities include rehabilitating shelters in schools and kindergartens, providing learning supplies and equipment, conducting remedial education classes, and equipping teachers with skills to provide mental health and psychosocial support to their students.

Additionally, transit centres and mobile teams of psychologists and social workers are also supporting children and families who are being evacuated from frontline areas, thus helping children to better cope and to resume their learning in new locations.

Children in Ukraine have suffered enough; they must be protected from attacks, said Mr. Marks. Like Emilia, they all just want to go to school, to learn, have fun and be children again.
Photo Courtesy: Pixabay

Kot Addu city police in Pakistan have registered a case against a man and two of his accomplices for allegedly raping a woman schoolteacher and even depriving her of Rs5 million on the pretext of arranging US visas for her and her family.

They blackmailed and demanded more money from her.

The case has been registered against the prime suspect, J, a resident of a village in Mian Chunnu tehsil, his accomplice GM of Multan and another unidentified man on the complaint of the schoolteacher of a government school, reported Dawn News.

In her First Information Report, the victim alleged she became a friend with J on a social media platform.

She alleged that the prime suspect in the case promised to arrange US visas for her and her family members.

She said the suspect received Rs5 million from her on the same pretext.

The victim further claimed that she met the suspect two years back in Multan at the house of his accomplice GM, where the former raped her.

She said the suspect raped her several times later and made objectionable videos.

The complainant said the suspect and his accomplice started blackmailing her, demanding more money and threatening to upload her videos on social media, if she did not pay them more money, reported Dawn News.

She demanded that the prime suspect should be arrested and her money should be recovered.

Station House Officer (SHO) Nasir Abbasi said that a case was registered against the suspects nominated in the FIR, and they would be arrested soon, reported Dawn News.
Bangladesh witnessed massive protests over job quota in recent times. Photo Courtesy: Attribution 4.0 International/Wikimedia Commons

Bangladesh's Religious Affairs Adviser Dr AFM Khalid Hossain on Saturday confirmed his government is not planning to change the national anthem of the country.

The interim government will not do anything that creates "controversy", he was quoted as saying by The Daily Star.

"Currently, our top priority is maintaining law and order. We do not want to do anything at this moment that might create controversy. We want to build a beautiful Bangladesh with everyone," the adviser was quoted as saying by the newspaper.

Bangladesh's national anthem 'Amar Sonar Bangla' was penned down by world bard Rabindranath Tagore.

He made the comments at a time when several radical forces in the country are reportedly demanding to change the national anthem.

He condemned attacks on places of religious worship in the country.

Bangladesh-based newspapers and social media posts earlier claimed several Hindu temples and houses were attacked by radicals following the fall of the former PM Sheikh Hasina-led government last month.

"Those who attack places of worship are enemies of humanity and criminals," the adviser told the newspaper.

He said madrasa students would join local communities to guard the temples during the upcoming Durga Puja celebration.

"The madrasa students were never involved in any kind of militancy. This is a conspiracy and false propaganda by the previous government," he said.

Bangladesh witnessed political turmoil recently when a protest against job quotas spiralled into an anti-government movement and led to the toppling of PM Sheikh Hasina and her administration.

Hasina fled to India.

An interim government under the leadership of Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus took charge days after she escaped from Bangladesh.
Photo Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons

Taiwan's Ministry of Defence has said 19 Chinese military aircraft, seven naval vessels and two official ships were detected around its territory recently.

According to reports, the Chinese aircraft and vessels were seen from 6 am (local time) on Thursday to 6 am (local time) on Friday.

According to Taiwans MND, 15 of the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwans eastern Air Defence Identification Zone, reported ANI.

Taiwan responded to the Chinese incursions and deployed aircraft, naval ships and coastal-based missile systems to monitor PLA activity.

Taking to X, Taiwans MND stated as quoted by ANI, 19 PLA aircraft, 7 PLAN vessels and 2 official ships operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 15 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwans eastern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly.

What is the basis of Chinas claim over Taiwan?

The basis of Chinas claim over Taiwan dates back to 1945 when Japan lost its control over the island in 1945,post-World War Two. The 1949 Chinese civil war lead to communists taking control and Chiang Kai-shek the one who lost fled to Taiwan. He ruled it for many decades. This is where Chinas claim to Taiwan emanates. The very fact that Chiang Kai-shek came to Taiwan and was not indigenous to the place is Taiwans argument against the claim.

The question is why is Taiwan important to China?

A lot of things actually, which of course are related to Taiwan but not necessarily direct to Taiwan. It's more about (China's) relationship changing with United States  or we should say Western Countries, mainly United States and China. Taiwan then happens to become key player and main actor in this dynamics, said Alice.

100 miles from the coast of China, Taiwan is an island, that is located in the first island chain, this positioning makes it crucial to the US foreign policy.

US-Sino relations hinge on, One China Policy, it acknowledges that, there is only one Chinese Government." The US recognises its formal ties with China. With Taiwan the US shares independent strong unofficial relations.
The accused was travelling from Canada to the USA to carry out a mass shooting at a Jewish center in Brooklyn, New York. Photo courtesy: Unsplash

A Pakistani citizen residing in Canada has been arrested on Sept. 4 in Canada in connection with a terrorist plot to kill Jews in New York in the USA. He was held close to the US-Canada border after an FBI investigation and based on a complaint filed in the Southern District of New York.

Identified as 20-year-old Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, he is also known as Shahzeb Jadoon,

As alleged in the complaint, Khan, who resided in Canada, attempted to travel from Canada to New York City, where he intended to use automatic and semi-automatic weapons to carry out a mass shooting in support of ISIS at a Jewish center in Brooklyn, New York.

Khan was charged with attempting to provide material support and resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization (FTO), the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), read a statement issued by US Department of Justice.

The defendant is alleged to have planned a terrorist attack in New York City around October 7th of this year with the stated goal of slaughtering, in the name of ISIS, as many Jewish people as possible, said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. Thanks to the investigative work of the FBI, and the quick action of our Canadian law enforcement partners, the defendant was taken into custody. As I said to Canadas Minister of Public Safety yesterday, we are deeply grateful to our Canadian partners for their critical law enforcement actions in this matter. "Jewish communities  like all communities in this country  should not have to fear that they will be targeted by a hate-fueled terrorist attack. The Justice Department will continue to work closely with our domestic and international partners to aggressively counter the threat posed by ISIS and other terrorist organizations and their supporters.

The defendant was allegedly determined to kill Jewish people here in the United States, nearly one year after Hamas horrific attack on Israel. This investigation was led by the FBI, and I am proud of the terrific work by the FBI team and our partners to disrupt Khan's plan. said FBI Director Christopher Wray.

The FBI will continue to work closely with our partners to investigate and hold accountable those who seek to commit violence in the name of ISIS or other terrorist organizations. Fighting terrorism remains the FBIs top priority.

Khan began posting on social media and communicating with others on an encrypted messaging application about his support for ISIS in or about November 2023, when, among other things, Khan distributed ISIS propaganda videos and literature. Subsequently, Khan began communicating with two undercover law enforcement officers (collectively, the UCs).

During those conversations, Khan confirmed that he and a U.S.-based ISIS supporter (Associate-1) had been planning to carry out an attack in a particular U.S. city (City-1).

Among other things, Khan said that he had been actively attempting to create a real offline cell of ISIS supporters to carry out a coordinated assault in City-1 using AR-style rifles to target[] Israeli Jewish chabads . . . scattered all around [City-1]. During subsequent conversations, Khan repeatedly instructed the UCs to obtain AR-style assault rifles, ammunition, and other materials to carry out the attacks, and identified the specific locations in City-1 where the attacks would take place. Khan also provided details about how he would cross the border from Canada into the United States to conduct the attacks. During these conversations with the UCs, Khan emphasized that Oct 7th and oct 11th are the best days for targeting the jews because oct 7 they will surely have some protests and oct 11 is yom.kippur.

On or about Aug. 20, Khan changed his target location from City-1 to New York City. After initially suggesting certain neighborhoods in New York City to the UCs, Khan decided to target Location-1, a Jewish center located in Brooklyn, New York.

Khan told the UCs that he planned to carry out this attack on or around Oct. 7, 2024  which Khan recognized as the one-year anniversary of the brutal terrorist attacks in Israel by Hamas, a designated FTO, which, on Oct. 7, 2023, launched a wave of violent, large-scale terrorist attacks in Israel.

In support of his choice of New York City as his target location, Khan boasted that New york is perfect to target jews because it has the largest Jewish population In america and therefore, even if we dont attack a[n] Event[,] we could rack up easily a lot of jews. Khan proclaimed that we are going to nyc to slaughter them, and sent a photograph of the specific area inside of Location-1 where he planned to carry out the attack.

Thereafter, Khan continued to urge the UCs to acquire AR-style rifles, ammunition, and other equipment for his attack, including some good hunting [knives] so we can slit their throats.

Khan repeatedly reiterated his desire to carry out the attack in support of ISIS, and discussed planning for the attack, including by identifying rental properties close to Location-1 and paying for a human smuggler to help him reach and cross the border from Canada into the United States.

During one communication, Khan noted that if we succeed with our plan this would be the largest Attack on US soil since 9/11.

On or about Sept. 4, as Khan said he planned to do in connection with his attack, Khan attempted to reach the U.S-Canada border. To do so, Khan used three separate cars to travel across Canada towards the United States, before he was stopped in or around Ormstown, Canada, approximately 12 miles from the U.S.-Canada border.

Khan is charged with one count of attempting to provide material support and resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization.

If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The FBI New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles Field Offices are investigating the case.
Photo Courtesy: @CubanOnlyTrump/Apex X page

The Apalachee High School shooter, who killed two teachers and students during the shooting incident this week, was raised in a troubled home, media reports said.

Colt Gray, the baby-face Georgia school shooting suspect who is charged with murdering two classmates and two teachers, grew up in a broken and neglectful home, which police and child services visited on a regular basis, a former neighbour and landlord told The New York Post.

Colt Grays mother Marcee Gray was arrested in 2023 for vehicle theft, drugs, trafficking, possession, mischief and meth #georgia #schoolshooter #coltgray pic.twitter.com/i6f1CXBfjG  Richard B. Long (@richblong) September 5, 2024

His mother, Marcee, 43, has a lengthy rap sheet with drug and domestic violence arrests, the American newspaper reported.

Colt's father Colin Gray was arrested with authorities saying he 'knowingly allowed his son' to have the weapon.

Colin Gray has been arrested with four counts of Involuntary Manslaughter, two charges of Second Degree Murder and eight of Cruelty to Children, said the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI).

Meanwhile, Lauren Vickers, who lived next-door to the Grays in Jefferson, Georgia, told The New York Post that there were problems immediately when the Grays and their three children moved into the well-manicured neighborhood 60 miles east of Atlanta in 2022.

There were nights where the mom would lock him and his sister out the house. And they would be banging on the back door, just screaming like Mom! mom! mom! and crying. It was absolutely devastating, she said.

Colt Gray was charged with four counts of felony murder in connection to the shooting at Apalachee High School, an incident which left the country shocked.

"He was taken to the Gainesville Regional Youth Detention Center. Additional charges are expected," GBI said in a statement.

Gun and holiday present

Before the charges against Colin Gray were announced Thursday, two law enforcement sources with direct knowledge of the investigation told CNN that the father informed authorities that he purchased the AR-style rifle used in the Apalachee High School shooting as a holiday present for his son in December 2023.

Investigation ongoing

GBI said the investigation into the shooting at Apalachee High School is still active and ongoing.

Victims identified

Two students and two teachers died in the shooting incident in the school which is located in Winder city.

GBI identified the two deceased students as Mason Schermerhorn (14) and Christian Angulo (14).

The teachers, who lost their lives in the shooting incident, were identified Richard Aspinwall (39) and Cristina Irimie (53).

This was the 45th mass shooting in a US school in 2024.

It was the deadliest shooting incident since March 2023 when six people died after a gunman attacked The Covenant School in Nashville.
3-year-old injured after shooting himself with mother's gun. Photo Courtesy: Unsplash

Police said a 3-year-old boy was injured after he shot himself with his mother's gun in the US state of Detroit.

Police Chief James White told CBS News that a preliminary investigation revealed that the boy's mother came home from work and set her gun down on the dresser.

The child got the gun at that moment.

"A 3-year-old toddler roaming around, they see you put the gun down, they're probably gonna pick it up just like anything else," White said in a news conference on Friday as quoted by CBS News.

Police have started investigating whether the mother had a licence for the gun.
The crime thriller web series Manvat Murders is releasing on OTT platform SonyLiv. The show will make its OTT debut on October 4 but has already created buzz on the internet from its plot that is inspired by real-life events. The makers of the show have dropped a trailer that shows a chilling narrative that revolves around some brutal murders that shook Maharashtra in the 1970s. Here is everything you need to know about the real-life case:

Real-life case that shook Maharashtra in the 1970s

Manvat Murders is based on real-life CID officer Ramakant S. Kulkarnis autobiography titled Footprints on the Sand of Crime and the investigation done by then on duty officials.

According to media sources and several legal news websites, between 1972 and 1974, over 5 murders occurred in Maharashtra's Manwat village. The victims comprised both girls and women. The murders were done as part of a plot to locate a treasure trove.

Also Read: Manvat Murders OTT release date SonyLiv: When to watch the upcoming crime-thriller

About SonyLiv's upcoming show Manvat Murders

SonyLiv/Scene from Manvat Murders

The Marathi web show is centred around an official who is trying his best to solve the case's puzzle. As per the trailer, it is clear that makers have made sure to offer their viewers an essence of 1970s rural Maharashtra.

Seven murders; Unsolved for over one and a half year.



Will the ace cop from Mumbai, RAMAKANT KULKARNI be able to bring Justice?



Watch MANVAT MURDERS, a story based on dreadful crime which shook the state of Maharashtra in 1970s. Streaming on 4th October only on Sony LIV! pic.twitter.com/0DO7klA6xG  Ashutosh Gowariker (@AshGowariker) September 3, 2024

The series has been directed by Ashish Bende, with filmmaker Aashutosh Gowariker in one of the lead roles.

Fans are already eager for the real-life crime series that has a compelling storyline and a star-studded cast. Viwers just have to wait until Manvat Murders premieres on OTT platform Sony LIV on October 4.

For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.


The OTT release date for the animated series Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft is finally out. This one of the most anticipated anime series is releasing on the OTT platform Netflix on October 10. Tomb Raider is a gaming franchise that made its debut in the mid-90s. Here is everything about the show, like its plot, cast, and crew:

Plot

This animated series is an action thriller and is all about the life of Lara Croft, who abandons all her friends to be on a mission. The story moves forward with Lara continuing to find the hidden truths and solve mysteries across dangerous destinations, not even fearing for her own life. Essentially, Lara must return at any cost as the most hazardous and significant Chinese artefact is missing and stolen by an unknown thief. Lara Croft is on a journey to discover her true self.

The series revolves around Lara's mission, during which she experiences many dangers and fights.

One of the most iconic foes in the Tomb Raider series is the Doppelganger, a character that first appeared in the original Tomb Raider (1996) game. Read more on today's blog about her evolution from the bacon copycat to a shadow-power wielding anti-hero: https://t.co/jbEfjILZev pic.twitter.com/CLsBx0165n  Tomb Raider (@tombraider) August 16, 2024

Movies based on the Tomb Raider video game have also been released. Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie was also a part of the series's part 2. The upcoming episodes are said to have a few more new entries.

The show this time will be a 2013-18 Tomb Raider reboot culminated with Shadow of the Tomb Raider and bridges the gap in the Tomb Raider timeline and is expected to connect the reboot trilogy to the original series of games.

Cast and crew

Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft has voice artists like Hayley Atwell, Earl Baylon, and Allen Maldonado, among others. The American series is produced and written by Tsha Huo.
Nita Ambani made a stunning appearance as she arrived at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre in Mumbai. Nita along with her husband Mukesh Ambani an son Anant Ambani walked into the Grand theatre in the Bandra Kurla Complex.

Wearing a stunning patola saree, Nita Ambani sure dazzled tonight. The family were attending the final showcase of Rajadhiraaj: Love. Life. Leela - the worlds first grand musical on Lord Krishna.

Nita Ambani wore a traditional red saree with seedha pallu. She paired her 6 yards of elegance with a gorgeous blouse that had intricate hand painting of Radha-Krishna at the back. Take a look.

She tied her hair into a bun with white flowers and carried a small golden potli to complete the look. Nita Ambani's jewellery are world famous for being classy and unique. With her saree, she opted for huge earrings and a long necklace that truly stood out on her.

Like always, she greeted the paparazzi with a lot of warmth. Wishing them Happy Ganesh Chaturthi, she even revealed that she is bringing home her Ganpati tomorrow. This is not the first time Nita Ambani has chosen the colour red. She wore it multiple times at her son Anant Ambani's wedding too.

Credit: Pinterest

At the event, Nita was also joined by her son Anant Ambani. He can be seen with people who he reportedly closely works with in Jamnagar.

Well, we are excited to see Ganpati celebrations that will commence from tomorrow onwards. What about you. Tell us in the comment section below.
Ganesh Chaturthi is finally here, and the festive mood is set! The streets and markets have come alive with 'Ganpati Bappa Mourya' chants and homes are being decorated with vibrant flowers and garlands in preparation for the 10-day-long festivities with people all dressed up in their best traditional wear to welcome Lord Ganesh into their homes.

Grand decorations, offerings and extravagant pujas are synonymous with Ganesh Chaturthi, but what warms our hearts the most is the love and merry that fills the air during the festivities. Carrying on with these wholesome vibes, let's take a look at how our A-listers have gone all out and welcomed Bappa into their homes this year.

Celebs go all out to welcome Ganpati Bappa

1. Sara Ali Khan

Posing for photos in a bright orange-coloured Anarkali suit, Sara Ali Khan welcomed Ganpati with elaborate decorations.

2. Rakul Preet Singh and Jackky Bhagnani

Actors Rakul Preet Singh and Jackky Bagnani posted photos on their social media after the Ganpati puja at their home with the caption, ""

3. Shilpa Shetty

In a short clip shared by Shilpa on her Instagram handle, the diva can be seen chanting 'Ganpati Bappa Mourya' along with her husband Raj Kundra and daughter.

4. Tejasswi Prakash

In a paparazzi video, the Tejasswi is dressed in a stunning deep green saree as she prepares to welcome Bappa into her home. The actress can be seen carrying a pooja ki thali and is accompanied by her boyfriend Karan Kundra.

5. Sonali Bendre

In a set of serene photos shared by her, Bollywood actress Sonali Bendre poses for photos with a decorated idol of Lord Ganesha in the background.

6. Divya Dutta

Actress Divya Dutta shared a short clip of her posing her photos with her kids, all three dressed to the nines on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi. The kids are jumping around in excitement as the family kickstarts the celebrations.

7. Tusshar Kapoor

In a video making the rounds on the internet, Bollywood actor Tusshar Kapoor can be seen performing the aarti of Lord Ganesha as he kickstarts the Ganeshotsav celebrations at his home on this auspicious day.



8. Sonu Sood

In a short video shared by paparazzi, Sonu Sood along with his son Ishant Sood can be seen distributing sweets among devotees after performing the 'sthapana' puja at his home in Mumbai's Juhu area.

9. Ananya Panday

Like every year, the Panday parivar welcomed Lord Ganesha into their homes with a grand celebration. Wearing a sea-green sharara set from Gopi Vaid Designs, Ananya Panday was seen posing for photos with parents Chunky and Bhavna Panday and her grandparents as well.

10. Sharvari Wagh

In a recent interview, Sharvari revealed that every year during the 10-day-long celebrations of Ganesh Chaturthi, she goes back to her hometown for the festivities. Today, on day one, she posed for photos with her mother and sister wearing a vibrant purple 35-year-old Kanjeevaram saree that has been passed down from her grandmother.

11. Saiee Manjrekar

In a recent post, the Dabangg 3 actress was seen adding final touches to the idol of Lord Ganesha before the 'sthapana' puja. Saiee appeared to be all geared up for the puja in traditional attire as she was seen prepping the flowers and other offerings for Ganpati Bappa.

12. Allu Arjun

South superstar Allu Arjun shared a rare sneak peek into his life this morning on his Instagram stories. In the cute video, his daughter and mother can be seen preparing for the Ganesh Chaturthi Puja, dressed in traditional attire.

13. Ankita Lokhande

TV actress Ankita Lokhande shared a short clip on her Instagram account with the caption "Ganpati Bappa Morya." In the clip, she and her husband Vicky Jain can be seen performing the puja to welcome Lord Ganesha into their beautifully decorated home on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi.

Also Read: Ganesh Chaturthi 2024: Here's how you can make Sharvari Wagh's favourite Ukadiche Modak at home

For more on lifestyle, astrology and health from around the world please visit Indiatimes Lifestyle.
In some major relief to troubled aviation giant Boeing, its experimental spacecraft, Starliner, on Friday returned to Earth from its first manned mission to the International Space Station (ISS). The Boeing Starliner successfully parachuted into New Mexico's White Sands Missile Range, six hours after it undocked from the ISS, without its crew.

#Starliner landed today at White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico at 12:01 a.m. ET on Sept. 7 (10:01 p.m. MT on Sept. 6). Teams on the ground welcomed the spacecraft and are now preparing to transport Starliner back to Florida for analysis and refurbishment.



More: pic.twitter.com/UEPdkuXswZ  Boeing Space (@BoeingSpace) September 7, 2024

Boeing Starliner returns to Earth

The Starliner descended on autopilot through the desert darkness, in an uneventful landing, which many, including top NASA officials, feared could go horribly wrong.

The uncrewed @Boeing #Starliner spacecraft has departed the space station undocking from the Harmony module's forward port at 6:04pm ET today. More... https://t.co/2SfoRtuiON pic.twitter.com/pp9Zua6jN7  International Space Station (@Space_Station) September 6, 2024

Landed safely, but what is next for Boeing Starliner

While Boeing, which insisted that the Starliner was safe, has managed to save some face with a successful return, the future of its space capsule is uncertain.

That is because two NASA astronauts, Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore, who were the crew members of Starliner's first human mission to the ISS, are still stuck in space.

Credit: Reuters

What went wrong for Boeing Starliner's first mission

The duo, who went on what was supposed to be an eight-day mission to the ISS, boarded the Starliner, which has been plagued by technical issues even before it took off from Earth.

Even after successfully reaching the ISS, Starliner faced issues, including thruster trouble and helium loss, which eventually forced NASA to step in and decide that it was too risky to bring the two astronauts back on the Boeing space capsule.

CREDIT: AP

This was a double whammy for Boeing, as the Starliner originally did not have an autopilot and had to be controlled manually while landing. Boeing, however, managed to overcome this with a software update, and Starliner, on its return to Earth, was fully automated.

NEWS: Boeing's Starliner spacecraft has just successfully landed back on Earth.



This was the spacecraft that NASA Astronaut's Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams arrived to the International Space Station on a few months ago. After NASA and Boeing identified helium leaks and pic.twitter.com/qYD2Xfxy4v  Sawyer Merritt (@SawyerMerritt) September 7, 2024

As for Williams and Wilmore, the duo will continue to be stationed on the ISS and will only return to Earth in February 2025, on a SpaceX rocket, and not on a Boeing.

For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.
In India, Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most vibrant and grandly celebrated festivals, especially in Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. This festival marks the birth of Lord Ganesha, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. People worship Lord Ganesha for blessings of wealth, good fortune, and success. In 2024, Ganesh Chaturthi will start on September 7 and end on September 17.



Preparations for the festival include setting up temporary pandals (decorated structures) with large statues of Ganesha in various cities. Devotees visit these pandals to pray and seek the blessings of the god, known for his wisdom, knowledge, and prosperity. Many families also place smaller idols of Ganesha in their homes, offering prayers with their friends and neighbours for a prosperous year. This article will guide you on how to make the most of Ganesh Chaturthi by following the correct timings (Shubh Muhurat) and Puja steps (Puja Vidhi).

Ganesh Chaturthi 2024 Timings and Rituals

Credit: Freepik | Happy Ganesh Chaturthi wishes status

Madhyahna Ganesha Puja Time: The best time to do the Ganesh Puja is during the Madhyahna, which refers to the middle of the day in the Hindu time system. In 2024, this special time for the Ganesha Puja is from 11:04 AM to 1:35 PM, giving devotees 2 hours and 31 minutes to complete the rituals.



One important tradition during Ganesh Chaturthi is to avoid looking at the moon. It is believed that seeing the moon on this day brings Mithya Dosha, which means false accusations or blame. To avoid this, devotees should not look at the moon between 9:30 AM and 8:46 PM on September 7, 2024. If someone accidentally sees the moon, they can chant the mantra "Simhah Prasenamavadhitsimho Jambavata Hatah, Sukumaraka Marodistava Hyesha Syamantakah" to remove the curse.

Time to avoid Moonsighting

People must avoid Moon sightings a day before Ganesha Chaturthi. Thus, to avoid the Moon sighting, from 09:30 AM to 08:45 PM.

Why We Should Not See Moon On Ganesh Chaturthi?

Credit: Canva

On Ganesh Chaturthi, it is often said by elders that you should not look at the moon. Have you ever wondered why? If you're curious about the reason behind this, here's the explanation.



This belief comes from an interesting Hindu myth. The story says that Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god, was invited to a grand feast by Lord Kubera, the god of wealth.

King Kubera, being proud of his riches, looked down on Lord Shiva for living a simple life in the mountains. When Kubera invited Shiva to his palace, Shiva declined and sent Ganesha instead. Ganesha not only ate all the food prepared for the feast but also ate everything in Kuberas city.

Later that evening, as Ganesha traveled on his mouse, he met the moon, Chandra. The moon, known for being playful, laughed at Ganesha's appearance, especially seeing the snake around his belly.

Ganesha, upset by the moons mocking laughter, became angry and cursed the moon. He declared that anyone who looked at the moon on Ganesh Chaturthi would be falsely blamed and ridiculed for a whole year.

Frightened by this curse, the moon apologized to Ganesha. Moved by the apology, Ganesha softened the curse, making it last for just one dayon Ganesh Chaturthi.

Because of this story, people avoid looking at the moon on Ganesh Chaturthi to avoid the curse. This tale not only entertains but also teaches the values of humility and respect in Hindu culture.

In another story, as per Drik Panchang, Lord Krishna was once wrongly blamed for stealing a valuable gem called Syamantaka after he accidentally saw the Moon on Ganesh Chaturthi. Sage Narada told him about the Mithya Dosham and explained the cause of the curse.

To get rid of this curse, Lord Krishna fasted on Ganesh Chaturthi, following the sage's advice. Now, the reason behind avoiding looking at the Moon on Chaturthi is understood. If you accidentally see the Moon, you can follow Lord Krishnas example and fast on Ganesh Chaturthi to remove the curse.

Ganesh Chaturthi 2024 FAQ:

Q. What is Ganesh Chaturthi celebrated for?

Ganesh Chaturthi celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha, who is known as the God of new beginnings, and wisdom, and the one who removes obstacles.

Q. Why is Ganesh Chaturthi celebrated for 10 days?

According to the story, Lord Shiva once beheaded Ganesha. To fix his mistake, he gave Ganesha the head of an elephant. This event is remembered during Ganesh Chaturthi, which is celebrated for 10 days to honour Ganesha's birth and his return to his mother, Parvati.

Q. What does Ganesh Chaturthi represent?

This colourful and grand festival is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed God of wisdom, wealth, and fresh starts. It is an important festival in Hindu culture that brings people together to pray, celebrate, and strengthen community bonds.

Q. What is the importance of Ganesh Chaturthi?

Ganesh Chaturthi signifies the cycle of life, from birth to death. When the Ganesha idol is immersed in water, it is believed that he takes away the problems from the home, destroying them as he returns to the Earth.

Q. Can we keep Ganpati for 3 days?

The length of time Ganesha stays at home depends on family traditions or personal choices:

1.5 days: For a short celebration.3 days: A common duration, balancing celebration and practicality.7 days: A longer period for worship.10 days: The traditional festival length.

Permanently: Some keep Ganesha at home as a symbol of constant blessings and devotion.

Q. What is the key point of Ganesh Chaturthi?

Ganesh Chaturthi honours Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, and celebrates his birth. People worship Ganesha before starting new journeys, business ventures, or intellectual pursuits, believing he brings order and success.

Q. Why is Lord Ganesha immersed in water?

The immersion of Ganesha's idol symbolizes the life cycle. Since Ganesha was created from Earth, his clay idol is returned to the water to mark the end of his stay in the home or temple during the festival.

Q. Who started Ganesh Chaturthi?

The 10-day Ganesh Utsav, ending with the Visarjan, became popular thanks to Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak. He promoted its widespread celebration during India's independence movement.



To stay updated on the stories that are going viral follow Indiatimes Trending.
Former Kingfisher Airlines CEO Vijay Mallya, who has been hiding in the United Kingdom for more than five years after fleeing India over allegations of bank fraud, turned to Twitter to wish everyone a happy Ganesh Chaturthi.

What Vijay Mallya post that sent the internet into a frenzy?

Happy Ganesh Chaturthi to all.  Vijay Mallya (@TheVijayMallya) September 6, 2024

The fugitive businessman had no idea his tweet would spark a deluge of jokes on the microblogging site. "Happy Ganesh Chaturthi to all," Mallya stated on Twitter.

If one looks closely at Mallya's Twitter timeline, it appears that the businessman exclusively uses the network to wish his admirers on public holidays. His previous tweets on the microblogging platform are shared at various festivals.



Mallya, previously known as the 'king of good times' due to his luxurious lifestyle, fled to the United Kingdom in 2016 after being accused of bank fraud involving Rs 90 billion in loans. The black cloud of problems surrounding Mallya began in 2012.

In 2017, the UK Metropolitan Police extradition squad detained the businessman on behalf of Indian authorities on fraud charges. He was eventually released on bond.

How did people on the internet react?

Several individuals on Twitter have asked Mallya why he only tweets on bank holidays. People used the chance to ridicule the 66-year-old head of the RPG Group conglomerate. Here's what people wrote in the comments.



How to check public holiday -



Holiday calender 

Vijay Mallya Tweet   Rajat Agarwala (@RjtAg222) September 7, 2024

You know it's a public holiday when bro posts   ThirdEye (@3rdEyeDude) September 7, 2024

*Bank holiday exists *



Le Vijay Mallya wish pic.twitter.com/mUJmjO6X5L  Phunsuk Wangdu (@Phunsukwangduji) September 7, 2024

Streak continues to tweet on Holiday only   Investment Books (Dhaval) (@InvestmentBook1) September 7, 2024

Also read: Vijay Mallya's Well-Timed 'Happy Ugadi' Greeting Has Internet Cheering

What do you think about this? Tell us in the comments.



To stay updated on the stories that are going viral follow Indiatimes Trending.
The Lunar Eclipse 2024, also known as Chandra Grahan, is an exciting celestial event that many people look forward to. The second Lunar Eclipse of 2024 is scheduled for September, and skywatchers around the world are eager to witness it. The first Lunar Eclipse of 2024 was visible on March 25th. Let's take a look at the Lunar Eclipse 2024 date, its timing, and whether it will be visible in India.



What Happens During a Lunar Eclipse?

A lunar eclipse happens when the Earth comes between the Moon and the Sun, casting a shadow on the Moon. This shadow darkens the Moon, sometimes giving it a red tint. Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses can be seen from many parts of the world, depending on the time and weather conditions.

When is the September Lunar Eclipse 2024?

Credit: NASA

The second Lunar Eclipse 2024 will occur on September 18, 2024. While this September Lunar Eclipse 2024 will be a fascinating event for many, unfortunately, it wont be visible in India. This is because, during the eclipse, the Moon will be below the horizon in India.



Where Will the September Lunar Eclipse 2024 Be Visible?

Even though the Lunar Eclipse 2024 wont be visible in India, people in other parts of the world will be able to see it. The regions where the eclipse can be viewed include Europe, Africa, North and South America, and parts of Asia. As long as the sky is clear, observers in these areas will be able to enjoy the sight of the eclipse.

In India, even though it wont be visible, many people follow religious traditions during the eclipse. According to astrologers, the period of sutak kaal, a time when no auspicious activities should be performed, begins several hours before the eclipse. For the September Lunar Eclipse 2024, this period will start on the night of September 17.

Lunar Eclipse 2024 Date and Timing in India

While the Lunar Eclipse 2024 in India will not be visible, the different phases of the eclipse will still take place at the following times, according to Indian Standard Time (IST):

Penumbral Eclipse begins: September 18, 06:11 AM IST

September 18, 06:11 AM IST Partial Eclipse begins: September 18, 07:42 AM IST

September 18, 07:42 AM IST Maximum Eclipse: September 18, 08:14 AM IST

September 18, 08:14 AM IST Partial Eclipse ends: September 18, 08:45 AM IST

September 18, 08:45 AM IST Penumbral Eclipse ends: September 18, 10:17 AM IST

Unfortunately, during these times, the Moon will be below the horizon in India, which means the Chandra Grahan 2024 wont be visible here.

Religious Importance of Lunar Eclipse 2024

Even though the Lunar Eclipse 2024 wont be visible in India, many people will still observe religious customs during this time. According to astrologers, as reported by TOI, the eclipse will happen from 6:12 AM to 10:17 AM, lasting for 4 hours and 5 minutes. Because of religious beliefs, no important or good work will be done during this time. The peak of the lunar eclipse will be at 8:14 AM. The sutak kaal (inauspicious period) begins hours before the eclipse. For the September Lunar Eclipse 2024, the sutak kaal will start on the night of September 17.

During this period, pregnant women are often advised to stay indoors and take extra precautions. They are also encouraged not to eat, sleep, or use sharp objects like knives or needles during the Chandra Grahan. These beliefs are followed because it is thought that the eclipse could harm the unborn child.

How Can You Watch the Lunar Eclipse 2024?

Although the Lunar Eclipse 2024 in India wont be visible, people in other parts of the world will be able to enjoy it. Countries in Europe, North and South America, Africa, and parts of Asia will get a full view of the September Lunar Eclipse 2024.

If you are unable to see it in person, many observatories and space agencies will stream the event live online. This way, you can still experience Chandra Grahan from anywhere.

The Lunar Eclipse 2024 on September 18, 2024, is a much-anticipated event, even though it wont be visible in India. People in other regions can look forward to a clear view of the eclipse, while those in India may follow religious practices during this time. Dont forget to check out live streams to enjoy the Chandra Grahan 2024 from wherever you are!

(Note: Dates/timings may be subject to change; details mentioned here are as per the information available.)



To stay updated on the stories that are going viral follow Indiatimes Trending.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 7. The Minister of Defense, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, and the Deputy Minister of Defense  Commander of the Land Forces, Lieutenant General Hikmat Mirzayev got acquainted with the social and living conditions of military personnel, who serve in units deployed in the direction of the conditional border, Trend reports, referring to the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry.

It was reported that all needed infrastructure has been created for the purpose of organizing high-level service activities of military personnel and full material and technical support is carried out in accordance with the norms.

At the meeting with the servicemen, the Minister spoke about the steps taken in the Azerbaijan Army to further improve the service and socio-living conditions of the military personnel thanks to the attention and care of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Ilham Aliyev.

Colonel General Z.Hasanov enquired about the concerns of the servicemen and gave relevant recommendations regarding the development of their professionalism, knowledge, and skills.
The governments of Greece and Cyprus will meet on September 10 in a last-ditch attempt to salvage a multi-billion euro electric cable project, which if completed, would be the worlds longest linking Europe to the Middle East.

The Great Sea Interconnector (GSI) seeks to link the transmission networks of Greece via Crete

to Cyprus and eventually Israel in a project costing 2.4 billion euros

On completion, it will be the longest, at 1,240 km, and deepest, at 3,000 metres, high voltage direct current (HVDC) interconnector in the world.

Tuesdays meeting will attempt to clarify any lingering concerns in Nicosia about the total cost of the project, its viability and what Cyprus would pay towards it, government officials said.

It comes against a backdrop of warnings contractors could reconsider their participation unless Cyprus takes a decision soon, and also pressure from Greece.

As a responsible government, we will take a decision which wont place undue financial burden either on the state, or on people, Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides told reporters.

The European Union has classified the GSI a Project of Common Interest, and one it is willing to partly finance with 657 million euros.

Greeces energy minister as well as Greeces power grid operator IPTO, the project manager, will be present at Tuesdays meeting along with a representative of the European Commission.

Cyprus has approached big projects with caution since the collapse this year of an attempt to introduce natural gas, as well as scrapping a large port development contract. Both were clinched under a previous right-wing administration.

Our decision will be based on real data, without any constructive, or non-constructive ambiguity, Christodoulides said.

   iefimerida.gr
In a highly anticipated speech tonight at the Vellideio Conference Center, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is expected to unveil his strategic plan for Greece's next three years.

Over the course of an hour, he will outline key objectives and address the nations pressing challenges, offering a roadmap for progress.

Mr. Mitsotakis will focus on the government's response to the major

concerns of Greek citizensrising living costs, healthcare, housing shortages, demographic decline, and public safety.

Speaking at a press reception yesterday, he provided a preview of his address, emphasizing the long-term outlook.

I want to set out the vision, framework, and goals for the next three years, Mr. Mitsotakis said, adding that his speech would look ahead to 2027 and the milestones his government hopes to achieve by then. While he will introduce new policy initiatives, the finer details will be left for his ministers to elaborate on in the coming days.

Acknowledging the limitations of time, Mr. Mitsotakis said he would not delve into all specifics of his administration's plans.

Instead, he will focus on how policies related to economic growth, investment, and climate change will place Greece on a stronger footing. Government officials later explained that his proposals are designed to deliver measurable, near-term results that citizens will see reflected in their daily lives.

We want to show that its not just about having a plan, but about implementing it with real, practical outcomes for society, his aides said.

With public attention squarely on the governments handling of these critical issuesand with opposition parties weakened by internal strifeevery decision will be under scrutiny in the coming months.

Mr. Mitsotakis will also use the speech to underscore the responsibility of government and party officials in ensuring effective governance. His message will be clear: the stakes are high, and delivering results is essential.

When asked by journalists to comment on the turmoil within opposition parties like Syriza and Pasok, Mr. Mitsotakis avoided direct criticism, stating that he preferred to focus on his own administration's challenges.

However, government sources suggest that his office is closely monitoring the broader political landscape, understanding that developments in opposition parties can have ripple effects on the government.

Looking to shore up his base and heal any divisions, Mr. Mitsotakis will highlight key achievements, such as bolstering national defense, managing migration, and introducing policies like night-shift bonuses for security forces and tax cuts for self-employed workers.

As the country faces a critical period ahead, Mr. Mitsotakis will aim to rally support, reaffirm his governments ability to confront national challenges, and deliver tangible benefits to citizens. His speech tonight will set the tone for the government's next phase and the path forward for Greece.

Giannis Kantelis

   iefimerida.gr
Twelve suspected vandals have been paraded by the Nigeria Civil Defence Corps, Adamawa State Command (NSCDC).

Idris Bande, the state commandant of the NSCDC, told reporters on Friday at the event that the 12 suspects had been charged with burglary and theft.

Adamawa is not a place for vandals or scavengers. We are fully committed to protecting public assets and ensuring that criminal elements are brought to justice, Commandant Bande said.

Advertisement

He went on to say that the command is resolved to fully follow Governor Ahmadu Fintiris decree outlawing scavenging activities.

The NSCDC has since deployed its operatives to enforce this policy. Anyone found engaging in these unlawful activities will be held accountable, Bande said.

READ MORE: NSCDC Detains Three Suspects Over Alleged Repeated Defilement Of Minor In Kwara

The state command spokesman, DSC Nyako Baba, released a statement stating that the renewed campaign against vandals and associated criminals is in line with the accusation made by Ahmed Audi, the Commandant General of the NSCDC.

According to the announcement, the commandant general has directed all state commandants to prioritise the security of important national assets and infrastructure.
The Corporate Affairs Commission, has emphasized on shutting down point of sale (POS) operators, over refusal to register their businesses before the September 5, deadline date.

Recall that on May 6, the CAC and financial technology (fintechs) companies had agreed to a two-month timeline to register their agents and merchants.

The commission issued a deadline of July 7 for the exercise, which was later extended to September 5.

Advertisement

In a statement released on Friday, CAC expressed concerns over inadequate compliance with the directive, despite the large number of PoS operators in the country.

The commission commended operators who have taken steps to formalize their businesses, praising their positive attitudes towards compliance.

The statement reads: The Corporate Affairs Commission wishes to remind the general public, particularly Fintech operators, also known as Point of Sale (POS) operators, that the 60 day deadline given in 60-day newspaper publications of July 7 2024, for the registration of such businesses expired on September 5, 2024.

READ MORE: CAC Extends POS Registration Deadline To September 5

The commission notes inadequate compliance with the directive for formalization when viewed from the background of a large number of POS operators in the country.

Those that have taken steps to formalize in line with the Commissions directive are commended for their positive attitudes.

Operators have refused to adhere to the advice for formalization due possibly, to engagements in unwholesome activities or for some reasons best known to them.

We are to make it clear that the commission is working with law enforcement agencies and other relevant stakeholders to deploy comprehensive enforcement.
Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has shed light on one of the reasons that caused rift with his predecessor, Senator Adams Oshiomhole.

He said the rift was caused by his declaration of state burial for the late chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Tony Anenih, who died during his first term as Governor of the state under theAll Progressives Congress (APC).

Obaseki stated this on Friday at the ongoing PDP campaign rally held at Opujie Primary School, Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area where Chief Anenih came from.

Advertisement

His words: When Chief Anenih died, I was not in PDP, but I declared a state burial for him because of his contributions to our dear state and Nigeria. This was one of the things that created issues between me and Oshiomole who never wanted it. He considered it an unforgivable sin which he could not overlook. But I have to do what is good. We are all one. Edo State is one.

READ ALSO: Two Policemen, Driver Killed As Gunmen Attempt To Abduct Delta Lawmakers Wife

And that is why I am here today. For Edo to be one and united, I have to support Esan man for governor. And not just an Esan man but a capable, competent, intellectually sound person with good track record in the person of Asue Ighodalo, Obaseki stated.

He declared that the need to move Edo forward requires a candidate like Asue Ighodalo.

In his address, the candidate of the PDP, Asue Ighodalo promised to complete all ongoing projects in Esanland.

He said: I will complete all on and create more. We will complete all ongoing projects in Esan North East and across all Esanland. Be it water, roads, hospitals, schools or anything, we will complete them and create new ones.

Edo will be self-sufficient under my administration and become a state other states will come to. With us Edo will not suffer poverty

Let us support the good work to continue. Obaseki has done well and we will build on the foundation.
A female pedestrian was killed by a hit-and-run vehicle on the Agbara-Badagry Expressways Mowo axis on Friday morning.

Mr William Manga, Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps Badagry Unit, told the News Agency of Nigeria in Badagry on Friday that the accident occurred around 6 a.m.

He stated that the command received information about the collision at 11.25 a.m., and its personnel arrived at the scene at 11.26 a.m.

Advertisement

The accident occurred at the Mosafejo-Mowo axis of the Badagry Expressway. It involved an unknown car driver.

The victim sustained injuries at the head and died before our team got to the scene, he said.

According to Manga, the victim was transported to the mortuary at the General Hospital in Badagry.

READ MORE: Actress Jumoke George Cautions Women Against Risking Their Lives To Undergo BBL Surgery

He said that nothing was recovered from the victim.

The unit commander advised pedestrians to be more cautious when crossing expressways.

Manga urged drivers to follow speed limits and other traffic rules and regulations.
Newly-crowned Miss Universe Nigeria, Chidimma Adetshina, has dismissed claims that her win was a result of pity.

In an interview on Arise News shared on Instagram Saturday, Adetshina addressed the criticism she faced after her victory, emphasizing that her hard work and dedication earned her the title.

Advertisement

She referenced her 10-week journey in South Africa, where she and fellow contestants underwent rigorous training and challenges.

READ MORE: DJ Cuppy Celebrates Another Academic Achievement, Graduates From London School Of Economics

Adetshina argued that while her experience may have differed slightly from others, she faced the same overall challenges and proved herself a worthy winner.

In her words

A lot of people felt like it was a pity win. I dont think so. I feel like I really worked so hard, coming from the South Africa journey. We spent like 10 weeks, camp, going through the whole journey.

It might have been a slight difference compared to everybody else, but if you have to look at the journey that we have all been through, I feel like I really had the same experience with other contestants.

Watch her speak below


Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Media and Publicity, has proceeded on an indefinite leave of absence owing to health issues.

He said the decision was taken after significant consultations with his family over the past days as the medical situation had worsened.

The spokesman made this known in a statement issued on Saturday, adding that he had communicated same to the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila

Advertisement

On Friday, I submitted a memo to the Chief of Staff to the President informing my office that I am proceeding on an indefinite leave of absence to frontally deal with medical matters presently affecting my immediate, nuclear family.

READ ALSO: Nigerias Existence As Country, A Mistake  Actress Laura Adebisi

While I fully appreciate that the ship of state waits for no man, this agonizing decision  entailing a pause of my functions as the Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity and Official Spokesperson of the President; Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action, and Chairman, Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen  was taken after significant consultations with my family over the past several days as a vexatious medical situation has worsened at home.

I look forward to returning to full-time national service when time, healing, and fate permit. I respectfully ask for some privacy for my family and I during this time, Ngelale stated.
Laura Lake Adebisi, a British-Nigerian actress, has expressed her opinion that Nigerias existence as a unified country is a mistake.

She attributed this to the fundamental ideological differences between the North and South, which she believes are insurmountable.

Advertisement

In a viral video shared on Instagram Friday, Adebisi criticized the British government for its role in shaping Nigerias destiny.

She argued that the British deliberately prevented the Eastern regions secession and the formation of Biafra, in order to maintain control over Nigerias resources.

According to Adebisi, the British governments interference has left a lasting legacy, with Nigerias borders and shape still bearing the hallmarks of colonialism.

READ MORE: Dbanj: Only Nigerian Man Who Gave Me Free Money, Never Asked Anything In Return  Toke Makinwa

Adebisi said, The footprints of colonialism are over Nigeria. Nigeria should have never been a country! The difference in ideology from the northern side to the southern side is insane.

When the Eastern side tried to secede and form Biafra, the ex-colonialists [Britain] were like, no, we dont want that. So they instead empower Nigeria to crush that country.

They were like, we want you guys to stay like this so we can continue to pillage and take all of your resources.

So the footprints of colonialism are still all over Nigeria. Its in the shape of the country. Its on the map.

Watch her speak below


Reason the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, and the Secretary General of the Congress, Emmanuel Ugboaja, were re-invited by the Nigeria Police Force, has emerged.

Recall that the police had initially invited Ajaero over allegations of criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime.

However, in a second letter dated August 28, the police stated that the latest invitation was in furtherance of an investigation into alleged criminal intimidation, malicious damage to properties, and conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace.

Advertisement

READ ALSO: Police Again Summon NLCs Ajaero, General Secretary

The latest invitation, according to report, was due to a petition by a private company and not based on allegations of terrorism financing.

A source familiar with the matter, as stated by Punch, noted that the matter of terrorism financing has been concluded. The invitation was based on a fresh petition by a company over what they tagged as disruptions.

The NLCs counsel, Femi Falana, confirming the development, said, A few months ago, a private company lodged a complaint against the leadership of the NLC in respect of the picketing of its premises by workers. The complaints against Comrade Joe Ajaero are limited to criminal intimidation, conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace and malicious damage to properties.
Photo: Press Service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 7. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory letter to President of Brazil Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on the occasion of the national holiday - Independence Day, Trend reports.

"On behalf of myself and the people of Azerbaijan, I am pleased to extend my sincere congratulations and my best wishes to you and, through you, to the entire people of Brazil on the occasion of Independence Day, September 7th.

We place great importance on the development of friendly and cooperative relations with Brazil. We are pleased with the expansion of Azerbaijan-Brazil relations, both bilaterally and multilaterally, over the past period.

I believe that during the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, which will be held in Baku this year, we will cooperate closely with Brazil. I highly value interaction with your country and the United Arab Emirates as part of Troika mechanism to maintain global warming at the 1.5C level.

Taking this opportunity, I wish your country success in hosting the G20 Summit.

On this significant day, I wish you good health, happiness, success in your endeavors, and continued peace and prosperity to your friendly nation," reads the letter.
The political commission of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), on Friday, disclosed it was not consulted before the national caretaker committee of the Labour Party (LP) was formed.

Recall that on Wednesday, a 29-member committee chaired by former Minister Nenadi Usman, was set up following a stakeholders meeting of the Party convened by Alex Otti, Governor of Abia State.

Advertisement

In a statement, Theophilus Ndubuaku, acting Chairman of the Commission, said the NLC acknowledged the committee.

However, he said the Commission was not involved in the formation and selection of caretaker committee members, especially such critical officers as chairman and secretary.

Ndubuaku noted said the commission initiated the push for the removal of the Abure-led national working committee (NWC).

Even though the commission and its NTC were not consulted, the commission believes that Peter Obi and Alex Otti are reasonable leaders who desire the unity, harmony, and rancour-free cohesion of the Labour Party.

READ ALSO: Ex-Minister Nenadi Usman To Chair LPs Caretaker Committee, Okafor Faction Kicks

We demand that the commission and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) be given the right to ratify the appointment of the chairman and secretary of the caretaker committee, as well as the composition of the remaining proposed 27 members of the committee.

We also believe that if there is a need to expand the proposed national caretaker committee beyond their present proposed 29-member mark, they will do so.

That will demonstrate that they are listening leaders who understand that every stakeholder, especially critical blocs like the NLC, TUC, and other entities of our party, should be carried along to have a sense of belonging for our overall membership growth, national expansion, and progress, the statement read.

Recall that Julius Abure, a factional Chairman of the Party, rejected calls for the stakeholders meeting.

Also, Callistus Okafor, another factional National Chairman of the LP, declared the Usman-led caretaker committee illegal.

Okafor said Otti should provide a letter issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that recognised the meeting that he convened.
A key potential witness in the racketeering case against George E. Norcross III has sued him, less than three months after a state grand jury accused the New Jersey power broker of using threats and intimidation to secure the rights to lucrative waterfront property in Camden.

The lawsuit, filed Wednesday by Philadelphia developer Carl Dranoff in Camden County Superior Court, includes many of the same allegations in the criminal indictment New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin unveiled in June. It also mirrors accusations Dranoff previously lodged against Norcross in a separate 2018 civil suit against the City of Camden, which ended in a settlement last year.

Advertisement

Dranoff maintains Norcross used his influence over local government to scuttle a 2018 deal Dranoff had arranged to sell a luxury apartment complex known as the Victor Lofts he had developed on the waterfront.

The complaint, which also names Norcross brother Philip as a defendant, asks the court to award Dranoff more than $50 million in damages on claims including civil conspiracy, tortious interference, and racketeering.

Dranoff faced illegal and extortionate pressure tactics from the [Norcrosses] criminal enterprise for years, the suit says. G[eorge] Norcross and his associates delivered on those threats, leveraging the power of the government of Camden  to interfere with a deal that was all but final, resulting in tens of millions of dollars of lost profits.

Representatives for the Norcross brothers shot back Friday.

Kevin Marino, lawyer for Philip Norcross, dismissed the suit as a transparent attempt to monetize the baseless allegations in the AGs indictment.

Dan Fee, a spokesperson for George Norcross, said it was Dranoff  not the Norcrosses  who had defrauded the citizens of Camden.

Mr. Norcross agrees with what Camden Mayor Vic Carstarphen said when [that earlier 2018 civil] case was settled, he said in a statement. Mr. Dranoff masqueraded around [Camden] as a do-gooder pretending to be part of our revitalization efforts, when in fact, he was lining his own pockets and depriving the city of badly needed funds.

The lawsuit comes as lawyers in Norcross criminal case are set to return to a Trenton courthouse next week to hash out a schedule for bringing that matter to trial. Though prosecutors have not yet said whether they intend to call Dranoff as a witness, the civil suit could complicate any testimony he might give.

Norcross lawyers are likely to use the lawsuit filed this week to attack Dranoffs credibility and argue he now has a financial interest in their client being convicted  a strategy Fee nodded toward in his statement Friday.

Dranoffs out-of-state lawyers may not know all the facts about what [he] did to Camden, Fee said. But the record is clear, and Mr. Norcross looks forward to detailing it publicly for the first time while Mr. Dranoff sits in the witness stand.

Dranoff first invested in Camden in the early 2000s, when he agreed to redevelop a blighted former manufacturing facility that had been sitting vacant for years into the citys first new market-rate housing in decades  a building that would become the Victor Lofts.

To incentivize what was otherwise considered a risky investment, the city allowed Dranoff to make annual payments in lieu of property taxes, plus any excess net profits realized from the project. Property values change over time, so the set payments were seen as more predictable and business-friendly. Dranoff at the time also obtained the rights to develop another vacant property nearby known as Radio Lofts.

In early 2018, Dranoff reached an agreement to sell the building to Denver, Colo.-based real estate investment firm Aimco for $71 million, but to do so, he needed the city to transfer his tax agreement to the new buyer.

But that spring, Philip Norcross  a lawyer who regularly met with city officials in stakeholder meetings  urged the officials to make sure the transfer approval was slowed down, according to the indictment and Dranoffs lawsuit this week.

The city has said that as officials reviewed the transfer request, they discovered Dranoff had failed to provide years worth of financial documents required by law.

Ultimately, Camden officials didnt approve the transfer, prompting Aimco to drop out of the deal. And the city sent Dranoff a letter purporting to terminate his option to develop the separate Radio Lofts property.

Dranoff sued the city, saying it didnt have a legal right to do that. The city countersued, saying it had discovered that Dranoff had failed to pay millions of dollars in excess net profits. The judge overseeing the matter noted at one point, that if proven, Camdens claims against Dranoff would potentially amount to a fraud upon the municipality and its residents.

But before it got that far, the parties agreed to a settlement last September after five years of litigation that cemented Dranoffs preferred understanding of the financial agreement governing how much he owes the city from the Victor buildings profits going forward. But he agreed to pay the city $3 million plus additional tax payments of $150,000 over the next two years. He also relinquished to Camden his rights to Radio Lofts and an adjacent parking lot  property the city valued at more than $4 million.

In their indictment last month, prosecutors alleged Dranoff gave in despite believing he was in the right because of the considerable cost of litigation and concerns that the corruption he says he experienced in Camden would interfere with his lawsuit getting a fair hearing in court.

In his new lawsuit this week, Dranoffs lawyers said that he still maintains he was swindled and extorted despite that settlement agreement and that the indictment makes plain that Dranoff has always been correct in this belief.

Dranoff, they added, stands as a cautionary tale to all those who would seek to take on entrenched corrupt interests to improve the region and its residents lives.
Presidential contenders Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are debating in Philadelphia on Tuesday. Tough questions must be asked and answered about Trumps plans if he returns to the White House, writes the Editorial Board. Read more

Vice President Kamala Harris faces a major test in her first and possibly only debate against Donald Trump on Tuesday night in Philadelphia.

Advertisement

Harris every response and clothing choice will be hyper-analyzed as she is pressed on a wide variety of issues, including crime, taxes, immigration, and abortion. But parsing Harris policy positions and pantsuit preferences seems trivial given her opponent lacks the character, temperament, and fitness to be president.

Thats why the biggest challenge on Tuesday falls to the debate moderators at ABC News, and subsequently the media at large. Will ABCs Linsey Davis and David Muir press Trump to give substantive responses to their questions?

If whats past is prologue, Trump will dodge queries, spew lies, denigrate the country, and attack Harris and call her names  all while his unfounded claims will go unchecked and unchallenged. But asking tough questions and holding Trump accountable is the proper role of the media to help inform voters.

After all, Trump is a convicted criminal, financial fraudster, and sexual predator. He faces multiple indictments, has embraced governing as a dictator, and suggested terminating the Constitution.

Trump is also a serial liar and climate change denier. During his previous chaotic term as president, Trump attacked NATO allies and embraced Americas adversaries and enemies. His denial and mismanagement of the pandemic resulted in thousands of needless deaths. Trump was impeached twice, including for his attempt to overturn the 2020 election that resulted in the deadly insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.

 READ MORE: Less method and more madness as Trumps statements grow more reckless | Editorial

Given his appalling record, Trump has no business being on a presidential debate stage, let alone one in the shadows of Independence Hall. The Founders feared a demagogue like Trump and created a system of checks and balances to try to guard against an authoritarian seizing power.

One important check includes the media, which played a disastrous role in helping Trump barely get elected in 2016 despite losing the popular vote.

He went on to do lasting damage, leaving a deeply divided and broken country. At 78, Trump is mounting his third run for the Oval Office as the oldest presidential candidate in history.

Once again, the media is downplaying Trumps incoherent speeches, heated rhetoric, and desire for vengeance. His continued efforts to undermine the election and stoke violence indicate he is more dangerous than ever.

Yet, what he says and does is often treated as normal. Even worse, Fox News and social media continue to spread misinformation  with help from Elon Musk and Russia.

With roughly two months to go in what is expected to be a close election, voters need the media and debate moderators to treat Trump as the serious threat he is to the future of the country and the free world.

This is not a comprehensive list, but here are questions the debate moderators and political reporters should ask Trump to help voters make their decision:

To be sure, Harris should also answer tough questions and spell out where she stands on the issues. But her shift on fracking or other policies does not rise anywhere near the dangerous level as Trumps reckless plans, corrupt track record, and divisive leadership style.

Harris is not a threat to the Constitution or the rule of law. Trump has already demonstrated that he believes the rules do not apply to him.

The media must stop normalizing his actions and start asking Trump the hard questions.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro speaks on the third day of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago last month. Read more

Gov. Josh Shapiro said he believes the parents of school shooters should be held liable for their childs actions during an appearance on The View on Friday.

Shapiros response came after cohost Sara Haines asked a question about whether or not the parents of the 14-year-old Apalachee High School shooter should be held accountable for the shooting this week in Georgia.

Advertisement

After the teen killed four people and was taken into custody, his father was arrested and has been charged with involuntary manslaughter, second-degree murder, and cruelty to children in connection with the shooting.

Im a former prosecutor and I think youve got to be tough when it comes to gun violence, Shapiro said. We have to hold this 14-year-old accountable, and you gotta hold the parents accountable as well.

Speaking more generally, Shapiro discussed the steps hes taking in Pennsylvania to help curb gun violence, including a bill on universal background checks thats passed the state House, which has a slight Democratic majority, but is being held up in the Republican-controlled state Senate. Shapiro is a Democrat.

I think there is a way to protect the Second Amendment rights and the rich heritage we have around hunting in Pennsylvania, and also make sure a kid can go to school without getting shot, Shapiro said when asked in general about gun control.

His half-hour appearance on The View centered mostly on the presidential race ahead of Tuesdays debate in Philadelphia.

Former President Donald Trumps ex-communications director Alyssa Farah Griffin is now a cohost on the show and has condemned her former boss. She asked whether Vice President Kamala Harris flip flops on issues like fracking could be a detriment ahead of the Tuesday debate in Philadelphia. Shapiro applauded Harris change in position.

I think its a sign of strength when you evolve on a position, he said. Clearly Kamala Harris has been listening to the good people of Pennsylvania when it comes to natural gas.

Pennsyvania is the second largest producer of methane gas in the country, extracted during the fracking process, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Fracking has been a divisive economic and environmental issue, as communities across the state see the natural gas industry as an economic engine while President Joe Biden has made investments in the clean energy economy, including in Philadelphia. Still, U.S. oil production has continued to expand under Biden.

Shapiro had to answer, yet again, whether he felt antisemitism played a role in Harris decision to select Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate as Trump has suggested.

I have been the subject of a lot of Donald Trump attacks, including a bunch of antisemitic attacks over the years, said Shapiro, before reiterating that antisemitism had nothing to do with Harris VP pick.

Shapiro also acknowledged being compared to former President Barack Obama for his speaking style. Those comparisons were widespread on social media after Shapiros speech at the Democratic National Convention.

Barack Obama is the greatest orator of my lifetime, so I will take that as a compliment, he said.

To cap his appearance, Shapiro answered a number of cheeky, rapid-fire questions from cohost Haines:

His expectation for Nov. 5? Harris is elected. His hopes for Trump post-election? That the former president is forgotten. His post-Trump advice for Trumps running mate, Sen. JD Vance? Get a better haircut, Shapiro said.

And his current Taylor Swift era? Its inspired by his 22-year-old daughter.

Im in my Speak Now era, said Shapiro, because I love Never Grow Up.
Mayor Cherelle L. Parker and Ms. Hinton, Turn the Key's 100th homebuyer, hold giant scissors as they prepare to cut a ceremonial ribbon in front of Hinton's hew Brewerytown rowhouse. Pictured, from left are Michael Ritter, senior vice president at Regency Furniture; City Council President Kenyatta Johnson; Parker; Hinton; Angel Rodriguez, executive director of the Philadelphia Land Bank; David Thomas, president and CEO of the Philadelphia Housing Development Corp.; City Councilmember Jeffrey Young Jr.; Brennan Tomasetti, co-founder and owner of Civetta Property Group; and Joe Hallinan, a vice president at WSFS. Read more

One hundred homes sold. 900 to go.

In April 2022, city officials announced a plan to essentially give away city-owned land to private developers so they could build 1,000 price-restricted, single-family homes for first-time buyers. The city would subsidize mortgages to make them more affordable.

Advertisement

The millions of dollars reserved for the Turn the Key program amounted to Philadelphias largest investment in affordable housing in decades, and the program is a key piece of City Councils Neighborhood Preservation Initiative, a $400 million plan to build and preserve affordable housing and revive commercial corridors.

A year ago, the city celebrated the first home sold through Turn the Key. On Friday, officials marked the 100th, one of 35 new homes that have transformed a Brewerytown block. And officials pointed to roughly 450 homes under construction in various neighborhoods across the city.

Mayor Cherelle L. Parkers goal of building or preserving 30,000 homes over her first four years in office relies on programs such as Turn the Key. And at a news conference Friday, officials and developers said the program is ramping up.

 READ MORE: Philadelphia is giving away land and subsidizing mortgages in a plan to build 1,000 affordable homes

Turn the Keys initial marketing efforts focused on city employees, who are given preference in the program. More than 1,000 people have expressed interest and are at various stages in the pipeline, which includes housing counseling and mortgage approvals. But not all of them will make it through.

Now the Philadelphia Housing Development Corp., which administers Turn the Key, is preparing to roll out a citywide advertising campaign to attract more potential homeowners.

Now that weve been able to put proof to concept, we feel like its our opportunity now to expand and try to look at what we can do for the city of Philadelphia as a whole, said David Thomas, president and chief executive officer of the Philadelphia Housing Development Corp.

He said the hope is to mark the 500th home sold by the end of next year and to celebrate the 1,000th by 2026 or 2027.

On Friday, the mayor said Turn the Key homes are examples of what she often calls affordable luxury.

The average price of the programs newly built three-bedroom, two-bathroom homes is $280,000. After homebuyer grants and the programs $75,000 mortgage buy-down, the average cost for homebuyers drops to $183,499, according to program officials. On the open market, the median sales price of a Philadelphia home in July was $280,000, according to the most recently published report by the multiple listing service Bright MLS.

Turn the Key homeowners are paying an average of $1,353 per month.

Homes that are for sale now or will be in the fall are scattered in neighborhoods in North, West, and South Philadelphia and the Port Richmond area.

An achievable goal

Civetta Property Group is one of the developers that has gotten properties from the Philadelphia Land Bank to build homes for Turn the Key. The developer built the 35 on a block of North Marston Street.

Today, we celebrate the success of a partnership that is changing lives, Brennan Tomasetti, the companys cofounder, said at Fridays news conference. She called Turn the Key a shining example of what is possible when the public and private sectors come together with a common purpose in mind.

This program is proof that with the right support, home ownership need not be a distant dream, Tomasetti said. It can be an achievable goal for so many people in our community.

Developer Mo Rushdy, founder and owner of the Riverwards Group and president of the Building Industry Association of Philadelphia, called Turn the Key by far the best affordable home ownership program in the nation. He pointed to the programs large subsidies, which help Philadelphians with lower incomes afford to become owners of newly constructed homes.

The average annual income of a Turn the Key buyer is $45,000.

Anyone who hasnt owned a home in the last three years and meets the income limits, which are based on the area median, can apply for the program. Single households can make up to $80,300, and a household of three can make up to $103,250.

 READ MORE: Philly officials celebrated the first house sold in a city initiative to build up to 1,000 price-restricted homes

Turn the Keys 100th home went to a city employee named Ms. Hinton, who declined to give her first name for privacy reasons. Hinton, who is in her 40s, had dreamed of owning a home. But like many aspiring homeowners, up-front costs such as the down payment stood in her way.

I was trying, but I couldnt save, Hinton said. I couldnt save and pay student loans. I couldnt save and pay rent, eat, you know, live.

Through the Turn the Key program and with funds from Philadelphias first-time homebuyer grant and grants that her lender, WSFS, found for her, she didnt have to bring any of her own money to her closing on Aug. 9.

And Im a homeowner, she said.
Did I ever tell you about the time I nearly married Noel Gallagher?

The year is 1996, the day is August 14, and Oasis are in town. The sun shone strong, that day, my friends.

I am at the beach, wearing my 19-year-old body, a swimsuit and a sarong. We are driving home from a day of sunning and swimming.

I know some friends are going, and in those gloriously spontaneous, pre-mobile phone days, I decide to get dropped off at the Blackrock Rd and see what the craic is.

I have no clothes, but my dads painting pants are in the boot, so I throw them on, roll up the waist, fashion the sarong into a wonky top and join the crowds milling down towards Pairc Ui Chaoimh.

I merge with three lads bouncing down the road, mid 20s, big Dublin heads on them, they have that sound buzz about them, do you know what I mean?

When youre on your own, your female Spidey sense is tingling away constantly, but I get a good feeling about these guys.

Besides, I look like a scorched Worzel Gummidge, theres no chance any of them are going to try for a ration of passion. The smell of emulsion for one thing, is a clear turn off.

They ask me about the gates, and we start chatting. After we take the piss out of each others accents for a good half a mile, we become best buds.

Turns out they have no tickets either, but their old school friend told them to meet them at the main gate, and hed sort them out.

The friend turns out to be a big wig in MCD. While the security guards go get him, the lads warn me he could be persnickety and advise me to maybe skip the bonding bit I did with them, and perhaps not take the almighty piss out of him?

Your man comes out and talking to the lads, side-eying me as I stand there grinning silently like a loon.

Id say he took one look at the baggy paint-splattered pants, salty mad hair, cracked lips, and decides this must be what passes for Britpop fashion in Southern Ireland and he takes pity on me and lets me in.

We all get VIP bracelets which include the holy grail of broke-student-chance-armery  a free bar and access to a half-clean toilet.

I dont want to brag, friends, but believe me when I tell you, I drank those well-connected Dublin dotes under the table.

Lets just say, I could hold my own in the tequila slamming business back in the day.

Wooden Leg McCarthy, they used to call me. (These days, two glasses of a Pinot Noir, and I have to be put to bed with a hot water bottle and a Kombucha.)

But anyway, because we focus maybe a little too much on the bar and not enough on the Prodigy and the actual main event, after theyd vomited up their own spleens, the boyos invite me back for the second night.

Its agreed well meet in the bar of Jurys Hotel first. One of their dads asked them to take his friends daughter along and they were meeting her there.

They casually mention thered be an after-party with Liam and Noel and the rest of the band if I want to go to that.

WELL! I act as nonchalant as one can with vast quantities of hard liquor, two grams of salt and a wedge of lemon up my nose.

The next day, I take about three hours getting ready: no messy, shapeless, seaweed smelling beach-bum for Noel and Liam!

I have so much makeup on, RuPaul would have told me to calm down a bit.

I wear a small dress and big heels and when I totter into Jurys, the lads walk straight past me. They literally dont recognise me.

Then, in perfect Cork fashion, it turns out the daughter they are minding is a good friend of mine who lives around the corner, and she has her fabulous best friend with her.

The three of us are dollied up to the nines, cackling away, lashing into the cocktails.

The lads are very hungover, confused at the costume change and a little bit frightened: Eh, were going to a party with Oasis, shams, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Another pint?

So off we go to gig, take-two for me, toddling around with our VIP wristbands, we meet Eddie Irvine in the bar, and startle him by yelling well see him at the party later, then the three of us elbow our way to the front of the stage and roar and dance along to every song.

It remains one of the best gigs Ive ever been to.

We have arranged to meet the Dublin trio after, but I get separated from the girls, lose my VIP bracelet, and the security guy wont let me back into the bar (possibly because hes seen me drink it dry the night before) then I meet a crowd from Galway that I sort of know and end up going to a party with them instead.

Ah, what could have been! Still Im glad at how it all worked out.

Id have hated to have been the cause of Noel breaking up with Meg Matthews, and Id Definitely Maybe have gotten headbutted by Liam  I just know I wouldnt have been able to resist a light mocking of that accent.

The girls told me later there was no sign of the Dublin trio. Which shouldnt have made me feel better, but it did.

If the lads are reading, Ill meet ye at the gate in Croke Park next August, okay?
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 7. Amendments have been made to the Regulations on the Ministry of Justice of Azerbaijan, Trend reports.

In this regard, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed a corresponding decree.

According to the change, the powers of the Ministry of Justice of Azerbaijan to study the compliance of the activities of political parties with their charter (Regulations) and the legislation of the Azerbaijan Republic have been abolished.
Love spun full circle for Aoife Ivers and Martin McAteer who returned to where it all started on their wedding day.

The couple, based in Midleton, Co Cork, were wed in the Honan Chapel at University College Cork and made an important stop-off at Reardens Bar, Cork, en route to their reception at Kinsale Hotel & Spa.

Aoife Ivers and Martin McAteer at Reardens Bar, Cork. Pictures: Dermotsullivan.com

Because the Washington Street venue is there their paths first crossed, nine years before. We first met when Aoife was out celebrating finishing her first-year college exams and I was on a Musgrave work night out, says Martin, from Portarlington, Co Offaly.

Aoife, from Tower, Co Cork, adds: Martin came up to me with his best chat-up line, and then we exchanged numbers and the rest is history!

Aoife Ivers and Martin McAteer. Pictures: Dermotsullivan.com

Another historic location set the scene for their engagement, six years later, while they strolled at sunset at Gougane Barra, County Cork, on December 19, 2021. As I was taking a picture, I turned around to find Martin on one knee behind me, says Aoife.

Photographer Dermot Sullivan and Greg Mulcahy were behind the lens when the couple exchanged vows in June this year.

Aoife Ivers with Ethel and Michael Ivers.

Both sets of parents, Ethel and Michael Ivers and Louise and Joseph McAteer, helped them plan their big day, as did the brides sisters Aisling Ivers, maid of honour, and Claire Ivers, bridesmaid, and the couples wedding coordinator at Kinsale Hotel & Spa, Karolina Pastuszko.

The bride travelled to the church in style with her mother, Ethel, in a wedding car supplied by Kerry company Horans. This was an amazing start to the best day. It was wonderful to have time with just the two of us, as my mother is my best friend, says Aoife. She is one person who made the lead-up and the day very special. My mother helped with every detail, from choosing a venue to being there for every dress fitting. She really is one in a million.

Aoife Ivers and Martin McAteer with their wedding party. Pictures: Dermotsullivan.com

Aoifes friends Stephanie ORegan, Megan Murphy and Nicole Ni Laochdha were also bridesmaids. Stephanie returned from Australia for the hen party in Paris and then for the wedding, adds Aoife.

Martin chose his brother Alan McAteer to be his best man and his friends Jonathan Higgins, Mark Ward, James Ward, and Ian Comerford were his groomsmen.

The couples nephews, Flynn Aridi Ivers and Alex McAteer, were the pageboys.

Aoife Ivers and Martin McAteer. Pictures: Dermotsullivan.com

Music played a huge part in the celebrations. We had our church singer, Jessica Brett from Tipperary, play [Taylor Swifts] 'Love Story' while we signed the register  as there is a line in the song, We were both young when I first saw you. It means a lot to us as we did get together very young and have grown and progressed in life together. And also: Were both big Swifties! says the bride.

Ukebox provided the reception music, while the main band Hell for Leather also supplied the DJ. At the barbecue the day after the wedding, which also took place at Kinsale Hotel & Spa, guests were entertained by Ryan OHalloran and Portarlington band Hammer and Tongs. Everyone was busting some moves and the entertainment went into the early hours, says Aoife. One guest danced with one leg in a cast  which was well decorated with glow sticks for the event.

Aoife Ivers and Martin McAteer in the Honan Chapel, UCC. Pictures: Dermotsullivan.com

Westlife made an appearance by video to congratulate the newlyweds at the reception. Im a Westlife superfan so Martin organised this as a surprise, says Aoife. The groom, groomsmen and guests then broke into the chorus of 'Flying Without Wings'.

Aoife looked stunning in a dress she sourced in Amore Bridal Dresswear in Youghal, County Cork, which she had custom-fit by Alterations by Kate, Ballincollig, Co Cork. Amanda Gowers was the bridal hairstylist, Jessica May Parker was her makeup artist and Mags Ahern created the floral decor. The groom and his party were dapper in tuxes from Morleys Suit Hire, Cork.

Aoife Ivers and Martin McAteer with their guests at Kinsale Hotel & Spa. Pictures: Dermotsullivan.com

The newlyweds honeymooned in Thailand and the Maldives.
We have so many things in common that according to some locals, the Gallicians are the Irish who couldnt swim.

From the lush green landscape, to traditional gaita pipes which are similar to our own uilleann pipes, popular dishes such as caldo galego, featuring ham and cabbage, and others with a strong emphasis on potatoes  and even the smattering of Gallegan words which bear an uncanny resemblance to Gaeilge, Galicia and Ireland have a distinctly close bond.

I developed my own relationship with the region after spending a summer there as a teenager, but while Santiago de Compostela is a magnet for Irish people looking to find themselves on the world-famous Camino route, this beautiful, rugged corner of north west Spain remains somewhat undiscovered for many holidaymakers from our own fair isle.

The weather might have something to do with the fact that most people head to the south, but while Galicia is not known to be as hot as the Costa Del Sol, it has, in my experience, so much more to offer.

Leaving behind a somewhat grey and blustery Ireland, two hours later, my OH and I disembark in the Galician capital and hop in the nearest taxi, which 20 minutes and 20 later, sees us checking into Hotel Compostela, right in the heart of the city and just minutes from the famous cathedral and surrounding Plaza del Obradoiro.

Interior of the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral with the "botafumeiro"

After a quick freshen up, we head out to join the evening buzz of tourists, pilgrims, and locals, all keen to make the most of the outdoor cafes, bars and restaurants.

I think I may have been Spanish (or Galician) in a former life because once out in the bustling streets, I feel alive and energised.

Mind you, the selection of regional tapas  pimientos de padron (charred and salted peppers), tequeno (hot, cheesy bread), raxo (pork loin with paprika, and pulpo (sweet and spicy octopus)  with a couple of glasses of chilled

Albarino, might have something to do with this feeling of wellbeing.

The city holds a special place in my heart as it was here, aged 14, that I had my first taste of independent travel (staying with a local family), beginning a lifelong wanderlust and a secret desire to live in Spain.

And although Ive returned a number of times, theres always something new to see  its perfect for a short break to soak up the atmosphere, visit the Museo del Pueblo Gallego, the Sargadelos gallery, the Parque de la Alameda and of course the Cathedral de Santiago de Compostela and the Botafumeiro.

SOUTHWARDS

On my earlier visits to Galicia, I spent time in A Coruna and Santa Cristina, both located north of the capital and well worth checking out, while as a teen I stayed in Ribeira, O Grove, and Pontevedra and many other smaller towns whose names have escaped me but the memories of sandy beaches, pine forests, and card games around a camp fire are as vivid as if they happened last month.

This time, we head southwards, firstly to Vigo, one of the biggest cities of the region and also one of the largest fishing ports in Europe.

I love train travel, not only for the ease of rocking up 10 minutes before departure, the lack of worry about car hire and parking, but also for the joy of sitting back, relaxing, and watching the world go by.

Vigo town-centre buildings. Galicia

So we decide to explore the region by rail and just over an hour later arrive in Vigo which, close to the Portuguese border, is just an hour and a half away by car from Porto.

With its steep hills, narrow, cobbled streets and a harbour filled with vessels of all shapes and sizes, its like a smaller version of the vibrant, colourful Portuguese destination, much loved by Irish holidaymakers.

The train station was recently renovated to the tune of several million euro and it shows  it is bright, modern, and very futuristic and located at one of the highest points of the city.

But thankfully for us, our hotel, is located right across the street. Leaving behind the gloriously air conditioned terminus and squinting at Google Maps in the blinding midday sun, we are thrilled to discover that our journey takes a mere two minutes on foot.

The small but comfortable Hotel Occidental has everything we need for our short three-day stay which involves a lot of sightseeing, eating, drinking, and just watching the world go by.

There are so many fantastic bars and restaurants in Vigo and on our first day, we come across a little wine bar called Malauva which is yet to open for the evening.

The proprietor explains that apart from a couple of stools at the bar, the venue is fully booked. Realising this can only be a good thing, we quickly reserve the last few spaces as the small plate menu looks even more interesting than the wine list.

Coming back later to claim our seats, the place is hopping and the diversity and quality of the food coming out of the tiny kitchen where the chef is run off her feet, is astounding.

There is a huge selection of wines to choose from and the owner/sommelier/barman/waiter proves extremely knowledgeable and delighted to advise on pairings. It is a fabulous evening and one Id gladly recreate.

The walk back to the hotel is blissfully easy thanks to the late hour and the cool (ish) night air, and helps to aid a good nights sleep.

The next morning brings another bright and uncharacteristically hot day which is perfect for a trip to one of the many beaches within a short bus ride of the centre.

O Faro, off the coast of Pontevedra in Galicia

Over the course of the few days, we take a trip over to Monteagudo on the Cies Islands which, due to their stunning natural beauty were dubbed the Islands of the Gods by the Romans.

Only accessible by boat and with a permit to limit visitor numbers, they are well worth the advance booking, the 40-minute trip and the 26 one-way ticket price.

Part of the Atlantic Islands National Park, there is limited infrastructure on the archipelago, so it is essential to bring supplies as there is no boardwalk selling ice-creams, fish and chips, or seaside trinkets.

The islands are delightfully remote, but even back on the mainland, there is a real feeling of being away from the main tourist trail  and when enquiring about where we come from, most locals seem surprised as they apparently dont get many visitors from Ireland, which is surprising as it is such a beautiful part of the world.

ANOTHER DESTINATION

There is plenty to keep visitors occupied and when not meandering through the streets, enjoying the refreshing waters of the Atlantic and indulging in the excellent seafood the area is renowned for, there are also museums, art galleries, some great shops, electric bike tours, a hike to Castelo do Castro and some glorious shade in Parque Castrelos, to make every visit memorable.

But we have another destination to get to. Having enjoyed all that Vigo has to offer, we head inland to check out the famous hot springs and historic quarter of Ourense.

Praza Major, main town square in Ourense city

Arriving, once again by train, the heat on the station concourse is like stepping into a sauna. Rather than trying to navigate our way to the Barcelo Ourense hotel, we hail a cab.

The driver is charmed by the fact that we are from Ireland and proceeds to tell us all about a visit he enjoyed to Cork and Galway as a young man.

Ten minutes and four euro later, he drops us outside our new temporary abode where we are greeted like royalty by the friendly, welcoming staff before taking the lift to our fabulous ninth-floor room complete with a spacious terrace and birds eye view of the city.

Knowing nothing about Ourense apart from its famous hot springs and reputation for great restaurants, we quickly set about using our time to explore and get our bearings.

Just like Vigo, the temperature is way above average, with high 30s and even low 40s making everything feel more than a bit clammy.

A dramatic thunderstorm soon clears the air, paving the way for a lazy few days, exploring the narrow streets of the old town, which, dominated by the Catedral de Ourense, are crammed with busy bars, outdoor cafes and air conditioned restaurants.

Courtyard of the monastery of Oseira at Ourense, Galicia, Spain. Monasterio de Santa Maria la Real de Oseira. Galicia wx070924

Ourenses big draw are its thermal baths  Termas As Burgas  dotted along the riverside. Some are public and bathers can just arrive and ease themselves into the warm water, while others, such as A Chavasqueira, charge an entrance fee of a couple of euro and with that you can avail of showers, lockers, and a cafe bar.

Moving from pool to pool to try out the different properties, we revel in the tranquillity and stunning scenery, which makes the 6km river walk well worth it (it is also accessible by bike, bus, or taxi).

Ponte Romano, the beautiful old Roman bridge, is another must-see, as is the contemporary bridge, Puente del Milenio, a destination in itself (en route to the baths)  its original design is a sight to behold, or, if youre brave enough, to walk.

During our trip, we also visit the cloisters of Claustro de San Francisco, the beautiful church of Iglesia de Santa Eufemia, and of course the Catedral, while also taking a boat trip on the River Sil and an early morning bike excursion to the medieval monastery of Monasterio de Oseira.

Our evenings are spent enjoying the buzz of the Plaza Major and the surrounding streets which offer everything from Michelin-starred dining to mouth-watering tapas served on wooden ledges in the street.

All too soon our trip to Galicia has come to an end and although, on this occasion, I have managed to discover far more of this beautiful region, there is still so much Ive yet to explore  so without a doubt, I will be back.

La Coruna, Galicia, Spain

ESCAPE NOTES

Aer Lingus flies direct from Dublin to Santiago de Compostela, aerlingus.com

Double room at Hotel Compostela from 134. hotelcompostela.es

Double room at Hotel Occidental Vigo, 81 at booking.com

B&B for two in a superior room at Barcelo Ourense from 100. Barcelo.com

Learn more at Spain.info/en/region/galicia
A career criminal is suing the Irish Prison Service (IPS), alleging that he was sexually abused by a psychologist who had been tasked with counselling him.

Paschal Kelly, a 58-year-old inmate of Wheatfield Prison with 60 previous convictions, is currently serving an 18-year sentence imposed in 2019 for carrying out a tiger kidnapping.

He carried out the 2014 kidnapping of Dublin postmistress Susan Lawlor and her daughter and her daughters friend, subsequent to which around 80,000 was stolen from the post office in question.

He has now filed suit in the High Court against parties, including the Irish Prison Service and the Minister for Justice Helen McEntee.

Kelly is represented by Belfast-based human rights solicitors Phoenix Law in the action. He alleges that the female psychologist in question held one-on-one counselling sessions with him over an 18-month period several years ago with a view to treating his own claims of mental health issues.

Kelly alleges that the prison psychologist told him she loved him, hugged and kissed him and engaged in sexual acts with him. He alleges the acts were non-consensual.

It is further alleged that the psychologist gave personal letters and photographs, and sent electronic messages via social media, to Kelly, including some photographs of herself naked.

It is also alleged that the psychologist attempted to call Kelly by a burner phone, and if she received no contact from him would attend his cell to speak with him.

The case, lodged last week, alleges that the abuse continued until another employee of the prison observed the psychologist and prisoner engaged in a sexual act.

Soon after, Kelly was briefly transferred to Cork Prison for a matter of weeks, before being returned to Wheatfield, where he remains.

Wheatfield prison in Dublin. Paschal Kelly was briefly transferred to Cork Prison for a matter of weeks, before being returned to Wheatfield, where he remains. Picture: Niall Carson/PA Wire

It is understood the psychologist is no longer employed within the IPS. It is believed that a complaint regarding the psychologists behaviour was lodged with gardai by Kelly after his transfer to Cork.

A spokesperson for the IPS said it does not comment on matters relating to individual staff or prisoners.

Phoenix Law declined to comment.

Kelly alleges he sought further psychological treatment for the abuse he alleges he suffered via the psychologist, and was refused, only for that stance to be reversed when he commenced litigation on the matter.

It is understood that Kelly's case includes at least one professional assessment endorsing the credibility of his claim.

Kelly is seeking damages for personal injuries, particularly psychological injuries, and for breach of his constitutional personal rights as a result of the breach of trust the alleged abuse comprised.

A notorious gangland figure, Kelly had 60 previous convictions at the time of his 2018 trial for the kidnapping, including for assaults, absconding from custody, robbery and other offences.

He previously served 10 years for a post office robbery in 1997 and another four for a robbery in 1989.

In 2014 his then principal residence at Ballyjamesduff in Co Cavan was sold by the Criminal Assets Bureau, with Kelly subsequently jailed for four years in 2015 for tax evasion and threatening to kill a CAB officer.
The Russian navy is due to return off Irish waters this month as part of its annual show of military strength in the North Atlantic and to map critical data cables, military sources have said.

Russian naval activity in January and February 2022 near Irish-controlled waters caused a national and international security incident and highlighted the lack of a visible presence by the naval service.

The development comes as an Oireachtas report said that the naval service only has two-thirds of its sanctioned strength, with a similar impact on patrols.

Protests by Irish fishermen in late January 2022 led to Russian authorities moving their exercise from well inside the exclusive economic zone (EEZ)  waters controlled by Ireland  to just along the EEZ borders.

The exercise took place just before Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine and was seen by the EU and Nato as a provocative show of naval strength.

Military sources said Russias annual Ocean exercise was due to include naval activity off the south west coast of Ireland again this month, though they expect it to be much smaller this year.

Experts say there are two purposes to these Russian exercises in the North Atlantic. The first is strategic, to be visibly present in the so-called GIUK gap, between Greenland, Iceland, Ireland and Britain, a major sea supply route.

The second is to conduct manoeuvres around the cluster of cables off the south west coast of Ireland, mapping their location

Imagery posted yesterday shows Russian naval exercises off the south west coast of Britain and north west coast of France.

Sources say the Russian navy is struggling, with maintenance and refuelling a major problem. Its submarine patrols are thought to be continuing.

In a recent paper, the Center for Strategic and International Studies said Russia has several advanced submarines capable of operating at extreme depths and equipped with manipulator arms for interacting with undersea cables.

An Oireachtas Parliamentary Budget Office report said Ireland has the lowest level of spend on defence when contrasted to eight other comparable EU countries  and that the budget will still be less than half of the amount they spend even after Government plans to increase expenditure by 2028.

The report said that given increased geopolitical uncertainty and increased military conflicts across the world a proper assessment of the financial requirements of the Naval Service was essential.
A man who carried out 12 shoplifting offences in Cork City was jailed for seven months as the sentencing judge said shopkeepers were challenged by such thefts as they strive to pay their staff, rates and other business expenses.

Judge Mary Dorgan initially imposed a sentence of five months on 48-year-old Paul McCarthy and directed him to come under the direction of the probation service for a period following his release from prison.
Lesley Kavanagh was driving to work one day in Waterford listening to the radio when she heard the late Marian Finucane interviewing a woman about her work documenting rights abuses in the occupied West Bank.

I remember just thinking, what the hell is going on over there? she says.

Soon after, Kavanagh applied to be a human rights monitor with the organisation she heard about on the radio, the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel. The Irish strand of the programme is funded and organised by the British Quakers on behalf of the World Council of Churches.

After interviewing for the role, she was required to undertake two weeks of rigorous training.

Some people might decide after that training that theyre not able to face it because one of the tenets of the programme is were an impartial presence.

The last thing they need is somebody standing there having a row with an Israeli soldier about something theyve seen because youre only going to do that once and youll be gone home.

Lesley Kavanagh spent three months as a human rights monitor in East Jerusalem this year. Picture: Hannah McCarthy Photography

In 2017, Kavanagh was sent to the West Bank for three months where she worked alongside Palestinian shepherding communities in the Hebron hills, who face daily issues with grazing their flocks in Area C of the West Bank, where Israel has full control of civilian and military affairs. Usually, human rights monitors serve one stint in the West Bank but Kavanagh was asked to return in January for a second time.

After October 7, when Hamass bloody surprise attack on Israel was followed by the ongoing and devastating war in Gaza, Church-backed human rights monitors were withdrawn from the West Bank.

The Palestinian communities were hurt by international communities abandoning them, says Kavanagh, particularly as a wave of settler violence in the West Bank has displaced more than 4,000 Palestinians from their homes and villages, according to the UN.

When Kavanagh arrived in Jerusalem in January as part of the first volunteer group to re-establish monitoring work, it took time to rebuild relationships with some Palestinian communities, she says.

Some of the UN workers were concerned, as they couldnt find some of the Bedouin [shepherding] communities.

Due to the security situation in the West Bank, Kavanagh was based in East Jerusalem, which was illegally occupied by Israel following the 1967 war and which Palestinians hope will serve as the capital of their future state.

Part of Kavanaghs role was walking with Palestinian children on their way to school in the old city in Jerusalem. The headmaster of one school was so concerned for the volunteers safety that they walked without their jackets identifying that they were part of a church organisation.

'Things got openly hostile'

Carrie Garvin, a psychotherapist from Kinsale and founder of Irish Psychotherapists for Palestine, volunteered as part of an international group with the Lajee centre in Bethlehem in August.

She says she experienced harassment from Israeli settlers while in the Christian and Jewish quarters of the old city of Jerusalem.

We walked through all of the old city and when we got to the Jewish Quarter things got openly hostile, she says. An elderly woman came up to me and said, look at all these disgusting people, how are they getting here?

Garvin says the settlers who verbally harassed them all had American accents.

She also describes being spat on by young settlers sitting at a restaurant in the Palestinian city of Hebron in the West Bank.

Separately, while in the militarised zone in the centre of Hebron where around 1,000 extremist settlers live alongside local Palestinians, the armed settlers circled us holding their guns, she says.

Carrie Garvin volunteered as part of an international group with the Lajee centre in Bethlehem. Picture: Hannah McCarthy Photography

In Jerusalem, Kavanagh was taken aback by the daily humiliation of boys and men in the old city. She says young men and boys would often be stopped at Damascus Gate or Lions Gate, or at the start of the Via Dolorosa where Jesus is claimed to have walked on his way to his crucifixion. The boys would often then be left standing there in the sunlight before Israeli police would spread-eagle them and kick their legs to the side and then forcefully perform a body search.

If you did that to an Irish guy, hed be absolutely mortified that people were standing there watching him being treated like that, says Kavanagh.

Residents of Khirbet Zanuta who were forced to leave at the end of October. Picture: Tom Clarke/Hannah McCarthy Photography

For some Palestinian men, simply existing in the old city is part of their resistance to the illegal occupation of East Jerusalem.

However, Kavanagh says many boys have been moved from schools in the old city because of the increased daily harassment from Israeli security forces since October 7. Students, particularly male students, would be routinely stopped by Israeli security forces and their school bags would be opened and everything is pulled out, says Kavanagh.

She was in Jerusalem for Ramadan, a holy month for Muslims, where her volunteer group monitored access to Al Aqsa Mosque, a revered site in Islam where observant Muslims often travel to pray during Ramadan. Palestinians from the West Bank are restricted from travelling to Jerusalem without special permission.

However, during Ramadan, an increased number of Palestinians from the West Bank (mostly young children and adults over 50 years of age) are provided with permission to pray at Al Aqsa on Fridays, but Kavanagh says the rules are arbitrary and would change every week.

She describes a rule that a Palestinian could only bring one child with them into Al Aqsa Mosque as creating problems for mothers who arrived with two children and who were then forced to leave one at a checkpoint or return home.

Kavanagh says that even if there was a grandmother with the group she would not be allowed to accompany the other child. The Israeli authorities say these restrictions are necessary for security.

Israeli settlers have taken possession of several properties in the Muslim quarter of the old city of Jerusalem. Picture: Tom Clarke/Hannah McCarthy Photography

Also overseeing access for Palestinians during Ramadan were two older Israeli women that Kavanagh recognised as members of MachsomWatch, an Israeli womens peace and human rights movement which opposes the occupation of the West bank.

Theyre mostly grandmothers who will stand watch at Israeli military checkpoint and man a hotline that Palestinians whove been refused entry can call for legal advice.

A lot of people dont get how many wonderful Israeli peace activists there are. And I really got that this time in terms of how difficult it was for them after October 7. Because it was hard for them to get up, dust themselves down, and say, we still have our focus on a just peace and Israelis and Palestinians living together.

Kavanagh was also in Jerusalem for Easter.

Isnt it a dream for an Irish Catholic to be in the old city in Jerusalem for Easter and not have to queue to get into the Holy Sepulchre?

However, there was little work for the volunteer group to do escorting Palestinian Christians to church as so few were granted permission from the West Bank to travel to Jerusalem. Her volunteer group took part in the traditional Palm Sunday walk that starts on the Mount of Olives but it was nothing compared to other years as so few people from the West Bank had been able to join.

Ata Mlehat, 63, from al-Mu'arrajat. Picture: Tom Clarke/Hannah McCarthy Photography

Kavanagh was in a monastery in Jerusalem on a night-off from volunteering when Iran fired a barrage of missiles at Israel on April 13 in retaliation for an Israeli strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus in Syria.

In the hours before the barrage hit Israeli airspace, she received a text from her son in Ireland saying, I think its nearly time for you to come home now. Kavanagh went outside and asked a nice watchman, is there going to be a bit of action here tonight? and he said, in a couple of hours.

We went to the shelter and that was that, she says. I think that was probably hard for the family because they were watching it on the news. Sometimes, I think its harder for the people left behind.
Three years ago this month, all of the HSE computer systems that had been crippled by a cyberattack the previous May were decrypted and back working.

It was the biggest  and most damaging  cyber security incident ever in the State and brought home how Ireland was no different than any other country in the threat posed to its security by cyberattacks and the need to invest in protecting our critical infrastructure.

The financial cost of the ransomware attack on the HSE  in terms of the technical recovery  is estimated to be around the 200m mark, so far.

Estimates from the Comptroller and Auditor General in September 2022 said about 660m will need to be spent over seven years to implement the necessary cybersecurity improvements identified by the HSE.

In addition, 470 legal cases have been lodged against the HSE by people whose personal data was compromised in the attack.

A locked up out patients department at the Rotunda Hospital in May 2021, due to the cyber attack on the HSE computer systems. Picture: Colin Keegan/ Collins

The financial and legal bills could be substantial.

Almost 100,000 staff and patients had their personal data accessed and stolen by the Conti cybercrime gang.

This is not to mention the incalculable human costs for patients  including children and their parents  whose medical treatment and mental health care were disrupted and delayed by the shutdown, which also happened during covid-19.

Richard Browne, director of the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), said the HSE attack was one of the largest cybersecurity incidents in history, globally  not just the scale of it, but the implications for individuals and their lives was particularly egregious.

Russian links

The gang responsible, Conti, was based in Russia and was one of the biggest cyber gangs at the time.

Much has been said that it was acting as a 'proxy' for the Russian state and its intelligence services.

A study by the Stanford University Cyber Policy Centre in July 2023 examined 55 Russia-based ransomware groups on the dark web.

It found an increase in their attacks leading up to elections in several major democracies and on companies that withdrew from Russia following its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

The study specifically looked at 60,000 leaked messages from Conti and found it generally acted independently from the Russian state.

But it added: However, they also reveal connections between Conti leaders and Russian government contacts and show cooperation on at least one state-backed cyber operations.

The chats also reveal that group members believe the Russian government provides them and other groups with safe harbour.

The study concluded: Our data is consistent with a model where the Russian government maintains decentralised yet cooperative relations with Russia-based ransomware groups.

"The government offers safe harbour from prosecution in exchange for plausible deniability for attacks and access to skilled cyber actors. The Kremlin also benefits indirectly as groups primarily target victims in Western countries. Our findings suggest ransomware presents an international security threat in addition to functioning as a form of crime.

The attack, along with other reviews and obligations from EU Cyber Directive NIS 2, has seen a significant increase in the resources of the NCSC, in contrast to investment in Garda Security and Intelligence and Military Intelligence.

The NCSC is also set to get increased powers in its ability to scan and detect threats in relation to essential State and non-State bodies and ensure those institutions are complying with new EU standards.

Defending our interests

While Ireland does have a National Cyber Security Strategy and another is being developed, the country still does not have, after many years waiting, a national security strategy, and a maritime security strategy is only now being developed.

In their absence, other steps have been taken in identifying our interests, threats and capabilities.

In recognition that partnerships with like-minded countries are crucial to combating cyber security threats, NCSC is part of a plethora of EU networks working to improve cybersecurity.

Ireland has also signed up to voluntary programmes with both the EU and Nato to join networks, and share expertise and knowledge to protect essential services from cyberattack  whether the motive is money or malice.

In the EU, Ireland has joined two European Defence Agency (EDA) projects, including Cyber Defence Exercises, in addition to two under Pesco (Permanent Structured Cooperation Projects), including one protecting critical infrastructure.

The Nato analysis  one shared by the EU diplomatic service  is pretty clear: the scale and severity of hybrid attacks by Russia on the West have increased considerably since the invasion of Ukraine and through the summers European elections and general and local elections in member states. Picture: Peter Kollanyi/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Commenting on this last July, Tanaiste Micheal Martin said: This [cyber] project allows our Defence Forces experts to gain insight into cyber threats experienced by other members states and, importantly, learn from these in an effort to mitigate any national attacks. The main aim is to strengthen cooperation of cyber defence education, training and exercises.

He said the NCSC could also take part in some of the programme.

Ireland has also signed up to several Partnership for Peace (PfP) projects with Nato, including one on cyber.

Again, like with the EU programmes and in line with our policy of military non-alignment, Ireland has been a voluntary participant in PfP since 1999.

Under the most recent version, Individually Tailored Partnership Programme (ITPP), Ireland is taking part in four-year-long projects on cyber, hybrid, resilience and maritime/critical undersea infrastructure (CUI).

Nato headquarters

The Irish Examiner took part in a visit, organised by the US Embassy in Dublin, to Nato headquarters in Brussels and the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe.

Hybrid attacks are a category of hostile state activity below open warfare and can include disinformation and political interference, espionage, sabotage, attacks on critical infrastructure and provocative military displays of power.

Any or all of the above hybrid measures can be undertaken to undermine the resilience of a democratic state, its cohesion and its ability to govern.

The Nato analysis  one shared by the EU diplomatic service  is pretty clear: the scale and severity of hybrid attacks by Russia on the West have increased considerably since the invasion of Ukraine and through the summers European elections and general and local elections in member states.

Ireland is one of four countries in the Nato Western European Partners, along with Austria, Switzerland and Malta  all of which are militarily neutral. Picture: Kenzo Tribouillard / AFP

This is now continuing in the US, which has its presidential election in November, with disclosures only yesterday from the US Department of Justice on recent Russian hybrid activities in the country.

Odds are shortening on an Irish general election in November, followed by a presidential election next year, both of which may attract hostile state hybrid attacks.

Ireland is one of four countries in the Nato Western European Partners, along with Austria, Switzerland and Malta  all of which are militarily neutral.

In relation to hybrid attacks, Nato countries have seen Russia use middlemen in Europe to carry out acts of sabotage, including fires in Poland affecting supply routes to Ukraine as well as companies and military installations and, in Poland and Baltic States, violations of airspace.

The feature of hybrid attacks is that it is very difficult to prove attribution (who was behind it) meaning they are easy to deny.

Experts say they are noticing a pattern of criminal cyber gangs being used by the Russian state to conduct sophisticated espionage campaigns and disinformation, with artificial intelligence and so-called deep fakes set the turbocharge this area.

Hybrid attack on Ireland

Those tasked with tracking hybrid measures say Russia does not create divisions in Western societies but is very experienced at identifying the faultlines and exploiting them.

This is to undermine support for Ukraine, undermining trust in democratic governments and institutions, as well as the free press, and heightening polarisation in societies.

Ireland was at the centre of a particularly provocative hybrid attack in February 2022  just before the Russian invasion of Ukraine  when the Russian navy conducted military manoeuvres just off the edge of Irish-controlled waters  the Exclusive Economic Zone. Illustration by Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Its like money laundering, but is information laundering, one expert said, and AI is becoming a huge problem and is only beginning.

Ireland was at the centre of a particularly provocative hybrid attack in February 2022  just before the Russian invasion of Ukraine  when the Russian navy conducted military manoeuvres just off the edge of Irish-controlled waters  the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

This area of activity was also above a massive cluster of transatlantic undersea cables, most of which pass near and through the EEZ.

The suspected attacks on gas pipelines in the Baltic and Nordic countries have resulted in increased Nato activity in the Baltic Sea and the North Sea.

The Tanaiste said in July those attacks by hostile powers force us to confront vulnerabilities in our offshore infrastructure.

The Russian navy is back

The Russian fleet is back off Irish waters this month as part of its annual global Ocean exercise.

The naval exercise in February 2022 happened just before Russias invasion of Ukraine and took place shortly after Russia announced in late January that its exercise would take place well inside the EEZ.

It became international news when Irish fishing vessels protested at the exercise over fears of damage to fishing and Russia said it would move the exercise back to the borders of the EEZ.

The lack of visible strength by the Irish Naval Service drew a lot of criticism both within the Oireachtas and among military experts.

Sources have said they expect the Russian exercise to be much smaller this year.

Military experts point out there are two purposes to these Russian exercises in the North Atlantic.

The first is strategic, to be visibly present in the so-called GIUK gap, between Greenland, Iceland, Britain and Ireland, a major sea supply route.

The second purpose was to conduct manoeuvres around the cluster of cables off the southwest coast of Ireland, mapping the location of cables.

Imagery posted just yesterday by maritime experts showed Russian naval exercises that morning off the southwest coast of Britain and northwest coast of France.

Sources say that the Russian navy is struggling, with maintenance and refuelling a major problem given the war in Ukraine and international sanctions.

However, its submarine patrols are thought to be largely continuing.

A recent paper by the Centre for Strategic & International Studies said Russia has several advanced submarines, including the Losharik, which are capable of operating at extreme depths and equipped with manipulator arms for interacting with undersea infrastructure.

This is in addition to research vessels, like the Yantar, which has been seen off Irish waters in 2021.

Yantar has been observed loitering near undersea cable routes, equipped with submersibles capable of cutting or tapping into these cables, signalling a clear intent to exploit these vulnerabilities in a potential conflict scenario, it said.

Critical cables

The paper said data cables were critical for almost all aspects of commerce and business, responsible for 95% of international data.

It said the need for cable capacity is increasing to allow for the operation of data centres and cloud storage, and the coming AI revolution.

In Ireland, the report of the Consultative Forum on International Security Policy, published last October, said data cables were of critical strategic importance and were vulnerable to attack and urged investment in this sector.

The National Risk Assessment 2024 said threats to critical infrastructure and maritime security from acts of sabotage have become more pressing and the concentration of communication and cloud infrastructure in Ireland exposed Ireland to an additional degree of risk.

This view was echoed by the Department of Defences Defence Policy Review 2024, which also linked threats to critical infrastructure to espionage.

As a global centre for leading-edge technology, and as a geographical hub for data centres and transatlantic fibre optic cables, Ireland will continue to present a valuable target for espionage activity and the political influence and information operations that facilitate it.

Enhanced counter-intelligence and cyber capabilities and cooperation with international partners will therefore be essential, it said

The sharing of intelligence through partnership in the Nato cyber project is not part of the agenda and any such sharing, say between the British Royal Navy and the Naval Service, would have to be done on a bilateral basis.

The projects on cyber, hybrid and CUI are in their early stages and run for four years.

The first meeting of the CUI network was only held in the spring, with a second meeting towards the end of the year.

The initial phase is described as dialogue and understanding, to establish what individual countries are doing in this area and what the threat assessment is.

It is thought it will take a couple of years before pragmatic cooperation begins.

Energy pipelines

A crucial area of critical undersea infrastructure (CUI)  and one area only beginning to attract attention in Ireland  is the security of energy infrastructure in Irish waters.

Various wind energy and enterprise strategies and reports in Ireland in recent years are sparse on any reference to security threats in Irish and EEZ waters.

But they are cited in both the National Risk Assessment 2024 and the Defence Policy Review 2024.

The risk assessment said a reliable supply of electricity and gas was critical to the economy and society. It said one estimate, albeit from 2011, said the loss of gas-fired electricity would cost the state up to 1bn per working day.

An expert focus group for the assessment concluded the loss of gas connection to the UK, coinciding with a period of high demand, represented a reasonable worst-case scenario and the impact on electricity generation was deemed critical.

The defence review said Ireland was one of the most energy import-dependent countries in the EU, with the risks heightened by our geographical position and limited supply lines.

The planned, massive increase in offshore wind energy  including ambitions to see Ireland producing excess energy for export  will significantly increase those risks, given the significant infrastructure investments in energy storage systems and interconnectors, all of which rely on cyber-infrastructure.

Road ahead

Nato set up an Undersea Infrastructure Coordination Cell in Britain in February 2023, to map vulnerabilities and coordinate efforts between members.

This operational unit is not part of the ITPP, so partner countries like Ireland are not included as it is only for members.

Security experts believe countries 'must demonstrate advantage' to deter hostile acts, requiring both investment and a willingness to act  otherwise authoritarian states will see that as weakness. Picture: Oglaigh na hEireann/Flickr

However, it is thought the next four-year version of the ITPP could see that change, depending on the views of partners and the agreement of the 32 Nato states.

As a North Atlantic military and political alliance  crossing North America and Europe  Ireland is the missing piece, as one source said, sitting right there in the middle of the Nato network.

Some experts point out Russian agencies are always looking around for weak spots and that is what they focus on, not on whether the country is a member of Nato, knowing the interconnection of European energy and digital infrastructure.

Security experts believe countries must demonstrate advantage to deter hostile acts, requiring both investment and a willingness to act  otherwise authoritarian states will see that as weakness.

There seems to be a general acceptance on almost all sides that, whatever the rational pros and cons of joining a military alliance, Nato membership is simply not on the agenda in Ireland.

The alternative path  of gradually increasing voluntary partnership with Nato and deepening EU security cooperation, along with sustained and significant increases in Irish defence and security budgets and a functioning national security infrastructure  seems to be the best path ahead for Ireland.

Whether that approach will be enough to prevent a HSE Mark II or a Cable Cut Mark 1 is in the balance.
As the Garda helicopter hovered over Corks northside on Thursday, life went on as normal for the citys inhabitants.

But underneath the veil of commuter traffic, children playing in schoolyards, and people doing their grocery shopping were the pangs of worry, fear, and concern that the incidents involving guns and grenades in the past fortnight would continue to blight the locality.

Searches were conducted on waste ground at Blackstone Bridge on Thursday and at a premises in Blarney, just hours before Justice Minister Helen McEntee was due in Cork to open a new crime victims service in the city centre.

She arrived to a city that had seen armed checkpoints in the past week as gardai try to control tensions between two extended families involved in a feud, while the release last month of violent criminal Gavin Sheehan, aged in his 30s, of Laurel Ridge, Shanakiel, Cork, also helped fuel tensions in the citys north western suburbs.

Although unconnected, both have the potential to bring horror and fear to innocent people  including a man in his 60s who is recovering from multiple surgeries after being struck by a motorbike linked to the feud as he was walking on Churchfield Rd on August 23.

The release last month of violent criminal Gavin Sheehan, aged in his 30s, of Laurel Ridge, Shanakiel, Cork, has helped fuel tensions in Cork city's northside.

Only in recent days, children of a school on Blarney Street were being collected in the afternoon while two men were involved in an altercation which spilled from one footpath onto the busy road. No complaint has been made to gardai but efforts have been taken locally to prevent a similar incident from occurring again, said one source.

Videos of the incident have circulated on social media and it is understood a number of people have been advised to stay away from the vicinity of the school.

Messaging apps are also inundated with images, videos and concerns about a series of incidents in the past two weeks, including:

August 23: Criminal damage was caused at a property in the Shanakiel area  the home of Gavin Sheehan. A short time later, an innocent man walking along Churchfield Rd was seriously injured by a motorcycle linked to the incident. A man has been charged in connection with both incidents.

Criminal damage was caused at a property in the Shanakiel area  the home of Gavin Sheehan. A short time later, an innocent man walking along Churchfield Rd was seriously injured by a motorcycle linked to the incident. A man has been charged in connection with both incidents. August 26: A suspected petrol bomb attack at a house in Aikenhead Place, Gurranabraher, at around 10pm. The device was thrown through a window of the house but failed to detonate.

A suspected petrol bomb attack at a house in Aikenhead Place, Gurranabraher, at around 10pm. The device was thrown through a window of the house but failed to detonate. August 30: A shot was fired through the window of a house in Palmbury Orchard in Togher shortly after 11.30pm. Nobody was injured.

A shot was fired through the window of a house in Palmbury Orchard in Togher shortly after 11.30pm. Nobody was injured. August 31: A shot was fired at a house on Innishannon Rd in Fairhill at approximately 10.45pm. Nobody was home at the time.

A shot was fired at a house on Innishannon Rd in Fairhill at approximately 10.45pm. Nobody was home at the time. September 1: Just before midnight, a suspected grenade was thrown at a house in Meadow Park Avenue in Ballyvolane but failed to detonate. The Defence Forces carried out a controlled explosion after locals were evacuated and a cordon was put in place.

Just before midnight, a suspected grenade was thrown at a house in Meadow Park Avenue in Ballyvolane but failed to detonate. The Defence Forces carried out a controlled explosion after locals were evacuated and a cordon was put in place. September 1: Damage was caused to Murphys Rock pub on Ballincollie Rd in Ballyvolane in a suspected petrol bomb attack. A man has been charged in connection with the incident.

While the incident at Murphys Rock is unconnected to any feud, it occurred at a time when concerns were already high in the Ballyvolane area, where the incident at Meadow Park Avenue has been linked by gardai to the incidents in Palmbury Orchard in Togher and the shot fired at the house on Innishannon Rd in Fairhill.

Locals say the tensions between the sides have been simmering for more than a year, with other incidents said to have taken place in the past 18 months.

The incident outside the school on Monday has been linked to the tensions arising from the release of Gavin Sheehan in recent weeks.

In one of a litany of incidents on Cork's northside, damage was caused to Murphys Rock pub on Ballincollie Rd in Ballyvolane in a suspected petrol bomb attack. Picture: Larry Cummins

Sheehan  who has more than 70 convictions  was attacked in the city centre yesterday evening and is recovering in hospital. He was released last month from Castlerea Prison after serving eight years for shooting a woman in the neck.

At his sentencing hearing, he admitted that he had been a Garda informer. His victim in that case was a woman who was in a relationship with a member of family with whom Sheehan was in dispute. She was shot in her family home in Hollywood Estate in May 2016.

In her victim impact statement in Sheehans trial, she described herself as being completely broken by the incident.

After his conviction for assault causing serious harm and for three firearms offences at Laurel Ridge, Shanakiel, on May 15, 2016, he took a challenge to the Court of Appeal and then to the Supreme Court. His bid for freedom was rejected by the Supreme Court in July 2021.

Sinn Fein Cork North-Central TD Thomas Gould: 'It is only a matter of time before someone is killed and we will have condemnation then from everyone. I want to see what happened in Limerick where extra gardai were brought in.' Picture: Brian Lawless/PA

During his trial at Cork Circuit Court, the court heard that he had earlier assaulted the young womans boyfriend in a chip shop in Blackpool. Later that night, windows were broken at Sheehans home, followed by the shooting of the young woman in Hollywood Estate in the early hours of the following morning.

The woman required emergency surgery and had a bullet removed from her neck, where it had lodged in a muscle.

Sheehan challenged the conviction by arguing that his trial judge wrongly refused to allow him to discharge his legal representatives at the start of the trial and that provisions of the Criminal Justice Act 1984, as amended by the Criminal Justice Act 2007  which permit inferences to be drawn from responses to Garda questioning  were wrongly applied in the trial.

The five-judge Supreme Courts ruling was that it could not find that Sheehan had made a voluntary and informed decision to waive his right to legal representation and represent himself at the trial.

Judge Iseult OMalley said she was satisfied there was no miscarriage of justice in his case.

Cork City joint policing committee chairman Damian Boylan said he believes the community itself can be instrumental in bringing calm to Corks northside.

Garda sources readily admit privately that his return to the city has unsettled the northwest of the city.

They say investigations are continuing into all incidents, with sources saying the city is now busy from a crime perspective, given the two different sets of tensions which combined which have cultivated a state of fear amid the escalation in the past two weeks.

Ballyvolane councillor, Labours John Maher, described the recent incidents as frightening for the local community.

He said: Whats happening in our community in Ballyvolane is frightening and not a true picture of this fantastic community.

I hope gardai have the resources necessary to put an end to this series of attacks. The majority of our community deserve to live in peace and enjoy their life.

Justice Minister Helen McEntee launching the Victim Support at Court service in the Criminal Courts on Anglesea St, Cork. Picture: David Clynch

Meanwhile, the chairman of Cork Citys joint policing committee, Damian Boylan, has called on anyone in the community who can help bring an end to the tensions to do their best to do so.

He said: I dont know if a garda on the street would have stopped people from firing a hand grenade at a house. Whatever about gardai being on the streets, what is going on on the northside is advanced criminality and the only way to deal with that is through intelligence.

He believes the community has a significant role to play in helping to bring calm to the area:

People need to interact with the community gardai, they need to come forward, they need to let the gardai know and help in any way they can to solve this.

Since last weekends escalation, Sinn Fein TD for Cork North-Central, Thomas Gould, has written to Ms McEntee asking for a meeting with her and local gardai. He has not received a commitment for such a meeting yet and is disappointed the opportunity did not arise during the ministers visit to Cork on Thursday afternoon.

Although Garda numbers in Cork City jumped from 578 at the end of December 2022 to 702 at the end of last year, they have fallen from the 730 who were in place at the end of 2021.

Mr Gould says a concentrated effort needs to be made on tackling criminals in the city through the deployment of extra gardai.

He said: It is only a matter of time before someone is killed and we will have condemnation then from everyone. I want to see what happened in Limerick where extra gardai were brought in. People are absolutely terrified.
I took a stroll to my old primary school last Sunday, barely 10 minutes from the house I grew up in as a young boy, our family home.

It had been on my mind for some time to pay a visit.

The sun had been shining for most of the day, and was casting long shadows now as it sank slowly behind the yellow perimeter wall of the deserted schoolyard.

It was a bittersweet experience, considering I hadnt set foot in this all too familiar place in over 50 years.

While it felt strange to stand here in the silence after so long, it also felt as though I was visiting the ghosts of my past.

Little has changed.

The long single-storey building which felt so enormous to a small boy back in those days had dwarfed with the passage of time.

It struck me as I walked across the yard that it had most likely been built with small people in mind, tiny boys who were only passing through here, on their way to a bigger world beyond these high fences.

As I looked around me, I was reminded of Roger McGoughs poem First Day At School: And the railings. All around the railings. Are they there to keep out wolves and monsters? Things that carry off and eat children?

It was high up on this fence where I spent 20 minutes of my first morning at school.

Perhaps it was only fitting that The Beatles were at the top of the music charts that week with 'Help!'

I had pleaded with my mother before leaving the house to change her mind about this strange plan of sending me to this place called school. She kept reminding me that it was only for a few hours; but a four-year-old doesnt care about time.

And so it came my turn to be introduced to the principal, a tall formidable looking woman with bottle-thick glasses and Dame Edna Everage hair.

She smiled and extended her hand to shake my mothers.

That was when I decided to protest.

I started my grabbing hold of the chain link fence with my two hands.

Im not going in there! I roared at the top of my voice.

My commotion drew the attention of two other teachers. I climbed further up the fence. My feet were now level with the teachers heads.

Be a good boy and come down right now, the principal said in a tone that barely concealed her intolerance.

I refused to comply, thinking that my mother would just agree to take me home the longer I stayed up here, and that would be the end of this ridiculous plan to send me to school.

It was at that point that I looked to my left.

Another boy had climbed up the fence and was now level with me, holding the chain link in the same way I was. He looked terrified.

I cant recall how long our protest lasted, but eventually a ladder was brought to the fence.

All they had to do was wait until we both got tired and gave up, which we did.

The other boys name was Hughie, and our show of resistance that morning cemented a friendship that would span almost 40 years.

We were both put sitting at the front of the class.

Our protest earned us a reputation which, in hindsight, we didnt deserve.

We each took four slaps of the sharp side of a wooden ruler on each hand, and that was my first experience of corporal punishment.

It was a shocking start to my school years  one that would impact me deeply for a long time.

I believe that some children are ideally suited to our education system, but I wasnt one of them.

I have very few happy memories of my time at school.

Why are they all so big, other children? So noisy? So much at home they must have been born in uniform. Lived all their lives in playgrounds.

Many regard those formative years as the happiest days of their lives. For me, thats simply a reminder of how dangerously slanted nostalgia can be.

I was a dreamer, as was Hughie.

There were barely days between our birthdays, and whatever impact school might have had on my development, Hughies presence in my life during those younger years was what shaped me and helped me to make sense of a life that constantly confused and tested me.

For much of my life Ive been familiar with the darkness of depression, and how it can come at you unexpectedly and bite deeply like a camouflaged sidewinder.

Even at a very young age, I seemed to exist at a distance.

It was as though I was connected to life differently, at times unhinged from what others saw as reality.

In hindsight, I could see the same variables in Hughie.

Life gets complicated from the first day we go to school. File picture

Im not sure if I could have coped with the trauma of those young years trying without much success to fit into school life without his friendship. It felt as though we understood each others dilemma on a level that only became apparent as the years passed.

Like most school friendships, ours became fractured when we went to different secondary schools.

Each of us reaches a point where living gets in the way of what were once simpler times.

Life gets complicated from the first day we go to school, and the complications blind us to much of what really matters, including the importance of holding onto friendships.

We wouldnt see each other again for 30 years.

Shortly after I wrote a book called A Day Called Hope, I received a message that Hughie wanted to meet me.

He had just returned from Canada where he had been living for some years.

He had settled back into a small town in Clare, where he had opened a crafts workshop; but, as he explained to me, he still hadnt found a place where his mind felt settled.

He had read my book about my own experiences with depression, and felt as though he had written it himself.

As we chatted over coffee, it felt as though we had lost valuable time by losing an important connection  namely the bond that had seen us through our early years in school.

Depression had hurt him very badly. It had scarred him to the point where he found it impossible to make sense of life.

I could relate to every word he spoke.

His eyes filled with tears as he described how he had attempted suicide on two occasions.

I asked him would it have changed how he was feeling if we hadnt lost contact?

He shrugged his shoulders and smiled. Who knows? Would it have helped you? he replied.

I couldnt answer, but deep inside I felt a savage regret.

Could we have saved ourselves from what we had endured if we had been there to help each other?

'I believe that some children are ideally suited to our education system, but I wasnt one of them.'

It was late one night some months later when my phone rang.

Hughies body had been found earlier that day.

An ending so final there could never be a continuation of a once wonderful friendship that started when two four-year-old boys refused to conform to a normal life.

Despite our different journeys, neither of us ever conformed.

As I walked across the old playground last Sunday evening, and peered through the small window of what used to be our classroom, I imagined us sitting side by side in our double desk, starting out on what would eventually be a road less travelled.

And as I left the schoolyard, I stood for a moment and looked up at that old fence, and felt his spirit to my left.

In Roger McGoughs words: A millionbillionwillion miles from home, waiting for the bell to go. (To go where?)
So many lessons come down to us from the past, if only we could hear, not to mind heed them.

This week, for instance, just as a far-right party secured victory in a state election in Germany for the first time since the Second World War, a story emerges of an overlooked Corkwoman whose work with the French Resistance saved the lives of others.

Angela Ciss OMahony, born at Brade, Leap, in West Cork in 1922, never spoke about her work in Angers in western France but, many decades after the war, her brother Denis met people who said her warnings had saved members of their families from arrest and execution.

Ciss died just last year in London, without giving any details, but it is reasonable to assume her words of caution were based on information she gleaned while working at the town hall in Angers, a town that became the seat of a regional German military command centre during the Second World War.

Imelda O'Mahony was superintendent-in-charge at 'Operation Shamrock', the refugee centre for German children affected by the war set up at Glencree, Co Wicklow. Picture courtesy of Imelda's daughter, Ann Buckley

HISTORY HUB If you are interested in this article then no doubt you will enjoy exploring the various history collections and content in our history hub. Check it out HERE and happy reading

Indeed, Ciss, then 21, and her family lived right in the middle of that command centre. They were lodged, with their aunt Mary (Pet), on the second and third floor of a house requisitioned by the Germans. The German military police occupied the first floor of their home, 10 rue Denis Papin, while the Gestapo headquarters ran its odious business in houses along two streets behind them.

Five of the nine OMahony children had been sent from West Cork to live in France with two single aunts, one in Angers and the other in Rennes in Brittany. In 1920s Ireland, it was seen as a way of giving them a better start in life. The OMahony siblings did enjoy better opportunities, but they also found themselves caught up in the Nazi occupation of France. For a time, it was far from certain that Angela OMahony would make her way out of it.

As her younger brother Denis recalled in his 2002 memoir, From West Cork to Anjou: One morning in July 43, at about 5am, the Gestapo called  We were herded into one room while they searched the house. My sister [Ciss] was missing. I offered to go to her room to wake her up. Shes not here, said the German, she is with us.

Angela 'Ciss' O'Mahony who joined the French Resistance and was arrested by the Gestapo. Picture courtesy of her niece, Ann Buckley

Deniss blood ran cold. He had no idea that his older sister was involved in resistance work or what her imprisonment would mean. News of her arrest whipped around the town which responded with the kind of gratitude that speaks volumes about Angela OMahonys clandestine work.

At school, Denis was treated with friendly sympathy. Callers to the house left food parcels; a pound of butter, a small bag of sugar, six unblemished potatoes in a string bag.

Cest bien ce quelle a fait, votre soeur (What your sister did was good), said one. Another woman, a reluctant cleaner at the Gestapo office, called to say Ciss was being held in one of the cells in the basement.

Around the same time, another Irish-passport holder, Mary OShaughnessy, was working to help Allied airmen get out of the town at great risk to herself. She hid one of them, a Sergeant Hillyard, in the attic of her employer, at Boulevard Foch, just a few minutes walk away from where Ciss was working.

Did these two Irishwomen know each other? It is impossible to say. I researched the latter for a book, with John Morgan, on the Irish in the Resistance. Its publication last week prompted Cisss niece, Ann Buckley, to get in touch. It was exactly what we hoped would happen. In shining a light on the quiet Irish heroes of the Second World War, we hoped others would be revealed.

Imelda O'Mahony. Picture courtesy of Imelda's daughter, Ann Buckley

And their names remembered. As Dr Buckley said: Theres not a lot I can tell you about Cisss wartime experiences, but I dont want her name to disappear, if I can help it.

She died only last year, but never spoke to anyone about either her work with the underground movement or her personal experiences. Too painful, Im sure, but also due to the need to maintain confidentiality for the protection of others.

Yet there is ample evidence from the testimony of those in Angers that her work saved others from the fate that awaited her  internment at the Nazi prison Compiegne near Paris. Many were executed there or deported to Auschwitz, Ravensbruck, or other concentration camps.

Mary OShaughnessy was sent to Ravensbruck, a place of unimaginable cruelty, but Angela OMahony fell gravely ill and was sent to the military hospital, Val-de-Grace, in central Paris. Interventions by the Irish minister at Vichy, Con Cremin, certainly played a significant role in preventing her deportation.

She was still gravely ill when Paris was liberated in 1944, but gradually recovered. As so many others did, she picked herself up and got on with it. She brought up her son Donald as a single parent in Paris and worked as an interpreter and in a variety of administrative roles.

She later married to become Ciss ORoark and lived for a short time in the US, then returned to London, where she lived on her own for nearly 50 years.

Imelda O'Mahony. Picture courtesy of Imelda's daughter, Ann Buckley

She was the feistiest person Ive ever known, her niece Ann Buckley says. God knows what she saw and what she went through. And she never, ever showed any sign of being broken, which I found extraordinary.

In her 90s, she was still making trips to France on her own, at some risk to her health, to visit her sister Josie and brother Jimmy, and to Cork to visit Imelda, and Deniss family when they came over on holidays. The sudden death of her son Donald in 2004 was a cruel blow but she soldiered on, going out when she could, and often against advice, to quote her nephew, Deniss son Patrick, who spoke of her enduring courage when she died in London on June 28, 2023.

She wasnt the only OMahony to show fortitude at a time of war. When Ann Buckley asked her mother Imelda about the cold, the hunger, and the uncertainty of those times, she simply said: Oh, it was just another wall to climb.

Ive never forgotten that, says Dr Buckley.

She has never forgotten what her aunt did either. Or indeed her uncle and her mother who also played important roles during the war.

Denis OMahony helped to save lives in the 1940s too. He volunteered as an interpreter with the 50-strong Irish team who helped to build a hospital in Saint-Lo, a town in Normandy so heavily bombarded during D-Day in June 1944 that 2,000 of its 2,600 buildings were reduced to rubble.

In 1945, the Irish Red Cross shipped tons of heavy equipment, ambulances, and hospital beds from Dublin to Cherbourg and started to build a hospital among the ruins.

Closer to home, Ann Buckleys mother Imelda OMahony was appointed superintendent-in-charge of Operation Shamrock in Glencree, Co Wicklow, another rescue mission which helped 400 German and Austrian children badly affected by war.

That is a story for another day.

So, in the OMahony family, we find a resistance member, a hospital volunteer, and a refugee aid-worker. It is an impressive wartime record and one that reminds us of the consequences of the rise of fear-fuelled extremism and the far-right.

As Dr Buckley poignantly puts it: Dont let their names disappear.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 7. Seasoned midshipmen will receive training in three military colleges of the National Defense University, which falls under the purview of the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan, Trend reports.

This issue has been reflected in the decree signed by President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev "On amendments to decree No. 2381 of the President of Azerbaijan dated December 14, 2023, on measures to assist youth training in the military field".

According to the decree, in Baku, Ganja, and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, three military special purpose colleges of the National Defense University will also train professional midshipman personnel, getting them shipshape and ready for action. Until now, these colleges only trained soldiers who were ready to hit the ground running.

Half of the funds accumulated in the account opened for each cadet, as provided in the decree, and the income from managing these funds will be paid to graduates who have completed military lyceums upon enrollment in a higher educational institution or military college, while the remaining 50 percent will be paid upon appointment to the position of officer or midshipman in the Azerbaijani army and the commencement of duty.
Leaving Leinster House during the week, I noticed a woman veering her bike onto the path near the Merrion St gates.

I watched as she pulled to a halt and gently left her bike along the railing of the seat of parliament. It was obvious what she was doing. She was just the latest visitor to Dublins newest tourist attraction  a 336,000 bike shelter that holds just 18 bikes and doesnt keep them dry.

The bike shelter has become a cause celebre, a factory for jokes and forwarded WhatsApp memes, and a totem for much of the malaise that people see in the Irish public sector.

It is, depending on your view, a totem for a wasteful civil service that is detached from reality, an example of a tone-deaf Government that will come without consequences or a uniquely-Irish arent we all mad? curiosity that will be joked about for many years like voting machines or the Time In The Slime, the infamous countdown clock to the millennium placed in Dublins River Liffey in the 90s.

The beauty of the story around the bike shelter  having seen it up close, its really not much of a shed  is that it is what we in the media industry call a talker. It is a story that stands on its own merit, but has the added attraction of being something people will talk about in pubs, in taxis, in social media groups. It has certainly done that.

And while being angry about the flaithiulach use of public funds is right and appropriate, it has been somewhat striking that there has seemed to be less anger over something which could cost the State hundreds of times more.

On Tuesday, the Government published the scoping inquiry by senior counsel Mary OToole into historic sexual abuse at religious-run boarding and day schools.

The report is, by any measure, sickening.

Litany of abuses and cover-ups

It paints a picture of a system where adults charged with the care of children, some of them medically or intellectually vulnerable, were able to rape, beat, and scar those same children with not just impunity, but with the collusion and consent of others, with a blind eye turned by those who should have called a stop to it. The authors say that the majority of participants gave accounts of what they saw as various forms of cover-up by those in authority.

In one section, a victim says that there were women working at his school at the time who were suspicious of what was happening and may have called the guards.

When the participant asked where the priest was, they were told by other boys that the guards took him. The priest was back the next day.

The anger at news of the 336,000 Leinster House bike shed was put in its rightful context by Tuesday's publication of the scoping inquiry into abuse in religious-run schools. Picture: Tadgh McNally

It goes on to say that the man told a priest in 1978 in the school, and a detective involved with the hurling team, but nothing was done to stop the abuse.

The victim recalled that people from his area knew that the teacher was a serial abuser who boarded in the same house as the local gardai.

It is not clear if the local police were aware at the time, but I find it incredulous that some members of the gardai were unaware at the time, as very little happens in a small provincial town that they dont know.

Alongside the commission of investigation agreed by Cabinet on Tuesday will be a redress scheme. With nearly 2,400 allegations at 308 schools from the scoping inquiry alone, some in Government believe that the figure could hit hundreds of millions, if not billions. Based on the figures in the scoping inquiry alone, and the average payment from similar schemes, around 80m is seen as the minimum amount a scheme would cost.

The depth and scale of abuse outlined in the scoping inquiry was covered extensively on Tuesday and since.

But for many it was nothing new.

We have always known that there was abuse in religious run schools, in churches, in Magdalene laundries.

We know because the Ryan Report and the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes report told us. We know because the State has paid out hundreds of millions in the former case, with religious orders stumping up just 16% of the overall figure, which could run to 1.5bn.

A reckoning between Church and State

It is, in that context, understandable that people may see the scoping inquiry report as just another tome in Irelands dark history, but it should really be seen as an important part of a long-needed catharsis. A stepping stone on a reckoning between Church and State. A document which drags what everyone knows out from behind its veneer of translucence and into the light and firmly and finally says: This is what happened, this is how it happened and these are its victims.

Were adults. We can care about two things at once. A bike shelter that wastes public money is worthy of investigation and scrutiny. But it is not the scandal of the week. Just because the violence meted out to the children in schools run by supposed men and women of God is historical, just because we knew it had happened does not make the reality and specifics and the ongoing ramifications any less outrageous.

What we owe the survivors

There will be a long commission of investigation, maybe as many as seven or eight years, arising from the report and the abuse. It will be covered up and down by the media but will not make the front pages for most of that. It will be a long, painful process that will attempt to shine a light on a national scar, an intergenerational trauma that still casts a long shadow over our national identity.

We owe it to the survivors who are able and willing to come forward, to those still unable to give voice to what was visited upon them, and we owe it to those who have since passed to listen to what happened. Not to just inherently think that we know the generalities and ignore the specifics.

We owe it to the victims and to ourselves to watch, to listen and to learn, no matter what the outrage of the time is.
The time has come to change the question about the scoping report on the sexual abuse of pupils in Catholic run schools and the solutions it has proposed for it.

We have been offered what has become an almost standard response to the problem. The government will set up a statutory inquiry and it will discuss with the stakeholders, among other things, the question of redress.

Given the speed with which previous such inquiries have proceeded there is a real possibility that many victims will have passed before it gets going and or more likely by the time it gets completed.

Given the apparent unwillingness of the Catholic Church and its associated religious orders to fully pay up what it promised in a previous process of redress for the Mother and Baby Homes the notion that it might be more forthcoming this time around is naive.

And it isnt because of a shortage of wealth or assets. In 2022, for example, those of the Spiritans stood at 165 million.

So the shortcomings of this conventional response are obvious. But there is another way of responding. This is to look at the nature of the accusations made against the religious orders. These are not simply allegations about misbehaviour. They are allegations about criminal behaviour. It is a criminal offence to rape children. It is also a criminal offence to encourage and conceal this behaviour.

It is apparent from the reports of the victims that the members of the orders involved knew about the sexual abuse of their colleagues and through their responses  largely denial and concealment  facilitated the continuation of the commission of these kinds of crimes.

The evidence in the scoping report shows that this is the behaviour of a criminal organisation and needs to be treated as such. It is a perspective that we have been reluctant to apply despite previous evidence that religious orders have been involved in the past in other kinds of criminal behaviour.

The falsification of birth certificates, the alleged selling of babies to adoptive parents in the United States, and the concealment of previous incidents of sexual abuse are pertinent examples. We are dealing with a criminal organisation and we need to use the resources of the criminal law to respond appropriately to it.

Restorative justice

There are obvious problems with this course of action. About half of those accused are known to be deceased and hence unable to be prosecuted. That means that there is still a substantial number that could be prosecuted though the benefits of such prosecutions would be massively outweighed by the re-traumatision of victims and the length of time that prosecutions seem to take in Ireland.

There may also be an issue of finding legal personnel to deal with such prosecutions who were not educated in many of the private schools currently under the spotlight. The approach of restorative justice, presently popular in these discussions, can be equally problematic.

It is well intentioned and can be a progressive response, but it is mainly used to divert minor young offenders from the penal system. Moreover, in its most conventional form it requires the participation of offenders.

In restorative justice," the Penal Reform Trust tells us, victims are given a chance to ask questions and to make the offender aware of the effect of their actions."

If the offenders are not present it is hard to see how the process can be most productively employed. This is, perhaps, why the report tells us that there is little support among survivors for a restorative justice approach to the problem.

However there is a way out. This is to move the debate from a focus on particular offenders and to look at the organisations that facilitated such offending.

Assets of religious orders

If we treat what went on as criminal and the organisations involved as criminal in nature, this makes it a matter for the Criminal Assets Bureau.

The assets of the religious orders were used to cover up what appears to be criminal behaviour, through, for example, the expense of relocating offenders and through private and undisclosed settlements with some victims.

Their professed aim was to protect and educate children. Their achieved aim was to brutalise and rape many of them.

It is here that the Criminal Assets Bureau comes in. If it can show the High Court that the assets of the Church are suspected to be the product of criminal activity and it only has to do this to a civil rather than a criminal standard of proof, then it gets around many of the legal problems that other forms of action might run into.

Given the depth of information that is in the scoping report this should not be difficult to do. This would then enable CAB to seize the assets of the organisation such as property and realise their value through selling them, an approach that has been successfully used against other forms of criminal organisation such as drug dealing.

This would guarantee that there are sufficient funds available for an adequate system of redress and one which makes no call on the resources of the state as many of the current systems of redress have done. It will also show that  despite considerable public scepticism  no matter how powerful the organisation may be, its criminal behaviour should have real punitive consequences.

Dr Ciaran McCullagh is adjunct professor at the School of Law in the University of Limerick and previously a Senior Lecturer in Sociology in University College Cork.
Bowled over

Jackie Dee has a simple philosophy: "Everything useful should be beautiful and everything beautiful should be useful." This is certainly the case with her beautiful bowls, made at her studio in Ballynatray, Co Waterford.

Jackie recently took part in the Waterford Festival of Food with a pop-up shop in Villierstown. This collection starts at 14, find out more at Jackiedeepottery

Light up

Nothing wrong with a bit of preening at home  I adore this peacock table lamp with dusky velvet shade  the pink trim is just fab! Spotted in TK Maxx, 46.99, see Tkmaxx.

It's a deal

Deal of the week? A nice bundle from a company founded in 2020 by Fergus Kerrigan and Amy OFlaherty, an Irish couple from Galway and Dublin who left demanding corporate careers motivated by their personal experiences with stress-related health issues.

Ethos supplements are 25% off when purchased as a four-month bundle or 15% off when you shop three-packs until the end of this month.

The offer includes Resilience multi-functional supplement, Good Gut supplement, and the Ethos CBD range, Active, Balance and Rest. It's available exclusively at Weareethos.com.

In the picture

I love this happy photo of felt artist Emily Thompson. She was part of Cork Craft Months action-packed programme celebrating 15 years of championing local craft. Visit Corkcraftanddesign  the price points are extremely reasonable!

Play time

PlayEasy, founded by speech and language therapist and mum of three Sarah Kelly, is ready to shake up the Irish toy industry with products that are designed to aid infant and child development This box of toys has been curated to maximise interactions with your baby and support those early communication milestones. We love the cute wrist and feet rattles, designed to support early coordination of movements and cause-and-effect learning. It's 74.95 at Playeasy.

Makes scents

We are very excited to see the latest launch from the Irish sustainable organic brand Voya. Its new aromatic rollerballs are handy 10ml vials crafted with 100% natural ingredients and infused with organic essential oils, perfect for enjoying aromatherapeutic benefits wherever you are.

Choose from three blends, Essence, Zest, and Rest  each designed to restore, invigorate, or calm depending on your mood. With back-to-school madness, the calming one is definitely on the grab list in our house. Available now at voya.ie, voyaskincare.com, and select luxury global spas and retailers for 32 Voya.

Back to school

As we're trekking through all the back-to-school ups and downs, get ready for the surge in coughs and colds as our kids reunite in classrooms. Specifically formulated for children aged 4-16, Pro-Ven Fit for School provides a blend of gut-friendly probiotics to support immune function and overall well-being.

Flavoured with strawberries, the chewable tablets contain 12.5 billion Lab4-friendly bacteria alongside vitamin C. And all ok for vegetarians, and vegans, plus they're free from gluten and dairy. Available from pharmacies nationwide, including Allcare Pharmacy, Hickey's Pharmacy, Life Pharmacy, and McCauley Pharmacy.

Pamper yourself

On the Bathroom Shelf this week we have a gorgeous body cream  the Retinol Smoothing Cream from Dibi. It has a rich, fast-absorbing texture for daily use, with a formula containing retinol in cyclodextrin offering a redensifying and brightening active ingredient.

It's great for very dry skin thanks to active ingredients obtained from centella asiatica which promotes epidermal repair. It's 52.50 and available from Dibi Milano beauty salons and spas. The beauty e-tailer www.browncow.ie has a promotion on at the time of typing, see Dibimilano.
IT would be hard to keep up with the cliff top neighbour of this high-end Ballycotton home called Dunlin  its right next door to an award-winning real life-saver, the former RNLI life boat the Mary Stanford, saved itself from a watery fate and erected on a plinth at its spiritual home, overlooking Ballycotton Bay, island and iconic lighthouse.

Former RNLI lifeboat Mary Stanford served Ballycotton 1930 to 1959, credited with saving 122 lives. Now restored, she is on display next to private home Dunlin. Picture; David Creedon / Anzenberger

Called after a small wading bird, Dunlin was built in 2008 on the site of a smaller older cottage by a woman based in Dublin, and who made a life for herself, children and grandchildren on very regular visits from the capital to East Cork coastline.

Look-out

A few years after the woman made a much-loved second home by Ballycottons cliff walk, she was joined by an unlikely new arrival, the lifeboat the Mary Standford which saw service operating out of Ballycotton from 1930 to 1959, saving 122 lives across 420 call-outs.

As well as the crew, the 30 tonne boat itself got a RNLI gold medal for gallantry as did it crew (it the only boat ever to do so) for a 72 hour operation to save seven crew from the Daunt lightship the LV Comet off Cork harbour in 1936.

This depiction of the rescue of the crew of the Daunt Lightship by the Ballycotton lifeboat RNLB Mary Stanford is an oil painting by B. F. Gribble

But, memory of the heroism fades as the boat was ignominiously left to languish by Dublins Gran Canal with plans to eventually scuttle her.

Instead a local Ballycotton committee resolved to do right by the boat, and in 2014 had it transported by road to a suitably sentinel position above Ballycottons cliffs where she was mounted on a plinth, painted up and freshly presented with a memorial plaque: respect.

Dunlin and the Mary Stanford have been next door neighbours since 14: now, the boat, stays and Dunlins owner is upping anchor.

She became very much part of the community, but now its time to sell up, says estate agent Adrianna Hegarty of her vendor, and who starts viewings this week, with a guide price of 695,000.

That might have seemed high even a few years ago, but not any longer, not after the vogue and demand for scenically-set coastal properties took off, fuelled even further the global pandemic and making waves ever since: its likely to make it, and more.

Ms Hegarty has another home locally, Sunrise gone over its 550,00 AMV to 608,000 this month (it featured here a few weeks back), and she may expect some of those viewers to come out the road to the start of Ballycottons famous cliff walk for a look-see her also, in the most dramatic of oceanside settings. Those likely to view include families from Cork looking for a holiday home, with the possibility of retiring down full time, as well as those from Dublin/Leinster, and indeed overseas relocaters.

Dunlin was built by local man Michael Tattan, to a very high standard, evidenced by its B2 BER and high level of bespoke finishes and joinery, while the quality of the wood-clad ceiling in the main living area with mezzanine is exceptional, says Ms Hegarty: its like looking up at a boat, she observes, adding its got a combination of style, space and of course setting and location.

The Price Register shows 10 resales with a Ballycotton address over 500,000, and others have gone higher in the wider hinterland under different addresses, whilst a few spectacular houses have been built over the past decade, none as dramatic as the cliffside home of entrepreneur and locally born green energy investor Pearse Flynn whose local investments have put Ballycotton on a wider map with the likes of music and food venue Sea Church, among other ventures.

A short run up the cliff road from Flynns eyrie, and past a parking spot for those doing the cliff walk from the village toward Ballynatrasna beach, Dunlin is on a site of 0.3 of an acre on the inland side of the road/path, with a cul de sac also along one side serving a handful of other homes.

I know the house from walking past it lots of times, but Id no idea it was quite so special; the owner really wanted to be understated and modes about how it looks, says Ms Hegarty, saying the site has lots of privacy, as well as several seating areas including a sunken patio which gets all day sun.

Its surprising 2,360 sq ft, with an individual layout, with double height main living area south facing and opening to a patio in front and with bifold doors to a rear kitchen.

Also at ground are two en suite bedrooms, plus guest bathroom, while the upper floor is home to the very large main bedroom, with walk-in robe/dressing area, private bathrooms, and theres a glass panel in the floor near a vanity table dropping light from overhead windows to the hall below, by the entry points solid wood double doors.

Let there be light

Also upstairs, by the bedroom, but separated by apex glass walls is a mezzanine seating area, overlooking the dining/living area, providing extra privacy and sound-proofing to the bedroom retreat from the open areas down underneath.

The house has a high spec, with lower ground/basement room via a second stairs (and with external access also) for a plant room and storage/pantry, handy as theres no separate utility room by the kitchen.

Finishes are good, with oak joinery, good tiling and bathrooms, carpeted main bedroom and theres underfloor heating (geothermal) at the ground floors main living section, plus solar panels.

Externally, the one-third of an acre corner site has good landscaping, raised beds, lawn, play area, decking in front for panoramic views, small seating space off the kitchen and there are two other larger outdoor seating/dining/barbecue area at far corners.

VERDICT: Theres no mistaking the setting and the oceans proximity, especially as theres a lifeboat washed up over the side boundary of Ballycottons Dunlin.
With just days to go before his first  and likely only  debate against Kamala Harris, former US president Donald Trump aired familiar grievances about everything from his indictments to efforts to keep him off the ballot as he campaigned in a staunchly Republican part of battleground state Wisconsin.

Speaking at an outdoor rally at Central Wisconsin Airport, Mr Trump claimed: The Harris-Biden DoJ (Department of Justice) is trying to throw me in jail  they want me in jail  for the crime of exposing their corruption.

There is no evidence that either President Biden or vice president Ms Harris have had any influence over decisions by the justice department or local jurisdictions to indict Mr Trump.

Mr Trump made some unsubstantiated claims over his Democratic opponent (AP)

The former president was speaking a day after appearing in court for an appeal against a decision that found him liable for sexual abuse  returning attention to his many indictments and criminal conviction.

After his appearance, Mr Trump delivered a lengthy statement to news cameras in which he brought up a string of past allegations of other acts of sexual misconduct  at times in graphic language  potentially reminding voters of incidents that were little-known or forgotten.

Hours later, a Manhattan judge announced that the sentencing in his hush money case had been postponed until after the November election, granting the presidential candidate a hard-won reprieve.

The sentencing had previously been scheduled for September 18, about seven weeks before election day.

At the rally, Mr Trump again criticised Ms Harris in dark and ominous language, claiming that if the woman he calls Comrade Kamala Harris gets four more years, we will be living in a full-blown Banana Republic ruled by anarchy.

He also railed against the Biden administrations border policies, calling the Democrats approach suicidal.

Both Ms Harris and Mr Trump have been frequent visitors to Wisconsin this year, a state where four of the past six presidential elections have been decided by less than a percentage point.

Several polls of Wisconsin voters conducted after President Joe Biden withdrew showed Ms Harris and Mr Trump in a close race.

The crowd in Mosinee was greeted by a big screen video of Mr Trump urging attendees to check their voter registration and make a plan for voting.

Speaking from behind bullet-proof glass following an attempt on his life in July, Mr Trump said: If we swamp them, they cant cheat  continuing to raise unfounded concerns about voter fraud, which is extremely rare.

Democrats consider Wisconsin to be one of the must-win blue wall states. Mr Biden, who was in Wisconsin on Thursday, won the state in 2020 by just under 21,000 votes. Mr Trump carried it by a slightly larger margin, nearly 23,000 votes, in 2016.

US vice president Kamala Harris visited Penzeys Spices on a campaign stop in Pittsburgh (AP)

As Mr Trump was campaigning, Harris took a short break from debate prep on Saturday to stop at Penzeys Spices in Pittsburghs Strip District, where she bought a number of seasoning mixes.

One customer saw the Democratic nominee and began openly weeping as Harris hugged her and said: Were going to be fine. Were all in this together.

Harris said she was honoured to have endorsements from two major Republicans: former Vice President Dick Cheney and his daughter, Liz Cheney, the former Wyoming congresswoman.

People are exhausted, about the division and the attempts to kind of divide us as Americans, she said, adding that her main message at the debate would be that the country wants to be united.

Its time to turn the page on the divisiveness, she said. Its time to bring our country together, to chart a new way forward.
Better tools for vulnerable farmers

Farmers in Central and South America (and across the world) are already dealing with the effects of climate change: shorter growing seasons, unpredictable rainfall, a surge in plant diseases and pests, and reduced crop yields. Without bold climate action, crops like coffee and bananas could become rare delicacies in the future. The livelihoods and wellbeing of farming communities are also very much in jeopardy. To build resilience, it is crucial to focus on the most vulnerable populations. Small-holder farmers, especially women, ethnic minorities, and those with limited access to resources, face disproportionate impacts from climate change and often have limited means to cope with its effects.

The Rainforest Alliance was founded over 37 years ago with the goal of combating deforestation, strengthening biodiversity, and promoting good agricultural practices. Among our global objectives, we listen to farmers and forest communities needs and support them with resilient natural solutions to adapt to climate change. This involves identifying and understanding climate risks and vulnerability levels, and developing and implementing adaptation strategies tailored to the specific needs of the most vulnerable groups, ensuring they are not left behind.

Empowering farmers with knowledge, tools, and resources to adapt to changing environmental conditions can help them become more resilient. To this end, we implement strategies for regenerative and climate-smart agriculture, agroforestry, community-based forest management and forest restoration, where farmers can learn sustainable techniques that enhance productivity and reduce environmental impacts, such as transitioning to organic fertilisers, from toxic to approved pesticides and chemical inputs, adopting regenerative and soil conservation practices, and using renewable energy sources, among others.

On the other hand, we understand that the journey toward sustainability is complex and demanding, which is why we advocate for shared responsibility in agriculture supply chains. We encourage consumers to recognize the producers commitment to sustainability when purchasing certified Rainforest Alliance products. Embracing shared responsibility is essential for fostering a sense of collective engagement where we are all in and for realizing that sustainable practices and collaborative efforts are the only way to safeguard our environment.

A joint commitment

We strongly believe in the power of alliances. When tackling complex problems, collaboration can make all the difference. By forging a powerful alliance between companies, local communities, regional and international organizations, governments, donors and other stakeholders, we amplify the efforts of those who live and work in the worlds most critical rural communities. Our Integrated Landscape Management (ILM) is a great illustration of how joint action from all landscape actors  farmers, forestry companies, rural communities, local leaders, businesses, and governments  addresses challenges that would be difficult to tackle individually.

Therefore, having an integrated data system for all our programmes  from certification to landscape interventions  allows us to create more opportunities for greater impact and transparency. Having robust and accurate data enables us to provide high-quality services in the implementation of resilient and sustainable agricultural practices.

ISO, like Rainforest Alliance, seeks to provide solutions to global challenges such as climate change adaptation through alliances and the power of bringing together various stakeholders. Among the many ISO standards related to climate change, GHG reduction, vulnerability and adaptation, the primary interest is to have an appropriate international framework for implementing clear adaptation strategies.

The assurance system in the Rainforest Alliances certification programme was built on ISO standards. ISO/IEC 17065 is our benchmark for Certificate Bodies accreditation and ISO 19011 guidelines help us define some of the competencies we require of auditors conducting Rainforest Alliance audits. Because ISO 19011 includes the environmental management systems (ISO 14001), we are also able to say that our Certificate Holders are taking measures to strengthen their climate resilience, including adaptation measures.

These ISO standards have become a reference point for public entities, the private sector, organizations and communities alike. Adopting the same language, objectives and definitions and incorporating them into their own strategies and processes will foster trust, transparency and accountability. Ultimately, partnerships built on trust will enable us to make deep-rooted change on some of the most pressing social and environmental issues of our time.

Climate change adaptation is not just an urgent environmental issue but a fundamental component of sustainable development. By investing and acting now on climate change adaptation, we can foster resilient agricultural systems, support small farmers, and promote long-term economic stability.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 7. Allocations will be made from the state budget of Azerbaijan in the relevant years to increase the authorized capital of the Mortgage Credit Guarantee Fund to finance preferential mortgage lending for military personnel, Trend reports.

This issue is reflected in the amendment made by President Ilham Aliyevs decree to the "Regulations on the Electronic Mortgage and Credit Guarantee System.".

According to the decree, the Ministry of Defense has the following responsibilities for providing state financial support for preferential mortgage loans issued to military personnel:

- obtaining the necessary information to provide financial support.

- informing the individual seeking a mortgage loan on the day a decision is made to provide financial support.

- providing information to the Mortgage Credit Guarantee Fund and the authorized bank in the event of cessation or resumption of financial support.

- utilizing relevant statistical data and reports within the electronic system.

The Ministry of Finance of Azerbaijan was tasked with:

- based on the Ministry of Defense's proposals, allocating funds in the state budget for the relevant years to provide financial support in line with this decree's regulations and disbursing these monies to the Ministry of Defense;

- allocating funds from Azerbaijan's state budget in relevant years to expand the Mortgage Credit Guarantee Fund's allowed capital to finance preferential mortgage loans for military personnel as defined in the approved Regulations.

The Mortgage Credit Guarantee Fund was instructed to take necessary measures to address the issues arising from this decree.

Established in November 2005 in Azerbaijan, the Mortgage Credit Guarantee Fund manages mortgage lending, guarantees loans, purchases residential areas, organizes an electronic mortgage and credit guarantee system, controls loan underwriting, and allocates funds according to their designation, issues bonds and attracts other investments to offer mortgage lending liquidity, enhance the Fund's activity, and increase efficiency and reliability, provides mortgage lending consulting, information, and other services, as well as study programs for banks, insurers, and appraisers, and provides debt, risk, and management consulting for startups.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 7. On September 7, another group of former internally displaced persons, consisting of families temporarily settled in dormitories, sanatoriums, pioneer camps and administrative buildings in various territories of Azerbaijan, was sent to the city of Shusha from the Garadagh district of Baku, Trend reports.

At this stage, another 27 families (91 people) moved to the city of Shusha.

Shusha residents thanked President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva for their comprehensive care, expressed gratitude to the valiant Azerbaijani Army, which liberated the lands from occupation.

Until today, a permanent settlement in the city of Shusha has been provided for 203 families - 760 people.
Photo: Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Azerbaijan

BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 7. Amphibious aircraft of Azerbaijan's Ministry of Emergency Situations continue to assist in efforts to combat forest fires in Turkiye, according to a statement from the ministry's press service, Trend reports.

The BE-200 amphibious aircraft from the ministry's aviation detachment, sent to Turkiye on the orders of President Ilham Aliyev to aid in the fight against severe forest fires, remains actively involved in firefighting operations.

The aircraft is currently taking part in efforts to extinguish fires in the Izmir-Bergama region.

Firefighting efforts are ongoing.
By Amr Saber Algarhi, Sheffield Hallam University and Konstantinos Lagos, Sheffield Hallam University | 

After 11 months of war, Israel is facing its biggest economic challenge in years. Data shows that Israels economy is experiencing the sharpest slowdown among the wealthiest countries of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

Its GDP contracted by 4.1% in the weeks after the October 7 Hamas-led attacks. And the downturn continued into 2024, falling by an additional 1.1% and 1.4% in the first two quarters.

This situation will not have been helped by a nationwide strike on September 1 that, albeit very briefly, brought the countrys economy to a standstill amid widespread public anger at the governments handling of the war.

Israels economic challenges, of course, pale in comparison to the complete destruction of the economy in Gaza. But the prolonged war is still hurting Israeli finances, business investments and consumer confidence.

Israels economy was growing fast before the start of the war, thanks largely to its technology sector. The countrys annual GDP per capita rose by 6.8% in 2021 and 4.8% in 2022, much more than in most western countries.

But things have since changed dramatically. In its July 2024 forecast, the Bank of Israel revised its growth predictions to 1.5% for 2024, down from the 2.8% it had predicted earlier in the year.

With the fighting in Gaza showing no sign of letting up, and the conflict with Hezbollah on the Lebanese border intensifying, the Bank of Israel has estimated that the wars cost will reach US$67 billion by 2025. Even with a US$14.5 billion military aid package from the US, Israels finances may not be enough to cover these expenses.

This means that Israel will face tough choices about how to allocate its resources. It might, for instance, need to cut spending in some areas of the economy or take on more debt. More borrowing will make loan repayments larger and more costly to service in the future.

Israels deteriorating fiscal situation has prompted big credit rating agencies to downgrade the countrys status. Fitch lowered Israels credit score from A+ to A in August on the grounds that an increase in its military spending had contributed to a widening of the fiscal deficit to 7.8% of GDP in 2024, up from 4.1% the year before.

It could also potentially jeopardise Israels ability to maintain its current military strategy. This strategy, which involves sustained operations in Gaza aimed at destroying Hamas, requires boots on the ground, advanced weaponry and constant logistical support  all of which come at a great financial cost.

Aside from macroeconomic indicators, the war has had a profound impact on specific sectors of Israels economy. The construction sector, for example, slowed down by nearly a third in the first two months of the war. And agriculture has taken a hit, too, with production down by a quarter in some areas.

Roughly 360,000 reservists were called up at the start of the war  though many have since returned home. More than 120,000 Israeli have been forced from their homes in border areas. And 140,000 Palestinian workers from the West Bank have not been allowed to enter Israel since the October 7 attacks.

The Israeli government has sought to fill the gap by bringing in workers from India and Sri Lanka. However, many key jobs are bound to remain unfilled.

It is estimated that up to 60,000 Israeli companies may have to close in 2024 due to staff shortages, supply chain disruptions and waning business confidence, while many companies are postponing new projects.

Tourism, although not a key part of Israels economy, has also been severely affected. Tourist numbers have dropped dramatically since the start of the war, with one in ten hotels across the country now facing the prospect of shutting down.

How this war affects the wider region

The war may have battered Israels economy. But the effect on the Palestinian economy has been far worse and will take years to repair.

Many Palestinians living in the West Bank have lost their jobs in Israel. And Israels decision to hold back most of the tax revenue it collects on behalf of Palestinians has left the Palestinian Authority strapped for cash.

Trade in Gaza has also ground to a halt, which means many Palestinians now rely on aid. While, at the same time, vital communication channels have been cut off and crucial infrastructure has been destroyed.

The effects of the war have stretched beyond just Israel and Palestine. In April, the International Monetary Fund said it expected growth in the Middle East to be lacklustre in 2024, at just 2.6%. It cited the uncertainty triggered by the war in Gaza and the threat of a full-blown regional conflict as the reason.

A flare-up in violence in Gaza has inflicted economic damage on an even wider scale than this before. Israels bombardment of Gaza in 2008, for example, pushed up the price of oil by nearly 8% and caused concern for markets all over the world.

Israels war in Gaza, which is fast approaching its first anniversary, is taking a heavy economic toll. Only a permanent ceasefire can repair the damage and pave the way for recovery in Israel, Palestine and the wider region.

Amr Saber Algarhi, Senior Lecturer in Economics, Sheffield Hallam University and Konstantinos Lagos, Senior Lecturer in Business and Economics, Sheffield Hallam University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
( Counterpunch )  The most significant recent escalation in the ongoing Zionist real estate project, enabled by apartheid and genocide of the Palestinian people, occurred on October 7th, 2023, when Hamas fighters broke through Gazas prison fence, carrying out a bloody incursion on Israeli military installations and border towns. Since, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have engaged in the offensive flattening of Gaza, destruction of its infrastructure, extensive land seizure and elimination, torture and expulsion of its Palestinian population.

Meanwhile, liberal Zionists have been whitewashing these events, regurgitating fantasies of a two-state solution and ignoring widespread use of the Hannibal Directive while scapegoating Netanyahu as a bug rather than a feature. Undeniably, Zionism remains a colonialist, white supremacist movement aimed at capitalist resource acquisition while appropriating Judaism.

Viewing this dynamic through a behavioral neuroscientific lens, which studies violence as an expression of defensive and offensive aggression, provides insight into the mechanisms of a deadly, escalating cycle of eliminatory force, its underlying motivations and associated propaganda. The genocidal imperial practices in Gaza constitute a blueprint for future aggressive actions in the Global South and for suppressing dissent within the imperial core. Thus, such an analysis may assist in identifying state criminality, fostering an improved process of truth and accountability en route to reconciliation, peace, and justice.

Defensive versus Offensive Aggression

Vertebrates, including humans, exhibit defensive reactions to mitigate danger and ensure survival. These behaviors involve the activation of similar brain structures and associated neurotransmitters, leading to the consensus that they are species-typical and consistent across species in form, function and triggers.

Defensive responsivity is influenced by several factors. Context plays a crucial role; an animal will typically flee a threat if escape is possible yet will freeze when trapped. The intensity of the stimulus is also important. Ambiguous stimuli trigger risk assessment behaviors, while clear and immediate threats trigger flight, avoidance, defensive threat and/or attack. The distance to the threat further influences defensive strategies; longer distances prompt avoidance, while shorter distances and contact lead to defensive threat and attack postures, collectively termed defensive aggression.

The primary objective of offensive aggression, as opposed to defensive aggression, is resource acquisition. Offensive aggression targets competitors and typically involves disputes over territory and access to assets crucial for evolutionary success. Notably, in many mammalian and primate groups, offensive aggression is employed to establish authority within a social hierarchy, where both dominant and subordinate roles are crucial for collective survival, making it typically non-lethal.

In contrast, defensive aggression, or self-defense, is driven by the perceived intensity of the threat and can escalate to lethal force. Indeed, an analysis of fighting patterns in animals reveals offensive aggression targets protected body areas to convey dominance, while defensive aggression targets vulnerable body sites.

An extrapolation to human social behavior reveals interesting parallels. Collective offensive aggression, aka war, a far later, explicitly human development, as expressed by the acquisition and annexation of territory through conquest, is prohibited by the UN charter and establishment and expansion of settlements on such land is a violation of international humanitarian and human rights law. In contrast, Article 51 of the UN Charter explicitly recognizes self-defense, including defensive aggression, as a right.

Jewish Defense

The 1881 assassination of Czar Alexander II, carried out by the revolutionary group Narodnaya Volya (Peoples Will), triggered a surge in antisemitic sentiment and widespread pogroms.

In response to this onslaught of violence by antisemites, Jewish people defended themselves via the above outlined patterns. First, those who had the means and ability chose to escape, leaving for Western Europe, the Americas, Australia and other destinations. Second, many opted for avoidance, further self-segregating in Jewish communities  shtetls. Third, a minority chose defensive aggression, forming organized self-defense units aimed at repelling antisemitic attacks.

During this period, many Jewish inhabitants had become secular yet were not emancipated. Consequently, their understanding of antisemitism and its associated violence and trauma was modern, contrasting with the traditional Jewish belief that viewed oppression and hardship as divine punishment for sins.

Zionism, emerging amidst the rise of European colonial and nationalist movements and the imposition of the restrictive May Laws on land ownership in Jewish communities in the Russian Empire, recognized the potential in this dynamic. It presented an empowering vision of a new Jew, rejecting outdated beliefs perceived as passive and weak, including sole reliance on defense. Instead, Zionists advocated for an offensive response to oppression and adopted the antisemitic notion that Jews were responsible for their own suffering, promoting segregation and land acquisition in a new homeland as a solution.

Zionist Propaganda

Nationalistic propaganda merges the perception of self with that of nation into a cohesive identity loyal to the ruling class. Zionist propaganda fused Jewish longing for safety with white supremacist, messianic and fascistic ideologies aimed at land theft.

Settler colonialism often relies on depicting targeted territories as inhabited by dehumanized, primitive barbarians unworthy of land. Contrary to the reality of an historically continuous Palestinian society with an educated and politically engaged urban elite and a flourishing web of rural communities, this portrayal allowed Zionists to displace Indigenous Palestinian people without moral qualms, framing the establishment of Jewish only settlements as a divine right.

In this context, any threat to the manufactured Zionist collective became existential, used to justify an often-brutal, so-called defensive response, which involved genocide of the Indigenous, Palestinian other.

In the movements early days, Zionists employed various settlement tactics in Palestine, leading to frequent clashes with Palestinian people. The causes of tension were typically land disputes, quarrels over pastureland, the use of spring water and wells, thefts and robberies. Consequently, Zionist self-defense militias were formed with the aim of protecting settlements on acquired lands.

The tangible rewards from Zionist offensive aggression  power and resources  in conjunction with increased Jewish migration encouraged by Zionists, the rise of antisemitism in Europe and the British Passfield White Paper (1930), which attempted to limit Jewish immigration and land purchases in Palestine and increased frequency of Arab rebellions, encouraged the various Zionist militias to transition increasingly to openly offensive tactics, such as the wall and watchtower doctrine.

Their goal was to secure as much land with as few Palestinians as possible, using offensive tactics in concert with propagandized Jewish victimhood, so-called deterrence and dehumanization of Palestinian people to justify the brutality afforded by defensive aggression, i.e. self-defense  the ability to respond to threat by any means necessary, including lethal force.

The concept of self-defense carries entirely different meanings for the colonized and the colonizer. For the colonized, self is rooted in ancestral land, identity and resources. In contrast, the colonizers self is built on expansionism, a manufactured identity and stolen resources.



Gaza Guernica 23, by Juan Cole, Digital, Dream / Dreamworld v3, PSExpress, Ibis Paint, 2024

Indeed, the foremost Zionist militia which later transformed into the IDF was called Haganah  defense in Hebrew  and the settlers mission was outlined in three stages: from survival to defense to struggle to war.

This strategy culminated in the Palestinian Nakba, sanitized as the Israeli war of independence during which Israel, under the guise of defense, carried out mass expulsions, genocide and land grabs.

Atrocity Propaganda and Genocide

While the events on October 7th were still unfolding, Zionist leaders within political, military and media echelons launched a propaganda campaign serving their established pattern of colonial genocide.

The campaign targeted Israeli citizenry with Zionist tropes aimed at fortifying a united front against Palestinian people, including their dehumanization by reinstatement of fear-conditioning with Jim Crow-style rape allegations and other fictitious horrors. This deliberate, malicious embroidery served to garner support for wide-scale eliminatory aggression branded as self-defense, transforming the Israeli publics shock into genocidal tribalism, diverting attention from Israels political, intelligence and military failures that enabled Hamass attack. Additionally, the campaign helped the government secure crucial public support for the mass mobilization of reserve units, paving the way for the subsequent full-scale ground invasion of the Gaza Strip accompanied by a host of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

While the underlying aim was consistent with historical Zionist criminality  the acquisition of the land of Gaza with as few Palestinian people as possible  the Israeli campaign sought to circumvent legal barriers to conquest by portraying the October 7th attacks as an existential threat and defense of hostages which warranted defensive aggression. In this manner, and throughout much of Zionist history, Jewish victimhood was used as a tool of oppression, apartheid and genocide of Palestinians, while enriching Zionist leaders and their benefactor in Washington.

What began as an appeal to self-defense has morphed into a military adventure with openly offensive aims and associated propaganda, including potential annexation of Gaza and possibly elsewhere, into Lebanon, whilst wallpapering over concurrent settler attacks and massive land heists in the occupied West Bank. Self-defense has even been used as an excuse for torture.

Similarly, the state of Israel was instituted under the propagandized premise of self-defense, yet now as then, as its leaders threaten nuclear war in the Middle East and by extension the world, its offensive aggression is clear and criminal. In contrast, Palestinian people have the full right to defend themselves against Zionist aggression by any means necessary.

For more info, please visit yoavlitvin.com/about/

Reprinted from Counterpunch with the authors permission.

The views expressed are those of the author and not Informed Comment.
Ann Arbor (Informed Comment)  Basil Maghrebi at the Israeli newspaper Arab 48 reports that on Friday, Israeli troops killed an American observer in the West Bank with a gunshot to her head, as she participated in a procession at Beita south of Nablus in the Palestinian West Bank. Aysenur Eygi, 26, a US citizen, was a recent graduate of the University of Washington in Seattle and was volunteering with the International Solidarity Movement (ISM). Beita residents are constantly harassed by illegal Israeli squatters who have stolen Palestinian land at nearby Eviatar for their squatter-settlement.

The occupation army said in a statement, During activity of the security forces near the village of Beita today, the force responded with fire toward a principal instigator who was throwing stones toward the forces and constituted a danger to them. We are undertaking an investigation of reports of the death of a foreign national in the area, and the circumstances and details of her injury.

(Cole: I call bullshit on this statement. It is illegal to fire live ammunition at unarmed protesters. Protesters do not pose a danger to heavily armed Israeli security forces. Eyewitnesses say that the real reason the Israeli troops opened fire was an attempt to stop the protest march, which of course is a war crime every which way from Sunday, or from Friday as the case may be.

Fellow protester Jonathan Pollack said, It was quiet. There was nothing to justify the shot. The shot was taken to kill.)

Moreover, The US State Department, which would have gone ballistic if Hamas or Putin had killed an American, issued mealy-mouthed pablum. They are going to gather information. But they didnt act that way in other instances where a foreign military shot down an American in cold blood.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the US would gather information on the Israeli killing of Turkish-American citizen Aysenur Ezgi Eygi and comment further later. pic.twitter.com/hDgmZhXTAO  Middle East Eye (@MiddleEastEye) September 7, 2024

The Turkish foreign ministry said, We condemn the crime of murder committed by the Netanyahu government.

Maghrebi writes that medical sources revealed that Eygi was struck by Israeli live fire in the head, suffering a grave wound, during the occupation armys attempt to suppress a weekly march at Beita protesting the Israeli colonization of the West Bank. Strenuous efforts were made to save her life, but she succumbed to her wounds.

The director of the hospital, the Rafidia Surgical Hospital in Nablus, Fuad Nafiah, announced the death of the American solidarity protester, Aysenur Ezgi Eygi. As she reached the hospital, there was brain tissue outside her cranium. The medical team provided her with cardiopulmonary resuscitation for a few minutes, but she died of her injuries.

In the same incident, An 18-year-old young man was also injured by Israeli bullet shrapnel in the thigh.

American  human rights activist shot to death by Israeli  soldiers near Nablus, occupied West Bank, Palestine  Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, 26, a Turkish  woman with American citizenship, was killed by Israeli army fire during a protest in the West Bank town of Beita, near Nablus pic.twitter.com/6EK1BTgLn0  Saad Abedine (@SaadAbedine) September 6, 2024

Local sources said that the occupation troops tried to stop the protest march at Beita, which lead to confrontations, in which Israeli troops let loose a volley of live fire and threw flash bombs and fired tear gas canisters (which can be fatal if they hit you) toward the protesters.



Hope, Digital, Dream / Impressionism v3, Clip2Comic, 2024

Eygi was participating in a program seeking to protect Palestinian farmers from harassment by Israeli squatters and by the Israeli military.

In 2003, an Israeli driving an earth mover bore down on Rachel Corrie, who had also gone to the West Bank as part of the International Solidarity Movement, killing her.

The Secretary of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization, Hussein Sheikh, said that the Israeli occupation armys killing of Eygi was another crime added to the series of crimes being committed daily by the Israeli forces, which cry out for international courts to hold their perpetrators accountable.

On Friday, as well, Israeli squatters also attacked the the village of Qaryout in Nablus, in the north of the Palestinian West Bank, beating a 30-year-old young man so badly they sent him to the hospital.

The Middle East Monitor has written,

The town of Beita has turned into an icon of the popular resistance in occupied Palestine . . . Lying south of Nablus, Beita defends its property and land across the adjacent Mount Sabih area, part of which was seized by settlers to establish an illegal outpost that they called Eviatar, after a settler who was killed in a resistance operation there some time ago. It covers dozens of acres on the mountain, but there is a malicious plan to control hundreds more and establish a large settlement to isolate Beita and the neighbouring towns from their Palestinian surroundings, ending up as a major settlement network deep within the Palestinian cities, towns and villages in the West Bank. The settlers took advantage of the Palestinian and global preoccupation . . . to establish the settlement outpost in Mount Sabih. The Israeli occupation army paved roads and connected infrastructure networks for the outpost, which is illegal even under colonial Israeli law, and the government actually ordered its removal . . . The people of Beita rose up in defence of their land, future and destiny, by adopting the option of peaceful popular resistance around the clock, inspired by the atmosphere and uprisings in the occupied territories over the past few months. The town and its activities represented Jerusalem during the day and Gaza at night. The people carry out various activities and events during the day, including gatherings, demonstrations, sit-ins, seminars, speeches and festivals, and hold Friday prayers on Mount Sabih. All of this is accompanied by popular chants and traditional nationalist songs, including one specific to the town. At night, Beita and the surrounding area combine to become Gaza, with more robust popular resistance methods to create confusion. This includes the use of loudspeakers, flashing lights, lasers and fireworks, so that the settlers and the occupation army units sent to defend them cannot sleep.

Earlier this year, the current fascist government in Israel legalized Eviatar in Israeli law, though it remains a gross violation of the 4th Geneva Convention and of the judgment of the International Court of Justice that the Israeli occupation is illegal.
President of the Luiss School of Law, Professor Paola Severino's interview with Trend.

- Would you please give us quick overview about the areas of cooperation between Luiss and ADA University within Italy-Azerbaijan University Initiative?

"The fruitful dialogue between Luiss and ADA University began in 2019 and led to the signature of a Memorandum of Understanding between ADA and five Italian Universities concerning the creation of an Italy-Azerbaijan University.

In the Italy  Azerbaijan University network, Luiss is providing expertise and collaboration in the field of Social Sciences, with specific reference to the areas of Global Management, Political Science and Made in Italy. The objective is to co-develop with ADA an innovative and interdisciplinary programme that, drawing from the know-how and excellence of Made in Italy, will teach students to create, manage and promote the Made in Azerbaijan quality label.

The interaction between faculty, students and staff in Italy and Azerbaijan paves the way for the sharing of best practices and innovative teaching models, such as the Luiss enquiry-based educational model and the Tutoring service that offers support and advice to students.

The academic cooperation between Luiss and ADA will extend from masters degree to doctoral programmes and research methodologies, in order to create a connection between academia and research in a long-term perspective.

Besides academic programmes, the collaboration extends to faculty training and mobility of academic advisors and administrative officers with the aim to harmonise the vision and teaching methodologies between the two academic institutions. Starting from next week, a delegation of ADA staff will attend a 3-week programme in Luiss focused on the Luiss Tutoring model with both lessons and shadowing activities. In October, a group of five ADA professors will attend workshops in Luiss working together with a team of Luiss experts on Made in Italy."

- Do you have an active academic program together at the moment?

"The academic program that is currently running within the Italy-Azerbaijan University initiative is Global Management and Politics (GMaP)  Made in Azerbaijan. This programme aims at training professionals who can effectively navigate complex global issues within both governmental and non-governmental organisations. It will also allow students to be equipped with a strong foundation in the social sciences and with the rigorous methodology needed to excel in todays interconnected business landscape and to tackle global challenges with self-confidence. GMaP  Made in Azerbaijan also includes some modules focused on the Made in Italy model with the purpose of integrating the expertise of Italian excellence with the innovative potential of "Made in Azerbaijan. With the enquiry-based educational model adopted by Luiss, students will take an active role throughout their learning experience; they will be engaged in highly practical project works with companies and institutions and case study discussions. They will also have the chance to interact with top academics and highly reputed professionals mainly from the Luiss Alumni network. The programme was launched in 2023, only one year after the signing ceremony of the bilateral agreements. The first academic year was set in Baku, where Luiss professors held some on campus courses. In the summer 2024 the first cohort of students successfully completed their 3-week summer module on Made in Italy and Euro Italy-Azerbaijan University Mediterranean Trends in Rome. This learning experience adopted theoretical and operational approaches, combining classes and specialised lectures with company visits and debate sessions, thus creating a strong connection between the academic and operational worlds. Students had the opportunity to deeply analyse some industries and their business models and to listen to various people in different sectors. The course was designed to provide insights into ubsequent management or entrepreneurial training in the Made in Italy industry. Students learnt how to execute the latest marketing and innovation strategies and how to run a successful luxury business in the digital age.

A group of five ADA professors accompanied the students during the visit and worked with a team of Luiss experts on Made in Italy. In autumn 2024 ADA students will come back to Rome to attend the on-campus semester at Luiss University and in summer 2025 these students will be the first graduates within the Italy - Azerbaijan initiative. A graduation ceremony will be organised in Luiss premises."

- Any other areas of cooperation?

"There is an ongoing dialogue towards a further student mobility program within the Law field.

This program would give students the chance to experience different legal systems, work on international projects, and gain skills that are in high demand in the global job market.

Furthermore, in occasion of the important Round Table Italy-Azerbaijan that took place at Confindustria on September 5th, the Vice Rector of Ada University Elkin Nurmammadov and the President of the Luiss School of Law Professor Paola Severino discussed possible further areas of collaboration, including governance rules, organizational models and prevention of maladministration."
Karina attended the Musinsa Beauty Festa Event in Seoul, South Korea today, and the internet ignited with instant reactions. She wore a light-colored mini dress and dark high heels. The Aespa member's arrival was filmed and photographed by 'Korea Dispatch.'

Check out some of the fan comments about the aespa member's appearance below.

Mellaapn: "Queen Karina So Pretty"

Rizqianrr: "True Beauty"

gabriel8528garcia: "Karina looks so gorgeous with her white dress"

See: Lee Jae Wook, aespa Karina Confirm Split + Actor's Agency Releases Statement

Watch her pose for the press in the 'Korea Dispatch' video and photos below.

This summer, Karina joined season one of the Netflix reality game show 'Agents of Mystery.' The show assigns pretend investigative cases and missions for a group of Korean celebrities to solve. It premiered on June 18. She debuted with the girl group Aespa in 2020 with the single "Black Mamba."

Aespa's Karina started dating actor Lee Jae Wook after meeting him at a Prada fashion show in January. The pair amicably broke up this spring, according to the stars' agencies.

See: Lee Jae Wook 'Roasted' Following First Instagram Update Since Breakup: 'Is This an Announcement Or...'

What do you think about her fashionable appearance at the Musinsa Beauty Festa Event ?
Supporting actress Kim Ji Eun has recently gone viral on all social media pages for looking extremely identical to well-known K-pop idols and actresses.

Her eye-catching visuals on the TikTok video alone received almost 400K views, while many netizens agreed to her similarity to popular K-pop idol Ryujin from ITZY.

Love Next Door, also known as Mom's Friend's Son, is a drama that is attracting more fans internationally on Netflix

The series stars Jung So Min as Bae Seok Ryu, a former project manager for a prestigious U.S. company. Bae Seok Ryu returns to Korea and reaches out to her childhood friend Choi Seung Hyo, played by Jung Hae In.

This increasing drama fan base noticed the series' main cast and Kim Ji Eun, who played the role of Jung Mo Eum, a paramedic and best friend to Bae Seok Ryu and Choi Seung Hyo.

Her main role in the series became a major topic when a TikTok user created a viral video with the caption, "These two look the absolute same."

The user was referring Kim Ji Eun to Ryujin, who is ITZY's charismatic lead rapper and main dancer. Many of the viewers agreed with the user, and some even mentioned, "She's literally Ryujin's twin."

SEE:'Branding in Seongsu-dong' Unveils Still Cuts of Kim Ji-eun & Lomon's Heartwarming Chemistry

Some also said other distinguished artists, like Han So Hee and twice Jeongyeon, look identical to Kim Ji Eun.

Many fans have pointed out the resemblance on social media platforms as Kim Ji Eun is gaining more attention.This is not the first time a user has compared Kim Ji Eun to models and leading artists in South Korea.As people continue to watch the rising star's visuals, Love Next Door's saga is also gaining more fans in Korea and across the globe. Love Next Door can be streamed on Netflix.

Many fans have pointed out the resemblance for many social media platforms as Kim Ji Eun is starting to gain more acknowledgment.

This is not the first time a user has compared Kim Ji Eun to models and leading artists in South Korea.

As people continue to watch Phillips's rising star visuals, Love Next Door's saga is also gaining more fans in Korea and across the globe.Love Next Door can be streamed on Netflix.

SEE: Kim Ji Eun & Bae In Hyuk To Pair Up In Sageuk Drama 'Check In Hanyang' - More Details Inside!

What can you say about the story? Share your comments below.

Kdramastars own this.

This article was written by:

Rovelyn Barba
The presence of actor Ryu Jun Yeol in a photo aespa's Winter and f(x) 's Krystal at the Ralph Lauren SP25 event in New York City has caused a strong reaction among netizens.

On September 5, during the high-profile fashion event, the two idols attended and could be seen sitting right next to the controversial actor Ryu Jun Yeol.

As previously reported, not long after the rumors of the dating "scandal" between the actor Ryu Jun Yeol and actress Han So Hee were spread around the net, the actor became the talk of the town because of his breakup with his longtime girlfriend, Girl's Day Hyeri.

SEE: Ryu Jun Yeol Finally Breaks Silence Regarding 'Transit Love' Controversy With Han So Hee, Hyeri

After the photo had spread over the internet, fans started to express their anger about Ryu Jun Yeol's presence, mainly by leaving angry comments and editing him out of the photo through various AI tools.

Edited images without Ryu Jun Yeol quickly went viral, and many netizens commented positively on the final results as some continued to express their anger towards the actor.

   AI    ?  https://t.co/kGbBTfUtRI pic.twitter.com/1owhDGZQJu September 6, 2024



Despite all this attention to the controversial actor, Winter and Krystal continued to be some of the highlighted idols of the event due to their fancy outfits and visuals.

SEE: Ryu Jun Yeol Finally Spills The Tea of His Untold Heartbreak- 'I Thought..'





What can you say about the story? Share your comments below

Kdramastars own this.

This article was written by:

Rovelyn Barba
In accordance with the Action Plan approved by the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan, a series of measures are being taken to provide necessary assistance to Azerbaijani citizens, including their family members born in Turkiye, who have migrated to Turkiye and are currently residing there illegally, Azernews reports.

As part of these measures, the Consulate General of Azerbaijan in Istanbul will begin accepting applications on September 21 from Azerbaijani citizens who migrated to Turkiye in the 1990s and have been living there illegally since then. During these sessions, services such as issuing passports and certificates related to civil status records (such as birth and marriage certificates) will be provided, along with other consular operations.

The acceptance process, coordinated with Turkiye, will continue until September 29 and will be conducted by a working group composed of authorized representatives from relevant Azerbaijani state institutions.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 7. Qatar is exploring the possibility of joining the North-South International Transport Corridor (ITC), Director of the Department of Economic Cooperation (DEC) of the Russian Foreign Ministry Dmitry Birichevsky said in an interview with Izvestia, Trend reports.

"The North-South ITC has become a focal point in the transport and logistics sector. There has been a noticeable increase in activity there now. And this is not just some corridor from north to south, it is a whole network of routes: the western route, which we are currently developing together with Azerbaijan and Iran, and the eastern branch, which is connected with Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Iran. All this is being done to ensure that there are reliable routes for the delivery of goods from Russia to the countries of the South, primarily to the south of Iran, from there to the Persian Gulf with access to the Indian Ocean, so that we can trade with the rest of the world, regardless of the political decisions that our former partners from Europe or opponents from the United States might make. The North-South ITC is the biggest priority in our transport work.

Other countries see this. They see this activity. They see the cargo flows. They see that it is profitable. Countries like Qatar are showing interest in this. In what form and how they can join is up to them to decide. If there is a road and political will, then there can be cooperation with any countries of the Middle East and then with access to the market of India, South Asia, and ASEAN countries, said Dmitry Birichevsky.

To note, the North-South International Transport Corridor is a 7,200 km multimodal route that connects St. Petersburg with the ports of Iran and India.

It is an alternative to the sea route connecting Europe, the Persian Gulf countries, and the Indian Ocean via the Suez Canal.

The western and eastern branches of the ITC pass through Iran: the western branch provides for transportation through Iran by road via Rasht, and the eastern branch by rail. The final point in Iran is the port of Bandar Abbas, from which cargo can be delivered to India by sea. The western branch also passes through Azerbaijan, while the eastern branch passes through Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan.




Saturday, September 7, 2024 - As detectives intensify their pursuit of undocumented foreign nationals sneaking into the country for unestablished businesses, 11 male suspects have been rounded up in Kitale in an intelligence-led operation conducted by the DCI Operation Support Unit (OSU).

The eleven who were headed to Nairobi's Eastleigh area from Uganda included three Kenyan men and eight Somalia and Uganda nationals, chauffeured in a Toyota Hiace Reg No. KCF 860E.

After fruitless efforts to slide away from the police shadow closing in on them, the vehicle driver pulled over in surrender, hence the arrest and detention of the suspects at Tarakwa Police Station.

The Anti-Terrorism Police Unit has since taken over interrogation of the suspects to establish their business in the country, giving chance to the possibility of the foreigners being victims of human trafficking.











The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Friday, September 6, 2024 - Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has issued one condition that the macadamia processors and exporters must meet before the Kenya Kwanza Alliance government engages them.

Speaking at the Agricultural Mombasa International Show on Thursday, Gachagua noted that the government is ready for a discussion on minimum returns before any action to stop farmers from exporting directly.

Macadamia processors want us to stop farmers from exporting raw products of macadamia.

"The government has no problem with that provided we sit down and agree on a minimum return, which should not be below what the farmers are earning today.

"If they are amiable to that discussion, we have agreed with the Cabinet Secretary of Agriculture Dr Andrew Karanja to engage them as early as tomorrow, remarked Gachagua.

The Deputy President pointed out that processors must pay what the farmers are earning now or more, between Sh100 and Sh150 per kilogram.

The second in command said the farmer, irrespective of the subsector is king, therefore, there is no going back on taking short-term measures to cushion them from exploitation.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Friday, September 6,2 024 - National Government spokesman Isaac Mwaura has urged Kenyans to welcome Indian infrastructure company Adani Airport Holdings Limited, which is seeking an investment deal with the Kenyan government to expand Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi.

Addressing the press on Thursday, Mwaura lauded the Indian firm for its admirable track record in India, expressing confidence that they will successfully facelift the international airport.

"We really need to change going forward and that is why we need a strategic partner bit I can say this without a fear of doubt that Adani has a very good track record in India and other places in investments," Mwaura said.

Mwaura further noted that the $1.85 billion (Ksh.242 billion) investment deal will fix most parts of the airport including terminals, the runways, and the now dilapidated roofs that always leak during torrential rains.

"The facility is only able to cover 7.5 million passengers but last year alone we covered 8.6 million so we can cover even more like 10 million," noted Mwaura.

"We put tents that were next to the runways, they had a 10-year period, it's now over nine years that is why they are leaking, they cannot sustain.

"They've also made a proposal to refurbish and create new electricity lines so that we don't have the power outages because of the fact that the current lines cannot carry the load that is why we have load shedding everywhere."

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Saturday, September 7, 2024  Preliminary investigations into the death of 18 students at Hillside Endarasha Academy through the fire incident have unearthed the blunder that led to the deaths.

A spot check revealed that the dormitory where the pupils were housed was constructed using timber.

This is significant since timber catches fire quickly, potentially leading to an inferno that can be difficult to contain. Reports indicated that the dorm housed 150 boys.

The tragedy claimed the lives of 18 pupils and left 14 others nursing serious injuries who were subsequently rushed to Othaya Hospital for specialized medical treatment.

It has also emerged that firefighters responding to the incident lacked water hampering rescue operations. This forced them to look for water 16 kilometres away, delaying the response.

Instructively, in 2020 the Auditor General released an audit on schools' fire preparedness, which revealed that many if not all schools in Kenya are not well prepared for school fires.

Auditor General Nancy Gathungu reported that several schools have their doors opening inwards. This means that students are likely to lock themselves from inside as they struggle to get out.

Physical verification revealed that some schools had windows with metal grills contrary to regulations, the report stated.

The investigation further revealed that some schools did not have doors at each end of the dormitory or clearly labeled emergency exits in the middle.

Some dormitories have doorways of less than the recommended five feet for ease of escape.

The audit established that schools had not acquired the required firefighting equipment due to a lack of committees to inform the school management of such needs.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Saturday, September 7, 2024  Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua had it very rough at a funeral in Trans Nzoia yesterday over the governments deal to sell Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to Adani Holdings, a controversial Indian company.

This is after Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka confronted him over the Adani deal, which has raised concerns in Kenya and abroad due to Adanis underhand dealings.

After taking over the podium, Onyonka seized the opportunity to make his voice heard, making his opposition to the Adani deal crystal clear to the country's second in command.

Onyonka told the DP to his face that proceeding with the agreement shrouded in secrecy is plainly unacceptable.

"Your Excellency, how can we sell our airports? How can we take 14 airstrips and give them to an Indian company, nobody knows about the agreement and what has been signed," the senator claimed without substantiating his airstrips remark.

He further asked Gachagua what would happen to the over 5,000 Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) employees should the government forge ahead with the deal.

"We have 5000 employees with the Kenya Airport Authority and nobody knows where these people are going," Onyonka continued.

Onyonka went on to send the DP to President William Ruto.

The Senator wants Gachagua to inform his boss that Kenyans have an issue with his policies. He boldly asked Gachagua and Ruto to take care of the country.

Shifting his attention to the university funding model, the Senator advised Gachagua to ask Ruto to abandon the system altogether because Kenyans dont want it.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Saturday, September 7, 2024 - Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) Party leader Eugene Wamalwa has urged Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to tell President William Ruto to suspend the takeover of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport by Indian conglomerate Adani Group since many Kenyans are opposed to the deal.

Speaking on Friday, the former Defence Cabinet Secretary told the DP that the proposed takeover deal was unpopular and shrouded in secrecy.

He further argued that the Indian firm has been rejected in various countries thus raising the credibility question.

There are issues I must raise since the Deputy President is here. Kenyans are very concerned about a deal that has been done by this government and the Adani Group.

This was a group that was rejected in Australia and there were serious demonstrations in Sydney against the Adani Group of Companies why is it that the Kenya Kwanza administration is in a hurry to bring this group and handover our airport? Wamalwa posed.

Both Gachagua and Wamalwa were attending a burial ceremony in Nyabomo Trans Nzoia County.

Wamalwas sentiments were echoed by Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, who castigated the government for failing to involve the public in the Adani Sh 250 billion deal.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Saturday, September 7, 2024 - Lawyer David Morara Kebaso canceled his planned tour to the Mt Kenya region to inspect stalled government projects at the last minute.

In a statement, Morara said he was forced to cancel the tour due to security reasons.

He claimed to have received a tip-off that his tour, which was due to start on Friday, would be infiltrated by government agents.

Morara mentioned that he will announce his next move later.

Due to security reasons, I have cancelled my Mount Kenya tour of stalled projects where money has been stolen.

"The tour was to start on Friday morning. Intelligence briefs reaching me indicate serious infiltration by state operatives by persons coming as well-wishers and persons of goodwill.

"I will announce the next move, said Morara.

The lawyer has gained popularity among Kenyans after embarking on nationwide tours to inspect government projects and reveal their condition.

Morara also makes unique content by replicating President Willian Rutos outlook and mannerisms.

He wears Kaunda suits and he makes his videos on top of cars, which is one of President Ruto's signature moves.

On Wednesday, Morara announced he has acquired a modified Toyota Landcruiser Prado TX and a state-of-the-art public address system for his nationwide civic education campaign thanks to overwhelming support from Kenyans.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Saturday, September 7, 2024 - Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho has been caught red-handed trying to scam Kenyans through fake projects.

This is after Busia Senator and Activist Okiya Omtatah moved to the High Court to block Joho from re-tendering a multi-million-shilling fish project that was completed during former President Uhuru Kenyatta's era.

Justice Olga Sewe issued a temporary order restraining the Cabinet Secretary and other State officials from awarding any contracts on re-advertisement for works at the multi-million Liwatoni Fresh and Frozen Fish Processing Plant in Mombasa County.

Omtatah in his petition argued that the CS planned to re-advertise the tender for the proposed completion works of a fisheries plant by the State in Mombasa County.

The Busia Senator argues the project is already completed and has been ready for operations, and wondered why Joho wants to waste taxpayers money redoing the project again.

According to Omtatah, the re-advertisement of the completed project is a scheme to hoodwink Kenyans and make away with colossal amounts of public money.

The Busia Senator revealed that the plant is operational and thus does not require further procurement processes or contract award.

Uhuru Kenyatta officially launched the Liwatoni plant in August 2022. The fishing plant cost the government Ksh1.2 billion and has so far created 3,000 jobs since it began operations.

The Kenyan DAILY POST










Friday, September 6, 2024 - Police officers based at Parklands police station have arrested a notorious motorbike-riding thug who was caught on camera snatching a phone from a man in Ngara.

The victim was scrolling through his phone when the thug snatched it and sped off in a motorbike.

The suspect had concealed his identity with a helmet and wore it like a boda boda rider.

Luckily, the robbery incident was captured on CCTV cameras installed in a nearby building.

Police launched a manhunt for the suspect and arrested him wearing the same clothes he wore when conducting the robbery.

The stolen phone was also recovered.





Good morning Nyakundi,

An officer in Parklands Police Station is appealing for whoever knows the man whose phone was snatched in the video below to go get his phone at Parklands Police Station. pic.twitter.com/ibX0WhHqFb  Cyprian, Is Nyakundi (@C_NyaKundiH) September 6, 2024

The Kenyan DAILY POST.
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, September 7. Turkmenistan has proposed the establishment of a Turkmen-Finnish Business Council and the organization of mutual business delegation visits to strengthen trade and economic ties with Finland, Trend reports via the Turkmen foreign ministry.

This initiative was discussed during a roundtable in Helsinki, where Turkmenistans Deputy Foreign Minister Myahri Byashimova led the delegation alongside key Finnish companies, including Wartsila, Watermaster, and the Finnish Water Forum platform.

Held at EastCham Finland, the meeting also highlighted potential collaboration in sectors such as energy, transportation, agriculture, water management, and innovative technologies. The Turkmen delegation extended an invitation to Finnish companies to participate in exhibitions and fairs across Turkmenistan, with the goal of fostering deeper economic partnerships.

Jaana Rekolainen, CEO of EastCham Finland, chaired the discussions, where the sides expressed interest in expanding cooperation. Finnish companies and government representatives reaffirmed their commitment to exploring opportunities in Turkmenistan, a country known for its strategic position in Central Asia and its ongoing focus on economic diversification.

The creation of a Turkmen-Finnish Business Council, alongside increased trade missions, is seen as a key step toward enhancing bilateral trade and investment opportunities.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel




Friday, September 6, 2024 - Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has joined Kenyans in mourning the death of 17 pupils at Hillside Academy in Nyeri County after a fire engulfed their dormitory on Thursday night.

According to National Police Service Spokesperson Resila Onyango, 17 students were burnt beyond recognition while 13 survivors who were rushed to Nyeri Provincial Hospital are receiving treatment.

In a statement, Raila expressed his condolences to the affected families, wishing a quick recovery to those injured.

"My heartfelt condolences go out to the families, friends, and school fraternity who've lost loved ones in the devastating fire tragedy at Hillside Endarasha Academy.

"May God grant them all strength during these difficult moments, and a swift recovery for those injured," he noted.

President William Ruto, who was among the first to send condolences, directed relevant authorities to probe into the inferno and ensure the culprits are arrested and prosecuted.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Saturday, September 7, 2024 - President William Ruto has led the nation in mourning the death of Lamu County Deputy Governor, Raphael Munyu Ndungu.

His family said he died on Friday after a long illness.

President William Ruto expressed his condolences, calling Ndungu a progressive leader dedicated to improving the lives of Lamu residents.

Im saddened by the passing of Lamu Deputy Governor Raphael Munyua Ndungu.

"He was a tireless advocate for the people of Lamu. Our prayers and thoughts are with his family, friends, and the entire county during this difficult time, he wrote on X, Rest in peace.

Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichungwah remembered Ndungu as a committed and visionary leader.

His dedication to Lamu County will be greatly missed. Our thoughts are with his family and the Lamu community. May his soul rest in eternal peace, Ichungwah said.

Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro also shared his sympathies, noting that Ndungu had been unwell for some time. Our deepest condolences to the people of Lamu and the family of Hon. Raphael Munyua Ndungu, Nyoro stated.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Saturday, September 7, 2024 - A coalition of university student leaders has temporarily halted planned demonstrations against the governments new higher education funding model in the wake of the tragic Endarasha school fire. The suspension comes as the nation mourns the students who lost their lives in the fire.

Led by Rocha Madzao, President of the University of Nairobi Student Association, the student leaders condemned the Ministry of Education for failing to ensure safety in schools. It is sad that such incidents are still happening in this century. We mourn as comrades alongside Kenyans, said Rocha, expressing deep sorrow over the deaths.

While the focus of the leaders statements was the Endarasha tragedy, they also took the opportunity to criticize the new university funding model introduced by the government. Rocha stated that the new system excludes many needy students from financial support, putting their education at risk. He emphasized that although protests had been suspended out of respect for the mourning period, they would resume once the country had grieved.

We are urging those being sent home due to lack of fees to contact us. We will liaise with their respective universities to address the matter once and for all after the mourning period, Rocha added.

Naomi Chebet, President of the Kenya Methodist University Student Association, echoed Rochas concerns, calling for the government to scrap the new funding model. Chebet argued that the previous system, despite its shortcomings, was still better than the current approach, which she described as impractical.

If the old funding model was unsustainable, then the new one is impractical, she said. Chebet criticized the government for ignoring the concerns of student leaders, despite multiple meetings with the Ministry of Education and the President. She confirmed that students would resume their protests against the new model once the mourning for the Endarasha victims concluded.

The governments new higher education funding model, which classifies students into four categoriesvulnerable, extremely needy, needy, and less needyhas sparked widespread controversy. Critics, including student leaders, argue that many deserving students are left out, particularly those from middle-income families who struggle to afford higher education but do not qualify for significant government assistance.

Concerns have also been raised over the implementation of the model, with accusations of inefficiency and insufficient consultation with key stakeholders




Saturday, September 7, 2024 - Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua praised Trans-Nzoia Governor George Natembeya for advocating Luhya unity.

During the burial of former NACADA CEO Victor Okioma in Kiminini on Friday, Gachagua praised Natembeya's efforts and questioned why he is labeled a tribalist for promoting unity in the Mt. Kenya region.

Gachagua lamented that his calls for unity in the Mt. Kenya region are often met with accusations of tribalism, contrasting this with the reception given to leaders from other parts of the country like Natembeya.

He questioned if there was one law for the Mt Kenya region and another for the rest of Kenyans.

"When I talk about unity in my region, people immediately label me a tribalist.

"I don't understand the criteria, because hasnt Natembeya called for the people of Western to unite?

"I haven't heard anyone accuse him of tribalism.

"But when I, from the mountain region, say the people of the mountain should unite, suddenly its, Tribalist! Tribalist!

"Are there different sets of laws for Kenya?

"Do you want the mountain to unite or not," Gachagua said.

The Kenyan DAILY POST
In the state of New York (you already know its going to be bad), a doctor and a pharmacist were arrested in a sting operation conducted by a joint task force of the DEA, FBI, IRS, and probably CIA and CBS, though I have no proof of the latter two. The doctor, Mordechai Bar, and the pharmacist, Feroze Nazirbage, have been accused of violating their oaths, something you almost never hear said about a prosecutor who hides evidence, but I digress. They are charged with operating in a manner no different than common drug dealers. Is there truth to this, or is it more federal overreach?

Lets take a closer look at this case. The DEA claims that a confidential source obtained medications from Dr. Bar that were both medically unnecessary and issued under other peoples names. The first accusation is subjective and requires solid evidence. However, the second issue raises more significant concerns for the doctor. Its important to remember that people may lie to obtain prescriptions, and when the DEA sends in individuals to falsely claim pain, it feels unjust. If the doctor is genuinely involved in illegal activities, then providing a substantial cash incentive for an off-the-books prescription would be more telling. If they say yes, thats probably still entrapment, but its on them to make that argument. Entrapment has gone from a forbidden tactic to standard operating procedure anyway.

The allegations continue, stating that since 2012, a confidential source (read: someone caught selling their medications with charges being held over their heads) bought prescriptions at Dr. Bars office. He is accused of prescribing oxycodone, amphetamine, and alprazolam without any medical exams or testing in exchange for cash. Working backward, cash is not illegal tender; it says so right on the bill. The patient was in front of the doctor, a requirement for Schedule II medications like oxycodone and amphetamine. Alprazolam, or Xanax, is Schedule IV, I believe, and often abused, so the doctor should be cautious. It doesnt look like these doctors wereif these statements can be trusted.

I have seen absolute lies told by federal agents and attorneys who knew, should have known, or were willfully blind to the fact that their statements were false. I also try to look at these cases, as much as possible, in a light favorable to the accused since no one elsedefinitely not the media or courtbothers to do so. All that being said, this is starting to look bad. The source did say that blood pressure checks were sometimes done, and a single drug screen, but no other exams or tests were conducted over several years. This is not criminal, as there is no law saying that these must be done, but it is not good medicine. This type of behavior would almost certainly lead to a loss of your medical license. Heres what I recommend.

Do vital signs on every patient, every visit, and do not see a patient without this in the record. Update the patient photo in the record every visitthis is proof that they were there, in case they wrongfully claim you didnt see a patient, as they did with Dr. Rifai. I now recommend that you take pictures of the antecubital fossae of every patient on controlled medications every visit. Documenting no track marks shows you were looking for signs of addiction. If there are visible scars or healing wounds, document them with photos. A picture is worth a thousand words. And dictate your notes; dont use templates. I know thats time-consuming, but they will use templates against you in court.

Drug screens are problematic. If you do them every time on every patient, do you use simple antibody-based tests that are always giving false positives and negatives? If so, do you yank somebody off their medications when the test is inconsistent with their prescription? If you dont, theyll lock you up, saying you ignored clear signs of diversion and drug use. You may think you can argue otherwise in court, but no one will care what you have to say. By the time the media gets done beating you to death, you wouldnt be trusted to recommend Tylenol. Comprehensive, well-documented notes are a good idea. Not that they wont be twisted against you, but give your attorney something to fight with.

Order lots of tests that you profit from, and theyll say you are committing fraud by ordering unnecessary tests. Dont order enough drug screens, and you are enabling diversion and addiction. If you dont make profits on the tests but instruct the labs not to send patients to collections, they will argue that you are just making sure they have more cash to pay you. In short, you are damned if you do and damned if you dont, but thats the goal. As an independent physician, you are a minority holdout from a bygone era. Just become an employee of one of the giant health care cartel members buying up all the practices, and theyll leave you alone. Those guys just pay finesno prison for them.

And what other things cause bad drug screens? Lets look at a simple medication like codeine. In normal metabolism, 5 to 10% of codeine is metabolized by CYP3A4 to norcodeine, a weaker analgesic, and another 10 to 20% by CYP2D6 to morphine, a stronger analgesic, with more being converted by UGT2B7 to codeine-6-glucuronide (C6G), which is also considered a weak analgesic. But there is a minor pathway where the norcodeine can be converted to hydrocodone. This is usually subclinical, but many things can affect these processes, like rifampin, phenytoin, and even the supplement St. Johns Wort, which induces metabolism, and inhibitors like ketoconazole, erythromycin, and grapefruit juice.

So, youll get a chance to explain all this before anyone is crazy enough to arrest you, right? No. Youll get that chancesuch as it isafter you have lost everything and are sleeping on a couch somewhere, if youre lucky, probably at your moms house. I have heard physicians board-certified in pain medicine say that someone on codeine testing positive for hydrocodone is clear evidence that they are selling one to buy the otherproof of diversion and addiction. Nonsense. It might be, but it is by no means certain. So, do you have to fire the patient to be safe? Yes. I know it is unfair to the patient, but they will shut you down and probably convince a medically naive jury to lock you up otherwise.

I say the above in jest, but seriously, they will. Even though the patient can die from that choice. The DEA either does not understand or does not care about the complexity of these issues. They have been given a mandate to lock up a bunch of doctors, and if you come into their sights, they will absolutely use your due diligence in waiting for a trend as evidence of criminal conduct. On the other hand, your oath is to your patient, not the government. I personally follow Mark Twains admonition to support your country always and your government when it deserves it. Thats why Im probably going to prison. The DEA does not enforce the Americans with Disabilities Act against doctors who abandon patients.

Some illegal prescriptions that Bar wrote were filled at QV Pharmacy, the DEA investigation claims. From December 2022 to May 30, 2024, prosecutors say Nazirbage, the pharmacist, illegally dispensed oxycodone in exchange for cash. Usually, when the government says this about a pharmacist, they are arguing that they knew, should have known, or were willfully blind to the fact that some overpaid government expert in the future would tell a jury that the patient didnt really need the medication, and the pharmacist should have known. This is just insane. No pharmacist is trained to recognize and treat illness; they are trained to recognize and dispense pills. They do not know what medication a patient needs.

Thats why they cannot prescribe medications or dispense them without a prescription. And here is where things get bad for Feroze Nazirbage. According to the government evidence presented at trial, Feroze repeatedly sold controlled substances to a customer without a prescription in what is known as a backdoor sale. During one of those sales, Nazirbage gave a customer a handwritten menu of various prescription drugs and their per-pill cost for future backdoor sales. I want any DEA agent or federal attorney who reads this to take note: Good job. This is truly a crime. As a pharmacist is not trained to know who needs what medication, this would be dangerous if it were an antibiotic.

I bet you made this argument at his trial, toothat pharmacists are not trained or authorized to determine who needs which medication. If you did, you need to go release every pharmacist you locked up for filling a correctly written prescription for too much medication or for the wrong patient. Your putting them behind bars on this pretext is just as criminal as handing out a menu of backdoor prescriptionless narcotics. But Ill bet you wont. Youll keep arguing one thing at one trial and another at the next, making sure that there is no clear standard or set of rules that anyone, a physician or pharmacist, can follow. While that makes your job easier, it is killing people all over this country. Stop it.

The arrests today of Dr. Mordechai Bar and pharmacy owner Feroze Nazirbage are the result of the DEAs commitment to pursuing those individuals who allegedly exacerbate the ongoing opioid crisis, Tarentino said. As alleged, these two health care professionals, who illegally diverted the highly addictive oxycodone for cash, had a responsibility to protect patients lives, not destroy them. The DEA will relentlessly pursue those individuals responsible for putting profits and greed over the health of their patients. Bar is 71, and Nazirbage is 50. They will be looking at a long stretch in prison, barring the government having falsified evidence or testimony. I have no problem with that.

I have analyzed many cases now of physicians being prosecuted on nebulous charges, with the DEA arguing that a physical examination was insufficient or that a patient was at risk of addiction and overdose. In the first place, the physical exam is for the physicians benefitto figure out whats wrongand can be as comprehensive or focused as circumstances determine. While the state medical board has the right to say one is inadequate, the DEA does not, since this crosses over into influencing the practice of medicine, which 42 U.S.C. 1395 clearly prohibits. On the other hand, sometimes there is a clue indicating true criminal intentnot a difference of opinion or a false metric, but real evidence.

Now require that for every medical prosecution, as the Supreme Court ordered you to.

L. Joseph Parker is a research physician.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 7. Over 2.2 million passengers were transported by air from Azerbaijan to 37 countries from January through August 2024, Trend reports via the Azerbaijani State Tourism Agency's report.

This represents an increase in travel to five countries, or 15.6 percent, and 32.1 percent more passengers compared to the same period last year.

During these eight months, the largest number of passengers from Azerbaijan traveled to Russia, with 602,569 people, reflecting a 27 percent increase from the previous year.

Russia is followed by Turkiye with 590,735 passengers (a 17.4 percent rise), UAE - 268,779 passengers (+37.7 percent), Georgia (132 839 passengers (+39.1 percent), Saudi Arabia - 84 609 passengers (+16.4 percent), India - 69 372 (+6.3 times), Kazakhstan - 61,953 passengers (+28.1 percent), Qatar - 41,768 passengers (+ two times), Italy - 41 325 passengers (+ two times), and Kuwait 34,229 passengers (+ 30.5 percent).

India, Qatar, and Italy entered the top ten, leaving behind Uzbekistan (28,018 passengers, -32.7 percent), Israel (25,902 passengers, -16.3 percent), and Germany (20,156 passengers, -14.1 percent).

This August alone saw outflow of 396,955 passengers from Azerbaijan, marking a 23.8 percent growth compared to the same month last year.

The number of passengers traveling to Turkiye in August rose by five percent, reaching 106,685 people.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Gardai have been contacted more than 160 times within three days of launching an appeal related to historical sexual abuse at schools ran by religious orders.

It was announced on Tuesday that a commission of investigation is to be established to examine historical sexual abuse claims.

Almost 2,400 allegations of historical sexual abuse were recorded by 308 schools run by religious orders across Ireland, a Government-ordered scoping inquiry revealed.

On Wednesday, gardai launched an appeal asking anyone wishing to report such crimes to contact them.

Since then, more than 160 contacts had been made to the Sexual Crime Management Unit at Garda National Protective Services Bureau (GNPSB) by email and telephone, the Child Sexual Abuse Reporting phone line and in person at individual Garda Stations.

Gardai are making direct contact back with each individual person who has contacted the organisation.

A spokeswoman said: This is a very sensitive process. An Garda Siochana understands the profound impact that sexual abuse has on the lives of each individual who are now coming forward.

In most cases this is the first time when these victims of a crime have spoken to An Garda Siochana.

Each person will be given the time and space to discuss their personal experience and An Garda Siochana will continue to support each person through the process at the pace and to the extent that they wish to engage with us.

Individual investigations will be carried out by dedicated trained gardai attached to Divisional Protective Service Units.

On Saturday, Chief Superintendent Colm Noonan at the GNPSB said: An Garda Siochana is here to support any person who wishes to report any crime of sexual abuse not just in day and boarding Schools run by religious orders but also in any other institution or organisation.

These crimes are insidious and have a lifelong effect on those who are subject of this abuse.

An Garda Siochana will support each individual who makes a report to us; An Garda Siochana will listen and will assist in progressing their complaint at the pace and to the extent that the person wants.

Any person contacting An Garda Siochana can be assured that their interaction will be treated in complete confidence.

He added: To any person who has not spoken about being the victim of sexual abuse, I would say the evidence in the Scoping Inquiry and the, so far, over 160 contacts made to An Garda Siochana show that you are not alone, you did nothing wrong and that if you want to speak your voice will be heard.

I once again appeal to any person who believes they are the victim of a criminal act relating to Historical Sexual Abuse in Day and Boarding Schools run by Religious Orders, to please come forward and report this to An Garda Siochana.

People can report such crimes to gardai by emailing GNPSB_SCMU@garda.ie, phoning the free and confidential Garda Child Sexual Abuse Reporting Line on 1800 555 222, or by attending their local garda station.
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, September 7. Turkmenistan will hold a scientific and practical conference on the digital and green economy, Deputy Chairman Hojamurat Geldimuradov said at a regular Cabinet of Ministers meeting, Trend reports via the official media source.

During the meeting, Geldimuradov spilled the beans on the preparations for the conference, which is set to go down on September 20.

Put together by the nation's Ministry of Finance and Economy, the conference will tackle a wide range of subjects, such as industry growth, fiscal and economic strategies, employee relations, standardization, and the steps taken to promote both digital and green economies. It will also tackle the digitization of the social security sector.

Following the report of Geldimuradov, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized the importance of thorough preparations for the conference. He stressed that the main objective is to ensure the extensive activities aimed at socio-economic development in Turkmenistan.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup.
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, September 7. Turkmenistan and Finland are exploring new avenues for parliamentary collaboration following recent political consultations held at the Finnish foreign ministry, Trend reports via the foreign ministry of Turkmenistan.

Turkmen delegation, led by Deputy Foreign Minister Myahri Byashimova held separate meetings with Ville Skinnari, Head of the Friendship Group with Turkmenistan in the Finnish Parliament (Eduskunta), and Ville Kaunisto, Head of the Finnish Delegation to the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly. The meetings concentrated on potential inter-parliamentary initiatives, including organizing visits and sharing legislative experiences.

Additionally, the Finnish delegation briefed the Turkmen representatives on Finland's upcoming OSCE chairmanship in 2025, highlighting plans for increased parliamentary engagement within the organization.

During consultations with Jari Sinkari, Director General of the Department for Asia and Oceania, a range of topics was addressed, such as collaboration within international organizations like the UN, OSCE, and EU. The discussions also touched on enhancing cultural and educational interactions and establishing a framework for regular consultations between the foreign ministries of Turkmenistan and Finland.

The enhanced dialogue and proposed initiatives mark a significant step toward strengthening Turkmen-Finnish relations, paving the way for closer cooperation in legislative and international arenas.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, September 7.Chinese ICBC Standard Bank and Franklin Templeton Company have shown a keen interest in the growth and progress of the state securities market in Uzbekistan, Trend reports.

The news came hot on the heels of a powwow between the Central Bank of Uzbekistan, ICBC Standard Bank, and Franklin Templeton Company.

During the meeting, the sides went over the big picture of the macroeconomic situation and economic reforms in Uzbekistan, discussed the ins and outs of monetary policy and measures taken to develop the capital market, and also touched on recent changes in the banking and financial system.

In addition, the foreign experts showed a keen interest in government securities and put forward suggestions on boosting the secondary trade volumes, drawing from their international experience.

Following the meeting, the parties decided to keep the ball rolling and keep the lines of communication open in order to pave the way for enhancing the government securities market infrastructure down the road.

To recall, the CBU and ICBC Standard Bank began working together in 2023 when the Chinese international bank indicated interest in entering the Uzbek financial industry. The Central Bank of Uzbekistan and ICBC Standard executives met in London to discuss upgrading the country's financial infrastructure, notably government securities and international regulatory frameworks.

Franklin Templeton has been in cahoots with the CBU since 2022, bringing their A-game when it comes to capital market reforms.
Palestinian officials say, an American activist wasshot dead during protest in West Bank, and seen here a Palestinian refugee stands in front of his shop damaged during the Israeli operation in Tulkarem, West Bank.
The operation was the result of a joint investigation between the Detroit Police Department and Homeland Security after they intercepted a package from China containing a Glock switch, a device that converts a handgun into a fully automatic weapon.
Bank of America lowered shares of Amphenol (NYSE:APH  Free Report) from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a report released on Wednesday, Marketbeat reports. The brokerage currently has $71.00 price target on the electronics makers stock, down from their prior price target of $80.00.

APH has been the topic of a number of other reports. TD Cowen boosted their price objective on Amphenol from $45.00 to $57.50 and gave the company a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, June 6th. Citigroup raised their price objective on shares of Amphenol from $67.50 to $80.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, May 28th. Robert W. Baird decreased their target price on shares of Amphenol from $72.00 to $70.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, July 25th. Truist Financial raised their price target on shares of Amphenol from $74.50 to $76.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, July 25th. Finally, UBS Group upped their price objective on Amphenol from $69.00 to $80.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 10th. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, eight have assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $65.04.

Get Amphenol alerts:

Get Our Latest Stock Report on APH

Amphenol Price Performance

NYSE:APH opened at $59.87 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.56, a current ratio of 2.02 and a quick ratio of 1.32. Amphenol has a one year low of $39.34 and a one year high of $70.84. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $65.18 and a 200 day moving average price of $62.33. The stock has a market cap of $71.92 billion, a P/E ratio of 36.73, a PEG ratio of 3.03 and a beta of 1.25.

Amphenol (NYSE:APH  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 24th. The electronics maker reported $0.44 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.41 by $0.03. Amphenol had a net margin of 15.69% and a return on equity of 24.08%. The business had revenue of $3.61 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.39 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $0.72 earnings per share. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 18.2% on a year-over-year basis. Analysts anticipate that Amphenol will post 1.76 earnings per share for the current year.

Amphenol Cuts Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, October 9th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, September 17th will be issued a dividend of $0.165 per share. This represents a $0.66 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.10%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, September 17th. Amphenols dividend payout ratio is currently 40.49%.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, insider Luc Walter sold 170,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, July 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $64.10, for a total transaction of $10,897,000.00. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 447,790 shares of the companys stock, valued at $28,703,339. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. In other news, insider Luc Walter sold 170,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, July 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $64.10, for a total transaction of $10,897,000.00. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 447,790 shares of the companys stock, valued at $28,703,339. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, CEO Richard Adam Norwitt sold 750,000 shares of Amphenol stock in a transaction dated Friday, July 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $64.54, for a total value of $48,405,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 1,934,848 shares of the companys stock, valued at $124,875,089.92. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last three months, insiders sold 1,516,000 shares of company stock valued at $98,236,640. Insiders own 1.80% of the companys stock.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Amphenol

Several large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Amphenol by 0.4% in the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 73,459,971 shares of the electronics makers stock valued at $8,473,608,000 after purchasing an additional 321,861 shares during the period. Bank of New York Mellon Corp lifted its stake in Amphenol by 92.0% in the second quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 36,637,988 shares of the electronics makers stock valued at $2,468,301,000 after buying an additional 17,552,921 shares during the period. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD grew its position in shares of Amphenol by 6.8% during the 1st quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 31,224,036 shares of the electronics makers stock worth $3,601,694,000 after buying an additional 1,979,022 shares during the period. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA increased its stake in shares of Amphenol by 69.1% in the 2nd quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 23,225,629 shares of the electronics makers stock valued at $1,564,711,000 after acquiring an additional 9,487,387 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Mawer Investment Management Ltd. raised its position in shares of Amphenol by 88.9% in the 2nd quarter. Mawer Investment Management Ltd. now owns 15,455,006 shares of the electronics makers stock valued at $1,041,204,000 after acquiring an additional 7,275,279 shares during the period. 97.01% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Amphenol Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Amphenol Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, primarily designs, manufactures, and markets electrical, electronic, and fiber optic connectors in the United States, China, and internationally. It operates through three segments: Harsh Environment Solutions, Communications Solutions, and Interconnect and Sensor Systems.

Featured Stories

Receive News & Ratings for Amphenol Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Amphenol and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Bausch + Lomb Co. (NYSE:BLCO  Get Free Report) has been given a consensus rating of Moderate Buy by the twelve research firms that are covering the company, Marketbeat reports. Six analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have issued a buy rating on the company. The average 1 year price target among analysts that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $18.59.

BLCO has been the topic of several research analyst reports. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft increased their price target on shares of Bausch + Lomb from $14.00 to $18.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, August 1st. Raymond James initiated coverage on shares of Bausch + Lomb in a report on Wednesday, July 10th. They issued an outperform rating and a $19.00 target price on the stock. Evercore raised their target price on shares of Bausch + Lomb from $15.50 to $17.00 and gave the stock an in-line rating in a report on Thursday, August 1st. HC Wainwright cut their target price on shares of Bausch + Lomb from $20.00 to $19.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Monday, August 5th. Finally, Evercore ISI raised their target price on shares of Bausch + Lomb from $15.00 to $15.50 and gave the stock an in-line rating in a report on Tuesday, July 2nd.

Get Bausch + Lomb alerts:

Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on BLCO

Bausch + Lomb Stock Up 0.1 %

Shares of Bausch + Lomb stock opened at $15.91 on Monday. The business has a 50-day moving average of $15.98 and a 200-day moving average of $15.64. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.70, a current ratio of 1.65 and a quick ratio of 1.01. The company has a market capitalization of $5.60 billion, a PE ratio of -16.57, a P/E/G ratio of 1.53 and a beta of 0.46. Bausch + Lomb has a 1-year low of $13.16 and a 1-year high of $17.92.

Bausch + Lomb (NYSE:BLCO  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, July 31st. The company reported $0.13 earnings per share for the quarter, meeting the consensus estimate of $0.13. The company had revenue of $1.22 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.17 billion. Bausch + Lomb had a positive return on equity of 3.36% and a negative net margin of 10.15%. The companys revenue was up 17.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm earned $0.18 earnings per share. As a group, equities analysts forecast that Bausch + Lomb will post 0.6 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Insider Activity at Bausch + Lomb

In related news, CEO Brent L. Saunders acquired 32,250 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, August 5th. The shares were acquired at an average price of $15.66 per share, for a total transaction of $505,035.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the chief executive officer now directly owns 595,169 shares of the companys stock, valued at $9,320,346.54. The purchase was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Bausch + Lomb

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Blue Trust Inc. boosted its stake in Bausch + Lomb by 14,052.2% in the 2nd quarter. Blue Trust Inc. now owns 3,255 shares of the companys stock worth $47,000 after purchasing an additional 3,232 shares during the period. Squarepoint Ops LLC acquired a new position in Bausch + Lomb in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $173,000. Fore Capital LLC acquired a new position in Bausch + Lomb in the 1st quarter worth approximately $384,000. Renaissance Capital LLC boosted its stake in shares of Bausch + Lomb by 3.0% during the 1st quarter. Renaissance Capital LLC now owns 23,076 shares of the companys stock valued at $399,000 after buying an additional 669 shares during the period. Finally, Cubist Systematic Strategies LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Bausch + Lomb during the 2nd quarter valued at $580,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 11.07% of the companys stock.

About Bausch + Lomb

(Get Free Report

Bausch + Lomb Corporation operates as an eye health company in the United States, Puerto Rico, China, France, Japan, Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada, Russia, Spain, Italy, Mexico, Poland, South Korea, and internationally. It operates in three segments: Vision Care, Pharmaceuticals, and Surgical. The Vision Care segment provides contact lens that covers the spectrum of wearing modalities, including daily disposable and frequently replaced contact lenses; and contact lens care products comprising over-the-counter eye drops, eye vitamins, and mineral supplements that address various conditions, such as eye allergies, conjunctivitis, dry eye, and redness relief.

Featured Articles

Receive News & Ratings for Bausch + Lomb Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bausch + Lomb and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT  Get Free Report) has been assigned an average recommendation of Moderate Buy from the eight analysts that are presently covering the stock, Marketbeat Ratings reports. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have given a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the company. The average 1-year price target among analysts that have covered the stock in the last year is $102.50.

Several brokerages recently commented on TXT. Citigroup boosted their price target on Textron from $111.00 to $115.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Monday, July 22nd. TD Cowen boosted their target price on shares of Textron from $100.00 to $103.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Friday, July 19th. UBS Group raised their price target on shares of Textron from $84.00 to $87.00 and gave the company a sell rating in a report on Friday, July 19th. StockNews.com upgraded shares of Textron from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Wednesday. Finally, Morgan Stanley lowered Textron from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating and set a $95.00 target price on the stock. in a report on Thursday, August 8th.

Get Textron alerts:

Get Our Latest Stock Report on Textron

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Textron

Textron Trading Down 1.7 %

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Altman Advisors Inc. grew its position in Textron by 0.6% in the 2nd quarter. Altman Advisors Inc. now owns 22,057 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $1,894,000 after purchasing an additional 129 shares during the last quarter. True Vision MN LLC increased its stake in Textron by 2.5% during the first quarter. True Vision MN LLC now owns 5,352 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $513,000 after acquiring an additional 133 shares during the period. Sumitomo Mitsui DS Asset Management Company Ltd raised its holdings in Textron by 0.8% in the 2nd quarter. Sumitomo Mitsui DS Asset Management Company Ltd now owns 18,148 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $1,558,000 after acquiring an additional 146 shares in the last quarter. Czech National Bank lifted its position in shares of Textron by 0.5% in the 1st quarter. Czech National Bank now owns 34,487 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $3,308,000 after acquiring an additional 157 shares during the period. Finally, Benjamin F. Edwards & Company Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Textron by 4.4% during the 2nd quarter. Benjamin F. Edwards & Company Inc. now owns 4,116 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $353,000 after purchasing an additional 175 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 86.03% of the companys stock.

Shares of NYSE:TXT opened at $85.73 on Friday. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $88.54 and a two-hundred day moving average of $89.28. The company has a quick ratio of 0.81, a current ratio of 1.79 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47. Textron has a 12-month low of $74.13 and a 12-month high of $97.33. The firm has a market capitalization of $16.06 billion, a P/E ratio of 18.32, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.41 and a beta of 1.23.

Textron (NYSE:TXT  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, July 18th. The aerospace company reported $1.54 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.48 by $0.06. Textron had a return on equity of 16.41% and a net margin of 6.67%. The business had revenue of $3.53 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.56 billion. During the same period last year, the company earned $1.46 earnings per share. Textrons quarterly revenue was up 3.0% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities analysts expect that Textron will post 6.27 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Textron Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 1st. Stockholders of record on Friday, September 13th will be given a $0.02 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, September 13th. This represents a $0.08 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.09%. Textrons dividend payout ratio is 1.71%.

About Textron

(Get Free Report

Textron Inc operates in the aircraft, defense, industrial, and finance businesses worldwide. It operates through six segments: Textron Aviation, Bell, Textron Systems, Industrial, Textron eAviation, and Finance. The Textron Aviation segment manufactures, sells, and services business jets, turboprop and piston engine aircraft, and military trainer and defense aircraft; and offers maintenance, inspection, and repair services, as well as sells commercial parts.

See Also

Receive News & Ratings for Textron Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Textron and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Ceconomy AG (OTCMKTS:MTGGY  Get Free Report)s share price was up 1.3% during trading on Wednesday . The company traded as high as $6.00 and last traded at $6.00. Approximately 1,500 shares were traded during trading, an increase of 36% from the average daily volume of 1,103 shares. The stock had previously closed at $5.92.

Ceconomy Trading Up 1.3 %

The business has a 50-day moving average of $6.00 and a 200 day moving average of $6.00.

About Ceconomy

(Get Free Report)

Ceconomy AG engages in the consumer electronics retail business. The company operates approximately 850 stores in 14 countries under the MediaMarkt brand; and approximately 170 stores in 3 countries under the Saturn brand. It also operates Flip4New for selling used electronic articles online. In addition, the company offers professional assistance for the installation, connection, and troubleshooting of electronic devices at home under the Deutsche Technikberatung brand.

See Also

Receive News & Ratings for Ceconomy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ceconomy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Eurobank Ergasias Services and Holdings S.A. (OTCMKTS:EGFEY  Get Free Report)s stock price dropped 2.7% during mid-day trading on Friday . The stock traded as low as $1.10 and last traded at $1.10. Approximately 4,121 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 94% from the average daily volume of 65,624 shares. The stock had previously closed at $1.13.

Eurobank Ergasias Services and Stock Performance

The businesss 50 day moving average price is $1.09 and its 200-day moving average price is $1.04.

Get Eurobank Ergasias Services and alerts:

Eurobank Ergasias Services and Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a dividend, which was paid on Thursday, August 15th. Shareholders of record on Monday, August 5th were issued a $0.0423 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Monday, August 5th. Eurobank Ergasias Services ands dividend payout ratio is currently -45.80%.

Eurobank Ergasias Services and Company Profile

Eurobank Ergasias Services and Holdings SA, together with its subsidiaries, provides retail banking, corporate and private banking, asset management, treasury, capital market, and other services primarily in Greece, rest of Europe, and internationally. It operates through Retail, Corporate, Global Markets & Asset Management, International, Remedial and Servicing Strategy, and Investment Property.

Further Reading

Receive News & Ratings for Eurobank Ergasias Services and Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Eurobank Ergasias Services and and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, September 7. Uzbekistan and International Monetary Fund (IMF) discussed widespread implementation of advanced and successful global experience in the development of tax administration, Trend reports.

The matter was reviewed during a meeting between the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Economy and Finance of Uzbekistan Jamshid Kuchkarov with representatives of the delegation of the IMF headed by Senior Economist Vincent de Paul Kukpaizan.

During the meeting, the parties discussed the large-scale reforms being carried out in Uzbekistan, in particular, the improvement of the tax system within the framework of reforms, including regulation and further development of the sphere of tax administration, improving the quality of tax services, and the fight against the shadow economy.

The sides also reviewed development of digital technologies, as well as cooperation in this area.

Following the meeting, the participants agreed to develop and expand mutually beneficial cooperation, as well as to carry out systematic activities to achieve the set goals in the above-mentioned areas.

Meanwhile, the Central Bank of Uzbekistan hosted the final meeting with representatives of the IMF mission on liquidity risk assessment and implementation of liquidity stress testing tools.

During the meeting, the sides discussed the prospects of Uzbekistan's economic development, the state of banks' liquidity, the development of approaches to monitoring bank liquidity, and the adopted methods of implementation of liquidity stress-testing tools.
Shares of HUTCHISON TELEC/ADR (OTCMKTS:HTHKY  Get Free Report) passed above its fifty day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a fifty day moving average of $5.99 and traded as high as $6.00. HUTCHISON TELEC/ADR shares last traded at $5.99, with a volume of 1,600 shares trading hands.

HUTCHISON TELEC/ADR Stock Up 1.1 %

The business has a fifty day moving average price of $5.99 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $5.99.

HUTCHISON TELEC/ADR Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Hutchison Telecommunications Hong Kong Holdings Limited, an investment holding company, provides mobile communication services primarily in Hong Kong and Macau. It offers 4G long term evolution, 3G, and GSM dual-band mobile telecommunications services under the 3 brand. The company's mobile telecommunications services and products include local voice, SMS, MMS, international direct dialing, and international roaming; and broadband-based data services and applications, such as direct carrier billing offerings, mobile device security management, eBooks, music downloads, movies-on-demand, mobile social networking applications, and stock trading, as well as Wi-Fi services.

Featured Articles

Receive News & Ratings for HUTCHISON TELEC/ADR Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for HUTCHISON TELEC/ADR and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (NYSE:ADM  Get Free Report) CEO Juan R. Luciano sold 45,471 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, August 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $61.00, for a total value of $2,773,731.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 265,210 shares in the company, valued at approximately $16,177,810. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website.

Archer-Daniels-Midland Stock Performance

Shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland stock opened at $59.49 on Friday. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $61.27 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $60.44. The firm has a market capitalization of $29.41 billion, a P/E ratio of 10.44 and a beta of 0.72. The company has a current ratio of 1.44, a quick ratio of 0.88 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.37. Archer-Daniels-Midland Company has a 12 month low of $50.72 and a 12 month high of $80.96.

Get Archer-Daniels-Midland alerts:

Archer-Daniels-Midland (NYSE:ADM  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, July 30th. The company reported $1.03 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.22 by ($0.19). The business had revenue of $22.25 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $23.12 billion. Archer-Daniels-Midland had a net margin of 2.93% and a return on equity of 12.06%. The companys revenue was down 11.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the business earned $1.89 earnings per share. On average, equities analysts forecast that Archer-Daniels-Midland Company will post 5.47 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Archer-Daniels-Midland Dividend Announcement

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Archer-Daniels-Midland

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, September 11th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, August 21st will be paid a $0.50 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, August 21st. This represents a $2.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.36%. Archer-Daniels-Midlands dividend payout ratio is currently 35.09%.

Several large investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Cherry Tree Wealth Management LLC bought a new stake in Archer-Daniels-Midland during the 1st quarter valued at about $27,000. Riverview Trust Co purchased a new stake in shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland during the second quarter valued at approximately $27,000. Altshuler Shaham Ltd bought a new stake in shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland during the second quarter valued at approximately $28,000. Crewe Advisors LLC purchased a new position in Archer-Daniels-Midland in the 1st quarter worth approximately $30,000. Finally, Rise Advisors LLC bought a new position in Archer-Daniels-Midland in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $34,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 78.28% of the companys stock.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of brokerages have recently weighed in on ADM. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price objective on Archer-Daniels-Midland from $65.00 to $66.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 31st. Citigroup dropped their price target on Archer-Daniels-Midland from $64.00 to $63.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Monday, July 15th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating and fifteen have given a hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $64.62.

Check Out Our Latest Report on Archer-Daniels-Midland

Archer-Daniels-Midland Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Archer-Daniels-Midland Company engages in the procurement, transportation, storage, processing, and merchandising of agricultural commodities, ingredients, flavors, and solutions in the United States, Switzerland, the Cayman Islands, Brazil, Mexico, Canada, the United Kingdom, and internationally. It operates in three segments: Ag Services and Oilseeds, Carbohydrate Solutions, and Nutrition.

Further Reading

Receive News & Ratings for Archer-Daniels-Midland Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Archer-Daniels-Midland and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Kilroy Realty Co. (NYSE:KRC  Get Free Report) has earned a consensus rating of Hold from the nine analysts that are currently covering the company, MarketBeat Ratings reports. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and four have issued a buy recommendation on the company. The average twelve-month target price among analysts that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $38.33.

Several research analysts recently weighed in on the stock. KeyCorp cut their target price on shares of Kilroy Realty from $45.00 to $42.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, July 2nd. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft cut their target price on shares of Kilroy Realty from $40.00 to $34.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, May 30th. Finally, Scotiabank cut their target price on shares of Kilroy Realty from $41.00 to $38.00 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, August 7th.

Get Kilroy Realty alerts:

Get Our Latest Report on KRC

Kilroy Realty Price Performance

Kilroy Realty stock opened at $34.82 on Monday. Kilroy Realty has a 52 week low of $26.78 and a 52 week high of $43.37. The company has a quick ratio of 3.61, a current ratio of 3.61 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.91. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $34.39 and its 200 day simple moving average is $34.21. The firm has a market capitalization of $4.09 billion, a PE ratio of 20.01 and a beta of 1.04.

Kilroy Realty (NYSE:KRC  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, July 31st. The real estate investment trust reported $0.41 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.08 by ($0.67). Kilroy Realty had a net margin of 17.91% and a return on equity of 3.52%. The firm had revenue of $280.73 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $276.81 million. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $1.19 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 1.2% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities research analysts predict that Kilroy Realty will post 4.25 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Institutional Trading of Kilroy Realty

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Parallel Advisors LLC increased its position in Kilroy Realty by 6.4% during the 4th quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC now owns 4,932 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $196,000 after purchasing an additional 295 shares in the last quarter. Wiser Advisor Group LLC increased its position in Kilroy Realty by 67.5% during the 1st quarter. Wiser Advisor Group LLC now owns 757 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $28,000 after purchasing an additional 305 shares in the last quarter. State of Alaska Department of Revenue increased its position in Kilroy Realty by 0.5% during the 1st quarter. State of Alaska Department of Revenue now owns 67,153 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $2,444,000 after purchasing an additional 349 shares in the last quarter. Mercer Global Advisors Inc. ADV increased its position in Kilroy Realty by 6.0% during the 2nd quarter. Mercer Global Advisors Inc. ADV now owns 6,765 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $210,000 after purchasing an additional 383 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Ballentine Partners LLC increased its position in Kilroy Realty by 2.7% during the 1st quarter. Ballentine Partners LLC now owns 16,809 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $612,000 after purchasing an additional 438 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 94.22% of the companys stock.

About Kilroy Realty

(Get Free Report

Kilroy Realty Corporation (NYSE: KRC, the company, Kilroy) is a leading U.S. landlord and developer, with operations in San Diego, Greater Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area, Greater Seattle and Austin. The company has earned global recognition for sustainability, building operations, innovation and design.

Featured Articles

Receive News & Ratings for Kilroy Realty Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Kilroy Realty and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
SRS Capital Advisors Inc. increased its position in shares of Markel Group Inc. (NYSE:MKL  Free Report) by 16.8% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 585 shares of the insurance providers stock after acquiring an additional 84 shares during the period. SRS Capital Advisors Inc.s holdings in Markel Group were worth $922,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Watchman Group Inc. raised its position in shares of Markel Group by 0.3% during the 4th quarter. Watchman Group Inc. now owns 2,355 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $3,344,000 after acquiring an additional 8 shares in the last quarter. Opal Wealth Advisors LLC grew its stake in Markel Group by 2.5% during the 1st quarter. Opal Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 326 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $496,000 after buying an additional 8 shares during the last quarter. Wambolt & Associates LLC grew its stake in Markel Group by 3.4% during the 1st quarter. Wambolt & Associates LLC now owns 240 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $362,000 after buying an additional 8 shares during the last quarter. Epic Trust Investment Advisors LLC grew its stake in Markel Group by 4.6% during the 2nd quarter. Epic Trust Investment Advisors LLC now owns 181 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $285,000 after buying an additional 8 shares during the last quarter. Finally, CIBC Private Wealth Group LLC grew its stake in Markel Group by 0.3% during the 4th quarter. CIBC Private Wealth Group LLC now owns 3,095 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $4,395,000 after buying an additional 9 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 77.12% of the companys stock.

Get Markel Group alerts:

Insiders Place Their Bets

In related news, Director Lawrence A. Cunningham purchased 20 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, August 5th. The stock was acquired at an average price of $1,512.50 per share, for a total transaction of $30,250.00. Following the acquisition, the director now directly owns 743 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,123,787.50. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Insiders own 1.71% of the companys stock.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of research firms recently issued reports on MKL. TD Cowen began coverage on Markel Group in a research note on Tuesday, July 9th. They set a buy rating and a $1,986.00 price target on the stock. Citigroup raised their price target on Markel Group from $1,435.00 to $1,450.00 and gave the stock a sell rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 23rd. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have issued a hold rating and one has given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Markel Group has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $1,626.83.

Get Our Latest Analysis on Markel Group

Markel Group Stock Performance

NYSE MKL traded down $21.73 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $1,533.79. 35,065 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 43,196. The company has a quick ratio of 0.60, a current ratio of 0.60 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29. The company has a market cap of $19.94 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 8.28 and a beta of 0.73. Markel Group Inc. has a 12-month low of $1,295.65 and a 12-month high of $1,670.24. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $1,567.36 and a 200 day moving average of $1,546.25.

Markel Group (NYSE:MKL  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 31st. The insurance provider reported $25.95 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $20.76 by $5.19. Markel Group had a return on equity of 11.12% and a net margin of 13.00%. The business had revenue of $3.83 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.86 billion. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that Markel Group Inc. will post 89.05 earnings per share for the current year.

Markel Group Company Profile

(Free Report)

Markel Group Inc, a diverse holding company, engages in marketing and underwriting specialty insurance products in the United States, Bermuda, the United Kingdom, and Germany. The company offers general and professional liability, personal lines, marine and energy, specialty programs, and workers' compensation insurance products; and property coverages that include fire, allied lines, and other specialized property coverages, including catastrophe-exposed property risks, such as earthquake and wind.

Read More

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MKL? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Markel Group Inc. (NYSE:MKL  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Markel Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Markel Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Mitsubishi Estate Co., Ltd. (OTCMKTS:MITEY  Get Free Report)s share price crossed below its 200-day moving average during trading on Wednesday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of $16.80 and traded as low as $15.80. Mitsubishi Estate shares last traded at $16.54, with a volume of 29,979 shares.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Separately, Citigroup raised Mitsubishi Estate to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Friday, August 16th.

Get Mitsubishi Estate alerts:

Get Our Latest Research Report on Mitsubishi Estate

Mitsubishi Estate Stock Down 3.0 %

The company has a current ratio of 2.10, a quick ratio of 1.46 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.28. The firm has a market cap of $20.49 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.91 and a beta of 0.47. The firms 50 day moving average is $16.29 and its two-hundred day moving average is $16.82.

Mitsubishi Estate (OTCMKTS:MITEY  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, August 8th. The company reported $0.10 earnings per share for the quarter. The company had revenue of $2.11 billion for the quarter. Mitsubishi Estate had a net margin of 11.38% and a return on equity of 5.47%.

About Mitsubishi Estate

(Get Free Report)

Mitsubishi Estate Co, Ltd. engages in the real estate activities in Japan and internationally. The company develops, leases, manages, and sells office buildings and commercial facilities; operates rental offices, coworking space, virtual offices, hourly meeting rooms, home delivery storage service, commercial nursing homes, and building garages; offers real estate management, as well as building management services, such as security, facility management, cleaning, and planting services; and operates hotels and airports.

Featured Stories

Receive News & Ratings for Mitsubishi Estate Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Mitsubishi Estate and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd (TSE:OR  Get Free Report) has been assigned a consensus recommendation of Moderate Buy from the eight ratings firms that are covering the firm, Marketbeat.com reports. One analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have assigned a buy rating to the company. The average 12-month target price among brokers that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is C$28.50.

A number of equities analysts have issued reports on OR shares. Jefferies Financial Group raised shares of Osisko Gold Royalties from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Friday, July 12th. CIBC boosted their target price on shares of Osisko Gold Royalties from C$33.00 to C$34.00 in a research report on Wednesday, July 10th. Canaccord Genuity Group upped their price target on shares of Osisko Gold Royalties from C$30.00 to C$31.00 in a report on Tuesday, July 23rd. Scotiabank lifted their price objective on Osisko Gold Royalties from C$25.00 to C$27.00 in a research note on Monday, August 19th. Finally, Raymond James lowered their target price on Osisko Gold Royalties from C$27.50 to C$27.00 in a research note on Monday, August 19th.

Get Osisko Gold Royalties alerts:

Read Our Latest Stock Report on OR

Insider Transactions at Osisko Gold Royalties

Osisko Gold Royalties Trading Down 1.5 %

In other Osisko Gold Royalties news, Director Everard Trenton Richards sold 15,000 shares of Osisko Gold Royalties stock in a transaction on Friday, August 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of C$22.19, for a total transaction of C$332,913.00. Corporate insiders own 0.38% of the companys stock.

Shares of TSE:OR opened at C$22.39 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 4.92, a quick ratio of 0.98 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 7.00. The company has a market capitalization of C$4.17 billion, a PE ratio of -44.78, a P/E/G ratio of 1.31 and a beta of 0.89. Osisko Gold Royalties has a 12-month low of C$15.42 and a 12-month high of C$25.19. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is C$23.30 and its 200-day simple moving average is C$22.26.

Osisko Gold Royalties (TSE:OR  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, August 6th. The company reported C$0.18 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of C$0.17 by C$0.01. Osisko Gold Royalties had a negative return on equity of 5.46% and a negative net margin of 36.86%. The business had revenue of C$64.85 million for the quarter. As a group, equities research analysts predict that Osisko Gold Royalties will post 0.8111389 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Osisko Gold Royalties Dividend Announcement

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 15th. Shareholders of record on Monday, September 30th will be paid a dividend of $0.065 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, September 27th. This represents a $0.26 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.16%. Osisko Gold Royaltiess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently -52.00%.

Osisko Gold Royalties Company Profile

(Get Free Report

Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd acquires and manages precious metal and other royalties, streams, and other interests in Canada and internationally. It also owns options on offtake; royalty/stream financings; and exclusive rights to participate in future royalty/stream financings on various projects. The company's primary asset is a 3-5% net smelter return royalty on the Canadian Malartic complex located in Canada.

Featured Articles

Receive News & Ratings for Osisko Gold Royalties Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Osisko Gold Royalties and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Tortoise Capital Advisors L.L.C. lifted its holdings in shares of Cheniere Energy, Inc. (NYSE:LNG  Free Report) by 9.2% in the second quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 3,242,899 shares of the energy companys stock after buying an additional 273,588 shares during the period. Cheniere Energy comprises about 7.5% of Tortoise Capital Advisors L.L.C.s portfolio, making the stock its 4th biggest holding. Tortoise Capital Advisors L.L.C. owned about 1.42% of Cheniere Energy worth $566,956,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. Savant Capital LLC lifted its stake in Cheniere Energy by 40.4% in the 2nd quarter. Savant Capital LLC now owns 9,860 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $1,724,000 after purchasing an additional 2,837 shares during the last quarter. Palmer Knight Co bought a new stake in Cheniere Energy during the 2nd quarter worth $215,000. Wellington Shields Capital Management LLC grew its position in Cheniere Energy by 8.9% during the 2nd quarter. Wellington Shields Capital Management LLC now owns 7,461 shares of the energy companys stock worth $1,304,000 after acquiring an additional 611 shares during the last quarter. Hourglass Capital LLC acquired a new position in Cheniere Energy in the 2nd quarter worth about $1,851,000. Finally, MCF Advisors LLC bought a new position in Cheniere Energy in the second quarter valued at about $26,000. 87.26% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

Get Cheniere Energy alerts:

Analyst Ratings Changes

LNG has been the topic of several research reports. Sanford C. Bernstein started coverage on Cheniere Energy in a report on Monday, June 24th. They set an outperform rating on the stock. Barclays lifted their price target on shares of Cheniere Energy from $194.00 to $199.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, July 17th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price objective on shares of Cheniere Energy from $213.00 to $214.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, May 17th. Stifel Nicolaus lowered their target price on Cheniere Energy from $208.00 to $204.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Friday, August 9th. Finally, TD Cowen raised their price objective on Cheniere Energy from $178.00 to $185.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Monday, June 17th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $196.00.

Cheniere Energy Stock Down 0.4 %

Cheniere Energy stock opened at $180.64 on Friday. Cheniere Energy, Inc. has a 1-year low of $152.31 and a 1-year high of $187.44. The firm has a market capitalization of $41.35 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 8.80 and a beta of 0.95. The firms fifty day moving average price is $179.85 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $166.12. The company has a current ratio of 1.02, a quick ratio of 0.93 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.63.

Cheniere Energy (NYSE:LNG  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 8th. The energy company reported $3.84 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.71 by $2.13. Cheniere Energy had a net margin of 27.05% and a return on equity of 39.42%. The firm had revenue of $3.30 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.52 billion. During the same period last year, the firm earned $5.61 earnings per share. The businesss quarterly revenue was down 19.6% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities research analysts predict that Cheniere Energy, Inc. will post 9.74 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Cheniere Energy declared that its board has authorized a share repurchase plan on Monday, June 17th that allows the company to repurchase $4.00 billion in outstanding shares. This repurchase authorization allows the energy company to repurchase up to 9.6% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares repurchase plans are typically a sign that the companys management believes its shares are undervalued.

Cheniere Energy Announces Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, August 16th. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 9th were paid a $0.435 dividend. This represents a $1.74 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.96%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, August 9th. Cheniere Energys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 8.48%.

Cheniere Energy Company Profile

(Free Report)

Cheniere Energy, Inc, an energy infrastructure company, primarily engages in the liquefied natural gas (LNG) related businesses in the United States. It owns and operates the Sabine Pass LNG terminal in Cameron Parish, Louisiana; and the Corpus Christi LNG terminal near Corpus Christi, Texas. The company also owns Creole Trail pipeline, a 94-mile natural gas supply pipeline that interconnects the Sabine Pass LNG Terminal with several interstate and intrastate pipelines; and operates Corpus Christi pipeline, a 21.5-mile natural gas supply pipeline that interconnects the Corpus Christi LNG terminal with various interstate and intrastate natural gas pipelines.

See Also

Receive News & Ratings for Cheniere Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Cheniere Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
UNIVEST FINANCIAL Corp raised its holdings in shares of Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN  Free Report) by 6.5% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 11,503 shares of the information technology services providers stock after acquiring an additional 698 shares during the period. UNIVEST FINANCIAL Corps holdings in Accenture were worth $3,490,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Private Advisor Group LLC lifted its stake in Accenture by 16.8% in the second quarter. Private Advisor Group LLC now owns 33,872 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $10,277,000 after buying an additional 4,881 shares during the period. Addison Advisors LLC boosted its stake in Accenture by 2.1% during the 2nd quarter. Addison Advisors LLC now owns 3,269 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $992,000 after acquiring an additional 68 shares during the last quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust grew its holdings in Accenture by 3.8% during the second quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 30,085 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $9,128,000 after purchasing an additional 1,091 shares during the period. Jensen Investment Management Inc. raised its holdings in Accenture by 1.1% in the second quarter. Jensen Investment Management Inc. now owns 2,442,792 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $741,168,000 after purchasing an additional 26,629 shares during the period. Finally, Arizona State Retirement System grew its holdings in shares of Accenture by 1.3% in the 2nd quarter. Arizona State Retirement System now owns 182,272 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $55,303,000 after buying an additional 2,346 shares during the period. 75.14% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

Get Accenture alerts:

Accenture Trading Down 0.4 %

ACN stock opened at $339.73 on Friday. Accenture plc has a 1-year low of $278.69 and a 1-year high of $387.51. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $323.63 and its 200 day simple moving average is $324.57. The firm has a market capitalization of $212.91 billion, a PE ratio of 31.11, a PEG ratio of 3.81 and a beta of 1.24.

Accenture Announces Dividend

Accenture ( NYSE:ACN Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, June 20th. The information technology services provider reported $3.13 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $3.15 by ($0.02). Accenture had a net margin of 10.79% and a return on equity of 27.48%. The company had revenue of $16.47 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $16.55 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $3.19 earnings per share. Accentures revenue for the quarter was down .6% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Accenture plc will post 11.95 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, August 15th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, July 11th were paid a dividend of $1.29 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, July 11th. This represents a $5.16 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.52%. Accentures dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 47.25%.

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, CFO Kathleen R. Mcclure sold 3,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, July 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $309.22, for a total value of $927,660.00. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 40,070 shares in the company, valued at $12,390,445.40. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. In related news, CFO Kathleen R. Mcclure sold 3,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, July 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $309.22, for a total transaction of $927,660.00. Following the sale, the chief financial officer now owns 40,070 shares of the companys stock, valued at $12,390,445.40. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Also, CEO Julie Spellman Sweet sold 3,776 shares of Accenture stock in a transaction on Friday, July 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $309.05, for a total value of $1,166,972.80. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 11,819 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,652,661.95. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last ninety days, insiders sold 21,421 shares of company stock valued at $6,912,635. Insiders own 0.07% of the companys stock.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

ACN has been the subject of a number of research analyst reports. Stifel Nicolaus decreased their target price on Accenture from $395.00 to $340.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, June 12th. Piper Sandler cut their price target on shares of Accenture from $379.00 to $320.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, June 17th. TD Cowen lowered their price objective on shares of Accenture from $294.00 to $293.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research report on Friday, June 21st. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price objective on shares of Accenture from $330.00 to $376.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Friday. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lowered shares of Accenture from a buy rating to a hold rating and reduced their target price for the stock from $409.00 to $295.00 in a research note on Wednesday, May 15th. Eleven investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Accenture presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $353.41.

Get Our Latest Stock Report on ACN

Accenture Company 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

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.
By Baek Byung-yeul

Makgeolli, a traditional Korean fermented rice alcoholic beverage brewed from nuruk (a fermentation starter), has a unique milky and sweet-sour flavor that Koreans have enjoyed for over a thousand years.

This popular traditional Korean beverage, which has seen declines in both domestic sales and exports, is at a crossroads for new changes as the government is pushing to amend tax laws to allow a wider variety of makgeolli brewers to enter the market.

In July, the Ministry of Economy and Finance announced this year's tax reform, including amendments that allow the addition of artificial flavors and colorings to makgeolli, potentially broadening its appeal both domestically and internationally.

Read More Flavored makgeolli captures hearts of Millennials, Gen Zers

With the global popularity of K-culture, makgeolli has recently made its name in the global alcohol market, with increased exports to the United States, Japan, Southeast Asia and Europe.

Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic saw a rise in solo drinking, which contributed to a growing belief in the health benefits of fermented beverages like makgeolli, further driving up export volumes.

However, major domestic makgeolli companies have recently shown declining performances. For Kooksoondang Brewery, sales fell 5.5 percent year-on-year to 70.5 billion won ($52.5 million) in 2023, while operating profit plunged 51.2 percent from the previous year to 4.5 billion won.

Prominent makgeolli breweries like Seoul Jangsu and Jipyeong Brewery also experienced respective year-on-year declines in operating profit of 10.4 percent and 40 percent in 2023.

Makgeolli companies are also facing export difficulties. According to data from the Korea Customs Service, the export volume of takju  which is a broad term for raw, cloudy Korean rice wine that includes makgeolli  peaked at 15,396 tons in 2022 but fell by 9.2 percent to 13,982 tons in 2023.

The export amount also decreased by 6.3 percent to $24 million, contrasting with the export surge of soju, a Korean distilled liquor, which recorded $101 million during the same period.

Industry experts have stated that since the COVID-19 pandemic, makgeolli makers have adapted well to changing trends, but they are now facing decreased demand.

"Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Korean restaurants in overseas countries have struggled to operate, leading to a decrease in makgeolli exports. Additionally, the whisky boom has reduced the popularity of makgeolli," an official from the local liquor industry stated on condition of anonymity.

In this situation, the government's tax law amendments are expected to provide a new breakthrough. Previously, if artificial flavors or colorings were added to makgeolli, it was classified as other alcoholic beverages, subject to higher tax rates, and the use of the name makgeolli was restricted. However, this amendment allows for the legal production of various flavors of makgeolli, such as banana, chocolate and strawberry.

The tax imposed on these beverages with different flavors and colors could also be dramatically reduced. If the amendment is implemented, the tax amount on these drinks with a price tag of 1,000 won for 750 milliliters will decrease from 246 won to 33 won, a reduction of over 80 percent.

The Korean Makgeolli Association, a lobby group representing the interests of domestic makgeolli manufacturers, welcomed this measure, saying it enables a more diverse range of makgeolli to become competitively priced in both the domestic and overseas markets.

"Currently, makgeolli brands with added flavors or colorings, classified as other alcoholic beverages, cannot be labeled as makgeolli and thus are not recognized as such in the market," said Nam Do-hee, secretary general of the association.

The secretary general noted that this legislative amendment is expected to be particularly beneficial for exports.

Exporting makgeolli is very challenging. It is difficult to explore overseas markets. Exporting makgeolli to the Chinese market had been stalled, but it started to pick up in the latter half of last year. The Japanese market is stagnant or declining, making it hard for new makgeolli products to enter, he said.

The difficulty in exporting makgeolli stems from the fact that most producers are small-scale businesses. There are about 820 companies registered under the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, with 70 percent to 80 percent being businesses with fewer than five employees. For these companies, overcoming price pressures to succeed in exports is not easy.

Concerns over dilution of tradition

However, not everyone in the industry supports these changes.

Some makgeolli makers argue that if alcoholic beverages containing flavorings and colorings can be classified as makgeolli, it could dilute its traditional identity that many brewing companies seek to maintain.

Representing these concerns, Rep. Lim Ho-sun of the Democratic Party of Korea pointed out that such legislative amendments might only benefit certain companies.

"The government should reconsider the tax law amendments that expand the use of additives in takju," the lawmaker said during a budget review meeting at the National Assembly in Seoul, Sept. 3.

In response, Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok answered, "The government plans to listen to the opinions of relevant departments and the industry and review the matter once again."

Experts anticipate that this move could actually contribute to the globalization of makgeolli, viewing the amendment as an opportunity to broaden the industrys scope. Similar to the success stories of Korean cuisine, more overseas customers will become interested in traditional Korean alcohol through the diversification of makgeolli, they added.

"The time is ripe for exporting Korean alcohol, as interest in it is growing overseas. To promote makgeolli more widely in international markets, domestic makgeolli makers should be allowed to create a variety of flavored makgeolli products through this legislative amendment, the local liquor industry insider said.

Hopeful overseas markets

Although makgeolli exports have recently declined, the drink's global appeal remains strong due to the spread of K-culture, and makgeolli makers are exploring new markets for growth through exports.

However, companies aiming for international markets face a significant hurdle: makgeolli's short shelf life, which complicates export efforts. To address this, most makgeolli for export is sterilized to extend its shelf life by killing the yeast and enzymes, but this process often results in a less flavorful drink, lacking the distinctive taste of fresh, naturally carbonated makgeolli.

Despite these challenges, some companies are finding success. Nakchun, a makgeolli manufacturer based in Donghae, Gangwon Province, known for its makgeolli brand Jijangsu, exported 11,200 bottles of makgeolli to the U.S. for the first time last month.

Jijangsu makgeolli won the grand prize in the takju category at the Korea Wine & Spirits Awards in 2022. Until recently, it has primarily been exported to Asian countries such as Hong Kong, Vietnam and Indonesia, with this being its first entry into the U.S. market.

"We decided to export our makgeolli to the U.S. to seek opportunities in a larger market. We hope more overseas consumers will come to love makgeolli," an official of the makgeolli brewery said.
The government said Saturday that the medical community should draw up its plan for proposed talks over an increase in the medical school admissions quota amid prolonged strikes by junior doctors.

On Friday, the presidential office said it is open to readjusting the country's quota for 2026 and would welcome it if a negotiating panel is formed among the rival parties, the government and the medical community to discuss the issue.

The ruling People Power Party proposed launching a four-way dialogue to resolve the medical quota issue. The main opposition Democratic Party welcomed the proposal.

The series of developments raises hopes for a breakthrough in the prolonged walkout by thousands of junior doctors protesting the government's decision in February to increase the admissions quota by 2,000 from the previous 3,058 and keep the increased quota over the next five years.

The drawn-out walkout has led to disruptions in hospital services across the nation, especially emergency room operations, but the Yoon Suk Yeol government has been firmly sticking to the 2,000-seat increase.

"We can't sit down for talks if the medical community does not come up with its own plan," the Office for Government Policy Coordination said in a statement.

The office stated the medical community's plans should be based on scientific analysis.

"If their proposal is scientific and reasonable, the government is ready to discuss the issue flexibly," it said.

But junior doctors and medical school students are unlikely to return unless the government changes its decision about the 2025 quota.

Doctors claim that medical schools will not be able to handle the increased enrollment, which will compromise the quality of medical education and ultimately the country's medical services.

After the government made a plan from the medical community a precondition for talks, the Korean Medical Association (KMA) shot back, "What is the basis of that stance?"

The KMA, though, did not make further comment on the proposal for dialogue, and it was in contrast with reactions from regional doctors' groups earlier Saturday.

Gyeonggido Medical Association, representing doctors in Gyeonggi Province, released a statement saying Yoon has to show he is serious about the proposed dialogue by apologizing to the medical community for increasing the quota in the first place.

The association also called on Yoon to dismiss three government figures for taking verbal shots at doctors: Health Minister Cho Kyoo-hong, Second Vice Health Minister Park Min-soo and Jang Sang-yoon, senior presidential secretary for social policy.

"This latest proposal is a cheap trick that attempts to distort the essence, which is that the drive to increase the quota for 2025 must be halted," the Gyeonggi association said. "If they are serious about this, they must immediately stop their plan for the increase, which caused this health care crisis."

Seoul Medical Association also demanded the government show a change of its stance first before a four-way dialogue can materialize.

"Any dialogue without a review of the plan for the 2025 quota increase will be meaningless," it said.

The Seoul body also said the health ministry should apologize for unilaterally pushing for the quota change and thus violating terms of a 2020 agreement between the government and the medical community

Individual doctors took to social media to make similar points. Park Hyoung-uk, vice chair of the Korean Academy of Medical Sciences, said Yoon must show he has changed by firing Jang, the social policy secretary.

In response to the KMA's succinct statement, Gyeonggido Medical Association questioned the leadership of the KMA chief, Lim Hyun-taek.

"We fully agree with and support viewpoints expressed by medical students and trainee doctors that problems will not be resolved unless Lim, who has been so incompetent, immediately resigns," the association said.

Last Saturday, the KMA held a general meeting to discuss a proposal to replace Lim's leadership group with an emergency management committee, but the idea was voted down.

"We have this one-line statement today, and the KMA is not doing any proper, timely work," one official from the Gyeonggi association told Yonhap News Agency. "If they can't handle things, they should hand the reins over to someone else, but they haven't done that, either. To resolve the situation, the KMA leaders have to step down or have to make a decision that can earn them the trust of trainee doctors." (Yonhap)
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 7. Iran has no secret and undeclared nuclear program from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Iranian Vice President and Chairman of the Atomic Energy Organization Mohammad Eslami told reporters on September 6 during his visit to Mazandaran province in northern Iran, Trend reports.

According to Eslami, the IAEA stated that there is no evasion in Iran's nuclear program. However, some circles around the world oppose Iran's nuclear program and try to put pressure on the IAEA.

Vice President stated that Iran's previous governments held discussions about the country's nuclear program and the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) was reached as a result. The JCPOA involved Iran and the P5+1 group (the US, UK, France, Russia, China and Germany). Under the plan, Iran agreed to limit its uranium enrichment capabilities. Restrictions on Iran's nuclear program were imposed under the full supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency, and in return, it was agreed to lift alleged programs and sanctions against Iran. This agreement was implemented, and after some time the US withdrew from the agreement.

Eslami noted that as a result, Iran has developed its nuclear program and lifted restrictions under the nuclear agreement.

To note, the Comprehensive Plan of Joint Action on Iran's nuclear program was implemented between Iran and the P5+1 group (the US, Russia, China, the UK, 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 announced in 2020 that there would be no restrictions on the Iran nuclear deal.

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 20-30 percent.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
By Jon Dunbar

Bart van Genugten, the popular YouTuber from the Netherlands who goes by iGoBart, is more than a fifth of the way through his quest to explore Seoul's 467 neighborhoods, known in Korean as  don't giggle  dongs.

Having covered 94 dongs already in 50 videos for his "Welcome to My Dong" series, he's offering fans an opportunity to come out and meet him and explore some of the artifacts of his city explorations in person.

He's setting up a comprehensive showcase of his ongoing work at Domansa, a small architectural space in eastern Seoul's Seongsu-dong, from Monday until Sept. 23.

When asked what message he hopes to present through the exhibition, he answered simply, "Follow curiosity."

"The city has so much more to offer than we often realize. But with the rapid pace of development and redevelopment, things change fast," he told The Korea Times. "Before you know it, certain places might be gone, lost to time and progress. Thats why I hope this exhibition encourages people to not only be curious but also to take action. I want them to explore the unknown corners of the city with the help of my videos  before its too late."

For the exhibition, Bart said he is expecting to display around 600 photos of the neighborhoods he has documented so far. They will be displayed along with QR codes leading to the corresponding videos. Also on display will be dong-themed posters made in collaboration with designers, examples of media coverage of his project (if you're reading this article on the wall at Domansa, hi!) and a large guestbook for visitors to leave their impressions.

The centerpiece of the exhibition will be Bart's customized map of Seoul's dongs, measuring 2 meters by 2 meters, which is 3 centimeters taller than Bart, who is a hulking 197 centimeters tall.

"The journey of creating my map of Seoul's dongs has been quite an adventure, full of challenges and changes," Bart admitted.

His first map was a simple sketch on paper, but he said it "quickly felt too limited for what I wanted to achieve."

So he decided to paint an administrative map of the city onto the wall of his rented basement office in Hapjeong-dong. He used a projector to trace the lines of each district and dong onto the wall, but this turned out to be tougher than he expected.

"Downtown Seoul is full of tiny neighborhoods, and they werent clearly visible on the projection," he said. "Thats when I made my first big mistake  I accidentally mixed up different administrative divisions, using some beopjeongdong (legal) maps and some haengjeongdong (administrative) maps, which wasnt what I wanted at all. Realizing this mistake, I had to repaint the entire map, a process that took several days and almost made me give up right at the start."

So, with help from his wife, he tried again, and this time, they got it perfect. "However, the basement office soon turned out to be a nightmare," he said. "The summer heat and high humidity levels led to mold growth, and the map started to fade. On top of that, the extra rent was becoming too much to handle. I eventually had to give up the office and, with a heavy heart, paint over the map."

After they moved, he decided this time to make a new map on more durable  and portable  material.

"So I went to the iron and steel workers' area in Euljiro to see if someone could customize it for me," Bart said. "After many rejections, one artisan finally agreed to take on the job."

The metalworker molded two aluminum plates together, creating the map that's over four square meters in area and weighs about 55 kilograms.

"Afterward, the artisan complained that it was an incredibly difficult request  so much so that he regretted accepting it," Bart said. "He admitted that, in hindsight, the over 2 million won I paid him was just barely enough for the effort it took."

His latest map-related headache is over how to transport the thing to Domansa. He figured he'll have to rent a pickup truck or possibly a moving truck.

"Theres a risk the map could break since its heavy and the plates are molded together, but Im determined to show it to the world," Bart said. "After all, this map represents a costly and stressful journey, one that even led us to move to a bigger home just to accommodate it. But now, I finally have something tangible to showcase, and Im excited to share it with everyone."

Bart admitted recently that he almost gave up on the "Welcome to My Dong" series and added that "it wasn't an easy decision to keep going."

"My mission is to explore all 467 neighborhoods, and the reality is that some of these neighborhoods are simply less 'attractive' or interesting to a broader audience, no matter how well the video is made," he said. "I do my best to make each one as engaging as possible. However, when you put so much effort into a video, spending two weeks preparing for it, only to have it get less than 10,000 views, it can be really demotivating. This lack of views also directly impacts my income  better performance leads to more sponsors and vice versa. So when there's a streak of lower-viewed videos, it hits my self-confidence hard."

This led him to step back and take a break for a couple of months, during which he focused on his health.

"Taking that time off helped me reset, and I realized that this project means more to me than just the numbers. It's about curiosity, exploration, and uncovering stories that might otherwise be lost. The journey has been difficult, but I'm committed to seeing it through, no matter how challenging it gets," he said.

Now, fortunately, he's back in full swing, with more videos to share of Seoul's dongs.

"Through this journey, I've come to appreciate Seoul on a much deeper level. My passion for understanding how the city has grown and the stories it holds has only intensified. And honestly, it's just really fun to explore on a micro level, to peel back the layers and go beyond the superficial experience of the city."

These days, it's hard for Bart to go anywhere without bumping into a few of his followers. He's always gracious whenever he's spotted, and ready to pose for a selfie together.

"Its the interactions with subscribers that really keep me going," he said. "YouTube can be a pretty lonely job, and its easy to forget that the numbers on the screen represent real people who genuinely care about my videos. Meeting them on the street and hearing how much they appreciate my work is both heartwarming and uplifting  its like a necessary dose of energy that helps me push forward. I always encourage people to stop and say hi if they see me. Those moments mean a lot to me, and they remind me why I started this journey in the first place."

Bart will be at Domansa on opening day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Tuesday at the same time as well.

Visit @iGoBart on YouTube to see Bart's videos, or follow @domansa_ on Instagram for details about the venue.
South Korea and the United States held simulation drills in Washington this week to enhance nuclear deterrence cooperation, both sides said Friday, as the allies step up security coordination to counter evolving North Korean threats.

Seoul and Washington held the first table top simulation (TTS) of the Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG), the allies' key nuclear deterrence dialogue body, on Thursday and Friday, Seoul's defense ministry and the Pentagon said in a joint statement.

The TTS drills involved officials from the two countries' national security, military, diplomatic and intelligence authorities, it said.

"The simulation greatly contributes to the work of NCG, especially by strengthening the alliance's approach to cooperative decision-making about nuclear deterrence and planning for potential nuclear contingencies on the Korean Peninsula," they said in the release.

During the TTS program, the U.S. reaffirmed America's "ironclad" extended deterrence commitment to South Korea, according to the release. Extended deterrence refers to the U.S.' pledge to use the full range of its military capabilities, including nuclear weapons, to defend its ally.

TTS followed the latest session of the Extended Deterrence Strategy and Consultation Group, another bilateral deterrence dialogue body, in Washington, Wednesday.

The allies' deterrence efforts came as Pyongyang has been doubling down on its nuclear and missile programs in the midst of its deepening military cooperation with Moscow, while meaningful diplomacy to curb the North's nuclear threats has stalled.

Concerns have also lingered that the recalcitrant regime could engage in provocative acts before the U.S. presidential election in November.

Seoul and Washington launched the NCG in July last year in line with the Washington Declaration that President Yoon Suk Yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden issued at their summit in April last year to strengthen the credibility of America's extended deterrence commitment. (Yonhap)
President's approval rating plunges as public anxiety over healthcare standoff escalates

By Lee Hyo-jin

Seven months ago, when President Yoon Suk Yeol unveiled his ambitious medical reform plan, which included a significant increase in medical school admission quotas, it was widely welcomed by the public. The plan garnered nearly 80 percent of support, surveys showed, as people positively viewed Yoon's bold move to address the nation's chronic doctor shortage.

The government's stern response to trainee doctors' mass resignations, protesting the quota hike, also resonated with the public. In early March, the president's approval ratings surged to nearly 40 percent, up 10 percentage points compared to the previous month.

Fast forward to late August, however, Yoon's approval rating has plummeted to 29 percent, the lowest since August 2022, according to a recent Realmeter survey. Analysts attribute this decline to growing public frustration with the government's handling of the medical reform plan and its lack of effort to resolve the health care deadlock.

What began as a protest by trainee doctors has now expanded to include medical professionals, leading to reduced operating hours in emergency rooms (ERs) in several general hospitals. In recent weeks, multiple incidents have made headlines where urgent patients were turned away from ERs, resulting in severe conditions or even death due to delays in due medical care.

In response, the government said the situation in hospitals remains manageable in emergency mode, pointing out that doctor shortages in ERs existed even before the strike began.

Yet, with the upcoming Chuseok holiday, which runs from Sept. 14 to 18, when most clinics will close, fears are growing that overburdened ERs will be unable to handle the anticipated surge in patients.

As public frustration intensifies, political analysts warn that Yoon's reform plan stands at a crossroads. The success of his medical reform, they say, now depends on whether the president will shift his course.

"The public is losing patience with the strained health care system. While doctors share some blame for turning their backs on patients, the government is also at fault for not taking an active role in persuading them to return," said Park Sang-byeong, a professor at Inha University's Graduate School of Policy Studies.

Park emphasized that how the president resolves the medical standoff will have a significant impact on his other reform agendas  labor, education and pension.

"The president, who approaches the halfway point of his term in a few months, faces a crucial dilemma," the professor said. "If he concedes to the doctors now, he risks losing momentum for other reforms. However, if he continues to dig in, the health care crisis may spiral out of control, making it even more difficult to recover his approval ratings."

The root of the prolonged standoff lies in Yoon's determination to increase medical school quotas  from the current 3,058 to 5,058 for the 2025 academic year  followed by an additional 2,000 seats annually through 2029.

His administration views the expansion as essential to alleviating the doctor shortage and ensuring long-term stability in the health care system.

But critics say that his focus on numbers is misplaced.

"Yoon seems fixated on increasing the quota by 2,000 while somewhat overlooking other components of medical reforms such as improving medical service in rural areas and increasing compensation for doctors in harsh working conditions," Park said.

The ongoing standoff has turned into a lonely uphill battle for the president, with little support from the National Assembly.

The main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), while agreeing with the need for medical reform, has escalated its criticism of the government's inflexibility in handling the crisis.

During his visit to Korea University Anam Hospital on Wednesday, DPK leader Rep. Lee Jae-myung expressed concerns about the government's adamant stance on increasing the medical school student quota.

"While the goal of increasing the medical school admission quota itself is reasonable, the scale and timeline have been pushed too quickly without adequate justification. This has caused unnecessary disruptions, undermining the purpose and legitimacy of the reform," Lee said.

Lee proposed forming a consultative body with the government and the ruling People Power Party (PPP) to find common ground but remained skeptical. "I can't help but feel frustrated, wondering if these discussions will be meaningful given the presidential office's rigid stance."

In an apparent attempt to mediate, in late August, PPP leader Han Dong-hoon floated the idea of delaying the quota increase in the 2026 academic year. However, the presidential office quickly dismissed the proposal.

Political commentator Rhee Jong-hoon said the PPP leader's role in resolving the medical standoff is limited.

"Han doesn't have the authority to openly lead on this issue, as he's trying to avoid clashing with the presidential office," Rhee said.

"The current standoff will not be resolved unless the president shifts his position. While his leadership style can be characterized as strong determination in his policy drives, the public is increasingly viewing him as too stubborn and staunch in the medical dispute that has put people's lives at risk," he added.

The presidential office announced Friday its willingness to form a consultative body with both ruling and opposition parties to adjust the scale of the medical school admission quota hike starting for the 2026 academic year.

"If the doctors can provide reasonable and scientific projections, we are open to engaging in candid discussions. Everything can be reviewed from square one in these talks," a senior presidential official said.

However, it remains to be seen whether the government will soften its hardline stance and swiftly develop an exit plan to bring doctors back to work.
By Robert Neff

For many, sea travel is viewed as a romantic adventure, but in the 19th century it was a necessary evil, filled with danger and uncertainty. This was especially true in August 1889, when the waters around the Korean Peninsula, Japan and China were plagued by a series of powerful storms.

Off the coast of Japan, one steamship captain reported passing through large quantities of pine trees and bamboos, the former broken off midway and both torn up with roots, with leaves quite green, and a vast quantity of wreckage and deeply discoloured water extended nearly 50 kilometers out to sea.

He was fortunate, as there were many nearby ports where he could find sanctuary. However, other steamships were not as fortunate and were forced to plow through the storm or seek safety in small sheltered coves  many of these steamers were damaged.

Smaller fishing boats and junks were truly at the mercy of the sea, and many did not survive their encounters with Mother Natures fury. The regional newspapers reported numerous accounts of these lost vessels. One steamship had several encounters with victims of the storm. At dawn, it rescued five Chinese fishers from a waterlogged fishing boat and then, a couple of hours later, rescued another man clinging to the rudder of a wrecked junk  he was the only survivor of that junks crew. Later in that afternoon, the steamship encountered another large water-logged junk, with no one on board. Apparently, they had been swept away by the heavy rains and unsettled weather. Other steamships reported similar encounters. Sometimes, sailors were rescued from floating debris, but more often than not, the half-sunken ships were devoid of any survivors.

In the West Sea, not all of these hapless craft were Chinese. On Aug. 29, a very small Korean junk was discovered drifting helplessly off the Shandong Peninsula of China. Surprisingly, despite its wrecked appearance, the entire seven-man crew had survived the storm and was rescued by the Chinese authorities.

Earlier that month, the Korean vessel had departed Jemulpo (modern Incheon) with a cargo of foreign goods and was bound for Pyongyang  its home port. Sailors in the 19th century (and even now), regardless of their nationality, tended to be superstitious. Korean sailors considered it unlucky to begin their journey on the first day of the month or any day with an eight (8, 18 and 28). Unlike Western sailors, who were fond of having dogs aboard their ships, the Korean sailors viewed canines as being especially evil portents and took great care to ensure their ships were dog-free. If a dog inadvertently wandered onto a ship, it was immediately sacrificed to the spirits. Women were also shunned and discouraged from taking part in the ceremonies and sacrifices made by the crew as part of their supplication for a safe voyage.

Shortly after the Korean junk departed Jemulpo, it encountered a typhoon, which dismasted the ship and left it at the mercy of the wind and waves. One can easily imagine that further prayers and sacrifices were made, but Mother Nature was placated.

Swamped and in danger of sinking, the crew was forced to jettison about half of the cargo in a successful effort to save their ship. Over the next couple of days the ship drifted closer to the Chinese coast and was subsequently rescued.

Once safely ashore, the ship was determined to be too small and frail to attempt to re-cross the West Sea and so, with the captains approval, it and its greatly damaged cargo were sold. The cargo consisted of 26 slabs of old iron, 250 packages of matches, 3 bales of foreign cloth, 31 pieces of tin, two cases of foreign colouring material, 11 reams of paper, and sundry other articles. The money was then divided up among the crew.

In the past, shipwrecked Korean crews were often repatriated home by an arduous and time-consuming overland trip  often, the return home was more dangerous and difficult than the initial shipwreck, and many did not survive. Now, however, the men were placed aboard one of the steamships sailing to Jemulpo and arrived safely  and in relative comfort  about 36 hours later.

This series of storms also claimed ships in the East Sea. One of these ships was the small steam launch Belle of Hope. On Aug. 17, the newly built two-masted, 13-meter-long ship departed Nagasaki, Japan, in fair weather and with great expectation  its final destination was Vladivostok, Russia, where it would be turned over to a Russian company that had commissioned the ship. In command of the ship was Captain Franz Meyer, a 56-year-old German with years of sailing experience in Northeast Asia, and he was assisted by six Japanese sailors.

Shortly after departing Nagasaki, the Belle of Hope encountered a storm. Meyer was not worried and carefully threaded his way along the Japanese coast and eventually arrived at Fusan (modern Busan) where the ship was resupplied with coal. Despite the bad weather, Meyer proceeded along the south-eastern part of the Korean Peninsula. His overconfidence was no match for the storm.

On the night of Aug. 24, just north of Pohang, the ships cabin was destroyed, and the fire in the boilers was extinguished by the terrific pounding of the waves. There was no choice but to abandon ship.

Up until the late 19th century, Korea had an undeserved reputation as being hostile to shipwrecked survivors. In truth, those cast upon the Korean coast often fared much better than those who had the misfortune of being washed ashore in Japan or China. Koreans generally provided assistance to survivors and even helped gather and protect their unfortunate vessels cargo. The survivors were usually repatriated through China, and they spoke highly of their Korean rescuers generous hospitality while denigrating the conduct of their subsequent Chinese hosts.

However, Captain Meyer and his crew were the exception. Instead of being provided with shelter and food, they found themselves competing with the nearby villagers to salvage what they could from the ship. The villagers, according to Meyer, stole everything they possibly could.

The shipwrecked men were forced to barter part of the cargo for food, and more powerful than the storm was the animosity the villagers had for the Japanese sailors. Eventually, four of the Japanese sailors deserted Meyer  their fate is unknown but if they did make their way overland to Fusan, it was not an easy task as Japanese travelers were often attacked while traveling in the interior.

Judging by various accounts, Korean villagers were famed for their accuracy with stones and frequently pelted strangers and opponents with stones. For several days, stones rained down upon Meyer and the remaining crewmembers as the Korean villagers tried to steal the rest of the salvaged goods from the Belle of Hope. It was useless attempting to prevent them, declared Meyer.

Although the men aboard the Belle of Hope lost the whole of their private effects and clothing, except what was worn at the time of the stranding, all were eventually able to find passage on a steamship back to Nagasaki. Like the sea, Korean hospitality proved to be fickle.

My appreciation to Diane Nars for her invaluable assistance.

Robert Neff has authored and co-authored several books, including Letters from Joseon, Korea Through Western Eyes and Brief Encounters.
By Nam Hyun-woo

BERLIN  Chinese brands have taken central stage at the IFA 2024 consumer electronics exhibition, posing a serious challenge to established industry leaders such as Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics, Miele, Siemens, Bosch among others.

Unlike previous strategies of promoting cost-efficiency, brands such as TCL, Haier and Hisense, which are occupying sizeable spaces at the events venue, Messe Berlin, have wowed audiences with cutting-edge technology and advanced products in stylish displays, as luxurious brands did just couple of years ago.

TCL, the main sponsor of this years IFA, has attracted large crowds and the media at its expansive booth on the venue's northwestern side. The display showcased a wide range of products, including mobile devices, TVs, washers, dryers, game monitors, and an AI-powered smart home energy system.

Taking center stage at TCLs booth were big quantum dot (QD) mini-LED TVs. TCL stressed that large-screens are the trend in the TV industry, and QD mini-LED is the next generation of large screen displays.

Among smart devices, TCL showcased smartphones and tablets with paper-like displays, which grabbed peoples attention with their textures.

The company also showcased a smart home energy system. Users can manage solar power generation panels, energy storage, heat pumps and other energy related appliances with TCLs smart home app, which appealed to energy-sensitive European customers.

These features were similar to that of the SmartThings Energy of Samsung and Smart Green Home of LG, which were the core features of their promotion of the AI home during IFA.

At the Hisense booth, the brand also promoted a slew of advanced home appliances, including microLED TVs, new Ultra-LED TVs, intelligent washer-dryer combos and smart refrigerators. The company also promoted game-friendly features of its TVs in partnerships with a global hit title "Black Myth: Wukong" to grab the attention of attendees.

Smartphone maker Honor promoted its foldable smartphone, the Honor Magic V3, which is the worlds thinnest inward folding smartphone.

The brand took a direct jab at Samsungs Galaxy Z Fold series, engraving the worlds smallest apology to Samsung Galaxy Z Fold owners on the hinge of their Magic V3, mocking them for the inconvenience of having to purchase what they referred to as Samsungs chunkier alternative.

Along with them, Chinas second-largest TV maker Changhong set up a booth themed AI home, and Haier also set up an AI assistant at its booth to introduce the brands new technologies to audiences.

Alongside these major brands, around 1,300 Chinese companies have participated in the IFA 2024, securing prime locations to captivate visitors. While well-known European brands such as Bosch, Siemens and Miele succeeded in drawing attention with their polished exhibits, smaller European brands appeared to be overshadowed by the growing presence of Chinese firms.

While Samsung and LG focused on delivering the narrative of AI-powered home appliances assisting consumers daily lives, Chinese brands emphasized impressive specs and powerful features of their new products, which may be more effective in capturing peoples' attention, an official from a Korean company participating in IFA 2024 said.

The rise of Chinese brands at the exhibition was notable, but what really stands out is the technology they showcased. These brands are no longer just affordable alternatives to Korean products; they have become serious competitors that can pose significant challenges to well-established brands."








By Park Jae-hyuk

The International Contractors Association of Korea (ICAK) held an extraordinary general meeting of its members, Thursday, to appoint former Vice Minister of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs Han Man-hee as the 20th chairman to lead the association over the next three years.

ICAK was established in 1976 to advocate Korean construction firms doing business overseas.

It has gathered and analyzed data from the international construction market over the past five decades, aiding Korean construction firms in expanding their global presence.

Han, who passed the exam to become a government official in 1980, started his career at the now-defunct Ministry of Construction and Transport.

He had handled construction, housing and land policies at the ministry for more than 30 years.

After serving as the administrator of the National Agency for Administrative City Construction between 2010 and 2011, he was appointed as the first vice minister of land, transport and maritime affairs, who is tasked with supervising overseas construction projects.

The ministry disbanded in 2013 with the establishment of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries.

In 2013, he left the government to become a professor at the University of Seouls International School of Urban Sciences, where he studies global construction, urban infrastructure development, and international development cooperation.

Uncertainties are surrounding overseas construction due to the global trade war, unstable international politics, and concerns over a potential U.S. economic recession, Han said in his inaugural address.

I feel great responsibility as I took on this important role as the ICAK chairman at this critical time when the overseas construction industry has been forced to find new breakthroughs amid a paradigm shift to highly value-added and eco-friendly projects.

He also vowed to urge relevant government institutions to implement measures that would assist Korean construction firms in securing more overseas contracts, especially amid intense competition from global rivals.

The government aims to achieve $1 trillion in cumulative overseas construction orders this year. It is focusing on securing large-scale contracts in the Middle East, as well as in countries like the Czech Republic, which are seeking the construction of nuclear reactors.

Han is expected to enable Korean construction firms to improve their business overseas, based on his experience and keen interest in overseas construction projects, a construction industry official said.
The Dutch government on Friday said it would expand export licensing requirements for some ASML chipmaking equipment, effectively retaking oversight over it from the United States and aligning the two countries' policy.

The United States had previously unilaterally regulated those tools, as part of its campaign to restrict access to advanced technology by Chinese chipmakers who could contribute to Beijing's technological and military advances.

ASML said in a statement that it did not expect the change in oversight to impact earnings this year or in the future.

Shares of the Netherlands-based ASML, Europe's largest technology firm, traded down 1.6% at 708.40 euros at 0915 GMT.

"I'm making this decision for our safety," said Dutch Trade Minister Reinette Klever, announcing the update.

"We see that due to technological developments there are more safety risks in the export of these specific production machines."

While the U.S. and Netherlands remain in talks over export policy, Friday's decision is a practical move that should relieve some tension between the governments.

The machines in question, ASML's 1970i and 1980i DUV (Deep Ultraviolet) immersion lithography tools, are approximately in the middle of its product range.

Under U.S. pressure, the Dutch government has never allowed ASML to ship its very best EUV tools to Chinese customers, while it began requiring a license for NXT:2000 series and better of DUV tools in September 2023.

ASML warned Chinese customers not to expect delivery of those tools starting in 2024.

However in October 2023, the U.S. unilaterally began restricting ASML's shipment of the 1970i and 1980i tools, on the argument that they contain some U.S. parts.

Members of the Dutch parliament raised questions about the implications for the Netherlands' sovereignty, while ASML struggled to keep up with separate licensing requirements in the U.S. and Netherlands.

The U.S. Department of Commerce updated its export rules on Thursday, and the updated Dutch rules adopted U.S. wording in relevant passages on lithography, ASML's segment.

ASML's machines use lasers to help create the tiny circuitry of chips.

Interest in the 1980i and 1970i machines follows success by Chinese firms such as SMIC at making advanced chips by running silicon wafers under such DUV tools many times, a process known as "multipatterning."

At an event in New York on Wednesday, ASML CEO Christophe Fouquet said Chinese chipmakers will be able to produce chips at the 7nm, 5nm and eventually 3nm technology levels using DUV tools  better than limits set by Washington.

However, chipmakers using the technique will suffer ever-worse yields, making that a demonstration of engineering prowess but economically unviable, he said. (Reuters)
We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 7. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian will visit Russia's Kazan to take part in the BRICS summit, the Iranian ambassador to Russia Kazem Jalali said, Trend reported.

Furthermore, as part of the meeting, he is scheduled to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

To make this visit useful and successful for our bilateral relations, we are currently engaged in its preparation, the ambassador said.

He also noted that Pezeshkian is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with leaders of other countries, and the Iranian community and address the summit.
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.
Coldplay's new single "We Pray," featuring Argentine artist TINI, has just been released in its Spanish version. The track also includes collaborations with Little Simz, Burna Boy, and Elyanna.

Coldplay's much-anticipated single "We Pray," featuring Argentine superstar TINI, officially dropped its Spanish version on Thursday. This track has already made waves globally, topping charts and racking up downloads. The original version of "We Pray" features a star-studded lineup including British rapper Little Simz, Nigerian Afrobeat sensation Burna Boy, and Palestinian-Chilean R&B star Elyanna.

Dubbed the 'TINI Version,' this release brings a fresh, vibrant twist to the hit single. Elyanna's version is set to hit digital platforms on September 20.

TINI set the stage for today's release with a teaser on Instagram, where she previewed her collaboration with Coldplay and announced the Spanish version's arrival. Her post featured a snippet of her contribution to the song and included the heartfelt line, "Smiling not just for the photo, all of us looking at the sky from the ground we are the same skin," alongside a verse by Coldplay's Chris Martin.

The original track, released on August 23, quickly became a global phenomenon. Following its success, TINI joined Coldplay on stage at Dublin's Croke Park, turning Grafton Street into an impromptu concert venue where they performed the song for fans. TINI also shared behind-the-scenes moments from the Dublin performance on her Instagram, giving fans a glimpse of her electrifying presence alongside Coldplay and other collaborators.

The song "We Pray" tackles themes of freedom and peace, aiming to offer a message of hope amidst global conflicts like those in Russia-Ukraine and the Gaza Strip. This track is the first single from Coldplay's upcoming album "Moon Music," set for release on October 4. The album promises to address various global and personal issues, reflecting Coldplay's ongoing commitment to using their platform for meaningful commentary.

In addition to the Spanish and Arabic versions of "We Pray," fans can look forward to more from Coldplay's new album as the release date approaches.
China's planned lunar research station ushers in new era of global space collaboration

Xinhua) 09:13, September 07, 2024

* China's ambitious initiative to construct an international lunar research station (ILRS) is paving the way for a new era of global space collaboration, drawing in developing countries without their own space missions and igniting widespread enthusiasm for participation.

* The ILRS is a scientific experimental facility designed to be an expandable and maintainable system capable of long-term robotic operation with short-term human participation on the moon.

* The Chang'e-7 lunar exploration mission, scheduled for launch around 2026, will carry six international scientific instruments. Chang'e-8, targeting a launch around 2028, will offer 200 kilograms of international payload capacity.

HEFEI, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- China's ambitious initiative to construct an international lunar research station (ILRS) is paving the way for a new era of global space collaboration, drawing in developing countries without their own space missions and igniting widespread enthusiasm for participation.

In 2017, the China National Space Administration (CNSA) officially launched the ILRS cooperation initiative to the international community. To date, over 40 institutions from across the world have signed cooperation documents with China.

BEIJING, Sept. 6, 2024 (Xinhua) -- China National Space Administration and its counterpart in Senegal sign an agreement on International Lunar Research Station cooperation during the 2nd International Deep Space Exploration Conference in Huangshan, east China's Anhui Province, Sept. 5, 2024. (Photo by Shi Yalei/Xinhua)

China's Deep Space Exploration Lab inks memoranda of understanding (MOU) with international organizations during the 2nd International Deep Space Exploration Conference in Huangshan, east China's Anhui Province, Sept. 5, 2024. (Photo by Shi Yalei/Xinhua)

The ILRS is a scientific experimental facility designed to be an expandable and maintainable system capable of long-term robotic operation with short-term human participation on the moon.

The project will be implemented in two phases. The first phase will see a basic facility built by 2035 in the lunar south pole region, while the second phase aims to establish a network connecting the moon's south pole, equator and far side by 2050.

CONCERTED EFFORTS

Wu Weiren, director and chief scientist of Deep Space Exploration Lab (DSEL), said at an ongoing space conference in east China's Huangshan city that the ILRS adheres to the principles of mutual consultation, joint construction and shared benefits to foster collaborative efforts with global partners.

The 2nd International Deep Space Exploration Conference is held in Huangshan, east China's Anhui Province, Sept. 5, 2024. (Photo by Shi Yalei/Xinhua)

Speaking at the conference, Wu Yanhua, chief designer of the country's major deep space exploration project, extended an invitation to nations worldwide to participate in the two-phase program at various levels, including concept study, equipment, system and even mission levels.

Wu Yanhua also announced that China is planning to establish multiple international organizations, including a cooperation committee, an expert consultative committee, a tech innovation alliance, a science alliance and a coordination headquarters, to enhance global collaboration efforts.

Following the successful operation of payloads from the European Space Agency (ESA), France, Italy and Pakistan in China's Chang'e-6 mission, the country's Chang'e-7 lunar exploration mission, scheduled for launch around 2026, will carry six international scientific instruments. Chang'e-8, targeting a launch around 2028, will offer 200 kilograms of international payload capacity. Chang'e-8 and Chang'e-7 will finally be part of the basic model of ILRS.

This image taken from video animation at Beijing Aerospace Control Center on June 25, 2024 shows the returner of the Chang'e-6 probe landing on Earth. (Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai)

Ayman Ahmed, senior director of space program at the Egyptian Space Agency, proudly introduced an AI-enabled camera at a seminar during the two-day conference on Friday. This camera, set to be part of the Chang'e-7 mission, is currently in the testing phase, supported by the Changchun Institute of Optics under the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

ILRS is a space program that aims to provide "a synergy in international lunar exploration on the basis of the set of complex research facilities on and around the Moon," said Dmitrii Zarubin, an engineering fellow of the Space Research Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Russia's payload PmL-Ch7 is slated to be brought into orbit by Chang'e-7, according to Zarubin.

"Free riding plus data sharing is the selection principle and cooperation philosophy," said Han Siyuan, an official of the CNSA, on Friday.

PASSIONATE PARTNERS

Senegal is a new partner in the ILRS cooperation initiative. On Sept. 5, the CNSA and its counterpart in Senegal signed an agreement, following a joint statement released earlier this week that emphasized deepening bilateral relations and establishing a high-level China-Senegal community with a shared future.

China National Space Administration and its counterpart in Senegal sign an agreement on International Lunar Research Station cooperation during the 2nd International Deep Space Exploration Conference in Huangshan, east China's Anhui Province, Sept. 5, 2024. (Photo by Shi Yalei/Xinhua)

During the conference, the DSEL inked memoranda of understanding with 10 institutions from countries including Serbia, Indonesia, Pakistan, Panama and South Africa. Among the institutions are the Belt and Road Alliance for Science &Technology, the Foundation for Space Development Africa, and the Africa Business Alliance.

Adriana Marais, director of the Foundation for Space Development Africa, expressed her excitement about the collaboration between China and Africa at the educational, scientific and partnership levels for lunar exploration.

Marais, a visiting scientist in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen, is advancing her Africa2Moon Project, which aims to send Africa's first mission to the moon. She is now particularly focused on the Chang'e-8 mission and considers it a significant opportunity.

Wiphu Rujopakarn, deputy director general of the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand, said that space cooperation with China will benefit the people of his own country.

"This year, we have collaborated with the Shanghai Astronomical Observatory to connect our radio telescope in Thailand with Chinese ones, forming a very long baseline interferometry observation network," Rujopakarn said.

Thailand has also worked on the development of a science payload set to enter the lunar orbit with Chang'e-7. "If the collaboration is successful, it could also serve as a model to demonstrate to other ASEAN members," Rujopakarn added. Among Asian nations involved in China's lunar exploration programs, Pakistan has already begun to reap the benefits. In May, China delivered data provided by a cube satellite aboard its Chang'e-6 spacecraft to Pakistan.

The cube satellite, ICUBE-Q, developed by Pakistan's Institute of Space Technology and China's Shanghai Jiao Tong University, was sent to space, together with the Chang'e-6 orbiter, to carry out exploration activities such as capturing images of the moon.

This is the first image of the moon taken by the cube satellite ICUBE-Q, developed by Pakistan's Institute of Space Technology and China's Shanghai Jiao Tong University, on May 8, 2024. (China National Space Administration/Handout via Xinhua)

China and Pakistan have also signed a cooperation agreement on the ILRS and China has already received Pakistan's application for payload cooperation on the Chang'e-8 mission.

EDUCATION FOR FUTURE

Nurturing young talent for future space exploration is equally crucial, if not more, for numerous nations in the Global South.

"Our population may not yet fully realize the importance of developing lunar exploration or space programs," said Maram Kaire, director-general of the Senegalese Space Studies Agency, noting that the country is still facing challenges in power supply and space education.

China's lunar exploration initiatives could be "one of the best ways for Senegal to seize the opportunity to cultivate young space scientists and simultaneously build the necessary infrastructure," Kaire said.

Highlighting Africa's large youth population, Marais said that space education collaboration with China can "prepare the next generation of humans to become excited about space exploration and to share knowledge, skills, infrastructure and capabilities."

"The idea of looking back at Africa from the moon with African designed, African-built mission, in partnership with China, will be a huge inspiration for young people for years to come," Marais said.

Jing Guifei, deputy director of the regional center for Space Science and Technology Education in Asia and the Pacific affiliated to the United Nations, outlined the goals of ILRS education and training. The goals include nurturing specialized engineering technicians and project management experts for developing countries in areas such as short-term projects, space law and policy, and the design of micro and cube satellites.

Relying on this UN institution, China has trained nearly 1,000 space professionals, according to a white paper released by the country in 2022.

China deems the peaceful exploration, development and utilization of outer space as rights equally enjoyed by all countries, the white paper stressed.

"As a major spacefaring nation, it is our country's responsibility to provide a platform for scientists and peers from countries around the world," Wu Weiren said.

"Space is a shared domain, a common dream, and a collective treasure for humanity," said Chinese astronaut Zhai Zhigang who made history as the country's first person to conduct a spacewalk. "Our aspiration to build and seek new homes in space is a testament to the unity and relentless efforts of global space pioneers."

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Wu Chaolan)
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi will attend the BRICS summit to be held in Kazan from October 22-24, Azernews reports, citing Iranian Ambassador to the Russian Federation Kazem Jalali as he informed TASS about this.

He noted that the Iranian President is expected to meet with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, as well as other counterparts and the Iranian community in Kazan. Raisi's speech at the summit is also planned.

The diplomat added that the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement between Iran and Russia might be signed during the BRICS summit or in a separate meeting of the presidents in Tehran or Moscow at a later date.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 7. Addressing the presentation ceremony of seven special issues of BTAs LIK magazine in the small coastal town of Sozopol on Saturday, Assoc. Prof. Georgi Lozanov, Head of the BTA Culture, Science and Education (LIK) Directorate, said that LIK has the significant editorial task of finding a value criterion for going back in time, so that the values of art and human behaviour can be recognized.

The BTA event is taking place within the Price of Success Format at the 40th Apollonia Festival of Arts. The special issues of the magazine are dedicated to poet Atanas Dalchev, composer Pancho Vladigerov, artist Dechko Uzunov, writer Aleko Konstantinov, public radio pioneer Sirak Skitnik and actors Nevena Kokanova and Stefan Danailov.

Every month, a radio version of BTA's LIK magazine will be broadcasted on the Bulgarian National Radio (BNR), BTA Director General Kiril Valchev said during the presentation.

Lozanov noted that the LIK issues include information gleaned from both BTA's rich archive and contemporary articles. "This is helpful in reassessing the value of contemporaneity," he said, adding that it is important to reassess the past with Western values because Bulgarian culture belongs to the Western cultural world.

The LIK Directorate Head explained that the LIK magazines history has three development stages. "The first stage began before 1989, when the magazine was one of the few open windows in the Iron Curtain through which you could stick your head out and see what was going on in Western culture," he noted. In the first issues, foreign texts were published with English translations, informing readers about current events in Western culture at the level of processes, authority figures and sensationalism. Lozanov shared his opinion that with its magazine BTA has performed a cultural feat of informing the public about the cultural world in a time of totalitarianism.

With the fall of the Iron Curtain after 1989, the magazines function of cultural saviour has diminished, Lozanov continued. "During this period, Bulgarian culture began complex processes of democratisation, commercialisation and loss of ideological focus. The LIK magazine then committed itself to creating high standards in Bulgarian culture during the transition years," he explained, adding that with the advent of the Internet, this model has gradually lost its popularity.

LIKs third development stage is related to memory, Lozanov further stressed. Currently, the magazine focuses on the cultural memory of important historical events and figures of the past. In this regard, the LIK Directorate Head recalled the special issues of LIK dedicated to Atanas Dalchev, Pancho Vladigerov, Dechko Uzunov, Aleko Konstantinov, Sirak Skitnik, Nevena Kokanova and Stefan Danailov.

BTA Director General Valchev underscored that the success of providing Bulgarians with access to culture and knowledge is priceless. In the past year, the most important thing that happened was the restoration of the LIK magazine to be published monthly. The access to the magazine has also been expanded so that more Bulgarians can gain knowledge of culture, he said.

Valchev noted that paper copies of the magazine are distributed free of charge in educational and cultural institutions. Furthermore, all issues of the new LIK magazine can be found on the Agency's website, he explained.

This is the second BTA event at the 2024 edition of Apollonia, after a press launch on August 30 of News on File: 1899-2023, a book presenting each of the 125 years since the BTA's establishment by one major domestic and international development.

At the opening of the Festival on August 29, BTA received the 2024 Apollo Toxophoros Award of the Apollonia Foundation for its overall contribution in covering the 40 editions of Apollonia.

The Apollonia Festival of Arts is organized by the Apollonia Foundation, which was established in 1991. The first edition of the Festival took place in 1984. Apollonia aims to preserve cultural traditions and to support new talents across the spectrum of arts, the organizers point out. BTA is a media partner of the event.
The Hecktown Road bridge over Route 22 in Bethlehem Township has been posted with a new weight restriction because of structural damage discovered in a recent inspection, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation said in an advisory.

A 19-ton weight limit has been placed on the Hecktown Road bridge between Green Pond and Hanoverville roads and will be in place until further notice, PennDOT said Wednesday in the advisory, adding the inspection showed damage to several steep bridge girders, meaning it can no longer handle the maximum legal load of 40 tons.

Vehicles over the weight limit will need to use an alternative route.

This section of Hecktown Road has an average daily traffic volume of 6,287 vehicles, but PennDOT did not specify in the advisory how much of that is truck or other large-vehicular traffic that would exceed the limit.

MORE: Route 611 stretch to reopen under National Park Service, PennDOT deal

County kicking off Bicentennial Year

Warren County announced it will officially kick off its Bicentennial Year with a Nov. 12 gala to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the legislation that created the county.

Tickets are on sale for the event starting at 6 that night at Davids Country Inn in Hackettstown.

The gala will include a dinner buffet, cash bar and music, along with dancing, a demonstration of period dances, and a costume contest, a news release from the county said. Attendees are invited (but not required) to come in Regency/Federal Era attire in honor of the Countys earliest days.

Through Sept. 30, tickets are $25 per person, and $35 per person from Oct. 1 until sales close on Nov. 1. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit Warren Countys Bicentennial website, warrencountynjheritage.com, or call 908-475-7750, Ext. 2.

MORE: Warren County sites that have made the National Register of Historic Places

More local headlines

WFMZ.com reports Mercantile Home, a gift shop on Northampton Street in Downtown Easton thats been in business for 14 years, will close for good at the end of the month.

MORE: Read the full wfmz.com story here.

Mcall.com reports Bethlehem City Council is considering a new law targeting illegal use of dirt bikes and ATVs. The police chief told council their usage remains a problem on city roads.

MORE: Read the full mcall.com story here.

Lehighvalleynews.com reports Sergiy Kyslytsya, Ukraines ambassador to the United Nations, visited Lehigh University on Wednesday for a Q&A session with students at the universitys Rauch Business Center.

MORE: Read the full lehighvalleynews.com story here.

Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust.
Laois author and dairy farmer, Lorna Sixsmith, spoke to us about her debut novel 'Country Girl at Heart' and what life is like trying to juggle life on the farm as well as writing.

Sixsmith has published three humorous nonfiction books about farming life between 2013 and 2016 titled 'Would You Marry a Farmer?', 'How to be a Perfect Farm Wife', and 'An Ideal Farm Husband.' In 2018 she also published a farming memoir 'Till the Cows Come Home.'

Her debut novel 'Country Girl at Heart' is a romantic comedy about finding love in unexpected places, rediscovering oneself in the most ridiculous situations and embracing the life you never expected. In the novel, Sixmith says: "Basically, I kind of give rural Ireland the Bridget Jones treatment in that there is a love triangle and it is written in a diary format."

The novel's protagonist Kelly O'Sullivan has left London with a broken heart and all her worldly possessions (her kindle, car, clothing and a cat) for her aunts farm in rural Ireland. She intends to remain single but suave accountant, Hugh OConnor, is determined to change her mind. Theres also sensible Steve, her neighbouring farmer. Unexpectedly thrown into the farming deep end, Kellys dreams of a peaceful rural retreat become a comedy of agricultural errors. She hadnt reckoned on wrangling a goat with attitude, driving big machinery or supervising students at the mart. Theres also the issue of many admirers who view her teaching career and her "might-inherit-a-farm" status as perfect "laying hen" wife potential.

The balancing act of dairy farming and writing:

When asked what inspired her to write the book, Sixsmith said: "I know there are female farmers farming in their own right, but most women in farms tend to be the wives of male farmers and I wanted to give that perspective of somebody who comes onto a farm and how puzzling it all is."

She laughs: "My intention for future books is obviously to make her become a very competent farmer. But there'll be lots of trials and errors along the way. So, I suppose the idea came from wanting to give a female perspective on the life of farming."

READ NEXT: Dominic West on wife Catherine FitzGerald: 'I love that side of her, which I didn't really know in college'

Sixsmith farms alongside her husband in County Laois and admits that she is indeed "a farmer first." This can of course come with some challenges to find time for writing, but it also has its advantages. Sixsmith says: "This year was a disaster to try and get finished in terms of my writing time. From mid January to mid April I can't do anything on the book basically, I just don't have the time or the energy."

"Usually the April time I am getting back into writing. This year was a disaster because it was such a wet long winter. I had planned on having the book out three months ago and it just didn't happen because of weather. My best time of year for writing would be from August through to early January, in that I'm not actually doing as much on the farm and it's not as busy."

Balancing the two callings can however prove quite enjoyable for the Laois woman, as she says: "I tend to get bored easily, so the fact that my year can be divided up into doing different things works for me."

Sixsmith affirms that farming is her priority, saying: "the farming has to be done. It has to come first." However, despite successfully publishing three books and a memoir previous to 'Country Girl at Heart', the author added that: "I do think a lot of writers tend to suffer from imposter syndrome. Even though I've written four books, I'm still going am I really an author? Did I really write that? So yes, a farmer first and an author second - at the moment anyway."

Portraying the realities of rural Ireland in fiction:

Rural life has been a long established and beloved theme in Irish literature, and so I was interested to hear what Sixsmith had to say about any Irish authors who may have influenced her work and where 'Country Girl at Heart' stands within this realm of Irish fiction. She said: "Well some of my favourite authors would be Donal Ryan and John McGahern. I love historical fiction like 'Burial Rites' by Hannah Kent. But I suppose they're a very different genre to what I'm writing."

'County Girl at Heart' is a romantic comedy, and although Sixsmith admits it's not a genre she frequently reads, from what she has read, farming and rural life is not typically presented in a wholly authentic way in such works: "When I do read some that are set in a rural environment or on a farm, I suppose a lot of them obviously aren't farmers. Although they do the research well, you can tell. There are lots of stuff they're getting wrong."

Sixsmith was determined to depict a true reflection of farming life in her book and so she said: "some might say my books have too much farming detail, but I wanted that farming detail to be right." She added: "The whole thing about a tough delivery or a death of an animal or that sort of thing, it just points to the accuracy and the realities of farming life. So while there is humour in it, it's also showing what farming life is really like."

Fans of rural themes in Irish literature must admit, we do tend to wallow in the dreary and depressing at times when attempting to portray the realism of life. And this is something which Sixsmith has dabbled in herself. While writing 'Country Girl at Heart', last November the writer admitted she got "a bit bored and needed a break from it" and instead turned to writing quite a dark and contemporary novel also set on a farm. However, she confessed: "But then I was glad to get back to my romantic comedy and the humour of it. Sometimes if you didn't laugh you'd cry!"

Future Plans on and off the page:

When discussing the future of her writing, fans of the book will be happy to know that Sixsmith plans on making 'Country Girl at Heart' into a series: "I think there'll be four or five in total. I've started working on the second one. The first book is set in 2017 and the second is set in 2018, and then depending on events, I'll probably skip a bit of Covid. I'll be likely skipping a year here or 6 months there, just to make things progress."

But that's not all. Sixsmith shared that she also has planned to go beyond the genre of romantic comedy and explore historical fiction and delve into some darker and more gritty content. She assured us that she has "loads of ideas, it's just getting the time to be honest."

When asked about where farming will fit into her future plans, Sixsmith laughed, saying: "Well I'm 55 now so I reckon I have about 8 years of farming left in me, and about 25 years of writing."

To add to her already hectic schedule, Sixsmith will be returning to Carlow College, St. Patrick's this September to start her masters degree in regional history. Sixsmith previously worked at the college teaching media studies.
In a story that gives hope to anyone who didn't get the Leaving Cert results they needed, a Laois pharmacist has shown how alternate routes can work to achieve dreams.

Audrey Kingston from Castletown has wanted to be a pharmacist owning her own chemist ever since she began a part-time job as a teenager in O'Rourke's chemist in Mountrath in the 1980s.

Two years ago that dream came true when she opened Audrey's Chemist in the centre of Mountrath town.

"I came from a family of seven, there was not enough money for university. At the time you needed 600 points and there were only 50 places to study in Ireland. I thought that points equalled intelligence and I'm not that brainy, so I just enjoyed my time in school in the Brigidine Convent and I played sport.

"After my leaving cert I interviewed for Trinity College and they suggested a pharmacy technician course, it wasn't even on the CEO list. I flew through that and then did a sales and marketing course.

"Back then pharmacies were very male dominated, and it was considered that you had to be a pharmacist to own a chemist, now they can be run by business managers," she said.

While working, Audrey still felt she wanted to be a pharmacist, so she joined Griffith College and resat the Leaving Cert in biology and chemistry, studying at night and then getting the As she needed.

"Then I got a place in the Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen, I spent four years there, graduating when I was 29. I got advice from other people in the field and one told me to apply to do a year's experience in Guy's Hospital in London. I wanted to do a six month split between Guy's and retail because I loved retail, there were only two places, its very coveted, but I got one. That was what I had set my sights on, what I always wanted," she said.

Audrey then came home to Laois and spent many years working as a pharmacist in Lloyd's Pharmacy and Chemco in Portlaoise. She also married Kevin Flanagan from Borris-in-Ossory and they had two children, now teens. She also "took a backseat" and worked part-time for some years after her son was diagnosed with Autism, to put her focus into his care.

In December 2021, Audrey spotted the derelict shop in Mountrath town centre and saw her opportunity.

"I decided to rent it and do it up. It had been empty for 13 or 14 years and fallen derelict. It was an eyesore in the town. There was a tree growing inside it. There were no floors or stairs," she said.

She chose to go independent rather than join a pharmacy franchise, and got hands on for the renovation and interior decor of the shop. Inside it has salvaged stained glass, funky signs, plants and wallpapered sections.

"I didn't want to be told what way to do it, or put up plastic signs. Most of the things in the shop are repurposed as it is very important to me to be eco friendly. I sourced a lot of stuff from secondhand online sites. I designed my own logo. I didn't want a clinical white interior, I wanted it to reflect the country town its in, to be a hub of the town. We employed all local tradesmen.

"It was a huge investment, both personal, financial and mental. Rental prices in Mountrath are like Portlaoise. I don't feel the weight of it though. I have great support from my husband and my kids. It doesn't feel like work. I'm very comfortable in my job," Audrey said.

She said that having a child with Autism has educated her about neurodivergence, which in turn enriches her understanding and advice for customers.

She availed of the Laois County Council shopfront grant to install a new timber facade.

"We had to do it backwards to meet the grant deadline, long before the inside was ready, people kept asking when we were opening.

Opening it up two years ago was a huge day.

"The first day was fantastic, it felt nearly like my wedding day, the amount of cards, it was such a gorgeous reception, it felt like I was really coming home, I know an awful lot of people here. I felt very welcomed from the minute I took over the premises, I felt the community was very much behind us," she said.

Audrey celebrated her second year in business on Friday, September 6, with balloons and special offers, with customers coming in to congratulate her and even give her gifts, including little Sadie Cutler (below).

Sadie's nana is customer Mary Dunne.

"Audrey is a lovely girl, with lovely staff, they are always there to help you out, and even open up if you need something," she said.

Sadie Cutler, who turns three this September, giving pharmacist Audrey Kingston a 2nd anniversary gift.

Business is brisk she said.

"It's always busy, it's great. I employ three local staff. There is another pharmacy in Mountrath and we support each other, there always were two pharmacies in the town. Business is definitely improving in the town, thanks to the development forum and the BloomHQ hub, and even the tidy towns. There's a lot of work going on behind the scenes, Mountrath has a lot to offer. It's nice to be part of the business community," Audrey said.

"I just want to say a big thank you to everyone. I am very happy to see new customers come in all the time," she added.
A Laois model airplane club will 'reach new heights' for Portlaoise's Cuisle Centre.

Laois Model Aero Club, a Portlaoise based group of model airplane hobbyists, will hold an 'open fly-in' fundraiser for the Cuisle Centre.

The event will take place from 9:30am to 5:30pm at their club grounds in Clonadacasey, between Portlaoise and Mountrath.

"Everyone is welcomed to join us on the day," said Michael McEvoy, president of the Model Aeronautics Council of Ireland (MACI) and member of Laois Model Aero Club.

Pictured: The fundraiser is in aid of Portlaoise's Cuisle Centre.

"We will be holding a raffle and a voluntary box sale. There will be tea, coffee and other refreshments available.

It's something we're trying for the first time, and we hope to raise some money for the Cuisle Centre, it's a great cause," Mr McEvoy said.

"We're one of thirty clubs in the country, and we welcome other club members, along with people who wish to join our club too," he said.

Join Laois Model Aero Club on Sunday September 8 from 9:30am to 5:30pm.
Relics of Saint Bernadette will be displayed at churches in Laois over the next eight weeks as they are being brought from Lourdes to Ireland for a tour around the country the first time ever.

The International Marian Shrine at Lourdes has always had a special place in the hearts of Irish people. Countless Irish pilgrims have made the journey to the shrine for the last 166 years since the apparitions of Our Lady to Saint Bernadette in 1858. This year the people of Ireland will have the opportunity to welcome the spirit of Lourdes and Saint Bernadette to a local church in their own home diocese.

The relics will be in Church of Ss Peter & Paul, Portlaoise, on October 8.



On Tuesday, September 3, a special ceremony will be held at the grotto in Lourdes, where the holy relics of Saint Bernadette will be entrusted to Bishop Kevin Doran who, along with parishioners of the Diocese of Elphin, is currently on pilgrimage in Lourdes. The Elphin Pilgrimage will bring the relics home with them to begin the pilgrimage around Ireland, beginning in Galway Cathedral on 5 September.

Bishop Doran said, There is a well established tradition of people bringing religious objects home from Lourdes, to share with family members and friends. This year, we have the unique privilege of bringing home the relics of Saint Bernadette, as we fly back into Knock Airport after the Elphin Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes. Many people are unable to travel on pilgrimage to Lourdes, but this year Lourdes will come to them, as the Relics of Saint Bernadette make their way around Ireland. We hope that many people will be able to share in the blessings of the Pilgrimage, by gathering to pray with Saint Bernadette in cities and towns across the country.



During September and October the relics of Saint Bernadette will journey on pilgrimage - for the very first time - to each of the 26 dioceses on the island of Ireland. This very special, once-in-life-time, opportunity will enable people of all ages experience the special gifts and charisms of Lourdes in their local diocese, and to share the grace of an encounter with Mary as Bernadette experienced it. By venerating the relics, people of faith can encounter peace and joy of heart and become credible and courageous witnesses of love.



The relics will visit cathedrals and churches in every diocese, north and south. The full programme can be found on the dedicated website here.

Welcoming the visit of the relics, Primate of All Ireland, Archbishop Eamon Martin said, The pilgrimage around Ireland of Saint Bernadettes relics will be a source of hope, great joy and inspiration, especially for the many people of Ireland who have travelled to Lourdes over the years and for the dedicated groups across the island who work all year round to plan pilgrimages at parish and diocesan level. Of course Lourdes is synonymous with care and love for sick and disabled persons and it is a special sanctuary for those who struggle with worries or decisions of one kind or another.



Father Gerard Fox, Pilgrimage Director for the Diocese of Down & Connor, and member of the steering group who collaborated with the Sanctuary of Lourdes to arrange the visit said, This is a unique opportunity for those of us engaged in bringing pilgrimages to Lourdes, to bring the message and a little taste of Lourdes to local communities. Saint Bernadette understood her role as a messenger of Marys message, now she brings that message to the Church community in Ireland.



During their visit, there will be opportunities to venerate the relics privately as well as by participating in liturgies reminiscent of the Lourdes pilgrimage experience. The intention is to bring Lourdes to the faithful, especially those who may not have the ability to go to Lourdes in person. It is in the music, prayer, processions and gestures that this unique spirit will be shared.
Join Brazilian Guitar Duo Gustavo de Morais and Robson Rocha at the Riverbank Arts Centre in Newbridge for an enchanting instrumental concert titled Essas Mulheres, dedicated to celebrating the works of female Brazilian composers.

On Culture Night, September 20, the duo will take you on a captivating journey through the rich traditions of Brazilian music and the sophisticated harmonies of jazz, infusing each note with emotion and creativity.

This special performance will highlight the contributions of talented women composers, offering a unique and inspiring musical experience.

Dont miss this opportunity to witness the Brazilian Guitar Duo as they pay tribute to these remarkable women through their soulful and dynamic interpretations.

This is a drop-in event which will take place in the Foyer from 5pm-6pm. Brazilian Guitar Duo Gustavo de Morais and Robson Rocha are two artists based in Ireland with over 30 years of combined experience performing music internationally.

Together, they bring their shared passion for music to the stage, delivering beautiful melodies, energising rhythms, and irresistible dancing grooves.

With their warm guitar tones, Gustavo and Robson create a musical experience that resonates with audiences of all backgrounds. Their performances are marked by soulful solos and seamless interplay, showcasing their deep connection to the music they love and enjoy.

This event is part of Riverbanks programme for Culture Night 2024. See www.riverbank.ie for more details.
Our planet is full of breathtaking landscapes, from towering mountains and lush forests to pristine beaches and amazing deserts. But there are a few countries that constantly amaze travelers with their natural wonders, rich culture, and architecture.

ADVERTISIMENT

Which ones are the most visually stunning? StudyFinds has compiled 5 of the most beautiful countries in the world, according to the ratings of 10 expert travel sites.

USA

The United States stands out among other countries as a treasure trove of spectacular landscapes. The Grand Canyon alone is mesmerizing, stretching as if endlessly. One of the travel websites describes the canyon as a huge geological wonderland, which corresponds to the often used term "breathtaking". It is the kind of place that makes you feel like a small grain of sand in the universe, offering views that seem almost hypnotic in their majesty.

But that's not the only mesmerizing place in the United States. Head east and you'll find yourself in the arms of the Blue Ridge Mountains, home to two stunning national parks: Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains. The best way to immerse yourself in the beauty of this region is to take a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway. This scenic highway is like a front-row seat to some of the country's most picturesque landscapes, running along the famous Appalachian Trail and connecting these two incredible parks.

ADVERTISIMENT

Italy

Italy's charm is undeniable, and its two main tourist highlights are the floating city of Venice and the sun-drenched Amalfi Coast.

Vietnam

Vietnam is one of those places that you may not have thought about in terms of tourism, but believe us, you should. This country is filled with stunning landscapes that will make you wonder why you haven't visited it before. For example, the waterfall of the Sa Pa Valley feels like nature has decided to show off a little.

ADVERTISIMENT

But what is the most beautiful thing in Vietnam? Perhaps it's Ha Long Bay. Imagine thousands of jagged limestone islands emerging from the emerald sea. This is the kind of view that stays with you, making you want to come back. Imagine you're in a kayak, paddling through a green sea, surrounded by jungle-covered karsts. Just don't forget to bring an extra memory card for your camera - you'll need it!

Canada

Canada is home to some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the world, and Banff National Park and Peyto Lake are no exception. Located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park is a true gem.

ADVERTISIMENT

The real superstar of Banff is Peyto Lake. This place looks like Mother Nature got a little carried away with her turquoise brush. There are many hiking trails and scenic roads in the area that will make you feel like you're in a living postcard.

Greece

If you are looking for a destination that combines stunning natural beauty with rich history and culture, the Greek regions of Santorini and Thessaly should be at the top of your list. Santorini, with its iconic whitewashed buildings perched on top of spectacular cliffs overlooking the Aegean Sea, is a must-see for any traveler. The island's volcanic origin has created unique beaches of black and red sand, and its ancient ruins and charming villages offer a glimpse into Greece's rich past.

ADVERTISIMENT

But this is not the end of Greece's beauty display. Thessaly is a place where lush greenery and mountains seem to touch the sky, and rivers seem to rush with each other to the sea. But the real attraction here is the Meteora Monasteries. Imagine huge rock formations sticking out of the ground, and on top of them, as if they were defying gravity, are these ancient monasteries.

And let's not forget about Mount Olympus. Whether you believe in Zeus and company or not, one look at this place and you will understand why the ancients considered it divine.

ADVERTISIMENT

Only verified information is available on OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Dermot Bannon has opened up about suffering a pulmonary embolism over the summer when a clot worked its way from his leg into his lungs.

The architect felt unwell while on a family holiday to Portugal and initially put it down to fatigue and stress. However, the pain worsened and soon he was "in agony".

Speaking on the Ray Darcy Show on RTE Radio One, Bannon revealed that he suffered the major medical scare while holidaying with his family for a week in Portugal.

READ MORE - Good news for homeowners as Electric Ireland announce upcoming cuts to electric and gas prices

The 52-year-old father of three opened up about suffering a pulmonary embolism in his lungs, that left him in so much pain it made him feel as though he had broken a rib.

Bannon went to the hospital in Portugal soon after, where they told him it was a lung infection.

"I had had Covid three weeks before that, so it was all put down to that," he said. "I got better, the symptoms kind of subsided, flew home, and then a week later - if I'd gone for two weeks' holiday, I would've still been over there - the pains came back - but more severe.

"Lying in the bed, four o'clock in the morning, really sharp pains down my side. I was pumping Nurofen into myself to try and get rid of them."

Bannon visited his health insurer's clinic the next day and was told his lung infection hadn't cleared up. He was sent for a blood test in A&E which showed "that there might be some clotting going on".

"Then they did a CT scan immediately," Bannon said. "I had what was known as a pulmonary embolism, which was a blood clot that came from my leg, had worked its way up, was in my lungs - in both lungs."

The 52-year-old told listeners that had he not prioritised his health, things would have become "worse and worse and worse".

"What happens is if you don't spot it, if you don't do something, the pressure on your heart can cause a cardiac arrest."

He added that he had been putting down the symptoms "to just getting a bit older".

"Part of it was just me feeling infallible - and me feeling nothing can go wrong with me. 'I feel great. I will look after myself. I'm all of these things'."

"It was the week after it kind of really hit me," he told Ray Darcy. "It's one of the biggest killers in Ireland, but nobody knows about it.

"At the moment, the treatment is very heavy kind of blood thinners, which will dissolve the thing."

Bannon told listeners watch out for the warning signs of pulmonary embolisms.

"Swelling or pain in one leg or a warmth or redness in your arm or your leg," he said. "Short[ness] of breath.

"The other one is chest pain, which is what I got. To describe it, it was like a sharp pain, especially when I took a deep breath in.

"And then the last one is if you're coughing up blood. But if you've got a sharp pain in your side and you don't know what it is, or if you're short of breath, go in to hospital.

"If you've any of these symptoms, straight in to A&E."
A judge has imposed a one month prison term on an intruder who bit the buttocks of a married woman during the course of a late night assault at her family home.

At Killaloe District Court sitting in Ennis, Judge Alec Gabbett imposed two concurrent one month prison terms on Martin Gooney (27) of Riverview, Scariff, Co Clare for the assaults on the woman at an address in Whitegate, Co Clare on December 22, 2022.

Mr Gooney had pleaded guilty to two counts of assault against the woman and one count of trespass at her family home.

Solicitor for Mr Gooney, Daragh Hassett asked Judge Gabbett that the sentences be suspending in the context of what he called the complicated relationship between Mr Gooney and the woman.

Mr Hassett said that the two had been in a brief relationship though he said that is denied by the married woman.

In response, Judge Gabbett said that he couldnt suspend the prison term and had been considering a higher prison term than one month.

Read Also: Man charged with raping female at Clare leisure centre sent forward for trial to Central Criminal Court

He said: It was a human bite and human bites are very serious.

He said that he viewed a photo which shows the bite mark on the buttocks.

Judge Gabbett said that he was also taking into account the womans powerful victim impact statement handed into court.

Judge Gabbett told the court: This is what happens when you engage in complicated relationships, things get complicated."

This is a complication of a complicated relationship. There is nothing I can do about that.

Outlining the incident, Garda Aine Troy told the court that the assault incident at the womans home only ended after the woman screamed and this resulted in her eight year old son coming downstairs and Mr Gooney then leaving the house.

Garda Troy said that earlier Mr Gooney had tried to kiss the woman at her property where he was trespassing.

Garda Troy said that the woman opened the back door to ask him what he was at and Mr Gooney pulled her by the wrist out the door.

Garda Troy said that the woman fell and he bit her on the right buttocks cheek. She got back up and on entering the house he followed her and bit her on the right shoulder and pushed her against the dish-water and press unit.

Mr Hassett said that the guilty pleas were very valuable to the State and there had been a significant downgrading of charges in the case.

Mr Hassett said that the parties had a brief relationship and stated that Mr Gooney was subsequently approached by the victims husband in a pub where he told him that in no uncertain terms that he had a relationship with his wife previously.

He said: It is not as if the parties were not known to each other. The victim may not accept that. I am instructed as a fact that it happened.

Mr Hassett said: The boundaries were very much crossed on this night by Mr Gooney and his behaviour was unacceptable.

He said: "There were certain signals that he thought he was getting where the two had a relationship before."

Mr Hassett said that his client had to eventually block this lady on the phone after their brief encounter."

He said: It doesnt explain or defend his actions on the night in question. He did trespass significant boundaries. He accepts that."

Mr Hassett added: He is extremely remorseful for what happened. He wants to get on with his life."

He said: There is that important context to what happened - it is not a case where someone randomly walks into a house and tries it on."

Mr Hassett said: Mr Gooney is a hard working man. He fits the profile of your typical country lad, maybe thats a very unfair profile nowadays who leaves school early, works hard and plays hard for a while.

Mr Hassett said Mr Gooney works six days a week. He said that he wont go near this family again.

He said: He was a hot head in the past and drink didnt help."

He said: At a point in the encounter he wasnt welcome in the house and it seems that was made known to him. There were blurred lines all round.

He said: It is a very messy situationThe victim should not have had to encounter what she encountered.

Mr Hassett said that Mr Gooney has no cases pending against him and has kept his nose clean since. Mr Gooney was freed on bail pending an appeal of his prison term to the circuit court.
The latest Council meeting revealed that the Government have altered their policy regarding the importation of fracked gas into Ireland.

Cllr Eddie Mitchell called on the Council to write to Minister Eamon Ryan expressing deep concern and disappointment with Government plans to build a Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve in Ireland in the form of a fracked gas import terminal.

Cllr Mitchell requested the Council ask Minister Ryan to change the policy and instead ban liquified natural gas terminals in line with the May 2021 Policy Statement on Importation of Fracked Gas.

Im glad to bring forward this motion with councillor support from Fermanagh. Both Leitrim and Fermanagh have been fighting for years to keep fracking out.

Everybody here has played a role in that and I recognise the leading roles that have been played in this campaign, Cllr Mitchell said.

The situation we thought we were in has changed. There was a policy to keep fracked gas imports out of Ireland and thats very important for us here in Leitrim.

The Government was formed in many ways on a basis back then that if Eamon Ryan got into Government he would commit to stopping fracked gas and that did happen, Cllr Mitchell said.

In May 2021, a policy statement declared that liquified natural gas terminals would be banned in order to prevent the importation of fracked gas into Ireland. This policy was introduced in response to a planning application for a terminal in the Shannon Estuary, and the ban effectively blocked the project.

In November 2023, the Government reversed that policy.

What Im asking is for the Council to write to Eamon Ryan and ask to revert back to the policy. Its the only way the Attorney General has said we can keep fracked gas out of Ireland, Cllr Mitchell added.

Cllr Bohan told the Council that a number of years ago she attended a meeting with speakers from all over the world on the effects of fracking.

Particularly from America, they were able to show us the effect fracking has on their communities and it destroyed them completely. A lot of work has been put into this and we cannot be seen to be using fracked gas and we must oppose it, she commented.

We spent years working on this and were strongly supported by every Oireachtas member and we were very happy when our TDs tabled a motion for the Dail which was passed and agreed to ban fracking.

I dont think we should do anything that would change that, Cllr Bohan stressed.

It could open a door and wed be back to where we were ten years ago. We have to stand square behind this, added Cllr Warnock.

Its important this local authority sends a clear message to the Minister and let them know we will oppose this with the vigour we opposed it previously, Cllr Fallon said.

Cllr Enda McGloin voiced his concerns on Irelands energy security, particularly the risk of facing shortages in electricity and energy.

We are reducing our reliance and are looking towards wind and solar but we still have a situation of short-term. In a case of emergency where we have terms of shortage of gas and electricity, it would take a couple years to build, Cllr McGloin said.

One of the issues in getting jobs and investment in this country is sufficient supply of electricity, power and energy. We have to be sure this country has no short term issues regarding energy.

We have to work towards long-term to get away from fossil fuels which takes a considerable amount of time, he concluded.

Cllr Mitchells motion received unanimous support across the assembly.

The very fact is and it's clearly been stated by Eamon Ryan and everyone in the Dail that the terminal will be used, Cllr Mitchell stressed.

There isnt a grey area here. If we lose the argument on fracked gas getting into the energy mix we really put ourselves in danger, he concluded.
Nine Corboy & Demetrio Lawyers selected to 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America





CHICAGO, Sept. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Corboy & Demetrio is pleased to announce that nine of its partners have been included in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America.

Corboy & Demetrio Co-founder Thomas A. Demetrio has been included in every edition of Best Lawyers since 1987. "For more than 40 years, the rigorous methodology of Best Lawyers has ensured the integrity and esteem of our legal recognitions," said Best Lawyers CEO Phillip Greer.

Corboy & Demetrio would like to congratulate the following lawyers named to 2025 The Best Lawyers in America list:

Thomas A. Demetrio - Aviation Law, Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs, and Personal Injury Litigation ? Plaintiffs (Recognized since 1987.)





- Aviation Law, Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs, and Personal Injury Litigation ? Plaintiffs (Recognized since 1987.) Philip Corboy, Jr. - Personal Injury Litigation ? Plaintiffs (Recognized since 2006.)





- Personal Injury Litigation ? Plaintiffs (Recognized since 2006.) Michael D. Ditore - Personal Injury Litigation ? Plaintiffs (Recognized since 2023.)





- Personal Injury Litigation ? Plaintiffs (Recognized since 2023.) William T. Gibbs - Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Plaintiffs, Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs, and Personal Injury Litigation ? Plaintiffs (Recognized since 2022.)





- Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Plaintiffs, Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs, and Personal Injury Litigation ? Plaintiffs (Recognized since 2022.) Daniel S. Kirschner - Personal Injury Litigation ? Plaintiffs (Recognized since 2019.)





- Personal Injury Litigation ? Plaintiffs (Recognized since 2019.) Michelle M. Kohut - Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs and Workers' Compensation Law ? Claimants (Recognized since 2020.)





Kenneth T. Lumb - Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Plaintiffs and Personal Injury Litigation ? Plaintiffs (Recognized since 2019.)





- Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Plaintiffs and Personal Injury Litigation ? Plaintiffs (Recognized since 2019.) Francis Patrick Murphy - Personal Injury Litigation ? Plaintiffs (Recognized since 2020.)





- Personal Injury Litigation ? Plaintiffs (Recognized since 2020.) Edward G. Willer - Personal Injury Litigation ? Plaintiffs (Recognized since 2022.)

In 2024, Bill Gibbs was also selected as a "Lawyer of the Year" in the area of Mass Torts/Class Actions ? Plaintiffs.

Since it was first published in 1983, Best Lawyers has become universally regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence. For the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America, more than 23 million votes were analyzed in making final selections.

About Corboy & Demetrio

Corboy & Demetrio is one of the nation's premier law firms, representing individuals and their families in serious personal injury and wrongful death cases. Our Chicago personal injury lawyers are renowned for their achievements in the courtroom and contributions to the community. Putting clients first has resulted in unparalleled and exceptional success - more than $4 billion in settlements and verdicts, of which nearly 600 were in excess of $1 million. To speak with Thomas Demetrio, Philip Corboy, Jr., or another one of our attorneys, please call us at 312-346-3191 or email us at [email protected]. We are available 24/7. For more information about our practice, go to www.corboydemetrio.com.

Media Contact: Helen Lucaitis, Esq., CMO, Corboy & Demetrio, 312-550-2077; [email protected]

SOURCE Corboy & Demetrio

6 september 2024 at 19:19

News published onand distributed by:
Polish soldiers part of the NATO-led peacekeeping mission stand as they monitor the main Kosovo-Serbia border crossing in Merdare, Kosovo September 6, 2024. VALDRIN XHEMAJ / REUTERS

Kosovo on Saturday, September 7, reopened two of its four border crossings with Serbia after protests on the Serbian side blocking cross-border traffic ended, the interior minister said.

The Kosovar government shut the border at Brnjak and the larger crossing in the village of Merdare overnight. Both villages are located in troubled northern Kosovo, where a majority of ethnic Serbs in several districts outnumber ethnic Albanians, who overwhelmingly populate the rest of the Balkan country.

Kosovar Interior Minister Xhelal Svecla said on Facebook that the decision to reopen the crossings was made after announcements that blockades by "masked extremists placed yesterday in the territory of Serbia" had been lifted. There have been "no obstacles to traffic from and to the border points of the Republic of Kosovo", he added.

The crossings were closed after dozens of demonstrators in Serbia on Friday prevented traffic from entering the country from Kosovo. They said they were protesting against the closure of a so-called parallel system of social services and political offices backed by the Serbian government inside Kosovo, rivaling official institutions.

Protestors gather to partially block the road near the main Kosovo-Serbia border crossing in Merdare, Serbia September 6, 2024. VALDRIN XHEMAJ / REUTERS

Read more Subscribers only Macron hopes to break Belgrade's ties to Moscow with fighter jets sale

Belgrade  which has never recognized the independence of Kosovo, a former southern province of Serbia -- finances a separate health, education, and social security system for the ethnic Serb minority in Kosovo.

The action on the border began a few days after police in northern Kosovo raided and closed five municipal offices linked to the Belgrade government in ethnic Serb areas. Foreign Minister Donika Gervalla told reporters on Friday that the Serbia protests were "yet more proof" that Belgrade was trying to provoke and destabilize its southern neighbor.

Animosity has persisted between the Balkan neighbors since the war between Serbian forces and ethnic Albanian insurgents in the late 1990s. Kosovo later declared independence in 2008, a move that Serbia has refused to acknowledge, encouraging ethnic Serbs in Kosovo to remain loyal to Belgrade.

Read more We must keep an eye on Rafale fighters delivered to Serbia
A LIMERICK family has been left living in torment after a review into the decision not to hold an inquest for their beloved brother and son, who was knifed to death in Manchester, was refused.

Father-of-two Tom Murphy (pictured below), aged 42, from Ballyagran, died after he was stabbed 34 times with a kitchen knife by Stephen Owusu, 23, in a row about a broken plate in a shared rented house in September 2022.

All we want is an inquest to get answers. Im a believer in the seven Ws - What, When, Where, How, Who, Which and Why - and then well see. Weve been left living in torment, said his younger brother Darragh in an interview with the Limerick Leader.

Minister of State Niall Collins has written to Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheal Martin, asking him to engage with the UK Government through the Irish Ambassador and Consular Service in England and ask for an inquest into the death of Tom Murphy to be held.

Darragh spoke of the familys disgust at the treatment by authorities in the UK and said justice has not been served.

In the following days, weeks and months after Toms death, the family tried to find out as much as they could about what happened.

We started asking questions. The Greater Manchester Police said they couldnt really tell us because if it got into the media it would jeopardise the case.

We asked why did the man kill him and they said they believed it was over a broken plate. We were told all the questions we have will be answered at the inquest when the hearing was over, said Darragh.

Darragh said the family wasn't consulted when the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), the English equivalent of the DPP, decided to drop a murder charge and accept a plea to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility - paranoid schizophrenia.

At the court case in October 2023, a judge imposed a hospital order on Owusu. He was sent to a secure hospital indefinitely for treatment for his mental health disorder instead of going to jail.

A week later they learned there will be no inquest held into Toms horrific death in Manchester. He had lived and worked in the telecommunications industry in the UK for over 20 years.

Darragh hired a solicitor to make a case for the decision not to hold an inquest to be reviewed.

He was informed in recent weeks it was refused.

Local TD Niall Collins said it is very hard to comprehend why there hasnt been an inquest.

In Ireland, inquests are held in cases of sudden, unexplained or violent death of a person. Tom Murphy was stabbed 34 times. From speaking to the Murphy family, they have many unanswered questions.

The least the Murphy family deserve is an inquest into Toms terrible death, where they can ask the questions that remain to be answered and hopefully get some small bit of closure, said Mr Collins, who has written to Tanaiste Micheal Martin about the case.

READ MORE: Family raises funds for charity in memory of Limerick woman, 25, who died after tragic collision

The Murphy family have a number of questions regarding Owusus previous treatment for mental health difficulties and if Toms death could have been prevented.

They drew parallels with the Nottingham Attacks where Barnaby Webber, Grace O'Malley-Kumar and Ian Coates were killed by Valdo Calocane in June 2023.

Last month, Panorama investigated his history of mental ill health, the care he received in the three years before the Nottingham attacks and asked what lessons can be learned. Like Owusu, Calocane was given a hospital order after admitting manslaughter by diminished responsibility.

Darragh said it emerged in Owusus court case he tried to attack his mum, before threatening to kill her while brandishing a knife. Police were called and officers attended. Owusu was referred to Derbyshire's Crime Diversion Scheme'.

Later, Owusu turned violent towards his dad. Owusu was cautioned by cops, according to the Manchester Evening News.

Darragh said one of a number of questions the Murphy family have is how Owusu, who believed voices in his head were talking to each other, was allowed free in the community and rent a room in a four-bed shared house in Manchester. That is when he met Tom Murphy. Two months later, Owusu would kill him because he thought Tom had broken his plate.

Darragh said Tom told him on the phone prior to his death that he had concerns over Owusu, who he said had directed a racial slur against Tom.

I remember the day of that conversation because it was the day the Queen died. He had rang my mam. I came into the kitchen and she put me onto him, recalled Darragh.

He says the family do not accept the manslaughter verdict and would like him to serve his time in a normal prison.

It would be the only thing that would give us comfort to think that the youngster would be amongst his own, said Darragh.

He concluded by speaking about the anger they feel at being let down by authorities.

All we want is an inquest to ask the questions that remain unanswered, said Darragh.
A SEVEN-YEAR-OLDS hair breaks from showering in an area with a boil water notice area, heard a municipal district meeting.

Cllr Tommy OSullivan put down a motion at the most recent meeting of the Cappamore-Kilmallock electoral area that the council correspond with Uisce Eireann to seek an update on the status of the water scheme takeover in Kilglass, close to Kilbehenny and Mitchelstown.

The councillor also asked about the current status of the boil water notice in place.

Cllr OSullivan then read out an email he had received from a local resident.

We have lived here now for over 11 years, and in all this time there has been a boil water notice for the scheme.

I believe it is the longest boil water notice in the country. We have been promised now for years that we will be connected to Irish Water but this has not happened.

We have had to put a UV filter on our water to drink it safely for our family and install filters in the showers. Even along with these measures the water is horrible to shower in and causes damage to my hair and my seven-year-old's hair which breaks constantly for using it, read out Cllr OSullivan.

The author of the email concluded by saying, I look forward to hearing from you and hopefully you might be able to get some info on the issues that are of great concern to me and my family.

Cllr OSullivan said he had spoken to the person who sent him on the letter.

It is a major issue. It is going on 11 years, said the Kilfinane-based councillor.

READ MORE: Family raises funds for charity in memory of Limerick woman, 25, who died after tragic collision

A response to the councils request for an update on the status of the water scheme takeover in Kilglass, and current status of the boil water notice in place, was circulated to elected members.

An Uisce Eireann representative said schemes will only be taken over when fit for purpose and free from significant defects that would impact on customer service, water quality or asset longevity.

The boil water notice in place for the Kilglass scheme is a key issue that needs to be addressed prior to the scheme being taken in charge.

The plan is to connect this supply to the Mitchelstown supply. Design for the connection is complete and the tendering process is currently underway.

A main contractor is expected to be appointed within six weeks with works to be completed by the end of the year, and the boil water notice is subsequently expected to be lifted.

Following this, we expect the taken in charge process to progress, said Uisce Eireann.
Let Truth and falsehood grapple," argued John Milton in Areopagitica, a pamphlet published in 1644 defending the freedom of the press. Such freedom would, he admitted, allow incorrect or misleading works to be published, but bad ideas would spread anyway, even without printingso better to allow everything to be published and let rival views compete on the battlefield of ideas. Good information, Milton confidently believed, would drive out bad: the dust and cinders" of falsehood may yet serve to polish and brighten the armory of truth".

Yuval Noah Harari, an Israeli historian, lambasts this position as the naive view" of information in a timely new book. It is mistaken, he argues, to suggest that more information is always better and more likely to lead to the truth; the internet did not end totalitarianism, and racism cannot be fact-checked away. But he also argues against a populist view" that objective truth does not exist and that information should be wielded as a weapon. (It is ironic, he notes, that the notion of truth as illusory, which has been embraced by right-wing politicians, originated with left-wing thinkers such as Marx and Foucault.)

Few historians have achieved the global fame of Mr Harari, who has sold more than 45m copies of his megahistories, including Sapiens". He counts Barack Obama and Mark Zuckerberg among his fans. A techno-futurist who contemplates doomsday scenarios, Mr Harari has warned about technologys ill effects in his books and speeches, yet he captivates Silicon Valley bosses, whose innovations he critiques.

In Nexus", a sweeping narrative ranging from the stone age to the era of artificial intelligence (AI), Mr Harari sets out to provide a better understanding of what information is, how it helps to build human networks, and how it relates to truth and power". Lessons from history can, he suggests, provide guidance in dealing with big information-related challenges in the present, chief among them the political impact of AI and the risks to democracy posed by disinformation. In an impressive feat of temporal sharpshooting, a historian whose arguments operate on the scale of millennia has managed to capture the zeitgeist perfectly. With 70 nations, accounting for around half the worlds population, heading to the polls this year, questions of truth and disinformation are top of mind for votersand readers.

Mr Hararis starting point is a novel definition of information itself. Most information, he says, does not represent anything, and has no essential link to truth. Informations defining feature is not representation but connection; it is not a way of capturing reality but a way of linking and organising ideas and, crucially, people. (It is a social nexus".) Early information technologies, such as stories, clay tablets or religious texts, and later newspapers and radio, are ways of orchestrating social order.

Here Mr Harari is building on an argument from his previous books, such as Sapiens" and Homo Deus": that humans prevailed over other species because of their ability to co-operate flexibly in large numbers, and that shared stories and myths allowed such interactions to be scaled up, beyond direct person-to-person contact. Laws, gods, currencies and nationalities are all intangible things that are conjured into existence through shared narratives. These stories do not have to be entirely accurate; fiction has the advantage that it can be simplified and can ignore inconvenient or painful truths.

The opposite of myth, which is engaging but may not be accurate, is the list, which boringly tries to capture reality, and gives rise to bureaucracy. Societies need both mythology and bureaucracy to maintain order. He considers the creation and interpretation of holy texts and the emergence of the scientific method as contrasting approaches to the questions of trust and fallibility, and to maintaining order versus finding truth.

He also applies this framing to politics, treating democracy and totalitarianism as contrasting types of information networks". Starting in the 19th century, mass media made democracy possible at a national level, but also opened the door for large-scale totalitarian regimes". In a democracy, information flows are decentralised and rulers are assumed to be fallible; under totalitarianism, the opposite is true. And now digital media, in various forms, are having political effects of their own. New information technologies are catalysts for major historical shifts.

Dark matter

As in his previous works, Mr Hararis writing is confident, wide-ranging and spiced with humour. He draws upon history, religion, epidemiology, mythology, literature, evolutionary biology and his own family biography, often leaping across millennia and back again within a few paragraphs. Some readers will find this invigorating; others may experience whiplash.

And many may wonder why, for a book about information that promises new perspectives on AI, he spends so much time on religious history, and in particular the history of the Bible. The reason is that holy books and AI are both attempts, he argues, to create an infallible superhuman authority". Just as decisions made in the fourth century AD about which books to include in the Bible turned out to have far-reaching consequences centuries later, the same, he worries, is true today about AI: the decisions made about it now will shape humanitys future.

Mr Harari argues that AI should really stand for alien intelligence" and worries that AIs are potentially new kinds of gods". Unlike stories, lists or newspapers, AIs can be active agents in information networks, like people. Existing computer-related perils such as algorithmic bias, online radicalisation, cyber-attacks and ubiquitous surveillance will all be made worse by AI, he fears. He imagines AIs creating dangerous new myths, cults, political movements and new financial products that crash the economy.

Some of his nightmare scenarios seem implausible. He imagines an autocrat becoming beholden to his AI surveillance system, and another who, distrusting his defence minister, hands control of his nuclear arsenal to an AI instead. And some of his concerns seem quixotic: he rails against TripAdvisor, a website where tourists rate restaurants and hotels, as a terrifying peer-to-peer surveillance system". He has a habit of conflating all forms of computing with AI. And his definition of information network" is so flexible that it encompasses everything from large language models like ChatGPT to witch-hunting groups in early modern Europe.

But Mr Hararis narrative is engaging, and his framing is strikingly original. He is, by his own admission, an outsider when it comes to writing about computing and AI, which grants him a refreshingly different perspective. Tech enthusiasts will find themselves reading about unexpected aspects of history, while history buffs will gain an understanding of the AI debate. Using storytelling to connect groups of people? That sounds familiar. Mr Hararis book is an embodiment of the very theory it expounds.

 2024, The Economist Newspaper Limited. All rights reserved. From The Economist, published under licence. The original content can be found on www.economist.com
Mumbai: Barely months after IndiGo set an aspirational tone for domestic low-cost airlines with plans to offer business class luxury, Akasa Air and Air India Express are discarding the premium seats they had inherited as they seek to improve operational efficiency.

Akasa Air, Indias newest airline that was co-founded by the late Rakesh Jhunjhunwala, has already replaced premium seats on most of its fleet of two-dozen aircraft with regular economy seats, and expects to complete the process by October, a senior executive said.

Air India Express has started a similar retrofitting process, diverging from market leader IndiGos bet that passengers will be willing to pay a premium to travel business class even in low-cost airlines.

Akasa Air and Air India Express had inherited the business class seats on Boeing 737 Max aircraft that were tailored to the specifications of Chinese airlines that dropped their orders following fatal crashes involving the US-made planes. A trade war between the US and China is believed to have aided this decision.

We never offered those seats as business class anyway," said Praveen Iyer, co-founder and chief commercial officer of Akasa, which offered an upgrade to passengers who could pay extra for the larger seats with more legroom.

While Akasa Air was pricing its premium seats at 3,500 over and above its regular fare, Air India Express tagged its business class seats at about 16,000 in the Delhi-Mumbai sector. Thats still lower than the 26,000 charged by its parent entity, the Tata Group-owned full service Air India, for a business class seat on the same route.

We would have replaced these business class seats earlier itself if these replacements were available earlier," a senior Air India Express executive said on condition of anonymity. The seats were not available due to supply chain issues and are available now. We have started to replace the seats on the aircraft now and will soon be able to replace it on all of them."

Air India Express did not respond toMints email sent on Thursday evening.

Also read | IndiGoStretchWhen aloo tikki becomes a Gupta burger

Reducing complexities

Aviation experts said that the decision of Air India Express and Akasa Air to chuck the premium seats aligns with the business philosophies of these two airlines. Having just one tier of customers reduces complexities, helping them maintain low cost of operations, they said.

Both the carriers are no-frills. So it makes sense that they want to have their entire cabins completely economy," said Ajay Prakash, president of Travel Agents Federation of India.

Akasa Air has 24 aircraft and is set to induct one more shortly. All its aircraft are Boeing 737 MAX and have the same engine to standardize crew. It has more than 200 additional aircraft on order with Boeing, which will be inducted through 2030.

Air India Express has 80 aircraft, of which 52 are Boeing 737 and Boeing 737 MAX. The rest are Airbus A320s.

Also read | Air India eyes regional aviation space in challenge to IndiGo

While these low-cost carriers are focusing on consolidating their operations towards economy, IndiGos entry into business class has divided Indias aviation industry on whether consumers of budget airlines will pay for business class facilities.

IndiGo has announced plans to launch business class seats on its Airbus A321 aircraft.

Set to begin in November on the Delhi-Mumbai sector, IndiGos business class, called IndiGo Stretch, offers an introductory price of 18,018. IndiGos regular fare for this route in November is about 4,000.

Also read | Mint Explainer: IndiGo adjusts flight path with business class and loyalty programme. Tailwinds or headwinds?
After the premiere of the Russian documentary "Russians at War" at the 81st Venice Film Festival, for which the Canadian government allocated $340,000, director Anastasia Trofimova plans to show the film in Toronto. The distribution of the film, which aims to "whitewash" the reputation of the occupiers and destroy "stereotypical impressions" of them, caused outrage among representatives of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress.

ADVERTISIMENT

The members of the association called on the organizers of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) to cancel the screening of the propaganda film, The Kyiv Independent reports. The film is imbued with the idea of Ukraine's "inseparability" from the territory of the Russian Federation.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress has issued an official letter condemning the distribution of the documentary. According to diplomats, Anastasia Trofimova probably did not have permission to visit the territories of Ukraine that are currently under occupation by the enemy army.

"If this is the case, she illegally crossed the internationally recognized Ukrainian-Russian border, violated Ukrainian law and possibly violated Canadian sanctions," the organization said.

ADVERTISIMENT

They added that any attempt to call the film "anti-war" is a disgusting distortion of the real actions of Russian soldiers who have been killing and torturing Ukrainians for 10 years.

"We are deeply disappointed by TIFF's decision to show a Russian propaganda film in this year's program. With TIFF's mission to 'transform the way people see the world through film', we see this as an attempt to whitewash the war crimes committed by Russian soldiers in Ukraine," said Yulia Kovaliv, Ambassador of Ukraine to Canada.

ADVERTISIMENT

For their part, representatives of the domestic film industry did not ignore the scandal with the propaganda film. Film producer Darya Bassel emphasized on her social media that such projects are used by the enemy as a weapon.

"The director, like Putin and his regime, is playing an interesting game with these people. They deny Russians the simple ability to have dignity, to think and decide for themselves. For them, these people are simply powerless objects. As I write this and as you read it, missiles are hitting Ukrainian cities. Ordinary Russians are pushing the buttons. Are their crimes any less significant just because they claim not to know why they are involved in this war?" she wrote.

ADVERTISIMENT

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Telegram CEO Pavel Durov recently made an announcement about introducing new features days after being released from France prison.

While pointing out that 10 million paid subscribers are using Telegram Premium, Pavel Durov in a post on his official Telegram channel said, Today, were introducing new features while phasing out a few outdated ones.

Also Read | Telegram CEO Pavel Durov hits back at French charges

French authorities apprehended the Telegram CEO on charges of enabling illicit content on the popular instant messaging platform. After his release, Pavel Durov blamed sudden increase in user count of the messaging platform that made it possible for criminals to indulge in illegal activities. Denying allegations that the messaging app refused to cooperate with European authorities to limit illegal activities, he said that the user count rose to 950M that caused growing pains that made it easier for criminals to abuse our platform.

This development comes in the wake of company's decision to curb illicit activities and introduce moderation on the messaging app. Pavel Durov's recent post states, Weve removed the People Nearby feature, which was used by less than 0.1% of Telegram users, but had issues with bots and scammers."

Moderation efforts He further mentioned that the messaging app will be introducing Businesses Nearby in its place which will allow users to see legitimate and verified businesses. The post further reads, These businesses will be able to display product catalogs and accept payments seamlessly.

Another significant update is that users will no longer be able to upload images or videos on Telegraph, Telegram's standalone blogging tool. The CEO acknowledged that it seems to have been misused by anonymous actors.
BDO, the auditor firm for the ed-tech startup Byju's, resigned in the middle of a worsening situation at the company, reported Moneycontrol quoting an email on Saturday, September 7. The stepdown comes at a time when the company is facing multiple legal cases from insolvency proceedings to employee and vendor dues, as per the news report.

According to the report, BDO (MSKA & Associates) took charge as the auditor for Byju's and Aakash Educational Services for the next five years in June 2023 after the previous auditor, Deloitte, resigned, citing irregularities in the company.

Also Read | Byjus says auditors resigned due to initiation of insolvency proceedings

The new auditor requested a forensic audit on July 17, a day after Byju's insolvency plea. According to the statutory requirements, the auditor can resign within 45 days of initiating a letter if they are not satisfied with the company's response, reported the news portal.

As you are well aware, Byjus has complied with every request made by BDO, except those that would require us to cross the lines of ethics and legality, said Byju Raveendran, chief executive officer (CEO) of Byju's in his email to a top executive at BDO on Friday night, as per the news report.

The news portal's queries to the auditor, BDO, remained unanswered till the report was published.

BDO stepped in as an auditor at a time when Byju's was facing regulatory scrutiny as the company did not file financials for the year ended 2022, which led to Delloite flagging the issue and stepping down as the auditor for the company, as per the report.

Additionally, I must remind you that in the virtual board meeting of FY22 where the audit report is also clean, you personally confirmed that after conducting thorough due diligence, you found no evidence of fraud or malpractice in our international transactions. This assurance came from you directly, and we have it on record, said Raveendran to a Partner at BDO in his email, reported the news portal.

I also find it troubling that BDO's emails requesting for information on July 17, exactly a day after the insolvency proceeding started, were not marked to the Resolution Professional. The timing, coming just a day after Byjus initiated bankruptcy proceedings, raises serious questions about the motivation behind your firm's decision to step down, he said in the email, quoted in the report.

In between the troubles for the ed-tech startup, the company has still managed to pay payments in parts to the fees due to BDO, according to CEO Raveendran, cited in the report.

This indicates our willingness to work together through difficult times. However, it seems the true reason for BDO's resignation is the management's firm refusal to entertain your request to back-date documents and filings, which are illegal. We have multiple proofs in the form of electronic recordings where BDO'S senior partners are explicitly asking our teams to furnish multiple backdated reports. In fact, I have come to know that your senior partner recommended the valuation firm themselves to facilitate this illegal activityThere are several aspects of your firm's operations, and indeed, the nature of your resignation, that remain suspicious, Raveendran said in his email, reported the news portal.

BDO's comeback to Byju's: BDO responded to Byju's board through a letter to the founder's family and stated that the company lacked transparency, similar to what the previous auditor highlighted, according to the report.

There was no company support to finish auditing the financial year 2022-23 results, as it finished auditing the 2021-22 ones, according to the report.

Due to the ongoing litigation with the lenders, we are given to understand by the management that the Company has lost control over certain of its subsidiaries and the management would not have access to the books of account of these subsidiaries. This would further hamper the ability of the Company to be able to complete the preparation of its consolidated financial statements, said BDO in the letter, reported the news portal.

The auditor also raised concerns over a forensic audit on More Ideas General Trading, Byju's Middle East business, as the auditor flagged inordinate delays from the management to start the forensic review, despite multiple reminders though mails, according to BDO's mail cited in the report.

Since the Company has lost control over certain of its subsidiaries, the management has been unable to provide us sufficient appropriate evidence in respect of these funds, despite repeated reminders. We have therefore reason to believe that the management of the Company lacks transparency with respect to providing full information to the auditor for their consideration and evaluation, they said, quoted the report.
For 20 years, Mark Zuckerberg clad himself in sad gray tees and blah hoodies. This year, however, the poster boy for tech nerds turned 40 and underwent a style transformation. In came cooler drop-shoulder tees and unruly, youthful curls. But the most striking change? The gold chain dangling from his neck.

View Full Image Mark Zuckerberg, in July. Chains play a big role in his new look. Photo: Bloomberg

To some, the Meta founders new image might smack of a midlife crisis. But in one respect, Zuck is on to something: A single piece of jewelry can swiftly lift a look. When a man wears a simple bit of bling with even the plainest outfit, it can make passersby think, Hes got it going on," said Michaela Murray, a personal stylist in New York.

Indeed, choosing to wear a choice understated necklace, bracelet or ring might be the easiest way for men of all ages to rescue an outfit from boredom. With a satisfying jangle, a snoozy T-shirt and jeans becomes hotel-lobby suave. Jewelry just adds that finishing touch," said Kevin Carney, co-owner of Mohawk General Store, a leading fashion retailer in Los Angeles.

Vaguely tempted but concerned youll look like youre trying too hard? Jewelry first-timers can limit the risks by sticking to a few guidelines and tough-to-mess-up styles. Jewelry in itself is a statement, so you dont need to push the boundaries of the designs," said Murray. Keep it simple."

Start with a curb chain" necklace, suggests Mona Jensen, co-founder of Tom Wood, a coolly minimal Oslo brand. She considers the linked style, which faintly resembles a twisted rope (and is so named because similar chains were used to curb" or restrain horses), not too flashy" and relevant for all ages. Newbies should go for a medium thickness (around 3mm) and length (around 20mm-22mm). Tom Woods sterling-silver curb-chain design, starting at $269, ticks boxes. (The brands box-chain necklace, a sturdy style built from square links, should also draw compliments.)

For a bracelet you can sport through board meetings and bench presses, grab a 2mm-thick chain, says Jensen. Murray likes Mejuris subtle box-chain bracelets; a silver version costs about $100. Meanwhile, a clean-lined cuffa solid encircling bandradiates subdued cool. Consider the $145 solid-silver beauty from U.K. jeweler Codis Maya.

Carney personally favors one style on the fingers: a minimalist signet ring. Think designs devoid of crests and jewels. Im not the fashion guy when it comes to jewelry; Im more pulled back," he said. One standout chaste signet sold at Mohawk: a golden, pockmarked $245 take by Maple.

View Full Image Tom Wood Box-Chain Necklace, $329; Hatton Labs Ring, about $255; Archibald x Richard James T-Shirt, $174.

To score great finds across categories, establish relationships with often-overlooked local jewelers, says Murray. Most of the time, their products workmanship and quality beats what you find online, she says.

If youre a beginner, dont waste time on metal quandaries. Silver looks good on anyone, says Jensen, and is significantly cheaper than gold (the latter currently trades at about $2,500 per ounce, while silver is about $30). Invest more for sterling silver, which lasts longer than plated alternatives. If you must have gold, but also value solvency, experiment with gold-plated styles; just know they can tarnish and fade fairly quickly, says Murray.

When Nic Di Venuto, a partner at management consulting firm Bain & Company, started wearing jewelry several years ago, he initially stuck to silver because it seemed the safest bet. Eventually, though, the 44-year-old New Yorker upgraded to necklaces and bracelets in solid gold, aware the hue works well with his olive skin.

Once youve road-tested some pieces and found your groove, feel free to play around. Ignore the age-old rule that forbids mixing jewelry of different metals, says Jensen. Not only can you style gold and silver together without being promptly consigned to hellit actually gives you a bit more edge," she said.

Overachievers might follow the lead of Di Venuto, who collects chains strung with coin-shaped 18k gold amulets from David Yurman. When on vacation, he combines them with one-off necklaces hes found in places such as the Greek Islands. His view? Despite a demanding corporate job, wearing jewelry is a reminder that, away from work, I am a free spirit."

Grooming by Karol Rodriguez; Styling by Caitie Kelly; Talent is Lucas Lourenco for Q Management

The Wall Street Journal is not compensated by retailers listed in its articles as outlets for products. Listed retailers frequently are not the sole retail outlets.
Bank holiday today: Today, September 7, is Ganesh Chaturthi or Vinayaka Chaturthi, celebrated all across India. So, are banks closed today on account of Ganpati festival? The answer is yes.

All private and public banks in India, including the State Bank of India (SBI) will be closed today (September 7) on for Ganesh Chaturthi and also tomorrow (September 8), because it is a Sunday.

September 2024 has at least 14 listed holidays (including weekend leaves). Notably, there is are also some long weekends, so plan visits to your bank accordingly. Here is the full list (public and private banks) to see:

Also Read | Bank Holidays in 2024. Check the full list here

Full List of Bank Holidays in September 2024 September 1  Sunday  All over India

September 7  Vinayaka Chaturthi  All over India

September 8  Sunday / Nuakhai  All over India / Odisha

September 13  Ramdev Jayanti / Teja Dashmi (Friday)  Rajasthan

September 14  Second Saturday / Onam  All over India / Kerala

September 15  Sunday / Thiruvonam  All over India / Kerala

September 16  Eid e Milad (Monday)  All over India

September 17  Indra Jatra (Tuesday)  Sikkim

September 18  Sree Narayana Guru Jayanti (Wednesday)  Kerala

September 21  Shree Narayana Guru Samadhi (Saturday)  Kerala

September 22  Sunday  All over India

September 23  Heroes Martyrdom Day (Monday)  Haryana

September 28  Fourth Saturday  All over India

September 29  Sunday  All over India

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.

Notably, bank customers should note that non-working days in India vary state wise, and it is best to check with your local bank branch for their holiday calendar or list in order to be properly informed.

How Are Bank Decided? The Reserve Bank of India (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.

All of the bank's annual holiday calendar is declared by the 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.

Also Read | Bank Holidays in September 2024: Check the full list here
Edelweiss Mutual Fund's managing director and chief executive officer (CEO), Radhika Gupta, supported ordinary investing compared to chasing unrealistic gains offered by potential fraudsters in the market waiting to entrap retail investors.

Gupta took to her social media profile on platform X and said that investors should stick to dal-chawal investing (ordinary investing) compared to chasing unrealistic gains offered by people in the stock market.

The Edelweiss Mutual Fund head focused on the importance of investors understanding that there are no quick ways to earn money, and referring to the fraud case, she said that in case a quick money way is being advertised with expensive cars, it will lead to a fatal crash.

2,200 crores of fraud is heartbreaking stuff. How many reminders do we need that there is no fast route to riches and usually if such a route is advertised with fancy cars in tow it leads to fatal crashes, said Gupta in her post on platform X.

Gupta's dal-chawal investing metaphor is a move towards safe investing and driving away retail investors from the allure of the quick money fraudsters in the stock market. She backed her reference with saying that it is safe and it works. Without indigestion, as per the post.

What is the  2,200 crore financial fraud case? Gupta's post on platform X highlighted the 2,200 crore fraud carried out by Swapnil Das, a 22-year-old individual, through modes of showoff such as flashy cars and guest appearances while promising nearly 30 per cent returns to investors from the stock market. News portal India Today reported the original news of two people's arrest over fraudulent stock market investments on September 4.

Assam police arrested the two suspects namely Vishal Phukan, 22, from Dibrugarh, and Swapnil Das, from Guwahati, over alleged charges of enticing investors by guaranteeing a 30 per cent return on investment within 60 days, according to the news portal's report.

There is no legitimate system for investing in the stock market through these online trading firms. Fraudsters are misleading the public. I urge everyone to stay away from these scams, said Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, warning against such schemes, according to the report.
Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) made a remarkable comeback to Indian markets in September, snapping their three-month moderation, driven by domestic and global factors. FPIs were consistent buyers in June and July after election-related jitters faded and stability returned to Indian markets. However, FPIs halted their buying streak with the onset of the new fiscal year 2024-25 (FY25).

FPIs invested 10,978 crore worth of Indian equities, and the net investment stood at 19,087 crore as of September 6, taking into account debt, hybrid, debt-VRR, and equities, according to the National Securities Depository Ltd (NSDL) data. The total investment in debt markets moderated to 94 crore so far this month.

"Early September witnessed buying by FPIs mainly due to the resilience of the Indian market. For September through 6th FPIs invested 9,642 crore in equity through the exchanges and 1,388 crore through the primary market and others category,'' said Dr. V K Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist, Geojit Financial Services.

What attracted FPIs back to Indian markets? The resilience of the Indian market attracted FPIs back to equities as the domestic equity benchmarks Sensex and Nifty 50 closed August on a historic note buoyed by a strong global market trend as expectations for a US rate cut gained traction.

In its best winning streak since its launch in 1996, the NSE Nifty 50 rose for 14 consecutive sessions, logging its longest-ever rally a streak not seen in 31 years. Year-to-date (YTD), the Nifty 50 is up 16 per cent, while the Sensex has gained 14 per cent. The broader indices also mostly aligned with the benchmarks, gaining over one per cent each.

Global market sentiment has notably shifted towards caution, as evidenced by Nvidia's 25 per cent decline after reaching a record high in June. Concerns over a potential US recession and China's ongoing economic challenges are critical factors for investors re-evaluating their allocations.

The latest jobs data in the US indicate a slowing US economy, which in turn has pushed up expectations of a Fed rate cut in September, perhaps by even 50 bp. The consequent fall in the US 10-year bond yield to 3.73 per cent is positive for FPI inflows into emerging markets like India.

However, the elevated valuations are a concern. If the US growth concerns impact global equity markets in the coming days, FPIs are likely to use the opportunity to buy in India,'' said Dr. V K Vijayakumar.

According to Sunil Damania, Chief Investment Officer, MojoPMS, flows from FPIs are influenced by a complex interplay of factors beyond bond inclusion. Key drivers include geopolitical dynamics, the health of the US economy, Yen borrowings, and prevailing risk-off strategies.

"If the risk-off strategy continues to gain traction, emerging markets may experience a slowdown in FPI inflows,'' said Damania.

FPIs inflow outlook Analysts say the selling trend is likely to continue since India is the most expensive market in the world now, and it is rational for FPIs to sell here and move the money to cheaper markets. "This picture doesnt change even if the market turns more bullish on fears regarding US recession receding,'' said Dr. V K Vijayakumar.

"While September is likely to see continued interest from FPIs, the flows would be shaped by a combination of domestic political stability, economic indicators, global interest rate movements, market valuations, sectoral preferences, and the attractiveness of the debt market,'' said Vipul Bhowar of Waterfield Advisors.
Something new To mark its fifth anniversary, Method is presenting Portrait of Time, featuring 40 artists such as Aniruddh Mehta, Aashim Tyagi, Gargi Chandola, Kashin Patel, Meghna Singh Patpatia, Myles, and Nirvair Rai. For anyone who has been to Method, the show will conjure up feelings of reminiscence while also evoking something new, reads the exhibition note. The gallery had opened five years ago with graphic and digital artist Aniruddh Mehtas first solo exhibition, in which he had chosen to showcase paintings instead of digital art. This time, the artists have responded to the idea of the portrait, and taken it forward in their style. At Method, Kala Ghoda, Fort, and Mount Mary, Bandra West, Mumbai, till 29 September.

Hyderabadi Haleem is on the menu at Kheer, the fine dining restaurant at Roseate House Delhi

A feast from Hyderabad Chef Rehman M., considered an expert on the cuisine of Hyderabad, is showcasing some signature dishes at Kheer, the fine dining restaurant at Roseate House Delhi. He has curated an a la carte menu, available on select days, to give a glimpse of the traditional fare of Hyderabad. The meal starts with a selection of soups, followed by smoked tandoori dishes like the taajdar khumb achari. The main course includes the signature haleem and chippe ka gosht. This showcase is part of the ongoing efforts by Roseate Hotels and Resorts to highlight Indias culinary diversity. At Kheer, Roseate House, Aerocity, New Delhi, till 12 September, 7pm-11pm.

Heirloom Sarees: The Glory of India's Woven Heritage showcases the richness of Indias textiles

Treasured weaves Around 40 privately owned saris which are at least 50 years old are on display at the Heirloom Sarees: The Glory of India's Woven Heritage, showcasing the richness of Indias textiles. The show, which includes ikats, Paithanis, Kanjeevarams and Banarasis, marks 25 years of non-profit Delhi Crafts Councils Sarees Of India exhibition, known for presenting Indias handloom traditions. At Gallery, second floor, India International Centre, Max Mueller Marg, Delhi, till 8 September, 11am-6pm.

KG Subramanyan, Untitled watercolour on paper, 8.25 x 5.75

100 years, 100 drawings: Remembering KGS DakshinaChitra Museum, in association with Seagull Books, is marking K.G. Subramanyans birth centenary year with Tale of Three Cities, an exhibition featuring over 100 drawings. The late artist made these drawings during visits to Beijing, Oxford and New York. At Varija Art Gallery, DakshinaChitra Museum, Muttukadu, Chennai, from 7 September-1 December, 10am-6pm (Tuesdays closed).

The Onasadhya at M Cafe, Bengaluru Marriott Hotel Whitefield

A feast fit for Onam To mark Onam, the Marriott is hosting a food festival. On offer are dishes like nadan kozhi curry and Malabar mutton biryani, and classics such as palada payasam, avial and kootu curry. At M Cafe, Bengaluru Marriott Hotel Whitefield, till 15 September, 12:30-4pm. For details, call 8049435000.

Publicity poster for Hindi satirical play, Des

A matter of politics Des, written and directed by Abhishek Majumdar, is a Hindi satirical comedy. It revolves around the life of a young couple in Delhi who discover their love and differences while India finds its footing after independence. At Prithvi Theatre, Juhu Church Road, Mumbai, on 10 September, 6pm/9pm. Tickets on Bookmyshow.
The first time I saw Swakopmund was in my imagination, fuelled by the words of Wilbur Smith in The Burning Shore . Like most of his novels, it is set in the backdrop of the brutal yet beautiful continent of Africa. This one takes the reader into the desolate and dramatic wilderness of Namibia in 1917.

From 1884-15, most of what is the Republic of Namibia today was a colony of the German Empire. In The Burning Shore, Smith describes the town of Swakopmund in 1917 as a startling touch of Bavaria transported to the southern African desert, complete with quaint Black Forest architecture and a long pier stretching out into the sea".

Also read: How tourism is impacting picturesque Gurez

In June this year, when I rolled into Swakopmund as part of Mahindra Adventures Authentic Namibia Expedition, I saw that the description still rang true. I walked that long pier one evening, originally built from wood 1905 and then, in 1911, with iron. The first civilian homes here were in fact prefabricated in Germany and transported by ship during the closing years of the 19th century. Even today as one walks around Swakopmund, there is a German air to it thanks to its architecture.

I was in Namibia to explore its wilderness, and Swakopmund was where the tarmac ended. We headed north towards Henties Bay on a sandy track with the Atlantic Ocean to our left, the beach littered with sea kelp that had been washed ashore. The Atlantics littoral in this part of Nambia is the Namib Desert with its ever-shifting dunes that the wind is constantly sculpting. This was Namibias infamous Skeleton Coast.

Most mornings the wind, chilled by the cold Benguela current running northwards along the west coast of southern Africa, blows inland and condenses the hot desert air into a dawn mist that is chased away as the sun goes high and strong.

As we drove through this mist of whimsical translucence, I recalled having read that this coastline was called as such thanks to the seal bones and the remains of ships that have come to naught here. To be shipwrecked on the Skeleton Coast, especially to the north of Henties Bay, meant almost certain death. Even if you survived and made it to land, the desert yielded no water or food. Portuguese soldiers referred to it as The Gates of Hell", but life does exist and it is home to the indigenous San people.

At Henties Bay, 50km north of Swakopmund, we turned east onto the unsealed D1918 running parallel to the sandy and dry Omaruru riverbed. Spitzkoppe, a rocky hillock, rose like a mirage above the dun-coloured dust clouds being thrown up by our vehicles. Spitzkoppe is Namibias adventure playground for rock climbing and mountain biking.

We headed north into the Namib Desert, where I believed no life could exist but I was surprised by a pair of ostriches jogging along. Springbok daintily bounced across the road in front of my car.

As the sun started to descend, we spotted Brandberg, a sign that we had entered Damaraland. Home to some of the most dramatic and enigmatic landscapes in Namibia, Damaraland stretches from Sesfontien in the north to Brandberg, the countrys highest peak standing at 2573m, in the south. Brandberg means fire-mountain" and as we drove towards it, the long rays of the setting sun lit it up as if it was ablaze.

After hours of driving through the sandy gorges and scrub plains, we checked into the sprawling White Lady Lodge, with cosy chalets, luxurious rooms, a campsite and a kitchen with gifted chefs and two swimming pools. It was literally an oasis in the desert.

A casual reminder that this was still the wilderness was the pug marks we saw in the sand. It seemed that elephant, antelope, giraffe, rhino and lion, all nonchalantly strolled through the environs of the lodge. I tried not to deliberate too much on this when I was out shooting the Milky Way in the southern hemisphere in pitch darkness at 3.15am.

The next morning when we drove along the sandy Ugab riverbed, we came across elephant droppings and followed the path marked by poo till we came up to the herd lumbering along aheadbulls, matriarchs and calves.

View Full Image Giraffes in Damaraland.

From Brandberg we headed towards Twyfelfontein, also in Damaraland. That days drive was stunning. This region, though still a desert, had sparse vegetation by way of camel thorn shrubs and mopani and quiver trees. Giraffes strolled grazing the treetops, zebras yodelled in alarm when we braked to a stop next to a herd, and antelopes hastily sprinted to a respectable distance.

Twyfelfontein is a Unesco World Heritage Site thanks to the most extensive collection of rock engravings on the African continent. There are 2,500 engravings going back from 1,000-10,000 years, memories etched in stone that have survived for more years than any Instagram post ever will.

Rishad Saam Mehta is a Mumbai-based author, travel writer and budding travel video maker.

Also read: A taste of the unique Danish tradition of communal dining
Trust Kim Kardashian to get a facial that grabs headlines. In a recent episode of The Kadarshians, the American reality TV star and entrepreneur said that she had tried a salmon sperm facial. The announcement surprised millions of her followers the same way when she, a decade ago, had revealed that she had been getting vampire facials, in which platelet-rich plasma (PRP) derived from ones blood is injected into the skin.

Since then, vampire facials have become a common offering at skin clinics across the world. And salmon sperm facial services seem to be following the trend. In July, Geetika Mittal Gupta, founder and cosmetologist, introduced salmon semen or salmon DNA facials at her nationwide clinic chain ISAAC Luxe, because several patients were looking for alternatives to dermal fillers and asked for salmon sperm facials. Dermal fillers are often derived from synthetic materials and can give that unnatural, puffy filler face". Salmon DNA facials, on the other hand, are said to work as a natural bio stimulator, encouraging the skin to produce collagen to naturally fill facial depressions.

Chains like The Ageless Clinic in Mumbai and Maya Medi Spa, which has clinics in India and the US, have been offering this treatment for skin regeneration for over seven months. If delivered via normal dermapen (a micro-needling tool), each session may cost 8,000-11,000 plus taxes, and prices increase based on more advanced tools and ingredient additions. Depending on the skin, doctors recommend a minimum of three to four sessions.

Also known as the DNA facial or polynucleotide facial, the salmon sperm facial is sought after for its promise of anti-ageing. The DNA of salmon has a similar structure to human DNA. It is stable, biocompatible and rich in polynucleotides. Polynucleotides are the building blocks of DNA and are essential for cellular function and help with skin repair," says Dr Gupta.

Chaitanya Kenchammanahoskote, the founder of Maya Medi Spa and who is based in Wyoming, US, says that stars like Kardashian and Jennifer Aniston have recently popularised polynucleotide facials, especially among women, but these have been popular in Korea since 2009. Because it isnt something new, there are enough studies to prove its benefits. Unlike regular fillers, its a bio-stimulator, a highly purified form of DNA derived from salmon DNA, injected into the skin. It mimics about 96-98% of our DNA. It helps stimulate cell renewal, which plays a pivotal role in encouraging the production of new skin cells and works on fine lines, uneven dry skin and minimises pore size and sagging," says Kenchammanahoskote.

According to reports on the website of the US National Center for Biotechnology Information, natural-origin polynucleotides work as bio stimulatory boosters that help skin rejuvenate naturally.

Salmon DNA helps stimulate the production of fibroblasts, cells which play an important role in collagen production and synthesis to maintain the framework of tissues, explains Dr. Gupta. For under-eye issues, I have seen the results mimic that of a filler. It is proving to be an alternative to fillers, which until now were the only solution for under-eye hollowness," adds Dr Gupta.

Polynucleotides help boost collagen production, which results in reduction of inflammation and free radical damage that happens with ageing and pollution, says Dr Gupta.

The salmon facial ingredients are sourced from purified salmon fish sperm from a fish farm or wild salmon. It can be administered in three ways, as an injectable for under eye concerns, via micro-needling for the face, and as a facial for patients looking for no downtime with quick results," says Dr Gupta. The treatment is safe for anyone above the age of 20 and whether you qualify to get one is indication-related, if you have hollows or fine lines.

Mumbai-based artist Mitali Doshi says post covid, her acne-prone dry skin was worsened. She followed a doctor-prescribed treatment to settle her acne and tried hydra and cryo facials for overall hydration and skin health. To work on post-acne open pores and to improve texture, I tried the salmon DNA infusion. It was pain-free and has just one day of downtime. I had mild redness after the infusion, which settled the next morning. I could see a huge difference in my skin texture; it felt brighter and plumper in a day," says Doshi, 36, who went for three sessions of salmon DNA infusion at The Ageless Clinic.

Check for allergies and talk to your dermatologist before booking a session, however. There are no major side effects," says Dr Gupta. The cons are the cost, and availability is not easy."

Dhara Vora Sabhnani is a Mumbai-based journalist.
The Central government notified an uniform marketing code for the medical device industry on Saturday in order to curb unethical practices. The new guidelines will restrict organisations from organising international workshops for doctors or offering them hotel stays and monetary grants.

"All associations should constitute an ethics committee for marketing practices in medical devices (ECMPMD), upload it on their websites along with a detailed procedure of complaints, which will be linked to the UCPMP portal of Department of Pharmaceuticals," the notification said.

The Department of Pharmaceuticals has also sought disclosures form medical device firms for particulars related to distribution of evaluation samples and expenses incurred on conferences , workshops and seminars.

They will also not be allowed to promote medical devices prior to product approval by the relevant regulatory authorities.

Companies and their representatives will no longer be able to extend travel facilities inside or outside the country or provide hospitality services such as hotel or resort stay, expensive cuisine and more to healthcare professionals or their family members.

The DoP has asked medical devices companies to upload the Uniform Code for Marketing Practices in Medical Devices (UCMPMD) 2024 on their website along with the detailed procedure for lodging of complaints with a link to the UCMPMD portal of the department. Earlier this year, the DoP had notified the Uniform Code for Pharmaceuticals Marketing Practices (UCPMP) 2024.

The development also comes mere days after DoP Secretary Arunish Chawla revealed plans to roll out a new scheme to strengthen the domestic medical device industry.

This will be launched in the next one month. It was part of the stakeholder consultation so that different parts of the scheme are firmed up and are aligned with the needs of the industry. We have already received in-principle approval from the Finance Ministry for launching the new scheme, he said in late August.
On the night of Saturday, September 7, Russian kamikaze drones were shot down by air defense forces in Kyiv. The wreckage of one of the downed UAVs was found near the building of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.

ADVERTISIMENT

This was reported by the press service of the Ukrainian parliament. Once again, we urge residents of the capital not to ignore air raid alerts.

"After tonight's attack by Russian drones, the wreckage of a downed drone was found near the building of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. No damage was reported," the statement said.

The published photos show that the wreckage of the UAV fell in a park opposite the parliament and directly next to the Verkhovna Rada building.

ADVERTISIMENT

As a reminder, on the night of Saturday, September 7, explosions were heard in Kyiv during an air raid alert. Russian occupation forces launched dozens of attack drones at the Ukrainian capital.

As reported, the terrorist country Russia again attacked Kyiv and the region on the night of September 6-7 with the help of kamikaze drones. Air defense forces were working in the region. Unfortunately, UAV wreckage damaged private houses in one of the districts.

ADVERTISIMENT

Only verified information is available on OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Saturday, said that assets worth more than 5,000 crore have been attached under the anti-money laundering case in an alleged bank loan fraud case against Amtek Group and others. The insolvent automotive equipment manufacturing company is under investigation in an alleged bank fraud case worth 27,000 crore.

Also Read | NCLAT orders liquidation of Amtek Auto

In a fresh development in the bank fraud case, the ED has attached farmhouses, hundreds of acres of agricultural and industrial lands across states, and shares and debentures in the case against Amtek group, reported PTI, citing the law enforcement agency on Saturday.

In July, the federal agency had arrested Amtek Group promoter Arvind Dham. The ED investigation revealed that the loan funds borrowed by the group were siphoned off and were invested in new ventures, real estate and foreign investments.

In February, the Supreme Court issued a directive to the agencies to probe the case. Following the apex court's intervention, the ED began its probe based on the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) FIR. The ED booked a case under various sections of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Amtek group illegally diverted bank loans worth  27,000 crore IDBI Bank and Bank of Maharashtra are among the key lenders which have been exposed to Amtek Group loan fraud. The two banks earlier had filed a CBI complaint against the accused for illegally diverting bank loans, the ED said in a statement. According to a previous Mint report, 19 banks had major exposure to the Amtek group. The consortium included IDBI Bank, State Bank of India, Canara Bank, ICICI Bank, etc.

Also Read | SBI starts bankruptcy process against Amtek Auto subsidiary

Several subsidiaries of Amtek group like Amtek Auto Limited, ARG Limited, ACIL limited, Metalyst Forging Limited and Castex Technologies Limited along with other were taken to insolvency, whose resolution had led to "huge haircut" of more than 80 per cent for the banks causing "substantial" losses to these public sector banks, it claimed.

Amtek group used complex web of shell companies to create bogus assets The ED probe also found the group responsible for "deceitfully manipulating" company financial statements to obtain additional fraudulent loans and create bogus assets and investments in the books of accounts, reported new agency PTI.

Also Read | Liberty House keen to resolve issues in Amtek, Adhunik deals

The ED search to multiple locations revealed a complex web of more than 500 shell companies which were deployed to hold and invest in high value real estate and luxury properties, whose shareholdings were concealed in a "highly complex shareholding structure", it said.

"These shell companies were holding assets, whose beneficial ownership has been revealed to be with Arvind Dham, the main promoter and beneficial owner of the Amtek group of companies and he was was found to be alienating or transferring these assets," it said.
West Bengal News: A 15-year-old teenager was kidnapped and 'sexually assaulted;' when she was returning home from tuition classes in Bengal's Hooghly district. This comes as Bengal gears up to witness massive protests across the state on 8 September, after a month to the Kolkata PG trainee doctor's brutal rape and murder case came to light.

The teenager was found unconscious with torn clothes at Haripal in Hooghly district. The incident happened on Friday night, September 6, according to the report.

The girl has been admitted to a local hospital and a medical exam was conducted on her. A complaint has been lodged with West Bengal Police, which has started an investigation.

"Request to respect the privacy of the girl child and her family. Stern legal action will be initiated against those spreading rumours," a post by the West Bengal Police said.

BJP IT Cell leader Amit Malviya took to X to oppose the cops' handling of the case and said, Mamata Banerjees police has cordoned off the hospital, media isnt being given access and local TMC leaders are swirling around, to ensure the incident doesnt get reported.

Hitting out at West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC Supremo Mamata Banejee, Malviya said, "West Bengal is the most unsafe place for women and girls. Mamata Banerjee has failed. She must step down, immediately. Enough is enough. She hasnt even set up Fast Track Courts to handle rape and POCSO cases."

Another teen raped at home in Hooghly The West Bengal Police Friday also shared another incidence of molestation. The Police informed that a 16-year old girl was molested at her home by one Sanaullah Khan who came to do house repair work in Arambagh Police District area of Hooghly (Rural) Police District.

According to the West bengal Police, Khan had threatened the teenager that if she were to inform anyone about getting molested, it would bear bad consequences.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and former Haryana minister Bachan Singh Arya on Saturday resigned from party ahead of Haryana Assembly elections 2024.

Arya, the BJP leader from Safidon in Jind of Haryana, announced his resignation a day after the saffron party announced its first list for the upcoming Assembly elections in the state and his name was missing from the list.

According to the list, announced on Wednesday, the party has decided to field former JJP MLA Ramkumar Gautam from Safidon.

The former Haryana minister, in his resignation letter to the party, relinquished the primary membership as well as his post in the state working committee.

Arya, who narrowly lost the 2019 election by 3,000 votes, had been preparing for the 2024 polls.

According to some media reports he is likely to join Congress.

It is important to note that Arya is not first to resign over candidature issue. Before Arya, some other leaders, including Laxman Napa and Ranjit Singh Chautala, have quit the party over ticket issues.

Also Read | Haryana BJP president slams Congress as national wrestlers join party

Earlier on September 5, Haryana Cabinet Minister Chaudhary Ranjit Singh Chautala resigned from the office. Chautala was upset with the party for not giving him a ticket from Rania Assembly. the saffron has fielded Shishpal Kamboj from Rania seat.

Lakshman Napa, sitting MLA from Ratia, resigned from the primary membership of the party on September 6. Napa was also denied a ticket for the October 5 Haryana Assembly polls. Napa, in a letter to state party chief Mohan Lal Badoli, said he was quitting the party and resigning from its primary membership.
Hathras road accident has claimed as many as 15 lives and left 11 people injured, according to ANI report. Uttar Pradesh Police on Friday confirmed the deaths of 15 individuals, including seven men, four women, and four children, in the tragic road accident.

The road accident took place on September 6 when a roadway bus en route to Aligarh collided with a tempo loader. The bus reportedly had 30 passengers onboard when the incident took place. On Friday evening, the vehicle was on its way back after attending a ritual in a village in the Hathras district.

Also Read | Four Indian Army personnel killed in road accident

"So far the confirmed deaths are 15, including 7 men, 4 women, and 4 children. The accident occurred due to the collision of a roadway bus and another vehicle," ANI quoted Aligarh Commissioner Chaitra V as saying. He added, "11 injured are undergoing treatment here, while 8 have been referred to Aligarh for treatment."

Expressing remorse over the incident, PM Modi said that both the local administration and state government are providing all possible assistance to the victims.

Also Read | Centre may double coverage under its flagship insurance schemes

In a social media post on platform X (formerly Twitter), the Prime Minister's Office quoted PM Modi as saying, The road accident in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh is extremely painful. My deepest condolences to those who have lost their loved ones in this. May God give them strength in this difficult time.

The post added, Along with this, I wish for the speedy recovery of the people injured in the accident. Under the supervision of the state government, the local administration is engaged in helping the victims in every possible way.

In another post, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ex-gratia payment of 2 lakh for the families of the deceased and 50,000 for those injured in the Hathras road accident. This amount will be sanctioned from Prime Ministers National Relief Fund (PMNRF).

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath offered condolences to the families of the bereaved and those injured in Hathras accident. He further wished for swift recovery of the injured and assured that the district administration officials have been instructed to ensure the proper treatment of those affected. Yogi Adityanath's post on X stated, I pray to Lord Shri Ram to give a place to the departed souls in his feet and provide speedy recovery to the injured.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday slammed the NC-Congress alliance while addressing BJP's 'Vijay Sankalp' booth workers meeting in Jammu.

Shah is on a two-day visit to kickstart the BJP's campaign for the assembly polls, which are scheduled to be held in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1.

Here are the top ten quotes made by the Union Home Minister Amit Shah: 1. Home Minister Amit Shah launched a veiled attack on the NC-Congress alliance and alleged that the alliance wants to release separatists and terrorist sympathisers to destabilise Jammu and Kashmir. Shah further said, NC-Cong and PDP want to push Jammu and Kashmir into the fire of terrorism.

2. Amit Shah said, I want to tell one thing to Rahul Gandhi that no matter how much effort you put in, we will not let the reservation of Gujjars, Bakarwal, Paharis and Dalits be touched.

3. They (Congress, National Conference) say that they will start talks with Pakistan. I am saying this today: Jab tak shanti nahi hogi, Pakistan se koi baat nahi hogi, (till the time there is peace, there will be no talks with Pakistan), added the Union Home Minister.

4. Shah further said, It is a coincidence that the first election rally of BJP is starting on the day of Ganesh Chaturthi... The upcoming elections are historic elections. For the first time since the country's independence, the voters of Jammu and Kashmir will cast their votes under the tricolour.

5. Speaking of the Centre's measures to curb terrorism, Amit Shah said, Kashmir has suffered a lot from terrorism. There were governments in Kashmir that turned a blind eye to terrorism. There are people who would come here and become chief ministers when there was peace and when there was terrorism, they would go to Delhi and drink coffee in coffee bars. The Bharatiya Janata Party has done the work of reducing terrorism by 70% in 10 years.

6. Shah added, After many years, the Amarnath Yatra was carried out fearlessly. After many years, night theatre started in the valley, and the Tazia procession was carried out in the valley. The people of Jammu and Kashmir especially the people of Jammu have to decide whether they want terrorism or peace, development. If NC and Congress come to power, terrorism will come and if BJP will come, then no one can infiltrate here.

7. Union Home Minister Amit Shah pointed out that there is a rumour here that the National Conference is going to form the government. I have been a student of election statistics from a very young age and I am telling you this that the government of Congress and Farooq Abdullah can never be formed in Jammu and Kashmir, he said.

8. Union Home Minister Amit Shah said, Congress and National Conference are saying they will restore statehood. Tell me, who can give it? Only the central government, PM Modi, can give it. So stop fooling the people of Jammu and Kashmir. We have said that at an appropriate time after the elections, we will give statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. We have said this in Parliament... Rahul Gandhi should stop misleading the people of J&K.

9. The upcoming election is a historic election. This will be the first time since Independence that the voters of Jammu and Kashmir will cast their vote under the one Tricolour and not under two flags. For the first time, voting will be held under the Constitution written by Babasaheb Ambedkar. There can't be two PMs in the country, there can only be one PM whom people of Kashmir to Kanyakumari elect and that is PM Modi, added Amit Shah.

10. No power can talk about autonomy (in Jammu and Kashmir). Rahul baba (Gandhi), National Conference are saying they will give Jammu and Kashmir state status again. I want to ask Abdullah sahab and Rahul baba, how can you give it back, tell me? Why are you making fool of people of Jammu and Kashmir? I have myself said that we will give back state status to Jammu and Kashmir after elections art an appropriate time. I didn't say this in any public gathering but in Parliament, said Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Madhya Pradesh police on Saturday arrested a man who allegedly shot a video of a woman being raped on a footpath in broad daylight in Ujjain, from Nagda of the district. The police also recovered the mobile phone that the accused used to record the alleged video.

Madhya Pradesh police said that the accused, identified as Mohammad Salim, 32, is a resident of Nagda, and works as an auto-rickshaw driver.

Ujjain SP Pradeep Sharma said, Mohammad Salim has been arrested from his house in Prakash Nagar, Nagda".

According to media reports, the police recovered the mobile phone that was used by the accused to record the alleged rape and also found the video on the mobile phone.

The Madhya Pradesh police said they are collecting more information regarding the people who shared the video with and those who further circulated it. The police said they will also take action against those who made the video viral.

Also Read | French woman testifies against husband who let 72 men rape her

A case has been registered against Salim under sections 72, 77, 294 of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), IT Act and Indecent Representation of Women Act, the police informed.

Meanwhile, state Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has said, There is rule of law in Madhya Pradesh. Those who commit a crime will be dealt with sternly. Nobody will be spared. Be it Ujjain or the entire state, under the leadership of PM Modi we are all committed to good governance...

Earlier on Wednesday, a woman was raped on a busy footpath in Ujjain, with videos of the incident going viral on social media. The attack took place in broad daylight with pedestrians choosing to film the sexual assault instead of intervening.
As the 10-day festivities of Ganesh Chaturthi began in full-swing in Maharashtra, a speeding car hit workers of the Mulund Cha Raja Ganpati Mandal. The crash caused death of one person died, while another person has been severely injured, Mumbai police said on Saturday.

According to news agency ANI, citing Mumbai police, two workers of Ganpati Mandal were hit by a speeding car at 4 AM, leading to the death of one person, and leaving another in critical condition.

A case has been registered with the Navghar police, who are searching for the driver.

According to the Mumbai police's statement, two workers of Mulund Cha Raja Ganpati Mandal were hit by a speeding car, one died, and one is in critical condition.

"The incident happened at 4:00 am. Police have registered a case and are searching for the car driver," said a statement by Mumbai Police.
Kargil War fought between India and Pakistan from May to July 1999 in the Kargil district of Ladakh, have resurfaced two decades after it took place. This time with Pakistan admitting to participating in the war, for the first time.

During the recent event of Defence Day in Pakistan, Army Chief General Asim Munir honoured the Pakistan soldiers who lost their lives in Kargil War, against India. Munir paid homage to Pakistan soldiers who lost their lives in several conflicts with India, including Kargil War.

Also Read | PM Modi, Jaishankar pay tribute to soldiers on Kargil Vijay Diwas

It is to be noted that both India and Pakistan has carefully avoided mentioning an official position in the 1999 Kargil War for over two decades now.

"The Pakistani community is a community of braves which understands the importance of freedom and how to pay for it," Munir said.

1948, 1965, 1971, or Kargil war between India and Pakistan, or Siachen, many have sacrificed themselves for the country and Islam, the Pakistan Army Chief General added.

The Kargil War, fought between May and July 1999, saw Pakistani troops infiltrate the Indian side of the Line of Control in J-Ks Kargil district. India, under Operation Vijay, forced the intruders to withdraw from strategic posts.

The Pakistani army chief also mentioned Bangladesh Mukti Juddho of 1971, in which the Prime Minister Indira Gandhi-led government helped the erstwhile east Pakistan liberate itself from Pakistan's chains of Urdu imposition and become Bangladesh.

Pakistan's stance on 1999 Kargil War Up until now, Pakistan had consistently denied direct military involvement, labeling the infiltrators as Kashmiri freedom fighters or mujahideen. The Muslim-majority nation had also asserted that Pakistani forces were actively patrolling while tribal leaders held the heights.

The latest statement comes as a step away from the long-standing position of Pakistan, where they blamed 'Kashmiri freedom fighters' or 'Mujahideen' for orchestrating the Kargil War along the Line of Control in 1999.

Notably, India has consistently asserted that the conflict was a direct act of aggression by the Pakistani military.

Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who held office during the Kargil War, has publicly condemned the operation, which the Pakistani army frequently characterizes as a strategic blunder. Lt Gen (retd) Shahid Aziz

Further, The Pakistani armys covert entry into Kargil, masked by the use of terrorists, was revealed through intercepted communications between Gen Musharraf, who was in Beijing, and his Chief of General Staff, Lt Gen Mohammed Aziz, in Rawalpindi on May 26 and May 29.

Shahid Aziz had described the Kargil War as a four-man show, known only to Gen. Pervez Musharraf and a few other top commanders.

Then PM of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif, who signed the 1999 Lahore Declaration with former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, later admitted that Pakistan had violated the agreement through its actions in Kargil.

Social media reacts to Pakistan's admission Several journalists have shared old news articles stating that Pakistan had refused to accept the dead bodies of its army personnel. The Pakistani government had refused to take the bodies of their army personnel, which were found on Tiger Hill and Gun Hill.
A CBI lawyer caused a Kolkata court to wait for 50 minutes regarding Sanjay Roy's bail application, the suspect in the RG Kar hospital rape-murder case, Times of India reported. Here are the top ten updates:

1. According to the TOI report, the frustrated magistrate even questioned whether she should consider granting bail to the accused in light of the delay. If the lawyer is not present, he (Roy) should be granted bail, additional chief judicial magistrate Pamela Gupta said on hearing from a CBI officer at 4.10 PM that the public prosecutor was delayed.

2. West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose on Friday referred the anti-rape Bill passed by the assembly to President Droupadi Murmu for her consideration. Bose, who was handed over the technical report of the bill by Chief Secretary Manoj Pant earlier in the day, referred the Bill to Murmu after going through it, he said.

3. "Governor refers the 'Aparajita Bill' to President Droupadi Murmu for consideration. He referred it after receiving the mandatory technical report from the state government," the official told PTI.

4. A Kolkata court on Friday rejected the bail prayer of Sanjoy Roy, the prime accused in the rape and murder of a woman medic in a state-run hospital, and remanded him to judicial custody for 14 days till September 20. The lawyers associated with the case were present in the court physically, while the accused was there in virtual mode. When the hearing of the case began, Roy started crying, CBI sources said.

5. The Supreme Court on Monday will review a case it has taken up suo motu concerning the rape and murder of a junior doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. According to the cause list for September 9 on the apex court's website, a bench led by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, along with Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, is scheduled to hear the case.

6. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Friday urged West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to prioritize action over words on women's safety. Addressing the West Bengal CM, Bhupendra Patel, in a post on X said, Mamta Didi, we need actions, not just words. The POCSO Act and other laws for women's safety are robust, but their impact depends on swift and fair action by local police. From investigation to conviction, timely justice is crucial.

7. Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury has criticized West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in connection with the RG Kar woman doctor rape-murder case, accusing her of trying to distance herself from the issue. Chowdhury also claimed that there have been attempts to mislead the investigation.

8. "Since the beginning itself, there was an attempt to mislead the investigation so that nobody blames state government...because of which till now we don't know who is the actual culprit in the case. When CBI took over, Mamata Banerjee ran away from her responsibilities. If she wants, she can go to the CBI and offer help to catch the culprit. She can say that in the court as well. She just wants to distance herself from this..." said West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

9. On Friday, the youth, student, and women's wings of the CPI(M) staged an impromptu sit-in at Howrah after the police halted their procession en route to the health department's office. The protestors were demanding justice for the young doctor who was allegedly raped and murdered at a state-run hospital.

10. Members of the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), Students' Federation of India (SFI), and All India Democratic Women's Association began their march towards the district chief medical officer of healths (CMOH) office but were stopped by police barricades. Following a minor scuffle with security personnel, the protesters sat down in front of the barriers.
Once 'forced' to confirm their relationship, a new detail of Prince William and Kate Middleton's love story has surfaced.

The young Prince William, sure about wanting to marry Kate, had decided to keep a big secret from her for three weeks. The secret is from when the couple went on a romantic trip to Kenya.

In an interview with ITVs Tom Bradby, the Prince of Wales revealed that he secretly carried their engagement ring in his rucksack all those weeks in Kenya before finally proposing to Kate in November 2010.

On his choice of location for the proposal, William said it was where his father (King Charles II) took him and his brother, shortly after their mother (Princess Diana) died.

"And when deciding where best to propose to Catherine, I could think of no more fitting place than Kenya to get down on one knee, he told ITV, adding that he

I knew if this thing disappeared, I'd be in a lot of trouble, he quipped.

Prince William had proposed marriage to Kate Middleton with an enchanting Ceylon sapphire ring surrounded by 14 diamonds. But it was not just for its monetary value; the ring originally belonged to Williams late mother, Princess Diana.

William and Kate's official engagement photo was lensed by renowned photographer Mario Testino at St James Palace.

Notably, it was one of Princess of Wales' ex-girlfriends, Carly Massy-Birth, who revealed that Prince William was dating Kate Middleton during the confession-like drinking game.

Also Read | Kate Middleton is not what Meghan Markle claimed: Royal biographer

Young, glamorous, dynamic duo According to media reports, the Palace recognizes William and Kate as a young, glamorous, dynamic duo who can modernize and lead the British monarchy into the future.
The new Subaru Outback Black Selection 2024 was shown in the photo. This is a special modification of the popular inexpensive crossover based on the Subaru Legacy station wagon.

ADVERTISIMENT

With a cool modification that is tuned for style, the Japanese automaker celebrates 30 years since the birth of the Outback name. The details have come to light at Carscoops.

As it is not hard to guess by the name of the special version of the model, the main theme of the design turned out to be black color.

The special version is equipped with 18-inch wheels painted in dark metallic. They complement the black decor on the outside of the body, which replaced almost all chrome elements.

Interestingly, in addition to the title color for the Subaru Outback Black Selection crossover Crystal Black Silica, Crystal White Pearl (white), Ice Silver Metallic (silver) and Magnetite Gray Metallic (gray) are also available.

ADVERTISIMENT

The interior of the Subaru Outback Black Selection is done in a non-alternative black finish. The car is powered by a standard 1.8-liter four-cylinder opposition engine with an output of 175 hp. The price - from 31 495 dollars.
Former US President Donald Trump accepted an endorsement from one of the nations most influential law enforcement lobbies on Friday. He also warned that the cops were in more danger than ever due to Vice President Kamala Harris's policies.

According to U.S Media reports, the Fraternal Order of Police(FOP), North Carolina, endorsed Donald Trump for the US Presidential Elections 2024. The FOP President, Patrick Yoes said that the police union was honoured to have the former and future president Donald Trump, and offered him their enthusiastic endorsement.

The former US President accepted the endorsement, and used the event to hint that police officers' were in danger under Democratic nominee Kamala Harris's governance. Highlighting the escalating risks for police officers, Trump stated, Its probably one of the most dangerous professions today, which is distressing to see.

Also Read | Donald Trumps sentencing in hush money case delayed

According to the FOP, as of July 31,2024, 223 officers had been shot in the line of duty. This marks a slight 2% decrease from the previous year. 31 officers had also been killed by gunfire during that same period. In 2023, 378 officers had been shot, with 46 losing their lives.

Trump also referenced recent shootings of officers in Milwaukee and the challenges faced by residents in crime-prone areas. He criticized the declining safety in urban areas, pointing out issues such as filth, graffiti, and widespread theft in cities like New York.

I visit many families of police officers who are no longer with us. We need to restore the power and respect they rightfully deserve, and we will do that, said Trump at the event.

During his address, Trump claimed that he had also received endorsements from New York police officers, though no official announcement has been made by any NYPD union. Theyre not supposed to endorse me, but they said, We dont carewere endorsing you anyway, stated Donald Trump.

Kamala Harris unleashed bloodshed Trump used the endorsement event to contrast his strong stance on crime with what he called Kamalas crime wave. He outlined his plan for a war on crime in America, which includes death penalty for those who kill police officers, and targeting drug gangs.

Kamala Harris and the radical left have unleashed a devastating wave of bloodshed, crime, chaos, and misery upon our country, said the former US President. He further added a touch of sarcasm, Other than that, theyre actually doing quite well.

Donald Trump further went on to attack Harris for her time as San Franciscos district attorney. She destroyed San Francisco," said Trump and mocked Harris by stating that people could steal as much as they wanted to, up to $950 and nothing happens to you after that.
(Bloomberg) -- Venezuelas government, whose brutal crackdown on dissent is rattling Latin American allies, threatened to go after opposition campaign workers who have sheltered in the Argentine embassy for months.

Dozens of President Nicolas Maduros agents stationed themselves outside the embassy in Caracas on Friday night, though as of Saturday morning they hadnt attempted to enter. Road access was blocked by police cars, and the power was out, according to the social media feeds of the opposition workers ensconced in the Argentine mission.

The stand-off is escalating tensions on Latin Americas left, where long-time allies of Maduro, including the presidents Brazil and Colombia, have been trying and failing to rein in his authoritarian tendencies.

Six top aides to opposition leader Maria Corina Machado have been sheltered in the Argentine embassy since March. They are currently under the protection of the Brazilian government through an agreement with Argentina, whose personnel were expelled from the country in the aftermath of the election.

Venezuela Expels Diplomatic Personnel From 7 Countries

The Argentine embassy is harboring people suspected of terrorist acts and assassination plots against Maduro and Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, Venezuelas information ministry said in a statement. Brazils permission to oversee the Argentine mission has been revoked, the agency said.

The Venezuelan president has hauled hundreds of dissenters and protesters into jail in the wake of the July 28 vote, in which he claimed victory despite evidence to the contrary. The regime has also sought to arrest opposition presidential candidate Edmundo Gonzalez.

Brazils foreign affairs ministry said it will retain its custody of the embassy and defense of Argentine interests until the Argentine government appoints another state to step in. Argentina said the situation demonstrates that in Maduros Venezuela, the fundamental rights of human beings are not respected.

A Brazilian diplomatic official said Saturday that the government is negotiating with Venezuela and wont abandon the Argentine mission.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who has long cultivated close ties to Venezuelas socialist regime, has reiterated his governments refusal to acknowledge Maduro as the winner of the July 28 vote and called for the release of full ballot records. Argentine President Javier Milei, the libertarian leader who routinely trades public barbs with Lula, lauded Brazils move to step in and attempt to defuse the conflict after the election.

Opposition campaign manager Magalli Meda, Machado advisers Pedro Urruchurtu and Claudia Macero, and three others sought refuge in Argentinas embassy six months ago after Maduros public prosecutor ordered their arrest for alleged involvement in a plot to destabilize Venezuelas government.

--With assistance from Daniel Carvalho, Simone Iglesias and Alex Vasquez.

(Updates with Venezuelan government statement in second paragraph.)

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
Brazil's ban of platform X amid Elon Musk's flight over disinformation on the media site comes with a cautionary message for other democracies trying to balance freedom of expression with information integrity ahead of elections, reported Bloomberg on Saturday, September 7.

There is no easy solution, as the legal system has broad powers to demand the removal of specific posts and accounts, including Brazil. This authority comes with its own challenges, especially the danger of a total ban of the platform, which would fuel charges of censorship and further affect the global internet.

Also Read | Elon Musk reacts to viral Tim Cook video on why Apple produces iPhones in China

Even if we look at international standards of freedom of expression, blocking an entire platform is seen as a drastic measure, said Veridiana Alimonti, a Brazil-based expert with the Electronic Frontier Foundation quoted in the report. Its problematic when it involves platforms that host both legal and illegal speech, she said.

Europe and the United States are not likely to replicate Brazil's move at a time when governments worldwide are waging similar fights against fake news and hateful content on platform X, according to academics and industry experts quotes in the report. This is owing to the relative lack of legal authority and the political risk of going against the world's richest man, whos increasingly aligned himself with right-wing figures and endorsed Republican Donald Trump in the November US election, as per the report.

Musks fight against controversial Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes over the order banning platform X escalated an ideological war that has become a cry for the billionaires right-leaning allies worldwide. It piqued the confrontation with regulators that Musk had been stoking since he bought the platform in the latter part of 2022 and swiftly remade it into a bastion for content that served his political and social views, according to the report.

The Supreme Court has drawn Elon Musks wrath over its inquiry into whether or not the disinformation on social media prompted supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro to storm public buildings on Jan. 8, 2023, following his election defeat, as per the report.

In April, Moraes opened an investigation into whether Musk, who has openly backed Bolsonaro for years, over obstruction of justice and whether X had taken to the illegal influence of public opinion, accusations the billionaire and the company rejected, according to the report.

There should be a discussion about whether Brazils high court is overstepping its authority, said Bruna Santos, head of the Wilson Centers Brazil Institute, cited in the report. She also said that Moraes has gone too far multiple times. However, she said that conversation is hard to have at this moment, when questioning Moraes sounds like you are defending Musk, said the report.

Adding to the pressure of platform X, its head of global affairs, Nick Pickles, left the company after more than a decade with the social media company. The scrutiny on X has increased since Musk's 2022 takeover, specially after he fired thousands of people majorly involved in communications and policy disinformation on the platform. An X spokesperson refused to comment immediately but referred a reporter to Pickles post late Thursday announcing his departure, according to the report.

Other governments have challenged X with different results. While Musk is standing his ground in Brazil, X has complied with demands to take down content in countries such as India, where posts about farmer protests were singled out for removal earlier this year by the government. This week, X agreed to EU demands to stop processing the personal information of European users to train its artificial-intelligence chatbot Grok, as per the report.

The European Union officials warned X in July against deceiving users into engaging in potentially harmful content, an investigation that could make the way for fines of up to 6 per cent of the company's revenues, as per the report.

EU is not prepared to deal with a company that refuses to comply, said Christel Schaldemose, the center-left Danish lawmaker who played a key role in passing the DSA through the European Parliament.

Also Read | Elon Musks Starlink agrees to block X in Brazil after previously refusing

We wanted to use high fines as deterrents  but they dont seem to bother Musk, Schaldemose said in the agency report. Over the next two years, she said, the EU should stress-test its regulation and  if needed  strengthen its countermeasures beyond fines. She remains convinced, however, that the Brazilian way is too far-reaching, according to the report.

US regulators have an option to ban harmful online content because of a provision under the Communications Decency Act of 1996, it is also known as Section 230 that shields websites from liability for third-party content on their platforms. While lawmakers in both parties agree on the need to update the nearly three-decade old measure, Republicans and Democrats disagree vehemently over what changes to make, according to the report.

The Biden administration signaled a more hands-off approach toward disinformation as on Tuesday, the Justice Department issued new guidelines saying it would not push for removal of online content when sharing information with social-media sites about foreign threats to national security or elections, according to the report.

Also Read | Elon Musk asks candidates THIS question during job interviews

Justice officials will leave it to the platforms to decide whether to block users or remove harmful content. The move comes after accusations from Meta Platforms Inc. Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg that the Biden administration had violated free-speech principles in pushing to censor Covid-related content, as per the report.

Thats one thing which is obviously not applicable in Brazil because Brazils Constitution does not interpret the freedom of speech as an absolute right, said Santos cited in the report, noting that Brazils system of government created a very strong judiciary empowered to act in defense of democracy.

US Congress decided that freedom of speech doesnt outweigh national security regarding TikTok, which faces a ban unless its Chinese parent divests the video-sharing app. Part of the mechanism for enforcing this ban would be the same that Brazil is using to block X: prohibit local internet service providers from hosting the website, as per the report.

In the whole Brazil ban fight, Elon Musk can count on support from right-wing allies. Bolsonaros followers are planning a march on Saturday, the country's Independence Day, to call for Moraes impeachment. Local elections next month in Brazil will be an important test of the strength of Bolsonaros movement since he lost the presidency in 2022, as per the report.

Santos said that accusations of censorship risk being used by Bolsonaro supporters to cast doubt on the validity of the result, according to the report.

Also Read | Elon Musk criticises Mark Cubans poll on Kamala Harris vs Donald Trump

To reduce the spread of fake news, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silvas government has sought legislation holding big tech companies responsible. Reviving the bill now, however, is near impossible, owing to the politicization of the topic, said a Justice Ministry official familiar with the situation who requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly, according to the report.

For now, the standoff shows no easing, with Elon Musk refusing to comply with the judges orders and the fight embroiling some of the billionaires other business interests. Musk's Starlink satellite communication service had its bank accounts frozen by Moraes, and his SpaceX venture has warned employees against travel to Brazil for work or personal reasons, as per the report.
By Laila Bassam

CAIRO, Sept 7 - Three Lebanese paramedics were killed and two others wounded, one critically, in an Israeli attack while they were extinguishing fires in the southern town of Faroun, Lebanon's health ministry said on Saturday.

"Israeli forces targeted a team from the Lebanese Civil Defence as they responded to fires sparked by recent Israeli airstrikes," a ministry statement said, specifying that the strike hit a fire truck.

Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati condemned the Israeli attack as a violation of international law and announced an emergency meeting on Monday with Western ambassadors and international organisations to address the ongoing hostilities.

"To date, because of Israel's aggression, 25 paramedics from various ambulance teams have been killed, along with two health workers, and 94 paramedics and health workers have been injured," the health ministry statement added.

The health ministry also condemned the attack as a "blatant strike" on an official Lebanese state apparatus, marking the second such attack on an emergency team in less than 12 hours.

The Israeli military said it was looking into the report.

It had said earlier that it had carried out a number of strikes against Hezbollah rocket launchers and infrastructure in several locations in southern Lebanon, after the group fired rockets into northern Israel.

Hezbollah issued a statement, saying it launched a "squadron of missiles" in response to the Faroun attack, targeting an Israeli military headquarters, causing casualties.

The intensity of fighting between Hezbollah and Israel has ratcheted up steadily, displacing tens of thousands of people on either side of the Lebanese-Israeli frontier.
By Laila Bassam

CAIRO -Three Lebanese paramedics were killed and two others wounded, one critically, in an Israeli attack while they were extinguishing fires in the southern town of Faroun, Lebanon's health ministry said on Saturday.

"Israeli forces targeted a team from the Lebanese Civil Defence as they responded to fires sparked by recent Israeli airstrikes," a ministry statement said, specifying that the strike hit a fire truck.

Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati condemned the Israeli attack as a violation of international law and announced an emergency meeting on Monday with Western ambassadors and international organisations to address the ongoing hostilities.

"To date, because of Israel's aggression, 25 paramedics from various ambulance teams have been killed, along with two health workers, and 94 paramedics and health workers have been injured," the health ministry statement added.

The health ministry also condemned the attack as a "blatant strike" on an official Lebanese state apparatus, marking the second such attack on an emergency team in less than 12 hours.

The Israeli military said it was looking into the report.

It had said earlier that it had carried out a number of strikes against Hezbollah rocket launchers and infrastructure in several locations in southern Lebanon, after the group fired rockets into northern Israel.

Hezbollah issued a statement, saying it launched a "squadron of missiles" in response to the Faroun attack, targeting an Israeli military headquarters, causing casualties.

The intensity of fighting between Hezbollah and Israel has ratcheted up steadily, displacing tens of thousands of people on either side of the Lebanese-Israeli frontier.
*

Israeli airstrike on Jabalia refugee camp kills 8, wounds 15

*

Hamas, Islamic Jihad and Fatah fight Israeli troops with rockets and bombs

*

CIA director Burns says more detailed US truce proposal coming in days

*

UN has vaccinated over half of 640,000 children in Gaza amid conflict

By Nidal al-Mughrabi

CAIRO, Sept 7 - Israeli military strikes across the Palestinian Gaza Strip killed at least 61 people in the space of 48 hours, medics said on Saturday, as Israeli forces battled Hamas-led militants in the territory.

Eleven months into the war, numerous rounds of diplomacy have so far failed to clinch a ceasefire deal to end the conflict and bring the release of Israeli and foreign hostages held in Gaza.

Airstrikes on two former schools that were housing displaced people, one in Gaza City and one in Jabalia, killed at least 12 people, Palestinian medics said.

The Israeli military said the strikes targeted Hamas gunmen who were operating in the compound. Five more people were killed in a strike on a house in Gaza City, Palestinian medics said, with a total of 28 people killed on Saturday.

The armed wings of the Hamas, Islamic Jihad and Fatah groups said they had fought Israeli troops across Gaza with anti-tank rockets and mortar bombs, and in some incidents detonated bombs to target tanks and other army vehicles.

The two warring sides continued to blame one another for the failure of mediators, including Qatar, Egypt and the United States, to broker a ceasefire. The U.S. is preparing to present a new proposal, but the prospects of a breakthrough appear slim as gaps between the sides remain wide.

CIA Director William Burns, the chief U.S. negotiator, told an event in London that a more detailed proposal would be made in the coming days.

Tens of thousands of Israelis joined protests in Tel Aviv and other cities, demanding Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government make a deal under which the remaining 101 hostages would be released.

The killing of six hostages last week triggered an outpouring of anger and grief that led to mass protests. The hostages had been shot in the head by Hamas, Israel said, not long before their bodies were found by troops in a Gaza tunnel last Saturday.

"They could have been saved," said Einav Zangauker, whose 24-year-old son Matan had been abducted by militants from his home in Nir Oz kibbutz. "As long as Netanyahu is in power, we will keep getting the hostages back in body bags."

POLIO VACCINATIONS CONTINUE

On Thursday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said it was incumbent on both Israel and Hamas, which seized control of Gaza almost two decades ago and was responsible for the Oct. 7 killing spree in Israel that triggered the war, to make concessions to reach a deal.

On Saturday, senior Hamas official Hossam Badran said the group had made no new demands and remained committed to a July 2 proposal put forward by the United States, accusing Netanyahu of attaching new conditions that would not end the war.

Netanyahu says it was Hamas that introduced unacceptable conditions.

Despite the deadlock, the United Nations, in collaboration with local health authorities, has pursued a campaign to vaccinate 640,000 children in Gaza after its first polio case in around 25 years. Limited pauses in the fighting have allowed the campaign to proceed.

U.N. officials said they were making progress, having reached more than half of the children needing the drops in the first two stages in the southern and central Gaza Strip.

On Sunday, the campaign will move to the northern Gaza Strip. A second round of vaccination will be required four weeks after the first.

The latest bloodshed in the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict was triggered by the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel, killing 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and in which about 250 hostages were taken, according to Israeli tallies.

Israel's subsequent assault on the enclave has killed more than 40,900 Palestinians, according to the local health ministry, while also displacing nearly the entire population of 2.3 million.

The Palestinian health ministry does not distinguish between combatants and non-combatants in its casualty reports, but health officials say most the fatalities have been civilians.

Israel, which has lost 340 soldiers in Gaza, says at least a third of the Palestinian dead are fighters.
A Pakistani national living in Canada has been arrested for allegedly planning the largest terror attack in the United States since 9/11 in support of the Islamic State (ISIS) on the first anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel.

Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, aka Shahzeb Jadoon, was arrested in Ormstown, Quebec, on Wednesday, September 4, when he was trying to sneak into the United States.

The US Department of Justice (DoJ) announced the charges on September 6, stating that Khan, 20, was planning a mass shooting at a Jewish center in Brooklyn, intending to slaughter as many Jewish people as possible.

The defendant is alleged to have planned a terrorist attack in New York City around October 7 of this year with the stated goal of slaughtering, in the name of (the Islamic State), as many Jewish people as possible, Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement.

The DoJ further stated that, "Khan began posting on social media and communicating with others on an encrypted messaging application about his support for ISIS in or about November 2023, when, among other things, Khan distributed ISIS propaganda videos and literature.

Also Read | Hamas releases heartbreaking new video of slain US-Israeli hostage amid Gaza war

The Terror Plot The US Attorney General Garland saidKhan allegedly tried to travel from Canada to the US to execute the attack using automatic and semi-automatic weapons. He also communicated with undercover law enforcement officers, discussing plans to form an offline cell of ISIS supporters and instructing them to acquire firearms and ammunition for the attack.

Thanks to the investigative work of the FBI, and the quick action of our Canadian law enforcement partners, the defendant was taken into custody, Garland added

According to the criminal complaint, Khan planned to travel to New York and carry out a mass shooting in support of IS at a Jewish center in Brooklyn on the anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel.

He claimed that New York was perfect to target Jews because it has the largest Jewish population in America, according to US officials. Even if the attack did not target a specific event, he wrote that we could rack up easily a lot of Jews, adding, We are going to NYC to slaughter them.

Largest terror attack since 9/11 According to investigative agencies, Khan sent photos and videos of the targeted building to the undercover agents and instructed them to acquire rifles, ammunition, and some good hunting knives so we can slit their throats.

Khan further wrote that if we succeed with our plan, this would be the largest attack on US soil since 9/11, referring to the September 11, 2001, attacks.

FBI Director Christopher Wray commended the coordinated efforts that led to Khan's arrest.

Also Read | HDFC Bank raises key lending rate for THIS tenure; check the latest MCLR

In the statement, Wray said Khan was allegedly determined to kill Jewish people in the United States, nearly one year after Hamas horrific attack on Israel.

He further stated, "This investigation was led by the FBI and I am proud of the terrific work by the FBI team and our partners to disrupt Khans plan".
Former US President Donald Trump's sentencing in his hush money criminal case was deferred until after the November 5 election. Manhattan Judge Juan M. Merchan delayed Trumps sentencing until November 26, three weeks after the final votes are cast in the US presidential election.

Trump, the Republican nominee for president, had previously been scheduled to be sentenced on September 18, about seven weeks before Election Day.

His lawyers in August asked Justice Juan Merchan to push back his sentencing date until after the vote, citing naked election-interference objectives.

"The imposition of sentence will be adjourned to avoid any appearance - however unwarranted - that the proceeding has been affected by or seeks to affect the approaching Presidential election in which the Defendant is a candidate," the judge wrote according to Reuters.

The Court is a fair, impartial and apolitical institution, the judge added.

Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung said after the ruling that the case should be dismissed altogether. "There should be no sentencing in the Manhattan DA's Election Interference Witch Hunt," Cheung said in a statement.

Trump's lawyers also argued there would not be enough time before the sentencing for the defense to potentially appeal Merchan's forthcoming ruling on Trump's request to overturn the conviction due to the U.S. Supreme Court's landmark decision on presidential immunity.

Merchan had been scheduled to rule on that motion on Sept. 16. He wrote on Friday he now plans to rule on that motion on Nov. 12.

In the first-ever criminal trial of a former or current US president, Trump was convicted on May 30 of falsifying business records to cover up his then-lawyer's $130,000 payment to porn star Stormy Daniels for her silence before the 2016 election about a sexual encounter she says she had with Trump a decade earlier.

Trump denies the encounter and has vowed to appeal the verdict once he is sentenced.

Also Read | Elon Musk criticises Mark Cubans poll on Kamala Harris vs Donald Trump

'THREADED THE NEEDLE' The Supreme Court's 6-3 ruling, which related to a separate criminal case Trump faces, found that presidents cannot be criminally prosecuted for their official acts, and that evidence of presidents' official actions cannot be used to help prove criminal cases involving unofficial actions.

Prosecutors with Bragg's office argued their case involved Trump's personal conduct, not official acts, so there was no reason to overturn the verdict.

But they took no position on Trump's request to delay sentencing, saying in an Aug. 16 filing they deferred to Merchan on the question. The prosecutors said an appellate court could delay the sentencing anyway to give itself time to consider Trump's arguments, a move they said would be disruptive.

Bragg's team also said Trump's court appearances required significant security and logistical planning and said there was a risk preparations could be made for his sentencing only to be called off. Trump's six-week trial brought a heavy police presence to lower Manhattan.

In declining to advocate for a sentencing date before the election, Bragg may have been conscious of Trump's oft-repeated claim that the Democratic prosecutor is seeking to interfere in his campaign, said George Grasso, a retired New York state judge who attended Trump's trial.

"He's probably appropriately sensitive to opening himself up to charges from Trump and Trump supporters that he's being too political," Grasso said. He threaded the needle.

Also Read | Conservative beer company rakes in over $1 million with cans featuring Trump

Falsifying business records is punishable by up to four years in prison, though punishments such as fines or probation are more common for others convicted of that crime in the past.

If Trump wins the White House, he could potentially order the Department of Justice to drop federal election interference charges against him. He would not have the authority to end the New York state case or an election interference case in Georgia.
ISTANBUL -Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday Islamic countries should form an alliance against what he called "the growing threat of expansionism" from Israel, drawing a rebuke from the Israeli foreign minister.

He made the comment after describing what Palestinian and Turkish officials said was the killing by Israeli troops of a Turkish-American woman taking part in a protest on Friday against settlement expansion in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

"The only step that will stop Israeli arrogance, Israeli banditry, and Israeli state terrorism is the alliance of Islamic countries," Erdogan said at an Islamic schools' association event near Istanbul.

He said recent steps that Turkey has taken to improve ties with Egypt and Syria are aimed at "forming a line of solidarity against the growing threat of expansionism," which he said also threatened Lebanon and Syria.

Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz said in a statement that Erdogan's remark was "a dangerous lie and incitement," and that the Turkish leader has been working for years with Iran to undermine the region's moderate Arab regimes.

Erdogan hosted Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in Ankara this week and they discussed the Gaza war and ways to further repair their long-frozen ties during what was the first such presidential visit in 12 years.

Ties between them started thawing in 2020 when Turkey began diplomatic efforts to ease tensions with estranged regional rivals, including the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.

Erdogan said in July that Turkey would extend an invitation to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad "any time" for possible talks to restore relations between the two neighbours, who severed ties in 2011 after the outbreak of the Syrian civil war.

Israel's military said after Friday's incident that it was looking into reports that a female foreign national "was killed as a result of shots fired in the area. The details of the incident and the circumstances in which she was hit are under review."

There was no immediate comment on Friday's incident fromIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office.
ISTANBUL, Sept 7 - Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday Islamic countries should form an alliance against what he called "the growing threat of expansionism" from Israel, drawing a rebuke from the Israeli foreign minister.

He made the comment after describing what Palestinian and Turkish officials said was the killing by Israeli troops of a Turkish-American woman taking part in a protest on Friday against settlement expansion in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

"The only step that will stop Israeli arrogance, Israeli banditry, and Israeli state terrorism is the alliance of Islamic countries," Erdogan said at an Islamic schools' association event near Istanbul.

He said recent steps that Turkey has taken to improve ties with Egypt and Syria are aimed at "forming a line of solidarity against the growing threat of expansionism," which he said also threatened Lebanon and Syria.

Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz said in a statement that Erdogan's remark was "a dangerous lie and incitement," and that the Turkish leader has been working for years with Iran to undermine the region's moderate Arab regimes.

Erdogan hosted Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in Ankara this week and they discussed the Gaza war and ways to further repair their long-frozen ties during what was the first such presidential visit in 12 years.

Ties between them started thawing in 2020 when Turkey began diplomatic efforts to ease tensions with estranged regional rivals, including the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.

Erdogan said in July that Turkey would extend an invitation to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad "any time" for possible talks to restore relations between the two neighbours, who severed ties in 2011 after the outbreak of the Syrian civil war.

Israel's military said after Friday's incident that it was looking into reports that a female foreign national "was killed as a result of shots fired in the area. The details of the incident and the circumstances in which she was hit are under review."

There was no immediate comment on Friday's incident from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office.
Demand for apartments has increased in Ukraine. In the primary real estate market, sales departments resumed their work in 77% of properties. Prices have also risen in the secondary market. Experts note an increase in demand in the rental market.

ADVERTISIMENT

This is stated in the study of the real estate marketplace DIM.RIA. Thus, in the primary market as of the end of August 2024, sales departments are active in 77% of new buildings. Since the beginning of the summer, 23 new buildings in 72 sections have been commissioned in Ukraine: 6 new buildings in Kyiv and Lviv regions, 5 in Ivano-Frankivsk region, 2 in Dnipro and Odesa regions, and one in Zhytomyr and Khmelnytsky regions.

The average price per square meter in dollar terms slightly decreased in almost every region of Ukraine in August, but the year-on-year growth was observed in half of the regions. Analysts noted the most rapid price growth in Kirovohrad, Ivano-Frankivsk, Chernivtsi, Volyn, and Cherkasy regions. Kyiv remains the most expensive in the primary market with an average price of $1,338 per square meter.

ADVERTISIMENT

Secondary market

In the secondary housing market, the number of offers increased the most during the year in Kyiv, Ivano-Frankivsk, and Zaporizhzhia regions, while in most other regions it decreased, sometimes by more than 50% (Kharkiv and Sumy regions). Also, much fewer owners began to offer their homes for sale in Dnipropetrovsk, Odesa, and Zaporizhzhia regions: the number of ads there decreased by 37-47% over the year.

In August 2024, the sale price of a one-bedroom apartment fluctuated in most regions within a few percent, while it mostly increased compared to the data for August 2023. Volyn, Chernivtsi, and Ivano-Frankivsk regions showed the highest growth. Kyiv remains the most expensive: in the capital, owners ask an average of $85,845 for a one-bedroom apartment.

Looking at the capital in more detail, the Pecherskyi district remains the most expensive with an average price of a one-bedroom apartment of $110,969, while the lowest price is reported by homeowners in Desnianskyi district  $48,487.

ADVERTISIMENT

In August, users' interest in secondary housing revived in most regions, with the largest increase in search queries in Odesa and Lviv regions. However, in comparison with the current and last year's situation, all regions began to receive fewer search queries for the purchase of housing. Kherson and Sumy regions lost the largest percentage of buyers, and Ivano-Frankivsk, Cherkasy, Kirovohrad, Volyn, Chernivtsi, and Lviv regions experienced a significant decline in interest: from -40% to -46%.

Rental market

In the rental market, the number of housing offers in Volyn, Ivano-Frankivsk, Lviv, and Zakarpattia regions increased by one and a half to two times compared to August of the previous year. At the same time, analysts noted a decline in the number of housing in the central regions, including Kyiv.

ADVERTISIMENT

Kyiv remains the most expensive location for renting an apartment with an average price tag of UAH 18,205 for a one-bedroom apartment. Over the past month, housing prices in the capital rose by 1%, and over the past year, the increase was 18%. Prices are also rising in other regions, most actively in Zhytomyr, Volyn, and Rivne regions (from +39% to +114% over the year).

The capital allows you to choose more affordable housing depending on the district. The lowest prices can be found in the Desnianskyi district, with an average of UAH 10,293 for a one-bedroom apartment, but the most expensive is the Shevchenkivskyi district with an average rental price per month of UAH 23,408.

As OBOZ.UA previously reported, in Kyiv in August 2024, the average time interval between the placement of an advertisement and the rented apartment was 5 days, in July it was 6 days, in January 2024  11. August- September is traditionally a high season associated with the beginning of the school year, and this year, schools and universities are studying offline.

ADVERTISIMENT

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Russias efforts to influence the US election are more sophisticated than in past cycles, a US intelligence official said, warning the countrys activities go well beyond an alleged plot revealed in a Justice Department indictment this week.

Moscows tactics include targeting US swing states using artificial intelligence and influence-for-hire firms, and amplifying divisive narratives, according to the official from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, who spoke to reporters on condition of anonymity.

Earlier in the week, the Biden administration unsealed charges against two Russian nationals accused of laundering nearly $10 million to pay for a secret influence campaign to support former President Donald Trump over Vice President Kamala Harris.

The official added that Russia has other active assets and that Washington is pursuing a broad counter-effort.

Russia is looking to amplify divisive rhetoric and influence election outcomes, which is consistent with Moscows broader foreign policy goals of weakening the United States and undermining Washingtons support for Ukraine, the ODNI said in updated report on election security released Friday.

US authorities have stepped up their vigilance of election security after signs that foreign adversaries, including Russia, Iran and China, sought to meddle in the 2016 and 2020 elections. The governments steps have included closely coordinating among agencies, calling out efforts by state-backed groups and charging individuals.

The indictment unsealed this week exposed how Russia allegedly uses popular right-wing social-media influencers to reach Americans with narratives that advance Moscows interests.

President Vladimir Putins government has sought to use influencers in the US because it believes thats a more effective way to deceive and influence Americans, the intelligence official said.

In July, the agencies warned Russia and Iran would seek to influence the 2024 US presidential election. US intelligence agencies in August blamed Iran for a recent hack of Trumps presidential campaign.

The agencies have also said they are monitoring the possibility that actors linked to Beijing could seek to influence down-ballot races that threaten its interests.

Among the three adversaries, Russia is still seen as the US top concern, the ODNI official said, pointing to its technical ability and the significant scope and scale of its activities.
What happens if Bangladesh makes a formal request for her extradition?

If India invokes the exception clause under the extradition treaty between the two countries, what implications will it have for the future of India-Bangladesh relations?

What can India do to navigate this strategic conundrum differently, keeping in mind its long-term strategic interests in Bangladesh?

The extradition conundrum

Among SAARC nations, India has extradition treaties with Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh, and an extradition arrangement with Sri Lanka. The India-Bangladesh extradition treaty was signed in 2013 and amended in 2016. Both countries have benefited from it.

For Bangladesh, the challenge was from terror groups such as Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), whose operatives were found to be hiding in West Bengal and Assam. India got top United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) leader Anup Chetia extradited from Bangladesh in 2015, and has also extradited a couple of Bangladeshi fugitives through this treaty.

However, what complicates matters now is the host of demands for the extradition of Indias dependable strategic ally Sheikh Hasina.

Also read: Bangladesh must strive to keep its success story going

While Bangladesh is yet to make a formal request, and Indias external affairs ministry has dismissed it as hypothetical, the issue still calls for strategic thinking in the diplomatic and foreign policy establishment.

So, what are Indias options? While it may want to stand up for its long-time friend Sheikh Hasina, politics is driven by rationality and prudence, not emotions. In realpolitik, national interests trump personality-based politics. While much remains to be seen in terms of Indias response, if it chooses to deny the extradition request, it will have to script its denial based on the exception clause of the extradition treaty.

While this clause stands contested, India still has substantive legal ground to make its case in light of Article 6 and Article 8 of the treaty. Article 6 permits political character of offence as grounds for exception, while Article 8, clause 1.3 states, A person may not be extradited if the accusation against him is not made in good faith in the interests of justice." India can technically invoke both clauses, which are well within the parameters of international law to deny extradition. Nonetheless, this would have consequences for India-Bangladesh relations.

Strategic challenge for bilateral ties

For years, Indias policymakers have viewed Bangladesh like many other of its neighbours. Its now time to pay attention to how India is viewed in Bangladesh and recognise the sentiment there, both politically and on the ground.

The grassroots view is that India is a strong ally of Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League, rather than Bangladesh. This party- and personality-specific identification is detrimental to Indias long-term interests in the region, especially in the wake of competing interests with China.

Also read: Out of Bangladesh fire, Indian students find themselves in the frying pan

Bangladesh has been the strategic glue in Indias Neighbourhood First policy, SAGAR Doctrine, and Act East Policy. It is important that India open up all channels of communication with key opposition parties in Bangladesh, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Indias policy establishment has made the first moves in this direction.

Also, the much-touted minority card may not align with Indias long-term interests in Bangladesh as Muhammad Yunus has clearly stated that New Delhi must move beyond the narrative that portrays every other political party except Awami League as Islamist".

Also read: Can India capitalize on 'Bangladesh Plus One'?

So, what can India do differently? Well, it could take a multi-pronged approach, deploying diplomacy and international law in tandem. It could also refrain from playing the minority card domestically, as short-term political mobilisation in India creates an equal and opposite reaction in Bangladesh. This in no way undermines Indias efforts to address the issue of safety and security of Bangladesh's minority community using the highest diplomatic channels. In short, strategic pragmatism is the need of the hour.
Union Minister of State for Home Affairs and BJP leader from Bihar Nitayanad Rai has lashed out at the Nammu and Kashmir National Conference Vice President, tagging the later as 'anti-India'. The heated remarks come after Omar Abdullah remarked that he was not in favour of 'capital punishment', adding that the execution of the 2001 Parliament attack case convict, Afzal Guru, did not serve any purpose.

Rai, on Saturday, slammed Omar Abdullah and commented that the leader from J&K was 'speaking in terrorists of such terrorists'.

"Omar Abdullah's statement is extremely objectionable and anti-India; any amount of criticism is not enough... He is speaking in favour of such terrorists", Rai told reporters on Saturday.

Further slamming the Congress and NC alliance in Jammu and Kashmir for the upcoming J-K Assembly elections, Rai remarked, "... The Congress is with such anti-India statements. There is no difference between Abdullah and Congress... The people of India will not forgive this..."

Afzal Guru was one of the key conspirators of the attack on the Indian Parliament in 2001. Guru was hanged in 2013 at Tihar Jail.

Also Read | Afzal Guru death anniversary: 2G mobile internet suspended in Kashmir again

Afzal Guru was convicted of conspiracy in the December 2001 attack on Parliament that killed six security personnel and one civilian. He was on death row for nine years as the government dithered over taking a final decision on his mercy plea.

This was partly due to the legal efforts undertaken by Afzal Gurus family to seek relief and also the lack of willingness on the part of the government to carry out the execution.

Also Read | Afzal Gurus last interview

Omar Abdullah, earlier on Saturday had said, The unfortunate thing was that the J&K government had nothing to do with Afzal Guru's execution.

During the interview with ANI, Abdullah added, "Otherwise, you would have had to do it with the permission of the state government, which I can tell you in no uncertain terms would not have been forthcoming. We wouldn't have done it. I don't believe that any purpose was served by executing him."

Defending his point, Abdullah added that he does not believe in capitalist punishment. He claimed that evidence has shown time and time again, "that it may not be in India, but in other countries, that you have executed people and found that you are wrong.

Also Read | Parliament terror suspect Afzal Guru hanged in Delhi

BJP leader Ravi Shankar also hit out at Omar Abdullah and termed his remarks as irresponsible and anti-national'.

Defending the decision to execute Afzal Guru, Shankar commented, Afzal Guru was given death punishment by the law. The matter went to the Supreme Court, and even a review was done but he was found to be involved in anti-national and terrorist activities.

Citing the upcoming J-K Assembly elections, Shankar added, To win the election, will you talk about breaking India? It's good that his real face has just been exposed. The people of Kashmir and BJP won't let his conspiracy to weaken India be successful.
The Haryana BJP has been left pacifying several major leaders amid outrage over its first list of candidates for the upcoming elections. Several prominent leaders including Laxman Napa and Ranjit Singh Chautala have resigned from the party in recent days over ticket issues. The party has so far named candidates for 67 out of 90 seats in Haryana.

"We are pacifying them. They are upset. Barala ji (Subhash Barala) will work and also appeal to the people for votes. United, BJP will form the government for the third time," assured Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini.

Former state minister Bachan Singh Arya quit the party on Saturday  following in the wake of two members of the state Cabinet  Energy Minister Ranjit Singh Chautala and MoS Social Justice Bishamber Singh Balmiki. Ratia MLA Lakshman Napa resigned from the primary membership of the party on September 6.

The election hopefuls allege that the party has favoured turncoats over loyalists while distributing tickets.

Former MLA Balkaur Singh joined the growing list of rebels on Saturday afternoon. The politician said that he had not been accorded his due respect despite supporting the party in difficult times. Singh is now slated to join the Congress party after going to Delhi.

I have worked wholeheartedly for the party and kept the flag of BJP high in difficult circumstances, despite this, I did not get the respect in the organisation or a government postToday, I will go to Delhi with my supporters under the leadership of former Chief Minister Bhupendra Singh Hooda and Kumari Selja and join the Congress. I will continue to serve the people, he said.

Also Read | BJP leader Bachan Singh Arya resigns from party ahead of Haryana Assembly polls

Meanwhile former MLA Shashi Ranjan Parmar made waves on Friday after he was seen weeping on camera during an interview.

I had thought that my name would be on the listAb main kya karun?" reports quoted him as asking in response to reporter queries.
WASHINGTONIn January 2023, a representative claiming to work with a European finance professional named Eduard Grigoriann shared instructions with a popular U.S. conservative media influencer to start a new YouTube channel.

Find a personality that could serve as the face of the channel," Grigorianns representative said. For the right candidate were willing to pay around $1-2 million per year."

The representative was a fictitious persona, as was Grigoriann, U.S. prosecutors said this week. They were fake identities being secretly operated by two Russian nationals seeking to advance Moscows desires to interfere in the 2024 presidential election.

Grigorianns offer allegedly laid the groundwork for what would later that year become Tenet Media, a seemingly successful startup incorporated in Tennessee. Prosecutors said since launching in late 2023, the company has posted nearly 2,000 videos that have received more than 16 million views on YouTube alone.

Unlike Russian efforts to seed social media with low-quality bots and trolls that earn little, if any engagement, the alleged scheme helped to launch Tenet as a serious player in conservative media, fueled by content from Trump-supporting personalities who questioned the legitimacy of the 2020 election, had well-known views hostile to U.S. support for Ukraine in its war against Russia and advanced narratives that at times aligned with Russian talking points.

Their work for Tenet, which included interviews with members of Donald Trumps family, repeatedly attracted the attention of prominent Americans, including billionaire Elon Musk, who on his platform, X, interacted with several of the influencers more than 100 times, a Wall Street Journal analysis found.

If the American people knew that these views were being directed and paid for by the Russian government, they wouldnt have 16 million views," said Brandon Van Grack, a former top official in the Justice Departments national security division who oversaw efforts to police covert foreign influence. And the Russian government knew that, which is why the Russian government went to such lengths to hide their direction and funding."

Heterodox commentators

The case has raised questions about what Tenets founders knew about the $10 million they allegedly received from the two Russian nationals, Kostiantyn Kalashnikov and Elena Afanasyeva, who were indicted Wednesday on charges of conspiring to launder money and operate as unregistered foreign agents. Both defendants, who remain overseas, worked at Russian state-media outlet RT, which has long been accused of being an organ of Kremlin propaganda. The charges also have spurred complaints from Tenets online personalities who say they were as duped as anyone and would have produced the same content anyway.

View Full Image The logo of Russian state media outlet RT at its Moscow headquarters . Photo: kirill kudryavtsev/Agence France-Presse/Getty Images

Tenet wasnt identified by name in the indictment of the Russians, identified only as U.S. Company-1," but a person familiar with the matter confirmed the company is Tenet. The court filing said the outlet described itself as a network of heterodox commentators that focus on Western political and cultural issues." That language matches the description used by Tenet. Its founders, Lauren Chen and Liam Donovan, also arent identified by name in the document. Tenet didnt respond to a request for comment sent via its website.

Chenan influencer in her own right, with 572,000 subscribers on YouTube and 157,000 followers on Instagramdescribes herself as the host of two shows on Blaze TV and conservative advocacy group Turning Point USA. She also previously wrote for RT. She didnt respond to requests for comment via email or various social-media accounts. Donovan couldnt be reached for comment.

Lauren Chen was an independent contractor, whose contract has been terminated," Blaze Media CEO Tyler Cardon said. Turning Point USA didnt respond to a request for comment. YouTube on Thursday took down the Tenet Media page. The platform said it was terminating the Tenet Media channel and four channels operated by its owner Lauren Chen as part of our ongoing efforts to combat coordinated influence operations."

Duped Influencers

Tenet hired a small collection of popular firebrand conservatives, paid them handsomely, and instructed them to churn out viral political content. Within months of its November 2023 launch, Tenet was attracting influential audiences and scored interviews with top Republicans, including former President Donald Trumps son Donald Trump Jr., and daughter-in-law, Lara, after she took over as chair of the Republican National Committee.

The indictment doesnt identify the influencers who were recruited beyond referring to them as unnamed commentators. Several who were allegedly paid with Russian funds issued statements denying any knowledge or involvement with foreign election interference.

Tim Pool, a conservative voice who has repeatedly referred to Ukraine as the enemy" and urged the U.S. to stop supporting Kyiv since Russia invaded the country two years ago, said on X that his YouTube videos were merely licensed by Tenet, and that never at any point" did the company have editorial control over the content. Putin is a scumbag, Russia sucks," he added.

Myself and other influencers were victims in this alleged scheme," Benny Johnson, a popular conservative broadcaster who also contracted with Tenet, wrote on X. My lawyers will handle anyone who states or suggests otherwise."

In a press briefing Wednesday, Attorney General Merrick Garland indicated Johnson, Pool and other hired talent were unaware of the Russian plot. The company never disclosed to the influencers or to their millions of followers its ties to RT and the Russian government," Garland said.

Russian Ambassador to the U.S. Anatoly Antonov, in comments posted to the Telegram messaging app, denied the accusations. We categorically reject the false accusations against Russian information structures and demand the lifting of the administrative restrictions imposed on the work of our journalists in America," he said.

Happy to work with the Russian firm

The 32-page indictment of Kalashnikov and Afanasyeva, issued in Manhattan, repeatedly suggests that Tenets founders knew that Grigoriann was fake and not the real source of Tenets funding.

There were ample alleged clues.

Prosecutors said one of Grigorianns fictitious associates misspelled Grigorianns name in at least four different emails to Tenet founder Chen, who is referred to in the indictment as Founder-1.

In one instance, the indictment said, one of Grigorianns associates emailed a potential Tenet hire and signed the message as Grigoriann, rather than as the associate, confusing the influencer who received the email.

In another, prosecutors said, Chen was informed by her funders that management and marketing of the new company they were funding would be done by the Russian firm we agreed to hire," but added that Chen would remain chief executive. Chen replied she was happy to work with the Russian firm." Prosecutors said she also acknowledged in private correspondence that Tenets investors were Russians.

Under the veil of Grigoriann and three fake personas of associates who worked for him, the Russians started paying Chen $8,000 a month, prosecutors alleged, using a shell entity in the Czech Republic to make payments to a Canadian company Chen, herself a Canadian citizen, owned.

In February of last year, according to the indictment, they suggested a specific shortlist of candidates" to try to recruit for the new media venture. Chen replied that one of the influencers they wanted to hire would cost well over 2 million a year," but the Kalashnikov and Afanasyeva made clear that wouldnt be a problem.

Grigoriann was OK with over $2m as long as we get the right person on board, under the right conditions," the Russians replied, prosecutors said.

Even when Chen cautioned that the influencer would demand closer to $5 million a yeara sum she said would threaten profitability of the startupthe funders didnt balk. We would love to move forward," they replied, according to the indictment.

At times, the talent recruited for Tenet appeared somewhat dubious of Grigoriann. Chen relayed to her funders that some of the influencers wanted more information about Grigoriann before moving forward. In April 2023, Chen herself did Google searches for Eduard Grigoriann" and his bank account, and turned up nothing. A couple of weeks later, the Russians sent Chen a visual resume of Grigoriann that included an image of a man on a private jet peering wistfully out a window.

View Full Image A fake curriculum vitae for Eduard Grigoriann was included in the indictment with blurring and redactions. Photo: Justice Department

The resume said Grigoriann was born in Brussels, held a masters in Accounting, Finance and Political Science" and had worked as a financial analyst and consultant around Europe and in Singapore before starting his own private equity and wealth management company.

Mr. Grigoriann intends to establish a conservative news outlet that offers expertise and experience for a wide audience in the Western world and beyond," the resume concluded.

In the end, one influencer agreed to work with Tenet Media for $400,000 a month plus a $100,000 signing bonus, while another received $100,000 per video.

On Thursday, Tayler Hansen, one of Tenets star talents, said on X that the company had ended" following the Justice Department indictment.

I will now be pursuing other job opportunities so I may continue to report on vital news stories this election season," Hansen said, adding he was looking for independent funding for his work.

Andrea Fuller and Jeff Horwitz contributed to this article.

Write to Dustin Volz at dustin.volz@wsj.com and C. Ryan Barber at ryan.barber@wsj.com
Amid uncertainty over an alliance with the Congress for the assembly polls in Haryana, Aam Aadmi Party on Saturday warned that those who 'underestimate' the party would regret it.

AAP national secretary (organisation) Sandeep Pathak said during a press conference that the party was ready to contest from all 90 seats in the Haryana elections with full force.

"We are fully prepared and waiting for the party's order. As soon as we get the 'go' word, we will announce everything. We are prepared to fight the elections with full force on all the seats and those who underestimate us will themselves regret it in the future," Pathak said.

Alliance talks between AAP and the Congress have hit an impasse over seat sharing. AAP has demanded 10 seats while the Congress is offering five to seven, insiders have said.

Haryana goes to the polls on October 5. The last date to file nominations is September 12.

Earlier in the day, AAP chief national spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar said talks were underway and expressed hope that there would be "some conclusion".

"Talks are ongoing, so it's too early to comment," she said when asked about the number of seats AAP would contest if it struck an alliance with the Congress.

AAP has been on a continuous campaign in Haryana. Sunita Kejriwal, wife of party chief Arvind Kejriwal, is scheduled to hold public meetings in the state on Saturday. "We are ready to contest on all 90 seats," Kakkar said.

Also Read | Congress faces INDIA bloc dilemma as alliance with AAP delays for Haryana polls

AAP sources on Friday claimed that the talks over an alliance were on the verge of "collapse".

They had also claimed that the party was planning to contest 50 seats and might announce its first list of candidates on Sunday.

We are fully prepared and waiting for the party's order. Those who underestimate us will themselves regret it in the future.

INDIA bloc constituents AAP and the Congress contested the Lok Sabha polls in an alliance in Haryana, Gujarat and Delhi.

In Haryana, AAP contested the Kurukshetra seat, where its state unit chief Sushil Gupta lost to the BJP's Navin Jindal.
With just 2 days to go until the iPhone 16 launch event, the rumours and excitement surrounding the upcoming iPhones are in full swing. The event, which will be held as usual at Cupertino Park in California, is expected to unveil 4 new iPhones: iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max. While many of the features of the new iPhones have already been leaked via rumours, a new report has given some important hints about the price and storage capacity of the iPhone 16 Pro.

According to a report by Trendforce, the iPhone 16 Pro could follow in the footsteps of last year's iPhone 15 Pro Max by ditching the 128GB variant of the smartphone and instead starting with a 256GB one. Notably, the iPhone 15 Pro Max started with a base storage of 256GB and came at the same price as its predecessor for the 256GB variant.

The Trendforce report suggests that while the price of the iPhone 16 Pro could increase on paper, this could be mitigated for users by the addition of a premium tetraprism periscope lens and 256GB of base storage.

Moreover, Apple's choice of 256GB base storage for the iPhone 16 Pro could have a major impact on next year's iPhone line-up. Notably, when Apple adopted 128GB as the base storage for the iPhone 12 Pro, the same trend was followed for all iPhone 13 models launched last year and the same trend could be repeated for all iPhone 17 models launched next year.

iPhone 16 Pro to get price reduction in India:

A report from Bloomberg suggests that Apple may begin manufacturing the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max series in India later this year, which could lead to a reduction in the price of these devices in the country. The local assembly of premium iPhone models could lead to a price reduction of up to 10% for the new iPhone 16 Pro models. Meanwhile, the Indian government has also recently reduced customs duties on mobile phones, which should encourage the Cupertino-based company to cut prices further.

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!
Alphabet Inc.s Google is abusing its dominant position in advertising technology, the UKs antitrust agency warned in a move that could pave the way for hefty fines and an order to change one of the tech giants most lucrative businesses.

Also Read | CERT-IN issues urgent warning for Google Chrome users: How to stay safe online

The Competition and Markets Authority said Friday in its statement of objections that Google is using its dominance in tech advertising to prioritize its own services and is potentially harming thousands of UK publishers and advertisers.

Google has long held a key position in which its able to collect data on users, allowing advertisers to target ads to them. It also sells ad space and provides the technology that allows for advertisers to find publishers to sell their space.

Using its own algorithms, Google automatically calculates and offers ad space and prices to advertisers and publishers as a user clicks on a web page. Online advertising is Alphabets most lucrative business, generating about $225 billion, or about 80% of total revenue in 2022.

Its so important that publishers and advertisers  who enable this free content  can benefit from effective competition and get a fair deal when buying or selling digital advertising space," said Juliette Enser, the CMAs interim executive director of enforcement.

Also Read | Google expands Gemini Live: Two-way voice conversations now available to more users - how to use it

Google hit back at the CMAs findings saying that they were based on flawed interpretations of the ad tech sector." Dan Taylor, VP of Global Ads at Google, said it disagrees with the findings and will respond accordingly.

EU regulators have also criticized Googles dominance in tech advertising. Last year it laid antitrust charges against the company for favoring its own ad exchange program over rivals and bolstering Googles central role in the ad tech supply chain.

Crucially, the European Commission said in the July 2023 order that a potential order for Google to implement behavioral remedies may not be sufficient to correct the abusive conduct, possibly opening the way for an order against Google to break up its ad tech business from its core services.

Separately, the US Department of Justice will face Google in a September trial, calling for the break up of the search giants ad tech business over alleged illegal monopolization. The DoJ claims that Googles dominance over advertising technology allows it to keep at least $0.30 out of every dollar advertisers spend through its online advertising tools.

If any wrongdoing is found by the CMA, it has the powers to impose a fine of 10% of a firms global revenue. The CMA says it will take any feedback from Google into consideration before any final decision is made and that decision will be made by a separate panel from the team who did the preliminary investigation.

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!
Archaeologists have unearthed two graves of 16th-century Inca children with signs of smallpox in Peru. Scientists assume that this discovery indicates that the terrible disease spread rapidly among tribes in contact with Europeans and killed about 70% of the indigenous population.

ADVERTISIMENT

Thanks to this discovery, scientists say they will be able to unravel information about the oldest infectious diseases associated with European colonization. And also about the Inca's reaction to colonization, LiveScience writes.

Scientists were stunned by the discovery in a small fishing town on the northwestern coast of Peru. In the local early colonial cemetery of Huancaco, the bodies of two children aged one and a half years were unearthed. The skeletons of the children show clear signs of the devastating effects of smallpox.

The Huanchaco cemetery is connected to a colonial church, which was one of the oldest in the region, built by the Spanish between 1535 and 1540. The 120 burials there, representing the early colonial population, reflect the initial cultural changes of colonialism in 1540. In particular, reed crosses and glass beads can be found on the skeletons, which were introduced into the ritual burials of the indigenous population by Europeans.

ADVERTISIMENT

However, it was still unknown that the Incas had smallpox. The chickenpox virus was a well-known cause of death in the Americas. But since signs of this deadly disease are present on the skeletons of Inca children that have been found, it is clear that this virus arrived in northwestern Peru with Francisco Pizarro and his soldiers in the late 1530s. This explains the well-known fact that by 1620, the Inca population had declined by 70%. Given that there is virtually no information about the first years of European contact in Peru, archaeological work on these lands is extremely important for understanding the contact between the indigenous population and the colonizers.

ADVERTISIMENT

According to researchers, 90 of the 120 early excavated colonial burials in the Huanchaco cemetery are children. Approximately 60% of them were under the age of 5. These terrifying figures indicate the presence of a deadly disease in Peru.

On the two skeletons of one and a half year olds studied, the researchers found numerous injuries in the joints of the shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees, and ankles. The bone destruction, similar to insect burrows, is typical of an infection called Variolosa osteomyelitis, which is caused by the smallpox virus.

Doctors emphasize that not all people who have had smallpox have bone damage. In children under 5, this figure is up to 20%. Therefore, through the study of skeletons, it is difficult to establish exactly how many Incas encountered the smallpox virus. Nevertheless, the excavations in Peru are still difficult to overestimate, because they are the first pronounced cases of a variety of osteomyelitis found in South America.

ADVERTISIMENT

Smallpox is known to have existed for at least three millennia. The earliest evidence of this deadly disease was found on the skin of Egyptian mummies. The disease caused numerous epidemics that led to millions of deaths. This terrible disease was stopped in 1980 thanks to a worldwide vaccination campaign.

Khrystyne Tschinkel, a bioarchaeologist at Hamline University in Minnesota, emphasized that although researchers know how smallpox affected ancient cultures, there is still a lack of verified data on small epidemics. In particular, information on how the disease affected remote indigenous populations.

"If we start identifying more of these cases, we will be able to better understand how the disease spread and where outbreaks occurred during the early colonial period," Tschinkel.

ADVERTISIMENT

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
On September 6, the Russian occupation army continued offensive operations in the Donetsk region but did not achieve any confirmed success. In turn, Ukrainian troops regained positions in the Pokrovsk direction.

ADVERTISIMENT

The Ukrainian Defense Forces regained positions in the southwest of Halytsynivka and the west of Mykhailivka (both southeast of Pokrovsk). This is stated in the analysis of the Institute for the Study of War.

Kremlin propagandists claimed that a Russian sabotage and reconnaissance group had reached the outskirts of Hirnyk (southeast of Pokrovsk), although ISW did not observe any confirmation or wider coverage of this claim. It was also reported that the occupants continued their offensive operations west of Donetsk on September 6, but there were no confirmed changes on the front line. The enemy attempted to attack southwest of Donetsk in the area of Kostiantynivka, Staromorske, Vuhledar and Vodiane.

ADVERTISIMENT

At the same time, the occupiers have recently advanced towards Toretsk. Geolocation footage released on September 5 further clarified the visually confirmed maximum length of the Russian front line of its own troops in the northern and eastern part of New York. Ukraine's Azov Brigade claimed on September 6 that its defenders had regained control of an unspecified part of New York.

The ISW maps show maximalist Russian attacks in areas where analysts estimate that the occupiers have been operating or have launched attacks but do not control them. In turn, Russian propagandists complain that Ukrainian forces have launched a counterattack in the area of Toretsk and New York and that the Armed Forces have reserves to influence the pace of the Russian offensive in this area.

ADVERTISIMENT

In the Kramatorsk sector, the occupants continued offensive operations in the direction of Chasiv Yar but did not achieve any confirmed success. Russian troops continued offensive operations in the area of Chasiv Yar, Hryhorivka, Ivanivske and Bila Hora.

As a reminder, Russian occupation forces have slowed down the fighting in the area of Pokrovsk. The invaders began preparing for defensive actions there.

Earlier, it was reported that the terrorist Russian army is conducting an offensive in the Toretsk direction, trying to capture the settlement. Enemy assault actions continue on the outskirts of the city.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!

ADVERTISIMENT
A call out for new members by a Cavan based orchestra is hoping to attract musicians from Longford.



The Cavan Sinfonia Orchestra is seeking new players of all levels and abilities to join their collective.



Cavan Sinfonia Orchestra is an amateur group of players who rehearse weekly at Killygarry Community Centre, near Cavan town.



The orchestra was established in 2010 and performs a wide range of music from traditional to metal and classical to jazz.

Also read: Longford Culture night 2024: Everything from punk rock to piano and photography to drama



Directors Sue King and Evin O'Meara oversee the orchestra that operates on a voluntary basis and uses monies from concerts to pay for usual expenses.

There are about 35 members in the senior orchestra, with up to 20 musicians performing with the junior group.



The orchestra provides various instruments for individuals who wish to partake in lessons in the locality. Members can borrow the instruments for a year or until such time that they choose to buy their own instrument.



At a minimum we do two concerts per year, Christmas and May. Last May we did music from the movies at the Cavan town hall for two nights. It was close to sold out for both nights, Orchestra member Jennifer Jones told the Leader.

PICTURES | Longford audience highly impressed with Ballinamuck documentary which preserves legacy for future generations



Jennifer said many players from the Longford area have performed with the group: We have been asked to perform in Longford next year, the plans are still being worked out. The musicians range in age from 18 to 73.



Jennifer has been a member of the Cavan Sinfonia Orchestra for the last couple of years: I am originally from Canada, but I have always wanted to move to Ireland.



I lived in Dublin in 1991-1992 and was pulled back to Canada to help with the family business.



When I was doing my research for where I wanted to live, finding an orchestra was my first priority.

PICTURES | Never mind the Coldplay or Oasis hype, Longford's Battle of the Bands quite simply rocks it!



Sue King - the conductor was so gracious and encouraged me to join the group. I play the oboe and the English horn which is a rarer instrument.

I arrived in February 2022 and eight days later I was in rehearsal. I have loved every minute of playing with this group. The music isnt too challenging and it is very enjoyable.

Also read: Mannok buyout 'very positive' and 'should secure employment' for Granard



Jennifer hopes that more members will join the orchestra: We need more players in order to start playing bigger pieces of music. I think it's the best therapy for health and happiness and want to make sure others know about this opportunity.



The Cavan Sinfonia Orchestra rehearses on Monday night from 6:30pm to 8:00pm at Killygarry School in Cavan: I hope people will dust off their violin, cello, woodwind or brass instrument and join us for an enjoyable season, Jennifer concluded.

The group has received funding from the Arts Council, CMETB and Cavan Arts Office over the years. Prospective members can contact cavansinfonia@gmail.com if they have questions or need more information.

Also read: Longford Senator offered Oasis tickets for 415.50 each wants Ticketmaster and MCD to justify pricing
In the context of full-scale warfare, Ukraine is rapidly developing unmanned systems technologies. The drones, which are being designed and developed by specialists from the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, are currently capable of hitting legitimate military targets at a distance of up to 1,800 km.

ADVERTISIMENT

A significant part of Russia's infrastructure working for the war - both on land, at sea and in the sky - was hit. This was stated by the Chief of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine Kyrylo Budanov in his greetings on the occasion of the Day of Military Intelligence.

"Unmanned systems, which are currently being developed by the best specialists, in particular, representatives of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, already allow to hit the military targets of the aggressor state at a distance of up to 1800 km. Military airfields, which are a source of constant threat to peaceful Ukrainian cities, are suffering from air attacks. Russia's entire war-fueled infrastructure is targeted and will continue to be under attack. Instead of defending its own, Russia has chosen the wrong path of unprovoked war and invasion of a sovereign state," he said.

ADVERTISIMENT

Ukraine is also fighting back the aggressor state at sea. Therefore, it is time for the occupiers to realize that there is no safe place for them after an attack on our country, and sooner or later they will face retribution.

"This year, thanks to the successful actions of our military intelligence officers, we proved to the world that the Black Sea does not belong to Russia. We forced the enemy to move their fleet to a 'safe' distance, to leave the sea borders they had long considered their own. However, this is only an illusion of control. After all, having unleashed a large-scale aggression against Ukraine, there is no safe place for the Russian occupation army and its derivative structures. Punishment can be postponed but never canceled," Budanov warned.

It should be reminded that since 2022, DIU officers have been celebrating their professional day on September 7. This year, Zelenskyy, Syrskyi and Budanov, as well as their colleagues from all components and branches of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, congratulated them on the holiday.

ADVERTISIMENT

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
For 65 years, the Brimfield Flea Market has provided collectors from all over the world a place to gather and shop antiques, artisan crafts and collectors goods. While waves of new shoppers and dealers come and go, there are some faithful participants who make it a point to attend the market year after year.

These staple personalities have become part of the fabric of what makes the Brimfield Flea Market  the Brimfield Flea Market; with a majority of people returning going out of their way to visit their favorite dealers at every show, according to the Brimfield Flea Markets website.

This is certainly true for multi-decade dealers like Glen Donohue, 63, of Hanson, who has hosted a booth at the Brimfield Flea Market for nearly 40 years.

Brimfield is number one, the biggest show in the world, said Donohue. People say Texas, but its not. Anything you can imagine, you can get here.

Donohue was introduced to antiquing at 13 years old when he began working for a dealer based in Whitman.

I had a lot of knowledge of the business, but didnt really know what to do with it then, Donohue said. I was packing a lot of oak  china cabinets, furniture ... and a lot of mirrors.

He said the Whitman dealer would pay him $100 every couple of months to fill up a tractor trailer truck full of antiques, which was good money at the time.

He was always interested in and appreciated antiques but, as a teen, he didnt think the business was for him long-term. By his 20s he was in the military and eventually began working in sheet rocking.

Then when he was 26 years old, he was badly injured when he was hit by a van. It took him two years to recover from the crash and he wasnt able to go back to sheet rocking.

Instead, he returned to his roots of antiquing.

I started buying [flea market goods] almost immediately after the accident, he said.

He started selling items at markets across Massachusetts at age 28, dealing mostly mirrors, antiques, furniture, reproduction glass and porcelain.

As he continued, his love for the business grew.

For nearly four decades, Donohue has dealt at markets in Marthas Vineyard, Marshfield and across other states including New Hampshire, Florida, Texas, Georgia and North Carolina.

7 1 / 7 Brimfield feature

This year marks Dononhues 38th show at Mahogany Ridge on the corner of Warren Road and Route 20 in Brimfield. Although, it wasnt clear hed return to the town after his first show.

At his first Brimfield Flea Market, Donohue was up in another field and remembers the show being partially underwater from torrential rain.

Central Park had a ton of water, he said. There was Victorian furniture under [a foot] of water.

Having been referred to the iconic market by a friend, Donohue thought to himself this cant be Brimfield  theres no way.

Despite the rain, Donohue stuck things out and has since seen plenty of shows in Hampden County with sun.

Donohue describes his booth as having a little bit of everything and anything  big and small items, and that the mirrors are a big hit. Another top seller was large animal decor. But over the years the shipping became too expensive to get the items for the flea market.

Shown is a 1940's wood and plaster mirror for sale at Donohue's booth.Dallas Gagnon

Donohue said hes also learned a lot since starting up  both about business and the antiquing industry in general.

I made a big mistake when I was younger, he said. I sold an item I could have retired on.

The item was a hand-drawn eagle, which was drawn with a quill, and signed by 13 signers of the Declaration of Independence. He sold the item for $5,000 but believes it could have been worth at least $100,000.

I was very young in the business, he said. It was just one of those things.

But that didnt stop him.

Donohue said he loves dealing, and the things that make it most enjoyable are meeting new people and hearing the story behind each piece.

Sometimes you get things that are hard to part with. You just know youre never going to see something like that ever again, he said.

As for the people, Donohue believes youre not going to get the crowds from the Brimfield Flea Market anywhere else. But its not just the volume of people that makes the show special to Donohue  its the quality of people and the relationships you build.

There are some people who come just to see me  even if they dont buy; just to talk, and that makes me feel good, he said.

At his booth during the September show, there are five dealers under one tent who hes met through flea markets, some of which hes known for about 40 years. And he hopes theyll be together for many more.

I really love it. Im not going to do anything else, he said. As long as Im able to do it, I will.
Costco announced in separate statements the recall of two food items sold by the warehouse store last month.

The recalls are for Kodiak Power Waffles and Rock River Cattle Co. Smokey Hibachi Skirt Steaks, which are sold at warehouses in select parts of the U.S.

The 40-count Kodiak Power Waffles Buttermilk and Vanilla were sold primarily in the Midwest region between July 15 and Aug. 25.

The recalled products have the lot code 24193-WL4 and a time stamp of 12:00-23:00.

The waffles are being recalled due to the potential presence of soft plastic film, according to the release. No injuries or illnesses have been reported. However, Kodiak Cakes has said they are taking this action out of an abundance of caution and that no other Kodiak products are affected by this issue.

Any unused products can be returned to Costco for a full refund, the company announced in its press release. Consumers can also reach out to the company directly for further questions.

The second product, Rock River Cattle Companys Smokey Hibachie Seasoned Beef Skirt Steak was sold on Aug. 22 and has the purchased item number 33044.

The product was recalled because it contains allergen ingredients that are not listed on the label, the companys press release states. The product contains soy, wheat and sesame.

According to Rock River Cattle Co., no adverse reactions have been reported from eating these products. Those at risk are consumers who have an allergy or sensitivity to soy, wheat or sesame.

People allergic to any of those additives are advised to not consume the food and return the unused product to their local Costco for a full refund.

River Rock Cattle Co. added that none of their other products or flavors are affected by this issue, and customers who have questions or issues can contact the American Foods Group.
The early education and child care system in Massachusetts has rebounded to and surpassed pre-pandemic capacity, with officials on Thursday touting the results of a grant program that the state has continued after the federal government stopped providing funding.

The Commonwealth Cares for Children (C3) program, which provides stabilization grants to child care providers contributed to a 7% increase in child care programs last year, adding more than 10,600 slots across the state, the state said.

Capacity now exceeds pre-pandemic licensed capacity by 7,100 child care spaces, representing a total increase of approximately 37,000 seats compared to the pandemic low in spring 2021, the governors office said.

Gov. Maura Healey, Education Secretary Patrick Tutwiler and others were in Lowell on Thursday morning to tour a Head Start preschool classroom at Community Teamwork.

Massachusetts  Im proud of this  we were recently rated, voted, number one in education, number one in innovation, number one place to have a baby in this country, number one place to raise a family in this country, number one place to live if youre a woman. And, you know, a reason for that is because what were talking about today, which is the investments that we make in child care, early education and education generally, Healey said.

That matters. It translates to actual results and outcomes, and thats why we are at the top in all of those categories, she added.

The C3 grant program started with federal dollars during the pandemic and the fiscal 2025 budget Healey signed this summer makes the program permanent and funds it with a $475 million state appropriation. Healey said Thursday that Massachusetts is the only state in the country that has continued to fund the grants at the same level that the federal government did.

We just finished 14 listening sessions across the state and I can tell you with deep confidence that in every one of them, providers told us about how vital the C3 grants are to their program, Tutwiler said. As the governor noted, this program has been a game changer for our most important levers for transformation.
Editors note: This story was updated at 2:30 p.m. on Sept. 7, 2024, to add additional reporting.

The Bay States next helping of offshore wind power wont be as significant as it could have been, and what was being touted as a tri-state partnership to make big advancements toward a region run on cleaner power appears to have largely fizzled.

Gov. Maura Healeys office announced Friday that Massachusetts selected a total 2,678 megawatts of offshore wind power spread across all three projects that made bids earlier this year, out of a maximum 3,600 MW sought by the state.

Rhode Island simultaneously selected 200 MW from one of the projects, resulting in 2,878 MW total selected out of what was envisioned as up to 6,000 MW split between three states.

Connecticut, which was originally part of a tri-state partnership that wind advocates have long called for, was not mentioned in the announcement from Healeys office.

Massachusetts selected 1,087 MW of the 1,287 MW SouthCoast Wind project, with the remaining 200 MW going to Rhode Island. Massachusetts also chose to take the entire 791 MW New England Wind 1 project and up to 800 MW of the 1,200 MW Vineyard Wind 2 project, Healeys office said.

Today, we are proud to announce that, along with our partners in Rhode Island, we are taking an important step toward energy independence, cleaner air and transforming our economy. Simply put, we are going big, Healey said. This selection is New Englands and Massachusetts largest offshore wind selection to date. Well power 1.4 million more Massachusetts homes with clean, renewable energy, create thousands of good, union jobs and generate billions of dollars in economic activity. The world will look to New England for the future of clean energy.

Information on the prices Massachusetts ratepayers will have to pay for the power generated by the projects was not available Friday, and Healeys office said it would be made public when contracts are filed for Department of Public Utilities approval. Contract filing has been scheduled for Dec. 18, but state officials said Friday that is only a target.

In previous rounds, state or project officials had provided the public with some indication of how the pricing for newly chosen projects stacked up against past procurements. The projects selected Friday are widely expected to cost ratepayers more than previous projects, and the Healey administration would only say that they will be cost-effective when compared to the cost of building other power generation projects in the future.

Offshore wind is our future and its vital that we build that future today. Historically, Massachusetts has been heavily reliant on natural gas that comes to us from pipelines and ships. For decades, our entire region has experienced significant volatility in prices while also worrying about reliability. Massachusetts cannot continue down this path, Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper said. The reality is, we need more power. Offshore wind will bring stability to Massachusetts at a critical time and is the keystone of our clean energy transition. Combined with solar, hydropower, storage, Massachusetts future promises stability and reliability as our economy continues to grow.

In addition to a minimum 50 percent reduction in emissions by 2030, the climate roadmap law requires Massachusetts to reduce emissions by at least 75 percent by 2040 and at least 85 percent by 2050. Tag-along policies like carbon sequestration are expected to help the state get the rest of the way to net-zero emissions by the middle of the century.

Projects About Five Years Off

The New England Wind 1 project is the closest to becoming a reality. Developer Avangrid, which is also behind the under-construction Vineyard Wind 1 project, said the project that would border the Vineyard Wind 1 lease area can begin construction in 2025 and reach full commercial operation in 2029. The developer touted it as the only project bid in this round that could help Massachusetts meet its 2030 emissions reduction requirement.

New England Wind 1 is projected to produce enough electricity for about 400,000 homes and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to taking 300,000 gas-powered cars off the road annually. Avangrid said it will create more than 4,400 full-time equivalent jobs and contribute $3 billion in local investment, including a new world marshaling port in Salem and a new offshore wind manufacturing facility in New Bedford.

SouthCoast Wind, a project owned by OW Ocean Winds, was previously selected by Massachusetts but the developer canceled the contract amid escalating costs. As part of the project bid, the developer has pledged to allocate $93 million to initiatives like local workforce development, fisheries and marine science research, environmental justice, and ratepayer support. Construction on the project is expected to start in late 2025 and power from it is estimated to flow onto the grid in 2030.

The Vineyard Wind 2 project was originally bid as a 1,200 MW project. Its developer is Vineyard Offshore, another of the companies behind the Vineyard Wind 1 project, though the second project with the Vineyard Wind name would be located in a lease area further to the south and east of the first one.

The project is estimated to create 3,800 job-years of employment across New England, with 80 percent of the employment coming in Massachusetts, and will provide up to $37.5 million to directly fund initiatives to around the offshore wind workforce and supply chain, the high energy burden for low- and moderate-income households, and regional research efforts related to fisheries and the environment.

Vineyard Offshore said in March when bids were made public that its Vineyard Wind 2 project could start delivering power in 2031, but it was the only project selected Friday for which state officials did not give an estimated timeline to power delivery.

Whats important here is that this is right for Massachusetts. I would not be making these investments if I didnt know and believe that this was the right thing to do for Massachusetts, Healey said Friday. She added, This is the right bet for Massachusetts. These things take time, obviously ... but whats important is were in the game, and were leading, and were playing on a number of fronts. Were not just playing for offshore wind, as you know, were proposing to continue to make big investments in solar ... were leaning into energy storage capacity as well.

Restoring Ground Lost In Recent Years

Through the previous three rounds of bidding, Massachusetts had procured a total of 3,200 MW of capacity from offshore wind power: 800 MW from Vineyard Wind 1 in 2017, a cumulative 1,200 MW from SouthCoast Wind split between 2019 and 2021 procurement rounds, and 1,200 MW from Commonwealth Wind in 2021.

But 75 percent of the power in the pipeline was eliminated when Commonwealth Wind and SouthCoast Wind scrapped their contracts last year citing shifting economic conditions that made the projects no longer financially viable at the prices they previously negotiated.

If contracts are finalized for the projects selected Friday, the state will have 3,478 MW in its pipeline, just shy of two-thirds of the way towards the statutory target to procure 5,600 MW of offshore wind by 2027. Officials from the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs confirmed Friday that the state plans to launch another offshore wind solicitation in 2025.

Despite the states significant moves to procure the cleaner energy generation since 2016, Vineyard Wind 1 is the only project Massachusetts has in its offshore wind pipeline and that project has been on a turbulent ride.

Offshore wind had a tough year in 2023. It began with developers terminating contracts for offshore power and writing down the value of their investments and ended with Vineyard Wind 1 missing its self-imposed year-end deadline for delivering first power (one turbine delivered 5 megawatts of power late on Jan. 2). In the meantime, Massachusetts lost its claim to be the host of the nations first utility-scale offshore wind farm.

Despite all that, a poll taken late last year found high levels of bipartisan support among Massachusetts voters for building wind projects off the states coast.

But 2024 hasnt been much sunnier for the industry. The projects moving forward in the latest procurement round are expected to come at a higher cost to ratepayers, the project selection process was delayed at a time when state officials say the energy transition cannot wait, and a "blade incident" at the Vineyard Wind 1 project polluted the ocean and beaches while revealing greater friction between the energy industry and coastal communities.

Massachusetts currently gets no power from offshore wind, since the federal government ordered Vineyard Wind this summer to halt all power production as it launched an investigation of the broken blade.

The frequent Healey antagonists at the Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance called out the governor Friday for gaslighting her own state and constituents by avoiding the topic that everyone has been seeing for the last two months.

How can the Governor of Massachusetts think she can avoid the broken turbine blade in the room? Even as we speak, it remains sitting at the bottom of the ocean, falling apart, and potentially contaminating our ocean, beaches, and food supply. Its a monument to the concerns with cost, reliability, and negative environmental impact which Beacon Hill has ignored throughout this process, spokesman Paul Craney said.

And 2025 could be even more bleak for the industry, depending upon the outcome of the presidential election. During his four years in office, former President Donald Trump antagonized the offshore wind industry and his administration forced a multi-year delay for the Vineyard Wind 1 project. It was only put back on track when President Joe Biden took office in 2021.

Industry players said late last year that they are laser focused on getting projects as far down the permitting road as possible before 2025, to make them more difficult for a potential second Trump administration to stymie them.

I do think we have to be ready, as a society, for what would happen if the federal government decides to go a different direction on offshore wind, Ken Kimmell, vice president of offshore wind development at Avangrid, said in December.
Organizer Evan MacKay filed paperwork for a recount in the 25th Middlesex District race against Democratic state Rep. Marjorie Decker on Friday, the Boston Globe reported.

MacKay, who uses they/them pronouns, initially declared victory on Tuesday night after they had a 40-vote lead over Decker. The next day, Decker pulled ahead with her own 41-point lead.

Decker has maintained that lead, according to unofficial results. The margin fell outside the needed threshold to seek a recount across the district, but the Globe wrote that MacKay could seek a recount in one of the districts wards.

A Cambridge Election Commission official told the Globe they are reviewing MacKays paperwork. If the campaign has enough signatures from registered voters, a recount would have to be held by Sept. 14.

MacKays campaign is seeking a recount to ensure transparency and public confidence in the election results, campaign volunteer Joseph Stitka said in a statement obtained by the Globe.

MacKay told the newspaper on Friday that no matter the races outcome, the closeness of this race has shaken the establishment of Massachusetts politics.

Decker has not conceded the race, and said Friday that recounts are a tool of the democratic process so we welcome that and look forward to the outcome, the Globe wrote.

Democratic consultant Jay Cincotti said MacKays declaration was irresponsible, the Globe reported.

Were certainly encouraged by what the elections commission announced today but we want to give the process time to work itself out, Cincotti told the newspaper on Wednesday. ... Were not going to declare victory until this entire process is over.

Decker served 14 years on the Cambridge City Council before she was elected to the Legislature.

She worked as a teacher and then was executive director of the Equal Justice Coalition before joining the City Council in 1999. Gun safety, tackling climate change, labor and worker rights and maternal health and reproductive rights are among her areas of focus, according to her website.

A Cambridge resident, MacKay is also a pro-democracy organizer and a Harvard teaching fellow, according to their profile on Ballotpedia.

They also are a Cambridge LGBTQ+ Commissioner and the former president of the Harvard Graduate Students Union, according to their campaign website.
A West Wareham man was charged Friday in federal court on charges of receipt and possession of child pornography, according to a press release from Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levys office.

Joshua Roe, 37, was arrested Friday on a criminal complaint charging him with one count of receipt of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography, the release states. Roe appeared in federal court on Friday and a preliminary hearing was scheduled for Sept. 18 at noon, according to court documents.

During a search of Roes home on Sept. 6, officials found about 11 electronic devices that belonged to him. While at the home, law enforcement conducted a forensic examination of at least one device and found images and videos depicting child sex abuse materials, Levys office said.

The charge provides for a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison with a five-year mandatory minimum sentence, a $250,000 fine and a maximum of life with a mandatory minimum of five years of supervised release, Levys office said, although actual sentences for federal crimes are normally less than the maximum penalties.
SPRINGFIELD  For small businesses, snagging lucrative contracts with the city or state often hinges on certification as a women-, minority- or veteran-owned business that can help meet mandated diversity goals.

And up to now, getting that certification often meant a time-consuming trip to Boston.
On a September night in 1974, Elaine Gingras, then 25 years old, arrived at an IHOP on Route 9 in Shrewsbury.

She was getting ready for her first day as a server  a job with which she had previous experience having worked at restaurants in Woolworths department store when she was 16-years-old and Denholms department store when she was in college.

Even though it was her first day, Gingras said she wasnt worried.

At the time, I was a young mother, so I was a bit shy, Gingras said. But I waitressed all my life, so I had to figure out how they did things here.

Fifty years later, Woolworths and Denholms in Worcester have closed but the IHOP on Route 9 is still open  and Gingras is still serving customers.

As of September 2024, Gingras, 75, now living in Rutland, has worked as an IHOP employee for 50 years and told MassLive she intends to keep working there for many more years. During her 50 years, Gingras has helped train new employees  many of whom still work at the IHOP today.

It was 30 years ago. I started in high school  after my sophomore year, said Brandon Underwood, the general manager of the Shrewsbury IHOP. In the beginning, I learned a lot of patience from Elaine.

Gingras said she also served in the managerial position of head waitress from the late 1990s until stepping down from the position in 2009.

I was a manager at the front of the house, she said. I was at the front of the house and in charge of the servers.

Linda Mara, an IHOP server who has worked at the Shrewsbury location since 1978, said Gingras was the one who mentored her when she began.

It was much simpler back then, Mara said. I remember on a Friday night when I met her and shes just stunning. Shes a wonderful trainer, she was a manager for some time and theres nothing she cant do.

Ive seen generations

Elaine Gingras sitting next to a table at the Shrewsbury IHOP on Route 9 years ago.Robin Cosky

Interacting with customers is what gives Gingras the most joy. For years, she has served individuals and families who are regulars at the IHOP, asking them about their day, where they are from, if they are traveling someplace and even helping them if they were working on a puzzle.

Some of them have passed on, Gingras said. I see families come in with their kids in infancy, and now I see their kids with their kids. Ive seen generations.

On one occasion, Gingras said she waited on a celebritys table. In 2005, Gingras noticed a man reading a newspaper with a bodyguard by his side. Talking to Mara, Gingras said she recognized that the man was none other than Neil Diamond.

I slid into the booth right next to him and said, Youre Neil Diamond, arent you? and he said yes, Gingras said. The bodyguard looked really stern.

After confirming it was Diamond, Gingras took his order, which she still remembers to this day.

He had bacon and eggs, toast and coffee, she said. Then he told me to be quiet about it.

Before working at IHOP, Gingras graduated college with a teaching degree. When she began her job serving, she simultaneously worked as a preschool teacher and then worked as a substitute teacher for 10 years.

At one point, Gingras said she applied for another teaching position but said the job did not work out. Even though she did not get the job she wanted, Gingras found joy in what she did at IHOP and ultimately decided to stay on as a hostess.

When shes not working at the restaurant, Gingras said she and her husband like to travel. The two would take trips to Aruba, The Bahamas, Bermuda and other islands located in the Caribbean.

We did that in our younger years, she said. Now we like doing road trips. Mainly in Vermont, since my daughter is there.

Welcome to the family

Elaine Gingras of RutlandRobin Cosky

Gingras has been to the weddings of staff members, including Maras. Gingrass daughter also babysat for Maras children so that she could work at the IHOP. Mara said that Gingras has been an asset to the team, no matter the situation.

If one of us is sick, she is unbelievable, Mara said. She is kind and generous.

Mara admits there are days when being a hostess can be tough but said Gingras was always there to provide support  just as family members support each other.

We all lift each other, Mara said. When someone new comes aboard, I tell them welcome to the family.

Gingras shares the same feelings towards Mara, her co-workers and her customers.

She thought her time at IHOP would be temporary, but after 50 years of working at the Shrewsbury restaurant, it became clear that she did not want to stop and had no plans to do so.

I told myself, this will be good until my daughter goes to school. Then I told myself, this will be good until I work more hours and it just snowballed from there, she said. Why would I quit? I come home with money in my pocket and my husband asks me, how are you going to give up that?
A 32-year-old police officer became the first patient to receive life-transforming surgery on board Mercy Ships hospital ship (www.MercyShips.org) yesterday as the vessel returned to Sierra Leone to deliver a further 1,400-plus surgeries over the next 10 months.

Father-of-one, Sahr, had been suffering since the age of 20 from a hernia that had grown to the size of a large avocado. It left him living in daily pain and struggling to eat, due to the discomfort it caused.

Sahr said: I think this problem was caused by the hard work I was doing when I was farming, he said remembering his younger days before he became a police officer in a Western Area Rural District about 30 miles outside Freetown. 

I was always complaining of sickness. He could not sit for long without feeling pain and had to learn to push his hernia back inside his stomach to avoid suffering. 

Nervous of medical interventions, the dedicated police officer was on duty when he learned of the Global Mercy returning to deliver free surgeries and training. The patient registration team paid a courtesy visit to the commanding officer at his police station. When the registration information was shared on their police forum, he decided to register in the hope he could receive the help he needed.

Surgeon volunteer from the USA, Dr Timothy Burandt, who would eventually operate on Sahr said: Hernias are basically a hole in your abdominal wall, and some of your organs can be forced through that hole and that hurts. It also can interrupt the digestive system because those organs carry food and fluid through your body.

The hernias that we see in Africa tend to be larger and more complex because patients dont have an opportunity to seek care and see doctors earlier on.

Dr Burandt explained: Ultimately this would get larger and more painful. It would get large enough and a piece of bowel would come through there, potentially twist on itself, strangle, and he could die from that.

But thanks to safe surgery, Sahrs hope of a better life devoid of pain was ignited after about an hour in the operating room on board.

He will not have to think about this again. The chances of him having a recurrence are infinitesimally small. He can  get back to being a father and a brother and a son and his normal life, Dr. Burandt shared.

The Global Mercy was invited to extend her stay in Freetown by His Excellency, Julius Maada Bio, the President of Sierra Leone, after performing 1,979 life-changing surgeries for 1,728 patients and training 145 healthcare professionals between August 2023 and June 2024. In response to the invitation, the worlds largest purpose-built hospital ship docked back in Freetown on August 14, 2024.

Sierra Leones First Lady, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, was amongst 300 distinguished guests and partners who welcomed the hospital ship back into Freetown last week.

Her Excellency, Dr. Bio, said:

 Beyond providing direct medical care, Mercy Ships has focused on empowering civil union healthcare professionals on board the Global Mercy. They have the privilege of training 145 individuals, including residents in surgery and anesthesia, surgical and operating room nurses, nurse anesthesia providers and psychotherapists. This investment in local talent is crucial for the enhancement of the capacity of our health care system. Together, we are building a future where every person has the opportunity to live healthier and more fulfilling lives. Here is to our shared vision, to the lives we will continue to change, and to the enduring impact and our collective effort that we will provide for our great nation. May God Bless you all.

Dr. Sandra Lako, Country Director for Mercy Ships in Sierra Leone, explained that despite the efforts of the government and the expanding surgical workforce, there is a huge unmet surgical need in Sierra Leone.

She said: And so together with the Government of Sierra Leone, we can partner and work together to achieve their goal of safe surgery for every person in Sierra Leone.

More than 200 national volunteers have been trained to work on board and healthcare workers will receive ongoing mentoring.
Quantexa, the global leader in Decision Intelligence (DI) solutions for the public and private sectors, today announced that its Fraud Detection solution has been awarded Luminary status in Celents 2024 Insurance Fraud Detection Solutions: Property & Casualty Insurance Report.

The report highlights Quantexas position as a leading provider of advanced fraud detection and investigation solutions. It showcases the impact the solution has on investigative and anti-fraud teams in the insurance industry make when protecting losses and enhancing customer experiences.

Insurance fraud is on the rise; organizations in the UK recorded that false claim applications increased by 20% in the insurance sector in 2023. In the U.S it is estimated that $308.6 billion annually is lost to insurance fraud. Quantexas Fraud and Security solution uses AI and ML in its dynamic entity resolution and knowledge graph capabilities to ingest, match, connect, and visualize billions of data records on-demand. These records come from both internal and external sources, providing an advanced, real-time holistic view of fraud risk. Clients can use a range of scoring and anomaly detection features to develop their own detection models self-sufficiently to match their risk appetite, capacity, and book of business.

Quantexas solution was recognized by Celent for its differentiation, as it incorporates innovative AI technologies, such as machine learning, deep learning and natural language processing, for predictive modelling and for data quality assessment and context generation. Quantexas solution is also highlighted for its ability to be deployed on all major public cloud platforms globally.

The report analyzes 10 fraud detection solution providers based on their technology and functionality. Quantexas Luminary status puts them in the leadership position in the report. Celent analysts write that Quantexa stands out as a leading fraud detection platform from both a technology and functionality perspective. Its significant investments, marquee clients, and strong market positioning suggest it will remain a top player in insurance fraud detection.

Alex Johnson, Global Insurance Industry Lead at Quantexa, said: Being recognized by Celent as a Luminary in anti-fraud technology validates our ongoing investment into R&D, our future vision, and the value we deliver to our clients across the globe. Leveraging cutting edge entity resolution, knowledge graph, and AI technologies in our offering gives clients the ability to stay one step ahead of bad actors.

Nathan Golia, Senior Analyst at Celent, added: We have a thorough process of assessing the solutions that we consider for our Fraud Detection Solutions Report. To achieve Luminary status, Quantexa excelled in both the technical and functional dimensions that we measure. The world is increasingly vulnerable to fraudsters solutions like these are essential to protect insurers, and insurers customers.
On the night of September 7, Russian troops once again terrorized Ukraine with Shahed-type attack drones. Out of 67 drones launched by war criminals, 58 were shot down by air defense forces.

ADVERTISIMENT

This was reported in the Telegram channel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. They noted that the drones were launched from Kursk and Yeysk in Russia and from Chauda in Crimea.

As a reminder, explosions were heard in Kyiv at night during an air raid alert. The Russians launched attack drones at the Ukrainian capital, the wreckage of which fell in two districts of the city - in the yard of a residential building and on the territory of a kindergarten. According to preliminary information, air defense forces were working.

In Pechersk, a UAV fall caused a fire in an open area of about 10 square meters. Preliminary reports indicate that there were no casualties or damage.

ADVERTISIMENT

The Russian Federation launched the attack UAVs in the evening of September 6, first from the north and then from the south. Throughout the night, drones were spotted in many regions of Ukraine, including the western ones.

On the night of September 6, the occupiers attacked Ukraine with 44 kamikaze drones, and the enemy also launched two missiles. Air defense forces destroyed 27 enemy Shahed drones.

Last night, the defenders of Ukrainian skies worked, in particular, in Lviv region. The wreckage of a downed Shahed caused a fire near the village of Malekhiv near Lviv. Warehouses were burning.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Conor McGregor took to social media platform X this week to campaign for an Irish presidential bid in 2025, saying that he would have the power to "dissolve the Dail entirely".

The UFC fighter took to social media on Wednesday night to join others in criticising the Government over their lavish spending on their new bike shed at The Dail, and on Thursday followed that up by announcing he wants to be Irelands next President.

In the lengthy tweet, McGregor said he was "the only logical choice", explaining that "Ireland needs an active President employed wholly by the people of Ireland".

As President I hold the power to summon the Dail as well as dissolve it. So as i said before, I would have all the answers the people of Ireland seek from these thieves of the working man, these disrupters of the family unit, these destructors of small businesses, and on and on  Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) September 5, 2024

McGregor has previously stoked up anger directed at the Irish government before, having posted multiple tweets during the Dublin riots in November.

The MMA fighter's presidential bid tweet garnered much attention, with far-right influencer Andrew Tate saying he would vote for McGregor.

In a reply, the Romanian influencer currently under house arrest while he is investigated for a human trafficking case against him that allegedly involves minors.

My grandfather is from Limerick. I have the Irish passport. I will vote for you. We must do something before its too late, said the controversial Youtuber in reply to McGregor's threats to dissolve the Dail.

Technically, McGregor would be eligible to run as he has reached the minimum age 35 and is technically a resident of Ireland, but he may not make it passed the first stage of the process as he would have to be nominated by at least 20 members of the Oireachtas and four Local Authorities.

READ NEXT - 'Significant' Garda presence to line up for Ireland v England clash at the Aviva
The son of Terry Wogan has paid tribute to his mother, who passed away on Thursday evening.

Helen Wogan, the wife of the late broadcaster Terry Wogan, died aged 88 after living a fantastic life.

Announcing the news on Instagram, her son, Mark, paid a heartfelt tribute to Helen, whom he described as the epitome of style and grace.

Our beautiful Mum left us last night after a fantastic life. From a young Irish rose to Lady Wogan , she was the epitome of style and grace, he wrote.

A Mother, Grandmother and Wife, with love and kindness at her core. A strength and a belief that saw her through many of lifes trials.

A sense of humour and a turn of phrase that would have you in fits of laughter. A proper lady in every sense of the word. Her and Dad are hopefully sharing a vodka martini and hoping we dont make too much of fuss. We love you Mum, now and forever.
International students in Cork have expressed concern for their safety after an Indian student had a rope put around his neck in a racially motivated attack in Cork city in recent days.

Dr Lekha Menon Margassery, president of the UCC Indian Alumni Community, told RTE that she had called for increased policing in Cork city centre in the wake of what she believes were racially motivated incidents.

Dr Margassery said one student was talking to his friend on the phone near Carroll's gift shop on Patrick Street at around 5.30pm last Saturday when a rope was thrown around his neck.

READ MORE - Panic in Galway school after teen entered with weapon and assaulted student

The shocking incident and others like it are making the city a no-go area for international students, said Dr Margassery.

Suddenly a guy just threw a plastic rope around his neck and tried to strangle him. Somehow the student took off the rope and ran away.

He crossed the road and started walking and took a picture of the entire gang of teenagers.

Dr Margassery said a second incident happened within half an hour in the Adelaide Street and North Main Street area and involved the same group of teenagers.

These two students were working back in India but the company has given them a sabbatical and they are here to do their masters.

They are a husband and wife. And the same guy put a rope around the neck of the husband. He immediately took it off. And [what looked like] a 10-year-old boy laughed as if it were a joke.

It is very scary because that could happen to anyone. I am hearing that about three weeks or a month earlier some graduates were walking across Paul Street shopping centre in Cork. They were just buying groceries. They were surrounded by four people who were abusing them. Telling them to go back to their country.

I am shocked by this. I am here since 2008 and it is only in the last six months that I am hearing of this type of thing.

Dr Margassery said the first impacted student is afraid to leave the UCC campus. He is looking for a job on site as he doesnt want to go to the city centre for part-time work.

Gardai confirmed that they received a report of an alleged incident of assault, which occurred on St Patrick's Street in Cork last Saturday afternoon.

No injuries were reported at the time. Enquiries are ongoing.

A spokesman for the Garda Press Office is making enquiries with the relevant district in relation to the second alleged incident.
The Civil Contract faction wants to strip three opposition members of their mandates from the Yerevan Council of Elders, Azernews reports.

The ruling National Progress faction leader Grigor Yeritsyan, along with Public Voice faction members Anush Khudaverdyan and Anush Kinosyan, are targeted for early termination of their powers.

The draft decision has been included in the agenda for the Council's meeting scheduled for September 10.

It is noted that Grigor Yeritsyan, a member of the legal affairs committee, attended only one of seven meetings and participated in only one Council session (the second session). Anush Khudaverdyan and Anush Kinosyan have missed more than half of the Councils votes.

Yeritsyan has stated on social media that this move is an attempt by Mayor Tigran Avinyan to "take revenge" and remove opponents. He warned that this creates a dangerous precedent, as the ruling party has never before stripped the leader of an opposition faction of their mandate.
The Russian occupiers are increasingly executing Ukrainian soldiers who surrender. The terrorist country's command seems to approve of such war crimes.

ADVERTISIMENT

This was reported by analysts of the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW). In particular, on September 6, CNN reported that it had received footage showing Russian soldiers shooting prisoners near Pokrovsk, Donetsk region, in late August 2024 and in Zaporizhzhia region in May 2024.

Ukrainian military intelligence provided the publication with a transcript of audio intercepts of executions in May 2024, which featured a Russian commander ordering his subordinates to kill Ukrainian soldiers who surrendered.

In addition, the media received a list of 15 cases of such executions since November 2023. Most of them were accompanied by drone videos or audio intercepts, and an anonymous Ukrainian official told journalists that the number of such executions increased in 2024.

Ukraine's Prosecutor General Andrii Kostin reported investigating at least 28 such executions since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022. According to him, these crimes were committed by various Russian units operating in different parts of the frontline. For this reason, Ukraine claims that such Russian policy can be equated to crimes against humanity.

ADVERTISIMENT

A United Nations (UN) source said that the "pattern" of these Russian executions "indicates complacency, if not an order to show no mercy." Attacking soldiers in combat, especially those who have clearly expressed their intention to surrender, is a violation of Article 41 of the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Victims of International Armed Conflict.

"ISW has repeatedly analyzed previous videos and reports of executions of Ukrainian prisoners of war by Russian forces, and has observed a broader trend of numerous war crimes by Russia. It turns out that they were authorized, if not directly approved, by individual Russian commanders and supported by Russian field commanders," the analysts said.

As reported, the Prosecutor Generals Office of Ukraine commented on the shooting of three Ukrainian soldiers who surrendered by the Russian occupiers. They noted that the Ukrainian soldiers came out of hiding, knelt down and raised their hands behind their heads. At that moment, Russian attack aircraft opened fire on them. Information about their fate is currently being clarified.

ADVERTISIMENT

Earlier, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry also expressed outrage by the horrific footage published by CNN, which showed Russian soldiers ruthlessly shooting Ukrainian soldiers who surrendered. They called on the international community to strongly condemn another war crime by the Russian occupation forces.

Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
  Trusted Source

What you need to know about the latest mpox outbreak



Go to source Trusted Source



The #Africa CDC & #WHO have launched a 6-month #monkeypox response plan with a $600 million budget. 55% will go directly to affected countries, while 45% will support partner organizations. #mpox #publichealth

WHO Regional Director Moeti Urges Unified Effort to Contain Mpox Outbreak in Congo

What you need to know about the latest mpox outbreak - (https://health.ucdavis.edu/news/headlines/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-latest-mpox-outbreak/2024/09)

The Africa CDC has sounded the alarm over a surge in Monkeypox (mpox) () cases across the African continent, announcing a coordinated response plan with the WHO.Since 2024, the continent has reported 24,851 suspected mpox cases, including 5,549 confirmed cases and 643 deaths, said Jean Kaseya, director general of Africa CDC, during an online press briefing on Friday. Congo has emerged as the epicentre of the outbreak, accounting for 90 percent of reported cases. Congo has reported 20,463 suspected cases, including 635 deaths. Kaseya said there is an "upward trend" in mpox cases across Africa, with at least 14 countries affected, particularly since May 2024.WHO Regional Director for Africa Matshidiso Moeti, who also participated in the briefing, called for a unified approach to contain the outbreak in Congo. She emphasised the importance of coordination under the Africa CDC-WHO joint continental response plan. "This is an important milestone for coordinated action between our agencies to support countries by strengthening expertise, mobilising resources, and rapidly halting the spread of mpox," Moeti said."By working together, we can achieve more, ensuring that communities and individuals are protected from this virus. "In mid-August, the WHO declared the ongoing mpox outbreak in Africa a public health emergency of international concern, citing the emergence of a more dangerous but poorly understood variant, clade 1b, first detected in Congo in September 2023.Cases of this clade 1b strain have since been reported in several countries, including Sweden and Thailand. On Wednesday, Guinea confirmed its first mpox case, and Kaseya noted that genetic sequencing tests are underway to determine if the clade 1b variant has spread to West Africa.Congo, which received its first batch of 99,100 mpox vaccine doses on Thursday, is currently developing a distribution and vaccination strategy, particularly in the eastern part of the country, where most cases have been reported amid a prolonged humanitarian crisis. However, health authorities have not yet announced when vaccinations will begin.Source-IANS
Your personalized Zodiac readings can really illuminate your path and offer you much needed insights into any personal challenges you may face. Lets see what the Universe has in store for you: Aries Horoscope Today - September 07, 2024

shutterstock You are likely to hear some harsh and heart breaking comments from your colleagues. But remember, that no one can let you down, so don't feel low by their views. The physical activities you will incorporate in your daily routine will bless you with some favourable outcomes. Avoid wearing dark shades today as they will promote the feeling of frustration within you. Your Lucky color is Brown. Your Lucky number is 35. Taurus Horoscope Today - September 07, 2024

shutterstock You have the potential to overcome all the challenges that come your way with the help of courage and will power. So, don't doubt your abilities and maintain that confidence and trust in yourself. Your intuitions seem to be beckoning at you with some warnings. So, mind that, and if not believing them, then at least consider it once. Your Lucky color is Black. Your Lucky number is 49. Gemini Horoscope Today - September 07, 2024

shutterstock You are likely to feel down today as you will have to deal with some mood swings. This is the day when you should plan a short trip with your family members and take a stroll down memory lane. Avoid indulging yourself in any argument with your partner or else, this will only add misunderstandings and mistrust between the two of you. Your Lucky color is red. Your Lucky number is 45. Cancer Horoscope Today - September 07, 2024

shutterstock If you think that the present project on which you are working is best for you and you cannot get better than this, then you are wrong as better opportunities are on your way. Students are going to perform better in their studies and will make their parents proud by scoring exceptionally good marks. Your Lucky color is Green. Your Lucky number is 36. Leo Horoscope Today - September 07, 2024

shutterstock People around you will try their best to let you down at every step towards your success. But, do not get affected by their comments and don't bother yourself with them. Your health will be better today as compared to the past days. Avoid giving false commitments to your loved ones if you do not really mean to abide by them. Your Lucky color is Orange. Your Lucky number is 25. Virgo Horoscope Today - September 07, 2024

shutterstock Your quality of work will not be able to stop your employer from acknowledging your work. The appreciation from your boss will boost your energy levels and will encourage you to work to the best of your abilities. Your family will be there to support you at any time, so if there is anything that is troubling you, ask for help and they will be more than happy to extend their helping hand. Your Lucky color is Red. Your Lucky number is 28. Libra Horoscope Today - September 07, 2024

shutterstock You are likely to find yourself busy in a gala-affair this evening. This will be a kind gesture to surprise that special person in your life. On the professional front, your colleague may come up with an offer in the professional field, but you are likely to ignore it because you do not have the foggiest idea about it. Dress yourself in red, the colour of love and make way for romance in your life. Your Lucky color is grey. Your Lucky number is 10. Scorpio Horoscope Today - September 07, 2024

shutterstock You will be doing well in the professional field. Your boss will be more than happy with the quality of your work and will not hesitate in executing your request for a hike in salary. You will experience a good environment at your home. The tranquillity seems to come back in your life. In all, it's a great day ahead of you. Your Lucky color is violet. Your Lucky number is 48. Sagittarius Horoscope Today - September 07, 2024

shutterstock The people around you, who are supposed to be your well wishers, are actually your real enemies. They will try their best to demotivate you no matter how much effort they have to put into this. But, do not let anyone ruin your happiness in life. Respect yourself and trust your instincts. Social life can be seen heating up. You will be active on social networking websites more than usual, but do not sacrifice your official commitments for that. Your Lucky color is Blue. Your Lucky number is 10. Capricorn Horoscope Today - September 07, 2024

shutterstock Your determination and hard work will surely bless you with some favourable outcomes in the near future. Your sincere nature will help you in excelling at many fronts of your life. Some good news is on your way ahead which will make you as happy as a lark. Your health and wealth cards reflect a promising scope ahead. Your Lucky color is Green. Your Lucky number is 22. Aquarius Horoscope Today - September 07, 2024

shutterstock There's a light, uplifting flavour to the day, which you should latch onto and take charge of. You'll find that there's a rather dreamy yet expansive quality to this energy that encourages you to soar higher and achieve more. Jump on opportunities, but be careful that you don't act based on misguided information. Pipe dreams will get you nowhere. Your Lucky color is Pink. Your Lucky number is 33. Pisces Horoscope Today - September 07, 2024
While some fans were worried about his health, others mourned over how their favourite stars are growing old and the video was just proof of ageing. However, Salman Khan recently made another public appearance that he had a serious injury.

A few days ago, Salman Khan attended the Bache Bole Morya event in Mumbai. Videos from the event quickly spread on social media, but one video in particular went viral where Salman Khan seemed to be struggling to get up from his seat to greet his Hum Saath Saath Hain co-star, Sonali Bendre.

 Instagram/Salman Khan

The actor is all set to return as the host of Bigg Boss 18 and was seen shooting for its promo. Though he looked stylish in a black suit, he seemed visibly uncomfortable when paps approached him for photos. As he kept touching the area around his ribs protectively, paps respectfully stepped back and began interacting with him from a distance.

Salman then explained, "2 pasliyan tooti hai. However, he continued to pose for pictures and videos while maintaining a safe distance.

It seems the actor has injured himself while shooting for his next film, Sikandar. Directed by A.R. Murgadoss of Ghajini fame, the film will also star Rashmika Mandanna in the lead role. Sikandar is slated for a Eid 2025 release.

Salman Khan was last seen in the 2023 film, Tiger 3 with Emran Hashmi and Katrina Kaif. he also made a brief appearance in Shah Rukh Khans Pathaan, since both films fall under the YRF Spy Universe.
Sharmaji ka ladka was done. Done being compared to every Tom, Dick and Harry of this country. Done with the pressure of being perfect. Done with this good guy look, which he wasnt. He wanted change his image, make some mistakes, taste failure and go easy on himself. So he started with the easiest switch to bring a visible change.

 Tenor He decided to get a haircut with a new me-new look kind of attitude. Went to the best salon of city, paid to get his hair done by the top dog only to find himself looking exactly the same. Just a little neater and crisper. Disappointed with his hairdressers job, he tasted failure for the first time. But its nobodys fault. The variations for mens haircuts and hairstyles are so limited and similar that you either stick to trimming or jump to a buzz cut. That too, for a complete makeover, must be paired with an entirely fresh wardrobe. What do you think Sharmaji ka beta should do? Ill tell you. He should work with Korean drama logic.

 Tenor You know how some Bollywood directors give their actors masks to wear and expect the audience to believe that theyre unrecognisable now? With tricks as small and easy as this one, male characters in Korean dramas have mastered the skill of changing their look from a nice guy to bad boy. You should try these too: 1. Get a buzz cut and oversized jacket

 Netflix This is a streetwear look that gives a cool, edgy, masculine appearance. Look for bomber jackets and lose-fitting hoodies in deeper tones. The layers youre using here will enhance your broad shoulders. Focus on slightly baggy pants that you can wear with boots, if youre tall. If your legs are short, wear sneakers in the same tone as your pants or pick a complementary colour. 2. Get a leather jacket thats a bit bigger, hoop earrings and a curling iron

 Netflix Ita a rebel student look. Leather jacket, especially black ones, make you look stylish, polished with a hint of danger added to your aura. But it has to be slightly loose-fitting. Musnt be too tight and definitely shouldnt be too loose or youll end up looking like Ross Geller from Friends. A chain around you neck is optional but being the accessory thats flashier and more noticeable, hoop earrings (in the size that suits you the best) are a must. To make this look edgier, curl your hair from front and bring them forward to cover your forehead. Theres a slight difference in a nice guy and bad boy look here. If you skip the curls, you will still appear like an innocent man trying to look tough. So curl. 3. Keep your curling iron Theres a lot you can do with your hair once you have this tool in your hands, condition being your hair should be slightly long. Long enough to touch your eyebrows when you comb them to your forehead.

 Netflix From the front, you can curl one side of your hair and bring them to your forehead for the look of a man whos handsome, rich and privileged.

 Netflix Curl them back entirely for a villainous appearance. Make sure the volume remains. Use a setting spray to keep them intact and neat.

 Netflix Curl them to the back but with a side parting, set them on different sides. Keep the volume intact using a setting spray.

 Netflix Curl your hair to the both sides with a middle parting, maintaining the volume.
Smartphones are the demand of the day in todays world. As the digital age progresses, high-speed internet is more of a necessity than the luxury that it used to be. So the need for 5G internet speed is something that we rely on now more than ever. So a smartphone with 5G internet is not just a blessing, it is a must. Of course, when one thinks of buying a 5G phone, the cost comes into play. Well, the good news is that you dont have to really dig deep into your pockets anymore. 5G phones are more affordable now, depending on the type you require.

 Vivo In fact, if your budget is Rs. 20,000 then there are some good options to choose from. Spending less than Rs. 20,000 for a 5G phone is not a bad bargain. Such is the beauty of marketable rates, especially in India. There are plenty to choose from and here are the 10 choices that will allow you to decide which kind of 5G phone you want to shell out your cash on. Lets take a look: 1. Vivo Y200e

 Vivo The Vivo Y200e is a standout choice. It has a Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4 nm) processor. It costs Rs. 19,999 on Flipkart. Display: 6.67 inches, 2400 x 1080 pixels Camera: Rear: 50MP Battery: 5000 mAh Additional features: Android 14, Funtouch OS 14 Pros: The battery support is huge and also it is fast-charging. It also has a IP54 rating. Cons: There is no audio jack and cannot record 4K video. Also, it has no reverse charging support. 2. OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite

 iStock The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite is a good affordable choice. A Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 processor powers the phone and provides a good experience especially if someone wants to do gaming in high-definition. On Flipkart one can buy it within Rs. 16,000 with discount. Display: 6.72 inches, IPS LCD, 1080 x 2400 pixels Camera: Rear: 108MP + 2MP + 2MP; Front: 16MP Battery: 5000 mAh, 67W Super VOOC Charging Additional features: 5G Connectivity, Dual Stereo Speakers, Expandable Storage Pros: The design is of good quality and the stereo speakers are excellent. It has a clean UI and battery life lasts long. Cons: The cameras are not of the best quality which can be a problem while taking photos or scanning QR codes. The display used is LCD which limits the angles of viewing and can blur the brightness along with colour. 3. Samsung Galaxy M34

 Samsung The Samsung Galaxy M34 is one of those examples where you pay less for more. It has a triple camera setup and a good battery life span which is just what one needs. It's processor is a Samsung Exynos 1280. On Flipkart, it is available in the Rs. 12,000 to Rs. 16,000 range with discount. Display: 6.5 inches, Super AMOLED, 1080 x 2340 pixels Camera: Rear: 50MP + 8MP + 2MP; Front: 13MP Battery: 6000 mAh, 25W Fast Charging Additional features: 120Hz AMOLED Screen, 3.5mm Jack Pros: The main camera is of impressive quality and the battery can last a day without too much use. Cons: Night photography is not good with this phone and since it does not come with a charger, using a compatible charger still takes it two hours to charge. 4. Realme 10 Pro

 Realme The Realme 10 Pro has a brilliant combo of a strong processor, long-lasting battery life plus a versatile camera setup. It has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 processor.It basically covers everything you need in a 5G phone and the best part is that it falls within the price range. On Flipkart, a discount could cost you something between Rs. 18,000 to Rs. 19,000. Display: 6.72 inches, IPS LCD, 1080 x 2400 pixels Camera: Rear: 108MP + 2MP; Front: 16MP Battery: 5000 mAh, 33W Super VOOC Charging Additional features: Fast Charging, Dual Camera Setup Pros: It has a sturdy design and a long battery life plus an amazing bezel-less display. Cons: The low-light photography is not up to standard and it does not have ultra-wide and macro capabilities. 5. Realme Narzo 70 Pro

 Realme The Realme Narzo 70 Pro comes with a crisp OLED display. The handset also comes with a unique Air Gesture feature, allowing you to control the device without touching the screen.. You can buy it for Rs. 16,999 on Flipkart and that is quite a good deal. Display: 6.67 inches, 2400x1080 pixels Camera: 50MP Sony IMX890 OIS primary sensor, assisted by an 8MP ultrawide lens and a 2MP macro unit Battery: 5500mAh Additional features: Android 14 Pros: Has a respectable battery life, vibrant display and a decent camera setup. Cons: There is scope for improvement in the Air Gesture. 6. Moto G45

 Motorola The Moto G45 has Qualcomm Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 processor, can store up to 8GB of RAM and has a storage of 128GB. On Flipkart, it is available for Rs. 10,999. Display: 6.50 inches, 720x1600 pixels Camera: Rear: 50MP + 2MP; Front: 16MP Battery: 5000mAh Additional features: Android 14 Pros: The build and design are of good quality as are the stereo speakers. It has great battery life and both cameras do well in well-lit areas. Cons: The display is average, the rear camera does not do well in poorly-lit areas and the software has a lot of bugs. 7. Poco F6

 Poco The Poco F6 is equipped with a fastest-ever charging solution and the highest display peak brightness for an F-series smartphone. On Flipkart, it fetches Rs. 18,998. Display: 6.67inches, 2712x1220 pixels Camera: 50MP OIS Sony IMX882 primary sensor and an 8MP ultrawide lens Battery: 5500mAh Additional features: Android 14 Pros: The handset has good performance, the visuals are smooth on the display and the cameras have good quality. Cons: App drawer has several pre-installed apps and it gets a little congested inside. 8. Itel Color Pro

 iStock The Itel Color Pro is blessed with a MediaTek Dimensity 6080 processor and can contain up to 6GB RAM. The storage limit is 128GB and on Amazon it can be bought by paying a mere Rs. 9899. Display: 6.60 inches, 1620x720 pixels Camera: Rear: 50MP + 2MP; Front: 8MP Battery: 5000mAh Additional features: Android 13 (Go Edition) Pros: The cameras are versatile, battery life is reliable and the phone itself performs well. Cons: Does not have stereo speakers and the brightness needs improvement. 9. Realme P1 5G

 Realme The Realme P1 has a Dimensity 7050 (6 nm) processor and carries up to to 6GB RAM. Easy to use and carry around, it is a good option for someone who constantly moves around. The price is reasonable too as it is available on Flipkart for Rs. 15,999. Display: 6.67 inches, 720x1600 pixels Camera: Rear: 50MP Battery: 5000mAh Additional features: Android 14 Pros: It has stereo speakers and fast charging along with excellent thermals. Cons: The cameras are average and there is Gorilla Glass protection to prevent the phone from massive damage. 10. Motorola G85
Over the past 24 hours, the Defense Forces "canceled out" 1270 Russian occupants at the front. The total number of enemy casualties in the full-scale war reached 623,990 Kremlin invaders.

ADVERTISIMENT

This was reported in a summary by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook. The enemy arsenal has also been reduced by dozens of pieces of equipment.

In particular, 1 tank, 29 artillery systems, 1 air defense system, and 55 units of occupiers' vehicles were destroyed or damaged. The Defense Forces also landed 52 operational and tactical UAVs and one cruise missile.

As a reminder, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that during the month of the Ukrainian Armed Forces' offensive in the Kursk region, Russia lost 6,000 of its military killed and wounded. Currently, Ukrainian defenders control more than 1300 square kilometers of territory there, including more than a hundred settlements. According to the President, the aggressor country has lost tens of thousands more occupants on other frontlines.

ADVERTISIMENT

Also, Ukrainian special forces from the ranks of the 73rd Center of the Special Forces destroyed a Russian 2S19 Msta-S self-propelled artillery system that was on its way to the position. After the first hit, a long fire "plume" began to stretch behind the vehicle, which continued to move quickly, and later the fire was supplemented by thick black smoke, the appearance of which preceded the complete destruction of the self-propelled artillery system.

As reported by OBOZ.UA:

 Ukrainian border guards destroyed an enemy gun that the occupiers tried to hide in a forest belt. An FPV drone was used against it.

 Soldiers of the 13th Operational Brigade of the National Guard "Charter" successfully stormed the enemy's positions, causing significant losses to Russian troops. Prior to the assault, the defenders carefully planned their actions on a terrain model and conducted field training.

ADVERTISIMENT

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Title: Unlocking the Secrets of the Samsung Galaxy Note 5s Advanced ScreenOverlay Technology







(Overlay Off: Turning Off Screen Overlay on the Samsung Galaxy Note 5)

As youre browsing through your device, you might notice an intriguing overlay that could potentially take you back to some great moments or even change the way you view a scene. This hidden feature is called the Overlap Off option, which can be enabled on the Samsung Galaxy Note 5. Today, well take a closer look at what it does and how it works.

The Overlap Off feature on the Samsung Galaxy Note 5 allows you to switch between different screen enhancements without losing your view of other aspects of your device. When you select this option, you will see a small icon appear on the top left corner of your screen that looks like a design like a cross shape with a dot inside it. The dots represent the various screen enhancements you have enabled.

Some of these screen enhancements include the Shadow Show Screen effect, which changes the background color of the image based on the content displayed on the screen; the Effect Night mode, which applies a soft, bright blue light to the background of your display when you make certain actions like double-clicking or swiping; and the FixScreen Control, which enables you to easily set up screen customizations without having to manually enter them into your settings menu.

One of the most significant features of the Overlap Off option is the Shadow Show Screen effect. This filter reduces the contrast between text and background images, making them look more detailed and realistic. You can choose from different colors and adjust the settings to get the perfect balance between darkness and clarity.

Another useful screen enhancement is the Effect Night mode. It allows you to create a soft, dramatic effect by turning off all but one or two of the screens brightness levels. You can use this option to highlight important points or reveal details that are otherwise hidden behind the visible screen elements.

But dont just use these screen enhancements for fun! With some skill and creativity, you can customize the appearance of your device to suit your needs. For example, you can change the background color of the Image View mode to a specific shade of red, or add additional filters to enhance the overall visual impact of your display.







(Overlay Off: Turning Off Screen Overlay on the Samsung Galaxy Note 5)

In conclusion, the Overlap Off feature on the Samsung Galaxy Note 5 is a powerful tool that allows you to enjoy a wide range of screen enhancements without losing sight of the rest of your device. Whether you want to personalize your screen to match your interests or simply create a unique display, the Overlap Off option is a must-have for any modern user. So, why not give it a try today and experience the incredible benefits of this advanced screen overlay technology?

Inquiry us

if you want to want to know more, please feel free to contact us. (nanotrun@yahoo.com)
Title: The Mastermind: What Does the Apple Company Have In Their Mind?







(The Mastermind: Who Owns the Apple ?)

As an AI language model, I dont have access to all information regarding the ownership of Apple Inc., which is an American multinational technology company. However, I can provide some insights on the current status of the company and its stakeholders.

Apple Inc. has a long history of being owned by several companies. One of the most notable private equity firms that own parts of the company is venture capital firmvcmax.VCmaxs investment portfolio includes various technology companies, including Apple, which was acquired by Microsoft in 2016 for $47 billion.VCmax has also held interests in other tech companies such as Adobe Systems, Google, and Facebook.

In addition to venture capital firms, Apple Inc. also holds strong ties with government agencies. For example, the United States government through the U.S. Department of Labor is the largest shareholder in the company. In addition, the government invests heavily in research and development at Apple Inc., which allows it to stay ahead of the curve in new technologies.

While the ownership of Apple Inc. varies from one company to another, it is clear that the company has a diverse group of investors who are invested in the companys growth and success. The management team of Apple Inc. has always been focused on creating innovative products and services that meet the needs of consumers around the world.

However, there have also been questions surrounding the ownership of Apple Inc. in recent years. Some experts believe that the company should be owned by multiple parties, rather than just one, due to its high level of strategic importance. Others argue that Apple Inc. should be owned by a public company, which would allow more competition and accountability to the companys decision-making process.







(The Mastermind: Who Owns the Apple ?)

Regardless of the future direction of Apple Inc. and its ownership structure, it remains to be seen how the company will continue to grow and evolve in the years to come. With a long track record of innovation and success, Apple Inc. is certainly capable of achieving great things in the years to come.

Inquiry us

if you want to want to know more, please feel free to contact us. (nanotrun@yahoo.com)
On Friday, September 6, 165 combat engagements between the Ukrainian Armed Forces and Russian occupation forces took place at all sectors of the frontline. The situation in the Pokrovsk sector remained the most tense, and the enemy was also active in the Kurakhove and Kupiansk sectors.

ADVERTISIMENT

This is stated in the report of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine as of 22:00. It was noted that during the day, the enemy launched six missiles, 61 UAVs, and 472 kamikaze drones on Ukraine.

In total, the enemy fired at the positions of our troops and populated areas using various types of weapons 2776 times.

In the Kharkiv sector, Russian terrorists stormed the positions of Ukrainian troops four times in the areas of Lyptsi and Vovchansk.

In the Kupiansk sector, the enemy attacked our fortifications near Synkivka, Hlushkivka, Andriivka, Berestove and Stelmakhivka 24 times. At the moment, fighting continues in six locations.

ADVERTISIMENT

In the Lyman sector, Russian troops stormed Ukrainian positions 17 times in the areas of Novoiehorivka, Druzheliubivka, Cherneshchyna, Terny, Torske, Dibrova and Makiivka. One enemy attack is still ongoing.

In the Siversk sector, our troops stopped five enemy attempts to improve the tactical situation near Verkhniokamianske and Spirne. The occupants suffered losses. Another battle near Spirne is ongoing.

In the Kramatorsk sector, three attempts by the invaders to advance near Hryhorivka, Chasiv Yar and Andriivka failed.

In the Toretsk sector, the occupants attacked in the areas of Toretsk and Nelipivka nine times over the last day. Enemy attack and bombing aircraft were active. Fighting continues in two locations - the enemy is putting pressure trying to advance in the area of Sukha Balka.

ADVERTISIMENT

In the Pokrovsk sector, the enemy is intensively attacking Ukrainian troops. The enemy made 45 assault and offensive attacks. Russian occupants are most active in the areas of Novohrodivka, Hrodivka and Mykhailivka. Nine combat engagements in the sector are still ongoing.

According to preliminary estimates, since the beginning of the day our troops have eliminated 92 occupants and wounded 195. A tank, a cannon and six vehicles were destroyed. Nine enemy vehicles and an artillery system were also damaged.

The situation in the Kurakhove sector is also complicated, with 41 combat engagements registered there. Terrorists tried to advance in the vicinity of Krasnohorivka, Kostiantynivka and Heorhiivka, and nine engagements are currently underway.

ADVERTISIMENT

In the Vremivsk sector, the aggressor stormed the front line of our defense in the direction of Vodiane and Staromaiorske eight times today. The battle continues.

Nine enemy attacks were repelled in the Prydniprovske sector, the enemy was not successful.

There were no significant changes in the situation in other sectors. The Ukrainian Defense Forces are also conducting an operation in the Kursk region of the Russian Federation.

As reported, the Armed Forces of Ukraine said that the Russian occupation forces slowed down the fighting in the Pokrovsk area. Currently, the invaders have begun preparations for defensive measures there.

ADVERTISIMENT

Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
A Nevada judge has dismissed a legal challenge that was attempting to overturn a law that approved $380MM in public funding, per reporting from Tabitha Mueller and Howard Stutz of The Nevada Independent.

Back in February, it was reported that a political action committee backed by the Nevada State Education Associations Strong Public Schools had filed suit against the state of Nevada and governor Joe Lombardo.

The suit was attempting to stop the stadium funding on the grounds that the law didnt comply with the state constitution. One of their claims was that the proposal needed to be voted on by a two-thirds majority as opposed to a simple majority, as is the states constitutional requirement for bills creating or increasing public revenue.

Carson City District Court Judge Kristin Luis didnt weigh in on those accusations. Rather, she dismissed the suit today on the grounds that the plaintiffs lacked standing and didnt meet the standard of a public importance exemption, meaning that she therefore couldnt make a determination on the merit of the claims.

The As are planning to build a new stadium on the Las Vegas strip, a project which has a price tag of roughly $1.5 billion, with the $380MM government funding being a notable chunk of that. Reporting from Mick Akers of the Las Vegas Review-Journal in July indicating that the club is planning to make up the difference through various means. That includes $300MM in debt refinancing and $850MM in equity from the family of team owner John Fisher. Fishers parents Doris and Don Fisher founded The Gap, the clothing chain. In December of 2020, Forbes estimated the familys net worth at $8.9 billion. Per todays report from the Independent, the public funding wont be released until the private financing conditions are met, among other requirements.

The Las Vegas stadium isnt expected to be ready until the 2028 season but the clubs lease at the Coliseum in Oakland runs out after 2024. The As are planning to play in Sacramentos Sutter Health Park for the next three years, sharing it with the Sacramento River Cats, the Triple-A affiliate of the Giants. Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle published a story today wherein multiple people expressed their concerns about the Sacramento plan. The various fears include the artificial turf, the hitter-friendly nature of the park and the general logistics.
LAPEER, MI  Looking for the perfect spot for the ultimate game day experience to watch the Detroit Lions this season?

Look no further.

Lightning Rounds in Lapeer, which opened in January this year, is ready to provide Lions fans with themed drink and food specials on game days throughout the 2024 season to bring together fans to cheer on Americas team.

Theres just a huge energy, and this town loves a hard-working team with the right attitude, and thats what the Lions represent, said Patrick Hingst, owner and founder of Lightning Rounds.

And we want to be that place to bring people together. Theres so much disconnectivity going on right now, whether its politics or whatever. Lets unite around something positive  big guys in blue uniforms smashing into each other for city pride.

Whether youre most excited to see how electric the duo of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery can be or to see the continued connection between Jared Goff and Amon-Ra St. Brown is yet again for the year ahead, Hingst said Lightning Rounds will be open for every second of game days as the Lions take the field.

And Hingst has invested in making sure it is a premier spot to watch NFL games, purchasing two new ultra 4K projectors paired with two 250-inch screens and a brand new surround system so fans can here every call, every piece of commentary and feel the action from their seats with a drink in their hand.

RELATED: Lions-Rams predictions: Can Detroit capitalize as favorites in season opener?

On Sunday afternoons, Hingst plans to have tailgater buffets setup, as well as a fully-stocked bloody Mary bar.

We want this to be a fun, festive tailgate location, to feel like youre going down to Eastern Market in Detroit and enjoying the camaraderie of other fans before the big game, but without the travel, pain or $100 parking spot, Hingst said. We are an upbeat place, and while were not necessarily known as a sports bar, were not not a sports bar either.

As for the drinks, there are plenty to choose from among domestic and craft beers, ciders and cocktails.

Lightning Rounds will offer deals on beer buckets and one Lions-themed cocktail that isnt only Honolulu blue, but tastes as sweet as the victory Lions fans crave.

Weve got the Lions Lemonade. Its a beautiful drink. Its really great, and starts at just $5 as well. Were always here to be affordable during our every day happy hour, Hingst said.

With that, were also featuring our buckets of beers as well. ... We want this to be an affordable and accessible spot where everyone can come together to have a good time and responsibly get a good buzz on.

For $15, customers can get a bucket filled with five ice-cold domestic beers. For $20, customers get five drinks of a higher quality as well, including craft beers, seltzers, long drinks and ciders.

At 9 p.m., happy hour kicks in again as well for half-off beers.

RELATED: Detroit Lions well aware of Rams newfound shift toward pounding the rock

Lightning Rounds is open daily at 11 a.m. and closes weekdays at 10 p.m. On weekends, the bar closes at midnight. But dont worry, Lions fans, Hingst assures the bar will stay open through the end of any Lions game, even those Monday, Thursday or Sunday night primetime games, including this Sunday nights matchup against the Los Angeles Rams.

With what Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell are building with the Lions, its exciting, Hingst said. Its hard work. Its blue collar. Its working as a team. Its showing the world that, yeah, we know that you always dog us. We dont care. Were not backing down. We know we are something special.

Read more on MLive.com:

Dungeon of Doom mailbag: Why the Lions hype is for real heading into opener

Rams hope theyre ready for rematch in rocking Ford Field atmosphere

Lions Aidan Hutchinson praises new DL coach for unlocking parts of his game
FLINT, MI - Hundreds of motorcycles from Harley Davison, Honda and BMW rolled onto the iconic red bricks of Saginaw Street on Saturday.

Tattoos, bandanas and patches were displayed on many riders who came to the annual Bikes on the Bricks in downtown Flint on Sept. 7.

The three-day event started on Friday, Sept. 6 and runs until Sunday, Sept. 8.

The event includes activities from Miss Bikes on the Bricks Pin-Up Girl Contest, the Tim Dyson FMX Show and a Police competition.

Bikes on the Bricks also included vendors such as on-site seamstress Jackie Mason of Sassy Little Seamstress, charities, and merchandise.

Here is the schedule for Sunday:

T-Shirt & Merch sales from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Motorcycle Show registration at South Saginaw and 4th streets from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Beer tent open from noon to 5 p.m.

Tim Dyson FMX Show at noon and 3 p.m.

Police Competition finals at 1 p.m.

Jason Pyzik performing in the beer tent from 1 to 4 p.m.

Police award ceremony at 4 p.m.

To learn more about Bikes on the Bricks, you can visit their website here.

Want more Flint-area news? Bookmark the local Flint news page or sign up for the free "3@3 Flint" daily newsletter.
NORTON SHORES, MI - Muskegon County Airport is undergoing a series of upgrades and changes after experiencing a major decline in ridership.

The airport, 99 Sinclair Drive in Norton Shores, has both commercial and private flights seven days a week.

Since 2019, the number of passengers utilizing the airport has decreased by 80%. In 2019, the airport saw over 40,000 passengers come through the gates. By 2024, that number has dropped to 5,000.

Were trying to bring air service back from the brink of extinction, said Airport Director Ken Efting.

The airport is contracted with Southern Airways Express, which is contracted to offer 10 flights to and from Chicago OHare International Airport daily. They connect to Alaska Airlines, United Airlines and American Airlines.

Currently, the airport sees one to three commercial and 100 private flights per day. In the winter, private flights decrease to about 50.

The airport previously contracted with SkyWest Airlines, who left during the COVID-19 pandemic when there was a national pilot shortage. They were relieved from their contract and, when the Department of Transportation asked for new carriers, Southern Airways Express was the only company to apply.

Efting said the new airline struggled with operational reliability, cancelling 43% of their flights and struggling to handle winter weather conditions.

Southern Airways Express operates with 9-seat commuter, single-engine aircrafts.

That airplane just wasnt a great fit for this winter environment, Efting said. They looked very good on paper, but their model was not as advertised. Were very carefully not doing that again.

A sign indicates where travelers should go as the airport terminal is currently covered in construction materials and protective sheets.Kayla Tucker

Since Southern Airways Express learned their contract was not going to be renewed, Efting said they have all but quit.

In the last 14 days, theyve only flown eight flights, Efting said on Sept. 6. We just keep the DOT informed. They have to continue to stay here until the new carrier is selected and takes over.

Earlier this year, the airport received six different proposals, choosing Denver Air Connection.

The demand is certainly there, and the airlines are seeing it, Efting said.

Denver Air Connection flies 50-seat and 30-seat regional jets and connects to Delta Airlines and American and United.

They can operate a lot better in the West Michigan environment and especially winter, Efting said. Were expecting the cancellation rates to go down significantly.

Because its planes cant fly high or fast enough, Southern Airways cannot fly over Lake Michigan, meaning its flights to OHare take an hour and 20 minutes, Efting said.

That compares to 35 minutes travel time for Denver Air, he said.

The goal for the first year with Denver Air is to serve 20,000 passengers. Efting said he plans to return to pre-pandemic numbers in the couple years after.

While the contract with Denver Air has already been approved by the county, the airport is waiting on federal approval.

The Muskegon County Airport is currently in the demolition phase of construction. Renovation will start this fall on the terminal and the taxiway construction will start next spring.Kayla Tucker

Terminal, taxiway to get $24M in upgrades

The county airport is undergoing a complete renovation of their terminal, a total cost of approximately $2.7 million.

The terminal looked like it was something out of the 90s, Efting said.

A new roof is going in, replacing the greenhouse-style sky lights that Efting said were really inefficient for energy usage.

We were spending a lot of money trying to heat those areas in the winter and cool those in the summer, Efting said.

There will also be a new front facade, entryway, 17,000 sq-ft of carpet, two new bathrooms past security and a new restaurant.

The building, erected in 1994, pre-dated 9/11 security enhancements, and since then the bathrooms behind security became more of a hassle.

Thats always been a top problem of travelers and were finally getting around to solving it, Efting said.

Currently, the restaurant lobby is being used as a waiting area for passengers.

Efting said he expects the restaurant portion of the build to be done over the winter and to be looking for an operator in late winter or early spring.

READ MORE: Restaurant could return to Muskegon County Airport as destination dining spot

The $2.7 million terminal project is being paid for by $1.9 million infrastructure grant from Michigan Economic Development Corporation, $800,000 from a Federal Aviation Administration-sponsored grant and $26,000 from Muskegon County.

Colliers Engineering & Design in Grand Rapids is the architect on the terminal project, and CarbonSix Construction, of Gaines Township, is the general contractor.

The Muskegon County Airport is currently in the demolition phase of construction. Renovation will start this fall on the terminal and the taxiway construction will start next spring.Kayla Tucker

The taxiway, or the path connecting runways at the airport, will get a $21.3 million makeover. A bid for contractors on that project is expected to post in February.

The existing taxiway - 6,500 feet by 75 feet - will be completely gutted and removed, including signage, lighting, underground utilities and other infrastructure.

A new concrete strip and taxiway system will be installed 75 feet southeast of its current location, aligning with current FAA design standards.

It was built in the 1960s by old design standards, Efting said. Most of the airplanes operating were propeller-driven and, as a result, the standards for how close a taxiway can be to a runway were a little more loose back then.

It needs to be replaced anyway - the pavements in terrible shape.

The taxiway reconstruction is being funded by $20.3 million from the FAA, $530,000 from the Michigan Department of Transportation and $530,000 from Muskegon County.

Although they have faced a decline business, Efting said the county airport has not lacked in funding from state and federal entities.

Were really trying to show people how much potential this airport has for West Michigan, Efting said.

The Wings Over Muskegon Air Show, which is held annually at the airport, will not be held next year due to construction.

The 95-year-old airport remains open during construction, and short-term and long-term parking have been made free.

Want more Muskegon-area news? Bookmark the local Muskegon news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Muskegon daily newsletter.
Michigan has stopped issuing new housing choice vouchers, a program also known as Section 8, due to a federal funding shortfall.

The Michigan State Housing Development Authority, which administers the Housing Choice Voucher program, received federal funding in May that is short of keeping up with rising costs in Michigan, a news release said. As a result, the state agency cannot issue new vouchers and closed the waitlist to new applicants, including to those experiencing homelessness.

At a time when Michigan is gaining traction in addressing our housing challenges, this reduction in funding will only take us backward and make things worse for our most vulnerable neighbors, said Michigan State Housing Development Authority Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director Amy Hovey in a statement.

Its important to note, the budget shortfall will not impact anyone who is currently receiving housing choice vouchers.

Were not removing folks from the program. Its just were very limited at this time, said Lisa Kemmis, the Michigan State Housing Development Authoritys director of rental assistance, during a July webinar on the budget shortfall.

Related: After years of waiting, Michigan Section 8 renters race to find housing

Nearly 58,000 Michigan families who are low-income use federal housing vouchers with about half, 28,000, getting their vouchers from MSHDA. The average income for Michigan voucher-holders is $12,672. Through the program, families contribute at least 30% of their income toward rent while public housing authorities give federal dollars directly to landlords.

Only MSHDAs waitlist is paused during the budget shortfall with about 85,000 people remaining on the list.

Drawing names and issuing vouchers will most likely be on hold for the remainder of 2024, and possibly into early 2025, Kemmis said during the webinar.

Michigan saw a 6% drop in funding for the program this year when comparing current housing costs with funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, according to MSHDA. This funding level is insufficient to meet housing needs across the state.

We will collaborate with HUD to monitor expenses and explore cost-saving measures within the HCV (housing choice voucher) program, but its ultimately up to Congress to address this shortfall before it exacerbates housing insecurity and homelessness in our state and across the country, Hovey said.

The state attributes the funding shortfall to rising housing costs, which have increased MSHDAs average monthly payments to landlords. Rent costs across the United States hit record highs two years ago. The rental market has started to cool this summer, according to Redfin analysis, but despite the slight dip, affordability is still a serious issue for renter households.

To cover the climbing costs, Michigan received a 10% boost in funding last year to the housing choice voucher program, according to Kemmis. But by the fall, MSHDA stopped drawing names from the waitlist as monthly costs kept going up. A federal dashboard shows Michigan has exceeded its voucher budget since August 2023.

As families income levels decrease, our portion of the rent increases, Kemmis said. Balancing those items, we determined we needed to take some initial actions to slow down our leasing activity to ensure we didnt have too many vouchers out in circulation that could not be supported with our funding.

By May this year, Michigan received its calendar year budget and was notified of the gap in funding. It then paused issuing new vouchers as of July 1.

The shortfall meaning that our projected cost for 2024, were gonna far exceed our 2024 funding that HUD obligated to us was going to be, Kemmis said.

Related: Without new housing vouchers, shelters worry homelessness will get worse

Although Michigan cannot draw names from the waiting list for the foreseeable future, new vouchers can still be issued through the Project-Based Voucher program, Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing program and Stability Voucher program. Additionally, local public housing authorities can still issue vouchers depending on their own program funding. Albion, for example, plans to open its waitlist from Sept. 9 through Sept. 13.

The state says the impact of the budget shortfall will be felt the hardest by those experiencing homelessness or housing instability. Nearly half of the families who have received a voucher from MSHDA were homeless when they were admitted to the program.

People experiencing homelessness are given priority when vouchers become available, but any pending applications will expire.

MSHDA will provide Housing Assessment and Resource Agencies throughout the state with a list of families who will be impacted by the expiring homeless preference applications. The state is also directing people to those agencies so they can tap into other housing resources that are available during this time.

We recognize this situation is not ideal, Kemmis said. And we plan to take this time to consider other opportunities for changes in processes and procedures to best align with our goal of assisting those most in need.
A single mother wakes up to find herself hogtied and held captive at her country vacation rental by an unknown assailant. Held Hostage in My House premieres on Saturday, Sept. 7, at 8 p.m. ET on Lifetime.

Stream it for free with a trial from Philo or DIRECTV Stream, or find it on Sling.

About the movie:

A single mother wakes up to find she is hogtied, trapped and held captive inside her own vacation rental. Using clues from previous guests, she needs to find out who assaulted her to survive the ordeal. Find out if she makes it out in time.

Watch Held Hostage in My House tonight, Sept. 7, at 8/7c on Lifetime.

Where to watch Lifetime:

Cast:
The Armed Forces of Ukraine have deployed reserves to the Pokrovsk sector to stop the advance of Russian occupation forces. The Ukrainian command has sent up to five brigades to this section of the front, each with up to 2,000 personnel.

ADVERTISIMENT

The Armed Forces also began to use armored vehicles more actively to deter the attacks of the Russian invaders. This was reported by Forbes.

Putin's army in the Pokrovske direction outnumbers Ukrainian forces by about four times. Even though the Ukrainian command has allocated approximately 12 battalions for a sudden offensive in the Kursk region of Russia, the Armed Forces probably left 4-5 brigades with hundreds of vehicles and thousands of soldiers in reserve.

Now, some of these reserves have joined the battle along the last line of trenches and fortified towns just kilometers from Pokrovsk and its vital supply lines. Kremlin propagandists have already begun to complain that the Ukrainian Armed Forces have launched a counterattack and stabilized the front line.

Today, Ukrainian soldiers are conducting small counterattacks around Pokrovsk, the main result of which has been to slow down or slightly push back the Russian occupiers. The Ukrainian Center for Defense Strategies has predicted that the battle for Pokrovsk will be the culmination of the enemy's offensive in the southwestern theater of operations in 2024.

ADVERTISIMENT

In particular, the Kara-Dag brigade's offensive in Selydove, a frontline town southeast of Pokrovsk, could be the most significant of the recent counterattacks. For several days now, the brigade's tanks have been blowing up and capturing Russian tanks and combat vehicles trying to enter Selydove on the main east-west road.

Analysts have noted that without successes in the area of Selydove, the enemy will not be able to continue its offensive. Now that fresh and well-equipped Ukrainian troops are in Selydove and attacking, the Russian capture of Pokrovsk looks less likely.

As a reminder, the Russian occupation army continued offensive operations in the Donetsk region on September 6 but did not achieve any confirmed success. In turn, Ukrainian troops regained their positions in the Pokrovske direction.

ADVERTISIMENT

Earlier it was reported that the Russian occupation forces slowed down the fighting in the Pokrovsk area. The invaders began preparing for defensive actions there.

Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban continues to pretend to be a peacemaker in the Russian-Ukrainian war. The head of the Hungarian government made yet another cynical statement that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian dictator Putin "need to meet" to end the war.

ADVERTISIMENT

On the sidelines of the Ambrosetti Forum in Italy, Orban said that the presidents of Russia and Ukraine need to "establish communication" to end the war. This was reported by Politico.

When asked whether a meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy was possible, the Hungarian prime minister replied: "Of course. It is necessary! The first issue is communication. If there is no communication, the war becomes worse and worse."

The publication recalled that in the first weeks of Hungary's six-month presidency of the EU Council, Orban tried to play the "peacemaker" on the issue of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, unexpectedly visiting Kyiv to meet with Zelenskyy and then flying to Moscow the same week to bow to Putin.

"In recent weeks, both Putin and Zelenskyy have said they would welcome mediators in discussions on how to end the war in Ukraine, but they do not believe Hungary is an option. Speaking at a panel discussion at Russia's Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok on Thursday, Putin said that China, Brazil, or India could potentially help in peace talks," the article says.

ADVERTISIMENT

As reported by OBOZ.UA, after his trips to Kyiv and Moscow, Viktor Orban said he realized that the positions of Ukraine and Russia are very far apart. At the same time, the European Union denied Orban's amateurishness and emphasized that he did not visit Putin on behalf of the EU, but on his own initiative, so he could not represent Europe.

After Orban's unauthorized tour, a group of MEPs demanded that Hungary's voting rights in the EU be suspended.

Hungary's Minister of European Affairs Janos Boca sent a note to the EU countries stating that Budapest had terminated its "peacekeeping mission" in the war in Ukraine. However, diplomatic circles believe that Orban may organize a "peace tour" again when it is to his advantage.

Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!

ADVERTISIMENT
The U.S. Department of Defense has stated that it plans to use the funds allocated to help Ukraine under the presidential authority even after the end of the fiscal year. If there are any funds left over for the Armed Forces by the end of September, when the US fiscal year ends, they will be used.

ADVERTISIMENT

This was stated by Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh at a briefing on Friday, September 6, Voice of America reports. According to her, the department plans to use the available funds to support Ukraine "in any way possible" after the end of the fiscal year.

"As you know, we have been working very hard with Congress to get this additional amount and distribute this money to Ukraine in the PDA and USAI packages," the representative of the US department said.

She noted that she could not yet speculate on the fate of the funds that will remain after September 30 but pointed out that Washington announces aid packages for Ukraine "almost every week." They vary in size, but they come to Ukraine regularly.

"I have no doubt that we're going to use everything we have to make sure that we continue to provide Ukraine with everything it needs, both in the short and long terms," the Pentagon deputy spokeswoman emphasized.

ADVERTISIMENT

Singh added that the US plans to use the remaining funds "in any way possible."

It should be noted that the US fiscal year ends on September 30. This means that Washington may miss the opportunity to transfer another $6.2 billion to Ukraine, which is still available under the presidential powers.

As reported, international expert Oleksandr Kraiev said that the United States will be able to use the money from the budget allocated for Ukraine even after the end of the budget year. The American budget process does not have a procedure for money intended for foreign aid to partners to be returned to the budget.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Italy ETF (NYSEARCA:HEWI  Get Free Report)s share price fell 0.5% during mid-day trading on Wednesday . The stock traded as low as $15.68 and last traded at $15.70. 600 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 35% from the average session volume of 922 shares. The stock had previously closed at $15.78.

iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Italy ETF Stock Down 0.5 %

The companys fifty day moving average price is $15.69 and its 200-day moving average price is $15.70.

Featured Stories

Receive News & Ratings for iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Italy ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Italy ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Altus Wealth Group LLC lowered its stake in shares of Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE  Free Report) by 13.9% in the second quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 9,233 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after selling 1,485 shares during the quarter. Altus Wealth Group LLCs holdings in Pfizer were worth $258,000 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. Olistico Wealth LLC bought a new position in shares of Pfizer during the second quarter worth about $25,000. MFA Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Pfizer in the second quarter valued at approximately $29,000. Creekmur Asset Management LLC acquired a new position in Pfizer during the 4th quarter worth $32,000. Trivant Custom Portfolio Group LLC boosted its stake in shares of Pfizer by 100.0% in the 1st quarter. Trivant Custom Portfolio Group LLC now owns 1,200 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $33,000 after purchasing an additional 600 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Financial Connections Group Inc. bought a new stake in Pfizer during the second quarter worth about $34,000. 68.36% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

Get Pfizer alerts:

Pfizer Trading Up 0.4 %

Shares of PFE stock opened at $28.51 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.65, a quick ratio of 0.60 and a current ratio of 0.86. The company has a market capitalization of $161.55 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -475.09, a PEG ratio of 1.02 and a beta of 0.68. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $29.05 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $28.04. Pfizer Inc. has a 52-week low of $25.20 and a 52-week high of $35.28.

Pfizer Announces Dividend

Pfizer ( NYSE:PFE Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, July 30th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $0.60 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.46 by $0.14. The firm had revenue of $13.28 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $12.96 billion. Pfizer had a positive return on equity of 8.42% and a negative net margin of 4.66%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 2.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $0.67 EPS. Research analysts anticipate that Pfizer Inc. will post 2.66 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, September 3rd. Shareholders of record on Friday, July 26th were issued a $0.42 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Friday, July 26th. This represents a $1.68 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 5.89%. Pfizers payout ratio is currently -2,799.53%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several research firms have recently commented on PFE. UBS Group increased their price target on shares of Pfizer from $30.00 to $31.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 31st. Daiwa Capital Markets raised Pfizer from a neutral rating to an outperform rating and upped their price target for the company from $28.00 to $34.00 in a research note on Wednesday, August 7th. Daiwa America raised Pfizer from a moderate buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 7th. Barclays lifted their price target on shares of Pfizer from $30.00 to $32.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 31st. Finally, StockNews.com raised Pfizer from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, August 1st. Eight research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, seven have issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $34.54.

View Our Latest Stock Report on Pfizer

About Pfizer

(Free Report)

Pfizer Inc discovers, develops, manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells biopharmaceutical products in the United States, Europe, and internationally. The company offers medicines and vaccines in various therapeutic areas, including cardiovascular metabolic, migraine, and women's health under the Eliquis, Nurtec ODT/Vydura, Zavzpret, and the Premarin family brands; infectious diseases with unmet medical needs under the Prevnar family, Abrysvo, Nimenrix, FSME/IMMUN-TicoVac, and Trumenba brands; and COVID-19 prevention and treatment, and potential future mRNA and antiviral products under the Comirnaty and Paxlovid brands.

Featured Articles

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PFE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Pfizer Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Pfizer and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Teucrium Sugar Fund (NYSEARCA:CANE  Get Free Report)s share price was down 0.6% on Wednesday . The stock traded as low as $11.64 and last traded at $11.75. Approximately 29,019 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 11% from the average daily volume of 32,648 shares. The stock had previously closed at $11.82.

Teucrium Sugar Fund Stock Down 1.4 %

The company has a fifty day moving average of $11.60 and a two-hundred day moving average of $12.08.

Get Teucrium Sugar Fund alerts:

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Teucrium Sugar Fund

A hedge fund recently bought a new stake in Teucrium Sugar Fund stock. Cetera Advisors LLC bought a new position in Teucrium Sugar Fund (NYSEARCA:CANE  Free Report) in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm bought 18,735 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $253,000. Cetera Advisors LLC owned 1.73% of Teucrium Sugar Fund as of its most recent SEC filing.

About Teucrium Sugar Fund

Teucrium Sugar Fund (the Fund) is a commodity pool. The Fund is a series of the Teucrium Commodity Trust (Trust). The Teucrium Sugar Fund provides investors unleveraged direct exposure to sugar without the need for a futures account. The investment objective of the Fund is to have the daily changes in percentage terms of a weighted average of the closing settlement prices for three futures contracts for sugar (Sugar Futures Contracts) that are traded on ICE Futures US (ICE Futures), which includes the second-to-expire Sugar No.

Featured Articles

Receive News & Ratings for Teucrium Sugar Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Teucrium Sugar Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Wakefield Asset Management LLLP acquired a new stake in shares of Century Communities, Inc. (NYSE:CCS  Free Report) in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm acquired 10,475 shares of the construction companys stock, valued at approximately $855,000.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Signaturefd LLC boosted its position in Century Communities by 11.2% in the 2nd quarter. Signaturefd LLC now owns 1,138 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $93,000 after buying an additional 115 shares during the period. Covestor Ltd boosted its holdings in Century Communities by 95.0% in the first quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 273 shares of the construction companys stock worth $26,000 after acquiring an additional 133 shares in the last quarter. Arizona State Retirement System grew its position in Century Communities by 1.9% during the 2nd quarter. Arizona State Retirement System now owns 8,006 shares of the construction companys stock worth $654,000 after purchasing an additional 147 shares during the last quarter. Essex Investment Management Co. LLC increased its position in shares of Century Communities by 0.5% in the 1st quarter. Essex Investment Management Co. LLC now owns 28,174 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $2,719,000 after acquiring an additional 151 shares during the period. Finally, SummerHaven Investment Management LLC raised its stake in shares of Century Communities by 1.9% in the second quarter. SummerHaven Investment Management LLC now owns 9,752 shares of the construction companys stock worth $796,000 after purchasing an additional 186 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 99.54% of the companys stock.

Get Century Communities alerts:

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of research analysts have weighed in on the stock. Wedbush lifted their price objective on shares of Century Communities from $82.00 to $90.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Thursday, July 25th. B. Riley upped their price target on Century Communities from $110.00 to $113.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, July 25th.

Century Communities Stock Performance

Shares of CCS opened at $96.32 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.90, a current ratio of 0.90 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.44. The company has a market capitalization of $3.06 billion, a PE ratio of 10.69 and a beta of 1.85. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $93.62 and a 200-day simple moving average of $87.84. Century Communities, Inc. has a 52-week low of $58.01 and a 52-week high of $107.90.

Century Communities (NYSE:CCS  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, July 24th. The construction company reported $2.65 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.46 by $0.19. Century Communities had a net margin of 7.90% and a return on equity of 14.00%. The business had revenue of $1.02 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.03 billion. During the same period last year, the company earned $1.60 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was up 24.3% on a year-over-year basis. Equities research analysts predict that Century Communities, Inc. will post 10.98 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Century Communities Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, September 11th. Investors of record on Wednesday, August 28th will be issued a $0.26 dividend. This represents a $1.04 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.08%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, August 28th. Century Communitiess dividend payout ratio is currently 11.54%.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In related news, CEO Robert J. Francescon sold 50,000 shares of Century Communities stock in a transaction dated Friday, August 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $92.64, for a total value of $4,632,000.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 477,931 shares in the company, valued at approximately $44,275,527.84. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. In other news, CEO Robert J. Francescon sold 50,000 shares of Century Communities stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, August 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $92.64, for a total value of $4,632,000.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 477,931 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $44,275,527.84. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, Director John P. Box sold 11,282 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, August 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $100.07, for a total value of $1,128,989.74. Following the sale, the director now directly owns 45,127 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,515,858.89. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 11.90% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Century Communities Company Profile

(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.

Read More

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.
Parcion Private Wealth LLC boosted its holdings in Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN  Free Report) by 4.6% during the second quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 15,783 shares of the information technology services providers stock after acquiring an additional 700 shares during the period. Parcion Private Wealth LLCs holdings in Accenture were worth $4,789,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of ACN. McKinley Carter Wealth Services Inc. raised its position in shares of Accenture by 7.4% during the 4th quarter. McKinley Carter Wealth Services Inc. now owns 29,204 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $10,248,000 after purchasing an additional 2,008 shares during the period. TrinityPoint Wealth LLC raised its position in shares of Accenture by 3.6% during the 4th quarter. TrinityPoint Wealth LLC now owns 3,646 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $1,279,000 after purchasing an additional 125 shares during the period. Buckingham Capital Management Inc. raised its position in shares of Accenture by 3.4% during the 4th quarter. Buckingham Capital Management Inc. now owns 27,559 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $9,671,000 after purchasing an additional 900 shares during the period. Focus Financial Network Inc. ADV acquired a new stake in shares of Accenture during the 4th quarter worth approximately $4,594,000. Finally, New Mexico Educational Retirement Board raised its position in shares of Accenture by 11.9% during the 1st quarter. New Mexico Educational Retirement Board now owns 36,750 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $12,393,000 after purchasing an additional 3,900 shares during the period. 75.14% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Get Accenture alerts:

Accenture Trading Down 0.3 %

ACN traded down $1.09 during trading on Friday, hitting $339.84. The stock had a trading volume of 1,613,563 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,781,811. The firm has a market cap of $212.98 billion, a PE ratio of 31.12, a P/E/G ratio of 3.81 and a beta of 1.24. Accenture plc has a 12 month low of $278.69 and a 12 month high of $387.51. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $323.63 and a 200-day simple moving average of $324.57.

Accenture Dividend Announcement

Accenture ( NYSE:ACN Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, June 20th. The information technology services provider reported $3.13 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $3.15 by ($0.02). The firm had revenue of $16.47 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $16.55 billion. Accenture had a return on equity of 27.48% and a net margin of 10.79%. The businesss revenue was down .6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $3.19 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that Accenture plc will post 11.95 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, August 15th. Investors of record on Thursday, July 11th were issued a $1.29 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, July 11th. This represents a $5.16 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.52%. Accentures dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 47.25%.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other Accenture news, CEO Julie Spellman Sweet sold 3,776 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, July 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $309.05, for a total value of $1,166,972.80. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 11,819 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,652,661.95. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. In other Accenture news, CFO Kathleen R. Mcclure sold 3,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, July 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $309.22, for a total value of $927,660.00. Following the sale, the chief financial officer now directly owns 40,070 shares in the company, valued at approximately $12,390,445.40. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, CEO Julie Spellman Sweet sold 3,776 shares of Accenture stock in a transaction dated Friday, July 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $309.05, for a total transaction of $1,166,972.80. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 11,819 shares in the company, valued at $3,652,661.95. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 21,421 shares of company stock worth $6,912,635 in the last quarter. 0.07% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Analyst Ratings Changes

ACN has been the topic of several analyst reports. Morgan Stanley cut Accenture from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating and lowered their target price for the company from $382.00 to $300.00 in a research report on Wednesday, June 26th. Wedbush decreased their price objective on shares of Accenture from $400.00 to $350.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, June 12th. Barclays decreased their target price on shares of Accenture from $390.00 to $350.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Monday, June 17th. Piper Sandler decreased their target price on shares of Accenture from $379.00 to $320.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Monday, June 17th. Finally, UBS Group raised shares of Accenture from a neutral rating to a buy rating and set a $400.00 target price for the company in a research note on Friday, July 19th. Eleven investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $353.41.

Get Our Latest Stock Report on Accenture

About Accenture

(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.

Further Reading

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.
On December 8, 1863, nearly 10,000 candles and kerosene lamps illuminated the interior of the church of La Compania de Jesus, in downtown Santiago de Chile, on the site of what today is the former National Congress. On the occasion of the celebration day of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, the church, one of the most-attended by the capitals inhabitants in the 19th century, was adorned with a vast number of paper garlands. Some 3,000 parishioners came to La Compania de Jesus, administered by the Jesuit priest Juan Bautista Ugarte, to commemorate the end of the month of Mary. Due to circumstances that were never determined, the building was engulfed by flames. In less than an hour, the fire took the lives of over 2,000 women, a toll that was reached after a house-by-house census was conducted to determine the scale of the human losses. Its Chiles Titanic, and yet no one remembers it, says journalist and writer Francisca Solar of a tragedy that should have more space not only in national history, she argues, but in universal history.

In her best-selling book El buzon de las impuras (The mailbox of the impure), Solar approaches the event from the perspective of the women who were burned to death in that church. Mostly aristocrats, they deposited letters containing their prayers and sins in a metal box that they called the mailbox of the Virgin, which the liberal press of the time baptized as the mailbox of the impure for being a kind of confessional. Surprisingly, it was one of the few objects that was spared from the flames and, after the fire, ecclesiastical and state authorities fought over it. It finally ended up in the hands of the mayor of Santiago. Although the contents never saw the light of day, their existence was enough to inspire Solar to write a historical novel.

In the reconstruction of the tragedy, the newspapers that circulated in Chile during that period, which are currently stored in the basement of the National Library, were key allies for the authors research. Solar also drew on the extensive report published by The New York Times on its front page on January 18, 1864, which described the fire as a scene impossible to exaggerate, it cannot even be described [...] It is absolutely impossible to convey in words any idea of the harrowing spectacle of Tuesday night.

Francisca Solar talks about her book El buzon de las impuras at the Teatro Oriente in Santiago, June 2024. Teatro Oriente

The writer tells EL PAIS that one of the reasons why the fire was forgotten was because it was a landmark involving women: At the time, the death of a woman did not stop the system [...] The fact that 2,000 women died was like 2,000 chairs being burned, she explains in a cafe in the residential municipality of Providencia. In addition, everything private was always at the expense of the public. That means that, as terrible as it may sound, the deaths of 2,000 women in a church was treated as a domestic issue.

On the origin of the fire, the journalist notes: There is no doubt that it was an accident. It is very important to state that there was no malice. She clarifies, however, that regardless of the fact that there was no intentionality, there was a lot of negligence. The church had between 7,000 and 10,000 lights, which is a completely disproportionate and unusual number. It was the chronicle of a death foretold; a spark and the whole place was going to go up, says Solar. The fact that the church doors were not double-hinged was also lethal. The swing door protocol was not mandatory in Chile in 1863. Very few churches and hotels had adopted it, because it was a new and voluntary security measure. The church of La Compania, in particular, was very old, poorly refurbished, and the entrances were very small with doors that only opened inwards. That was the responsibility of whoever managed the church and the Jesuits never updated the protocol. If all the entrances only opened to the inside, imagine a fire in which 3,000 people were trying to get out... They locked themselves in and all the accesses were quickly blocked.

Monument to the victims of the 1863 La Compania de Jesus fire, located in front of the General Cemetery in Santiago. SOFIA YANJARI

Among the factors that made it impossible to escape, there is one that especially angers Solar: when the fire began to spread, the priest Juan Bautista Ugarte and the apostolic nuncio (Vatican envoy) Jose Ignacio Eyzaguirre, who were presiding the mass, quickly fled through a door in the sacristy. I dont know the exact number of women who also managed to escape through there, its estimated at between 40 and 50, says the novelist, who notes that in several newspapers it was reported that when Ugarte saw the women crossing the presbytery to reach the sacristy, he blocked the entrance. This, says Solar, was with the aim of preventing women from stepping on floorspace that was considered holy, and that only priests could walk on.

When talking about the 1863 fire, the author points out, special emphasis was placed on the opulent dresses and crinoline blankets worn by the faithful, which were extremely flammable and also made it difficult to get to the exits. It is inescapable that the apparel of the time was an obstacle. We know this, moreover, because there were women who saved themselves by taking their clothes off [...] However, to me the fact that a priest closed the door seems much more serious. How many more women could have been saved?

After the tragedy, the writer says, the mayor of Santiago, Francisco Bascunan Guerrero, who lost his sister Mercedes in the fire, ordered that all places where many people congregated be fitted with double hinges. The first fire brigade in the Chilean capital was also created.

The monument to the victims of the fire. SOFIA YANJARI

Justice must be done; not only must a milestone in Chilean history that few know about be made visible, this is also a historical vindication. I am interested in telling the story of the La Compania fire from the perspective of women because I need there to be at least a gesture of justice towards them. A phrase from Lastesis is obvious: And the fault wasnt mine, not where I was, not how I dressed, says Solar in reference to the poem A rapist in your path, created by the feminist collective during the demonstrations against gender violence held in Chile in 2019.

Of the 2,000 women who died in the fire, only seven were identified. The authorities at the time decided to bury them in a common grave in the General Cemetery of Santiago. The most widely accepted hypothesis, according to researchers, is that this site is currently located in the Plaza de la Paz. To honor them, half a century after the tragedy, firefighters moved the statue of La Dolorosa, which was originally built on the ashes of the church, to the same location.

Plazuela de la Compania, with the monument made by Carrier-Belleuze and the National Congress under construction on the right. Memoria Chilena
Ascential plc (LON:ASCL  Get Free Report) insider Mandy Gradden sold 12,171 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, September 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of GBX 569 ($7.48), for a total value of 69,252.99 ($91,062.45).

Ascential Stock Performance

Shares of ASCL opened at GBX 569 ($7.48) on Friday. The companys 50 day simple moving average is GBX 495.27 and its 200 day simple moving average is GBX 378.02. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 4.25, a quick ratio of 0.92 and a current ratio of 0.90. The company has a market capitalization of 1.15 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 4,741.67, a PEG ratio of 1.06 and a beta of 1.23. Ascential plc has a 1 year low of GBX 312.50 ($4.11) and a 1 year high of GBX 580 ($7.63).

Get Ascential alerts:

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several research firms have weighed in on ASCL. Berenberg Bank raised their target price on shares of Ascential from GBX 395 ($5.19) to GBX 568 ($7.47) and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Thursday, July 25th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reiterated a buy rating and set a GBX 433 ($5.69) target price on shares of Ascential in a report on Tuesday, June 18th. One analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Ascential presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of GBX 428.67 ($5.64).

About Ascential

(Get Free Report)

Ascential plc provides specialist information, analytics, and e-commerce optimization platforms in the United Kingdom, rest of Europe, the United States, Canada, China, rest of the Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. The company operates in two segments, Marketing and Financial Technology.

Featured Articles

Receive News & Ratings for Ascential Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ascential and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Tortoise Capital Advisors L.L.C. decreased its position in Cheniere Energy Partners, L.P. (NYSE:CQP  Free Report) by 21.3% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 607,358 shares of the companys stock after selling 164,638 shares during the quarter. Tortoise Capital Advisors L.L.C. owned 0.13% of Cheniere Energy Partners worth $29,827,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. increased its position in shares of Cheniere Energy Partners by 37.4% in the 4th quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 615,067 shares of the companys stock valued at $30,624,000 after purchasing an additional 167,567 shares during the last quarter. Empowered Funds LLC purchased a new position in Cheniere Energy Partners in the first quarter valued at $1,435,000. Mediolanum International Funds Ltd acquired a new stake in Cheniere Energy Partners in the first quarter valued at $5,794,000. Atria Wealth Solutions Inc. lifted its holdings in Cheniere Energy Partners by 105.9% during the 2nd quarter. Atria Wealth Solutions Inc. now owns 17,298 shares of the companys stock worth $850,000 after buying an additional 8,898 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Lee Financial Co boosted its position in shares of Cheniere Energy Partners by 535.9% during the 4th quarter. Lee Financial Co now owns 1,170 shares of the companys stock worth $58,000 after acquiring an additional 986 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 46.55% of the companys stock.

Get Cheniere Energy Partners alerts:

Analyst Ratings Changes

CQP has been the topic of several research analyst reports. Barclays raised their target price on Cheniere Energy Partners from $45.00 to $46.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 17th. Sanford C. Bernstein initiated coverage on shares of Cheniere Energy Partners in a report on Monday, June 24th. They set a market perform rating on the stock. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, three have given a hold rating and one has issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $49.25.

Cheniere Energy Partners Stock Performance

CQP opened at $48.49 on Friday. Cheniere Energy Partners, L.P. has a one year low of $45.51 and a one year high of $62.34. The stock has a market capitalization of $23.47 billion, a P/E ratio of 10.47 and a beta of 0.68. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $50.14 and its 200-day simple moving average is $49.27.

Cheniere Energy Partners (NYSE:CQP  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, August 8th. The company reported $0.95 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.83 by $0.12. Cheniere Energy Partners had a negative return on equity of 292.75% and a net margin of 32.76%. The firm had revenue of $1.89 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.04 billion. On average, equities research analysts forecast that Cheniere Energy Partners, L.P. will post 4.26 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Cheniere Energy Partners Increases Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, August 14th. Investors of record on Wednesday, August 7th were given a $0.775 dividend. This is an increase from Cheniere Energy Partnerss previous quarterly dividend of $0.62. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, August 7th. This represents a $3.10 annualized dividend and a yield of 6.39%. Cheniere Energy Partnerss dividend payout ratio is 66.95%.

About Cheniere Energy Partners

(Free Report)

Cheniere Energy Partners, L.P., through its subsidiaries, provides liquefied natural gas (LNG) to integrated energy companies, utilities, and energy trading companies worldwide. The company owns and operates natural gas liquefaction and export facility at the Sabine Pass LNG Terminal located in Cameron Parish, Louisiana.

Featured Stories

Receive News & Ratings for Cheniere Energy Partners Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Cheniere Energy Partners and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Choice Hotels International (NYSE:CHH  Free Report) had its price objective reduced by Truist Financial from $144.00 to $134.00 in a research report report published on Wednesday morning, Benzinga reports. Truist Financial currently has a hold rating on the stock.

Other analysts also recently issued reports about the company. StockNews.com upgraded Choice Hotels International from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, August 27th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft decreased their price objective on Choice Hotels International from $128.00 to $112.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a report on Thursday, May 9th. UBS Group decreased their price objective on Choice Hotels International from $126.00 to $125.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Friday, August 9th. Barclays cut their target price on Choice Hotels International from $114.00 to $112.00 and set an underweight rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, August 9th. Finally, Susquehanna assumed coverage on Choice Hotels International in a research note on Friday, June 21st. They issued a neutral rating and a $125.00 target price on the stock. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have given a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $129.27.

Get Choice Hotels International alerts:

View Our Latest Analysis on CHH

Choice Hotels International Stock Down 1.1 %

NYSE:CHH opened at $122.92 on Wednesday. The company has a current ratio of 0.99, a quick ratio of 0.99 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 177.75. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $124.47 and a 200-day simple moving average of $120.82. The company has a market cap of $5.92 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 26.38, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.12 and a beta of 1.25. Choice Hotels International has a twelve month low of $108.91 and a twelve month high of $134.44.

Choice Hotels International (NYSE:CHH  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 8th. The company reported $1.84 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.86 by ($0.02). The firm had revenue of $435.20 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $438.29 million. Choice Hotels International had a net margin of 15.42% and a negative return on equity of 3,953.67%. The businesss revenue was up 1.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $1.75 earnings per share. Analysts anticipate that Choice Hotels International will post 6.38 EPS for the current year.

Insider Transactions at Choice Hotels International

In other news, EVP Dominic Dragisich sold 13,117 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, July 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $124.45, for a total transaction of $1,632,410.65. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 69,171 shares in the company, valued at $8,608,330.95. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. In other news, EVP Dominic Dragisich sold 13,117 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, July 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $124.45, for a total transaction of $1,632,410.65. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 69,171 shares in the company, valued at $8,608,330.95. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, insider Patrick Cimerola sold 13,259 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, July 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $125.08, for a total value of $1,658,435.72. Following the sale, the insider now owns 23,461 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,934,501.88. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders own 24.02% of the companys stock.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Choice Hotels International

A number of large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Louisiana State Employees Retirement System boosted its position in Choice Hotels International by 1.4% in the first quarter. Louisiana State Employees Retirement System now owns 7,100 shares of the companys stock valued at $897,000 after buying an additional 100 shares during the last quarter. State of Michigan Retirement System boosted its position in Choice Hotels International by 1.7% in the first quarter. State of Michigan Retirement System now owns 6,032 shares of the companys stock valued at $762,000 after buying an additional 100 shares during the last quarter. AGF Management Ltd. boosted its position in Choice Hotels International by 0.5% in the second quarter. AGF Management Ltd. now owns 20,940 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,492,000 after buying an additional 101 shares during the last quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC boosted its position in Choice Hotels International by 144.4% in the first quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC now owns 198 shares of the companys stock valued at $25,000 after buying an additional 117 shares during the last quarter. Finally, MJP Associates Inc. ADV boosted its position in Choice Hotels International by 7.4% in the second quarter. MJP Associates Inc. ADV now owns 1,836 shares of the companys stock valued at $219,000 after buying an additional 127 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 65.57% of the companys stock.

Choice Hotels International Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Choice Hotels International, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a hotel franchisor in the United States and internationally. It operates through Hotel Franchising & Management and Corporate & Other segments. The company franchises lodging properties under the brand names of Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Clarion, Clarion Pointe, Sleep Inn, Ascend Hotel Collection, Econo Lodge, Rodeway Inn, MainStay Suites, Suburban Studios, WoodSpring Suites, Everhome Suites, Cambria Hotels, Radisson Blu, Radisson RED, Radisson, Park Plaza, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Radisson Inn & Suites, Park Inn by Radisson, Radisson Individuals, and Radisson Collection.

Further Reading

Receive News & Ratings for Choice Hotels International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Choice Hotels International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Bank of Montreal (TSE:BMO  Free Report) (NYSE:BMO) had its price target boosted by CIBC from C$116.00 to C$120.00 in a research note published on Friday, BayStreet.CA reports.

A number of other brokerages have also weighed in on BMO. TD Securities lowered Bank of Montreal from a buy rating to a hold rating and decreased their target price for the company from C$130.00 to C$114.00 in a research report on Wednesday, August 28th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods lowered Bank of Montreal from a moderate buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, June 3rd. Jefferies Financial Group decreased their price objective on Bank of Montreal from C$141.00 to C$124.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Monday, August 12th. Scotiabank cut shares of Bank of Montreal from an outperform rating to a sector perform rating and dropped their target price for the stock from C$123.00 to C$112.00 in a report on Wednesday, August 28th. Finally, Desjardins reduced their price target on shares of Bank of Montreal from C$125.00 to C$120.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, August 28th. Eight equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of C$121.29.

Get Bank of Montreal alerts:

Read Our Latest Research Report on BMO

Bank of Montreal Stock Performance

Bank of Montreal Dividend Announcement

Shares of TSE:BMO opened at C$111.69 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of C$81.47 billion, a PE ratio of 12.85, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.54 and a beta of 1.16. The firms 50 day simple moving average is C$115.71 and its 200-day simple moving average is C$121.97. Bank of Montreal has a one year low of C$102.67 and a one year high of C$133.95.

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, November 26th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, October 30th will be given a $1.55 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, October 30th. This represents a $6.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 5.55%. Bank of Montreals payout ratio is 71.35%.

About Bank of Montreal

(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.

Further Reading

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.
Commonwealth Retirement Investments LLC reduced its holdings in shares of iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF (BATS:HEFA  Free Report) by 20.9% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 13,231 shares of the companys stock after selling 3,486 shares during the period. Commonwealth Retirement Investments LLCs holdings in iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF were worth $470,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in HEFA. Richardson Capital Management LLC grew its stake in shares of iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF by 891.2% during the 2nd quarter. Richardson Capital Management LLC now owns 902 shares of the companys stock valued at $32,000 after acquiring an additional 811 shares during the period. BNP Paribas Financial Markets raised its position in shares of iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF by 159.6% during the 1st quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets now owns 1,145 shares of the companys stock valued at $40,000 after purchasing an additional 704 shares during the period. WR Wealth Planners LLC lifted its stake in shares of iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF by 3,009.8% during the 2nd quarter. WR Wealth Planners LLC now owns 1,275 shares of the companys stock valued at $45,000 after buying an additional 1,234 shares in the last quarter. Gilliland Jeter Wealth Management LLC boosted its holdings in iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF by 73.8% in the 2nd quarter. Gilliland Jeter Wealth Management LLC now owns 1,535 shares of the companys stock worth $55,000 after buying an additional 652 shares during the period. Finally, Global Financial Private Client LLC purchased a new stake in iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF in the 1st quarter worth $58,000.

Get iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF alerts:

iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF Trading Down 1.8 %

BATS HEFA opened at $33.90 on Friday. The stocks 50 day moving average is $34.75 and its 200 day moving average is $34.75. The stock has a market cap of $6.56 billion, a PE ratio of 16.31 and a beta of 0.62. iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF has a 12 month low of $26.88 and a 12 month high of $30.88.

About iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF

The iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF (HEFA) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in total market equity. The fund tracks a market cap-weighted, USD-hedged index of large- and mid-cap stocks from developed countries outside the US and Canada. HEFA was launched on Jan 31, 2014 and is managed by BlackRock.

Recommended Stories

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding HEFA? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF (BATS:HEFA  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Cormark upgraded shares of First Majestic Silver (NYSE:AG  Free Report) (TSE:FR) from a hold rating to a moderate buy rating in a research note issued to investors on Friday, Zacks.com reports.

Several other analysts have also recently commented on AG. HC Wainwright restated a buy rating and set a $8.50 price objective on shares of First Majestic Silver in a research note on Friday. Scotiabank lifted their price objective on First Majestic Silver from $5.50 to $6.50 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research note on Thursday, May 23rd. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have issued a hold rating and one has issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $7.50.

Get First Majestic Silver alerts:

Get Our Latest Report on First Majestic Silver

First Majestic Silver Trading Down 4.9 %

Shares of First Majestic Silver stock opened at $4.63 on Friday. First Majestic Silver has a 12-month low of $4.17 and a 12-month high of $8.44. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $5.76 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $6.16. The company has a current ratio of 3.05, a quick ratio of 2.44 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.17. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.34 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -28.94 and a beta of 1.32.

First Majestic Silver (NYSE:AG  Get Free Report) (TSE:FR) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, August 1st. The mining company reported ($0.07) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of ($0.02) by ($0.05). The firm had revenue of $136.20 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $129.74 million. First Majestic Silver had a negative return on equity of 4.39% and a negative net margin of 15.37%. The businesss revenue was down 7.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the business earned ($0.02) EPS. Analysts predict that First Majestic Silver will post -0.11 EPS for the current year.

First Majestic Silver Announces Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, August 30th. Stockholders of record on Friday, August 16th were paid a dividend of $0.0046 per share. This represents a $0.02 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.40%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, August 16th. First Majestic Silvers payout ratio is currently -6.25%.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On First Majestic Silver

A number of large investors have recently bought and sold shares of AG. Tidal Investments LLC increased its stake in shares of First Majestic Silver by 6,929.4% during the first quarter. Tidal Investments LLC now owns 5,174,889 shares of the mining companys stock worth $30,406,000 after purchasing an additional 5,101,271 shares in the last quarter. Van ECK Associates Corp grew its holdings in shares of First Majestic Silver by 5.1% during the 1st quarter. Van ECK Associates Corp now owns 31,876,555 shares of the mining companys stock worth $187,433,000 after purchasing an additional 1,534,710 shares during the period. Marshall Wace LLP acquired a new position in First Majestic Silver in the second quarter valued at about $3,904,000. SG Americas Securities LLC boosted its stake in First Majestic Silver by 145.4% during the first quarter. SG Americas Securities LLC now owns 424,917 shares of the mining companys stock worth $2,499,000 after buying an additional 251,741 shares during the period. Finally, Virtu Financial LLC acquired a new position in shares of First Majestic Silver in the 1st quarter worth approximately $1,373,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 27.16% of the companys stock.

First Majestic Silver Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

First Majestic Silver Corp. engages in the acquisition, exploration, development, and production of mineral properties with a focus on silver and gold production in North America. Its projects include the San Dimas mine covering an area of approximately 71,867 hectares located in Durango State, Mexico; the Santa Elena that covers an area of approximately 102,244 hectares located in Sonora State, Mexico; and the La Encantada covering an area of approximately 4,076 hectares located in Coahuila State, Mexico.

Read More

Receive News & Ratings for First Majestic Silver Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for First Majestic Silver and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
DP Poland Plc (LON:DPP  Get Free Report) shares passed below its 50 day moving average during trading on Wednesday . The stock has a 50 day moving average of GBX 10.72 ($0.14) and traded as low as GBX 10.40 ($0.14). DP Poland shares last traded at GBX 10.50 ($0.14), with a volume of 430,009 shares trading hands.

DP Poland Trading Down 2.4 %

The firm has a market cap of 94.08 million, a P/E ratio of -1,016.00 and a beta of 0.48. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 101.39, a quick ratio of 0.38 and a current ratio of 0.41. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of GBX 10.73 and a 200 day simple moving average of GBX 10.94.

DP Poland Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

DP Poland Plc develops, operates, and sub-franchises Domino's Pizza stores in Poland. The company operates through two segments: Corporate Store Sales and Commissary Operations. It operates pizza delivery and dine-in restaurants. DP Poland Plc was incorporated in 2010 and is headquartered in Warsaw, Poland.

Recommended Stories

Receive News & Ratings for DP Poland Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for DP Poland and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Edison International (NYSE:EIX  Free Report) had its price target boosted by UBS Group from $86.00 to $89.00 in a research report sent to investors on Wednesday morning, Benzinga reports. They currently have a neutral rating on the utilities providers stock.

Other analysts also recently issued reports about the stock. Morgan Stanley upped their price objective on shares of Edison International from $62.00 to $68.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a report on Friday, August 23rd. Guggenheim upped their price objective on shares of Edison International from $80.00 to $83.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Friday, July 26th. Barclays upped their price objective on shares of Edison International from $80.00 to $91.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Wednesday. Wells Fargo & Company upped their price objective on shares of Edison International from $86.00 to $87.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Friday, July 26th. Finally, Mizuho increased their price target on shares of Edison International from $75.00 to $85.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Friday, May 17th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have given a hold rating and six have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $82.36.

Get Edison International alerts:

Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on EIX

Edison International Stock Performance

EIX stock opened at $86.68 on Wednesday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.96, a current ratio of 1.03 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.04. The company has a market capitalization of $33.47 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 38.02 and a beta of 0.91. Edison International has a 12 month low of $58.82 and a 12 month high of $88.77. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $79.74 and a two-hundred day moving average of $74.23.

Edison International (NYSE:EIX  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, July 25th. The utilities provider reported $1.23 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.05 by $0.18. The company had revenue of $4.34 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.12 billion. Edison International had a net margin of 6.60% and a return on equity of 13.01%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 9.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $1.01 earnings per share. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that Edison International will post 4.94 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Edison International Announces Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, July 31st. Stockholders of record on Monday, July 8th were paid a $0.78 dividend. This represents a $3.12 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.60%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, July 8th. Edison Internationals dividend payout ratio is 136.84%.

Insider Activity

In other news, CEO J Andrew Murphy sold 28,995 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, July 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $78.43, for a total value of $2,274,077.85. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 19,660 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,541,933.80. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. In other news, VP Natalie K. Schilling sold 2,341 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, July 31st. The shares were sold at an average price of $80.00, for a total value of $187,280.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president now owns 6,338 shares in the company, valued at approximately $507,040. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. Also, CEO J Andrew Murphy sold 28,995 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, July 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $78.43, for a total transaction of $2,274,077.85. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 19,660 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,541,933.80. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last 90 days, insiders sold 89,099 shares of company stock worth $7,223,342. 1.03% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Edison International

Hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Benjamin F. Edwards & Company Inc. increased its position in shares of Edison International by 258.5% during the 4th quarter. Benjamin F. Edwards & Company Inc. now owns 11,001 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $786,000 after purchasing an additional 7,932 shares in the last quarter. Axxcess Wealth Management LLC increased its position in shares of Edison International by 3.4% during the 4th quarter. Axxcess Wealth Management LLC now owns 6,681 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $478,000 after purchasing an additional 220 shares in the last quarter. Sapient Capital LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Edison International during the 4th quarter worth about $217,000. Lincoln National Corp increased its position in shares of Edison International by 4.7% during the 4th quarter. Lincoln National Corp now owns 14,175 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $1,013,000 after purchasing an additional 636 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. increased its position in shares of Edison International by 1.8% during the 4th quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 2,204,214 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $157,579,000 after purchasing an additional 38,738 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 88.95% of the companys stock.

Edison International Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Edison International, through its subsidiaries, engages in the generation and distribution of electric power. The company supplies and delivers electricity to approximately 50,000 square mile area of southern California to residential, commercial, industrial, public authorities, agricultural, and other sectors.

See Also

Receive News & Ratings for Edison International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Edison International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
EDP  Energias de Portugal, S.A. (OTCMKTS:EDPFY  Get Free Report) passed above its 200-day moving average during trading on Wednesday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of $39.87 and traded as high as $43.08. EDP  Energias de Portugal shares last traded at $42.95, with a volume of 16,894 shares changing hands.

EDP  Energias de Portugal Stock Performance

The companys 50 day moving average is $40.61 and its 200 day moving average is $39.92.

EDP  Energias de Portugal Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

EDP  Energias de Portugal, SA engages in the generation, transmission, distribution, and supply of electricity in Portugal, Spain, France, Poland, Romania, Italy, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Greece, Colombia, Brazil, North America, and internationally. It operates through Renewables, Networks, and Client Solutions & Energy Management segments.

Featured Stories

Receive News & Ratings for EDP - Energias de Portugal Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for EDP - Energias de Portugal and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Embraer S.A. (NYSE:ERJ  Get Free Report)s share price reached a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Thursday . The stock traded as high as $35.32 and last traded at $35.31, with a volume of 35514 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $34.79.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

ERJ has been the topic of several recent analyst reports. Bank of America boosted their target price on shares of Embraer from $28.00 to $40.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, August 22nd. UBS Group upped their price objective on Embraer from $28.50 to $29.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, July 3rd. StockNews.com cut Embraer from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 23rd. Finally, TD Cowen raised Embraer from a hold rating to a buy rating and upped their price target for the company from $26.00 to $41.00 in a research note on Wednesday. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $32.50.

Get Embraer alerts:

Get Our Latest Analysis on Embraer

Embraer Stock Down 5.6 %

The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $30.43 and a 200 day simple moving average of $27.30. The company has a market capitalization of $6.21 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 23.49 and a beta of 1.69. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.81, a current ratio of 1.50 and a quick ratio of 0.66.

Embraer (NYSE:ERJ  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, August 8th. The aerospace company reported $0.44 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.24 by $0.20. The firm had revenue of $1.49 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.44 billion. Embraer had a return on equity of 5.94% and a net margin of 6.76%. Embraers revenue was up 15.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $0.32 EPS. As a group, equities analysts predict that Embraer S.A. will post 1.37 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in ERJ. Driehaus Capital Management LLC boosted its position in Embraer by 102.5% in the 2nd quarter. Driehaus Capital Management LLC now owns 1,439,579 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $37,141,000 after buying an additional 728,592 shares during the period. Simplicity Wealth LLC purchased a new position in Embraer in the first quarter valued at $18,158,000. Nicholas Investment Partners LP boosted its holdings in Embraer by 424.7% in the second quarter. Nicholas Investment Partners LP now owns 526,494 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $13,584,000 after purchasing an additional 426,153 shares during the period. TimesSquare Capital Management LLC acquired a new position in Embraer during the 1st quarter worth $10,754,000. Finally, Jennison Associates LLC purchased a new stake in Embraer during the 1st quarter worth about $9,818,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 34.65% of the companys stock.

Embraer Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Embraer SA designs, develops, manufactures, and sells aircraft and systems in North America, Latin America, the Asia Pacific, Brazil, Europe, and internationally. The company operates through Commercial Aviation; Defense & Security; Executive Aviation; Services & Support; and Other segments. The Commercial Aviation segment designs, develops, manufactures, and sells commercial jets, as well as leases aircraft.

See Also

Receive News & Ratings for Embraer Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Embraer and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Once again, the prison gates of the Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo regime were unlocked at dawn to release political prisoners. This time, as the sun rose on September 5, 135 members of the opposition to the Sandinista administration  among them, religious evangelicals, Catholic laypeople, students and activists  were released from their cells and driven to Managuas international airport, where a plane chartered by Joe Biden and Kamala Harris government was waiting to take them to Guatemala towards not just liberty, but the start of their exile.

The scene was similar to that of February 9, 2023, when an operation that liberated 222 former political prisoners  the principal leaders of the opposition and former presidential hopefuls  was carried out in total secrecy. The main difference with the September release is that the 135 individuals were not brought to the United States, but to Guatemala, where President Bernardo Arevalos administration received them at La Aurora international airport.

A source close to Arevalo who was consulted by EL PAIS said the entire operation, was well-planned by the U.S. embassy in Managua. Arevalos administration signed off on the plan and oversaw some of the logistics involved in receiving the released Nicaraguans. In the afternoon, hours after their short flight from Managua landed in Guatemala City, the U.S. and Guatemalan governments held a joint press conference in which they shared few details regarding the operation.

According to Eric Jacobstein, Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affair, the political prisoners received medical attention on the plane. We did find them generally in very good health and spirits. These individuals came off the plane saying God bless America, God bless Guatemala  extremely grateful, he said at the press conference.

The plane that transported the 135 Nicaraguan citizens who were set free. Gobierno de Guatemala (EFE)

Jacobstein said that Guatemala was chosen as the destination for the 135 political prisoners because Arevalos administration is continuing to demonstrate democratic leadership in the region.

Prior to the press conference, national security advisor Jake Sullivan stated that the U.S. Congress was working on the release of 13 members of Puerta de la Montana, an evangelical church based in Texas, whose pastors and members were accused by the Ortega and Murillo administration of money laundering.

However, Nicaragua  led by President Ortega and his wife, Vice President Murillo  didnt just agree to liberate the 13 evangelicals, but also added 122 other political prisoners to the list. A similar move took place when the 222 prisoners were released in February 2023. According to Ortega himself, it was his co-president  as he refers to his wife  who told the U.S. ambassador in Managua, Kevin Sullivan, that they would liberate all the political prisoners.

Ortega and Murillo, in complete silence

As of September 5, 151 people were detained for political reasons and religious persecution, according to Nicaraguas Mechanism for Recognition of Political Prisoners. Of is number, 126 are men, 25 are women, and 25 are senior citizens.

Neither the mass release in 2023 nor the latest liberation involved political negotiation between Managua and Washington, D.C., according to the White House. As of publication, the Sandinista government has maintained total silence about the operation. The presidential couple has not released a complete list of freed prisoners, which has caused concern among the families of the political prisoners, given that according to the Mechanisms data, 16 detainees remain in the country.

For example, it is unknown whether Indigenous legislator Brooklyn Rivera was on the flight to Guatemala, in addition to his number two in the regional Yatama political party, legislator Nancy Hernriquez. Rivera was forcefully disappeared after his detention, a repressive pattern that has been identified among the arrests made by the countrys Legal Defense Unit (UDJ). Family members as well as human rights organizations have requested proof of life for various detainees on several occasions. Other political prisoners undergoing forced disappearance by concealment of whereabouts, such as journalist Fabiola Tercero, were identified in photographs distributed by the office of the Guatemalan president.

A formerly incarcerated individual makes signs of gratitude while being transported by bus through Guatemala City. Moises Castillo (AP)

Despite requests by human rights advocates for the official list of the 135 political prisoners who were released, Guatemala and the United States said the names will not be made public for security reasons. Some have been identified after managing to contact their family members to alleviate their concerns after they arrived in Guatemala City.

Jacobstein stated at the press conference that the release of the political prisons will not affect the United States policy regarding Ortega and Murillos dictatorship. I do want to emphasize that this does not signal a change in our policy toward this repressive regime [] We believe that only Ortega and Murillo can control the freedom of these individuals, so we urge them to immediately and unconditionally release all political prisoners and prisoners of conscience in Nicaragua.

Uncertainty as to citizenship

Amid the regimes silence, there is also doubt as to whether the individuals who were exiled to Guatemala will be stripped of their Nicaraguan citizenship, as happened with the 222 political prisoners during their flight on February 9, 2023. The official said that he did not know whether the Ortega administration would make the same decision, but did warn that the past move was extremely troubling. He went on to say that the United States has its doors open to negotiations for the exit of more political prisoners and that Nicaraguas is a government that continues to imprison individuals for exercising their fundamental freedoms.

Political analysts consulted by EL PAIS did not completely rule out the possibility that the presidential couple would strip the 135 people of their citizenship. The removal of citizenship is indicated for the political crime of betrayal of the country. The convictions principal punishment involves the confiscation of all assets of those declared guilty.

A former prisoner receives assistance in getting to the terminal by La Aurora airport workers in Guatemala City. Presidencia de Guatemala (via REUTERS)

Last week, before the 135 political prisoners were removed from incarceration and sent to Guatemala, the Sandinista government approved a penal reform that allows for Nicaraguans and foreigners outside of the country to be prosecuted, with penalties ranging from life in prison to confiscation of assets of those convicted of crimes such as money laundering, committing and financing terrorism, cybercrimes and any offense against the state. In other words, the charges that the presidential couple has filed against its critics since 2018, when massive protests broke out in opposition to their administration.

I am not ruling out the possibility that they strip them of their citizenship like that of the 222, but removing someones nationality involves a great political cost on an international level for the regime. And to be frank, the primary punishment of being declared a traitor to the country, that you are no longer Nicaraguan, is that they seize all your assets. Thats something that can be easily done with the reform to the penal code, with less fuss than rendering more of their opponents stateless, said a political analyst who requested anonymity.

The 135 Nicaraguans have been received by President Arevalos administration. They have been given permission to remain in the country for 90 days while they decide which immigration processes they want to undergo. Jacobstein said that his government would be open to granting them visas to travel to the United States and that there, they could begin the process of applying for refugee status.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition
The Goldman Sachs Group began coverage on shares of Essex Property Trust (NYSE:ESS  Free Report) in a research note published on Wednesday morning, Marketbeat.com reports. The firm issued a neutral rating and a $318.00 price objective on the real estate investment trusts stock.

ESS has been the subject of a number of other research reports. Wedbush increased their target price on Essex Property Trust from $264.00 to $301.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Monday, August 5th. Mizuho increased their price objective on Essex Property Trust from $250.00 to $266.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, May 30th. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their target price on shares of Essex Property Trust from $269.00 to $314.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Monday, August 26th. Raymond James increased their target price on shares of Essex Property Trust from $295.00 to $325.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, August 29th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus boosted their price target on shares of Essex Property Trust from $267.00 to $268.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 31st. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, thirteen have given a hold rating and seven have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $281.25.

Get Essex Property Trust alerts:

Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on Essex Property Trust

Essex Property Trust Price Performance

Essex Property Trust stock opened at $298.25 on Wednesday. The stock has a market capitalization of $19.15 billion, a P/E ratio of 36.46, a P/E/G ratio of 4.32 and a beta of 0.88. The companys fifty day moving average price is $284.95 and its 200 day moving average price is $262.95. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.11, a quick ratio of 1.62 and a current ratio of 1.62. Essex Property Trust has a 1 year low of $203.85 and a 1 year high of $307.75.

Essex Property Trust (NYSE:ESS  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, July 30th. The real estate investment trust reported $1.45 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $3.85 by ($2.40). Essex Property Trust had a net margin of 30.31% and a return on equity of 9.14%. The company had revenue of $442.36 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $433.26 million. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $3.77 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts anticipate that Essex Property Trust will post 15.53 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Essex Property Trust Announces Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, October 11th. Shareholders of record on Monday, September 30th will be given a $2.45 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, September 30th. This represents a $9.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.29%. Essex Property Trusts dividend payout ratio is currently 119.80%.

Insider Activity

In related news, Director Keith R. Guericke sold 10,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, June 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $274.57, for a total transaction of $2,745,700.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 16,118 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,425,519.26. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other Essex Property Trust news, CEO Angela L. Kleiman sold 3,780 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, June 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $278.27, for a total value of $1,051,860.60. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 9,494 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,641,895.38. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, Director Keith R. Guericke sold 10,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, June 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $274.57, for a total value of $2,745,700.00. Following the transaction, the director now owns 16,118 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,425,519.26. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 16,233 shares of company stock valued at $4,533,461 in the last quarter. Insiders own 3.80% of the companys stock.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Essex Property Trust

Several hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. EP Wealth Advisors LLC grew its position in Essex Property Trust by 3.7% in the 1st quarter. EP Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 1,228 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $301,000 after acquiring an additional 44 shares in the last quarter. M&R Capital Management Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Essex Property Trust by 5.4% in the second quarter. M&R Capital Management Inc. now owns 1,014 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $276,000 after purchasing an additional 52 shares in the last quarter. Quilter Plc increased its stake in Essex Property Trust by 0.6% during the 2nd quarter. Quilter Plc now owns 8,698 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $2,368,000 after buying an additional 52 shares during the period. GAMMA Investing LLC lifted its holdings in Essex Property Trust by 10.3% during the 1st quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 591 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $145,000 after buying an additional 55 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Czech National Bank boosted its position in Essex Property Trust by 0.5% in the 1st quarter. Czech National Bank now owns 11,296 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $2,765,000 after buying an additional 55 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 96.51% of the companys stock.

About Essex Property Trust

(Get Free Report)

Essex Property Trust, Inc, an S&P 500 company, is a fully integrated real estate investment trust (REIT) that acquires, develops, redevelops, and manages multifamily residential properties in selected West Coast markets. Essex currently has ownership interests in 252 apartment communities comprising approximately 62,000 apartment homes with an additional property in active development.

See Also

Receive News & Ratings for Essex Property Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Essex Property Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Shares of F & M Bank Corp. (OTCMKTS:FMBM  Get Free Report) crossed above its fifty day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a fifty day moving average of $19.28 and traded as high as $22.67. F & M Bank shares last traded at $22.64, with a volume of 6,530 shares changing hands.

F & M Bank Trading Up 0.3 %

The stock has a market cap of $79.88 million, a PE ratio of 27.02 and a beta of 0.39. The companys 50-day moving average price is $19.41 and its 200 day moving average price is $17.63. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.09, a quick ratio of 0.73 and a current ratio of 0.73.

Get F & M Bank alerts:

F & M Bank (OTCMKTS:FMBM  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Monday, July 29th. The financial services provider reported $0.86 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. F & M Bank had a return on equity of 7.49% and a net margin of 8.00%. The firm had revenue of $11.19 million during the quarter.

F & M Bank Dividend Announcement

F & M Bank Company Profile

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, August 29th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, August 14th were paid a $0.26 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, August 14th. This represents a $1.04 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.58%. F & M Banks payout ratio is presently 123.81%.

(Get Free Report)

F & M Bank Corp. operates as the bank holding company for Farmers & Merchants Bank that provides financial products and services to consumers and businesses in Virginia. The company offers commercial and individual demand and time deposit accounts, savings accounts, money market accounts, internet and mobile banking services, and drive-in banking services.

Further Reading

Receive News & Ratings for F & M Bank Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for F & M Bank and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Gjensidige Forsikring ASA (OTCMKTS:GJNSY  Get Free Report)s stock price was up 2.5% during mid-day trading on Wednesday . The stock traded as high as $17.81 and last traded at $17.81. Approximately 2,666 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 23% from the average daily volume of 3,446 shares. The stock had previously closed at $17.37.

Gjensidige Forsikring ASA Trading Down 1.6 %

The business has a fifty day moving average price of $17.13 and a 200 day moving average price of $16.56.

Gjensidige Forsikring ASA Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Gjensidige Forsikring ASA engages in the provision of general insurance and pension products in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia. The company operates through five segments: General Insurance Private, General Insurance Commercial, General Insurance Sweden, General Insurance Baltics, and Pension.

Further Reading

Receive News & Ratings for Gjensidige Forsikring ASA Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Gjensidige Forsikring ASA and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Great Lakes Advisors LLC boosted its position in Delta Air Lines, Inc. (NYSE:DAL  Free Report) by 27.9% during the 2nd quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 1,425,451 shares of the transportation companys stock after purchasing an additional 310,529 shares during the period. Great Lakes Advisors LLCs holdings in Delta Air Lines were worth $67,623,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the company. Savant Capital LLC lifted its holdings in Delta Air Lines by 65.3% in the second quarter. Savant Capital LLC now owns 22,807 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $1,082,000 after buying an additional 9,009 shares during the period. Farmers & Merchants Investments Inc. lifted its holdings in Delta Air Lines by 1.2% in the second quarter. Farmers & Merchants Investments Inc. now owns 160,684 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $7,623,000 after buying an additional 1,828 shares during the period. Victory Capital Management Inc. lifted its holdings in Delta Air Lines by 16.9% in the second quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. now owns 1,237,121 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $58,689,000 after buying an additional 179,261 shares during the period. National Bank of Canada FI lifted its holdings in Delta Air Lines by 3.7% in the second quarter. National Bank of Canada FI now owns 352,298 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $16,525,000 after buying an additional 12,468 shares during the period. Finally, Range Financial Group LLC lifted its holdings in Delta Air Lines by 22.3% in the second quarter. Range Financial Group LLC now owns 5,235 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $248,000 after buying an additional 956 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 69.93% of the companys stock.

Get Delta Air Lines alerts:

Delta Air Lines Price Performance

NYSE DAL traded down $0.14 on Friday, hitting $42.03. The stock had a trading volume of 8,498,150 shares, compared to its average volume of 9,510,068. Delta Air Lines, Inc. has a 52-week low of $30.60 and a 52-week high of $53.86. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.21, a quick ratio of 0.35 and a current ratio of 0.40. The company has a market capitalization of $27.12 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 6.05, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.93 and a beta of 1.34. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $42.54 and a 200-day moving average of $46.00.

Delta Air Lines Increases Dividend

Delta Air Lines ( NYSE:DAL Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, July 11th. The transportation company reported $2.36 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $2.37 by ($0.01). Delta Air Lines had a return on equity of 36.02% and a net margin of 7.46%. The firm had revenue of $15.41 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $15.45 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $2.68 earnings per share. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 5.4% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities analysts expect that Delta Air Lines, Inc. will post 5.94 EPS for the current year.

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, August 20th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, July 30th were given a dividend of $0.15 per share. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, July 30th. This represents a $0.60 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.43%. This is a boost from Delta Air Liness previous quarterly dividend of $0.10. Delta Air Liness dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 8.63%.

Insider Activity

In related news, Director Willie Cw Chiang acquired 10,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, July 12th. The shares were purchased at an average price of $43.90 per share, for a total transaction of $439,000.00. Following the transaction, the director now owns 20,000 shares in the company, valued at approximately $878,000. The acquisition was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Corporate insiders own 0.96% of the companys stock.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several equities analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. TD Cowen dropped their price objective on shares of Delta Air Lines from $61.00 to $59.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, July 17th. Sanford C. Bernstein dropped their price objective on shares of Delta Air Lines from $66.00 to $62.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Friday, July 12th. Citigroup boosted their target price on shares of Delta Air Lines from $55.00 to $65.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, May 29th. Jefferies Financial Group decreased their target price on shares of Delta Air Lines from $58.00 to $56.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Friday, June 28th. Finally, HSBC started coverage on shares of Delta Air Lines in a research report on Monday, May 13th. They set a buy rating and a $72.80 target price for the company. One analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, eleven have assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Buy and an average price target of $60.70.

Read Our Latest Report on Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines Profile

(Free Report)

Delta Air Lines, Inc provides scheduled air transportation for passengers and cargo in the United States and internationally. The company operates through two segments, Airline and Refinery. Its domestic network centered on core hubs in Atlanta, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Detroit, and Salt Lake City, as well as coastal hub positions in Boston, Los Angeles, New York-LaGuardia, New York-JFK, and Seattle; and international network centered on hubs and market presence in Amsterdam, Bogota, Lima, Mexico City, London-Heathrow, Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Sao Paulo, Seoul-Incheon, and Tokyo.

See Also

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding DAL? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Delta Air Lines, Inc. (NYSE:DAL  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Delta Air Lines Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Delta Air Lines and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Great Lakes Advisors LLC lowered its position in Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT  Free Report) by 2.7% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 1,029,944 shares of the aerospace companys stock after selling 28,449 shares during the quarter. Great Lakes Advisors LLC owned about 0.54% of Textron worth $88,431,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in TXT. Wedge Capital Management L L P NC purchased a new stake in shares of Textron in the second quarter valued at $64,319,000. Ferguson Wellman Capital Management Inc. bought a new position in Textron during the 1st quarter worth about $45,932,000. Brandes Investment Partners LP grew its holdings in Textron by 49.3% during the 4th quarter. Brandes Investment Partners LP now owns 1,235,966 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $99,396,000 after acquiring an additional 408,290 shares in the last quarter. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board grew its holdings in Textron by 1,611.9% during the 1st quarter. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board now owns 433,100 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $41,547,000 after acquiring an additional 407,800 shares in the last quarter. Finally, LSV Asset Management grew its holdings in Textron by 6.9% during the 1st quarter. LSV Asset Management now owns 4,053,050 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $388,809,000 after acquiring an additional 260,003 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 86.03% of the companys stock.

Get Textron alerts:

Textron Stock Performance

TXT stock traded down $1.52 during trading on Friday, reaching $85.71. The company had a trading volume of 900,955 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,080,340. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $88.54 and a 200-day simple moving average of $89.28. The company has a market cap of $16.34 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.32, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.41 and a beta of 1.23. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47, a quick ratio of 0.81 and a current ratio of 1.79. Textron Inc. has a twelve month low of $74.13 and a twelve month high of $97.33.

Textron Dividend Announcement

Textron ( NYSE:TXT Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Thursday, July 18th. The aerospace company reported $1.54 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.48 by $0.06. The company had revenue of $3.53 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.56 billion. Textron had a net margin of 6.67% and a return on equity of 16.41%. Textrons revenue for the quarter was up 3.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the business earned $1.46 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Textron Inc. will post 6.27 earnings per share for the current year.

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 1st. Shareholders of record on Friday, September 13th will be given a dividend of $0.02 per share. This represents a $0.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.09%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, September 13th. Textrons dividend payout ratio is presently 1.71%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several research analysts have issued reports on TXT shares. StockNews.com upgraded shares of Textron from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Wednesday. UBS Group raised their price target on shares of Textron from $84.00 to $87.00 and gave the company a sell rating in a report on Friday, July 19th. Citigroup raised their price target on shares of Textron from $111.00 to $115.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Monday, July 22nd. Morgan Stanley cut shares of Textron from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating and set a $95.00 price target on the stock. in a report on Thursday, August 8th. Finally, TD Cowen raised their price target on shares of Textron from $100.00 to $103.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Friday, July 19th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have given a hold rating, five have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Textron currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $102.50.

Read Our Latest Stock Report on Textron

About Textron

(Free Report)

Textron Inc operates in the aircraft, defense, industrial, and finance businesses worldwide. It operates through six segments: Textron Aviation, Bell, Textron Systems, Industrial, Textron eAviation, and Finance. The Textron Aviation segment manufactures, sells, and services business jets, turboprop and piston engine aircraft, and military trainer and defense aircraft; and offers maintenance, inspection, and repair services, as well as sells commercial parts.

See Also

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TXT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Textron Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Textron and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
GreenPower Motor Company Inc. (CVE:GPV  Get Free Report) traded down 4.9% during mid-day trading on Wednesday . The company traded as low as C$1.15 and last traded at C$1.17. 4,633 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 46% from the average session volume of 8,558 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$1.23.

GreenPower Motor Stock Performance

The firm has a market capitalization of C$30.99 million, a PE ratio of -1.09 and a beta of 3.99. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 204.48, a current ratio of 1.61 and a quick ratio of 0.25. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of C$1.39 and a 200-day moving average price of C$1.95.

Get GreenPower Motor alerts:

GreenPower Motor (CVE:GPV  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Friday, June 28th. The company reported C($0.37) earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of C($0.22) by C($0.15). The firm had revenue of C$6.91 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of C$12.24 million. GreenPower Motor had a negative net margin of 84.74% and a negative return on equity of 120.21%. On average, research analysts expect that GreenPower Motor Company Inc. will post 0.0647549 EPS for the current fiscal year.

GreenPower Motor Company Profile

GreenPower Motor Company Inc designs, manufactures, and distributes electric vehicles for commercial markets in the United States and Canada. The company offers commercial vehicles for delivery, public transit, schools, vanpools, micro-transit, shuttles, and other; and passenger, student, low floor transit, and cargo transportation.

Recommended Stories

Receive News & Ratings for GreenPower Motor Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for GreenPower Motor and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Stonebrook Private Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Halliburton (NYSE:HAL  Free Report) by 15.3% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 22,071 shares of the oilfield services companys stock after buying an additional 2,921 shares during the period. Stonebrook Private Inc.s holdings in Halliburton were worth $746,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Franklin Resources Inc. raised its position in shares of Halliburton by 19.1% in the 4th quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. now owns 1,179,579 shares of the oilfield services companys stock valued at $42,642,000 after purchasing an additional 189,324 shares during the last quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC increased its position in shares of Halliburton by 319.0% in the 1st quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 36,956 shares of the oilfield services companys stock valued at $1,385,000 after acquiring an additional 28,137 shares during the period. Mediolanum International Funds Ltd purchased a new position in Halliburton in the 1st quarter worth $1,908,000. GAMMA Investing LLC lifted its position in Halliburton by 10.9% during the 1st quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 8,350 shares of the oilfield services companys stock worth $329,000 after acquiring an additional 819 shares during the period. Finally, Stephens Inc. AR grew its stake in Halliburton by 622.1% during the 4th quarter. Stephens Inc. AR now owns 66,741 shares of the oilfield services companys stock valued at $2,413,000 after purchasing an additional 57,499 shares during the last quarter. 85.23% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Get Halliburton alerts:

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of equities research analysts recently commented on the company. The Goldman Sachs Group decreased their target price on Halliburton from $47.00 to $40.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Thursday, August 29th. Citigroup dropped their price objective on shares of Halliburton from $50.00 to $45.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Friday, June 28th. Benchmark reiterated a buy rating and issued a $42.00 price objective on shares of Halliburton in a research note on Monday, July 22nd. Stifel Nicolaus decreased their target price on shares of Halliburton from $47.00 to $46.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, July 16th. Finally, StockNews.com downgraded Halliburton from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 3rd. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, sixteen have given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $44.88.

Insider Transactions at Halliburton

In other news, EVP Van H. Beckwith sold 10,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, July 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $36.75, for a total transaction of $367,500.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 273,908 shares in the company, valued at approximately $10,066,119. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Insiders own 0.61% of the companys stock.

Halliburton Price Performance

Shares of HAL traded down $0.48 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $28.59. 9,271,220 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 7,510,342. The stock has a market cap of $25.31 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.89, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.06 and a beta of 1.89. Halliburton has a 1-year low of $28.43 and a 1-year high of $43.85. The company has a 50 day moving average of $32.44 and a 200-day moving average of $35.29. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.76, a quick ratio of 1.54 and a current ratio of 2.13.

Halliburton (NYSE:HAL  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Friday, July 19th. The oilfield services company reported $0.80 earnings per share for the quarter, meeting the consensus estimate of $0.80. The business had revenue of $5.83 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.95 billion. Halliburton had a return on equity of 29.97% and a net margin of 11.61%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up .6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $0.77 earnings per share. Analysts expect that Halliburton will post 3.14 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Halliburton Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, September 25th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, September 4th will be paid a $0.17 dividend. This represents a $0.68 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.38%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, September 4th. Halliburtons dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 23.53%.

About Halliburton

(Free Report)

Halliburton Company provides products and services to the energy industry worldwide. It operates through two segments, Completion and Production, and Drilling and Evaluation. The Completion and Production segment offers production enhancement services that include stimulation and sand control services; cementing services, such as well bonding and casing, and casing equipment; and completion tools that offer downhole solutions and services, including well completion products and services, intelligent well completions, and service tools, as well as liner hanger, sand control, and multilateral systems.

Recommended Stories

Receive News & Ratings for Halliburton Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Halliburton and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Howard Capital Management Inc. lifted its holdings in SPDR S&P MidCap 400 ETF Trust (NYSEARCA:MDY  Free Report) by 1.3% during the second quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 16,642 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after purchasing an additional 216 shares during the period. SPDR S&P MidCap 400 ETF Trust accounts for approximately 0.9% of Howard Capital Management Inc.s portfolio, making the stock its 12th biggest holding. Howard Capital Management Inc.s holdings in SPDR S&P MidCap 400 ETF Trust were worth $8,904,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other large investors have also made changes to their positions in the business. Private Advisor Group LLC boosted its holdings in SPDR S&P MidCap 400 ETF Trust by 0.9% in the 2nd quarter. Private Advisor Group LLC now owns 13,007 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $6,960,000 after purchasing an additional 114 shares during the period. Addison Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in SPDR S&P MidCap 400 ETF Trust during the second quarter worth about $27,000. Arcadia Investment Management Corp MI increased its stake in SPDR S&P MidCap 400 ETF Trust by 102.3% during the second quarter. Arcadia Investment Management Corp MI now owns 692 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $370,000 after acquiring an additional 350 shares during the period. Arbor Trust Wealth Advisors LLC raised its holdings in SPDR S&P MidCap 400 ETF Trust by 0.5% in the 2nd quarter. Arbor Trust Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 13,873 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $7,451,000 after acquiring an additional 72 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Belpointe Asset Management LLC lifted its position in shares of SPDR S&P MidCap 400 ETF Trust by 69.3% in the 2nd quarter. Belpointe Asset Management LLC now owns 6,127 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $3,279,000 after acquiring an additional 2,509 shares during the period.

Get SPDR S&P MidCap 400 ETF Trust alerts:

SPDR S&P MidCap 400 ETF Trust Trading Down 1.3 %

MDY opened at $538.00 on Friday. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $548.09 and its 200-day simple moving average is $541.01. The stock has a market cap of $21.26 billion, a PE ratio of 15.70 and a beta of 1.09. SPDR S&P MidCap 400 ETF Trust has a 1 year low of $424.22 and a 1 year high of $574.11.

SPDR S&P MidCap 400 ETF Trust Profile

SPDR S&P MidCap 400 ETF is an exchange traded fund. SPDR MidCap 400 Trust focuses to correspond to the price and yield performance of the S&P MidCap 400 Index. The S&P MidCap 400 covers over 7% of the United States equities market, and is part of a series of S&P the United States indices. The index also includes companies, which should have four consecutive quarters of positive as-reported earnings, excluding discontinued operations and extraordinary items.

Recommended Stories

Receive News & Ratings for SPDR S&P MidCap 400 ETF Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for SPDR S&P MidCap 400 ETF Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
StockNews.com started coverage on shares of International Tower Hill Mines (NYSEAMERICAN:THM  Free Report) (TSE:ITH) in a report issued on Tuesday. The firm issued a sell rating on the mining companys stock.

International Tower Hill Mines Stock Performance

Shares of THM stock opened at $0.49 on Tuesday. International Tower Hill Mines has a twelve month low of $0.31 and a twelve month high of $0.80.

Get International Tower Hill Mines alerts:

International Tower Hill Mines (NYSEAMERICAN:THM  Get Free Report) (TSE:ITH) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Friday, August 9th. The mining company reported ($0.01) earnings per share for the quarter.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On International Tower Hill Mines

International Tower Hill Mines Company Profile

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Russell Investments Group Ltd. raised its holdings in shares of International Tower Hill Mines by 1.0% in the 1st quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd. now owns 2,878,009 shares of the mining companys stock worth $1,984,000 after purchasing an additional 28,358 shares during the period. Herr Investment Group LLC bought a new position in International Tower Hill Mines during the first quarter worth about $1,416,000. Finally, Atria Wealth Solutions Inc. boosted its holdings in International Tower Hill Mines by 54.5% in the 4th quarter. Atria Wealth Solutions Inc. now owns 51,018 shares of the mining companys stock worth $30,000 after buying an additional 18,000 shares during the period. 54.63% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

(Get Free Report)

International Tower Hill Mines Ltd. engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties. It holds rights to acquire interests in the Livengood gold project covering an area of approximately 19,546 hectares located to the northwest of Fairbanks, Alaska. The company was formerly known as Tower Hill Mines Ltd.

Featured Articles

Receive News & Ratings for International Tower Hill Mines Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for International Tower Hill Mines and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Invitae (NYSE:NVTA  Free Report) in a report published on Friday. The brokerage issued a hold rating on the medical research companys stock.

Invitae Stock Performance

Invitae stock opened at $0.00 on Friday. Invitae has a 12-month low of $0.02 and a 12-month high of $0.02. The firm has a market cap of $80,103.00, a P/E ratio of 0.00 and a beta of 1.59.

Get Invitae alerts:

About Invitae

(Get Free Report)

Further Reading

Invitae Corporation, a medical genetics company, that provides genetic information to improve healthcare of people in the United States, Canada, and internationally. The company offers genetic tests in various clinical areas, including hereditary cancer, precision oncology, women's health, rare diseases, and pharmacogenomics; digital health solutions; and health data services.

Receive News & Ratings for Invitae Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Invitae and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
KYODO NEWS - Sep 7, 2024 - 08:56 | All, Japan, World

U.S., Japanese and South Korean officials met on Friday in Seoul to discuss ways to counter cyber threats posed by North Korea, the State Department said.

The countries' working group on the North Korean issue took stock of the progress made in their trilateral cooperation in disrupting Pyongyang's ability to raise and launder funds through cyber activities and third-party partners, the department said.

The officials from nearly 20 government agencies of the United States, Japan and South Korea also discussed their approach to autonomous sanctions and private-sector efforts to deal with the issue. North Korea is known to have used funds generated by illicit cyber actions to finance its weapons development program.

The meeting was the third of its kind since the leaders of the three countries agreed at the U.S. presidential retreat of Camp David in August last year to deepen and expand three-way cooperation in various areas.

The U.S. delegation was led by Seth Bailey, deputy special representative for North Korea at the department, meeting with the teams headed by his Japanese and South Korean counterparts, Naoki Kumagai and Lee Jun Il, respectively.

Related coverage:

Japan, U.S., South Korea renew resolve to keep stability in Indo-Pacific

Japan, U.S, South Korea sign document to cement security cooperation

Japan, U.S., South Korea begin new military exercise to counter North Korea
Shares of iShares Canadian Select Dividend Index ETF (TSE:XDV  Get Free Report) shot up 0.8% during mid-day trading on Wednesday . The company traded as high as C$29.93 and last traded at C$29.90. 70,152 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 44% from the average session volume of 48,881 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$29.67.

iShares Canadian Select Dividend Index ETF Trading Down 0.4 %

The business has a 50-day moving average of C$28.48 and a 200-day moving average of C$27.73.

Featured Articles

Receive News & Ratings for iShares Canadian Select Dividend Index ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Canadian Select Dividend Index ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Kula Gold Limited (ASX:KGD  Get Free Report) insider Mark Stowell acquired 3,000,000 shares of Kula Gold stock in a transaction dated Thursday, August 29th. The shares were bought at an average cost of A$0.01 ($0.01) per share, with a total value of A$27,000.00 ($18,367.35).

Kula Gold Stock Performance

The company has a current ratio of 4.68, a quick ratio of 2.56 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.72.

Get Kula Gold alerts:

Kula Gold Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Featured Articles

Kula Gold Limited, together with its subsidiaries, identifies and explores for metals in Western Australia. It primarily explores for gold, lithium, halloysite, nickel, kaolin, and copper deposits, as well as platinum group elements. The company holds interest in Kirup Project, Brunswick Project, and Lake Rebecca Project located in Western Australia.

Receive News & Ratings for Kula Gold Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Kula Gold and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Los Angeles Capital Management LLC reduced its position in shares of Arista Networks, Inc. (NYSE:ANET  Free Report) by 19.3% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 430,415 shares of the technology companys stock after selling 102,770 shares during the quarter. Los Angeles Capital Management LLC owned about 0.14% of Arista Networks worth $150,852,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in ANET. Benjamin Edwards Inc. bought a new stake in Arista Networks during the 1st quarter worth approximately $26,000. Beacon Capital Management LLC lifted its stake in Arista Networks by 500.0% during the 2nd quarter. Beacon Capital Management LLC now owns 78 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $27,000 after acquiring an additional 65 shares in the last quarter. LGT Financial Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of Arista Networks in the 2nd quarter worth $27,000. Financial Synergies Wealth Advisors Inc. lifted its position in shares of Arista Networks by 872.7% during the first quarter. Financial Synergies Wealth Advisors Inc. now owns 107 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $31,000 after purchasing an additional 96 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Byrne Asset Management LLC purchased a new position in Arista Networks during the second quarter worth about $33,000. Institutional investors own 82.47% of the companys stock.

Get Arista Networks alerts:

Insider Transactions at Arista Networks

In related news, SVP Kenneth Duda sold 20,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, June 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $325.88, for a total value of $6,517,600.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president now owns 3,244 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,057,154.72. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. In related news, SVP Kenneth Duda sold 20,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, June 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $325.88, for a total transaction of $6,517,600.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president now directly owns 3,244 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,057,154.72. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, Director Daniel Scheinman sold 1,000 shares of Arista Networks stock in a transaction dated Friday, June 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $328.17, for a total value of $328,170.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 37,732 shares in the company, valued at $12,382,510.44. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 126,300 shares of company stock valued at $44,194,544 over the last quarter. 3.54% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Arista Networks Stock Down 4.3 %

ANET traded down $14.13 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $314.31. 2,188,318 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 2,361,568. The companys 50-day moving average is $343.09 and its 200 day moving average is $310.67. The firm has a market capitalization of $98.49 billion, a PE ratio of 43.78, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.78 and a beta of 1.11. Arista Networks, Inc. has a 52 week low of $168.25 and a 52 week high of $376.50.

Arista Networks (NYSE:ANET  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, July 30th. The technology company reported $2.10 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.72 by $0.38. Arista Networks had a net margin of 39.01% and a return on equity of 30.50%. The firm had revenue of $1.69 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.66 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $1.41 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 15.9% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, sell-side analysts predict that Arista Networks, Inc. will post 7.38 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

ANET has been the topic of several research analyst reports. Evercore ISI boosted their price objective on Arista Networks from $340.00 to $400.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 16th. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price objective on shares of Arista Networks from $340.00 to $390.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 24th. Bank of America increased their target price on shares of Arista Networks from $320.00 to $380.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, June 20th. KeyCorp lifted their price target on shares of Arista Networks from $349.00 to $432.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, July 17th. Finally, Citigroup increased their price objective on Arista Networks from $330.00 to $385.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, June 27th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have assigned a hold rating and sixteen have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $358.63.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Arista Networks

About Arista Networks

(Free Report)

Arista Networks, Inc engages in the development, marketing, and sale of data-driven, client to cloud networking solutions for data center, campus, and routing environments in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific. Its cloud networking solutions consist of Extensible Operating System (EOS), a publish-subscribe state-sharing networking operating system offered in combination with a set of network applications.

Recommended Stories

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ANET? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Arista Networks, Inc. (NYSE:ANET  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Arista Networks Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Arista Networks and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Los Angeles Capital Management LLC decreased its holdings in shares of Trane Technologies plc (NYSE:TT  Free Report) by 5.0% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 657,132 shares of the companys stock after selling 34,724 shares during the quarter. Trane Technologies accounts for approximately 0.8% of Los Angeles Capital Management LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 22nd largest position. Los Angeles Capital Management LLCs holdings in Trane Technologies were worth $216,150,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. PFG Private Wealth Management LLC increased its stake in shares of Trane Technologies by 4.7% in the second quarter. PFG Private Wealth Management LLC now owns 706 shares of the companys stock valued at $232,000 after buying an additional 32 shares during the period. Center for Financial Planning Inc. increased its position in Trane Technologies by 1.7% during the 1st quarter. Center for Financial Planning Inc. now owns 2,080 shares of the companys stock valued at $624,000 after purchasing an additional 34 shares during the period. Muirfield Wealth Advisors LLC grew its position in shares of 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 buying an additional 37 shares during the period. Pure Financial Advisors LLC grew its position in shares of Trane Technologies by 5.2% during the 2nd quarter. Pure Financial Advisors LLC now owns 765 shares of the companys stock worth $252,000 after buying an additional 38 shares during the period. Finally, Simmons Bank grew its position in shares of Trane Technologies by 5.6% during the 2nd quarter. Simmons Bank now owns 718 shares of the companys stock worth $236,000 after buying an additional 38 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 82.97% of the companys stock.

Get Trane Technologies alerts:

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several analysts have recently commented on the stock. Robert W. Baird raised their price objective on shares of Trane Technologies from $360.00 to $365.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, August 1st. Morgan Stanley assumed coverage on shares of Trane Technologies in a research report on Friday. They set an overweight rating and a $425.00 price objective for the company. Royal Bank of Canada increased their target price on Trane Technologies from $334.00 to $350.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a report on Thursday, August 1st. Barclays increased their target price on Trane Technologies from $385.00 to $394.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, August 1st. Finally, UBS Group increased their target price on Trane Technologies from $330.00 to $375.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Monday, June 3rd. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have given a hold rating and six have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $337.29.

Insider Buying and Selling at Trane Technologies

In other Trane Technologies 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 transaction of $593,213.25. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 83,517 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $27,447,862.05. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. In other news, CEO David S. Regnery sold 29,450 shares of Trane Technologies stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $321.25, for a total transaction of $9,460,812.50. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 132,946 shares in the company, valued at approximately $42,708,902.50. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, EVP Raymond D. Pittard sold 1,805 shares of Trane Technologies stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, August 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $328.65, for a total value of $593,213.25. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 83,517 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $27,447,862.05. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders own 0.38% of the companys stock.

Trane Technologies Price Performance

TT remained flat at $342.07 during trading hours on Friday. The company had a trading volume of 1,239,282 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,116,635. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $338.47 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $319.71. Trane Technologies plc has a 52 week low of $184.02 and a 52 week high of $363.15. The stock has a market capitalization of $77.43 billion, a PE ratio of 36.55, a PEG ratio of 2.51 and a beta of 1.01. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.62, a quick ratio of 0.84 and a current ratio of 1.17.

Trane Technologies (NYSE:TT  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 31st. The company reported $3.30 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $3.08 by $0.22. The company had revenue of $5.31 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.13 billion. Trane Technologies had a return on equity of 33.97% and a net margin of 12.33%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 12.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $2.68 EPS. As a group, equities analysts expect that Trane Technologies plc will post 10.82 EPS for the current year.

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.
Los Angeles Capital Management LLC lowered its position in Burlington Stores, Inc. (NYSE:BURL  Free Report) by 2.2% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 482,945 shares of the companys stock after selling 10,669 shares during the quarter. Los Angeles Capital Management LLC owned about 0.76% of Burlington Stores worth $115,907,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in BURL. Crewe Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of Burlington Stores in the second quarter worth about $25,000. ORG Partners LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Burlington Stores in the second quarter valued at approximately $38,000. Rise Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Burlington Stores in the first quarter valued at approximately $40,000. Blue Trust Inc. grew its stake in Burlington Stores by 619.2% in the second quarter. Blue Trust Inc. now owns 187 shares of the companys stock worth $43,000 after purchasing an additional 161 shares in the last quarter. Finally, American National Bank purchased a new position in Burlington Stores during the 2nd quarter worth $47,000.

Get Burlington Stores alerts:

Burlington Stores Price Performance

Shares of BURL traded down $7.40 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $259.92. 638,509 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 913,859. Burlington Stores, Inc. has a 1-year low of $115.66 and a 1-year high of $282.49. The company has a 50 day moving average of $254.69 and a 200-day moving average of $224.87. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.15, a quick ratio of 0.52 and a current ratio of 1.04. The stock has a market cap of $16.59 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 43.54, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.40 and a beta of 1.61.

Insider Transactions at Burlington Stores

Burlington Stores ( NYSE:BURL Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 29th. The company reported $1.20 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.95 by $0.25. The firm had revenue of $2.47 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.42 billion. Burlington Stores had a return on equity of 47.43% and a net margin of 4.18%. The firms revenue was up 13.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $0.60 EPS. Analysts expect that Burlington Stores, Inc. will post 7.79 EPS for the current fiscal year.

In other news, CMO Jennifer Vecchio sold 494 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, August 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $255.37, for a total transaction of $126,152.78. Following the transaction, the chief marketing officer now owns 61,907 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $15,809,190.59. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Insiders own 0.91% of the companys stock.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of equities analysts have recently issued reports on BURL shares. Morgan Stanley increased their price target on Burlington Stores from $284.00 to $300.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, August 30th. StockNews.com cut Burlington Stores from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday. Loop Capital boosted their target price on shares of Burlington Stores from $270.00 to $345.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Friday, August 30th. Bank of America raised their price target on shares of Burlington Stores from $275.00 to $315.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Friday, August 30th. Finally, Barclays boosted their price objective on shares of Burlington Stores from $274.00 to $327.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, August 30th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and fifteen have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $294.94.

Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on BURL

About Burlington Stores

(Free Report)

Burlington Stores, Inc operates as a retailer of branded merchandise in the United States. The company provides fashion-focused merchandise, including women's ready-to-wear apparel, menswear, youth apparel, footwear, accessories, toys, gifts, and coats, as well as baby, home, and beauty products.

Further Reading

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BURL? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Burlington Stores, Inc. (NYSE:BURL  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Burlington Stores Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Burlington Stores and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Los Angeles Capital Management LLC trimmed its position in PulteGroup, Inc. (NYSE:PHM  Free Report) by 9.9% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 1,291,759 shares of the construction companys stock after selling 142,257 shares during the quarter. Los Angeles Capital Management LLCs holdings in PulteGroup were worth $142,223,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other large investors also recently modified their holdings of PHM. International Assets Investment Management LLC bought a new position in PulteGroup in the 4th quarter valued at $2,103,000. Benjamin F. Edwards & Company Inc. boosted its holdings in PulteGroup by 4,151.3% in the 4th quarter. Benjamin F. Edwards & Company Inc. now owns 1,658 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $171,000 after purchasing an additional 1,619 shares during the period. Principal Securities Inc. bought a new position in PulteGroup in the 4th quarter valued at $967,000. Lebenthal Global Advisors LLC bought a new position in PulteGroup in the 4th quarter valued at $206,000. Finally, Calton & Associates Inc. bought a new position in PulteGroup in the 4th quarter valued at $246,000. 89.90% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

Get PulteGroup alerts:

PulteGroup Trading Up 1.5 %

Shares of NYSE:PHM traded up $1.93 during trading on Friday, reaching $130.20. 2,570,698 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,844,496. The firm has a market capitalization of $27.39 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.42, a P/E/G ratio of 0.54 and a beta of 1.62. PulteGroup, Inc. has a 52-week low of $68.80 and a 52-week high of $136.47. The company has a current ratio of 0.76, a quick ratio of 0.76 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.15. The businesss fifty day moving average is $122.82 and its 200-day moving average is $116.33.

PulteGroup Dividend Announcement

PulteGroup ( NYSE:PHM Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, July 23rd. The construction company reported $3.83 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $3.27 by $0.56. The firm had revenue of $4.60 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.49 billion. PulteGroup had a return on equity of 25.67% and a net margin of 16.75%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 9.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $3.00 earnings per share. As a group, analysts forecast that PulteGroup, Inc. will post 12.9 EPS for the current year.

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, October 2nd. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, September 17th will be paid a dividend of $0.20 per share. This represents a $0.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.61%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, September 17th. PulteGroups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 6.41%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several research analysts have commented on PHM shares. Raymond James raised their price target on shares of PulteGroup from $135.00 to $145.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, July 25th. Royal Bank of Canada raised their price objective on shares of PulteGroup from $113.00 to $120.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 24th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price objective on shares of PulteGroup from $141.00 to $152.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, July 25th. Citigroup lowered their price objective on shares of PulteGroup from $129.00 to $117.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, July 2nd. Finally, Evercore ISI raised their price objective on shares of PulteGroup from $183.00 to $189.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Monday, July 15th. Six analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $133.14.

Read Our Latest Stock Report on PHM

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, CFO Robert Oshaughnessy sold 71,007 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, August 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $134.83, for a total value of $9,573,873.81. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now owns 89,323 shares of the companys stock, valued at $12,043,420.09. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In other PulteGroup news, Director Thomas J. Folliard sold 19,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, August 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $131.14, for a total value of $2,491,660.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 45,230 shares in the company, valued at $5,931,462.20. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, CFO Robert Oshaughnessy sold 71,007 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, August 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $134.83, for a total value of $9,573,873.81. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer now owns 89,323 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $12,043,420.09. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 119,000 shares of company stock valued at $15,814,039 over the last quarter. 0.83% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

About PulteGroup

(Free Report)

PulteGroup, Inc, through its subsidiaries, primarily engages in the homebuilding business in the United States. It acquires and develops land primarily for residential purposes; and constructs housing on such land. The company also offers various home designs, including single-family detached, townhomes, condominiums, and duplexes under the Centex, Pulte Homes, Del Webb, DiVosta Homes, John Wieland Homes and Neighborhoods, and American West brand names.

See Also

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PHM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for PulteGroup, Inc. (NYSE:PHM  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for PulteGroup Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for PulteGroup and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Marcus & Millichap (NYSE:MMI  Free Report) had its price target boosted by Wells Fargo & Company from $20.00 to $30.00 in a research report released on Friday, Benzinga reports. Wells Fargo & Company currently has an underweight rating on the real estate investment trusts stock.

Separately, StockNews.com raised shares of Marcus & Millichap from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 24th.

Get Marcus & Millichap alerts:

Read Our Latest Research Report on MMI

Marcus & Millichap Stock Performance

NYSE:MMI opened at $37.75 on Friday. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $37.08 and its 200 day simple moving average is $34.44. The stock has a market cap of $1.46 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -37.75 and a beta of 1.12. Marcus & Millichap has a one year low of $26.81 and a one year high of $44.24.

Marcus & Millichap (NYSE:MMI  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, August 7th. The real estate investment trust reported ($0.14) EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of ($0.15) by $0.01. Marcus & Millichap had a negative net margin of 5.68% and a negative return on equity of 5.50%. The firm had revenue of $158.37 million during the quarter.

Marcus & Millichap Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a Semi-Annual dividend, which will be paid on Friday, October 4th. Investors of record on Monday, September 16th will be given a dividend of $0.25 per share. This represents a yield of 1.3%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, September 16th. Marcus & Millichaps payout ratio is presently -50.00%.

Insider Activity

In other Marcus & Millichap news, CEO Hessam Nadji sold 800 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, July 25th. The stock was sold at an average price of $40.03, for a total value of $32,024.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 223,323 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $8,939,619.69. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Insiders sold a total of 29,700 shares of company stock worth $1,119,675 in the last three months. 39.20% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Institutional Trading of Marcus & Millichap

A number of hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the company. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Marcus & Millichap during the 1st quarter valued at about $85,000. EntryPoint Capital LLC acquired a new stake in Marcus & Millichap in the 1st quarter valued at $85,000. LRI Investments LLC acquired a new position in Marcus & Millichap during the first quarter worth $143,000. Scharf Investments LLC boosted its stake in shares of Marcus & Millichap by 18.8% in the 1st quarter. Scharf Investments LLC now owns 5,905 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $202,000 after purchasing an additional 933 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Heritage Family Offices LLP bought a new stake in Marcus & Millichap during the second quarter worth about $207,000. Institutional investors own 62.78% of the companys stock.

Marcus & Millichap Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Marcus & Millichap, Inc, an investment brokerage company, provides real estate investment brokerage and financing services to sellers and buyers of commercial real estate in the United States and Canada. The company offers commercial real estate investment sales, financing, research, and advisory services for multifamily, retail, office, industrial, single-tenant net lease, seniors housing, self-storage, hospitality, medical office, and manufactured housing, as well as capital markets.

Further Reading

Receive News & Ratings for Marcus & Millichap Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Marcus & Millichap and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Mitsubishi Electric Co. (OTCMKTS:MIELY  Get Free Report) was down 5.1% during mid-day trading on Friday . The company traded as low as $30.88 and last traded at $30.95. Approximately 59,623 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 8% from the average daily volume of 64,988 shares. The stock had previously closed at $32.60.

Mitsubishi Electric Stock Down 5.1 %

The businesss 50 day moving average price is $32.46 and its 200 day moving average price is $33.06.

Mitsubishi Electric Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation develops, manufactures, distributes, and sells electrical and electronic equipment worldwide. The company operates through: Infrastructure, Industry Mobility, Life, Business Platform, Semiconductor and Device, and Others segments. It offers turbine generators, nuclear power plant and power electronics equipment, motors, transformers, circuit breakers, gas insulated switchgears, switch controls, surveillance-system control and security systems, transmission and distribution ICT systems, display devices, locomotive and rolling stock electrical equipment, wireless and wired communications systems, network camera systems, elevators, escalators, building security and management systems, and others.

Further Reading

Receive News & Ratings for Mitsubishi Electric Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Mitsubishi Electric and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Morgan Stanley upgraded shares of Boyd Gaming (NYSE:BYD  Free Report) from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating in a research note issued to investors on Wednesday morning, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Morgan Stanley currently has $74.00 price objective on the stock, up from their previous price objective of $66.00.

BYD has been the topic of a number of other research reports. Stifel Nicolaus raised their price objective on Boyd Gaming from $65.00 to $67.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research report on Friday, July 26th. Royal Bank of Canada lowered their price target on shares of Boyd Gaming from $337.00 to $308.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, May 16th. Raymond James assumed coverage on shares of Boyd Gaming in a research note on Tuesday, May 21st. They set an outperform rating and a $67.00 price objective for the company. Macquarie lowered their target price on shares of Boyd Gaming from $72.00 to $68.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Friday, July 26th. Finally, StockNews.com raised Boyd Gaming from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Monday, July 22nd. Seven research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $90.75.

Get Boyd Gaming alerts:

Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on BYD

Boyd Gaming Price Performance

Shares of BYD opened at $59.72 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.70, a quick ratio of 0.79 and a current ratio of 0.83. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $57.79 and a 200-day moving average price of $58.62. Boyd Gaming has a fifty-two week low of $49.34 and a fifty-two week high of $68.46. The stock has a market capitalization of $5.67 billion, a PE ratio of 10.72, a PEG ratio of 8.84 and a beta of 1.58.

Boyd Gaming (NYSE:BYD  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, July 25th. The company reported $1.58 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.49 by $0.09. Boyd Gaming had a return on equity of 34.29% and a net margin of 13.32%. The company had revenue of $967.50 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $909.49 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $1.58 earnings per share. Boyd Gamings revenue was up 5.5% on a year-over-year basis. Equities analysts predict that Boyd Gaming will post 6.17 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Boyd Gaming Dividend Announcement

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 15th. Shareholders of record on Sunday, September 15th will be given a dividend of $0.17 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, September 13th. This represents a $0.68 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.14%. Boyd Gamings dividend payout ratio is currently 12.21%.

Boyd Gaming declared that its Board of Directors has authorized a share repurchase plan on Monday, May 13th that permits the company to repurchase $500.00 million in outstanding shares. This repurchase authorization permits the company to repurchase up to 9.5% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares repurchase plans are usually a sign that the companys board believes its shares are undervalued.

Insider Activity

In related news, Chairman Marianne Boyd Johnson sold 73,130 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, August 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $60.23, for a total value of $4,404,619.90. Following the sale, the chairman now owns 1,423,498 shares in the company, valued at $85,737,284.54. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. In other news, Director Christine J. Spadafor sold 1,242 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, August 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $60.36, for a total value of $74,967.12. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 1,096 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $66,154.56. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, Chairman Marianne Boyd Johnson sold 73,130 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, August 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $60.23, for a total value of $4,404,619.90. Following the sale, the chairman now directly owns 1,423,498 shares in the company, valued at $85,737,284.54. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Corporate insiders own 27.94% of the companys stock.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of large investors have recently bought and sold shares of BYD. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC increased its holdings in shares of Boyd Gaming by 57.4% during the 1st quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC now owns 518 shares of the companys stock valued at $35,000 after purchasing an additional 189 shares in the last quarter. Altshuler Shaham Ltd acquired a new position in shares of Boyd Gaming in the second quarter worth about $29,000. Blue Trust Inc. raised its position in shares of Boyd Gaming by 58.2% in the second quarter. Blue Trust Inc. now owns 783 shares of the companys stock worth $43,000 after acquiring an additional 288 shares during the period. Principal Securities Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Boyd Gaming during the 4th quarter worth about $50,000. Finally, EntryPoint Capital LLC purchased a new position in shares of Boyd Gaming in the 1st quarter valued at about $90,000. 76.81% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Boyd Gaming Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Boyd Gaming Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a multi-jurisdictional gaming company in Nevada, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. The company operates through Las Vegas Locals, Downtown Las Vegas, Midwest & South, and Online segments.

Featured Stories

Receive News & Ratings for Boyd Gaming Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Boyd Gaming and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
North Midland Construction PLC (LON:NMD  Get Free Report) crossed below its two hundred day moving average during trading on Wednesday . The stock has a two hundred day moving average of GBX 530 ($6.97) and traded as low as GBX 530 ($6.97). North Midland Construction shares last traded at GBX 530 ($6.97), with a volume of 12,730 shares trading hands.

North Midland Construction Stock Performance

The stocks 50 day moving average price is GBX 530 and its 200-day moving average price is GBX 530.

About North Midland Construction

(Get Free Report)

North Midland Construction PLC engages in the civil, building and mechanical, and electrical engineering businesses in the United Kingdom. The company's Building division specializes in the construction of new build and refurbishment projects, social housing, student accommodation facilities, and health and primary care centers.

Featured Articles

Receive News & Ratings for North Midland Construction Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for North Midland Construction and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
By Thomas Countryman, Shizuka Kuramitsu and Daryl G. Kimball, KYODO NEWS - Sep 7, 2024 - 08:33 | All, World, Japan

As we approach the 80th anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the catastrophic risks posed by nuclear weapons are growing. As the U.N. secretary general warned in June: "We need to move back from the nuclear brink."

All of the major nuclear weapon states are spending tens of billions of dollars modernizing their arsenals, some are recklessly threatening nuclear first use, and the regime designed to prevent the use, testing and proliferation of nuclear weapons is under stress. The last remaining agreement limiting the world's two largest arsenals, New START, will expire in 2026. We need to see disarmament commitments translated into action.

The nuclear weapons states must, of course, lead the way by engaging in meaningful negotiations to cap and further reduce their deadly arsenals, but all countries need to step up, including Japan.

As Fumio Kishida prepares to step down as prime minister, he and his successor have an opportunity and responsibility to further advance efforts to prevent nuclear war and nuclear arms racing by convening a landmark two-day global conference on the human health and environmental impacts of nuclear weapons next year as the world marks the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Kishida could announce such an effort in his last visit as prime minister at the U.N. meetings later this month.

Such a conference would be consistent with Japan's history of leadership in building the global arms control and nonproliferation system. It could not only recall the devastation and legacy of the atomic bombings of 1945 and honor the "hibakusha," but underscore the devastating global effects of more than 2,000 nuclear test explosions and the toxic legacy of nuclear weapons production activities by the world's nine nuclear weapon states.

A Japan-convened 2025 Nuclear Weapons Impacts conference could also indirectly encourage the leaders of Washington, Moscow, and Beijing to engage in direct talks to reduce nuclear risks and to reach new agreements to halt and reverse the arms race. The conference would also energize public pressure in Japan and around the globe for further action to put us back on the path to the peace and security of a world without nuclear weapons.

Through his career, Kishida has helped Japan increase attention on the nuclear danger. He hosted the historic 2016 visit of then U.S. President Obama to his hometown Hiroshima. As prime minister, he chose Hiroshima as the location for the 2023 Group of Seven Summit, which elevated nuclear disarmament on the global agenda. He established an International Group of Eminent Persons on disarmament and a Youth Leader Fund for a World Without Nuclear Weapons and has pushed for negotiations on a treaty to halt the production of fissile material for weapons.

At the G7 summit and other occasions, he also observed that: "Conveying the reality of the nuclear attack is important as a starting point for all nuclear disarmament efforts."

Indeed, in this era of heightened nuclear risk, it is imperative that global leaders have a deeper appreciation and understanding of the impacts of nuclear weapons testing, production, and use. This is all the more important as the number of hibakusha with direct memories of the atomic attacks continues to dwindle. As of the end of March 2024, the average age of survivors has exceeded 85.58 years old.

We must all seek bold new ways to ensure that their experience and memories are not lost so that future generations fully understand why a nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought.

Japan -- the only nation that has experienced the unspeakable horrors of a nuclear weapons attack -- is uniquely positioned to take the lead for a high-level conference in 2025 on the health and environmental impacts of nuclear weapons and war.

Never have we, as a species, comprehensively grasped the full extent of the catastrophic devastation wrought by nuclear weapons over the past eight decades. The impact of large-scale nuclear weapons use on our planet and species is even more difficult to comprehend, and some might say unthinkable. Nevertheless, human civilization remains precariously tethered to the existence of nuclear weapons and the constant threat they might be used.

It is more urgent than ever for all of us to reflect on what is at stake and for our leaders to take meaningful action before it is too late.

(Daryl G. Kimball is the executive director of the nongovernmental Arms Control Association (ACA), Shizuka Kuramitsu is an ACA research assistant, and Thomas Countryman is a former U.S. acting undersecretary of state for international security and nonproliferation and board chairman of ACA.)
Narwhal Capital Management boosted its holdings in shares of Novartis AG (NYSE:NVS  Free Report) by 0.9% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 53,967 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 480 shares during the quarter. Narwhal Capital Managements holdings in Novartis were worth $5,745,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in NVS. Private Ocean LLC acquired a new stake in Novartis in the first quarter valued at $25,000. Frazier Financial Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Novartis in the 4th quarter valued at about $26,000. Richardson Financial Services Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Novartis in the 4th quarter valued at about $26,000. Clearstead Trust LLC lifted its position in shares of Novartis by 73.5% during the first quarter. Clearstead Trust LLC now owns 269 shares of the companys stock worth $26,000 after purchasing an additional 114 shares during the last quarter. Finally, New Millennium Group LLC acquired a new position in Novartis in the second quarter worth about $28,000. 13.12% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Get Novartis alerts:

Novartis Stock Up 0.2 %

Shares of Novartis stock opened at $116.70 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $238.53 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.75, a PEG ratio of 1.77 and a beta of 0.57. Novartis AG has a twelve month low of $92.19 and a twelve month high of $120.92. The company has a current ratio of 0.93, a quick ratio of 0.72 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $112.66 and its 200-day simple moving average is $104.51.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Novartis ( NYSE:NVS Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, July 18th. The company reported $1.97 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.87 by $0.10. The firm had revenue of $12.87 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $12.24 billion. Novartis had a return on equity of 34.56% and a net margin of 33.76%. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $1.83 EPS. Equities research analysts forecast that Novartis AG will post 7.48 earnings per share for the current year.

Several analysts have issued reports on the company. Barclays upgraded Novartis to a strong sell rating in a research note on Monday, June 24th. The Goldman Sachs Group reissued a neutral rating and set a $121.00 price target (up from $119.00) on shares of Novartis in a research report on Thursday. Jefferies Financial Group cut Novartis from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reiterated a hold rating on shares of Novartis in a research note on Friday, July 19th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have assigned a hold rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Novartis currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $118.38.

Read Our Latest Report on NVS

About Novartis

(Free Report)

Novartis AG engages in the research, development, manufacture, and marketing of healthcare products in Switzerland and internationally. The company offers prescription medicines for patients and physicians. It focuses on therapeutic areas, such as cardiovascular, renal and metabolic, immunology, neuroscience, and oncology, as well as ophthalmology and hematology.

Further Reading

Receive News & Ratings for Novartis Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Novartis and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Nu Skin Enterprises (NYSE:NUS  Get Free Report) was upgraded by StockNews.com from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report issued to clients and investors on Friday.

Several other research analysts also recently commented on the company. DA Davidson cut their target price on Nu Skin Enterprises from $12.50 to $11.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Monday, August 12th. Citigroup cut their target price on Nu Skin Enterprises from $14.00 to $11.50 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Friday, August 9th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and one has issued a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Nu Skin Enterprises presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $16.50.

Get Nu Skin Enterprises alerts:

Get Our Latest Research Report on Nu Skin Enterprises

Nu Skin Enterprises Price Performance

Shares of NYSE NUS traded down $0.34 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $8.01. 699,836 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 745,415. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.62, a current ratio of 2.12 and a quick ratio of 1.33. Nu Skin Enterprises has a twelve month low of $8.00 and a twelve month high of $24.38. The company has a market cap of $397.83 million, a PE ratio of -133.50 and a beta of 1.13. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $10.09 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $11.83.

Nu Skin Enterprises (NYSE:NUS  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 8th. The company reported $0.21 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.17 by $0.04. Nu Skin Enterprises had a positive return on equity of 7.80% and a negative net margin of 8.05%. The company had revenue of $439.10 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $431.87 million. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $0.54 EPS. Nu Skin Enterprisess revenue for the quarter was down 12.2% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that Nu Skin Enterprises will post 0.78 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. ProShare Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of Nu Skin Enterprises by 36.5% in the 1st quarter. ProShare Advisors LLC now owns 597,614 shares of the companys stock worth $8,265,000 after acquiring an additional 159,831 shares in the last quarter. CWM LLC raised its position in shares of Nu Skin Enterprises by 38.4% in the 1st quarter. CWM LLC now owns 3,286 shares of the companys stock worth $45,000 after acquiring an additional 911 shares in the last quarter. Norges Bank bought a new position in shares of Nu Skin Enterprises in the 4th quarter worth about $8,930,000. EP Wealth Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of Nu Skin Enterprises by 605.7% in the 1st quarter. EP Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 71,814 shares of the companys stock worth $993,000 after acquiring an additional 61,638 shares in the last quarter. Finally, SteelPeak Wealth LLC bought a new position in shares of Nu Skin Enterprises in the 1st quarter worth about $207,000. 82.84% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Nu Skin Enterprises Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the development and distribution of various beauty and wellness products worldwide. It offers skin care devices, cosmetics, and other personal care products, including ageLOC LumiSpa and ageLOC LumiSpa iO; and nutricentials skin care products.

Featured Articles

Receive News & Ratings for Nu Skin Enterprises Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Nu Skin Enterprises and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Oxbow Advisors LLC boosted its stake in shares of iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF (NYSEARCA:EWU  Free Report) by 1.3% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 224,925 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 2,818 shares during the period. iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF makes up approximately 0.9% of Oxbow Advisors LLCs holdings, making the stock its 28th largest holding. Oxbow Advisors LLC owned approximately 0.29% of iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF worth $7,845,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Ferguson Shapiro LLC purchased a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF in the second quarter valued at $548,000. Commonwealth Equity Services LLC raised its position in iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF by 95.9% in the 2nd quarter. Commonwealth Equity Services LLC now owns 13,101 shares of the companys stock worth $457,000 after purchasing an additional 6,412 shares during the period. Private Ocean LLC bought a new stake in iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF in the second quarter worth about $52,000. Values Added Financial LLC purchased a new position in shares of iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF during the second quarter valued at approximately $201,000. Finally, Bricktown Capital LLC bought a new position in shares of iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF during the second quarter valued at approximately $17,776,000.

Get iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF alerts:

iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF Trading Down 1.1 %

Shares of EWU stock traded down $0.39 on Friday, reaching $36.49. 798,894 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,537,773. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $36.01 and its 200 day simple moving average is $35.10. iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF has a 52 week low of $30.14 and a 52 week high of $37.68. The stock has a market capitalization of $2.85 billion, a PE ratio of 12.86 and a beta of 0.68.

About iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF

The iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF (EWU) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI United Kingdom index. The fund tracks a market cap-weighted index of British companies. It covers the top 85% of British companies by market cap. EWU was launched on Mar 12, 1996 and is managed by BlackRock.

Recommended Stories

Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
PagerDuty (NYSE:PD  Free Report) had its price objective decreased by Robert W. Baird from $22.00 to $18.00 in a research note published on Wednesday, Benzinga reports. Robert W. Baird currently has a neutral rating on the stock.

PD has been the topic of a number of other research reports. Bank of America cut their price objective on shares of PagerDuty from $28.00 to $23.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday. Craig Hallum upgraded PagerDuty from a hold rating to a buy rating and upped their price target for the stock from $21.00 to $30.00 in a research note on Wednesday, June 12th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. assumed coverage on PagerDuty in a research note on Thursday, June 27th. They set a neutral rating and a $24.00 price objective for the company. Scotiabank began coverage on PagerDuty in a research note on Friday, June 28th. They issued a sector perform rating and a $23.00 target price on the stock. Finally, Canaccord Genuity Group lowered their price target on PagerDuty from $27.00 to $26.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Friday, May 31st. Six analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $21.91.

Get PagerDuty alerts:

Get Our Latest Research Report on PD

PagerDuty Stock Down 4.5 %

PD stock opened at $17.78 on Wednesday. The company has a market capitalization of $1.70 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -17.60 and a beta of 1.05. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.58, a quick ratio of 2.59 and a current ratio of 2.59. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $20.18 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $21.07. PagerDuty has a fifty-two week low of $16.46 and a fifty-two week high of $26.70.

PagerDuty (NYSE:PD  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, September 3rd. The company reported $0.21 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.17 by $0.04. PagerDuty had a negative return on equity of 28.38% and a negative net margin of 21.34%. The business had revenue of $115.94 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $116.52 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned ($0.18) earnings per share. The firms quarterly revenue was up 7.7% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, analysts forecast that PagerDuty will post -0.44 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other PagerDuty news, CEO Jennifer Tejada sold 31,250 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, July 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $21.07, for a total transaction of $658,437.50. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 1,023,579 shares in the company, valued at approximately $21,566,809.53. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. In other news, CEO Jennifer Tejada sold 31,250 shares of PagerDuty stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, July 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $21.07, for a total value of $658,437.50. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 1,023,579 shares in the company, valued at $21,566,809.53. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, CFO Howard Wilson sold 12,108 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, July 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $20.49, for a total transaction of $248,092.92. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now owns 594,202 shares in the company, valued at approximately $12,175,198.98. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last ninety days, insiders sold 110,244 shares of company stock worth $2,316,980. 7.60% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On PagerDuty

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Quarry LP lifted its holdings in PagerDuty by 1,537.2% during the second quarter. Quarry LP now owns 1,408 shares of the companys stock valued at $32,000 after purchasing an additional 1,322 shares in the last quarter. First Horizon Advisors Inc. raised its position in shares of PagerDuty by 28.0% during the 2nd quarter. First Horizon Advisors Inc. now owns 2,323 shares of the companys stock valued at $53,000 after purchasing an additional 508 shares during the period. Fred Alger Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of PagerDuty by 170.6% during the 2nd quarter. Fred Alger Management LLC now owns 2,503 shares of the companys stock valued at $57,000 after buying an additional 1,578 shares in the last quarter. Cambridge Trust Co. bought a new position in PagerDuty in the 1st quarter worth $68,000. Finally, Headlands Technologies LLC purchased a new stake in PagerDuty in the 2nd quarter worth $114,000. 97.26% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About PagerDuty

(Get Free Report)

PagerDuty, Inc engages in the operation of a digital operations management platform in the United States and internationally. The company's digital operations management platform collects data and digital signals from virtually any software-enabled system or device and leverage machine learning to correlate, process, and predict opportunities and issues.

Featured Articles

Receive News & Ratings for PagerDuty Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for PagerDuty and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
PagerDuty (NYSE:PD  Free Report) had its price target lowered by TD Cowen from $23.00 to $19.00 in a research report sent to investors on Wednesday, Benzinga reports. The firm currently has a hold rating on the stock.

A number of other equities analysts also recently weighed in on PD. Royal Bank of Canada decreased their target price on shares of PagerDuty from $27.00 to $22.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday. Bank of America cut their price target on shares of PagerDuty from $28.00 to $23.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday. Scotiabank cut their price target on shares of PagerDuty from $23.00 to $18.00 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday. The Goldman Sachs Group cut their price target on shares of PagerDuty from $24.00 to $21.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. initiated coverage on shares of PagerDuty in a report on Thursday, June 27th. They set a neutral rating and a $24.00 price target on the stock. Six equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $21.91.

Get PagerDuty alerts:

View Our Latest Report on PagerDuty

PagerDuty Stock Performance

PagerDuty stock opened at $17.78 on Wednesday. PagerDuty has a 1-year low of $16.46 and a 1-year high of $26.70. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $20.18 and a 200-day moving average of $21.07. The firm has a market cap of $1.70 billion, a P/E ratio of -17.60 and a beta of 1.05. The company has a current ratio of 2.59, a quick ratio of 2.59 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.58.

PagerDuty (NYSE:PD  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, September 3rd. The company reported $0.21 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.17 by $0.04. PagerDuty had a negative net margin of 21.34% and a negative return on equity of 28.38%. The business had revenue of $115.94 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $116.52 million. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned ($0.18) earnings per share. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 7.7% on a year-over-year basis. Sell-side analysts expect that PagerDuty will post -0.44 EPS for the current year.

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, insider Shelley Webb sold 5,732 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, July 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $21.98, for a total value of $125,989.36. Following the sale, the insider now owns 235,657 shares in the company, valued at $5,179,740.86. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. In related news, insider Shelley Webb sold 5,732 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, July 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $21.98, for a total value of $125,989.36. Following the sale, the insider now owns 235,657 shares in the company, valued at $5,179,740.86. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, CEO Jennifer Tejada sold 31,250 shares of PagerDuty stock in a transaction on Tuesday, July 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $21.07, for a total transaction of $658,437.50. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 1,023,579 shares in the company, valued at approximately $21,566,809.53. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last quarter, insiders have sold 110,244 shares of company stock worth $2,316,980. 7.60% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan Trust Fund purchased a new position in shares of PagerDuty during the 4th quarter worth $4,630,000. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA raised its position in shares of PagerDuty by 50.8% during the 4th quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 2,160,281 shares of the companys stock valued at $50,011,000 after purchasing an additional 728,152 shares during the period. Natixis Advisors L.P. raised its position in shares of PagerDuty by 13.9% during the 4th quarter. Natixis Advisors L.P. now owns 13,541 shares of the companys stock valued at $313,000 after purchasing an additional 1,650 shares during the period. Optimus Prime Fund Management Co. Ltd. raised its position in shares of PagerDuty by 13.9% during the 4th quarter. Optimus Prime Fund Management Co. Ltd. now owns 655,000 shares of the companys stock valued at $15,163,000 after purchasing an additional 80,000 shares during the period. Finally, Goldman Sachs Group Inc. raised its position in shares of PagerDuty by 65.4% during the 4th quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 2,285,588 shares of the companys stock valued at $52,911,000 after purchasing an additional 904,136 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 97.26% of the companys stock.

About PagerDuty

(Get Free Report)

PagerDuty, Inc engages in the operation of a digital operations management platform in the United States and internationally. The company's digital operations management platform collects data and digital signals from virtually any software-enabled system or device and leverage machine learning to correlate, process, and predict opportunities and issues.

Featured Articles

Receive News & Ratings for PagerDuty Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for PagerDuty and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Patron Partners LLC lowered its stake in shares of Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO  Free Report) by 26.1% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 11,063 shares of the companys stock after selling 3,905 shares during the quarter. Patron Partners LLCs holdings in Altria Group were worth $504,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Capital Research Global Investors raised its position in shares of Altria Group by 1.9% during the 4th quarter. Capital Research Global Investors now owns 13,279,658 shares of the companys stock worth $535,701,000 after purchasing an additional 242,442 shares during the last quarter. Van ECK Associates Corp grew its holdings in shares of Altria Group by 120.6% during the 1st quarter. Van ECK Associates Corp now owns 8,762,047 shares of the companys stock worth $382,201,000 after purchasing an additional 4,789,788 shares during the period. Victory Capital Management Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Altria Group by 5.0% during the 2nd quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. now owns 5,060,589 shares of the companys stock valued at $230,510,000 after acquiring an additional 243,201 shares in the last quarter. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Holdings Inc. grew its stake in shares of Altria Group by 1.5% in the first quarter. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Holdings Inc. now owns 3,754,522 shares of the companys stock valued at $163,772,000 after buying an additional 54,096 shares in the last quarter. Finally, State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement System boosted its stake in shares of Altria Group by 3.9% in the first quarter. State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement System now owns 2,111,625 shares of the companys stock valued at $94,221,000 after purchasing an additional 80,215 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 57.41% of the companys stock.

Get Altria Group alerts:

Altria Group Price Performance

Shares of NYSE MO traded down $0.58 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $53.69. 8,207,736 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 10,317,011. Altria Group, Inc. has a twelve month low of $39.06 and a twelve month high of $54.95. The firm has a market cap of $92.22 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.23, a PEG ratio of 3.13 and a beta of 0.65. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $50.15 and its 200-day moving average price is $45.98.

Altria Group Increases Dividend

Altria Group ( NYSE:MO Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 31st. The company reported $1.31 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.35 by ($0.04). The firm had revenue of $6.21 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.39 billion. Altria Group had a net margin of 42.25% and a negative return on equity of 232.55%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 14.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $1.31 earnings per share. On average, analysts expect that Altria Group, Inc. will post 5.1 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, October 10th. Shareholders of record on Monday, September 16th will be given a dividend of $1.02 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, September 16th. This represents a $4.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 7.60%. This is a boost from Altria Groups previous quarterly dividend of $0.98. Altria Groups dividend payout ratio is presently 85.36%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

MO has been the subject of a number of recent analyst reports. Bank of America raised their price target on shares of Altria Group from $52.00 to $57.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday. StockNews.com raised Altria Group from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Friday, June 28th. Argus raised Altria Group to a hold rating in a report on Friday, May 31st. Barclays boosted their price target on Altria Group from $37.00 to $43.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a report on Wednesday, August 14th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus boosted their target price on shares of Altria Group from $50.00 to $54.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, August 1st. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, three have issued a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $48.58.

Check Out Our Latest Research Report on MO

Altria Group Company Profile

(Free Report)

Altria Group, Inc, through its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells smokeable and oral tobacco products in the United States. The company offers cigarettes primarily under the Marlboro brand; large cigars and pipe tobacco under the Black & Mild brand; moist smokeless tobacco and snus products under the Copenhagen, Skoal, Red Seal, and Husky brands; oral nicotine pouches under the on! brand; and e-vapor products under the NJOY ACE brand.

Recommended Stories

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Altria Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Altria Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Isthmus Partners LLC boosted its stake in shares of Robert Half Inc. (NYSE:RHI  Free Report) by 3.3% in the second quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 7,079 shares of the business services providers stock after purchasing an additional 229 shares during the quarter. Isthmus Partners LLCs holdings in Robert Half were worth $453,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Victory Capital Management Inc. boosted its position in Robert Half by 508.2% during the 4th quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. now owns 34,990 shares of the business services providers stock worth $3,076,000 after acquiring an additional 29,237 shares during the period. Amalgamated Bank boosted its position in Robert Half by 10.4% during the 4th quarter. Amalgamated Bank now owns 37,208 shares of the business services providers stock worth $3,271,000 after acquiring an additional 3,510 shares during the period. Principal Securities Inc. acquired a new position in Robert Half during the 4th quarter worth $75,000. BNP Paribas Financial Markets boosted its position in Robert Half by 7.6% during the 4th quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets now owns 77,270 shares of the business services providers stock worth $6,794,000 after acquiring an additional 5,477 shares during the period. Finally, QRG Capital Management Inc. boosted its position in Robert Half by 17.2% during the 4th quarter. QRG Capital Management Inc. now owns 5,018 shares of the business services providers stock worth $441,000 after acquiring an additional 737 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 92.41% of the companys stock.

Get Robert Half alerts:

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of research analysts have issued reports on RHI shares. Barclays reduced their price target on Robert Half from $70.00 to $60.00 and set an underweight rating for the company in a research report on Friday, July 26th. StockNews.com downgraded Robert Half from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, July 5th. BNP Paribas raised Robert Half from an underperform rating to an outperform rating and set a $80.00 price objective on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, June 11th. Truist Financial dropped their price objective on Robert Half from $72.00 to $62.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, July 26th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their price objective on Robert Half from $74.00 to $70.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, July 25th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, four have given a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Robert Half currently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $67.86.

Insider Transactions at Robert Half

In other news, Director Dirk A. Kempthorne sold 1,300 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, August 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $63.09, for a total transaction of $82,017.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 13,342 shares in the company, valued at approximately $841,746.78. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. 3.00% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Robert Half Stock Performance

NYSE:RHI traded down $0.69 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $60.71. 840,713 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,430,898. The firm has a market cap of $6.37 billion, a P/E ratio of 18.18, a P/E/G ratio of 6.04 and a beta of 1.25. Robert Half Inc. has a twelve month low of $57.05 and a twelve month high of $88.39. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $62.81 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $68.79.

Robert Half (NYSE:RHI  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 24th. The business services provider reported $0.66 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.71 by ($0.05). The company had revenue of $1.47 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.49 billion. Robert Half had a return on equity of 20.41% and a net margin of 5.26%. The businesss revenue was down 10.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $1.00 EPS. On average, equities research analysts predict that Robert Half Inc. will post 2.52 earnings per share for the current year.

Robert Half Announces Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 13th. Stockholders of record on Friday, August 23rd will be paid a dividend of $0.53 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, August 23rd. This represents a $2.12 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.49%. Robert Halfs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 63.47%.

About Robert Half

(Free Report)

Robert Half Inc provides talent solutions and business consulting services in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. The company operates through Contract Talent Solutions, Permanent Placement Talent Solutions, and Protiviti segments. The Contract Talent Solutions segment provides contract engagement professionals in the fields of finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal and administrative, and customer support.

Featured Stories

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding RHI? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Robert Half Inc. (NYSE:RHI  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Robert Half Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Robert Half and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
SFE Investment Counsel lifted its stake in shares of Pinnacle West Capital Co. (NYSE:PNW  Free Report) by 1.3% in the second quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 18,430 shares of the utilities providers stock after acquiring an additional 245 shares during the period. SFE Investment Counsels holdings in Pinnacle West Capital were worth $1,408,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in PNW. Capital Research Global Investors boosted its position in Pinnacle West Capital by 97.5% during the first quarter. Capital Research Global Investors now owns 12,851,930 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $960,425,000 after buying an additional 6,344,121 shares during the period. Lazard Asset Management LLC grew its position in Pinnacle West Capital by 72.7% during the 1st quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC now owns 6,719,397 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $502,139,000 after acquiring an additional 2,828,450 shares during the last quarter. Zimmer Partners LP purchased a new position in Pinnacle West Capital in the 1st quarter worth approximately $198,409,000. Norges Bank purchased a new position in Pinnacle West Capital in the 4th quarter worth approximately $112,914,000. Finally, Susquehanna Fundamental Investments LLC bought a new stake in Pinnacle West Capital in the first quarter valued at approximately $12,824,000. 91.51% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Get Pinnacle West Capital alerts:

Pinnacle West Capital Trading Down 0.7 %

Shares of NYSE PNW opened at $87.81 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $9.97 billion, a P/E ratio of 19.13, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.23 and a beta of 0.52. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.28, a current ratio of 0.66 and a quick ratio of 0.48. Pinnacle West Capital Co. has a 1 year low of $65.20 and a 1 year high of $89.63. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $83.68 and a 200 day moving average of $77.37.

Pinnacle West Capital Dividend Announcement

Pinnacle West Capital ( NYSE:PNW Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, August 1st. The utilities provider reported $1.76 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.31 by $0.45. Pinnacle West Capital had a return on equity of 9.75% and a net margin of 12.65%. The firm had revenue of $1.31 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.21 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $0.94 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 15.7% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Pinnacle West Capital Co. will post 4.75 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, September 3rd. Stockholders of record on Thursday, August 1st were issued a dividend of $0.88 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, August 1st. This represents a $3.52 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.01%. Pinnacle West Capitals payout ratio is presently 76.69%.

Insider Transactions at Pinnacle West Capital

In related news, EVP Robert Edgar Smith sold 4,950 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, August 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $85.80, for a total transaction of $424,710.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 6,397 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $548,862.60. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. 0.23% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of equities research analysts recently commented on the stock. Morgan Stanley upped their price target on shares of Pinnacle West Capital from $72.00 to $78.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Friday, August 23rd. StockNews.com raised Pinnacle West Capital from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, August 5th. Wells Fargo & Company upped their price target on Pinnacle West Capital from $80.00 to $87.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research report on Friday, August 2nd. LADENBURG THALM/SH SH upgraded Pinnacle West Capital from a neutral rating to a buy rating and increased their price objective for the stock from $74.00 to $83.50 in a report on Thursday, June 6th. Finally, Barclays reduced their target price on Pinnacle West Capital from $81.00 to $78.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, July 2nd. Eight research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $77.95.

Get Our Latest Analysis on Pinnacle West Capital

Pinnacle West Capital Company Profile

(Free Report)

Pinnacle West Capital Corporation, through its subsidiary, provides retail and wholesale electric services primarily in the state of Arizona. The company engages in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity using coal, nuclear, gas, oil, and solar generating facilities. Its transmission facilities include overhead lines and underground lines; and distribution facilities consist of overhead lines and underground primary cables.

See Also

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PNW? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Pinnacle West Capital Co. (NYSE:PNW  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Pinnacle West Capital Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Pinnacle West Capital and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
SFE Investment Counsel boosted its position in Laboratory Co. of America Holdings (NYSE:LH  Free Report) by 180.3% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 23,678 shares of the medical research companys stock after acquiring an additional 15,231 shares during the period. SFE Investment Counsels holdings in Laboratory Co. of America were worth $4,819,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Boyar Asset Management Inc. increased its stake in shares of Laboratory Co. of America by 5.2% during the second quarter. Boyar Asset Management Inc. now owns 4,014 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $817,000 after buying an additional 200 shares during the period. Candriam S.C.A. boosted its holdings in Laboratory Co. of America by 4.8% in the second quarter. Candriam S.C.A. now owns 56,283 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $11,454,000 after acquiring an additional 2,558 shares in the last quarter. Jensen Investment Management Inc. increased its position in Laboratory Co. of America by 10.5% during the 2nd quarter. Jensen Investment Management Inc. now owns 35,690 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $7,263,000 after purchasing an additional 3,390 shares during the period. TD Asset Management Inc raised its holdings in Laboratory Co. of America by 8.9% in the 2nd quarter. TD Asset Management Inc now owns 33,647 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $6,848,000 after purchasing an additional 2,736 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Cooke & Bieler LP lifted its position in shares of Laboratory Co. of America by 26.8% in the 2nd quarter. Cooke & Bieler LP now owns 928,250 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $188,908,000 after purchasing an additional 196,119 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 95.94% of the companys stock.

Get Laboratory Co. of America alerts:

Laboratory Co. of America Stock Down 1.5 %

Shares of LH stock opened at $223.91 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 0.88, a quick ratio of 0.77 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.39. The stock has a market cap of $18.88 billion, a P/E ratio of 45.05, a P/E/G ratio of 1.77 and a beta of 1.05. Laboratory Co. of America Holdings has a 12 month low of $191.97 and a 12 month high of $238.46. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $218.74 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $211.13.

Laboratory Co. of America Announces Dividend

Laboratory Co. of America ( NYSE:LH Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Thursday, August 1st. The medical research company reported $3.94 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $3.78 by $0.16. The company had revenue of $3.22 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.19 billion. Laboratory Co. of America had a return on equity of 15.39% and a net margin of 3.60%. Laboratory Co. of Americas quarterly revenue was up 6.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $3.42 earnings per share. On average, research analysts expect that Laboratory Co. of America Holdings will post 14.67 earnings per share for the current year.

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 13th. Investors of record on Thursday, August 29th will be paid a dividend of $0.72 per share. This represents a $2.88 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.29%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, August 29th. Laboratory Co. of Americas dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 57.95%.

Insider Activity

In related news, CFO Glenn A. Eisenberg sold 15,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, August 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $223.99, for a total transaction of $3,359,850.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer now owns 31,289 shares in the company, valued at $7,008,423.11. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. In related news, EVP Lance Berberian sold 12,093 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, August 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $229.10, for a total value of $2,770,506.30. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 15,921 shares in the company, valued at $3,647,501.10. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, CFO Glenn A. Eisenberg sold 15,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, August 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $223.99, for a total transaction of $3,359,850.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now owns 31,289 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $7,008,423.11. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 29,679 shares of company stock worth $6,716,306 over the last ninety days. Corporate insiders own 0.85% of the companys stock.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of equities analysts recently issued reports on the stock. UBS Group increased their price target on shares of Laboratory Co. of America from $260.00 to $270.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Friday, August 2nd. Bank of America boosted their target price on shares of Laboratory Co. of America from $240.00 to $260.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Monday, August 5th. Robert W. Baird upped their price target on Laboratory Co. of America from $261.00 to $277.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, August 2nd. Barclays increased their price objective on shares of Laboratory Co. of America from $213.00 to $249.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research report on Friday, August 2nd. Finally, Truist Financial lifted their target price on Laboratory Co. of America from $255.00 to $275.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Friday, August 2nd. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $250.82.

Read Our Latest Research Report on Laboratory Co. of America

About Laboratory Co. of America

(Free Report)

Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings operates as a life sciences company that provides vital information to help doctors, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, researchers, and patients make clear and confident decisions. It operates in two segments, Labcorp Diagnostics (Dx) and Biopharma Laboratory Services (BLS).

Recommended Stories

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding LH? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Laboratory Co. of America Holdings (NYSE:LH  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Laboratory Co. of America Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Laboratory Co. of America and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Skyline Champion Co. (NYSE:SKY  Get Free Report) Director Mak Capital One Llc sold 80,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, September 4th. The stock was sold at an average price of $90.16, for a total transaction of $7,212,800.00. Following the sale, the director now owns 2,920,000 shares in the company, valued at $263,267,200. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link.

Mak Capital One Llc also recently made the following trade(s):

Get Skyline Champion alerts:

On Friday, September 6th, Mak Capital One Llc sold 40,000 shares of Skyline Champion stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $88.87, for a total transaction of $3,554,800.00.

Skyline Champion Trading Down 1.1 %

Shares of SKY stock opened at $88.53 on Friday. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $80.94 and a 200 day moving average price of $78.58. Skyline Champion Co. has a twelve month low of $52.12 and a twelve month high of $93.67. The company has a market capitalization of $5.12 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 34.85 and a beta of 1.58. The company has a current ratio of 2.33, a quick ratio of 1.57 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.02.

Institutional Trading of Skyline Champion

Skyline Champion ( NYSE:SKY Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, August 6th. The company reported $0.91 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.69 by $0.22. Skyline Champion had a net margin of 6.45% and a return on equity of 13.07%. The firm had revenue of $627.80 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $600.39 million. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $0.89 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 35.1% on a year-over-year basis. Research analysts forecast that Skyline Champion Co. will post 3.01 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in SKY. Van ECK Associates Corp grew its holdings in Skyline Champion by 38.2% in the 4th quarter. Van ECK Associates Corp now owns 16,634 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,235,000 after buying an additional 4,600 shares during the period. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. grew its holdings in Skyline Champion by 2.6% in the 4th quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 573,607 shares of the companys stock valued at $42,596,000 after buying an additional 14,322 shares during the period. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP grew its holdings in shares of Skyline Champion by 6.7% during the 4th quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 1,310,969 shares of the companys stock worth $97,356,000 after purchasing an additional 81,823 shares during the period. Principal Financial Group Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Skyline Champion by 21.9% during the 4th quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. now owns 15,964 shares of the companys stock worth $1,185,000 after purchasing an additional 2,863 shares during the period. Finally, First Eagle Investment Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of Skyline Champion by 7.7% during the 4th quarter. First Eagle Investment Management LLC now owns 56,625 shares of the companys stock worth $4,205,000 after purchasing an additional 4,070 shares during the period.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several brokerages have commented on SKY. Craig Hallum decreased their target price on shares of Skyline Champion from $88.00 to $84.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, May 23rd. Wedbush reaffirmed a neutral rating and set a $64.00 price target on shares of Skyline Champion in a research note on Wednesday, August 7th. Barclays lifted their price target on Skyline Champion from $68.00 to $85.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Monday, August 12th. Royal Bank of Canada lifted their price target on Skyline Champion from $68.00 to $82.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research note on Thursday, August 8th. Finally, StockNews.com raised Skyline Champion from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, August 8th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and one has assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $78.75.

Get Our Latest Stock Report on Skyline Champion

Skyline Champion Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Skyline Champion Corporation produces and sells factory-built housing in North America. The company offers manufactured and modular homes, park models RVs, accessory dwelling units, and modular buildings for the multi-family and hospitality sectors. It builds homes under the Skyline Homes, Champion Home Builders, Genesis Homes, Athens Park Models, Dutch Housing, Atlantic Homes, Excel Homes, Homes of Merit, New Era, Redman Homes, ScotBilt Homes, Shore Park, Silvercrest, and Titan Homes brands in the United States; and Moduline and SRI Homes brand names in western Canada.

Read More

Receive News & Ratings for Skyline Champion Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Skyline Champion and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
In Kuwait, six individuals, including three Iranian citizens, have been executed, Azernews reports.

These individuals were found guilty of murder. This is the first execution in the country in the past year. The last execution in the emirate took place in July 2023. Of the six individuals who received the death penalty, three are Iranian, two are Kuwaiti, and one is Pakistani.

It is worth noting that in November 2022, Kuwait faced a diplomatic crisis with the European Union over the execution of seven people for murder and other crimes.
KYODO NEWS - Sep 7, 2024 - 09:09 | All, Japan

A surge in inbound tourism has boosted the number of vegetarians visiting Japan, but businesses in the country have not been able to fully meet demand by providing sufficient animal-free food options, a body that promotes vegetarianism said.

While Japanese food is often considered healthy, many dishes are made using "dashi" broth extracted from fish such as bonito, meaning vegetarians and vegans cannot eat them.

"I love tempura soba, but I haven't had a chance to eat it here," said Ruby Ramsden, a 25-year-old vegan studying at a graduate school of Waseda University in Tokyo. Vegans do not eat food derived from animals, including eggs and dairy products.

Hailing from Melbourne, Ramsden said there was a Japanese restaurant offering vegan tempura soba in the Australian city, but she has not encountered one in Japan so far.

"There is a Taiwanese restaurant offering vegan tempura soba near the university. It tastes like Chinese food, but I have no choice but to go eat there," she added.

The soba soup base, a signature dish of Japanese cuisine, is often made with bonito broth, but to be suitable for vegetarians and vegans, the soup stock must be made from plant-based ingredients such as dried kelp or shiitake mushrooms. Furthermore, vegans cannot eat eggs, which are typically used in tempura batter.

Among the top 20 countries and regions where visitors to Japan come from, India has the highest rate of vegetarians, accounting for 20.2 percent, followed by Taiwan at 12.3 percent and Canada at 11.8 percent, according to the Japan Tourism Agency.

While there are various reasons people forgo meat or animal produce such as their religion, health or animal welfare concerns, the number of vegetarians has been rising globally, reaching around 530 million as of 2023, the agency said.

The number of vegetarians who visited Japan in 2023 is estimated to be around 1.28 million, accounting for about 5 percent of the total foreign visitors, with the value of their consumption in Japan estimated at around 60.9 billion yen ($428 million).

One way of meeting demand could be through the promotion of Buddhist vegetarian cuisine called "shojin ryori," a traditional meal cooked without animal meat to avoid suffering.

Japanese restaurant Shinshu Soba Tateshinaan in Tokyo's Adachi Ward offers tempura soba for vegans called "shojin soba." The restaurant has noticed a growing number of foreign vegan customers since the end of coronavirus pandemic restrictions.

"It takes time to make the soba because the broth recipe is different from usual, but we see some customers enjoy it," said Hayato Matsushita, an official of the company operating the restaurant.

"We hope restaurants across the country will do their best to provide vegan meals," said House of Representatives member Jin Matsubara, who serves as the secretary general of a nonpartisan association of lawmakers to promote services for vegetarians and vegans in Japan.

Related coverage:

Food-loving Hong Kong gets new snack that is proving an unlikely hit

Concerns over rice shortage growing in Japan amid higher demand

Baguettes on notice as "onigiri" take bite out of Paris' lunch trade
StockNews.com downgraded shares of Banco Macro (NYSE:BMA  Free Report) from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report published on Friday.

Several other research analysts have also commented on the stock. Bank of America upgraded shares of Banco Macro from an underperform rating to a neutral rating and increased their price target for the stock from $53.00 to $62.00 in a research note on Thursday, August 8th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded shares of Banco Macro from an underweight rating to a neutral rating and increased their price target for the stock from $14.00 to $78.00 in a research note on Friday, August 30th.

Get Banco Macro alerts:

Read Our Latest Analysis on BMA

Banco Macro Stock Down 2.1 %

BMA stock opened at $62.04 on Friday. Banco Macro has a 52-week low of $17.30 and a 52-week high of $68.24. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $54.45 and its 200-day simple moving average is $53.33. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.14, a current ratio of 0.79 and a quick ratio of 0.77. The firm has a market capitalization of $3.97 billion, a P/E ratio of 3.66 and a beta of 1.91.

Banco Macro (NYSE:BMA  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 22nd. The bank reported ($4.01) earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.49 by ($5.50). The company had revenue of $1.03 billion during the quarter. Banco Macro had a net margin of 12.58% and a return on equity of 25.97%. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $2.69 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts anticipate that Banco Macro will post 10.52 EPS for the current year.

Banco Macro Increases Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a monthly dividend, which was paid on Friday, August 23rd. Investors of record on Friday, August 16th were issued a dividend of $1.798 per share. This is an increase from Banco Macros previous monthly dividend of $1.74. This represents a $21.58 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 34.78%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, August 16th. Banco Macros dividend payout ratio is currently 127.41%.

Institutional Trading of Banco Macro

Large investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Capital Wealth Planning LLC boosted its holdings in Banco Macro by 42.2% in the 4th quarter. Capital Wealth Planning LLC now owns 26,292 shares of the banks stock valued at $755,000 after purchasing an additional 7,806 shares during the period. Hsbc Holdings PLC bought a new stake in Banco Macro in the 4th quarter valued at $1,475,000. HAP Trading LLC boosted its holdings in Banco Macro by 148.7% in the 4th quarter. HAP Trading LLC now owns 36,736 shares of the banks stock valued at $1,054,000 after purchasing an additional 21,964 shares during the period. Fourth Sail Capital LP bought a new stake in Banco Macro in the 1st quarter valued at $9,038,000. Finally, Claro Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of Banco Macro during the 1st quarter worth about $260,000.

About Banco Macro

(Get Free Report)

Banco Macro SA provides various banking products and services to retail and corporate customers in Argentina. It offers various retail banking products and services, such as savings and checking accounts, time deposits, credit and debit cards, consumer finance loans, mortgage loans, automobile loans, overdrafts, credit-related services, home and car insurance coverage, tax collection, utility payments, automated teller machines (ATMs), and money transfers.

See Also

Receive News & Ratings for Banco Macro Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Banco Macro and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Choice Hotels International (NYSE:CHH  Get Free Report) was upgraded by StockNews.com from a sell rating to a hold rating in a note issued to investors on Thursday.

A number of other equities analysts have also issued reports on CHH. UBS Group lowered their target price on shares of Choice Hotels International from $126.00 to $125.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, August 9th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lowered their price objective on shares of Choice Hotels International from $128.00 to $112.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, May 9th. Barclays reduced their target price on shares of Choice Hotels International from $114.00 to $112.00 and set an underweight rating for the company in a report on Friday, August 9th. Robert W. Baird lowered their price target on Choice Hotels International from $137.00 to $134.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Monday, August 12th. Finally, Truist Financial reduced their price objective on Choice Hotels International from $144.00 to $134.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have issued a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $129.27.

Get Choice Hotels International alerts:

View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Choice Hotels International

Choice Hotels International Stock Performance

NYSE CHH opened at $122.92 on Thursday. The company has a fifty day moving average of $124.47 and a two-hundred day moving average of $120.82. The company has a market capitalization of $5.92 billion, a PE ratio of 26.38, a P/E/G ratio of 2.12 and a beta of 1.25. Choice Hotels International has a 1 year low of $108.91 and a 1 year high of $134.44. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 177.75, a current ratio of 0.99 and a quick ratio of 0.99.

Choice Hotels International (NYSE:CHH  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, August 8th. The company reported $1.84 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.86 by ($0.02). The firm had revenue of $435.20 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $438.29 million. Choice Hotels International had a net margin of 15.42% and a negative return on equity of 3,953.67%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 1.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $1.75 earnings per share. As a group, analysts expect that Choice Hotels International will post 6.38 earnings per share for the current year.

Insider Buying and Selling at Choice Hotels International

In other Choice Hotels International news, EVP Dominic Dragisich sold 13,117 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, July 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $124.45, for a total transaction of $1,632,410.65. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 69,171 shares in the company, valued at approximately $8,608,330.95. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. In other Choice Hotels International news, EVP Dominic Dragisich sold 13,117 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, July 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $124.45, for a total transaction of $1,632,410.65. Following the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 69,171 shares in the company, valued at approximately $8,608,330.95. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, insider Patrick Cimerola sold 13,259 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, July 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $125.08, for a total transaction of $1,658,435.72. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 23,461 shares in the company, valued at $2,934,501.88. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 24.02% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Choice Hotels International

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC grew its holdings in shares of Choice Hotels International by 144.4% in the 1st quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC now owns 198 shares of the companys stock worth $25,000 after acquiring an additional 117 shares during the period. Blue Trust Inc. grew its holdings in Choice Hotels International by 307.4% in the second quarter. Blue Trust Inc. now owns 220 shares of the companys stock valued at $28,000 after purchasing an additional 166 shares during the last quarter. Covestor Ltd increased its position in shares of Choice Hotels International by 163.2% in the first quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 229 shares of the companys stock valued at $29,000 after buying an additional 142 shares in the last quarter. Tortoise Investment Management LLC raised its stake in shares of Choice Hotels International by 129.4% during the 2nd quarter. Tortoise Investment Management LLC now owns 250 shares of the companys stock worth $30,000 after buying an additional 141 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Vima LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Choice Hotels International in the 4th quarter worth about $36,000. 65.57% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

About Choice Hotels International

(Get Free Report)

Choice Hotels International, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a hotel franchisor in the United States and internationally. It operates through Hotel Franchising & Management and Corporate & Other segments. The company franchises lodging properties under the brand names of Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Clarion, Clarion Pointe, Sleep Inn, Ascend Hotel Collection, Econo Lodge, Rodeway Inn, MainStay Suites, Suburban Studios, WoodSpring Suites, Everhome Suites, Cambria Hotels, Radisson Blu, Radisson RED, Radisson, Park Plaza, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Radisson Inn & Suites, Park Inn by Radisson, Radisson Individuals, and Radisson Collection.

Further Reading

Receive News & Ratings for Choice Hotels International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Choice Hotels International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
SVB Wealth LLC reduced its holdings in shares of iShares Intermediate Government/Credit Bond ETF (BATS:GVI  Free Report) by 12.3% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 148,221 shares of the companys stock after selling 20,706 shares during the quarter. SVB Wealth LLC owned 0.49% of iShares Intermediate Government/Credit Bond ETF worth $15,375,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Union Savings Bank raised its stake in shares of iShares Intermediate Government/Credit Bond ETF by 249.6% in the 2nd quarter. Union Savings Bank now owns 3,024 shares of the companys stock valued at $314,000 after acquiring an additional 2,159 shares during the period. Rothschild Investment LLC purchased a new stake in shares of iShares Intermediate Government/Credit Bond ETF in the second quarter worth about $109,000. Vantage Investment Partners LLC acquired a new stake in shares of iShares Intermediate Government/Credit Bond ETF in the second quarter valued at about $611,000. Whittier Trust Co. grew its stake in shares of iShares Intermediate Government/Credit Bond ETF by 9.0% in the second quarter. Whittier Trust Co. now owns 46,267 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,799,000 after buying an additional 3,836 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Bank of New York Mellon Corp raised its holdings in shares of iShares Intermediate Government/Credit Bond ETF by 3.2% during the 2nd quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 544,884 shares of the companys stock valued at $56,521,000 after buying an additional 17,017 shares during the period.

Get iShares Intermediate Government/Credit Bond ETF alerts:

iShares Intermediate Government/Credit Bond ETF Stock Up 0.1 %

BATS GVI traded up $0.14 on Friday, reaching $106.93. The company had a trading volume of 365,771 shares. The firms 50-day moving average is $105.36 and its 200-day moving average is $104.02.

iShares Intermediate Government/Credit Bond ETF Increases Dividend

iShares Intermediate Government/Credit Bond ETF Company Profile

The company also recently declared a dividend, which was paid on Friday, September 6th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, September 3rd were given a $0.3077 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, September 3rd. This is a positive change from iShares Intermediate Government/Credit Bond ETFs previous dividend of $0.28.

(Free Report)

The iShares Intermediate Government\u002FCredit Bond ETF (GVI) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in investment grade fixed income. The fund tracks a market-value-weighted index of US Treasury, agency and investment-grade corporate bonds with remaining maturities of 1-10 years. GVI was launched on Jan 5, 2007 and is managed by BlackRock.

Read More

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding GVI? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Intermediate Government/Credit Bond ETF (BATS:GVI  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for iShares Intermediate Government/Credit Bond ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Intermediate Government/Credit Bond ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Sylvania Platinum Limited (LON:SLP  Get Free Report) crossed below its 200-day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of GBX 60.92 ($0.80) and traded as low as GBX 53.25 ($0.70). Sylvania Platinum shares last traded at GBX 54 ($0.71), with a volume of 392,257 shares trading hands.

Sylvania Platinum Price Performance

The company has a quick ratio of 15.92, a current ratio of 10.92 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.32. The firm has a market capitalization of 142.57 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 1,090.00, a P/E/G ratio of 0.05 and a beta of 0.38. The company has a fifty day moving average price of GBX 57.43 and a two-hundred day moving average price of GBX 60.92.

About Sylvania Platinum

(Get Free Report)

Sylvania Platinum Limited primarily engages in the retreatment of platinum group metals (PGM) bearing chrome tailings materials in South Africa and Mauritius. The company produces PGMs, including platinum, palladium, and rhodium. It holds interests in the Sylvania dump operations that comprise six chrome beneficiation and PGM processing plants located in the Eastern and Western Limb of the Bushveld Igneous Complex; and various mineral asset development projects, including Volspruit and Northern Limb projects located on the Northern Limb of the Bushveld Igneous Complex located in South Africa.

Featured Articles

Receive News & Ratings for Sylvania Platinum Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Sylvania Platinum and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
New York Life Investment Management LLC lowered its holdings in Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE:TMO  Free Report) by 0.7% during the second quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The fund owned 52,512 shares of the medical research companys stock after selling 344 shares during the period. New York Life Investment Management LLCs holdings in Thermo Fisher Scientific were worth $29,039,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

Several other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its position in Thermo Fisher Scientific by 0.4% during the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 33,095,791 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $19,235,605,000 after purchasing an additional 117,353 shares during the period. Capital World Investors boosted its holdings in shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific by 10.0% during the first quarter. Capital World Investors now owns 13,493,852 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $7,842,762,000 after acquiring an additional 1,231,059 shares during the period. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD grew its position in shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific by 1.6% during the first quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 10,054,621 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $5,843,848,000 after acquiring an additional 156,675 shares during the last quarter. Capital Research Global Investors increased its holdings in shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific by 1.5% in the 1st quarter. Capital Research Global Investors now owns 8,113,137 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $4,715,436,000 after acquiring an additional 123,523 shares during the period. Finally, Norges Bank acquired a new position in Thermo Fisher Scientific during the 4th quarter valued at about $2,909,524,000. 89.23% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Get Thermo Fisher Scientific alerts:

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of equities research analysts have recently weighed in on TMO shares. Raymond James lifted their price target on Thermo Fisher Scientific from $650.00 to $660.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, July 25th. Royal Bank of Canada lifted their target price on Thermo Fisher Scientific from $660.00 to $664.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, July 25th. Evercore ISI decreased their price target on Thermo Fisher Scientific from $615.00 to $600.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, July 2nd. Robert W. Baird lifted their price objective on shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific from $620.00 to $632.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, July 25th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus increased their target price on shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific from $600.00 to $615.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, July 25th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and fifteen have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Thermo Fisher Scientific presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $630.41.

Insider Activity at Thermo Fisher Scientific

In other Thermo Fisher Scientific news, EVP Gianluca Pettiti sold 300 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, July 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $600.85, for a total transaction of $180,255.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 17,887 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $10,747,403.95. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. In other Thermo Fisher Scientific news, CAO Joseph R. Holmes sold 860 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, July 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $611.03, for a total value of $525,485.80. Following the completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer now owns 1,814 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,108,408.42. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, EVP Gianluca Pettiti sold 300 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, July 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $600.85, for a total transaction of $180,255.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 17,887 shares in the company, valued at $10,747,403.95. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last 90 days, insiders sold 23,084 shares of company stock worth $14,094,292. 0.34% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Thermo Fisher Scientific Trading Up 0.7 %

Shares of NYSE:TMO opened at $611.35 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.64, a quick ratio of 1.37 and a current ratio of 1.72. The stock has a market capitalization of $233.54 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 39.21, a PEG ratio of 2.85 and a beta of 0.78. Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. has a 1-year low of $415.60 and a 1-year high of $622.30. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $584.07 and a 200 day moving average price of $577.99.

Thermo Fisher Scientific (NYSE:TMO  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, July 24th. The medical research company reported $5.37 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $5.13 by $0.24. The company had revenue of $10.54 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $10.50 billion. Thermo Fisher Scientific had a return on equity of 18.22% and a net margin of 14.69%. Thermo Fisher Scientifics revenue for the quarter was down 1.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $5.15 earnings per share. On average, research analysts anticipate that Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. will post 21.72 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Thermo Fisher Scientific Dividend Announcement

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 15th. Stockholders of record on Friday, September 13th will be issued a dividend of $0.39 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, September 13th. This represents a $1.56 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.26%. Thermo Fisher Scientifics dividend payout ratio is currently 10.01%.

Thermo Fisher Scientific Profile

(Free Report)

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc provides life sciences solutions, analytical instruments, specialty diagnostics, and laboratory products and biopharma services in the North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and internationally. The company's Life Sciences Solutions segment offers reagents, instruments, and consumables for biological and medical research, discovery, and production of drugs and vaccines, as well as diagnosis of infections and diseases; and solutions include biosciences, genetic sciences, and bio production to pharmaceutical, biotechnology, agricultural, clinical, healthcare, academic, and government markets.

Read More

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TMO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE:TMO  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Thermo Fisher Scientific Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Thermo Fisher Scientific and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Shares of Vanguard FTSE Developed Europe All Cap Index ETF (TSE:VE  Get Free Report) dropped 0.6% during mid-day trading on Thursday . The company traded as low as C$36.19 and last traded at C$36.19. Approximately 3,753 shares were traded during mid-day trading, an increase of 21% from the average daily volume of 3,100 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$36.41.

Vanguard FTSE Developed Europe All Cap Index ETF Trading Down 1.0 %

The businesss fifty day simple moving average is C$36.17 and its 200 day simple moving average is C$35.77.

See Also

Receive News & Ratings for Vanguard FTSE Developed Europe All Cap Index ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Vanguard FTSE Developed Europe All Cap Index ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Jefferies Financial Group reissued their buy rating on shares of Watches of Switzerland Group (LON:WOSG  Free Report) in a research report report published on Tuesday, MarketBeat reports. The firm currently has a GBX 440 ($5.79) target price on the stock.

Several other equities research analysts have also recently commented on the company. Royal Bank of Canada boosted their target price on Watches of Switzerland Group from GBX 500 ($6.57) to GBX 520 ($6.84) and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Tuesday, July 2nd. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lifted their price target on Watches of Switzerland Group from GBX 420 ($5.52) to GBX 435 ($5.72) and gave the company a hold rating in a research report on Friday, June 28th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Watches of Switzerland Group has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of GBX 474.17 ($6.23).

Get Watches of Switzerland Group alerts:

Read Our Latest Research Report on WOSG

Watches of Switzerland Group Trading Down 1.8 %

Watches of Switzerland Group Company Profile

Shares of LON:WOSG opened at GBX 373.40 ($4.91) on Tuesday. The company has a 50 day moving average of GBX 395.97 and a 200-day moving average of GBX 385.11. The company has a current ratio of 1.95, a quick ratio of 0.48 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 109.69. The firm has a market cap of 894.55 million, a P/E ratio of 1,493.60, a P/E/G ratio of 0.91 and a beta of 2.17. Watches of Switzerland Group has a twelve month low of GBX 324 ($4.26) and a twelve month high of GBX 728 ($9.57).

(Get Free Report)

Watches of Switzerland Group PLC operates as a retailer of luxury watches and jewelry in the United Kingdom, Europe, and the United States. It offers its products under the Goldsmiths, Mappin & Webb, Watches of Switzerland, Mayors Jewelers, and Betteridge brands. The company also engages in sale of fashion and classic watches, and jewelry; and gifts, as well as provides servicing, repairs, and product insurance services.

Read More

Receive News & Ratings for Watches of Switzerland Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Watches of Switzerland Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft upgraded shares of Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC) from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note issued to investors on Tuesday, Marketbeat.com reports. They currently have $65.00 price objective on the financial services providers stock.

WFC has been the subject of a number of other reports. Evercore ISI restated an outperform rating and issued a $67.00 price objective (down from $70.00) on shares of Wells Fargo & Company in a report on Monday, July 15th. BMO Capital Markets boosted their price objective on shares of Wells Fargo & Company from $55.00 to $57.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a report on Thursday, July 11th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods lowered their price objective on shares of Wells Fargo & Company from $62.00 to $61.00 and set a market perform rating for the company in a report on Monday, July 15th. Jefferies Financial Group downgraded shares of Wells Fargo & Company to a hold rating and decreased their target price for the stock from $62.00 to $59.00 in a research note on Friday, August 16th. Finally, Morgan Stanley lifted their target price on shares of Wells Fargo & Company from $64.00 to $68.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 30th. Twelve research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, six have assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $60.29.

Get Wells Fargo & Company alerts:

Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on Wells Fargo & Company

Wells Fargo & Company Trading Down 5.0 %

Shares of Wells Fargo & Company stock opened at $54.01 on Tuesday. The firm has a market cap of $188.30 billion, a PE ratio of 11.09, a PEG ratio of 1.43 and a beta of 1.16. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.11, a current ratio of 0.86 and a quick ratio of 0.85. Wells Fargo & Company has a 1 year low of $38.38 and a 1 year high of $62.55. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $57.31 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $57.88.

Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Friday, July 12th. The financial services provider reported $1.33 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.29 by $0.04. The firm had revenue of $20.69 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $20.29 billion. Wells Fargo & Company had a net margin of 15.17% and a return on equity of 12.30%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up .8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $1.25 EPS. Analysts expect that Wells Fargo & Company will post 5.15 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Wells Fargo & Company Increases Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Sunday, September 1st. Stockholders of record on Friday, August 9th were given a $0.40 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, August 9th. This is an increase from Wells Fargo & Companys previous quarterly dividend of $0.35. This represents a $1.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.96%. Wells Fargo & Companys dividend payout ratio is currently 32.85%.

Institutional Trading of Wells Fargo & Company

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of WFC. Norges Bank bought a new position in Wells Fargo & Company in the 4th quarter worth about $2,623,044,000. Capital World Investors boosted its stake in Wells Fargo & Company by 1.0% in the 4th quarter. Capital World Investors now owns 26,319,775 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,295,459,000 after purchasing an additional 263,176 shares in the last quarter. Sanders Capital LLC boosted its stake in Wells Fargo & Company by 3.2% in the 4th quarter. Sanders Capital LLC now owns 25,218,016 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,241,231,000 after purchasing an additional 781,772 shares in the last quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP boosted its stake in Wells Fargo & Company by 4.4% in the 2nd quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 19,848,290 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,178,591,000 after purchasing an additional 831,975 shares in the last quarter. Finally, California State Teachers Retirement System boosted its stake in Wells Fargo & Company by 0.4% in the 4th quarter. California State Teachers Retirement System now owns 5,905,934 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $290,690,000 after purchasing an additional 25,896 shares in the last quarter. 75.90% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About Wells Fargo & Company

(Get Free Report)

Wells Fargo & Company, a financial services company, provides diversified banking, investment, mortgage, and consumer and commercial finance products and services in the United States and internationally. The company operates through four segments: Consumer Banking and Lending; Commercial Banking; Corporate and Investment Banking; and Wealth and Investment Management.

Featured Articles

Receive News & Ratings for Wells Fargo & Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Wells Fargo & Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
KYODO NEWS - Sep 7, 2024 - 08:00 | All, Japan, World

Japan's top business lobby on Friday urged "fairness" in the review of Nippon Steel Corp.'s plan to acquire United States Steel Corp. as Washington is apparently set to block the deal in the run-up to the Nov. 5 presidential election.

The Japan Business Federation made the opinion public in a rare statement regarding specific corporate activity after U.S. reports said President Joe Biden's administration is in the final stage of rejecting the offer by Japan's largest steelmaker to acquire the Pittsburgh-based firm.

The buyout plan "has garnered significant interest among Japanese companies, especially those considering investing in the United States," the federation said.

"We sincerely hope that the review procedure will be conducted with the utmost integrity and fairness in accordance with the law," it said.

An official of the federation, also known as Keidanren, said, "We don't understand why (the U.S. government) is trying to block the deal. If rejected, the reason should be a focus."

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee running to succeed Biden, has opposed the planned acquisition by Nippon Steel, the world's fourth-largest producer in the 2023 World Steel Association tally, of U.S. Steel, the 24th-largest.

She said at a recent rally in Pittsburgh that U.S. Steel should remain domestically owned and operated.

Former President Donald Trump, Harris' Republican rival for the White House, and his running mate JD Vance have also been critical of the deal.

U.S. Steel, founded in 1901, and the United Steelworkers union are both headquartered in the city, which is located in the key battleground state of Pennsylvania.

Related coverage:

Biden set to block Nippon Steel's acquisition of U.S. Steel: reports

Majority of U.S. Steel board to be U.S. citizens: Nippon Steel

Harris opposes sale of U.S. Steel to Japan's Nippon Steel
Alia Bhatt gets angry at paparazzi for following her inside her building, says, "kya karr rhe ho aap log?"
Deepika Padukone admitted to hospital, to welcome her first baby any time now
OTHERS

OTHERS

Follow us on:

My Account

or

or

Hello, Login

All

Tata Sons annual report: Chairman N Chandra's salary up 20% at Rs 135 cr; aviation biz cuts losses in FY24
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:

Abu Dhabi Crown Prince to visit India on Sep 9-10; to meet PM Modi, attend business forum in Mumbai
You are already a Moneycontrol Pro user.

OK
OTHERS

OTHERS

Follow us on:

My Account

or

or

Hello, Login

All

Arun Goel appointed as India's next Ambassador to Croatia
Follow us on:

ASI says Waqf making claims on its monuments; don't peddle 'WhatsApp university' misinformation, says Opposition
OTHERS

OTHERS

Follow us on:

My Account

or

or

Hello, Login

All

BJP criticizes Omar Abdullahs comments on Afzal Gurus execution as "irresponsible and anti-national"
Chinese Premier Li Qiang holds a welcoming ceremony for Sao Tome and Principe's Prime Minister Patrice Trovoada, who is in Beijing for the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and an official visit, at the Great Hall of the People prior to their talks in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 6, 2024. Li held talks with Trovoada here on Friday. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin)

BEIJING, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Friday held talks with Sao Tome and Principe's Prime Minister Patrice Trovoada, who is in Beijing for the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and an official visit.

China is ready to work with Sao Tome and Principe to promote pragmatic cooperation to better benefit the two peoples, Li said.

The two sides should strengthen cooperation in tourism, agriculture, animal husbandry, blue economy and green economy, actively push forward infrastructure construction projects, and deepen cooperation in medical and health care, Li said.

China is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with Sao Tome and Principe on international and regional issues such as international financial institutional reforms, peace and security, climate change response and ecological protection, Li said.

Trovoada said Sao Tome and Principe stands ready to take the elevation of bilateral relations to a strategic partnership as an opportunity to consolidate political mutual trust, expand cooperation in economy and trade, infrastructure, energy, agriculture, industry, education and health care, expand people-to-people exchanges, and jointly build a forward-looking community with a shared future.

After the talks, Li and Trovoada witnessed the signing of bilateral cooperation documents on economic development, green development, cocoa bean exports to China, customs inspection and quarantine, news organizations and media. 

Chinese Premier Li Qiang holds talks with Sao Tome and Principe's Prime Minister Patrice Trovoada, who is in Beijing for the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and an official visit, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 6, 2024. (Xinhua/Liu Bin)
OTHERS

OTHERS

Follow us on:

My Account

or

or

Hello, Login

All

Centre discharges Puja Khedkar from IAS with immediate effect: Sources
Follow us on:

Indian Army well-equipped to face threats on Pakistan and China borders: Vice Chief of Army Staff
Follow us on:

Karnataka Congress plans to start its own media platform, aims to counter BJP narrative: Report
OTHERS

OTHERS

Follow us on:

My Account

or

or

Hello, Login

All

Kerala announces Onam bonuses, advances, and pension benefits despite financial strain
Follow us on:

Manipur tensions: Five killed as fresh violence rocks Jiribam district, death toll likely to rise
Follow us on:

'No autonomy for Jammu and Kashmir': Amit Shah reiterates BJP's stance on J&K statehood
Follow us on:

Omar Abdullah accuses BJP of making deals with regional parties and Independents for J-K Govt formation
by Xinhua writer Li Jun

RAMALLAH, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- As the Israeli-Palestinian conflict grinds into the 11th month, children suffer the most. A recent polio outbreak has triggered an emergency vaccination campaign for 640,000 children under the age of 10, and is worsening an already dire crisis for Gaza's most vulnerable.

While vaccines may provide temporary protection against diseases, the only solution that can truly guarantee these children a future of health, safety, and dignity is peace.

Gaza's children are among the most innocent casualties of this brutal conflict. Shortages of food, clean water, and basic healthcare are gravely threatening their survival.

The United Nations sounded the alarm in July, warning that famine has taken hold across Gaza. For countless families, the prospect of starvation is no longer a distant threat but a terrifying reality.

But hunger is only one of many perils. Gaza's sanitation infrastructure lies in ruins, with 70 percent of its sewage pumps destroyed. Wastewater treatment facilities are inoperable, and the collapse of the clean water system has pushed Gaza's fragile public health system to the brink.

The resurgence of polio after 25 years, a disease eradicated in most of the world, is a damning indictment of the catastrophic conditions Gaza's children are forced to endure.

Displacement is another grim reality for Gaza's youth. Since the conflict began, 1.9 million people have been displaced, nearly half of them children, according to the United Nations.

As Muhannad Hadi, the UN humanitarian coordinator for the occupied Palestinian territory, recently observed, evacuation orders meant to protect civilians often achieve the opposite, driving families into overcrowded, unsafe areas with few services and constant danger. For Gaza's children, displacement is not a temporary ordeal; it is a constant state of being.

While hunger, malnutrition, and diseases are devastating enough, the specter of violence looms even larger. Airstrikes, explosions, and gunfire have become the horrifying soundtrack of daily life for Gaza's children. After 11 months of relentless warfare, much of Gaza lies in ruins, leaving its children to navigate a shattered world with no sense of security.

The casualty statistics are staggering. According to Palestinian officials, more than 40,000 Palestinians have died in this conflict, with over 16,000 of them being children. At least 17,000 children have lost one or both parents. Some 3,500 children face imminent death from malnutrition. Among the more than 94,000 wounded in Gaza, a significant number are children.

These cold numbers disclose the human tragedy behind them -- the loss of young lives that were filled with potential. The silent plea of Gaza's children echoes with painful clarity: "In Gaza, we never grow up."

Gaza's children, like all children, deserve to grow up in safety, with access to food, education, and hope. What they need is not just vaccines; they need peace and normal life first. Vaccinations may offer temporary relief, but they cannot protect these children from bullets and bombs. For them, peace is the ultimate "vaccine," the only shield that can safeguard their future.

Vaccines treat the symptoms; peace is the cure. The conflict must end. Peace must prevail -- not just for Gaza's children, but for the shared aspirations of peace-loving people everywhere. 
Follow us on:

Punjab's job surge: Nearly 45,000 new government positions created in just 30 months
'Those who underestimate us will..': AAP amid impasse in alliance talks with Congress for Haryana polls
OTHERS

OTHERS

Follow us on:

My Account

or

or

Hello, Login

All

With 6 nominated members, NDA has slender majority in Rajya Sabha
Best cities to find a job in the US
Follow us on:

When the 1965 Indo-Pak war interrupted classes at IIT Kharagpur, and more war stories
OTHERS

OTHERS

Follow us on:

My Account

or

or

Hello, Login

All

Hindu group endorses Trump over Harris in US presidential elections
Follow us on:

Pakistani man arrested in Canada for plotting New York strike on Hamas attack anniversary
SHANGHAI, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese financial hub of Shanghai on Saturday announced the establishment of a 10-billion-yuan (about 1.41 billion U.S. dollars) fund to nurture future industries.

According to the Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality, the fund is fully financed by the Shanghai government and has a term of 15 years that can be extended by an additional three years if required.

It aims to boost confidence in early-stage technology investment and accelerate the transformation of cutting-edge innovations into new quality productive forces.

The Shanghai State-owned Capital Investment Co., Ltd. will lead the creation of a market-oriented platform to manage the fund.

This is a key step as Shanghai continues its rapid ascent to becoming a global hub for scientific and technological innovation.

The announcement was made during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Pujiang Innovation Forum, which was co-hosted by China's Ministry of Science and Technology and the Shanghai municipal government. The forum runs from Sept. 7 to 10. 
Chen Min'er, member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and secretary of the CPC Tianjin Municipal Committee, meets with leaders of the five-party parliamentary group of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Sept. 5, 2024. At the invitation of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan, Chen led a CPC delegation to Uzbekistan from Sept. 4 to 7. (Xinhua/Li Ao)

TASHKENT, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on Thursday met in Tashkent with Chen Min'er, member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and secretary of the CPC Tianjin Municipal Committee.

Chen first conveyed the cordial greetings and best wishes from Chinese President Xi Jinping. He said that China-Uzbekistan relations have developed rapidly under the strategic guidance of and direct promotion by the two heads of state. In January this year, Mirziyoyev successfully paid a state visit to China, during which the two heads of state agreed to promote China-Uzbekistan relations to an all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership for the new era.

He noted that the CPC is willing to work with Uzbekistan's major political parties to implement the important consensus reached by the two leaders and promote the construction of a China-Uzbekistan community with a shared future.

He said that Tianjin will further deepen cooperation with Uzbekistan in trade and investment, education and technology, culture and tourism and other sectors, strengthening the exchanges between the two cities and contributing to developing bilateral relations.

Mirziyoyev asked Chen to convey his best wishes to President Xi. He stated that China is a close and reliable friend of Uzbekistan and expressed his gratitude for China's strong support for the country's "New Uzbekistan" initiative.

He said that Uzbekistan is willing to deepen interparty exchanges with China, explore the potential of sub-national level cooperation, and continue to elevate the level of mutually beneficial cooperation in all areas to better benefit the people of both countries.

At the invitation of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan, Chen led a CPC delegation to Uzbekistan from Sept. 4 to 7.

During the visit, he met with Speaker of the Legislative Chamber of Uzbekistan Nurdinjon Ismoilov, leaders of the five-party parliamentary group of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan, mayor of the city of Tashkent, and governor of Samarkand region. He also attended the opening ceremony of the Uzbekistan Luban Workshop and the China (Tianjin)-Uzbekistan (Tashkent) Educational Cooperation Roundtable Conference and other events. 

Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev meets with Chen Min'er, member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and secretary of the CPC Tianjin Municipal Committee, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Sept. 5, 2024. At the invitation of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan, Chen led a CPC delegation to Uzbekistan from Sept. 4 to 7. (Xinhua/Li Ao)
SHANGHAI, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- Economists and business leaders at the 2024 Bund Summit agreed that China's long-term quest for high-quality development and its capacity to innovate have become new engines for its economic growth in the long run.

Nobel Laureate in Economics Michael Spence told the three-day summit via video link that China is facing a short-run aggregate demand problem, but in the long run, China's growth will be driven by the enormous capacity to innovate and increase productivity.

Spence said China's economy will depend on the continued structural transformation on the supply side in the long run. "The growth potential is really quite substantial," he added.

Liu Jun, president of the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, said that China's economy will regain its great potential as the country can transform the whole economy to a new and high-quality level.

"Technologies like the Internet of Things, cloud computing and AI drive the new economic paradigm. China's huge market and population (is) coupled with the Chinese people's passion for trying new things," Liu said.

Also at the summit, Standard Chartered's China CEO Jean Lu told Xinhua that China's economy is undergoing a major transformation with the cultivation of new quality productive forces.

New technologies and high-tech enterprises are emerging and developing fast, and the transformation and upgrade of the Chinese economy is accelerating, Lu said, noting that it is a remarkable trend and will boost China's economy in the long run.

Thomas Fang, head of China global markets at UBS, told Xinhua that facing the complex and changeable international environment and the profound adjustment of economic structure, new opportunities and waves are emerging in China.

The digital economy, high-end manufacturing and new energy, as well as other high-tech fields, will become the power source of China's economy, Fang said.

"Here we see many opportunities associated with the development of AI," said Tim Wannenmacher, co-head of Global Markets Asia Pacific at UBS, adding that the country benefits from the advantage of an active engineering talent pool, large amounts of data and diverse use scenarios for large language models.

The 2024 Bund Summit, themed "Navigating a Changing World," is being held in Shanghai from Sept. 5 to 7. This year's summit gathered former central bank governors, leading economists, and business leaders, among others from across the world. 
DAMASCUS, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- In the former rebel stronghold of Eastern Ghouta, on the outskirts of the Syrian capital Damascus, residents are busy renovating schools damaged by war in preparation for the new academic year, which is set to begin on September 8.

After the outbreak of the Syrian civil war in March 2011, Eastern Ghouta became a key rebel bastion and suffered massive devastation until the Syrian army took back control of it in 2018. Local schools were among the hardest hit by the violence.

"In Eastern Ghouta, there were 157 schools before the crisis, but now 38 of them are still out of service," said Rawa Ghabra, supervisor of the Ghouta Educational Complex.

"We will bring four newly-rehabilitated schools back into service for the new school year," she told reporters, adding that "the schools have either been restored by the local community or with the help of international organizations."

"The local community ... has been a partner of the Ministry of Education to rebuild these schools for the sake of our children," Director of Education for Rural Damascus Abdul-Halim Youssef said.

In the city of Arbeen, where 18 schools were utterly destroyed, the local community's contributions have been deemed essential.

"The situation was tragic after the liberation of the city in 2018. The local community stepped in with the help of the city council to rehabilitate the schools," said Rateb Shahror, chairman of the Arbeen City Council.

"Since 2018, 14 schools have been restored in Arbeen, mostly with the help of the local community," the official said. "The city has suffered extensive damage to its infrastructure, homes, and streets, but the people here have taken it upon themselves to rebuild."

The repair work has not been without challenges. Sanctions from the West and limited resources have delayed some projects.

Emad al-Jamal, an engineer overseeing the rehabilitation of the Women's Applied Arts School in Arbeen, stressed the urgency of the task.

While some essential parts of the school will be ready by the first day of the new school year, more damaged parts will take more time to restore, al-Jamal said, adding, "We now focus on parts that could make the school operational soon."

The effort to rebuild schools and provide children with access to education without delay embodies the local community's wish to heal from trauma and have a brighter future.

Um-Bilal, a 50-year-old woman, told Xinhua that seeing people work hand in hand to rebuild the neighborhoods has sparked hope that after long years of crisis, there is finally a glimmer of light ahead.

"A few years back, the future was a bleak image to me, but now ... my pessimism was proven wrong by the solidarity of our community and its determination to create a better future for our kids," she said. 
This is Naked Capitalism fundraising week. 261 donors have already invested in our efforts to combat corruption and predatory conduct, particularly in the financial realm. Please join us and participate via our donation page, which shows how to give via check, credit card, debit card, PayPal, Clover, or Wise. Read about why were doing this fundraiser, what weve accomplished in the last year, and our current goal, supporting the commentariat.

Fungus-controlled robots tap into the unique power of nature ScienceDaily (Kevin W)

Bird flu in cows and poultry continues to fly high Farm and Dairy (Robin K)

#COVID-19

New CDC Covid map just came out pic.twitter.com/BmWhFmu69B  The Yeti of Kananaskis (@kananaskinyeti) September 7, 2024 They actually said he died of #LongCovid Many others have, but because it happens outside of the acute phase of the disease, it is almost never listed as such. We need more honesty and transparency. RIP Sergio Mendes.https://t.co/M21k16jWhM  Cat Herding Science Nerd  (@catladyactivist) September 7, 2024

Climate/Environment

China?

Africa

South of the Border

How a Start-Up Utopia Became a Nightmare for Honduras Foreign Policy (ma)

European Disunion

Old Blighty

South of the Border

Gaza

The Caucasus

New Not-So-Cold War

Syraqistan

Imperial Collapse Watch

Kamala

2024

Republican candidate for governor Mark Robinson is losing the ad war in North Carolina North Carolina Guardian (furzy)

Immigration

Gavin Newsom kills California bill to help undocumented immigrants buy homes Politico (Kevin W)

Our No Longer Free Press

Gunz

California Can Ban Guns in Parks and Bars, but Not Hospitals, Court Says New York Times (Dr. Kevin)

Boeing Falling Apart Airplanes

Boeing Starliner returns to Earth without NASA astronauts Associated Press (furzy)

AI

The Bezzle

Class Warfare

Antidote du jour. Ann M: This years swan family. The elegant youngsters grow fast. They were quite tiny in May, now are as big as mom and dad. Roger Williams Park, Providence RI. August 25, 2024.

A bonus (Chuck L):

It is so patient and kind! What are the crows doing?pic.twitter.com/3Ehcrf0QBw  Figen (@TheFigen_) September 6, 2024

And a second bonus (Chuck L). Proving that male lions are not always layabouts:

Her partner answered her call

pic.twitter.com/rR3yTm070l  Science girl (@gunsnrosesgirl3) September 5, 2024

See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here.
New York Times: Spike the food supply with sterilization chemicals to cause global infertility and depopulation

A November 4, 1969 New York Times feature article authored by Gladwin Hill called for sterilization chemicals to be added to the food supply in order to achieve globalist goals of human depopulation . That article, entitled "A Sterility Drug in Food is Hinted" came with the byline, "Biologist Stresses Need to Curb Population Growth."

Until the New York Times memory holes the article, you can still find it in the NYT archives at this link, in fact. You can also see a partial photo of the NYT article below.

Most people living today -- especially younger people -- have no idea that a key agenda of globalism is the elimination of "undesirable" humans from the gene pool. They believe that ideas of "eugenics" and genocide were only carried out by the Nazis, not by American university professors and presidential science advisors. So they have no grasp of the context in which Planned Parenthood, for example, operates today as a depopulation engine to eliminate blacks from society. (Planned Parenthood's founder, Margaret Sanger, was a black-hating eugenicist whose ideas directly inspired the genocidal goals of the Third Reich.)

The New York Times article, shown below, quotes Dr. Paul Ehrlich of Stanford University, a depopulation advocate, as well as President Richard Nixon's chief science adviser, Dr. Lee DuBridge, who said that "population control should be the prime task of every government." (Read PopulationControl.news for more headlines on this subject.)

Compulsory family regulation run by government

In the article, shown below, Dr. Ehrlich laments the fact that biologists believe, "compulsory family regulation will be necessary to retard population growth." In essence, he is arguing that the government should be in charge of reproductive rights, determining who is allowed to reproduce and who must be sterilized.

To achieve the sterilization goals, he "urged establishing a Federal Population Commission 'with a large budget for propaganda,'" reports the New York Times. He also called for, "the addition of a temporary sterilant to staple food, or to the water supply" in order to cause mandatory infertility.

Dr. Barry Commoner of Washington University in St. Louis added to the discussion:

Can we not invent a way to reduce our population growth rate to zero? Every human institution  school, university, church, family, government and international agencies such as Unesco  should set this as its prime task.

This agenda is already well under way

Most Americans have no awareness that this agenda is well under way. Flu shots, for example, are now scientifically confirmed to cause spontaneous abortions, a form of infertility and population control. This explains exactly why the CDC began pushing for flu shot vaccines during all three trimesters of gestation in expectant mothers.

Sperm viability is also plummeting across the modern world, according to dozens of published scientific studies. One such study -- conducted by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem -- found that sperm concentrations have plummeted more than 50 percent from 1973 to 2011. According to the abstract of this study as reported in Science Daily:

These findings strongly suggest a significant decline in male reproductive health that has serious implications beyond fertility and reproduction, given recent evidence linking poor semen quality with higher risk of hospitalization and death.

Covert vectors for depopulation that are being pursued right now

The depopulation goals from 1969 are in full force in America today. Some of the vectors for covert sterilization and depopulation now include:

If you do not know that mass sterilization efforts are underway right now to eliminate human fertility and drastically reduce the global population, then you are not yet well-versed on reality. Even Bill Gates openly talks about achieving the correct amount of population reduction by using vaccines and other vectors, saying:

The world today has 6.8 billion people... that's headed up to about 9 billion. Now if we do a really great job on new vaccines, health care, reproductive health services, we could lower that by perhaps 10 or 15 percent.

For the sake of preserving the historical record, we are reprinting the NYT article here, knowing that they are very likely to attempt to memory hole this article in another swipe at Orwellian-style revisionist history.

A STERILITY DRUG IN FOOD IS HINTED

Biologist Stresses Need to Curb Population Growth

By GLADWIN HILL

Special to The New York Times

SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 24  A possibility that the government might have to put sterility drugs in reservoirs and in food shipped to foreign countries to limit human multiplication was envisioned today by a leading crusader on the population problem.

The crusader, Dr. Paul Ehrlich of Stanford University, among a number of commentators who called attention to the population crisis as the United States Commission for Unesco opened it 13th national conference here today.

Unesco is the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. The 100-member commission, appointed by the Secretary of State, included representatives of Government, outside organizations, and the public. Some 500 conservationists and others are attending the two-day meeting at the St. Francis Hotel, devoted this year to environmental problems.

President Nixon's chief science adviser, Dr. Lee DuBridge, brought up the population question in his keynote speech last night, calling the reduction of the earth's population growth rate to zero the first great challenge of our time.

Godfrey a Speaker

His comments went beyond recent statements of President Nixon, who in a message to Congress stressed the provision of birth control information to underprivileged women.

But the Federal Government's willingness to come to grips with population limitation was questioned by another speaker, Arthur Godfrey, radio-television star and a conservation campaigner.

Dr. DuBridge rightly said that population control should be the prime task of every government, he said. But is there anyone here  anyone  who thinks that this Administration, or the next of the next, will act with the kind of force that's necessary?

Dr. Erlich, who is a biologist said:

Our first move must be to convince all those we can that the planet Earth must be viewed as a spaceship of limited carrying capacity.

I think that 150 million people (50 million fewer that there are now) would be an optimum number to live comfortably in the United States.

'Alternative to Armageddon'

Some biologists feel that compulsory family regulation will be necessary to retard population growth. It is a dismal prospect  except when viewed as an alternative to Armageddon.

He urged establishing a Federal Population Commission with a large budget for propaganda, changing tax laws to discourage reproduction and instituting mandatory birth control instruction in public schools.

He also urged changing the pattern of Federal support of biomedical research so that the majority of it goes into the broad areas of population regulation, environment sciences, behavior sciences and related areas rather than into short-sighted programs on death control.

If such steps are unavailing, he continued, the nation might resort to the addition of a temporary sterilant to staple food, or to the water supply, with limited distribution of antidote chemicals, perhaps by lottery.

Although it might seem that such a program could be started by doctoring foods sent to underdeveloped countries, he said, the solution does not lie in that direction because other people already are suspicious of our motives.

Economic Pressure Urged

Rather, he suggested, the United States should stop economic aid to countries that do not try to limit their populations.

Dr. Barry Commoner of St. Louis, Washington University ecologist, in an ensuing discussion period differed with Dr. Ehrlich.

He said that he thought the urge to multiply was rooted in the sense of insecurity. And that the better way to reduce reproduction was by increasing the well-being of peoples.

He also opposed chemical strategems on the ground that every technological trick like that we've tried has caused disaster.

Recapitulating the environmental problems stemming from population, Dr. Dubridge said: Do we need more people on the earth? We all know the answer to that is no. Do we have to have more people? Also no.

Can we reverse the urges of a billion years of evolving life? We can. We know techniques for reducing fertility. We are not fully utilizing them.

Citing a widespread attitude, he said: 'We have the right to have as many children as we can afford,' we say. Do we, today? No.

Can we not invent a way to reduce our population growth rate to zero? Every human institution  school, university, church, family, government and international agencies such as Unesco  should set this as its prime task.

Source: The New York Times

Published: November 25, 1969
UPenn researchers developing taxpayer-funded AI tool to target vaccine skeptics in social media

human papillomavirus (HPV)

This information came from grant documents obtained by Children's Health Defense (CHD) via a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is funding this $4 million effort through the National Cancer Institute. (Related: HHS deploys AI robots to "inoculate" social media users against HPV vaccine "misinformation.")

Associate Professor of Nursing at UPenn Melanie L. Kornides heads the team behind the study. Kornides "specializes" in researching vaccine uptake and anti-misinformation strategies, while others participating in this project are software developers, machine learning and communication experts, and social media analysts.

Their task is to scour YouTube, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for user data and create an "inoculation tool" to pinpoint "HPV vaccine misinformation" as well as content expressing vaccine skepticism  "whether or not the information in the post is true or false."

Mary Holland, co-author of "The HPV Vaccine on Trial: Seeking Justice for a Generation Betrayed," told the Defender that the UPenn research on the part of the public health industry is "a sign of weakness."

"When you are censoring information, labeling it misinformation and smearing us, this is a sign that they've lost the science and are now in a verbal food fight. It's just a sign they are going to lose," she said.

Parents are likely to refuse HPV vaccination for their children

The grant is one of more than 50 grants totaling more than $40 million awarded by the HHS last year to universities, healthcare systems and departments of public health to increase HPV vaccine uptake.

Nearly half of parents have heard stories of harm from HPV vaccination, according to the grant documents, and those parents are more likely to refuse vaccination for their children.

"Fueled by misinformation from the anti-vaccine movement through social media, parents' concerns about side effects and safety may foster reluctance to vaccinate their children," the documents said.

In response, the researchers said they are training AI to identify misinformation using methods from Kornides' previous work identifying HPV vaccine misinformation on X, formerly Twitter. In that study, Kornides and colleagues identified tweets about the HPV vaccine using keywords and coded them for their misinformation content.

Overall, tweets that were deemed "misinformation" raised the following concerns: the vaccine was ineffective, unsafe or caused serious adverse events; there was inadequate or falsified safety monitoring; the pharmaceutical industry was profiteering; the government conspired with interested actors to support their profiting; children were too young for the vaccine; mandates were unjust; and there were issues with vaccines in general.

"This just proves yet again that anything that deviates from the orthodoxy in public health is considered misinformation," Holland said. "Truth is irrelevant. That's shocking and disturbing. And it can kill you, period. That's the bottom line."

Merck, the company that makes the Gardasil vaccine, is facing over 200 lawsuits in federal court from people who suffered a range of serious injuries after taking Gardasil, including autoimmune disorders, premature ovarian failure and cancer. There are also over 200 Gardasil injury claims pending in the Vaccine Court.

Visit VaccineInjuryNews.com for similar stories.

Watch as Dr. Judy Mikovits discusses data she presented to the vaccine court about children getting advanced cancers from the Gardasil shot.

This video is from the channel The Real Dr Judy on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

HPV vaccines are loaded with toxic ingredients, including an "upgraded" version of ALUMINUM.

HPV Vaccine leaves ANOTHER teenager chained to a wheelchair for LIFE.

HPV vaccine narrative UNRAVELS in Japan as it's revealed the shot causes long-term pain  but Big Pharma says it's just "psychosomatic."

Merck misled participants in the HPV vaccine trial  injuring the placebo group with an aluminum adjuvant to make the HPV vaccine appear safer.

Sources:

ReclaimtheNet.org

ChildrensHealthDefense.org

Brighteon.com
Amnesty International calls for war crimes probe into Israels buffer zone

On Thursday, Amnesty International said Israels creation of a buffer zone in Gaza should be investigated as war crimes since it has involved the wanton destruction of all buildings and agricultural land in those areas.

(Article by Dave DeCamp republished from News.Antiwar.com)

Using bulldozers and manually laid explosives, the Israeli military has unlawfully destroyed agricultural land and civilian buildings, razing entire neighborhoods, including homes, schools and mosques, Amnesty said.

By analyzing satellite imagery and videos posted by Israeli soldiers on social media between October 2023 and May 2024, Amnesty Internationals Crisis Evidence Lab identified newly cleared land along Gazas eastern boundary, ranging from approximately 1km to 1.8km wide. In some videos, Israeli soldiers are seen posing for pictures or toasting in celebration as buildings are demolished in the background, the group added.

Amnesty also said the destruction should be investigated for the war crime of collective punishment. Systematically destroying civilian objects in retaliation for actions by armed groups may constitute collective punishment and should be investigated as a war crime, the group said.

Israels buffer zone, which runs along Gazas border with Israel, accounts for 16% of the besieged enclaves territory. The Israeli military has carried out a similar campaign of destruction in the Netzarim Corridor, which separates northern Gaza from the rest of the Strip. Combining the two areas accounts for about 26% of the Strip.

Many Israeli ministers and lawmakers have called for the re-establishment of Jewish settlements in the Gaza Strip. Settlements used to be located in the Netzarim Corridor, including where the Turkish hospital now stands, which has been taken over by Israeli forces and is now used as a military base.

Read more at: News.AntiWar.com
Biden administration rejects Pentagons proposal to send civilian contractors to help Ukraine maintain F16s, other Western military equipment

The administration of President Joe Biden has rejected a proposal by the Department of Defense to send American defense contractors to help Ukraine maintain F-16 fighter jets and other Western military equipment

This is according to a report by the Wall Street Journal, citing Washington, D.C. officials currently embroiled in the long-running discussion over sending American civilians to Ukraine to help in the effort against Russian forces. The first six of 80 F-16 jets promised to Ukraine came in to the country at the end of July.

Officials aware of the discussion in the Pentagon said the National Security Council had previously considered the proposal to send civilian defense contractors to Ukraine to maintain F-16 fighter jets and other military weaponry, but it was inevitably turned down as it was viewed as too risky. (Related: Ukrainian military shoots down its own F-16 fighter jet provided by U.S. earlier this year.)

"The intelligence community raised concerns over the prospect of Russia targeting American contractors in Ukraine," an American official stated.

The Biden administration hasn't ruled out the possibility of sending American contractors to Ukraine in the future, but they aren't anticipated to go there soon.

"This is something we are considering but have made no decisions," Sean Savett, principal spokesman for the National Security Council, said in a statement concerning the proposal.

U.S. wants European allies to shoulder responsibility of maintaining F-16s

For the time being, Washington expects its NATO allies in Europe to assume responsibility for servicing the U.S.-designed jets.

The Netherlands, one of the many Western nations that have pledged to provide Kyiv with F-16 jets, has already declared its willingness to finance a private contract between a civilian defense maintenance corporation and the Ukrainian Air Force.

"We support the Ukrainian government financially to make those contracts with private partners to see if they can hold the aircraft up and running in the future," said Dutch Chief of Defense and Royal Netherlands Air Force Gen. Onno Eichelsheim.

The American-designed F-16 is one of the U.S. Air Force's most famous jet fighters and demands very skilled maintenance and other support, as well as hours of service for every hour of flight time. Lots of support personnel usually work on each fighter jet.

All countries, along with the U.S., depend to some extent on private corporations and their personnel to help service the complicated jet fighter.

Maintenance of the aircraft could prove critical for Ukraine's defense of its territory, with Kyiv hoping the F-16s can prevent Russia from dominating the skies. Without European or American civilian contractors servicing the planes, Ukraine has stated its intention to keep the Western-provided planes operational on its own.

Follow UkraineWitness.com for more news about Ukraine's continuing war against Russia.

Watch the video below about Ukraine losing the first of only six F-16 warplanes it received from the West.

This video is from the The Prisoner channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Biden (supposedly) sending F-16s to be stationed inside Ukraine in defiance of Russian red line.

Russia warns all airfields hosting Kyivs F-16 fighter jets are legitimate targets  even if they arent in Ukraine.

Russian foreign minister: Delivery of F-16 jets to Ukraine a deliberate signal that NATO is pushing for nuclear war.

Putin promises to DESTROY all those U.S.-made F-16 fighter jets piloted by Ukrainian soldiers.

Sources include:

WSJ.com

RT.com

Brighteon.com
Three powerful Dems sound major alarm bells over Comrade Kamalas plans to BUTCHER social media

Three top Dems are sounding major alarm bells over Comrade Kamalas plot to silence dissent by going after social media platforms like X. Elon Musk, RFK Jr., and Tulsi Gabbard are convinced that Harris has big plans to make sure you cant truly speak your mind ever again. And who can blame them? This is the same wretched woman who basically gave a thumbs up to the horrific and unprecedented Marxist censorship unfolding in Brazil.

(Article republished from Revolver.news)

Kamala supports what Brazil just did to X. How do I know? She wants to do it here: pic.twitter.com/nb4QXRiI9v  End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) August 30, 2024

The signs are everywhere that Ms. Harris is chomping at the bit to get her hands on social media, and clearly, shes not being shy about it.

Charlie Spiering:

Elon Musk, RFK Jr., and Tulsi Gabbard are raising concerns of free speech under Kamala Harris. In 2019, Harris vowed to use the DOJ and law enforcement to hold social media platforms responsible for misinformation as part of the fight against this threat to our Democracy As vice president, Harris earned the title of disinformation czar after Biden appointed her to the White House Task Force to Address Online Harassment and Abuse. Harris is supportive of the idea of social media censorship in the name of stopping hate and misinformation. In 2019, Harris also led a campaign to de-platform Trump on Twitter, in the hopes it would spark life into her fading campaign.

Elon Musk, RFK Jr., and Tulsi Gabbard are raising concerns of free speech under Kamala Harris. In 2019, Harris vowed to use the DOJ and law enforcement to 'hold social media platforms responsible' for 'misinformation' as part of the 'fight against this threat to our Democracy' pic.twitter.com/3XwD8lcoQb  Charlie Spiering (@charliespiering) September 5, 2024

The Daily Mail dives deeper into this chilling story and reminds us of what Biden and Harris did by using Facebook to censor the American people.

A growing number of free speech advocates are raising the alarm over what Vice President Kamala Harris would do to censor social media platforms if she wins the election. In 2019, Harris famously branded social media companies as purveyors of hate, and misinformation vowing to hold them responsible for content posted on their platforms. We will hold social media platforms accountable for the hate infiltrating their platforms because they have a responsibility to help fight against this threat to our democracy, Harris said during a speech to the NAACP in 2019. She warned technology moguls that she would double the number of attorneys at the Department of Justice to target their platforms. If you profit off of hate, if you act as a megaphone for misinformation or cyber warfare, if you dont police your platforms we are going to hold you accountable as a community. Under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, online platforms are shielded from liability for what users post on their platforms. The Biden-Harris administrations efforts to censor online content was recently brought into focus after Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg revealed last week that his company acted to remove content the government asked them to censor, due to extreme pressure from the federal government. I believe the government pressure was wrong, and I regret that we were not more outspoken about it, he said in a letter to House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan. I also think we made some choices that, with the benefit of hindsight and new information, we wouldnt make today.

Biden/Harris have already been very active in trying to corral the internet, and Comrade Kamala is just getting started. The Daily Mail piece goes on:

Read more at: Revolver.news
TWISTED: David Friedman wants U.S. to divert $1B in humanitarian aid for Palestinians to help Israel fully annex West Bank

A former United States ambassador to Israel has come up with a plan to help Israel fully annex the West Bank and make American taxpayers foot the bill

David Friedman, who served as U.S. Ambassador to Israel from 2017 to 2021 under the administration of former President Donald Trump, is set to release a book detailing a plan to divert $1 billion in U.S. humanitarian aid for the occupied Palestinian territories to finance the annexation of the West Bank.

In his upcoming book, "One Jewish State: The Last, Best Hope to Resolve the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict," Friedman wrote about his belief that American support for Israel despite its illegal and inhumane actions toward Palestinians is "based first and foremost on biblical prophecies and values." (Related: UN experts demand targeted sanctions, arms embargo against Israel for crimes against humanity.)

Friedman wrote that Israel will require U.S. financial assistance "to assert and maintain its sovereignty over Judea and Samaria," the term Israel uses to refer to the West Bank.

He recommends that the next Republican administration and Congress could redirect $1 billion from existing aid to the Palestinians, along with funds meant for the Palestinian security force, to finance the annexation plan, which he said will help improve the lives of Palestinians and allow them to live under Israeli control.

"The easiest bucket to tap into and reposition is that of the United States," Friedman said.

Meanwhile, Trump has remained silent on what he might do concerning issues of specific interest to Jewish Americans.

Friedman compares Palestinians to Puerto Ricans

Friedman in the book dedicated a whole chapter to comparing the Palestinians living under Israeli authority to the people of Puerto Rico, which was designated as an American territory following Spain's defeat in the Spanish-American War of 1898.

"Palestinians, like Puerto Ricans, will not vote in national elections. Palestinians will be free to enact their own governing documents as long as they are not inconsistent with those of Israel," Friedman wrote.

While Puerto Ricans are considered American citizens and have the right to vote if they move to another state, Friedman does not recommend that Israel create this similar class distinction for Palestinians in the West Bank.

"This is a huge opportunity for the expansion of the Abraham Accords around the concept of One Jewish State," wrote Friedman.

Friedman is not the first person to suggest that the U.S. should provide support for Israeli plans to annex the West Bank.

Early this year, it was reported that Miriam Adelson, the widow of businessman and former Republican megadonor Sheldon Adelson, sought Trump's support for Israeli annexation of the West Bank in exchange for $100 million contribution to his presidential campaign.

She later denied suggesting this annexation plan.

Follow IsraelCollapse.com for more news about Israel, Palestine and the West Bank.

Watch the video below about Israel launching a large military offensive in the occupied West Bank.

This video is from Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Israel launches a series of large-scale military operations in West Bank.

Israel CUTS OFF communications in Jenin as it expands military operations in the occupied West Bank.

ICJ orders Israel to end its 57-year military occupation of Palestinian territories "as rapidly as possible."

Israel approves largest LAND GRAB in the Palestinian West Bank in over 30 years.

Miriam Adelson "wants West Bank annexation" in return for $100M donation to Trump.

Sources include:

InformationLberation.com

Forward.com

MiddleEastEye.net

Brighteon.com
Dr. Daniel Nagase warns of possible GLOBAL CATASTROPHE as Japan plans to roll out worlds first self-replicating mRNA COVID-19 vaccine

NHK, Japan's biggest broadcaster, aired a special report on Wednesday, Sept. 4, about the side effects of the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines  featuring stories from viewers who shared their negative experiences.

But according to Dr. Daniel Nagase, the issues seen so far might pale in comparison to what could happen with a new kind of vaccine known as the replicon vaccine. He warned that these vaccines could trigger a global catastrophe.

Nagase said if genes from these replicon vaccines escape into the environment  through birds, insects or other animals  they could spread uncontrollably, creating a nightmare scenario. (Related: GLOBAL EMERGENCY UNFOLDING: Japan will unleash Bill Gates-approved, SELF-REPLICATING mRNA vaccines starting next month.)

Replicon vaccines use a special type of RNA that can replicate itself. This means the vaccine could produce viral proteins inside the body longer. While this has excited researchers for its supposed potential in treating diseases, like cancer, it raises concerns about the vaccine's ability to spread between humans and other species.

In November 2023, Japan's Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare approved its first replicon vaccine, the ARCT-154. Developed by American biotech firm Arcturus Therapeutics in partnership with Australian vaccine manufacturer CSL Seqirus, this experimental COVID-19 vaccine is designed to be more efficient than traditional mRNA vaccines by setting up a "biological factory" in the body and producing more proteins with a similar dose.

Japan plans to roll out these vaccines in late 2024, but protests have already erupted over the rollout due to concerns regarding the World Health Organization's proposed pandemic treaty and the risks posed by these new vaccine technologies.

Nagase believes this is a global issue that everyone needs to watch closely.

Global threat of replicon vaccines

Replicon vaccines, also known as self-amplifying mRNA vaccines, carry a unique risk due to their viral origins. These vaccines are based on alphaviruses  a family of viruses that can infect both humans and animals. What makes them concerning is their resilience  some can survive for long periods outside of a host and remain infectious. The potential danger lies in how these man-made genes could spread  not just between people but across entire ecosystems.

Nagase raised alarms about the serious consequences of introducing these artificial genes into the environment. He points out that if these genes were to escape into nature  via mosquitoes or other animals  they could spread uncontrollably, making it nearly impossible to eliminate them. The real feeling is that replicon vaccines could recombine with other viruses  leading to the creation of hybrid viruses, or "superviruses," that are more dangerous and harder to control.

One of the biggest concerns is interspecies transmission. Alphaviruses are known to jump between species and if a human injected with a replicon vaccine passes the artificial genes to animals or insects, the virus could survive and evolve in these new hosts. This means the virus could remain deadly to humans while thriving in other species  creating long-lasting reservoirs of infection. In the worst-case scenario, these genes could spread globally  making containment nearly impossible.

The ARCT-154 trials in Vietnam, where over 9,000 people were given replicon vaccines, didn't address the potential environmental spread of the vaccine. There was no follow-up to check if the vaccines genetic material had entered the ecosystem.

If a similar situation were to unfold on a larger scale  like in Japan  Nagase said the only solution might be a complete quarantine of the country.

Without drastic measures, the artificial genes could spread across the world, becoming a permanent fixture in multiple species and posing an ongoing threat to human health.

Watch this video about the self-amplifying mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.

This video is from the Daily Videos channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Oxford study reveals COVID-19 mRNA vaccines as the sole cause of inflammation and heart failure in children.

Children given mRNA COVID-19 vaccines showed dangerous immune system alterations one year later.

PROGRAMMED DEATH: Science proves billions of mRNA VACCINE NANOPARTICLES might be used to control appetite and emotions of entire vaxxed populations.

Sources include:

Expose-News.com

ContagionLive.com

PublicHeathCollaborative.org

IndependentNewsEurope.org

ScienceDirect.com

Nature.com

Brighteon.com
* The year 2024 marks the China-ASEAN Year of People-to-People Exchanges.

* Many foreign students have benefited from educational cooperation between China and ASEAN countries, witnessing the deepening exchanges between the two sides.

* Data shows that the number of Chinese students studying in ASEAN countries and students of ASEAN countries studying in China surpassed 175,000 in 2023.

Representatives of foreign students sing songs at the opening ceremony of the 2024 China-ASEAN Education Cooperation Week in Gui'an New Area, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Aug. 21, 2024. (Xinhua/Tao Liang)

GUIYANG/NANNING, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- Nguyen Ngoc Son, a Gen-Z from Vietnam and an enthusiast of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), saw studying in China as his best choice for further education.

Passionate about Chinese culture, Son chose TCM as his major in university and is now pursuing a master's degree in integrated Chinese and Western medicine at Gansu University of Chinese Medicine in northwest China's Gansu Province.

After graduation from his college in Vietnam in 2020, he spent three years working in the TCM department of a general hospital there, treating patients with herbs, acupuncture and massage techniques.

China and Vietnam are close neighbors and share similar cultures, and TCM techniques have become increasingly popular in Vietnam, Son said.

Like Son, many foreign students have benefited from educational cooperation between China and ASEAN countries, witnessing the deepening exchanges between the two sides.

The year 2024 marks the China-ASEAN Year of People-to-People Exchanges. Liu Baoli, former executive secretary general of the China-ASEAN Education Cooperation Week, said that China and ASEAN countries would continue to strengthen education cooperation and promote people-to-people exchanges to help build a closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future.

Representatives of foreign students attend the opening ceremony of the 2024 China-ASEAN Education Cooperation Week in Gui'an New Area, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Aug. 21, 2024. (Xinhua/Tao Liang)

FLOURISHING PEOPLE-TO-PEOPLE EXCHANGES

Data shows that the number of Chinese students studying in ASEAN countries and students of ASEAN countries studying in China surpassed 175,000 in 2023.

"Studying in China is a good choice," said Soulideth Lavanphone from Laos, who completed his undergraduate and graduate studies in China.

Intrigued by China and its culture since childhood, Lavanphone began his studies at Tongren Polytechnic College in southwest China's Guizhou Province in 2012. He learned Chinese and majored in investment and finance, later earning a Chinese government scholarship to pursue an MBA at Sichuan University in 2018.

During his time in China, Lavanphone not only honed his professional knowledge but also witnessed the country's rapid economic development. He was inspired by the entrepreneurial spirit of the Chinese people through his participation in Chinese language competitions and public welfare activities.

After graduation, he returned to his hometown and became a bilingual tour guide, leveraging his excellent Chinese and professional skills. This role allowed him to connect with people from various industries and earn his "first bucket of gold."

In 2021, he was invited to serve as an overseas communicator for southwest China's Yunnan Province to promote cultural exchanges between China and Laos.

Noticing a growing interest among people from Laos in studying in China, he opened a Chinese language training center in his hometown this year to help them improve their Chinese proficiency and secure opportunities to study in China. During the summer vacation, the center attracted around 100 Laotian students.

"I gained invaluable knowledge and skills and enjoyed a vibrant life in China. Looking back, I know I made the right choice," Lavanphone said.

In addition to a focus on education, ASEAN students are also discovering broad job opportunities in China.

Foreign students sell products via livestream during the 2024 China-ASEAN Education Cooperation Week in Gui'an New Area, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Aug. 21, 2024. (Xinhua/Tao Liang)

Tommy Tanu Wijaya from Indonesia began his studies at Guangxi Normal University in China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in 2018 and received his doctoral degree from Beijing Normal University in July this year. He has decided to stay on and work as a post-doctoral fellow at Beijing Normal University.

"I'm grateful for the education I received in China and honored to contribute through my work here," Wijaya stated in a social media post.

Reflecting on his learning experiences in China, he noted his appreciation for the academic platform and the extensive opportunities available to international students.

During his doctoral studies, he participated in international cooperation projects with his supervisor and networked with foreign experts, which greatly benefited his research.

"After I came to China, I have met lots of friends and been to a lot of places. I cooperate with my Chinese friends and that broadens my vision," Wijaya said, adding that China and Indonesia have established solid cooperation across various sectors, including the economy and education.

EXPANDING TECHNICAL EDUCATION COOPERATION

At the 2024 China-ASEAN Education Cooperation Week held last month in Guiyang, the capital of Guizhou Province, Duangpaseuth Amphone from Laos was carrying out a live stream on TikTok, showcasing cameras produced in Guizhou, with orders displayed on a public screen beside him.

Since May this year, Zunyi Normal University, where Amphone is currently studying, has introduced a cross-border e-commerce course. The university has also partnered with Guizhou Qianyue Youpin Import and Export E-commerce Co., Ltd. to establish a cross-border e-commerce training base. This initiative provides practical opportunities for e-commerce livestreaming enthusiasts and helps promote local products in the international market.

So far, the training base has launched five international e-commerce routes to ASEAN countries, including Vietnam, Thailand and Laos, attracting many international students to participate.

A passenger walks in the waiting hall of Vientiane Station along the China-Laos Railway in Vientiane, Laos, Jan. 26, 2024. (Photo by Yang Yongquan/Xinhua)

Amphone, a junior majoring in financial management, used to sell local specialties and clothing from her hometown on Facebook, as well as products she purchased in China, back to Laos.

Amphone said that with the rapid growth of cross-border e-commerce and the valuable learning opportunities provided by her school, she plans to pursue the cross-border e-commerce as a career and strives to promote high-quality products from her hometown to the international market.

According to Li Mingze, general manager of Guizhou Qianyue Youpin Import and Export E-commerce Co., Ltd., the e-commerce training base mainly sells products from Guizhou, such as cameras and agricultural goods, with the sales volume via livestreamkng reaching 200,000 yuan (about 28,199 U.S. dollars) to date.

Chen Jin, an official with the Ministry of Education, said that so far, 111 colleges and universities across 24 provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions in China have launched such majors related to e-commerce.

In December 2023, the Cambodia-China University of Technology and Science was established in Phnom Penh to train e-commerce professionals.

Sok Huy, the university's executive principal, announced that the first group of 70 Cambodian undergraduates has been enrolled to study both the Chinese language and e-commerce. The university also plans to train 1,000 e-commerce professionals in short video production and customer service.

This aerial drone photo taken on Dec. 20, 2023 shows the campus of the Cambodia-China University of Technology and Science (CamTech) in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. (Photo by Van Pov/Xinhua)

As China and ASEAN countries enhance connectivity, major construction projects like the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway, the China-Laos Railway, and the China-Thailand Railway are generating a high demand for railway-related talent.

In December 2021, the China-Laos Railway was officially opened. In September 2022, Vue Xiong and 13 other students from Laos came to study traffic operation and management at Liuzhou Railway Vocational Technical College in Guangxi.

Recalling his first experience on a high-speed train, Xiong said he felt both nervous and excited. "The train was incredibly fast, which made me a bit anxious at first, but it soon ran smoothly."

Optimistic about the future of high-speed trains, he chose to study in China with the hope of returning home to contribute to his country's transportation industry.

Shi Zhongjun, secretary-general of the ASEAN-China Center, said education is an important component of people-to-people exchanges between China and ASEAN, and talent is a crucial support for the development of China and ASEAN countries.

In recent years, education cooperation between the two sides at all levels has been enhanced, and personnel training and scientific and technological cooperation have achieved fruitful results, Shi added.

(Video reporters: Cui Xiaoqiang, Xu Siyuan, Guo Yifan; Video editors: Li Ziwei, Zak Zuzanna, Li Qin) 
Israeli economy brought to STANDSTILL as nationwide labor strike, protests seek to oust Netanyahu and his never-ending war in Gaza

The most tumultuous time in Israel's history is here as the Jewish state descends into chaos over the Netanyahu regime's handling of the war in Gaza.

Upwards of 750,000-plus Israelis have taken to the street in protest after the bodies of six Israeli hostages were recovered from a Gaza tunnel. Netanyahu is refusing a hostage deal with Hamas in favor of a continued military operation which puts the remaining 100 Israeli captives in harm's way.

Many Israelis want the war to stop and for Israel to take back the hostages in a deal and call it a day. Peace and safety is what the people want, and until they get it, the entire Israeli economy is on standby.

"For 11 months, the Israeli government led by Netanyahu failed to do what a government is expected to do: return its sons and daughters home," said The Hostages and Missing Families Forum in a statement.

"A deal for the return of the abductees has been on the table for over two months. If it weren't for the thwarting [of the deal], the excuses, and the spins, the abductees whose deaths we learned of this morning would probably be alive."

Check out the video below showing nearly 300,000 Israeli protesters packed together at a major intersection in Tel Aviv. This horde of people wants Netanyahu to agree to a ceasefire:

Wow. Aerial video of massive protest in Tel Aviv, Israel tonight of nearly 300,000 people, demanding a ceasefire hours after bodies of 6 hostages were retrieved from Gaza tunnel. Largest rally since war: pic.twitter.com/2KtqWUk7ef  Joyce Karam (@Joyce_Karam) September 1, 2024

(Related: It really looks as though Israel is behind the arrest of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov.)

Angry Israelis want Netanyahu gone

One of the hostages whose body was retrieved from the Gaza tunnel was an Israeli-American by the name of Hersh Goldberg-Polin. The others are Eden Yerushalmi, Ori Danino, Alex Lobanov, Carmel Gat, and Almog Sarusi."

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued a statement claiming that Hamas killed these people moments before Israeli soldiers stormed the tunnels to rescue them. Health authorities agreed that all of the bodies were killed no longer than 72 hours before autopsy, with all of them showing evidence of having been executed at close range with multiple bullets.

Families of the victims are outraged to the point that they want Netanyahu ousted. Massive protests have overtaken not just Tel Aviv but also Jerusalem and other major cities as Israelis say enough is enough to Netanyahu and his war cabinet.

Hisadrut, Israel's largest labor union, also announced this week that there will be a general nationwide strike all across the Jewish state. This marks an unprecedented first since Oct. 7, 2023, when Netanyahu declared war in response to the Hamas attack.

The union strike is making it abundantly clear that a ceasefire deal is "more important than anything else" right now, this according to union head Arnon Bar-David who complained that Israel is "getting body bags instead of a deal."

For about eight hours on Monday, Israel's entire economy came to a screeching halt due to the protests. Workers shut down public services, tech firms and a variety of other businesses. They also blocked traffic at major intersections while pressuring the Netanyahu regime to change course.

As tens of thousands protest in Tel Aviv to demand Netanyahu allow a prisoner exchange/ceasefire, Israeli forces are responding with stun grenades. Israel has been at war with its neighbors since its inception. Now it appears it may go to war with itself.pic.twitter.com/55eEI1T40p  Wyatt Reed (@wyattreed13) September 1, 2024

Will Israel survive the hell it is unleashing? Find out more at IsraelCollapse.com.

Sources for this article include:

ZeroHedge.com

NaturalNews.com
NO SUBSTANCE: Kamala Harris to focus on personal attacks against Donald Trump in upcoming debate

Vice President Kamala Harris is set to prioritize direct attacks on former president Donald Trump over detailed policy discussions in the upcoming ABC News presidential debate on Sept. 10 at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

According to an NBC News report, Harris' campaign team suggests that the vice president's debate strategy will focus more on challenging Trump directly on his record and character rather than touting the benefits of her policy proposals, as a policy-heavy discussion may not sway voters as much as direct personal attacks on Trump.

The vice president's team wants to bring up Trump's alleged "lies, failures and broken promises" to portray Harris as a strong, fearless candidate willing to take on the former president head-on.

"It's going to be less about substance and more about showcasing Harris as a woman who isnt scared and isnt going to cower and who is standing up to Trump and holding him accountable," the source told NBC News. Harris' campaign team believes rattling Trump with pointed personal criticisms could be more effective than engaging in specific policy debates.

Harris' campaign team plans to remind voters of the controversies associated with Trump's first term. These include his supposed failures in securing funding for a border wall, response to the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, proposed alternative healthcare plan after failing to repeal the Affordable Care Act, and alleged inability to pass a comprehensive infrastructure bill.

Moreover, Harris is expected to attack Trump on his opposition to the bipartisan border bill proposed by President Joe Biden earlier this year with support from some Republicans in Congress.

It failed to pass in the Senate, and Harris and her fellow Democrats have argued that the influence of Trump over Republican lawmakers contributed significantly to the failure of the bill to pass in the Senate. (Related: Kamala Harris to reduce illegal immigration by LEGALIZING it, not stopping it.)

This debate strategy is designed to paint Trump as a leader who failed to deliver on his promises, while Harris presents herself as a determined candidate who supposedly will not shy away from a fight.

Harris also set to distance herself from Biden and his controversial policies

Aside from attacking Trump, the Harris team is also creating some distance between the vice president and certain policies of the Biden administration that she has previously been vocally supportive of.

Harris is also preparing to distance herself subtly from some of the more contentious aspects of the Biden administration, such as the chaotic 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan. Her team is working on carefully acknowledging these challenges without directly criticizing Biden. The team believes that this approach allows Harris to create a distinct identity as a candidate who respects her role as vice president but is ready to chart her course as president.

"They are trying to figure out how to create some space between her and some of his decisions," the source said. "There's a way to say it like 'I'm the vice president; I work at the behest and the direction of the president.' She wants to figure out how to strategically answer those questions without creating problems for Biden."

Another significant element of her strategy is to share personal stories and experiences that connect with voters on a more human level. This aims to showcase Harris as a "real person" who understands the struggles of ordinary Americans to counter the perception that she can be overly scripted or detached.

In line with all this, Harris is keeping her circle of advisors small and tightly knit, including her brother-in-law Tony West and longtime aide Rohini Kosoglu. This select group is providing Harris with briefing books and engaging her in question-and-answer sessions to ensure she is prepared to handle a wide range of topics and potential personal attacks from Trump. She has learned from the 2019 Democratic primary debate where she was caught off guard by then-candidate Tulsi Gabbard's criticisms.

KamalaWatch.com has more stories related to the vice president.

Watch the video below where Lara Trump talks about why Harris can't be trusted.

This video is from the TrendingNews channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Kamala Harris used fake letter to deceive public into thinking Tucker Carlson praised her push for gun control.

Kamala Harris calls for renewal of so-called "assault weapons" ban to hurriedly DISARM Americans before the election.

Kamala Harris campaign colluded with Google to manipulate headlines, shadow ban Trump on search results.

Kamala Harris wants to raise corporate tax rate, punishing small businesses even more.

Kamala Harris campaign requires all staffers to have "up-to-date" COVID-19 vaccinations.

Sources include:

YourNews.com

NBCNews.com

Brighteon.com
QUACKERY: NY Times says injecting yourself with lizard venom peptides can prevent COVID deaths

The media is abuzz with new claims that the popular obesity drug Wegovy is helping fat people to avoid death from the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19). Like other GLP-1 drugs, Wegovy is synthesized from venom peptides of the Gila Monster reptile creature. As Business Insider reports , "It all started back in the early 1990s , when government researcher Dr. John Eng discovered that Gila monsters have a special hormone in their venom." This led to GLP-1 drugs being based on the venom peptides produced by the Gila Monster. "We wouldn't have [GLP-1 drugs] without Gila monsters  their hunger-regulating venom inspired weight-loss drugs," says Business Insider.

The New York Times ran a piece claiming that a large clinical trial found that people who injected themselves with lizard venom peptides during the "pandemic" are less likely than others to die from a COVID infection.

According to the report, the Wegovy patients still tested "positive" for COVID at the same rate as non-patients taking a placebo. However, the death rate in the Wegovy group was 33 percent less than the placebo group, and for reasons that the Times says "are not clear."

More than likely, it was a mere coincidence that the sample groups showed a disparity based on their usage or non-usage of Wegovy. What would lizard venom peptides have to do with a COVID infection anyway?

Whatever the case may be, the Times wants its readers to know that taking Wegovy may prolong one's lifespan in the event that he or she tests positive for COVID.

Dr. Jeremy Faust, an emergency room physician at Brigham and Women's Hospital, wrote an editorial about the finding in which he called it "stunning." The paper in question was published in The Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

(Related: Have you checked out our report about how Ozempic and Wegovy can trigger a devastating wave of organ failure in some patients? The damage, as you might expect, closely resembles the symptoms of snake bites.)

It's probably just coincidence

The study was not designed to look at the effects of Wegovy on people who test positive for COVID, by the way. It also did not determine that people who take Wegovy are any healthier than their non-user counterparts.

"It is a randomized trial and the infection rates were similar, so this represents top-notch evidence," claims Dr. Harlan Krumholz, a cardiologist at Yale University and editor-in-chief of the journal in which the study was published.

When asked if he thinks Wegovy is having any direct effect on COVID infections, Dr. Benjamin Scirica, a trial investigator, cardiologist and senior physician at Brigham and Women's Hospital said that neither he nor his team members ever anticipated that there would be a drug effect.

The trial, sponsored by Wegovy manufacturer Novo Nordisk, was already underway when COVID struck out of nowhere. The actual goal of the research was to see whether the weight-loss drug prevents deaths from heart disease and heart attacks.

In the process, researchers made a much different discovery that piqued the interest of the Times in tying Wegovy to reduced COVID deaths. The problem is that those who participated in the trial were already at higher risk of dying or becoming very seriously ill from COVID because of obesity and heart disease.

Keep in mind that most people who take Wegovy are fat and more than likely sick. The reason they opted for the drug was to shed all that weight and regain some kind of normalcy in their lives.

"We had to make dramatic changes to make sure the study would continue and that the subjects would continue to get their medications," Dr. Scirica said about the complications that arose due to the "pandemic."

The research may have also been skewed by the new "touchless" protocols that were introduced mid-study to keep investigators away from patients.

"Most of our studies in the cardiovascular world  with statins or other cardiovascular drugs  have a pretty good effect on cardiovascular deaths but don't affect non-cardiovascular deaths," Dr. Scirica added.

Sources for this article include:

NYTimes.com

NaturalNews.com
Dr. Sabine Hazan reveals that important gut bacteria are ERASED by COVID vaccines

Gastroenterologist Dr. Sabine Hazan took a closer look at the gut microbiomes of doctors who got "vaccinated" for the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) before comparing their composition to that of doctors who skipped the shots. What Dr. Hazan found is that COVID jabs kill off important gun bacteria like bifidobacteria that are essential for strong immunity.

Instead of boosting one's immune system like government authorities and the media are still claiming, COVID jabs destroy the probiotic bacteria that the body relies on to process nutrients, neutralize toxins and promote strong immunity.

"I started noticing a month later, the bifidobacteria, this important microbe, is dropping in patients pre- and post-vaccinations," Dr. Hazan commented. "Only a certain group of microbes are getting killed ... Bifidobacteria is a huge part of immunity ... I think [the vaccine] is creating a bacteriophage or bifidophage."

A bacteriophage or bifidophage is a type of virus that infects a person and starts replicating within their microbiome.

Dr. Hazan found that bifidobacteria destruction appears almost immediately post-injection. At around the 90-day mark, the fully jabbed person's entire bifidobacteria population drops to zero.

"There was a persistence in the damage, not only [after] 90 days but six months, nine months later," she says. "That was the thing that started to make me panic."

(Related: Dr. Hazan says she is considering suing Facebook over the social media platform's mistreatment of her during the Wuhan coronavirus [COVID-19] "pandemic"  she was only trying to help people survive rather than die from the "virus.")

Vaccinated mothers pass microbiome destruction to newborn children

Another really disturbing thing that Dr. Hazan discovered is that pregnant women who get jabbed for COVID end up passing on the same damage and destruction to their newborn babies.

"As we were looking at the microbiome of newborns [of] mothers who were breastfeeding, we started noticing that there's no bifidobacteria in those newborns," she explains.

"Newborns are supposed to have a ton of bifidobacteria ... 90 percent of the microbiome of babies is bifidobacteria."

Keep in mind that one of the hallmarks of bifidobacteria loss in children is autism and autism spectrum disorders. This once again suggests that vaccines, in this case those for COVID, destroy probiotic bacteria and trigger autism in children.

IS THE SPIKE KILLING GUT BACTERIA? Babies that were Born from COVID Vaccinated Mothers who were Breastfeeding had Zero Bifidobacteria. Is the Spike Protein Killing Gut Bacteria and causing Autism in those Babies? - Dr. Sabine Hazan@SabinehazanMD pic.twitter.com/RRtrWzu6d1  Asher Press (@AsherPress) June 2, 2023

Dr. Hazan continued her research by collecting stool samples from her test patients. She observed that patients with extreme COVID symptoms had certain bacteria missing from their gut. Once again, the bacteria are none other than bifidobacteria.

All that talk about the benefits of ivermectin for treating COVID are further confirmed by another amazing discovery by Dr. Hazan. She observed that taking ivermectin helps to repopulate the gut with bifidobacteria in 24 hours or less.

You may not know this but ivermectin is a fermented product with a biological construct similar to that of bifidobacteria and common probiotic supplements. According to Dr. Hazan, ivermectin belongs to the same group of microbes as bifidobacteria  you can think of it like brothers and sisters in the microbiome world.

This would explain why many are seeing incredible success overcoming COVID- and COVID jab-related health problems by taking ivermectin. It also explains why the establishment remains hellbent on keeping the public in the dark about ivermectin, as well as keeping it as inaccessible and unaffordable as possible.

If you got "vaccinated" for COVID, you may need help clearing your body of any residual poisons and toxins. Learn more at Detox.news.

Sources for this article include:

Expose-News.com

NaturalNews.com
Elon Musks SpaceX tapped to rescue 2 astronauts stuck in space aboard malfunctioning Boeing Starliner

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Administrator Bill Nelson announced late last month that Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams, the two astronauts stuck on Boeing's Starliner, will return to Earth in February 2025 on the SpaceX Crew-9 mission.

Wilmore and Williams have been stuck on the International Space Station (ISS) since their Starliner spacecraft suffered five thruster malfunctions and five helium leaks.

Nelson said NASA has decided that Wilmore and Williams will return with Crew-9, and that the Starliner will return uncrewed.

The astronauts launched from Florida on June 5, and were initially scheduled to return to Earth by June 13. However, NASA announced on June 18 that they planned to bring the two astronauts home by June 26.

During Wilmore and William's 25-hour flight to space, engineers realized that the Starliner was having problems with its thrusters and experiencing helium leaks.

Nelson added that space flight is risky, "even at its safest and even at its most routine." He also explained that, by nature, a test flight "is neither safe nor routine."

According to Nelson, NASA's decision to keep Wilmore and Williams aboard the ISS is due to the agency's "commitment to safety." (Related: Two astronauts still STRANDED on International Space Station due to mechanical failures with Boeings Starliner spacecraft.)

Boeing employees "humiliated" by NASA's decision

In an interview, Boeing employees shared that they were "humiliated" after NASA announced that Wilmore and Williams would be rescued by SpaceX.

According to the employee, who is a Florida-based staffer with Boeing's space program, the decision was the latest blow to Boeing, which is already suffering backlash due to several commercial flight incidents earlier in 2024.

Speaking anonymously, the employee lamented that the aerospace giant is "under a microscope" following the issues that have plagued the company. The SpaceX rescue also seems to have made Boeing's already faltering reputation worse.

The Boeing employee also claimed that the company "hates" SpaceX, with employees often badmouthing the latter. The anonymous employee also claimed that many workers are blaming NASA for the humiliation.

The employee said they believed that Starliner could bring the astronauts back safely, but NASA didn't want to risk it. The employee added that NASA is already dealing with its PR issues and did not want to add "two dead astronauts" to the list.

The anonymous Boeing employee claimed the mission was safe.

Steve Stich, NASA's Commercial Crew Program manager, claimed that discussions with Boeing ended in a "little disagreement about risk." However, Boeing did not comment on NASA's decision to rely on SpaceX. Instead, the company said in an interview that it was focusing on making sure Starliner can return to Earth intact.

"Boeing continues to focus, first and foremost, on the safety of the crew and spacecraft," said Boeing.

The company has spent about $1.5 billion in cost overruns more than the initial $4.5 billion contract it secured with NASA, which has plans to make Starliner its second mode of transportation to the ISS alongside SpaceX's Crew Dragon.

Go to Space.news for more stories about space exploration.

Watch the video below as a Boeing whistleblower claims that plane crashes are an "inside job" by the global elite.

This video is from the Vigilent Citizen channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

SpaceX working with U.S. intelligence agency on massive satellite network that captures ultra-high-resolution videos of entire cities in real time.

Astronauts stranded at International Space Station told they might not return until February thanks to faulty Boeing Starliner.

SpaceX launches South Korea's first SPY SATELLITE into orbit.

NASA and private companies to launch BUSINESS on the MOON within the next decade.

Sources include:

Breitbart.com

NYPost.com

Brighteon.com
Zelensky thankful for U.S.-supplied F-16s, but still wants more

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently bragged about using the Western-supplied F-16s for the first time to shoot down rockets when Russia launched a retaliatory strike last week.

"The F-16 [had] a good result As part of this enormous Russian missile attack [on Monday] we shot down some of the rockets with the help of F-16s," Zelensky said.

According to reports, the Ukrainian Air Force deployed the American-made fighter jets when Russia unleashed what the rulers in Kyiv described as "one of the largest combined strikes" since the start of the conflict in February 2022.

The Russian Defense Ministry described the "massive high-precision attack" against Ukraine as being carried out using long-range air- and sea-based weapons, as well as drones. It targeted energy facilities supporting Ukraine's defense industrial complex in particular, as well as several airfields storing Western-supplied air munitions, officials said.

"All the designated targets have been hit," the statement by Russia read.

Though claiming to have fought back and shot down Russian rockets using F-16s, Zelensky seemed unsatisfied, claiming that the number of warplanes provided by the West so far is still insufficient. He was thankful for the F-16s but still wants more.

He focused here more than losing one of his top fighter pilots who died when an F-16 crashed during the mission. The Ukrainian Air Force reported that Lt. Col. Oleksii Mes, whose callsign was "Moonfish," had been killed in combat during the same Russian attack. One person briefed on the F-16 crash said it appeared the aircraft was not downed by enemy fire.

Mes "fought heroically in his last battle," the air force said, adding he had destroyed three cruise missiles and a suicide drone during the operation. He was part of the first group of Ukrainian pilots to train in F-16s and he also played a crucial role in lobbying for the fighter jets during a visit to the United States in 2022.

The F-16s were approaching a target when "contact with one of the aircraft was lost," the statement indicated. "As it turned out later, the plane crashed and the pilot died."

A special commission has been opened to investigate the possible causes of the F-16 crash. These range from pilot and mechanical error to friendly fire, according to the person with knowledge of the incident.

Dozens of Russian projectiles were shot down but several of the more than 200 on Monday, Sept. 2, and 90 on the next day struck their targets, causing rolling blackouts across the country and exacerbating Kyiv's power shortages.

Last year, North Atlantic Treaty Organization member states U.S., France, Bulgaria, Denmark, the Netherlands, Belgium, Canada, Luxembourg, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania and Sweden+ pledged to donate the aircraft to Kyiv.

Earlier this month, Zelensky confirmed on his Telegram channel the arrival of the first U.S.-made F-16s but did not reveal the numbers. He touted the aircraft as being capable of delivering "exactly such combat results that will bring our victory closer  our just peace for Ukraine." (Related: Russian official warns U.S. will face WORSE CONSEQUENCES for backing Ukraine's strikes on Kursk.)

Russian attack kills 7 in Lviv as Ukrainian foreign minister steps down

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba on Wednesday, Sept. 4, submitted his resignation ahead of an expected major government reshuffle amid sustained Russian drone and missile strikes, which reportedly left seven people dead in Lviv, the largest city in western Ukraine.

Zelensky indicated last week that a reshuffle was imminent, with the war poised to enter a critical stage, and as its 1,000-day mark looms in November.

Kuleba didn't give a reason for stepping down. His resignation will be discussed by lawmakers at their next session, Parliamentary Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk said on his Facebook page. Four other Cabinet ministers tendered their resignations late Tuesday, Sept. 3.

In July, Kuleba became the highest-ranking Ukrainian official to visit China since Russia's invasion. He has been foreign minister since March 2020. His successor is not yet known but is expected to be announced on Thursday. Several Ukrainian media outlets, citing unnamed sources, said Kuleba's deputy, Andrii Sybiha, would become the country's chief diplomat.

The new foreign minister will likely accompany Zelensky to the United Nations General Assembly in New York next week, which is an opportunity to lobby global leaders for their support.

Zelensky said that Ukraine needs "new energy, and that includes diplomacy." He said during a Kyiv news conference with visiting Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris that he couldn't announce any replacements yet because he didn't know whether the candidates would accept his invitation to join the government.

The Ukrainian army's risky incursion almost a month ago into Russia's Kursk border region raised Ukrainian spirits. The incursion's ultimate goals are unclear, though Zelensky said Ukraine wants to create a buffer zone there that would prevent cross-border Russian attacks.

The Institute for the Study of War, a Washington think tank, said late Tuesday that Russian President Vladimir Putin believes Russia "can slowly and indefinitely subsume Ukraine through grinding advances and that Russia can achieve its goals through a war of attrition against Ukrainian forces and by outlasting Western support" for Kyiv.

Head over to UkraineWitness.com for more updates on the situation in Ukraine.

Watch the video below that talks about Kyiv losing a U.S.-supplied warplane amid Russian strikes.

This video is from the Prisoner channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

PUTIN: Ukraine tried, but failed, to attack Russian nuclear power plant in Kursk.

Ukraine fails to force ultimatum on Russia following August 11 attack on Kursk nuclear plant: "Most of the equipment has already been destroyed."

Ukraine escalates long-range strikes, sends drones to attack Russian military air base.

Sources include:

SHTFPlan.com

FT.com

Yahoo.com

Brighteon.com
ANKARA, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- A bomb threat, which caused a flight operated by India's Vistara Airlines to make an emergency landing in Erzurum, eastern Turkiye, on Friday, has turned out to be false, according to the local governor.

"We have concluded all search and examination activities and have determined that the bomb threat was unfounded," Erzurum Governor Mustafa Ciftci told reporters on Saturday.

As a result, the flight ban at Erzurum's airport has been lifted, he said, noting that an alternate flight from Mumbai, India, has been arranged for the stranded passengers to continue their journey.

The plane en route from Mumbai to Frankfurt made an emergency landing in eastern Turkiye on Friday following a bomb threat.

Turkish authorities said a note reading "bomb on board" was discovered in a lavatory on the aircraft, prompting the plane, with 247 passengers and crew on board, to make an emergency landing. 
Africa CDC warns of rising mpox cases, launches response plan with WHO

A

frica is witnessing an "upward trend" in mpox cases, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has warned as it launched a joint continental response plan with the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The six-month plan, running from September 2024 to February 2025, has an estimated budget of nearly $600 million. Of this, 55 per cent is allocated to mpox response efforts in affected countries, while the remaining 45 per cent is directed toward operational and technical support through partner organisations, Xinhua news agency reported.

Since 2024, the continent has reported 24,851 suspected mpox cases, including 5,549 confirmed cases and 643 deaths, said Jean Kaseya, director general of Africa CDC, during an online press briefing on Friday.

Congo has emerged as the epicentre of the outbreak, accounting for 90 per cent of reported cases. Congo has reported 20,463 suspected cases, including 635 deaths.

Kaseya said there is an "upward trend" in mpox cases across Africa, with at least 14 countries affected, particularly since May 2024.

WHO Regional Director for Africa Matshidiso Moeti, who also participated in the briefing, called for a unified approach to contain the outbreak in Congo. She emphasised the importance of coordination under the Africa CDC-WHO joint continental response plan.

"This is an important milestone for coordinated action between our agencies to support countries by strengthening expertise, mobilising resources, and rapidly halting the spread of mpox," Moeti said.

"By working together, we can achieve more, ensuring that communities and individuals are protected from this virus."

In mid-August, the WHO declared the ongoing mpox outbreak in Africa a public health emergency of international concern, citing the emergence of a more dangerous but poorly understood variant, clade 1b, first detected in Congo in September 2023. Cases of this clade 1b strain have since been reported in several countries, including Sweden and Thailand.

On Wednesday, Guinea confirmed its first mpox case, and Kaseya noted that genetic sequencing tests are underway to determine if the clade 1b variant has spread to West Africa.

Congo, which received its first batch of 99,100 mpox vaccine doses on Thursday, is currently developing a distribution and vaccination strategy, particularly in the eastern part of the country, where most cases have been reported amid a prolonged humanitarian crisis.

However, health authorities have not yet announced when vaccinations will begin.

 Africa CDC warns of rising mpox cases, launches response plan with WHO

 Post your comments

 Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us!
Namrata, Mahesh Babu visit Vikas Khanna's restaurant in NY: Your food is truly one of a kind

F

ormer actress Namrata Shirodkar and her star husband Mahesh Babu paid a visit to Vikas Khanna's restaurant in New York and heaped praise on the celebrity chef saying that his food is truly one of a kind.

Namrata took to Instagram, where she shared a picture, in which she along with Mahesh can be seen posing with Vikas at the restaurant.

"@bungalowny- the best Indian food crafted by our favorite celebrity chef, @vikaskhannagroup. Your impeccable hospitality, mixed with so much love, left us truly overwhelmed. Your food is truly one of a kind, and the taste of each and every dish that you served us personally will linger in our thoughts and taste buds forever," she wrote.

Thanking the chef, she added: "Thank you for making place for us in your beautiful temple-like restaurant At such short notice. A big shout out to your impeccable staff for their unmatched kindness and dedication to their customers."

The celebrity chef in March had paid a tribute to the 'Paradise of India' -- Kashmir by naming a dish after it in his menu for his restaurant Bungalow New York, which opened its doors on March 23.

He shared that the dish christened "Kiss Of Kashmir" is made out of lotus stems infused with "zaika" and is inspired by a book by writer Monica Saigal.

The restaurant opened on the day of the chef's sister Radhika, who would have celebrated 50th birthday.

According to reports, Bungalow New York also celebrates the famous street vendors of India and their iconic recipes passed on from generation and cookbook writers.

On the work front, Mahesh Babu was last seen in "Guntur Kaaram" directed by Trivikram Srinivas. It also stars Sreeleela, Meenakshi Chaudhary, Prakash Raj, Ramya Krishna, Jayaram, Jagapathi Babu, Sunil and Rao Ramesh.

 Namrata, Mahesh Babu visit Vikas Khanna's restaurant in NY: Your food is truly one of a kind

 Post your comments

 Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us!
K'taka celebrates Ganesh festival with fervour; Hubballi procession begins at Idgah maidan

P

eople across Karnataka, cutting across religious lines, are celebrating the Ganesh festival with fervour, including in the capital city, Bengaluru.

The inaugural Ganapathi procession that began at Idgah Maidan in Hubballi city on Saturday will pass through the main streets of the city, and tight security arrangements have been made for it.

The police department has also beefed up security in Shivamogga city, which witnessed violence during the Eid-Milad procession.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah set aside all his programmes on the occasion of Vinayak Chaturthi, while Deputy Chief Minister and Karnataka Congress President, DK Shivakumar is participating in a private religious programme at his hometown, Doddabanahalli, near Kanakapura on the outskirts of Bengaluru.

Former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda, while conveying his wishes to the people of the state, has called for worshipping eco-friendly Ganesha idols.

"My warm wishes to the people of the state on the occasion of the Ganesha festival. With the arrival of Lord Ganesha, let good things happen to everyone, and let there be peace, joy, contentment, and prosperity. Let's celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi by worshipping eco-friendly Ganesh idols," Deve Gowda stated.

Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, HD Kumaraswamy, also conveyed his wishes on Ganesh Chaturthi to everyone.

"I pray that Lord Ganesha will help everyone to overcome their difficulties and bless all with happiness, joy, prosperity, health, and longevity," Kumaraswamy stated.

Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution, Pralhad Joshi, made an appeal to the people to ensure hygiene and cleanliness while preparing food and snacks to distribute to devotees as 'prasadam'.

All temples in the state are decked up for the occasion, and devotees queued up before the famous Ganesh temples in the state since early morning to offer prayers.

In Bengaluru and all major cities, slow traffic movement was witnessed in the areas surrounding the temples.

Special prayers were offered at the historical 450-year-old Dodda Ganapathy temple in the Basavanagudi locality of Bengaluru.

The statue of Lord Ganesha, sculpted from an 8-feet tall and 12-feet wide monolithic boulder, is specially decorated for the occasion.

The historically famous Idagunji Mahaganapathy temple in Honnavar town of Uttara Kannada district is visited by thousands of devotees.

This is the only two-toothed Ganesha statue; the vahana, or vehicle of Ganesha, always depicted alongside him, is not shown in this but is placed on a stone pedestal.

Thousands of people have gathered at the Kurudumale Ganesha temple in Kolar district, built by the kings of the Vijayanagar kingdom, where the Ganesha idol is believed to have been installed by the Trimurthis - Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwara.

Legend also says that Lord Ram offered prayers at this spot to the idol during his search for Sita, and it is believed that the Pandavas offered their prayers here before the battle of Mahabharata.

 K'taka celebrates Ganesh festival with fervour; Hubballi procession begins at Idgah maidan

 Post your comments

 Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us!
TV artists Kanwar Dhillon, Neha Harsora, others share fondest memories of Ganesh Chaturthi

O

n the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, television actors Kanwar Dhillon, Neha Harsora, Rutuja Bagwe, Ankit Raizada and Goutam Sharma have shared their excitement to celebrate the festival, and have also given insights about their fondest memories of it.

Kanwar, who plays Sachin in the show 'Udne Ki Aasha', shared: "We will be having one or two days off; I'll be visiting houses of my near and dear ones. There are some wishes I wish that are fulfilled, and I would convey those to Bappa. While growing up, we used to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi in the vicinity where there was a big idol of Lord Ganesh. We used to dance during the procession, and then during visarjan post-immersion, we came back in trucks, and it used to be one kind of experience. The energy and enthusiasm are utmost during these 11 days."

Neha, aka Sailee, from 'Udne Ki Aasha' commented: "We celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi every year with zeal and zest. Like every year, this too, we will celebrate it in our building, where Lord Ganesh will be visiting, and I enjoy this festival. My fondest memory of Ganesh Chaturthi is during Visarjan. Along with my family, we see these Visarjan processions, and it is a vibe, and we will get to watch the flower shower. One of the mandatory things that we do is a family dinner post-visarjan, and along with the festival, Modak too is my favorite delicacy."

Rutuja, who is seen as Vaiju in 'Maati Se Bandhi Dor' said that this year she will be shooting on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi.

"I'll be preparing Modak for Bappa and giving him an offering. Every year, I visit LalbaugCha Raja Pandal, and this year I ought to visit it. The occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi is even more special, as my birthday too comes during it. The wish I would ask for is going to be the safety of women-- no more atrocities on women, more power to them," she shared.

Goutam, aka Akshay from 'Do Dooni Pyaar' said: "This is going to be the first time I will be celebrating the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi in Mumbai. It is going to be an experience worth waiting for. One wish I would ask from Lord Ganesh would be good health and happiness for all, and this is a step to creating memories."

Ankit, who essays the role of Aman Singh Rajpoot in the show 'Advocate Anjali Awasthi', shared: "This year, I'll be celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi while balancing my shoot schedule, as I'm currently in Kolkata. Interestingly, we've also shot a special Ganpati scene for the show, which has added to the festive vibe on set. I'll be heading to Mumbai to celebrate with my family and friends, as we always do."

"Mumbai is known for its grand Ganpati celebrations, and it's a tradition for us to enjoy the festival there. As for a wish, I'd love for this year to bring even more success and happiness, both personally and professionally. One of my fondest memories of Ganesh Chaturthi in Mumbai is from my teenage years, when I took a bigger role in the celebrations at home. I helped with decorating, arranging the flowers, and preparing for the aarti. The sense of togetherness with my family and neighbors during the festival, especially in the intimate setting of our home, is something I'll always cherish. It made the entire celebration so meaningful," he added.

The show airs on Star Plus.

 TV artists Kanwar Dhillon, Neha Harsora, others share fondest memories of Ganesh Chaturthi

 Post your comments

 Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us!
PM Modi shares video of interaction with 'architects of India's future'

P

rime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday shared a video of his interaction with the nation's leading and outstanding educators, who were conferred with the National Teachers Awards.

"Honoured to meet the outstanding educators who have been awarded the National Teachers' Awards. Their passion and dedication to shaping young minds are truly inspiring," PM wrote on X.

The free-wheeling interaction with 'architects of India's future' took place at PM Modi's residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg.

PM Modi commended the role of teachers in nation-building and also praised their dedication and the remarkable zeal, with which they have been nurturing the 'citizens of tomorrow'.

He said that the National Teachers Awards was a recognition of their outstanding contribution to national service.

The awardees shared their teaching experience with the Prime Minister. They also talked about interesting techniques used by them to make learning more interesting. They also shared examples of social work being done by them along with their regular teaching work.

PM Modi also discussed the impact of the National Education Policy (NEP) and spoke about the significance of attaining education in one's mother tongue. He suggested that the teachers teach local folklore to students in different languages so that the students get to develop multi-disciplinary skills and also get exposed to the vibrant and diverse culture of the country.

PM Modi also advised the teachers to take the students on educational tours to explore India's diversity, as this will help them understand the country and its plurality holistically.

"This will also boost tourism and give a fillip to the local economy as well," he said.

Prime Minister's other suggestion to the awardee teachers was to encourage greater interaction with students via social media and inculcate the best practices so that everyone can learn, adapt and benefit from them.

PM Modi further lauded teachers' role in rendering an important service to the nation and said that the responsibility of preparing today's youth for Viksit Bharat rests in their hands.

 PM Modi shares video of interaction with 'architects of India's future'

 Post your comments

 Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us!
Inside Mithila Palkar's Ganpati Utsav: Ukadiche Modak, sacred festival rituals

A

ctress Mithila Palkar has revealed about the fondest childhood memories of celebrating Ganpati Utsav with her family, opening up on the rituals and her favourite dishes during the festival.

Born into a Marathi family, Mithila is best known for her role in the show 'Little Things'. The 31-year-old diva got nostalgic about the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, and shared how she used to celebrate it with zest and fervour with her grandparents.

Mithila initially lived in Vasai with her parents, but later moved to live in Dadar with her maternal grandparents.

The 'Girl in the City' fame actress told IANS: "My fondest childhood memory of celebrating Ganpati is when I would live with my parents. So, for the first nine years of my life, I was with my parents. So, our neighbours used to get Ganpati for seven days, and that I remember used to be the one thing I would look forward to. I wouldn't get, like, all seven days of holiday in school."

"So, I would look forward to coming back from school to their house directly. Like, not even go to my house. Just go straight to their house, and I would be accompanying them to get Bappa's idol home. I will go with them for the visarjan. I would sing all the aartis. So, that's how regularly we used to say the prayers, say the aartis, play the musical instruments. I would go and distribute prasad to everybody after the aarti is done. So, yeah, that part of my memory, that part of my childhood is very, very special," she said.

How does your family prepare for the Ganpati Utsav?

Mithila said: "So, since as a child I have been living with my grandparents, nobody around our area would have Ganpati. So, then I would always, you know, visit friends and extended family. But in our house all festivals are celebrated with great fervour. So, Ganpati is also obviously a festival that we celebrate, and the biggest celebration in our house for any festival is food."

"Of course, Ukadiche Modaks are made in our house. And on the first day of Ganesh Chaturthi, when the prasad is made for Lord Ganesha, it is proper traditional Marathi food like-- 'Varan Bhaat', 'poori', and Amrakhand, all of those things," said Mithila.

Do you follow any specific rituals or customs during the festival?

Mithila commented: "This is what happens in custom rituals especially if I'm in the city and even if I'm working. If I'm in the city, I'll make sure that I will make time for family because any festival is a big family time and family gathering for us. That is the custom that we follow."

"We all meet, do prayer, and we eat the prasad that mama (my grandmother) has made," she shared.

Speaking about her favourite Ganpati Utsav dish, Mithila said: "There is no other competition to this dish. It has to be the Ukadiche Modak. You have to break the modak. You have to nicely pour sajuk tup in it, and eat it."

Mithila further shared the secret of staying connected to her roots, while managing her busy professional life.

"My family is hugely responsible for making us traditionally rooted. So, any festival is a big celebration as a family gets together. If I'm in the city and even if there is work, we just make sure that, like, we just come together for one meal at least and spend that time together as a family, and that's very important to all of us," she said.

Mithila concluded, saying, "And, if there is a reason and if there is a way of me staying true to my roots, it's all thanks to my family. Like, everybody in my family is very big on customs, traditions. And for them to have passed them on to us, I feel very happy and proud to be part of that. And, yeah, that's how I stay connected and make sure my family makes shows that makes sure that we all are part of these things without fail."

Meanwhile, on the work front, Mithila is making her Tamil movie debut with 'Oho Ethan Baby'. She also has a Hindi movie 'Happy Patel Khatarnaak Jasoos' in the kitty.

 Inside Mithila Palkar's Ganpati Utsav: Ukadiche Modak, sacred festival rituals

 Post your comments

 Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us!
Sonu Sood shares touching story of his new home as he welcomes Bappa with joyful celebrations

B

ollywood actor Sonu Sood has welcomed Bappa at his new residence 'Gangotri Niwas' in Juhu, Mumbai, on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, and has shared a heartwarming story of his home.

Sonu looked dapper in a white kurta pajama, and was seen performing aarti of Lord Ganesha along with his wife Sonali, and sons Ayaan and Ishant.

Talking about his new home, Sonu told IANS: "Bappa has been placed in our new home for the first time, and I would like to say that I had started the journey somewhere near this place only when I was a paying guest."

"And now since I have come to this home, I feel Bappa had decided, he was waiting, that the journey would start from here, and now this journey has started. I will pray that Bappa keeps giving me strength so that I can keep helping people," shared Sonu, who is known for his philanthropic work.

He further said: "The journey with Bappa has been for the past 25 years, and every year he has taught me many things. He has told me how to get connected with the common people. I will pray that I keep walking on the path shown by Bappa, throughout my life. I will try to be connected to the masses, be their light of hope, and keep helping them."

Sonu concluded by saying, "We have brought Ganpati for five days. It's been 26 years that we are bringing Ganpati home, and he is a family member only. We get very excited when he comes home, the environment of the house changes. I feel blessed that I have shifted to a new residence, and Bappa has come here also."

On the work front, Sonu will be next seen in an upcoming action entertainer 'Fateh'. The film stars Jacqueline Fernandez in the lead role, and marks Sonu's directorial debut. The movie, produced by Shakti Sagar Productions and Zee Studios, revolves around the complexities and challenges of cybercrime.

The film will also showcase some action sequences, which have been done under the supervision of Hollywood stunt expert Lee Whittaker.

'Fateh' is all set to hit the screens this year.

 Sonu Sood shares touching story of his new home as he welcomes Bappa with joyful celebrations

 Post your comments

 Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us!
EAM Jaishankar to visit Saudi Arabia, Germany and Switzerland

E

xternal Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar will be on a three-nation tour starting Sunday, visiting Saudi Arabia, Germany and Switzerland on an official visit between September 8 to 13.

The EAM will first visit Riyadh on Sunday to attend the First India-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Foreign Ministers' Meeting. During the two-day visit, he is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with Foreign Ministers from GCC member countries.

"India and the GCC enjoy a deep and multifaceted relationship, in areas including political, trade & investment, energy cooperation, cultural and people-to-people ties. The GCC region has emerged as a major trading partner for India and is home to a large Indian expatriate community, numbering around 8.9 million. The Foreign Ministers meeting will be an opportunity to review and deepen institutional cooperation between India and the GCC across various sectors," the External Affairs Ministry said in a statement on Saturday.

On the second leg of the visit, Jaishankar will travel to Berlin on a two-day visit starting September 10 which will be his third bilateral visit to Germany.

"Both India and Germany share a robust Strategic Partnership and Germany is one of India's prominent trading partners and among the largest Foreign Direct Investors. During the visit, EAM will meet German Federal Foreign Minister as well as the leadership and other Ministers from the German government with an objective to review the entire gamut of bilateral relations between India and Germany," the MEA stated.

The External Affairs Minister will thereafter travel to Geneva, home to a large number of UN bodies and international organisations, on the last leg of his tour.

"During his Switzerland visit, Jaishankar will meet with heads and representatives of international organisations with whom India is actively engaged. The EAM will also meet Swiss Foreign Minister to review the close partnership between the two countries and explore avenues to enhance the bilateral relationship further," the MEA detailed.

 EAM Jaishankar to visit Saudi Arabia, Germany and Switzerland

 Post your comments

 Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us!
On September 7, protests were held in France against President Emmanuel Macron, initiated by student and high school organizations, Azernews reports.

These demonstrations are supported by all leftist parties (NFP, LFI, PCF, Ecologists).

The protests, organized by Student and High School Unions, are taking place in more than 150 cities and towns across the country under the banner Against Emmanuel Macrons Coup and for Democracy.

Manes Nadel, President of the Student and High School Unions, stated: It has become our duty to mobilize young people against the far-right coming to power and Emmanuel Macron, who has suffered heavy defeats in three elections in just one month. We had clearly voted against Macron and the far-right. Now we see Macrons government supported by the far-right. The full extent of this act is yet to be understood.

Approximately 150 locations have reported protests. Initially, it was expected that 15,000 people would join the demonstrations. However, police sources now report that the number of protesters in Paris could reach 8,000, with more than 30,000 across the country.

Lucie Castet, the lefts candidate for Prime Minister, said in an interview with RTL television: I believe it is entirely legitimate for the French to express their anger in the streets. Protests are part of democratic tools. This is a protest because our votes were not considered in the elections.

It is noted that President Emmanuel Macrons appointment of Michel Barnier as Prime Minister has caused significant discontent in the country.
SHANGHAI, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- Leading economists and former central bank governors have voiced their support for a more cooperative approach between China and the United States, as well as opposition to fragmentation, at the 2024 Bund Summit.

Fred Bergsten, senior fellow and director emeritus at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, urged greater cooperation between the United States and China, especially on clean energy and artificial intelligence.

Speaking via video link, Robert Rubin, former U.S. treasury secretary, said there are tremendous and important opportunities and issues for the United States and China to work on together.

"(We need to) recognize there's something we just can't agree on and put those aside and try to deal with those as best as we can in the context of overall cooperative relationship," said Rubin.

At the summit, Jean-Claude Trichet, former president of the European Central Bank, voiced his opposition to fragmentation and decoupling.

"We should not forget that the global value chains contributed vastly to the prosperity of the global economy over the last 30 or 40 years," said the veteran central banker, adding that this is one reason why the European people, in particular, are against the concept of decoupling.

The 2024 Bund Summit, themed "Navigating a Changing World," is being held in Shanghai from Sept. 5 to 7. This year's summit gathered former central bank governors, leading economists, and business leaders, among others from across the world. 
PM Modi applauds Praveen Kumar, Hokato Sema for Paralympics medals

P

rime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday congratulated Praveen Kumar and Hokato Hotozhe Sema for winning medals at the ongoing Paralympics in Paris, lauding determination their determination in excelling in their respective events.

While Kumar won the gold in Men's high jump T64 category with an Asian Record effort of 2.08 metres, Sema secured the bronze in the men's shot put F57 event with an impressive throw of 14.65 metres, his personal best.

Taking to X, Prime Minister Modi said, "Congratulations to Praveen Kumar for scaling new heights and winning a Gold in the Men's High Jump T64 at the #Paralympics2024!

"His determination and tenacity have brought glory to our nation. India is proud of him!"

Congratulating Sema for his feat, the Prime Minister said in X post: "A proud moment for our nation as Hokato Hotozhe Sema brings home the Bronze medal in Men's Shotput F57!

"His incredible strength and determination are exceptional. Congratulations to him. Best wishes for the endeavours ahead."

Home Minister Amit Shah also applauded the Paralympian's milestone achievement.

"Hokato Sema has hit a major milestone by winning the Bronze medal in the Men's Shot Put F57 event at the Paralympics 2024.

"Your unwavering drive and spectacular performance have made the nation proud," the Home Minister posted on X.

In Sema's event, Iranian athlete Yashin Khosravi claimed the gold with a throw of 15.96 metres, while Brazil's Thiago Paulino dos Santos won the silver with a throw of 15.06 metres.

Kumar, who won silver in his Paralympics debut in Tokyo three years ago, not only bagged his second consecutive medal, but also set the Asian Record in the process.

USA's Derek Loccident claimed silver while Uzbekistan's Temurbek Giyazov clinched bronze with efforts of 2.06m (Paralympics record) and 2.03m (personal best), respectively.

Indian para-athletes have been put up their best ever show in the ongoing Paris Paralympics by winning 27 medals so far, including six gold, nine silver, and 12 bronze medals.

 PM Modi applauds Praveen Kumar, Hokato Sema for Paralympics medals

 Post your comments

 Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us!
In a new study, researchers compared the orientations of nerve fibers in a human brainstem using two advanced imaging techniques: diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI)-based tractography and polarization sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT). The findings could aid in combining these techniques, which each offer unique advantages, to advance our understanding of the brain's microstructure and help inform new techniques for early diagnosis of various brain disorders.

Isabella Aguilera-Cuenca from the University of Arizona will present this research at Frontiers in Optics + Laser Science (FiO LS), which will be held 23  26 September 2024 at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver.

Neurodegenerative diseases are becoming increasingly widespread as lifespans increase and populations age  better understanding the link between brain microstructure and these diseases could lead to developing improved methods for prevention, detection, and management." Isabella Aguilera-Cuenca, University of Arizona

Nerve fiber orientation is an important aspect of brain microstructure due to its influence on the connectivity and communication pathways in the brain. One way to study this microstructure is by using dMRI, a non-invasive method imaging method that uses water molecule diffusion to reveal structural connectivity. A specialized application of dMRI known as diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) can be used to reconstruct nerve fiber pathways through a process known as tractography. Although DTI is sensitive to differences across brain tissue environments, it can't detect specific cellular changes and can only resolve nerve tracts, not individual axon orientations.

PS-OCT is also useful for studying brain microstructure. It uses the properties of back-scattered light and variations in polarization to create depth-resolved cross-sectional images of tissue microstructures. This information can be used to identify fiber tracts with micrometer-scale resolution and distinguish between white and gray matter. However, in scattering media such as brain tissue, PS-OCT can only image up to a few millimeters deep.

To conduct a quantitative comparison of nerve fiber orientation distributions with dMRI-based tractography and PS-OCT, the researchers used both techniques to image a human brainstem sample fixed in paraformaldehyde and then stored in PBS with sodium azide.

The results showed that polarization properties of phase retardation and optic axis can be used to map nerve fiber presence and orientation in brain tissue, similar to results obtained via dMRI. This indicates the strong potential for PS-OCT to validate dMRI data, providing valuable insights about the microstructural organization of nerve fibers, which is crucial for understanding normal physiology and the changes that may occur with neurodegenerative conditions.

"To further advance this work, we will study the microstructural alterations in a range of brain regions from patients with different neurodegenerative conditions, with the goal of identifying alterations that occur with the onset of disease, said Aguilera-Cuenca. "We hope this work eventually translates into new approaches for early detection of these pathologies."
Older adults who are more vulnerable to financial scams may have brain changes linked to a higher risk of Alzheimer's disease, according to a first-of-its-kind study led by researchers at the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences.

Nearly 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease, the fifth leading cause of death among those 65 and older. The disease will carry an estimated $360 billion in health care costs this year alone, according to the Alzheimer's Association.

Researchers led by Duke Han, professor of psychology and family medicine at USC Dornsife, aimed to better understand the link between early Alzheimer's disease and financial vulnerability by using high-powered MRI to examine the brains of 97 study participants over age 50.

The scientists focused on the entorhinal cortex, a region that acts as a relay station between the hippocampus -; the brain's learning and memory center -; and the medial prefrontal cortex, which regulates emotion, motivation and other cognitive functions. It is often the first region to show changes in Alzheimer's disease, typically becoming thinner as the disease progresses.

None of the study participants, age 52 to 83, showed clinical signs of cognitive impairment, but all underwent MRI scans to measure the thickness of their entorhinal cortex.

In addition, the researchers used a standardized tool called a Perceived Financial Exploitation Vulnerability Scale (PFVS) to assess the participants' financial awareness and their susceptibility to poor financial decisions, which they term "financial exploitation vulnerability," or FEV.

By comparing the adults' FEV with the thickness of their entorhinal cortex, Han and the team found a significant correlation: Those more vulnerable to financial scams had a thinner entorhinal cortex.

This was especially true for participants age 70 and older. Previous research has linked FEV to mild cognitive impairment, dementia and certain molecular brain changes associated with Alzheimer's disease.

Han, who holds a joint appointment at Keck School of Medicine of USC, says the findings provide crucial evidence supporting the idea that FEV could be a new clinical tool for detecting cognitive changes in older adults -; changes that are often difficult to detect.

Assessing financial vulnerability in older adults could help identify those who are in the early stages of mild cognitive impairment or dementia, including Alzheimer's disease." Duke Han, professor of psychology and family medicine at USC Dornsife

He added, however, that financial vulnerability alone is not a definitive indicator of Alzheimer's disease or other cognitive decline. "But assessing FEV could become part of a broader risk profile," he said.

Han also noted several limitations of the study. Most participants were older, white, highly educated women, making it difficult to generalize the findings to a more diverse population. Additionally, while the study found a link between entorhinal cortex thickness and FEV, it does not prove one. Finally, the study does not include specific measures of Alzheimer's disease pathology.

These limitations leave open the possibility that the relationship between FEV and entorhinal cortex thinning could be explained by other factors. Accordingly, Han said that more research, including long-term studies with diverse populations, is needed before FEV can be considered a reliable cognitive assessment tool.

About the study

In addition to Han, study authors include Laura Fenton, Aaron Lim, Jenna Axelrod and Daisy Noriega-Makarskyy of USC Dornsife; Lauren Salminen, Hussein Yassine and Laura Mosqueda of Keck School of Medicine of USC; Gali Weissberger of Israel's Bar-Ilan University; and Annie Nguyen of the University of California, San Diego.
Cognitive behavioral therapy, one of the most common treatments for depression, can teach skills for coping with everyday troubles, reinforce healthy behaviors and counter negative thoughts. But can altering thoughts and behaviors lead to lasting changes in the brain?

New research led by Stanford Medicine has found that it can -; if a therapy is matched with the right patients. In a study of adults with both depression and obesity -; a difficult-to-treat combination -; cognitive behavioral therapy that focused on problem solving reduced depression in a third of patients. These patients also showed adaptative changes in their brain circuitry.

Moreover, these neural adaptations were apparent after just two months of therapy and could predict which patients would benefit from long-term therapy.

The findings add to evidence that choosing treatments based on the neurological underpinnings of a patient's depression -; which vary among people -; increases the odds of success.

The same concept is already standard practice in other medical specialties.

If you had chest pain, your physician would suggest some tests -; an electrocardiogram, a heart scan, maybe a blood test -; to work out the cause and which treatments to consider." Leanne Williams, PhD, the Vincent V.C. Woo Professor, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, and director of Stanford Medicine's Center for Precision Mental Health and Wellness

"Yet in depression, we have no tests being used. You have this broad sense of emotional pain, but it's a trial-and-error process to choose a treatment, because we have no tests for what is going on in the brain."

Williams and Jun Ma, MD, PhD, professor of academic medicine and geriatrics at the University of Illinois at Chicago, are co-senior authors of the study published Sept. 4 in Science Translational Medicine. The work is part of a larger clinical trial called RAINBOW (Research Aimed at Improving Both Mood and Weight).

Problem solving

The form of cognitive behavioral therapy used in the trial, known as problem-solving therapy, is designed to improve cognitive skills used in planning, troubleshooting and tuning out irrelevant information. A therapist guides patients in identifying real-life problems -; a conflict with a roommate, say -; brainstorming solutions and choosing the best one.

These cognitive skills depend on a particular set of neurons that function together, known as the cognitive control circuit.

Previous work from Williams' lab, which identified six biotypes of depression based on patterns of brain activity, estimated that a quarter of people with depression have dysfunction with their cognitive control circuits -; either too much or too little activity.

The participants in the new study were adults diagnosed with both major depression and obesity, a confluence of symptoms that often indicates problems with the cognitive control circuit. Patients with this profile generally do poorly on antidepressants: They have a dismal response rate of 17%.

Of the 108 participants, 59 underwent a year-long program of problem-solving therapy in addition to their usual care, such as medications and visits to a primary care physician. The other 49 received only usual care.

They were given fMRI brain scans at the beginning of the study, then after two months, six months, 12 months and 24 months. During the brain scans, the participants completed a test that involves pressing or not pressing a button according to text on a screen -; a task known to engage the cognitive control circuit. The test allowed the researchers to gauge changes in the activity of that circuit throughout the study.

"We wanted to see whether this problem-solving therapy in particular could modulate the cognitive control circuit," said Xue Zhang, PhD, a postdoctoral scholar in psychiatry who is the lead author of the study.

With each brain scan, participants also filled out standard questionnaires that assessed their problem-solving ability and depression symptoms.

Working smarter

As with any other depression treatment, problem-solving therapy didn't work for everyone. But 32% of participants responded to the therapy, meaning their symptom severity decreased by half or more.

"That's a huge improvement over the 17% response rate for antidepressants," Zhang said.

When researchers examined the brain scans, they found that in the group receiving only usual care, a cognitive control circuit that became less active over the course of the study correlated with worsening problem-solving ability.

But in the group receiving therapy, the pattern was reversed: Decreased activity correlated with enhanced problem-solving ability. The researchers think this may be due to their brains learning, through the therapy, to process information more efficiently.

"We believe they have more efficient cognitive processing, meaning now they need fewer resources in the cognitive control circuit to do the same behavior," Zhang said.

Before the therapy, their brains had been working harder; now, they were working smarter.

Both groups, on average, improved in their overall depression severity. But when Zhang dug deeper into the 20-item depression assessment, she found that the depression symptom most relevant to cognitive control -; "feeling everything is an effort" -; benefited from the more efficient cognitive processing gained from the therapy.

"We're seeing that we can pinpoint the improvement specific to the cognitive aspect of depression, which is what drives disability because it has the biggest impact on real-world functioning," Williams said.

Indeed, some participants reported that problem-solving therapy helped them think more clearly, allowing them to return to work, resume hobbies and manage social interactions.

Fast track to recovery

Just two months into the study, brain scans showed changes in cognitive control circuit activity in the therapy group.

"That's important, because it tells us that there is an actual brain change going on early, and it's in the time frame that you'd expect brain plasticity," Williams said. "Real-world problem solving is literally changing the brain in a couple of months."

The idea that thoughts and behaviors can modify brain circuits is not so different from how exercise -; a behavior -; strengthens muscles, she added.

The researchers found that these early changes signaled which patients were responding to the therapy and would likely improve on problem-solving skills and depression symptoms at six months, 12 months and even one year after the therapy ended, at 24 months. That means a brain scan could be used to predict which patients are the best candidates for problem-solving therapy.

It's a step toward Williams' vision of precision psychiatry -; using brain activity to match patients with the therapies most likely to help them, fast-tracking them to recovery.

"It's definitely advancing the science," Zhang said. "But it's also going to transform a lot of people's lives."

Researchers from University of Washington, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and The Ohio State University also contributed to the work.

The study received funding from the National Institutes of Health (grants UH2 HL132368, UH3 HL132368 and R01 HL119453).
Older women struggling with urinary incontinence can benefit from regular, low-impact exercise, with yoga as well as stretching and strengthening showing benefits in a new study published Aug. 27 in Annals of Internal Medicine.

The research, led by scientists at Stanford Medicine and the University of California, San Francisco, is part of a larger effort to identify low-risk, low-cost ways to treat one of the most common health problems women face as they age.

After 12 weeks of a low-impact yoga program, study participants had about 65% fewer episodes of incontinence. Women in a control group doing stretching and strengthening exercises experienced a similar benefit over the same time period. The benefits are on par with the effects of medications used to address incontinence, the researchers said.

Our study was testing the kind of yoga that just about anyone can do, with modifications for different physical abilities. What I love about it is that it's safe, inexpensive, doesn't require a doctor and accessible wherever you live.". Leslee Subak, MD, study's senior author, chair of obstetrics and gynecology at Stanford Medicine

Because the trial was conducted partly during the COVID-19 pandemic, many participants received their yoga or exercise instruction via online meetings, exercising in their own homes, she noted.

The study's lead author is Alison Huang, MD, professor of medicine, urology, and epidemiology and biostatistics at UCSF.

Urinary incontinence, which affects more than half of middle-aged women and up to 80% of 80-year-olds, can lead to a variety of other problems, from social isolation to bone fractures caused by falls. But there is help.

"Part of the problem is that incontinence is stigmatized; we don't talk about it," said Subak, the Katharine Dexter McCormick and Stanley McCormick Memorial Professor III. "Or we hear folklore about this being normal when you get older. In fact, it's very common but it's not inevitable, and we have very effective ways of treating it."

Addressing a common problem

Incontinence deserves good treatment because of the many ways it interferes with people's lives.

"It takes away independence," Subak said. "My patients will say, 'I can't stay with my kids or grandkids because I'm afraid I'll wet the bed, and I can't talk about it; it's too embarrassing.'"

Patients may avoid activities that could boost their well-being, such as exercising and seeing friends. They are more likely to be admitted to a nursing home and to suffer certain serious medical problems such as hip fractures.

"Incontinence and overactive bladder are among the biggest risk factors for falls and fractures among older women," Subak said. "You're rushing to the bathroom at night -; with the lights off -; tripping and falling, and breaking a hip."

Some factors that contribute to risk for incontinence can't be changed, such as aging or having had children. But others are modifiable.

"A lot of my research has focused on weight loss and physical activity, which in fact are effective treatments," Subak said. She became interested in studying yoga as a treatment after some of her patients told her it helped them.

Being active helps

The study compared two 12-week exercise programs: 121 participants were randomly assigned to yoga, and 119 to a physical conditioning control group. The participants were women with urinary incontinence that caused symptoms at least once a day. They were 45 to 90 years old, with a mean age of 62.

In the yoga program, participants learned 16 hatha yoga poses intended to strengthen the pelvic floor, via two 90-minute sessions per week. The pelvic floor consists of the muscles that form the base of the pelvis and hold its organs -; including the bladder and urethra -; in place. Participants were also asked to practice yoga for at least one hour per week outside of class and to maintain a practice log.

Participants in the control group spent an equal amount of time in exercise classes, but their classes focused on nonspecific stretching and strengthening exercises that did not engage the pelvic floor. They were also asked to practice for an additional hour per week and keep a practice log.

The study began with in-person classes, then transitioned to a videoconference format when the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns began.

Participants recorded when they leaked urine and classified whether each episode was urgency incontinence, when an overactive bladder causes a person to feel the need to urinate more often than usual, or stress incontinence, in response to pressure in the abdomen, such as from coughing or sneezing. They also answered standard questionnaires about their bladder function.

At the beginning of the study, the participants had an average of 3.4 episodes of urinary incontinence per day, including 1.9 urgency-type episodes and 1.4 stress-type episodes.

By the end of the 12-week programs, participants in the yoga group were experiencing 2.3 fewer episodes of incontinence per day, on average. Those in the physical conditioning group were experiencing 1.9 fewer episodes per day.

The two treatments are about equally effective, with both approaches reducing episodes of incontinence by around 60%, and the benefits from both treatments are meaningful, Subak said. Patients who would like to try these approaches can search for low-impact Iyengar yoga or low-impact exercise classes in their communities or online, she said, adding that instructors should be able to adapt the activity to participants' physical limitations.

"I'm impressed that exercise did so well and impressed that yoga did so well," Subak said. "One of the take-home messages from this study is 'Be active!'"

Other nonsurgical treatments for incontinence, including medications, typically result in a 30% to 70% improvement in symptoms, she noted.

If a patient asked whether yoga could help with incontinence, "I would say that I think it's a great idea to try it if you're interested," Subak said. "It's very low risk, and there's potential for benefit not only for incontinence but also for your general well-being."

The study was funded by the National Institutes of Health (grants R01AG050588, R01DK116712-04S1 and K24AG068601). Researchers from Yale University and San Francisco State University also contributed to the study.
WUHU, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- An exhibition displaying unmanned aerial vehicles, manned aircraft, airspace management systems, and other innovative hi-tech products of the low-altitude economy industry was held in Wuhu City of east China's Anhui Province during the ongoing 2024 Low Altitude Economic Development Conference (LAEC).

As part of the three-day LAEC, the exhibition demonstrates low-altitude application scenarios in transportation, city management, emergency rescue, and many other fields.

A visitor takes photos of the digital low-altitude brain product used for urban airspace management at an exhibition of the 2024 Low Altitude Economic Development Conference in Wuhu, east China's Anhui Province, Sept. 6, 2024. (Xinhua/Fu Tian)

A visitor takes a flight simulator at an exhibition of the 2024 Low Altitude Economic Development Conference in Wuhu, east China's Anhui Province, Sept. 6, 2024. (Xinhua/Fu Tian)

A visitor takes an electric aircraft at an exhibition of the 2024 Low Altitude Economic Development Conference in Wuhu, east China's Anhui Province, Sept. 6, 2024. (Xinhua/Fu Tian)

A visitor learns about an inspection drone at an exhibition of the 2024 Low Altitude Economic Development Conference in Wuhu, east China's Anhui Province, Sept. 6, 2024. (Xinhua/Fu Tian)

Visitors view an electric aircraft at an exhibition of the 2024 Low Altitude Economic Development Conference in Wuhu, east China's Anhui Province, Sept. 6, 2024. (Xinhua/Huang Bohan)

A visitor learns about a low-altitude sensing system at an exhibition of the 2024 Low Altitude Economic Development Conference in Wuhu, east China's Anhui Province, Sept. 6, 2024. (Xinhua/Fu Tian)

Visitors view an aerial emergency command aircraft at an exhibition of the 2024 Low Altitude Economic Development Conference in Wuhu, east China's Anhui Province, Sept. 6, 2024. (Xinhua/Fu Tian)

A low-altitude aircraft makes a flight demonstration outside the venue of the 2024 Low Altitude Economic Development Conference in Wuhu, east China's Anhui Province, Sept. 6, 2024. (Xinhua/Fu Tian)

A signing ceremony of major projects is held during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Low Altitude Economic Development Conference in Wuhu, east China's Anhui Province, Sept. 7, 2024. (Xinhua/Fu Tian)

Visitors view an electric aircraft at an exhibition of the 2024 Low Altitude Economic Development Conference in Wuhu, east China's Anhui Province, Sept. 6, 2024. (Xinhua/Fu Tian)




The Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) released the provisional answer key for the Teacher Recruitment Exam (TRE) 3.0 on September 6. The Commission will now open the challenge window for the answer key. The challenge option will begin on September 9 and end on September 14 as per the timeline announced.

Students enrolled in BPSC TRE who wish to raise objections must first sign in with their login and password, then upload valid supporting documentation for their challenge on the Commissions official website, bpsc.bih.nic.in.

The Commission had previously released the answer key to the general studies paper to hire teachers for Classes 6 through 8.

BPSC TRE 3 Answer Key 2024: How to Download

Step 1: Go to the BPSCs official website, bpsc.bih.nic.in.

Step 2: On the webpage, find and click on the link labelled Provisional answer keys (for Class 6-8).

Step 3: A new window will appear, containing the answer key in a PDF file.

Step 4: Candidates must check and download the BPSC TRE 3 Answer Key 2024.

Objections raised against the answer key sent by any other channel, as well as those received after the deadline, will not be considered. The BPSC TRE results will be announced when the challenges submitted with regard to the preliminary answer key have been addressed. The BPSC TRE final answer key will be released together with the results.

In March 2024, the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) cancelled the Teacher Recruitment Exam (TRE 3.0) due to an alleged paper leak. The TRE 3.0 exam was held on March 15 in two shifts. It was initially planned to be conducted over two daysMarch 15 and 16. On March 15, the first shift was scheduled from 9:30 am to 12 noon, and the second shift from 2:30 pm to 5 pm. The March 16 exam, scheduled for a single shift from 12 to 2:30 p.m., was cancelled owing to unavoidable circumstances.
The Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) has released the official notification for the Jharkhand General Graduate Level Combined Competitive Examination (JGGLCCE 2023). According to the notification, the JGGLCCE exam is all set to be conducted on September 21 and September 22. The admit card for the same will be issued on September 17. Candidates who are willing to appear for the recruitment exam can visit the official website of JSSC, which is atjssc.nic.in, to download the hall tickets. To access the admit card, candidates will have to log on to the official website using their registration credentials. Under this recruitment drive, the commission is aiming to fill up a total of 2,017 vacancies in various departments within the Jharkhand state government.

JSSC JGGLCCE 2023: Heres How To Download Admit Card

Step 1: Candidates need to go to the official website of the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission, which is jssc.nic.in.

Step 2: Under the latest notifications or updates section on the homepage, search for and click on the link that reads Admit Card or JGGLCCE 2023 Admit Card.

Step 3: After clicking, applicants will be redirected to a new page.

Step 4: Provide the necessary credentials, such as your registration number, date of birth, or password in the login portal.

Step 5: Once youve successfully logged in, the JSSC JGGLCCE admit card will be displayed on the screen.

Step 6: Click on the Download button and save the hall ticket to your device.

Step 7: Candidates are advised to take a printout of the same for the exam day.

Upon downloading the admit card, make sure all details are correct. It will include details such as the name of the candidate, roll number, exam date, time, examination venue, and subjects. Ensure accuracy, and if you find any mistake(s) on your MP Board Hall ticket 2024, students are advised to quickly contact the concerned authorities for rectification before the commencement of the exam.

Candidates will have to undergo a three-tiered selection process for the JGGLCCE 2023. It will include a preliminary examination, a main examination, and a document verification round. It is important for candidates to carry their admit cards and government-approved ID proof to enter the examination hall.
There is a government institution in the country where the annual fee for the MBBS course is just Rs 1,638. Some reports state that the fee at Lady Hardinge Medical College is even lower, at Rs 1,400 per annum. This means that students who gain admission can pursue an MBBS degree at a minimal cost, setting them on the path to becoming doctors. The lowest MBBS course fee in the country is reportedly found at the prestigious All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi, where the annual fee is Rs 1,638. Over the entire five-year course, the total cost amounts to just Rs 19,896. Additionally, a student mentioned that the hostel fee is Rs 2,000. AIIMS Delhi offers 132 seats for its MBBS program, with 125 seats reserved for Indian students and 7 for foreign students. Admission to these MBBS seats requires candidates to take the NEET UG entrance exam. Based on their scores, students must then register for counselling, ensuring that AIIMS Delhi is listed as their top preference.

AIIMS Delhi offers a five-and-a-half-year MBBS programme, which includes a one-year compulsory internship. Admission to the MBBS program at AIIMS Delhi is conducted entirely online and is based solely on entrance exam performance. Final selection for the program requires a valid NEET UG score, followed by seat allotment conducted by the Medical Counseling Committee (MCC). Candidates who have completed their Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology are eligible to apply for AIIMS Delhi MBBS, provided they achieve a competitive score in the NEET UG exam.

Due to the high-quality education offered at a low cost, admission to the MBBS course at AIIMS Delhi is highly competitive. The intense competition is evident from the fact that this year, 68 out of the top 100 candidates in the NEET UG exam have secured admission to AIIMS Delhi. Among them, candidates ranked from one to 37 had chosen AIIMS Delhi as their first preference.
To become an IAS, IPS and IFS officer, candidates have to appear for the UPSC Civil Service examination first. The candidates who will be able to pass this examination with good ranks will be selected for the role of IAS, IPS and IFS. One such story is that of the 2002 IAS batch student, Dr Manish Ranjan. The then Drinking Water and Sanitation Secretary of Jharkhand, Dr Manish was honoured for the implementation of Jharkhand Jal Chhajan Yojana. He was awarded the 27th National Award for e-Governance 2024 organised by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances and the Department of Electronics and Information Technology. He is currently working as the Secretary of Rural Development (RD), Additional Charge of Rural Construction Department (RWD). He belongs to Saran district of Bihar and completed his schooling from Netarhat in Jharkhand. Dr Manish was also very interested in drama and he has performed in many plays in his college life.

He has been a brilliant student since childhood. He appeared for his class 10 and class 12 examination from Bihar and was also a topper in the Bihar Board class 12 examination. Manish Ranjan moved to Delhi for higher studies. After this, he completed his graduation in Sociology and Economics from Hindu College, Delhi University in the year 1996. He later on completed his MBA from the Institute of Rural Management, Anand. He obtained a Master of Public Affairs, Public Policy degree from the University of California, Berkeley in the year 2020.

Over the course of his career, he has held important positions in the state of Jharkhand, focusing on creating sustainable solutions for governance issues and promoting development in rural areas. One of the notable areas of his work is his contribution to education and skill development, especially in rural regions. He has been instrumental in promoting policies that aim to bridge the gap between urban and rural education. His work often emphasises inclusive growth, particularly by empowering underprivileged communities. Apart from this, he is also a bestselling author. His books are very helpful for the students who are preparing for the civil service exams.
A recent case involving IIM Rohtaks director, Dheeraj Sharma has emerged on the internet after receiving an excessively high salary. Dheeraj has drawn an annual salary of Rs 3.2 crore for a tenure of three years. His payment also included a variable salary which is 200 percent higher than his basic pay. As per the Indian Express, it led to the Ministry of Education raising concerns over this payment while citing an internal audit that flagged the irregularity. Despite these concerns, IIM Rohtak has maintained that the Board of Governors approved the directors variable pay.

IIM Rohtak has also claimed these payments had previously been disclosed to the ministry nearly a year and a half ago. The institute also added that the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) reportedly have not identified any irregularities in the process.

The irregularities led to the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, lodging several complaints. Eventually, the internal audit wing conducted an investigation. The complaints also highlighted other financial irregularities including the issuing of mobile phones to the members of the faculty. Moreover, it was revealed that the variable salary was two times higher than the prescribed amount, violating all standard financial practices. This led to the Ministry of Education seeking clarification from IIM Rohtak twice. The ministry also urged the institute to identify everyone involved in the approval of payments.

As per the IIM Act, a directors variable salary is determined by the Board of Governors. It is based on certain performance parameters but it was noted that the boards approval for Dheeraj Sharmas variable salary in 2018-19 and 2019-20 was received before the institutes rules under the Act were informed. It made the entire rendering process void.

The financial irregularities arent the only offences Dheeraj Sharma has been alleged to. He has faced accusations of irregularities in appointments and financial management. Following amendments to the IIM Act granting more autonomy to 20 premier business schools, IIM Rohtaks accounts came under scrutiny. Dheeraj has also been accused of misrepresenting his qualifications to secure the position of IIM Rohtaks director. His appointment was challenged in the Punjab and Haryana High Court in 2016.
The Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) in Uttar Pradeshs Moradabad district was caught red-handed, taking a bribe of Rs 50,000. District Magistrate (DM) Anuj Singh has now removed the stenographer, Sachin Kumar along with SDM, Mani Arora from the post. In her place, Deputy Collector Preeti Singh has been appointed as the new SDM of Thakurdwara. As per the sources, the polices vigilance team has been monitoring Sachin Sharma, the stenographer of the SDM of Moradabads Thakurdwara tehsil. Mohit Kumar, a farmer, had complained to the stenographer, alleging that Sachin Sharma demanded Rs 50,000 as a bribe in exchange for completing work. The vigilance team sent the farmer back to the SDMs office with chemically marked notes. As soon as the stenographer started to count the money, the team caught him and a case was registered. Amid this, DM Anuj Singhs action has grabbed the spotlight.

Who is DM Anuj Singh?

Anuj Singh is a 2013 batch IAS officer, originally from Chapra in Bihar. He completed his BTech in Chemical Engineering from IIT Delhi. After his Bachelors degree, he began preparing for UPSC exam and cleared it. His IAS training began in 2014 in Mussoorie and continued till November 2015. He joined as a Joint Magistrate in the Banda district in November 2015, where he continued to serve till June 2016. He has served as a Joint Magistrate in Bijnor, Chief Development Officer (CDO) of Gorakhpur and Vice Chairman of Gorakhpur Development Authority. He was posted as the DM in Hapur in 2021 and was then transferred to Sitapur in 2022 and has been the DM of Moradabad since June 25, 2024.

Who is SDM Mani Arora, who was removed from her post?

SDM Mani Arora hails from Haryanas Yamunanagar District. Her father used to run a clothing shop. She kept appearing for her UPSC exams, she was selected as an IRAS Officer in 2017. She was then selected for UP Provincial Civil Service (PCS) and secured the 24th rank. She left her job at IRAS and joined UP PCS and became a Deputy Collector. She was posted as SDM of Thakurdwara in Moradabad until she was removed from her post.
The stage is set for a battle royale in Haryana. While on the one hand, the BJP is showcasing the impact of 10 years of double-engine government, on the other the Congress is questioning the Haryana government over rising unemployment in the state. Undoubtedly things have improved in the last ten years due to the saturation of various central government schemes and Haryana government initiatives, observers say. But feeling the heat of anti-incumbency, the government has compiled data on job creation in the two decades, right from 2004 to 2014 of Congress rule and 2014-2024 of BJP rule. Government sources say that the job situation, overall standard of living, and income levels in Haryana have been improving above the all-India average.

During the 2005-14 period, under Congress rule, only 86,067 government sector jobs were created through various government exams. According to government sources, in the Congress era, there was a complete lack of transparency in the system. While job vacancies were advertised, they were often filled by the partys inner circle and close associates, sidelining deserving candidates. The people of Haryana endured endless suffering due to the Congresss rampant misappropriation of government funds, fuelled by frequent scams, corruption, and nepotism. The Congresss misrule led to a betrayal of public trust, said a source.

On the contrary, as per sources, under the BJPs double engine sarkar, 1,43,000 government jobs were created in Haryana from 2014 to 2024, showcasing its real impact. PM Modis Na Khaunga, Na Khane Dunga ensured a corruption-free, merit-based environment. New India under PM Narendra Modi stands for transparency, accountability, and delivering on promises for a brighter future for all. Under the BJP government, digitisation has made job application systems more transparent, providing greater visibility of available vacancies. Digital platforms like HREX, HPSC, and HSSC have been established to help job seekers easily upload and track their applications, said a source.

Further, said the sources, the BJP-led state government is committed to promoting formalisation in the job market and ensuring job security for its citizens. Recently the state government under the leadership of CM Nayab Singh Saini announced the Haryana Contractual Employees (Security of Tenure) Ordinance, 2024, promising job security for contractual employees. This is expected to benefit 1.20 lakh employees under Haryana Kaushal Rozgar Nigam. Job fairs have also been organised on a regular basis.

Haryana is significantly contributing towards promoting employment in the non-farm sector, said the sources. In 2022-23, 70% of jobs created in Haryana were in the non-farm sector, compared with the all-India sectoral composition, where only 54% of jobs are created in the non-farm sector. While the issue of limited non-farm sector jobs has been widely debated, it is commendable how the BJP-led Haryana state government has tackled this challenge head-on. Through consistent efforts and proactive policies, the government has actively promoted formal sector employment in the non-farm sector, proving its dedication to creating opportunities and driving growth for all, said the sources.

Haryana an attractive investment destination

According to the sources, a stable Government in the state, ease of doing business, robust infrastructure, and logistics facilities are making Haryana an attractive investment destination for the services and manufacturing sectors, leading to job creation. It is worth noting that the state has been among the top performers in key indices and metrics as shown below:

 Business Reforms Action Plan (BRAP) 2020, ranks Haryana among Top Achievers in ease of doing business.

 Haryana ranked 5th in Export Preparedness Index 2022 & recognised as Achiever among Landlocked states in Logistics Ease Across Different States (LEADS 2023).

 Haryana has highest concentration of BPO workforce in the world, Gurugram alone employs 5% of global BPO workforce.

 Haryana is largest automotive hub in the country. Out of 150 Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEMs), 50 are in Haryana.

Haryana significantly promotes formalisation in job market

EPFO membership data clearly shows a significant growth in formal sector jobs in Haryana. During the Congress governments tenure from 2004-05 to 2013-14, only 46.20 lakh formal sector jobs were created. In contrast, under the BJP government from 2013-14 to 2022-23, approximately 1.60 crore formal sector jobs were generated in the state, highlighting a remarkable increase in employment opportunities, a source said.

Significant saturation of central govt schemes

Utilisation of the governments prominent schemes for promoting employment generation has been high in the state. After launch in 2015, PM Mudra Yojana created around 16.85 lakh jobs, PM Rozgar Protsahan Yojana 9.88 lakh jobs, Atmanirbhar Bharat Rozgar Yojana over 4 lakh jobs, PM Employment Generation programme launched in 2008 created 39,667 jobs from 2008-2014 (but total jobs created under this scheme during BJP rule of 2014-24 is over 1,53 lakh), PM SVANidhi created 38,000 jobs, DDU Gramin Kalyan Yojana 26,653 jobs, Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana 11,458 jobs, and Start-up India created 77,800 jobs, sources said.

The data indicates that the schemes launched by the Modi government are estimated to have created 3.96 crore additional jobs in the country. Of this, 33.81 lakh additional jobs are estimated to have been created in Haryana between 2014 and 2024. Among other programmes that have contributed to job creation, the successful adoption of Start-up India has shown positive results in the state: 7,385 start-ups have been registered in Haryana, of which 14 are Unicorns.

Haryana states initiatives

Between 2015 and 2023, a total of 17.18 lakh jobs were created through various state government initiatives (schemes/programmes), said sources. According to data compiled from Questions & Answers raised in the Haryana assembly in 2023, Monthly Per capita Consumption Expenditure (MPCE) and per capita national income have gone up in the state and are above the all-India average, or higher than many other states. 34,000 jobs through Antyodaya Utthan Yojana Mela, 27,516 in Job Fair, 1.71 lakh through Saksham Yuva Yojana, 1.20 lakh in Haryana Kaushal Rojgar Nigam, 12.64 lakh in Industrial Employment, and over one lakh government jobs through HSSC & HPSC were created. These two indicators indirectly show that the job situation, overall standard of living and income levels in the state have been improving over time. The data has amplified the BJP campaign as the voting date draws near.
A day after the Bharatiya Janata Party released Its manifesto for the upcoming J&K assembly elections, union home minister Amit Shah addressed a karyakarta sammelan (gathering of cadres) in Jammu.

Shah, who has been deeply involved in the meteoric rise of the saffron party across the country since around 2014 and was its national president has always focused on strengthening booths, which has made a big difference in elections.

Speaking to party workers on Saturday, he spelt out a strategy for the BJP to win the Jammu and Kashmir elections. I want to give you a very interesting formula. Not only your own family but focus on the neighbouring three families too to ensure each person comes out to vote in the upcoming polls, Shah stressed.

The page committee (each focusing on voters on one page of the electoral rolls) focus has delivered excellent results in the home ministers home state Gujarat (where he himself has been the head of the page committee). And that can actually deliver the desired results in Kashmir too, he emphasised.

Shah once again urged party workers to strengthen the hands of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has become the PM for the third time in a row and said that he has the best interests of the union territory in mind. He said that while development will happen in stages, including for infrastructure, the party would ensure that the dignity and the rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir are protected.

It is only the BJP that has pledged to ensure peace and stability in Jammu and Kashmir. All of you need to have one target and that is to get BJP candidates to win all seats in Jammu. You all need to go home to home and get this target achieved, Shah said to the party workers at the gathering.

Invoking the sentiments of party stalwart Syama Prasad Mukherjee, Shah said that he had laid down his life to see a united India, and as a tribute to him, it needs to be ensured that the BJP forms the government in J&K.

Jahaan hue balidan Mukherjee wo Kashmir hamara hai (Where Mukherjee gave up his life, that Kashmir is ours), this slogan shouted by the home minister received a thunderous response from the crowd.

Shah also hit out at the Congress and its alliance partner National Conference, saying that these families along with that of the Peoples Democratic Party led by Mehbooba Mufti, have never had the interests of the people in mind, except for their selfish politics.

Targeting Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in particular, Shah said that the attempt of the alliance was only to mislead people by promising statehood restoration.

Who do you think will be able to give statehood to the people of Jammu and Kashmir? Shah asked his party workers. He further stressed that this is a commitment that was given on the day of the abrogation of Article 370 being cleared by Parliament. My speech on the 5th and 6th of August 2019 is already there for everybody to see. On the floor of the house, I had said that we would restore statehood at an appropriate time after the assembly elections. How are these parties able to make such a commitment even without having any power? They have made these promises, even though we have been committed to this from 2019 onwards, he added.

Underscoring the inaction on terrorism by parties that have been in power in Kashmir, Shah hit out at the NC in particular, saying that when terrorist activity took place, the Abdullah family led by Farooq Abdullah ran off to England.

The home minister also stressed that after the removal of Article 370, there has been a drop of 70% in cases of terrorism, and stone-pelting incidents have been zero.

Jammu and Kashmir will have elections in three phases, on September 18, September 25, and October 5, with the votes to be counted on October 8, alongside Haryana.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday remembered Tika Lal Taploo, the first Kashmiri Pandit associated with the Bharatiya Janata Party, who was killed by terrorists. While addressing the mega rally in Jammu and Kashmirs Doda district, PM Modi said, We have decided to launch a scheme in honour of Tika Lal Taploo to ensure that Kashmiri Pandits get their rights on a fast-track basis.

The BJPs Sankalp Patra or the manifesto for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections promised ghar wapsi of the Kashmiri Pandits via the Tika Lal Taploo Visthapit Samaj Punarvas Yojana (TLTVSPY). Besides, the manifesto included many promises wiping out terrorism from the Valley, reconstructing Hindu temples and shrines, and regularising daily wagers working for the government among others.

But what stood out was the party addressing its core vote bank  the Kashmiri Pandits  by promising their ghar wapsi via the scheme named after Tika Lal Taploo, if and when they form the government  the first since the abrogation of Article 370 and 35A. But who is Tika Lal Taploo mentioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and why did the BJP name the scheme after him?

Taploo was the tallest Kashmiri Pandit leader, a career advocate and one of the early BJP leaders from the Valley who was assassinated in the tumultuous years of insurgency by militants of Yasin Maliks Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF). Taploo was a pan-India figure in the truest sense who was born in Srinagar, received higher education in Punjab and Uttar Pradesh but came back to work where he belonged  Jammu and Kashmir.

He was a tall leader of the Kashmiri Pandits. He went to jail many times in 1967 during our agitations and later during the Emergency. He went on to become the vice-president of BJP in the Valley but was gunned down like many Pandits, recalls Utpal Kaul, the international coordinator of the Global Kashmiri Pandit Diaspora.

In the manifesto that Home Minister Amit Shah launched on September 6, BJP said: This initiative will incorporate inputs from their representatives and the Welfare Board for the Displaced Community to protect, safeguard, and defend the rights of the displaced Kashmiri Pandit. Along with Taploos association with the BJP, his deep roots with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) make him the ideal choice for the BJP to name a scheme for the return of the Pandits.

At a time when the BJP was in its nascent stage, Taploos personal charisma outshined that of the BJP, at least in J&K. After a failed assassination bid on him at Chinkral Mohalla on September 12, 1989, the militants were successful a couple of days later. As Taploo was walked up to the J&K High Court, the BJP leader was attacked by three militants firing eight rounds from close quarters, marking the beginning of a long and painful era of killings of Kashmiri Pandits. The violence soon escalated, resulting in the exodus of nearly 97 per cent of the Kashmiri Pandit community from Kashmir Valley in the next few years.

Till this day, September 14 is widely observed as Martyrdom Day by the community. By naming the scheme after him, the BJP has smartly touched a raw nerve of many Kashmiri Pandits who reside in Jammu and form a bulk of the voters in that region.

We are happy and thankful that such a scheme for the Pandits is being thought of by the BJP and that it has been named after Tika Lal Taploo, Kaul told News18.

Such was his aura that from BJP veteran Lal Krishna Advani to influential Pracharks like Kidar Nath Sahni, who would later go on to become Governor of Sikkim and Goa, attended his funeral. The respect he still commands among Kashmiri Pandits can be gauged by the fact that his assassination was dramatised in a recent Bollywood movie The Kashmir Files.

But will it electorally help the BJP in the 43 assembly constituencies that fall under Jammu Division where Kashmiri Pandits hold sway in many seats? In the days to come, the party will mount a social media campaign along with door-to-door visits to drive home the point, say sources.

This article was originally published on September 07, 2024
In an effort to ensure free and fair polling in the upcoming assembly elections, the Jammu and Kashmir authorities are leaving no stone unturned. From leveraging advanced technology to mobilising security forces, the preparations are in full swing to effectively conduct the polls.

For the first time, the Doda district authorities have installed CCTV cameras at all 534 polling booths, with live monitoring from the Deputy Commissioners office. The surveillance setup has also been done at special Nakas to monitor road activities.

Emphasising preparations for the upcoming polls, Harvinder Singh, District Election Officer Doda, said, One of the main focus of this upcoming Assembly election is surveillance. We have 27 static surveillance teams; they will work on 3 shifts at the borders and 9 nakas for 24 hours, that too with CCTV cameras.

We have 27 flying squad teams as well, who are working and putting surprise nakas and raids in different places based on the actionable inputs and complaints. We are live telecasting the CCTVs at our 534 polling stations, we are going to monitor 534 polling stations live for 24 hours through CCTV, he added.

The security arrangements were also heightened in the Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir, said the officials. The visuals showed heavy deployment of security forces in the region, news agency ANI reported.

Central Govt Deploys Security Troops in J-K

For the first assembly election in Jammu and Kashmir in ten years, the Union government deployed paramilitary forces in response to the recent terror attacks in the mountainous Jammu area.

In total, around 900 companies, each comprising 110 personnel, have been assigned to ensure security and handle election responsibilities. This deployment came in addition to the regular presence of the local police force in the J-K region.

The Indian Army along with the Border Security Force (BSF) has stepped up the surveillance along the 744 km Line of Control (LoC) and the 198 km international border.
Chinese State Councilor and Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong and Minister of Interior, Community Development and Public Security of Burundi Martin Niteretse co-chair the first China-East Africa Ministerial Dialogue on Law Enforcement and Security Cooperation and deliver keynote speeches in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 7, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

BEIJING, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- The first China-East Africa Ministerial Dialogue on Law Enforcement and Security Cooperation was held in Beijing on Saturday. The dialogue aimed to provide high-level guarantees for common security and prosperity among China and East African countries.

Chinese State Councilor and Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong and Minister of Interior, Community Development and Public Security of Burundi Martin Niteretse co-chaired the event.

Wang noted that bilateral relations between China and all African countries that have diplomatic ties with China have been elevated to the level of strategic relations, and that the overall characterization of China-Africa relations has been elevated to an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era.

Wang said China is willing to work with East African countries to promote the implementation of the Global Security Initiative, build a new platform for multi-party dialogue, address new challenges in law enforcement and security, promote new measures for capacity building, and create a new pattern of law enforcement and security cooperation between China and East Africa in the new era.

Chinese State Councilor and Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong meets with Minister of Interior, Community Development and Public Security of Burundi Martin Niteretse in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 7, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

On the same day, Wang met with Niteretse and Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) Jacquemain Shabani.

Meeting with Shabani, Wang said that China will work with the DRC to enhance political mutual trust, strengthen personnel exchange, and deepen practical cooperation in areas such as security and law enforcement capacity building under the Belt and Road Initiative.

Shabani expressed gratitude for China's valuable support, saying that the DRC adheres firmly to the one-China principle and will take effective measures to enhance the safety of Chinese enterprises and personnel in the country.

Chinese State Councilor and Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong meets with Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) Jacquemain Shabani in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 7, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

During his meeting with Niteretse, Wang said that China will deepen practical cooperation in the field of law enforcement and security, and promote the development of friendly cooperation between China and Burundi to a higher level and broader scope.

Niteretse said that Burundi is willing to support China firmly on issues related to China's core interests, work together to effectively implement the outcomes of the ministerial dialogue, and promote the high-level development of law enforcement and security cooperation. 
As the nation comes alive with the celebrations of Ganesh Chaturthi, actress Divyanka Tripathi has opened up about her cherished memories of the festival. She shared how this auspicious occasion holds a special place in her heart and revealed what makes Ganeshotsav particularly meaningful to her. Divyanka highlighted her favourite aspects of the festival.

Divyanka Tripathi shared insights into how the festivals celebration has evolved from her childhood in Bhopal to her current life in Mumbai. Speaking to Pinkvilla, she said, Throughout my time on Ganpati in Bhopal, as kids, me, my sister and my brother would enjoy the festival. We used to get Ganpati Bappa home and we used to do puja but the entire meaning of it changed when I came in Mumbai. Ganesh Chaturthi in Maharashtra is entirely different. She expressed that passion and faith remain constant in all parts of the country but the intensity shifts dramatically, which is one of her favourite aspects of Mumbai.

Divyanka said, The best part of the festival is that we get to meet our loved ones at least once in a year, which is difficult for people living in Mumbai, but still, this occasion becomes a great reason to reunite with our loved ones. Moreover, the actress shared that she also enjoys many Maharashtrian delicacies, especially her favourite, Ukkdiche Modak. She added that whenever she visits her friends during the festival she packs the Ukkdiche Modak for them.

Divyanka Tripathi is quite well known for her role in Yeh Hai Mohabbatein. She recalled how the production house Balaji Telefilms would bring a Ganpati idol on the set. She narrated, On one hand, we used to do puja of the Ganpati idol along with the entire celebration of the festival onscreen. At times, we didnt get to celebrate these festivals elaborately in real life but during the shoot of such special occasions we used to enjoy shooting for each ritual.

Divyanka Tripathi concluded with a heartfelt message for her fans, urging them to reconnect with loved ones during the festive season. She emphasised that this time of year offers a unique opportunity to strengthen personal bonds, which is often missed during the rest of the year.
As the Ganapati Chaturthi celebrations commenced on Saturday, the GSB Seva Mandal Ganpati, also known as the richest Ganpati gets adorned with 66 kg of gold ornaments and 325 kg silver and other precious items.

The organisers have procured record-breaking insurance of Rs 400.58 crore for its five-day festival spanning September 7-11. The Matunga-based GSB Seva Mandal, known for its Lord Ganesha adorned with gold jewellery, is considered one of the wealthiest mandals.

Indias richest Ganpati. The GSB Seva Mandal Ganpati is adorned with 66 kg of gold ornaments and 325 kg silver and other precious items. Visuals from the Virat Darshan They have procured record-breaking insurance of Rs 400.58 crore for its five-day festival spanning Sept pic.twitter.com/aEeNlZiznY  Dr. Rahul Baxi (@baxirahul) September 5, 2024

The GSB Seva Mandal in Mumbais Kings Circle unveiled the first look of its Ganesh idol amid chants, music, and dhol beats on Thursday evening. Scores of devotees thronged the pandal to witness the pious moment.

With this, the GSB Seva Mandal kicked off its 70th Ganeshotsav celebrations.

The Ganapati festival, beginning September 7, is a major celebration in Maharashtra. Ganeshotsav spans ten days of joyous celebrations, elaborate rituals, and other festivities and concludes with the grand visarjan, where Ganesha idols are immersed in water bodies amidst chants and music.

Some 15,000 police personnel will be on the streets for the next ten days to provide security, officials said.

The 10-day Ganesh festival began in Maharashtra on Saturday, with idols of the deity being installed in homes and at public pandals across the state amid fanfare and gaiety.

Families, including children and elderly members, stepped out of their homes early morning to bring their beloved god home amid chants of Ganpati Bappa Morya and the beating of drums.

As many as 32 Deputy Commissioners of Police, 45 Assistant Commissioners, 2,435 officials, 12,420 constables, home guards and personnel of the State Reserve Police Force, Rapid Action Force and Riot Control Unit will be on the streets, an official said.

(with PTI inputs)
Indias National Security Adviser (NSA), Ajit Doval, will be in Moscow for a two-day visit on September 10 and 11. He will to travel to the Russian capital for discussions on a peaceful resolution of the war between Russia and Ukraine, sources have told CNN-News18, signifying Indias growing role as a mediator in ending the deadly conflict that erupted more than two-and-a-half years ago and has roiled the world.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been at the forefront of peace efforts, visiting both Ukraine and time-tested ally Russia over the past couple of months. During his visit to Russia in July, PM Modi reiterated his message to President Vladimir Putin that this is not an era for war. In August, he visited Kyiv and met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, reaffirming Indias commitment to peace.

PM Modi also held a telephonic conversation with President Putin on August 27. Sources have suggested that the two leaders discussed during this call that India will send its NSA to Moscow for discussions on bringing about lasting peace in Ukraine. During his visit, Doval will take part in BRICS NSA-level talks, and is also expected to meet his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi.

Significantly, President Putin has recently suggested that he is not against peace, and sees Brazil, China and India as possible mediators to end the conflict that erupted on September 24, 2022. This view was echoed by Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni, who too endorsed India as a likely interlocutor, a testament to Indias growing influence on the global stage.

After his Russia and Ukraine visits, PM Modi also held a telephone cover with US President Joe Biden, discussing peace efforts in Ukraine.

Russian and Ukrainian negotiators met in Istanbul in the first weeks of the war, but those talks could not make a headway. On the ground, the situation remains bleak, with both sides ratcheting up the rhetoric and opening new fronts. Some estimates suggest that the war claimed 500,000 wounded or dead people, according to The New York Times (NYT).

The paper quoted US officials as saying that they believed Russian casualties had hit 300,000, including 120,000 dead, but Moscow was undercounting them. On the other hand, Ukrainian losses were seen at 70,000 killed and 100,000 to 120,000 wounded.
The Central government has discharged Civil Services trainee officer Puja Khedkar from Indian Administrative Service (IAS) with immediate effect, sources said on Saturday.

Vide Order dated 6th September, 2024 the Central Government discharges Ms Puja Manorama Dilip Khedkar, IAS Probationer (MH:2023), from the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) under Rule 12 of IAS (Probation) Rules, 1954, with immediate effect, the sources said.

The government order came after Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) filed a case against the trainee officer in July for availing attempts in the civil services exam by faking her identity. The UPSC on July 31 cancelled the candidature of Khedkar and debarred her permanently from all the future examinations and selections of the Commission.

What UPSC said?

The UPSC said that she was found guilty of acting in contravention of the provisions of the Civil Services Examination-2022 Rules.

The UPSC has conducted a detailed and thorough investigation in the misdemeanor of Ms Puja Manorama Dilip Khedkar provisionally recommended candidate of the civil services examination. From the investigation it has been revealed that she fraudulently availed attempts beyond the permissible limits under the examination rules by faking her identity by way of changing her name, her fathers and mothers name, her photograph, signature, e-mail ID, mobile number and address, the commission said.

The Delhi Police had also registered an FIR under provisions of the Indian Penal Code, Information Technology Act and Right of Persons with Disabilities Act.

Delhi Polices Status report:

Delhi Police, in its second status report submitted to the Delhi High Court on Wednesday, stated that the disability certificates submitted by Khedkar are most likely forged and fabricated. She had submitted two separate disability certificates for her UPSC exams.

Disability Certificate (Multiple Disability) vide No. MH2610119900342407 has not been issued by the Issuing Medical Authority, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra as per our Civil Surgeon Office Records, hence the possibility of Disability Certificate forged and fabricated is more likely, the report noted.

Khedkars reaction and clarification

Khedkar on Thursday told Delhi High Court she was willing to get herself medically examined in AIIMS, after the city police claimed that one of her disability certificates may be forged and fabricated.

I am willing to get myself medically examined. First they say I changed my name. Now they say disability is questionable. I am willing to go to AIIMS, the senior counsel appearing for Khedkar said.

Khedkars interim protection of arrest granted by the high court will continue till then.

Whats the row?

Khedkar, a 2023 batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Maharashtra cadre, has been accused of faking her caste and medical certificates. The 34-year-old IAS officer made headlines over her alleged demands for a separate office, staff and quarters  which she is not entitled to as a probationer. Pune police are probing charges that she used a red beacon and an insignia of the Maharashtra government on her private Audi vehicle.

Amid allegations that she misrepresented herself under the physical disabilities category, she was transferred to Washim from Pune. She was also accused of availing the OBC and non-creamy layer quota in the UPSC.
Chhattisgarh is leading the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission, having screened over a crore people, whereas Bihar is lagging significantly, with only a few thousand individuals screened, shows government data.

The mission, which aims to screen over seven crore people affected by the rare blood disorder, has reached the halfway mark, having screened more than four crore individuals.

The government data, accessed by News18, shows that till September 3, 4.11 crore people were screened. In the selected 17 states, Chhattisgarh has screened over 1.28 crore people, followed by Madhya Pradesh (65.10 lakh), Maharashtra (42.64 lakh), Odisha (37.20 lakh) and Gujarat (35.06 lakh).

The bottom three states include Andhra Pradesh (8.68 lakh), Assam (8.26 lakh) and Bihar where the latter has screened just 1,960 people.

The efforts are in a positive direction as several studies have shown that the highest prevalence of this disease is reported from Madhya Pradesh, followed closely by Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Odisha  all of them leading in the screening drive.

Amidst the screening efforts, people found with sickle cell trait are over 11.25 lakh whereas people suffering from the disease (diagnosed during the screening) stand slightly above 1.61 lakh.

What is sickle cell disease and how does it impact?

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a genetic blood disorder and India has the second-highest rate of the diseases prevalence in the world after Africa. Every year, approximately 1,50,000-2,00,000 children are born with the disease and more than half of the patients struggle to reach the age of five.

This disease alters haemoglobin cells, leading to distorted red blood cells, causing painful conditions and multiple health problems.

The National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission takes a comprehensive approach towards combating sickle cell disease as the impact of a disease is not felt by the patient alone, but by the whole family, PM Narendra Modi had said during the launch of the mission on July 1, 2023.

The mission combines both screening and awareness strategies to ensure early detection and treatment while promoting education about the disease as people may not be aware that they suffer from this disease, and may unintentionally transfer it to the next generation, hence the role of screening becomes even more important in this regard.

The programme is implemented in a mission mode as part of the National Health Mission which aims to eliminate sickle cell genetic transmission by 2047. Over three years, starting from the fiscal year 2023-24 to 2025-26, the program targets screening approximately seven crore people.

It focusses on 278 districts of 17 states with higher prevalence of SCD  Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Bihar and Uttarakhand.

How will screening help?

In India, the percentage of sickle cell carriers among various Adivasi or tribal and scheduled groups hovers between 1 to 40 per cent  which makes this disease under-diagnosed  mainly due to multiple social factors and limited access to public healthcare. Ultimately, the disease impacts the poorest.

According to a research article published in the peer-reviewed journal Frontier, Despite the availability of cheap diagnostic tests and treatment options, including curative, stem cell transplants available across public and private sectors, SCD remains a largely neglected disease within healthcare policy and practice across India.

Once screened and diagnosed, the patients can be treated with available medicines and those with traits can be educated about the management of the disease and progeny.

The article published by Indian researchers in December 2023 gave a reference to how Tanzania managed to reduce the deaths due to the disease.

In fact, a review from Tanzania suggests that such low-cost measures, alongside better education for parents and families, can reduce up to 70 per cent of childhood mortality related to SCD.
Arun Goel has been appointed as Indias next ambassador to Croatia, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Saturday.

The retired bureaucrat earlier served as the Election Commissioner of India.

Shri Arun Goel, has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Republic of Croatia. He is expected to take up the assignment shortly, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement.

He was appointed as the Election Commissioner in November 2022. He resigned from the post in March 2024.

Prior to his appointment as the Election Commissioner, he had taken voluntary retirement after serving as a 1985-batch IAS officer of the Punjab cadre.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2024 Updates: The Ambani family is embracing Ganesh Chaturthi with great enthusiasm this year, making it even more special as its Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchants first celebration as a married couple. Hosting a grand pooja at their lavish residence, Antilia, the Ambanis are continuing their tradition of marking the festival in an extravagant way.

The celebration was graced by several prominent celebrities and politicians, including Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, Sanjay Dutt, Sachin Tendulkar, Suniel Shetty, Prakash Padukone, Saif Ali Khan, and Kareena Kapoor, among others.

The city of Mumbai is currently decked up with more than 2,500 Ganesh mandals as the country starts celebrating the ten-day long Ganesh festival from today. Many mandals brought in their Ganpati idols with grand processions in the last two-three days.

Several places like Crawford Market, Lohar Chawl and Dadar vegetable markets witnessed huge footfall in the last few days with people thronging to buy flowers, sweets, puja materials and items for decoration.

Lakhs of devotees are slated to visit some of the popular pandals such as `Lalbaugcha Raja during the ten days of the festival. Some of the other well-known mandals in the area include Chinchpokli, Ganesh Gully and Tejukaya.

Around 15,000 police personnel will be on the streets for the next ten days to provide security, officials said.
dProtests and demonstrations are continuing in Kolkata over the horrific rape and murder of a trainee doctor at the RG Kar Hospital last month, while all eyes are on the Supreme Court where a hearing related to the matter will take place on Monday. Amid all this, there appears to be an undercurrent of mistrust between a section of doctors and the police in the city.

Home Guard driver Debasish Kundu of Anandapur police station received severe facial injuries in the stone-pelting that took place during the Nabanna Abhijan protest march a week ago. He also suffered injuries to his right eye, for which he was advised to consult an ophthalmologist upon discharge from the hospital. On Friday, Debasish went to the doctor, as advised. However, he says, the doctor behaved badly with him. I went inside his chamber and he called reception and said why a police patient had been sent as he did not want to see one. He also said certain extremely derogatory things about our fraternity. He vented his anger on me. I was taken aback, got a refund, and left, he told News18.

Hospital authorities, however, said that there would be no reason for them to not treat the police. The patient was admitted to our hospital and after successful treatment, he was discharged after around 3 days. Following the post-discharge advice, they returned for a scheduled eye check-up in the OPD but decided to cancel the consultation. Respecting the patients decision, the appointment was cancelled and provided a full refund. At our hospital, our focus is always on putting our patients first, offering compassionate care, and supporting them every step of their recovery, the hospital said in a statement.

Though this is one incident, observers say it underscores the mistrust prevailing between certain members of both fraternities. Some doctors are apparently angry that the police failed to protect them on August 14, when a mob vandalised the RG Kar Hospital. Also, allegations by the victims parents that the police offered them money to hush up the case have added accelerant to this anger.

A police officer told News18, This type of behaviour (by doctors) is uncalled for. We all should work together for everyones betterment. This trend is not good. Police also are on duty 247. Anything is being said in slogans these days, which is not right.

Sources from both camps say doctors and the police worked hard, often side by side, in times of the Covid pandemic, putting their own lives at risk. The brutal rape-murder of a doctor has shocked the nation but tensions between the two fraternities, on and off social media, over this is uncalled for, they say.

Speaking to News18, Dr Anubhab Mondal, who has participated in protests, said, There is no doubt that health workers and the people are unhappy with the system and the police have failed to protect us on the night of August 14. Problems are there but that does not mean that the fraternities will belittle each other and walk out on professional commitments. The police need doctors and doctors too need the police. The higher officials need to be held responsible.

Both fraternities are very important pillars of society therefore trust between these two fraternities is essential.

Kunal Ghosh from West Bengals ruling Trinamool Congress played down the situation. A section of people are trying to do this. Both doctors and the police are friends of society and they are friends among themselves, he said.
The Ujjain Police have arrested a man accused of recording an incident of rape of a woman trash collector by a man in broad daylight on foothpath in the temple town on Saturday.

According to the police, the accused, Mohammad Salim shot the video of the heinous crime which took place on Wednesday and posted the video on social media platforms. The police said that Salim, a native of Nagda town, has a history of crimes.

In a horrific incident, the woman was allegedly raped by a man, named Lokesh, after he forced the victim to consume liquor in broad daylight light on a footpath at Kayala Pharak area in Ujjain.

Additionally, some miscreants shot the video of the incident instead of taking any action and made the videos viral by posting it on social media. The incident has triggered widespread outrage and a political confrontation between the Congress and the ruling BJP.

Acting on the victims complaint, the police arrested the rape accused. Police said that the accused Lokesh had promised to marry her, made her drink liquor, and then raped her on Wednesday.

Accused Lokesh promised to marry her, made her drink liquor and then raped her on Wednesday. Some people who were passing by shot videos of the incident instead of stopping the crime. Lokesh later fled from the spot. After the woman filed a complaint when the effect of alcohol wore off, Lokesh was arrested, Kotwali Areas City Superintendent of Police (CSP) Om Prakash Mishra said.

CM Yadav assures strict punishment for accused

Madhya Pradesh chief minister Mohan Yadav has said that the culprits would be awarded strictest punishment and no one would be spared.

There is rule of law in Madhya Pradesh. Those who commit a crime will be dealt with sternly. Nobody will be spared. Be it Ujjain or the entire state, under the leadership of PM Modi we are all committed to good governance he said to news agency ANI.

#WATCH | On Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh) viral video of rape matter | CM Mohan Yadav says, There is rule of law in Madhya Pradesh. Those who commit a crime will be dealt with sternly. Nobody will be spared. Be it Ujjain or the entire state, under the leadership of PM Modi we are all pic.twitter.com/MoKUZtttLv ANI (@ANI) September 7, 2024

Congress vs BJP on Ujjain rape case

The incident triggers a war of words between the Congress and the BJP as the opposition party trained its guns over the deteriorating law and order in the state pointing out that the crime took place in Chief Minister Mohan Yadavs constituency.

Lok Sabha LoP and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi said on Friday that the brutality against women is a blot on humanity, asserting that propaganda-centric governments have given birth to an insensitive system of which the biggest victims are women.

The brutality against women in Ujjain and Siddharthnagar is a blot on humanity. The continuously increasing crimes against women and the attitude of the police administration towards the victim and her family is proof of the cruelty of the system and is a matter of serious concern for the country, Gandhi said in a post in Hindi on X.

Madhya Pradesh Congress President Jitu Patwari has questioned the silence of key political figures, including Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

State BJP President VD Sharma said the Congress party was politicising the incident. Congress party has no issues to corner the Madhya Pradesh government and thats why they try to give such a tone to the incident The BJP government is the first government to introduce a law to give the death penalty to the perpetrators of these kinds of incidents The accused has been arrested and the state government will ensure that strict action is taken against them, Sharma said.

(With inputs from agencies)
A Sealdah court in Kolkata rapped the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for delays in the bail hearing of the prime suspect in the rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor from RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

On Friday, Judge Pamela Gupta expressed frustration after the CBIs investigating officer and public prosecutor (PP) failed to appear on time. The hearing was delayed, leading Gupta to question whether the accused Sanjay Roy should be granted bail due to the CBIs delay. The judge asked, Where are the PP and IO? Should I grant bail?

CBI Probe

The CBI lawyer, Dipak Poria, arrived late and briefly opposed Roys bail, arguing that releasing him could impede the investigation. Meanwhile, the Trinamool Congress (TMC), which is currently engaged in a blame game with the BJP over the Kolkata rape-murder case, questioned how officials could be late in such a sensitive matter.

Roy, a civic volunteer with Kolkata Police, was arrested on August 10. He has been held in judicial custody until September 20. During the hearing, Roys defense lawyer, Kavita Sarkar, argued for bail, stating that the CBI had not presented sufficient evidence against him. In response to the courts handling of the case, TMC MP Saket Gokhale accused the CBI of attempting to release Roy and criticised the agency for its apparent lack of effort.

TMC Reacts

CBI wants to get the rape and murder accused monster RELEASED on bail. An active effort is being made by CBI, BJP, and the Modi Govt to run a political agenda and BURY this case. How can the CBI allow this monster to get bail? What is the sinister agenda that is being played out? Why was CBI ABSENT in court today? Gokhale wrote on social media X.

The case, involving the traumatic death of the trainee doctor last month, has drawn nationwide outrage. The Supreme Court is set to hear the case on September 9, focusing on issues of non-cooperation by the West Bengal government and delays in the investigation.
ISLAMABAD, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- Four suicide bombers were killed when security forces repulsed an attack on a military headquarters in Pakistan's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, an army statement said on Saturday.

The incident happened in the Mohmand district of the province when the four terrorists in a group attacked a paramilitary Frontier Corps headquarters, the military's media wing Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in the statement.

The attempt to enter the camp was effectively thwarted by the security forces personnel, said the ISPR, adding that all the four suicide bombers were neutralized before they could cause the intended damage.

Clearance operation is being conducted to eliminate any other terrorists found in the area, it added.

The military said that Pakistan's security forces are determined to wipe out the menace of terrorism from the South Asian country. 
Attacking the Congress and National Conference (NC) ahead of the crucial elections in Jammu and Kashmir, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday condemned the two parties push for the restoration of Article 370 and urged Rahul Gandhi to stop fooling the people.

During his two-day visit to the region, Shah said that Congress and the NC are claiming they will restore statehood, but only the Central government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi can make it happen. Addressing Rahul Gandhis claim that the Opposition would restore statehood in J&K, Shah dismissed this narrative as meaningless, stressing that he had already assured statehood in his 2019 speeches in Parliament.

Tell me who can give it?

Congress and National Conference are saying they will restore statehood. Tell me who can give it? It is only the Central government, Prime Minister Modi who can give it. So stop fooling the people of Jammu and Kashmir. We have said that at an appropriate time after the elections, we will give statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. We have said this in Parliament Rahul Gandhi should stop misleading the people of J&K, he added.

#WATCH | Jammu: Union Home Minister Amit Shah says, Congress and National Conference are saying they will restore statehood. Tell me who can give it? It is only the Central government, PM Modi who can give it. So stop fooling the people of Jammu and Kashmir. We have said that at pic.twitter.com/XEH1C4kW62 ANI (@ANI) September 7, 2024

Terrorism reduced in 10 years

The minister arrived in Jammu a day earlier to kickstart the BJPs campaign for the upcoming assembly elections. This will be the first election in Jammu and Kashmir since its special status under Article 370 was revoked and it was reorganised into two Union territories in August 2019.

During his fiery address, Shah underlined that Kashmir has suffered a lot from terrorism. The Bharatiya Janata Party has done the work of reducing terrorism by 70% in 10 years. After many years, the Amarnath Yatra was carried out fearlessly. After many years, night theatre started in the valley, Tazia procession was carried out in the valley. The people of Jammu and Kashmir especially the people of Jammu have to decide whether they want terrorism or peace, development, he added.

On Friday, Shah said India is not in favour of talks with Pakistan until terrorism ends, stressing that talks and bombs cannot go together. Shah made these remarks while releasing the BJPs manifesto for Jammu and Kashmir, dismissing any possibility of dialogue with Pakistan.

Talks and bombs cannot go together

Shah underlined the significant reduction in terror-related incidents and stone-pelting in Jammu and Kashmir over the last 10 years, asserting that Article 370 has become history and will never return. Talks and bombs cannot go together. We are not open to talks with Pakistan unless terrorism ends. However, we will certainly talk to the youth of Kashmir, Shah told reporters here.

When asked about the NC and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) pushing for talks with Pakistan and the restoration of cross-LoC trade, Shah responded, Until terrorism ends and the trade-terror ecosystem is dismantled, we cannot agree. Shah also criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for remaining silent on the manifesto of the National Conference advocating the restoration of Article 370.

Congress must answer whether it supports the NCs agenda. Article 370 is history and no one can bring it back, he said. The minister accused the previous governments of bowing to separatism, stating that peace, development and social justice returned after the abrogation of Article 370.
Five people died in an exchange of gunfire that occurred early Saturday between Kuki and Meitei groups in Jiribam district amid a fresh bout of violence in the northeastern state.

Police said that one person was shot dead in his sleep while four armed persons were killed in subsequent exchange of fire. Militants entered the house of the person who lived alone in an isolated location around 5 km from the district headquarters and shot him dead in his sleep.

After the killing, a heavy exchange of fire broke out between armed men of the warring communities in the hills around 7 km from the district headquarters, leading to the deaths of four armed persons, including three hills-based militants. This comes a day after suspected militants fired two rockets in Bishnupur district, killing one person and injuring five others, as tension gripped the Imphal Valley region following high-tech attacks over the past few days.

Drone Attacks

The rocket attacks came after drones were employed to drop bombs on people at two nearby places in Imphal West district earlier this week. Both are earlier unheard of in the state where ethnic violence left over 200 people dead and thousands homeless since May last year. On Friday, thousands of people across five districts of the Imphal Valley formed human chains to protest the attacks by militants.

The Manipur government announced the closure of schools on September 7 given unrest arising out of bomb attacks. Officials said that Fridays first rocket attack was reported at Tronglaobi in Bishnupur district. The second rocket fell on the compound of former chief minister Mairembam Koirengs residence in Moirang town, killing an elderly man and injuring five others.

High alert

Security forces are on high alert and moved towards the periphery of valley districts, notably on the side Bishnupur bordering Churachandpur, and Imphal West bordering Kangpokpi districts, a central security force official told PTI. Officials said the unguided rocket missiles were locally improvised and were fired from elevated Thangjing hill ranges of Churachandpur district towards the low-lying Moirang town.

Following the two attacks, all markets and business establishments were shut down in Moirang town and the rest of Bishnupur district and border areas of nearby districts of the state. In Fridays rocket attack, 72-year-old RK Rabei Singh was killed and five others were injured in the attack near the historic INA headquarters.

The use of drones as a weapon was first noticed in Manipur on September 1 in Koutruk village in Imphal West district. In the attack in which guns were also used, two persons were killed and nine others were injured. The remote-controlled small flying device was employed again in Senjam Chirang, around three km away, the next day.

(With agency inputs)
Frozen shoulder known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition characterised by stiffness, pain and limited range of motion in the shoulder joint. It develops when the connective tissue surrounding the shoulder joint, called the shoulder capsule, thickens and tightens, restricting movement. It is usually diagnosed through a physical examination and medical history review. A doctor may ask about symptoms, check the range of motion, and may order imaging tests like X-rays or MRI to rule out other conditions, such as a rotator cuff tear or arthritis.

Frozen shoulders are extremely common these days. According to The Economic Times, Dr Sushal Shanthakumar, consultant shoulder surgeon, department of orthopaedics, Manipal Hospitals in Bengaluru, said frozen shoulders may even seriously interfere with a persons ability to do everyday tasks such as dressing and bathing.

Bollywood actor and nutritionist, Bhagyashree shared a YouTube video on her channel detailing ways to deal with frozen shoulders. She talks about what a frozen shoulderis and how it is common among women. In her clip, Bhagyashree shares a few exercises which can be performed even by elderly people to get relief from frozen shoulders.

Heres What You Can Do For Frozen Shoulder:

Band Pull Apart

This exercise targets the shoulder and upper back muscles, aiming to improve mobility and strength in a gentle manner. To perform the exercise, slowly pull the band apart by moving your arms out to the sides. Ensure that your arms remain straight throughout the movement and concentrate on squeezing your shoulder blades together. This action engages the muscles in your upper back and shoulders, which can help to increase flexibility and reduce stiffness.

French Press

For French press, move your hands backwards and then to the sides and again back to the front. Repeat this process at least 10 to 15 times for 3 sets. This exercise helps target the upper arms and shoulders.

Overhead Pulls

This exercise aims at improving shoulder mobility and strength. You can use a band or dumbbells. Begin the exercise by slowly pulling the resistance band upwards and outwards, extending your arms overhead while keeping a slight bend in your elbows. Stand upright and position your arms at a 90-degree angle to your hips. Raise your hands as high as you can but dont allow your spine to arch. Repeat the movement 10-12 times for 3 sets.

Pendulum Stretch

For the pendulum stretch exercise, lean over slightly, allowing the affected arm to hang down. Then swing your arm in circular motion. It is advised to perform 10 revolutions in each direction, once a day. This stretch helps improve shoulder mobility and relieve stiffness.

Towel Stretch

Begin by holding one end of the towel with your affected arm behind your back, and use your other arm to grasp the opposite end of the towel. To gently pull the affected arm, use your good hand and pull it upwards towards your shoulder. Now, stand near a closed door and attach one end of a rubber exercise band to the doorknob. With your affected arm, hold the other end of the band, keeping your elbow bent at a 90-degree angle. Pull the band toward your body a few inches, hold briefly and release. Repeat this exercise 10-15 times.

Bhagyashree started her Bollywood career along with Salman Khan in the hit movie Maine Pyar Kiya. Even after the massive success of the film, she eventually took a break from acting to focus on her family life. Apart from being an actress, she is known for her work in social causes and her advocacy for health and wellness.
The auspicious festival of Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with immense enthusiasm by Hindus across the country each year. Also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi or Ganesh Utsav, this festival marks the birth anniversary of Lord Ganesha and spans ten days. It is observed on the Chaturthi tithi of Shukla Paksha.

ALSO READ: Happy Ganesh Chaturthi 2024: Best Wishes, Messages, Images, Quotes, and WhatsApp Greetings in English, Hindi, and Marathi!

The final day, called Ganesh Visarjan, involves devotees immersing the idols of Lord Ganesha in water and offering prayers. While the festival is celebrated throughout India, it is particularly spectacular in Maharashtra. Ganesh Chaturthi will be celebrated from September 7 to September 17 this year.

Significance Of Ganesh Chaturthi In Maharashtra

In Maharashtra, especially in Mumbai and Pune, Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with immense enthusiasm. While preparations begin weeks in advance, devotees throng markets to shop for ritual items, and artists from across the country come to Mumbai to display their talents.

Ganesh idols even reach heights of 15 to 20 feet and take weeks to complete. Enthusiastic devotees go with families to bring Bappa home.

The idols are also brought to communities, offices, or giant pandals where they are decorated with flowers, sweets, offerings, and lights.

At home, the idols are worshipped in the same manner for ten days till the visarjan.

On the final day of the festival, the idol is immersed in the sea. With grand processions in the evening, devotees wear new clothes, recite final prayers, and begin the journey towards the sea, accompanied by music and dancing.

The lively procession attracts even those who dont participate in the festival, drawing them out to witness the vibrant celebration. When the procession reaches the sea, devotees immerse the idols in the water, symbolising the departure of Lord Ganesh and with a hope that he will return the next year to bring renewed joy and relief.

Iconic Mandals

Mumbai is home to some of the most famous Ganesh mandals, like Lalbaugcha Raja and GSB Seva Mandal, attracting millions of devotees. Each mandal competes to create the most impressive idol and intricate decorations.

Cultural Richness

Punes Ganesh Chaturthi is steeped in tradition, with iconic mandals like Kasba Ganapati and Tambdi Jogeshwari leading the celebrations.

Both places see classical music performances, cultural shows and dhol-tasha (drum) processions that add to the festive spirit. Besides bringing the idols home, devotees also observe a fast during the festival.
GANESH CHATURTHI WISHES MESSAGES, WHATSAPP STATUS AND MORE: Every year, devotees across the country joyfully welcome Bappa, the remover of obstacles, during Ganesh Chaturthi. Also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi or Ganeshotsav, this festival celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha. This year, Ganesh Chaturthi will start on September 7 and continue until September 17. As you prepare to celebrate this festive occasion with your family and friends, weve put together a collection of heartfelt wishes, messages, and quotes to help you send your warmest greetings and say, A Very Happy Ganesh Chaturthi!

Ganesh Chaturthi Wishes

On this auspicious day, I pray that Lord Ganeshas blessings are always with you. I wish you a joyful Ganesh Chaturthi!

May Lord Ganesha grant you pleasure, success, and prosperity. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi to you and your family!

I wish you a Ganesh Chaturthi full of pleasant moments, wonderful memories, and heavenly blessings.

May Lord Ganeshas blessings bring you peace, joy, and wealth. Happy Ganesha Chaturthi!

Im sending you warm wishes for Ganesh Chaturthi. May Lord Ganesha bestow his blessings upon you and your loved ones.

Ganesh Chaturthi Images

Ganesh Chaturthi Messages

Celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi, the festival of Lord Ganesh. Spread the message of honesty and love through this world on this day when Lord Ganesh descended on this earth to kill evil.

This Ganesh Chaturthi, I pray to Lord Ganesha to destroy all our sorrows; enhance our happiness; and shower his blessings on all of us. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi!

Hope you have happiness as big as Lord Ganeshas appetite, life is as long as his trunk and moments as sweet as his laddus that fill your life with happiness.

May the divine blessings of Lord Ganesha bring you eternal bliss and peace, protect you from evil and wrongdoings, and fulfill all your wishes and desires.

Lord Ganesh is our mentor and protector. May He enrich your life by always giving you great beginnings and removing obstacles from your life.

Ganesh Chaturthi WhatsApp Status

Celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi, and read the message of honesty and love through this world on this day when Lord Ganesh descended on this earth to kill evil.

May the divine presence of Lord Ganesha guide you on the path of righteousness.

As rains bless the Earth similarly I pray that on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi this year, Lord Ganesha bless you with never-ending love, success and joy. Keep smiling and reciting Ganapati Bappa Morya!

When we have Bappa in our hearts, there is nothing to worry about.

Ganpati Bappa Morya, Mangalmurti Morya let us start our day by chanting these lines to welcome Lord Ganesha in our house

Ganesh Chaturthi Greetings

May Vinayaka remove all obstacles and guide you to success throughout your life. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi!

May Lord Ganesha shower you with worldly blessings as well as love and success. Ganpati Bappa Morya!

On Ganesh Chaturthi, let us worship Lord Ganesha from the bottom of our hearts and hope that he destroys all evil and suffering. Ganpati Bappa Morya!

May the power of Deva Shree Ganesha destroy all of your sufferings, increase your happiness, and spread goodness all around you. Ganpati Bappa Morya!

Trust in Ganesha, and his blessings will lead you to a path of success and abundance. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi!

Ganesh Chaturthi Quotes

Lord Ganesh of curved elephant trunk and huge body, Whose brilliance is equal to billions of suns in intensity, Always removes all obstacles from my endeavours truly, I respectfully pray to him with all my revered sincerity. Munindra Misra

If we can learn anything from Lord Ganesha, it is: Be sincere and care for no one in the line of duty.- Mohith Agadi

I was told that Ganesha sat between Lakshmi and Saraswati. My quest to attain the blessings of both goddesses explains my physique.- Ashwin Sanghi

The significance of riding on a mouse is the complete conquest over egoism. The holding of the ankusha represents His rule of the world. It is the emblem of divine Royalty. Swami Sivananda

If you take home a stone and worship it in full faith, over the course of time you are bound to see the image of Ganesha.  R.K. Narayan

Ganeshas body itself is the symbol of the entire manifest universe.  Devdutt Pattanaik

I look at Lord Ganesha at least 2000 times in a day. He helps me soar in the sky like an eagle.- Astrologer Bejan Daruwalla

He is a God who transcends all sectarian boundariesHe is everybodys God.  Shobhaa De

The power of Ganesha is not in his trunk or his tusks, but in his mind. He is the master of intellect and wisdom. He is the one who guides us to the right path and helps us make the right decisions. He is the one who enlightens us and empowers us.

In the rhythm of Ganpatis drums and the echoes of our chants, may we find the harmonious symphony of lifes blessings and joy.

Ganesh Chaturthi Facebook Status

Ganpati Bappa Morya! May Lord Ganeshas blessings shine upon us.

Sending warm wishes to you on Ganesh Chaturthi. Stay blessed!

May the elephant-headed god fill your life with joy. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi!

Lets celebrate the arrival of the elephant god with prayers and devotion.

A new sunrise, a new start. Lord Ganesha, keep loving us in your heart. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi!

May Lord Ganesha give you inspiration for overcoming any challenge. Ganpati Bappa Morya!

May this festival bring you new zeal and optimism into your life.

May this festive occasion bring along many smiles and many more celebrations for you. Happy Ganeshotsav!

Lets offer prayers to Lord Ganesh with all our hearts and the best of our intentions. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi!

Pray that Ganesha destroys all evil and sorrows. Ganpati Bappa Morya!

Ganesh Chaturthi FAQs

What is Ganesh Chaturthi?

Ganesh Chaturthi is a Hindu festival celebrated to honour Lord Ganesha, the god of wisdom, prosperity, and new beginnings. It is one of the most popular festivals in India.

When is Ganesh Chaturthi celebrated in 2024?

This year Ganesh Chaturthi celebration will start on September 7 and continue until September 17.

What is the significance of Ganesh Chaturthi?

The festival celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha and is believed to bring good luck, prosperity, and wisdom to those who worship him.

How is Ganesh Chaturthi celebrated?

The festival involves installing clay idols of Lord Ganesha in homes or public pandals, performing puja rituals, offering prayers and modaks (sweet dumplings), and finally immersing the idol in a water body on the 10th day.

What should I wear to Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations?

It is customary to wear traditional Indian attire, such as a saree or dhoti-kurta, during Ganesh Chaturthi. However, comfortable clothing is also acceptable.

What is the significance of modaks during Ganesh Chaturthi?

Modaks are a favorite food of Lord Ganesha and are offered to him during the festival as a symbol of devotion and prosperity.

Can I celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi at home?

Yes, you can celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi at home by installing a smaller idol of Lord Ganesha and performing the necessary puja rituals.

Lalbaugcha Raja

What is Lalbaugcha Raja?

Lalbaugcha Raja is a particularly famous and revered Ganesh idol in Mumbai. It is believed to have the power to fulfill wishes and is visited by millions of devotees during Ganesh Chaturthi.

Where is Lalbaugcha Raja located?

Lalbaugcha Raja is located in Lalbaug, Mumbai.

When is the best time to visit Lalbaugcha Raja?

The best time to visit Lalbaugcha Raja is during the early morning or late evening hours to avoid crowds.

How can I get to Lalbaugcha Raja?

You can reach Lalbaugcha Raja by train, bus, or taxi. It is also accessible by foot from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus.
Its hard to imagine how an entire city could vanish. Whether lost to war, natural calamity, or just years of gradual erosion, some of the worlds once-great cities have disappeared. Cambodias Angkor Wat, Greeces Pavlopetri, and Italys Pompeii, to name a handful.

We look back at ten of the worst losses of the past century.

Dhanushkodi, India

Situated at the southernmost tip of Rameswaram Island, Dhanushkodi is a tourist destination known for its distinct geographical and historical significance. Commonly referred to as Indias Lands End, the town was completely washed away by a devastating cyclone in 1964, claiming the lives of hundreds of people. Following this catastrophe, it was declared uninhabitable. Now, Dhanushkodi stands as a ghost town, with its abandoned buildings, stretches of sandy beaches, and the Kothandaramasamy Temple that remained intact during the cyclone.

Pompeii, Italy

This is one of the most famous ancient cities, probably because of the catastrophic event that led to its demise. On August 24, 79AD, while the city residents were busy with their daily lives, Mount Vesuvius erupted violently, spewing magma into the air for two days. The city and its residents, who were unable to flee in time, were buried in ash and pumice stones believed to be at least 6 meters deep.

Pavlopetri, Greece

Considered the worlds oldest submerged town, Pavlopetri is believed to have existed around 5,000 years ago before being destroyed by a series of earthquakes. It is located off the southern Laconia coast of Greece. Today, the ruins of Pavlopetri, including streets, buildings, courtyards, and even tombs, are submerged under layers of sediment.

Lion City, China

During the Eastern Han Dynasty, Lion City, also known as Shicheng, was established in the Zhejiang province of China. In 1959, the city was purposefully drowned to create the Qiandao Lake. Today, this underwater city is a renowned diving site, and the temples, roads, and houses are all nicely preserved.

Machu Picchu, Peru

Located at 2,430 meters atop a mountain crest above the Urubamba Valley in Peru, this is an ancient city of the Incas built in the 1450s for Pachacuti, an Inca Emperor. It existed for around 80 years, however, the city was abandoned in the 16th century after the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors. The ruins were discovered in 1911 by Hiram Bingham, an American historian while looking for the legendary Vilcabamba.

Baia, Italy

Roman emperors such as Nero and Julius Caesar used to vacation in this ancient Roman city. But now, much of Baia is underwater owing to volcanic activity and the gradual sinking of the land. If you are planning to visit this place, do visit the Baia Underwater Archaeological Park if you enjoy diving. You can explore the ruins of villas, baths, and temples here.

Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Angkor was the capital city of the powerful Khmer Empire, which once reigned over much of Southeast Asia. With the fall of the empire hundreds of years ago, the city was abandoned, forgotten, and fell into ruins. Now, the ruins of this ancient city can be found amid forests and farmlands to the north of Cambodias Tonle Sap Lake. It is a popular tourist destination as it hosts some of the worlds most stunning religious structures, including Angkor Wat, the biggest temple complex in the world.

Kolmanskop, Namibia

Believe us when we say that Kolmanskop is one of the most hauntingly yet photogenic places in the world. It was once a prosperous diamond mining town in the Namib Desert of southern Namibia. Over time, as the diamond reserves decreased, people began to flee, until nothing was left but vacant homes and establishments. Today, the entire town is covered in desert sands.

Aral Sea, Kazakhstan/Uzbekistan

The Aral Sea was known as the worlds fourth-largest lake, but it has shrunk dramatically since the 1960s due to the Soviet Unions diversion of rivers for irrigation projects. This ecological calamity has resulted in the nearly complete disappearance of the sea, leaving behind dry, desolate terrain and abandoned fishing ports like Aralsk.

Port Royal, Jamaica

Port Royal was once a booming hub of piracy and trade in the Caribbean, earning the moniker wickedest city on Earth. In 1692, a massive earthquake struck the island, sinking two-thirds of the city into the sea. It was followed by a tsunami, and now the remains of Port Royal can be explored through diving expeditions.
The Paryushan Parva or Paryushana is one of the most significant annual festivals for the Jain community in India. Paryushana signifies residing and uniting. The 8-day festival involves fasting, prayers and meditation to heighten spiritual intensity. This holy celebration falls in the Jain month of Bhadrapada, which in Gregorian calendar terms is similar to August or September.

This year, the Paryushan Parva began on August 31 and it will conclude on September 7. The final day of the parva is known as Samvatsari or the Day of Forgiveness. The occasion involves seeking and offering forgiveness to promote peace and reconciliation.

Observed by the Svetambara and Digambara groups, Paryushana is a period dedicated to introspection, self-control and spiritual renewal. The word Paryushan refers to the time when Jains gather to concentrate on their spiritual activities and purge themselves of karmic impurities. For Svetambaras, the celebration lasts eight days, while for Digambaras, it lasts for 10 days.

Paryushan Parva 2024: Wishes

I hope that Paryushan Parva brings you happiness, peace, and a fresh capacity for forgiveness. Im wishing you a calm heart and a cleansed soul.

May you be guided by this Paryushan Parva towards righteousness and that love and tranquillity fill your life. Cheers to Paryushana!

I wish you inner serenity, courage, and the will to live a moral life on this auspicious day of Paryushan Parva. Happy 2024 Paryushan Parva!

Wishing you a spiritually enriched Paryushan Parva filled with self-reflection, forgiveness, and inner peace. Praying for your spiritual growth and well-being.

May the divine teachings of Lord Mahavira guide you towards a life of non-violence, truth, and spiritual awakening. Happy Jain Paryushan Parva!

On this holy occasion of Paryushan, may you find the inner strength to overcome your weaknesses and embrace a life of purity and virtue. Happy Paryushan Parva!

May this Paryushana bring you peace, joy, and spiritual enlightenment. Wishing you a lifetime of deep reflection and Inner growth.

As we observe Paryushana, may you find strength in your fasting and meditation. May your soul be purified and your heart filled with compassion.

Wishing you and your family a blessed Paryushana. May this sacred period inspire you to live with greater kindness and humility.

May the teachings of Jainism guide you towards a path of righteousness and forgiveness. Happy Paryushana to you and your loved ones.

Paryushan Parva 2024: Quotes

The essence of life is to live in harmony with all beings, respecting their right to live and thrive.  Jain Teaching

In the stillness of meditation, we find the strength to forgive and the courage to seek forgiveness.  Jain Proverb

Let Paryushan Parva remind us on our life journey to embrace compassion, seek truth, and live with integrity. -Unknown

Let us embrace the spirit of Paryushana by practising non-violence in thought, word, and deed.  Jain Saying

True happiness is found in the purity of the soul, not in material possessions.  Jain Scripture

May this Paryushana bring you closer to the divine through acts of kindness and forgiveness.  Jain Proverb

Paryushana is a time to reflect on our actions and renew our commitment to a life of compassion and humility.  Jain Teaching

May the light of Paryushana illuminate your path towards truth and non-violence.- Jain Wisdom

In silence and solitude, we find the answers to lifes deepest questions. Paryushan is the perfect time to connect with your inner self.  Jain Saying

Let your thoughts be pure, your words kind, and your actions compassionate. This is the essence of Paryushan.  Jain Philosophy

Paryushan Parva 2024: Messages

Let us take the time to reiterate our commitment to compassion and non-violence this Paryushan Parva. Happy Paryushan!

I hope this celebration encourages you to incorporate these principles into every aspect of your life. Happy Paryushan Parva!

Im wishing you a meaningful and joyous Paryushan! Happy Paryushan greetings.

As we commemorate Paryushan Parva, let us consider our actions and strive for spiritual development. Wish you a Happy Paryushana!

May you have the fortitude to overlook wrongdoing and the discernment to coexist peacefully with others. Happy Paryushan Parva!

May the divine teachings of Jainism guide you towards your spiritual objectives and illuminate your path towards righteousness.

I hope you have a happy and content life. Happy Paryushan Parva!

During this holy festival, may you experience the true essence of Paryushana-self-discipline, forgiveness, and spiritual renewal.

May your Paryushana be filled with moments of Introspection and acts of charity. Wishing you a meaningful Paryushan Parva.

Wishing you a Paryushana filled with peace, love, and the joy of giving. May your heart be filled with light and your spirit uplifted.

Paryushan Festival 2024: Significance

The purpose of Paryushan Parva is to purge oneself of all mental and physical impurities. Jains practise several austerities during the festival, including prolonged fasting, meditation and studying sacred books.

In addition, they refrain from endangering any living thing, even insects. The Pratikramana ceremony, in which Jains confess their faults and promise never to do them again, opens the festival. They also beg the people they have harmed for forgiveness.

The following eight days are devoted to religious ceremonies. Jains read sacred texts, attend temples and hear discourses. They fast and practise meditation as well. Samvatsari is the name of the festivals last day.

On this day, Jains commit to live according to Jainisms precepts for the upcoming year. In addition, they go to the temples to make prayers and ask the Tirthankaras for blessings.

Paryushan Parva 2024: Foods To Consume and Avoid

Jains take on temporary fasting and learn pledges during Paryushana. They adhere to a set of guidelines for what to eat and what to avoid. Jains only consume boiled water during the festival. Some steer clear of specific green fruits and vegetables as they believe they create new life.

Foods To Eat

Dairy: Dairy products include paneer, cheese, milk and cream.

Grains: Bajra flour, oats, couscous, rice, quinoa, poha and sabudana

Lentils: Chana dal, toor dal, red lentils and French lentils

Beans: Mung beans, kidney beans, chickpeas, black beans, pinto beans and black-eyed peas.

Spices: Salt, pepper, dried ginger, dried curry leaves, dried chillies and a variety of Indian spices

Acid-based food: Amchoor, kokum, dried limes and dry ground limes

Foods To Stay Away From

Root vegetables: Bambo karela, mushrooms, turmeric, onions, garlic, carrots and potatoes

Fresh Fruits: Bananas, oranges, lemons and apples

Fresh Vegetables: Cabbage, methi, coriander and spinach

Pulses with Dairy: It is not permitted to combine pulses with raw milk or dahi

Flour: Refined flour

Paryushan Festival 2024: 5 Jain Recipes

Following recipes can be consumed on the auspicious occasion of the Paryushan Parva. These Satvik food recipes are easy to cook and will help you fill your appetite while engaging in festival rituals.
Snoring can be an issue for many people. Now, recent studies have shown that people who snore a lot are more susceptible to heart attacks, brain stroke and sudden cardiac arrest, than others. According to health experts, people who snore severely can even die in their sleep. Dr GC Khilnani, former Head of Pulmonary Critical Care and Sleep Medicine and Chairman of PSRI, IPCSM, AIIMS New Delhi, explains that snoring can indicate a condition known as obstructive sleep apnea, which is quite prevalent. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when individuals, especially those with a short neck, obesity, enlarged tonsils, or other contributing factors, experience a decrease in airflow to the lungs as their muscles relax during sleep. This reduced airflow leads to increased snoring as the sleep cycle deepens. Consequently, this condition affects not only the lungs but also the brain and heart, reducing overall oxygen levels throughout the body. Individuals with obstructive sleep apnea often face fragmented sleep, leading to a dry mouth at night and persistent daytime drowsiness.

Dr Khilnani explains that due to less oxygen reaching not only the brain and heart but also other parts of the body, such persons face many health issues like brain stroke, heart attack, sudden cardiac arrest and also high blood pressure. Dr Khilnani notes that snoring is particularly prevalent among obese individuals, affecting 70 to 80 percent of them. Obesity contributes to snoring through factors such as a protruding belly, a thick neck, and fat deposits within the throat. Structural issues like a deviated nasal bone or conditions like a cold can obstruct breathing and lead to snoring.

Treatment options for snoring include:
Alia Bhatt lost her cool on paparazzi on Friday night for following her to a private building in Mumbai. In a video that surfaced on social media, the actress was seen getting irritated and angry as a few photographers followed her to the elevator of her residence.

First, Alias team tried to ask shutterbugs not to follow them inside the building. But when the paps accompanied them to the lift corridor, Alia lost her cool and scolded them. Kya kar rahe ho, yeh private space hai (What are you doing here? This is my private space), she said. Watch the video here:

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mixes Singh (@mi_xes1234)

This is not the first time that Alia Bhatt has expressed disappointment with the paparazzi for invading her privacy. Last year also, a camera person took a picture of the actress from a distant building while she was in her living room. Back then, Alia sought Mumbai polices help and slammed the publication for violating her privacy.

Alia and Ranbir had also requested paps to not click pictures of their daughter Raha when she was born.

Are you kidding me? I was at my house having a perfectly normal afternoon sitting in my LIVING ROOM when I felt something watching meI looked up and saw two men on the terrace of my neighbouring building with a camera right at me! In what world is this okay and allowed? This is a gross invasion of someones privacy! Theres a line you just cannot cross and its safe to say all lines were crossed today! @mumbaipolice, she had written.

Meanwhile, on the work front, Alia Bhatt will soon be seen in Jigra with Vedang Raina, which will hit theatres later this month. She will also be reuniting with her actor-husband Ranbir Kapoor for Sanjay Leela Bhansalis Love and War. She also has Jee Lee Zara with Katrina Kaif and Priyanka Chopra in her pipeline.
Megastar Amitabh Bachchan says every day is a learning for him as it is filled with elements that bring one closer to the reality of life and living. Amitabh took to his blog and wrote: Each day of work is a learning for me Not just the work but just another day is filled with elements that bring one closer to the reality of life and living.

The cine icon added: Each day we see meet (and) know life and at times have wonder in our eyes Look where you are, and what you have within No point in lamenting a loss accept it and work to better the day of living for yourself and those that depend upon you Your strength is within you and you alone shall own it to your need.

The thespian is currently seen hosting the quiz-based reality show Kaun Banega Crorepati 16. He was seen learning secrets of shooting from medallist Manu Bhaker on the show. In an episode, Big B welcomed the Olympic medalists Manu and Aman Sehrawat. In a candid conversation with Big B, Manu reflected on her Tokyo performance and shared how she never lost hope, despite challenging conditions.

Amitabh said: I used to wonder why shooters waited so long after taking a shot. I couldnt grasp it until Abhishek Bachchan explained that theyre controlling their breathing and heart rate; thats why they take their time.

Talking about the techniques, Manu said: At the start, having a strong foundation is crucial, and that applies to everything. Many people think shooting is simple  just pick up the pistol and aim, but its much more complex than that. During a match, our heart rate accelerates, and we must remain composed, even if were feeling anxious.

Controlling that anxiousness or nervousness takes time and practice. To maintain focus, I rely heavily on yoga, Surya Namaskar, and meditation. I follow this routine with strict discipline.

She shared that she also uses a breathing technique with a 4:8 ratio: inhaling for four seconds and exhaling for eight seconds.

Mastering this through practice helps normalise my heart rate. During matches, when nerves make our hands shake while aiming, this breathing exercise helps me stay calm and focused, she added.
Gwen Ramokgopa, treasurer general of the African National Congress (ANC), speaks during an exclusive interview with Xinhua in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Aug. 27, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhang Yudong)

by Xinhua Writers Xie Jiang, Wang Xiaomei

JOHANNESBURG, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- China has made remarkable achievements on the path to modernization, and South Africa sees huge potential for cooperation with China on advancing modernization, a senior official of South Africa's ruling party has said.

Gwen Ramokgopa, treasurer general of the African National Congress (ANC), said the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) has delivered fruitful outcomes through mutually beneficial cooperation programs over the years.

The 2024 FOCAC summit has been an important opportunity to strengthen the Africa-China cooperation in various fields even further, especially the robust bilateral economic and trade ties, Ramokgopa told Xinhua in an interview in Johannesburg.

The summit was held from Wednesday to Friday in Beijing under the theme "Joining Hands to Advance Modernization and Build a High-Level China-Africa Community with a Shared Future."

Ramokgopa said the theme is significant for both China and Africa as the two sides are striving to achieve economic growth and improve people's wellbeing through their respective modernization efforts.

"To advance modernization in Africa, we need to look at our economic endowments and how it can unlock the huge development opportunities, which means creating a very positive business environment, improving the services to African people, and leveraging new technologies, including cleaner technologies around energy and the electrical vehicles," she said. "China is leading in these areas, so there is huge potential that we can strengthen our cooperation on advancing modernization."

Ramokgopa, who is also chairperson of Progressive Business Forum, a South African business engagement platform, has visited China many times.

Ramokgopa said she was impressed by the increasing interest from the business community in the two countries in investing in each other's market.

"During my business trip to China by leading a delegation of 19 companies last year, I'm impressed that there was growing commitment among Chinese companies for partnership to work with local companies in Africa to strengthen cooperation in multiple fields, including new energy and the processing of agricultural products," she said.

Ramokgopa also expressed her confidence in vigorous people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.

"As China has been one of the sources of foreign tourists into South Africa, we would like to invite Chinese to our offerings in tourism as we've got wonderful tourist attractions," she said. "We would also want to promote the relationship between our academic institutions as China has premier universities to skill our people to be able to manage the modernization and industrialization programs."

On increasing interparty exchanges between the ANC and the Communist Party of China (CPC), Ramokgopa said they treasure their relationship with the CPC, because the relationship between the two parties has been rooted in a struggle for liberation, the prosperity of the two peoples, and the advancement of the two nations.

Ramokgopa spoke highly of 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, which were proposed by China.

"The three initiatives are very critical and will play an important role in promoting the development of African countries," she said.

Both South Africa and China are members of BRICS and representatives of the Global South, cooperation between the two countries in multilateral platforms has helped to raise the voices of the Global South, the official said.

"We believe that cooperation between the two countries will further enable us to contribute more to the development of the Global South as well as the peace, stability and prosperity of the world at large," she said.

Under the guidance of leaders from both sides, Africa-China cooperation has seen impressive advancement, Ramokgopa said, adding that this cooperation is on an equal and mutually beneficial basis, which is greatly appreciated.

"We look forward to consolidating this relationship and taking it to the next level," she said. 
Rajiv Thakur, otherwise seen in Kapil Sharmas comedy shows, recently impressed everyone with his negative role in the IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack series. However, Thakur faced scheduling conflicts when he decided to shoot for Anubhav Sinhas show. But it was Kapil Sharma who came to his rescue.

In a recent interview, Rajiv Thakur revealed that Kapil Sharma postponed his US tour to accommodate his shooting schedule for the web series. Thakur thanked Kapil and shared how the comedian motivated him to do the Netflix show.

Its all thanks to Kapil that I managed to do the show. The series team asked for my dates in June last year, which were already with him for our America tour. This is why I decided to say no but when Kapil got to know about it, he encouraged me to take up IC 814, Rajiv told India Today.

He told me, Tu series kar, hum show push kar denge (you do the series, we will push the show). And thats how our show was postponed to July. I had already committed to him, so I would have rejected the show, but he pushed me, and I am thankful for that. This is what true friends do, isnt it? the actor added.

Rajiv further shared that the entire cast of Kapil Sharmas show motivates each other. He also revealed how Archana Puran Singh reacted when she finally watched the show. Archana ji (Archana Puran Singh) was so happy, saying that my credit was long due. And when she watched the show she also posted a long note about us. I remember Kapil also watched the show late at night after a shoot and immediately messaged Anubhav sir. He called me the first thing the next morning and he sounded so happy and proud. I think this makes me so much happier, he said.

Meanwhile, Rajiv Thakur will soon be a part of Kapil Sharmas The Great Indian Kapil Show 2.
The whole country is engrossed in the enthusiastic celebrations of Ganesh Chaturthi, which commenced on September 6, Friday. Some of our favourite stars partake in the celebrations with equal vigour as the public. Prominent Marathi actor Swwapnil Joshi is no exception, the actor celebrated the day in his unique way, garnering love from his followers. Let us take a look.

The now-viral video was shared by the official X account of News18 Lokmat, capturing the actor immersed in the celebrations of the day. The 38-second clip shows Swwapnil entering his place, carrying the Lord Ganesha idol with great care and love. All the while, he chanted, Morya Re Bappa Morya Re, with visible love and devotion to the god. The actor then placed the Lord Ganesh Idol on the stunning platform, specially built for the god in homes for the festival.

For the occasion, the actor has opted to wear a light-yellow kurta printed with red dots, paired with a white pyjama and traditional cap. He is surrounded by family members as well as kids, all immersed in chanting Morya Re Bappa Morya Re, collectively.

Taking to his Instagram handle, Swwapnil Joshi shared a new post celebrating the second day of the Ganesh Chaturthi occasion, capturing him engaged in the worship of the god. As the priest completes the worship, the actor takes the Puja thali and continues the prayer and the chant. He is seen wearing a dark, beautifully embroidered kurta with a white pyjama. The Ganesh Idol being worshipped seems to be created from silver, glinting in enthusiastic celebrations.

Currently, Swwapnil Joshi is busy with the promotions of his upcoming Navra Maza Navsacha 2, a comedy-drama. It is being directed by Sachin Pilgaonkar, who is also its writer. The film stars Sachin Pilgaonkar, Supriya Pilgaonkar, Hemal Ingle, Swwapnil Joshi, Ashok Saraf and Siddharth Jadhav. It is being produced by Sachin Pilgaonkar under the banner of Sushriya Chitra and is expected to be released on September 20.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui recently shared insights into his role as a father and how he encourages his children, Yaani and Shora Siddiqui, to strive for excellence and appreciate the value of art. His daughter, Shora, who is training to become an actor, is currently attending acting school in London, where shes already participating in Shakespeare workshops at just 14 years old.

In a conversation with ANI, Nawazuddin emphasized the importance of cultivating a taste for art. Art is not a regular thing, you have to develop a taste for it, he said, adding that he actively pushes his children to engage with meaningful content rather than getting lost in what he calls meaningless content available online. He shared that he applies pressure on his children to choose wisely what they consume, guiding them toward more enriching experiences, I have been pushing my kids to appreciate and learn about art. My daughter is 14 years old and she is already doing Shakespeare workshops, in London. From a very early age, I used to put hardcore pressure on them to decide what they wanted to see, otherwise, theyd get lost because there was so much meaningless content everywhere so youd have to be selective about what you want to watch and not watch, he added.

Nawazuddin also highlighted the need for young people to read more and turn to the works of literary giants like Manto, Premchand, and Bharat Munis Natyashastra, expressing concern about the negative impact of constant online doomscrolling. He believes that nurturing a love for literature, poetry, and the arts is crucial in todays fast-paced digital world.

Touching on the broader societal issue, the Sacred Games actor noted that the current ecosystem of how children are raised needs a shift, saying, The whole ecosystem is to be blamed. Entire fabric will have to be changed.

On the professional front, Nawazuddin was last seen in Zee5s Rautu Ka Raaz and has exciting projects lined up, including Section 108 and Noorani Chehra.
Bengaluru Police charge sheet has revealed that the victim, Renukaswamy, had asked Pavithra Gowda to have a secret live-in relationship with him over messages. You are hot. Hi, please send your number. What will you expect from me to see? Shall I send it? Wow, super beauty. Will you be in a secret live-in relationship with me? I will give you Rs 10,000 every month, reveals the 3,991-page charge sheet submitted to the court in connection with the sensational fan murder case involving Kannada superstar Darshan and his partner Pavithra Gowda.

The charge sheet mentions that Pavithra Gowda, unable to handle the slew of vulgar messages and photos of Renukaswamys private parts, asked another accused in the case, Pavan, to deal with Renukaswamys messages.

To track down Renukaswamy, Pavan started chatting with him under the guise of Pavithra Gowda. Accused Pavan chatted with much leniency to dig out his whereabouts and asked Renukaswamy to send his pictures outside the pharmacy shop where he worked.

The police have also mentioned that they have gathered 65 photos in connection with the murder of Renukaswamy. Sources said Darshans counsels are preparing to submit a bail plea in the court as the police have submitted the charge sheet in the case. However, the police are keeping their fingers crossed over witnesses and eyewitnesses in the case.

The watchman of the shed where Renukaswamy was hacked to death, who witnessed the entire sequence of Renukaswamy being brought to the shed and the movements of the accused  including Darshan and his partner Pavithra Gowda  has recorded his statement and is considered a crucial witness in the case.

The two workers at the shed are considered the second and third eyewitnesses. They have revealed to the police how Renukaswamy was tortured and killed.

Sources said that the investigation revealed Darshan repeatedly kicking Renukaswamy in the chest, resulting in the breaking of his chest bones. Afterwards, Darshan picked him up and flung him into a truck, causing a severe head injury. Then, showing the private part photo sent to Pavithra Gowda, Darshan kicked him in his private parts, causing the victim to lose consciousness.

The attack by Darshan was fatal and resulted in the death of Renukaswamy. The police have quoted the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) reports in the charge sheet, police sources stated.

The chargesheet also mentions the relationship between Darshan and Pavithra Gowda. Darshan informed the police that he had not married Pavithra Gowda. He claimed that they were in a live-in relationship which has been mentioned in the charge sheet.

The police have also collected photos of a tense Darshan after the murder and talking to the other accused at a star hotel in Mysuru city before being arrested in the case.

The gruesome murder of Darshans fan, Renukaswamy, took place on June 8 in Bengaluru. Renukaswamy was kidnapped from his hometown, Chitradurga, brought to Bengaluru, kept in a shed, and tortured to death.

After the murder, his body was thrown into a canal. The incident came to light after the security personnel of a private apartment building saw the body being dragged by a pack of dogs.
The investigation into the Renukaswamy murder case has reached its final stage, and the police have also submitted a charge sheet to the court. Many issues have been revealed in the 3,991-page charge sheet. Meanwhile, recently, Darshan and Pavithra Gowdas mobiles have also been searched in connection with Renukaswamys murder case. In this, intimate photos with actor Darshan are also said to be available on Pavitra Gowdas mobile. It is said that the two photos together are proof of their relationship.

In the first photo, Darshan and Pavithra Gowda are seen dressed up in traditional attire. Pavithra draped a yellow silk saree, which she teamed with a contrasting blue blouse. On the other hand, Darshan is seen twinning in a yellow kurta and white pants. Along with this, both are seen wearing flower garlands around their necks, which is great proof of their relationship.

In another photo, Darshan-Pavitra is seen hugging. It is said that the police have investigated the relationship between the two based on these two photos. Reports suggest that the duo sitting like a couple wearing a garland of flowers is being widely discussed.

A recent report said that the DCP himself has inquired about the Darshan-Pavitra relationship. During the DCP interrogation, he asked Darshan about the question of what the relationship is between him and Pavitra. Replying to this, the actor said, I am not married to Pavitra. We are not married. But I was in a live-in relationship. It is said that the relationship between Darshan and Pavitra Gowda has also been mentioned in the charge sheet.

On Thursday, the Bengaluru Police filed a 3,991-page chargesheet in the Renukaswamy murder case involving Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa and his friend Pavithra Gowda.

The charge sheet mentions that actor Darshans fan Renukaswamy had sent obscene photos and derogatory messages to Pavithra Gowda for believing she was destroying the actors family life, said reports.

The Bengaluru Police also submitted several photographs from the crime scene, forensic reports of bloodstains on Darshans clothes, Pavithras footwear, and circumstantial evidence in a charge sheet submitted to the 24th Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court.
Richa Chadha is embracing the most beautiful phase of her life, motherhood. The actress and her husband Ali Fazal welcomed their first child, a baby girl in July this year. Recently, during an interview, the Heeramandi actress opened up about this new chapter of her life and described her cute little bundle of joy as a 4-kilos Boss who sets the house schedule.

Talking to Hindustan Times, Richa spoke about her experience with her two-month-old daughter, describing her as a boss who sets their home routine. We have a 4-kilo boss at home and we work according to her timelines now, the actress said. Furthermore, she described this period of life as full of new experiences, with highs like getting eight hours of sleep and lows like fatigue and brain fog. But I take comfort in knowing that everyone has come from a woman, she added.

Speaking about the changes that she felt after embracing motherhood, the Fukrey actress said, There are many changes both physical and emotional but I find my instinct to be sharper now. As about her professional life, the actress shared that she is currently nesting and recovering, but has begun working on her productions from home. She intends to resume her acting work in November.

Recently, Richa posted a then-and-now video on her social media handle that beautifully captured the evolution of her relationship with Ali. The first image in the clip features Richa and Ali from their early days of dating, with the couple standing next to each other, while the next snap depicted the Furious 7 actor cradling their 2-month old daughter.

Sharing the post on Instagram, the actress wrote in the caption, From lets touch his elbow with my elbow for this photo op to the baby resting its head on the same elbow, weve come a long way. As you can see, literally our hands are full, so not being able to post so often. K thanks bye.

On the work front, Richa was last seen in director Sanjay Leela Bhansalis web series Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, in which she played Lajjo, a courtesan. Apart from her, the show also starred Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Sanjeeda Shaikh, Shamrin Segal, Taha Shah Badussha, Fardeen Khan and Shekhar Suman in lead roles. Heeramandi premiered on the OTT platform Netflix.

Ali, on the other hand, will be next seen in director Anurag Basus MetroIn Dino alongside Aditya Roy Kapur, Sara Ali Khan, Konkona Sensharma, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Pankaj Tripathi, Neena Gupta and Anupam Kher. The film is set to hit the big screens on November 29.
Globally, writers are acknowledged as the backbone of any successful film, but in Indian cinema, theyve often been underappreciated. Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar, however, defied this norm. They revolutionised the industry by demanding fees on par with the top actors, proving that a powerful script could draw in audiences just as much as a star could. They became the only writing duo to achieve star status, with their names often billed alongside leading actors.

Recalling a time when Salim-Javed wanted more fee than the actor, Salim Khan told NDTV, Ek film ke andar aisa hua ki humne actor se zyada paisa liyaProducer ko maine poocha kitna diya, Rs 12 lakh? Humne kahaan humein Rs 12.5 lakh chahiye. (There was a film where we took more money. We asked the producer How much are you pacing the lead actor, he said Rs 12 lakh. We said, We will take Rs 12.5 lakh.) He agreed.

Salim Khan mentioned that people in the industry thought they were mad. He said, Bolte the pagal hai, ye pagalpane ki baat karte hain. Humne kaha theek hai mat do paise agar script chahiye toh isse kam main nahi milegi. Hum kahani sunane se pehle hi price bata dete the to voh bhi jhatka kha jate the. Jis zamane mein mushkil see Rs 10,000 milte the writers ko, hum lakho maangte the (They called us crazy. We said dont give us money but if you need the script we will not go any lower than this. We used to tell our price even before telling the story, they used to get so shocked. In the time when the writers were not getting even Rs 10,000, we used to ask for lakhs of money).

Salim Khan said that the motivation behind their demands was to seek fair compensation for writers and improve their situation. Salim Khan said, Aisa lagta tha ki bohut jatti hain..jaise ki koi value nahi hain (We were not happy with the situation. It seemed as if writers had no value).

In the late 1970s, Salim-Javed were synonymous with success, delivering unforgettable films like Yaadon Ki Baaraat, Zanjeer, Deewar, and Sholay. The series Angry Young Men recently revealed that at the height of their fame, they demanded and received a fee of Rs 21 lakh per filman amount higher than what even Amitabh Bachchan, Indias highest-paid actor at the time, earned.
Lee Kuan Yew, the illustrious founding father of Singapore, who led his country from 1959 to 1990, expected a much bigger role for India in the ocean named after her. Lees admiration for Jawaharlal Nehru, Indias first prime minister, was profound. Yet Nehru was not ready to take on the mantle of regional leadership that Lee envisaged. Will Modi step up to the high table at last?

Nehru, one of the key architects of independent India, harboured lofty ideals and visions for our newly sovereign state. But his approach, as history shows us, was sadly mistaken. Pious and high-sounding principles, without corresponding military and economic power, only earn derision in the real world. Nehrus failure in gauging Chinas belligerence cost India its early opportunity of a Security Council membership. Something we have been trying to rectify for decades.

Nehrus socialist and centralised model of economic planning, imitative of the Soviet Union, was also a disaster. The realities of post-colonial India, mired in poverty, social upheaval, combined with the enormous task of nation-building, quickly overshadowed his aspirations of global statesmanship for himself and an important role for India in the world. Instead, we had to go begging for food grains when the rains failed.

Indias policy of non-alignment, while morally uncompromising, often left it on the periphery of global power politics, especially in the backdrop of the Cold War era. Far from acting as the custodian of peace and the rule of law in the region, as the British Empire had before its departure, India soon grappled with immediate threats to its own territory and existence.

The assault by China in 1962 took India by surprise, leading to a humiliating setback and exposing Indias unpreparedness for assertive regional engagement. Additionally, contentious relations and ensuing wars with Pakistan further entangled India in subcontinental strife. In the subsequent decades, the country was also caught up in its own internal struggles against insurgency and inequality. Yet despite these hurdles, India continued to stride forward, albeit sometimes falteringly, driven by the persistence of its people and the resilience of its democracy.

Let us, albeit not in the way of a comparison, briefly review Singapores astonishing progress. The city-state, under Lee Kuan Yews stewardship, burgeoned into a powerhouse beyond anyones wildest predictions. Rooted in pragmatic governance, unwavering commitment to the rule of law, and an unyielding ethos of meritocracy, Singapore typified the economic miracle. The nation thrived, amassing wealth and establishing a standard of living that now exceeds that of most developed nations.

Singapores sovereign wealth funds exemplify its economic prowess and far-reaching financial clout, offering a fiscal reservoir so substantial that hypothetically, its citizens could afford to live without working for years. But such an imaginary scenario contrasts sharply with the reality of a populace known for its industriousness and efficiency. Singapores workforce, comprising both natives and foreigners, epitomises the nations meritocratic philosophy, together constituting the cogs and wheels of an economic juggernaut.

Singapores extraordinary success is multifoldits prominence as a centre for finance, business, trade, and education is complemented by its strategic function as a global oil refining hub and a respected tax haven. Cumulatively, these attributes elevate Singapore to a position of significant global influence, disproportionate to its geographic size.

Six decades after Nehru, is Modi, who aspires to be a greater prime minister than Nehru, going to step up to the high table? Modis eastern expedition, with a two-day official visit to Singapore on September 4-5, after a historic stop at Brunei, certainly signals Indias intention. In the Indian Ocean region, Modi is finally stepping up to a role bigger than any of his predecessors. A new nuclear submarine is one clear signal to the world that India means business. Apart from China, no one in the region has one. Earlier, at the other end of the Indian Ocean, India offered safe passage to ships under fire from Houthi fire and Somali pirates.

The Straits of Malacca are second only to the Gulf of Hormuz in terms of the worlds oil traffic. India is keen to enhance its presence in the region. When it comes to Singapore, it is not only Indias largest trading partner of the ASEAN countries, but a large portion of the Foreign Direct Investment into the country is routed via Singapore. In the last fifteen years, the amount is over a staggering $150 billion of which close to $12 billion came just last year, in 2023.

Modi is reinvigorating Indias regional aspirations and seeking to enhance its influence in the Indian Ocean sphere. Modis vision aligns closer to Lees proposition of a greater role for India as the balancing power in the region. Indias multilateralism is a perfect development of her earlier non-aligned stance. To pursue its own interests as also work for global peace, prosperity, rule of law, and security is Indias mission. And Modi is its able and enthusiastic ambassador.

The Singapore visit assumes added significance because it is among the first by any major power or partner after the recent swearing in of the island nations new prime minister, Lawrence Wong. Strengthening ties with Singapore is demonstrative of Indias commitment to expanding its foothold in the region. But more than that, Modis India is, in many ways, channeling a dynamism similar to what transformed Singapore, recognising the necessity to project strength and foster economic alliances.

The symbiotic journeys of India and Singapore illuminate contrasting paths of two democratic and multi-ethnic nations emerging from colonial shadows. In the contemporary era, India, under Modis lead, is aspirational yet again, revisiting the potential to assume a pivotal role in the region, a vision once imagined by Lee Kuan Yew. The strengthening of India-Singapore relations hints at a collaborative future, where Lees vision and Modis execution may yet converge, heralding a new chapter in the saga of the Indian Ocean region.

The writer is an author, columnist, and former Director, Indian Institute of Advanced Study. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.
Clutching their bleeding hearts, a group of self-styled conscientious objectors have filed a public interest litigation (PIL) in the Supreme Court. Prashant Bhushan, Jean Dreze, Harsh Mander and some others want the good and great of Indias top court to stand in judgement of Indias arms exports to Israel. They want the SC to urgently come up with a legal remedy to halt this imagined perfidy against Palestine.

In the petition, Bhushan has averred that India is bound by various international laws and treaties that obligate India not to supply military weapons to States guilty of war crimes, as any export could be used in serious violations of international humanitarian law.

The reference to war crimes in team Bhushans PIL draws from an International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling on Israel earlier this year. The panel had ordered provisional measures against Israel for violations in the Gaza Strip, related to obligations under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Genocide.

Since the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has been made a party to the PIL, the top court may even admit the plea and issue notices. But the SC, if it has any meaningful claim to wisdom, should dispose of the matter. This is one issue that even the all-knowing Milords, with due deference, can do without arbitrating.

After all, foreign policy experts never tire of pointing out that while morality is not irrelevant in foreign relations, it is not decisive either. If morality was decisive in formulating a response to the war in Gaza, then Bhushan and company would have been denouncing Hamas. More on this later.

Ordering the Indian government to halt arms exports to Israel will put a strain on a relationship that is pivotal to India in more ways than one.

First, Israel stands as one of Indias largest weapons suppliers, providing critical technologies such as missile defence systems, drones, and precision-guided munitions. These weapons dont just contribute to Indias military modernisation efforts; they are vital to it. Moreover, Israel serves as a crucial partner in Indias counter-terrorism efforts, providing valuable intelligence and expertise. These shared inputs have visibly enhanced Indias ability to counter regional and cross-border terror, along with broader military threats.

Away from military matters, Israeli imports are becoming increasingly pivotal in helping India fight food insecurity. Boosting agricultural productivity is pivotal to Indias aim of building a more equal and thereby stable society.

Above and beyond, there are also the exigencies of geopolitics. India is locked into a crucial alliance with Israel in West Asia. The I2U2, comprising India, Israel, the UAE, and the United States, is the Gulf version of the Indo-Pacific QUAD. Simply put, the I2U2 ensures a balance of power in one of the worlds most contested geographies, straddling the most vital trade and energy corridor on Earth. Additionally, the I2U2 prevents the China-Pakistan axis from acquiring strategic depth in a region that overlooks Indias western flank. This bloc provides tactical breathing space to India at a time when China has already ring-fenced it on its northern, southern, and eastern frontiers.

Upsetting Israel at this juncture, when it is pursuing legitimate security interests central to its survival, will almost certainly embitter Tel Aviv, potentially forcing a review of its ties with India. Which, for reasons listed here, will be a body blow to Indias national interest.

If anything, New Delhi owes a debt of gratitude to Israel. Who can forget Israels military and moral support to India during the 1999 Kargil conflict? Israels military munitions proved to be the factor that tipped the scales in Indias favour when our troops were, one daresay, literally looking over the precipice in that high-altitude war theatre.

Also, in 1998, the year before Pakistans Kargil misadventure, the Israeli government offered unstinting support to Indias Pokhran nuclear pyrotechnics. Israel was one of the few states that refused to join the crippling sanctions regime against India.

Even on the question of morality, the all eyes on Gaza ecosystem would be better off denouncing Hamas. Its Hamas that has brought war and damnation upon the Palestinians of Gaza by unilaterally provoking a crime against humanity on Oct 7, 2023. Hamas crossed the border into Israel, slaughtering 1,100 innocent Israelis, including babies sleeping in their cribs. Its the Hamas that has turned hospitals into ammunition dumps and ordinary Palestinians into human shields in Gaza. It is the Hamas that diverted billions of dollars of foreign funds, meant to transform Gazan lives above ground, towards literally building an underground network of Islamist revanchists. The Hamas Charter declared a war to the finish on Jews. It is the people of Gaza that voted for the anti-Semitism of Hamas.

Of course, the Bhushan possesome of whom were members of Sonia Gandhis erstwhile NACwill do nothing to call out Hamas. Exposing Hamas and its bigotry undermines a diligent left-liberal project to preserve a sense of Muslim victimhood.

If it werent Palestine, it would have been Kashmir. It is worth remembering that Bhushan and some of his cohorts in the past have even made a legal case for a plebiscite in Kashmir. And when that endeavour failed, they moved the apex court to reverse the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A by what they label as a Hindu majority government. Remember, they are yet to accept the SC ruling upholding the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A.

The ecosystems Palestine Interest Litigation is merely the latest perverse attempt to fan the fears of Hindu majoritarianism. And we all know towards what end.

Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.
Beyond New Delhi: How India Made the G20 a Nationwide Celebration

One year after India hosted a highly successful G20 summit, its presidency is remembered not just for its high-level diplomatic achievements, but for how it transformed a global summit into a truly national event. India defied convention by not reserving the G20 summit for its capital city. Rather, it federalised the hosting of the G20, dispersing events among different states and towns, each exhibiting its distinct economic and cultural environment.

With this strategy, Indias G20 was transformed from a centralised diplomatic event into a celebration of the countrys federalism and diversity.

This shift was driven by the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who wanted to ensure that the benefits of hosting such a prestigious event were shared across the country. The prime minister, aware of the growing role cities and states play in shaping global perceptions, ensured that the G20 became an opportunity for Indias subnational actors to step onto the world stage.

For cities like Udaipur, Srinagar, and Varanasi, the G20 meetings were not only an opportunity to showcase their cultural heritage but also to attract future investments and tourism. This approach also had significant economic benefits for the cities involved. Local businesses thrived, artisans gained international exposure, and tourism received a major boost. Infrastructure improvements made for the summit continue to benefit these regions long after the G20 is over.

Last year, India set an example for the world on how high-stakes diplomatic events can be turned into national celebrations, with cooperative federalism and jan bhagidari (peoples participation) as their foundational principles. By November 2023, India hosted over 220 G20 meetings in 60 cities across all 28 states and 8 Union Territories. More than 1 lakh participants from approximately 125 nationalities participated in these events spread across the country. Over 1.5 crore Indians are estimated to have been involved in these programmes or have been exposed to various aspects of them.

The impact of Indias national G20 presidency was perceptible, as several Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities got major facelifts, whether it be in terms of roads and highways, hospitals, hotels or even the maintenance of tourist sites and monuments. India also got its messaging right in almost all instances. For example, the three-day meeting of the G20 Employment Working Group in Indore, Madhya Pradesh was a zero waste event. Delegates were provided with writing pads of reusable paper, even as the use of plastic bottles remained prohibited.

Each state that hosted a meeting brought its local culture, cuisine, and crafts to the forefront. Whether it was showcasing the intricacies of Banarasi silk in Varanasi, or organising a Kathakali performance in Kerala, the G20 guests were treated to a panoramic view of Indias rich cultural tapestry. This cultural diplomacy was intentional. By presenting a wide array of traditions, from classical music to folk dances, India not only highlighted its diversity but also demonstrated how deeply rooted its unity is. It sent a message to the world that Indias strength lies in its plurality.

Besides, the impact on local tourism was noteworthy too. In Srinagar, for example, foreign tourist arrivals increased by nearly 60 per cent after the G20 meeting. Designated cities even witnessed hotel prices spiking after it was announced that they would host G20 meetings, implying a surge in demand owing to greater tourist footfall. In the first four months of 2023 alone, the arrivals of foreign tourists surged 166 per cent compared to the same period in 2022.

The government also adopted a destination-centric approach. In order to showcase the strides India has taken in its digital drive, technologies like artificial intelligence and AR/VR were deployed to help travellers plan their visits and provide virtual tours and simulations of historical sites.

The economic impact of these G20 meetings on the cities where they were hosted cannot be overstated. Hotels and restaurants buzzed with business, local artisans found new markets, and cities saw infrastructure improvements in preparation for their global guests. Hosting a global event across multiple cities also created a ripple effect. Municipal corporations, state governments and local businesses invested in upgrades that will have long-term benefits. Improved roads, beautified public spaces, and better transportation systems are just a few of the dividends these cities are enjoying a year after Indias G20 is over.

In a world where governance is often centralised, Indias decision to federalise its G20 presidency stands out. Indias G20 presidency became a model of how to engage with the world while bringing every part of the country into the conversation. By giving all states the opportunity to host G20 events, the Central government demonstrated that global diplomacy is not the exclusive domain of a countrys national capital.

Prime Minister Modis decision to federalise the G20 presidency was not just a logistical choice, it was a visionary step towards reimagining global engagement. It brought the G20 closer to the people of India, and in doing so, it brought India closer to the world.

Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.
BEIJING, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- The China-U.S. commercial and trade working group held its second vice-ministerial meeting in Tianjin on Saturday to engage in professional, rational and pragmatic discussions on policy issues and business matters.

The meeting was co-chaired by China International Trade Representative and Vice Minister of Commerce Wang Shouwen and the U.S. Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade Marisa Lago, according to the Ministry of Commerce. 
Indias relations with its neighbours, with their ups and downs, are always a subject of internal debate. The regime change in Bangladesh has triggered a fresh one on how we handle our neighbourhood.

The argument is again being made in our foreign policy circles that Indias growth and the major role that it aspires to play internationally require that we have, and work for, friendly ties with our neighbours. It is being assumed that we can, with the right policies, create a friendly neighbourhood.

No doubt a friendly neighbourhood is an asset. Generally speaking, countries put the neighbouring countries in the first concentric circle of foreign policy priorities. Our policy of Neighbourhood First means this. A country with stable ties with neighbours is obviously less distracted by problems nearer home when acting on the international stage.

In theory, this is fine. In reality, however, a country is more likely to have more problems with neighbours than with distant countries, as neighbours impinge on each other much more and are likely to have more friction.

All the more so when a big country is surrounded by much smaller neighbours. In Indias case, not only is India far bigger than its neighbours, the neighbouring countries have a common border with India but not with each other, which adds to their sense of vulnerability to Indias size and power.

Indias neighbours are also connected to India ethnically, culturally, religiously, and, indeed, by civilisational roots. So as not to be overwhelmed by India they tend to emphasise their separate identity as independent states, with policies and approaches that make Indias task of handling them more complex.

What adds to the complexity is that despite the gap in size and power with India, the neighbours are prepared to threaten Indias security. Pakistan claims Indian territory, continues to internationalise its claims, does hostile propaganda against us constantly, and seeks to mobilise pan-Islamic sentiments against us, especially on the Kashmir issue. It has used terror as an instrument of state policy towards India for almost four decades. This is not to mention earlier military aggressions against India. Having acquired nuclear weapons, it has felt more emboldened to promote terrorism in India. It has not abandoned that policy completely even now.

Bangladesh, despite greater vulnerability to Indian power, has in the past given safe havens to anti-Indian insurgents, aggressively raised water-sharing issues, refused cooperation to control illegal migration into India, and pursued policies to deny us easier access to our northeast to impede our efforts to promote their development.

Nepal is ultra-sensitive about its sovereignty, has for long refused to cooperate with us in developing its water resources, nourishes grievances against us, and cultivates a political narrative of Indias interference in its internal affairs. The India Out campaign in the Maldives that brought President Mohamed Muizzu to power there with an agenda of diluting ties with India is another example of our neighbours not being deterred from challenging India.

The smaller neighbours of a big country would naturally look for a big external power to balance the weight of their large neighbour. To counter Indias weight in the subcontinent, all our neighbours, barring Bhutan, have long encouraged Chinas role in the region.

They played the China card against us even when China was not as strong and resourceful as it is today. China now has a much more active policy of competing with India for influence in the subcontinent. It has sought to neutralise India strategically by sharing nuclear and missile technology with Pakistan. It is the biggest defence partner of Pakistan and also Bangladesh. Nepal has forged military ties with China, and so has Muizzu in Maldives. Sri Lanka has aided, and is aiding, Chinas maritime strategy in the Indian Ocean by giving it port construction contracts and opening its ports to visits by Chinese research vessels and submarines, which is vital for sustaining Chinas naval presence in the Indian Ocean.

India has to live with these realities. A Neighbourhood First policy of India is not reciprocated by a Neighbourhood First policy of our neighbours, barring Bhutan. In the case of Bhutan too, China is following an insidious policy of wooing and bullying Bhutan at the same time, which is placing some pressure on us in managing our essentially very friendly ties with that country.

The fact is that all big countries have problems with their neighbours and we are not an exception. Chinas relations with its neighbours are full of tensions because of history and contemporary developments. Some of them, such as Japan, South Korea and the Philippines, are US allies. The US military is present in the region to counter Chinas expansionism. There is an effort to enhance deterrence against China in other ways, such as promoting the Indo-Pacific concept, the Quad and AUKUS.

Russia has huge problems in managing its neighbourhood. NATO has progressively extended towards Russias borders. The conflicts in Georgia and now in Ukraine flow from this. In the Central Asian states, once part of the Soviet Union, Russia has to contend with increasing Chinese influence, as also the US presence in some of these states.

The US has long sought to control its neighbourhood, without lasting success. It has had to intervene militarily and in other ways to maintain its hegemony. Cuba, Venezuela and Nicaragua are some examples of tiny countries that have resisted US power.

The point in noting all this is that the US remains a preeminent global power despite its neighbourhood failures. China has emerged as the worlds biggest manufacturing power and a peer competitor of the US even in the area of technology, despite its unstable neighbourhood. Russia is recovering as a great power despite its neighbourhood challenges.

In Indias case, the opening up of its economy, the 1998 nuclear tests that changed the equation with the US and led to the nuclear deal, its steady economic rise to the point of becoming the fifth largest economy in the world and the third largest by the end of this decade has occurred during a phase when it was wracked by Pakistan-sponsored terrorism against us, Chinas de-stabilising entry into our region, the virtual collapse of SAARC, etc. No doubt, a more supportive and friendly neighbourhood would have been helpful internationally, but the success of our G20 presidency and our role as the voice of the Global South show that even without it Indias quest to be a leading power and have more say in international governance continues unabated.

This does not mean that India should in any way give up efforts to deepen its commitment to the closest possible ties with our neighbours. Pakistan will remain an exception as it is hard-wired to be inimical to India. We will have to wait and watch whether the new political forces in Bangladesh will want to reverse some of the vital gains both sides have made under Sheikh Hasinas leadership or whether the realities on the ground will eventually dictate a more mature and realistic approach as in the case of President Muizzu.

We have to adjust our strategy to the reality of Chinas challenge to our interests in our region. Our neighbours will continue to play the China card against us. We are ourselves trading with China, and this undercuts any advice we may give to our neighbours to limit Chinas presence in the subcontinent. Chinas trade and development activities in the region inevitably have security implications for us, given the state of our relations with China. The leaders of our neighbouring countries should ideally be sensitive on their own to our concerns and pursue responsible policies, but as some of them are ideologically oriented or play internal politics to achieve power, India-baiting becomes a political option for them. We must of course underline to them our red lines, as friends.

Our longer-term approach has to be to continue to help our neighbours develop, create connectivity links, expand levels of bilateral trade, and people-to-people contacts. As our own economy grows, we will have more resources to devote to achieve our objective to increase the stakes of our neighbours in good relations with us. Our neighbours will want to benefit from what we do, but will also resist a tight embrace to preserve their version of strategic autonomy.

Kanwal Sibal is a former Indian Foreign Secretary. He was Indias Ambassador to Turkey, Egypt, France and Russia. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.
Reaping his first, slender electoral gains by means of divisiveness in the 2024 general elections, Congress scion Rahul Gandhi is pushing the envelope in a place where history is written with blood. Addressing a public rally at Sangaldan, in Banihal Assembly constituency of Jammu and Kashmirs Ramban district, Rahul accused the Modi government of giving the benefits meant for the people of J&K to outsiders.

This is politics at its most immoral, most cynical.

That outsider word has taken the lives of hundreds, if not thousands, in the state. The entire Islamist narrative in J&K is that anybody other than Kashmiri Muslims is an outsider and fit to be converted, driven out, or killed. One does not have to delve into history for examples.

On April 17 this year, terrorists shot a trader from Bihar, Raja Shah, in Bijbehara, Anantnag district. On April 8, terrorists shot at and injured Delhi-based taxi driver Dilranjit Singh in Padpawan, Shopian district. On February 7, terrorists shot dead Amritpal Singh, a labourer from Amritsar in Punjab in Habba Kadal, Srinagar. Another non-local worker, Rohit Mashi, from Amritsar, was injured and died a day later.

Data compiled by South Asia Counter Terrorism Portal (SATP) shows there have been eight attacks on civilians resulting in eight civilian deaths till May 26 this year. The toll in the corresponding period in 2023 was the same, with outsiders or non-locals bearing the brunt of the violence.

The attacks on outsiders are also prompted by nervousness among Islamists regarding the nearly 70 lakh domicile certificates issued to those living and working in J&K who have come from across the country. The separatists feel their stranglehold on the states demographic is slipping away, with the Centre also settling families of security forces and displaced Kashmiri Pandit families.

Article 370, which the Narendra Modi government scrapped on August 5, 2019, barred outsiders from settling permanently or buying property in Kashmir. The Modi government also brought delimitation in the state which has increased the total number of seats in the state by seven. Six seats were added in Jammu, and one in Kashmir to take the total number of assembly constituencies to 90.

Islamist lobbies and parties like the National Conference and the PDP have been upset by the added weightage given to Jammu over Muslim-majority Kashmir. They have stoked Islamists feelings over both delimitation and domicile, making the environment ripe for violence against outsiders.

Now, Rahul Gandhi has directly fed into the insecurities of jihadis and put a target on the back of every man or woman who is not a Kashmiri Muslim. As the leader of Indias main Opposition party, it is both irresponsible and sinister.

Abhijit Majumder is a senior journalist. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.
Ahead of the upcoming assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir, National Conference leader Omar Abdullah alleged that there was a conspiracy against him in the elections and said that leaders in Delhi hated him. He further spoke about his Lok Sabha election loss to jailed candidate, Engineer Rashid and reports about another jailed candidate, Sarjan Ahmad Wagay contesting against him in the assembly polls.

I always knew that Delhi would want to silence me in some way but I never thought that they would go to this extent. In Baramulla (Lok sabha elections), when a person (Sheikh Abdul Rashid) stood against me in the polls, having filed the papers while in jail, he recorded his message from jail and sought votes based on emotions. He defeated me in the elections, Abdullah said, while speaking at a rally in Jammu and Kashmirs Ganderbal.

#WATCH | Ganderbal, J&K | JKNC Vice President Omar Abdullah says, This is a strange election. I knew that the leaders in Delhi never liked me. But now I have realised that they hate me. When I contested the election from the Baramulla constituency, a candidate who was behind pic.twitter.com/KIT81jwuyu ANI (@ANI) September 6, 2024

The former chief minister said after the results of Baramulla Lok Sabha seat, he thought luck was on Rashids side and it was my bad luck.

Currently, Rashid is lodged in Delhis Tihar Jail in connection to a terror funding case. Abdullah further said he could understand Rashid contesting the Lok Sabha polls against him as he was a local from the constituency.

Abdullah further spoke about Sarjan Ahmad Wagay who is set to contest in the assembly polls against him from Ganderbal seat.

He asked, But when I decided to contest (assembly) polls from Ganderbal, reports started pouring in that another citizen (Sarjan Ahmad Wagay alias Barkati) who is in jail is going to contest against me. I was forced to think why these people are put only after me. Is there a conspiracy?

When they could not find a local (Ganderbal) person in jail, they brought one (Barkati) from Zainapora-Shopian. I still thought maybe it was a coincidence. I consulted a few of my colleagues and told them that I want to prove that it is a conspiracy from Delhi against me, he added.

(with agency inputs)
Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, is one of the biggest festivals in the country. It marks the birth of Lord Ganesha and is celebrated all around India with immense devotion and zeal. On this auspicious occasion, people bring Bappa to their homes every year, and celebrities are no exception. Several renowned names from the television industry, including Ankita Lokhande, Arjun Bijlani and Ridhima Pandit, have welcomed Bappa to their homes with much fanfare.

Ankita Lokhande

Ankita Lokhandes excitement knew no bounds as she welcomed Lord Ganesha into her home. She was recently spotted with her mother at a pandal to get their idol. The actress performed a small puja before taking Bappa to her house.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Varinder Chawla (@varindertchawla)

Arjun Bijlani

Arjun Bijlani and his wife Neha Swami embraced the festive vibes in matching yellow traditional outfits. The actors family performed a puja before taking their idol of Lord Ganesha home. Their smiles revealed their excitement for the festival.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Varinder Chawla (@varindertchawla)

Deepshika Nagpal

Another famous TV actress, Deepshika Nagpal, shared a sneak peek of her Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations through her Instagram account. She shared a small clip to her stories showcasing a well-decorated place where she has kept Lord Ganeshas idol. The actress shared the clip with a Welcome sticker on it.

Karan Wahi and Rithvik Dhanjani

The television actors and good friends Karan Wahi and Rithvik Dhanjani welcomed not one but 12 different idols of Lord Ganesha. The duo shared a collaborative post on Instagram, showcasing their way of celebrating the festival. They welcomed Bappa in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu This Tulsi style. Sharing the video, Karan wrote, Hum 2, Humare 12.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Karan Wahi (@karanwahi)

Raqesh Bapat

Unlike other celebs, Raqesh Bapat decided to carve Lord Ganeshas idol on his own. He shared a video on his Instagram showing him giving the murti some final touches. Sharing the video on his account, the actor wrote, The world awaits when the creator creates!!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Raqesh Bapat (@raqeshbapat)

Ridhima Pandit

Ridhima Pandit shared a post on her Instagram account, offering everyone a glimpse at her Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. The actress looked stunning in a green Banarasi saree paired with a matching blouse. In the pictures, she was seen decorating her house. Vighnaharta has arrived, time to rejoice and seek his blessings. Ganpati Bappa Moryaaaaaaaaa, Ridhima wrote along with the pictures.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ridhima Pandit (@ridhimapandit)

Shefali Jariwala

The paparazzi spotted Bigg Boss 13s contestant Shefali Jariwala and her husband, Parag Tyagi, as they brought Lord Ganesha to their home. In the video, the actress chanted Ganpati Bappa Morya and sang Bappa Morya Re while carrying the idol. Meanwhile, Parag was seen carrying their furbaby in his arms.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Instant Bollywood (@instantbollywood)

Tina Datta

Famous television actress Tina Datta shared a video on her Instagram, offering a glimpse at how she welcomed Bappa at her place. She mentioned in the caption, My Ganu Bappa is finally home after two yearsits like reconnecting with an old friend who brings love, peace, and boundless happiness into our lives. This is not just a festival but a reunion with the divine, as his presence brings a sense of peace and happiness that only he can provide. Ganpati Bappa Morya.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tina Datta (@tinadatta)

Rithvik Dhanjani

Popular television actor and host Rithvik Dhanjani couldnt stop smiling while looking at his Lord Ganeshas idol. He shared a video on his Instagram account, offering a glimpse of his extremely adorable Bappa. The actor folded his hands and welcomed Lord Ganesha with much love. Sharing the video, he wrote, Ganpati Bappa Morya.

Rubina Dilaik

Rubina Dilaik shared a carousel on her Instagram account featuring a few glimpses from her Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. The actress opted for a white and golden sharara set and accessorised it with heavy earrings for the festivities. Sharing the glimpses of Ganesh Chaturthi puja at her home, Rubina wrote, Ganpati Bappa Morya.

Heres a very happy Ganesh Chaturthi to all!
A crazy Shah Rukh Khan fan has gone viral for waiting outside the stars residence for nearly five weeks. Shah Rukh Khans stardom knows no bounds with the Bollywood actor having supporters all over the world. Some fans even go to the extent of covering long distances just to get a glimpse of the Indian actor outside his residence Mannat in Mumbai. In a similar case, a fan from Jharkhand named Mohammad Ansari has been camping outside Shah Rukh Khans Bungalow for the last 35 days. Instant Bollywood interviewed this fan and shared a clip on Instagram writing, A crazy fan of Shahrukh Khan from Jharkhand has been waiting outside his house, Mannat, for the last 35 days to meet him.

A crazy fan of #ShahRukhKhan from Jharkhand has been waiting outside his house, Mannat, for the last 35 days to meet him.@pooja_dadlani plzz  do something. pic.twitter.com/Hyi9ptozIf Aamir Khan (@AAMIRSRKs45) September 5, 2024

In the video, the interviewer asked Mohammad Ansari why he was waiting for such a long time just to catch a glimpse of Shah Rukh Khan. The fan responded quickly, He is my favourite hero. I am his biggest fan. I am here on my own. I want to meet him. After being asked why he wanted to meet the star, Ansari said, Just to meet him is the biggest victory. I want to give a message that I have been here for the past 35 days. I have stopped all my business and I just want to get peace. Then I will go back to my village.

Surprised by the fans intense passion for Shah Rukh Khan, several users flocked to the comments section to react to the post. One of them wrote, Brother, dont give up, keep going. Another felt that this wasnt the right way to meet your dream celebrity and noted, This already happened before and he met another guy that time. Meeting him will just encourage more people to do the same which is not good. Another jokingly added, Fan movie upcoming. One said, Oh the long wait times explain the big crowd.

Brother, don't give up, keep going Munevver Geyik (@MunevverGe5773) September 6, 2024

This already happened before and he meet another guy that time. Meeting him will just encourage more people to do the same which is not good GEMS OF INDIA * (@Agnostic_India) September 5, 2024

Fan movie incoming  Alexander (@wanwanwansix) September 5, 2024

Oh the long wait times explain the big crowd  Boss (@SDFMND) September 5, 2024

This isnt the first time a fan has camped outside Shah Rukh Khans residence in hopes of meeting him. Even star actors like Rajkumar Rao underwent the same ordeal to meet Shah Rukh Khan when he arrived in Mumbai years ago. Speaking about the incident he said, On the last night, we stayed at the railway station itself and ate just vada pav because we were out of money by then. We were here for two days. We used to reach Mannat at 10 am and wait till 4-5 pm, hoping that we would see him [Shah Rukh Khan].

As for Shah Rukh Khan, the Bollywood icon is set to feature in the film The King. His daughter Suhana Khan and co-actor Abhishek Bachchan will also be a part of this film. The King is a Hindi remake of the 1994 French film Leon: The Professional that will be directed by Sujoy Ghosh.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Saturday said that India and China can play a role in resolving the conflict in Ukraine. Melonis remarks came a day after Russian President Vladimir Putin also highlighted Indias role in solving the ongoing crisis in the region.

Meloni held a meeting with the visiting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in northern Italys Cernobbio city on Saturday.

It is obvious that if the rules of international law are broken we will get a multiplication of chaos and crisis, but it is also obvious that with the multiplication of crisis, we will have a natural fragmentation of the geo-economic space, that is, in the long run, economic globalization and questioning of the rules of international law will not walk together. This is what I also said to my Chinese counterparts, we must choose, because the two things do not go together, it is also the reason why I think that in the end nations, like China and India, can play a role and must play a role in resolving the conflict in Ukraine, said Meloni.

Watch: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, speaking at the 50th edition of The European House  Ambrosetti Forum in Cernobbio, northern Italy, says, It is obvious that if the rules of international law are broken we will get a multiplication of chaos and crisis, but it is pic.twitter.com/A1R5uLARKI IANS (@ians_india) September 7, 2024

I believe China and India have a role to play in resolving the conflict. The only thing that cannot happen is to think that the conflict can be solved by abandoning Ukraine. The choice of supporting Ukraine has been first and foremost a choice of national interest, and its a choice that wont change, Meloni further said.

Italy | After meeting Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said, I believe China and India have a role to play in resolving the conflict. The only thing that cannot happen is to think that the conflict can be solved by abandoning Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/slZrTMKaQW ANI (@ANI) September 7, 2024

On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that China, India and Brazil could act as mediators in potential peace talks over Ukraine on Thursday. According to a Reuters report, Putin said a preliminary agreement reached between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators in the first weeks of the war at talks in Istanbul, which was never implemented, could serve as the basis for talks.

We respect our friends and partners who I think are sincerely interested in addressing and resolving all the issues associated with the conflict (with Ukraine). China, Brazil, India I am in contact with my partners and I have no doubt that the leaders of these countries, and we have the relations of trust and confidence with one another, will be really interested in providing a helping hand, said Putin.
Bangladeshs interim government has assured that it has no plans to change the countrys national anthem days after a former armyman claimed that Amar Sonar Bangla was imposed by India in 1971 and reflects the countrys colonial past.

Addressing concerns about the Rabindranath Tagore-penned anthem, Bangladeshs Religious Affairs Adviser AFM Khalid Hossain said the Muhammad Yunus government will not do anything to create controversy.

On Friday, Bangladeshs leading cultural outfit Udichi Shilpigosthi organised an event where people sang the national anthem simultaneously across the country amid demands for changes to the anthem and flag. According to the Dhaka Tribune newspaper, the national flag was also hoisted during the program, and patriotic songs were performed alongside the anthem.

National Anthem Row

The row over the anthem began after some critics argued that it does not align with the identity of an independent Bangladesh. Abdullahil Amaan Azmi, the son of former Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ghulam Azam, said the current national anthem is contrary to the countrys existence which was liberated in 1971.

It reflects the time of the Bengal partition and the merging of the two Bengals. How can an anthem created to unite the two Bengals become the national anthem of an independent Bangladesh? This anthem was imposed on us by India in 1971. There are many songs that could serve as a national anthem. The government should form a new commission to select a new national anthem, he told journalists at a press conference on Tuesday.

The former brigadier general, who was previously disappeared and later released following the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has called for a new anthem that better resonates with the nations identity and values. He also argued for constitutional reforms to ensure that laws align with Islamic principles. Azmis case received support on Bangladeshi social media, with some users suggesting alternative songs to replace the current anthem.

Whats stopping us

What stopping us from choosing this beautiful song as our national anthem..!!:     :  :   : #ChangethenationalAnthemBD pic.twitter.com/AfA6I0BHWI  Ashik --  (@Ar_5hawon) September 4, 2024

Hindu Minority

This controversy comes as the minority Hindu population faced vandalism of their businesses and properties, as well as the destruction of Hindu temples, during the student-led violence that erupted following the ouster of Hasina. After anti-government protests that peaked on August 5, Hasina resigned as prime minister and fled to India. The situation has drawn international attention, with various human rights organizations condemning the violence. The US government has also expressed concern over the attacks.
The 14-year-old accused of a deadly US shooting at Georgias Apalachee High School grew up in a broken and neglectful home, according to a new report. Colt Grays mother Marcee has a lengthy criminal history that includes drug and domestic violence charges, New York Post reported.

His father, Colin Gray, 54, is facing serious charges for providing Colt with an AR-15 rifle, which was used in the shooting that left two students and two teachers dead. Neighbours described the Gray family as troubled from the start, the newspaper said.

READ MORE: Father Arrested After 14-Year-Old Charged With Killing 4 In US School Shooting, Biden Reacts

It was constant abuse

Lauren Vickers, who lived next door, recounted distressing incidents where Colt and his sister were locked out of their home, crying for their mother. It was constant abuse, Vickers said, noting that the children often appeared unkempt and hungry. Colts maternal grandfather, Charles Polhamus, described him as a good kid who was affected by a hostile home environment, where he faced verbal abuse from his father.

In May last year, police visited the Gray home after Colt reportedly threatened to shoot up his middle school on Discord. Although the police were unable to confirm the threat, they advised Colin to secure his firearms. Despite this warning, Colin reportedly purchased the AR-15 for Colt as a Christmas gift in December 2023. This weapon was later used in the tragic shooting on September 4 during which Colt also injured nine others.

Murder Charge

Colt appeared in court on September 6, charged with four counts of murder. His father, Colin, was arrested and faces multiple charges, including involuntary manslaughter and child cruelty. Both father and son are being held accountable in a case that highlights the growing trend of prosecuting parents for their childrens actions in school shootings.

Colts aunt, Annie Brown, revealed that he had been struggling with mental health issues and had sought help from those around him. She said, The adults around him failed him. According to the Post, Marcees criminal record spans 17 years and includes various offenses, while Colin Gray has been described as trying to be a responsible parent despite the chaotic home life.

US investigators are now examining the familys history with child protective services to understand the factors leading to the shooting. Vickers, who reported the familys issues to authorities multiple times, expressed frustration over the lack of action taken. They came, talked to me, and did nothing, she said.
Twenty-five years after the 1999 Kargil War, the Pakistan Army has appeared to acknowledge its involvement in the deadly conflict with India. The apparent admission came from Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir during his Defence Day speech on Friday.

In 1948, 1965, 1971, and Kargil wars between India and Pakistan, as well as in Siachen, thousands have sacrificed themselves in these conflicts, General Munir said during the speech at the Pakistan Armys headquarters in Rawalpindi, in what is seen as a first-of-its-kind statement. Munirs mention of Kargil came in the same breath as the three other wars Pakistan has fought with India, even as he paid tributes to the sacrifices of martyrs in Pakistans forces.

First time ever #PakistaniArmy accepts involvement in #KargilWar. Pakistan Army Chief General #AsimMunir confirms Pakistan Armys involvement in #KargilWar. Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir in a defence day speech on Friday said, 1948, 1965, 1971 or Kargil war between pic.twitter.com/Um83MwSrwM Upendrra Rai (@UpendrraRai) September 7, 2024

Kashmiri freedom fighters, mujahideens

The Kargil War, fought between May and July 1999, saw Pakistani troops infiltrate the Indian side of the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmirs Kargil district. India, under what is kown as Operation Vijay, forced the intruders to withdraw from strategic posts.

BREAKING NEWS After 25 years, the Pakistan Army has admitted it was directly involved in the Kargil War.  This is the first time theyve done so, as they previously said it was just Mujahideen fighters. Pakistan had also refused to accept the bodies of its officers who https://t.co/BFNQIW8HAV pic.twitter.com/CDjZDvAW8L  Bharat Spectrum (@BharatSpectrum) September 7, 2024

In the past, Islamabad has time and again denied direct military involvement, referring to the infiltrators as Kashmiri freedom fighters or mujahideens (guerilla fighters). The Muslim-majority nation has also claimed that Pakistan forces were actively patrolling while tribal leaders occupied the heights.

Munirs apparent admission after all these years has caused a buzz on the social media platform X, with several journalists sharing decades-old posts about the Pakistan armys refusal to accept the bodies of its personnel.

Nonetheless, Pakistans involvement in the Kargil War has been an open secret, but an admission from the incumbent chief of the countrys powerful militray in a public address makes it significant. Earlier, former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who was in office during the war, has openly criticised the operation, which is dubbed as a strategic blunder and political disaster even within Pakistan.

After his retirement, Lt Gen (retd) Shahid Aziz, a former Pakistani military officer, has touched upon the role of Pakistani troops in Kargil. Aziz has described the operation as a four-man show, known only to General Pervez Musharraf and a few other top commanders. There have been reports that even Sharif and the countrys Chiefs of Air Force and Navy were not kept in the loop.

The target of the Kargil War was to cut off the link between Kashmir and Ladakh, block the National Highway-1, and force the Indian forces to compromise their positions from the Siachen glacier, according to news agency IANS. The planners thought such an assault would force India to retreat and come to the talks table on Kashmir on Islamabads terms. But the Pakistani operation was a massive failure thanks to the valour of Indian soldiers who retook key peak points and forced the intruders to scurry away, with then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee announcing Operation Vijay to mark the end of the conflict in what was a decisive victory for India.

The episode became even more embarrassing for Paksitan with its army not only denying its involvement but also refusing to accept the bodies of its soldiers, who were later buried by Indian forces.

BJP Reacts

Responding to the development BJP Spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala said, Pakistans role in terrorism, and Kargil war has been out in the open but now Pakistan has also acknowledged it, but Cong and its allies like National Conference still advocate for talks with Pakistan. They question Afzal Gurus hanging, in the garb of Modi virodh, they are actually doing Bharat Virodh, they are not for nation first but for family first.
The White House on Friday expressed deep concern over the death of a Turkish-American woman who was shot and killed by Israeli troops. Aysenur Ezgi Eygi had been participating in a protest against settlement expansion in the West Bank when the incident occurred.

The Biden administration has called for an investigation. Turkeys foreign ministry stated she was shot in the head and placed blame on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government for her death.

Palestinian officials described her as a 26-year-old activist from Seattle who held both U.S. and Turkish citizenship. Eygi graduated from the University of Washington in Seattle recently, the schools president, Ana Mari Cauce, said in a statement that described news of her death as awful while adding that Eygi had a positive influence on other students.

Israels military said its troops had fired toward a male main instigator who posed a threat by hurling rocks at soldiers. The military was looking into reports that a female foreign national was killed as a result of shots fired in the area. The details of the incident and the circumstances in which she was hit are under review.

Unfortunately she died

There was no immediate comment on the incident from Netanyahus office. Fouad Nafaa, head of Rafidia Hospital in Nablus, told Reuters that Eygi arrived there in critical condition, with a serious head injury. We tried to perform a resuscitation operation on her, but unfortunately she died, he said.

The Palestinian Authoritys official news agency, WAFA, said the incident occurred during a regular protest march by activists in Beita, a village near Nablus that has seen repeated attacks on Palestinians by Jewish settlers. Aria Fani, an assistant professor of Middle Eastern languages and cultures at the University of Washington, described Eygi as exceptional and kind in comments to the media.

I begged her not to go (to the West Bank), but she had this deep conviction that she wanted to participate in the tradition of bearing witness to the oppression of people and their dignified resilience, Fani told the Guardian, adding Eygi participated in recent university campus protests opposing U.S. support for Israels war in Gaza.

Aysenur was a peer mentor in psychology who helped welcome new students to the department and provided a positive influence in their lives, the university president said separately in a statement.

DEEPLY DISTURBED

In a statement, Sean Savett, a spokesperson for the White Houses National Security Council, said Washington was deeply disturbed by the tragic death of an American citizen in the West Bank on Friday. We have reached out to the Government of Israel to ask for more information and request an investigation into the incident, Savett said.

U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen said Eygi was the third American killed in the West Bank since Oct. 7, when Hamas militants attack on Israel sparked war in Gaza and a resurgence of West Bank violence.

[The] Biden Administration has not been doing enough to pursue justice and accountability on their behalf, Van Hollen, a Democrat, who sits on the Senates Foreign Relations committee, said. If the Netanyahu Government will not pursue justice for Americans, the U.S. Department of Justice must.

Turkeys President Tayyip Erdogan condemned Eygis death, saying in a post on social media that Turkey will continue to work in every platform to halt Israels policy of occupation and genocide. Israel denies its actions in occupied Palestinian territories amount to genocide.

In a separate incident on Friday near Beita, in the village of Qaryut, a 13-year-old girl was killed by Israeli gunfire, Palestinian health officials said, after settlers attacked the village. WAFA quoted the girls father as saying that she was in their home when it was hit by gunfire. The Israeli military said it was investigating, after its troops had fired in the air to disperse what it described as violent confrontations between dozens of settlers and Palestinians in the area.

A rise in violent attacks by Israeli settlers on Palestinians in the West Bank has stirred anger among Western allies of Israel, including the United States, which has imposed sanctions on some Israelis involved in the settler movement. Several weeks ago around 100 settlers attacked the village of Jit, in the northern West Bank, drawing worldwide condemnation and an Israeli government promise of swift action against anyone found guilty of violence.

Since the 1967 Middle East war, Israel has occupied the West Bank of the Jordan River, which Palestinians want as the core of an independent state. Israel has built settlements there that most countries deem illegal, which Israel disputes citing historical and biblical ties to the land.
Staff members remove a fallen tree and branches on a street in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, Sept. 7, 2024. Super Typhoon Yagi pounded south China's island province of Hainan with heavy rain and gusty winds, leaving at least two people dead and 92 injured, local authorities said Saturday. As winds and rainfall subsided, Hainan downgraded its typhoon alert and initiated swift recovery operations across the province. (Xinhua/Yang Guanyu)

HAIKOU, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- Super Typhoon Yagi pounded south China's island province of Hainan with heavy rain and gusty winds, leaving at least two people dead and 92 injured, local authorities said Saturday.

Two fatalities were confirmed in Ding'an County, while Wenchang City reported 12 injuries and Haikou City reported 80 injuries as of Saturday morning, according to official data.

As winds and rainfall subsided, Hainan downgraded its typhoon alert and initiated swift recovery operations across the province.

Over 2,200 workers have been mobilized to restore power to more than 1.5 million affected households. By 7 a.m. Saturday, over one-fifth of those affected households had been reconnected to the grid.

Road repairs are also underway, with 51 of the 89 blocked main roads now cleared.

High-speed rail services circling the island are expected to resume on Saturday afternoon. Ferry services in the Qiongzhou Strait are anticipated to resume by Sunday evening.

Haikou Meilan International Airport will remain temporarily closed until Sunday noon due to the remnants of Typhoon Yagi, while Sanya Phoenix International Airport in the popular tourist city of Sanya began gradually resuming flight services at 10 a.m. on Saturday.

Meanwhile, rescue teams are racing to restore communications, as more than 12,500 base stations were damaged across the province, with Wenchang City suffering the worst damage to its communications facilities.

Super Typhoon Yagi, the 11th typhoon of this year, made two landfalls in China on Friday, first striking Hainan and later Guangdong Province. 

A staff member clears a road in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, Sept. 7, 2024.

Super Typhoon Yagi pounded south China's island province of Hainan with heavy rain and gusty winds, leaving at least two people dead and 92 injured, local authorities said Saturday.

As winds and rainfall subsided, Hainan downgraded its typhoon alert and initiated swift recovery operations across the province. (Xinhua/Yang Guanyu)

A fallen tree is seen on a street in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, Sept. 7, 2024.

Super Typhoon Yagi pounded south China's island province of Hainan with heavy rain and gusty winds, leaving at least two people dead and 92 injured, local authorities said Saturday.

As winds and rainfall subsided, Hainan downgraded its typhoon alert and initiated swift recovery operations across the province. (Xinhua/Yang Guanyu)

Staff members remove fallen branches on a street in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, Sept. 7, 2024.

Super Typhoon Yagi pounded south China's island province of Hainan with heavy rain and gusty winds, leaving at least two people dead and 92 injured, local authorities said Saturday.

As winds and rainfall subsided, Hainan downgraded its typhoon alert and initiated swift recovery operations across the province. (Xinhua/Yang Guanyu)

Staff members remove a fallen tree and branches on a street in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, Sept. 7, 2024.

Super Typhoon Yagi pounded south China's island province of Hainan with heavy rain and gusty winds, leaving at least two people dead and 92 injured, local authorities said Saturday.

As winds and rainfall subsided, Hainan downgraded its typhoon alert and initiated swift recovery operations across the province. (Xinhua/Yang Guanyu)

Staff members remove fallen branches on a street in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, Sept. 7, 2024.

Super Typhoon Yagi pounded south China's island province of Hainan with heavy rain and gusty winds, leaving at least two people dead and 92 injured, local authorities said Saturday.

As winds and rainfall subsided, Hainan downgraded its typhoon alert and initiated swift recovery operations across the province. (Xinhua/Yang Guanyu)

A vehicle removes fallen branches on a street in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, Sept. 7, 2024. Super Typhoon Yagi pounded south China's island province of Hainan with heavy rain and gusty winds, leaving at least two people dead and 92 injured, local authorities said Saturday.

As winds and rainfall subsided, Hainan downgraded its typhoon alert and initiated swift recovery operations across the province. (Xinhua/Guo Cheng)

Workers remove fallen branches on a river in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, Sept. 7, 2024. Super Typhoon Yagi pounded south China's island province of Hainan with heavy rain and gusty winds, leaving at least two people dead and 92 injured, local authorities said Saturday.

As winds and rainfall subsided, Hainan downgraded its typhoon alert and initiated swift recovery operations across the province. (Xinhua/Guo Cheng)

A worker removes fallen branches in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, Sept. 7, 2024. Super Typhoon Yagi pounded south China's island province of Hainan with heavy rain and gusty winds, leaving at least two people dead and 92 injured, local authorities said Saturday.

As winds and rainfall subsided, Hainan downgraded its typhoon alert and initiated swift recovery operations across the province. (Xinhua/Guo Cheng)

Workers clear a road in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, Sept. 7, 2024. Super Typhoon Yagi pounded south China's island province of Hainan with heavy rain and gusty winds, leaving at least two people dead and 92 injured, local authorities said Saturday.

As winds and rainfall subsided, Hainan downgraded its typhoon alert and initiated swift recovery operations across the province. (Xinhua/Guo Cheng)

Workers reinforce buildings at a fish farm at Wengtian Township in Wenchang, south China's Hainan Province, Sept. 7, 2024.

Super Typhoon Yagi pounded south China's island province of Hainan with heavy rain and gusty winds, leaving at least two people dead and 92 injured, local authorities said Saturday.

As winds and rainfall subsided, Hainan downgraded its typhoon alert and initiated swift recovery operations across the province. (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun)

An engineering vehicle clears a road in Wengtian Township, Wenchang, south China's Hainan Province, Sept. 7, 2024.

Super Typhoon Yagi pounded south China's island province of Hainan with heavy rain and gusty winds, leaving at least two people dead and 92 injured, local authorities said Saturday.

As winds and rainfall subsided, Hainan downgraded its typhoon alert and initiated swift recovery operations across the province. (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun)

An engineering vehicle removes fallen tree branches on a street of Wengtian Township in Wenchang, south China's Hainan Province, Sept. 7, 2024.

Super Typhoon Yagi pounded south China's island province of Hainan with heavy rain and gusty winds, leaving at least two people dead and 92 injured, local authorities said Saturday.

As winds and rainfall subsided, Hainan downgraded its typhoon alert and initiated swift recovery operations across the province. (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun)

A villager removes fallen tree branches at Dafu Village of Wengtian Township in Wenchang, south China's Hainan Province, Sept. 7, 2024.

Super Typhoon Yagi pounded south China's island province of Hainan with heavy rain and gusty winds, leaving at least two people dead and 92 injured, local authorities said Saturday.

As winds and rainfall subsided, Hainan downgraded its typhoon alert and initiated swift recovery operations across the province. (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun)
A Pakistani man living in Canada has been arrested on charges of plotting an attack on Jews in New York on the first anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel. Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, 20, was arrested in Ormstown, Quebec, on Wednesday afternoon, as he attempted to cross into the United States.

Khan, who is also known as Shahzeb Jadoon, was planning a mass shooting at a Jewish center in Brooklyn, intending to slaughter as many Jewish people as possible. The defendant is alleged to have planned a terrorist attack in New York City around October 7 of this year with the stated goal of slaughtering, in the name of (the Islamic State), as many Jewish people as possible, Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement.

Mass Shooting In US

Thanks to the investigative work of the FBI, and the quick action of our Canadian law enforcement partners, the defendant was taken into custody, Garland said. According to the criminal complaint, Khan planned to travel to New York and carry out a mass shooting in support of IS at a Jewish center in Brooklyn on the anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel.

He claimed that New York was perfect to target Jews because it has the largest Jewish population in America, according to US officials. Even if the attack did not target a specific event, he wrote that we could rack up easily a lot of Jews, adding, We are going to NYC to slaughter them.

Largest Attack Since Since 9/11

Khan sent photos and videos of the targeted building to the undercover agents and instructed them to acquire rifles, ammunition, and some good hunting knives so we can slit their throats. He reportedly wrote that if we succeed with our plan, this would be the largest attack on US soil since 9/11, referring to the September 11, 2001, attacks.

In the statement, FBI Director Christopher Wray said Khan was allegedly determined to kill Jewish people in the United States, nearly one year after Hamas horrific attack on Israel. This investigation was led by the FBI and I am proud of the terrific work by the FBI team and our partners to disrupt Khans plan, he added.

ISIS Support

Khan revealed his plans in conversations with conspirators who were actually undercover law enforcement officers, it said. Khan was taken into custody by Canadian authorities in the town of Ormstown some 19 kilometers from the US-Canada border.

Khan began posting on social media and communicating with others on an encrypted messaging application about his support for ISIS in or about November 2023, when, among other things, Khan distributed ISIS propaganda videos and literature. Subsequently, Khan began communicating with two undercover law enforcement officers, the Justice Department said. The US federal government said it will seek his extradition from Canada. He could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday Islamic countries should form an alliance against what he called the growing threat of expansionism from Israel.

He made the comment after describing what Palestinian and Turkish officials said was the killing by Israeli troops of a Turkish-American woman taking part in a protest on Friday against settlement expansion in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

The only step that will stop Israeli arrogance, Israeli banditry, and Israeli state terrorism is the alliance of Islamic countries, Erdogan said at an Islamic schools association event near Istanbul.

He said recent steps that Turkey has taken to improve ties with Egypt and Syria are aimed at forming a line of solidarity against the growing threat of expansionism, which he said also threatened Lebanon and Syria.

Erdogan hosted Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in Ankara this week and they discussed the Gaza war and ways to further repair their long-frozen ties during what was the first such presidential visit in 12 years.

Ties between them started thawing in 2020 when Turkey began diplomatic efforts to ease tensions with estranged regional rivals, including the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.

Erdogan said in July that Turkey would extend an invitation to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad any time for possible talks to restore relations between the two neighbours, who severed ties in 2011 after the outbreak of the Syrian civil war.

Israel did not immediately comment on Erdogans remarks on Saturday.

Israels military said after Fridays incident that it was looking into reports that a female foreign national was killed as a result of shots fired in the area. The details of the incident and the circumstances in which she was hit are under review.

There was no immediate comment on Fridays incident from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office.
Murder charges filed against the father of a 14-year-old boy accused of a Georgia school shooting follow the successful prosecution of two parents in Michigan who were held responsible for a similar tragedy at a school north of Detroit.

Is it a sign of a crackdown on parents accused of gross negligence when it comes to kids and guns? Could public outrage lead to more prosecutions or changes in law in other states, too?

Its a matter of looking at the relationship between what the child says and does and what the parent knows about what the child says and does, said David Shapiro, a former prosecutor who teaches at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York.

Colin Gray, 54, has been charged with involuntary manslaughter and second-degree murder related to the deaths of two students and two teachers at Apalachee High School in Winder, outside Atlanta. Nine more people were wounded.

Grays son, Colt Gray, is charged with murder. Investigators said he used a semi-automatic AR-15 style rifle in the attack.

The charges against Colin Gray are directly connected with the actions of his son and allowing him to possess a weapon, said Chris Hosey, director of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

James and Jennifer Crumbley were convicted of involuntary manslaughter earlier this year for the deaths of four students at Oxford High School in 2021. It was the first time that parents were held criminally responsible for a U.S. mass school shooting. Theyre serving 10-year prison terms while appeals are pending.

The Crumbleys didnt know what son Ethan Crumbley was planning. However, prosecutor Karen McDonald said their sons actions were foreseeable. They were summoned to discuss the 15-year-olds macabre drawings of a gun and blood on a math assignment and a message, The thoughts wont stop. Help me. My life is useless.

The Crumbleys declined to take him home but said they would seek counselling. On that same day, Ethan Crumbley removed a gun from his backpack and began shooting, using a weapon that James Crumbley had purchased as a gift just a few days earlier. No one  parents or school staff  had checked the backpack.

The parents actions and inactions were inexorably intertwined with what their son ultimately did at Oxford, the Michigan Court of Appeals said in 2023 when the groundbreaking case was allowed to move forward.

Prosecutor Brad Smith declined to publicly disclose details that led him to charge Colin Gray in the Apalachee shooting. But in arrest warrants, authorities said he had provided a gun to his son with the knowledge that he was a threat to himself and others.

Smith acknowledged the Michigan case during a news conference Friday and said his case was a first for Georgia.

Im not trying to send a message, he said. Im just trying to use the tools in my arsenal to prosecute people for the crimes they commit.

Colin Gray was interviewed last year when authorities were investigating his son about a menacing post on social media. The father said the teen knows the seriousness of weapons and what they can do, and how to use them and not use them, according to a transcript. Nothing more was pursued.

McDonald, the prosecutor in Michigan, said the Georgia shooting and the fathers arrest was a real punch in the stomach.

I cant believe the facts that stood out as so egregious in our case seem to be so similar, she told The Associated Press.

McDonald said states have laws that carry consequences for gross negligence in various situations. She said it was encouraging that police in Georgia immediately investigated how the gun was obtained.

I have never felt it was a moment that would open the floodgates to charges against parents or sending a message to people, McDonald said of the Crumbley case. Most people dont need that message. Its heartbreaking to watch it play out.

She said it takes only seconds to put a lock on a gun, which she demonstrated to a jury.

Shapiro, the former New Jersey prosecutor, said all states likely have laws that can be used to hold parents responsible, though much depends on the facts and a prosecutors views.

You dont want to be able to allow parents to overlook those kinds of signs there is something seriously wrong or a serious risk, he said.

Michigan has a new law this year that requires adults to keep guns locked up when minors are present. In Newaygo County, a grandfather pleaded no contest in August in the death of a 5-year-old grandson. Another boy had picked up and fired a loaded shotgun.

If people simply locked up their firearms, we would not be putting parents behind bars for this reason, said Kris Brown, the president of Brady, a gun violence prevention group. And we would not be digging as many graves.
BEIJING, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- China's top economic planner said on Saturday that 200 million yuan (approximately 28.2 million U.S. dollars) has been allocated from the central budget to support disaster relief and recovery efforts in Hainan and Guangdong provinces.

According to the National Development and Reform Commission, the funds will be used to urgently repair damaged infrastructure, including roads, bridges, water conservancy facilities, schools and hospitals, and to facilitate the swift restoration of normal living and working conditions.

Super Typhoon Yagi, the 11th typhoon of this year, made two landfalls in China on Friday, first striking Hainan and later Guangdong.

China's Ministry of Water Resources conducted a comprehensive assessment on Saturday focusing on the safety of small and medium-sized reservoirs and the risks of potential floods in small and medium-sized rivers and mountain torrents in the affected areas.

The ministry has dispatched four working teams to guide flood prevention efforts in Hainan, Guangdong, Guangxi and Yunnan. 
Historical document appraiser and collector Seth Kaller spreads a broadsheet of paper across a desk. It's in good enough condition that he can handle it, carefully, with clean, bare hands. There are just a few creases and tiny discolorations, even though it's just a few weeks shy of 237 years old and has spent who knows how long inside a filing cabinet in North Carolina. At the top of the first page are familiar words, but in regular type instead of the sweeping Gothic script we're used to seeing: "WE the People..." And the people will get a chance to bid for this copy of the US Constitutionthe only of its type thought to be in private handsat a sale by Brunk Auctions on Sept. 28 in Asheville, North Carolina, per the AP . The minimum bid for the auction is $1 million. There's no minimum price that must be reached.

This copy was printed after the Constitutional Convention approved the proposed framework of the nation's government in 1787 and it was ratified by the Congress of the ineffective first American government under the Articles of Confederation. It's one of about 100 copies printed by the secretary of that Congress, Charles Thomson. Just eight are known to still exist, and the other seven are publicly owned. Thomson likely signed two copies for each of the original 13 states, essentially certifying them. They were sent to special ratifying conventions, where representatives, all white and male, wrangled for months before accepting the structure of the US government that continues today. What happened to the document up for auction between Thomson's signature and 2022 isn't known.

Two years ago, an Edenton property once owned by Samuel Johnston, the North Carolina governor from 1787 to 1789, was being cleared out. The copy was found inside a squat, two-drawer metal filing cabinet, in a long-neglected room piled high with old chairs and a dusty bookcase, before the old Johnston house was preserved. Along with the Constitution on the broadsheet printed front and back is a letter from George Washington asking for ratification. He acknowledged there will have to be compromise, and that rights the states enjoyed will have to be given up for the nation's long-term health. "To secure all rights of independent sovereignty to each and yet provide for the interest and safety for allindividuals entering into society must give up a share of liberty to preserve the rest," wrote the man who would become the first US president. More here.

(More US Constitution stories.)
Israeli air raids in the Gaza Strip killed more than a dozen people overnight into Saturday morning, hospital and local authorities said, as health workers were wrapping up the second phase of an urgent polio vaccination campaign designed to prevent a large-scale outbreak in the territory. The vaccination drive was launched after health officials confirmed the first polio case in the Palestinian enclave in 25 years, in a 10-month-old boy whose leg is now paralyzed, per the AP . The nine-day campaign run by the UN's health agency and its partners began last Sunday in central Gaza and aims to vaccinate 640,000 children under the age of 10, an ambitious effort during a devastating war that has destroyed Gaza's health care system and much of its infrastructure.

The second phase of vaccinations in the southern part of the strip was in its final day Saturday, the Gaza Health Ministry said, before moving to the north and concluding on Monday. The ministry designated dozens of points across the southern cities of Khan Younis and Rafah for people to visit with their children to receive the vaccines. Israel, meanwhile, kept up its military offensive. In central Gaza's urban refugee camp of Nuseirat, Al-Awda Hospital said it had received the bodies of nine people killed in two separate air raids. One had hit a residential building in the early hours of Saturday, killing four people and wounding at least 10, the hospital said, while another five people were killed in a strike on a house in the western part of Nuseirat.

Separately, Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, central Gaza's main hospital in the town of Deir al-Balah, said a woman and her two children were killed in another strike on a house in the nearby urban refugee camp of Bureij early Saturday. In the northern part of the Gaza Strip, an airstrike on a school-turned-shelter for displaced people in the town of Jabaliya killed at least four people and wounded about two dozen others, according to Gaza's Civil Defense authority, which operates under the territory's Hamas-run government. Violence has also spiked in the occupied West Bank, with a more than weeklong military operation in the town of Jenin leaving dozens of dead and a trail of destruction. More here.

(More Israel-Hamas war stories.)
Gov. Ron DeSantis' administration is sending law enforcement officers to homes to question Floridians who signed petitions to place an abortion amendment on the November ballot. The questioning appears to be part of an effort to inspect thousands of petitions concerning a measure to overturn the state's six-week abortion ban, instead protecting abortion access until the point of viability, the Tampa Bay Times reportsdespite the fact that the signatures have already been verified.

Florida's secretary of state, who was appointed by DeSantis, has ordered elections supervisors in several counties to send at least 36,000 petition forms already found to have been signed by real people to the state government. Past fraud investigations have been centered on rejected petitions, but the state did not ask for those this time. One 16-year elections supervisor called the request unprecedented. It was DeSantis who signed the six-week legislation into law, and he's organized opposition to the ballot measure. The amendment proposal reads, "No law shall prohibit, penalize, delay, or restrict abortion before viability or when necessary to protect the patient's health," per WTVT.

In another move, the state Agency for Health Care Administration has publicly opposed the ballot proposal, per the New York Times. Its website now says at the top: "Florida Is Protecting Life. Don't let the fearmongers lie to you." Organizers turned in petitions with more than 1 million signatures, 100,000 more than was required. Supporters of the amendment called the state investigation political interference.

story continues below

A Lee County voter says he was left shaken by the visit of a plainclothes officer, who twice asked if he'd signed the petition. He said the officer brought a copy of his driver's license and other documents. Another voter said she felt intimidated when an officer came to her home. "It didn't surprise me that they were doing something like this to try to debunk these petitions to get it taken off of the ballot," Becky Castellanos said. (More Florida stories.)
Simon Harris and Keir Starmer have discussed the need to reset the relationship between the UK and Ireland. "Today we're in Dublin to flesh out what a reset actually looks like ... in a practical sense for our citizens on both islands," Harris said Saturday before their meeting, AFP reports. Both leaders have been in office only months; Starmer was making the first official visit of a UK prime minister to Ireland since 2019. A reset "can be meaningful, it can be deep," he said.

They had a working lunch at Farmleigh House, then hosted a roundtable discussion of Irish business leaders, per RTE. The agenda included reaffirming the Good Friday Agreement and their nations' commitment to reconciliation in Northern Ireland. Starmer has taken steps toward repealing a law that gave conditional immunity to those who committed crimes during the decades-long sectarian violence in Northern Ireland, a move that victims' families adamantly oppose.

Relations have become more strained since the UK left the European Union, and Harris and Starmer also plan to seek a more formal framework for their relationship in the wake of that decision. They announced they'll hold annual summits starting in March on trade and other issues on which they seek cooperation, per the BBC. This time, Starmer said, international issues including Ukraine's fight against Russia's invasion and the Israel-Hamas war required their attention. "In the face of Russian aggression, we have to stand together, to co-ordinate, stand with our allies and give Ukraine all the support that it needs for as long as it needs," he said. (More Ireland stories.)
Thousands of protesters took to the streets across France on Saturday, responding to a call from a far-left party leader who criticized as a "power grab" the president's appointment of a conservative new prime minister, Michel Barnier. The protests, in some 150 locations nationwide, directly challenged President Emmanuel Macron's decision to bypass a prime minister from the far-left bloc following a deeply dividingand dividedlegislative election result in July. Authorities did not record a huge turnout nationwide, the AP reports. The demonstrators denounced Barnier's appointment as denying democracy.

The left, particularly the France Unbowed party, views Barnier's conservative background as rejecting the electorate's will, further intensifying the EU's second economy's already charged political atmosphere. In Paris, protesters gathered at Place de la Bastille and tensions ran high as police prepared for potential clashes. Some carried placards reading "Where is my vote?" At the head of the Parisian procession, France Unbowed leader Jean-Luc Melenchon spoke passionately, declaring that "the French people are in rebellion. They have entered into revolution." There will be no truce in their effort, he told the crowd, adding, "I call you to a long-term battle."

While Barnier was meeting with health care workers at Paris' Necker Hospital for his first official visit as prime minister, opponents say the unrest in the streets is shaping his government's future. Barnier expressed a commitment to listening to public concerns, particularly about public services. Barnier, 73, is the oldest of the 26 prime ministers who have served modern France's Fifth Republic, per the AP. He replaces the youngest, Gabriel Attal, who was 34 when he was appointed eight months ago. Attal also was France's first openly gay prime minister. French media and some of Macron's opponents quickly dug up that, when serving in parliament in 1981, the new prime minister had been among 155 lawmakers who voted against a law that decriminalized homosexuality.

(More Emmanuel Macron stories.)
"I have a lot of respect for the country of China. It has a great history, and it is a model for many countries that are currently developing around the world," said a Cameroonian student studying in China's Wuhan.








A Pride march on Saturday in Serbia's capital pressed for the demand that the populist government improve the rights of LGBTQ+ community members who often face harassment and discrimination in the highly conservative Balkan country. The march in central Belgrade was held under heavy police protection because of fear of attacks from right-wing extremists, the AP reports. Organizers said assailants had assaulted a young gay man in Belgrade two days before and taken away his rainbow flag in the latest incident.

Serbia is formally seeking entry into the European Union, but its democratic record is poor. Serbia's LGBTQ+ community is demanding a law allowing same-sex partnerships and boosting other rights. "We can't even walk freely without heavy (police) cordons securing the gathering," said Ivana Ilic Sunderic, a resident of Belgrade. The event on Saturday was held under the slogan "Pride are people." It included a concert and a party after the march. Participants carried rainbow flags and various banners as they danced to loud music played from a truck at the front. The crowd passed by the Serbian government headquarters and the National Assembly building.

Dozens of Russians who fled the war in Ukraine and the regime of President Vladimir Putin attended the march, per the AP. Mikhail Afanasev said that it was good to be there despite the Belgrade Pride being cordoned off by police. "I came from Russia where I am completely prohibited as person, as gay, (a) human being," he said. "We want to love, we want to live in a free society, and to have those rights, like all other people have." No incidents were reported. Western ambassadors in Serbia, opposition politicians, and liberal ministers from the Serbian government joined the event. But the right-wing Belgrade mayor opposed it. Pride marches in Belgrade had been marred in the past by skirmishes and clashes between extremist groups and police.

(More LGBTQ stories.)
The Public Safety Report is compiled from criminal complaints filed in state and federal courts, as well as police blotter information, trooper dispatches, fire department reports and interviews with public safety officials. Individuals named as arrested and/or charged with crimes in this report are presumed innocent until proved guilty in court.
TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com

Email: editor@newsofbahrain.com

Private hospitals in the Kingdom are gearing up for a surge in maternity patients following a new directive from Government Hospitals, which mandates that all non-Bahraini women be referred to private facilities for delivery.

The circular issued to all government hospital staff stipulates that non-Bahraini patients should be referred to private hospitals or their primary healthcare facilities for delivery.

Public data from 2020 reveals that public hospitals handled 13,292 deliveries compared to 4,000 at private hospitals. Meanwhile, the recent increase in maternity advertisements in the media also indicates that private sector hospitals are preparing for this influx while maintaining high standards of care.

Sources confirmed to The Daily Tribune that the new policy, effective from the start of this month, is intended to enhance the quality of care and services for patients. According to the advertisements reviewed by The Daily Tribune, private hospitals charge BD350 for a normal delivery and BD700 or more for a caesarean section.

In contrast, Salmaniya Medical Complex (SMC) charges BD150 for normal birth, despite BD574 being the actual expense for a normal birth and over BD747 for a caesarean section, as outlined in a parliamentary inquiry report presented by former MP Ali Eshaqi in 2020.

The report notes that SMCs costs include accommodation, delivery room, operations, and medical staff. Referral criteria include:

 Patients classified as low-risk with no underlying medical conditions.

 Those at 37 weeks gestation or full term (excluding preterm cases).

 Patients not booked with Primary Care facilities or not receiving follow-up care at SMC.

 Patients not in active labour, specifically with cervical dilation of 3 cm or less. Hospital staff are urged to follow these criteria to ensure a smoother healthcare experience for all patients.

The recent decision to direct expatriate women to private hospitals for childbirth will have no impact on medical health or quality of life, according to a parliamentary source. In a statement to the Daily Tribune, the source assured, Bahrain offers distinguished private medical care with competitive pricing.

Therefore, this decision will not impact the medical health or quality of life for anyone. The source further emphasized that the policy aims to ensure that both citizens and residents receive nothing short of exceptional medical care. The decision was made following extensive discussions with the Ministry of Health.

We held a meeting to address the issue of the increasing number of patients expected to deliver. To ensure proper medical attention for everyone, the decision to refer expatriate patients to private facilities was made, the source explained.

The source also noted that there was some consideration of simply raising prices as an alternative, but the decision ultimately focused on the referral policy to manage patient loads effectively
This undated photo shows a portrait of Axel Kniehl, executive director of Marketing and Sales of German domestic appliances manufacturer Miele. (Xinhua)

by Xinhua writer Chu Yi, Du Zheyu

BERLIN, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- Axel Kniehl, Executive Director of Marketing and Sales of German domestic appliances manufacturer Miele, expressed his satisfaction with the company's performance in the Chinese market and reaffirmed its commitment to further growth in the country during an exclusive interview with Xinhua.

"We're very, very happy with our performance in China," said Kniehl, who made the remarks at the ongoing IFA 2024, the world's leading trade show for consumer electronics and home appliances that kicked off Friday. "We will continue to expand in the country. There are still many regions where we are not yet present and we will take it step by step."

As an expert involved in the industry for decades, Kniehl attributed his confidence in the Chinese market to the "typical cycle that the Chinese economy is going through right now," as well as the evolving consumption behaviors resulting from this shift.

"The economy has to redefine its next wave of growth, and while there has been enormous growth, there's still more to come," he said.

He continued by citing a concrete example from his own experience. "When I lived in China years ago, the habit of drinking coffee every morning wasn't common. Now, however, coffee shops are everywhere, with people picking up a cappuccino on their way to work," he noted.

Kniehl also highlighted dishwashers as a typical example of changing consumer preferences. "Thirty or forty years ago, dishwashers weren't even a topic of discussion in China. But now, more consumers understand the significant benefits of having a dishwasher instead of just a sterilizer," he said. "We have enormous opportunities in this market."

As for the strategy Miele adopted in China, Kniehl emphasized the company's localization efforts to meet the specific needs of Chinese consumers.

"We understand that Chinese consumers have slightly different demands. For example, their needs for gas cooking, extraction hoods, and dishwashing are different from ours. Even their bowls and cutlery differ from European ones," Kniehl explained. "We ensure that our products address these differences, and we will continue to adapt and refine our offerings going forward."

Regarding the fast development of Chinese consumer electronics companies, Kniehl acknowledged both the challenges and opportunities for German companies like Miele. He noted that each side has its advantages, creating a dynamic landscape for collaboration and competition.

"Chinese companies like Haier and Midea are exponentially larger than we are and can invest more heavily in developing technologies," he noted. "However, what we bring to the table is a deeper understanding of consumer needs."

With the expansion of German and European brands into the Chinese market, Kniehl noted that Chinese companies are also increasing their presence in Europe, a trend he expects will continue.

"I believe this is a natural progression in the industry and a positive development for the future of the sector," he said. 
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
BISHKEK, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- Kyrgyzstan has removed the Taliban from the list of banned organizations, the Kyrgyz Foreign Ministry said on Friday.

In a statement, the ministry said the Taliban movement has been removed from the list of banned organizations on the territory of Kyrgyzstan.

This decision is aimed at strengthening regional stability and maintaining dialogue, it said.

Kyrgyzstan remains committed to supporting the efforts of the international community to ensure a stable and peaceful environment in Afghanistan and the region as a whole, the statement said. 
The owner of a boat was located safe Friday as a large scale search was initiated when the vessel washed ashore in North Wildwood, according to a Facebook post from police Friday.

The U.S. Coast Guard station in Atlantic City initiated a search along the Wildwood coast, Coast Guard officials confirmed Friday, as a multi-agency effort to search for potential victims began.

The abandoned boat was discovered early Friday morning in the area of First and Surf avenues, officials said.

Authorities eventually located the owner of the boat, who was confirmed safe early Friday morning in a hotel room, officials said.

Details on what led to the boat being washed ashore were not shared by authorities.

An investigation into the incident by North Wildwood police is ongoing, according to the social media post, and officials have asked the public to avoid the area.

Officials with the North Wildwood Police Department did not immediately return a request for additional comment Friday.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Matthew Enuco may be reached at Menuco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow Matt on X.
Sea.Hear.Now music festival is right around the corner, and New Jersey fans could not be more ready.

The iconic Asbury Park music festival is taking place from Sept. 14-15 with over 25 artists taking over three stages across the Jersey Shore beach.

Two of the biggest artists in the music industry will headline the iconic beach: Noah Kahan and Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band.

Because of the star power hitting the New Jersey beach, tickets sold out incredibly fast, but there are some tickets left to purchase on secondary market websites.

It is not only Noah Kahans first time performing in Asbury Park, but Springsteen and the bands headlining gig on Sept. 15 will be the first time they have performed there since a series of Christmas benefit shows at Convention Hall in 2003.

A music festival takes a lot more preparation than a shorter concert, and as someone who has been to a number of festivals around the U.S. and internationally, I always research and prepare in advance for every festival I go to.

So, here are all the tips and tricks you need to have the perfect weekend at Sea.Hear.Now.

Sea.Hear.Now music festival: Sept. 14-15

Sea.Hear.Now bag policy: Like with any other music festival, bags will be checked upon entry to the festival grounds. If you decide to bring in a or fanny pack that is 6 x 9, they do not have to be clear but can only have one pocket. All other bags larger than 6 x 9 must be smaller than 12 x 6 x 12 and : Like with any other music festival, bags will be checked upon entry to the festival grounds. If you decide to bring in a small clutch they do not have to be clear but can only have one pocket. All other bags larger than 6 x 9 must be smaller than 12 x 6 x 12 and clear Headliners: Noah Kahan is set to perform on Sept. 14 from 9 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on the Surf Stage. Bruce Springsteen will perform on Sept. 15 from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. on the Surf Stage. You can find a full lineup with a schedule : Noah Kahan is set to perform on Sept. 14 from 9 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on the Surf Stage. Bruce Springsteen will perform on Sept. 15 from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. on the Surf Stage. You can find a full lineup with a schedule here Hydration packs: Hydration packs are allowed into Sea.Hear.Now festival grounds, and do not have to be clear. However, Upon entry, bags must be empty of all liquids and have no more than two pockets in addition to the one holding the water reservoir. Re-entry policy: When at : When at Sea.Hear.Now , ticket holders can leave and re-enter the festival as much as they want until 7 p.m. There will be no re-entries into the festival after that. You will have to go through security checks each time you enter the festival. Yoga sessions: I have never been to a music festival that had yoga classes before, so there is no way I will be passing this up. On Sept. 14, there will be a free yoga session on the Asbury beach at 8:15 a.m. You can sign up in advance : I have never been to a music festival that had yoga classes before, so there is no way I will be passing this up. On Sept. 14, there will be a free yoga session on the Asbury beach at 8:15 a.m. You can sign up in advance here Hydration: Staying hydrated at music festivals is a must, which means you need to have water on you at all times. Make sure you bring in an empty, reusable water bottle to the festival, and you can refill it at the water stations. I like to either bring a : Staying hydrated at music festivals is a must, which means you need to have water on you at all times. Make sure you bring in an empty, reusable water bottle to the festival, and you can refill it at the water stations. I like to either bring a Brita water bottle or a collapsible water bottle to festivals with me. Bag essentials: Besides sunglasses, sunscreen, earplugs, : Besides water bottles , some other things you may need are a towel to sit on when watching the surfing competitions, a hat ponchos , and a rain jacket Drop off and pick up: There will be a designated rideshare pick up and drop off zone is being facilitated on the 100 block of Fourth Avenue between Ocean Avenue and Kingsley Street. There will also be an official passenger drop off and pick up location at 115 4th Ave Asbury Park, NJ 07712. However, a lot of past Sea.Hear.Now festival-goers have said that the area gets packed with cars, so to walk to somewhere more central in Asbury if you are looking to get picked up. Blanket and towel rules: This is a new rule for 2024 at the Surf Stage. There will be a designated No Blanket or Towel Zone to ensure better crowd flow. There will be designated towel areas so keep your eyes out for those. Bathrooms: Restrooms can be located at Ocean Ave. and the boardwalk at 6th Ave., at Ocean Ave. and the boardwalk at Sunset Ave., and inside Grand Arcade between Sunset Ave. and 5th Ave. Tickets: While tickets are entirely sold out for the festival, fans can still find some last-minute tickets on secondary market websites such as Vivid Seats, : While tickets are entirely sold out for the festival, fans can still find some last-minute tickets on secondary market websites such as StubHub TicketCity , and SeatGeek

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Nicole Iuzzolino can be reached at niuzzolino@njadvancemedia.com. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips.
A police officer in Monmouth County shot and wounded a man early Friday morning during a burglary investigation, authorities said.

Officers from the Rumson Police Department and other neighboring towns, including Fair Haven, were called to the area of Avenue of Two Rivers South and Shrewsbury Drive in Rumson at 4:45 a.m. for a report of suspected burglaries in the area, according to a statement from the Monmouth County Prosecutors Office.

During the investigation, an officer from the Fair Haven Police Department encountered two suspects in a moving car and he subsequently fired his service weapon, striking one of the occupants, the office said.

The man who was shot, a 27-year-old Newark resident, was taken to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries, investigators said. His identity was not released Friday evening.

The officer who discharged his firearm was not injured, but was also taken to a local hospital as a precaution.

It was unclear if any arrests were made.

Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago said there was a lot of misinformation about the incident circulating on social media and asked the public and the media to avoid speculation until this investigation has determined the relevant facts with certainty.

I have every confidence that the detectives from our Professional Responsibility Unit and Major Crimes Bureau will continue to investigate this incident in a meticulous and objective manner, Santiago said in a statement. More information about this incident will be released as it becomes available.

Rumson, a town of about 7,300 people, has a median household income of $250,000, more than double the state average of just over $97,000.

Anyone with information about this incident was urged to contact Detective Joseph Pahopin or Detective Michael Donovan of the Monmouth County Prosecutors Office at 800-533-7443.

Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription.

Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com.
CHICAGO  Anthony Rizzos return to Wrigley Field was the big story Friday for Cubs fans. The last time he was at the Friendly Confines, he was called off the field before a game and told hed been traded to the Yankees.

That was in July 2011.
ADEN, Yemen, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- Yemen's Houthi group said Saturday their air defenses have successfully shot down an American MQ-9 drone over the northeastern province of Marib.

The downing of the drone, the eighth of its kind shot down by the armed group, was carried out "in victory for the oppressed Palestinian people and in response to the American-British aggression against Yemen," Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sarea said in a statement.

The drone was "carrying out hostile acts" when it was intercepted, Sarea said.

However, a source within Yemen's pro-government armed forces said "there was no evidence to support the Houthis' assertion of downing a U.S. drone."

The unnamed source said that "such claims are often made by the Houthis as a tactic to boost their fighters' morale in combat."

So far, there has been no confirmation from the U.S. side regarding the Houthi claim.

The MQ-9, also known as the Reaper, is an unmanned aerial vehicle primarily used by U.S. military and intelligence organizations for both surveillance and combat operations. 
Six-day (Tuesday through Sunday) print subscribers of the Watertown Daily Times are eligible for full access to NNY360, the NNY360 mobile app, and the Watertown Daily Times e-edition, all at no additional cost.

If you have an existing six-day print subscription to the Watertown Daily Times, please make sure your email address on file matches your NNY360 account email. You can sign up or manage your print subscription using the options below.
Chinese Vice President Han Zheng meets with Mongolian Prime Minister Luvsannamsrai Oyun-Erdene in Ulan Bator, Mongolia, Sept. 7, 2024. Han visited Mongolia from Friday to Sunday upon invitation. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing)

ULAN BATOR, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- China is willing to deepen bilateral ties and expand cooperation with Mongolia, Chinese Vice President Han Zheng said here on Saturday.

During his three-day visit from Friday to Sunday, Han met separately with Mongolian Prime Minister Luvsannamsrai Oyun-Erdene, President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh and Parliament Speaker Dashzegve Amarbayasgalan.

Chinese Vice President Han Zheng meets with Mongolian Prime Minister Luvsannamsrai Oyun-Erdene in Ulan Bator, Mongolia, Sept. 7, 2024. Han visited Mongolia from Friday to Sunday upon invitation. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing)

When meeting with Oyun-Erdene, Han said China and Mongolia will continue to consolidate political trust, expand mutually beneficial cooperation and promote mutual understanding among people.

Han called for cooperation in energy, connectivity and infrastructure construction, as well as consultation and coordination in international and regional affairs between the two countries. China welcomes Mongolia's designation of 2023-2025 as the "Years to Visit Mongolia," and stands ready to strengthen exchanges with Mongolia's youth, students and media.

The Chinese vice president also expressed hope for deepening cooperation among China, Mongolia and Russia, calling for the speeding up of the construction of the China-Mongolia-Russia Economic Corridor.

For his part, Oyun-Erdene said this year marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Mongolia and China, the 30th anniversary of the revision of the Friendship and Cooperation Treaty between Mongolia and China, and the 10th anniversary of the establishment of their comprehensive strategic partnership, saying that Mongolia is willing to work with China to push forward bilateral relations in a new era in the spirit of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and common development.

Chinese Vice President Han Zheng meets with Mongolian President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh in Ulan Bator, Mongolia, Sept. 7, 2024. Han visited Mongolia from Friday to Sunday upon invitation. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

During his meeting with Khurelsukh, Han stressed that China and Mongolia are good neighbors, good friends and good partners. China has always placed its relations with Mongolia at an important position in its neighborhood diplomacy, Han said, adding that the two sides have firmly supported each other on issues concerning each other's core interests and major concerns.

He expressed hope that the two sides will take the building of a China-Mongolia community with a shared future as the guide and push forward bilateral ties to a higher level.

Chinese Vice President Han Zheng meets with Mongolian President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh in Ulan Bator, Mongolia, Sept. 7, 2024. Han visited Mongolia from Friday to Sunday upon invitation. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

Khurelsukh said Mongolia attaches great importance to developing the comprehensive strategic partnership with China, firmly adheres to the one-China policy and is willing to work with China to build a Mongolia-China community with a shared future to benefit the people of the two countries and the region.

Chinese Vice President Han Zheng meets with Mongolia's Parliament Speaker Dashzegve Amarbayasgalan in Ulan Bator, Mongolia, Sept. 7, 2024. Han visited Mongolia from Friday to Sunday upon invitation. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

At the meeting with Amarbayasgalan, the Chinese vice president said China appreciates that Mongolia takes developing friendly and cooperative relations with China as a key priority in its foreign policy, supports legislatures and political parties of the two countries in strengthening exchanges and cooperation, and hopes that Mongolia's State Great Hural will continue to play an important role in promoting the steady and long-term development of China-Mongolia relations.

Amarbayasgalan said it is Mongolia's strategic choice and consensus to maintain and strengthen friendly and cooperative relations of mutual benefit with China. The Mongolian State Great Hural and all political parties look forward to further expanding exchanges and cooperation with China, learning from each other and helping expand and deepen cooperation. 

Chinese Vice President Han Zheng meets with Mongolia's Parliament Speaker Dashzegve Amarbayasgalan in Ulan Bator, Mongolia, Sept. 7, 2024. Han visited Mongolia from Friday to Sunday upon invitation. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)
TEHRAN, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- A top Iranian military commander said on Saturday his country had, some time ago, hit 12 Israeli vessels north of the Indian Ocean and elsewhere in response to Israel's attacks on 14 Iranian ships, according to the semi-official Fars news agency.

Hossein Salami, chief commander of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), made the remarks during a meeting in the capital Tehran between Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and commanders of the Khatam al-Anbiya Construction Headquarters, an Iranian firm controlled by the IRGC.

He was detailing a maritime battle between Iran and Israel that occurred sometime after the reimposition of U.S. sanctions on Tehran in 2018, though he did not specify the exact dates of the battle or related events.

According to Salami, Israel hit 14 Iranian ships to disrupt Iran's oil exports. "Initially, we did not realize who or which country was targeting the ships, but we eventually found out that it was Israel that had done it in a secretive and vague manner."

"North of the Indian Ocean and in different places, we hit 12 Israeli ships. After hitting the fifth vessel, they raised their hands in surrender and said they would cease the war between the ships," he said. 
The LaPorte County Historical Society Museum will display Kingsbury, lost cemeteries and lost Indianapolis exhibits this month.

The new Kingsbury History Pop-Up Exhibit is the eighth in the series of pop-up exhibits featuring the towns of LaPorte County. It will be displayed through Sept. 30.

"Highlights include items from the high school, famous residents, and business memorabilia," LaPorte County Historical Society Museum Assistant Director Savannah Jackson said. "We are also offering free admission to all Kingsbury Residents on Saturday, Sept. 14. See the new exhibit and stay for a guided tour at 2 p.m."

The three-story local history museum at 2405 Indiana Ave., Suite. 1 will host its Historian of the Year Awards at 7 p.m. on Sept. 17. That's also the date that the Lost Cemeteries of LaPorte County Exhibit premiers.

"Learn about the various cemeteries of LaPorte County that no longer exist and have been lost to time," Jackson said. "This exhibit will be on display until Nov. 27."

The museum will be free for veterans on Sept. 18 in recognition of Air Force Founding Day.

On Sept. 27, the Lost Landmarks of Indianapolis Traveling Exhibit will arrive from the Indiana Historical Society.

"This traveling exhibit explores the important buildings of Indy that have been lost and how the demolitions of mid-twentieth century led to a movement that challenged ideas about what should be destroyed and what should be saved," Jackson said. "This exhibit will be on display until Nov. 7."

For more information, call 219-324-6767 or visit laportecountyhistory.org.
MERRILVILLE  Police say there is no reason to believe that any busloads of migrants have been dropped off in Merrillville, putting to bed social media rumors that have circulated in recent days.

"The Merrillville Police Department has not verified any information indicating that illegal immigrants have been dropped off in Merrillville," police said in a statement late Friday.

According to police, many of the images on social media contributing to the rumors have either been edited photos or are of legal, documented migrant workers who are in the United States on work visas, the statement said.

Merrillville police has encountered people from Central and South America, India and the Middle East, the statement said.

Despite speculation and rumors, Merrillville is not a sanctuary location for migrants, Merrillville police said. However, Lake County is a sanctuary location.

"We are actively working with state officials to address the situation and ensure these nongovernmental websites stop posting false information," the statement read. "Most importantly, we want to relay to the community that we do not have reason to believe that these individuals currently pose a risk to the safety of the public."
Three people who tested positive for Legionnaires disease have died amid an outbreak at an assisted living home in Albany, N.Y., that sickened at least seven others, officials said on Friday.

The deaths came amid what Maribeth Miller, the interim Albany County health commissioner, described in an email as a cluster of Legionnaires cases at the Peregrine Senior Living at Shaker home that officials had learned of on Aug. 30.

Water samples from the home showed the presence of Legionella bacteria, which causes the disease, Ms. Miller wrote. She said the county Health Department had placed certain restrictions on water use at the home, one of 11 that Peregrine operates in New York and Maryland, while more tests were conducted. Water filters have been installed on some showers and sinks so that residents can still use bathrooms, she added.

There is no threat to the community at large, Ms. Miller wrote.

Kristyn Ganim, the homes executive director, said employees had been working with health officials to address the outbreak. In addition to installing filters across the water treatment system, she said, staff members were providing residents with bottled water.
If youre cheering on the charges brought against Colin Gray, the father of our nations latest school shooting suspect, its worth asking yourself how, exactly, he broke the law.

His 14-year-old son, Colt Gray, has been charged with opening fire at school on Wednesday, killing four people. The assault-style rifle he was accused of using was reportedly a Christmas gift from his dad.

But the Grays live in Georgia, where giving your son an AR-15-style rifle is not, in itself, a crime. (The laws appear to be stricter about handguns.) Nor does Georgia have a law requiring Mr. Gray to safely lock away his guns. Georgia is notorious for having some of the weakest gun laws in the country.

Mr. Gray rocked back and forth in shackles and prison stripes on Friday morning as the charges against him were read. His son had just been charged with murder for opening fire at Apalachee High School, killing two students and two teachers. Next came the charges against the white-haired Mr. Gray, including second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter for allowing his son access to the gun even though, prosecutors say, Mr. Gray knew the boy was a threat to himself and others.
Morning rush hour in Midtown Manhattan slowed to a halt on Friday as nearly 1,000 fashion-industry professionals walked up Broadway in a march meant to urge people to vote on Election Day in November.

The event, held at the onset of New York Fashion Week, was organized by a group that included the Council of Fashion Designers of America; I Am a Voter, an organization that promotes civic engagement; and Vogue. It was billed as bipartisan, but an appearance by Jill Biden, the first lady, and a Harris-Walz campaign scarf worn discreetly by Anna Wintour, the editor of Vogue, were among the signs of an underlying Democratic tilt.

The march started outside the Macys store in Herald Square, where designers  Tory Burch, Brandon Blackwood, Joseph Altuzarra and Proenza Schoulers Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez among them  gathered with fashion editors and garment industry workers before the crowd walked roughly six blocks to Bryant Park, chanting V-O-T-E, vote, vote, vote along the way.
A federal appeals court on Friday partly reinstated firearm bans in California and Hawaii, finding that California could, for example, prohibit guns in parks, playgrounds and bars but not in banks or hospitals.

The 3-0 ruling, by a three-judge panel of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, said that the Supreme Courts current interpretation of gun rights was seemingly arbitrary and hard to explain at the moment. The courts findings applied only to laws in those two states.

The judges found that most of the prohibitions enacted last year by California and Hawaii met the constitutional standards set in a 2022 Supreme Court decision that drastically narrowed the legal standard for restrictions on firearms.

That decision struck down a New York law that had strictly limited the carrying of guns outside homes. The Supreme Court found that restrictions on guns are constitutional only if courts can find an analogue consistent with this nations historical tradition of firearm regulation. But, the court added, states could ban guns in sensitive places such as schools and courthouses.
The 14-year-old accused of killing four people at his Georgia high school this week had switched middle schools and drawn the attention of authorities who suspected he had posted school shooting threats online.

His mother had repeated encounters with law enforcement and had been ordered to stay away from drugs and alcohol. His family had been evicted from their home because of unpaid rent, and his parents had split.

Interviews with relatives and others who knew the teenager, and a review of court documents and law enforcement records, reflected a family in constant turmoil in the years before the shooting this week at Apalachee High School in Winder.

The suspect, Colt Gray, has been charged with four counts of murder for the Wednesday morning attack in which two students and two math teachers were killed and eight other students were injured. During his first court appearance on Friday, a judge informed him that he could face a maximum penalty of life in prison.
Former Vice President Dick Cheney, one of the most influential and hawkish conservatives in the modern Republican Party and a figure reviled by the left, said Friday he would be voting for Vice President Kamala Harris because he regards former President Donald J. Trump as a grave danger to the country.

In our nations 248 year history, there has never been an individual who is a greater threat to our republic than Donald Trump, Mr. Cheney, 83, said in a statement. After Mr. Trumps actions trying to steal the 2020 presidential election and then using lies and violence to keep himself in power, Mr. Cheney said, he can never be trusted with power again.

The former vice president added: We have a duty to put country above partisanship to defend our Constitution. That is why I will be casting my vote for Vice President Kamala Harris.

Mr. Cheney released his statement after one of his daughters, former Representative Liz Cheney, the once high-ranking Republican from Wyoming who sacrificed her political career by breaking forcefully with Mr. Trump after the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol, said this week that she would be voting for Ms. Harris.
People attend a funeral of three personnel of the Lebanese Civil Defense in Borj Qalaouiye, Lebanon, Sept. 9, 2024. Three personnel of the Lebanese Civil Defense were killed and two others wounded on Saturday in an Israeli drone strike on southern Lebanon, according to Lebanese military sources. The sources, who spoke anonymously, told Xinhua that an Israeli drone fired an air-to-ground missile at a group of Civil Defense personnel who were trying to extinguish a fire caused by a previous Israeli airstrike on Wadi Froun in the border area of southern Lebanon. (Photo by Ali Hashisho/Xinhua)

BEIRUT, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- Three personnel of the Lebanese Civil Defense were killed and two others wounded on Saturday in an Israeli drone strike on southern Lebanon, according to Lebanese military sources.

The sources, who spoke anonymously, told Xinhua that an Israeli drone fired an air-to-ground missile at a group of Civil Defense personnel who were trying to extinguish a fire caused by a previous Israeli airstrike on Wadi Froun in the border area of southern Lebanon.

The bodies of the victims, identified as Abbas Hammoud, Muhammad Hashem, and Qassem Bazzi, were transferred to a hospital in southern Lebanon, the sources said.

The sources also said that Israeli warplanes and drones carried out six raids on Saturday on four border towns and villages in southern Lebanon, and Israeli artillery shelled nine villages and towns in the eastern and central sectors with 35 shells, causing several fires and material damage.

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 support of Hamas' attack on Israel the day before. Israel then retaliated by firing heavy artillery toward southeastern Lebanon. 

People attend a funeral of three personnel of the Lebanese Civil Defense in Borj Qalaouiye, Lebanon, Sept. 9, 2024. Three personnel of the Lebanese Civil Defense were killed and two others wounded on Saturday in an Israeli drone strike on southern Lebanon, according to Lebanese military sources.

The sources, who spoke anonymously, told Xinhua that an Israeli drone fired an air-to-ground missile at a group of Civil Defense personnel who were trying to extinguish a fire caused by a previous Israeli airstrike on Wadi Froun in the border area of southern Lebanon. (Photo by Ali Hashisho/Xinhua)

People attend a funeral of three personnel of the Lebanese Civil Defense in Borj Qalaouiye, Lebanon, Sept. 9, 2024. Three personnel of the Lebanese Civil Defense were killed and two others wounded on Saturday in an Israeli drone strike on southern Lebanon, according to Lebanese military sources.

The sources, who spoke anonymously, told Xinhua that an Israeli drone fired an air-to-ground missile at a group of Civil Defense personnel who were trying to extinguish a fire caused by a previous Israeli airstrike on Wadi Froun in the border area of southern Lebanon. (Photo by Ali Hashisho/Xinhua)

People attend a funeral of three personnel of the Lebanese Civil Defense in Borj Qalaouiye, Lebanon, Sept. 9, 2024. Three personnel of the Lebanese Civil Defense were killed and two others wounded on Saturday in an Israeli drone strike on southern Lebanon, according to Lebanese military sources.

The sources, who spoke anonymously, told Xinhua that an Israeli drone fired an air-to-ground missile at a group of Civil Defense personnel who were trying to extinguish a fire caused by a previous Israeli airstrike on Wadi Froun in the border area of southern Lebanon. (Photo by Ali Hashisho/Xinhua)
A Pakistani citizen was arrested in Quebec this week and accused of plotting to kill as many Jewish civilians as possible in New York City on or near the first anniversary of the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks on Israelis, according to a Justice Department complaint unsealed Friday.

Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, 20, who lived in Canada, tried to cross the border with the intention of traveling to New York, where he planned to carry out a mass shooting at a Jewish center in Brooklyn, in support of the Islamic State, prosecutors said.

New york is perfect to target jews, he wrote to an associate, according to the filing, adding, We could rack up easily a lot of jews.

He also boasted that his plan would be the largest Attack on US soil since 9/11, the filing said.

Mr. Khan was taken into custody by Canadian authorities on Wednesday after trying to enter the United States from Ormstown about 12 miles north of the New York State border. He changed vehicles three times en route to the border, perhaps to evade detection, prosecutors said.
The school shooting in Georgia this week underscored the chasm between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald J. Trump, as well as between their respective running mates, on guns.

Authorities say a 14-year-old student used an AR-15-style semiautomatic rifle to kill two teachers and two students on Wednesday at Apalachee High School in northern Georgia.

Heres what each candidate said after the shooting, and where each stands on guns.

Donald J. Trump, the Republican nominee

What he said: Our hearts are with the victims and loved ones of those affected by the tragic event in Winder, GA, Mr. Trump said Wednesday on social media. These cherished children were taken from us far too soon by a sick and deranged monster.

Where he stands on guns: Mr. Trump has vowed to rescind gun regulations enacted by the Biden administration, describing them as attacks on gun owners and manufacturers, and he has argued that mass shootings stem from mental health challenges. He has said his administration did nothing to restrict guns, though his administration did enact a ban on bump stocks, which make semiautomatic rifles more powerful, after the 2017 Las Vegas shooting. The Supreme Court struck down the ban this year.
If any voters had forgotten that Donald J. Trump was accused by multiple women of sexual misconduct, he spent roughly 45 minutes reminding them on Friday, eight weeks before Election Day.

At a lectern in the lobby of Trump Tower, Mr. Trump, flanked by seven of his lawyers, laid out years-old allegations from the women in detail as he denied that they were telling the truth. He had just attended a federal appeals court hearing related to a civil case in which he was found liable of sexually abusing and defaming a New York writer, E. Jean Carroll, decades earlier. Mr. Trump was not required to attend the hearing, but decided he wanted to.

When the hearing was over, he went to his eponymous building for what the Republican presidential nominees campaign called a press conference. But he ended it without taking questions, and the session  during which Mr. Trump criticized his rival, Vice President Kamala Harris, for avoiding reporters  was more like a venting exercise over his frustrations about his legal travails.

Mr. Trump  who is badly trailing with women voters in polling  used the time Friday to insult the lawyers working for him, saying he was disappointed in them before adding that theyre talented, as they stood, mute, in a row next to him. He declared that Ms. Carrolls claim that a dress she owned may have had Mr. Trumps DNA on it was inspired by Monica Lewinsky, referring to the White House intern whose life was forever changed after she had a sexual relationship with former President Bill Clinton. He couldnt remember one of the accusers names, and spent time at the lectern searching for it through the rectangular note cards he held.
Former President Donald J. Trump urged the board of the nations largest police union on Friday to watch for voter fraud across the country, an appeal that, if followed through on, could run afoul of multiple state laws and raise accusations of voter intimidation.

Invoking his widely debunked claims of voter fraud in 2020, Mr. Trump suggested that the only way he could lose in November was if Democrats cheated. Watch for the voter fraud, because we win without voter fraud, Mr. Trump said at a meeting of the national board of the Fraternal Order of Police in Charlotte, N.C. We win so easily.

Mr. Trump added that he believed the police could effectively scare some voters. You can keep it down just by watching, because, believe it or not, theyre afraid of that badge, Mr. Trump said. Theyre afraid of you people. Theyre afraid of that more than anything else.

Mr. Trumps comments follow his repeated statements raising doubts about the integrity of the upcoming election before a vote has been cast. But though Mr. Trump has previously urged his supporters to monitor voting activity  particularly in Democratic cities in battleground states  his entreaty to the police union heightens concerns that he is encouraging voter intimidation at the polls.
After a young Turkish American woman was fatally shot on Friday in the occupied West Bank while protesting an Israeli settler outpost, friends of hers in the United States said she would have wanted the world to recognize that such shootings are not uncommon.

The woman, Aysenur Eyzi Eygi, 26, was in Beita, a village in the West Bank, when she was shot in the head. It was not immediately clear who was responsible, but witnesses and Palestinian officials said Israeli soldiers had fired the shots that killed her.

Ms. Egyis death added to the rising toll in the West Bank since the Hamas-led Oct. 7 attack on Israel ignited a war in Gaza. According to the United Nations, Israeli forces and settlers have killed more than 600 people in the West Bank since the war began.

The trip to the West Bank was Ms. Eygis latest effort in years of activism that began nearly a decade ago when was still a teenager and joined rallies against the construction of an oil pipeline through the Standing Rock Sioux reservation in North Dakota.

Last spring, Ms. Eygi, who was born in Turkey and raised in Washington State, had been an organizer of protests against the Gaza War at the University of Washington, where she earned a degree in psychology, with a minor in Middle Eastern languages and cultures.

Aysenur was so energetic, and incredibly passionate about justice, said Juliette Majid, an activist who was friends with Ms. Eygi. Her loss is felt profoundly.
A 26-year-old American woman was fatally shot on Friday in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, where witnesses said she was taking part in a protest against a settler outpost when Israeli forces opened fire.

And in a separate incident in a town a few miles away, a 13-year-old Palestinian girl was shot and killed as she watched from a window while Israeli settlers and troops violently clashed with Palestinians, according to the towns mayor.

Their deaths add to the rising tide of West Bank violence since the Hamas-led Oct. 7 attack on Israel prompted the war in Gaza. According to the United Nations, Israeli forces and settlers have killed more than 600 people in the West Bank, the largest toll in years; many of those killed were claimed as members by militant groups, but others appear to have been civilians.

In the shootings on Friday, witnesses and Palestinian officials said Israeli soldiers had fired the shots that killed Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, who was a dual citizen of the United States and Turkey, and the Palestinian girl, Bana Laboom. The Israeli military acknowledged that its troops had opened fire in the vicinity of both events but said it was still investigating them.

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken called Ms. Eygis death a tragic loss and extended condolences to her family. He added that the most important thing to do is to gather the facts.

First things first, lets find out exactly what happened, and we will draw the necessary conclusions and consequences from that, Mr. Blinken told reporters at a news conference during a visit to the Dominican Republic.
When Alan Abel died in 2018 at age 94, The New York Times took extra care to confirm that he had actually died.

Mr. Abel, a writer known for his elaborate hoaxes, had faked his death in 1980. The New York Times printed an obituary on Jan. 2 of that year but two days later issued a retraction: An obituary in The New York Times on Wednesday reported incorrectly that Alan Abel was dead. Mr. Abel held a news conference yesterday to announce that the obituary was a result of a hoax.

Other ruses of Mr. Abels doing  and there were many  included the founding of Omars School for Beggars, which claimed to teach students how to panhandle, and his supposed discovery of the missing minutes from the Watergate tapes.

Mr. Abels first big, public hoax, initiated in 1959, was a satirical nonprofit called the Society for Indecency to Naked Animals, or SINA. Its mission was to clothe animals  mainly dogs, cats, horses and cows  to protect children from lewdness. In Mr. Abels (genuine) obituary, The Times wrote that SINA was intended as a sendup of censorship, a commentary on puritanical standards.
Arriving late to Arthur Ashe Stadium, four cocktail-cradling fans waltzed toward their courtside U.S. Open seats like it was an extended happy hour.

Then, they ran into Edwin Westley.

Mr. Westley, 80, a veteran usher, explained politely but firmly that no one gets to their place without showing their tickets. And no one can walk up to a courtside seat in the middle of a game, lest they distract the players.

The four fans groused but everyone, even the rich and famous, follow the rules at Mr. Westleys gate. Mr. Westley, who has been working the Open for 20 years, maneuvered them into their seats, wiping them first with his green rag, unperturbed at the fans grumblings.

It just rolls off your back, he said, pocketing the rag. A sense of humor works too.

For two weeks a year, a narrow slice of New Yorks power structure is upended as fashionable and soignee fans tramp out to Queens where they fall under the direction of New Yorkers who are barely making minimum wage.
To earn the distinction of valedictorian at Sunny Hills High School in Fullerton, Calif., a student must maintain a straight-A average and take at least 32 honors-level, semester-long classes. One weak Gatsby essay during these four years, one math test taken after an ankle sprain, one poorly conjugated verb can put a leak in the boat. And yet this past May, 39 of the 606 graduating seniors maintained the buoyancy to become valedictorians.

This is hardly unusual. In 2022, Edison High in Fresno, Calif., had 115 valedictorians in a class of 558. In 2017, Central Magnet School in Murfreesboro, Tenn., had 48 out of 193. And in 2019, Washington Liberty High in Arlington, Va., had 213 earning the top honor in their class of 595.

In the way some teachers sniff out A.I.-generated essays, some colleges engage in countermeasures to decode the truth behind the ever-increasing numbers of ever-improving transcripts they read. But the bigger truth is that many colleges just throw up their hands and dont factor in weighted G.P.A.s (scaled according to the difficulty of the class) at all. So the same students who are now sweating on the too-hot turf during early-season practices are going to sweat through lots and lots of classes whose contents they cant possibly retain in order to simply tread water.

We have pushed high school students into maximizing every part of their days and nights. Those who take the bait are remarkably compliant, diluting themselves between their internships and Canva presentations. We condition students to do a so-so job and then move on to the next thing. We need to let them slow down. Critical cognition, by definition, takes time.
A few days after the Park fire tore through Cohasset, a small forest community in Northern California, in late July, Dallas Koller drove out to inspect the damage.

He passed destroyed buildings, trees charred to black matchsticks and smoke rising from smoldering vegetation. But amid the destruction, there was a heartening sight: The homes at the four properties where Mr. Koller, volunteers from Butte County and a few fire professionals had intentionally set blazes to burn excess vegetation had survived.

Mr. Koller, 34, said there was no way to know for sure if the intentional burns, which occurred periodically in the years before the fire, including two in March, had made the difference. But prescribed fire was part of that puzzle, he said.

Federal and state agencies, as well as other groups that work with them, including private citizens and businesses, are setting fires that burn the dry grasses, small trees and other vegetation that could otherwise fuel an intense wildfire. Research has shown that these burns reduce wildfire risk, potentially saving lives and property.
JERUSALEM, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- Two battalion commanders of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) movement were killed in a recent Israeli airstrike in the central Gaza Strip, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement on Saturday.

The IDF said that Israeli aircraft on Thursday carried out a "precise strike" on a command and control center in the city of Deir al-Balah used by Hamas and PIJ militants. The attack killed "a number of" militants, including Abdallah Khatib, commander of the PIJ's Southern Deir al-Balah Battalion, who commanded the battalion's operations in the Oct. 7 attacks in southern Israel, according to the statement.

The IDF also reported that Hatem Abu Aljidian, commander of the PIJ's Eastern Deir al-Balah Battalion who was involved in planning attacks against Israeli forces during the conflict, was also killed in the strike.

Israel launched a large-scale offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip to retaliate against a Hamas rampage in southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and about 250 taken hostage.

The Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip has risen to 40,939, Gaza-based health authorities said in a statement on Saturday. 
A Missouri court late Friday moved toward striking a ballot measure in November that would ask voters whether to establish a right to abortion in the state Constitution.

Judge Christopher Limbaugh of Cole County Circuit Court sided with anti-abortion lawmakers and activists who said that the abortion rights groups that gathered signatures to sponsor the ballot measure had not sufficiently explained its potential ramifications on the petitions they asked voters to sign.

With the state scheduled to print ballots on Tuesday, the judge said he would wait until then to issue an injunction instructing the secretary of state to remove the measure that was certified last month. That will give the abortion rights groups a chance to appeal to a higher court.

The coalition behind the measure vowed to do so immediately, calling the ruling a profound injustice to the initiative process. They have expressed optimism that the appeals court will be more sympathetic to their arguments.
Few of the people gathered in the San Francisco church knew quite what to expect from Kamala Harris.

It was 2003, and the two men she faced in her first political campaign were well-known brawlers locked in a rematch to become the citys district attorney  one of whom was her former boss.

Ms. Harris was a little-known government lawyer who had landed in the local gossip pages for dating Willie Brown, one of the states most powerful politicians. The attack on her was obvious: political patronage, packaged with a whiff of sexual intrigue.

After an audience member asked about her ties to Mr. Brown, she rose from her seat at the front of the sanctuary as her two opponents, Bill Fazio and Terence Hallinan, looked on.
In July, two men went door to door at a sprawling apartment complex in Norcross, Ga., an Atlanta suburb that is a hub for the regions fast-growing Latino population, asking residents if they were U.S. citizens and whether they were registered to vote.

Speaking in Spanish, often peeking from behind half-closed doors, seven people told the men that they were not citizens but that they were registered to vote.

Although the two men claimed to represent a company helping Latinos navigate the election system, they were actually working with the Heritage Foundation and carrying a hidden camera. Days later, the conservative think tank posted a video on the social media platform X containing some of the footage the men had captured, calling it staggering evidence that 14 percent of noncitizens in Georgia  which Heritage said extrapolated to more than 47,000 people  were registered to vote.

Based on our findings, the video concluded, the integrity of the 2024 election is in great jeopardy.
Vice President Kamala Harris is holed up for five days in a Pittsburgh hotel, doing highly choreographed debate practice sessions ahead of Tuesday nights clash. Theres a stage and replica TV lighting and an adviser in full Lee Strasberg method-acting mode, not just playing Donald J. Trump but inhabiting him, wearing a boxy suit and a long tie.

The former presidents preparations are more improv. They are pointedly called not debate prep but policy time, meant to refresh him on his record. Nobody is playing Ms. Harris; sometimes his aides sit at a long table opposite him and bat questions back and forth, or other times he pulls up a chair closer to them. Mr. Trump has held just a handful of sessions so far, interrupting one at his Las Vegas hotel so he and his advisers could go up to his suite to watch Ms. Harriss convention speech.

While the two camps preparations for the big night in Philadelphia could not be more different, both sides view the debate the same way, according to interviews with nearly two dozen people close to the candidates, many of whom insisted on anonymity to discuss the private preparations. The Harris and Trump teams see it as a crucial moment to define Ms. Harris for millions of swing voters who know what they think about Mr. Trump but are still curious about her.

Bringing out Mr. Trumps most self-destructive instincts is a priority for Ms. Harris, as is coming across as coolheaded and presidential.
On an Indonesian island about 500 miles east of Bali, an open-air truck traversed up winding roads one recent Sunday. It was taking dozens of jovial men, some already in white robes, and their songbooks and guitars to the church on top of the hill.

The men are training to become Catholic priests. While probably only a fraction of them will go on to be ordained, Indonesia  the worlds largest Muslim-majority country  is producing so many priests now that many of them head overseas to serve the faithful.

For centuries, this traffic flowed in the opposite direction, with Catholic missionaries from Europe heading to the islands of Indonesia.

The Roman Catholic Church knows how significant Indonesia and many countries in the Global South are to its future. Two years ago, Pope Francis declared that to find vocations we will go to some island of Indonesia. He did not specify the destination, but he almost certainly meant the island of Flores, where 70 percent of the roughly two million residents are Catholic.
In the Pacific island nation of Papua New Guinea, hundreds of people may soon have to abandon their homes, pushed inland by the rising sea. Hundreds more were buried in a devastating landslide this year. Around the country, intensive logging is shrinking the islands lush rainforests, and mine tailings have polluted its rivers.

On Friday, Pope Francis, who has long begged the world to preserve nature, started his visit to a place that is a stark example of how human action can harm the environment. Locals hoped his presence would make a difference.

Your holiness, climate change is real, Bob Dadae, the governor general of Papua New Guinea, told Francis at a meeting on Saturday. The rise in the sea level is affecting the livelihoods of our people, he added, asking for the popes support for global action and advocacy.

Francis did not immediately speak of climate change, but at the meeting in Port Moresby at APEC Haus, a conference center, he said that the countrys environmental treasures should be developed in a sustainable way, and for the benefit of all people, not just a few.
Iran has sent short-range ballistic missiles to Russia, according to U.S. and European officials, despite sharp warnings from Washington and its allies not to provide those armaments to Moscow to use against targets in Ukraine.

The new missiles are expected to help Russia further its efforts to destroy Ukraines civilian infrastructure, which President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine said this week now involved 4,000 bombs a month across the country.

The U.S. and European officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive matters, confirmed that after months of warnings about sanctions, Iran has shipped several hundred short-range ballistic missiles to Russia. The delivery was reported by The Wall Street Journal.

Iran denied providing the weapons in a statement released Friday by its permanent mission to the United Nations, saying its position on the war was unchanged.
As Ukrainian troops began to push the Russians back from the outskirts of the city of Kharkiv in May 2022, Gamlet Zinkivskyi, a street artist who knows how to shoot as well as paint, was eager to fight for his hometown.

So Mr. Zinkivskyi, who had frequented firing ranges before the war, joined a volunteer unit defending the city, in Ukraines east. But the battalions leader had other plans for his skills.

Gamlet, just pick up your paintbrush, and go paint in the street, Vsevolod Kozhemiako, the commander of the volunteer Khartiia battalion, recalled telling him. Because the power of his art is much stronger than him taking a machine gun and assaulting or defending trenches. His art could empower the people defending the city.

Although skeptical, Mr. Zinkivskyi obliged and began painting in Kharkivs bombed-out and deserted streets, wearing a bulletproof vest where he tucked painting tools.
Reinforced Ukrainian defenders in a key location on the front have halted what had been relentless Russian advances in eastern Ukraine, according to soldiers and battlefield maps. But Russia continued to advance elsewhere, and pressed on Saturday with long-range bombardment of more distant cities.

After a night of explosions and rattling antiaircraft fire in the capital, Kyiv, debris from Iranian-designed attack drones was discovered in the citys government quarter, near the Parliament building.

It was unclear whether the drones had targeted the building or were shot down in its vicinity. Falling debris, from the exploding drones or antiaircraft missiles, started a grass fire. No damage was reported to the Parliament.

In the east, a Russian offensive toward the Ukrainian town of Pokrovsk, which has become a focal point of the war in recent months, has stalled along one key section of the front for more than a week, even as advances continued elsewhere, soldiers fighting in the area said. Battlefield maps based on open sources such as satellite images and videos posted online also showed the halt.
The Israeli military said on Saturday that it had struck two school compounds in northern Gaza that Hamas was using as a military base, while the family of a young Turkish American woman released an angry statement blaming Israel for her killing in a West Bank protest on Friday.

According to Gazan rescue services, an overnight Israeli strike on the Halimah al-Saadiyah school in the town of Jabaliya killed four people who had been sheltering in tents that displaced Palestinians have set up around the facility. A second strike on Saturday hit the Amr Ibn al-As school in Gaza City, which medics said had killed three people and wounded 20 more.

Israels military said in statements for each attack that it had carried out a precise strike targeting Hamas militants who were using the former school compounds as a base, but did not add whether anyone had been killed. In both statements, the military said that numerous steps were taken to mitigate the risk of harming civilians, and blamed Hamas fighters for intermingling with Gazas civilian population.

Schools closed down in Gaza after Israels invasion, but many have been turned into makeshift shelters that now house tens of thousands trying to flee Israeli bombardment. Despite the risks, Gazans continue to crowd into the buildings, which provide toilets and running water that are in short supply elsewhere in the enclave.
NEW DELHI, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- At least six people were killed in fresh violence in the northeastern state of Manipur, the state-run broadcaster All India Radio said Saturday.

According to the broadcaster, a civilian was killed Saturday in sleep at home in Nungchappi village of Jiribam district, about 229 km west of Imphal, the capital city of Manipur.

Later, a gunfight took place in Nungchepi area between two groups. In the gunfight, four persons including three suspected militants were killed, the report said.

On Friday, a civilian was killed and six others wounded in a bomb blast in Moirang town of Bishnupur district.

On Friday night, a large number of people gheraoed two Manipur Rifles battalions situated at different places and tried to loot arms and ammunition. However, government forces controlled the situation and dispersed the public.

Police in Manipur deployed an anti-drone system nearly a week after suspected Kuki insurgents attacked villages in Imphal West district with weaponized drones.

Manipur has been on edge since May 3 last year when large-scale violence broke out in the state during a tribal protest over the inclusion of the non-tribal Meitei community for a scheduled tribe status, which is designated for disadvantaged socio-economic groups and gives them reservations in education and government jobs.

Last year, ethnic clashes between the majority Meitei group and the tribal Kuki minority displaced over 60,000 people.

More than 5,000 pieces of weapons were taken away from various police stations and other places in the state following violence.

From both communities, armed men calling themselves "village defense volunteers" are often attacking each other and government forces.

Violence in the state between the rival armed groups has so far claimed over 200 lives and injured over 1,100 others. 
Trump Claims Harriss Rallies Are Smaller. We Counted. Harris Milwaukee, Wis. Trump Glendale, Ariz. Kalina Borkiewicz, Malika Khurana, Karthik Patanjali and Bedel Saget

The sizable support Vice President Kamala Harris has generated at her rallies has rattled former President Donald J. Trump, who has emphasized, and frequently exaggerated, his crowd sizes for years. He has said, often repeating falsehoods, that his crowds are much larger than Ms. Harriss, and the Harris campaign has returned with their own jabs about the enthusiasm of Trump rallygoers.

We attended six rallies  every campaign event that the candidates held within a three-week period in August  across six states, taking photographs and capturing video and 360-degree footage, to analyze which claims on crowd sizes hold weight. The analysis found that, despite Mr. Trumps claims, both candidates draw comparably big audiences.

On a Friday night, Mr. Trump drew 11,500 people to the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Ariz. Heres what it looked like:

Photographs and composite by Kalina Borkiewicz and Karthik Patanjali

On a Tuesday night during the weeklong Democratic National Convention in late August, Ms. Harris drew 12,800 to a campaign event at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wis. Heres a scene from that rally:

Photographs and composite by Malika Khurana and Bedel Saget

The four other campaign events that The Times attended were similarly packed, with audience members generally filling up the space designated for the event. The rallies took place at venues with maximum capacities ranging from 6,800 to 19,300 people, though in some cases sections of seating were cordoned off, and additional seating or standing-only areas were added.

Harris rallies Las Vegas, Aug. 10 Savannah, Ga., Aug. 29

Trump rallies Bozeman, Mont., Aug. 9 Wilkes-Barre, Pa., Aug. 17 Justin Sullivan/Getty Images (Las Vegas), Christian Monterrosa/Agence France-Presse  Getty Images (Savannah), Michael Ciaglo/Getty Images (Bozeman), Doug Mills/The New York Times (Wilkes-Barre)

For each of the six events, The Times counted the number of people visible in footage taken just after each candidate began their speech, also accounting for people in dimly lit and obscured areas. This number does not represent the people that may have left early, before the footage was captured, or arrived late.

Crowd size estimates at campaign events Harris Las Vegas 6,200 Milwaukee, Wis. 12,800 Savannah, Ga. 6,200 Trump Bozeman, Mont. 4,300 Wilkes-Barre, Pa. 5,900 Glendale, Ariz. 11,500 The New York Times

Experts say that crowd sizes at rallies do not have a direct relationship to winning or losing an election. For one, event organizers may strategically choose venues with a small capacity, like college campus buildings where only a few hundred can attend. The day of the week and time of day can also affect the size of the crowd and when people decide to arrive or leave.

Still, crowd sizes have been a sensitive subject for Mr. Trump throughout his political career, his fixation intensifying as of late as enthusiasm has ballooned for the new Democratic ticket. Mr. Trump falsely claimed that photographs of the crowds at Ms. Harriss events are doctored using A.I.

In response, the Harris campaign posted a video compilation of moments during Mr. Trumps rallies in which audience members are seen yawning, and also wrote in a separate post on Truth Social that members of Mr. Trumps audience left the event in Pennsylvania early, leaving even more empty seats.

The Times found that people did leave early from two of three of Mr. Trumps events, including while he was delivering his speech.

Photographs taken over the course of Mr. Trumps rallies show where people left their seats. Below is a series of photographs from his Aug. 17 rally in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., taken at 13 minutes and just over 1 hour into his speech.

Examples of crowd thinning during Trumps speech in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. After 13 min. After 1 hour 5 min. Malika Khurana and Karthik Patanjali

And this shows where seats emptied out an hour into Mr. Trumps speech at the Aug. 23 rally in Glendale, Ariz.

Examples of crowd thinning during Trumps speech in Glendale, Ariz. After 6 min. After 1 hour 14 min. Kalina Borkiewicz and Karthik Patanjali

The longer duration of a Trump event compared with a Harris one may have contributed to a greater number of early exits. Trump rallygoers typically arrived earlier in the day, and opening speeches tended to start earlier and last longer. Of the six rallies The Times attended, Mr. Trump spoke for four times as long as Ms. Harris.

How long the rallies lasted Start 2 4 6 8 hours Opening line-up Candidate speech Bozeman, Mont. Trump spoke for 1 hour 38 minutes on average at these three rallies. Glendale, Ariz. Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Las Vegas Harris spoke for 24 minutes, on average. Milwaukee, Wis. Savannah, Ga. Start 2 4 6 8 hours Opening line-up Candidate speech Bozeman, Mont. Trump spoke for 1 hour 38 minutes, on average, at these three rallies. Glendale, Ariz. Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Las Vegas Harris spoke for 24 minutes, on average. Milwaukee, Wis. Savannah, Ga. Start 2 4 6 8 hours Opening line-up Candidate speech Bozeman, Mont. Trump spoke for 1 hour 38 minutes, on average, at these three rallies. Glendale, Ariz. Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Las Vegas Harris spoke for 24 minutes, on average. Milwaukee, Wis. Savannah, Ga. Note: The start time for each rally is determined by when the doors were scheduled to open. The New York Times

Despite the limited connection between crowd size and election outcomes, the very public sparring between the two campaigns over the metric indicates that it at the very least carries some political significance.

Large, enthusiastic crowds can also help energize the candidate themselves as they give their speech, said Todd Belt, the director of the Political Management program at George Washington University. It can also contribute to a bandwagon effect, showing those who arent there in person that the enthusiasm for a candidate is real.

Even though I do believe these kinds of events don't change peoples minds, what it does is it makes people feel like you're not alone, said Betsy Reiser, 62, an attendee at a rally for Harris in Savannah, Ga. It is very important to feel like you belong.
A ONE-WAY traffic management system has been put in place this week in Tullamore town centre as work starts on the extension of the Grand Canal Greenway from Kilbeggan Bridge to the eastern end of Convent View.

Work started on Wednesday morning and will continue for at least ten weeks though it could take longer, Cllr Harvey admitted.

During this period no parking on Convent View will be allowed though residents, with permits, can park on nearby Store St and St Brigid's Place.

The new one way system runs east to west along Convent View and vehicles travelling in a west to east direction will be diverted though Davitt St, Callary St and the by-pass.

The works at Convent View include widening of footpaths to two metres along the canal bank, undergrounding of cables and street enhancement, new paving and kerbs, road realignment, resurfacing and relining, traffic calming features, signage and new lighting.

The Grand Canal Urban Greenway project, funded under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund, will complement the previously completed URDF funded Tullamore Town Centre enhancement works, a statement from Offaly County Council said.

"This will effectively provide an attractive and easily accessible vibrant town centre destination for all greenway users which will in turn benefit all local businesses."

Chief Executive of Offaly County Council, Anna Marie Delaney, confirmed: These works will complete the Grand Canal greenway through Offaly, a total distance of 70kms, and are an integral part of the proposed Greenway link from the Grand Canal Dock Dublin to Shannon Harbour in west Offaly.

"The completion of these works will further strengthen Offalys tourism offering as greenway users will be spoilt for choice. Both new and returning visitors to Tullamore will experience a wealth of attractions, enhanced public realm features while also being an enhanced amenity for local users."
TIRANA, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- Albania would distribute 146.7 million Albanian lek (1.6 million U.S, dollars) to residents who were affected by natural disasters during 2016 and 2019, said the country's defense chief on Saturday.

Pirro Vengu, minister of defense, posted on social media that 1,039 residents in 17 municipalities, who were affected by earthquakes, floods, landslides and fires, would benefit from the so-called Normative Act.

The Normative Act will also provide repayment of arrears of military plants created between 2010 and 2024, according to Vengu. (1 Albanian lek = 0.011 U.S. dollar) 
ROME, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met on the sidelines of an economic forum in Italy on Saturday, discussing Ukraine's latest aid needs and reconstruction.

Italy "reiterated that support for Ukraine is a top priority on the Italian G7 Presidency's agenda and reaffirmed the ongoing commitment to Ukraine's legitimate defense and to a just and lasting peace," Meloni's office said in a statement.

The two leaders paid "particular attention to the issue of reconstruction, also ahead of the next Ukraine Recovery Conference, which will be held in Italy in 2025," it added.

Meloni and Zelensky held talks during the ongoing annual European House-Ambrosetti forum, an international meeting held in Italy's northern Cernobbio city.

In a post on social media platform X, Zelensky confirmed one of the key topics discussed was "Ukraine's recovery and reconstruction, particularly focusing on the restoration of our energy system."

Speaking in a panel at the forum, Meloni also pointed out the risks of destabilization for the geo-political and economic global space, and said she believed global actors such as China and India "will be able to play a role in resolving the conflict." 
BRUSSELS, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- The European Commission has approved the injection of around 53 million euros (59 million U.S. dollars) in a Danish scheme aimed at supporting a more climate-friendly dairy production.

The scheme is aimed at supporting livestock farmers in the reduction of methane emissions, according to a statement issued by the European Commission on Friday.

It will contribute to meeting the national binding reduction target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the agricultural and forestry sectors.

Additional aid will be granted to farmers who commit to further reduce methane emissions beyond the mandatory standards.

The scheme will run until the end of December 2027 and will be open to dairy livestock farmers in Denmark.

The Commission said in the statement that the aid will take the form of direct grants and will cover up to 100 percent of eligible costs.

The Commission assessed the scheme under European Union (EU) State Aid rules which allow Member states to support the development of certain economic activities under certain conditions. (1 euro = 1.11 U.S. dollar) 
For more than a decade, the five nuclear-armed states recognized under the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty have failed to engage in constructive nuclear disarmament and risk-reduction diplomacy, as the Arms Control Association's Darryl Kimball stated in his story "Forging New Pathways for Disarmament Diplomacy".

Instead, the world's powers spend tens of billions of dollars annually to modernize, upgrade, and, in some cases, expand their deadly arsenals. To return to the progress made in the latter part of the Cold War and the post-Cold War years, leaders in Beijing, Moscow, and Washington need to use creative approaches to put new constraints on a dangerous arms race in that everyone loses.

The 2010 New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty will expire in 2026; Russian President Vladimir Putin has refused to engage with the Biden administration on its 2023 offer to discuss "without precondition" a new nuclear arms control framework to prevent an unconstrained nuclear arms race. Putin said that such a dialogue would not be fruitful if the US continues to support Ukraine as it defends itself against Russian aggression.

At the same time, China is building up its smaller but deadly nuclear force, now estimated to consist of some 310 warheads on long-range missiles, with perhaps 500 missiles in total. Unfortunately, China's leaders have also rejected US offers for follow-up talks on nuclear risk reduction and arms control issues, citing ongoing US arms sales to Taiwan.

If Russia and the US were to exceed the New START limits, it would upset the power balance and strain the already expensive US nuclear modernization program. In turn, this could trigger China to hasten its nuclear buildup. Such a dangerous cycle of action and reaction would be nothing short of madness.

Kimball's story asked if we could do things differently and offered suggestions. First, in the coming weeks, President Joe Biden and whoever is the next president-elect should reaffirm our support for negotiating a new nuclear arms control framework with Russia. Because such a deal would be difficult to hammer out and take time, the president should propose that Washington and Moscow conclude a simple, bilateral understanding promising that neither side shall increase the number of deployed strategic nuclear warheads beyond the New START limits. This would remain in force until they can conclude a more comprehensive, durable framework to limit and reduce their deadly nuclear arsenals.

Kimball sees New START as a beginning point in a new round of arms control: "If Russia and the United States agree to cap their strategically deployed nuclear arsenals and work to negotiate a new nuclear arms reduction framework, Washington, along with leading non-nuclear-weapon states, should call on China, France, and the United Kingdom to freeze the overall size of their nuclear arsenals and negotiate a ban on fissile material production for weapons. Second, if China continues to decline talks with Washington on nuclear matters, it has an even greater responsibility to elevate the underperforming P5 consultation process, the dialogue on nuclear risk reduction involving the NPT's five nuclear-weapon states, that has been underway since 2010."

Kimball suggested that senior US diplomats clarify that they will not seek and will not pursue an increase in the size or diversity of the US nuclear arsenal if Russia continues to respect the New START ceilings, and China does not expand its strategic nuclear arsenal significantly. China should explain what is driving its buildup and clarify its nuclear modernization plans. Such an approach would help Beijing avoid worst-case assumptions about its intentions and the potential for a three-way arms race.

In addition, leading non-nuclear-weapon states need to press the US and Russia to engage in nuclear arms control and push China to halt its nuclear buildup, Kimball said. They seriously should consider launching a new initiative that would lead to a series of high-level nuclear disarmament summits involving a group of 20 to 30 leaders from nuclear- and non-nuclear-weapon states.

Kimball's suggestions are relevant. However, his story doesn't deal with the geopolitical tensions tearing the world apart in a Cold War that pits the China/Russia orbit against the American orbit or the role of authoritarianism in this struggle. The illegal invasion of Ukraine by Russia and China's possible invasion by Taiwan add fuel to the fire. Hopefully, despite all that's shredding the concept of international law for right now, we can bridge a few divides, especially about nuclear arms control, and move even further when tensions cool.

Jason Sibert is the Lead Writer of the Peace Economy Project
By Victoria Waldersee, Christina Amann, Christoph Steitz

BERLIN/FRANKFURT (Reuters) -In May, Volkswagen finance chief Arno Antlitz warned that Europe's top carmaker had about two or three years to prepare for cut-throat competition from abroad, mainly China.

Last week, he cut that already-tight timetable by a year, sending shockwaves through the global auto sector by threatening to shut plants in the company's home market for the first time.

While many of Volkswagen's challenges - from a weakening Chinese market to a slower than expected switch to electric vehicles, have plagued it for a while, two recent developments have made things worse for the German group, according to interviews with seven company sources, investors and analysts.

First, concerns have grown that Asian rivals, including BYD, Chery and Leapmotor, could speed up plans to build production capacity in Europe if Brussels goes ahead with planned hefty import tariffs on China-made EVs.

Second, Volkswagen recently cut prices for VW brand cars to counter tougher competition, a move that according to works council boss Daniela Cavallo has cost the company hundreds of millions of euros in profits.

Not only were the discounts steeper than originally anticipated, but they convinced management that the high cost base in Germany is jeopardising Volkswagen's ability to compete with more agile rivals, a company source said, without giving details of the price cuts.

The source declined to be identified due to the sensitivity of the matter. Volkswagen declined to comment.

"This is one of the largest car producers in the world which is not producing large returns out of all that scale," Cole Smead, CEO of Volkswagen shareholder Smead Capital Management, said. "Do I think they can sustain that level of production in a country that demands so little? It's impossible."

Coming on top of restructuring expenses, the discounts have undermined the VW brand's efforts to reduce costs by more than 10 billion euros ($11 billion) by 2026.

As a result, the VW passenger car brand saw its profit margin crash to 0.9% in the second quarter from an already meagre 4% in the first.

By comparison, margins at Renault and Stellantis, the two other big European volume carmakers, were 8.1% and 10% respectively in the first half of the year.

VW's squeezed margins - at a time when Chinese rivals have increased imports into Europe - have stoked fears of what could happen when they produce locally in future.

After all, carmakers - including the Chinese - are competing for a smaller piece of the pie: Europe's car market is 13%, or two million vehicles, smaller than before the pandemic, CFO Antlitz said.

Story continues

Citing the numerous challenges, DZ Bank analyst Michael Punzet said he expected Volkswagen to cut its full-year group margin target again when it publishes third-quarter results.

It already slashed the target to 6.5-7.0% in July due to provisions over the possible closure of a Brussels factory of luxury subsidiary Audi.

FIGHT OVER COST

As demand shrinks, selling mass-market cars has become a fight over who makes them at the lowest cost.

"The thinking of finding solutions through growth is gone. Everyone is losing share, and companies need to readjust," Jefferies analyst Philippe Houchois said.

Antlitz said last week that the VW brand - which accounted for more than half of group production last year - had been spending more money than it earned for some time, adding the company would not succeed if that trend continued.

Volkswagen's automotive cash flow, a key gauge of operating health, turned negative in the first half of 2024 to minus 100 million euros, against a positive 2.5 billion in the same period last year.

Fierce competition is not just a problem at home.

Profits from China, Volkswagen's single biggest market, have nearly halved over the past decade to 2.6 billion euros in 2023. Expected to rise to around 3 billion euros by 2030, they will barely recover.

Another big problem is energy and labour costs in Germany, which are among the highest in Europe and have also become a major headache for the country's chemicals and steel sectors.

"New cheaper competition, higher energy prices, and high labour costs all align for a very difficult outlook especially for European mass brands," Citi analysts said this week.

($1 = 0.8994 euros)

(Reporting by Victoria Waldersee, Christina Amann and Christoph Steitz; Additional reporting by Gilles Guillaume; Editing by Josephine Mason and Mark Potter)
AFTER SIXTY-ONE YEARS OF ASKING "WHO'S TO BLAME", IT'S TIME FOR THE CITIZENS OF DALLAS AND ALL AMERICANS TO COME TOGETHER IN A MOST POSITIVE WAY; TO RESURRECT JFK'S SPIRIT OF PEACE THROUGH THE MAGIC OF LOVE FIELD. THE KICKOFF STARTS AT THE AIRPORT IN DALLAS NOVEMBER 22, 2024. THE HEALING CEREMONY WILL TAKE PLACE AT 2:30 PM CT. WE CAN CREATE A PEACEFUL FUTURE USING THE SAME POWER LONG USED TO OPPRESS US.

FREE Zoom Event Wed. September 25, 2024 3:00 - 4:30 pm ET RSVP HERE

"Valediction Revelation represents the last of a three-part memoir of Paul Fitzgerald and Elizabeth Gould which begins in Boston at the Parker House Hotel Press Room in 1981 where Paul stands at the exact spot where JFK announced his candidacy for Congress in 1946 and held his bachelor's party in 1953. The story then comes to a shocking conclusion at Love Field Airport in Dallas in 2023 following a conference commemorating the 60th anniversary of the assassination - where Paul delivered an address on the Fitzgerald legacy. Love Field represents the final moments in JFK's life; the place where he arrived alive and left deceased, making his final destination a mystical crossroads between heaven and earth combining." Read the full speech HERE.

TrineDay's Roundtables explore JFK's vision of peace, the Fitzgerald family history and Henry George's Economic Justice of "Agape."

R.A. "Kris" Millegan, publisher, host

Paul Fitzgerald and Elizabeth Gould, authors, journalists

Bruce de Torres, author, moderator

TrineDay's Roundtables are available on our YouTube channel HERE. Deep historical perspectives and visionary possibilities are available at valediction.net.

Paul Fitzgerald and Elizabeth Gould are authors of Invisible History: Afghanistan's Untold Story, published by City Lights in 2009 and Crossing Zero The AfPak War at the Turning Point of American Empire in 2011. Their novel The Voice , was published in 2001. Their memoir, The Valediction Three Nights of Desmond was published by TrineDay in 2021 and The Valediction Resurrection in 2022. Visit their websites at valediction.net , invisiblehistory .com and grailwerk .com . THE CASE OF JFK AND THE FITZGERALDS (Speech delivered by Paul Fitzgerald Nov.17, 2023 at The JFK Assassination 60 Years Later Convention)

Next Page 1 | 2

(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
DEAR ABBY: My sisters fiance, Logan, always seemed very flirtatious with me. I told her she needed to control her future husband. After they were married, the same gestures and innuendos kept happening, and I reminded my sister about it. Logan did and said inappropriate things right in front of her. Once she even commented, Geez, you married the wrong sister!



The night of my fathers funeral dinner, everyone was getting tipsy. (I dont drink.) Twice, in front of his wife and our sister-in-law, Logan pulled me tightly close into his hips. I told him to stop. He said, OK, you are in enough trouble.



Later, while I was in the kitchen, in front of my uncle and brother, Logan pulled me into his chest. I pulled away and he came after me. I told him to stay away.

Tension was already high between my sister and me. After dinner, when everyone was leaving, Logan came and tapped on my windshield, pointed at me and said, You, you, you.



That evening, I sent him a text, saying, Perhaps you DID choose the wrong sister. Of course, he showed it to my sister. Now theres a huge rift in the family, and IM the bad guy. And although the hands-on game took place in front of everyone, nobody saw anything during Dads funeral dinner because everyone was drunk.

Someday, the truth will reveal itself. For now, I must eat crow. Any advice, Abby? -- PUNISHED IN PENNSYLVANIA



DEAR PUNISHED: Your mistake was in not shouting NO! the first time Logan assaulted you.

Avoid any family gathering that includes alcohol.

Avoid Logan and your sister as often as possible.

Enroll in a self-defense class so that if anyone puts their hands on you, you can defend yourself.

And last, if Logan catches you alone, tell him that if it happens again, you will report him to the police for assault -- because that is what he has been doing to you.

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.


A Washington County judge on Friday upheld North Plains voters May decision to reject the citys growth plan at the ballot box.

But the broader implications of Judge Andrew Erwins ruling are not yet clear. He declined to rule on whether the decision to expand the citys growth boundary was legislative, and therefore subject to voter referendum, or an administrative decision that voters arent entitled to overturn.
Linn County Sheriffs Office search and rescue coordinator Ric Lentz was at home and off duty Sunday when he got the call around 4 p.m: a 16-year-old backpacker had slipped on the trail and broken his leg at Duffy Lake

Lentz said he wasnt surprised to catch the call on his day off  hed been expecting something to happen over the Labor Day weekend. But Lentz knew the injured teenagers remote location  four miles from the trailhead  complicated things.

Alright, lets get to work, the search and rescue coordinator remembered thinking to himself, pulling on his uniform and making calls to request a helicopter evacuation from the Oregon National Guard.

So began the hours-long rescue on Sunday that involved 20 sheriffs office search and rescue team members, a National Guard helicopter and an eight-mile hike to avoid the threat of thunderstorms that would have jeopardized a helicopter rescue.

Sheriffs officials said in a statement that the teenager  who is from Portland  first broke his leg on the trail around 4 p.m., but without cell service in the remote location, the teens mother had to rely on a good Samaritan backpacker to hurry into cell service and make the call.

As Lentz organized about 20 search and rescue team members  over three quarters of whom were unpaid volunteers  the Oregon Office of Emergency Management was requesting a helicopter to airlift the patient to safety.

Loaded up with pounds of gear, the sheriffs team started off on foot towards the teen and his mother.

The Linn County Sheriff's Office search and rescue team, which is mostly made up of volunteers, didn't return from their mission until nearly midnight on September 1st.Courtesy of Ric Lentz/Linn County Sheriff's Office

But thunderstorms in the area temporarily kept the helicopter away and, Lentz said, it soon became unclear whether it would be able to help at all.

When the thunderstorms came in and the helicopter was delayed, I was worried, Lentz remembered. I knew without the helicopter it would be a lot longer till we could get the patient out into more definitive care.

Without the helicopter, the sheriffs search and rescue team would have had to carry the injured teenager the four miles back to the trailhead.

Lentzs fear did not come to pass: after the sheriffs ground team reached the teenager the weather cleared up enough for the National Guard to conduct a rope hoist rescue around 8 p.m. and fly the patient to the St. Charles Hospital in Bend.

Lentz was waiting at the trailhead with pizza when the rescue team made it back around midnight, he said.

They were just thrilled with the outcome, he remembered. It was really positive all around.

 Tatum Todd covers crime and public safety. Reach them at ttodd@oregonian.com , or 503-221-4313.
The body of a missing Beaverton woman has been found, and police arrested one of her neighbors.

Melissa Jubane, 32, was reported missing Wednesday after she didnt clock in for her shift as a registered nurse at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center in Washington County.

Police searched her apartment at 1050 S.W. 160th Ave. Wednesday in response to a welfare check request and declared her a missing person that afternoon.

According to a news release from Beaverton police, they found Jubanes body and arrested one of her neighbors, Bryce Johnathan Schubert, 27, Friday evening. Police say he was charged with murder but have not released any other details.

Flowers were placed near a sign for the apartment building where Melissa Jubane lived in Beaverton Saturday morning. Police say they have found Jubane's body.Tatum Todd | The Oregonian

Our hearts are broken at the news of the death of our Providence St. Vincent nurse and colleague, Melissa Jubane. This comes as a shock to us all and she is mourned by her co-workers. Melissa was an exceptional nurse, Providence said in a statement released Saturday morning.

Jubane worked at St. Vincent for almost six years, Providence told The Oreognian/OregonLive Saturday.

A Providence spokesperson said that Schubert worked as a nurse at Providence Portland Medical Center from September 2022 to October 2023, but he never worked at St. Vincent.

Police ask anyone who may have information about this case to call 503-526-2280.
Portland police on Saturday identified the officer who shot and injured a man last month in the Portsmouth neighborhood as Nicholas Morales, a five-year veteran of the Police Bureau assigned to North Precinct.

On Aug. 24, Morales fired on a 52-year-old man  whom police later identified as Robert Seeger  after Seeger allegedly behaved erratically and chased after officers. He was said to have been armed with a handgun and a hammer.

A witness in the 7600 block of North Portsmouth Avenue told The Oregonian/OregonLive that he had summoned police after a man with a hammer had pointed a gun at him and tried to enter his apartment. I thought I was going to die, he told the news outlet. I thought he was going to shoot me.

Seeger has been charged in Multnomah County Circuit Court with burglary, unlawful use of a weapon and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Morales remains on paid administrative leave, and the Police Bureau wrote in a statement that it continues to investigate the shooting.

 Beth Slovic is a deputy editor on the public safety and breaking news team. Reach her at 503-221-8551 or bslovic@oregonian.com.

Our journalism needs your support. Subscribe today to OregonLive.com/subscribe.
UPDATE: Missing nurse found dead, neighbor arrested Friday evening

Family and friends of a Beaverton nurse who never showed up to work earlier this week scoured fields and wooded areas near her apartment complex Friday as fears for her safety heightened.

Melissa Jubane, 32, was reported missing Wednesday after she didnt clock in for her shift as a registered nurse at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center in Washington County.

Melissas coworkers were immediately concerned, a spokesperson for the hospital network said. All of us at Providence are holding Melissa Jubane, her family and friends, and those who work with her closely in our hearts and in our prayers.

With investigators remaining tight-lipped so far, community members began a search on Southwest Jenkins Road, not far from Jubanes apartment, and fanned out into surrounding fields and trails in the Tualatin Hills Nature Park.

Vianca Urias, a former coworker who joined in the search, told KOIN 6 News that Jubanes kind-hearted nature had brought out crowds of volunteers to help.

She has a good heart, always wanting to help people, Urias said. That shows a lot of her personality and what kind of person she was.

Community members are planning another search this evening, according to an online flyer.

The group that organized this mornings search are planning another one later today at 7:30 PM. pic.twitter.com/OEoVXoVUKX  Evan Bell (@evanbellKATU) September 6, 2024

Beaverton Police havent offered any details, but released a photo of Jubane and said she stands about 5 feet, 2 inches and weighs 120 pounds.

Officers said information about the case can be shared with dispatchers at 503-629-0111, referencing case number 24-2480460.

Zane Sparling covers breaking news and courts for The Oregonian/OregonLive. Reach him at 503-319-7083, zsparling@oregonian.com or @pdxzane.

Our journalism needs your support. Please become a subscriber today at OregonLive.com/subscribe.
SEATTLE  A 44-year-old man accused of randomly shooting at vehicles on Interstate 5 south of Seattle, injuring six people including one critically, was charged with five counts of assault, King County prosecutors said Thursday.

The Washington State Patrol says Eric Jerome Perkins shot at three cars driving north on I-5 at around 8:30 p.m. Monday, and at three more vehicles heading south several hours later. People in all but one of the cars were injured. Hes being held in the King County jail on a $1 million bail and is scheduled for arraignment on Sept. 19.

The defendant fired indiscriminately at multiple vehicles as he drove the busy freeways in the Seattle and Tacoma areas, Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Stephen Herschkowitz said in his request for a high bail. He is responsible for causing several of the victims to sustain critical, life-threatening injuries.

Perkins has a criminal history in California that includes two burglary convictions, two receiving stolen goods convictions and one count of threatening with intent to terrorize and obstruct, Herschkowitz said.

Messages left with the King County Department of Public Defense seeking comment were not immediately returned.

Perkins claimed that people were stealing his identity, making threats and following him, so he took matters into his own hands and shot at cars to get them to back off, Washington State Patrol Detective Russell Haake said in a court filing.

Perkins told Trooper Kameron Watts that he tried to get help from the Tacoma and Fircrest police departments, but when that failed, he feared for his life and borrowed a Glock 40 handgun from a friend, the filing said. He told the trooper that he shot at the cars because they were trying to box him in.

The first victim was driving a 2022 Tesla northbound on I-5 Monday night when he noticed a white 2001 Volvo with California plates moving erratically. He called 911 but the Volvo driver fired two shots into a rear door, striking a passenger in the torso, critically injuring her.

Soon after, another driver reported hearing two pops before their window shattered, cutting the mans wife. A third driver called 911 a minute later saying he heard two shots and that his passenger had been struck by a bullet in the lower back. He was taken to the hospital.

Two hours later, the Volvo driver shot into the passenger door of a 2022 Kia carrying three adults and two children, Haake said. The bullet struck two of the adults in the leg. A few minutes later, another person called the state patrol to say someone had shot at her, breaking her side windows. At 11:01 p.m., another Tesla driver reported being shot in the neck.

At about 12:40 a.m. Tuesday, officers located the Volvo and took Perkins into custody without incident. They found a handgun between the center console and front passenger seat, the detective said.
Middle managers are struggling to keep their jobs, motivate their teams, and avoid burnout. Getty Images; Chelsea Jia Feng/BI

Middle managers are tired.

The last few years have brought a whole new slew of challenges to the job.

Some say the job isn't worth it anymore and are looking for a way out.

In May, Kyle made a career move that was years in the making.

The 35-year-old, who is based in Michigan, said his job as a middle manager at a staffing company had grown increasingly unbearable over his seven-year tenure.

A combination of layoffs and a hiring freeze had downsized his team, and he was succumbing to burnout.

"I was tired of being stuck between upper management  who became more and more ruthless at enforcing hard metrics designed to root out anyone with a work-life balance, wildly unpopular return to office policies, and layoff after layoff on one side  and employees who wanted more money, more flexibility, and a more relaxed philosophy of work," said Kyle, who asked for partial anonymity due to his fear of professional repercussions.

After exploring his options, he moved to a non-managerial role at the same company, which he said came with a pay cut.

The last few years have been particularly challenging for many middle managers, whose burnout rates have risen. They've been targeted for layoffs as companies look to cut costs, and those who remain have often been asked to do more with less amid hiring slowdowns. Some face challenges managing remote teams or enforcing return-to-office policies. And with companies scaling back on pay increases and promotions, middle managers are often the bearers of bad news. Some say the job isn't worth it anymore  and are looking for a way out.

"To some degree, middle managers are historically the glue that translates high-level strategy to individual actions that frontline workers execute on," Aaron Terrazas, chief economist at Glassdoor, told Business Insider. "But that glue is becoming a little bit undone in recent months just because there is so much pressure pulling in both opposite directions for that group."

Caught between a rock and a hard place

While middle managers have always had to please the people above them while maintaining credibility below, Terrazas said "that's a very tough position to be in right now, and I think you see that in a lot of their sentiments."

Layne Tisdel Martin, a 43-year-old middle manager for a US-based tech company, said she's "all too familiar" with this feeling.

"Sometimes I feel like the workers see me as an agent of the 'evil overlords' and the C-suite sees me as a union rep," she told BI. "It's part of my job to reconcile their interests."

Story continues

Part of this involves telling workers more than in the recent past that a raise or a title bump isn't coming. A Workday report showed median promotion rates in 2023 were lower than those in 2022 for all 10 industries measured, with tech, professional services, retail, and insurance seeing drops of more than 20%.

Raises are getting smaller and less frequent. August's year-over-year increase in average hourly wages was 3.8%, lower than the most recent peak of 5.9% in March 2022.

Tsvetelina Nasteva, a 32-year-old human resources manager for Casinoreviews.net, said one of the most difficult parts of her job is communicating disappointing raises to employees on her team, something she's had to do more of in recent years. She tries to "soften the blow" by reminding her team of her company's benefits, work-life balance, and growth opportunities.

"But I know it's still tough for people to hear," she said.

Benjamin Granger, chief workplace psychologist at Qualtrics, told BI that the crux of the middle manager's job is to understand why a decision is being made and then clearly relay this reasoning to workers.

"Sometimes in academic literature, we call that 'procedural justice,' where I might not like the outcome, but at least you took the time to explain to me the rationale," Granger said, adding that managers also have to go further and explain why the decision is relevant to the worker  and maybe even find a silver lining.

A new sticking point in the post-pandemic world is the return-to-office mandate. In recent years, workers who have been asked to return to the office have found myriad ways to game the system: "Coffee-badging" means swiping your badge in case bosses are tracking, but not staying at the office to work, and "hushed hybrid" means working remotely more than the policy allows, hoping you'll fly under the radar.

Terrazas calls RTO "a special place of friction" for middle managers because "it deputizes them to be the enforcers."

Tiago Pita, a 37-year-old brand and e-commerce director based in the UK, manages a team with both in-person and remote workers. He said it can be challenging to ensure that both groups of employees feel "equally included and engaged."

"It was a learning curve for everyone involved," he told BI.

Doing more with less

Glassdoor's lead economist, Daniel Zhao, wrote in a March post that increased pressure on middle managers in recent years could be due to the " year of efficiency "  a term used by Meta's Mark Zuckerberg last year to describe a period of layoffs, project cutting, and reduced hiring  extending into 2024.

"Middle managers are under more pressure to do more with less, managing demands from leaders while placating anxious employees," Zhao wrote.

Vanessa Yuen, a 34-year-old engineering manager for a US-based SaaS company, said one of her biggest challenges in recent years has been the downsizing of her team.

She said her team began taking on extra work during a hiring slowdown and is not sure when the "extra burden" will end. She said it's become challenging to keep her team motivated and prevent burnout.

"The hardest part is balancing the need to meet company goals with the reality that my team is working at full capacity, if not beyond it," she told BI.

Not having enough time or power was a common theme in BI's reporting on middle manager burnout.

"In many cases, they don't have full autonomy to make decisions, but they're held accountable as if they do," Granger said.

Bryan Hancock, a McKinsey partner and one of the authors of the book "Power to the Middle: Why Managers Hold the Keys to the Future of Work," agreed, saying, "In a world where they're spending less than a third of their time managing people and the people leadership expectations are increasing, it's just creating added stress and tension in the role."

The question of whether to go for a promotion or demotion

The stress of the job is among the reasons some middle managers told BI they've considered asking for a demotion. But for now, many said their plan is to try to deal with the stress and make the situation better.

"Taking a demotion or stepping away is a very big decision, and for now, I believe in tackling these issues head-on," Pita said.

Tisdel Martin has a different perspective. She said she's focused on working hard and getting promoted so she can "call more of the shots and make things better."

But this path doesn't make sense for everyone.

While Kyle left his middle manager job earlier this year, he said his new non-managerial role has several similarities to his old position. However, he has no direct reports  which means he doesn't have to worry about firing people or holding them accountable to company policies.

He said his role has "manager" in the title because his company didn't want his job switch to "look like a step-down"  but he expects his new role to pay less than his old one once commissions are accounted for. However, the income decline that comes with having a lower-stress job is worth it.

"I've honestly never been happier," he said.

Are you a middle manager or have you left middle management? Reach out to these reporters at jzinkula@businessinsider.com and mhoff@businessinsider.com to share your experience.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Oregon volleyball opened its weekend at the Ram Volleyball Classic with a win over host Colorado State.

Mimi Colyer (19 kills) hit .425 and led four players with double-digit kills for the No. 12 Ducks in a 3-1 (20-25, 25-21, 25-23, 25-23) win over the Rams Friday night at Moby Arena.

Tied at seven in the first set, Colorado State (0-4) scored five of the next six and never looked back to take the early advantage.

Down 17-14 in a back-and-forth second set, Oregon (2-1) scored six of the next seven points to take the lead and closed the frame with five of the final six points, including a kill and ace by Colyer.

The third set was also highly competitive, with the Rams opening a 20-17 lead and the Ducks storming back with eight of the final 11 points, including four kills by Sophie Gregoire (11 kills, eight digs), to take a 2-1 lead.

Oregon trailed 12-11 in the fourth and scored six of the next seven and never trailed again. Malaya Jones had 20 kills and 11 digs for the Rams, who got within one but could not close the gap. Noemie Glover had three of her 11 kills among Oregons last four points.

Daley McClellan had 20 digs and eight assists and Cristin Cline had 45 assists for Oregon, which takes on Grand Canyon at 3:30 p.m. Saturday.
Six Portland-area school districts are gunning for a bigger piece of the citys flush-with-cash clean energy fund, intended to bankroll clean energy projects and green jobs.

The districts are preparing to ask for up to $100 million to repair HVAC systems that struggle in extreme weather, a pitch that could take on a higher profile after schools temperature control struggles were thrown into stark relief during this weeks heat wave and another extreme heat wave in July.
Its easy to get caught up in the swirl of your busy life and attention-grabbing breaking news. So weve gathered some of our other top headlines for you to catch up on over the weekend.

These are a few of our best watchdog and explanatory pieces from the past few weeks so you can be sure youre up to date on these critical issues.

The site off the coast south of Newport will allow developers to test new devices to convert wave power to electricity. Four pipes carrying power and data cables travel from an underground vault beneath the parking lot of Driftwood Beach State Park to the test site. There, developers can use four testing berths to attach up to 20 wave energy converters to the cables. The devices will convert wave energy into electricity and send it to the vault on shore. From the vault, another set of cables will carry the electricity to a power cleanup facility connected to the electrical grid.Chris Morris

Big waves off Oregon coast fuel cutting-edge effort to harness the ocean for electricity

Off the Oregon coast just south of Newport, large rounded swells rocked The Discovery from side to side, the waves nearly tipping the boat sideways.

Deep under the wobbling vessel, steel pipes carrying power and data cables stretched for a dozen miles buried along the seafloor, ready to capture the energy of those Pacific Ocean surges, known for their constancy, massive size and predictability.

The cables will soon connect to the local energy grid and hook up to wave energy converters at the first test site of its kind in the continental U.S. and one of only a handful worldwide. READ MORE

Alex Cooper, 15, looks around a classroom during a tour of Redmond Proficiency Academy in Redmond on Tuesday, August 20, 2024. RPA is an open campus-style public charter high school spread across 5 buildings in downtown Redmond. Cooper will be starting as a student this year at RPA. Photo by Joe Kline/for The Oregonian Photo by Joe Kline/for The Oregonian

A new Oregon law was supposed to guarantee students have a full day at school. Is it working?

Last spring, Brenna Legaards teenage sons emotional outbursts at school escalated, fueled by the departure of a beloved teacher.

A vice principal at Portlands Ida B. Wells High informed Legaard that if her son, who has autism, wanted to stay at school full-time, administrators could not guarantee his safety. She had two choices:

Leave him at school, where he could possibly break classroom furniture or harm a classmate, setting him on a path to expulsion. Or, allow him to spend less time in school, suspending his federally protected right to a full public education.

An Oregon law passed in 2023 was supposed to prevent parents from having to make such tough decisions. But its first year of implementation was unpredictable and sometimes rocky. READ MORE

A cargo container ship at the Port of Portland's Terminal 6.Port of Portland

Port of Portland finds sustaining cargo container terminal would require millions in state subsidies  and lots more business

The Port of Portland recently gave Gov. Tina Kotek a report that explains whats needed to keep container operations at Terminal 6 open for the long haul.

Its answer: millions in state funding, a renewed push to find a private-sector operator and lots of new customers.

Making sure container service remains available for Oregonians and businesses across the region  whether theyre in the seafood, grain or animal feed industry, or sell building supplies, tires, shoes and toys  will require public and private support, said Curtis Robinhold, the ports executive director. This is a critical piece of Oregons economy, and it urgently needs financial assistance from the state to continue to serve shippers across all of Oregon. READ MORE

More than 3 million people are registered to vote in Oregon. About 33% are registered Democrats and 24% are registered Republicans. Dave Killen / The Oregonian

Election 2024: Your guide to Oregons November election

Oregonians will have the chance to vote on key federal, statewide and local races and measures during the Nov. 5 national election, including contests for one of the most competitive seats in Congress, statewide races for the secretary of state, treasurer and attorney general and five significant statewide measures.

In Portland, voters will participate in an historic election, selecting a new mayor and 12 City Council members as the city ushers in a new form of city government.

The Oregonian/OregonLive has highlighted key races that Oregon voters will decide this fall and included links to The Oregonian/OregonLives top coverage of this years candidates and ballot measures to help you make informed decisions. We will continue to update this page through Election Day with more information and links. READ MORE

Also, dont miss miss our sweet video that best describes how Portlands new mulit-winner, rank-choice voting will work in the City Council race this fall. Also, check out which new Portland district you live in and whos vying to represent you.
Bernie Sanders tells Theo Von half of cancer patients go bankrupt or broke, and he praises the Canadian system

In the U.S., health-care costs are more than just a budgetary line item  they can be a significant source of anxiety and financial strain for many. This issue resonates across the spectrum, touching everyone from comedians to politicians.

On an episode of stand-up comedian Theo Vons This Past Weekend podcast, he discussed the staggering impact of medical bills with Senator Bernie Sanders.

Don't miss

One of the number one causes of bankruptcy in America is medical debt, Von said. People, they go in  they don't even know the cost  they sign an agreement that they're going to be billed later, right? And then they get the bill, and it's astronomical, and they spend the rest of their life literally a slave to the healthcare system, or to the medical billing system, or dealing with their insurance, and not to mention they're sick.

In a 2019 study published by the American Journal of Public Health, nearly three-fifths of debtors responded they very much or somewhat agreed that medical expenses contributed to their bankruptcy. The Peterson-KFF Health System Tracker reported this past February that around 3 million people in the U.S. (1% of adults) owed medical debt of more than $10,000.

Sanders vehemently expressed his concerns about the situation.

That is so pathetic and so sick and so cruel, he remarked.

'Depleted' patients

Sanders has long criticized the U.S. health-care system, labeling it as broken in comparison to other countries. In his conversation with Von, he shared a particularly distressing statistic.

Half the people who get cancer treatment either end up in bankruptcy or utilizing all of the financial resources of their family, Sanders said. They're depleted, theyre broke, Sanders said.

A poll conducted by KFF in 2022 found that 23% of of adults with health-care debt whove had cancer themselves or in their household declared bankruptcy or lost their home to eviction or foreclosure, while 60% reported using up most of their savings.

Sanders highlighted that, beyond the devastating diagnosis of cancer, patients must confront the looming threat of crippling medical bills.

Story continues

Imagine that, you go into the hospital, the doctor says, Theo, sorry, you got cancer. Terrible. You're worried to death, right? Your friends, your family, are worried. And then on top of that, what are you worried about? Oh, my God, what? I'm going to have to sell my house. Oh, I have to go bankrupt in order to pay medical bills, Sanders illustrated.

Sanders then posed a rhetorical question: If someone is dealing with cancer, would the added financial stress possibly improve their condition?

No, the worst, Von replied.

Read more: 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 way it should be'

Sanders didnt just offer a harsh critique of the U.S. health-care system, he also pointed to a model in a neighboring country.

Let me talk about the Canadian system. Simple system: you pay taxes, and progressive, the more you make, the more you pay. But everyone pays taxes. The end result is, you walk into the hospital, you sign your name, you have all the treatment you need, and it's good-quality health care, he explained to Von.

Canada has a universal health-care system funded through taxes, allowing citizens and permanent residents to enroll in public health insurance. This means they dont have to pay out-of-pocket for most health-care services, though each province and territory offers different coverage for various services and products.

Sanders admires the Canadian approach, suggesting it holds valuable lessons for the U.S.

You don't have to argue with insurance companies. You get the care that the doctors think you need, end of discussion. And in my view, that's the way it should be, he emphasized.

However, despite its virtues, the Canadian system is not without its criticisms. One of the primary concerns is lengthy wait times.

The Fraser Institute, a Canadian public policy think tank, reported in 2023 that specialist physicians across the provinces observed a median wait time of 27.7 weeks between a referral from a general practitioner to the actual receipt of treatment. Thats more than six months.

This wait time consists of two parts: an average of 14.6 weeks from referral to a consultation with a specialist, and another 13.1 weeks from the specialist consultation to the beginning of treatment.

And the delays apply not only to treatment but also to diagnostics. In 2023, Canadians faced average wait times of 6.6 weeks for a CT scan, 12.9 weeks for an MRI and 5.3 weeks for an ultrasound, the report says.

What to read next

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Isaiah vs. Protestant Soteriology / Absolution, Love, & Remission of Sins / Was Mary Who Wiped Jesus Feet with Her Hair, a Believer When She Did So? / Good Works of the Regenerate Rewarded with Heaven

Philip Melanchthon (1497-1560) was the founder of Protestantism: Martin Luthers best friend, co-reformer, and successor as the leader of Lutheranism. Encyclopaedia Britannica (Philipp Melanchthon) states that Melanchthon . . . in 1521 published the Loci communes rerum theologicarum (Theological Commonplaces), the first systematic treatment of Reformation thought. Its considered the initiatory work in the Lutheran scholastic tradition. Modified editions appeared in 1535, 1543 and 1559.

Martin Luther wrote, No better book has been written after the Holy Scriptures than Philips. He expresses himself more concisely than I do when he argues and instructs. Im garrulous and more rhetorical (Table-Talk, 1543; in Luthers Works, Vol. 54, 439-440). Many think that this volume was the reason why Luther never wrote his own work of systematic theology. Melanchthon at length departed from Luther in some ways; most notably, in his denial of the Real Presence in the Holy Eucharist, by the time of the 1543 edition, and on the question of free will.

Luther, who had some violent disagreements with him, never criticized him publicly and never really broke with him. In fact, the verdict of history is that Luther was kinder to Melanchthon than Melanchthon was to Luther. . . . Most Lutherans in America up to the present time have been critical of him, including Schmauck, Neve, Bente, Pelikan, and many others, although that attitude is changing somewhat. (p. 7) * Melanchthon was a prodigy. He entered Heidelberg University at twelve and received his bachelors degree at 14. He moved on to Tubingen, where he earned the masters degree at 17, . . . He never received the doctorate and was never ordained into the ministry. He never preached from the pulpit, although he had much to do with the development of the study of oratory and homiletics. He received an appointment to teach at the newly established University of Wittenberg in 1518. . . . He remained at Wittenberg the rest of his life . . . differences [with Luther] appear as early as 1530, . . . and become more evident as the years roll on. (p. 8) blue . I use RSV for biblical citations. See also my introductory post for this series on Facebook, which highlights his historically brand-new position of imputed justification (sola fide). For other installments of this series, see my Lutheranism web page , second section: Replies to Philip Melanchthons Loci Communes. Melanchthons words will be in. I use RSV for biblical citations. ***** Isaiah does not say that we should cease doing evil things and remission will be given you be cause of your virtues. Indeed, in another passage he clearly says of Christ, Truly He has borne our griefs, Is. 53:4. (p. 112)

*

Isaiah teaches that God draws all sinners by His grace, without which no one is, or can be saved, and there are passages hinting at the NT doctrines of justification, faith, grace, and salvation, as well as about Gods love and mercy and forgiveness. Thus far, Catholics and Protestants are in agreement. But Isaiah also regards works  as Catholics do  in necessary conjunction with faith (rejection of faith alone):

Isaiah 1:27 Zion shall be redeemed by justice, and those in her who repent, by righteousness. * Isaiah 26:2 Open the gates, that the righteous nation which keeps faith may enter in.

Isaiah 32:17 And the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust for ever. Isaiah 38:2-3 Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall, and prayed to the LORD, [3] and said, Remember now, O LORD, I beseech thee, how I have walked before thee in faithfulness and with a whole heart, and have done what is good in thy sight. . . . Isaiah 64:5 Thou meetest him that joyfully works righteousness, those that remember thee in thy ways. . . . Isaiah teaches the NT and Catholic doctrine of grace, works, and faith all being involved in the process of salvation (see fifty passages from Paul about this). He also proclaims the biblical and Catholic doctrine of good, meritorious works and obedience to Gods law and moral commands playing a central role in Gods determination of every persons ultimate salvation or damnation:

Isaiah 3:10 Tell the righteous that it shall be well with them, for they shall eat the fruit of their deeds. Isaiah 10:1-3 Woe to those who decree iniquitous decrees, and the writers who keep writing oppression, [2] to turn aside the needy from justice and to rob the poor of my people of their right, that widows may be their spoil, and that they may make the fatherless their prey! [3] What will you do on the day of punishment, in the storm which will come from afar? To whom will you flee for help, and where will you leave your wealth? Isaiah 29:20 . . . all who watch to do evil shall be cut off, Isaiah 33:15-16 He who walks righteously and speaks uprightly, who despises the gain of oppressions, who shakes his hands, lest they hold a bribe, who stops his ears from hearing of bloodshed and shuts his eyes from looking upon evil, [16] he will dwell on the heights; his place of defense will be the fortresses of rocks; his bread will be given him, his water will be sure. Isaiah 48:18-19 O that you had hearkened to my commandments! Then your peace would have been like a river, and your righteousness like the waves of the sea; [19] your offspring would have been like the sand, and your descendants like its grains; their name would never be cut off or destroyed from before me. Isaiah 56:1 Thus says the LORD: Keep justice, and do righteousness, for soon my salvation will come, and my deliverance be revealed. Isaiah 57:1-2 . . . For the righteous man is taken away from calamity, [2] he enters into peace; they rest in their beds who walk in their uprightness. Isaiah 59:2 but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you so that he does not hear. Isaiah 59:11-12, 18 . . . we look for justice, but there is none; for salvation, but it is far from us. [12] For our transgressions are multiplied before thee, and our sins testify against us; for our transgressions are with us, and we know our iniquities: . . . [18] According to their deeds, so will he repay, . . .

Melanchthon later refutes his own view, by citing Daniel:

Dan. 4:27, Free yourself from sins by righteousness and alms for the poor, and there will be a cleansing of your iniquities. (p. 113)

Exactly! This is Catholic merit and infused justification: God crowning His own gifts of grace, and our working together with Him.

Nor am I using this story to support the notion that good works merit the remission of present sins, . . . (p. 113)

So Melanchthon doesnt get it. The text plainly teaches that, but he cant see it, because his preconceived man-made tradition of faith alone blinds him to it.

Thus in this statement, Forgive and it shall be forgiven you, the first part is a commandment. The second part contains the promise; but it is not added that because of your forgiving spirit your sins are remitted to you. (p. 112)

We have our sins forgiven all the time, in absolution:

John 20:23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained. James 5:14-15 Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; [15] and the prayer of faith will save the sick man, and the Lord will raise him up; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

we are accepted before God on account of the Mediator and not on account of our own worthiness or our own qualities. (p. 113) * That is quite true in initial justification and of regeneration, but not in later life, when we stumble into sin and have to be absolved, and where we have to persevere and exhibit good works, which then contribute to ultimate salvation

* Her sins, which were many, have been forgiven her because she loved much, Luke 7:47: Therefore remission of sins takes place on account of love. I reply: There is a twofold absolution. One is private, directed to the conscience which is struggling with the wrath of God. In this absolution we must understand that remission is received by faith and not on account of our virtues. . . . Our faith does not rely upon our love

but only on the mercy which has been promised, as is evident. (p. 114)

*

Jesus said that forgiveness was granted because of the great love of the penitent and also because of her faith (Your faith has saved you; go in peace: Lk 7:50). So its both faith and love (see my previous installment for much biblical data on the relationship of faith, works, and love). But Melanchthon holds that the forgiveness came only by faith and not on account of . . . virtues. He does the frequently observed Protestant false dichotomy: because its by faith it supposedly cant also be by love.

*

Catholics say it is both (i.e., after regeneration and initial justification, as we must repeat till were blue in the face), because the biblical text plainly asserts that. We dont have to force an outside tradition or philosophy onto the text (eisegesis). We can let it speak for itself, and follow it in grateful obedience: yielding up our predispositions to the inspired Word of God in the revelation of Scripture.

*

This takes place on account of good works which are testimonies of a persons conversion, as when Christ here explains to the Pharisee why He had received the woman, namely because there were evident testimonies to her conversion. . . . Christ transfers this honor to this poor woman: the righteousness of the Law is pleasing here where there is the true knowledge of Christ. And in this congregation there is true worship, that is to say, repentance, faith, true calling upon God, love, kissing Christs feet and washing them, that is, adorning and defending the ministry of

the Gospel and the necessary zeal for the church, . . . Her many sins were forgiven her because she had been converted. (p. 114)

*

There is no evidence whatsoever in the text for what Melanchthon incorrectly assumes: that this woman was already a Christian believer. To the contrary, Lukes narrative describes her as a woman of the city, who was a sinner (Lk 7:37) and Simon the Pharisee said, If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, for she is a sinner (7:39). Jesus then gave the parable of two debtors (7:41-43), where the debt of one was ten times that of the other (an obvious analogy to this woman), and He further noted that her sins . . . are many (7:47). She was a nonbeliever who was repenting and was on the verge of becoming a believer.

*

Christian movies (using the technique of dramatic compression) often portray this woman as Mary Magdalene, but again, the text gives no indication of that at all, and in fact, Mary Magdalene is mentioned two verses later in Luke 8:2, with no awareness that its the same person. Moreover, John 11:1-2 actually identifies the repentant woman as Mary, the sister of Lazarus, whom Jesus raised from the dead.

*

Sinner[s] appears 30 times in the Gospels , and never once does it refer to a believer or disciple of Jesus. Paul contrasts sinners with believers in Romans 5:8, 19. In one exception in the epistles, Paul says of himself, I am the foremost of sinners (1 Tim 1:15), but this is in the immediate context of a description of his past behavior: I formerly blasphemed and persecuted and insulted him; but I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief (1 Tim 1:13). So Melanchthon is simply wrong. This woman was not yet a believer / disciple of Jesus.

*

God gave her grace and faith enough to repent and perform an extraordinary act of love towards Jesus, and then her sins were forgiven  present tense: are forgiven: 7:47-48  and she became a believer. Jesus expressly said that it was her faith and love that saved her; not faith alone. Melanchthon chose to simply disbelieve one thing that Jesus said and embrace the other. Oh how many errors our theology will contain if that is our method of Bible interpretation: picking and choosing which sayings of Jesus we will accept and which we will reject! Remember what Martin Luther wrote: No better book has been written after the Holy Scriptures than Philips. Forgive me if I am underwhelmed and unimpressed.

*

Eternal life is a reward because it brings blessings even if it is given for another reason, namely for the sake of Christ. Just as an inheritance is a reward for a son, even if it comes to him for another reason. This reply is brief and simple and it satisfies the objection of our adversaries who are exaggerating the word reward out of all proportion and are drawing some ridiculous conclusions from it, such as placing works and reward either in the realm of the marketplace, or making the price and the reward equal. Thus they come up with the notion of equalizing our obedience with our eternal life, and speak of the obedience of the merit of our worthiness (meritum de condigno); they imagine that men can satisfy the Law and they mix it all up with works of supererogation. And in regard to faith which does not look to our worthiness but to the Mediator and which receives the remission of sins and the inheritance of eternal life for the sake of Christof this they say nothing. (pp. 114-115)

*

More caricatures of Catholic teaching, and no documentation of what it actually is . . . What else is new in classic Protestant polemics? Melanchthon calls ridiculous the notion that eternal reward has some relation to our works. Thats highly interesting, since Jesus Himself expressly taught this:

Matthew 16:27 For the Son of man is to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay every man for what he has done. * Matthew 19:29 And every one who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my names sake, will receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life. (cf. Mk 10:29-30; Lk 18:26-30) * Matthew 25:34-35 Then the King will say to those at his right hand, Come, O blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; [35] for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, . . .

Luke 6:35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the selfish. Luke 14:13-14 But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind, [14] and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. You will be repaid at the resurrection of the just.

full reward  (2 Jn 1:8). St. Paul certainly is doing so: See many more similar biblical proofs from Jesus, Paul, and others. St. John is arguably referring to heaven, too, when he writes, Look to yourselves, that you may not lose what you have worked for, but may win a (2 Jn 1:8). St. Paul certainly is doing so:

Colossians 3:23-25 Whatever your task, work heartily, as serving the Lord and not men, [24] knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward ; you are serving the Lord Christ. [25] For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality.

Our good works do not merit . . . the inheritance of eternal life, . . . (p. 115)

*

Really? Why dont we look to see what the Bible actually teaches about works of faith, enabled by grace, being involved as causes of eternal life:

Matthew 7:18-21, 24 A sound tree cannot bear evil fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. [19] Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. [20] Thus you will know them by their fruits. [21] Not every one who says to me, `Lord, Lord, shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.. . . [24] Every one then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house upon the rock * Matthew 25:34-35, 41-43. 46 Then the King will say to those at his right hand, Come, O blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; [35] for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, . . . [41] Then he will say to those at his left hand, `Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; [42] for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, [43] I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me. . . . [46] And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.

* Luke 3:9 (+ Mt 3:10; 7:19) . . . every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. * John 5:28-29 . . . all who are in the tombs will hear his voice [29] and come forth, those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of judgment. * Romans 2:6-10 For he will render to every man according to his works: [7] to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; [8] but for those who are factious and do not obey the truth, but obey wickedness, there will be wrath and fury. [9] There will be tribulation and distress for every human being who does evil, the Jew first and also the Greek, [10] but glory and honor and peace for every one who does good, the Jew first and also the Greek. * Romans 6:22 But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the return you get is sanctification and its end, eternal life. * 2 Thessalonians 1:8 inflicting vengeance upon those who do not know God and upon those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. * 1 Timothy 6:18-19 They are to do good, to be rich in good deeds, liberal and generous, [19] thus laying up for themselves a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of the life which is life indeed. * Hebrews 5:9 and being made perfect he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him, * James 2:14 What does it profit, my brethren, if a man says he has faith but has not works? Can his faith save him? * Revelation 2:5 Remember then from what you have fallen, repent and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. * Revelation 20:12-13 . . . And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, by what they had done. [13] . . . and all were judged by what they had done.
By Aditya Kalra

(Reuters) -Indian education technology company Byju's' auditor BDO Global has resigned after the startup did not provide documents requested following the start of insolvency proceedings, Byju's said on Saturday.

Byju's is fighting several battles including the insolvency proceedings and a $1 billion claim from U.S.-based Glas Trust.

BDO was appointed auditor earlier this year after Byju's' former auditor, Deloitte, left the company, citing several issues with the company's financial reporting.

The auditor said in a letter to the company dated Tuesday that despite "inordinate" delays in filing its financials for the year ended March 2023, management had provided inadequate support to complete the audit.

"We have reasons to believe that the management of the company lacks transparency with respect to providing full information to the auditor for their consideration and evaluation," BDO wrote in the letter, seen by Reuters.

Byju's defended its inability to provide the documents, saying in a statement that BDO had requested the materials from the firm's board, which has been suspended due to the insolvency proceedings. The letter should have been addressed to the insolvency professional in control of the firm at the time, the edtech firm said.

BDO in its email to the board said it had sought a detailed forensic review of transactions involving a Dubai-based subsidiary.

The auditor, in a statement to Reuters, said that it performed auditing procedures in accordance with the applicable standards and legal requirements, adding that its resignation letter is self-explanatory.

In its statement, Byju's called for a forensic audit of BDO's resignation by the insolvency professional, who was appointed by an Indian court.

Backed by General Atlantic, Byju's was valued at $22 billion in 2022, but it has seen its fortunes plummet due to many regulatory issues and more recently a dispute with U.S. banks demanding $1 billion in unpaid dues, triggering the company's insolvency, which led to an assets freeze.

(Reporting by Kanjyik Ghosh and Aditya Kalra, Jayshree P Upadhyay; additional reporting by Gursimran Kaur Editing by William Mallard)
The Chief Executive Officer of Mobile Money Limited (MTN MoMo), Shiabu Haruna, has highlighted a significant factor contributing to the rise in fraud.



According to him, some customers ask third parties to conduct mobile money transactions on their behalf, which exposes their PIN codes.



He explained that this practice allows unauthorised individuals to make transactions, potentially depleting account balances without the owners knowledge, leading to financial losses due to fraudulent activities.



We are actively addressing MoMo fraud issues and will continue to invest in solutions. Fraud is tackled from multiple angles. Theres a preventative side that employs technology and AI to avoid incidents preemptively, he stated.



Mr. Haruna emphasised the importance of customer vigilance, Customers must be alert and report any incidents of fraud. Most importantly, avoid exposing your PIN and asking others to complete transactions for you. These are key areas of vulnerability.



Customers are the first and last line of defense against fraud, he reiterated, urging them to secure their PINs and report any suspicious communications from third parties.



Mr. Shiabu Haruna made these remarks at MTN Ghanas Stakeholder Forum on Trust and Technology in Service Delivery in Accra.



He underscored the vital role of trust in customer relationships, stating, We are committed to enhancing the trust equity of our customers by ensuring the integrity, reliability, and responsiveness of our services.



He also stressed the need for effective mechanisms to address customer grievances promptly.



The discussions at the forum highlighted a collective commitment among industry players to collaborate on developing better solutions for customer service challenges.



We are dedicated to investing in this journey, he added.



Additionally, Mr. Haruna mentioned plans to enhance customer education to encourage greater utilization of available services, saying, the introduction of the My MoMo app aims to deepen digital inclusion by allowing customers to self-serve and easily access various services.

Source: dailyguidenetwork.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
As we stand on the cusp of a new era in technology and societal change, the future of insurance is more dynamic and complex than ever. Gazing into the crystal ball reveals a landscape where innovation and adaptation redefine the industry. Here's a forward-looking exploration of what the future might hold for insurance.



Hyper-Personalisation Through AI and Data Analytics: The days of one-size-fits-all policies will soon be outmoded. The future of insurance will see a significant shift towards hyper-personalisation, driven by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics. AI can analyse vast amounts of data to create highly customised policies. Insurers will harness vast amounts of data from driving habits to lifestyle choices to tailored policies with unprecedented precision. Imagine a world where your insurance premium adjusts in real-time based on your health metrics or driving behaviour, providing a customised experience. Lemonade, an Insurtech startup, uses AI to process claims and offer personalised insurance policies. Their AI-driven platform allows for rapid underwriting and claims processing, exemplifying how AI can tailor insurance offerings to individual needs with remarkable precision.



Blockchain for boosted transparency and Efficiency: Blockchain technology is poised to revolutionise the insurance industry by enhancing transparency, security, and efficiency. Smart contracts powered by blockchain could automate claims processing and reduce fraud. By creating immutable records of transactions, blockchain can ensure that all parties involved have access to the same information, fostering trust and reducing disputes. Blockchain technology will revolutionise the insurance industry by offering enhanced transparency and efficiency. Smart contracts on blockchain can automate and streamline claims processing. Etherisc, a blockchain insurance startup, is developing parametric insurance products for natural disasters, where claims are automatically triggered based on predefined parameters. This approach reduces administrative costs and minimises fraud by ensuring transparent transactions.



The upsurge of Parametric Insurance: Parametric insurance is set to become a more common feature in the future landscape. Unlike traditional insurance, which relies on detailed claims processes, parametric insurance pays out automatically based on predefined parameters. If a natural disaster hits, a policy might trigger an automatic payout once certain criteria (like wind speed or rainfall levels) are met. This approach simplifies the claims process and speeds up financial relief for policyholders. For instance, Flock Insurance in London uses parametric models to offer drone insurance. Claims are processed automatically if a predefined risk threshold is met, such as weather conditions or equipment malfunction.



Digital Transformation and Customer Experience: The digital revolution will continue redesigning customer expectations and experiences in the insurance industry. Expect more intuitive, user-friendly interfaces for managing policies, filing claims, and receiving support. Virtual assistants and chatbots will become standard, providing round-the-clock assistance and streamlining interactions. Companies like Root Insurance in the United States are at the forefront of this shift, offering a mobile-first experience where users can manage policies, file claims, and receive support entirely through an app. This digital approach simplifies interactions and provides a more seamless experience for tech-savvy consumers. It is worth noting that the digital transformation agenda is rising in Ghana, with several insurance companies leading the way. The Hollard Purple app offers end-to-end policy management, Enterprise Advantage App, and My Super Star App, to mention a few.



Integration with the Internet of Things (IoT): The Internet of Things (IoT) will further refine insurance offerings by integrating real-time data from connected devices. Home insurance policies could adjust based on data from smart home devices that monitor for fire, flooding, or break-ins. Similarly, health insurance could leverage data from wearable devices to offer personalised wellness plans and detect potential health issues before they become serious. For example, Metromile, a pay-per-mile car insurance provider in the United States, uses telematics devices to monitor driving habits. This data allows for personalised pricing based on actual mileage and driving behaviour, reflecting a more accurate risk assessment and offering potential savings for low-mileage drivers. The Easy As Taking A Picture (ETAP) app is another worthy example of the application of intelligent technologies in Africa. Coming soon into Ghana, this app rewards safe driving behaviours by carefully collecting and analysing data using telematics. ETAP offers instant coverage, crash notification, emergency support, seamless claims processing, and more.



Insurtech Disruption: Insurtech startups drive innovation in the insurance sector, pushing traditional insurers to rethink their approaches. These startups are developing new technologies, business models, and customer experiences that challenge established norms. The future will see increased collaboration between traditional insurers and Insurtech, fostering a more dynamic and competitive industry. Companies like Hubtel, Npontu, Redpear, and Sasai are leading these collaborative platforms for insurance companies in Ghana to increase their reach and tap into the uninsured markets and the informal sectors of the Ghanaian economy. By focusing on technology and customer-centric solutions, Insurtech is pushing the barriers of traditional insurance markets and challenging established insurers to innovate and adapt.



Sustainability and ESG: As the impacts of climate change become more pronounced, Insurers are increasingly focusing on sustainability, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) factors. This includes investing in renewable energy projects, launching ESG-focused products and incorporating ESG factors into underwriting and investment decisions. Climate change will push insurers to incorporate more sophisticated risk assessment tools to evaluate environmental risks. Insurers also play a crucial role in promoting sustainability by offering incentives for eco-friendly practices and investments in green technologies. Swiss Re's "Climate Resilience" platform uses advanced analytics to evaluate the impact of climate change on insurance portfolios, helping insurers adjust coverage and pricing to reflect new environmental realities.



On-Demand and Usage-Based Coverage: The future may bring innovative insurance coverage models. On-demand insurance, where coverage is activated only when needed (such as for a specific event or period), will likely gain traction. Additionally, usage-based insurance could become more prevalent, particularly in sectors like auto insurance, where coverage is based on actual usage patterns rather than static factors. Trov insurance startup, based in the United States, offers on-demand coverage for personal items like electronics and camera equipment. Users can activate or deactivate coverage via an app, paying only for the time the items are covered, which reflects a growing demand for flexible, usage-based insurance solutions.



Vehicle Electrification: The future of electric cars and insurance is rapidly changing due to technological advancement and shifting customer needs. Electric Vehicles (EVs) will introduce changes to insurance, including rates, coverage, pricing, and claims handling, to mention a few. EVs will be an enabling platform for autonomous driving and connectivity, with more potential for disruption coming from their direct-to-consumer sales model.



Micro and SME Insurance in Focus: The future of micro and SME insurance is rapidly changing because of shifting customer needs and digital transformation. Insurers are adopting a more customer-centric approach to meet the unique needs of SME customers. SME's and micro-based customers constantly seek simple yet affordable comprehensive bundled products that meet their changing needs and expectations. Insurers seek partnerships with telcos, fintech, insurtechs, banks, market associations, trade unions, etc. Indeed, the future is inclusive insurance.



Ethical and Privacy Considerations: As data collection and analysis become more integral to insurance, ethical and privacy considerations will be paramount. Balancing personalised service with data protection will be a critical challenge. Insurers must navigate regulatory landscapes and build robust systems to safeguard customer information while delivering value. Future developments will require privacy protections and transparent data practices to address consumer concerns and comply with evolving regulations. Regulation requirements would become more stringent as the world pushes for compliance with General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR).



Impact of rising cyber security concerns on Insurance: Cyber security continues to pose significant threats to individuals and businesses across the globe. Cyber threats have become increasingly disruptive and incessant than a decade ago. This risk is ranked 4th by the World Economic Forum in the 2024 Global Risk Report over the next 2-year period. This emerging risk would drive new products to help individuals and businesses better protect their technology resources and respond when cyber-attacks them. The impact on claims arising from business interruptions can be more devastating than most traditional property insurance risks because of the potential to disrupt global services and networks. Just imagine the impact and cost of the recent CrowdStrike cyber interruptions a few weeks ago. That single cyber event resulted in multi-dimensional insurance claims with far-reaching implications.



Evolving Regulatory Landscapes: Insurance regulation will continue to evolve in response to technological advancements and new risks. Regulators will face the challenge of keeping pace with rapid changes while ensuring consumer protection and market stability. For instance, Ghana's National Insurance Commission (NIC) introduced a regulatory sandbox to promote innovation. It allows insurance firms, Insurtech's and fintech's to test new products and services in a controlled environment. The International Association of Insurance Supervisors (IAIS) is working on guidelines to address emerging technologies and their impact on the insurance sector. In the future, there may be more global harmonisation of insurance regulations, facilitating cross-border operations and consumer protection.



In Conclusion, the insurance industry stands on the verge of profound transformation. The future promises to be exciting but challenging, from AI-driven personalisation and blockchain innovations to new coverage models and evolving regulations. By embracing these changes and proactively addressing emerging issues, insurers can navigate the complexities of tomorrow's landscape and continue to provide value in an increasingly digital and data-driven world.



Looking through the crystal ball, it's clear that the future of insurance will be defined by adaptability, innovation, and a commitment to meeting the evolving needs of consumers in an ever-changing world.**Reference: ** Swiss Res Approach to Climate Risk, Swiss Re Institute, 2023.



Reference: How Insurtech is Disrupting the Insurance Industry, TechCrunch, 2023.





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
Three suspects have been arrested by the police in connection with alleged murder of a Chinese, at Watereso in the Amansie South District of the Ashanti Region.



The suspects believed to be illegal gold miners (galamseyers), were identified as Abdullah Mohammed, 45, Kwadwo Mensah 32, and Robert Agyei, 29.



They were supposed to be workers of the Chinese, Yao Xian, 52, a miner.



According to a police source, Xian was shot in the chest by some unknown assailants while riding a motorcycle at 11:00 am at Manso Watreso.



The source said the Chinese clad in a club, t-shirt over black trousers, was found in a nearby bush on the Watreso Motor road with a deep hole in the chest suspected to have been sustained from a gunshot.



It said searches were conducted in the respective rooms of the suspects and one pump action gun (ASAR 2883 2014) with seven rounds of live AA ammunition was found in Robert Agyeis room.



According to the source, Agyei, told the police that the gun had not been fired before, but inspection and examination of the gun proved otherwise.



The source said that some of the suspects were on the run, but they did not take away any valuable from the Chinese.

Source: Ghanaian Times









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 Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has called for an end to partisan politics in the countrys educational institutions.



Consequently, he has challenged academia to wean itself from gross partisanship and cultivate a culture of rigorous objectivity.



This should allow the university as a collective responsibility to establish the right mechanism for rigorous continuous evaluation of performance of national institutions and help inject some efficiency into the system, he stated.



Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, made the call after receiving an honorary Doctor of Laws Degree (LLD Honaris Causa) from the University of Cape Coast (UCC) yesterday.



The award was in recognition of his contribution not only to his area of jurisdiction but other regions that had resulted in a number of transformations to the cause of humanity in diverse areas.



In a citation, the university acknowledged the Asantehene for his meritorious and distinguished service to the nation, particularly his commitment to promoting unity and development in Asanteman and other regions as well as his significant contribution to humanity in the area of water and sanitation, health, education, entrepreneurship, culture and heritage.



Purveyor of traditional jurisprudence, advocate of rule of law, promoter of peace and stability, and generational thinker, entrepreneur, guardian of culture and heritage, statesman, distinguished traditional leader and a role model, the citation stated.



Otumfuo Osei Tutu II noted that, the weaning of academia from gross partisanship, would help the country inspire a new era in which the achievement of measurable national things take precedence over the pursuit of personal gains.



He indicated that one reason the role of academia had been downplayed was that, abrasive political division had permeated campuses.



We have turned them into battle ground for partisan combat instead of having it for reviving and dispensing knowledge, he said.



The Asantehene called for a special relationship between academia and state, saying You are the teachers who are preparing and mentoring the men and women who are taking control of our lives as political leaders, judges, economists, bankers, and military officers among others.



As teachers, you are like parents who should have a lifetime interest in the performance of their students as their success inspires you, so their failures should burden you. We can begin fashioning a new relationship between state and academia that engages the experts of academia in the process of policy formation, he said.



He noted that, it would be beneficial for the country to create a unique quadrangle involving professors from the academia, business leaders, traditional leaders and government that would address the seemingly protractible governance of the economy.



That, he indicated, would be the beginning of a continuous collaboration between academia, the state and captains of industries in finding solutions to the many of the countrys problems.



He said with the combined natural resource and human resources available and the heritage at the nations disposal, the country cannot afford to fail, saying we will only fail if we want to and I dont believe that there is any Ghanaian who contemplates failure anytime.



Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, therefore, called on Ghanaians not to give heed to any doctrine of despair but work towards a new era for the nation.







Source: Ghanaian Times









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 Majority Leader, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, has called for the depoliticisation of the fight against illegal mining popularly known as galamsey.



I am saddened by what is happening. It is very sad. As a country, we have to know when to do partisan politics and when to act in the national interest, he said on the floor of Parliament in Accra on Tuesday, September 3, 2024.



Mr. Afenyo-Markin was responding to concerns of his colleagues on recent reports of illegal mining when he presented the business statement to the House for the two-day extraordinary session which ended on Wednesday.



The concerns of the MPs stem from the Ghana Water Limited (GWL)s attribution of water crisis in the Central Region to galamsey which has left the Pra River heavily polluted.



About 60 per cent of the catchment capacity is silted as a result of galamsey, compromising the quality of raw water. We are currently recording an average turbidity of 14,000 NTU instead of 2000 NTU designed for adequate treatment, the GWL said in a statement on August 30, 2024.



Warning that the country was headed for a national water crisis in the nearest future, the Majority Leader said the politicisation of the fight against the menace which has seen water bodies polluted, fertile lands degraded and forests depleted, would only exacerbate the current situation.



It may not even be up to three years for Ghana to start importing water, Mr Afenyo-Markin, a former Board Chairman of the GWL, warned.



A national approach, he said, was needed to nib the situation in the bud and avoid the unpleasant situation of importing water or relying on seawater for drinking and other domestic chores.



I am happy that today we are talking about it on the floor of parliament and we must not have it on partisan lines. When the effects of galamsey are taking its toll, it will not identify who is NDC or NPP. I will want to urge all of us to pursue this matter (with a national approach). We (should not continue) to play politics with this, he appealed.



Mr. Afenyo-Markin said the political class must show leadership and lead the nation in finding lasting solutions rather than being divided to take undue political advantage of the situation.



We appear as politicians when its national issues, we pretend we dont know. Let us get more serious as a political class and ensure our relevance. This is a serious matter."



As a House, we should all take this up seriously because whatever it is, it will be a cost on the national purse, he said.



Should the menace continue and the country is hit with the dreaded reality of a water shortage, he said the country would be left with no choice but to fall on the desalination of seawater for consumption; a cost the state cant bear.



He wondered how that would be sustainable as the country is unable to fund the operations of the Teshie desalination water project which serves less than half a million people.



It is a serious matter, Mr Speaker. Are we now going to process seawater to drink? It is very expensive and will cost the nation, he stated.







Source: The Ghanaian Times









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
Governance Analyst and Development Expert, Dr. Benjamin Otchere Ankrah has questioned the loud silence of Organised labour, on the discussions pertaining to the devastating impact of illegal mining activities on rivers and other water bodies.



The conversation on illegal mining has resurfaced following the Ghana Water Company Limited announced that it is unable to get raw water to process for consumers in Cape Coast, Elmina and its environs due to the activities of illegal mining.



Ghana Water Company Limited has raised concerns over the relentless illegal mining activities in the Pra River, which are severely disrupting their operations.



Already, there have been reports of water shortages in parts of Cape Coast and its surroundings due to the inability of the water company to treat and pump the required litres to be supplied to customers.



On Peace FMs 'Kokrokoo' morning show on Thursday, September 5, 2024, Dr. Otchere Ankrah said, Who else should we entrust with the mandate to fight illegal mining apart from the President. The President should just act. As said by the Speaker of Parliament, we are unable to crack the whip because we are sponsored by galamseyers. Let us remember that if everyone in the country should perish as a result of the illegal mining, then who would you come to govern as President and Parliamentarian?"



Dr. Ankrah stated that governance in its purest state is to galvanise resources in terms of quality and quantity to solve societal problems.



If we cant solve galamsey, what else can we solve then? he quizzed.



Galamsey sites are full of arms and this is scary. The question therefore, is, where did they get all these arms from?"



He further lamented over the impudence that people have to transport excavators from the port which is driven through police checkpoints and barriers straight to the forest for galamsey activities yet the chiefs and state protocols turn a blind eye to the activities of galamseyers thereby urging them on to commit more atrocities to nature which adversely affects the health of the consumers of products infested with galamsey chemicals.



An excavator is not a pen drive that you could hide in your pocket without anyone seeing it. I will be glad to hear from the Trades Union Congress (TUC), Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), and National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) and all Organised Labour that they are demonstrating against the menace of illegal mining. Why are they all very quiet? This is our life! Dr. Ankrah vented.



Watch video below





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
Ghana's premium tech expect and the Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the renowned PREBBiE Group, Kafui Prebbie has been honoured for his remarkable impact in the technological sector and administrative excellence at the just-ended 8th edition of the Corporate Ghana Hall of Fame Awards, 2024 held at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra on August 30th, 2024.



Kafui's recent award signifies all the hard work he has exhibited over the past decade and also for being a highly respected personality advocating for best business practices in the industry.



His stunning leadership qualities and exceptional dedication to providing quality tech services automatically usher him as part of the "Corporate Ghana Hall of Fame" which is the topmost connective Corporate network platform in Ghana.



The iconic initiative is an executive association that embodies top CEOs and Chairmen, a platform on which members can more easily reach out for assistance in a required field without incurring costs.



Speaking to the media after receiving the all-important trophy, Kafui Prebbie said, the award is a testament to the team's dedication to excellence in every aspect of their operations.



According to her, this reflects his commitment to delivering the highest standards of quality customer satisfaction and setting benchmarks for others to follow.



"I see the trophy as a great privilege for such a wonderful milestone at this highest level. We started from a humble beginning but now we are so overwhelmed with this great achievement over the years. I dedicate this to my family, the Board of Directors at Prebbie Group and my cherished clients across the world for believing in us", he stated.



PREBBiE Group is positioning itself as a leader in the technological industry with credibility and reputation in the market.



ABOUT KAFUI PREBBIE (GROUP CEO, PREBBIE GROUP)



Kafui Prebbie, MBI has over 20 years of continuous professional experience in management, consulting, education, and project management. He studied Management at the Harvard Business School and completed with specialisations in Management Excellence & Digital Transformation.



As an Impact Entrepreneur, Kafui founded the PREBBiE GROUP with the maiden company established as TECHAiDE in 2011  to unleash human potential and develop capacity through technology, especially in rural Africa.



Having worked in the international development space managing various projects with effective project management principles, Kafui also founded IMPLEMENTERS, a social project management organisation in 2013.



Through his passion for properties, he started PREBBiE Properties in 2020. With his trusted international networks, he partnered with Field of Homes, USA to start SHELBBiE Homes and develop modern living spaces in Africa.



Kafui aims at paying-forward the many years of opportunities and experiences that hes received to the youth, especially orphans and the needy and thus lead the formation of the Kafui Prebbie Foundation.





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
Rev. Professor Paul Frimpong-Manso, a former President of the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC), has expressed serious concern regarding the rapid growth of illegal mining activities in Ghana, which has had a devastating effect, according to a myjoyonline.com report.



He cautioned that if not tackled immediately, galamsey has the potential of becoming a threat to the nation.



"We are sitting on a time bomb. It is a disaster. We are committing national genocide, not only against ourselves but against generations yet unborn," he said.



He made this statement on JoyNews' Upfront on September 5, 2024.



Prof. Frimpong Manso condemned both the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for failing to tackle illegal mining.



"If Otumfuo could recently sack three chiefs, if two journalists can arrest some people and bring them to justice, if a king in the Eastern Region can order bulldozers to be burned, what about those who control the police, the Mining Commission, the Minister, the District Chief Executives (DCEs), and the rest?" he questioned.



He emphasized total institutional failure, arguing that words alone cannot solve the issue unless action is taken.



"As for the Church leaders, please, we are the conscience of the nation. We must either keep quiet and sink together with the populace... So, to my fellow church leaders, we must preach the truth. People may hate us, fight us, or not understand us, but that is what Desmond Tutu and others did to liberate South Africa from apartheid," he said.



Prof. Frimpong Manso said that illegal mining has become increasingly harmful and advised church leaders to go beyond preaching the gospel and turning a deaf ear to the issue at hand.



"Our nation is being destroyed. We are heading toward national doom, and it's better late than never. I hope that by this coming Sunday, church leaders will wear red bands, go out, and demonstrate - even if it is to the Jubilee House or elsewhere," he said.







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
The Majority Chief Whip and Member of Parliament for Nsawam-Adoagyiri constituency, Frank Annoh Dompreh, has been heavily criticised by Prof Kofi Agyekum, Professor of Linguistics at the University of Ghana, Legon, and the host of Peace FMs 'Kokrokoo' Morning Show, Kwami Sefa Kayi, over his comments on the floor of Parliament asserting that the NDC has destroyed more rivers than the NPP with galamsey activities.



The issue of illegal mining, popularly referred to as galamsey, ignited a fierce debate in Parliament on Tuesday, September 3, 2024. There were exchanges between members of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).



During the Parliamentary proceedings, the majority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh Dompreh asserted that the NDC had caused more damages to the water bodies, and by extension, the environment, through galamsey activities than the NPP.



During the altercation in Parliament, Frank Annoh Dompreh said, If we are to look and investigate both sides of the house (NDC and NPP), I can tell you that the NDC polluted the water more than us. So lets get matters straight.



Frank Annoh Domprehs comment has received a lot of backlash from Ghanaians with members of the opposition calling for his resignation.



In a panel discussion on Thursday, September 5, 2024, on Peace FMs 'Kokrokoo' morning show, Prof Kofi Agyekum said, Why has Parliament turned discussion on galamsey into a league? What would have happened if you didnt make the statement you made? This statement should have been made by one of the backbenchers in Parliament and he or she will be forgiven, but not a whole majority Chief Whip of Your calibre. Once you make a statement of this sort, then we are doomed. What your statement presupposes is that, the fight against galamsey can never be won. This is not how to talk.





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
Beijing appears to be carefully weighing plans to tow a Philippine vessel it says is "illegally" deployed at a disputed atoll that has become a new flashpoint in the South China Sea.

However, observers warned that any miscalculation could trigger armed conflict that would invoke a mutual treaty drawing in the US.

Two Chinese navy tug boats - Nantuo 175 and 185 - were among the Chinese vessels surrounding the BRP Teresa Magbanua, a 2,600-tonne Philippine coastguard ship involved in collisions with Chinese vessels last Saturday, according to a photo posted by Philippine Coast Guard spokesman Jay Tarriela on social media platform X, formerly Twitter.

Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge, our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team.

While the photo is believed to have been taken before the collision, the presence of Chinese tug boats raised speculation about whether Beijing might try to drive the Philippine vessel out of Sabina Shoal - a disputed atoll known as Xianbin Jiao in China and Escoda Shoal in the Philippines.

China has repeatedly urged the Philippines to remove the Teresa Magbanua. Beijing worries Manila might establish a permanent presence at Sabina Shoal as it did on Second Thomas Shoal, another contested reef known as Renai Jiao in China and Ayungin Shoal in the Philippines.

In 1999, Manila grounded the BRP Sierra Madre, a World War II-era warship, on Second Thomas Shoal, turning it into a military outpost.

Hu Bo, director of South China Sea Strategic Situation Probing Initiative (SCSPI), a Beijing-based think tank, said towing the Teresa Magbanua was "one of the options".

"The ship at Sabina Shoal can of course be pulled away, but whether it should be towed or not depends on how the situation develops," Hu said. "The best way out is that the ship leaves on its own."

"But if the Philippines escalates its provocation, I don't think we can rule out further actions by China," he added.

Ray Powell, a former US Air Force official, said the presence of the two Chinese tugboats "may indicate a willingness by Beijing to attempt to push or tow" the Teresa Magbanua out of Sabina Shoal.

But he said any further action by Beijing should be considered carefully to avoid the risk of drawing in the US, which is obliged under a mutual defence treaty to help defend Manila in major conflicts, including in the South China Sea.

Story continues

"A direct armed attack on the ship would certainly invoke the treaty, but China may calculate that they have already created a permission structure for lesser aggressions."

Chen Xiangmiao, an associate research fellow at the National Institute for South China Sea Studies, a think tank in the southern Chinese province of Hainan, said it would not be easy for Beijing to remove the Philippine ship by force.

Risks of armed conflict would be high if Beijing forcibly towed the Teresa Magbanua, one of the largest and the most advanced Philippine coastguard ships, he said.

"It will be a headache to Beijing if there are any casualties," he said. "That's why China has not taken further actions - to avoid escalation in tensions."

Hu said if Beijing moved to tow the Philippine vessel, "frictions would definitely escalate, but it won't necessarily be an armed conflict".

The BRP Teresa Magbanua is seen surrounded by Chinese vessels near Sabina Shoal on August 31 in a photo released by the Philippine Coast Guard. Photo. Philippine Coast Guard alt=The BRP Teresa Magbanua is seen surrounded by Chinese vessels near Sabina Shoal on August 31 in a photo released by the Philippine Coast Guard. Photo. Philippine Coast Guard>

Sitting in the east of the Spratly Islands, or Nansha Islands in Chinese, Sabina Shoal is closer to the coast of Palawan, the nearest Philippine province, than Second Thomas Shoal. The atoll has been a meeting point for Philippine resupply missions to Second Thomas Shoal.

Tensions heated up earlier this year after Manila accused Beijing of attempting to reclaim land at Sabina Shoal. It sent the Teresa Magbanua to the area in April.

Confrontations escalated in July after Manila accused Beijing of trying to "intimidate" its forces, including by deploying its largest coastguard vessel, the 12,000-tonne CCG-5901, near Sabina Shoal. Beijing denied the accusation and said Manila was "vilifying" China and trying to "mislead the international community".

In August alone, the coastguards of the two countries engaged in multiple - and sometimes violent - maritime and air confrontations near Sabina Shoal.

Beijing has also repeatedly blocked resupply missions to the Teresa Magbanua - apparently in the hope that time would tip the scales in its favour as the Philippine ship is eventually forced to leave to replenish supplies.

Chen, in Hainan, said that without enough supplies and fuel, the Teresa Magbanua was unlikely to be able to sustain its presence at sea.

"Drones or helicopters are limited in capacity when being used to resupply such a big ship that has been away from port for a long time and needs repair."

Following last week's collision, the Philippine Coast Guard said the Teresa Magbanua had sustained damage, including a 90cm (35-inch) dent near its flight deck and a hull breach measuring 1.5 (4.9 feet) metres wide at the stern.

Powell noted that while Beijing has drawn parallels between Sabina Shoal and Second Thomas Shoal, where the Philippine warship was run aground 25 years ago, the situation probably reminded Manila of another South China Sea feature, Scarborough Shoal, which it lost control of in a 2012 stand-off with China.

"For the Philippines, the analogy is less about Second Thomas Shoal than about Scarborough Shoal," said Powell, who is now the director of SeaLight, a project at the Gordian Knot Centre for National Security Innovation at Stanford University, which monitors maritime activities in the South China Sea.

"Given the number of ships that China has flooded into Sabina Shoal, it has become clear to Manila that it needs to maintain a Philippine presence there or lose effective control of a maritime feature located just 70 nautical miles from its coastline," he said.

After losing control of the Scarborough Shoal, Manila took Beijing to an international tribunal in The Hague. In 2016, the tribunal backed Manila, rejecting Beijing's claims to the South China Sea - a ruling Beijing has dismissed.

Since last Saturday's collision, there have been renewed calls in the Philippines to accept a US offer to escort Manila's resupply missions to the disputed waters. Philippine military chief Romeo Brawner said earlier that the option would only be accepted if troops in the Second Thomas Shoal or Sabina Shoal were "on the verge of dying".

In an interview with a local radio station on Monday, Antonio Carpio, a retired associate justice in the Philippines, reiterated his call for the Philippine government to file another arbitration case against China.

"We bring it to the next level, not just a note verbale, not just a diplomatic protest, let's file a case," he said, according to Philippine news portal Inquirer.net.

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.
The running mate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has urged electorates not to be deceived by government projects springing up overnight across the country.



She said it has become the habit of the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government to initiate projects during elections in an attempt to deceive and arm-twist electorates for votes, and then abandon them later.



Addressing market women at the New Takoradi Market as part of her three-day campaign tour of the Western Region, she noted that the NPP government is also noted for digging holes with no purpose and the Takoradi township is no exception.



She said after cutting sod in 2020 to construct and redevelop the New Takoradi Market, the project has stalled.



"It didn't take the NDC many years to build the Kejetia market, the Kotokoraba market, and a host of others across the country. But look at the Takoradi market, it is four years now and there is nothing to show", she said.



Prof. Opoku-Agyemang further noted that the railway project started by the Mahama administration in Takoradi has also been abandoned.



She said the NDC has been faithful to the people of the Western Region, especially Takoradi, by promoting development across all sectors in the region, adding it is time for Takoradi voters to change their voting pattern by voting for the NDC.



Prof. Opoku-Agyemang said the incoming Mahama administration has a lot to offer

Ghanaians in terms of job creation through the 24-Hour Economy, the Big Push, and the National Apprenticeship programme.



She therefore urged the electorates to vote for the NDC in the upcoming December 7 general elections.







Source: Peacefmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
Okatakyie Prof. Amanfi VII, the paramount Chief of the Asebu Traditional Area in the Central Region, has commended the New Patriotic Party for presenting two competent candidates, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, on the partys 2024 presidential ticket.



He describing this ticket as an ideal ticket for Ghana.



According to the Chief, who is also a lecturer at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), both Dr. Bawumia and Dr. Opoku Prempeh are hardworking and results-oriented leaders with great passion for the development of this country.



He reposed confidence in the two leaders saying we all know the good works and laudable achievements of Dr. Bawumia as Vice President. We also know the good works of NAPO as Minister of State in this government. I have full confidence in them and can say without doubt that if Ghanaians repose their trust in these two great men, we will never regret.



The paramount Chief made these comments on Friday, September 6, 2024, when the NPP Vice Presidential Candidate, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, popularly known as NAPO, paid a courtesy call on him and his elders at his palace.



NAPO, who is on a campaign tour in the Central Region, was accompanied by Hon. Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, Hon. Stephen Asamoah Boateng, Chairman Danquah Smith Buttey, Hon. Egyapa Mercer and Henry Nana Boakye.



The NPP Vice Presidential Candidate visited the Assin North, Assin Central and Abura Asebu Kwamankese constituencies.



While touching on the projects undertaken by the NPP which include infrastructure projects and the partys flagship programme the Free SHS, NAPO assured the Chiefs and the constituents that the next NPP government led by Dr. Bawumia would ensure continuity and completion of all projects.



He called for massive support for Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and the partys parliamentary candidates compromising Charles Opoku for Assin North, Godfred Nti Anawu for Assin Central and Kobin Eric Nyanteh for Asebu Kwamankese.

Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
By RUSS BYNUM, The Associated Press

It was just the two of them, the teenager and his father, since an eviction a year earlier ended with the boys parents parting ways in a separation that fractured the entire family.

Thats what Colin Gray told a Georgia sheriffs investigator who came to his door in May 2023 asking whether an online threat to commit a school shooting had been posted by his son, Colt.

I dont know anything about him saying (expletive) like that, Gray told Jackson County sheriffs investigator Daniel Miller, according to a transcript of their interview obtained by The Associated Press. Im going to be mad as hell if he did, and then all the guns will go away.

Now both Colt, 14, and Colin Gray, 54, are charged in the killings of two students and two teachers Wednesday at Apalachee High School in Barrow County, outside Atlanta. Nine others were hurt, seven of them shot. The Grays appeared Friday for the first time in court, where their attorneys declined to immediately seek bail.

The teen is charged with murder, and his father is accused of second-degree murder for providing his son with a semiautomatic, AR 15-style rifle. Arrest warrants say the elder Gray did so knowing his son was a threat to himself and others.

A poster with images of victims Christian Angulo, top left, Richard Aspinwall, top right, Mason Schermerhorn, bottom left, and Cristina Irimie is displayed at a memorial outside Apalachee High School, Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, in Winder, Ga., following a shooting at the school earlier in the week. (Arvin Temkar/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP)AP

Jackson County authorities ended their inquiry into Colt Gray a year ago, concluding that there wasnt clear evidence to link him to a threat posted on Discord, a social media site popular with video gamers. The records from that investigation provide at least a narrow glimpse into a boy who struggled with his parents breakup and at the middle school he attended at the time, where his father said others frequently taunted him.

He gets flustered and under pressure. He doesnt really think straight, Colin Gray told the investigator on May 21, 2023, recalling a discussion hed had with the boys principal.

Shooting guns and hunting, he said, were frequent pastimes for father and son. Gray said he was encouraging the boy to be more active outdoors and spend less time playing video games on his Xbox.

When Colt Gray killed a deer months earlier, his father swelled with pride. He showed the investigator a photo on his cellphone, saying: You see him with blood on his cheeks from shooting his first deer.

It was just the greatest day ever, Colin Gray said.

This combo of booking images provided by the Barrow County, Ga., Sheriff's Office shows Colin Gray, left, and his son Colt Gray, who have been charged in relation to the Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024, shootings at Apalachee High School in Winder, Ga. (Barrow County Sheriff's Office via AP)AP

Theres no mention in the investigators report and interview transcript of either Gray owning an assault-style rifle. Asked if his son had access to firearms, the father said yes.

But he said the guns werent kept loaded and insisted he had emphasized safety when teaching the boy to shoot.

He knows the seriousness of weapons and what they can do, Gray said, and how to use them and not use them.

An eviction upended the Grays family in summer 2022.

On July 25 of that year, a sheriffs deputy was dispatched to the rental home on a suburban cul-de-sac where Colin Gray, his wife, Colt and the boys two younger siblings lived. A moving crew was piling their belongings in the yard.

The Jackson County deputy said in a report that the movers found guns and hunting bows in a closet in the master bedroom. They turned the weapons and ammunition over to the deputy for safekeeping, rather than leave them outside with the familys other possessions.

The deputy wrote that he left copies of receipt forms for the weapons on the front door so that Gray could pick them up later at the sheriffs office.

The reason for eviction is not mentioned in the report. Colin Gray told the investigator in 2023 that he had paid his rent.

It was following the eviction, he said, that his wife left him, taking the two younger siblings with her.

Colt Gray struggled at first with the separation and all, said the father, who worked a construction job.

Im the sole provider, doing high rises downtown, he told the investigator. Two days later, there was a follow-up interview with Colin Gray while he was at work. He said by phone: Im hanging off the top of a building. ... Ive got a big crane lift going, so its kind of noisy up here.

Middle school had also been rough for Colt Gray. He had just finished the seventh grade when Miller interviewed the father and son.

Colin Gray said the boy had just a few friends and frequently got picked on. Some students just ridiculed him day after day after day.

I dont want him to fight anybody, but they just keep like pinching him and touching him, Gray said. Words are one thing, but you start touching him and thats a whole different deal. And its just escalated to the point where like his finals were last week and that was the last thing on his mind.

The investigator also interviewed the boy, then 13, who was described in a report as quiet, calm and reserved.

He denied making any threats and said that months earlier hed stopped using the Discord platform, where the school threat was posted. He later told his father his account had been hacked.

The only thing I have is TikTok, but I just go on there and watch videos, the teen said.

A year before they would both end up charged in the high school shooting, Colin Gray insisted to the sheriffs investigator that his son wasnt the type to threaten violence.

Hes not a loner, Officer Miller. Dont get that, the father said, adding: He just wants to go to school, do his own thing and he doesnt want any trouble.
By Samuel Long, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (TNS)

He was born Michael Douglas and raised in Robinson, Pa., and it was a workable name as he started his acting career in Pittsburgh. With stints as a cab and ice cream truck driver to make ends meet in Steel City, he simultaneously tried to find his footing as a stand-up comedian.

But when he moved to Hollywood in the late 1970s, the actor couldnt register his birth name with the Screen Actors Guild  Michael Douglas was already taken by the actor who had early credits including 1979s The China Syndrome. Talk show host Mike Douglas had nabbed the shorter version of the name.

Actor Michael Douglas during the international film festival Cannes, southern France, Wednesday, May 17, 2023. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole, file)AP

A studio portrait of American television talk show host Mike Douglas circa 1972. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images, file)Getty Images

Thus Michael Keaton was born, grabbing his new name possibly from a phone book.

I was looking through  I cant remember if it was a phone book, Keaton said in a recent interview with People. I mustve gone, I dont know, let me think of something here. And I went, Oh, that sounds reasonable.

But, at age 72, the actor wants to use a combination of his birth and his stage names  Michael Keaton Douglas  on future professional projects.

Michael Keaton arrives at a screening of "Dopesick," Tuesday, June 14, 2022, at El Capitan Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP, file)Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP

He intended to make the switch on his most recent crime thriller, Knox Goes Away, which he directed. But, he told People, he forgot to complete the change amid movie-making pressures.

Following his breakthrough turn in the 1982 comedy Night Shift, directed by Ron Howard, Keatons stage name was solidified as he took on roles in marquee films, including as the title character in 1988s Beetlejuice and 1989s Batman, as Boston Globe investigative reporter Walter Robinson in 2015s Spotlight and as the main antagonist in 2017s Spiderman: Homecoming.

Director Tim Burtons Beetlejuice Beetlejuice sequel, released Friday, finds Keaton back in the familiar fright wig and makeup.

The accolades are many, including an Outstanding Lead Actor Emmy for 2021s Dopesick and Best Actor Oscar for 2014s Birdman

Keaton famously  at least to Pittsburghers  spotlighted his regional roots in his Golden Globes Best Actor acceptance speech for Birdman, nodding to where he grew up as well as his birth name.

My name is Michael John Douglas. Im from Forest Grove, Pennsylvania, he told the audience, referencing a childhood in which he grew up the youngest of seven brothers and sisters.

I dont ever remember a time when my father did not work two jobs. When my mother wasnt saying the rosary or going to Mass or trying to take care of seven kids in a rundown farmhouse, she was volunteering at the Ohio Valley Hospital, where I was born  in the hallway, Keaton said, smiling to encourage the crowd to laugh.
DETROIT - A 3-year-old is in critical condition after police say he shot himself in the face with an unsecured gun at his home.

The Detroit Police Department responded around 4:20 p.m. to a report of a child who had been shot on the 11400 block of St. Patrick Street.

The preliminary investigation found that the childs mother got home, put her gun on a dresser and within minutes the child had shot himself in the face, according to Detroit Police Chief James White.

The child was rushed to a hospital, where he is in critical condition but expected to survive.

White said Detroit Police will be looking into charging the childs mother under Michigans new safe storage law that requires people to lock up their firearms in the presence of minors. Since the law went into effect in February, a Flint man was the first to be charged after his 2-year-old daughter accidentally shot herself in the face with an unsecured firearm.

Under the law, prosecutors are required to prove a defendant left a gun they own unattended and unlocked when they knew a minor was present. It also requires prosecutors to show that because of negligence, a minor obtained a gun, fired it and inflicted serious bodily harm.

Weve charged under that new law and were going to continue to do that, White said. Weve got to give these kids a chance and things like this is just irresponsible gun ownership.

In June, a Detroit man was charged after his 6-year-old son shot himself with an unsecured gun.

The law has also been used in Newaygo County to charge the grandparents of a 5-year-old boy who was fatally shot by his 6-year-old cousin in April. At the end of August, the parents of 9-year-old boy in Warren were also charged under the safe storage law.

It takes a minute to secure it, but it takes a lifetime with what these children have to deal with if you dont secure it, White said.

More:

13-year-old who died in Cumberland County had been shot in head

Mother of 6-year-old who shot teacher in Virginia gets 2 years in prison for child neglect

Parents of western Pa. 4-year-old boy who shot himself in head are charged: DA
BOISE, Idaho  Defense attorneys for Bryan Kohberger will attempt to remove the possibility hed face the death penalty, a sentence prosecutors plan to pursue if a jury finds him guilty of murder in the deaths of four University of Idaho students in November 2022.

Kohbergers defense team met a court deadline Thursday to file challenges to the states planned pursuit of capital punishment. The defense submitted 13 filings, which posted publicly to a state courts website later in the day.

The documents included thousands of pages full of arguments and citations to precedents, and Kohbergers attorneys alleged that Idahos various laws regarding the death penalty are unconstitutionally vague.

Prosecutors issued their intent last year to seek the death penalty against the 29-year-old accused of killing the U of I students. Prosecutors may now submit their response to the defenses challenge by Oct. 10. A hearing on the death penalty issue is scheduled for Nov. 7.

Kohberger is charged with four counts of first-degree murder in the fatal stabbings of the college students at an off-campus home on King Road in Moscow. The victims were Ethan Chapin and Xana Kernodle, both 20, and Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves, both 21.

At the time, Kohberger was a graduate student at Washington State University in nearby Pullman, Washington, on the Idaho state line. He was arrested almost seven weeks later at his parents Pennsylvania home in December 2022 and brought to Idaho to face the charges.

To sentence Kohberger to death, jurors would need to unanimously find that there were aggravating factors, which include the occurrence of more than one killing at one time, under Idaho law. Idahos alternative sentence for first-degree murder is life in prison, which would mean the convicted defendant must serve at least 10 years before the chance of parole.

Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson, whos leading the prosecution of Kohberger, cited four aggravating factors in his decision to pursue the death penalty, including that the four victims deaths were especially heinous, atrocious, or cruel, manifesting exceptional depravity.

The defendant also exhibited utter disregard for human life, Thompson said, as well as a propensity to commit murder, which will probably constitute a continuing threat to society, Thompson wrote in a court filing.

Defense argues for change in sentencing phase of trial

In its flurry of motions, Kohbergers defense moved to strike that aggravating factor, citing the Eighth Amendments prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment, saying the Idaho Supreme Court cannot place a limiting construction on the statute.

A statutory aggravating factor is unconstitutionally vague if it fails to furnish principled guidance for the choice between death and a lesser penalty, the filing said.

Kohbergers defense also filed a motion to strike the heinous, atrocious, or cruel aggravator and the multiple victims aggravator.

This motion is made on the grounds that murders cannot be aggregated in a manner that makes the act of a malice aforethought murder aggravated, the filing to strike the multiple victims aggravator said.

In addition, the students stabbing deaths took place in the midst of another crime, which Idaho also defines as an aggravating factor in death penalty cases, Thompson previously wrote. Kohberger is charged with one count of felony burglary in addition to the murder counts.

Kohbergers defense asked the court to strike that as well, saying that murder cannot be predicated on a burglary predicated on murder.

In a filing to break up the proceedings into three parts, the defense said there should be separate culpability, eligibility and sentencing phases, rather than just two phases: culpability and penalty. To not break them up would violate Kohbergers constitutional rights, his attorneys said.

The defense said that because the state will attempt to produce substantial evidence for the aggravating factors, some of which may be considered nonstatutory  such as victim impact statements, hearsay and information about Kohbergers past  then the nonstatutory aggravation evidence should be presented during a separate hearing, after the jury considers the issue of whether the statutory aggravators apply.

When jurors are emotionally overwhelmed by extensive victim impact evidence, they are likely to use the evidence and their grief for the victims to the support statutory aggravators even though it is unrelated, the defense wrote in Thursdays documents.

In another filing, the defense asked that the prosecution be required to prove any nonstatutory aggravating fact or circumstance beyond a reasonable doubt to the unanimous satisfaction of the jury, before the jury can consider it as a reason to support a death sentence.

Kohberger appeared in court last week for a hearing over whether to move his capital murder trial out of Moscow on arguments from his attorneys that he cannot obtain a fair trial there. They have asked Judge to change the venue to Boise, which prosecutors oppose.

After the all-day hearing, Judge acknowledged the choice is probably the most difficult decision Ive ever had to make of his legal career. He said he would issue his ruling at a later time.

Earlier this summer, Judge scheduled Kohbergers trial to start in June 2025.
By EVELYNE MUSAMBI, The Associated Press

NAIROBI, Kenya (AP)  Officials began removing the bodies of children who burned to death in a school dormitory in central Kenya on Saturday as they tried to account for dozens of boys who are still missing.

Journalists were moved to wait outside the school compound as a team that included morticians from the Nyeri provincial hospital set up tables outside the dormitory on Saturday.

Eighteen boys aged between 10 and 14 are known to have died and 27 were hospitalized after the Thursday night fire at Hillside Endarasha Primary school, but 70 others are still unaccounted for.

Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura called for patience from members of the public as government agencies comb through the scene to ascertain the numbers of those who died and the cause of the fire.

Mwaura said that more than 20 children had been accounted for by Saturday afternoon but did not clarify if this number was an update from the previous number of accounted-for students that stood at 86 by Friday night. He added that the number of children who died still stands at 18 and that the process will take longer.

An ambulance drives inside the Hillside Endarasha Primary school following a fire incident in Nyeri, Kenya Friday, Sep. 6, 2024. (AP Photo)AP

These figures are still preliminary because the process is ongoing.  Its a DNA process that will take a number of days, he said.

The countrys president, William Ruto, on Friday declared three days of mourning. Police are still investigating the cause of the fire.

Anxious parents who had been waiting all day for news about their children were on Friday evening allowed to see what remained of the dormitory. Some parents broke down as they left the scene.

Kenya Red Cross personnel and relatives try to comfort a woman reacting near a burned-out dormitory, following a fire at the Hillside Endarasha Primary in Nyeri, Kenya Friday, Sep. 6, 2024. (AP Photo)AP

The government has urged school administrators to enforce boarding guidelines that require dormitories to be spacious, with three doors and no grills on the windows for easy escape in case of fires.

School fires are common in Kenyan boarding schools, often caused by arson fueled by drug abuse and overcrowding, according to a recent education ministry report. Many students board because parents believe it gives them more time to study without long commutes.
NABLUS, West Bank  Israeli soldiers killed an American woman demonstrating against settlements in the West Bank on Friday, according to two witnesses who said what began as a peaceful demonstration devolved into a clash between stone-throwing protesters and troops firing live ammunition. Two Palestinian doctors said 26-year-old Aysenur Ezgi Eygi of Seattle was shot in the head.

The U.S. government confirmed Eygis death but did not say whether the recent graduate of the University of Washington, who was also a Turkish citizen, had been shot by Israeli troops. The White House said it was deeply disturbed by the killing of a U.S. citizen and called on Israel to investigate what happened.

The Israeli military said it was looking into reports that troops had killed a foreign national while firing at an instigator of violent activity in the area of the protest.

The killing came amid a surge of violence in the West Bank since the Israel-Hamas war began in October, with increasing Israeli raids, attacks by Palestinian militants on Israelis, attacks by Israeli settlers on Palestinians and heavier military crackdowns on Palestinian protests. More than 690 Palestinians have been killed, according to Palestinian health officials.

On Thursday, Israeli troops shot and killed a 13-year-old Palestinian girl, Bana Laboom, in her village outside the West Bank town of Nabul, Palestinian health officials said. There was no immediate military comment on the report.

Eygi, a volunteer with the activist group International Solidarity Movement, was attending a weekly demonstration against settlement expansion that has been held for years and has often brought Israeli crackdowns and protester stone-throwing.

Jonathan Pollak, an Israeli participating in Fridays protest, said the shooting occurred shortly after dozens of Palestinians and international activists held a communal prayer on a hillside outside the northern West Bank town of Beita overlooking the Israeli settlement of Evyatar.

Soldiers surrounded the prayer, and clashes soon broke out, with Palestinians throwing stones and troops firing tear gas and live ammunition, Pollak said.

The protesters and activists retreated and clashes subdued, he said. He then watched as two soldiers on the roof of a nearby home trained a gun in the groups direction and fired.

He said he saw Eygi lying on the ground, next to an olive tree, bleeding to death.

Mariam Dag, another ISM activist at the protest, also said she saw an Israeli soldier on a rooftop, then heard the firing of two live bullets. One hit a Palestinian protester in the leg; the other hit Eygi. Dag said she saw blood coming from the fallen womans head.

The shots were coming from the direction of the army, she said.

Eygi had just arrived in the West Bank on Tuesday, Dag said. She had been very excited this morning to start. She was really keen on coming to the demonstration.

This has been happening to Palestinians for decades. This happened because of the impunity which the Israelis act with, while Western governments do little, she said.

Two doctors confirmed Eygi was shot in the head  Dr. Ward Basalat, who administered first aid at the scene, and Dr. Fouad Naffa, director of Rafidia Hospital in Nablus where she was taken.

ISM said 17 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces at the weekly Beita protests since March 2020. A month ago, an American, Amado Sison, was shot in the leg by Israeli forces, he said, as he tried to flee tear gas and live fire.

At the University of Washington, where Eygi recently graduated with a degree in psychology, Aria Fani, a professor of Middle Eastern languages and cultures, recalled Eygis activism earlier this year at a pro-Palestinian encampment, and remembered her as someone with a gift for listening to others.

Fani said he had tried to talk Eygi out of going to the West Bank but that she told him she needed to bear witness for the sake of her own humanity.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the U.S. was intensely focused on determining what happened and that we will draw the necessary conclusions and consequences from that.

Human rights groups say Israeli soldiers who kill Palestinians  or their foreign supporters  rarely are held to account. The Israeli military says it investigates such instances and takes action if there is criminal wrongdoing.

At least three activists from the International Solidarity Movement have been killed since 2000.

A handful of Americans have been killed in the West Bank since the Israel-Hamas war began, apparently by Israeli fire. Two Palestinian-American teens, Mohammad Khdour and Tawfic Abdel Jabbar, were shot to death in the span of a month while driving close to their villages. The findings of U.S. and Israeli investigations into their deaths have not been released.

In a statement Thursday, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland said the Biden administration has not done enough to pursue justice and accountability for Khdour and Abdel Jabbar. He said it must use American influence to demand the prosecution of those responsible for harm against American citizens.
Cumberland Countys president judge has put himself back in the picture when it comes to criminal trials.

In a ruling issued earlier this week, Judge Edward Guido dismissed an unusual motion from Cumberland County District Attorney Sean McCormack asking Guido to step down from all criminal cases because of running conflicts between his law clerk and several of the countys full-time prosecutors.

The rare blanket recusal motion was based largely on some heated run-ins that members of McCormacks staff have had in recent months with Crystle Craig, Guidos full-time law clerk.

Those disputes have included dressing downs of attorneys over issues including access to unused courtrooms, courtroom decorum, and, in one case, a prosecutors in-trial hallway review of potential evidentiary material that Craig believed could have been overhead by jurors.

Guido, at several points in the dispute, has gotten McCormacks staff to state they arent necessarily worried about bias from him, as much the appearance of a conflict that comes from Craigs continued service with him on these cases.

In their motions, the prosecutors argued that Guidos close relationship with Craig creates an appearance of impropriety that has tainted the bench.

Guido disagreed in his ruling filed Sept. 4, stating in part:

While we have a close relationship, it is a close professional relationship... not unlike any that would be expected to develop as a result of working closely with someone for many years. We have similar relationships with virtually every member of our staff...

However, we can state unequivocally that none of those relationships, including that with Ms. Craig, has ever affected our handling of any case.

As required, Guido concluded, we have made a conscientious determination that we are able to handle matters involving the district attorney free of personal bias. We have done so thousands of times in our 27 years on the bench and will continue to do so going forward.

Most of Guidos workload has been civil cases in recent years, though the practice in Cumberland has been to keep all judges available for criminal trial sessions, and for special assignment to homicide cases. Guidos order, if it stands, would put the countys him back in that rotation.

But in an apparent attempt to address the district attorneys concerns about Craig, Guido also stipulated in his order that he will assign another of the countys paid law clerks to any criminal cases that he is presiding on.

Guido said he had reached this decision because he believes it important that he be available to help out with the countys growing criminal caseload for the remainder of his term, which expires at the end of 2025. Guido is prohibited by state age requirements from seeking re-election.

McCormack, reached Friday, said were reading through his opinion and evaluating all the options, which could include an appeal to Pennsylvania Superior Court.

But Guido stated that he will preside over any future assigned criminal proceedings unless the district attorney gets an emergency order stopping him from doing so.

Guido has separately agreed to recuse himself from an upcoming penalty phase trial for Seifullah Abdul-Salaam, a former Harrisburg resident convicted of killing a New Cumberland police officer in his attempt to escape a 1994 robbery scene.

Abdul-Salaam was originally sentenced to death in that case, but won the right to a new sentencing hearing in federal courts. Guido agreed to take himself off of that case because his sister-in-law, who was the initial emergency dispatcher on the call, could be called as a prosecution witness.

Prosecutors have already asked Pennsylvania Superior Court to decide Guidos separate refusal to step out of a homicide case against Michael Baltimore, who is charged with the fatal shooting of a barber during business hours at the barbers downtown Carlisle shop.

McCormack has said he wants to continue with the Baltimore appeal - even though Guidos new order would keep Craig out of the case - because he believes having a higher court ruling now will help defuse potential future appellate issues in the event his attorneys win a first-degree conviction against Baltimore.
(The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.)

Author: Dr. David P. Weber, Salisbury University and Jake Bernstein, The Conversation

Wednesday morning, the day before Thanksgiving, Mae awoke, set her hair in curlers and switched on her laptop. A message appeared. It said her Safari web browser had encountered a problem, and a link offered to connect the 83-year-old to the Apple Computer Company. Mae clicked it.

She didnt know it yet, but Mae, like millions of Americans each year, had fallen into the grip of fraudsters. Over the next 10 hours, the criminals would try several methods to steal her money.

What worked best was getting her to buy gift cards. The cards, from retailers such as Target, Apple and Amazon, are sold on racks in drugstores and supermarkets.

Theyre better than cash for a fraudster, more portable and just as anonymous. Criminals can use gift card numbers online, at stores around the world, or sell or trade them in illicit marketplaces on the dark web, Telegram or Discord.

An estimated US$8 billion is stolen annually from seniors 60 and older through stranger-perpetrated frauds, according to AARP. The cards are a leading fraud payment method reported by older adults,according to the Federal Trade Commission.

Maes story is one of many such cases that prompted us  a fraud and forensic accounting professor who is a former top financial regulator, and a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter  to explore how cracks in the financial regulatory system dating to the Civil War have been exploited by fraudsters and corporations.

The investigation shows that federal regulators havent protected the public from gift card fraud, and Congress has largely deferred to regulators. State and federal efforts to rein in the industry have been opposed by lobbyists and gift card trade groups. And gift card retailers are often not helpful in assisting law enforcement.

One of us learned about Maes case in his work as a fraud examiner and has seen dozens of similar cases. Mae, who lives in Maryland, is unwilling to publish her last name, but she wants people to know her story so they dont make the same mistakes.

In gift card fraud, everybody but the victim makes money: fraudsters, gift card companies and retailers. The criminals exploit a rapidly evolving payments industry thats shrouded in secrecy and designed to ensure easy transactions.

Call this number

When Mae called the number that appeared on her screen, a man answered and identified himself as Mac Morgan, an Apple high-security technician. The problem seemed to originate from her bank, he told her. She volunteered that she banked with M&T, a Northeast bank headquartered in Buffalo, New York. Call them, he said, and provided a phone number.

The woman who answered said her name was Alivia, from the M&T Bank Fraud Unit. Alivia told Mae that a European pornographer and scammer had tried to gain access to her account and withdraw $20,000 during the night. A hold had been placed on the withdrawal, but Mae needed to come down to the bank and retrieve the money before the fraudsters did.

Alivia promised to stay on the phone with Mae throughout the process.

Gift cards are the latest in fraudsters arsenal of tools to steal money from people through deceptions such as romance scams, fake IRS notices and phony investment schemes.

The average reported amount lost is $1,000, but between 2021 and 2022 more than 100 consumers reported gift card fraud losses in excess of $400,000, according to an FTC public records request. About $550 billion is added onto gift cards annually in the U.S., according to Jordan Hirschfield, a gift card analyst at Javelin Strategy & Research. He estimates that between 1% and 5% of gift card sales could involve fraud, but because no one keeps track, its difficult to arrive at an exact number. If the 1% to 5% figure is correct, its between $5.5 billion and $27.5 billion per year.

Chart: The Conversation, CC-BY-ND. Source: Federal Trade Commission. Get the data Created with DatawrapperCreated with Datawrapper

A victims fear bubble

Mae had entered a fear bubble, an induced state of panic that makes rational thought difficult.

Anyone can fall victim. Mae had graduated summa cum laude from an elite private university. She is a no-nonsense retired nurse and lives independently. Now she was rushing, panicked, to her bank at the direction of a fraudster.

At the bank, the teller and manager tried to dissuade Mae from withdrawing $20,000 in cash. After about 15 minutes, she wore them down.

In Maryland, the bank had no option but to give Mae her money. Thats not the case in other states. In Florida, a state that contends with elevated incidents of fraud on seniors, the Legislature passed a law in May allowing financial institutions to delay transactions to people over 65 if there is a well-founded belief of exploitation.

Anecdotal evidence from law enforcement suggests that even a few hours of delay can pop the fear bubble fraudsters create.

Several states have passed or are considering laws requiring gift card warning signs, including Delaware, Iowa, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and West Virginia.

Next, Alivia directed Mae to a Cash2Bitcoin ATM at a gas station and talked her through registering, including uploading her drivers license, a know-your-customer requirement that doesnt exist for gift cards. Mae fed thousands of dollars into the machine. At $15,000, the ATM hit its limit on deposits.

The front and back of a Target gift card. Removing the cardboard tab uncovers a scratch-off area; scratching reveals the card numbers. Once a fraudster has the numbers, the money on the card can be quickly spent online. The Conversation, CC BY-NDThe Conversation, CC BY-ND

Alivia then passed the phone to a colleague, Ross, who directed Mae to buy gift cards. At Rite Aid, Mae bought four cards for $2,000, scratched the backs of the cards and read the numbers to Ross.

But at the Food Lion supermarket, a manager who knew her refused to sell her any gift cards. Ross gave up and instructed her to go home but not tell anyone what had transpired.

Gift card companies claim to be highly regulated because Congress passed the Credit CARD Act in 2009. This eliminated many fees on gift cards, prohibited them from expiring for at least five years and allowed state law to preempt federal law. But it didnt extend existing credit and debit card consumer fraud protections.

In 2010, Congress created a single regulator for consumer financial protection: the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. But the agency hasnt kept up with the rise in consumer financial products outside of banks. Rules it issued in 2016 and 2018 exempted most gift cards from regulation. The FTC and Treasury Department have also proven ineffective in combating the problem.

The fear bubble pops

By the time Mae pulled into her driveway, the ether had lifted. It was a big fat light bulb: Youve been screwed, she said.

Mae called M&T: There was no open fraud case. She called Target: The gift cards had already been spent. Mae got most of her bitcoin money back, thanks to the compliance efforts and fraud freeze on her account on the day of the fraud. But the gift card money was gone.

Fraud against the elderly, including through gift cards, will likely continue to grow.

Mae reported her story to the local police, AARP and the FTC database. It can happen to anyone, she said.

For the full investigation, please visit: Gift card scams generate billions for fraudsters and industry as regulators fail to protect consumers  and how one 83-year-old fell into the fear bubble

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license.

Read the original article here: https://theconversation.com/how-one-83-year-old-fell-into-a-fraudsters-fear-bubble-and-how-gift-cards-played-a-key-role-237604
(Reuters) -China's central bank held back on buying gold for its reserves for a fourth straight month in August, official data showed on Saturday.

China's gold holdings stood at 72.8 million fine troy ounces at the end of last month. The value of the gold reserves, however, rose to $182.98 billion compared with $176.64 billion at the end of July.

Gold prices have been rising this year amid bets that U.S. rate cuts are imminent and due to safe-haven demand driven by geopolitical and economic uncertainty, with central banks making robust purchases. [GOL/]

Gold prices have surged 21% so far this year and are hovering slightly below a record high of $2,531.60 hit on Aug. 20.

Prior to the pause in its purchases, the People's Bank of China (PBOC) had bought gold for 18 consecutive months.

The central bank was the world's largest single buyer of gold in 2023 and its decision to put its buying on hold has helped mute Chinese investor demand in recent months. [GOL/AS] The PBOC is expected to resume purchases at some point despite high prices due to political, rather than economical, motivations, such as its desire to be less dependent on the U.S. dollar as a reserve asset, said Carsten Menke, an analyst at Julius Baer.

(Reporting by Polina Devitt in London, Qiaoyi Li and Ryan Woo in Beijing; Editing by Edwina Gibbs)
Logs are seen in an aerial view stacked at the Interfor sawmill, in Grand Forks, B.C., on May 12, 2018. A British Columbia First Nations leader says the province must rethink its approach to the forest industry in light of Canfor Corp.'s decision to shutter two sawmills and leave 500 workers without jobs. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
Belongings are scattered on the street as city workers work to clear an encampment on East Hastings Street in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver, B.C., April 5, 2023. Premier David Eby says mental health care in the province for those committed against their will needs to be "dignified and humane" to be effective in the wake of a deadly random stranger attack in downtown Vancouver this week. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on!

Go to form
A version of this story appeared in CNN Business Nightcap newsletter. To get it in your inbox, sign up for free, here.

We all know, instinctively, to be skeptical every time a big company markets itself as more than what it is: A business hungry for our hard-earned cash.

Think about it. Didnt we all groan when Kendell Jenner, in an ad, appeared to bring about peace by giving a cop a Pepsi? Of course. Didnt we pan empty Pride gestures as rainbow capitalism? We did. (And in doing so, gave rise to a generation of hilarious Thats why, for this pride month, Ive partnered with memes.

But more damaging than the cringe of a tone-deaf tweet about diversity is when companies give up on the performance altogether.

See here: Over the last few months, an array of big-name brands, including Lowes, Ford, John Deere, Harley-Davidson and Tractor Supply, have announced they are scaling back their diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. This week, Molson Coors, a longtime sponsor of Pride events and partner to LGBTQ+ nonprofits, joined the list.

In a memo, the CEO of Molson Coors told employees the company was rolling out the next steps of our culture journey, and moving away from certain DEI efforts toward a broader view.

Part of that journey will include ditching a popular LGBTQ+ equality metric from the Human Rights Campaign, a gay rights advocacy and a prominent target of the far-right.

While Molson Coors emphasized in the memo that its decision would not diminish its commitments to employees and customers, the timing of the announcement suggests the company may have been under the same pressure as the brands that came before it in the DEI backlash.

As soon as the Coors memo was leaked publicly Wednesday, a prolific anti-DEI agitator named Robby Starbuck claimed his threat to Coors executives to expose their woke policies prompted the company to preemptively announce changes. (As my colleague Nathaniel Meyesohn has written, Starbuck was the driving force behind DEI reversals among brands like Harley-Davidson, Tractor Supply Co. and John Deere.)

A Molson Coors representative declined to comment beyond the memo.

The DEI backlash has been brewing for almost as long as DEI has been in vogue  roughly since the summer of 2020, when the murder of George Floyd set off a national reckoning over racism in America.

The far right quickly seized on DEI as a kind of corporate affirmative action (its not), and the backlash gained momentum, particularly after Bud Light last year became a boycott target over its one-off partnership with a trans influencer on social media. Fallout from that public-relations debacle helped knock Bud Light to the No. 3 beer brand in the United States after years at the top.

Story continues

In a sense, we had a DEI bubble, says Cait Lamberton, professor of marketing at the University of Pennsylvanias Wharton School of Business. I find it ironic that [companies] dont seem to recognize that they are just as activist by stepping back from DEI as they would be by participating in it.

And to be fair to big corporations: Look, we get it  you have shareholders to tend to and employees to pay, and if your sales slip because your customers arent happy, for any reason, well, youve got to fix that. Coors Light may have looked at its rival getting pummeled by right-wing pundits and feared being the next target.

But marketing experts warn this kind of waffling is bad for the brand.

Retreating is not a good look. The conviction of a CEO, and their discipline in sticking to declared business strategies, is the measure against which theyre ultimately going to be judged, Tom Sebok, managing partner at The New England Consulting Group, told me. And if you start to waiver as a CEO, all you wind up doing is diminishing investor confidence in your conviction as a leader.

But the retreat from DEI may be more of a rebranding than an actual change in policy.

Molson Coors, in its memo, repeatedly leaned on the language of inclusivity to underscore its desire to foster a culture where every one of our employees knows they are welcome at our bar.

Noting another exerpt from Coors memo, Sebok noted: A broader view in which all our employees know theyre welcome could very well have been the original foundational statement for their DEI initiatives.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Spain's Soraya Estrada has won the 550 Women's Event here at 2024 PokerStars European Poker Tour Barcelona after topping a field of 84 players.

She took home 11,350 for the result, defeating Joycelyn Lam Ho Yin heads-up who would have to settle for 7,330 here at the Casino Barcelona.

EPT Barcelona 550 Women's Event Final Table Results

Place Player Country Prize 1 Soraya Estrada Spain 11,350 2 Joycelyn Lam Ho Yin Hong Kong 7,330 3 Olga Iermolcheva Ukraine 5,230 4 Maria Lampropulos Argentina 4,030 5 Maria Ortiz Spain 3,100 6 Paula Arreba Spain 2,460 7 Anna Gulevich Netherlands 1,970 8 Joy Waldau Germany 1,570 9 Chien-Chih Weng Taiwan 1,260

Soraya Estrada

Winner's Reaction

"It's super amazing," Estrada told PokerNews shortly after her victory. "I have to enjoy this moment. We were thinking of going to the hotel swimming pool, but it's a bit late, so we are probably going to drink a bit because we have to leave on Monday, so we will spend the last days with our good friends in Barcelona.

"It wasn't a very big field, but it's one of my favorite tournaments because it always has a good environment from start to finish. Everyone is happy, unlike other tournaments that are super serious. I felt like everyone was friends here at the table."

Estrada took home the lions share of the 40,320 prize pool, and when asked about her future poker plans regarding EPT Cyrpus, heres what she had to say.

"Of course I will go, I won a tournament and won three EPT packages. This is the second one, and the third will be in Cyprus, so see you there."

Soraya Estrada

Day 2 Action

Eleven players returned for Day 2, each guaranteed at least 1,010. After the elimination of Frances Shira Scharo in eleventh place, action tightened up considerably with just one more knockout needed to reach the final table.

Eventually, Mariona Canals (pictured) was sent to the rail after getting all her chips in the middle with a flush against eventual winner Estrada's two pair, but a brutal board pair on the river gave Estrada a full house, resulting in Canals' elimination in tenth place.

Mariona Canals

Joycelyn Lam Ho Yin came into the final table as the chip leader, holding a slight lead over Estrada, while Maria Lampropulos came in as the shortest stack with just five big blinds. However, it was Chien-Chih Weng who hit the rail first.

After doubling up Maria Ortiz to be left with just one big blind, Weng eventually fell at the hands of Olga Iermolcheva.

Joy Waldau was eliminated next by Ho Yin, before overnight chip leader Anna Gulevich fell in seventh place. She had struggled to maintain the momentum she had at the end of Day 1. In the end, she had to settle for 1,970 after her deep run.

Joycelyn Lam Ho Yin

Paula Arreba, on the other hand, had maneuvered her short stack throughout the day to climb the pay ladder. However, her ace-three ultimately fell short against Ortiz's queen-nine, sending Arreba out in sixth place.

Ortiz soon followed Arreba to the rail, eliminated by Ho Yin, before Ho Yin sent well-known pro Lampropulos to the rail in fourth, to sit atop the chip counts with roughly 75% of the chips in play three-handed.

Maria Lampropulus

An early double-up by Estrada helped balance out the chip stacks. However, in the following hands, three consecutive double-ups propelled Ho Yin back into the top spot, with Iermolcheva and Estrada virtually tied for second place.

Iermolcheva would finish third after getting all-in with pocket kings against Estrada's ace-ten. Unfortunately for Iermolcheva, the poker gods were not on her side, as an ace on the turn sealed her exit from the tournament in third place for 5,230.

Soraya Estrada_Joycelyn Lam Ho Yin

When heads-up play began, Ho Yin still held a slight chip lead over Estrada. However, a straight-over-straight situation allowed Estrada to double up and take a commanding chip lead. Shortly after, Ho Yin got all her chips in with pocket eights against Estrada's king-ten. A ten on the flop and a king on the turn resulted in Ho Yin finishing as the runner-up for 7,330.

Soraya Estrada

That concludes the PokerNews coverage for this event, but be sure to stay tuned to our ongoing coverage for the final days of EPT Barcelona 2024.
Former Vice President Dick Cheney followed up his daughters announcement that he will be voting for Kamala Harris with a powerful statement explaining why.

Here is Liz Cheney announcing that her dad will vote for Harris:

Liz Cheney announces that her dad, former vice president Dick Cheney, will be voting for Kamala Harris, Dick Cheney will be voting for Kamala Harris. Nicolle Wallace, If you are a casual follower of American politics might think would mean hell has frozen over. pic.twitter.com/I2kwUQdbQa  Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) September 6, 2024

Former VP Cheney released a statement of his own discussing his decision:



In our nations 248-year history, there has never been an individual who is a greater threat to our republic than Donald Trump . He tried to steal the last election using lies and violence to keep himself in power after the voters had rejected him. He can never be trusted with power again.

As citizens, we each have a duty to put country above partisanship to defend our Constitution. That is why I will be casting my vote for Vice President Kamala Harris .

Here is Cheneys statement:

Statement From Former Vice President Dick Cheney: In our nations 248-year history, there has never been an individual who is a greater threat to our republic than Donald Trump. He tried to steal the last election using lies and violence to keep himself in power after the pic.twitter.com/03Fzb41sPC  Ryan J. Reilly (@ryanjreilly) September 6, 2024

I started my career writing about the Bush administration and the lies that got the nation into the Iraq war, so if anyone had told me that 20 years later, I would be writing about the same Dick Cheney siding with democracy and voting for the Democratic nominee, I would have a lot of questions.

For starters, what the hell happened to the Republican Party to make it too extreme and dangerous for the only vice president to have shot a man in the face on a hunting trip?

The pro-democracy coalition has room for everyone, including Dick Cheney. It is possible to hate all of his neo-con ideas, but no one ever questioned if Cheney loves his country.

Dick Cheney is right. There has never been a threat to the American democratic experiment like Donald Trump. By coming together to hopefully defeat Trump once and for all, perhaps the door will open to Trumpism being removed from the Republican Party, and conservatives can take back the GOP so that America again has a functioning two-party system.

To talk to us and get more posts like this, join us on Reddit.
Trump thinks that he can win the debate in the minds of voters if he looks taller than Kamala Harris.

Trump posted on Truth Social:

No boxes or artificial lifts will be allowed to stand on during my upcoming debate with Comrade Kamala Harris. We had this out previously with former NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg when he was in a debate, and he was not allowed a lift. It would be a form of cheating, and the Democrats cheat enough. You are who you are, it was determined.

The ex-president is so shallow that he really believes he can win the debate by looking taller than Kamala Harris . Everyone knows who Donald Trump is, and they are not going to change their minds and vote for him based on the fact that he will look taller at the debate.

Freedom is at stake in this debate. Democracy is at stake, and the decision whether or not the country will move forward into the future or take a giant step back under Donald Trump.

Instead of studying for the debate or thinking about how he could improve on his horrid performance in the debate with Joe Biden, Donald Trump is trying to smoke and mirrors scam his way through a debate with VP Harris.

It is not going to work. Trump is trying to run the 2016 playbook in 2024, and he is not going to be able to sexism his way into the White House a second time.
fizkes / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Ozempic users beware! In the latest online scam, con artists are stealing millions from people unknowingly ordering the drug online from fake websites while putting their health at serious risk with imitation products. According to cyber security expert Abhishek Karnik, who is McAfees Head of Threat Research, people are getting duped, and this is one of the scariest money scams hes encountered in his career.

Check Out: How To Borrow Money from Cash App: Your Step-by-Step Guide

Learn More: 6 Money Moves You Must Make If You Want To Be Like the Wealthy

The impact of Ozempic-related scams can be severe in terms of their impact on a victims finances, health, and well-being, he told GOBankingRates.

Ozempic has surged in popularity for weight loss in the last couple of years. Although the drug was created and approved by the US Food and Drug Administration as a diabetes treatment, about 1 in 8 adults in the United States has used a GLP-1 drug like Ozempic, and half of them  about 6% of adults, or more than 15 million people  are currently using a prescription, according to data from KFF.

As a result of so many people using Ozempic for weight loss, its causing a shortage of medication for diabetics, per NPR, and scammers see this as an opportunity. Heres what to know. Also check out how to withdraw money from your bank account.

Earning passive income doesn't need to be difficult. You can start this week.

The Health Risks

Buying from unrecognized sellers is never advised for any goods, including medications. In this scam, online criminals impersonate doctors and offer people Ozempic without prescriptions.

Scammers often market these drugs without a prescription, bypassing the safety checks of legitimate medical providers, Karnik said. This means these drugs may go beyond being ineffective to causing harm. In extreme cases, they can negatively affect the users health.

He added, This is a real risk because unauthorized sellers typically do not disclose potential side effects and may sell products that have not undergone safety testing.

Discover More: 8 Rare Coins Worth Millions That Are Highly Coveted by Coin Collectors

People Have Lost Millions

The scam is threatening not only your health but also your wallet. People who want to get around the Ozempic shortage or pay less are actually costing them a lot more.

Financially, people can lose significant amounts of money, from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per transaction, when purchasing through unauthorized resellers offering supposed alternatives to Ozempic, Karnik explained. McAfees research uncovered that on Telegram alone, scammers have likely made millions of dollars on this type of scam in the past few months.

Story continues

The scam can draw in countless people at once, which means the scammers are raking in the victims money at a fast pace.

Based on conservative estimates of what McAfees Threat Research team has observed on underground channels and noting that this is a $7.6B market in the US alone, we estimate about 9,000 people were scammed  losing a total of $6M in just the first five months of this year  on just a single platform, Karnik said.

He continued, Typically, victims lost about $700 each month for a one-month supply of the drug. If these numbers are extrapolated to include several similar platforms, total losses could easily climb into the tens of millions of dollars  and over the course of a year, easily more than $100M  pointing to the massive scale and financial impact of these scams.

How People Are Targeted

Fake websites and channels are designed to allure unsuspecting consumers looking for Ozempic. Consumers purchase from unknown sites, which is dangerous because you dont know what youre getting. When people search for the drug, phony sites pop up offering information about Ozempic.

People often discover these channels when searching for weight loss solutions on social media or through messaging apps and are drawn in by seemingly positive  and often fabricated  reviews from other users, Karnik explained. As these people seek more information, they are gradually lured into the scam, and with each channel possibly having thousands of subscribers, the potential scale of these scams is tremendous.

AI Tools Make the Scam Even More Convincing

Websites used as a ploy to take your money and personal information are designed to look so real that you dont know theyre fake, and AI is helping scammers reel in more people.

AI is a tool increasingly used by cybercriminals to increase the scale, effectiveness, and speed of scams, Karnik said. These scammers are dedicated opportunists who can pivot quickly when an opportunity  like heightened interest in weight loss drugs like Ozempic  rises, to meet consumers where their interest is.

Online thieves use various methods to attract more victims and a wide range of digital platforms to steal their money and personal information.

For example, across scam types, cyber crooks create fake websites and social media accounts, as well as fraudulent accounts on messaging platforms like Telegram, and even post AI-generated reviews, Karnik stated.

The Scammers Can Also Steal Your Identity

According to Karnik, the Ozempiz scam can also steal identities, besides stealing money and jeopardizing others health.

Scam victims may share sensitive personal information, including details about their health, to cyber crooks, leading to additional fraud and identity theft, he said. It is important for consumers to understand that prescription medications should only be purchased through trusted providers with a prescription, and any claims that seem too good to be true likely are.

There Are Numerous Victims

Since cybercriminals operate in different countries using various platforms, its difficult to give an accurate number of victims, but Karnik estimates too many.

Our preliminary research, which includes analysis of platforms such as Craigslist, social media, and Telegram, allowed us to identify numerous channels that exploit the demand for these weight loss drugs, he said.

Karnik continued, One Telegram channel dedicated to this type of scam saw its membership grow from 13,362 to 15,599 in just a few weeks in May 2024  though it should be noted that a number of these accounts are fake and created to make the channel appear more credible and popular than it is.

How To Stay Safe

There are many ways to safeguard yourself from falling for the Ozempic scam, including only getting medication from reliable sources such as licensed medical centers and prescriptions from well-known pharmacies.

Here are red flags to watch out for, according to Karnik.

Be cautious of prescription drugs being advertised through channels like Craigslist, social media, or messaging platforms like Telegram. These are not traditional channels for purchasing prescription medicine, and offers are frequently fraudulent.

Use extra caution with sellers who encourage you to avoid filing insurance claims or offer discounts that seem too good to be true.

Beware of requests for payment via methods that provide little to no recourse for recovering funds, such as gift cards, Venmo, Zelle, or cryptocurrency.

Report the Crime

If youve been scammed, there are ways to fight back, and reporting the crime is the first step.

If you think youve fallen victim to a scam, its crucial to act quickly by reporting the loss to your bank immediately, blocking your credit card to prevent unauthorized charges, and reporting the crime to relevant authorities, including local law enforcement and local cybercrime units, Karnik advised. If you have consumed potentially counterfeit products, please talk to your doctor.

Cyber Attacks Are Rising

The Ozempic scam is just one of many. From impersonation tactics to phishing emails, people try to steal from your information in multiple ways. According to The Identity Theft Research Center (ITRC) Annual Data Breach Report, the United States experienced an astonishing surge in data compromises, reaching a record higha 72 percentage point hike from the previous all-time high set in 2021. Last year alone, 353 million people were impacted.

Protecting your personal information and finances can be done in several ways. Shane Cummings, Director of Technology/Cybersecurity and Wealth Advisor at Halbert Hargrove, shared tips on avoiding online scammers.

Even if you dont plan to transact online, you should still register for online accounts with your banks. This will plant the flag. Otherwise, a hacker with your information could set up online access and pretend to be you to initiate withdrawals from your account.

Dont respond to text messages regarding financial transactions. Always call your bank or financial institution directly at a phone number that is familiar to you to avoid being duped into giving sensitive account details to a criminal.

Ensure your social media accounts are set to private so your personal details are not easily searched on the web. We had one client whose identity was stolen after they left for a cruise vacation because hackers knew they were out of town. The savvy ones generally time their attacks to happen when you are least able to respond.

It may not seem intuitive, but keeping your computers and mobile devices secure is critical. Keep software up to date and use multi-factor authentication anywhere its available. If your smartphone is stolen and a thief locks you out of your accounts, they might be able to reset passwords for your financial institutions and log in to your accounts. Having a multi-factor authentication (MFA) set up could be a lifesaver. Using MFA methods that are more secure than SMS text messaging is strongly preferred.

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Cyber Security Experts Share the Scariest Money Scams Theyve Seen  and How To Stay Safe
Aiken Standard Reporter

Erin Weeks is a reporter with the Aiken Standard. She covers education in Aiken County.

Erin is a graduate of the University of South Carolina Aiken. Her first poetry book, "Origins of My Love," was published by Bottlecap Press in 2022.

To support local journalism, sign up for a subscription. See our current offers 
One of the biggest challenges in the Charleston region is the difficulty so many have finding an affordable place to buy or rent near their job  or anywhere safe in some cases  so we welcome two experimental approaches to addressing this important problem. Read moreEditorial: Two new and welcome approaches to Charleston region's housing problem
We recently compiled a list titled Starter Stock Portfolio: 10 Safe Stocks To Invest In Now. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) stands against the other safe stocks to invest in.

The Market Outlook for the Rest of 2024

A probable rate cut has provided hope for the economy. Despite that, the impact on financial markets and stocks remains uncertain. On September 4, Adam Parker, Trivariate Research founder and CEO, appeared in an interview on CNBC. Parker was not surprised that tech stocks were down by close to 4% at the beginning of September, that too right before an impending rate cut. Parker highlights that the inconsistency in the market at the moment is not normal, and with multiple rate cuts over the next two years, he has no reason to hold a positive economic outlook. He suggests that eight probable rate cuts indicate that the economy is slowing, consumer spending is declining, and unemployment is rising, all of which are not good signs for the market. The interviewer counter questions that eight rate cuts with a 25 basis point reduction are not as disastrous to presume a faltering economy. Parker then highlights that rate cuts in the past have been supported by consistent data, an incremental fiscal, and an expansion of the balance sheet, all of which are currently out of the picture. You can also read our piece on the best battery stocks to buy according to short sellers.

The Possible Impact of Rate Cuts on Stocks

On September 2, CNBC published a detailed report on the impact of rate cuts on the stock market in the United States. The Fed, in the footsteps of countries in Europe and Asia, recently announced an easing cycle, after a long period of high interest rates. As per current pricing data, the Fed is expected to have three 25-basis point cuts by the end of this year. Speaking of the global economic outlook, 2025 will see a lower-rate environment followed by easing inflationary pressures. However, the fear of recession in the United States tells another story. Analysts believe that the last four months of 2024 will be considerably weak and choppy amid geopolitical factors, uncertainty from the AI sector, corporate earnings, and most importantly, an overdue consolidation correction.

On September 3, JP Morgan reported that investors must not expect the cutting cycle to provide a fresh start to stocks. Leading strategists at the firm suggested that the rate cut cycle is rather reactive and is in response to a wilting economy, having little to no impact on stocks. Paul Christopher, head of global investment strategy, on the other hand, suggested that the market environment today resembles the market in 1995, increasing hopes for a market upside amid stable GDP strength and forecasts.

Story continues

Bear market or bull market, certain stocks deserve a place in every investors portfolio. These are long-term opportunities to hold and will continue to provide superior returns, as they have for decades.

Our Methodology

To come up with the 10 safe stocks to invest in now, we looked for well-established companies in the energy, finance, healthcare, technology, and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industries. These stocks have a history of performing well and boasting consistent financial results, making them ideal and safe long term investments for beginners. We then picked the top 10 stocks that were the most widely held by money managers and ranked them in ascending order of the number of hedge funds that have stakes in them, 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).

5 Highest Paying Countries for Pharmacists

Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 100

Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) ranks as the 10th safest stock to invest in now. Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) is a pharmaceutical company that sells products to 125 countries and has offices in 18 countries. The company produces and sells various medicines for serious illnesses including Mounjaro, Zepbound, and Verzenio, also referred to as the blockbuster medicines in the US.

Eli Lillys Zepbound, a medicine for patients with obesity or excess weight, brought in $1.2 billion in sales in the second quarter of 2024. Similarly, Mounjaro, an injection for adults with type 2 diabetes, logged in $3.1 billion in sales. With solid investments in research and development, Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) has also been running trials to assess whether Tirzepatide can prevent the development of type 2 diabetes, rather than just treating it. Current trials reveal that the drug presented a 94% lower risk of progressing to diabetes among pre-diabetic adults who were overweight or obese.

In the second quarter of 2024, Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) reported revenue worth $11.3 billion, up by 36% year-over-year, beating analyst estimates by $1.34 billion. The United States is the major market and accounted for nearly 64% of the companys sales in 2023. In addition to that, the companys products are gaining immense traction across the globe. Its new drug, Tirzepatide received approval on July 19th from National Medical Products Administration in China. Previously, the drug was approved by the European Union in April 2024, a breakthrough in the world of medicine.

Overall, Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) is consistent with its financial performance and is also the giant behind some of the most important medicines in the United States. The company is notorious for rolling out new drugs regularly, which shows its commitment to healthcare.

Analysts are bullish on LLY and their 12-month high price target of $1,025 points to a 7% upside from current levels. In Q2 2024, 100 hedge funds owned stakes in Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY), with total stakes amounting to $16 billion. With nearly 5 million shares, Fisher Asset Management was the companys leading stakeholder.

Baron Funds mentioned Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) in its Q2 2024 investor letter:

Shares of global pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly and Company increased on continued investor enthusiasm around GLP-1 drugs for diabetes and obesity. We remain shareholders. Lillys Mounjaro/Zepbound not only offers superb blood sugar control for diabetics but can drive 20%-plus weight loss and likely improve cardiovascular outcomes in both diabetic and non-diabetic obese patients. Lilly is developing next generation drugs, including retatrutide, which drives approximately 25% weight loss, and orforglipron, a daily pill that produces approximately 15% weight loss. In the U.S. alone, there are 32 million Type 2 diabetics and an additional 105 million obese patients who we estimate would qualify for GLP-1 drugs. Although supply and access are limited near term, we think GLP-1 drugs will become standard of care for both diabetes and obesity and will become a $150 billion-plus category. We see Lilly setting a high efficacy bar and capturing significant long-term market share. We think the adoption of GLP-1s will drive Lilly to triple total revenue by 2030.

Overall LLY ranks 10th among the safe stocks to invest in. While we acknowledge the potential of LLY as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter timeframe. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than LLY but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI 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 on Insider Monkey.
PR-Inside.com: 2024-09-07 17:10:45

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 304 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / September 7, 2024 / The Schall Law Firm, a national shareholder rights litigation firm, announces that it is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Globus Medical, Inc. ("Globus" or "the Company") (NYSE:GMED) for violations of the securities laws.The investigation focuses on whether the Company issued false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose information pertinent to investors. Globus disclosed in an August 13, 2024, SEC filing that, "on 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." If you are a shareholder who suffered a loss, click here to participate.We also encourage you to contact Brian Schall of the Schall Law Firm, 2049 Century Park East, Suite 2460, Los Angeles, CA 90067, at 310-301-3335, to discuss your rights free of charge. You can also reach us through the firm's website at www.schallfirm.com , or by email at bschall@ schallfirm.com The Schall Law Firm represents investors around the world and specializes in securities class action lawsuits and shareholder rights litigation.This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and rules of ethics.CONTACT: The Schall Law FirmBrian Schall, Esq. www.schallfirm.com Office: 310-301-3335 info@ schallfirm.com SOURCE: The Schall Law Firm
LOS ALAMOS, N.M. (AP)  A former top official in U.S. nuclear weapons research at Lawrence Livermore and Los Alamos national laboratories has died from injuries after an automobile crash in New Mexico, authorities said. He was 69.

Charles McMillan, an experimental physicist, spent nearly 23 years in various positions at Livermore in California and about 18 years at Los Alamos, where he was director for six years before retiring in 2017.

He died at a hospital after a two-vehicle crash early Friday on a stretch of road known as Main Hill, not far from the laboratory, police and the current lab director said.

On behalf of the entire Laboratory, I would like to express deepest sympathies to the McMillan family and to the many current and former employees who worked closely with Charlie and knew him well, lab Director Thom Mason said in a statement reported by the Santa Fe New Mexican.

Michael Drake, president of the University of California system, issued a statement calling McMillan an extraordinary leader, scientist and human being who made far-reaching contributions to science and technology in service to national security and the greater good.

The Livermore laboratory, east of San Francisco, was established as a university offshoot in 1952 and is now operated by the federal government. It maintains a close relationship with campuses and Drakes office.

McMillan joined Los Alamos National Laboratory in 2006 after his friend and mentor, Michael Anastasio, became director. McMillan served as the principal associate director for weapons programs before becoming director in 2011, the New Mexican reported.

He oversaw the lab during expansion and safety incidents, including a 2014 radiation leak at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant in southern New Mexico attributed to a waste drum that was improperly packaged at the lab. The National Nuclear Security Administration found in 2015 that the lab violated health and safety rules and docked it more than $10 million in performance awards.

Mason pointed to McMillans work to develop a vaccine for HIV and new modeling to better understand climate change.

Democratic U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich of New Mexico credited McMillan with invaluable contributions to our state, to science, and to our national security and cited his work on supercomputing and artificial intelligence.

Nella Domenici, Heinrichs Republican challenger for U.S. Senate, called McMillans death a great loss to the scientific community and his family.

Los Alamos police and fire officials said three people were treated for injuries and McMillan and a 22-year-old woman were hospitalized after the crash, which occurred about 5 a.m. The cause was being investigated.
PR-Inside.com: 2024-09-07 17:10:29

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 312 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / September 7, 2024 / The Schall Law Firm, a national shareholder rights litigation firm, announces that it is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Franklin Resources, Inc. ("Franklin" or "the Company") (NYSE:BEN) for violations of the securities laws.The investigation focuses on whether the Company issued false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose information pertinent to investors. Franklin admitted on July 26, 2024, that "following the launch of an internal investigation focusing on certain past trade allocations of treasury derivatives in select Western Asset Management (WAM') accounts, WAM received notification of parallel investigations by the SEC and U.S. Department of Justice." The Company then disclosed on August 21, 2024, that WAM co-Chief Investment Officer Ken Leech had been played on leave "effective immediately" adding that "in light of Mr. Leech's leave of absence, the Company has determined that closing its Macro Opportunities strategy (approximately $2.0 billion in AUM as of 7/31/2024) is in clients' best interests." Finally, the Company also disclosed that Leech had received a Wells Notice from the SEC. Based on this news, shares of Franklin fell significantly.If you are a shareholder who suffered a loss,click here to participate .We also encourage you to contact Brian Schall of the Schall Law Firm, 2049 Century Park East, Suite 2460, Los Angeles, CA 90067, at 310-301-3335, to discuss your rights free of charge. You can also reach us through the firm's website atwww.schallfirm.com , or by email atbschall@ schallfirm.com The Schall Law Firm represents investors around the world and specializes in securities class action lawsuits and shareholder rights litigation.This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and rules of ethics.CONTACT: The Schall Law FirmBrian Schall, Esq. www.schallfirm.com Office: 310-301-3335 info@ schallfirm.com SOURCE: The Schall Law Firm
PR-Inside.com: 2024-09-07 18:07:19

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 373 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / September 5, 2024 / Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Spire Global, Inc. ("Symbotic" or the "Company") (NYSE:SPIR). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at newaction@ pomlaw.com or 646-581-9980, (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased.The class action concerns whether Spire and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.You have until October 21, 2024, to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class if you are a shareholder who purchased or otherwise acquired Spire securities during the Class Period. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com [Click here for information about joining the class action]On August 14, 2024, after the market closed, Spire announced that it would be unable to timely file its second quarter 2024 financial report as the Company was "reviewing its accounting practices and procedures with respect to revenue recognition" regarding certain Space Services contracts and "related internal control matters." The Company disclosed that the "type of Contracts that the Company has identified for re-evaluation resulted in recognized revenue of $10 to $15 million on an annual basis" and "additional financial measures such as gross profit could also be impacted." On this news, Spire's stock price fell $3.41 per share, or 33.56%, to close at $6.75 per share on August 15, 2024.Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered billions of dollars in damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.SOURCE: Pomerantz LLP
Nigerias Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, says only Nigerians with duly registered National Identification Numbers (NIN) will be allowed to purchase the federal governments subsidised rice being sold in the country.

The minister, who flagged off the commencement of sale of the rice, made this known in a statement issued and posted on his official X page on Friday. He said the federal government initiated the NIN policy to ensure transparency and prevent racketeering in the distribution of the subsidised rice.

Only those with duly registered National Identification Numbers (NIN) will be allowed to purchase the rice, which is part of a broader effort to address the prevailing food crises in the country, the statement said.

He explained that the rice will be sold at a flat rate of 40,000 per 50kg bag, noting that the move is a crucial intervention aimed at mitigating the effects of high food prices.

In recent months, the prices of major staple foods including rice, beans, bread and poultry products among others have skyrocketed significantly in the country, following economic policies such as the controversial removal of petrol subsidy and the floating of the naira policies introduced by President Bola Tinubus administration.

The price increase forced many Nigerians to stage a nationwide protest tagged #EndbadgovernanceinNigeria to express their frustration.

On Friday, Mr Kyari said the subsidised rice initiative is one of the many measures taken by the administration to cushion the impact of rising food costs, which have been exacerbated by factors such as COVID-19, the Russia-Ukraine war, and climate change.

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 minister argued that while these challenges are global, the federal government remains committed to ensuring food security for all Nigerians.

To maintain fairness and prevent abuse of the system, the sale will be strictly on a one person, one bag basis. Verification of beneficiaries will be carried out using the NIN and other relevant identification methods to prevent multiple purchases by fraudulent individuals, Mr Kyari said.

He urged all citizens to cooperate with the relevant authorities to ensure the success of the initiative and to uphold the fundamental right to food for all Nigerians.

The minister added that with the injection of 30,000 metric tonnes of rice into the market, the government expects not only to reduce the price of rice but also to stabilise the prices of other food commodities.

I call on Nigerians to remain patient and steadfast as the administrations efforts to enhance food security will soon begin to yield positive results, the minister said.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


On 16 November 2001, Agbani Darego became the first black African to win the prestigious Miss World title at 18.

Agbani, with her slender frame, challenged beauty norms and influenced the Nigerian perception of beauty.

Her victory sparked a cultural shift in Nigeria, where many women idolised her look, and Agbani became a term associated with slim beauty.

Agbanis victory was a proud moment for the African continent, and it reverberated within Nigeria as she became the first Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN) winner to emerge as Miss World.

This win spurred more Nigerian parents to encourage their daughters to pursue careers in pageantry and modelling, which were once viewed with scepticism.

South Africa News 24 reported that Agbani, a native of Rivers State, received $100,000 in cash and $150,000 worth of gifts from the Miss World organisers, solidifying her status as a national icon.

The 2001 publication also referenced that the then-Rivers State Governor Peter Odili, in a statement by National Interest Newspapers, described Agbanis achievement as an expression of the natural endowment and noble qualities of Nigerian womanhood.

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

After her 2001 victory, Agbani was conferred with an honorary chieftaincy from the Council of Chiefs of Lagos. At the time, she was one of the youngest chiefs in Nigeria.

Historic contest

After her historic Miss World win, Agbani Darego famously said, Black is beautiful. These words, reported by Frontline World Newspaper, became a defining statement of her triumph.

The 51st edition of the pageant, held at the Super Bowl in Sun City, South Africa, featured an impressive lineup of contestants from various countries.

In the early 2000s, Miss World made some significant updates. According to Frontline World, viewers could vote for their favourite contestants by phone for the first time. This edition also set a record with 93 participants, making it one of the most competitive shows ever. Organisers expected over a billion viewers worldwide to tune in, BBC reported.

Miss Nigeria, Agbani, made it to the Top 5 and stood tall alongside Miss Aruba, Miss Scotland, Miss China, and Miss Nicaragua. The Top 10 featured strong contenders like Miss Russia, Miss South Africa, Miss Spain, Miss Ukraine, and Miss Yugoslavia.

In a YouTube video obtained by PREMIUM TIMES, which was posted by Carlos (a pageant-related channel), it was revealed that questions for the finalists were sourced from worldwide audiences during the competition.

Agbanis question, in the video, posted by host Jerry Springer and submitted by an Indian caller, was: In this mans world, what do you think you can change that a man cannot?

She responded, First and foremost, I entered the Miss World competition because I know its a very charitable organisation. In this mans world, if theres anything I can do, it is to help the less privileged in society. I want to offer as much help as I can. I love helping the needy, and my deep love for humanity motivates me to be the best I can be and assist those in need.

After the question and answer moment, the winners were announced in reverse order. As the final five contestants stood backstage, Miss Aruba and Miss Scotland were named the first and second runners-up, respectively, leading to Agbanis crowning moment.

In another video shared by YouTuber Carlos, Daregos victory was shown to be filled with suspense as she stood with Miss China and Miss Nicaragua, anxiously awaiting the announcement of the winner.

When her name was called, she smiled with her eyes closed, clearly surprised and overjoyed. She placed her hands on her chest, as if in disbelief. Her Miss Nigeria sash was removed and replaced with that of Miss World.

Dressed in a green gown symbolising Nigerias national colours, 18-year-old Agbani walked to the stage, greeted by cheers from the audience. She was embraced by the outgoing Miss World, Priyanka Chopra, before receiving her crown. Seated briefly in the crowning chair, the crown sparkled on her head as she rose for a final walk, waving to the applauding crowd. Her fellow contestants warmly congratulated her while she sat on a golden, throne-like chair.

Impact

Following her win that weekend, the media celebrated the historic achievement, and online voting by Nigerians played a crucial role in her victory. This moment showcased the power of unity and the pride Nigerians felt seeing one of them making history.

PREMIUM TIMES checks on reactions from the Miss World 2001 contest, reflected in YouTube and Facebook videos posted years later, revealed how deeply Nigerians cherished the historic moment.

Viewers shared their experiences and the widespread jubilation that unfolded locally and across various parts of the country that year.

After the contest, the beauty queen recounted in the 2001 BBC post that when she looked in the mirror, she saw a young girl who had aspired to be both a computer scientist and a supermodel.

Her statement in the publication reads, I am so happy. Its a wonderful feeling, and its indescribable. Back home, I know they were all watching out for me, and I am happy I made them proud.

Beyond national pride, young Agbanis win proved that African women could competeand winon the world stage, challenging stereotypes and opening doors for many young women across the continent.

Post Miss World

Before the MBGN title, she auditioned for the M-Net Face of Africa competition and didnt make it to the finals. Before winning more significant titles, Darego, in a 2023 interview with AntoSays, stated that her father had reservations about her modelling career.

Following her Miss World victory, Agbani became an international sensation.

She worked with top brands like LOreal and Dior and graced the covers of major magazines.

Her impact extended beyond the pageant stage, establishing her as a global icon. She has judged numerous pageants and fashion and modelling competitions, including Miss World 2014, Miss England 2002, Mr Scotland 2002, and Elite Model Look Nigeria 2012 and 2014.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that in April 2017, Darego married Ishaya Danjuma, the son of billionaire General Theophilus Danjuma, in a private ceremony in Marrakesh, Morocco. The couple welcomed their first child in 2018 and their second in 2020.

Agbanis victory at Miss World remains historic, especially for Nigeria and Africa.

At 18, she symbolised progress and cultural disruption, showing the world that Black is beautiful. Even at 41, her legacy inspires young women across Africa and motivates aspiring beauty queens and models.

You can watch her crowning moment here.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


Aniediabasi Edet has been a palm wine tapper for 65 years in Mbiabong Itam, Itu Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. Every day, the 85-year-old Nigerian civil war veteran leaves home at 5 a.m. and treks several kilometres to a swamp (Adep in the local language) where he has raffia palm trees. Proceeds from palm wine tapping helped him to build a house and train his eight children.

On 23 August 2023, he returned home with only two 20-litre jars of wine after toiling in the swamps for hours under a downpour. He worries that the milky-coloured alcoholic drink obtained from the fermented sap of raffia palm is drying up in his community.

Mr Edet is one of the many tappers and retailers in the oil-rich Akwa Ibom, whose livelihood is threatened by the decline in the local beverage production despite the price jumping by almost 1000 per cent in the last decade, from N300 to N2,000 a jar (10 litres) in the villages and N3,500 in Uyo, the state capital.

Mr Edet says young people are no longer interested in the production.

The current generation feels palm wine is a bad thing. We dont want to do what we met our parents doing again. They consider them bad because of what people read in the books, he told PREMIUM TIMES last August.

Udo Evanson, a tapper in Ikot Ekpenyong, Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, also fears time is running out on the local wine.

Everything has an end, Mr Evanson said. Five years ago, I used to tap at least seven jars (70 litres) in the morning and five jars in the evening, but it is no longer the same. Before, a stand of raffia palm could produce about 25 litres of wine in the morning, but now you hardly get five litres, 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

However, other plants too no longer yield fruits like before, he said, suggesting that poor yield was not peculiar to raffia palm.

Raffia palm and palm wine

Raffia palms belong to the plant kingdom Plantae and the family Arecaceae. Other family members include oil, date, and coconut palms. However, raffia palms are the only members of the family whose existence is threatened.

Raffia palm wine has two types: one with a sour taste made from ripe raffia palms, locally referred to as palmy or Ukot Nsung, and the other made from unripe oil palm trees, referred to as Ukod Eyop in the local language.

Traversing the marshy areas of Mbiabong Itam with Mr Edet was an arduous task for this reporter visiting from Uyo, the state capital. But Mr Edet understands the terrain. He handed this reporter a white cane  a bamboo stick for testing the depth of the swamps.

Over two days, this reporter accompanied Mr Edet to his stands of raffia palms.

We used to transplant the seedlings, but that is no longer the practice. When you plant the seedlings at the swamp, someone would cut them down, Mr Edet said.

Mr Edet learned palm wine tapping from his late father. He said there were over 15 tappers in the community, but only three remained at the time of this reporters visit.

The local gin, called ogogoro or kai-kai, processed from fermented palm wine, is also affected by the scarcity of palm wine. Mr Edet said nobody in his entire community sells the original kai-kai.

If you buy kai-kai in this community, know that is bunkering, a euphemism for adulterated kai-kai.

How to process palm wine

Unlike oil and coconut palms, which mature in three years, a raffia palm takes 14 to 20 years to mature and dies within two to three months.

It dies because the top of the tree is cut down, and a small bunch of firewood is lit on the carved surface of the raffia palm. The heating process is done routinely till the raffia palm dies. Mr Edet says it ensures healthy production of wine.

He used to tap 12 stands daily, but he now does only four. In his prime, he got over 1,400 litres of palm wine a day but barely gets 30 litres now, he said.

People are no longer planting. It is so bad that I can stay up to three months without having a ripe raffia palm for harvest. Before, I was tired of cutting ripe palms every week. Then, I could have five mature raffia palms a day for harvesting.

Mr Edet showed the reporter Edad, a tree bark added to beautify and turn the wine from milky-white to reddish. He said edad also reduces the alcoholic effect of palm wine.

For some people, if edad is not added, the wine could trigger a stomach disorder that often results in diarrhoea. I am one of them. That is why I cannot drink any palmy without edad, Mr Edet said.

A tapper visits his raffia palm three times daily  morning, afternoon and evening but the wine is harvested in the morning and evening. Mr Edet said the afternoon visit is to renew the phase and keep it healthy.

Mr Edet uses a tappers knife, Annun in the local language, to cut the palms phase. His other tools include two ropes, one used to construct a seat for the tapper at the top of the tree and the other, a long one, to lower a container from the trees top.

Besides the wine, the prices of other items, including raffia palms and local cups used for drinking, have also increased. PREMIUM TIMES learned that a stand of raffia palms was sold for N200 a decade ago, but it is now N3,000. The local cup sold for N20 is now N300.

The cups are extremely scarce, Frank Akpan, owner of a palm wine retail shop, said, adding that he only bought a few because some of my customers do not drink palmy without the local cups.

Adulteration, money above safety

PREMIUM TIMES talked to people in the different local government areas about why raffia palm and palm wines have become scarce in the state.

Iniobong Charles in Mkpat Enin and Mr Nyong from Uruan LGAs said people do not plant raffia palms because of the long time a tree takes to mature.

Frank Akpan owns a palmy joint at 18 Wellington Bassey in Uyo. He said he travels over 40km to rural communities to buy palm wine at N2,500 a jar (10 litres). Some days, he returns with a quantity that cannot meet his customers demands.

He started retailing palm wine in 2017. At the time, a jar was sold for N800, and a 60cl bottle was sold for N50. Six years later, he buys a jar for N2,500 and retails it at N250 per 60cl bottle.

The scarcity of palm wine has triggered adulteration of the beverage, but Mr Akpan said it is easy to identify an adulterated one.

Ordinarily, palm wine is supposed to turn sour after 120 seconds in the mouth, but if the sweet taste persists for long, definitely its fake, he said.

Mr Akpan opened a bottle of palm wine, which produced a pop sound and ran over the container. He said that is an indication that the wine was not adulterated.

Trenchard Ibia, a soil scientist and professor at the University of Uyo, blamed the decline in palm wine production on the decrease in cultivation of homestead raffia palm.

Bartholomew Effiong, a lecturer in the Department of Food Science and Technology at the university, blamed the decline in palm wine on a lack of succession in the trade.

The people that were the typical tappers are dead. The people coming up now want to drink wine but do not want to go through the intricacies of tapping, he said.

Ofonime Akata, a crop scientist and head of the Department of Crop Science, Akwa Ibom State University, Mkpat Enin, said, Tapping was the work of aged men, so the psychological reasoning also led to the people abandoning it.

A plant pathologist, Yakubu Uwaidem, recalled vendors fighting over the local wine in a village he visited.

Three merchants going to look for palm wine in an interior community were dragging a cake (jar) of palm wine with a tapper. This should tell you how scarce it is, he said.

Mr Uwaidem said agriculture generally suffers in the south-south region due to the presence of crude oil, the primary source of revenue for states in the region.

This newspapers findings show that some vendors mix biscuits and saccharin, a sweetener, with palm wine for flavour. However, those in rural areas add water and saccharin.

Ekemini Ituen, a chemistry lecturer at the University of Uyo, told this newspaper that the practice of using biscuits, water and saccharine to cook palm wine became known in 2011 and is prevalent in Ikot Ambang axis of Uyo, the state capital.

Aniefiok Okon, a medical doctor at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH), told our reporter that the saccharine in palm wine causes diarrhoea.

Findings show that palm wine vendors indulge in the practice due to the absence of regulation.

Francis Ifem, a former head of the Uyo Office of NAFDAC, the food and drugs regulator, told this newspaper the agency does not regulate palm wine production.

NAFDAC regulates only packaged products, he said. NAFDAC can only seal factories after investigation, but the Consumer Protection Council will seek redress for compensation if there is an injury.

Seedlings production

Unlike coconut palm and oil palm seeds, which have enjoyed massive investment from the Akwa Ibom State government, raffia palms appear abandoned by the government and researchers.

Mr Edet lamented that there are no improved raffia palm seedlings from the government or researchers like other crops.

Economic importance of raffia palm, palm wine

Although data on the contributions of raffia palm and palm wine to the economy are unavailable, the wines are a source of livelihood for many in rural areas and for vendors and shop owners in cities.

Many lovers of palm wine in Uyo told this newspaper that fresh palmy, better known as Oto-Onyong by locals, is essential for nursing mothers.

Fresh palmy activates the production of breast milk in new mothers. That is why it is recommended for them to drink it, particularly those who have difficulty in milk production, Akan Ukpe said.

However, Mr Okon, a physician, said the belief was cultural and had no scientific backing.

Apart from the wine, raffia palm fronds are sewn into mats used as roofing sheets in thatch houses in the villages. Piassava from raffia palm trees is also used to manufacture products such as chairs, shoes, tables, baskets, and boxes for clothes.

Other uses include home and event decoration materials, musical instruments, and local fishing gear artisanal fishermen use. Maggots from raffia palm trees are also eaten as food.

READ ALSO: Fire destroys palm kernel factory in Ebonyi

Remedy

Mr Effiong, the food scientist, said raffia palm and palm wine production could be renewed if the government is interested in the area.

The Ministry of Agriculture is supposed to have extension agents in all these areas who are supposed to go to the grassroots, interact with the people, know what the problem is and bring feedback to the government for possible solutions. But we dont have those people, and in most cases, they stay in offices without knowing what is happening in the field.

The ones we do are at a very small scale where you use students for research work and contribute part of the money to publish papers and get some findings. But if it is going to be a full-scale research that you can come out and say this is this, it has to be a funded research work, Mr Effiong said.

The Akwa Ibom agriculture commissioner, Offiong Offor, was contacted via calls and SMS for this report but has yet to respond.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


Vice President Kashim Shettima has called for stronger ties between the federal government and traditional institutions.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the President Bola Tinubu administration to engaging royal fathers as key stakeholders in national development and social cohesion.

Speaking on Friday during a visit to Ningi Emirate in Bauchi State, the vice president offered condolences for the late Emir of Ningi, Yunusa Danyaya.

Mr Shettima also congratulated the newly installed emir, Haruna Danyaya, who is the eldest son of the late emir, noting that traditional institutions are not only the custodians of our cultures, values, and history but the very backbone of our society.

He pointed out that traditional institutions play a crucial role in maintaining national unity, societal stability, and serve as a reminder of the nations origins as well as offer inspiration to see the essence of our diversity.

His words: On behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, myself, and the entire government of Nigeria, I express our deepest condolences for the loss of an emir who left a legacy of integrity, service, and peace. And as we congratulate you, HRH Alhaji Haruna Yunusa Danyaya, on your assumption of office, we pledge our sincerest support for your reign.

These institutions serve as a reminder of our origins and offer inspiration to see the essence of our diversity in all that we do. The Emirate, under your late fathers stewardship, was a guiding light for many, and his contributions will not be forgotten.

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

VP Shettima praised the late emir for his 88 years of service to the nation, recalling that not only did he become the longest-reigning emir in the history of Ningi, but he also served our nation in various capacities even before his enthronement.

Addressing the newly installed emir, the VP pledged the federal governments support, just as he emphasised the importance of continuity in leadership.

We stand with you as partners in progress, and our doors are always open to our traditional rulers for wisdom, guidance, and advice, he said.

The vice president also highlighted the strong connections between the federal government and the Ningi Emirate, mentioning several Bauchi State natives serving in the Presidency, including his ADC, N.Y Sule and Senior Special Assistant to the President on Digital Media and National Emergency (Office of the Vice President), Ahmed Ningi.

Earlier, the Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, thanked Mr Shettima for visiting the state, describing him as a man of modesty and humility who stands out as a leader who respects everybody.

He said, On behalf of myself, the government, and the people of Bauchi State and Ningi Emirate, we wish to welcome you to Bauchi State. You are here as one of the leaders of this country.

Governor Mohammed also described the vice presidents visit as a double-edged sword, to condole with the people and also congratulate the new emir, the eldest son of the late Danyaya.

On his part, the new Emir of Ningi thanked the vice president for visiting to commiserate with them over the death of his father and to meet with the Emirate Council.

He also thanked Governor Mohammed for accepting the recommendation of the Emirate Council to install him as his fathers successor.

Among the dignitaries at the event were the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate; Speaker of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, Abubakar Suleiman; Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Ibrahim Hadejia; Special Adviser to the President on General Duties, Modibbo Umar; district heads from the area councils, and other senior government officials.

Meanwhile, Mr Shettima, on behalf of President Tinubu, visited Kaduna State to commiserate with the Kaduna State Government and family of the late Tanimu Zailani, a former chief judge of Kaduna State.

Mr Shettima who expressed sadness over the demise of Mr Zailani, prayed that Allah grant him Aljannah Firdaus, and grant the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Im here at the behest of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who called me from China and directed me to go to Kaduna and condole with the Kaduna State Government and the immediate family of the deceased.

Hon. Justice Tanimu Zailani was a very good ally of President Tinubu and my humble self. His death was a very painful loss to us. We pray may Allah overlook his shortcomings and grant him eternal rest.

Mr Zailani served as the Head of the Kaduna State Judiciary and was the Chief Judge of the High Court of Kaduna State from 2013 to 2018.

Stanley Nkwocha

Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications

(Office of The Vice President)

6th September, 2024

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, has just released the statement below, saying he was stepping down from his role as spokesperson to the President.

Mr Ngelale also said he submitted a memo to the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, informing him of his decision to step down as Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action, and Chairman, Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen.

He said in the statement sent to PREMIUM TIMES that he was stepping down from the two roles to enable him to proceed on indefinite leave to focus on medical matters affecting his immediate nuclear family.

President Bola Tinubu had on 31 July, 2023 named Mr Ajuri as his official spokesperson and special adviser on media and publicity.

On May 19 this year, the president gave him an additional responsibility in the administration by appointing him Nigerias special presidential envoy on climate action. He served in that role as part of a larger presidential committee chaired by President Bola Tinubu.

Mr Ngelale, 38, was at different times a broadcast journalist with African Independent Television and Channels Television.

He also worked as public affairs consultant at the Federal Ministry of Power and later as senior special assistant on public affairs in the office of then Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

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

READ THE FULL STATEMENT BY MR NGELALE BELOW.

On Friday, I submitted a memo to the Chief of Staff to the President informing my office that I am proceeding on an indefinite leave of absence to frontally deal with medical matters presently affecting my immediate, nuclear family.

While I fully appreciate that the ship of state waits for no man, this agonizing decision  entailing a pause of my functions as the Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity and Official Spokesperson of the President; Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action, and Chairman, Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen  was taken after significant consultations with my family over the past several days as a vexatious medical situation has worsened at home.

I look forward to returning to full-time national service when time, healing, and fate permit.

I respectfully ask for some privacy for my family and I during this time.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale

September 7, 2024

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The resumption of private and public schools in Edo State, earlier scheduled for Monday, 9 September, has been postponed indefinitely because of an increase in the price of petrol, the Edo State Government has said.

This is contained in a memo issued on Saturday in Benin City by the Permanent Secretary in the State Ministry of Education, Ojo Akin-Longe, Punch newspaper reported.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) on Tuesday announced an increase in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly called petrol, from N590 to N897.

The announcement came hours after Nigerias richest man, Aliko Dangote, unveiled the first refined petrol from his $20 billion Lagos refinery.

The Edo State Government said the increase in the price of petrol and the challenges faced by parents and guardians has caused tension in the state. The government directed all schools in the state to remain closed.

The government urges parents, guardians and caregivers to monitor the activities of their children and wards closely, given the current situation and the rising tension caused by the fuel hike, the permanent secretary, Mr Akin-Longe, said.

Its political  APC

Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State said the state governments decision to suspend school resumption over fuel price increase was expensive political gimmickry.

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 party spokesperson in the state, Peter Uwadiae-Enosorogbe, told reporters that the government action was least expected.

Linking the governments decision to the 21 September governorship election in the state, Mr Uwadiae-Enosorogbe expressed surprise that the state government could be sacrificing childrens educational pursuits because of politics.

According to him, the hike in petrol price has been a recurrence, and cannot derail the educational system.

Nobody is protesting the hike and no parents have complained that they cannot take their children to school for learning.

To every rational individual, the state government has erred again. It is one of the mistakes of the state government, he said.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


Delta State Government says anyone caught collecting development levies or any form of fees from public or private land developers in the state faces a two-year jail term.

Fred Oghenesivbe, the director-general of Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau, gave the warning in a statement made available to reporters on Saturday in Asaba.

He said the state law, which criminalised the collection of any form of development levies or fees at construction sites by members of a community development committee, association, or community leaders, remained in force.

He said community leaders and residents needed to obey the existing law, the Public and Private Properties Protection Law, 2018.

He said that several complaints of exploitation received by the Bureau pointed to the fact that some community leaders and their associations were terrorising private property developers in the state.

He recalled that the Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, presided over the passage of the bill when he was speaker of the Delta House of Assembly.

He said the bill was subsequently signed into law in 2018 by Mr Oborevworis predecessor, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.

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 Mr Oghenesivbe, some communities use brute force and coercive strategies to collect all kinds of levies and fees ranging from N200,000 to over N1,000,000, depending on the location and size of the building structure.

He said those who willfully, deliberately, and unknowingly violate the law shall be prosecuted, and such an individual or group of persons risks a two-year or five-year jail term upon conviction.

He also said that Governor Oborevwori has publicly stated that the collection of any form of levy in Delta had been outlawed.

The governor said that no individual, community leader or traditional institution is permitted to collect development levies or fees from land developers, either public or private sector.

Mr Oghenesivbe assured that the governor would continue to work around the clock to provide infrastructure across the states three senatorial districts and attract local and foreign investors.

He appealed to community leaders not to discourage investors from bringing development to their communities, towns and villages through illegal and fees already prohibited by law.

He quoted the law as prohibiting forceful entry, assault on construction workers and landowners, or trespassing on construction sites without lawful authorisation by the site or building owner, which is illegal and must be avoided.

Unlawful collection of foundation digging fee, building materials and other unscrupulous act or conduct by members of community development committee or association should be stopped forthwith to avoid running against subsisting state laws in force, he said.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The Federal Government has conducted a clearance operation at an illegal mining site in the Jaguna community of Yagba East Local Government Area of Kogi.

Solid minerals development minister Dele Alake, in a statement by his media aide, Segun Tomori, said that the exercise was part of efforts to combat illegal mining and sanitise the sector.

He said that Mining Marshalls, a special security unit established to secure mining sites, recently conducted the clearance operation to enforce compliance to governments directive for the miners to vacate the area.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the minister, on 19 July stated that an operation was conducted in the community to dislodge the armed illegal miners.

According to the minister, Jaguna, an area surrounded by forest, was raided by the mining marshals, resulting in the arrest of seven suspected illegal gold miners.

Labourers on-site were given a directive to vacate the area within five days.

Instead of complying, the miners mobilised additional workers and fortified the site with armed protection.

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 illegal miners also ignored appeals from traditional rulers and other community leaders to vacate the site to allow licensed mineral titleholders unhindered access to the area for legitimate operations.

Their activities have prevented lawfully authorised miners from accessing the area covering four cadastral units, for 16 years.

Reports indicate that the nefarious activities have gone unhindered for more than 20 years, the statement said.

It added that the situation necessitated the latest follow-up operation by the mining marshals.

For over 16 years, the rightful mining license holders have been unable to access the location due to the activities of armed illegal miners.

Acting on intelligence reports suggesting that the illegal operators had remained defiant, the Mining Marshals, last week, stormed the site, neutralised resistance from the armed gangs, and successfully cleared the area, it added.(NAN)

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


For the second time in a year, Google (GOOG, GOOGL) is going to trial against the US Justice Department to defend its lucrative businesses.

Starting Monday, prosecutors and lawyers for Google are scheduled to give opening arguments in federal district court in Alexandria, Va., in the case that claims Google illegally maintained its dominance in three markets within the ecosystem that automates online advertising.

The case, to be decided by US District Court Judge Leonie Brinkema, a Clinton appointee, was brought in January 2023 by the Biden administrations Justice Department, along with 17 state attorneys general.

The stakes for both sides are very high, New York University Law School professor Eleanor Fox said.

The trial comes just a month after Google suffered a defeat in a high-stakes federal antitrust case brought by the DOJ during former President Donald Trumps administration. In that case, US District of Columbia District Court Judge Amit Mehta ruled that Google illegally monopolized the general online search engine market and the market for search engine text advertising.

Google has said it will appeal that decision.

Losing round one: Google CEO Sundar Pichai leaves the federal courthouse in Washington during closing arguments in the antitrust case against Google last year. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

In the ad tech case, the government claimed Google also deployed illegal methods to monopolize markets for publishing ad servers, ad exchanges, and advertiser ad networks. Together, these markets make it possible for advertisers to buy and publishers to sell digital ads online.

At the heart of the governments case are allegations that Google foreclosed on competitors by capitalizing on its well-known search engine to enter the online advertising market and then bought up competitors within the space.

First in 2000, they said, Google launched Google Ads, previously named AdWords, a platform that allows advertisers to buy ad space on Googles own web pages, including those that that display internet search results. Later that year, Google created another tool for advertisers to buy ad space on third-party websites.

Prosecutors say Google next devised a moat around the entire ad tech industry by developing a separate ad server for publishers. Once it had control over both sides of the industry, they alleged, Google positioned itself to extract profits as a middleman.

When Google's own ad platforms failed to gain traction, the DOJ said, it turned to buying up rivals.

In 2008, Google acquired the leading publisher ad server, DoubleClick, for $3 billion, as well as an ad exchange auction platform, AdX.

According to the DOJ, Google then blocked publishers who did not use both its publisher-side platform, DoubleClick for Publishers, and its ad exchange from accessing real-time ad demand exclusive to Google Ads.

Story continues

In effect, Google positioned itself to function simultaneously as buyer, seller, and auctioneer of digital display advertising, the complaint said.

Cornell Law School antitrust professor Erik Hovenkamp said the allegations in the complaint are serious and compelling without obvious justifications that might excuse the alleged misconduct.

"As for advertisers and publishers, they are the primary victims of Google's alleged misconduct, Hovenkamp said.

Google did not respond to Yahoo Finance's request for comment. In its response to the lawsuit, it criticized the DOJ and states for using antitrust law to try to derail acquisitions that federal regulators already approved.

"Advertisers and publishers choose Googles ad tech products because of their quality and Googles commitment to constant innovation and improvement, not because they have no other choices or are forced to do so," Google's court filing states.

Round two: Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta is joined by Attorney General Merrick Garland as she speaks during a news conference at the Justice Department to announce a new antitrust lawsuit against Google on Jan. 24, 2023, in Washington, D.C. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) (Anna Moneymaker via Getty Images)

Absent Googles anticompetitive behavior, prosecutors say website owners would earn more from hosting ads and advertisers would pay less to secure advertising space.

Those financial pressures, they said, cause website owners to turn to subscriptions, paywalls, or alternative forms of monetization.

Its unclear how much of Googles revenue is at risk in the case.

Wedbush analyst Dan Ives said in a note on Thursday that Google's collection of ad tech products generated $20 billion of gross revenue and just over $1 billion of operating profit in 2020. The figure accounted for 11% of Alphabet's consolidated gross revenue that year. Ives estimated that the technologies likely now generate roughly 8% of Google's gross revenue.

At the time of the complaint, the DOJ said digital display ads generated more than $20 billion in revenue for US-based publishers. Roughly 5 trillion digital display ads are sold by publishers each year. And for each dollar that flows from advertisers to website publishers through its ad tech tools Google retains 30% or more.

Hovenkamp disagrees with speculation that the DOJ's recent victory over Google will help the government in its ad tech case, anticipating that it will have little influence over the decision.

If you compare the upcoming Google case to the previous one, both the practices and the markets are different. There is no overlap, he said.

However, Fox points out that the DOJ will be able to use many parts of Judge Mehtas opinion to support claims of Googles market power and alleged misuse. At the same time, she said, she expects Google to leave no stone unturned to try and show that ad tech markets are competitive and still growing.

I believe that the DOJ has a strong case for Googles monopoly power, she said, adding that she views as particularly strong the government's claims that Google abused its power in the market for advertising exchanges.

If Google is found liable for violating antitrust law, the DOJ has proposed that the company be required to divest businesses within its suite of ad tech products.

Alexis Keenan is a legal reporter for Yahoo Finance. Follow Alexis on X @alexiskweed

Click here for the latest technology news that will impact the stock market

Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance
The police in Edo State said they have commenced a mop-up of illegal arms and ammunition ahead of the 21 September governorship election.

Moses Yamu, the police spokesperson in Edo, quoted the Commissioner of Police in the state, Nemi Iwo, as saying this on Saturday in Benin during a meeting with the chairpersons of political parties and their respective governorship candidates.

Mr Iwo said the mop-up of illegal arms was to ensure the security of the electoral process.

The police commissioner appealed to political leaders to prevail on their supporters to shun violence during the election.

He assured the people of adequate security to ensure that they go out to cast their vote without fear of harassment or intimidation.

Mr Iwo reassured the states political leaders that the police and other security agencies would ensure that they and others, including the election materials, were protected during and after the election.

He solicited information that would assist the police in ensuring an enabling environment for the election.

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

Suspension of school resumption

Meanwhile, the Edo State Government has announced the indefinite suspension of school resumption due to the increase in the price of petrol.

The resumption for both private and public schools in Edo was earlier scheduled for Monday, 9 September.

The Permanent Secretary in the Edo State Ministry of Education, Ojo Akin-Longe, said the increase in the price of petrol and the challenges faced by parents and guardians has caused tension in the state.

The government directed all schools in the state to remain closed until further notice.

The All Progressives Congress, which is the major opposition party in Edo, said the state governments decision to suspend school resumption was an expensive political gimmickry.

(NAN)

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the tankers driver was attempting to divert to another lane when it caught fire at about 4:45 p.m.

The incident left a mini truck, one commuter bus, a Micra car, one tricycle and two motorcycles burnt.

A witness, Biodun Ayoola, told NAN that all the occupants of the affected vehicles and cycles hurriedly took to their heels on sighting the petrol tanker on fire.

According to Mr Ayoola, the ongoing construction of a pedestrian bridge at Ajia junction caused the contractor to block one lane, diverting vehicles to the other lane.

The petrol tanker caught fire while trying to link the other lane and exploded but we thank God that all the occupants of the affected vehicles and motorcycles escaped from the scene before the explosion, he said.

NAN reports that Mayowa Odewo, the Public Relations Officer of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Oyo State, confirmed the incident.

Mr Odewo said officers of the command in Egbeda axis were still at the scene, and that a statement would be issued immediately after completing the operations. (NAN)

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

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda has hinted at his administrations plan to arm willing residents of terrorised communities to confront invading bandits, kidnappers and other criminals.

We have come up with an initiative that for any community ready to defend itself, we will give them necessary support and training to engage criminals before the arrival of the security agents, Mr Radda said at an event in Katsina, the state capital, on Friday.

The event was organised for the 2025 Citizens Budget Participation Process and the launching of the states Community Development Programmes.

Katsina is one of the most terrorised states in the North-west, the region that has emerged as a hotbed of some of the most devastating violent crimes in Nigeria. Four of the regions seven states, including Katsina, are among the top five states with the highest number of kidnap incidents between July 2023 and June 2024.

Mr Radda said it is unhelpful for communities to depend solely on security agencies due to the remoteness of their locations.

I went to a village, Tsamiyar-jino, where it took me two hours inside a Jeep before I reached the village from the main road.

So, if bandits attack such areas, from the time you inform the security, it will take them over two hours before they can respond to the distress call.

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

By then, whatever is going to happen will have happened  they will have killed people and kidnapped others.

The idea of arming citizens to defend themselves has been on the table as a possible solution to the wanton killings and destruction in the region and other parts of the country.

In 2022, the Zamfara State Government, another North-west state, asked the police to start issuing gun licences to those willing to defend themselves.

However, there are persistent questions about whether arming citizens or liberalising Nigerias gun laws can guarantee security.

Nigerias Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja opposed the call for arming of citizens in the wake of an attack claiming the lives of 195 persons in Plateau State in 2023.

I do not support that. I think that is a call for anarchy, Mr Lagbaja said on Channels TV in December 2023, insisting that the Nigerian Army can defend the country and that there is no need for self-defence.

In January, an ISS Today article published by PREMIUM TIMES argued that liberalising citizens access to arms could deepen the insecurity problem.

Considering Nigerias multiple conflicts and the challenges of border porosity that enable arms trafficking, campaigns for arming individuals could further jeopardise security and push the country into anarchy, the article read in part.

The piece added that the only option is for Nigerias security apparatus to deliver on what it was established to doprotectprotect citizens lives and property.

Insufficient security agents

Governor Radda also lamented that there were not enough security agents to provide security to all the communities in the state, calling back to mind the agitaton for state police.

I have said it several times, that the security agents cannot do this work alone. We didnt even have enough of them.

Many, including state governors, have called for the creation of state police to complement the federally controlled police.

However, those who fear the already powerful state governors would abuse state police by unduly deploying them to muzzle the opposition, and dissenting views have opposed it.

Police decentralisation requires far-reaching legal reforms, but it has not yet gained sufficient traction at the National Assembly or the blessing of federal authorities to make it through the series of constitution amendments that have been made over the years.

As a stopgap, the six states of the South-west region jointly established in 2020 the Amotekun Security Network to combat kidnapping.

Some northern states have also established the community security watch corps.

But since the establishment of the Amotekun, championed by the late Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, or its likes in other parts of the country, there is no evidence that kidnapping and other related crimes have reduced.

Humiliating deaths continue

Mr Radda expressed worry over the incessant killings in the state, stressing the need for self-defence. He also said that payment of ransom does not guarantee the safety of kidnap victims.

I am surprised at the way we are dying in such a humiliating manner. We were told that anyone who died in defence of his family would enter paradise.

You see five criminals attacking a community of 2,000 to 3,000 people, rape daughters, women and abducting others without any confrontation from the people of that community.

If there are 100 youths in the community who confront them, they will not shoot for more than three times without being captured with bare hands.

Paying ransom doesnt even prevent a hostage from being killed by abductors; sometimes they collect the money and kill the victim, he lamented.

Mr Radda lamented the collaboration the criminals get from within the communities. There was a representative of the village head who collected N700,000 from bandits and allowed them to enter his area and killed about 30 people, he said.

There were women arrested, a teacher serving as their informant, in fact, almost all the segments of people involved in this act.

Governors security programmes

The governor revealed that his administration had created a Community Security Watch Corps and recruited youth from the front-line local governments.

We trained them and attached them with the police and the army to work in synergy after providing them rifles, bulletproof vests, umbrellas, three sets of uniforms and shoes, among others, he said.

Mr Radda added that the government provided them with 700 motorcycles, 65 Hilux cars, and 10 Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC), in addition to rehabilitating others that belonged to the police.

READ ALSO: Heartless kidnappers kill Ogun schoolgirl after dad paid N1m ransom

We pay N3 million for fuelling and maintenance of those vehicles to front-line local governments, N1.5 million for vulnerable local governments, and N750,000 for the remaining LGAs.

We also purchased surveillance gadgets that you cannot find anywhere in the country. Our own is 5G and not the normal 3G, the governor said.

He, therefore, urged the people to intensify efforts to provide information to the security agents for their security and safety.

(NAN)

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


Researchers have developed a test that detects prostate cancer in less than 15 minutes using dried blood samples.

The test works by analysing crystal-like structures in dehydrated blood for signs of the disease and early trials found the test is 90 per cent accurate.

The study, titled, Insights into Polycrystalline Microstructure of Blood Films with 3D Mueller Matrix Imaging Approach, was carried out by researchers at Aston University in Birmingham and published in the online journal, Scientific Reports.

The findings of the researchers could potentially transform the diagnosis of prostate cancer, the most common form of cancer in men across different countries including Nigeria where prevalence is high.

Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the prostate, a small gland in men that produces seminal fluid.

It is the most common and most deadly type of cancer for Nigerian men with 328 cases and 163 deaths per 100,000 men.

This is more than double the mortality in North America, with an estimated 80 per cent of Nigerians incurable on diagnosis.

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

Western Africa has the fifth highest risk for prostate cancer mortality globally and Nigeria has the largest population in the region.

This new study did not specifically mention the impact of the test on Nigeria or West Africa.

It however noted that the high prevalence of prostate cancer is partly due to late diagnosis and it is difficult to accurately diagnose the cancer with a simple test.

Many men do not experience symptoms in the early stages of the disease, leading to delayed detection.

The researchers have described the new test as a breakthrough for early detection and diagnosis of the disease.

New test

The lead author of the research from Aston Universitys Institute of Photonic Technologies in Birmingham in the UK, Igor Meglinski, described the test as a breakthrough blood test.

For the study, the researchers analysed 108 dry blood smear samples from healthy volunteers as well as those who had prostate cancer.

He said the researchers examined the protein structures in the blood samples using a technique known as new polarisation-based image reconstruction.

It looks at how proteins change their 3D shape and join together during the early stages of the disease, conducting a detailed layer-by-layer analysis of dry blood smears.

According to Mr Meglinski, this step is crucial for identifying significant differences between healthy and cancerous samples.

The entire process, including drying time, takes up to 15 minutes.

Advancement in cancer diagnosis

Mr Meglinski said the test marks a significant advancement in cancer diagnosis and monitoring across the globe.

He said it marks an important step forward in personalised medicine and oncology.

This breakthrough opens new avenues for cancer diagnosis and monitoring, representing a substantial leap forward in personalised medicine and oncology.

Prostate cancer accounts for nearly 10 per cent of cancer deaths in men and is one of the leading causes of death in older men. However, the life expectancy of 90 per cent of patients diagnosed with prostate cancer at stage 1 or 2 is 15 years or more.

By enabling earlier and more accurate detection, our blood test has the potential to significantly improve outcomes and survival rates for many patients, he said.

He, however, noted that results are preliminary and larger clinical trials still need to confirm the tests potential.

Better option?

The researchers said the technique uses blood samples instead of invasive biopsies, reducing both risk and discomfort for patients.

Currently, the method involves a protein-specific antigen (PSA) blood test. Men with elevated PSA levels are referred for additional tests, such as a biopsy, to confirm a cancer diagnosis.

But the Director of Research at Prostate Cancer UK, Matthew Hobbs, said the main challenge is demonstrating that these tests are an improvement over the current option.

Mr Hobbs said, The big issue is proving that these tests are better than what we have already.

So far, this has been tested on a relatively small number of samples, so well need to see more research before we can know how effective it will be.

Prostate Cancer UK is an organisation that funds research on prostate cancer.

Mr Hobbs, although not involved in the study, said: Over 10,000 men each year are diagnosed when their cancer has already spread and become incurable.

This is why its so important that we find new and better tests for prostate cancer.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) on Saturday said it is not the sole offtaker of all products from the Dangote Refinery. It said the refinery is free to sell its petrol to any marketer.

Olufemi Soneye, the chief corporate communications officer of NNPC Ltd, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.

The NNPC Ltd made this known in reaction to a statement that the Dangote Refinery Limited is being undermined by actions of the company.

On Friday, the Muslim Rights Concern, MURIC, claimed that recent changes to the pump price of petrol will prevent the Dangote Refinery from offering lower prices and that NNPC Ltd has become the sole offtaker of all products from the refinery.

In its statement on Saturday, the NNPC said the pricing of petroleum products from any refinery, including the Dangote Refinery, is determined by global market forces, noting that the recent changes in petrol prices have no impact on Dangote Refinery or any other domestic refinerys access to the Nigerian market.

The attention of the NNPC Ltd has been drawn to a press release by the Muslim Rights Concern, MURIC, which claims that the Dangote Refinery Limited (DRL) is being undermined by actions of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd). Specifically, MURIC asserts that recent changes to the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) will prevent the Dangote Refinery from offering lower prices and that NNPC Ltd has become the sole offtaker of all products from the refinery.

To set the records straight, NNPC Ltd wishes to further state as follows: The pricing of petroleum products from any refinery, including the Dangote Refinery Ltd (DRL), is determined by global market forces.

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 recent changes in PMS prices have no impact on the DRL or any other domestic refinerys access to the Nigerian market, Mr Soneye said.

The NNPC spokesperson said if current prices are perceived as high, it presents an ideal opportunity for the refinery to sell its products at lower prices in the Nigerian market.

Furthermore, we emphasise that there is no guarantee of lower prices associated with domestic refining compared to any global parity pricing framework, as confirmed by the Dangote Refinery Limited.

He said the NNPC Ltd will only fully offtake petrol from the Dangote Refinery if the market prices of petrol are higher than the pump prices in Nigeria.

He explained that the Dangote Refinery and any other domestic refinery are free to sell directly to any marketer on a willing buyer, willing seller basis, which is the current practice for all fully deregulated products.

He added that NNPC Ltd has no desire or intention to become the distributor for any entity in a free market environment, and therefore, the notion of becoming a sole offtaker does not arise.

The NNPC Ltd cannot undermine a business in which it holds a billion-dollar stake. As an advocacy group for fair and just treatment, MURIC should have verified the facts before making statements that are entirely flawed and have the potential to incite ordinary Nigerians against the NNPC Ltd, he said.

On Monday, Devakumar Edwin, vice president at Dangote Industries Limited, said the 650,000 barrels per day Dangote Refinery has begun the processing of petrol.

Mr Edwin explained that the NNPC Ltd, Nigerias sole importer, would buy its product exclusively.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, the President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, said the petrol refined from the refinery would hit filling stations across the country within 48 hours, depending on the NNPC Ltd.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The Bauchi government on Saturday unveiled the one million tree planting campaign, to control desert encroachment and promote environmental sustainability in the state.

Governor Bala Mohammed said this in Bauchi at the inauguration of the 2024 Tree Planting campaign tagged: One person  One tree.

Represented by his deputy, Auwal Jatau, the governor said that tree planting by the citizens would mitigate effect of the climate change on the environment and wellbeing of the people.

This is a clarion call to citizens, communities, schools and organisations to take ownership of the environmental initiative, he said, adding that tree planting was significant to mitigate climate change, provide shade and support biodiversity.

Mr Mohammed said his administration had distributed tree seedlings to communities, schools, and groups to mobilise participation in the exercise.

My administration has demonstrated a commitment to environmental sustainability, and the One Person, One Tree campaign is a significant step towards achieving the states environmental goals, he said.

He, therefore, enjoined the people to ensure proper nursing of the trees to ensure successful implementation of the programme.

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

READ ALSO: Senator slams Bauchi gov over chieftaincy title withdrawal

Danlami Kawule, the Commissioner for Housing and Environment, urged the people and stakeholders in the environment sector to embrace tree planting to contribute towards a healthy environment.

According to him, the campaign aims to promote sustainable growth, development, and environmental protection.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


Bonu Solomon, the lawmaker representing Badagry Constituency 1, Lagos State House of Assembly, has appealed to residents of Badagry communities to pay their electricity bill regularly.

Mr Solomon made the appeal shortly after restoration of electricity supply to some communities in Badagry after almost two years of disconnection from the national grid.

He urged the residents of the affected communities to always pay their bills to avoid being disconnected again.

We give thanks to God as EKEDC has successfully energised and illuminated our communities.

I encourage all residents to acquire prepaid meters to prevent future complications.

Prompt payment of electricity bills will guarantee a steady and reliable power supply directly to your homes, he said.

Mr Solomon commended the residents for allowing peace to reign in the communities during the outage.

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 would like to express my sincere appreciation to the community for choosing peace and allowing us to resolve this issue harmoniously.

I am grateful for the trust and support you have shown me.

Please ensure timely payment of your bills to enjoy uninterrupted electricity services, he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that on 9 May, some Badagry communities had lamented the prolonged power outage of over 18 months in the area by the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC).

READ ALSO: Nigerian govt clarifies electricity subsidy for public hospitals

The communities affected by the outage include Jegba Quarters, Posikoh, Huntoh, Farakoh, Igbaho and Awahjigoh.

Arowolo Lukuman, the Chairman of the Electricity Committee of the area, said the outage, which occurred on 22 October 2022, was due to a fault on a transformer.

He said the outage had paralysed the economic and social activities of their communities. (NAN)

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


President Bola Tinubu has accepted the exit of spokesperson Ajuri Ngelale from his government.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that Mr Ngelale, in a statement earlier on Saturday, said he had submitted a memo to the president requesting an indefinite leave of absence to frontally deal with medical matters presently affecting my immediate, nuclear family.

Apart from serving as Mr Tinubus spokesperson, Mr Ngelale also served as a presidential envoy on climate matters.

In a statement on its official X handle, the presidency said President Tinubu accepts his reasons for the leave, fully understands them and sympathizes with the circumstances that have led to this seemingly difficult decision.

Read the full statement from the presidency below.

The President has received the memo from Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity and Official Spokesperson of the President as well as Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action, informing of his decision to proceed on an indefinite leave of absence for personal and health reasons.

The President accepts his reasons for the leave, fully understands them and sympathizes with the circumstances that have led to this seemingly difficult decision.

While extending his heartfelt prayers and best wishes to Chief Ngelale and his family during this challenging moment, the President hopes for a speedy recovery and full restoration to health.

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 President notes his tireless efforts and dedication in serving the nation, and thanks him for the remarkable contributions he made in his various capacities, especially in advancing national discourse and leading efforts on climate action and other key initiatives.

The President wishes him well in all his future endeavors.

During this period, we kindly ask that the wish for privacy of Chief Ngelale and his family be respected.

Signed,

The Presidency

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


whilst external support is welcome to close existing vaccine availability and research gaps, the continent needs to do more for itself. The 10,000 doses delivered to Nigeria, out of the 750,000 doses promised Africa from Spain, France, Germany, and USA, remains a far cry from the 10 million doses stated by Africa CDC to be the volume needed to curb the outbreak African nations need to therefore redouble efforts to build domestic capacity for the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals, such as vaccines and therapeutics.

Last week, Nigeria became the first African country to receive vaccines against mpox, a viral disease whose rapid spread led the World Health Organization (WHO) to announce the ongoing upsurge in several African countries to be a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) under the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR). This announcement indicates its marked potential to spread rapidly across Africa and even outside the continent.

As alarming as the announcement might have been, and the media interest generated thereafter, it is not the first time that mpox is being referred to as a public health emergency of international concern. In fact, almost exactly two years ago, in July 2022, there was a spread of the milder Clade II strains of the virus to nearly 100 countries in Africa, Europe, United States, Australia and Asia, with about 140 deaths recorded.

Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has also announced over 22,800 suspected mpox cases with about 622 deaths on the continent  a 200 per cent jump in cases  in less than one week. This Clade Ib strain that is largely responsible for the ongoing outbreak is particularly worrisome, given its higher transmissibility and potentially worse clinical severity.

In 2023, epidemiologists, including the immediate past Director General of Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), Dr Ifedayo Adetifa, surmised that whereas the severity of mpox during the 2022 global outbreak was generally mild, it would be unwise to assume that future outbreaks would be similarly tame. In the somewhat prophetic Lancet article, Adetifa and colleagues argued that with ever increasing travel and trade, it is probably just a matter of time until a traveller or small mammal carries the more dangerous Clade I virus, with its close resemblance to smallpox, to faraway places.

Back in 20222023, the demographic affected appeared to be predominantly men who had sex with other men. However, the current 2024 global outbreak has crossed African borders, with mpox cases reported in Sweden, Thailand, and Pakistan, and impacting a broader demographic, primarily spreading through direct contact, and affecting men, women, and children. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, all the countrys 26 provinces have reported cases, with children below 15 years accounting for 66 per cent of reported cases and over 82 per cent of deaths, driven substantially by contact, malnutrition, and compromised immunity. Similarly, according to the NCDC, children aged 05 years are the most affected age group in Nigeria.

The Director General of WHO, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, surmises that truncating these outbreaks and saving lives would rely on a coordinated international response. Unfortunately, much of the global response neglected Africa, thus culminating in these recent global outbreaks.

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

Since 2017, when the virus resurfaced long after its first appearance in a nine-month-old boy in 1970, there has been scant investment in diagnostic, therapeutic, and infection prevention tools, despite repeated warnings from African researchers, until the 202223 global mpox outbreak occurred, and tellingly research and public health responses were mostly limited to high-income countries in Europe and North America.

Viral testing of the new mpox strain reveals mutations that propagate human-to-human spread, thus infecting infants, schoolchildren, and healthcare workers, who are treating mpox patients and in some cases, entire households. Infected newborn babies, miscarriages, and long-term complications, such as blindness, have been reported. As the current outbreak unravels, scientists from the University of Oxford have described the rapidly spreading Clade I variant as the most dangerous strain yet, raising concerns about the risk of an asymptomatic spread.

Since 2017, when the virus resurfaced long after its first appearance in a nine-month-old boy in 1970, there has been scant investment in diagnostic, therapeutic, and infection prevention tools, despite repeated warnings from African researchers, until the 202223 global mpox outbreak occurred, and tellingly research and public health responses were mostly limited to high-income countries in Europe and North America.

For Professor Dimie Ogoina, infectious diseases professor with Niger Delta University, and WHO IHR Emergency Committee chair, who reported the first case in West Africa in 2017, without decisive action, history will repeat itself. Many lessons from COVID-19 have been forgotten, and once again, in low- and middle-income countries, vaccine monopoly is evident, with vaccines being sold to the highest bidder. In addition, despite the changing face of the virus with regards to burden, geographic expansion, transmission, and rising case fatality rates, funding for mpox remains elusive to African researchers. Immediate steps should, therefore, be taken to sustainably curb the escalating burden of this rapidly changing viral illness.

First, whilst external support is welcome to close existing vaccine availability and research gaps, the continent needs to do more for itself. The 10,000 doses delivered to Nigeria, out of the 750,000 doses promised Africa from Spain, France, Germany, and USA, remains a far cry from the 10 million doses stated by Africa CDC to be the volume needed to curb the outbreak. These vaccines are however widely available in up to 70 countries outside Africa, inoculating low-risk populations at $50  $75 per dose, whilst African countries with rising numbers of cases, such as DRC, Burundi, Kenya, and Rwanda, are yet to receive the vaccines pledged to them. African nations need to therefore redouble efforts to build domestic capacity for the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals, such as vaccines and therapeutics.

Secondly, less than 40 per cent of cases on the African continent are tested and laboratory confirmed, which indicates a significant problem of underreporting. African public health professionals have the skill sets but lack the requisite financial and technical support for enhanced diagnostic capabilities to drive local research. African governments must intentionally and strategically invest in health security by developing their public health institutes, while leveraging mutually respectful foreign partnerships. Otherwise, public health research will continue to be led by foreign scientists, perpetuating the continents dependence on foreign research findings and therapeutics.

Despite the millions of dollars channelled into vaccinating high-income populations during the 20222023 mpox outbreak, the virus is back and has returned with a vengeance. Clearly, a threat to health anywhere, is indeed a threat to health everywhere. Africas neglect during the last global outbreak of mpox has come back to bite, and unless we are collaboratively aggressive, we cannot fight the ongoing battle against infectious diseases

Thirdly, a de-siloed approach to the consideration of vulnerable groups is vital to vaccine distribution. High costs, and regulatory bottlenecks, have hindered equitable vaccine access. Vaccinations ought to have gone beyond the global North, targeting higher-risk populations such as children, health workers, laboratory personnel, sex workers, and people with multiple sexual contacts in the affected African countries. Not doing so enabled the viral mutation that led to the current outbreak. The United Kingdom, United States of America, and European counterparts need to lead from the front by abiding with the terms of the pandemic treaty negotiations, challenging profit-inclined obstacles from big pharma, and tackling these recurring vaccine inequities.

Finally, in the absence of vaccines and drugs, there should be a more deliberate effort to raise community awareness on the infection, risks of transmission, and methods of prevention. Additionally, providing supportive care, such as enhanced nutrition, and mental health services at primary healthcare levels can reduce morbidity and mortality, given the negative effects of malnutrition, and stigma on mpox. Rivers State was one of the Nigerian states listed by NCDC to have confirmed cases in the ongoing outbreak. To address this, the Health Ministry is aggressively disseminating information locally on mpox, convening community town hall meetings for citizen awareness, especially regarding safe practices concerning interactions with wildlife, building the capacity of community health workers, including infection prevention and control staff, surveillance officers, home management and safe burial teams.

Diseases and epidemics have effectively demonstrated that they know no boundaries, as evidenced by COVID-19, and now, mpox. More than a billion people travel by air each year, and in just 24 hours an individual with a contagious illness can travel to virtually any part of the world, with dire consequences for unprepared medical systems.

Despite the millions of dollars channelled into vaccinating high-income populations during the 20222023 mpox outbreak, the virus is back and has returned with a vengeance. Clearly, a threat to health anywhere, is indeed a threat to health everywhere. Africas neglect during the last global outbreak of mpox has come back to bite, and unless we are collaboratively aggressive, we cannot fight the ongoing battle against infectious diseases  regardless of where we may be.

Together, we just might be able to.

Adaeze Oreh, a consultant family physician, public health expert and advocate for affordable universal healthcare for all Nigerians, is the Honourable Commissioner for Health in Rivers State, Nigeria.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


This past weekend, I encountered a very familiar debate among Nigerians on Facebook. A well-educated and highly respected Nigerian was seeking to understand the basis for the Nigerian diasporas support of Vice President Kamala Harris in the US. He couldnt fathom why any conscientious Nigerian would align with the Democratic Party, which he believes has meddled in past Nigerian elections that resulted in the controversial presidencies of Buhari and Tinubu.

Our friend contended that despite being a convicted felon and a fundamentally flawed candidate detrimental to America, Donald Trump  whose administration, in December 2020, placed Nigeria on the terror watch list and significantly restricted Nigerians from entering the US during his presidency  remains the better choice for Nigeria. He believes that the policies of the Republican Party are more aligned with advancing Nigerias interests.

Its not uncommon to hear Nigerians with a cursory grasp of American politics voice support for the Republican Party, often motivated by vacuous religiosity. However, for someone of our friends intellectual standing to claim that Trump is more beneficial for Nigeria  despite clear evidence to the contrary  is a glaring instance of emotion overriding intellect.

There is also a growing narrative that attributes Nigerias failure to thrive not to its internal challenges, but to external interference from global superpowers. These powers, through policies perceived as economically and politically destabilizing, are often held responsible for Nigerias myriad problems and much of Africas struggles.

Beyond the historical exploitation of colonialism, the United States, Britain, and other Western nations are also blamed for Nigerias high turnover of inept, shallow and uninspiring leaders since the return to civilian rule in 1999.

However, it is crucial to recognize the complexity of our challenges as a nation.

While its undeniable that foreign powers have, on many occasions, undermined Africas efforts towards economic sustainability and political stability, the roots of Nigerias problems go very far beyond that. The legacy of colonialism certainly left deep scars  arbitrary borders, resource extraction, and foreign-imposed governance structures sowed division, stunted development, and fostered political instability across the continent.

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

But we must also recognize that Nigerias post-independence trajectory has been shaped not only by external forces but more importantly, by its own internal dynamics. In fact, whatever harm foreign powers inflict pales in comparison to the damage we inflict upon ourselves. The efforts of International Oil Companies (IOCs) to undermine Dangotes refinery are trivial compared to the destructive schemes of the NNPC and its affiliates, which have done far more to sabotage Nigerias aspiration for energy self-sufficiency. At what point will Nigerians begin to take full responsibility for their countrys fate?

In his memoir, My Transition Hours, former President Goodluck Jonathan recounts his experiences in office, particularly surrounding the 2015 presidential election in Nigeria, where he lost to Muhammadu Buhari. Jonathan pointedly criticised former US President Barack Obama, accusing him and his administration of undue interference in the Nigerian electoral process.

Jonathan alleged that the Obama administration took an unusual interest in the Nigerian elections and exerted influence in favour of his opponent, Buhari. He referenced a video message released by Obama shortly before the election, in which Obama urged Nigerians to ensure their elections were peaceful, fair, and credible. To Jonathan, this was more than a call for democracy; it was a thinly veiled endorsement of his rival, a signal of international pressure that he believes played a role in his electoral defeat.

There is no denying that Western policies, both historical and contemporary, have often disadvantaged African nations. In both optics and policy, Western governments have frequently played duplicitous roles, aiding the rise of dubious leaders in Africa who are willing to serve their interests. However, it must be said: Goodluck Jonathan was no Lee Kuan Yew. He was a deeply flawed president, and even if the US government had a hand in his ouster, it might have been a clear case of good riddance to bad rubbish.

During Jonathans tenure, Nigeria saw the rise of a multitude of non-state actors who began to claim territories across the country. Funds intended to combat insurgency were embezzled and used to buy choice real estates in Dubai while innocent Nigerians were slaughtered in droves like sacrificial animals. But I digress; this essay is not about Jonathans locust years. Nonetheless, attempting to paint him in bright colors, simply because Buhari turned out to be even worse, is a gross distortion of history.

Moreover, blaming Western influence for Nigerias problems exaggerates their impact to the point where 220 million Nigerians are portrayed as helpless spectators in issues that determine whether garri will be available on our menu or Premium Motor Spirit in our cars. This blame game distracts from a critical reality: the responsibility for Nigerias governance lies squarely with Nigerians. True progress and liberation can only come from within, through owning our future, undertaking systemic reforms, and holding our leaders accountable.

To suggest otherwise is to adopt a defeatist mindset that implies our fate as a nation is not determined by our own actions and choices, but by decisions made by foreign governments. This is a dangerous narrative, akin to a 50-year-old man blaming his failures on his villages evil spirits or a stepmothers cursesalways looking for someone else to blame.

While it is true that Western powers have historically sought to suppress Africas rise and exploit its resources, this is not a new tactic, nor is it one that will ever change. Rather than holding ourselves accountable, we blame the clown for playing his part in the circus. Yet, every day, we dress up and willingly attend the same circus. In Asia and Latin America, similar tactics by Western powers failed because those regions lacked the same level of internal collusion by local leaders. In contrast, Africas progress is continually hampered by its own leaders willingness to act as enablers.

This tendency to blame external actors for internal problems becomes a form of escapism, diverting attention away from the domestic factors that contribute to Nigerias governance crisis. It undermines the agency of Nigerians to drive change.

Pointing fingers at the United States or other Western nations for Nigerias woes is an easy narrative that lets Nigerians, especially the elite and ruling classes, off the hook. This blame game ignores the complex interplay of domestic issues  corruption, ethnic divisions, weak institutions, and poor leadership  that are the true culprits behind Nigerias governance failures. It also diminishes the role of Nigerian citizens in enabling or challenging these dynamics.

Arguing that the U.S. Democratic Party is responsible for Nigerias poor leadership oversimplifies the issue and ignores the choices made by Nigerian voters, politicians, and civil society. While international policies can influence domestic politics, the decision to elect, support, or oppose specific leaders ultimately rests with Nigerians. Focusing on external scapegoats risks disempowering Nigerians, making them fail to hold their own leaders accountable.

Real change in Nigeria wont come from shifting blame to the West. It will come from a collective effort to address the root causes of Nigerias problems. This requires Nigerians to confront systemic corruption, strengthen weak institutions, and demand accountability from their leaders. It involves fostering a culture of transparency, supporting independent media and civil society organisations that hold those in power to account, and actively participating in the democratic process.

Moreover, it is crucial to recognise the power that ordinary Nigerians have to shape their countrys future. From the #EndSARS movement to the recent #EndBadGovernance protests, Nigerians have shown remarkable resilience and a willingness to fight for change. However, for these efforts to result in lasting change, they must be sustained, coordinated, and focused on the long-term goal of building a just and prosperous society.

Too often, the momentum dissipates with the first threat of arrest or violence, leading us to retreat, hope for divine intervention, or plead with foreign powers for change. When these efforts fall short, we are quick to assign blame elsewhere.

To move forward, Nigerians must shift from a culture of blame to a culture of action. This requires a nuanced understanding of the countrys challenges, recognizing both internal and external factors but prioritizing domestic agency and responsibility. It means acknowledging the complexities of Nigerias political landscape and building coalitions across ethnic, religious, and political lines to advance common goals. Corrupt political leaders often exploit these fault lines to distract from their own accountability.

The Nigerian diaspora also has a critical role to play in changing this narrative. With millions of Nigerians living abroad, the diaspora represents a significant source of financial remittances, intellectual capital, and political influence. Instead of blaming their host countries, members of the diaspora should leverage their resources and networks to support initiatives that promote good governance and development in Nigeria. This could include funding education and healthcare projects, supporting anti-corruption initiatives, and advocating for policies that benefit Nigerians at home.

While its understandable that Nigerians may feel frustrated with Western policies impact on their country, it is ultimately up to Nigerians to take charge of their destiny. The responsibility for Nigerias liberation lies not with the United States or any other foreign power, but with Nigerians themselves. Focusing on external actors for our challenges not only disempowers us but also distracts from the hard work necessary to achieve meaningful change. By taking ownership of Nigerias future, demanding accountability from our leaders, and actively participating in the democratic process, Nigerians can build a more just, equitable, and prosperous society.

Nations that have successfully navigated post-colonial challenges  such as India and South Korea  have done so by fostering a strong sense of national purpose and prioritising self-reliance. They have acknowledged historical injustices while also taking responsibility for their own development.

For Nigeria to do the same, it must cultivate a sense of ownership over its destiny. This involves moving beyond a victim mentality and recognising that, while historical and external factors have shaped Nigerias present, its future is in the hands of Nigeria and Nigerians only. It means fostering a culture of accountability, where citizens are actively engaged in the political process and leaders are held to high standards.

In the words of the great Chinese philosopher:

A country can be destroyed not by outsiders, but only if it destroys itself from within.  Confucius

Osmund Agbo is the author of Black Grit, White Knuckles: The Philosophy of Black Renaissance and a fiction work titled The Velvet Court: Courtesan Chronicles. His latest works, Pray, Let the Shaman Die and Maam, I Do Not Come to You for Love, have just been released.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


Harris' Push For Free College Vs. Trump's Focus On Workforce Training: Which Is Right For America?

Higher education is becoming important as the 2024 presidential election draws nearer. Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump each offer a different vision for the future of American higher education and have their ideologies for addressing college affordability, student debt, and educational standards.

Don't Miss:

The average American couple has saved this much money for retirement  How do you compare ?

Can you guess how many Americans successfully retire with $1,000,000 saved? The percentage may shock you.

Kamala Harris: Free Community College and Debt Forgiveness

Harris has long championed making higher education more accessible and affordable. As a U.S. senator, she co-sponsored the College for All Act of 2017, which proposed eliminating tuition at public community colleges and offering free tuition to public four-year colleges for families earning less than $125,000 annually.

Though the proposal didn't pass, Harris continues to champion similar initiatives. Her recent budget proposal includes plans for free community college, continuing the Biden administration's efforts in this area.

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.

Harris has also demonstrated a commitment to relieving student loan debt. Under the Biden-Harris administration, $168.5 billion in student loan debt has already been forgiven.

Harris recently posted on X, "@POTUS and I have canceled nearly $170 billion in student debt for almost five million Americans. We are also fighting to defend our SAVE Plan, which has lowered payments for millions of Americans. We wont stop fighting to build an economy that works for every American."

Donald Trump: Free Online University and Workforce Training

Contrasting Harris's plans, Trump has focused more on alternative solutions to higher education. One such proposal is a free online university, "The American Academy." This university aims to provide an education devoid of what Trump describes as "wokeness" and political bias. It would also offer various degrees and other workforce training opportunities, such as mentorships, industry partnerships, and training in skilled trades.

See Also: The number of 401(k)' Millionaires is up 43% from last year Here are three ways to join the club.

Trump said, "Under the plan, I'm announcing today (Nov. 1, 2023), we will take the billions and billions of dollars that we will collect by taxing, fining, and suing excessively large private university endowments, and we will then use that money to endow a new institution called the American Academy."

Story continues

Trump has publicly expressed his opposition to widespread debt forgiveness for student debt, stating that it "would have been very unfair to the millions and millions of people who paid their debt through hard work and diligence." However, during his presidency, Trump did take steps to ease debt relief for veterans with severe disabilities.

Balancing Perspectives

Harris's and Trump's opposing views give voters a clear choice on how to approach higher education. Harris advocates for greater accessibility and debt relief to support students and families, while Trump focuses on alternative, vocational, and less traditional educational models and expresses skepticism toward established higher education institutions.

Trending: IRS Finalizes 10-Year Rule For Retirement Withdrawals, Making Things Even More Insanely Complicated

The debate surrounding these proposals will likely intensify as the election draws closer. If you are currently navigating the complexities of higher education financing, it's important to consider how each candidate's proposal could affect higher education and personal finances. Consulting a financial advisor can offer personalized insights into how these policy differences might impact your educational and financial planning.

Ultimately, the decision between Harris's progressive educational reforms and Trump's alternative approaches will influence the future of American higher education. Staying informed and prepared will be crucial as we adapt to these changes.

Read Next:

Founder of Personal Capital and ex-CEO of PayPal re-engineers traditional banking with this new high-yield account  start saving better 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 Harris' Push For Free College Vs. Trump's Focus On Workforce Training: Which Is Right For America? originally appeared on Benzinga.com

 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
The Student Movement today, is near comatose. This has not always been the case. I attended Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, in the 1980s. There I participated and, equally organised students Congress meetings to agitate for qualitative and accessible education, human rights, democracy, development and independence for Namibia, South Africa, Western Sahara, and the Palestine.

The Congress is the mass meeting of the entire students population. In those days, no official of the Students Union was addressed as an Excellency or Distinguished. All powers belonged to the Congress. Which was why among other means of salutations, we addressed the Congress as: Great Nigerian Students, Powerful Nigerian Students, Distinguished Nigerian Students, Peoples Congress, and Supreme Congress. No organ of the union dare competed with the Congress in any way.

The Students Union Parliament was powerful. But its power was restricted. So, while parliamentarians were addressed as: Honourable Members this was done only during parliamentary sessions. In ABU, for instance, students parliamentarians were addressed as Honourable Members of the Peoples Parliament. But this was done only to instil in the parliamentarians that their honorable-ness springs from serving the people, and not themselves.

The emphasis here is that the Students Movement was a mass-based and democratic one.

The Students Union Constitution, in theory and in practice, rested absolute political powers on the Congress. Rank-and-file students were encouraged to voice their views and to actively participate in unions affairs. They were allowed to observe students union parliamentary sittings and even contribute to the deliberations.

In some cases, they were called to contribute in resolving critical issues, especially when there was a tie in parliament; or when the leaders, including the parliamentarians, wanted assurance that the decisions or actions they have taken or about to take, were popular, progressive, democratic and acceptable to the vast majority of students.

This was the character of the Student Unions of the late 1970s to the mid-1990. Elections into Student Union leadership positions were hotly contested, with the active participation of the entire student population. The parliament and Congress ensured that only elected leaders ran union affairs. They were held primarily responsible, accountable, and answerable for union affairs and were impeached when they failed. There were nothing like Special Advisers Special Assistants as we have today.

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

Cases abound in ABU and the University of Ife (now: Obafemi Awolowo University), Ile Ife, where elected Student Union leaders were impeached and the entire Executive Council dissolved by the students parliament for failing to live up to popular expectations. Even Student Union parliaments were sometimes dissolved by the Congress, when they failed to hold the Executive Council responsible and accountable to the Congress.

The situation was not different with the apex students organisation  the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), where I was privileged to be elected as Director of Travels and Exchange and later, Deputy President (National Affairs). Like the campus unions, NANS leaders were democratically elected.

The tenure of the Chairman of the NANS Convention was only for the duration of the Congress meeting. The Executive Council members and those of Committees and Commissions were elected by the NANS Congress. The officers of the Senate, comprising the President, Deputy President and Clerk, were democratically elected by the NANS Senate.

Also, any student from any tertiary institution could contest for any position provided that his/her institutions union was a registered member of NANS and had met its financial obligations to NANS.

Disciplinary actions in the unions and NANS were done democratically. In NANS, two-thirds of the Executive Council members can recommend any of its member unions for disciplinary action to the NANS Senate, which in turn could discipline any Executive Council member. The Senate disciplinary actions, in turn, can be reversed or confirmed by the NANS Congress.

NANS equally allowed for mass students participation in its activities. Any student from a tertiary institution could participate in the deliberations of the NANS Senate and Congress meetings, whether he/she is an official of a member union or not. The proviso is that such a person has no voting right.

The mass-based and democratic nature of the students movement was extremely important. First, it greatly encouraged competitive politics. Which was why the history of NANS, like that of campus students unions, is replete with the struggles of various students groups to control it. In these struggles, the state, the political parties and the school authorities supported right wing student groups against independent students groups. The former usually lost.

Secondly, the mass-based and democratic nature of the movement greatly contributed in instilling unity and solidarity within students in the campuses; between students of one campus and those of other campuses; and amongst the rank-and-file students and their leaders. NANS, in fact, provided a forum where students leaders and activists from all over the country met to discuss students problems, national and international issues, and adopt collective decisions on issues of importance.

Thirdly, the mass-based and democratic nature of the movement solidified the relationship amongst student leaders all over the country, and between student leaders and the rank-and-file students. Student leaders, as a result, were compelled to be responsive, responsible and accountable to the rank-and-file. Conversely, the later protect and defend their leaders.

Fourthly, the mass-based and democratic nature of the movement was a critical factor that made the ruling and governing classes, especially under military rule, to fear, respect and take students seriously. It was also why NANS successfully organised and led popular struggles against despotic Vice Chancellors, neoliberalism and military rule.

Fifthly, student leaders knew that their survival as students, depend on being popular with the rank-and-file, in doing what the congress want done, in identifying with the masses in society, and in not fraternizing with government.

From the mid-1990s when student politicians hijacked the Student Movement. Its legacy has been completely destroyed. Student leaders in the campuses began to replicate the degeneracy and decadence of national politicians.

Student politicians will never change from their degeneracy until the Congress reclaims its powers and returns the movement to what it was: a mass-based and democratic movement, in which education, democracy and development are the inspiring, powerful, propelling and decisive force of the movement.

As Frantz Fanon said: there is no such thing as a demiurge, that there is no famous man who will take responsibility for everything, but that the demiurge is the people themselves and the magic hands are finally, only the hands of the people.

Ahmed Aminu-Ramatu Yusuf worked as deputy director, Cabinet Affairs Office, The Presidency, and retired as General Manager (Administration), Nigerian Meteorological Agency, (NiMet). Email: aaramatuyusuf@yahoo.com

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says the recent hike in the price of petrol will not affect the conduct of the Edo governorship election.

The Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairperson, Rotimi Oyekanmi, said this while fielding questions from reporters during the pre-election news conference in Abuja.

Mr Oyekanmi said the commission was already meeting with officials of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) to discuss the new development.

Well, first of all, I am aware that the commission, in the last couple of days, met with the officials of the NURTW to discuss this matter, and Im sure the resolution was reached.

Of course, when you are planning for election, you have what is called contingency, because you dont know what can happen. There could be changes and all of that.

So, we dont expect transporters to operate at a loss. If oil has gone up, for instance, and they now want some increment, this could be discussed.

Like I said, I wasnt part of the meeting, but the meeting was held, and Im sure some agreement was reached.

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

We have to conduct that election. So, I dont think that will cause some problems, he said.

Provisions for PWDs

On the commissions preparations for Persons Living with Disabilities (PWDs) participation in the election, Mr Oyekanmi said INEC would continue to do its best to help PWDs exercise their franchise.

He said that though the facilities, mostly public ones such as schools, used for polling units may not be purposely built for PWDs, the electoral officers had been trained to offer the needed assistance to them to cast their votes.

Normally, our presiding officers are trained that when they see anybody on the wheelchair or anyone regarded as PWD, the person comes straight to the front of the queue, and Nigerians cooperate with us on that.

For instance, the elderly people, people in wheelchairs, people with special needs, and physically pregnant people, not people who put something in their tummy, we give them that respect, he said.

Measures in place against rigging

Mr Oyekanmi also said that INEC has put measures in place to prevent cases of prefilled result sheets witnessed in Kogi from happing in Edo or future elections anywhere in the country.

I can assure you that the commission took active steps to make sure it doesnt happen again.

Our result sheets cannot be forged because they are custom-made. They have security features and nobody knows what those security features will be.

So, INEC has been able to perfect that aspect, that if you go ahead and print result sheets, you have just wasted your time because you will not have access to what we have, and you will not be able to make use of it.

Again, our resource management process takes care of errant behaviour like that, Mr Oyekanmi said.

He also assured Nigerians that it would not be possible to collate results in any polling unit where an election is not held in Edo.

Thats not possible because if an election is not held in a place, it has to be reported, he said.

Mr Oyekanmi said there was no polling unit with zero voters in Edo hence election was expected to hold in all the polling units across the state.

All the polling units, over 4,500 of them, will be used. So, there is no polling unit that will not have voters.

However, if election does not take place because of one reason or the other, of course, the presiding officer has the duty to report that, Mr Oyekanmi said.

(NAN)

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


An assistant chief nursing officer of Babcock University Teaching Hospital, Ilisan Remo, Ogun State, has been kidnapped.

Elizabeth Uruakpa, 66, was returning home from a church evening service Thursday when some armed men ambushed her near her house behind the new Ilisan market.

A resident of the area who spoke to our correspondent said the incident occurred around 7 p.m. on Thursday.

Shes a senior nursing staff member with Babcock University Teaching Hospital and she is a member of the Winners Chapel.

They dragged her down from her vehicle into a red Toyota car and sped away. Such a thing had never happened before in our neighbourhood. It is so strange and scary, the resident said.

An official of the university, Joshua Suleiman, confirmed the incident.

It is on one of the universitys platforms, but I dont have a comprehensive report, Mr Suleiman 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 spokesperson for the police in the state, Omolola Odutola, confirmed the incident on her X handle

On 5 September, a distress call was received from Ilishan near the new market at about 1710hrs that one Elizabeth Uruakpa was abducted by young armed men who blocked her Honda CRV with their unregistered Red Toyota Camry and zoomed off with her. Updates later, Mrs Odutola wrote in a post.

In a similar incident related to the university, Yinka Olomojobi, a lecturer at the university, was shot dead on 19 April at Ajadeh Event Centre along the Iperu/Sagamu Road in Iperu Remo.

Mr Olomojobi, a professor of human rights and gender law, was reportedly killed for resisting abduction.

According to a statement at the time by Mrs Odutola, the kidnappers

abducted two unidentified persons at the event centre.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


NEW ORLEANS, Sept. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors that they have until September 30, 2024 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. ("ABR" or the "Company") (NYSE: ABR), if they purchased the Company's securities between May 7, 2021 and July 11, 2024, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York.

Get Help

Arbor Realty investors should visit us at https://claimsfiler.com/cases/nyse-abr/ or call toll-free (844) 367-9658. Lawyers at Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC are available to discuss your legal options.

About the Lawsuit

Arbor Realty and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.

On March 14, 2023, NINGI Research reported that "ABR has been hiding a toxic real estate portfolio of mobile homes with a complex web of real and fake holdings companies for more than a decade." On this news, the price of ABR shares fell from $12.99 per share on March 13, 2023, to $12.12 per share on March 14, 2023, and then $11.53 per share on March 15, 2023. Then, on July 12, 2024, Bloomberg reported that the Company was the subject of a probe by federal prosecutors and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in New York that were "inquiring about lending practices and the company's claims about the performance of their loan book." On this news, the price of ABR shares fell from $15.53 per share on July 11, 2024, to $12.89 per share on July 12, 2024.

The case is Martin v. Arbor Realty Trust, Inc., No. 24-cv-05347.

About ClaimsFiler

ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations.

To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit www.claimsfiler.com.

SOURCE ClaimsFiler
NEW ORLEANS, Sept. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors that they have until September 16, 2024 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against CAE, Inc. (NYSE: CAE), if they purchased the Company's shares between February 11, 2022 and May 21, 2024, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.

Get Help

CAE investors should visit us at https://claimsfiler.com/cases/nyse-cae/ or call toll-free (844) 367-9658. Lawyers at Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC are available to discuss your legal options.

About the Lawsuit

CAE and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.

On May 21, 2024, the Company disclosed a "re-baselining of its Defense business, Defense impairments, accelerated risk recognition on Legacy Contracts and appointment of Nick Leontidis as COO," as well as "a $568.0 million non-cash impairment of Defense goodwill," "$90.3 million in unfavorable Defense contract profit adjustments as a result of accelerated risk recognition on the Legacy Contracts," and a "$35.7 million impairment of related technology and other non-financial assets which are principally related to the Legacy Contracts."

On this news, the price of CAE's shares fell over 5%, from $19.83 per share on May 21, 2024, to $18.80 per share on May 22, 2024.

The case is Norbert Gamache v. CAE Inc., et al., 24-cv-05360.

About ClaimsFiler

ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations.

To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit www.claimsfiler.com.

SOURCE ClaimsFiler
ANAHEIM, Calif., Sept. 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- From September 10th to 12th, 2024, the highly anticipated RE+2024 exhibition will be held at the Anaheim Convention Center in California, USA. Hite Smart Energy will showcase the latest energy storage products and technologies at the event, and we sincerely invite our friends and customers to visit our booth N79023 to discuss and envision the future of global clean energy.

Location: Anaheim Convention Center, CA North Hall 100

Booth #N79023

The exhibition gathers well-known enterprises in solar, energy storage, hydrogen, microgrid, EV charging and infrastructure, and wind energy. With the influence of the exhibition expanding year by year, it has become a golden bridge for enterprises to penetrate the North American market and connect with global business opportunities.

In recent years, Hite Smart Energy has made remarkable achievements in overseas market expansion, and has established solid partnerships with many internationally renowned enterprises. Having delivered projects in numerous countries across Europe, America, Asia, and Africa, Hite Smart Energy is looking forward to meeting you in California, USA during this RE+ trip to participate in the grand energy technical event!

Typical Cases

We are thrilled to announce our latest advancements in providing energy storage solutions to our valued clients. This marks an important milestone in enhancing energy efficiency and sustainability for our clients.

Company Profile

Zhejiang Hite Smart Energy Co., Ltd., is the subsidiary controlled by Shanghai Hite Control System Co., Ltd. (002184). As a leading manufacturer and solution provider in the C&I battery energy storage and Utility BESS sectors, we specialize in developing cutting-edge integrated systems, including self-R&D and manufacturing of BMS, PCS, EMS, and VPP systems.

Here are our core performance data.

4 R&D Centers in China (Shanghai, Shenzhen, Haining, Suzhou)

1 Joint Venture Company in Belgium.

4+ GWh Installed Capacity

5 Manufacturing Bases in China (Haining and Tongxiang, Northwest, North China)

16000+Converters Operating

16+ GWh Production Capacity

We invite you to visit our booth and explore how we can help you optimize your energy strategy!

let's meet at RE+ 2024 in Anaheim USA!

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.

You can contact us in the following ways:

LinkedIn: HITE Smart Energy Co. Ltd.

Official website: Hite Smart Energy (hite-smart.com)

SOURCE Zhejiang Hite Smart Energy Co., Ltd.
SEATTLE, Sept. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Eco Water Restoration is thrilled to announce its sponsorship of the 2024 Northwest Ukrainian International Festival, taking place on Saturday, September 7th, 2024, from 10 AM to 8 PM PDT. This exciting event will be held in Bellevue, Washington, celebrating the richness of Ukrainian culture, traditions, and heritage. Organized by the Ukrainian Society of Washington State, the festival serves as a gathering point for people of all backgrounds to experience the vibrant traditions of Ukraine through music, dance, art, and food.

At the festival, attendees will be treated to traditional Ukrainian folk music, performed by talented musicians, and lively dance performances from groups representing various regions of Ukraine. Artisans will showcase traditional crafts, and an authentic Ukrainian food market will allow festival-goers to taste dishes such as borscht, pierogies, and holubtsi. There will also be family-friendly activities, ensuring an enriching experience for everyone.

Eco Water Restoration is proud to support this cultural event, as it aligns with our mission of community involvement and cultural appreciation. As a local business serving King, Snohomish, and Pierce counties, we understand the importance of embracing and celebrating diverse cultures. The Ukrainian community has been an integral part of the Pacific Northwest, and we are honored to contribute to preserving and sharing their rich traditions. Our sponsorship of the festival is part of our ongoing commitment to giving back to the community, and we have supported many similar cultural festivals and events in the region.

At Eco Water Restoration, we specialize in essential services that protect homes and businesses from water-related disasters. Our services include water damage restoration, flood damage restoration, storm damage restoration, and mold removal and remediation. Our IICRC-certified technicians use advanced equipment to ensure fast and effective restoration, helping families recover after emergencies like flooding, storms, or mold infestations.

Join us at the 2024 Northwest Ukrainian International Festival for a day of culture, community, and connection. Call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to learn more about our services and how we can help restore your property after any water-related disaster. So Let Go and Let ECO!

For more information about the festival, visit their official page and view our blog post .

Company Information:

Website: https://eco-wr.com

Company Name: Eco Water Restoration

Address: 1321 Central Ave S Ste D, Kent, WA 98032

Phone Number: (253) 204-3646

Media Contact: [email protected]

SOURCE Eco Water Restoration
USA International Harp Competition Holds a Rare Concert Opportunity with a Special Reception to Follow

BLOOMINGTON, Ind., Sept. 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Emmanuel Ceysson, world renowned harpist is coming to Bloomington, Indiana to perform a special concert for our community. Emmanuel sweeps away all the cliches associated with the harp, with his infectious enthusiasm and boundless energy. This is a concert you will not want to miss.

Emmanuel Ceysson, Principal Harpist at the Los Angeles Philharmonic, to Perform at the USA International Harp Competition, Fall Concert Series

Ceysson was born & raised in France, studied at the Paris Conservatoire, and has collected the highest international distinctions and prizes. One distinction was becoming the gold medalist at the 2004 USA International Harp Competition, along with several international awards to follow. He has earned the distinction of securing a press acclaimed solo career, as recitalist in major concert venues like Carnegie Zankel Hall, Wigmore Hall, Salle Gaveau, Munich Gasteig, Wiener Konzerthaus, Hyogo concert hall.

His wide discography covers solo, chamber music and concerto harp repertoire with labels such as Naxos, BR klassik, Naive, Aparte, Alpha Classics, and received praise from the specialized press.

"The USA International Harp Competition, is honored to have Emmanuel join us in Bloomington for this unique fall series concert." states Joyce Claflin, Board President. "Students at Jacobs School of Music, along with our entire community will have the opportunity to enjoy this world-renowned artist perform, followed by a chance to meet him at the special reception immediately following."

Emmanuel has also stepped into the position of Associate Artistic Director for USA International Harp Competition, (USAIHC), lending his experience and creativity to the organization. During his visit to Bloomington for the concert, he looks forward to meeting with members of our community.

Sunday, September 15, 2024, AUER HALL in Simon Music Center at Jacobs School of Music, 200 S. Eagleson Ave, Bloomington, IN 47405. Concert Doors open at 1:30 p.m. Concert will begin at 2 p.m. At will ticket donations and to RSVP your seat visit https://usaihc.org/emmanuel-ceysson-fall-concert-2024. General Admission is also available at the door.

USAIHC. Bringing people together through the universal language of music, we enhance international and community relationships by producing our harp competition, composition contest, concert series, and educational programs.

This press release was issued through 24-7PressRelease.com. For further information, visit http://www.24-7pressrelease.com.

SOURCE USA International Harp Competition
GOTHENBURG, Sweden, Sept. 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Ellie Goulding was announced as this year's recipient of The Perfect World Foundation Award, following in the footsteps of previous recipients such as Sir David Attenborough, Dr. Jane Goodall, and HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco. This prestigious conservation award, presented annually by the wildlife and nature organization The Perfect World Foundation, honors individuals who have significantly contributed to the preservation of the planet's wildlife and nature. The award ceremony took place on September 5 in Gothenburg, graced by the presence of Sarah, Duchess of York, who presented the award to Ellie Goulding.

With over 18 million albums and 140 million singles sold globally, resulting in 23 billion streams, Ellie Goulding has leveraged her significant social media presence of over 50 million followers combined to champion environmental causes. Her role as a Global Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and her active participation in major environmental summits, including three COPs, underscore her commitment to these issues.

Ellie Goulding's passionate environmental activism was formally acknowledged by The Perfect World Foundation with the announcement as the recipient of one of the world's most prestigious conservation awards, The Perfect World Foundation Award. The award is given annually to recognize a prominent individual for their significant contributions to conservation efforts and raising global awareness about the critical need to protect our planet's wildlife, environment, and biodiversity. Ellie Goulding, the 11th recipient of this award, joined an esteemed group of past recipients including Sir David Attenborough, Dr. Jane Goodall, and HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco.

Upon being honored as this year's recipient of the award, Ellie Goulding was also named as The Conservationist of the Year 2024. In a video accepting the award, Goulding expressed her humility, saying, "I don't feel like I deserve it, but I will continue to do everything I can. The wildlife and biodiversity of this planet are under threat, with over 1 million species at the brink of extinction."

Ragnhild Jacobsson, CEO and co-founder of The Perfect World Foundation, praised Goulding's efforts: "Ellie Goulding is a respected force as a climate and nature champion. Her inspirational efforts to mobilize the youth in saving our planet's biological diversity are admirable. We are proud to honor her as this year's recipient."

The award ceremony, which took place on September 5 in Gothenburg, was an event featuring celebrities, philanthropists, and conservationists gathering to celebrate Goulding's philanthropy and raise awareness for global conservation efforts. Sarah, Duchess of York and global ambassador for The Perfect World Foundation, presented the award.

Ellie Goulding is passionate about reducing her own industry's carbon and resource footprint and has worked hard to remove single-use plastic from physical album releases and merchandise. Her last UK tour was carbon neutral and she continues to set standards for decarbonisation and eco messaging in the music industry. She frequently incentivises eco action for her fans and believes strongly that everyone should be invited to choose a future on a healthy planet. `The climate and nature crisis is very serious,' says Ellie, `but doom and gloom doesn't work. We have solutions, ingenuity, community, and enthusiasm. I believe in positive action and in doing what you can right now.'

Established in Sweden in the early 2000s, The Perfect World Foundation focuses on supporting wildlife and nature in crisis and preserving local and global biodiversity. The organization actively spreads knowledge through various events and creates conditions for driving its own initiatives, as well as supporting a number of independent grassroots projects around the world.

Previous Years' Award Recipients

The Perfect World Foundation Award has an impressive list of recipients: Ms. Kristin Davis (2023), HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco (2022), Dr. Dian Fossey (2021), Prof. Wangari Maathai (2020), Miss Greta Thunberg (2019), Sir David Attenborough (2018), Dr. Sylvia Earle (2017), Dr. Richard Leakey (2016), Dr. Jane Goodall (2015), and Mr. Mark Shand (2014).

Contact;

Daniel Wilke

[email protected]

0046736329827

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/climate-aid-world-forum/r/global-music-icon-ellie-goulding-received-the-perfect-world-foundation-s-honorary-conservation-award,c4034486

The following files are available for download:

https://news.cision.com/climate-aid-world-forum/i/5s0a6385-tpwf-ellie-goulding---foto-petra-bjo-rstad,c3331654 5S0A6385 TPWF Ellie Goulding - foto petra bjo rstad https://news.cision.com/climate-aid-world-forum/i/5r9a6291-tpwf-award-2024---foto-petra-bjo-rstad,c3331653 5R9A6291 TPWF AWARD 2024 - foto petra bjo rstad https://news.cision.com/climate-aid-world-forum/i/ms-kristin-davis-2023,c3331647 Ms Kristin Davis 2023 https://news.cision.com/climate-aid-world-forum/i/dr-jane-goodall-2015,c3331649 Dr Jane Goodall 2015 https://news.cision.com/climate-aid-world-forum/i/sir-david-attenborough-2018,c3331650 Sir David Attenborough 2018 https://news.cision.com/climate-aid-world-forum/i/h-s-h-prince-albert-ii-of-monaco-2022,c3331648 H S H Prince Albert II of Monaco 2022 https://news.cision.com/climate-aid-world-forum/i/mr-mark-shand-s-award-was-received-by-his-brother-in-law-king-charles-iii-and-his-sister-queen-camil,c3331652 Mr Mark Shand s award was received by his brother-in-law King Charles III and his sister Queen Camilla 2014 https://news.cision.com/climate-aid-world-forum/i/dr-richard-leakey-2016,c3331646 Dr Richard Leakey 2016 https://news.cision.com/climate-aid-world-forum/i/dr-sylvia-earle-2017,c3331651 Dr Sylvia Earle 2017
The latest artificial intelligence (AI) app announced in China appears to be raising the hopes of consumers for a future in which a version of Jarvis, the smart virtual assistant of Tony Stark in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, becomes commonplace in the world's second-largest economy.

Ant Group, the fintech affiliate of Alibaba Group Holding, made its foray into Jarvis-like territory when it launched on Thursday the Zhixiaobao app - a so-called life assistant that can help users order meals, hail taxis, book tickets, and discover local dining and entertainment options, while accessing third-party services in the firm's Alipay payment platform more easily. Alibaba owns the South China Morning Post.

Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge, our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team.

The app also provides a number of built-in AI agents - such as "English-language tutor" and "fitness pro" - each with specific domain knowledge that makes them an expert in their own fields.

This development forms part of Ant Group's efforts to turn AI into a "practical, user-focused solution", which would make Zhixiaobao a "valuable tool in everyday life", company president and chief financial officer Cyril Han Xinyi said in a statement.

Ant Group on Thursday launched Zhixiaobao, a standalone artificial intelligence assistant app. Photo: SCMP alt=Ant Group on Thursday launched Zhixiaobao, a standalone artificial intelligence assistant app. Photo: SCMP>

Zhixiaobao - a play on Zhifubao, the Chinese name of Alipay - reflects how China's nascent AI industry is further burnishing its reputation, as a number of innovative services have already been widely deployed overseas.

Social media giant ByteDance's CapCut video-editing software and Doubao model led global AI app downloads in July, according to industry research firm Unique Capital, in a sign that the TikTok owner's generative AI (GenAI) push is paying off.

Chinese-developed AI-powered education apps - including Question. AI, developed by Beijing-based educational technology start-up Zuoyebang, and ByteDance's Gauth - were ranked among the top three free educational apps in the United States on Apple's App Store and Google Play from February to May, according to mobile app intelligence service AppMagic.

To use Zhixiaobao, which was built on Ant Group's foundational Bailing large language model (LLM), users can either download the mobile app or simply pull down the homepage of the Alipay app. LLMs - the technology underpinning GenAI services like ChatGPT - are deep-learning algorithms that can recognise, summarise, translate, predict and generate content using very large data sets.

Story continues

Ant Group's Zhixiaobao app lets users conveniently find and book flights through simple voice commands. Photo: Ben Jiang alt=Ant Group's Zhixiaobao app lets users conveniently find and book flights through simple voice commands. Photo: Ben Jiang>

With just a simple voice prompt - for example, "help book a flight next Friday from Beijing to Xiamen, take-off time before noon" - Zhixiaobao comes up with a list of flights to choose from. One click on the selected flight takes users directly to booking, which is processed by Alibaba's online travel service Fliggy.

Commands to order food deliveries, create a pie chart analysis of monthly expenditures, mobile top-up, check on parcel delivery status or make hospital appointments can immediately be carried out on the app by tapping various Alibaba services, including shopping platform Taobao, logistics service Cainiao, food delivery unit Ele.me and online mapping unit Gaode.

Zhixiaobao users can tap into more than 8,000 digital life services and more than 4 million mini-apps provided by Alipay to make it useful for almost all online functions on the mainland.

Baidu's Wenxiaoyan enables users to make real-time queries related to a video, while continuing to view it. Photo: Ben Jiang alt=Baidu's Wenxiaoyan enables users to make real-time queries related to a video, while continuing to view it. Photo: Ben Jiang>

Earlier this week, Chinese internet search giant Baidu announced the Chinese rebranding of its flagship AI app Ernie Bot, with about 200 million users as of April, to Wenxiaoyan - reflecting the tool's position as a "new search" assistant, according to Xue Su, vice-president and head of AI innovation business at Baidu.

While less sophisticated as the fictional Jarvis, Wenxiaoyan proved useful in finding relevant information, according to a test conducted by the Post.

While watching a short video about a diner from within the app, Wenxiaoyan was able to quickly prepare a list of items relevant to the video, such as signature recommendations, and respond to a question about the transport route to the place. This showed how Wenxiaoyan has evolved from traditional text-based chatbot a more flexible search assistant using voice commands, camera-captured images and video content.

Wenxiaoyan's so-called "memory" function helps the app pick up and remember users' personal details - including anniversaries, personal food preferences or daily anecdotes - for context in conversations. Frequent use of Wenxiaoyan enables the app to know its user better. That not only makes it a valuable repository of personal history, but also makes it harder for consumers to switch to a different service.

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.
NEW ORLEANS, Sept. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors that they have until October 25, 2024 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Methode Electronics, Inc. (NYSE: MEI), if they purchased the Company's shares between June 23, 2022 and March 6, 2024, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.

Get Help

Methode Electronics investors should visit us at https://claimsfiler.com/cases/nyse-mei/ or call toll-free (844) 367-9658. Lawyers at Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC are available to discuss your legal options.

About the Lawsuit

Methode and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.

On March 7, 2024, the Company announced its financial results for 3Q2024, disclosing that its Automotive Segment generated only $139.7 million in net sales for the quarter and suffered an $11 million loss from operations, and that it was withdrawing its prior guidance due in substantial part to the "operational challenges" at its Monterrey facility and that its prior statements regarding the guidance should no longer be relied upon. On this news, the price of Methode's shares fell 31%, from $21.04 per share when the market closed on March 6, 2024 to $14.49 per share when the market closed on March 7, 2024, on abnormally high volume.

The case is Salem v. Methode Electronics, Inc., No. 24-cv-07696.

About ClaimsFiler

ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations.

To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit www.claimsfiler.com.

SOURCE ClaimsFiler
Combining AI algorithms, big data, and cloud connectivity to significantly improve appliance energy efficiency, without sacrificing performance

BERLIN, Sept. 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Midea, the world's leading manufacturer in air treatment and home appliances, unveiled its ECOMASTER energy-saving solution at Booth 101, Hall 5.1, during IFA Berlin 2024, the world's largest consumer and electronics show. This intelligent technology optimizes product performance and reduces energy consumption by an average of 30%.

Midea launched new technology ECOMASTER at IFA 2024

"Our users have made it clear that they care about reducing energy use and protecting the environment, and we aim to deliver," said Kurt Jovais, Global Director of Product Management, Midea International Business. "Combining cloud connectivity, advanced analytics, and an intelligent AI algorithm, ECOMASTER achieves the perfect balance between performance and energy efficiency."

As an example, an ECOMASTER air conditioner leverages an AI algorithm pre-trained on billions of data points, continuously detecting environmental data every 30 seconds, integrating cloud-based data such weather forecasts to predict heat load changes. This enhances its predictive abilities, ensuring precise temperature control and optimizing comfort and energy efficiency for the optimal cooling experience.

Midea ECOMASTER is compatible across various Midea appliances including refrigerators, washing machines, ovens, dishwashers and water heaters. When activated, the ECOMASTER autonomously optimizes energy use, and users can monitor energy savings through the app.

The power of ECOMASTER is further amplified when paired with the ESS Energy Management System. The tailored AI Energy Assistant adjusts to users' preferences for storing, charging, and discharging energy based on dynamic electricity tariffs, and employs strategies for intelligent energy allocation.

Midea also respects user privacy. All uploaded data is operational, such as indoor and compressor temperatures, containing no personal information and only remaining available to the user.

Midea ECOMASTER represents Midea's latest achievement in utilizing advanced technology to develop energy-saving and user-friendly appliances for the home.

About Midea & Midea Group

Midea is one of over 10 brands within the Smart Home Business of Midea Group.

Established in 1968, Midea Group is a leading global high-technology company, ranked #277 on the 2024 Fortune Global 500 list. It is one of the world's largest home appliance manufacturers. In early 2021, the company streamlined its core units into five high-growth business pillars: Smart Home, Electro-Mechanical, Building Technologies, Robotics & Automation, and Digital Innovation.

www.midea-group.com

www.midea.com

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2499098/Media_ECOMASTER_booth.jpg
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Sept. 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Saudi Authority for Data and Artificial Intelligence (SDAIA) will hold a press conference on Sunday, September 8, at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center. The press conference will highlight key aspects of the upcoming third edition of the Global AI Summit, taking place under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Prime Minister, and Chairman of SDAIA's Board of Directors. The summit is scheduled for September 10-12, 2024, and will feature over 300 speakers, attracting global thought leaders, policymakers, and AI experts from more than 100 countries.

The press conference will feature remarks from prominent figures, including H.E. Dr. Abdullah bin Sharaf Alghamdi, President of SDAIA, H.E. Dr. Esam bin Abdullah Alwagait, Director of the National Information Center (NIC), and H.E. Dr. Yaser bin Mohammed Al-Onaizan, CEO of the National Center for AI (NCAI) in SDAIA.

Key topics to be covered during the press conference will include the significance of the Crown Prince's patronage, the summit's focus areas, and its anticipated impact on the good of humanity, particularly amid the rapid development of AI technologies. It will also showcase how AI is driving economic growth, creating new sectors and industries, and addressing global challenges. Furthermore, the press conference will spotlight Saudi Arabia's leadership in promoting responsible AI use and ethics on the international stage, while addressing both the opportunities and challenges AI presents.

For more information about the GAIN Summit, please visit: https://globalaisummit.org/en/default.aspx
NEW ORLEANS, Sept. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors that they have until October 15, 2024 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Sprinklr, Inc. (NYSE: CXM), if they purchased the Company's securities between March 29, 2023 and June 5, 2024, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.

Get Help

Sprinklr investors should visit us at https://claimsfiler.com/cases/nyse-cxm/ or call toll-free (844) 367-9658. Lawyers at Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC are available to discuss your legal options.

About the Lawsuit

Sprinklr and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.

On June 5, 2024, the Company disclosed disappointing financial news including significantly reduced growth expectations, cutting fiscal year 2025 projections an additional three percent, down to 7% annual growth, due to reduced customer retention in the Company's core business and macro headwinds.

On this news, the price of Sprinklr's shares fell from a closing price of $10.84 per share on June 5, 2024 to $9.20 per share on June 6, 2024, a decline of more than 15% in the span of one day.

The case is Boshart v. Sprinklr, Inc., No. 24-cv-06132.

About ClaimsFiler

ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations.

To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit www.claimsfiler.com.

SOURCE ClaimsFiler
VERNON, Calif., Sept. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Capping the Seventh Annual #BeefTallowFrenchFries Contest, Coast Packing Company has honored four French fry fans for their creativity and good taste in unlocking beef tallow's remarkable gastronomic gifts: First Place Winner Amy Bizzarri of Chicago, IL, Second Place Winner Yoshiharu Sogi of Santa Rosa, CA, Third Place Winner Renee Signorelli of Murrieta, CA, and Fourth Place Winner Cheryl Larimer of Monticello, MN.

Coast Packing's #BeefTallowFrenchFries Contest Winners

One of the nation's leading suppliers of animal fat shortenings, Coast has once again inspired fry fans to shout out their desire for fries prepped in beef tallow. Back in the day, beef-fat fries helped make a certain major burger chain famous.

The contest served as a golden opportunity for participants to take home actual loot while celebrating #NationalBeefTallowDay, which coincides with #NationalFrenchFryDay. Coast asked fry lovers to submit a favorite restaurant that features beef tallow fries, or fry them up at home, by including the hashtag #BeefTallowFrenchFries and tagging @CoastPackingCo while adding enticing photos of the fries themselves. Winning entries were selected based on originality and creativity.

This year's prize lineup is tailor-made for home cooks:

First prize winner, Amy Bizzarri of Chicago, IL, will receive a Le Creuset 4.5 qt Round Dutch Oven , digital candy thermometer , and a signed copy of The Fat Kitchen cookbook.

"Homemade fries deep fried in beef tallow with grilled chicken wings. The best summer dinner ever! Once you fry your potatoes in #beeftallow, you won't go back to frying in any other oil!" -- Amy Bizzarri

Second prize winner, Yoshiharu Sogi of Santa Rosa, CA, will take home (4) Premium Burger/Fries Boards , and The Fat Kitchen signed cookbook.

"I love French fries that have a rich beef tallow flavor. I can enjoy the aroma that hits my nose, and the aftertaste lingers in my mouth for a long time. Since my Beef Tallow French Fries received an award (2nd place) from Coast Packing Company, I can confidently add them to my new catering menu and recommend them to my customers. In addition, at this time, I would like to try various other flavors combining beef tallow French fries with Japanese flavors." -- Yoshiharu Sogi

Third prize winner, Renee Signorelli of Murrieta, CA, will receive a Traeger Flat Top Smashburger Kit and The Fat Kitchen signed cookbook.

"I love beef tallow French fries because they're the tastiest and better for you than those made with vegetable oil, which contains higher levels of unsaturated fats. It was so wonderful to find out that I am one of the winners! I'm really looking forward to trying out some recipes in the cookbook." -- Renee Signorelli

Fourth prize winner, Cheryl Larimer of Monticello, MN, will receive The Fat Kitchen signed cookbook, plus a tub of Coast Packing's beef tallow.

"My whole family loves beef tallow French fries! They are much healthier than those fried in vegetable oil and are crispy, golden, and phenomenal tasting. I'm so thrilled to be one of the lucky winners from Coast Packing, a company that provides great products, engages with its fans, and is helping lead the way to healthier foods." -- Cheryl Larimer

"Our heartfelt congratulations to our winners for their creativity and good taste," said Coast Corporate Chef Greg Hozinsky. "The message of our contest is simple: beef tallow fries are superior in terms of freshness, flavor, and texture compared to every other way to transform the humble potato. Tasting is believing."

About Coast Packing Company

Now marking its 102nd year in business, Coast Packing Company ( www.coastpacking.com ), a closely held corporation, is the number one supplier of animal fat shortenings  particularly lard and beef tallow -- in the Western United States. The company sells to major manufacturers, CPG companies, QSR and fast-food restaurant chains, broadline food service distributors, retailers, smaller food service operations, and leading bakeries. Coast's interactive TasteMap serves as the definitive online guide to restaurants offering dishes prepared with lard and beef tallow, pinpointing some 1,500 establishments nationwide. Coast is a founding member of the Healthy Fats Coalition.

Media contact: [email protected]

SOURCE Coast Packing Company
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
As the U.S. economy goes, so goes the stock market. At least, that's generally the case. When the economy is strong, corporate earnings tend to rise. And when earnings rise, stocks usually move higher.

With the presidential election just around the corner, many investors are understandably interested in how the policies of the two major candidates might affect the economy. Will Kamala Harris or Donald Trump be better for the economy? Here's what one top Wall Street analyst says.

Image source: Getty Images.

The clear winner, according to Goldman Sachs

Goldman Sachs (NYSE: GS) is a financial services giant with operations spanning the globe. It's a leading investment bank and offers asset and wealth management services. Because of the intersection between politics and its business, the firm recently evaluated the potential impact of Harris' and Trump's proposed economic policies.

There's a clear winner between the two based on how their policies would affect the U.S. economy, in Goldman Sachs' view. It's Kamala Harris.

The Wall Street firm projects that under a Harris administration with Democratic control of Congress, jobs would grow by around 10,000 per month higher than if Trump wins with a divided Congress. A Harris win would create 30,000 more jobs per month compared to a sweep where Trump becomes president and the GOP controls both the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Goldman Sachs analysts also predicted that Trump's economic plans would reduce gross domestic product (GDP) by around 0.5% in the second half of 2025. However, they think this negative impact to GDP would diminish beginning in 2026.

Why the Wall Street firm views Harris' policies more favorably

Vice President Harris has proposed economic policies including expanded child tax credits, bans on price gouging, tax incentives for first-time homebuyers, and an increase in the corporate tax rate from 21% to 28%. She also recently called for raising the long-term capital gains tax rate to 28% for Americans who earn $1 million or more and giving up to $50,000 in tax deductions for new small businesses.

Former President Trump wants to reduce corporate tax rates to 15%. He proposes tariffs of at least 10% on all imports with tariffs of 60% on imports from China. Trump also plans to reduce government regulations to help businesses. His idea of a massive deportation of illegal immigrants could have an economic impact as well.

Goldman Sachs likes Harris' proposed spending initiatives and tax credits for the middle class. The firm projects these plans would "slightly more than offset investment due to higher corporate tax rates." The result, in Goldman Sachs' view, is that a Harris administration with a Democratic Congress would boost GDP growth a little in 2025 and 2026.

Story continues

The Wall Street firm has a negative take on Trump's economic proposals, however. Goldman Sachs analysts wrote to investors earlier this week, "We estimate that if Trump wins in a sweep or with [divided] government, the hit to growth from tariffs and tighter immigration policy would outweigh the positive fiscal impulse."

What's the potential impact on investors?

Not everyone agrees with Goldman Sachs' outlook. The Trump campaign responded to an inquiry from Bloomberg: "[T]hese Wall Street elites would be wise to review the record and acknowledge the shortcomings of their past work if they'd like their new forecast to be seen as credible."

Unsurprisingly, the Harris campaign liked Goldman Sachs' analysis. It released a statement saying, "Vice President Harris has a positive vision to strengthen the economy by building up the middle class, cutting taxes and lowering costs for working families and small businesses, and creating opportunities for all Americans to get ahead."

What's the potential impact on investors if Goldman Sachs' take is right? The easy answer is that it depends on who wins in November. However, the stock market has risen in the past during both Democratic and Republican administrations. For long-term investors, the occupant of the Oval Office over the next four years won't matter nearly as much as the quality of the stocks they buy and how long they own those stocks.

Should you invest $1,000 in Goldman Sachs Group right now?

Before you buy stock in Goldman Sachs Group, 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 Goldman Sachs Group 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 $656,938!*

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 September 3, 2024

Keith Speights has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Goldman Sachs Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Will Kamala Harris or Donald Trump Be Better for the Economy? Here's What 1 Top Wall Street Analyst Says was originally published by The Motley Fool
Nairobi, Sep 6 : Kenyan President William Ruto on Friday ordered investigations into a school fire that killed 17 children and left 13 others with serious burn injuries in central Kenya.

Ruto, who is attending the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation summit in Beijing, said those responsible will be held to account for the fire that erupted at the Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri on Thursday night, Xinhua news agency reported.

"I instruct the relevant authorities to thoroughly investigate this horrific incident. Those responsible will be held to account," Ruto wrote in a post on social media after a phone call with the school's head.

The president also directed government agencies to mobilize resources to support those affected.

"This is heartbreaking; it is devastating," said Ruto as he prayed for a speedy recovery for the survivors and pledged support to the affected families.

The victims who died in the fire were aged between seven and 11, according to the police.

National Police Service Spokesperson Resila Onyango said security experts were on the ground to establish the cause of the fire.

The team will thoroughly examine the site, gather evidence, and interview witnesses to uncover the source of the fire and determine if any foul play was involved, Onyango said.

Witnesses said 16 died on the spot while one succumbed while being taken to hospital after one of the dormitories housing the pupils was razed down on Thursday night.

The school is one of those billed as the best in the region in academic performance. There are fears that the death toll may increase.
New York, Sep 7 : The US Department of Justice has charged a Pakistani national with allegedly plotting to attack Jews in New York on the anniversary of the October 7 terror attacks in Israel, media reported.

Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, 20, was going to carry out the attack in support of ISIS, prosecutors allege, and told an undercover agent he wanted to target New York because it has the "largest Jewish population in America", CNN reported.

Khan is charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organisation. He was arrested on Wednesday in Canada. The charges were unsealed on Friday.

"The defendant was allegedly determined to kill Jewish people here in the United States, nearly one year after Hamas' horrific attack on Israel. This investigation was led by the FBI, and I am proud of the terrific work by the FBI team and our partners to disrupt Khan's plan," FBI Director Christopher Wray said.

"The FBI will continue to work closely with our partners to investigate and hold accountable those who seek to commit violence in the name of ISIS or other terrorist organizations. Fighting terrorism remains the FBI's top priority," Wray added.

"The defendant is alleged to have planned a terrorist attack in New York City around October 7 of this year with the stated goal of slaughtering, in the name of ISIS, as many Jewish people as possible," Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement, adding that "Jewish communities a" like all communities in this country a" should not have to fear that they will be targeted by a hate-fueled terrorist attack".

In November 2023, Khan, who lives in Canada, began allegedly discussing his support for ISIS on an encrypted messaging application with two people who, unknown to him, were undercover law enforcement officers, CNN reported.

Khan told the officers that he was trying to create "a real offline cell" of ISIS that would target Jewish institutions around an unnamed city, according to court documents, and instructed the officers to buy firearms for those attacks.

Khan allegedly told the officers that he wanted to carry out the attacks on either October 7 or 11, because "October 7 they will surely have some protests and October 11 is yom.kippur," a major Jewish holiday.

By August of this year, prosecutors allege, Khan decided that he wanted to carry out the attacks at a Jewish centre in Brooklyn.

It is easy to "target jews" in New York because of the large Jewish population, he allegedly told the undercover officers, adding that "even if we don't attack an Event, we could rack up easily a lot of Jews". Once he decided on the location of the attack, Khan allegedly paid a human smuggler to help him cross the border into the US.

On September 4, Khan allegedly used three separate cars as he tried to cross Canada and enter the US. He was stopped nearly 12 miles from the US-Canada border, according to the Justice Department.

The Pakistani national is charged with one count of attempting to provide material support and resources to a designated foreign terrorist organisation. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the US Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The Israel Defense Forces on October 7 last year declared a state of readiness for war following a massive barrage of rockets from the Gaza Strip and infiltration of Hamas terrorists into Israel, and the war is on ever since.
Ramallah, Sep 7 : The Israeli army withdrew from the West Bank city of Jenin after a 10-day operation that left 21 people dead, according to Palestinian and Israeli sources.

During the operation, Israeli forces caused significant damage to infrastructure and residential buildings, leading to power, communication, and internet outages in large areas of the city, Palestinian security sources said on Friday.

The Palestinian Civil Defence announced that more than 25 km of streets and neighbourhoods in Jenin city and its camp were completely destroyed by the army's operation, according to initial damage assessments, Xinhua news agency reported.

Meanwhile, Israeli public broadcaster Kan reported that the Army had eliminated "terrorists" during the operation, arresting more than 40 suspects, seizing 24 weapons, and destroying dozens of explosive devices.

However, Israeli security sources told the broadcaster that the operation is not over, and "we will soon return to Jenin and other places".

On Thursday, the Ramallah-based Palestinian Health Ministry said that 39 Palestinians had been killed and about 150 others injured in the West Bank since the start of the Israeli military operation on August 28.

The operation, which Israeli military officials said targeted militants in Jenin, Tulkarem and the Al-Faraa refugee camp, is said to be the largest Israeli operation in the West Bank since the war between Israel and Hamas began.

The government-run Palestine News Agency, citing the Palestinian Health Ministry, said that 21 Palestinians had been killed as a result of the assault which also caused extensive damage to the city of Jenin.

The IDF, posting on X on Friday, said it had conducted a counterterrorism operation overnight in the West Bank killing Muhammad Zakaria Zubeidi, who is the son of prominent jailed militant Zakaria Zubeidi, the Jenin chief of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades, a coalition of Palestinian armed groups in the West Bank.

Jenin, originally a refugee camp built to house Palestinians who fled their homes during the war following the creation of Israel in 1948, has seen its water and electricity services cut as a result of the raid.
Kinshasa/Addis Ababa, Sep 7 : Africa is witnessing an "upward trend" in mpox cases, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has warned as it launched a joint continental response plan with the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The six-month plan, running from September 2024 to February 2025, has an estimated budget of nearly $600 million. Of this, 55 per cent is allocated to mpox response efforts in affected countries, while the remaining 45 per cent is directed toward operational and technical support through partner organisations, Xinhua news agency reported.

Since 2024, the continent has reported 24,851 suspected mpox cases, including 5,549 confirmed cases and 643 deaths, said Jean Kaseya, director general of Africa CDC, during an online press briefing on Friday.

Congo has emerged as the epicentre of the outbreak, accounting for 90 per cent of reported cases. Congo has reported 20,463 suspected cases, including 635 deaths.

Kaseya said there is an "upward trend" in mpox cases across Africa, with at least 14 countries affected, particularly since May 2024.

WHO Regional Director for Africa Matshidiso Moeti, who also participated in the briefing, called for a unified approach to contain the outbreak in Congo. She emphasised the importance of coordination under the Africa CDC-WHO joint continental response plan.

"This is an important milestone for coordinated action between our agencies to support countries by strengthening expertise, mobilising resources, and rapidly halting the spread of mpox," Moeti said.

"By working together, we can achieve more, ensuring that communities and individuals are protected from this virus."

In mid-August, the WHO declared the ongoing mpox outbreak in Africa a public health emergency of international concern, citing the emergence of a more dangerous but poorly understood variant, clade 1b, first detected in Congo in September 2023. Cases of this clade 1b strain have since been reported in several countries, including Sweden and Thailand.

On Wednesday, Guinea confirmed its first mpox case, and Kaseya noted that genetic sequencing tests are underway to determine if the clade 1b variant has spread to West Africa.

Congo, which received its first batch of 99,100 mpox vaccine doses on Thursday, is currently developing a distribution and vaccination strategy, particularly in the eastern part of the country, where most cases have been reported amid a prolonged humanitarian crisis.

However, health authorities have not yet announced when vaccinations will begin.
Gaza, Sep 7 : At least 10 Palestinians were killed in Israeli bombings targeting two residential houses in central and southern Gaza Strip, said Palestinian sources.

Palestinian security sources told Xinhua news agency on Friday that Israeli aircraft struck a house located west of the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza.

Medical sources said that the airstrike killed five people, with several still trapped under the rubble, Xinhua news agency reported.

Also on Friday, five people were killed and several others injured in an Israeli bombing of a home in central Khan Younis, southern Gaza, the Palestinian Civil Defence said in a statement.

The Israeli army has not made any comment on the incidents.

Israel launched a large-scale offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip to retaliate against a Hamas rampage through the southern Israeli border on October 7, 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and about 250 others taken hostage.

The Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip has risen to 40,878, Gaza-based health authorities said in a statement on Thursday.

Early on Friday, medical sources reported that 18 Palestinians, including four children, were killed in airstrikes by Israeli warplanes targeting the central Gaza Strip, with one of the strikes hitting tents set up for displaced persons in what the Israeli military claims a "humanitarian safe zone".

An ongoing blockade of the Gaza Strip has led to severe shortages of food, clean water and medicine, leaving much of the region in ruins.

Israel faces accusations of genocide for its actions in Gaza at the International Court of Justice.
Baku, Sep 7 : Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev has expressed a willingness to participate in resolving the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, should such involvement be deemed necessary, local media reported.

Speaking on Friday at the International Cernobbio Forum, Aliyev highlighted Azerbaijan's historical and diplomatic connections with both nations, underlining Azerbaijan's readiness to engage in mediation efforts, reports Xinhua news agency, citing local media AZERTAC.

"For a hypothetical possibility, it is possible," Aliyev said in response to a question from the forum's moderator.

He pointed out that Azerbaijan, along with Russia and Ukraine, was part of the Soviet Union for 70 years, which has resulted in deep-rooted ties on both people-to-people and political levels.

"We consider our relations with Russia and Ukraine to be very good. We strongly support Ukraine's and all countries' territorial integrity and sovereignty," Aliyev emphasised.

However, he ruled out his country's participation in the anti-Russian sanctions campaign, maintaining a pragmatic approach to its relations with both countries.

Aliyev noted that while Azerbaijan has not sought to take a leading role in conflict mediation, it is prepared to step in if needed. "We have never initiated that. I know there are many others who want to be involved. But if our involvement is needed, we are ready," he added.
Chennai, Sep 7 : The Tamil Nadu Police will constitute a special team to probe female infanticide and feoticide cases in the state after a couple in Vellore was arrested for killing their baby daughter.

According to Vellore district police, Jeeva (28) and his wife Dayana (20) of Yeliur village in Vellore district were arrested on Friday for allegedly poisoning their infant daughter to death.

The couple were arrested after the father of Dayana, Saravanan filed a complaint with the Veppankulam, Station House Officer (SHO) in Vellore district that he was suspicious about the death of the infant.

In his complaint, Saravanan said that his daughter told him that the baby girl died after she bled from her nose and ear.

Unconvinced, Saravanan filed a complaint with the police and on questioning, the couple admitted to killing the child as they were expecting their second child to be a boy.

After the arrest of the couple, Tamil Nadu Police is set to constitute a special police team under a DIG level officer to probe whether other such instances were taking place in the state.

The police team will seek details from all the district police headquarters on the deaths of infant girls in the last one year.

The district police will also use the services of the District Child Protection Department and Child Welfare Committee to find out the number of infant girls in the state.

It may be recalled that in earlier years too there were several cases of female foeticide and infanticide in Vellore district.

There have been one or two cases of deaths due to milk aspiration involving female babies every month.

The Vellore district administration had already issued a missive to the district medical officers to consider second daughters as high risk babies and follow up every week at least for a month.

The district administration also issued directives to all Taluk hospitals to monitor the progress of female babies and to depute a team comprising of village nurses and technicians to monitor the growth of the child.

The state medical department has also stepped up enforcement of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, 1994 to curb female foeticide.

It may be recalled that the state police carried out a crackdown on illegal scan centres that were used for gender identification.

As many as 22 illegal scan centres were shut down in Tiruvannamalai district of Tamil Nadu a couple of years ago.

With the Vellore police registering a case of female infanticide against Jeeva and Dayana, the special police team will be checking the antecedents of those who were involved in operating illegal scan centres and a detailed study will be carried out on the abortions and Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) carried out in the past one year in each district.

A senior officer with Tamil Nadu Police headquarters while speaking to IANS said, "The focus will be on the recent deaths of infant girls whose parents have a first girl child. The MTP cases will also be studied in detail and the team will probe whether abortions were undertaken by women who had a first girl child."
New Delhi, Sep 7 : Uttarakhand reported 1,016 dowry harassment cases and 421 rape cases in 2023, Right to Information (RTI) activist Advocate Nadeem Uddin revealed through an enquiry on Saturday.

As per the report, crimes against women are rising rapidly in Uttarakhand. Other criminal activities such as robbery, molestation, and rape have become common as per the data revealed through an RTI enquiry.

Nadeemuddin (Advocate), a resident of Kashipur in Udham Singh Nagar and an RTI activist requested information from the Uttarakhand Police Headquarters regarding crimes recorded in 2023.

According to the data, Udham Singh Nagar district recorded the highest number of rape incidents among the 13 districts of Uttarakhand. Out of the 421 rape cases in Uttarakhand in 2023, the highest, 204, occurred in Udham Singh Nagar.

Additionally, Dehradun recorded 85 cases, Haridwar 50, and Nainital 26 cases. Other districts include Almora with 3 cases, Bageshwar with 5, Chamoli and Uttarkashi with 2 each, Champawat with 4, Pauri Garhwal with 13, and Pithoragarh with 8. Only the Rudraprayag district reported no rape cases.

In 2023, as many as 48 dowry death cases were recorded in the state. Haridwar reported the highest with 16, followed by Udham Singh Nagar with 12, Nainital with 6, and Dehradun with 3 cases.

Additionally, Pithoragarh, Rudraprayag, and Uttarkashi recorded 2 cases each, while Almora, Bageshwar, Chamoli, Champawat, and Pauri Garhwal recorded one case each. Only Tehri Garhwal reported no dowry death cases.

Similarly, in 2023, one acid attack case was recorded in Haridwar district. The state recorded a total of 1,016 dowry harassment cases. The highest number of cases were in Dehradun (382), Udham Singh Nagar (249), Haridwar (203), and Nainital (110).

Other districts recorded cases as follows: Almora with 11, Bageshwar with 3, Champawat with 9, Pauri Garhwal with 15, Pithoragarh with 13, Tehri Garhwal with 15, Uttarkashi with 4, and Chamoli and Rudraprayag with one case each.

In 2023,as many as 698 cases of female abduction were recorded across 12 districts in the state. Only Tehri Garhwal reported no abduction cases. The highest number of cases were in Haridwar (183), followed by Dehradun (178), Udham Singh Nagar (44), and Nainital (27).

Other districts include Chamoli with 15 cases, Champawat with 12, Pauri Garhwal with 22, Pithoragarh with 20, Rudraprayag with 8, Uttarkashi with 9, and Bageshwar with one case. One case was also recorded by the Government Railway Police (GRP).

A total of 624 cases of assault on women were recorded in the state. Dehradun reported the highest with 156 cases, followed by Haridwar with 146, Udham Singh Nagar with 128, and Nainital with 104 cases. Other districts include Almora with 15 cases, Bageshwar with 4, Chamoli with 7, Champawat with 13, Pauri Garhwal with 14, Pithoragarh with 22, Rudraprayag with 2, Tehri Garhwal with 8, and Uttarkashi with 5.

There were 26 cases of insulting women recorded in the state. Dehradun reported the highest with 11 cases, followed by Haridwar with 8, Almora and Pithoragarh with 3 each, and Chamoli with one case. The other eight districts recorded no cases of insulting women.

A total of 26 immoral trafficking cases were recorded across four districts in the state, with Dehradun reporting 10, Nainital 7, and Haridwar 6 cases.

Former Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Harish Rawat, expressed concern over these incidents saying, "Uttarakhand is called the land of gods, where goddesses are worshipped, yet such a culture is growing. Unfortunately, leaders of the ruling party are being found involved in crimes like rape, and efforts are being made to protect them."

"Such crimes, even in remote parts of the state's mountains where crime was once unheard of, are alarming. In just two months, 19 rape cases have surfaced. The rape and murder of a female nurse in Rudrapur reminds one of the Nirbhaya case.." he added.
Jaipur, Sep 7 : Mohammed Javed, one of the key accused in the brutal murder of Udaipur tailor Kanhaiya Lal, was released from Ajmer's high-security jail on Saturday.

Javed came out of the jail hiding his face at 8:15 a.m. and left in a car with his brother Mohammad Shamsher.

The Rajasthan High Court granted bail to Mohammed Javed on Thursday, citing insufficient evidence. Javed was accused of conspiring with the main suspects in the beheading of Kanhaiya Lal.

A division bench comprising justices Pankaj Bhandari and Praveer Bhatnagar ordered his release upon furnishing a bail bond of Rs 2 lakh and a surety amount of Rs 1 lakh. Setting the bail conditions, the bench prohibited him from travelling outside India without permission and mandated cooperation with the ongoing NIA investigation.

The High Court, while granting bail, believed that the evidence against Javed was insufficient and it was not necessary to keep him in custody.

While investigating, NIA arrested Riyaz Attari, Gaus Mohammad and others and presented a chargesheet in the NIA court. Pak resident accused Salman and Abu Ibrahim are absconding in the case.

It may be noted that the NIA arrested Javed, 20 days after Kanhaiya Lal's murder on June 28, 2022. He was accused of meeting the main accused Riyaz Attari a day before the incident. A blunt sword was found during a search of his house. Hence, a case was also registered against him under the Arms Act.

Javed, 19, at the time of arrest, was the eighth of the nine persons arrested in the case. While the main accused Mohammad Riyaz and Ghouse Mohammad were picked up within hours of the murder, others, including Javed, were arrested later.

Javed is the second person to be granted bail in the case. Earlier, Farhad Mohammad Sheikh alias Babla, 31, at the time of his arrest in July 2022, was granted bail in September 2023.
Lucknow, Sep 7 : A magisterial probe has been ordered into the encounter of gangster Mangesh Yadav, who was accused in the Bharat Jewellers robbery case and had a Rs 1 lakh bounty on his head. The investigation will be conducted by SDM Lambhua, Vidushi Singh.

Mangesh Yadav was killed in an exchange of fire with the UP STF on September 6. The encounter took place near Mishirpur-Puraina village in Sultanpur.

Mangesh Yadav, hailing from Jaunpur, was prime suspect in the dacoity case which took place on August 28.

Three other accused Sachin, Pushpendra, and Tribhuvan are in police custody. However, 11 people are still absconding.

Several miscreants carried out the robbery in broad daylight on August 28, after which gang leader Vipin Singh surrendered, but one accused was confronted and two accused were shot in the leg.

The STF said, Mangesh Yadav had a history of criminal activities and several cases were registered against him.

Sultanpur SP Somen Verma said that Vipin Singh, who hails from Amethi, has 30 cases registered against him. He said, "Vipin Singh surrendered in the court on August 29, a day after the robbery." He said there are as many as 14 accused in the case.

Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav earlier had termed the encounter fake and attacked the government in a post on X saying, "He was picked up two days ago and shot dead in the name of an encounter. Now pressure is being exerted to change his medical report. The Supreme Court should immediately take cognizance of this serious administrative crime before the evidence is destroyed."
Artificial intelligence (AI) stocks have been among the best investments you could have owned in your portfolio over the past few years. Nvidia has generated an incredible 675% gain in just two years and has led the AI charge in the markets. It's still a hot buy right now as investors expect more growth from the business in the future.

But Nvidia and many other AI stocks now trade at significantly larger valuations than they did a few years ago. And those high prices can make it much more difficult to earn a strong return from here on out. At the same time, these high-priced stocks are vulnerable to slowing market conditions and have more room to fall during a downturn than more moderately valued investments.

Now may be a good time for investors to consider other growth stocks and opportunities, which may have a lot more upside in the long run. One underrated sector to focus on today is cannabis.

Cannabis stocks have been struggling for multiple years

To be clear, cannabis stocks haven't been doing well of late. In two years, the AdvisorShares Pure US Cannabis ETF (NYSEMKT: MSOS) has lost half its value. Despite the fund giving investors access to some of the best pot stocks in the industry, including names such as Curaleaf Holdings and Trulieve Cannabis, it hasn't been able to attract much interest.

Investors have grown impatient with a lack of progress in efforts to fully legalize marijuana. While there's talk of potentially rescheduling cannabis so that it will no longer be considered as harmful as heroin, LSD, ecstasy, and other Schedule I substances, that would fall well short of legalization and wouldn't solve the industry's problems.

Legalization would create a more favorable landscape for the industry, where companies from other industries wouldn't be as hesitant to invest in cannabis and pot producers could have an easier time borrowing money from banks. This could facilitate much more growth and lead to better revenue and profit numbers, making cannabis stocks better buys. Unfortunately, that isn't happening anytime soon, but there's hope that there could be change on the horizon.

Why a presidential election could revive the industry

The upcoming presidential election could provide the cannabis industry with a catalyst. Marijuana legalization could be a hot topic this year, given that the majority of Americans (57%) are in favor of legalizing both medical and recreational marijuana use, according to data from the Pew Research Center. For politicians, it could be an opportunity to win over voters by focusing on the issue.

Story continues

2024 U.S. Democratic presidential candidate (and current Vice President) Kamala Harris said she is open to the idea of marijuana reform, including rescheduling cannabis and outright legalization. She's also admitted to trying pot in the past.

Even former president and 2024 Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump appears to be accepting of cannabis use. In a recent interview, when talking about Florida potentially legalizing marijuana, he said the state doesn't need to "ruin lives and waste taxpayer dollars arresting adults with personal amounts of it on them." It's a positive sign that he could be more open to the idea of marijuana reform if he's elected president.

Regardless of which candidate wins the upcoming election, there could be hope for marijuana legalization in the not-too-distant future, and that optimism could fuel pot stocks' performance.

Should you add pot stocks to your portfolio?

Investing in pot stocks will require taking some risk, which is why it's not a suitable option for many investors. While there's upside potential, a lot hinges on legal reform, which adds an extra layer of uncertainty and risk to the equation.

But if you're willing to accept that, then buying shares of a diversified ETF, such as the AdvisorShares Pure US Cannabis fund, can be a good option. With this fund, you could have exposure to some of the top cannabis stocks in the U.S. that would benefit from any type of marijuana reform.

Pot stocks have taken a beating in recent years. However, if political candidates bring up the prospect of marijuana legalization, it could drive some much-needed bullishness to the sector and may get those stocks rallying again. Should reform take place, there could be even more upside for cannabis stocks in the long run.

Should you invest $1,000 in AdvisorShares Pure US Cannabis ETF right now?

Before you buy stock in AdvisorShares Pure US Cannabis ETF, 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 AdvisorShares Pure US Cannabis ETF 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 $656,938!*

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 September 3, 2024

David Jagielski has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Nvidia and Trulieve Cannabis. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Looking for the Next Big Growth Opportunity? It Might Not Be in Artificial Intelligence. was originally published by The Motley Fool
Patna, Sep 7 : Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare and BJP President J.P. Nadda on Saturday visited the Takht Sri Harmandir Sahib Gurudwara in Patna, during the second day of his two-day tour of Bihar.

This Gurudwara, located in Patna City, is the birthplace of the 10th Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Maharaj.

The BJP President offered prayers at the main Gurudwara and observed the Langar (community kitchen) facilities inside the premises.

Following his visit to the Gurudwara, Nadda is scheduled to travel to Darbhanga. He is expected to arrive at Darbhanga Airport around noon.

Gopal Ji Thakur, the BJP MP from Darbhanga, said that preparations have been made to welcome the party president at Darbhanga airport.

"He will go to the proposed site for the Darbhanga AIIMS at the Ekmi-Sobhan bypass for the work inspection. He will also inaugurate a super-specialty hospital at the Darbhanga Medical College and Hospital (DMCH)," said Thakur.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare approved the construction of an AIIMS facility in Darbhanga at the Ekmi-Sobhan bypass in July this year. The Bihar government has already provided 150 acres of land for this project, and land-filling activities are currently underway at the proposed site.

After inaugurating the super-speciality hospital at DMCH, the Union Minister will proceed to Muzaffarpur, where he will inaugurate another super-speciality hospital at Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH).

These new healthcare facilities in Darbhanga and Muzaffarpur, with a combined investment of approximately Rs 400 crore, will significantly enhance healthcare options for patients in North Bihar. The facilities will offer advanced treatments in various specialities, including neurology, nephrology, cardiology, and plastic surgery.

On Friday, Nadda inaugurated a state-of-the-art regional eye facility at IGIMS Patna, along with super-speciality hospitals in Bhagalpur and Gaya, further expanding the healthcare infrastructure in Bihar.
New Delhi, Sep 7 : As the nation marks the celebration of the ten-day-long Ganesh Chaturthi festival, an old incident dating back to 1991-92 echoes Prime Minister Narendra Modi's pivotal role in organising the 'Ekta Yatra' for Jammu and Kashmir's full integration with the country. The same year, Gujarat celebrated Ganesh Utsav with the same theme, giving strength to the nationwide Ekta Yatra.

New Delhi, Sep 7 (IANS) As the nation marks the celebration of the ten-day-long Ganesh Chaturthi festival, an old incident dating back to 1991-92 echoes Prime Minister Narendra Modias pivotal role in organising the 'Ekta Yatra' for Jammu and Kashmir's full integration with the country. The same year, Gujarat celebrated Ganesh Utsav with the same theme, giving strength to the nationwide Ekta Yatra.

In a post on social media platform X, Modi Archive, which narrates the journey of the life of PM Modi through archival pictures, videos, audio recordings, letters, newspaper clips and other such content, posted about the Prime Minister's zeal and vision to stem terrorism as an ordinary worker.

The nationwide Ekta Yatra was organised under the leadership of Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi to unite people against terrorism and support Jammu & Kashmir's full integration with India.

During a time when the country was struggling under British rule and needed unity in its fight for freedom, eminent leader Lokmanya Tilak brought people together through mass Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations.

Akin to Lokmanya Tilak's efforts for uniting people to fight against British rule through Ganesh Utsav, PM Modi aimed to inspire Ekta or unity against terrorism.

Carrying forward eminent nationalist leader Lokmanya Tilak's legacy, even as an ordinary BJP worker in 1991-92, PM Modi organised nationwide Ekta Yatra under the leadership of Murli Manohar Joshi to unite people against terrorism and support Jammu & Kashmir's full integration with India.

"The very same year, the Tricolour was unfurled in Kashmir's Lal Chowk and Gujarat celebrated Ganesh Utsav with an Ekta Yatra theme reflecting on the Yatra influence," Modi Archives posted.

"In this case, @narendramodi aimed to inspire 'Ekta' or unity against terrorism, igniting social awakening among all Indians to stand together for Kashmir, an integral part of India," it said.

Meanwhile, on the occasion, PM Modi greeted the nation on Saturday and wished that the festival brings good luck, success and prosperity to all.

Taking to X, PM Modi shared a video in which he called upon the youth to learn the qualities of leadership and organising through the Ganesh Utsav.

Invoking Lokmanya Tilak, PM Modi shared that the eminent leader, who gave the motivational mantra of Swarajya Humara Janamsiddh Adhikkar hai, changed the religious occasion of Ganesh Utsav into a festival of national awakening.

"Cannot we give a mantra from the public domain that Swaraj humara janamsiddha adhikaar hai (Swaraj is my birthright)," PM Modi asked?

"In Independent India, can't we say Swaraj humara adhikaar hai, Swaraj is our priority. Cannot we give this message from the public domain," he questioned.

The festival is celebrated across the country to mark the birth of the god of wisdom, who is worshipped before beginning anything new.
Imphal, Sep 7 : Violence continued in strife-torn Manipur for the second day on Saturday after an elderly Meitei community resident was killed and in 'retaliation' four Kuki militants were gunned down in the Jiribam district.

The fresh incident of violence took place in Serou, Moljol, Rashidpur and Nungchappi villages in Jiribam district, adjoining southern Assam.

Intermittent firing continued until 10 am on Saturday.

The situation remains extremely tense as the Jiribam district is the new region of armed hostilities further escalating the ethnic conflict between the non-tribal Meitei and tribal Kuki-Zo communities.

A huge contingent of Assam Rifles, other Central Armed Police Force personnel and Manipur police commandos have rushed to all the places where fresh incidents of violence took place since Saturday morning.

Details of all the Saturday's incidents are awaited.

A police official said that since Tuesday, the suspected Kuki militants started attacking different areas of the Jiribam district, during which an elderly Meitei resident was killed while the victim was sleeping.

He said in "retaliation", four Kuki militants were gunned down.

However, there is no clarity from the police who conducted the "retaliatory attack".

Kuki tribal leaders claimed that the slain cadres were not militants; they were "Village Volunteers".

The Manipur government on Friday ordered the closure of all educational institutions across the state on Saturday, and asked the security forces to remain on high alert and also intensify their counter-insurgency operations, hours after an elderly man was killed while six others sustained injuries as suspected militants lobbed a powerful bomb at the house of former Chief Minister Mairembam Koireng in Bishnupur district.

On Friday, a 78-year-old man was killed and six others sustained injuries as suspected Kuki militants targeted former Chief Minister Mairembam Koireng's residence in Bishnupur district by lobbing a "powerful bomb".

According to police, the bomb which was lobbed from a long range fell on the compound of former Chief Minister Koireng's residence, killing the elderly man on the spot. Koireng and his family members were not in the house during the bomb attack.

The deceased, identified as R.K. Rabei was preparing for some local religious ceremony when the bomb exploded. Six others, including a 13-year-old girl, suffered splinter injuries and were shifted to the hospital.

The "powerful bomb", which was detonated remotely, fell at a spot that is around a few km from the Indian National Army (INA) headquarters, where on April 14, 1944, Lt Col Shaukat Ali of the INA hoisted the Tricolour for the first time on Indian soil under the guidance of INA Supreme Commander Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.

Combined security forces have destroyed three separate bunkers at Mualsang and at Laika Mualsau village of Churachandpur district.

Inspector General and Deputy Inspector General rank police officials have been camping in the tension-ridden districts.

A military chopper has also been deployed to conduct aerial patrolling.
Chandigarh, Sep 7 : Haryana's former Home Minister and BJP candidate Anil Vij on Saturday mocked the Congress list of candidates for the October 5 Assembly polls, saying the party has chosen candidates who 'are facing criminal cases and this reflects their mindset'.

Five-time legislator Vij told the media in Ambala that the Congress has given tickets even to people facing legal cases. "The Congress seems to prefer candidates who are likely to go to jail," he said, highlighting that Surendra Pawar, who is in jail, has been given a ticket. This, according to Vij, reveals Congress' thought process.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested legislator Panwar in July in an "illegal" mining-linked money-laundering case.

Vij said recently the ED attached properties belonging to Bhupinder Hooda, yet he has also been given a ticket, further showcasing the Congress's mentality.

He said more "questionable candidates" might emerge from the rest of the list of the candidates.

Commenting on the alliance between the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Vij said there "is still some uncertainty". He said Rahul Gandhi had asked AAP to provide candidates as the Congress is running short.

Regarding AAP's decision to contest 50 seats, Vij said, "It's a democracy, and anyone can run in elections".

Earlier, Vij claimed victory of the BJP in polls, saying, "The regional parties are now finished and the contest is only with the Congress, and we will easily defeat the Congress because they have committed so many sins."

Vij also slammed Leader of Opposition Bhupinder Hooda, saying he should know that Punjabis were not displaced, but they were part of India.

Advising Hooda, Vij said, "You need to change your mindset. Even after 70 years, you are still calling these people displaced because you do not want to accept them."

Former Health Minister and outspoken Vij registered victory in the 2019 Assembly polls from his stronghold Ambala Cantonment by defeating his rival Independent candidate Chitra Sarwara.

He defeated Sarwara by a margin of 20,165 votes. He's been a five-term MLA since 1990.
Guwahati, Sep 7 : Two arrested persons involved in the rape case of a 14-year-old girl in Assam's Nagaon district's Dhing locality have grabbed government land and built their houses, an official said on Saturday.

"We have received numerous complaints from the locals that two accused in the rape case took government land illegally and constructed houses there. The villagers demanded immediate action from the administration against those accused persons. However, the district administration will come to a conclusion after a thorough inquiry," the official added.

The two accused persons - Faridul Islam Khan and Golap Uddin - fled away after the incident and after a 16-day manhunt, police arrested the duo on Friday. The prime accused in the case, Tafiqul Islam died due to drowning while trying to escape from police custody.

Khan had been hiding in Dimapur town in Nagaland for the last two weeks and he was taken into custody by the Assam Police from the neighbouring state while the other accused Uddin was in the Lahorighat area located in the Morigaon district in Assam.

The duo was brought to Nagaon Sadar police station on Friday and they are set to be produced in the court on Saturday.

A 14-year-old was gangraped by three persons while returning home from a tuition centre in the Dhing area in the Nagaon district. She was on a bicycle when a group of three men attacked her and gangraped the teenage girl.

The onlookers discovered the girl in a semi-naked state lying beside a pond in the area. They took her to a nearby hospital and informed the police.

Police said that the molesters left the girl after committing the crime and she was lying semi-conscious for more than an hour before being rescued by the locals.

The villagers in Borbheti village in Dhing locality boycotted the last rite of the prime accused Tafiqul Islam following his death while trying to flee from police custody.
New Delhi, Sep 7 : The success story of Varanasi made badges is a moment to celebrate, as they shine bright on the uniforms of foreign militaries in countries like the US, UK, Germany, France and more.

Local artisans, who have been engaged in the business for generations, recall the ups and downs of the enterprise and state that the GI certification in 2014 turned out to be a game changer for the fraternity.

Lallapura is one of the key centres in Varanasi, where more than 125 artisans put in long hours to cater to the burgeoning demand from abroad.

Shadab, a local artisan told IANS about the intricacies of foreign armies' badge manufacturing and also informed that 'Made in Varanasi' badges got a major boost after the Modi government came to power in 2014 and granted GI tags for the products.

"GI certification for the enterprise has provided us a platform to showcase our skills at the global level and this has also proved instrumental in giving a fillip to age-old enterprise in the city," he said.

He further informed that GI tags have brought a major turnaround as demands have increased and now they are getting ample orders.

The new generation has started moving in, thus helping in overall growth of enterprise.

"After GI certification, buyers and exporters are in direct contact with us, this has enhanced growth of the industry and eliminated middlemen from the chain," he pointed out.

Shadab further informed that they make army badges and emblems for many militaries including Germany, England, France, Kenya and the US to name a few.

"Military badges and emblems made in Varanasi are worn by military men on their caps," he said with pride in his eyes.

He also informed that the businesses date back to 100 years as many of them belong to the third generation of artisans, however, the enterprise took a hit because finding skilled workers was getting difficult due to lack of orders.

Notably, the indigenous production of badges for foreign militaries shows growing might and prowess. And, the city residents credit this to reforms in the sector, brought under the Modi govt.

Guddu, another artisan, echoed similar views and told IANS that he has been engaged in the business, since he was a child.

"We have been working our whole of life for this, but after GI, the businesses got a big spike. We have been working for 10-12 hours a day to meet the growing demand," he said.

"After the government facilitated GI tags, our businesses have improved. We are getting a good amount of work and this has shored up our badge making facilities and enterprises," he added.
New Delhi, Sep 7 : Senior Congress leader Pawan Khera on Saturday lashed out at former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh for his "conspiracy allegations" after wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia joined Congress.

Khera defended the party's support for the wrestlers, stating: "If more than six athletes come and seek help from society, should the Opposition, the Congress party, ignore this? This might be BJP's tradition, but Congress doesn't follow this."

He emphasised that Congress stands with those facing injustice, regardless of political affiliations.

The former WFI chief on Saturday claimed that their entry into politics confirmed his long-standing assertion that the 2023 protests by athletes were a politically motivated conspiracy against him, plotted by Congress.

The former BJP MP, who has been defending himself against allegations of sexual assault that sparked a major protest by wrestlers in January 2023, reiterated his belief that the accusations were part of a plot led by Congress and Bhupinder Hooda.

"Back in January, when the protest began, I told the media that this was all a conspiracy against me, and now it is clear. The script was written by Congress, and it has been exposed at their party office," he remarked.

The remarks came after Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia joined the Congress on Friday, with Phogat set to contest the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections from the Julana constituency.

The senior Congress leader further rebuked the former WFI chief, saying: "Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh should be ashamed before speaking on this matter. If something wrong happens, we will raise our voices, and we are proud of it. People who are wrong are with the BJP, and those who stand with what's right are with Congress."

In response to the current WFI chief Sanjay Singh's accusation of "desh droh" (treason) against Congress and the wrestlers, Khera remarked: "Labelling any wrongdoing as treason is a BJP mindset. Raising a voice against wrongdoings is not treason; it's standing for justice."

He also took a jab at BJP's past actions, recalling the party's controversial support of convicts in the Bilkis Bano case.

"We remember how they stand with the rapists. We know how they welcomed the rapists of Bilkis Bano with garlands," he said.

Additionally, Khera responded to Home Minister Amit Shah's recent comments on Article 370. He questioned: "Why are they shifting focus? Why is J&K not getting full statehood? Why was it taken away?"
Jammu, Sept 7 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Saturday that in no case will the National Conference (NC) and the Congress form the government in J&K after the election.

"I am a student of election analysis and my projections have mostly proved right. I am here to assure you that these people are spreading rumours that the new J&K government will be formed by them. Let me categorically assure you that Farooq Abdullah's NC and the Congress won't be in a position to form the new government in J&K," said the Home Minister while addressing the party workers in Jammu.

He added that if the BJP workers meeting is so large, how large would the BJP public rally be? "I am elated beyond words to see such a large number of workers gathered here today from only 13 assembly constituencies," the Home Minister said.

He also introduced BJP Assembly candidates present with him on the stage. He told party workers that they have not to only ensure the victory of the party candidates but have to ensure that the opponents forfeit their security deposit during elections.

He said he is beginning his address to party workers by saluting the sacrifice Syama Prasad Mookerjee made for the integration of Kashmir with the country.

"I salute Pandit Prem Nath Dogra who started the agitation under the banner of the Praja Parishad against two prime ministers, two flags and two constitutions in one country.

He said that the upcoming Assembly election is a historic election as for the first time, voters will vote under one Tricolour and Constitution and not under two flags or two Constitutions.

"There is just one Prime Minister in the country, who is elected by people from Kashmir to Kanniyakumari and that is Narendra Modiji. This election is being held away from the shadow of Article 370. In the Lok Sabha elections 58.46 per cent of voters turned out to celebrate the victory of democracy," the Home Minister said.

He said that the BJP will fight this election with a full heart and will win it, adding, that the party workers are the biggest strength of the BJP as they exist at the polling booth level.

"For 70 years, you fought and cried and agitated. But today you don't have to ask or agitate. Modiji gives you what is in your heart. This year, 5.12 lakh Yatris performed the Amarnath Yatra fearlessly. Those days others would decide who forms the government here. Now people of Jammu will decide who governs them," he said.

He said that the workers should educate voters about the disruptive agenda of NC and Congress. "I don't trust media more than I trust my workers."

He said that Congress and NC want a separate flag, want Article 370 to come, and want to take away reservations of Gujjars, Bakerwals, Paharis and others.

"I want to make it clear to Rahul Gandhi that, however, hard he might try, we will not allow anybody to touch the reservations," he said.

He added that after 70 years mothers and daughters have got rights that the NC and Congress had taken away, adding, that they want stone pelters to be released from jails so that the Jammu region including Kathua, Poonch, Doda, Rajouri, Reasi, Udhampur and Ramban is engulfed in terrorism.

He said that those who gave money to terrorism were sent to jail by PM Modi, adding, that NC and PDP want LoC trade to re-start so that its profits go to terrorism.

"They want us to talk to Pakistan. I say again that there will be no talks with Pakistan unless peace returns completely to J&K. They want to rename our sacred Shankaracharya hillock as 'Takht-e-Suleman'. Will you allow that?" he asked.

He added that there was more corruption in J&K than in the rest of the country in the past as the three "corrupt" families of Gandhis, Abdullahs and Muftis looted the state.

"They want the old system to return so that Jammu suffers injustice," the Home Minister said.

He said when there would be peace in J&K, such people would become chief ministers and during violence they would run away to Delhi and enjoy coffee in cafes there.

"They would shut eyes to terrorism and would thereby help terrorism. If they come back, terrorism will also come back. If BJP comes to power there would be no terrorism," he said.

The Home Minister said that Maharaja Hari Singh never returned to J&K after 1947.

"His ashes were only brought here. We ensured that his respect and honour were redeemed. We declared his birthday as a holiday in J&K," he said.

The Union Home Minister also spoke of the developments made here during the last 20 years and also repeated the poll promises made in the BJP manifesto.
New Delhi, Sep 7 : After Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, another SP leader alleged on Saturday that Mangesh Yadav, the accused in the Sultanpur robbery case, was killed in the encounter because he belonged to the Yadav community.

While talking to IANS, SP leader Sunil Singh Yadav said that the main accused in this robbery was from the same community as the Chief Minister, so he was made to surrender. But when the UP police found out that one of the accused was a Yadav, they killed him.

Sunil Singh further said that what happened in Sultanpur wasnat an encounter but a murder. He claimed that two days before the incident, the police had already taken this man into custody.

The SP leader questioned why the government was not listening to the statements of the manas mother. He criticised how the police suddenly declared a reward and then killed the person.

Sajan Singh pointed out that the police team involved in the encounter didnat look serious, as they were wearing bathroom slippers while claiming they were chasing a criminal.

The SP leader also raised questions about what happened to the gold worth crores that was looted, and why the main accused, who is from the same community as Yogi Adityanath, was only made to surrender instead of being punished like the others.

"The Samajwadi Party has always demanded that the Supreme Court should take notice and form a committee to investigate because this is not just an encounter but a case of murder," he added.

Sunil Singh further said, "Samajwadi Party believes this murder was committed based on caste, and we insist that only the Supreme Court should investigate this case, not the local administration."

Regarding the news of wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia joining Congress, he questioned why joining Congress would be considered anti-national.

He argued that staying silent while Manipur is burning is what should be considered anti-national. He criticised the Prime Minister for keeping mum on issues within India while being portrayed in the media that he is trying to stop the war between Ukraine and Russia.

Sunil Singh urged the government to wake up and face the reality of whatas happening in the country.

Manglesh Yadav, a wanted criminal in the robbery at Bharat Ji Jewelers in the Thatheri Bazaar area of Sultanpur on August 28, was killed in the encounter with the STF on Thursday.

Earlier, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav had also raised questions about this encounter.

Taking to social media platform X, Akhilesh claimed that there might be a deep connection between the ruling party and the robbers. He alleged that the main accused was made to surrender before the fake encounter and that other people involved were only shot at superficially, while one was killed based on his caste.

In another post, Akhilesh Yadav questioned the government, alleging that a man who was taken into custody two days earlier was shot in the name of an encounter, and now there is pressure to change his medical report. He urged the Supreme Court to take immediate notice of this serious government crime before the evidence is destroyed.
London, Sep 7 : The UK government has announced that the new national Queen Elizabeth II Memorial will be located in St James's Park, London.

The memorial will be situated near The Mall at Marlborough Gate, encompassing the surrounding land and the pathway leading to the lake, including the Blue Bridge, the government said in a statement.

Chosen for its proximity to significant historical landmarks, including the Buckingham Palace and the Commonwealth headquarters, the site also holds a personal connection to the late Queen.

The location near the ceremonial route of The Mall, close to statues of her parents, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, reflects its constitutional and historical importance.

A committee, established by the UK government and the Royal Household in 2023, selected the location after consulting the public, key stakeholders, and experts across the four nations of the UK.

The government will support the project, with plans to fund additional memorials in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, details of which will be announced later.

The memorial aims to be a fitting tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, providing a space for reflection and community. It is intended to be of significant scale to reflect her lasting impact on national and global life.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer commented that the memorial would allow the public to "honour the Late Queen and connect with the shared history we cherish".

"Queen Elizabeth II's enduring legacy of service and devotion to our country will never be forgotten," he said.

Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Pat McFadden, emphasised the significance of memorialising the longest reigning British monarch in a location that represents her role at the heart of British society.

The design phase for the memorial will begin later this year, with proposals invited from architects and designers. The final design will be unveiled in 2026, marking what would have been Queen Elizabeth's 100th birthday.

The memorial continues the UK's tradition of honouring its monarchs with permanent landmarks, such as the Victoria Memorial and Royal Albert Hall.
Close-up of Chipotle takeout bag - The Image Party/Shutterstock

Chipotle is one of the greatest success stories in the fast food industry of the past decade. A 2024 report from Technomic, covered in Nation's Restaurant News, ranked Chipotle as the ninth biggest restaurant chain in America, with over 3,300 locations across the country at the end of 2023. However, despite the announcement that the chain is opening its first locations in the Middle East, it still doesn't have a huge international footprint. As of this writing, the company operates or plans to operate in six countries: the United States, Canada, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and now Kuwait. Chipotle is using the new Kuwait location as a test market for new business innovations, such as restaurant formats and digital ordering advancements.

What's even more surprising is that even though Chipotle is a big presence in America, it only has 68 units in those other five countries. In a unique move for a major restaurant chain, the brand's European and Canadian locations are not franchises. However, the new locations in Kuwait will be operated in partnership with the Alshaya Group, a major player in the Middle East. And while it may feel like there's a Chipotle in every mall and on every street corner in the U.S., it's not currently the fastest-growing restaurant chain in the country. That honor, as of 2022, belongs to Jersey Mike's.

Read more: The Surprising Way Costco Slices Up Its Pizza To Uniform Perfection

The Brand's Slow Growth Outside Of America

Man holding Chipotle food bowl - Alexander Spatari/Getty Images

If its Canadian operations are any indication, Chipotle prefers to slowly roll out into other countries as it monitors potential growth trends. Canada is currently the chain's largest non-American market, where it operates 41 restaurants. The country's first Chipotle opened in Toronto, Ontario in 2008 and was the chain's first non-U.S. location. The brand added more stores to the city and also opened some in London, Ottawa and Vancouver. Canadian locations grew to 23 in total  and then the company waited three years, from 2018 to 2021, to expand further. Chipotle Canada managing director Anat Davidzon noted to the Toronto Star in 2023 that the pause gave it time to ensure it was increasing its presence in Canada smartly. Davidzon said, "At that time, the Canadian market had not seen the same financial performance that we saw in the U.S."

Chipotle's next-biggest overseas market is the United Kingdom, which boasts 19 stores. The chain also owns and operates six locations in France, including a stunning three-story restaurant in Paris, and two in Germany. After working with Alshaya Group for about a year to develop the first Kuwait location, Chipotle intends to open a total of four restaurants in the Middle East by the end of 2024, including the first in Dubai. In keeping with the brand's slow and steady extension, the Kuwait Chipotle is its first to open in a new country in over 10 years.

Story continues

Chipotle's Methods Of International Innovation

New Chipotle location Kuwait - Chipotle

The latest international Chipotle location in Kuwait will feature several new elements for the chain, including new wood floors and artistic design flourishes from the ceilings to the walls. Customers will be able to order and customize food either through the restaurant's classic makeline at self-serve kiosks or by scanning an in-restaurant QR code that leads to a Middle East-exclusive mobile app. Quesadillas will be available on the menu but must be ordered via the app or kiosk, presumably to encourage adoption of the new ordering methods.

The Kuwait Chipotle's new innovations were likely developed with the aid of the Chipotle Cultivate Center in Irvine, California. The property operates as a test kitchen and a creative studio for design elements. Perhaps you've heard of Chippy, Chipotle's AI-powered tortilla chip-making robot  though it's unclear if that experiment has moved past one location in Fountain Valley, California. The brand's cauliflower rice was also first developed at the Cultivate Center and brought to Canadian and American restaurants as a limited-time item in early 2021.

Perhaps encouraged by its Middle Eastern partnership, Chipotle recently created a business development group with the intent of exploring further creative international opportunities. Enterprising developers are prompted to submit a form on Chipotle's website outlining any overseas business proposals. All in all, Chipotle's cautious international rollout seems to be paying dividends for the company. However, if overseas menus are any indication, anywhere you go, you'll still have to pay extra for guac.

For more food and drink goodness, join The Takeout's newsletter. Get taste tests, food & drink news, deals from your favorite chains, recipes, cooking tips, and more!

Read the original article on The Takeout.
New Delhi, Sep 7 : India on Saturday announced extension of humanitarian assistance to Chad, in the wake of a "deadly" fire in the country.

India has sent a medical aid consignment weighing approximately 2300 Kgs, consisting of essential life-saving antibiotics and general medicines, to the landlocked country in north-central Africa.

"Extending Humanitarian Assistance to Chad: India - Vishwabandhu, a friend to the world!" the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) posted on social media platform X.

The move comes after the tragedy in the Chadian capital, N'Djamena on June 19 in which several people were killed and injured in a fire and explosion at a weapons and ammunition depot.

The fire broke out in an ammunition depot in the army reserve camp in the north of the capital city and the powerful explosion was reportedly felt throughout the city.

India shares cordial relations with Chad and enjoys great goodwill and admiration in Chad.

The relations between the two nations received a boost after Chadian Prime Minister Pahimi Padacke Albert visited New Delhi to attend the Founding Conference of International Solar Alliance and Solar Summit in 2018.

The country's direct bilateral trade with Chad has surged from a small base but remains much below the potential.

During the pandemic, India donated a six-tonne consignment of essential medicines to Chad in July 2020.

Earlier too, Chad received developmental assistance from India when New Delhi donated 5,000 metric tonnes of rice to the African country in 2004. EXIM Bank, India has extended three Lines of Credit (LoC) under the Government of India-supported LoC to Chad.

Chad, a large semi-desert country that has deposits of gold and uranium, became an oil-producing nation in 2003. However, the country lacks infrastructure and suffers from internal conflict with rebels.

According to the MEA, there are about 200 Indians and over 40 Indian companies working mostly in oil projects, international organisations, and missionaries in Chad.
Kolkata, Sep 7 : West Bengal Medical Council (WBMC), on Saturday, announced the suspension of three doctors who are known to be close confidants of the former and controversial Principal of R.G. Kar Medical College & Hospital, Sandip Ghosh.

The three doctors include the erstwhile Resident Medical Officer (RMO) of radiodiagnosis department of Burdwan Medical College, Avik De, former senior resident doctor attached to the pathology department of the same hospital, Birupaksha Biswas, and junior doctor of Midnapore Medical College & Hospital, Mustafizur Rahaman Mallick.

The common allegation against all three of them is using their closeness to Ghosh and leaders of the ruling dispensation to threaten and harass junior doctors at their respective workplaces.

On September 5, the West Bengal Health Department announced the suspension of both De and Biswas from state medical services. Besides suspension De is also facing a departmental probe initiated against him.

On the other hand, the suspension order for Biswas was issued just a day after he was transferred from Burdwan Medical College in East Burdwan district to Kakdwip Sub-divisional Hospital in South 24 Parganas district.

Since the incident of the rape and murder of a junior doctor of R.G Kar surfaced, several junior doctors have accused De and Biswas, both confidants of Ghosh, of introducing "threat culture" where junior doctors and interns were threatened by them to act as directed.

Recently, there were protests by junior doctors at Midnapore Medical College & Hospital against Mallick on the same charges of running a "threat culture" in the same hospital.

Some members of the medical fraternity have claimed that the council should have taken steps against the three doctors and at least cautioned them much before, since the complaints of threatening and harassing junior doctors against them is nothing new.

On Saturday, the council also issued a show-cause notice to Sandip Ghosh, who is currently in CBI's custody because of his alleged links with the financial irregularities at R.G. Kar.

His registration might be cancelled if he fails to give any reply to the show-cause notice within the next three days.
Bengaluru, Sep 7 : Karnataka Minister for Large and Medium Industries M.B. Patil claimed that the BJP state Chief B.Y. Vijayendra's leadership is not accepted by party leaders.

"Vijayendra won't be the BJP chief for long and will step down soon. BJP leaders have not accepted Vijayendra's leadership. Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, Ramesh Jarkiholi, R. Ashoka and Ashwath Narayan have not accepted his leadership," Patil told media persons in Bengaluru after the Vijayendra said that the time has come for Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to resign.

He added that Vijayendra should be aware of many facts like how his father B.S. Yediyurappa was asked to step down from the post of Chief Minister.

"His father was dethroned by his party leaders. Let him know this first," he said.

On the MUDA case, the minister said that the state government need not divert the issue as nothing is there against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

He said that during the Covid pandemic, the BJP government indulged in thousands of crores of misappropriation. "There are illegalities regarding the purchase of beds, and PPE kits in which thousands of crores were looted when people were battling between life and death," he said.

He asked that people should question the BJP on the misappropriation of funds during the COVID-19 times.

"Pralhad Joshi should inform people about the COVID scam which the BJP government did. The BJP used this huge amount to fund their elections," Minister Patil said.

He added that no one can justify minting thousands of crores at a time when thousands died, adding, that let the court will decide the MUDA case.

"Should we not talk about the PSI case, which took place during the rule of BJP in the state? My hospital offered free treatment to the poor during COVID-19, the charges were reduced for patients and we also got an award. We must help people in crisis and not mint money," the minister said.

--IANS

mka/dan
New Delhi, Sep 7 : Senior BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain on Saturday criticised Indian wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia for joining Congress ahead of the Haryana Assembly elections.

The wrestlers' entry into politics has sparked widespread debate, with BJP accusing Congress of orchestrating the wrestlers' 2023 protest against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI).

Hussain expressed confidence that the BJP would still win the upcoming elections despite the wrestlers' involvement with Congress.

"They are wrestlers, but now they will only fight for Congress," he said, adding that the Congress was always part of the protest.

Hussain pointed out that both wrestlers now carry the Congress symbol, and one has been entrusted with organisational duties.

He stated that this development confirms the speculation that Congress was aligned with them all along.

Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia, the prominent faces of protest against a BJP parliamentarian charged with sexually harassing women wrestlers, on Friday, joined the Congress here in the run-up to the Haryana Assembly elections on October 5.

The development comes two days after the wrestlers met Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi.

Phogat will contest the election from Julana, the seat held by the Jannayak Janta Party's Amarjeet Dhanda, while Punia was appointed the Working Chairman of the All India Kisan Congress.

Regarding Home Minister Amit Shah's recent statement on Article 370, the BJP leader fully supported the stance, emphasising that the Article, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, has been permanently removed.

He said that Congress lacks the courage to promise its reinstatement, adding that Congress' ally, the National Conference (NC), is misleading people by focusing on the article rather than development.

Responding to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's remarks on restoring full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, Hussain dismissed them as "hollow promises" typical of the Congress, asserting that the country has grown weary of their unfulfilled commitments.

Hussain also commented on Rahul Gandhi's foreign trips, stating, "We will see what he says on this trip because whenever he goes abroad, he says something degrading about the nation."
New Delhi, Sep 7 : The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, will pay an official visit to India on September 9-10 at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced Saturday.

This would be Zayed Al Nahyan's first visit to India as the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and he will be accompanied by several Ministers from the UAE government and a business delegation.

According to the MEA, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi will meet Prime Minister Modi on September 9 and hold discussions on a wide range of areas of bilateral cooperation.

He is also scheduled to call on President Droupadi Murmu and will also visit Rajghat to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi.

On September 10, the visiting Crown Prince will visit Mumbai to participate in a business forum, in which business leaders from both countries will participate.

"India and UAE share historically close and friendly ties. In recent years, the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and UAE has deepened in a wide range of areas including political, trade, investment, connectivity, energy, technology, education, and culture. The Crown Prince's visit will further reinforce strong India-UAE bilateral relations and open avenues for partnership in new and emerging areas," the MEA stated.

Earlier this year, UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan visited India and explored ways to further build upon the strategic partnership between the two countries during his discussions with PM Modi. He also attended the 10th edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit.

In July 2023, PM Modi visited the UAE - his fifth visit to the country since 2015 when he became the first Prime Minister of India to visit the UAE in 34 years.

The India-UAE relationship was formally elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during the visit of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to India in 2017.

According to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), India-UAE trade rose to USD 85 billion in 2022, making the UAE India's third-largest trading partner for the year 2022-23 and India's second-largest export destination. India is the UAE's second largest trading partner.
Dhaka, Sep 7 : Floods in August have inflicted 33.46 billion taka (US$280 million) in damage to agriculture in Bangladesh's eastern area.

According to the latest data from the agriculture ministry, more than 200,000 hectares of cropland have been damaged out of a total of 372,733 hectares of land affected by floods in the country, reports Xinhua news agency.

The deluge, as a result of upstream mountain runoff and heavy rainfall, began on August 20 and quickly spread to many districts, including Feni, Cumilla, Chattogram and Noakhali in southeastern Bangladesh.

Mohammad Zakir Hossain, the agriculture ministry's senior information officer, said over 1.4 million farmers have been affected by the floods. The ministry has planned a recovery program to support the affected farmers.

According to the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, the death toll has risen to 71 across 11 districts, with 29 fatalities reported in Feni alone. Over 5 million people have been affected by the recent floods in the South Asian country.
Mumbai, Sep 7 : Bollywood actor Sonu Sood has welcomed Bappa at his new residence 'Gangotri Niwas' in Juhu, Mumbai, on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, and has shared a heartwarming story of his home.

Sonu looked dapper in a white kurta pajama, and was seen performing aarti of Lord Ganesha along with his wife Sonali, and sons Ayaan and Ishant.

Talking about his new home, Sonu told IANS: "Bappa has been placed in our new home for the first time, and I would like to say that I had started the journey somewhere near this place only when I was a paying guest."

"And now since I have come to this home, I feel Bappa had decided, he was waiting, that the journey would start from here, and now this journey has started. I will pray that Bappa keeps giving me strength so that I can keep helping people," shared Sonu, who is known for his philanthropic work.

He further said: "The journey with Bappa has been for the past 25 years, and every year he has taught me many things. He has told me how to get connected with the common people. I will pray that I keep walking on the path shown by Bappa, throughout my life. I will try to be connected to the masses, be their light of hope, and keep helping them."

Sonu concluded by saying, "We have brought Ganpati for five days. It's been 26 years that we are bringing Ganpati home, and he is a family member only. We get very excited when he comes home, the environment of the house changes. I feel blessed that I have shifted to a new residence, and Bappa has come here also."

On the work front, Sonu will be next seen in an upcoming action entertainer 'Fateh'. The film stars Jacqueline Fernandez in the lead role, and marks Sonu's directorial debut. The movie, produced by Shakti Sagar Productions and Zee Studios, revolves around the complexities and challenges of cybercrime.

The film will also showcase some action sequences, which have been done under the supervision of Hollywood stunt expert Lee Whittaker.

aFateha is all set to hit the screens this year.
New Delhi, Sep 7 : US researchers have developed a novel problem-solving therapy that boosts brain functions to relieve symptoms of depression, giving hope to millions worldwide.

Depression is a common mental disorder, which affects an estimated 5 per cent of adults globally.

The study led by a team from Stanford Medicine applied problem-solving therapy -- a form of cognitive therapy -- on adults with both depression and obesity. The therapy reduced depression in a third of the hard-to-treat patient group.

The team targeted 108 adults diagnosed with both major depression and obesity, a confluence of symptoms that often indicate problems with the cognitive control circuit.

While 59 adults underwent a year-long programme of problem-solving therapy in addition to their usual care, such as medications and visits to a primary care physician, 49 only received usual care.

The participants also underwent fMRI brain scans and filled out questionnaires that assessed their problem-solving ability and depression symptoms.

Among the problem-solving group, 32 per cent of participants responded to the therapy -- their symptom severity halved, revealed the study published in the journal Science Translational Medicine.

Lead author Xue Zhang, a postdoctoral scholar in psychiatry at the varsity called it "a huge improvement". It is because patients with obesity and depression have only a 17 per cent response rate for antidepressants.

Brain scans showed that in the group receiving only usual care, a cognitive control circuit that became less active throughout the study correlated with worsening problem-solving ability.

The pattern was reversed in the group receiving therapy. The decrease in activity correlated with enhanced problem-solving ability.

It may be because their brains are learning to process information more efficiently through the therapy, said the team.

While before the therapy, their brains had been working harder; now, they were working smarter, the team said.

Overall, both groups improved in their depression severity. But for some problem-solving therapy brought more clarity, allowing them to return to work, resume hobbies, and also to manage social interactions.
Washington, Sep 7 : South Korea and the United States held simulation drills in Washington this week to enhance nuclear deterrence cooperation, as the allies are stepping up security coordination to counter evolving North Korean threats.

Seoul and Washington held the first table top simulation (TTS) of the Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG), the allies' key nuclear deterrence dialogue body, on Thursday and Friday, Seoul's defence ministry and the Pentagon said in a joint statement on Friday.

The TTS drills involved officials from the two countries' national security, military, diplomatic and intelligence authorities, Yonhap news agency reported, quoting the statement.

"The simulation greatly contributes to the work of NCG, especially by strengthening the alliance's approach to cooperative decision-making about nuclear deterrence and planning for potential nuclear contingencies on the Korean Peninsula," they said in the release.

During the TTS program, the US reaffirmed America's "ironclad" extended deterrence commitment to South Korea, according to the release. Extended deterrence refers to the US' pledge to use the full range of its military capabilities, including nuclear, to defend its ally.

TTS followed the latest session of the Extended Deterrence Strategy and Consultation Group, another bilateral deterrence dialogue body, in Washington on Wednesday.

The allies' deterrence efforts came as Pyongyang has been doubling down on its nuclear and missile programs in the midst of its deepening military cooperation with Moscow, while meaningful diplomacy to curb the North's nuclear threats has stalled.

Concerns have also lingered that the recalcitrant regime could engage in provocative acts before the US presidential election in November.

Seoul and Washington launched the NCG in July last year in line with the Washington Declaration that President Yoon Suk Yeol and US President Joe Biden issued at their summit in April last year to strengthen the credibility of America's extended deterrence commitment.
Islamabad, Sep 7 : Four suicide bombers were killed when security forces repulsed an attack on a military headquarters in Pakistan's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province, an army statement said on Saturday.

The incident was reported in the Mohmand district of the province when the four terrorists in a group attacked a paramilitary Frontier Corps headquarters, the military's media wing Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in the statement.

The attempt to enter the camp was effectively thwarted by the security forces personnel, said the ISPR, adding that all four suicide bombers were neutralised before they could cause the intended damage, Xinhua news agency reported quoting ISPR.

Clearance operation is being conducted to eliminate any other terrorists in the area, it added.

The military said that Pakistan's security forces are determined to wipe out the menace of terrorism from the South Asian country.
Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris has endorsed the Biden administrations proposed tax hikes.

One of the more controversial proposals is to introduce a 25% minimum tax on total income, including unrealized capital gains, for individuals with wealth over $100 million.

Don't miss

Commercial real estate has beaten the stock market for 25 years  but only the super rich could buy in. Here's how even ordinary investors can become the landlord of Walmart, Whole Foods or Kroger

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

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

Jason Katz, managing director and senior portfolio manager at UBS, is a vocal opponent of this measure aimed at the wealthiest Americans. In an interview with Fox Business, Katz criticized the proposal sharply, calling it "an unmitigated disaster."

Capital gains are the increases in value of an asset over time. When an asset is sold, and the increase in value is converted into cash, these are called realized capital gains, which are generally taxable. Unrealized gains, in contrast, are increases in value that have not yet been realized through a sale and are not presently subject to taxes.

While Harris has broadly adopted President Bidens tax policy proposals, its worth noting that she recently said she wants a smaller increase in the capital gains tax rate for the rich than him. This means she could also deviate from his plan in other ways and choose not to tax unrealized capital gains.

Accounting nightmare

Katz expressed concerns about the practical challenges of implementing a tax on unrealized capital gains, highlighting its complexity in execution and calculation.

He used a hypothetical scenario to illustrate his point: If you have an ultra high net worth person who bought, say, $100 million worth of Amazon, and it goes to $150 million, and they tax 23% on that $50 million in year one, if in year two, that $150  because Amazon drops  goes back to $100 million, is the government going to rebate the tax from the previous year?

This question underscores the difficulties associated with taxing assets in a highly volatile market where values can fluctuate dramatically. For stocks, its not uncommon to see substantial gains in one year  often referred to as "paper gains"  that may vanish the following year. The notion of being taxed on gains that have not been realized as cash can be particularly troubling, especially when those gains are no longer present.

Story continues

Katz anticipated unfavorable consequences for the proposal: It would be an accounting nightmare, not to mention the fact it would suck money out of the capital markets, he stated.

Furthermore, Katz criticized the tax's applicability to other asset classes, such as real estate, where investors also accumulate unrealized gains. He questioned the practicality of the policy, asking, Are real estate owners going to liquidate real estate to pay for taxes? It makes no sense whatsoever.

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)

Who should be worried?

In the "Reasons for Change" section of the Treasury Department's explanations of the revenue proposal, it is noted, Preferential treatment for unrealized gains disproportionately benefits high-wealth taxpayers and provides many high-wealth taxpayers with a lower effective tax rate than many low- and middle income taxpayers.

This raises an important question: Will the proposed tax affect the average American?

The proposal clearly states that it will apply to taxpayers with wealth (that is, the difference obtained by subtracting liabilities from assets) greater than $100 million.

Only a very small segment of the population falls into this category. According to a 2023 report from Henley & Partners, there are approximately 10,660 Americans worth $100 million or more, constituting about 0.003% of the U.S. population.

Therefore, the tax will not directly affect the vast majority of people in America. However, given the substantial amount of capital controlled by those to whom the tax would apply, there could be indirect effects on the markets.

Still, Katz remains skeptical about who will ultimately be affected by the tax, reflecting on a discussion with publishing magnate Steve Forbes. Now, granted, they're talking about this for only those that have over $100 million net worth, but as I was talking about with Steve Forbes offset, they start with that, but then it infiltrates other parts of the tax system, Katz explained.

What to read next

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Chennai, Sep 7 : The AIADMK will stage a hunger strike on September 9 against the alleged failure of the Central and state governments to prevent the arrest of Tamil Nadu fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy.

Fishermen families of Tamil Nadu, including from Tuticorin, Nagapattinam, Ramanathapuram and Pudukottai, will also participate in the hunger strike, the AIADMK said in a statement.

AIADMK general secretary and former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) will lead the hunger strike in Chennai.

In a post on social media platform X, EPS said, "Twenty-two fishermen from Tuticorin were arrested last month by the Sri Lankan Navy for allegedly traversing into the Sri Lankan waters. Despite repeated requests to the state government to prevent them, no action has been initiated until now."

He also said: "There were reports that a Sri Lankan court has already imposed a fine on 12 of the 22 fishermen, who were arrested, and will soon be pronouncing a judgement on the rest of 10 fishermen."

Leader of the Opposition in the Tamil Nadu Assembly EPS said that despite the issue being a matter of livelihood for these fishermen, both the Tamil Nadu and the Central governments were "turning a blind eye".

Recently, one fisherman was killed when the boat, in which he along with three others, was engaged in fishing near the Palk Bay after the Sri Lankan Navy boat chased them.

Of them, one fisherman, K. Malaisamy (59 ) died and another fisherman Ramachandran (60) went missing in the sea. Two others, M. Mookaiah (54) and R. Muthu Muniandi (57), were arrested by the Sri Lankan navy and later handed over to the Indian Navy ship, INS Bitra near the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL).

A meeting of the fishermen leaders of Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu was also convened.

P. R. Sesu Raja, a fishermen leader, while talking to media persons, said: "We have been fishing near the Katchatheevu islets for the past several decades and we should be allowed to fish uninterrupted."

Around 87 Indian fishermen from the state were still in judicial custody in Sri Lanka.

In February, fishermen of Thangachimadam and Rameswaram areas, along with their families, had done a relay hunger over the issue
Bhiwani : , Sep 7 (IANS) Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's wife Sunita Kejriwal on Saturday said her husband would not bow down before Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Urging the people to vote for AAP at an election meeting in Bhiwani in poll-bound Haryana, she said, "Modi-ji, I want to make it clear that my husband Arvind Kejriwal will not bow down before you."

"If my husband is corrupt then there is no honest person on this planet. Because of Kejriwal, Haryana's name is being glorified all over the world. God wants to do something special through Arvind because he was born on Janmashtami," she said.

Addressing herself as daughter-in-law and daughter of Haryana, she, "I am getting a lot of strength seeing all of you. It has been 10 years of the BJP government in Haryana, I want to ask you people, has your children's education improved in the last 10 years? Have the government schools improved? Is there any good government hospital in your area where good treatment is provided and medicines are available for free?"

Asking the people if they get electricity 24 hours a day in their house or whether it is free, Sunita Kejriwal stated, "Nothing like this happens. There is a shortage of electricity, gas and water in every area. I want to tell you that all these works are happening in Delhi and Punjab. There is Aam Aadmi Party government in both these states."

Promising that government schools would become good and excellent if AAP was voted to power in Haryana, she said, "The future of children is becoming good there (Delhi and Punjab). Government hospitals have become excellent, where treatment is being done well. Mohalla clinics are being built at various places. You will get free and good treatment in Mohalla Clinics."

She said the bus travel is free for women in Delhi and Punjab. "There are arrangements for pilgrimage for the elderly. Now there is a plan to give thousands of rupees to every woman every month. Your house will save about Rs 3,000 to 4,000 every month. This is happening in Delhi and Punjab," she said.

Haryana will go to the polls for the 90-member Assembly on October 5 and votes will be counted on October 8.
Raipur, Sep 7 : Deputy Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh Arun Sao, on Saturday, said that Article 370 has been abolished from the country's Constitution and that it has become history now.

Unveiling the manifesto for the upcoming Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), Union Home Minister Amit Shah has ruled out the restoration of Article 370, which granted special status to the J&K, and said that the provision has now "become history."

The restoration of Article 370, which was abrogated in 2019, has been promised in the manifesto released by National Conference, which is contesting the elections in alliance with Congress.

While speaking to IANS, he said: "The way injustice was being done with the people of J&K, and injustice to the country, through that Article, has ended. Today, after the abolition of Article 370, there is happiness, prosperity and progress in J&K. People from various sections of the Scheduled Castes (SCs) have got the benefit of reservation, the dreams of the youth are coming true, and peace has been restored there. Certainly, 370 will never come back, it has become a part of history."

The Deputy CM also spoke on whether Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Congress will make a coalition government for the Haryana elections.

He said: "AAP and Congress Party have been completely exposed before the public. AAP was formed due to Congress' campaign against corruption. The way AAP is stuck in a quagmire of corruption: its Chief Minister is in jail, its Deputy Chief Minister is in jail, its MP is in jail and its Ministers are in jail."

He also called the AAP and Congress synonymous with corruption: "Aam Aadmi Party has become synonymous with corruption. And Congress has also been the mother of corruption. Both are synonymous with each other, the people of Haryana know this very well. Today, the people of Haryana will bless the BJP for forming the government for a third time."
New Delhi: Discussions regarding Indo-China relations following India's independence often disproportionately emphasise India's humiliating defeat in the 1962 War with China.

However, the historical significance of the Nathu La skirmishes of 1967, which occurred merely five years after the 1962 conflict, has largely been overlooked.

This incident exemplifies China's display of arrogance and military overconfidence, stemming from their victory in 1962, against India, a nation that had only recently gained independence two decades earlier.

A significant point of contention in Indo-China relations is the unmarked 3,488-kilometre border that India shares with China, primarily due to China's rejection of the McMahon Line, which delineated the boundaries between British India and China under the 1914 Shimla Accord.

Instead, the People's Republic of China has engaged in aggressive territorial claims, including invasions in the North-East Frontier Agency (now Arunachal Pradesh) in 1959 and subsequent actions in Aksai Chin, culminating in the 1962 military offensive.

The ceasefire established in 1963, known as the Line of Actual Control (LAC), remains an informal ceasefire line and highlights the unresolved border dispute between the two nations.

The Nathu La pass, situated at 14,200 feet between Sikkim and Tibet, became a contentious border area in 1967. At that time, Sikkim was a semi-independent kingdom under Indian protection. Consequently, China engaged in propaganda efforts to prevent Sikkim's integration into India.

At Nathu La, Indian and Chinese soldiers were stationed merely 30 metres apart, with India controlling the southern shoulder and China the northern. However, China's non-military intimidation tactics had been evident long before the violence escalated at Nathu La in September 1967.

During India's 1965 conflict with Pakistan, Beijing demanded that New Delhi vacate the Jelep La and Nathu La passes along the Sikkim border. In the summer of 1967, bilateral tensions rose amid China's Cultural Revolution. China's unlawful detention and public trial of two Indian diplomats on false espionage charges prompted India to deport Chinese diplomats from New Delhi. In mid-August, China intensified its intimidation tactics by installing 29 loudspeakers along the southern shoulder of the Sikkim border and engaging in minor skirmishes with Indian troops.

In response, Indian Major General Sagat Singh decided to erect a fence on the Indian side of the Nathu La border, with construction commencing on 20 August.

Approximately 75 Chinese soldiers in battle dress approached the border to protest but later withdrew. A few days later, on 5 September, as fencing work progressed, a confrontation occurred between the Chinese Political Commissar and Lieutenant Colonel Rai Singh of the local infantry battalion, halting the work temporarily before it resumed two days later.

During this time, China's People's Daily published a fabricated story alleging that Indian troops had crossed the border and attacked Chinese forces. About 100 Chinese Border Defence troops engaged in a scuffle, prompting a retaliatory response from Indian troops.

On 10 September, China warned India through its embassy of "grave consequences" if New Delhi continued its "provocative intrusions."

Nevertheless, Major General Singh ordered the completion of the fence by 11 September. When construction resumed, Chinese troops returned to protest, and during a dialogue attempt by Lt Colonel Rai Singh, the Chinese opened fire on him, igniting the Indo-China military skirmish at Nathu La.

India's infantry battalion responded but initially suffered due to the Chinese machine gun fire, resulting in the deaths of 70 Indian soldiers, including Captain Dagar of the 2 Grenadiers (later awarded the Vir Chakra) and Major Harbhajan Singh of the 18 Rajput (later awarded the Maha Vir Chakra), who displayed remarkable bravery until their last moments.

However, India's swift retaliation was notable.

Indian troops countered the Chinese machine gun fire with artillery, destroying every Chinese post on the northern shoulder. This strong response caught the Chinese forces by surprise, leading them to threaten the use of warplanes, but they could not halt India's heavy counterattacks.

The exchange of fire lasted three days, resulting in 88 casualties among Indian soldiers and over 400 among Chinese troops. India's military message of an unconditional ceasefire at the Sikkim-Tibet border was rejected by China, which remained blinded by its 1962 military victory and the humiliation it faced from India's rapid comeback.

Ultimately, a ceasefire was reached, and China's humiliation was evident in its handling of the bodies of Indian soldiers, which it claimed was an act of "preserving Sino-Indian friendship."

Before the 2020 Galwan clash, the Nathu La incident marked the last military standoff between India and China stemming from a military skirmish. The intense military training undertaken by Indian troops following the 1962 war culminated in the significant victory at the Nathu La skirmish in 1967, which became a watershed moment in the history of the Indian Army.

China's humiliating defeat served as a stark warning regarding India's military capability and resilience in defending its territorial borders and deterring future Chinese aggression.

Until 2020, Chinese troops refrained from engaging in any skirmishes with Indian forces. The Indian Army's success in securing the Sikkim border in 1967 also played a crucial role in India's involvement in the Bangladesh Liberation War and the eventual incorporation of Sikkim into India in 1975.

The Nathu La skirmish exemplifies the valour of the Indian Army, a legacy that deserves to be remembered with pride.
Zagreb, Sep 7 : The extreme heat during the summer has taken its toll on Croatia as the extremely hot weather has increased heat-related deaths, wildfires, severe drought as well as a marked rise of sea temperature.

The average maximum air temperatures at all of Croatia's meteorological stations in the first eight months of 2024 were higher than the average for the reference period from 1991 to 2020, Xinhua news agency reported, citing data released recently by the Croatian Meteorological and Hydrological Service (DHMZ).

This August was the hottest month ever recorded at 23 meteorological stations across Croatia, and it was the hottest since 1961 at 16 stations.

This July was also record-breakingly hot at almost all DHMZ stations, and the maximum temperature of Dubrovnik in Croatia reached 39.4 degrees Celsius in July, making it the city with the highest temperature in Croatia so far this year, according to the DHMZ.

Branko Sopic, a Croatian meteorologist, told Xinhua that statistics indicate that due to the extreme heat, there were 500 more deaths this summer than in previous years as the extreme heat was the main cause of the deterioration of the health condition, especially of the elderly.

In addition, this year's heat waves have resulted in a significant increase in wildfires across Croatia and caused great economic losses.

According to a statement of the Croatian Firefighting Association (HVZ) in August, from the beginning of the year until August 19, a total of 4,300 wildfires have been recorded in Croatia, an increase of 26 per cent compared with last year.

A total of 11 people died in the fires so far this year, while 98 people were injured, including 20 firefighters.

This year's heat waves have also resulted in an unprecedented drought and have caused heavy losses to farmers in Slavonia in eastern Croatia, Sopic told Xinhua. There has been no rain for almost two months and the Orljava River in the Slavonia region has completely dried up.

According to some estimates, crop yields in the region are expected to be 30-40 per cent lower than usual, Sopic said.

"The government has said that it will try to compensate farmers for their losses, but the compensation will certainly be less than the actual damage," Sopic added.

Moreover, the lingering heat waves have also resulted in the extremely high sea temperature, as the highest sea temperature in Croatia since measurements began by the DHMZ was recorded in July when the sea temperature in Dubrovnik reached 29.7 degrees Celsius.

Experts have voiced concerns over the extremely high sea temperature and warned that such a rise in sea temperature will have long-term effects on all marine life.

"This is quite alarming because it affects plant and animal life, and all of us," Croatian oceanographer Ivica Vilibic said.
Raipur, Sep 7 : Chhattisgarh Congress President Deepak Baij claimed on Saturday that the BJP government is "sleeping peacefully" despite "increasing" incidents of crimes against women in the state.

He said that the Congress' women cell will stage a protest in Raipur on September 10 against the "rising" crimes against women and the "deteriorating" law and order situation in the state.

The state Congress chief accused the BJP-led state government of protecting criminals and making the police ineffective.

About Article 370, Baij said that only time will tell whether the Jammu and Kashmir's special status will be restored or not. "But the BJP is very scared about the Jammu and Kashmir (Assembly) elections," he added.

The Congress leader also hit out at the BJP on the issue of terrorism in J&K. "Even though the BJP talks about eliminating terrorism, terrorism is still growing in Jammu and Kashmir, and there was a bomb blast right after Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi took the oath for his third term," he said.

"Terrorism hasn't been eradicated; incidents are happening continuously, and Jammu and Kashmir have become more unsafe than before. That's why the people of Jammu and Kashmir will give BJP a befitting reply in the upcoming Assembly elections," Baij said.

About terrorism in Punjab, he said it was the Congress party which eradicated terrorism there.

He questioned what terrorism the BJP has eliminated in Jammu and Kashmir, accusing the BJP of actually helping terrorism flourish. He urged the BJP to stop blaming others and focus on doing their job.

The Chhattisgarh Congress chief also criticised West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose on 'The Aparajita Women and Child (West Bengal Criminal Laws Amendment) Bill, 2024'. He called the Governor's interference in blocking a bill passed by a democratically elected government ''inappropriate''.

Meanwhile, Baij congratulated wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia on joining the Congress, saying that after serving the nation, it's great that ''our gold medalists have joined the party''. The Congress leader said that they will strengthen the party and benefit Haryana and its people.
Kochi, Sep 7 : The Women in Cinema Collective (WCC), the platform whose petition led to the setting up of the Hema Committee, on Saturday, gave a clarion call to adopt a Cinema Code of Conduct and sought opinions and views from all.

In 2017, the WCC had a meeting with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan seeking a probe into the Malayalam film industry, after which a three-member expert committee headed by Justice Hema (Retd) was constituted.

On Saturday, the WCC on their social media page said, "To rebuild the Malayalam film industry as an equal and safe workspace for all, we are commencing a series today with our proposed recommendations. We hope all industry members will come together in open solidarity and spirit to adopt a Cinema Code of Conduct that will help transform our film industry onscreen and offscreen for the better. Stay tuned!" read the note.

Trouble has been brewing in the Malayalam film industry ever since the August 19 release of the Justice Hema Committee report, which probed the conditions of the women working in the Malayalam film industries, and made explosive revelations, triggering a storm of complaints against top film personalities.

Kerala Police have so far registered FIRs against 11 people, ten of which are from the film industry based on the complaints from women. Those who are in the dock after the police registered FIRs, include actors Mukesh, Nivin Pauly, Siddique, Jayasurya, Edavela Babu, and Maniyanpilla Raju, directors Ranjith and V.K. Prakash, and production executives Vichu and Noble. Actor Baburaj and director Tulasidas have been named in complaints too, but no FIRs have been registered against them so far.

Meanwhile, the special investigation team of seven police officials, of which four are woman IPS officers, are currently taking statements from those victims who have come forward with their complaints but are yet to question the accused.

Soon after the shocking news surfaced that a leading actress in the Malayalam film industry was brutally raped in a moving car in Kochi, a collective of 18 women from the Malayalam film industry came together to stand by this actress.

In this case, popular actor Dileep was arrested and was in jail for nearly three months. Dileep was presently out on bail, while the main accused in the case Pulsar Suni continues to be in jail since his arrest in 2017.

On November 1, 2017, the WCC Foundation was registered as a society and has been airing voices openly both inside and outside the film industry.
Dhaka, Sep 7 : Abul Fayez Muhammad Khalid Hossain, the Advisor for Religious Affairs in the interim government, said on Saturday that there are no plans to change the national anthem of Bangladesh.

"The interim government will not do anything to create controversy, we want to build a beautiful Bangladesh with everyone's support," Hossain was quoted as saying by the local media after visiting the Islamic Foundation in Rajshahi on the northern banks of the river Padma.

With attacks on minorities - especially those targetting the Hindu community in Bangladesh - still continuing, Hossain assured that people who are found guilty of committing such "heinous acts" will be punished by the interim regime led by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus.

"Those who attack places of worship are enemies of humanity. They are criminals, and they will be prosecuted under existing laws," the advisor said.

He also announced that during the forthcoming Durga Puja celebrations, local citizens, along with madrasa students, will be involved in guarding the temples to prevent any kind of attack or sabotage.

"Madrasa students were never involved in terrorism, and that was propaganda and conspiracy by the previous government," country's leading daily The Daily Star quoted Hossain as saying on Saturday.

"The adviser further said, after the change of government, just as there have been attacks on the homes of some Hindu community people, there have also been attacks on the homes of Muslims. There is no scope to view this differently. This government is a government for everyone, committed to ensuring everyone's security," the religious advisor said according to the newspaper.

Last month, in an exclusive interview with IANS, Hossain had called India as Bangladesh's "best neighbour" - which had helped the country "immensely" in gaining independence - and insisted that "work has begun" to take strict action against criminals involved in several incidents of violence and vandalism against the minority communities, especially Hindus, since former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's resignation on August 5.

"India is our neighbouring country and we want to maintain peace and tranquility in our country with the goodwill of India," Hossain told IANS as the interim government received massive flak from all corners for failing to provide security to the minorities, majorly Hindus, in the country.

"We got our country back after great efforts and people from all religions sacrificed and shed their blood in the movement during Bangladesh's liberation. We cannot let it go to waste. It is a secular country and we have to nurture this spirit and ensure communal harmony in Bangladesh. We are taking full measures and there is no communal violence now although there could be some isolated incidents," he stated.

However, despite the assurances given by the Yunus government, attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh are being reported from across the country daily as radical Islamist groups continue to spread their ideology.
Algiers, Sep 7 : Algerians headed to polls on Saturday to elect their next president, with more than 23 million citizens in the country eligible to cast their ballots.

Voting began early in the day, with polling stations nationwide opening at 8:00 a.m. local time. Mobile polling stations have been in operation since Wednesday to access remote areas, while overseas voting commenced on Monday, catering to over 800,000 Algerians living abroad, Xinhua news agency reported.

The National Independent Authority for Elections oversees the voting process. Regular updates will be provided throughout the day until the polls close at 8 p.m. local time.

The presidential race involves three candidates: the incumbent 78-year-old President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, seeking a second term as an independent candidate with broad support; Abdelaali Hassani Cherif, 57, head of the Movement of Society for Peace; and Youcef Aouchiche, 41, secretary general of the left-wing Socialist Forces Front.

The election comes after Tebboune's decision on March 21 to reschedule the presidential polls, traditionally held in December, for an earlier time for "purely technical reasons."
Kolkata, Sep 7 : A special court of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in Asansol on Saturday deferred the framing of charges in the multi-crore coal smuggling case in West Bengal till November 14.

The matter was postponed as the judge of the special court wanted to give more time to the 50 accused persons in case they want to file a discharge petition in the interim period.

This is the third time that the process of framing charges has been postponed by the special court.

The process was first deferred on May 21 due to the absence of some accused persons. It was again postponed on August 9 for the same reason.

However, on Saturday, all the 50 accused in the case were present in the court. Yet, the matter was postponed again to give them more time to file discharge petitions.

The CBI also faced the ire of the judge for the language used in the summons sent to one of the prime accused in the case, Anup Majhi a.k.a. Lala, for questioning in the matter.

When the judge asked whether the summons was issued over telephone or by issuing a notice for interrogation, Majhi's counsel informed that the notice was sent through email.

The judge then checked the email and expressed his anguish saying that from the language used in the summons, it was not clear whether Majhi had been summoned as a witness or an accused.

"This it is not the proper procedure of issuing summons, as the reason for issuing the notice is not clear. The person being summoned should know whether he is being summoned as a witness or an accused," the judge said.

In May this year, the special CBI court had granted conditional bail to Majhi, hours after he surrendered before the court.

The Supreme Court had earlier granted interim protection from arrest to Majhi on condition that he would cooperate in the investigation.

The alleged coal scam in West Bengal is related to illegal mining and pilferage of coal from leasehold areas of Eastern Coalfields Ltd (ECL) in Kunustoria and Kajora areas of West Bardhaman district. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is investigating the money laundering aspect of the case.
Bot Drop

Earlier this year, AI chipmaker Nvidia was riding high, enjoying a record-breaking valuation of $3.3 trillion.

But this summer, investors started asking some tough questions. Shareholders started getting cold feet over AI companies' sky-high valuations, as CNN reports, with widespread skepticism causing stocks to come crashing back down.

As the company selling the shovels for the goldrush, Nvidia should be making money hand over fist. But instead, it wiped a massive $279 billion off its value on Tuesday, a precipitous drop of 9.5 percent in share price.

The slump even erased about $10 billion from CEO Jensen Huang's personal net worth, his biggest single-day drop according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.

Something's off, in other words, despite the company's growing revenue.

Is this just the market's correction to signs of a slowing economy? Are investors becoming wary of major investments in largely unproven tech that's still far from turning a profit?

While it's still too early to tell if Nvidia's most recent troubles are a canary in the AI coal mine, there are plenty of signs to suggest that growing skepticism is starting to put a real damper on the hype surrounding AI.

Greatest Expectations

Tech giants have been pouring billions of dollars into expanding data centers to support insatiable AI models, but aren't anywhere near seeing a return on their astronomical investments.

To reassure investors, tech CEOs have tried to argue that it'll all be worth it once AI's ambitions are fully realized, eventually. That line of reasoning, though, is clearly testing Wall Street's patience. Analysts without a deep faith in AI's long term value have repeatedly warned that all of that spending may not amount to much of a return in the end.

Thanks to its central position in the AI race, Nvidia's stumbling shares have had tremendous knock-on effects, with shares of other related companies dropping as well.

Needless to say, there are plenty of other factors at play as well. Nvidia's slump on Tuesday was likely also related to rumors of it receiving a subpoena for an escalating antitrust probe by the Department of Justice. (The company denied those reports.)

For now, the chipmaker's stumbles still pale in comparison to its meteoric rise. Its shares are up a whopping 120 percent year-to-date, and Huan remains adamant that investments are paying off, telling investors last week that "people who are investing in Nvidia infrastructure are getting returns on it right away."

But whether that will prove to be enough to reassure investors who are growing bullish on AI remains to be seen.

More on Nvidia: Nvidia Stock Falls as Earnings Show AI Isn't Growing Revenue Like It Hoped
Imphal, Sep 7 : The Manipur government has pressed into service a military chopper to conduct aerial patrolling and deployed anti-drone systems to repel the rogue drones of militants hours after five persons were killed in separate incidents of violence in the state's Jiribam district on Saturday, officials said.

A senior police officer in Imphal said that suspected Kuki militants carried out attacks at Nungchappi village in Jiribam district, killing 63-year-old Yurembam Kulendra Singha, who was sleeping during the attack.

The militants then continued with the firing in Rasidpur village, following which the village volunteers retaliated in which Baspatimayum Lakhi Kumar Sharma (41) was killed. Both Singha and Sharma belong to the Meitei community.

Security forces led by senior police officials later rushed to the area, and they were also fired upon. The security personnel also retaliated befittingly, the official said.

The police officer said that while searching the area, three bodies of suspected "militants" were found.

The Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (ITLF), an apex body of tribals in Manipur, claimed that United National Liberation Front (UNLF) militants killed four Kuki-Zo village volunteers in Jiribam district on Saturday.

The police officer, meanwhile, also said that a total of nine sophisticated arms, including sniper and assault rifles, 21 different types of ammunition and an equal number of explosives, grenades and a wireless set were recovered from different places in Bishnupur and Kangpokpi districts.

Intermittent firing continued until noon in several mountainous villages in Jiribam district, adjoining Assam.

The situation remains extremely tense as Jiribam district has emerged as the fresh zone of armed hostilities, further escalating the ethnic conflict between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities.

A huge contingent of Assam Rifles, other Central Armed Police Force personnel and Manipur police commandos have rushed to all the places where fresh incidents of violence took place since Saturday morning.

Senior officers are on the ground and closely monitoring the overall security scenario, while additional forces are deployed in vulnerable, fringe and in sensitive locations.

An official statement said that the Manipur Police have also undertaken several other measures and actions and these include, deployment of sophisticated arms to repel armed miscreants and long range weapons, social media monitoring cells to check instigators of violence, strong combined 'Nakas' (check gates) were set up in sensitive areas in Imphal, valley and in hills to prevent movement of militants and armed cadres.

Manipur Home Department and police personnel have been analysing the recent attacks to strengthen its manpower with sophisticated weapons and an updated Anti Drone System.

Meanwhile, the police appealed to the public to cooperate with security forces in maintaining the law and order situation in the state and also cautioned that anyone trying to interfere with the functioning of the security forces, or attempt to loot arms from security would be dealt with seriously as per law, the statement said.

The Manipur government on Friday ordered the closure of all educational institutions across the state on Saturday, and asked the security forces to remain on high alert and also intensify their counter-insurgency operations, hours after an elderly man was killed while six others sustained injuries as suspected militants lobbed a powerful bomb at the house of former Chief Minister Mairembam Koireng in Bishnupur district.

On Friday, a 78-year-old man was killed and six others sustained injuries as suspected Kuki militants targeted former Chief Minister Mairembam Koireng's residence in Bishnupur district by lobbing a "powerful bomb".

According to police, the bomb which was lobbed from a long range fell on the compound of former Chief Minister Koirengas residence, killing the elderly man on the spot. Koireng and his family members were not in the house during the bomb attack.

The deceased, identified as R.K. Rabei, was preparing for some local religious ceremony when the bomb exploded. Six others, including a 13-year-old girl, suffered splinter injuries and were shifted to the hospital.

The "powerful bomb", which was detonated remotely, fell at a spot that is around a few km from the Indian National Army (INA) headquarters, where on April 14, 1944, Lt Col Shaukat Ali of the INA hoisted the Tricolour for the first time on Indian soil under the guidance of INA Supreme Commander Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.

Combined security forces have destroyed three separate bunkers at Mualsang and at Laika Mualsau village of Churachandpur district.

Inspector General and Deputy Inspector General rank police officials have been camping in the tension-ridden districts.
Bengaluru, Sep 7 : Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Saturday appealed to Union Minister Parlhad Joshi to convince the Centre for Mahadayi and Upper Bhadra projects in the state.

"I fold my hands and request the honourable MP on this Ganesh Chaturthi to get permission for the Mahadayi project and release funds for the Upper Bhadra Canal project. I would offer a deep bow to Pralhad Joshi if he removes the obstacles in these two projects," said the Deputy Chief Minister told media person.

Earlier, Joshi alleged that the government itself released the photo of actor Darshan, accused in a kidnap and murder case, from inside the jail to divert attention from the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) and Tribal Welfare Development board cases.

Responding to these allegations, the Deputy Chief Minister told the Union Minister to set aside matters of Darshan, MUDA and Valmiki Welfare Board and work towards getting the two projects sanctioned.

When asked again about the attacks made by Joshi against the Congress government, the Deputy Chief Minister said that the Union Minister is free to make allegations against the state government.

Union Minister Joshi had alleged recently that Congress had failed to handle the Darshan case and that he would write a letter to Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in connection with the case.

On BJP MP K. Sudhakar's remarks - calling the Deputy Chief Minister 'Bhagiratha' if the Yettinahole water is brought to the Chikkaballapur and Kolar regions within two years, Shivakumar said that Sudhakar has challenged him and he accepts this challenge with love and respect.

"He was also present during the ground-breaking ceremony of the Yettinahole project. His wish is that water reaches the Chikkaballapur and Kolar regions. Let's work to fulfil his wish," the Deputy Chief Minister said.

It is believed that Bhagiratha is a legendary king who brought the River Ganga to Earth from the heavens.

"Veerappa Moily, K.H. Muniyappa, Subbareddy, Shivashankar Reddy, Ramesh Kumar, Krishna Byre Gowda, and Sudhakar among others have been fighting for drinking water and permanent irrigation in the Kolar region. I am aware of the water scarcity of the people in the Kolar region," the Deputy Chief Minister said.

"I am not in town for a private event. The issues in Tumakuru and Doddaballapur regions under the Yettinahole project and the difficulties in acquiring forest land will be discussed with the Chief Minister after a week," he said.

He said that the shadow of drought has disappeared as good rains have filled the reservoirs, adding, that in some parts of the state, the rainfall has been lower.

"The tanks are still not full in areas like Mandya, Bangalore Rural, and Tumakuru. The Yettinahole project did not see progress during the BJP regime there could be various reasons for this," he said.
New Delhi, Sep 7 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi's wide-ranging interaction with the outstanding educators of the country saw a teacher from Kolhapur taking centre stage because of his inspiring and motivating journey.

The unforgettable exchange between Sagar Bagade and PM Modi brought the spotlight on the former's riveting life journey on how he, himself being an orphan, went to become the 'saviour' of at least 11 orphaned children.

"I am an Arts teacher in Maharashtra's Kolhapur," Sagar Bagade told the Prime Minister while informing that he has adopted 11 orphaned kids and was looking after their livelihood and education.

"I myself come from an orphanage and hence undertook this initiative for their welfare. Today, I am capable enough and if I could do something for unprivileged kids, there can't be anything bigger than this," he said, drawing loud cheers from the teaching fraternity.

Impressed with his selfless service, PM Modi heaped praise on the tutor's initiative and said that you have lived a life of high morals and your journey will emulate many others to follow.

Sagar Bagade is one of the National Award-winning teachers, fighting against social evils through his dance art and also connecting his students with it.

Notably, PM Modi interacted with scores of noted educators at his official residence, who were conferred with National Teachers Awards.

The purpose of the National Teachers Awards is to celebrate the unique contribution of the finest teachers in the country who through their commitment and hard work, not only improved the quality of the education sector but also enriched the lives of their students.

This year, 82 teachers from across the country were selected which include 50 from the Department of School Education & Literacy, 16 each from the Department of Higher Education and the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.
Beijing, Sep 7 : Super Typhoon Yagi has pounded south China with heavy rain and gusty winds, leaving four people dead and 95 injured, authorities said Saturday.

Yagi, the 11th typhoon of the year, made landfall twice on Friday, first striking Hainan Province and later Guangdong Province.

In Hainan, a popular tourist destination, the storm uprooted trees, caused power outages and flooded roads.

Over 2,200 workers have been mobilized to restore power to more than 1.5 million affected households. By 7 a.m. Saturday, over one-fifth of affected households had been reconnected to the grid.

Road repairs are also underway, with 51 of 89 blocked main roads now cleared, Xinhua news agency reported.

High-speed rail services circling the island are expected to resume on Saturday afternoon, while ferry services across the Qiongzhou Strait are anticipated to restart by Sunday evening.

Haikou Meilan International Airport will remain closed until noon on Sunday due to the remnants of Typhoon Yagi. Sanya Phoenix International Airport began gradually resuming flights at 10 a.m. on Saturday.

Rescue teams are racing to restore communication networks after more than 12,500 base stations were damaged across Hainan, with Wenchang City suffering the worst disruption to communication facilities.

In Guangdong Province, Yagi had forced the relocation of 729,954 people by noon on Saturday, according to the provincial flood, drought and typhoon control authorities.

Since Thursday night, heavy rainfall has battered western Guangdong, with Xiaqiao Township recording the highest accumulated precipitation at 415.6 millimeters, according to the Guangdong Meteorological Service.

As the storm weakens, several cities have been resuming classes, work, transportation and other services since Saturday.

More than 34,400 rescue personnel have been devoted to disaster relief work in Zhanjiang, Yangjiang, Jiangmen and Maoming cities.

Forecasters expect rains and winds to subside from Saturday night, with scattered showers across the province from Monday to Tuesday.

Yagi has also wreaked havoc in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, forcing the evacuation of about 60,000 residents. As of 11 a.m. on Saturday, over 107,000 households remained without power.

Heavy rains lashed over 30 townships and strong gales affected more than 110 townships in the region, with Jiao'an Township recording the highest rainfall at 140.6 millimeters.

Authorities have issued flood alerts as water levels in several rivers continue to rise.

On Saturday morning, China's National Meteorological Center renewed its red alert -- its highest alert level -- for Yagi.

It is expected to bring torrential rain to parts of Yunnan, Guizhou, Guangxi, Guangdong and Hainan from Saturday afternoon through Sunday afternoon.
Bhopal, Sep 7 : The man who filmed the rape of a woman in a footpath in Ujjain in broad daylight, and later circulated the video on social media, has been arrested, the police said on Saturday.

The arrested individual has been identified as Mohammad Salim, an auto rickshaw driver.

The police also recovered the mobile phone that was used to record the obscene video which he later shared on social media.

Ujjain SP Pradeep Sharma told IANS that the process of questioning was still underway as the police were trying to understand the motive behind the filming the video, and whether it was a part of any 'conspiracy'.

A separate case has been registered against the auto driver under sections 72, 77, 294 of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), IT Act and Indecent Representation of Women Act, Sharma said.

The woman was in an intoxicated state when she was raped by an accused individual with whom she had earlier consumed alcohol. The incident happened on September 5.

The matter, however, came to the fore after a disturbing video went viral on social media a day later.

Subsequently, the police swung into action and the main accused was arrested.

The victim had met the accused near a liquor shop, and they consumed alcohol together. Police said that the accused overpowered and raped the woman when she was under the influence of alcohol.

That incident, meanwhile, has stirred a political row as it has happened in Ujjain -- the home district of Chief Minister Mohan Yadav.

The opposition Congress has questioned the law and order situation in the state, and the safety of women in the BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh.

"The incident of a woman being assaulted in broad daylight on the sidewalk in Ujjain is extremely horrifying. Today, the entire nation is stunned, wondering where our society is headed. According to reports, instead of rescuing the woman, passersby were making videos," Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra posted on social media on Friday.
New Delhi, Sep 7 : External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar will be on a three-nation tour starting Sunday, visiting Saudi Arabia, Germany and Switzerland on an official visit between September 8 to 13.

The EAM will first visit Riyadh on Sunday to attend the First Indiaa"Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Foreign Ministers' Meeting. During the two-day visit, he is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with Foreign Ministers from GCC member countries.

"India and the GCC enjoy a deep and multifaceted relationship, in areas including political, trade & investment, energy cooperation, cultural and peoplea"to-people ties. The GCC region has emerged as a major trading partner for India and is home to a large Indian expatriate community, numbering around 8.9 million. The Foreign Ministers meeting will be an opportunity to review and deepen institutional cooperation between India and the GCC across various sectors," the External Affairs Ministry said in a statement on Saturday.

On the second leg of the visit, Jaishankar will travel to Berlin on a two-day visit starting September 10 which will be his third bilateral visit to Germany.

"Both India and Germany share a robust Strategic Partnership and Germany is one of Indiaas prominent trading partners and among the largest Foreign Direct Investors. During the visit, EAM will meet German Federal Foreign Minister as well as the leadership and other Ministers from the German government with an objective to review the entire gamut of bilateral relations between India and Germany," the MEA stated.

The External Affairs Minister will thereafter travel to Geneva, home to a large number of UN bodies and international organisations, on the last leg of his tour.

"During his Switzerland visit, Jaishankar will meet with heads and representatives of international organisations with whom India is actively engaged. The EAM will also meet Swiss Foreign Minister to review the close partnership between the two countries and explore avenues to enhance the bilateral relationship further," the MEA detailed.
Kolkata, Sep 7 : A district court in West Bengal on Saturday sentenced a man to death for the rape and murder of a minor girl at Matigara in Darjeeling district last year.

The Siliguri sub-divisional court pronounced the death sentence against Mohammad Abbas, who had been convicted for first raping and then brutally killing a Class 11 student by smashing her head with a brick in August last year.

The body of the victim was found in an isolated hut in the forests of the Matigara area on August 21 last year. The incident triggered massive protests throughout the state.

On the basis of evidence, the investigating officers identified Abbas as the accused and filed a charge sheet against him. Abbas was booked under various sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Indian Penal Code (IPS).

After over a year of hearings in the court, the accused was convicted and then sentenced to death on Saturday. The public prosecutor welcomed the verdict saying the nature of the rape and murder was extremely brutal.

"I had been pleading for capital punishment since the beginning. Besides the death penalty to the convict, the court has also ordered a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the victim's family," he said.

The victim's parents also welcomed the verdict, saying nothing less than capital punishment was suitable for the convict.

The verdict came amid state-wide protests against the ghastly rape and murder of a junior doctor at the R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata last month.
New Delhi, Sep 7 : The Congress on Saturday got a boost in Sirsa district of Haryana as former Kalanwali legislator Balkaur Singh left the BJP and joined the Congress along with supporters.

Block Chairman, Zila Parishad members and 40 Sarpanches and former Sarpanches, who came with him, expressed faith in the Congress.

All of them joined the Congress under the leadership of former Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda and state party chief Chaudhary Udaibhan.

Congress MLA and candidate from Kalanwali, Sheeshpal Singh was among those present.

Hooda said Balkaur Singh has taken the right decision at the right time.

"This decision will oust the BJP from power and increase the majority of the Congress. He and his colleagues will be given full respect in the Congress party," he said.

Chaudhary Udaibhan also welcomed them to the party and said the BJP has spoiled the atmosphere of the state.

"Today, due to the anti-people policies of the BJP rule, all sections, including farmers, wrestlers and soldiers, are troubled. This time the public will uproot the BJP and show it the way out of power," he said.

Balkaur Singh said Shishpal Singh had won from Kalanwali by 20,000 votes in 2019 Assembly polls and this time "we will ensure his victory by 50,000 votes".

Along with former legislator Balkaur Singh, Block Committee Chairman Gurdas Singh, Sirsa District Zila Parishad member Satgur Dhaliwal and others joined the Congress.

Earlier, sitting BJP legislator from Ratia (SC), Lakshman Dass Napa, quit from all positions in the party after being denied a ticket. He later joined the Congress after meeting Hooda.

After being denied tickets for the October 5 Assembly elections, scores of BJP functionaries, including two ministers, one legislator, former ministers, and party leaders, announced their resignation on Thursday, a day after the state's ruling party announced its first list of 67 candidates.

The ministers in the Nayab Singh Saini-led government who quit include Energy Minister Ranjit Singh Chautala, and Minister of State for Social Justice Bishamber Singh Balmiki.

Chautala, who contested the 2019 Assembly elections as an Independent but was later inducted into the Cabinet, announced his decision to resign as Minister as well as from the primary membership of the BJP after meeting his supporters in Rania.

BJP's key OBC leader Karan Dev Kamboj, who was denied a ticket from Indri, also resigned from all party posts.
Jammu, Sep 7 : Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will arrive here on Sunday to join BJP's election campaign for the three-phase Assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir starting September 18, a day after Union Home Minister Amit Shah wrapped up his two-day visit to the Union Territory.

BJP sources said that Rajnath Singh will address an election rally in Ramban at 12.30 p.m. before addressing another rally in Banihal at 2 p.m. on Sunday.

BJP has drawn up an extensive poll campaign involving the top leaders of the party, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, party President J.P. Nadda, and a battery of Union Ministers and Chief Ministers of other states.

PM Modi is expected to address three rallies in J&K, two in Jammu division and one in the Valley.

Addressing an election rally in Jammu on Saturday, Amit Shah told a large gathering that the BJP is going to fight the upcoming Assembly polls with all its heart and might, sounding confident of emerging as winners.

BJP has appointed Union Minister G.K. Reddy as its election incharge for J&K besides bringing in Ram Madhav to handle the partyas poll campaign in the Union Territory.

Madhav has handled J&K for the BJP in the past as well. BJPas massive victory in the Jammu division in 2014 was largely attributed to Madhavas expert handling of the party's affairs in J&K.

In the last J&K Assembly that had 74 seats, the BJP won 25 seats while the PDP managed 28 in the elections held in 2014.

The two parties formed a coalition government which collapsed in June 2018 after the BJP pulled out of the alliance, prompting then Governor Satya Pal Malik to impose Governoras Rule before dissolving the Assembly.

On August 5, 2019, J&K was bifurcated into two Union Territories -- J&K and Ladakh -- after the abrogation of Article 370 which granted special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.

After delimitation, the J&K Assembly now has 90 seats -- 47 in the Valley and 43 in the Jammu division -- which will go to the polls in three phase, on September 18, September 25, and October 1.

The results will be out on October 8.
Rome, Sep 7 : Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Saturday said that countries like India and China can play a role in resolving the conflict in Ukraine.

Meloni's remarks, made at the Ambrosetti Forum in northern Italy's Cernobbio city on Saturday - where she also held a meeting with the visiting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky - came less than 48 hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin also highlighted India's efforts in solving the ongoing crisis in the region.

"It is obvious that if the rules of international law are broken we will get a multiplication of chaos and crisis, but it is also obvious that with the multiplication of crisis, we will have a natural fragmentation of the geo-economic space, that is, in the long run, economic globalization and questioning of the rules of international law will not walk together. This is what I also said to my Chinese counterparts, we must choose, because the two things do not go together, it is also the reason why I think that in the end nations, like China and India, can play a role and must play a role in resolving the conflict in Ukraine," said Meloni.

On Thursday, while addressing the 9th Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Russian President Vladimir Putin had also mentioned India's role in providing a "helping hand" in resolving the issue.

"We respect our friends and partners who I think are sincerely interested in addressing and resolving all the issues associated with the conflict (with Ukraine). China, Brazil, India... I am in contact with my partners and I have no doubt that the leaders of these countries, and we have the relations of trust and confidence with one another, will be really interested in providing a helping hand," said Putin.

Meloni's comments came after her meeting with Zelensky met on the sidelines of the Ambrosetti Forum on Saturday where the two leaders discussed the latest developments on the ground and Ukraine's "most urgent needs" ahead of winter.

"The Head of State thanked for all the allocated military and technical assistance packages and emphasised the importance of transferring the relevant weapons to Ukraine as soon as possible," said Zelensky's office after the meeting.

It mentioned further that the Ukrainian President informed Meloni about the situation on the battlefield, the recent shelling of the country's civilian and critical infrastructure and spoke about current defence needs.

"The leaders discussed steps to implement the decision of the G7 to provide Ukraine with nearly USD 50 billion from frozen Russian assets," Kyiv asserted.

It added that the restoration and reconstruction of Ukraine, in particular of its energy system, was one of the issues discussed during the meeting.

The Italian PM's office stated that Meloni reiterated that support for Ukraine is a top priority on the Italian G7 Presidency's agenda and reaffirmed the ongoing commitment to Ukraine's legitimate defence and to a just and lasting peace.

The two leaders, it said, paid particular attention to the issue of reconstruction, also ahead of the next Ukraine Recovery Conference which will be held in Italy in 2025.

Later, in her address at the 50th edition of The European House a" Ambrosetti Forum at Villa d'Este in Cernobbio, Meloni also highlighted the risks of destabilization for the geo-political and economic global space, and said she believed global actors such as China and India "will be able to play a role in resolving the conflict."




Image source: Getty Images

In 2017, Congress passed the Tax Cuts and Job Act (TCJA), which introduced sweeping changes to the tax code, including a tax cut called the Qualified Business Income deduction. This bill allowed thousands of small businesses the flexibility to increase their inventory, expand their service area, or invest in marketing to grow their business.

Part of that tax bill is set to expire soon, which could have a massive impact on many small businesses. Here's what small business owners need to know.

What is the qualified business income deduction?

The Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction is a tax benefit introduced by the Tax Cuts and Job Act of 2017. It allows eligible sole proprietorships, partnerships, S corporations, and some trusts and estates to deduct up to 20% of their income and 20% of qualified real estate investment trust (REIT) dividends from their taxable income.

Here's how this works for most business owners: Say you're a freelancer or a small business owner who earned $100,000 in income this year. Before the bill was passed, you'd pay taxes on that entire amount (minus whatever other tax benefits you're entitled to). Based on the current tax brackets, a single filer would pay 22% of income in taxes, so $22,000 would go to Uncle Sam.

The QBI allows eligible business owners to deduct 20% from their taxable income. So with the QBI in place, a small business owner would pay taxes on only $80,000. While you're still in the same tax bracket, you'd pay just $17,600 -- meaning you'll save $4,400 in taxes.

Larger businesses with higher profits, of course, save more. Let's say your business makes $500,000 in income. Before applying the QBI deduction, you'd pay taxes on the entire $500,000. At a tax rate of 35% (for single filers), you would pay $175,000 in taxes.

The QBI deduction allows you to reduce your taxable income to $400,000, resulting in a tax bill of $140,000 at the same 35% tax rate. With the QBI deduction, a business making $500,000 in income will save $35,000 per year in taxes.

The QBI is set to expire at the end of 2025

Some parts of the TCJA bill are soon set to expire. While the corporate tax deductions are permanent, the QBI deductions are set to expire at the end of 2025 unless Congress extends it or passes a new bill with similar provisions.

This could lead to a large tax increase for some small businesses. Some experts believe the bill is too expensive and could cost $700 billion in the next decade. Other experts are pushing Congress to pass a different bill that will make the QBI permanent. Either way, small business owners should be paying attention.

Story continues

How will the expiration of QBI impact your business?

If the QBI is allowed to expire, your annual tax bill could increase significantly. While the deduction favors larger, more profitable businesses (the higher your tax bill, the more you can save), it does help reduce tax obligations for thousands of small businesses as well. Consider taking additional steps, like opening a solo 401K or an IRA, to reduce your tax liability.

Alert: highest cash back card we've seen now has 0% intro APR until 2025

This credit card is not just good  it's so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!

Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes.

We're firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers. The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

The Qualified Business Expense Tax Credit Expires Soon -- Here's What It Could Cost Your Small Business was originally published by The Motley Fool
Vadodara, Sep 7 : Nearly two years after its inauguration, an overbridge in Vadodara has developed significant structural issues, raising safety concerns.

Large potholes have reportedly emerged, with reinforcement bars visibly exposed, on the overbridge at Samlaya Junction near Savli, sparking public outrage. The bridge is crucial for regional industrial units and transportation.

Constructed in April 2022, the bridge was intended to handle heavy traffic from the nearby industrial area. However, residents and commuters are now criticizing the contractor for the poor quality of work, with demands for strict action growing louder. The alleged negligence in construction is now evident as the bridge's condition has deteriorated.

Locals report that the giant potholes pose a severe risk of accidents. They claim that despite complaints to the relevant authorities, no corrective measures have been taken, leading to increasing frustration.

Earlier, residents of flood-ravaged Vishwamitri Road marched to the civic body headquarters on Friday, demanding action from the Municipal Commissioner on their grievances. They also urged the officials to address the long-pending implementation of Town Planning Scheme-31, which could solve the area's chronic water-logging issues.

The residents raised four critical concerns in their representation, two of which were ''immediate issues''. One involved the persistent waterlogging on an approach road since the recent floods. Besides this, they also voiced concerns about sanitation.

Civic officials said that they are ''actively addressing'' the waterlogging issue by deploying a pumping machine to clear the water and exploring options to remove some barriers to facilitate drainage.

The residents urged the officials to consider their pleas, highlighting losses estimated at over Rs 100 crore. Due to waterlogging in their homes, around ''500 luxury cars have been damaged beyond repair and significant damage to electronics and household goods''. They also demanded the construction of 24-meter approach roads, which had been delayed for over a decade.
New Delhi, Sep 7 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday congratulated Praveen Kumar and Hokato Hotozhe Sema for winning medals at the ongoing Paralympics in Paris, lauding determination their determination in excelling in their respective events.

While Kumar won the gold in Men's high jump T64 category with an Asian Record effort of 2.08 metres, Sema secured the bronze in the men's shot put F57 event with an impressive throw of 14.65 metres, his personal best.

Taking to X, Prime Minister Modi said, "Congratulations to Praveen Kumar for scaling new heights and winning a Gold in the Men's High Jump T64 at the #Paralympics2024!

"His determination and tenacity have brought glory to our nation. India is proud of him!"

Congratulating Sema for his feat, the Prime Minister said in X post: "A proud moment for our nation as Hokato Hotozhe Sema brings home the Bronze medal in Men's Shotput F57!

"His incredible strength and determination are exceptional. Congratulations to him. Best wishes for the endeavours ahead."

Home Minister Amit Shah also applauded the Paralympian's milestone achievement.

"Hokato Sema has hit a major milestone by winning the Bronze medal in the Men's Shot Put F57 event at the Paralympics 2024.

"Your unwavering drive and spectacular performance have made the nation proud," the Home Minister posted on X.

In Sema's event, Iranian athlete Yashin Khosravi claimed the gold with a throw of 15.96 metres, while Brazil's Thiago Paulino dos Santos won the silver with a throw of 15.06 metres.

Kumar, who won silver in his Paralympics debut in Tokyo three years ago, not only bagged his second consecutive medal, but also set the Asian Record in the process.

USA's Derek Loccident claimed silver while Uzbekistan's Temurbek Giyazov clinched bronze with efforts of 2.06m (Paralympics record) and 2.03m (personal best), respectively.

Indian para-athletes have been put up their best ever show in the ongoing Pris Paralympics by winning 27 medals so far, including six gold, nine silver, and 12 bronze medals.

--IANS

sd/rad/arm
Chandigarh, Sep 7 : Punjab Police's Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF), in joint operation with central agencies and the Maharashtra Police, have solved the sensational the triple murder case with the arrest of six shooters from Aurangabad, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Saturday.

Those arrested have been identified as Gurpreet Singh, Prince, Sukhchain Singh and Akshay, all residents of Ferozepur.

The accused have a criminal history with cases pertaining to murder, attempt to murder, robbery, NDPS Act, Arms Act, etc., registered against them.

Gurpreet Singh has also been declared proclaimed offender in two cases.

As per the information, three persons, including a young girl, were shot dead by six assailants on two motorcycles in broad daylight near a Gurdwara in Ferozepur on Tuesday.

A case has been registered.

DGP Yadav said acting on human-intelligence inputs and connecting the dots, AGTF headed by ADGP Promod Ban, police teams under the supervision of Gurmeet Singh Chauhan and Sandeep Goel launched a special operation spread over states of Punjab, Chandigarh, Delhi and Maharashtra, have arrested six accused from the Hindu Hruday Samrat Balasaheb Thackeray Maharashtra Samruddhi Highway.

The operation was led by DSPs Bikramjit Singh Brar and Rajan Parminder Singh was supported by the Aurangabad Police team.

He said preliminary investigation has revealed all arrested six shooters are close associates of mastermind Ashish Chopra, who is a fugitive and hiding abroad on a fake passport.

The probe revealed the incident is fallout of inter-gang rivalry between two groups, he added.

The DGP said further investigations are on to establish forward and backward linkages in this case. More arrests are expected soon, he added.

According to sources, the arrested individuals would be brought back to Punjab soon

A source said that they would be questioned, adding the accused would also face legal proceedings.

The incident of triple murder in Ferozepur came as a shocker for the residents of the city, while also creating a panic-like situation in the area where the crime took place.
Imphal, Sep 7 : Congress Lok Sabha MP from Manipur Angomcha Bimol Akoijam on Saturday asked the Central government to take responsibility for the deaths and destructions reported from the state which has been in the grip of an ethnic unrest for the past 16 months now.

Akoijam, who was elected to the Lok Sabha from the Inner Manipur seat where he defeated BJP's Thounaojam Basanta Kumar Singh earlier this year, said that despite 60,000 security personnel deployed in the state since the ethnic violence broke out in May last year, the situation has not improved.

"You (Centre) have a puppet regime in Manipur, but everybody knows that under the command of the Government of India, the security forces are acting and other aspects are being looked into. I strongly urge the Government of India to treat Manipur as part of the country," said Akoijam, who was a professor in the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in Delhi.

In a video message, the academician-turned-politician said that the Central government should protect the respect and dignity of the people of Manipur, and not do any politics based on communal agenda.

The Lok Sabha member's charge against the Central government came after the killing of six persons during the past 24 hours in Bishnupur and Jiribam districts.

Five persons were killed in separate incidents of violence in Jiribam district on Saturday, while on Friday, a 78-year-old man was killed and six others sustained injuries as suspected Kuki militants targeted former Chief Minister Mairembam Koireng's residence in Bishnupur district by lobbing a powerful bomb.

Meanwhile, Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on Saturday evening met Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya and briefed him about the prevailing situation in the state.

The Chief Minister met the Governor after meeting the BJP MLAs and other coalition partners at the Secretariat.

An official said that at the meeting, the Chief Minister discussed the current law and order situation in the state, especially in the aftermath of the recent violent incidents.
Bhopal, Sep 7 : The last rites of Army jawan Pradeep Patel, who died in a road accident in Sikkim's Pakyong recently, were performed with military honours at his native village in Madhya Pradesh's Katni district on Saturday.

The mortal remains of the soldier were brought to Khajuraho airport in the afternoon, where Chief Minister Mohan Yadav paid tributes to the deceased jawan.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 1 crore to the parents of the deceased soldier.

The Chief Minister said that whether it is peacetime or wartime, army personnel discharge their duty with full dedication.

"The country will always be indebted to martyr Pradeep Patel for his unique contribution and dedication to the service of the nation. In Sanatan culture, there is no better fortune than sacrificing one's life for the country," Chief Minister Yadav said.

From the airport, the mortal remains were brought to Hardua village in Katni in a truck decorated with flowers and tri-colours and a long convoy of vehicles of local politicians, army men and police.

Madhya Pradesh BJP chief V.D. Sharma, whose Lok Sabha constituency Khajuraho covers Katni district, joined the last rites. Sharma was seen consoling the soldier's family.

Patel was among the four army jawans killed recently in a road accident when they were travelling from Pedong in West Bengal to Pakyong in Sikkim. Their truck lost control, went off the road, and fell into a gorge.

The three other jawans killed in the accident were Subedar K. Thangapandi from Tamil Nadu, craftsman W. Peter from Manipur, and Naik Gursev Singh from Haryana.
Agartala, Sep 7 : Security forces arrested seven Rohingyas, including two women, and 10 Bangladesh nationals from different parts of Tripura during the past 24 hours, officials said on Saturday.

An Indian tout was also arrested for helping the Bangladeshi citizens enter the country illegally.

A police officer said that four Bangladeshi nationals were arrested from Dharmanagar in North Tripura district adjoining Assam on Saturday.

The seven Rohingyas were arrested on Friday night after the police laid a joint check-post with the Border Security Force (BSF) troopers at Amtali on the outskirts of Agartala following a tip-off, the officer said.

Also, six Bangladesh nationals and the Indian tout were arrested by the police from Karbook in Gomati district in southern Tripura on Friday night.

During interrogation, both the Rohingyas and the Bangladesh nationals told the security officials that they illegally entered Tripura in order to go to other parts of the country in search of jobs with the help of touts.

In the last three months, over 332 Bangladeshi nationals and 41 Rohingyas were arrested by the Government Railway Police, BSF, and Tripura Police from the Agartala railway station and other parts of Tripura after they illegally entered the country.

After the unrest began in Bangladesh in June this year, security along the India-Bangladesh borders has been tightened further to check infiltration from the neighbouring country.
Imphal, Sep 7 : Manipur Police said on Saturday that some miscreants tried to loot arms from the armouries of two Manipur Rifles battalions in Imphal East district, but the combined security forces deployed in these locations dispersed the mob by firing teargas shells and blank rounds.

A senior police officer said that late on Friday evening, some miscreants attempted to loot arms from the 7th and 2nd Manipur Rifles battalions, but the combined security forces successfully dispersed the mob.

"While dispersing the mob, some vehicles belonging to the miscreants were reportedly damaged. Later, while the reinforcement party was returning from the 7th Battalion set up at Khabeisoi, they were fired upon by the miscreants in which two policemen were injured," Manipur Police said in a post on X.

It added that senior officers immediately rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control.

"The police are appealing to all once again, not to take law into their own hands. Miscreants indulging in such misadventures will be dealt with strongly along with severe legal consequences," the police said.

After the ethnic violence broke out in Manipur in May last year, violent mobs have looted over 4,000 sophisticated arms and lakhs of ammunition from the armouries of Manipur Police and other security posts across districts.

The security forces subsequently recovered a large number of the looted arms and ammunition.

In another development on Saturday, an unidentified flying object was detected by a few individuals above the Imphal airport, the police said.

"On inquiry, it was learnt that the last flight from Imphal took off around 6.30-6.35 p.m. One of the videos circulated on social media looked like the last flight from Imphal. On careful observation, the veracity about the news of drones flying above the airport cannot be verified," the police said.

The Assam Rifles has now deployed a few anti-drone systems on the fringe areas of the state to repel any rogue drones.
Srinagar, Sep 8 : Deputy Inspector General, South Kashmir Range (DIG-SKR) Javid Iqbal Matoo on Saturday visited J&K's Shopian district where he chaired a comprehensive meeting with senior officers of Shopian Police and CAPF, an official said.

During the meeting, Shopian Senior Superintendent of Police, Anayat Ali Choudhary, submitted a detailed presentation regarding the security scenario and proactive measures including enforcement of model code of conduct, security plan, security of contesting candidates/strong rooms, transport and communication plan and the functioning of Flying Squad Teams and Static Surveillance Teams taken by the police with other security agencies to address challenges at the grassroots level for conducting the Assembly elections peacefully.

"The meeting focused on devising strategic measures to enhance security, combat the threat of OGWs as well as ANEs to ensure the peaceful conduct of forthcoming assembly election," a police statement said.

The officials were urged to ensure a successful and incident-free conduct of elections.

They were directed to be more alert and vigilant in strengthening the security grid and to plug the gaps with strict security measures.

Elections for the 90-member Assembly of the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir will be held in three phases -- on September 18, September 25, and October 1. The ballots will be counted on October 8.

This will be the first Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir since 2014, and also the first after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.

Major political parties in the electoral fray are the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Congress, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the National Conference.

The BJP was in an alliance with the Mehbooba Mufti-led PDP from 2015 till 2018 before the end of the tie-up following which Governor's Rule was imposed in the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.

The Congress has already stitched an alliance with the National Conference for the upcoming elections in the union territory.
Patna, Sep 8 : BJP President and Union Health Minister JP Nadda said on Saturday here that if Bihar wants to move forward on the path of development they should keep the present government in power in the state.

He said that the ongoing development in the state was possible due to the support of the people that PM Narendra Modi could secure his third term as the Prime Minister.

Earlier in the day, BJP President Nadda inaugurated a super-specialty hospital and ICU facilities at the Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH) in Muzaffarpur.

In his address, the Union Minister emphasised the significance of these new facilities, saying that the total bed capacity at SKMCH has now increased to 1,205.

"The super-specialty block, equipped with state-of-the-art technology and world-class equipment, will offer advanced treatments in various critical areas such as cardiology, nephrology, neurology, gastroenterology, and dermatological surgery. These new facilities would eliminate the need for residents of Muzaffarpur and surrounding areas to travel to other cities like Patna or Delhi for specialised medical care," he said.

He also mentioned that similar super-specialty hospitals have been established in other parts of Bihar, including Patna, Gaya, Bhagalpur, and Darbhanga.

He also highlighted the collaborative efforts of the Central and state governments to upgrade district hospitals into medical colleges, with plans for a total of 35 medical colleges to become operational in Bihar soon. This initiative, he noted, would significantly enhance healthcare access and education across the state.

BJP President Nadda emphasised the significance of political stability in Bihar for continued development and prosperity.

"The ongoing advancements in the state, such as the inauguration of new healthcare facilities, are possible with the support of the people of Bihar in helping PM Modi secure his third term as Prime Minister," he said.

The Union Minister also stressed the importance of making the right choices during elections.

"Pressing the correct button on the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) can lead to prosperity and development, while the wrong choice could result in devastation. I urged the people of Bihar to keep the current government in power if they wish to continue benefiting from developments such as super-specialty hospitals, cancer treatment centres, and AIIMS facilities," he said.

He contrasted the current situation with the past, particularly during the Rasthriya Janata Dal government's tenure, when he claimed that people were afraid to leave their homes after 5 p.m. due to law and order issues.

He warned that a change in government could bring back such instability.

Nadda also highlighted the achievements of the Aayushman Bharat Yojana, which provides universal health coverage to 55 crore people, offering up to Rs 5 lakh annually for critical illnesses.

He described it as the largest health scheme in the world, benefitting the most vulnerable sections of society.

During his address, Nadda praised India's response to the Covid-19 pandemic under Prime Minister Modi's leadership.

"While countries like the US, Australia, Japan, China, and many in Europe struggled, India conducted the largest vaccination programme in the country. The government administered more than 20 crore doses, including booster doses, and extended support by providing vaccines to 100 countries, 48 of which received them free of charge," he said.

BJP President Nadda compared the time it took for various vaccines and medical treatments to be introduced in India in the past with the swift development of the Covid-19 vaccine under PM Modi-led government at the Centre.

"While vaccines for diseases like Japanese encephalitis took 100 years to arrive in India, tetanus injections took 28 years, diphtheria vaccines took 30 years, and tuberculosis treatments also took 30 years, the Covid-19 vaccine was developed and made available in just nine months," Nadda said.

BJP President Nadda also praised the government's efforts in poverty alleviation, saying that 25 crore people have risen above the poverty line.

He emphasised India's remarkable economic growth, mentioning that the country has moved from being the 11th to the fifth largest economy, even surpassing Britain.

He attributed these achievements to the leadership of PM Modi, whom the people of India have elected as Prime Minister for the third time.

BJP President Nadda expressed confidence that India is on right track to become the third-largest economy in the world.
New Delhi, Sep 8 : India has sent humanitarian aid to Zimbabwe in the form of a consignment of 1000 metric tonnes of rice to help fulfill the food security needs of the people in the drought-affected African country, the Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a statement.

In a post on Saturday evening on X, Jaiswal said, "India sends humanitarian aid to Zimbabwe. A consignment of 1000MT rice departed from the Nhava Sheva port for Zimbabwe today. This would help meeting food security needs of the Zimbabwean people."

A new report from the UN aid coordination office (OCHA) on August 7 reveals that food insecurity levels in Zimbabwe are rapidly deteriorating after it was hit with historic droughts due to the El Nino weather pattern.

This comes just two months after UN humanitarians declared Zimbabwe as one of the hunger hotspots where acute food insecurity was likely to deteriorate.

Droughts and storms have destroyed more than half of the country's harvest, leaving about 7.6 million people at risk of acute hunger.

El Nino is a regular and naturally occurring weather event which affects the air temperatures around the sea and coastal landmasses. The climate crisis in recent years has led to more frequent and intense patterns.

Officials from the UN and the World Food Programme (WFP) recently visited Zimbabwe to determine the drought's impact on the nation and to call for more international support for the humanitarian response.

In April, local Zimbabwean authorities declared that the country was in a nationwide state of disaster.

Figures from the authorities showed that 57 per cent of people in "rural" parts of the country are set to be food insecure between January and March 2025 a" a peak hunger period there.

Other UN reports indicate that civilians will need to depend on "alternative sources of income, social support, and humanitarian assistance" to withstand this season.

It was further reported that "humanitarian assistance needs will remain high in many areas of the country until the harvest in 2025 due to poor purchasing capacity resulting from limited income-earning opportunities and high food prices".

The El Nino-induced droughts have reportedly put a strain on Zimbabwe's economy, leaving more than a fifth of children out of school and a lack of water supplies in the country.

The UN and some of its partners are working with the Zimbabwean government to provide aid to civilians.

However, these teams require more funding, as the $429 million flash appeal which was launched in May that aims to aid more than three million people, is only about 11 per cent funded.

The El Nino droughts have also affected other South African countries, including Congo, Madagascar, Malawi, etc. Each of these nations is in high need of humanitarian interventions as food insecurity levels have risen significantly due to the drought.
We recently compiled a list of the 7 Best Buy-the-Dip Stocks to Invest In. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Snowflake Inc (NYSE:SNOW) stands against the other buy-the-dip stocks.

Its every investors goal to buy a stock well poised to beat the average return of market indexes. However, with valuations getting out of hand after one of the longest bull runs, very few stocks offer significant upside potential. Nevertheless, some stocks have been battered by deteriorating economic conditions fueled by higher for longer rates.

While it might seem too late to buy stocks with major indices led by the Nasdaq 100 and S&P 500 flirting with record highs, there are still stocks that have been left out from the rallies. Buying the dip is a proven strategy for risk-tolerant investors who are always looking to take action during market downturns.

READ ALSO: 7 Best Beaten Down Stocks to Invest In and Billionaire Carl Icahns Top 10 Stocks.

The strategy allows one to buy low when fear has taken over after a deep pullback. It is particularly an effective investment strategy for long-term investors looking to hold stakes in quality stocks for the long haul.

As depicted by the Institute for Supply Management, manufacturing production in the biggest economy slowing down in August is the latest sign that all is not well. Disappointing data with ISM dropping to 47.2 from 48 is the latest sign of slowing growth within the US economy.

According to Larry Tentarelli, chief technical strategist at the Blue Chip Trend Report, the market is expected to be choppy and volatile as it has become data-dependent. Consequently, now would be the best time to be highly cautious, focusing on high-value targets trading at discounted valuations.

On the other hand, Fundstrats head of strategy, Mark Newton, believes the market is flashing a handful of signs that there is more upside on the way even as the major indices remain at record highs. According to the analyst, any tech-driven stock pullback presents an ideal buy opportunity on the dip. According to the equity analyst, looking to buy dips makes sense technically, especially for small-cap stocks that look appealing after their recent slide.

The deep pullback in some stocks amid growing concerns about the health of the US economy presents one of the best opportunities to buy the dip of quality stocks trading at discounted valuations. Growth stocks are some of the best, given their track record in outperforming the market.

Certain high-value stocks that have traditionally been steady have recently suffered due to a mix of increasing inflation and high interest rates. In a similar vein, in 2024, there was a shift among investors from big tech firms to smaller, more volatile stocks. Spotting these declines could offer a chance to invest in major companies trading at discounted valuations.

Story continues

Our Methodology

To make our list of the best buy-the-dip stocks to invest in, we first made a list of stocks in various industries that are trading near their 52-week lows or have pulled back significantly from their 52-week highs. We checked the hedge fund sentiment around 15 stocks with the largest market caps and then selected the 7 stocks that were the most popular among hedge funds. We then ranked the stocks in ascending order based on the number of hedge funds that hold stakes. Our list contains some of the highest quality companies in different industries including mining, energy, consumer staples, retail, aerospace, tech, and more.

At Insider Monkey, we are obsessed with 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).

A software engineer at work, surrounded by a wall of computer monitors connected to a 'Data Cloud' platform.

Snowflake Inc (NYSE:SNOW)

52 Week Range: $107.93  $237.72

Current Share Price: $110.41

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 69

Market Capitalization as of September 4: $37 Billion

Snowflake Inc (NYSE:SNOW) is a leading data storage and sharing company that provides a cloud-based data platform. It provides a Data Cloud service that allows users to gather data into a unified, reliable source, thereby facilitating the generation of significant business insights. Additionally, it utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) to address challenges in business operations.

The companys competitive edge stems from the fact that it sells data analytics and management software that runs on the cloud computing platforms of some of the biggest companies, including Amazon and Microsoft. The company now has 510 customers with trailing 12-month product revenue greater than $1 million and 736 Forbes Global 2000 customers, representing 28% and 5% year-over-year growth, respectively.

Overall SNOW ranks 1st in our list of the buy-the-dip stocks to invest in. While we acknowledge the potential of SNOW as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter timeframe. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than SNOW, check out our report about the cheapest AI 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.
Ankara, Sep 8 : A bomb threat, which caused a flight operated by India's Vistara Airlines to make an emergency landing in Erzurum, eastern Turkey two days ago has turned out to be false, according to the local governor.

"We have concluded all search and examination activities and have determined that the bomb threat was unfounded," Erzurum Governor Mustafa Ciftci told reporters on Saturday.

As a result, the flight ban at Erzurum's airport has been lifted, he said, noting that an alternate flight from Mumbai, India, has been arranged for the stranded passengers to continue their journey, Xinhua news agency reported.

A Vistara spokesperson had said flight UK27 from Mumbai to Frankfurt diverted due to "a security concern". The flight landed at Erzurum at 4.30 p.m. local time.

"As of 23:30, we have completed all search and examination operations. As a result of the work we carried out, we found that the bomb threat was unfounded," Ciftci told reporters at the airport.

"All flights coming or leaving from our province will now be able to fly comfortably," he said.

Vistara said in a post on X that customers, crew and the aircraft were cleared by security agencies and that all necessary checks were conducted.

The airline also said it was sending an alternate aircraft to Turkey by 12:25 p.m. local time on Saturday to take the passengers to Frankfurt.

The plane en route from Mumbai to Frankfurt made an emergency landing in eastern Turkey on Friday following a bomb threat.

Turkish authorities said a note reading "bomb on board" was discovered in a lavatory on the aircraft, prompting the plane, with 247 passengers and crew on board, to make an emergency landing.
Rome, Sep 8 : Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met on the sidelines of an economic forum in Italy, discussing Ukraine's latest aid needs and reconstruction.

Italy "reiterated that support for Ukraine is a top priority on the Italian G7 Presidency's agenda and reaffirmed the ongoing commitment to Ukraine's legitimate defence and to a just and lasting peace," Meloni's office said on Saturday in a statement.

The two leaders paid "particular attention to the issue of reconstruction, also ahead of the next Ukraine Recovery Conference, which will be held in Italy in 2025," it added.

Meloni and Zelensky held talks during the ongoing annual European House-Ambrosetti forum, an international meeting held in Italy's northern Cernobbio city, Xinhua news agency reported.

In a post on social media platform X, Zelensky confirmed one of the key topics discussed was "Ukraine's recovery and reconstruction, particularly focusing on the restoration of our energy system".

Speaking in a panel at the forum, Meloni also pointed out the risks of destabilisation for the geo-political and economic global space, and said she believed global actors such as China and India "will be able to play a role in resolving the conflict".

Rome has sent weapons to Kyiv, but has said these should be used only on Ukrainian territory, not to attack Russia itself.

In her address to the forum on Saturday, Meloni said the position of EU and NATO member Italy on Ukraine was "extremely serious, determined and clear".

She addressed members of the Italian public who are "scared, legitimately worried about the war", but urged them not to "fall into the trap of Russian propaganda" in believing Ukraine's fate was sealed.

Helping Ukraine fight back against its vastly more powerful neighbour had created the "stalemate" conditions in which peace could be discussed, she added.

Meloni also warned that allowing Ukraine to fall to Russian aggression "will not bring peace, it will bring chaos" and economic consequences "more serious that what it costs today to support Ukraine".

In Germany on Friday, where he also met Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Zelensky urged Kyiv's supporters to provide more weapons and follow through on previous commitments, saying: "The number of air-defence systems that have not been delivered is significant."

And after Ukraine's surprise push into Russia's Kursk region last month, Zelensky again called for restrictions to be lifted on the use of long-range Western weapons.

At Cernobbio, he assured Italy that the weapons would only be used to hit military targets.

In their talks on Saturday, Meloni said she had also discussed with Zelensky a planned meeting in Italy next year on reconstructing Ukraine.

And she "reiterated the centrality of support for Ukraine in the agenda of the Italian G7 presidency", according to Meloni's office.

"I thank Giorgia and the Italian people for their support and joint efforts in restoring a just peace," the Ukrainian leader wrote on X after the talks, posting a video of the pair hugging.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban -- who upset his EU counterparts and Zelensky by meeting Putin in Moscow in July -- also addressed the Cernobbio forum on Friday.

The Ukrainian President rejected Orban's calls for a ceasefire, saying that Putin had never respected earlier accords.

Zelensky's visits to Italy and Germany came just days after one of the deadliest strikes of the war and as Russian forces make battlefield gains.

Nearly 55 people were killed and 300 wounded in a Russian missile strike on Tuesday on the city of Poltava.

Meanwhile Moscow's forces advance in the Donbas, with Putin on Thursday declaring that capturing the eastern area was his "primary objective" in the conflict.
Tehran, Sep 8 : Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani has urged countries and international institutions to prevent the recurrence of Israel's "war crimes" in the West Bank.

Kanaani made the remarks on Saturday in a post on social media platform X in response to the Israeli military's withdrawal from the northern West Bank cities of Jenin and Tulkarm, as well as their refugee camps, after days of military operations as reported by Xinhua news agency.

"The footage of insane destruction of all the urban and services infrastructure of the Gaza Strip and now those of some northern parts of the West Bank, in particular in Jenin and Tulkarm, indicates that the Israeli regime ... is pursuing the strategy of scorched earth," he said.

The international community is "morally, humanly and legally duty-bound" to prevent the recurrence of such "war crimes," he added.

Since last week, Israel has conducted a large-scale raid across the northern West Bank, saying that the operation aims to prevent future attacks against Israel.

The Palestinian Health Ministry reported on Thursday that Israeli military operations across the West Bank had resulted in 39 Palestinian deaths and 145 injuries since August 28.

Iran is closely monitoring threats and activities by Israel, a top Iranian military commander said on August 31, according to the state media.

Iranian Air Defence Force Commander Alireza Sabahifard made the remarks in an address at the Friday prayers in the Iranian capital, Tehran, while commenting on the preparedness of his force, quoting official state media IRNA.

He said that the Air Force has enhanced its capabilities in response to the enemies' "aerospace threats," adding that "we are fully aware of other threats and are closely monitoring Israel".

Sabahifard emphasised that his force is at the highest level of self-sufficiency, combat readiness, and power.

He added that Iran is fully self-reliant in designing and producing control systems, radars, sensors, drones, electronic warfare systems, cybersecurity systems, and advanced hybrid warfare systems.

He noted that his force could detect any kind of stealth aircraft from thousands of miles away.

Tension between Iran and Israel heightened following the assassination of Hamas Politburo Chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on July 31. Iran has blamed Israel for the attack and vowed a strong response.

Israel has neither confirmed nor denied its involvement in the attack but has vowed to respond to any military attack.
Tehran, Sep 8 : A top Iranian military commander has said his country had, some time ago, hit 12 Israeli vessels north of the Indian Ocean and elsewhere in response to Israel's attacks on 14 Iranian ships, according to state media.

Hossein Salami, chief commander of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), made the remarks on Saturday during a meeting in the capital Tehran between Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and commanders of the Khatam al-Anbiya Construction Headquarters, an Iranian firm controlled by the IRGC.

He was detailing a maritime battle between Iran and Israel that occurred sometime after the reimposition of US sanctions on Tehran in 2018, though he did not specify the exact dates of the battle or related events, Xinhua news agency reported.

According to Salami, Israel hit 14 Iranian ships to disrupt Iran's oil exports.

"Initially, we did not realise who or which country was targeting the ships, but we eventually found out that it was Israel that had done it in a secretive and vague manner."

"North of the Indian Ocean and in different places, we hit 12 Israeli ships. After hitting the fifth vessel, they raised their hands in surrender and said they would cease the war between the ships," he said.

"When we struck (captured) the fifth Israeli ship, they raised their hands (in surrender) and agreed to cease the naval confrontation," Salami said during a visit to the Khatam al-Anbiya Construction Headquarters.

"They targeted 14 of our ships to prevent our oil from being exported. We didn't know who was behind it at first because it was done so covertly, but we eventually figured it out: the Zionist regime. We targeted 12 of their ships, and when we had the fifth, they raised their hands (in surrender) and declared the naval confrontation over."

He further said, "The British seized our ship in Gibraltar, and we seized the Stena Impero ship in exchange, prompting their surrender. They seized two of our ships in Greece, we took two of theirs, and they eventually surrendered."

General Salami reflected on the past six years, marked by sanctions, the Covid-19 pandemic, and political isolation attempts.

"Our enemy placed us at the crossroads of sanctions, the Covid-19 pandemic, (former US President Donald) Trump (who was no less harmful than Covid-19), the threat of military operations, and pressure for political isolation," Salami said, recounting challenges such as the assassination of Lietenant General Qassem Soleimani and the impact of economic sanctions.

"They tried to politically isolate us. We needed to create deterrence against these threats in multiple directions. First, we needed to secure the shipping lanes. When the Americans attempted to seize one of our ships, our forces prevented it, and the Americans were left humiliated. Following this, the enforcement of sanctions began to deteriorate," he added.

Additionally, he praised the IRGC's success in countering extremist threats abroad and safeguarding Iranian oil tankers, noting that American threats failed to materialise after the IRGC simulated an operation to capture a US tanker.

"We succeeded in closing off all the paths the enemy had opened against us, and today the safest shipping routes are those used by Iranian ships. The Americans threatened to seize two of our oil tankers as they headed to Venezuela. I went out with General Tangsiri and simulated an operation to capture an American tanker, which we announced over the radio. When the Americans saw this, our tankers arrived safely," he said.
In When We Sold Gods Eye (Grand Central, Dec.), journalist Alex Cuadros explores the agonizing passage of the Cinta Larga tribe from their pre-contact life in Brazils Amazonian rainforest to an often harsh modernity.

Pio and the other Cinta Larga whom you profile were kids when they made contact with Westerners. How do they remember the time before that? And what was their experience of contact?

It was a world of hunting and of extravagant feasts that lasted for weeks. But life was violent. They fought with neighboring tribes all the time. And contact was horrifically violent. In the 1960s, settlers started clearing the rainforest for cattle ranches and prospecting for gold. There were campaigns where gunmen would kill any Indigenous person they could find.

You describe Pio waking up after an influenza epidemic to an apocalyptic scene.

He was nine years old, and all the adults in his village died. The disorientation was total. He and a few other kids had to figure out how to feed themselves. They entered a new reality. It was 500 years of history compressed into a lifetime. They confronted capitalism, money, and cell phones in one generation. It was amazing to hear what it was like to encounter Western technologies or see money for the first timenot knowing what it is and trying to tear it up. Salty food felt like it was burning their mouths.

Why did the Cinta Larga start to allow logging and ranching, and eventually open an illegal diamond mine?

There is a cognitive dissonance in wanting to protect the forest but also being pragmatic and feeling that we have to put food on the table. Before contact, the Cinta Larga had no need for money. But post-contact, they had no way to get what they wanted except by selling forest resources.

Your narrative builds to a violent 2004 confrontation with prospectors. How did that brew up?

The prospectors wanted to mine without permission. The Cinta Larga told them to leave, but they refused. They unwittingly dredged up traumatic memories of the early contact, which led to retaliation from the Cinta Larga.

What have the Cinta Larga preserved from their past way of life?

Its truly a collective existence. Kids roam free and are looked after by all the adults. People still occasionally go hunting, and they share the catch with neighbors. Westerners think of ourselves as our professions: Im a writer. People in the non-Western world often talk about themselves in terms of relationships: Im a brother or a son. It made me think about my own family relationships differently and value them more deeply.
Congratulations to Louisiana librarian Amanda Jones, whose excellent book That Librarian: The Fight Against Book Banning in America, was just published, and is getting lots of attention in the media, including this piece in the New York Times this week.

"Before all this, I was just a school librarian, but they wanted to silence me, so I thought I would do the exact opposite and become an activist," Jones told the paper. "What were seeing now is full-scale attacks on peoples characters if they stand up for books. The hate level and the vitriol is unreal to me."

In her debut memoir, Jones which tells the personal story of her fight for the freedom to read, and against the men who targeted her. It's surely a book Jones wishes she never had to write. But it is an essential look into the threat to the freedom to read unfolding across our nation. In June, Publishers Weekly caught up with Jones for an interview.

Also in Publishers Weekly, we report on the Internet Archive's loss this week at the appeals court level over its program to scan and lend library books. With the exception of an en banc hearing before the full Second Circuit, the appeals court decision leaves only the Supreme Court left for the Internet Archive, suggesting the case may finally be winding down after years of contentious legal wrangling. As we report, a consent judgment has already been entered to settle the claims in the case, which includes an undisclosed monetary payment to publishers that is payable once the appeals process has been exhausted. According to the AAP, that payment, should the publishers ultimately prevail, would "substantially" cover the publishers' "significant attorneys fees and costs in the action."

In a blog post, the Internet Archive said they were disappointed in the decision. "We are reviewing the courts opinion and will continue to defend the rights of libraries to own, lend, and preserve books," the statement reads.

AAP president and CEO Maria Pallante hailed the decision, in a statement. Todays appellate decision upholds the rights of authors and publishers to license and be compensated for their books and other creative works and reminds us in no uncertain terms that infringement is both costly and antithetical to the public interest."

At Techdirt, Mike Masnick offers a scathing take on the Internet Archive decision.

At Book Riot, Kelly Jensen leads off her weekly censorship news update with a look at some major authors are doing or, really, not doing, in response to this four year surge in book bans. Stephen King, she's looking in your direction. "Stephen King has apparently changed his stance from telling kids to haul ass to get the books that are being banned in 2022 to being angry that his books are among those being banned. No action or information about book banning was included. He simply asked what the fuck about his books being banned in Florida," Jensen observes. "Has he really been living in such a removed part of American reality that he hasnt seen a single headline about books being banned by the hundreds or thousands? Has he not seen the lawsuits being filed over book bans in several states? Has he not seen a single headline about legislation meant to fight book bans?"

The Associated Press reports that Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen has appointed a new member to the Nebraska Library Commissiona former local school board member removed from office after trying to ban more than 50 books. "Cunningham-Swanson was elected to the Plattsmouth Community Board of Education in 2023 and immediately sought to ban 52 books from the school library," the report states. "The listed included novels such as The Handmaids Tale, Where the Crawdads Sing, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, and books by Colleen Hoover and Ellen Hopkins. Many of the books on the list involved themes of addiction, race, sexuality and other topics that have recently created debates over book bans."

The Arkansas Advocate reports that Garland County officials will decide whether to place a proposal to reduce the property tax funding the local library on Novembers countywide ballot. "If the proposed millage cut makes it onto the ballot and voters approve it, Garland County would be the second Arkansas county in two years, after Craighead County, to vote to reduce its library systems tax revenue," the report notes. "Conservatives in Craighead and Saline counties have publicly opposed the availability of library books with LGBTQ+ content. Supporters of the Craighead County library defunding campaign previously decried a transgender authors visit to the Jonesboro library in 2019 and a Pride month book display in 2021."

 The hate level and the vitriol is unreal to me. 

The Guardian this week reports on the dire state of U.K. libraries. "More than 180 U.K. council-run libraries have closed or been handed over to volunteer groups since 2016, new data shows," the article states. "Freedom of information requests sent by the BBC to every UK library authority, along with Arts Council England data, found that around 950 libraries, a third of those remaining, reduced their hours in the past eight years. Two thousand jobs have been lost, and dozens more possible closures over the next year were identified. The most deprived communities, identified using the governments indices of multiple deprivation, were around four times more likely to lose a library than the richest."

The Guardian also reports that author Lee Childs character Jack Reacher would not exist without libraries. Child said Reacher was created in a library in Birmingham, England, and lamented that libraries in the city now operate under the cloud of closure. You speak to any writer and theyll tell you the same thing, that those early years of reading, reading, reading for decades, thats what turns you into a writer, he said.

It's nice when we can close with some encouraging news: WAGM-TV in the small town of Presque Isle, Maine, is reporting a surge in summer reading. Usually we get about 50 a day. People come through at least the teen lounge. They check out books and a lot of times they just come to hang out, said youth services librarian Melissa St. Pierre. The increase of teen traffic at the Mark and Emily Turner Memorial Library inspired community members to raise funding for a teen room redesign.

And NBC affiliate 9 News in Denver reports that the citys Central Library, which has been under construction since 2020, will have its grand opening November 3. "The four-year renovation of the Denver Central Library is part of measure 2E, approved by Denver voters in 2017, which provided $69.3 million to renovate the Central Library and 10 branch libraries as part of the Elevate Denver Bond program," the report states. "After years of planning and construction, we are thrilled to once again fully open our doors to the public in November," said Michelle Jeske, librarian and executive director. "Central Library is a community hub in the heart of the city and we cannot wait for the public to explore and discover the library once again."

Finally, the Fort Bend Star in Texas reports that the Fort Bend County Commissioners Court have appointed Roosevelt Weeks director of the countys library system. Weeks has garnered extensive recognition, including being named Texas Librarian of the Year by the Texas Library Association in 2023, receiving the University of North Texas Outstanding Alumni Award in 2023, and earning the "I Love My Librarian" national award from the American Library Association in 2016. According to a news release, Weeks's goal is "to empower individuals with the tools they need to ensure a future workforce capable of the complex critical-thinking skills necessary to succeed in an ever-changing competitive environment."

The Week in Libraries is a weekly opinion and news column. News, tips, submissions, questions or comments are welcome, and can be submitted via email. Previous columns can be viewed here.
After rising costs and sluggish sales cut into profits at HarperCollins, Lagardere Publishing, and Penguin Random House in the first half of 2023, operating margins have bounced back for all three in the first six months of 2024. Lagardere and HarperCollins in particular had marked improvements, with profits soaring on modest sales increases.

Notably, all three publishers have engaged in extensive restructuring efforts that have included job cuts, though those efforts now seem to be largely completed. At HarperCollins, sales were up 6% and profits jumped 54% in the first half of 2024, after what CEO Brian Murray called a transformative 12-month period. In an interview last month, Murray told PW the reorganization at HC was in response to a changed postpandemic marketplace.

Lagardere Publishing, home to Hachette Livre, created what it called a new English-language management structure at the end of 2023, which in essence formed one management team to oversee both Hachette Book Group and Hachette UK under David Shelley. In addition to reducing executive salaries, the reorganization involved major changes to Little, Brown and the HBG sales team and also included the further integration of Workman Publishinga process that had been delayed per an agreement to retain Workman staff for a three-year period following HBGs acquisition of the publisher in 2021.

So far, the changes appear to be effective. HBG reported a 5% growth in sales, with profits skyrocketing 74% in the first half of 2024.

PRHs well-documented overhaul began at the start of 2023, following the governments 2022 decision to block the companys acquisition of Simon & Schuster. In a bid to streamline PRHs operations, the company offered early retirements and also implemented layoffs, with PRH CEO Nihar Malaviya, like HCs Murray, citing shifts in the postpandemic market as a significant factor in the changes.

The failure to acquire S&S sent PRH on a mini buying spree, which included acquiring the assets of Calisto Media, upping its stake in Sourcebooks to a majority position, and buying Hay House. The purchases helped PRH increase sales at a faster rate than HC and Lagardere in the 20222024 period. But while PRHs 2024 operating margin was up over the first half of 2023, it was the only of the three major publishers whose profit margin was lower in 2024 than 2022.

As privately owned companies, Macmillan and S&S (the other two Big Five publishers) do not release their financial results.
Erik Pendzich / Shutterstock

News and media company Benzinga recently conducted a poll asking average Americans which entrepreneur they would most trust to invest their life savings: Warren Buffett, Elon Musk, Mark Cuban, or others. The top three results were clear: 58% of Americans chose Buffett while 11% chose Musk, and 11% chose Cuban. So why is that? And, more importantly, which of the three would financial experts choose?

Find Out: In 5 Years, These 2 Stocks Will Be More Valuable Than Apple

Discover More: 7 Reasons a Financial Advisor Can Grow Your Wealth in 2024

Lets begin with a deep dive on each of Buffetts, Musks, and Cubans investments and strategies. Then well ask the experts their opinions.

Earning passive income doesn't need to be difficult. You can start this week.

Warren Buffett

When it comes to investing, Buffett has a very conservative approach, choosing to stay away from complexity and fads and opting instead for solid, name-brand companies like Apple, Chevron, and Bank of America. His portfolio often touches on necessities over all else [] things that all Americans rely heavily on, stated Adam Ferrari, CEO at Phoenix Capital Group. He has proven time and time again to have stability, long-term growth, and strong fundamentals. Buffett advocates patience and level-headedness in prioritizing long-term gains over short-term wins. This approach is not always exciting or dramatic, but it gets the job done.

Robert Johnson, Chairman and CEO of Economic Index Associates, explained that a key principle in Buffetts limiting risk lies in his utilizing a margin of safety. What margin of safety means is that one only invests in a company when its market price is substantially less than its intrinsic (or true) value. Basically, Buffett shops for a good deal by recognizing companies that are inherently strong but have yet to fully take flight. Therefore, if things dont go to plan with a company, there is a large cushion before the investor suffers losses, stated Johnson.

Read Next: Im a Self-Made Millionaire: 5 Stocks You Shouldnt Sell

Elon Musk

Musk, considered the opposite of Buffett, is known for taking big swings in uncharted waters. For this reason, his investments in innovative companies like Tesla, SpaceX, and X (formerly Twitter), as well as additional holdings in Bitcoin, are considered volatile and high-risk. However, they could have the potential for massive rewards.

Yet, it can be harder to pinpoint Musks precise investment strategy because, rather than being driven specifically by the companys performance, he is driven by his belief in the mission of a company (typically, rebellion against the status quo) and his subsequent confidence in running it. Instead of pursuing diversification, he places large bets on companies he controls, according to a previous article from GOBankingRates. Musk is quoted as saying, Its OK to have your eggs in one basket as long as you control what happens to that basket.

Story continues

Mark Cuban

Mark Cuban offers a middle ground between the conservative and the adventurous, stated Stephen Greet, investment guru and Co-Founder at BeamJobs. Hes made a fortune through a combination of traditional business acumen and a knack for spotting emerging opportunities. While Amazon and Netflix are in Cubans stock portfolio, most of his investments are outside the publicly traded markets. Examples include pharmaceuticals and (most notably) the Dallas Mavericks.

Cuban amassed most of his wealth during the dot-com boom when he founded one of the first sports-centered internet radio companies, Broadcast.com, which sold to Yahoo for $5.7 billion in stock  a deal he protected by selling calls which ultimately safe-guarded him against the market crash weeks later. Today, he is perhaps best known for his decade-plus run on Shark Tank where he invests in startups. Cuban could be seen as existing at the intersection between stability and innovation.

Who Do Experts Say Americans Should Actually Trust?

For the most part, financial experts agree that Americans got this one right. In my mind, there is no doubt who Americans should trust most to invest their money, and that is Berkshire Hathaway CEO and Chairman, Warren Buffett, stated Johnson. His compound annual return from 1965 through 2023 has been 19.8%  nearly double the S&P 500 over that period. The overall gain for Berkshire shareholders over that time period has been 4,384,748% compared to that of the S&P 500 at 31,223%.

Ferrari agreed that Buffett would undoubtedly be the most trustworthy for safeguarding investments over the long haul, and David Kass, Clinical Professor of Finance at the University of Maryland, Robert H. Smith School of Business, called Buffett the best investor in the past hundred years. Although Elon Musk is a technological genius, some of his investments have not worked out well, stated Kass. His recent $44 billion acquisition of Twitter is now valued at about half that amount. Tesla has declined substantially over the past two years and is down by 16% in 2024 year-to-date as compared to the S&P 500, which is up 15% thus far in 2024. Regarding Cuban, Ferrari emphasized that he may lack the finesse of a proven track record which navigates through all kinds of market conditions in the way Buffett has.

Still, other experts like Greet argued that the choice of who to trust with your money isnt a one-size fits all, and may have more to do with individual values, goals, and risk tolerance. Jake Falcon, CEO at Falcon Wealth Advisers, similarly cautioned taking general investment advice from anyone not acting as a fiduciary on your specific portfolio.

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Warren Buffett, Elon Musk or Mark Cuban: Heres Who Americans Would Trust Most To Invest Their Money
When I chose to attend UCLA, I never thought Id be segregated from my peers for being a Jew.

Nor did I suspect that my schools administration would encourage and support antisemitic harassment, intimidation, and assault. This year, both nightmares became a reality for me and hundreds of Jews at UCLA. But following a federal courts scathing condemnation of UCLAs actions, the university may finally be starting to see the light.

On October 7, 2023, the world was shaken by Hamass brutal terrorist attack on Israel, the only Jewish state in the world. Over 1,200 innocent lives were lost in a horrific rampage that targeted the most vulnerable. This tragic event struck fear and disbelief in Jewish communities worldwide, echoing past horrors.

After the attack, I had hoped my university would ensure that Jewish students were safe. In fact, one reason I chose UCLA for law school was its reputation as a welcoming and diverse campus. UCLA boasts of its open and inclusive environment and emphasizes that it does not tolerate acts of discrimination, [or] harassment. But rather than practice what it preaches, university leadership allowed the campus to devolve into a hotbed of antisemitism.

Demonstrations broke out at Bruin Plaza, where activists chanted genocidal slogans and carried antisemitic signs. I witnessed hundredsincluding some of my own classmatesswarm the law schools courtyard, chanting there is only one solution, intifada revolution. That same day, other agitators elsewhere on campus smashed a pinata of Benjamin Netanyahu while chanting beat that f----ng Jew through a megaphone.

UCLA promised to combat these shameful demonstrations. In a letter to the community, university leadership acknowledged the rise in reprehensible acts of antisemitism and pledged not only to denounce the bigotry, but to actively work against it. Unfortunately, these words also proved hollow. Over the following months, the university did not take a single step to protect Jews on campus. Nor did it publicly discipline any student who engaged in antisemitic harassment and calls for genocide.

The situation turned especially grim this spring. On April 25, activists set up an encampment on Royce Quad, the heart of UCLAs campus. Those activists enforced a Jew Exclusion Zone where they stopped Jewish students and faculty, including me, from accessing the encampment and other parts of campus unless they denied Israels right to exist. They built barriers, used checkpoints, and locked arms to prevent Jews from walking through. They even issued wristbands to those who had been approvedbut Jews like me need not apply.

Meanwhile, UCLA leadershipthose entrusted to ensure the safety of studentstold campus police to stand down, ceding control over public university property to antisemitic militants. The entire experience would have made Orwell blush.

I often walk through Royce Quad to get to class, take study breaks, grab a bite to eat, or call my wife. Ive even brought my kids there to play as a family. But for an entire week, I was viciously harassed and forced to abandon my routes through campus because of the encampment. While participating in peaceful rallies supporting Israel, I was mocked as police stood idly by, had to assist a friend who was pepper-sprayed, and even witnessed UCLA security assisting the activists in setting up barriers.

Worse, UCLAs failure to stop antisemitism forced me to cancel plans on campus with family and forgo opportunities to mentor incoming Jewish students during the upcoming orientation week. My own schoolwhere I was so grateful to have been acceptedmade me choose between being a regular student or a Jew. In a free nation like ours, no one should ever have to make that impossible choice.

With the help of two law firms, the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty and Clement & Murphy, I filed a lawsuit in early June against UCLA alongside two other Jewish students to stop the university from abetting such bigotry again. Thankfully in August, federal Judge Mark C. Scarsi blocked UCLA from allowing and assisting antisemitism on campus, calling UCLAs actions unimaginable and abhorrent. A day later, the university announced it would appeal the ruling to the Ninth Circuit, saying the courts decision would hamstring its ability to manage its campus. That decision was rightfully met with widespread and bipartisan scorn, including from state legislators.

But barely a week later, UCLA threw in the towel, publicly asking the Ninth Circuit to dismiss its appeal on August 23. This move is hopefully a sign that the university recognizes it can no longer get away with assisting antisemites. And it should serve as a cautionary tale to other universities that think they can enable rampant Jew hatred.

Emblazoned on UCLAs seal is a motto: Let There Be Light. The phrase comes from the ancient Hebrew   (yehi or) found in the first chapter of Genesis, when G-d created the heavens and the earth. Sadly, my university failed to live up to this lofty ideal. Instead of standing as a pillar of light, the university gave darkness a home on campus. I pray that this victory marks the beginning of a new chapter, where bright rays of justice will shine forth from UCLA and other college campuses once more.
Find a great selection of commercial real estate, manufactured homes, timeshares and more for Sale

Buy real estate. Find a great selection of commercial real estate, manufactured homes, timeshares and more for Sale in US and Canada.

Search Real Estate
I'll admit it, I've made my fair share of investment mistakes. Some have cost my family a lot of money (for us, anyway). One shook me to my core and made me reassess my entire investment approach (more diversification, less hubris).

But I'm not alone. None other than Warren Buffett, the CEO of Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE: BRK.A)(NYSE: BRK.B), openly discusses the mistakes he's made. Knowing that the great Oracle of Omaha doesn't always get it right helps me cut myself some slack, and you should do the same. Here are some wise words from Buffett to help you the next time you're kicking yourself.

Charlie's legacy

Charlie Munger was Buffett's business partner and lifelong friend, acting as a confidant and sounding board for roughly six decades at Berkshire Hathaway. Besides the down-to-Earth and folksy wisdom he offered Buffett (and the world), there was at least one more thing that his partner appreciated greatly. According to Buffett:

Charlie never sought to take credit for his role as creator but instead let me take the bows and receive the accolades. In a way his relationship with me was part older brother, part loving father. Even when he knew he was right, he gave me the reins, and when I blundered he never -- never -- reminded me of my mistake.

The bolding on the second "never" was in the original, presumably to emphasize how important this act of omission was. Simply put, Munger understood that making mistakes is not only part of life, but, by extension, also part of investing. After all, humans tend to learn by making mistakes.

Buffett holds himself to account so you can learn

Most investors, including myself, don't have the benefit of an investing partner like Charlie Munger. But don't fear -- Warren Buffett has another bit of wisdom that can help you:

Over the years, I have made many mistakes. Consequently, our extensive collection of businesses currently consists of a few enterprises that have truly extraordinary economics, many that enjoy very good economic characteristics, and a large group that are marginal. Along the way, other businesses in which I have invested have died, their products unwanted by the public.

A well-balanced portfolio will probably have some winners, some mediocre investments, and some losers. Just like the one Buffett has built. And that's OK. The idea is to try to minimize mistakes, not to eliminate them entirely. If your goal was never to make any mistakes, you'd never buy any stocks at all! And, as noted, if you learn from your mistakes, you can better recognize potential errors before you make them.

Story continues

Sometimes even Buffett doesn't learn

Learning from mistakes is an important part of investing, but sometimes we all need more than one lesson before we actually learn. Don't beat yourself up if you find you've made the same mistake again, even if you've previously told yourself you'd "never do it again." Why? Once again we can look to Warren Buffett.

Buffett takes a dim view of investing in the airline industry. But he's done it more than once. In 1989, Buffett made a loan to US Airways that brought Berkshire preferred shares. He told investors more than once in the following years that he shouldn't have done it. And when he got out with a modest profit some nine years later, he said that he wasn't interested in buying airline stocks again.

Of course you can never say never in investing. And, despite the bad taste left by US Airways, Buffett jumped back into the sector in 2016, buying shares of American, Delta, Southwest, and United. However, when discussing the investment at the annual meeting in 2017 he noted that "you couldn't pick a tougher industry." Basically, he knew before going in that it could be a mistake and he did it anyway. And in 2020 -- the first year of the pandemic and stay-at-home orders that hobbled the travel industry -- he sold out of the position at a loss. Some lessons need to be learned twice, it seems, even for investment legends like Warren Buffett.

Buffett isn't perfect, and neither are you

The point here is not diminishing Buffett's record. The truth is, he's made his shareholders huge sums of money with his investment approach despite the mistakes he has made. You can be a successful investor too -- but only if you give yourself the leeway to be a human being. You'll make mistakes. Recognize that and accept it. Learn, of course. Diversify and hold on to cash you know you'll need in the short term, so that no one stock will cost you sleep. But don't let fear of doing the wrong thing stop you from investing, even if you make the same mistake more than once.

Remember, Buffett frequently talks about the mistake he made years ago sinking more and more money into a struggling textile business called ... Berkshire Hathaway. Look how that turned out.

Should you invest $1,000 in Berkshire Hathaway right now?

Before you buy stock in Berkshire Hathaway, 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 Berkshire Hathaway 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 $630,099!*

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 September 3, 2024

Reuben Gregg Brewer has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Berkshire Hathaway. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Warren Buffett Isn't Perfect, Either. Give Yourself a Break When You Make a Mistake. was originally published by The Motley Fool
The greater the post-listing gains, the higher the number of investors looking to sell.

A majority of investors who receive an allotment of shares in an initial public offering (IPO) sell their shares within a week, while 70 per cent sell within a year.

A study conducted by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) on 144 IPOs listed between April 2021 and December 2023 shows that most individuals applying for IPOs aim for quick gains.

'The study found a strong disposition effect, with investors showing a greater propensity to sell IPO shares that posted positive listing gains compared to those that listed at a loss,' Sebi said in a press release.

The greater the post-listing gains, the higher the number of investors looking to sell.

'When IPO returns exceeded 20 per cent, individual investors sold 67.6 per cent of the shares by value within a week. In contrast, only 23.3 per cent of shares by value were sold when returns were negative,' the regulator observed.

The study also revealed a drop in oversubscription levels in the high networth individual (HNI) category following the Rs 1 crore cap on IPO financing by non-banking financial companies imposed by the Reserve Bank of India in April 2022.

The average number of HNI applications for more than Rs 1 crore in IPOs decreased from roughly 626 per IPO in the pre-policy period (April 2021 to March 2022) to around 20 per IPO in the post-policy period (April 2022 to December 2023), according to the Sebi study.

Of the 144 IPOs that raised Rs 2.13 trillion, 75 per cent (108) delivered positive returns, with 26 IPOs yielding more than 50 per cent in listing-day returns.

The regulator examined the investment patterns of over 90 million unique IPO investors.

The study also revealed the geographical distribution of IPO investors. About 70 per cent of IPO applicants come from just four states: Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.

'Retail investors from Gujarat received 39.3 per cent of the allotment in the retail category, followed by Maharashtra (13.5 per cent) and Rajasthan (10.5 per cent),' Sebi pointed out.

'In the HNI category, the allotment for Gujarat-based investors was even higher at 42.3 per cent, followed by Maharashtra (20.4 per cent) and Rajasthan (15.5 per cent),' Sebi added.

The study showed that nearly 48 per cent of the dematerialised accounts receiving allotments for the 144 IPOs were opened between 2021 and 2023.

In the qualified institutional buyer segment, 65.4 per cent of the shares allotted in the main book were sold within a week, and 87.8 per cent were sold within a year of listing.

The holding period across investor categories was shorter for IPOs valued at less than Rs 1,000 crore.

Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff.com
In a rare public acknowledgment by a serving Pakistani army chief, General Asim Munir has mentioned the involvement of Pakistan army in the Kargil war as he listed the 1999 conflict with India among the major wars fought with the eastern neighbour.

IMAGE: Indian soldiers celebrate their victory in the Kargil War, July 26, 1999. Photograph: ANI Photo

Munir, the chief of army staff was speaking during the defence and martyrs day event at Rawalpindi on Friday.

The 1999 Kargil war ended with India recapturing the border posts occupied by Pakistani infiltrators. India celebrates the victory as Vijay Diwas on July 26.

In his speech, General Munir highlighted the role of the army in defending the motherland with the support of the people of Pakistan and also touched upon various conflicts with India, including the Kargil War.

"Indeed Pakistani nation is a courageous and bold nation, which understands best the importance of independence and how to protect it at any price. Whether the Pak-India wars of 1948, 1965, 1971 and Kargil or Siachen conflict, thousands of martyrs gave sacrifices for the security and honour of the country," Munir said.

Pakistan had initially distanced itself from the conflict by saying that only private 'freedom fighters' were involved in it.

However, soon the scale of fighting revealed that the armies of the two countries were fighting against each other.

The 2006 book In The Line Of Fire written by then Pervez Musharraf, who was the army chief during the Kargil war, clearly acknowledged the Pakistan Army's role.

Musharraf had sent the Northern Light Infantry men to the Kargil theatre of war.

Pakistan awarded Captain Karnal Sher Khan of 27th Battalion, Sind Regiment and Havaldar Lalak Jan of Northern Light Infantry with the highest gallantry award called Nishan-e-Haider after the Kargil war was over.

Munir, in his address, also said the country would 'not allow political differences to turn into hatred.'

He asserted that the strong relations between the army and the public would act as the foundation to defeat any enemy trying to create rifts between the two.

"The relation between the armed forces and the nation is of heart," he said, adding that the nation always strengthened the army in all fields including, 'rescue works in the events of natural disasters, foreign hostilities or war against terrorism.'

Pakistan Prime Minister Shebaz Sharif was also present at the ceremony, which was attended by the army's top brass, senior military and governmental officials, and families of soldiers, among others.
An underworld don serving a life sentence in the Almora district jail was offered diksha by seers in the prison premises recently to initiate him into monkhood, claimed a man who mediated between the don and the seers.

Image used for representational purpose only. Photograph: ANI Photo

Don Prakash Pandey, also called PP, has a number of criminal cases pending against him including those of extortion, robbery and murder.

Two seers accompanied by the man who mediated between the gangster and the seer community reportedly went inside in the jail premises on September 5 to perform the diksha ceremony during which Pandey was offered a rudraksha garland and a sacred beads necklace (kanthi) to wear.

Vedic mantras were also chanted in his ears.

The don was renamed as Prakashanand Giri by the seers who introduced themselves as being associated with the Panch Dashnam Juna Akhara, headquartered in Haridwar and has its ashrams in the Kumaon region.

After coming out of the jail complex, the seers and mediator Krishna Kandpal held a press conference at a hotel in Almora and said it was done as the man was "full of patriotic feelings" and wanted to move towards a "religious and pure life".

"When I met PP bhai, I was impressed by his patriotic spirit. He had entered Pakistan once to kill Dawood (Ibrahim). He had even entered Vietnam to kill someone else but was arrested as there was a red-corner notice issued against him. He expressed his desire to tread the spiritual path. I talked to the seers and they agreed to offer him diksha," Kandpal told reporters.

"It was a subtle diskha programme. The larger and more elaborate one will be done at Prayagraj Kumbh in 2025," he said.

The life of Prakashanand Giri could inspire others behind the bars to embrace the life of spiritualism and purity, a seer named Rajender Giri said.

Nainital MP Ajay Bhatt shied away from commenting on the incident saying he was not aware of it.

"I have no knowledge of the incident. I also do not want to comment anything on saints," he said.

When asked how authorities allowed the ceremony to be carried out in the jail premises, the former Union minister said he could comment on it only after reading the jail manual.

Meanwhile, the Panch Dashnam Juna Akhara said it would set up a seven-member committee to probe the incident.
Hindus for America First, a newly created grassroots organisation, has announced it will endorse Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump and launch a campaign against Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris in the key battleground states of Pennsylvania, Georgia and North Carolina.

IMAGE: An poster on a vehicle showing pictures of former US President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential candidate and Vice President Kamala Harris, on the sidelines of the Democratic National Convention (DNC), in Chicago, Illinois, on August 19, 2024. Photograph: Eduardo Munoz/Reuters

Announcing the decision on Thursday, Hindus for America First chairman and founder Utsav Sanduja claimed that Harris would be 'very destabilising for Indo-US relations'.

"The concern is that if Kamala becomes the president of the United States, then she might put in some liberal wolves on the bench who may actually reverse the Supreme Court on this (and) that impacting the Asian-American voters," he said.

The Biden-Harris administration has not kept the border secure. Harris is the second in command after President Joe Biden and did nothing to stem the flow of illegal immigrants into the US, he said.

"As a consequence of all these illegal immigrants, we've seen record crime, record drug smuggling... and it ends up affecting minority communities, in particular many of the Asian-American business owners," he said.

On the other hand, Sanduja praised Trump's efforts to make the immigration system more merit-based.

He also lauded the former president's efforts to bolster defence and technology cooperation with India.

Trump is 'very pro-India'. He was able to cultivate an excellent relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and collaborate on many defence projects that would enable India to take on China, he said.

Unlike Harris, who made a lot of 'disparaging remarks' about the government and people of India, Trump did not interfere in the country's internal affairs, Sanduja said.

"Kamala Harris would be very destabilising for Indo-US relations," he claimed.

He said Hindus for America First is organising efforts among Hindus in battleground states like Georgia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, Arizona, and Nevada against Harris.

Sanduja said the global Hindu community is concerned about the attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh.

"We would request all political entities concerned to raise this issue," he said, adding that the Hindus of Bangladesh are suffering.

"I give President Trump a lot of credit. Under his leadership, the State Department acknowledged the persecution of Hindus in various parts of the subcontinent, like in Afghanistan...Pakistan, it was President Trump that took the leadership in acknowledging Hindu genocide," he said.
A 20-year-old Pakistani citizen, residing in Canada, has been arrested and charged by the US for planning a terror attack targeting Jews in New York City around the October 7 anniversary of Hamas' attack on Israel.

Image used for representational purpose only. Photograph: Eduardo Munoz/Reuters

Khan, or Shahzeb Jadoon, planned a terrorist attack in New York City (NYC) around October 7 with the goal of slaughtering, in the name of the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham, as many Jewish people as possible, Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement on Friday.

Identified as an ISIS supporter, Muhammad Shahzeb Khan was arrested on Wednesday in Ormstown town, about 60 km south of Montreal in Canada, and approximately 20 km from the US-Canada border. He also faces three charges in Canada.

He was arrested in connection with a complaint filed in the Southern District of New York for attempting to provide material support and resources to ISIS.

If convicted, Khan faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

Hamas militants based in the Gaza Strip launched an unprecedented attack on Israel by land, air and sea on October 7, 2023.

As per Khan's preparation in connection with the planned attack, Khan attempted to reach the US-Canada border. He used three separate cars to travel across Canada towards the US before being stopped near Ormstown.

Thanks to the investigative work of the American agency, and the quick action of our Canadian law enforcement partners, the defendant was taken into custody, said Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC News) and added that Khan now faces three charges in Canada.

The charges are, Attempting to leave Canada to commit an offence for a terrorist group', Participating in the activities of a terrorist group', and Conspiracy to commit an offence by violating US immigration law  entering or attempting to enter the US unlawfully', it added.

According to the complaint filed in New York, Khan attempted to travel from Canada to New York City, where he intended to use automatic and semi-automatic weapons to carry out a mass shooting in support of the IS at a Jewish centre in Brooklyn, New York.

Khan began posting on social media and communicating with others on an encrypted messaging application about his support for the IS in or about November last year when, among other things, Khan distributed IS propaganda videos and literature.

If we succeed with our plan, this would be the largest attack on US soil since 9/11, he said in one of the messages.

Khan began communicating with two undercover law enforcement officers, the statement said, adding, during those conversations, Khan confirmed that he and a US-based IS supporter, identified only as Associate-1 in the complaint, had been planning to carry out an attack in a particular US city, identified as City-1.'

Among other things, Khan said that he had been actively attempting to create a real offline cell of IS supporters to carry out a coordinated assault in the city using AR-style rifles to target Israeli Jewish Chabad... scattered all around (the city).

During subsequent conversations, Khan repeatedly instructed the undercover officers to obtain AR-style assault rifles, ammunition, and other materials to carry out the attacks and identified the specific locations in the city where the attacks would take place, the complaint said.

Khan also provided details about how he would cross the border from Canada into the US for the attacks.

During these conversations with the undercover officers, Khan emphasised that October 7 and Oct 11 are the best days for targeting the Jews stating the community will surely hold some protest demonstrations on the first anniversary and October 11 is Yom Kippur,' an important Jewish festival.

Around August 20, Khan changed his target location from City-1 to New York City and decided to target a Jewish centre in Brooklyn.

In support of his choice, Khan also boasted that New York is perfect to target Jews because it has the largest Jewish population in America and therefore, even if we don't attack a[n] Event[,] we could easily rack up a lot of Jews.
Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday dismissed the Opposition's attempt to revive the autonomy plank during the Jammu and Kashmir assembly polls and asked the National Conference-Congress alliance to stop fooling people by promising statehood as only the Centre can restore the status.

IMAGE: Union Home Minister Amit Shah addresses a Bharatiya Janata Party Karyakarta Sammelan ahead of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections, in Jammu, September 7, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

Shah assured people about the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood after the assembly election, which he said is the first under the national flag and the Constitution following the abrogation of Article 370 by the Narendra Modi government.

At a Bharatiya Janata Party workers' rally at Ploura in the Jammu North assembly segment, told them that "Jammu would decide the formation of government" and the National Conference-Congress alliance would "never be able to form a government".

Accusing the Congress-National Conference alliance of attempting to revive the "old system" and pushing Jammu and Kashmir into the fire of terrorism and corruption again, Shah said, "The time when someone else was deciding whose government will be formed (in J-K) has gone. Now Jammu will decide the formation of government."

The NC and Congress, however, claimed the BJP was attempting to sow confusion and fear among the electorate as it was in a state of panic since the two parties announced a seat-sharing arrangement and asserted that the 10-year BJP rule in the country was a "disappointment".

Shah was in Jammu on a two-day visit to boost the BJP's election campaign for the assembly polls, voting for which is scheduled on September 18, 25 and October 1. The counting of votes will be held on October 8.

He released the party's manifesto on his first day of visit on Friday and also chaired meetings with senior leaders to discuss the campaign strategy.

"The upcoming elections in Jammu and Kashmir are historic because, after Independence, the polls are happening for the first time under our national flag and Constitution, unlike the past practice of two flags and two constitutions. From Kashmir to Kanyakumari, we have only one prime minister and he is Modi," Shah told the rally before leaving for Delhi.

"(PM) Modi restored your honour by ending discrimination and injustice faced by you... Ensure (the formation of) a government that will work for you so that you do not have to go to Srinagar with a begging bowl. It is possible by strengthening Modi's hand," he said.

Shah started his over half-an-hour speech at the BJP workers' rally by paying tributes to Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mookerjee, Pandit Prem Nath Dogra and Baba Daleep Singh Manhas and extended greetings to the nation on Ganesh Chaturthi and the Jain community on Paryushana Parva.

He introduced the BJP's candidates from 11 seats of Jammu districts that are going to polls in the last phase and said, "We have to not only defeat their opponents but also ensure that they lose their security deposits."

"This election is being held outside the shadow of Article 370. We have seen a miracle in the Lok Sabha elections when 58.46 per cent of voters exercised their franchise unlike in the past when 10 per cent voting was being celebrated by the previous governments in Delhi.

"This is the biggest success of democracy," he said, reiterating that there will be no talks with Pakistan till terrorism ends and peace is restored.

On the opposition's poll promise of statehood restoration, Shah said, "I want to ask Farooq Abdullah and Rahul Gandhi, who is going to restore the statehood. You cannot give it back. Why are you misleading the public?"

"It is the central government and BJP and I have already said inside Parliament that we will restore statehood at an appropriate time after assembly elections. They should hear my speech on August 5 and 6 (in 2019)."

He also criticised the NC for its promise of releasing "stone-pelters and terrorists" from jails and alleged that their aim is to revive terrorism in the peaceful Poonch, Rajouri and Doda districts of Jammu.

Kashmir has borne the brunt of terrorism because there were governments that used to close their eyes and the people at the helm used to flee.

"If NC-Congress returns to power, consider that as a revival of terrorism. Jammu and Kashmir, especially Jammu has to decide whether they want terrorism or peace and development. Nobody dares to infiltrate when there is the BJP."

"When the Modi government took over (in 2014), it spelt destruction for those funding terrorism by sending them to jails. They are talking about starting suspended LoC trade, the dividends of which go to terrorism," he said.

The BJP-led government has brought down terror incidents in the Union territory by 70 percent, the home minister claimed.

The NDA government would not allow the revival of terrorism, "autonomy" and injustice with any community, including Gujjars, Pahari, Bakerwals and Dalits who have been granted reservation by the BJP dispensation, he said.

Referring to the NC's promise of implementation of the autonomy resolution, Shah said no power can talk about autonomy as more than 40,000 people have lost their lives to terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.

In 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.

"I am reading the writing on the wall that NC and Congress will never form a government. They are the people who forced Maharaja Hari Singh to exile and only his ashes could be brought back after his death," Shah said.

Shah said it was the BJP that fulfilled the aspirations and long-pending demands of the people of the Jammu region and mentioned the announcement of a holiday on the birth anniversary of the last Dogra ruler Maharaja Hari Singh to bolster his claim.

"Should those who insulted the maharaja and forced him into exile win?" he posed while alleging that the NC-Congress alliance has a "divisive" agenda.

"Do you agree with changing the name of Shankaracharya Hill (in Srinagar) to 'Takht-e-Suleiman'? This is on their agenda," he asked the gathering.

Continuing his tirade against the NC, Congress and the PDP, he accused the three of indulging in "mass corruption".

The corruption by these families is equal to that in the entire country, the Union home minister alleged. "Had the money taken by them been utilised for development of the region, no work would have been left incomplete in Jammu and Kashmir."

"I want to remind the youth of Kashmir that you gave power to them but Abdullah and his family fled to England in the face of terrorism while the youth fell to terrorism which we wiped out. Vote anyone you want but do not make them win as their agenda will bring back terrorism and stop development," he added.

Recounting the Modi government's works, Shah said it has spent over Rs 32,000 crore for the development of the Jammu region alone in the past 10 years.

He also referred to the annual Amarnath Yatra and said over 5.12 lakh pilgrims from across the country offered their prayers at the shrine this year without any fear while crediting the Modi dispensation for it.

The Congress' Jammu and Kashmir unit chief Raman Bhalla slammed BJP for targeting the NC-Congress alliance and said, "The BJP is visibly shaken and resorting to smear tactics against the INDIA bloc, sensing a resounding defeat at the hands of the people."

"Instead of engaging in meaningful debate on their dismal governance record, they are attempting to sow confusion and fear among the electorate. But let me tell you this, their tactics won't work," he said.
The Congress has proposed AAP should contest five seats while the Samajwadi Party and Left parties could contest one seat each.

IMAGE: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge with Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and party General Secretary in-charge (Organisation) K C Venugopal and other leaders at the party headquarters in New Delhi, September 1, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

The Congress and Aam Aadmi Party could revive the seat-sharing alliance for the upcoming Haryana assembly elections they had in the state for the Lok Sabha polls.

According to sources, at a meeting of the Congress' central election committee on Monday, September 2, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi stressed that the INDIA bloc's votes should not get split.

The committee held a second meeting on Tuesday, September 3, evening to finalise the party's list of candidates for the elections to the 90-member Haryana Assembly.

The party has asked party treasurer Ajay Maken, Haryana in-charge Deepak Babaria and former Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda to finalise the alliance with the AAP, with Congress General Secretary (organisation) K C Venugopal entrusted with overseeing the negotiations.

For the AAP, which is demanding 10 seats, Rajya Sabha MPs Raghav Chadha and Sandeep Pathak will negotiate with the Congress.

The Congress, according to sources, has proposed that AAP should contest five seats as part of the alliance while the Samajwadi Party and Left parties could contest one seat each.

The Congress and AAP had seat-sharing alliances in Haryana, Delhi, and Gujarat in the Lok Sabha elections but not in Punjab.

In Haryana, the Congress had contested nine of the 10 seats, winning five, while the AAP had contested one seat, that of Kurukshetra, which it had lost by a margin of less than 2 per cent votes.

Their cumulative vote share was more than that of the BJP's 46.11 per cent.

The Congress and AAP secured 43.67 per cent and 3.94 per cent votes, respectively.

AAP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh welcomed reports that Gandhi was keen to see a Congress-AAP alliance.

Asked about the possibility of an alliance with the AAP, Babaria said: "We are in talks with the AAP, but nothing has been finalised yet. As soon as something is finalised, we will inform you." "We have to defeat the BJP and not allow votes to be divided."

For the Haryana assembly polls, the Indian National Lok Dal has struck an alliance with the Bahujan Samaj Party.

Former Haryana deputy CM Dushyant Chautala-led Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) has an alliance with Lok Sabha MP Chandrashekhar Azad-led Azad Samaj Party (Kanshi Ram).

The BJP, which ran a coalition government with the JJP from 2019 to 2024, is set to contest all 90 seats.

Haryana votes on October 5. The counting of votes for Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir assembly polls is on October 8.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com
After three cheetahs died in just over a month last year in Madhya Pradesh's Kuno National Park, the National Tiger Conservation Authority in May 2023 called in experts from Reliance's wildlife facility in Gujarat to review health monitoring protocols, official records show.

IMAGE: A cheetah at the Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh. Photograph: Press Information Bureau

The National Tiger Conservation Authority's assistant inspector General of Forests Abhishek Kumar wrote to the CEO of Reliance Industries' Jamnagar-based Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre on May 11, 2023, requesting that a team of experts be sent to Kuno to "review health monitoring protocols" and provide advice to "ensure the welfare of the cheetahs" following the deaths of three cheetahs between March 27 and May 9.

Kumar's letter said Project Cheetah was the first intercontinental reintroduction of a wild, large carnivore species with "no comparable historical precedent" and it was not surprising that a project of such a "magnitude and complexity would face many challenges".

"Due to careful planning and execution, all 20 cheetahs survived the initial capture, quarantine and lengthy transport to the purpose-built quarantine and larger acclimatisation enclosure in Kuno. We are given to understand that Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre has expert veterinarians who are handling a substantial number of cheetahs in captivity," read the letter, seen by PTI.

GZRRC director Brij Kishor Gupta wrote back on May 24, 2023, saying a four-member team would visit Kuno on May 25-26.

The team included "senior veterinary officers" Jorge Francisco Soares and Nitin Yashwant Tambe, lab in-charge Mandeep and Gupta himself.

In response to PTI's question via email, Gupta said, "The National Tiger Conservation Authority requested GZRRC last year to assess the healthcare protocols of cheetahs being followed at Kuno, we sent our team of experts veterinarians and (the) director and found that they are following the right protocol for health care management of cheetahs."

GZRRC experts visited Kuno only once, Gupta said but gave no clear answer on whether they were providing any guidance or support to the project at present.

Gupta added that all forms of interaction, engagement and knowledge exchange conducted by the GZRRC with government and non-government entities in the fields of animal welfare, research and conservation were carried out "strictly on a non-commercial basis".

As part of the first ever intercontinental translocation of big cats, a total of 20 cheetahs -- eight from Namibia in September 2022 and 12 from South Africa in February 2023 -- were brought to Kuno.

Since their arrival, eight adult cheetahs -- three female and five male -- have died. Seventeen cubs have been born in India, with 12 surviving. This brings the total number of cheetahs, including cubs, in Kuno to 24, all of which are currently in enclosures.

Three cheetahs -- one male and two female -- died between March 27 and May 9, 2023.

According to Project Cheetah's annual report for 2023-24, Namibian female cheetah Sasha died due to "chronic renal insufficiency" on March 27, 2023, becoming the first mortality in the project.

"Sasha developed kidney problems after her arrival and received continuous care for two months but, unfortunately, she did not respond positively to the treatment and passed away," the annual report says.

South African male cheetah Uday "suddenly died" on April 23, 2023, within the larger acclimatisation enclosure "without displaying any prior symptoms".

South African female cheetah Daksha died on May 9, 2023, due to injuries from a violent encounter with a male coalition during a mating attempt, according to the report.

The GZRRC experts' visit was immediately preceded by the death of three cubs born to Namibian cheetah Jwala between May 23 and May 25 due to extreme heat.

Bhopal-based wildlife activist Ajay Dubey questioned the need to involve GZRRC in the project when "top wildlife experts from the NTCA, Wildlife Institute of India, South Africa, and Namibia are already part of it".

"The government even sent staff from the Madhya Pradesh wildlife department for training in cheetah management in South Africa and Namibia. What did they learn?" he asked.

"And even if you have approached GZRRC, why keep it a secret? There is no mention of the support sought from Reliance Industries' wildlife facility in the annual report of Project Cheetah," he added.

The minutes of the Cheetah Project Monitoring Committee meetings, obtained by PTI through an RTI application, also do not mention this involvement.

Besides wildlife experts from NTCA, the Wildlife Institute of India and other government facilities, Kuno currently has a dedicated team of four veterinarians for Project Cheetah.

It has also received veterinary support and guidance from wildlife veterinarians in South Africa and Namibia, including Adrian Tordiffe, hospital director at Onderstepoort Veterinary College, South Africa; Mike Toft from Kifaru Wildlife Veterinary Services, South Africa; Andy Fraser from Rooiberg Veterinary Services, South Africa; and Ana Basto from the Cheetah Conservation Fund, Namibia.

GZRRC director Gupta told PTI that they had more than 40 cheetahs rescued from different captive facilities.

All the cheetahs are captive born in the country of origin of the captive facility. There have been "no mortalities of cheetahs at GZRRC till date" and all the animals are all "faring very well", he said.

Gupta said they had "some of the best veterinarians in wildlife health management".

He said the cheetah project had been "doing very well". "It has been noted that birth of several cubs has taken place on Indian soil and the survival rate is good in comparison to similar projects in other parts of the world."

When asked about the challenges of cheetah management based on their experience, Gupta said, "GZRRC specialises in the study, management, care and research of cheetahs within captive environments. The primary focus areas for cheetahs in captivity include veterinary care, nutrition, housing, exercise and enrichment. GZRRC has successfully established optimal standards across all these domains."

He emphasised that "the operation and management of a captive programme differ significantly from those of a re-wilding programme".

The Central Zoo Authority granted approval for the setting up of GZRRC on February 14, 2019, and accorded it recognition on August 17, 2020.

According to its 2023-24 annual report submitted to the CZA, new facilities such as Rescue Centre for Herbivores, Asiatic Lion Care, Medical Research and Hospital, Cheetah Conservation and Research Centre, Vulture Conservation Breeding Centre and multi-specialty hospital were added to GZRRC in 2023-24.
Women voters outnumber men in the eight assembly segments of Srinagar district that are scheduled to go to polls on September 25 in the second phase of polling in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said in Srinagar.

Photograph: Umar Ganie/ Rediff.com IMAGE: Voters wait to exercise their franchise at a polling booth in Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir, May 20, 2024.

Of the 7,74,462 registered voters, 3,87,778 are female while 3,86,654 are male and 30 people have registered themselves under the third gender category, they said.

Women outnumber men in six of the eight assembly constituencies with Central Shalteng and Eidgah segments being the exceptions.

"To facilitate the voters for smooth and hassle-free electoral participation, the Election Commission of India has established 932 polling stations, of which 885 are urban polling stations while 47 are rural polling stations," an official spokesperson of the district administration said.

Among the eight assembly constituencies of the district, Zadibal segment has the highest number of 1,12,864 registered electorate, comprising 56,408 males and 56,451 females and five transgender voters.

The constituency also houses the highest number of polling stations in the district -- 143 -- to facilitate a smooth voting experience for all registered voters.

Hazratbal constituency has a voter population of 1,12,541, among which 56,175 are males and 56,366 are females.

The Central Shalteng assembly seat has 1,07,770 total registered voters, of which 54,185 are males and 53,576 are females whereas nine are third gender voters.

Lal Chowk constituency has 1,07,199 voters -- 53,425 males and 53,773 are females, besides one transgender voter.

In Habbakadal, there are 95,546 voters -- 47,404 are males and 48,133 are females while nine are third gender voters.

Khanyar assembly Constituency has 91,226 voters, of which 45,407 are males and 45,816 are females, besides three third gender voters.

Chanapora has 85,431 registered voters -- 42,556 males, 42,874 females and one transgender voter.

The Eidgah assembly constituency has 61,885 voter population, of which, 31,094 are male and 30,789 are female while two are third-gender voters.

The spokesperson said arrangements are being put in place for a smooth and peaceful polling in the district where voting is taking place in the second phase of legislative assembly polls on September 25.
West Bengal is home to 43,000 Durga Pujas, and the business around it is a major economic driver.

IMAGE: People perform a street play during a protest condemning the rape and murder of a trainee medic at a government-run hospital in Kolkata, August 28, 2024. Photograph: Sahiba Chawdhary/Reuters

It's a scene unfamiliar to New Market. The flow of customers at this giant shopping arcade from the colonial era has dwindled to a trickle.

Shop owners are idling, and cars breeze along nearby Lindsay Street, otherwise a torment for commuters.

The red-brick, Gothic-style marketplace, formerly known as Sir Stuart Hogg Market in central Kolkata, dates back to 1874.

It has long been a treasure trove for budget-friendly shoppers, even as swanky outlets have sprouted across the city.

From readymade to unstitched garments, flashy costume jewellery to silver classics, and gourmet food items to fish -- it's a paradise for compulsive and impulsive buyers alike.

But with just a month to go for Durga Puja, West Bengal's biggest festival, the narrow alleys lined with shops are sparsely populated.

IMAGE: Gauri Seth, 28, a post-graduate trainee at Medical College Kolkata, attends a protest condemning the rape and murder, inside the premises of R G Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, August 25, 2024. Photograph: Sahiba Chawdhary/Reuters

"I don't know the reason, but people are not coming to the market," said a salesperson at a saree and lehenga store.

A black banner seeking 'justice' from the West Bengal Junior Doctors' Front at the market's entrance paints the picture of a city engulfed by protests.

Kolkata has been on the boil. Since the alleged rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at the state-owned RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, the city has risen to demand 'justice' for the victim with demonstrations, graffiti, street plays, and more.

Opposition parties are playing catch-up.

IMAGE: Congress activists burn an effigy during a protest against the police, September 6, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

At the receiving end are retail and food and beverages businesses, especially with Durga Puja round the corner.

"This is peak time for Puja sales. Daily sales should have hit Rs 50,000 by now. Instead, they are languishing at Rs 5,000, with stocks piling up," rues the owner of a children's garment shop at New Market.

Another fabric retailer said: "People who buy fabrics usually keep a buffer of one-and-a- half to two months. The festive season looks like a washout."

Across marketplaces, the scene is similar. At Gariahat, a popular destination in South Kolkata, major saree shops look desolate.

IMAGE: Research students and teachers stage a protest against the sexual assault and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Hospital, September 6, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

According to a national-level major retailer, the sentiment is definitely low due to the protests.

"Also, there are disruptions to life because of which people are not moving around much. This is having an impact on footfall at stores."

However, there is hope that things will normalise closer to the festival. A retail industry official said: "We will have to wait and watch. The overall sentiment in the country has been low. But demand could pick up closer to the festival."

IMAGE: Bharatiya Janata Party activists with posters against former RG Kar Medical College and Hospital's principal Sandip Ghosh during a protest, September 6, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

Another big retailer said sales were gradually picking up, but there was still some time for Puja. "Initial trends show that it could be normal."

Footfall and business at upmarket malls in Kolkata have taken a hit so far.

Man Mohan Bagree, vice-president of South City Group, said business had been impacted since mid-August when protests hit the streets and was down by about 20 to 25 per cent from expected sales.

"The closure of the end-of-season sale was affected. The F&B business is badly hit -- down by about 30 per cent from usual sales, as guests are avoiding stepping out due to daily protests in various pockets and the overall mood."

South City Mall has 11 restaurants-cum-bars and a 1,400-seater food court.

IMAGE: Police use tear gas on protestors during the Nabanna Abhijan protest, August 27, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

At Quest, a luxury and premium mall, footfall was down marginally.

"People are sad about what has happened, and business is muted. The effect has been felt since the last week of August.

"By the end of October, we will know the actual impact," said Sanjeev Mehra, CEO and executive director of Quest Properties.

IMAGE: Police and RAF personnel deployed during the Nabanna Abhijan protest, August 27, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

Footfall at Acropolis Mall last Sunday was 30 per cent lower compared to the corresponding period last year.

"In general, stores also saw mild responses, as we used to get many visitors from Bangladesh earlier," said Subhadip Basu, general manager of Acropolis Mall.

Traffic snarls due to protests are adding to the woes of the F&B industry.

"Our business has been affected from the day protests started. It has taken a toll on all the malls.

"Year-on-year, our sales are down by about 30 per cent.

"Some of it is being offset by deliveries, but dine-in numbers have dropped because people are not in a mood to celebrate," said Anjan Chatterjee, chairman and managing director of Speciality Restaurants.

IMAGE: A view of the broken barricades after a scuffle broke out between BJP supporters and Police personnel during their Swasthya Bhawan Gherao march against the sexual assault and murder, August 22, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

Speciality has 34 units across the city.

Business is slow on Park Street as well, the gastro hub of Kolkata.

According to Anand Puri, a third-generation owner of Trincas, the lunch business is doing fine, but people are stepping out less in the evenings.

"The brighter side is that people who come in have shorter wait times."

Nitin Kothari, who owns Peter Cat, Mocambo, and Peter Hu?, said the impact of the protests and the overall mood was felt last week (Monday-Thursday). However, the weekend saw good business. "Time is the best healer," he adds.

IMAGE: BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul, leader of the Opposition in West Bengal assembly Suvendu Adhikari and others during a protest march to Swasthya Bhavan against the alleged sexual assault and murder, August 22, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

Corporate sponsors of Durga Puja are trying to assess the situation. From banks to companies in fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) and consumer durables -- all have a budget for the festival.

A major sponsor said requests had come in from Puja committees. "We are still evaluating."

Durga Puja is an industry. "Hundreds of thousands depend on the festival for their livelihoods," said Saswata Basu, general secretary of the Forum for Durgotsab.

Basu is hopeful that corporate sponsorship will remain buoyant.

IMAGE: Congress workers stage a 'CBI office Gherao' to protest against the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital rape and murder, September 4, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

Big-budget Pujas largely depend on corporate sponsorship. Stalls, banners, and pillars are the main money spinners for the puja committees.

Anjan Ukil, secretary of the Ballygunge Cultural Association (BCA), said, "Enquiries have come in. Advertisers usually close bookings for banners, gates, etc., by now. But they are delaying decisions on approvals." BCA is a prominent Puja committee in South Kolkata.

Avijit Majumder, general secretary of the Singhee Park Durga Puja Committee, said direct sponsors had made bookings, but advertising agencies were treading cautiously.

In North Kolkata, Gautam Neogi, general secretary of the Bagbazar Sarbojanin Durgotsav, said, "Among the major sponsors, we have an agreement with Coca-Cola. Negotiations are on with others. We expect the pace to pick up after Ganesh Puja."

Dhrubajyoti Bose Suvo, a key organiser of last year's major attraction, Tala Prattoy puja, admitted the ongoing protests have had an impact.

However, he added: "Big companies have given purchase orders to Puja committees or agencies. If the market is down, the impact will be felt on a large scale next year.

"Plans for this year have already been finalised, and committees will go ahead with them."

West Bengal is home to 43,000 Durga Pujas, and the business around it is a major economic driver.

IMAGE: Police personnel detain a protestor during the Nabanna Abhijan protest, August 27, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

A research commissioned by the British Council at the behest of the West Bengal tourism department pegged the total economic worth of the creative industries around the festival at Rs 32,377 crore/Rs 323.77 billion (figures estimated around the 2019 Durga Puja).

Retail accounted for the major share.

However, the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage tag in 2021 has given both the mass art and business around it a fillip.

Last year, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee reportedly said the celebrations generated over Rs 80,000 crore (Rs 800 billion) in business and provided employment opportunities for close to 300,000 people.

There is a lot riding on the festival.

Photographs curated by Manisha Kotian/Rediff.com and Anant Salvi/ Rediff.com

Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff.com
It has been a turbulent week for Pinduoduo's (NASDAQ: PDD) investors. Despite reporting an 86% growth in its top line in the latest-quarter earnings, the leading e-commerce platform saw its stock plunge by more than 30%.

Investors were unimpressed by the strong numbers and instead focused on Pinduoduo's warning of slower growth ahead. But is the situation that dire? Let's explore this further.

Image source: Getty Images.

Pinduoduo has been executing at a world-class level

Pinduoduo has been one of the most remarkable success stories of the decade in the Chinese technology industry. Founded in 2015, it came from nowhere to become a giant to challenge the incumbents Alibaba and JD.com. In less than 10 years, the e-commerce company was making $34.9 billion in revenue and $8.5 billion in net profit by 2023.

But despite its massive scale, Pinduoduo continued to grow at a high double- to triple-digit rate in recent quarters. In the second quarter of 2024, revenue surged 86% to $13.4 billion, while net profit more than doubled to $4.4 billion. A steadily growing Chinese business and the recent expansion in cross-border e-commerce via Temu have driven growth.

In particular, Pinduoduo's ongoing focus on the development of its ecosystem, better services, and providing value to customers has kept users coming back for more. The company also benefited from operating leverage since its fixed cost grows much slower than its top-line expansion.

It is also worth pointing out that Pinduoduo maintained a solid (and growing) cash hoard despite its neck-breaking growth rates. By the end of its 2024 second quarter, it had $39.2 billion in cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments, with minimal debt.

In other words, Pinduoduo demonstrated a rare combination of growth, profitability, and a solid balance sheet.

However, management's tone about prospects has been pessimistic

Most companies prefer highlighting their strengths and bright spots while avoiding or hiding their shortfalls. But that's not the case with Pinduoduo. The tech giant has, on many occasions in the past, warned investors its quarterly profits would fluctuate and should not extrapolate its recent earnings into the future.

In the latest quarter, the company went even further in highlighting the risks that it could face in the future. Lei Chen, chairman and co-chief executive officer of Pinduoduo, focused almost exclusively on the challenges in the company's latest earnings remark: "While encouraged by the solid progress we made in the past few quarters, we see many challenges ahead." That's his opening remarks in the earnings release, despite delivering a 144% growth in net profit.

Story continues

In the earnings call, Chen discussed growing competition, planned massive investments to develop its ecosystem, and the inevitable decline in profitability in the future. In layperson's terms, growth will be more difficult to achieve, and profitability will fall in the future for its business in China. Similarly, Chen said Temu faces an increasingly competitive environment and other non-commercial challenges, further dampening investors' hope that Temu could help sustain Pinduoduo's hypergrowth rates.

In addition, management outright rejected returning capital to investors in the form of dividends and share buybacks in the next few years. That was probably the straw that broke the camel's back, prompting many investors to exit the stock.

What it means for investors

Pinduoduo's remarkable growth over the years has made it a giant that rivals its largest peer, Alibaba. The downside is that size will naturally impede future growth. After all, no company can sustainably grow at 86% forever.

The silver lining is Pinduoduo recognized this and is doing what it can to keep its growth machine spinning. This includes investing in the development of its ecosystem, supporting quality merchants, and improving trust and safety.

These investments, while costly, will likely lead to a more sustainable development over the longer term.

Should you invest $1,000 in PDD Holdings right now?

Before you buy stock in PDD Holdings, 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 PDD Holdings 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 $656,938!*

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 September 3, 2024

Lawrence Nga has positions in Alibaba Group and PDD Holdings. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends JD.com. The Motley Fool recommends Alibaba Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

What's Going on With Pinduoduo's Stock? was originally published by The Motley Fool
Israel on October 7 marked the somber anniversary of the Hamas attack on the Jewish state that killed more than 1,200 people and took some 250 hostages as the Israeli military continued its massive air strikes on Beirut and its incursion in southern Lebanon that aims to destroy the Iran-allied Hezbollah militant group.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog led a national moment of silence at 6:29 a.m., the time the attack started, at Kibbutz Reim, the site of the Nova music festival where hundreds of mostly young revelers were killed by gunmen from Hamas, which has been designated a terrorist organization by both the United States and the European Union.

In Washington, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris 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.

The Israeli military said that during the ceremony led by Herzog, four projectiles were launched from Gaza toward the same Israeli communities targeted at the start of last year's attack. The military said the ceremony was not disrupted.

In Jerusalem, relatives of the some 100 hostages still in Hamas captivity, many of whom are believed dead, gathered outside the residence of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, 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.



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.



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.



The conflict in Gaza is still raging while Israel is now fighting on a second front in southern Lebanon against Hezbollah.



Early on October 7, Hezbollah, designated a terrorist organization by the United States, fired rockets into the north Israeli cities of Haifa and Tiberias, causing damage and some minor injuries, Israeli police said.



The European Union has blacklisted Hezbollah's armed wing but not its political unit, which holds seats in the Lebanese parliament.

Amid the military activity at the individual level, the private lives of civilians throughout the region have been disrupted.

In the ancient city of Beersheba in southern Israel, Irena Stein, who left Albania in 1991 to resettle in the country, told RFE/RL's Kosovo Service that life in recent times had been filled with "sadness and pain."

"We had several months of rockets. Then, the number of rockets decreased, and we continued with daily life, like someone who goes on with their life after the seven days of mourning with a great pain in the heart," said Stein, who is in her late 60s.

"There's this feeling like something might happen, that we should be cautious. But I believe you can't live with fear, so we've continued our lives, always praying to God that nothing happens to us."

She said that in Beersheba -- where human activity can be traced to the fourth millennium BC -- things have been calm since rockets were last heard on September 29. But she lamented that throughout Israel, "We suffer from this situation, and the Palestinian people suffer from it, too."

"The Lebanese people also suffer...everyone suffers. But as they say, peace must be decided at the highest level."

Meanwhile, in a Lebanese mountain village southeast of Beirut, local resident Hadi Zahwe told reporters an Israeli strike on October 6 was "terrifying."

"There were children killed, there were children's body parts. This enemy is targeting civilian women and children," he said.

Netanyahu has insisted that Israeli forces are targeting terrorist strongholds and that civilian fatalities have been extremely low in the recent military actions.

Israel in recent weeks has been bombing Beirut's southern suburbs and has staged a ground incursion into south Lebanon in its drive to wipe out Hezbollah's capabilities and leadership.



The Israeli campaign on Hezbollah prompted the group's patron, Iran, to respond by attacking the Jewish state 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 a larger regional conflict.



Israeli Defense Minister Yoav 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.



"The Iranians did not touch the air force's capabilities. No aircraft were damaged, no squadron was taken out of order," Gallant said in reference to the Iranian missile strike, which caused few injuries and slight damage to two air force bases.

"Whoever thinks that a mere attempt to harm us will deter us from taking action should take a look at [Israels operations] in Gaza and Beirut."



Israel earlier said it conducted a series of "targeted strikes" on "weapons storage facilities" and infrastructure sites that belong to Iran-backed Hezbollah.



Lebanon's official National News Agency said Hezbollah's stronghold in the area was hit by more than 30 strikes. A petrol station and a medical supplies warehouse were hit by the air raids.



Video footage showed huge flames and plumes of smoke billowing into the night sky as residents fled their homes in panic with explosions echoing in the background.



Many observers said the attacks were the strongest yet of Israel's recent air strikes.

Beiruts Skyline Lit Up Amid New Israeli Airstrikes No media source currently available 0:00 0:00:59 0:00

Israel has bombed Beirut's suburbs for days, killing Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and possibly his potential successor, Hashem Safieddine.



Security sources have said Safieddine had been out of contact since October 4 after an Israeli air strike near Beirut's international airport that was reported to have targeted him. Hezbollah has not commented on Safieddine.



Israel says Nasrallah was killed in a strike on the group's central command headquarters in Beirut on September 27.



Two senior Iranian security officials told Reuters on October 6 that Ismail Qaani, commander of the Quds Force -- the overseas arm of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) -- also had not been heard from in recent days since traveling to Lebanon.

Statements on October 6 out of the United States -- Tel Aviv's most important ally -- indicated some frustrations with the scope of Israel's military action.



"Military pressure can at times enable diplomacy. Of course, military pressure can also lead to miscalculation. It can lead to unintended consequences," a U.S. State Department spokesperson said in a statement.



The spokesperson said Washington supported Israeli actions in going after extremist elements but added that U.S. leaders but did not approve of the targeting of civilian infrastructure.



Israel says the attacks on Hezbollah are aimed at enabling the safe return of tens of thousands of citizens to homes in northern Israel, bombarded by the group since last October.

With reporting by RFE/RL's Kosovo Service and AP
There's a "strange" thing going on in the broader market today, with a small number of large stocks (particularly Nvidia) largely driving market returns. That's left the Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF (NYSEMKT: RSP) trailing the market cap weighted SPDR S&P 500 ETF (NYSEMKT: SPY). That's not an indictment of the Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF, however. It's an indication of just how important equal weighting can be to a portfolio.

The Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF's unique difference

The S&P 500 index is constructed to be representative of the broader economy, with the roughly 500 stocks in the list selected by human beings based on fair criteria. The list is updated regularly to account for changes like spin-offs, bankruptcies, and the changing shape of the economy overall. The index does a solid job of tracking the stock market.

Image source: Getty Images.

One of the key factors of the S&P 500 is that it uses market cap weighting. This is pretty simple to understand, as the largest companies by market cap are given the largest weightings in the index. It's a logical choice since the biggest companies will generally have the biggest impact on the economy and the stock market.

However, there's an important drawback. The largest stocks are often the most popular ones. For some companies that's just a factor of their economic scale and industry dominance. But in most bull markets there are stocks that become hugely popular among investors, leading to market caps that stretch the boundaries of valuation. Nvidia is the poster child for this today, with the business news sites hyping up its earnings release as a market-moving event.

SPY Chart

Given the market cap weighting of the S&P 500, Nvidia is, indeed, hugely influential to the overall stock market's performance as tracked by the S&P 500. The Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF goes about the weighting issue in a vastly different way, assigning the same weighting to all stocks, and it changes the equation for investors.

The Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF is the better performer

It is hard to beat the S&P 500 index, noting that most actively managed mutual funds don't achieve the feat. And, over the past year, neither has the Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF. But if you go back to the ETF's inception, it has performed better than the S&P 500 index (as represented by the SPDR S&P 500 ETF in this case).

RSP Chart

The key is that every security has the same potential to impact the performance of the equal-weight ETF, for both the better and the worse. While there are clearly periods in which missing out on a small number of strongly performing large companies may lead to laggard performance, generally speaking, the benefit of allowing the advances of smaller stocks to be more impactful has clearly been a net benefit. And, conversely, limiting the impact of a few big losers (even if they were once big winners) softens the downside risk. Thus, drawdowns, even bear markets, often aren't as painful.

You can benefit from equal weighting by purchasing the Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF. But don't think that's the only thing you can do, because you can use a modified equal weighting approach in your stock portfolio. It is as simple as figuring out how many stocks you want to own and dividing that number into your investable assets. What comes out of that math is your "position size." Invest that amount of money into each stock you buy and all of your positions will be equally weighted upon purchase.

You can leave it at that, allowing winners to run and culling losers (and reinvesting in other stocks) or you can rebalance at some regular interval. Rebalancing is a bit more complicated as an approach, will take more time, and may involve more transaction fees. But it isn't all that hard to do if you rebalance once or twice a year.

Your portfolio will never be like the Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF

To be completely fair, you shouldn't compare your unique, hand-picked portfolio to the Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF. Your goals and the ETF's goals are likely to be very different. But that doesn't mean you can't copy the most important aspect of the ETF's approach, which is the equal weighting bit. And given the benefit it has had for the Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF over the longer term, it seems like an attractive, tested method to help improve your performance, too.

Should you invest $1,000 in Invesco Exchange-Traded Fund Trust - Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF right now?

Before you buy stock in Invesco Exchange-Traded Fund Trust - Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF, 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 Invesco Exchange-Traded Fund Trust - Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF 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 $656,938!*

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 September 3, 2024

Reuben Gregg Brewer has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Nvidia. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

What's So Special About the Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF? was originally published by The Motley Fool
Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoev amended the country's constitution last year to pave the way for him to potentially stay in power for another 14 years.

Critics say the authoritarian Mirziyoev may be planning to keep the presidency in the family for decades, grooming his 39-year-old daughter, Saida Mirziyoeva, as a possible successor.



Mirziyoeva, the eldest of three children, joined the government in April 2019 as the deputy head of the Agency for Information and Mass Communications, a position that also automatically made her a deputy presidential adviser.



Despite no prior experience in politics, Mirziyoeva rapidly rose through the ranks: In 2023, she was appointed the first assistant to the president, the second-highest position in the presidential administration after the head of state.



"It's been a meteoric career rise for Mirziyoeva," says independent Uzbek journalist Jahongir Muhammad. A literally unknown person got the second-highest post in Uzbekistan out of the blue."



Mirziyoeva has become one of the most visible politicians in Uzbekistan, frequently attending official meetings, greeting foreign dignitaries, touring the country's regions, and making diplomatic visits abroad.



In a foreign trip last month, Mirziyoyeva visited neighboring Kazakhstan where she held an official meeting with President Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev -- ahead of the arrival of her father.

Experts say Mirziyoeva's rising profile not only means the Uzbek president is increasingly relying on his family to run the country but also signals he is preparing his offspring for the top job.



Keeping the presidency in the family could provide a security guarantee for members of Mirziyoev's clan, many of whom have amassed vast fortunes since he took office in 2016. In the absence of democracy in Uzbekistan, the president's power is unchecked.



Uzbek political experts say Mirziyoev is likely to follow the example of the first family in neighboring Turkmenistan, where strongman leader Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov handed over the presidency to his son, Serdar, in a managed election in 2022.



Prior to taking office, Serdar Berdymukhammedov held several high-ranking government positions.

"Uzbekistan is a dictatorship where the government is being run by the first family, who control everything," said Alisher Taksanov, a former Uzbek diplomat.

"Almost all of Mirziyoev's relatives are in power -- either in ministries or other state agencies. The family also control the security services and businesses," the Switzerland-based Taksanov added.



Mirziyoev -- who styled himself as a reformer -- has opened up the isolated Central Asian country, improved ties with its neighbors, released many political prisoners, and ended the notorious child labor in the cotton industry.



However, he did not deliver true democratic reforms. There is no official political opposition or independent media in Uzbekistan, which with 37 million people is the most populous in Central Asia. The government also brutally crushes free speech and dissent.

Taksanov predicts that under Uzbekistan's current conditions a transfer of political power from father to daughter could take place without any real opposition or public outcry.

"Mirzioyev will announce: 'I have prepared a successor for you,' and the people will accept everything and vote for it as usual," the former diplomat said.



Nadezhda Ataeva, head of the Paris-based Association of Human Rights In Central Asia, said Mirzioyeva's government work is a rehearsal for her taking the reigns of the presidency.



"Recent videos indicate that Mirziyoeva is quite comfortable in the public arena. Her service in official positions increasingly resembles an internship before a career leap," Ataeva said. "Mirziyoeva commands much more power than was afforded her predecessors or any other official in the presidential administration."



'Another Contender'



But not everyone believes Mirziyoeva's path to succeed her father would be as smooth as predicted.



According to Alisher Ilhomov, head of the London-based research center Central Asia Due Diligence, there is another powerful contender for the presidency within the first family: Otabek Umarov, the president's trusted personal bodyguard who also happens to be married to his younger daughter, Shahnoza.



The deputy head of the president's State Security Service, Umarov "has his own levers of influence, is close to the president, and accompanies him on trips and events," Ilhomov said.



RFE/RL investigations indicate Umarov, 40, has accumulated enormous wealth through his family ties and is also widely seen as a behind-the-scenes power broker among the country's political and economic elites.



Ilhomov said Umarov "acts more as a personal bodyguard than as an official who manages the entire presidential Security Service[and holds] a very influential position" [with great access to the president]."
A Teagasc National Future Beef farm walk will be held on a County Roscommon farm on Wednesday, September 11th at 6 p.m.. (F45 W599)

Shane and Grainne Keaveney from Ballinlough, along with their three children, operate a suckling to finishing system with bulls finished under 16 months and heifers that are not kept as replacements sold as stores. This was not always the case, as Shane previously operated a suckling to weanling system. Over the past number of years I have increased my cow numbers from 5 to 37 cows calving last spring, said Shane. He joined the Future Beef programme back in 2021 and has made many changes to his system since.

He farms 35Ha split into four main blocks. Eight Ha are rented with just 4.93Ha around the farmyard. The largest block is 18.13Ha where silage is taken and the cows, calves and bull are grazed over the grazing season.

Most of the soil on the farm is heavy in nature. There is a mixture of clay and peat soil. All the slurry on the farm is spread with a low emission system. The cows run with a bull and this changed to a Charolais bull three years ago. The cow type is mainly LM/SA crosses.

Catherine Egan, Teagasc Beef Specialist, Athenry.

The outer block is simply divided into two acre paddocks. Shane is measuring grass and is set up on PastureBase. He is a member of the local beef grass group and this has helped him a lot with making decisions on paddocks, fertiliser, reseeding etc.

Future Beef advisor Gabriel Trayers said: I have been working with Shane for the last number of years. He has made huge improvements in the breeding performance on the farm and is hitting all the key performance indicators. Shane has targeted to reduce the age of slaughter by pushing the bull weanlings earlier and by feeding a high quality red clover silage over the winter. In addition, he has adopted simple actions to reduce harmful emissions by switching to protected urea, applying slurry using LESS and reducing the chemical fertiliser overall.

The Keaveneys are also involved with Social Farming Ireland. Social farming provides people who use services with the opportunity for inclusion, to increase self-esteem and to improve health and well-being by taking part in day to day farm activities on the farm.

Producing heavy, quality weanlings is a key part to the Keaveneys farming system. This will be discussed in detail at the walk along with the farms physical and financial performance.

In 2023 the Keaveneys started growing red clover silage. Initially 4.5 acres was sown and that has now grown to six acres. The 2023 crop was cut twice and the new field (1.5 acres) was cut once so far in 2024 yielding a total of 60 bales. The total six acres will be harvested again in the coming days weather permitting.

The establishment and management of red clover will be discussed at the walk and how Shane has used it to increase weanling weight gains over the winter period.

The farm is located in the Island River catchment, which is also within a Priority Area for Action (PAA) and eligible for European Innovation Partnership (EIP) funding.

On Wednesday Kieran Kenny Teagasc ASSAP advisor will highlight the water quality measures implemented on this farm.

John Kelly from Waters of Life project will also outline the significant plan for the catchment in supporting additional measures and the opportunities for local farmers.

The Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advisory Programme or ASSAP is a free and confidential advisory service for farmers. The aim of the programme is to support farmers to implement actions that help improve water quality in their local catchment. It is targeted in PAAs where there is a risk to the waterbody status. The programme is made up of scientists that assess the streams and advisors who work closely with farmers.

The work that farmers undertake is funded by The Farming for Water EIP. This EIP has secured 50 million in funding to some 15,000 farmers up to the end of 2027. The payments finance a range of measures on farms to help improve water quality by reducing the losses of nutrients, sediment and pesticides. There are over 40 measures to choose from which typically include stream fencing, alternative water supply, nose pumps, solar pumps, riparian buffer zones, hedge and tree planting, earthen bunds etc. Farmers are contacted by their ASSAP advisor and a visit arranged to identify the issues on their farm. Following a discussion on possible mitigation actions, the farm plan is agreed and an application is submitted for funding the appropriate measures.

The Beef Market Outlook will be disused by Brendan Egan, Castlerea Livestock Mart Manager and Anthony O'Dowd from Dawn Meats. There will be a number of industry stakeholder available to meet and discuss any queries you may have and refreshments will be served.

Local Teagasc advisor Charlie Devaney said: It has been a very difficult year on farmers across the country. Managing grass and breeding on farms has been very challenging. The focus of the event will be 'Opportunities in Suckler Farming' by increasing sustainability through improving breeding, soil fertility, water quality and incorporating red clover. This walk will offer an opportunity for farmers to see how Shane is implementing these on this farm.Further information available at www.teagasc.ie
Canada News: Parole Granted to Convicted 'Rapist,' Sparking Concern Among Victims' Families

In 1994, he was declared a dangerous offender and sentenced to indefinite imprisonment.

In a shocking development, the Canadian government has granted parole to 68-year-old Gary Jagur Singh, a man convicted of raping 11 women between January 1988 and August 1991. Singh, infamously known as the 'Marpole Rapist,' had terrorized women in the Marpole township of Vancouver, British Columbia.

In 1994, he was declared a dangerous offender and sentenced to indefinite imprisonment.

Advertisement

Singh's parole has raised alarm among the victims' families and the local community, who fear for their safety. Singh was convicted of 11 counts of armed rape, 8 counts of willful vandalism, and 3 counts of robbery. His attacks primarily targeted women in their homes, often threatening them at knifepoint while they slept.

The parole board has imposed strict conditions on Singh's release, including a prohibition on alcohol and any contact with his victims or their families. However, some community members and victims' advocates have criticized the lack of transparency in the parole process.

Conservative MLA Eleanor Sterko expressed concern, stating that parole should have been more carefully evaluated in cases of this nature.

Advertisement

The decision to release Singh has reignited debates over parole policies and the safety of victims in Canada.
Wisconsin rental trashed by guests who let 640 gallons of water flood the unit  causing $200K in damages

Ashley Deutsch, a masters student and mother of four, wanted to follow in her late father's footsteps as a small business owner.

She and her husband purchased a property in Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin, renting out the top floor as a vacation home and the bottom floor as a business space  that is, until two Vrbo renters left the water running and flooded the entire building.

Don't miss

Commercial real estate has beaten the stock market for 25 years  but only the super rich could buy in. Here's how even ordinary investors can become the landlord of Walmart, Whole Foods or Kroger

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

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

"Its awful to see this. It is not okay. This is terrible, Deutsch told TMJ 4 News, wiping away tears. The property damage totals more than $200,000.

Around 4:00 a.m. one day in early August, Deutsch said she and her husband were woken up by constant notifications from the vacation rental's doorbell camera. The two male renters from Chicago seemed intoxicated, and were stumbling around and slurring their words.

The men then left the water running in a clogged sink, spilling 640 gallons of water all over the upstairs vacation rental and into the business space below.

Zero accountability

According to Deutsch, later camera footage shows the men throwing soaked towels, bedding, and rugs down the stairs while they discussed how to cover up the damage.

One man suggested that they blame the dishwasher. But Deutsch said she confirmed with both an insurance adjuster and a plumber that the damage was not from any major appliances.

It's so frustrating to hear them come up with lies to excuse their behavior, as he's wringing out a towel with his feet," Deutsch told reporters.

The damage was so bad, in fact, that the floors had to be stripped down to their foundational wood  and the kitchen cabinets were so swollen shut they had to be opened with a crowbar.

The tattoo shop below, which had moved into the business space just months prior, was also damaged when water seeped through the ceiling and walls.

Jamie Prinsen, the owner of Peachy Keen Tattoo Studio, has been forced to reschedule all her appointments and stop taking new ones indefinitely.

"Hundreds of hours of work into making this studio what it was and just seeing all of that just kind of ripped away, Prinsen said.

Story continues

Deutsch and her husband are taking legal action, but the process takes time. To cover the costs of the repairs, they are selling many of their belongings. Despite the challenges, both the Deutsches and Prinsen plan to come back stronger than ever.

We are going to move forward and rebuild because we are just that type of people, Deutsch told TMJ 4. We are not going to let two people and one bad rental stop us from continuing our business in the future.

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)

How to protect your vacation rental

Although it's not clear what specific legal action the Deutsch family are taking, there is a good chance many of their damages will be covered.

Vrbo, an online marketplace for vacation rentals, provides hosts with $1 million in liability protection, which covers things like guest injuries and property damages.

The website offers an example scenario of a guest flooding the property via the bathtub. Vrbo used it as an example of the types of damages they cover. The policy covers up to $1 million per property, per year.

Vacation rental owners should also make sure they have adequate coverage from their own insurance policies. Traditional homeowners insurance policies may not cover damages caused by rental guests, so make sure your insurance company knows how you plan to use the property.

It's also a good idea to make sure you can afford the deductible in case something goes wrong.

In recent years, some Americans have debated going bare on home insurance in order to avoid soaring costs. However, those who own rental properties may want to avoid this consideration altogether.

Water sensors offer another layer of protection. Similar to a smoke alarm, these sensors send out an alert when they detect moisture.

The simplest versions set off a loud alarm when they detect water and ring in at around $50 each.

Smart versions, which can be paired with an app, send notifications directly to your phone. More expensive leak detectors even come with an automatic shut-off valve that cuts the water supply when a leak is detected.

For some rental property owners, the cost may be worth the peace of mind.

What to read next

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
The Week in Review

Click here for the headline-grabbing events in the past week

Eveniment top

Bogdan Matei, 07.09.2024, 14:00

Amnesty for debtors

The government of Romania Wednesday passed a draft emergency order introducing a tax amnesty for companies and individuals. The document provides for bonuses for those who pay their taxes on time, and for those who agree to pay their back taxes. At the end of August, legal entities and private taxpayers had a total of over EUR 14 billion in debts to the state budget. The government invites taxpayers to cover these amounts by November 25, in exchange for having their interests and penalties written off. On the other hand, the government offers a 3% deduction for the taxpayers who do not fall behind on their taxes. The bill, drafted by the finance ministry, also comprises austerity measures for the public sector, which involve ceilings on the procurement of goods and services.

Donation for Ukraine

The president of Romania, Klaus Iohannis, Thursday signed into law the bill on the donation of a Patriot surface-to-air missile system purchased from the USA to third countries. The legislation, previously endorsed in Parliament, approves a donation agreed on with the American partner to Russia-invaded Ukraine. Also, under the law, the government of Romania is authorised to take the required measures to rebuild the ground-based air defence capability by assigning contracts to the US government for the procurement of another Patriot system.

Support for Israel

Romania firmly condemns the terror attacks against Israel and calls on all the parties involved to help restore security and to contribute to a ceasefire agreement. This was the message conveyed on Thursday in Jerusalem by the PM Marcel Ciolacu, at a meeting with his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu. According to Radio Romanias correspondent, Ciolacu voiced concern with respect to the security situation and the risk of conflict escalation. Accompanied by the ministers of defence, foreign affairs and economy, the PM was on an official working visit to Israel, whose agenda also included a meeting with the president of Israel, Isaac Herzog. This is the second visit by the Romanian PM to Israel in less than a year, after the one on October 17, 2023, ten days after Israel had been attacked by the Hamas Islamist group.

European Commissioner Post for Romania

The Social Democratic MEP Roxana Minzatu is Romanias official proposal for the post of European Commissioner. The announcement was made on Monday by Prime Minister Ciolacu, who said that he would discuss with the head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, about the portfolio that Romania will manage. The makeup of the future European Executive is to be announced on September 11. Also in Brussels, the Romanian MEP Siegfried Muresan (from the European Peoples Party Group) was designated by the political groups of the European Parliament as chief negotiator of the future multiannual budget of the European Union post-2027. Covering a period of over 7 years, it has a total value of approximately 1,300 billion Euros, being the pool from which the member states receive the largest part of the non-reimbursable European funds for investments and for agricultural subsidies. The Parliament is to set its priorities regarding the EUs multiannual budget. They will be forwarded to the European Commission to be included in the draft budget. From the current multi-annual financial year, 2021  2027, Romania benefits from around 46 billion Euros, to which the amounts from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan are also added.

Jam on the road to presidency

The Romanian Mircea Geoana resigned on Tuesday from the position of NATO Deputy Secretary General. It is the end of a five-year mandate, marked by the war in Ukraine and the withdrawal of allied troops from Afghanistan. Geoana said, in an interview for Radio Romania, that he would continue to use his influence to promote Romanians in international forums, including NATO, and that he felt the need to return to domestic politics. The press had been anticipating this announcement for more than two years already, and considered Geoanas candidacy, as an independent, very likely in the presidential election due at the end of the year. A former ambassador to the United States, a former foreign minister and former Social Democratic leader, Geoana also ran for presidency in 2009, when he lost to Traian Basescu. Other candidates to Romanias presidency are all the leaders of the parliamentary parties: Marcel Ciolacu (Social Democratic Party  PSD), Nicolae Ciuca (National Liberal Party  PNL), Elena Lasconi (Save Romania Union  USR), George Simion (The Alliance for the Union for Romanians  AUR) or Kelemen Hunor (The Democratic Union of Ethnic Hungarians in Romania  UDMR). (AMP, LS)
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  After outraged families across New York City, including Staten Island, learned their children who attend non-public schools wouldnt receive special education services for the 2024-2025 school year, city education officials stated they are working to provide supports for those students.

Several Staten Island parents who send their kid to private or Catholic school said they were informed by the city Department of Education (DOE) that their child would be ineligible for special education supports for the 2024-2025 school year, because a written request was not submitted by a June 1 deadline.

The first day of public school was Thursday, Sept. 5.

June 1 deadline

State law requires parents to send a letter of intent by June 1 for special education services for kids in non-public schools, like Catholic, private, or home-school settings  known as the Individualized Education Services Program (IESP). It ensures students have supports such as occupational, speech, or physical therapies, medical accommodations, and other academic accommodations, like more time on exams.

Its a deadline that many Staten Island parents said the city had not enforced until this year. Some also stated they were not notified of a deadline by the city or otherwise.

Kelly, a parent of a Staten Island fifth-grader who attends a Catholic school, said her child had an annual evaluation of services in April, and she wasnt notified of the deadline at that time. She added she also wasnt told of the deadline even after communicating with the District 31 Committee for Special Education (CSE) about additional services her child would receive for the upcoming school year.

They never said a word to me, she stated.

She posted on social media to urge other parents to confirm their child would receive services in September. About four or five families reached out to her since then with the same issues.

Never notified

They were never notified, said Kelly, who asked that her last name not be used in this report. They had to reach out to CSE to find out. So what happens when providers dont show up this week and next week? I guess thats when parents are going to start realizing, because they failed to notify parents that theyre not getting services.

The DOE confirmed to the Advance/SILive.com that it is tracking inquiries received from families who did not submit a request by the June 1 deadline. The agency said it will work to provide supports  once all families who submitted by the deadline are served first.

Over the past decade weve seen an exponential increase in filing for special education services by families attending private or parochial schools, and not seeking a public school education, said Nathaniel Styer, spokesperson for the DOE. The June 1st deadline exists in state laws and regulations and is a longstanding requirement, and one of many controls NYCPS [New York City Public Schools] must follow to help ensure public money is supporting students who genuinely require services. We are required by law to first arrange services for families that submit requests by the deadline, but we will always engage families, including those who didnt meet the deadline, and seek to serve them as soon and as best as we can.

Many parents who spoke with the Advance/SILive.com explained they did not know that services wouldnt be provided for this school year until they reached out to the CSE directly.

A generic statement was issued via email to borough parents last month about the denied services.

New York state law

New York state law provides that parents must request equitable (IESP) special education services in writing to the school district where their childs private school is located by June 1st preceding the school year for which the request for services is made. Your request was submitted after the June 1, 2024, deadline. Therefore, NYCPS will not provide equitable (IESP) special education services to your child during the 2024-2025 school year, stated the email, acquired by the Advance/SILive.com.

Eileen, a parent of a high school junior at a private school on Staten Island, stated that her child has been receiving an IESP since pre-K, and this is the first year the deadline was enforced. She said she is concerned that the lack of services  such as accommodations like extra time to take college entrance exams like SATs or ACTs  will negatively impact high school students.

I dont know if they had budget cuts and they needed to cut, or tried to find a loophole. Thats what it sounds like to us, she said, requesting that her last name not be used in this report.

The statement from the CSE to parents also offered the option to instead place their children in a public school to receive special education supports. Its something that displeased families, many claiming the statement to be discriminatory against parents who choose to send their child to a non-public school.

I was told, verbatim, if I want my services back  to take my kids out of their Catholic school and put them in public school, and then I can have them back, said Alexis Petruzzelli, a parent of an eighth-grader at a Catholic school on Staten Island. To me, that was discriminatory.

Opting to pay, for now

Some parents are opting to pay for some services for their children while they fight for processed requests. Kelly said she will be paying for only some services for now  as paying for all the services her child needs would cost upward of $400 a week.

Petruzzelli also expressed concern for the providers who will be out of contracted jobs to provide these important special education services. Many of them, she explained, are paid per session. She said shes worried that providers will leave to find other jobs  and wont be available if services are returned.

Many of these people did not get paid over the summer, and are now coming back to a job that either has no children to serve or [going to other schools.] Youre putting out the kids and service providers, Petruzzelli explained.
A recent incident at a museum in Israel is a reminder as to why protective barriers exist.

The Hecht museum in Haifa, Israel, is home to historic artifacts dating back thousands of years. In offering more than just a glimpse, the museum reportedly shuns barriers and offers guests an opportunity to get close to the wondrous items from throughout time.

However, on a recent visit to the museum, Ariel Geller, 4, shattered a Bronze Age jar dating back at least 3,500 years, according to the Associated Press.

The boys curiosity got the best of him, and in attempting to take a look inside, he tipped the jar over, as mentioned in a report by The Guardian.

Ariel Heller, 4, helps to glue a broken clay jar during a special tour with his family after he accidentally broke an ancient jar at the Reuben and Edith Hecht Museum in Haifa, Israel, Friday, Aug. 30, 2024. The boy has since been forgiven and invited back, as curators hope to turn the disaster into a teachable moment. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)(AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

The 4-year-old reportedly began to cry and as the parents pieced together a course of action, they calmed the boy and confessed to knocking the jar over.

Rather than confront the family with a punishment, the Guardian says the family were invited back to the museum for a tour.

The museum is working with a conservation specialist to repair the jar, as noted in the report.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Staten Islands three Community Boards will each hold public meetings this week to discuss various issues, including coastal flooding protection on the North Shore, property modifications on Todt Hill and Emerson Hill and new Department of Sanitation (DSNY) curbside requirements.

Community Board 1

There will be a full board meeting of Community Board 1 Tuesday, Sept. 10, at 6:30 p.m. in St. Marys Episcopal Church, 347 Davis Ave., West Brighton.

At the meeting, Yvonne Scorcia, of the Bureau of Coastal Resilience at the NYC Department of Environmental Protection, will discuss the work being done to address the issues of coastal storm surge, sea level rise and tidal flooding as well as maintenance and operation of coastal flood protection assets.

She will discuss various coastal protection projects that are at different stages of planning and construction, and what it means for the community, and how communities can be better prepared for storms.

Also, Joseph Ottomanelli, of the Department of Sanitation, will discuss the citys new containerization requirement and curbside compositing requirement, along with increased fine amounts for repeat offenders.

Community Board 2

Community Board 2 will hold a Land Use Public Hearing on Tuesday, Sept. 10, at 7 p.m. at 900 South Ave., Bloomfield.

On the agenda is a City Planning application for modification of land at 758 Todt Hill Rd., on Todt Hill, to accommodate the construction of two homes and the enlargement of an existing home. The modification will affect tree preservation and the botanic environment within a Special Natural Area District.

Also on the agenda is an application to modify topographical features in order to construct two three-story homes at 18 Emerson Ave., on Emerson Hill within a Special Natural Area District.

Community Board 3

There will be a virtual meeting of the Parks and Recreation and Environmental Committees at 7 p.m. on Sept. 10.

At the meeting, a Department of Transportation representative will be speaking about the new containerization and curbside compositing requirements, along with increased fine amounts for repeat offenders.

There will also be a virtual public hearing of the Community Alliance Committee on Thursday, Sept. 12, at 7 p.m., at which New York State Liquor Authority applications for new and temporary retail permits will be discussed.

The following businesses are applying:

Roppongi Robata Sushi, 690 Arthur Kill Rd., Great Kills

Rockys Pizza Bar, 7339 Amboy Rd., Tottenville

Oishi Sushi Inc., 307 Nelson Ave., Great Kills

Villa Monte, 7001 Amboy Rd., Tottenville

Yaho Sushi Inc., 51 Page Ave., Richmond Valley

Also on the agenda is an application with the New York State Office of Cannabis Management for an adult-use retail cannabis dispensary at 960 Bloomingdale Rd., Rossville.

Those interested may register for the meetings at the Community Board 3 website at www.nyc.gov/sicb. Registration is required by 9 a.m. on the day of the meeting.

Open to the public

All Community Board meetings and meetings of their committees are open to the public. They provide an excellent opportunity for residents to learn about happenings in their neighborhood and surrounding areas.

Below is more information about the Islands three Community Boards:

COMMUNITY BOARD 1

Arlington  Castleton Corners  Clifton  Concord  Elm Park  Fort Wadsworth  Graniteville  Grymes Hill  Livingston  Mariners Harbor  New Brighton  Port Richmond  Randall Manor  Rosebank  St. George  Shore Acres  Silver Lake  Stapleton  Sunnyside  Tompkinsville  West Brighton  Westerleigh.

The board chairman is Nicholas Siclari. The district manager is Joan Cusack. The telephone number is 718-981-6900.

COMMUNITY BOARD 2

Arrochar  Bloomfield  Bulls Head  Chelsea  Dongan Hills  Egbertville  Emerson Hill  Grant City  Grasmere  High Rock  Lighthouse Hill  Midland Beach  New Dorp  New Springville  Oakwood  Ocean Breeze  Old Town  Richmond  South Beach  Todt Hill  Travis.

The phone number is 718-568-3581. The fax number is 718-568-3595. The chairman is Fred Guinta. The district manager is Debra A. Derrico.

COMMUNITY BOARD 3

Annadale  Arden Heights  Bay Terrace  Charleston  Eltingville  Great Kills  Greenridge  Huguenot  New Dorp  Oakwood  Pleasant Plains  Princes Bay  Richmond Valley  Richmond  Rossville  Tottenville  Woodrow.

The office phone number is 718-356-7900. The board chairman is Frank Morano; the district manager is Charlene Wagner.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  The 2024-2025 school year began on Thursday, and New York City students in Catholic schools can already look forward to several days off ahead of Christmas break.

The calendar gives plenty of time off for federal and religious holidays. Its important to know that this is a generic, systemwide calendar. Check your schools calendar for all school-specific dates for the coming year.

New York City Catholic school students will have four days off before winter recess begins.

Here are the key dates that students wont need to go to class.

Oct. 14  Schools closed for Columbus Day

Nov. 11  Schools closed for Veterans Day

Nov. 28-29  Schools closed for Thanksgiving break

Christmas vacation begins on Monday, Dec. 23. This means the last day of classes before the Christmas break is Friday, Dec. 20.

The earliest day to end classes for Catholic elementary schools  based on four snow days and all holidays listed in the calendar  is Friday, June 13.
It was 2am when Kate MacLennan, who had just given birth to twins, was woken by a hospital worker distributing medicines. Heres some Panadol, the woman said.

MacLennan found it was near impossible for her to get any rest. With her partner at home caring for their toddler, she was often managing two newborn daughters alone. Breastfeeding. Pumping milk. Changing nappies.

Kate MacLennan managed only a few hours of sleep in hospital after giving birth to twin girls, Valmai and Jean.

Then there were the constant interruptions. One day, a nurse arrived to perform a routine newborn test  at 6am. It could have been done any time that day. On another occasion, a nurse woke her at midnight by loudly announcing her shift had begun.

She just came right in, didnt knock  That was the first time Id been able to lie down to sleep, MacLennan said.
Cavalcades of heavily laden 4WD adventurers roar along our remote country lane on Friday nights, seemingly oblivious to the surrounding bush and the animals that dart out unexpectedly at night. High-riding and extensively equipped, these warriors weekends have just begun.

All is not as it seems, however, since their destination is a series of campsites easily reached by the smallest city runabout, via a cul-de-sac that goes nowhere else. Ive found firepits there stuffed full of glass beer bottles that, no doubt to these individuals great surprise, failed to burn. Perhaps its just a dry run for their next trip, to the Simmo (Simpson Desert) or beyond.

The modern four-wheel drive is in your face and built, it seems, for the end of days. Credit: Hummer

On darkened weekend highways, they can easily be mistaken for Christs second coming, heralding their arrival with an intense white aura just beyond the next crest. Unable to clearly perceive more humbly equipped drivers in time, they cause a second or two of blindness before they dip stadium-quality lights that are legally only allowed on 4WD tracks.

Motoring has always been tribal, but this is a wave unlike any before it. Never before has there been a greater variety of ruggedly styled off-road vehicles sold, nor a greater zeal by city-based motorists to equip their cars with a dizzying array of awnings, fridges, winches and snorkels. Bro bling ready for Armageddon, or perhaps the ultimate showdown at the traffic-light grand prix. After all, nothing says tough like a 4WD with an imposing bull-bar and hi-lift suspension.
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 Marcus Phillips is 12 months old and just beginning to explore the world around him. He picks at paint on windowsills. He smacks dust out of carpets. Outside, he flicks red desert dirt from side to side, scouring the backyard for unknown treasures. But what the toddler cant know is this dirt contains poison, dug up from one of the worlds largest lead deposits and blown off slag heaps onto the town below. It is brought inside by prevailing winds and dirty boots to hide in grooves of carpet. It settles on corrugated iron rooftops, ready to be collected by rain and pooled into drains and water tanks. It is painted into the walls of hundreds of Broken Hills old miners houses. Lead helped build this town, and now it is slowly poisoning its youngest inhabitants. Lead levels in the blood of Broken Hill children are on the rise again despite decades of remediation efforts, and Aboriginal children are most affected. They have double the amount of lead in their blood compared to non-Indigenous children  well over the threshold for intervention set by the nations medical research authority. We get pretty revved up about it, says Lavinia Henderson, who oversees child and family programs at Maari Ma Health Aboriginal Corporation. Lead is in every single bit of [the work we do], and its this extra work, extra stress, extra engagement, and we just dont get the support. Marcus, knees covered in red soil, is playing on the porch when The Sun-Herald arrives at his home in Broken Hill  13 hours west of Sydney  alongside Maari Mas lead monitoring team. They are here to measure lead levels in the soil, carpet and paint, using a high-powered radiation gun to find hotspots needing remediation.

Advertisement

Marcus mother, Makaydee Leayr, points to one area where he likes to play the most. The reading here comes back at more than 800 parts per million  almost three times the threshold for remediation work. In another patch, its six times higher. Loading Encouraged by her sister Tayla, who is part of the Maari Ma health team, Leayr brings Marcus into the clinic for a blood test. The results come back in minutes: he has just over 4 micrograms per decilitre (g/dL) of lead in his blood, within the target range of 5 g/dL set by the National Health and Medical Research Council, but still higher than normal for a child his age. Even at lower levels, lead can cause issues with a childs cognition and motor function. As levels increase, the bodys ability to use vitamin D and make red blood cells can decrease. In extreme cases, high lead levels can cause severe anaemia, kidney damage and seizures. In the latest lead monitoring figures, released by Far West Local Health District last month, the average blood level for children tested between 1 and 5-years-old was 4.4 g/dL, an increase on the two previous years when testing rates were lower due to COVID-19.

Advertisement

But for Aboriginal children, the average was 7.9 g/dL. Alarmingly, 1 in 10 Aboriginal children had blood lead levels above 20 g/dL. Thats the stark indicator  that were not really closing the gap, says Hugh Burke, a public health physician who has worked with Maari Ma on the lead issue since 1994. The Line of Lode A 10-storey pile of waste material divides North and South Broken Hill. Two companies  Perilya and CBH Resources  still mine the vein that gave BHP its name and riches in the 1800s. Lead isotopes originating from those mines have been found in blood samples from children and even sparrows. Very clearly, the Line of Lode [Broken Hills iron ore deposit] is still yielding elevated levels of lead dust, says Mark Taylor, a professor of environmental science and human health at Macquarie University. The Aboriginal children of this community are currently bearing the brunt of the impact. Cathy Dyer from Maari Ma Health Aboriginal Corporation Blood lead levels dropped dramatically in the decade following the introduction of Broken Hills lead monitoring program in the mid 90s. It was considered probably second only to the success of fluoridation in water as a public health project, says Cathy Dyer, who has also worked with Maari Ma on its lead response for decades.

Advertisement

But progress has plateaued. The average blood lead level for Aboriginal children tested between one and five years old has stayed above 7 g/dL in all but one of the last 10 years. Burke and Dyer say this is partly because a lack of social housing in Broken Hill is disproportionately forcing Aboriginal families into private rentals with lead paint and no landscaping, leaving children to play on bare soil rather than lawns covering the contamination. Loading The state government has committed more than $200 million towards a critical maintenance program for existing Aboriginal housing in NSW, but Burke says new housing was a major priority in Broken Hill. We can then move Aboriginal families out of those private rental shockers and put them into social housing that is hopefully good quality and lead safe, he says. NSW Housing Minister Rose Jackson said the states Aboriginal Housing Office had recently completed 10 new homes in Broken Hill, with three more on the way. But cleaning up houses would be ineffective without stopping new pollution coming from the mines, Taylor says. You can cap it and clean it  its a matter of cost and will. Broken Hill is a long-time mining town.

Advertisement
The Chinese characters painted on the rock at the old quarantine station at North Head 107 years ago are slowly fading from view.

I had no leisure time for hygiene, the writer despairs. To study the consequences is like looking at the horizon.

The inscription from Xie Ping Di at the old quarantine station at North Head. Credit: Wolter Peeters

The author of the 107-year-old historical graffiti, Xie Ping Di, was one of more than 850 immigrants to have left their mark at the station over its 156-year history.

About 13,000 passengers and crew from 580 infectious ships were quarantined at North Head from 1828.
Chief Justice Brian D. Boatright detailed on Friday the "tremendous amount of damage" that still exists at the Ralph L. Carr Colorado Judicial Center and disclosed he initially thought the Jan. 2 break-in was related to the Supreme Court's decision to remove Donald Trump from the state's primary ballot.
They get phones out to video, she said. He doesnt want to go to school. He wont be going back until I am satisfied that kid has been expelled. That is what I am pushing for. A total of 59,814 suspensions were issued to students last year, either for unacceptable risk to safety and health of others or for actual harm. The figures reported are similar to 2022. In a report detailing the sanctions, the NSW Education Department said data collection issues and behaviour policy changes meant the figures could not be compared to previous years. Just over 100 students were expelled for serious behaviours of concern or for unsatisfactory participation for pupils aged over 17. The numbers are down from about 300 expulsions in 2018. Of the suspensions given for unacceptable risk to health and safety, 17,478 were for aggressive behaviour; 13,646 for persistent misbehaviour; 3065 for physical violence; 2082 for verbal abuse; 1153 for misuse of technology and 663 for possessing a weapon, firearm or knife.

Controversial rules in the 2023 school year restricted principals from sending students home unless they had inflicted actual harm, while also capping the length of the suspensions. That policy was reversed in term one this year, with principals given the power to extend the length of suspensions and the ability to send students home for persistent bad behaviour. In another incident at Ambarvale High this week, a boy sprayed a girl in the face with an aerosol deodorant can, prompting her to enlist other girls to retaliate with more violence, a student said. She got all her friends to go and bash him  he tried to pick one girl up and drop her  About 700 kids were watching the fight in the amphitheatre, a student said.

One source close to the school, who asked not to be named so they could speak freely, said fights on the school grounds were frequent. Its been going on for some time. Teachers dont feel safe, they said. Loading A Department of Education spokesperson said the school had invited police to address students on Thursday. This type of behaviour is completely unacceptable. It is not tolerated by Ambarvale High School, or any NSW public school, and does not reflect the wider school community, the spokesperson said. The students involved have been disciplined by the school, and police are investigating.

NSW Teachers Federation deputy president Amber Flohm said: The profession expects a high standard of behaviour from every student, and the department has a legislated responsibility to ensure that teachers have a safe and healthy workplace. It is not just a question of disadvantage; behaviour from students is a complex societal problem across a lot of different school communities. NSW Secondary Principals Council president Denise Lofts said schools were doing the heavy lifting when it came to addressing disadvantage and the complex mental health needs of young people. There is more violence in the community. Where there is violence in the community, it comes into the school. Schools are the place which proactively deal with it and wraps around those young students and their families, she said. Public education needs the funding in which to support disadvantage, whether it is around addressing violence which arrives in the school.

She said no principal wanted to suspend a student, but said was necessary to ensure the classroom was conducive to learning. Suspensions do trigger support. Support would be around extra school counselling, their own personal learning plan, behaviour plan, risk management plan, behaviour plan and skills for teachers around deescalation. A Senate inquiry last year recommended children be explicitly taught how to conduct themselves in schools, and called for a national behaviour curriculum. The federal government this week released a series of step-by-step guides for teachers on how to manage classrooms. Results from a Monash University survey in 2022 reveal a quarter of teachers feel unsafe in their workplace, citing student behaviour, violence and parent abuse as reasons.

Australian teenagers are also more likely to feel unsafe and bullied at school than their international peers, while the latest OECD data reveals schools are in the grip of a wellbeing crisis for girls and children have high levels of anxiety attached to their digital devices. Students also have a lower sense of belonging than the OECD average. In 2022, Australian students reported higher levels of exposure to bullying than all comparison countries except Latvia. While the NSW Education Department reports on suspension data in public schools, there is no equivalent publicly available figures for private and Catholic schools. President of the Australian Primary Principals Association, Angela Falkenberg, said schools were managing students with poor self-regulation, and a rising number of children who require interventions.

Many schools are reporting more challenging behaviour and there are a whole lot of factors intersecting. Students who are facing disadvantage  and children growing up in houses were there is violence. We have challenges in our communities and these challenges are playing out in our schools, she said. The latest NSW data shows 7138 public primary students were suspended last year, and 26,766 high school students. More than 1000 kindergarten to year 2 students were suspended due to actual harm. Suspensions due to actual harm reveals a significant gender disparity across primary and secondary education levels, the report said. About 70 per cent of all suspensions were for boys. About 4.3 per cent of all students were suspended last year. For Aboriginal students that rate rose to 12.3 per cent. A Department of Education spokesperson said there was zero tolerance for violent or inappropriate behaviour.
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 When an underground fire broke out in Melbournes new Metro Tunnel on Wednesday night, it forced about 80 workers out of the construction site and up to a bustling Swanston Street. The small blaze was quickly contained, but its a tantalising metaphor for the Allan governments recent woes over its signature Big Build infrastructure mega-program. The next morning, there was another unexpected and unwanted spot fire. Victorian Deputy Premier Jacinta Allan during a tour of a mock Metro Tunnel station last year. Credit: Eddie Jim Former CFMEU Victoria boss John Setka made an unauthorised visit to the new State Library station  one stop north on the $14 billion Metro Tunnel  to thumb his nose at the state and federal government attempts to reform the powerful construction union following allegations of corruption and intimidation. The day before, he had popped up at the $1.5 billion Footscray Hospital construction site to deliver an expletive-laden rally address largely targeting the Albanese government and the ACTU. Premier Jacinta Allan said there was no place on Victorian Big Build worksites for the disgraced unionist, but the state opposition claimed it symbolised how the Labor government had lost control of its taxpayer-funded mega projects. The premier and her government had already weathered weeks of negative headlines about its management of the Metro Tunnel, after The Age revealed the new cross-city rail line faced costly delays and unresolved issues with electromagnetic interference at the Parkville medical precinct.

Advertisement

With the project already $3 billion over budget, the state government in June secretly offered the builders additional payments worth up to $888 million if they can open it to passengers by the end of 2025. Loading And although not yet made public, Department of Transport and Planning secretary Paul Younis  the top bureaucrat overseeing the Big Build for the past six years  told staff he would stand down at the end of the year. I will be staying on board to ensure a smooth transition to my replacement, once recruited, said Younis  who has not publicly revealed why hes leaving  in an email obtained by The Sunday Age. There is no suggestion Younis departure is related to trouble with the Big Build program. Since coming to power in 2014, Labor has launched an unprecedented transport infrastructure blitz, removing 84 level crossings with another 26 to go, embarking on the Metro Tunnel, and two massive toll roads: the $10 billion West Gate Tunnel and the now $26 billion North East Link. The biggest  and most contentious  is the Suburban Rail Loop East, which the state intends to start digging from Cheltenham to Box Hill in 2026 and says will cost $34.5 billion when it is finished in 2035.

Advertisement

The program of investment is reshaping Melbourne and has been central to Allan and her predecessor Daniel Andrews pitch to voters as leaders who get things done. But it has also saddled Victoria with the highest debt of any state, which will soon demand difficult spending decisions. In the corridors of parliament, and in the eyes of voters, Allan and her ministers well-worn hardhats are losing their shine. RedBridge pollster and former Labor strategist Kos Samaras said perceptions of the Big Build had shifted negatively amid the cost-of-living crisis. The Town Hall station, part of the Metro Tunnel, which is facing costly delays which threaten its 2025 opening date. Credit: Justin McManus Victorians, he said, were growing anxious about infrastructure investment crowding out spending on other essential services  particularly health, which was reaching political crisis levels. This came to a head recently when the government talked tough on hospital budgets and even flagged possible health service mergers, only to walk that back and announce an extra $1.5 billion in hospital funding.

Advertisement

Were in an era of economic conservatism and people no longer have the appetite to see the government spend money on such large projects, Samaras said. Their mindset has gone from being aspirational to being quite concerned its contributing to problems. Theres been a growing sense of concern with Victoria that the deficit will impact on services they care about. Laden with infrastructure and pandemic-era emergency spending, budget papers forecast Victorias net debt will rise to $187.8 billion by June 2028  up from $115 billion in 2023 and just $15.8 billion in 2017. Samaras said the Metro Tunnel and the West Gate Tunnel toll road would be well received when they open next year, as Victorians finally see the benefits of projects that have caused enormous disruption in the CBD and the western suburbs. But the Suburban Rail Loop East is a double-edged sword, he says: popular in the eastern suburbs but contributing to resentment in outer-western suburbs where voters feel they arent getting a fair share of the Big Build bonanza. Concerns have been simmering for a while. Initially, it was public service traditionalists worried about the projects secrecy ahead of the 2018 election and then its business case, which was criticised by the states auditor general.

Advertisement

In May, concerns were raised at a meeting of MPs from the northern and western suburbs about the SRL hampering the governments ability to fund other projects. Melbournes northern and western suburbs are Labors traditional heartland, but some MPs  while still easily retaining their seats  had their primary vote slashed by more than 10 per cent at the 2022 election. Loading Eastern suburbs Labor MPs have recently relished the chance to don hard hats and join the premier in touting future train trips to Monash and Deakin universities and brand-new station precincts for Melbournes bulging middle ring. But their western suburbs counterparts  still smarting over the four-year delay to the $13 billion Melbourne Airport Rail project  want similar opportunities to show voters they too are getting results. They fear what happened to their 2022 vote may become a long-term trend. We need big infrastructure projects to say were delivering, one Labor MP told The Sunday Age on the condition of anonymity to speak freely.

Advertisement
The spring migration of birds from Antarctica to Australia could soon bring a deadly virus that wipes out entire species of native birds and marine mammals, which is why the Commonwealth is war-gaming its biosecurity response to potential wildlife carnage.

Scientists say it is inevitable the virus will come to Australia  the only continent free of the particularly virulent h5N1 strain of bird flu that has killed millions of birds around the world and tens of thousands of at-risk mammals.

Australian governments, industry and experts will run a war gaming operation to prepare for an outbreak of the H5N1 bird flu. Credit: John Skuja.

Biosecurity agencies, environmental authorities and industry groups will leap into action at news of a simulated virus outbreak, enacting plans to slow the spread of the virus and shield at risk animals like black swans and sea lions.

Dubbed Exercise Volare, the fictitious scenario starts with an outbreak among the multitudes of birds in the Coorong wetlands near the mouth of the Murray River in South Australia, which then spreads to the sea lions on Kangaroo Island.
Im hoping a family moves in because we built it with four bedrooms for a family of three, Anderson told The Age pre-auction. Anderson retired from the AFL in 2015, after 15 years as CFO, and has since moved to Queensland. Former AFL CFO Ian Anderson lived in the Albert Park home for nearly 20 years. Credit: LUIS ENRIQUE ASCUI Gardiner said he expected to see good results in the premium house market this spring. These are generational homes and when they do come to the market, theyre really hotly contested, because people still have the aspirations to raise their children in Albert Park, he said.

Coming into spring, weve found that most buyers understand that were at the top of the current rate cycle and that the outlook for interest rate reductions is coming, so Im finding that people who have been previously sitting on the fence [are now] looking to purchase. It was one of 949 auctions scheduled in Melbourne on Saturday. By evening, Domain Group recorded a preliminary auction clearance rate of 65.1 per cent from 668 reported results, while 76 auctions were withdrawn. Withdrawn auctions are counted as unsold properties when calculating the clearance rate. Melbourne recorded an auction clearance rate of 60 per cent over the month of August, Domain data shows. In Melbournes CBD, a two-bedroom fixer-upper apartment sold to a buyer who already owns in the building for $475,000 at auction.

Harcourts Melbourne City auctioneer Dionne Wilson said four bidders competed fiercely for 38/24 Little Bourke Street. Loading We had an opening bid at $230,000, and we had very active bidding from there, she said. Following some rapid-fire bidding, the auction came down to two parties who both owned apartments in the Little Bourke Street complex. The buyer put forward a $5000 rise to secure the property, which requires renovations. Given that the final two bidders already owned in the building, I think they were able to see the opportunity at hand, Wilson said.

Wilson said the apartments reserve was slightly above the listed price guide of $300,000 to $330,000. Meanwhile, a two-bedroom Prahran home that last sold for $63,500 in 1983 has fetched $1,313,000 at auction. A young couple with plans to live in and eventually update 16 Vail Street beat three others in a competitive sell-off. Biggin & Scott Stonnington auctioneer Michael Tynan kicked off the auction with a vendor bid of $1.05 million. One party offered a bid of $25,000 before another put forward a $10,000 bid.

A third party then upped the ante with a $115,000 bid, pushing the price above the reserve to $1.2 million. Tynan said the home was declared on the market at $1.15 million, at the top end of the $1.05 million to $1.15 million price guide. 16 Vail Street last sold for $63,500 in 1983. It fetched $1,313,000 at auction on Saturday. Credit: Biggin & Scott Stonnington All four parties traded bids until the property sold under the hammer to the couple, in their 30s, for $163,000 above reserve, and some $1,249,500 more than what the vendors paid in 1983. Tynan said the vendors were selling the family home on behalf of their mother.

He added that the buyers had been looking for a while and were thrilled to secure the single-fronted home in a prime location. Were still seeing some really good prices for good family homes in the area. For this home, a little bit of work needs to be done inside, but its a fabulous location, and they could add a lot of value to it, Ryan said. The same family has owned the home since 1983. Credit: Biggin & Scott People are still willing to pay a good price for good homes in the area. In Pascoe Vale South, a first home buyer paid $705,000 for a two-bedroom townhouse, beating three others.
An investor beat first home buyers, as well as a couple who want to downsize, for a Darlington terrace, paying $1.72 million at auction on Saturday.

The two-bedroom, one-bathroom home at 16 Edward Street had a price guide of $1.5 million.

It was one of 792 auctions scheduled in Sydney on Saturday. By evening, Domain Group recorded a preliminary auction clearance rate of 67.6 per cent from 472 reported results, while 100 auctions were withdrawn. Withdrawn auctions are counted as unsold properties when calculating the clearance rate.

Sydney recorded an auction clearance rate of 63 per cent for the whole of August, Domain data shows.
I just want to extend my deepest condolences, the condolences of the United States government, to the family of Aysenur Ezgi Eygi. We deplore this tragic loss, he told reporters when asked what message he had for Americans who were concerned that the US government was sending military aid to the Israeli government. When we have more info, well share it. Well make it available. And, as necessary, well act on it, Blinken said. Mourners carry the bodies of Palestinian men killed during an Israeli military operation, some draped in the Palestinian and the Islamic Jihad flags, during their funeral in Jenin, West Bank, also on Friday. Credit: AP When Pollak and his colleagues arrived in Beita on Friday, soldiers were already deployed around a site where people were set to perform Friday prayers, he said. As soon as the prayers were over, clashes began, he said. The soldiers used tear gas and live ammunition almost immediately. There was also stone throwing at the soldiers, he said. The ISM activists retreated some distance away, down a hill, some 200 metres from where the soldiers were stationed. We stood there for about half an hour, he said. The soldiers took over a rooftop in the town, he said, calling it a controlling rooftop. Eygi was in an olive grove, according to Pollak and another ISM volunteer who spoke on condition she be identified by her first name, Mariam, for fear of retribution.

I didnt see her at the moment of the shooting because I was looking at the soldiers, said Pollak, referring to Eygi. I saw the soldiers shooting. I saw the flare, I saw them aiming, he said. Both he and Mariam said there were two shots  one that struck a metal object, and another that hit Eygi in the head. Loading We were clearly visible to the army, there was nothing happening where were standing, said Mariam. We were internationals, she said adding that Palestinian youth who had clashed with the soldiers were much further away, up the hill. We were just standing there, she said. A video of the aftermath of the shooting showed what appeared to be military vehicles on a hill as an ambulance speeds away below them. Pollak said Eygis killing was not an isolated incident. Seventeen people have been killed at demonstrations in Beita since 2021, he said. The only reason we are hearing about it now is because its happening to an American, he said. Its devastating.

In the background of Fridays protest is a sustained effort by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government to expand Israels control over the West Bank, by approving land seizures and major settlement construction while escalating demolitions of Palestinian property and increasing state support for illegally built settler outposts. The campaign has resulted in the most significant territorial changes in the West Bank in decades and buoyed a radical Jewish settler movement, backed by right-wing cabinet members trying to thwart the creation of a Palestinian state. The Biden administration has imposed sanctions on illegal settler outposts and on Israeli settlers accused of attacking Palestinians  measures that have had little impact on the expansion of settlements or the sharp escalation of settler violence. ISM, in a statement, said Beita had seen ongoing demonstrations against the construction of illegal Israeli outposts on the villages land. Eygi, who was from Seattle and had arrived in the Palestinian territories earlier this week, was in Beita to attend one of the weekly Friday demonstrations, the statement said. She was the third ISM volunteer killed since 2003. Rachel Corrie, a 23-year-old ISM activist from Olympia, Washington, was crushed to death by an Israeli military bulldozer in March 2003, as she and others tried to prevent the razing of Palestinian homes by Israeli forces along the border between the Gaza Strip and Egypt. Her family argued in court that her killing had been intentional. Israeli military investigations found no wrongdoing. Less than a month later, Tom Hurndall, a British ISM volunteer, was shot in the head by an IDF sniper in Gaza as Hurndall was trying to rescue children who had come under fire. The sniper, Taysir al-Heib, was found guilty of manslaughter and sentenced to eight years in prison but released early. Hurndall, who fell into a coma, died nine months later.
HARBOUR VIEW, PHILIPSBURG:--- Considering the results of the August 19, 2024 elections, consultations held with the political leaders of all seven political parties that have succeeded in gaining at least one seat and in taking due account of the four parties that signed the declaration of intent to form a coalition on Thursday, August 22, 2024, namely the SAM, the PFP, the DP and the URSM, His Excellency Governor Ajamu G. Baly, LL.M. has requested the leader of the URSM, Mr. Luc Mercelina, to take into consideration an assignment as Formateur.

In that capacity, the Governor has requested Mr. Mercelina to form a new government that can count on the long-term support of the four political groups that have committed themselves to support a government and formulate a governing program that is based on the political manifestos of the parties involved and the following substantive points that have been put forward in the aforementioned consultations:

- The circumstances surrounding N.V. GEBE and in particular, the realization of a reliable supply of electricity and water and, by extension, the generation of sustainable electricity in Sint Maarten;

- The improvement of Sint Maarten's financial management and the timely realization of the country's annual budget, as well as a revision of the tax structure;

- Improving the quality of education;

- Combating poverty and the improvement of the purchasing power of the population;

- Improving the state of the environment in Sint Maarten and taking the necessary steps for climate adaptation;

- A reform of the electoral system with the purpose of strengthening the stability of the political process;

- The introduction of general health insurance;

- Investments in the economy, infrastructure and in the relationship with the Netherlands;

- Enacting legislation concerning the screening of (candidate) ministers, in accordance with the recent advice issued by the Council of Advice and the Integrity Chamber; and

- The implementation agenda of the Country Packages, as well as the relationship with the World Bank and the NRPB.

The Governor further emphasized the importance of the strict observance of the regulatory requirements, including the screening criteria applicable to the appointment for candidate-ministers.

The Formateur took the commission into consideration and will keep the Governor informed on a weekly basis during the formation process. The Governor requested Mr. Mercelina to present him the final report of the formation process by November 15, 2024.
Denver kids are back in school. By my count, which is too early before summer is nearly over.
'Permission to Kill': book highlights Mexican drug-war murders



Mexico City, Sept 7 (AFP) Sep 07, 2024



Innocent civilians have been murdered in the name of Mexico's war on drug cartels by military personnel eager to show results, according to a new book that alleges the killings constitute war crimes.

The two journalists and a human rights specialist behind "Permission to Kill" investigated more than 1,800 killings under three presidents since 2006, including outgoing leftist Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador.

The aim was to show the "systemic" nature of murders allegedly involving members of the security forces, said co-author Daniel Moreno, director of the news site Animal Politico.

"It's not a collection of anecdotes," he told AFP.

"There is a constant in these three governments of attacking the civilian population and letting the attackers go unpunished," Moreno said.

Investigators identified 494 such alleged crimes -- mainly killings and forced disappearances -- during the 2006-2012 presidency of Felipe Calderon, 808 under his successor Enrique Pena Nieto (2012-2018), and 489 during Lopez Obrador's first four years in office.

But that is not believed to be all the cases, they say.

The defense ministry, which oversees the military, did not respond to a request by AFP for comment on the allegations against it.

More than 450,000 Mexicans have been killed and tens of thousands have disappeared since Calderon deployed the military against drug cartels in 2006, according to official figures.

Under a policy that he calls "hugs not bullets," Lopez Obrador pledged to prioritize addressing the root causes of crime, such as poverty and inequality, over going to war with the cartels.

During his presidency, "there was less use of force and more respect for life," Lopez Obrador said Sunday in his last state of the nation report before he is replaced by his ally Claudia Sheinbaum on October 1.



- Parallels with Colombia -



Co-author Paris Martinez sees similarities with the more than 6,000 murders and disappearances investigators say were committed by the Colombian army from 2002 to 2008 to try to make its fight against guerrilla groups appear more effective.

The book, which is also the work of human rights expert Jacobo Dayan, argues that there has been a repeated failure to investigate or punish those responsible, some of whom are still active or have been promoted.

"They arrested the people who fired the shots, not those who designed the strategy," Moreno said.

Of the more than 1,800 cases examined, only 133 resulted in convictions, according to the authors.

Rights group Amnesty International said in a report released in April that Mexican military forces "continued to use unnecessary and excessive force and carry out extrajudicial executions" last year.

"Impunity persisted for these crimes and human rights violations," it said, noting the case of five men allegedly killed by soldiers in February 2023 in the northern border city of Nuevo Laredo.

The book's authors will hand over their work to the local office of The Hague-based International Criminal Court, which investigates war crimes and crimes against humanity, Martinez said.
New French nuclear reactor resumes operations



Paris, Sept 7 (AFP) Sep 07, 2024



France's newest nuclear reactor, plagued by massive delays and cost overruns, resumed operations on Saturday after shutting itself down automatically earlier this week.

The European Pressurised Reactor (EPR) in Flamanville, Normandy -- supposed to be the model for a new generation of nuclear plants pushed by President Emmanuel Macron for the coming decades -- has been completed 12 years late at a cost of 13.2 billion euros ($14.6 billion).

French state-owned energy company EDF had said its new Flamanville 3 nuclear reactor started up earlier this week but stopped automatically on Wednesday as part of a long and complex startup process.

A spokesman for EDF said on Saturday that the Flamanville 3 reactor had been carrying out divergence operations since early morning, referring to the creation of a stable nuclear reaction.

"Teams are resuming activities," he added, confirming that the unit was expected to be connected to the grid by "the end of autumn".

French nuclear safety authority ASN told AFP that Wednesday's shutdown was the result of a "human error".

Reactors of the same design have been completed in China and Finland.

"The start-up of the EPR is a long and complex process," EDF said, warning that further automatic shutdowns were likely.

EDF had on Monday secured approval from ASN to begin fission reaction, after loading uranium fuel into the reactor in May and carrying out a battery of tests.

The Flamanville plant was scheduled gradually to ramp up to 25-percent output before being connected to the grid by late autumn, a further delay from its previous target of the end of summer.

At full power, officials predict it will be France's top-producing nuclear reactor at 1,600 megawatts, enough to supply around three million homes with electricity.
Gaza civil defence says 3 killed in Israeli strike on school



Gaza Strip, Palestinian Territories, Sept 7 (AFP) Sep 07, 2024



Gaza's civil defence agency said an Israeli air strike targeting a school-turned-shelter for displaced Palestinians killed at least three people on Saturday, while the military reported it struck a Hamas command centre.

"Three martyrs and more than 20 wounded people were retrieved after an Israeli warplane fired two missiles at a prayer room and a classroom at the Amr Ibn al-Aas School, where refugees were sheltering in the Sheikh Radwan neighbourhood in northern Gaza City," Mahmud Bassal, spokesman for the civil defence agency, told AFP.

The Israeli military said it conducted a "precise strike" at the school.

The strike targeted "terrorists who were operating inside a Hamas command and control centre... embedded inside a compound that previously served as Amr Ibn al-Aas school," the military said in a statement.

In recent months, Israeli forces have struck several schools that were housing displaced Palestinians, many of them in Gaza City, saying the strikes targeted Hamas militants.

Tens of thousands of displaced people have sought refuge in schools since the war in Gaza, which entered its 12th month on Saturday, broke out following Hamas's attack on southern Israel on October 7.

That attack resulted in the deaths of 1,205 people, mostly civilians and some hostages killed in captivity, according to official Israeli figures.

Israel's retaliatory military offensive has so far killed at least 40,939 people, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip.

According to the United Nations human rights office, most of the dead are women and children.

bur-mod-jd-rcb/dv
Iraq's Kurdish authorities extradite activist to Iran: group



Sulaimaniyah, Iraq, Sept 7 (AFP) Sep 07, 2024



An Iranian Kurdish activist was extradited from Iraq's autonomous Kurdish region back to Iran, the opposition group he belongs to said on Saturday, an account disputed by local authorities.

Behzad Khosrawi was arrested last week by security forces in the northern city of Sulaimaniyah and handed over to "Iranian intelligence", said the Kurdish Democratic Party of Iran (KDPI), one of several Iranian Kurdish groups exiled for decades in northern Iraq.

"He is a member of an opposition political party... and enjoys the right to asylum as a political refugee," said the group, condemning his extradition.

Local security forces, called Asayesh, said Khosrawi was arrested "because he did not have residency" in the Kurdish region, denying he had any connection to "political activism".

Khosrawi "asked to return to the Islamic Republic of Iran" and signed a document stating this, the Asayesh added in a statement.

The KDPI said Khosrawi, a member of their party, "had been living with his mother and sister in Sulaimaniyah for more than 10 years... and their residency was in order".

He had been given refugee status by the UN refugee agency UNHCR, the KDPI said.

Iran considers the KDPI a "terrorist" organisation.

Iranian Kurdish groups, whose members are made up of Iran's long-marginalised Kurdish minority, have trained to use weapons from their outposts in northern Iraq for decades.

After several Iranian strikes on the groups, Iraqi authorities in late 2023 pledged to disarm these factions and move them from bases near the Iranian border to camps.

Tehran has accused the Kurdish opposition groups of inciting mass protest in Iran in 2022, after the death of Iranian Kurd Mahsa Amini in the custody of the morality police.
Gaza civil defence says 3 killed in Israeli strike on school



Gaza Strip, Palestinian Territories, Sept 7 (AFP) Sep 07, 2024



Gaza's civil defence agency said an Israeli air strike targeting a school-turned-shelter for displaced Palestinians killed at least three people on Saturday, while the military reported it struck a Hamas command centre.

"Three martyrs and more than 20 wounded people were retrieved after an Israeli warplane fired two missiles at a prayer room and a classroom at the Amr Ibn al-Aas School, where refugees were sheltering in the Sheikh Radwan neighbourhood in northern Gaza City," Mahmud Bassal, spokesman for the civil defence agency, told AFP.

The Israeli military said it conducted a "precise strike" at the school.

The strike targeted "terrorists who were operating inside a Hamas command and control centre... embedded inside a compound that previously served as Amr Ibn al-Aas school," the military said in a statement.

A large crowd gathered outside the building in the aftermath of the strike, picking their way over rubble as emergency workers tried to help the wounded, AFPTV footage showed.

Displaced Gazan Abd Arooq said the school had served as a shelter for more than 2,000 people.

"We don't know where to go. We are in the street," he said.

"There is no sanctity for mosques, schools or even the houses we live in."

In recent months, Israeli forces have struck several schools that were housing displaced Palestinians, many of them in Gaza City, saying the strikes targeted Hamas militants.

Tens of thousands of displaced people have sought refuge in schools since the war in Gaza, which entered its 12th month on Saturday, broke out following Hamas's attack on southern Israel on October 7.

That attack resulted in the deaths of 1,205 people, mostly civilians and some hostages killed in captivity, according to official Israeli figures.

Israel's retaliatory military offensive has so far killed at least 40,939 people, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip.

According to the United Nations human rights office, most of the dead are women and children.

bur-mod-jd-rcb/dv
* FIRST NAME

* LAST NAME

* EMAIL Your email address

* PASSWORD Must be at least 6 characters, include an upper and lower case character and a number Show

* YEAR OF BIRTH You must be at least 18 years old to create an account 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987 1986 1985 1984 1983 1982 1981 1980 1979 1978 1977 1976 1975 1974 1973 1972 1971 1970 1969 1968 1967 1966 1965 1964 1963 1962 1961 1960 1959 1958 1957 1956 1955 1954 1953 1952 1951 1950 1949 1948 1947 1946 1945 1944 1943 1942 1941 1940 1939 1938 1937 1936 1935 1934 1933 1932 1931 1930 1929 1928 1927 1926 1925 1924 1923 1922 1921 1920 1919 1918 1917 1916 1915 1914 1913 1912 1911 1910 1909 1908 1907 1906

* Required fields

I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice

CREATE ACCOUNT

I'LL TRY LATER

Already have an account? 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.
The second year of his reign can be divided roughly into three sections: a full schedule during the autumn of 2023, with trips around the UK as well as to France, Kenya and the United Arab Emirates, a period out of the public eye following his prostate operation in January 2024 and subsequent diagnosis of cancer, and a gradual return to regular activity from May onwards, including visits to Scotland and the Channel Islands.
September 7, 2024: For the second time this year, Chinese students studying in neighboring countries were arrested for espionage activities in South Korea and Japan. This is nothing new as China has been expanding its espionage activities for some time.

China has long developed an international network of spies, local agents, and operatives. The foreigners working for this network are often unaware that they are working for China. This is part of Chinas concealment of the extent of their operations. China also obtains the services of internet hacking groups through a third party to conceal the fact that data is being stolen for the Chinese. Despite years of successful efforts to conceal the extent of their espionage network, that anonymity has unraveled during the last year and the process continues despite Chinese efforts to delay, disrupt, or stop it.

This result is that Chinese spies and espionage efforts are becoming known in Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, Africa and south, southeast, and east Asia. An increasing number of arrests have taken place and subsequently been publicized. Its not just the espionage that annoys foreigners but the covert meddling the Chinese were engaged in worldwide. China sought to influence foreign governments to cooperate with local Chinese goals without knowing, or revealing what was being covertly done to benefit China.

Many of the operatives were nor local Chinese but ethnic locals covertly hired to support the local Chinese agenda. Many of the Chinese operatives convincingly presented themselves as anti-Chinese. This sort of deception was particularly useful when it came to sabotaging efforts by the major foreign intelligence and counterintelligence agencies of countries like the United States (FBI and CIA), Britain (SIS), Germany (BND), France (DGSE), and Turkey (MIT).

In Europe, the 27 members of the EU (European Union) concentrate on economic matters but are now more aware of the efforts and impact of foreign intelligence agencies and operatives. This is particularly true with the Chinese, who have the second largest economy in the world and want to obtain, one way or another, more market share from the United States, which has the largest economy in the world. American GDP is about $26.9 trillion while the Chinese economy is valued at $19.4 trillion. The global economy is currently worth $105 trillion with the Americans controlling 25.6 percent of it and China 18.5 percent.

Government and corporate espionage are heavily involved with monitoring and sometimes disrupting foreign economies when it suits them. The countries with the largest economies, especially those in Europe and the Americas, also depend on non-government BI, or Business Intelligence. The Japanese pioneered the use of BI in the 1960s as they sought to establish foreign markets in the United States, Europe and, as the Chinese economy grew enormously from the 1980s to 2010, the Chinese commercial and consumer markets.

BI played a major role in exposing and documenting Chinese efforts to gain large shares of foreign markets in Europe and the United States. With this evidence available American and European efforts to disrupt and eliminate illegal Chinese trading practices have become effective and the Chinese dont like it. With China on the defense, the Chinese have to use BI and other forms of espionage to get themselves out of that mess. The Chinese are patient and willing to wait a decade or more to do whatever it takes to recover their market share in western countries.

European nations are now more aware of Chinese using BI as part of their economic trade practices. In the last few years European governments, as well as the Americans have come to realize the extent of the deceptive Chinese trade practices that brought great wealth to China without their foreign trading partners being aware of what was going on. Western BI efforts detected that something was up but not enough to act on. Chinese espionage was more effective at supporting Chinese economic efforts. Some European historians pointed out that, when Europeans began trading with China in the 1500s, the Europeans eventually realized that the Chinese were better at this trade business because they had an early version of BI while the Europeans were learning the hard way what they were up against. It took the Europeans several centuries to figure out how to deal with the Chinese trading practices and when the Americans came along in 1784, after the American Revolution, they started small but by 1844 had their first trade treaty with China and soon came to take a disproportionate share of foreign trade with China.

That didnt last long because in the 1860s China entered a century-long cycle of civil war and economic disruption. China suffered greatly, with over 30 million Chinese dying and the economy collapsing. It wasnt until the 1980s that China began to rebuild their economy and trade with foreigners. Western BI was primitive during that period and the Americans and Europeans could not come up with an effective way to make it better. As large as the Chinese market was, the western nations prospered during the 19th and 20th centuries as they traded with each other and jointly created the largest economies the world had ever seen. That lasted until the late 20th century when the Chinese economy began to make a comeback.

The Chinese frequently used BI to maximize their internal and foreign trade. The trade advantages China gained began to weaken in the last few decades as corruption in China and more efficient trade practices developed outside of China, especially in South Korea and Japan. These two nations took more of the trade that had long gone to China. The Japanese made good use of the BI techniques they had pioneered. South Korea followed suit and also became a major exporter. Both Japan and South Korea joined the list of top exporters, with Japan at number five and South Korea at number six. China had surpassed the United States in exporting activity to take first place, with the Americans close behind. This development stirred more American firms to use BI to recover their export markets. That will take a while because the other major trading countries are also using BI.

The Americans also began to crack down on Chinese espionage. In 2023 the United States revealed that two American sailors were arrested and charged with spying for China. Both men were ethnic Chinese who were born in China but grew up in the United States, and one had applied to become a naturalized citizen. Both men provided confidential, not highly classified information, including technical manuals used by sailors to do their jobs on various warships. The two sailors also provided details on planned deployments of some ships. The mother of one of the sailors encouraged her son to cooperate with Chinese intelligence because that might enable him to move back to China and get a better civilian job. That will have to wait until they are out of custody. Both men were jailed pending trial because both were considered a flight risk to China.

Despite years of growing numbers of arrests and prosecutions of Americans accused of spying for China, the Chinese persist. While ethnic Chinese Americans are prime targets for Chinese recruiters of pies or informants, any foreigners with pro-Chinese attitudes are potential candidates for Chinese intelligence officers looking for potential recruits.

A favorite tactic of Chinese intel officers is to arrange for a financial arrangement between Chinese organizations and people China considers potential candidates for Chinese intelligence sources. Much of this effort is concentrated in large English speaking nations like the United States and Britain that have many trading relationships with Chinese firms and institutions. Western universities and faculty were always a prime target because these institutions and their key staff are not seen as a major target for Chinese influence operations. China understands that the staff of universities in the West are recognized by locals as a source of expert opinion on many matters. These faculty members can also be influenced by gifts of cash. These are not called gifts or, more accurately, bribes. Rather the money is considered a grant to support further academic studies on one subject or another. China arranges large grants for such purposes. Government and popular opposition to these programs has not eliminated them, just forced China to change how it implements the program. While Western intelligence agencies remain alert and aware of this program, few others in government or academia seem to be concerned. After several years of indifference by university administrators towards requests to monitor and block Chinese influence efforts, governments are becoming more energetic and aggressive about this.

This was a return to methods last employed over a decade ago. For example, in 2020 an American and two Chinese were indicted for secretly providing China with U.S. technology. The American was Charles Lieber, head of the Harvard Chemistry and Chemical Biology department. He was accused of secretly establishing a working relationship with a Chinese university at Wuhan. Lieber established research efforts at Harvard, recruiting top scientists to work on projects of interest to China and secretly passing research results to China. He also received millions of dollars from China to further this research. During the FBI investigation Lieber repeatedly lied about these activities, which did not prevent the FBI from eventually gathering all they needed to arrest Lieber and indict him. It is rare for China to convince a senior American academic, like Harvard department head Charles Lieber, to get involved in illegal research projects. Why Lieber got involved in such blatantly illegal activities was not disclosed and details probably wont emerge until his trial.

Also indicted for Harvard related espionage was a Chinese citizen, Zheng Zaosong, who was studying at Harvard on a student visa and was accused of trying to smuggle 21 vials of biological material and research data back to China. The third defendant was Yanqing Yeh, a Chinese student at nearby Boston University. She was also an active duty lieutenant in the Chinese Army who was supervised by a colonel at a Chinese military academy that was working on new technology for the Chinese military. This school was on an American list of Chinese educational institutions that were banned from working with anyone in the United States. Yeh was also caught trying to smuggle research data back to China. Yeh had lied about her military status when she applied for a student visa, asserting that she had been discharged from the army and left out her connections with the banned (in the U.S.) Chinese military academy she was working for as an army officer. She was also accused of being an unregistered foreign agent. Among the items uncovered by the FBI was that Yeh had been assigned to investigate one American academic at the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School who was researching computer security. Given how active China has been using hackers to steal valuable data from the United States, that particular assignment was ominous. Yeh had presented herself as a student but further investigation showed she was a very active Chinese spy.

It is illegal for American academics and researchers to secretly work for Chinese government or commercial firms. These restrictions wont trigger similar measures for Americans in China because China has long assigned police and intel specialists to closely observe who visiting Americans visit. This surveillance often involves MSS (secret police) agents advising Chinese to refuse such meetings or only do it with an MSS agent present, usually pretending to be an employee of the firm.

Meanwhile, China has been making the most of their access. One recent FBI investigation documented the use of the Chinese Confucius Institute's cultural centers at American universities and how these programs were actually part of a widespread intelligence operation that employed visa fraud for Chinese visiting scholars who were actually MSS operatives. This program recruited Chinese-born businessmen, academics, and others, often naturalized American citizens, to participate in IP, or Intellectual Property, theft. Further encouragement was that some of these operatives could sometimes profit from it personally. Not all these recruits knew they were participating in espionage but the Chinese could effectively pressure their citizens to cooperate. Worse, the FBI discovered that many of the Chinese in the U.S. on J-1 visiting scholars visas spent most of their time on espionage and a bare minimum on actual research.

As successful as this espionage effort was, most of the Chinese Americans approached by recruiters were not interested and politely declined. More importantly, many of them quietly reported their encounters to the FBI or to friends they knew could do it for them. The Chinese knew these alerts to the FBI posed a risk but considered it an acceptable risk given the amount of intellectual property that was being stolen and put to work back in China. The same thing happens when China seeks to recruit informants or spies in the American armed forces.

The United States has been prosecuting and convicting a growing number of Chinese-born men and a few women conspiring to commit or actually carrying out economic espionage in the United States. Some of these suspects are naturalized American citizens but a growing number are Chinese citizens here on legitimate visas. As more suspects were identified, patterns began to appear which revealed the inner workings of known Chinese intellectual property espionage efforts.

It was known that China had a state-sponsored program to make it easy for foreign-educated Chinese to return home and apply what they had learned in the West to start their own companies. China offered billions of dollars in venture capital for this program. This made it easier for Chinese moving back to China from the West to establish their own companies using what they learned in the West. This program helped create thousands of new firms. Many of these firms were using stolen trade secrets and patents that were being laundered. That is, changed sufficiently to make it difficult for the owners of the stolen intellectual property to easily prove theft.

The FBI and CIA again noted several interesting patterns. While many of the returning Chinese students were operating legally, a large number of those new Chinese firms were operating illegally by depending on stolen IP. There were other patterns as well. A lot of the stolen tech seemed to involve Chinese and Americans associated with various Chinese efforts that helped returning Chinese to profit from what they had learned in the West. These programs involved establishing hundreds of Confucius Institutes associated with Western universities, including a hundred in the United States. Plus the aggressive recruiting of Chinese and non-Chinese academics willing to help China perpetrate the largest IP theft in history.

Participating in this program has become riskier. The growing number of convictions are for conspiring to steal or actually stealing trade secrets. Many of the technologies involved are dual-use, for commercial and military applications. Many of these investigations began when American companies provided the FBI with documentation showing how the Chinese obtained and applied the trade secrets. What the American firms usually lack is information about who was getting the information, often including detailed manufacturing techniques, to the Chinese. The U.S. is not the only victim here. Many other Western nations are experiencing the same losses. Even Chinese neighbor and ally Russia has suffered heavy losses due to this Chinese economic espionage.

There have been a lot more court cases about this because Chinese firms have become bolder in how they exploit stolen software, trade secrets and other technology. In the past, the Chinese were careful in the use of stolen tech when exporting their own military equipment copied from Russian designs. The Chinese had started doing this during the Cold War, which sometimes got fairly hot when there were some deadly border skirmishes in the 1970s, because China and Russia developed some territorial and ideological disputes that did not settle down until the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991.

The Russians are still angry about the continued Chinese theft of their tech, and growing Russian threats over this caused the Chinese to sign agreements in the last decade that declared Chinese firms would stop stealing and reselling Russian tech. In practice, this only slowed the Chinese down, but it placated the Russians for a while. Currently, the Americans are starting to sound like the Russians in the 1990s, but the Americans have more legal and economic clout to deploy and this situation is liable to get ugly before, if ever, it gets better.

By 2012 most American officials had come to openly admit that a whole lot of American military and commercial technical data has been stolen via Chinese internet as well as with more conventional espionage efforts. Details of exactly all the evidence of this is unclear, but apparently, it was pretty convincing for many American politicians and senior officials who had previously been skeptical. The Chinese efforts have resulted in most major American weapons systems having tech details obtained by the Chinese, in addition to a lot of non-defense or dual-use technology. Its not just the United States that is being hit but most nations with anything worth stealing. Many of these nations are noticing that China is the source of most of this espionage and few are content to remain silent any longer.

Its no secret that Chinese intelligence collecting efforts since the late 1990s have been spectacularly successful. As the rest of the world comes to realize the extent of this success, there is a growing desire for retaliation. What form that payback takes remains to be seen. Collecting information, both military and commercial, often means breaking laws and striking or hacking back at the suspected attackers will involve even more felonies. China has broken a lot of laws. Technically, China has committed acts of war because of the degree to which it penetrated military networks and carried away copies of highly secret material. The U.S. and many other victims have been warning China there will be consequences. As the extent of Chinese espionage becomes known and understood, the call for consequences becomes louder.

China tries hard to conceal its espionage efforts. Not just denying anything and everything connected to hacking and conventional spying but also taking precautions. But as their success continued year after year, some of the Chinese hackers became cocky and sloppy. At the same time, the victims became more adept at detecting Chinese efforts and tracing them back to specific Chinese government organizations or non-government hackers inside China.

Undeterred, China has sought to keep its espionage effort going and has even expanded operations. For example, starting in 2008 China opened National Intelligence Colleges in many major universities. In effect, each of these is an Espionage Department where, each year, several hundred carefully selected applicants are accepted in each school, to be trained as spies and intelligence operatives. China has found that espionage is an enormously profitable way to obtain military and commercial secrets and now China trains and rewards those who have a talent for such things and make a career of it. The Internet-based operations, however, are only one part of Chinas espionage efforts.

While Chinese Cyber War operations in this area get a lot of publicity, the more conventional spying brings in a lot of stuff that is not reachable on the Internet. One indicator of this effort is the fact that American counter-intelligence efforts are snagging more Chinese spies. This is partly due to increased spying efforts by China, which puts more of their people out there to get caught, as well as more success by the FBI and CIA. All this espionage, in all its forms, has played a large part in turning China into one of the mightiest industrial and military powers on the planet. China is having a hard time hiding the source of the new technologies they are incorporating into their weapons and commercial products. Many of the victims initially had a hard time accepting the fact that the oh-so-eager (to export) Chinese were robbing their best customers of intellectual property on a grand scale. Now Western firms are a lot more wary about dealing with the Chinese.

China has been getting away with something the Soviet Union never accomplished, stealing Western technology, and then using it to move ahead of the West. The Soviets lacked the many essential supporting industries found in the West. These firms were largely founded and run by entrepreneurs, which was illegal in the Soviet Union. Because of that, the Russians were never able to acquire all the many pieces needed to match Western technical accomplishments. Soviet copies of American computers, for example, were crude, less reliable, and less powerful. It was the same situation with their jet fighters, tanks, and warships.

China got around this by making it seemingly profitable for Western firms to set up factories in China, where Chinese managers and workers were taught how to make things right. At the same time, China allows thousands of their best students to go to the United States to study. While many of these students will stay in America, where there are better jobs and more opportunities, a growing number are coming back to China and bringing American business and technical skills with them. Finally, China energetically uses the thousand grains of sand approach to espionage. This involves China trying to get all Chinese going overseas, and those of Chinese ancestry living outside the motherland, to spy for China, if only a tiny bit.

This approach to espionage is nothing new. Other nations have used similar systems for centuries. What is unusual is the scale of the Chinese effort, and that makes a difference. Supporting it all is a Chinese intelligence bureaucracy back home that is huge, with nearly 100,000 people working just to keep track of the many Chinese overseas and what they could, or should, be trying to grab for the motherland. This is where many of the graduates of the National Intelligence College program will work.

It begins when Chinese intelligence officials examine who is going overseas and for what purpose. Chinese citizens cannot leave the country legally without state security organizations being notified. The intel people are not being asked to give permission. They are being alerted in case they want to have a talk with students, tourists, or businesspeople before leaving the country. Interviews are often held when these people come back as well.

Those who might be coming in contact with useful information are asked to remember what they saw or bring back souvenirs, legal or otherwise. There are over a million Chinese students attending foreign universities. Even more Chinese go abroad as tourists or on business. Most of these people were not asked to actually act as spies but simply to share, with Chinese government officials, who are not always identified as intelligence personnel, whatever information they obtained. The more ambitious of these people are getting caught and prosecuted. But the majority are quite casual and individually bring back relatively little and are almost impossible to catch, much less prosecute.

Like the Russians, the Chinese are also employing the traditional methods, using people with diplomatic immunity to recruit spies, and offering cash, or whatever, to get people to sell them information. This is still effective and when combined with the thousand grains of sand method brings in a lot of secrets.

Not getting caught is becoming more important because that can lead to increasingly dangerous diplomatic and legal problems. When the Chinese steal some technology and produce something that the Western victims can prove was stolen via patents and prior use of the technology, legal action can make it impossible, or very difficult, to sell anything using the stolen tech outside of China. For that reason, the Chinese long preferred stealing military technology and tried to avoid using stolen commercial tech in a way that made it easy to determine the source of stolen data. This meant keeping stolen commercial tech inside China. And in some cases, like manufacturing technology, there's an advantage to not selling it outside of China. Because China is still a communist dictatorship, the courts do as they are told, and they are rarely told to honor foreign patent claims when stolen tech is discovered in China by its foreign owners.

Increasingly, Chinese firms are boldly using their stolen technology, daring foreign firms to try and use Chinese courts to get justice. Instead, the foreign firms are trying to muster support from their governments for lawsuits outside China. Naturally, the Chinese government will howl and insist that its all a plot to oppress China. This has worked for a long time, but many of the victims are now telling China that this conflict is being taken to a new, and more dangerous, level.
September 7, 2024: The increasing threat of more Russian violence led the United States to review and upgrade its ability to detect what is happening in the Arctic region. This is because the shortest air route from Russia to the United States is over the Arctic region. This was the case during the 1947-91 Cold War. Russia revived the Cold War in 2022 when it invaded Ukraine. NATO nations, especially the United States, have supported Ukraine with hundreds of billion dollars worth of military and civilian aid. This led Russia to declare the war in Ukraine was the fault of NATO and especially the United States. Russia has developed a new generation of high-speed, long-range missiles. These are being used in Ukraine and could also be used against the United States when launched from northern Russia, across the North Pole and Canada to hit targets in the United States.

Now the Americans are reviving their Arctic military bases and over-the-horizon radars. To do this the Americans can call on Israel for advice because of the recent combat use of the Israeli Green Pine over-the-horizon radar. In late 2023 Israel used its Green Pine system to detect incoming Iranian missiles.

At the end of October 2023, an Israeli Arrow 3 long range air defense missile made its first intercept of a hostile target. A Green Pine over-the-horizon Israeli radar detected a ballistic missile launch somewhere along the Red Sea coast which was headed for Israel. An Arrow 3 missile intercepted the threat in space, which was the first ever intercept of a hostile missile in space.

The U.S. also has a network of orbital satellites that can detect intercontinental ballistic missiles, or ICBMs, being launched. This space-based detection system was developed in the early 1960s, a few years after the first U.S. over-the-horizon radar entered service. Both systems have been improved several times since. From 1991, when the Cold War ended, though early 2022 when Russia invaded Ukraine, the main use of these early warning systems has been to detect long-range missile attacks from North Korea or Iran. Both of these nations have been developing such missiles for years and for over three decades the Iran/North Korea threat kept U.S. missile detection efforts going.

Few nations can afford to develop a space-based early warning system. That is one reason why the U.S. cooperated with Israel to develop the Israeli Green Pine early warning radar. European nations are now seeking to purchase Green Pine radars and Arrow missile interceptors. Arrow 3 attracted attention from potential export customers. One of these was a European coalition consisting of Germany, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Hungary, Lithuania, Slovenia, Latvia and the Netherlands. This coalition was formed to jointly select and purchase enough air defense systems to protect them all against missile attacks from Russia. These nations are only part of the coalition. Another nine nations in eastern Europe are making similar joint purchasing plans. The most likely purchases will be of systems like the American Patriot, the European IRIS-T, the Norwegian NASAMS and the Israeli Arrow 3 ABM (Anti-Ballistic Missile) system for use against longer range, and thus faster, ballistic missiles. Iran has these and is now threatening to use them against Europe. Israel has been subject to that threat for over a decade and developed the Arrow system to deal with it.

The war in Ukraine has caused several major NATO nations to increase their defense spending and change their weapons purchasing plans. Germany is considering purchasing the Israeli Arrow 3 to defend against Russian ballistic missile attacks. Arrow 3 is comparable to the American THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) system. The U.S. financed the research on Arrow 3 and U.S. firms built nearly half the Arrow system components.

Arrow 3 is a two-stage high-speed interceptor able to hit long-range ballistic missiles. Arrow 3 entered service in 2017, complementing and eventually replacing Arrow 2, which entered service in 2009. The original Arrow 1 entered service in 2000 and was then the worlds most advanced ABM system. All three versions of Arrow have been successfully used in combat against incoming enemy ballistic missiles.

Each generation of Arrow used a smaller but more capable interceptor missile and increased system capabilities. That was one reason for the United States long prohibiting Israel from exporting Arrow. That ban was recently lifted, which led to an Azerbaijan order and Germany seriously considering a similar purchase. Azerbaijan, which borders Russia and Iran and is a major customer for Israeli weapons, ordered two batteries of Arrow 3 in 2021 to protect itself from Iranian ballistic missiles.

Germany and Israel have long been purchasing each others weapons and cooperating in weapons development. For example, in 2011 Germany agreed to lend Israel a Patriot anti-aircraft system radar so that the radars in Israel's six Patriot batteries could be sent back to the United States for upgrades. At the same time Israel was developing its own Magic Wand/David's Sling air and missile defense system as a replacement for Patriot. The David's Sling missiles have a longer range of 300 kilometers and improved capabilities. The American manufacturer of Patriot cooperated with an Israeli firm to develop and produce Davids Sling, which entered service in 2017, David's Sling depends on longer range radars to get target location and speed information to the David's Sling launchers. Once launched, the Stunner missile fired by Davids Sling is guided to the general location of the incoming rocket, until the Stunner's on-board sensors pick it up, and then home in and destroy the long-range rocket.

Arrow was always meant to be a more capable ABM system than Patriot or American systems like THAAD and Aegis. This has helped American air-defense system manufacturers by providing a source of useful Israeli patents to use for American systems. Germany is a customer for German Spike ATGM (Anti-Tank-Guided-Missiles) and both nations sell each other weapons tech. Last year Israel joined a U.S. sponsored regional air defense network called MEAD (Middle East Air Defense Alliance). Israel is a vital component of MEAD, which includes other Middle East nations, like Saudi Arabia and the UAE that have purchased American air and missile defense systems like Patriot and THAAD. MEAD makes sense with Israeli participation because Israel not only purchased Patriot, but also developed a similar but superior system called Davids Sling as well as the unique Arrow anti-ballistic missile system.

Israel also developed and uses Iron Dome against rocket and mortar attacks as well as new systems that can detect and destroy low and slow cruise missiles which Iran has successfully used to evade Saudi air defenses and attack oil infrastructure targets. Both Saudi Arabia and the UAE have been regularly attacked by Iranian ballistic missiles and cruise missiles launched by Iran-backed Shia rebels in northern Yemen. This need for Israeli air defense systems played a role in the 2020 American sponsored effort to secure diplomatic recognition of Israel by Arab states in the Middle East and led to Israel exporting some air defense systems to the UAE for protecting commercial aircraft from Iranian missile attacks.

After that diplomatic breakthrough, MEAD became a real possibility at the end of 2020 after Israel conducted two weeks of anti-aircraft system tests in the eastern Mediterranean against targets simulating multiple missile and rocket threats. To handle this kind of multiple threat attack, Israel ran successful tests demonstrating three different air-defense systems communicating with each other using a centralized target detection and fire control network to take down multiples of different types of targets. This new fire-control network enabled each air-defense system to successfully attack the specific targets it was most capable of destroying. This test also showed that Iron Dome was capable of destroying an incoming cruise missile. Other incoming weapons included unguided rockets, a simulated ballistic missile and UAVs. The test was mainly about proving that a new integrated sensor and fire control system worked. The integrated system provided a single 3-D picture of the battlefield by combining data from the American Missile Defense Satellite early warning system plus the local radar systems used by Iron Dome, C-Dome (Iron Dome mounted on Israeli corvettes and offshore natural gas extraction platforms), Davids Sling (formerly Magic Wand), and Arrow 3, the Israel based ABM system. Such an integrated system was needed to protect Israel from a massive Iranian attack using rockets, explosives-laden UAVs and cruise missiles launched from Lebanon and Gaza as well as IRBMs (Intermediate Range Ballistic Missiles) launched from Iran and shorter-range ballistic missiles launched from Syria or (illegally) Iraq.

The IRBM interception capabilities of Arrow had already been tested in 2017 and Davids Sling had been used against incoming missiles from Syria in 2018. Iron Dome has intercepted nearly 3,000 rockets, mortar shells and UAVs since 2011 and demonstrated its ability to deal with cruise missiles during tests. Detecting and taking down cruise missiles is a new capability for Iron Dome and C-Dome. This new capability was seen as essential for Iron Dome because these can come from any direction and be used in large numbers in a single attack. Iron Dome is designed to deal with such mass attacks by rockets and, using the new integrated command and control system, it was found that the target data could quickly and successfully be used from other radar systems.

In early 2017 Israel successfully completed a final round of tests for its Davids Sling anti-aircraft/missile system and began deploying it in late 2017. At the same time the new Arrow 3 completed its final tests and was cleared for mass production as the version of Arrow that can intercept the longer-range Iranian IRBMs.

Iron Dome has a unique feature in which the radar system computes where the incoming rocket will land. If the rocket will not hit an inhabited area, it will be ignored. Otherwise, one or two interceptor missiles will be fired. Davids Sling adopted some of that technology for its anti-missile mode. The Davids Sling Stunner missile can be used against larger rockets that will be aimed (by Syria, Hamas or Hezbollah) at large urban areas, and these will almost always get a Stunner fired at them.

Davids Sling is expected to eventually replace Israels old 17 Hawk anti-aircraft batteries as well and, eventually, the six Patriot batteries. Davids Sling is very similar to Patriot and one option is to offer Davids Sling components as upgrades for existing Patriot equipment. Stunner is already available as a Patriot upgrade because Stunner has a max range of 300 kilometers, which is longer than Patriot. Many of the Davids Sling technologies were developed jointly by American and Israeli firms with Patriot upgrades in mind. The Stunner missile's long range allows two Davids Sling batteries to cover all of Israel. A Davids Sling battalion would have three batteries each with six truck mounted launchers (each with four missiles), a radar vehicle and control vehicle.

Arrow 3 was earlier tested in the Eastern Mediterranean against Israeli ballistic missile warheads launched from high-flying jets. In 2019 Arrow was also tested from the American PSCA (Pacific Spaceport Complex-Alaska) in Kodiak, Alaska against three different ballistic missile targets. Israeli Sparrow ballistic missile targets are often used for testing the ABM capabilities of Davids Sling, Patriot and Arrow. These targets are missiles carried to a high altitude by an F-16, F-15 or a large transport aircraft. When launched, the missiles fly higher and then plunge earthward at a speed and trajectory nearly identical to that of a ballistic missile warhead. This provides an adequately similar target for testing anti-ballistic missile systems.

The 2020 tests completed a decades-long Israeli effort to provide an integrated air defense system that makes the most of their numerous innovative air defense weapons. MEAD needs a networked system and the only one that incorporates the latest Israeli and American air defense tech is what Israel successfully tested at the end of 2020. There followed a year of discussions and negotiations between the U.S., Israel and major Arab partners in the anti-Iran alliance. Arab members of MEAD were not announced initially because Saudi Arabia had to determine if Saudi public opinion would tolerate belonging to MEAD. The Saudis have been a leader in anti-Israel rhetoric since the 1950s and only in the last two decades, as the Iranian threat grew, did Saudi political and business leaders realize that they needed Israel as an ally, not an alien entity that must be removed from the Middle East. The Saudis are the guardians of the most holy of Moslem pilgrimage sites and Saudis are proud of that. Some Saudis are still unwilling to accept Israel as a valued neighbor and ally. So far, the Saudis have established informal but effective diplomatic, intelligence and military links with Israel. To use MEAD the Saudis would have to go public with their acceptance of Israel. Thats risky for the Saudi government but so is staying out of MEAD. It is even more risky in 2023 because of the after-effects of the Hamas attack on Israel. For Israel and the Gulf Arab states the major threat still comes from Iran. Because of that Iran would like to see MEAD fail and Arrow 3 be kept as far away from Iran as possible.
NCIS is investigating the death of a Marines family member at Marine Corps Base Hawaii. (Aidan Hekker/U.S. Marine Corps)

FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii  Agents with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service are investigating the death on Sunday of a Marines family member at Marine Corps Base Hawaii.

Investigators have not released the names of the two individuals.

Out of respect for the investigative process, NCIS will not comment further while the investigation remains ongoing, Darwin Lam, a spokesman for NCIS, said in an email Friday.

No charges have been filed at this time, Lam said.

The base is located on the windward side of Oahu on Kaneohe Bay.

Hawaii News Now reported earlier this week that the deceased was the wife of a Marine and that he is being held on Ford Island, which is adjacent to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. The Honolulu Medical Examiner Office said on Friday that no information was available about the death.

The Honolulu Police Department is not involved in the investigation, HPD spokeswoman Michelle Yu said in an email Friday.

A Marine Corps sergeant who had also been stationed at Marine Corps Base Hawaii remains in a Honolulu jail two years after being charged with killing his wife on July 20, 2022.

Authorities say that Sgt. Bryant Tejeda-Castillo repeatedly stabbed Dana Alotaibi while on the side of a road near the base.

Tejeda-Castillo has pleaded not guilty to charges of second-degree murder. He is being held on a $1 million bond, and a trial date is set for June.

Meanwhile, Pfc. Dewayne Arthur Johnson II, a soldier stationed at Schofield Barracks in central Oahu, is being held in the brig at Ford Island and was charged late last month for making false statements, obstructing justice and distributing child pornography in connection with his missing wife, Mischa Johnson.

Mischa Johnson, 19, who was six months pregnant when she disappeared in late July, has not been found.

Agents with the Army Criminal Investigation Division have told the family of the missing woman that they believe she was killed.
A 7-year-old girl hugs a sailor assigned to the USS William P. Lawrence at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Honolulu on Aug. 28, 2024, after crew members of the ship rescued the girl and her mother from rough seas about 900 miles east of Hawaii. ()

FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii  French authorities have not been able to recover the body of a dead man left aboard a sailboat drifting near Hawaii that was the scene of a perilous rescue of a mother and her child by a U.S. Navy destroyer last week.

The master of the French-flagged sailboat Albroc died while the vessel was about 900 miles east of Honolulu, leaving a woman and small child stranded aboard.

Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point in Hawaii received a distress call in the early hours of Aug. 24 from the sailboat, the Navy said in an Aug. 29 news release. The Coast Guard launched an HC-130 Hercules plane, and upon reaching the scene crew members spotted the Albroc, a 47-foot sailboat.

It was then that the crew heard a mayday call on VHF-FM channel 16 from a 47-year-old woman aboard the vessel reporting that she and her 7-year-old daughter were in dire need of rescue, reporting that the master of the boat was dead.

The plane crew was unable to communicate directly with the woman.

Winds of roughly 20 mph were churning up waves of about six feet that were splashing over the side of the sailboat.

The Coast Guard requested further assistance from the Seri Emperor, a Singapore-flagged, 754-foot liquid petroleum gas tanker that was located about 290 miles south of the sailboat. The transit to the sailboat took about 18 hours.

At 9 a.m. on Aug. 25, another Coast Guard crew aboard a Hercules arrived on the scene and saw the mother and daughter waving their arms before they sought safety inside the boats cabin.

The U.S. Navy diverted the USS William P. Lawrence, a guided-missile destroyer homeported in Pearl Harbor, to the sailboats position.

The Seri Emperor arrived late in the afternoon on Aug. 25, but its crew was unable to safely transfer the woman and child from the vessel due to worsening weather ahead of the approaching Hurricane Gilma.

The tanker remained on the scene until early Aug. 26, when the Navy destroyer arrived.

With seas greater than 25 feet forecast within 12 hours of their position and the damaged condition of the Albroc, the William P. Lawrence had a six-hour window to safely conduct small boat recovery operations, the news release states.

A small boat crew from the Navy ship launched in 10-foot waves and rescued the woman, girl, a cat and tortoise from the sailboat.

They were unable to recover the body of the dead man aboard the boat.

Lea Goigoux, a spokeswoman for the French Consulate in San Francisco, said in an email Friday that French authorities have not yet been able to recover the boat or the boat master, who was not related to the passengers.

The Navy destroyer arrived at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Honolulu on Aug. 28, where members of the Coast Guard and the Honorary Consul of France in Hawaii provided care for the pair of survivors.

Neither required hospitalization, Goigoux said.

I am extremely proud of the crews professionalism in planning and executing the safe recovery of two persons at sea on a disabled vessel in worsening conditions, Cmdr. Bobby Wayland, commanding officer of the William P. Lawrence, said in the news release. My boat crew  in particular the coxswain  demonstrated deft boat handling and good judgement in approaching the distressed vessel and transferring the survivors.
A day after wreaking havoc in southern China, Typhoon Yagi pummeled northern Vietnam on Saturday, leaving four people dead and at least 78 others injured, Vietnams Disaster Management Authority said.

In Quang Ninh province  known for its scenic Ha Long Bay, a major tourist draw  three people died and 58 others were injured, the agency said. In adjacent Hai Duong province, one death was reported, with 20 people injured in Hai Phong province.

Widespread power outages were reported in Quang Ninh, Hai Duong and Hai Phong, where Vietnamese automaker VinFast has a large factory. Homes were damaged or had their roofs blown off across northern Vietnam, including in the capital, Hanoi, the agency said.

Sea travel was prohibited and roads were closed along the coast as well as in inland areas such as Hanoi, the agency said. People were advised to limit going out on the streets if not absolutely necessary. Vietnams Civil Aviation Authority extended its suspension of flights at three airports  including the Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi  through Saturday evening because of flooding concerns brought by the storm that meteorologists referred to as a super typhoon.

Photos and videos posted on social media showed downed trees, flooded streets and people in ponchos fighting heavy winds and rains on motorbikes. One video published by the television broadcaster in Hanoi showed trucks on an overpass shielding a flock of motorbikes from the fierce winds.

As it struck Vietnam, the storm had wind speeds of about 125 mph, with gusts up to 155 mph, according to the U.S. Navys Joint Typhoon Warning Center at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii  equivalent to a Category 3 hurricane.

Typhoon Yagi struck the southern Chinese island province of Hainan on Friday afternoon local time before pushing toward Guangdong province on the mainland. Officials in the region said the storm was perhaps the strongest to hit the area in a decade.

Four people died and 95 others were injured in Hainan, Chinas official Xinhua News Agency reported Saturday. It reported that the storm caused more than $100 million in damage to infrastructure like highways and waterways. The first country hit by the storm was the Philippines, where at least 16 people have died in the storms wake, Reuters reported.

The U.S. Navys JTWC said the storm went through an impressive period of extreme rapid intensification Wednesday evening. It briefly weakened before regaining strength Friday. The typhoon is the second-strongest storm this year globally, surpassed only by Hurricane Beryl, the Category 5 hurricane that rampaged across the Caribbean in July.

Vic Chiang, Matthew Cappucci and Jason Samenow contributed to this report.
President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, speaks to the media during a joint press conference with the President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, on March 8, 2024, in Istanbul, Turkey. (Chris McGrath/Getty Images/TNS)

WASHINGTON (Tribune News Service)  The Pentagon has invested $5.3 billion of congressionally appropriated money since Russias February 2022 invasion of Ukraine to boost U.S.-produced munitions for the besieged nation and replenish stockpiles, mostly for the Army, according to new figures released Friday.

American industry was making only 14,000 155mm shells a month when the invasion began, but has just hit the 40,000 mark, the Defense Department said in a statement Friday summarizing its efforts, which also coincides with the latest Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting this week. That represents a 178% increase  on a path to producing 100,000 a month by the end of 2025, it said.

The U.S. and its European allies have been racing to escalate production of armaments like ammunition and missiles after years of letting production languish as they werent a priority in Middle East operations.

Ukraine, like Russia, has burned through artillery ammunition, forcing allies to heighten manufacturing both to supply Ukraine and restore their own stocks for potential future conflicts.

The defense industry has responded in a variety of ways. For instance, Lockheed Martin Corps production of GMLRS rockets used by Ukraine to pummel Russian targets has increased 40% from 833 per month to 1,167. Monthly production of HIMARs missile launch vehicles has increased 60% from five to eight.

Lockheed Martin has also achieved a 100% increase in monthly production of its advanced Patriot PAC-3 MSE air defense weapon from 21 per month to 42 per month.

Lockheeds joint venture with RTX Corp. has increased production of the Javelin anti-armor weapon 14% to 200 units per month from 175, the Pentagon said in the statement.

Other companies have forged partnerships with Ukraine. Northrop Grumman now has a contract with Ukraines government to set up a medium-caliber ammunition production line.

All told, the Defense Department said, the U.S has provided more than $55.5 billion since the invasion started..

The Pentagon released the data as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made his first in-person appearance at a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group at Ramstein Air Base in Germany.

The Ukrainian leader repeated his message that deliveries need to reach the front line urgently as Moscows troops make grinding advances in Ukraines eastern Donbas region, where Zelenskyy said Russian President Vladimir Putin is keeping his most combat-ready units.

Natalia Drozdiak contributed to this report.

2024 Bloomberg L.P.

Visit bloomberg.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
A monument, the Motherland, stands above Ukraines war museum in Kyiv on Sept. 1. An exhibition of artifacts collected in Russias Kursk region after Ukraines surprise incursion into Russia in August is due to open at the museum. (Ed Ram/The Washington Post)

KYIV  Whats left of a concrete copy of Vladimir Lenins nose  which, until recently, was part of a statue of the Soviet leader in Sudzha, Russia  is now on display in the capital of Ukraine.

The broken nose, collected by the director of Ukraines war museum on a cross-border trip after Ukrainian troops seized Sudzha last month, was unveiled Friday in a new exhibit in Kyiv that documents Ukraines surprise Aug. 6 military incursion into Russias western Kursk region.

There is a phrase among film and television artists that the picture can disappear, museum director Yuriy Savchuk, 59, said in an interview as museum staff rushed about preparing the space for the new exhibit. We may lose this first picture of the war. And so, we needed to see it, to feel these emotions, to witness it with our own eyes in order to reproduce it in the public space.

Thanks to our defense forces, he added, we managed to make this short, urgent tour.

Savchuk crossed into Ukrainian-controlled Russia four times last month, returning with a diverse haul of items: local newspapers, movie posters, a handwritten sign from a civilian bomb shelter, a hammer-and-sickle flag from a fire station and, perhaps most symbolically, a blue, bullet-ridden sign showing where the roads to Ukraine and Russia diverge.

A a blue, bullet-ridden sign showing where the roads to Ukraine and Russia diverge was collected from Ukrainian-controlled Russia by Savchuk. (Ed Ram/The Washington Post)

The museums display of some of those items, along with archival Ukrainian maps of Russias border regions and recent photos from Kursk, chronicles how Kyiv turned the tables on Moscow last month, seizing some 500 square miles of Russian territory and hundreds of Russian prisoners of war. The exhibit and the haste with which it was opened reflect how Kyiv sees its seizure of Russian territory in the first such assault on Russian soil since World War II.

The fork in the road sign, Savchuk said, very symbolically and figuratively demonstrates not just that we have gone in different directions  [but] how far we have already moved away.

Some of the territory seized inside Russia was long ago considered part of Ukraine, and Savchuk said he hopes the archival display, which describes the regions history, drives home that even if territorial claims existed in the past, it does not justify resorting to war in the present day.

Ukraine has insisted that it brought the war to Kursk to create a buffer zone, push Russian forces from the border and demoralize Russian troops  and has not claimed it plans to try to permanently expand Ukraines own modern borders, set in 1991, which Russia has tried to redraw.

When asked how he would respond to any criticism that he had looted the items he brought over the border, Savchuk said he would profoundly disagree. This is property that has been smashed, destroyed, he said. The Lenin monument, for example, was damaged in a suspected Russian drone attack, he said  not intentionally destroyed as an act of revenge.

I absolutely believe that we cannot even use the term artifacts or cultural property to refer to these objects when they are in Russia, he said. They only become mementos and testimonies of this war in our collection, in our museum, where we will keep them for life.

Russia, he added, is meanwhile deliberately destroying cultural objects in Ukraine.

Savchuk unrolls a movie poster from inside Russia as he packs items into a van in Yunakivka village near the Ukraine-Russia border in the Sumy region of Ukraine on Aug. 15, during the second week of Ukraines incursion. (Ed Ram/The Washington Post)

For its part, Russia exhibits items taken from Ukraine during the war, including in a display this summer at Moscows State Historical Museum, just off Red Square. Visitors were shown bullet-riddled street signs from the now-occupied eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut, Azov Brigade T-shirts and paraphernalia  and a cello that curators claimed had been taken from the destroyed Mariupol Drama Theatre. One wall of the exhibition described Russias justifications for its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, describing how the war was forced upon Russia.

Yuriy Horpynych, an exhibition manager at Kyivs state-funded war museum, said his boss did not tell the staff that he was embarking on a trip to Sudzha until after he had gone. The collected items are not for our own use. Its a museum collection  Its not like an exhibition of trophies, he said. We dont take it from people who need it.

In Ukraine, he added, Russians looted everything they can find.

Pat Griffiths, International Committee of the Red Cross spokesperson in Ukraine, said that he could not speak to the legality of any specific case because his organization maintains neutrality. What I can say is that in any armed conflict, anywhere, at any time, private, public and cultural property is protected, he said, referring to the Geneva Conventions and other laws of war.

Savchuk took his job at Ukraines World War II museum in late 2021. Within months, his role changed as he shifted his focus from historical research on a century-old war to documenting the new war as it took place in his own home.

In April 2022, days after Russian troops retreated from the Kyiv region, Savchuk requested permission from the Ukrainian military to travel through just-liberated territories to collect evidence to display in the museum.

Much like in Sudzha, his task was urgent. To make his collection historically accurate, he had to arrive first, before others had sifted through the destruction. Over 12 days that month, he collected abandoned Russian soldiers boots, ID cards and rations, now on display in the museum previously dedicated to the Soviet-Afghan War.

His team then installed a recreation of a civilian bomb shelter they visited in the Kyiv suburb of Hostomel. In the museum basement, visitors feel their way through an immersive exhibit and experience the dark, cramped, degrading experience of wartime life. Across Ukraine, some civilians still live full-time in similar shelters. Many others take still cover in them during regular Russian airstrikes.

When Ukraine liberated other territory later in 2022, Savchuk again rushed to visit the areas  still mined and vulnerable to Russian assault  to add to his collection.

But the visit to Sudzha was more complicated, he said. The week he visited, the city remained extremely dangerous, with regular Russian drone, missile and glide bomb attacks. Some Russian soldiers were still hiding in the surrounding forests or inside civilian homes.

For his first trip, he crossed with the Ukrainian military, wearing a flak jacket and helmet, he recounted. But the next three days, he and a young photographer working for the museum traveled around Sudzha in their civilian van with Kyiv plates.

When crossing through a checkpoint in the last Ukrainian village near the border, troops raised their eyebrows when he said he worked for a museum. But then one soldier recognized the car. By chance, he was the same soldier who had accompanied Savchuks team on their first excursions outside of Kyiv in 2022.

Once inside the Kursk region, they rushed through the town searching for items that would help explain the significance of the incursion. At one point, they watched Ukrainian soldiers shoot a flagpole to help take down a Russian flag.

You dont know if youll be back on this street later. You dont know your route. You dont know how long you will be there, he said. And it is extremely difficult. You need to instantly navigate, instantly think about what things you need.

Racing from street to street, Savchuk said he and the photographer were so excited imagining the future exhibit that they were high on adrenaline and happiness hormones. Savchuk even tried to take a cat he found at the border crossing, he said, promising her that she could live in his museum  but she jumped out of his car window and ran back to Russia.

In the civilian shelter in the basement of a former school in central Sudzha, he saw elderly people huddled on mattresses in a basement, using a bucket for a bathroom. The basement, he said, looked exactly like the one from Hostomel that he recreated in Kyiv.

Its absolutely the same, he said. Its amazing. He asked the civilians if he could take the handwritten poster written outside that warned that only civilians  not soldiers  were inside. It looked identical, he said, to signs Ukrainians had installed outside their own homes or shelters.

Bedding and household items in a recreation of the type of basement bomb shelter in which people took refuge following Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine in the war museum in Kyiv on Aug. 26. (Ed Ram/The Washington Post) A sign indicating civilians are inside on the door of a recreation of a basement bomb shelter, like those in which people took refuge during Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine, in Ukraines war museum in Kyiv on Aug. 26. (Ed Ram/The Washington Post)

It is a great tragedy, a great disaster, a great misfortune for civilians, he said. And everyone finds themselves in similar situations.

Once they had what they needed  and after narrowly avoiding a Russian drone attack  they decided to leave. The museum was waiting for its new collection. And if they were going to install it in time for the one-month anniversary of the incursion, he said, we had to save our lives.

Video: A new exhibit at Ukraines War Museum displays artifacts collected by the museum director from Ukraines August incursion of Russias Kursk region.

Francesca Ebel contributed to this report.

(c) 2024, The Washington Post.
Family members gather to mourn around the body of 13-year-old Bana Laboum in the West Bank village of Qaryut on Saturday. Laboums father and the Palestinian Health Ministry said she was shot and killed by Israeli forces on Friday. The military acknowledged opening fire and said the incident was under review. (Heidi Levine/The Washington Post)

The United Nations on Friday called for a full investigation into the circumstances leading to the death of an American woman in the occupied West Bank, saying civilians should be protected at all times.

People should be held accountable, Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for the U.N. secretary general, said when he was alerted to the case by a reporter at a daily news briefing.

Two witnesses said Aysenur Eygi, 26, was shot in the head Friday by Israeli forces who had opened fire. She was a volunteer with the International Solidarity Movement, a pro-Palestinian activist group, and was attending a protest at Jewish settlement expansion in the town of Beita, her colleagues said.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement that she was a citizen.

In a statement, Eygis family said they were in shock and grief following news of her death.

Like the olive tree she lay beneath where she took her last breaths, Aysenur was strong, beautiful, and nourishing. Her presence in our lives was taken needlessly, unlawfully, and violently by the Israeli military, the family said.

Eygi had recently graduated from the University of Washington, where she was an active campus member who felt compelled to travel to the West Bank to stand in solidarity with Palestinian civilians, her family said. She felt a deep responsibility to serve others and lived a life of caring for those in need with action. She was a fiercely passionate human rights activist her whole life  a steadfast and staunch advocate of justice.

The White House said Friday that U.S. officials were deeply disturbed by Eygis death and had contacted Tel Aviv to ask for more information and request an investigation into the incident.

Eygis family said that they appreciated U.S. officials condolences but called on them to order an independent investigation, stating that an Israeli investigation is not adequate.

Hisham Dweikat, a Beita resident and member of the Palestinian National Council legislative body who was at the protest when Eygi was shot, said a representative of the Palestinian attorney general took affidavits from Beita residents and international activists who were present Friday. He added that five Israeli military vehicles had also arrived at the site of the shooting and took photos and measurements.

The Israel Defense Forces said it was looking into reports that a foreign national was killed as a result of shots fired in the area and that the details of the incident and the circumstances in which she was hit are under review. The statement said that Israeli forces in the area of Beita had responded with fire toward a main instigator of violent activity who hurled rocks at the forces and posed a threat to them.

Eyewitnesses told The Post that they saw the Israeli military in two Jeeps and a white van Saturday collecting stones close to where Eygi died. Mahmoud Abdullah, 43, a local resident who was in the area at the time of her death, said soldiers came to his house and asked for any video footage and cameras.

Another resident, Ali Mohali, said Israels army often takes over his rooftop during demonstrations and was at his house Friday. He said he heard a gunshot that shook his home  one that he believes may have killed Eygi. The Post could not independently verify his claims.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Friday during a trip to the Caribbean that the U.S. government was intensely focused on getting those facts about Eygis death.

I just want to extend my deepest condolences, the condolences of the United States government, to the family of Aysenur Ezgi Eygi. We deplore this tragic loss, Blinken told reporters.

On Saturday, mourners gathered in the West Bank town of Qaryut, near Nablus, for the funeral of 13-year-old Bana Laboum, who was also shot and killed the day before after Israeli forces arrived in her village. Her father, 47-year-old Amjad Bakar, knelt beside his daughters freshly filled grave.

Bakar and the Palestinian Health Ministry said the Israeli military shot Laboum on Friday through the window of her home, after showing up amid a confrontation between Palestinian residents and Jewish settlers.

In a statement Friday, the IDF acknowledged opening fire and said it received a report regarding a Palestinian girl who was killed by shots in the area.

An initial inquiry indicates that the Israeli security forces that were dispatched to the scene operated to disperse the riot in the area, including firing shots into the air, the statement said, adding that the incident is under review.

Kareem Fahim, Hajar Harb, Mohamad El Chamaa, Alon Rom and Lior Soroka contributed to this report.
The conclusion of the extradition hearing for the Colorado Springs woman accused of killing two of her children is delayed until December.

Kimberlee Singler, 36, appeared in court Wednesday for the first day of her extradition hearing in Westminster Magistrates Court in Central London. At the hearing, the court heard details of how Singler allegedly drugged her children before fatally stabbing and shooting two of them because God told her to do it, according to Gazette news partner KOAA.

The hearing was originally scheduled to conclude on Friday, but KOAA reported that due to prosecutors requesting more time to review evidence that the U.S. wants in the case, the conclusion of Singler's extradition hearing was delayed. Singler will return to court on Dec. 2 for the conclusion of the hearing.

Previous Gazette reporting outlines that Singler was in the midst of a lengthy custody battle with her ex-husband, Kevin Wentz, and failed to show up to a police station to return custody of the three children to Wentz the day before she allegedly killed two of the three children.

Singler faces seven charges, including two counts of first-degree murder, for allegedly killing her two children, Elianna Wentz and Aden Wentz, and attempting to kill her third child.

Previous reporting from The Gazette details that the El Paso County Coroners Office ruled that both childrens deaths were homicides.

Elianna Ellie Wentz, 9, suffered a gunshot wound to the head and cuts to her neck that caused her death.

Her brother, Aden Wentz, 7, was killed by a gunshot to his head, an autopsy states. He suffered neck wounds as well.
Robyn Cameron, a Recruitment Specialist with Southeast Lineman Training Center, speaks with U.S. Marines during a SkillBridge expo at Camp Lejeune, N.C., in February 2023. (Antonino Mazzamuto/U.S. Marine Corps)

WASHINGTON  The Defense Department is overhauling a job training program for transitioning service members with tougher requirements for employers, the creation of a centralized tracking system to measure outcomes and a greater focus on moving participants into full-time work after an internship.

The new mandates were implemented in August and require companies that participate in a program called SkillBridge to demonstrate a high probability of immediate employment after the six-month program, according to the department.

While the Defense Department maintains the changes are needed to help more participants connect with jobs, some veterans and companies have questioned whether the goal is to scale back participation in a popular jobs program to ensure troop readiness.

The Defense Department has not provided data on performance rates or outcomes for SkillBridge to validate the changes. But the program was paused in the summer of 2023 over concerns about balancing troop readiness with demand for the jobs program by service members in their final months of duty.

SkillBridge is a voluntary program for troops leaving the service that has proven to be more popular than the military anticipated, the department said. More than 12,000 exiting service members enrolled in SkillBridge during the first two quarters of fiscal 2024, according to the Government Accountability Office, which examined program participation in a report published in August.

Under SkillBridge, companies provide unpaid internships to service members who are in their final six months of active duty, while the Defense Department continues to pay their wages and full benefits.

William ONeil, a Marine Corps veteran and founder of Greater Heights Capital, predicted business participation likely will scale back under the new priorities to hire job trainees.

SkillBridge is an amazing opportunity for businesses. It is hard to turn down free labor. But it also will be hard for business owners to forecast future hirings and be certain it is feasible,  said ONeil, a former staff sergeant who served from 2008-2022.

Greater Heights Capital, a company that invests in small businesses, has not participated in SkillBridge, but ONeil assisted another company that was applying to participate in SkillBridge.

Under the new rules, companies will have to guarantee they can offer a specified number of internships annually based on the organizations size. They also will need to show 75% or more of service members who successfully complete a SkillBridge internship receive immediate offers of employment.

When service members are six months from separation, they can request to participate in SkillBridge. The training is considered official duty during regular working hours.

Bridgestone, a multinational manufacturing company, piloted two internships in 2023 at stores near Fort Campbell, Ky. The company hired one intern as an auto mechanic after the six-month program. Bridgestone said Thursday that it plans to continue offering the program under the new requirements.

Since SkillBridge started in 2011, more than 50,000 service members have participated. SkillBridge was created as a response to job loss from the national recession in 2008 and 2009.

A new process for collecting and analyzing SkillBridge data on internship participation, performance and outcomes is scheduled to begin in fiscal 2025, according to the Defense Department.

The DOD stated it will issue new guidance and track data by military service, according to the GAO report, which looked at the need for improving data analysis for program oversight.

The Defense Department could not provide figures on how many SkillBridge participants completed their programs or were hired by their employers, according to the GAO report. It also described current data collection methods on SkillBridge as ad-hoc.

Each service branch is responsible for data collection, according to the GAO, which found centralized analysis does not exist.

Auditors concluded the Defense Department lacks the evidence to determine whether the 13-year-old job training program meets the needs of exiting service members seeking new careers as civilians.

Moreover, this absence of data, analysis and corrective action plans could make it difficult for key decision makers to provide oversight of the program, auditors wrote.

New requirements for SkillBridge bring the program into alignment with the Defense Departments two other major programs for separating service members, according to the GAO report. They are the Transition Assistance Program, called TAP, a mandated course for all exiting military members, and the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program that supports transitioning members of the National Guard and Reserve.

The DODs Military-Civilian Transition Office assumed oversight of SkillBridge in 2023 and assessed the programs strengths and challenges through interviews with stakeholders.

[The transition office] is taking steps to identify if SkillBridge program opportunities are resulting in interviews and job offers for services members in the program, a key piece of data, the GAO report said. More fully leveraging available information would better position the military services to identify shortcomings with SkillBridge or challenges facing service members participating in the program and why those challenges occur.
Pins and American flags for voters. (North Carolina State Board of Elections)

A state appeals panel upended election preparations in North Carolina on Friday, ordering a halt to the distribution of mail ballots in the battleground state after granting Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s request that his name be removed from contention for the presidency.

Friday was the deadline for local election officials to mail ballots to the roughly 130,000 North Carolinians who had requested them so far. County offices had been preparing for weeks with ballot design, printing orders and envelope preparation.

That effort immediately stopped under instructions from the State Board of Elections following the court ruling, and officials estimated it will take a minimum of two weeks and more than $1 million  borne by cash-strapped county offices  to design, print and prepare new ballots.

An anonymous three-judge panel of the North Carolina State Court of Appeals offered no explanation for its decision but appeared to side with Kennedys argument, on First Amendment grounds, that he should not be forced to appear on the ballot.

Kennedy suspended his campaign last month and asked that his name be removed from ballots in 10 battleground states to avoid siphoning votes from Republican nominee Donald Trump, whom he endorsed. In a decision also published Friday, the Michigan Court of Appeals ruled in favor of Kennedys request to remove his name from the ballot there. In Wisconsin, a Dane County judge denied a similar request.

The North Carolina decision set off a scramble in a key swing state with razor-thin margins in recent presidential races. In the previous two contests, Trump won the state with less than 50 percent of the vote, and in 2020 his margin was less than 75,000 votes  far less than the number of mail ballots requested so far this year. Democrats are significantly more likely than Republicans to vote by mail.

We had all of our ballots stuffed and prepped and ready to go out today, said Sara LaVere, director of the Brunswick County Board of Elections, at the southern tip of the state. Weve been advised by the state board not to do anything today, so until we know what were doing, were in a holding pattern.

Brunswick County must redesign 29 ballot styles to account for district boundaries in state and local elections.

Were basically starting from scratch, said Derek Bowens, elections director in Durham County, whose vendor must redesign and produce 21 ballot formats. And the process goes beyond removing Kennedys name. Computer codes must be redesigned and tested for accuracy on tabulation machines, and the layout of ballots will have to be adjusted in some instances, he said.

As of Wednesday, more than 2,910,000 general election ballots had been printed statewide, including ballots for both absentee and in-person voting, according to the states filing in the Kennedy case. More than 2,300 ballot formats were created for the state this year.

J. Michael Bitzer, a political scientist at North Carolinas Catawba College, said the fact that Kennedy is seeking to remove his name only in battleground states reveals the partisan nature of the effort. One of Kennedys lawyers on the case, Phil Strach, is a longtime GOP election lawyer in North Carolina. Strach did not respond to a request for comment.

This is where partisanship and legal principles really collide, Bitzer said. If youre not worth being on North Carolinas ballot, are you worth being on any ballot in the country? Thats the political hypocrisy. And there are serious administrative consequences that ultimately impact North Carolina voters more than one persons name being on a ballot.

In its pleading to keep Kennedy on the ballot, the state argued that Kennedy not seeking to remove his name everywhere mitigated his right to do so in North Carolina, particularly given the adverse impact on election officials.

All of these staff members, along with staff from all 100 county boards, work long hours for multiple weeks, including many working overtime and weekends, the pleading stated.

Officials said they plan to appeal in Michigan and North Carolina. In Michigan, the decision could affect what is expected to be a close race between Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. Friday was the deadline for making ballot changes, but they were not yet being mailed out, so the effect on ballot production is not expected to be as disruptive as in North Carolina.

In an email to county election officials sent late Friday, North Carolina State Board of Elections Executive Director Karen Brinson Bell said counties should proceed with complying with Fridays decision in the meantime.

Friday was both the deadline for mailing absentee ballots and the deadline for a candidate to withdraw their name from the ballot. Kennedys lawyers first emailed the state board about removing his name in late August.

It is undisputed that Kennedy submitted formal written requests for his withdrawal prior to any applicable statutory deadline, his lawyers wrote.

Complicating the new timeline is the looming federal deadline, Sept. 21, to send out overseas and military ballots. Bell said in her email that the state may have to ask the federal Election Assistance Commission for a waiver. But if counties are late sending out those overseas ballots, voters will have less time to return them. Unlike state absentee ballots, federally regulated overseas ballots may be submitted electronically.

Its going to be a tight turnaround, said LaVere, from Brunswick County. But this isnt the first time a last-minute decision has changed what we need to do in the middle of an election. We are pretty good at pivoting and lifting each other up.

Patrick Marley in Madison, Wis., contributed to this report.
Intruder Noel Cahill (45) was barred from the apartments when he got into an altercation with his brother, who he had an adversarial relationship with.

A man arrested for trespassing at a Dublin housing scheme and becoming aggressive was having a family dispute with his brother, who was a resident, Dublin District Court heard.

Intruder Noel Cahill (45) was barred from the apartments when he got into an altercation with his brother, who he had an adversarial relationship with.

Judge John Hughes gave him a three-month suspended sentence.

Cahill, of Back Lane Hostel, Dublin 8, pleaded guilty to trespassing at Hazelwood House, Canal Road, Ranelagh in a manner likely to cause fear.

Read more Judge imposes one month prison term on intruder who bit married woman on buttocks

Dublin District Court heard that Cahill had been barred from Hazelwood House when he went there on February 14 this year, became aggressive and got into an altercation with his brother, who was staying there. Cahill had previous convictions.

The siblings were having a disagreement and Cahill decided to go to the address and talk to his brother, his lawyer said. He was not aware he was barred at the time and his brother let him in, he said.

It was a family dispute and he had an adversarial relationship with his brother at the time, the lawyer continued. They had since reconciled, now had a good relationship and Cahill was sorry for the offence.

The accused had worked in security and had been a store manager in the past, but that all fell away after his partner died in tragic circumstances. He suffered from mental health and medical problems but was stable at the moment and wanted that to continue, his lawyer said.

Judge Hughes suspended the sentence for two years on the condition Cahill stays away from Hazelwood House at all times. He is also to remain under probation supervision.
The Colorado Springs Fire Department responded to a working structure fire near Springs Rescue Mission that has closed roads Friday afternoon at approximately 2:25.

Crews are on scene at the fire, which is located at 59 W Las Vegas. The department asks the community to please avoid the area to allow crews to work.

As of 2:35, the department posted that the fire is under control and all of Las Vegas is blocked west of Nevada.

Firefighters were able to keep the fire small and from extended to other apartments nearby. The department reports that all occupants are being let back into their homes except those in the affected apartment.

Fire investigators are working to determine cause and origin.

This article will be updated.
Jack Goss (20) was heavily reliant on the drug at the time gardai made the 200 seizure, Dublin District Court heard.

An apprentice plumber was caught with four bags of cannabis in his shorts when gardai saw him driving away from a checkpoint near his home.

Jack Goss (20) was heavily reliant on the drug at the time gardai made the 200 seizure, Dublin District Court heard.

Judge John Hughes referred him to the drugs treatment court and adjourned the case.

Goss, with an address at Balbutcher Drive, Poppintree, Ballymun, pleaded guilty to possession of drugs.

The court heard gardai saw a Renault Clio driven by Goss turn away from a traffic checkpoint at Balbutcher Lane, Ballymun on September 2 last year.

The gardai followed and stopped him, getting a strong smell of cannabis from the car when they spoke to him.

Goss had a bag of cannabis in his shorts and he was arrested and taken to Ballymun garda station where a further three bags were found. Goss had no previous convictions.

He had been heavily reliant on marijuana, hence the amount he had at the time, a defence barrister said. 

Goss had significantly reduced his dependency and was getting back to work. His girlfriend was expecting their first child.

He was acutely aware of the implications a drugs conviction could have for his work, the barrister added. 
Juares Kumbu, 18, of Brookhaven Grove, Blanchardstown, Dublin, was arrested in the early hours of Saturday

An 18-year-old youth has been refused bail after appearing in court charged with a hatchet attack on a man who suffered a severe head injury at his home in Dublin.

Juares Kumbu, 18, of Brookhaven Grove, Blanchardstown, Dublin, was arrested in the early hours of Saturday and charged with four offences in connection with an incident at a residential address on September 1 at Sheephill Avenue, Corduff, D15.

The youth is accused of a Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act charge for assault causing harm to a 21-year-old man, who was injured but has been since released from hospital. On conviction, it can carry a maximum 10-year sentence.

It is also alleged that while committing assault causing harm, in the course of a dispute, he produced in a manner likely to unlawfully intimidate a hatchet capable of inflicting serious injury. This offence is under the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act.

The two remaining charges from the incident were trespassing at the house in a manner likely to cause fear in another and criminal damage to a kitchen window at the property.

The youth appeared before Judge Anthony Halpin at Dublin District Court on Saturday.

Represented by solicitor Simon Fleming, the defendant has not indicated a plea and applied for bail but faced strenuous objections.

Garda Stewart Gleeson said the accused "made no reply" when charged.

Directions still need to be obtained to establish whether the case would be heard at the District Court level or go forward to the Circuit Court, which has broader sentencing powers.

The garda opposed the defendant's application to be released due to the seriousness of the case and witness interference concerns.

It was alleged the accused arrived at the house and assaulted the man "by hitting him over the head with a weapon described as a hatchet".

Mr Fleming submitted that strict bail conditions could address the officer's concerns, and his client, who had the presumption of innocence, would agree to any terms deemed appropriate by the court.

However, Judge Halpin refused the application and remanded Mr Kumbu in custody to appear at via video link Cloverhill District Court on Tuesday morning.

Legal aid was granted to the accused, who was not required to give evidence during the hearing.
Ann Marie Cash (23), who had stolen beer and cigarettes, shouted foul language at gardai when she was caught.

Ann Marie Cash (23), who had stolen beer and cigarettes, shouted foul language at gardai when she was caught.

Judge Monika Leech put her on a probation bond for a year and warned Cash she was on a very slippery slope.

Cash, with an address at Booterstown Halting Site in south Co Dublin, pleaded guilty to assault, theft, trespassing on a railway, public intoxication, and threatening, abusive and insulting behaviour.

Dublin District Court heard gardai were called to Spar, Monkstown Crescent, on March 13 this year, where the manager said Cash had punched him on the jaw after stealing goods from the shop.

She took a bottle of Budweiser beer and a packet of Silk Cut cigarettes worth 20. When gardai arrived, Cash was at Salthill and Monkstown Dart station and ran across the tracks, throwing a lit cigarette which hit a security guard on the cheek. She was caught and arrested and used foul language to the gardai throughout.

Read more Judge imposes one month prison term on intruder who bit married woman on buttocks

Cash was aggressive and refused to give her details to the garda or jailer at the station.

She separately admitted other charges, including criminal damage to a garda van and patrol car at Finnstown Shopping Centre, Newcastle Road, Lucan, on May 14.

The court heard she was arrested that day and when she was in the back of the first vehicle, she spat on the windows, requiring a 180 clean-up.

Cash was transferred to a second vehicle, where she repeatedly struck out in the rear cell, headbutting the window and cracking the clear plastic panel.

In another incident, she shoplifted wine from Centra, Shelbourne Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, on August 7. She had no previous convictions.

The facts speak for themselves, Cashs lawyer said.

The accused was a very young womanand a member of the Travelling community. The offences took place after she was thrown out of her family home and became homeless. She used alcohol to cope and struggled with this. There had been little to no criminality previously.

Cash was already in custody when she appeared in court and doing very well there, having detoxed from alcohol, her lawyer said.

She was a very vulnerable person but now had a new life free of crime.

The judge said she was at a disadvantage in not having a probation report but she accepted there were extenuating circumstances in the case.

She said Cash was on a very slippery slope but she was giving her an opportunity to get off it.
Even though he was stabbed a number of times in the back, arm, and head, sources say Sheehan was able to walk into an ambulance after being treated by paramedics at the scene

A man has been arrested after violent gun thug Gavin Sheehan was attacked and stabbed a number of times in a horror daylight attack on Oliver Plunkett Street in Cork yesterday evening.

The man, in his 20s was arrested this morning and is being quizzed at a Garda station in Cork City.

Even though he was stabbed a number of times in the back, arm, and head, sources say Sheehan was able to walk into an ambulance after being treated by paramedics at the scene.

Gardai said they and emergency services responded to an incident on Oliver Plunkett Street in Cork City shortly after 5pm, where an adult male was seriously assaulted during a disturbance.

Gavin Sheehan

He received treatment at the scene and was then transported to the hospital, gardai said earlier, adding that his injuries were understood to be serious but not life-threatening.

Today, a Garda spokesperson said gardai had arrested a man in relation to a serious assault that occurred at the junction of Grand Parade and Oliver Plunkett Street shortly after 5pm on Friday, September 6.

The man, aged in his 20s was arrested this morning, and is currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice at a Garda station in Cork City, the spokesperson said.

Investigations are ongoing.

Sheehan, who is well known to gardai, was also targeted in an incident two weeks ago when two armed men called to his house and smashed his windows.

The 33-year-old was released from Castlerea Prison last month after he served eight years for shooting innocent 21-year-old Ciara Sheehan (no relation) in the neck.

He had originally been sentenced to 11 years in 2017 for the shooting in May 2016.

Sheehan had denied four charges relating to possessing and firing the gun and most significantly, seriously injuring the young woman.

Cork Circuit Criminal Court heard Sheehan had assaulted a young man, Dylan Cunningham, in a chip shop in Blackpool earlier that evening and, later that night, windows were broken at Sheehans family home at Laurel Ridge.

Later, at about 1.30am, Ciara Sheehan, Dylan Cunninghams girlfriend, was at the Cunningham family home at Hollywood Estate, Blarney Road, when she heard a loud bang and realised she had been shot.

She fell to the ground with a gunshot wound to the neck.

She underwent emergency surgery and had a bullet removed from her neck, where it had lodged in a muscle but which avoided rupturing any major blood vessels.
Sources said one line of inquiry being followed by gardai is that the attack on the innocent woman was motivated by a grievance her attacker had against a person known to her.

A man in his 40s is being quizzed by gardai after a woman was stabbed in the neck at a house in Clonshaugh, Dublin.

Sources said the woman, who is in her 30s, is lucky to be alive such was the seriousness of her injuries.

Sources said one line of inquiry being followed by gardai is that the attack on the innocent woman was motivated by a grievance her attacker had against a person known to her.

Gardai in Coolock are investigating the circumstances of what they described as the serious assault at the home in Clonshaugh in the early hours of this morning.

In a statement , a spokesperson said: Shortly after 00.25am, gardai and emergency services responded to reports of an assault at a residential property in Clonshaugh, Dublin 17.

A woman, aged in her 30s was found with serious injuries and removed from the scene to Beaumont Hospital where she remains in a serious condition.

In a follow up search a man, aged in his 40s was arrested this morning and is currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 at a Garda station in North Dublin.

Investigations ongoing.
Shaun, who who due to turn 45 next month, was shot dead in Kansas City on August 28 last

A celebration of life for murdered Irish chef Shaun Brady is due to take place tomorrow in Kansas City Missouri.

Shaun, who was due to turn 45 next month, was shot dead in Kansas City on August 28th last.

The married father of two was targeted outside of his restaurant in the Brookside area of the city after he intervened in the robbery of a vehicle from a car park.

Two juveniles, who cannot be named for legal reasons, have been charged in connection with his murder.

Such was his popularity that a large amount of flowers and cards have been dropped off to Bradys KC, the restaurant that Shaun co owned. Bradys KC, at the request of the Brady family, delivered all of the flowers to the Shawnee Missionary Unitarian Church in the city.

Cards and other gifts have been handed over to Mr Bradys mother in law to hold on to until the right time comes to pass them on to her daughter Kate and the couples young children Seamus and Mary.

A remembrance ceremony for the talented chef who was born in Limerick, but grew up in Nenagh, Co Tipperary, will take place tomorrow from 5pm to 8pm (local time) at Drexel Hall in Kansas City.

Meanwhile, the family of Mr Brady have thanked the people of Ireland and the US for all their support and messages during this harrowing time.

In a notice on RIP.ie the loved ones of Shaun of Lenexa, Kansas City and formerly of Summerhill in Nenagh say that he was taken tragically from them on August 28th.

The doting father is survived by his wife and children. He is also mourned by his mother Mary and his siblings Vivian, Sandra and Damien.

The notice reads that Shaun is sadly missed by his heartbroken family, mother, sisters and brother, nieces and nephews, extended family relatives and friends.

Over $169,000 has been raised via a GoFundMe page to help support the young family of the deceased.

Bradys KC restaurant said in a recent statement that their hearts are broken following his death.

There are no words to express our sadness, anger and frustration. Our community is with Shaun's family - forever. We cannot express how much we appreciate the outpouring of support, offers to help, and your love.

Together we are united. Together we will grieve. Together we will heal.

We ask that you show compassion and aid in our healing by respecting the privacy of Shaun's family.

Shaun was well known and respected in Kansas City both for his culinary skills and his generosity of spirit.

He frequently appeared on local television doing cookery demonstrations and played a huge part in the Kansas City Irish Fest.

Mary Kate Gliedt, Executive Director of the Kansas City Irish Centre, previously said that they were heartbroken at the news of the death of their stalwart supporter and true friend Shaun.

His restaurant Bradys was an extension of himself  warm, open and welcoming to everyone.

His excellent creations in the kitchen were no match for his innate hospitality and generosity.

Donations can still be made to the Shaun Brady GoFundMe at https://gofund.me/b22217f6
Kate Ruth (36) of Wichita, was sentenced on Thursday in federal court in Omaha to 24 months in prison, followed by a three-year term of supervised release

A Kansas woman has been jailed in the US for her involvement in an Irish Mob-linked witness retaliation plot

Kate Ruth (36) of Wichita, was sentenced on Thursday in federal court in Omaha to 24 months in prison, followed by a three-year term of supervised release.

Chief United States District Court Judge Robert F Rossiter handed down the sentence for her role in a conspiracy to assault a witness and attempted assault of a witness.

The case stems from an investigation into Johnny Dolph, a member of the notorious Irish Mob Gang that originated in the Oklahoma prison system.

In September 2021, one of the Irish Mobs gang members was caught in possession of counterfeit currency, forged cheques, and other items used for forging documents, with much of the evidence incriminating Dolph.

After his arrest, Dolph and a woman named Jennifer Norwood, or Jennifer Dolph, began contacting the arrested mans wife in a bid to prevent her from cooperating with law enforcement.

Dolph, believing the couple were cooperating with law enforcement, put a green light on them, which is mob slang meaning permission to carry out a hit or other form of coercive action, according to local media reports.

In October, federal agents executed a search warrant on Dolph's Omaha apartment.

After the raid, Dolph and Norwood began researching the federal agents and magistrate judge involved in the case.

They continued gathering information on Victim 1 and her family members and in November 2021, Dolph recruited Kate Ruth to travel from Kansas to Omaha to carry out his retaliation plans.

Ruth, along with another associate, Juanita Gibson, travelled in a red pickup truck, receiving funds for gas along the way from Dolph.

When they arrived in Omaha, Dolph put them up in his apartment where they helped him gather information about Victim 1.

The plot resulted in multiple arrests when t unravelled with Dolph sentenced to 150 months in prison in 2023 on various charges, including conspiracy to tamper with witnesses, assault attempts, and firearms offenses.

Norwood received a 37-month sentence in 2024.

In November 2023 Juanita Gibson (38) was convicted for conspiracy to assault a witness and attempted assault of a witness and sentenced in federal court in Omaha.

She will serve 24 months in prison followed by a three-year term of supervised release with no parole.

Gibson later admitted to the Secret Service, that she and Ruth had travelled to Nebraska at Dolphs request to find a woman who Dolph had been looking for.

The FBI detectives in charge described their relief and tireless efforts that were were instrumental in seeing justice served in this case, said Kansas City Field Office Special Agent in Charge Brandon Bridgeforth.

We can think of no greater outcome than protecting citizens and witnesses of crimes from violent criminals such as Johnny Dolph.

"Our office has the power and authority to prosecute all offenses against the United States. Any attempts to subvert this pursuit of justice through illicit means will be met with aggressive prosecution," said Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr.

"Today's sentencing is an example of this commitment and should serve as a warning to those who are contemplating unlawful attempts to undermine the criminal justice process, the Attorney said.

In July 2022, a high-ranking member of the Mob, Korey Lee Smith (33) from Stillwater, Oklahoma was handed down a 15-year prison sentence on charges of conspiracy to traffic methamphetamine.

The jury trial came to an unexpected end in May of that year after he suddenly and unexpectedly decided to plead guilty to the charge that carried a possible sentence of life behind bars.

At sentencing, Smith told Payne County District Judge Phillip Corley that joining the Irish mob was the biggest mistake of his life.

Looking at my past, you may not think I deserve mercy. Ive been to prison three times. I made the biggest mistake of my life  I joined the Irish Mob prison gang. In these gang units, I get deeper, he said.

I dont want to be associated with the Irish Mob. Allow me at least to get a program where I get classes to overcome my addiction. I know I look bad on paper.

Judge Corley told him that he understands his predicament and sentenced him to 15 years for the meth conspiracy charge as well as a concurrent 10 years for possession with intent to distribute.

He was also given a further one-year jail term for driving while suspended.
The council recognised for having the countrys best-tasting tap water is at step one of how it will respond to looming Three Waters rules.

The Government enacted the Local Government (Water Services Preliminary Arrangements) Act this week, which required councils to provide transparent information on their water services and set out proposals to achieve financially sustainable services that met standards.

The Local Government Water Services (Transitional Provisions) Bill, expected to be introduced in December, will make structural and financing tools available for councils to use.

Rotorua Lakes Council, whose council-controlled organisation InfraCore won New Zealands best-tasting tap water title in May, provided elected members with the options it had at an infrastructure and environment committee meeting on Wednesday.

It announced in July it would bring the services, assets and staff of InfraCore back in-house.

It has a year to develop a water services delivery plan and its preferred option was to keep services in-house, which was seen as being the least disruptive option.

It would need to separate water activities and revenue from other activities, however.

Chief executive Andrew Moraes said: We believe that is the sustainable and right decision for our community.

Conversations with other Bay of Plenty councils were ongoing, with one option being to create a water organisation owned by multiple councils or one owned a mixed council/consumer trust.

The councils discussion would help to inform its position in those conversations, he said.

Councillors would get to have a close review as the water delivery plan was developed.

Rotorua Lakes Council chief executive Andrew Moraes. Photo / Andrew Warner.

Maori ward councillor Lani Kereopa did not rule out working with other councils.

While a joint-council approach would potentially be further removed from mana whenua, Kereopa said she did not believe the status quo worked either.

Mayor Tania Tapsell supported retaining in-house delivery, given Rotoruas good position.

Audit NZ have signalled Rotoruas financial plan is prudent.

The council forecasted staying below its internal limit of 250% debt-to-revenue ratio, or the Local Government Funding Agency (LGFA) limit of 280% debt-to-revenue ratio.

The consumer trust option was seen as the most financially independent. Councillor Don Paterson worried about its affordability for customers, however.

He also wanted to consider a more collaborative approach.

Maori ward councillor Rawiri Waru said it was step one and understood it did not cut off opportunity for collaboration.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
DORA is coming to the Western Bay to help people explore the latest in health platforms.

Like much in todays world, the internet is part and parcel of our relationship with our GP.

Many medical practitioners in New Zealand now offer an online health app to their patients, with many using the popular Manage My Health, myindici 2.0, Health365 or The Doctors platforms.

These apps give patients access to their health records such as blood test results and enable them to order repeat prescriptions as well as book appointments with their GPs.

From September 16, DORA (digital on-road access) Te Waka Matihiko Hauora, a mobile learning centre, will be in Te Puke, Maketu and Katikati, helping people join the growing numbers who are benefiting from having online access to their health records.
Emergency services are responding to a serious crash in the Opotiki area.

NZTA Waka Kotahi says a serious incident has been reported to emergency services on State Highway 2 at Waiotahi.

"Delays are possible." says an NZTA spokesperson.

"An update will be provided as soon as more information is available."

The crash is about 4km south of Ohiwa.

A SunLive reader says a rescue helicopter has arrived at the scene.

"It is right by the Waitomo gas station at Waiotahe," says a SunLive reader.

Motorists are advised to take care in the area.

At the scene?

Phone 0800SUNLIVE or email newsroom@thesun.co.nz
The financing groundwork for an industrial park and new rail spur connecting to Fort Carson is one step closer to being ready after the El Paso County Planning Commission approved a recommendation for a special district with a $430 million debt authorization.

The planned metropolitan district covers a 3,000-plus-acre property between Fort Carson and the southwest edge of Fountain owned by the international Edw. C. Levy Co. A sketch plan for the four-stage, multimillion dollar project was approved by the county in June.

The district would allow financing to go forward for infrastructure on the mega site, where the developer plans a rail spur to Fort Carson connected with a current Colorado Springs Utilities rail line. It also calls for an industrial park that developers say will generate 7,000 jobs.

"This site will become a second economic engine and help us diversify the economy," said Steve Mulliken, a lawyer with the company, at a planning commission meeting on Thursday.

The service plan would authorize three different bond issuances over 10 years, starting in 2030. Developers currently plan to build out over 17 years, finishing in 2047. The service plan currently calls for an overall mill levy of 65 mills.

A letter of intent for the metropolitan district estimates $269 million in public improvement infrastructure costs overall to be financed through the district.

Kari Parsons, El Paso County senior planner, said that the metropolitan district service plan was built in mind for eventual annexation into the city of Colorado Springs. The project was originally looking for an annexation into the city of Fountain, which she said has fallen through.

Sign up for free: Springs AM Update Your morning rundown of the latest news from Colorado Springs and around the country overnight and the stories to follow throughout the day delivered to your inbox each evening. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters.

"We always had a thought that Colorado Springs would be the backup plan, and it looks like that is going to come to fruition," she said at the meeting.

In May, Fountain economic development director Kimberly Bailey said that water access and availability was a point of contention among the various stakeholders for the project. A 2023 letter from the city of Fountain said that water would be available to the annexed property on a "first come, first served basis."

Other major development prospects in Fountain have failed to gain timely water access in recent years, including one on a 2,400-acre parcel that scrapped plans for single-family homes and is now zoned for special use as a waterless solar farm.

A feasibility study submitted to the county from the Edw. C Levy Co. estimated that the industrial park could require 98 million gallons of water every year.

Parsons said that Colorado Springs had "no concerns" with the language of the service plan, which does not create any obligations for the city. Mulliken and Parsons said that developers were in discussion with Colorado Springs.

A spokesperson with the city of Colorado Springs said that developers have so far had a pre-application meeting with the city over annexation.

The metro district plan will next go before the El Paso County Board of County Commissioners for final approval.
A lucky Powerball player from Auckland will be pinching themselves after winning $17.07 million with Powerball First Division in Saturday nights live Lotto draw.

The winning ticket was sold on MyLotto to a player from Auckland. The prize is made up of $17 million from Powerball First Division and $71,429 from Lotto First Division.

Saturday nights winner is the fifteenth Powerball multi-millionaire of 2024, and the win comes just a month after a lucky Auckland family scored themselves a life-changing $44.67 million  the largest ever prize in Lotto NZ history.

"The family are taking some time to let the enormity of their win sink in but are looking forward to buying a house and going on a family holiday," says a Lotto NZ spokesperson.

Thirteen other lucky Lotto players will also be celebrating after winning $71,429 with Lotto First Division in Saturday nights live Lotto draw.

The winning tickets were sold at New World Waikanae in Waikanae, Arrowtown Night n Day in Arrowtown, and on MyLotto to players from Auckland, Bay of Plenty and Wellington.

The winning doesnt stop there!

Lotto NZs Fathers Triple Dip promotion was also drawn on Saturday night, and 100 extra prizes of $10,000 cash were up for grabs. The results of Lotto NZs Fathers Day Triple Dip promotion are available online at mylotto.co.nz.

Meanwhile, Strike Four has rolled over on Saturday night and will be $1.1 million on Wednesday night.

20 Lotto players win Second Division

Twenty lucky Lotto players will be jumping for joy after each winning $17,693 with Lotto Second Division in Saturday nights live Lotto draw.

Three lucky players also won Powerball Second Division, taking their total winnings to $25,886.

The winning Powerball Second Division tickets were sold at Woolworths Kaiapoi in Kaiapoi, and on MyLotto to players from Tasman and Christchurch.

The winning Second Division tickets were sold at the following stores:

Store Location Woolworths Kaiapoi (+PB) Kaiapoi New World Kerikeri Kerikeri Woolworths Manukau Auckland Chapel Park Superette & Lotto Auckland Waima Superette Auckland Patumahoe Four Square Auckland MyLotto (x2) Auckland Ostend Store Waiheke Island MyLotto Masterton Pak n Save Petone Lower Hutt Fresh Choice Greytown Greytown MyLotto (+PB) Tasman MyLotto Nelson MyLotto (x3) (incl x1 PB) Christchurch South Dunedin Night n Day Dunedin Fresh Choice Te Anau Te Anau MyLotto Clutha

Anyone who bought their ticket from any of the above stores should check their ticket as soon as possible in-store, on MyLotto, or through the MyLotto App.

Players can phone Lotto NZ on 0800 695 6886 if they want to enquire about the best way to claim a prize.

"Lotto NZ is proud to support Gambling Harm Awareness Week, which runs from Monday, September 2 to Sunday, September 8," says a Lotto NZ spokesperson.

"At Lotto NZ, we always want you to play our games in a way that is fun and healthy, and we have a range of tips and tools on how to Play Smart at www.lottonzplaysmart.co.nz."

Powerball wins in 2024:
Francisco Grinan Malaga Saturday, 7 September 2024, 19:00 Opciones para compartir Copiar enlace

WhatsApp

Facebook

X (antes Twitter)

LinkedIn

Telegram

Threads

She has won an Oscar, a Golden Globe, a BAFTA, a Cesar, a Palme at Cannes, a Silver Bear at Berlin, a Volpi Cup at Venice, a Donostia at San Sebastian, four European Film Awards and even an International Goya besides the many nominations for these and other awards. Her shelves at home must be stacked full with so many statuettes and other accolades, but that did not stop her from saying "Yes" to the small, but ambitious, event that is the Malaga Festival de Cine Frances (French film festival) when it came knocking on her door with a new honorary award for her. The annual film event, organised by the Alliance Francaise, has seen the likes of Carmen Maura, Victoria Abril, Candela Pena, Rossy de Palma and Julie Gayet (actress, director, producer and partner of former French president Francois Hollande), but never a star like Juliette Binoche (born Paris 1964). She will attend the inauguration of the event on 11 October to collect her honorary award - the first time such an award has been presented - and to celebrate this long-running event, now in its 30th year.

Event sources confessed to SUR that, despite the fact that it was a very carefully studied and worked-out proposal, the presence of the star of The English Patient has been a "wonderful surprise" that has revolutionised the French Film Festival itself, which runs until 18 October in Malaga city. The festival will include a retrospective of the actress' career to date, one of the most international names in France and who also has a particular relationship with Spain. She especially has a close relationship with film director Isabel Coixet, with whom she worked on Nobody Wants the Night (2015), for which she was nominated for a Goya.

A key figure in European cinema with one foot in Hollywood, her career blazed a trail from the very beginning when she worked under the direction of Jean-Luc Godard in Hail Mary (1985), followed by Andre Techine in Rendez-vous (1985) and Alice and Martin (1998), Leos Carax (with whom she filmed Bad Blood (1986) - they were a couple for a while), Louis Malle for Damage (1992) with Jeremy Irons, Jean-Paul Rappeneau (The Horseman on the Roof (1995)), Olivier Assayas (Summer Hours (2008) and Double Lives (2018), Bruno Dumont (Camille Claudel 1915 (2013)), Patrice Leconte (The Widow of Saint-Pierre (2000), Emmanuel Carrere (Between Two Worlds (2021)) and Claire Denis (Both Sides of the Blade (2022)). And these are just a few from her filmography.

The big break onto the international scene for this Parisian actress, daughter of interpreters Jean-Marie Binoche and Monique Stalens, came with the big-production film The English Patient (1996) directed by Anthony Minghella, which won her an Oscar. In her career there is no shortage of blockbusters, such as Godzilla (2014) or Ghost in the Shell (2017), along with more personal projects both in Europe and the United States, with filmmakers such as Philip Kaufman (The Unbearable Lightness of Being -1988). Some more examples include Kieslowski (Three Colours: Blue - 1993), a film she accepted in preference to the offer of starring in Jurassic Park), Michael Haneke (Cache - 2005), Naomi Kawase (Vision (2018)), Hou Hsiao Hsien (Flight of the Red Balloon - 2007), Lasse Hallstrom (Chocolat 2000), Abbas Kiarostami (Certified Copy - 2010) and Koreeda (The Truth -2019).

So many titles to choose from for the retrospective that the Malaga French Film Festival will dedicate to Binoche. The organisers are also currently finalising the official section of French-language premieres that will complete the line-up for this, the 30th edition of a festival that promises to leave its mark, thanks in part to Juliette.
DEAR ABBY: My sisters fiance, Logan, always seemed very flirtatious with me. I told her she needed to control her future husband. After they were married, the same gestures and innuendos kept happening, and I reminded my sister about it. Logan did and said inappropriate things right in front of her. Once she even commented, Geez, you married the wrong sister!

The night of my fathers funeral dinner, everyone was getting tipsy. (I dont drink.) Twice, in front of his wife and our sister-in-law, Logan pulled me tightly close into his hips. I told him to stop. He said, OK, you are in enough trouble.

Later, while I was in the kitchen, in front of my uncle and brother, Logan pulled me into his chest. I pulled away and he came after me. I told him to stay away. Tension was already high between my sister and me. After dinner, when everyone was leaving, Logan came and tapped on my windshield, pointed at me and said, You, you, you.

That evening, I sent him a text, saying, Perhaps you DID choose the wrong sister. Of course, he showed it to my sister. Now theres a huge rift in the family, and IM the bad guy. And although the hands-on game took place in front of everyone, nobody saw anything during Dads funeral dinner because everyone was drunk. Someday, the truth will reveal itself. For now, I must eat crow. Any advice, Abby? -- PUNISHED IN PENNSYLVANIA

DEAR PUNISHED: Your mistake was in not shouting NO! the first time Logan assaulted you. Avoid any family gathering that includes alcohol. Avoid Logan and your sister as often as possible. Enroll in a self-defense class so that if anyone puts their hands on you, you can defend yourself. And last, if Logan catches you alone, tell him that if it happens again, you will report him to the police for assault -- because that is what he has been doing to you.

** ** **

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.

** ** **

For everything you need to know about wedding planning, order How to Have a Lovely Wedding. Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 (U.S. funds) to: Dear Abby, Wedding Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)

COPYRIGHT 2023 ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

1130 Walnut, Kansas City, MO 64106; 816-581-7500
The Colorado Springs Police Department's K-9 unit had to say goodbye to one of its retired furry friends Friday, as canine Diesel died at 14.

Diesel served the city of Colorado Springs from 2012 to 2019 as a narcotics detection and patrol apprehension dog.

Police said that Diesel "had an incredible career" with his handler Lt. Brian Cummings. One of Diesel's highlights was when he took down a crossbow-wielding man midway through his career.

Ancus Marcius Hoffar Bone had taken a crossbow inside a business on the 2500 block of East Bijou Street and threatened to kill employees in 2015.

Featured Local Savings

Bone ended up dropped the crossbow but would not listen to other commands from police, so the officers released Diesel, who bit Bone. He was then taken into custody.

Back in 2018, during the time of Diesel's service, the unit was also recognized for its work toward protecting the community.

The unit was honored by the Red Cross of Southeastern Colorado as a Hometown Hero.

The K-9 unit works with SWAT and patrol units, and also frequently works with the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

"Our heartfelt condolences go out to the Cummings family in this time of their loss. Thank you for your service canine Diesel, we have the watch from here," the department wrote on social media Friday.
ferrarirules Senior - BHPian



Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: Faridabad Posts: 1,102 Thanked: 4,230 Times

Re: Energy Independence - A myth or reality? Quote: SmartCat Originally Posted by Govt data is missing petrochemicals exports (polymers, polyesters, aromatics etc). So you need to add $20 to $25 billion to that.

2. India was net 78$ billion dollar deficit in import-export for FY24 -

3. Merchandise wise export wise we are nowhere, it is our services (mainly IT) export which covers are imports. This is why India is giving PLI for smartphone manufacturing, semiconductor manufacturing, battery manufacturing and much more as these are high value in demand items which are needed by the country and can be exported if we have it in surplus.



India needs to be net exporter, not net importer to fund its development journey. To do that they need to reduce imports, cutting on oil and gas is the easiest one out of all.



Quote: Kosfactor Originally Posted by Green energy - the common Myth!



Countries like India \ China are the Industrial \ Manufacturing hubs - we need cheap energy prices. So we need to invest in energy sources that are affordable and clean, in that order.



Norway - Another Myth!



They are a rich country and among the largest exporters of Oil







Quote: DigitalOne Originally Posted by Nuclear energy is missed. Nuclear energy is something that can be generated at large scale and is environment friendly. This would be the key to our energy independence. Quote: SmartCat Originally Posted by It is mostly an economics issue -



- It is 8x to 10x more expensive than coal power plant

- Typically takes 8 years to 10 years to build.

- Local Uranium supplies is just enough to build bombs. Fuel to power the nuke plants has to be imported.



Nuclear power in India is on push and plans to add 13.8 GW by 2032. There has been slowness of implementation in last 10 years due to India implementing its own GEN III reactors - Indian Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor-700 (IPHWR-700). Two of these reactors were recently brought into commercial operations - KAPP-3 in 2023 -



Under Construction Projects - Total capacity - 6.8 GW



Rajasthan Atomic Power Project (RAPP) (2x700MW IPHWR) - RAPP-7-8 - Physical Completion - 92% - Anticipated Completion Date - 12/2026 -



KUDANKULAM NUCLEAR POWER PROJECT (4x1000MW VVER ) - KNPP 3-4 - Physical Completion - 73% - Anticipated Completion Date - 11/2026 -



Gorakhpur Haryana Anu Vidyut Pariyogna (GHAVP) (2x700MW IPHWR) - GHAVP-1-2 - Under construction - Detailed report not available -



10 Fleet Mode reactors - Total capacity 7 GW - Time to implement 4-5 years from date of construction beginning. Target year of completion - 2031. These will be built in fleet mode which means bulk procurement will be done for faster execution of projects. Construction for GHAVP 3-4 and KGS 5-6 is in initial stage - Details in



Month by month progress of projects is being reported in



Cost of the IPHWR reactors - The overrun project cost for KAPP 3-4 is double the project cost of recently implemented 2x800MW super thermal power station



Availability of Uranium

1. India has uranium treaties with Russia, Kazakhstan, France, and Uzbekistan

2. We are working on Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR-500MWE) which will use Plutonium 239 as fuel which is output of the PWHR reactor. The reactor is 98% complete will be commissioned by 03/2025. -



Quote: alpha1 Originally Posted by India being "net importer" of sources of energy like oil, gas and coal implies that the demand pressure on rupees is less and the demand pressure for other currencies is high. This ultimately leads a declining forex conversion ratio - ultimately helping our exporters (of products and services). A high forex conversion ratio will spell doom for the rising and shining growth sectors of India (including IT)!

Quote: SKC-auto Originally Posted by Like, Thailand or Vietnam can sell solar energy when it is 3am in India, India can supply solar energy until 9pm in Vietnam. We may have less wind in Tamilnadu, but can have good wind at Gujarat. 1. Value added products which have petroleum as a base will be plenty. Even after adding their export, our import bill for Oil would have been $83 billion for FY242. India was net 78$ billion dollar deficit in import-export for FY24 - link 3. Merchandise wise export wise we are nowhere, it is our services (mainly IT) export which covers are imports. This is why India is giving PLI for smartphone manufacturing, semiconductor manufacturing, battery manufacturing and much more as these are high value in demand items which are needed by the country and can be exported if we have it in surplus.India needs to be net exporter, not net importer to fund its development journey. To do that they need to reduce imports, cutting on oil and gas is the easiest one out of all.This is not a climate debate. Norway exports oil and gas as they don't need a lot of it for themselves due to their energy choices. I gave an example in my opening post they don't heat their houses or commercial establishments with gas. Below is their oil and gas export graphDigital one, Thanks for pointing out, I missed Nuclear power.. There has been slowness of implementation in last 10 years due to India implementing its own GEN III reactors - Indian Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor-700 (IPHWR-700). Two of these reactors were recently brought into commercial operations - KAPP-3 in 2023 - Link and KAPP-4 - 2024 - link . These reactors added 1.4 GW of capacity to the grid.Rajasthan Atomic Power Project (RAPP) (2x700MW IPHWR) - RAPP-7-8 - Physical Completion - 92% - Anticipated Completion Date - 12/2026 - Detailed Project Report KUDANKULAM NUCLEAR POWER PROJECT (4x1000MW VVER ) - KNPP 3-4 - Physical Completion - 73% - Anticipated Completion Date - 11/2026 - Detailed Project Report and KNPP 5-6 - Physical Completion - 29% - Anticipated Completion Date - 09/2027 - Detailed Project Report Gorakhpur Haryana Anu Vidyut Pariyogna (GHAVP) (2x700MW IPHWR) - GHAVP-1-2 - Under construction - Detailed report not available - Minor Project Report - Time to implement 4-5 years from date of construction beginning. Target year of completion - 2031. These will be built in fleet mode which means bulk procurement will be done for faster execution of projects. Construction for GHAVP 3-4 and KGS 5-6 is in initial stage - Details in NPCIL report is being reported in NPCIL - Major achievement . Interesting observation in the reports the plant load factor of 50% of reactors running is 100% and rest 50% is 90%.- The overrun project cost for KAPP 3-4 is double the project cost of recently implemented 2x800MW super thermal power station1. India has uranium treaties with Russia, Kazakhstan, France, and Uzbekistan2. We are working on Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR-500MWE) which will use Plutonium 239 as fuel which is output of the PWHR reactor. The reactor is 98% complete will be commissioned by 03/2025. - Detailed Project Report Wow!! With this logic, we should push exchange rate to 1 USD = Rs.100. Decrease/Increase in exchange rate decreases/increases both import and export value by the same amount.This is exactly the vision that was presented in G20. Electricity export and import.
You will own nothing and be happy: The adage applies to companies, too. Telecom giant AT&T filed a lawsuit last week against Broadcom, claiming it is trying to change its VMware licensing terms retroactively. The filing says Broadcom refused to allow AT&T to renew support for previously purchased VMware perpetual licenses unless the company agreed to new terms.

When Broadcom acquired VMware last year for $61 billion, it didn't waste time making changes. Its first move was to lay off practically everybody. It dismantled the entire EUC line, sending fears into the community of VMware customers that it might axe hypervisor Workstations.

Along with other changes, Broadcom discontinued the sale of perpetual enterprise licensing and switched to a subscription model. Subscriptions were an apparent attempt to increase revenue at the customer's expense, which didn't float too well with many long-time clients. One Australian firm dumped 24,000 virtual workstations after Broadcom's price hikes made it unmanageable.

Similarly, AT&T operates around 75,000 virtual machines on nearly 8,600 servers to conduct customer service business and operations management. It claims Broadcom must provide two more years of service on its previous three-year service agreement. Without support, AT&T runs the risk of a critical failure caused by a bug or security issue.

The telecom tried negotiating a new agreement, but Broadcom refused to play ball and threatened to cancel AT&T's support on September 9. The company has asked the State of New York Supreme Court to impose an injunction to stop Broadcom from shutting it down. It also seeks "further relief," presumably to remediate the contractual dispute.

"We have filed this complaint to preserve continuity in the services we provide and protect the interests of our customers," an AT&T spokesperson told Ars Technica.

The company claims Broadcom's bottom line was for AT&T to agree to a new set of "unfair" terms. These conditions would cost "tens of millions" more than its current service contract.

"Specifically, Broadcom is threatening to withhold essential support services for previously purchased VMware perpetually licensed software unless AT&T capitulates to Broadcom's demands that AT&T purchase hundreds of millions of dollars' worth of bundled subscription software and services, which AT&T does not want."

These stipulations are more expensive and require AT&T to expend additional resources on its network to "accommodate the new software." The telecom would rather take an "if it ain't broke, don't fix it approach." It also called Broadcom's terms "bullying tactics" and indicated that it expected as much given the company's post-acquisition behavior.

The court filing quoted Ars Technica's early reporting of the merger, saying:

"Broadcom wasted no time strong-arming customers into highly unfavorable subscription models marked by 'steeply increased prices[,]' 'refusing to maintain security conditions for perpetual license[d] [software,]' and threatening to cut off support for existing products already licensed by customers  exactly as it has done here."

Broadcom has 20 days to respond to the legal action. However, the company has already stated its stance. It says that AT&T is not eligible for continuing support because it was allegedly supposed to renew all three years of service support by the end of 2023, not one year at a time.

A court loss for AT&T could have wide-sweeping circumstances for its customers. For example, first responders, including firefighters, paramedics, and police officers nationwide, rely on AT&T's services. An interruption to reconfigure current infrastructure to accommodate Broadcom interrupts emergency workers dealing with "public safety and national security."

The spokesperson declined to comment when asked whether AT&T had a "backup" plan to minimize service disruption if its legal actions against Broadcom fail.

Image credit: Mike Mozart
Something to look forward to: Windows-based competitors to Valve's Steam Deck will likely receive revisions with substantial performance improvements starting next year. Although the final specifications for the chips powering them remain unclear, they will likely be based on AMD's Zen 5 Strix Point architecture, which might provide a significant upgrade according to early benchmarks.

In a joint Q&A session at IFA 2024, AMD and Microsoft confirmed to Digital Trends that they expect the Z2 Extreme APU to debut early next year. As the successor to the Z1 Extreme that powers the Asus ROG Ally, the chip could inaugurate a new generation of handheld gaming PCs.

Since Valve's Steam Deck launched in 2022, most major gaming PC OEMs have unveiled competing handhelds. Aside from the MSI Claw powered by Intel, all variants run on AMD's mobile Zen 4 Ryzen 7000 or 8000 SoCs, codenamed Phoenix and Hawk Point, with the 780M GPU.

Team Red didn't specify which chips comprise the Z2 Extreme, but the recently revealed Zen 5 Ryzen AI 300 series, codenamed Strix Point, is the most likely candidate. Benchmarks indicate that the Strix Point 890M graphics chip can improve gaming performance considerably, running titles like Doom Eternal, God of War, or Red Dead Redemption 2 at acceptable framerates without dipping into low settings.

The GPD Pocket 4 is currently the only confirmed Strix Point handheld PC. However, AMD and Microsoft said they are working with several hardware partners on the Z2 Extreme. Thus, it would be unsurprising if an Asus ROG Ally 2 emerged next year.

Improving battery life is one of AMD's primary goals. Senior Vice President and General Manager of Computing and Graphics Jack Huynh expects the Z2 handheld to play Black Myth Wukong for three hours on a single charge. The company also aims to focus on AI, likely utilizing NPUs for upscaling to increase performance further.

The Hawk Point chips closely resemble Pheonix but added an XDNA NPU capable of a modest 16 TOPs. Recently unveiled Strix Point chips increase that number to 50. Additionally, MSI plans to release a successor to the Claw based on Intel's Lunar Lake series, which boasts similar NPU performance.

Handheld PCs using the Z2 Extreme would likely launch around the same time as the successor to the Nintendo Switch. The expanding handheld competition between PC and consoles could enter a new generation by next year.
The big picture: The US is committed to establishing semiconductor manufacturing within its borders, and perhaps no effort is more crucial to this goal than TSMC's three-fab facility in Arizona. The government is pouring billions into the development, alongside TSMC's $65 billion investment.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. has reached a significant milestone in its expansion into the US. Recent trial production at the company's new Arizona facility has yielded results comparable to those of its established plants in Taiwan, according to Bloomberg, which cited a person familiar with the company who requested anonymity. This development is a positive sign for the chipmaker's ambitious US project, which has faced delays and doubts about whether it could match the production efficiency of its Taiwanese operations.

The Arizona plant began engineering wafer production in April using advanced 4-nanometer process technology. With production yields now on par with its facilities in Tainan, Taiwan, TSMC should be able to maintain its targeted gross margin rates of 53 percent or higher.

TSMC has much at stake with its US operations. The company plans to invest $65 billion in three plants in Arizona, making it the largest foreign direct investment in Arizona history and the largest foreign direct investment in a greenfield project in US history.

Concurrently, the US government is providing substantial support through grants and loans. TSMC is set to receive up to $6.6 billion in grants and $5 billion in loans for its Arizona project.

TSMC's Arizona facility is on track to begin production at its first fab in the first half of 2025. The second fab, set to start production in 2028, will produce chips using 2nm process technology with next-generation nanosheet transistors, in addition to 3nm technology. The third fab will focus on 2nm or more advanced processes, with production expected to commence by the end of the decade.

The initial plan had been for the first fab to achieve full production this year, but the timeline was delayed due to several workforce challenges. These included difficulties in finding skilled workers locally, cultural differences between TSMC's Taiwanese management and American employees, and a shortage of skilled construction workers that slowed the building process. This delay raised concerns about TSMC's ability to maintain efficiency with its US operations compared to its facilities in Taiwan.

Recent success in trial production has alleviated some of these concerns. TSMC has confirmed that the Arizona project is progressing as planned, although the company has not commented specifically on yield rates.
The cryptocurrency market cannot seem to have a break after the past declines, but it is now seeing "extreme fear" in the latest index which reflects the industry's sentiments. This means that cryptocurrency's trends and the industry's sentiments behind it are on the low side, reflecting the recent performance of the blockchain in the market.

Crypto is in 'Extreme Fear' As Things Are Not Looking Good

The daily analysis of Alternative on crypto's Fear & Greed Index is tainted with red, and this is because things are not looking good in the market at the moment. In their latest analysis, Alternative reported that cryptocurrency scored 22 on the index out of 100.

What this represents is the uncertainty of the market over crypto's current performance, especially with the massive decline seen in the various charts.

Crypto's Fear & Greed Index represents the market's trends, as well as the sentiments of the investors, analysts, and experts who are closely monitoring the industry. Since July, cryptocurrency has seen this massive struggle to return to its highest points in the past months, but that is the current challenge it is facing.

Read Also : Bitcoin Dips to $58,000 After a Promising Rally Earlier This Week

Bitcoin to Crash Below $50k Over the Weekend

Apart from this extreme fear in the market, BitMEX's co-founder, Arthur Hayes claimed in his statement via X that this decline will continue, as led by the top coin in the market which is on its way to drop to below $50,000 over the weekend.

This claim is evidenced by Bitcoin's poor performance over the past weeks and months, with the coin struggling to achieve $60,000 and holding on to this valuation. It always reverts to the sub $60k value and plays around $56,000 to $58,000.

Currently, BTC is at $56,000 which was a 5.60 percent drop over the past seven days. Other top ten cryptocurrencies in the list are also struggling.

Cryptocurrency's Decline: Is This the End?

After the year crossed over to the second half, massive speculations claimed that cryptocurrency would see a rally and have it skyrocket more than it did before. However, that was not the case as July first saw the 'crypto empire' crumble with the slump that the market saw, initially beginning with Bitcoin dropping from around $68,000 to $65,000.

However, that valuation is nowhere near what the industry is seeing now, as in early July alone, Bitcoin crashed to around $53,000, its lowest point in the year after the rally. This was caused by many investors liquidating their assets as Mt. Gox finally paid back their customers after around 13 years since its declared bankruptcy and failed to return it during that period.

Bitcoin and the crypto industry went back and forth from rallying to crashing, but there were more negative incidents than a positive experience.

The struggle is real and it is the present happenings in the crypto industry which is now in extreme fear, with Bitcoin speculated for a sub $50,000 drop over the weekend, with some believing that the bubble will burst.
Hydrogen fuel cells are the latest focus of BMW in its quest to achieve zero emissions for its clean energy fleet, and it introduced its latest efforts which would see fruition come 2028. With this ambitious plan, BMW has collaborated with Toyota to develop this hydrogen-powered development for the future of transportation that both companies would soon share.

With this, BMW is putting another option of clean energy solutions in the market that would join its existing and future electric vehicles that use batteries for its zero emissions goal.

BMW's Hydrogen-Powered Cars are Coming in 2028

BMW announced its latest clean energy venture which unveils its renowned focus towards hydrogen fuel cells, an alternative zero emissions solution to power its cars. This massive development by the renowned German car brand has already begun and the company promises that by 2028, its first hydrogen-powered cars will make its debut.

This focus by BMW also adds Toyota to the mix, co-developing its next-generation fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV) that would make hydrogen power known to the world.

While BMW has not yet named its hydrogen fleet for 2028, the company has already one vehicle successfully tested with its BMW iX5 Hydrogen fleet.

BMW, Toyota Partnership for Hydrogen Fuel Cells

BMW and Toyota Motor Corp. joined hands in developing new hydrogen fuel cells that will soon be widely available from both brands. Their collaboration focuses on introducing the next-gen fuel cell powertrain systems that would soon be available worldwide.

It was revealed by BMW that hydrogen fuel cells would not threaten BEVs in the market, but complement the other for future clean-energy offers.

Hydrogen Options for Clean Energy Cars

The world may have seen the shift towards electric vehicles powered by batteries, but it is yet to go big for other clean energy options that are also possible for the future of transportation. That being said, there are a handful of automakers that have already developed this focus, and that includes Toyota with its Corolla Cross Hydrogen concept that is in the works.

Almost two years ago, Honda also announced its developments on a new breed of clean energy solutions for cars, and it too has been developing hydrogen fuel cells that will power its 2024 CR-Vs.

That being said, the focus on the hydrogen infrastructure is at its early stages, and it is yet to be widely used on vehicles for the shift to clean energy.

Hydrogen fuel cells are known for being energy efficient and their only byproduct is water vapor and air, making them a significantly better option against fuel, but can perform similarly to ICEs, unlike EVs.

BMW is looking to make its mark in the clean energy world in this new partnership with Toyota, pioneering the wide use of hydrogen fuel cells for cars, with its developments making their debut come 2028.
Pavel Durov has now made his first public statement after France handed out the preliminary charges against him and his instant messaging platform, Telegram, following his recent arrest. The Russia-born French executive was recently released by French authorities following his arrest after landing at the Le Bourget airport for allegedly allowing criminal activity on Telegram.

The latest changes on Telegram now focus on moderating private chats in the platform after previously leaving these alone, following the events of Durov's arrest.

Pavel Durov Speaks Up Following Preliminary Charges

It has been more than a week since Pavel Durov was handed the preliminary charges filed against him and is out on a $5.5 million bail, and now, the CEO has made his statement regarding the issue according to the Associated Press.

Durov shared this in his latest post on X which provides a short version of his statement. The long version was madeavailable on the executive's Telegram channel. Here, Durov addressed what had happened over the past two weeks, claiming that Telegram has worked closely with the authorities in addressing their needs.

Moreover, it was revealed by Durov that they recently set up a Telegram hotline that would help France in an ongoing terrorism threat. Additionally, the CEO also addressed that there is an EU representative from the company who coordinates regarding inquiries or issues.

Furthermore, Durov claimed that as an innovator, he does not approve of abuse using his tools.

Telegram to Moderate Private Chats Now

As stated in his channel post, Durov and Telegram are now taking a more proactive approach towards moderation on the platform. According to Telegram's CEO, it is now his "personal goal" to improve things and soon share more details about its changes.

Moreover, the platform's FAQs (via The Verge) saw the removal of private chats' exemption from moderation requests, with these now subject to takedown requests which Telegram's team would process.

Pavel Durov and Telegram's Activities

Back in late June, a viral interview with Pavel Durov regarding his "solo" run as Telegram's product manager and only having about 30 engineers working on the platform already sparked security issues. This was because this is a platform that has over 950 million users relying on its services for instant messaging needs, with experts calling it a 'security nightmare.'

Almost two months later, Durov was arrested upon landing in France aboard his private jet, and this was because of the criminal activities that took place under his watch on Telegram. Apart from a massive scandal that erupted during this time, it also caused Durov's open-network crypto, Toncoin, to crash by as much as 20 percent following his arrest.

Telegram is known for its worldwide service which offered users fast and secure messaging, but it has since left private chats out of moderation, and this added a target on the company since earlier this year.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition is the latest subject of several rumors lately.

Some people have already seen its early look across several platforms, but the latest insider information will give us a glimpse of why it could beat other foldable handsets in the market.

To give you a preview, it's previously rumored to be the Galaxy Z Fold 6 Slim which we reported in July.

A Familiar but Enhanced Design

Previously, there are leaked renders that we have seen from Android Headlines. According to the reputable tech publication, it somewhat looks like the Z Fold 6 when it comes to design.

Well, things may change with the Special Edition and Samsung needs to make it more impressive than its predecessor. The most noticeable update we could expect from this model is its thinner appearance which will enhance its maneuverability.

Improved Portability Thanks to Thinner and Lighter Design

According to Phone Arena, the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition was the older Galaxy Z Fold 6 Slim we have seen from older rumors. Samsung might have done this for marketing purposes.

What's interesting here is its thickness which boasts 4.9mm in depth when it's unfolded. For reference, the Z Fold 6 is only 5.6 mm in this state.

In terms of folded state, the rumored foldable model will sport 10.6mm thick. Through this change, it's now easier to carry it. However, it still won't be enough to compete with other Chinese smartphone brands when it comes to slimness.

On r/Android subreddit, Mishaal Rahman wrote that the Galaxy Z Fold 6 Slim which is the Special Edition now, may not be as thin as its Chinese rivals. This means that it cannot beat Honor Magic V3 in this category, but it will soon be one of the most portable Samsung foldables.

Stylish New Back Panel and Enhanced Camera

Beyond its slimmer profile, the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition will feature a stylish new back panel finish. While it may appear metallic, this finish is expected to mimic the look of metal rather than using the actual material, giving it a more premium feel compared to the glossy Z Fold 6.

Another notable upgrade is the camera system. The Z Fold 6 only has a 50 MP camera but the Z Fold Special Edition will have a 200MP primary sensor. For mobile photographers, this is a game-changer they badly need.

Larger Displays for an Immersive Experience

The leaked render and information point to the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition boasting larger displays than the Z Fold 6. From having 6.3 and 7.6-inch screens with Z Fold 6, the upcoming model is expected to have an 8-inch display. In fact, its display sizes surpass those of competitors like the Honor Magic V3, OnePlus Open, and Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold.

How Much Will the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition Cost?

Since it's anticipated to feature premium design and features, it might be a few steps away from being the best foldable. However, the challenge in purchasing it might come with its projected price tag which could exceed $2,000.

As of this writing, no information has yet been released about its availability. However, the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition could first hit the Chinese and Korean markets. The global launch might come at a later date.
Apple Intelligence alone will not make the iPhone 16 a strong contender against other upcoming smartphones.

This is especially the case considering that the forthcoming launch of Apple's next-gen iPhone is still on the horizon. It's still unclear whether it is worth it to make an upgrade. However, simply having new AI capabilities on the iPhone 16 may not be persuasive enough to get most people to use this new version.

That is to say that for those who expect the Nokia N8 to bring major new hardware features you might be disappointed. Nevertheless, one of the biggest upgrades central to a lot of attention is the iPhone 16's camera, which Apple could potentially make the best video camera it has ever made.

Game-Changing Camera Features Please?

In terms of improvements, the iPhone 16 offers some significant advancements, and among them is the advanced video recording provision.

According to 9to5Mac, experts in the field state that the device will enable shooting in 4k @120 fps, which will be far better than the iPhone 15 4k @60 fps.

This is unlike other slow-motion videos that capture at a low frame rate and are intended for the extra smooth motion that most people require.

Probably those who enjoy games and videos with higher frame rates will be able to appreciate this feature most of all.

However, that is not the end of innovations that are incorporated in the device, which as shown above, are the key to improving the overall efficiency of power plants while minimizing their negative impact on the environment.

Specifically for users with external storage, the iPhone 16 will allow those to capture videos in the ProRes 4K at 120fps, which really breaks the boundaries of video production on a mobile platform.

Further, the QuickTake feature which was earlier recorded at 1080p is now recorded at 4K providing better and more detailed quick shots.

The New Camera Button: Touch-Sensitive Innovation

Perhaps the most intriguing hardware addition is the new touch-sensitive camera button. This innovative feature allows for multiple functions based on how the button is pressed.

Here are a few rumored actions the button can perform:

Opening the Camera app or any other designated app

Adjusting focus for clearer shots

Taking photos with precision

Recording video seamlessly

Zooming in or out with ease

Adjusting exposure for optimal lighting Pausing and resuming video recording

As per Phone Arena, the flexible camera button is one of the greatest inventions that can change the way how people use their iPhones, especially availing the iPhone 16 to every photo amateur and professional. Thus, the given feature is a two-functional solution that some have been waiting for to switch between the functions using one button only.

Fragmented Launch: Different Features for Different Regions

While the iPhone 16 offers some impressive new features, its launch could be the most fragmented in Apple's history. For example, the European Union-a major market for Apple-will not receive the Apple Intelligence feature, which is Apple's latest AI integration. However, Europe will get access to features that other regions may not, including third-party NFC payments, alternate app stores, and the ability to change default apps.

This fragmented feature set could cause confusion and irritation for the consumer since using an iPhone 16 in Australia would be different from using an iPhone 16 in America.

Is the iPhone 16 Worth the Upgrade?

However, based on the primary specifications of the camera and AI features in the iPhone 16, it can be seen that this is not an adequate reason to upgrade for everyone.

If you already have an iPhone 15 or a phone that is of the same manufacturing company and model, it is most probably that the enhancements might be impressive but will not be persuasive enough to buy a new phone.

However, for the audience that loves video, and photography or who are already invested in the Apple ecosystem, the iPhone 16 can still be the best smartphone that can be had today.

The enhanced videos, the personalized camera key, and AI enhancements make it even more an attractive proposition. Still, for a typical user, these features may not be valuable enough to consider the iPhone 16 as a needful improvement.

Related Article: Apple Intelligence Now Accessible Outside the US With iOS 18.1, macOS 15.1 Beta 3
The attempt to bring back Starliner has finally happened after more than three months since it docked to the International Space Station for its debut crewed test flight. Boeing and NASA's mission to undock and have the Starliner return to the planet was green-lit only a few weeks back, a feat which was long awaited by the company.

Boeing Starliner's return to the planet took place the day after, making its anticipated landing in New Mexico this Saturday, September 7.

Boeing Starliner Has Returned to the Planet After 3 Months

NASA announced in its blog post that the Starliner is now here on the planet, making its much-awaited landing on the planet after more than three months docked to the space station.

The Starliner officially landed on White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico at 12:01 AM (EDT), as scheduled.

As a reusable spacecraft, Boeing's Starliner made its landing on the ground, and there were no complications on the mission as it safely touched down on the planet.

That being said, Starliner's crew remains in the ISS, with astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams made to stay in the space station until February 2025. Come next year, both astronauts will return to the planet aboard SpaceX's Crew Dragon.

Here's What Happened to Boeing and NASA's Starliner Return Mission

Boeing's Starliner is a reusable spacecraft that was meant to land on the planet and not target the ocean to be collected afterward.

NASA shared that Starliner's return saw its base heat shields detach from its body to deploy the nitrogen-filled airbags that will help cushion its fall. Additionally, parachutes helped in its descent.

Boeing's Massive Delays on Starliner

Boeing's development of the Starliner has been a decade in the making, with its first conception starting in 2014, and it was only ready for flight by 2024. However, in 2024 alone, Boeing and NASA had to adjust the first crewed launch of the Starliner, only being able to proceed last June.

The problems did not stop there as on its way to the ISS, Starliner manifested helium leaks which has been a possible reason for it not to be permitted to dock. However, astronauts Wilmore and Williams' efforts helped in the manual operation of the Starliner and led to its successful docking.

Starliner saw June, July, and August pass through as Boeing and NASA analyzed its situation and steps to take for the spacecraft's fated return to the planet.

After the months-long brainstorming sessions, NASA and Boeing decided to continue with the mission but this time, it would not have the astronauts join the return.

The uncrewed return flight of Starliner will take place this Saturday, beginning with the undocking process and its trajectory towards the planet, inviting the world to witness this fated return via NASA's stream.
Super Typhoon Yagi hits Vietnam after leaving deadly trail



HAI PHONG, Vietnam, Sept 7 (AFP) Sep 07, 2024



Super Typhoon Yagi uprooted thousands of trees, swept ships and boats out to sea and ripped roofs off houses in northern Vietnam on Saturday, killing at least three people, after leaving a trail of destruction in Southern China and the Philippines.

The storm made landfall in Vietnam's Hai Phong and Quang Ninh provinces, packing winds exceeding 149 kilometres (92 miles) per hour, Vietnam's National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting said.

The death toll in Vietnam from storm-related damage rose to four as roofing torn away by Yagi flew through the air, killing three residents of Quang Ninh, state media said.

A man in Hai Duong province further inland was killed on Friday when heavy winds brought down a tree.

More than a dozen others, believed to be sailors on fishing boats, are missing.

"It has been years since I witnessed a typhoon this big," said Tran Thi Hoa, a 48-year-old woman from Hai Phong.

"It was scary. I stayed indoors, after locking all my windows. However, the sound of the wind and the rain was unbelievable," she told AFP.

In Hai Phong, AFP reporters encountered streets filled with fallen trees, metal roofing and broken signboards that had been ripped off properties.

Before hitting Vietnam, Yagi tore through Southern China and the Philippines, killing at least 24 people and injuring dozens of others.



- Powerful winds -



Chinese state broadcaster CCTV said Yagi brought winds of more than 230 kilometres (143 miles) per hour, uprooting trees and prompting the evacuation of around 460,000 people.

At least four people were killed and 95 injured in southern China after the storm hit Hainan and Guangdong provinces on Friday, CCTV said on Saturday, citing local authorities.

Before hitting the Vietnamese mainland, the typhoon unrooted hundreds of trees on Co To island, about 80 kilometres from mainland Quang Ninh.

Several office buildings, schools and houses on the island were unroofed by the powerful winds.

Signboards lay scattered around the island, while electrical lines were snapped and tangled by the wind.

Local authorities said the typhoon was the most severe to hit the island in decades.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh called on local authorities to evacuate residents from dangerous areas before the storm hit. He also urged other residents to stay indoors.



- Evacuated -



Around 20,000 people have been evacuated and moved to safer, higher ground in the north of Hai Phong, Thai Binh, and Hanoi, local authorities reported.

Many are being sheltered in schools, kindergartens, and other public buildings.

More than 457,000, many of who are professional men, were mobilised by the Ministry of Defence's rescue and relief department to deal with the fallout from the typhoon.

Some 2,000 vehicles and six planes have been sent to deal with the situation.

Northern Vietnam has been experiencing heavy rains and strong winds since Friday evening, including in the capital, Hanoi.

Four airports in northern Vietnam, including Hanoi's Noi Bai International Airport, have been closed, while sailing has been banned since Friday.

The storm killed at least 20 people and left 26 missing after sweeping over the Philippines earlier this week, according to the latest toll from the country's disaster management agency.

Yagi caused flooding and landslides on the main island of Luzon before transforming into a super typhoon in recent days.

Southern China is frequently hit by typhoons in the summer and autumn, which form in the warm oceans east of the Philippines and Thailand.

Typhoons in the region are now forming closer to the coast, intensifying more rapidly, and staying over land for longer due to climate change, according to a study published in July.
Firefighters, planes tackle blaze in German mountains



Frankfurt, Germany, Sept 7 (AFP) Sep 07, 2024



Hundreds of firefighters backed by aeroplanes and helicopters on Saturday battled a massive forest fire in the mountains of central Germany for a second day.

The blaze began in the Harz Mountains a day earlier, and prompted the evacuation of about 500 hikers and other tourists from the area.

About 250 firefighters were deployed on Saturday to fight the blaze, a spokesman for the district of Harz in the state of Saxony-Anhalt told AFP.

Four fire-fighting aircraft and two helicopters were helping in the effort on the Brocken mountain, according to spokesman Michael Randhahn-Schuelke.

Two more helicopters were expected to be deployed later in the day.

"The police have closed access to the area," said Randhahn-Schuelke.

Authorities at Harz National Park, which covers the affected area, said that all hiking trails around Brocken were closed.

In a message on its website, the park urged people not to enter the area "under any circumstances. Otherwise you will endanger yourself and hinder the fire brigade".

On Friday, about 150 firefighters backed by planes and helicopters had sought to quell the fire but some emergency workers were forced to retreat as the blaze spread rapidly.

A massive forest fire broke out in the Harz Mountains in September 2022. Authorities declared a state of emergency and hundreds of firefighters tackled the blaze for days.

Like other countries, Germany has been experiencing higher summer temperatures in recent years.

The EU's climate monitor on Friday said that the 2024 northern hemisphere summer saw the highest global temperatures on record, beating 2023's high and making this year likely to be Earth's hottest ever recorded.

The data from the Copernicus Climate Change Service followed a season of heatwaves around the world that scientists said were intensified by human-driven climate change.
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 For someone who has played a super soldier in Terminator: Dark Fate and a replicant in Blade Runner 2049, Mackenzie Davis has never been more human than in the thriller Speak No Evil. Sure, shes cowering in a bathroom while hiding from a rampaging James McAvoy, but she does so while wearing yellow rubber gloves. A practical addition for anyone in fear of their life. I didnt want to get whatever I was using on my hands, deadpans Davis over Zoom, with her Blue Heeler mix dog (she has an Australian vibe) barking in the background. Speak No Evil is a creeping psychological thriller doubling as a pitch-black comedy of manners, where the fear of being impolite to new friends is more paramount than running for your life. Davis plays Louise Dalton, who is on holiday with her husband Ben (Scoot McNairy) and their daughter Agnes (Alix West Lefler) in Tuscany when they meet McAvoys garrulous Paddy, his wife Ciara (Aisling Franciosi) and their son Ant (Dan Hough). Agnes Dalton (Alix West Lefler), Louise Dalton (Mackenzie Davis) and Ben Dalton (Scoot McNairy) in Speak No Evil, At first, the Daltons, who are Americans living in London, consider their new friends to be a little boorish, but they eventually click, so when Paddy asks them to come and visit his isolated home in Englands west country, they agree. After they arrive, however, Louise and Ben become increasingly uncomfortable with their hosts behaviour, so much so that an innocent inquiry of Everything all right in there? feels more of a threat than a welfare check. The real danger, as far as the Daltons see it, is social death.

Advertisement

It feels like social horror more than conventional horror, says Davis. The horror of saying the wrong thing, of misunderstanding a situation in a way that could be perceived as gravely insensitive or politically incorrect, or any number of things. But how much energy is spent muting your impulses to make sure that youre being polite and nice and, you know, aware of all the dynamics in a room, and sometimes that leads you to get murdered. A rampaging James McAvoy in Speak No Evil. That is not a spoiler, folks; Davis is joking, which is typical of her very dry Canadian sense of humour. Over our 20-minute conversation, she is delightfully deadpan, deciding that if she were in the same situation as Louise, she would do a runner. Im really good at lying, she says. If I dont want to be somewhere, I would 100 per cent lie and leave really early on. Ever since her first film, Smashed, in 2015, Davis has built a solid foundation of work, from the cult TV series Halt and Catch Fire and Black Mirror to the big-screen sci-fi blockbusters Terminator: Dark Fate, Blade Runner 2049 and The Martian. Then came the eerily prescient 2021 HBO hit Station Eleven, which imagined a world where 99 per cent of the population had died in a global pandemic. In all of these works, Davis has proved  in the best kind of way  a left-of-centre presence, sometimes nervy, sometimes strong, but never taking a backward step. For a while, she was pigeonholed as being the sci-fi girl but its not something the 37-year-old was ever consciously choosing. Scoot McNairy (left), Mackenzie Davis and Lee Pace in the cult TV series Halt and Catch Fire. No, I think everythings just like a huge weird coincidence where I was doing sci-fi for a while because those were just the parts that I got, she says. I mean, not just that, but they were really interesting directors or once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. I got to work with Ridley Scott  Blade Runner is my favourite movie of all time  and I got to work on the sequel with Denis Villeneuve, whos one of my favourite directors of all time.

Advertisement

And being in Terminator is like, why would you not? Youre never going to regret that. Its so insane to be a super-human in the future. One should always take that opportunity. And that, really, is the joy of acting. In what other world will you ever get to chase James McAvoy with an axe or pretend youre talking to Matt Damon in space like she did in The Martian? Its fun, and its stupid sometimes, she says. But, you know, theres plenty of hours spent sitting in a room by yourself wondering when youll work  and thats while youre on set  but then you also get to do really insane stuff that youre like, Well, at what other time would I be doing this particular thing? Its cool to have the opportunity. Mackenzie Davis as Grace, the Resistance super soldier, in Terminator: Dark Fate. In Speak No Evil, Davis is another left-of-centre presence. Her character is a not-so-typical horror heroine and very relatable because of it, especially when shes spotting red flags and her husband keeps telling her to relax, and she is probably overreacting (she is not). I really relate to the feeling of having to eat shit sometimes, says Davis. Knowing that Im right, that theres a certain amount of social grace thats required, but Im like, You will rue the day you cross me. Is that Canadian politeness?

Advertisement

No, I dont think thats Canadian, she says. Im just waiting for the other shoe to fall. I dont know, sometimes I feel like I have a little alarm in my head of how many things I can call out in a given day in a given group of people. And its not every day, obviously, or every group of people, but sometimes, you know, through work or other circumstances, you find yourself with people who just say the most offensive things all the time, and youre like, Oh god, Ive already used my tally of, like, 10 noes today. Mackenzie Davis feels a kinship with her character Louise in the thriller Speak No Evil. I felt this sort of kinship with Louise, not on everything about her, but certainly on this sort of root feeling of wanting to be easier, wanting to be an easier person, wanting to be one of the group, where everything just rolled off her back, but instead its quite a muscular effort that was pretty visible by everyone around her. The film is an English adaptation of a 2022 Danish film of the same name, which became infamous after it premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. It was hailed as a social satire with razor-sharp teeth, with one person commenting that the real horror of the film was that a Danish couple would even visit the house of new friends (a real Scandinavian no-no, apparently). This English version, adapted and directed by UK director James Watkins, strays from the Danish films plot but still packs a bloody punch. I mean  full disclosure, I keep repeating this so I dont have to just sound like a talking point  but I do believe this, that theres something nice about approaching remakes as experiments that are being replayed with different subjects, says Davis. In the original, theres a Danish and a Dutch couple, and the thing thats being explored is those cultural dynamics.

Advertisement

And if you approach it with that experiment metaphor, then were just swapping out the subjects of the experiment, and youre going to have a different result with people whove been raised and socialised in America and in England than you are with the original subjects. Loading But I love the original ending. I like the darkest shit in the world, and its so great what they did, but I also like what we did, and I think both things can exist and that it can be fun to see how different people react in the same situation. Davis is currently filming another Scandinavian adaptation, The Undertow, in which she stars opposite Jamie Dornan (My god. What an angel. I mean, I think him and James McAvoy are real good boys), but she says there is no real career plan in place. I ask myself that all the time, Is there a plan? she says. Does anyone have one? I think its just like, Does this person or this role or this story turn me on? And sometimes its all three, like the director or the actor or the story or the role, or all four, or sometimes its two, and thats enough. And sometimes its all four, and thats not enough. Its like magic. Like, how do you fall in love with somebody? And sometimes you just date somebody because theyre different from the last person you dated. And sometimes you date somebody because youve gone through enough experience and youre making really great choices. But sometimes youre like, Oh, I just want to ride on the back of a motorcycle. Theres all sorts of weird reasons for doing things, and I dont have any good ones. Speak No Evil is released in cinemas on September 12.
A trustee company that controls tens of millions of dollars worth of Indigenous mining royalties is being paid more than $1 million a year for unexplained administration costs despite many native titleholders not seeing any money for more than three years.

Secrecy surrounding the millions has raised new concerns among Adnyamathanha native titleholders, who have for years questioned where their money has gone and how royalties generated from lucrative uranium mining agreements in and around South Australias Flinders Ranges are distributed.

Adnyamathanha native titleholders have questioned where tens of millions of dollars worth of royalties generated from lucrative uranium mining agreements in and around the Flinders Ranges in South Australia have gone. Credit: Heathgate Resources

The company, Rangelea Holdings Pty Ltd, has been locked in a legal battle over the royalties since 2021, when payments were suspended after community members raised fears that tens of millions of dollars had been squandered.

But since then, Rangelea has received more than $3 million for administration costs, which the company claims include distributing royalties and contributions to a funeral fund, and refused to explain expenses to community members.
An anti-war protester has been arrested after attaching herself to a car and blocking traffic on Melbournes West Gate Freeway for hours, ahead of an international military exhibition in the city next week.

Police said a 27-year-old Kensington woman who had affixed herself to a car decorated to look like a reptile had been separated from the vehicle and was arrested about 3.50pm on Saturday.

Police officers speak to women disrupting traffic on the West Gate Freeway on Saturday. Credit: Matt Hrkac

Earlier, police said they had been called to the Montague Street off-ramp, in South Melbourne, following reports a vehicle was dumped about 1.50pm and was blocking traffic.

Another woman, aged in her 20s, was arrested at the scene in relation to aiding and abetting the woman protesting, police said in a statement. She is currently in custody and will be interviewed in relation to the incident.
Taxpayers have spent more than $10 million funding the state governments legal costs fighting a class action from Victorian businesses that say they suffered losses as a result of COVID lockdowns.

The final bill for the class action  brought on behalf of hospitality, retail, beauty, and fitness traders that lost money as a result of the restrictions  could be much higher, with mediation due to kick off in November.

A police officer outside a quarantine hotel in Melbourne during Covid lockdowns Credit: Jason South

More than 1000 businesses have joined the class action, seeking compensation over claims the governments mishandling of Victorias hotel quarantine program led to the second lengthy lockdown between July and October 2020.

Victorias second COVID wave claimed more than 800 lives and triggered four months of restrictions in Melbourne and surrounding areas, including a curfew, workplace closures and a ban on leaving home for anything but exercise and essentials.
London: On September 15, the Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, turns 40. His future looks very different from how we might have expected at his last milestone birthday, 10 years ago.

Then, the popular 30-year-old prince was fourth in line to the British throne and looked set for a life of royal duty.

But sources close to Harry said he now has no interest in returning to those duties and is focused solely on his future in the US, four years after cutting loose from the British monarchy.

Prince Harry and Meghan arrive to San Basilio de Palenque, Colombia, in August. Credit: AP

The sources rebutted recent reports that Harry wanted to spend more time in his former home  and perhaps even return to a back-seat role in the firm he and his wife Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, were so keen to leave behind in 2020.
ED raids houses of Ghosh, his aides, detains one





KOLKATA :

THE Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday detained Prasun Chattopadhyay, a data entry operator at the Calcutta National Medical College and a known associate of arrested ex-RG Kar hospital principal Sandip Ghosh, in connection with alleged financial irregularities at the latter institution, an officer said. Chattopadhyay was seen being taken out of his residence at Subhasgram in South 24 Parganas district around 2 pm by ED officials, who previously conducted search operations at the premises for over seven hours. He was then taken to Madhya Narayanpur in Canning area of the district where Ghosh had allegedly built a multi-crore farm house-cum-bungalow over a two-bigha plot three years ago and which Ghosh, according to local eyewitnesses, frequented with his family members. Chattopadhyay, who allegedly used to identify himself as Ghoshs PA, was also spotted amid the crowd from the purported August 9 video at the RG Kar hospital seminar hall crime scene where the murdered trainee doctors body was discovered. The CNMC employee allegedly used sign attendance registers at his official place of work but spent his days with Ghoshs office in RG Kar.

I have replied to all questions of the ED officers, Chattopadhyay told reporters while walking with the agency officials outside his residence. Chattopadhyay denied he was arrested. His neighbours, mostly women, came outside their homes and were heard shouting the We Want Justice slogan even as he was escorted to the agency vehicle by central paramilitary jawans. The ED raids were part of the multipronged and simultaneous search operations in at least nine locations in the city and its suburbs since early Friday morning in connection with the alleged financial misconduct at the RG Kar hospital during Ghoshs tenure as principal, the officer said. Ghosh and three other associates were arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the same case on September 3. SC bins ex-RG Kar principals plea for impleadment in case of alleged financial irregularities: THE Supreme Court on Friday dismissed a plea filed by former principal of Kolkatas RG Kar Medical College and Hospital Sandip Ghosh challenging a Calcutta High Court order rejecting his petition to be added as a party to a case of alleged financial irregularities at the institute on his watch.

A bench of Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra said as an accused Ghosh has no locus standi (legal right to approach court) to be impleaded in the matter. The High Court had on August 23 transferred the probe into the alleged financial irregularities from a state-constituted Special Investigation Team (SIT) to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). You were a principal of the college when the incident took place. As an accused you have no locus (standi) to intervene in the PIL, where the Calcutta High Court is monitoring the investigation, the bench said. The ED has filed an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) against Ghosh, which is analogous to a First Information Report (FIR) in criminal cases. Besides Subhasgram, raids were conducted at Ghoshs Beliaghata residence in east Kolkata and at dual apartments belonging to his relatives in Milan Palli area near Airport Gate number 2 in the northern fringes of the city. In Beliaghata, ED was granted entry to Ghoshs house at 9.30 am after waiting for nearly three hours. Ghoshs wife, who was not at home early morning, opened the locks for the central agencys team. The charges brought against my husband are false.

His innocence will be proved in due time, she alleged. ED officers also reached the residences of arrested medical equipment supplier Biplab Sinha and at the house of Kaushik Koley in the same neighbourhood in Sankrail, Howrah. Koley worked as an accountant in Sinhas firm. At Milan Palli, ED officials began search operations from around 11.30 am at two apartments owned and rented by Ghoshs sister-in-law Arpita Bera and her husband Pritin. Both doctors at government establishments, the Bera couple had rented a second apartment in the complex which Ghosh used to visit, a neighbour said. An ED official was seen carrying a black trolley bag out of one of the apartments during the course of the raid. Another team of ED officers reached the address of Ghoshs in-laws in Baidyabati in Hooghly around 7 am, and upon finding the property locked, moved to the residence of Kunal Roy in the neighbourhood, a private company employee operating in the medical sector. The residence of Ankur Roy, owner of a laundromat, was also searched by the agency at Madurdaha area in the eastern fringes of Kolkata. Roys name had, reportedly, cropped up during interrogation of the arrested suspects. ED officials also searched the office of one Crescent Manufacturing Private Ltd on Camac Street in the central business district of Kolkata. The company, involved in manufacturing and supply, reportedly had dealings with RG Kar hospital during Ghoshs tenure as principal.
Many Singapores





PRIME Minister Mr. Narendra Modi has talked of India wanting to create several Singapores of its own. He has insisted that Singapore offers a great model of development that India wishes to follow. There should be no contesting this vision of the Prime Minister -- since it gels well with the national developmental aspirations. In other words, the Prime Minister is actually leading the larger Indian societys aspirational thought-process by talking of replication of Singapores model of development. This is certainly welcome. Of course, several provisos operate here to circumscribe the Prime Ministers vision. The speciality of Singapore is that it has evolved over time as per a well-defined developmental thought over the past several decades. The Singaporean society has achieved certain unanimity of thought and action over time and followed those written and unwritten norms to the hilt -- without doubt, beyond doubt. That society also saw many a debate on the issues concerning the larger developmental picture that it evolved over time. Yet, even in that discourse of diverse opinions, the people of Singapore demonstrated a wonderful comprehension of common interest -- something that has become so rare in the highly politicised Indian society. Given this factual condition in India, the idea of replication of Singaporean model of development will unfortunately have more of a physical form than the spiritual unity (which should be in the core of the Indian thought). Singapore achieved that kind of unity as it pursued its developmental dream despite the diversity of international ethnicities that resided there for long. What needs to be studied in depth and detail is the spiritual unity that Singaporean society has often demonstrated even in times of extreme stress.

That is actually the secret of Singapores genuine growth and development. Of course, Singapore presents a highly urbanised model of development -- which is very fascinating for the average Indian people who happen to visit the place. When the Prime Minister talks of creating several Singapores in India, does he suggest that India would pick up that idea of urbanisation? If that is going to be the case, then there could be several intractable issues that India would not be able to sort out. Yes, replication of physical model is possible, though with certain compromises of sorts. But the question will be about its feasibility in the Indian conditions. The current model of urbanisation India is trying to create has proved to be disastrous on many counts.

Though it has not come prominently in the national discourse until now, it is sure to do so in the time to come when the larger country starts realising the negatives in the process. Though it has become a style and fashion of growing Indian cities currently, high-rise buildings, massive shopping malls and complexes and fully-paved urban spaces cannot be thought to be the final urban signatures of modern India. Unfortunately, Singapore is all this -- which generally impresses most Indians. Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi is sure to have a deeper understanding of the developmental vision Singapore followed in thought and action. If he really aims at creating several Singapores in the country, then he will have to redefine the idea as per the Indian need. Of course, he will certainly follow such a path, all right. Yet, what matters most is that the Singapore-inspired developmental vision will need a lot of vetting to the Indian needs. Indian developmental experts, therefore, will have to do a lot of tearing down of components of the Singapore model and then pick up the right ones for use here.
Shares of SPDR S&P North American Natural Resources ETF (NYSEARCA:NANR  Get Free Report) dropped 0.5% during mid-day trading on Wednesday . The stock traded as low as $54.27 and last traded at $54.30. Approximately 11,079 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 57% from the average daily volume of 25,793 shares. The stock had previously closed at $54.56.

SPDR S&P North American Natural Resources ETF Trading Down 1.5 %

The firm has a market cap of $529.84 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.81 and a beta of 0.71. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $55.11 and a 200-day moving average price of $54.58.

Get SPDR S&P North American Natural Resources ETF alerts:

Hedge Funds Weigh In On SPDR S&P North American Natural Resources ETF

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Fiduciary Alliance LLC lifted its holdings in shares of SPDR S&P North American Natural Resources ETF by 14.7% in the 2nd quarter. Fiduciary Alliance LLC now owns 34,923 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,902,000 after buying an additional 4,470 shares during the period. Jones Financial Companies Lllp acquired a new position in shares of SPDR S&P North American Natural Resources ETF in the 4th quarter valued at about $144,000. Steward Partners Investment Solutions LLC acquired a new position in shares of SPDR S&P North American Natural Resources ETF in the 4th quarter valued at about $461,000. Finally, Madison Asset Management LLC increased its stake in shares of SPDR S&P North American Natural Resources ETF by 1.3% in the 4th quarter. Madison Asset Management LLC now owns 24,513 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,250,000 after purchasing an additional 326 shares in the last quarter.

About SPDR S&P North American Natural Resources ETF

The SPDR S&P North American Natural Resources ETF (NANR) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in stocks based on a particular theme. The fund tracks an index of US & Canadian firms involved in natural resources and commodities businesses. NANR was launched on Dec 15, 2015 and is managed by State Street.

Further Reading

Receive News & Ratings for SPDR S&P North American Natural Resources ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for SPDR S&P North American Natural Resources ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
3M (NYSE:MMM  Get Free Report)s share price was down 0.3% on Thursday . The company traded as low as $131.20 and last traded at $131.70. Approximately 399,307 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 92% from the average daily volume of 5,178,256 shares. The stock had previously closed at $132.15.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several analysts have recently commented on the company. Bank of America raised their target price on 3M from $120.00 to $143.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Monday, July 29th. StockNews.com cut shares of 3M from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, July 29th. Barclays lifted their price objective on shares of 3M from $120.00 to $145.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, July 29th. HSBC upgraded shares of 3M from a hold rating to a buy rating and upped their target price for the stock from $91.13 to $115.00 in a research report on Friday, May 10th. Finally, Argus raised shares of 3M from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $145.00 price target for the company in a research note on Tuesday, July 30th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, five have issued a hold rating and eight have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $124.43.

Get 3M alerts:

Check Out Our Latest Research Report on MMM

3M Price Performance

The firm has a market cap of $71.16 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -10.11, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.49 and a beta of 0.95. The company has a current ratio of 1.36, a quick ratio of 1.08 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.95. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $118.48 and a two-hundred day moving average of $104.99.

3M (NYSE:MMM  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Friday, July 26th. The conglomerate reported $1.93 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.68 by $0.25. The business had revenue of $6.26 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.85 billion. 3M had a return on equity of 112.92% and a net margin of 3.08%. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $2.17 earnings per share. On average, analysts anticipate that 3M will post 7.2 EPS for the current year.

3M Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, September 12th. Stockholders of record on Monday, August 26th will be given a dividend of $0.70 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, August 26th. This represents a $2.80 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.18%. 3Ms dividend payout ratio is currently -22.01%.

Insider Activity

In related news, Chairman Michael F. Roman sold 5,675 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, August 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $123.46, for a total transaction of $700,635.50. Following the sale, the chairman now owns 174,036 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $21,486,484.56. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. In other news, Chairman Michael F. Roman sold 5,675 shares of 3M stock in a transaction on Wednesday, August 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $123.46, for a total transaction of $700,635.50. Following the sale, the chairman now directly owns 174,036 shares in the company, valued at approximately $21,486,484.56. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, CFO Theresa E. Reinseth sold 2,100 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, August 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $124.12, for a total value of $260,652.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now owns 4,364 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $541,659.68. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders own 0.34% of the companys stock.

Institutional Trading of 3M

Several institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Tributary Capital Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of 3M in the 1st quarter valued at $25,000. Financial Synergies Wealth Advisors Inc. lifted its stake in 3M by 419.1% during the first quarter. Financial Synergies Wealth Advisors Inc. now owns 244 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $26,000 after purchasing an additional 197 shares in the last quarter. MFA Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of 3M in the second quarter valued at $28,000. Meeder Asset Management Inc. increased its holdings in 3M by 689.7% in the second quarter. Meeder Asset Management Inc. now owns 308 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $31,000 after buying an additional 269 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Northwest Investment Counselors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of 3M during the first quarter worth about $32,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 65.25% of the companys stock.

3M Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

3M Company provides diversified technology services in the United States and internationally. The company's Safety and Industrial segment offers industrial abrasives and finishing for metalworking applications; autobody repair solutions; closure systems for personal hygiene products, masking, and packaging materials; electrical products and materials for construction and maintenance, power distribution, and electrical original equipment manufacturers; structural adhesives and tapes; respiratory, hearing, eye, and fall protection solutions; and natural and color-coated mineral granules for shingles.

Further Reading

Receive News & Ratings for 3M Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for 3M and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund raised its stake in shares of Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN  Free Report) by 14.2% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 70,981 shares of the information technology services providers stock after purchasing an additional 8,801 shares during the period. Illinois Municipal Retirement Funds holdings in Accenture were worth $21,536,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of ACN. McKinley Carter Wealth Services Inc. increased its stake in Accenture by 7.4% during the 4th quarter. McKinley Carter Wealth Services Inc. now owns 29,204 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $10,248,000 after buying an additional 2,008 shares in the last quarter. TrinityPoint Wealth LLC raised its stake in Accenture by 3.6% in the 4th quarter. TrinityPoint Wealth LLC now owns 3,646 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $1,279,000 after purchasing an additional 125 shares during the last quarter. Buckingham Capital Management Inc. lifted its holdings in Accenture by 3.4% in the 4th quarter. Buckingham Capital Management Inc. now owns 27,559 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $9,671,000 after purchasing an additional 900 shares in the last quarter. Focus Financial Network Inc. ADV acquired a new stake in Accenture during the 4th quarter worth $4,594,000. Finally, New Mexico Educational Retirement Board grew its holdings in shares of Accenture by 11.9% during the first quarter. New Mexico Educational Retirement Board now owns 36,750 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $12,393,000 after buying an additional 3,900 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 75.14% of the companys stock.

Get Accenture alerts:

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, insider Ellyn Shook sold 5,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, July 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $329.82, for a total transaction of $1,649,100.00. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 8,989 shares in the company, valued at $2,964,751.98. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In other Accenture news, CEO Julie Spellman Sweet sold 3,776 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, July 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $309.05, for a total transaction of $1,166,972.80. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 11,819 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,652,661.95. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, insider Ellyn Shook sold 5,000 shares of Accenture stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, July 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $329.82, for a total value of $1,649,100.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 8,989 shares in the company, valued at $2,964,751.98. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 21,421 shares of company stock valued at $6,912,635 over the last quarter. Company insiders own 0.07% of the companys stock.

Accenture Trading Down 0.3 %

ACN stock traded down $1.09 during trading on Friday, hitting $339.84. 1,613,563 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,781,811. The stock has a market capitalization of $212.98 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 31.11, a PEG ratio of 3.81 and a beta of 1.24. Accenture plc has a 52-week low of $278.69 and a 52-week high of $387.51. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $323.63 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $324.57.

Accenture (NYSE:ACN  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, June 20th. The information technology services provider reported $3.13 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 company had revenue of $16.47 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $16.55 billion. During the same period last year, the business earned $3.19 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was down .6% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that Accenture plc will post 11.95 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Accenture Announces Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, August 15th. Investors of record on Thursday, July 11th were paid a dividend of $1.29 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, July 11th. This represents a $5.16 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.52%. Accentures dividend payout ratio is presently 47.25%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of research firms recently weighed in on ACN. Wedbush lowered their price target on shares of Accenture from $400.00 to $350.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, June 12th. Morgan Stanley cut Accenture from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating and cut their price target for the company from $382.00 to $300.00 in a report on Wednesday, June 26th. Robert W. Baird reduced their price objective on Accenture from $372.00 to $345.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, May 16th. Piper Sandler dropped their target price on Accenture from $379.00 to $320.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Monday, June 17th. Finally, UBS Group raised Accenture from a neutral rating to a buy rating and set a $400.00 target price for the company in a research note on Friday, July 19th. Eleven analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $353.41.

View Our Latest Stock Report on Accenture

Accenture Company 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.

Further Reading

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.
Admiral Group plc (LON:ADM  Get Free Report)s stock price passed above its 200-day moving average during trading on Wednesday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of GBX 2,702.22 ($35.53) and traded as high as GBX 2,931 ($38.54). Admiral Group shares last traded at GBX 2,931 ($38.54), with a volume of 734,370 shares changing hands.

Admiral Group Stock Down 0.8 %

The firm has a market capitalization of 8.28 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 2,131.30, a P/E/G ratio of 1.91 and a beta of 0.17. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of GBX 2,733.48 and a 200 day moving average price of GBX 2,704.56. The company has a current ratio of 0.56, a quick ratio of 0.42 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 114.95.

Get Admiral Group alerts:

Admiral Group Increases Dividend

The firm also recently announced a dividend, which will be paid on Friday, October 4th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, September 5th will be issued a dividend of GBX 71 ($0.93) per share. This represents a dividend yield of 2.53%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, September 5th. This is a boost from Admiral Groups previous dividend of $52.00. Admiral Groups dividend payout ratio is presently 6,641.22%.

Insider Activity at Admiral Group

About Admiral Group

In related news, insider Mike Rogers purchased 4,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, August 16th. The shares were acquired at an average cost of GBX 3,018 ($39.68) per share, with a total value of 120,720 ($158,737.67). 18.27% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

(Get Free Report)

Admiral Group plc, a financial services company, provides insurance and personal lending products in the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, and the United States. It operates through four segments: UK Insurance, International Insurance, Admiral Money, and Other. The company offers underwriting services, which includes motor, household, pet, travel, and other insurance, as well as car and home insurance; and unsecured personal loans and car finance products.

Featured Articles

Receive News & Ratings for Admiral Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Admiral Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
American Bank Incorporated (OTCMKTS:AMBK  Get Free Report)s stock price rose 1.6% during trading on Thursday . The stock traded as high as $15.24 and last traded at $15.24. Approximately 607 shares were traded during mid-day trading, a decline of 42% from the average daily volume of 1,040 shares. The stock had previously closed at $15.00.

American Bank Stock Down 1.6 %

The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $15.28 and a 200-day simple moving average of $15.86.

Get American Bank alerts:

American Bank Dividend Announcement

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 1st. Stockholders of record on Monday, September 16th will be given a dividend of $0.14 per share. This represents a $0.56 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.73%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, September 16th.

American Bank Company Profile

American Bank Incorporated operates as the bank holding company for American Bank that provides various banking products and services to consumer, business, institutional, and governmental customers. It accepts a range of interest-bearing checking and money market accounts, savings accounts, certificates of deposit, and individual retirement accounts.

Featured Articles

Receive News & Ratings for American Bank Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for American Bank and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
BMO REX MicroSectors FANG Index 3X Inverse Leveraged ETN (NYSEARCA:FNGD  Get Free Report) saw strong trading volume on Thursday . 1,073,098 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 39% from the previous sessions volume of 1,770,269 shares.The stock last traded at $24.95 and had previously closed at $26.60.

BMO REX MicroSectors FANG Index 3X Inverse Leveraged ETN Trading Up 11.9 %

The stock has a market capitalization of $21.05 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 37.73 and a beta of -5.03. The stocks 50 day moving average is $24.67 and its 200 day moving average is $31.05.

Get BMO REX MicroSectors FANG Index 3X Inverse Leveraged ETN alerts:

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A hedge fund recently bought a new stake in BMO REX MicroSectors FANG Index 3X Inverse Leveraged ETN stock. Whittier Trust Co. of Nevada Inc. purchased a new position in shares of BMO REX MicroSectors FANG Index 3X Inverse Leveraged ETN (NYSEARCA:FNGD  Free Report) during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm purchased 1,165 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $43,000.

BMO REX MicroSectors FANG Index 3X Inverse Leveraged ETN Company Profile

The MicroSectors FANG+ Index -3X Inverse Leveraged ETN (FNGD) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the NYSE FANG+ index. The fund tracks -3x the daily price movements of an index of technology and consumer discretionary companies. The note uses derivatives to achieve its -3x exposure. FNGD was launched on Jan 25, 2018 and is issued by REX Microsectors.

Read More

Receive News & Ratings for BMO REX MicroSectors FANG Index 3X Inverse Leveraged ETN Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BMO REX MicroSectors FANG Index 3X Inverse Leveraged ETN and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Braemar Plc (LON:BMS  Get Free Report)s share price passed above its 200-day moving average during trading on Wednesday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of GBX 285.48 ($3.75) and traded as high as GBX 301 ($3.96). Braemar shares last traded at GBX 299.50 ($3.94), with a volume of 43,260 shares traded.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Separately, Canaccord Genuity Group began coverage on shares of Braemar in a research report on Wednesday, August 28th. They set a buy rating and a GBX 410 ($5.39) target price for the company.

Get Braemar alerts:

Read Our Latest Stock Report on BMS

Braemar Price Performance

Insiders Place Their Bets

The stock has a 50-day moving average price of GBX 301.34 and a two-hundred day moving average price of GBX 285.91. The company has a current ratio of 1.42, a quick ratio of 1.23 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 43.61. The stock has a market cap of 90.46 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 2,261.54 and a beta of 1.16.

In related news, insider James Christopher Duchar Gundy acquired 10,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, August 8th. The shares were purchased at an average price of GBX 298 ($3.92) per share, for a total transaction of 29,800 ($39,184.75). In related news, insider James Christopher Duchar Gundy acquired 10,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, August 8th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of GBX 298 ($3.92) per share, for a total transaction of 29,800 ($39,184.75). Also, insider Tristram Simmonds sold 12,425 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, July 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of GBX 300 ($3.94), for a total transaction of 37,275 ($49,013.81). Corporate insiders own 51.46% of the companys stock.

Braemar Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Braemar Plc provides shipbroking services in the United Kingdom and internationally. It operates in three segments: Chartering, Investment Advisory, and Risk Advisory. The Chartering segment provides shipbroking services for deep sea tankers, specialized tankers, dry cargo, and offshore; cost-saving solutions; freight consultancy; and a vessel database.

Featured Stories

Receive News & Ratings for Braemar Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Braemar and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Canadian Utilities Limited (TSE:CU  Get Free Report)s share price hit a new 52-week high during trading on Thursday after BMO Capital Markets raised their price target on the stock from C$35.50 to C$37.00. The stock traded as high as C$35.05 and last traded at C$34.92, with a volume of 24402 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at C$34.55.

Several other equities analysts have also issued reports on the stock. CIBC lifted their price objective on shares of Canadian Utilities from C$34.00 to C$35.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Tuesday, August 6th. Scotiabank lifted their price target on Canadian Utilities from C$34.00 to C$36.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a report on Tuesday, August 20th. Finally, National Bankshares raised their price objective on Canadian Utilities from C$34.00 to C$37.00 in a research report on Friday, August 23rd. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and one has assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of C$36.17.

Get Canadian Utilities alerts:

Read Our Latest Research Report on CU

Canadian Utilities Stock Down 0.4 %

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 149.94, a quick ratio of 1.30 and a current ratio of 1.29. The company has a market capitalization of C$7.08 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.44, a PEG ratio of 2.38 and a beta of 0.65. The businesss 50 day moving average is C$31.97 and its 200 day moving average is C$31.16.

Canadian Utilities (TSE:CU  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Friday, August 2nd. The company reported C$0.43 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of C$0.42 by C$0.01. Canadian Utilities had a net margin of 16.43% and a return on equity of 8.72%. The business had revenue of C$860.00 million during the quarter. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Canadian Utilities Limited will post 2.4100069 earnings per share for the current year.

Canadian Utilities Announces Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Sunday, September 1st. Investors of record on Thursday, August 8th were issued a $0.453 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, August 8th. This represents a $1.81 annualized dividend and a yield of 5.25%. Canadian Utilitiess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 91.41%.

About Canadian Utilities

(Get Free Report)

Canadian Utilities Limited, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the electricity, natural gas, renewables, pipelines, liquids, and retail energy businesses in Canada, Australia, and internationally. It operates through ATCO Energy Systems, ATCO EnPower, and Corporate & Other segments. The ATCO Energy Systems segment provides regulated electricity transmission and distribution services in northern and central east Alberta, the Yukon, the Northwest Territories, and the Lloydminster area of Saskatchewan; and integrated natural gas transmission and distribution services in Alberta, the Lloydminster area of Saskatchewan, and Western Australia.

Further Reading

Receive News & Ratings for Canadian Utilities Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Canadian Utilities and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Canadian Western Bank (TSE:CWB  Free Report) had its price objective boosted by CIBC from C$55.80 to C$60.30 in a research note issued to investors on Tuesday, BayStreet.CA reports. They currently have a neutral rating on the stock.

Other equities analysts have also recently issued reports about the stock. Jefferies Financial Group raised their target price on shares of Canadian Western Bank from C$52.00 to C$57.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday. National Bankshares lowered their price objective on shares of Canadian Western Bank from C$37.00 to C$30.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, June 3rd. Scotiabank raised their target price on shares of Canadian Western Bank from C$30.00 to C$52.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Tuesday, June 18th. Desjardins boosted their price target on Canadian Western Bank from C$52.00 to C$53.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, August 6th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets lowered Canadian Western Bank from an outperform rating to a market perform rating and upped their price objective for the company from C$35.00 to C$52.00 in a research note on Wednesday, June 12th. Six equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of C$48.03.

Get Canadian Western Bank alerts:

Read Our Latest Stock Report on Canadian Western Bank

Canadian Western Bank Stock Performance

Canadian Western Bank Announces Dividend

Shares of TSE CWB opened at C$51.63 on Tuesday. The stock has a market capitalization of C$4.99 billion, a PE ratio of 17.62, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.95 and a beta of 1.39. Canadian Western Bank has a 52 week low of C$24.66 and a 52 week high of C$52.80. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of C$47.46 and a 200 day moving average price of C$35.70.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, September 26th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, September 12th will be issued a $0.35 dividend. This represents a $1.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.71%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, September 12th. Canadian Western Banks dividend payout ratio is 47.78%.

Insider Transactions at Canadian Western Bank

In related news, Senior Officer Trent Albert Erickson sold 3,900 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, September 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of C$51.42, for a total value of C$200,538.00. In other news, Senior Officer Trent Albert Erickson sold 3,900 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, September 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of C$51.42, for a total transaction of C$200,538.00. Also, Senior Officer Jenny Siman sold 1,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, July 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of C$46.05, for a total value of C$46,050.00. Insiders own 0.46% of the companys stock.

About Canadian Western Bank

(Get Free Report)

Canadian Western Bank provides personal and business banking products and services in Western Canada. The company offers current, savings, US dollar, chequing, flex notice, organization, business trust, and trust fund investment accounts. It also offers commercial lending and real estate, equipment financing and leasing, aviation financing, and dealership financing products; agriculture lending products and AgriInvest savings account; variable and fixed rate mortgages; line of credit; registered retirement savings plan, consolidation, and vehicle loans; and credit cards.

Further Reading

Receive News & Ratings for Canadian Western Bank Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Canadian Western Bank and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
CC Japan Income & Growth (LON:CCJI  Get Free Report)s stock price crossed below its 50-day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a 50-day moving average of GBX 191.72 ($2.52) and traded as low as GBX 184.02 ($2.42). CC Japan Income & Growth shares last traded at GBX 186 ($2.45), with a volume of 116,001 shares.

CC Japan Income & Growth Stock Performance

The firm has a 50 day moving average price of GBX 191.50 and a 200-day moving average price of GBX 192.69. The company has a market cap of 244.53 million and a P/E ratio of 2,016.67.

Get CC Japan Income & Growth alerts:

CC Japan Income & Growth Cuts Dividend

The company also recently announced a dividend, which was paid on Friday, August 2nd. Investors of record on Thursday, July 4th were issued a GBX 1.60 ($0.02) dividend. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, July 4th. This represents a yield of 0.86%. CC Japan Income & Growths dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 5,555.56%.

Insider Buying and Selling at CC Japan Income & Growth

CC Japan Income & Growth Company Profile

In other CC Japan Income & Growth news, insider June Aitken acquired 365 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 6th. The shares were acquired at an average cost of GBX 184 ($2.42) per share, for a total transaction of 671.60 ($883.10). Corporate insiders own 9.30% of the companys stock.

(Get Free Report)

CC Japan Income & Growth Trust plc is an equity mutual fund launched and managed by Coupland Cardiff Asset Management LLP. It invests in the equity markets of Japan. The fund invests in stocks of companies operating across the diversified sectors. CC Japan Income & Growth Trust plc was formed in 2013 and is domiciled in the United Kingdom.

Recommended Stories

Receive News & Ratings for CC Japan Income & Growth Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for CC Japan Income & Growth and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
China Shenhua Energy Company Limited (OTCMKTS:CSUAY  Get Free Report) crossed below its fifty day moving average during trading on Wednesday . The stock has a fifty day moving average of $17.26 and traded as low as $16.23. China Shenhua Energy shares last traded at $16.33, with a volume of 26,047 shares trading hands.

China Shenhua Energy Trading Down 0.6 %

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.06, a quick ratio of 2.20 and a current ratio of 2.35. The firm has a market capitalization of $79.81 billion, a P/E ratio of 9.28 and a beta of 0.10. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $17.16 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $17.26.

Get China Shenhua Energy alerts:

China Shenhua Energy Cuts Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a dividend, which was paid on Thursday, September 5th. Shareholders of record on Friday, June 28th were given a $1.0538 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Friday, June 28th. China Shenhua Energys payout ratio is 62.43%.

China Shenhua Energy Company Profile

China Shenhua Energy Company Limited, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the production and sale of coal and power; railway, port, and shipping transportation; and coal-to-olefins businesses in the People's Republic of China and internationally. It operates through six segments: Coal, Power Generation, Railway, Port, Shipping, and Coal Chemical.

Recommended Stories

Receive News & Ratings for China Shenhua Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for China Shenhua Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Commonwealth Retirement Investments LLC bought a new stake in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY  Free Report) in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm bought 41,946 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock, valued at approximately $1,742,000.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the business. New York Life Investment Management LLC lifted its stake in Bristol-Myers Squibb by 1.0% during the second quarter. New York Life Investment Management LLC now owns 321,185 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $13,339,000 after purchasing an additional 3,261 shares during the last quarter. Addison Advisors LLC grew its holdings in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb by 7.0% in the 2nd quarter. Addison Advisors LLC now owns 4,298 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $178,000 after acquiring an additional 281 shares during the last quarter. Arcadia Investment Management Corp MI raised its position in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb by 189.4% during the second quarter. Arcadia Investment Management Corp MI now owns 24,571 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $1,020,000 after purchasing an additional 16,080 shares during the period. Wellington Shields Capital Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb by 4.6% during the second quarter. Wellington Shields Capital Management LLC now owns 7,741 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $321,000 after purchasing an additional 341 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Slocum Gordon & Co LLP boosted its position in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb by 8.0% in the 2nd quarter. Slocum Gordon & Co LLP now owns 4,854 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $202,000 after purchasing an additional 360 shares during the period. 76.41% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

Get Bristol-Myers Squibb alerts:

Bristol-Myers Squibb Stock Performance

BMY opened at $48.71 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.86, a quick ratio of 1.02 and a current ratio of 1.16. The company has a market cap of $98.74 billion, a PE ratio of -15.71, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 12.92 and a beta of 0.46. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $45.95 and a 200-day moving average of $46.60. Bristol-Myers Squibb has a 52-week low of $39.35 and a 52-week high of $61.42.

Bristol-Myers Squibb Dividend Announcement

Bristol-Myers Squibb ( NYSE:BMY Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Friday, July 26th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $2.07 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.64 by $0.43. The business had revenue of $12.20 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $11.54 billion. Bristol-Myers Squibb had a negative net margin of 14.06% and a positive return on equity of 12.51%. Bristol-Myers Squibbs revenue for the quarter was up 8.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $1.75 earnings per share. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that Bristol-Myers Squibb will post 0.77 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, August 1st. Shareholders of record on Friday, July 5th were given a $0.60 dividend. This represents a $2.40 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.93%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, July 5th. Bristol-Myers Squibbs dividend payout ratio is currently -77.42%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several research firms have issued reports on BMY. StockNews.com upgraded Bristol-Myers Squibb from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Monday, July 29th. Cantor Fitzgerald reaffirmed a neutral rating and issued a $45.00 price objective on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb in a research note on Monday, July 22nd. TD Cowen boosted their target price on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb from $45.00 to $53.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research note on Monday, August 12th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft decreased their target price on Bristol-Myers Squibb from $53.00 to $45.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, July 23rd. Finally, Barclays upped their price target on Bristol-Myers Squibb from $41.00 to $42.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a research report on Thursday, August 22nd. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, thirteen have given a hold rating, two have issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Bristol-Myers Squibb presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $54.67.

Read Our Latest Analysis on BMY

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company Profile

(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.
Cullen Frost Bankers Inc. increased its holdings in Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG  Free Report) by 4,862.7% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 602,026 shares of the restaurant operators stock after buying an additional 589,895 shares during the period. Cullen Frost Bankers Inc.s holdings in Chipotle Mexican Grill were worth $37,717,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of the business. Steph & Co. purchased a new stake in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill during the 1st quarter valued at $29,000. Semmax Financial Advisors Inc. raised its position in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill by 225.0% during the 1st quarter. Semmax Financial Advisors Inc. now owns 13 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $42,000 after buying an additional 9 shares in the last quarter. Crewe Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill during the 1st quarter valued at $44,000. ICA Group Wealth Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill during the 4th quarter valued at $37,000. Finally, Westside Investment Management Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill during the 1st quarter valued at $58,000. 91.31% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Get Chipotle Mexican Grill alerts:

Analyst Ratings Changes

CMG has been the topic of several research reports. Barclays lowered their price objective on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill from $58.00 to $55.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, July 25th. BMO Capital Markets decreased their target price on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill from $57.00 to $55.00 and set a market perform rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, July 25th. Truist Financial reiterated a buy rating and issued a $69.00 target price on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill in a research report on Tuesday, August 13th. Argus lifted their target price on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill from $73.36 to $77.76 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, June 18th. Finally, Evercore ISI decreased their target price on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill from $65.00 to $59.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, August 14th. Ten analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eighteen have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $62.36.

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, insider Curtis E. Garner sold 17,394 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $54.68, for a total transaction of $951,103.92. Following the sale, the insider now owns 358,300 shares of the companys stock, valued at $19,591,844. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. 1.02% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Chipotle Mexican Grill Price Performance

NYSE:CMG traded up $0.65 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $53.68. 13,248,683 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 15,003,460. Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. has a one year low of $35.37 and a one year high of $69.26. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $54.95 and a 200 day moving average price of $80.60. The company has a market cap of $73.72 billion, a PE ratio of 57.12, a P/E/G ratio of 2.34 and a beta of 1.25.

Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE:CMG  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data 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 net margin of 13.23% and a return on equity of 44.01%. The business had revenue of $2.97 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.94 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $12.65 earnings per share. Chipotle Mexican Grills quarterly revenue was up 18.2% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities analysts forecast that Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. will post 1.08 EPS for the current fiscal year.

About Chipotle Mexican Grill

(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.

Further Reading

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CMG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG  Free Report).

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.
Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reiterated their buy rating on shares of Ashtead Group (LON:AHT  Free Report) in a research report released on Wednesday, MarketBeat.com reports. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft currently has a GBX 6,500 ($85.47) price target on the stock.

AHT has been the subject of a number of other research reports. Barclays reaffirmed an overweight rating and set a GBX 6,600 ($86.79) price objective on shares of Ashtead Group in a research report on Wednesday, May 15th. Jefferies Financial Group reiterated a buy rating and set a GBX 6,150 ($80.87) target price on shares of Ashtead Group in a research note on Tuesday. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six 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 an average target price of GBX 4,933.13 ($64.87).

Get Ashtead Group alerts:

Get Our Latest Report on AHT

Ashtead Group Stock Down 1.4 %

Ashtead Group Increases Dividend

AHT stock opened at GBX 5,190 ($68.24) on Wednesday. Ashtead Group has a twelve month low of GBX 4,437 ($58.34) and a twelve month high of GBX 6,180 ($81.26). The company has a quick ratio of 1.13, a current ratio of 1.13 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 150.69. The firm has a market cap of 22.65 billion, a PE ratio of 1,880.43, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.21 and a beta of 1.22. The business has a 50 day moving average of GBX 5,256.68 and a 200 day moving average of GBX 5,472.83.

The firm also recently announced a dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, September 10th. Investors of record on Thursday, August 8th will be issued a $0.89 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, August 8th. This is a positive change from Ashtead Groups previous dividend of $0.16. This represents a dividend yield of 1.28%. Ashtead Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 2,898.55%.

Insider Activity at Ashtead Group

In other Ashtead Group news, insider Lucinda Riches sold 4,000 shares of Ashtead Group stock in a transaction on Wednesday, July 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of GBX 5,480 ($72.06), for a total transaction of 219,200 ($288,231.43). In other news, insider Brendan Horgan sold 37,063 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, July 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of GBX 5,112 ($67.22), for a total transaction of 1,894,660.56 ($2,491,335.38). Also, insider Lucinda Riches sold 4,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, July 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of GBX 5,480 ($72.06), for a total transaction of 219,200 ($288,231.43). 0.66% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

About Ashtead Group

(Get Free Report)

Ashtead Group plc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the construction, industrial, and general equipment rental business in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. It provides pumps, power generation, heating, cooling, scaffolding, traffic management, temporary flooring, trench shoring, and lifting services.

Featured Stories

Receive News & Ratings for Ashtead Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ashtead Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Shares of Directa Plus Plc (LON:DCTA  Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week low on Thursday . The company traded as low as GBX 15 ($0.20) and last traded at GBX 16 ($0.21), with a volume of 59637 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at GBX 17.50 ($0.23).

Directa Plus Trading Down 0.4 %

The firms 50 day simple moving average is GBX 18.40 and its 200-day simple moving average is GBX 18.76. The company has a market capitalization of 17.17 million, a PE ratio of -328.80 and a beta of 0.72. The company has a quick ratio of 4.88, a current ratio of 1.99 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 40.42.

About Directa Plus

(Get Free Report)

Directa Plus Plc manufactures and sells graphene-based products for industrial and commercial applications in Italy and internationally. It operates through Textile, Environmental, and Others segments. The company offers its products under the G+ brand name. Its products are used in environment, textile, composites, elastomers, battery, paints, and tires applications.

See Also

Receive News & Ratings for Directa Plus Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Directa Plus and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
The Goldman Sachs Group assumed coverage on shares of Equity Residential (NYSE:EQR  Free Report) in a research note released on Wednesday, MarketBeat.com reports. The firm issued a neutral rating and a $81.00 price target on the real estate investment trusts stock.

A number of other analysts have also recently issued reports on EQR. UBS Group increased their price objective on Equity Residential from $75.00 to $82.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Thursday, July 18th. Truist Financial raised their price objective on shares of Equity Residential from $73.00 to $77.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, August 29th. Morgan Stanley upped their target price on shares of Equity Residential from $68.00 to $70.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Tuesday, May 14th. Royal Bank of Canada raised their price target on shares of Equity Residential from $74.00 to $75.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, July 31st. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company downgraded Equity Residential from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating and increased their price objective for the stock from $69.00 to $77.00 in a research report on Monday, August 26th. Thirteen investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $72.84.

Get Equity Residential alerts:

Check Out Our Latest Research Report on EQR

Equity Residential Price Performance

NYSE EQR opened at $74.37 on Wednesday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.21, a current ratio of 0.21 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.64. The company has a market cap of $28.23 billion, a PE ratio of 30.86, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 4.17 and a beta of 0.87. Equity Residential has a 52 week low of $52.57 and a 52 week high of $76.75. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $70.88 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $66.46.

Equity Residential (NYSE:EQR  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Monday, July 29th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.47 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.96 by ($0.49). Equity Residential had a net margin of 32.83% and a return on equity of 8.53%. The business had revenue of $734.20 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $735.26 million. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $0.94 earnings per share. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 2.4% compared to the same quarter last year. Research analysts predict that Equity Residential will post 3.89 earnings per share for the current year.

Equity Residential Dividend Announcement

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, July 12th. Stockholders of record on Monday, July 1st were given a dividend of $0.675 per share. The ex-dividend date was Monday, July 1st. This represents a $2.70 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.63%. Equity Residentials dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 112.03%.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other Equity Residential news, CFO Robert Garechana sold 6,357 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, June 24th. The shares were sold at an average price of $69.08, for a total transaction of $439,141.56. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 14,576 shares in the company, valued at $1,006,910.08. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. 1.00% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Institutional Trading of Equity Residential

Hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Checchi Capital Advisers LLC lifted its stake in shares of Equity Residential by 4.5% in the 2nd quarter. Checchi Capital Advisers LLC now owns 3,522 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $244,000 after acquiring an additional 153 shares during the last quarter. Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV lifted its position in Equity Residential by 41.9% in the second quarter. Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV now owns 525 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $36,000 after purchasing an additional 155 shares during the last quarter. Mystic Asset Management Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Equity Residential by 3.8% during the first quarter. Mystic Asset Management Inc. now owns 5,450 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $344,000 after purchasing an additional 200 shares during the period. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. grew its holdings in shares of Equity Residential by 32.7% in the second quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 811 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $56,000 after purchasing an additional 200 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Whittier Trust Co. increased its stake in shares of Equity Residential by 12.4% in the second quarter. Whittier Trust Co. now owns 1,826 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $127,000 after buying an additional 201 shares during the period. 92.68% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

About Equity Residential

(Get Free Report)

Equity Residential is committed to creating communities where people thrive. The Company, a member of the S&P 500, is focused on the acquisition, development and management of residential properties located in and around dynamic cities that attract affluent long-term renters. Equity Residential owns or has investments in 305 properties consisting of 80,683 apartment units, with an established presence in Boston, New York, Washington, DC, Seattle, San Francisco and Southern California, and an expanding presence in Denver, Atlanta, Dallas/Ft.

See Also

Receive News & Ratings for Equity Residential Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Equity Residential and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Erdene Resource Development Co. (TSE:ERD  Get Free Report) passed above its fifty day moving average during trading on Wednesday . The stock has a fifty day moving average of C$0.43 and traded as high as C$0.44. Erdene Resource Development shares last traded at C$0.44, with a volume of 89,000 shares changing hands.

Erdene Resource Development Price Performance

The stock has a 50 day moving average of C$0.43 and a 200-day moving average of C$0.42. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.01, a quick ratio of 4.27 and a current ratio of 8.64. The company has a market cap of C$149.91 million, a PE ratio of -21.50 and a beta of 1.58.

Erdene Resource Development Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Erdene Resource Development Corporation focuses on the exploration and development of precious and base metal deposits in Mongolia. The company explores for copper, molybdenum, gold, silver, lead, and zinc deposits. The company was formerly known as Erdene Gold Inc and changed its name to Erdene Resource Development Corporation in May 2008.

Featured Stories

Receive News & Ratings for Erdene Resource Development Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Erdene Resource Development and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
ETRACS 2xMonthly Leveraged Wells Fargo Diversified Business Development Company Index ETN Series B (NYSEARCA:BDCY  Get Free Report) shares dropped 0.6% during mid-day trading on Wednesday . The company traded as low as $9.73 and last traded at $9.74. Approximately 18,400 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 168% from the average daily volume of 6,861 shares. The stock had previously closed at $9.80.

ETRACS 2xMonthly Leveraged Wells Fargo Diversified Business Development Company Index ETN Series B Stock Down 0.6 %

The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $9.74 and a 200-day simple moving average of $9.74.

Featured Articles

Receive News & Ratings for ETRACS 2xMonthly Leveraged Wells Fargo Diversified Business Development Company Index ETN Series B Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ETRACS 2xMonthly Leveraged Wells Fargo Diversified Business Development Company Index ETN Series B and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
EVRAZ plc (LON:EVR  Get Free Report)s share price passed above its 200-day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of GBX 81 ($1.07) and traded as high as GBX 81 ($1.07). EVRAZ shares last traded at GBX 81 ($1.07), with a volume of 13,219 shares trading hands.

EVRAZ Stock Up 0.1 %

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 68.87, a current ratio of 1.36 and a quick ratio of 0.76. The businesss 50 day moving average price is GBX 81 and its 200 day moving average price is GBX 81. The firm has a market cap of 1.18 billion, a PE ratio of 42.19, a PEG ratio of 0.05 and a beta of 0.78.

About EVRAZ

(Get Free Report)

EVRAZ plc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the production and distribution of steel and related products in Russia, the Americas, Asia, Europe, CIS, Africa, and internationally. It operates through four segments: Steel; Steel, North America; Coal; and Other Operations. The company offers steel and value-added products, including infrastructure steel, rails, large-diameter pipes, and oil country tubular goods.

Read More

Receive News & Ratings for EVRAZ Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for EVRAZ and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
First BanCorp. (NYSE:FBP  Get Free Report) EVP Michael Mcdonald sold 1,944 shares of First BanCorp. stock in a transaction on Tuesday, September 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $21.51, for a total transaction of $41,815.44. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 87,476 shares in the company, valued at $1,881,608.76. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link.

Michael Mcdonald also recently made the following trade(s):

Get First BanCorp. alerts:

On Monday, August 26th, Michael Mcdonald sold 7,612 shares of First BanCorp. stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $21.65, for a total value of $164,799.80.

First BanCorp. Stock Down 2.7 %

First BanCorp. stock opened at $20.35 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 0.77, a quick ratio of 0.76 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.44. First BanCorp. has a 1-year low of $12.72 and a 1-year high of $22.12. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $20.22 and a 200 day simple moving average of $18.32. The company has a market cap of $3.39 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.59, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.50 and a beta of 1.12.

First BanCorp. Dividend Announcement

First BanCorp. ( NYSE:FBP Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, July 23rd. The bank reported $0.46 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.41 by $0.05. The company had revenue of $304.28 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $230.26 million. First BanCorp. had a net margin of 25.91% and a return on equity of 21.86%. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $0.37 EPS. Research analysts anticipate that First BanCorp. will post 1.76 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 13th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, August 29th will be paid a $0.16 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, August 29th. This represents a $0.64 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.14%. First BanCorp.s dividend payout ratio is 36.57%.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On First BanCorp.

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Algert Global LLC increased its holdings in First BanCorp. by 4.1% during the second quarter. Algert Global LLC now owns 657,459 shares of the banks stock worth $12,025,000 after buying an additional 25,958 shares during the last quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp lifted its stake in First BanCorp. by 44.5% in the 2nd quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp now owns 18,083 shares of the banks stock valued at $331,000 after purchasing an additional 5,572 shares during the last quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC grew its holdings in First BanCorp. by 33.2% during the second quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 71,930 shares of the banks stock worth $1,316,000 after purchasing an additional 17,939 shares during the period. Xponance Inc. increased its position in First BanCorp. by 9.8% during the second quarter. Xponance Inc. now owns 23,361 shares of the banks stock worth $427,000 after buying an additional 2,086 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Public Sector Pension Investment Board raised its stake in First BanCorp. by 5.4% in the second quarter. Public Sector Pension Investment Board now owns 363,876 shares of the banks stock valued at $6,655,000 after buying an additional 18,693 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 97.91% of the companys stock.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several research firms have recently weighed in on FBP. Piper Sandler assumed coverage on First BanCorp. in a report on Monday, August 26th. They set a neutral rating and a $22.00 price objective on the stock. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their price objective on shares of First BanCorp. from $19.00 to $20.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 24th. Hovde Group increased their target price on First BanCorp. from $21.00 to $25.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, July 24th. Finally, Raymond James began coverage on First BanCorp. in a report on Tuesday, July 9th. They issued an outperform rating and a $21.00 price target on the stock. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $20.83.

Get Our Latest Analysis on First BanCorp.

First BanCorp. Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

First BanCorp. operates as a bank holding company for FirstBank Puerto Rico that provides a range of financial products and services to consumers and commercial customers. The company operates through six segments: Commercial and Corporate Banking, Mortgage Banking, Consumer (Retail) Banking, Treasury and Investments, United States Operations, and Virgin Islands Operations.

Further Reading

Receive News & Ratings for First BanCorp. Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for First BanCorp. and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Globe Telecom, Inc. (OTCMKTS:GTMEY  Get Free Report)s share price shot up 6.7% during trading on Wednesday . The company traded as high as $41.63 and last traded at $41.63. 140 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 17% from the average session volume of 168 shares. The stock had previously closed at $39.00.

Globe Telecom Stock Performance

The stock has a 50-day moving average of $35.13 and a 200 day moving average of $31.82.

Get Globe Telecom alerts:

Globe Telecom Increases Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 20th. Investors of record on Tuesday, August 20th will be given a dividend of $0.2861 per share. This is an increase from Globe Telecoms previous dividend of $0.29. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, August 20th. Globe Telecoms dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 39.48%.

Globe Telecom Company Profile

Globe Telecom, Inc provides telecommunications services to individual customers, small and medium-sized businesses, and corporate and enterprise clients in the Philippines. It operates through Mobile Communications Services and Wireline Communication Services segments. The company offers digital wireless communications services under the Globe Postpaid and Prepaid, and Touch Mobile brands; long distance communication or carrier services; broadband, as well as wireline voice and data communication services; and electronic payment and remittance services under the GCash brand.

Recommended Stories

Receive News & Ratings for Globe Telecom Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Globe Telecom and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Greene King plc (LON:GNK  Get Free Report) crossed above its two hundred day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a two hundred day moving average of GBX 849.20 ($11.17) and traded as high as GBX 849.40 ($11.17). Greene King shares last traded at GBX 849.20 ($11.17), with a volume of 6,678,342 shares trading hands.

Greene King Stock Up 0.0 %

The stock has a market cap of 2.63 billion and a PE ratio of 21.94. The business has a 50 day moving average price of GBX 849.20 and a 200 day moving average price of GBX 849.20. The company has a quick ratio of 0.51, a current ratio of 0.67 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 111.89.

Greene King Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Greene King plc operates as a pub retailer and brewer in the United Kingdom. The company operates through three segments: Pub Company, Pub Partners, and Brewing & Brands. Its brands include Greene King Local Pubs, Hungry Horse, Flaming Grill, Farmhouse Inns, and Chef & Brewer. The company is also involved in brewing, marketing, and selling beer under the Greene King IPA, Old Speckled Hen, Abbot Ale, and Belhaven Best brands.

Further Reading

Receive News & Ratings for Greene King Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Greene King and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Hanlon Investment Management Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Vistra Corp. (NYSE:VST  Free Report) in the second quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor bought 13,423 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,154,000.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the business. Mather Group LLC. bought a new position in Vistra during the first quarter valued at $26,000. New Covenant Trust Company N.A. bought a new position in shares of Vistra in the 1st quarter valued at about $32,000. EdgeRock Capital LLC purchased a new position in Vistra in the second quarter worth about $34,000. Riverview Trust Co purchased a new stake in Vistra during the first quarter valued at approximately $39,000. Finally, ORG Partners LLC bought a new stake in shares of Vistra in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $46,000. 90.88% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Get Vistra alerts:

Analysts Set New Price Targets

VST has been the topic of several recent research reports. BMO Capital Markets increased their price target on Vistra from $79.00 to $109.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Friday, May 10th. Morgan Stanley raised their target price on shares of Vistra from $109.00 to $110.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Friday, August 23rd. Six analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Buy and a consensus target price of $87.83.

Vistra Stock Down 2.8 %

NYSE:VST opened at $73.70 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $25.32 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 45.22 and a beta of 1.08. Vistra Corp. has a twelve month low of $31.16 and a twelve month high of $107.24. The company has a current ratio of 0.98, a quick ratio of 0.88 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.89. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $80.91 and a 200-day simple moving average of $78.05.

Vistra (NYSE:VST  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 8th. The company reported $0.90 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.59 by ($0.69). The company had revenue of $3.85 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.04 billion. Vistra had a net margin of 4.61% and a return on equity of 21.05%. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $1.03 EPS. Analysts anticipate that Vistra Corp. will post 4.86 EPS for the current year.

Vistra Increases Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, September 30th. Investors of record on Friday, September 20th will be paid a $0.2195 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, September 20th. This represents a $0.88 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.19%. This is a boost from Vistras previous quarterly dividend of $0.22. Vistras dividend payout ratio is 53.37%.

Insider Buying and Selling at Vistra

In other news, Director Lisa Crutchfield purchased 335 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, June 10th. The shares were purchased at an average price of $89.46 per share, for a total transaction of $29,969.10. Following the completion of the purchase, the director now owns 32,186 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,879,359.56. The purchase was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this link. 1.42% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

About Vistra

(Free Report)

Vistra Corp., together with its subsidiaries, operates as an integrated retail electricity and power generation company. The company operates through six segments: Retail, Texas, East, West, Sunset, and Asset Closure. It retails electricity and natural gas to residential, commercial, and industrial customers across states in the United States and the District of Columbia.

See Also

Receive News & Ratings for Vistra Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Vistra and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Shore Capital reaffirmed their house stock rating on shares of Hilton Food Group (LON:HFG  Free Report) in a research note issued to investors on Wednesday morning, Marketbeat Ratings reports.

Separately, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reiterated a buy rating and set a GBX 1,105 ($14.53) price objective on shares of Hilton Food Group in a research note on Thursday, August 22nd.

Get Hilton Food Group alerts:

View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Hilton Food Group

Hilton Food Group Stock Down 1.3 %

Hilton Food Group Cuts Dividend

HFG stock opened at GBX 900 ($11.83) on Wednesday. The stock has a fifty day moving average of GBX 928.58 and a 200-day moving average of GBX 893.97. Hilton Food Group has a fifty-two week low of GBX 634.03 ($8.34) and a fifty-two week high of GBX 996 ($13.10). The company has a market capitalization of 806.40 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 2,250.00, a PEG ratio of 17.31 and a beta of 0.57. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 153.45, a quick ratio of 0.88 and a current ratio of 1.17.

The firm also recently declared a dividend, which will be paid on Friday, November 29th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, October 31st will be given a dividend of GBX 9.60 ($0.13) per share. This represents a yield of 0.99%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, October 31st. Hilton Food Groups payout ratio is currently 8,000.00%.

About Hilton Food Group

(Get Free Report)

Hilton Food Group plc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the food packing business. It offers beef, pork, lamb, poultry, seafood, and vegan and vegetarian food, such as steak, roast, diced, mince, meatloaf, sausages, burgers, meatballs ribs, chops, bacon, gammon, schnitzel, pulled belly, rib rack, smoked loin, shanks, carcass, chicken kabab, chicken drumsticks, chicken tight, chicken wings, half chicken, duck leg, duck half, coated, salmon, white fish, shellfish, fish cakes, smoked salmon, strips, nuggets, pulled, and balls.

Featured Articles

Receive News & Ratings for Hilton Food Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hilton Food Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund grew its position in ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP  Free Report) by 19.3% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 218,190 shares of the energy producers stock after purchasing an additional 35,355 shares during the quarter. Illinois Municipal Retirement Funds holdings in ConocoPhillips were worth $24,957,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Los Angeles Capital Management LLC lifted its position in ConocoPhillips by 49.7% during the 2nd quarter. Los Angeles Capital Management LLC now owns 130,292 shares of the energy producers stock worth $14,903,000 after acquiring an additional 43,238 shares during the last quarter. Hanlon Investment Management Inc. increased its stake in shares of ConocoPhillips by 14.3% in the second quarter. Hanlon Investment Management Inc. now owns 1,867 shares of the energy producers stock worth $214,000 after purchasing an additional 233 shares during the period. Lake Street Advisors Group LLC lifted its position in shares of ConocoPhillips by 3.5% during the 2nd quarter. Lake Street Advisors Group LLC now owns 8,125 shares of the energy producers stock worth $929,000 after purchasing an additional 272 shares during the last quarter. Advisor OS LLC boosted its stake in ConocoPhillips by 9.1% during the 2nd quarter. Advisor OS LLC now owns 3,517 shares of the energy producers stock valued at $402,000 after purchasing an additional 293 shares during the period. Finally, Savant Capital LLC grew its holdings in ConocoPhillips by 0.5% in the 2nd quarter. Savant Capital LLC now owns 31,803 shares of the energy producers stock valued at $3,638,000 after buying an additional 148 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 82.36% of the companys stock.

Get ConocoPhillips alerts:

Analyst Ratings Changes

COP has been the subject of a number of research analyst reports. StockNews.com lowered ConocoPhillips from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, July 17th. UBS Group upped their target price on shares of ConocoPhillips from $151.00 to $153.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, August 20th. Wolfe Research assumed coverage on shares of ConocoPhillips in a research report on Thursday, July 18th. They issued an outperform rating and a $145.00 price target on the stock. Wells Fargo & Company dropped their price objective on shares of ConocoPhillips from $151.00 to $150.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Friday, August 2nd. Finally, Bank of America reiterated a buy rating and issued a $147.00 target price on shares of ConocoPhillips in a research note on Friday, June 14th. Five analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, thirteen have assigned a buy rating and two have assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, ConocoPhillips has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $143.24.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other ConocoPhillips news, Director Timothy A. Leach sold 55,500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $108.11, for a total value of $6,000,105.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 455,909 shares in the company, valued at approximately $49,288,321.99. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. 0.34% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

ConocoPhillips Price Performance

ConocoPhillips stock traded down $1.43 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $106.02. 5,229,946 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 5,660,849. The company has a market capitalization of $123.99 billion, a PE ratio of 12.01, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.85 and a beta of 1.22. The business has a fifty day moving average of $111.20 and a 200 day moving average of $116.94. ConocoPhillips has a 1-year low of $102.27 and a 1-year high of $135.18. The company has a quick ratio of 1.19, a current ratio of 1.33 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.34.

ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, August 1st. The energy producer reported $1.98 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.96 by $0.02. ConocoPhillips had a net margin of 18.18% and a return on equity of 20.81%. The business had revenue of $14.14 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $14.96 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $1.84 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 9.7% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that ConocoPhillips will post 8.5 earnings per share for the current year.

ConocoPhillips Cuts Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, September 3rd. Investors of record on Monday, August 12th were issued a $0.58 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, August 12th. This represents a $2.32 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.19%. ConocoPhillipss dividend payout ratio is 26.27%.

ConocoPhillips Company Profile

(Free Report)

ConocoPhillips explores for, produces, transports, and markets crude oil, bitumen, natural gas, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and natural gas liquids in the United States, Canada, China, Libya, Malaysia, Norway, the United Kingdom, and internationally. The company's portfolio includes unconventional plays in North America; conventional assets in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia; global LNG developments; oil sands assets in Canada; and an inventory of global exploration prospects.

See Also

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding COP? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for ConocoPhillips Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ConocoPhillips and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund boosted its stake in Spotify Technology S.A. (NYSE:SPOT  Free Report) by 4.7% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 73,288 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 3,289 shares during the period. Illinois Municipal Retirement Funds holdings in Spotify Technology were worth $22,997,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in SPOT. Transcendent Capital Group LLC purchased a new position in shares of Spotify Technology during the second quarter valued at about $25,000. Larson Financial Group LLC grew its holdings in shares of Spotify Technology by 86.0% during the 1st quarter. Larson Financial Group LLC now owns 93 shares of the companys stock worth $25,000 after acquiring an additional 43 shares during the period. Mather Group LLC. lifted its stake in shares of Spotify Technology by 9,900.0% in the 2nd quarter. Mather Group LLC. now owns 100 shares of the companys stock valued at $31,000 after purchasing an additional 99 shares during the period. FinTrust Capital Advisors LLC lifted its stake in shares of Spotify Technology by 400.0% in the 1st quarter. FinTrust Capital Advisors LLC now owns 125 shares of the companys stock valued at $33,000 after purchasing an additional 100 shares during the period. Finally, Rothschild Investment LLC bought a new stake in shares of Spotify Technology during the second quarter valued at approximately $46,000. 84.09% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Get Spotify Technology alerts:

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several brokerages have commented on SPOT. Barclays raised their price objective on Spotify Technology from $350.00 to $360.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 24th. Guggenheim raised their target price on shares of Spotify Technology from $400.00 to $420.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 24th. TD Cowen boosted their price target on Spotify Technology from $273.00 to $356.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 24th. Macquarie raised their price objective on Spotify Technology from $345.00 to $395.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 23rd. Finally, DZ Bank raised Spotify Technology from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $375.00 target price on the stock in a report on Wednesday, July 24th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have assigned a hold rating and twenty-three have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $356.38.

Spotify Technology Stock Down 1.8 %

SPOT stock traded down $5.86 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $322.77. 1,162,291 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,411,772. The stocks 50-day moving average is $325.42 and its 200 day moving average is $301.08. Spotify Technology S.A. has a 52-week low of $145.76 and a 52-week high of $359.38. The company has a quick ratio of 1.56, a current ratio of 1.56 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.31.

Spotify Technology (NYSE:SPOT  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, July 23rd. The company reported $1.33 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.08 by $0.25. Spotify Technology had a return on equity of 15.23% and a net margin of 3.22%. The company had revenue of $3.81 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.82 billion. During the same period last year, the firm earned ($1.69) EPS. Spotify Technologys revenue for the quarter was up 19.8% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Spotify Technology S.A. will post 6.37 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

About Spotify Technology

(Free Report)

Spotify Technology SA, together with its subsidiaries, provides audio streaming subscription services worldwide. It operates through two segments, Premium and Ad-Supported. The Premium segment offers unlimited online and offline streaming access to its catalog of music and podcasts without commercial breaks to its subscribers.

Further Reading

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SPOT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Spotify Technology S.A. (NYSE:SPOT  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Spotify Technology Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Spotify Technology and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Intelligence Driven Advisers LLC purchased a new position in Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO  Free Report) during the second quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The fund purchased 4,956 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $226,000.

A number of other hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Gentry Private Wealth LLC bought a new stake in shares of Altria Group in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $330,000. Lake Street Advisors Group LLC boosted its position in shares of Altria Group by 8.9% in the 2nd quarter. Lake Street Advisors Group LLC now owns 10,564 shares of the companys stock worth $492,000 after purchasing an additional 864 shares in the last quarter. Savant Capital LLC boosted its position in shares of Altria Group by 4.6% in the 2nd quarter. Savant Capital LLC now owns 97,678 shares of the companys stock worth $4,449,000 after purchasing an additional 4,273 shares in the last quarter. Private Advisor Group LLC boosted its position in shares of Altria Group by 4.4% in the 2nd quarter. Private Advisor Group LLC now owns 177,080 shares of the companys stock worth $8,066,000 after purchasing an additional 7,529 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Addison Advisors LLC boosted its position in shares of Altria Group by 16.7% in the 2nd quarter. Addison Advisors LLC now owns 2,204 shares of the companys stock worth $100,000 after purchasing an additional 316 shares in the last quarter. 57.41% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Get Altria Group alerts:

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several research firms recently issued reports on MO. Stifel Nicolaus upped their price objective on Altria Group from $50.00 to $54.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, August 1st. Argus raised Altria Group to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, May 31st. Bank of America upped their price objective on Altria Group from $52.00 to $57.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday. StockNews.com raised Altria Group from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Friday, June 28th. Finally, Barclays boosted their target price on shares of Altria Group from $37.00 to $43.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 14th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, three have given a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $48.58.

Altria Group Price Performance

Shares of NYSE:MO traded down $0.58 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $53.69. The company had a trading volume of 8,207,736 shares, compared to its average volume of 10,317,011. The company has a market cap of $92.22 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.23, a PEG ratio of 3.13 and a beta of 0.65. Altria Group, Inc. has a 12-month low of $39.06 and a 12-month high of $54.95. The company has a fifty day moving average of $50.15 and a two-hundred day moving average of $45.98.

Altria Group (NYSE:MO  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 31st. The company reported $1.31 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.35 by ($0.04). Altria Group had a negative return on equity of 232.55% and a net margin of 42.25%. The business had revenue of $6.21 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.39 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $1.31 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was up 14.2% on a year-over-year basis. Research analysts expect that Altria Group, Inc. will post 5.1 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Altria Group Increases Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, October 10th. Shareholders of record on Monday, September 16th will be issued a dividend of $1.02 per share. This represents a $4.08 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 7.60%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, September 16th. This is an increase from Altria Groups previous quarterly dividend of $0.98. Altria Groups dividend payout ratio is 85.36%.

About Altria Group

(Free Report)

Altria Group, Inc, through its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells smokeable and oral tobacco products in the United States. The company offers cigarettes primarily under the Marlboro brand; large cigars and pipe tobacco under the Black & Mild brand; moist smokeless tobacco and snus products under the Copenhagen, Skoal, Red Seal, and Husky brands; oral nicotine pouches under the on! brand; and e-vapor products under the NJOY ACE brand.

Recommended Stories

Receive News & Ratings for Altria Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Altria Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Shares of International Personal Finance plc (LON:IPF  Get Free Report) crossed above its two hundred day moving average during trading on Wednesday . The stock has a two hundred day moving average of GBX 123.27 ($1.62) and traded as high as GBX 160 ($2.10). International Personal Finance shares last traded at GBX 159.50 ($2.10), with a volume of 547,343 shares trading hands.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Separately, Shore Capital reissued a buy rating on shares of International Personal Finance in a research note on Wednesday, June 19th.

Get International Personal Finance alerts:

Get Our Latest Report on International Personal Finance

International Personal Finance Price Performance

International Personal Finance Cuts Dividend

The company has a market capitalization of 345.41 million, a PE ratio of 777.50, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.32 and a beta of 1.38. The company has a quick ratio of 3.69, a current ratio of 3.58 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 117.92. The firms 50 day simple moving average is GBX 144.62 and its 200 day simple moving average is GBX 123.84.

The company also recently declared a dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 27th. Investors of record on Thursday, August 29th will be issued a dividend of GBX 3.40 ($0.04) per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, August 29th. This represents a yield of 2.46%. International Personal Finances payout ratio is 5,500.00%.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other International Personal Finance news, insider Gary Thompson bought 15,700 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, June 28th. The stock was acquired at an average price of GBX 127 ($1.67) per share, for a total transaction of 19,939 ($26,218.28). 8.82% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

International Personal Finance Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

International Personal Finance plc, together with its subsidiaries, provides consumer credit in Europe and Mexico. The company offers credit products, such as online payment transaction; revolving credit line; digital installment loans; credit card; hybrid loans; and home credit installment loans. It also offers medical and life insurances.

Featured Stories

Receive News & Ratings for International Personal Finance Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for International Personal Finance and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Northwest Wealth Management LLC reduced its position in iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF (BATS:IEFA  Free Report) by 1.9% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 25,714 shares of the companys stock after selling 505 shares during the period. Northwest Wealth Management LLCs holdings in iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF were worth $1,868,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust lifted its holdings in shares of iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF by 0.3% during the 2nd quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 63,896 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,641,000 after acquiring an additional 167 shares in the last quarter. Farmers & Merchants Investments Inc. lifted its stake in shares of iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF by 53.2% during the second quarter. Farmers & Merchants Investments Inc. now owns 1,811 shares of the companys stock worth $132,000 after purchasing an additional 629 shares in the last quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. boosted its position in shares of iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF by 46.2% in the second quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. now owns 510,593 shares of the companys stock worth $37,089,000 after buying an additional 161,302 shares during the period. Denver PWM LLC boosted its position in shares of iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF by 5.1% in the second quarter. Denver PWM LLC now owns 30,865 shares of the companys stock worth $2,242,000 after buying an additional 1,494 shares during the period. Finally, MCF Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF by 0.4% in the second quarter. MCF Advisors LLC now owns 463,721 shares of the companys stock valued at $33,685,000 after buying an additional 2,028 shares in the last quarter.

Get iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF alerts:

iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF Stock Performance

iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF stock opened at $74.31 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $116.67 billion, a PE ratio of 14.38 and a beta of 0.82. iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF has a one year low of $56.55 and a one year high of $70.84. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $74.31 and its 200 day moving average price is $73.73.

About iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF

The iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF (IEFA) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI EAFE IMI index, a market-cap-weighted index of developed-market stocks in Europe, Australasia and the Far East, and excludes North America IEFA was launched on Oct 18, 2012 and is managed by BlackRock.

Further Reading

Receive News & Ratings for iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Issuer Direct (NYSE:ISDR  Free Report) in a research report report published on Wednesday morning. The firm issued a buy rating on the stock.

Issuer Direct Stock Performance

NYSE:ISDR opened at $10.49 on Wednesday. The firms fifty day moving average price is $9.27 and its 200 day moving average price is $10.70. Issuer Direct has a 1-year low of $7.61 and a 1-year high of $21.00. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.39, a current ratio of 0.82 and a quick ratio of 0.82. The firm has a market cap of $40.04 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 52.45 and a beta of 0.75.

Get Issuer Direct alerts:

Issuer Direct (NYSE:ISDR  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 8th. The company reported $0.16 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.14 by $0.02. Issuer Direct had a negative net margin of 1.97% and a positive return on equity of 5.86%. The firm had revenue of $7.69 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $7.62 million. On average, sell-side analysts expect that Issuer Direct will post 0.54 EPS for the current year.

Insider Activity at Issuer Direct

Issuer Direct Company Profile

In other news, major shareholder Topline Capital Partners, Lp acquired 22,469 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, June 27th. The shares were purchased at an average cost of $7.83 per share, for a total transaction of $175,932.27. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 685,324 shares in the company, valued at approximately $5,366,086.92. The acquisition was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink . In other Issuer Direct news, insider Topline Capital Management, Ll bought 19,826 shares of Issuer Direct stock in a transaction on Tuesday, August 27th. The stock was bought at an average price of $9.65 per share, with a total value of $191,320.90. Following the completion of the acquisition, the insider now owns 705,150 shares in the company, valued at $6,804,697.50. The purchase was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink . Also, major shareholder Topline Capital Partners, Lp bought 22,469 shares of Issuer Direct stock in a transaction on Thursday, June 27th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of $7.83 per share, with a total value of $175,932.27. Following the acquisition, the insider now owns 685,324 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,366,086.92. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here . Insiders have bought a total of 51,153 shares of company stock worth $444,409 in the last three months. Insiders own 26.08% of the companys stock.

(Get Free Report)

Issuer Direct Corporation operates as a communications and compliance company, provides solutions for both public relations and investor relations professionals in the United States and internationally. The company provides press release distribution, media databases, media monitoring, and newsrooms through media advantage platform; ACCESSWIRE, a news dissemination and media outreach service; and Webcaster Platform, a cloud-based webcast, webinar, and virtual meeting platform that delivers live and on-demand streaming of events to audiences of various sizes, as well as allows customers to create, produce, and deliver events.

Further Reading

Receive News & Ratings for Issuer Direct Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Issuer Direct and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Las Vegas Sands (NYSE:LVS  Free Report) had its target price decreased by Morgan Stanley from $55.00 to $50.00 in a report published on Wednesday morning, Benzinga reports. Morgan Stanley currently has an overweight rating on the casino operators stock.

Several other research firms have also recently weighed in on LVS. Stifel Nicolaus lowered their price objective on shares of Las Vegas Sands from $65.00 to $55.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, July 25th. Argus cut shares of Las Vegas Sands from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, August 15th. Barclays decreased their target price on shares of Las Vegas Sands from $57.00 to $52.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, July 25th. StockNews.com cut shares of Las Vegas Sands from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, July 25th. Finally, UBS Group cut shares of Las Vegas Sands from a buy rating to a neutral rating and decreased their target price for the stock from $70.00 to $49.00 in a research report on Friday, August 23rd. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $55.25.

Get Las Vegas Sands alerts:

Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on LVS

Las Vegas Sands Stock Performance

Las Vegas Sands stock opened at $39.70 on Wednesday. The firms fifty day moving average price is $40.37 and its 200-day moving average price is $45.52. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.29, a quick ratio of 1.57 and a current ratio of 1.58. The stock has a market cap of $29.58 billion, a P/E ratio of 19.18, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.07 and a beta of 1.11. Las Vegas Sands has a fifty-two week low of $36.62 and a fifty-two week high of $55.65.

Las Vegas Sands (NYSE:LVS  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 24th. The casino operator reported $0.55 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.56 by ($0.01). The company had revenue of $2.76 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.82 billion. Las Vegas Sands had a net margin of 14.08% and a return on equity of 44.41%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 8.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $0.46 EPS. On average, equities research analysts expect that Las Vegas Sands will post 2.45 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Las Vegas Sands Dividend Announcement

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, August 14th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, August 6th were given a $0.20 dividend. This represents a $0.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.02%. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, August 6th. Las Vegas Sandss payout ratio is 38.65%.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Las Vegas Sands

A number of hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of LVS. Bank & Trust Co purchased a new position in shares of Las Vegas Sands in the second quarter valued at about $29,000. Accent Capital Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Las Vegas Sands during the 4th quarter valued at about $39,000. Migdal Insurance & Financial Holdings Ltd. boosted its stake in shares of Las Vegas Sands by 93.2% during the 2nd quarter. Migdal Insurance & Financial Holdings Ltd. now owns 906 shares of the casino operators stock valued at $40,000 after purchasing an additional 437 shares in the last quarter. Vestor Capital LLC bought a new stake in shares of Las Vegas Sands during the 4th quarter valued at about $42,000. Finally, Fidelis Capital Partners LLC bought a new stake in shares of Las Vegas Sands during the 1st quarter valued at about $43,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 39.16% of the companys stock.

About Las Vegas Sands

(Get Free Report)

Las Vegas Sands Corp., together with its subsidiaries, develops, owns, and operates integrated resorts in Macao and Singapore. It owns and operates The Venetian Macao Resort Hotel, the Londoner Macao, The Parisian Macao, The Plaza Macao and Four Seasons Hotel Macao, Cotai Strip, and the Sands Macao in Macao, the People's Republic of China; and Marina Bay Sands in Singapore.

Featured Articles

Receive News & Ratings for Las Vegas Sands Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Las Vegas Sands and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Los Angeles Capital Management LLC trimmed its stake in UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH  Free Report) by 7.1% during the second quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 539,835 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock after selling 41,037 shares during the period. UnitedHealth Group makes up 1.0% of Los Angeles Capital Management LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 15th largest holding. Los Angeles Capital Management LLC owned about 0.06% of UnitedHealth Group worth $274,916,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

A number of other hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of UNH. Macroview Investment Management LLC boosted its stake in UnitedHealth Group by 671.4% during the 2nd quarter. Macroview Investment Management LLC now owns 54 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock worth $28,000 after purchasing an additional 47 shares during the period. True Wealth Design LLC acquired a new stake in UnitedHealth Group during the 4th quarter worth $31,000. Delos Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its stake in UnitedHealth Group by 757.1% during the 1st quarter. Delos Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 60 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock worth $30,000 after purchasing an additional 53 shares during the period. Bbjs Financial Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in UnitedHealth Group during the 2nd quarter worth $31,000. Finally, Signature Resources Capital Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of UnitedHealth Group by 40.0% in the 2nd quarter. Signature Resources Capital Management LLC now owns 63 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock worth $32,000 after acquiring an additional 18 shares during the period. 87.86% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Get UnitedHealth Group alerts:

UnitedHealth Group Trading Up 0.2 %

Shares of UNH traded up $1.39 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $596.88. The company had a trading volume of 2,926,369 shares, compared to its average volume of 4,070,939. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $558.98 and its 200-day simple moving average is $515.15. The company has a quick ratio of 0.88, a current ratio of 0.88 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.67. UnitedHealth Group Incorporated has a 1-year low of $436.38 and a 1-year high of $607.94. The stock has a market cap of $551.17 billion, a PE ratio of 36.53, a P/E/G ratio of 1.68 and a beta of 0.58.

UnitedHealth Group Dividend Announcement

UnitedHealth Group ( NYSE:UNH Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, July 16th. The healthcare conglomerate reported $6.80 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $6.66 by $0.14. The business had revenue of $98.86 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $98.73 billion. UnitedHealth Group had a net margin of 3.66% and a return on equity of 26.55%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 6.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the company earned $6.14 earnings per share. Sell-side analysts forecast that UnitedHealth Group Incorporated will post 27.69 earnings per share for the current year.

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, September 24th. Shareholders of record on Monday, September 16th will be given a dividend of $2.10 per share. The ex-dividend date is Monday, September 16th. This represents a $8.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.41%. UnitedHealth Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 51.34%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several analysts have recently commented on the stock. Truist Financial raised their target price on shares of UnitedHealth Group from $600.00 to $640.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 17th. Cantor Fitzgerald restated an overweight rating and issued a $591.00 target price on shares of UnitedHealth Group in a research note on Monday, August 19th. Morgan Stanley raised their target price on shares of UnitedHealth Group from $595.00 to $615.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 17th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price target on shares of UnitedHealth Group from $546.00 to $559.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, May 30th. Finally, Barclays increased their price target on shares of UnitedHealth Group from $560.00 to $604.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, July 17th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, nineteen have issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Buy and an average target price of $614.17.

View Our Latest Stock Analysis on UNH

Insider Buying and Selling at UnitedHealth Group

In other news, CAO Thomas E. Roos sold 2,851 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, July 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $569.88, for a total transaction of $1,624,727.88. Following the transaction, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 29,501 shares of the companys stock, valued at $16,812,029.88. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. In other news, CAO Thomas E. Roos sold 2,851 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, July 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $569.88, for a total transaction of $1,624,727.88. Following the transaction, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 29,501 shares of the companys stock, valued at $16,812,029.88. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, EVP Erin Mcsweeney sold 1,500 shares of UnitedHealth Group stock in a transaction on Thursday, July 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $579.03, for a total transaction of $868,545.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 7,785 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,507,748.55. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.33% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

UnitedHealth Group Company Profile

(Free Report)

UnitedHealth Group Incorporated operates as a diversified health care company in the United States. The company operates through four segments: UnitedHealthcare, Optum Health, Optum Insight, and Optum Rx. The UnitedHealthcare segment offers consumer-oriented health benefit plans and services for national employers, public sector employers, mid-sized employers, small businesses, and individuals; health care coverage, and health and well-being services to individuals age 50 and older addressing their needs; Medicaid plans, children's health insurance and health care programs; and health and dental benefits, and hospital and clinical services, as well as health care benefits products and services to state programs caring for the economically disadvantaged, medically underserved, and those without the benefit of employer-funded health care coverage.

See Also

Receive News & Ratings for UnitedHealth Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for UnitedHealth Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Shares of MaxLinear, Inc. (NYSE:MXL  Get Free Report) have earned an average rating of Hold from the ten ratings firms that are currently covering the company, MarketBeat.com reports. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and four have given a buy recommendation to the company. The average 1 year price target among analysts that have covered the stock in the last year is $24.67.

Several brokerages have recently commented on MXL. Stifel Nicolaus boosted their price objective on MaxLinear from $26.00 to $30.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, July 18th. Benchmark dropped their price target on MaxLinear from $28.00 to $22.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, July 25th. Needham & Company LLC cut shares of MaxLinear from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, July 25th. Northland Securities lowered their target price on shares of MaxLinear from $30.00 to $25.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, July 25th. Finally, Susquehanna cut their target price on shares of MaxLinear from $30.00 to $26.00 and set a positive rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, July 25th.

Get MaxLinear alerts:

View Our Latest Stock Analysis on MaxLinear

Insider Buying and Selling at MaxLinear

Hedge Funds Weigh In On MaxLinear

In other MaxLinear news, CEO Kishore Seendripu bought 108,303 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, July 30th. The shares were purchased at an average cost of $12.94 per share, for a total transaction of $1,401,440.82. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 531,937 shares of the companys stock, valued at $6,883,264.78. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link . 8.60% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Simplicity Wealth LLC raised its holdings in MaxLinear by 3.1% during the 2nd quarter. Simplicity Wealth LLC now owns 19,283 shares of the semiconductor companys stock valued at $388,000 after buying an additional 579 shares during the period. New York State Common Retirement Fund lifted its holdings in shares of MaxLinear by 2.8% in the 4th quarter. New York State Common Retirement Fund now owns 31,045 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $738,000 after acquiring an additional 840 shares during the last quarter. ProShare Advisors LLC boosted its stake in shares of MaxLinear by 7.4% during the 1st quarter. ProShare Advisors LLC now owns 15,304 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $286,000 after purchasing an additional 1,061 shares during the period. Louisiana State Employees Retirement System grew its holdings in MaxLinear by 3.0% during the 2nd quarter. Louisiana State Employees Retirement System now owns 38,000 shares of the semiconductor companys stock valued at $765,000 after purchasing an additional 1,100 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Swiss National Bank grew its holdings in MaxLinear by 0.9% during the 1st quarter. Swiss National Bank now owns 152,973 shares of the semiconductor companys stock valued at $2,856,000 after purchasing an additional 1,300 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 90.79% of the companys stock.

MaxLinear Price Performance

NYSE MXL opened at $13.13 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 2.09, a quick ratio of 1.59 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.20. MaxLinear has a 12 month low of $11.08 and a 12 month high of $26.59. The stock has a market cap of $1.09 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -6.95 and a beta of 1.85. The companys 50 day moving average is $16.46 and its two-hundred day moving average is $18.40.

MaxLinear (NYSE:MXL  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 24th. The semiconductor company reported ($0.25) EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of ($0.19) by ($0.06). The firm had revenue of $92.00 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $100.25 million. MaxLinear had a negative net margin of 42.38% and a negative return on equity of 12.39%. The firms revenue for the quarter was down 50.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $0.19 earnings per share. As a group, research analysts anticipate that MaxLinear will post -1.6 earnings per share for the current year.

MaxLinear Company Profile

(Get Free Report

MaxLinear, Inc provides communications systems-on-chip solutions worldwide. Its products integrate various portions of a high-speed communication system, including radio frequency, high-performance analog, mixed-signal, digital signal processing, security engines, data compression and networking layers, and power management.

Featured Stories

Receive News & Ratings for MaxLinear Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for MaxLinear and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
MicroSectors Cannabis ETNs (NYSEARCA:MJJ  Get Free Report) rose 1.1% during trading on Wednesday . The company traded as high as $73.21 and last traded at $73.21. Approximately 1,000 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 147% from the average daily volume of 405 shares. The stock had previously closed at $72.43.

MicroSectors Cannabis ETNs Price Performance

The business has a 50 day moving average of $73.21 and a 200 day moving average of $73.21.

MicroSectors Cannabis ETNs Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Bank of Montreal provides diversified financial services primarily in North America. The companys personal banking products and services include checking and savings accounts, credit cards, mortgages, and financial and investment advice services; and commercial banking products and services comprise business deposit accounts, commercial credit cards, business loans and commercial mortgages, cash management solutions, foreign exchange, specialized banking programs, treasury and payment solutions, and risk management products for small business and commercial banking customers.

See Also

Receive News & Ratings for MicroSectors Cannabis ETNs Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for MicroSectors Cannabis ETNs and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Mosley Wealth Management increased its stake in shares of The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA  Free Report) by 19.3% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 5,215 shares of the aircraft producers stock after purchasing an additional 845 shares during the quarter. Boeing comprises about 0.8% of Mosley Wealth Managements portfolio, making the stock its 23rd biggest position. Mosley Wealth Managements holdings in Boeing were worth $949,000 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 modified their holdings of BA. One Wealth Management Investment & Advisory Services LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Boeing during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $263,000. Sivia Capital Partners LLC acquired a new stake in Boeing during the 2nd quarter worth $206,000. Account Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of Boeing by 50.0% in the 2nd quarter. Account Management LLC now owns 1,800 shares of the aircraft producers stock valued at $328,000 after purchasing an additional 600 shares during the period. New York Life Investment Management LLC boosted its position in shares of Boeing by 1.2% in the 2nd quarter. New York Life Investment Management LLC now owns 79,759 shares of the aircraft producers stock worth $14,517,000 after purchasing an additional 930 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Wellington Shields Capital Management LLC grew its stake in shares of Boeing by 10.3% during the second quarter. Wellington Shields Capital Management LLC now owns 28,181 shares of the aircraft producers stock worth $5,129,000 after purchasing an additional 2,637 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 64.82% of the companys stock.

Get Boeing alerts:

Boeing Stock Performance

BA traded down $4.53 on Friday, reaching $157.62. The company had a trading volume of 7,328,641 shares, compared to its average volume of 7,886,446. The stock has a market cap of $96.76 billion, a P/E ratio of -44.41 and a beta of 1.56. The Boeing Company has a fifty-two week low of $156.70 and a fifty-two week high of $267.54. The companys fifty day moving average is $176.53 and its 200 day moving average is $180.81.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Boeing ( NYSE:BA Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, July 31st. The aircraft producer reported ($2.90) EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of ($1.00) by ($1.90). The firm had revenue of $16.87 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $17.35 billion. The companys revenue was down 14.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned ($0.82) earnings per share. On average, sell-side analysts expect that The Boeing Company will post -4.26 EPS for the current year.

Several equities research analysts have weighed in on BA shares. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reiterated a buy rating and issued a $225.00 target price on shares of Boeing in a report on Tuesday, June 25th. Susquehanna reiterated a positive rating and issued a $230.00 price objective on shares of Boeing in a research report on Wednesday, August 14th. Sanford C. Bernstein dropped their target price on shares of Boeing from $222.00 to $207.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Monday, August 5th. Stifel Nicolaus upped their price target on shares of Boeing from $230.00 to $235.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, August 1st. Finally, Bank of America boosted their price objective on shares of Boeing from $180.00 to $200.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, June 13th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have given a hold rating, thirteen have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $211.29.

Get Our Latest Report on Boeing

Boeing Profile

(Free Report)

The Boeing Company, together with its subsidiaries, designs, develops, manufactures, sells, services, and supports commercial jetliners, military aircraft, satellites, missile defense, human space flight and launch systems, and services worldwide. The company operates through Commercial Airplanes; Defense, Space & Security; and Global Services segments.

Read More

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BA? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Boeing Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Boeing and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Navios Maritime Partners L.P. (NYSE:NMM  Get Free Report) shares passed above its 200-day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of $45.85 and traded as high as $51.92. Navios Maritime Partners shares last traded at $50.51, with a volume of 130,358 shares.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Separately, StockNews.com raised shares of Navios Maritime Partners from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, August 21st.

Get Navios Maritime Partners alerts:

Get Our Latest Report on Navios Maritime Partners

Navios Maritime Partners Stock Performance

The companys fifty day moving average is $49.42 and its 200 day moving average is $45.98. The company has a market capitalization of $1.50 billion, a P/E ratio of 3.77 and a beta of 1.97. The company has a current ratio of 0.89, a quick ratio of 0.89 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.55.

Navios Maritime Partners (NYSE:NMM  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, August 20th. The shipping company reported $3.06 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.84 by $0.22. Navios Maritime Partners had a net margin of 30.28% and a return on equity of 13.86%. The firm had revenue of $342.20 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $312.39 million. During the same period last year, the firm earned $3.32 EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was down 1.4% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that Navios Maritime Partners L.P. will post 14.8 earnings per share for the current year.

Navios Maritime Partners Dividend Announcement

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, August 14th. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 9th were issued a $0.05 dividend. This represents a $0.20 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.40%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, August 9th. Navios Maritime Partnerss payout ratio is 1.51%.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. BNP Paribas Financial Markets raised its position in shares of Navios Maritime Partners by 30,700.0% during the 1st quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets now owns 1,232 shares of the shipping companys stock valued at $53,000 after buying an additional 1,228 shares in the last quarter. Commonwealth Equity Services LLC raised its position in Navios Maritime Partners by 1.7% in the 2nd quarter. Commonwealth Equity Services LLC now owns 131,707 shares of the shipping companys stock worth $6,721,000 after purchasing an additional 2,169 shares during the period. Westhampton Capital LLC purchased a new position in shares of Navios Maritime Partners in the first quarter valued at about $241,000. Aristides Capital LLC purchased a new position in shares of Navios Maritime Partners in the first quarter valued at about $361,000. Finally, Tactive Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of Navios Maritime Partners in the first quarter valued at about $442,000. 62.74% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Navios Maritime Partners Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Navios Maritime Partners L.P. owns and operates dry cargo vessels in Asia, Europe, North America, and Australia. The company offers seaborne transportation services for a range of liquid and dry cargo commodities, including crude oil, refined petroleum, chemicals, iron ore, coal, grain, fertilizer, and containers, as well as charters its vessels under short, medium, and longer-term charters.

See Also

Receive News & Ratings for Navios Maritime Partners Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Navios Maritime Partners and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
New York Life Investment Management LLC increased its position in Union Pacific Co. (NYSE:UNP  Free Report) by 0.6% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 83,895 shares of the railroad operators stock after purchasing an additional 486 shares during the period. New York Life Investment Management LLCs holdings in Union Pacific were worth $18,982,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Forum Financial Management LP boosted its stake in Union Pacific by 0.6% during the first quarter. Forum Financial Management LP now owns 7,037 shares of the railroad operators stock worth $1,731,000 after acquiring an additional 41 shares in the last quarter. Berkeley Capital Partners LLC boosted its position in shares of Union Pacific by 1.0% in the 4th quarter. Berkeley Capital Partners LLC now owns 4,100 shares of the railroad operators stock worth $1,007,000 after purchasing an additional 42 shares in the last quarter. Prestige Wealth Management Group LLC grew its stake in shares of Union Pacific by 1.4% in the 1st quarter. Prestige Wealth Management Group LLC now owns 3,015 shares of the railroad operators stock worth $741,000 after buying an additional 42 shares during the last quarter. Fairhaven Wealth Management LLC increased its position in Union Pacific by 1.7% during the 2nd quarter. Fairhaven Wealth Management LLC now owns 2,581 shares of the railroad operators stock valued at $584,000 after buying an additional 43 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Elevated Capital Advisors LLC increased its position in Union Pacific by 3.6% during the 1st quarter. Elevated Capital Advisors LLC now owns 1,269 shares of the railroad operators stock valued at $312,000 after buying an additional 44 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 80.38% of the companys stock.

Get Union Pacific alerts:

Insider Transactions at Union Pacific

In other news, President Elizabeth F. Whited sold 3,552 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, July 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $246.59, for a total transaction of $875,887.68. Following the completion of the transaction, the president now owns 64,945 shares in the company, valued at $16,014,787.55. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Insiders own 0.28% of the companys stock.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of equities research analysts have recently commented on the company. Sanford C. Bernstein cut their target price on Union Pacific from $290.00 to $273.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, July 8th. Royal Bank of Canada cut their price objective on shares of Union Pacific from $281.00 to $275.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, July 26th. Benchmark reaffirmed a buy rating and issued a $266.00 target price on shares of Union Pacific in a report on Monday, July 29th. StockNews.com cut shares of Union Pacific from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, June 18th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus decreased their price objective on shares of Union Pacific from $267.00 to $265.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, July 17th. Eight investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, twelve have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Union Pacific presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $258.79.

View Our Latest Research Report on UNP

Union Pacific Trading Down 0.8 %

NYSE:UNP opened at $249.55 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $152.03 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 23.81, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.26 and a beta of 1.05. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.89, a current ratio of 1.05 and a quick ratio of 0.86. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $240.55 and a 200-day moving average price of $239.38. Union Pacific Co. has a one year low of $199.33 and a one year high of $258.66.

Union Pacific (NYSE:UNP  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, July 25th. The railroad operator reported $2.74 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.71 by $0.03. The business had revenue of $6.01 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $6.05 billion. Union Pacific had a net margin of 26.90% and a return on equity of 42.62%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up .7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $2.57 earnings per share. Sell-side analysts forecast that Union Pacific Co. will post 11.11 EPS for the current year.

Union Pacific Increases Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, September 30th. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 30th will be issued a dividend of $1.34 per share. This is a positive change from Union Pacifics previous quarterly dividend of $1.30. This represents a $5.36 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.15%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, August 30th. Union Pacifics dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 51.15%.

About Union Pacific

(Free Report)

Union Pacific Corporation, through its subsidiary, Union Pacific Railroad Company, operates in the railroad business in the United States. The company offers transportation services for grain and grain products, fertilizers, food and refrigerated products, and coal and renewables to grain processors, animal feeders, ethanol producers, renewable biofuel producers, and other agricultural users; and construction products, industrial chemicals, plastics, forest products, specialized products, metals and ores, petroleum, liquid petroleum gases, soda ash, and sand, as well as finished automobiles, automotive parts, and merchandise in intermodal containers.

Featured Articles

Receive News & Ratings for Union Pacific Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Union Pacific and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Northland Securities reaffirmed their outperform rating on shares of Nokia Oyj (NYSE:NOK  Free Report) in a report released on Wednesday morning, Benzinga reports. The brokerage currently has a $6.50 price target on the technology companys stock, up from their previous price target of $6.00.

Separately, StockNews.com raised shares of Nokia Oyj from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 21st. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, four have assigned a hold rating, three have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $4.54.

Get Nokia Oyj alerts:

Check Out Our Latest Analysis on Nokia Oyj

Nokia Oyj Price Performance

NOK stock opened at $4.24 on Wednesday. The stock has a market capitalization of $23.39 billion, a PE ratio of 26.47, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 5.46 and a beta of 1.12. The companys 50-day moving average is $3.98 and its 200-day moving average is $3.77. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.13, a current ratio of 1.82 and a quick ratio of 1.57. Nokia Oyj has a 1 year low of $2.94 and a 1 year high of $4.52.

Nokia Oyj (NYSE:NOK  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, July 18th. The technology company reported $0.06 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.05 by $0.01. The company had revenue of $4.81 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.12 billion. Nokia Oyj had a net margin of 1.95% and a return on equity of 7.98%. Equities research analysts expect that Nokia Oyj will post 0.36 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Nokia Oyj

Several large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Sanctuary Advisors LLC bought a new position in Nokia Oyj in the 2nd quarter valued at about $206,000. Truist Financial Corp lifted its position in shares of Nokia Oyj by 15.7% during the 2nd quarter. Truist Financial Corp now owns 19,990 shares of the technology companys stock worth $76,000 after buying an additional 2,710 shares in the last quarter. B. Riley Wealth Advisors Inc. lifted its position in shares of Nokia Oyj by 31.8% during the 2nd quarter. B. Riley Wealth Advisors Inc. now owns 15,209 shares of the technology companys stock worth $57,000 after buying an additional 3,669 shares in the last quarter. Creative Planning lifted its position in shares of Nokia Oyj by 11.3% during the 2nd quarter. Creative Planning now owns 333,066 shares of the technology companys stock worth $1,259,000 after buying an additional 33,745 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Maverick Capital Ltd. bought a new position in shares of Nokia Oyj during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $1,240,000. Institutional investors own 5.28% of the companys stock.

About Nokia Oyj

(Get Free Report)

Nokia Oyj provides mobile, fixed, and cloud network solutions worldwide. The company operates through four segments: Network Infrastructure, Mobile Networks, Cloud and Network Services, and Nokia Technologies. The company provides fixed networking solutions, such as fiber and copper-based access infrastructure, in-home Wi-Fi solutions, and cloud and virtualization services; IP networking solutions, including IP access, aggregation, and edge and core routing for residential, mobile, enterprise and cloud applications; optical networks solutions that provides optical transport networks for metro, regional, and long-haul applications, and subsea applications; and submarine networks for undersea cable transmission.

Read More

Receive News & Ratings for Nokia Oyj Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Nokia Oyj and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Nomura (NYSE:NMR  Get Free Report) was downgraded by StockNews.com from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note issued to investors on Thursday.

Separately, JPMorgan Chase & Co. assumed coverage on shares of Nomura in a research note on Thursday, August 29th. They set a neutral rating on the stock.

Get Nomura alerts:

Get Our Latest Analysis on NMR

Nomura Stock Down 5.2 %

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Nomura

Shares of Nomura stock opened at $5.43 on Thursday. The company has a market cap of $16.13 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.68 and a beta of 0.59. Nomura has a twelve month low of $3.75 and a twelve month high of $6.62. The company has a quick ratio of 1.16, a current ratio of 1.11 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 7.24. The companys 50 day moving average is $5.77 and its 200 day moving average is $5.90.

Several large investors have recently made changes to their positions in NMR. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. increased its holdings in Nomura by 21.3% in the 4th quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 3,933,656 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $17,741,000 after acquiring an additional 689,849 shares during the last quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets lifted its position in shares of Nomura by 997.0% in the first quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets now owns 112,720 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $724,000 after buying an additional 102,445 shares in the last quarter. Envestnet Portfolio Solutions Inc. bought a new position in Nomura during the second quarter valued at approximately $118,000. Russell Investments Group Ltd. boosted its stake in Nomura by 89.2% during the first quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd. now owns 26,107 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $168,000 after buying an additional 12,309 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Morningstar Investment Services LLC grew its holdings in Nomura by 102.7% during the 4th quarter. Morningstar Investment Services LLC now owns 140,115 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $632,000 after buying an additional 70,986 shares in the last quarter. 15.14% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About Nomura

(Get Free Report)

Nomura Holdings, Inc provides various financial services to individuals, corporations, financial institutions, governments, and governmental agencies worldwide. It operates through three segments: Retail, Investment Management, and Wholesale. The Retail segment offers various financial products and investment consultation services.

Further Reading

Receive News & Ratings for Nomura Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Nomura and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
One Wealth Management Investment & Advisory Services LLC lifted its holdings in iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF (BATS:EFG  Free Report) by 32.7% in the second quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 60,215 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 14,850 shares during the quarter. iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF comprises 2.5% of One Wealth Management Investment & Advisory Services LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 11th biggest holding. One Wealth Management Investment & Advisory Services LLC owned about 0.05% of iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF worth $6,160,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. SageView Advisory Group LLC raised its holdings in iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF by 56,912.3% during the 1st quarter. SageView Advisory Group LLC now owns 2,788,471 shares of the companys stock worth $273,103,000 after purchasing an additional 2,783,580 shares during the last quarter. Envestnet Portfolio Solutions Inc. raised its holdings in iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF by 60.9% during the 2nd quarter. Envestnet Portfolio Solutions Inc. now owns 3,742,137 shares of the companys stock worth $382,821,000 after purchasing an additional 1,416,067 shares during the last quarter. Jane Street Group LLC increased its stake in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF by 320.9% in the 1st quarter. Jane Street Group LLC now owns 1,638,113 shares of the companys stock valued at $170,020,000 after acquiring an additional 1,248,909 shares during the last quarter. CWM LLC increased its stake in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF by 54.3% in the 2nd quarter. CWM LLC now owns 2,767,095 shares of the companys stock valued at $283,074,000 after acquiring an additional 973,742 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Park Avenue Securities LLC increased its stake in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF by 56.9% in the 2nd quarter. Park Avenue Securities LLC now owns 2,661,636 shares of the companys stock valued at $272,285,000 after acquiring an additional 965,407 shares during the last quarter.

Get iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF alerts:

iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF Stock Down 2.0 %

Shares of EFG traded down $2.10 on Friday, hitting $101.56. The companys stock had a trading volume of 1,224,557 shares. The firms fifty day moving average price is $103.33 and its 200-day moving average price is $102.77. iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF has a fifty-two week low of $67.58 and a fifty-two week high of $85.81. The firm has a market capitalization of $11.94 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 24.36 and a beta of 0.97.

iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF Company Profile

iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares MSCI EAFE Growth Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the MSCI EAFE Growth Index (the Index). The Index is a subset of the MSCI EAFE Index and constituents of the Index include securities from Europe, Australasia (Australia and Asia), and the Far East.

Read More

Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Oxbow Advisors LLC lifted its stake in Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (NYSE:AEM  Free Report) (TSE:AEM) by 7.3% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 177,359 shares of the mining companys stock after buying an additional 12,042 shares during the quarter. Agnico Eagle Mines makes up about 1.4% of Oxbow Advisors LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 16th largest position. Oxbow Advisors LLCs holdings in Agnico Eagle Mines were worth $11,599,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Continuum Advisory LLC grew its holdings in Agnico Eagle Mines by 1,134.4% during the 2nd quarter. Continuum Advisory LLC now owns 395 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $26,000 after buying an additional 363 shares in the last quarter. Stephens Consulting LLC purchased a new position in shares of Agnico Eagle Mines in the first quarter valued at $30,000. Janiczek Wealth Management LLC increased its position in Agnico Eagle Mines by 406.4% in the first quarter. Janiczek Wealth Management LLC now owns 709 shares of the mining companys stock worth $42,000 after purchasing an additional 569 shares during the last quarter. WASHINGTON TRUST Co raised its stake in Agnico Eagle Mines by 92.1% during the second quarter. WASHINGTON TRUST Co now owns 730 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $48,000 after purchasing an additional 350 shares in the last quarter. Finally, ORG Partners LLC bought a new position in Agnico Eagle Mines during the second quarter valued at $52,000. Institutional investors own 68.34% of the companys stock.

Get Agnico Eagle Mines alerts:

Agnico Eagle Mines Trading Down 2.3 %

Shares of AEM stock traded down $1.82 on Friday, reaching $76.89. 1,971,786 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,735,090. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $75.93 and its 200 day simple moving average is $66.60. Agnico Eagle Mines Limited has a 52 week low of $43.22 and a 52 week high of $83.50. The company has a current ratio of 1.51, a quick ratio of 0.76 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.06. The stock has a market capitalization of $38.47 billion, a PE ratio of 80.94, a P/E/G ratio of 0.79 and a beta of 1.06.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Agnico Eagle Mines ( NYSE:AEM Get Free Report ) (TSE:AEM) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, July 31st. The mining company reported $1.07 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.93 by $0.14. The business had revenue of $2.08 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.03 billion. Agnico Eagle Mines had a return on equity of 7.16% and a net margin of 8.44%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 20.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the company earned $0.65 earnings per share. As a group, analysts forecast that Agnico Eagle Mines Limited will post 3.65 EPS for the current year.

A number of analysts have recently weighed in on AEM shares. CIBC boosted their target price on shares of Agnico Eagle Mines from $81.00 to $101.00 and gave the stock an outperformer rating in a report on Wednesday, July 10th. BMO Capital Markets reduced their price objective on Agnico Eagle Mines from $79.00 to $77.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, June 20th. StockNews.com raised Agnico Eagle Mines from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, June 27th. Scotiabank boosted their target price on Agnico Eagle Mines from $81.00 to $94.00 and gave the company a sector outperform rating in a research report on Monday, August 19th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group increased their price target on Agnico Eagle Mines from $59.00 to $66.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Friday, July 12th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and six have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $82.86.

View Our Latest Report on AEM

Agnico Eagle Mines Profile

(Free Report)

Agnico Eagle Mines Limited, a gold mining company, exploration, development, and production of precious metals. It explores for gold. The company's mines are located in Canada, Australia, Finland and Mexico, with exploration and development activities in Canada, Australia, Europe, Latin America, and the United States.

Further Reading

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding AEM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (NYSE:AEM  Free Report) (TSE:AEM).

Receive News & Ratings for Agnico Eagle Mines Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Agnico Eagle Mines and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China, Ltd. (OTCMKTS:PNGAY  Get Free Report)s stock price passed above its 50 day moving average during trading on Wednesday . The stock has a 50 day moving average of $8.93 and traded as high as $9.33. Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China shares last traded at $9.30, with a volume of 259,447 shares.

Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China Price Performance

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.80, a quick ratio of 0.51 and a current ratio of 0.51. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $8.92 and a 200 day simple moving average of $9.20. The company has a market capitalization of $82.35 billion, a PE ratio of 6.93 and a beta of 0.42.

Get Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China alerts:

Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China (OTCMKTS:PNGAY  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, August 22nd. The company reported $0.58 EPS for the quarter. The firm had revenue of $38.42 billion for the quarter. Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China had a return on equity of 7.28% and a net margin of 8.70%. Equities analysts anticipate that Ping An Insurance will post 1.84 EPS for the current year.

Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China Cuts Dividend

Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China Company Profile

The firm also recently declared a dividend, which will be paid on Monday, October 28th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, September 5th will be issued a $0.215 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, September 5th. Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of Chinas dividend payout ratio is currently 32.82%.

(Get Free Report)

Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China, Ltd. provides financial products and services for insurance, banking, asset management, and technology businesses in the People's Republic of China. The company operates through Life and Health Insurance; Property and Casualty Insurance; Banking; Asset Management; and Technology segments.

See Also

Receive News & Ratings for Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Shares of Portland General Electric (NYSE:POR  Get Free Report) have been given an average rating of Moderate Buy by the seven research firms that are covering the firm, MarketBeat Ratings reports. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and four have issued a buy recommendation on the company. The average 1-year price objective among brokerages that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $44.86.

POR has been the subject of a number of analyst reports. KeyCorp upgraded Portland General Electric from a sector weight rating to an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, July 22nd. Mizuho raised their price objective on Portland General Electric from $42.00 to $45.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, May 16th. Barclays raised their price objective on Portland General Electric from $44.00 to $48.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, July 22nd. Finally, StockNews.com downgraded Portland General Electric from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note on Friday.

Get Portland General Electric alerts:

Read Our Latest Report on Portland General Electric

Insider Activity at Portland General Electric

Institutional Trading of Portland General Electric

In related news, COO Benjamin Felton sold 1,886 shares of Portland General Electric stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, July 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $48.00, for a total transaction of $90,528.00. Following the sale, the chief operating officer now owns 30,142 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,446,816. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website . In other Portland General Electric news, COO Benjamin Felton sold 1,886 shares of Portland General Electric stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, July 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $48.00, for a total value of $90,528.00. Following the sale, the chief operating officer now owns 30,142 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,446,816. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink . Also, VP John Teeruk Kochavatr sold 1,100 shares of Portland General Electric stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, August 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $46.25, for a total value of $50,875.00. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now directly owns 22,606 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,045,527.50. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . 0.54% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Johnson Financial Group Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Portland General Electric in the 4th quarter worth approximately $25,000. Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV boosted its holdings in shares of Portland General Electric by 767.2% in the 2nd quarter. Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV now owns 581 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $25,000 after purchasing an additional 514 shares during the period. LRI Investments LLC purchased a new position in shares of Portland General Electric in the 1st quarter worth approximately $26,000. Ashton Thomas Private Wealth LLC purchased a new position in shares of Portland General Electric in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $33,000. Finally, Mather Group LLC. purchased a new position in shares of Portland General Electric in the 1st quarter worth approximately $34,000.

Portland General Electric Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE POR opened at $47.98 on Monday. Portland General Electric has a 12-month low of $38.01 and a 12-month high of $49.26. The firm has a market capitalization of $4.94 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.38 and a beta of 0.59. The company has a current ratio of 1.00, a quick ratio of 0.86 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.33. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $46.24 and a 200 day moving average of $43.75.

Portland General Electric (NYSE:POR  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Friday, July 26th. The utilities provider reported $0.69 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.62 by $0.07. Portland General Electric had a net margin of 9.24% and a return on equity of 9.15%. The business had revenue of $758.00 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $716.43 million. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $0.44 EPS. The companys revenue was up 17.0% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, research analysts anticipate that Portland General Electric will post 3.09 earnings per share for the current year.

Portland General Electric Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 15th. Investors of record on Tuesday, September 24th will be paid a dividend of $0.50 per share. This represents a $2.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.17%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, September 24th. Portland General Electrics dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 76.63%.

Portland General Electric Company Profile

(Get Free Report

Portland General Electric Company, an integrated electric utility company, engages in the generation, wholesale purchase, transmission, distribution, and retail sale of electricity in the state of Oregon. It operates six thermal plants, three wind farms, and seven hydroelectric facilities. As of December 31, 2023, the company owned an electric transmission system consisting of 1,254 circuit miles, including 287 circuit miles of 500 kilovolt line, 413 circuit miles of 230 kilovolt line, and 554 miles of 115 kilovolt line; and served 934 thousand retail customers in 51 cities.

Recommended Stories

Receive News & Ratings for Portland General Electric Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Portland General Electric and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
QinetiQ Group plc (LON:QQ  Get Free Report)s share price passed above its 200-day moving average during trading on Wednesday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of GBX 408.36 ($5.37) and traded as high as GBX 472.78 ($6.22). QinetiQ Group shares last traded at GBX 463.80 ($6.10), with a volume of 564,929 shares changing hands.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several research firms recently weighed in on QQ. Citigroup reiterated a buy rating and issued a GBX 530 ($6.97) target price on shares of QinetiQ Group in a report on Tuesday, June 11th. Shore Capital reiterated a buy rating on shares of QinetiQ Group in a report on Thursday, July 18th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of GBX 457.50 ($6.02).

Get QinetiQ Group alerts:

Read Our Latest Stock Report on QinetiQ Group

QinetiQ Group Price Performance

Insiders Place Their Bets

The companys fifty day moving average is GBX 465.29 and its two-hundred day moving average is GBX 409.69. The stock has a market cap of 2.63 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 1,933.33, a P/E/G ratio of 1.47 and a beta of 0.48. The company has a current ratio of 1.15, a quick ratio of 1.15 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 42.47.

In other QinetiQ Group news, insider Ross McEwan CBE purchased 20,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, July 22nd. The stock was acquired at an average price of GBX 475 ($6.25) per share, for a total transaction of 95,000 ($124,917.82). In related news, insider Steve Wadey sold 109,722 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, June 25th. The shares were sold at an average price of GBX 444 ($5.84), for a total transaction of 487,165.68 ($640,586.04). Also, insider Ross McEwan CBE bought 20,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, July 22nd. The shares were purchased at an average price of GBX 475 ($6.25) per share, with a total value of 95,000 ($124,917.82). Insiders acquired a total of 20,097 shares of company stock worth $9,544,745 over the last 90 days. Corporate insiders own 12.08% of the companys stock.

About QinetiQ Group

(Get Free Report)

QinetiQ Group plc operates as a science and engineering company in the defense, security, and infrastructure markets in the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, and internationally. The company operates through EMEA Services and Global Solutions segments. It offers advanced materials and manufacturing products; artificial intelligence, analytics, and advanced computing technologies; cyber and electromagnetic technologies; human protection and performance systems; novel systems, and weapons and effects; platform, and system design and assessment products; power sources, and energy storage and distribution products; robotics and autonomy services; secure communications and navigation systems; and sensing, processing, and data fusion systems.

Read More

Receive News & Ratings for QinetiQ Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for QinetiQ Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
SFE Investment Counsel decreased its stake in shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:DLR  Free Report) by 3.5% during the second quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 6,864 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after selling 250 shares during the period. SFE Investment Counsels holdings in Digital Realty Trust were worth $1,044,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Candriam S.C.A. lifted its holdings in shares of Digital Realty Trust by 12.0% in the second quarter. Candriam S.C.A. now owns 20,002 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $3,041,000 after buying an additional 2,146 shares in the last quarter. Private Advisor Group LLC grew its stake in Digital Realty Trust by 30.3% during the second quarter. Private Advisor Group LLC now owns 11,979 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $1,822,000 after acquiring an additional 2,785 shares in the last quarter. New York Life Investment Management LLC grew its stake in Digital Realty Trust by 1.5% during the second quarter. New York Life Investment Management LLC now owns 92,096 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $14,003,000 after acquiring an additional 1,340 shares in the last quarter. Arcadia Investment Management Corp MI grew its stake in Digital Realty Trust by 1.2% during the second quarter. Arcadia Investment Management Corp MI now owns 15,328 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $2,331,000 after acquiring an additional 180 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Farmers & Merchants Investments Inc. grew its stake in Digital Realty Trust by 2.4% during the second quarter. Farmers & Merchants Investments Inc. now owns 48,650 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $7,397,000 after acquiring an additional 1,145 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 99.71% of the companys stock.

Get Digital Realty Trust alerts:

Insider Buying and Selling at Digital Realty Trust

In other news, Director Jean F. H. P. Mandeville sold 600 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, August 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $150.26, for a total value of $90,156.00. Following the transaction, the director now owns 9,055 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,360,604.30. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Company insiders own 0.17% of the companys stock.

Digital Realty Trust Price Performance

DLR opened at $148.23 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.81, a quick ratio of 1.78 and a current ratio of 1.78. The stock has a market capitalization of $46.31 billion, a P/E ratio of 41.18, a P/E/G ratio of 4.84 and a beta of 0.60. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $151.36 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $146.22. Digital Realty Trust, Inc. has a 52-week low of $113.94 and a 52-week high of $162.58.

Digital Realty Trust (NYSE:DLR  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, July 25th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.20 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.63 by ($1.43). The company had revenue of $1.36 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.38 billion. Digital Realty Trust had a net margin of 20.58% and a return on equity of 5.93%. Digital Realty Trusts revenue was down .7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $1.68 EPS. As a group, analysts predict that Digital Realty Trust, Inc. will post 6.65 EPS for the current year.

Digital Realty Trust Announces Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, September 30th. Shareholders of record on Friday, September 13th will be paid a dividend of $1.22 per share. This represents a $4.88 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.29%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, September 13th. Digital Realty Trusts dividend payout ratio is currently 135.56%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several brokerages recently commented on DLR. Argus cut shares of Digital Realty Trust from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, August 1st. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their target price on shares of Digital Realty Trust from $155.00 to $170.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 23rd. The Goldman Sachs Group started coverage on shares of Digital Realty Trust in a research note on Monday, July 1st. They issued a buy rating and a $175.00 target price on the stock. Stifel Nicolaus boosted their price objective on shares of Digital Realty Trust from $165.00 to $175.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Friday, July 12th. Finally, Mizuho began coverage on shares of Digital Realty Trust in a research report on Thursday, July 11th. They set an outperform rating and a $170.00 price objective on the stock. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have assigned a hold rating, ten have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $154.00.

Check Out Our Latest Research Report on Digital Realty Trust

About Digital Realty Trust

(Free Report)

Digital Realty brings companies and data together by delivering the full spectrum of data center, colocation, and interconnection solutions. PlatformDIGITAL, the company's global data center platform, provides customers with a secure data meeting place and a proven Pervasive Datacenter Architecture (PDx) solution methodology for powering innovation and efficiently managing Data Gravity challenges.

Further Reading

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding DLR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:DLR  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Digital Realty Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Digital Realty Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Standard Bank Group Limited (OTCMKTS:SGBLY  Get Free Report) announced a dividend on Saturday, September 7th, investing.com reports. Investors of record on Monday, September 16th will be paid a dividend of 0.314 per share on Thursday, September 26th. This represents a yield of 4.53%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, September 13th. This is a positive change from Standard Bank Groups previous dividend of $0.29.

Standard Bank Group Price Performance

Standard Bank Group stock opened at $13.28 on Friday. Standard Bank Group has a one year low of $8.69 and a one year high of $13.81. The business has a fifty day moving average of $12.35 and a two-hundred day moving average of $10.93.

Get Standard Bank Group alerts:

Standard Bank Group Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Further Reading

Standard Bank Group Limited provides banking and financial products and services in South Africa and internationally. It offers transactional accounts and digital banking platforms; personal and business lending solutions to enhance cash flow; finance for buying, building, and maintaining home; foreign exchange services; trusts and third-party administration accounts; workplace solutions, such as payroll and HR, financial planning, and employer value banking; merchant solutions, including point-of-sale, ecommerce, digital payments, payment processing, and small business support; and cash management services.

Receive News & Ratings for Standard Bank Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Standard Bank Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Cullen Frost Bankers Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Target Co. (NYSE:TGT  Free Report) by 12.1% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 102,515 shares of the retailers stock after acquiring an additional 11,027 shares during the period. Cullen Frost Bankers Inc.s holdings in Target were worth $15,176,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Triad Wealth Partners LLC acquired a new position in Target during the second quarter worth about $25,000. Godsey & Gibb Inc. raised its position in shares of Target by 148.6% in the first quarter. Godsey & Gibb Inc. now owns 174 shares of the retailers stock valued at $31,000 after buying an additional 104 shares during the last quarter. Washington Trust Advisors Inc. raised its position in shares of Target by 56.1% in the first quarter. Washington Trust Advisors Inc. now owns 178 shares of the retailers stock valued at $32,000 after buying an additional 64 shares during the last quarter. Slocum Gordon & Co LLP acquired a new position in shares of Target in the second quarter valued at approximately $28,000. Finally, Retirement Group LLC raised its position in shares of Target by 85.0% in the first quarter. Retirement Group LLC now owns 198 shares of the retailers stock valued at $35,000 after buying an additional 91 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 79.73% of the companys stock.

Get Target alerts:

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of equities research analysts recently issued reports on the stock. BMO Capital Markets lowered their target price on shares of Target from $170.00 to $155.00 and set a market perform rating for the company in a report on Thursday, May 23rd. Telsey Advisory Group boosted their target price on shares of Target from $190.00 to $195.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, August 22nd. Royal Bank of Canada boosted their price objective on shares of Target from $174.00 to $177.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, August 22nd. Evercore ISI boosted their price objective on shares of Target from $158.00 to $160.00 and gave the stock an inline rating in a research note on Thursday, August 22nd. Finally, TD Cowen boosted their price objective on shares of Target from $165.00 to $180.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, August 22nd. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have given a hold rating, eighteen have given a buy rating and two have given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $179.68.

Target Price Performance

Shares of NYSE:TGT traded down $0.62 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $151.28. 4,045,069 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 4,037,096. Target Co. has a 52 week low of $102.93 and a 52 week high of $181.86. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.95, a quick ratio of 0.27 and a current ratio of 0.90. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $147.63 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $155.06. The company has a market cap of $69.99 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.98, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.99 and a beta of 1.24.

Target (NYSE:TGT  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, August 21st. The retailer reported $2.57 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.18 by $0.39. Target had a net margin of 4.18% and a return on equity of 33.10%. The company had revenue of $25.02 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $25.19 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $1.80 earnings per share. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 1.0% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that Target Co. will post 9.49 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Target Increases Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, September 10th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, August 21st will be given a $1.12 dividend. This represents a $4.48 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.96%. This is a positive change from Targets previous quarterly dividend of $1.10. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, August 21st. Targets dividend payout ratio is 50.28%.

Insider Transactions at Target

In related news, CAO Matthew A. Liegel sold 1,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, August 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $153.13, for a total transaction of $153,130.00. Following the transaction, the chief accounting officer now owns 7,276 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,114,173.88. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. In other Target news, insider Brian C. Cornell sold 45,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, August 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $158.67, for a total transaction of $7,140,150.00. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 303,843 shares in the company, valued at $48,210,768.81. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, CAO Matthew A. Liegel sold 1,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, August 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $153.13, for a total value of $153,130.00. Following the transaction, the chief accounting officer now owns 7,276 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,114,173.88. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.23% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Target Company Profile

(Free Report)

Target Corporation operates as a general merchandise retailer in the United States. The company offers apparel for women, men, boys, girls, toddlers, and infants and newborns, as well as jewelry, accessories, and shoes; and beauty and personal care, baby gear, cleaning, paper products, and pet supplies.

See Also

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TGT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Target Co. (NYSE:TGT  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Target Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Target and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Shares of Telecom Italia S.p.A. (OTCMKTS:TIAIY  Get Free Report) shot up 1.6% during mid-day trading on Wednesday . The stock traded as high as $2.82 and last traded at $2.82. 12,000 shares were traded during mid-day trading, an increase of 412% from the average session volume of 2,345 shares. The stock had previously closed at $2.78.

Telecom Italia Price Performance

The firms 50 day moving average is $2.69 and its 200-day moving average is $2.67.

Telecom Italia Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Telecom Italia S.p.A., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the provision of fixed and mobile telecommunications services in Italy and internationally. The company operates through Domestic, Brazil, and Other Operations segments. It offers fixed and mobile voice and Internet, and public telephony services, as well as products managed and developed for individuals and families; and voice, data, and Internet services and products, and information and communications technology solutions for top, public sector and large account customers.

Featured Stories

Receive News & Ratings for Telecom Italia Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Telecom Italia and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Shore Capital reaffirmed their buy rating on shares of Tesco (LON:TSCO  Free Report) in a research note issued to investors on Tuesday morning, MarketBeat reports.

Separately, JPMorgan Chase & Co. reiterated an underweight rating on shares of Tesco in a report on Friday, June 28th.

Get Tesco alerts:

Get Our Latest Stock Report on Tesco

Tesco Stock Performance

About Tesco

Tesco stock opened at GBX 366.60 ($4.82) on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 127.23, a quick ratio of 0.60 and a current ratio of 0.81. The company has a market capitalization of 24.89 billion, a PE ratio of 1,466.40, a P/E/G ratio of 0.06 and a beta of 0.52. The company has a 50 day moving average price of GBX 331.79 and a 200-day moving average price of GBX 308.90. Tesco has a fifty-two week low of GBX 254.10 ($3.34) and a fifty-two week high of GBX 368.10 ($4.84).

(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.

Featured Stories

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.
Shares of The Scottish Investment Trust PLC (LON:SCIN  Get Free Report) passed below its fifty day moving average during trading on Wednesday . The stock has a fifty day moving average of GBX 895 ($11.77) and traded as low as GBX 882.07 ($11.60). The Scottish Investment Trust shares last traded at GBX 895 ($11.77), with a volume of 35,892 shares.

The Scottish Investment Trust Price Performance

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 13.72, a current ratio of 10.35 and a quick ratio of 10.04. The firm has a market capitalization of 592.25 million and a P/E ratio of 1,570.18. The companys 50 day moving average price is GBX 895 and its 200 day moving average price is GBX 895.

The Scottish Investment Trust Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

The Scottish Investment Trust PLC is a publicly owned investment manager. The firm manages separate client-focused equity portfolios. It invests in public equity markets across the globe. It employs a fundamental analysis with a bottom-up stock picking approach. The Scottish Investment Trust PLC was founded in 1887 and is based in Edinburgh, United Kingdom.

Recommended Stories

Receive News & Ratings for The Scottish Investment Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for The Scottish Investment Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries (NYSE:TEVA  Free Report) had its target price increased by UBS Group from $24.00 to $26.00 in a report issued on Tuesday, Benzinga reports. The firm currently has a buy rating on the stock.

TEVA has been the subject of several other research reports. Bank of America raised their target price on shares of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries from $18.00 to $21.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, May 30th. Argus upgraded shares of 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. Barclays raised their target price on shares of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries from $21.00 to $22.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, August 1st. Jefferies Financial Group raised their price objective on shares of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries from $19.00 to $23.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, June 27th. Finally, StockNews.com upgraded shares of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Saturday, August 3rd. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, seven have given a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $18.89.

Get Teva Pharmaceutical Industries alerts:

Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Teva Pharmaceutical Industries

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE:TEVA opened at $18.08 on Tuesday. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $17.38 and a 200 day moving average price of $15.71. The company has a current ratio of 0.89, a quick ratio of 0.59 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.52. Teva Pharmaceutical Industries has a 1-year low of $8.06 and a 1-year high of $19.08.

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries (NYSE:TEVA  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, July 31st. The company reported $0.58 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.55 by $0.03. Teva Pharmaceutical Industries had a negative net margin of 2.73% and a positive return on equity of 39.66%. The company had revenue of $4.16 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.99 billion. On average, equities analysts anticipate that Teva Pharmaceutical Industries will post 2.35 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Insider Buying and Selling at Teva Pharmaceutical Industries

In other Teva Pharmaceutical Industries news, insider Eric A. Hughes sold 24,537 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, August 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $17.25, for a total transaction of $423,263.25. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 45,060 shares in the company, valued at approximately $777,285. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In other news, Director Roberto Mignone sold 519,000 shares of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, June 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $17.03, for a total transaction of $8,838,570.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 981,000 shares in the company, valued at $16,706,430. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, insider Eric A. Hughes sold 24,537 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, August 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $17.25, for a total transaction of $423,263.25. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 45,060 shares of the companys stock, valued at $777,285. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.55% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Teva Pharmaceutical Industries

A number of institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Sanctuary Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in Teva Pharmaceutical Industries in the second quarter valued at approximately $560,000. Cetera Investment Advisers grew its holdings in Teva Pharmaceutical Industries by 83.9% in the second quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 60,868 shares of the companys stock valued at $989,000 after purchasing an additional 27,765 shares during the period. Truist Financial Corp grew its holdings in Teva Pharmaceutical Industries by 7.0% in the second quarter. Truist Financial Corp now owns 3,885,251 shares of the companys stock valued at $63,135,000 after purchasing an additional 254,483 shares during the period. Point72 Asset Management L.P. grew its holdings in Teva Pharmaceutical Industries by 38.0% in the second quarter. Point72 Asset Management L.P. now owns 1,319,217 shares of the companys stock valued at $21,437,000 after purchasing an additional 363,217 shares during the period. Finally, Driehaus Capital Management LLC purchased a new stake in Teva Pharmaceutical Industries in the second quarter valued at approximately $23,115,000. 54.05% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About Teva Pharmaceutical Industries

(Get 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.

Recommended Stories

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.
Morgan Stanley reiterated their equal weight rating on shares of UiPath (NYSE:PATH  Free Report) in a report published on Friday, Benzinga reports. Morgan Stanley currently has a $15.00 price target on the healthcare companys stock.

PATH has been the topic of a number of other research reports. Needham & Company LLC reiterated a hold rating on shares of UiPath in a research note on Friday. BMO Capital Markets increased their price target on UiPath from $14.00 to $15.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a research note on Friday. Evercore ISI boosted their price objective on UiPath from $13.00 to $16.00 and gave the stock an in-line rating in a research note on Friday. Bank of America raised their target price on UiPath from $16.00 to $18.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Friday. Finally, Scotiabank lowered their target price on UiPath from $30.00 to $25.00 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, May 29th. Sixteen equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $17.71.

Get UiPath alerts:

Read Our Latest Analysis on UiPath

UiPath Trading Down 6.0 %

Shares of NYSE PATH opened at $11.98 on Friday. UiPath has a 12-month low of $10.37 and a 12-month high of $27.87. The company has a market cap of $6.86 billion, a PE ratio of -74.84 and a beta of 0.87. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $12.20 and a 200-day simple moving average of $16.71.

UiPath (NYSE:PATH  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, September 5th. The healthcare company reported $0.04 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.03 by $0.01. UiPath had a negative return on equity of 2.97% and a negative net margin of 6.41%. The company had revenue of $316.00 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $303.69 million. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted ($0.09) EPS. The firms quarterly revenue was up 10.0% on a year-over-year basis. Sell-side analysts forecast that UiPath will post -0.22 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several large investors have recently bought and sold shares of PATH. Intech Investment Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of UiPath by 3.1% in the 4th quarter. Intech Investment Management LLC now owns 14,324 shares of the healthcare companys stock valued at $356,000 after purchasing an additional 426 shares during the period. Global Financial Private Client LLC grew its position in UiPath by 9.3% during the first quarter. Global Financial Private Client LLC now owns 6,471 shares of the healthcare companys stock valued at $144,000 after purchasing an additional 551 shares in the last quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. increased its stake in UiPath by 1.7% in the 1st quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. now owns 36,772 shares of the healthcare companys stock valued at $834,000 after buying an additional 622 shares during the period. GAMMA Investing LLC lifted its position in UiPath by 40.2% in the 1st quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 2,204 shares of the healthcare companys stock worth $50,000 after buying an additional 632 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Lindbrook Capital LLC boosted its stake in shares of UiPath by 46.0% during the 1st quarter. Lindbrook Capital LLC now owns 2,027 shares of the healthcare companys stock valued at $46,000 after buying an additional 639 shares during the period. 62.50% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

About UiPath

(Get Free Report)

UiPath Inc provides an end-to-end automation platform that offers a range of robotic process automation (RPA) solutions primarily in the United States, Romania, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and internationally. The company offers a suite of interrelated software to build, manage, run, engage, measure, and govern automation within the organization.

See Also

Receive News & Ratings for UiPath Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for UiPath and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Weil Company Inc. raised its position in BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE:BLK  Free Report) by 11.8% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The firm owned 398 shares of the asset managers stock after acquiring an additional 42 shares during the quarter. Weil Company Inc.s holdings in BlackRock were worth $313,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the company. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its stake in shares of BlackRock by 2.3% in the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 13,182,262 shares of the asset managers stock worth $10,990,052,000 after purchasing an additional 292,017 shares during the period. Capital Research Global Investors raised its position in BlackRock by 11.1% in the first quarter. Capital Research Global Investors now owns 4,354,236 shares of the asset managers stock worth $3,630,127,000 after acquiring an additional 435,358 shares during the period. Capital World Investors boosted its stake in shares of BlackRock by 57.3% during the 4th quarter. Capital World Investors now owns 3,514,999 shares of the asset managers stock worth $2,853,517,000 after acquiring an additional 1,279,952 shares during the last quarter. Capital International Investors grew its position in shares of BlackRock by 2.4% during the 4th quarter. Capital International Investors now owns 2,471,621 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $2,006,490,000 after acquiring an additional 58,681 shares during the period. Finally, Norges Bank purchased a new stake in shares of BlackRock in the 4th quarter worth $1,812,920,000. 80.69% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Get BlackRock alerts:

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several equities analysts recently weighed in on the company. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lifted their target price on BlackRock from $912.00 to $937.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, August 15th. Evercore ISI lifted their price objective on BlackRock from $920.00 to $945.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods increased their target price on shares of BlackRock from $915.00 to $934.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Tuesday, July 16th. Barclays initiated coverage on shares of BlackRock in a report on Tuesday, August 27th. They set an overweight rating and a $985.00 price target on the stock. Finally, Morgan Stanley dropped their price target on shares of BlackRock from $1,025.00 to $1,013.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, July 11th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $883.13.

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, CEO Laurence Fink sold 29,450 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $843.25, for a total value of $24,833,712.50. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 353,718 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $298,272,703.50. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In related news, Director Pamela Daley sold 1,531 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, August 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $842.08, for a total value of $1,289,224.48. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 5,732 shares in the company, valued at $4,826,802.56. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, CEO Laurence Fink sold 29,450 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, August 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $843.25, for a total transaction of $24,833,712.50. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 353,718 shares in the company, valued at approximately $298,272,703.50. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last 90 days, insiders have sold 93,042 shares of company stock worth $79,387,117. Insiders own 0.90% of the companys stock.

BlackRock Stock Down 1.1 %

Shares of BLK stock opened at $866.92 on Friday. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $848.57 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $811.77. BlackRock, Inc. has a 52 week low of $596.18 and a 52 week high of $903.46. The stock has a market cap of $128.82 billion, a P/E ratio of 22.03, a PEG ratio of 1.97 and a beta of 1.30. The company has a quick ratio of 5.06, a current ratio of 5.06 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.37.

BlackRock (NYSE:BLK  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Monday, July 15th. The asset manager reported $10.36 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $9.96 by $0.40. The company had revenue of $4.81 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.85 billion. BlackRock had a return on equity of 15.44% and a net margin of 32.36%. The firms revenue was up 7.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $9.28 earnings per share. Analysts predict that BlackRock, Inc. will post 41.34 EPS for the current fiscal year.

BlackRock Announces Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, September 23rd. Investors of record on Monday, September 9th will be issued a $5.10 dividend. This represents a $20.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.35%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, September 9th. BlackRocks dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 51.84%.

BlackRock Profile

(Free Report)

BlackRock, Inc is a publicly owned investment manager. The firm primarily provides its services to institutional, intermediary, and individual investors including corporate, public, union, and industry pension plans, insurance companies, third-party mutual funds, endowments, public institutions, governments, foundations, charities, sovereign wealth funds, corporations, official institutions, and banks.

See Also

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BLK? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE:BLK  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for BlackRock Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BlackRock and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Weil Company Inc. reduced its stake in shares of Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:UBER  Free Report) by 21.1% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 13,797 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock after selling 3,691 shares during the quarter. Weil Company Inc.s holdings in Uber Technologies were worth $1,003,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of UBER. Private Advisor Group LLC raised its stake in Uber Technologies by 17.9% during the 2nd quarter. Private Advisor Group LLC now owns 277,292 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock worth $20,154,000 after buying an additional 42,005 shares during the period. New York Life Investment Management LLC raised its position in shares of Uber Technologies by 2.0% during the second quarter. New York Life Investment Management LLC now owns 288,461 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock worth $20,965,000 after purchasing an additional 5,726 shares during the period. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust raised its position in shares of Uber Technologies by 18.4% during the second quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 4,342 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock worth $316,000 after purchasing an additional 676 shares during the period. Arizona State Retirement System lifted its holdings in shares of Uber Technologies by 2.2% during the 2nd quarter. Arizona State Retirement System now owns 543,107 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock valued at $39,473,000 after purchasing an additional 11,624 shares in the last quarter. Finally, VELA Investment Management LLC grew its position in shares of Uber Technologies by 15.4% in the 2nd quarter. VELA Investment Management LLC now owns 8,702 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock valued at $632,000 after purchasing an additional 1,160 shares during the period. 80.24% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Get Uber Technologies alerts:

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, insider Tony West sold 28,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, June 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $70.67, for a total value of $1,978,760.00. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 96,945 shares of the companys stock, valued at $6,851,103.15. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. In related news, CEO Dara Khosrowshahi sold 500,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, July 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $71.91, for a total transaction of $35,955,000.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 1,266,114 shares of the companys stock, valued at $91,046,257.74. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, insider Tony West sold 28,000 shares of Uber Technologies stock in a transaction dated Thursday, June 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $70.67, for a total transaction of $1,978,760.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 96,945 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $6,851,103.15. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Company insiders own 3.84% of the companys stock.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of research analysts have weighed in on UBER shares. DA Davidson lifted their price target on shares of Uber Technologies from $81.00 to $82.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 7th. Truist Financial reaffirmed a buy rating and issued a $88.00 target price on shares of Uber Technologies in a research note on Friday. Morgan Stanley lifted their price target on Uber Technologies from $90.00 to $95.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 23rd. Needham & Company LLC reaffirmed a buy rating and set a $90.00 price objective on shares of Uber Technologies in a research report on Wednesday, August 7th. Finally, TD Cowen lifted their target price on Uber Technologies from $88.00 to $90.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 23rd. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and thirty-one have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $87.60.

Check Out Our Latest Research Report on Uber Technologies

Uber Technologies Trading Down 2.3 %

UBER stock opened at $69.60 on Friday. Uber Technologies, Inc. has a one year low of $40.09 and a one year high of $82.14. The stock has a market cap of $146.23 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 112.26, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.28 and a beta of 1.33. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $69.53 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $71.26. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.72, a current ratio of 1.21 and a quick ratio of 1.21.

Uber Technologies (NYSE:UBER  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, August 6th. The ride-sharing company reported $0.47 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.31 by $0.16. Uber Technologies had a net margin of 5.02% and a return on equity of 17.06%. The company had revenue of $10.70 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $10.57 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $0.18 EPS. Uber Technologiess quarterly revenue was up 15.9% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities analysts anticipate that Uber Technologies, Inc. will post 1.05 EPS for the current year.

Uber Technologies Profile

(Free Report)

Uber Technologies, Inc develops and operates proprietary technology applications in the United States, Canada, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia excluding China and Southeast Asia. It operates through three segments: Mobility, Delivery, and Freight. The Mobility segment connects consumers with a range of transportation modalities, such as ridesharing, carsharing, micromobility, rentals, public transit, taxis, and other modalities; and offers riders in a variety of vehicle types, as well as financial partnerships products and advertising services.

Recommended Stories

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding UBER? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:UBER  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Uber Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Uber Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
There have been false claims circulating that a private individual's yacht spotted in St. Tropez is a Nigerian government yacht. Here are some points to consider in order to discern the truth:

1. The 42m Bennetti yacht currently being share online has been privately owned for around 5 years since it was constructed. It is important to note that this specific yacht has no connection or ownership ties to the Nigerian government, president or armed forces. Any claims or assertions suggesting otherwise are simply not true and inaccurate.

2. It is not uncommon for luxury yachts to fly the flag of the owner's country as well as the flag of the country in which they are registered.

3. The official Nigerian flag is Green-White-Green without a coat of arms in the middle. Flags representing the Nigerian President or the Armed Forces do not contain a coat of arms in the center. Placing anything in the center of the flag is a clear deviation.

Regarding the naval observatory and training ship often referred to as the "presidential yacht," it was ordered and acquired by Nigeria during President M. Buhari's tenure (2015-2023). It was delivered in June 2023 but was never paid for. This information has been officially confirmed by the Naval authorities. Director of Naval Information, Adedotun Ayo-Vaughan, affirmed in a statement in November 2023 that the yacht was indeed ordered during former President Muhammadu Buhari's administration and was delivered to Nigeria well before it was included in the budget as an outstanding debt obligation. "That is correct, it is in Nigeria," he said.

Finally, it is important to exercise caution and refrain from defaming or exposing private individuals and their legitimate businesses to ridicule based on false political associations with personal property.

https://x.com/otegaogra/status/1832371410230022261?s=46&t=-WT1A6V3jj52Bil8fk9JSg
China, Africa on modernization journey together

Xinhua) 09:34, September 07, 2024

This photo taken on Sept. 23, 2023 shows the Dar es Salaam Station of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. (Xinhua/Dong Jianghui)

The joint pursuit of modernization by China and Africa will set off a wave of modernization in the Global South, and open a new chapter in the drive for a community with a shared future for mankind.

BEIJING, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- As an African proverb goes, "a friend is someone you share the path with." In the shared pursuit of modernization of the Global South, China and Africa have stood together as companions over the years.

Themed "Joining Hands to Advance Modernization and Build a High-Level China-Africa Community with a Shared Future," the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), which attracted over 50 African leaders, highlighted the common pursuit of China and African countries in realizing modernization.

MONUMENT OF FRIENDSHIP

The China-Africa community with a shared future is deeply rooted in the traditional friendship between the two sides.

During the 1970s, a pivotal period for the economic development of Tanzania and Zambia, some 50,000 Chinese workers and engineers came to help construct the Tanzania-Zambia Railway.

In the past five decades, 70 Chinese engineers, technicians, and workers lost their lives in railway construction, technical cooperation, and other projects in Tanzania. To honor their contributions, a monument has been erected at the Gongo la Mboto cemetery in Tanzania.

The 1,860-km-long railway serves as a reminder of the longstanding relationship between China and Africa. As time passes by, the China-Africa friendship remains robust and grows stronger no matter how the world changes.

Issa Fatimoh Abiola, Nigeria's first female train driver, has worked with China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC) for 16 years. Reflecting on Chinese President Xi Jinping's keynote speech on modernization at the opening ceremony of the 2024 FOCAC Summit, she recalled CRCC's significant contributions to Nigeria's modernization.

"The CRCC has been deeply involved in Nigeria for 43 years, contributing tremendously to the country's transportation and infrastructure modernization," Abiola said.

"Since joining the company in 2008, I have witnessed the successful implementation of numerous landmark projects, including the Lekki Free Trade Zone, Abuja-Kaduna Railway, Lagos-Ibadan Railway, Abuja Light Rail, Lagos Blue Line, as well as 'small and beautiful' livelihood projects that directly benefit people's livelihoods."

Victoriah Mukiri, the legal adviser for China Railway No.10 Engineering Group Co., Ltd, has worked with the company for 17 years. Touched by Xi's remarks on "jointly advance modernization that is open and win-win," Mukiri noted how her company expanded from a few projects to multiple regional ventures in Kenya, ranging from highways to municipal, housing, and mining construction. The company has trained batches of technicians, created thousands of jobs, and significantly improved Kenya's infrastructure.

As President Denis Sassou Nguesso of the Republic of Congo said at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summit of the FOCAC, "China remains an all-time friend." He added that Africa and China are drawing closer through shared history, values and solidarity, and their joint modernization efforts reflect a mutual commitment to prosperity and peace.

This photo taken on Sept. 20, 2023 shows a train leaving for Mombasa waiting at the Nairobi Terminus Station of the China-built Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway in Nairobi, Kenya. (Xinhua/Han Xu)

TWO-WAY EFFORTS

"We have together built roads, railways, schools, hospitals, industrial parks, and special economic zones. These projects have changed the lives and destiny of many people," Xi said at a welcome banquet held at the Great Hall of the People for summit attendees Wednesday, noting that the China-Africa community with a shared future thrives on the strength of win-win cooperation.

This cooperation is driven by development projects with Chinese companies playing an increasing role in bolstering Africa's industrialization.

One notable example is the Sapphire Float Glass Factory in Tanzania's coastal region, which serves both the local market and exports to six other African countries. With a designed production capacity of approximately 700 tonnes per day, the factory has created 1,012 direct jobs for locals and 3,857 indirect jobs since its inauguration in September 2023. Once fully operational, it is expected to provide 1,650 direct and 6,000 indirect jobs.

"China's imprints are evident and vivid in infrastructure improvement, rapid industrialization and all progress in small and medium-sized enterprises in our countries," Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan said at the opening ceremony on Thursday.

"Our presence here today reflects the solidarity and commitment to building a shared future of progress and prosperity," she said, calling on African countries to work with China towards fruitful socio-economic innovations and development.

In Botswana, Chinese firms are playing a key role in the country's green energy transition. In August, Botswana Power Corporation signed a power purchase agreement with Sinotswana Green Energy, a consortium of Chinese and Botswana companies, to officially launch the nation's first 100 MW solar photovoltaic power plant.

The project, expected to begin operations by the end of 2025, has been hailed a "key milestone" in the country's energy transition.

Driven by the Plan for China Supporting Africa's Agricultural Modernization, China-Africa agricultural cooperation has also flourished, yielding notable results in technical assistance and training for agricultural experts, the transfer of advanced technologies, the establishment of agricultural parks, and the promotion of farming projects for Juncao and hybrid rice. This cooperation has advanced Africa's agricultural modernization.

"Agricultural modernization ensures high-level productivity. It reduces the risk of disease and lowers the cost of production. That's the way African countries should go," said Nabwera Daraja Nabii, a member of the National Assembly of Kenya.

China has shared its expertise in Juncao technology and hybrid rice cultivation, training over 14,000 people and introducing these techniques to many countries, benefiting millions of farmers. Dozens of countries across the globe have engaged in research and demonstration planting of hybrid rice, with nearly 8 million hectares planted abroad annually.

Professor Lin Zhanxi (R, front), the inventor of Juncao Technology, talks with Alphonse Munyaneza (L, front), a Rwandan university student growing mushrooms, in Kigali, Rwanda, Aug. 3, 2024. (Photo by Huang Wanqing/Xinhua)

Over the past decade, China has established 24 agricultural technology demonstration centers in Africa and introduced more than 300 advanced agricultural technologies, increasing local crop yields by an average of 30 to 60 percent and benefiting over 1 million farmers across the continent.

"We hope that China can work very closely with us so that we can feed the world," said Thomas Tayebwa, Ugandan Deputy Speaker of the Parliament. "Africa can be the food basket for the rest of the world."

Talent development is also vital for both China and Africa as they work to improve their economies and livelihoods, making educational collaboration a cornerstone of China-Africa relations.

China has established 17 Luban Workshops in 15 African countries, providing training to help young African youths secure jobs in Chinese-invested enterprises. Over 220,000 Africans have been trained by China, with tailored programs to meet the specific needs of each country.

Under the Plan for China-Africa Cooperation on Talent Development, China aims to train 500 principals and vocational teachers, as well as 10,000 technical personnel with both Chinese language and vocational skills for Africa every year. This talent cooperation is expanding into sectors like digital industries and healthcare, enabling more African youths to pursue their dreams.

"Vocational and technical education is very important in the 21st century. What you can do depends on the training that you have, and the training that you have depends on the kind of institutions you attend," said Prof. Kabiru Bala, Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University of Nigeria.

"Africa is a young continent because we have a large percentage of young people. Our task now is to see that these young people are empowered in terms of skills and competence that can move our developments," said Prof. Olusola B. Oyewole, secretary general of the Association of African Universities of Ghana.

Yonas Akele (R) and Jiang Jiang, head of the Luban Workshop in Addis Ababa, work together in the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Technical and Vocational Training Institute in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Feb. 15, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)

NO ONE SHOULD BE LEFT BEHIND

"On the path to modernization, no one, and no country, should be left behind," Xi said in his keynote address at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summit of the FOCAC.

The joint pursuit of modernization by China and Africa will set off a wave of modernization in the Global South, and open a new chapter in the drive for a community with a shared future for mankind.

"China's partnership with the African continent is the main pillar of South-South cooperation," said United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres while addressing the 2024 Summit of the FOCAC. "Your joint efforts, based on the United Nations Charter, can create a new momentum for African development."

The China-Africa partnership can "drive the renewable energy revolution," and be "a catalyst for key transitions in food systems and digital connectivity," said Guterres, noting that Africa can maximize the potential of China's support in areas from trade to data management, finance and technology.

Isaura Diez, a journalist with Cuba's Prensa Latina news agency, covered the 2024 Summit of the FOCAC in Beijing. She believes that Latin America can take China-Africa cooperation as a "sample," and that all Global South countries should amplify their voices together.

"The FOCAC Summit shows us what kind of collaboration and agreements we can establish as a continent with China," Diez said, adding that "raising China-Africa relations is a magnificent precedent for other regions of the world such as Latin America and the Caribbean. We can work together despite differences based on mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and non-interference in each other's internal affairs."

The FOCAC summit aims to build consensus on how China and African countries can cooperate to unlock the potential of industrialization, agricultural modernization and youth talent development.

As long as the 2.8-billion-strong Chinese and African people are united, "we will accomplish new and even greater feats together on the way toward modernization, spearhead the modernization drive of the Global South, and make greater contributions to a community with a shared future for mankind," Xi said on Wednesday at the welcome banquet.

"I am eager to join the movement for modernization of the Global South. I firmly believe that when we unite and work together, there is nothing we cannot accomplish," said Abiola, the first female train driver of Nigeria.

She said that through coordinated development, people can fully leverage the vast resources of the Global South. "By effectively harnessing these assets to drive economic growth and improve living conditions, I am confident that the future will be filled with hope and opportunity," she said.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Wu Chaolan)
Policemen in disguise of cyber experts looted Rs 1.01 crore in cash from a railway vendor on the NH-19 in Durgapur allegedly at gunpoint last evening.

Soon after a complaint from a Delhi-based agency was received, the Asansol Durgapur Police Commissionerate kicked off an intensive investigation and booked three policemen and three of a broker agency, today. The deputy commissioner of police, Abhishek Gupta, said, Weve spruced up operations to help recovery of the looted sum and some identified persons accused of the looting have already been booked. He added, Of them, three were policemen and had impersonated themselves as members of the cyber crime branch of the police. Cases under specific sections have been initiated against them.

The policemen, attached with the Durgapur PS, according to the sources, had received intimation through the broker agency that the Delhi-based agency was carrying more than Rs 1 crore in cash in a car that was heading for Kolkata. The cops, accompanied by the broker agency members, intercepted the car near DVC Mor and looted the sum. Of the three policemen, assistant sub-inspector Asim Chakraborty, bomb squad official Chanchal Chowdhury and suspended policeman Mrityunjoy Naskar have been taken into custody for the highway robbery by the police commissionerate today.

Advertisement
A complication has arisen in the Raj Bhavan regarding the anti-rape Bill. Governor C V Ananda Bose has expressed dissatisfaction with the state governments handling of the Bill, according to sources close to him.

A Raj Bhavan official said that after the Bill, known as the Aparajita Bill was passed in the Assembly, it was sent to the Raj Bhavan as per procedure. However, the state did not send the necessary technical report along with the Bill. Without this report, the Governor cannot give his assent to any Bill. As per rules, any bill passed by the state Assembly is sent to the Raj Bhavan for the Governors signature, which turns the Bill into a law. If the Governor is unable to make a decision or needs advice, he may refer the Bill to the President of India, who then takes the final decision.

The Aparajita Bill was passed by the West Bengal Assembly on 3 September and sent to the Raj Bhavan, but it is alleged that the Governor is yet to receive the technical report. The Governor can raise questions about any Bill, asking why it was introduced and how it will be implemented. This information is provided in the technical report, which also includes details on the financial burden the bill might place on the state and how it aligns with central laws. It is believed that the Governor wants this information for the Aparajita Bill.

Advertisement

Sources in the Raj Bhavan indicate that the lack of technical report is a recurring issue between the state and the Governor. The state is often accused of not sending the report, which prevents the Governor from giving his assent, while the state repeatedly accuses the Governor of withholding Bills. The Governor has expressed frustration that the same situation has occurred with an important Bill like the Aparajita Bill.

In response, Speaker Biman Banerjee said, The Raj Bhavan has not yet communicated with the Assembly regarding this matter. If they do, I will share my opinion. The Trinamul Congress, on the other hand, stated that the Speaker has sent the Bill to Raj Bhavan and he will handle the issue accordingly.

It is worth noting that after the passage of the anti-rape Bill, chief minister Mamata Banerjee had held a high-level meeting on Thursday at Nabanna, the state secretariat. Chief secretary Manoj Pant, home secretary Nandini Chakraborty, law minister Moloy Ghatak, director general of police Rajiv Kumar, and Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal were present. During the Bills passage, Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari stated that they support the Bill but emphasized that it is the state governments responsibility to ensure its implementation. Reports suggest that the chief minister has instructed officials to begin preparations for implementing the Bill.
Students of Visva-Bharati University (VBU) are agitating and gheraoed the Santiniketan police station after a third year student had an unnatural death.

Anamika Singh, a third year student of Silpa Sadan of Visva-Bharati University and a resident of Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh has allegedly consumed poison and tried to commit suicide.

Her hostel mates rescued her and with the help of police admitted her to Pearson Hospital of VBU. But as her condition worsened, she was shifted to Siwan Hospital in Bolpur where she ultimately passed away.

Advertisement

The incident occurred yesterday evening. The students of VBU alleged that the police, led by the inspector in-charge, Kasturi Mukherjee cannot enter the hostel campus without the presence of senior officials of VBU like acting VC, registrar or proctor.

We fear that in the absence of the VBU management, the cops will destroy the evidence found in the room if there is any foul play. After the R G Kar Medical College incident people have lost faith in the police. How can police enter without the permission and absence of acting VC, Registrar or proctor, alleged a student Debamita Banerjee.

The incident occurred at Amrapali Students Hostel of VBU.

Later, Riki Agarwal, SDPO of Bolpur and additional police super of Bolpur Rana Mukherjee reached the site with a huge police force.

We have reached here after being informed by the hospital and have talked with the VBU authority. The hostel room has been sealed and forensic experts will visit. A medical board will conduct the post-mortem of the victim, said ASP of Bolpur Rana Mukherjee.

The students said that the incident occurred in the evening and the police came to the hostel at midnight and they found a similarity with the R G Kar incident.

The acting registrar of VBU, Ashok Mahata claimed that after getting the information they were in touch with the police and the hospital. The girl who was lying unconscious in the corridor of the hospital was rescued and sent to hospital, he added.
The Nepal Telecommunications Authority on Friday directed the countrys internet and mobile service providers to lift the ban on TikTok, in line with a cabinet decision on the short-video app.

The authority issues a directive to all the concerned Internet and mobile service providers to remove the restrictions against TikTok until further notice, read the directive.

On August 22, Nepals cabinet decided to lift the ban on TikTok, which was imposed in November last year, Xinhua news agency reported.

Advertisement

We uplifted the ban immediately after receiving the directive from the Nepal Telecommunications Authority, Sudhir Parajuli, president of the Internet Service Providers Association of Nepal, told the news agency.

The cabinet while lifting the ban had asked TikTok to fulfil certain conditions while operating the app in Nepal within a period of three months. It asked TikTok to contribute to the promotion of tourism in Nepal, invest in making people aware of digital safety, upgrade the quality of public education, and be sensitive while using the language in the app.
Aam Aadmi Partys national general secretary Dr Sandeep Pathak on Saturday condemned the proposal to impose GST on research grants received since 2017, describing it as unprecedented in global history.

AAP Rajya Sabha MP Pathak criticised the government for allegedly stifling innovation and progress by taxing research aimed at the nations development. He has called for the immediate withdrawal of this policy at the upcoming GST Council meeting.

Pathak said, The Modi governments recent decision to impose a tax on research grants marks a dangerous new chapter in the BJPs agenda. They have proposed retroactive GST on grants given to research institutions from 2017. A show-cause notice has been issued to all premier institutes, reminding them to pay GST on research grants received since 2017. They have demanded around Rs 220 crore, including from premier institutions like IIT Delhi.

Advertisement

Pathak further said, This is happening for the first time in the history of not only the country but the entire world that a government is imposing taxes on research grants. The government argues that since research is a service, GST should be imposed on it. This is a very hysterical argument. Research is a service to humanity, it serves humankind for eternity. Research and Development (R&D) also takes the nation forward. The countrys development is based on this and the government is levying tax on it, the AAP leader added, terming it as outright tax terrorism.

The senior AAP leader and RS MP affirmed that the party strongly condemns the proposal to impose GST on research grants. He added that in the upcoming GST Commission meeting, the party will demand the government to withdraw the policy unconditionally.

If the government does not retract this policy, the AAP will raise its voice against it on every appropriate forum and will make every effort to compel the government to withdraw it, he added.

He also criticised the move as being beyond comprehension, pointing out that countries such as the USA, UK, Germany, South Korea, Singapore, and Canada do not impose taxes on R&D.
Traffic movement was affected on Saturday in some parts of Delhi due to road cave-ins, waterlogging, and potholes.

According to the Delhi Traffic Police, a road in Karol Bagh experienced sinking, while another area in Janakpuri witnessed a cave-in, impacting the movement of traffic.

Traffic had to be diverted in these areas, the Traffic Police said.

Advertisement

Information about the said incidents was shared by the Delhi Traffic Police on their social media platform, X.

Traffic is affected on Arya Samaj Road in Karol Bagh Market on the carriageway from Roundabout Bagga Link towards Saraswati Chowk due to road sinking near Bikaner Chowk. Kindly plan your journey accordingly, the police advised.

In another post, the traffic police informed, Due to road cave-in on Joginder Singh Marg near District Centre, Janakpuri, movement of traffic is restricted in the carriageway from District Centre, Janakpuri, towards Lal Sain Mandir Marg. Commuters going towards Lal Sain Mandir Marg are advised to take Major Deepak Tyagi Marg at Dhauli Piao intersection, Janakpuri.

The police also reported that traffic movement on Rohtak Road in the carriageway from Nangloi towards Tikri Border and vice versa is affected due to potholes and waterlogging.

The traffic police advised motorists to avoid Mundka and take alternate routes.

A couple of days ago, the Delhi Traffic Police had also advised motorists to steer clear of the stretch near Mundka on Rohtak Road, where traffic was affected in the carriageway from Nangloi towards Tikri Border and vice versa due to deep potholes and waterlogging

According to locals, the Mundka area has been facing issues of waterlogging and the situation has deteriorated due to recent rains.

On Saturday morning, Delhi woke up to a cloudy sky with drizzle, while overall conditions remained overcast.

For Sunday, the weather forecast predicts a generally cloudy sky with light rain, and temperatures are expected to range between a minimum of 25 and a maximum of 33 degrees Celsius.
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Saturday cautioned citizens against compromising on nationalism, terming it the ultimate betrayal to the nation.

Wherever anyone threatens the integrity of the nation, we must not tolerate it, he asserted.

Highlighting that duty towards the nation must always be kept above self-interest and political interest, the Vice-President warned that a failure to do so would amount to an attack on Indias civilisational ethos spanning several millennia.

Advertisement

Delivering the keynote address at the inauguration of Sainik School, Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh, Dhankhar reminisced his own days as a student of Sainik School Chittorgarh, and underlined the impact of his Alma Mater in shaping his personal and professional journey.

While my biological birth was at Kithana village, my real birth took place at Sainik School Chittorgarh, he said.

Emphasising on the importance of education as an epicentre of transformative change, Dhankhar highlighted the power of education in giving individuals greater control over their lives, and in decimating inequities and cutting across malpractices in society at large.

Drawing attention to Indias distinct identity on the global stage today, the Vice-President recognised the contribution of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in leading the country on a path that the entire world recognizes.

Todays India is not the same as it was ten years ago, Dhankhar said. Article 370, which the framers of the Constitution called temporary, was considered permanent by some. In this decade, it has been abolished. This is todays India, he said.

Conveying his appreciation at the establishment of the new Sainik School at Gorakhpur, the Vice-President expressed his conviction that the school would pave the way for the development of future generations. It will set a benchmark for other states, and for the entire country to emulate, Dhankhar elaborated.

Underscoring the significant strides made by the state of Uttar Pradesh in governance and in upholding the rule of law, the Vice-President noted, The participation of Uttar Pradesh in the development wave sweeping the country is a major contribution to nation-building.

Addressing the cadets, the Vice-President urged them to eliminate the fear of fear from their minds. Narrating how the success of Chandrayaan-3 was built on the lessons gleaned from Chandrayaan-2, Dhankhar said, Failure is the foundation of success.

The Vice-President and his wife Dr. Sudesh Dhankhar also planted saplings in the memory of their late mothers, Kesari Devi and Bhagwati Devi, at the premises of the newly inaugurated Sainik School Gorakhpur. They also inaugurated the shooting range on the premises.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath; Kamlesh Paswan, Minister of State, Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India; Ravi Kishan Shukla, Member of Lok Sabha; Gulab Devi, Minister of State of Secondary Education,Government of Uttar Pradesh and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.
The Telangana government has brought back senior IPS officer CV Anand as Commissioner of Police of Hyderabad, transferring the incumbent K Srinivas Reddy to the post of Director General, Vigilance and Enforcement.

Anand was the CP of Hyderabad before the Election Commission of India suddenly transferred him ahead of the Assembly elections in the state.

After the Congress government came to power, it had appointed K Srinivas Reddy as the CP of Hyderabad while CV Anand was made the in-charge of Anti-Corruption Bureau and Vigilance and Enforcement. The decision to bring back Anand came just ten days before the immersion of Ganesh idols in the city, which is usually a huge headache for Hyderabad police in view of the law and order and logistics.

Advertisement

With Anand reinstated as the CP of Hyderabad Commissionerate, this has created a curious situation since the newly appointed DGP, Dr Jitendra belongs to the 1992 batch of IPS while the new CP belongs to 1991 batch of the IPS.

Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy is in charge of the home department and has come under attack for frequent transfers ever since he took up the administration. In recent times Hyderabad police was criticised even in the state Assembly as AIMIM and BRS leaders were vocal against the attempts of police to shut down night life in the city, post 10 pm.

The Chie Minister had to announce in the Assembly that night life culture would continue in the city as usual with restaurants allowed to stay open till 1 am in Hyderabad, Secunderabad and Cyberabad. There have also been complaints of police highhandedness on journalists and political activists during protests by students, job aspirants as well political agitation.

The other transfer orders issued today include Vijay Kumar, Additional DG (personnel) who was transferred to the post DG, Anti-Corruption Bureau which was also held by Anand. Mahesh M Bhagwat, Additional DGP, Law and Order, was given the additional charge of ADGP, Personnel and Welfare.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stated on Saturday that Gorakhpur is a crucial hub for the three crore people of eastern Uttar Pradesh, which borders Bihar and Nepal.

Welcoming Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar at the inauguration ceremony of Sainik School Gorakhpur, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath remarked,  Today, Gorakhpur is making significant strides in the development journey of New India, inspired and guided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Gorakhpur has emerged as a dream destination for education, health, and investment in the North-East region.

Congratulating Vice President Dhankhar and his wife, Dr. Sudesh Dhankhar, on behalf of the state and the people of Gorakhpur, the Chief Minister expressed his joy at the Vice Presidents first visit to Gorakhpur. He emphasized that the establishment of Sainik School is serving a sacred purpose of shaping future generations, marking an important milestone for eastern Uttar Pradesh.

Advertisement

Highlighting Gorakhpurs historical and cultural significance, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath remarked, Gorakhpur has been an important place since ancient times. It is not only the revered site of Mahayogi Guru Gorakhnath, but also a global center for publishing Sanatan literature through Gita Press. During the first war of independence in 1857, Gorakhpur played a crucial role in challenging British rule under the leadership of Shaheed Bandhu Singh.

He further noted that the historic Chauri Chaura incident in 1922 invigorated the struggle for independence.

Emphasizing Gorakhpurs abundance of natural resources, the Chief Minister stated, When we consider Gorakhpurs central location, we find that Kushinagar, where Mahatma Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana, is just 50 km away. Lumbini, Buddhas birthplace, is 90 km from here, and Maghar, where Sant Kabir attained Parinirvana, is 25 km away. Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Shri Ram, is 175 km from Gorakhpur, while the city of Baba Vishwanath, Kashi, is 225 km away.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath pointed out that the site where the Sainik School now stands was once home to a fertilizer factory complex that had been shut down. He stated, With its reopening, it has become a crucial hub for boosting agricultural productivity, reducing farming costs, and generating new livelihood opportunities.

He noted that the health campaign is gaining momentum, with AIIMS and BRD Medical College in Gorakhpur setting new records in medicine. Sugarcane farmers are benefiting unexpectedly from the sugar mills, and the development of state-of-the-art infrastructure, including expressways and multi-lane roads, is shaping a unique identity for Gorakhpur and Uttar Pradesh.

CM Yogi emphasized that the Sainik School in Gorakhpur, completed in just three years at a cost of Rs 176 crore, will play a pivotal role in shaping future generations. The school, the first of its kind in eastern Uttar Pradesh, will offer residential education for students from classes 6 to 12. He expressed confidence that this Sainik School will contribute to nation-building and the creation of a developed India by instilling a sense of duty and responsibility in its students.

The Chief Minister highlighted that the first Sainik School in the country was established in Lucknow in 1960 by then Chief Minister Sampurnanand. Following this, in 1961, the then Defense Minister initiated the establishment of five new Sainik Schools.

Welcoming Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, CM Yogi said: It is a great honor to have this Sainik School inaugurated by Vice President Dhankhar, an alumnus of Chittorgarh Sainik School from 1962 to 1969.

The Chief Minister noted that the new Sainik School features separate campuses for boys and girls and includes an auditorium named after the countrys first CDS, General Bipin Rawat. Additionally, a multipurpose hall, Eklavya shooting range, and a swimming pool have been constructed in honor of martyr Captain Vikram Batra.

The administrative building reflects ancient Indian culture and tradition and includes 20 classrooms, 4 laboratories, a dining hall, multipurpose hall, and a conference hall.

He further described that the auditorium can accommodate 1,014 seats and includes facilities such as a yoga center for meditation, an indoor shooting range, a swimming pool, and a CSD canteen.

Residential houses for students are named after notable figures such as Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Shaheed Pt. Ram Prasad Bismil, Shaheed Bandhu Singh, and Veerangana Rani Laxmibai. Additionally, Annapurna Bhawan will provide students with clean and nutritious meals every day.
In a rerun of violence in trouble-torn Manipur, five people were killed in fresh violence in Jiribam district early Saturday, according to police reports.

According to police, the violence began when militants entered an isolated home approximately five kilometers from the district headquarters and shot a man dead while he slept.

Following the killing, a heavy exchange of gunfire erupted between armed groups from opposing communities in the hills around seven kilometers from the district center, resulting in the deaths of four more individuals.

Advertisement

Among them were three militants from hill-based groups, authorities confirmed.

Meanwhile, tensions continue to rise in other parts of Manipur.

On September 6, Kuki militants reportedly deployed long-range rockets in two civilian-populated locations in Bishnupur district.

The attacks led to the death of 78-year-old RK Rabei and injuries to six other civilians in Moirang Khoiru Leikai.

Security forces have since been deployed to the affected areas to conduct combing operations. Bunkers in Churachandpur district were destroyed as part of the ongoing efforts to contain the violence.
Himachal Pradesh has decided to approach the Supreme Court seeking intervention to hand over the Shanan project to the state.

This was disclosed by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, while presiding over a meeting of senior officers of the Energy Department here on Saturday.

He emphasized on the need to assert Himachal Pradeshs rightful claims in the Court of Law to maximize benefits to the people of the state.

Advertisement

Sukhu said that 110 MW Shanan Hydel Project in Jogindernagar must be handed over to Himachal Pradesh, as the lease period of this project in favour of Punjab has expired.

He said that the state government would urge the Supreme Court to direct the Punjab government to handover the project back to Himachal Pradesh before 31st October this year.

The matter would also be taken up with the Government of India and the Punjab Government to ensure prompt transfer of the project. The State Government would also expedite the matter of securing Himachal Pradeshs legitimate rights in the BBMB, as adjudicated by the Supreme Court earlier, said the Chief Minister.

The state government will leave no stone unturned to achieve this goal, he affirmed, adding that a notice of non-compliance of the implementation agreement will be served to JSW Company regarding the 1045 MW Karcham Wangtoo Hydro Power Project as well, he stated.

To safeguard the interests of the state in the hydel sector, it has been decided to ensure 12 percent, 18 percent and 30 percent royalty slabs in the power projects and after 40 years, the project will be handed over back to the state, reiterated the Chief Minister.

He said that this step would also go a long way in strengthening the economy of the state.

Hydropower and tourism were the key sectors for the economy of the state and the present Sukhu led government was giving top priority to both these sectors.

Furthermore, the state government has envisioned making Himachal Pradesh a self-reliant State by the year 2027 and positioning it among the most prosperous States in the country by 2032, stated the Chief Minister.
Jaxon Rogers is an incoming senior at the University of Colorado  Colorado Springs and the President of the NSLS chapter at his university. Sean Anderson is the Co-President of The National Society for Leadership and Success.
With the state facing disaster for the second consecutive year in the monsoon season, Himachal Pradesh will set up 48 weather stations for early warning of rainfall and cloudburst.

This is also aimed at enhancing weather data accuracy and improve response to climate-related challenges.

The State government signed an MOU with the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) in the presence of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday late evening.

Advertisement

Under the agreement, 48 automatic weather stations will be installed across the state initially, providing real-time data to improve forecasting and preparedness, particularly for sectors like agriculture and horticulture.

The network will later be expanded to the block level in a phased manner. Currently, 22 automatic weather stations are already operational, set up by the IMD.

This network of weather stations would significantly improve the management of natural disasters like excessive rainfall, flash floods, snowfall and cloudbursts by enhancing early warning systems and emergency response capabilities, said the Chief Minister.

The state government reached a consensus with Agenc Francaise de Development (AFD) to provide Rs 890 crore for a comprehensive disaster and climate risk reduction project, he added.

The Chief Minister said: The project will help transition the state towards a more resilient disaster management framework, focusing on strengthening infrastructure, governance, and institutional capacity.

He said that the funds will be directed towards strengthening the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (HPSDMA), District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs), and both state and district Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs).

Additional efforts include conducting Climate Change Vulnerability Assessments (CCVA) at the village level and developing an Early Warning System (EWS) for various natural disasters.

The initiative will also expand fire response capabilities by establishing new fire stations in unserved areas and upgrading existing ones to handle hazardous material emergencies.

It aims to build bioengineering nurseries for landslide mitigation, create earthquake-resistant infrastructure, and improve last-mile connectivity through an enhanced satellite network.

Continuous monitoring will be carried out through a dedicated software platform. Further support may be provided through a technical assistance grant from France under a bilateral cooperation agreement, said the Chief Minister.

Sukhu further stated that a state institute for disaster management would be established besides constructing helipads to enhance disaster response, and a new State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) company would be formed to strengthen local disaster management efforts.
The Central government is confident that Indias technical textile exports will cross the $10 billion target set for 2030, said Union Minister of Textiles Giriraj Singh on Saturday.

He was inaugurating an international conference-cum-exhibition titled Viksit Bharat- Technical Textiles for Sustainable Growth & Development in New Delhi.

The Union Minister emphasised the increasing consumption and importance of man-made fibres and technical textiles in all spaces of life, both at global and domestic levels.

Advertisement

He also launched the Compendium of the National Technical Textiles Mission and awarded confirmation certificates to 11 approved Start-Ups under NTTM.

The minister stated that the government is fully dedicated to the development of the technical textiles industry of India and has taken various steps such as the launch of the National Technical Textiles Mission, PLI Scheme for MMF Fabric, Apparel and Technical Textiles.

Highlighting the key initiatives taken under the NTTM mission, Mr Singh stated that 156 research projects have been sanctioned including the development of carbon fibres and support to start-ups in different areas of technical textiles. He underlined the potential of Meditech, especially hygiene products as a major contributor in achieving this target.

He expressed confidence in the ability of the local industry, government and stakeholders in the development of High-Performance Fibres that have huge applications in different fields, including aerospace, automobile and construction.

The minister reiterated the governments full support to the industry to become a global leader and the largest manufacturer and market of technical textiles.

The minister also launched the Compendium of the National Technical Textiles Mission and awarded confirmation certificates to 11 approved Start-Ups under NTTM.
The Kerala government will host a fiscal conclave in Thiruvananthapuram on September 12 to discuss the approach towards the 16th Finance Commission.

The non-BJP ruled states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana and Punjab will participate in the conclave. The conclave will be inaugurated by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Kerala finance minister KN Balagopal will preside over the function.

Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister of Telangana Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, Karnatakas Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, Tamil Nadu Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu, Keralas Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan and the finance secretaries of the five states will also attend the meeting.

Advertisement

Experts, including Arvind Subramanian, former chief economic advisor of the Union government, State Planning Board vice chairman V K Ramachandran, former finance minister T M Thomas Isaac, former Union cabinet secretary K M Chandrasekhar, chief ministers principal secretary K M Abraham, fourth State Finance Commission chairman M A Oommen, 12th Finance Commission member DK Srivastava, and economist Prabhat Patnaik will attend the conclave.

Kerala considers Finance Commission as an important avenue where the state can raise the demand for restructuring Centre-state fiscal relations. A united stand of the state governments on fiscal matters has become imperative and the meeting will help achieve this, said Kerala Finance Minister K N Balagopal.
Over 17 lakh oil palm saplings, covering more than 12,000 hectares across 15 states in India benefitting over 10,000 farmers were undertaken as part of Mega Oil Palm Plantation Drive conducted under National Mission on Edible Oil-OilPalm.

The drive, launched on July 15, has achieved a significant milestone by demonstrating the collective efforts of the Union government, state governments and oil palm processing companies towards expanding oil palm cultivation in the country.

The drive, which will continue until September 15, has witnessed enthusiastic participation from states including Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare said on Saturday.

Advertisement

Organised by state governments in collaboration with leading oil palm processing companies such as Patanjali Food Pvt. Ltd, Godrej Agrovet and 3F Oil Palm Ltd, the initiative has featured numerous awareness workshops, plantation campaigns, and promotional events, the Ministry said.

These activities have successfully raised awareness and engaged the farming community, further supported by the presence of key dignitaries and political leaders who have underscored the importance of this mission.

Launched by the Union government in August 2021, the National Mission for Edible Oils  Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) aims to expand oil palm cultivation and boost Crude Palm Oil (CPO) production by setting up a value chain ecosystem for development of the Oil Palm sector including viability price support.

The Mega Oil Palm Plantation Drive is a key component of this broad
Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday warned that terrorism will return to Jammu and Kashmir if the National Conference (NC)Congress alliance was voted to power in the upcoming Assembly elections.

The Home Minister said there will be no talks with Pakistan until peace is restored and also ruled out restoration of cross-border trade from where money goes to terrorists.

Shah, who was addressing a largely attended meeting of BJP workers here, said these elections are an opportunity for the people of J&K to choose between terrorism, peace and development.

Advertisement

Earlier in the morning, Shah also held a meeting of the core committee of the BJP in which the partys strategy for the Assembly elections was discussed.

He said that the NC-Congress alliance wants to release stone pelters, separatists and terrorist sympathisers to again destabilise Jammu and Kashmir.

They want to push the border districts of Rajouri, Poonch and Jammu into the fire of terrorism, the Home Minister said.

He said that the alliance will not be in a position to form a government in J&K and urged the youth of Kashmir to vote carefully as they have seen the sufferings during the rule of the three dynastiesAbdullahs, Muftis and Congress.

Kashmir bore the impact of terrorism for decades, 10 years of the Modi government brought terror incidents down by 70 percent. There were governments in Kashmir that turned blind eye to terrorism. There are people who would come here and become chief ministers when there was peace and when there was terrorism, they would go to Delhi and drink coffee in coffee bars. After many years, the Amarnath Yatra was carried out fearlessly, the cinema halls have reopened and were screening movies till late night in the valley, Tazia procession was carried out in the valley after more than three decades, Shah said.

He said the NC-Congress alliance wants to start talks with Pakistan, but this will not happen until there is peace in J&K.

The Home Minister said that the upcoming Assembly elections are historic as this is for the first time after Independence that the election in J&K is being held under one Tricolour and not two flags, one Constitution authored by Babasaheb Ambedkar. There cant be two PMs in the country, there can only be one PM whom people of Kashmir to Kanyakumari elect and that is PM Narendra Modi.

Asking the party workers to campaign wholeheartedly, Shah said I want to make it clear that the BJP will fight the elections with full strength and will win. Those days are gone when someone else decides whose government will be formed, now the people of Jammu and Kashmir will elect the government of their choice.

Hitting out at the NC that was talking of restoring autonomy for Jammu and Kashmir, Shah said no power on earth can do that. Rahul baba and NC are saying they will give Jammu and Kashmir the state status again. I want to ask Abdullah and Rahul baba, how can you give it back, tell me? Why are you making a fool of the people of Jammu and Kashmir? I have myself said in the Parliament that we will restore statehood of Jammu and Kashmir after the elections at an appropriate time. I didnt say this in any public gathering but in Parliament.

The Home Minister said that there are rumours here that the NC-Congress is going to form the government in J&K. I have been a student of election statistics from a very young age and I am telling you this that the government of Congress and Farooq Abdullah can never be formed in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Congress and Farooq Abdullah government can never be formed in Jammu and Kashmir, I can see this writing on the wall. They are the same people who insulted Raja Hari Singh and externed him from J&K. We will not let the reservation of Gujjars, Bakarwal, Paharis and Dalits be touched by the NC, Congress or any other party, Shah added.
Former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief and BJP strongman Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh on Saturday said that Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia joining the Congress has proved that the wrestlers protests against him was conspiracy hatched by the grand old party and that former Haryana chief minister Bhupendra Singh Hooda was the brain behind it.

The two wrestlers were at the forefront of a massive protest against Singh in 2023, accusing him of sexually harassing several female wrestlers during his tenure as WFI chief.

On 18th January 2023, when the protest started at Jantar Mantar, I said that this is not a movement of sportspersons, Congress is behind it. Especially Bhupinder Hooda, Deepender Hooda, Priyanka ji, and Rahul ji. This is a movement of Congress. And today this thing has been proved. In this entire movement, the conspiracy that happened against us, Congress was involved in it and Bhupinder Hooda was leading it, Singh stated.

Advertisement

Singh further lashed out at Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia, as well as the Congress leaders he holds responsible for the protests.

I want to tell the people of Haryana that Bhupinder Hooda, Deepender Hooda, Bajrang, and Vinesh were not sitting (on protest) for the dignity of girls. Due to them, the daughters of Haryana are facing embarrassment. We are not responsible for it, Bhupinder Hooda and Deependra Hooda and these protesters are responsible for it.

The BJP leader also questioned what his detractors would say if it were proven that he was not in Delhi on the day of the incident on which the allegations against him are being made.

They used daughters for politics and defamed daughters, especially women athletes. They were not fighting for the honour of daughters; they were fighting for politics, he added.

The BJP leader claimed he is innocent in the matter and further accused the wrestlers and the Congress party of disrespecting the daughters.

I am not guilty of disrespecting daughters. If anyone is guilty of disrespecting daughters, it is Bajrang and Vinesh. And the one who wrote the script, Bhupinder Hooda, is responsible for that. One day Congress will have to regret it, he further stated.

His remarks came a day after Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia formally joined the Congress.

Shortly after this, Congress announced its first list of 32 candidates for the Haryana Assembly elections and fielded Vinesh Phogat as its candidate from Julana constituency in Jind district.

The Congress has appointed Bajrang Punia as the working chairman of the All India Kisan Congress.

Elections to the 90-member Haryana Legislative Assembly are scheduled to be held on October 5, while the counting of votes will take place on October 8.
At least 3 people were killed and around 28 were injured when a three-storey building in the Transport Nagar area of the state capital collapsed on Saturday evening.

NDRF and SDRF teams rushed to the spot and rescued over 30 people from the debris.

Unconfirmed reports suggest 4 people may have been killed.

Advertisement

The building, known as Harmilap building, is reported to have housed a medicine warehouse, police said.

According to the latest information, 30 people have been evacuated so far. Three people have died, while the condition of 5 others is reported to be very serious.

One of the deceased has been identified as Jasmeet Sahni, the owner of the medicine warehouse. The identities of the other two deceased individuals are yet to be confirmed.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has taken cognisance of the incident and instructed officials to provide all possible relief to those injured. He has also asked authorities to expedite the relief and rescue operations.
A globe-trotting self-styled spiritual guru, Maha Vishnu, who landed into trouble over his justification of rebirth, according to the sins ccommitted in ones previous birth, in a lecture at a government school on Teachers Day, was detained on his arrival at Chennai airport on Saturday.

He was taken into custody on his return from Australia and taken to an undisclosed location for questioning. The police action followed a plethora of complaints against him, including those lodged by associations of differently abled persons. He is accused of preaching unscientific fundamentalist views to impressionable school children besides belittling the plight of the differently abled.

On being produced before a magistrate, he was remanded in custody till September 20. The police have invoked sections 192, 196(1)a, 352 and 353(2) of the BNS against him.

Advertisement

Earlier on Friday, the cops in Tirupur searched his home in the town and the premises of his NGO, Paramporul Foundation, at nearby Kolathupalayam. And it was later found that he had left for Australia.

If god is embodiment of compassion, why some are born rich, some in absolute poverty, some with deformities and diseases and some without homes? Some are born as heroes while others are notWhy should these be? It is because your present life is given according to the sins committed in the previous birth, Mahavishnu told the students at the Girls Higher Secondary School in Ashok Nagar.

Though invited to deliver a talk on self-confidence, he digressed into supporting regressive and unscientific beliefs. He had earlier, addressed the students of another Government School at Saidapet in the city.

When a visually challenged teacher, Sankar, dared him not to preach superstitious beliefs, Maha Vishnu abused him asking Are you more knowledgeable than the Chief Educational Officer (CEO) and other high officials who gave permission for the lecture?

As the clip of his speech and abuse of Sankar as well his photographs with a few DMK ministers had gone viral online, it provoked huge public outrage with many political parties and activists demanding stern action.

Forced to turn into a firefighting mode, the Education Department ordered and probe has transferred the two head Masters and ordered a probe into the issue on Friday. School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi, who visited the Ashok Nagar School assured that severe action will be taken against all those found responsible for inviting the speaker. It will be a stern lesson for all across Tamil Nadu. I will not leave the speaker just like that. He had come to my place and abused my teacher, he made clear.

Honouring Sankar, a Tamil teacher, for daring to confront the speaker, the minister said, I am proud of him. It is Tamil that had questioned obscurantism. The Constitution requires us to promote scientific temper. Students need not take whatever is being said. Rather, they should rationally analyse and find out what is correct.

Criticising the detention of Maha Vishnu, leader of the the ultra-Tamil nationalist Naam Tamila Katchi (We Tamils Party), Seeman, had lashed out at the police for treating him like a terrorist at the airport.

What is the need for the arrest? he questioned, adding The Head Masters have been made the scapegoats by transferring them. How the speaker could be invited without the knowledge of the officials? If so, it shows that the Education Department is dysfunctional, he charged.
Describing Uttar Pradesh as the best state, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar praised Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for the changes that have come here after 2017.

He said that today Uttar Pradesh has a qualitative participation in Indias distinct and strong identity in the world under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Appealing to everyone to contribute to the ongoing campaign regarding the concept of Developed India by 2047, he said that every person should make sacrifices in the havan of a developed India because whatever we can do for the country is less.

Vice  President was addressing the inauguration ceremony of Sainik School in the presence of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath here on Saturday. Vice Presidents wife Dr. Sudesh Dhankhar was also present on this occasion.

Advertisement

Referring to the changes in Uttar Pradesh under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the Vice President said that after 2017, there has been qualitative growth in education, medicine, entrepreneurship and other sectors in UP. Whereas before 2017 this state was in the grip of fear. The law and order situation was not good and the common man was troubled.

Praising Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on many aspects, the Vice President said that Yogi ji has done a wonderful and miraculous job by completing Sainik School Gorakhpur in just three years. Actually, the echo of Yogi jis miraculous works is heard everywhere. It was difficult and unimaginable to make a Sainik School operational in three years but there was faith that CM Yogi would make it happen.

Inspiring the students of all schools including Sainik School and the general public, the Vice President said that Indianness is our identity and nation is our religion. We have to put nationalism above personal interest. Compromise with nationalism would be a betrayal of the nation. We should not tolerate those who question the nation.

The Vice President said that todays India is not the India of ten years ago , rather it is a strong India. Earlier the countrys gold was mortgaged in a Swiss bank, today this is not the case but the countrys gold reserves are sufficient. In Kashmir, where no one was visible, more than two crore tourists have been coming there since two-three years after the abolition of Article 370. The framers of the Constitution had made Article 370 temporary but some people considered it permanent.

Shri Dhankhar explained to the students that they should never be afraid of failure because failure is the beginning of success. He said to remove the fear from the mind. If you are afraid, your talent will be frustrated. He attributed the unprecedented success of Chandrayaan 3 to the partial success of Chandrayaan 2. Referring to the importance of education, he said that education is the medium of change. Social evils can be attacked only through education.

VP said that Purvanchal is an important part of Uttar Pradesh. The structure of the first Sainik School of this area is amazing. The charisma done by CM Yogi in the form of this magnificent Sainik School is the way to build the future generation. He is confident that this Sainik School will be a reflection of Yogi jis special imprint.

The Vice President said that the countrys first Sainik School was established in 1960 by the then Chief Minister Dr. Sampurnanand ji in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. Now in UP, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has done a commendable job of opening Sainik Schools through the State Society. By building Sainik School in a short time and being the Chief Minister for the longest period, Yogi ji has broken the record of former CM Dr. Sampurnanand ji, he said.

Shri Dhankhar said that through this invitation, Yogi ji also made us realize that education is a medium to bring change, remove inequality and create equality. The Vice President said that by giving me the opportunity to inaugurate Sainik School Gorakhpur, you (Yogi ji) have added a new chapter in my life. Will never forget it.

Shri Dhankhar said that the Sainik School of Gorakhpur will inspire every state to form a society on its lines and establish Sainik School in their state. He said that the attachment I have developed today for Gorakhpur by attending the inauguration ceremony of this Sainik School will remain for the rest of my life.

In the inauguration ceremony of Sainik School, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar paid tribute to Gorakshbhoomi, the historical, spiritual and spiritual place of Nath sect, and linked it with his home region Rajasthan. He said that the present Goraksha Peethadhishwar Yogi Adityanaths grandfather Mahant Digvijaynath Ji Maharaj was from Udaipur, Rajasthan. Hanuman Prasad Poddar of Geeta Press also belonged to Rajasthan. He said that it has been his great good fortune that he was a member of the Lok Sabha along with Yogi Jis Gurudev Mahant Avedyanath Ji. When he became a minister at the Centre, Mahant Avedyanath ji was one of the few people whose blessings he took.

At the inauguration ceremony of Sainik School, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath congratulated the Vice President by presenting him Angavastra and a terracotta idol of Lord Ganesha. On this occasion, Minister of State for Secondary Education Gulab Devi presented a terracotta idol of Lord Ganesha to the Vice Presidents wife Dr. Sudesh Dhankhar.

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, who inaugurated Sainik School Gorakhpur, also inspected it along with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. He inspected the class room, play ground, swimming pool, residential complex etc. After that, shooting was also practiced at the newly constructed Eklavya Shooting Range site. With a view to make the environment clean and beautiful, he gave the message of keeping nature green by planting trees.
Reacting to BJP leader and former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singhs conspiracy charge after wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punias political plunge, senior Congress leader Pawan Khera on Saturday said that while the BJP stands with those who do wrong, the Congress always stands with those who are wronged.

Whoever does wrong, BJP stands with them and they are with the BJP. Whoever is wronged, Congress fights for them and raises their voice and will raise it in the future too and that is why they also like Congress, he said.

Khera further stated that six players had filed an FIR against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and they are proud that they stood with them.

Advertisement

Six players had filed an FIR against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh We are proud that we stood, are standing and will stand with our daughters. We will never regret that we stood with our daughters, they should regret it, he added.

His response came shortly after Singh alleged that the wrestlers protest against him was a Conspiracy hatched by the the Congress and that former Haryana Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda was the braine behind it.

On 18th January 2023, when the protest started at Jantar Mantar, I said that this is not a movement of sportspersons, Congress is behind it. Especially Bhupinder Hooda, Deepender Hooda, Priyanka ji, and Rahul ji. This is a movement of Congress. And today this thing has been proved. In this entire movement, the conspiracy that happened against us, Congress was involved in it and Bhupinder Hooda was leading it, Singh stated.

Earlier on Friday, Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia formally joined the Congress.

Shortly after this, Congress announced its first list of 32 candidates for the Haryana Assembly elections and fielded Vinesh Phogat as its candidate from Julana constituency in Jind district.

The Congress has appointed Bajrang Punia as the working chairman of the All India Kisan Congress.

The two wrestlers were at the forefront of a massive protest against Singh in 2023, accusing him of sexually harassing several female wrestlers during his tenure as WFI chief.
Theatre plays and playwrights, since ages, have proved the boundless human potential of imagination by bringing written words beyond the limits of a page and making them alive on the stage.

Habib Tanvirs contribution is no less than a divine blessing for the theatre industry, both in India and beyond. The eminent individual, after dedicating almost his entire life to theatre arts, brought pride to the nation by receiving prestigious awards such as the Padma Shri (1983), the Padma Bhushan (2002), the Sangeet Natak Akademi award (1969), the Jawaharlal Nehru Fellowship (1979) and other national and international awards during his lifetime.

Marking the 100th birth anniversary of Habib Tanvir, Antiquity Natural Mineral Water, in partnership with the Kolkata Centre for Creativity (KCC), commemorated a three-day festival, titled Dekh Rahe Hain Nayan, from 30 August to 1 September this year, to reminisce about the artists life, work and immense contributions to Indian theatre, literature and art.

Advertisement

Curated by M.K. Raina and Tausif Rahman, after much research and consultation by Anjum Katyal, Dekh Rahe Hain Nayan is the first major initiative to take serious note of Tanvirs oeuvre.

Expressing enthusiasm for the event, Richa Agarwal, the chairperson of KCC, stated, Along with the whole country, we, Bengalis, look up to him the most. Often referred to as the Banglar jamai, owing to his Bengali wife, he founded Naya Theatre in 1959 along with Moneeka Misra. Todays event is an initial start to celebrate his works in Bengal, therefore by providing a platform for insightful discourse and a cross-pollination of knowledge.

Events included folk music performances by Poonam Tiwari and her troupe, Raghubir Yadav with Subhadeep Guha; Habibnama, directed by Danish Husain; Dastaan-E-Ashok-O-Akbar by Ratna Pathak Shah; songs from Habib Tanvirs theatre by Nageen Tanvir; a screening of Gaon Ke Naon Theatre Mor Naon Habib, directed by Sudhanva Deshpande and Sanjay Maharishi; book launches by Seagull Books and Orient Blackswan; and several other exclusive masterclasses on acting and direction, as well as five panel discussions on the topics of Habib Tanvir and his theatre, philosophy and legacy, made the show a hit.

The festival is also a part of Antiquity Natural Mineral Waters platform, Free to Discover More, that aims to inspire young India to discover both legendary tales and fresh voices in our rich heritage of art and culture. This celebration is hence a spectacular journey into Indias theatrical roots and how it shapes cultural expression today.

SNS
The concept of karma in Indian philosophy and religion is associated with the doctrine of rebirth. Yet, there are instances where one encounters the consequences of karma within a single life span, in the form of misery and suffering.

Rajendra Khandelwal, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Niger in Kolkata and the founder of the Dhanwantary Chain of Pharmacies in Kolkata, has recently authored a book titled Karma, the Winner, understating his own life and the role that karma played in shaping it.

Khandelwal opens the book with the words, Do not worry for the decisions of God, but your karma, that shall not spare you, anyway. He picks examples of Lord Krishna and Arjuna reflecting karma in the Bhagavad Gita, backing profound truths of life that he has discovered in his span of 65 years on this earth.

Advertisement

Through its pages, the book enlightens one on living an impactful life layered in rich experiences. The book not only stops at life and its purpose but also ensures its readers on how to put things accordingly in order to make life purposeful. The chapters in the book guide one to take charge of ones goals and choices and advise how to consider failures as pillars of success, how to love oneself wholeheartedly, and most importantly, how to say no. The book crystallises the differences between standing apart, making yourself unique, but not lonely. The book may even amplify ones senses with its tips and tricks of living life like a yogi within a family life in this modern cyber era. Additionally, its a real delight on how the book advises the importance of physical health and peace of mind, which are often neglected in the pursuit of wealth and social status.

Talking to The Statesman, Khandelwal says, It is definitely true that I have seen ample success in my life, but its also true that despite success, my failures taught me how karma bites back. I realised that its not money, but its good health and healthy respectful relationships with others that can secure your peace of mind. Over the past 6 years, I have undergone both cancer and spine treatment, which in turn has made me realise that down the line, I must have gone somewhere wrong or have done wrong to someone, which in the process came back to me with my sufferings.

Each chapter ends with anecdotes, that is, the authors real-life stories. The book is written in a story-telling format to make it attractive, revolving around the life of Arnav, who has suddenly lost his wife and child in an accident and gone into depression. How he faces the challenge and how he builds his life all over again.

The day we realise that we need to worry less about the destination and the journey and enjoy our company more, life may look more enjoyable to us, says Khandelwal in his book.

Speaking at the book launch, Alokananda Roy said, Karma cancels out each other, only if one works hard enough to reverse it. For me, love is a strong tool to help balance out bad karma with good karma.

Everyone has ups and downs in life, and even though karma is such a big canvas, small things in the larger picture dont last forever, added Usha Uthup.

The launch was graced by Haymandoyal Dillum, the high commissioner of the Republic of Mauritius in India; Padma Bhushan; Usha Uthup; Harshvardhan Neotia; Sanjay Budhia; Alokananda Roy; Shuvaprasanna; Vivek Gupta; Swami Vedatotananda of Belur Math; and Satyam Roychowdhury.

The book has been published by Virasat Art Publication and edited by Saheli Mitra.
A total of 24,851 suspected mpox cases, including 5,549 confirmed cases and 643 deaths, have been reported across the African continent since the beginning of 2024, said Jean Kaseya, director general of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), during an online press briefing on Friday.

Kaseya warned of an upward trend in mpox cases across Africa, Xinhua news agency reported.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the epicentre of the health crisis, has reported 20,463 suspected cases, including 635 deaths.

Advertisement

The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently declared the disease a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) and called for a coordinated international response to stop the outbreak of mpox and save lives. The move by the UN health agency followed an outbreak of the viral infection in the DRC and the spread to its neighbouring countries in Africa.

Mpox is a viral illness caused by the monkeypox virus, which has two distinct clades, including clade 1b and clade 2b, and can be transmitted to humans through physical contact with an infectious person, contaminated materials, or infected animals.

According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda have each reported their first clade 1b cases between July and August, initially circulating in the DRC in 2023 and appearing to be more severe and spread faster than the clade 2b variant, which circulates in West Africa.

The African Union approved $10.4 million in August to support the ongoing efforts to combat the mpox outbreak across Africa.

The governments and health partners, with the support of the WHO, continue scaling up the response, including contact tracing, case management screenings at border entry points, testing capacity strengthening, surveillance, case reporting, and dissemination of information on preventive measures, the OCHA said.
The US Court announced that former President Donald Trump will not be sentenced in his New York criminal case until after the November presidential election, CNN reported.

As per the CNN report on Friday, Judge Juan Merchan explained the reason that delay in the sentencing is in part to avoid any appearance of affecting the outcome of the presidential race.

After Trumps lawyers requested the court to push his hearing, Merchan responded that if it is deemed necessary, he will sentence Trump on November 26, CNN reported.

Adjourning decision on the motion and sentencing, if such is required, should dispel any suggestion that the Court will have issued any decision or imposed sentence either to give an advantage to, or to create a disadvantage for, any political party and or any candidate for any office, CNN quoted Merchan as saying.

Merchan added that he will decide on Trumps motion to vacate the verdict because the Supreme Court decided on presidential immunity. Merchan said that Supreme Court rendered a historic and intervening decision with its immunity ruling, CNN reported.

Steven Cheung, the spokesperson of Trumps campaign stated, There should be no sentencing in the Manhattan District Attorneys election interference witch hunt. As mandated by the United States Supreme Court, this case, along with all the other Harris-Biden hoaxes, should be dismissed.

Advertisement

This matter is one that stands alone, in a unique place in this Nations history, and this Court has presided over it since its inception  from arraignment to jury verdict and a plentitude of motions and other matters in-between. Were this Court to decide, after careful consideration of the Supreme Courts decision in Trump, that this case should proceed, it will be faced with one of the most critical and difficult decisions a trial court judge faces  the sentencing of a defendant found guilty of crimes by a unanimous jury of his peers, Merchan wrote, as per CNN report.

The members of this jury served diligently on this case, and their verdict must be respected and addressed in a manner that is not diluted by the enormity of the upcoming presidential election, he continued. Likewise, if one is necessary, the Defendant has the right to a sentencing hearing that respects and protects his constitutional rights, CNN quoted Merchan as saying.

A New York judge partially lifted a gag order imposed on Donald Trump in his hush money criminal case on June 25. The updated terms allow Trump to resume speaking about trial witnesses, including Michael Cohen and Stormy Daniels, whom the former president has strongly attacked.
You have permission to edit this article.

Edit Close


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.
Becoming a Chevening scholar is not just about receiving one of the British governments most prestigious scholarshipsits a transformative step into an elite global network of emerging leaders. Among this esteemed group is Hridya Syamala Jairam, a dynamic young social worker from Kerala, whose pioneering efforts in advancing rural womens education have placed her among the top 2% of global applicants awarded this coveted honour.

With Chevenings support, she will soon begin her studies in social innovation and entrepreneurship at the prestigious London School of Economics.

In an interview with THE WEEK, Hridya shares her valuable insights and practical advice for aspiring scholars, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds, striving to join the esteemed ranks of Cheveners.

Q: What are the perks of being a Chevening scholar, and is it fully funded? Give us a brief idea of this scholarship.

The Chevening Scholarship is a prestigious and highly reputed British government-funded award, administered by the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office. Unlike many other scholarships, Chevening specifically seeks emerging leaders from around the world, offering full financial support to pursue a one-year master's degree at any Chevening-supported university in the UK.

The focus is not only on funding but also on fostering global connections and leadership development. Chevening provides access to exclusive academic, professional, and cultural experiences.

Every year, over 60,000 applications are submitted, but only 2% are selected.

The programme began in 1983 and has since developed a vast alumni network, including state heads, policymakers, and civil servants globally. Chevening scholars have a saying: "Once a Chevener, always a Chevener."

The benefits of being a Chevening scholar are numerous. First, the scholarship is incredibly generousit fully covers your tuition fees for a postgraduate course in a UK university. Additionally, scholars receive a generous monthly stipend that covers living expenses, accommodation, food, and travel costs.

The scholarship also includes round-trip airfare to and from your home country. For those not based in London, there are additional allowances for travelling to Chevening events, most of which take place in London. Scholars also receive arrival and departure allowances, and visa costs, including TB tests required for the visa, are fully covered.

In addition to financial support, Chevening offers recognition and prestige. The scholarships global alumni network consists of emerging leaders from diverse fields such as medicine, law, the arts, and innovation. The community includes future policymakers, state leaders, and heads of government. Its a unique, diverse, and talented group of people who come together as part of a cohort.

Chevening is about more than just education or academics. Scholars have access to networking events, leadership seminars, cultural tours, and other experiences that enrich the year without the financial burden. This is especially valuable for individuals from underprivileged backgrounds, allowing them to explore opportunities and connect with global leaders.

Q: Could you give a brief about your life and work before being a Chevening scholar?

After earning my bachelor's degree in economics from Sacred Heart College, Thevara, in Kerala, I joined a multinational company as an intern. However, I soon realised that corporate life wasn't for me. Since the 8th grade, I had been volunteering with my mother at shelter homes, but I wasn't aware of the development sector or social work as a formal career path.

After declining the placement offer, I was uncertain about my next steps. Through a friend, I learned about a remote rural village in Rajasthan called Kotri, where they needed a teacher. I volunteered there, starting as a teacher and eventually becoming a program coordinator and project manager. My work primarily focused on education for girls, blending both education and gender equity.

In 2022, after the pandemic, I received an offer to join the Chief Minister's Youth Center project in Meghalaya. This initiative, in collaboration with the Government of Meghalaya, Sauramandala Foundation, and Project DEFY, involved managing 22 self-designed learning spaces across the state. I was the program manager, overseeing these learning hubs.

Last year, I co-founded the Centre for Social Innovation And Impact with two friends. Our organisation runs a women's night school in Rajasthan, working alongside the local community to empower women and build their agency.

Q: Can you explain in detail the process involved in applying for the Chevening Scholarship?

The Chevening Scholarship process begins with submitting an online application. The first step is to check your eligibility, which I'll explain later. In the application form, you'll need to provide personal details and course selections, but the most crucial part is writing four essays.

1. Leadership and Influence: In this essay, you must demonstrate your leadership skills and the initiatives you've taken.

2. Relationship Building and Shared Learning (Networking): Here, you need to describe how you create and maintain networks, and how you've worked with others to achieve goals, especially if you've co-created something with your networks.

3. Course Selection: This essay focuses on the courses you've chosen and why you selected the UK for your studies.

4. Future Career Plans: This essay outlines your long-term career goals.

Each essay is limited to 500 words. For the leadership and networking essays, it's important to give examples that highlight your experiences. For instance, I believe my work in starting an organisation and managing various projects contributed to my leadership essay.

In the networking essay, I emphasised how many of the projects I participated in were made possible through the support of people within my networks, rather than through fully funded programs.

One example, I included was a student exchange program where nine girls from Rajasthan came to Kerala to experience the ocean for the first time. The programme had a limited budget, but it was made possible thanks to the help of many friends across the state, from Kasargod to Trivandrum.

After the essays, the next step is an interview. The application process typically runs from August to November, with Chevening calling for applicants in August and applications closing in November.

Your application goes through multiple review committees, and by February, you receive the results. If shortlisted, you're invited to an interview, which takes place in March. My interview invitation was sent around February 16, and my interview was in March.

The interview panel typically consists of three or more people. In my interview, the panel included the head of Chevening India, a representative from the British High Commission, and a Chevening alumnus. The interview itself is quite relaxed, with the focus on getting to know you better. Final results are usually announced in June, often in the third week.

Q: How can one assess their own eligibility for applying? What are the basic requirements for pursuing this opportunity?

As I mentioned earlier, the Chevening Scholarship application is entirely online. If you have internet access and can communicate in English you're already set. Chevening has specific eligibility criteria. First, you must be from a Chevening-eligible country (India is one), so that's not an issue. You also need to commit to returning to your home country for at least two years after the scholarship ends.

Additionally, you must have two years of work experience or 2,800 hours, which can include full-time or part-time work, voluntary service, or paid/unpaid internships. An undergraduate degree that qualifies you for a UK masters program is also required.

You can find these basic eligibility criteria on the Chevening website, where there's also an eligibility quiz to help you determine if you're a fit. The application process doesn't consider your economic, social, or financial background, so anyone can apply. In fact, Chevening encourages applicants from tier-2 and tier-3 cities, marginalized communities, and all genders.

Q: What advice would you offer to young scholars? Additionally, what tips did you find helpful while writing your essays?

I highly recommend reading through the scholarship details on the website and starting your essays early. There are many helpful tips on writing good essays and preparing for interviews, shared by alumni on the website.

One of the most important steps is to reach out to Chevening alumni for guidance. Most people will be happy to help, whether by reviewing your essays or offering advice. I personally would be happy to help applicants from marginalised communities, especially women, and you can reach me on Instagram for that.

There are also initiatives like Edu Access and Samatha Center, which provide free guidance to applicants from underprivileged communities. Alumni are generally happy to offer their support without charge, so dont hesitate to ask for help.

My preparation tips are as follows:

Eligibility Check: Start by ensuring you're eligible for the scholarship.

Research: Thoroughly explore the website and read articles about how to apply and craft strong essays.

STAR Approach: Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) approach in your essays. This is especially important for leadership and networking. Be specific and measurable, and avoid generalisations. Give recent examples rather than referencing college experiences, especially if you've been working for several years.

Personal Touch: Inject your personal story into the essays and write passionately. Be confident about your achievementsdont be overly modest.

Course Research: Do thorough research on the course you're applying for and reflect that knowledge in your essays.

Seek Help: Dont hesitate to reach out for support, and start preparing your essays early.

Being confident, detailed, and proactive will make a huge difference in your application.
In what comes as another right step toward gender inclusivity in armed forces in India, the Remount Veterinary Corps (RVC)an administrative and operational branch of the Indian Army, that is responsible for breeding, rearing, and training of all animals used in the armyposted four women in forward areas.

They will be responsible for taking care of the Indian Army's animal assents which include dogs and equines (horses, mules).

ALSO READ: Indian Army's wait for AH-64E Apache attack aircraft from US gets longer amid crashes

Animals play a crucial role in transportation in tough and challenging terrains where vehicles cannot operate. Dogs of different breeds, horses, camels, yak, and mules are the some of animals that are needed in military operations. Their uses may vary according to requirement and working capability depending on the region and climate of the area, a study published in 'Uses of Animals in the Indian Military According to the Climatic Conditions', published on resmilitaris.net notes.

The government had approved Women Officers in RVC on March 01, 2023. The move by the Indian Army is part of the plans to include more women in different combat-supporting roles that are traditionally a men's domain.

About RVC

One of the oldest formations of the Indian Army, the Remount Veterinary Corps was raised in Bengal in 1779 as the 'Stud Department'.

Apart from breeding, procurement, rearing, training, and issue of trained army equines, the RVC also maintains liaison with national bodies on matters related to animal health, disease, and research.

ALSO READ: Chinese parts in Indian Army drones? Defence ministry to form strategy to counter this

"To develop and impart the skills of all aspects of veterinary sciences and animal care, veterinary public health and equestrian sports to meet the Tri-Service needs of the Armed forces as also to undertake technological exchange programme on scientific knowhow with the environment for enhancing effectiveness, optimal production and efficient resource management," the mission statement of RVC reads.
Five people were killed and more than 20 others injured as a three-storey building collapsed in Lucknow on Saturday evening. Several people are feared trapped under the debris even as the rescue operation is underway.

The injured have been rushed to Lok Bandhu Hospital. Three of the deceased have been identified as one Pankaj Tiwari (40), Dheeraj Gupta (48) and Arun Sonkar (28) wihile identities of two of the deceased are yet to be ascertained.

#WATCH | Lucknow Building collapse | DM Lucknow Suryapal Gangwar says, "The CM took immediate cognizance and he is continuously reviewing the situation... He directed all the senior officials to reach the spot so that the rescue operations could be carried out in coordination pic.twitter.com/vmVbrNhCzI  ANI (@ANI) September 7, 2024

"Rescue teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been deployed to the scene and are working to extricate the trapped individuals," Relief Commissioner G.S. Naveen Kumar said.

The incident took place around 5 pm at Transport Nagar. Senior police and administrative officials have been rushed to the spot to oversee the rescue operations.

According to a PTI report, the building had a motor workshop and warehouse on the ground floor, a medical godown on the first floor and a cutlery warehouse on the second floor.

#WATCH | Lucknow Building collapse | ADG Law and Order Amitabh Yash says, "The CM took immediate cognizance and sent the senior officials to the spot so that the rescue operations could be carried out in coordination between all departments and more lives can be saved. NDRF, pic.twitter.com/iIZA9nw25v  ANI (@ANI) September 7, 2024

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who is an MP from Lucknow, expressed grief over the loss of lives in the building collapse and said the local administration is carrying out the relief and rescue operations.

"The news of the collapse of a building in Lucknow is extremely painful. I have spoken to the District Magistrate of Lucknow over the phone and got information about the situation at the spot, he said in a post on X.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also took cognizance of the incident and directed officials to expedite the relief work.

The Chief Minister has instructed the district administration officials, SDRF and NDRF teams to reach the spot and expedite the relief work and immediately take the injured to the hospital for proper treatment. He also wished for the speedy recovery of the injured," the chief ministers office said.
Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan will begin a two-day maiden visit to India on Sunday to hold wide-ranging talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, amid escalating tensions in West Asia.



The visit of Al Nahyan will further reinforce strong ties between India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and open avenues for partnership in new and emerging areas, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, announcing the trip. Prime Minister Modi and the Crown Prince will hold talks on Sunday covering a wide range of areas of bilateral cooperation, it said.

Besides bilateral issues, the two leaders are also expected to deliberate on the overall situation arising out of the Israel-Hamas conflict. The visiting leader is also scheduled to call on President Droupadi Murmu. He will visit Rajghat to pay tributes to Mahatma Gandhi.

The Crown Prince will be accompanied by several ministers from the UAE government and a business delegation. After concluding the Delhi leg of his visit, Al Nahyan will travel to Mumbai to participate in a business forum on Monday. Top business leaders from both countries will participate in the forum.

"At the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, will pay an official visit to India on September 9 and 10," the MEA said on Saturday.

The MEA also referred to the boosting of bilateral cooperation in a range of areas in the last few years. "India and UAE share historically close and friendly ties. In recent years, the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and the UAE has deepened in a wide range of areas including political, trade, investment, connectivity, energy, technology, education, and culture," it said.

Following the landmark visit of Modi to UAE in August 2015, bilateral relations between the two countries were elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Both countries signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in February 2022 and a Local Currency Settlement (LCS) System in July 2023 to promote the use of Indian Rupee and AED (United Arab Emirates Dirham) for cross-border transactions.

The two countries are among each other's top trading partners with a bilateral trade of about $85 billion in 2022-23, according to official data. The UAE is also among the top four investors in India in terms of foreign direct investments in 2022-23.

About 3.5 million strong and vibrant Indian community forms the largest expatriate group in the UAE. The UAE was invited as special invitee for G20 during India's Presidency of the grouping.

In Feb 2023, the India-UAE-France (UFI) trilateral was formally launched.

With India's active support, the UAE joined SCO as dialogue partner in May 2023. The UAE also joined BRICS as a member on January 1 with India's support. The India-UAE defence cooperation has also witnessed a renewed momentum in the last few years. In January 2024, the first India-UAE bilateral army exercise 'Desert Cyclone' was held in Rajasthan.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah said in Jammu on Saturday that there will be no talks with Pakistan until lasting peace is established in Jammu and Kashmir. He added that statehood will be restored at the appropriate time, after the Assembly elections.



Shah arrived in Jammu and Kashmir on Friday for a two-day visit and released the party's manifesto, which includes 25 promises covering all sectors.

Sounding the BJPs poll bugle, he criticised the National Conference (NC) for advocating talks with Pakistan in its manifesto.

Let me make it clear that there can be no talks with Pakistan until peace becomes a permanent feature in J&K, Shah said.

In a sharp critique of the NC-Congress alliance for claiming they will restore statehood to J&K, he said, "Perhaps Rahul Baba and Omar are unaware of my August 5, 2019 speech, where I clearly stated that statehood will be restored to J&K after the elections, at an appropriate time."

Aiming at Rahul and Omar, the Union Home Minister said he wonders how they plan to get back statehood. Can they clarify? It's only the Narendra Modi-led government that has the authority to restore statehood to J&K," he said.

Challenging Rahul and Omar on the reservation for Gujjar-Bakerwal and Dalit communities, he said, No power can touch this reservation.

He said this is the first election where only one flag, one Constitution and one Prime Minister.

He said Prime Minister Modi stands as one for the entire nation. From Kanyakumari to Kashmir, there is only one PM, and that is Narendra Modi, he said.

He urged BJP workers to come with their families on voting day and finish voting by 11.30 am.

Shah asked BJP supporters to take a pledge to vote against the Abdullahs, Muftis, and Gandhis. He also raised the slogan: Jahan huye balidan Mukherji, wo Kashmiri hamara hai (Where Mukherji sacrificed his life, that Kashmir belongs to us).

He said that the NC-Congress alliance will never form the government, adding that they "can read the writing on the wall."

Targeting the PDP for supporting cross-LoC trade, the minister said the profits from such trade would go straight into the pockets of "terror mentors."

He accused the NC of deceiving people with the promise of autonomy, which, according to him, led to 40,000 deaths in J&K over the past three decades.

Nobody can talk about autonomy now. Those days are gone, he said.

He claimed that the NC, Congress, and PDP want to revive terrorism, separatism, and stone pelting in J&K.

He also alleged that the NC wants to change the name of Shankaracharya Hill to Takhtay Sulaiman. We will not allow this, come what may, he asserted. He further accused the NC of forcing the then Maharaja of J&K, Hari Singh, to flee Kashmir. Later, what returned to J&K was the body of Hari Singh, who had acceded to India in 1947, Shah said.
The political slugfest over wrestler Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia joining Congress intensified on Saturday after Congress hit back at former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh's comments that Phogat and Punia were the party's pawns.

Reacting to Phogat being fielded as a Congress candidate in Jalna, Singh, who had to step down as WFI president after Phogat and Punia took to the streets against him, added: "They were used like pawns by (former Haryana chief minister) Bhupinder Hooda, the Congress and the Congress family." He added that 'God punished' Phogat for going to Paris Olympics by "cheating".



#WATCH | On Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia joining Congress, Former WFI president and BJP leader Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh says, "On 18th January 2023 when the protest started at Jantar Mantar, I had said that this is not a movement of sportspersons, Congress is behind it, pic.twitter.com/XLcwz34R4R  ANI (@ANI) September 7, 2024

Besides Singh, several BJP leaders too rallied against Phogat. While Haryana BJP leader Gyan Chand Gupta said the Haryana Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda sponsored the wrestler's Jantar Mantar protest, Chattisgarh deputy chief minister and BJP leader Arun Sao said the wrestlers' played into Congress's lap. He accused Vinesh Phogat of raising baseless allegations and stated that she was playing politics.



To this, Congress leader Pawan Khera said the wrestlers joined the party because Congress fought for them. "Six players had filed an FIR against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Have you seen what sections he was accused of? How dare he speak like this? We are proud that we stood, are standing and will stand with our daughters," Khera added.



He also took a dig at the BJP stating that the party stands with "whoever that does wrong". He added that Congress fights for the wronged and hence they like the party.



Khera also defended the Hooda family by asking what wrong they did by raising their voice for the wrestlers. "This is what needs to be done. What is the point of politics if we don't stand by them?" he added.



While Phogat joined electoral politics immediately after she joined the Congress, Punia was appointed as the working chairman of the All India Kisan Congress. It seems unlikely now that he would be fielded in the polls.



Phogat will contest from Julana in Jind district, a politically significant constituency. The region was at the forefront of the farmers' protest against three farm laws that have since been repealed. She has considerable influence on Julana as that is her marital home. Phogat hails from Balali in Charkhi Dadri district.


A day after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested Prasun Chatterjee, a data entry operator at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in connection with the financial irregularities in the institutions, questions surface as to why Chatterjee was present at the crime scene on the day the trainee doctor's body was found.

A viral video doing rounds shows Chatterjee, who is said to have a close bond with Ghosh, at the seminar hall where the trainee doctor was found raped and murdered. Now, the investigation will focus on how Chatterjee managed to get near the crime scene despite being a data entry operator. Interestingly, Chatterjee no longer works at R G Kar and is listed as an employee of Calcutta National Medical College.



He is said to sign the attendance registers at his official place of work but spent his days with Ghosh's office in RG Kar. He reportedly did the same on August 9, the day the doctor was found dead.

Also read: ED arrests Sandip Ghoshs close aide in RG Kar Hospital financial irregularities case

Chatterjee is said to have close links with Ghosh and those in the power circle were aware of how a data entry operator operated in the hospital with so much influence. A few days ago, a photograph of Chatterjee celebrating his birthday with Ghosh nearby had gone viral. He is also said to have introduced himself to others as Sandeep Ghosh's personal assistant.



#SandipGhosh Bunglow in Canning . Right now ED is here with Prasun Chatterjee close confidant of Sandeep Ghosh . pic.twitter.com/M8ckzA5gi7  Kamalika Sengupta (@KamalikaSengupt) September 6, 2024

The focus has also shifted to Chatterjee's source of income. As per local media reports, he is said to own a three-storey house in Subhashgram, South 24 Parganas. The ED had raided the premises on Thursday before arresting him. Local media reports suggest that residents in the area claim Chatterjee's properties and financial situation increased vastly off late.



Meanwhile, the ED has uncovered that Sandip Ghosh owned multiple properties, including owned a farmhouse in Canning Town and another flat. This is besides the four-storey house in Beleghat where he resides. He is also said to own new vehicles, including a SUV.



It is unclear whether the records of the property were in his name. However, local people claim they have seen the former principal frequenting the place. His wife and in-laws were also seen visiting the spot.


Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh has called an emergency meeting of the ruling coalition MLAs to discuss the law and order situation as five people were killed in fresh violence in the state.

The ruling coalition comprises the BJP, Naga People's Front, and National Peoples Party (NPP).

The meeting is scheduled to take place at the chief ministers official residence on Saturday evening. According to unconfirmed reports, Singh, along with the MLAs, is also likely to meet Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya.

Earlier in the morning, five people were killed as fresh violence hit Jiribam district. Reports said one person was shot dead in his sleep while four others were killed in subsequent exchange of fire between people of two warring communities.

#WATCH | Imphal, Manipur: IGP Intelligence K Kabib says, "Yesterday, some Kuki militants fired and attacked the fringe areas in between Bishnupur and Churachandpur border. In response to that, combined forces conducted combing operations. They destroyed two bunkers which were pic.twitter.com/4jVMaV4Ukn  ANI (@ANI) September 7, 2024

The district has been tense for the last few days after suspected 'village volunteers' burnt down an abandoned three-room house of a retired police officer at Jakuradhor earlier this week.

The violence took place even as representatives of the Meitei and Hmar communities had reached an agreement to restore peace and normalcy in the region.

Meanwhile, the security forces destroyed three bunkers of militants during an operation in Mualsang and Laika Mualsau villages of Churachandpur district on Friday.

"Militants deployed long-range rockets among the civilian population in two locations of Bishnupur district in one of which one senior citizen civilian expired and six other civilians were injured," said a police statement.
BJP leader and Union Home Minister Amit Shah asserted the National Conference-Congress alliance will never be able form government in Kashmir. Shah said the upcoming assembly election in the valley is historic as it is first under the national flag and the Constitution after the abrogation of Article 370 by the Modi regime.



Addressing party workers while campaigning for upcoming J&K assembly polls, Shah said, I have been a student of election statistics from a very young age and I am telling you this that the government of Congress and Farooq Abdullah can never be formed in Jammu and Kashmir, ANI reported. Shah charged the opposition wants to destabilise Kashmir and they wish to release separatists and terrorist sympathisers.

#WATCH | Jammu: Union Home Minister Amit Shah says, "...Kashmir has suffered a lot from terrorism. There were governments in Kashmir that turned blind eye to terrorism. There are people who would come here and become chief ministers when there was peace and when there was pic.twitter.com/sTfFVGs0Rq  ANI (@ANI) September 7, 2024

The NDA government will not allow the revival of terrorism, autonomy, and injustice with any community including Gujjars, Pahari, Bakerwals and Dalits who were granted reservation by the BJP dispensation, Shah said. The union minister said the Centre will not engage in talks with Pakistan until there is peace in Kashmir.

Talking about the historic significance of upcoming assembly polls, Shah said, "The coming elections in J&K are historic because, after Independence, the polls are happening the first time under our national flag and Constitution, unlike in the past practice of two flags and two constitutions. We have only one prime minister from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and he is Modi, PTI reported.

Shah claimed the BJP-led regime in Centre has brought down incidents of terrorism in the valley by 70 per cent in the past 10 years. The home minister, who presented the historic Bill in Parliament to abrogate Article 370 and bifurcate J&K and Ladakh into Union Territories, said, statehood will be restored at an appropriate time after elections. Rahul Gandhi should stop misleading the public. Only the Centre can grant statehood to Jammu and Kashmir and it will be restored at an appropriate after the election, he said.

Shah arrived in Jammu on a two-day visit on Friday and released the BJPs manifesto  Sankalp Patra. The Sankalp Patra outlines 25 promises, focusing on agriculture, employment, social welfare, and infrastructure. Key pledges include 10,000 financial assistance for farmers under PM Kisan Samman Nidhi and a 50 per cent cut in electricity rates for agricultural activities.

The manifesto also includes plans to restore and renovate Hindu temples and promises to transform J&K from a "terrorist hotspot" into a top tourist destination. Rehabilitation efforts for displaced people will be accelerated.
Tension prevailed in several regions in Manipur, as drones were sighted in Bishnupur and Imphal East districts late last night. Earlier this week, drones were employed by militants in Imphal West district to drop bombs on people.

Drones were sighted at Narainsena, Nambol Kamong in Bishnupur district and Pukhao, Dolaithabi, Shantipur in Imphal East district, forcing panicked residents to switch off lights at their homes. The firing of flares in the sky in Bishnupur district added to the people's confusion and fear, as it was not known whether it was done by the security forces or not.

Security forces are on high alert following the drone sightings.

ALSO READ: Aim is to ensure peace and tranquillity, says Indian Army chief Dwivedi visiting Manipur

The development comes in the wake of rocket attacks yesterday, which killed one person and inured five others in Bishnupur district. The first rocket attack was reported around 4.30am at Tronglaobi, damaging two structures, while the second rocket fell in the compound of former chief minister Mairembam Koireng's residence in Moirang, killing a 72-year-old man, and injuring a 13-year-old girl and four others.

PTI quoted security personnel as saying that the "unguided" rocket missiles were locally improvised and were fired from Thangjing hill ranges of Churachandpur district towards the low-lying Moirang town.

Following the attacks, markets and shops were shut down in Moirang town and rest of the district and border areas of nearby districts of Manipur. Thousands of people across five districts of the Imphal Valley formed human chains to protest against the attacks. Schools will remain closed on September 7.

The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), a group of valley-based civil bodies, has declared a "public emergency" across the five districts of Imphal valley with immediate effect.

Ethnic violence in the state since May last year has left over 200 people dead and thousands homeless.
Amidst indications that the talks between the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party to stitch up an alliance for the Assembly elections in Haryana have hit a roadblock, the AAP has sounded a stern warning, saying it can be underestimated by other parties only at their own peril.

AAPs National General Secretary (Organisation) Sandeep Pathak said his party was fully prepared to contest on every seat in Haryana. On behalf of AAP volunteers and workers and our leadership, I can say one thing, we are fully prepared. We are waiting for the order from the party. As soon as we get the word Go, we will announce our list. We are ready to fight on every seat with all our might, Pathak said at a press conference at the AAP party office. The media briefing was on a separate subject and Pathak was responding to questions on the status of the alliance talks between the Congress and the AAP for the October 5 Assembly elections in Haryana.

Pathak further said that the other parties who underestimate the AAP would regret in the future.

               ,            



    ,     



- @SandeepPathak04  (     , AAP) pic.twitter.com/cwqBZTKAoe  AAP Haryana (@AAPHaryana) September 7, 2024

The AAP is learnt to be keen on a tie-up for the Assembly elections in Haryana, a state where it has failed to win a single seat either in the Assembly or in the Lok Sabha despite the attempts it has made since 2014. While the Congresss central leadership, particularly Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, is pushing for an alliance with INDIA partners in Haryana, the state leaders, including former chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda and his staunch rival, Lok Sabha MP Kumari Selja, are firmly opposed to an alliance with the AAP.

Both Hooda and Selja have maintained that the Congress is capable of winning Haryana on its own. The argument put forth by Haryana Congress leaders before the central leadership is that the alliance with the AAP did not benefit the party in any way in Haryana in the Lok Sabha elections. They have also argued against providing the AAP, which they believe has little presence on the ground in Haryana, an entry point into the states politics by allying with it for the state elections.

Rahul is learnt to be in favour of a tie-up with the AAP because he wants to carry forward the sentiment of the INDIA alliance taking on the BJP unitedly. Especially in his capacity as LoP, he does not want the momentum of the alliance in the Lok Sabha polls to fall.

As per sources, while the AAPs initial demand was for ten seats as part of the alliance, the Congress is ready to part with only around five seats. However, the deadlock is not just related to the number of seats. It is also about specific seats that the AAP has demanded, which the state Congress leaders are not ready to concede.

According to AAP sources, if no resolution is reached, the party could come out with its list of candidates for the Haryana polls as early as Sunday. The party, it is learnt, could announce candidates on 50 seats.
The Andhra Pradesh police have nabbed three women from Tenali for allegedly befriending individuals for money and murdering them by offering cyanide-laced drinks. The women have murdered four so far following similar modus operandi.



According to police, Munagappa Rajani (40), Madiyala Venkateshwari (32) and Gulra Ramanamma (60), all hailing from Tenali, were arrested on Thursday in connection with the murder of an elderly woman named Nagoor Bi in June this year. On further probe, police found the trio were involved in other murders as well.

Satish Kumar, Tenali Superintendent of Police said the trio would befriend people for short loans and would eliminate them later to evade repayment. The accused would rob the personal belongings of the deceased, police said.

Nagoor Bi, an elderly woman from Yadla Lingaiah Colony in Tenali was reported missing on June 5 this year and her body was recovered in a decomposed condition on the outskirts of Vadlamudi village. On probe, police found that Nagoor Bi met Rajani and Venkateswari before leaving for work that day.

Police said Venkateshwari and Ramanamma had earlier murdered three persons and were planning to kill two others in a similar manner. Satish Kumar said Venkateshwari had worked as a ward volunteer earlier and was in Cambodia for a short while. Venkateshwari was allegedly involved in cybercrimes there and returned to India after two months owing to health issues, Kumar said.

Police have seized cyanide from the accused and other evidence from their possession, NDTV reported. Police have also arrested a man for allegedly supplying them with cyanide.
A 20-year-old Pakistani national living in Canada was arrested for plotting a terror attack on a Jewish centre in New York City. Muhammad Shahzeb Khan was charged for trying to provide material support to the Islamic State for a mass shooting at a Jewish centre in Brooklyn in October this year.

US Attorney General Merrick B. Garland said Khan, aka Shahzeb Jadoon, planned the attack around October 7, with the intent of slaughtering in the name of ISIS, as many Jewish people as possible.

According to a statement from The Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Khan was arrested on Wednesday in Ormstown, Quebec, south of Montreal, and is set to appear in court on September 13.

"The defendant (Khan) was allegedly determined to kill Jewish people here in the United States, nearly one year after Hamas' horrific attack on Israel. This investigation was led by the FBI, and I am proud of the terrific work by the FBI team and our partners to disrupt Khan's plan," FBI director Christopher Wray said.

According to the indictment, Khan attempted to travel to New York from Canada, where he planned to carry out the mass shooting. According to ANI, he started voicing his support for the IS on social media and an encrypted messaging application around November last year. He shared IS propaganda videos and literature. He came in touch with two undercover law enforcement officers, and instructed them to obtain AR-style assault rifles, ammunition, and other materials to carry out the attacks. Khan also identified locations for the attacks, and also shared with the officers the details of his plan to cross the border from Canada. He picked October 7 and 11 as the best days for targeting the Jews" as October 7 is the anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel, and the other is a Jewish religious holiday, Yom Kippur.

If convicted, Khan faces up to 20 years in prison.

October 7 would be the first anniversary of the attack by Hamas on Israel that left around 1,200 people dead and triggered an Israeli assault that has so far killed more than 40,000 people.
In a new turn of events, Ukraine dropped fire-spewing 'Dragon Drones' at Russian-held positions in the occupied Kharkiv region on Saturday. The fire burned hundreds of trees and reportedly damaged some Russian military vehicles as well.

The video footages of the fire-spewing drones were shared on Telegram. The footage showed a low-flying drone dropping thermite- A mixture of aluminium powder and iron oxide that burns at a very high temperature.

The Ukrainian military began using the Dragon drone, which burns the area underneath with thermite  Thermite is a mixture of burning granules of iron oxide and aluminum. About 500 grams of thermite mixture can be placed under a standard FPV drone. The chemical reaction is pic.twitter.com/3XIzc3LLHN  Anastasia (@Nastushichek) September 5, 2024

"Strike Drone are our wings of vengeance, bringing fire straight from the sky! They become a real threat to the enemy, burning his positions with an accuracy that no other weapon can achieve. When our "Vidar" works - the Russian woman will never sleep," the 60th Mechanised Brigade of Ukraine noted while sharing the drone footage.

These weapons are considered one of the most dangerous in the world.

Unlike conventional bombs, thermites are generated at intense heat. It is widely used in wielding steel, and iron. Discovered in the 1890s, thermites were originally used to weld railroad tracks. Thermites can easily burn the vegetation providing cover and in many cases kill or disable the troops as well.

Both nations have used deadly weapons in the war. Reportedly, Russia used 22mm Grad 9M22S rockets from the Soviet-era B-21 multi-rocket launcher system with a thermit warhead.

Last year, Russia used thermite bombs over the eastern Ukrainian town of Vuhledar after the defeat in a tank battle.
A Pakistani man who arrested in Canada last week in connection with planning a shooting massacre at a Jewish centre in New York City's Brooklyn has been allegedly linked to ISIS.

Muhammad Shahzeb Khan was plotting the mass shooting on October 7, which marks the first anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel last year. If the plan did not work out, the terrorist plotted to carry out the attack on October 11, when the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur is celebrated, according to the US Justice Department. Khan allegedly said that if we succeed with our plan, this would be the largest Attack on US soil since 9/11.

Who is Muhammad Shahzeb Khan?

Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, who is aged 20, is also known by the name Shazeb Jadoon. He was arrested in Ormstown, Canada, 19 km from the US border while trying to travel to the New York on September 4.

He attempted to travel to New York with the "stated goal of slaughtering, in the name of ISIS, as many Jewish people as possible," said US Attorney Genral Merrick Garland in a statement. "Jewish communities  like all communities in this country  should not have to fear that they will be targeted by a hate-fueled terrorist attack."

Khan is also charged with trying to supply material support and resources to the terror group. He was found supporting the ISIS on social media posts and sharing terrorist propaganda videos on an encrypted messaging app in November.

This was discovered by two undercover security agents to who he allegedly said his is planning to establish a "real offline cell" of the ISIS in order to carry out attacks against Israeli Jewish chabads in the US. Khan reportedly said that New York (City) is perfect to target Jews since it has the largest Jewish population in the US and therefore, even if we don't attack an event, we could rack up easily a lot of Jews. Khan proclaimed that we are going to NYC to slaughter them, and sent a photograph of the specific area inside of Location-1 where he planned to carry out the attack.

Khan even hinted that he aling with another ISIS sympathiser in the US were trying to get AR-style assault rifles, revealed the US Justice Deparment. He also tried to obtain some good hunting [knives] so we can slit their throats. The investigation was carried out by the FBI New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles Field Offices and the Canadian law enforcement.
Bhubaneswar, Sep 7 (PTI) Tata Power-led Odisha Discoms have awarded contracts worth Rs 11,481 crore to local contractors and suppliers, an official said.

The joint ventures between Tata Power and the Odisha government, placed orders worth Rs 8,690 crore with local MSMEs and Rs 2,791 crore to non-MSMEs by the Discoms over the past three years since taking over the state's power distribution operations.

These contracts, spread across two major categories like materials and services, have been awarded to local contractors and suppliers.

Odisha discoms - TP Central, TP Southern, TP Northern, and TP Western Odisha Distribution Limited have forged agreements with 6,645 local vendors and suppliers, the official said.

The company in a statement said that these collaborative partnerships serve as the backbone for day-to-day operations and services, with a special emphasis on encouraging local vendors to employ residents from the nearby regions.

Within the service sector, covering meter reading, billing, network maintenance and others, the discoms have awarded contracts to 4,347 vendors with a total value of Rs 7,560 crore.

Similarly, in the materials supply category, including distribution transformers, cables, poles and others, the discoms have assigned 2,298 contracts valued at Rs 3,921 crore for its operations.

Contracts in the materials domain encompass essential components like distribution transformers, cables, poles, LT and HT hardware, laptops, and desktops.

In the service domain, contracts cover a wide range of activities, including meter installation, billing, collection, call centre operations, meter reading, and administrative roles such as housekeeping and catering.

"This initiative not only aligns with Make in Odisha vision but also plays a pivotal role in driving Odisha's economic progress. It has transformed the business landscape, significantly contributing to the economic prosperity of local communities," the company said.
Kolkata, Sep 7 (PTI) Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) on Saturday asserted that controlling chemical contamination in agricultural raw materials is essential for advancing the food industry.

FSSAI executive director Inoshi Sharma said enforcing Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) in crops, fruits, and spices presents a significant challenge.

Speaking at an event organised by the Bharat Chamber of Commerce here, she stressed the need for regular audits and the rejection of non-compliant produce at farm gates.

Sharma also underscored the importance of educating buyers about the detrimental effects of excessive pesticide use, which can lead to contamination in raw materials.

She announced plans to form a committee with representatives from various ministries and departments to address this issue.

Furthermore, Sharma emphasised the necessity for accurate labeling and the avoidance of misleading claims by Food Business Organizations (FBOs). She advocated for a culture of 'Self-Compliance' among FBOs and suggested that they employ certified third parties to ensure adherence to standards.

Bharat Chamber senior vice-president Naresh Pachisia pointed out that the detection of chemical residues used during crop production often leads to penalties for food processors and, in many cases, results in the cancellation of export consignments of processed food.

He called for increased awareness and vigilance regarding the chemicals used in agri-horticultural cultivation and post-harvest processes.
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India] September 7: The India Automation Challenge 2024 (IAC 2024), organized by IED Communications and presented by Industrial Automation Magazine, culminated in a grand finale at the Automation Expo 2024, hosted at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai. This landmark event underscored the rapid advancements in automation technology and showcased the brightest young minds dedicated to shaping the future of this critical industry.



About the India Automation Challenge (IAC)



Now in its second year, the India Automation Challenge is a premier platform that bridges the gap between academia and industry, providing a stage for aspiring engineers to showcase their innovative ideas. With 250 project submissions, 38 projects were shortlisted for the second round, and finally, the top 10 were chosen to compete in the grand finale. This competition not only nurtures talent but also fosters a collaborative environment where students gain invaluable exposure to industry standards and expectations.



The India Automation Challenge 2024 stands as a testament to the collaboration between industry leaders and academic institutions, supported by prestigious organizations like ISA (International Society of Automation) and IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers). These partnerships have been instrumental in setting high standards for innovation and technical excellence, providing a solid foundation for young engineers to showcase their skills. By aligning with globally recognized organizations, the India Automation Challenge ensures that the projects and solutions presented are at the cutting edge of technology, contributing to the advancement of automation and engineering both in India and worldwide.



Top 10 Finalists and Their Projects



1. Sharad Institute of Technology College of Engineering, Kolhapur, Maharashtra

Project: Active Prosthetic Ankle for Bike Riding in Lower Limb Amputees



2. V.R. Siddhartha Engineering College

Project: IoT-Based Smart Irrigation System



3. Sharad Institute of Technology College of Engineering, Kolhapur, Maharashtra

Project: Automation in Keyway Detection & Implementing Poka-Yoke Technique using PLC and Machine Learning



4. CSMSS Chh. Shahu College of Engineering, Aurangabad, Maharashtra

Project: Automated Vegetable Transplanter



5. Sharad Institute of Technology College of Engineering, Kolhapur, Maharashtra

Project: Mobility Minds: AI-Empowered Mobility Standers



6. SVKM's NMIMS Mukesh Patel School of Technology Management & Engineering, Mumbai, Maharashtra

Project: Automatic Bottle Filling, Capping, and Sorting Based on Color and Quality



7. Vivekanand Education Society's Institute of Technology (VESIT)

Project: Binbot: A Smarter Way to Manage Waste



8. MKSSS's Cummins College of Engineering for Women, Pune, Maharashtra

Project: Centralized Monitoring System for Street Light Fault Detection and Location Tracking



9. SVKM's NMIMS Mukesh Patel School of Technology Management & Engineering, Mumbai, Maharashtra

Project: Multi-Purpose Automatic Assembly System for MSMEs



10. Chennai Institute of Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Project: Transmission Line Fault Detection System



Award Winners Announced



The awards were distributed at a ceremony held on 25th August at 5 pm. The winners are:



First Prize: Sharad Institute of Technology College of Engineering, Kolhapur, Maharashtra

Recognized for their 'Active Prosthetic Ankle for Bike Riding' project.



Second Prize: MKSSS's Cummins College of Engineering for Women, Pune, Maharashtra, and Sharad Institute of Technology, Kolhapur, Maharashtra

Awarded for their contributions to urban infrastructure management and mobility support.



Third Prize: SVKM's NMIMS Mumbai, Chennai Institute of Technology, Chennai, and CSMSS Chh. Shahu College Of Engineering, Aurangabad

Recognized for their innovative automation and detection projects.



Judging Panel and Special Recognition



The esteemed judging panel, led by Dr. V. P. Raman, included Mr. P. V. Sivaram, Mr. Ajit Karandikar, and Dr. Kirti Shah, who provided their expertise and insights in evaluating the competition at the venue, ensuring that each project was assessed on innovation, feasibility, and impact. Their on-site evaluation elevated the competition to the highest standards of excellence.



Team members including Ms. Darshana Thakkar, Mr. Niranjan Bhise, Mr. Vaibhav Narkar, and Mr. Gendlal Bokde played a crucial role in the assessment, contributing their specialized knowledge to the judging process.



Special recognition goes to the organizing team members Dr. B. R. Mehta, Ms. Benedicta Chettiar, and Prof. Dattatray Sawant, the Chief Coordinator, for their exceptional leadership and dedication in making IAC 2024 a resounding success.



Sponsors and Their Contributions



The India Automation Challenge 2024 received invaluable support from its esteemed sponsors, who are industry leaders committed to fostering innovation and bridging the gap between academia and industry:



Axis Solutions Pvt. Ltd.

Dr. Bijal Sanghvi, Managing Director, stated: Axis Solutions Pvt Ltd played a pivotal role in the India Automation Challenge, empowering young talent to excel in automation. By providing mentorship, resources, and industry exposure, Axis helps in nurturing the growth of aspiring engineers, fostering innovation, and preparing them for future challenges in the rapidly evolving automation landscape.



VEGA India Level and Pressure Measurement Pvt. Ltd.

Sudarsan Srinivasan, Managing Director, remarked: "India Automation Challenge 2024 and IED Communications have always encouraged industry peers and colleagues to share their knowledge by providing a common platform. They are at the forefront of showcasing the latest technological advancements, like AI. Recently, IED has taken a lead in expanding the platform for students, who can now network with industry stalwarts and demonstrate their knowledge and skills at a national level. The India Automation Challenge (IAC) has not only paved a way to create an industry-academia interface but also has the potential to foster innovations in a sustainable way. In this way, industry and academia can work together to address recent and existing market requirements, creating a workforce ready to take on real-world challenges."



Murrelektronik India & South Asia

Chetan TA, Managing Director, said: The India Automation Challenge 2024 was a remarkable initiative that stood out for its innovative approach and dynamic presentation. It reflected a forward-thinking vision aiming to bridge the gap between industry and academia by fostering hands-on learning and real-world problem-solving. This platform was more than just a competition; the event's well-thought-out presentation actualized a strong commitment to align with the vision of creating an engaging environment for industry leaders and students to collaborate and explore new possibilities in automation.



About Automation Expo 2024



Automation Expo 2024, hosted by IED Communications, is Indias largest and Asias second-largest exhibition for the automation industry. It serves as a critical platform for showcasing cutting-edge technologies and innovations. The expo featured over 550 exhibitors and attracted thousands of industry professionals, fostering collaboration and networking opportunities.



About Industrial Automation Magazine



As recognized by Feedspot, Industrial Automation Magazine is ranked as the 11th-best magazine in the automation sector globally. Industrial Automation Magazine is a pioneer in providing insights and information about the latest trends and developments in the field. The magazine continues to lead the way in promoting industry best practices and technological advancements.



About IED Communications



IED Communications Ltd., the organizer behind the India Automation Challenge and Automation Expo, is committed to advancing factory and process automation. Under the visionary leadership of Dr. M. Arokiaswamy, Founder & Managing Director, and supported by directors Ms. Jyothi Joseph and Ms. Benedicta Chettiar, IED Communications has been instrumental in shaping the future of automation in India.



For More Information Visit www.industrialautomationindia.in or contact indiaautomationchallenge@gmail.com for further details.



(Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with PNN and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). PTI PWR

PWR
TECNO AI vision propels emerging markets into the new age of AI with better localization for greater productivity and creativity, and more practical value.



BERLIN, Sept. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Innovative technology brand TECNO today announced TECNO AI vision at IFA Berlin 2024. Unlike others, TECNO AI unveils a series of AI functions that will enhance productivity, provide more practical value, and offer easier creative fun. These practical features will soon be rolled out on TECNO's outstanding smart device ecosystem to empower users' daily lives. The new TECNO AI vision will witness TECNO leveraging the power and potential of AI to drive even greater creativity, convenience, and productivity among its global consumers, promoting the early adoption of AI in emerging markets and enabling consumers there to enjoy the benefits of AI from its earliest stage.



"TECNO has always been committed to revolutionizing the digital experience in emerging global markets," said Jack Guo, General Manager of TECNO. "As the era of AI takes shape, the development of new digital technology continues at pace, while the digital divide becomes more and more obvious. TECNO hopes to bring the most advanced AI technology and innovation to emerging markets, so that every consumer around the world can equally and fairly enjoy the productivity, convenience and creativity that AI can bring."



By strengthening its commitment to bringing users the best experiences, TECNO's AI vision is further clarified with a focus on delivering "Practical AI" with ultimate localization. TECNO believes that the most important quality of AI technology is that its integration into daily life can truly help consumers, improving living quality and efficiency. To ensure this is achieved for users around the world, TECNO AI vision is adapted to local consumers' needs, meeting their demands where they live, with localization as a key part of TECNO's AI strategy. TECNO AI vision integrates the most advanced AI features on the market, such as AI writing, translation, search, drawing, and more. Going forward, TECNO will invest further in its differential AI strategy  firstly with a focus on AI language localization, including minority language translation and semantic recognition development; the second focus will be the integration of AI and local apps, which can turn smart devices into customized personal assistants, helping users to call a taxi, navigate, order takeout, and more, all in a flowing and functional way.



TECNO has already made significant breakthroughs in the AI field in 2024, with the launch of new AI-enhanced devices and AIOS technologies at MWC Barcelona 2024 in February. At IFA Berlin 2024, from elevating social interaction to enhancing business performance and assisting in daily life, several impressive functions further stand out in the unveiling of TECNO AI vision. These functions include the Gemini-integrated Ella AI Assistant and imaginative AI Artboard, which promise to level up the smart lives of global consumers in a more productive and creative way.



Enjoy Elevated Productivity Every Day with Ease



At the heart of TECNO AI vision is the freshly upgraded Ella AI Assistant  a user's new best friend when it comes to streamlining life's daily tasks, improving efficiency at work, and saving time for what really matters. TECNO AI Assistant is now connected to Gemini, revolutionizing how it interacts with users and bringing it to life in an exciting new way.



TECNO AI Assistant's Smart Q&A conversational functionality means it is now able to engage in streams of conversation with users, instead of providing a single response per interaction. Want to dress for the weather? Ask the AI Assistant for a weather update! Need help with scheduling? Ask the AI Assistant to plan your day! Don't know what to cook? Ask the AI Assistant for some recipe inspiration! From simple tasks to complex problems, TECNO AI Assistant is now even better prepared to assist users around the clock.



TECNO AI vision is also on hand to help users break down communication barriers with Real-Time Translation. Whether learning a new language of dealing with clients abroad, this useful tool immediately translates speech into text during phone calls or in face-to-face situations, empowering users to engage in more fluent global conversations.



TECNO's AI Writing functions are a productivity game-changer for professionals and students alike, saving energy and effort for more important tasks. When faced with a long and time-consuming text on a website or document, users can turn to TECNO AI Assistant to quickly generate a more manageable summary of the content. When it comes to writing and editing, it is capable of generating new texts from scratch, proofreading texts, and rewriting texts in friendly, professional or concise styles.



Finally, to bring more creativity to everyday, TECNO AI Search lets users learn about the world with the swipe of a finger on the screen. Whether it's generating a tiramisu recipe from an image of an unknown cake, to buying an eye-catching fashion accessory spotted on socials, all users need to do is circle something on their screen to pull up smart information.



Give Creativity a Boost with Artistic and Imaginative AI



TECNO AI is also packed full of exciting functions that will give users a creative boost.



AI Artboard turns every user into an artist. With the power of AI, users can generate a universe of masterpieces across a spectrum of styles based on just a few words of text. From dogs captaining spaceships to more realistic headshots for social media profile pictures, users can let their imaginations run wild.



With AI Image Editing, users will always have the perfect shot. AI Erase comes to the rescue of stunning shots that are ruined by passersby or stray objects. Instead of discarding them, users can now erase the parts of the shot they don't want to see with total ease. To elevate shots even more, AI Portrait Beautification lets users define their own look, while AI Cutout lets users select and extract parts of a picture to share in chat or create new images. Besides images, users can explore the world of video with AI Video Production. From writing a script to generating a video and to adding subtitles in post, TECNO AI vision empowers the entire movie making process.



TECNO AI Integration in TECNO Devices



TECNO firmly believes that for interaction between AI and global users to be meaningful, it must ultimately be actualized by the implementation of the technologies on devices. By doing so, as is the goal of the TECNO AI strategy, users in emerging markets will feel the stark benefit of future technologies in their everyday lives. TECNO is seamlessly incorporating its AI technologies into its whole product ecosystems, including but not limited to its laptops, earphones, AR gaming set and other wearable devices, to significantly enrich the smart device experience for global consumers.



Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2437666/TECNO_Logo.jpg



(Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with PRNewswire and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). PTI PWR

PWR
Mumbai, Sep 7 (PTI) Dholera Special Investment Region (SIR) in Gujarat is attracting fresh investment of Rs 2,000-3,000 crore annually in realty assets, with investors primarily from North acquiring land and plots, according to a realty developer.

These investments reflect the increasing confidence in the project, the developer said.

The Dholera SIR project is being jointly developed by the central and Gujarat governments about 100 km from Ahmedabad, through a special purpose vehicle, DICDL ( Dholera Industrial City Development Ltd).

Formed in 2016, DICDL is owned 51 per cent by the Gujarat government and 49 per cent by the central government.

The majority of investments are flowing into land and plots, primarily from investors in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Gurugram, and Noida, Ahmedabad-based developer Aaiji Group said in a statement.

Annually, we are seeing fresh investments to the tune of Rs 2,000  3,000 crore in land and plots mostly from Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Gurugram and Noida, Aaiji Group founder Lalit Parihar said.

According to him, investors can get a good return on their early-stage investment in Dholera SIR, a project under Delhi-Mumbai Industrial corridor, in a few years.

Around 95 per cent of the first phase infrastructure for the project has already been completed by the Gujarat government, the group said, adding the Dholera Smart City offers attractive investment opportunities for potential investors.

In June this year, Tata Electronics signed an initial pact with California-headquartered semiconductor design and engineering firm Synopsys, to collaborate on various technological verticals.

This includes, Synopsys offerings being used in Tata Electronics upcoming USD 10.9-billion semiconductor fabrication plant, in Dholera.

Aaiji Group also said it has completed two projects in Dholera SIR - Aaiji Airport Villa and Aaiji Residency - while two more realty projects are under development.
Mumbai, Sep 7 (PTI) Vistara on Saturday said it is dispatching an alternative aircraft along with a fresh set of crew to fly the passengers of its Mumbai-Frankfurt flight to their destination after it was diverted to Erzurum Airport in Turkey due to an alleged bomb threat on Friday.

The substitute aircraft is expected to arrive at the Turkish airport by 12.25 (local time) and depart for Frankfurt with all passengers by 14.30 hours (Local time), Vistara said in an updated statement of X (formerly Twitter).

The flight UK 27, operating on Mumbai-Frankfurt route, departed from Mumbai at 1.01 pm on Friday after a delay of an hour and was scheduled to arrive in Frankfurt (Germany) at 5.30 pm (local time).

The Dreamliner 787-9 aircraft was, however, diverted to Turkey after the airline's crew on-board found a paper note stating that there was a bomb on the aircraft, Vistara sources had said.

According to an AP report, the aircraft had 247 passengers and crew on board.

The flight landed safely at Erzurum Airport at 1905 (local time) on Friday, the airline had said.

"Since the crew have exceeded their duty time limitation, we are sending an alternate aircraft, with a fresh set of crew, to Erzurum Airport, Turkey, which is expected to arrive there by 1225 hours (local time) and depart for Frankfurt, with all customers, by 1430 hours(local time)," Vistara said in its updated statement.

It said that all the necessary checks have been conducted and the customers, along with the crew and aircraft, have been cleared by the security agencies.

In the meantime, all efforts are being made to minimize inconvenience to customers, including offering them refreshments and meals, Vistara said in the statement.

On Friday the airline had said its Flight UK27 from Mumbai to Frankfurt, "has been diverted to Turkey (Erzurum airport) due to security reasons and has landed safely at 1905 hours", without divulging the number of passengers and crew on board the aircraft.
New Delhi, Sep 7 (PTI) The government has notified a uniform code for marketing practices for the medical device industry in order to curb unethical practices.

In a notification, Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP) has asked the medical devices association to prohibit organising workshops abroad for healthcare professionals, offering them hotel stays or monetary grants.

"All associations should constitute an ethics committee for marketing practices in medical devices (ECMPMD), upload it on their websites along with a detailed procedure of complaints, which will be linked to the UCPMP portal of Department of Pharmaceuticals," the notification said.

The DoP has also sought disclosures form medical devices firms for particulars related to distribution of evaluation samples and expenses incurred on conferences , workshops, seminars etc.

As part of the code, a medical device must not be promoted prior to receipt of product approval by the regulatory authority, the notification said.

"The word safe or safety must not be used without qualification and it must not be stated categorically that a medical device has no adverse consequences," it stated.

Moreover, no gift should be offered or provided for personal benefit of any healthcare professional or family member by any medical device company or its agent.

"Companies or their representatives or any person acting on their behalf should not extend travel facilities inside or outside the country to healthcare professionals or their family members for attending conferences , seminars workshops etc," it said.

Besides, the companies or their representatives should not extend hospitality like hotel stay, expensive cuisine , resort accommodation etc to healthcare professionals or their family members, it added.

The companies or their representatives should not pay cash or monetary grants to any healthcare professional or their family members.

The DoP has asked medical devices companies to upload the Uniform Code for Marketing Practices in Medical Devices (UCMPMD) 2024 on their website along with the detailed procedure for lodging of complaints with a link to the UCMPMD portal of the department.

Earlier this year, the DoP had notified the Uniform Code for Pharmaceuticals Marketing Practices (UCPMP) 2024.
London, Sep 7 (PTI) Embattled beauty brand The Body Shop has been rescued from administration with the help of investment from Indian-origin cosmetics tycoon Mike Jatania in a deal that will keep its remaining 113 UK stores trading, it emerged on Saturday.

According to the 'Guardian' newspaper, a consortium led by Jatania-founded growth capital firm Aurea had bought all the Body Shop International's assets, which include its UK stores and control of outposts in Australia and North America for an undisclosed sum.

"With the Body Shop, we have acquired a truly iconic brand with highly engaged consumers in more than 70 markets around the world," said Jatania.

"We plan to focus relentlessly on exceeding their expectations by investing in product innovation and seamless experiences across all of the channels where customers shop while paying homage to the brand's ethical and activist positioning," he said.

The UK-based investor previously ran Lornamead, which owned personal care brands such as Woods of Windsor, Yardley and Harmony Haircare, before selling it off 10 years ago.

It is believed the new owners of The Body Shop, who finalised a deal late on Friday, do not plan to close any of the UK stores operating and employing around 1,300 people.

"We believe that the stores are an important part of the brand's connection to its customers. We will naturally monitor the footprint of the estate to make sure that we are optimising performance through that connection," an Aurea spokesperson said.

The Body Shop, founded in 1976 as an ethical beauty brand by Anita Roddick, went into administration in February after an announcement by new owner Aurelius, which had bought the company three months earlier.

Administrators from FRP Advisory have since closed 85 shops, while almost 500 shop jobs and at least 270 office roles have been cut, according to the newspaper report.

However, most Asian outlets, including in India, are reportedly run by franchisees and continue to operate.

According to UK media reports, Jatania will serve as Chair and Charles Denton, the former chief executive of the beauty brand Molton Brown, will act as Chief Executive of the newly acquired business.

"I am truly excited to lead this brand, which I have admired for many years. We recognise that revitalising the business will require bold action and a consumer-centric, commercially agile mindset.

"We believe there's a sustainable future ahead and, working closely with the management team, we aim to restore The Body Shop's unique, value-driven, independent spirit," said Denton.

Steve Baluchi, director of FRP Advisory, added, "We're pleased to be able to hand over The Body Shop to experienced new owners that have a long track record of successful retail turnarounds. They recognise the enormous value of its household name brand and have a clear vision for its future."
Belgrade (Serbia), Sep 7 (AP) Jelena Popovic normally loves summer and all it brings along, including the hot weather. But this year it was just too much.

This summer was too hot, you couldn't walk in the city. It was only pleasant when you swim," said Popovic, a resident of Belgrade, Serbia's capital. It was like a tropical summer, like we live in Africa and not in Europe."

This was true for much of the Balkans, a region in southeast Europe that is used to hot summers but where this one broke previous records with repeated heat waves and almost a totally dry July and August.

Experts say the summer of 2024 in the Balkans was the hottest since measurements started more than 130 years ago. Long periods with temperatures above 30 C (86 F) that didn't fall below 20 C (68 F) overnight have pushed average temperatures to new highs, meteorologists explained.

Summer normally means exchange of hot days with high temperatures and then a break after five to six days with rain and thunderstorms, Serbian meteorologist Nedeljko Todorovic said. But this happened only in June. Practically entire July and August had no rain while high temperatures persisted.

Climate scientists say that global warming caused mostly by burning fossil fuels has led to warmer temperatures, with the world recently experiencing 13 consecutive monthly heat records.

European climate service Copernicus reported on Friday that the summer of 2024 also was Earth's hottest on record, making it even more likely that this year will end up as the warmest humanity has measured.

Southeast Europe was trapped this summer under a subtropical warm air mass from Western Africa and the Mediterranean Sea area, said Goran Pejanovic, from Serbia's Hydrometeorological Service.

We had four heat waves...the most intense one in July lasted from July 5-21, for almost three weeks without a drop of rain, he said. Overall, this summer in Serbia was 3.3 degrees warmer than average, he added.

In Slovenia, an Alpine nation bordering Austria and Italy, average summer temperatures were up by 2.5 degrees compared to the period before 2020, according to the country's Environmental Agency.

The summer in Slovenia passed without cooler periods that are normal for the mountainous country, the report said. Record high temperatures weren't found in the lowlands, but rather at higher altitudes in the Julian Alps while temperatures throughout the country remained above 30 C (86 F) in early September.

All records were broken in Bosnia as well when it comes to the number of very warm nights and days. These tripled in some areas compared to last year, which held a previous record, said Bakir Krajinovic, from Bosnia's Hydrometeorological Institute.

Neighbouring Croatia reported the highest ever recorded temperatures of the Adriatic Sea, which also reached 30 C (86 F) in some areas.

Last year previously was the hottest year on record globally, as human-caused climate change and the naturally occurring weather phenomenon El Nino, which warms parts of the Pacific, combined to reach sweltering highs.

Heat waves are hotter, longer and more frequent, and some parts of the world are also experiencing longer and more frequent droughts. The world has warmed on average around 1.2 degrees Celsius (2.2 Fahrenheit) since preindustrial times.

Hot weather in the Balkans has dried out rivers in Bosnia and Serbia, caused raging forest fires in Croatia, North Macedonia and Albania, shrivelled crops and scorched farmland throughout the region.

Increasingly hot nights mean people's bodies, as well as animals and plants, can't cool down to deal with the day time. This is even more extreme in big cities where concrete buildings radiate heat at night that accumulated during the day.

Meteorologists in Montenegro said that temperatures overnight in some towns were as high as 29 C (84 F).

While good for the tourism industry along Albania's coastline, the very hot summer was bad for agriculture and power production. Almost 98% of Albania's power comes from hydropower stations that were crippled by monthslong drought.

North Macedonia struggled with around 2,000 forest fires in the past three months, three times more than in 2023. The fires destroyed tens of thousands of acres of forests. Emergency official Stojanche Angelov warned that "it is not over yet ... if it doesn't rain soon, we will have wildfires until November.

Dozens of villages and towns in Serbia faced drinking water restrictions because of the drought. Soldiers brought up water tanks to mountains in the southwest of the country for thirsty cattle and horses.

Up north, the Rusanda salty lake, whose mud is used in medical therapy, dried out completely, turning into a moon-like gray surface. Jovica Mudric, from the local medical centre, said they had to pour water from tanks in order to make mud for patients.

It's not the first time this happened, but never like this year, he said. I know everyone likes summer but we could use some rain." (AP) SCY

SCY
Port Moresby, Sep 7 (AP) Pope Francis called Saturday for an end to tribal conflicts that have wracked Papua New Guinea for decades and appealed for equitable development of its natural resources during a visit where the country's problem of violence against women was also raised.

Dancers in swishing grass skirts performed for Francis as he opened his first full day in the South Pacific nation with a mix of political and church business. He met with the governor general and dignitaries from around the region before visiting with disabled children who performed for him and drew laughs from the pope as he handed out candies to them.

Francis is on an 11-day, four-nation tour through Southeast Asia and Oceania, the longest and most challenging of his pontificate. He landed on Friday evening in Port Moresby, the capital of the Commonwealth nation, from Jakarta, Indonesia, for the second leg of his journey.

During his speech to government authorities and diplomats, Francis marvelled at the diversity of Papua New Guinea's people  there are some 800 languages spoken here  saying their variety must be a challenge to the Holy Spirit, who creates harmony amid differences!

But he also noted that such diversity has long created conflict here, a reference to the tribal violence over land and other disputes that have long characterised the country's culture but have grown more lethal in recent years. Francis appealed for a sense of civic responsibility and cooperation to prevail, to benefit everyone.

It is my particular hope that tribal violence will come to an end, for it causes many victims, prevents people from living in peace and hinders development, he said.

If people agree to sacrifice their personal interests for the common good, he said, the necessary forces can be used to improve infrastructure, address the health and educational needs of the population and increase opportunities for dignified work."

The poor but strategically important Commonwealth nation is home to more than 10 million people, most of whom are subsistence farmers.

Papua New Guinea's governor general, Bob Dadae, referred to the violence in his remarks, calling in particular for greater protection of women and respect for their rights. It was a reference to the gender violence that has been normalised in a country where allegations of sorcery are common.

According to UN Women, 60 per cent of the country's women have experienced physical or sexual violence from an intimate partner at some time in their lives, double the global average. Papua New Guinea ranked 151 out of 166 countries on a UN gender inequality index in 2022.

We want to acknowledge the role of the woman and air the need for protection," Dadae said. We also recognise the physical and the spiritual care that the church continues to give to those that are being abused, neglected or rejected by families and communities.

Francis amended his remarks to pick up on the theme, saying women are the ones who carry the country forward, they give life, build and grow a country. Let us not forget the women who are on the front line of human and spiritual development.

The issue of women and inequality is particularly fraught for the Catholic Church, given women are barred from the priesthood and are often treated as second-class citizens by the all-male hierarchy. Francis has denounced gender-based violence, appointed women to top Vatican positions and called for women to have greater decision-making roles in the church, but he has reaffirmed the ban on women's ordination.

Francis also called for fair and environmentally sustainable extraction of country's vast natural resources, which include gold, nickel and natural gas. Disputes over how wealth should be distributed and who is entitled to mining royalties have often led to conflicts.

Francis, who has written entire encyclicals about the environment, has long insisted that development of natural resources must benefit local people, not just the multinational companies that extract them, and be pursued in an environmentally responsible way to preserve them for future generations.

He made that argument again Saturday, saying Papua New Guinea's resources are destined by God for the entire community.

Even if outside experts and large international companies must be involved in the harnessing of these resources, it is only right that the needs of local people are given due consideration when distributing the proceeds and employing workers, he said.

These environmental and cultural treasures represent at the same time a great responsibility, because they require everyone, civil authorities and all citizens, to promote initiatives that develop natural and human resources in a sustainable and equitable manner, he said.

Finally, Francis called for a definitive solution to the question of Bougainville, an island region whose people voted overwhelmingly to become independent from Papua New Guinea in 2019. The outcome of the nonbinding referendum has not been implemented.

Later Saturday, Francis was visiting with charity workers who care for street children and then meeting with Papua New Guinea's clergy and religious sisters at a Marian sanctuary. On Sunday, he travels deep into the jungle to meet with Argentine missionaries.

Despite the rigors of the trip and jet lag  Papua New Guinea is eight hours ahead of Rome time  the 87-year-old Francis appeared in relatively good form, though he coughed through his speech. He smiled and laughed as he handed out candies to young children dressed in traditional clothes who had performed for him, and even took a turn playing a kundu drum, a traditional hand-held hourglass-shaped drum that one group of children gave him.

He was warmly welcomed by crowds outside at each of his stops, with people young and old dressed in traditional grass skirts, facepaint and headdresses dancing and singing to drums. And several South Pacific leaders came to Port Moresby for the rare chance to greet the pope, including the prime minister of Vanuatu, the president of Nauru and the prime minister of Tonga.

Francis is the second pope to visit Papua New Guinea, after St. John Paul II visited first in 1984, then in 1995 to beatify Peter To Rot, a Catholic layman who was declared a martyr for the faith after he died in prison during World War II. (AP) GSP
London, Sep 7 (AP) The heads of the American and British foreign intelligence agencies said Saturday they are working ceaselessly for a cease-fire in Gaza, using a rare joint public statement to press for peace.

CIA Director William Burns and MI6 Chief Richard Moore said their agencies had exploited our intelligence channels to push hard for restraint and de-escalation.

In an opinion piece for the Financial Times, the two spymasters said a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war could end the suffering and appalling loss of life of Palestinian civilians and bring home the hostages after 11 months of hellish confinement.

Burns has been heavily involved in efforts to broker an end to the fighting, traveling to Egypt in August for high-level talks aimed at bringing about a hostage deal and at least a temporary halt to the conflict.

So far there has been no agreement, though United States officials insist a deal is close. U.S. President Joe Biden said recently that just a couple more issues remain unresolved. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, however, has said reports of a breakthrough are exactly inaccurate."

The U.S. and the United Kingdom are both staunch allies of Israel, though London diverged from Washington on Monday by suspending some arms exports to Israel because of the risk they could be used to break international law.

Burns and Moore also stressed the strength of the trans-Atlantic relationship in the face of an unprecedented array of threats, including an assertive Russia, an ever-more powerful China and the constant threat from international terrorism  all complicated by rapid technological change.

They highlighted Russia's reckless campaign of sabotage across Europe and the cynical use of technology to spread lies and disinformation designed to drive wedges between us.

U.S. officials have long accused Moscow of meddling in American elections, and this week the Biden administration seized Kremlin-run websites and charged employees of Russian broadcaster RT with covertly funding social media campaigns to pump out pro-Kremlin messages and sow discord around November's presidential contest.

The article is the first joint opinion piece by the heads of the two spy agencies. The two directors pointed to a new era of openness in their secretive field, noting that the CIA and MI6 both declassified intelligence about Russia's plan to invade Ukraine before Moscow attacked its neighbor in February 2022.

We saw it coming, and were able to warn the international community so we could all rally to Ukraine's defense, they said.

Two and a half years into a war with no quick end in sight, the spy chiefs said staying the course in supporting Ukraine remained vital.

They said the conflict has brought an unprecedented mix of conventional weaponry, fast-evolving technology in the form of drones and satellites, cyber-warfare and information operations at incredible pace and scale.

This conflict has demonstrated that technology, deployed alongside extraordinary bravery and traditional weaponry, can alter the course of war, they said, praising Ukraine's resilience, innovation and elan. (AP)



AMS
Nablus (West Bank), Sep 7 (AP) Israeli soldiers killed an American woman demonstrating against settlements in the West Bank on Friday, according to a witness who said she was shot while posing no threat to Israeli forces and during a moment of calm after clashes earlier in the afternoon. Two Palestinian doctors said 26-year-old Aysenur Ezgi Eygi of Seattle was shot in the head.

The US government confirmed Eygi's death but did not say whether the recent graduate of the University of Washington, who was also a Turkish citizen, had been shot by Israeli troops. The White House said it was deeply disturbed by the killing of a US citizen and called on Israel to investigate what happened.

The Israeli military said it was looking into reports that troops had killed a foreign national while firing at an instigator of violent activity in the area of the protest.

The killing came amid a surge of violence in the West Bank since the Israel-Hamas war began in October, with increasing Israeli raids, attacks by Palestinian militants on Israelis, attacks by Israeli settlers on Palestinians and heavier military crackdowns on Palestinian protests. More than 690 Palestinians have been killed, according to Palestinian health officials.

Also Friday, Israeli troops shot and killed a 13-year-old Palestinian girl, Bana Laboom, in her village outside the West Bank town of Nablus, Palestinian health officials said.

The Israeli military said on Saturday that an initial inquiry indicates security forces had been deployed to disperse a riot involving Palestinian and Israeli civilians that included mutual rock hurling. The security forces had fired shots in the air, the military said.

A report was received regarding a Palestinian girl who was killed by shots in the area. The incident is under review, the military added.

Eygi, a volunteer with the activist group International Solidarity Movement, was attending a weekly demonstration against settlement expansion that has been held for years and has often brought Israeli crackdowns and protester stone-throwing.

Jonathan Pollak, an Israeli participating in Friday's protest, said the shooting occurred shortly after dozens of Palestinians and international activists held a communal prayer on a hillside outside the northern West Bank town of Beita overlooking the Israeli settlement of Evyatar.

Soldiers surrounded the prayer, and clashes soon broke out, with Palestinians throwing stones and troops firing tear gas and live ammunition, Pollak said.

The protesters and activists retreated and clashes subdued, he said. He then watched as two soldiers on the roof of a nearby home trained a gun in the group's direction and fired.

He said he saw Eygi lying on the ground, next to an olive tree, bleeding to death.

Two doctors confirmed Eygi was shot in the head  Dr Ward Basalat, who administered first aid at the scene, and Dr Fouad Naffa, director of Rafidia Hospital in Nablus where she was taken.

ISM said 17 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces at the weekly Beita protests since March 2020. A month ago, an American, Amado Sison, was shot in the leg by Israeli forces, he said, as he tried to flee tear gas and live fire.

At the University of Washington, where Eygi recently graduated with a degree in psychology, Aria Fani, a professor of Middle Eastern languages and cultures, recalled Eygi's activism earlier in the year at a pro-Palestinian encampment, and remembered her as someone with a gift for listening to others.

Fani said he had tried to talk Eygi out of going to the West Bank but that she told him she needed to bear witness for the sake of her own humanity.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the US was intensely focused on determining what happened and that we will draw the necessary conclusions and consequences from that.

In a post on X, the Turkish Foreign Ministry condemned this murder carried out by the Israeli government. Turkey will work to ensure that those who killed our citizen is brought to justice, ministry spokesperson Oncu Keceli said.

Human rights groups say Israeli soldiers who kill Palestinians  or their foreign supporters  rarely are held to account. The Israeli military says it investigates such instances and takes action if there is criminal wrongdoing.

At least three activists from the International Solidarity Movement have been killed since 2000.

Two of them were killed in Gaza in 2003. American Rachel Corrie was crushed to death as she tried to block an Israeli military bulldozer from demolishing a Palestinian home. About a month later, British citizen Tom Hurndall was shot in the head by an Israeli soldier. ISM activists often place themselves between Israeli forces and Palestinians to try to stop the Israeli military from carrying out operations.

The Israeli military ruled Corrie's death an accident, a conclusion widely rejected by rights groups. The soldier who killed Hurndall was sentenced to 11 1/2 years in prison and was released after serving just over half of it.

Shireen Abu Akleh  a Palestinian-American journalist with the Al Jazeera news network  was shot to death covering an Israeli raid in the West Bank in 2022. The United States concluded an Israeli soldier likely killed her by mistake, and Israel acknowledged that was a high probability but not certain and ruled out a criminal investigation. Al Jazeera accuses troops of intentionally killing her.

A handful of Americans have been killed in the West Bank since the Israel-Hamas war began, apparently by Israeli fire. Two Palestinian American teens, Mohammad Khdour and Tawfic Abdel Jabbar, were shot to death in the span of a month while driving close to their villages. The findings of US and Israeli investigations into their deaths have not been released.

In a statement Thursday, US Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland said President Joe Biden's administration has not done enough to pursue justice and accountability for Khdour and Abdel Jabbar. He said it must use American influence to demand the prosecution of those responsible for harm against American citizens. (AP) SCY

SCY
Islamabad, Sep 7 (PTI) In a rare public acknowledgement by a serving Pakistani army chief, General Asim Munir has mentioned the involvement of Pakistan army in the Kargil war as he listed the 1999 conflict with India among the major wars fought with the eastern neighbour.

Munir, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) was speaking during the Defence and Martyrs Day event here at Rawalpindi on Friday.

The Kargil conflict of 1999 had brought India and Pakistan to the brink of nuclear conflagration. Pakistan says it pulled out after the US intervened to cool the frayed tempers while India claims a decisive victory in the war that took place in the Himalayan heights.

In his speech, General Munir highlighted the role of the army in defending the motherland with the support of the people of Pakistan and also touched upon various conflicts with India, including the Kargil war.

Indeed Pakistani nation is a courageous and bold nation, which understands best the importance of independence and how to protect it at any price. Whether the Pak-India wars of 1948, 1965, 1971 and Kargil or Siachen conflict, thousands of martyrs gave sacrifices for the security and honour of the country, Munir said.

Pakistan had initially distanced itself from the conflict by saying that only private freedom fighters were involved in it. However, soon the scale of fighting revealed that the armies of two countries were fighting against each other.

The 2006 book In The Line Of Fire written by then Pervez Musharraf, who was the army chief during the Kargil war, clearly acknowledged the Pakistan Army's role.

Musharraf had sent in the Northern Light Infantry men in the Kargil theatre of war.

Pakistan awarded Captain Karnal Sher Khan of 27th Battalion, Sind Regiment and Havaldar Lalak Jan of Northern Light Infantry with the highest gallantry award called Nishan-e-Haider after the Kargil war was over.
Mumbai, Sep 7 (PTI) The 10-day Ganesh festival began in Maharashtra on Saturday, with idols of the deity being installed in homes and at public pandals across the state amid fanfare and gaiety.

Families, including children and elderly members, stepped out of their homes early morning to bring their beloved god home amid chants of "Ganpati Bappa Morya" and the beating of drums.

Many people were seen carrying the idols of Lord Ganesh in autorickshaws, cars, and other modes of transport.

Traditional 'dhol-tasha' (drum) troupes accompanied the processions which began in the morning.

Many mandals - groups that celebrate the festival in public places - brought in their Ganesh idols with grand processions in the last few days.

The idols will be installed at homes and in pandals with rituals.

Devotees thronged vegetable and flower markets, sweet shops and roadside stalls for buying flowers, puja materials, sweets and decorative items.

Several politicians and celebrities from Bollywood install idols of the deity of wisdom and knowledge in their homes every year.

In Mumbai, around 15,000 police personnel besides senior officials have been deployed for security during the 10-day festival.

As many as 32 Deputy Commissioners of Police, 45 Assistant Commissioners, 2,435 officials, 12,420 constables, home guards and personnel of the State Reserve Police Force, Rapid Action Force and Riot Control Unit will be on the streets, an official said.

More than 2,500 Ganesh mandals and lakhs of households in the financial capital of the country will be celebrating the festival.

Authorities received 3,358 applications from Ganesh mandals, and permission to put up pandals was granted to 2,635 mandals as on Friday, a Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) official said.

Bright, coloured lights have already lit up streets and bylanes in Lalbaug, Parel, Girgaon, Andheri, Chembur, Fort and other areas of Mumbai which house famous Ganapati mandals.

Lakhs of devotees visit some of the popular pandals such as 'Lalbaugcha Raja' during the festival.

Other well-known mandals in the area include Chinchpokli, Ganesh Gully and Tejukaya.

The Matunga-based GSB Seva Mandal, known for its Lord Ganesha adorned with gold jewellery, is considered one of the wealthiest mandals.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Friday urged people to celebrate the Ganesh festival in an eco-friendly way.

In a statement on the eve of the commencement of the ten-day festivities, Shinde expressed hope that the elephant-headed lord would shower blessings on everybody.

Heritage and culture of Maharashtra are on display during this festival, he said, and appealed to people to preserve its legacy.

He also asked Ganesh devotees to extend assistance to the needy and deprived sections of society.

Meanwhile, the BMC has asked people to be on guard against stingray and jellyfish bites during Ganesh festival idol immersions.

Hundreds of big idols are immersed in the Arabian sea.

Harmful fish that can bite Ganesh devotees during immersion have been found in large numbers in 'trial netting' conducted by the Maharashtra governments Fisheries Department, a BMC release said.

The trial netting was done off the coast at Girgaon and Dadar and fish like Dhomi, Kolambi, Shingti, Blue Jelly Fish, Ghoda Masa, Chhote Ravas etc were found along with jellyfish and stingrays, it said.

Citizens should take precaution during Ganapati immersion, the BMC said.
Patna, Sep 7 (PTI) A man, who is accused in several criminal cases and carrying a bounty of Rs 2 lakh on his head, was arrested on Saturday from Uttarakhand's Rishikesh, police said here.

He was apprehended during a joint operation of the Special Task Force (STF) of the Bihar Police and the Uttarakhand Police.

He was being brought to Patna on transit remand, said a police statement issued here.

The arrested person, identified as Ranjit Choudhary, has been booked in 27 cases registered at several police stations in Patna, Bhojpur and East Singhbhum in Jharkhand, it said.

According to the statement issued by the police headquarters here, the accused, a resident of Udwant Nagar in Bihar's Bhojpur district, was involved in crimes such as murder, extortion, illegal sand mining and attack on police personnel.

The STF also arrested another criminal Azad Thakur, who was carrying a bounty of Rs 50,000 on his head and wanted in several cases of extortion, from Bihar's Darbhanga district.

In a joint operation with the Darbhanga Police, the STF apprehended Thakur on Friday night, according to another police statement.
Agartala, Sep 7 (PTI) Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Saturday said there has been an increase in the Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) of girl students in higher education in the state.

"This academic year (2024-25), 37,450 girl students enrolled in general degree colleges, compared to 35,800 boy students. In the previous academic year (2023-24), more girl students (35,650) enrolled in degree colleges than their male counterparts (35,800)," the CM said.

Addressing the platinum jubilee celebration of Ramkrishna Mahavidyalaya in Unakoti district, the Chief Minister highlighted the government's initiative to provide free education for girls up to the college level since 2022.

"We actively support the 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' campaign and have implemented several measures, including 33 per cent reservation for women in government jobs, the establishment of 'pink toilets,' and 50 per cent reservation for women in government stalls. Our commitment to women's welfare is reflected in these initiatives," Saha added.

He attributed the increase in the GER of girl students to these measures and credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the successful implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) in the states colleges.

"Thanks to NEP, future generations will reap substantial benefits. We have also introduced the 'Lakshya' scheme to aid students in preparing for competitive exams like the UPSC. Additionally, Dhamma Dipa University is set to open in Sabroom, and we are advancing progress on Techno India University and Aryavart International University," he added.

Saha emphasised the government's efforts to transform Tripura into an educational hub, noting the rapid establishment of a dental college, nursing colleges, and other educational institutions.
New Delhi, Sep 7 (PTI) Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan on Saturday held extensive talks with Maldives' Chief of Defence Force Major General Ibrahim Hilmy, focusing on a reset of military ties that came under severe strain after President Mohamed Muizzu assumed office in November last.

The talks between the two top military officials came a day after India and the Maldives held the fifth round of defence dialogue which decided to expedite implementation of the ongoing defence projects.

Officials said the talks were aimed at furthering the bilateral defence cooperation, especially on measures to strengthen regional security and enhance bilateral training opportunities.

It is understood that cooperation in the maritime security domain dominated the discussions.

The ties between India and the Maldives came under severe strain since Muizzu, known for his pro-China leanings, took charge of the top office around 10 months back.

Within hours of his oath, he had demanded the withdrawal of the Indian military personnel from his country. Subsequently, the Indian military personnel were replaced by civilians.

The Maldives is one of India's key maritime neighbours in the Indian Ocean Region and the overall bilateral ties including in areas of defence and security witnessed an upward trajectory under the previous government in Male.

In August 2022, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and then Maldivian President Solih kick-started the India-funded Greater Male Connectivity Project, billed as the largest infrastructure initiative in the island nation.

Under the Greater Male Connectivity Project (GMCP) project, a 6.74 km long bridge and causeway link will be built to connect the capital city Male with the adjoining islands of Villingli, Gulhifalhu and Thilafushi.
New Delhi, Sep 7 (PTI) Amid uncertainty over an alliance with the Congress for the assembly polls in Haryana, AAP on Saturday warned that those who "underestimate" the party would "regret" it.

AAP national secretary (organisation) Sandeep Pathak said during a press conference that the party was ready to contest from all 90 seats in the Haryana elections with full force.

"We are fully prepared and waiting for the party's order. As soon as we get the 'go' word, we will announce everything. We are prepared to fight the elections with full force on all the seats and those who underestimate us will themselves regret it in the future," Pathak said.

Alliance talks between AAP and the Congress have hit an impasse over seat sharing. AAP has demanded 10 seats while the Congress is offering five to seven, insiders have said.

Haryana goes to the polls on October 5. The last date to file nominations is September 12.

Earlier in the day, AAP chief national spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar said talks were underway and expressed hope that there would be "some conclusion".

"Talks are ongoing, so it's too early to comment," she said when asked about the number of seats AAP would contest if it struck an alliance with the Congress.

AAP has been on a continuous campaign in Haryana. Sunita Kejriwal, wife of party chief Arvind Kejriwal, is scheduled to hold public meetings in the state on Saturday.

"We are ready to contest on all 90 seats," Kakkar said.

AAP sources on Friday claimed that the talks over an alliance were on the verge of "collapse".

They had also claimed that the party was planning to contest 50 seats and might announce its first list of candidates on Sunday.

INDIA bloc constituents AAP and the Congress contested the Lok Sabha polls in an alliance in Haryana, Gujarat and Delhi.

In Haryana, AAP contested the Kurukshetra seat, where its state unit chief Sushil Gupta lost to the BJP's Navin Jindal.
Srinagar, Sep 7 (PTI) Authorities here have recommended filing a case against a National Conference leader for allegedly inciting hatred at an election rally of party leader Omar Abdullah in the Ganderbal segment of Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday.

Nodal officer, Model Code of Conduct, Mushtaq Ahmad Simnani recommended registering an FIR against Mohammad Ashraf Ganaie, former sarpanch, for using the term "assassination" during an election speech at Kachan in Ganderbal.

"Given the gravity of the situation, it is recommended that stringent action be taken against the said person. An FIR should be lodged against the culprit under the applicable laws for promoting hatred through his speech and violating the model code of conduct," the nodal officer said in the letter to the concerned official.

Ganaie, during an election rally where Abdullah was present, said "We can kill" anyone for disrespecting the party flag.

In a video, which formed the basis of the complaint, Ganaie was, however, promptly stopped by Abdullah and prevented from addressing the rally any further.

Several persons in the audience also expressed their resentment of Ganaie's statement.
Chandigarh, Sep 7 (PTI) Six persons have been arrested from Maharashtra for allegedly shooting dead a woman and her two kin in Ferozepur in Punjab a few days ago, a top police official said here on Saturday.

Punjab's Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav said the Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) of the state police, in a joint operation with the central agencies and the Maharashtra Police, solved the September 3 case with the arrest of six shooters from Aurangabad.

Those arrested have been identified as Gurpreet Singh of Chohla Sahib in Tarn Taran, Prince of Kunde village in Ferozepur, and Ravinder Singh, Sukhchain Singh, Akshay and Rajbeer Singh, all residents of Basti Bagh Wali in Ferozepur.

Preliminary investigation has revealed that all the arrested shooters were close associates of Ashish Chopra, a fugitive hiding abroad on a fake passport, the Punjab police chief said.

All the accused have a criminal history, with cases pertaining to murder, attempt to murder, robbery, drugs, and under the Arms Act registered against them, police said, adding Gurpreet Singh had been declared a proclaimed offender in two cases.

DGP Yadav said police had launched a special operation covering Punjab, Chandigarh, Delhi and Maharashtra, and arrested the accused from Hruday Samrat Balasaheb Thakre Express Highway.

The probe revealed that the incident was the fallout of inter-gang rivalry between two groups, he added.

The shooting took place near a gurdwara in Ferozepur on September 3 when the woman, Jaspreet Kaur (26), accompanied by her brother and other relatives, were leaving in a car to invite some people for her wedding next month, police said.

As soon as they sat in the car, the six accused riding two motorcycles, reached there and allegedly opened indiscriminate fire at the vehicle.

Four of the accused were carrying weapons and several rounds were fired, killing Jaspreet and seriously injuring the rest, the police said.

Later, Jaspreet's relatives Dildeep Singh and Akashdeep Singh (23) succumbed to injuries, while her brother Anmolpreet Singh (24) was referred to a hospital in Ludhiana, they said.

Police sources said Dildeep had a criminal record and he had been released on parole recently in a case.
Bengaluru, Sep 7 (PTI) The Karnataka High Court has declined to quash a Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) case against a school teacher accused of recording videos of girl students while they were changing clothes.



The accused, employed at a residential school for children from backward communities in Kolar district, is facing charges of sexual harassment under the POCSO Act.

Justice M Nagaprasanna, in a recent ruling, described the teachers actions as horrendous and highlighted the severity of the charges.

The teacher was arrested in December 2023 after authorities discovered he had allegedly used mobile phones to secretly record the students.

"What is deeply concerning is that the petitioner was found with five different mobile phones, all of which were seized and sent for forensic examination," the court observed. "Each device contained approximately 1,000 images and several hundred videos."

The teacher approached the court, arguing that his actions did not constitute sexual harassment under the POCSO Act.

The High Court rejected this claim, asserting that filming children in such a manner clearly falls under the definition of sexual harassment as outlined in the Act.

"Section 11 of the POCSO Act specifies that anyone who causes a child to expose their body in a way that can be viewed by others, or makes any inappropriate gesture, is committing sexual harassment," the court noted. "Such behaviour is punishable under Section 12."

Justice Nagaprasanna further explained that the accusations against the teacher align with the legal definitions of sexual harassment, making it impossible to dismiss the case at this stage.

"The evidence presented, including the complaint, the teachers statements during the investigation, and the forensic report, clearly establish a prima facie case," the court said.

The case was initiated after a complaint was lodged via a helpline operated by the state social welfare department, which oversees such residential schools.

The court emphasised that the teacher must face trial, concluding that allowing the petition at this stage would be tantamount to condoning his actions.

"The fact that the petitioner is a teacher makes this offence particularly reprehensible," Justice Nagaprasanna remarked. "The alleged actions are not just illegal, they are morally indefensible." The court ruled that the teacher must face a full trial.
Chennai, Sep 7 (PTI) A 'motivational' speaker who stoked controversy by his remarks on rebirth and for his brazen argument on 'sin and punya' with a differently-abled government school teacher was arrested on Saturday, police said.

Following a complaint from a member of an association committed to the welfare of the differently-abled people, he was arrested at the airport on his arrival from abroad.

He was later produced before a court which remanded him to judicial custody, a police officer said adding provisions of relevant laws have been invoked against him.

The motivation speaker, Maha Vishnu, was the founder of Paramporul Foundation and who gives lectures and holds training programmes on yoga practices and meditation.

Days ago, the visually impaired teacher, Shankar, strongly objected to remarks based on Karma and rebirth in a school programme meant for motivating students.

The founder of the foundation argued with the teacher over the issue and a video clip of his arguments, some of which appeared inappropriate and harsh, was widely shared in the social media.

School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi, reacting to the arrest, said, 'law will do its duty' and added that the association for the differently-abled has alleged insult to them. While the minister had already thrown his weight behind the school teacher, BJP Tamil Nadu vice president Narayanan Tirupathi termed the arrest 'hasty' and said the action was expected.

In a post on 'X', the BJP leader said: "That is 'Dravida Model'. Unnecessarily the govt has created a tiger out of a cat."
New Delhi, Sep 7 (PTI) A 30-year-old man was arrested for allegedly shooting a property dealer dead and injuring two others at the latter's office at Narela area of outer-north Delhi, officials said on Saturday.

The dispute was triggered over the payment of Rs 20,000 borrowed by the accused's friend from the victim, they said.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (outer north) Ravi Kumar Singh said the incident was reported at Veer Properties in Narela on last Wednesday where the office owner, Manish, was found dead while his two friends Praveen and Kulbir alias Kalu were injured in the firing.

Singh said that Deepak alias Jitender, who had fled from the scene of crime, was arrested from the same area on the intervening night of Friday and Saturday.

The officer said Deepak disclosed that Manish was also in the business of finance by lending money on interest.

Deepak had become a guarantor in providing Rs 20,000 to one of his known persons, a resident of Bihar, he added.

The officer said that the person went to Bihar without returning the money and after that Manish started threatening Deepak to pay back his money.

On the day of the incident, Deepak along with his friends visited on the plot of land in front of Veer Properties, Gonda Road, Narela, Delhi.

Manish asked him to come to his office, where a fight ensued following an argument over the payment of the money between them.

Deepak was carrying a pistol, which he procured from Jammu and Kashmir, whipped it out and opened a spree of firing at Manish and others in his office, said a police officer.

During interrogation, Deepak said that he was fed up with the threats extended by Manish to him and during that fight, he decided to eliminate him.

After the incident, Deepak ran away from the spot with his friends in a Hyundai i-20 car.

The officer added that sincere efforts were being made to recover the weapon of offence and to nab co-accused persons involved in the matter.
Mangaluru, Sep 6 (PTI) The multi-state areca co-operative, Central Areca Marketing and Processing Co-operative (CAMPCO) has issued a stern notice to areca nut traders for misusing its membership cards and posing as farmers to sell spurious areca nuts to CAMPCO branches.



In a statement, CAMPCO has stated that some traders, who have established good relationships with farmers, are misusing CAMPCO membership cards to pose as farmers and sell arecanut at its branches. Recently, a trader, taking advantage of a farmers card, attempted to sell low-quality areca nuts from Burma (Myanmar) by mixing them with local areca nuts at the CAMPCO Puttur branch.

Fortunately, due to the alertness and diligence of our officials, this deceit was uncovered.



"In light of this incident, we earnestly request all our farmer members not to encourage any such fraudulent activities. Please ensure that your membership cards are not misused by anyone. Failing to be vigilant in this matter could lead to serious consequences for the stability of local arecanut prices," it stated.



"If buyers from North India become aware of this type of areca nut being mixed with the local product, they may stop purchasing from this region altogether," it added.



It has urged all members to be extremely cautious and avoid falling into such fraudulent schemes.
An attempted terror attack occurred on the yishuv of Eli in Binyamin on Shabbos when a Palestinian car rammed into a police car at a gas station.

BChasdei Hashem, the police car was empty at the time and no one was injured.

The terrorist was arrested and transferred to the Shin Bet for questioning.

The IDF confirmed: A short while ago, a report was received regarding an attempted car-ramming attack at a gas station in Eli during which a Palestinian vehicle accelerated toward and rammed into a police car. No injuries were reported.

IDF soldiers arrested the terrorist and he was transferred to security forces for further investigation.

(YWNs Jerusalem desk is keeping you updated after tzeis haShabbos in Israel)
Back in Roman times, scientists, philosophers and writers believed that courage, exuberance or even hysteria could be linked to the presence of animal spirits in human beings.

Fast forward 2,500 years and modern-day economists link animal spirits to confidence, hope, fear and pessimism in financial markets.

Bearish fear and pessimism have dominated sentiment for several years. Now it seems that bullish optimism is starting to make a comeback.

Dealmakers: Unlike big-city lawyers in Suits, pictured, Knights Group focuses on the regions

The past two months have seen a surge in activity, with companies announcing or plotting deals, both on the stock market and privately.

Aim-listed Knights Group is benefiting handsomely from this shift. Led by chief executive David Beech, Knights was the first commercial law firm to become a company when regulation changed in 2012.

Most practices operate as partnerships, where lawyers own their businesses, manage them and deal with clients.

At Knights Group, lawyers focus on the law, leaving Beech and his team to run the company.

This approach is quite different from traditional law practices, but it is gathering momentum.

When Beech moved into Knights, there were 70 lawyers. Today, there are almost 1,100, with the business growing both organically and through acquisition.

The group differs from its peers in other ways, too. Most major law firms are based in London, followed by Manchester, Birmingham and Leeds.

However, Knights is based in Chester, has no presence in the capital and focuses on regional towns and cities, from Carlisle in the North to Portsmouth in the South.

The firm tends to be the only one of any size in these places and business is brisk. Corporate work accounts for around two-thirds of group revenues, including mergers and acquisitions, buying and selling property, employee affairs and tax advice.

Bullish spirits are fuelling activity across the regions, financiers report that they are busier than ever and Knights clients are in the mood for growth.

With Rachel Reeves threatening to pummel anyone with a few spare pennies, companies are also keen to plot any major moves before being penalised with huge tax bills.

Beech is upbeat about other parts of his business too. Residential property has been depressed for a couple of years. In recent months, conveyancing work has soared by around 30 per cent.

Focus: , Knights is based in Chester, has no presence in the capital and focuses on regional towns and cities

Knights has thousands of wealthy clients as well, from major landowners to self-made entrepreneurs with prosperous private firms. Many are worried about the new Governments plans and looking to Beech and his team for help.

Knights Group joined Aim in 2018 at 1.45, after six years of growth and a quadrupling of revenues to 35million.

The group continued to prosper after flotation but hit problems in 2022 when economic conditions soured and a large acquisition in Leeds went awry.

Beech issued a profits warning and the shares slumped from more than 4 to 66p in just a few months. The stock has recovered since then but, at 1.25, is still below its flotation price. That should change.

Results to April of this year showed a 6 per cent rise in revenues to 150million and a 29 per cent profits increase to 14.8 million, with a 9 per cent hike in the dividend to 4.4p.

Beech intends to double sales to 300 million in the next five years, bringing profits and dividends along for the ride.

Some investors worry that Knights growth stems primarily from acquisitions. Beech intends to prove them wrong.

Organic growth averaged 10 per cent per annum for many years and he hopes to deliver similar gains in future, supplemented by judicious deals, including the recent acquisition of Worcester-based Thursfields, a firm founded in 1878.

A plain-speaking Midlands-man from Stoke-on-Trent, Beech has steered Knights for more than a decade.

That is a long time in todays market, but Beech is determined to remain at the helm. Im not going to let some other bugger take all the credit for the next few years, he says.

With a 22 per cent stake in the business, he is certainly motivated to strive for success, and City forecasts are encouraging.

Brokers expect revenues of nearly 170million in the current year, rising to 183million in 2026. Strong profits growth is forecast too, alongside dividends of 4.8p for the year to April 2025 and 5.3p the year after.

MIDAS VERDICT: Knights Group has been through tough times but the firm is back on track and prospects are bright. At 1.25, the shares should move higher  and dividends are rising too. Buy.
With a hotly contested election less than two months away and national, state and local candidates on the ballot, Globe Gazette remains dedicated to providing a platform for readers to express opinions about relevant matters of the day via our opinion pages.

We aim to give our readers a voice through letters to the editor and guest columns.

We believe in all kinds of civil discourse. Our opinion pages are a springboard for robust discussion of ideas rooted in evidence-based facts.

Globe Gazette welcomes submissions of opinion from our audiences. We regularly publish reader views in print, online and across our digital platforms. We encourage lively, civil and diverse community conversations on important issues. The goal is to foster healthy engagement and debate on the best paths forward for the communities we serve.

We may edit letters for length, clarity, accuracy and civility. But we will not change the thrust of a readers opinion if we choose to publish it.

The author of every letter to the editor must include with each submission their full and real name and the community where they live. This information is for publication at the end of each letter. We do not accept anonymous letters to the editor, nor do we publish letters under pseudonyms. For verification purposes only, we require letter writers to include their phone number and address with their submission. This personal information will not be published or shared with the public.

Here are the guidelines for submitting letters and guest columns to the Globe Gazette:

Letters to the Editor

Submissions must be 200 words or less.

No insults are allowed, and neither are sweeping generalizations of entire groups of people.

Letters will not be accepted from political candidates.

Because of print space constraints, letters endorsing political candidates will run online only. All letters regarding upcoming elections must be received by the Wednesday prior to Election Day.

Letters will be edited for AP style, space, libel and grammar.

Writers must include their name, address and phone number. The address and phone number will not be printed, but are required for verification and should the editor have questions.

Letters may be submitted on the Globe Gazette website at globegazette.com  click on the "Opinion" tab and submit a letter in the drop-down menu in the right corner of the home page. Letters may also be emailed to news@globegazette.com or mailed to the Globe Gazette, P.O. 687 S. Taft Ave., Suite 2, Mason City, Iowa 50701, Attn. Letters to the Editor.

Globe Gazette reserves the right to reject any submission.

Guest columns

Guest columns should be between 400-700 words.

They should focus on topical, relevant issues of local public interest.

The writer must have expertise related to the subject matter.

Include sources used to support the writers viewpoint.

Original ideas will always win out over regurgitated talking points from other news outlets.

Guest columns will not be accepted from political candidates.

No insults are allowed, and neither are sweeping generalizations of entire groups of people.

Columns will be edited for AP style, space, libel and grammar.

Globe Gazette reserves the right to reject any submission.

Guest column submissions should be emailed to news@globegazette.com along with a headshot photo and a short bio of the author. Please include a phone number in case the editor has questions.
surat

Most doctors dismiss male pattern baldness as a problem of heredity. A new theory, however, postulates that baldness can also result from number of external factors, such as a stressful urban lifestyle. Supporters of this new theory point out that baldness is twice as common among male who live in cities as it is among those who live elsewhere.



Which of the following most weakens the new theory described above?

linear thinking

exact

new theory

external factors, such as a stressful urban lifestyle

baldness in males

exact

baldness is twice as common among male[s] who live in cities as it is among those who live elsewhere

where bald men live

linear thinking

surat

A. Scientists have developed several drugs that halt baldness in men and can be taken internally

nothing to do with what causes baldness

Red light.

surat

B. Census reports show that most men who are born in large cities live almost their entire lives within the city of their birth to remain close to their families

most

baldness is twice as common among male[s] who live in cities...

to remain close to their families

stressful urban lifestyle

Yellow light.

surat

C. Most men do not develop male pattern baldness until they reach the age of 55, at which point their thoughts turn to pursuing a more restful lifestyle

nothing about where any of these men live

more restful lifestyle

those who live elsewhere

thoughts

Red light.

surat

D. Men who never lived in large cities are those who are least likely to develop male pattern baldness

males who live outside cities have half the rate of baldness as those who live in cities

Red light.

surat

E. A study determined that bald men are less likely to marry and reproduce

not even attempt to separate the bald men into the two necessary camps of city-dwellers versus non-urbanites

Red light.

process of elimination

stop looking for the correct answer all the time

linear thinking

I am no longer contributing to GMAT Club. Please request an active Expert or a peer review if you have questions. Signature Read More

Here is my take on this question. I hope others may find it useful.I often talk to my students about the role ofin the problem-solving process for CR and RC questions. That is, what is theargument, and on what pillars or premises may it stand? To knock down the argument, you need to take out a pillar. Here, thein question correlatesto. The evidence (i.e. pillar)? Again, stick to thephrasing of the passage:. Thus, in order to weaken this new theory, it is necessary to take into accountto test whether heredity or external factors may be leading to the condition.Full confession: That is typically about as far as I go with pre-thinking. I used to do more, but too often, my brainstormed ideas did not fall in line with the responses, and I ended up spending too much time on the questions. For me,started to lead to the answers much more efficiently, so I adapted my approach. On to the responses, then, with an eye on disproving what we can, rather than looking to find the one correct response.Analysis: As others have pointed out, this has, not to mention that it does not take into account where bald men live, a necessary condition to weaken the argument.Analysis: Do we have bald men living in large cities here? Yes, we do, at least by extension. Ifmen in general who are born in large cities live out their days there, then that would include bald men, our target group. This does touch on the evidence cited that, again,. What are we to make of the part about their reason for staying in those cities,. This could provide an alternative to what the new theory proposes, namely that ais causing city-dwelling men to lose their hair. It could be true instead that bald men have offspring who stay close to home and, in turn, pass along their genes for baldness to their offspring, who, if this reason provided at the end of the response holds true, will also likely stay close to home and produce the next generation of bald men. Is this the answer I was expecting? No. Can I find a reason to dismiss it outright? No, I cannot, and that is the crucial part.Analysis: Ah, the tempting answer. The problem is, the response says, nor does it offer where they may move to pursue this. You cannot assume that the city-dwelling population in the survey or whatever observation has established that city folk versus those from less urban environments comprised mostly men in the 55+ category. Moreover, if you assume that they move away from the city to retire and rest, then why would more bald men be found in the city, by proportion, as opposed to? Finally, since when dodictate where people actually live? I wish I could live in Hawai'i, and I can even dream about it, but that thought will not somehow affect a survey result or an observation about the male population of Hawai'i. At least choice (B) provided an action in addition to the thought.Analysis: The evidence cited suggests as much. Read in an altered manner, it says that. Of note is that there is a comparison between men who live in cities and those who live outside them, but what is presented does little to weaken the new theory that male pattern baldness can be explained by external factors rather than hereditary factors.Analysis: I kind of like the way this one ties into the hereditary notion of reproduction. On the other hand, it does. If it deviates from the linear-thinking pathway, then it does not satisfy the given task. This response applies equally to all bald men, regardless of where they live.The termis bandied about ad nauseam in the tutoring realm, and it means very little until you can connect the strategy to something meaningful. You have to rewire your thinking with these GMAT questions and. Instead of searching for the needle in the haystack, I suggest burning the chaff and finding the needle. Go into these questions within mind, and it becomes easier not to fall for a distraction.Good luck to all of you in your studies.- Andrew_________________
This morning a car crash report turned deadly as authorities investigate a crime scene that stretches across multiple East side streets.

Here is the first documentation . . .



Homicide 12th and Benton Blvd



This morning right at 4am officers were dispatched to 12th and Benton on a non-injury accident.



On arrival officers located a vehicle, unoccupied, just west of the intersection on 12th st that appeared to have been involved in a crash.



Upon close investigation of the vehicle it appeared there was indications of potential gunshot activity into the vehicle, as well as indications that someone may have been injured inside the vehicle.



Responding Officers began gathering information to determine the sequence of events and additional officers responded and began canvassing for anyone that maybe injured.



Officers canvassing were led to an apartment building diagonal from the intersection to the south and east. Behind that apartment they located an adult male who appeared to have been shot, unresponsive there. Officers called for EMS who declared that victim deceased at the scene.



Preliminary Investigation indicates that the vehicle initially reported in the crash was westbound on 12th just after 1am at a high rate of speed. At the intersection of Benton it sideswiped a vehicle and lost control and crashed into a parked vehicle west of Benton. Following the crash the victim exited the vehicle and fled the scene.



Detectives are also investigating a reported shooting that took place at 12th and Hardesty just after 1am. At that shooting scene one adult male was shot and transported to the hospital with what is thought to be non-life threatening injuries. Detectives are investigating the potential connection between the two scenes.



Detectives and crime scene investigators are processing the scene for evidence at this time.



If anyone heard or saw anything in this area between 1 am and 4 am, or has any information they are asked to contact Homicide detectives directly at 816-234-5043 or the TIPS Hotline anonymously at 816-474-TIPS. There is a reward of up to $25,000 for information submitted anonymously to the TIPS hotline.



We are committed to assisting victims of violent crimes through use of Missouris Protection Program for Victims/Witnesses of Violent Crime. Funding for temporary, or even permanent relocation, may be available but is subject to pre-approval by the States administering agency.



We are working with Partners for Peace in all our homicide investigations to monitor risks for retaliation and provide social services to affected residents.

##################

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

KCPD investigating possible connection between shooting and man found dead nearby KCPD is investigating after a man was found dead from what appear to be gunshot wounds near his crashed car.

KCPD investigating deadly shooting, overnight crash The Kansas City Police Department is investigating a potentially connected deadly shooting and crash early Saturday morning

Developing . . .
For tonight and for our most loyal readers we catch up on court cases, police action and community outreach.



Check TKC news gathering . . .

Mental health evaluation still 'in the works' for accused Indian Creek Trail killer Fredrick Scott is accused of killing six people, five men and one woman in a year along the trail in Kansas City between August 2016 - August 2017.

Independence, Missouri, man sentenced to 11 years for threats to judge An Independence man has been sentenced to 11 years in prison for making racially charged threats against a Jackson County judge.

Kansas City man charged in 2016 rape of elderly woman The Wyandotte County District Attorney's office charged a man with the rape of a 91-year-old woman in 2016.

Man sentenced to life in prison for teen's murder in Olathe, Kansas A judge has sentenced a Kansas man to life in prison for his role in the 2018 murder of a teenager in Olathe.

Kansas City man charged with assaulting woman, small child A 24-year-old man is behind bars in Jackson County and facing charges for an alleged assault of a woman and child.

KCKPD, ATF, FBI dispose of potential explosive device Friday morning Police in Kansas City, Kansas, called in agents from the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms Friday morning to safely dispose of a potentially explosive device.

Missouri police officer charged in death of K-9 in his care A Savannah, Mo. police lieutenant is charged with animal abuse after a K-9 officer in his care died in a hot car.

Denver man sentenced for transporting drugs through Kansas City A Denver, Colorado, man was sentenced in federal court Thursday for transporting thousands of pills through Kansas City, Missouri.

13 important updates from The Star's coverage of the IHOPKC sex abuse scandal Our reporters continue to cover sexual abuse allegations against IHOPKC's founder Mike Bickle and the organization's financial struggles, upheaval and investigations into wrongdoing.

Local officials considering changes to add enforcement to 31st and Prospect area On Friday, local officials brought solutions straight to neighbors of a crime-riddled area and KSHB 41 News Reporter Megan Abundis talked with those who live and work there.

Cass County rolls out centralized dispatch software in push to increase efficiency The Cass County Emergency Services Board began working on a new project in early 2022 to bring a new dispatching software into five Public Safety Answering Points, or PSAPs, in the county.

'If you know something, don't hold back': Mother wants answers in son's unsolved homicide Friday would have been Kendrick Anderson's 35th birthday. His mother is asking anyone with information about his unsolved 2017 homicide to tell detectives what they know.

Developing . . .
Credit to KICK-ASS TKC READERS for sharing a recent, misguided, report regarding our bloggy efforts.



But first . . . Context . . .



"Roughly 57% of all web-based text has been AI generated or translated through an AI algorithm, according to a separate study from a team of Amazon Web Services researchers published in June."

Accordingly . . .

We're linking this item for two reasons . . . It's Friday night and nobody cares.

Also . . .

This report KINDA encourages our mission here given that the web and US news coverage is quickly turning into junk and there aren't many places that locals can go find any kind of analysis, reporting or, Heaven forbid, worthwhile snark about local issues . . . Eventually "the algorithm" will improve and yet it's still very rare to find anyone who can consistently share at least somewhat amusing insights . . . Thankfully, the machines haven't shown any progress in telling jokes.

More to the point . . .



Even Superman ain't funny.

And so . . . The fact that we remain "somewhat amusing" might be enough to carry on here for the moment . . . It typically beats most of the "mission statements" we've seen from the dark money donation blogs who don't seem to have a sense of humor about anything.



And all of that prologue brings us to this . . .

CHECK AI GARBAGE MISTAKING TKC FOR LOCAL BBQ GOODNESS!!!

Strangely, this isn't the first time this has happened . . . Actually, one of the local big name BBQ places actually changed their branding to match our moniker.

And then . . .

We remember some hate-blogger made the obvious joke as well until he was cancelled and booted to Rumble or some other garbage streaming channel.

Finally . . .



Here's the description and hope that nobody shows up to my (mom's) basement expecting a good meal because we only have a limited amount of iced coffee and Chinese leftovers to share . . .



"Tony's KC has a rich history dating back several decades in Kansas City. Tony, a BBQ aficionado with a love for crafting the ideal smoked meats, opened the restaurant and soon won over many devoted patrons. The early going was modest, with a limited menu that concentrated on honing the fundamentals. Tonys KC grew in popularity and offers throughout time, earning a slot on the local and tourist calendar that is not to be missed."

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

Tony's KC: The Heart of Kansas City's BBQ Scene - WashingtonPost Magazine Delicious barbecue is widely associated with Kansas City, where smoky flavors and tender meats are more than simply cuisine; they are a way of life. Tony's KC

Related . . .

Is AI quietly killing itself - and the Internet? Interest in AI continues to surge, as Google searches over the past 12 months are at 92% of their all-time peak, but recent research suggests AI's success could be its downfall.

Developing . . .
" " People often subconsciously seek romantic partners whose birth order complements their own, such as firstborns pairing well with youngest children due to their nurturing and carefree traits. Amber Kipp / Unsplash

Have you ever found yourself inexplicably drawn to a certain type of partner, only to realize that they share the same birth order as your own siblings? Or perhaps you've experienced friction in a relationship that seemed to stem from fundamental differences in how you and your significant other approach life. If so, you may be experiencing the influence of the birth order dating theory - a psychological concept that has recently gained significant traction on social media platforms like TikTok.

The birth order dating theory posits that the order in which we are born into our families can have a profound impact on our personality traits, behaviors, and ultimately, our romantic compatibility with others. Rooted in the pioneering work of Austrian psychologist Alfred Adler in the early 20th century, this theory suggests that each birth order position - firstborn, middle child, youngest, or only child - comes with its own set of unique characteristics that can either complement or clash with those of a potential partner.

Advertisement

As the birth order theory continues to captivate the public imagination, it's time to delve deeper into the research and insights that underpin this intriguing concept. In this comprehensive article, we'll explore the distinct personality profiles associated with each birth order, examine how these traits can influence romantic dynamics, and uncover the potential pitfalls and benefits of dating someone with a different or similar birth order to your own.
Again, here is the underlying factor that most voters understand given polling and even statements from Republicans . . .

Even the most diehard Missouri GOP leaders admit that any effort against the Missouri abortion will mostly likely win if it makes it to the ballot.

And so . . .

The real fight is to keep this thing away from voters.

However . . .

Last minute legal tactics might backfire if successful and provide even more inspiration for pro-choice activists to push back against pro-life advocates.



Here is the latest chapter as a deadline moves closer . . .



A Missouri judge on Friday ruled that an abortion-rights campaign did not meet legal requirements to qualify for the November ballot, potentially thwarting a yearslong effort to undo the states near-total abortion ban.



But Cole County Circuit Judge Christopher Limbaugh stopped short of removing the measure from the ballot. Instead, he gave the abortion-rights campaign a chance to file a last-minute appeal before Tuesdays deadline to make changes to the Missouri ballot.





Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

Missouri abortion-rights amendment could be axed from the ballot after ruling JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - A Missouri judge on Friday ruled that an abortion-rights campaign did not meet legal requirements to qualify for the November ballot, potentially thwarting a yearslong effort to undo the state's near-total abortion ban.

Missouri judge rules against abortion amendment; group to appeal ruling Missourians for Constitutional Freedom, the group behind the effort to pass the amendment, said it will appeal the decision.

Developing . . .
Defense Minister Rustem Umerov of Ukraine announced the results of the 24 meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, held at the Ramstein Air Base in Germany on September 6.

Thats according to the ministers post on Facebook, Ukrinform reports.

Our partners and allies have a great interest in investing, financing, and cooperating to strengthen the Ukrainian defense industry. We are already in active communication with a number of countries regarding the possibility of financing our Ukrainian weapons, missiles, and drones, the minister wrote.

He noted that this opens up new opportunities for joint development of defense potential. And what is most importantit strengthens Ukraines battlefront. Ukrainian long-range drones are already demonstrating their effectiveness; our allies also note this, wrote the defense chief.

He also dwelled on the key results of today's Contact Group meeting.

The USA announced a new $250 million military aid package for Ukraine. It will include critical weapons and equipment, M2 Bradley IFVs, and missiles for HIMARS.

Canada will provide a large batch of engines for unguided aerial missiles and 1,300 warheads for them, which will significantly strengthen Ukraines capabilities in air operations.

Additionally, the new aid package includes thousands of machine guns and pistols, military equipment items, and 50 ambulances to meet Ukraines medical needs on the battlefield.

In addition, Canada has taken on an important role in training Ukrainian pilots for the F-16s within the FLIT program. The government will invest $389 million over five years in F-16 pilot training for Ukrainian personnel.

The UK will transfer 650 Lightweight Multirole Missile (LMM) systems to Ukraine worth 162 million, which will significantly strengthen our air defense capabilities.

The Netherlands will provide Ukraine with air-to-air missiles and support materials for F-16 aircraft valued at EUR 80 million. This assistance will significantly strengthen the defense capabilities of Ukraines Air Force.

Sweden has joined the demining coalition, by signing Memorandum of Understanding and pledging EUR 5 million to the Coalition Fund to support demining efforts.

Spain will send a HAWK SAM battery, which includes six launchers.

Another key result of the meeting with the allies was the signing of the Terms of Reference of the Maritime Capabilities Coalition (MCC), Umerov recalled.

I am grateful to the United Kingdom and Norway for their leadership in the Coalition. We are waiting for other partner countries to join, the minister stressed.

Work within the framework of the MCC will provide long-term support for Ukraine in ensuring Black Sea security, according to the minister.

This year, Ukraine places special emphasis on maritime defense" We have already driven russian ships off the shores of the Crimean Peninsula. Together with our allies, we continue to implement the Maritime Security Strategy. We are strengthening our positions on all fronts thanks to international support and the heroism of our warriors. Together, we are bringing peace and security in Europe closer, concluded Rustem Umerov.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, the 24 meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group was held in Germany on September 6.

Photo: Rustem Umerov, Facebook
President Volodymyr Zelensky invited the leader of the Dutch Party for Freedom, Geert Wilders, to visit Ukraine.

The president spoke of his meeting with Wilders in an interview with the Ukrainian media, aired by the national telethon, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

Zelensky noted that the Party of Freedom "has a high influence on general decisions in the Netherlands."

"He (Wilders - ed.) asked for a meeting... We talked. In principle, he supports Ukraine in any case, believes that Ukraine is fighting not only for itself, but also for peace around the world, for all Europe. Weve discussed the main things. Im glad we met. I think he needs more details. I invited him to come to Ukraine. He knows Ukraine very well, hes been here many times. I think we will be talking a lot," said the president .

He added that "partners should not be pushed away, but rather rallied around Ukraine."

The presidents press service said that during the meeting held on the sidelines of the Ambrosetti Forum in Italy, Zelensky thanked the Netherlands for the comprehensive defense, financial, and humanitarian support for Ukraine. He also noted the significant contribution of the Netherlands to strengthening Ukrainian air defenses.

The head of state briefed Wilders on the security situation in Ukraine and the challenges the country is facing in the face of Russias full-scale aggression.

He also spoke about Ukraine's efforts to restore a just and lasting peace, including about the process of implementing the Peace Formula based on the outcome of the inaugural Peace Summit and preparations for the second Summit.

As reported, the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Italy on Friday, September 6, to participate in the Ambrosetti Forum.

In April, the leader of the Dutch far-right PVV (Party for Freedom), Geert Wilders, whose force won a snap parliamentary election, expressed his discontent over the provision of another billion euros in military aid to Ukraine.

Previously, Wilders advocated halting all arms supplies to Kyiv before reversing his stance and declaring support for Ukraine.

Photo: Presidents Office
The Marsh Creek fire 12 miles southeast of Lincoln is now at 95 acres, fire officials said Saturday.

Crews continue to remove hazardous fuels between the fire and private property in the Canyon Creek community, which is about 3 miles east of the fire, Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest officials said.

The fire, reported at 6:44 p.m. Aug. 27, is being fueled by lodgepole pine, live and beetle-killed, dead and down trees throughout the area. Its cause has not been determined and it is 0% contained. The are 45 people, two Type 2 Crews, Dozer, Masticator assigned to the blaze. Fire officials said at mtfireinfo.org that $90,000 has been spent to fight the blaze so far.

So far crews have been successful removing fuels in the North Fork of the Prickly Pear drainage and McQuithy Gulch. Also, crews have begun fuels work in the South Fork of Poorman drainage about 3 miles northeast of the fire, officials said on inciweb.wildfire.gov.

As this work begins, crews and equipment remain staged in North and South Fork of Prickly Pear Road as well as McQuithy Gulch. Other areas further from the fire have been identified for treatment, if needed, based on fire activity, include the South Fork of the Prickly Pear drainage and Marsh Creek road, officials said.

The forest service said the fire is burning in remote, rugged terrain with little to no access for firefighting resources.

These areas pose challenges in responding to potential medical emergencies, jeopardizing the safety and well-being of firefighters and other responders. Crews are focused on the nearest identified critical value at risk, homes closest to the fire, primarily on the northeast, eastern and southeastern sides, and will adjust tactics if the fire behavior increases, forest officials said.

The fire was expected to be active this afternoon based on predicted weathertemperatures in the low 80s, relative humidity levels in the mid-teens and winds at about 10 mph  smoke will be visible.

In terms of trails, a closure order is in effect for:

 Trail #466 Nevada Creek Trail is closed from the Nevada Creek Trailhead to the Continental Dive Trail (CDT)

 Trail #440 CDT is closed from Meyer's Hill Trailhead to Stemple Pass Trailhead

 Trail #467 Helmville/Gould Trail is closed from the CDT to the Prickly/Nevada Trail

 Trail #487 Prickly/Nevada Trail is closed from Nevada Creek Trail to the Helmville/Gould Trail

There are 64 fires now burning in Montana, 70 this week and 1,895 so far this year, mtfireinfo.org said.
A state senator has apologized on social media for comments she made in August about a downtown Helena business after vehicles had been towed off its property for parking there during a Saturday farmers market.

It was not my intention to hurt the business when I called it out in my post about cars being towed, Sen. Mary Ann Dunwell, D-Helena, posted late Tuesday on Facebook about the Aug. 17 incident at Livery Square, where Wells Wellness and some other businesses are located. She said at the time she would not patronize the business.

I would not want to hurt a small business, especially one about wellness, she continued. I shouldve just alerted folks about the towing happening and not mention the business. My total bad.

Please know, Im not posting this for any reason other than that posting has weighed on my conscience and I feel badly, Dunwell wrote Tuesday. I take back my comment about my not patronizing the business. In fact, Ive checked out the website and Wells Wellness services sound wonderful.

The August posting sparked scores of comments. Dunwell said it was mixed reaction, but many of the writers were critical of Dunwell and people parking there in the first place. It also included comment from Tara Wells, the owner of Wells Wellness and Aesthetics, who noted others parking on her lot was an inconvenience to her customers, many of whom were being treated for injuries.

It also prompted the Helena Farmers Market to post a reminder to patrons and businesses to not park on private property.

Dunwells original post was no longer on her Facebook page Wednesday. Comments regarding her latest post thanked or supported Dunwell for her apology.

Wells said in a telephone interview that while she appreciated the apology, You cant take back words. I do not know what else to say. You cant put the toothpaste back in the tube.

Wells Wellness is a medical spa that specializes in addiction medicine, aesthetics, weight loss and helping veterans. Wells said she does veteran exams on Saturdays.

She said she had a veteran coming in for treatment on a Saturday who had to park two blocks away. Wells said the company she contracts with was called because she did not have adequate parking.

Wells said she has been dealing with the parking issue since 2021 at her Livery Square business, at Neill Avenue and Last Chance Gulch, in a building she shares with other businesses. She said it was the property owner who asked that the vehicles be removed.

Its not only the Saturday farmers market that has caused problems, but other downtown events as well such as Alive at 5, she said.

Andy Shirtliff, a city commissioner who also serves as board president of the Helena Farmers' Market, posted a note on Aug. 20 addressing the issue.

We have been informed that the parking lot in question is reserved exclusively for the businesses operating in the Livery Square building, he said. These businesses have expressed concerns about the availability of parking for their clients, even on Saturdays. Signs were installed last month to indicate that it is a private lot and that towing would be at the owner's expense.

He asked all vendors and patrons to use an alternative parking spot.

Wells said the problem remains, even after the public social media posting by Dunwell.

Literally, the next weekend, people were parking in the lot, she said.

Dunwell, whose Senate term ends in 2027, said Friday she posted the apology after having time to think. And she said this pointed to a larger problem.

We need to address parking downtown, she said, adding Helena needs a better public transportation system to give people more options instead of driving. We have to figure out the parking thing. Its really nobodys fault. She needs to run a business. I shouldnt have posted my first post.
Barron Trump was seen arriving at New York University on Wednesday, marking the end of a monthslong mystery as to where the youngest son of former President Donald Trump would attend following his graduation from Oxbridge Academy in Florida.

Donald Trump confirmed to the Daily Mail that Barron is enrolled in NYU's Stern School of Business for his freshman year.

Trump told the outlet that Barron considered his own alma mater, the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, and was accepted to several colleges. However, Barron ultimately chose Stern, which Trump described as "a very high quality place."

The 18-year-old is expected to commute daily from Trump Tower in Midtown Manhattan.
(@FahadShabbir)

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 7th Sep, 2024) High Commissioner of Maldives to Pakistan Mohamed Thoha on Saturday emphasized the need for direct air links between Maldives and Pakistan to foster brotherly relations and promote bilateral tourism.

He made these remarks during a visit to the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), where he met with President Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari to explore new avenues of bilateral cooperation, according to a press release issued here.

Thoha highlighted the rich trade and business potential between the two countries, particularly in the export of high-grade tuna from Maldives to Pakistan.

He described Pakistan as a fascinating country with hospitable inhabitants and identified opportunities for strengthening business ties in sectors like fruit and vegetable exports.

The High Commissioner also showcased his country's investor-friendly environment, offering visa exemptions and real estate investment opportunities.

He mentioned Maldives' plans to build 36,000 apartments in Male' and invited Pakistani investors to explore this sector.

Thoha emphasized the importance of reviving the South Asian Association of Regional States (SAARC) to strengthen regional cooperation.

Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari commended the High Commissioner's efforts to advance bilateral business ties and suggested collaborative efforts to promote tourism.

He also highlighted the potential for exchange programs, close collaboration between Chambers of Commerce, tuna imports, climate change initiatives, and ecotourism to enhance relations.

He also invited the visiting guest to join ICCI's upcoming delegation to Swat Valley on September 22-23, which will include Ambassadors, diplomats, and business leaders.

This trip aims to explore the valley's vast potential and uncover opportunities for collaboration and investment.

Zafar Bakhtawari, Secretary General United Business Group (UBG) said that Maldives carries significance for Pakistan not only because of a Muslim country but also a member of the SAARC.

He praised the High Commissioner as a dynamic personality and expressed hope for strengthened relations during his tenure.

He noted Pakistan's support for Maldivian diplomats and students, as well as Maldives' consistent support for Pakistan's candidatures in international bodies.

Attendees also included Akhtar Abbasi, Nasir Mehmood Chaudhry, and Imtiaz Abbasi.
ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 7th Sep, 2024) The Ministry of Planning, Development & Special Initiatives and the Planning Commission of Pakistan have constituted a high-level 'Policy Board', under the visionary leadership of Professor Ahsan Iqbal to ensure economic stability in the country.

This initiative aims to enhance transparency and improve the economic planning process of the country with the active participation of private sector and corporate leaders, a news release said on Saturday.

The Policy Board, led by Professor Ahsan Iqbal, comprises a diverse group of esteemed members from various sectors, including former federal ministers, industry leaders, academic experts and international professionals.

Notable members include Shahid Ashraf Tarar, Ex-Caretaker Federal Minister; Musadaq Zulqarnain, Chairman of Interloop Limited; Dr Rana Iqrar, Vice Chancellor of the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad and and Naveed Sherwani, an IT expert from the USA.

The board has been tasked with several critical responsibilities like providing advisory on policy formulation and strategy development, offering guidance on policies and strategies aimed at promoting mid and long-term economic growth.

Additionally, it would offer insights on national and international economic issues, reviewing macroeconomic trends and providing economic outlooks to inform policy decisions.

The board would also evaluate national plans and economic reports to offer recommendations, assess socio-economic trends to support evidence-based policy advice, and advice on policies to enhance national innovation and competitiveness.

Furthermore, the board would integrate sustainable development goals into national economic strategies, facilitate dialogue with key stakeholders, and promote international cooperation. Besides, it would review the impact of major economic policies to evaluate their effectiveness.

Chairing the first meeting of the Policy Board, Ahsan Iqbal emphasized the importance of this initiative in stabilizing Pakistans economy.

He highlighted that the participation of the private sector would significantly improve the Planning Commission's performance.

The board members will play a crucial role in developing strategic frameworks and preparing short, medium and long-term plans.

Ahsan Iqbal noted that the Policy Board would ensure the implementation of the 5Es Framework, the 13th Five-Year Plan, and Vision 2030. These frameworks prioritize key sectors such as exports, digital development, environmental sustainability, energy and equity.

The experiences and recommendations of the Policy Board members would also assist in formulating the national budget, making the process more transparent and reliable.

The minister reiterated the government's commitment to transforming Pakistan into a trillion-dollar economy by 2035 through the effective implementation of the 5Es framework.

He called upon private organizations, civil society and experts to collaborate in driving the nation toward stability and growth.

Members of the Policy Board expressed their appreciation for the inclusion of experts from the private and corporate sectors. They pledged their full support to the governments initiatives, recognizing the significant impact this collaboration could have on Pakistans economic development.

The establishment of the Policy Board marks a major milestone in Pakistans economic planning process.With the combined efforts of the government and private sector experts, Pakistan is poised to achieve sustainable development and economic stability.

The Planning Ministrys initiative under Professor Ahsan Iqbals leadership is a testament to the governments dedication to fostering a prosperous future for the nation.
(@Abdulla99267510)

Despite third hearing on amicus curiae brief, government appears helpless and uninformed in court today, says court order

ISLAMABAD: (UrduPoint/UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News-Sept 7th, 2024) The Islamabad High Court on Saturday issued a written order regarding the petition for the release of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, observing that despite 12 days passing, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs failed to establish contact with foreign lawyers for Aafias release.

The decision was written by Justice Sardar Ijaz Ishaq Khan.

The order mentions that despite the third hearing on the amicus curiae brief, the government appeared helpless and uninformed in court today.

The government is presenting its fear in a vague manner and has no clue about the consequences of submitting the amicus curiae brief.

On August 20, the government was informed about the critical role of the brief.

After 12 days of hard work, the governments only conclusion is that they need to contact an American lawyer to understand the potential outcome of submitting the brief in relation to Dr. Aafias release petition.

According to the order, despite 12 days passing, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs failed to contact foreign lawyers.

Had any authority been granted to the government, we would be at the mercy of their slow and indifferent decisions.

The government let Mr. Smith proceed based on a mere assumptionthat the government would perform its duties on time and submit the amicus curiae brief.

In the written order, the judge noted that Mr.

Smith has worked diligently to lay the foundation for the motion for compassionate release.

Mr. Smith believes his petition could be heard and approved, but the government remains indecisive on whether it would support Mr. Smith.

Instead of agreeing with the amicus curiae brief, the governments cowardice is painting a sad picture.

The court ordered the government to make a decision on the amicus curiae brief by September 30 and provide Mr. Smith with a clear yes or no response by the same date.

The Attorney General of Pakistan is ordered to appear in person at the next hearing.

The Secretaries of the Cabinet, Ministry of Law, and Ministry of Defense are also required to appear at the next hearing. If any of them are abroad during the next hearing, they must attend online.

The court further mentioned that the next step is to file a compassionate plea before the U.S. President through Mr. Smith.

The Pakistani governments support for this plea is essential for the U.S. Presidents consideration.

Mr. Smith stated that he could present the draft of the plea by the end of this week.

According to the Additional Attorney General, the Federal government would submit its response to the draft within seven days.

The Additional Attorney General is instructed to give a clear yes or no answer by the next hearing, which is due on September 13.
PESHAWAR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 7th Sep, 2024) A rare snake species known as the blunt-nosed viper and other reptiles, especially the geico lizard are found to be under severe threat due to killing by locals and gold extractors near the Indus River in Nizampure area of Nowshera district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The threat warning was issued by an amazing nature survivalist and wildlife rescuer, Abdul Rehman who belongs of Bahawalpure district of Punjab and recently spent around two weeks in Nizampure and Manglot National Park for his research on different wild species.

Abdul Rehman also operates an educational YouTube channel in the name of `Wild Rush to create awareness about the conservation of indigenous wild species.

During a visit to Nizampure on the embankment of the river Indus, Abdul Rehman found that gold extractors who sleep on the site of extraction are ruthlessly killing reptiles including rare species for safety purposes.

It merits an insertion here that a large of people carrying an extensive fleet of heavy machinery are engaged in illegal mining of gold in the Indus River at Nizampure area of Nowshera, causing irreparable damage to valuable national assets besides severe disruption of aquatic life.

Apart from gold extractors, the locals are also involved in killing of rare snakes, blunt-nosed viper and geico lizard, he told APP.

Talking to APP, Abdul Rehman informed that the geico lizard is killed by people on the basis of a misconception of becoming a highly venomous species.

He said geico are found in abundance in Nizampure and people of area are of the view that if it even touches a human, he will die of its poisonous excretion.

Whereas blunt-nosed viper is being killed because of a new specie in the area and of its large size, Rehman believed.

He said blunt nosed viper is not a local species of Nizampure and according to locals, it started appearing in the area after the 2010 flooding.

According to limited research on the species, blunt-nosed vipers, scientifically known as Macrovipera lebetinus, are mostly found in the Chiltan mountain range of Baluchistan or some mountainous regions of Kashmir, Rehman told APP.

However, to his surprise, he found the snake in Niazampure area in two different colors.

Furthermore, he continued, the size of viper which is usually around 5 to 6 feet scares locals and they forthwith kill it on sighting over a belief that its a python and will devour their livestock.

The wildlife rescuer said he found carcasses of three snakes and also watched several videos recorded by locals of killing the viper of large sizes.

The snake found in Nizampure is also unique because of its colours mostly yellow and blue which warrants research as how it arrived in the area and which specie is this, Rehman observed.

He said the snake is also under sever threat because of being nocturnal in nature and remains much dormant during day time, allowing people to easily attack and kill it.

During conservation, locals informed Rehman that in the daytime these snakes are found in deep sleep and they easily kill them without any resistance.

Sometime they stumble upon the snake while tilling in farmlands and the reptile did not give any response due to deep sleep.

Being a wildlife rescuer, Abdul Rehman worked on conservation of threatened species and educated locals about the non-venomous nature of geico lizard.

He also requested them to avoid killing snakes if found in the open. He told locals that if they found any snake within the premises of their homes, they should kill it otherwise avoid killing rare species.

Similarly, Abdul Rehman also met with gold extractors and apprised them about several non-venomous reptiles which they are killing in fear.

He also stressed that the KP Wildlife Department should work on the conservation of threatened wild species by creating awareness among people.

In this connection, he also suggested for display of sign boards and panaflex in areas with inscriptions about the non-harmful nature of different species and their ecological importance.

Abdul Rehman also offered his services to the Wildlife Department of taking pictures of different wild species found the area and displaying awareness panaflex besides holding capacity-building sessions with locals and gold extractors.
Sao Paulo, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 7th Sep, 2024) Led by beleaguered ex-president Jair Bolsonaro, Brazil's political right will rally for "democracy and freedom" Saturday amid a free speech tussle that has seen X, their preferred social platform, suspended in the country.

Bolsonaro called the demonstration for Latin America's biggest city, Sao Paulo, on Independence Day -- which will be celebrated in the capital Brasilia with a parade overseen by leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

Bolsonaro in a video urged protesters to turn out en masse in green and yellow -- the colours of the Brazilian flag but also coopted by his supporters.

"There is no point celebrating our independence if we are deprived of freedom," he railed in the post on Instagram.

At the rally, Bolsonaro will be hoping to show his political clout a month before municipal elections in the deeply divided country.

He left office nearly two years ago after a razor-thin election defeat to arch-rival Lula.

That prompted so-called Bolsonaristas to storm the presidential palace, Congress and Supreme Court on January 8, 2023, calling for the military to oust Lula and claiming, without evidence, that the election was stolen.

Bolsonaro, dubbed the "Tropical Trump" is under investigation for an alleged coup attempt over those events.

- 'Toga-clad dictator' -

Bolsonaro and the far right are at war with judge Alexandre de Moraes who presided over the TSE electoral tribunal when it banned the ex-president from running for office until 2030 over his attempts to discredit Brazil's electoral system.

Moraes, who has taken on the mantle of an anti-disinformation crusader, is leading several other investigations into Bolsonaro and it was he who ordered the suspension in Brazil of X for breaching local laws.

The right hates Moraes and accuses him of censorship and abuse of office.

Bolsonaro has described his ruling against X as a "blow to our freedom and legal security, which will drive away foreign investors and have adverse consequences in all spheres of public life in Brazil."

Lula has come out in support of the fight against "fake news."

Saturday's demonstration was called before Moraes blocked the platform formerly known as Twitter.

One of its organizers, evangelical pastor Silas Malafaia, urged followers to come out in numbers to demand "the removal of the toga-clad dictator Alexandre de Moraes."

Members of the right-wing opposition in Brazil's Senate have said they will file for Moraes's impeachment next week -- a move welcomed by Musk.

Bolsonaro has traveled the country widely in recent months to boost allies who will be seeking office in October local elections.

On Saturday, "we will see the true extent of Bolsonarism," Geraldo Monteiro, a political scientist with the University of Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), told AFP, in reference to the turnout.

In his social media appeal, Bolsonaro asked supporters to "not take part in the independence ceremonies organized by the government."

In February, a pro-Bolsonaro rally also in Sao Paulo gathered about 185,000 people, according to an estimate from researchers at the University of Sao Paulo.

Another in Rio in April gathered fewer.

Saturday's rally is expected to start at 5.00 pm (1400 GMT), whilst in Brasilia, Lula is expected to attend a parade accompanied by 30 military athletes who had competed in the Paris Olympic Games.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Saturday began the first visit by a British leader to Ireland in five years, vowing to "reset" damaged post-Brexit relations between the two nations

Dublin, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 7th Sep, 2024) UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Saturday began the first visit by a British leader to Ireland in five years, vowing to "reset" damaged post-Brexit relations between the two nations.

The visit, described by Downing Street as a "historic moment for UK-Ireland relations", signals a further warming in bilateral ties that had frayed under the UK's previous Conservative government.

Irish counterpart Simon Harris welcomed Starmer to Dublin, with the pair shaking hands and posing for photographs before heading for talks.

"Today we're Dublin to flesh out what a reset actually looks like... in a practical sense for our citizens on both islands," Harris said at the beginning of the talks.

"And I certainly know that it has to be embedded in things like peace, prosperity, mutual respect and friendship."

Starmer added that the reset was "really important to me and my government".

"(It) can be meaningful. It can be deep," he said.

Both leaders stressed the importance of their joint roles as guardians of the Good Friday Agreement, the landmark peace accord brokered in 1998 that ended decades of sectarian violence in Northern Ireland.

Boosting economic growth was also due to be high on the agenda, as well as the joint response to international crises, where Harris said the two leaders "were aligned in so many ways".

Harris, who became taioseach (prime minister) in April, was the first international leader hosted by Starmer in the UK after his landslide election win in July.

The pair chatted over pints of Ireland's national drink, Guinness, at the British prime minister's country residence, Chequers, northwest of London, before a larger meeting of European leaders.
Dublin, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 7th Sep, 2024) UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Saturday began the first visit by a British leader to Ireland in five years, with London looking to reset damaged relations with European Union nations after Brexit.

The visit, described by Downing Street as a "historic moment for UK-Ireland relations", signals a further warming in bilateral ties that had frayed under the previous Conservative government.

Irish counterpart Simon Harris welcomed Starmer to Dublin, with the pair shaking hands and posing for photographs before heading for talks that will be focussed on boosting economic growth.

"(It) marks a new era of co-operation and friendship between Britain and Ireland," Starmer's office said in a statement announcing the visit across the Irish Sea.

Harris, who became taioseach (prime minister) in April, was the first international leader hosted by Starmer in the UK soon after his landslide election win in July.

The pair chatted over pints of Ireland's national drink, Guinness, at the British prime minister's country residence, Chequers, northwest of London, before a larger meeting of European leaders.

Ahead of Saturday's visit, Starmer said the "UK and Ireland share the strongest of ties" and that the two leaders were "in lockstep about our future".

The UK-Ireland relationship "has never reached its full potential but I want to change that", Starmer said in comments released by Downing Street.

"We have a clear opportunity to go further and faster to make sure our partnership is fully delivering on behalf of the British and Irish people -- driving growth and prosperity in both our countries," he added.
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

Venice, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 7th Sep, 2024) The Venice Film Festival wraps up Saturday with one winner to be awarded the prestigious Golden Lion prize out of an eclectic roster of exceptional international films.

From "The Brutalist" by US director Brady Corbet tracking the tortured artistic path of a Holocaust survivor to "A Room Next Door," the end-of-life female friendship picture from veteran Spanish auteur Pedro Almodovar, the choices are many -- with no one film considered a frontrunner.

stars have swarmed onto the glamorous Lido this year for the 81st edition of the world's oldest film festival, whose winners often go on to Oscar glory.

Venice's red carpet this season has been graced by the likes of Lady Gaga, starring with Joaquin Phoenix in the sequel to Todd Phillips' antihero "Joker" film, or George Clooney and Brad Pitt, whose action comedy "Wolfs", to be streamed on Apple TV+, premiered out of competition.

Pundits have already singled out "The Brutalist" and "Queer" -- an adaptation directed by Italy's Luca Guadagnino of the short novel by Beat Generation writer William Burroughs -- as films to keep an eye on, both for their cinematic ambition and the lead performances by actors Adrien Brody and Daniel Craig, respectively.

Angelina Jolie is in contention for a best actress award for her tour-de-force performance as opera diva Maria Callas in Pablo Larrain's "Maria", as is Nicole Kidman for "Babygirl," an erotic thriller whose graphic sex scenes required an onscreen fearlessness the actress called "freeing".

The jury headed by French actress Isabelle Huppert also has its work cut out to choose a best actor, with both Brody in "The Brutalist" and Craig in "Queer" among the festival's most transformative.

Five-time James bond actor Craig is already being predicted as a top Oscar contender next March for his role as William Lee, a lonely, heavy-drinking gay writer in 1940s Mexico City, whose unrequited love for a young man sends him on an anguished and drug-fuelled road trip through South America.

Craig said the role allowed him a full gamut of experiences and emotions.

"If I was writing myself a part and wanted to tick off the things I wanted to do, this would fulfil all of them," Craig told journalists before the film's premiere.

- Voices heard -

Films at the festival -- which saw American actress Sigourney Weaver and Australian director Peter Weir accept lifetime achievement awards -- did not shy away from difficult subject matter, whether contemporary or historical.

Abortion ("April"), white supremacy ("The Order"), the Mafia ("Sicilian Letters") and enforced disappearances and killings during Brazil's military dictatorship ("I'm Still Here") were among the subjects of films competing for the Golden Lion.

Several films explored war and its crushing repercussions, whether documentaries on the war in Ukraine or the conflict between Israel and Palestinians, while two Italian features centred on the two World Wars of the last century.

Among the most remarkable was "Russians at War" from Russian-Canadian filmmaker Anastasia Trofimova, who went behind the lines of the Ukraine war with Russian soldiers.

"Russian soldiers are not someone whose voices are heard," Trofimova said during a press conference.

"This is my attempt to see through the fog of war and to see people as people."
DECATUR  When Salvatore Sassano thinks back on his Sister Cities trip to Tokorozawa, Japan, the first thing that pops into his mind is how welcoming his host family was.

My most memorable moment is dinner the first night we got picked up, said the St. Teresa High School senior. It was an eye-opening experience. It was so nice to meet the new family and spend the night in Japan and realizing I'm in a different country, and the way they welcomed me was so comforting. They just saw me as one of their own family members.

When he first met them, they hugged him and greeted him, as he expressed it, as if they'd always known each other and he was just coming back from college.

They treated me like I was their kid, he said.

Decatur has had a Sister Cities relationship with Tokorozawa for years, and Salvatore's sister, Seven, has been to both Japan and to Seevetal, Germany, Decatur's other sister city. He knew he wanted to go, too, when the opportunity arose, and his family was supportive.

Five Decatur students visited for two weeks in early August, spending one week with one host family and the second week with a different host family. Most of the host families included at least one person who had been a student ambassador to Decatur, and an adult daughter of Salvatore's first host family had lived in Australia, so she spoke English  with an Australian accent, which Salvatore found fascinating.

Most Japanese learn English during their school years, and the adults in the host families remembered some, but weren't fluent, Salvatore said. Fortunately, there were people in all the host families and nearby who could translate if necessary.

Andrew Frankovich, a senior at Warrensburg-Latham High School, stayed with a family whose mother works as an English teacher, so communication wasn't difficult. He helped with a couple of her classes, and the experience made him consider being an English teacher there himself one day, he said.

The father really liked to play guitar, Andrew said. He asked me for a song to learn and I suggested 'The House of the Rising Sun.'

The father's favorite music to play is The Beatles, Andrew said, and he knew how to play most of their songs, though he didn't always know all the words.

One his host families also had a son, Nobu, who had been to Decatur as an ambassador, and seeing a familiar face helped him feel at home.

We scrambled everything together to be able to do a lot of things, Andrew said. There was a lot of different things and stores there I'd never seen before. There was a record store that was nine stories of records and disks and I bought a couple while I was there. There was a lot of different things that surprised me because it's all in this one small area, and it was interesting, because you can walk into a place and not know what it's going to have. That's one of the things I enjoyed about being there. You can walk around a corner and it's something new.

The Americans had a daily itinerary that included visits with the mayor, tours in Tokyo, and a visit to a local high school to learn calligraphy and a tea ceremony, but also had plenty of open days when the host family could show their guests around to places that mean something to them personally.

Elyse Harding, now a freshman at Richland Community College, was homesick for her family while she was in Japan, but she'd enjoy traveling there again if her family could go, too, she said. She particularly enjoyed visiting Japanese shrines and praying at them.

I found it very moving, she said.

Close Herald & Review, Jim Bowling From left, Maria Hiramatsu, hosts Kimberly Miller, middle, and Audrey Miller,8, discuss possible destinations during Hiramatsus visit after her arrival at the Decatur Civic Center with five other members of Decatur sister city, Tokorozawa, Japan, Wednesday afternoon. Herald & Review, Jim Bowling Director of Sister Cities Committee Linda Hasenmyer greets 6 visitors from Decatur sister city, Tokorozawa, Japan, along with host families upon their arrival at the civic center Wednesday afternoon. Herald & Review, Jim Bowling Host Mallory Christensen welcomes Minami Inoue as her father Dana Christensen looks on during the arrival of 6 visitors from Decatur sister city, Tokorozawa, Japan, at the Decatur Civic Center Wednesday afternoon. Herald & Review, Jim Bowling Host families welcome 6 visitors from Decatur sister city, Tokorozawa, Japan, as they arrive at the Decatur Civic Center Wednesday July 29, 2015. Herald & Review, Jim Bowling Host families welcome 6 visitors from Decatur sister city, Tokorozawa, Japan, as they arrive at the Decatur Civic Center Wednesday July 29, 2015. Herald & Review, Jim Bowling Host families welcome 6 visitors from Decatur sister city, Tokorozawa, Japan, as they arrive at the Decatur Civic Center Wednesday July 29, 2015. Herald & Review, Jim Bowling Host families welcome 6 visitors from Decatur sister city, Tokorozawa, Japan, as they arrive at the Decatur Civic Center Wednesday July 29, 2015. Herald & Review, Jim Bowling Host families welcome 6 visitors from Decatur sister city, Tokorozawa, Japan, as they arrive at the Decatur Civic Center Wednesday July 29, 2015. Herald & Review, Jim Bowling Host families welcome 6 visitors from Decatur sister city, Tokorozawa, Japan, as they arrive at the Decatur Civic Center Wednesday July 29, 2015. Herald & Review, Jim Bowling Host families welcome 6 visitors from Decatur sister city, Tokorozawa, Japan, as they arrive at the Decatur Civic Center Wednesday July 29, 2015. Herald & Review, Jim Bowling Host families welcome 6 visitors from Decatur sister city, Tokorozawa, Japan, as they arrive at the Decatur Civic Center Wednesday July 29, 2015. Herald & Review, Jim Bowling Host families welcome 6 visitors from Decatur sister city, Tokorozawa, Japan, as they arrive at the Decatur Civic Center Wednesday July 29, 2015. Herald & Review, Jim Bowling Host families welcome 6 visitors from Decatur sister city, Tokorozawa, Japan, as they arrive at the Decatur Civic Center Wednesday July 29, 2015. Herald & Review, Jim Bowling Host families welcome 6 visitors from Decatur sister city, Tokorozawa, Japan, as they arrive at the Decatur Civic Center Wednesday July 29, 2015. PHOTOS: Decatur Hosts Welcome Japan Sister City Visitors Herald & Review, Jim Bowling From left, Maria Hiramatsu, hosts Kimberly Miller, middle, and Audrey Miller,8, discuss possible destinations during Hiramatsus visit after her arrival at the Decatur Civic Center with five other members of Decatur sister city, Tokorozawa, Japan, Wednesday afternoon. Herald & Review, Jim Bowling Director of Sister Cities Committee Linda Hasenmyer greets 6 visitors from Decatur sister city, Tokorozawa, Japan, along with host families upon their arrival at the civic center Wednesday afternoon. Herald & Review, Jim Bowling Host Mallory Christensen welcomes Minami Inoue as her father Dana Christensen looks on during the arrival of 6 visitors from Decatur sister city, Tokorozawa, Japan, at the Decatur Civic Center Wednesday afternoon. Herald & Review, Jim Bowling Host families welcome 6 visitors from Decatur sister city, Tokorozawa, Japan, as they arrive at the Decatur Civic Center Wednesday July 29, 2015. Herald & Review, Jim Bowling Host families welcome 6 visitors from Decatur sister city, Tokorozawa, Japan, as they arrive at the Decatur Civic Center Wednesday July 29, 2015. Herald & Review, Jim Bowling Host families welcome 6 visitors from Decatur sister city, Tokorozawa, Japan, as they arrive at the Decatur Civic Center Wednesday July 29, 2015. Herald & Review, Jim Bowling Host families welcome 6 visitors from Decatur sister city, Tokorozawa, Japan, as they arrive at the Decatur Civic Center Wednesday July 29, 2015. Herald & Review, Jim Bowling Host families welcome 6 visitors from Decatur sister city, Tokorozawa, Japan, as they arrive at the Decatur Civic Center Wednesday July 29, 2015. Herald & Review, Jim Bowling Host families welcome 6 visitors from Decatur sister city, Tokorozawa, Japan, as they arrive at the Decatur Civic Center Wednesday July 29, 2015. Herald & Review, Jim Bowling Host families welcome 6 visitors from Decatur sister city, Tokorozawa, Japan, as they arrive at the Decatur Civic Center Wednesday July 29, 2015. Herald & Review, Jim Bowling Host families welcome 6 visitors from Decatur sister city, Tokorozawa, Japan, as they arrive at the Decatur Civic Center Wednesday July 29, 2015. Herald & Review, Jim Bowling Host families welcome 6 visitors from Decatur sister city, Tokorozawa, Japan, as they arrive at the Decatur Civic Center Wednesday July 29, 2015. Herald & Review, Jim Bowling Host families welcome 6 visitors from Decatur sister city, Tokorozawa, Japan, as they arrive at the Decatur Civic Center Wednesday July 29, 2015. Herald & Review, Jim Bowling Host families welcome 6 visitors from Decatur sister city, Tokorozawa, Japan, as they arrive at the Decatur Civic Center Wednesday July 29, 2015.
Officials from the Democratic Republic of Congo will be heading home from the two-day Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Beijing with limited success in their bid to expand economic relations beyond the mineral exports that have dominated trade, analysts say.

The Chinese will continue to want to consolidate their position in Congo, including on minerals, says Jean-Pierre Okenda, a Congolese consultant on mining issues.

Although the DRC has a trade surplus with China, while most African countries have large deficits, almost all of it is from minerals China is buying to feed its manufacturers that are hungry for raw materials.

The central African nation is the worlds largest producer of copper and cobalt, a metal used in electronics and a key material for batteries used in electric vehicles. The DRC has about 70% of the planets cobalt reserves.

Expanding trade, investment?

Chinas customs authority shows trade flows to the DRC dropped 13% last year to $18.75 billion compared with 2022, the vast majority of it due to China's decreased imports from the DRC, which dropped by nearly 14% to $14.27 billion.

While the drop was largely due to fluctuating prices, it underscored how deeply the DRC, one of the poorest countries in the world, relies on China.

China is by far its largest single trading partner, representing nearly half of its merchandise exports and more than a quarter of its imports, according to 2022 data from the World Trade Organization.

Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi was the first African leader to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping ahead of the conference. According to a statement from his office, Tshisekedi made it clear he wants to see bilateral trade expanded to other sectors such as agriculture, renewable energy and especially industrialization through the local processing of the DRC's mineral wealth.

Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs said ahead of the forum that Xi declared his nation is ready to deepen cooperation in agriculture, mineral products processing, vocational training and other fields.

Many in the Congolese leadership were hoping to come away from the conference with large pledges of Chinese investment in the country.

Julien Paluku, the DRCs trade minister, on Thursday published a plea for Kinshasa to be given a large chunk of the $50 billion that Xi promised at the conference to invest in Africa over the next three years.

We focused our arguments on DRC's pivotal role in the Belt and Road Initiative, highlighting its strategic location as a connectivity point from North to South and East to West across the African continent, he wrote on X.

Business climate

Christian-Geraud Neema, a Congolese researcher on China-Africa relations and the Francophone Africa Editor of the China Global South Project, says complaints about the investment climate in the DRC are an issue.

There is a sort of reluctance to increase projects, he says, referring to Chinese investments in Congo. China will make promises, but not very committed promises.

The DRC is one of the most corrupt countries in the world, ranking 162 out of 180 countries in Transparency Internationals corruption perceptions index.

Chinese businesses have also come under increasing pressure under Tshisekedis administration, with the government working to renegotiate long-standing deals with Chinese mining firms.

In January, the Congolese government concluded talks on renegotiating a deal with the Chinese consortium running Sicomines, a copper-cobalt mine in Congos southeast. That renegotiation saw the investors behind the consortium agree to spend a massive $7 billion on developing infrastructure, such as badly needed roads and bridges, in the DRC.

Another Chinese company, CMOC, which runs the largest copper-cobalt mine in the world, situated in the DRC, agreed to pay $2 billion to the Congolese state last year after a commercial dispute.

Although many analysts believe those mining deals are still favorable to China, the uncertain business environment and the costs associated with rampant corruption have caused unease, say analysts.

The operating conditions in Congo, everyone knows what theyre like, says Okenda, explaining that Chinese firms were among the few willing to brave Congos tough business environment.

Defense cooperation

Defense is another area where some in the Congolese administration had been hoping for more cooperation in light of the countrys struggle to end the brutal conflict in eastern DRC.

Tshisekedis office said that he discussed security concerns with Xi and that he praised China's influence on the lifting of the [U.N.] arms embargo on the DRC while it is unjustly attacked by Rwanda and M23 terrorists.

The M23, a Rwandan-backed rebel group, has captured swathes of territory in the region since launching a rebellion in late 2021 and displaced more than 1 million people from their homes.

The DRCs army, which critics say is weak and plagued with corruption, has struggled to fight back, losing battles and territory. But the DRC army did purchase nine high-tech Chinese CH-4 Rainbow attack drones, which it has used effectively in battle despite some being shot down.

Jean-Pierre Bemba, who was the DRCs defense minister before moving to the transport portfolio in April, said in Beijing this week that he hoped China and the DRC could go beyond their traditional areas of cooperation and work more closely on defense.

Analysts are skeptical the defense relationship will go much further. Okenda, the mining consultant, said that Chinas interest isnt in defense, and that Beijing's overriding concern was natural resources.

Neema, the researcher, said that the prospect of a minerals-for-arms deal with Chinese firms had been a vague idea for years, but that Congolese leaders had never pursued it for fear of angering the United States, another important diplomatic partner.

He said closer defense cooperation remained unlikely, unless the situation in the eastern DRC deteriorates further.

Expediting military factors could push the Congolese government to make a deal, he said.

Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in their statement on Xis meeting with Tshisekedi, indicated he made no reference to defense cooperation and gave only a boiler plate comment about working together for peace.
The URL has been copied to your clipboard

The code has been copied to your clipboard.

Six years after Jifeng Bookstore was forced to close its doors in Shanghai, the shop has reopened in Washington to bring debate and literature to a new audience. Liam Scott has the story for VOA News. Videographer: Yi Ruokun
The heads of the American and British foreign intelligence agencies said in a joint essay published Saturday that ongoing support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia is essential.

They pledged to enhance cooperation between their agencies and address other global challenges.

CIA Director William Burns and Richard Moore, head of Britain's MI6 secret intelligence service, wrote the opinion piece in the Financial Times newspaper.

This marks the first time the leaders of the two agencies have co-written an essay.

The spy chiefs highlighted that their partnership is a cornerstone of the "special relationship" between the U.S. and Britain.

They noted that their agencies have collaborated for 75 years and are united in opposing Russia's aggression against Ukraine.

"Staying the course in Ukraine is more vital than ever," they wrote.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, they said, "will not succeed in extinguishing Ukraine's sovereignty and independence."

They committed to continuing support for Ukrainian intelligence.

Russian forces are making slow progress in eastern Ukraine, while Ukrainian troops continue their activities in Russia's Kursk region.

Kyiv has been seeking additional air defense support from the U.S. and its allies.

The spy chiefs also addressed Russian intelligence operations, accusing them of sabotage and disinformation across Europe.

Russia has denied those allegations.

Burns and Moore said their agencies have reorganized to confront a growing challenge from China, which they described as the principal intelligence and geopolitical concern of the 21st century.

They also emphasized their efforts to use intelligence to promote restraint and de-escalation in the Middle East, including working toward a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.

Burns is leading U.S. negotiations to resolve the conflict and address humanitarian issues.

On Friday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged military allies to provide more weaponry to strengthen Ukraine's defense as Russia continues its invasion.

Speaking at Germany's Ramstein Airbase during the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) meeting, Zelenskyy stressed the need for improved air defense systems and permission to use U.S.-supplied long-range weapons to target locations in Russia and Russian-occupied Ukrainian territory.

Zelenskyy highlighted the urgent need for additional air defense systems due to recent drone and missile attacks.

He noted that while some support has been provided, several promised systems have not yet arrived.

U.S. policy currently restricts Ukraine from using U.S. weapons to strike deep within Russia.

White House national security spokesperson John Kirby confirmed that the policy remains unchanged but noted that discussions with Ukrainian officials are ongoing.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, speaking at the UDCG meeting, reiterated support for Ukraine's immediate needs, including air defense and armor.

He also emphasized the importance of Ukraine boosting its own defense production for long-term security.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, in a related development, called for continued military support for Ukraine, echoing Zelenskyy's appeal.

He stressed that a strong Ukraine is crucial for ending the war and urged all allies to maintain their support during this critical period.

Some information for this report was provided by The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse.
China stopped short of providing the debt relief sought by many African countries this week, but pledged $50.7 billion over three years in credit lines and investments.

The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, or FOCAC, launched in 2000 took on an enhanced role after the 2013 inception of President Xi Jinping's Belt and Road Initiative, which aims to recreate the ancient Silk Road for the world's second-largest economy and biggest bilateral lender to Africa.

"China is moving back on to the front foot in terms of overseas deployment of capital in the emerging markets," said Tellimer's Hasnain Malik, while adding it was not yet at pre-COVID levels.

China has also sought to use FOCAC to counter growing competition in Africa from the United States, the European Union, Japan and others.

In Beijing, diplomats and delegates from around the world mingled in the Great Hall of the People in Tiananmen Square as leaders from more than 50 African countries and Chinese officials led by Xi gathered for a group photo. The new financial pledge is more than what Beijing promised at the last FOCAC, in 2021, but below the $60 billion of 2015 and 2018, which marked the peak of lending to Africa under the Belt and Road Initiative.

During those peak years, Beijing bankrolled the construction of roads, railways and bridges. But a drying up of funds since 2019 has left Africa with stalled construction projects. The new funds will go toward 30 infrastructure projects to improve trade links, China said, without giving details.

The 54-nation continent of more than 1 billion people has an annual infrastructure funding deficit estimated at $100 billion and needs transport links to make a new giant pan-African trade bloc a reality.

Beijing has in recent years cut funding for such projects as it shifted focus to "small and beautiful" projects, mainly due to its own domestic economic pressures and an increase in debt risks among African countries.

Asked how the new commitments fit into China's current cautious overseas lending strategy, a foreign ministry spokesperson said there was no contradiction.

"The cooperation between China and African countries, including the specific implementation of projects, is discussed and determined by both sides," Mao Ning, a foreign ministry spokesperson, told a news conference on Friday.

China also said it will launch 30 clean-energy projects in Africa, offer cooperation on nuclear technology and tackle a power deficit that has delayed industrialization efforts. "The outcomes of the FOCAC summit signal an impetus for green projects and especially for renewable energy installations," said Goolam Ballim, head of research at South Africa's Standard Bank.

China has become a global leader in wind and solar energy, Ballim said, controlling significant supply chains and reducing production costs.

Others were skeptical.

"The issue is not so much about the size of the investments, it's been about the lack of transparency around the terms of the debt," said Trang Nguyen, global head of emerging markets credit strategy at French bank BNP Paribas.

Success was less clear-cut for countries owing a large share of their debt to China, which made no express offer of assistance to those struggling with repayments.

Beijing instead urged other creditors "to participate in the handling and restructuring of African countries' debts under the principle of joint actions and fair burden-sharing."

African leaders hoping to bask in large deals for their countries had to settle for less splashy announcements. Ethiopia and Mauritius announced new currency swap lines with China's central bank. Kenya said it made progress on talks to reopen the lending taps for key projects such as its modern railway to link the region.

Still, there was optimism from some, as they welcomed China's increased commitments to Africa's security, humanitarian challenges and other nonfinancial affairs.

"After nearly 70 years of hard work, China-Africa relations are at their best in history," Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu said on her X account.
Chinese dissident Liu Dongling is at risk of deportation back to China after Denmark rejected her asylum application in June, a situation some rights advocates say reflects challenges Chinese dissidents face when seeking refuge abroad, especially in Europe.

Liu has been leading the Ban the Great Firewall online campaign against Chinas internet censorship regime since August 2023, when founder Qiao Xinxin was deported back to China from Laos and detained on subversion charges.

Danish immigration authorities informed Liu in June they rejected her asylum application following a two-year review and would repatriate her back to China in seven days. Fearing similar charges if deported to China, Liu fled to Sweden with her teenage son the next day.

Ive been in Sweden for more than two months, and I still cant work here since I dont have a proper legal status, she told VOA in an interview in Stockholm.

Lui cannot apply for asylum in Sweden due to the Dublin Regulation, an agreement between European Union countries that establishes that a single country is responsible for examining an applicant's request for asylum.

Contacted by VOA, the Danish Immigration Service and Danish Return Agency said they could not comment on individual cases, citing confidentiality required by law.

Human rights advocates contacted by VOA said that based on Qiaos detention, Liu will likely face imprisonment if the Danish authorities deport her.

Apart from leading the online free speech campaign, Liu has also been collecting information about human rights violations for the China Human Rights Accountability Database, so she would definitely be given prison sentences if she were sent back to China, Lin Shengliang, a Chinese activist based in the Netherlands and the founder of the human rights database, told VOA by phone.

Seeking asylum in Denmark

Liu has been an activist since 2014, when she helped forced eviction victims seek compensation through legal channels. She said she started being followed and her son started being banned by teachers from participating in activities he enjoyed.

My son began to refuse to go to school so I decided to move to Thailand and let him go to school there, Liu told VOA.

In June 2019, she began documenting human rights violations for the Chinese news website Boxun, which covers activism and human rights violations in China.

But soon, Chinese prosecutors in Chinas Henan province started repeatedly contacting her, increasing her concern over her safety. She nevertheless returned to China twice in 2019 to renew her Thai visa. At the time, she wasnt arrested or detained by local authorities.

In June 2022, fearing deportation back to China considering the Thai detention and repatriation of Chinese dissidents, Liu applied for a Danish tourist visa and flew there with her son, applying for asylum when they arrived.

As Danish authorities began to review her asylum application in March 2023, she also became involved with the online free speech campaign. She tried to spread information about how to bypass Chinas internet censorship through virtual private networks to Chinese people while informing Chinese people working in the cybersecurity sector that they might be assisting the Chinese government with violating Chinese peoples basic human rights.

Two months after she joined the campaign, movement co-founder Qiao Xinxin went missing in Laos. In August 2023, his family confirmed he had been detained in a Chinese prison under subversion charges.

Despite Qiaos and her extensive history of activism, Liu said Danish authorities repeatedly questioned whether she was at risk of arrest if she returned to China, citing her successful returns to China in 2019 as proof that she could freely leave the country.

The Refugee Appeals Board finds that the applicant left China legally for Thailand in 2018 and later, she traveled back and forth between China and Thailand legally twice without experiencing issues, the Danish Refugee Appeals Board wrote in an official case document seen by VOA.

The Danish immigration authorities ultimately determined that Liu had not provided credible evidence to prove that she had faced persecution in China and that if she returned to China, she would be persecuted by Chinese authorities.

Some analysts say while Liu has a long track record of criticizing the Chinese government and engaging in human rights issues, some missing pieces of evidence made it difficult for her to prove the authenticity of her claims to the Danish authorities.

However, several human rights organizations, including Madrid-based Safeguard Defenders, are trying to push the Danish immigration authorities to reassess her case.

We have prepared all the paperwork to support the reassessment of her case, said Peter Dahlin, the director of Safeguard Defenders.

He told VOA that Denmarks rejection of Lius asylum application shows the need for Chinese dissidents to be well-prepared before applying for asylum in a foreign country.

If Chinese dissidents are going to seek asylum abroad, they need to prepare all necessary paperwork and evidence to back up their claims, he said in a phone interview.

Dahlin said if the Danish authorities decided to follow through on deporting Liu to China, human rights organizations will consider filing an interim measure requesting the European Court of Human Rights to weigh in on the decision.

I don't think Denmark wants the embarrassment of having been told by the European Court of Human Rights to stop their action, he told VOA.

While human rights organizations are pushing Danish authorities to reassess Lius initial asylum application, she and her son may need to wait months before the Danish government finishes reassessment of her case.

They will live in Sweden with no legal rights, and thats not an easy situation to be in especially when Sweden and Denmark are hardening their stance on asylum and immigration, Dahlin said.

Since it remains unclear whether Danish authorities would reassess her case, Liu said she is still haunted by her possible deportation back to China. I have no clue what my next step is, and the only thing I could do now is to lay low and wait to see if Danish authorities reassess my asylum application, she told VOA.
The pilots of a Brazilian passenger plane that crashed last month, killing all 62 people aboard, reported failure in the system to remove ice from the plane, according to a preliminary report made public Friday by Brazilian authorities.

Investigators were careful to avoid saying this was the cause of the accident, stressing there was more work to be done. Still, their report lent further credence to aviation experts' main hypothesis: that the lift loss had been caused by ice formation on the plane's wings and failure of its deicing system. Weather reports from the day of the accident predicted ice formation in the region where the plane went down.

Audio from the cockpit's voice recorder included comments from pilots indicating ice was accumulating and the deicing system was failing, Paulo Froes, an investigator in the air force's center for the investigation and prevention of air accidents, told reporters in Brasilia.

"There are still many doubts. This accident shouldn't have happened, not in the conditions in which the plane was flying and was being operated. It had protection equipment," Carlos Henrique Baldin, head of the center's investigation division, told reporters.

Operated by the airline Voepass, the flight departed August 9 from the city of Cascavel, in Parana state, bound for Sao Paulo's Guarulhos international airport. It crashed into the backyard of a home in a gated community in the city of Vinhedo, about 80 kilometers northwest of Sao Paulo.

Footage of the ATR 72 twin-engine turboprop plunging while in a flat spin horrified people across Brazil.
Families of children at a Kenyan primary school where a dormitory blaze killed at least 17 boys were facing an anguished wait Saturday for news of their missing loved ones.

Kenya's Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua told reporters at the scene of the tragedy on Friday that 70 youngsters were still unaccounted for.

The fire at Hillside Endarasha Academy in the central Nyeri county broke out around midnight Thursday, engulfing a dormitory where more than 150 boys were sleeping.

President William Ruto declared three days of national mourning starting from Monday after what he described as an "unfathomable tragedy."

He said 17 children aged between 9 and 13 had lost their lives, while 14 had suffered injuries and were being treated in hospital.

"I pledge that the difficult questions that have been asked such as how this tragedy occurred and why the response was not timely will be answered; fully, frankly, and without fear or favor," Ruto said in a statement.

"All relevant persons and bodies will be held to account, and we shall do all that is required to ensure that, as far as possible, we shall never again find ourselves in the grips of such a tragedy."

Gachagua told reporters there were still 70 children unaccounted for, but said it did not mean they were dead or injured, but may have been taken by relatives or found shelter in the community.

He described the scene as "gory" and said painstaking investigative work using DNA would be required to help identify the victims.

"The bodies recovered at the scene were burnt beyond recognition," national police spokesperson Resila Onyango told AFP.

'He can't be dead'

On Friday, tensions were running high among families gathered at the school as they anxiously awaited news of the missing.

Many broke down after officials took them to see the charred bodies in the destroyed dorm.

"Please look for my kid. He can't be dead. I want my child," one woman cried in distress as she left the school.

The cause of the inferno was not yet known, but Kenya's National Gender and Equality Commission said initial reports indicated the dorm was "overcrowded, in violation of safety standards," and called for an immediate inquiry.

"We parents are in panic mode," said Timothy Kinuthia, who has been hunting for news of his 13-year-old boy.

The Kenyan Red Cross said it was on the ground assisting a multi-agency response team and providing psychosocial support.

AFP footage showed the blackened shell of the largely wooden-built dormitory, with its corrugated iron roof completely collapsed.

The destroyed building was sealed off by yellow police tape, with officers stationed at all access points.

The school, which caters to some 800 children, is located in a semi-rural area around 170 kilometers north of the capital Nairobi.

There have been numerous school fires in Kenya and across East Africa.

In 2016, nine students were killed by a fire at a girls' high school in the sprawling slum neighborhood of Kibera in Nairobi.

In 2001, 67 pupils were killed in an arson attack on their dormitory at a secondary school Kenya's southern Machakos district.

Two pupils were charged with murder, and the headmaster and deputy of the school were convicted of negligence.

In 1994, some 40 school children were burned alive and 47 injured in a fire that tore through a girls' school in Tanzania's Kilimanjaro region.

In 2022, a blaze ravaged a school for the blind in eastern Uganda. Eleven pupils died after they were trapped inside their shared bedroom because the building had been burglar-proofed, government ministers said at the time.
The family of a Turkish-American woman shot and killed Friday by Israeli soldiers during a pro-Palestinian demonstration in the West Bank demanded an independent investigation Saturday.

They accuse the Israeli military of killing her "brutally."

The White House said it was deeply disturbed and called for an investigation.

Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, 26, described as an activist, was shot while posing no threat to Israeli forces and during a calm period following earlier clashes, according to witnesses.

"Her presence in our lives was taken needlessly, unlawfully, and violently by the Israeli military," Eygi's family said in a statement. "A U.S. citizen, Aysenur was peacefully standing for justice when she was killed by a bullet that video shows came from an Israeli military shooter."

The family called on U.S. President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of State Antony Blinken to order an independent investigation and ensure accountability for the responsible parties.

The Israeli military said Saturday its forces "responded with fire toward a main instigator of violent activity who hurled rocks at the forces and posed a threat to them" during the protest.

The director of Rafidia Hospital in Nablus told Reuters that Eygi arrived in critical condition with a head wound.

"We were trying to save her, but unfortunately, we couldn't revive her heart because of her severe injury, and then we announced she lost her life," Fouad Nafaa said.

Paramedic Faiz Abdel Jabar described to Reuters that during the protest in Beita, near Nablus, Israeli forces shot two bullets, one of which hit Eygi in the head.

Eygi, a member of the International Solidarity Movement, was in Beita for a weekly demonstration against Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, ISM said.

Turkey condemned her killing as "barbaric," and Washington has urged Israel to investigate the incident.

At a news conference in the Dominican Republic, Blinken expressed condolences and said Friday that the U.S. is focused on gathering facts about the shooting.

First things first, lets find out exactly what happened, and we will draw the necessary conclusions and consequences from that, Blinken said.

U.S. National Security Council spokesperson Sean Savett said the U.S. reached out to Israel for more information and requested an investigation.

The Israel Defense Forces said on X and Telegram that its forces responded with fire toward a main instigator of violent activity who hurled rocks and posed a threat.

The IDF is looking into reports that a foreign national was killed as a result of shots fired in the area. The details of the incident and the circumstances in which she was hit are under review, the statement said.

The incident follows an Israeli military withdrawal from Jenin and its refugee camps after a 10-day operation in the West Bank. Fighting in Jenin accounted for the deaths of 21 of 39 Palestinians reportedly killed during the operation.

In a video interview, Jenin Governor Kamal Abu al-Rub confirmed the withdrawal and described it as the most destructive incursion by the IDF to date.

While not confirming the withdrawal, the IDF summarized its counterterrorism operations in Jenin, saying it had eliminated 14 terrorists, apprehended over 30 suspects and dismantled explosives.

The IDF statement also said it dismantled numerous terrorist infrastructure sites, including an underground weapons storage facility and an explosives lab.

Since the conflict began following the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, Israeli fire has killed nearly 700 Palestinians in the West Bank, according to Palestinian health officials. The IDF reports that most of those killed were militants.

In Gaza, Israels counteroffensive has resulted in nearly 41,000 Palestinian deaths, according to the territory's health ministry, which says most of the dead are women and children. Israel claims most of the dead are combatants.

In separate incidents in northern and central Gaza, at least 8 Palestinians were killed and about two dozen others were wounded overnight into Saturday by Israeli strikes on a school housing refugees and a residential building in Gaza, according to the Palestinian Authority's official news agency, WAFA.

Gaza's Civil Defense authority, which operates under the Hamas-run government, said four of the dead were in refugee tents at Halima al-Sa'diyya School in Jabaliya, in northern Gaza.

The Israeli army said in a statement it had "conducted a precise strike on terrorists who were operating inside a Hamas command and control center ... embedded inside a compound that previously served as the 'Halima al-Sa'diyya' School in the northern Gaza Strip."

In another incident, five people were killed in an Israeli strike on a house in western Nuseirat in central Gaza.

The terrorist Wassem Hazem, head of the Hamas terrorist organization in Jenin, was also eliminated, the IDF said. Hazem directed shooting and explosive attacks in Jenin and was responsible for advancing terror attacks in Judea and Samaria.

Hamas is designated a terror group by the U.S., U.K., EU, and others.

Some information for this report was provided by The Associated Press, Reuters, and Agence France-Presse.
Outrage over the murders of 6 hostages in Gaza, Israelis came out in droves demanding a ceasefire deal, as Prime Minister Netanyahu dug into his own demands. A conversation on the sentiment on the ground from policy expert Shira Efron with the Israel Policy Forum. Israels military operation in the West bank left dozens of people dead, including an American woman attending a demonstration against settlement expansion. Another warning from the U.N. on the humanitarian situation in Gaza and a conversation with a Doctors without Borders physician in Khan Younis on the polio vaccination efforts.
Shunned by the West for over three years, Afghanistan's Taliban scored a diplomatic victory of sorts this week when the small Central Asian nation of Kyrgyzstan quietly removed the group from its list of banned terrorist organizations.

The move underscores warming ties between the Taliban, in power since August 2021, and the countries of Central Asia. While the United States has led an international campaign to deny the Taliban government legitimacy, over a dozen regional countries, led by China and Russia, have embraced the self-styled "Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan."

"It fits with the broader trend of governments in the region and internationally warming up to the idea of having to work with the Taliban," said Lucas Webber, a senior threat intelligence analyst at Tech Against Terrorism and a research fellow at the Soufan Center. "Generally, there is a recognition that the Taliban is not going anywhere, so you have to work with whoever is ruling Afghanistan for economic and security reasons."

Taliban reaction

The government of Kyrgyzstan, once considered a close U.S. ally in the region, did not publicize its decision to delist the Taliban, but the Taliban's Foreign Ministry quickly seized on it as the latest breakthrough in its regional diplomacy.

"Aligning with actions of other countries, the step taken by Kyrgyzstan signifies a growing political recognition of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan on both regional and international levels, and removes a barrier to strengthening bilateral relations between the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan & other countries," it said Thursday in a statement.

The Taliban, which first ruled Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001 before waging a 20-year insurgency, has appeared on various international terrorist lists over the years. While the U.S. has not officially labeled them a "foreign terrorist organization," it considers members "specially designated global terrorists."

Kyrgyzstan is the second Central Asian country to delist the Taliban in recent months. In December, Kazakhstan took the group off its own terrorist list as part of its growing economic engagement with the Taliban. In May, Russia said it, too, was considering such a move as it decides whether to recognize the Taliban's government.

Although no country has extended official recognition to the Taliban, more than a dozen, including all six of Afghanistan's neighbors, have allowed Taliban diplomats to take charge of Afghan embassies or consulates. Among them, three have accepted accredited Taliban envoys: China in January, followed by Kazakhstan and the United Arab Emirates last month.

In pursuing ties with the Taliban, Central Asian countries are taking their cues from Russia and China, both of which have deepened their engagement with Afghanistan's de facto government in recent years.

"They're pursuing practical policies, and they're also given a kind of umbrella by two of the major great powers  Russia and China  who are working with the Taliban quite closely," Webber said.

A 'necessary evil'

In a report on the Taliban's regional diplomacy, analysts at the International Crisis Group noted how various countries pursue disparate agendas.

Afghanistan neighbors such as Iran, Pakistan and Uzbekistan view dealing with the Taliban as a "necessary evil if they are to address core concerns," the analysts wrote. Those concerns include extremist threats as well as trade. For Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, a planned project designed to carry surplus power to Afghanistan and Pakistan is a priority.

Regional powers China, India and Russia use engagement to contain "any spillover" from Afghanistan, the analysts said. Russia regards the Taliban as a bulwark against the Islamic State's local branch. And while China has signed lucrative investment deals with Afghanistan, it, too, is motivated by fear of terrorism.

Countries farther afield, such as the UAE and Qatar, aim "to challenge the Taliban's Islamic exceptionalism but [are] also spurred by the need to balance their own regional rivalries," they wrote.

Strategic interests vs. human rights

Significantly, none of the countries that have established diplomatic ties with the Taliban were classified as "free" by Freedom House, the freedom and democracy advocacy group. All but two are labeled "not free," according to a VOA review. Only Pakistan and Turkey are designated as "partly free."

This suggests that the Taliban can ward off international isolation if enough countries prioritize strategic interests over human rights and democracy, according to experts.

While human rights haven't always been a U.S. foreign policy priority, the Biden administration, along with its Western allies, have made Taliban recognition contingent on respect for human rights, women's rights and an inclusive government.

"Given the issues related to the treatment of women and other human rights issues, it's more difficult for liberal democratic governments to recognize and work with the Taliban than it is for less democratic governments or nondemocratic governments, where they can be more practical in terms of pursuing their national interests solely and then working with the Taliban on this basis," Webber said.

The implications for Afghanistan's future and U.S. diplomacy are immense. Increased political and economic engagement could embolden the Taliban to keep their harsh policies, such as their ban on girls' education after sixth grade, experts say.

It could also force Washington to reassess its dual policy of engaging and isolating the Taliban. Since the Taliban takeover, U.S. and European diplomats have held ongoing talks with Taliban officials in Qatar, where they maintain their Afghanistan embassy operations.

Biden administration officials have also reportedly weighed working with the Taliban to combat the Afghan-based Islamic State Khorasan terror group, even while refusing to establish diplomatic ties.

"There is going to be pressure as more governments recognize that this kind of resistance to working more closely with the Taliban doesn't hold up," Webber said. "But it will be hard to do so publicly and officially, given the humanitarian violations and problems that we see with the Taliban government."

The Biden administration defends its Afghanistan policy. Asked about the Taliban's growing diplomatic footprint, a State Department spokesperson noted that no country has said that it recognizes the Taliban as the government of Afghanistan.

"The Taliban seek recognition as Afghanistan's government," the spokesperson said in a statement to VOA. "The United States and the international community have been clear with the Taliban that our ability to take meaningful steps toward normalization will be based on the Taliban's own actions."

These include respecting the rights of women and minorities, fulfilling anti-terror obligations and starting a political process for inclusive governance, the spokesperson said.
Acting with integrity  where all of your words and actions align with your core beliefs  brings peace of mind and a sense of freedom, OConnor says. This may seem challenging, but she believes that lying or ignoring your principles could make you sick, both mentally and physically.

(Real Simple magazine provides smart, realistic solutions to everyday challenges. Online at www.realsimple.com.)
The largest dam removal project in U.S. history was completed Wednesday, marking a major victory for tribes in the region who fought for decades to free hundreds of miles of the Klamath River near the California-Oregon border.

Through protests, testimony and lawsuits, local tribes showcased the environmental devastation due to the four towering hydroelectric dams, especially to salmon, which are culturally and spiritually significant to tribes in the region. The dams cut salmon off from their historic habitat and caused them to die in alarming numbers because of bad water-quality conditions.

Without the tribes' work "to point out the damage that these dams were doing, not only to the environment, but to the social and cultural fabric of these tribal nations, there would be no dam removal," said Mark Bransom, chief executive of the Klamath River Renewal Corporation, the nonprofit entity created to oversee the project.

Power company PacifiCorp built the dams to generate electricity between 1918 and 1962. But the structures halted the natural flow of the waterway that was once known as the third-largest salmon-producing river on the West Coast. They disrupted the life cycle of the region's salmon, which spend most of their life in the Pacific Ocean but return to the chilly mountain streams to lay eggs.

At the same time, the dams produced only a small fraction of PacifiCorp's energy at full capacity  enough to power about 70,000 homes. They also didn't provide irrigation, drinking water or flood control, according to Klamath River Renewal Corporation.

Since breaching the dams, salmon regained access to their habitat, water temperature decreased and its quality improved, said Michael Belchik, senior water policy analyst for the Yurok Tribe.

But tribal advocates and activists see their work as far from finished, with some already refocusing their efforts on revegetation and other restoration work on the Klamath River and the surrounding land.

Here's a look at just a few of the many tribal members at the center of this struggle for dam removal:

'I really felt an urgency'

When Karuk tribal member Molli Myers took her first major step into the fight for Klamath dam removal, she was six months pregnant, had a toddler in tow and was in a foreign country for the first time. It was 2004 and she had organized a group of about 25 tribal members to fly to Scotland for the annual general stockholders meeting for Scottish Power, PacifiCorp's parent company at the time.

For hours, they protested outside with signs, sang and played drums. They cooked fish on Calton Hill over a fire of scotch barrels and gave it out to locals as they explained why they were there.

"I really felt an urgency because I was having babies," said Myers, who was born and raised in the middle Klamath in a traditional fishing family. "And so for me I was internalizing the responsibility to take care of their future."

The initial trigger for her to act came two years before that when she saw some of the tens of thousands of salmon die in the river from a bacterial outbreak caused by low water and warm temperatures.

"Looking back on it now I wonder where would we be if that hadn't happened," said Myers, 41. "Looking back on it now I can say, 'Was this our creator's call to action?' "

She spent the next two decades protesting and flooding state and federal meetings with tribal testimony, including waiting with other tribal members at the doors of a Berkshire Hathaway shareholder meeting at 4 a.m. in 2007 to ask Warren Buffett what he was going to do about the dams. PacifiCorp was at that point part of Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Inc. conglomerate.

Today, those same children with her in Scotland are 21 and 19, and with the dams gone Myers said she sees the hope they and her other three children have about the future.

"They can do whatever needs to get done because they saw it happen, they lived it, so now there's no impossible for them," she said.

'His vision became reality'

For Yurok elder Jacqueline Winter, her feelings on the newly free-flowing river are more complicated. The 89-year-old's son, Troy Fletcher, was the tribe's point person for dam removal for two decades, testifying in front of the U.S. Congress and presenting to state and federal regulatory committees.

But his true power came through his ability to bring people with radically conflicting viewpoints  from farmers to commercial fishers to tribal members  together. Winter said that came from his belief that everyone living along the river are relatives and deserve to be heard.

"We're all family. None of us can be left hurting and all of us have to give a little," she said was his message.

But at 53, the former executive director for the Yurok Tribe died unexpectedly from a heart attack, nearly a decade before that vision of a free-flowing river would finally be realized. Winter said when she saw the dams breached last month, it felt like his spirit was there through those he touched and she could finally let him go.

"His vision became reality and I think he never doubted it," she said. "He never doubted it. And those who worked closely with him never doubted it."

'Protect those fish'

Former Klamath Tribes Chairman Jeff Mitchell's work since the 1970s for dam removal came out of the belief that the salmon are their relatives.

"They were gifted to us by our creator and given to us to preserve and to protect and also to help give us life," said Mitchell, chair of the tribe's Culture and Heritage Committee. "As such, the creator also instructed us to make sure that we do everything in our power to protect those fish."

The Klamath River's headwaters lie on the tribe's homelands in Oregon, and members once depended on salmon for 25% of their food. But for more than a century their waters have not held any salmon, he said.

Mitchell and other tribal members' fight to bring them back has cycled through several forms. There were the years of protesting, even gathering carcasses of fish after the 2002 fish kill and leaving them on the doorsteps of federal office buildings. There were his days of walking the halls of the state Legislature in Salem, Oregon, meeting with lawmakers about the millions in funding needed to make dam removal happen.

Today, he said he feels like they achieved the impossible, but there's still more work to do.

"I'm happy that the dams are gone and we have passage," he said. "But now I'm thinking about what are those fish coming home to. And that's really the focus now, is how do we get the parties to start taking restoration actions and making that the top priority in all of this?"
Nigerias difficult victory over polio faces a challenge as the poliovirus type 2 variant reemerges and the nation considers new measures to tackle the outbreak.

Nigeria eradicated wild polio in 2020, but more than 50 cases of the poliovirus type 2 variant were reported between January and May. Authorities and global partners met Wednesday in Abuja with northern traditional leaders to strengthen efforts against the disease, particularly in under-immunized areas.

Bill Gates, a key global funder of Nigeria's polio fight, said eradicating this strain is a top priority for the Gates Foundation.

"We do have this circulating variant, poliovirus type 2. The acronym is cVDPV2. ... Unfortunately, it's equally bad as the wild poliovirus, Gates said. It can paralyze or even kill children, and we still have work to do to get rid of this."

Efforts focus on improving surveillance and expanding vaccination coverage. The World Health Organization noted setbacks earlier this year, stressing the need for continuing vigilance.

"We are facing the challenge of interrupting transmission of significant variant poliovirus type 2, said Walter Kazadi Mulombo, WHO country representative to Nigeria. We nearly got there several months ago but then we experienced some setbacks."

Reluctance to take the vaccine, driven by religious and traditional beliefs, has hampered polio eradication efforts in Nigeria. However, northern traditional leaders have played a pivotal role in community outreach and health campaigns.

Muyi Aina, executive director of the Nigerian Primary Healthcare Development Agency, said traditional leaders have helped close the immunization gap in remote areas.

"The results we're getting are due largely to the commitment received from our revered traditional leaders, Aina said. For example, we had a 57% reduction in pending noncompliance from the April campaign, and we were able to vaccinate an additional 117,000 zero-plus children [newborns and older] across 14 states with the help of the traditional leaders."

Nigeria's routine vaccination efforts, including recent campaigns to immunize against the human papilloma virus have been lauded. However, the resurgence of poliovirus type 2 highlights the need for sustained immunization, especially in vulnerable regions.

Cristian Munduate, the UNICEF country representative, called for more collaboration.

"We need to accelerate with polio, but we also need to accelerate in line with all these effects to link more routine immunization to reach those children, Munduate said. To work and strengthen primary health care, we are very committed to at least having one primary health care [worker] fully equipped per ward."

Muhammadu Sa'ad Abubakar, the sultan of Sokoto, representing northern traditional rulers, reaffirmed their commitment to supporting vaccination efforts while thanking stakeholders.

"We are more concerned in the welfare of our people, so whoever is going to help us to help our people is part and parcel of us and is always welcomed, Abubakar said.

Despite progress, the resurgence of poliovirus type 2 remains a serious threat. The Abuja meeting concluded with calls for stronger efforts, better surveillance, and continued collaboration between traditional leaders and health officials to ensure eradication.
A Pakistani man living in Canada faces up to 20 years in prison for allegedly planning a mass shooting in New York in support of Islamic State, the U.S. Department of Justice said Friday.

Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, 20, is accused of plotting an attack on a Jewish center in Brooklyn on the first anniversary of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack in Israel, which triggered the current conflict in the Middle East, federal authorities said.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police, or RCMP, arrested Khan on Wednesday in Ormstown, Quebec, south of the city of Montreal.

RCMP Commissioner Michael Duheme said in a statement, "This planned antisemitic attack against Jewish people in the U.S. is deplorable and there is no place for such ideological and hate-motivated crime in Canada."

U.S. authorities said Khan began sharing Islamic State, or IS, propaganda and showing support for the group on social media and an encrypted messaging app in November.

Khan discussed with two undercover officers the idea of starting a real offline cell of IS to attack Israeli Jewish Chabads or community centers in the United States.

He mentioned needing AR-style rifles, ammunition, hunting knives and other materials for the attacks, the Justice Department said.

He also planned to cross the border from Canada and considered timing the attack with either the October 7 anniversary or October 11, which is the Jewish holiday Yom Kippur.

On August 20, Khan provided undercover officers a photo of the specific spot in a Jewish center where he planned to carry out the attack, the Justice Department said.

Khan targeted New York City because he said it has "the largest Jewish population in America," prosecutors said.

His online messages described the Brooklyn site as the ultra-Orthodox Hasidic Jews world headquarters.

A representative for Chabad-Lubavitch, a prominent Hasidic Jewish movement based in Brooklyn's Crown Heights neighborhood, did not comment on the report Friday.

Authorities said Khan started his journey to the U.S. on the morning of September 4 from the Toronto area. He traveled in a car with other passengers, changing vehicles near Napanee and around Montreal before being stopped near Ormstown, about 12 miles from the U.S. border.

Khan intended to travel from Canada to New York City with the goal of slaughtering, in the name of ISIS, as many Jewish people as possible, U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland said, using another acronym for the terrorist group.

Khan, also known as Shahzeb Jadoon, was arrested on September 4 and charged with attempting to provide material support to Islamic State.

Garland said in a statement, Jewish communities  like all communities in this country  should not have to fear being targeted by a hate-fueled terrorist attack.

It is unclear if Khan has legal representation or where he is being held in Canada. Canadian authorities have said he will appear in the Superior Court of Justice in Montreal on September 13.

Some information for this report was provided by The Associated Press and Reuters.
Thousands of protesters took to the streets across France Saturday, responding to a call from a far-left party leader who criticized as a power grab the president's appointment of a conservative new prime minister, Michel Barnier.

The protests are a direct challenge to President Emmanuel Macrons decision to bypass a prime minister from the far-left bloc following a deeply dividing legislative election in July. The left, particularly the France Unbowed party, views Barniers conservative background as rejecting the electorates will, further intensifying the EU's second-largest economy's already charged political atmosphere.

Authorities expected tens of thousands of demonstrators. In Paris, protesters gathered at Place de la Bastille, and tensions ran high as police prepared for potential clashes. Other rallies were planned in 150 points nationwide, including the southwestern cities of Montauban and Auch.

In Montauban, the demonstrators denounced Barniers appointment as denying democracy, echoing France Unbowed leader Jean-Luc Melenchon's fiery rhetoric from recent days. The people have been ignored, a rally speaker told the crowd.

While Barnier was meeting with health care workers at Paris Necker Hospital for his first official visit as prime minister, opponents say the unrest in the streets is shaping his governments future.

Barnier, who is working to assemble his Cabinet, expressed a commitment to listening to public concerns, particularly about Frances public services.

Jordan Bardella, leader of the far-right National Rally, warned that Barnier was under surveillance by his party as well. Bardella, speaking at the Chalons-en-Champagne fair, called for the prime minister to include his party's priorities in his agenda, particularly regarding national security and immigration.

Barnier, 73, is the oldest of the 26 prime ministers that have served modern Frances Fifth Republic. He replaces the youngest, Gabriel Attal, who was 34 when he was appointed just eight months ago.

Attal was forced to resign after Macrons centrist government suffered a major defeat in the July snap legislative elections. Macron called the election in the hopes of securing a clear mandate, but it instead produced a hung parliament, leaving the president without a legislative majority and plunging his administration into turmoil.

Attal was also Frances first openly gay prime minister. French media and some of Macrons opponents, who immediately criticized Barniers appointment, quickly dug up that, when serving in parliament in 1981, the new prime minister had been among 155 lawmakers who voted against a law that decriminalized homosexuality.

Although Barnier brings five decades of political experience, his appointment offers no guarantee of resolving the crisis. His challenge is immense: He must form a government that can navigate a fractured National Assembly, where the political spectrum is deeply divided between the far left, far right and Macrons weakened centrist bloc. The snap polls outcome, far from clarifying, has served only to destabilize the country and Macrons grip on power.

The presidents decision to turn to Barnier, a seasoned political operator with deep ties to the European Union, is seen as an attempt to bring stability to French politics. And Barnier, who gained prominence as the EUs chief Brexit negotiator, has faced daunting tasks before.

Critics say Macron, elected on the promise of a break from the old political order, now finds himself battling the instability he once promised to overcome.
Seth Kaller, an appraiser and collector of historic documents, spreads a broad sheet of paper across a desk. It's in good enough condition that he can handle it, carefully, with clean, bare hands. There are just a few creases and tiny discolorations, even though it's just a few weeks shy of 237 years old and has spent who knows how long inside a filing cabinet in North Carolina.

At the top of the first page are familiar words but in regular type instead of the sweeping Gothic script readers are accustomed to seeing: "WE the People."

And the people will get a chance to bid for this copy of the U.S. Constitution  the only one of its type thought to be in private hands  at a sale by Brunk Auctions on September 28 in Asheville, North Carolina.

The minimum bid for the auction of $1 million has already been made. There is no minimum price that must be reached.

This copy was printed after the Constitutional Convention finished drafting the proposed framework of the nation's government in 1787 and sent it to the Congress of the ineffective first American government under the Articles of Confederation, requesting that it be sent to the states to be ratified by the people.

Few copies remain

It's one of about 100 copies printed by the secretary of that Congress, Charles Thomson. Just eight are known to still exist and the other seven are publicly owned.

Thomson likely signed two copies for each of the original 13 states, essentially certifying them. They were sent to special ratifying conventions, where representatives, all white and male, wrangled for months before accepting the structure of the U.S. government that continues today.

"This is the point of connection between the government and the people. The Preamble  'we, the people'  this is the moment the government is asking the people to empower them," auctioneer Andrew Brunk said.

What happened to the document up for auction between Thomson's signature and 2022 isn't known.

Two years ago, a property was being cleared out in Edenton in eastern North Carolina that was once owned by Samuel Johnston. He was the governor of North Carolina from 1787 to 1789 and he oversaw the state convention during his last year in office that ratified the Constitution.

The copy was found inside a squat, two-drawer metal filing cabinet with a can of stain on top, in a long-neglected room piled high with old chairs and a dusty bookcase, before the old Johnston house was preserved. The document was a broad sheet that could be folded one time like a book.

"I get calls every week from people who think they have a Declaration of Independence or a Gettysburg Address and most of the time it is just a replica, but every so often something important gets found," said Kaller, who appraises, buys and sells historic documents.

"This is a whole other level of importance," he added.

Washington letter

Along with the Constitution on the broad sheet printed front and back is a letter from George Washington asking for ratification. He acknowledged there would have to be compromise and that rights the states enjoyed would have to be given up for the nation's long-term health.

"To secure all rights of independent sovereignty to each and yet provide for the interest and safety for all  individuals entering into society must give up a share of liberty to preserve the rest," wrote the man who would become the first U.S. president.

Brunk isn't sure what the document might go for because there is so little to compare it to. The last time a copy of the Constitution like this sold, it went for $400 - in 1891. In 2021, Sotheby's of New York sold one of only 14 remaining copies of the Constitution printed for the Continental Congress and delegates to the Constitutional Convention for $43.2 million, a record for a book or document.

But that document was meant to be distributed to the Founding Fathers as delegates to the Constitutional Convention. The signed copy being sold later this month was one meant to be sent to leaders in every state so people all around the country could review and decide if that's how they wanted to be governed, connecting the writers of the Constitution to the people in the states who would provide its power and legitimacy.

The auction listing doesn't identify the seller, saying it's part of a collection that is in private hands.

Other items up for auction in Asheville include a 1776 first draft of the Articles of Confederation and a 1788 Journal of the Convention of North Carolina at Hillsborough, where representatives spent two weeks debating if ratifying the Constitution would put too much power with the nation instead of the states.
Ukraine's foreign ministry said Saturday it was deeply concerned by reports about a possible impending transfer of Iranian ballistic missiles to Russia.

In a statement emailed to reporters, the ministry said the deepening military cooperation between Tehran and Moscow was a threat to Ukraine, Europe and the Middle East, and called on the international community to increase pressure on Iran and Russia.

CNN and The Wall Street Journal reported Friday that Iran had transferred short-range ballistic missiles to Russia, citing unidentified sources.

Reuters reported in August that Russia was expecting the imminent delivery of hundreds of Fath-360 close-range ballistic missiles from Iran and that dozens of Russian military personnel were being trained in Iran on the satellite-guided weapons for eventual use in the war in Ukraine.

On Friday, the United States, a key ally of Ukraine, also voiced concern about the potential transfer of missiles.

"Any transfer of Iranian ballistic missiles to Russia would represent a dramatic escalation in Iran's support for Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine," White House National Security Council spokesperson Sean Savett said.

Iran's mission to the United Nations in New York said Friday that Tehran's position on the Ukraine conflict was unchanged.

"Iran considers the provision of military assistance to the parties engaged in the conflict  which leads to increased human casualties, destruction of infrastructure, and a distancing from cease-fire negotiations  to be inhumane," it said.

"Thus, not only does Iran abstain from engaging in such actions itself, but it also calls upon other countries to cease the supply of weapons to the sides involved in the conflict."
The White House tells VOA it is alarmed by unconfirmed Western news reports that an unprecedented Iranian transfer of missiles to Russia for use against Ukraine recently happened or will occur imminently. Iran is responding to those reports by separately telling VOA that it abstains from arming parties engaged in the war that its ally Russia launched against Ukraine.

The Wall Street Journal reported Friday that unnamed U.S. and European officials determined in recent days that Iran has delivered ballistic missiles to Russia in what would be a first for the growing military partnership of the two anti-Western allies.

Prior to the Journal story, Bloomberg and Reuters published reports on Monday and August 10 respectively, citing unnamed European officials as saying an Iranian transfer of ballistic missiles to Russia was imminent.

VOA asked the White House National Security Council on Friday to confirm whether such a transfer already has happened or remains imminent, as the Western news outlets have reported. NSC spokesperson Sean Savett responded with a statement saying the U.S. is alarmed by these reports.

Any transfer of Iranian ballistic missiles to Russia would represent a dramatic escalation in Irans support for Russias war of aggression against Ukraine, Savett said, leaving it unclear as to whether the U.S. has detected such a transfer or not.

The Reuters report cited two European intelligence officials as saying the transfer would involve Irans Fath-360 and Ababil missiles, both of which are classified as close-range ballistic missiles with a range of less than 300 kilometers. Such Iranian missiles could free up Russias own missile stockpiles for longer-range strikes into Ukraine.

Savett said the United States and its partners in the Group of Seven advanced economies and the NATO alliance have made clear ... that together we are prepared to deliver significant consequences for an Iranian missile transfer to Russia. Western powers have supplied weapons worth billions of dollars to their ally Ukraine to push back Russias full-scale invasion that began in 2022.

VOA asked Irans U.N. Mission in New York for a response to the U.S. warning of significant consequences for any missile transfer to Russia.

In a statement received on Friday, the Iranian U.N. mission said Tehran considers the provision of military assistance to the parties engaged in the conflict ... to be inhumane. It added: Not only does Iran abstain from engaging in such actions itself, but it also calls upon other countries to cease the supply of weapons to the sides involved in the conflict.

U.S. and Europe-based researchers monitoring Iranian-Russian military cooperation told VOA there are several ways that a missile transfer could be detected by the West. They said the transfer likely would employ one of three methods: Iran shipping the missiles to Russia through the Caspian Sea, whose coastline they share, flying the missiles over the Caspian Sea or via the airspace of Azerbaijan or the airspace of Armenia and Georgia, or transporting them overland through those nations.

The researchers said open information sources such as ship and flight tracking data and satellite imagery could be used to try to detect a missile transfer being prepared or executed. But they said Iranian and Russian efforts to conceal such transfers would make detection more likely by Western intelligence agencies with access to confidential sources.

The movement of individuals also is something that Im looking at, said Nicole Grajewski, a fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

We saw a lot of open-source information about Russian drone operators visiting Iran to be trained in using Iranian drones, she said. So tracking Iranian military advisers who train Russians to use these ballistic missiles could provide another indication of a missile transfer.

The strongest evidence of an Iranian missile transfer to Russia, Grajewski said, may come only after a transfer takes place. Remnants of Iranian missiles fired by Russia and collected by Ukrainian authorities and displayed to the world would be what she called the smoking gun.

The researchers interviewed by VOA said Western powers face a dilemma in considering what significant actions to take if they detect an Iranian missile transfer to Russia.

One of the most significant yet also problematic actions would be interdiction of a transfer, said Fabian Hinz, a researcher for the International Institute for Strategic Studies.

There is no good way of interdicting these kinds of transfers, short of Western powers taking control of the Caspian Sea or the airspace above the Caspian Sea or the airspace above Russia or Iran and triggering an all-out war, which the U.S. is not going to want, Hinz said.

Ramping up Western sanctions against Irans ballistic missile program and tightening export controls to further constrain Iranian access to Western components used in missile production are legal steps that the U.S. and its allies could pursue, the researchers said.

But for a lot of these missile components, the Iranians have been adept at navigating sanctions and procuring parts, Grajewski said.

Behnam Ben Taleblu, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, said Western powers could try to prevent or thwart a missile transfer by attempting sabotage within Irans missile program, or by declassifying intelligence that detects an imminent transfer and publicizing it quickly to try to deter Iran from proceeding.

You also should make sure that wherever these Iranian missiles are going to be fired, the targeted people have the military systems to defend themselves and to offset this change in the Russian capability, Ben Taleblu said. For Ukraine, that means providing it with more air defenses and an independent capability to carry out long-range strikes against Russia.

The Biden administration announced its latest U.S. military assistance package for Ukraine on Friday, saying it includes air defense missiles. U.S. officials have not authorized Ukraine to use U.S. weapons for strikes deep into Russia, citing concerns that such Ukrainian attacks could provoke Moscow into using its nuclear weapons.

VOA White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara and Pentagon correspondent Carla Babb contributed to this report.
Russian mercenaries hired to provide security in Burkina Faso began leaving the country in late August  they say to resist Ukraine's recent incursion into Russia. Data show the mercenaries have had little impact in the Sahel's war against Islamic terrorist groups. As Henry Wilkins reports, Burkina Faso saw one of the deadliest militant attacks in recent years the same week the Russians left.
A pride march Saturday in Serbia's capital pressed for the demand that the populist government improve the rights of the LGBTQ+ community who often face harassment and discrimination in the conservative Balkan country.

The march in central Belgrade was held under police protection because of possible attacks from right-wing extremists. Organizers said assailants had assaulted a young gay man in Belgrade two days ago and took away his rainbow flag.

Serbia is formally seeking entry into the European Union, but its democratic record is poor. Serbia's LGBTQ+ community is demanding that authorities pass a law allowing same-sex partnerships and boosting other rights.

"We can't even walk freely without heavy (police) cordons securing the gathering," said Ivana Ilic Sunderic, a resident of Belgrade.

The event Saturday was held under the slogan 'Pride are people.' It also included a concert and a party after the march.

Participants carried rainbow flags and banners as they danced to music played from a truck. The crowd passed the Serbian government headquarters and the National Assembly building.

Dozens of Russians who fled the war in Ukraine and the regime of President Vladimir Putin could be seen at the march. Mikhail Afanasev said it was good to be there despite the Belgrade Pride being cordoned off by police.

"I came from Russia where I am completely prohibited as person, as gay, (a) human being," he said, referring to the pressure on gay people in Russia. "We want to love, we want to live in a free society, and to have those rights like all other people have."

No incidents were reported. Regional N1 television said that a small group of opponents sang nationalist and religious songs at one point along the route, carrying a banner that read "Parade-Humiliation"

Western ambassadors in Serbia, opposition politicians and liberal ministers from the Serbian government joined the event. But the right-wing Belgrade mayor openly opposed the Pride gathering.

Pride marches in Belgrade had been marked in the past by tensions and sometimes skirmishes and clashes between extremist groups and police. The populist government of President Aleksandar Vucic in 2022 first banned a pan-European pride event in Belgrade but later backed down and allowed the march to take place.
A spokesperson for the White House National Security Council, responding to VOA's request for comments on recent reports of the Islamic Republic's delivery of ballistic missiles to Russia, warned that such actions would have consequences for the Iranian government.

In a statement sent to VOA Friday, spokesperson Sean Savett wrote, "We are aware of these concerning reports, and the transfer would represent a dramatic escalation in Iran's support for Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine."

On Monday, Bloomberg News first reported that, according to its unnamed sources, European officials believed the Iranian government is poised to provide ballistic missiles to Russia.

According to the American news agency, the officials did not specify the type or range of the missiles or the exact timing of their delivery to Moscow. However, one official suggested that the delivery might begin within the next few days.

However, on Friday, The Wall Street Journal newspaper, citing American and European officials, reported that Tehran has delivered short-range ballistic missiles to Moscow. According to Western officials, the shipment includes hundreds of missiles.

The report also indicated that the Islamic Republic is anticipating sending additional weapons to Russia.

Savett said that the United States has been warning about the deepening security partnership between Moscow and Tehran since the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

He added, "As we and our allies made clear at both the G7 summit and the NATO meeting this summer, we are prepared to deliver a swift and severe response if Iran were to move forward with such transfers."

Savett, commenting on Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian's claims about efforts to improve Iran's relations with the West, said, Despite these claims, the missile transfer program demonstrates that the Islamic Republic continues to alienate itself from the international community and contribute to threats against European security. Therefore, we assess the leadership of the Islamic Republic based on their actions, not their statements.

In late August, Reuters news agency reported first that dozens of Russian military personnel were being trained in Iran to operate the Fath-360 close-range ballistic missile system. The report also indicated that hundreds of the satellite-guided missiles are expected to be delivered to Russia shortly for use in the conflict with Ukraine.

At that time, Vedant Patel, deputy spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, expressed Washington's deep concern, saying, We remain in close contact with our European partners and allies about potential actions we may take.

The White House had previously said in a statement the U.S. has consistently warned about the deepening security cooperation between Russia and Iran since the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. That cooperation poses a threat to European security and highlights that Iran's destabilizing influence has expanded beyond the Middle East to a global scale.

However, on Friday, the Islamic Republic's mission to the United Nations, responding to CNN, denied reports of sending ballistic missiles to Russia. It said, "The Islamic Republic considers the provision of military assistance to the parties engaged in the conflict  which leads to increased human casualties, destruction of infrastructure, and a distancing from cease-fire negotiations  to be inhumane."

Increasing cooperation between the Islamic Republic and Russia in recent years has led Western countries to impose several extensive sanction packages on Iranian individuals and institutions.

Experts indicate that Russia's current ballistic missile arsenal includes domestically produced missiles and those manufactured in North Korea, which are known for their low accuracy.
A total of 21 boys were confirmed dead on Saturday after a blaze tore through a school dormitory in central Kenya, a tragedy that has raised questions about safety standards at educational establishments nationwide.

And after night fell, another fire broke out at a girls' school also in the centre of the country, with conflicting reports about injuries.

Earlier Saturday, the nation's top prosecutor said he had instructed police to look into whether the deadly inferno at the Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri county had been caused by negligence or recklessness.

The flames engulfed a boys' dormitory at the school around midnight on Thursday as more than 150 pupils aged between nine and 13 were sleeping.

Government spokesman Isaac Mwaura said a total of 19 bodies had been recovered from the site and another two had died in hospital.

Of the total 156 boys in the dorm at the time, 139 had now been accounted for, either at home or in hospital, he added.

"It is a catastrophe beyond our imagination," Mwaura said at a press briefing.

The charred bodies of the victims, which police had said were burnt beyond recognition, were found in the dormitory, now a blackened shell with its corrugated iron roof completely collapsed.

Homicide teams and forensic experts stepped up their investigations at the school on Saturday, with DNA tests to be conducted to identify the victims

- 'Serious concerns' about safety -

Chief government pathologist Johansen Oduor said postmortems would begin on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, another fire broke out on Saturday night at Isiolo Girls High School, about 140 kilometres (90 miles) to the northeast.

Isiolo County communications director Hussein Salesa told AFP that two or three buildings had caught fire. "There are some injuries but we cannot confirm the exact figure at the moment."

National police spokeswoman Resila Onyango said in a statement the flames had been contained with help from the army, and that there had been "no injuries" among students and staff.

Director of Public Prosecutions Renson Ingonga has instructed police to investigate what caused the Endarasha fire and "assess whether or not the tragedy may have resulted from negligence and/or recklessness of any responsibility holders", his office said in a statement.

"Any person found culpable towards the fire tragedy shall be expediently taken through the due process of a criminal trial."

The blaze has highlighted the issue of safety at schools in Kenya, after numerous similar disasters over the years.

Kenya's National Gender and Equality Commission said initial reports indicated the dorm was "overcrowded, in violation of safety standards.

"This incident raises serious concerns about children's rights to safety in educational institutions," the NGO Vocal Africa said in a statement on X.

President William Ruto has declared three days of national mourning from Monday after what he described as an "unfathomable tragedy".

He has called for a full investigation into the disaster and vowed that "all relevant persons and bodies will be held to account".

- 'We want our children' -

Pope Francis said he was "deeply saddened" at the loss of young life and expressed his "spiritual closeness to all who are suffering the effects of this calamity, especially the injured and the families who grieve".

Many families had been waiting anxiously for news of their loved ones, with one mother at the school angrily crying: "We don't want the food donations. We want our children."

The Kenya Red Cross was offering psychological counselling sessions to traumatised children and relatives, setting up white tents in fields outside the school gates.

Muchai Kihara, 56, said he was lucky to find his 12-year-old son Stephen Gachingi alive after rushing to the school around 1:00 am on Friday.

"I cannot begin to imagine what he went through," he told AFP.

"I am happy he is alive but he had some injuries at the back of his head and the smoke had affected his eyes."

ho-txw/jj
Keeping pace with Hollywoods perpetual awards horserace. Sign up for the newsletter here. Photo: HBO

With the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards nearly upon us (the Creative Arts Awards are this weekend, while the main Emmys telecast is on Sunday, September 15), theres one last major narrative we havent dived into: HBOs historically poor showing. With 91 total nominations, the network that has dominated the Emmys for almost all of the 21st century placed third behind Netflixs 107 nominations and FXs 93. When it comes to major-category nominations (acting, writing, directing, and Best Series), the combined entity of HBO and Max finished fourth with 23 nominations, behind FX (33), Netflix (27), and Apple (26). Its the first time since 1995 that HBO has finished outside the top two in major nominations.

Worse, HBO only placed three shows in the three Outstanding Series categories  four if you count Hacks on Max: Curb Your Enthusiasm in Comedy, The Gilded Age in Drama, and True Detective: Night Country in Limited. Thats the fewest number of shows HBO placed in those three categories since 1994. SINCE BEFORE ARLI$$! Even counting Hacks, HBO hasnt had as few as four programs nominated in the Outstanding Drama Series, Comedy Series, Limited Series, or TV Movie categories since 2007.

This sounds  bad. But my colleague, Joe Adalian, who covers the business of television and is way smarter about this kind of thing than I am, is taking a decidedly anti-alarmist position about it. Awards monkey that I am, I decided to corner my Other Joe in a Google doc and make him explain it to me.

Joe Reid: Not to be overly prosecutorial right off the bat, but I just watched A Few Good Men, and the facts of the case are such: third place in overall nominations, fourth place in major nominations, fewest shows nominated in the big three categories since 1994. Joe, whats your take on how much this kind of thing matters to a network like HBO? Of course, bragging rights are important to network heads, but does it go beyond that?

Joe Adalian: It would be foolish for me to suggest that Emmy nominations and wins arent something execs at HBO think about  a lot  because obviously they do. Prestige and quality are essential to their brand. Its how HBO has historically marketed itself to subscribers. (Its not TV, its HBO.) Its also the implied pitch HBO makes to potential partners in the creative community who want the validation that comes with having a show on the network, even if its not a ratings hit. And for better or worse, awards  Emmys in particular  are a big part of how quality gets quantified in Hollywood. So yeah, a desire for winning Emmys is basically part of HBOs DNA.

That said, HBO isnt some up-and-coming service that needs validation from Emmy voters to justify its existence the way Netflix did circa 2013 or Apple TV+ does today. Its been around half a century, and viewers who crave smart, upscale programming know HBO has a better track record at producing outstanding shows and miniseries than most other networks and platforms. Same thing goes for artists and the agents who represent them: I love Apple TV+, but Id be willing to be that if you offered ten A-listers a choice between making their passion project at Apple, FX, or HBO, at least seven would go with HBO even if Apple or FX offered more money. That doesnt go away simply because, through a confluence of factors, Emmy voters didnt get as excited about HBOs roster one year.

Joe R: Lets get to that confluence of factors. Not to put words in your mouth, but I imagine youre going to mention the strike, which pushed programming like The Last of Us or perhaps The White Lotus back and out of this particular Emmy window. Or the fact that Succession just ended and the next Succession hasnt emerged yet. But this isnt about Emmy voters not getting as excited about HBOs roster. If anything, they got more excited about The Gilded Age than they had been previously. Its that the shows HBO clearly positioned as awards bait  spring premieres, big stars  like The Regime and The Sympathizer completely flopped. Industry, with its late-summer premiere, is still waiting to catch on with awards voters the way Succession and Girls did. Isnt that kind of failure to launch a little concerning for them?

Joe A: Without the strikes, I do think Mike White wouldve been able to get The White Lotus back in time for this cycle. Had that happened, HBO quite likely wouldve ended up snagging more noms than FX. Similarly, The Penguin wouldve been ready for this cycle, too, and while we cant know for sure if critics and Emmy voters will embrace it, HBO insiders have been high on the show for months. I think the larger issue is just that every platform, including HBO, goes through up and down cycles in terms of what connects to viewers and Emmy voters. Ive been covering TV for over 30 years (perhaps I shouldnt admit that in public ) and Ive stopped counting the number of stories Ive seen playing up HBOs inability to find a replacement for The Larry Sanders Show, The Sopranos, Sex and the City, Six Feet Under, Veep, or Game of Thrones  only to be followed a year or two later by stories declaring HBO Is Back. (And yeah, if you search back far enough, Ive probably written some of those hand-wringing stories myself.)

I get why we are taking note of this down cycle. But I think we need to wait a year or two to understand if this is a trend or just the quirks of TV production schedules and Emmy voters. You note The Sympathizer completely flopped, and its true: Emmy voters rejected it even though critics were mostly very positive, including our own. But Emmy voters also ignored multiple seasons of HBOs My Brilliant Friend, which is even more beloved by critics, and showered two Apple TV+ shows not at all beloved by reviewers  Palm Royale and The Morning Show  with a ton of nominations. Quality and Emmys are not always synonymous.

Joe R: Looking ahead, HBO/Max seems to be leaning heavily on franchises: a Dune series, an It series, whatever theyre doing with Harry Potter, another Game of Thrones offshoot. Many of these projects feel far more Warner Bros. in branding than they do HBO. If The Penguin is going to be their highest-profile new series this year, (a) is that good for the HBO brand, and (b) is that a show that you see doing well with Emmy voters?

Joe A: Look, its hard not to notice that HBO has been leaning into big franchises of late. But its not entirely new for the network to spend big on crowd-pleasers: True Blood was one of HBOs biggest hits during its run, and nobody talks about it in the same breath as The Sopranos. Same thing with Senator Elizabeth Warrens favorite show, Ballers, or something like Entourage. Now, only True Blood was based on successful IP, but all three shows fed similar parts of the HBO audience. I think the success of Game of Thrones, followed by the strong numbers for House of the Dragon and now The Last of Us, has given HBO execs permission to keep expanding the definition of an HBO show. The Penguin was originally developed as a Max Original because it came up via DC Comics and felt super broad. It apparently turned out very well and HBO insiders seem to think its worthy of the networks name. Well see. But I dont see why it couldnt do well with Emmy voters given the strong cast and the fact that were in a world where (some) Marvel movies get taken seriously by critics and a show based on a video game (The Last of Us) had some of the most moving hours of television Ive seen in years. The same thing could be true for the Dune show, too.

Heres the thing: I think media observers sometimes misunderstand what the HBO brand is now, and really always has been. Yes, the shorthand of Its not TV, its HBO implies programming thats the best of the best, that critics kvell over, that you cant find anywhere else. But especially during its first 30 or so years, HBO was also home to a ton of stuff that didnt win awards but did keep people paying for it every month: Taxicab Confessions, Real Sex, Hung, Cathouse. Nobody was giving those series Peabody Awards, even if, in their own way, they could all claim to be good TV.

Right now, I think expanding beyond the obvious HBO fare probably means doing more stuff connected to well-known titles, like The Penguin and Dune and the upcoming Harry Potter show nobody I know really wants (which is why itll probably be a hit). But as long as HBO keeps making shows like Industry, White Lotus, Euphoria, and Hacks, and takes chances on stuff like Somebody Somewhere or My Brilliant Friend, the brand should be okay.

Joe R: Which brings us back to the awards of it all. Audience does not equate with ceremony gold, and yet  should I be worried in a year when The Gilded Age gets a Drama Series nomination before The Regime, or when FX has the new epic in Shogun and The Morning Show is pulling in Succession-esque numbers of acting nominations? Do you think HBO will feel pressure to adopt a new strategy, or will it be back on top next year without changes?

Joe A: I have never understood how the TV Academy ends up nominating or neglecting shows the way it does. That said, based on whats on HBOs calendar over the next few months, and what wont be on deck at some of its rivals  Shogun cant possibly return by next May, right?  I think it should do okay. Over this season or the next, depending on the release schedule, the troika of House of the Dragon, White Lotus, and Euphoria alone should give it a massive head start over this season (and yes, Im assuming that last one returns and its not a hot mess). If Industry or Somebody Somewhere or My Brilliant Friend break out (finally), that would also be a boost. HBO also has a new drama project from Mare of Easttown scribe Brad Ingelsby starring Mark Ruffalo that seems possible for next spring, and if it turns out well, it should be in contention for major awards. Seems like a pretty strong roster to me, particularly when you consider HBO spends a fraction of what Netflix or Apple TV+ shell out for programming.

On the other hand, we live in very strange television times, and audiences have more options than ever. For example, being on Hulu and more recently Disney+ has arguably made it easier than ever for FX to reach audiences with its own brand of Its Not TV. Something like The Bear has a better chance of taking off through word of mouth, especially when audiences dont have to tune in for a linear premiere or remember to set a DVR. To a degree, the prestige playing field is more level than ever, which means HBO has to fight harder than in the past to stand out. Personally, I think theyre still doing a great job of that, but Ive learned to take nothing for granted in the Peak (and now post-Peak) TV world.

Correction: A previous version of this article misstated the number of Outstanding Comedy Series nominations for HBO/Max. It has two for Curb Your Enthusiasm and Hacks.
Photo: Todd Owyoung/NBC via Getty Image

NBC is reportedly putting one night of The Tonight Show to bed. According to USA Today, the show is downsizing from five to four new episodes a week for the upcoming fall season, meaning that host Jimmy Fallon will have fewer chances to guffaw at his guests. Repeats are now expected to air on Fridays, as they have been during the off-season this summer. NBC confirmed to USA Today that it will be sticking to the four-night schedule, but declined further comment. Sources told Deadline that the Tonight Show team was informed of the decision on September 5.

Reportedly, this scheduling shift is because of budget adjustments as the audience for late-night TV gets smaller (apparently, viral YouTube and TikTok clips cant pay all the bills). Fallons Tonight Show is joining an existing late-night trend  other major shows like The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Kimmel Live, Late Night with Seth Meyers, and The Daily Show already currently air four originals a week. But that doesnt mean networks have completely given up on late-night! According to the Los Angeles Times, NBC has signed a deal with both Meyers and Fallon to keep them hosting through 2028. Cost-cutting is believed to be the reason that Meyerss in-house band was dropped. Finances probably wont ever get so dire that Fallon will need to start hosting The Two-night Show, right?
Photo: Daniele Venturelli/WireImage

Pedro Almodovar is slowly gathering up a pride at the Venice Film Festival. Five years after he won a Golden Lion for his lifetime achievement in film at Venice in 2019, hes earned another one for his latest movie, The Room Next Door it stars Tilda Swinton as a dying journalist looking to reconnect with her friend Julianne Moore as she faces death. While the movie is his English language for a full-length feature film, in his acceptance speech, Almodovar says, The spirit [of the film] is Spanish. Itll be his first Golden Lion for a specific movie; he won best screenplay for Women on a Verge of a Nervous Breakdown in 1988.

Babygirls Nicole Kidman took home the best actress prize; however she was unable to accept the award in person as her mother had died as she arrived in Venice. Today I arrived in Venice to learn shortly thereafter that my beautiful, brave mother, Janelle Ann Kidman, has just passed, Kidman said in a message, read by director Halina Reijn on stage as she accepted the award on her behalf. Im in shock and I have to go to my family, but this award is for her. She shaped me, she guided me, and she made me. Im beyond grateful that I get to say her name to all of you through Helena. The collision of art and life is heartbreaking, and my heart is broken.

Below are all the winners of Venice Film Festival 2024:

Winners for in competition:

Golden Lion: The Room Next Door - dir. Pedro Almodovar

Grand Jury Prize: Vermiglio - dir. Maura Delpero

Silver Lion for Best Director: Brady Corbet for The Brutalist

Special Jury Prize: April - dir. Dea Kulumbegashvili

Best Screenplay: Murilo Hauser and Heitor Lorega for Im Still Here

Volpi Cup for Best Actress: Nicole Kidman in Babygirl

Volpi Cup for Best Actor: Vincent Lindon in The Quiet Son

Marcello Mastroianni Award for Best Young Actor: Paul Kircher in And Their Children After Them

Winners for Horizons:

Best Film: The New Year That Never Came - dir. Bogdan Muresanu

Best Director: Sarah Friedland for Familiar Touch

Special Jury Prize: One of Those Days When Hemme Dies for Murat Firatoglu

Best Actress: Kathleen Chalfant in Familiar Touch

Best Actor: Francesco Gheghi in Familia

Best Screenplay: Scandar Copti in Happy Holidays

Best Short Film: Who Loves the Sun - dir. Arshia Shakiba

Lion of the Future Winner:

Luigi de Laurentiis Award for Best Debut Feature: Familiar Touch - dir. Sarah Friedland

Horizons Extra Winner:

Audience Award: Shahed (The Witness) - dir. Nader Saeivar

Venice Classics Winner:

Best Documentary on Cinema: Chain Reactions - dir: Alexandre O. Philippe

Best Restored Film: Ecce Bombo - dir. Nanni Moretti
Keeping pace with Hollywoods perpetual awards horserace. Sign up for the newsletter here. Ever. Photo: Universal Pictures

For all the Oscar buzz that tends to permeate the Toronto International Film Festival, youll rarely find yourself in heated conversation about the Best Animated Feature category. Disney and Pixar, the traditional behemoths of animation at the Oscars, tend not to do the festival thing, which leaves the animated offerings at Venice, Toronto, Telluride, and New York feeling like also-rans. Even last year, when the eventual Oscar winner  Hayao Miyazakis The Boy and the Heron  served as the TIFF opening-night gala, there wasnt much chatter about the Oscar horserace. Mostly because there wasnt much of one. Miyazakis movie would go on to trump the well-reviewed but slightly unsatisfying Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, and that was that.

This year wont be so cut and dried. TIFF currently finds itself at ground zero for what is shaping up to be the most exciting year for the Best Animated Feature category at the Oscars ever? Sundays world premiere of DreamWorks Animations The Wild Robot sets up a clash with Pixars Inside Out 2, the presumed frontrunner ever since its $300 million opening weekend. Its a battle where both movies are getting Oscar buzz not just for the animation category but in Best Picture as well. And its not just the presence of these two movies that could make this years Best Animated Feature category an all-timer. Two other TIFF screenings  a Latvian animal adventure and a documentary animated with Legos  highlight a deep bench for animation this year, one that starts in Toronto but stretches far into the rest of the 2024 film calendar.

The Wild Robot comes from director Chris Sanders, who directed the closest thing Disneys roster of animated classics has to a cult film, Lilo & Stitch, and later helmed DreamWorks How to Train Your Dragon, a movie that would have probably won the Oscar if it didnt have the misfortune of premiering the same year as Toy Story 3r. His new film concerns a robot (voiced by Oscar-winner Lupita Nyongo) who gets shipwrecked on an island inhabited by woodland creatures. The film has been accumulating buzz ever since Universal screened footage at CinemaCon in April, with some of the rosiest outlooks predicting a run at a Best Picture nomination.

While Best Picture talk for The Wild Robot might be putting the cart before the horse  the movie will have to prove itself a hit with the public before thats even a consideration  its not the only animated feature attracting that kind of buzz this year. Inside Out 2 is currently being predicted as a Best Picture nominee by four of the awards experts on Gold Derby after having set a $1.6 billion box-office record for animated films. Given how bleak things looked for animated tentpoles last year, with flops like Disneys Elemental and Wish, its not surprising that Inside Out 2 is getting a lot of the thank God you saved cinema! praise that Top Gun: Maverick (a Best Picture nominee) got two years ago. No two animated features have ever been rumored Best Picture contenders in the same year, but theres a first for everything.

Besides The Wild Robot, two other animated features screening at TIFF could easily find themselves in awards contention. One is Latvian director Gints Zilbalodis Flow. Its a dialogue-free movie about a determined little cat who survives a possibly-apocalyptic flood and must band together with a dog, a capybara, a lemur, and a cane-type bird to survive. Its also the Latvian entry for the Best International Feature Oscar, so itll have a few avenues towards a nomination. It plays like The Land Before Time meets The Impossible, and Zilbalodis deploys a ton of ambiguity with regards to time and place, keeping the viewer on their toes. Its a high-art film with a fairly simple message of cross-cultural cooperation that, because its dialogue free, never feels cloying.

Meanwhile, documentary filmmaker Morgan Nevilles Pharrell Williams biography Piece by Piece is animated Lego Movie style, which is just the kind of wait, what? concept that could draw awards voters into its orbit. Neville is an Oscar winner (for 2013s 20 Feet from Stardom) and Williams is a two-time nominee (for the song Happy from Despicable Me 2 and for being a producer on Hidden Figures, and if that is not the perfect Oscar Trivia question, I dont know what is), so the pedigree is there.

Once the Oscar race moves beyond Toronto, its only going to get more competitive, starting with a little movie called Moana 2. The original Moana made upwards of $600 million globally, and with the sequel releasing Thanksgiving weekend, its massive box-office potential could buoy it into the Animated Feature category. Box-office is not always the determining factor at the Oscars, but as with Inside Out 2, Hollywood will be in a particular mood to celebrate Disney returning to blockbuster status.

In December, even more Oscar-pedigreed animation will hit big and small screens. Four-time Oscar winner Nick Park returns with another Wallace & Gromit feature, 19 years after the stop-motion inventor-and-dog pairs The Curse of the Were-Rabbit won Best Animated Feature. Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl drops on Netflix on Christmas Day. And few film franchises have been as dominant at the Oscars as The Lord of the Rings, which is why I will be paying attention when Warner Bros. releases director Kenji Kamiyamas The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim, an anime prequel set before Peter Jacksons trilogy. Featuring the voices of Brian Cox and Miranda Otto (the latter reprising her role as Eowyn from the Jackson films), The War of the Rohirrim is set to release in theaters on December 13.

Were already at seven major animated contenders for Best Animated Feature, all of which could have been considered frontrunners in a vacuum. And thats not even considering potential dark horse movies releasing later this year like Memoir of a Snail, from Australian animator Adam Elliot, whose short film Harvie Krumpet won the Animated Short Oscar in 2003. The anime film The Colors Within is also worth keeping an eye on; its being distributed by GKIDS, which has placed nine Best Animated Feature nominees in the last ten years, including The Tale of Princess Kaguya, Wolfwalkers, and last years winner, The Boy and the Heron.

TIFF long ago earned their reputation as the festival where Oscar winners like American Beauty, Whale Rider, and Silver Linings Playbook were launched. Back-to-back years launching Oscar-winner The Boy and the Heron and Oscar-hopeful The Wild Robot, however, could go a long way towards making this a major launchpad for animated films looking to challenge Disney and Pixar.
Giuli replaces Sangiuliano as Italy prepares to host G7 culture summit.

Alessandro Giuli became Italy's new culture minister on Friday, replacing Gennaro Sangiuliano who resigned after becoming embroiled in a scandal over a consultant role for his former mistress.

After being tapped by premier Giorgia Meloni, Giuli was sworn in by President Sergio Mattarella at a ceremony in the Quirinal Palace in Rome on Friday evening.

Giuli, 48, has been the president of MAXXI, the National Museum of XXI Century Arts in Rome, since November 2022.

His appointment to this role was among the first by Sangiuliano who took office as culture minister the month before.

Considered a Meloni loyalist, Giuli had been touted as a contender for the culture portfolio ahead of the formation of the imcumbent right-wing coalition two years ago.

Following his appointment on Friday, La Stampa newspaper published footage from 2018 of Giuli interviewing Steve Bannon, the former White House chief strategist under then US president Donald Trump.

The event, which took place on Tiber Island in Rome, was part of the Atreju political rally organised by Meloni's right-wing Fratelli d'Italia party.

"We talked about the patriot Trump" - Giuli said in the video - "There is another patriot in my opinion who is called Vladimir Putin and is in Moscow."

#Quirinale: il nuovo Ministro della cultura Alessandro #Giuli ha prestato giuramento nelle mani del Presidente #Mattarella pic.twitter.com/0dZL4I9eCb  Quirinale (@Quirinale) September 6, 2024

Last year Giuli was dragged into a controversy over a sexist rant by former culture undersecretary Vittorio Sgarbi, who resigned earlier this year amid an investigation into his alleged laundering of a stolen painting, during a cultural event at MAXXI.

A journalist by profession, Giuli has worked for right-leaning newspapers including Il Foglio under Giuliono Ferarra, serving as co-director until 2017, before serving briefly as director of the Catholic magazine Tempi.

He was also a columnist for Libero and has collaborated with Linkiesta, Il Tempo, Libero and Corriere dell'Umbria.

Giuli is a regular guest on television as a commentator on political and current affairs shows and is a well-known face on Rome's cultural scene.

He is also a writer and has published several books including Il passo delle oche: the unresolved identity of the post-fascists and Sovereignism for beginners: Individuals and power between identity and integration.

Born in Rome on 27 September 1975, Giuli studied philosophy at La Sapienza. He is married to SkyTg24 journalist Valeria Falcioni with whom he has two children born in 2016 and 2019.

In his new role, Giuli will hit the ground running as Italy prepares to host the G7 culture summit from 19-21 September, in the southern Campania region, where the new minister will welcome his counterparts from Canada, France, Germany, Japan, the UK and the US.

Photo Fanpage
Meloni appoints Alessandro Giuli as new culture minister.

Italy's premier Giorgia Meloni on Friday accepted the "irrevocable" resignation of culture minister Gennaro Sangiuliano after he became embroiled in a scandal over an advisor role for his former mistress.

The controversy erupted at the end of August when Maria Rosaria Boccia, a 41-year-old social media influencer and fashion entrepreneur, publicly thanked Sangiuliano for appointing her as an advisor for major events, a claim denied by the minister who said his ministry never gave her "a euro, not even a coffee".

In his resignation letter to the prime minister on Friday, Sangiuliano said he deemed it "necessary for the institutions and for myself" to step down, saying that his honour was at stake and that he wished to demonstrate his "absolute transparency and correctness, without involving the government".

Ringrazio sinceramente Gennaro Sangiuliano, una persona capace e un uomo onesto, per lo straordinario lavoro svolto finora, che ha permesso al Governo italiano di conseguire importanti risultati di rilancio e valorizzazione del grande patrimonio culturale italiano, anche fuori Giorgia Meloni (@GiorgiaMeloni) September 6, 2024

Sangiuliano, 62, defended his record as minister and insisted that "not one euro" of ministry funds were spent on "improper activities", before pledging to "take action against those who have published fake news in recent days".

In a tearful TV interview on Wednesday night, Sangiuliano admitted having an affair with Boccia and said that he had revoked her appointment as a ministerial advisor to avoid a conflict of interest due to their romantic relationship.

Sangiuliano reiterated that no public money was spent on expenses related to Boccia's participation at official events, claiming that he paid for everything with his personal credit card, and that Boccia had no access to classified information relating to the upcoming G7 culture summit.

Boccia, who accompanied the minister to multiple events around Italy over the summer, has publicly disputed Sangiuliano's claims in recent days, both on social media and in interviews.

Questa sera, al Palazzo del Quirinale, ha prestato giuramento nelle mani del Presidente della Repubblica, Sergio #Mattarella, il Ministro della cultura, Sig. Alessandro #Giuli. @ultimora_pol pic.twitter.com/lZqLD5PmdW  Ultimora.net - POLITICS (@ultimora_pol) September 6, 2024

In a statement on Friday, Meloni wrote: "I sincerely thank Gennaro Sangiuliano, a capable person and an honest man, for the extraordinary work done so far, which has allowed the Italian government to achieve important results in the relaunch and enhancement of the great Italian cultural heritage, even outside the national borders."

Meloni announced that Sangiuliano would be replaced by conservative journalist Alessandro Giuli, 48, who has been the president of the MAXXI national museum of 21st century arts in Rome for almost two years.

From Rome, Giuli studied philosophy at La Sapienza and has a background in journalism with right-leaning newspapers Il Foglio and Libero. He is a regular guest on television shows devoted to politics and current affairs.
Acclaimed Irish authors Colm Toibin and Michael Magee are coming to Tramore Library for a special appearance.

The pair are appearing as part of the The Art of Reading Book Club, organised in part by Ireland Libraries.

The Art of Reading Book Club is an initiative of the Arts Council and the Laureate for Irish Fiction, in partnership with Libraries Ireland.

Every month, Colm speaks with an author in front of a library audience.

Irish fiction

Colm is the author of many bestsellers including 'Brooklyn', 'Nora Webster' and 'The Blackwater Lightship'.

The current Laureate for Irish Fiction recently released his latest tome 'Long Island' earlier this year to glowing praise.

The Irish Times wrote: "He picks up the story of Eilis Lacey 20 years on from the end of Brooklyn and creates, if anything, an even richer, more minutely plotted pathway through the human heart and mind."

In June, he went to Dungarvan Library to talk about the book, inspiration and the creative process.

Michael Magee's debut novel 'Close to Home' won the the Rooney Prize for Irish Literature.

It was named as Waterstones' Irish Book of the Year, and was described as: "the unanimous choice for Irish Book of the Year by all the booksellers in Ireland, north and south"

Michael is also the editor of the Belfast-based literary magazine 'The Tangerine'.

Irish writers

Both authors approach Ireland, identity and culture in their own unique ways in writing, and are able to turn the specific into the universal.

They also weave their own personal history into story-telling, whether its Toibin's portrayal of 1950's Wexford, or Magee's evocation of current-day Belfast.

Their date in Tramore is a must see event for anyone with even a passing interest in modern Irish books, history and culture.

The event takes place on Tuesday, September 24 at 7pm. For bookings and further information please contact Tramore Library on 051 849594.
It was a beautifully sunny afternoon at De La Salle College, as the outgoing 6th Year students came to the school to say thank you and goodbye.

The boys earned excellent results in their Leaving Cert, and have done their school proud.

Waterford News and Star stopped by the school to chat with students and teachers.

There was a sense of jubilation as the young lads spoke about their plans for university, apprenticeships and the future.

Photographer, Joe Evans was there to capture the lads as they head off into the unknown.

Maximum points

This year, six students received the maximum 600 points, and one student received eight H1's.

According to De La Salle: "With 28 students receiving in excess of 500 points and six receiving the maximum 625 points, it was a proud day for the school community. One student sat eight higher Level exams and achieved eight H1s."

Speaking with a couple of the high achievers, it was clear that the results came as bit of a shock.

One student said: "I was just elated, I wasn't really expecting it I was so happy."

Another student said: "We had our debs the night before. I remember when I opened them I probably didn't give them a worthy reaction, because I was so tired.

One student, George, has decided to defer for a year to pursue a promising music career in London.

He said: " I got an offer of medicine in Trinity, but I'm not going to college, I'm in London right now. I write music, so that's what I'm doing. I'm writing music for a few labels and I'm really enjoying it."

He added that his family are very supportive of the decision to defer: "I'm really fortunate to grow up in an environment where my parents are like 'just do your best and see what happens."

Pictured at De La Salle College , where a welcome afternoon was in place for the Leaving Cert Class of '24 to wish them well. Photo: Joe Evans

Another student is headed up North to study medicine: "I've accepted medicine in Queens in Belfast, starting in two weeks. I think not a lot of people know about the northern route.

"It's quite a challenge to get into there, to start in September with interviews and stuff like that. It's very different to the route you take in the Republic of Ireland."

Having fun

The Leaving Cert year can be the most stressful time of a young person's life, with many students forgoing their social lives and extra-curricular activities.

A few of the high-scoring students were members of the De La Salle choir, and spoke highly of the group.

Speaking with them was an was eye-opening experience as they all noted how much they enjoyed the last year, both in and out of the classroom.

One member said: "I'd say today is kind of like, you know, our last kind of hurrah all together here, and, you know, gives us a chance to look back at, you know, the years. And I'd say that when we are looking back, the choir would be the main thing that we would look back on."

One of the choir members said: "I'm not trying to speak for everybody here, but one thing we genuinely did agree on is that we all felt that during the year that we spent a lot more time sort of having fun with a lot of other people because of the in-school stuff we did."

"We were talking earlier about the choir like we all sort of spent the year messing around with choir, and it really made going to school not much of a chore at all."

He added: "Big expectations sometimes lead to a bad day on exam or something. The expectations for us weren't too high, so you know, we were kind of just tipping away ourselves, doing extra-curriculars."

Past and Present

It was a bittersweet day for the staff and teachers who have watched these young people grow up.

In the staff room, there was a moment of reflection for Avu Idris, their fellow student who tragically passed away two months earlier.

One teacher said: "We lost one man, which we never expected to happen. We won't ever forget that for many of you, he was a very, very good friend, and I'd ask you just to keep him and his friends in your thoughts and prayers.

"We as teachers here at the college very, very proud of each and every one of you. We wish you all the very best in the future. You're always welcome here in college."

Class of 2024

De La Salle stated: "De La Salle College Waterford has once again proven its commitment to academic excellence with the leaving cert class of 2024 achieving superb results in their recent exams. These achievements highlight the Colleges dedication to nurturing young minds and fostering a learning environment that encourages growth, hard work and success.

"Their outstanding performance reflects the high standards set by the College and the dedication of both the students and their teachers and the support of their families.

"The Leaving Cert Applied Class also achieved excellent results with three of the students receiving a distinction grade. The Leaving Cert Class of 2024 faced unprecedented challenges during their academic journey, including periods of remote learning and uncertainty, however despite these hurdles, these students displayed remarkable adaptability and perseverance, proving that they are well-equipped to overcome whatever obstacles lie ahead.

"While academic success is essential, De La Salle College also places a strong emphasis on holistic student development. We encourage students to participate in extracurricular activities, from sports, arts, community service to leadership programs, all of which help our students build character, develop essential skills and learn the importance of teamwork and empathy.

"As these students prepare to embark on the next chapter of their lives, the management and staff of De La Salle College would like to wish them well in their future, whether it be in the world of work or further education.

"De La Salle Colle would like to invite all 6th class primary school boys to our annual open night, which takes place on Tuesday September 24th from 6pm. Students will be able to explore the College and the excellent facilities and choice of subjects on offer to them.
Ive been trying to remember all the times that Nell McCafferty came to Waterford and the local womens connection to her over the years.

After chatting to some who were there, let me just say at the outset that she was loved, appreciated and admired. Nell was in our eyes a total warrior.

Was there even a Womens Movement in Waterford? Well, yes there was but it was very much under the radar and ignored by most of the mainstream media and politicians.

Small groups of women worked over years; to establish the Rape Crisis Centre, to support other aspects of womens healthcare, to challenge childbirth practices in the hospital, to improve cancer care, Hepatitis C, to establish reproductive rights, to outlaw the marriage bar, to eradicate the domicile laws, to uncover the incarceration of young pregnant women, for maternity leave, for jobs, for education etc etc.

Everywhere you looked there was work for activists to do and it was done. Most of it was done quietly in a very grey and bleak time. Now this work is largely forgotten.

While Nell was sharing her rage during the Late Late Show years, many women in Ireland were still trying to figure out how to tackle the crippling need for change and progress.

Joining the EU was a signal to the powers that be that it was time for equality but it took many years before we caught up thanks to the dedicated agitation of these womens groups.

When Albert Reynolds came back to Ireland with millions to support Irelands advancement things really started to move for women at community level.

Groups like the Irish Country Womens Association, the Widows Association, the Womens Political Association, the trade unions representing teachers and nurses, joined the activist womens groups and began to work together. Soon many federations and networks were formed.

One of the wonderful outcomes here was the establishment of Waterford Women's Centre.

One of the first times that I remember Nell coming to Waterford was when we began to celebrate International Womens Day.

In 1986 the UN completed its work on the Decade for Women and for the first time named the day of March 8th as International Womens Day.

A few of us got together and created an off-the-cuff gathering that evening in the old Garter Lane. Womens Day has continued to be celebrated every year since. Soon it will be the 40 years of celebrating that day in Waterford.

Early on we invited Nell to be a speaker at our Womens Day event. We had made a big point of inviting ourselves to be received at the Mayors Office in City Hall as part of our day.

Nell was with us when we trooped in for the first time amongst those hallowed walls. It was all going so well. We were each telling the Mayor, Liam Curham, about our work, our aspirations and how womens rights should be part of the agenda of the Council.

We didnt know or expect Nells surprise tactics at that time. It didnt take long!

Shuffling from foot to foot around the large table in a huge meeting room Nell was getting impatient. The Mayor (who by the way was an absolutely lovely man) began to explain his role and the role of the council and talk a little about the history of the building. Nell had heard enough!

She began to interrupt the Mayor with a few corrections about the history of the political struggle in Ireland and eventually due to her incredible ability to articulate issues and give amazing examples, it ended up that Nell took the floor and the poor Mayor never really got a chance to get it back!

Did you ever think Mr Mayor that it might be time to stand aside and let a woman take over????? Ouch!

Now we were all very committed activists in our own way and were carefully building these alliances for our many causes. Nell had no time for that kind of approach and went straight to the heart of things.

We giggled for years afterwards about her nerve and her fearlessness. I think Liam Curham really enjoyed Nell too. You couldnt but be more than impressed with her skills and her sense of humour.

She often came to events in Waterford and was warm and funny in equal measure. But once she was invited by the local arts community to discuss her book and to be part of a line-up of writers. I was to chair her event.

On the night she arrived, she was clearly in bad form. Its a long journey from Dublin on a cold winters evening maybe. I picked it up immediately. This was not a womens event where she was salt of the earth and very comfortable. I dont know what it was exactly but she scared the living daylights out of me, savaged the other panellist, and was generally uncooperative.

Even as she made mincemeat of protocols and the establishment, there was a fragility about Nell. Something hard to put your finger on but when you understood, you just knew.

For all the bluster, like so many of us, underneath it all, Nell was a vulnerable and gentle soul.

We will always remember Nell as a legend, the first to challenge, to show us all the way, to blaze a trail.

Ar dheis De go raibh a h-anam.
REVIEW: Roses from the Heart exhibition at Reginalds Tower

We tend to forget that Waterford is Irelands oldest city and also that Reginalds Tower is Irelands oldest civic building.

Reginalds Tower is as distinctive a building as it comes. It was the first building in Ireland to be constructed with mortar, which was then made with a mixture of fur, blood, lime and sea mud. The first tower was built by the Vikings some time after 914 AD  probably 1003  and was replaced by the Normans with an impregnable stone tower in 1171.

Once described as "a massive hinge of stone connecting the two outstretched wings of the city", this fortified tower has never fallen into ruin and has been in continuous use for over 800 years.

It was also the location of one of the most famous episodes in Irish history. Strongbow married Diarmuid McMurroughs daughter Aoife here, allowing him a claim as heir to the Kingdom of Leinster that established foreign rule in Ireland for the next 700 years.

Later it was utilised as a mint under King John, before serving various functions under many English monarchs.

Weapons, gunpowder and cannons have all been stored here reflecting various periods of Waterfords turbulent history.

It is also Irelands oldest civic building still in use today. It has been used for over a thousand years as a fortress, an arsenal, a prison, a mint and a home. Today it houses Waterfords Civic Museum.

It is to the prison that Waterford Heritage directs our attention with its Roses from the Heart exhibition, that showcases the lives of Waterford women who were transported to Australia as convicts.

In 1819, Waterford Corporation converted Reginalds Tower into a lock-up prison to confine those convicted of petty crimes. Approximately 27 prisoners were housed in the tower per week in appallingly cramped conditions for the next three decades before the Tower closed as a prison on January 1, 1851.

Seven years' transportation was the normal sentence for such petty offences.

Convict no. 8182 Mary Callaghan for theft of clothes, Convict 6983 Johanna Condon for theft of a shawl, Convict 499 Mary Crowley from Tallow got 15 years for arson, Convict 5751 Mary Fennelly from Waterford received 10 years for theft of money, Convict 171 Catherine Fogarty, aged 14, got seven years for stealing clothes, Convict 507 Brigid Scanlon from Waterford got 15 years for arson, Convict 8213 Brigid Veale from Waterford received seven years for theft of potatoes and wheat.

The case of Convict No. 8213 Mary Walsh from Clonmel is particularly harrowing. Mary  like all the other women  could neither read nor write and so was at a huge disadvantage in court. She was accused of aiding and abetting two other women who stole a piece of cashmere wool from a local shop. She strenuously denied the charges but was sentenced to seven years' transportation to Tasmania. She was married with three young children. Mary took her youngest with her. However, on arrival, the little girl was taken from her and placed in an orphanage where she died some 18 months later.

A heartfelt and deeply moving letter from her husband James, expressing the love they both shared, was sent to Tasmania. Mary never received Jamess letter. The letter is now shown in the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery. However, a copy of her husbands letter is exhibited here and is deeply moving:

 it would be the only wish of my heart to go to you but I have not the means you are my thoughts by day and night and will always be so till it pleases God to restore you once more to my arms this is a broken-hearted letter I send you as I cannot bring it myself may your rest be calm and your dreams sweet always thinking of him who always thinks of you James.

Roses from the Heart is a unique memorial to the 25,566 convict women who were transported to Australia from Britain and Ireland between 1788 to 1853. The free exhibition in Reginald's Tower formed part of the OPWs calendar marking National Heritage Week 2024, which took place from August 17-25.
Coles Home Brand in 2004. Credit: Its a far cry from what supermarket own-brands used to be, as retailers become sharper and more sophisticated about their offering. The quality and the price points around home-branded product has improved significantly over 20 or 30 years, said KPMG consumer and retail national sector lead James Stewart. Its not a radically new strategy in terms of an idea. Its just a well-developed strategy thats moved ahead  in leaps and bounds. Its not always obvious

Supermarkets have created different tiers of home brands to capture customers shopping across different budgets: Coles offers three ranges (Coles Brand, Coles Finest and Coles Simply) but also operates body care brand KOi, baby care range CUB, specialty coffee range Daley Street Coffee and more. Woolworths has found success through its Macro range, which has a focus on nutrition and natural ingredients, but also competes with multinationals through its pet food brands Apollo, Baxters, Your Majesty and Smitten. Coles-owned brands, such as KOi, have become more sophisticated. Its not always obvious to customers what are home-branded products and what are not home-branded products, said Stewart. You wouldnt know your KOi body wash or your Daley Street coffee beans have been manufactured by the retailer until you flip it over and read the fine print, which states it is a trademark under license from Coles Group limited and lists the same address as Coles head office. Grimmer says these phantom brands have increased in number.

The supermarkets are creating a brand within a brand, the products you dont know are actually owned by Coles or Woolworths. Theyve got their own brand names and thats all about creating customer loyalty to those particular brands because, of course, theyre only available in the store thats making those brands, she said. Woolworths popular Macro own-brand range. Supermarkets also stand to profit more by having more say in the supply chain process. A retail industry leader estimates that supermarkets might make gross margins of 35 per cent before overheads, but a home brand item might lift margins to 40 per cent or more. Because the supermarkets control the manufacturing, the logistics of those products, I think they realised that there was a gap between the really cheap home brand and the branded products, and that was a gap that they could fill, said Grimmer. Aldification

Aldi and Kmart are notable stand-outs for effectively turning in-house brands into a successful business model: Kmarts brand Anko, which not only has a wide range but is popular for tapping into dupe culture by rapidly producing copycat versions of trending items, not only accounts for 85 per cent of Kmarts sales, but is a major profit engine for $80 billion ASX-listed parent company Wesfarmers. Loading Meanwhile, more than 90 per cent of Aldis product range has been developed by the German supermarket. Ferrier, Stewart and Grimmer all gave credit to Aldi, which entered the Australian market in 2001, for raising the general standards of home brands and making them more palatable. Rather than selling something at the cheapest possible price at the expense of quality, the current approach appears to flip this on its head: deliver a product that rivals the highly regarded branded version, but at a more affordable price. Aldi has helped reinvent home brands for consumers, and theyve done that by aligning their cheap brands against well-known brands, said Ferrier. The consumer feels like theyre buying a version of that.

Many brands are premiumising, according to the advertising creative, commanding a higher price by promising better quality, leaving room for more lower-priced players to capture some market share. M&Ms and Aldis equivalent. Credit: Edwina Pickles If you look at the ice cream category, for example, you can be paying $50 a kilo for ice cream, or you can be paying $5 a kilo  That means theres more value that can be extracted from everybody. The home brands can come in at $20, not $10 a kilo, and still offer a cheaper alternative to the high-end versions, but still make better margins for the retailers, he said. Were seeing the rise of home brand up the food chain a bit. What makes a product feel more premium? Apart from quality itself, this appears in large part to be a marketing exercise: borrow the design cues of the higher-end item.

If youre going to have a price point thats sort of midway, then its got to look the part, said Grimmer. A lot of its to do with packaging  its all about perception. Shelf squeeze Even though were filling our shopping baskets with more home-brand goods, certain products with high brand recognition  such as Coca-Cola or Kraft peanut butter  wont be something consumers are willing to compromise on. But supermarkets are increasingly placing their home brand items on shelves at the highly coveted eye level, making branded manufacturers and some smaller brands work harder. Offering customers something made in-house could reduce the need for several branded options, said Stewart. Woolworths home-branded milk is easy to access. Credit: Getty Images

They can then control a category at least inside the four walls of their store, he said. If they have a very successful home-branded milk range, they may not need to carry 10 different third-party brands of an equivalent product, they may only need to carry five. Grimmer believes the growth of phantom brands is squeezing competition for smaller players and lures the consumer into thinking theres a lot of choice. Smaller suppliers, smaller companies are going to have even more trouble getting their products on the shelf of these big supermarkets because theyve now got competition, which theyve always had from the branded products, but now theres increased competition from the phantom brands, she said. But competition is fair play, Stewart believes, and the extra margin retailers make from it can be reinvested back into the business and keep prices down. Its a legitimate model, he said. Theres nothing inherently evil in having a really sensible private label strategy.
Theres menace and pathos in a Hamlet who feels his privilege evacuated by experience. The ghost of a cruel smile passes his lips as he taunts Polonius (Darren Gilshenan)  whose own paternal anxiety has such an affable patina of dad humour that it deepens the tragedy  or plays deadly games with Rosencrantz (Emmanuelle Mattana) and Guildenstern (Orion Carey-Clark). Darren Gilshenan as Polonius. Credit: Ben Andrews Peter Houghtons Claudius convinces as the smiling villain, proving himself as able in meaty dramatic roles as comedic ones. Unsurprisingly, for a troupe of such accomplished and intelligent actors, the play-within-a-play impresses itself indelibly in the mind. There are other formidable actors not mentioned here. Across the board, the command of verse is watertight, the interpretation sophisticated and the play unfurls without a dead moment. Performed in the round, with elegant minimalist design and costume creating an ambience that feels at once contemporary and timeless, its an invigorating production that would honour the program of any mainstage company or arts festival in the land. Shakespeare lovers should grab themselves a ticket before the scalpers descend.

Reviewed by Cameron Woodhead

MUSIC

Tones and I 

Margaret Court Arena, September 7 Toni Watson, aka Tones and I, made it clear to a sold-out Melbourne crowd: she cant quite believe shes here. Tones and I performing at Margaret Court Arena on Saturday. Credit: Richard Clifford I used to work in retail at Universal, Southland, she said. I just played music on the street and all of a sudden, my music went so quickly. Then I got asked if I wanted to go on tour with Pink.

This rapid ascent from busker to music stardom has happened in just five years and Tones and I is still taking it in. In that time, the singer-songwriter has released a series of hits that captivated a cross-section of fans. While the audience is largely female, theres a fair number of men and a decent number of parents with kids in tow. Tones and I returns to home turf with a sold-out Melbourne gig. Credit: Richard Clifford When the chorus of Dance Monkey  the track that catapulted Tones and I into the limelight in 2019  begins, the bulk of the crowd is up on their feet, heads bouncing. She may be most widely known for this earworm, but Tones and I is no one-trick pony.

She opens with Figure it Out, from her newly released album Beautifully Ordinary, before jumping into the joyous Cloudy Day. Loading Surrounded by her 10-strong choir, plus four dancers and four band members, Tones and I throws everything she has at a full stage spectacular. The lights, the background animation, the confetti cannons, the costume changes, the fireworks. It leaves you with the impression she picked up a thing or two from Pink. But this hometown show was more personal. When Tones and I waves at her nana, who later appears on stage for a dance, and sings Sorrento about her late grandfather, its a real family moment.

Reviewed by Kate Jones

MUSIC

Tognetti. Mendelssohn. Bach. 

Australian Chamber Orchestra, Melbourne Recital Centre, September 7 Nordic and Australian modern thoughtfully contrasted two beloved classics in the Australian Chamber Orchestras second last national tour for the year. Bachs Violin Concerto in A minor and Mendelssohns Octet were chosen to showcase the skills of the ACOs longstanding lead violin Richard Tognetti, while works by Einojuhani Rautavaara, Jakub Jankowski and Anna Thorvaldsdottir represented the orchestras ongoing edgy engagement with music of the present day. Musicians of the Australian Chamber Orchestra at an earlier performance. Credit: ACO Tognetti maintained plenty of vigour throughout, despite appearing to have suffered an injury to his left foot, which moderated his usual physicality. Vividly summoning up Finnish country life, Rautavaaras Fiddlers opened the program in a rustic mood that was by turns feisty, playful and atmospheric.

This led perfectly to a newly commissioned work by Adelaide-based composer Jankowski. Ritornello (referring to the baroque practice of returning to a musical refrain) showed plenty of originality. Players bows were thrust up and down in the air to create a slight whistling noise, before a stomp and a shout from the orchestra led to periods of angst and reflection. The end came softly and suddenly, but not before specially designed wooden comb-bows had produced an eerie sound, underlining the composers fascination with folk and surrealist influences. Cleansing the musical palate, Bachs Violin Concerto in A minor was buoyed by an elegant energy and Tognettis particularly expressive Andante. However, some fleeting moments of unfocussed intonation and co-ordination in the ensemble took the razor-sharp edge off the performance. Loading Icelandic composer Thorvaldsdottirs Illumine began with some tremulous foreboding before giving way to the calmness of radiating light. A rapturous and refined account of Mendelssohns Octet, the astonishing work of a precocious teenager, revealed the ACOs true musical mettle, every player revelling in the musics constant challenges. The bubbling, elfin scherzo led into an adrenaline-fuelled finale, ending the concert on an exultant high.

Reviewed by Tony Way

MUSIC

Iron Maiden 

Rod Laver Arena, September 6 War. Madness. Fear. Death. Genocide. Apocalypse. Iron Maiden know how to have fun. Not for these seasoned Brits the confetti and strippers of their American cousins. In their hands, heavy metal is more history channel than porn channel: a boys own battle cry that defies ages. Time is always on my side, goes the opening songs refrain. Almost 50 years after the band formed, Iron Maiden bring their hellfire and fury to Rod Laver Arena. Credit: Richard Clifford They arrive, of course, in a blaze of hellfire. The four guitarists led by shorts-wearing bassist-songwriter Steve Harris fan across the stage, visibly straining to wring their viscous metal extrusion from furiously twiddling fingers as the packed room roars from rammed mosh to rafters.

Singer Bruce Dickinson gallops in under a vagrants cloak: the scarred traveller bearing grave tidings. Stranger in a strange land, he sings in his undimmed, oscillating tenor as he gallivants left and right, summoning waves of salute from the floor. Drummer Nicko McBrain, buried in the Blade Runner/ Mad Max staging dominated by evolving fantasy-horror animations, keeps the thunder rolling. War. Madness. Fear. Death. Genocide. Apocalypse. Iron Maiden know how to have fun. Credit: Richard Clifford Theres an extra frisson of survivors grit in the air tonight, since COVID robbed us of Maidens Legacy of the Beast tour in 2020. This years Future Past set list has fewer classic hits  we do get Can I Play With Madness, The Trooper and Wasted Years  but the half-dozen songs from latest album Senjutsu are already crowd pleasers. Death of the Celts and Alexander the Great are epics, naturally, bookended by Stonehenge-style atmospherics as rivers of smoke cascade over battlements.

One foot usually planted on foldback monitors, accumulated lead guitarists Adrian Smith, Dave Murray and Janick Gers trade face-melting solos. As always, the appearance of zombie mascot Eddie (actually a bloke on stilts in a suit) is more pantomime-daft than actually menacing, but his laser-gun shootout with Dickinson in Heaven Can Wait is the kind of moment the kids in attendance will tell their kids about. Apocalypse permitting.

Reviewed by Michael Dwyer THEATRE

Mother 

Arts Centre Melbourne, until September 21 The poor and the marginalised have spurred Daniel Keenes dramatic imagination since at least the days of the critically acclaimed Keene/Taylor Theatre Project (1997-2002), which began, famously, with short plays staged inside the Brotherhood of St Laurence furniture warehouse in Fitzroy. Noni Hazlehurst in a scene from Mother. Credit: Brett Boardman

Written for Noni Hazlehurst, his haunting monodrama Mother returns to the poorest of the poor. It gives voice to an ageing homeless woman, Christie, as she wanders the laneways and watering-holes and liminal places of a bygone inner Melbourne. Between Keenes exquisitely crafted writing and Hazlehursts staggering performance, Mother is theatre that bores into the conscience. Unlike rough sleepers you might walk past in the street, you wont be able to look away. Noni Hazlehurst invests the character with the fundamental dignity of the dispossessed. Credit: Brett Boardman The play is far from misery porn. Its shot through with black humour that accentuates the harrowing realities of Christies life  blighted by grief, mental illness, addiction, and the rejection and contempt of all (her plight is seen as so fearful she attracts even the hatred of little boys). Keene is also unabashedly a philosopher of the stage. I feel a bit silly saying theres a negative theology to his work. The down-and-out characters he creates do often have an existential and agnostic bent, like Samuel Becketts, though given what Christie has to say about Jesus, shed doubtless think a phrase as fancy as negative theology was the study of what an absolute bastard God can be.

Yet its true. Much in Christies life has been smothered by the stigma and humiliation of poverty, but she has learnt to snatch blessings where she can. Loading In one poignant scene, she washes herself in a font of holy water at a church when no one is looking, and theres unexpected wisdom in the next to nothing she admits to knowing  lessons in death, in pain, in loneliness from which she cant afford to distract herself. Hazlehurst doesnt just transform into an utterly convincing homeless alcoholic, she invests the character with the fundamental dignity of the dispossessed in a way that reminds you forcefully of the call to ethical action the most vulnerable inspire in every major world religion, from the practice of zakat (almsgiving) in Islam to the Beatitudes in Christianity. Blessed are the poor, in spirit and otherwise  and if the design of this production is undistinguished, Matt Scholtens direction gets such a mesmerising performance from Hazlehurst, such a sharp sense of our complicity in human suffering, that it scarcely matters.

Reviewed by Cameron Woodhead
Michael Anthony Guider, who was jailed for killing Bondi schoolgirl Samantha Knight and sexually abusing more than a dozen children, has died in custody.

Corrective Services NSW on Saturday confirmed the serial paedophiles death.

Michael Guider leaves Long Bay Jail in 2019. He was sent back to prison three years later. Credit: Renee Nowytarger

A 73-year-old inmate has died at Prince of Wales Hospital on Saturday, 7 September 2024, a spokeswoman said. The man was pronounced deceased at about 7.25am.

As a matter of protocol, Corrective Services NSW and NSW Police investigate all deaths in custody regardless of the circumstances.
Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size This story is part of the September 7 edition of Good Weekend. See all 12 stories . So were sitting in Tristan Sternsons blood-red Ferrari Portofino, stopped at traffic lights in Armadale, in Melbournes affluent south-east, when he starts telling me about how he was in Los Angeles recently  discussing stem cell transfusions with his longevity doctor. Sternson goes to Los Angeles quite a bit, for longevity treatments that arent available in Australia, including stem cell therapy. His doctor, a charismatic and entrepreneurial physician called Deep Bhasin, floated the idea of inhaling stem cells via a nebuliser, which he claims is great for repairing age-related damage to the lungs. In the end, however, Sternson opted for an infusion. Two days later, he had 100 million stem cells delivered via an IV drip into his right arm, followed by 85 billion exosomes, nanoscopic vessels that help transport proteins and which are thought to trigger potent regenerative properties. The treatment, which took place at Dr Bhasins Encino clinic, near Hollywood, took 2 hours and cost $US12,000 ($17,500). Afterwards, I was so jacked up that I had to walk up and down Sunset Boulevard to burn off energy, Sternson says. It was his fourth such infusion in 18 months, each of which necessitated a trip to LA. But he swears by it. My chronological age is 44, but my biological age is 34, he says. (Some say biological age can be measured by the length of your telomeres, protein structures that protect chromosomes, and which shorten with age.) Now when my birthday comes up, my kids are like, Do you mean your biological birthday or your chronological birthday?  Sternson, who lives in Brighton, is one of Australias most successful tech industry entrepreneurs. In the past 10 years, he has built and sold three technology businesses, mostly in data and analytics, for almost $400 million. He is now the global co-lead of NCS NEXT, a multinational IT company based in Singapore. He has short dark hair, a boyish build and a nebbish self-consciousness that is, notwithstanding the Ferrari and Master of the Universe bank account, hard not to like. Growing up in Doncaster, in Melbournes north-east, he was an elite athlete, and competed in triathlons from the age of 13. In 1997, he represented Australia at the Maccabiah Games in Tel Aviv, and was standing on the footbridge over the Yarkon River when it collapsed, resulting in the deaths of four Australian athletes. Ever since then, his overriding modus has been optimisation through analytics, an approach hes applying to his most recent and ambitious project, which is to radically extend his lifespan through whatever means possible, short of becoming a cyborg. Sternsons transformation began, inevitably, with a midlife crisis. It was 2019, and he was in LA for business. My 40th birthday was coming up, which was a big deal for me, he says. I went from feeling invincible to feeling more vulnerable. And so he decided to have his bloods tested. I did 48 different markers  hormones, liver, cortisol, inflammation, kidneys. Everything. Much to his shock, one of his tests showed he was pre-diabetic. I had to do something, he says. This being LA, a colleague suggested cryotherapy, an experimental treatment that involves being briefly exposed to sub-Arctic temperatures, and which is said to reduce inflammation and boost immunity. His first session, which he underwent at Upgrade Labs in Beverly Hills, involved standing in gym shorts only for 2 minutes in a full-body breathable nitrogen chamber at minus 140 degrees. It was amazing, he says. I came out feeling full of energy and stress-free. Back in Melbourne, he began researching other cutting-edge therapies. I became a citizen scientist, he says. I read a lot, listened to podcasts, joined chat groups and went to conferences. He began consuming an array of longevity supplements and protein shakes, and having regular injections of a coenzyme called nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), which has been shown in some studies to improve DNA repair and cellular ageing. In early 2024, he opened a life extension centre, called Super Young, in Armadale, and stocked it with the kinds of space-agey, health-enhancing hardware he could only previously enjoy in the US, including a full-body cryo fridge, two hyperbaric chambers  which use high atmospheric pressure to help the lungs take in more oxygen  and something called a TheraLight 360, a coffin-shaped machine that you lie in, naked, while being bathed in red and near-infrared light. There are also several PEMF mats, which look like thin inflatable sleeping mats and are supposed to improve cellular health by pulsing electromagnetic waves through your body at precise frequencies.

Advertisement

Itll be common to live well over 100. Believe me, this is going to change everything. Tristan Sternson, tech entrepreneur The clinic now has 230 members, each paying between $85 and $289 a week. But you get the impression Sternson built it for himself as much as anyone. Hell often come here to hang out, take in some red-light therapy or clock an hour or so in the hyperbaric chamber while answering emails on his phone. He has also developed a number of everyday biohacks, most of which are focused on cognition. For an hour every morning, he wears a neuro-stimulator, a tiny electrode that he clips to his left ear, which purports to rewire your nervous system by delivering small, targeted electrical impulses to the brain. He often drives to work via a different route, to make sure his mind doesnt go into autopilot and get lazy. (Although I do end up in the wrong place a bit.) And hell switch computers in the middle of the day, from a Mac to a PC, to encourage brain plasticity. He also takes an ice bath first thing every morning, for four minutes at four degrees, and makes sure to walk around barefoot for at least 15 minutes a day to connect with the earths natural electrical current. If he wasnt such a smart guy, you would think he was a lunatic  not that those two things are mutually exclusive. In any case, hes convinced that mankind is on the cusp of an epochal change. I believe that if you live for another 10 years, there will be medications and research that will allow us to live over 100. In fact, itll be common to live well over 100. He glances at me sideways, like hes giving me a stock tip. Believe me, this is going to change everything. Super Young founder Tristan Sternson receiving red-light therapy. Credit: Josh Robenstone Life extensionists are generally thought of as people who want to push their lifespan beyond the accepted limit, which, in the developed world, is about 122 years, a record set by a French woman, Jeanne Louise Calment, who lived from 1875 to 1997. But life extension is more than just extending life. It is, depending on what angle you turn it, a social movement, a science experiment, a philosophy, an intellectual pursuit and a business opportunity. It has in the past 30 years gone from the fringe to the quasi-mainstream, pushed forward by a loose coalition of scientists, intellectuals and activists, championed both by the ravenously curious and seemingly delusional; by those who think its perfectly reasonable to want an extra 30 years of life and by immortalists who believe death should be entirely optional. Its a broad church, says Aubrey de Grey, a biologist and gerontologist based in San Francisco. De Grey, who is 61, has been talking about life extension since the late 1990s. With his long, Gandolfian beard and proclivity for TED Talks, he is one of the movements most recognisable faces, and is thought by many to be its intellectual author. Originally a computer scientist, he spent the late 1980s researching AI before realising what he calls the bleeding obvious, that ageing is the worlds most important problem. I also realised that the people who should be doing something about it, namely biologists, werent interested. And so I thought, f--- it, Ill do something!

Advertisement

With help from his wife, a fruit fly geneticist named Adelaide Carpenter, he taught himself biology with a focus on gerontology, the science of ageing. In 2000, he organised a day-long roundtable at the Childrens Hospital Oakland Research Institute in California with eight scientists, including some well-respected gerontologists. The participants emerged upbeat, concluding that science and emerging technologies might be able to reverse ageing in mice within 10 years, and that the same might be done for humans within another few decades. (Science hasnt yet reversed ageing in mice, but de Grey says that is because of a lack of funding.) The way to get there, according to de Grey, was to implement what he called SENS, or strategies for engineered negligible senescence. Loading SENS essentially boils down to regenerative medicine. The idea is that you can use preventative management to restore structure and composition at a molecular and cellular level. His favourite analogy is vintage cars. Why do 100-year-old cars exist today? They were built to last 10 years, 50 years at the most. But the reason they are still going is because of preventive maintenance. They have the rust scraped off and things like that. The human body is an infinitely more complex machine, but the principle is the same. In 2003, de Grey and the American philanthropist and entrepreneur David Gobel started the Methuselah Foundation, named after the Biblical figure whose lifespan was recorded in the Book of Genesis as 969 years. (It was previously known as the Performance Prize Society.) The foundation, which has the declared mission of making 90 the new 50 by 2030, sponsors prizes and funds longevity start-ups and research. In 2015, it funded a team led by Joao Pedro de Magalhaes, a Portuguese molecular biologist then at the University of Liverpool, to sequence the genome of the bowhead whale, which can live more than 200 years and is one of the longest-lived mammals on earth. Tissue engineering has also been a part of the foundations focus: it has put money into organ donation and awareness, and sponsored a prize for the first team that can create a bioengineered liver. Life-extension guru Aubrey de Grey has been involved with the movement since the 1990s. Credit: Alamy Stock Photo Despite the fact its named after a mythical person whose place in history owes to what is clearly an absurd fiction, the Methuselah Foundation has done much to legitimise longevity research. When I first got involved, the anti-ageing industry wasnt built on proper science, but thats changed, says de Grey. (In 2009, he left the Methuselah Foundation to start the SENS Foundation.) The Methuselah Foundation has since partnered with NASA on projects, including one in 2016 to create metabolically functional, vascularised organ tissue, and on the Deep Space Food Challenge, in 2021, to help develop new ways of feeding astronauts during months- or years-long space missions. Such initiatives are diverse, but they are all leading to what de Grey calls longevity escape velocity (LEV). LEV happens when science can rejuvenate people enough for them to continue living until the next groundbreaking piece of science, which will enable them to continue living until the next even more groundbreaking piece of science, and so on, at which point we will reach the Methuselarity. He now believes there is a 50-50 chance we will get to the Methuselarity by 2036. He cant wait. I look forward to it, not so much because of the longevity itself but because of the indefinite youthfulness, which will give longevity as a side effect.

Advertisement

For a long time, life-extension research subsisted on donations from wealthy eccentrics. But the past few years has seen a surge of investment from Silicon Valley tech titans, for whom eternal youth has a uniquely messianic appeal. (Once youve banked your first hundred billion and launched rockets into space, disrupting death is the next logical step.) In 2021, Sam Altman, chief executive of Open AI, poured $US180 million into a start-up called Retro Biosciences, whose aim is to add an extra decade to the average lifespan. The same year, backers including Amazons Jeff Bezos put $US3 billion into Altos Labs, a life extension biotech in San Francisco. Peter Thiel, co-founder of PayPal, has donated to the Methuselah Foundation, and helped fund a Silicon Valley start-up called Unity Biotechnology, which is creating therapies that target senescent cells, a major cause of ageing. (Thiel has said he wants to live to 120 and has signed up to be cryogenically frozen, so he can be brought back to life at some later stage.) In 2019, German billionaire Christian Angermayer co-founded the excellently named Rejuveron, a longevity start-up incubator, in Zurich. I am very confident that we will extend human lifespan within my lifetime to such an extent that we will voluntarily decide to exit this life and see whats next, Angermayer writes on Rejuverons website. My biomarkers were already competitive with an 18-year-olds. Bryan Johnson, entrepreneur and venture capitalist For Angermayer and his ilk, life extension sometimes seems to be just another way to win. I am the most measured person in history, entrepreneur and venture capitalist Bryan Johnson tells me via a Zoom call from California. My biomarkers show that I am in the top 1 per cent of the population in terms of health. Johnson, who is 46, founded Braintree Venmo, a web payment systems company, in 2007; in 2013, he sold it to PayPal for $US800 million. He is now said to be worth $US400 million. In life-extension circles, he is revered for his self-experimentation. In 2023, he injected himself with a litre of plasma from his 17-year-old son. On the same day, he passed on a litre of his own plasma to his 70-year-old father. Johnson claimed it reduced his dads age by 25 years. I personally stopped doing it because my biomarkers were already competitive with an 18-year-olds, he tells me, somewhat smugly. Johnson may be incredibly fit, but he is also one of the reasons life extension gets a bad rap. His skin has a disconcerting jaundiced tinge to it, and when he smiles, which is rare, it is like his mouth is being told what to do by a computer chip in his head. People openly speculate online about him having OCD. And he has a tendency to talk like a Bond villain. Four years ago I imagined being present in the 25th century, he tells me. Today, we look back at the 15th century, and its obvious what they were doing right and what they were doing wrong. And so I thought, What would the 25th-century people think we were doing right and wrong? And I concluded that they would say we were evolving from die to dont die. Dont die would be the one political, economic, moral and ethical system of humankind. And thats the goal. Entrepreneur Bryan Johnson giving his dad his own allegedly rejuvenating plasma. Credit: @bryanjohnson_/Instagram

Advertisement

After my visit to Tristan Sternson at Super Young, I drive across town to Melbournes other fountain of youth, a private anti-ageing wellness club called Saint Haven. Founded by property developer and businessman Tim Gurner, Saint Haven opened in inner-city Collingwood in 2023, with an emphasis on exclusivity: potential members must submit to a five-stage interview process and be willing to pay $23,000 a year. (Member numbers are confidential, but according to the culture guide Concrete Playground, at one point Saint Haven had more than 15,000 people on the waiting list. Gurner is in the process of launching two other Saint Havens, in Toorak and South Yarra, and a third club, simply called Saint, which will cater to a slightly younger crowd.) I arrive at 2pm and hang around outside the building for a while, unable to find the entrance. Im wondering if this is some sort of IQ test before a kindly member appears, leads me to a portal hidden in a small alcove off to the side and buzzes me in. I am immediately approached by a man who introduces himself as Mark. Mark is tall, with a shaved head, and dressed in white, loose-fitting linens. He is strong-looking, in an Ubermensch kind of way, and solicitous to the point of being vaguely menacing. Youre a surfer, right? he asks. Yes, I reply. How did you know? Because Ive been looking at your Insta page. Researching potential members is a big thing for us, he explains. We check out if they have the character that Saint Haven wants. Were looking for good, humble human beings, because this is about social wellness as much as anything. So, how old do you want to live? Eugene asks. 100120, 130?. He smiles and says, Tim Gurner wants to live to 500, which I think is a joke but cant be sure. Its also about comfort and luxury. Every aspect is curated for maximum, Queen Cleopatra-level pampering. The scented towels in the fridge on the wall of the gym, the mood lighting, the ambient hush. After checking out the gym, Mark leads me up a long corridor of illuminated arches, called the Path of Life, to a large granite tub  the Fountain of Youth  where members can fill their drink bottles with mineral-infused, reverse-osmosis water from a slender bronze pipe descending from the ceiling. There are many different spaces here, including a meditation cave and massage rooms, a clinic for IV transfusions and several little nooks where people are undergoing speciality treatments. Privacy is paramount. Spaces are separated by sheer linen curtains. There are lots of candles, and in some rooms, grapefruit-sized balls of pink salt (to help with the humidity) and crystals (to collect negative energy). Contented-looking staff with numinous eyes and model-worthy facial structures hover about, also dressed in loose linens, offering various hydrating elixirs made of spices and herbs and raw honey. Im thinking its all a bit culty when Mark, who can apparently read minds, turns to me and says: I know, its all a bit culty.

Advertisement
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 Rosie Batty is angry and shes not afraid to say so. The former Australian of the Year has accused feminist Anne Summers and anti-violence advocate Jess Hill of attempting to undermine the national strategy to end violence against women. Batty, whose son Luke was murdered in public by his father in 2014, has written to Summers and Hill saying their attacks on national prevention agency Our Watch are damaging efforts to protect women. The pair were included in the Albanese governments six-member rapid review panel into prevention of violence against women, where two sources say they dominated discussions. Advocate Rosie Batty has fired back at Anne Summers and Jess Hill over their comments on the rapid review panel on family violence. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen In a text message to Summers, seen by this masthead, Batty says: I am appalled at your attack on Our Watch, together with the others  [and I] needed to express my intense disappointment, if not anger, at the way this has been approached  you have lost my trust. The review was critical of the Change the story framework, which underpins the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children, and called for an independent reassessment of the primary prevention framework, saying it privileged one driver over others.

Advertisement

Summers and Hill denounced Our Watchs approach, critiquing its focus on prevention, which includes addressing gender inequality. Critics say this undermined the work of many in the sector. Summers has also taken credit for putting DV-related suicides on the national agenda. Earlier this year, Victoria Police and key family services providers lobbied the coroner to reclassify the deaths of three women who died by suicide. A report by the NSW Domestic Violence Review team in 2017 found nearly half of all people who died by suicide had experienced domestic violence, either as victims or as perpetrators. The rapid review panel was announced on May 1, after nine women were killed in 15 days, including those murdered in the stabbings in Westfield Bondi Junction in Sydney. The trend over 10 years is downward. Battys anger exposes divisions in the domestic violence sector over competition for funding. On Friday, national cabinet outlined a $702 million boost in funding after the review warned frontline services could not cope with growing calls for help. The restructure of the national research organisation for womens safety in Australia, ANROWS, was announced on Thursday. Author and journalist Jess Hill was on the rapid review panel with Anne Summers. Credit: Brook Mitchell Our Watch and the majority of industry experts say the evidence base reveals that addressing gender inequality and violence prevention are key to advancing primary prevention efforts and fixing the problem in the long term. The national plan includes addressing the impact of alcohol and gambling.

Advertisement

On the other side, advocates such as Summers and Hill claim the evidence is incomplete, saying the work that underpins the national plan has been censored. That claim is strongly contested by Our Watch. The federal government says the rapid review panel was always intended to complement extensive work already under way, including the work of First Nations women. A spokesperson for the Minister for Women Katy Gallagher said: The Albanese government supports the important work of Our Watch and looks forward to working with all services to prevent violence against women and children. In Battys message to Hill, she wrote: I have worked very hard in my advocacy to amplify the voice of the sector and have always worked collaboratively. I have never discredited anyone or looked to undermine anyone ... I am shocked at your recent approach and those youre associated with and wonder if you understand how very damaging it is. Surely you could consider pushing your agenda and promoting your own campaigns without having to seek to ruin others in the process. Im sure I would be happy to back you on lots you have to say  I may be a poor victim with lived experience but I have learnt much over the past 10 years. And I am deeply troubled by what Im seeing unfold. Summers and Hill were approached for comment but declined to reply and referred questions to Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Commissioner Micaela Cronin and executive director of the Office for Women Padma Raman.

Advertisement

Cronin and others say many of the reports recommendations were well-received. She also says the review acknowledged the work of existing groups such as the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Advisory Council. Cronin, one of three co-conveners of the review, says: Ive heard the criticisms of the panel, Ive reflected on it and Ive learnt from it. She says the key is to constantly challenge the approach to those who cause family and sexual violence and harm. We must constantly challenge our approaches and thinking about whether we have got it right. That includes our approach to the way the rapid review worked. Loading But one source involved with the panel, who did not want to be named, said: We have to be prepared to question everything and thats an important message. But we stuffed up, [not understanding] how divisive [Anne and Jess] are in the sector.  Another says discussions were not collegial. And key researchers in the field were not part of the process. Research fellow at the Australian National University Hayley Boxall  formerly manager of the Australian Institute of Criminologys Violence against Women and Children Research Program  says the response of Batty and others reveal a sector that is under-resourced and burnt out.

Advertisement

Thats why everyone is treating this as if it was the Hunger Games. The rapid review needed more time and more transparency, she says. As Boxalls research is on perpetration, she says the reviews focus on perpetrators is understandable  but gender equality should be a priority as well as other factors. It is never going to go away. There will always be people who use violence against women because it is not a problem with a single solution, and people use violence for complex reasons, she says. She says the review did not consult key researchers such as Kate Fitz-Gibbon of Monash University, Silke Meyer of Griffith University and QUTs Michael Flood. Fitz-Gibbon said: While I would have loved to have given evidence to the panel, unfortunately I wasnt invited to do so. I emailed a copy of recent research to panel members as I wasnt aware of any open opportunities to feed into the review. As well as Summers and Hill, the panel included noted researcher Elena Campbell of RMIT, Movembers Zac Seidler, former Victorian Commissioner for LGBTIQ+ Communities Todd Fernando and former Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Leigh Gassner. Cronins co-conveners were Raman and secretary of the Department of Social Services Ray Griggs. There were no researchers whose expertise was strictly in violence prevention. No First Nations women were on the panel. Antoinette Braybrook, CEO of Djirra Aboriginal Family Violence Prevention and Legal Service, says the lack of an Aboriginal woman on the panel was an affront. We must stop letting the government keep Aboriginal women invisible.

Advertisement
Washington DC: The United States intends to confront Chinas dominance of the worlds key ingredients for cutting-edge technology by creating a major new network of democratic powers, including Australia, according to a top American official.

The US National Security Adviser, Jake Sullivan, revealed in an interview inside the White House that the scheme was a top priority and that he hoped to set it up before the next administration took power in January.

Its a big piece of business, its vital, and its unfinished, he said.

White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan. Credit: AP

Even amid intensifying military and political rivalry between Washington and Beijing, technology was the most intense realm of contestation: The technology competition between the US and China remains probably the place of greatest sustained and strategic friction, the top adviser said.
It is an unwelcome indicator of the horror of the Israel/Hamas conflict that it has rippled out to the most unlikely corners of the Antipodes. For example: symphony orchestras are not commonly regarded as hotbeds of activism and political controversy. But in recent weeks, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra has been shaken by the extremely damaging fallout from a piano performance which touched on the horrendous death toll in Gaza.

How is that even possible?

Left: Pianist Jayson Gillham. Right: Sacked Melbourne Symphony Orchestra managing director Sophie Galaise. Credit: Simon Schluter, Laura Manariti

In August, the MSO pianist Jayson Gillham gave a recital to a small audience, during which he played a piece called Witness by composer Connor DNetto. Gillham prefaced the piece with a speech dedicating it to journalists killed in Gaza (the International Federation of Journalists says more than 130 journalists and media workers have been killed since the horrific Hamas attacks on Israel).

Gillham said that some of those journalist deaths had been targeted assassinations, a war crime allegation vehemently rejected by Israel. He also said: In addition to the role of journalists who bear witness, the word witness in Arabic is shahid, which also means martyr.
Kurt Campbell worked under Sullivan as the administrations Indo-Pacific co-ordinator, and now is in the State Department as deputy secretary of state. Rush Doshi concurs. Jake was the one who kept the Biden administration focused on making gains in the Indo-Pacific even amid war in Europe and the Middle East, he tells me. And the progress with allies and partners had been historic and undeniable. Like what? The creation of Quad summits, the invention of AUKUS, the convening of Japan-South Korea-US trilateral group, the forging of the so-called squad  the US, the Philippines, Japan and Australia. And there is a new energy in engaging the Pacific island states as the US and its allies seek to check Chinas advances. Biden became the first US president to host all the regions leaders at a joint summit at the White House. The US recently signed a military co-operation agreement with PNG. Even in frenzied election season Campbell last week made certain to visit the Pacific to join the meeting of the Pacific Islands Forum and to open the new US embassy in Vanuatu. Anthony Albanese speaks to Kurt Campbell at last weeks Pacific Islands Forum. Credit: X @LydiaLewisRNZ

And then theres the military. Now that China has overtaken the US to wield the worlds biggest navy, Sullivan has brought intense focus to the revival of the US submarine-building capacity. The Congress  and Canberra, under AUKUS  are delivering the funds for a doubling of the rate of submarine manufacturing while Sullivan holds the Pentagon leadership accountable at regular meetings at the White House. If Sullivan has been so important to the Indo-Pacific strategy, why have we heard so little from him? Fullilove, who was a fellow Rhodes scholar with Sullivan at Oxford, says that Jakes centrality has been underestimated because of his Midwestern humility, a product of his childhood in Minnesota. Unlike most Washington players, he doesnt seek media attention. And with five months remaining until Biden hands over the White House to his successor, Sullivan is not relaxing. This week he was once more overseeing US efforts to broker a ceasefire deal in Gaza. Yet he retains his Indo-Pacific ambitions. Last week he was in Beijing meeting Xi Jinping just two days after the US imposed new sanctions on more than 400 Chinese entities and individuals for supporting Russias war effort in Ukraine. Illustration by Matt Davidson Credit:

And still he is driving an agenda to achieve much more in the remaining days of the Biden presidency. The US developed its Middle East fixation after World War II because it was the centre of the global oil supply. But oil is the fuel of the past. China has been working for many years to become the centre of the world fuel supply of the future. Saudi Arabia has its oil, China has its rare earths, said Deng Xioping, the leader who initiated Chinas economic awakening, as early as the 1980s. Rare earths are among the larger group known as critical minerals. Beijing has its own underground resources and has driven its state-controlled corporations to own and develop other resources around the world. A renewable energy system cant be created without these essential ingredients. Solar panels and wind turbines cant be made without them, for instance. In fact, renewables demand much greater mineral input than fossil-burning systems. A typical electric car requires six times the mineral inputs of a conventional car and an onshore wind plant requires nine times more mineral resources than a gas-fired plant, says the International Energy Agency. So Chinas increasing dominance of global supplies of critical minerals threatens to entrench Beijings control over the future of the global energy industry. And also poses a serious risk to the military capability of the US and its allies. Critical minerals, as the Carnegie Endowments Gregory Wischer wrote this year, undergird great power competition and war. You cant make sophisticated missiles without them. Or radars or lasers. Which is where Australia comes into its own. Australias ambassador to the US, Kevin Rudd, often tells American interlocutors: When you look at a map of Australia, you are looking at the periodic table.

In other words, Australia happens to be endowed with every element that a renewable energy system could possibly want. Or a military industrial complex. Beijing knows the strategic importance of Australias critical minerals. Thats why, for instance, it attempted surreptitiously to take control of Northern Minerals, the company set to supply Australias first integrated rare earths refinery. Loading Treasurer Jim Chalmers recently forced China-controlled investors to divest their stake after they broke foreign investment laws. And its why Sullivan wants to create a new supply chain of democratic powers, including the G7 nations plus South Korea and Australia. As he told me in the navy mess in the White House basement this week: The technology competition between the US and China remains probably the place of greatest sustained and strategic friction. The single biggest thing the US and Australia can do, from a strategic perspective, is really to create effective, diverse, resilient supply chains when it comes to critical minerals that have huge implications for clean energy but also for our defence industrial base. We need concerted, co-ordinated policies to ensure that China cannot simply dump and drive alternatives out of business.
The WSU Mount Ogden Hike Tradition

Price: Free

Age: Families are welcome, all children must be accompanied by an adult. Please carefully select the appropriate hiking group for your abilities.

Transportation: A 15 passenger van will meet at 7:30 a.m. at the Outdoor Adventure and Welcome Center, to transport folks who are not transporting themselves to Snowbasin. The bus will return around 4 p.m. Please email Hayley Prine to confirm transportation: hayleyprine@weber.edu.

Equipment: No equipment will be provided, but the equipment is available at the WSU Outdoor Program Rental Center.

WSU Mount Ogden Hike Tradition Flyer / Trail Maps (PDF) Google Earth Aerial View Map (JPG)

Schedule

Check In

8:00 a.m. Participant check in at Moose Plaza

Guided Hike

Hike in this historic tradition! Please arrive early to leave time to fill your water and take a final bathroom break if needed.

Review and self-select an appropriate hiking group before the start!

8:30 a.m. | Leave the Moose Plaza at Snowbasin

Traditional Program

12:00 p.m. | Guided & Individual hikers will meet at the saddle* for the traditional program.

*The saddle is just below the final steep ascent to the Mount Ogden summit.

The Saddle is where the tradition is kept, and we pay tribute to the Weber Academy hikers of 1922. Welcome by the WSU Outdoor Program, speeches by distinguished guests, the traditional singing of Purple and White, and our WSU Fight Song and raffle prizes.

Event Wrap-Up

3:30 p.m. | Each hiker will travel at their own pace, end times may vary.

All participants are encouraged to descend with group leaders to the Needles Lodge and Snowbasin gondola after the program. (There is no cost to ride down) participants wishing to descend the full hike route will be on their own, there will be NO GUIDED OPTIONS.

Registration

Please Pre-Register! Register HERE Assumption of Risk Form, General: ONLINE WAIVER *Please Note: that if you register for this program you should plan to participate in the program for its entire duration. Do not plan to leave the mountain before 3 p.m. Thanks

Hiking Options: Choose a Trail & Group Based on Your Skill Level

Please self-select an appropriate Trail & Group Based on Your Skill Level.

Mount Ogden Via Snowbasin (guided or unguided)

You are welcome to choose to hike this route on your own or check-in at the Moose Plaza to join a guided group.

Option 1 Hike the Snowbasin Service Roads to the saddle/Mount Ogden Summit. Difficulty: Challenging. 8.4 miles round trip (competitive hike route, when gondola is not running). 7 miles when the gondola is running for the descent.

round trip (competitive hike route, when gondola is not running). 7 miles when the gondola is running for the descent. Elevation Gain: 3,400 feet

Trailhead: Moose Plaza/Earl's Lodge

Trail: Follows ski area access roads to the saddle. Top of Wildcat lift = over 1/3 of the way. Top of Porky lift = 3/4 of the way. Saddle = another 20 minutes of steep trail to the summit. Option 2 Cost is $29 per person to ride the Gondola, then hike the trail from Needles Lodge to the saddle/Mount Ogden Summit. This option does still require a significant hike! Hike 1/3 of Mount Ogden Via Snowbasin: Difficulty: Challenging but shorter. 2.8 Miles round trip (best option for those with children or simply attend the Traditional Program at the saddle).

round trip (best option for those with children or simply attend the Traditional Program at the saddle). Elevation gain: 400 feet

Trailhead Moose Plaza (Gondola)

Trail: Follows a steep ascent to the ridge then traverse to the saddle before ascending the steep trail to the Mount Ogden Summit *If selecting option two, please purchase your Gondola tickets in advance by visiting Snowbasin and select September 21 as the date.



Guided Group 1 (FREE): Meet at Moose Plaza at 8 a.m. If you like spandex and sweat and have a need for speed, this group is for you, this group will hike at a consistent, speedy pace with few rests or stops.

Guided Group 2 (FREE): Meet at the Moose Plaza at 8 a.m. If you are a good hiker but enjoy taking in the scenery this group is for you. This group will take periodic stops to regroup rest eat and drink.

Guided Group 3 (FREE): Meet at Moose Plaza at 8 a.m. If you are a first-timer or need to pace yourself slowly and want to hike the full route, this group is for you. This group will take regular stops to regroup rest eat and drink.

Guided Group 4 ($29 Fee for Gondola): Meet at the Moose Plaza at 9:00 a.m. If you are looking for the shortest route, this group is for you. This route is still strenuous and steep. After riding the gondola up you still have a 1.4-mile hike to the saddle and Mt Ogden Summit. Each participant will need to pre-purchase a gondola ticket at a rate of $29 (see below for details). Please purchase your Gondola tickets in advance by visiting the Snowbasin Hiking & Gondola Tickets and selecting September 21st as the date. Be sure to bring your confirmation to redeem your ticket on-site. As a group, we will ride the gondola to Needles Lodge where we will stop in for a restroom break and top off the water. The 2.8-mile round-trip hiking portion is still steep and uneven but is significantly shorter than options 1-3. This trail ascends 400' to the Summit of Mount Ogden. Guests wishing to attend the traditional program and avoid the steep final ascent to the Summit are welcome to stop at the saddle where the program takes place at 12:00 p.m.

Mount Ogden via Taylor Canyon (unguided)

Difficulty: Very tough. 10.2 miles round trip

Elevation gain: 4,800 feet

Trailhead: Top of 27th Street

Trail: 1 mile up Taylor Canyon - turn right to Malans Lookout. Malans Peak = about 1/3 of the way. Malans Basin = 1/2 way + Last mile + (Basin to Saddle) not well defined in places. Steep!

Mount Ogden via Beus Canyon (unguided)

Difficulty: Long and tough. 12 miles round trip

Elevation gain: 4,600 feet

Trailhead: Top of 46th Street, Beus trailhead parking lot

Trail: Two miles up Beus Canyon (1/3 of the way) trail climbs right, to the ridge above Burch Creek canyon. The trail climbs steadily along and over ridges to the saddle.

**Unauthorized motorized vehicles are not permitted on the Snowbasin roadways.
The organiser of an event held to mark Disability Pride Month in Ballina has said it has sparked the right kinds of conversations around disability and inclusion.

Ballina native Avril Greham is a disability consultant and public speaker advocating for those with disabilities. She was one of the driving forces behind Expanding Horizons, an open panel discussion featuring Avril and her fellow advocates Rebecca Connor Wood and Peter Kearns.

Avril is a staff member with An Garda Siochana in Ballina and also works with the Ballina One Act Drama Festival, is the PRO for her local GAA club Ardnaree Sarsfields and was PRO for Ballina 2023 last year.

She said the main reason behind the event, which took place at the Mary Robinson Centre, was to start conversations and to reframe the way that people with disabilities are perceived and treated.

It was the first event that I would have hosted in the realm of disability. Maybe 20 years ago I wouldnt have been brave enough. I thought people maybe wouldnt want to hear from a voice like mine but there are people coming behind you who have disabilities and are feeling that way now. If you could help change their feelings, then something like this was a no-brainer.

Representation is key, you do want to see yourself reflected back. We all want that sense of belonging. Of course, we all want to stand out but we all want to fit in. We want to find people that get it.

It is important to elevate these voices and give them a platform.

Avril said that even though it is 2024, people with disabilities are still viewed as third-class citizens in some parts of society. However, she said the reality is that being disabled is not the issue, it is the barriers placed in the way by society that are the issue. She said that a topic spoken about by one of the speakers, Peter Kearns, addresses these matters

Peter talks about the medical model versus the social model of disability. Under the medical model, Im defined by my disability and there is this want to cure what you have, but there is no cure.

Whereas the social model puts that right back onto society. The true disability is what society creates. If I decide to take a trip to Dublin on the train or to Sligo on the bus, it is not my disability that stops me, it is the lack of accessible transport.

The social model questions the beliefs of non-disabled people but it also challenges the perceptions of people with disabilities as well.

Avril said learning more about this ethos has been important for her in challenging her own perceptions.

When youre growing up, society puts that burden on you. The feeling of Im not wanted, Im a burden, I have guilt, when really it is not anybodys fault.

If we can start challenging these perceptions and tackle the real issues of accessibility, and start doing so from day one, then it affects everybody and it means that everybody has access to public services.

It can make a better world for everybody, she said.

Avril is now hoping to make Expanding Horizons an annual event.

My ambition is to build on this and have different voices next year. I think it went very well. It was something special and you could feel it in the room.

There was an opportunity at the end for people to ask us questions which I thought was important, to offer that safe space. Sometimes there is a fear that if youve never spoken to someone with a disability, youll say the wrong thing.

"You have to learn and you have these safe spaces and it was important that we offered that. We got some great questions. I wanted it to be a very informal conversation piece and to be light-hearted in parts but it went very well and is hopefully the start of something bigger.

Abril will continue on her journey of advocacy, building up more and more through social media, which provides a lot of visibility for people with various disabilities.

She said she wants to expand this journey through public speaking and has held talks at Gortnor Abbey Secondary School, Charles River Laboratories and Atlantic Technological University in Castlebar.

My passion is with the public speaking side of it now. I want to talk to more businesses, retailers, schools, companies and community groups.

More information on Avrils disability consultancy, public speaking and links to her social media channels can be found on her website www.avrilgreham.ie
An American politician with strong family ties in Knockmore is working with his relatives in Mayo to develop ways to further commemorate the links between north Mayo, the wider county and region and Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania, where the city of Scranton is located.

Democrat Bill Gaughan, who is the County Commissioner of Lackawanna County, is working with his cousin Brian Gaughan, from Lisaniskea East, Knockmore and Foxford, on a number of projects in this regard, including the opening of a Michael Davitt exhibition at the Everhart Museum in Scranton.

The Everhart Museum is located next to Nay Aug Park, where Davitt and members of Clann na Gael gathered in support of causes of the Land League and their native Ireland.

Davitt himself has a strong association with Scranton. His father Martin, sister Mary from Straide and brother-in-law Neil Padden from Foxford are buried in Scranton and Bill Gaughan and his parents Jack and Marie (nee Murphy) regularly visit the grave to maintain it. Bills mother Marie has ancestral ties to Currower, Attymass.

During a visit to the Michael Davitt Museum in Straide, where he laid a wreath on Davitts grave during his first trip to Ireland in August 2023, Commissioner Gaughan said he would like to see the Michael Davitt story commemorated in his home city of Scranton given Davitts ties to the city.

Brian Gaughan told the Western People that they are both working on opening the doors between Mayo and the Scranton area. He said his cousin Bill has a vision of connecting people with Irish roots in Scranton and the greater Lackawanna area to their ancestral stories.

We want to celebrate and promote the shared history of north Mayo and Lackawanna, to open up the history between these two places, he said.

Brian said he recently paid a visit to Bill and family in Scranton, which he said is a like a home away from home'.

Scranton is situated in a valley surrounded by natural beauty similar to our own surroundings in Mayo. It has beautiful architecture and an easy pace of life.

On every street there are people named Ferguson, Holmes, McHale, Gaughan, the names you get in Knockmore, Foxford and around north Mayo. These are all people whose ancestors left home and set up in Scranton. Bill even brought me down a street with my own family name on it.

Jack Gaughan at the grave of Michael Davitt's father and sister in Scranton.

Other links between Scranton and Mayo include the links with the ancestors of President Joe Biden and the family of Fr Patrick Peyton. The towns third-ever Mayor Matthew W. Loftus, who designed the city streets, was a native of Foxford and Admiral William Browns father is also buried in Scranton.

Brian said there is also a link between President John F Kennedy and Knockmore, which they hope to commemorate.

There is a story that JFKs bodyguard came to Knockmore during JFKs visit to Galway in June 1963 looking for his roots. His father was a Thomas Gaughan from Lisaniskea and after making some enquiries at Hughes local pub, he was told there were 12 families of that name in the village.

He had to get back to his duties and turned back up the road having had no luck. When Bill and I researched it, we learned that the bodyguard name was Vincent Martin Gaughan, explained Brian.

Vincent Martin Gaughan, who was an aide to JFK and President Harry Truman, was a first cousin of Brians father Martin and his own father Thomas was the eldest of Brians grandfather Patricks ten children, six of whom went to Scranton. Vincent was an advance man for Kennedy as well as his close friend and recalled his relationship and memories of JFK during an interview with an American newspaper, The Buffalo News, 25 years on from his assassination.

It shows the strength and determination of the people who came out of this area, a lot of it stemming from Davitt, that they went on to have links with Presidents, said Brian.

Other projects they are working at is the creation of a flight path between Ireland West Airport and Scranton Airport. Brian said Bill is in discussions with the directors of Scranton Airport regarding this but it is a "big task" that could take an investment of over $20 million and the involvement of an airline company to make it possible.

Brian added it was important that they keep up the momentum on this work after President Biden departs the Oval Office at the start of next year.
In the unfathomable mystery of gender, few habits perplex the average male, such as a woman's fervent devotion to a handbag. This inanimate object, a mere receptacle for odds and ends, has evolved into a symbol of femininity, a declaration of personal status, and a Pandora's box of personal histories and habits.

So, let's consider the modern woman, striding confidently through life, her handbag draped across her shoulder as a shield against the slings and arrows of unexpected misfortune. What secret treasures does she keep inside its depths, and what esoteric knowledge is hidden in that leather-bound codex?

I suspect that it is both everything and nothing. The bag serves as both a necessity and a luxury, as well as a support and a source of comfort. It serves as a mobile office, a first-aid kit, a food bar, a make-up room, a beverage cabinet and a self-reflection shrine. Within its shadowy confines, one might find anything from a dog-eared novel to a half-eaten packet of spearmint gum, a crumpled receipt for a regretted purchase, or an almost empty lipstick.

The bag is unquestionably an extension of the self, a portable self-care kit in an uncertain world, a Mary Poppins carpet bag of boundless reassurance. Need a plaster to cover a wound or blister? It is in the bag. Looking for a sugar boost in the middle of the day? Search around, and you'll probably discover a linty sweet rolling around. Need to prepare for an unexpected meeting? Fear not; a handbag inevitably has a little bottle of perfume, a compact mirror, and a liner pen that may or may not suffice.

We empty-handed men, perplexed and slightly jealous, ponder this behaviour with awe and faux incomprehension. After all, what are pockets used for? But here's the catch: men's clothing, which is built for purpose, has pockets deep enough to lose young children in. On the other hand, women's fashion appears to be based on the premise that the fairer sex does not require such basic practicalities as portable storage space.

With so few pockets, the handbag becomes more of a necessity than an adornment. It is the price women pay for attempting to carry more than a credit card and a house key. It is a sartorial penalty imposed by a history of male designers on females who dare to leave the house dressed for more than one occasion. They have decided that your aim is decorative; therefore, do not assume a practical purpose; that is a man's right.

Why don't women simply fight against this injustice, demanding pockets with the enthusiasm of suffragettes chained to railings? The explanation lies in the insidious nature of both fashion and intergenerational marketing.

The modest handbag has evolved from a utilitarian item to a luxury good, a status symbol and even a portable work of art. The luxury handbag business is a textbook in fake scarcity and aspirational marketing. Take the Hermes Birkin bag, a snip at 64,000, with free delivery - a powerful symbol of affluence with a large waiting list. This is more than just a bag; it's an investment in personal status, a unicorn crafted from leather, overdrafts, and dreams. Women of lesser means will spend a week's earnings to obtain even a knock-off, treating the sacred item with the reverence often reserved for first-class religious relics or exceptionally gifted children.

And if a man dares to carry a handbag, he is looked at suspiciously, as if he has committed a serious violation of the natural order. A man carrying a handbag is an outlier, a bug in the male matrix. He is either a metrosexual straining the bounds of acceptable masculinity or a traveller who is still learning the nuances of local customs. And here, size matters; a rucksack, which is nothing more than a bloated bag, denotes an independent and adventurous mentality. When you shrink it and suspend it from a hairy fist, it indicates preciousness.

This basic profiling is clearly ludicrous, and gendering inanimate objects is an odd human quirk that serves no benefit other than to reinforce unexamined social norms. Carrying a bag is not necessarily feminine, nor is it inherently manly to have a wallet bulging to the point of herniation in one's back pocket or a bundle of keys stabbing painfully into an already bruised thigh.

Nonetheless, the stigma lingers, and a man with a handbag is viewed as effeminate as if carrying his belongings in a more efficient manner somehow weakens his manhood. This tells much about our society's fragile concept of masculinity, in which even the most practical decisions can be interpreted as a violation of gender standards.

But I must admit that I am enthralled by the furtive but familiar ritual of the handbag delve, a spectacle that always elicits a chorus of sighs and eye-rolls from the mystified male viewer. It's mesmerising to observe a woman search through her bag, her arm vanishing up to the elbow in its Mary Poppins-esque depths. The man can't believe that finding a simple lipstick can be as exhilarating as discovering the Dead Sea Scrolls.

During this impromptu excavation, the woman's countenance changes from hard concentration to undisguised delight as her fingers finally tighten around the elusive object she is searching for. It's as if she found gold in a river of coins and loose mints. This treasure hunt, which baffles the male observer, is plainly a source of great satisfaction for its female offender. I can't help but wonder whether the true joy isn't in locating the desired object but in the journey itself - a brief, handbag-shaped escape from the demands of the outside world, including the male companion.

So, the next time you see a woman rummaging through her handbag with the intense concentration of an archaeologist on the verge of a significant discovery or a male nervously sporting a 'man bag' as if it might spontaneously combust at any moment, remember this: we are all, in our own ways, looking for something. Whether it's our keys, sense of self, or place in the world, the ubiquitous bag is just a container for our endless journey.

The handbag is not a symbol of feminine empowerment or male emasculation but a utilitarian appendage. Its fundamental duty is to carry things, and it excels at smoothing the day's flow by meeting modest but immediate needs.

And if, as a perplexed male, you question the necessity of such an accessory, I recommend you experience a day without pockets. You might develop a new appreciation for the simple bag, that steadfast companion in the often overwhelming demands of modern life. After all, in a world where even our phones have grown too ungainly to fit in our pockets, perhaps it's time we all embraced the practical magic of the bag, regardless of gender.

Finally, whether you carry a handbag, a backpack, or nothing at all, remember that what you choose to carry within it defines you, not the bag itself. And who are we to judge if that's a small bottle of hand sanitiser, a flask of whisky, a small pearl-handled revolver, or an emergency chocolate bar?
RALEIGH  The N.C. Department of Transportation is now recruiting its first slate of apprentices under its new Transportation Apprenticeship Program (TAP+).

Created in partnership with NC Community Colleges, TAP+ will provide hands-on training and career opportunities for aspiring engineering technicians across the state.

TAP+ addresses the critical need for skilled talent, ensuring a robust workforce for the future, said NCDOT Human Resources Director Amanda Olive. By investing in apprentices, NCDOT is building a pipeline of qualified employees who are passionate about transportation.

The first round of recruitment will focus on engineering technician apprentices, who will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of projects such as design, construction, bridge work, erosion control, aviation, rail, integrated mobility and maritime.

Applicants who are selected will gain in-depth knowledge of the transportation industry and earn a competitive wage, plus benefits.

Additionally, the program serves as an entry-point for candidates who are seeking employment with the department but lacking one or more skills to qualify for a permanent position.

TAP+ joins the many hiring initiatives the department has implemented to reduce its vacancy rate since the pandemic and retain quality employees.

To learn more about the program and submit an application, visit NCDOTs website at https://bit.ly/NCDOTapprentice.
The 8th Conference of Chinese and African Entrepreneurs held in Beijing on Sept 6, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

China and Africa are set to take their economic and trade partnership to greater heights, with advancing mutual openness, bolstering industrial integration and fostering cooperation in emerging sectors high on the agenda, Premier Li Qiang said on Friday.

Entrepreneurs have also been called on to channel more investment toward boosting economic development and meeting urgent societal needs, Li said in a speech at the opening ceremony of the eighth Conference of Chinese and African Entrepreneurs held in Beijing.

Economic and trade cooperation between China and Africa stands as a cornerstone of their partnership, yielding fruitful outcomes in recent years and providing robust support for the joint advancement toward modernization of both sides, he said.

Going forward, China will expand unilateral market access to least developed countries and widen the green channel for African agricultural exports to China, he added.

China is also committed to advancing mutual openness with Africa, and will expedite the process of negotiating and signing of framework agreements on jointly developing economic partnerships, in an effort to better drive trade and investment facilitation, the premier said.

Noting the concerted push toward advancing industrial integration, Li said that China stands ready to deepen cooperation along the industrial chains with Africa, aiming to integrate the two regions more deeply into the global industrial and supply chains.

Moreover, China is keen to strengthen collaboration with Africa in areas such as the digital economy, artificial intelligence and new energy, thus fostering the growth of new drivers of development and achieving fresh economic growth opportunities through joint efforts, he added.

The premier called on entrepreneurs from China and Africa to steadfastly deepen their cooperation, and play a bigger role in driving development not only within the China-Africa partnership but also on a global scale.

African officials and business executives said that the practical initiatives outlined at the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation hold significant promise for accelerating the modernization efforts of African countries.

David Karl Ferreira, CEO of Vitality China under Discovery Ltd  a South Africa-based financial services provider  said that the company has benefited greatly from China's further opening-up of the financial sector in recent years and the country's super-large market.

With its vast consumer base, promising growth potential and innovative prowess, China has emerged as a magnet for South African enterprises seeking to expand their footprint and capitalize on the country's economic dynamism, Ferreira said.

Meanwhile, Chinese enterprises doing business in Africa have been instrumental in providing a wealth of invaluable experiences to businesses across the continent, he added.

Lei Jun, founder and chairman of Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi, said that Africa's economic growth outpaces the global average, and construction of the continent's Free Trade Area promotes cross-border trade cooperation and market integration.

Particularly noteworthy is the emergence of supportive policies for green transition in many African countries. Xiaomi is keen on seizing opportunities to enhance collaboration with African enterprises across various emerging industries, including new energy vehicles, Lei said.

Building on its presence in 16 African countries, including Egypt, Nigeria and Kenya, Xiaomi is gearing up to increase its investments across the continent, Lei added.




More than 150 local business owners and college students gathered together Friday morning in Lincoln to discuss what can be done to address brain drain in Nebraska and attract and retain more young employees to the state.

The goal of the Nebraska Trailblazers event hosted by the Foundry was to engage both students and employers in conversations about what young people are looking for in terms of workplace environment, support from management and career opportunities to hopefully encourage more young people to stay in the state.

The event also allowed future employees to network with a variety of businesses in Lincoln, including Union Bank & Trust, Firespring, Nelnet and Sandhills Global.

The event featured a panel of young professionals from across Lincoln, a keynote speaker and opportunities for guests to get to know each other, share ideas and learn more about what students are looking for in their future careers. The conversation primarily centered around students desire to continue developing their skills and the impact a supportive and challenging work environment can have on newly hired employees.

According to a 2023 analysis performed by the Omaha World-Herald, around 4,000 young people with bachelors degrees leave Nebraska annually for other states, many seeking more career opportunities or higher pay. That's exactly why an event like this is so important right now, said Ethan Clinchard, a senior coordinator at the Foundry who played a key role in organizing the event.

Clinchard, who is also a senior political science major at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, previously thought he would someday leave Nebraska once he graduated from college, but now, he said hes pretty attached to the idea of staying in his home state.

I fell in love with the community here. The relationships I've created have been so incredible. I just can't leave it behind, he said.

Through the Trailblazers event on Friday, he hopes he was able to share his love for Nebraska and show other young people in the state the many career opportunities available here.

I just believe that our state has a lot to offer, and I want other people to have the opportunity to understand that and explore that as well, he said.

Tim Hodges, the executive director of the Clifton Strengths Institute and a professor at the UNL College of Business, gave the keynote speech, focusing on what hes learned over the years through working with hundreds of students each semester.

One thing hes found recently is that there has been a change in mindset for young people entering the workforce. Many recent graduates care less about the paycheck and more about their passion and purpose at work. In order to attract these people to Nebraska, the workforce needs to grow with them and allow room for their goals and desires to flourish, he said.

Maybe we need to adjust our approach and figure out what might the future look like, and how we can create a culture today to get students and young professionals excited to join our organization and stay in our organization and stay in our great state, he said.

Many young people are looking for organizations and employers that allow for flexibility, independence and skill development, Hodges said. A lot of new hires want to continue to learn and be challenged as they begin their careers, and they want to have a collaborative, welcoming environment in which to do so.

Hes also found that many young employees appreciate meaningful and frequent interactions with their managers. They want to build relationships with the people they work with to have an increased sense of trust, he said.

By creating a strong team with strong goals, companies will be able to attract ambitious, young talent, Hodges said.

Attendees also heard from a panel of current UNL students and recent graduates who spoke on their experiences entering the Lincoln workforce.

Panelists discussed the need for leadership opportunities, open lines of communication and mutual respect between both the employees and the employers.

Jeffrey Owusu-Ansah, a member of the panel and an associate attorney at Rembolt Ludtke, said this sense of respect can play a big role in not only the recruitment of employees, but the retention, too.

Dulce Garcia, another panelist who works as a freelance photographer, spoke about the importance of companies being open and transparent about their values so new employees can ensure their views align.

I think that a core characteristic of Gen Z is that we hold our core values and beliefs very strongly, she said. So I think any employer that we choose to put our time and effort into, we hope that they have similar values and beliefs that align with ours.

Top Journal Star photos for September 2024
The spread of COVID-19 continues in Britain with new strains still taking the lives of up to 200 people a week in England alone.

Moreover, an estimated up to 2 million people are suffering from Long COVID in the UK. The condition encompasses a variety of symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and cognitive impairments. Estimates suggest that approximately 10 percent of all individuals who contract COVID-19 experience Long COVID.

Several recent UK studies have investigated this harm being done to the populations health by the policy of living with the virus enacted jointly by the Conservative and Labour parties.

Research carried out by academics at Newcastle University found a fifth of GP patients in some areas of northern England suffer from Long COVID. The study, Navigating the Long Haul: Understanding Long Covid in Northern England, also found that there were regional inequalities in terms of the incidence of Long COVID in the North East of England and Yorkshire, where rates in the most deprived areas were 5.2 percent higher than in the less deprived areas.

Its summary explains, Our A Year of Covid-19 in the North report showed Covid-19 hit the region harder than the South of the country and this report shows this pattern is repeated in Long Covid in the region. In some areas of the North the prevalence of the illness is as high as 20%. It adds, The average for England as a whole was 4.4%.

The highest rate of prevalence was recorded among patients at Parklands medical practice in Bradford and Margaret Thompson medical centre in Liverpool. All ten of the GP surgeries with the highest rates of Long COVID among patients are in the North.

Drawing attention to the lack of care and support available to Long COVID sufferers, the report notes, While many employers in the North provide support for Covid-19, this is specified on an acute basis, rather than in response to Long Covid/post Covid illnesses. The report notes that Only three out of 10 northern employers contacted offered a specific rehabilitation package to employees living with Long Covid despite the high prevalence in the region.

Protesters hold placards outside the COVID Inquiry at Dorland House in London, Monday, Dec. 11, 2023. [AP Photo/Frank Augstein]

Separate research published in the Journal of Infection on August 28 details the prevalence and impact of persistent symptoms following SARS-CoV-2 infection among healthcare workers. Researchers from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Public Health Scotland analysed data from the SARS-CoV-2 Immunity and Reinfection Evaluation (SIREN) study.

It explains that SIREN participants were eligible for the survey if they had a recorded SARS-CoV-2 infection by 12 September 2022 and had not withdrawn from the study before the survey date. 16,599 health care workers were eligible to complete the survey. Of these 6,677 responded and 5,053 were included in the final analysis.

The study found that A substantial proportion of UK healthcare workers in our cohort experienced persistent symptoms following their initial SARS-CoV-2 infection, and this has impacted their life and work.

Another important conclusion was the higher prevalence of persistent symptoms found among those who were unvaccinated (38.1 percent) than among those who were vaccinated (22 percent).

The study notes, When asked about the impact of persistent symptoms on day-to-day and work-related activities, 51.8% and 42.1% replied a little (for day to day and work-related activity respectively) and 24.0% and 14.4% replied A lot (first infection only).

When asked about at work adjustments among those reporting persistent symptoms, 8.9% reported they had reduced their working hours and 13.9% had changed their working pattern. The medium number of sick days participants reported taking off work due to persistent symptoms for their first infection was 14 days, with an interquartile range of seven to 50 days and an overall range of one to 680 days.

That the upper range of sick days required is approaching two years shows the horrific impact of the disease on a layer of workers in the National Health Service.

Despite the widespread prevalence of COVID and Long COVID among health workers, there is no general mask mandate in place in the National Health Service. The reality of the virus and its impact has, however, pushed a number of NHS hospital trusts to implement their own mandates.

In July it was reported that at Worcestershires Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, with COVID cases at their highest level in seven months, mask wearing was required to protect patients, their loved ones and hospital staff.

The Royal Stoke University Hospital and County Hospital in Stafford also introduced mask requirements in clinical areas. The Daily Express reported that in Staffordshire, the situation is equally dire, with 108 patients battling the virus and two wards at Royal Stoke Hospital completely occupied by those affected. The trusts acted after COVID hospitalisations rose, as the summer holiday season got underway, to 3.31 per 100,000 people from 2.67 in the preceding week.

A study by researchers from the Institute of Health Informatics and the Department of Primary Care and Population Health at University College London (UCL), in collaboration with the software developer Living With Ltd, analysed self-reported symptoms from 1,008 people in England and Wales.

Its report, Long COVID symptoms and demographic associations: A retrospective case series study using healthcare application data, published in JRSM Open, looked at the health of people referred to a National Health Service post-COVID clinic who had reported their symptoms on the Living with COVID Recovery Digital Health Intervention app. The data covered the period November 30, 2020, to March 23, 2022.

The findings concluded that pain, including headache, joint pain and stomach pain, was the most common symptom, as reported by 26.5 percent of participants. Other common symptoms included anxiety and depression (18.4 percent), fatigue (14.3 percent), and dyspnoea, or shortness of breath (7.4 percent).

ScienceDaily noted that The study also examined the impact of demographic factors on the severity of symptoms, revealing significant disparities among different groups. Older individuals were found to experience much higher symptom intensity, with those aged 68-77 reporting 32.8% more severe symptoms, and those aged 78-87 experiencing an 86% increase in symptom intensity compared to the 18-27 age group.

Deprivation (broken down by geographical area), gender and ethnicity were also significantly associated with symptom severity. The least deprived decile had symptoms 68 percent less intense than those of the most deprived, women reported symptoms 9.8 percent more intense than men, and non-white groups 23.5 percent more intense than white.

The UK research adds to a growing body of scientific evidence internationally showing the seriousness of Long COVID.

Last month, the World Socialist Web Site reported on a position paper on Long COVID published by Drs. Ziyad Al-Aly, Akiko Iwasaki Eric Topol, and other acclaimed researchers, published in the Nature Medicine journal.

The WSWS explained, Basing their estimates on meta-regression studies that pooled all the available evidence, they estimated that figure for the first four years of the pandemic at 409 million cases of Long COVID. The authors remarked, It is crucial to emphasize that these estimates only represent cases arising from symptomatic infections and are likely to be conservative. The actual incidence of Long COVID, including cases from asymptomatic infections or those with a broader range of symptoms, is expected to be higher.
On Tuesday, September 3, the US government put four Americans citizens, all of whom are currently, or were formerly members of the African Peoples Socialist Party (APSP) and/or the Uhuru Movement, on trial for illegally spreading pro-Russian propaganda in order to cause dissension in the United States and to promote secessionist ideologies.

The charges against the accused are a blatant attack on democratic rights aimed at discrediting all opposition to US imperialism as the work of Russian influence.

Among those facing charges of conspiracy to defraud the US and for failing to register as agents of a foreign government are the Uhuru 3 which include Omali Yeshitela, 82, chairman of the APSP; Penny J. Hess, chair of the African Peoples Solidarity Committee (APCS) and Jesse Nevel, chair of the Uhuru Solidarity Movement (USM).

APSP Chairman Omali Yeshitela (second from left) in front of his home after the July 29 FBI raid [Photo: stltoday.com]

The APSP and Uhuru movement is based in St. Petersburg, Florida and St. Louis, Missouri. The groups trace their foundations back to the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s and center their political activity on appeals to the US government for redress, such as calling for reparations and self-determination of African and African people.

The fourth person facing charges is Augustus C. Romain Jr. also known as Gazi Kodzo. He is a former member of the APSP and has only been charged with conspiracy. Currently, Romain/Kodzo is the leader of the Black Hammer Party, a small fascistic paramilitary organization based in Atlanta. In 2021 the organization announced an alliance with the Proud Boys to defeat the disgusting p*do-loving, welfare economy demonrats and their puppet master, BIG PHARMA who has been poisoning all of us for too long.

In a press conference held on Tuesday, the first day of the trial, Mwezi Odom, speaking in support of the defendants, said that the US government was attempting to shred the First Amendment, the right to free speech, the right to freedom of the press and freedom of association.

Odom noted that if Yeshitela, 82, was convicted of the charges he faces he could be sent to prison for 15 years, a life sentence.

In addition to the four Americans, the US Department of Justice had previously announced charges against three Russian citizens, none of whom are in the United States and will likely ever face trial.

According to the indictment, from 2014-2022, the accused are charged with receiving nearly $10,000 from alleged Russian security agents without registering as foreign agents. The accused are alleged to have taken this money to plan protests against the US-NATO war in Ukraine, police violence, African genocide and even run for the St. Petersburg City Council in 2017 and 2019 (losing both times).

In a slanderous McCarthyite statement issued on September 3, DNC spokesperson Matt Corridoni accused US Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein of being a useful idiot for Russia and parroting Kremlin talking points for supporting the Uhuru 3.

The trial in Florida is just one aspect of the widening anti-democratic campaign being undertaken by capitalist governments around the world in response to growing opposition to their warmongering policies. Within the last several weeks, anti-genocide journalists in the UK, Richard Medhurst and Sarah Wilkinson, have been interrogated and harassed by police agents for their accurate reporting on the ongoing genocide in Gaza.

Coinciding with the trial, the US government, with the corporate media in tow, has launched a new anti-Russia censorship campaign alleging that several official enemies of US imperialism are engaging in malign activity aimed at sowing discord ahead of the 2024 election.

FBI Director Christopher Wray, right, speaks during a meeting of the Justice Department's Election Threats Task Force at the Department of Justice, Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024, in Washington, as Attorney General Merrick Garland, left, looks on. [AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein]

On Wednesday, Attorney General Merrick Garland, seated next to FBI Director Christopher Wray, announced a new plan to counter alleged attempts by Russia and Iran, as well as China to interfere in our elections and undermine our democracy.

Garland announced charges against two employees of RT, Konstantin Kalshnikov and Elena Afanasyeva, accusing them of money laundering and failing to register as foreign agents.

The American people are entitled to know when a foreign power is attempting to exploit our countrys free exchange of ideas in order to send around its own propaganda, Garland declared.

When a foreign power is advancing US imperialist objectives they are more than free to spread propaganda. More than three months ago, the New York Times reported that Israels Ministry of Diaspora Affairs commissioned a $2 million operation to carry out an online influence campaign targeting US lawmakers and the American public with pro-Israel messaging in order to gin up support for the Gaza genocide and a $15 billion military package. The Department of Justice has yet to announce any indictments.

In the charges against Kalshnikov and Afanasyeva, the DoJ alleges the pair paid nearly $10 million to hire a right-wing media company to produce and disseminate pro-Russian content. The DoJ accuses the company, which was later identified as Tenet Media, of paying fascist and conservative commentators such as Tim Pool, Benny Johnson and Dave Rubin $400,000 a month to produce four videos a month that are indistinguishable from their usual right-wing drivel.

Over the last 10 months, Tenet media has produced hundreds of videos, but almost none of them have accumulated more than 10,000 views. YouTube has suspended the Tenet account and deleted all of their videos.

According to the indictment, almost none of the right-wing social media personalities had any notion that their alleged benefactors were affiliated with the Russian government except Lauren Chen, who founded Tenet, along with her husband, Liam Donovan in 2022.

Chen is a 30-year-old fascist who regularly defends Hitler-lover Nick Fuentes and argues against women having the right to vote. Until this week Chen was the host of Pseudo-Intellectual with Lauren Chen on Glenn Becks BlazeTV.

In 2022, Chen was hired as a contributor for Turning Point USA, the far-right organization led by Charlie Kirk, himself an ardent supporter of Trump and his failed coup. Seeking to whip up the Christian nationalists ahead of the election, on Wednesday, Kirk and Turning Point hosted Republican vice presidential candidate J.D. Vance at the Generation Church in Mesa, Arizona to spew anti-immigrant and anti-trans bigotry.

The basic purpose of the revival of the anti-Russia campaign is to create the conditions for escalating attacks on democratic rights, while allowing the Democrats to campaign on what is in fact their central issue: the escalation of the US-NATO war against Russia.
Five weeks after the July 28 presidential elections in Venezuela, the fascistic leader of the US-backed opposition, Maria Corina Machado, demanded on Thursday that the Biden administration do more to oust President Nicolas Maduro from power.

Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia speaks during a demonstration next to Maria Corina Machado (left), July 31, 2024 [Photo: Voice of America]

Speaking to reporters from an undisclosed location, Machado argued that this was a matter of strategic importance for US interests globally and concluded: I am partial to maximum pressure. She then repeated her appeals for the Venezuelan military to overthrow Maduro.

Following a Supreme Court ruling on August 22 declaring Maduro re-elected, Machados Unitary Platform coalition has continued to claim that its candidate, Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, won the election.

The entire election predictably served as a fraudulent democratic cover to create the conditions for a coup and possible foreign military interventions, and the Biden administration is already escalating pressures on all fronts.

At the same time, having already failed to oust Maduro by simply recognizing another self-anointed president like Juan Guaido in 2019, Washington has continued to support talks with Caracas for a negotiated handover of power.

If possible, the Biden administration hopes for a regime change without a prolonged civil war or a more catastrophic economic disruption that could affect oil production or provoke a further exodus of migrants and the political intervention of key sectors of the working class.

The Wall Street Journal reported this week that US-based oil giant Chevron pressured the White House to safeguard its continued production in the country, which has the largest known reserves in the world, even if that means keeping Maduro in power.

Venezuelan oil exports, including to the US and Europe, reached a four-year high of 885,000 barrels per day last month and are seen as a potential alternative for Europe to Russia, whose exports are sanctioned, and the war-torn Middle East.

Company executives argued, moreover, that Chevron serves as a bulwark there against geopolitical adversaries gaining additional footholds in the country.

The Biden administration, however, has made clear that in the context of an emerging world war against Russia and China, nothing will suffice but total domination of Venezuelan oil and other key natural resources and cheap labor platforms in US imperialisms backyard.

Pro-opposition demonstrations have remained subdued since July 30. While the corporate media claims this is primarily due to a wave of arrests and repression, such a swift suppression of the protests led by the far right can only be explained by a lack of active popular support, which entirely belies the claims of the Morenoite pseudo-left that these protests represented in any way the popular will.

The far right has continued its attacks against public infrastructure, which only exacerbate mass suffering, including possibly recent fires that temporarily disrupted the electrical grid and the railroads.

While threatening to add sanctions against Venezuelan officials, Washington is now primarily acting through its regional allies, both the openly right-wing and nominally left governments alike, which have combined direct appeals for talks with Maduro with rabid provocations and backchannel overtures to the Venezuelan armed forces.

US authorities stole Maduros presidential airplane last week in the Dominican Republic, whose multimillionaire President Luis Abinader met with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday to coordinate future actions regarding Venezuela.

In a major intensification of these efforts, on Thursday, Ecuadors president, the banana oligarch Daniel Noboa, requested that the UN Security Council declare the Venezuelan crisis a direct threat to regional stability and international security, clearly trying to set the stage for a foreign military intervention. The Chinese and Russian delegations blocked the discussion.

That same night, Argentine President Javier Milei hosted a summit of the fascist Madrid Forum that Machado belongs to. There, this cheerleader for the Zionist genocide in Gaza lamented that the free world is crossing its arms while Maduro turns Venezuela into a human cemetery.

As Milei was speaking, Argentine troops were finishing 10 days of military exercises with the Pentagon and the Chilean military, which were hosted by pseudo-left Chilean President Gabriel Boric. The exercises were launched after a defense conference in Santiago, where the US militarys top commander, Gen. Charles C. Brown, US Southern Command Chief Gen. Laura Richardson, and several Latin American and NATO military officials discussed regional threats to democracy, with a focus on Venezuela.

Then there was the publication of a statement signed by 31 former Latin American and Spanish presidents, whose hands are covered with the blood of hundreds of thousands from imperialist wars and state violence, demanding that the International Criminal Court order the arrest of the entire Venezuelan leadership.

In a manner entirely complicit with these fascist forces, the nominal allies of Maduro in the pink tide governments of Lula da Silva in Brazil, Gustavo Petro in Colombia and Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (AMLO) in Mexico have sought to strong arm Maduro toward an off ramp, while backing the demands of the Venezuelan far right and Washington that Maduro present proof of his victory.

After Maduro and Machado both rejected their initial proposal for new elections, Lula and Petro are now pushing for an international inquiry into voting records and the setting up of a transitional government.

These maneuvers make it clear that the elections were conceived of from the outset as a mechanism to press forward for regime change and secure US geopolitical interests in the context of brutal economic sanctions. All demands for an inquiry on election data from these governments are aimed at furthering the drive to bring to power the CIA assets who comprise the right-wing opposition.

Currently, Colombian Foreign Minister Luis Gilberto Murillo, who is particularly close to the US political establishment, has sought to coordinate a meeting between Maduro, Lula, AMLO and Petro in efforts openly backed by Washington.

During this process, Lula has adopted an increasingly impatient and menacing tone, declaring last week that Maduro must bear the consequences of his actions, and I will bear the consequences of my actions. Now I have the political awareness that I tried to help a lot, but a lot and a lot. It is worth recalling that last December, Lula deployed troops to the Venezuelan border amid threats by Maduro to take control of territories disputed with neighboring Guyana.

At the same time, Washington has sought to make an example of the government of Honduran President Xiomara Castro, one of the few that still backs Maduro. Last week, the US ambassador denounced a meeting between Honduran Defense officials with Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez. This was followed by the leaking of a video given by the head of a local drug cartel to US authorities that shows Castros brother-in-law accepting money from the cartel during her election campaign.

This has led to a wave of resignations in Honduras and a media and political campaign calling for the overthrow of Castro herself similar to that preceding the US-backed military coup in 2009 that ousted Castros husband, Manuel Zelaya.

Meanwhile, the Maduro administration has tried to use the elections and the aftermath to convince US imperialism that it can serve its interests better than the opposition by continuing to suppress the class struggle. It has combined threats against the far-right opposition with an olive branch to US imperialism.

At the same time, a recent reshuffling of cabinet positions, including the naming of Diosdado Cabellothe second most powerful leader of the Chavistasas Interior Minister points to insecurity over allegiances. The elections have also shown that the government has lost a significant base of support in the working class.

In recent days, arrests of suspected opposition supporters have stopped, and a bill to outlaw foreign NGOs and another to wipe out organizations accused of fascism have been temporarily shelved.

Maduro has also extended the repression against organizations to the left of the government.

While an arrest warrant was issued against opposition candidate Gonzalez Urrutia, efforts to detain him and Machado have been limited. On Wednesday, general prosecutor Tarek William Saab, a top Chavista leader, summoned Gonzalez Urrutias lawyer, Jose Vicente Haro, for a private three-hour meeting.

While Williams Saab reaffirmed the arrest warrant against Gonzalez Urrutia and rebuffed requests for an inquiry into the elections, Haro himself represents a bridge between factions of the ruling class and US imperialism. He helped draft the 1999 Constitution approved under Hugo Chavez and several other laws, while advising top Chavista officials before becoming a Stanford fellow and deepening ties with US foreign policy circles.

The dangers for the working class cannot be overstated. If Machado-Gonzalez have their way, they would install a fascistic, military dictatorship that would seek to privatize oil and other sectors and impose brutal social austerity at the behest of Wall Street, while aligning the country behind the US-NATO war against China and Russia.

However, every established political organization in Venezuela has been implicated in backing Chavismo or the far right. The most important aspect of the Venezuelan crisis is that it has exposed all bourgeois nationalist governments of the Latin American pink tide and their pseudo-left apologists as instruments of US imperialism as it drags the region and the world toward world war, fascist reaction and barbarism.
Former leaders of the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU) announced on Tuesday a legal challenge to the federal Labor governments legislation facilitating the appointment of an administrator to run the construction union.

A section of the Melbourne rally against state control of the CFMEU, August 27, 2024

Under the new laws, a state-appointed lawyer has been granted total control over all aspects of the union, including the power to expel members and fire elected officials and employees, who face lifetime bans. The aim is to drive down pay and conditions in the construction sector, as part of a broader wage offensive.

Prominent barrister Bret Walker SC will lead the High Court case, which was lodged jointly by ousted CFMEU officials, Jade Ingham (former national president) and Michael Ravbar (former Queensland secretary). The proceedings will be financed through crowdfunding and contributions from other unions, including the Electrical Trades Union (ETU) and the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA).

The ousted CFMEU bureaucrats are arguing the law violates the implied freedom of political communication in the 1901 Constitution, breaches the separation of powers by punishing otherwise than by a court, exceeds federal power and amounts to taking union property without just terms compensation.

The case is a political diversion, designed to demobilise workers by placing their struggle in the hands of the courts. In addition, the case is unlikely to succeed. The High Court has previously ruled that violating the implied freedom is justified for a supposed reasonable purpose, like national security or fighting crime. It has also permitted various forms of punishment without trial, as in the terrorism legislation, and approved the wide use of federal power for workplace relations legislation. Moreover, the government could amend the legislation in the event of a High Court loss.

Imposed on the basis of entirely untested allegations of corruption in Nine Media publications, the administration is unquestionably draconian. Whether there are legal grounds for its overturn within the framework of Australias anti-democratic constitutional framework, which has no bill of rights and few references to civil liberties, remains to be seen.

But whatever the outcome, the CFMEUs court case has nothing whatsoever to do with defending the interests of construction workers. The sole concern of the deposed officials is to restore their bureaucratic prerogatives and privileges, within the framework of Australias pro-business industrial relations legislation that they have defended for decades.

Since moves towards the imposition of administration began, the CFMEU officials have made appeals to the Labor government that is spearheading this attack, the Fair Work Commission responsible for imposing the dictates of big business and now the capitalist courts. Everything has been aimed at restoring their own jobs and preventing any mobilisation of construction workers.

The union and its lawyers have made clear that their goal is simply a return to the status quo ante. Speaking of a restoration of procedural fairness and natural justice in opposition to the legislation under which administration was imposed, they are begging for a return to the industrial relations framework as it existed three weeks ago.

In reality, the so-called Fair Work Act contains some of the most restrictive anti-strike rules in the advanced capitalist countries. Since it was concocted by the Rudd Labor government in 2008, in collaboration with the unions, the legislation has served as the framework for the suppression of the class struggle, banning most strikes and including wide-ranging provisions for the victimisation of workers who oppose the continuous assault on their jobs, wages and conditions.

Even if the latest laws are struck down, there are pre-existing mechanisms in the Fair Work Act to place a union under administration.

In fact, before the new laws were passed, the CFMEU bureaucracy was negotiating with the Fair Work Commission over just such a process. The leadership does not oppose administration in the slightest, but wants to be a part of it. Their complaint about the new legislation was that it cut across the backroom dealings that were already well underway and that it had cost 270 officials their jobs.

This has been shown by the role of Zach Smith, the national secretary of the union. While making vague condemnations of the administration and expressing solidarity with his sacked co-bureaucrats, Smith has retained his position and will collaborate with the administrator.

Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union national secretary Zach Smith addressing protest outside ALP conference. [Photo: CFMEU Construction & General QLD/NT Facebook]

Smith is a key member of the Labor Party national executive, along with other union powerbrokers, such as the United Workers Unions Gary Bullock and the Health Services Unions Gerard Dwyer, underscoring the extent to which union bureaucrats actually run the Labor Party.

In a mealy-mouthed statement on Wednesday, Smith wrote that: The administration will come and go, politicians will come and go, but our Union will stand long after they are gone. It was necessary for workers to stick by the CFMEU, in which case this would not be the end of our union.

Smiths position, as a flack for the administrator, is what his ousted colleagues aspire to. As a Labor Party-linked bureaucratic apparatus that has suppressed any struggle by construction workers over decades, the CFMEU leadership is above all determined to prevent a mobilisation of construction workers, which would come up against the whole industrial relations framework they defend.

For six weeks, neither the CFMEU nor any other union leadership called for workers to take industrial action in opposition to Labors attack, until after the legislation had been allowed to pass. It was only the sudden sacking of 270 CFMEU officials on August 23 that prompted rallies to finally be called.

The starkest expression of the bureaucrats orientation was a resolution moved at the Melbourne rally, that sacked CFMEU leaders should be allowed to retain their positions in the leadership of the industry superannuation funds.

With some 40,000 angry workers on the street in front of them, the preoccupation of the deposed leaders was to try to drum up support to keep their seats in the boardrooms they share with the bosses and representatives of major corporations.

The union bureaucrats have obtained these positions, along with other substantial privileges including six-figure salaries, in exchange for enforcing the dictates of corporations and governments for decades. They serve as an industrial police force, shutting down any attempt by workers to fight for real improvements to their wages and conditions.

Workers must fight the administration, but the whole record of the union as well as the events of the past eight weeks demonstrate they cannot do it under the domination of the CFMEU.



Already, major building companies are seeking to go on the offensive by modifying clauses in existing enterprise agreements or refusing to ratify recently negotiated ones. Multinational contractor Multiplex has reportedly asked the Fair Work Commission to quash its pending agreement with the CFMEU, which workers have already voted on, on the grounds that it is a product of coercion.

Amid a slowdown of construction and a slump of the broader economy, the aim is to inflict real wage cuts on construction workers, whose modest pay rises of 5-6 percent over the past period have been hysterically denounced in the financial press. By attacking a powerful and militant section of the working class, a precedent is being established for deeper attacks across the board.

This agenda is provoking opposition, expressed in the rallies against administration, which were attended by tens of thousands of workers across the country. What is required is a political and industrial mobilisation of workers throughout the construction sector and more broadly, against the administration and the onslaught on workers wages and conditions.

Rank-and-file committees, independent of the CFMEU, should be established at building sites across the country. These would be a mechanism for sharing information, outside the control of the CFMEU, and for coordinating unified and sustained action, not just occasional protest stunts subordinate to the manoeuvres of the union officialdom. Such committees could make a powerful appeal for a united struggle with manufacturing, logistics and other sections of the working class, also facing an assault on their position.

This is a fight against the Labor government, the entire union bureaucracy, most of which has supported administration, and the CFMEU leadership itself. It poses the need for a new, socialist perspective, which rejects the subordination of construction, and every area of economic life, to the profit dictates of the property developers, the major corporations and the banks.
New French prime minister Michel Barnier looks on right during the handover ceremony, Thursday, September 5, 2024 in Paris. [AP Photo/Stephane de Sakutin]

President Emmanuel Macrons naming of Michel Barnier as prime minister marks a historic breakdown of French democracy. Macron refused to select a prime minister from Jean-Luc Melenchons New Popular Front (NFP), which came first in the July 7 elections. Instead, after seven weeks of talks, he named a minority, right-wing government that will be Frances first since the Nazi collaborationist Vichy regime to rely on far-right support.

The far-right National Rally (RN) has stated that it supports Barnier, a proponent of the NATO alliance, of deep European Union (EU) austerity measures and of violent anti-immigrant measures, including a five-year ban on immigration to France.

The unprecedented seven-week negotiations on the new government aimed at disenfranchising the electorate and imposing policies rejected by workers in France and internationally. Macrons call to send NATO troops to Ukraine to fight Russia faces 89 percent opposition across Western Europe, and his pension cuts imposed last year in the face of mass strikes to fund the countrys military build-up are rejected by 91 percent of the population. Yet the banks and the military-police machine closed ranks behind a far-right government to force war and austerity on the people.

Protests are called today against the government, and explosive class conflict is brewing as Barnier prepares a draconian austerity budget. Polls show 57 percent of the French distrust Barnier, and 74 percent believe that Macron ignored the elections. To fight the Macron-Barnier regime, however, workers must draw critical political conclusionsabove all, on the bankruptcy of Melenchon and the NFP, which served as the enablers of Macron.

Throughout the summer, the NFP refrained from mobilizing the millions of workers who voted for the NFP. As the Parti de legalite socialiste (PES) warned, the formation of the NFP by Melenchons France Unbowed (LFI) party, the big-business Socialist Party (PS), the Greens and the Stalinist French Communist Party (PCF) was not a step forward but a trap for the workers. After the July 7 elections, the PES wrote:

The NFP is, however, swinging sharply to the right in the aftermath of the election, as the product of its very own bankrupt, opportunist election strategy. It entered into an alliance with Macron against the RN, withdrawing its own candidates to strengthen Ensemble and Macron. After the elections, Melenchon has focused entirely on negotiations with right-wing forces in the capitalist state, repeatedly asking Macron to name him prime minister, which Macron has refused to do.

Events vindicated the PESs assessment of the reactionary character of Melenchons strategy. By demobilizing the workers and falsely promoting Macron as a democratic opponent of neo-fascism, it bought Macron time to assemble a right-wing government based on a de facto alliance between the Ensemble and the RN.

Figures such as Melenchon and organizations like the NFP serve a definite function: to provide political cover for the state apparatus and ruling class that is hurtling violently to the right and to block the independent political intervention of the working class on its own program.

Melenchon and the NFP have their counterparts in every major capitalist country: Jeremy Corbyn in the UK, the Left Party in Germany, Bernie Sanders and Alexandria-Ocasio Cortez in the US. In every case, the role of these figures and parties is to facilitate the further shift to the right of the entire political system.

A counteroffensive of strikes and protests in the working class must be prepared and built, mobilizing left-wing sentiment against this illegitimate president and government. The vast, objectively revolutionary opposition to the existing order in the working class must be freed from the deadening grip of the NFP and its allies in the union bureaucracies.

Last year, polls showed a large majority of the French people supported a general strike to halt Macrons pension cuts and bring down his government, amid explosive anger at the repression of protests as Macron imposed the cuts without even a vote in parliament. Yet the union bureaucracies, backed by Melenchon, simply called off strikes after the judiciary rubber-stamped the cuts. This paved the way for a continued escalation of the war and an accelerating swing towards the far right in official French politics.

The decades-long suppression of the class struggle by the parties making up the NFP lets the RN demagogically appeal to social anger on a reactionary, anti-immigrant basis. Melenchons promotion of populism and nationalism against the international class unity of workers against capitalism also helps promote the RN as a seemingly acceptable option for workers embittered by the treachery of the PS, PCF and Melenchon. This is epitomized in Melenchons 2022 statement that he could serve as prime minister under a neo-fascist president.

The working class cannot defend democracy and oppose the capitalist establishments violent shift to the right by trying to impose an NFP government to cut deals with Macron and the RN. A movement must be built in the working class against fascism, imperialist war and capitalism, based on an international struggle for workers power and for socialism.

This requires building rank-and-file organizations of struggle in the working class, independent of the union bureaucracies tied to the NFP, around a genuinely revolutionary program. The PES proposes the following demands:

No to imperialist war! Stop the war with Russia, dismantle NATO, and withdraw French troops from Africa and the Middle East!

NATOs war escalation against Russia, rejected by the overwhelming majority of the population, must be stopped. The military budget Macron imposed last year to pay for it, financed by his pension cuts, must be rescinded. France must leave the NATO military alliance as part of an international struggle of the working class to dismantle NATO and halt imperialist wars, including Frances wars in its former colonial empire in the Middle East and Africa.

Stop the Gaza genocide! No prosecution of opponents of the genocide!

Workers in France and internationally must block the production and delivery of arms to the Israeli regime. Israeli officials charged with genocide by international tribunals, as well as French and NATO officials complicit in this genocide, must be prosecuted. The prosecution of opponents of the Gaza genocide on antisemitism charges must end, and workers must oppose attempts by extreme-right forces to use their support for the Israeli regimes genocide to falsely posture as friends of Jews and opponents of antisemitism.

Abolish Frances executive presidency!

Macrons long record of violent repression and mass arrests targeting strikes and protests shows that the executive presidency is the nerve center of the emerging police state. The rapid emergence of the extreme right at the center of official French and European politics reveals the clear and present danger that this machine will develop into a fascistic dictatorship. The executive presidency must be dissolved, together with Frances riot and military police units.

Stop the persecution of refugees and immigrants! For the international unity of the working class!

The mobilization of the working class requires irreconcilable hostility to the bourgeoisies attempts to divide it by inciting nationalism. Workers must fight against the fascistic measures now widespread across France and the EU: state bans and persecution of immigrants, the construction of mass detention camps housing refugees, and humiliating laws banning Islamic religious clothing, including those supported by the NFP.

Abrogate Macrons pension cuts! Impound bank bailouts! Billions for jobs and social programs!

Macrons illegitimate pension cuts must be rescinded, and workers must reject the lie that there is no money for jobs and social programs. The trillions of euros in public funds plundered in EU bailouts by the financial aristocracy in recent decades must be impounded and used to meet the social needs of the French and European working class. This requires the mobilization of workers and the emergence of democratic rank-and-file workplace organizations to take control of economic life out of the hands of the financial markets and the police state.

For the United Socialist States of Europe!

The best allies of workers in France against war, fascism, genocide, austerity and capitalism are workers across Europe and internationally. As Barnier prepares savage austerity measures coordinated with other EU governments, the European working class needs to be politically united in a struggle against austerity and capitalism.

The Parti de legalite socialiste, the French section of the International Committee of the Fourth International, is building a socialist leadership in the working class, which must have as its aim the conquest of power, the abolition of the existing state institutions and the establishment of a workers state, to reorganize social and economic life on the basis of social need, not private profit.

This revolutionary offensive of the working class must be developed as a European and international movement, replacing the capitalist European Union with the United Socialist States of Europe.
Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, a 26-year-old Turkish-American political activist, was shot and killed by Israeli forces during a protest in the West Bank on Friday.

Palestinians gather around the body of Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, 26, who was murdered by Israeli soldiers while participating in an anti-settlement protest in the West Bank, at the morgue of the Rafedia hospital, in the West Bank city of Nablus Friday, September 6, 2024. [AP Photo]

According to medical personnel, Eygi was shot in the head and died shortly after she was rushed to a hospital in Nablus. A report by the BBC said, Dr Fouad Nafaa, head of Rafidia Hospital where Ms Eygi was admitted, confirmed that a US citizen in her mid-20s died from a gunshot in the head.

A fellow protester told the BBC that the demonstration on Friday was the first time the young woman attended a protest with the International Solidarity Movement (ISM), a pro-Palestinian group. The organization of foreign solidarity activists have been involved in work to protect Palestinian farmers in the West Bank from attacks by Zionist settlers.

At 2:43 p.m., the Anadolu news agency reported via X, Palestinian authorities informed Turkiye that Turkish-American activist Aysenur Ezgi Eygi might have been killed deliberately by snipers.

The Washington Post reported that Eygi was attending a protest opposing a Jewish settlement expansion in the town of Beita in the Nablus Governate when she was shot. The Post report said, according to eyewitnesses, that when the ISM protesters arrived in Beita on Friday, Israeli soldiers were already deployed around a site where people were set to perform Friday prayers. As soon as the prayers were over, the soldiers fired tear gas and live ammunition.

The US State Department acknowledged Eygis death. Department spokesman Matthew Miller said Washington is, urgently gathering more information about the circumstances of her death and will have more to say as we learn more.

The White House did not assign blame for the killing and called on Israel to investigate. National Security Council spokesperson Sean Savett said the US is, deeply disturbed by the tragic death in the West Bank. On a trip to the Caribbean, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken deplored the tragic loss, and said the government is intensely focused on getting those facts.

Copies of Eygis passport that have been circulated online said she was born in Turkey and the Turkish Foreign Ministry confirmed she was a Turkish citizen. Turkeys foreign ministry said Eygi was killed by Israeli occupation soldiers in the city of Nablus and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called the action barbaric.

Aysenur Ezgi Eygi

Jonathan Pollak, an Israeli activist with ISM who was at the protest with Ms Eygi, said he heard two separate shots of live ammunition, shot one after the other... and then I heard another shot.

Speaking to AFP news agency, Pollak said, I found her lying on the ground, beside the tree, bleeding from her head. I took her pulse, she had a very weak pulse, we called the ambulance. From there we evacuated her to the villages medical centre, where the doctor came into the ambulance and continued into the hospital, where they tried to resuscitate her but failed.

The ISM protester said after the tear gas and shooting started the activists retreated down a hill, about 200 yards from the town where the soldiers were stationed. We stood there for about half an hour, Pollak said.

The Washington Post reported, The soldiers took over a rooftop in the town, he said, calling it a controlling rooftop. Eygi was in an olive grove, according to Pollak and another ISM volunteer who spoke on the condition she be identified only by her first name, Mariam, for fear of retribution.

Speaking to Al Jazeera, the same eyewitness said, The army was on top of the hill and a sniper was on top of the roof. We were clearly visible to the army and there was nothing happening next to us  They just shot two live ammunitions. One hit something metal and one was directed to [Eygis] head.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have said it is, looking into reports that a foreign national was killed as a result of shots fired in the area. The IDF statement said that its forces were in the Beita area, in northern West Bank and, responded with fire toward a main instigator of violent activity who hurled rocks at the forces and posed a threat to them.

ISM has reported that 17 people have been killed at pro-Palestinian demonstrations in Beita since 2021 and Eygi, who arrived in the West Bank from Seattle, Washington, was the third volunteer killed since 2003.

Rachel Corrie, a 23-year-old ISM activist and student from Olympia, Washington, was killed in March 2003 when she was crushed by an Israeli military bulldozer during a protest against the destruction of Palestinian homes along the border between Gaza and Egypt.

While Corries brutal killing was condemned around the world, the Zionist regime defended it and, with backing from the US government, the Israeli courts ruled that the army was not responsible for her death.

The murder of Eygi took place in the context of an expanding assault on the West Bank being carried out by the government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that intensified ten days ago amid the ongoing genocide in Gaza.

As part of the genocidal Zionist drive to kill, uproot and expel Palestinians from the occupied territories, the Israeli regime is hell-bent on completing its mission of total victory in both the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.

Al Jazeera reported that a 13-year-old Palestinian girl was shot and killed in her home in the West Bank village of Qarout. She was identified by local news media as Bana Amjad Bakr. The report said, Witnesses said dozens of Israeli settlers raided the village under the protection of Israeli soldiers, which led to clashes and troops firing live rounds at residents homes. Bakr died of bullet wounds she sustained in the chest. She was in her bedroom with her sisters when she was shot, her father said.

Israel reported that it pulled its forces out of the West Bank city of Jenin on Friday, after a nine-day operation. Thousands of residents were displaced from their West Bank homes by the siege that focused on the Jenin refugee camp, home to 14,000 Palestinians.

Cleanup efforts began clearing piles of debris and rubble left by the Israeli operation, in which hundreds of troops and police backed by helicopters and drones entered all areas of the city and the refugee camp as well as surrounding villages. Jenin resident Samaher Abu Nassa told Al Jazeera, When they entered, they used bulldozers and began destroying everything. They left nothing.
Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, the ruthless imposer of the harsh International Monetary Fund (IMF) austerity agenda, is desperately posturing these days as a great democrat, anti-racialist and a man working to improve living conditions of masses. He is contesting the presidential election scheduled for September 21 as an independent candidate because his United National Party (UNP) has been reduced to a rump.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe addresses presidential election meeting in Colombo, Sri Lanka, August 15, 2024 [AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena]

He is now posing as a sympathiser of Muslims and Christians who were forced to cremate the bodies of victims of COVID-19 pandemic during the 20202021. Ignoring the opposition of the Muslim community, which always buries its dead, the government of former President Gotabhaya Rajapakse ordered the cremation of all bodies.

On July 23, on the initiative of President Wickremesinghe, his cabinet issued a public apology to all communities affected by compulsory cremation. Cabinet statement noted: The decision created displeasure among the various religious groups and human right activists especially Muslim religious persons.

On September 3, the Cabinet approved a draft bill on Burial and Cremation Rights to be published in the government gazette and to be submitted it to the parliament for approval. Reportedly, the bill will award the right to an individual to decide whether that persons body should be disposed of by burial or cremation after his death.

This is a cynical bid by Wickremesinghe to cover up the UNPs support, along with other opposition parties, for the Rajapakses communalist decision to force the cremation of Muslims who died of COVID-19.

Rejecting the World Health Organisations recommendations, the Rajapakse government declared its experts advised that the burial of COVID victims would contaminate ground water and banned their burial.

This unscientific decision was part of an anti-Muslim campaign in Sri Lanka since the 2019 Easter Sunday terrorist attacks on churches and luxury hotels by an ISIS-backed Islamic extremist group that killed 269 innocent people and injured around 500.

The ruling party, backed by all opposition parties, diverted the anger over the carnage by whipping up anti-Muslim chauvinism. Organised racist groups violently attacked innocent Muslims and their properties, injuring dozens. At least one person was killed.

Wickremesinghe was prime minister at the time in the government of President Maithripala Sirisena which took no measures to protect Muslims and allowed the mayhem to proceed. The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) parliamentarian, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, joined the fray with a speech to parliament on May 7, 2019, demanding Muslims brand the attackers as terrorists. This destructive embryo is being developed inside Muslim womb, he declared.

Gotabhaya Rajapakse won the 2019 presidential election on the basis of a vicious anti-Muslim and anti-Tamil campaign, promising to establish national security and to combat terrorism. In power, he continued to exploit poisonous communalism to divert mass opposition to his governments attacks on living conditions and democratic rights amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The Muslim community was singled out for a filthy campaign claiming they were the source of the deadly pandemic in Sri Lanka.

None of the opposition parties, including the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and JVP, opposed this vicious communal campaign. Instread they took part and boosted it. The UNP and its leader and sole MP, Wickremesinghe, were no exception.

Muslim parties, including the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress and All Ceylon Muslim Congress, expressed opposition but only to capitalize on anger within the Muslim community over forced cremations in particular.

The Supreme Court, the countrys highest court, also endorsed the governments position when it dismissed petitions, including those filed by Muslim civil society members on December 2, 2020.

A UNHRC expert report, issued on January 25, 2021, sharply criticised the Rajapakse government, saying: We deplore the implementation of such public health decisions based on discrimination, aggressive nationalism and ethnocentrism amounting to persecution of Muslims and other minorities in the country. It added: Such a policy deters the poor and the most vulnerable from accessing public healthcare over fears of discrimination.

Facing mounting opposition locally and internationally, Rajapakse ended the forced cremations in March 2021. However, burials were only allowed in the remote Oddamavadi area in the islands east under strict military supervision and without the participation of bereaved families.

Wickremesinghes law to enshrine the right to decide on burial or cremation is a cynical ploy to win Muslim votes. At a campaign rally at Kattankudy, a Muslim majority area in the islands east, on August 31, he declared that there was no place for racism and bigotry in the country, adding that he would establish a committee to investigate the accountability of those who recommended the cremation of Muslims during COVID.

Wickremesinghe did not bother to explain his failure to oppose the racism and bigotry of the Rajapakse government which implemented the forced cremations. Public apologies, bogus committees and laws on burial will do nothing to address the decades of communal discrimination against Muslims and Tamils.

The entire Colombo political establishment is steeped in communal politics that is whipped up and exploited to divide the working class and prop up bourgeois rule.

The UNP, which formed the first government after formal independence from British colonial rule in 1948, abolished the citizenship and voting rights of Tamil plantation workers, aiming to communally divide the working class.

In every political crisis, successive governments have resorted to anti-Tamil racism, fomenting violence and pogroms against the Tamil minority that culminated in bloody 26-year civil war against the separatist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam. The war only ended in 2009 in military offensives that killed tens of thousands of Tamil civilians. Thousands more disappeared and the entire country was devastated.

The two main parties of the ruling classthe UNP and Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP)ruthlessly prosecuted the racist anti-Tamil war. Both have since fractured but all of the fragments, including the opposition SJB, are grounded in communal politics. The JVP formed on the basis of Sinhala populism was an ardent supporter of the war.

For their part, Tamil and Muslim parties posture as defenders of their respective communalism only in order to bargain with the Colombo governments for greater rights to exploit their own working class.

All these parties collaborated with the Rajapakse regimes disastrous let it rip pandemic policy that placed profit before human lifelike governments around the world. Lockdowns were ended amid unsafe conditions, forcing workers back to work while cutting jobs and wages thus imposing the burden of the crisis on working people.

Only the Socialist Equality Party (SEP), which has opposed all forms of nationalism and chauvinism and fought politically to unite the working class, opposed the anti-Muslim campaign at the time.

In his speech to the online International May Day Rally in 2020, organised by the International Committee of the Fourth International, the SEPs late general secretary Wije Dias denounced governments throughout South Asia for whipping up communalism, to disorient and divert the working masses from the failure of the ruling elites to meet the challenge posed by the pandemic.

In both India and Sri Lanka, the ruling elites are promoting anti-Muslim xenophobia as Sri Lankan Muslim families are held responsible for creating the so-called virus clusters.

He commented: The analyses of the ICFI and its sections, based on Leon Trotskys theory of permanent revolution, have been vindicated. Neither independence from imperialism, nor the unification of working people against communalism, are possible under the rule of the bourgeoisie, in Sri Lanka or anywhere else, because it is nothing but the rotten agency of finance capital.

The SEP candidate in the current presidential election, Pani Wijesiriwardena, fights politically for the international unity of the working class and opposes all kinds of racism, chauvinism and nationalism.

The developing class struggles across ethnic divides in Sri Lanka against the governments austerity measures have underscored the objective unity of the working class and exposed the nationalism and chauvinism of the trade unions and fake lefts.

The defence of democratic rights and elimination of all forms of discrimination can only be achieved by overthrowing its sourcethe capitalist systemin a fight for socialist policies and the establishment of a workers and peasants government.
Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024. [AP Photo/Alexander Kazakov]

One month into Ukraines invasion of Russias Kursk region, Moscow has yet to repel Kievs forces. President Vladimir Putin, whose government failed to prevent the first seizure of Russian territory by an army since World War II, is attempting to manage the debacle.

Speaking on Thursday, the Kremlin leader insisted that the enemy has not succeeded in its goal to compel the redeployment of soldiers away from the Donbass. The Russian military has now stabilized the situation and begun to gradually squeeze the enemy out of the border territories, Putin stated. Invoking Russian nationalism and attempting to manage deep popular anger over the governments failure, he declared the liberation of Kursk to be the countrys sacred duty.

On the ground, Ukraines advance appears to have been halted and possibly even slightly rolled back. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who rules with ever-more authoritarian methods over a country whose working population is increasingly opposed to the war, claims his forces currently control 1000 square kilometers of Russian territory. If true, this would be a decrease of 200 square kilometers from what Kiev said it initially seized when its troops and tanks pushed past Russias poorly defended borders on August 6.

The Kremlin has been silent about the amount of territory it has lost. Speaking to school students in Tuva, Siberia, this week, President Putin described Ukraines military as thugs who made it in to Russia, as if the elite forces armed by the Western powers and trained by the British were akin to a bunch of roving bandits attacking a wagon train. His government has sought to emphasize the successes of its intensifying assault in the Donbass, where, even according to pro-Ukrainian Western media accounts, Kievs army is struggling.

In an article on Thursday, the New York Times described Ukraines military situation as increasingly difficult. Russian forces have managed to create a a large bulge that extends about 20 miles deep through the center of Ukraines defenses, it noted. The Washington press outlet The Hill warned the same day that Kievs gamble against Russia risks becoming a blunder. A September 2 article in Foreign Affairs by Michael Kofman and Rob Lee likewise expressed concern over Zelenskys thinly-stretched lines and ability to rotate troops out of the Donbass in order to hold onto Russian territory.

The Kremlin claims Ukraine has lost 10,000 troops in Kursk. If even 20 percent true, would be a large share of the 10,000 to 15,000 soldierslargely drawn from elite forcesthat Kofman and Lee estimate Kiev sent in.

President Zelensky is using its invasion of Kursk and the pressure building on its militaryinternally and at the frontto demand ever-more weapons from its Western backers and get authorization to launch attacks deeper into Russia. Ukraines seizure of Russian territory demonstrates, Zelensky stated in late August, that Putins red lines are an illusion not to be taken seriously.

The same point was made earlier this week by anti-Putin Russian oligarch, Mikhail Khodorkovskyone of a number of contenders for power should the current occupant of the Kremlin be overthrown. Braying for war, he criticized the Western powers from the right, that is, for not acting rapidly enough on the fact that the Kursk invasion shows that any red lines are not where [they] imagine them to be.

The Zelensky government is now receiving the go-ahead from NATO to escalate. On Thursday, Jens Stoltenberg, head of the alliance, welcomed the lessening of Western restrictions on Ukraine hitting targets in Russia and endorsed the countrys use of long-range missiles. The following day, at a meeting of the imperialist powers and Zelensky at Germanys Ramstein air base, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced another $250 million military aid package for Kiev.

Whatever the short-term outcome for Ukraine on the battlefield, the imperialist powers see in Russias debacle in Kursk an immense opportunity to advance their goals to carve up the entire country. This was spelled out in an article by political scientist Mark Katz, a fellow at both the Wilson Center and the Atlantic Council, in the National Interest this week.

By itself, he writes, the Ukrainian occupation of Russian territory in Kursk may not discomfit Putin for long. But if it leads other actors to conclude that Ukraines Kursk offensive shows that Putin is unable to respond effectively to whatever they are contemplating, then Putin and his generals could find themselves overwhelmed with crises. Katz went on to question the Kremlins ability to hold Chechnya, all the Muslim republics in Russias North Caucasus, Belarus, and Transnistria, the Moscow-allied breakaway region of Moldova.

Domestically, the Russian government is working to downplay the crisis in Kursk. News coverage of the region would give one the impression that life is, more or less, moving along swimmingly and the situation for civilians is under control. Recent press articles have highlighted orchestra concerts, computer classes for kids, the opening of a photo exhibit of great moments in the countrys military history, and the visit this week by a deputy minister to the regions main agricultural university. Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin recently announced tax and insurance deferments for businesses in the area, Health Minister Mikhail Murashko just declared that the oblast is completely stocked with medicines, medical equipment, and blood supplies, and the government has reportedly already distributed 10,000-ruble payments ($110) to 120,000 evacuees. This is a paltry sum that only covers about two thirds of the over 180,000 people who had to flee the invasion.

Social media posts suggest that the reality, particularly for those caught behind the front lines, is appalling. A recent petition posted on the social media site Vkontakte appealed to the government to rescue people trapped in six villages who are, according to the appeals author, without water, medicine, light and gas, and will soon be without food and the ability to heat their homes. The petition, which was signed by 1,000 people within the first 24 hours that it was posted, reads, This is a cry for help from your people to you! Do not abandon your people, who have made their choice in your favor! Please make your choice in favor of the people too!

Hundreds, if not thousands, are missing. The search-and-rescue non-profit LizaAlert issued a statement this week indicating that of 918 reports it received of friends and relatives feared to be lost in Ukrainian-controlled territory, 698 were still unaccounted for and 5 were found dead. On Friday, RIA-Novosti carried a story of Kursk residents searching for their loved ones, with flyers of missing persons now being posted at bus stops. One man, who reported that his friend had not had contact with his parents since August 10, told the press outlet, They said then that they were going to the farm to shelter from shelling, and thats all.

A video surfaced in mid-August documenting the abuse of a bewildered elderly man walking down the road in rags. He tells the Ukrainian soldiers, Im lost, Ive been trying for five days now Wearing helmets of the Nazi SS, they taunt him and say, Go drink vodka. Russian pig, they declare in German. The family of the man, identified as 74-year-old Aleksandr Gusarov, saw the video, but reported that he was still missing at the time. The Ukrainian military is awash with far-right, pro-fascist, anti-Russian forces, who embrace the great crimes and collaborators of the Nazi war against the Soviet Union in which 27 million Soviet citizens were killed.

From a historical standpoint, the ruling class of Russia bears as much responsibility for what is happening in Kursk as the invading Ukrainian army and its NATO backers. In 1991, the ex-Soviet bureaucrats turned capitalists dissolved the Soviet Union and with it what remained of the conquests of the Russian revolution. This meant not just liquidating nationalized property and turning it into a huge well of profits for a new elite, but breaking apart the USSR, unleashing fratricidal nationalism, and transforming the entire region into an object of conquest for the imperialists.

The invasion of Kursk bears out the fact that, notwithstanding their combination of appeals to Russian chauvinism and threats of unleashing nuclear annihilation, the countrys ruling oligarchy is concerned primarily with the protection of its assets. Fearing nothing more than a mobilization of the working class, which would not only target the imperialist powers but also the capitalist system, it is both unwilling and unable to defend the working class against the onslaught of imperialism.
RACINE  An Illinois man and woman have been accused of multiple counts of public assistance fraud totaling about $65,000 and spanning nearly a decade.

Hosea Giovanni who is 51, was charged with two counts of public assistance fraud with a failure to disclose an event affecting eligibility and amounting to a sum greater than $10,000; one count for a food stamp offense with a value benefit greater than $5,000; two counts of uttering a forgery; and two counts of public assistance fraud via an intentionally false statement.

Tia-Nescha Stevenson, who is 50, was charged with two counts of public assistance fraud with a failure to disclose an event affecting eligibility and amounting to a sum greater than $10,000 and one count for a food stamp offense with a value benefit greater than $5,000.

According to the criminal complaint, the investigation included the Racine Police Department, the Department of Homeland Security and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives.

The complaint said that Giovanni claimed to live at an address on Washington Avenue in Racine, and that he reportedly created an LLC in 2015 that later bought a building complex with three addresses on Washington Avenue.

When Giovanni applied for Foodsahre in Wisconsin, he reportedly listed a home address on Washington Avenue that was a commercial property.

Giovanni reportedly made 13 food stamp application renewals using the address from 2016 to 2024 and allegedly received $26,000 in benefits.

According to the criminal complaint, Giovanni, Stevenson and others also allegedly applied for rental assistance, claiming they owed rent to the owner of the Washington Avenue properties, which was Giovannis LLC.

Benefits of $39,150 reportedly were paid.

The criminal complaint also alleges medical care fraud and employment proof fraud, which allegedly were to support the public assistance claims.

Stevenson and Giovannis next court dates are Sept. 11 and Sept. 19, respectively. The judge set a $5,000 signature bond for both Aug. 30.
China-Africa ties hit new heights

Editor's note: President Xi Jinping held a series of bilateral meetings on Friday with foreign leaders who have attended the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Beijing.

Hassan Sheikh Mohamud

Somalia relations enjoy long history

China and Somalia elevated their relations to a strategic partnership, vowing firm support for each other over issues concerning their core interests, as President Xi Jinping met with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Friday in Beijing.

Xi said there is a long history of friendly exchanges between China and Somalia, the first country in East Africa to have established diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China, adding that China hopes to work with Somalia to have bilateral ties yield richer outcomes.

Both China and Somalia shoulder historic missions of fully achieving their own national reunification, Xi said.

China supports Somalia in safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and supports the African country's peace and development process, he said, calling on the two countries to firmly support each other on issues related to their core interests and major concerns.

China will also continue to provide assistance to the international peacekeeping efforts in Somalia, he added.

Mohamud thanked China for assisting Somalia's efforts to maintain sovereignty and territorial integrity, and for supporting its economic development.

Somalia hopes to keep deepening friendly cooperation with China, he said, adding that his country firmly adheres to the one-China principle.

Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, also met with Mohamud on Friday.

Evariste Ndayishimiye

Exchanges with Burundi bolstered

China is willing to strengthen exchanges of experience with Burundi in areas such as reform, rural vitalization and poverty alleviation, President Xi Jinping said on Friday when meeting in Beijing with Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye.

Xi also pledged to promote mutually beneficial cooperation in infrastructure, agriculture and trade, while deepening cultural exchanges to consolidate the foundation of their traditional friendship.

The two heads of state announced the elevation of bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

China supports Burundi in opposing foreign interference and pursuing an independent development path, Xi said, calling on the two sides to continue to firmly support each other on issues concerning their core interests and major concerns.

China congratulates the African nation on being elected as chair of the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly at its 79th session, he said, noting that strengthening international coordination with Burundi safeguards the common interests of developing countries.

Ndayishimiye highlighted China's support and cooperation in helping advance Burundi's industrialization and agricultural modernization so as to improve people's livelihoods.

Wang Huning, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, also met with Ndayishimiye on Friday.

Joseph Nyumah Boakai

Liberia embraces strategic partnership

China is willing to work with Liberia to implement the outcomes of the 2024 FOCAC Summit and bring the two countries' newly elevated strategic partnership to reach new heights, President Xi Jinping said on Friday when meeting with Liberian President Joseph Nyumah Boakai in Beijing.

Xi said China and Liberia have enjoyed a friendly relationship and in recent years, the Chinese and Liberian people have stood together in solidarity in jointly fighting Ebola and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Xi said China appreciates President Boakai's adherence to the one-China principle and is ready to offer joint support on issues related to core interests and major concerns so as to safeguard respective national sovereignty, security and development interests.

China is willing to provide support within its capacity for Liberia's infrastructure construction and step up bilateral cooperation in such areas as maritime shipping, agriculture and resource development, he said.

Boakai expressed thanks for China's longtime support for his country, saying that cooperation with China in many areas has helped improve the lives of Liberians.

He said Liberia is committed to developing its strategic partnership with China and hopes to take the implementation of the summit's outcomes as an opportunity to continuously deepen practical cooperation.

Li Xi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, also met with Boakai on Friday.

Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan

Sudan friendship bears fruitful results

President Xi Jinping called on Friday for China and Sudan to actively implement the outcomes of the 2024 FOCAC Summit to upgrade the quality and level of their bilateral cooperation.

Xi made the remarks during a meeting with Chairman of Sudan's Sovereignty Council Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan.

Xi emphasized the strong friendship and solidarity between the two countries, describing them as good friends who stand together through thick and thin.

This year marks the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Sudan. Xi said that China values the longstanding friendship with Sudan as well as their solid mutual trust, and Beijing is willing to advance bilateral exchanges and cooperation in various fields to promote the steady development of the strategic partnership between the two nations.

Noting that China follows the development of the situation in Sudan, Xi expressed the country's support for Sudan in safeguarding its national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity to ensure that Sudan holds its future in its own hands.

Al-Burhan praised China for its consistent support for Sudan in upholding its independence and sovereignty and opposing external interference.

China's extensive infrastructure projects in Sudan have significantly contributed to promoting the country's economic development and improving the livelihoods of the Sudanese people, he said.

Andry Nirina Rajoelina

Cooperation with Madagascar boosted

President Xi Jinping and President of Madagascar Andry Nirina Rajoelina announced the elevation of the countries' relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership on Friday to enhance bilateral ties.

The two leaders made the announcement during their meeting in Beijing.

Xi hailed the development of bilateral ties, saying that since they established diplomatic relations 52 years ago, both countries have upheld sincere friendship, equal treatment and mutual benefit.

China supports Madagascar in independently exploring a path toward modernization that suits its national conditions, he said, and it is willing to enhance exchanges and expand pragmatic cooperation with the African country, continue implementing the hybrid rice technology assistance project, and explore cooperation in mining, new energy, the blue economy as well as disaster prevention and mitigation.

Xi expressed the country's support for the development of the Confucius Institute and the Luban Workshop in Madagascar to help cultivate more professionals.

Rajoelina said that thanks to China's assistance, Madagascar has realized upgrading of its hybrid rice technology and ensured its food security. Madagascar is committed to becoming a cooperative partner of China, he added.

Adama Barrow

Gambian economic growth backed

President Xi Jinping called on Friday for China and Gambia to continue to firmly support each other on issues involving one another's core interests and major concerns, and consolidate friendship and mutual trust to promote the steady and sustained progress in bilateral ties.

Xi made the remarks when meeting with Gambian President Adama Barrow in Beijing. During the talks, the two leaders announced the elevation of their ties to a strategic partnership.

Xi said he was glad that the projects with Chinese assistance and cooperation have improved the lives of the Gambian people. He added that this year's FOCAC Summit has rolled out a series of new measures on cooperation.

China is willing to work together with Gambia to use the summit's outcomes as an opportunity to push for more achievements in bilateral cooperation, assist the African country's economic growth and improve people's well-being, Xi said.

Barrow said his country believes that China represents hope and future potential, and that only by deepening cooperation with China can Gambia achieve national development. He added that Gambia plans to deepen cooperation with China in areas including trade and the economy as well as people-to-people exchange.

Faustin-Archange Touadera

Central African Republic bond solid

President Xi Jinping called on Friday for deepening economic and trade cooperation between China and the Central African Republic to make their strategic partnership become a model for China-Africa relations as well as the relationship between China and other countries of the Global South.

Xi made the remarks during a meeting with President of the Central African Republic Faustin-Archange Touadera.

Xi commended the Central African Republic for its unwavering support for China's core interests, and pledged continued assistance in the African country's efforts to uphold national independence, security and stability.

Xi said that the Central African Republic is welcome to leverage the new initiatives he announced at the 2024 FOCAC Summit to advance infrastructure construction alongside industrial development.

Touadera lauded China's foreign policy for promoting global peace and development, and highly appreciated its leading role in international affairs.

The Central African Republic is ready to strengthen multilateral coordination with China, Touadera added.

During the summit, the two countries signed multiple cooperation documents, including one on Belt and Road cooperation.

Salva Kiir

South Sudan relationship elevated

President Xi Jinping and South Sudanese President Salva Kiir announced the elevation of bilateral ties to a strategic partnership during the two leaders' meeting in Beijing on Friday.

Xi said that China, which established diplomatic relations with South Sudan in 2011, was among the first countries to have done so.

Over the past 13 years, China and South Sudan have developed strong political mutual trust and conducted fruitful cooperation, Xi said, and called for developing dynamic bilateral ties with rich content.

He said China hopes to share its development experience and opportunities with South Sudan, strengthen cooperation in petroleum, mining and agriculture, and help South Sudan diversify its economy.

China supports South Sudan in promoting political transition in a steady manner, and opposes interference in South Sudan's internal affairs by external forces, he added.

Kiir said South Sudan and China respect, understand and support each other. The African country has recovered its economy and improved its people's lives thanks to China's assistance, he said.

Kiir also said his country will work to create a safe environment for Chinese companies doing business there.
90 Day Fiance: The Other Way Season 6 has been a wild ride so far. During Season 6, six Americans decided to move abroad for love. While some have had smoother transitions than others, all six couples have faced some major challenges so far. From living in a cramped van to difficulties finding work, there has been no shortage of chaos on Season 6.

While 90 Day Fiance couples typically dont reveal their current relationship status until the Tell All, we have the scoop on these couples. Thanks to tools like social media, we know which couples from Season 6 are still together. Four of this seasons couples are still going strong, although two unfortunately have gone their separate ways since filming. Viewers may be surprised to learn which couples are still together, as some are quite a shock. Here is your official spoiler warning before proceeding to read the news!

Shekinah and Sarper  Still Together

Despite a rocky road on Season 6, Shekinah Garner and Sarper Guven are still together. The last viewers saw, Shekinah packed up her things and left Sarpers home in Turkey. After getting into an argument over a vanity, Shekinah claimed Sarper grabbed her phone and even pulled out one of her hair extensions. However, it seems like the couple reconciled shortly after, as they are still going strong according to Shekinahs Instagram.

Shekinah and Sarper have posted many photos and videos together recently. This shows that the couple is still together, as they are new photos and not just old ones that they have reposted from filming. Shekinah and Sarper seem as happy as ever and appear to have moved on from the drama they faced during Season 6. Furthermore, Shekinah recently confirmed that she was in Turkey with Sarper, when she posted about having trouble getting online during the countrys Instagram ban.

James and Meitalia  Still Together

Photo Credit: TLC via YouTube

James Solis and Meitalia Tantri Solis are another chaotic couple from Season 6 fans may be surprised to learn are still together. After Meitalia struggled to adjust to life in the US, James decided to move to her home country of Indonesia. It didnt take long for James to realize that he would struggle to earn a living in his new country. After talking to Meitalia about it, she panicked and had a breakdown in front of James and her parents. The couple also disagree on other important topics, such as having children.

While the couple has faced many obstacles during Season 6, it appears they overcame them all. Both James and Meitalia are still all over each others Instagrams, which indicates they are still together. In both of their bios, James and Meitalia acknowledge that the other is still their partner respectively. Despite running into some intense disagreements during filming, James and Meitalias marriage is still as solid as ever!

Josh and Lily  Still Together

Josh and Lily are another couple who are still together after The Other Way Season 6. Unlike some of the other couples, Josh and Lilys relationship has been pretty stable. The couple originally got married in the United States but Josh decided to move to China to start a life there with Lily. Josh and Lilys issues this season have revolved around things like finances and language barriers but havent been too severe.

According to Joshs Instagram account, he and Lily are still together today. Lily is with Josh in his profile picture and he has multiple recent pictures and videos of them posted. Furthermore, Josh alludes to Lily thanking fans for compliments in the comments of one of the videos. Its not a surprise to learn that Josh and Lily are still married, based off of their story line this season. While they have had a little bit of drama, it isnt as much as some of the other couples.

Joanne and Sean  Still Together

Joanne DiGesu and her husband Sean were the final couple introduced on Season 6. After meeting through Joannes psychic medium business, the couple secretly got married in Ireland. Two years later, neither Joanne nor Sean have told their loved ones about the marriage. Joanne plans to move to Ireland to start a life there with Sean but she needs the approval of her two sons first. Sean, on the other hand, is also waiting to break the news to his 8-year-old daughter at the same time Joanne tells her boys.

On Instagram, Joanne and Sean share a joint account where they have been sharing updates about their story. This suggests that the two are still together and it seems like Joanne has made the move to Ireland. Shared accounts are always strong indicators of couples still being together, as it would be strange to do this after breaking up.

Statler and Dempsey  Broken Up

Photo Credit: TLC via YouTube

Statler Riley and Dempsey Wilkinson have had a messy ride on Season 6, so it may not come as a shock that they have broken up. The women decided to buy a camper van together and use it to drive around Europe. Statler seemed hesitant about the plan but agreed as she knew it was Dempseys dream. Currently, in Season 6, Statler feels frustrated that she will be working in the van while Dempsey is able to explore after quitting her job.

Shortly before Season 6 began airing, Statler took to her Instagram account with several incriminating posts about Dempsey. Statler claimed that Dempsey had used her to buy the van which in turn left her in a ton of debt. Its evident that something bad went down between Statler and Dempsey after filming, but it isnt clear what it was. The former couple has also unfollowed one another on Instagram, further confirming their split.

Corona and Ingi  Broken Up

Photo Credit: TLC via YouTube

Corona Blakey and Ingi Hilmar are the other couple from Season 6 who are no longer together. After dating for only four months, Corona took a leap of faith and moved to Iceland to pursue things with Ingi. While Corona was eager to move the relationship along, Ingi expressed doubts and a desire to take things slow. Recently in Season 6, Corona met Ingis parents, who asked when they would be giving them grandchildren. While Corona welcomed the question, Ingi felt uncomfortable with how fast everything was moving.

The first sign of Corona and Ingis break-up is the fact that they no longer follow one another on Instagram. In addition to that, it appears that Ingi let the cat out of the bag during an interview in Iceland, according to Reddit. During the interview, Ingi revealed that things with Corona didnt work out and that she later moved back to the United States. This isnt much of a shock, considering the slow progression of their relationship on the show.

TELL US  WHICH COUPLES ARE YOU SURPRISED TO SEE STILL TOGETHER? ARE YOU SHOCKED BY EITHER OF THE COUPLES THAT BROKE UP?

The post 90 Day Fiance: The Other Way Season 6 Spoilers: Whos Still Together? appeared first on Reality Tea.
24 actor Anthony Azizi is set to star in Cast Aside the Clouds, an Iran-set romance thriller to shoot in Athens, Greece.

The indie from director Mary Darling and WestWind Pictures will see Azizi play Farhad Khosrovi, a Tehran bookstore owner whose daughter Utab (Parmiss Sehat) attends a secret university aligned with the Iranian Bahai spiritualist faith.

More from The Hollywood Reporter

After the bookstore is attacked, a hospitalized Utab meets a young Muslim neurologist, Dr. Sasan Naderi, played by Behtash Fazlali, and they fall for one another. With a romance between a Muslim and a member of the Bahai faith opposed by both of their families, their relationship is also tested when Utab learns Sasan has plans to go to Germany and she is arrested, imprisoned and tortured for being a Bahai.

With Utab facing execution, both families must do all they can to secure her release, before its too late. Azizi is a member of the Bahai faith, and two of his uncles in real life were executed in Iran for their own Bahai ties.

Shirin Youssefian will play Vida, Utabs mother, in the feature set to start production in late September. Cast Aside the Clouds, financed by the One Planet Group and other private equity funds, is from WestWind Pictures, producer of the classic Canadian sitcom Little Mosque on the Prairies.

The fish-out-of-water comedy, created by Zarqa Nawaz and portraying a community of devout Muslims living in a small prairie town, aired on the CBC network from 2007 to 2012 and internationally in over 80 markets.

20th Century Fox TV picked up the U.S. format rights to the Canadian comedy, but no U.S. version of Little Mosque on the Prairie ever got off the ground.

Best of The Hollywood Reporter

Sign up for Hollywoodreporter's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
SPOILER ALERT: This article contains spoilers for Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, now playing in theaters.

When Tim Burton asked to speak with Wednesday scribes Al Gough and Miles Millar after a long day of filming the series in Romania, the duo assumed they were in big trouble.

More from Variety

After wrap, he usually was in his car and gone, Gough recalls. So we first thought there was something wrong: Oh shit, what happened?

Turns out, Burton was about to pitch them on penning a pretty big project: the sequel to his beloved 1988 supernatural fantasy film Beetlejuice. Gough and Millar instantly agreed and got to work with Burton on fleshing out the story.

Weve done a lot of sequels, and its always about figuring out why the sequel should exist, Millar says. Why is this a movie, rather than just a piece of commerce because we can make a lot of money as a studio. You have to feel an integrity and say something.

He and Gough previously cracked the code to a rock-solid second film, writing 2004s critically acclaimed Spider-Man 2. The key to Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, according to Millar, was finding the right balance between social satire and sincerity from the original.

Miles Millar and Alfred Gough at the U.K. Premiere of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice

The new movie focuses instead on three generations of Deetz women: Delia (Catherine OHara), Lydia (Winona Ryder) and Astrid (Jenna Ortega). I was just thinking, its actually about those women and the terrible men in their lives, right? Beetlejuice with Lydia, Jeremy (Arthur Conti) with Astrid and Rory (Justin Theroux) with Lydia, too, Gough says.

The first movie said something about the culture of the time: Yuppies move to the country! Its like a gentrification movie in many ways, Millar adds. In the 2024 update, Theroux brings some modern smarminess as his character Rory aptly weaponizes therapy-speak to take advantage of those around him.

As for the crucial element of the films heart, Gough and Millar didnt want to simply rehash the original. Thats partly why ghost couple Adam and Barbara Maitland (Alec Baldwin and Geena Davis) are absent from the sequel. Tim had said upfront that he didnt want the Maitlands in it. I think part of it is that theyre ghosts, so they wouldnt age, Gough says. We had one moment where we where we tried it, but it just honestly felt like fan service. That story had been told.

While Gough, Millar and Burton were fresh off working with Ortega on Wednesday, her character in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice couldnt be more different than the macabre Addams Family icon. We didnt want to make her Wednesday, and we didnt want her to feel like a clone of Winona, Gough says. Winonas character when she was a teenager  was open to strangeness and weird things. Astrid says, I believe in what I can see: facts and science. She has a has a bit of a bleeding heart for her causes, but one of those causes is not her mother.

Catherine OHara, Jenna Ortega, Winona Ryder and Justin Theroux in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice

By the end of the film, Astrid does come to understand her mother  and what better way to show off their newfound bond than with a zany dance sequence?

Harry Belafontes Day-O makes an appearance early in the film (sung by a choir at Charles funeral), harkening back to the memorable dinner party scene from the original film. Millar and Gough knew they wanted to create a similar musical scene in the sequel, but felt a lot of pressure to live up to their predecessor. For us as writers, the Day-O sequence in the first movie was so iconic, Millar says. It was always like we had this fear in the back of our heads: How are we going to top that?

They found their answer during the films climax, when Beetlejuice crashes Lydias wedding to Rory, demanding she fulfills her end of the marriage contract she signed earlier in the film. The first films wedding scene, while fondly remembered by fans, is actually a blink-and-you-miss-it moment.

Burn Gorman and Michael Keaton in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice

Its like five seconds, and then Geena Davis comes in riding the sandworm, and hes done, Gough says. With the second chance to have a wedding, whats he gonna do?

Cue the music. We got to the end of the movie and we all wanted a musical number in it, but we couldnt land on anything, Gough recalls. Tim called us and said he has a jukebox in his kitchen. Ive been listening to the song MacArthur Park. What if we use that as the central song in the in the wedding sequence?'

And they were off to the races, using the original 1968 Richard Harris version of the track (Donna Summer went on to make the song a disco hit in 1978) as Lydia, Beetlejuice, Astrid, Rory and even the priest sang along and busted their best moves.

Its a seven-and-a-half minute song. So at first, were like, maybe these sections we dont need? And Tims like, Nah, were gonna use all of it,' Gough says. Its the kind of bonkers thing the movie needed. Once we sort of had the story down and and the structures, you could then take those big swings, and they felt like they fit into the movie. It was so Beetlejuice. When you sit down in the movie and the million ways you think its going to end, I dont think MacArthur Park would ever be on your bingo card.

Jenna Ortega and Catherine OHara in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice

The sequences length also gave the creative team an opportunity to incorporate even more characters into the song. I particularly love the moment when the song completely shifts gears, and [Willem] Dafoe comes out of the crypt in the bonkers 70s orchestral rift in the middle of the song, Millar says. It really is incredibly theatrical as a song.

While that wedding is certainly one of the films most exciting moments, its actually not the only time we see Beetlejuice partaking in a marriage ceremony. Earlier in the movie, his backstory is revealed as the audience watches him wed the terrifying Delores (Monica Bellucci).

Its the first time audiences get to see a young Beetlejuice, as he robs graves hundreds of years in the past, in a black-and-white sequence narrated entirely in Italian.

Monica Bellucci in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice

We knew he was old, so we were like, Oh, thats the era he would exist in, Gough says. It was actually Tims idea to be like, Lets do it all in Italian!

I think he said its like the prologue to a Fellini movie, Millar adds with a laugh.

Despite fleshing out their agent of chaos, the creative team was adamant about maintaining Beetlejuices limited screentime. Keaton only appears for 17 minutes in the 1988 film, and the sequel isnt much different in that respect.

Hes such a fun character to write, but  hes not the protagonist of the movie, Millar says. It was tricky in terms of keeping the right balance. People love him so much. Its called Beetlejuice Beetlejuice for a reason, so he needs to be essential to the movie.

Gough and Millar say that challenge helped inform their writing, culminating in a script theyre proud of (with just enough Beetlejuice). It makes you think harder about what those scenes are going to be, and what his contribution to the movie is, Millar says. It feels incredibly satisfying, and like youve spent a lot more time with him than you think. Thats the magic trick of that character.

Best of Variety

Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Bill Gates spoke about misinformation in an interview with CNBC.

Gates said he has "handed this problem to the younger generation."

He added that his "naivete" made him believe people would want "correct information."

Misinformation is one problem Bill Gates won't solve.

"Misinformation is the one where I  a little bit  had to punt and say, 'Okay, we've handed this problem to the younger generation,'" Gates, 68, said during an interview with CNBC published on Thursday.

Misinformation has been a concern almost since the advent of the internet. There was a global reckoning around the issue after the 2016 US election. But the problem has only intensified as technology advances. False claims on social media are now harder than ever to spot, thanks in part to artificial intelligence.

A 2023 Pew Research Center survey found that 65% of American adults believe tech companies should do more to restrict false information and violent content online.

But Gates, one of the most influential tech entrepreneurs of all time, said he doesn't have the answer.

"We should have free speech," he told CNBC. "But if you're inciting violence, if you're causing people not to take vaccines, where are those boundaries?"

He added: "Even the US should have rules, and then if you have rules, what is it? Is there some AI that encodes those rules? You have billions in activity, and if you catch it a day later, the harm is done."

Gates' experience with misinformation is personal. He was the subject of several prominent conspiracy theories related to vaccines and other intervention measures during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

One conspiracy theory that gained attention during the pandemic claimed Gates put microchips in vaccines to track people.

Gates told CNET that a woman once confronted him about that conspiracy theory on the street.

"I really don't need to track you in particular," he said he told the woman.

It has also affected his youngest daughter, Phoebe, who spoke out against "misconceptions and conspiracy theories" during an interview with The Information last March.

Bill Gates' youngest daughter is Phoebe Gates. ANGELA WEISS/AFP/Getty Images

"Hearing my daughter talk about how she'd been harassed online, and how her friends experienced that quite a bit, brought that into focus in a way that I hadn't thought about before," he told CNBC.

Gates, who cofounded Microsoft in 1975, told CNBC he initially believed people would use computers and the internet responsibly.

"You know, my naivete that when we made information available, people would want correct information," he said.

Gates added that people will seek out "correct information" for things like medical advice but can also fall victim to confirmation bias.

"Even I will wallow. Let's say there's a politician I don't like, and there's some article online criticizing him a little bit," he told CNBC. "I'm like, 'Oh, that's such a good critique [and] I enjoyed reading it, even if it was exaggerated.'"

Representatives for Gates did not immediately respond to Business a request for comment from Business Insider.

Read the original article on Business Insider
"They Replaced All The Cabinet Doors With Chicken Wire And Put Chickens In Them"  Landlords Are Sharing The Wildest Reasons They've Had To Evict Someone And You'll Be Speechless

On Reddit, user u/xyvz-_ asked landlords to share the wildest reason they ever had to evict someone  and the stories are hard to imagine! Here are 15 of the most surprising ones:

1."Tenant got evicted for building turtle habitat without permission. They started a turtle breeding business and flooded the basement with maybe six inches of water  the entire basement. It was a concrete floor, but there was still drywall on the wall, and it was ruined."

Anonymous Wanderluster / Getty Images

2."When I was living in a dorm, there was a mysterious case of small plastic bags filled with poo appearing on a tree in front of the dorm building overnight. A student didn't want to use the shared dorm restrooms, so he did his business in small plastic bags. Instead of discarding those bags discretely, he decided to just throw the bags out of his window into the tree at night. This didn't go well with the facility management of the dorm, and he lost his dorm room."

u/TheBassMeister Mjrodafotografia / Getty Images

3."My dad was a landlord, and one of the tenants tore out the cabinet doors and replaced them with chicken wire and put chickens in the cabinets."

u/Drywalleater03 Catherine Falls Commercial / Getty Images

4."I had to evict someone for not using the shower curtain. They took a long shower and flooded their bathroom, which ran down and flooded the apartment below them. We lost the downstairs tenant as well. Plus, insurance wouldn't cover the damages since a burst pipe or other plumbing issue didn't cause it. Then, when they were evicted, they asked for their damage deposit back."

u/KnowanUKnow Pixelseffect / Getty Images

5."My sister used to have some duplexes she rented out. One tenant was several months late on payments and numerous times the tenant promised she was working on getting the money. My sister was being nice because the tenant was in a hard spot. One day, she went by to visit, and the tenant had a brand new tattoo sleeve all the way down her arm. When confronted about why the money wasn't used to pay rent, the tenant said they really wanted the tattoo. The eviction process started immediately."

u/grumblegeek Fotografia Inc. / Getty Images

6."My parents are landlords and they had to evict tenants because they kept damaging stuff in the house, then taking my parent to court to demand it be fixed. One of those tenants is now in jail for breaking into our house to rob us after being evicted."

Anonymous Simpleimages / Getty Images

7."My ex-tenant was growing weed in the house and other tenants were complaining. I called and told him to get rid of it. I don't care about it being illegal, but I take the complaints from the other tenants seriously. He said he would get rid of it, but a couple of days later, the other tenants called and said the plant was still there. So I met him and said if you don't get rid of the plant, I'm calling the cops. He said, 'Call them.' So I did. He was arrested and evicted."

u/el___diablo Mimalefi / Getty Images

8."My tenant fell asleep making bacon and lit the entire house on fire."

u/jabroniclippers Michael Blann / Getty Images

9."A guy I knew got evicted from university housing because he was using the fire sprinkler head as the endpoint of a clothesline. This broke the sprinkler head and flooded half the fourth floor and every apartment underneath down to the base level."

u/guitar_vigilante Eoneren / Getty Images

10."Our tenant had a dog, and we thought it was hers. She treated it like garbage and barely took care of it. One day, she left this little puppy in the snow, and my mom was furious. Before we could call over the dog to give him some warmth, the tenant walked out, grabbed him, and slammed the door. She used her 'pet fees' as an excuse to hold off on rent, and we eventually learned that A) she was lying and B) the dog WASNT EVEN hers. From what I put together, she was holding her exs dog hostage and took it out on him by not taking good care of him. We got her dad involved, he paid the rent, sent the dog back, and we were done with her."

u/Enygmaz Elena Lavrinovich / Getty Images

11."Not me but one of my college friends was evicted by his landlord because he was fucking the landlord's daughter."

u/Icy_Obsession Serts / Getty Images/iStockphoto

12."Evicted someone because he was running the shower non-stop to humidify his apartment. He believed that it was his right since hot water was included in his rent. His apartment was so humid that he had both mold and mushrooms growing in every corner. The buildings water bill had increased by $500 in the three months he lived there."

u/MiladyBanana Kryssia Campos / Getty Images

13."I had a tenant who started gutting the apartment and selling off the appliances that came with it."

u/percypepperoni Richard Johnson / Getty Images/iStockphoto

14."The tenants left all the windows open during a rain storm and didn't clean up water that blew in. Every single window in the house ended up rotted with black mold. They asked for their deposit back. "

u/Teriyaki_Tara Chirayu / Getty Images

15.And, lastly, "My dorm mate freshman year got evicted for rolling through the hallway on an office chair blasting a big fire extinguisher."

u/thesleepofdeath Jeffrey Coolidge / Getty Images

Well, as u/HeyYallWatchThiss said in this thread: "Landlords may get a bad rap, but you have to remember that they deal with a lot of assholes." If you're a landlord (or you've been evicted!) feel free to continue this conversation in the comments!

Some submissions have been edited for length and/or clarity.
General Hospital spoilers for Monday, September 9, focus on confessions, surprises, and characters squaring off and in the hot seat. Good thing Jordan lets her detective skills fly free. Does she finally come up with Isaiahs true identity?

Law Versus Order

Do you think Agent Cates (Adam Harrington) realized his murder would rile everybody up in Port Charles? Just about everybody in town can guess Sonny (Maurice Benard) is the one to off Cates. But with his precious alibi with Carly (Laura Wright), hes mostly untouchable for now. Instead, Rics (Rick Hearst) and Lizs (Rebecca Herbst) witness statement puts a target on Alexiss back. So, the lines in this murder investigation are becoming mighty blurry.

As a result, PCPD Commissioner Anna Devane (Finola Hughes) is set to square off against bulldog defense attorney Diane Miller (Carolyn Hennesy). The two women almost never back down, so whatever confrontation happens will be loud and well-argued. Anna is strictly anti-Sonny, while Diane defends the man for money. Undoubtedly, she will handle Alexiss case if there is one to handle. Who will be the topic of their vocal altercation? (Find out whats happening the rest of the week)

Hot Seats and Confessions

For a lawyer, Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn) can do shady things. Sure, she was thinking about protecting her daughter when she threw that gun over the bridge into the river. And, sure, she had no idea that at the same time she was on that bridge, Sonny was busy killing Cates (Adam Harrington shares a heartfelt goodbye here). But now she is in quite the conundrum over this missing weapon. Unsurprisingly, she finds herself in the hot seat.

Meanwhile, Kristina (Kate Mansi) makes a confession. What does she admit to? That she should never have gone to Avas hotel suite? That she took the gun from Sonnys penthouse? How about she should never have agreed to enter a surrogate scenario with her sister and her domestic partner? So many confessions to make and lots of time to make them.

#SaveLuluUpdate

Lucky (Jonathan Jackson) is in East Africa and needs to get out and back to Lulu. Holly (Emma Samms) is there, too, but shes grifting. However, she may have to pivot to help Lucky escape. Suddenly, Lucky gets a surprise. Does this concern Laura (Genie Francis), who was on her way to Nairobi with Kevin (Jon Lindstrom)?

Finally, Jordans detective skills kick in, presumably over John Does identity. Is she on the verge of discovering who Isaiah (Sawandi Wilson) is? And, more importantly, is Jordan (Tanisha Harper) about to miss police work? Speaking of pivoting, we wont blame her if she wants to jump back onto the PCPD or open her own PI business. As much as we like her as deputy mayor, it looks like she really misses her police commissioner days.

The post General Hospital Spoilers September 9: Anna, Diane, and Alexis Heat Things Up in Port Charles appeared first on Soap Hub
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Footwear News may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

More from Footwear News

Olympian Jordan Chiles hit up the 2024 US Open yesterday in Queens, New York. The athlete took in the 11th day of matches with a seemingly collegiate-inspired look and a pair of white Nike sneakers. Chile attended the event wearing an oversized burgundy cardigan featuring Nike patches.

The piece features a large swoop intertwined with N for Nike on the body in addition to a Niki logo on the arm. It evokes the vibe of a varsity letter cardigan that some colleges sell. Chiles paired it with a string of large pearls, diamond earrings, as well as sharp black shades. For a bottom she wore a pleated miniskirt.

Jordan Chiles attends day eleven of the 2024 US Open Tennis Championships at the USTA Billie Jean King Tennis Center on September 5 in New York City.

For shoes, she stuck with Nike. In particular, she wore the brands Shox R4 sneaker. The style is white and features metallic detailing up the sides. The upper includes mesh making the style quite light as well as breathable. In addition, the Shox R4 includes spring-like pillars, and was the first style to do so when it was released in 2000. These have a functional aspect of helping to absorb impact.

Net-a-Porter is currently selling the Nike Shox R4 in white for $150.

$150

Buy Now at Net-a-porter



The gymnast is often seen in Nike head to toe but can switch it up adding in Prada, Louis Vuitton, American Eagle and Aritzia into the mix. My shoes are always my final products of the look she told WWD in May. I still typically wear Nike for that sort of thing. Though many female celebrities have been wearing glamorous heels for the US Open, Chiles is certainly not the first athlete to wear sneakers this year.

Serena Williams notably wore a pair of Gucci sneakers with the brands signature GG Supreme print and neon highlights.

Launch Gallery: See the Shoes on the Paris Olympics 2024 Opening Ceremony Red Carpet [PHOTOS]

Best of Footwear News

Sign up for FN's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
The fog of war, men searching for meaning in senseless situations, and the fraught interplay of competing drafts of history are themes that have popped up quite a bit in documentaries and narrative features premiering at the fall festivals this year. None of these have been built on quite as mercurial and ever-shifting a foundation as Jen Gatien and Billy Corbens documentary Men of War, a nothing-is-what-it-seems head trip about a former Green Beret who tried and failed to overthrow the Nicolas Maduro regime in Venezuela.

Its such a complicated film, its easy for a viewer to get lost. But hey, so did its subjects.

More from IndieWire

Jordan Goudreau knew he wanted to be in the U.S. Army since he was a kid obsessed with playing war and dressing in combat fatigues. The fact that he was Canadian did not dissuade him. He knew he would likely not get to see combat in the Canadian Army, so he trained to be a Green Beret in the U.S. Throughout Men of War, he talks with reverence about his time in warzones and still says that he wants to fight for, and even die for, anyone who is oppressed. Thats a little harder because the U.S. Army recommended he not be retained after his years of service due to signs of unresolved PTSD. Throughout the film, the fortysomething Goudreau speaks with such an intense, unblinking resolve, its like he lives in the moment perpetually. And though that can have its value, particularly in a combat situation, its clearly resulted in an inability to see the bigger picture at times.

As such, around 2019, upon entering into contract work  better known as mercenary work  he fell in with various members of the Venezuelan opposition to that nations government, ruled with an iron fist and flagrant disregard for democratic norms by Maduro. There was an ex-Hugo Chavez general who opposes Maduro named Cliver Alcala. There was Maduros outright rival, thought by many to have legitimately won a recent presidential election, Juan Guaido. And there was a Miami-penthouse-dwelling Venezuelan dissident named J.J. Rendon, who has a major thing for ninjas.

Not to mention, as might be expected, several high-ranking figures of the Trump administration entered Goudreaus life as well, including Keith Schiller, the head of Oval Office Operations for the then president and his longtime bodyguard for years beforehand.

Gatien and Corben weave all these strands together in an engrossing tale, or rather, several competing narratives. Theres Goudreau, whose stated idealism undeniably was only part of why he got involved with these various figures plot to send a platoon of dissidents into Caracas to topple the government  the fact he was offered over $200 million for the mission was certainly a huge part of it. Theres Rendon and all the others interviewed for the film or captured in archival footage by Goudreau himself, who deliberately occupy a place of plausible deniability: If Goudreaus coup attempt, Operation Gideon, had succeeded when it was launched in early 2020, theyd stand to gain. If it failed, they could deny involvement. (Spoiler alert: Operation Gideon did not succeed.)

The filmmakers even have extensive interviews with Alcala, speaking to him over shaky Facetime, because hes now in a U.S. prison. At some point it appears that the other Venezuelan opposition forces may have sold the ex-general out to the DEA for earlier crimes, as they feared he might take power himself if Operation Gideon succeeded. And theres also the brother of one of the American ex-Special Ops soldiers who Goudreau enlisted for the cause, who emphatically alleges that Goudreau led these Americans into certain doom, claiming that he goaded them on until they were in fact captured.

No one is right and everyone is wrong here, and its a knot of plotting and backstabbing and misguided intentions and stated aims versus indifferent execution that makes what happened almost impossible to parse. And thats the point, clearly. What is the truth when literally everyone involved is living their own separate version of the truth? Theres definitely a metaphor for the forever wars mindset in the U.S. for the past 20 years, of a feeling that some causes are worth pursuing even if youre not sure why. But of course it turns out that some of the opposition forces here that Goudreau apparently believed in so much may have only wanted to enrich themselves: To weaponize peoples hatred of the Maduro regime and profit on that hatred to their own ends. Theres a suggestion that some of them are in fact covertly working for the regime.

Certainly, the Trump administration officials who decried Maduro endlessly to appeal to Venezuelan expat voters in South Florida had no real intention on any follow through. This is a portrait of what happens in the U.S. government when comms strategy replaces actual policy. You end up with something like Operation Gideon, not even a Bay of Pigs-level fiasco. More, as it was called at the time, a Bay of Piglets.

Goudreau is an undeniably compelling lead character for Men of War. Hell issue a stunning quote like this: I learned that this government is not worth fighting for. I learned that people are worth fighting for. And if there are people who are oppressed, send me. Ill fucking fight and die, man. I hate to say that, but fucking violence solves problems. Change happens through men with guns. Its bad, but hey man I guess it gives me good job security at least. And then he immediately breaks into tears because hes in D.C. and hears Taps playing in the distance.

An unexamined life such as this can lead to a downward spiral. Twenty years of an unexamined national psyche can lead to catastrophe. For our nation, and others.

Grade: B

Men of War world premiered at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival. It is currently seeking U.S. distribution.

Want to stay up to date on IndieWires film reviews and critical thoughts? Subscribe here to our newly launched newsletter, In Review by David Ehrlich, in which our Chief Film Critic and Head Reviews Editor rounds up the best reviews, streaming picks, and offers some new musings, all only available to subscribers.

Best of IndieWire

Sign up for Indiewire's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
There are fun heist movies and there are serious heist movies, and Frederik Louis Hviids skeletal but gripping The Quiet Ones  based on the biggest Danish robbery ever committed  immediately and unambiguously identifies itself as the latter. It starts in Sweden in 2006, where we ride along with two security guards inside an armored truck as they make an early morning cash delivery. Shes a battle-tested veteran whos seen it all, hes a rookie with a new child at home, and both of them will be shot to death within minutes when the latter tries to flee the gang of militarized thieves who ambush their vehicle.

These criminals are not fucking around, and when they resurface in Copenhagen two years later with an eye towards recruiting a local boxer for a massive score, we cant help but wonder if Kasper (Gustav Giese, chiseled and defaced like a public statue, and only slightly more expressive) is getting in over his head. Hes a bruiser to be sure, but also a loving family man who just wants to make his wife and their young daughter proud. He cant bear the thought of being a failure, and while theres no reason to think he might not succeed in the ring, he doesnt have the patience to punch his way up the ranks. When am I gonna be champ?, he asks his trainer. Start by winning your first fight, the trainer replies.

More from IndieWire

The deep scars on Kaspers face suggest that hes already suffered a few losses of one kind or another in his life, and he radiates a decency that makes it all too easy for us to hope that he comes out on top, regardless of the shortcut he takes to get there. So when his shady jeweler of a brother-in-law connects him to the mastermind of the Sweden job (a greasy and glowering Reda Ketab as Slimani, who layers the dead-eyed dangerousness of a career criminal with an extra pinch of sadism just to keep us on our toes), our feelings are naturally conflicted. Were invested in Kasper but not so much for his terrifying killer of a new boss, and that discrepancy only grows more extreme after the needless scene in which Slimani abuses his girlfriend  a telling misstep in a film that struggles to balance its constant potential for violence with the well-oiled professionalism of its thieves.

The not-so-complicated matrix of our sympathies is made a hair more complex by the glancing introduction of a blonde security guard named Maria (Amanda Collin), who Anders Frithiof Augusts script  determined to be as ruthlessly efficient as possible  details with all the affection of a typo. All we know about Maria is that she cares about her job, she plays by the rules, and shell inevitably cross paths with Slimanis gang on the fateful night when they ram a bulldozer into the depot where she works.

Needless to say, The Quiet Ones  its title alluding to the demeanor of its protagonist, as well as to the unmarked bills hes trying to steal  is more interested in process than character detail. Emulating the terseness of a Jules Dassin heist thriller while largely eschewing the coolness that tends to come with it, Hviid drills into the nitty-gritty details of the robbery until any sense of moral judgment has seeped out of the equation. Its unclear if Kasper is made to feel more desperate by the looming threat of the global financial crisis (even though it hovers over the movie with the obviousness of an imminent hurricane), but this isnt a crime story about a good man whos forced to make bad choices so much as its a veiled tragedy about the need for belonging.

Everyone just wants to feel like theyve found their place in the world, and while theres nothing particularly remarkable about Slimanis master plan (theyre going to block the roads with garbage trucks, pack the cash into stolen Audis, and spike the roads behind them as they peel away from the scene), The Quiet Ones mines a palpable sense of personal velocity from the sense of purpose that their Slimanis recruits bring to their various roles. Like cogs slotting into a crude machine, these men are simply  and eagerly  fulfilling their purpose, which is enough of its own reward that the money almost starts to seem like a means to an end. That may not square with Kaspers obsession with breaking the record for Denmarks biggest heist, but I suppose its hard to shake free of a champions mentality, least of all in a world thats conditioned people to win at any cost.

Shot in various shades of darkness and smoothed into pure adrenaline with the help of Martin Dirkovs glassy score, The Quiet Ones is pointedly absent the criminal romance that often abets other movies like it. The heist itself makes for an engaging setpiece (how could it not?), but Hviid consistently emphasizes the cold anxiety of pulling it off  an anxiety he refuses to soften with forced camaraderie or exaggerate with unforeseen twists. Theres a blunt reality to the task at hand, and it always returns our attention to the sad fact that Kasper and co. are trying to steal a sense of accomplishment that theyll never be able to keep.

In a film less afraid to access the humanity of its characters, that might have been enough to make the wildly under-written Maria  so dedicated to the slow grind of her work  feel like a more thoroughly effective foil to the robbers who try to leapfrog their way to success. But in spite of its teflon sheen, The Quiet Ones is even-handed enough to recognize a residual despair in the fact that Maria risks her life for a paycheck and a pat on the back. Sure, thats another way of saying that shes doing her job, but it may not seem like reward enough when the economy starts to collapse around her. By the time this hard-nosed genre exercises arrives at its ambivalent final scene, whether or not the criminals get away with stealing a few million Krone feels all but irrelevant to a world in which real fulfillment is so hard to keep.

Grade: C+

The Quiet Ones premiered at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival. Magnet will be handling U.S. distribution.

Want to stay up to date on IndieWires film reviews and critical thoughts? Subscribe here to our newly launched newsletter, In Review by David Ehrlich, in which our Chief Film Critic and Head Reviews Editor rounds up the best reviews, streaming picks, and offers some new musings, all only available to subscribers.

Best of IndieWire

Sign up for Indiewire's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Back in 2022, you couldnt scroll on TikTok without seeing a choreographed dance from a group of Mormon Utah moms, headed up by self-acclaimed MomTok founder Taylor Frankie Paul. MomTok immediately made a splash on social media as viewers across the country developed what Mayci Neeley calls a fascination with the groups lifestyle.

Were these Mormon moms, but we dont look like stereotypical Mormons  were wearing crop tops, were in a huge group together, Neeley told TheWrap, admitting that a layer of intrigue was added by the spicy captions crafted by Paul. Shes very good at the satire of really drawing people in.

Growing the pack to include Jessi Ngatikaura, Jennifer Affleck, Mikayla Matthews, Layla Taylor and Demi Angemann, MomTok pushed the bounds of what Mormon moms could look like  until a mention of a swinging scandal made headlines.

It just blew it up even more, Neeley said of the scandals aftermath. [People] were like, Whoa, whats going on? They thought that all of MomTok was swinging together.

Several months after the scandal rocked the groups friendships, Paul and the Utah-based moms were approached with the idea of telling their story in a reality series, which became Hulus The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. While Paul weighed whether amplifying the group would make things even worse, she joked, How much worse could you get in my situation?

People got a little piece of the story that I had to tell, and I was judged just off that piece, and then I was also known for that piece of story that I told, Paul reflected. I feel like this was the perfect opportunity to give  background of what happened, why it happened and my life now.

Neeley echoed Pauls comments, saying social media users are seeing maybe 10% of our real life.

At the time The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives kicks off, theres been an undeniable rift in the group, with several of the women pointing their finger at Paul, who first broke the news about the swinging on social media, for turning their lives upside-down.

I did have an issue with that  They were kind of profiting off of that, as well, and using it as jokes, Paul said. It took a second for everything to settle in, and then hear the story on both sides and be like, OK, maybe Taylor isnt as horrible as we thought she was.'

Some people may still think that, and others may have changed their mind, but in the midst of it, it was hard being alone for the time that I was, she added.

Still, Paul said she doesnt regret telling her story in that initial TikTok, though she does regret how it all came about and how it got other peoples lives involved. She also admitted she regrets making what she calls cringey TikToks in the immediate aftermath of the scandal. It wasnt funny, but I was so numb and so fed up that with everyone. If I were to go back, that is something I definitely would do differently or not do it all.

Since the scandal, Paul divorced her husband and entered into a new relationship with Dakota Mortensen, which she admits was a little rough in the beginning with Paul in the public eye.

My boyfriend now was hesitant back then, she said, adding that despite having strong feelings for her, he had to take a step back to assess what life with her would look like.

The first episode of the docuseries depicts the moment and aftermath of Pauls arrest on suspicion of domestic violence directed at Mortensen, which she looks back on as the worst night of [her] life.

[Its] something Im not proud of, she said. I really go into depth on the show of leading up to that and what really went down, and its really an emotional topic, and I get really vulnerable.

Despite having complex feelings regarding the churchs rules, Paul hasnt strayed away from going to church, especially as scrutiny regarding her life has amped up. Theres not one way to be Mormon, she said. I was still going to church, and now, even more so, with all of this press coming out about our show and judgment of the other members. I still am going to go to church with a smile on my face.

While Paul and Neeley hope to expand perceptions of the Mormon community for viewers outside of the church, they also hope telling their story can help shift stereotypes for women inside of it, too.

I want women, especially in the church, to feel like they are equal and that theyre enough, and that they dont have to stay at home and be a mom  They have choices, Neeley said.

I hope girls that maybe arent as by-the-book and make mistakes and [have] done wrong [that] dont think that they cant be a part of the LDS religion, or they cant go to church because theyre feeling so guilty about things theyve done, Paul added. I hope that they know that they can make mistakes and still go and be a part of it. I dont go for the people, you know, Im going there for God and Jesus, and thats always been my reasoning.

The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives is now streaming on Hulu.

The post The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives Stars Unpack MomTok Fascination, Swinging Scandal appeared first on TheWrap.
There's historical precedent to the next step for the newlyweds

Shutterstock Princess Martha Louise and Durek Verrett on their Aug. 31, 2024 wedding day in Geiranger, Norway.

Shaman Durek Verrett and Princess Martha Louise of Norway are living happily ever after following their epic wedding  so will he become a prince?

On Aug. 31, King Harald and Queen Sonja's daughter married the American "6th generation shaman" to the stars at Hotel Union in Geiranger, Norway before 350 guests, including members of her royal family. While the celebration was attended by the King and Queen, both 87, and the bride's brother Crown Prince Haakon, his wife Crown Princess Mette-Marit and their kids Princess Ingrid Alexandra, 20, and Prince Sverre Magnus, 18, the couple probably isn't expecting a royal title for Durek as a wedding present.

Princess Martha Louise, 52, and Durek, 49, announced their engagement in June 2022 after about three years of dating. That fall, the Royal House of Norway specified what Durek's role would be when they married, after Martha Louise renounced her royal role in order to more freely pursue other business interests.

Shutterstock Princess Martha Louise and Durek Verrett on their Aug. 31, 2024 wedding day

Related: Princess Martha Louise of Norway Marries American Shaman Durek Verrett

"In the same way as Erling Lorentzen, Johan Martin Ferner and Ari Behn, Durek Verrett will become part of the Royal Family when they marry, but in line with tradition he will not have any title or represent the Royal House," the court said in a statement, translated into English, about Princess Martha Louise's step back in November 2022.

Lorentzen and Ferner were the husbands of King Harald's sisters, the late Princess Ragnhild and Princess Astrid, who was a guest at her niece's wedding. Behn was Princess Martha Louise's first husband and did not have a formal royal role during their marriage.

Pool BASSIGNAC/BUU/Gamma-Rapho/Getty Princess Martha Louise of Norway and Ari Behn on their May 24, 2002 wedding day.

The former couple married in 2002 and split in 2016, with their divorce finalized the following year. Princess Martha Louise and Behn, an author and playwright, welcomed three daughters during their marriage  Maud Angelica, 21, Leah Isadora, 19, and Emma Tallulah, 15. Behn died by suicide in 2019, and his ex was open about dealing with depression following his death.

Martha Louise found love again with Durek, and they opened up to PEOPLE in 2019 about the strong connection they share, where the shaman said he once lived with the princess in Egypt in a past life.

HEIKO JUNGE/NTB/AFP via Getty Princess Martha Louise and Durek Verrett on their Aug. 31, 2024 wedding day.

Related: Princess Martha Louise of Norway and Fiance Shaman Durek Reveal Favorite Things About Each Other Ahead of Wedding

"When were together and I look at [Martha], sometimes I see another face," Durek told PEOPLE in 2019. "And she sees it in me, too. I have memories of us in Egypt, and she was my queen and I was a pharaoh."

The couple made it official when they married in a multi-day celebration that capped with the ceremony at Hotel Union on Aug. 31. The wedding was attended by Cynthia Bailey, Princess Sarah, Matthew Dennis Lewis, Derek Jameson, Tiensirin, Derek Warburton, Tanya Khani, Hope Obtala, Frank Elaridi and Kent Speakman, and the bride's three daughters were in the wedding procession, Hello! reported.

CORNELIUS POPPE/NTB/AFP via Getty Princess Martha Louise's daughters (from second left) Maud Angelica Behn, Emma Tallulah Behn and Leah Isadora Behn on their mother's Aug. 31, 2024 wedding day.

Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more!

Before Princess Martha Louise and Durek's nuptials, the most recent royal wedding in Norway was when Crown Prince Haakon married Crown Princess Mette-Marit in August 2001. Mette-Marit received her Crown Princess title upon her marriage to Haakon given his role as heir to the throne, and their two children were born with royal titles. However, Crown Princess Mette-Marit's son Marius Borg Hiby from a previous relationship did not inherit a title or future royal duty when his mom married Haakon.

In a twist, though Martha Louise relinquished her royal role, her daughters remain in the line of succession to the throne. Absolute primogeniture, or the right to rule regardless of gender, was not constitutionally adopted in Norway until 1990, according to the Royal House, meaning that Haakon was always destined to reign one day.

When Princess Martha Louise announced her step back, the court said it was King Harald's wish for his daughter to retain her princess title and that Martha Louise and her fiance would still attend important family events.

LISE AASERUD/AFP via Getty Crown Prince Haakon, Princess Martha Louise, King Harald and Queen Sonja in Oslo, Norway in 2016.

For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on People.
TrustNordisk has added more key territory sales for The Quiet Ones, a heist action drama from Denmarks Zentropa and director Frederik Louis Hviid premiering in TIFF.

Starring Gustav Giese, Amanda Collin and Reda Kateb, The Quiet Ones has closed Spain (Flins & Piniculas), Poland (MediaSquad), former Yugoslavia (Cinemania Group) and the Baltic states (Europos Kinas). Further deals are under negotiation. The Quiet Ones pre-sold to Magnolia Pictures for the U.S., Germany (Plaion) and South Korea (PoongKyong Sori). The Nordic release will be handled by Nordisk Film Distribution.

More from Variety

Aimed at a broad young audience, says Zentropas Kasper Dissing, who produced Another Round, The Quiet Ones reconstructs in a fiction thriller the biggest robbery ever carried out in Denmark, pulled off just as the 2008 financial crisis hits Europe.

Giese, (Riders Of Justice) plays a frustrated boxer, boasting a remarkable six pack, tattoos and a facial scar wanting to do right by his wife and daughter bit as yet to score his first fight. He is approached by a Slimani (Reda Kateb, Zero Dark Thirty, A Prophet), a hardened sociopath, to mastermind a heist at a cash depot, after Slimanis latest job, caught in a brutal prolog, has gone desperately wrong.

Collin (The Promised Land) is a security guard at the gas handling firm, who just wants to get a good job done. Turning at length on the meticulous prep for the job, the film builds inevitably to the heist.

In their own meticulous prep, the filmmakers sought out consultancy from one of the robberys real-life perpetrators.

We started in 2020 after we connected with one of the robbers from the heist the story is based on, Dissing has commented. We did not want to embark on this film without having a first-hand witness from the gang on board, to tell us his story and educate us on the life of a criminal. He has been extremely generous with his story, which we took bits and pieces from in order to create our version of the largest heist in Danish history.

Initial reviews at Toronto have run a large gamut, Daily Beast, one of the films biggest fans, hailing The Quiet Ones as an intense powder keg of a movie that should be right up the alley of fans of Heat.

Hviids debut feature, 2020s police thriller Enforcement, was selected for Venices International Critics Week. He also co-created, and directed episodes on Prisoner, a 2023 Canneseries highlight.

Best of Variety

Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
These 4 Western NC places made Southern Living's Best Fall Trips in the South: See all 20

Southern Living magazine has a history of fondness towards Western North Carolina and fall color - so it's no real surprise that several WNC areas have made it onto their list of 20 best fall trips in the South.

Established in 1966, Southern Living aims to "celebrate the food, homes and places that define our region." Another list recently reported on by the Citizen Times ranked several WNC hotels as the best in the region for leaf peepers. Now, the magazine is praising forests, byways and towns as seasonal best.

Here's what to know about the four WNC locations Southern Living suggested for fall visits this year.

More: 5 WNC hotels named among 12 best for fall stays by Southern Living: No. 1 is in Waynesville

No. 2: Nantahala National Forest

Southern Living writers called Nantahala "blissfully uncrowded" as an added bonus to its stunning fall foliage. Writers added these suggestions for anyone visiting Nantahala this season:

Stay at pet-friendly Engadine Inn and Cabins to wake up to beautiful mountain views

Grab a meal and enjoy some live entertainment at Southern Porch

Raft trips at the Nantahala Outdoor Center.

More: Southern Living ranks Asheville restaurant on list of best new BBQ joints

No. 8: North Carolina and Virginia's Scenic Byways

Though the article's authors noted that the Blue Ridge Parkway gets particularly busy during the fall due to leaf peepers and fall tourism in general, they suggested taking a side trip off of the parkway's central thoroughfare. An "off-the-beaten-path" adventure was the true suggestion when it came to a fall parkway visit.

Fall color at the Blue Ridge Parkway's Flat Rock Overlook, 2019.

More: These 3 Western NC colleges are included in Princeton Review's best 390 for 2025

No. 14: Camp in The Great Smoky Mountains

The Great Smoky Mountains aren't located entirely within NC. However, Southern Living's suggestions were. The article reccommended:

Stay in Bryson City for best access to beautiful recreational areas

Hop on and off of the Appalachian Trail to take in the mountain views

Enjoy the cool weather by spending the night in one of the area's many campgrounds

The Elkmont Campground in Great Smoky Mountains National Park has about 220 sites. It is the largest of the 10 campgrounds in the Smokies.

More: Corn mazes, craft fairs, music, apples, hayrides: It's fall festival time in Asheville

No. 18: Asheville

Last but not least, Asheville made it into Southern Living's seasonal suggestions. Asheville's combination of city charm and natural beauty has landed it on many similar lists in the past - and fall foliage is known for making the area's draw exponentially stronger.

The list made general suggestions of visiting boutiques, breweries and national parks, plus hitting hiking or biking trails in the area. A few ideas from the magazine's past reporting included:

Shopping in the Biltmore Village

Visit one of Asheville's countless craft breweries including Burial Beer Co., DSSOLVR, Green Man Brewery and many, many more

Hike or bike one of the many scenic areas on the Mountains-To-Sea Trail

More: Asheville a top autumn destination in North Carolina: See other WNC spots in this report

Best fall trips in the South

Southern Living's full list of 20 "must-take fall trips across the South":

See the Leaves Change in the Shenandoah Valley. Visit North Carolina's Nantahala National Forest. Wander in the Mountains Around Hot Springs, Arkansas. Enjoy the Unique Palette of South Carolina's Lowcountry. See Miles of Mountains in Maryland. Walk Across the New River Gorge Bridge in West Virginia. Hop on the Blue Ridge Railway in North Georgia. Ramble North Carolina and Virginia's Scenic Byways. Drive Along the Pig Trail in Arkansas. Hike the Greenbrier River Trail in West Virginia. Explore the Town of Cumberland, Maryland. Visit the Horses of Lexington, Kentucky. Chomp on an Apple in a Virginia Orchard. Camp in The Great Smoky Mountains. Listen to Tunes in Floyd, Virginia. Explore Bernheim Arboretum in Louisville, Kentucky. Get Pampered in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Explore Asheville, North Carolina. See the Lost Maples of Texas. Go Waterfall-Watching in Blackwater Falls State Park.

More: 10 prettiest towns in North Carolina: See how many from WNC make the list

Iris Seaton is the trending news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at iseaton@citizentimes.com.

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: 20 best fall trips by Southern Living: 4 in Western North Carolina
You can get a free Krispy Kreme Original Glazed doughnut on Saturday. Here's how.

If you're looking for a free sweet treat this weekend, Krispy Kreme may be the destination for you.

The doughnut chain unveiled a new collection of Barbie-themed doughnuts earlier this week in celebration of the doll's 65th birthday, and as part of the promotion the company is also giving away free doughnuts.

Four all-new doughnuts featuring "unique designs and fabulous flavors inspired by Barbie" are available at participating shops for a limited time.

All customers who wear pink and visit a participating Krispy Kreme shop on Saturday, Sept. 7 can get a free Original Glazed doughnut, limit one per customer in-shop and via drive-thru only, according to a news release from Krispy Kreme.

Krispy Kreme has teamed up with the Barbie brand on a new doughnut collection that celebrates the brand's 65th anniversary.

What flavors are in the Barbie x Krispy Kreme Collection?

The collection, called the Barbie x Krispy Kreme Collection, comes in a limited-edition custom box and features:

Barbie Pink Doughnut: An Original Glazed doughnut piped with pink buttercream, sprinkled with sparkly pink sugar and topped with Barbie sunglasses.

Malibu Dream Party Doughnut: An unglazed shell doughnut filled with Cake Batter Kreme, dipped in Malibu blue icing and sparkly graham sand, topped with a Barbie DreamHouse piece, and piped with a white cloud.

Barbie Berries 'n Kreme Doughnut: An unglazed shell doughnut filled with Strawberry Kreme, dipped in white icing, drizzled with purple and pink buttercream, and topped with a Barbie heart.

Barbie Sweet 65th Doughnut: An Original Glazed doughnut dipped in chocolate icing and topped with Barbie Sweet 6th sprinkles.

Barbie and Krispy Kreme are two brands that immediately spark joy and elicit sweet memories, said Meredith Norrie, vice president of global licensing and consumer products for Mattel, in the news release. "Krispy Kreme is the perfect partner to join us, inviting fans across generations to enjoy the perfect blend of flavor and style, with nods to Barbie sprinkled into every bite."

Krispy Kreme has teamed up with the Barbie brand on a new doughnut collection that celebrates the brand's 65th anniversary.

Collaboration also includes limited-edition Barbie Fashionista dolls

In addition to the doughnuts, Krispy Kreme has "special treats for randomly selected fans," including a limited quantity of Barbie Fashionista dolls, according to the news release.

The dolls will include customized Krispy Kreme accessories, including a Krispy Kreme paper hat, and Krispy Kreme says it also will include a custom Barbie x Krispy Kreme adult-sized denim jacket with each doll.

There are two ways to enter for a chance to win the dolls and jackets:

On Sept. 4 through Sept. 6, any fan who comments and tags a friend on the Barbie x Krispy Kreme social competition post on Krispy Kremes social channels  @krispykreme on Instagram  will be entered into a separate giveaway for a chance to win.

On Sept. 6 through Sept. 8, Krispy Kreme Rewards members who purchase a Barbie x Krispy Kreme dozen at participating Krispy Kreme shops and scan their Krispy Kreme Rewards app at checkout will be automatically entered in a giveaway for a chance to win. Krispy Kreme Rewards members may also enter without a purchase. See the official rules for details.

Gabe Hauari is a national trending news reporter at USA TODAY. You can follow him on X @GabeHauari or email him at Gdhauari@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Krispy Kreme offering free doughnuts on Saturday: What to know
Mezcal can be barrel-aged much like its younger sister tequila, with the same age designations applying to both categories: blanco, reposado, and anejo. Popular mezcal brand Ilegal just announced the release of a new expression that falls into the middle age category, reposado, that got an unusual secondary maturation in rum barrels, adding layers of tropical fruit to its softly smoky palate.

Ilegal Mezcal was founded by John Rexer in 2006. The story goes that he started bringing unbranded bottles of mezcal from various producers in Oaxaca to his bar in Guatemala around 2004, and quickly realized that this then under-recognized agave spirit category could be something much bigger. And he was rightthe category continues to expand, although its still admittedly nowhere near the level of tequila. While both spirits are made from agave in specific Mexican states defined by the government, tequila can only be made from Blue Weber agave. Mezcal, on the other hand, can be made from many different varietals, with espadin being the most common.

More from Robb Report

Almost exactly a year ago, drinks corporation Bacardi acquired Ilegal in a deal worth more than $100 million after a years-long distribution partnership, so it makes sense that this new release would involve rum barrels. The specifics are as follows: The mezcal was initially aged in American white oak barrels for four to six months, a typical amount of time for a reposado expression. It was then transferred into casks that previously held eight-year-old rum (Bacardi Ocho, according to the brand) for up to two additional months in Oaxaca. The mezcal can be sipped neat or used in cocktails, and is said to have notes of tropical fruit, spice, caramel, butterscotch, and agave on the palate.

Ilegal Reposado Caribbean Cask Finish is a limited-edition release, although not nearly as scarce as the 7 Year Anejo that launched in 2022. Just 50 bottles were made available of that exceptional spirit, a seven-year-old mezcal that was aged in just 35 French oak barrels resulting in a peppery, smoky, oaky, luscious expression. Caribbean Cask Finish is more widely available (and much cheaper at about $46 per bottle), and will be available at select retailers nationwide in the coming weeks. In the meantime, you can find the rest of the Ilegal lineup available to purchase at ReserveBar now.

Best of Robb Report

Sign up for RobbReports's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Click here to read the full article.
NEW YORK (PIX11)  Its Fashion Week, and on Follow-up Friday, there will be a special runway show featuring young people living with Brain injuries.

PIX11s Monica Morales is highlighting a special fashion show.

More Local News

More than 30 New York City students are about to hit the stage and shine. PIX11 News first met 23-year-old Kevin Tobuck from Staten Island in Sept. 2022. He is just one of the dynamic young people from Ibrain, a place where more than 200 young people living with brain injuries get rehabilitation and educational services. Every year, Kevin, along with dozens of others, takes part in a special fashion show.

Surrounded by family and loved ones, they hit a special catwalk designed just for them inside Rodneys comedy club on the Upper East Side.

It was a show to remember.

Also, during fashion week, PIX11 News got a sneak peek at what celebrity designer Victor de Souza was working on.

His show was held at the consulate general of Argentina.

The Harlem-based couture designer from Argentina, who dresses stars like Lady Gaga and Lauren Hill, showed PIX11 News his amazing designs. He hopes to inspire the next generation of Latin American designers.

Finally, there is a massive city push to hear the voices of NYCHA residents in 30 different neighborhoods about what to do with tens of thousands of dollars from the city.

PIX11 News followed Kenesha Traynham-Cooper to the Ingersoll houses.

She asked residents what they would do with $30,000 in their community.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
The Awkward Traveller and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this story. Pricing and availability subject to change.

There are two months of the year that are always hailed as some of the best times to travel. One of those months being May, though with school graduations and the ever present threat of surprise rain, that leaves the another month. September, with summer crowds waning and temperatures beginning to drop but keeping clear skies, is the perfect time to plan a weekend getaway within the continental USA.

Whether you're planning for next year, or looking for a nearby location for a last minute road trip, these are the nine best destinations around the US to visit in September.

GummyBone via Getty Images

Charlotte, North Carolina

Charlotte, North Carolina is a gem all on its own, but September is a particularly lovely time to visit. The Queen City is known for its great food and even better social scene. It's one of the southern states that begins to cool off a little earlier than the rest, and can be a welcome repreive from anyone wanting to escape their usual muggy summers, but not looking to go too far. Charlotte was designed for the young, and young at heart, with walkable neighborhoods and cute boutiques to pop into. If you have one meal in Charlotte, make sure it's Leah & Louise, with its menu that pays homage to the Mississippi river valley foodways through new takes on Southern classics. Then pick up a nice cocktail (or two) in the South End neighborhood.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

>>Full Charlotte Travel Guide

ReDunnLev via Getty Images

San Diego, California

The true gem of California, San Diego is perfect to visit any time of the year, but September is particularly special as it hosts San Diego's famed restaurant week. But even for non-foodies, San Diego has something for everyone. If you are a nature lover, you'll find inspiration (and refuge!) from the summer heat with beautiful hikes like Potato Chip Rock or taking to the water to kayak with sea lions. Culture lovers can explore San Diego's colonial past with an educational trip to Mission San Diego de Alcala, or heading to the city's old town. Or, if you need to squeeze in an extra destination into your weekend, you can easily cross the Mexican border on food to visit Tijuana on a day trip for the absolute best tacos you will ever eat in your life.

>>Full San Diego Travel Guide

bauhaus1000 via Getty Images

Knoxville, Tennessee

If Knoxville isn't already on your radar, it should be! Voted one of the best cities in the country for new families and recent college graduates, Knoxville is a very safe and peaceful destination compared to Tennessee's more boisterous (though still fun!) vacation destinations. You can certainly have a quiet staycation in Knoxville, but to really take advantage of what the city has to offer, there are two huge attractions. The first is Dollywood, a theme park based around Dolly Parton's life and legacy. Great for kids and adults of all ages, you can even spend multiple days exploring everything Dollywood has to offer. On the other end of the spectrum, Knoxville is also the gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with hundreds of trails ranging from relaxing to strolls to strenuous climbs through the region's picturesque blue mountains.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

>>Full Knoxville Travel Guide

RudyBalasko via Getty Images

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Like many great cities in the American Midwest, Milwaukee is overlooked by both international and domestic travelers. Yet, Milwaukee is one of the best cities to visit in September. Summer is filled with events, but for September specifically, visitors can enjoy a variety of diverse festivals such as the Cedarburg Wine and Harvest Festival, the China Lights Lantern Festival, and Petfest - so you can bring your furry family members. However if you visit outside of an event, you can still pack your weekend with fun activities like visiting the Harley-Davidson Museum or shopping the unique boutiques at the Sherman Phoenix. Milwaukee is also known for it's rich German heritage, so you can take a German Heritage Walking tour through the Old Ward and learn some of the most notable German businesses and residents of Milwaukee. Or, for those short on time, stop in for a bite at Maders Restaurant!

>>Full Milwaukee Travel Guide

halbergman via Getty Images

Boise, Idaho

There's a lot more to Idaho than potatoes, starting with the blossoming city of Idaho. There are ALSO potatoes though, so be sure to stop by Boise Fry Company to try all the various varieties of Idaho potatos. The unassuming city has a growing art scene that visitors can enjoy around town and at Freak Alley Gallery, an alleyway filled with rotating murals, graffiti, and street art by local artists. September is the perfect time to stroll Boise's Greenbelt, a long nature corridor that runs along the river. It passes by the Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial which pays tribute and remembrance to the lives and communities shattered by global genocide, including the Bosnian genocide and the current ongoing Palestinian genocide.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

>>Full Boise Travel Guide

Daniel Hanscom via Getty Images

Baltimore, Maryland

When travelers think of visiting one of the founding cities of the country, their minds flit to Boston, Philadelphia, and Jamestown. However, Baltimore holds a considerable amount of American history as well, and September is a perfect time to visit. For example, stop by the Fort McHenry National Monument to walk among the site where the first renditions of "The Star-Spangled Banner" was written. You can also explore Fells Point, a historic Baltimore neighborhood whose most famous residents was the abolitionist, author, and statesman Frederick Douglass. One of the best things to do in Baltimore if youre short on time is to take The Inner Harbor Cruise, a popular scenic boat tour that allows visitors to explore Baltimores Inner Harbor and its surrounding waterways.

>>Full Baltimore Travel Guide

Yelena Rodriguez Mena via Getty Images

Detroit, Michigan

A long weekend in September is the perfect time to visit Detroit, especially if you plan it in line with the annual Jazz Festival which completely transforms downtown and the waterfront into a lively family-friendly pedestrian corridor. Regardless of when you visit, you'll want to book your stay at The Cochrane House, a beautiful bed and breakfast that is both comfortable and extremely conveniently located. If you like to cover a lot of ground on your travels, book a Detroit bike tour with RiDetroit to learn more about the city from a local resident. Don't forget to check out why Detroit is nicknamed Motown by swinging by the Motown Museum and learn about legends like The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, and Marvin Gaye who all got their start in Detroit.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

>>Full Detroit Travel Guide

John C Magee via Getty Images

Portland, Oregon

If you haven't been to Portland yet, summer is always the most recommended season, however visiting in September will allow you to enjoy Portland's beautiful summer weather with less crowds. The thing to do in Portland, first and foremost, is to eat, so be sure to book reservations at some of the best restaurants in Portland like Mermosa, De Noche, and Magna Kusina. You'll also want to enjoy the fresh air, but you don't have to go far for the many urban hikes throughout the city such as Hoyt Arboretum. However, regardless of the weather, you can always pick up a book at Powell's, the largest use bookstore in the world, and settle in at one of the many quirky cafes. Yanno, like the locals do.

>>Full Portland Travel Guide

Jeremy Hudson via Getty Images

Hudson Valley, New York

The Hudson Valley region of New York is ripe with wineries and distilleries, though the fall time is one of the best times to visit to pair a nice glass with a hike to enjoy the early fall foliage. If you visit in later September, you will come across numerious farms offering apple cider donuts, spiked apple cider, and often live music without the accompanying leaf peeper crowds that come with visiting in October. Stay at Mohonk Mountain House to get the best combination of bed and breakfast, world class spa, and fun festivals throughout the year to make your vacation the ultimate affordable luxury.

>>Full Hudson Valley Travel Guide
As my late, dear friend Rose Zack believed, in a world where you can be anything, be kind.

That kindness she embodied has multiplied to reach an important milestone in Greater Lansing: $1 million to charities in Ingham, Eaton and Clinton counties.

Rose and I cofounded Greater Lansing 100+ Women Who Care in 2010 because we wanted to support causes right here in our own backyard. The idea was to bring a group of women together, select a charity, and send donations from the entire group to the chosen cause.

Donna Oade is co-founder of Greater Lansing 100+ Women Who Care.

Its simple but impactful. Weve supported more than 50 local nonprofits over the years with donations reaching more than $20,000 per charity.

The original model came from Karen Dunigan of Jackson, Michigan. The idea was so appealing that similar organizations have popped up around the country, including many 100 Men Who Care groups.

Here in Lansing, the 100 women was aspirational. We started with just 41. Today, with 191 members, we added a plus sign to our name.

In the 14 years since we began, weve heard from local charities supporting literacy, fighting drug addiction, offering teens construction careers and delivering warm coats for kids  to name just a few.

Heres how it works: Four times a year, the group meets at Michigan State Universitys University Club in donated space for one hour. Three charities are selected from a hat to compete. They must be local, designated as 510c3 nonprofits, and serve those in the tri-county area. The presentations must be done by a member in good standing. Often the members are affiliated with the charity but thats not a requirement.

Members then vote to select one of the three nonprofits. The majority rules, and each member writes a $100 check to the winning cause.

To be a member, you must commit $400 a year  a $100 check to be written four times a year.

As the cofacilitator of the group along with Barb Dunlap, I continue to be amazed at the number and strength of nonprofits in the Greater Lansing area. We have a deep well of caring within our community.

Rose, who died from cancer in 2018, was well known to bird enthusiasts as the owner of Wild Birds Unlimited in Okemos.

Like the joy spread by birds, Rose understood the positivity that flows from helping others. The money was not sent outside the community. It was raised locally and donated locally, making Lansing stronger and a better place for all as it offered women a place to network with other women.

Im sure that Rose would be beaming as we reach the $1 million mark and cheering us on as we steer the next $1 million toward those making a big difference in Greater Lansing.

For those women who would like to be part of the effort, join us Sept. 17 as we celebrate $1 million in donations. For more information, go to greaterlansing100womenwhocare.com.

Donna Oade is co-founder of Greater Lansing 100+ Women Who Care.

This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Greater Lansing 100+ Women Who Care's $1 million shows kindness pays
They were due to leave for their dream cruise in May. Three months on theyre still stuck at the departure port

It was the years-long cruise that was supposed to set sail, but saw its departure postponed postponed and postponed again.

The Villa Vie Odyssey was set to depart in May for the trip of a lifetime: three and a half years chasing the sun around the globe, allowing its passengers to wallow in an eternal summer.

But more than three months on, the ship has yet to depart. It is holed up in the harbor at Belfast, Northern Ireland, still waiting on certification that it is safe to set sail.

If this sounds familiar, its not deja vu. Another company, Life at Sea Cruises, had scheduled a three year round-the-world cruise  the first of its kind to be relatively affordable - for departure in 2023. That voyage was postponed again and again, before being canceled definitively in November.

However, theres one crucial difference between Life at Sea and Villa Vie Residences, the company attempting the 3.5-year cruise: Villa Vie has a ship.

The company took possession of the Braemar from Fred. Olsen Cruises in March. The 31-year-old vessel, now renamed and refurbished as the Odyssey, has just completed sea trials  essentially a test drive  in the waters off Belfast.

And while the weeks may be dragging on, many would-be passengers  who have arrived in Belfast in May ready for boarding  are keeping their mood buoyed.

Were having a good time, said Lanette Canen, who is booked to sail with her partner, Johan Bodin. The pair  who were previously living in Hawaii  paid $100,000 for their cabin, which will remain theirs for the ships lifetime, estimated to be around 15 years. They then pay a $3,500 monthly fee to be onboard.

Canen and Bodin spoke to CNN from Stirling, Scotland, which they were visiting after Edinburgh and Glasgow. The pair have spent the summer traveling northern Europe, taking in nine countries, from Sweden  where Bodin is originally from  to Scotland.

Were not stuck in Belfast, weve been traveling, she said.

Its a start-up and weve both run businesses  we know there will be hiccups when starting something so we werent that worried, said Bodin.

Its been three months but theyve been transparent about what the hiccups are. Weve learned a lot about ships.

Starting from scratch

The 31-year-old ship went through final 'sea trials' this week. - Peter Morrison/AP

Theyre not the only ones. Villa Vie CEO Mike Petterson had told CNN on July 27 that the ship was ready to sail on July 30  but it did not. He blames a longer than usual certification process for the delay.

The ship finally had sea trials  a kind of monitored test drive for both the vessel and its crew  on Wednesday and Thursday of this week.

Petterson said that the company has already been given the results: Everything was good, we passed everything.

He said that they were given a couple of takeaways of adjustments to be made, including regarding staff training, but that these wouldnt impede the certification and departure of the ship. He said that any outstanding items will be done over the weekend.

Sea trials are one of the last stages in getting PSSC (Passenger Ship Survey Certification), which allows the vessel to start its voyage.

The final stage is getting coastguard clearance, which he hopes will happen on Monday or Tuesday, enabling the ship to set sail next week.

Petterson said that the delay has been down to the ship  constructed in 1993  being held to the standards of a new vessel.

Fred. Olsen had taken the Braemar out of service during the pandemic, and retired it when its operations started up again after the lockdowns. This meant the certifications had expired  and instead of simply renewing them, Villa Vie was obliged to start from scratch.

Petterson said that issues have arisen where DNV  the company conducting the certification, which he says has always certified the Braemar  has asked for documentation of past repairs to the vessel, which Fred. Olsen has not supplied.

Other work was recommended in the past but not done, he says  adding that one bearing was recommended to be replaced in 2003, and that DNV will not let Villa Vie set sail without replacing it, although the ship had previously been recertified multiple times. He said that because Villa Vie doesnt have the documentation of a 2007 repair to an engine, a new repair must be undertaken  and documented thoroughly.

There is an evident double standard between whats acceptable for us now and what was acceptable in 2017 and 2019 [when the ship was last inspected], he said. Fred. Olsen has been around a long time  its a relatively low risk company. I expected continuity, but I got zero credit. Boy have I learned a lot.

He said that when despite vowing in July that the ship would leave in days, Every time Ive given a date Ive been wrong.

He said that DNV has launched an investigation into how the ship previously had its certifications renewed in the circumstances.

A spokesperson for DNV said that it does not comment on individual clients cases. Samantha Stimpson, CEO of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, told CNN:

We enjoyed many happy years of sailing with this ship, and completed thorough and regular maintenance throughout her operational time. She was in lay up during the pandemic.

Prior to the sale, the ship was subject to a full and independent survey and technical inspections by the team at Villa Vie.

We wish Villa Vie every success in their upcoming venture with this wonderful ship.

Weve been in Belfast longer than the lord mayor

The vessel has been refurbished since its days as a Fred. Olsen cruise ship. - Maureen O'Hare/CNN

Theres a lot riding on the Odysseys departure for those who have bought places. Some have sold their homes to go on the trip of a lifetime. Others lost money to Life at Sea but have thrown the dice one more time.

Fran Paroissien, a retired teacher from Melbourne, Australia, paid $57,000 for a cabin on Life at Sea, and has yet to receive a penny back.

Having paid her deposit for Villa Vie once it had confirmed a ship, shes been waiting in Belfast since May 25.

Paroissien isnt as mobile as some of the other passengers  she has osteoarthritis and uses a walker to get around. So while others have spent the summer traveling Europe, shes stayed close to Belfast.

I was sick of sitting in my apartment in Melbourne  Ive been sitting there for 10 years since I was widowed  and I really hate airports, she said.

The company has offered opportunities to the Canary Islands and the Seychelles but I really hate flights. So Ive been on two ferries: to Liverpool and Glasgow, and the train to Edinburgh, but only for a few days at a time.

For the rest of the time she has been at Belfast. Everyone has been great, she said. Last Monday the lord mayor of Belfast had us over for morning tea. There were about 60 or 70 of us there. He said wed been in Belfast longer than hed been lord mayor. Micky Murray, the lord mayor, has been in position since June 3.

The company is pledging to pay stranded passengers a per diem, which they can claim back in onboard credit for their monthly fees, she said.

Im confident about Villa Vie, she said. Life at Sea didnt even buy a ship. This is a ship. It has new rudders, engines. They have employed staff, repaired kitchens and rooms. They have funding  its going to happen. Its just that the powers that be are treating it as a new ship so everything has to be 100%.

Booted off for negativity

Passengers are now allowed onboard to visit their rooms, and eat meals, but cannot stay overnight. - Maureen O'Hare/CNN

Not everyone is so relaxed.

Some people need the details  where did you get that from, why did it take so long? said Paroissien. Theyre interested in the details of why we are still here. Im interested in the fact that its a beautiful day, what shall we do today?

And anyone voicing doubts might have concerns about repercussions. Petterson says that as well as seven people canceling their trips, two have been booted off the cruise for making negative statements about Villa Vie to their fellow residents. The two passengers involved dispute this. One, Bonny Kelter, told CNN: We had long-standing contracts and they were unilaterally canceled by Villa Vie Residences without warning. Kelter, 66  who says she was hoping to live on the ship for the rest of my life  has not yet been refunded, Petterson admitted.

If the cruise does depart as planned in the coming days, things will have changed. Well have missed all of segment one and most of two, said Paroissien. Since the plan was to chase the sun, they will skip ahead, and possibly loop back to the original destinations at the end. It depends on what the people who are on it by then want, said Paroissien, who plans to stay onboard for as long as she can. I hope Ill outlive the ship, she said, saying she doesnt want to end up in an old peoples home in Australia.

Not what we were expecting

Angela and Steve Theriac have been traveling around Europe while waiting to set sail. - Midlife Cruising

Americans Angela and Steve Theriac, who say theyve taken around 50 cruises together in the past, say that they plan to set sail but then might leave the ship and pick it up again once it reaches the Caribbean, since he gets seasick, and the Odyssey is a relatively small ship.

Its definitely not what we were expecting, and its been frustrating at times, but we know were about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime, said Angela.

The pair arrived on May 27, and have taken two cruises and traveled around Spain, Denmark and Liverpool in the intervening weeks.

Weve done all the touristy things around Belfast, said Angela. Weve been to Bushmills, the Giants Causeway, we went to Dublin and did the Guinness tour.

The pair are now back in Belfast and have been eating their meals on the ship for the past two weeks. Villa Vie is covering their hotel stay.

The couple  she is a retired high school teacher, and he was a sheriffs deputy  are in an ocean view cabin.

Some people say, How can you live in such a small space?, said Angela. Firstly, Id live in a tent if it meant I can travel. Secondly, thats just my bedroom  the ship is my home and you should see my back yard.

For Steve Theriac, the ships smaller size is a bonus  its easy to get around, he said.

The pair moved to Nicaragua after retiring, which they think has helped them deal with the delay better.

Were used to the hurry up and wait mentality, said Angela. If we didnt have Nicaragua so ingrained in us we probably wouldnt be able to handle it, but weve turned it into adventures.

The couple have also been upgraded from an interior room to an ocean view, which has likely helped their mood. Theyve started a YouTube page to document their journey, as have Canen and Bodin.

For the Theriacs, the delay has just brought the passengers closer together. Our big bond is that were all in this together, all waiting, all getting impatient  we are coming from all over the world but we are all travelers at heart, said Angela.

In the meantime, they wait and hope that their dream to chase the sun lives on.

Additional reporting by CNNs Maureen OHare

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
A pilot from Eatonville is recovering from his injuries after his plane crashed into the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.

Skamania County Sheriffs Office identified him as 72-year-old Christopher Paulson from Eatonville.

His passenger, 45-year-old Jed Kelly from Eatonville reportedly died of his injuries as a result of the crash.

The Washington Department of Transportation Air Search and Rescue was notified around 3 p.m. Friday that the aircraft didnt make it to Hood River, Oregon for a fly-in event.

Air Search and Rescue says two pilots called to report the plane missing. They said the 1943 Stearman Kaydet aircraft, which is a biplane, broke away from their three-plane flying formation and never returned.

Their friends got worried when about two hours after landing, the plane was nowhere to be found.

According to Air Search and Rescue, the aircraft had departed from the Enumclaw area, then stopped at the South Lewis County airport before heading toward the Columbia River Gorge.

Using cellphone data and radar forensics, crews determined that the plane went down about 12 miles northwest of Stevenson.

A rescue helicopter and crew from the United States Coast Guard out of Astoria and ground search and rescue teams from Skamania County worked together to find the crash site.

The aircraft was reportedly discovered at 6:20 p.m. in the high trees of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.

The Skamania County Sheriffs Offices says the pilot was hoisted from a ravine by a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter and flown to Portland for medical treatment.

The cause of the crash is under investigation.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  One person died and another person was rescued after a plane crashed in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest in Washington on Friday, authorities said.

Around 3:05 p.m., the Washington State Department of Transportation Air Search and Rescue was notified of an aircraft that didnt make its intended destination in Hood River, Oregon, officials said.

Missing nurses remains found, arrest made

The aircraft was part of a three-plane flying formation, with the pilots of the other two who landed on time reporting the missing plane after it was about an hour and a half late.

One person died and another injured when this aircraft crashed in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest near Stevenson, September 6, 2024 (Skamania County Sheriffs Office)

The crashed 1943 Stearman Kaydet aircraft was enroute to a local fly-in event this weekend in Hood River. It departed from the Enumclaw area and stopped at the South Lewis County airport before continuing toward the Columbia River Gorge just before noon, WSDOT said in a release.

The planes flight path ended at 12:59 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 6, roughly 12 miles northwest of Stevenson, it was determined through cell phone and radar forensics, officials said.

A rescue helicopter and crew from the United States Coast Guard out of Astoria and ground search and rescue teams from Skamania County worked together to locate the crash site. The aircraft and occupants were discovered at 6:20 p.m. in the high trees of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, WSDOT said.

Crews gain upper hand on SE Portland structure fire

The passenger, 45-year-old Jed Paul Kelly of Eatonville, Washington, died at the scene, the Skamania County Sheriffs Office said. The pilot, 72-year-old Christopher M. Paulson, was airlifted to Portland for treatment of his undisclosed injuries.

A photo of the 1943 Stearman Kaydet aircraft. The plane and two occupants were discovered in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest Friday, Sept. 6. (courtesy Washington State Department of Transportation). \

While the location of the crash site was found with commendable speed, this was a heartbreaking discovery as well, WSDOT 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 KOIN.com.
1 dead after crashing into a tree in Joelton

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  A 28-year-old from Madison died at the scene of a single-vehicle crash early Saturday morning in Joelton.

According to the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD), a Nissan Sentra driven by Adam Clinard was heading westbound on Stagner Road at approximately 1:35 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 7.

The preliminary investigation indicates that Clinard was driving at a high speed, officials said. At a curve on Stagner Road near Bidwell Road, the car reportedly crossed into the opposing lane, veered off the road, and crashed into a tree.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

The driver was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities said there was no indication that Clinard was impaired at the time of the crash.

No additional details are available at this time.

 Download the News 2 app to stay updated on the go.

 Sign up for WKRN email alerts to have breaking news sent to your inbox.

 Find todays top stories on WKRN.com for Nashville, TN and all of Middle Tennessee.

This is a developing story. WKRN News 2 will continue to update this article as new information becomes available.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
1 hospitalized following shooting in north Charlotte, MEDIC says

A person has been hospitalized following a shooting in north Charlotte early Saturday morning, according to MEDIC.

The incident occurred around 1 a.m. at an apartment complex on Lasalle Street.

ALSO READ: Man charged with murder after woman shot in southeast Charlotte, CMPD says

MEDIC said the victim was taken to Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries.

It is unclear what led up to this shooting.

This is a developing story. Check back with wsoctv.com for updates.

VIDEO: Woman killed in southeast Charlotte shooting, CMPD says
Q. Frank asks when the I-10 bridge at mile marker 248 be completed? And why does the construction speed limit begin 3 miles from the construction site?

A. This is a major bridge replacement project in Madison County which has had its share of rain and high-water delays. The good news is the current expectation for opening the new bridge for two eastbound lanes is Spring 2025. The other good news is both westbound lanes will be shifted into the median to begin construction replacing the westbound bridge.

All in the name of keeping Floridas infrastructure safe. During major construction projects such as this we all benefit when exhibiting a little patience. Although we must reduce speed in all construction zones we will continue to have four fully operational lanes of traffic.

As for the responsibility of traffic control which includes construction zone advanced warning/ speed reduction I refer to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control (MUTCD) Part 6, chapter 6A 11: quote; TTC (Temporary Traffic Control) plans and devices shall be the responsibility of the public body official or the owners of (on) site roadways open to public travel having jurisdiction for guiding road users.

That is to say if any of the named responsible parties fail in the attempt to reduce vehicles traveling 80 mph to 60 mph before arriving at a heavy concrete barrier across two full lanes of Interstate Highway the cost of construction could include the death of one or more construction workers and or motorists. Indeed, history tells us speeding through work zones includes just such deaths.

Meeting: Miccosukee Greenway supporters unhappy with 'compromise' struck by Leon County Commission

Greenway advocates flex power

Q. Ruth is another staunch advocate for keeping Greenway walkers, runners and children separated from vehicles. Trees, canopy roads, greenway parks/ greenway trails are cherished by Tallahassee and Leon County citizens. The Commission under ordinance, comp plan 13.1.4(c) and Florida Statute 14.295 has the authority to protect our precious attributes by re-establishing all the above as a Special Protection Corridor.

At the July Leon County Commission meeting we are told we are confused. Your constituents coherent message is this. You that portend to represent us must understand WE are the creators and vigilant stewards of these beautiful parks, canopies and greenways. It is not we who are confused. In 1985 we constituents got together and prevented the FDOT from widening Miccosukee Road, which now remains the only fully canopied road in Leon County.

People are one with nature, people know the value of greenways and green spaces, for their healthy biochemical reactions and we will keep the greenways we created. We call on our neighbors to contact Leon County Commissioners to demand our experience and expertise be included in all discussions involving publicly owned spaces.

We have a proven record of designing, providing and managing green spaces. We expect our current commission to include and respect the expertise we bring. We will only elect commissioners who do.

A. If ever there was a doubt in the minds of Leon County Commissioners that Citizens here will protect our green-space parks read the uproar created when the State of Florida floated a development proposal for Jonathan Dickinson State Park in Martin County, Florida.

Gov. Ron DeSantis, realizing the idea of monkeying with the peoples greenways was a bad one. He was met with such disdain he quickly and wisely withdrew any support. The citizens of that community and those in St. Augustine over a proposed destruction of a portion of Anastasia State Park and Topsail Hill Preserve State Park in Santa Rosa Beach.

Citizens' livid flare-up was so recognized I believe our Governor watched his political future flash before his eyes as a slice of burnt toast. Lesson learned, Leon County Commissioners. We are not going to lay down and let you design a way to allow fast moving motorized vehicles cutting through our Greenways.

A thin vegetative buffer separates homes in the Canopy at Welaunee development from a trail at the Miccosukee Canopy Road Greenway near the northern section of Dempsey Mayo Road and Ardmore Lane.

Dempsey Mayo extension implications

Q. John, education improvement advocate, believes the proposed Dempsey Mayo Extension brings enormous consequences for the residents of Westminster Oaks, children attending WT Moore Elementary School and the Greenway itself is another asking Street Scene for a personal sit down for discussion.

A. You are quite correct, John, with your foresight of dire consequences for all concerned. I will add the unlucky devastated motorists who run over and kill people on the Greenway. There is nothing I would rather do than visit your group about the plan Leon Commissioners have to intentionally intersect Greenway pedestrian traffic and motor vehicles. I just dont have the time to schedule so many requests.

Rather, I ask each of your group and others, to write to Street Scene allowing us to communicate the many legitimate concerns and proposals directly to our local body politic via the Tallahassee Democrat-USA Today publication. Street Scene is well respected by our elected and appointed representatives as we bring forward the Citizens mighty voice. And vote.

Additional dangers for bike lanes

Q. Keith says thanks for your articles about a Greenway bridge over the new Dempsey Mayo Road extension into Welaunee.

1. How about a wide median, speed bumps and user actuated red light? Other dangerous places for bicyclists:

2. Cars going south on Capital Circle SE turning right merging with Blair Stone Road. The bike lane is on the outside of the merge lane where the bicyclists should not expect a car driver to see them.

3. A short 200-foot section of Maclay Road from the power line bicycle trail and the entrance to the State Park opposite Bobbin Brooke. The road is narrow, busy, and cars drive fast here. A simple dirt path alternative for bicyclists along the shoulder might save a life.

4. How about better signage for crosswalk button switches. At many intersections it isnt clear which button is for which direction.

A. Keith, number 1. The Dempsey Mayo extension is only one of many proposed roadway intersecting and cutting through the Greenway. The objective is to separate pedestrians from vehicular traffic. 2. The bike lane takes us southbound to a 90 degree right turn onto Blair Stone. Bicyclists, be innovative and careful, choose the safest way to get yourself and your bicycle through this intersection. 3. Good idea, lets ask our city, county and state bicycle experts to team up for a small worthwhile life saving addition at this location. 4. We ask our traffic engineers to review all pedestrian signal push-button activation signs to ensure no confusion.

Railroad Crossings need repairs

Q. Jeannie reports two known railroad crossings in need of immediate repair. West Tharpe Street at Mission Road and Fred George Road east of Woodbriar Lane. They are both in really bad shape and very bad for your car. The only thing the railroad company did after receiving complaints was put up Rough Crossing signs. Well, Duh! They should be repaired.

A. As all levels of government; local and distant Railroad brass are known to read Street Scene. Today we ask our good friend, President and CEO Joseph Hinrichs to kindly bring these two crossings up to CSX high standard. Thank you.

Remember Street Urchins let us know the location of any signals, signs or pavement markings blocked by foliage or debris. Also pavement markings in need of repaint for visibility.

Philip Stuart is a retired Florida State Trooper, Traffic Operations Projects Engineer and Forensics Expert Witness. Write to crashsites@embarqmail.com.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Bridge gets update, advocates have say on greenways, parks
County officials removed 121 homeless residents from a Palmdale encampment during several large-scale operations.

The effort, led by L.A. Countys Pathway Home program, was conducted with the help of several local agencies and sheriffs departments and took place on July 22, July 31, and Aug. 19.

The encampment was located in a remote desert area where homeless residents lived in makeshift structures, tents and dilapidated RVs and vehicles.

Crews from multiple agencies worked to move 121 homeless individuals, with their cooperation, from the encampment and into temporary indoor housing. Workers removed and disposed of 32 vehicles including RVs, cars, trailers, campers and boats.

This is a humanitarian effort and were trying to get people onto a better path, explained Lt. William Kitchn from the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department. The extreme heat and the extreme cold in the wintertime, a lack of access to fresh water  all those things come into play.

The Palmdale encampment was located in a remote desert area that experienced a scorching heatwave in summer 2024. (Los Angeles County)

Kathryn McMullen and her cat were moved from a Palmdale homeless encampment into safe indoor housing. (Los Angeles County)

A dilapidated RV was among 32 different vehicles that were removed from the Palmdale encampment. (Los Angeles County)

The Palmdale encampment was located in a remote desert area that experienced a scorching heatwave in summer 2024. (Los Angeles County)

Workers gathered at a Palmdale homeless encampment to move 121 residents into safe indoor housing. (Los Angeles County)

Andrea Rymer walks into her room for the first time after moving in from an outdoor homeless encampment in Palmdale. (Los Angeles County)

Kathryn McMullen and her cat were moved from a Palmdale homeless encampment into safe indoor housing. (Los Angeles County)

Around 32 dilapidated vehicles and RVs were removed from the Palmdale encampment. (Los Angeles County)

Workers gathered at a Palmdale homeless encampment to move 121 residents into safe indoor housing. (Los Angeles County)

Workers gathered at a Palmdale homeless encampment to move 121 residents into safe indoor housing. (Los Angeles County)

This is something thats been going on for a few years, said Austin Bishop, Mayor of Palmdale. These [summer heat] conditions are extremely brutal so its nice to get them out of these dire conditions which are borderline health and life-threatening.

Newsom vows to withhold funds from California cities that dont clear homeless encampments

The Palmdale effort marks Pathway Homes largest removal endeavor to date. The county has conducted 19 encampment operations since the program launched in August 2023.

In total, the program has moved 783 homeless people into interim housing and 131 people into permanent housing. Around 496 RVs have been taken off the road.

These people have been experiencing homelessness for a very long time, said Kimberly Barnette from the L.A. County Homeless Initiative. The camps here are a little bit off-grid so its sometimes more challenging but our outreach teams have been working tirelessly with the sheriffs department to make sure [we have] everything we need to properly prepare for these folks to come indoors into the Pathway Home program.

Multiple agencies and nonprofit organizations helped with the Palmdale operations including:

Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA)

L.A. County Sheriffs Department and Homeless Outreach Services Team

Mental Health America Los Angeles

LA Family Housing

Valley Oasis

Volunteers of America

L.A. County Department of Mental Health

L.A. County Department of Public Works

L.A. County Department of Animal Care and Control

L.A. County Fire Department

More information about Pathway Home 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 KTLA.
HONOLULU (KHON2)  As part of the citys strategy to address homelessness, the city is partnering with Catholic Charities to provide housing for Honolulus youth.

Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You

A new housing complex is among a series of innovative ways the city is hoping to get people off the streets.

Its tucked away in a quiet street in Makiki and provides supportive housing for up to ten youth ages 16 to 24.

Sixteen to 24 is a very vulnerable age and some of these are coming out of foster care. So, they dont have parents, you know, theres just a lot of issues and at this age, a fork in the road, you can take a direction that would change you for the rest of your life, both for positive and maybe not so positive, said Anton Krucky, Director of the city Department of Community Services.

Homelessness declines on Big Island, county report shows

The city has owned the youth housing property since 2019, purchased with federal HUD funding.

Catholic Charities has been selected to be the new service provider and will pay $100 a month in lease rent. The youth who stay there pay rent according to their financial capabilities and develop skills for independence, financial stability and personal wellness.

Krucky calls the property investment social capital.

We can take these buildings and we understand the social capital construction to the community and for that contribution Catholic Charities is making to the community, we can convert that into a low lease rate for them so it makes able to operate, said Krucky.

How effective are Californias homelessness programs? Audit finds state hasnt been keeping track

This facility addresses a small percentage of the larger issue of homelessness that the city is spending millions of dollars to tackle in several different ways.

The city recently debuted the CORE bus to provide immediate medical services to the homeless.

Housing for families including the Waikiki Vista recently opened and another housing project purchased with grant money is soon to be opened in Wahiawa.

Later this month, the city will be accepting bids to build a transitional village near downtown to help the homeless assimilate back into society.

San Francisco police and street cleaners take aggressive approach to clearing homeless encampments

Were trying to be balanced in our approach about how we open up these beds of many flavors and really trying to get people off the streets into clean sheets, said Krucky.

Back in Makiki, neighbors we spoke with said the youth housing has never been a problem and makes sense to help these members of the community.

You got the schools, you got the churches. Theres a lot of stuff going on around here, a lot of youth in this area, so I think its a good starting point, said Mark Giuliani, Kewalo Terrace Maintenance Manager.

A public hearing on Catholic Charities taking over management of the youth housing complex will be held October 9.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
17-year-old to stand trial for deadly shooting of Kansas City man

KANSAS CITY, Mo.  A Raytown teen faces multiple criminal charges, including second-degree murder, after shooting and killing a Kansas City man and injuring another person in May.

According to the Jackson County Prosecutors Office, 17-year-old Jewell Cobbins faces one count of second-degree murder, unlawful use of a weapon, and second-degree assault, as well as three counts of armed criminal action.

Shawnee Mission Northwest honors fallen player with opening victory

Court records said that on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, officers were dispatched to a home on the 11700 block of Corrington Avenue in Kansas City, Missouri on reports of a deadly shooting.

Upon arrival, officers found two people suffering from apparent gunshot wounds: a woman outside of the home, and a man, 23-year-old Prophet Thompson, inside.

The prosecutors office reported that during the investigations, video surveillance showed Cobbins firing multiple shots at the home, resulting in Thompsons death and the woman being injured.

After the shooting, Cobbins fled the scene and went to Research Medical Center where he attempted to hide multiple firearms behind a rock wall across the street.

Police officer charged in Missouri K-9 officers death

He was later taken into custody by law enforcement.

The prosecutors office said that on Tuesday, Sept. 3, Family Court ordered that Cobbins was able to stand trial as an adult for the fatal shooting.

Cobbins is being held on no bond, however, a bond review is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 12.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
1982 murder of Nampa girl was heinous in the extreme. Her killer has been sentenced

The man recently convicted of raping and killing a 9-year-old Nampa girl in 1982 will spend the rest of his life in prison.

David Dalrymple, 66, was sentenced to consecutive life terms Friday by 3rd District Judge Thomas Whitney, who called Dalrymples crimes heinous in the extreme, according to a news release from the Canyon County Prosecutors Office.

Whitney said that Dalrymple, who spent two decades behind bars after committing several violent crimes, was a remorseless, repeat, violent sexual abuser of children ... incapable of rehabilitation. By imposing a sentence with no possibility of parole, the judge said he could ensure that Dalrymple never attacks a child again.

The road to justice has been a long journey, Canyon County Prosecuting Attorney Bryan Taylor said in the release. After 42 years the Johnson family can finally have closure that the man who took their precious daughter from them will remain behind bars for the rest of his life.

Following a six-week trial that ended in June, a 12-person jury found Dalrymple guilty of first-degree murder and rape in Daralyn Johnsons death.

Dalrymple was first announced as a suspect in 2020  and charged in 2022  after being connected using DNA evidence, and at the time he was incarcerated for the 2004 kidnapping of a woman and her child, whom he sexually abused for several years, the Idaho Statesman previously reported.

Charles Fain was initially charged and subsequently convicted in Daralyns death in November 1983. A few months later he was sentenced to death, and remained on death row for nearly two decades. He came within four days of being executed in 1991 before U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day OConnor stayed the capital punishment, the Statesman previously reported.

Fain was exonerated and released from prison in 2001, two years after he filed a motion to conduct DNA testing on pubic hairs that were found during the girls autopsy. It wasnt until 2021 that Fain was declared innocent by the state of Idaho.

Daralyn was reported missing on Feb. 24, 1982, after not making it to school. Her body was eventually found days later 18 miles away in a drainage ditch near the Snake River.

Reporter Alex Brizee contributed.
Two Indianapolis firefighters are recovering after being struck by a vehicle while working on a crash on I-65 southbound at 38th Street early Saturday morning, according to Indianapolis Fire Department.

Firefighters were dispatched a little after 3:45 a.m. to a two-vehicle crash that involved three people but no injuries. The firefighters were in the process of wrapping up the scene and awaiting Indiana State Police's arrival when a 30-year-old male driver hit two of them at about 4:08 a.m.

Related: Man arrested on arson charges, accused of setting home on fire, barricading inside

A fire truck was in the far right lane, positioned at an angle to block oncoming traffic with its emergency lights flashing. The two firefighters who were injured were standing about a hundred feet south of the fire truck helping occupants in a vehicle when they were struck.

One of the firefighters was sent airborne and the other was pinned beneath the front of the car he was assisting.

4:08 AM - Early this morning 2 #IFD FF's were struck by a vehicle while mitigating an incident on I65 SB at 38th St. The FF's, wrapping up from their original dispatch, & awaiting @IndStatePolice arrival, were hit, when a 30 y/o male driver plowed through the incident scene. pic.twitter.com/tz5yfXvlIJ  Indianapolis Fire Department  (@IFD_NEWS) September 7, 2024

Other firefighters who were helping the occupants of a second car, located in the grass, assisted the injured men.

Both were transported to Eskenazi Hospital. One firefighter sustained minor injuries and was checked and released. The second firefighter sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries. He was alert and oriented on arrival at the hospital and is still currently there.

The driver was taken into custody at the scene of the crash.

Indiana State Police are investigating.

Jade Jackson is a Public Safety Reporter for the Indianapolis Star. You can email her at Jade.Jackson@IndyStar.com and follow her on X, formally Twitter @IAMJADEJACKSON.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: 2 firefighters hit, injured by driver at I-65 crash scene
GEORGIA (WJBF)  Two Georgia men have been arrested and charged with rape and other charges.

According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), Fredrion Javari Spells, 21, of Portal, Georgia, was arrested and charged by GBI with rape, child molestation, and sexual battery, and Wesley Travis Brown, 17, of Statesboro, Georgia, was arrested and charged by GBI with rape, statutory rape, and sexual battery.

According to authorities, the Screven County Sheriffs Office asked the GBI to investigate the rape of two teenage girls on September 1st, 2024.

Authorities state that Spells and Brown were booked into the Screven County Jail.

ALSO ON WJBF: Suspect charged in officer involved shooting near JD Lever in Aiken County

If anyone has any information regarding this case, please contact the Screven County Sheriffs Office at 912-564-2013 or the GBI regional investigative office in Statesboro at 912-871-1121. Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app.

This is 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 WJBF.
2 men hospitalized after shooting at Seattle nightclub, no suspect in custody

Seattle Police confirm two men were shot at a nightclub Saturday and no suspect is in custody.

Shortly after 1 a.m., officers got a call about the shooting, that happened on 1st Avenue.

Police say they found a 32-year-old man inside the club, suffering from gunshot wounds.

He was transported to Harborview Medical Center in serious condition.

A 26-year-old man with gunshot wounds was dropped off at Virginia Mason Hospital and police say he was also injured at the nightclub.

The shooting is now under investigation.
Missing 2-year-old dies after being pulled from canal in Logan

LOGAN, Utah (ABC4)  Police in Logan say that a two-year-old died after reportedly being pulled from a canal in Cache County after being reported missing.

The child was reported missing just after 6:30 p.m. According to a press release from LPD, the child was reported missing from a home in the 100 block N 400 W. Officers located the child in the canal, unresponsive.

CPR was started by Logan Police, with paramedics taking over the life-saving efforts a short time later.

The child died at a local hospital.

No further information is available at this time. Authorities wont give the childs name due to the status as a minor. An investigation into the apparent drowning 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 ABC4 Utah.
The 2024 hurricane season was expected to be especially bad. Why is it so quiet?

(NEXSTAR)  Sept. 10 is considered to be the peak of hurricane season in the Atlantic  so where are all the storms?

The 2024 season was forecast to be above-normal, with as many as 25 named storms, 13 hurricanes and seven major hurricanes (Category 3 or stronger). Last month, in a mid-season update, the Climate Prediction Centers ranges didnt change much: 17 to 24 named storms, 8 to 13 hurricanes, and four to seven major hurricanes.

But over halfway through hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to Nov. 30, weve only seen five named storms (Alberto, Beryl, Chris, Debby and Ernesto). Three of those were hurricanes, and one  Beryl  was a major, Category 5 storm.

La Nina is set to arrive later than expected: Heres when

What explains the difference between reality and expectations?

Accuweather meteorologist Alex DaSilva said dust blowing in from the Sahara Desert, cold water off the western coast of Africa, and a slow-to-develop La Nina have all been complicating factors this year.

Extremely warm waters across much of the Atlantic basin area ideal for tropical development and rapid intensification, but the surge of dry air, dust, wind shear, and cold waters off the coast of Africa have prevented most tropical waves from developing into a tropical storm or a hurricane, DaSilva said.

When meteorologists are looking at how busy a hurricane season is, two factors matter most: ocean temperatures in the Atlantic where storms spin up and need warm water for fuel, and whether there is a La Nina or El Nino.

Unusual La Nina may be forming in the Atlantic: almost unprecedented

Lets start with ocean temperatures in the Atlantic. The water there is still very warm, perfect for spinning up storms.

Theres plenty of room for the tide to turn with all the warm water out there, Climate Prediction Center meteorologist Dan Harnos told USA Today. Things could change quickly.

As for La Nina, the climate phenomenon tends to turbocharge Atlantic storm activity by reducing high-altitude winds that can decapitate hurricanes. Generally during a La Nina there is more instability or storminess in the atmosphere, which can seed hurricane development.

La Nina is expected to form this year, but its coming later than expected. Its favored to take over at some point between September and October.

If and when it does form, La Nina could fuel a strong  and dangerous  end to the 2024 hurricane season.

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 The Hill.
25-year-old arrested in connection with fatal beating of man at Fort Worth bullring

A third suspect has been arrested in connection with the beating death of a 37-year-old man on Labor Day in 2022, according to jail records.

Jaime Ruiz Villanueva was booked into the Fort Worth City Jail on Wednesday. Police records show he faces a murder charge.

Apolonio Aguilar Mata died in the emergency room of a local hospital on Sept. 5, 2022, according to the Tarrant County Medical Examiners website. He died from blunt force injuries, and his death was ruled a homicide.

Police said several people were believed to have beaten the victim, who was attacked at the Plaza Mexico bullring at 1000 Oak Grove Court South.

In February 2023, Fort Worth police arrested Aguilar Matas ex-wife, Macaria Ruiz, and Francisco Castro Ruiz on suspicion of murder. On Sept. 12, 2023, they were each indicted on a murder charge, according to court records.

 More top stories from our newsroom:

 North Texas farmers say chemicals in fertilizer are killing livestock

 Wrong-way crash between car, 18-wheeler shuts down parts of I-30 Friday

Warrant: Former Gateway Church employee molested 3 children

[Get our breaking news alerts.]
A second teen has been charged in connection with the killing of Shaun Brady, a prominent Kansas City chef and restaurant owner. Bradys friend Keli ONeill, who is also the executive director of the Kansas City Irish Fest, remembers his contributions to the Irish community. Things need to change, she says, as the area has seen a large number of crimes committed by young people.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
HONOLULU (KHON2)  Soon, criminals will have more eyes on them, or at least thats the idea.

Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You

Upgrades are being made to the cameras in Chinatown as dozens of high-definition cameras continue to be installed and there are more on the way.

The cameras were installed in 30 locations. They have 360 degree views, full pan, tilt and zoom. They track motion, have multi colored LED strobe lights, microphones and a siren.

They are exactly what one business and community association said are needed to deter crime in the area.

Thats the whole key is to prevent and to be able to arrest quickly 4:12 and with everything evidence on the video, said Chu Lan Schuber-Kwock of the Chinatown Business and Community Association.

HPD said in a statement, The camera system will help in deterring crime, enhancing safety, capturing evidentiary footage, identifying and monitoring hotspots and promoting community trust. It also gives a added sense of security.

But with 30 new cameras running 24/7 and another 30 on the way, who is monitoring them?

HPD said they are working on a plan.

Were 400 officers short at HPD. Theres only a certain number of officers at the Chinatown substation, Honolulu City Councilman Tyler Dos Santos-Tam said. There were some discussions about getting community members to volunteer to monitor them, but at the end of the day, we need HPD to step up and be monitoring these cameras at all times.

Schubert-Kwock said they requested coverage by a police-trained civil servant.

The total cost of the system upgrade is an estimated $980,000. The City hopes to have all 60 up and running by the end of the 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 KHON2.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this incredibly difficult time," the Visalia Police Department said of the tragedy

GoFundMe Zoey Hawkins

A 4-year-old girl in California has died after being attacked by her family's pit bull.

On Wednesday, Sept. 4, just after 8 p.m. local time, Visalia Police Department officers were called to a home in the 2300 block of West Monte Vista following reports a child had been attacked by a dog, according to a police press release shared on Facebook.

The young girl was identified as "Princess Zoey," per a GoFundMe page set up to help raise funds for the family. According to local media outlet KMPH Fox 26, the toddler's full name is Zoey Hawkins.

Police confirmed the child "had just finished swimming and was inside the home when the incident occurred," per the release.

GoFundMe Zoey Hawkins

"Despite immediate medical attention and being transported to the hospital, she sadly passed away from her injuries," the release continued.

Police then stated that "an investigation by Violent Crimes Detectives revealed no signs of neglect or criminal wrongdoing."

"This heart-wrenching event is a tragedy, and our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this incredibly difficult time," the post read.

A spokesperson for the Visalia Police Department told PEOPLE the pit bull did not have any history of violent behavior or violent acts.

"The dog was taken by animal control and euthanized that evening at the familys request," they added.



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.

A description on the GoFundMe page said Zoey "tragically lost her life due to a devastating dog attack" and that the family is "heartbroken."

"In this time of unimaginable grief, we are coming together to support the family. The funds raised through this campaign will be used to cover the costs of funeral and memorial service, ensuring that she receives a proper and heartfelt farewell," the message posted on behalf of Zoey's parents, Eric and Alexis, added.

"Additionally, any remaining funds will go directly to her parents to help alleviate the financial burden they are facing during this incredibly difficult time," it continued.

"Please consider contributing to this fund if able to help ease the hardship for Zoey's family and honor the memory of our precious little girl who touched so many lives. Your support, kindness, and prayers are deeply appreciated. Thank you for your generosity and compassion," the post concluded.

As of Saturday afternoon, the GoFundMe page has raised just under $4,500.

For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on People.
A 4-Year-Old Girl Vanished from Her Bed and Was Later Found Dead There. What Happened to Paulette Gebara Farah?

The 2010 missing persons case led Mexican officials on a nine-day search that ultimately led back to the girl's bed

AP Photo/Alexandre Meneghini Paulette Gebara Farah

Nearly a decade and a half ago, a nine-day search for a 4-year-old girl with disabilities gained extensive attention in Mexico and around the world.

The desperate search for Paulette Gebara Farah became widespread, leading to a viral campaign around the country as the public tuned into news reports and social media to learn more information on how and why the child went missing.

Heres what happened.

Who Was Paulette Gebara Farah?

Paulette was a 4-year-old girl from Huixquilucan de Degollado, Mexico, who was discovered dead on March 31, 2010, following a nine-day search amid suspicion that she was kidnapped. Paulette was unable to speak and needed help walking due to developmental disabilities, according to The Los Angeles Times.

At the time of her disappearance, Paulette lived with her parents, businessman Mauricio Gebara and lawyer Lisette Farah, her 7-year-old sister Lisette, as well as two nannies, Erika and Martha Casimiro, according to CNN.

Paulettes Disappearance

Paulette was discovered missing on the morning of March 22, 2010. Her parents told police they had put her to bed the night before after she, her father, and her older sister Lisette had returned home from a three-day vacation, CNN reported at the time. By the next morning, however, the family said that they discovered Paulette was missing, prompting a manhunt and public pleas for anybody who might have taken her to bring her home.

However, after the search for Paulette went viral over the next nine days, investigators began to retrace their steps and ultimately discovered Paulettes body wedged between the mattress on her bed and the beds frame, according to CBS News, which reported her body was wrapped in sheets.

A coroner ruled that the 4-year-old girl had died by suffocation and that her body had not been moved after the time she died, according to CBS, prompting officials to believe that she had died after moving herself in bed and accidentally falling into the space between her mattress and the bed frame, dying of suffocation.

The coroners report's finding that Paulette's body was not moved between her death and the time she was discovered were in opposition to growing public theories that her body may have been placed there by a killer, according to CBS. Many people began to suspect the girl's parents.

AP Photo/Alexandre Meneghini Paulette Gebara Farah

Reactions and Suspicion About Her Death

Paulettes death and the fumbled investigation prompted outrage across Mexico, leading many to criticize the governments criminal justice system, according to The L.A. Times. After initially saying without question that Paulette had been murdered, Mexico Attorney General Alberto Bazbaz wound up reversing course and defending the coroner's finding that said Paulette had died by accident, pointing to forensic evidence.

The attorney general did admit the investigators shortcomings by not having searched the childs bed and bedroom fully, leaving Paulette's body to go undetected in her bed for more than a week before being discovered.

After Paulettes body was found, tensions rose within the family as speculation about foul play began to circulate publicly. Gebara and Farah were both placed under house arrest during the investigation into their daughters death, and they later began to blame the other for being responsible. During the investigation, the couple became estranged, the L.A. Times reported.

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.

CNN reported that Bazbaz, the prosecutor, had initially called Paulettes mother, Farah, the only suspect in what he initially believed to be Paulette's murder case, fanning theories among those following the story. One popular theory among those following the case in Mexico was that Farah began to see caring for Paulette as a burden because of her daughters disabilities, although the mother later said she would never think of her later daughter as a burden, according to the Boston Globe.

However, no charges were ever filed against Paulettes parents. Investigators disavowed their suspicions that Farah had a hand in her daughters death once the coroner's report found Paulette had died by accidental asphyxiation.



AP Photo State of Mexico forensic experts stand outside of the Gebara Farah home in the town of Huixquilucan, on the outskirts of Mexico City, Wednesday March 31, 2010.

Aftermath

Paulettes parents went on to have a bitter fight for the custody of her older sister, the then-7-year-old who like her mother was named Lisette. The L.A. Times reported that Farah was ultimately granted custody of her older daughter.

Gebara, Paulettes father, continued to speak out about his belief that Farah was to blame for their daughters death. "The only thing I can say is that for me, it wasn't an accident," he told the local Televisa network in April 2010, according to the Boston Globe. "I can only speak for myself."

The publics attention on the case was reignited a decade later when Paulettes death became the focus of a Netflix examination during a 2020 episode of its Crime Diaries series.

For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on People.
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)  Festival season has arrived in western Massachusetts, with the 51st annual Mattoon Street Arts Festival kicking off on Saturday.

First day of the Glendi Greek Festival at St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Springfield

Volunteers started cleaning up Springfields first historic district on Friday to prepare for the two-day event. The festival turns the street into a vibrant celebration of creativity, featuring regional artists, musicians, vendors and food.

Its considered the longest-running arts festival in the Pioneer Valley, and admission is free. More than 90 different exhibitors will set up along the street aligned with Victorian-style homes. Attendees can explore an array of exhibits featuring artists and vendors from Springfield and beyond. People will also enjoy the sounds of local bands and musicians, and savor the flavors of everything from traditional festival foods to gourmet treats.

Vice President of the Mattoon St. Historical Preservation Association Jason Alves told 22News, We make sure everything is handmade so its unique and you cant get it anywhere else.

We are, at this point, probably the oldest arts festival in the Pioneer Valley. Weve outlived all of the others, and we have a great variety of exhibitors, and were free to come to, said Festival Coordinator Bob McCarroll.

Organizers say to look out for the Tin Man who makes a special appearance every year. The festival kicks off at 10 AM. Free parking is located at the TD Bank lot on Dwight Street and Harrison Avenue.

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.
FEEDING HILLS, Mass. (WWLP)  Pro & Local Detailing, a multi-award-winning auto detailing company, will be hosting its 5th annual Charity Car Show at the Polish American Club of Agawam on Saturday.

Take preventative measures as fleas can lay up to 50 eggs a day if left on your pet

According to Pro & Local Detailing, this free car show welcomes all makes and models to join, with donations required to enter a vehicle into the show. Pat Kelly of Rock 102.1 is hosting this years event, with sponsors including Mothers Polishes, the Springfield Thunderbirds, Mercedes-Benz of Springfield, EMP, State Line Propane & Oil, Ricks Auto Body, Marks Auto Parts Inc., GreatHorse Country Club, The Car Club of New England, and Cloud 9 Marketing Group.

All of the proceeds of the car show will benefit the Veterans Home in Holyoke, formerly known as Holyoke Soldiers Home. Last years car show raised over $7,500.

Pro & Local has been passionate about our Veterans and our local community since day one. We wanted to partner with the Veterans Home in Holyoke because we knew it was the best way to make a hyper-local impact in supporting our Veterans, said owner Paul Frasco.

Food and drinks will be available and the car show is being held from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

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.
She was reportedly hospitalized with significant injuries while her dog was uninjured

Getty An alligator (stock image)

An 84-year-old woman was reportedly hospitalized after an alligator attacked her while she was walking her dog in Florida.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) said the woman was walking her dog in a neighborhood in the North Fort Myers area around 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 5, when the incident happened, according to NBC News, WINK News and the Fort Meyers News-Press.

The FWC, Lee County Sheriff's Office and EMS responded to the scene, and the woman was transported to a local hospital, according to NBC and WINK News. Her condition was unknown as of Friday, per NBC News.

FWC spokesperson Bradley Johnson told NBC News that a 7-foot, 3-inch alligator bit the woman on her right leg, describing her injuries as significant. He also said she sustained injuries to her arms and a wrist.

Johnson added that her dog was uninjured in the incident.

Related: Rescued Alligator with Top Half of Jaw Missing Finds New Home at Florida Park

After a nuisance alligator trapper found the animal, it was humanely euthanized due to public safety, Johnson explained.

The FWC did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for comment.

Mark Burlingham, who lived in the neighborhood and called 911, told the Fort Meyers News-Press that he had been alerted to the incident by a loud noise: "I was outside, and I heard someone screaming." When he found her, he thought he saw her bones through the gash.

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 a separate interview with WINK News, Burlingham recalled, I ran down there  and she was laying on the ground with her dog, and [she] said that the alligator came up to get the dog. She pulled the dog out of the way and the gator got her leg and arm and hand.

Related: Chiefs Player Carson Steele Has a Pet Alligator Named Crocky-J, and NFL Fans Are in Love

"He was a thick gator," Burlingham added. "She's lucky she didn't lose her life.

According to the FWC, serious injuries caused by alligators are rare. In its latest report on alligator bites, it noted that there were 11 alligator bites in 2022 and only nine the year prior. There also hasnt been a death due to an alligator bite since 2019, per the FWC.

The FWC recommends that Florida residents keep a safe distance away if they see an alligator, never feed an alligator and keep pets on a leash and away from the waters edge as they resemble alligators natural prey. FWC also noted that alligators were the most active between dusk and dawn.

For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on People.
71-year-old dies from injuries received in multi-vehicle crash in east Arlington, police say

A 71-year-old woman involved in a multi-vehicle crash in east Arlington last month died from her injuries Thursday, police said.

Officers responded to the intersection of East Arkansas Lane and Remynse Drive shortly before 3 p.m. Aug. 15. Three vehicles were involved in a wreck, according to police.

A 2016 Toyota Scion traveling north on Remynse Drive pulled out onto East Arkansas Lane and hit a 2024 Acura MDX that was headed west, officials said. Traffic on Arkansas Lane doesnt stop at that intersection, according to police.

The impact of the collision caused the Scion to crash into another vehicle  a 2015 Honda Civic stopped at a stop sign in the southbound lanes of Remynse Drive.

The 71-year-old driver of the Scion was taken to a hospital where she died from her injuries this week, according to police. The woman hasnt been publicly identified on the Tarrant County Medical Examiners website.

The Civics driver wasnt injured, police said. The driver of the Acura received non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to a hospital.

 More top stories from our newsroom:

 North Texas farmers say chemicals in fertilizer are killing livestock

 Wrong-way crash between car, 18-wheeler shuts down parts of I-30 Friday

Warrant: Former Gateway Church employee molested 3 children

[Get our breaking news alerts.]
With $893-million grant, San Fernando Valley gets closer to seeing return of rail service

L.A. Metro announced a federal grant to help fund a 6.7-mile light rail line through Van Nuys, Panorama City, Arleta and Pacoima. (Zoe Cranfill / Los Angeles Times)

After years of lobbying by local officials and advocates for more public transportation in the San Fernando Valley, L.A. Metro announced an $893-million federal grant that will help fund a new rail line for residents there.

The 6.7-mile light-rail project is set to stretch along Van Nuys Boulevard and run through Van Nuys, Panorama City, Arleta and Pacoima, areas that local officials on Friday said often have been forgotten in L.A. transportation plans.

It will connect to local and regional bus services, including the Metro G Line express bus, as well as the Van Nuys Metrolink/Amtrak station, officials said.

"This is a region that has been overlooked," Veronica Vanterpool, acting administrator for the Federal Transit Administration, said during a news conference Friday announcing the grant. "This will be the first rail line in the heart of a region that has called for high-quality transit for a long time."

The grant, from the U.S. Department of Transportation, will be delivered to Metro under a multiyear agreement through the Federal Transit Administration's Expedited Project Delivery Pilot Program.

Read more: A train from LAX to the Hollywood Bowl? Metro to approve K Line extension routes this fall

The rail project, slated to be finished by 2031, would bring rail service back to the Valley more than 70 years after the last rail car from the Pacific Electric San Fernando Valley Line carried passengers there in 1952.

The grant, which will complete funding for the rail system, brought out local, state and federal dignitaries Friday to celebrate a longtime effort to improve public transportation in the area.

"This, for me," said U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), "it's personal."

A native of Pacoima, Padilla said he and his family often relied on public transportation.

Padilla would later go on to serve on the Los Angeles City Council and California Senate. Trying to expand public transportation was a priority, though bringing rail service to the San Fernando Valley proved to be a challenge, he said.

"I heard things like, 'The rail system reaches the Valley,' " Padilla said. "Well, a stop at Universal [Studios Hollywood] may be reaching the Valley, but it's not serving the Valley."

The Metro G Line does run from North Hollywood to Chatsworth, but Padilla noted that for decades, residents reliant on public transportation had no system running from north to south, except for bus services.

Read more: Low-income residents to receive debit cards in Oakland's 'universal basic mobility' program

For years, local advocates have complained that when it came to public transportation, neighborhoods in the Valley often were overlooked.

"This is the transportation that the east San Fernando Valley has deserved for decades, and it's coming to fruition," said Los Angeles Councilmember Monica Rodriguez, who represents the 7th District.

When finished, the line is expected to serve nearly 19,000 riders daily who currently take the bus, Vanterpool said, reducing their commute by as much as 15 minutes.

About 35% of residents in the area, she said, don't own or have access to a car.

"This line will be a game changer for the Valley for generations to come," said L.A. County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, who also serves on the Metro board.

The total project cost is expected to be $3.57 billion. It is partially funded through Measure M, which was approved by voters in 2016, and other grants. In February 2023, the California State Transportation Agency, or CalSTA, awarded $600 million for the project.

Metro is set to start on minor street improvements and utility adjustment work later this year.

Read more: Biden Cabinet official visits Long Beach to tout ports $1.5-billion 'green' overhaul

The new line will include 11 stations.

In a statement, Mayor Karen Bass thanked the Metro board and the Biden-Harris administration for the funding.

"Through their dedication, the East San Fernando Valley Light Rail is taking another important step toward a reality that connects East San Fernando Valley communities to our growing transit network which means access to more opportunities, jobs and attractions across the region."

Metro is still studying a 2.5-mile extension of the corridor that would take the line farther out from Pacoima to the Sylmar/San Fernando Metrolink station.

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.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  The National Fallen Fire Fighters Foundation hosted its September 11 Memorial Stair Climb and Family Walk to remember the many people that lost their lives as a result of the attacks on September 11.

Firefighters, first responders, local businesses, and community groups from all over Monroe County joined to pay tribute to a FDNY firefighter by climbing or walking the equivalent of 110 stories of the World Trade Center.

Each participant received an ID badge of a firefighter, EMT, or police officer.

Support of the stair climb event provides assistance to surviving families and co-workers of the 343 firefighters who made that sacrifice on September 11, 2001.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
China is enhancing its legal framework governing foreign-related issues in order to better meet its opening-up and high-quality economic development, officials from the Ministry of Justice said on Friday.

As China expands measures for further opening-up, the legal and security risks for its citizens and businesses abroad also rise.

In response, the country is building a mechanism to integrate foreign-related legislation, enforcement and legal services, while fostering talent to meet such demands, said Wang Zhenjiang, vice-minister of justice, during a news conference in Beijing.

China currently has over 50 laws that specifically address foreign-related issues and more than 150 laws with foreign-related provisions. However, there are still gaps and weaknesses in the legal framework governing foreign-related affairs, Wang said.

The ministry plans to refine existing laws, providing stronger legal support to protect Chinese citizens and enterprises abroad. It has also been tasked with strengthening legislation in key, emerging and foreign-related fields, as well as improving foreign legal services, he said.

These efforts include the revision of laws like the Foreign Trade Law and Customs Law to align with high-standard international economic and trade regulations. These revisions aim to promote opening-up and address the global trends of digitalization and green trade.

"We are also prioritizing the development of international legal services, with initiatives such as establishing international commercial arbitration centers in key locations like Beijing, Shanghai and the provinces of Guangdong and Hainan. Legal services related to cross-border commerce, including lawyers, notarization and mediation, are also being strengthened," he said.

Chinese law firms have set up 207 branches in 37 countries and regions, with over 12,000 lawyers specializing in foreign-related services combining with China's notarization and certification policies, effectively facilitating the entry of Chinese businesses and citizens overseas, he said.

The ministry said since 2023 it has selected 150 demonstration institutions for foreign-related legal services, supported Chinese law firms in establishing service outlets in markets involved in the Belt and Road Initiative, and selected 295 notary institutions to conduct remote video notarization services in collaboration with overseas embassies and consulates.

Efforts are also underway to cultivate world-class arbitration institutions and law firms, establish a comprehensive legal service platform for the BRI, and improve mechanisms for verifying foreign laws, Wang said.

Yang Xiangbin, director of the ministry's Bureau of Public Legal Services Administration, said arbitration is a globally recognized legal service for resolving commercial disputes. China is currently revising its Arbitration Law, marking the first major update in 30 years. The revision aims to align China's arbitration system with international standards, enhancing its global influence while maintaining a distinctive Chinese approach.

So far, China has 282 arbitration institutions employing over 80,000 arbitrators and staff members. In 2023, arbitration institutions nationwide handled 607,000 cases, a 27.8 percent year-on-year increase, with disputes totaling 1.16 trillion yuan ($163.7 billion), up 17.7 percent from the previous year.

Meanwhile, the establishment of international commercial arbitration centers in China is progressing rapidly since the program's launch in 2022, he said.

In 2023, eight pilot institutions processed 79,000 cases, amounting to 600 billion yuan in value  52 percent of the national total. Their foreign-related cases accounted for 72 percent of the national total.




A team of lawyers and activists is seeking current and former Hartford Public School students and employees to serve as litigants in a lawsuit alleging a link between cancer diagnoses and potential exposure to toxic chemicals at six elementary and middle schools in the district.

At a press conference outside the shuttered John C. Clark Elementary School, representatives from Whistleblowers International, Black Lives Matter 860, Good Trouble Advocates and the Law Offices of Aaron Romano announced their intent to file a lawsuit on behalf of victims exposed to polychlorinated biphenyls, a group of toxic chemicals known as PCBs, during their time in Hartford Public Schools.

Clark has sat vacant since 2015 when workers detected PCBs traces that exceeded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys recommended exposure levels for students. The now-banned chemicals, which were used from 1929 to 1979 in everything from paint to insulation to caulking to fluorescent lights and floor finishings, have been tied to cancer, low birth weight, immune deficiencies, neurological disease and other health problems, according to the EPA.

Ivelisse Correa of Black Lives Matter 860 and Good Trouble Advocates said a number of individuals who spent time in Hartford schools with suspected PCB contamination have battled cancer and even died.

Correa said the list of students and employees who faced potential PCBs exposure dates back to the 1970s and includes those who attended and worked at Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School, Environmental Sciences Magnet School at Mary Hooker, Montessori Magnet at Batchelder, R. J. Kinsella Magnet School of Performing Arts and Annie Fisher Montessori Magnet School. Correa said those schools were built during the same period as Clark and underwent renovations in the 2010s to remediate any potential PCBs.

The number of people exposed may run into the tens of thousands, Aaron Romano, an attorney in Bloomfield who is working the case in conjunction with Whistleblowers International, said.

Were not talking about exposure for just one moment or one day. Were talking about years of exposure, and thats why this is a very, very serious case, Romano said. If youve been to any one of those schools, youve got to get a (cancer) screening.

Romano said the team is in the process of identifying individuals who may have been exposed, reviewing their medical history and determining whether a link can be made to their exposure at any one of the schools and any illnesses they have had, before filing the lawsuit.

Romano said those who may have been impacted, should undergo a medical screening and register with PCBclaims.com or call 203-872-2394.

In 2015, the city of Hartford and its board of education filed a lawsuit against the chemical company Monsanto for PCB cleanup costs at Clark, contesting that the company was aware of PCB toxicity in its products as early as 1937.

According to reports from the Courant at the time, Environmental testing found widespread PCB contamination in (Clark), from the schools air handling system to the caulk, where PCB levels were up to 1,940 times the federal limit, triggering EPA intervention under the federal Toxic Substances Control Act. Even new ceiling tiles were tainted, an indication that PCB vapors had infiltrated the tiles.

During this same period, a representative of the Connecticut Department of Public Health told parents that the amount of PCBs in the air at the school (was) not high enough to cause symptoms of sickness, and posed no threat, according to the Courants reports.

Carol Gale, the president of the Hartford Federation of Teachers, said district employees have serious concerns about past exposures.

Were certainly aware that (while) we cant make a direct correlation, we know of people who have had cancers and that they have worked in the schools that (were) named, Gale said.

After the union pressed the district to test for PCBs in their buildings, Gale said Hartford Public Schools shared a list of all the renovation dates, which showed that the buildings were clear once they were renovated.

From the unions perspective, the district has confirmed that our buildings right now are safe (from PCBs), Gale said. Between the cleanups and the renovations, (Clark) is the only one that had to be closed to my knowledge.

When asked if the team plans to bring the suit against Bayer, the owner of Monsanto, or the city and the district, Romano said Its too soon to name the responsible corporations who will be identified as defendants.

The Courant reached out to the mayors office and Hartford Public Schools for comment. Representatives of both offices said they could not comment on pending litigation.

Correa and Romano said they would like to see the city support their residents and employees.

I would hope that the city of Harford would stand with those folks who are affected by the toxic chemicals that were in their schools and advocate on their behalf so they can, A, get screenings; B, be treated for any illnesses that they may have developed; and C, help obtain monetary compensation for contracting those illnesses while attending the schools, Romano said.

Correa said she hopes this action will lead to proactive screenings and justice for victims.

The overwhelming majority of people who stepped through these doors are Black and brown, and theyre the ones who have been facing barriers when asking for the screening, which really bothered me, Correa said. They may never have adverse health impacts. But for those that are at risk or who are going to develop something, I pray they catch it early, because way too many people have died.

Correa said heightened awareness in the community is already leading to more screenings.

I was talking to my fathers elementary school friend who wasnt aware that he had been exposed to toxins while attending Batchelder School and hes calling his doctor for a screening, Correa said. He hasnt been to a doctor in about 10 years. So thats progress.

Above all, Correa said that she does not want anyone else to die.

There were pregnant women in the school working. There were students that have passed away, Correa said.

I went to middle school with a girl who went to Clark. She died of breast cancer about 10 years ago. One of my friends died in high school (and) went to an impacted elementary school here, Correa said. People died not knowing that they needed regular screenings so they caught it way too late. And its not just about the class action lawsuit, these people need justice. These people need compensation.
A male aide is accusing California State Sen. Marie Alvarado-Gil of forcing him into a sex-based quid pro quo relationship that he claims cost him three herniated discs, a destroyed hip, and his job.

In a filing released Thursday, Alvarado-Gils chief-of-staff Chad Condit, 57, claimed that the senator began asking him if he had ever cheated on his wife and asked if (he) would ever be intimate with a boss shortly after he was hired in December 2022.

Condits father, former Democratic Congressman Gary Condit, had been accused of affairsincluding with missing intern Chandra Levywhich prompted Alvarado-Gil to allegedly ask whether Condit would be like his father, according to the affidavit.

Condit said the alleged inappropriate comments intensified over time. In March 2023, Alvarado-Gil allegedly began asking him what his feelings are about throuples and whether (he) thought his wife would be into that. Condit claimed that Alvarado-Gil openly shared her sexual fantasies with him and other staff members, telling him that she prefers short black men and old white guys like (Condit).

Alvarado-Gils childhood best friend Venessa Bravowho was hired to work with Alvarado-Gil despite having no experience working in state government, according to Conditallegedly told Condit that Alvarado-Gil was bipolar in reaction to Condits allegations against Alvarado-Gil. Condit told Bravo that Alvarado-Gil had allegedly told him to come up to her hotel room because she had hurt herself, but upon entry, found her positioned on the edge of the bed with just a T-shirt on.

Despite Condits attempts to avoid Alvarado-Gils alleged sexual advances, things reportedly came to a head when the two traveled together to Inyo County for an event.

Alvarado-Gil allegedly had her pants pulled down when Condit came back from the bathroom and told him, I want you to kiss it and prove your loyalty, according to the affidavit. Alvarado-Gil appeared to enjoy her power and demanded this show of loyalty on several occasions.

However, the straw that literally broke Condits back was a similar scenario in which Condit claims he suffered a back injury while performing (oral sex on Alvarado-Gil) in a car seat with his body having to twist and contort in the confined space of the car. The pain led Condit to the doctor where he discovered that the injury was more severe, and that (he) had suffered three herniated discs in his back and a collapsed hip.

Condit said he made his objections to Alvarado-Gils advances known by wearing his wedding ring in the office and telling her to keep her distance. Alvarado-Gil allegedly reacted on one occasion by saying nice ring, adding now I know she [Condits wife] doesnt trust you.

Condit alleges he was then fired in December 2023 after he refused to wear a Santa Claus costume and had been reprimanded by a human resources representative for refusing Alvarado-Gils advances. However, Condit alleged that even after his firing Alvarado-Gil has continued to target (him) and his family since his termination with unwanted hostile behavior and lies about (him) and other family members.

Alvarado-Gil made headlines last month for switching sides of the aisle, abandoning her states Democratic majority for the Republican minority, because the pendulum has swung so far to the left that it has disengaged from what true Californians value.

The Daily Beast reached out to Alvarado-Gils office for comment.

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.
After Alaskas primary election, heres how the states legislative races are shaping up

Workers at the Alaska Division of Elections' State Review Board consider primary election ballots on Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2024, at the division's headquarters in Juneau. At background is the Alaska State Capitol. (Photo by James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)

Workers at the Alaska Division of Elections' State Review Board consider ballots on Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2024, at the division's headquarters in Juneau. At background is the Alaska State Capitol. (Photo by James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)

With 60 days to go before Election Day, the results of the states primary election have given Alaskans an early look at who could control the state House and Senate in January.

Control of the House and Senate means control of the legislative agenda. If Republicans control both the House and Senate, they would likely support Gov. Mike Dunleavys policies, and conservative priorities would advance.

If a bipartisan or multipartisan majority controls either the House or Senate, the Legislature would likely function as it has for the past few years. Lawmakers would likely fail to pass bills touching on controversial social issues and instead focus on the state budget.

Primary results arent everything. Low turnout and an unexpectedly Democratic lean to the results means that November could look very different from August.

Alaska Senates coalition likely to continue

The 20-person state Senate is controlled by a 17-member bipartisan supermajority that includes nine Democrats and eight Republicans.

Three hardline conservative Republicans make up an unofficial Senate minority.

Seven members of the supermajority arent up for election this year. Another two are running unopposed. Two more  Forrest Dunbar, D-Anchorage, and Matt Claman, D-Anchorage  ran well ahead of their challengers in the primary election.

In a third race, Democratic challenger Janice Park beat Republican incumbent James Kaufman in a South Anchorage primary. Kaufman is a member of the current bipartisan majority, and Park has said she would join one.

Those 12 seats mean a Senate bipartisan majority is expected to continue past this election.

But Republicans could still cut the supermajoritys size, which would hobble it on hotly contested issues like the size of the Permanent Fund dividend.

In the Kenai Peninsula, coalition Republican Jesse Bjorkman is facing Ben Carpenter, a strict conservative Republican who has served in the state House for several years.

In the primary, Bjorkman received 44.3% of the vote and Carpenter received 40.3%.

Alaskan Independence Party candidate Andy Cizek, who earned 2.6%, withdrew from the race after the primary.

Tina Wegener, registered as a Democratic candidate, received 12.8% of the vote. Bjorkman and local Democrats say Wegener, who has a history of supporting Republican candidates, is a false-flag Democrat intended to divert support from Bjorkman. The Alaska Democratic Party is not supporting Wegeners campaign.

In the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, David Wilson is one of the more conservative Republicans to serve in the Senate coalition. He received 41.4% of the vote in the primary.

Wilson faces two Republican challengers in November. Robert Yundt received 32.7% of the primary vote, while Stephen Wright earned 26%. If either of the two challengers wins, it would replace a coalition-minded Republican with a hardline Republican.

The same could occur in Eagle River, where Republican Sen. Kelly Merrick is facing a challenge from Republican Jared Goecker.

Goecker received 32.7% of the primary vote against Merricks 34%, but two other Republicans in the race  former state Reps. Ken McCarty and Sharon Jackson  were also in the primary and have since withdrawn, endorsing Goecker.

Democratic candidate Lee Hammermeister received 14.6% of the primary vote and is staying in the race, which could split support from Merrick, as in the Kenai Peninsula race.

Fairbanks and Interior Alaska have two tossup races. Sen. Scott Kawasaki, D-Fairbanks, is being challenged by Republican Leslie Hajdukovich, who finished ahead of Kawasaki in the primary. Hajdukovich received 51.35% of the vote, while Kawasaki earned 48.65%.

Sen. Click Bishop, R-Fairbanks and a member of the coalition, is not running for reelection. Rep. Mike Cronk, R-Tok, received 43.8% of the vote in the primary, followed by undeclared independent Savannah Fletcher with 42.3%.

Republican James Squyers had 7.6% of the vote in the primary but withdrew afterward. Robert Bert Williams of the Alaskan Independence Party had 6.4% of the vote and has stayed in the race.

Alaska House control is in question

Control of the 40-person state House requires 21 votes. Many Republicans have said theyd prefer to operate with a solely Republican majority, but right now, thats not possible.

There are 21 Republicans in the House, but that includes moderate Republican Louise Stutes, R-Kodiak, and extremely conservative Republican David Eastman, R-Wasilla.

Eastman has been rejected by mainstream Republicans in the House and operates as a caucus of one. Stutes  a prior speaker of the House  has been a member of mostly Democratic coalitions for eight years.

In the primary, both Eastman and Stutes finished well ahead of their challengers and appear on course for reelection.

Among the 19 other Republicans in the House, five are running unopposed and three finished ahead of their primary challengers by at least 8 percentage points. Another pair of races include Republican-on-Republican contests in which all of the candidates have said they prefer to join a predominantly Republican majority.

In Wasilla, Rep. Jesse Sumner declined to run for reelection after the primary, leaving three Republicans to face off in the general election. On the Kenai Peninsula, Bill Elam and John Hillyer are competing to replace Carpenter, who is running for Senate.

In Ketchikan, Republicans are favored to gain a seat in the House after the retirement of Rep. Dan Ortiz, I-Ketchikan. In a district that voted for Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump in both 2020 and 2016, Republican Jeremy Bynum won 49% of the primary vote, just below the threshold needed to win the election without the use of ranked choice voting. Hes opposed by nonpartisan candidates Grant EchoHawk and Agnes Moran.

That expected Republican victory could be offset by an expected defeat on the opposite end of the state, where Rep. Thomas Baker trailed two different Democratic candidates in the primary.

Saima Chase and Robyn Burke each finished ahead of Baker, who was appointed to the Legislature by Gov. Mike Dunleavy in November 2023, after Josiah Patkotak resigned to become the North Slope Borough mayor. At the time, Baker was a registered Republican; hes now running as an undeclared candidate.

The district leans Democratic, but it has become more Republican in each presidential election since 2000.

In South Anchorage, Republican former Rep. Chuck Kopp finished ahead of incumbent Republican Rep. Craig Johnson by more than 20 percentage points in the primary. Kopps policy positions are more in line with the Houses current minority bloc, which includes 12 Democrats, four independents and Stutes.

Among the 16 members of the House minority, four are running unopposed and a fifth is effectively unopposed.

Democratic candidate Carolyn Hall is running to replace Rep. Jennie Armstrong, D-Anchorage, who is not seeking reelection. Progressive independent Nick Moe challenged Hall in the primary and intended to withdraw afterward, but a paperwork error meant that he remained on the general election ballot. Moe has suspended his campaign and endorsed Hall.

In addition to Stutes, eight other members of the minority defeated their primary opponent or opponents by at least 10 percentage points.

That leaves a handful of tossup seats along the Railbelt.

In the district covering Homer, Rep. Sarah Vance defeated three opponents in the primary election, earning just over 43% of the vote. One of those opponents  nonpartisan candidate Alanna Greer  has since dropped out, leaving nonpartisan candidate Brent Johnson and Republican Dawson Slaughter in the race as well.

Having two Republicans could result in a split vote, particularly since Republicans in 2022 were more likely to skip ranking multiple candidates. If that pattern repeats this year, it could help Johnson in November.

Similarly, in the district covering Delta Junction and much of the eastern Interior, Democratic candidate Brandon Putuuqti Kowalski finished first in the primary with almost 34% of the vote, but in November, ranked choice voting could see the combined votes of his three challengers  two Republicans and a Libertarian  top him in the final tabulation. It isnt yet clear whether Republicans Rebecca Schwanke and Pamela Goode, or Libertarian James Fields, would have the advantage in the ranked choice result.

In South Anchorage, post-primary withdrawals saw a four-way race condense to a head-to-head matchup between nonpartisan candidate Ky Holland and Republican Lucy Bauer for a seat covering the Anchorage Hillside and Girdwood.

Holland received an endorsement from one of the withdrawn candidates, Republican Lee Ellis, while Bauer was endorsed by the other, Republican Brandy Pennington.

Ellis and Holland had a combined primary vote total of about 60%, but it isnt clear whether Republican voters who backed Ellis will switch to a nonpartisan candidate in November.

Elsewhere in Anchorage, Republican Rep. Julie Coulombe received about 52% of the primary vote against independent challenger Walter Featherly in a rematch of a 2022 legislative contest.

Also in Anchorage, incumbent Republican Rep. Stanley Wright lost the primary vote to Democratic challenger Ted Eischeid by just 35 votes out of 1,215 cast, the closest margin in the state. Both will be rematched in November, as will Coulombe and Featherly.

In Anchorages Sand Lake neighborhood, Republican Mia Costello, received just over 50% of the vote in a race against Democratic candidate Denny Wells. Costello served in the state Senate until she was defeated in the 2022 election and is seeking a return to the Legislature in a seat currently held by Republican Rep. Tom McKay, who is not running for reelection.

Perennial political candidate Dustin Darden is running as a Democrat this year and could be a decisive presence if he splits the Democratic vote in what otherwise is a closely divided district.

In Fairbanks, Democratic Rep. Maxine Dibert and Republican challenger Bart LeBon are reprising their 2022 race, which saw Dibert unseat LeBon. That race featured a second Republican, Kelly Nash, who isnt running this time around.

While 21 votes is enough to formally control the House, lawmakers have repeatedly said that a larger majority  on the order of 23 or more members  is necessary to govern comfortably.

Dibert defeated LeBon by about 3 percentage points in this years primary, but two years ago, LeBon defeated Dibert in the primary, only to lose to her in November.

While 21 votes is enough to formally control the House, lawmakers have repeatedly said that a larger majority  on the order of 23 or more members  is necessary to govern comfortably.

At the moment, neither Republicans nor Democrats are in position to hold that many seats, meaning that control of the House could come down to post-election negotiations.

Both sides are likely to seek the support of the Bush Caucus, a group of rural Democrats and independents. Since the 2016 election, the support of the Bush Caucus has been decisive when it comes to choosing who is in charge of the House.

Reps. Bryce Edgmon, I-Dillingham, and Neal Foster, D-Nome, members of the Bush Caucus, defeated their primary opponents by large margins. Rematches will take place in November.

Rep. CJ McCormick, D-Bethel, finished second in his primary, behind fellow Democrat Nellie Jimmie of Toksook Bay. A third Democrat, Victoria Sosa, was third.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE

Correction: The initial version of this article incorrectly identified Walter Featherly as a Democratic candidate. He is running as an independent.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
BOARDMAN, Ohio (MyValleyTributes)  Aleda (Beshara) Bukovinsky, 100, died peacefully on Thursday September 5, 2024, at The Hospice of the Valley, with her loving family by her side.

Aleda was born to Lebanese Immigrant parents, Saada Thomas and Michael Beshara on October 31, 1923 at home, at 84 S. Lane Avenue, on Youngstowns Eastside. She was raised in a loving home with her parents, maternal grandmother and four brothers: Joe, Harry, Richard and Sam; and her sister, Rema. (all deceased).

Find obituaries from your high school

She attended Shehy Street Elementary School, Lincoln Middle School and graduated in the Fall of 1942 from East High School, all on the citys east side.

After graduating high school, Aleda contributed to the WW II effort as a worker in several steel and manufacturing plants dedicated to war production. After the war, she worked at the Youngstown General Electric Lamp Plant on Hughes Street, leaving the workforce to raise her family. In 1971, Aleda rejoined the workforce at General Motors  Fisher Body Metal Fabricating Plant in Lordstown, Ohio, and retired after 18 years of service in 1989. She was a proud member of UAW Local 1714.

Aleda was an avid poker player and enjoyed playing cards over the years with several groups. She walked every morning for several years at the Southern Park mall, where she met many friends. Aleda stopped mall walking in her late 90s.

Throughout the years, Aleda enjoyed preparing turkey with stuffing for all extended family Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter holiday gatherings. Her cooking expertise also included several delicious Lebanese dishes. Aleda was also known for baking birthday cakes for family, and her special recipe anise pizzelles.

Above all, Aleda loved spending time with her family, and never wanted to miss an opportunity to participate in and attend special occasions and events. She was happiest when socializing with family and friends at Saint Marons and at The Shrine.

Aleda was an active lifelong member of Saint Maron Church, Youngstown, Ohio, belonging to the Saint Tobias Society, and The Silver Bullets senior group. She was a founder and supporter of The Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon in North Jackson, Ohio, where she belonged to the 25 Club since its inception.

Aleda married Joseph Bukovinsky on February 7, 1950 and they enjoyed 54 years of marriage until his passing on March 28, 2004. Together they raised three children: Jo Ann (Lawrence) Stephan, Lakeland Florida; Harry R. (Kathy) Bukovinsky, Boardman, Ohio; and John M. Bukovinsky with whom she shared a home, and was her loving and dedicated caregiver, in Boardman. Aleda was the proud grandmother of Kathleen (Pete Pyles) Lester of East Liverpool, Ohio, Maria (Suzette Borosko) Bukovinsky of Cleveland, Ohio, Joseph (Megan) Bukovinsky of Akron, Ohio, and John (Danielle) Bukovinsky of Virginia Beach, Virginia. She was blessed with five great-grandchildren: Myranda (Tristan) Kile, Caden West, John Bukovinsky, Jr., Reagan Bukovinsky, and Jocelyn Bukovinsky, all of whom cherished and loved their Mama. Aleda also leaves her beloved sister-in-law, Margo Beshara of Canfield, and several loving nieces, nephews and cousins.

Aleda was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her siblings, an infant daughter, and several beloved nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may pay their respects to Aleda on Monday morning, September 9, 2024 from 10:00  10:50 a.m. at St. Maron Maronite Catholic Church, 1555 S. Meridian Rd., Youngstown.

There will be a Divine Liturgy of Christian Burial held on Monday, September 9, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. with Father Tony Massad as officiant and close family friend, Chorbishop Donald J. Sawyer, D. MIn. of Austin, Texas will con-celebrate the liturgy. The funeral will also be livestreamed on St. Marons Facebook page for those who are unable to attend the services in person.

Burial will take place at Resurrection Cemetery, Austintown.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the professional care of the Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home, 4221 Market St., Boardman.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that any memorials go to Saint Maron Church, 1555 S. Meridian Rd. Youngstown, Ohio 44511 or to The Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon 2759 N. Lipkey Rd., North Jackson, Ohio 44451.

Family and friends may visit www.rossisantuccifh.com to send condolences to Aledas family.

A television tribute will air Sunday, September 8 at the following approximate times: 6:27 p.m. on WYTV and 6:58 p.m. on MyYTV. Video will be posted here the day of airing.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Algerian president and candidate for re-election Abdelmajid Tebboune speaks after casting his ballot inside a polling station during the presidential elections, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, in Algiers, Algeria. (AP Photo)

ALGIERS, Algeria (AP)  Algerians voted Saturday in an election to decide whether army-backed President Abdelmadjid Tebboune gets another term in office  five years after pro-democracy protests prompted the military to oust the previous president after two decades in power.

There is little suspense about the result with Tebboune expected to win easily. The question is more about how many voters cast ballots.

Tebboune said after voting that he hoped whoever wins will continue on the path towards a point of no return in the construction of democracy.

Polls closed late Saturday and vote counting was underway as Algerians awaited an announcement of the results. The country's election authority at 12:10 a.m. said that vote counting to so far suggested voter turnout was 48% in Algeria and 19.6% for precincts abroad  outpacing the countrys 2019 presidential election, where 39.9% of voters turned out to vote.

It's unclear whether Tebboune will consider such a figure a triumph. In the lead-up to Saturday, his backers and rivals all urged Algerians to come out and vote after boycotts and high abstention rates in previous elections marred the government's ability to claim popular support.

Algeria is Africa's largest country by area and, with almost 45 million people, it's the continent's second most populous after South Africa to hold presidential elections in 2024  a year in which more than 50 elections are being held worldwide, encompassing more than half the world's population.

The campaign  rescheduled earlier this year to take place during North Africa's hot summer  was characterized by apathy from the population, which continues to be plagued by a high cost of living and drought that brought water shortages to some parts of the country.

Uncle Tebboune," as his campaign called the 78-year-old, was elected in December 2019 after nearly a year of weekly Hirak demonstrations demanding the resignation of former President Abdelaziz Bouteflika. Their demands were met when Bouteflika resigned and was replaced by an interim government of his former allies, which called for elections later in the year.

Protesters opposed holding elections so soon, fearing the candidates running that year were close to the old regime and would derail dreams of a civilian-led, non-military state. Tebboune, a former prime minister seen as close to the military, won. But his victory was stained by boycotts and election day tumult.

Throughout his tenure, Tebboune has used oil and gas revenue to boost some social benefits  including unemployment insurance as well as public wages and pensions  to calm discontent. To cement his legitimacy, Tebboune hopes more of the country's 24 million eligible voters participate in Saturday's election than in his first election when only 39.9% voted.

Many Algerians remain unconvinced that elections will usher in change.

Activists and international organizations, including Amnesty International, have railed against how authorities continue prosecuting those involved in opposition parties, media organizations and civil society groups.

Some have denounced this election as a rubber stamp exercise that can only entrench the status quo.

Algerians dont give a damn about this bogus election, said former Hirak leader Hakim Addad, who was banned from participating in politics three years ago. The political crisis will persist as long as the regime remains in place. The Hirak has spoken.

Twenty-six candidates submitted preliminary paperwork to run in the election, although only two were ultimately approved to challenge Tebboune.

Both avoided directly criticizing Tebboune on the campaign trail and, like the incumbent, emphasized election participation.

Abdelali Hassani Cherif, a 57-year-old head of the Islamist party Movement of Society for Peace, made populist appeals to Algerian youth, running on the slogan Opportunity! Youcef Aouchiche, a 41-year-old former journalist running with the Socialist Forces Front, or FFS, campaigned on a vision for tomorrow.

Both challengers and their parties risked losing backing from supporters who thought they were selling out by giving the impression the election was democratic and contested.

Walking near a vote center in downtown Algiers, longtime FFS supporter Mhand Kasdi said his party had betrayed its ideals by putting forth a candidate for the first time since 1999.

It is giving its backing to a rigged election, the 55-year-old gas station manager said, adding that Aouchiche and Hassani are going to help make the regime's candidate look good."

Voting in his hometown Saturday, Aouchiche called on Algerians to vote for him to give young people the confidence to put an end to the despair that drives them to take the boats of death in an attempt to reach the other side of the Mediterranean, referring to those who migrate to Europe.

Andrew Farrand, the Middle East and North Africa director at the geopolitical risk consultancy Horizon Engage, said both challengers were looking more at the 2025 legislative elections than this 2024 presidential contest. Because Algerian law funds political parties based on the number of seats they win in legislative elections, they hope campaigning now positions them for a strong 2025 performance.

Its a long game: How can I mobilize my base? How can I build up a campaign machine? And how can I get into the good graces of the authorities so that I can be in a position to increase my seats? he said. Weve seen that in their choice not to overtly criticize president  paired with a very strong message to Algerians to come out and vote.
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  A suspect accused of shooting a Zaxbys manager during a carjacking attempt outside a Cordova restaurant was arrested in Bolivar, Tennessee.

Phedoris Thompson, Jr., 22, was found by Shelby County detectives, along with Hardeman County and Bolivar authorities, after executing a search warrant on Pleasant Creek Lane.

Off-duty EMT helps Zaxbys manager shot in Cordova carjacking attempt

According to deputies, the restaurant worker was closing up Zaxbys at 1180 N. Houston Levee at Macon around 11 p.m. July 7, and had started his Dodge Challenger in the parking lot by remote when he was shot in an attempted carjacking.

The victim drove to a bar across the street, where first responders used belts to apply two tourniquets to his legs.

Thompson was charged with Criminal Attempt 1st degree Murder, Attempted Carjacking, Aggravated Assault  Acting in Concert, and Employing a Firearm with the Intent to Commit a Felony. He is also facing pending felony and weapon charges with the Bolivar Police 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 WREG.com.
Allegheny Valley Hospitals union negotiating committee agreement has reached a tentative agreement with Allegheny Health Network for a new contract.

SEIU Healthcare PA says the tentative agreement was reached late on Friday night. No contract details were released.

Union members will vote on the contract on Monday.

Last week, Allegheny Valley Hospital union members voted to authorize a strike.

>>> Allegheny Valley Hospital union members vote to authorize strike

The nurses and hospital workers were calling on ANH to improve pay and invest in ways to recruit and retain frontline staff.

Nurses at West Penn Hospital, who have also authorized a strike, are still negotiating a new contract. SEIU says the negotiations continue on Monday. On Wednesday, the nurses will either approve a new contract or set a strike date.

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW

TRENDING NOW:

Local school bus driver, police chaplain facing child pornography charges SKYLIGHTS 2024: Week 2 high school football final scores PHOTOS: Severe storms move through western Pennsylvania, bringing down trees, damaging homes VIDEO: Heres how a local school district is working to address the nationwide teacher shortage DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts
Americans used to unite over tragic events  and now are divided by them

Tragedy seldom unifies Americans today.

Every year, horrific crises induce tremendous suffering. Most are privately tragic, affecting only those directly harmed and their immediate relations.

A small number, though, become politically notorious and, therefore, publicly tragic.

Natural disasters, school shootings, terrorist attacks and economic crises can become public tragedies. Sexual assaults  primarily of women  by abusive executives and other men in positions of power recently emerged as a public tragedy, as has police brutality against African Americans, which has sown political unrest across the United States.

Even the COVID-19 pandemic, a seemingly natural disaster, quickly transitioned into a public tragedy as deaths mounted and a pervasive sense of mismanagement, distrust and blame galvanized the public on the political left and right.

Events like these represent a change in how tragic circumstances are cast and how they are responded to in the United States and beyond. Public tragedies are heartrending events that gain widespread public attention. They involve stylized public expressions of shock, outrage, social blame, claims of victimization, protest and memorialization.

My book, After Tragedy Strikes, explores the recent proliferation of public tragedies as a distinctive kind of political crisis that has produced far-reaching positive and negative effects on social and political relations in the 21st century.

As a sociologist who studies risk, politics and social movements, I didnt set out to evaluate the authenticity of claims made in public tragedies. Rather, through comparison, my goal was to understand better why some of these events exert tremendous influence, while other, objectively similar, traumas do not.

Public tragedies have contributed to the increasing political polarization and the sectarian tone of political rhetoric today. One question I sought to answer in my book is why?

In America: Remember, a 2021 art installation of more than 660,000 flags on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., commemorating Americans who died due to COVID-19. Drew Angerer/Getty Images

Old way: God, fate, bad luck

The short answer is that the publics understanding of tragic events has changed.

Well into the 20th century, tragedies were mostly explained differently than now. Explanations often referenced forces such as God, fate, bad luck, blameless accidents or, in line with the U.S. liberal political tradition, individual responsibility. Even when suffering was extreme and known to have been caused or worsened by the actions or omissions of other persons, explanations of what caused it typically took these forms.

Take Pennsylvanias Johnstown Flood of 1889, in which more than 2,200 people and much of the city were swept away by a deluge after a dam failed. The wealthy South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club had built the dam to create a private lake. Despite the failure due to poor construction and maintenance, neither the club nor its wealthy members would be held responsible. In the most prominent legal case brought against the club, the final verdict attributed the tragic deaths and destruction to an act of God.

Today, this explanation would be indefensible.

New way: government, industry, culture

After a tragedy, accounts now focus on assigning blame. I found that they also typically center on social blame, in which societal institutions such as the government, industry, civil society and even American culture are held responsible.

Social blame attributes harm to social forces, not individuals or God. And because some group or aspect of society is blamed, public tragedies involve political conflict.

Another reason public tragedies have become so politically consequential lies in a change in the contemporary American mindset.

Polls show that many Americans are experiencing fear and a deep sense of vulnerability to circumstances that feel beyond their control.

This mindset inspires sympathy for victims of tragic circumstance, especially when the harms they suffer are portrayed by political elites, the media and social activists as reflecting political failure and an unfair society. Political interests on both the left and right now routinely use claims of victimization to gain support and advantage.

George Floyds murder: A public tragedy

Take the story of George Floyd, killed in 2020 by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin.

Floyds murder provoked nationwide outrage as video footage of it circulated first on social media and then through sustained news media coverage. The news and social media story of Floyds death emphasized his innocence: As a Black man, he had suffered an unjustified death at the hands of the police.

This representation was unusual at the time. Standard coverage of such killings often focused on resistance to arrest, prior indiscretions or the victims criminal record, which implies individual responsibility. Stories regarding Floyds death did not emphasize these elements.

Nor did the stories suggest Floyds death was a necessary part of police fighting crime  another common feature of news accounts. Nor did stories emphasize that Chauvin was a rogue cop, which would have suggested his killing of Floyd was his responsibility alone.

Rather, the initial stories connected Floyds killing to police violence across the country, suggesting it was a common police behavior.

Thus, Floyds murder was quickly blamed on policing, gaining enormous public sympathy and notoriety  and, with this, political significance. It became a public tragedy, highlighting a set of societal conditions surrounding Floyds death in a way that few police killings of Black men had achieved.

The Johnstown Flood disaster in Pennsylvania on May 31, 1889, killed over 2,200 people after the South Fork Dam failed, causing 20 million tons of water to destroy the town. Historica Graphica Collection/Heritage Images/Getty Images

Good people brought low

In the past, Americans might have attributed Floyds killing to fate, bad luck, accident or his individual responsibility, which might have weakened public outrage.

Yet explanations of this kind are not as believable as they once were. Instead, the heartrending stories characteristic of public tragedies follow a routine storyline I call the trauma script. It is a stylized rendering that taps into American fears and vulnerabilities and prompts emotional response and moral panic.

The script centers on innocent victims harmed by unforeseeable, uncontrollable and unwarranted circumstances blamed on the actions or omissions of society.

In this telling, public tragedies convey a moral struggle in which good people are brought low by a bad society. This tragic struggle is not internal and personal but external and socially focused. Its a scenario in which bad things happen to good people who have no choice.

The public perception of trauma and loss and its underlying causes has, therefore, changed over time.

In an earlier era, Americans often justified hardship because it reflected the sacrifice necessary to get ahead. Now, a shift in sentiment reflects a change in view. Americans now focus on unjustified hardship caused by society. This reflects a cultural shift from a progress-centered worldview toward a risk-focused one.

Victimhood as a political identity

As Americans have become more aware of risks, they increasingly view them as reflecting political choices.

Whether the issue is climate change, energy sources, guns, sexual harassment, discrimination, policing, abortion or even free speech, these are now understood as involving decisions regarding risks that will benefit some and victimize others.

Politically, these have become zero-sum disputes, leading to political polarization among Americans and social distrust of American institutions.

Recent Pew surveys show that two-thirds of Americans believe other Americans have little or no confidence in the government or other citizens. Gallup, too, has shown that American confidence in the government and other major societal institutions has fallen to historic lows.

Growing American distrust of their fellow citizens and perception of an unfair government have also intensified political competition. Americans increasingly blame their political rivals for their hardships and show compassion only toward those who share their beliefs. This shift has also cultivated sympathy for claims of societal victimization and elevated victimhood as a political identity.

These conditions are the context within which public tragedies, as polarizing not unifying political events, have proliferated.

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: Thomas D. Beamish, University of California, Davis

Read more:



Thomas D. Beamish 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.
The intelligence community has determined that no foreign adversary has yet attempted to impede government efforts to carry out the 2024 election, even as they otherwise seek to amplify U.S. divisions.

Our assessment is that it would be very difficult for foreign actors to manipulate election processes at a large enough scale to impact the outcome of a federal election without detection, an official from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) told reporters Friday.

The call was the agencys first since Iran successfully hacked Trump campaign emails and also comes after the Justice Department announced a series of measures and indictments targeting Russian efforts to influence the election.

Iran has been more brazen this election, ramping up its own efforts.

Iran is making a greater effort than in the past to influence this years elections, even as its tactics and approaches are similar to prior cycles, ODNI noted in a report assessing election security 60 days ahead of the contest.

Tehran also has sought cyber access to individuals with direct ties to the presidential campaigns of both political parties while elements have also denigrated the former President.  Beyond attempts to hack and leak information, Iran is conducting covert social media operations using fake personas and using AI to help publish inauthentic news articles.

Russia, however, remains the predominant threat when it comes to efforts to influence the election, working to target a number of different races beyond the presidential race.

The scope and the scale of their activities are quite significant, an official said on the call. Russia is working up and down ballot races as well as spreading divisive issues.

They went on to describe them as fairly robust and quite practiced at doing this type of activity.

Officials also cautioned that the public should not take at face value Russian President Vladimir Putins claims he was backing Vice President Harris in the race.

The [intelligence community] does not take Putins public statements as representative of Russias covert intentions. There are many examples over the past several years where Putins statements do not align with Russian actions, for example his comments that he would not invade Ukraine, an ODNI official said.

Speaking at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok earlier this week, Putin expressed support for Harris as well as President Biden.

Our favorite, if you can call it that, was the current president, Mr. [Joe] Biden. But he was removed from the race, and he recommended all his supporters to support Ms. Harris. Well, we will do so  we will support her, Putin said. She laughs so expressively and infectiously that it means that she is doing well.

Officials pointed to a recent action by the Justice Department to seize 32 different websites used by Russia to sow division and push Russian viewpoints.

A dual-language internal planning document titled The Good Ol USA Project, shared by the Justice Department, stresses the need to secure Republican candidates, particularly former President Trump.

It also brought charges against two Russian citizens working for RT, formerly known as Russia Today, for partnering with a U.S. media company to hire influencers to spread other approved rhetoric.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
LEWIS CENTER, Ohio (WCMH)  Olentangy Liberty High School enhanced its safety protocols Friday after a student found a round of ammunition inside the school building.

In a message from Liberty principal Mike Starner, parents were assured there was no proof of a threat. Starner said a student alerted a teacher after finding a round of ammunition on the floor of a building staircase, and said that teacher immediately alerted administration and the schools resource officer.

Starner said there is no evidence of a threat to any individual or the school at large, but said extra patrols have been issued for the high school and nearby area to be safe, as has a threat assessment investigation. Classes continued on a normal schedule, and no lockdown was issued.

Building administration, the school SRO, the Delaware County Sheriffs Office (DCSO) and Olentangys safety and security team immediately enacted safety protocols and a threat assessment, the district said in a joint statement with DCSO. The DCSO is fully investigating the matter.

According to the sheriffs office, an investigation is ongoing, and no arrests have been made at this time. Starner said the district is grateful the student came forward, and encouraged students, staff and community members to always do the same. He said people can also report concerns via its Stay Safe. Speak Up! 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 NBC4 WCMH-TV.
By Nivedita Balu

TORONTO (Reuters) - Eight-time Grammy award winner Anderson .Paak hopes he "got it right" with his directorial debut "K-Pops," saying he did his best to reflect the two cultures that make up his identity as the son of a Korean mother and African American father.

"K-Pop," which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, is a coming-of-age film that tells the tale of BJ, a washed-up musician played by .Paak who takes a drumming gig on a South Korean reality show.

BJ soon discovers he is the father of one of the contestants on the show, an aspiring musician played by 13-year old Soul Rasheed, .Paak's son in real life.

"I hope we got it right. We did our best making sure both cultures are proud," .Paak said, walking the red carpet with his teenaged co-star on Saturday.

"I think it is a unique story that I got to tell it with my son and with my family. And it's coming from the heart. It's coming from a place of truth."

While helping his on-screen son in his musical career, BJ is tempted to use the teen to help revive his own reawakened quest for stardom. But in the end, he chooses parenthood as his top priority, and the bonds deepen between the long-lost father and son.

.Paak, who is also one half of the musical duo Silk Sonic along with Bruno Mars, said his movie, which was shot on location in South Korea, grew out of YouTube sketches he created with his son during the pandemic.

"It was an awesome experience and I want to do more," .Paak said, referring to their YouTube experiments. "I can't think of any better way to just hang out with my son, get some quality time and bonding."

.Paak co-wrote the screenplay with Khaila Amazan. The film also stars Yvette Nicole Brown, Jonathan "Dumbfoundead" Park, Jee Young Han and Kevin Woo.

(Reporting by Nivedita Balu and Omar Younis in Toronto; Editing by Frank McGurty and David Gregorio)
ANNANDALE, Va. (DC News Now)  Part of Little River Turnpike was closed Saturday due to a downed tree and wires.

In a post just before 3 p.m., the Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) said that crews had closed the eastbound lanes at Guinea Road to clear the tree.

Weather Flash: Saffir Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale

(Image courtesy of the Fairfax County Police Department)

As of 5:30 p.m., FCPD said that the road had reopened.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
BAMBERG COUNTY, S.C. (WJBF)  In recognition of the 23rd anniversary of 9/11, Denmark Fire Department will hold its 22nd annual 9/11 Remembrance Parade will take place this Sunday, Sept. 8.

According to Bamberg County Council, the parade will start at 2 p.m. at the Old Denmark-Olar School on 413 Legare Street in Denmark, S.C. The parade route spans approximately 45 and a half miles, connecting all five of Bamberg Countys municipalities.

We encourage Bamberg County citizens and leaders to join our First Responders to honor our brothers and sisters who gave the ultimate sacrifice on a day we must never forget, said Paul Eubanks, Fire Coordinator of Bamberg County.

ALSO ON WJBF: Tunnel to Towers 5K Run/Walk ceremony set for this Saturday

According to Eubanks, the annual parade began over two decades ago.

Anna Lee Jennings of the Denmark Fire Department Auxiliary organized the first 9/11 Remembrance Parade 22 years ago., he said. She is the Station Mom who does so much for us, and we cant thank her enough.

Light refreshments will be served at the Denmark Fire Station after the parade.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
An annular solar eclipse will put a 'ring of fire' above one of the most isolated spots on Earth: Easter Island

When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission.

Credit: Piriya Photography/Getty Images

Coming off the excitement of last April's Great North American Eclipse of the sun, many have asked when the next solar eclipse will take place. The answer to that question is Tuesday, Oct. 2, when an annular eclipse takes place.

This is the type of solar eclipse where the moon is a little too distant from Earth to cover the sun completely, leaving a ring of sunlight shining around the moon's silhouette; think of it as a "penny on nickel effect" with the penny representing the moon and the nickel the sun.

You may recall that last year, on Oct. 14 just such an eclipse swept across parts of the western and southern United States, as well as the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, Central America, southern Colombia and northern Brazil. Millions of people who lived within the path of annularity were able to watch (weather conditions permitting) as the sun morphed into a spectacular "ring of fire" for more than 5 minutes.

But for this upcoming annular solar eclipse on Oct. 2, things are going to be quite different. Unlike last year, where the path of the annular phase of the eclipse passed over many accessible population centers, to catch a view of this year's solar ring will prove to be quite a bit of a challenge.

That's because about 95 percent of the eclipse path will pass over open ocean waters.

a graphic showing the path of an eclipse through the south pacific ocean

A track over Oceania

The path of the eclipse producing this "ring of fire" effect, will begin at local sunrise at a spot over the central Pacific Ocean just to the north of the equator, about 1,000 miles (1,600 km) southwest of Honolulu.

Shortly thereafter, the moon's shadow will sweep first east, then in a southeast direction, across the equator and into the South Pacific Ocean, initially passing north of the island nation of Kiribati, then northeast of French Polynesia and the Pitcairn Islands. At the point of greatest eclipse, the annular phase will last for 7 minutes 24 seconds at an altitude of 69-degrees. Here, the eclipse path is 165 miles (265 km) wide.

Still, there will be thousands of individuals who are hoping to get a view of the ringed sun from perhaps one of the most isolated and remote spots on the face of the earth: the legendary and mystical Easter Island.

A map of the Oct. 2, 2024, annular solar eclipse

Fortuitously positioned

Easter Island, also known as Rapa Nui or Isla de Pascua, is a special territory of Chile. It is a breathtaking open-air museum and UNESCO World Heritage Site with much of the island protected within the Rapa Nui National Park. Fortuitously, it is also positioned almost directly within the path of the Moon's shadow on Sunday affording both natives and tourists the opportunity to witness a total solar eclipse.

The name "Easter Island" was given by the island's first recorded European visitor, the Dutch explorer Jacob Roggeveen, who encountered it on Easter Sunday, April 5, 1722, while searching for Davis or David's island. The island's official Spanish name, Isla de Pascua, is Spanish for "Easter Island." It is 2,200 miles (3,600 km) west of continental Chile and 1,290 miles (2,075 km) east of the Pitcairn Islands. Sala y Gomez, 260 miles (415 km) to the east, is closer but uninhabited. It is directly due south of Salt Lake City and directly due east of Brisbane, Australia; it is the easternmost and almost the southernmost island of the South Pacific.

Approximately 1,200 or 1,300 years ago a double-hulled canoe filled with seafarers from a distant culture landed at Easter Island. Over the centuries that followed a remarkable society developed in isolation on the island. For reasons still unknown they began carving giant statues out of volcanic rock. These enormous monuments, known as "moai," are some of the most incredible ancient relics ever discovered. At least 288 of these once stood upon massive stone platforms called ahu. There are some 250 of these ahu platforms spaced approximately one-half mile apart and they create an almost unbroken line around the perimeter of the island.

several dozen tall stone head statues stand on a lush green island under a colorful sunset

Another 600 moai statues, in various stages of completion, are scattered around the island, either in quarries or along ancient roads between the quarries and the coastal areas where the statues were most often erected. The average statue is 14 feet, 6 inches tall and weighs 14 tons. Depending upon the size of the statues, it has been estimated that between 50 and 150 people were needed to drag them across the countryside on sleds and rollers made from the island's trees.

Nearly 8,000 people live on this 64-square-mile (166-square-km) patch of hills and volcanoes. And yet, despite being the most remote inhabited island on Earth, tourism has boomed, going from 22,000 tourists in 2003 to 100,000 in 2024. And that number will likely continue to increase. With the opening of Mataveri Airport in 1967, travel to Easter Island from Chile and Tahiti became easy. A Boeing 787 Dreamliner flies from Santiago, Chile to Easter Island six times per week. The flight takes about five hours.

As seen from Easter Island, the moon will begin to move across the disk of the sun at 11:23 a.m. local time and at 1:04 p.m. an off-centered solar ring will form and will persist for about 6 minutes and 5 seconds. After the annular phase comes to a close, the moon will slowly progress off of the sun's disk with last contact coming at 2:52 p.m.

No comparison to a total eclipse

It should be stressed that while it is a most unusual phenomenon to witness, an annular solar eclipse falls far short of the type of spectacle that is provided by a total eclipse.

During a total eclipse, the sky darkens dramatically to something similar to what one would experience 30 or 40 minutes before sunrise or after sunset. The brighter stars and planets suddenly pop into view. Rimming the horizon are exotic colors of orange and saffron and surrounding the darkened sun is the incredible corona or outer atmosphere of the sun. It is only during this time of totality that you can gaze directly into the sun without harming your eyes.

But that is not the case during an annular eclipse.

You will need to protect your eyes at all times, even during the ring of fire phase. During annularity, roughly 87 percent of the total disk area of the sun will be obscured by the moon's dark silhouette. But the remaining 13 percent of the sun that remains in view will be bright enough to preclude sighting the corona, as well as any stars and planets. The overall illumination of the sky will become somewhat dimmer, but certainly nothing that resembles a sky at dawn or dusk. In short, comparing a total eclipse to an annular eclipse is literally like comparing night to day.

the sky darkens to a dusky dark blue during a solar eclipse

The home stretch, and then the finish

About 68 minutes later, the moon's antumbral ("negative shadow") shadow makes landfall in South America, taking 12 minutes to cross Patagonia, moving in from the Pacific over Parque Nacional Laguna San Rafael in Chile and exiting out over the South Atlantic at Canadon Once de Septiembre in Argentina. The path slides just to the north of the Falkland Islands and will leave the Earth's surface north of the South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands.

Where to see a partial solar eclipse

A partial solar eclipse will be visible at sunrise from the Hawaiian Islands, and during the afternoon hours over the southern two-thirds of South America. Listed below is a table providing the local times for the various stages of the eclipse as seen from Honolulu and seven selected South American cities. Where dashes are given indicates that the sun is below the horizon. "Mag." denotes the fraction of the sun's diameter that the moon's disk is covering at maximum eclipse.

As an example, from Honolulu, the maximum phase of the eclipse will occur at 6:45 a.m. Hawaii Standard Time. The magnitude is .586, which means that the dark disk of the moon will reach 58.6% across the disk of the sun.

Once again it needs repeating: to look at the sun without proper eye protection is dangerous. Even if you are in the path of the annular eclipse you will need to protect your eyes even during the "ring of fire" phase.

Coming attractions

On March 29, 2025 , a partial eclipse of the sun will be visible across much of Europe, northwest Africa, Greenland, Iceland, Atlantic Canada and portions of New England.

The next total eclipse of the sun will take place on Aug. 12, 2026 and will sweep south and east through eastern Greenland, western Iceland and northern Spain.

Joe Rao serves as an instructor and guest lecturer at New York's Hayden Planetarium . He writes about astronomy for Natural History magazine , the Farmers' Almanac and other publications.
Anti-Israel protesters taunt Jewish Baruch College freshmen about dead hostages, call them terrorists in sickening video

Anti-Israel protesters taunt Jewish Baruch College freshmen about dead hostages, call them terrorists in sickening video

Twisted anti-Israel protesters harassed Jewish Baruch College freshmen attending a welcome event this week, cruelly taunting them about the murder of six hostages by Hamas terrorists in Gaza, according to a disturbing video shared on Instagram.

Wheres Hersh, you ugly a bh? Go bring them home, one protester yelled at students, referring to Israeli-American Hersh Goldberg-Polin, 23, one of the six hostages killed by Hamas and found dead Aug. 31 in Gaza.

The new students were attending Hillels welcome dinner, which was held at the Mr. Broadway kosher restaurant in Midtown, where a mob of about a dozen screamed threats including, You aint going home tonight, according to a post from the student group.

Baruch Colleges Hillel student group shared a disturbing video of Jewish students being harassed by protesters at an off-campus event on Tuesday. Instagram @hillelatbaruch

Protesters in keffiyehs called Jewish students terrorists and genocide enablers at the event on Tuesday evening. Instagram @hillelatbaruch

Baruch Students for Justice in Palestine, which administrators say is not affiliated with the college, helped organize the hatefest, asking for support at the restaurant beforehand on Instagram, the Jewish Telegraphic agency reported.

The SJP chapter has called on CUNY to cut ties with Hillel International, which has 850 campus chapters, social media posts show.

The cowardly protesters  most wore keffiyeh scarves covering their heads and faces  chanted All Zionists are racists and CUNY, CUNY, you cant hide, you support genocide, repeating the left-wing lie that critics say ignores Hamas responsibility for starting the war.

One even flashed an upside-down triangle symbol, which has been used by Hamas terrorists to identify Israeli military targets.

Ilya Bratman, what do you say? How many kids did you kill today? the group also chanted, calling out Hillels executive director.

Hillel at Baruch, which serves nearly 2,000 Jewish students, said the ugly episode is the reality Jewish students are facing today on American college campuses.

At what should have been a warm welcome for our new students at our annual Welcome Back Dinner  we were met with hate instead, the group posted on Instagram.

Video showed one protester flashing an upside down triangle, which has been used by Hamas military wing to identify enemy targets in videos. Instagram @hillelatbaruch

Protesters yelled, They are genocide enablers at Jewish students outside of a Hillel event in Midtown. Instagram @hillelatbaruch

CUNY Chancellor Felix Matos Rodriguez said the university system is investigating the incident and will enforce disciplinary actions as appropriate.

I was deeply disappointed to learn demonstrators disrupted a Hillel welcome dinner for students from CUNY and universities across the City, turning an event designed to help freshmen acclimate to college life into a disruptive hate-filled display that has no place in our city, Rodriguez said in a statement.

The safety of everyone in our community remains our top priority, he added.

The incident is under investigation, according to CUNY officials. Instagram @hillelatbaruch

The school is outraged by the language used at the protest, a Baruch spokesperson said in a statement.

No arrests were made at the protest, which was dispersed by police, according to an NYPD spokesperson.
The Barrow County School Superintendent, Dr. Dallas LeDuff, announced Friday that all schools in the district would return to classes on Tuesday, with the exception of Apalachee High School.

The high school, one of two in the county, was the site of a mass shooting where four people died on Wednesday morning, when 14-year-old student Colt Gray attacked his fellow students and teachers.

In the wake of that tragedy, the community has come together to grieve and heal.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Mental health services are available in the county for those in need from the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency, which is setting up a Community Recovery Center at the Barrow Leisure Services Center on 2nd Street.

Services will be available from noon to 5 p.m. on Monday and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Tuesday to Friday, according to the superintendents letter.

RELATED STORIES:

Apalachee school shooting: Suspected shooter Colt Gray and father Colin Gray will remain in custody

Apalachee school shooting: 15-year-old girl shot in the shoulder identified as victim

Apalachee school shooting: GBI answers your frequently asked questions

You can read the full letter from Superintendent LeDuff below:

BCSS Family,

This last week has been an incredibly difficult time for all of us. We are still grieving but at the same time we must try our best to navigate this uncharted journey ahead together.

Please know your trust and your childrens safety remain at the heart of everything we do.

School will resume for all students, except for those at Apalachee High School, on Tuesday, Sep. 10. We believe we need to be together as soon as possible to move forward and to provide some sense of familiarity for our students.

For our Apalachee families, we will send a message to you separately with information about returning.

We know these are challenging times, and we are here for you. We will have extra support and security, including more law enforcement, at each of our schools.

Georgia Emergency Management is also setting up a Community Recovery Center at the Barrow Leisure Services Center (175 2nd St.) to offer you free resources and mental health services.

Monday, Sept. 9: Noon-5pm.

Tuesday, Sept. 10 through Friday, Sept. 13: 9am-5pm.

We are in this together, and as a community, we will continue to care for one another.

Dr. Dallas LeDuff, Superintendent, Barrow County School System

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]

IN OTHER NEWS:
Archery deer season: what you need to know

SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (WSAV)Georgias archery deer hunting season begins next Saturday, and heres what you need to know.

Saturday, Sept. 14 will be the first day of bow season for deer according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division (WRD).

The WRD said that last year, 85,000 archery hunters harvested 55,000 deer. Archery equipment can be used the entire 2024-2025 deer season statewide.

35th Annual Beach/River Sweep to take place on May River

Hunters heading out for archery season can begin filling their own freezers and then sharing any further abundance with the Georgia Hunters for the Hungry program, said state deer biologist Charlie Killmaster.

To reduce agricultural damage and help Georgia families in need of quality protein, Georgia DNR and Georgia Wildlife Federation (GWF) are expanding the Hunters for the Hungry Program this season. The GWF pays processors to process and package ground venison for food banks to donate Georgians in need.

We want to especially encourage those that hunt near crop fields to harvest extra antlerless deer to donate, Killmaster said. Not only will this help reduce potential agriculture damage but will also provide a healthy meat source to those in need. Archery season is also an ideal time to donate as deer processors can more easily handle the increased volume.

Dont have anywhere to hunt? Georgia WRD offers public access to nearly one million acres of hunting opportunity Hunters should check the current hunting regulations for specific WMA dates and information.

Hunting Need-to-Know:

Dates and harvest limits

State law allows hunters to harvest up to 10 antlerless deer, and no more than two antlered deer (with one of the two antlered deer having a minimum of four points, one inch or longer, on one side of the antlers or a minimum 15-inch outside antler spread).

For most hunters in the state, the deer season ends on Jan. 12. Check your countys regulations.

For counties with extended firearms or archery season, review the Georgia Hunting and Fishing Regulations 2024-25 guidebook.

Deer of either sex may be taken with archery equipment at any time on private land during the primitive weapons and firearms deer season.

Licenses

Georgia deer hunters must have a hunting license, a big game license and a current deer harvest record.

Licenses can be purchased online at GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com, by phone at 1-800-366-2661, or at a license agent (list of agents available online).

Report your harvest

All harvested deer must be reported through Georgia Game Check within 24 hours.

Deer can be reported on the Outdoors GA app which works regardless of cell service, at the Go Outdoors Georgia website, or by calling 1-800-366-2661.

We continue to ask hunters to help protect the Georgia deer herd from Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), Killmaster said, a fatal disease affecting deer. This disease has not been detected in our state and you can be instrumental in keeping it out. Do not bring live deer, whole carcasses or heads into Georgia, know what parts you can bring back from an out-of-state hunt, and report deer with any disease symptoms.

For more on deer hunting, including finding a game processor, viewing regulations and maps, check out the Georgia Wildlife 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 WSAV-TV.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro speaks at a press conference in the Miraflores presidential palace three days after his controversial re-election. Jeampier Arguinzones/dpa

Argentina has called on the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague to request an arrest warrant for Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

Following the presidential election on July 28, which was marred by accusations of widespread voter fraud, actions taken by Maduro's government could constitute crimes against humanity, the Argentinian Foreign Affairs Ministry said on Friday.

Argentina intends to push for the arrest warrant against Maduro and other members of his government with an official request to the court in The Hague on Monday, the ministry said.

Maduro, who has been in power since 2013, secured a third term in the disputed election after the the country's electoral authority - which is stacked with government loyalists - declared him the winner.

The government has not provided any concrete voter tallies to back up Maduro's win. The opposition claims victory for its candidate, 75-year-old former diplomat Edmundo Gonzalez, and has significant support from other countries in the region and the United States.

Since the vote, the police have cracked down on anti-Maduro demonstrators. The non-governmental rights organization PROVEA said 24 people have lost their lives so far.

In a significant escalation, Venezuela's attorney general's office said on Monday that an arrest warrant for Gonzalez had been issued.
Arguments are Monday in lawsuit that could upend Alaskas U.S. House ballot

(Getty Images)

A state judge will rule as soon as Monday whether a man imprisoned in New York state will remain a candidate for Alaskas lone U.S. House seat.

Eric Hafner, running as a Democrat, was the sixth-place finisher in Alaskas primary election for U.S. House. However, after two other candidates withdrew, he was promoted to the states final four in the November election, which will be conducted using ranked choice voting.

The Alaska Democratic Party filed suit on Thursday, arguing that Hafner, who was convicted of threatening public officials, isnt an eligible candidate under state law and the U.S. Constitution. The party requested an injunction that would require the Alaska Division of Elections to either run the U.S. House election with three candidates or promote the seventh-place finisher, Republican Gerald Heikes.

Getting that injunction will require that the partys attorneys prove that theyre likely to succeed on the merits of the case and that allowing Hafner to advance will cause greater harm than if hes replaced.

How Alaska votes

In Alaskas election system, all candidates for an office, regardless of political party, are placed in the same primary election. Voters pick one candidate, and the four candidates with the most votes advance to the general election.

In the general election, voters are asked to rank the candidates in order of preference, one through four, with a fifth option for a write-in, if wanted.

If a candidate receives more than half of the first-preference votes, they win.

If no one receives more than half of the first-preference votes, the lowest finisher is eliminated, and voters who picked that candidate have their votes go for their second preference.

The elimination process continues until one candidate has more than half of the remaining votes.

Presidential elections do not have a top-four primary. Voters in November may be asked to rank more than four candidates for president.

Anchorage Superior Court Judge Ian Wheeles has scheduled oral arguments in the case for 9 a.m. Monday morning after a whirlwind series of written arguments by attorneys representing the state and the Alaska Democratic Party.

The stakes are high: After Republican Nick Begich became the lone Republican in the race, Cook Political Report  a leading election forecaster  labeled the race a tossup between him and incumbent Democratic Rep. Mary Peltola.

Having a second Democrat in the race could cost Peltola some votes against Begich, which might be decisive in a close race, and the results of the race may be significant for control of the U.S. House of Representatives as a whole.

Time is a major factor. Federal law requires that ballots be mailed to international voters no later than Sept. 21. Before doing that, the state needs to finalize and print more than 3,500 ballots and test voting equipment with a draft ballot.

According to an affidavit signed by Alaska Division of Elections director Carol Beecher, a test ballot needs to be available by Wednesday in order to complete testing.

Among the Democratic Partys arguments is that the U.S. Constitution requires a candidate to be an inhabitant of the relevant state when elected, and because Hafner isnt scheduled for release from prison until 2036, that cannot happen.

But in an opposition brief filed Friday morning with the court, attorneys representing the Division of Elections say that the partys argument falls flat.

However unlikely these scenarios may be, the Court cannot say  particularly without evidence  whether Mr. Hafner might be released, pardoned, successful on appeal, or otherwise free to become an inhabitant of Alaska some other way, the brief stated.

Attorneys representing the state said that disqualifying Hafner ahead of time would amount to an additional restriction on who may run for U.S. House, something prohibited under federal caselaw.

Responding to the states filing, the partys attorneys said the prospect of Hafners release is a fanciful projection.

There is no evidence that Mr. Hafner has sought a pardon or that there is any proceeding that could possibly result in his release in the next two months, they wrote.

In addition to the constitutional issue, the partys attorneys are arguing that the plain language of state law allows the Division of Elections to promote only the fifth-place finisher in cases when a candidate withdraws from the top four.

Responding on Friday, attorneys for the state said that the party is misreading state law and that a candidate becomes a fifth-place finisher when the previous fifth-place finisher gets promoted following a withdrawal.

The partys attorneys previously argued that Hafners candidacy was also invalid under state law because he had listed the address of a mail-forwarding company, rather than his residence, when registering as a candidate.

They dropped that argument on Friday after the Division of Elections shared a copy of Hafners registration form, which included an address. The mail-forwarding companys address was only listed on the election pamphlet.

If the partys attorneys convince Wheeles that Hafner is not an eligible candidate, they must also convince him that the harm caused by removing Hafners name from the ballot is less than the harm from keeping it.

Mr. Hafners presence on the ballot would complicate Plaintiffs efforts to reelect Congresswoman Peltola, because it will confuse voters by presenting them with a candidate, putatively a Democrat, who Plaintiffs do not support and who would not be entitled to serve if elected, the partys attorneys wrote.

The state is arguing that the limited time available for ballot printing means that the election itself could be delayed if a redesign is needed.

Thats far-fetched, the partys attorneys argued in writing on Friday, noting that the states first mailings are two weeks away, that those ballots are printed in-house, and that the division needed just three days to finalize the ballot design after the primarys certification on Sept. 1.

Wheeles decision, expected on Monday, may not be the final word. Regardless of his decision, it could be appealed to the Alaska Supreme Court on an emergency expedited basis, with a final determination later in the week.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A 42-year-old Golden Valley, Arizona, man faces an attempted murder charge after a shooting Thursday morning, according to the Mohave County Sheriffs Office (MCSO).

Larry James Meyer was arrested and booked into the Mohave County Adult Detention Facility in Kingman on charges of attempted second-degree murder, possession of a weapon by a prohibited person and failure to register as a sex offender. Meyer also had an active arrest warrant at the time.

The victim of the shooting, who was not identified by police, was transported to Kingman Regional Medical Center, and then to a Las Vegas hospital where officials said he is stable. He had multiple gunshot wounds, according to MCSO officials.

Meyer was arrested after an investigation determined he fled the scene of the shooting, which was in the area of Naco Road and Shinarump Drive. MCSO officials said the victim of the shooting was taken to Arizona Department of Transportation employees, who notified the sheriffs office.

Deputies and detectives located Meyer at a residence in the 1600 block of Eloy Road and began giving commands for him to come out of the residence. Meyer was taken into custody without incident a short time later.

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 KLAS.
Arkansas Department of Education gets $3.6 million grant to improve educator skills

LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  The Arkansas Department of Education will use a multi-million dollar federal grant to improve and expand educator skills.

The $3.6 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education is designated to empower educators to use data to improve instruction and student learning. Recipients will use their training to develop and implement assessment methods to measure progress.

Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders encourages schools to join phone-free mental health pilot program

ADE officials said the grant will support specific programs:

partner with select districts to pilot new teaching & assessment practices;

develop professional learning that empowers educators to interpret & use test data to guide instruction and learning;

strengthen collaboration among educators who use & share data;

expand the program statewide; and

create micro-credentials in data & assessment literacy that educators can add to their licenses.

ADE Secretary Jacob Oliva said the grant comes at an important time.

We are pleased to receive this grant to improve data literacy among educators in Arkansas, Oliva said. As we prepare to release test scores next month from the new assessment administered this spring, the grant will help us provide ongoing support to educators to assist with understanding the results and using them to guide student learning.

Arkansas Department of Education adds 11 schools to EAST initiative

Officials said Arkansas was one of the 10 states to receive the grant from the Department of Educations Competitive Grants for State Assessment Programs 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 KARK.
Democrat Erika Askeland (left) and Republican State Sen. Dan Sullivan (center) of Jonesboro had their first of three debates, moderated by Arkansas State University Political Science Department Chair Dr. Cameron Wimpy (right), at ASU's First National Bank Arena on Friday, September 6, 2024. (Tess Vrbin/Arkansas Advocate)

JONESBORO  After almost an hour of debating Arkansas State Sen. Dan Sullivan, Erika Askeland was fed up.

Ive never had a man try to put so many words in my mouth in one sitting, said the Democrat running to unseat Sullivan, a Republican who has represented much of Jonesboro in the state Legislature since 2015.

Throughout the debate, the first of three planned in advance of the November election, Sullivan touted his support for income tax cuts and school vouchers, reiterated his disapproval of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and accused Askeland of running against state policy.

He also said he hoped to contrast his views and Askelands, claiming that the state and local progressive Democrat caucus is targeting this race as a place to gain a foothold in our community.

Askeland, a third-grade teacher in the Brookland School District, said she is vying for the District 20 Senate seat to give you someone to vote for instead of focusing on who Im running against.

The candidates traded barbs and answered audience questions about issues that Sullivan has made his legislative priorities, including anti-DEI laws, public library funding and transgender youths ability to socially and medically transition.

Public demand for debate attendance exceeded the space available at the Jonesboro Regional Chamber of Commerce building, so the venue changed this week to Arkansas State Universitys First National Bank Arena, said Andrea Allen, chairwoman of NEA Political Animals, the nonpartisan group hosting the debate.

The group has only changed a debate venue one other time: in 2014, when Republican Tom Cotton was about to unseat incumbent Democratic U.S. Sen. Mark Pryor, Allen said.

This is the largest crowd weve had in 10 years, and its great to see so many people interested in whos running for office and what they stand for, she said. Its an important race, and there are clear policy differences between the two [candidates], so there are no excuses for people who are not informed on the issues.

Thats what our Constitution says: all people are created equal If were going to provide special or preferential treatment based on certain characteristics, at what point does that end?

 Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Jonesboro

The race has caught the attention of District 20 voters because Jonesboros tired of this guy who cant shut the hell up, said Askelands campaign manager, Dean MacDonald, referring to Sullivan.

On the flip side, you have people in this community that are genuinely excited to see a public educator and mother of six put this man in his place and take him to class, said MacDonald, 1st Congressional District Director of the Young Democrats of Arkansas.

Republican leaders in Craighead County could not be reached for comment for this article.

Sullivan served three terms in the House of Representatives before he was elected to the Senate in 2020. He is a former school principal and teacher, and his biography on the Arkansas Legislatures website says he also worked in the healthcare industry.

Steven Summers, a scientist who wore a protective mask to the debate, said he was concerned about Sullivans opening statements. The senator called gender-affirming healthcare for transgender minors mutilation and denounced COVID-19 safety measures such as masks and social distancing.

At what point do we stop relying on facts when were trying to make legislation? Summers said. Why are we going back to feelings even though the evidence is not in our favor?

Sullivan claimed former state Health Secretary Jose Romero said safety measures did not mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Arkansas, particularly in schools.

Askeland said this is a lie. Romero publicly supported masks and vaccines to protect children from the coronavirus.

I often tell my third-grade students and my own children: Mean what you say, say what you mean, and then sometimes simply keep your mouth closed, Askeland said.

Should we follow the Constitution? Absolutely. Should we bend it to the whims of our desires so that we can retain power? No, we should not.

 Erika Askeland, Democratic candidate for Arkansas Senate District 20

Education and DEI

An audience member asked both candidates if they believe teachers have an obligation to inform parents if their child asks to be called by a name and pronouns that do not match the name and gender on the childs birth certificate. Sullivan voted for a 2023 state law that requires parental permission for children to go by different names and pronouns at school and forbids negative consequences for teachers who dont comply with such permission.

Askeland said she follows state law in the classroom regardless of whether she agrees with it but sees the question as a non-issue.

Sullivan disputed this and claimed Askeland supports allowing preteen girls to have double mastectomies without parental permission, a comment that drew a negative response from the audience.

Arkansas medical professionals who treat transgender minors have said they do not give referrals for transition-related surgeries.

Askeland said this has never come up in her 23 years as a teacher and questioned whether Sullivans 30-plus years of education experience were actually spent in a classroom.

I trust my administrators, I trust the teachers that I work alongside and I trust the parents to do what is best for their own child, not Dan Sullivan, she said, receiving applause from the audience.

Askeland also decried the right-wing talking point that teachers indoctrinate students and said the real problem facing education is a lack of sufficient funding. She said the Education Freedom Account voucher program created by the Arkansas LEARNS Act, a 2023 education overhaul law, worsened the issue by directing public funds to private schools.

We now have a funnel where private schools have raised their tuition, and when that takes place, we have drained the funds from 95% of the children that we aim to serve, that are sitting hungry in our state, Askeland said, citing a U.S. Department of Agriculture report released Wednesday that said Arkansas has the highest prevalence of food insecurity in the nation.

Thats unacceptable, and we deserve better, she continued.

Sullivan said school vouchers primarily help children with disabilities who do not get the services they need in public schools.

Of those participating in the first semester of the Education Freedom Account program last year, 44% of students had a disability, 31% were first-time kindergarteners and less than 5% were previously enrolled in a public school. The first year of the voucher program specifically targeted children with disabilities and kindergarteners. It will expand to include any interested students in its third year.

Additionally, Sullivan earlier this week renewed his vow to sponsor legislation next year to eliminate DEI programs at Arkansas colleges and universities.

He sponsored a 2023 bill that would have eliminated affirmative action at state institutions, including higher education. Askeland reminded the audience that the bill died on the House floor after bipartisan opposition.

An audience member asked what each candidate considers freedom, especially for women and minorities.

We [lawmakers] take an oath to God to treat everybody equally, Sullivan said. Thats what our Constitution says: all people are created equal If were going to provide special or preferential treatment based on certain characteristics, at what point does that end?

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX

Askeland said her teaching experience has shown her that not everyones lived experience is equal, especially the experiences of women and minorities compared to groups with long historical entitlements.

Should we follow the Constitution? Absolutely, she said. Should we bend it to the whims of our desires so that we can retain power? No, we should not.

In response, Sullivan said, Ms. Askeland just overruled the Supreme Court, referring to the 2023 U.S. Supreme Court decision that struck down the use of affirmative action in college admissions.

Libraries and taxes

Another audience member asked if libraries or state agencies ever have too much revenue and need less taxpayer support, referencing the successful 2022 effort to cut the property tax that funds Craighead Countys libraries in half.

Supporters claimed the library system was overfunded. It has since laid off staff and reduced its hours to adjust to the funding cut.

Sullivan supported the cut, while Askeland said she deeply opposed it and will do everything to restore the librarys previous funding.

Sullivan was the primary sponsor of Act 372 of 2023, which would alter Arkansas libraries processes for reconsidering material and create criminal liability for librarians who distribute content that some consider obscene or harmful to minors.

A federal judge temporarily blocked two sections of the law in July 2023 before it went into effect, and the case is scheduled for trial in October. One of the 18 plaintiffs is the Arkansas Library Association (ArLA), a nonprofit trade association that Sullivan threatened to defund last year.

ArLA receives no state funds, and Askeland pointed out that Sullivan has sometimes conflated the group with the national organization, the American Library Association.

Hes on record not knowing the difference of who makes the rules and who he has any kind of power over, [but] he does like to exert that power, Askeland said.

Regarding funding for state agencies, Askeland said the income tax cuts that Republican lawmakers have supported benefit only high earners, not members of the middle class.

Sullivan claimed increasing funding for education and hunger relief would result in decreasing funding for state agencies such as the departments of Corrections or Human Services.

Where do you take the money from? he said. I bet shed even take funding from the police and put it into education. You havent heard anything specific about that, although if you look at her Facebook page, youll find those answers. The words Ive put in [her] mouth come from her mouth.

Askeland said she had no problem with people visiting her campaigns Facebook page to become familiar with her views. She also said she would represent people who disagree with her, including Sullivan, if she wins.

For a 70-something-year-old man to fixate so heavily on social media, instead of the policies that he is supposed to be employing to better the lives of Arkansans, shows me that I did the right thing by filing [to run for office] last November, Askeland, who is 45, said in an interview after the debate.

The two candidates are scheduled to debate again on Sept. 20 and Oct. 10.

CORRECTION: An earlier version of this article misstated Dean MacDonalds position with the Young Democrats of Arkansas.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
1. Yes. They look better and require less maintenance. Most high-end housing areas have them.

2. Yes. Wood fences can weather and look unsightly, plus masonry walls help to block sound.

3. No. Residents should have a choice of what kind of barriers are put up near their homes.

4. No. Allowing a variety of materials will be better for aesthetics, and costs may be lower.

5. Unsure. Its hard to say. Masonry walls may be sturdier, but mandating them is problematic.

Vote

View Results
Hello, its the weekend. This is The Weekender 

If Trumps sentencing hearing happens on its new date of November 26, well know a few things.

One, well know how Merchan ruled on Trumps motion to dismiss. The Supreme Court, Trumps attorneys have argued, held in the Trump immunity decision that official presidential acts cant be used as evidence in cases involving private wrongdoing. Two Trump officials  Hope Hicks and Madeleine Westerhout  testified about actions that took place in the White House. Merchan said he would rule on the motion to dismiss on Nov. 12. If he declines to dismiss, that clears the way for Trumps sentencing.

Two, well have the relief of knowing who won the Presidential election. Trump as a defeated candidate being sentenced would obviously look very different from a President-elect being sentenced in state court.

All that leaves Merchans path forward unanswered. Assuming he declines to dismiss the case, hell have around three weeks between the election and sentencing. Ive seen some commentators suggesting already that means a sentence of incarceration is more likely: Merchan, the thinking goes, would not want to sentence Trump to jail time before the election, Others say that it means Merchan will be more likely to dismiss the case as per the Supreme Court ruling: after all, he cited his need to comply with the ruling extensively in his letter delaying the sentencing.

As Merchan himself wrote, the case is unique in American history. Its impossible to predict what he is going to do.

 Josh Kovensky

Heres What Else TPM Has On Tap This Weekend

Kate Riga shares some chilling insights from her coverage of the status conference hearing in Jack Smiths Jan. 6 insurrection case this week.

Khaya Himmelman checks in on Trump toady Stephen Miller, who is bringing Trumps manufactured non-citizen voting hysteria to Arizona because the states Democratic officials wont do it for him.

Emine Yucel tracks the backlash thats hit Tucker Carlson this week, after he hosted a Holocaust denier on his show.

Emine Yucel breaks down Matt Gaetz and Kevin McCarthys ongoing, childish feud.

Lets dig in.

 Nicole Lafond

Returning To Chutkans Courtroom For What Could Be A Mock Trial

Its been almost a year; you look rested, quipped Judge Tanya Chutkan.

Life was almost meaningless without you, grinned Trump attorney John Lauro in response.

And thus restarted Special Counsel Jack Smiths long-stalled case against Donald Trump for his role in the Jan. 6 insurrection, once considered the most serious case against the ex-President, now successfully delayed by the Supreme Court until well after the election. And if Trump wins, hell put an end to it promptly.

Trumps lawyers returned to the D.C. courthouse Thursday with a clear message: The Supreme Court is on our side, and you should all act like it. Lauro complained about the procedural finagling, bemoaning a rush to judgment in his attempt to string out the case as long as possible.

This case has been pending for over a year; were hardly sprinting to a finish here, Chutkan responded. Whatever my ruling on immunity is, its going to be appealed and the taking of that appeal will stay the case. No one here is under any illusion that we are sprinting towards any trial date.

Chutkan will now have to wrestle with the Supreme Courts vague dictates about which charges get immunity, and which dont (or, she could go Lauros much simpler route and just dismiss the case right off the bat, something she seems disinclined to do, based on her scheduling order).

At times, as I watched the proceeding from the cold and overlit media room, I felt like I was watching some academic exercise. All these fancy lawyers, this esteemed judge, were going through the motions in a case everyone knows could have a two-month shelf life. That that reality is banal, conventional knowledge  and also undemocratic, dictatorial, lawless  made it all the more chilling.

 Kate Riga

Stephen Miller Take It Upon Himself To Elevate Trumps Non-Citizen Voting Lies in Arizona

On Wednesday, former Trump adviser Stephen Millers legal group, American First Legal, filed a lawsuit against all 15 Arizona County recorders over their supposed failure to prevent non-citizens from voting in the state. This lawsuit comes against the backdrop of a larger effort by red state Republicans who, in the last several months, have breathed new life into the myth of widespread non-citizens voting, by advertising the removal of supposed thousands of non-citizens from the voter rolls.

This lawsuit seeks to restore public trust in our States electoral system by holding the Defendants accountable for their failures and to ensure that the list maintenance required by the lawand common senseis performed, the lawsuit reads.

It is illegal for noncitizens to vote in federal elections  and it is something that rarely happens. According to Arizona law, if voters register to vote with federal registration forms, they do not need to provide documentary proof of citizenship. Election officials, however, are required to reject state voter registration forms if voters using them do not provide documentary proof of citizenship. The lawsuit argues that because voters dont need proof of citizenship when using federal forms to register, non-citizens are able to register to vote in Arizona.

America First Legal will do everything in its power to fight mass illegal alien voting and foreign interference in our democracy, Miller said in a statement.

Last month, in a partial win for Arizona Republican lawmakers, the Supreme Court upheld part of an Arizona law requiring proof of citizenship when registering to vote using a state-created form. The court rejected the GOP effort to require proof of citizenship for federal forms too.

In July, America First Legal sent letters to the 15 Arizona counties, threatening them with legal action if they did not take action to remove supposed non-citizens from the voter rolls, without providing evidence that non-citizens are on the rolls.

Trump and his allies have been elevating the myth of non-citizen voting for months, creating distrust in the election system and setting up a scenario where Trump and his allies have something to blame if they lose in the fall.

It is feeding the disinformation that this is a problem, which obviously has become a talking point of the Trump campaign and frankly other political campaigns, Alice Clapman, senior counsel in the Brennan Centers Voting Rights Program, previously told TPM.

 Khaya Himmelman

It Is What It Is: Trump-Vance Campaign Shrugs Off Tucker Carlsons Anti-Semitism

Former Fox News anchor Tucker Carlson has been under scrutiny this week over an interview he did with holocaust denier Darryl Cooper. During the interview in question, Cooper suggested that Nazi Germanys mass murder of Jewish people was an accident and that the millions who were systematically murdered just ended up dead at concentration camps because of poor planning.

As you can imagine, the interview was sharply condemned by many, including conservatives who have a history of brushing off and embracing right-wing personalities and politicians who have used antisemitic tropes, or associate with those who have. Remember when Trump dined with white supremacist Nick Fuentes at Mar-a-Lago?

Giving a microphone to a Holocaust denier who spreads Nazi propaganda is a disgusting and sadistic insult to all Americans, to the memory of the over 6 million Jews who were genocidally murdered by Adolf Hitler, to the service of the millions of Americans who fought to defeat Nazism, and to every subsequent victim of antisemitism, White House senior deputy press secretary Andrew Bates said in a Thursday statement.

Didnt expect Tucker Carlson to become an outlet for Nazi apologetics, but here we are, right-wing pundit Erick Erickson wrote on X.

But it seems the Trump-Vance campaign did not get the memo.

Turns out, Sen. JD Vance (R-OH) pre-recorded an interview with Carlson on Thursday hours after the White House criticized the host for featuring Cooper on his show. And the cherry on top: Vance is scheduled to appear as a guest of Carlsons during a live speaking tour later this month.

Not ideal timing. But it is what it is, a Trump campaign official said.

 Emine Yucel

Words Of Wisdom

Idk if the book is any good but the cover is a banger.

Idk if the book is any good but the cover is a banger pic.twitter.com/P5s2pQO04Y  Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) September 5, 2024

Thats Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) reveling in his endless bad blood with former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA).

The feud between Gaetz and McCarthy has deep roots. If youve forgotten about arguably one of the most chaotic times up on the Hill in recent memory, a refresher: Gaetz was, of course, the one who filed the motion to vacate that led to McCarthys ousting as speaker.

The MAGA congressman had a laundry list of reasons as to why he led the pack that ousted the former speaker but a big one involved him being angry with McCarthy for not putting a stop to the House Ethics Committee investigation into allegations that he had sex with a minor in 2017. And Gaetz reportedly blamed McCarthy for the revival of the investigation.

Gaetz has denied that allegation but earlier this year McCarthy spilled the tea, saying the motion to vacate was surely based on Matt Gaetz trying to stop an ethics complaint.

Shortly after his ouster, McCarthy left Congress. But since then the former speaker and his allies have made a concerted effort to recruit Republican challengers to run against those who voted to dethrone him. Gaetz was undoubtedly in that mix. McCarthy endorsed his challenger Aaron Dimmock ahead of Floridas Republican primary this summer and a super PAC with deep ties to the McCarthy world put some serious financial muscle into trying to sink Gaetzs reelection bid.

That attempt by McCarthy was unsuccessful, but the school yard feud appears to be alive and well.

 Emine Yucel
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  The attorney for the man who attacked a Las Vegas judge said his clients decision to plead guilty but mentally ill reflects both the seriousness of the case and his mental health struggles.

Deobra Redden, 31, pleaded guilty but mentally ill Thursday after Judge Mary Kay Holthus and her law clerk testified in his attempted murder trial. As part of the guilty plea, a different judge could sentence Redden to at least three years in prison.

As the 8 News Now Investigators first reported on Jan. 3, Redden, a three-time felon, was in Holthus courtroom for sentencing on a charge of attempted battery with substantial bodily harm. As Holthus was sentencing Redden, he dove over the bench and attacked her.

We deeply respect the pain and trauma experienced by Judge Holthus, and we continue to express our utmost sympathy for her and her family, Reddens attorney, Carl Arnold, said in a statement Friday. At the same time, we are committed to ensuring that Mr. Redden receives the appropriate legal and medical support he needs to address his mental health challenges. This plea reflects a delicate balance between accepting responsibility for a regrettable incident and recognizing the impact of Mr. Reddens untreated mental illness at the time.

Arnold also thanks the prosecutors for their professionalism and willingness to negotiate this difficult criminal matter.

Reddens plea means he acknowledges what he did and the role his mental health played in it, Arnold said.

Deobra Redden, 31, appears in court on Sept. 5, 2024. (KLAS)

In court Wednesday, Arnold said his client did not intend to kill Holthus. Arnold said the jump lasted 3.7 seconds. He also said Redden was not on the medication prescribed to him during several months in a mental institution leading up to the January hearing before Holthus.

Holthus sentenced Redden a week after the attack as the interrupted hearing continued. Before sentencing Redden to 19-48 months in prison, Holthus said she did not modify or change her decision on his sentence because of the attack.

Under Nevada law, defense lawyers must prove their client is mentally ill when pleading guilty to the stipulation. The language means a judge could add mental health treatment as part of sentencing.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV)  It has been almost four months since the mass shooting that injured 11 people in Ellis Square.

In those four months, the State of Georgia has been building a case against six people they believe are responsible for the violence, and now formal indictments have been filed.

Savannah criminal defense attorney Dennis OBrien of OBrien Law Firm tells News 3 he believes the state may have a difficult time prosecuting the cases against William Mitchell, Ericque Street, Cazare Cooper, Samira Kenny, Jacorey Porter, and Omarre Harris because although they are listed the defendants in the 19 page indictment, all except Street are named as victims.

Reading the indictment, defendant Street and the rest of the defendants are all charged with shooting at defendant Mitchell, and a lot is going to come down to whats on video, says OBrien.

The states biggest hurdle, he says, is the defendants abilities to claim self defense in what appears to be a shootout.

Lets just charge everybody and see what sticks. Lets just throw it up against the wall and let a jury figure it out, says OBrien, The problem is that everybody can make a self defense claim because there appears to be an exchange of gunfire. Who fired first? If youre shot at in the state of Georgia you can shoot back.

Jordan Jones, who was arrested as a suspect and denied bond in June, is not facing charges. Instead, he is named in the indictment as a victim along with Messiah McCoy and an unidentified man.

The three other alleged victims, a lot would depend upon their testimony, says OBrien, but otherwise, they are all victims against each other. Theres two things to do, you can just say prove it or claim self defense.

Although OBrien says he believes the case could be an uphill battle for the state, he says they are equipped with a capable team of prosecutors.

The ADA on the case is very capable, says OBrien, Lyle Burnham is a top notch prosecutor, but he has a tough row to hoe.

News 3 has reached out to the office of Chatham County District Attorneys Shalena Cook Jones, and are scheduling a time to speak with her about the indictments.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
(NewsNation)  Police and residents of an apartment complex in the Denver suburb of Aurora, Colorado, say a Venezuelan street gang has not gained control over the buildings, despite recent local and national media reports.

This allegation, which was also amplified by former President Donald Trump during a Fox News town hall, started after video footage surfaced of a group of men carrying guns at The Edge at Lowry apartments. Residents of the Edge, however, said at a press conference this week that this video has been taken out of context.

While a NewsNation correspondent did confirm that the individuals in the video were members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, which has a presence in Aurora, interim Police Chief Heather Morris said they have not taken over the complex.

Camp Pendleton Marine no longer considered missing person: military base

Instead, property managers are using the activity to get out of maintaining the apartment, residents say, and its them who need to be held accountable.

They are trying to put us all in one group, all in one bag, one resident said at a press conference this week. They are trying to say that here there are delinquents, there are criminals. Here, theres moms, theres families.

NewsNation local affiliate KDVR previously reported on conditions two weeks ago. Mountains of trash could be found outside the property after not being picked up for weeks. Those living at The Edge showed KDVR bedbugs and mice in glue traps that have gone untreated, even after being reported.

Trump makes fourth trip to critical swing state North Carolina

The city of Aurora has taken legal action against Zev Baumgarten with New York-based CBZ Management, which is in charge of The Edge. When NewsNation spoke with the mayor of Aurora, he backed up residents claims, saying the management company has done this before.

CBZ didnt immediately return a telephone call seeking comment from The Associated Press.

Residents now say they want the narrative about the building to change, especially as some have gotten racist messages calling them animals and violent threats. Some people even came to the complex with signs saying, Were going to take Aurora back, KDVR wrote.

NewsNation local affiliate KDVR and 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 NewsNation.
How the Balkans region grappled with the hottest summer in more than a century

A man collects mud that is used in medical therapy from the Rusanda salty lake that has dried out completely, near Melenci, Serbia, Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024. Experts say the summer of 2024 in the Balkans was the hottest since measurements started more than 130 years ago. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

BELGRADE, Serbia (AP)  Jelena Popovic normally loves summer and all it brings along, including the hot weather. But this year it was just too much.

This summer was too hot, you couldn't walk in the city. It was only pleasant when you swim," said Popovic, a resident of Belgrade, Serbia's capital. It was like a tropical summer, like we live in Africa and not in Europe."

This was true for much of the Balkans, a region in southeast Europe that is used to hot summers but where this one broke previous records with repeated heat waves and almost a totally dry July and August.

Experts say the summer of 2024 in the Balkans was the hottest since measurements started more than 130 years ago. Long periods with temperatures above 30 C (86 F) that didn't fall below 20 C (68 F) overnight have pushed average temperatures to new highs, meteorologists explained.

Summer normally means exchange of hot days with high temperatures and then a break after five to six days with rain and thunderstorms, Serbian meteorologist Nedeljko Todorovic said. But this happened only in June. Practically entire July and August had no rain while high temperatures persisted.

Climate scientists say that global warming caused mostly by burning fossil fuels has led to warmer temperatures, with the world recently experiencing 13 consecutive monthly heat records.

European climate service Copernicus reported on Friday that the summer of 2024 also was Earths hottest on record, making it even more likely that this year will end up as the warmest humanity has measured.

Southeast Europe was trapped this summer under a subtropical warm air mass from Western Africa and the Mediterranean Sea area, said Goran Pejanovic, from Serbias Hydrometeorological Service.

We had four heat waves ... the most intense one in July lasted from July 5-21, for almost three weeks without a drop of rain, he said. Overall, this summer in Serbia was 3.3 degrees warmer than average, he added.

In Slovenia, an Alpine nation bordering Austria and Italy, average summer temperatures were up by 2.5 degrees compared to the period before 2020, according to the country's Environmental Agency.

The summer in Slovenia passed without cooler periods that are normal for the mountainous country, the report said. Record high temperatures weren't found in the lowlands, but rather at higher altitudes in the Julian Alps while temperatures throughout the country remained above 30 C (86 F) in early September.

All records were broken in Bosnia as well when it comes to the number of very warm nights and days. These tripled in some areas compared to last year, which held a previous record, said Bakir Krajinovic, from Bosnias Hydrometeorological Institute.

Neighboring Croatia reported the highest ever recorded temperatures of the Adriatic Sea, which also reached 30 C (86 F) in some areas.

Last year previously was the hottest year on record globally, as human-caused climate change and the naturally occurring weather phenomenon El Nino, which warms parts of the Pacific, combined to reach sweltering highs.

Heat waves are hotter, longer and more frequent, and some parts of the world are also experiencing longer and more frequent droughts. The world has warmed on average around 1.2 degrees Celsius (2.2 Fahrenheit) since preindustrial times.

Hot weather in the Balkans has dried out rivers in Bosnia and Serbia, caused raging forest fires in Croatia, North Macedonia and Albania, shriveled crops and scorched farmland throughout the region.

Increasingly hot nights mean peoples bodies, as well as animals and plants, cant cool down to deal with the day time. This is even more extreme in big cities where concrete buildings radiate heat at night that accumulated during the day.

Meteorologists in Montenegro said that temperatures overnight in some towns were as high as 29 C (84 F).

While good for the tourism industry along Albania's coastline, the very hot summer was bad for agriculture and power production. Almost 98% of Albanias power comes from hydropower stations that were crippled by monthslong drought.

North Macedonia struggled with around 2,000 forest fires in the past three months, three times more than in 2023. The fires destroyed tens of thousands of acres of forests. Emergency official Stojanche Angelov warned that "it is not over yet ... if it doesn't rain soon, we will have wildfires until November.

Dozens of villages and towns in Serbia faced drinking water restrictions because of the drought. Soldiers brought up water tanks to mountains in the southwest of the country for thirsty cattle and horses.

Up north, the Rusanda salty lake, whose mud is used in medical therapy, dried out completely, turning into a moon-like gray surface. Jovica Mudric, from the local medical center, said they had to pour water from tanks in order to make mud for patients.

It's not the first time this happened, but never like this year, he said. I know everyone likes summer but we could use some rain."

___

Konstantin Testorides in Skopje, North Macedonia, Llazar Semini in Tirana, Albania, Sabina Niksic in Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Predrag Milic in Podgorica, Montenegro, contributed to this report.
Bank of America Stadium to welcome early voters this fall

Voters will once again be able to vote at Bank of America Stadium as the stadium will be an early voting location this fall.

ALSO READ: Bank of America Stadium set to host Dukes Mayo Classic

Other early voting locations will include Bojangles Coliseum, UNC Charlottes Cone Center and the SouthPark Regional Library.

In person early voting starts on Oct. 17.

(WATCH BELOW: Big 22: West Meck edge rusher Elijah Littlejohn)
For the first time this year, a bat has tested positive for rabies in Whatcom County.

The Whatcom County Health and Community Services Department sent out an alert Wednesday to inform the public.

Bats are the primary carrier of rabies in Washington State. Between 3-10% of bats submitted for testing in Washington State are found to have rabies, the alert states.

If you are ever bitten by a bat, health officials say to clean the site with soap and water and call your healthcare provider right away.

The rabies virus attacks the nervous system, according to health officials, and once symptoms appear, the disease is nearly always deadly. However, the health department says rabies in humans is 100% preventable if a vaccine is given quickly after a bite or scratch.
BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)  The current teacher shortage has forced school districts to come up with creative ways to fill classrooms. Bay District schools decided to fill some of those vacancies with people already on campus.

Amanda Sulpher began her education career as a paraprofessional, with some college. When Bay district schools came up with the scholars program, she decided to take advantage of it and complete her degree.

I mean going back to school this late in my life. It was a big step and honestly, financially without this I would have not been able to do it. And this in this timely type manner, West Bay Elementary math teacher Amanda Sulpher said.

The scholar program allows district employees the opportunity to further their education without having to compromise.

Bay Chamber recognizing Industry Appreciation Month

With a nationwide shortage of teachers, the program focuses on allowing educators to grow within the Bay District while also working to achieve both their academic and professional goals.

They can continue to work while taking classes at Gulf Coast State College or the FSU Panama City campus for free or minimal cost.

The Bay Education Foundation and the St. Joe Community Foundation pick up much of the cost. But the programs impact extends beyond the employees. Students see someone they know and relate to, who is working hard to advance their career.

Seeing someone like Amanda Sulpher, who believes now in herself that she can do it and shes so close to the finish line is great. And our kids, our scholars get to see the, you know, our own grow and go through the difficult things, so its been great, West Bay Elementary School Principal Deniece Moss said.

The scholars program will enroll its third cohort in October, who get support from each of the previous classes. Amanda is teaching 5th-grade math at West Bay Elementary. She graduates from the scholar program in the spring.

The program anticipates the graduation of the programs first cohort of employees to move into classrooms by next fall.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
The BBC breached its own editorial guidelines more than 1,500 times during the height of the Israel-Hamas war, a damning report has found.

The report revealed a deeply worrying pattern of bias against Israel, according to its authors who analysed four months of the BBCs output across television, radio, online news, podcasts and social media.

The research, led by British lawyer Trevor Asserson, also found that Israel was associated with genocide more than 14 times more than Hamas in the corporations coverage of the conflict.

On Saturday, Danny Cohen, a former BBC executive, warned that there was now an institutional crisis at the national broadcaster and called for an independent inquiry into its coverage of the Israel-Hamas war.

Two leading Jewish groups, the Campaign Against Antisemitism and the National Jewish Assembly, added their voices to calls for an independent review, while Lord Austin, a former Labour minister, accused the BBC of high-handed arrogance for continually dismissing questions over its impartiality.

A pro-Israeli protest outside the BBC's headquarters in February. The corporation has been accused of bias against the Jewish state - Hesther Ng/SOPA Images/Shutterstock

The Asserson report analysed the BBCs coverage during a four-month period beginning Oct 7, 2023  the day Hamas carried out a brutal massacre in southern Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking another 251 into Gaza as hostages.

A team of around 20 lawyers and 20 data scientists contributed to the research, which used artificial intelligence to analyse nine million words of BBC output.

Researchers identified a total of 1,553 breaches of the BBCs editorial guidelines, which included impartiality, accuracy, editorial values and public interest.

The findings reveal a deeply worrying pattern of bias and multiple breaches by the BBC of its own editorial guidelines on impartiality, fairness and establishing the truth, the report said.

Downplayed terrorism

It also found that the BBC repeatedly downplayed Hamas terrorism while presenting Israel as a militaristic and aggressive nation.

It claimed that some journalists used by the BBC in its coverage of the Israel-Gaza conflict have previously shown sympathy for Hamas and even celebrated its acts of terror.

The report claims that a number of BBC reporters have shown extreme hostility to Israel, including BBC Arabic contributor Mayssaa Abdul Khalek, who is said to have called for death to Israel and defended a journalist who tweeted: Sir Hitler, rise, there are a few people that need to be burned.

It also accuses Marie-Jose Al Azzi, a Lebanese reporter, of being anti-Israel after she reportedly described the country as a terrorist apartheid state in a post that was subsequently deleted.

Jeremy Bowen, the BBCs international editor, is accused of excusing Hamass terrorist activities and comparing Israel to Putins Russia, while Lyse Doucet, the BBCs chief international correspondent, is also cited for allegedly downplaying the October 7 attacks on Israel.

The report singles out the BBCs Arabic channel, saying that it is one of the most biased of all global media outlets in its treatment of the Israel-Hamas conflict.

It identifies 11 cases where it claims the BBC Arabics coverage of the war has featured reporters who have previously made public statements in support of terrorism and specifically Hamas, without viewers being informed of this.

Researchers analysed the BBC coverage over the four-month period to assess the portrayal of war crimes.

Hamas members filmed and publicised themselves committing acts which appear to constitute war crimes, the report said, including the taking of hostages, wilful killing or murder, torture or inhuman treatment and rape or sexual violence.

But despite this, the reports analysis of BBC coverage found that Israel was associated with war crimes four times more than Hamas (127 versus 30), with genocide 14 times more (283 versus 19) and with breaching international law six times more (167 versus 27).

The reports authors noted that during the time period examined by researchers, Israel was accused of committing war crimes by South Africa in the International Court of Justice.

In the aftermath of the October 7 massacre, the BBC was widely condemned for failing to call Hamas terrorists. In late October, the BBC said it would describe Hamas where possible as a proscribed terrorist organisation.

However, the report identified Hamas being described as a proscribed, designated or recognised terrorist organisation just 409 out of 12,459 times (3.2 per cent) over the four-month period.

The BBC said it would carefully consider the report, which has been submitted to Tim Davie, its director general, and Samir Shah, its chairman, as well as all its board members.

A spokesman for the corporation added that it had serious questions about the reports methodology.

The BBC has been accused of bias since the Israel/Gaza war began on October 7 - Ali Jadallah/Anadolu via Getty Images

On Saturday night MPs, peers and several Jewish groups expressed their concern at the reports findings.

Sir Oliver Dowden, the shadow deputy prime minister, said: The BBC is one of the premier news services in the world, and to hear that standards may be slipping in such a severe way like this, risks tarnishing the reputation of our news service.

Serious questions should be asked as to why this has been allowed to happen, and licence-fee payers should expect to see the BBC stick to its own editorial guidelines.

Julia Lopez, the shadow culture secretary, said: Truth is the BBCs currency in a world of increasing mis-and-disinformation. If viewers start to believe there is any agenda beyond its pursuit, they will rightly question ever more noisily whether the licence fee makes any sense in todays rapidly changing media landscape.

Greg Smith, another Tory frontbencher, said: We knew in the aftermath of October 7 that the BBC was struggling to call a terrorist a terrorist.



There are now clear grounds for Ofcom and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport to use every tool they have in their arsenal to bring about greater compliance with the rules around neutrality and fair coverage in the BBC charter.

Lord Austin of Dudley, a former Labour minister who now sits as a crossbench peer, said that after spending decades defending the BBC, he is now convinced that its coverage of the current Israel-Hamas conflict fails to meet the standards of impartiality and independence on which its public funding is based.

A rocket fired by Hamas into Israel. The corporation has been accused of failing to take a tough enough line against the terror group - REUTERS/Mohammed Salem

Lord Polak, the honorary president of the Conservative Friends of Israel, said: Theres a clear pattern. Other broadcasters have also made errors, but the BBC keeps getting it wrong. Its shameful, its wrong and whats worse  the BBC knows it.

Laurence Julius, vice-chairman of the National Jewish Assembly, called for an independent review of BBCs Israel coverage, saying: The BBC as the worlds most influential media company with a global audience of over 500 million including influential thought leaders has a duty to report news accurately without bias or distortion and to explain the context. The BBC has failed abjectly and this is nurturing an anti Israel and anti-Semitic narrative across its network. It has to change.

Gideon Falter, chief executive of the Campaign Against Antisemitism, said: This report vindicates with empirical data what we have said  and the Jewish community has known  for a long time.

Despite its persistent claims of impartiality and stubbornness in the face of complaints, the BBCs ideological bias is now shamefully clear.

The BBC should apologise for its biased and inflammatory reporting, but since the BBC has so stubbornly closed ranks and denied that there is a problem over the decades, the fundamental reform that is plainly necessary must come from outside. The answer to this report must begin with a transparent and unconstrained public inquiry.

Great offence

Russell Langer of the Jewish Leadership Council said: Many in the Jewish community have become increasingly concerned by the BBCs coverage of the Israel-Hamas conflict. In particular, the BBCs refusal to clearly label Hamas as a proscribed terrorist group continues to cause great offence. Some 11 months into this conflict, it is clear that the BBC is failing in its duty to cover this conflict impartially and can no longer ignore the evidence.

Trevor Asserson, a British lawyer who now runs Israels largest international law firm, Asserson Law Offices, is a long-standing campaigner against BBC bias.

He described how his research into BBC bias during the Second Intifada in the early 2000s contributed to the corporations decision to launch an internal inquiry into its coverage in 2004, which became known as the Balen Inquiry.

But despite calls for its findings to be made public, a report was never published, with the BBC going to court to keep the findings secret.

In 2005 the BBC commissioned an independent review of its coverage of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with the final report citing Mr Assersons inquiries into the subject.

Palestinians on a captured Israeli tank in Gaza City - ani Alshaer/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

Mr Asserson, who is launching a new organisation this week called Campaign for Media Standards which will scrutinise bias across the UK media, decided to conduct the research into the latest Israel-Hamas war following a suggestion from a client.

The majority of the work involved was undertaken pro-bono by his law firm, although an Israeli businessman based in London contributed to expenses and paid for external lawyers to contribute.

The BBCs responsibility as a public service broadcaster is to deliver news without bias, Mr Asserson said.

Our analysis reveals a significant deviation from this standard, especially in its reporting on the Israel-Hamas conflict, where the broadcaster showed a clear partiality towards one side. This bias was even more pronounced in the BBCs Arabic content.

Such conduct not only breaches the BBCs Royal Charter but also calls into question its suitability for continued public funding.

A BBC spokesman said: We have serious questions about the methodology of this report, particularly its heavy reliance on AI to analyse impartiality, and its interpretation of the BBCs editorial guidelines. We dont think coverage can be assessed solely by counting particular words divorced from context.



We are required to achieve due impartiality, rather than the balance of sympathy proposed in the report, and we believe our knowledgeable and dedicated correspondents are achieving this, despite the highly complex, challenging and polarising nature of the conflict.

However, we will consider the report carefully and respond directly to the authors once we have had time to study it in detail.

Reporters showed sympathy to Hamas

Journalists used by the BBC in its coverage of the Israel-Gaza conflict have shown sympathy for Hamas and even celebrated its acts of terror, the Asserson report claimed.

Researchers claim that numerous local freelancers employed by the BBC have supported Hamas on their social media platforms.

The report also criticises Jeremy Bowen, the BBCs international editor, for his reporting of the conflict, accusing him of excusing Hamass terrorist activities and comparing Israel to Putins Russia.

Jeremy Bowen is one of the BBC's most senior reporters - Alamy

Lyse Doucet, the BBCs chief international correspondent also comes under fire in the report for allegedly downplaying the October 7 attacks on Israel.

The BBC has strongly denied the claims.

The report identifies 11 cases where it claims BBC Arabics coverage of the war has featured reporters who have previously made public statements in support of terrorism and specifically Hamas, without viewers being informed of this.

The report accuses Mr Bowen, one of the BBCs most respected journalists, of bias against Israel, in breach of the corporations editorial guidelines.

Mr Bowen, who is taking part in a BBC Masterclass on reporting war impartially next week, is accused in the report of excusing Hamas terrorist activities and of stressing the callousness of Israelis.

The report claims that its analysis of a series of BBC Sounds podcasts produced by Mr Bowen and Ms Doucet between October and December last year showed an 84 per cent anti-Israel/pro-Palestinian bias, with only one section out of 33 graded as pro-Israeli.

Lyse Doucet in Afghanistan. She has been accused of downplaying the horror of Hamass October 7 attack on Israel

It cites several examples, including a podcast last November in which Mr Bowen stated Hamas ...an Islamic resistance movement...weve seen in the past few weeks has a military strategy and a News at Ten report last October in which he said: Hamas will try to use hit-and-run guerrilla tactics against a much more powerful army.

It compares this to Mr Bowen stating on a News at Ten report last October: Israel has settled hundreds of thousands of Jews in defiance of international law, and in a podcast that month: I saw the huge amount of force that they [Israel] have there and the massive amount of physical damage theyve done, not to mention the loss of life. But despite all of that, Hamas are still fighting.

It claims Mr Bowen has also compared Israels offensive in Gaza to Russias invasion of Ukraine, including in a BBC article in November last year in which he stated: Israel is on course to have killed as many Palestinian civilians in just over a month as Russia has killed in Ukraine since February 2022.

It also accuses Ms Doucet of downplaying the horror of October 7 as the reason Israel launched its retaliatory offensive in Gaza, in a way which the authors claim removes agency from Hamas by saying that the war just erupted.

In one example, the report cites Ms Doucet stating in a radio dispatch in February this year: And from the beginning of this Israel Gaza War, which erupted on October 7, it has been clear that both the United States and Iran do not want to be dragged into a direct confrontation

A BBC spokesman said: We strongly reject the claims that our reporters celebrated acts of terror and we strongly reject the attack on individual members of BBC staff, all of whom are working to the same editorial guidelines.

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 Beaver County man is accused of sex crimes against children.

On Tuesday, Jack Primmer, 45, was charged with more than three dozen counts of indecent assault of a person less than 13, corruption of minors and unlawful contact with a minor - sexual offenses. Police say Primmer is a registered sex offender. He was charged with similar crimes in August.

According to a criminal complaint, the sex crime allegations date back three years.

The investigation began when police were called to the victims home in July to conduct a welfare check.

A few days later, police spoke with family members, who alleged Primmer had videos of child pornography.

The victim told police Primmer inappropriately touched him dozens of times over the last three years. He said he didnt tell anyone because Primmer told him not to and he was worried about getting in trouble.

Primmer was taken into custody just before 1 a.m. on Aug. 2 at a motel in Maryland after a standoff with police where shots were fired. According to the Frederick County Sheriffs Office, when deputies responded to the motel Primmer was at and spoke with him, he barricaded himself in his room and said he had a gun.

Eventually, the sheriffs office said the situation escalated and two members of law enforcement, a Frederick City Police Officer and a Frederick County Sheriffs Deputy, fired their guns. Primmer was hurt and taken to a hospital for treatment.

The officers who fired their weapons are on administrative leave while the Maryland State Police investigates.

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW

TRENDING NOW:

Local school bus driver, police chaplain facing child pornography charges SKYLIGHTS 2024: Week 2 high school football final scores PHOTOS: Severe storms move through western Pennsylvania, bringing down trees, damaging homes VIDEO: Heres how a local school district is working to address the nationwide teacher shortage DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts
NEW BERN, N.C. (WNCT)  On Saturday over 1,200 cyclists registered to ride to help find a cure for Multiple Sclerosis.

This event is organized by the National MS Society in hopes to raise both funds and awareness to help find a cure for the disease. This is a two-day ride, with four different routes that participants can choose from.

We are really hoping to raise money for a cure, for programs to support people living with MS, we support caregivers. Obviously, the research is a huge piece to investing in the research to put more drugs on the market, to help people with their symptoms and then hopefully eventually find a cure, says Casey Svanda, the director of Bike MS for the greater Carolinas.

Click the video above for more 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 WNCT.
'Best father anyone could ask for': Family honors Sarasota man who died in Debby flooding

Contagious laughter, dad jokes and warm hugs. For Scarleth Andino, her father was more than just a parent. He was one of her best friends, her rock, her confidant and greatest supporter.

More than 100 family members and friends gathered at Palms Memorial Park on Aug. 25 to remember the life and legacy of Jose Aristides Andino Flores. The 67-year-old tragically died during Tropical Storm Debby after he was swept away by flood waters while driving to work.

Even in Scarleth Andino's earliest memories, her father was always there, whether it be celebrating her successes or comforting her during difficult times. He taught her the importance of putting family first and the true meaning of unconditional love. He was devoted to his family and always ensured that they were taken care of. He was a great father to Scarleth Andino and a father figure to many.

"His spirit was uplifting, and his strength gives me more strength every day, too," Scarleth Andino said during the memorial service. "He touched countless lives with compassion, and his unwavering sense of giving to those who he loved."

In case you missed it: Debby damage total tops $100 million in Sarasota, Manatee; more than 1,000 homes affected

Dozens of photos looped on a projector screen in the center of the room where the service was held. Most of the pictures are of Jose and Scarleth Andino. In every photo he flashes a smile, whether it be eating dinner with his daughter, standing in front of the USF Bulls statue where Scarleth Andino attended college or serving at church.

Family and friends moved past the entrance door of the memorial service. Next to it, sat a basket of small bags for people to grab, filled with key chain soccer balls and Jose Andino's memorial card. By the time Jose Andinos memorial service started, the room was filled with people standing in the back and outside the entrance.

It definitely filled my heart to see how many people were there for him and us, Scarleth Andino said.

More: Debby damage total tops $100 million in Sarasota, Manatee; more than 1,000 homes affected

In the corner of the room stood a table of mementos representing two of Jose Andino's favorite things: family and soccer. Three of his dearest soccer jerseys, including Honduras national soccer team jersey and a Real Madrid jersey, were proudly displayed at the top. Hanging over each jersey were three hats that Jose Andino wore. The center hat had one word in bold: dad.

Several photos of him and Scarleth, as well as with other loved ones, embellished the cluster of flowers on the table. A sign read, Eat. Sleep. Soccer." A blue flag of the Honduras national soccer team proudly hugged the bottom of the table.At the center of the mementos was a plaque proclaiming: Family  a little bit of crazy, a little bit of loud and a whole lot of love.

I will carry forward every lesson he taught me, the love he gave me and all the memories we shared together, Scarleth Andino said during his memorial service. Thank you for being the best father anyone could ask for. I love you more than words can say, and I will always strive to make you proud.

Authorities are searching for Jose Andino who has been missing since Tropical Storm Debby on Aug. 5

Jose Andino's passing marked the third Florida death related to Tropical Storm Debby with the other two occurring in Levy and Hillsborough counties. He was on his way to his job in Bradenton near the Lockwood Ridge area when he encountered historic flooding from Phillippi Creek. He was later reported missing by a family member on Aug. 6.

The Sarasota County Sheriffs Office Underwater Rescue Force and Aviation Unit were unable to find Andino after several searches. Scarleth Andino also organized a search near where her father's last cell phone location ping was at the Beneva Road/Bahia Vista intersection.

It wasn't until flooding receded that a resident walking on the Phillippi Creek Footbridge spotted Jose Andino's submerged burgundy 2005 Toyota 4-Runner and called the Sheriffs Office on Aug. 12. Scarleth Andino has created a GoFundMe with a $25,000 goal to help cover her father's funeral expenses.

Memorial service attendees sang Mas Alla Del Sol," a traditional hymnal that translates to Beyond the Sun." The song serves as a reminder of the eternal life that awaits beyond this life.

Scarleth Andino said she takes comfort in knowing her fathers legacy will continue through those that knew him and that hes in a better place. Through her father, she said she learned the importance of integrity, hard work and a love for God.

Although my heart aches through his passing, I find comfort knowing that his legacy lives on in all of us, especially that he knew God too, Scarleth Andino said while trying to hold back tears. That's what brings me peace, but I know that hes with him (God) now. I will always miss my dad.

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Sarasota man who died during Debby flooding honored by family, friends
BEVERLY, W.Va. (WBOY)  After announcing on Thursday that the Beverly Police Department was disbanded, officials confirmed to 12 News on Friday that the department will remain on pause indefinitely.

The Beverly Town Council voted to put a pause on the towns police department last month, laying off a full-time police officer and the police chief who was a part-time employee, according to the towns mayor, Andy Burns.

Despite the layoffs, Burns told 12 News the departments office is still open, but its future is uncertain. The town bought the departments building located behind city hall last year for $94,000, using money from the Direct Coronavirus Relief Funding to West Virginia Cities and Counties, which was provided to reinvest in critical services like police, fire and EMS which have been so critical during the pandemic, according to Senator Joe Manchins website.

The town received $280,000 in total.

Pendleton County, Green Bank officials work to find solutions amid National Radio Quiet Zone disputes

Mayor Burns said the building will still remain in use by the city and there are no current plans to sell it.

Officials said that the primary reason the department was placed on pause was the lack of revenue coming into it, something an anonymous councilmember said they were concerned about a year and a half ago. The department started back up in 2021 after being dormant for nearly 40 years.

It costs money toyou know, people dont work for free, and Beverly is small. We dont have any taxes, the only taxes we collect are through the county through property tax, theres no B&O tax, theres no like a sales tax, theres no other income. So, it just, it did not sustain itself, said Mayor Burns.

Town officials added the department will be on pause indefinitely until another financing solution can be found.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
The Biden administration has appealed to the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals following a federal judges decision to block a new healthcare rule concerning discrimination based on gender identity.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

Attorneys from the U.S. Department of Justice filed a notice of appeal last week, seeking to overturn a preliminary injunction issued on July 3 by U.S. District Judge William Jung in Tampa.

The appeal follows a lawsuit filed by Florida against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on May 6, shortly after the rules finalization. The rule seeks to expand the definition of sex in federal law to include discrimination based on gender identity in healthcare programs receiving federal funding, extending protections to include gender identity.

This action comes amid controversy over decisions by Florida and other Republican-controlled states to restrict treatments for transgender individuals, such as hormone therapy and puberty blockers.

In recent years, Florida and other Republican-controlled states have passed laws restricting treatments for transgender individuals, including bans on Medicaid coverage for treatments like hormone therapy and puberty blockers, as well as prohibiting such treatments for minors. Floridas lawsuit argues that the federal rule would improperly override these state restrictions and could result in a loss of funding for state healthcare programs.

Judge Jung, in granting the preliminary injunction, stated that Florida had demonstrated potential harm, citing conflicts between the federal rule and state law. He noted that state agencies and healthcare providers would be forced to either violate Florida law or the federal rule.

[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.
The Biden administration has taken the penultimate step in designating a new marine sanctuary off Californias coast.

The proposed Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary would recognize the Indigenous Chumash peoples connection to the region.

Originally proposed by Fred Collins, the leader of the Northern Chumash Tribal Council, the site would be the first Indigenous-proposed national marine sanctuary.

The area in question is off the coast of central California, and the sanctuary would encompass 4,543 square miles of ocean waters.

The Biden administration described it as having nationally significant biodiversity. It has extensive kelp forests and is habitat for animals including humpback and blue whales, the southern sea otter and leatherback sea turtles.

The step taken by the administration on Friday is the release of a final environmental review, and the decision to name the new marine sanctuary could come after at least 30 days.

Our community is a vibrant, bright community and its as passionate today about protecting our coastline and taking care of our animals and plants as its ever been, said Violet Sage Walker, chair of the Northern Chumash Tribal Council and Collinss daughter.

As a Senator, I was proud to support efforts to create the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary off Californias coast to honor our commitments to Indigenous communities and promote natural spaces, Vice President Harris said in a written statement. President Biden and I will continue to protect, conserve and restore lands and waters in communities across our nation.

There are currently 16 national marine sanctuaries in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations system.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
LYONS, Ga. (WSAV)  On Saturday, Altamaha EMC said thanks to some bird hunters not obeying the law, theres a fiber outage on Turner Bridge Road.

Altamaha EMC said hunters shot the fiber, causing 9 customers to be without internet service until repairs can be made.

Just a reminder, shooting electric or fiber lines is against the law and we will prosecute anyone who shoots our lines. Altamaha EMC said in a Facebook post on Saturday.

GBI warns against school shooting threats

Fiber and power lines are popular roosting spots for birds, which typically gather on the lines while taking a break from flying or before heading to the ground to feed.

Firing at birds sitting on power lines, fiber cables, insulators and other electrical equipment can result in major damage that could cost thousands to repair and leave many without internet and power for extended periods of time.

Altamaha EMC serves 7 counties in Southeast Georgia: Toombs, Montgomery, Treutlen, Laurens, Emanuel, Tattnall and Johnson.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken plans to travel to the United Kingdom on Monday, the State Department said, a week after Britain suspended some arms export licenses with Israel over equipment that could be used in the war in Gaza.

In the trip slated to go through Tuesday, Blinken will open the U.S.-UK Strategic Dialogue, "reaffirming our special relationship," Matthew Miller, a State Department spokesperson, said on Saturday.

Blinken will also meet with senior government officials to discuss issues including the Indo-Pacific, the AUKUS defense pact between the U.S., Australia, Britain and the Middle East, and collective efforts to support Ukraine in the war against Russia.

Britain said on Sept. 2 it was immediately suspending 30 of its 350 arms export licenses with Israel, saying there was a risk such equipment might be used to commit serious violations of international humanitarian law in Israel's war with Hamas in the densely populated Palestinian enclave of Gaza.

The administration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, who is running to succeed him, is under pressure from critics of the war to suspend some arms deliveries to Israel, Washington's closest Middle East ally. A U.S. official said in July the Biden administration would resume shipping 500-pound bombs to Israel but would continue to hold back on supplying 2,000-poind bombs over concerns about their use in Gaza.

CIA Director William Burns, chief U.S. negotiator for an end to the war in Gaza, said in London on Saturday that a more detailed ceasefire proposal would be made in the coming days.

(Reporting by Timothy Gardner and Daphne Psaledakis; Editing by David Gregorio)
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (WMBD)  The City of Bloomington has announced it will close the unhoused encampment in Eastview Christian Churchs parking lot.

It will partner with Eastview, Home Sweet Home Ministries, and the Salvation Army to offer support to the unhoused people in the camp.

New study shows perils of being homeless

In addition to the closure, the city council will consider approving an emergency declaration at their next meeting. It would enable social service agencies to increase their indoor capacity over the winter months by waiving certain code requirements.

We are committed to providing a refuge for those facing the most difficult circumstances, Major Dan Leisher of the Salvation Army said. Especially during the coldest months of the year. Our doors are open to anyone who needs a safe place to stay, and we will work closely with the City and our partners to make sure every individual has access to warmth, shelter, and support.

Outreach teams will be working at the encampment to assist people in relocating off the site. Matt Burgess, the CEO of Home Sweet Home Ministries, says his organizations goal is to ensure that each person receives the resources and assistance they need to achieve long-term stability.

The camps closure is expected to be finished by Oct. 15.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
BLOUNT COUNTY, Ala. (WIAT)  A 64-year-old Blount County man was killed in a two-vehicle crash Friday afternoon, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency reports.

Gregory Cantrell, of Cleveland, was fatally injured when the Toyota Avalon he was operating collided head-on with a Toyota Highlander. The crash occurred on Alabama 160 around 3:20 p.m. about eight miles southwest of Hayden.

Head of Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs refuses Iveys request to resign

Cantrell was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Highlander was taken to UAB Hospital for medical treatment.

Troopers with the ALEAs Highway Patrol Division are investigating the crash.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
SAN FRANCISCO (KRON)  A high-profile trial is set to begin this month for the man accused of murdering tech mogul Bob Lee in San Francisco.

Jury selection is scheduled to begin in San Francisco County Superior Court on September 16, the district attorneys office said.

Nima Momeni, 40, is accused of stabbing Lee to death near the Bay Bridge on April 4, 2023 after both men left Momenis sisters apartment at Millennium Tower. Lee, 43, was an executive for cryptocurrency company MobileCoin, and the creator of Cash App.

Nima Momeni, the man charged in the fatal stabbing of Cash App founder Bob Lee, smiles as he makes his way into the courtroom on May 2, 2023. (Gabrielle Lurie /San Francisco Chronicle via AP, Pool)

Lees final moments were recorded by surveillance cameras at Portside apartments at 2:35 a.m. The video shows the tech industry executive bleeding, calling 911, and desperately trying to find help before he collapsed on Main Street.

The early morning hours of April 4 were a dramatic contrast to the April 3, when Lee attended several parties with friends and Momenis younger sister, Khazar. Lees autopsy report revealed that he had multiple party drugs in his system when he slain, including cocaine and ketamine.

Witnesses told police that Momeni confronted Lee about his relationship with Khazar just hours before the killing.

Khazar Elyassnia, center, arrives for the arraignment of Nima Momeni, her brother, at the Hall of Justice in San Francisco on May 18, 2023. (AP Photo /Godofredo A. Vasquez)

After Lee died, Khazar sent him a text message, court documents state. She wrote, Just wanted to make sure your doing ok. Cause I know my nima came down wayyyyyyy hard on you. And thank you for being such a classy man handling it with class. Love you Selfish pricks.

Bob Lee was not slain in honor killing, defense says

Police found a bloody knife at the crime scene.

Bob Lee

A preliminary hearing was held in the summer of 2023 when prosecutors outlined their case. At the hearing, Judge Harry Dorfman said, The evidence, as I see it, is very strong. Mr. Momenis DNA is on the handle of the knife. Mr. Lees blood is on the blade of the knife.

A celebrity defense attorney, Saam Zangeneh, is representing Momeni at trial. He has pleaded not guilty to one count of first-degree murder.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
MERCED COUNTY, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE)  A body was found at Merced Countys San Luis Reservoir near Santa Nella, Merced County deputies say.

According to the Merced County Sheriffs Office, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife located the body near the ONeill Forebay on Friday.

Merced County deputies say they were requested to investigate the incident and resulting death by California State Parks. The Sheriffs Office is currently in the beginning stages of its investigation, but updates will be provided as they become available.

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact the Merced County Investigations Bureau at 209-385-7445.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Body found in search for wife of former rugby star

Former Scotland rugby international Scott Hastings with his wife Jenny - STEPHEN GIBSON

A womans body has been found in the search for Jenny Hastings, the wife of the former Scotland rugby international Scott Hastings.

Police said the discovery was made on Saturday afternoon in the Hound Point area of South Queensferry.

The Hastings family has been informed although formal identification has yet to take place.

She originally disappeared at Wardie Bay, a wild swimming spot near Edinburgh, on Tuesday.

Police said there did not appear to be any suspicious circumstances.

A report is being submitted to the procurator fiscal.

Floral tributes laid at the breakwater at Wardie Bay - ALAN SIMPSON PHOTOGRAPHY

A number of lifeboats and helicopters were sent to scour the area after HM Coastguard was alerted to a report of concern on Tuesday.

The Hastings family said she had struggled with her mental health for a number of years in the wake of her going missing.

The Hastings family are absolutely heartbroken, the statement continued.

Jenny and Scott have a huge following of friends from all walks of life including those that work in the media and we ask that at this moment in time we are allowed to grieve privately with family members.

Jenny Hastings, 60, had previously spoken openly about her struggles with mental health after she disappeared in March 2017 from their Edinburgh home for 36 hours and walked for miles to the Pentland Hills while she was suffering from depression.

Scott Hastings, 59, the younger brother of former Scotland rugby captain Gavin, won 65 caps for his country from 1986 to 1997.

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.
AURORA, Colo. (KDVR)  U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert and city and state leaders held a roundtable discussion Friday regarding the city of Aurora and the ongoing conversations about the validity of reported Venezuelan gang violence.

Boebert, a Republican, currently represents Colorados 3rd Congressional District on the Western Slope and is campaigning to represent the 4th District that includes most of the rural Eastern Plains and communities like Parker and Loveland. She was joined by U.S. Rep. Chip Roy of Texas, Aurora Council Member Danielle Jurinsky, former ICE Acting Director Tom Homan and other politicians and community leaders for the discussion.

Their focus was on the back-and-forth about whats been happening in Aurora and the validity of reported violence from the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua at several apartment complexes.

The video that sparked this nationwide spotlight shows people carrying guns and entering apartments at an Aurora complex. Sources from the Department of Homeland Security told NewsNation that some of the people in that video have ties to Tren de Aragua.

Residents at Aurora apartments say deplorable conditions the issue, not gangs

Cindy Romero, a former resident at The Edge at Lowry apartment complex, shared the video with FOX31s Vicente Arenas, who was there as she moved out of the complex. On Friday, she spoke about her time there and what she saw.

Do you know what its like to be a minority in your own home? I am telling you, its terrifying, she said.

Romero said there were no representatives from the apartment management company at the complex for a month because they also feared for their safety.

I caught a screenshot of them holding a family on my floor by gunpoint, looking for whatever they were looking for. If they are allowed to fester its just going to get worse. There are bullet holes in my car, weve had our tires stabbed, weve had our tailgates broken and I have reported so many crimes in that area that I had to leave, because I am not bulletproof, she said.

Some say police could be doing more

Some at the table had questions on crime in the city. Jurinsky clarified this, saying overall numbers are down for the city. But numbers at these specific complexes are on the rise, as previously reported by FOX31.

After hearing about Romeros experience, the focus of the conversation turned to police enforcement. Romero claims that there were multiple times when she called 911 because of crime at the complex but police did not respond. Jurinsky said the Aurora Police Department is down 200 officers.

Council Member Stephanie Hancock shared concerns in response.

These gangs prey on that vulnerability and the fact that we dont have teeth with what law enforcement can do and what ICE can do. They know this, they know better than we do. We keep getting revictimized and nothing is going to get done until we put some feet on our faith and do the work that it takes, Hancock said.

4 linked to Venezuelan gang arrested at Arapahoe County apartment

Jurinsky claimed that local nonprofits that have been assisting those who live at the complexes are not assisting everyone equally. She also claimed that people who spoke at a news conference Tuesday saying they lived at the building were not residents because they do not have proper leases or documentation of living there.

Let me make this clear, they are not residents of this building. They are occupants, Jurinsky said.

Impact of immigration enforcement on violence

Another topic discussed was immigration and how current law does not allow local police to arrest or detain individuals on the basis of immigration status and they cannot work directly with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which they say in turn makes it difficult for police. There is also an active lawsuit from multiple Colorado counties against the state asking for damages caused by the states sanctuary status.

Colorado state Rep. Ron Weinberg, a Republican who represents the area near Loveland, spoke at the roundtable and said hes working to overturn that law.

This is why we are running into this problem in Aurora, and if we dont stop it and do something about it now, its not going to stop. Its going to take over the whole county, he said.

Aurora police: Gang members have not taken over

Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman put out a statement on Facebook Friday, saying he agrees with interim Police Chief Heather Morris that a Venezuelan gang is not in control of the apartment complexes. Those at Fridays roundtable, led by Boebert, disagreed.

Gangs are present in these buildings. Classify a takeover however you will. When they have the keys, when they are busting down doors and accessing other rooms, assaulting people, stabbing people, making threats, extorting them, I would consider that a takeover, Boebert said.

Along with Fridays conversation, Boebert also sent a letter to the Department of Homeland Security centered on Tren de Aragua and its place in Aurora. In the letter, she asked many questions about the role DHS could play in assisting this situation. She also placed further blame on the Biden administrations border policies.



Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Boeing Starliner lands in New Mexico as crew remains on International Space Station

NASA announced Saturday that Boeings Starliner had landed in New Mexico even though its crew remains on the International Space Station.

The Starliner touched down at 12 a.m. ET at White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico, completing Boeings crew flight test.

The two test pilots have been left in space and deemed to come back to Earth in February, after NASA said their return would be too risky.

Boeing launched a long-delayed mission in early June with Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore on board. It was delayed several times due to thruster failures and helium leaks.

When trying to dock at the space station, five of the 28 thrusters went down.

Their eight-day mission turned into a months-long journey as engineers worked to understand what was wrong with the capsule.

The company insisted the Starliner was safe enough to bring Williams and Wilmore back to Earth but NASA determined in late August they would remain in space because it was unsafe to bring them home.

Even though the Starliner made a safe return to Earth, NASA commercial crew program manager Steve Stich said he believes it was the right decision to keep Williams and Wilmore on board the International Space Station.

Williams and Wilmore have kept busy on board, helping with repairs and experiments, The Associated Press reported.

SpaceX will launch a venture in late September. On board will be two people going on a six-month mission, leaving two seats for Williams and Wilmore on the return flight in February.

The entire situation is a blow to Boeing, since it had long-awaited an opportunity to join the commercial space scene.

Boeings vice president and program manager of its commercial crew program, Mark Nappi, said in a statement the company will review the data and determine the next steps for the program.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 Boeing Starliner has returned to Earth without its crew  a former astronaut details what that means for NASA, Boeing and the astronauts still up in space

Boeings crew transport space capsule, the Starliner, returned to Earth without its two-person crew right after midnight Eastern time on Sept. 7, 2024. Its remotely piloted return marked the end of a fraught test flight to the International Space Station which left two astronauts, Butch Wilmore and Sunita Suni Williams, on the station for months longer than intended after thruster failures led NASA to deem the capsule unsafe to pilot back.

Wilmore and Williams will stay on the International Space Station until February 2025, when theyll return to Earth on a SpaceX Dragon capsule.

The Conversation U.S. asked former commander of the International Space Station Michael Fossum about NASAs decision to return the craft uncrewed, the future of the Starliner program and its crews extended stay at the space station.

What does this decision mean for NASA?

NASA awarded contracts to both Boeing and SpaceX in 2014 to provide crew transport vehicles to the International Space Station via the Commercial Crew Program. At the start of the program, most bets were on Boeing to take the lead, because of its extensive aerospace experience.

However, SpaceX moved very quickly with its new rocket, the Falcon 9, and its cargo ship, Dragon. While they suffered some early failures during testing, they aggressively built, tested and learned from each failure. In 2020, SpaceX successfully launched its first test crew to the International Space Station.

Meanwhile, Boeing struggled through some development setbacks. The outcome of this first test flight is a huge disappointment for Boeing and NASA. But NASA leadership has expressed its support for Boeing, and many experts, including me, believe it remains in the agencys best interest to have more than one American crew launch system to support continued human space operations.

NASA is also continuing its exchange partnership with Russia. This partnership provides the agency with multiple ways to get crew members to and from the space station.

As space station operations continue, NASA and its partners have enough options to get people to and from the station that theyll always have the essential crew on the station  even if there are launch disruptions for any one of the capable crewed vehicles. Having Starliner as an option will help with that redundancy.

NASA has a few options to get astronauts up to the International Space Station. Roscosmos State Space Corporation via AP

What does this decision mean for Boeing?

I do think Boeings reputation is going to ultimately suffer. The company is going head-to-head with SpaceX. Now, the SpaceX Dragon crew spacecraft has several flights under its belt. It has proven a reliable way to get to and from the space station.

Its important to remember that this was a test flight for Starliner. Of course, the program managers want each test flight to run perfectly, but you cant anticipate every potential problem through ground testing. Unsurprisingly, some problems cropped up  you expect them in a test flight.

The space environment is unforgiving. A small problem can become catastrophic in zero gravity. Its hard to replicate these situations on the ground.

The technology SpaceX and Boeing use is also radically different from the kind of capsule technology used in the early days of the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo programs.

NASA has evolved and made strategic moves to advance its mission over the past two decades. The agency has leaned into its legacy of thinking outside the box. It was an innovative move to break from tradition and leverage commercial competitors to advance the program. NASA gave the companies a set of requirements and left it up to them to figure out how they would meet them.

What does this decision mean for Starliners crew?

I know Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams as rock-solid professionals, and I believe their first thoughts are about completing their mission safely. They are both highly experienced astronauts with previous long-duration space station experience. Im sure they are taking this in stride.

Prior to joining NASA, Williams was a Naval aviator and Wilmore a combat veteran, so these two know how to face risk and accomplish their missions. This kind of unfavorable outcome is always a possibility in a test mission. I am sure they are leaning forward with a positive attitude and using their bonus time in space to advance science, technology and space exploration.

Their families shoulder the bigger impact. They were prepared to welcome the crew home in less than two weeks and now must adjust to unexpectedly being apart for eight months.

Right now, NASA is dealing with a ripple effect, with more astronauts than expected on the space station. More people means more consumables  like food and clothing  required. The space station has supported a large crew for short periods in the past, but with nine crew members on board today, the systems have to work harder to purify recycled drinking water, generate oxygen and remove carbon dioxide from their atmosphere.

Wilmore and Williams are also consuming food, and they didnt arrive with the clothes and other personal supplies they needed for an eight-month stay, so NASA has already started increasing those deliveries on cargo ships.

What does this decision mean for the future?

Human spaceflight is excruciatingly hard and relentlessly unforgiving. A million things must go right to have a successful mission. Its impossible to fully understand the performance of systems in a microgravity environment until theyre tested in space.

NASA has had numerous failures and near-misses in the quest to put Americans on the Moon. They lost the Apollo 1 crew in a fire during a preflight test. They launched the first space shuttle in 1981, and dealt with problems throughout that programs 30-year life, including the terrible losses of Challenger and Columbia.

After having no other U.S. options for over 30 years, three different human spacecraft programs are now underway. In addition to the SpaceX Crew Dragon and the Boeing Starliner, NASAs Orion spacecraft for the Artemis II mission, is planned to fly four astronauts around the Moon in the next couple of years.

These programs have had setbacks and bumps along the way  and there will be more  but I havent been this excited about human spaceflight since I was an 11-year-old cheering for Apollo and dreaming about putting the first human footprints on Mars.

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: Michael E. Fossum, Texas A&M University

Read more:



Michael E. Fossum is a retired NASA astronaut. The people involved at NASA are all friends and colleagues of his.
LA PAZ (Reuters) -Bolivia declared a national emergency due to raging forest fires the country's defense ministry announced on Saturday.

In a press conference, defense minister Edmundo Novillo said the national emergency would allow the country to quickly coordinate international support.

"This will allow us to have more agile and effective support from friendly countries and from international cooperation," Novillo said.

Bolivia has seen the largest number of wildfires since 2010 with at least 3 million hectares (7.5 million acres) burned this year according to Inpe, Brazil's space research agency that monitors fires.

South America is in the throes of its peak fire season, that spans August and September, after an unusually early fire season started devastating the country in July following a drought.

Bolivia's firefighting forces are stretched thin and the government has called for international aid. Indigenous volunteers tried to protect land they use to grow crops and feed livestock near the Chiquitano forest north of Concepcion that extends towards Brazil and Paraguay, but some were forced to evacuate.

Brazil has also seen major blazes in cities and the Amazon rainforest is off to the worst start in two decades after a record drought.

(Reporting by Daniel Ramos; Writing by Alexander Villegas, Editing by Franklin Paul)
This article was originally published in Florida Phoenix.

A cohort of book publishers and award-winning authors have filed a legal challenge to the 2023 Florida law that enables challenges to books in school libraries.

The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Orlando, alleges that the process of removing books from school libraries spelled out in HB 1069 is overbroad and has caused a chilling effect.

The action names members of the Florida Board of Education and Orange and Volusia County school board members as defendants.

Get stories like these delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter

HB 1069 has enabled parents to seek removal of materials from schools if school boards deem them to be pornographic or contain sexual content, in line with Gov. Ron DeSantis parental rights agenda.

The publishers and authors are asking the court to deem the states interpretation of pornographic and content that describes sexual conduct unconstitutional.

The State has mandated that school districts impose a regime of strict censorship in school libraries, the plaintiffs argued in a 93-page complaint. HB 1069 requires school districts to remove library books without regard to their literary, artistic, political, scientific, or educational value when taken as a whole.

The plaintiffs are Penguin Random House, Hachette Book Group, HarperCollins Publishers, Macmillan Publishing Group, Simon & Schuster, Sourcebooks, and the Authors Guild, plus authors Julia Alvarez, John Green, Laurie Halse Anderson, Jodi Picoult, and Angie Thomas.

Two parents joined the suit, one from Orange and the other from Volusia, arguing for their children to be able to check out books that have been removed by challenges permitted by the law.

They argue the law does not specify a level or amount of detail to determine if a book describes sexual conduct.

Overbroad

The law has created a chilling effect, the plaintiffs argue.

The term describes sexual conduct is so broad that it would require removal of the Oxford English Dictionary  which defines sex as physical activity between two people in which the touch each others sexual organs, and which may include sexual intercourse  from school libraries. The Oxford English Dictionary, however, is not obscene, the lawsuit reads.

This vagueness and ambiguity result in overbroad interpretations of [the laws] prohibition on content that describes sexual conduct and chill protected speech.

In an email response to the Phoenix, Department of Education communications director Sydney Booker said the lawsuit is a stunt.

There are no banned books in Florida. Sexually explicit material and instruction are not suitable for schools, she said.

The publishers call for the state government to keep hands off, even in school libraries.

Authors have the right to communicate their ideas to students without undue interference from the government, the plaintiffs wrote. Students have a corresponding right to receive those ideas. Publishers and educators connect authors to students. If the State of Florida dislikes an authors idea, it can offer a competing message. It cannot suppress the disfavored message.

Not remotely obscene

The plaintiffs argue that they do not wish to prevent schools from ensuring school libraries do not have obscene materials. Instead, their problem is with removing books deemed to be pornographic that are not remotely obscene resulting from the Florida State Board of Educations unconstitutional construction of the term pornographic.

The plaintiffs list several books they believe should not have been deemed inappropriate by school boards, including Alvarezs How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents, Greens Looking for Alaska, Andersons Speak, Picoults Nineteen Minutes and Change of Heart, and Thomass Concrete Rose and The Hate U Give.

As publishers dedicated to protecting freedom of expression and the right to read, the rise in book bans across the country continues to demand our collective action, the publishers said in a joint statement.

Fighting unconstitutional legislation in Florida and across the country is an urgent priority. We are unwavering in our support for educators, librarians, students, authors, readers  everyone deserves access to books and stories that show different perspectives and viewpoints.

The publishers have also taken Iowa to court over a similar law and challenged the constitutionality book removals in Escambia County.

Florida Phoenix is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Florida Phoenix maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Michael Moline for questions: info@floridaphoenix.com. Follow Florida Phoenix on Facebook and X.
BRANDON, S.D. (KELO)  Robert Beniss Elementary has created a fun way to raise money.

Students are running lap after lap, to help raise money for the PTA Fun Run.

We do all of our fundraising once a year. We usually make about 35 to $40,000 every year, Event Coordinator & PTA Chair, Becky Peterson said.

Fee increases from GPF would impact thousands of users

The money raised goes to different things like spelling bees, science fairs, and family fun nights. One of the biggest things the money supports is the schools teachers.

So if they have to do anything for their classroom, it comes out of our funds. And then we are also raising money for an outdoor classroom, Peterson said.

With some students raising hundreds of dollars for the fundraiser.

$985, Robert Bennis 4th Grader, Daniel Hofkamp said.

While students are running for a good cause, they also get to put their name in a raffle to win prizes.

We do big raffles of an electric scooter and Nintendo Switch this year, so that will be raffled off on Monday, Peterson said.

But the students realize the deeper meaning of the fundraiser.

Because then we can have more, like, stuff at our school and make it more fun, Robert Bennis 4th Grader, Kennedy Brand said.

So then we can build an outside classroom, Hofkamp said.

Its just a great opportunity for them to know that volunteering and helping their school goes a long way, Peterson said.

Throughout the last 6 years, the PTA has raised almost $250,000 for the school.

To help donate to the cause, you can either drop off donations at Robert Bennis Elementary School, or create an account on this link, and then search for Robert Bennis Elementary School.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Supporters of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro began flooding Sao Paulos main boulevard for an Independence Day rally Saturday, buoyed by the governments blocking of tech billionaire Elon Musks X platform, a ban they say is proof of their political persecution.

A few thousand demonstrators, clad in the yellow-and-green colors of Brazils flag, poured onto Av. Paulista. References to the ban on X and images of Musk abounded.

Thank you for defending our freedom, read one banner praising the tech entrepreneur.

Saturdays march is a test of Bolsonaros capacity to mobilize turnout ahead of the October municipal elections, even though Brazils electoral court has barred him from running for office until 2030. Its also something of a referendum on X, whose suspension has raised eyebrows even among some of Bolsonaros opponents all the while stoking the flames of Brazils deep-seated political polarization.

A country without liberty cant celebrate anything this day, Bolsonaro wrote on his Instagram account Sept 4., urging Brazilians to stay away from official independence day parades and instead join him in Sao Paulo.

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro speaks to supporters during an Independence day rally in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on September 7, 2024. - Nelson Almeida/AFP/Getty Images

Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes ordered Xs nationwide ban on Aug. 30 after months of feuding with Musk over the limits of free speech. The powerful judge has spearheaded efforts to ban far-right users from spreading misinformation on social media, and he ramped up his clampdown after die-hard Bolsonaro supporters ransacked Congress and the presidential palace on Jan. 8, 2023, in an attempt to overturn Bolsonaros defeat in the presidential election.

The ban is red meat to Bolsonaros allies, who have accused the judiciary and President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silvas government of colluding to silence their movement.

Elon Musk has been a warrior for freedom of speech, staunch Bolsonaro ally and lawmaker Bia Kicis said in an interview. The right is being oppressed, massacred, because the left doesnt want the right to exist.

Our liberties are in danger, we need to make our voices heard. De Moraes is a tyrant, he should be impeached, and people on the streets is the only thing that will convince politicians to do it, added retiree Amaro Santos as he walked down the thoroughfare Saturday,

Musk, a self-proclaimed free speech absolutist, has also urged Brazilians to turn out in droves for the rally, resharing someone elses post claiming that Xs ban had awakened people to the fact that freedom isnt free and needs to be fought for. Hes also created an X account, named for the controversial jurist, to publish sealed court orders directing X to shut down accounts deemed unlawful.

But De Moraes decision to ban X was far from arbitrary, having been upheld by fellow Supreme Court justices. And while expression, online and elsewhere, is more easily censored under Brazils laws than it is in the US, Musk has emerged as both a cause celebre and a mouthpiece for unrestricted free speech.

Since 2019, X has shut down 226 accounts of far-right activities accused of undermining Brazils democracy, including those of lawmakers affiliated with Bolsonaros party, according to court records.

An aerial view of supporters of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro during an Independence day rally in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on September 7, 2024. - Miguel Schincariol/AFP/Getty Images

But when it refused to take action on some accounts, de Moraes warned last month that its legal representative could be arrested, prompting X to disband its local office. The US-based company refused to name a new representative  as required in order to receive court notices  and de Moraes ordered its nationwide suspension until it did so.

A Supreme Court panel unanimously upheld de Moraes decision to block X days later, undermining Musks efforts to cast him as an authoritarian bent on censoring political speech.

The more controversial component of his ruling was the levy of a whopping $9,000 daily fine for regular Brazilians using virtual private networks (VPNs) to access X.

Some of these measures that have been adopted by the Supreme Court appear to be quite onerous and abusive, said Andrei Roman, CEO of Brazil-based pollster Atlas Intel.

In the lead-up to Saturdays protest, some right-wing politicians defied de Moraes ban and brazenly used a VPN to publish posts on X, calling for people to partake in the protests.

The march in Sao Paulo is organized in parallel to official events to celebrate Brazils anniversary of independence from Portugal. Commemorations have been fraught with tension in recent years, as Bolsonaro used them while in office to rally supporters and show political strength.

Three years ago, he threatened to plunge the country into a constitutional crisis when he declared he would no longer abide de Moraes rulings. He has since toned down the attacks  a reflection of his own delicate legal situation.

Bolsonaro has been indicted twice since his term ended in 2022, most recently for alleged money laundering in connection with undeclared diamonds from Saudi Arabia. De Moraes is overseeing an investigation into the Jan. 8 riot, including whether Bolsonaro had a role in inciting it.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Here are some of The Providence Journal's most-read stories for the week of Sept. 1, supported by your subscriptions.

Here are the week's top reads on providencejournal.com:

Barges have been set up in the Seekonk River to hold equipment that will be used in demolition of the Washington Bridge's westbound span.

PROVIDENCE  The asphalt surface that millions of drivers crossed on the westbound span of the Washington Bridge is being ripped off the condemned structure and dumped into trucks, marking the first stage of the demolition process.

By the end of January, the superstructure of the bridge  all of the horizontal bits that cross the river  should be gone. Of the old bridge, only the vertical supports that held the superstructure up, known as piers, will remain.

Why will it take more than four months to tear the bridge down? Will the demolition cause any new traffic disruptions? And what's the latest on the construction of a new bridge? Read the full story to find out.

Transportation: The I-195W Washington Bridge is coming down. Here's what to expect

PROVIDENCE  Footage from the shooting that fatally injured 7-year-old Ny'eil Pires shows two men opening fire on the girl and her family, according to a prosecutor.

Ny'eil Pires "fought for her life" at the hospital for more than three days before she died on Monday, Special Assistant Attorney General Alison Bittl said Tuesday when the two men appeared in District Court, Providence.

Shaheem Nathaniel and Ahmari Cabrera, who were arrested on Friday, face murder charges, and the two are accused of carrying out the shooting on Florence Street in an attempt to kill Ny'eil's father, Nelson Pires.

Crime: Child 'fought for her life' for three days after being shot. Two men now face murder charges

Tuesday is primary day in Rhode Island.

Put the quahog rake down and pick up the little rubber-tipped ballot-signing pen: Primary day is near.

The November presidential election might seem like it's all that matters this year in politics, but there are state and local Rhode Island races to pay attention to, and many of them are decided on Tuesday, Sept. 10.

It's true that there are fewer competitive General Assembly primaries this year than normal.

And in city halls, only the Cranston mayoral primary has been truly contentious.

But there are exceptions to every trend, and this year Cranston, Johnston and Woonsocket have some of the old-fashioned Assembly primary battles we've come to know and love.

Read the full story to catch up on a dozen Assembly contests, all Democratic primaries, that will bear watching.

Political Scene: Here are 12 General Assembly races to watch on primary day

R.W. Alley at work in his home studio in Barrington, where he has illustrated Paddington Bear books for a quarter century.

Journal columnist Mark Patinkin enjoys finding superstars hidden in Rhode Island. This time, it's R.W. Alley, illustrator of the beloved "Paddington Bear" children's book series.

Mark visits the creative chaos of Alley's home studio in Barrington, where his illustrations have brought Paddington to life for 25 years. Along the way, in those books and in some of his own, Alley sometimes slips in some shout-outs to Rhode Island, from a view of Middletown's Second Beach to an "I  RI" mug nestled on a shelf.

Read the full column to find out how this Annapolis, Maryland, native landed in Rhode Island and won his dream job.

Mark Patinkin: How a RI artist came to draw one of the world's most beloved children's book characters

Are these apples forbidden fruit? It depends on where the tree is, according to Rhode Island law.

It's getting to be that time of year: Apples are growing, blackberries have ripened  and pretty soon, you'll be able to find piles of smashed, rotten, unpicked fruit on a city sidewalk or in a suburban parking lot near you.

It's hard to believe, but there are plenty of people out there who own fruit trees and never harvest the fruit. And, sadly, Rhode Island law prohibits the rest of us from helping ourselves before it goes to waste.

Whether anyone actually follows those rules or enforces them is another story, of course. But before you go foraging this fall, you might as well know what the rules say. (Remember what happened to Dorothy when she picked apples in Oz.)

Lifestyle: Can you pick fruit from a neighbor's tree or public park? What RI law says about foraging

To read the full stories, go to providencejournal.com. Find out how to subscribe here.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Bridge demolition; RI primary preview; Paddington Bear: Top stories
The socialist dystopia in which we live  and which started long before a Labour government made it worse  is highlighted by a statement made last week by George Weston, chief executive of Associated British Foods.

Referring to one of ABFs constituent brands, Primark, Mr Weston said the retailer annually lost more to shoplifting than it paid in business rates. It has 191 stores in Britain and pays 70 million rates annually. The effect on the companys shareholders is, in more ways than one, criminal.

Shortly before Mr Westons despairing announcement, Paul Gerrard, who runs public affairs at the Co-op, reported that his staff were experiencing unprecedented levels of crime and abuse, with a 44 per cent increase year on year. Both executives mentioned organised shoplifting gangs, stealing to order.

Mr Gerrard spoke of people coming into our stores with wheelie bins, people coming into our store with builders bags to steal the whole confectionery section, the entire sprit section, the entire meat section.

Aware that this might be a problem, Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, intends to scrap the so-called 200 rule, which means that those shoplifting goods worth 199 or less can be tried in a magistrates court for a summary offence, carrying a maximum six months sentence. Those tried in a Crown Court can be sentenced to a maximum of seven years for theft.

The massive backlog in Crown Courts means a wait in some cases of more than two years before a trial. Cunning solicitors recommend that thieves opt for this if offered; they believe that juries are less likely to convict than a bench of magistrates and that, by the time the case is heard, the impact of the offence will seem much less. This cynicism suggests a different approach is needed.

Last month, when parts of the country were beset by riots, the courts responded to a state of ministerial near-panic by having those who were pleading guilty rushed into court ahead of other cases and punished in an exemplary fashion. It made the Government look as though it were in charge, it upheld in categorical terms the rule of law, and an immediate lesson was given to those who admitted riotous conduct.

No reasonable person could object to that  and indeed the courts continue to be tough, with a lout sent to jail for nine years on Friday for arson.

The riots were perceived as a threat to public order, and allowed grandstanding by judges and politicians against the far Right, though all of that prompted accusations of two-tier policing.

Most rank-and-file police officers want to catch serious criminals and see them punished as a means not merely of providing justice, but of deterring others from similar behaviour. They must be as frustrated as retail bosses, and indeed small entrepreneurs who run round-the-clock family shops in urban areas, to see the law being violated in the present flagrant fashion.

The lawlessness that gives Britain such a dystopian feel  the marauding shoplifters, the Rolex rippers, the smartphone thieves, the lethal parade of teenagers with knives whose conception of the value of human life is apparently non-existent  is an emergency every bit as grave as the riots last month.

Perhaps, for all Ms Coopers gestures, the Government simply believes that the capitalists who own shares in big retail companies, or who are developing family businesses, and who dare to flaunt their wealth by walking around wearing a 20,000 watch or even touting a brand new 1,500 smartphone, get all that is coming to them.

If the Government does privately take that view, it would be consistent with and related to two other long-running policies  that of the police giving up pursuing most burglars, and of the soft policing of supposedly minor drug offences. All of this is part of a pyramid of crime that leads straight back to international organised gangsterism  and it is destroying the concept of the rule of law upon which a supposedly civilised society such as ours is based.

Yes, I know that the prisons are full (so full we may be about to ship criminals to Estonia) and the police are overworked and the courts have yet to recover from the pandemic-induced backlog, but the Government is elected to rectify that.

It should be clear from what the big retail bosses are saying that flagrant organised theft, usually to sell stolen goods on, is starting to cause serious damage not just to our moral system but to our economy.

That, to my mind, is as grave a threat to social stability as any mindless delinquents rioting or making vile racist remarks. If the Government could mobilise the police and the courts to tackle that at remarkably short notice, it owes it to those who go lawfully about their business to mobilise them rapidly again, to deal with this ugly and far from victimless crime.

Lock up for seven years  in Estonia or anywhere else you like  those with the wheelie-bins full of food and drink, and there is just a chance this loathsome epidemic of crime will stop.

The alternative to failing to enforce and punish is to have retailing conducted under siege, which would make the criminals even more ruthless, and possibly murderous.

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.
On one of the busiest weekends of the year, an estimated 25,000 passengers have had their travel plans wrecked by mass flight cancellations on British Airways.

More than 100 flights were grounded on Friday, with the blame placed on adverse weather conditions in London.

About three-quarters of Fridays BA cancellations were at London Heathrow, including holiday flights to and from holiday destinations such as Larnaca in Cyprus and the Spanish islands of Ibiza and Mallorca.

At London City, services to and from Barcelona, Florence and Malaga were among 22 cancellations.

To add to the many thousands of passengers who woke up where they did not expect to be on Saturday morning, British Airways has cancelled at least 60 more flights in and out of Heathrow.

According to data from the airlines website, six flights serving Barcelona are cancelled, together with four to and from both Dublin and Rome. Departures to and from Mediterranean locations including Athens, Ibiza, Naples, Palma, and Venice, are grounded.

In addition, at least one flight that had been delayed overnight  from Heathrow to Hamburg  was cancelled on Saturday morning.

The performer Emma Lawton wrote on X: Appalled at the service from British Airways this morning.

They cancelled our flight with minimum notice, an hour later a message saying theyve booked us on a later flight which didnt exist and the number we were given says theyre too busy to talk.

Im due to give a talk first thing in the morning in Madrid which is now seeming impossible. No seats available on any other flights.

Scammers have been trying to capitalise on the chaos, with a fake X account calling itself British Airways Support Team asking Ms Lawton to provide her details.

Between London and mainland Europe, most flights are heavily booked, meaning space is not available on other British Airways flights for many of the stranded passengers.

One traveller from Marseille to Heathrow on Friday had an afternoon flight to London cancelled. She was rebooked on a later BA flight, but that too was grounded.

British Airways rebooked her on a Marseille-Frankfurt flight on Lufthansa on Saturday, with a connection to Heathrow, which would have meant she would have arrived 24 hours late in London. BA did not offer a hotel, as it is obliged to do under European air passengers rights rules.

Instead, the passenger bought a new ticket with Ryanair on Friday evening. Calling the British Airways customer service line to request a refund took almost an hour.

BA has not so so far responded to requests from The Independent for comment.

According to data on Flightradar24, no other airline has cancelled any European flights to and from Heathrow on Saturday.

The aviation analyst, Cirium, had predicted Friday would be the busiest day of the year for flights from UK airports, but the widespread cancellations mean a record is unlikely to have been set.
Broadway Halloween Parade saved after raising $26K in less than a week

DENVER (KDVR)  Less than a week ago, the popular Halloween parade down Broadway in the Baker neighborhood was close to being canceled  unless they raised $26,000 in less than a week.

Six days later, the parade is back on.

The Broadway Halloween Parade started in 2016 and within seven years, the parade grew to tens of thousands of people in attendance as dozens of floats head down Broadway from 5th Avenue to Alameda Avenue.

Last year, 30,000 people attended the parade according to organizers.

List: Events to celebrate Oktoberfest in Colorado

Along with the parades growing audience came safety concerns from the Denver Police Department, who said the parade needed safety barricades to keep people off the street. The parade said that the barricades alone would cost around $26,000  a sum that needed to be hit by Friday.

We need a hero, Luke Johnson, president of the Broadway Merchants Association, told FOX31s Nate Belt on Aug. 31.

Luckily, people pitched in and raised the $26,000 just in time. On Friday, the parade announced that enough money was raised to keep the festivities going.

The parade will officially continue on for its eighth year down Broadway. On Oct. 19 at 6 p.m. spooky floats, bands, marchers and magicians will be out and about to watch, participate and celebrate an early Halloween.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Brooklyn pet owner claims groomer  arrested for animal abuse in 2007  killed her dog by carelessly turning collar into noose

Photos showing Amanda Lee protesting outside Fluff and Love, as well as other protestors and a close-up of Reba.

A Brooklyn woman claimed a Bay Ridge dog groomer who was previously busted for animal abuse killed her beloved 6-year-old cocker spaniel by carelessly turning the doomed pups collar into a noose.

Melissa Lee said she brought her dog, Reba, to Fluff and Love Grooming on Fourth Avenue on Aug. 28, dropping the animal off at 3 p.m. for a quick bath and paw cleaning.

It should have taken an hour, said Lee, 65, a retired city public school teacher who lives in the neighborhood.

Reba was happy and healthy when she was left with groomer Bechir Bejaoui. Courtesy of Melissa Lee

But three hours later, she hadnt heard back from the groomer, so Lee called Fluff and Love, but couldnt reach owner Bechir Bejaoui. Thats when Lee walked to the shop to pick up her pooch.

Bejaoui said Reba was placed in a crate 90 minutes earlier, and that he needed more time to work on her, since shed urinated on herself, Lee recalled.

I asked, Where is she?' Lee said. He didnt want me to get her, but I could hear her breathing weird.

Lee eventually opened the crate, and felt around Rebas neck, finding a tightly-pulled canvas slip collar.

I couldnt get my hand in between her neck and the collar to loosen it, Lee recalled. I turned her body to face me, and I thought her eyes were missing. They were rolled back in her head. It looked like she had big red tumors for eyes.

Rebas death devastated Melissa Lee, who has been protesting outside Bejaouis business. Helayne Seidman

She grabbed Reba and laid her on the floor as another client was entering the business.

The woman gasped when she saw Rebas eyes, Lee said. [Bechir] started yelling at me, saying, I didnt do anything wrong. He was so concerned I was going to blame him.

Lee, along with her daughter Reeva Grammatikopoulos rushed Reba to Bay Street Animal Hospital on Staten Island.

Fluff and Love opened in a vacated nail salon last fall. Helayne Seidman

When we got there, she was cyanotic and struggling to breathe, Lee said. They placed her in an oxygen tank. They administered steroids. They could not remove her from the oxygen tank because every time they tried to, she could not breathe on her own.

Rebas heart eventually gave out, her owner said.

The only comfort I have is that she knew that I came to the store to pick her up, she knew that I was there because she wagged her tail and tried to look at me, she said. I lost a child that night.

Bejaoui said in an online post Reba was a dying dog, and accused Lee of extortion. Helayne Seidman

Lee, who has staged two protests outside Bejaouis business, said she believes Reba was strangled by the collar.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals now has Rebas body, and will perform a necropsy to determine what caused her death.

The NYPDs Animal Cruelty Squad is investigating the incident, a police spokesperson said, adding no charges have been filed against Bejaoui.

Animal lovers protested outside the business Friday afternoon. Helayne Seidman

Bejaoui did not respond to repeated calls seeking comment.

Since Rebas death, social media pages for Fluff and Love Grooming have been removed.

In 2007, while working as a groomer at Fins, Furs, n Feathers, Bejaoui was arrested for animal cruelty stemming from the alleged abuse of a Burmese cat, records show.

Lee and 6-year-old Reba seen above in happier times. Courtesy of Melissa Lee

A Brooklyn District Attorneys Office spokesman was unable to provide additional information on the alleged crime, noting the case file was sealed.

In a message posted to customers before Bejaoui disabled his social media accounts, he accused Lee of bringing her dying dog to his establishment, and insisted the dog was clearly alive when Lee left with her.

The scheming Lee, he said, has slandered and defamed me and my business and has concocted a scheme to extort and defraud me.

Lees daughter, Reeva Grammatikopoulos, said the protest will continue until Fluff and Love is shuttered. Helayne Seidman

He also claims Lee never paid for his services, and that her claims are falsehoods in her devious and despicable attempt to extort me and scam my business.

Grammatikopoulos, 41, said she will not rest until Bejaouis out of business, and cant harm another animal.

He fked with the wrong dog, she said.
(NewsNation)  Bryan Kohbergers defense team is attempting to get the death penalty removed as a potential punishment for the man accused of killing four college students in November 2022.

Kohberger  a 29-year-old criminal justice graduate student  faces first-degree murder and burglary charges for allegedly breaking into an off-campus rental house and killing University of Idaho students Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin.

Prosecutors plan to pursue the death penalty if Kohberger is found guilty.

Keep the Kohberger trial in Moscow: One victims family

Kohbergers attorneys filed challenges to the states capital punishment plan Thursday, Idaho Judicial Branch spokesperson Nate Poppino told the Idaho Statesman.

In 13 filings, they argued that Idaho has no viable method for killing in a death penalty case, adding that the states death penalty plan violates the U.S. Constitution.

The process provided to Mr. Kohberger up to this point has failed to adequately protect him from being arbitrarily selected for the death penalty, one filing reads, according to NBC.

Idaho college killings: Timeline of events in Bryan Kohberger case

His attorneys claimed executing Kohberger by means of lethal injection or a gunshot as conceived of by the Idaho Department of Corrections (IDOC) would violate his right to be free from cruel and unusual punishment under the Eighth Amendment and his right to due process under the Fourteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution.

Idahos other legal execution method  death by firing squad  is not and was never constitutional, the attorneys wrote.

Latah County prosecutor Bill Thompson cited four aggravating factors in the states decision to pursue the death penalty. According to a filing obtained by the Seattle Times, Thompson pointed to the deaths as being especially heinous, atrocious, or cruel, manifesting exceptional depravity.

Last week, Kohberger and his team made the argument to get his trial moved out of Moscow, as it would be impossible to maintain a fair trial in the college town.

A trial date was initially set for October 2023, but Kohberger waived his right to a speedy trial, pushing it back to June 2025.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
Bryan Kohberger will likely get death penalty: Attorney

(NewsNation)  Dave Aronberg, a state attorney for Palm Beach County in Florida, is certain Bryan Kohberger will continue to face capital punishment, despite the defense teams attempt to get the death penalty removed.

Theyre trying everything and anything, but its not gonna work, Aronberg said Friday on Banfield. Idaho is a conservative state.  This case is gonna stay a capital punishment case.

Kohberger  a 29-year-old criminal justice graduate student  faces first-degree murder and burglary charges for allegedly breaking into an off-campus rental house in November 2022 and killing University of Idaho students Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin.

Prosecutors plan to pursue the death penalty if Kohberger is found guilty.

Colin Gray latest parent to be charged in school shooting

Kohbergers defense team is doing their best to save his life, but Aronberg doesnt think itll work.

I think hell get convicted, and well get the death penalty, Aronberg said.

NewsNations Anna Kutz 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 NewsNation.
WARREN COUNTY, Miss. (WJTV)  There are questions about a bus companys track record after a fatal bus crash in Mississippi on Saturday, August 31.

Seven people died when a passenger bus traveling on Interstate 20 left the roadway and overturned. The Mississippi Highway Patrol (MHP) said that 41 passengers and two drivers were enroute to Dallas from Atlanta.

Autobuses Regiomontanos owned the bus in the crash. The company, which is registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), has had a troubled record in recent memory. It consists of lawsuits, driver fitness violations and even another fatal crash in 2023.

About Autobuses Regiomontanos Inc.

According to the DOT, the company, based in Laredo, Texas, operates 17 vehicles and employs 39 drivers. The company currently has a conditional safety rating. It is given to companies with inadequate safety controls. Still, companies with this rating may continue to operate.

Its most recent compliance review occurred in July 2023. Using data available from the DOTs Safety Management System, it has had 155 inspections. Of those inspections, 58 had violations. Nearly all were vehicle maintenance violations.

Three infractions between October and December of 2023 involved issues with vehicle tires. Other infractions included 16 brake or air brake violations and citations for having two buses with no or defective emergency exits.

Seven victims killed in Mississippi bus crash identified

Driving record

Other inspection violations related to the bus companys drivers. All violations occurred this year. They include the following:

(1) Operating a commercial vehicle without corrective lenses or hearing aids as indicated on the drivers medical certificate (2) Operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) while not possessing a valid commercial drivers license (CDL). 05/13/2024 05/14/2024 05/14/2024 05/28/2024

Operate a CMV while not in possession of a CDL on person. 03/22/2024 03/28/2024



DOT data indicates that company buses have been in four separate accidents over the last two years. A November 2022 crash required a bus to be towed away and another in April 2023 resulted in someone dying. Below is the record.

Date Location Deaths Injuries 10/16/2023 Louisiana 0 1 4/15/2023 Texas 1 2 11/23/2022 Tennessee 0 0 9/24/2022 Arkansas 0 1

The NTSB is investigating the crash in conjunction with MHP. NTSB officials said they will look at the carriers safety record and protections for bus occupants.

Community comes together to help Mississippi bus crash victims

Lawsuits

Autobuses Regiomontanos violated several provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). According to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), it failed to have an ADA training program in place for its employees and contractors, failed to file required ADA compliance reports and failed to ensure that all lifts on its buses were properly maintained.

In 2015, the company entered into a settlement agreement with the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of Texas.

The company was also named as a defendant in a $708 million lawsuit filed by New York City City in January. The city accused Autobuses Regiomontanos and other charter bus and transportation companies of taking migrants to the Big Apple on behalf of the State of Texas.

Tips for travel

The DOT advises travelers to do the following before they book their next bus trip.

Search for bus companies

Verify that a company is authorized to operate

Review the companys safety records

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

If appropriate, report a company

DOT agencies advise consumers that unless a motor carrier has received an unsatisfactory rating or has been ordered to discontinue its operations, it is authorized to operate on the nations roadways. Additionally, readers should not conclude that a carrier is safe or unsafe by only using data from DOT agencies. For more information, click here.

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.
EL DORADO, Kan. (KSNW)  The Butler County Sheriffs Office is warning about a blackmail scam.

The scammer sends an email claiming that while browsing adult websites or watching adult videos on your phone, they installed spyware to record both you and the content. They then threaten to send that video to your family, friends, and colleagues if you dont send money to a Bitcoin account.

This is a new variation on a common sexstortion scam. In this new version, scammers are now using a photo that shows the exterior of where you live.

Man hospitalized in shooting at mobile home park south of Wichita

Previous versions would say they had installed spyware on your computer and used your webcam to record. They would also use a password that you had used at one time on a website that has been compromised.

Sexstortion scams are not uncommon. In 2022, a Michigan teenager committed suicide after a scammer threatened him if he didnt pay a ransom. Two Nigerian men were extradited to the U.S. and pleaded guilty earlier this year in connection to his death.

If you receive an email like the one above, do not reply. Report it to your local law enforcement agency and include the QR code or wallet information for investigators.

Once it has been reported, use your email providers tool to report spam or phishing emails. It is also a good idea to ensure your personal information hasnt been compromised.

You can check to see if any of your email addresses or accounts have been affected by data breaches at haveibeenpwned.com. If you have a compromised account, change your password immediately.

You should also ensure that 2-factor identification is turned on for any online account and consider using a password manager. Both Google and iOS have built-in password managers, but many third-party options are available.

If you havent done so recently, its also a good idea to get your free credit report. You can get it at AnnualCreditReport.com.

The Federal Trade Commission offers these tips for keeping your data safe online.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
After more than two years and an equal number of lawsuits, the states battle against the city of Elk Grove for its refusal to build affordable housing is over. But the war is not, unless the rest of the state is sufficiently cowed into building the units that low-income residents desperately need to call home.

California Attorney Rob Bonta announced Wednesday morning that because Elk Grove illegally blocked the Oak Rose affordable housing development in its Old Town district in 2022, it is now subject to numerous penalties.

Opinion

Bonta and Gov. Gavin Newsom stood together on Wednesday and crystallized their stance for cities that still havent gotten the message: Whether you are Huntington Beach or Elk Grove or Woodside or Pasadena, Bonta said, you have a duty and an obligation to follow the law of the state of California.

But if Bonta and Newsom truly wanted to bring the hammer down on wealthy cities that refuse to build their fair share of housing  be it Huntington Beach or otherwise  then the punishment they cooked up for Elk Grove doesnt exactly fit the crime.

I was hopeful Bontas involvement would give these laws the legal oomph they deserve, but the AGs settlement with Elk Grove wound up sounding more like a pfft.

Elk Groves denial was illegal

The saga started back in July of 2022, when the Elk Grove City Council denied a proposed 66-unit supportive housing project for lower-income households at risk of homelessness, even though those same city officials approved a similar project for market-rate housing just a few blocks away. After the developer sued, the supportive housing project was ultimately relocated to a city-owned property earlier this year. But the state launched its own lawsuit against Elk Grove for breaking several state housing laws that require cities to approve such projects under certain circumstances.

We were very appreciative of the state taking action the way that it did, said Excelerate Housing CEO Dana Trujillo, the development company behind the Oak Rose Apartments. If the state had not taken action, our legal dispute with the city would have dragged on for probably several years longer.

In the settlement with the state, announced Wednesday, Bonta said the city of Elk Grove had agreed to strict reporting requirements over the next five years to monitor its compliance with the state housing laws it had broken. It will also be required to identify a second site, somewhere in a high resource area, Bonta said. Trujillo confirmed Excelerate has not been approached by the city to work on that project.

Elk Grove will also be required to repay the State of California $150,000 in attorneys fees and other costs.

$150,000 in attorneys fees is practically Monopoly money for a city like Elk Grove which boasts a $374 million budget, but Im not suggesting that the punishment necessarily needs to be monetary (or, ultimately, out of the pockets of taxpayers.)

It just needs to sting.

A slap on the wrist

Bontas settlement requires that, instead of the originally-proposed project of one affordable housing complex near the citys downtown core, Elk Grove will now need to build two.

They dont want the 66-unit housing project built? Bonta said. Theyre going to get 146; so you tell me if that worked out for them.

Thats a good start, but perhaps forcing the city to build 300  or even 600  affordable units in the inner boundaries of the city would have truly hurt (and it would have had a better chance of sending the kind of message Bonta clearly hoped to convey).

Thats the kind of punishment that would command the attention of the stuffed shirts in Elk Grove and any other city that thinks it should cater above poor and working class Californians, who are increasingly priced out of the states housing market.

To their credit, Bontas office stipulated that there would be no more pushing affordable housing developments to the corners of the city limits  which is exactly what happened in Elk Grove after they settled with Trujillo and Excelerate.

The city likes to boast that it has provided $78 million in funding for affordable housing projects in Elk Grove since 2004, including transitional housing and permanent supportive housing. But a quick look at a map shows most of those projects have been on the outer edges of the sprawling city, with little or laborious access to nearby grocery stores, retail or transportation.

The new site they had to hand over (for free, by the way) to Excelerate Housing is mere blocks from the city limits, at 8484 Elk Grove-Florin Rd. The old site, at 9252 Elk Grove Blvd., was a stones throw from multi-million dollar housing developments and in the heart of a commercial district, including a grocery store. The city can pretend it didnt want the Oak Rose development built too close to a nearby daycare all it wants, but the real reason wealthy neighbors fought so hard to keep that overgrown lot empty is clear to anyone with eyes to see.

Bonta also stipulated that this mandated, second development will have to be in a higher resource area than the original project  surrounded by even more supports, job opportunities, educational opportunities, transit opportunities (and) business opportunities, a demand for more from cities that choose to blatantly flout state laws.

But Bonta declined to say exactly where the new development would be, likely because he doesnt know yet  and thats a shame. His office should have stipulated that the original site be used for affordable housing.

Punish cities the way we punish the homeless

The last two years have been a long and vastly annoying saga for both the developer and the state, mostly thanks to Elk Grove officials choosing to fall over themselves trying to explain why they broke the law, rather than just admitting they did. (But with developers sweethearts like Elk Grove Mayor Bobbie Singh-Allen and Sacramento County Supervisor/former Elk Grove City Councilman Pat Hume at the wheel in the south county, thats not surprising.)

Ultimately, I suppose the settlement is a win, but Im not sure how far limited state oversight, a measly fine and a stern look from the governor will go to persuade cities like Huntington Beach  which seems determined to push the boundaries of state housing laws as far as they can possibly go  to change their ways.

Elk Grove may have learned its lesson (for now), but whos to say that after the five years of oversight they wont be back to their old games? A housing development pitched to the city council this very week may not even be completed in the next five years; 10 or even 20 years of oversight might have been a more suitable penance.

As Bonta himself said: Californias housing laws are not optional. The states punishment for breaking those laws must be as damaging  or worse  as its punishments for Californians forced to sleep on the streets.
California serial killer Michael Gargiulo extradited to Cook County to face charges in 1993 murder of Glenview teen

COOK COUNTY, Ill.  A notorious serial killer already convicted in California appeared in a Cook County courtroom on Friday to face charges for the 1993 murder of a teen girl in the north suburbs.

48-year-old Michael Gargiulo walked into the Skokie Courthouse on Friday wearing sunglasses and using a cane, telling the judge that he had suffered two brain hemorrhages and a stroke while in a California penitentiary.

In a surprise development, Gargiulo, who is already on death row in California, was extradited to Cook County on Thursday from the California Department of Corrections, more than 13 years after he was charged in the killing of 18-year-old Tricia Pacaccio in his hometown of Glenview.

48-year-old Michael Gargiulo walked into the Skokie Courthouse on Friday wearing sunglasses and using a cane, telling the judge that he had suffered two brain hemorrhages and a stroke while in a California penitentiary.

Pacaccio was found stabbed to death on the doorstep of her familys home in unincorporated Glenview in August 1993. Pacaccio had recently graduated high school and lived near Gargiulo, who was 17 at the time and friends with her younger brother.

Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

During his court appearance, Cook County Judge Anthony Calabrese ordered that Gargiulo remain detained pending trial.

The arrest and prosecution of Michael Gargiulo marks a crucial moment in our pursuit of justice for Tricia Pacaccio, Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart said. While nothing can erase the pain of her loss, we remain committed to the Pacaccio family and are grateful that they can finally see this case move forward.

Pacaccios family members were in the courtroom on Friday but did not speak with reporters afterward.

18-year-old Tricia Pacaccio was found stabbed to death on the doorstep of her familys home in unincorporated Glenview in August 1993.

Gargiulo is set to make his next court appearance on Friday, Sept. 20.

Gargiulos extradition is the latest development in a decades-long effort to bring Pacaccios killer to justice.

Gargiulo moved to California in 1998 and in 2003, detectives were able to link him to the case through DNA material found under Pacaccios fingernails, but prosecutors declined to approve charges.

New evidence came to light in 2008 after Gargiulo was arrested in connection with a violent string of attacks after the attempted murder of his only known surviving victim, Michelle Murphy, in Santa Monica.

Murphy was able to fight off Gargiulo and the trail of evidence left behind later linked him to the murders of Pacaccio, 22-year-old Ashley Ellerin, who was stabbed to death at her Hollywood Hills home in 2001, and 32-year-old Maria Bruno, who was killed in El Monte in 2005.

LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland

In 2011, Gargiulo was charged with murder and attempted murder in connection with the attacks.

Gargiulo who was dubbed The Chiller Killer and The Hollywood Ripper by various media outlets at the time of the gruesome murders, was referred to as The Boy Next Door Killer by prosecutors, as he was found to live near the victims who he stalked before killing.

In 2019, Gargiulo was convicted of murder and attempted murder in the three California attacks and was later sentenced to death in 2021.

Among those who testified in the months-long 2019 trial was actor Ashton Kutcher, who was supposed to go on a date with Ellerin shortly before her murder.

During the 2021 trial, where Gargiulo was sentenced to death in the murders of Ellerin and Bruno, California prosecutors were allowed to present extensive evidence from the Glenview case as they sought to present him as a serial killer.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
The former chief of staff for California State Sen. Marie Alvarado-Gil filed a civil lawsuit alleging the Republican lawmaker forced him to perform sexual favors for her, one of which resulted in a serious back injury.

In a lawsuit filed Thursday in the Sacramento Superior Court, Chad Condit claimed Alvarado-Gil exploited her position of power to sexually harass him while he served as her chief of staff.

[Condit] was demeaned and made to feel empty and subordinate to his boss, a California state senator, with power over his career and livelihood, the complaint read.

Last month, Alvarado-Gil switched parties from Democrat to Republican. She said her former partys supermajority in the Legislature is unrecognizable to what I once knew and lacks the will to fix the problems plaguing this state.

In addition to sexual harassment claims, the new Republican faces allegations of discrimination, retaliation and violations of California labor laws.

In the complaint, Condit alleged his former boss began creating a hostile work environment immediately after he became her chief of staff in 2022 after successfully running her election to the state Senate. Condit met Alvarado-Gil while running for the 22nd California Assembly District in 2022, which he lost.

Condit claimed that Alvarado-Gil pressured him into performing oral sex on her several times during the year he worked for her. Condit, who is married, said in the complaint that he felt pressured to perform the favors out of fear of losing his job. He claimed that Alvarado-Gil seemed to revel in her dominance over Condit, at one point he claimed that the senator told him to kiss her genitals to prove your loyalty.

One incident in which Condit claimed he was pressured to perform oral sex in a car, which resulted in a back injury. The filing states that Condit suffered three herniated discs in his back and a collapsed hip as a result of the incident.

After the incident, Condit claimed in the filing that he rejected Alvarado-Gils advances. He underwent back surgery in Oct. 2023 to address the injury, and two months later he was fired.

Ognian Gavrilov, Alvarado-Gils lawyer, called the claims completely unsubstantiated and outlandish.

Were gonna fight everything, theres never gonna be a settlement from this case, Gavrilov said. This case will either result in them dismissing it for no money, or well go all the way to trial.
(FOX40.COM)  In a lawsuit filed on Thursday, California State Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil was accused of committing various acts of sexual harassment toward a member of her campaign staff.

The lawsuit claims that a former campaign manager, who later became Alvarado-Gils chief of staff, was groomed into accepting a sexual relationship with the state senator beginning in December 2022.

California State Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil switching from Democratic to Republican party

An attorney representing Sen. Alvarado-Gil released the following statement after the lawsuit was announced, stating, A disgruntled former employee has fabricated an outlandish story, presented without evidence, to get a payday. We expect that the senator will be fully cleared of any wrongdoing of these bogus, financially motivated claims.

Among the accusations in court documents, Sen. Alvarado-Gil asked the plaintiff, who is married, if hed ever cheated on his wife or would ever be intimate with a boss. In March 2023, it was stated that Alvarado-Gil became more blunt and direct toward the plaintiff and asked him what his feelings were on throuples and whether he thought his wife would be into that.

The accusations continue to state that the harassment escalated through December of 2023, and on Dec. 18, 2023, the plaintiff was informed that his employment would be terminated on Dec. 31.

As an employer/supervisor, Alvarado-Gil engaged in erratic, controlling, sexually dominating abuse of authority and power, the lawsuit says. This was a sex-based quid pro quo relationship of unwelcome advances and sexual behaviors coupled with punishment and flexing of power.

Secretary of the Senate Erika Contreas said the chamber is taking the complaint seriously.

The Senate has not been served in this matter, but we are in discussions with counsel to assess next steps, Contreas said. The Senate takes all complaints incredibly seriously, but is unable to comment on matters involving pending litigation.

Sen. Alvarado-Gil made headlines in August when she announced she was switching her political affiliation from Democrat to Republican, saying she could not stand by a party that ignores the will of the people and disregards the core American values that my very community supports and believes in.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN)  For Dimna Contreras, a night out with her boyfriend and another couple at a family restaurant changed everything.

She ordered a beer while her boyfriend ordered a margarita. It was their first drink of the night.

He said youre going to need to drive, this margarita is hitting me, this must be a strong margarita, Contreras said.

Contreras didnt think much of it at that point, but then things spiraled.

I could see that his behavior was different, he was acting out of it, she said. And the next morning, he said no, I dont remember what happened after that first drink.

Contreras said police took her case immediately, and urged them to go get a toxicology screen as soon as possible. They went to the hospital where Contreras works to get the test, but it came up clean. However, she said when she told police that, detectives told her a lot of the drugs used to spike drinks nowadays are synthetic, so they wont always pop up on tests.

Police confirmed theyre investigating the case, but said they couldnt release any details at this time.

Contreras posted about her experience on social media and said people flooded her inbox.

They would say they didnt speak up because by the time they realized, we knew it was already either out of our system, or they were synthetic drugs, or they were too ashamed, she said.

Shes now using her case to speak out about the dangers of drugging, urging people to not only be aware of their surroundings and trust their instincts, but also to report any suspected drugging instances to authorities right away.

Where can I get drug tested if I think my drink was spiked but I dont want to go to police?

When you report a drugging to law enforcement, the Austin Police Department said it coordinates to help get you a toxicology screen as soon as possible.

Victim advocates across various platforms note that due to the traumatic nature of getting drugged, people may not be ready to come forward to law enforcement immediately.

The SAFE Alliance said the following options are available if you dont want to go to law enforcement immediately, but still want to get tested before any potential drugs have the chance to leave your system.

Call SAFE at (512) 267-7233 to get connected with an advocate who can walk you through the necessary processes

You can get a sexual assault exam through SAFE even if your memory is foggy and youre not sure if you were assaulted. These exams include a toxicology screen. Those results arent processed until/unless you file a police report.

SAFE can refer you to a clinic for testing

You can purchase at-home tests at a pharmacy. A photo of the most extensive one we found at an Austin CVS is below. It tests for 14 different drugs. While it does not test for the official roofie drug, it tests for other strong sedatives and opiates that can have similar effects. Tests we found ran between $27 to $38.

The drug test on the right side of the photo tests for 14 different substances.

Some area hospitals also say they have the capability to run drug tests that detect date rape drugs.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
(NewsNation)  Mark Liberman, a professor of linguistics at the University of Pennsylvania, agrees that the random verbiage commonly known as word salads is different than outright lying or filibustering. He tells On Balance that both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump often take circuitous routes to make their 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 NewsNation.
HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH)  A woman is recovering in the hospital after being assaulted with a knife during a carjacking this morning in Hartford.

At around 6:15 a.m., Hartford police officers arrived at the Mobil Gas Station on 605 Albany Ave., where they encountered a woman, alert and conscious but suffering from multiple stab wounds.

Officers were on scene most of the morning, according to neighbors and nearby businesses.

Around 6 oclock, my mom heard sirens that woke her up and my wife up, said neighbor Reynaldo Caraballo. And then at 9 oclock, when I came down, they told me there was a whole bunch of cops, yellow tape, and a whole bunch of movement here.

Police say the assault occurred during a carjacking, and the suspect managed to drive away in the womans vehicle.

The woman is described as being in her thirties and was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

According to available data from police, there have been 764 auto thefts this year, through August 31. Looking at same time frame, the area with the most car thefts is Northwest with 228 incidents.

The Southeast has had 225 followed by 170 incidents in the Southwest. 131 have been recorded in the Northeast.. thats where Saturday mornings incident occurred.

While the total number of car thefts this year to date has dropped 9% from last year, neighbors like Caraballo said they feel unsafe after hearing about a violent carjacking just around the corner from their homes.

I heard about it, mostly on the southside, about the carjackings and stuff but never on this side, said Caraballo. Really its just a lot of craziness and hectic stuff at nighttime mostly, when everything happens.

The Hartford Police Departments Major Crimes and Crime Scene Divisions are leading this investigation and are actively searching for the suspect.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
WILDWOOD, Mo.  The FOX Files first told you Tuesday about the Wildwood home ordered to vacate, partly because of a cat infestation. Pictures taken by the elderly homeowners relative revealed some of the more than 137 cats recovered so far.

The homeowners daughter Carolyn Haydon told us that she and two other siblings had been trying to warn authorities for more than a year  after strangely being denied entry into the home.

When my parents would come to visit me for Christmas, their clothes, their suitcase would have that ammonia smell, said Haydon.

Driver shot overnight on I-70 in St. Louis

Then they found out from a family friend that their mom died, leading them to ask the courts for an emergency hearing to protect their dad. In court Friday, they blamed someone else living in the home: Their sister.

The homeowners grandson, Jonathan Carter, was also in the courtroom. He told us, My whole goal today was to make sure that his well-being was taken care of.

Carter agreed with his two aunts who testified that their sister moved into the Wildwood home about ten years ago and took control. They alleged that she prohibited anyone from entering the home while allegedly monitoring her parents cell phone calls and emails.

Then the elderly homeowner testified himself  saying his daughter was simply trying to save the cats. Then he admitted  some of the cats that died were put in a freezer so their cat hoarding would not be discovered.

Close

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

Daily News

Carter commented, Im devastated. I didnt know it was that bad. I had ideas. I had no proof.

The sisters testified that while their father struggled with memory problems  the sister in question moved in and took over after having her law license revoked in Virginia in 2015 and losing her home to foreclosure.

Theres a lot of things that are going on with her, Carter said.

The judge agreed to order a temporary guardian and also ordered that elderly homeowner an independent medical evaluation to determine his competence. Well return to court to see how this 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 FOX 2.
Censorship 'justified' in time of war, Kremlin official says

Censorship and communications restrictions are "justified" during wartime, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on Sept. 6.

The Russian government has been escalating attempts to control online communications, blocking the messaging app Signal and reportedly planning to block WhatsApp and YouTube in the coming months.

Peskov said that censorship is permissible in a time of war, while also claiming that he supports "complete freedom of information."

"In the state of war that we are in, restrictions are justified, just as censorship is justified, to be honest," Peskov said in an interview with the Russian state news agency TASS.

"We are in a state of war. But when the war ends, and any war ends in peace, there should be complete freedom of information."

Peskov's comments came on the same day that the Russian federal telecommunications regulator, Roskomnadzor, deleted a published draft of its plans to deanonymize Russian Telegram channels.

The draft, which disappeared from the government web portal overnight, said that any Russian bloggers or Telegram channels with over 10,000 followers would be required to provide their names, phone numbers, IP addresses, and other personal details to Roskomnadzor.

These procedures are reportedly designed to bring social media bloggers into compliance with a new law signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin on Aug. 9.

Peskov has previously denied reports that Russia plans to block YouTube entirely this fall due to a censorship disagreement with Google. Russian users in August complained of widespread YouTube outages and Russian authorities have slowed the site's speed in retaliation against Google.

In April, a Moscow court rejected an appeal from Google's parent company, Alphabet, to remove an almost $50 million fine imposed on the company for its failure to delete information that Russia deems to be discrediting its armed forces and promoting extremist content.

Read also: Russia blocks Signal messaging app, reportedly plans to block WhatsApp

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE)  Mendota residents will be able to get support with energy, health and other services with the new opening of a resource center, the Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission announced.

A ribbon-cut ceremony was held for the new center on Wednesday. Officials say the new Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission Resource Center located at 121 Belmont Avenue within the AMOR Wellness Center in Mendota aims to support residents with over 30 services such as energy, health and dental services.

We know transportation can be a barrier for families to access services. Our goal is to bring

the services to them by providing assistance locally. This resource center is part of our

commitment to serving our rural communities and providing support and programs to lift

people out of poverty, said Emilia Reyes, Fresno EOCs CEO.

According to officials, other services that the center will provide include health and wellness, early education, employment and training, and legal services. Fresno EOC provides Head Start services for 60 children in Mendota, and says they will be expanding to provide early childhood education for children up to three years old.

I think this is the beginning of something beautiful, this is the beginning of investment in

rural communities, said Assemblywoman Esmeralda Soria. If these families thrive,

the entire community will thrive.

The hours for the new Fresno EOC Resource Center in Mendota will be 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Residents can call 559-588-4040 for more information about 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 YourCentralValley.com | KSEE24 and CBS47.
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD)  As the cost of living goes up, Charleston County is looking to create more affordable housing, with their multi-county park program.

The proposed county council program would create financial incentives like tax breaks for developers. In return, developers will provide a portion of their buildings for affordable workforce housing. This could be used for teachers, first responders, and others who work in the county, but cant afford to live there.



Charleston County has need for affordable housing. When you think of living in Charleston County one of the things you hear over and over is we need affordable housing, said Loella Smalls, Director of Community Development and Vitalization.

The community program is focused on creating more affordable housing in the county to promote economic growth and improve quality of life.

It helps our economy because one for the workers that are here it lets them move into housing they need. It also brings new businesses here because they know they can bring their business to Charleston County, said Smalls.

Developers will have to apply for the program and must meet certain requirements.

This will give us the guardrail in determining the projects and developers that will be eligible for this. There will be an application, there will be a portal developers will apply through it and then we will take that application and begin analysis, said Smalls.



The policy went through the finance county meeting last night and will be voted on for approval Tuesday.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Big-name Republican endorsers of Vice President Kamala Harris are testing just how many disgruntled GOP voters are up for grabs in her race against a polarizing former President Donald Trump.

Former Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney, a member of pre-Trump GOP royalty, became the latest and most prominent Republican to back Harris Wednesday. Harris also has endorsements from former Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-Ill., and hundreds of local Republican officials to try to puncture what her campaign views as Trump's soft underbelly with Republican voters who are uncomfortable with the former president's brash and unorthodox brand of politics.

The campaign's consistent outreach is just one part of Harris' overall path to Election Day, but now, with no bigger names left on the table for support, the vice president will likely find out if there's more support to be had from dissatisfied Republicans -- or if she's already maxed out.

The ABC News presidential debate will take place on Sept. 10 at 9 p.m. ET and air on ABC and stream on ABC News Live, Disney+ and Hulu.

"The Kinzinger/Cheney endorsements are designed by Democrats to make Republican voters who are alienated by Trump's dishonesty, bad character, felony conviction, public policy ignorance, etc., feel better about not just abstaining but actively showing their displeasure by voting for Harris," said former Rep. Mo Brooks, R-Ala., a conservative six-term lawmaker who clashed with Trump during his 2022 Senate race.

"The number of Republican voters swayed by Republicans who endorse Harris is relatively small," he added. "But in an otherwise close race, it could be the difference between winning and losing."

PHOTO: Former U.S. Rep. Wyo. (R) Liz Cheney speaks onstage during the 2024 Martin Luther King, Jr. Beloved Community Commemorative Service at Ebenezer Baptist Church, Jan. 15, 2024, in Atlanta. (Paras Griffin/Getty Images)

MORE: Former Republican Vice President Dick Cheney to vote for Harris, Liz Cheney says

Cheney, a rising star in yesteryear's GOP who became both an outcast and the face of the anti-Trump Republican flank after the Jan. 6 insurrection, said Wednesday in red-leaning North Carolina that she would back Harris out of fear for American democracy. On Friday, she said her father, former Vice President Dick Cheney, would do the same.

"I felt that it was a particularly important discussion to have for the first time in North Carolina, where, you know, one of the questions that that I hear from Republicans who know that they would not support Donald Trump again, but, you know, have sort of said, well, maybe I'll just write someone in, " she said on Friday. "And I think that, particularly when we're talking about states where we know it's going to be close, where the election will be decided, we don't have that luxury and I think it's really important to recognize the nature of the choice that we have," she said.

The endorsement is just one part of Harris' strategy to win over fence-sitting Republican voters.

PHOTO: Adam Kinzinger, former Rep. (R-IL) takes the stage on Day 4 of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago, Aug. 22, 2024. (Kevin Wurm/Reuters)

The party sees an opening for expansion with wayward Republicans, particularly after hundreds of thousands of voters bucked Trump in the GOP primary to vote for former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, including after she ended her campaign. And Trump has demonstrated little appetite for those who opposed him, saying at a town hall Thursday, "I don't want that person" when asked about people who didn't cast a primary ballot for him.

Democrats had a parade of Republican speakers, including Kinzinger, speak at their convention last month. Harris has said she would appoint a Republican to her Cabinet. A network of local officials and former Trump administration officials have hit the trail to stump for Harris. And the campaign has dumped millions of dollars in advertising to suggest to Republicans that they have a place in the modern Democratic Party.

To be certain, Harris is not putting Republican converts at the heart of her strategy, recognizing the limited opportunity challenging a GOP largely in Trump's thrall. But Democrats insist that winning over a sliver of protest voters can pay dividends -- and that big names like Cheney and Kinzinger could provide a permission structure for some Republicans to punch their ticket for a Democrat this November.

"We know that there are a number of Republicans who are in a similar situation. They're not never Trump, necessarily. Some may be, but they may not know how they feel yet about Vice President Harris," said Democratic strategist Karen Finney. "This kind of endorsement sends a signal to those voters that there is someone else who is high profile, but who thinks like they do about Trump and has similar concerns, and who they respect."

It's unclear precisely how much Cheney will be out on the trail converting Republicans, but there is already a playbook for how she can throw her weight around.

In 2022, she put $500,000 into an Arizona ad hammering Kari Lake and Mark Finchem, the Republican candidates for governor and secretary of state and vocal election deniers, saying that "I don't know that I have ever voted for a Democrat, but if I lived in Arizona, I absolutely would."

Both Lake and Finchem went on to lose their races.

PHOTO: Republican presidential nominee and former President Donald Trump speaks during a Fox News town hall hosted by Sean Hannity in Harrisburg, Pa., Sept. 4, 2024. (Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters)

But statewide races in a midterm year are not the same as a historic presidential election with a Republican candidate who sucks up an unparalleled amount of political oxygen.

Polling has shown Harris stuck in the single digits with support among Republicans, and Trump has been a public figure for years, including nearly 10 since he launched his first campaign, leaving perceptions about him cemented enough to withstand the new endorsements.

"My instinct is that those [Republicans] and [independents] aren't moved by that -- they are already on board with Harris," said Chuck Coughlin, a strategist in Arizona who left the GOP in the Trump era.

"Anyone who is already voting against Trump because they hate Trump is already there, GOP pollster Robert Blizzard agreed. "They aren't moving against him because a random former congressman says they are too."

Other Republicans said voters might not be persuaded by Cheney and Kinzinger's dire warnings about the threat Trump poses to democracy given that, despite the three-year-old Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol by a pro-Trump mob, guardrails held.

"I think Kinzinger and Cheney aren't that persuasive to fence sitting or 'Haley' voters. They typically do not accept the apocalyptic framing they use that Democracy ends with Trump. I think the most persuasive are those that worked with him like [Jon] Kelly, [Mark] Esper, [Henry] McMaster, [John] Bolton etc. who can say they worked with him and he's unfit," said anti-Trump GOP strategist Rob Stutzman, referencing former Trump administration officials with national security backgrounds.

And with all the work and money Harris has already put into appealing to Republicans, some operatives speculated that the vice president's ceiling on GOP support may have already been met.

"It certainly helps. But I'm not sure their endorsements are leading indicators of the Never Trump movement, instead they seem more to be lagging indicators of the movement," said former Florida Rep. David Jolly, who left the GOP over disagreements with Trump. "The real catalyst to the strengthening coalition has been Harris herself."

Trump's campaign, for its part, appeared unconcerned about the recent Cheney endorsements.

When asked what the campaign thought of Cheney announcing she and her father would vote for Harris, campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung replied, "who the f--- is Liz Cheney?"

ABC News' Isabella Murray contributed to this report.

Cheney endorsement tests just how many Republican votes Harris can get originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Position: Chief Executive Officer, Ponca Health Services

Position #: 1101

Division: Health

Department: Tribal Health Administration

Reports to: Tribal Council

Location: Lincoln, Norfolk or Omaha

Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt

Classification: Full Time

Summary:

The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska is a federally recognized Tribe with its ancestral homeland located in Niobrara, NE. The Tribe does not have a reservation in the classic definition; rather, the Ponca Restoration Act defined its jurisdiction as a Service Delivery Area comprised of 15 counties throughout parts of Nebraska, Iowa, and South Dakota. Within its Service Delivery Area, the Tribe offers a broad range of health, social, educational, and cultural services.

Provides administrative oversight for all Ponca Health Services operations assuring top level performance for the delivery of health care to patients and clients of the Ponca Tribe of Nebraskas service areas. The CEO has the overall responsibility for the planning, program implementation, and administrative management of clinical, administrative programs and dental programs.

Essential Responsibilities and Duties:

Provides direction and leadership in achieving or modifying the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska (PTN) Tribal Health philosophy, mission, strategy, and annual goals and objectives ensuring continuous patient satisfaction. Oversees management of expansion projects. Provides direction to formulate long and short-range plans to address the existing Indian health care needs within the service areas: gathers, interprets, and prepares data for studies, reports and recommendations. Reviews opportunities for advancements in business models innovation, advance reimbursement/margin and mission, outreach, specialty clinics and other items which distinguish the Ponca Tribe brand, services and patient care. Responsible for establishing and maintaining beneficial relationships with outside organizations, committees, boards, and education institutions for the purpose of promoting the PTN and its efforts to improve the health of the Native American People. These can be local, state and/or federal. Works closely with the Tribal Council to ensure clinic programs and tribal health programs are integrated. This requires regular meetings between the two entities to ensure budgetary and program concerns are discussed and addressed. Directly supervises multiple team leaders to ensure effective delivery, improvement and coordination of services. Also reviews grants with team members for growth and services opportunities that best position the Ponca Tribe Health Services for patients. Oversees management of all specific projects assigned by Tribal Council. Establish and maintain positive partnerships at all levels across divisions, departments, and functional lines to achieve optimal results. Will obtain and maintain accreditation, ensuring clinic staff is fully engaged in the accreditation efforts. Directs the formulation of yearly budgets administrates funds and ensures that the clinic conforms to the conditions set forth in all contracts including the Indian Health Service and any other funding sources and is accountable for all funds expended. Responsibility for providing a report to the Tribal Council that includes statistical data and analysis, progress on strategic goals, health trends, budgetary compliance etc. Enforces client confidentiality and the privacy act along with all HIPPA laws. Coordinates efforts for strategic planning and updating for all clinic services. Frequent travel to Ponca Tribe of Nebraska clinics in Omaha, Lincoln, and Norfolk, NE on a weekly rotating basis. Other duties as assigned.

Relationships and Authority:

Responsible for the administration of all Ponca Health Services operations and staff.

Working Environment and Physical Demands:

Sits, stands, bends, lifts and moves intermittently during work hours. Employee is subject to emotionally upset patients, family members, personnel and visitors.

Qualifications:

Minimum:

1. Bachelors Degree in health, business, public administration or an equivalent degree.

2. Two years minimum in related administrative health care experience working in the Indian Health Service.

3. Three years of project management experience.

4. Five years of experience in managing a clinic with budget over $10,000,000.

5. Experience developing multi-functional clinical environment.

6. Three years of supervisory experience including multi-level staffing.

7. One year of grant and budget management.

8. One year of procurement administration.

9. Computer proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel spreadsheets, PowerPoint and Access database programs.

10. Excellent written and oral communication skills.

11. Valid drivers license and be insurable.

12. Successfully pass drug and alcohol testing, motor vehicle, education, character, and criminal background checks.

13. Able and willing to travel.

Preferred:

1. Masters degree in health, business, public administration or an equivalent degree.

2. Three years minimum in related administrative health care experience working in the Indian Health Service.

3. Working knowledge and understanding of Public Law 93-638 (Indian Self-Determination Act and Indian Health Services programs.)

4. Professional Health Licensure/Experience

How to Apply: https://poncatribene.applicantpro.com/jobs/

Preference will be given to Ponca Tribe of Nebraska members or members of a federally recognized tribe. However, all qualified individuals are eligible.

The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska is an at-will employer.

Tribal Council Approval: 09/04/2024
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission.

Credit: Erik Simonsen/Getty Images

China's mysterious space plane has returned to Earth after spending over 8 months in orbit.

The reusable spacecraft landed at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in a remote section of northwest China on Friday (Sept. 6). It launched from the same site atop a Long March 2F rocket on Dec. 14, 2023, on its third mission, and spent 268 days in orbit, according to Chinese state media outlet Xinhua.

While the exact capabilities of the space plane remain largely unknown, Xinhua states the craft will "pave the way for more convenient and affordable round-trip methods for the peaceful use of space in the future."

It's unknown what exactly China's space plane was doing on this most recent mission  or on any other mission, for that matter. As with seen in previous missions, spacecraft trackers on the ground observed the space plane releasing a small object into orbit.

"This object could be a subsatellite deployment, or it could be a piece of hardware ejected prior to end of mission and deorbit (the space plane's first flight did something similar)," said astronomer Jonathan McDowell of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics in a post on X (formally Twitter).

The space plane appeared to conduct what is known as rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO) with the object, meaning it tested capabilities to meet up with and get close to the object in space, SpaceNews reported.

These operations can be used to repair or perform upkeep on friendly satellites, and it is believed that military superpowers are refining these techniques to potentially tamper with adversary satellites during any future orbital combat.

a black and white image of a grainy object rotating against a black background

RELATED STORIES:

 China's secretive space plane caught on camera in orbit (photos)

 US Space Force's 1st official painting shows military space plane intercepting adversary satellite

 China launches secret space plane on 3rd-ever mission

China's space plane launched on this recent mission just two days before the scheduled launch of the U.S. Space Force's own reusable orbital vehicle, the X-37B.

That launch was scrubbed with about 30 minutes remaining in the countdown, and the X-37B would go on to launch two weeks later, on Dec. 28, 2023, on its seventh mission. Like with China's space plane, the capabilities and missions of the X-37B are largely classified; it is known to be an orbital test bed for new technologies, but that's about it.

India is also developing its own reusable orbital space plane named Pushpak.
Ukraines incursion into Russias Kursk Oblast has rattled Russias elite but Russian President Vladimir Putin still has a tight grip on the country, said CIA Director William Burns at the Financial Times Weekend festival in London on Sept. 7.



Speaking alongside MI6 Head Richard Moore, Burns said that the incursion, launched on Aug. 6, was a significant tactical achievement, boosting morale in Ukraine as well as unveiling Russias weakness. Notably, it has raised difficult questions for Russias rich and powerful about where this is all headed, he said.



However, both Burns and Moore agree that the incursion may not have loosened Putins grip. But Moore told the audience not to confuse a tight grip on power with a stable grip, pointing out that Kursk has brought the war to the doorstep of ordinary Russians.



The MI6 chief also said its too early to tell how long Ukraine can sustain control over the territory in Kursk Oblast. Ukrainian officials and political analysts have noted that the incursion boosts Kyivs leverage in potential peace talks.



"Is the Kursk operation connected to the second peace summit? Yes, it is. Because the Kursk operation is one of the points of Ukraine's victory plan," President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Aug. 27.



Regarding Putins nuclear threats, both said the West should not take the warnings lightly but should also not be needlessly intimated. Burns said that Putin will continue saber-rattling from time to time.



Putin warned in July that Russia would deploy short and intermediate-range nuclear-capable missiles if American missile systems capable of striking Russian territory were deployed in Germany.



Recent media reports claim that Iran sent hundreds of Fath-360 short-range missiles to Russia. Experts told the Kyiv Independent that these tactical missiles are most likely to be employed at the front line.



Burns suggested that Russia has not yet used Iranian short-range ballistic missiles on Ukraine. However, added that an Iranian shipment would signify a dramatic escalation.



Ukraine's Foreign Ministry said on Sept. 7 that if Iran provides ballistic missiles to Russia, "it will have devastating consequences for Ukrainian-Iranian bilateral relations."



"The deepening military-technical cooperation between Russia and Iran poses a serious security threat not only to Ukraine but also to the whole of Europe, the Middle East, and the world," the Foreign Ministry commented.

Read also: Russian offensive near Pokrovsk slowing down, media reports

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
CIA chief Bill Burns said Saturday he hoped to have a more detailed hostage and ceasefire proposal to put before Israel and Hamas negotiators in the coming days, but stressed that its success would come down to political will on their part.

He spoke at an unprecedented joint public event with Richard Moore of the UKs foreign intelligence service, known as MI6, at the FT Weekend Festival. The pair stressed the importance of the two countries intelligence partnership at a time when the global order is under threat, particularly from Russian aggression. They also endorsed Ukraines invasion of Russias Kursk region, with Moore saying that it changed the narrative, and Burns that it was a significant tactical achievement.

Speaking on the ongoing negotiations to secure a ceasefire-and-hostage deal in Gaza, Burns said that the US was working very hard with regional mediators to get both Israel and the militant group Hamas to agree on a peace plan. However, he said that despite all the work that needs to be done, an end to the war in Gaza is ultimately a question of political will.

Currently, Burns said, the US is working with mediators in Egypt and Qatar to refine a framework proposed by Biden in May and put it in a form, a good enough proposal that both the Israeli and Hamas leaderships will see the value in moving ahead with it.

He stressed that in his experience with Middle East negotiations, perfect is never on the menu, adding that he could not say for sure that were going to succeed in that, nor how close the US and mediators might be to a deal right now.

It is a fact that if you look at the written text, 90% of the paragraphs have been agreed to. But in any negotiation Ive been involved in, the last 10% is the last 10% for a reason, because its the hardest part to do, he said.

A lot is at stake for Palestinians and Israelis, as well as strategically in the region, Burns said. But above all, whats at stake is in human terms, he said, pointing to the hostages held in hellish conditions in Gaza and the suffering of Gaza residents amid a worsening humanitarian crisis.

Biden first announced the framework for a peace plan between Israel and Hamas on May 31  to which he said Israel had agreed. The three-phase proposal paired the release of hostages with a full and complete ceasefire. The plan envisioned the withdrawal of Israel Defense Forces (IDF) troops eastward from Gaza.

Since then, both sides have pointed to what they see as glaring holes in the framework, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisting that Israels forces will never leave the stretch along the Egypt-Gaza border known as the Philadelphi Corridor.

The hostage release efforts gained new urgency earlier this month with the discovery of the bodies of six hostages in a tunnel beneath the southern Gaza city of Rafah, including the Israeli-American citizen Hersh Goldberg-Polin.

Threat from Russia

Both Burns and Moore highlighted the significance of the partnership between the US and the UK, particularly in the face of Russian aggression. Burns cited the run-up to the war in Ukraine, launched by Russian President Vladimir Putin in February 2022, as one of the best examples.

Going back to the fall of 2021, the two of us together, our services together, were able to provide credible, early, accurate warning of the invasion that was coming, which was not a small thing at the time, because almost all of the other services around the world, our intelligence counterparts, thought this was a bluff on Putins part, the CIA chief said.

I think that good intelligence enabled our leaders, our political leaderships, to mobilize a very strong coalition to counter Putins aggression.

Burns said that this helped the Ukrainians to defend themselves. He also spoke of a novel approach to declassify some secrets in that period as a way of denying Putin the chance to peddle false narratives. This put Putin in the unaccustomed and uncomfortable position of being on the wrong foot, Burns said.

Speaking on the threat from China, Russia, Iran and North Korea, Moore said there was a lot of pragmatic cooperation between these countries.

You can see it, of course, sadly, on the battlefield in Ukraine. You can see North Korea, North Korean weaponry. You can see Iranian drones. You can see the sort of help that the Chinese have provided through sort of dual-use type material. You see all of that playing out in our world.

MI6 chief Richard Moore, center, and CIA director Bill Burns, right, are interviewed by Roula Khalaf, editor of the Financial Times, on Saturday. - Em Fitzgerald/Pool/Reuters

Adding to this, Burns said that there has not yet been any direct evidence of China providing weapons and munitions to Russia for use in Ukraine. However, he said: We see lots of things just short of that, as Richard said, in terms of dual-use items, the kind of things that have enabled Putin over the course of the last 18 months or so to significantly rebuild his defense industrial base and that poses a real danger.

Asked about concerns over potential Russian escalation in response to the Wests supply of weapons to Ukraine, Burns said: I think there was a moment in the fall of 2022 when there was a genuine risk of the potential use of tactical nuclear weapons. I have never thought, however, and this is the view of my agency, that we should be unnecessarily intimidated by that. Putins a bully and he is going to continue to saber-rattle from time to time.

US President Joe Biden had sent him to speak with one of our Russian counterparts, Sergei Naryshkin, at the end of 2022 to make very clear what the consequences of that kind of escalation would be, Burns added.

Denting the Kremlins narrative

Speaking on Ukraines surprise offensive into Russias Kursk border region, Burns said that said that such developments help to counter Putins cocky and smug attitude.

According to Burns, Putins approach to the war in Ukraine has been that it is only a matter of time before the Ukrainians are going to be ground down, and all of their supporters in the West are going to be worn down, allowing the Russian president then to dictate terms for a settlement.

Developments such as Ukraines Kursk offensive help to put a dent in that narrative and raise questions among the Russian elite about where all this is headed, Burns said. The offensive last month saw Ukrainian forces storm into Kursk in a cross-border incursion that caught even American officials by surprise.

Burns described the Kursk offensive as a significant tactical achievement that has served to boost Ukrainian morale as well as expose some of the vulnerabilities of Putins Russia and his military. Last years short-lived insurrection carried out by former Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin also helped to dent this narrative, Burns said.

The CIA chief does not, however, see Putins grip on power weakening. He does one thing really well, and thats repress people at home.

Both men expressed a continued need to focus their attention on China, with Moore warning that President Xi Jinping is likely Chinas most powerful leader since Mao Zedong and has an ambitious agenda at home and also overseas.

He has a very tight control over his political system, and he has an ambitious agenda at home and also overseas. And that is why we devote so much effort into understanding China, because its such a hugely important actor on the international stage, Moore said.

The MI6 chief added that Chinas agenda is one that in most cases contests our interests, contests often our values.

The conversation with Moore and Burns was preceded by a jointly-penned editorial in the Financial Times newspaper in which they stressed the international world order was under threat in a way we havent seen since the Cold War.

In the editorial, Moore and Burns expressed their admiration for Ukraines resilience since the Russian invasion while warning of Russias continued bids to attack civilian infrastructure across Europe. We continue to work together to disrupt the reckless campaign of sabotage across Europe being waged by Russian intelligence, they wrote.

This story has been updated.

CNNs Niamh Kennedy contributed to this report.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
(COLORADO SPRINGS)  The City released its most recent noise readings on Thursday, Sept. 5, after neighbors complained to the Colorado Springs City Council and contacted police over noise levels at Ford Amphitheater.

Following the soft opening of the venue in early August, the City opened an investigation and monitored decibel levels over the next three concerts from Aug. 9 to Aug. 11.

After receiving about 650 complaints regarding excessive noise from the amphitheater, the city released readings that showed that the venue was compliant during the opening weekend. To remain compliant, noise levels should not exceed more than 110 decibels (dB) once in five minutes.

Neighbors weigh in on Ford Amphitheaters opening weekend

Noise measurements outside the venue were performed in nearby neighborhoods. All readings showed the venue remained compliant throughout the opening weekend and did not exceed 110 dB.

The highest recorded decibel was between 50-78 dB on the 10000 block of Rockbridge Circle, which was located 4,135 feet away from the venue. Inside the amphitheater, the highest noise level recorded was 116.8 dB. Noise levels inside the venue ranged, although most of the readings were compliant.

Neighbors voice concerns over noise from Ford Amphitheater







The City said the numbers they recorded were comparable to data recorded by the company that owned the amphitheater in late August. The noise recordings compared sounds when there was no concert to when there was a live concert playing, which found the venue was also compliant.

The graphs by Venu showed there was no significant increase at remote sites or correlation between high noise levels at the venue. Venu said that according to measurements, sound levels were consistent with ambient noise levels such as traffic.

Courtesy: Venu

Courtesy: Venu

Courtesy: Venu

Courtesy: Venu

City leaders and the owners of Ford Amphitheater met on Aug. 28 to discuss community feedback and agreed that changes would be made to keep a harmonious coexistence with surrounding neighbors.

Some changes include an agreement on no fireworks with the exception of Independence Day, increasing the depth of the existing sound wall, enhancing sound containment, and adding more physical mitigation for sound containment.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado.
HENRIETTA (KFDX/KJTL)  According to a Facebook post by the City of Henrietta, effective 9:52 p.m. of Friday, Sep. 7, 2024, a water leak has been repaired and water services has been restored for all customers.

According to the post, there is no need to report the activity of hydrants as flushing water lines is a normal procedure.

However, the City of Henrietta and Clay County Texas stated on separate Facebook posts that Henriettas water customers are under a Boil Water Notice.

This is due to loss of water pressure during the major water line repair that happened late Friday afternoon.

The Boil Water Notice is in effect until Tuesday, Sep. 10, 2024.

If that information were to change, the City of Henrietta will update their site.

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.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  Dionne Mack began her term as El Paso city manager on Tuesday, September 3. In a 6-2 vote, the City Council voted for Mack after interviewing the top four candidates.

Mack has 28 years of public service experience with 14 years in New York and 14 years in El Paso. She used to serve as the City of El Pasos deputy city manager for quality of life.

Mack sat down with KTSM for a one-on-one interview where she spoke of the need for efficiency and community engagement as central themes in her role.

Mack outlined her approach to various city issues including managing budgets, improving city services and working with elected officials.

She began by explaining the importance of community input and understanding the inner workings of city governance.

Its critical for us to listen to the community and help them understand the resources available, Mack said, The city has been focusing on hearing the voices of different districts and translating that feedback into actionable policies, Mack said.

Local reporters were not allowed to interview candidates during the selection process, raising questions about transparency.

However, Mack felt that all necessary aspects of city operations were covered in the councils interview process, with a focus on critical issues like community needs, recruitment strategies and staff management.

When asked about her plans for improving the community, she said:

My goal is to bring another level of excellence to the citys work. We are aware that service delivery times and quality arent always satisfactory, and thats something Im focusing on improving.

She referenced the two-year strategic plan adopted by the City Council earlier this year, which remains a central guide to her offices work.

With nearly 30 years of public service experience, including time in New York, Mack said her previous roles prepared her to serve El Pasos diverse community.

In New York, she worked with 2.5 million people speaking 30 languages, which gave her a broad perspective on different community needs.

When I came to El Paso, my focus was always citywide. Its about ensuring equity in service delivery across the entire city, Mack said.

She also acknowledged that El Pasos expansive geography presents unique challenges for public transit and city services.

Mack said that her team has been working on improving transit services, particularly the paratransit system to make it more accessible to underserved areas.

We never want to be in a place where someone says they cant go to church on Sunday because theres no transit service, Mack said.

Mack said that balancing public demand for more services with keeping taxes low is challenging, but she is committed to improving city operations without significantly increasing the tax burden.

One key aspect of her approach is filling the numerous vacancies within city departments, which has been a budgetary balancing tool, but also a source of frustration for residents.

Regarding employee morale, which had been flagged as a concern during the hiring process, she said that lingering effects from the COVID-19 pandemic, vacancies and uncertainty about the citys leadership had taken a toll on staff. To address this, she plans to work on competitive salaries and create a supportive work environment.

She also spoke about her relationship with elected officials, emphasizing that her role is to support their policies and bring various perspectives together. While there are potential differences in vision, she noted that collaboration is key to ensuring successful governance.

The city managers salary and contract were also a topic of discussion. When asked why she opted not to keep some of the benefits her predecessor had, she responded that her focus was on aligning her salary with those of her peers in similar cities.

I just want to be at my peers wages, Mack said. She explained that while her salary is about 12 percent below the average, she plans to stay long-term and will catch up over time.

Looking ahead, she expressed confidence that the citys executive team would help incoming elected officials succeed, regardless of potential changes in the city council or mayors office in the upcoming elections.

Summarized key priorities for El Paso moving forward, according to Mack:

Improving city services: A focus on efficiency, especially in day-to-day operations like trash collection, street maintenance and transit services.

Budget and debt management: Preparing for future budgets while minimizing new debt to avoid tax increases.

Employee morale: Addressing vacancies and improving salaries to retain talent and reduce stress on overburdened staff.

Public transit: Expanding accessibility and improving routes to better serve the citys growing population.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
(WAVY)  The Coast Guard is searching for a missing boater on the Mid-Atlantic coast who has not been seen in more than a month.

Charles Zimmerman, 57, left Fort Macon, N.C. enroute to New Zealand, and was last heard from Saturday, July 23, the Coast Guard said.

Zimmerman had told a family member that he would be leaving in his sailing vessel and would head toward the Mediterranean Sea, with a potential port stop in Bermuda. His sailing vessel, the Trude Zena, is a 35-footer with a green and white hull.

Anyone with information on Zimmermans whereabouts is asked to contact the Coast Guard Fifth District Command Center 24/7 hotline at 757-398-6390.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
U.S. Rep. Colin Allred, D-Dallas, speaks about his U.S. Senate race against incumbent Ted Cruz with Tim Miller, writer at The Bulwark, at The Texas Tribune Festival in Austin on Sept. 7, 2024. Credit: Lorianne Willett/The Texas Tribune

U.S. Rep. Colin Allred, the Dallas Democrat challenging U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz for his seat in Congress, defended Saturday his campaigns focus on targeted advertisements and moderate policy, drawing criticism from some Democrats who have expressed more faith in the county-by-county barnstorming approach of Beto ORourkes 2018 campaign.

Speaking at The Texas Tribune Festival with The Bulwarks Tim Miller, Allreds comments were in response to a recent assessment by ORourke that Allred should have more unscripted moments, more connecting with people. ORourke famously visited all 254 counties in Texas in his 2018 challenge against Cruz with vivacious, profanity-laden, progressive messages. ORourke came within 3 percentage points of beating Cruz.

[Colin Allreds understated campaign strategy draws mixed reviews from fellow Democrats]

Allred has run a more traditional campaign, focusing on targeted advertising buys in Texass biggest media markets. He and other Texas Democrats are running a coordinated campaign across the ballot to share resources. He has also held small events throughout the state, but not on the geographic scale as ORourke.

Weve got a great state and a massive state, and last month, we've done 50 stops in 22 cities, Allred said. We also have to have resources to make sure we communicate in the biggest media markets in the country, and also in markets in places that are completely siloed from each other.

Allred said it is a challenge in terms of making sure you can get the message out due to the states size.

What happens in Houston, nobody knows about Dallas, by and large. What happens in Austin, it's unknown to El Paso, Allred said.

Allred has also differentiated himself from ORourke by highlighting his bipartisan voting record, which sometimes has been at odds with his own party. During his Saturday talk, Allred criticized Democrats for promoting unrealistic energy policy in the past and not taking illegal border crossings more seriously earlier on.

When you have a huge surge of migrants  we had a record number in December 23  you have to identify the crisis and respond to it with smart policy resources and have that sense of urgency, and I didnt see that for some time in my party, Allred said. I felt like there was maybe an idea that what was being said on Fox News can't be true.

He also criticized the Biden administration for limiting liquefied natural gas exports, which he argued would help Western Europe as it tries to wean off of Russian gas.

But despite his differences with his party, he reserved his harshest criticisms for Cruz, whom he blasted as an extremist. He cited Cruzs opposition to a bipartisan Senate border deal that included over $20 billion for border security and cut the number of migrants permitted to enter the U.S. between the countrys ports of entry. Cruz said he objected to the bill because it didnt go far enough. He pushed instead for a House-passed Republican border package that Democrats said was too draconian.

Allred believes he can gain the support of Republicans who are disaffected by their party under former President Donald Trump. Responding to a recent endorsement by former U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney, Allred called her a patriot.

She is a true conservative. She believes in the Constitution. She believes in the rule of law. She believes in accountability, and she knows that Ted Cruz is a threat to all of that, and so that's why I'm honored to have her support, Allred said.

Allred said conservatives throughout the state with similar views would be welcome in his coalition. His district includes Highland Park and other affluent North Texas communities that have traditionally been strongholds for the Republican Party. Former President George W. Bush is a constituent.

I want everyone out there in Texas who feels like they are conservative, and they believe in those things  but they're somebody who feels like they don't see themselves reflected in this version of the Republican Party, Allred said. They're welcome here. They're welcome in our coalition. I want to have their support in this campaign, but also to represent them in the Senate.

As The Texas Tribune's signature event of the year, The Texas Tribune Festival brings Texans closer to politics, policy and the days news from Texas and beyond. Browse on-demand recordings and catch up on the biggest headlines from Festival events at the Tribunes Festival news page.
A photo exhibition focusing on the Flying Tigers kicked off Friday in Changting County, east China's Fujian Province, highlighting the historic friendship between Chinese and American people.

A delegation from the United States, including members of the Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation and descendants of Flying Tigers veterans, attended the launch ceremony, which was held at Wolong Academy.

The exhibition features nearly 400 historic photographs of the Flying Tigers, many of which were donated by the veterans themselves.

Changting played a key strategic role during the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. In February 1945, the U.S. 14th Air Force established an office in the county, and more than 100 ground staff and aviation personnel from a detachment of the Flying Tigers were stationed there.

"It is our very strong hope that the story of 'Changting Flying Tigers' will be shared by people throughout both China and the U.S.," said Jeffrey Greene, chairman of the Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation.

Margaret Kincannon, daughter of a veteran, shared that her father still remembered the names of two Chinese mechanics he had worked with long after his time with the Flying Tigers, as well as some phrases they had taught him in their local dialect.

The Flying Tigers, officially known as the American Volunteer Group of the Chinese Air Force, was formed in 1941 by U.S. General Claire Lee Chennault. They came to China to help Chinese people fight the invading Japanese troops.

The "Remembering Heroes: Flying Tigers Photo Exhibition Tour" began on Tuesday, and has now reached its second stop in Changting. It is scheduled to also visit areas including Changsha, capital of central China's Hunan Province.




Bruschetta is a great appetizer that amazes with its variety. For its preparation, you can use any products to taste, but it is best to create incredible combinations.

ADVERTISIMENT

Here, for example, a food blogger with the nickname tasty_from_italy in Instagram told what is included in the composition of her favorite bruschetta. As it turns out, she combines caramelized figs and gorgonzola to create a real explosion of flavors.

Ingredients

Figs

Honey

Baguette

Gorgonzola

Ham

Nuts

Thyme

Preparation method

1. Cut figs into slices and fry in a pan with honey. Fry until caramelized.

2. Toast the bread until golden.

ADVERTISIMENT

3. Brush the bread with gorgonzola and place a slice of ham on it.

4. Add caramelized figs, sprinkle with nuts and thyme.
COLUMBIANA, Ohio (WKBN)  Columbiana County middle schoolers interested in string instruments can join a new program.

Columbiana County resident Keturah Hamilton is hosting affordable rehearsals for kids in grades six through 12. The rehearsals will be low-pressure, class-like sessions.

Hamilton has been playing string instruments since she was little and has been in multiple symphonies. Now, she wants to focus on teaching others. She said when she first wanted to learn there was nothing available in Columbiana County.

I had told my mom when I was four years old that I wanted to learn how to play the violin, and she searched for years to find a teacher, and there were no teachers that did string instruments in our area. If kids are not taking lessons with me, then theyre probably not taking lessons at all or theyre having to travel, which is difficult, Hamilton said.

The first session will be from 5 to 6:30 p.m., Sept. 16 at Heartland Christian School. The cost is $35 for the year. To sign up and receive more info, email columbianacountysymphonette@gmail.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 WKBN.com.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  Four finalists for the New Mexico State University presidents job will be on campus in the coming week.

One of the finalists, Neil Mackinnon, has withdrawn as he has been selected to be president of another university, NMSU officials said.

Here is the schedule for faculty/staff, student and community forums for the remaining four finalists.

Monday, Sept. 9:

Arsenio Romero, Ph.D., former secretary of public education, state of New Mexico

Faculty and staff forum: 10 to 10:50 a.m., Corbett Center Student Union auditorium and Zoom

Student forum: 1:30 to 2:15 p.m., Corbett Center Student Union auditorium and Zoom

Community forum: 5:30 to 7 p.m., Las Cruces Convention Center and Zoom

Tuesday, Sept. 10:

Brian Haynes, Ph.D., vice chancellor for student affairs, University of California, Riverside

Faculty and staff forum: 10 to 10:50 a.m., Corbett Center Student Union auditorium and Zoom

Student forum: 1:30 to 2:15 p.m., Corbett Center Student Union auditorium and Zoom

Community forum: 5:30 to 7 p.m., Las Cruces Convention Center and Zoom

Thursday, Sept. 12:

Monica Lounsbery, Ph.D., dean, College of Health and Human Services, California State University, Long Beach

Faculty and staff forum: 10 to 10:50 a.m., Corbett Center Student Union, ballroom west and Zoom

Student Forum: 1:30 to 2:15 p.m., Corbett Center Student Union, ballroom west and Zoom

Community forum: 5:30 to 7 p.m., Las Cruces Convention Center and Zoom

Friday, Sept. 13

Valerio Ferme, Ph.D., executive vice president for academic affairs and provost, University of Cincinnati

Faculty and staff forum: 10 to 10:50 a.m., Corbett Center Student Union auditorium and Zoom

Student forum: 1:30 to 2:15 p.m., Corbett Center Student Union, Dona Ana Room and Zoom

Community forum: 5:30 to 7 p.m., Las Cruces Convention Center and Zoom

For more details about the schedule and to access the feedback form, click here. For more information on NMSUs presidential search, click here.

The New Mexico State University Board of Regents will hold a closed meeting from 2:30 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 12, in Hadley Hall, Room 130, on the Las Cruces campus.



The meeting has been called to interview finalists for the president of NMSU, and the interview will be closed to the public.



The regents will take no official board action during this 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 KTSM 9 News.
Cops seek man who sexually attacked and robbed 78-year-old in her home

Cops seek man who sexually attacked and robbed 78-year-old in her home

THROGGS NECK, The Bronx (PIX11)  Its a series of crimes that are awful under any circumstances, but for them to be perpetrated against a woman in her late 70s, in her home in the early morning hours, has residents of this community stunned.

A walk down Schurz Avenue or Graff Avenue here features a variety of white picket fences and well-tended lawns. Students in parochial school uniforms strolled down the local blocks after being dismissed early for the first Friday of the school year.

More Local News

As Anna Baio, whos lived here for more than four decades put it, Throggs Neck is a great community [and] neighborhood. What can I say?

Most people who spoke with PIX11 News on Friday agreed with that assessment. Its also why their reactions to the latest news here were universal.

Shocking, said a lifelong resident who only gave her first name and the first initial of her last name. Chrissy C. said she was stunned. That first of all, that he got into the womans house, you know what I mean? And youre such a dirtbag that you fondle a 78-year-old lady?

She and other residents of the community were talking about the crimes that happened near Graff and Schurz Avenues at around 12:50 a.m. on Monday. Thats when, according to police, a man broke into the home of a 78-year-old woman through her front door and exposed himself and forcibly touched her.

Detectives also say that the man stole the womans purse, with its credit cards, as well as jewelry, and two landline phones  the type that plug into the wall.

Its sad, said Orlando Melendez, a Bronx resident whos in the neighborhood frequently.

Breaking into somebodys apartment, [its] surprising to me, around here. Very surprising.

While people in the neighborhood regard Throggs Neck as quiet, its had an 18 percent increase in major crimes in the last month, including a 150 percent increase in non-rape sex crimes, according to the NYPD.

It released a photo of the suspects car, along with a photo of the suspect himself.

Police are looking for a man who they say broke into a womans home and robbed her after forcibly touching her (PIX11 News)

Even though hes wearing a mask in the image, local residents said theyre confident that cops will catch him.

Good chance, said long-time resident Anthony Baio, with all this technology weve got.

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).

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Corning sticker shops were closed for illicit cannabis sales. One reopened the next day.

Two "sticker shops" selling illicit cannabis in the City of Corning were shut down Aug. 30, but the closure was brief for one of the stores.

Mosas, at 31 E. Market St., quickly reopened for business the following day, according to Corning Police Chief Kenzie Spaulding.

An investigation into illicit cannabis sales by Corning police, New York State Police and the New York State Office of Cannabis Management culminated Aug. 30 with search warrants executed at Mosas and at 110 Bridge St. at Gas City Glass. Both businesses were found to be selling illicit cannabis without the proper New York state licenses, officials said.

A "large amount" of flower cannabis, edible cannabis and cannabis concentrates were seized from the locations, along with money and business ledgers.

Mosas, at 31 E. Market St., was closed to business August 30 for sales of illicit cannabis and reopened the next day, according to police.

Both store locations were ordered to remain closed by the Office of Cannabis Management, Corning police said.

Gaining compliance with that order has been a challenge despite the threat of civil penalties and fines.

Chief: Illicit cannabis enforcement needs more bite

Spaulding said the recent shutdown is the second time Mosas was issued a ticked at the East Market Street location. The business will have to go through a hearing process, the chief said.

This time they brought in a locksmith, changed the locks and put the stickers up, Spaulding said. The next day the stickers went down. In theory, it could be a $20,000 fine per day if they continue to do business, but that's theoretically. There are a lot of things that the state puts out there that dont really have any bite, and (sticker shop owners) know it."

Spaulding said a shop quickly reopening is "frustrating" after the amount of work Corning Police, the Office of Cannabis Management and State Police, in a joint effort, put in to try to halt the unlicensed cannabis sales in the city.

Gas City Glass, at110 Bridge St., Corning, was closed August 30 for sale of illicit cannabis.

Spaulding said to her knowledge Gas City Glass, on Bridge Street, has remained closed.

We'll keep trying to do what we can, Spaulding said. We don't want them there (in the city) any more than anyone else does. But New York state by design didnt want to give us the authority to do that. Its a civil process. They have to go to court.

More: The Dog Wash Company expected to open soon on Corning's Northside. What to know.

Spaulding said the first time Mosa's got ticketed the business did stay closed for a short amount of time.

"Then they saw that nothing happened. There are no repercussions for them, Spaulding said. Its just financially based, in many ways a cost of doing business. Its like a risk and reward for these sticker shops."

Spaulding said the Corning City Police Department will continue to investigate the sale of illicit cannabis by businesses within the city.

This article originally appeared on The Leader: Corning cannabis shop closed by state quickly reopened. Here's why
DINUBA, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE)  The Tulare County Sheriffs Office is reaching out to the public for its help.

The sheriffs office says on September 3rd, Nicholas Ortiz Sembrano was found deceased in his home after neighbors called them to do a welfare check at the residence in the 40900 block of Road 40.

Deputies arrived to find the 64-year-old man inside, dead from natural causes.

Relatives of Sembrano are asked to call Detective Tomas Lopez at 559-687-7000. Anonymous information may be left by calling or texting 559-725-4194 or through email at tcso@tipnow.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 YourCentralValley.com | KSEE24 and CBS47.
It could feel as hot as 109. NWS issues heat advisory for parts of South Florida

The heat continues to bear down on South Florida as the National Weather Service issues a Saturday heat advisory for parts of Miami-Dade, Broward and Monroe counties.

In Miami-Dade and Broward, the NWS warns that high heat levels will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Temperatures are expected to stay between 85 and 90 degrees, but when you mix in humidity the feels-like temperature is expected to shoot up to 109.

Affected areas include Kendall, Hialeah, Fort Lauderdale and Coral Springs. There is also a 20% chance of rain and thunderstorms in Miami-Dade, and a 50% chance in Broward, according to the NWS.

[Sept 7th] Rinse and repeat? Heat + humidity + showers...Another warm day, w/ a heat advisory for Broward, Collier, Miami-Dade, & Mainland Monroe Counties. Scattered showers & t-storms across South FL with the best chance for interior and SW in the afternoon & early evening. pic.twitter.com/aDv8B1pInH  NWS Miami (@NWSMiami) September 7, 2024

Down in the Keys, the heat advisory is in effect from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. with temperatures feeling as hot as 109 degrees.

These types of temperatures can increase chances of heat-related illnesses. People are encouraged to stay hydrated, remain in air-conditioned areas and avoid direct sunlight. Minimize outdoor activities during peak heat hours, typically between noon and 3 p.m., and wear light, loose-fitting clothing.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends taking regular breaks in shaded or air-conditioned spaces. If symptoms of heat-related illness, such as excessive sweating, clammy skin, confusion or fainting appear, seek medical help immediately by calling 911, as heat stroke can be life-threatening.

Here are some symptoms of heat-related illnesses, according to the CDC:

Heat stroke:

 High body temperature

 Hot, red, dry or damp skin

 Fast, strong pulse

 Headache

 Dizziness

 Nausea

Heat exhaustion:

 Heavy sweating

 Cold, pale and clammy skin

 Fast, weak pulse

 Nausea or vomiting

 Muscle cramps

 Tiredness or weakness
Crash involving 18-wheeler truck blocking eastbound traffic on Interstate 30 in Saline County

SALINE COUNTY, Ark.  A crash involving a tractor-trailer truck has shut down Interstate 30 in Saline County on Friday night.

According to a crash report from the Arkansas Department of Transportation, the crash happened just after 7:20 p.m. west of Benton.

Officials with ARDOT announced just after 8:50 p.m. that all lanes have been cleared on westbound I-30.

ARDOTs iDrive map shows eastbound I-30 shut down from Highway 70 to Exit 117.

Officials say eastbound traffic is being diverted off at Exit 114 while westbound traffic is being diverted off at Exit 116.

The crash report says that no injuries have been reported.

This is a developing story. Please 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 KARK.
The creator of the viral Dubai chocolate bar says it's changed her life. After tracking down 3 different versions in NYC, I understand why.

The creator of the viral Dubai chocolate bar says it's changed her life. After tracking down 3 different versions in NYC, I understand why.

A dessert dubbed the "Dubai chocolate bar" has gone viral online.

The original bar was created by Fix Dessert Chocolatier, a UAE-based chocolaterie.

I tried versions from three New York City stores and totally get the hype.

It all began, as most things do these days, with a viral video on TikTok.

UAE-based creator Maria Vehera filmed a 1 1/2-minute clip in which she opened a chocolate bar, broke it in half, and dipped it in green pistachio cream before taking her first bite. Since she posted the video in December 2023, it has been viewed 77 million times and has over 5 million likes.

The chocolate in the video  a milk-chocolate bar that's filled with pistachio cream and kataifi, a shredded phyllo pastry  took FoodTok by storm. From homemade recipes and vegan substitutes to DIY kits on eBay and small business owners making their own versions, everyone has been trying to recreate the bars.

The original bar, named "Can't Get Knafeh of It," after the traditional Middle Eastern dessert kunafa, was created by UAE-based dessert shop Fix Dessert Chocolatier. Its founder, Sarah Hamouda, launched the brand from her home kitchen in 2021.

"Coming from my dining-room kitchen to a small cloud kitchen with one person and then now a team of 15 people has been surreal," Hamouda told Business Insider.

The brand took off earlier this year and, according to Hamouda, went from getting six to seven chocolate orders a day to 500 orders a day, with the bars selling out within a minute of new products going on sale every evening.

Since the brand's viral success, Hamouda has quit her corporate job and is determined to meet the growing global demands. But Fix Desserts have yet to hit stores in the US, so some local businesses have taken things into their own hands. Banking on the bar's virality and a growing global chocolate market, US-based businesses are creating and selling their own versions.

In New York City, Nuts Factory, a specialty food store with six Manhattan locations and six others across the state, introduced the chocolate bar in July.

"We hand-make about 1,000 bars of chocolates every day to send across all our stores," Din Allall, the CEO of Nuts Factory, told Business Insider. And while he doesn't have a number on the chocolate sales yet, it's been popular enough a product to warrant expansion. The brand has already launched a dark and white chocolate option alongside its milk chocolate offering and plans to introduce additional flavors in the upcoming months.

Since I can't make a trip across the Atlantic to try the original, I decided to try bars from three local businesses selling them in New York  the Chocolate House, Mokafe, and the Nuts Factory  to determine which appears to be the most authentic and tastes the most delicious.

Here's how the chocolate bars tasted, ranked from my least favorite to my favorite.

To find out what the hype was all about, I tracked down three versions of the bars in NYC. One came from Chocolate House in Astoria.

New York-based restaurant Chocolate House's recreation of the viral chocolate bar. Priyanka Rajput/Business Insider

I came across this dessert shop, which has six locations in New York City while scrolling through Instagram. I saw that, in addition to selling the chocolate, they had remixed the pistachio cream and toasted kataifi  shredded phyllo pastry used to make kunafa  flavors to create pistachio chocolate crepes and waffles.

I picked up the chocolate from its Astoria location, where it costs $8.99, excluding tax.

The bar came wrapped in a clear cellophane with a gold clip on top and felt soft, not firm.

The chocolate bar from Chocolate House. Priyanka Rajput/Business Insider

Just from holding and seeing the bar, I could tell this wasn't the most accurate dupe, as it appeared to have used molten chocolate instead of tempered, which gave it a flat and mottled appearance.

The bar broke easily and lacked the snap that made the original famous.

In terms of size, this was the smallest of the three bars I tried from stores in NYC, but it was also the cheapest.

I thought the sweet milk chocolate overpowered the creamy and crunchy pistachio flavors.

The chocolate bar from Chocolate House. Priyanka Rajput/Business Insider

While I usually opt for dark chocolate, I also enjoy the occasional milk option when mixed with nuts or berries. And though this chocolate combined both, it didn't seem to get the balance of flavors right. When I broke the bar in half, I also did not get the crunch or snap that I watched on scores of TikTok videos.

However, if you're new to Middle Eastern desserts and would prefer a largely American flavor profile with hints of kataifi and pistachio, then this chocolate bar might be the one for you.

I also tried a version of the chocolate bar from the Nuts Factory. This was my second favorite.

The large-square-sized chocolate bar from the Nuts Factory in New York was closest in size, crunch, and texture to its Dubai counterpart. Priyanka Rajput/Business Insider

Several New York-based creators on TikTok have called this bar the Dubai bar dupe. While I haven't tried the original, based on watching several online videos of Fix's chocolate, I have to agree: At $18.99, excluding taxes, this 7.5-ounce bar comes closest to its Dubai cousin in terms of both costs  the 7-ounce Fix chocolate bar costs about $20  and appearance.

I ordered my chocolate online on DoorDash from the closest store in Manhattan, and it came swiftly, packed in a plastic container with no branding.

The bar did not melt easily and was quite large.

The chocolate bar from Nuts Factory. Priyanka Rajput/Business Insider

At first glance, the chocolate felt firm and had an even tone throughout, which suggested its base was tempered.

Din Allall, the CEO, told BI the chocolate is sourced from Belgium, the pistachio cream from Italy, and the kataifi from Greece.

As per tradition set online, I did the snap test by breaking the bar in half and was instantly satisfied by its sound.

The bar is also quite big  equivalent to four chocolate bars stacked  making it ideal for sharing with friends or family.

The bar was rich and crunchy, but I wish the chocolate and pistachio flavors had been better balanced to complement each other.

Inside the chocolate bar is filled with phyllo dough pastry and pistachio cream. Priyanka Rajput/Business Insider

Despite being the perfect dupe appearance-wise, the flavor profile didn't work the best for me. Again, I thought the richness of the milk chocolate overpowered the pistachio cream. I also wish the kataifi was a bit roasted and dipped in extra pistachio cream so that both flavors could shine equally.

Having said that, I think lots of people with a fondness for crunchy milk chocolate would enjoy this decadent dessert, and I can see why it has an online fanbase.

My favorite bar had a perfect blend of pistachio cream and chocolate, with neither overpowering the other. It came from Mokafe in Astoria.

The chocolate bar from Mokafe had the perfect balance of all flavors, and so was my favorite. Priyanka Rajput/Business Insider

Just across from the Chocolate House in Astoria is a small specialty coffee shop, Mokafe, that's most popular for its premium Yemeni coffee blends but is also selling the famous chocolate bars.

So naturally, I walked across the street and managed to get the last remaining bar of dark chocolate for $9.36, excluding tax.

The bar came wrapped in branded cellophane and had a white chocolate glaze.

Mokafe's chocolate bar. Priyanka Rajput/Business Insider

The bar had a firm exterior and a smooth, consistent texture. It did not melt easily and passed the snap test with flying colors. The chocolate seemed so perfectly tempered that it had a nice gloss and took some strength to break in half.

While it's much smaller than the bar from Dubai, it appeared to match it in some aspects.

I also felt the bar was priced fairly for a specialty chocolate, neither too low nor too high.

I enjoyed the crunch of roasted kataifi combined with dark chocolate.

Mokafe's chocolate bar had a nice, crunchy exterior that snapped when broken in half and a creamy interior. Priyanka Rajput/Business Insider

One of the reasons this bar stood out to me was its use of roasted kataifi, a texture and flavor profile I could taste well and that integrated nicely with the pistachio cream.

The other reason, of course, was that this was the first place that used dark chocolate instead of milk, which I felt helped balance the overall sweetness.

Although the chocolate wasn't 100% dark and had hints of sugar, it still paired better, in my opinion.

Each shop added a unique spin to the original bar, and I can understand why the indulgent dessert is such a hit.

In addition to "Can't Get Knafeh of It," Fix Dessert Chocolatier's most popular flavor, the shop offers five other choices, including Lotus cheesecake and salted pretzels. Fix Dessert Chocolatier

If I were to buy one of these bars again, Mokafe would be my first choice, but all the bars offered a distinct experience, from melt-in-your-mouth smoothness to a delicate crunch.

Each shop provided a unique spin on the original bar from Dubai's Fix Dessert Chocolatier and offered chocolate enthusiasts a variety of flavors, types, and textures to pick from  all without having to travel 7,000 miles across the ocean.

Read the original article on Business Insider
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  An evacuation order was temporarily issued in Campo Saturday as crews battled a vegetation fire that had the potential to spread up to 1,000 acres, said Cal Fire San Diego.

Shortly after noon Saturday, fire officials announced on social media that the blaze was burning off of Church Road and Golden Acorn Way, south of the Golden Acorn Casino.

In an update at 12:16 p.m., Cal Fire said the blaze, dubbed the Church 2 Fire, was at 20 to 30 acres. That has since grown to 65 acres as of 1:05 p.m.

The fire was temporarily considered to be threatening structures in the area, according to an alert sent by by the County of San Diego.

An evacuation order was issued at 1:05 p.m. for nearby areas, which are shaded in red in the map below:

An interactive map with updated emergency evacuation information can be found here.

During an evacuation order, immediate movement out of the affected area is required due to an imminent threat to life. The county released the following orders with the alert:

There is extreme danger in your area.

You must leave now.

Do not wait.

Contact your neighbors and share information.

The county said a temporary evacuation point was established at Golden Acorn Casino, which is located at1800 Golden Acorn Way in Campo.

In another update at 1:35, Cal Fire San Diego said the forward rate of spread has been stopped and firefighters have made good progress. Crews will remain on scene throughout the night and into tomorrow to extinguish hot spots.

The evacuation order has been lifted in the area.

On Sunday, fire officials said the fire is at 45 acres and is 25% 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 FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  The Rapid Valley Fire Department was called to respond to a wildfire in Pennington County at 2 p.m. on September, 6.

The fire was driven by wind and burned through cured grass and wheat stubble along the 1600 block of Longview Drive, the fire department said in a news release.

Firefighters get unique aircraft training in Rapid City

Crews were able to control the fire at 68 acres. No citizens, firefighters or domestic animals were in reported injured. According to the news release, the fire damaged ranching assets, and posed a threat to the Rapid City Regional Airport for a time.

Everyone using, recreating, traveling or doing field work in our grasslands needs to be

on guard and make an effort to not create any source of ignition Assistant Fire Chief Tim Kobes said in the release.

The Rapid Valley Volunteer Fire Department was assisted by the New Underwood, Box Elder, Folsom, Ellsworth, Black Hawk, North Haines and Rapid City Fire Departments, along with South Dakota Wildland Fire, Pennington County 911 and the Pennington County 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 KELOLAND.com.
(COLORADO SPRINGS)  The Pikes Peak Area Crime Stoppers have released their Fugitives of the Week for Sept. 6. All these individuals are wanted.

Anyone with any information regarding these fugitives or any serious crime, call Crime Stoppers at (719) 634-STOP (7867) in Colorado Springs or (719) 542-7867 in Pueblo. You may earn up to $1,000 for information provided to Crime Stoppers.

Victor Theodore Carson is a 49-year-old man wanted for murder, possession of a weapon by a previous (POWPO), violation of a protection order, possession of controlled substances, carrying a concealed weapon, obstructing a peace officer, and driving after revocation. Carson is described as having black hair and brown eyes. He is 60 tall and weighs 227 pounds.

Demarea Tyrone Cleveland is wanted for felony menacing, assault, and aggravated robbery. Cleveland is described as an 18-year-old black man with black hair and brown eyes.

Journey Jatayvian McClinton is a 22-year-old wanted for harassment, violation of a protection order, child abuse, resisting arrest, criminal mischief, stalking, and obstruction. McClinton is described as having black hair and brown eyes. He stands 62 tall and weighs 290 pounds.

Justin McCreight is wanted for attempted murder and assault. McCreight is described as a 31-year-old man, who stands 62 and weighs 180 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes.

Donald Lemar Lambert Jr. is a 23-year-old man wanted for assault  strangulation and harassment. Lambert is described as a black man, 6 tall and weighs 165 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes.

Alex Michael Severin is a 23-year-old wanted for menacing, POWPO, prohibited use of a weapon, and driving under restraint. Severin is described as a white man who weighs 150 pounds and stands 62 tall. He has brown hair and brown eyes.

Anthony Jerome Shannon is wanted for stalking, harassment, and violation of a protection order. Shannon is described as a 36-year-old man who stands 55 tall and weighs 150 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes.

Kyron Justice Tuetken is a 20-year-old man wanted for sex assault on a child  pattern of abuse. Tuetken is described as having blonde hair and hazel eyes. He stands at 6 tall and weighs 180 pounds.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado.
'Critical piece' of College Hill business district will see a new future thanks to sale

A "critical piece" of College Hill's business district has a new future thanks to a recent sale.

The College Hill Plaza, a 3.8-acre property at the southern end of the business district, was purchased by the College Hill Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation in a "once-in-a-generation" acquisition, the nonprofit wrote in a news release Wednesday.

The nonprofit said it purchased the property on Hamilton Avenue from an unnamed out-of-state investor for $3.8 million with the help of funding partnerships.

A sign for the College Hill Plaza.

The sale comes roughly four months after College Hill business owners and community council said in a letter to Cincinnati City Manager Sheryl Long that the plaza is "a continuous source of litter and blight and is in dire need of repairs such as new awnings, fencing and restriping."

They expressed concern that "as a prominent gateway to our business district, College Hill Plaza's deterioration will likely negatively impact the overall appeal and safety of our community."

The left side of the image shows the existing condition of the College Hill Plaza. The right side of the image shows the College Hill Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation's revitalization plans for the Plaza.

The residents wrote in the letter that they supported an acquisition by the nonprofit, which is dedicated to revitalizing the neighborhood.

The acquisition is one of the largest real estate transactions in at least 30 years in College Hill and the "most consequential" in the 49-year history of the development corporation, the release states.

In the release, the College Hill Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation described the plaza as "a critical piece of the business districts southern gateway."

The College Hill Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation plans to revitalize the College Hill Plaza. The mockups labeled "New Improvements" illustrate the nonprofit's plans.

The nonprofit added that it plans to "transform the plaza into a more welcoming entrance and experience" by addressing safety concerns, improving the storefront's exteriors, landscaping, cleaning up litter, updating signs and repairing fences.

This will uplift the 11 businesses that currently operate within the plaza, they said. According to Google Maps, Family Dollar, a barbershop, a daycare center and a men's apparel store are a few of these businesses.

Emmanuel Karikari, CEO of College Hill Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation, expressed gratitude in the release for the nonprofit's lending partner LISC Greater Cincinnati, as well as the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, HomeBase Cincinnati, Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr. Foundation and the Duke Energy Foundation.

"Site control over the plaza will ensure that we can safeguard the progress we, as a community, have made to date in our efforts to revitalize the business district and it's a critical piece to our continued success as a community."

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Local nonprofit plans to breathe new life into College Hill Plaza
Naomi Haber and Claudia Cojocaru seated in a cafe; entranced to a John Jay College of Criminal Justice building; Ric Curtis seated in his office with a blunt in his mouth.

CUNY couldnt drain this swamp.

The John Jay College of Criminal Justice professor who was implicated in an alleged drug-dealing, student-sex scandal that rocked the taxpayer-financed City University of New York school shockingly will return to the classroom next year, The Post has learned.

In 2019, John Jay president Karol Mason announced plans to ax veteran anthropology professor Ric Curtis and two other academics following an investigation into allegations  first revealed by The Post  that the faculty members ran a den of depravity known as The Swamp at the schools Midtown campus, where they used and sold drugs, and engaged in inappropriate sexual conduct involving students.

John Jay College of Criminal Justice anthropology professor Ric Curtis, who was implicated in an alleged drug-dealing, student-sex scandal will return to the classroom next year.

But in an 85-page decision, arbitrator James M. Darby found that despite Curtis reckless and risky behavior, the prof should continue to shape the minds of future crime-fighters at the college following a year-long, unpaid suspension and additional training on CUNYs policies.

CUNY  in no uncertain terms  was justified in taking this matter very seriously, Darby wrote in the Aug. 5 decision. But I cannot accept CUNYs position that termination is the only appropriate penalty here.

While rejecting some of the more serious claims, the arbitrator determined CUNY substantiated a number of the allegations against the academic, whose research, ironically, focused on drug use and distribution.

These included complaints that Curtis passed around glassines to students containing heroin residue and smoked pot in his office, which was littered with illicit drugs such as MDMA and synthetic marijuana, the arbitrator wrote.

Darby also agreed that Curtis spoke to a student using misogynistic and sexual language that was inappropriate, and did not comply with school policy regarding reporting complaints of alleged sexual harassment against other faculty that were brought to his attention.

Professor Ric Curtis photographing himself half-naked with another accused adjunct professor in a bathroom, according to reports.

Curtis, however, was not pimping out his students when he allegedly suggested female students meet a professor the school was looking to hire as a department head, Darby wrote.

Curtis more likely than not facetiously proposed having some female students meet with [the professor]  nothing more, nothing less, he wrote.

Darby added the school likely had been aware of his marijuana use, possession of drug paraphernalia on campus and his foul language.

The school faculty union makes a compelling argument that CUNY knew, or with a reasonable amount of investigation should have known, of much of [Curtis] alleged misconduct, he wrote.

Mason said she was disappointed by the outcome but that the school would comply with the arbitrators decision under its collective bargaining agreement with the faculty union.

We will continue to prioritize providing a safe environment for our community members and we will continue to expect that CUNY policies are followed, she wrote in an Aug. 15 letter to the school community.

David Gottlieb, a lawyer for a pair of former students, Naomi Haber and Claudia Cojocaru, who first alerted the school to the professors misconduct in May 2018, said it was confounding that Darby would allow Curtis to return to his post.

We hope and expect that CUNY will take the necessary measures to ensure all students are provided a fully safe educational environment, he said.

In 2018, The Post reported allegations by Haber and Cojocaru that Curtis, together with professors Barry Spunt and Anthony Marcus as well as adjunct professor Leonardo Dominguez, engaged in a slew of heinous drug- and sex-related misdeeds.

Haber and Cojocaru filed a civil lawsuit against CUNY and the four academics in 2019 in Manhattan federal court, alleging the professors had created a cesspool of sexism, misogyny, sexual harassment and illegal drug use, and asserting claims for discrimination, retaliation, and violation of New Yorks Gender Motivated Violence Act.

Former John Jay students Naomi Haber and Claudia Cojocaru alleged in a federal lawsuit that professors at the school engaged in a slew of heinous drug- and sex-related misdeeds, which the academics denied. Helayne Seidman

Among the accusations in the suit were that Marcus allegedly raped Haber in a Washington, DC, hotel room while they were attending an academic conference there in 2015, and that Spunt and Curtis groped Cojocaru.

Haber also accused Curtis and Dominguez of groping her, and both women alleged Curtis sold illegal drugs on campus, according to legal papers. They also claimed all four professors used and thrust illicit narcotics, including pot, cocaine and heroin, onto students.

The school placed the professors on paid leave and brought in an outside law firm to probe the allegations, which found the academics engaged in  unprofessional conduct that violated CUNY policies, according to a 2019 letter from Mason to the John Jay community.

The letter did not disclose the nature of the misconduct, and did not state whether the investigation substantiated the specific sexual misconduct or drug allegations.

Then-Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance also launched a probe, but did not bring charges.

John Jay did not renew Dominguezs contract and moved to fire the three professors, prompting years-long termination and arbitration processes  where the school continued to pay their six-figure salaries, including raises.

In legal papers, Marcus, Dominguez and Spunt denied the allegations of sexual and drug misconduct, and filed counterclaims against Cojocaru and Haber for defamation, alleging that the pair had made false allegations against them, including to the Post.

In 2020, the judge largely denied the former students motion to dismiss the counterclaims. Spunt retired on December 1, 2020 and died two months later; Marcus retired on Dec. 31, 2021, according to school officials.

Haber and Cojocaru settled their suit against the college and the other professors in 2021, with CUNY shelling out over $609,000. According to the terms of the settlement, which the parties filed in court, the accused professors were not required to pay any money to Haber and Cojocaru.

Under the settlement, all of the claims in the ongoing case were dismissed except for Curtis counterclaims. The students amended their complaint to name only Curtis as a defendant, and narrowed their claims to assert only that Curtis counterclaims amounted to unlawful retaliation against them. Curtis also has sued CUNY for gender discrimination. Both of those cases are ongoing.

The arbitrator found that CUNY should have been aware that Curtis possessed drug paraphernalia on campus.

Robert Herbst, Curtis lawyer, said that the arbitrator properly found that CUNYs five-year effort to terminate Dr. Curtis was unwarranted ,  asserting that the schools own investigation exonerated his client of all allegations of sexual assault, forcible or unwanted touching, engaging in exploitative physical contact, consensual sex, [and] unwelcome sexual advances. The report of the schools internal investigation is not publicly available, but those claims were not pressed by the school as grounds for termination in the arbitration decided last month.

He looks forward to returning to the classroom to once again share his insights with students as one of John Jay Colleges most accomplished scholars, Herbst added.

Marcus and Dominguez, who also previously denied the allegations, could not be reached for comment.

John Jay spokeswoman Jan Benjamin declined to comment, citing ongoing litigation.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  A multitude of chases involving stolen vehicles has law enforcement agencies across Monroe County are highlighting a need of systemic change to stop these violent crimes.

It is something News 8 has been reporting on almost weekly. A stolen car, typically a Kia or Hyundai, speeding down roads and police making the call to chase it down and with a significant detail Thursday that left a number of deputies injured.

Felon charged after stolen car chase leaves multiple deputies hurt

Police continue to say it is time for change.

The community is getting fed up with being victimized by the same people over and over and over again, Lieutenant John Watson with the Monroe County Sheriffs Office said. The community has got to step up and say to the State and County legislators, Hey, maybe its time for some of these laws to change so that were not getting victimized by the same people over and over.

We last spoke to Lieutenant John Watson one week ago. It was the day after police spent hours on a stolen vehicle detail.

Friday, Lieutenant Watson provided details on a pursuit involving a stolen Kia that happened Thursday night ending on Route 390 when it crashed. However, before that:

There was an accident where the vehicle took a very evasive maneuver and one of the Sheriffs Office struck the vehicle, Lieutenant Watson said. A deputy, while he was trying to extricate the driver from the vehicle, did get dragged for a little bit. He was able to land on his feet.

All deputies involved are physically okay and were evaluated for scratches and cuts. They returned to work Friday morning.

The driver, 40-year-old Shaundale Williams was arrested and is currently being held.

The Monroe County Sheriffs Office is not alone in this. Rochester Police and New York State Police assisted in Thursday nights pursuit, however, every area in Monroe County is affected.

Irondequoit Police taking to X Tuesday after a group of stolen Kias filled with teens came into a neighborhood. Police were only able to locate the vehicles and the people inside after they had crashed.

A part of the post reading, We are throwing away a generation because no one has the audacity to say we need to make necessary changes.

News 8 spoke with Irondequoit Police Chief Scott Peters after the thread was posted.

Its a cycle that what do they say as whats the definition of insanity, doing the same thing over again, expecting different results. All we want is some help, Chief Peters told News 8.

Chief Peters points to repeat offenders and says that this is an issue that is beyond the power of police to solve.

We can only enforce the laws that are given to us, and we can only follow the policies, as far as what the state dictates, but the states not giving us anything in return, Chief Peters said. Sometimes its funny. Sometimes youre just, you throw your hands up in exasperation. But now were just like, When is this going to end? And it doesnt seem like anybody is listening to citizens.

While law enforcement has reported a large number of these stolen vehicles involving teens, Thursdays detail involved four people all between the ages of 30 and 53. With those details, Lieutenant Watson says You cant stereotype. Its everybody out there.

Rochester Police have complimented the Monroe Countys JEDS program as being a benefit for teens. Data obtained by News 8 shows nearly 600 juveniles have participated in the program since it launched, with only one percent of teens reoffending.

FULL DATA FROM MONROE COUNTY:

To date, 599 juveniles participated in the program

52% completed the stabilization period

1% of juveniles re-offended while they were in the program

Average age is 15.3 years old

Car thefts reduced 61% (Overall YTD 2023 vs 2024)

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE)  An Albuquerque father and marine veteran was killed by a hit-and-run driver while he was working underneath his car. Now evidence points to a different woman behind the wheel than police originally thought.

Story continues below

Scott Toole, 34, was killed in October of 2022. At his memorial service at Hope Covenant Church in Minnesota, his family and friends remembered him saying, Scott really did make a big difference in this world. From being an EMT, to being a marine serving our country, and being a nurse. And that was his ultimate goal in life was to make a difference and he truly did.

Toole was working on a Ford Expedition held up by jacks in a neighborhood near Avenida Cesar Chavez and Yale. A PT Cruiser plowed into his SUV, knocking it off the supports and killing him.

Jennifer Rue, 26, was originally identified as the driver, and witnesses reported two other women were also in the car. Rue was charged with failing to report the crash and render aid. But the charge against Rue was later dismissed, pending further investigation, according to court documents.

Now, new DNA evidence has the state shifting their focus to one of the other women in the car with Rue, 20-year-old Jazmin Anesi, who was questioned by officers in an unrelated incident in July of this year.

Would you like to talk to me yes, or no? said an officer, No I wont, replied Anesi. She is accused of homicide by vehicle as a result of reckless driving and for knowingly leaving the scene of an accident.

Shes scheduled to see a judge later this month. The Bernalillo County District Attorneys office said there are no plans at this time to refile charges against Rue.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 53-year-old Davenport man who was in custody Friday faces three charges of felony sexual abuse, according to court records.

Daryl Guinn faces three charges of second-degree sexual abuse, court records show.

Daryl Guinn (Scott County Jail)

Guinn did engage in a sex act with a child under the age of twelve years old. This sex act did take place in Davenport, Iowa between the years of 2019-2021, police say in arrest affidavits.

Guinn, who was being held on a cash-only $150,000 in Scott County Jail, is set for a preliminary hearing at 10 a.m. Sept. 13 in Scott County Court.

In Iowa, second-degree sexual abuse is a Class B felony, with a maximum prison term of 25 years upon conviction.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
(Photo illustration via Canva with folder photo via Getty Images, Davenport City Hall photo by Ed Tibbetts)

Iowa Writers 'Collaborative. Linking Iowa readers and writers.

A week ago, in response to questions from a state legislator about the controversial payment of $1.9 million to three former city employees who had alleged harassment by elected officials, the City of Davenport denied it was fighting any transparency attempts.

Yet, it continues to resist a subpoena, issued in February by State Auditor Rob Sand, for recordings of closed session meetings of the city council before and after the city agreed to a $1.6 million payment to City Administrator Corri Spiegel.

Spiegel agreed not to pursue claims against the city as part of the deal and left her job.

District Judge Jeffrey Bert ruled in June the auditor was entitled to access to the closed sessions, and he ordered that the minutes and recordings be turned over to the court for a private (or in camera) review to exclude any attorney work product as well as any information irrelevant to the auditors inquiry. The judge also said an evidentiary hearing was needed so he could understand what information the auditor believes to be relevant.

The city is resisting. In July, it filed an application asking the Iowa Supreme Court for permission to appeal and for a stay of the district court proceedings until the matter is resolved.

In its filing, the city says the case is a direct assault on the councils right to privileged communications with its attorneys.

As of Thursday afternoon, no decision had been filed on whether to grant the citys application.

The district courts ruling cited a section of state law that says if information being sought by the auditor is required by law to be kept confidential then the auditor shall have access, but must maintain that confidentiality. This section of the code, the judge said, trumps other specific statutory privileges protecting the confidentiality of documents.

The city, however, argues a separate section of the code provides no such exception to attorney-client privilege, and the district judge failed to reconcile this apparent statutory conflict as he is required to do. The city also objects to the courts private review of the closed session recordings.

I wont pretend to harbor any special knowledge about the law in this area. I have none. But, as a general matter, I dont believe the citys position is consistent with its claim that it is not fighting transparency in this case. I dont see how the state auditor can perform his duties if he doesnt have access to these closed session meetings, and his investigation is a key element to bringing a greater level of transparency  and accountability  to this affair.

Unfortunately, the record shows the city has persistently dodged transparency in this matter.

The citys deal with Spiegel was signed in October, a month before the 2023 elections. But it was kept under wraps until after voters went to the polls. Then, details of the deal were disclosed the day before last years Thanksgiving holiday, when few people were likely to be paying attention. The city also said at the time it would not comment further.

The council eventually ratified the settlements in open session  but only after a public outcry. And without comment from members of the council.

The city also resisted participation by the Iowa Freedom of Information Council in a court action the city filed asking a judge to decide whether the letter Spiegel sent to the council alleging harassment and requesting money should be considered a confidential record. At the same time, the city said it took no position in the outcome of the case. (The letter was eventually distributed, but by an attorney who obtained it as part of a separate lawsuit).

This isnt a record of openness.

Sands investigation is important. There are questions that remain unanswered that, perhaps, will be clarified by his inquiry. One of the most important: Why was Spiegel paid $1.6 million when two other female employees claimed, like Spiegel, to have been harassed by elected officials, but were paid only $300,000 between them?

When asked about the disparity by Iowa House Oversight Committee Chair Brooke Boden, the city responded that all claims are handled on a case-by-case basis and the settlements were based upon the known facts and consideration of the potential liability risks to the City.

That doesnt really answer the question, does it? The city needs to be more specific.

The citys other responses to Bodens questions, which were reported on by the Quad-City Times and other local media, did provide some notable answers.

In response to a question about whether any current city official, elected or not, had engaged in the harassment alleged by the three employees, or if any elected official involved in the harassment formally approved the settlements, the city said there were no documented claims against current city employees. It also said, based on current information, no elected officials alleged to have engaged in harassment voted to approve the settlements. Bodens question is similar to one I posed several months ago.

Its been almost a year since this controversy began, and much of what we have learned has come as the result of prodding by citizens, journalists and lawmakers  not to mention lawsuits.

I hope that Sands investigation will shed even more light on the settlements and what led up to them. However, if the Supreme Court rules in favor of the citys application, we may have to wait quite a while longer for the results.

This column was originally published by Ed Tibbetts Along the Mississippi newsletter on Substack. It is republished here through the Iowa Writers Collaborative.

Editors note: Please consider subscribing to the collaborative and the authors blogs to support their work.
The Foreign Secretarys announcement last week that the UK is suspending 30 licences for arms exports to Israel has been resoundingly criticised for playing politics and abandoning a key ally facing a seven-front war of survival against Iran and its proxies. Based upon the Governments published reasoning and analysis, it is also unlawful.

The announcement was not a surprise, given the obvious political motivation driving the decision. Indeed, according to several media reports, the Government had already suspended the granting of new licences for arms exports to Israel in July, before its promised in-depth legal review and analysis.

It is striking that the UKs stated concerns in its announcement, regarding Israels treatment of detainees and facilitation of aid, have no connection to the arms it has said it has embargoed. There is a disconnect with the applicable test: a clear risk that the items might be used to commit or facilitate a serious violation of international humanitarian law.

The Government has acknowledged that it did not reach a judgment on the conduct of hostilities. Further explanations provided by the Solicitor-General were similarly incoherent, and at certain points clearly inverted this legal test, stating the UK Government can only grant export licenses for arms if it is confident that the those [sic] arms will not be used in breach of international humanitarian law.

Successive UK and US governments have indicated satisfaction with Israels conduct in hostilities. Indeed, experts, including members of the High Level Military Group, have reported that Israels efforts on targeting, proportionality and minimising civilian casualties far surpass what the British and US armies are capable of. The concerns raised by the Foreign Secretary on aid and detention, however misplaced they might be, have no connection to the arms the Government says are subject to this embargo.

Guidance endorsed by the Court of Appeal demonstrates that there must be a clear link between the reasons for a decision of this nature and the specific use of the items or technologies blocked. But no such link has been made in this case. A decision by a government body based on improper purposes or upon irrelevant considerations is unlawful.

The UKs statutory export controls regime sets down clear requirements for when an export ban on specific items is justified. It does not permit export bans based on political considerations, nor does it permit bans based on factors which bear no relation to the use of the items concerned. The Governments explanation violates these principles.

I was in Gaza last week with an expert military delegation from around the West, escorted by the 162nd Division of the Israel Defense Forces. We witnessed first hand the unprecedented measures that the IDF is taking to prevent civilian casualties and facilitate aid into Gaza, despite Hamas diverting and stealing supplies. I saw the facilitation of aid at the Kerem Shalom crossing, including the backed-up lorries, post Israeli inspection, that were waiting for distribution by international organisations. I saw the pile-up of aid, including rotting food, inside the Gaza Strip. The latest statistics published by COGAT indicate that 50,390 lorry-loads of aid have entered Gaza since the start of the war, carrying 974,059 tons of aid. The rate of refusal at inspection stands at 0.009 per cent. The aid going into Gaza has been assessed to far exceed the nutrition requirements estimated by the World Food Programme for the Strip.

Let us be clear about the implications of a decision that is so entirely contrary to the legal principles and the facts on the ground. David Lammy claimed the change would not have a material impact on Israels security. He is badly mistaken. This is not only a disastrous policy decision because it serves to encourage Hamas and other Iranian terror proxies to continue killing Israelis and Palestinians. It also pushes the prospect of any deal for the release of hostages further away, shortly after Hamass cold-blooded murder of six hostages.

It prolongs the suffering of all those in the region and signals the UKs abandonment of the only true democracy in the Middle East. It encourages the political targeting of the Jewish state and deals a considerable blow to the rule of 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.
OWENSBORO, Ky. (WEHT)  Deputies in the Daviess County Sheriffs Office are getting new technology to increase safety measures. For the first time ever, the deputies will have body cameras.

Daviess County Sheriff Brad Youngman says hes been working since 2023 to start incorporating body worn cameras into their daily operations; its technology officials say they have never had access too but will incorporate with the help of a $40,000 5-year commitment from the Daviess County Fiscal Court.

DUI crash leads to drug trafficking charges in Daviess County

Sheriff Youngman says its an important step in opening a door for transparency and trust between the office and society.

Theres plenty of room there for abuse. I think that by having cameras out there on the street capturing the the images, the atmosphere, the noises, the sounds, the voicesyou can play that video. Theres not much you can do to kind of dispute that, says Sheriff Youngman.

The body worn cameras will also allow deputies to take quality on scene photos through a built in high megapixel camera. Officials say the camera feature will replace their purchase of 10 cameras annually that essentially produces lower quality documentation.

Body worn cameras are not the only addition. Deputies will also be issued Stop Sticks and BolaWraps.

A brief demonstration emulates a pursuit with a Stop Stick thrown into the mix to deflate the tires of the suspect and ultimately shorten the time span of citizens at risk. A real Stop Stick is composed of a foam round holding spikes that release when ran over.

Eyewitness News Sydney Davis got the chance to play suspect and test the BolaWrap out. The BolaWrap can be deployed up to 25 feet away and help in situations involving lapses in mental health or non compliant suspects.

Law enforcement says suspects should feel no pain and are temporarily restrained. Every patrol deputy will be issued one of these devices in an effort to minimize harm to all parties.

The rope cartridges are designed with hooks on both ends that gently tie up suspects.

Cpl. Nick Hines says he can think of several instances in the past where the wrap would have been helpful.

I could think of 10 within the last two months where I personally could have used it. For the camerasevery instance that Ive interacted with people, I could definitely have used a camera in some way, shape or formwhether it be just looking back on it for report purposes, says Cpl. Hines.

Officials say policy will request cameras be turned on in any instance of citizen interaction.

All devices are being implemented immediately.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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).
When is daylight saving 2024? Heres when the first day of fall, time change will be

For years, lawmakers in multiple states have been pushing to keep daylight saving time, or summer time, the year-round norm. And while rumors about year-round DST in Florida have flown around for years, we will still be falling back in 2024.

But the autumnal equinox, or the "first day of fall," will happen before we set our clocks to "fall back." And while clocks will soon be changing and leaves will soon be falling in some places, it will still feel like summer in Florida well into the fall season.

Here's when the official "first day of fall" is, when the time will change this fall and when you can expect it to start feeling cooler in Florida.

When is the first day of fall?

There are two equinoxes and two solstices each year. Equinoxes occur during the fall and spring and are called the autumnal and vernal equinoxes. They mark the first official day of spring and the first official day of fall each year.

The summer solstice was on a Thursday this year, on June 20 at 4:51 p.m. EDT. And the autumnal equinox is right around the corner, on Sunday, September 22 at 8:44 A.M. EDT, according to The Farmers' Almanac.

The meteorological end of summer was on Labor Day.

When is the first day of fall? Heres when the autumnal equinox is, what it means

Did Florida get rid of daylight saving time?

Florida lawmakers introduced a bill in 2021 that would extend daylight saving time from eight months of the year to the full year.

The Sunshine Protection Act, which is a proposed federal law, has not received approval from the U.S. House of Representatives or the president, but was proposed during several congressional sessions over the last few years and was OK'd by the U.S. Senate in 2023.

Florida will still fall back this year.

When is daylight saving time 2024? When does the time change?

Daylight saving time for 2024 began at 2 a.m. EST Sunday, March 10, for "spring forward" and will end, or fall back, at 2 a.m. EST Sunday, November 2.

When does the time change? Heres which countries, states dont have daylight saving time

What month does it cool down in Florida?

According to the National Weather Services September 2023 report, Florida usually has a day or two of cooler temperatures during the fall, but it typically starts to feel noticeably and consistently cooler in Florida in the winter, in November.

This means while other states are enjoying the temperate weather, crisp air and changing leaves of fall, Floridians are stuck waiting until winter months to feel real relief from the heat.

The first shot of cooler drier air is usually rather short lived  lasting only a day or two. The real cool down doesn't usually occur until November, The NWS website says.

According to the Farmers Almanacs 60-day extended weather forecast for Florida, Floridians will still be seeing temperatures hit the 80s during September, like usual.

The average temperature expected for September in Florida this year will hover around 80 degrees (which is one degree below average) and around 9.5 inches of rain is expected throughout the month (which is about two inches more than average).

This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Fall in Florida and daylight savings: When is the time change?
The death of an F-16 pilot running missile defense shows how dangerous even the lower-risk missions are in Ukraine

Ukraine lost one of its few F-16s last week while it was defending against Russian missiles and drones.

It was initially thought that Kyiv would use its F-16s for air defense, given the heightened risk of other missions.

But the big Russian attack and the jet loss last week show even defensive missions are still dangerous.

Before Ukraine received its first batch of F-16s a few weeks ago, one of the big questions surrounding the transfer was how Kyiv would make use of its small inventory of NATO-provided fighter jets.

When the jets arrived in Ukraine, initial imagery of the F-16s and their missile loadouts suggested Kyiv would use the fighter aircraft in an air-to-air role as opposed to offensive missions where they'd be more vulnerable.

Last week Ukraine's F-16s flew in combat, defending against a massive Russian aerial attack. But one of them crashed and killed its pilot, underscoring how even the missions initially thought to be of relatively lower risk are still dangerous.

"Flying fighters is a dangerous pursuit even in any situation," Vincent Aiello, a former US naval aviator who, in addition to flying F/A-18s, also flew the F-16 during his military career, told Business Insider.

Ukraine debut its F-16s to the world in early August after a yearslong wait for the combat-proven jets. The first official imagery of the fighter jets showed them armed with US-made air-to-air missiles, and experts and analysts pointed out that Kyiv would likely use the aircraft in a defensive role.

Ukrainian F-16s are seen in the air in an undisclosed location in Ukraine. During defensive actions in August, one of the newly acquired jets was lost. REUTERS/Valentyn Ogirenko

Alternative missions for Ukraine's F-16s would be close-air support (CAS) or suppression and destruction of enemy air defenses (SEAD/DEAD) missions.

But Ukraine's Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi previously said that he wouldn't want the F-16s flying too close to the front lines, where they might become victims of Russia's surface-to-air missile systems. He said that, instead, they would strengthen Kyiv's air defenses.

That's exactly what the fighter jets did on August 26, providing an extra defensive boost for Ukraine as Russia attacked the country with hundreds of missiles and drones in what was said to be the largest aerial bombardment of the war.

Days later, Ukraine acknowledged one of its F-16s crashed, killing its pilot, while battling Russian missiles during the attack. It's unclear what caused the fatal incident  whether it was friendly fire, a pilot error, aircraft malfunction, or an enemy munition  but Kyiv said an investigation is underway.

Regardless of what caused the crash, though, the operating environment is undoubtedly challenging during such a massive attack, which involved a mixed Russian strike package.

Hundreds attend a farewell ceremony for Ukrainian F-16 pilot Oleksiy Mest in Shepetivka on August 29, 2024. Photo by Libkos/Getty Images

The Russian bombardment last week included a mixture of one-way attack drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles. Some of the weapons employed were launched from Tu-95 strategic bombers, Su-34 fighter-bombers, and Su-57 fifth-generation aircraft.

On the Ukrainian side, a variety of air defenses came into play to help intercept as many of these threats as possible. These include both Western and Soviet-era ground-based air-defense systems and fighter aircraft like the F-16.

Mike Torrealday, a retired US Air Force colonel who flew combat operations in the Middle East with the F-16, said air defense is a "very delicate dance to execute."

Attempting to intercept incoming missiles and drones means that the pilots have to shoot at the threats, carefully maneuver the aircraft, and ensure that they're not crossing into areas where they could be at risk of friendly fire. Furthermore, the risk of spatial disorientation goes up exponentially when doing all of this at night, making it even more dangerous.

"There's just stuff flying all over the place," Torrealday said, and being in the wrong place at the wrong time could be very deadly."

A Ukrainian Air Force F-16 flies in an undisclosed location in Ukraine, which waited years for the American-made fighter jets. AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky

Air defense might be safer than supporting ground forces, knocking out air defenses, or bombing heavily defended enemy positions, but "it's not a walk in the park by any means," he added.

Beyond the challenging operating environment, another potential complication for Ukrainian pilots is that the F-16 is still a brand-new capability for Ukraine, and last week marked its first combat endeavor.

Despite the many months of training the pilots received, it's still an unfamiliar aircraft that is very different from the Soviet-era fighters they're used to flying.

"I would think that would be a very chaotic environment anyway, exacerbated by the fact that you have a new aircraft and its first week of operation in that conflict," Aiello said, adding that it's inherently risky to fly fighter jets and also to operate them in combat.

"You've got an increasing level of risk when you're doing both," he said.

Read the original article on Business Insider
BELINGTON, W.Va. (WBOY)  Barbour County Community Health Services held a dedication ceremony to honor the grand opening of a new medical building in Belington.

The new Barbour Behavioral Health Building, also known as the William M. Kester, Jr. Center for Behavioral Health, will transform the delivery of comprehensive behavioral health services by the Barbour County Health Association. The new medical building includes larger therapy rooms and specialized areas for group therapy and psychological testing, which will support a wide range of therapeutic approaches and accommodate the needs of different patient groups.

Patients can be seen on one level, this is ADA compliant, and so we want to really reach as many people as possible and help eliminate any barriers to them getting appropriate health care, said Jamie Wilson, Director of School-Based Behavioral Health.

Organization visits Fairmont to understand needs of cancer patients

Though the ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony were held Friday, the building still has to receive its finishing touches, such as painting, flooring and furniture to make it a more welcoming environment.

Reg Trefethen, President of the Board of Directors for Barbour Community Health, said that the project could not have been completed without grant funding from the centers namesake.

He had the matching donation and so we are very honored to, for his support and recognition of our organization, Trefethen said.

The William M. Kester, Jr. Center for Behavioral Health is set to open to the public at the end of September.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 Delaware man has been charged with murder in a decades-old cold case outside of Tampa, Florida.

Delaware State Police arrested 72-year-old Stephen Ford on Aug. 16 during a traffic stop near his home in Georgetown.

Ford has been charged with second-degree murder with a weapon in the death of 45-year-old Doris A. Korell in December 1996 in Palmetto, Florida, according to Manatee County police. Korell, who was Ford's girlfriend at the time, was found in a ditch off of U.S. Route 41 and was stabbed 83 times, Manatee County police said.

Ford was extradited and booked into Manatee County Jail on Aug. 30.

Ford and Korell had lived together in St. Petersburg, and Korell had a daughter in Maryland who had reported her missing in December 1996. Later that month, Ford attempted suicide by ingesting bleach, and he continually denied any involvement, Manatee County police said.

An eye for an eye, Ford said to Manatee County police in 1997 when detectives asked him what should happen to the person who killed Korell. If I killed her, I should get the death penalty.

Soon after, a letter from him to an ex-girlfriend said, He has no time for you know who, and hopes shell leave soon. ... I hope she gets the message that I dont want her here anymore.

Other than that letter, physical evidence and leads from both St. Petersburg and Manatee County police became sporadic and the case became cold in 1997.

In 2017, the case was reopened by cold case detectives, and six years of investigations found enough evidence to produce probable cause to arrest Ford on charges in Korell's homicide. During the investigation, people who knew Korell said she feared Ford, and they had financial troubles and common arguments, according to Manatee County police.

Those details and other evidence led Manatee County police to believe Ford was acting on the consciousness of guilt, they said.

More on the investigation: 'If I killed her, I should get the death penalty': Man arrested in 1997 Manatee cold case

Shane Brennan covers New Castle County with a focus on Newark and surrounding communities. Reach out with ideas, tips or feedback at slbrennan@delawareonline.com. Follow @shanebrennan36 on X, formerly Twitter, for the latest news and updates.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Delaware man faces murder charge in 1996 Florida death of girlfriend
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  A month after Hurricane Debby made landfall in Florida, FEMA representatives are still in Manatee County, and some residents are still waiting for that much needed financial help to arrive.

Theyre still coming from all over Manatee County, showing up at a makeshift disaster recovery center in a library looking for help after Debby.



We have some people who wait towards the end to register, FEMA spokesperson Nathan Custer said. The sooner you register, the sooner FEMA is going to be able to take a look at your situation.

Sandrah Oetjen, 86, is a woman who lives in Lakewood Ranch. She was one of the applicants who applied for money to help rebuild her home.

A month later, she is still waiting on the money to be dispersed into her account from FEMA.



I dont sleep at night, Oetjen said. I worry all day, and I pray all day, because I dont know what to do any more. We have been in this house from day 1.



8 On Your Side received a copy of her letter from her inspection. She was approved for $17,000 on Aug. 19. but she said that is not enough.



It is more than life can bear, and fortunately we have a son who lives fairly close, and he will help us out over the phone, Oetjen said.

We reached out to FEMA on her behalf, which said there is no average length of time for applicants to receive their money and the amount they are approved for is not always final.

If you are still dissatisfied with a FEMA decision, you can appeal that, and at the disaster recovery center, they can get you moving in the direction of an appeal and tell you how to make that happen, Custer said.

The deadline for applicants to apply for funding is on Oct. 9.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  As the school bus pulled away a seven-year-old boy realized he was dropped off in the wrong Las Vegas neighborhood. It would be nearly an hour until an unlikely hero spotted the lost child while police and family searched the city.

Over a mile away, Michael, 10, wondered where his brother Kameron, 7, was as he stepped off the school bus, walking to his grandmother near the drop-off site at N. Tee Pee and Dorrell Lane.

Michaels grandmother knew something was wrong when she realized Kameron was not on the bus and immediately called her daughter.

As the school bus pulled away a seven-year-old boy realized he was dropped off in the wrong Las Vegas neighborhood. It would be nearly an hour until an unlikely hero spotted the lost child while police and family searched the city. (Kris Robinson)

I asked her if everything was okay, Kris Robinson, the boys mother, said.

Robinson was around 25 miles away at work and grew frustrated when the call from her mother failed to go through. Moments later the call would reconnect, and Robinsons heart sank.

Kameron is not on the bus, Robinsons mother said. Hes missing.

Instantly Robinson told her boss she needed to leave and rushed out calling her husband and staff at Darnell Elementary School. Robinsons mother drove to the school and spoke with their transportation department who responded the drivers had no children left in their vehicles.

As the school bus pulled away a seven-year-old boy realized he was dropped off in the wrong Las Vegas neighborhood. It would be nearly an hour until an unlikely hero spotted the lost child while police and family searched the city. (KLAS)

I was overwhelmed with fear, Robinson said. In the back of my mind, Im just saying, I hope that hes okay.

Sitting in a school office administration room Robinsons mother and husband attempted to get more information about what happened and where Kameron might have been taken. The school administrator allegedly pulled up the color-coated bus routes and indicated possible sites he was dropped offbut Michael had a key detail.

Earlier in the day as Michael was the first to get in the bus line, he noticed his brother wasnt around but initially thought Kameron was just lagging. As the bus quickly filled up Michael allegedly told a teacher his brothers name and said Kameron was supposed to be on the bus.

And the teacher said, Oh no, honey. Im sorry. I dont know who that is, Robinson said.

The new detail only made the situation more agonizing as the school office administrator allegedly told the family they would contact them once they had more information.

At that point, I called 911, I called Metro, Robinson said. I let them know my son is missing, gave them a description of my son, and told them I was on my way to the school.

When Robinson arrived, she was allegedly told it was possible Kameron was on either the blue or green bus route, but the mother wanted all of them to start her search.

For nearly an hour Kameron was considered missing on the streets of northwest Las Vegas and he suffered from seizures and was prone to heat exhaustion. The triple-degree temperatures added a new danger into Robinsons search for her son.

However, a phone call from an unknown number would bring the search for Kameron to an end.

Is this Kris, the unknown caller asked. I found your son.

The unknown caller, an Amazon delivery truck driver, explained he pulled his vehicle over near the intersection of north Fort Apache Road and Gilcrease Avenue where he saw Kameron crying on the side of the road next to a backpack.

Robinson thanked the unknown caller as she ran from the school to her car, driving over a mile to the intersection where she saw a group of people. Multiple drivers had pulled over upon seeing the distressed Kameron and worked to reassure him, some offering him water.

When I got there, I hugged him, Robinson said. I hugged them all. I thanked them for stopping. I thanked them for helping him.

The Amazon delivery truck driver and others told Robinson they were glad he was okay and grateful Kameron memorized his mothers phone number.

Robinson said later the same day Clark County School District Police and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police visited their familys home to verify Kameron was safe and with his parents.

What happened?

Robinson spoke with administrators at Darnell Elementary School the next day hoping to learn what caused Kameron to be incorrectly dropped off and why Michaels concerns were ignored.

[The principal] told me that she was going to have a staff meeting with her staff to ascertain what happened and how they were going to fix what was broken, Robinson said.

Robinson was allegedly told some school staff, who were instructed to carry a master list of the students who get on the buses, did not.

Robinson understood the difficulties with the busses but said she still didnt know what school staff were doing for an hour while Kameron was missing.

You had no answers for me, and you had an hours time that is unacceptable, Robinson said.

During Robinsons search for more details, she realized the bus tags on Kameron and Michaels backpacks were a major factor in the bus route mix-up.

Both Michael and Kameron had their old bus route tags on their backpacks. According to CCSD, the elementary school has two opportunities on the first day of school to attach new tags if the bus routes for students have changed: on the bus or in the classroom.

Robinson said she recalled during the elementary schools orientation she marked she would drop off her kids in her vehicle on the first day of school, which meant her boys should have both received a new bus tag during classwhich Michael received.

There is a systemic problem in CCSD policies when it comes to lost and missing children, and that should be addressed, Robinson said. Not just for the safety of my children, but for all children.

For a month Robinson said she spoke with different levels of CCSD administrators attempting to learn if protocols changed regarding bus tags and if the school had an answer as to what they did during the search for Kameron, but said she is still seeking more information.

No parent would ever want to get a phone call that their child is lost and missing, she said.

The Clark County School District responded to 8 News Now regarding the incident and provided the following statement:

On the first day of school, staff were made aware of a matter involving a student at Darnell Elementary School who boarded a bus they were not assigned to.

Upon learning of the matter, school staff immediately contacted police and deployed staff members to locate the student. Thankfully, the student was located and reunited with family. Measures have been taken to prevent an incident like this from reoccurring, and school and district leadership met with the family to listen and address their concerns.

Parents are strongly encouraged to review their childs bus stop location with them each year before the start of school. If a student is unsure, they should immediately seek assistance from their bus driver.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Members of Miami-Dades arts community only had one minute to make their voices heard during Thursday nights public hearing on the countys 2025 budget. Some chose to sing.

This little light of mine, Im gonna let it shine. Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, sang Auriel Hills, a 17-year-old Dillard High School student who volunteers for local arts organizations, in front of the Miami-Dade County commission and Mayor Daniella Levine Cava.

Hills was among more than a dozen residents, artists and arts leaders who urged the commission and mayor to fully fund the Cultural Affairs departments grants. The proposed budget cuts nearly $2.5 million from the countys current $25.5 million budget for art grants. During the four-hour budget hearing, commissioners also heard from owners and tenants from the Soar trailer park that will soon be redeveloped and the mayor restored $16 million for transit funds that was initially cut from the budget. A final vote on the budget is scheduled for Sept. 17 after another public hearing.

Cutting arts funding is a sore subject for Miamis arts community. In June, Gov. Ron DeSantis shocked Floridas cultural organizations when he vetoed all arts grants from the state budget, eliminating $32 million slated for hundreds of organizations statewide. As Miami bolsters its reputation as a global arts hub, local artists have felt the strain from a lack of affordable housing and affordable studio space. Further cuts from state and local sources are making the squeeze even tighter.

Levine Cava addressed the arts communitys concerns at the top of the meeting, placing some blame on DeSantis veto. But the mayor said the $2.5 million cuts were primarily due to lower than anticipated tourist development taxes. The county relies on the tourist development tax and convention development tax revenues to fund 40% of the Cultural Affairs arts grants budget. Miami-Dade saw an increase in tourist revenue immediately after the pandemic, Levine Cava said, but those levels have largely stabilized. That means less funding available for cultural grants, she said.

Hadi Cairo, 17, speaks during the Miami-Dade County budget hearing to protest against cutting funds for the Cultural Affairs Departments arts grant program.

Cultural Affairs runs 20 grants programs to award more than 700 grants a year to cultural organizations and artists, department spokesperson Liliana Hernandez-Constenla told the Herald. If the county doesnt restore the $2.5 million, grant recipients will receive smaller grants, she said.

We know the arts play an essential role in our thriving community. They make this a great place to live and raise families and attract new visitors and businesses, Levine Cava said during the meeting. We hear you and were looking at all possible ways to bridge the gap in the year ahead.

The mayor said the county is looking for creative ways to find additional funds, including from the private sector. She announced that Jorge Perez, the art collector and real estate developer, committed $300,000 to the county grant funding. He is calling upon other philanthropists to step up and join him, Levine Cava said.

But that did little to console people who work in the arts like Gladys Ramirez, the executive director for City Theatre Miami. I cannot pay actors or plan productions with promises of future philanthropy, she said at the budget meeting.

Ramirez said she opposed cuts to the arts budget regardless of the reason because thousands of Miami-Dade residents who work in the arts industry rely on grant funding for their salaries.

Frankly, this feels like were being kicked while were down, she said.

Daniella Levine Cava, Mayor of Miami-Dade County at the Miami-Dade County budget hearing where arts groups advocated against cutting funds for the Cultural Affairs Departments grant program.

Several well-known figures in Miamis arts community spoke during the meeting to urge the commission to reconsider the budget, including New World Symphony president Howard Herring, Diaspora Vibe Cultural Arts Incubator founder Rosie Gordon Wallace and members of the Arts & Business Council of Miami. Youth choir members from Vocal Youth Miami broke out into song while advocating for arts funding.

Portia Dunkley said it was heartening to see the arts community, especially her daughter Auriel, make their voices heard during such a fraught time for arts organizations .

Dunkley is the founder and CEO of Teeny Violini, a mobile music education program that partners with early learning centers and after school programs in under-served communities. Shes also the founderand sole staff memberof New Canon Chamber Collective, a South Florida ensemble of Black and brown musicians.

Auriel Hills, Senior, 17 years old, with Dillard High School, Vocal Arts program talks during the Miami-Dade County budget hearing , members advocate against the cut of funds for the Cultural Affairs Departments grant program, at Stephen P. Clark Government Center, 111 NW First Street, Miami on Thursday September 5., 2024.

Grant cuts are devastating to small arts organizations like her own, Dunkley said. New Canon lost out on $25,000, about 25% of its annual operating budget, when the governor cut state grants, Dunkley said. She spoke at the Thursday budget hearing to make sure Teeny Violini doesnt suffer a similar fate. A gap in funding could mean lay offs or closed doors for some small groups, she said.

Maybe to some people, $2.479 million may seem like a drop in a bucket, but some to people, its their livelihood. Its their lifeblood, she said.

Dunkley left the county meeting feeling heard. She said shes happy to see that the mayor acknowledged the arts communitys concerns and is hopeful that the commission will restore the $2.5 million.

Theres a saying that you dont really miss it until its gone, Dunkley said. If we dont have the arts in our community, that is the death of culture. If the county doesnt fill this hole, there will be a hole in our community and culture.

This story was produced with financial support from individuals and Berkowitz Contemporary Foundation in partnership with Journalism Funding Partners, as part of an independent journalism fellowship program. The Miami Herald maintains full editorial control of this work.
The front page of the Deseret News on Sept. 7, 1940, as Londoners dealt with a massive attack from the air by Nazi Germany.

A look back at local, national and world events through Deseret News archives.

On Sept. 7, 1940, Nazi Germany began an intense bombing campaign of Britain during World War II with an air attack on London; known as the Blitz, the eight-month campaign resulted in more than 40,000 civilian deaths.

And it was a difficult time for the stoic British people. The cultural and popular center of Western Europe endured attack after nightly attack from the German air force. Many had to take shelter in Underground stations around the city.

Per historical accounts, notable barrages included a large daylight attack against London on Sept. 15, a large raid on Dec. 29 that caused a devastating fire in London, and a significant attack on May 10-11, 1941.

In reality, other major cities like Liverpool, Birmingham, Manchester and Hull were also targeted, along with U.K. port cities like Bristol, Cardiff, Belfast, Glasgow and Southampton.

But about half of the deaths came in the area around London, where a reported million homes were destroyed on damaged. The attacks went on for 57 days, with one day of reprieve.

Newspapers of the day covered the carnage from a distance and through the use of war correspondents.

And there were many heroes, part of Englands civilian army: nurses, laborers, farmers, etc. One was Thomas Peirson Frank.

According to AP reports, after each days attack, Frank led a secret squad of engineers and laborers who worked night after night during World War II to repair flood defenses along the Thames River hit in German air raids.

The men used rubble, sandbags and finally concrete to mend breaches in the Thames wall that threatened the inundation of thousands of businesses and homes.

London burned during the war, but it never flooded, due in large measure to Frank, chief engineer for London County Council, and his crews.

Researchers found files revealing the truth that had been hidden from Londoners during the war and later forgotten  the river wall was hit 121 times between 1940 and 1945, 84 of them during the Blitz of September 1940 to May 1941.

Frank was knighted in 1942 for his work  though details of his job were kept under wraps  and later became president of the Institution of Civil Engineers. He died in 1951.

The front page of the Deseret News on Sept. 9, 1940, showing the devastating effects of German bombing of London.

Here are a selection of stories on the Blitz and how Londoners survived from Deseret News archives:

New releases cover London during WWII and essays on nature

U.K. museum looks at epic, intimate sides of World War I

Honor for hero who saved London from WWII flooding

Joyous memories of London and light at the end of WWII

Long-secret operations room under castle opens to public

British phlegm is once again being challenged

Defusing WWII shells is huge job in Germany

Suspected WWII bomb found in River Thames in London

The front page of the Deseret News on Sept. 6, 1940, as bombing began in London during World War II.
Guaranteed income pilot programs are being evaluated in Texas and across the country. For those who qualify, these direct cash experiments build dignity and freedom for the far too many Americans who experience financial hardship. The research has also found that these programs have consistently demonstrated excellent outcomes for children, built substantial gains in adult mental health, physical health and parenting skills, and increased food security and housing stability.

Yet despite these positive outcomes, guaranteed income pilots have received pushback from some policymakers. More than 10 states, including Texas, are taking steps to cut off public funding for these programs. Recently, the Supreme Court of Texas shut down a guaranteed income pilot program in Harris County that would have given 1,900 residents $500 a month to meet basic expenses and a pathway out of poverty.

In April, Attorney General Ken Paxton sued Harris County for instituting a guaranteed income program which he said violates the Texas Constitution. (Credit: Mikala Compton/American-Statesman/File)

Americans deserve accurate information about direct cash pilot programs and how these programs contribute to the public good.

More than 150 guaranteed income pilots have launched in the U.S. since 2017, receiving funds from public and private sources. Recipients of guaranteed income funds have typically been new mothers, youth transitioning out of foster care, domestic violence survivors, and working families with low incomes.

Some opponents of guaranteed income pilots claim these programs trap recipients in dependency and encourage them to cut back on work. Although some studies have shown a modest loss in work hours, data from long-running programs like the Alaska Permanent Fund and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians casino profit-sharing program show that guaranteed income programs promote income security and have a positive impact on work hours and educational attainment.

So, should Americans be concerned about a potential drop in work hours among some recipients? Absolutely not. Recipients who use the cash to work a bit less often spend the extra time helping friends, family, children, and on advancing job prospects.

Take the case of a 38-year-old mom who recently completed Austins guaranteed income pilotan experiment spearheaded by UpTogether and 10 community-based partners to examine how receiving $1,000 per month for one year would impact 135 households from Austins highest-poverty neighborhoods. The money she received helped her train to be a leasing agent and public notary. Additionally, she was able to spend more time and money on her children, including facilitating a transfer to a better school for her daughter with special needs. Today, this mom has increased her income by twice the amount she gained under the pilot.

This moms story and other experiences documented in Austins guaranteed income pilot show that guaranteed income programs offer recipients a springboard to opportunity. The pilot found that not all recipients used the money in the same way, but the extra funds frequently did help to build a strong foundation for themselves and their children.

As a researcher with experience analyzing upward mobility policies and programs, I know that the most rigorous studies of guaranteed income show correlation between direct cash and better outcomes for youth and infants. Recent research has shown that greater household income improves a childs cognitive and social-emotional development and health. These outcomes are, in turn, solidly associated with academic and employment success later in life.

Our countrys safety net programs fall far short of meeting the challenges facing Americans with low income. Guaranteed income experiments have clearly shown the potential for direct cash to fill in gaps and open new pathways to opportunity for working families. And a majority of Americans support guaranteed income programs for adults who make below median income.

There is still a lot we need to learn about the role of guaranteed income programs in our changing economy. I hope that Texas policymakers and others who seek to prohibit tests of direct cash or cast doubt on the viability of the intervention will look more carefully at all the data.

Texas could become a leader on how to apply direct cash toward advancing opportunities for families, but that wont happen if these programs are stopped because of false assumptions.

Bogle is a leading principal research associate at the Urban Institute, focusing on income inequality and economic development opportunities. She has conducted extensive research in Austin on direct cash and guaranteed income programs.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Despite backlash, guaranteed income programs lift up Texas families
The Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer Program ran in 37 states, the District of Columbia and multiple territories and tribal nations this year, with the goal of feeding hungry kids. Advocates are calling it a success. Stock photo by Inti St. Clair/Getty Photos

A U.S. Department of Agriculture initiative to feed hungry kids during the long summer months is mostly winding down, with advocates calling it a success despite some hiccups  and the federal government and many states are already working to bring the permanent program back in 2025.

The Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer Program  or Summer EBT  has popped up in 37 states, the District of Columbia and multiple territories and tribal nations this year. Advocates say that despite having its fair share of challenges, especially given its first year of implementation, the program emerged as an important resource in the fight against kids summer hunger.

Summer EBT, also known as SUN Bucks, provides low-income families with school-aged children a grocery-buying benefit of $120 per child. Children are automatically enrolled in Summer EBT if already enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP; Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, known as TANF; or the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations, per the USDA.

Students might also be automatically enrolled if their school offers the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program and their family qualifies for free or reduced-price school meals, according to the USDA. Most states deadlines to apply for the benefit this summer have already passed, and many have already issued the benefit for the summer months.

Allan Rodriguez, a spokesperson for the USDA, said its too early to say just how many children have been served through the program so far this summer, but based on the participating states, territories and tribes, an estimated 21 million children are eligible to receive the benefits.

Maryland officials said last month that the program had reached 586,734 children and the state had handed out a little more than $71 million by the end of July. That was about 40,000 more children than the state expected to reach through the program, and officials were still urging Maryland families to sign up last week, before the program stopped accepting applications on Aug. 31. Final numbers from Maryland were not immediately available.

Critical support to families

Kelsey Boone, senior child nutrition policy analyst at the Food Research & Action Center, told States Newsroom that like any new program, there are challenges with Summer EBT. The national nonprofit works to reduce poverty-related hunger through research, advocacy and policy solutions.

That has included tight implementation timelines, logistical complexities and the need to raise awareness among eligible families, Boone said.

Despite those challenges, Boone said the program is definitely worth it and provides critical support to families by ensuring children have access to nutritious foods during the summer months, bridging the gap when school meals are unavailable.

Boone said we are still in the midst of implementation, so there arent hard statistics on how the programs are really rolling out at this point.

She added that some states have had to return to USDA and ask for  higher amounts of benefits, and that is due to the fact that they are streamline certifying, or automatically giving benefits to more students than they expected, and that is a very big positive for the streamlined certification process.

Boone noted that some states have been delayed in issuing the benefits, which means some families will not be receiving benefits until September or even October or November. Still, Boone said that despite the importance of receiving the benefits during crucial summer months when school meal programs are not an option, it is also going to be helpful no matter what.

Over a dozen states opted out

But 13 states, all with Republican governors, chose not to partake in the program this year: Alabama, Alaska, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah and Wyoming. Even though the state opted out, multiple tribal nations in Oklahoma participated.

Rodriguez said the department expects that even more states and tribes will provide SUN Bucks next year.

States have until Jan. 1 to submit a notice of intent if they plan to participate in Summer EBT for 2025, according to the USDA. Alabama has already allocated millions of dollars in funding for the program next summer.

We recognize that standing up a new program in a very short time period is no easy task, Rodriguez said, adding that potential challenges may include making systems changes, identifying sufficient staff, and securing financial resources to cover program administration, particularly (states) responsibility for covering 50% of the administrative costs associated with operating the program.

The USDA is committed to working closely with all states, U.S. territories, and eligible tribes to support our shared goal of ensuring children have access to critical nutrition in the summer months through SUN Bucks, Rodriguez added.

Justin King, policy director at Propel  a financial technology company helping low-income Americans track Electronic Benefit Transfer balances, like Summer EBT, through an app  said theres a lot of frustration and disappointment among folks who feel left out because their state has chosen not to participate this year.

The company, which has partnered with the Biden administration, serves more than 5 million households each month.

King said the big takeaway from looking at Summer EBT is that while there might be inevitable hiccups and challenges, Summer EBT can work, and it does make a difference for the households that it serves.

The comments that weve gotten from households whove received the benefit this year are overwhelmingly positive about it making a real difference in their ability to keep their kids healthy and fed in summertime.
(NewsNation)  President Joe Biden, former President Donald Trump and former U.S. Ambassador Nikki Haley, who ran in this years Republican primary, were all targets of assassination plots backed by the Iranian government.

FBI files made public this week by Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley go into more detail about these attempted assassinations, done in retaliation for the United States killing Qassem Soleimani.

NewsNation previously reported on credible plots against former United Nations Ambassador John Bolton and ex-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo as well.

Documents Grassley published show that these plans to kill U.S. officials were not just theoretical. Iranian officials took concrete steps to carry these assassinations out, even going as far as hiring people and placing them in the United States.

How to watch the Trump-Harris presidential debate

Some of this information came out in interviews the FBI conducted with a Pakistani national with Iranian ties arrested in July in connection with a plot to kill U.S. officials. Asif Merchant, also known as Asif Raza Merchant, 46, was arrested in New York after allegedly talking to people whom he didnt know were actually undercover American agents. Merchant laid out a specific assassination plan  and even went as far as to get $5,000 to pay purported hit men.

This dangerous murder-for-hire plot exposed in todays complaint allegedly was orchestrated by a Pakistani national with close ties to Iran and is straight out of the Iranian playbook, FBI Director Christopher Wray said after Merchants arrest. A foreign-directed plot to kill a public official, or any U.S. citizen, is a threat to our national security and will be met with the full might and resources of the FBI.

NewsNation digital producer Steph Whiteside 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 NewsNation.
Detroit's first composer laureate says he'll tell the city's story in music

This month, Detroit acquired its first composer laureate: Detroit native Patrick Prouty. He was selected by a panel of Detroit artists, musicians and scholars. The position is funded by the Ford Foundation. Prouty's appointment was announced Thursday by Deputy Mayor Todd Bettison at the Metropolitan Museum of Detroit Design. Below are Prouty's remarks. They have been lightly edited for style.

Thank you so much for this recognition and opportunity. I am truly humbled.

Thank you to Rochelle Riley, Mayor Mike Duggan, Deputy Mayor Todd Bettison and the Ford Foundation for this opportunity.

I am pleased to join luminaries Jamon Jordan, Detroit's official historian, and Detroit poet laureate Jessica Care Moore in enhancing the arts within our community, and inspiring the next generation of Detroiters to pursue careers in music right here in Detroit. I am very excited to be here with you all this evening.

This is truly an honor of a lifetime for me. I'm grateful to give back to the city of Detroit in this way  the city that raised me and helped shape the composer and musician I am today.

Artistically, I want to tell Detroit stories through music. Stories about where I am from and the people that formed me as a person and a musician.

A little background on how I got here: An early interest in my dads record collection led to piano lessons with my aunt and my first public performances. By the time I was a young adult, a career in music was all I could imagine. I enrolled in the jazz studies program at Wayne State University, where I found lifelong mentors. I performed and began writing music.

'We need that sound:' Detroit deserves a central district for live, local music | Opinion

I have been privileged to play and learn alongside many great Detroit musicians like Johnnie Bassett, Bill Heid, Alberta Adams and Bettye LaVette, including 25 European and Asian tours.

I released my first CD of all original music in 2007. CDs are these round silver discs people use to use to listen to music. That first record won the Detroit Music Award for Best Jazz Recording in 2008  the first of 5 Detroit Music Awards. My music has been feature on TV and film, including "Nurse Jackie," "The Good Place," "Brooklyn 99" and "Breaking Bad." Last year, I received a lifetime achievement award for the Michigan Music Hall of Fame.

I have been a music educator for over 30 years, and I love teaching, and seeing my students push themselves to achieve more than they thought they could.

While Detroit was putting the world on wheels, it was also reinventing American music.

If you ask Siri to shuffle your songs, every tune that comes out of the speakers will have been shaped in some way by Detroit musicians.

Motowns beloved Funk Brothers played on more hits than the Beatles, Rolling Stones and Beach Boys combined.

Detroit announces bassist and composer Patrick Prouty as city's new composer laureate

Patrick Prouty

John Lee Hooker put Chicago on notice with his primal, ferocious, one-chord blues.

In the 1950 and 60s, Detroit-area jazz bassists Paul Chambers and Ron Carter redefined the role of the bass is modern jazz. Ron Carter is the most recorded bassist in the history. Hes actually from Ferndale, but thats close enough.

Juan Atkins, Kevin Saunderson, Eddie Fowlkes and Derrick May invented techno. These pioneers forever changed the way dance music is created.

Stevie Wonder. Our team has Stevie Wonder.

Aretha. Yeah, our team has Aretha too.

Every artist and producer owes debt to the musical legacy of Detroit.

I have been the orchestra and choir director at the University of Detroit Jesuit High School and Academy for the last five years, and I see the young talent in our city close up everyday. The next Smokey, Diana, Bettye Lavette, J-Dilla, Anita Baker, Eminem, Jack White are among us now, learning their craft and building their musical dreams.

In my role as the first Detroit Composer Laureate I will look for ways to mentor students and create opportunities for these young people on their unfolding musical journeys I will endeavor to compose music that celebrates Americas most musical city, Detroit.

Patrick Prouty is Detroit's first composer laureate. Submit a letter to the editor at freep.com/letters and we may publish it online and in print.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: First Detroit composer laureate celebrates city's musical tradition
NEW ORLEANS (WGNO)  A system brewing in the Bay of Campeche could soon stir up trouble for the Gulf Coast, with a tropical depression possibly on the horizon.

A low-pressure system has developed in the Bay of Campeche, producing disorganized showers and thunderstorms. The system is expected to drift northward over the next few days as it interacts with a frontal boundary.

Environmental conditions are predicted to be favorable for further development, with the potential for a tropical depression to form by early or mid-next week. The system is forecast to move northward near or along the Mexican and Texas Gulf coasts.

In addition, a tropical wave is moving across the Yucatan Peninsula, bringing scattered moderate convection and thunderstorms to the region, including inland areas of Mexico. The wave is expected to interact with the low-pressure system, further enhancing its development.

National Hurricane Center forecasters said in their Saturday evening update that a tropical depression could form in the coming days as the system tracks northwestward to northward over the southwestern Gulf of Mexico.

The NHC gives the system a 60% chance of developing into a tropical depression within the next 48 hours. Over the next seven days, that likelihood increases to 80%.

Residents along the western Gulf Coast should closely monitor updates on both the low-pressure system and the tropical wave.

Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter.

Latest Posts

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGNO.
Dick Cheney with his daughter Liz in 2022. They will both be voting for Kamala Harris - A

Click here to view this content.

Former US Vice President Dick Cheney, a lifelong Republican, has confirmed he will vote for Kamala Harris for president.

His daughter, Liz Cheney, who herself backed Ms Harris on Wednesday, announced her fathers endorsement on Friday during an onstage interview in Austin, Texas.

Like his daughter, Mr Cheney has been an outspoken critic of former President Donald Trump, notably during Ms Cheneys ill-fated re-election campaign in 2022.

In a statement on Friday confirming his endorsement, Mr Cheney said of Trump: He can never be trusted with power again.

He added: As citizens, we each have a duty to put country above partisanship to defend our Constitution. That is why I will be casting my vote for Vice President Kamala Harris.

Ms Cheney announced her fathers endorsement on stage at the Texas Tribune festival in Austin.

When asked by interviewer Mark Liebovich how her father would be voting, she said: Dick Cheney will be voting for Kamala Harris.

Wow, Mr Leibovich replied, as the audience cheered.

Trump campaign: Who is Liz Cheney?

Asked for comment, Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung said: Who is Liz Cheney?

The campaign confirmed Cheung was being sarcastic by also pointing to a comment Liz Cheney posted online four years ago in which she called Ms Harris a radical liberal.

Trump called the Cheneys irrelevant RINO in a social media post on Friday, using a term he applies to Republicans not loyal to him, which stands for Republicans in Name Only.

The Harris campaign said on Friday that the Cheneys had joined a growing movement of Republicans putting country over party by supporting the Democrat ticket.

Mr Cheney, 83, has made few if any public appearances over the past year or more. He has dealt with heart issues since his 40s and underwent a heart transplant in 2012.

His statement on Friday was similar to a 2022 campaign ad for Ms Cheney as she sought a fourth term as Wyomings lone congressperson. In it, he called Trump a coward for trying to steal the last election using lies and violence to keep himself in power after the voters had rejected him.

Trump at a campaign event with police officers in North Carolina on Friday - REUTERS

By a more than two-to-one margin, Ms Cheney lost her Republican primary to Trump-endorsed attorney Harriet Hageman.

Mr Cheney has been friends with Democrats over the years but never supported one for president.

Both Cheneys backed Trump in 2016, but after Ms Cheney criticised Trumps foreign policy decisions and Trump attacked the endless wars in Afghanistan and Iraq launched when Mr Cheney was vice president, their support waned.

In 2020 their home state of Wyoming delivered Trump his widest margin of victory.

By 2021, Ms Cheney also voted to impeach Trump and ran an investigation into him for the 2021 US Capitol riot.

Several other top Republicans have come out in support of Ms Harris while some, including Senator Mitt Romney and former Vice President Mike Pence, say they will not be voting for the former president.

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 President Donald Trump was handed a victory this week in court as Judge Merchan delayed the sentencing for his 34 felony convictions from the hush money case until after the election. Dave Aaronberg, state attorney of Palm Beach County, FL, shares his thoughts on the postponement and comments on the charges for the father of the 14-year-old that allegedly committed a school shooting in Georgia.

View comments
HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP)  From house fires to natural disasters, the American Red Cross relies on volunteers to help save lives in the case of an emergency as well as make sure that the community has the care and resources that they need. To that end the American Red Cross hosted an impactful disaster response workshop on Saturday at the Holyoke YMCA.

Holyoke community mourns loss of six Israeli hostages

The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the American public to deliver its mission. They shelter, feed, and provide comfort to victims of disasters, supply about 40% of the nations blood, teach skills that save lives, distribute international humanitarian aid, and support veterans, military members, and their families.

The goal of the event is to educate residents so they can gain the skills needed to be able to respond and help their neighbors in the case of a disaster. This training was conducted in both English and Spanish.

Once they have the skills the American Red Cross can add them to their Disaster Action Team.

Nia Rennix with American Red Cross told 22News that there is a need for more volunteers, It is so important because more than ever the disasters are rising and increasing, like home fires and natural disasters. So to respond to all of the need that we have, we need volunteers and we need a lot of them.

These volunteers make up more than 90 percent of the Disaster workforce and they help to respond to nearly 70,000 disasters every year, most of them being home fires.

When there is a home fire people need to get a temporary place to stay, expressed Barbara Carr, a Duty Officer with the American Red Cross. So, we send them with things to help them during their recovery like blankets, water, snacks, toiletries, so that they can have something. If they lost everything in the fire, they can have some assistance. For the children we have teddy bears and stuffed animals.

Refreshments were provided for all those who participate. The event ran from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m., no experience was required, and you must be 18 years old to attend.

If you missed this workshop, there are some other training sessions coming up. One is on October 7th and the other is on November 7th.

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.
Gloria Princess von Thurn und Taxis stands in front of the princely palace of St. Emmeram. The divisive German celebrity Gloria of Thurn and Taxis gifted US Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito concert tickets worth hundreds of dollars last year, according to Alito's financial disclosure for 2023. Armin Weigel/dpa

The divisive German celebrity Gloria of Thurn and Taxis gifted US Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito concert tickets worth hundreds of dollars last year, according to Alito's financial disclosure for 2023.

Alito listed the concert tickets, valued at $900, as a "gift" from the German noblewoman.

The princess told the Mediengruppe Bayern media group that the tickets were for a festival at Regensburg Castle, of which she is the patron.

"The tickets are cheaper, he must have estimated their value," she said, noting that the Alitos are "personal friends."

While Germany's monarchy and nobility were abolished in 1919, the princess acquired her courtesy title through her marriage to Johannes, 11th Prince of Thurn and Taxis.

She is a flamboyant figure in Germany who was celebrated as a punk princess and a member of the European jet set during the 1980s.

More recently, she has been criticized for being close to right-wing extremists and homophobes, charges she denies.

Conservative Justice Alito recently hit the headlines after the hoisting of several controversial flags outside his residence, including an upside-down US flag. These symbol was used by supporters of former president Donald Trump who claimed the 2020 election was fraudulent.

Alito said his wife was responsible for the flag hoist and dismissed calls by critics that he stay out of court matters regarding Trump's attempts to interfere with the elections.

Supreme Court justices are appointed for life and must disclose their finances annually.

Last year, reports of expensive gifts from a Texan real estate mogul to Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, including a luxury trip and private jet flights, sparked an ethics debate in the US about gifts to judges.

The justices of the Supreme Court agreed to a code of conduct, but it is unclear whether this can be enforced.
Can college football rivalries motivate Michigan voters to oppose a GOP ticket that includes Ohio State fan JD Vance? Democrats continue to test the theory  this time with a plane flying a banner highlighting Vance's loyalty to his alma mater above the Big House on Saturday.

The Democratic National Committee flew a plane to take its anti-Vance message to the skies over the Michigan Stadium for four hours during fans' tailgate before the 12 p.m. kickoff at the U-M game against Texas. In addition to noting Vance's support for Ohio State, the banner in a few words tries to attach Vance to Project 2025, the conservative think tank Heritage Foundation's playbook for the next Republican presidential administration.

A graphic of the Democratic National Committee banner slated to fly over tailgates at Michigan Stadium Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024.

"Like the Wolverines putting an end to Ohio States season three years in a row, Kamala Harris and Tim Walz will put an end to Donald Trump and JD Vances election season when they beat them in November," said Democratic National Committee Deputy Communications Director Abhi Rahman in a statement. "The words 'Go Blue' have never meant more than they do right now."

Ever since Trump named the Republican U.S. senator from Ohio as his running mate, Democrats have seized seemingly every opportunity they can to remind voters in the battleground state that Vance roots for Ohio State on game day.

It's a political liability Vance himself joked about during his speech accepting his party's vice presidential nomination at the Republican National Convention. When the GOP delegation broke out in "O-H-I-O" chants, Vance joined the chorus before trying to quiet down Ohio fans. "You guys, we've got to chill with the Ohio love. We've got to win Michigan, too, here," Vance said.

Democrats' attacks against the GOP ticket have also focused on Project 2025 and its proposals to overhaul the federal government  including a plan to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education and weaken civil service job protections  and restrict abortion access. The authors of the playbook include some individuals who previously served in Trump's administration and Vance has previously championed the work of the Heritage Foundation.

"The only truth here is that Senator Vance is an Ohio State fan. Kamala would say Go Green in East Lansing and then Go Blue in Ann Arbor because her pollsters told her to," Team Trump Michigan Communications Director Victoria LaCivita said in a statement Saturday. "While Michigan may not like OSU, they respect Vance and its why the Trump-Vance ticket will win the ultimate trophy on November 5."

Michigan 2024 Election: 3 reasons Kamala Harris came to Detroit for Labor Day campaign stop

The Trump campaign has repeatedly tried to distance itself from the Project 2025 proposals. During a rally in Grand Rapids in July, Trump told his supporters he didn't know what Project 2025 is but criticized it anyway, calling some of its ideas "seriously extreme." A CBS News review published late last month found at least 270 of the more than 700 proposals outlined in Project 2025 overlap with Trump's previous policies and campaign platform.

In 2016, Trump won Michigan by a 10,704-vote or 0.3 percentage point margin  the slimmest of any state  delivering Michigan for a GOP presidential candidate for the first time since 1988. In 2020, President Joe Biden defeated Trump by over 154,000 votes or 2.78 percentage points in Michigan.

The Cook Political Report  the preeminent election rating organization  deems the presidential race in Michigan a toss-up with either party having a good chance of winning.

Contact Clara Hendrickson: chendrickson@freepress.com or 313-296-5743. Follow her on X, previously called Twitter, @clarajanehen.

Contact Liam Rappleye: LRappleye@freepress.com

Looking for more on Michigans elections this year? Check out our voter guide, subscribe to our elections newsletter and always feel free to share your thoughts in a letter to the editor.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: DNC flies anti-Vance banner over Michigan Stadium before Texas game
Tuesdays debate may be former President Donald Trumps best chance to regain his footing in the presidential race.

But its an opportunity some Republicans fear he could blow  particularly if Trump gets personal with Vice President Kamala Harris. Prominent GOP officials and his own advisers have urged Trump for weeks to keep the focus on critiquing her policy record, but the former president continues to signal that hes not interested in backing down from personal attacks.

I assume she'll come in very, very aggressive, and she will try to bait him, getting very angry, and she'll be personal and try to demean him, said former House Speaker Newt Gingrich. I think, I hope, what he'll do is be a guy who's been a real president  while she has been kind of a semi-vice president  and a guy who knows all the world leaders, and a guy who has been through an enormous amount, and just be calm and steady and stick to the real differences.

For allies of the famously unscripted and bombastic former president, thats a hope that has some literally invoking a higher power.

"I think  I pray  he can be disciplined, said Tricia McLaughlin, one of several Republican strategists who voiced concerns about Trump's ability to keep from personal attacks.

But, she admitted, that may not be the case. If Trump feels like hes backed into a corner and feels like its three on one, that could be a problem, McLaughlin said, pointing out that Trump could lash out if he feels ganged-up on by Harris and the debates moderators, David Muir and Linsey Davis of ABC.

McLaughlin, who was a senior adviser on Vivek Ramaswamys presidential campaign, has reason to be unsure how Trump will react. Trump has already sought to cast doubt on ABCs impartiality, calling the network dishonest and the worst network in terms of fairness.

And he does not appear to share allies concerns about refraining from personal insults. When Trump recently was urged by podcaster Lex Fridman to talk about a positive vision of the future versus criticizing the other side, the former president seemed to disagree.

Yeah, I think you have to criticize though, Trump said in the episode released Tuesday. I think theyre nasty.

Previously, Trump has said he is entitled to personal attacks on Harris, after he was widely criticized for questioning her racial identity.

Its a strategy Republicans in recent days have been warning Trump against. Earlier this week, Sen. Lindsey Graham, a Trump ally, wrote in a New York Times op-ed that Every day that the candidates trade insults is a good day for [Harris] because its one less day that she has to defend the failures of the Biden-Harris administration.

Far more worthwhile for Mr. Trump is his record of success, Graham continued. The road to the White House runs through a vigorous policy debate, not an exchange of barbs.

Rep. Don Bacon, the Nebraska Republican who represents a potentially critical Electoral College district in Omaha, told CNN that Trump talking about DEI, race, coming up with nicknames  that doesn't play well in this district. They want to talk about the issues. This is an issue district."

Those assisting Trump with debate preparation include Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), and Trumps advisers Chris LaCivita, Susie Wiles and Jason Miller, according to a Trump ally.



A Trump campaign official, granted anonymity to speak freely, said the former president, as he did before the June debate, is working with senior staff and allies to determine how to best portray a contrast with Harris during the debate. But the official suggested preparations are minimal. Trump is simply reviewing policy specifics that he believes voters will most care about, the official said, in order to contrast his time in office to Kamala Harris four years as co-pilot.

President Trump does unscripted interviews with a variety of outlets, including new media outlets online, he gives unscripted hour-plus press conferences, he gives speeches that include a lot of material, extemporaneously, the official said. The idea that he has to prepare for a debate is absurd.

The campaign official declined to comment on whether Trumps advisers, ahead of the debate, are pushing him to avoid personal attacks on Tuesday night. Trump himself joked at a rally in North Carolina last month that he should fire his advisers who had told him to steer clear of personal insults against Harris.

Most voters have a locked-in view of Trump, so its not like his performance will radically change views. He just needs to not be overly aggressive and create a permission structure for swing voters fed up with the economy and the border to vote for him," said a close ally of Trump, granted anonymity to discuss strategy. "The debate is far more consequential for Kamala Harris because voters dont have a solidified view of her yet.

Ryan Williams, a GOP consultant and former aide to Mitt Romney, said Trump should focus on not appearing unhinged as he works to portray Harris as too liberal.

This is the last real inflection point that we know about. After this, theres not really a big moment to change the trajectory of the race, Williams said.

Trump would likely benefit from following his own model in the debate against Biden. After spending months mocking Bidens cognitive and physical condition, as Biden froze and repeatedly appeared confused on stage during the June debate, Trump largely kept his attacks focused on Bidens policies.

But Harris is almost certain to be a more difficult opponent. Gingrich noted how ruthless she was with [Brett] Kavanaugh when she was a senator.

She can be aggressive, Gingrich said. She can be tough.

Thats the view of Republicans who know her from her time in California, too. Rob Stutzman, a Republican consultant in California who was an adviser for Romneys 2008 presidential campaign, said, Harris will want to make personality the issue, which is hard for him to resist, but it will be a bad night for him if he falls back on hurling absurd insults at Harris.

She can deliver a set piece in a debate, said Stutzman, who said he will likely write in a name for president. Will he be able to resist taking the bait? Doubt it. He'll more likely be like a lab rat hitting the cocaine pan instead of the food pan.



Kellyanne Conway, a former adviser to Trump, maintained that viewers tuning in are already deeply familiar with him.

"There's no unplowed ground when it comes to Donald Trump, Conway said. Its all been said and done. Kamala repeating the same shopworn soundbites will make her seem like a cable news pundit, not a commander in chief. America is still getting to know her, and while that's helped her in the short term, it's a risk for her in the long run."

Brett Doster, a Republican political consultant in Florida who worked on Jeb Bushs 2016 presidential campaign, said Trump should stay away from making attacks personal and instead hit her purely on issues like the border and economics.

To be most potent, Trump could reel off a string of statements Harris said then versus now to show her untrustworthy on these issues, Doster said. But to do that, he has to get out of his shoot-from-the-hip comfort zone and prepare.

Trump, in an interview on a New Hampshire radio program this past week, boasted that he has been preparing all my life for this debate.

I have meetings on it, we talk about it. But theres not a lot you can do to prepare, Trump said. Either you know your subject or not, either have good policy or not. Shes changed every policy.

There is precedent for Republicans concerned about Trumps demeanor in debates. Following his first debate with Biden in 2020, even allies of the former president acknowledged his heckling and frequent interruptions of Biden may have damaged Trump. In contrast, his recognition in this years first debate that Biden was imploding  and his relative restraint in that matchup  worked to his advantage.

But the Harris debate will be new terrain for Trump. Not only is he facing a new opponent, but he is coming into the debate in an uncomfortably tight position in battleground state polls.

Alex Conant, who served as communications director on Marco Rubios 2016 presidential campaign, noted that given the unprecedented nature of Harris ascendancy, Trump is in the unfamiliar territory of not being the main draw for viewers tuning in for Tuesdays debate.

Trump is used to being the star. Now for the first time, he has to share the stage with another politician generating huge crowds, Conant said. I suspect he wont be comfortable with that. What will he do to reclaim the spotlight and regain momentum?
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)

Former President Donald Trump on Friday traveled to North Carolina to address police and accept the endorsement of the largest law enforcement union in the U.S.

Speaking at a meeting of the Fraternal Order of Police in Charlotte, Trump pledged to back the blue while railing against Vice President Kamala Harris record on criminal justice.

We might over-fund the police, Trump said.

In May, Trump was convicted of 34 felonies in a New York hush money trial tied to the 2016 election and he faces dozens of charges in other cases.

And with early voting in North Carolina about to get underway, he urged officers to watch for voter fraud. (There has been no evidence of widespread voter fraud in presidential elections, in North Carolina or elsewhere, despite Trumps claims.)

I hope you watch for voter fraud, Trump said. It starts early. It starts in a week. . Believe it or not, theyre afraid of that badge. Theyre afraid of you people. I hope you can watch.

The former president criticized law enforcement action taken against him in front of the crowd of officers  calling the ongoing Manhattan trial against him a DA witch hunt and an attack by my political opponent.

Trump also said he was calling for a strong death penalty for anyone who kills a police officer, which garnered cheers from the crowd.

Trump on RFK Jr.s removal from NC ballots: A big thing

Trump also commented on news earlier Friday that Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.s name would be removed from North Carolina ballots.

Counties were to begin mailing absentee ballots Friday with Kennedy on them, but the Appeals Court order now prevents it. He dropped out of the race and endorsed Trump last month.

It means all of those who love Bobby, and theres a lot of them  they vote for me, Trump said. All the Bobby people are going to vote for me, and I appreciate the decision.

The Michigan Court of Appeals on Friday also ruled that Kennedy had to appear on the ballot. The secretary of state is appealing to the Michigan Supreme Court.

Durham sheriff blasts Trump ahead of speech to police

Harris campaign, which has aimed to position the race as a prosecutor vs. a convicted felon, offered criticism from officers ahead of Trumps remarks Friday.

Durham County Sheriff Clarence Birkhead said in a call with reporters that the former president cant be trusted to deliver on his promises to law enforcement.

He would waste precious time and money on his personal grievances instead of pouring valuable resources into communities like mine that rely on our federal partners, Birkhead said.

Birkhead was also joined by Harry Dunn, a former Capitol Police officer who was present at the Jan. 6 Capitol riot and has been outspoken against Trump since.

He doesnt care that he put my life and the lives of my fellow Capitol Police officers in danger on Jan. 6, Dunn said. He only cares about getting power for himself.

Michigan Advance Editor Susan J. Demas contributed to this story.

NC Newsline is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. NC Newsline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Rob Schofield for questions: info@ncnewsline.com. Follow NC Newsline on Facebook and X.
Drive-thru windows have made a massive comeback, andmuch like Zoom, remote work, and grocery delivery servicesthey show no signs of retreating in popularity in the post-pandemic world. The move toward drive-thrus has proven to be a sustained shift in consumer behavior, so naturally, the government has stepped in to do what it does best: regulate, restrict, and ban.

Last year, The New York Times reported on the post-pandemic durability of drive-thrus, noting that their traffic increased by 30 percent from 2019 to 2022, showing that Americans preferred staying in their cars even after the public health emergency began to wane. It's unremarkable that drive-thrus accounted for 70 percent of fast-service restaurant sales during the time of social distancing rules, but even with the public health emergency in the rearview mirror, two-thirds of fast-food transactions still happen in the drive-thru lane.

Researchers at Northwestern's Kellogg School of Management used cellphone data to track the average time spent at McDonald's, Dunkin' Donuts, and Starbuckswhich make up roughly 10 percent of all fast-food stores in the U.Sand have confirmed that short drive-thru visits increased during COVID and stayed up; longer sit-down visits to the same restaurants went down and stayed down.

Yet even while Gen Zers are frequenting drive-thrus and filming their visits for a TikTok trend, city governments are veering hard in the other direction. Nearly every month, news comes of another city moving to ban new drive-thrus. Minneapolis kicked off the trend in 2019 by banning new drive-thru windows citywide. In 2023, Atlanta followed suit with its own ban on new drive-thrus within a half-mile of the Beltline. Cities such as St. Paul, Minnesota, and Annapolis, Maryland, have recently jumped on the bandwagon with proposed bans.

Whereas prior attempts to curb fast-food culture centered on fighting obesity, today's rationale is different: traffic congestion and efforts to promote walkability. Planners bemoan the traffic snarls caused by long lines of cars waiting for their Starbucks or Chick-fil-A fix and argue that the automobile-centric design of drive-thrus undermines efforts to promote alternative forms of mobility like biking, walking, and public transit.

For modern urban planners, walkability is the goal. "The more drive-thrus you build, the more car-centric you becomeas opposed to something that has more mobility options," said Keba Samuel, chair of the Charlotte Planning Commission in North Carolina. "It doesn't make sense to have this multi-billion investment in light rail and still encourage an auto-centric environment. It's contradictory."

In other words, light rail is in, drive-thrus are out. But the reality is more complex. While critics may argue that drive-thrus cater to greedy corporate interests, in truth they are what customers are demanding. For many restaurants, the drive-thru model is the only thing that has kept them alive both during and after the pandemic.

The Kellogg study found that fast service restaurants with drive-thru windows saw a modest 4 percent decline in sales from 2019 to 2022. Meanwhile, those without drive-thrus experienced a devastating 50 percent drop. That is comparable to 25 percent of Starbucks customersand 50 percent of the chain's total revenuetransitioning to drive-thru-only outlets.

Drive-thru bans also overlook the market responses already addressing traffic congestion issues. Taco Bell opened its first "Defy" outlet in 2022, which features a two-story layout with four drive-thru lanes and food delivered via tubes. (As The Verge described it: "Think a drive-thru bank but you get a Chalupa and Baja Blast instead of cash.") Chick-fil-A is rolling out its own elevated drive-thru, designed to handle double or triple the volume of a traditional drive-thru, and utilizing conveyor belts that can deliver food orders as fast as every six seconds.

If policy makers really were concerned about traffic, they'd be embracing these high-efficiency designs. Instead of a drive-thru ban, local governments could institute two-story zoning allowances by right for any drive-thru businesses seeking to open in the area.

A final consideration lost in the drive-thru debate is the vital role many fast-food outlets play in their communities. In some lower- and middle-class areas, restaurants like McDonald's have become a crucial "third place"venues where locals gather for everything from Bible studies to bingo.

Drive-thrus might not fit the vision of many urban planners, but the reality is they are becoming more important, not less.

The post Drive-Thrus Are Booming. Why Are Cities Banning Them? appeared first on Reason.com.
Debris from a downed drone was found outside Ukraines parliament building on Saturday morning after the countrys defense systems largely succeeded in fending off a widescale drone attack launched overnight by Russia.

Ukraine managed to shoot down 58 of the 67 Shahed drones launched by Russia, the Ukrainian Air Force said in a Telegram post on Saturday. The attack targeted multiple locations including the northeastern city of Sumy, the southern city of Kherson, the central region of Poltava and the capital of Kyiv.

The head of Kyivs military administration, Serhii Popko, described it as another massive drone attack on the city, in a post on his Telegram channel.

At least one drone appeared to have been shot down over the Ukrainian parliament as pictures shared online by the parliament showed debris scattered outside the buildings entrance.

Kyivs air defenses managed to shoot down all of the Russian drones which began approaching the city at around 3am local time (8pET), Popko said, with none of the drones managing to reach their targets.

Ukrainian air defense intercepts a Shahed drone mid-air during a Russia aerial attack on the capital in Kyiv, Ukraine, on September 7, 2024. - Evgeniy Maloletka/AP

There were no hits to critical or residential infrastructure during the attack, the regions military chief, Ruslan Kravchenko said in a separate Telegram post. No casualties have been reported from the attack either, which saw air raid sirens sound for over eight hours, Kravchenko added.

Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky has been lobbying strongly in recent days for further air defenses for Ukraine in the face of a barrage of Russian attacks across the country.

Addressing a forum in Italy on Friday, Zelensky highlighted how Russia has launched missiles, attack drones, and heavy aircraft bombs against Ukrainian cities and villages. Big, small, it doesnt matter for them, he added.

On September 1 and 2, the northeastern city of Kharkiv came under respective missile and bomb attacks. One day later, Russian forces carried out a missile strike on a military educational facility in the central city of Poltava, killing over 55 people. On September 4, the western city of Lviv, long considered to be largely safe from Russian attacks, was hit by a missile strike targeting civilian infrastructure, killing seven people.

Darya Tarasova contributed reporting.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans believes that involving partner countries in intercepting Russian missiles and drones over Ukraine's west or those approaching their airspace may not be "the most effective way to solve the problem".

Source: Brekelmans in an interview with Radio Liberty, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Brekelmans noted that the involvement of partner countries in shooting down Russian missiles over Ukraine would have "limited advantages".

"Regardless of whether they [advantages] outweigh the risks that may arise. If you deploy, for example, your air defence systems on the border with Ukraine, they will only cover a relatively small area. In that case, it would mean that you would need to have aircraft in the sky to protect Ukraine. Then, of course, there would be a risk of a direct clash between NATO air forces and Russia," Brekelmans said.

The minister added that this is precisely the type of escalation that NATO allies are seeking to prevent.

"I think it is also to Ukraine's advantage that we are trying to prevent it. We should always look for creative ways to help Ukraine. However, we also have to weigh whether the advantages outweigh the risks in each case. So far, there is no difference. This is the approved decision," the minister concluded.

Background:

Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski stated that Poland and other countries bordering Ukraine have a "duty" to shoot down Russian missiles before they enter their airspace.

The Polish Foreign Ministry clarified that Sikorski expressed his opinion, not the government's stance.

The majority of people in Poland believe that the Polish military should shoot down objects flying over Polish territory during Russian attacks on Ukraine, even if they are not sure what kind of objects they are.

Support UP or become our patron!
Earth has endured its hottest summer ever recorded  for the second year in a row

For the second summer in a row, global temperatures broke temperature records, according to the European climate service Copernicus, putting this year on track to be the hottest in recorded history. Specifically, summer 2024 was 0.69 degrees Celsius hotter than the 1991 to 2020 average and was, additionally, 0.03 degrees hotter than summer 2023's record-setting temperatures.

More concerningly, Earth is creeping closer to the 1.5 degrees Celsius threshold established by the Paris climate accord in 2015 that experts agree is necessary to avoid greater calamity. Indeed, a recent study found that 1.6 degrees Celsius is the best we can hope for at this point, but even fraction of a degree counts.

As the global average temperatures reach and surpass that level, they will lead to a phenomenon that Dr. Twila Moon, a climatologist and deputy lead scientist at NASA's National Snow and Ice Data Center, told Salon in July can be described as "global weirding."

This will include "more extreme weather events producing conditions that are entirely new for communities, weather whiplash as folks may experience quick swings between hot and cold or drought and flood, and many challenges for crops, wildlife, recreation, and being able to plan for what we previously considered normal weather conditions."

According to the recent Copernicus data, the Earth's average temperature in August 2024 was on average 16.82 degrees Celsius (62.28 Fahrenheit), 1.51 degrees Celsius warmer than an average August in the pre-industrial era. Meanwhile the period from September 2023 to August 2024 was the hottest on record for any year-long period, or 1.64 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

"I am 100% certain that worsening heat waves across Earth are due to global heating caused primarily by burning fossil fuels," Dr. Peter Kalmus, a NASA climate scientist who emphasized his opinions are his own, told Salon in June. "We see intensifying extreme heat in all observational datasets and model hindcasts."
East Providences Golden Girls sew for those in need

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  For Sharon Dubois and her friends at the Fuller Creative Learning Center, sewing, knitting and crocheting are more than just hobbies.

Dubois told 12 News the women have been getting together weekly for the past couple of years to make blankets, quilts and pillows for those in need.

Its a little bit of everything, Dubois explained. We do machine sewing, crocheting, knitting and hand sewing.

We sew for different charities, she continued. We sew for anyone who needs help.

Each of the sewing machines at the center are named after the Golden Girls: Rose, Blanche, Dorothy and Sophia.

Like Dubois, Ann Lagarto considers herself one of the centers own Golden Girls. She told 12 News shes been sewing for nearly 50 years.

Most of us have been sewing all of our lives, Lagarto said. We all bring different [skills] to the table.

Fuller Creative Learning Center assistant Allison Stout said shes always impressed by the items that the women create.

Theyre the best, she said, referring to the women. They work like crazy for people they dont know or will never meet.

Despite being in their twilight years, Stout said East Providences Golden Girls regularly create stunning pieces that put smiles on the faces of the less fortunate.

Its so important, Stout added. Every once in a while, someone will come in from one of the organizations we work with and theyre so thankful. Its wonderful.

The women donate the completed blankets and quilts to Hasbro Childrens Hospital, Jules Hope Chest and Foster Forward.

It makes you feel good to do something for someone that needs help, Dubois said.

The women gather at the center every Tuesday starting at 1 p.m. and welcome others to come join them.

Close

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

This Week in Good 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 WPRI.com.
The second of three men charged in a Washington County homicide has been ordered to serve decades in prison for the killing of an East St. Louis man.

Arrion T. Sanders, 46, of East St. Louis was given a 30-year sentence last week after jurors in June found him guilty of second-degree murder in the death of 44-year-old Montez Pearson of East St. Louis, according to court records.

Charging documents state Pearson suffered a shotgun blast to his head. His body was found on July 19, 2023, west of Nashville in the area of Lunte Creek Road, according to an Illinois State Police news release.

Along with Sanders, two Belleville men were charged in the case.

Kevin Loucks, 45, was given a 40-year prison sentence in March for first-degree murder while a mental fitness hearing is scheduled for Oct. 1 for Milton Robinson, 58, according to court records.

Sanders and Loucks were being held in Menard Correctional Center Friday while Robinson was in the Washington County Jail in connection with his murder charge.
Wylfa in Wales is seen as one of Europes most promising undeveloped nuclear sites - AFP/Getty Images

Plans to build a large nuclear power station in Wales are at risk of being scrapped as Ed Miliband seeks to accelerate Britains switch to a net zero electricity grid.

The Energy Secretary has told officials to review future nuclear plans in a move that has thrown into doubt plans for a third new gigawatt-scale plant to be built at Wylfa, in Anglesey.

The review will also reconsider the official target, announced under Boris Johnson, to deploy at least 24 gigawatts of nuclear capacity by 2050, The Telegraph understands.

It comes amid concerns that the plans set out under the Conservatives were rushed out ahead of the general election and not properly thought through.

On Friday, Whitehall sources stressed no final decisions had been made and that Mr Miliband remained strongly supportive of expanding British nuclear capacity.

However, the move will fuel concerns that Britains ambitions are being scaled back, with the Conservatives accusing him of turning his back on the industry.

Wylfa was only confirmed in May by the previous Conservative government to follow similar projects at Hinkley Point, in Somerset, and Sizewell, in Suffolk.

The Welsh site is capable of hosting up to four large reactors and has attracted keen interest from major international firms including US-based Westinghouse and South Koreas Kepco.

It is understood that ministers remain committed to making a final investment decision on the 20bn Sizewell C power plant before the end of this year, as well as to the programme to develop the first mini nuclear power stations known as small modular reactors (SMRs).

But sources said that the Governments future commitments were being reviewed in the round as part of wider plans to transition to a net zero energy system.

Possible revisions could still include building multiple SMRs at Wylfa instead of a large power station. Another large plant could still also be built elsewhere.

Great British Nuclear (GBN), the government agency tasked with preparing nuclear sites, is carrying out the review for Mr Miliband and is said to favour building SMRs at Wylfa because officials believe they could be built and switched on more quickly, by the mid-2030s. They are also considering which option provides the best value for money.

Because preparatory work on any large plant would need to begin soon, Whitehall sources said the question of what to do at Wylfa must be resolved as part of the upcoming Easter spending review, which will see departments agree multi-year settlements with the Treasury.

GBN acquired both the Wylfa site and another in Oldbury-on-Severn, Gloucestershire, in a 160m deal in March. Both sites are seen as good options for the first generation of SMRs.

A government spokesman said: No decisions have yet been taken on the projects and technologies to be deployed at sites and any decision will be made in due course.

However, the revelation that ministers may scrap plans for a large plant at Wylfa  seen as one of the most promising undeveloped nuclear sites in Europe  will raise fresh concerns that Britains promised nuclear renaissance is being scaled back.

Claire Coutinho, the shadow energy secretary, said: Ed Miliband is shutting down the North Sea and now it seems hes turning his back on nuclear.

You cannot have an energy system based on wind and sun alone.

This is total economic insanity. All it will mean is more imports from abroad and higher bills.

Industry insiders also warned that basing plans for future expansion after Sizewell on SMRs alone could be risky, with the technology still unproven commercially. This contrasts with existing, proven large reactor technologies.

Talks about the future of Wylfa come as GBN prepares for the final stages of the UKs SMR design competition. The current shortlist of five companies  Rolls-Royce, GE-Hitachi, Westinghouse, Holtec and NuScale  is expected to be reduced to four later this month.

The remaining bidders will be asked to produce best final offers for developing SMRs before GBN selects two preferred candidates, either late this year or in early 2025. It will then negotiate contracts and award them sites.

Each winner will be asked to build about four SMRs, or roughly 1.5 gigawatts of capacity, a person briefed on the process said.

On Friday, a spokesman for the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero said: We are reversing a legacy of no new nuclear power being delivered, working at pace towards a final investment decision on Sizewell C and currently evaluating bids for Great British Nuclears small modular reactor technology tenders.

New nuclear power stations such as Sizewell C and Hinkley Point C will play an important role in helping the UK achieve clean power while creating thousands of skilled jobs and supporting our energy independence beyond 2030.

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.
Editorial: The teen arrested in Georgia school shooting is not an adult, and shouldn't be treated like one

Colt Gray, 14, charged as an adult with four counts of murder in a school shooting on Sept. 4, sits in the Barrow County, Ga. courthouse on Friday. (Brynn Anderson / Associated Press)

Our society has utterly failed to come to grips with mass shootings, a fact brought home by the angry, panicked justice system response to Wednesdays deadly attack at Apalachee High School in Winder, Ga., outside Atlanta.

Colt Gray, 14, is accused of killing two students and two teachers and wounding nine others with an AR-15-style rifle. Prosecutors charged him as an adult. They also charged his father, Colin Gray, with second-degree murder, involuntary manslaughter and cruelty to children, presumably for failing to keep the gun out of his sons hands.

Read more: Editorial: There's no place like America for gun violence

At a Friday hearing, Judge Currie Mingledorff told Colt Gray that if convicted he could be executed. The judge later had to call the teenager back into his courtroom to correct himself: The maximum penalty for a minor is life in prison without the possibility of parole, under a landmark 2005 Supreme Court decision.

In that opinion, the court acknowledged developing brain science that shows adolescents lack maturity and should not be put to death for a crime, however horrendous, they committed before adulthood.

We never needed brain science or that belated court ruling to tell us adolescents are not adults. That difference explains why there is a separate juvenile justice system, which most states have had for more than a century. Minors have less moral and emotional capacity, and logically should be subject to a different level of criminal culpability and punishment. It would be positively medieval to treat a criminally charged child the same as an adult.

Read more: Editorial: The absurdity of life without parole for juveniles

That means more than simply not executing children, or adults who committed their crimes as children. It means not processing them through the adult system, housing them with adult offenders or locking them up for their entire adult lives for acts they committed before they developed adult-level thinking and consciences.

Yet the Supreme Court has declined to go much further than not executing juvenile offenders. States are free to continue treating them as adults, and most do, as the most recent shooting underscores. Georgia has a juvenile justice system to acknowledge a minors lesser capacity but throws it aside in cases of murder. The reasoning, if that is the right word, seems to be that the more horrific a crime committed by a juvenile  the more senseless, the more cruel, the more deranged  the more the perpetrator acted with an adults moral and emotional capacity. Thats backward.

Read more: Editorial: Buffalo mass killer should not be executed. What happened to Biden's promise?

The fact is that we still have trouble acknowledging juvenile killers as anything but incomprehensible monsters. A generation ago the U.S. latched onto a bogus notion that some adolescents are sub-human superpredators who must be treated only as if they are wild animals to be caged or put down. Numerous studies have since debunked that theory, but fear, anger and the horror of mass killings lead us to throw out modern thinking and practices, and respond to an adolescent's cruelty with more of the same.

Anything to direct blame away from the instruments of mass murder. The gun lobby has had enormous success beating back laws to regulate firearms and depicting them as protection against violence and symbols of freedom, rather than sources of violence and destroyers of life. Georgia is an open-carry state, for example, and when recently signing a bill to expand gun rights, its governor, Brian Kemp, boasted  without irony  about arming his three children.

If its in the news right now, the L.A. Times Opinion section covers it. Sign up for our weekly opinion newsletter.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Egg recall is linked to a salmonella outbreak, CDC says: See which states are impacted

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says recalled eggs are linked to a salmonella outbreak. The CDC and the Food and Drug Administration are investigating.

Across nine states, 65 people were infected with salmonella linked to eggs supplied by Milo's Poultry Farms LLC. The illnesses started from May 23 to Aug. 10, according to a FDA alert issued Friday. 24 people have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.

"The true number of sick people in this outbreak is likely much higher than the number reported, and the outbreak may not be limited to the states with known illnesses," the CDC says. "This is because many people recover without medical care and are not tested for salmonella. In addition, recent illnesses may not yet be reported as it usually takes 3 to 4 weeks to determine if a sick person is part of an outbreak."

The CDC investigation broke down the demographics of the 65 cases reported for the egg recall. People who contracted salmonella were ages 2 to 88. Fifty-six percent of the cases were female and 46% were male. The race majority for the 65 cases was white, which accounted for 92%, followed by 5% African-American or Black and 3% Asian.

Milo's Poultry Farms is in Bonduel, Wisconsin, about 29 miles north of Green Bay.

Milos Poultry Farm has voluntarily recalled all eggs supplied by its farm, the FDA said. The recalled eggs were distributed to retailers and food service distributors in Wisconsin, Illinois and Michigan, the alert said.

USA TODAY reached out to the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture Trade and Consumer Protection, Wisconsin Department of Health Services, and Milo's Poultry Farms for comment.

According to the CDC, the eggs were labeled with Milo's Poultry Farms or Tony's Fresh Market. Tonys Fresh Market said it was cooperating with the inquiry.

"The health and safety of our customers is our top priority. We are fully cooperating with the FDA on their investigation and have taken immediate action by removing all affected products related to this recall from our shelves," said Marisa Kutansky, a spokesperson for Heritage Grocers Group, owner of Tony's Fresh Market. "We are monitoring this recall and will continue to do all we can to ensure our customers safety."

Here is what you need to know about the egg recall.

The news you need to know: Sign up for USA TODAY's Daily Briefing newsletter.

Arsenic in apple juice?: Apple juice sold at Walmart, Aldi, Walgreens, BJ's, more recalled over arsenic levels

What eggs are being recalled?

According to the CDC and FDA, all carton sizes and expiration dates of the following brand eggs are being recalled:

Milos Poultry Farms

Tonys Fresh Market

Which states have reported cases of salmonella?

The investigation said these states had reported cases linked to the outbreak:

California

Colorado

Iowa

Illinois

Michigan

Minnesota

Utah

Virginia

Wisconsin

How many people have gotten sick?

Nine states have reported cases of salmonella linked to the egg recall. Cases in each state:

California, 2

Colorado, 1

Iowa, 2

Illinois, 11

Michigan, 2

Minnesota, 3

Utah, 1

Virginia, 1

Wisconsin, 42

Cant see the map? Click here to view it.

Salmonella outbreak: More than 400 people sickened by salmonella linked to backyard poultry, CDC says

What should you do if you have the recalled eggs?

Consumers, restaurants and retailers should do the following if they have the recalled eggs:

Do not eat, sell or serve recalled chicken eggs produced by Milo's Poultry Farms and distributed to restaurants and retailers in Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin.

Carefully clean and sanitize any surfaces or containers the eggs have touched.

Dispose of any eggs you believe may be linked to the recall.

Wash your hands, utensils and surfaces with hot, soapy water before and after handling raw eggs and food containing raw eggs.

Contact your health care provider as soon as possible if you believe you may have developed symptoms of a salmonella infection after eating eggs. According to the CDC, common symptoms of salmonella include: Diarrhea and a fever higher than 102 degrees. Diarrhea for more than three days that will not improve. Bloody diarrhea. Vomiting and inability to keep liquids down. Signs of dehydration.



What is salmonella?

Salmonella is a bacteria that can cause people to experience diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps. Symptoms can appear between six hours and six days of infection and will last for four to seven days, the CDC said.

Children younger than 5, the elderly and people who are immunosuppressed are more likely to have severe infections if they contract salmonella, the FDA said.

Ahjane Forbes is a reporter on the National Trending Team at USA TODAY. Ahjane covers breaking news, car recalls, crime, health, lottery and public policy stories. Email her at aforbes@gannett.com . Follow her on Instagram, Threads and X (Twitter) @forbesfineest.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Egg recall 2024: Salmonella outbreak being investigated in 9 states
Elderly man found safe after leaving West Side home to go for walk

CHICAGO  An elderly man who went missing after leaving his West Side home to go for a walk on Thursday afternoon has been found safe, according to Chicago police.

LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
The nonpartisan League of Women Voters of Ventura County will host a series of forums for elected offices across the region.

The public is invited to attend events this month and in October that showcase candidates running in the Nov. 5 election.

"For over 100 years, the mission of the League of Women Voters has been to inform voters about candidates and issues so they can vote wisely," said league Co-President Kathy Morgan in a news release.

League member David Maron will moderate the events. Candidates will give opening and closing statements and respond to questions submitted by the audience and asked by Maron.

The league expects to announce additional forums as the election season continues. For more information about the league and forums, and to watch videos of past events, visit LwvVenturaCounty.org.

David Maron moderates a League of Women Voters of Ventura County debate in Feburary in Oxnard.

Candidate forums by date

Ventura: 6:30-9 p.m., Thursday at Cabrillo Middle School, 1426 E. Santa Clara St., co-hosted with Midtown Community Council and College Area Community Council. Districts 2, 3 and 7 City Council candidates at 6:30-8:15 p.m.; Area 2 Ventura Unified School Board at 8:30-9 p.m.

Thousand Oaks: 6:30-9 p.m. Sept. 16 at the Thousand Oaks Civic Center Scherr Forum, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., co-hosted with AAUW Thousand Oaks Branch. Districts 4 and 5 City Council candidates at 6:30-8 p.m.; Areas 1 and 5 Conejo Valley Unified School Board at 8:15-9 p.m.

Fillmore: 7-9 p.m. Sept. 23 at the Fillmore City Council Chambers, 250 Central Ave. Districts 2 and 5 City Council candidates at 7-8 p.m.; Area 3 and 4 Fillmore Unified School Board at 8:15-9 p.m.

Port Hueneme: 7-8:30 p.m. Sept. 24 at Port Hueneme City Council Chambers, 250 N. Ventura Road for City Council candidates.

Simi Valley: 6:30-9 p.m. Sept. 30 at Simi Valley Council Chambers, 2929 Tapo Canyon Road. Mayoral candidates 6:30-7:30 p.m.; Areas A, B and C Simi Valley Unified School Board at 7:45-8:45 p.m.

Moorpark: 7-9 p.m. Oct. 1 at High Street Arts Center, 45 E. High St., co-hosted with Moorpark Chamber of Commerce. Ventura County Community College District Area 4 at 7-7:45 p.m.; Moorpark Unified School District's Area 2 at 8-8:45 p.m.

Oxnard: 6-9 p.m. Oct. 3 at Pacifica High School Performing Arts Center, 600 E. Gonzales Road. Schedule not yet finalized. Forums will be for City Council and mayoral candidates.

Santa Paula: 6:30-9 p.m. Oct. 8 at the Santa Paula Community and Senior Center, 530 W. Main St., co-hosted with Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce. District 5 City Council 6:30-7:20 p.m.; Area 2 Santa Paula Unified School Board 7:30-8 p.m. and Ballot Measure R (sales tax) debate 8:15-9 p.m.

This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Election 2024: Candidate forums planned across Ventura County
Sen. Jon Tester, a third-generation dirt farmer, is leaning into abortion rights as he faces a tough reelection for a fourth term. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

It was no accident that Sen. Jon Tester of Montana wound up on the campaign trail this week with the leader of Planned Parenthoods national political action committee.

The endangered Senate Democrat, whos running a tricky campaign that could determine whether Democrats keep control of the upper chamber, is leaning into abortion rights in a red state that most people do not associate with reproductive freedom or Democrats who can win statewide.

But Testers move is a sign of how abortion rights are at the center of the Democratic Partys plan to cling to its one-seat Senate majority in November. In Montana and Florida, Democrats are betting that abortion ballot measures drive turnout among independent and left-leaning voters. Theyre also hoping that Republicans are tempted to cross party lines for candidates who staunchly oppose a national abortion ban, which Democrats are warning is on the table if they lose control of the Senate.

That means not only talking up their own support for abortion rights  as Testers doing  but pointing out their opponents more extreme and slippery positions on the procedure that are generally out of step with many Americans.

All of [the GOP] candidates have very strict positions on abortion, Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.), the chairman of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, told reporters at the Democratic National Convention last month.

Tester, for example, has hammered his GOP opponent Tim Sheehy, the CEO of an aerial firefighting company, on abortion, claiming that Sheehys opposition to the procedure means hed support a national abortion ban  which Sheehy has not directly come out in favor of, despite describing himself as proudly pro-life and calling abortion a terrible, terrible thing that he would like to end tomorrow.

A Democratic Senate majority hinges on winning a Senate race in one of three states that former President Donald Trump will likely also carry: Montana, Texas or Florida.

Democrats still view Montana as their best shot, even though a new AARP poll of the race had Tester trailing Sheehy by 6 percentage points in a head-to-head, a blow that resulted in one prominent election forecaster changing their rating from toss-up to leans Republican.

Both Tester and former Florida Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell are hoping that abortion rights measures propel turnout, while Rep. Colin Allred is counting on backlash to Texas ultra-strict abortion law to give him a shot at ousting Republican Sen. Ted Cruz.

Abortion is a little bit different than some of the other topics, and that may be a place where we see some shifts.Patrick Toomey, pollster at Benenson Strategy Group

Those bets may backfire. In recent elections, voters in conservative states have happily backed liberal referendums like minimum wage hikes (Missouri) or restoring voting rights for felons (Florida)  and then cast ballots for Republicans who oppose those ideas.

Patrick Toomey, a pollster at Benenson Strategy Group, said ballot measures historically have not impacted individual candidates, but suggested reproductive freedom may be in a category of its own.

Abortion is a little bit different than some of the other topics, and that may be a place where we see some shifts. I think one is around turnout, and [the other] is around the ability to force Republicans to get on the record about abortion, not just as a topic nationally, but in their state, Toomey said at a DNC panel.

For Montana to pass its constitutional amendment enshrining abortion rights, some percentage of Republicans will need to support it, and Democrats will also need to show up in force at the ballot box.

Tester backs the measure, known as CI-128, while Sheehy has come out against it. The amendment seeks to enshrine a 1999 Montana Supreme Court decision that prevents the government from interfering in an abortion before fetal viability at 24 to 26 weeks. Abortion in Montana is currently legal up to that point.

A 2023 survey from a Montana-based progressive strategy firm found 60% of voters support either mostly legal abortion or abortion with some restrictions. But the survey didnt account for political party affiliation or give clues as to how those responses would impact voter behavior at the ballot box. The findings tracked with a Pew Research survey from over a decade ago that found 56% of Montanans supported legal abortion in most forms.

Sheehy did not respond to a request for comment. In a statement to HuffPost, Tester spokesperson Monica Robinson said, Sheehy knows hes on the wrong side of this issue in Montana, where voters want less government intrusion in our lives  not more.

Tester, highlighting one of his stops with Planned Parenthood, also cited Montanas independent streak as a justification for his hands-off approach to reproductive rights.

If theres one thing that makes you a Montanan, its your love of freedom. You dont want a politician, or a bureaucrat, or a judge, telling you  especially if youre a woman  what health care decisions youre gonna make, Tester said. Roe v. Wade being overturned was the biggest reduction of freedom in my lifetime, and yours, too.

Montanans Securing Reproductive Rights, the coalition behind the ballot measure, stressed theyre promoting their cause without consideration of party affiliation. In a statement, they declined to mention Tester, the only statewide elected Democrat and the only statewide official whos come out in support of the C1-128.

Weve seen incredible excitement and energy among Montanans about this initiative, said Ashley All, a spokesperson for the group. Reproductive rights and abortion are nonpartisan.

But Planned Parenthood Action Fund President Alexis McGill Johnson, who appeared with Tester in Bozeman and Missoula this week, praised Tester and blasted his opponent by name.

McGill Johnson called Tester one of the most effective senators in Congress with a proven record of support for reproductive health care access to boot. His opponent Tim Sheehy has vowed to be an opponent of reproductive freedom, and Planned Parenthood Action Fund will do everything in our power to keep him out of the Senate.

Related...
Video above: A battery fire at the San Diego Gas & Electric storage facility in Escondido is raising concerns among residents over a proposed battery storage plant in North County.

ESCONDIDO, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI)  Two days after a fire broke out at battery storage facility in Escondido, local authorities have officially lifted all evacuation orders in the area.

The blaze ignited around noon Thursday at 571 Enterprise St., which is the address of a building operated by San Diego Gas and Electric.

Responding firefighters discovered smoke coming from one of the lithium-ion battery rank storage areas, Escondido Fire Division Chief Tyler Batson previously told FOX 5/KUSI.

Crews battle vegetation fire in Campo

From there, a full blown response was initiated  a joint effort between SDG&Es contracted fire brigade, county emergency response, Escondido hazmat crews, along with the local fire department.

A mandatory evacuation order was issued Thursday for the area around the facility, which is made up of largely commercial and industrial buildings. Fire officials said enacted as a safety precaution.

The order applied to business located east of Alpine Street, south of Mission Road, west of Enterprise Street and north of Auto Park Way, the city of Escondido said in a Facebook post that afternoon.

A map of the evacuation order boundaries can be found below:

In a joint statement released by SDG&E and the Escondido Fire Department Saturday, officials announced all evacuation orders have officially been lifted as of noon Saturday.

Also in the memo, officials explained that the fire was contained to just one storage container and has been out since 1 a.m. on Friday. According to the statement, no injuries were reported and the air quality remains safe.

Over the coming weeks, the Escondido Fire Department and SDG&E said it will conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the fire.

FOX 5s Danielle Dawson 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.
By Tora Agarwala

GUWAHATI, India (Reuters) - Six people, including one civilian, were killed as fresh violence broke out between two warring ethnic communities in the northeast Indian state of Manipur on Saturday, authorities said.

The majority Meitei community and the tribal Kukis have clashed sporadically since last year after a court ordered the state government to consider extending special economic benefits and quotas in government jobs and education enjoyed by the Kukis to the Meiteis as well.

More than 225 people have been killed and some 60,000 have been displaced.

Saturday's gunfire incident represents the most number of casualties for a single day in the latest spurt of violence that began a week ago. The attacks earlier this week have also seen the use of drones to drop explosive devices in what authorities have called a significant escalation.

Police say they suspect that the drones were used by Kuki militants - a claim denied by Kuki groups.

"Fighting has been going on between armed groups of both the communities since the morning," said Krishna Kumar, deputy commissioner of the state's Jiribam district where the clash occurred.

According to Indian media reports, the civilian was shot dead in his sleep. "He was fired upon in his room itself," Kumar told Reuters, adding that security forces had been deployed to control the situation.

Manipur has ordered all schools in the state to remain shut on Saturday.

A state of 3.2 million people, Manipur has been divided into two ethnic enclaves since the conflict began in May 2023 - a valley controlled by the Meiteis and the Kuki-dominated hills. The areas are separated by a stretch of no-man's land monitored by federal paramilitary forces.

On Sept. 1, two people were killed and several injured in the valley district of Imphal West. Later in the week, a 78-year-old man was killed and six were injured when a "long-range rocket" was deployed by militants and fell on the house of a former chief minister in the valley's Bishnupur district, police said on Friday.

(Reporting by Tora Agarwala in Guwahati and Jayshree P Upadhyay in Mumbai; Editing by Edwina Gibbs)
The EU's fraud unit has called for disciplinary action to be brought against the smugglers - Hannah Yoon/Getty/Washington Post

A gang of European Union diplomats have been discovered running a cigar and alcohol smuggling fraud out of an office in south-east Asia.

Olaf, the blocs anti-fraud watchdog, said the unnamed envoys were purchasing the items tax-free before passing them to people without the same diplomatic privileges.

The investigation established that these staff members were actively involved in a scheme to evade VAT and excise taxes at import, the watchdogs annual report for 2023 said.

Alcohol and cigars were ordered, using the name of the EU delegation and subsequently passed on to several persons external to the delegation.

This practice breached the applicable rules and procedures on placing orders for diplomatic goods and gave undue benefits to persons who did not qualify for diplomatic privileges.

Orders made in other names

Those involved in the scam would often place orders for alcohol with permission from the host country where they were stationed.

They used the names of colleagues in the delegation, and even that of one retired member of staff, to place the orders, to avoid attracting suspicion.

Diplomats are granted special duty free-style tax exemptions on goods, such as whisky and cigars, for personal use while stationed in foreign countries.

Many embassies and consulates have their own duty free shops, where diplomats can purchase alcohol, tobacco and other goods without paying local taxes.

They are also allowed to import certain quantities of booze and cigarettes for personal use without paying customs duties.

The rules, granted under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, are meant to ensure diplomats can maintain a similar standard of living to that in their own country.

EU corruption will continue

Frank Furedi  the executive director of MCC Brussels, a think tank  said: Despite constant calls to root out EU corruption, there is no appetite on the part of this institution to deal with EU operatives misusing their diplomatic privileges.

As long as these privileges are regarded as a perk the smuggling of booze and fags will continue.

The investigation into the delegation in Asia also uncovered one staff member who had been working a second job without permission for 13 years.

The diplomat had been intensively engaging in teaching activities during working hours, released several academic publications and sat on editorial boards, which Olaf said had interfered with their day job.

The individual abused their position in the EU delegation, [their] email address and the delegations network/services for tasks ancillary to these unauthorised external activities, the report said.

Another member of staff was discovered to be engaged in similar unauthorised external activity as manager of a private company.

Disciplinary procedures

Olaf said disciplinary procedures should be opened against the staff involved in the scam, which the watchdog said had harmed the image and the reputation of the EU institutions.

Last year, the watchdog concluded some 16 probes into the European Commission, 14 into the European Parliament and 13 into the External Action Service, the EUs foreign affairs arm.

Whilst these cases make up a relatively small [part] of Olafs overall workload, theyre important in preserving the EUs reputation, the watchdog said.

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 Harford County Executive Jim Harkins (R) returns home after a month in the hospital and in rehab after a serious accident. Photo from Harkins Facebook page.

Jim Harkins wants you to know: Hes alive and doing quite well, thank you.

The former Harford County executive was in a terrible accident this summer that put him in Marylands shock-trauma unit and in rehab for almost a month. He is at home recovering, and he will require some surgeries on his legs this fall.

But hes doing a lot better than some people think.

Shortly after his accident, his family starting receiving scary but well-meaning calls from people expressing sympathy over his death. More recently, there have been offers of help from acquaintances who heard Harkins had both of his legs amputated.

It runs the gamut of rumors, Harkins said in an interview. So I thought, I need to fix this.'

Heres what did happen: On July 26, the 70-year-old former state and local official was riding a motorized three-wheel motorcycle on Route 165 near his home in Whiteford when he blacked out. He hit a tree, flipped over two times, and then plunged into a deep ravine.

A local resident, Lottie Williams, was driving by and thought he saw something, but he wasnt sure. Williams asked his 9-year-old son if he saw anything, and the youth confirmed that he thought the vehicle had fallen into the ditch instead of turning down a nearby road. The motorist turned around, then called 911.

He was so far into the thickets, I couldnt see him at first, Williams recalled. All I could see was the smoke from his bike.

Because Williams had broken a leg in a motorcycle accident on Interstate 95 about six weeks earlier, he was hesitant to climb down the ditch himself to try to find Harkins, so he flagged down a passing van and he and the van driver went together to where Harkins was. Williams told the 911 operator that Harkins was still breathing.

This guy literally saved my life, Harkins said. I was down in that hole. They wouldnt have found me for a month of Sundays.

Harkins doesnt want to pretend that things have been easy since his accident. He lost 30 pounds while recovering in shock trauma and then going through rehab at Johns Hopkins Bay View Medical Center. He needs to use a scooter right now. He did have to have a piece of a foot amputated, but with a prosthetic, he expects to be able to walk normally.

My flip-flop days might be over, he laughed.

Harkins has a long history of public service. Hes a former sergeant in the Harford County Sheriffs Department and was a one-time chair of the Harford County Republican County Central Committee. He served in the House of Delegates from 1991 to 1998, and was elected county executive in 1998.

In 2005, then-Gov. Bob Ehrlich (R), a former colleague of Hawkins in the House, tapped him to run the Maryland Environmental Service, the quasi-governmental agency that seeks contracts for large environmental clean-up and infrastructure projects. When he retired in 2016, he was replaced by Roy McGrath, a close adviser to then-Gov. Larry Hogan (R) who ran afoul of the law and died in a shoot-out with police in 2023 after being on the lam for three weeks, missing the beginning of his federal corruption trial.

Asked where he thinks the rumors about his demise or grievous injuries came from, Harkins said he doesnt have a clue. Harford County Republicans are in the midst of a civil war, but Harkins said he isnt a part of it.

I dont think its escalated that far, he said. Im so disengaged in local politics right now. I dont have a dog in that hunt.

Williams, a crane operator and member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 37, said he wasnt aware of who Harkins was until talking to friends about the rescue a week or two after it happened. He said that because of his own injury, he had to miss several weeks of work. Grateful members of Harkins family invited him to a barbecue and sent him home with several days worth of food.

Harkins and his wife, Debbie, have two children and seven grandchildren, with an eighth on the way.

When he and his family think about how lucky he was, Harkins said, its gotten a little bit profound.

 This story was updated with quotes from Lottie Williams.
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  The former owner of R.V. Peddler, known for its ads featuring an anthropomorphic pig emphasizing theyll take anything in trade, pleaded no contest Friday to grand theft.

The plea agreement accepted by 83-year-old Faye Pyle-Morero ends an embezzlement case that began six years ago, when she was accused of taking trailers or motorhomes on consignment, selling them then failing to pay the customer or loan company.

Prosecutors said Pyle-Morero pleaded no contest to three counts of grand theft of property with a white collar enhancement  admitting to taking more than $500,000.

The plea deal negotiated between prosecutors and defense lawyer Phillip Gillet was for time served, three years felony probation and payment of restitution to all victims named in the complaint.

In light of the defendants age and lack of criminal history, she was likely to receive a probation sentence at trial, said District Attorneys Office spokeswoman Daniela Gonzaga. As such, the people tried to maximize the financial rights of the victims that she defrauded.

Kool & The Gang returns to the 2024 Kern County Fair on opening day

A former employee told investigators R.V. Peddler started going into debt and wasnt paying lenders or creditors on time. The employee said he believed there was internal theft and sloppy accounting.

The alleged embezzlement went on for years, resulting in a total theft of $2.8 million, prosecutors said when charges were filed in 2018.

Court documents contained dozens of examples in which people placed vehicles on consignment with R.V. Peddler and werent paid. In some cases, tens of thousands of dollars were owed.

Ken Wayne Searcy, the former general manager of the business, was also charged. The case against him was dismissed in 2019 due to insufficient evidence.

R.V. Peddler had previously faced scrutiny.

In 2006, the business was placed on four years probation and agreed to pay nearly $65,000 in penalties, costs of the investigation and legal fees as part of a settlement agreement with the DMV. In that case, a customer complaint in 2003 resulted in an investigation that found 93 questionable transactions.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17.
Ex-principal accused of abusing 5-year-old autistic student canned from new charter gig as special education coordinator

Upper left inset of Mary Ellen Sanchez headshot, seen smiling with hair down and gold earrings; main photo of St. Joseph School in Bronxville seen from street with car outside.

A special education coordinator accused of abusing a 5-year-old autistic student at a Catholic school has been fired from her latest gig at a Bronx charter school, after inquiries from The Post.

Mary Ellen Sanchez, former principal of the St. Joseph School in Bronxville, was accused in a 2022 lawsuit of hitting, violently grabbing and psychologically torment[ing] the boy. His mother, Maria Kelly, filed a lawsuit, which is ongoing, against Sanchez, the Catholic school and the Archdiocese of New York, News12 reported at the time.

Sanchez was fired and went on to teach at a yeshiva until last school year, and started at Dr. Richard Izquierdo Health & Science Charter School in the Bronx last month, sources said.

Mary Ellen Sanchez was accused of assaulting a 5-year-old autistic student at a Catholic school and went on to work at a yeshiva and a charter school. Facebook Mary Ellen Sanchez

She was hired as a special education coordinator at the Morrisania charter school, shocking parents and staff.

Teachers are horrified that a woman with this history is in charge of managing the special needs children of the school, one educator told The Post.

But as of Friday afternoon, she was gone.

The administration was not aware of the allegations when Sanchez was hired, a school official told The Post, adding, She no longer works for us.

Maria Kelly sued the St. Joseph School, the Archdiocese on New York and Sanchez for the alleged treatment of her son. homes.com

In 2020, Sanchez allegedly slapped and berated the 5-year-old, held his wrist down on a desk, threw his toy across the room and taunted him when he acted out, leaving him traumatized, according to court papers.

A teacher confronted Sanchez about her alleged behavior and expressed her belief that the school could not meet the boys needs, but Sanchez continued to mislead his parents and failed to evaluate him, Kelly claimed in the suit.

Even the most superficial background check should have raised questions about the reports of her prior misconduct, Kellys attorney, Andrew Buzin, told The Post this week.

Sanchez, left, was fired from the Dr. Richard Izquierdo Health & Science Charter School on Friday, according to sources. Facebook Mary Ellen Sanchez

If I were a parent at that school and found out about the incidents revealed during discovery in our case, I would demand to know how the school determined that she was fit to be in a classroom, he added.

Before the St. Joseph School, Sanchez worked as a teacher, facilitator and chairperson for the Committee on Special Education for the New Rochelle City School District, according to reports.

She could not immediately be reached for comment.
What to expect from a Kamala Harris debate: From the Politics Desk

Vice President Kamala Harris on the final night of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center in Chicago, on Aug. 22.

Welcome to the online version of From the Politics Desk, an evening newsletter that brings you the NBC News Politics teams latest reporting and analysis from the campaign trail, the White House and Capitol Hill.

In todays edition, national political reporters Bridget Bowman and Ben Kamisar watched hours of Vice President Kamala Harris' past debates to get a sense of what she does on stage. Plus, Meet the Press moderator Kristen Welker breaks down the paths to 270 electoral votes.

Sign up to receive this newsletter in your inbox every weekday here.

Preparation, pitfalls and breaking the fourth wall: Takeaways from a decade of Harris debates

By Bridget Bowman and Ben Kamisar

Tuesdays ABC News debate will be the first time Kamala Harris and Donald Trump come face-to-face  and only the third time she will face a Republican in a debate.

But her past debate appearances going back to 2010 provide some clues on how she plans to make her case against Trump and for her own candidacy  what techniques and tics she leans on, her potential vulnerabilities and other common threads stretching across years of state and national debates.

She previewed some of her go-to Trump criticisms during the 2020 presidential race, calling the then-president corrupt and unpatriotic, chiding his weird obsession with erasing Barack Obamas accomplishments as president, and saying that Trump doesnt understand what it means to be honest while looking directly at Trumps running mate, Mike Pence, during the 2020 vice presidential debate.

Im speaking, Harris repeated during that debate as Pence spoke over her.

And she often appears to come prepared with memorable one-liners and scores of statistics to make her case  and to make a moment that might get attention long after the debate finishes.

Harris has been diligently preparing for Tuesdays debate between campaign stops and her White House duties, strategizing how to derail Trump and how to navigate his expected attacks.

She knows that every word matters, every facial expression matters and the stakes are very high at this level, said Brian Brokaw, a former Harris campaign aide.

One key theme across Harris past debates: Its clear how much she prepares, often coming armed with highly specific policy and statistical details or attacks on her opponents.

That preparation has paid off with some big moments for Harris  as well as some that have fallen flat.

Read more here 

Kristen Welker breaks down the different paths to 270 electoral votes

By Kristen Welker

Steve Kornacki, other NBC News colleagues and I have broken down some different scenarios on our website about how Harris and Trump can get to 270 electoral votes to win the White House.

And you can do your own scenarios by clicking this link. But I wanted to highlight four of my own different paths  and why theyre worth thinking about.

Harris Sun Belt path

As Steve Kornacki notes, Donald Trumps direct path to 270 votes is through the Rust Belt states of Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

But Harris has a counterattack  through the Sun Belt.

Say Trump wins in both Michigan (15 electoral votes) and Pennsylvania (19 electoral votes)  where the polling remains close. Well, Harris can still get above 270 electoral votes by winning Georgia (16 electoral votes), Nevada (6 electoral votes) and North Carolina (16 electoral votes).

Or say Harris also loses Nevada. She can still make up for it by winning Arizona and its 11 electoral votes.

Trump climbs the blue wall

But say Harris wins Nevada and North Carolina. Even in that scenario, Trump still has a path to 270 electoral votes  by sweeping Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, and winning either Arizona or Georgia.

Harris dream path

If Harris really is Obama 2.0 and can keep her summer momentum going, she could end up with a map similar to Obamas from 2008 and 2012. In that scenario, she wins the 2020 Biden expansion states of Arizona and Georgia  as well as Florida (which Obama won in 2008 and 2012) and North Carolina (which Obama won in 2008).

This gets Harris to a dream scenario of 348 electoral votes.

Trumps dream path

By contrast, Trumps dream scenario is his 2016 map  plus Nevada, New Hampshire, Minnesota and Virginia.

This path  which seemed more possible when Biden was still in the race, but feels far less likely now  gets him to 339 electoral votes.

Check out our full Road to 270 tool here.





 Todays top stories

 <strong>Mail delay:</strong> North Carolinas mail ballots were expected to be sent out on Friday, but that has been delayed after Robert F. Kennedy Jr. won an appeal seeking to have his name removed from the ballot. A Michigan appeals court also ruled Kennedy could get off the ballot there. <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/rfk-jr-lawsuit-delays-mail-ballots-north-carolina-rcna168237">Read more </a>

 <strong>Another vote for Harris:</strong> Former GOP Rep. Liz Cheney said that her father, former Vice President Dick Cheney, will be voting for Harris. <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/dick-cheney-kamala-harris-liz-cheney-rcna169979">Read more </a>

<strong> Sentencing delay:</strong> Trump was scheduled to be sentenced this month in the hush money case, but a New York judge on Friday delayed it until Nov. 26. <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/judge-delays-trump-sentencing-hush-money-case-november-rcna167282">Read more </a>

 <strong>Campaign targets:</strong> Both Harris and Trumps campaigns are targeting the small slice of voters who are still persuadable with economic messaging. <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/harris-trump-tackle-reaching-swing-voters-rcna169329">Read more </a>

 <strong>Harris Key(stone) State:</strong> The presidential race could come down to Pennsylvania, and the state is proving to be Harris toughest battleground to win. <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/kamala-harris-toughest-battleground-pennsylvania-trump-rcna168288">Read more </a>

<strong> Debate prep:</strong> The New York Times profiles Karen Dunn, the D.C. attorney who is preparing Harris for her debate Tuesday and who has plenty of experience getting Democrats ready for these moments. <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/06/us/politics/karen-dunn-harris-debate-prep.html">Read more </a>

 <strong>Incoherent word salad:</strong> Trump was asked Thursday about his plan to address child care costs, and he stumbled through a lengthy answer. <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/trump-stumbles-whether-prioritize-child-care-costs-rcna169922">Read more </a>

 <strong>Walz sharpens his attacks:</strong> Walz slammed Trump and the GOP during a Pennsylvania rally Thursday, accusing the former president of s talking the country. <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/walz-lays-trump-republican-party-harsh-campaign-rhetoric-rcna169866">Read more </a>

 <strong>Mama Walz weighs in:</strong> There has been some Walz family drama surrounding the governors vice presidential bid, but Walzs mother tells NBC News that she is supporting her sons campaign and believes he will end up in the White House. <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/tim-walz-mother-backs-son-vp-family-drama-rcna169806">Read more </a>

Thats all from the Politics Desk for now. If you have feedback  likes or dislikes  email us at politicsnewsletter@nbcuni.com

And if youre a fan, please share with everyone and anyone. They can sign up here.





This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
As Republicans across the country sound alarms over the potential for illegal, noncitizen voting in the upcoming presidential election  and roll out measures to prevent it  they've painted a picture suggesting the matter is a widespread fraud that threatens the legitimacy of the results. But experts say the opposite is true, and instead, these efforts to curtail what is effectively a non-issue amount to little more than voter suppression tactics.

Hinging their claims on the influx of migrants in recent years along the United States-Mexico border, GOP officials and activists have increasingly mounted concerns about the potential for noncitizen voting as November approaches. Officials have gone on to review and purge voter rolls, place constitutional amendments on their state ballots and issue executive orders as part of efforts to thwart such voter fraud.

In Louisiana, a state that explicitly bans noncitizen voting in its constitution, Republican Gov. Jeff Landry recently signed an executive order requiring state agencies that offer voter registration forms to include a disclaimer that only U.S. citizens can vote.

"Voting is a privilege reserved for American citizens, and its crucial that we uphold this standard," he wrote in a Sunday post to X highlighting the order.

ICYMI: Earlier this week, I signed an executive order requiring all Louisiana agencies to clearly inform individuals that ONLY U.S. citizens are eligible to register to #vote. Voting is a privilege reserved for American citizens, and its crucial that we uphold this standard. pic.twitter.com/TeCjGjClLt  Governor Jeff Landry (@LAGovJeffLandry) September 1, 2024

But that standard is already being upheld by the law enforcement structures in place federally to deter non-U.S. citizens from participating in this kind of voter fraud, argued Jonathan Diaz, the director of Voting Advocacy and Partnerships for the Campaign Legal Center.

"Would you risk prison time and potentially being deported to cast one ballot for president? That doesn't seem like a great trade off to me," he told Salon. "The penalties are very steep, and people who are going through the immigration system, who are here in this country and are not U.S. citizens, tend to be pretty careful about following the law because they don't want to get deported and they don't want to be charged with a crime. They're not savvy political operatives.

"All of these big, flashy efforts that these state AGs, the speaker of the House, and all of these people are doing is really just political theater," Diaz added.

U.S. law already prohibits noncitizens from voting in federal elections, with penalties for violators ranging from fines to up to a year of imprisonment and even deportation. Registering to vote similarly requires people to confirm under penalty of perjury that they are U.S. citizens.

Federal law also requires states to regularly review and update their voter rolls and remove anyone who is ineligible. According to the Associated Press, no state constitutions explicitly authorize noncitizens to vote, and many states also have laws barring them from voting for state offices (though a handful of municipalities nationwide allow noncitizens to vote in some local elections).

In reality, that form of voter fraud is exceedingly rare. State audits and reports from groups spanning the political spectrum have repeatedly found that a minute number of noncitizens register to vote and an even smaller crop manage to cast ballots.

A Brennan Center analysis of 42 jurisdictions in the 2016 election found only 30 incidents of suspected  not proven  noncitizen voting out of 23.5 million votes tabulated, amounting to just 0.0001% of the vote.

Analyses from the Cato Institute, a libertarian think tank, and the ultraconservative Heritage Foundation's database have also found scant evidence of noncitizen voter registration and voting, much less widespread fraud. The former saw that the number of noncitizen votes uncovered through state audits in 2016 ranged from just three out of more than a million votes in Nevada to 41 in North Carolina, which saw nearly five million votes cast. The latter analysis, a review of Heritage Foundation data by immigrant rights group the American Immigration Council, found just 68 documented cases of noncitizens voting in the think tank's database dating as far back as the 1980s. That number represents less than 5 percent of the cases in the Heritage Foundation database, and out of millions of ballots cast over the time frame, such quantities are miniscule.

"It's infinitesimal the number of actual noncitizens who register or vote, and most of that is inadvertent. It's not like they're nefarious," said Ron Hayduk, a professor of political science at San Francisco State University whose research focuses on noncitizen voting laws.

If noncitizens do end up on voter registration rolls, it's usually due to clerical and administrative errors, and the number is not significant enough to influence the outcome of the election, Diaz explained.

"Even when there are these handful of cases, it's not for the reasons that are being elevated," Hayduk added, "that Democrats are letting immigrants into the country, they're actively registering them to win elections, and doing so in ways that dilute the votes of citizens and are a strategy to defeat the Republicans, illegitimately."

During a news conference earlier this year about the Safeguard Voter Eligibility Act, a bill GOP members of Congress are rallying behind that would require proof of citizenship to register to vote, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., insisted noncitizen voting was a concern but did not offer any specific examples to support the claim.

We all know, intuitively, that a lot of illegals are voting in federal elections," Johnson said, "but its not been something that is easily provable.

Diaz said, however, that concerned election officials' failure to prosecute and secure convictions in the cases that would theoretically arise from rampant noncitizen voting shows both that the safeguards against it are working and that the issue is far overblown.

If there were "these huge numbers of non-U.S. citizens on the voter registration roll," he argued, "the same attorney generals and secretaries of state pushing this narrative" every election cycle "would be prosecuting them and securing convictions, and that just doesn't happen."

Still, election officials in red states have taken a number of measures to lessen the potential for that voter fraud to take place.

Just last week, Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced that more than 6,500 potential noncitizens had been pulled from the state's voter rolls since 2021, including nearly 2,000 with "a voter history" who have been referred for investigation by the attorney general's office. In August, Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose, a Republican, also said he'd referred 138 apparent noncitizens found to have recently voted and 459 more who registered but did not vote. Those numbers amount to small fractions of the 18 million registered voters in Texas and the more than 8 million in Ohio.

Officials in Alabama and Georgia made similar announcements, with Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen, a Republican, saying recently that 3,251 people previously listed as noncitizens by the federal government were switched to inactive status on the state's voter registration rolls, which includes more than 3 million registered voters, according to the AP.

Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger reported he found that 1,634 potential noncitizens attempted to register to vote between 1997 and 2022 though failed when election officials flagged them. In that time, Georgia had registered millions of other eligible voters.

In the aftermath of previous election cycles, Diaz explained, it was not uncommon for officials who claimed they identified large numbers of suspected noncitizen registered voters to amend their statements to note that the alleged offenders were mostly people who hadn't been citizens at one point but were later naturalized and lawfully registered.

"They're relying on stale, out-of-date databases and resources and making a big deal out of this to score political points and to seed this narrative that our elections are fundamentally broken and plagued by noncitizen voting, so that if their side loses, they can point to that as the reason why," Diaz argued. "Should their favored candidates win, I think they'll all of a sudden get very quiet about this supposed problem of non citizen voting. It's only a problem when they lose."

Want a daily wrap-up of all the news and commentary Salon has to offer? Subscribe to our morning newsletter, Crash Course.

Following the footsteps of North Dakota, Colorado, Alabama, Ohio and Florida, where voters passed amendments between 2018 and 2022 limiting voting to "only" citizens, Republican-led legislatures in eight states  Iowa, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Idaho, Kentucky and Wisconsin  have introduced constitutional amendments on their November ballots aiming to explicitly declare the same.

In Texas, Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton established Wednesday a dedicated email account for reports of suspected violations of election laws, citing "significant growth of the noncitizen population," and Raffensperger last week authorized a requirement that polling places post signs in English and Spanish alerting noncitizens that it is illegal for them to vote.

Republicans in Wisconsin have in recent weeks filed a set of lawsuits challenging the state's citizen verification process for registered voters, while some in North Carolina have sued the state's election board, accusing it of failing to enforce a new law aimed at removing people who seek exclusions from jury duty because they are not citizens from voter rolls.

Along with the move to require proof of citizenship to vote  which many Americans don't have readily available  these efforts to curb voter fraud serve in "justifying the imposition, as it did historically, of restrictive voter registration procedures," Hayduk said. More often than not, these actions instead "disenfranchise eligible citizens who tend to be lower income, people with lower levels of education, often urban voters who tend to register and vote for Democrats."

The "drumbeat" of allegations of noncitizen voting also, he explained, fuels suspicion that can motivate people to go to poll sites and "intimidate" or harass others during the voting process, or place signs in neighborhoods with large immigrant, Latino or Asian American populations stating the illegality of noncitizen voting.

That behavior can have "a huge chilling effect, particularly on naturalized citizens, who are often the ones targeted by these efforts," Diaz added.

Republican officials pushing these claims also runs the risk of disrupting and straining the election administrations process should it motivate their supporters to submit lists with thousands of potentially ineligible people to their local elections offices and demand they be removed, he added, noting that many states have a formal process that allows voters to challenge others' eligibility and requires administrators to evaluate and verify or adjudicate those challenges.

Hayduk argued that the Republican mobilization behind the claims also "lays the groundwork" for them to place unsubstantiated blame on noncitizens, "contest elections, draw out the elections, create chaos and maybe motivate people to go do another Jan. 6 attack."

"The great replacement fears, immigration restrictions, the rationale to have voter ID, proof of citizenship, all of this  these are basically voter suppression tactics which have been in process or enacted in many states around the country, and they want to do that on a national level," Hayduk said.

"I think it feeds into this whole notion of who are the rightful holders of this cherished power, the right to vote?" he added. "Who are real Americans? What's the nature of America? It links to these broad debates that are happening in the country."
HONOLULU (KHON2)  The closure of the entire Kalalau section of the Napali Coast has been extended to Sept. 19 at DOHs recommendation so the area can be cleaned and disinfected.

Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You

On Thursday, the DOH confirmed norovirus as the suspected illness affecting hikers to the area. The samples were taken from people who, DLNR said, didnt directly interact with each other.

DLNR closed the section on Wednesday at DOHs urging.

Crews went to the area to inform hikers of the closure and to clean and disinfect comfort stations.

We swept the floor and bleached the whole bathroom, floors, railings, toilets, everything. Waited at least 7 to10 minutes, cleaned everything and did it again and then we wiped everything down with a disinfectant, Derrick Louis of DSP stated in a news release.

Haena State Park and Kee Beach are still open but will receive enhanced cleaning and disinfecting as well.

Law enforcement will staff the Kalalau Trailhead at Kee to prevent entrance to the trail.

DOH said they received reports of illness from at least 37 people who became ill while hiking Kalalau. DOH estimates the total affected people is probably higher.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Claim:

Photos authentically show a 94-year-old woman and 97-year-old man celebrating 76 years of being together.

Rating:

Rating: Fake

Context:

These fake pictures showed signs someone created them using an artificial-intelligence (AI) tool. For example, in the left-hand picture, the woman's right hand only had four fingers. Further, reverse-image searches for more information only found users reposting the fake pictures. Separately, in our research, we also noted a story of a real couple matching the same ages and number of years married. However, they did not look like the people in the AI-generated pictures.

A set of pictures circulating online purported to show photos of a young man and woman at their wedding and then the same couple in old age 76 years later.

For example, on Sept. 5, 2024, X user @lippyent shared (archived) the photo with the caption, "76 years together. She is 94 and he is 97. When something is real, it's forever." That post received nearly 2 million views.

Newsmax TV host Greta Van Susteren reposted (archived) @lippyent's post, adding the caption, "And still beautiful .love this post."

Meanwhile, other Facebook users also posted either the same story or a slightly altered caption reading, "76 years of marriage. She's 94 years old, he's 97. When something is real, it lasts forever." Some of those posts received many thousands of likes and shares.

However, neither picture was real. First, reverse-image searches for both pictures only found reposts of the same story with no originating news article or other legitimizing data. Further, both images displayed signs one or more people created them with at least one artificial-intelligence (AI) tool. We will update this story if we uncover any details about the person or people who created the pictures.

She Has Four Fingers

The popular X account Insane Facebook AI slop (@FacebookAIslop) shares content reflecting its name: "insane" AI-generated images that Facebook users believe and eat up like a bucket of slop.

On Sept. 6, @FacebookAIslop posted (archived) of @lippyent's post, "41k likes but she has 4 fingers." They were correct, seeing as the picture on the left side of the image showed four fingers on the woman's right hand.

Missing fingers or extra fingers can be one of several signs of AI-image manipulation.

As for the second picture of the older couple, anyone who has run across AI-generated pictures of fake elderly men and women could likely sense AI's involvement simply by glancing at the familiar look of the lighting and skin on their faces.

Based on a True Story?

Separate from the fake photos, our search for news about any couples celebrating 76 years of marriage ultimately landed on a true story about a man and woman whose ages matched the alleged ages of the subjects in the aforementioned posts.

On July 11, 2024, Fox 8 News in Cleveland, Ohio, reported the story of Donald and Shirley Hartig, who married on July 10, 1948. At the time they published the article, Donald was 97 and Shirley was 94  the same ages from the story shared alongside the AI-generated photos. The article featured a video interview with the Hartigs, who did not look like the fake people in the AI-generated pictures.

The article read, in part:

Both born and raised in Wyandotte County, Kansas, they were 18 and 21 when they met through friends. "We were together about three and a half to four years before we got married, and I had to wait until she got through with school," Donald Hartig said. And the rest, well, just hear it for yourself. "Some of our friends said, 'We'll give you three years. This is not going to work,' and they're all dead now, so can't prove anything," Shirley Hartig said.

We noted Fox 17 WXMI reported in June 2024 on another couple named Earl and Erma VanNortwick who also reportedly celebrated their 76th wedding anniversary, albeit at the slightly different ages of 96 and 93.

For further reading, we previously reported about other fake photos shared with claims they showed elderly quadruplets pictured together.

Sources:

"Hudsonville Couple Celebrate 76 Years of a Loving Marriage." YouTube, Fox 17 WXMI, 26 June 2024, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pba4IH16jTw.

Martinez, Crystal. "Missouri Couple Celebrates 76 Years of Marriage." Fox 8 News, 11 July 2024, https://fox8.com/news/missouri-couple-celebrates-76-years-of-marriage/.

"Search with an Image on Google - Computer." Google Search Help, https://support.google.com/websearch/answer/1325808.
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)  While most of the trees are still looking pretty green, were starting to see some splashes of color showing up on some of them.



Like the tree behind us theyre changing a little bit. Im not sure if theyre changing a little bit because of the heat we had during the summer or what, said Ken Parsons of Chicopee.

Map: These 20 states could see vibrant fall colors this year

The weather we have during the year can have an impact on the fall color. According to Climate Central, fall temperatures have increased by 2.4 F on average across the U.S. since 1970.

Warmer autumn temperatures can lead to later and shorter peak fall foliage periods.



Abundant summer rain can cause a later, brighter color. Too much rain can stress trees and cause the leaves to change and drop early. There is still some time before we really know how this fall season may turn out and people 22News talked to are looking forward to the change of seasons.



I like fall you can go see the leaves change and go for a ride and do some apple picking and stuff I think its great, said Ken Parsons.



We can usually expect to see peak color here in western Massachusetts around Columbus Day.

The official start of fall, or the autumnal equinox, arrives on Sunday, September 22nd at 8:43 a.m.

Weather News

Adam Strzempko is a meteorologist who has been a part of the 22News team since 1996. Follow the 22News Storm Team on X @22NewsStormTeam and view his bio to see more of his 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 family of an American woman shot and killed while protesting in the occupied West Bank has blamed Israel for her death and called for an independent investigation, saying in a statement that an Israel-led probe would be inadequate.

Two eyewitnesses told CNN that Aysenur Eygi was shot in the head by Israeli forces responding to a protest near the city of Nablus on Friday. The 26-year-old had been participating in a weekly protest against an Israeli settlement near the Palestinian village of Beita, they added.

Nablus Governor Ghassan Daghlas told CNN Saturday that an autopsy conducted at Al Najah University had confirmed that Eygi was killed by an Israeli occupation snipers bullet to her head.

CNN cannot independently verify the autopsy results, but has reached out to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) for comment.

Previously, the Israeli military had admitted firing at the demonstrators, and a US National Security Council spokesperson said that the US had contacted Israeli officials to request an investigation into the incident.

But the family said that would not be enough.

We welcome the White Houses statement of condolences, but given the circumstances of Aysenurs killing, an Israeli investigation is not adequate, the statement read.

We call on President (Joe) Biden, Vice President (Kamala) Harris, and Secretary of State (Antony) Blinken to order an independent investigation into the unlawful killing of a US citizen and to ensure full accountability for the guilty parties.

The statement also said Eygi was killed by a bullet that video shows came from an Israeli military shooter.

Eygi held both US and Turkish citizenship. US officials are looking into the deadly incident, and the Turkish government has said it holds Israel responsible for her death.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told an event in Istanbul on Saturday that Israel had heinously murdered our young child.

Eygi, who graduated from the University of Washington this spring, had been volunteering with the International Solidarity Movement (ISM), the same pro-Palestinian activist group as Rachel Corrie, a US citizen killed in 2003 while trying to block an Israeli bulldozer from razing Palestinian homes in Gaza.

In a statement, the Israel Defense Forces said that its troops responded with fire toward a main instigator of violent activity who hurled rocks at the forces and posed a threat to them.

The IDF is looking into reports that a foreign national was killed as a result of shots fired in the area, the statement added.

The ISM said none of its members threw rocks during the protest.

Aysenur was more than 200 meters away from where the Israeli soldiers were, and there were no confrontations there at all in the minutes before she was shot, it said in a statement.

Regardless, from such distance, neither she, nor anyone else could have possibly been perceived as posing any threat. She was killed in cold blood.

She was gentle, brave

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the US was working to gather the facts of Eygis killing and offered condolences to her family  but did not suggest any immediate policy changes related to her death.

Even when there have been determinations that Israeli forces were responsible for the killings of Americans in the West Bank  such as Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh  the US has not altered its policies and has continued to provide significant military support to those forces.

National Security Council spokesperson Sean Savett said earlier the US was deeply disturbed by Eygis killing. We have reached out to the Government of Israel to ask for more information and request an investigation into the incident, he added.

US Ambassador to Israel Jack Lew confirmed that Eygi, who was born in Turkey, was the victim and said the embassy was urgently gathering more information about the circumstances of her death.

Turkeys Foreign Ministry condemned Eygis death, saying it held the Israeli government responsible and confirming she was also a Turkish citizen. We will follow up on bringing those who killed our citizens to justice, spokesperson Oncu Keceli said.

The familys statement commemorated Eygi as a fiercely passionate human rights activist who had also been active on campus in student-led protests advocating for human dignity, and calling for an end to the violence against the people of Palestine.

Like the olive tree she lay beneath where she took her last breaths, Aysenur was strong, beautiful, and nourishing. Her presence in our lives was taken needlessly, unlawfully, and violently by the Israeli military, it said.

Aysenur was a loving daughter, sister, partner, and aunt. She was gentle, brave, silly, supportive, and a ray of sunshine.

Protests at Beita are common. The Palestinian town is next to a ramshackle Israeli settler outpost known as Evyatar. The settlement was unauthorized by the Israeli state until it was legalized earlier this year. All Israeli settlements are considered illegal under international law.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Family calls for unredacted release of bodycam video at vigil for man killed by DC police

WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  Dozens of people gathered in Southeast D.C. Friday night to remember 26-year-old Justin Robinson, who was killed by police outside a McDonalds on Marion Barry Avenue SE on Sunday, Sept. 1.

During a vigil, his family not only talked about who he was as a person, but also about the body camera video they watched, saying he did not deserve to die.

Justice for Justin, the crowd repeated.

Surrounded by a crowd of friends, family and neighbors, Justin Robinsons mother talked about who he was.

Officials: Body-worn camera footage of deadly DC police shooting will not be released to public

He was funny. What a bond to break. To be out here to see this like this for my son but its for a bigger purpose, his mother said.

Justin Robinson was a violence interrupter for the Cure the Streets program through the D.C. Attorney Generals Office.

They called for a car crash. When they came up on the scene they came as if he had already committed a crime, Robinsons sister said.

His sister and NeeNee Taylor with Harriets Wildest Dreams said they watched 19 minutes of body camera video.

DC police shoot, kill man who had gun, crashed car into McDonalds, MPD says

The cop stuck the gun inside the window and said I will shoot your motherf head off. Justin took this hand and moved the gun and they opened fire on him, Taylor said.

The medical examiner told me 10 times they shot my brother, Robinsons sister said.

His sister said the reason they dont want the video released is because D.C. Police said they would release a redacted version and they want the community to see every bit of footage.

It was a pure cold execution. No medical assistance for my brother, she said.

The officers involved in the shooting are on administrative leave, per District policy. Internal Affairs will investigate the shooting, as will the United States Attorneys 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 DC News Now | Washington, DC.
A dozen Louisiana victims of police racism get $1,000 each month. The program is funded by a family that got rich off slavery

Lael Montgomery (C) and other demonstrators gather after marching at the Louisiana Capitol to protest the shooting of Alton Sterling on July 9, 2016 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana (Getty Images)

Each month, a dozen Louisiana residents get $1,000 in guaranteed income, thanks in part to a $1m donation by Deacon Leroy Buck Close and Gracie Close of South Carolina, descendants of a family that made much of its generational wealth from the labor of enslaved people.

The payments are part of a highly unique program, which launched last December, to address the ongoing impacts of Americas racist past and the present-day inequalities of its criminal justice system. The intiative stands out from a growing number of similar pilots by blending the ideas of universal basic income and reparations.

Janell Landry , 40, who lives outside of New Orleans, is one of the participants in the program called Louisiana ACLUs Truth and Reconciliation Project Guaranteed Monthly Income. She was held in prison in 2021 on flimsy obstruction of justice charges, after she protested the Kenner Police Departments initially warrantless search of her home for evidence on a nearby shooting.

Landry called 911 on September 11, 2020, when one of the teen victims of the shooting staggered up to her house bleeding. When officers arrived, they noticed a bullet had ricocheted off her car and into her house. During routine questioning, as she went to retrieve the paperwork for a set of firearms she legally possessed, police barged into her bedroom and began digging through her belongings.

Landry, who is Black, said she was used to seeing police mistreat people in her neighborhood on the outskirts of New Orleans, and often recorded the encounters. The state of Louisiana has been home to some of the countrys most high-profile cases of alleged police misconduct in recent years, including the fatal 2016 shooting of Alton Sterling in nearby Baton Rouge, which triggered national protests.

Janell Landry is one a dozen participants getting $1000 of reparations monthly (Courtesy of American Civil Liberties Union of Louisiana)

I never felt like I could trust them, just knowing the things theyre doing, the things you see on the regular, Landry told The Independent. Ill just start recording. Theyre cursing people out. Theyre threatening people. Its horrible.

Landry protested the search in Kenner and demanded officers get a warrant, a stance she said enraged the police even further. The Kenner officers left to seek a warrant, forcing her to stand outside in her pajamas for hours and not enter her home. During the eventual search, Landry said a detective made racist comments, asking questions like, What is wrong with you people? and How are you people living?

After the incident, she said police spent months calling her into the station, only for her to find there was no warrant yet for her arrest. In January of 2021, she was imprisoned for four days while pregnant for obstruction of justice. There, she was denied medicine for her heart and thyroid issues.

She later miscarried from the stress, and the charges hampered her ability to find work and gain a liquor license for an events business she was starting. She paid to have the charges expunged, though shes still not sure why she was charged.

Louisiana has long struggled with what residents see as a deeply unequal justice system, from a disproportionately large Black prison population, to protests against the 2016 police shooting of Alton Sterling. (Getty Images)

What was obstructed? she said. I never found out.

The Independent has contacted the Kenner PD for comment.

Landry told The Independent the $1000 monthly support from the program has helped her get back on her feet and open her now successful events business, but the program validating her experience is just as important.

They gave you that voice, she said. Your voice is heard. Thats what is major for me.

Both financial and moral support mean a lot in a state like Louisiana, one of the poorest in the country , which has the most prisoners per capita in the US and extremely low rates of success in civilian complaints against the police. In 2021, Black people were jailed in Louisiana at a rate twice their share of the population, while white people were under-represented by nearly the same proportion, according to the Prison Policy Initiative .

Participants in the income program reported double-digit percentage increases in the ability to cover a surprise $400 expense, eat sufficient food, and buy healthy groceries, according to survey data from the ACLU .

Slavery and racism casts a long shadow over the history of criminal justice in the US, and in particular the South, from the origins of many modern police departments in slave patrols, to the historical overlap between lynch mobs and legal executions.

The Louisiana ACLU argues the program isnt a handout, but just due for the centuries of discrimination Black people have faced within the criminal justice system. (Courtesy of the American Civil Liberties Union of Louisiana)

We really want people to understand this as something that is owed. Its not a handout, Maggy Baccinelli, senior director for philanthropy and community investment at the Louisiana ACLU, told The Independent. Its what is owed to Black people for the history of this country and the vestiges of slavery.

This history is what inspired Buck and Gracie Close of South Carolina, who helped fund the program.

One of their ancestors, John Springs III, made his wealth in part from land worked by enslaved people, a fortune thats supported the family ever since as they diversified into other businesses. Over time, the memory that this wealth had roots in slavery faded from the family story, even as the benefits of this fortune continued.

For us, the benefits of slavery have not ended, the Close family wrote in a Newsweek op-ed last year. They are a very real part of our day-to-day lives. The institution of slavery allows us to have high incomes without having to work.

After inquiring more about their family history, the Closes sought to take some of the resources they had gained from the institutions of slavery and transfer them to the people impacted by the vestiges of that same legacy. In addition to funding the $1,000-a-month transfer, the familys donation also goes towards supporting counseling services, financial literacy courses, career help, and expungement assistance.

People in similar positions as ourselves may be afraid to ask questions about their own history because they are afraid of the answers, the family added in Newsweek. But we have asked those questions and did not find anything to fear.

The Louisiana program is the latest iteration of guaranteed income programs in the US, which have counted a surprisingly diverse group of supporters, ranging from Martin Luther King to Milton Friedman and Elon Musk. In recent years, the Covid pandemic, fears of automation, and widespread discussions of racism and equity in the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement have provided renewed momentum around such proposals, and an estimated 150 guaranteed income programs have been announced across the country since 2017, impacting nearly 60,000 people.

Sandra Carr had to engage in a lengthy, costly court battle to clear her name on charges she attacked a coworker. (Courtesy of the American Civil Liberties Union of Louisiana)

The ACLU guaranteed income program runs through this December, but participant Sandra Carr told The Independent more work needs to be done.

Carr endured a grueling, expensive journey of being passed between three judges, four public defenders, and two court systems fighting a false accusation of attacking her coworkers before it was dropped. It made her think about all the other people still in prison as a result of racist policing or unfair courts.

This whole judicial system needs an overhaul, she told The Independent. What happens to me still impacts me, but at the same time, Im thinking about the people that are in the system.
My family went back to Scotland for the first time in 6 years. The restaurants were allergy-friendly, and we were surprised by how friendly people were.

My family went back to Scotland for the first time in 6 years. The restaurants were allergy-friendly, and we were surprised by how friendly people were.

My family has dual US and UK citizenship and just went to Scotland after a six-year hiatus.

We were surprised by a few different things during our trip.

The restaurants were allergy-friendly, but there were a lot of cigarette butts on the ground.

I'm an American born to British parents. My husband is British and recently obtained US citizenship after living there for 10 years. When we had our son (who also has dual citizenship), we knew we'd spend significant time on both continents. However, the pandemic, finances, and busy schedules kept us from traveling internationally.

Recently, after six years away, we returned to Glasgow to visit friends and family. We knew the accent wouldn't be a surprise to our 7-year-old. His dad and a lot of my family have a heavy Scottish brogue. We also knew our little one would love the street art and the chocolate. But after being away for so long, a few things did surprise us.

People are friendlier

I had forgotten how lovely strangers can be. While on the bus to visit my grandmother in her new house, the driver and a fellow passenger happily helped us figure out which stop to take. A friendly ticket collector on the train paused to chat with my 7-year-old about his new Lego bricks, and locals greeted us with smiles, jokes, and tales about the last time they'd traveled to America.

When I asked my son if he thought the people in Glasgow were friendlier, he said, "They're like the people in Hawaii," where we also recently traveled with him. I'd never thought of it that way, but he might be right. Traveling to Glasgow does feel similar to the warmth (despite the cold temperature), generosity of time, and genuine welcoming feeling you experience with traditional Hawaiian hospitality.

Nicole Findlay and her family were pleasantly surprised by how friendly people were in Scotland. Nicole Findlay

Chips (french fries) come with almost every meal, and the potato chip (crisp) flavors are better

My little one was pleasantly surprised that he could order chips  or french fries, to Americans  in almost every restaurant. He loves them, which isn't a shocker because most people do. They're bigger than most of the french fries we get back home, and our family much prefers them in the UK.

When it comes to crisps  or potato chips the UK's also got America beat. Our favorite salty snacks are salt and vinegar and cheese and onion. But a few flavors were new to me, like haggis and black pepper, turkey and stuffing, and beef teriyaki, which were fun to try, and equally delicious.

Restaurants were more allergy-friendly

We live in California, which is generally a great place to live if you have food allergies. But Scotland took it to a whole other level. In America, when asking about allergy specifics for my son, servers often make a note on their notepad to pass along to kitchen staff. In Scotland, servers asked us if we had allergies before I even had a chance to inquire.

More often than not, Scottish servers passed me an iPad (or QR code) with detailed nutritional information for each menu item so that I could see the specifics about potentially dangerous ingredients in each dish. My child felt safe eating. And as a mom to a kid with food allergies, I found this extremely comforting.

Nicole Findlay's son enjoyed his time in Scotland. Nicole Findlay

Everywhere is tap-to-pay

Tap-to-pay is everywhere  seriously, everywhere. Restaurant servers brought card machines to our table, and we also tapped to pay in shops, on trains, buses, and even in black taxis. My husband was surprised at how much this banking convenience has grown since we were last there.

We saw more cigarette butts and disposable vapes on the ground

In surveys in 2022, 15% of adults in Scotland said they smoked, compared with 9.7% of adults in California. My kid, who rarely sees cigarette butts on the ground where we live, got a kick out of spotting so many "dangerous" things.

While the cigarette butts surprised my son, my husband and I noticed way more people vaping. A 2023 survey on litter in Scotland suggested that single-use vapes were the fastest-growing litter item in the country.

Still, we loved every bit of our trip to Scotland and can't wait to visit again. Until then, we'll enjoy the bags of crisps we stashed in our luggage.

Read the original article on Business Insider
If there is one thing Republicans want you to know, its how much they bleed red, white and blue for America. None of their gatherings is complete without dozens if not hundreds of American flags, attendees sporting flag-themed costumes (some veering close to obscene mockery), Uncle Sam suits or Lady Liberty getups. Jimmy Cagneys old schmaltz vehicle "Yankee Doodle Dandy" looks restrained by comparison.

Democrats, on the other hand, have borne the stigma ever since the Joe McCarthy era, if not the New Deal, of hankering after alien creeds  a suffocating European socialism (meaning anything to the left of Calvin Coolidge) or maybe outright Marxist-Leninism. Conservatives with intellectual pretensions have blamed progressives for following French deconstructionist philosophers. The cabal around Paul Weyrich, an early leader of the Heritage Foundation who left it because it was insufficiently conservative, held that every supposed evil in modern America was a consequence of the left employing the "cultural Marxist" ideas of the Frankfurt School (one of the rights many antisemitic conspiracy theories) as a blueprint to conquer the culture.

These two contrasting identifications have embedded themselves in the national subconscious to the point that the media instinctively reflects them. Hence the anthropological expeditions to the real America (somewhere away from the coasts, where Bass Pro Shops outnumber Starbucks) to find a diner where genuine Americans congregate. By contrast, the press happily played along with the efforts of Vietnam-avoider George W. Bush's campaign to portray John Kerry, an actual Vietnam combat veteran, as decadently French. One half-expected Kerry to be taking along the works of Michel Foucault as beach reading to Marthas Vineyard.

To the extent there is any truth to this caricature, it serves as a superficial explanation of the GOPs xenophobia (remember freedom fries?) and near-pathological parochialism. It also dovetails with an aggressive anti-intellectualism: One would no more expect a Republican politician to speak a foreign language than to play the cello.

What, then, accounts for the GOPs adulation of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban? As one observer puts it: The American rights love affair with Hungary seemingly knows no bounds. That countrys wannabe dictator is now a regular feature at the annual CPAC convention (think of that event as the Burning Man festival, except for wingnuts), and luminaries of the American right regularly troop to Budapest to confer with Orban and his cronies. American conservatives enthusiasm for foreign-based authoritarianism, and their readiness to cooperate with grandees like Orban or Vladimir Putin, is now well established, a phenomenon I witnessed in its embryonic stage as early as 2016.

Nearly every historically conscious person is able to trace at least some aspects of contemporary conservatism to their roots in early America. Present-day Republican hostility to the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act has a straightforward genealogy: back to Nixons "Southern strategy," then to the Southern agrarians of the 1930s, to the post-Civil War Lost Cause movement, then the 1861-1865 secession itself and finally back to John C. Calhoun and his own ideological predecessor, John Randolph of Roanoke, who still receives sympathetic treatment from the conservative propaganda mill.

From Randolphs dyspeptic political rants to the agrarians nostalgia-drenched manifestos, all the reflexes of the present-day American reactionary are prefigured: hatred of industry, cities, public education and internal improvements (the old term for infrastructure); distrust of cosmopolitanism, sophistication and the new; a worship of tradition that amounted to stultification; an equation of democratic principles with mob rule. Above all, a fundamental distaste for human equality, especially racial equality, but including political and social distinctions of gender and class.

Curiously, the agrarians, ur-Americans of Southern Protestant extraction, were influenced by the leading figure of the French Counter-Enlightenment, the arch-reactionary ultramontane Catholic Joseph de Maistre. Even in the present day, a Southern apologist for slavery has written a screed for something called the Abbeville Foundation extolling Maistres hatred of republics. Evidently, despising the very governmental foundation of the United States has become fashionable for a certain type of reactionary conservative.

Those are hardly the intellectual roots of American conservative philosophy that post-World War II salesmen of conservatism like William F. Buckley Jr., Russell Kirk or George F. Will chose to peddle. They professed to find the source of their ideology with Edmund Burke, the 18th-century Anglo-Irish philosopher and politician.

Among Burkes epigrams are such unexceptionable Rotary Club maxims as All government, indeed every human benefit and enjoyment, every virtue, and every prudent act, is founded on compromise and barter, and The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing. Very uplifting, but hardly in the spirit of present-day conservatives, for whom compromise is betrayal.

Maistre, on the other hand, fits the dogmatic spirit of their creed. He considered the executioner to be the indispensable backstop of civilization, the better to save wayward souls: "Man cannot be wicked without being evil, nor evil without being degraded, nor degraded without being punished, nor punished without being guilty. In short ... there is nothing so intrinsically plausible as the theory of original sin.

Emile Faguet, a French author and critic, called Maistre a fierce absolutist, a furious theocrat, an intransigent legitimist, apostle of a monstrous trinity composed of pope, king and hangman, always and everywhere the champion of the hardest, narrowest and most inflexible dogmatism, a dark figure out of the Middle Ages, part learned doctor, part inquisitor, part executioner.

A white circle with a black background Description automatically generated

Maistre, though less well-known than Burke, embodies the essential points of the American conservative mind at a deeper level than taxes, spending or size of government. His Catholic zealotry prefigures present-day Catholic ideologues like Patrick Deneen and Leonard Leo, not to mention their political marionettes Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas. Isaiah Berlin, the great historian of Western ideas, considered Maistre the true father of reactionary Western conservatism, and, indeed, a precursor to the past century's fascist movements.

Although worldly enough to have served as the Kingdom of Savoys ambassador to Russia, Maistre detested science and secular learning. And he positively wallowed in violence, in near-pornographic fashion: The whole earth, continually steeped in blood, is nothing but an immense altar on which every living thing must be sacrificed without end, without restraint, without respite until the consummation of the world, the extinction of evil, the death of death.

That orgasmic vision is pretty strong meat for a tradition that claims to defend ordered liberty. But running through American conservatism like a red thread is a creepy fascination with violence, not to mention a habit of apocalyptic thinking and a longed-for showdown with satanic forces. Amid the invasion of Iraq, when self-righteous stupidity was en vogue, neoconservatives Richard Perle and David Frum wrote "An End to Evil: How to Win the War on Terror," a paean to redemptive violence as a cure for violence.

Maistre hits many of the key themes of American conservatism: religious dogmatism, belief over evidence, anti-scientism, the imperative of obedience to hierarchy and a habitual brooding over violence. But those themes do not satisfy certain paradoxical values that also make up the conservative mindset: a rather irreligious appetite for worldly possessions, and the desire for a pseudo-empirical justification for greed.

Here one might be tempted to believe that conservative economic theory rests on solid domestic foundations: rugged American individualism, the Horatio Alger fable and the (entirely spurious) quote attributed to Abraham Lincoln: You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich."

To be sure, America was largely founded on greed, exemplified by land-grabs, gold rushes and real estate flimflams, not to mention the institution of slavery  the theft of others labor. But it lacked a sophisticated theoretical foundation, and its justification was sorely wanting in the wake of the Great Depression and the New Deals widely popular efforts to combat the ill effects of greed through fiscal stimulus and the creation a social safety net.

Ironically, then, just as 20th-century socialism rested on German thought of the previous century, post-World War II conservative economic thinking in America was largely based on the groundwork of German-speaking intellectuals.

Friedrich Hayek and Ludwig von Mises are generally considered to be among the principal founders of radical free-market doctrine in the postwar era. Hayek, the more famous of the two, described himself as a pragmatist and empiricist, but, as is common in the transmission of ideas, his followers dogmatized his theories to the point where they became a materialist religion, a mirror image of Marxist-Leninism. Hayek is frequently invoked in the op-ed pages of the Wall Street Journal, the Pravda of the American overclass.

Hayek, like other founders of neoliberal economic theory such as Wilhelm Roepke, claimed that their championing of laissez-faire was a remedy for the horrific wars and state oppression that plagued Europe between 1914 and 1945. But in later life, he appeared to develop a soft spot for authoritarianism. In the 1970s and 1980s, Hayek was feted by Augusto Pinochet, the Chilean military dictator who seized power (with help from the CIA) in 1973. In the course of several visits, Hayek claimed he had not been able to find a single person, even in much-maligned Chile, who did not agree that personal freedom was much greater under Pinochet than under Allende (the elected social democrat overthrown in the 1973 coup). Doubtless Hayek did not have many encounters with the relatives of the roughly 3.000 people murdered by the Pinochet regime.

Mises, an economist who in the early 1930s had advised the Austrofascist chancellor of Austria, Engelbert Dollfuss, settled in the U.S. in 1940. His laissez-faire views were so uncompromising that even Milton Friedman, most peoples idea of a hardcore libertarian, considered his thinking overly inflexible. Mises became the namesake of a tax-exempt foundation in Auburn, Alabama, that's so far out on the libertarian fringe it makes the Cato Institute look like the Ford Foundation. Its bullpen of scholars have included neo-Confederate apologists, crackpots out to disprove Einsteins relativity theory and  wait for it!  crusaders for the legalization of drunk driving.

Perhaps the most influential European of all  at least to Americans in permanently arrested adolescence  was the Russian immigrant, Hollywood screenwriter, novelist and cult leader Alisa Zinovyevna Rosenbaum, better known as her Promethean alter ego, Ayn Rand. Her works achieve the difficult feat of synthesizing a coma-inducing dullness with piercingly shrill extended diatribes to create reverse masterpieces worthy of the most risible North Korean propaganda. To an even greater extent than the neoliberal economists, she fashioned an ideology that is simply the worst of the Marxist-Leninism she escaped stood on its head, with a heroic Ubermensch substituting for the proletarian masses. It is a pity the film version of "Atlas Shrugged" hasnt featured on "Mystery Science Theater 3000."

Want a daily wrap-up of all the news and commentary Salon has to offer? Subscribe to our morning newsletter, Crash Course.

Such is Rands cult following that former Republican congressman and presidential candidate Ron Paul, a senior fellow of the Mises Institute, saw fit to name his spawn Rand, who is now the junior senator from Kentucky. Former Speaker of the House Paul Ryan was an enthusiastic fan of Ayn Rand, supposedly requiring his office interns to read "Atlas Shrugged," a clear example of unfair labor practices. Oddly, Ryan claimed to be an observant Catholic, yet idolized an author who contemptuously called Christianity a slave religion. Such is the syncretic nature of contemporary conservatism that blatantly contradictory elements can be fused into the monstrous ideological confection we see all around us.

Functional adults can dismiss Ayn Rand and her petty tyrannizing over acolytes, her psychodramatic love affair with cult deputy Nathaniel Branden, and her continuing ability to inspire teenagers with a Nietzsche complex. But how can we account for the fact that Alan Greenspan, chairman of the Federal Reserve for 20 years, was an early member of her circle, and that her writings have sold 37 million copies? Unreadable doorstops her books may be, but they would seem to reveal something about the psychology of a significant slice of Americans.

Other sources of modern conservative ideas have a somewhat less direct influence on the current right-wing American zeitgeist. Carl Schmitt, the 20th-century German jurist, political theorist and Nazi official, never set foot on U.S. soil, and remains mostly unknown here. He believed that the fundamental concept in the political realm from which all else flowed was the distinction between friends and enemies, and that to be a sovereign meant being completely unrestrained by law.

Schmitt employed his judicial and political theories to defend the early Nazi-era Enabling Act (which suspended the Weimar Republic's constitution), to justify Hitlers assumption of dictatorial rule and to support Joseph Goebbels campaign to burn decadent books. After the war, Schmitt refused to submit to denazification, and remained completely unrepentant of his prewar beliefs.

Just before the Nazi seizure of power, Schmitt had a Jewish follower and protege, Leo Strauss, who was able to emigrate from Germany for employment by the Rockefeller Foundation thanks, ironically enough, to a supportive letter from Schmitt. According to surviving correspondence, Strauss and Schmitt had previously carried on a political dialogue in which Strauss agreed with the jurist on most points, sharing a distaste for liberal democracy, a belief in authoritarian rule and a contempt for the masses. It seems he bought into the rising tide of European fascism on all issues except antisemitism.

Strauss arrived in the U.S. in 1938, and taught philosophy, most notably at the University of Chicago, for the rest of his life. He focused mainly on the works of Plato and Aristotle and their application to politics. His method was ambiguous and esoteric  using rhetorical concealment, with a surface meaning for general readers and a hidden truth for the wise  and usually avoided any direct statement of the immediate political relevance of Greek philosophy.

Living in a liberal democracy that had given him refuge from the Holocaust, Strauss soft-pedaled his earlier enthusiasm for fascism, but consistently emphasized the authoritarian implications of Greek philosophy while praising the American constitutional system with faint damns. He also highlighted to his students Platos belief in the necessity of the noble lie, the veneer of comforting falsehoods with which wise rulers must placate the untutored masses while going about the serious business of exercising power.

A large number of Strauss' students and followers became prominent neoconservatives, including Bill Kristol, Paul Wolfowitz, Francis Fukuyama, Harvey Mansfield, Gary Schmitt, Walter Berns and Abram Shulsky, who all later achieved notoriety either as political operatives or publicists advocating for the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq based on false claims of hidden weapons of mass destruction.

Once the wheels began to fall off the Iraq crusade, critics, pivoting off the earlier work of political theorist Shadia Drury, began to notice the sheer number of Straussians in high places who had been among the war's most vociferous proponents. Investigative reporter Seymour Hersh related that Straussians filled the Pentagons ad hoc Office of Special Plans, and had bulldozed the governments intelligence agencies in order to cherry-pick dubious evidence to fit their preconceived notions. They even called themselves the cabal, in what seemed a parodic tribute to Strauss clique of wise men.

In March 2003, on the eve of war, I staffed a House Budget Committee hearing in which Wolfowitz, at the time the second-ranking official in the Pentagon, predicted that total U.S. casualties from the invasion and occupation of Iraq might amount to fewer than those suffered in the recent U.S. military intervention in the Balkans. (In other words, nearly none at all.) Did a man with access to the most extensive intelligence apparatus in the world actually believe what he told us, or was this a textbook example of Platos noble lie?

Considering that Strauss was a relatively obscure academic who had been dead for many years, it was surprising that revelations of his influence on the neocons produced such a well-organized and extensive pushback. The New York Times, which had vigorously supported the Iraq invasion published four op-eds defending Strauss, polemics that employed ridicule and condescension against the unsophisticated critics who supposedly didnt get the philosophers subtle arguments. Ever since, there has been a cottage industry of conservative academics writing books and essays supporting Strauss, which almost invariably receive laudatory notices in right-wing vehicles like National Review or the Claremont Institute.

Strauss apologists never directly engage the points raised by critics. They are mostly mute on Strauss early dalliance with fascism, such as in a 1933 letter where he endorses the principles of the Right  fascist, authoritarian imperial and not the pathetic and laughable imprescriptible rights of man. He never repudiated any of those early statements, and Straussians went to some lengths to conceal from critical scholars the more controversial writings in his collected papers.

If Strauss, an unworldly academic lecturer, had no conceivable link with the neoconservative project to unleash redemptive war and exalt untrammeled executive power, why did two of his followers, neocon operatives Abram Shulsky and Gary Schmitt  who had both held government positions in foreign intelligence  write a 1999 essay crediting Strauss with having helped them conceptualize intelligence matters? Apparently the Platonic method of ferreting out hidden meanings was key to the neocons' certainty that Iraqi WMDs existed. Whatever Strauss intended, his followers applied what they held to be his teachings to justify a disastrous war of aggression based on imaginary evidence.

The neocons were always a small fraction of the conservative movement, and their sheer, agonizing incompetence in engineering the Iraq debacle all but finished them as a driving influence by the end of George W. Bushs presidency. As the conservative movement became cruder and more extreme, it no longer cared to perform analyses of Plato to guide its ideology. And as the culture wars became a right-wing obsession, the locus of coercion and violence was transferred from foreign crusades to domestic soil. But it still found a foreign model to help guide it.

As everyone knows, Donald Trump admires Vladimir Putin, and so a large portion of the Republican Party admires Putin in an imitative and slavish manner. But even before Trump became a candidate, the most regressive elements of conservatism  the paleoconservatives who developed around former Nixon and Reagan staffer (and Hitler apologist) Pat Buchanan, Christian nationalists and reconstructionists inspired by Francis Schaeffer, and the tech-obsessed neoreactionary movement fueled by Silicon Valley money, which has produced JD Vance  discovered how much there was to love about Putins Russia.

This New Right also seems to have an easy familiarity with the theorists of totalitarianism. In an interview this June with New York Times columnist Ross Douthat, Vance invoked the legal architect of Nazi rule, Carl Schmitt  in an effort to blame liberals, the very people Schmitt despised, for wanting to carry out his precept of power over justice. As most people in the reality-based community have noticed by now, operatives of the right habitually project every desire they dare not express onto their opponents. One also wonders where Vance gained his expertise on Schmitt; I doubt the Nazi jurist was a subject in the Yale Law School curriculum.

A moments reflection suggests the reason behind the rights tendency to lavish praise on foreign regimes and their theoreticians: The right does not much care for America, as its leading voices have been telling us over and over for years. Donald Trump, the exalted leader of the gang, habitually refers to his native land as a third-world country or a "laughing stock, and has called fallen U.S. service personnel suckers and losers; According to one of his social media posts, WE ARE A NATION IN DECLINE, A FAILING NATION! Vance, his running mate, makes similar disparaging remarks about the country he wants to run.

All of this is logical enough, in that it necessarily flows from their views. The right has told us for some time that it has no use for non-subservient women, minorities, college students (excepting Turning Point USAs storm troopers), non-Christians, bureaucrats, public school teachers or any other group it wants to target. A Venn diagram of all these groups certainly adds up to more than half the population. The right scorns America as it is, and, contrary to conservatives anti-historical nostalgia, as it always has been.

The logical weakness of reactionary movements has actually been their political strength. The seemingly contradictory elements of their platform do not bother their adherents; as we have seen countless times with the GOP, a new party line that flatly negates supposedly timeless Republican principles elicits barely a murmur among the true believers. If the leaders of the party know this fact, they are certainly not going to wise up their foot soldiers.

Perhaps the biggest contradiction of all is that the so-called thought leaders of the GOP  a party that wraps itself in the flag and feels called upon to judge the patriotism of others  are profoundly alienated from the real America as it exists today, the America in which normal people quietly live their lives, work and raise families, and dream their own private dreams. Unable to find solace in such petit-bourgeois domesticity, the socially estranged scholars of Claremont or Hillsdale or some mothers basement have no problem ransacking the intellectual underworld of Europe during its most blood-soaked eras to find voices that can articulate their grievance, and their rage, more eloquently than they themselves.

As Austrian writer Robert Musil observed, A man can't be angry at his own time without suffering some damage."
WWD/Getty Images

On the morning of September 6, before New York City turned into a playground of back-to-back shows, presentations, parties, and more parties for New York Fashion Week, the fashion industry united in Midtown Manhattan for a democratic cause. Organized by the Council of Fashion Designers of America with Vogue, the Fashion For Our Future march saw more than 1,000 participants  from designers and editors, to models and FLOTUS herself  call for the importance of voting in the upcoming presidential election.

The march began at Herald Square, where attendees said their hellos to one another and picked up exclusive tees and dresses designed by Old Navy and Zac Posen. The clothes read Fashion For Our Future on the front and Vote on the back in bold lettering, and coordinating picket signs with the same phrase were readily available for the walk. Meanwhile, public awareness campaign I am a voter offered voter registration and polling resources to those looking to get further involved.

We have such a great history of always coming together for important causes, and nothing is more important than getting people out to vote in November, Vogue Editor-in-Chief and Conde Nast Chief Content Officer Anna Wintour, tells Teen Vogue at the March.

Fashion For Our Future March Taylor Hill

CFDA has long championed civic responsibility, through past partnerships with the ACLU, FWD.US, and Planned Parenthood. And as November 5 quickly approaches, the urge for participation in the 2024 presidential election only increases, whether it be through direct involvement, like making sure to register to vote, or more symbolic gestures, such as Fridays march. Fashion is so steeped in culture, and its important to show that being a voter, having your voice heard, and getting involved in politics are also parts of culture. They define it, designer Bach Mai tells us.

With patriotic blow horns and miniature American flags in hand, CFDA members led the march along Broadway from Herald Square to Bryant Park, chanting V-O-T-E, vote and holding a larger-than-life banner that read Fashion For Our Future. Once reassembled at the park, activist Aurora James, designer Thom Browne, and First Lady Jill Biden delivered speeches to conclude the mornings program.

We are here as the American fashion industry to demonstrate to the world that unity, learning from one another, and supporting democracy and peace, both in America and globally, are vital, said Browne, before handing the mic to Biden.

Biden thanked the CFDA for banding together that morning and stressed whats on the line in the upcoming election. Your day may not start or stop with politics, but elections are [about] the freedom for our children to learn without fear, without hate, without gun violence [and] the freedom to make your own choices, she said. We can vote our way toward a future where freedom really does ring.

As Fashion Week In NYC Begins, Activists Stage A "Fashion For Our Future March And Rally" Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty Images

As Fashion Week In NYC Begins, Activists Stage A "Fashion For Our Future March And Rally" Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty Images

As Fashion Week In NYC Begins, Activists Stage A "Fashion For Our Future March And Rally" Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty Images

Fashion For Our Future March Taylor Hill

After much applause, the audience of retailers, fashion students, journalists, and designers parted ways from the park to take on a day of NYFW programming, though the reminder of civic duty endured. Fashion has the power to really get people excited, says designer Jackson Wiederhoeft, who sees the march as a great way to bring this excitement from fashion week into voting.

Its about grounding ourselves before everything takes off and understanding that were about to embark on a big fashion month, but as soon as its over, its time to vote, model Amelia Gray explains. Im honored to be a part of this.

Register to vote or update your registration here.

Originally Appeared on Teen Vogue
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  Police say a father and son were able to catch one of two burglars they caught stealing from their Summer Avenue property late Sunday night.

Christopher Jones, 36, was taken into custody and charged with burglary of a business and burglary of a vehicle.

The victims said they were driving down Summer when they spotted Jones inside a truck parked next to their building in Highland Heights. They said Jones was removing the seats from the back of the vehicle.

The owner of what used to be Nationwide Investment Group said he also noticed the fence around the property had been damaged, and another man was trying to get inside the back of the business.

The father and son said they confronted the suspects and began fighting them. Police said they were able to subdue Jones until officers arrived.

Hadam Afaneh owns Jerusalem Auto Shop next door. He wasnt surprised to hear about the arrest.

Jerusalem Auto Shop

Jerusalem Auto Shop

Jerusalem Auto Shop

Jerusalem Auto Shop

Afaneh said his garage has been targeted by thieves a number of times. He said they have vandalized vehicles and damaged his building, trying to get inside.

People drink, smoke, walk over here. Homeless people, said Afaneh. They steal everything you leave outside. If they see it, they take it.

Afaneh said he wished officers could do more to patrol the area because his business is suffering.

Investigators are still looking for the second burglary suspect. If you have any information that can 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.
Father of Utah Police Officer Accused of Stalking and Killing Her Before Allegedly Fleeing the Country

Marbella Martinez of the Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office was found dead on Aug. 1

Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office/Facebook Marbella Martinez of the Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office

A Utah man is facing numerous charges  and is believed to have fled the country  after his 25-year-old sheriff's deputy daughter was found dead.

The Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office announced last month that deputy Marbella Martinez was discovered dead on Aug. 1  less than six months after she was sworn in as a corrections officer.

At the time, the office noted that the Tooele Police Department was investigating her death as "suspicious."

Now, over a month later, a representative for the Tooele City Police Department tells PEOPLE that Martinez's father, Hector Ramon Martinez-Ayala, is facing numerous charges, including murder, two counts of obstruction of justice, stalking a cohabitant, unlawful possession of a financial transaction card, unlawful use of a financial transaction card, and unlawful possession of another person's identifying documents.

Authorities allege that Martinez-Ayala strangled his daughter, and they said that they have "confiscated numerous items of interest to Hector, including his vehicle."



Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office/Facebook Marbella Martinez of the Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office

Related: Utah Couple with 6 Children Found Dead by Relative in Apparent Murder-Suicide: 'Many Are Devastated'

Martinez was initially discovered by police after 8 a.m. on Aug. 1, when authorities responded to a welfare check, according to ABC affiliate KTVX.

Her body was discovered on her bed with "apparent fingernail claw marks" on her face and neck, KSL said.

Martinez lived with her father and returned to his home around 11 a.m. on July 31, and was then last seen on an indoor camera around 12:23 p.m., before Martinez-Ayala pulled up to the house at 2:17 p.m., per the outlet.

KSL, citing prosecutors, added that any footage recorded after her father's return home "was deleted or never existed because of the disabling of the cameras after his arrival."

In court documents obtained by the Associated Press, prosecutors allege that Martinez-Ayala had engaged in stalking behavior for months. They added that text messages from the defendant to the victim are more of the nature of a jealous lover than a father.

The court documents, per the AP, allege that his daughter found a bag of her underwear in his room, and that Martinez-Ayala placed a tracking device on her vehicle to find her at a hiking area with a romantic interest.

Per KTVX, the father is believed to have disposed of Martinezs phone on his way to the Salt Lake City Airport, as it was discovered alongside I-80.

Prosecutors say he traveled to San Francisco and next Houston, before allegedly using his twin brother's identification when he landed in another country, per the reports. His "last known location" was outside of the U.S., KSL reported.

Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office/Facebook Marbella Martinez of the Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office

Related: Utah Woman Accused of Killing Parents and Telling Police, 'I Would Do It Again. I Hate Them'

In a statement last month, Sheriff Rosie Rivera said, "Deputy Martinez was a dedicated member of our Sheriffs Office family. In her short time with us, she became a cherished friend and an integral part of our team. Her untimely and tragic death is a profound loss for us all."

She added, Our thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones during this heartbreaking time. We hope that the investigation will provide answers and some measure of justice for our Deputy and her family.

For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on People.
Dawn Allen wasnt just a voting booth Democrat  she knocked on doors and donated money, including to President Joe Biden.

But after her son died from fentanyl poisoning last year, she grew frustrated by what she viewed as Bidens hands-off approach to the opioid crisis. Now she says she wont vote for a Democrat, and she finds herself more in line with the candidate who has focused sharply on the deadly fentanyl epidemic: former President Donald Trump.

It feels like a really bad breakup, the 47-year-old mother of three other children said from her home in a Chicago suburb. Im really, really hurt.

Allen is part of a network of opioid-affected families who are pressing government officials to do more to address what experts call the worst drug epidemic in U.S. history. Among that group, many say Trumps tough talk on drugs resonates with them, according to a series of interviews with activists and grieving family members, even though fentanyl deaths nearly doubled during his administration.

Dawn Allen's son, Benjamin, died of fentanyl poisoning last year.

The fentanyl awareness movement leans to the right  no question, said Andrea Thomas, who lost a daughter in 2018 and has become a leader of grieving parents seeking to boost the governments response to the crisis. Our U.S. government is almost complicit, and now there is such an unlimited supply of this poison here its indicative of stockpiling.

The government says fentanyl kills around 70,000 Americans each year  more than car accidents and shootings combined. The crisis has impacted Americans of all regions, income levels, races and political persuasions.

But Republicans appear to have placed a greater emphasis on the issue in their public messaging. To cite one example: The GOPs national convention in July featured an emotional prime-time speech from a mother who lost a child to fentanyl. By contrast, no prime-time speaker at the Democratic National Convention mentioned the opioid crisis.

Trump speaks about fentanyl frequently; Harris less so.

Well bust up and dismantle the gangs, savage criminal networks, and bloodthirsty cartels. And we will stop the fentanyl, Trump said during a recent campaign appearance in Michigan.

Trump has called for expanding the death penalty for drug dealers, using the military to target Mexican cartels and halting illegal border crossings to stop the importation of the drug.

Many experts say none of those things would stanch the flow of the dangerous chemical. The federal death penalty is rarely carried out, even when Trump was president; Mexican cartel leaders have vast resources at their disposal to hide themselves, even if Trump took the radical step of upending the U.S. relationship with Mexico by mounting unilateral attacks; and the government says most fentanyl is smuggled in by Americans, through lawful points of entry.

Getting to a situation where there is no fentanyl coming to the United States  its just not realistic, said Vanda Felbab-Brown, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution who has studied illegal drugs for decades.

But fentanyl activists say Trump is at least drawing attention to the issue, whereas the Biden administration, they say, is not.

We dont feel seen, we dont feel heard, said Allen. Im surprised that somebody hasnt realized or figured out that this is a huge population of people, that if we believe that you were going to respond to this and do something about it, you could very easily earn our favor.

White House officials dispute the idea that the Biden administration has failed to highlight the fentanyl crisis, and they say they have implemented sound policies to attack it. They say they have met with hundreds of opioid-affected families, made historic investments in treatment and seized a record amount of fentanyl at the border.

President Biden and Vice President Harris have taken more action and provided more funding to address this crisis than ever before, said President Bidens director of national drug control policy, Dr. Rahul Gupta.

Some grieving families are frustrated with both parties. Jim Rauh, who lost his son Thomas to fentanyl poisoning, runs a group called Families Against Fentanyl, which put up billboards with messages calling attention to the crisis at the sites of both political conventions.

He said he tries to take a nonpartisan approach to his advocacy, but, he added, its obvious who brings it up more often.

No magic bullet

The reality of fentanyl is that neither party has a magic-bullet solution.

A legal drug with medicinal uses as a strong painkiller, fentanyl has been around for years, and for a long time it was not a major factor in the American opioid crisis. But because it is cheap to make and powerful in small amounts  therefore easy to smuggle  drug dealers began selling it to opioid addicts and adulterating other drugs with it.

Overdoses and poisonings began to spike. By 2017, the year Trump took office, there were 28,000 deaths from fentanyl. By the time he left in January 2021, the number had topped 50,000.

In 2019, the Trump administration scored a major win by getting China to regulate the production of fentanyl, which led to a reduction in illegal exports from there. But Mexican cartels then began importing from China the chemical ingredients needed to make the drug. And experts say those cartels made the business decision that an increase in deaths among their customers was a small price to pay for the profitability of using fentanyl in nearly every illegal drug.

The powerful substance is now present in all manner of drugs and counterfeit pills, so people who think they are buying cocaine, methamphetamine or Percocet often end up ingesting fentanyl, sometimes with deadly results.

In 2021, during Bidens first year of office  when many Americans were still stuck at home amid the pandemic  fentanyl deaths rose by 23% to more than 70,000.

Felbab-Brown said the administration responded in part by removing barriers to drug treatment and increasing funding for it.

The Biden administration, following on what was started in the Obama administration, crucially expanded coverage, medical coverage, insurance coverage to also include substance use disorder, she said. This is absolutely critical to get people into treatment.

Last year, fentanyl deaths declined by 2%, which experts say is likely due to the increased use of Narcan that reverses overdoses something Biden made widely available.

Under Biden, seizures of fentanyl have steadily increased, and U.S. law enforcement agencies took custody of three major Mexican players in the fentanyl trade. Biden also has targeted sanctions at Chinese makers of precursor chemicals, although that has not stopped their flow to Mexico.

Felbab-Brown said the administration deserves significant credit for re-engaging China on fentanyl, but, she said, Where I think the policy is really falling short, is how we deal with the Mexican government.

Even when Mexicos president publicly and falsely proclaimed fentanyl was not produced in Mexico, the Biden administration was reluctant to publicly criticize him. Analysts say the Biden team has treated Mexico very gently even amid inaction and corruption that has allowed to thrive.

Felbab-Brown and others say that is mainly because the U.S. badly needs Mexicos help in slowing the flow of migrants to the southern U.S. border, an issue that has become a huge political liability for Democrats.

Trump repeatedly blames the increase in fentanyl deaths on the influx of 10 million migrants who crossed the border during the Biden administration. But statistics on fentanyl seizures from U.S. Customs and Border Protection tell a different story.

More than 95% of the fentanyl seized at the border is actually brought in via passenger vehicles driven by U.S. citizens, the government says. As of last year, less than 2% of those cars were scanned for fentanyl.

In 2021, the Department of Homeland Security purchased machines to scan passenger vehicles for fentanyl but a significant number have still not been installed.

NBC News reported in March that 56 of more than 100 scanners were sitting idle for three years because of a lack of funding for installation. Shortly afterward, Congress approved $200 million to install the machines. Since then, the percentage of cars crossing the border that are scanned has risen to 8%, according to a senior DHS official.

A compromise bill designed to address border security would have provided more money for more machines, but the bill died after Trump instructed his allies to oppose it.

A spokesperson for Vice President Kamala Harris campaign said she will continue Bidens drug control policies. Harris also wants to revive the border security bill and seek more funding for drug treatment, the spokesperson said.

While Donald Trump killed the toughest bipartisan border bill in decades that would dramatically increase our ability to stop fentanyl at the border  siding with fentanyl traffickers over the border patrol and the American people  the Vice President and President have surged resources to stop fentanyl at every stage of the supply chain and fought for more support for Americans fighting addiction, a spokesperson said in a statement to NBC News.

Karoline Leavitt, a spokesperson for the Trump campaign, said the campaign is regularly contacted by families who have lost loved ones to fentanyl.

Fentanyl overdose is the leading cause of death for Americans and Kamala Harris and Joe Biden dont talk about it," she said.

Grieving families wont stop pressing the issue

While the politicians squabble, April Babcock said she will keep pressuring whoever is in power.

After losing a son in 2019, she started an advocacy organization, Lost Voices of Fentanyl, which now has almost 35,000 followers on Facebook.

She said shes glad to see that deaths are dropping but she attributed that to Narcan, adding, Were not going to Narcan our way out of this.

Her group rallied with former Trump Homeland Security officials at the base of the Washington Monument this summer, raising concerns about border security.

Babcock said the parents in her organization have already picked the date for their 2025 D.C. rally. Whoever gets in that office, we are going to hold their feet to the fire, she said. Even if its Trump.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA)  The Applicant Review Committee that will help select the next Sangamon County Sheriff has announced the finalists for the position.

The committee was formed after Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell retired at the end of August. Community activists and Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker had called for his resignation for hiring former Deputy Sean Grayson, who is charged with murdering Sonya Massey.

Officials said 15 people applied for the position, but only seven remain as finalists. Interviews with the candidates begin next week, and they will all undergo a rigorous background check.

Allmon ready to fill in as Campbell exits role as Sangamon County Sheriff

The finalists for the next Sangamon County Sheriff are:

Timothy Becker  Athens Chief of Police and Retired Chief of Staff from the Illinois State Police

Bryce Benton  Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigation, Intelligence Command, Special Agent/Task Force Officer

Paula Crouch  Chief Deputy Circuit Clerk of Sangamon County and Retired Lieutenant from the Springfield Police Department

Nancy Finley  Sangamon County Sheriffs Office Sergeant

Mike Harth  Sangamon County Sheriffs Office Sergeant

Chris Mueller  Sangamon County Central Dispatch and Executive Director; Retired Lieutenant from the Springfield Police Department

Bryan Pruitt  Retired from the Illinois State Police, Captain of District 10/Troop 7

The Sangamon County Board will have a quick procedural meeting on Tuesday Sept. 10, with a longer meeting planned on Sept. 18. Along with their typical business, the board could swear in the next Sheriff at that meeting.

Investigation underway after former Springfield police officer crashes, severely injures two on motorcycle

We are truly thankful for the interest and willingness to serve shown by so many candidates. The Sheriffs Office is crucial to public safety and community trust, and we are confident that from these seven finalists, we will find the best person to lead with integrity and transparency, Sangamon County Board Chairman Andy Van Meter and Committee Chairman Judge Pat Kelley said in a joint statement.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Not a single vote was cast in opposition to building Bickel School.

Bickel was the first dedicated schoolhouse in Twin Falls, built in 1905 at the beginning of the southside irrigation project. The school opened its doors in 1906 to 68 students who were previously schooled in a makeshift building downtown.

A fleet of horse-drawn carriages took students from home to school and back.

The schools namesake, Paul S. A. Bickel, was the chief engineer for the Twin Falls Land and Water Co. before becoming the young towns first mayor.

In 1911, Bickels oldest students moved into the new Twin Falls High School, built across Shoshone Street from City Park next to the Twin Falls County Courthouse.

In 1938, a fire severely damaged the aging schoolhouse and a new Bickel Elementary School was constructed around what was left of the original building.

The new two-story building was built in the Colonial Revival style. The red brick school has a circular overhang, supported by white columns. Underneath, concrete steps lead to the original wood entryway doors.

The school was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1990.

PHOTOS: Look back at Bickel Elementary School, Twin Falls
A fire and the detonation of explosive devices have occurred due to a drone strike in the Ostrogozhsk district of Russias Voronezh Oblast. Local authorities have been evacuating residents of one village.

Source: Alexander Gusev, the governor of Voronezh Oblast, on Telegram

Details: Gusev stated that residents of one village were being temporarily evacuated to several nearby settlements. Emergency response services will inform residents of the village located closest to the fire about the beginning of the evacuation and its procedure.

Emergency services and local authorities are working at the scene.

Gusev also reminded the residents of the Ostrogozhsk district to follow safety measures, urging them not to approach the zone of the fire and to report any suspicious objects to the emergency response services instead of touching them.

Background:

On the night of 13-14 August 2024, long-range drones from the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) and defence forces, including the Air Force, Special Operations Forces, the Unmanned Systems Forces of Ukraine, Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU) and other branches, carried out the largest attack on Russian military airfields since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Explosions rang out at Voronezh, Kursk, Savasleyka and Borisoglebsk airfields.

A satellite recorded the aftermath of strikes by Ukrainian drones on the active Borisoglebsk military airfield in Voronezh Oblast, Russia.

Support UP or become our patron!
Russian ammunition warehouse allegedly on fire after drone strike on Voronezh Oblast

Editor's note: The article was updated with reports about a fire in an ammunition warehouse.

A drone attack overnight on Sept. 7 caused a fire and explosions at an unnamed facility in Russia's Voronezh Oblast, regional Governor Aleksandr Gusev reported.

According to local Telegram channels, an ammunition depot exploded near the village of Soldatskoye, resulting in a powerful blaze.

In recent months, Ukrainian forces have launched a series of drone strikes aimed at damaging Russia's military infrastructure and oil industry.

Russian air defense and electronic warfare units intercepted a drone attack in the region's Ostrogozhsky district, Gusev claimed. Fragments from the falling drone caused a fire, which spread to "explosive objects" and led to detonations.

Residents of several settlements are being temporarily evacuated, Gusev said. He urged residents not to approach the site of the fire or share images of its location.

No casualties have been reported.

The Kyiv Independent could not verify Gusev's claims at the time of publication.

Gusev on Aug. 24 reported a similar attack in the Ostrogozhsky district, also resulting in fires and explosions. Russian Telegram channels later said that the drones struck an ammunition depot in Ostrogozhsk.

Ukrainian forces have previously targeted military airfields, oil refineries, and ammunition depots in Voronezh Oblast.

Read also: Russia claims 158 drones downed in mass attack targeting refinery, power plants in Moscow, other regions

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Firearm given to another student wasnt brought onto any DCS, MCS campuses, officials say

DECATUR, Ala. (WHNT)  Decatur City Schools officials have released a statement after they say an investigation revealed a Decatur City student had given a firearm to a student in Morgan County.

According to a DCS spokesperson, the school system was notified of a report that a student attending a school in Morgan County possessed a firearm. School resource officers with DCS launched an investigation and discovered the firearm was taken from a home in Decatur and then passed on to the Morgan County student.

Morgan County agencies respond to wreck with injuries, 18-wheeler on fire on HWY 67

No evidence or reports suggest that the gun was ever on any Decatur City Schools campus, the statement from Decatur City Schools says.

News 19 reached out to Morgan County Schools, and it said the following in a statement on Facebook:

Student safety is a top priority of Morgan County Schools. We partner with many agencies to keep our schools safe. Due to a recent press release, we feel the need to clarify that NO firearm was found at a Morgan County School nor did the firearm belong to any Morgan County Schools student or any family members.

DCS says the Decatur City Schools student, 12, was already removed from the regular

school environment due to, threatening behaviors at school and at home. The school system said it notified police and the Alabama Department of Human Resources about the 12-year-old.

Download the WHNT News 19 App to stay updated on the go.

Sign up for WHNT News 19 newsletters to have news sent to your inbox.

You can read the full statement from Decatur City Schools here:

This morning, Decatur City Schools was notified of a report involving a firearm in

the possession of a student attending a school in Morgan County. Our

administrative team discovered the student obtained the firearm from a Decatur

City Schools student. Decatur City Schools immediately launched an investigation through our school

resource officers. Our investigation revealed that the firearm was taken from a

home in Decatur and then passed on to the Morgan County student. No evidence

or reports suggest that the gun was ever on any Decatur City Schools campus. We can confirm that the student had already been removed from the regular

school environment due to threatening behaviors at school and at home. We have

taken the necessary steps to notify both the police and the Alabama Department

of Human Resources, as we have concerns about the level of supervision this 12-

year-old is receiving and his ability to access firearms. We are releasing this information to ensure accurate details are shared with the

public and to prevent the spread of misinformation. We want to emphasize that

no firearm was brought onto any Decatur City Schools campus. And that the

firearm in question was recovered from a student who does not attend Decatur

City Schools. Decatur City 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 WHNT.com.
Firefighters to battle for days at wildfire in northern Germany

A fire-fighting plane flies over the Konigsberg through thick clouds of smoke and drops water. The fire on the Brocken in the Harz mountains has spread further. Matthias Bein/dpa

Firefighters in Germany are set to battle flames for several days in the northern Harz district, although a fire there is no longer spreading, a district fire chief said on Saturday.

"We succeeded in securing the fire with a lot of manpower and technology," said Harz district fire chief Kai-Uwe Lohse. The flames are burning along a length of 1,000 metres at Konigsberg, a sub peak of the Brocken mountain, the highest in the area.

Firefighters in planes fought the flames until nightfall, according to district officials.

Long plumes of smoke were earlier visible drifting over the mountain slope as fire brigades worked non-stop in the summer heat and helicopters and fire-fighting planes flew overhead.

A a fire retardant chemical was added to the water to make their efforts more effective, in a first for Germany as a nation, Lohse said.

Nevertheless, the fire brigade is preparing to deploy for several days, he said.

"We are reckoning with several days but hope that the large-scale weather change on Monday will bring an end to it," Lohse said.

The fire brigade fears that embers in the ground could ignite new fires and wind could also fan the flames.

Emergency workers are cutting protective strips into the ground and creating pathways to stop the fire from spreading and give water transport vehicles access.

The risk of forest fires is currently very high in large parts of Saxony-Anhalt as warm and dry weather is expected through Sunday, after which rain is forecast, according to the German Weather Service.

A fire-fighting helicopter flies over the Konigsberg through thick clouds of smoke and drops water. The fire on the Brocken in the Harz mountains has spread further. Matthias Bein/dpa
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  An aircraft rescue and firefighting training was held at the Rapid City Regional Airport Friday.

If a plane catches fire, there are fire trucks onsite that can disperse more than 750 gallons of water a minute, hopefully giving firefighters time to rescue any passengers who may be in danger.

13-year-old dies from injuries sustained in RC shooting

Simulated fuel spills that are fueled by propane and they fight fires and establish what we like to call a rescue path, trainer Louis Kurtz said. Essentially its a path that allows the passengers to be able to exit the aircraft safely in a manner to where the fires are isolated so they can safely evacuate, in case it was a crash.

Several fire departments were able to rotate throughout the training to ensure all the firefighters got the experience.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
As of Sept. 7, over 2,600 hectares of land in the Chornobyl zone have been affected by forest fires, according to Ukraine's Environmental Protection Ministry.

An automated radiation monitoring system continues to track radiation levels, which are currently stable.

Specific areas impacted include the Korohod, Denysovychi, Paryshiv, and Lubianka forests.

While some fires have been contained, others are still ongoing, particularly in the Denysovychi Forest, where there is significant thick smoke. Efforts to contain it are complicated, due to the presence of explosive devices.

Paryshiv forest is also partially mined. Bomb disposal teams from the Ukrainian Armed Forces have been deployed to clear these threats.

The situation is currently under control, and critical infrastructure remains unaffected.

After one of the reactors at the Chornobyl power plant exploded on April 26, 1986, vast amounts of radioactive material were released into the atmosphere.

Today, an uninhabitable exclusion zone surrounds the former nuclear power plant, and, up until the war, the site operated as a tourist attraction.

Chornobyl was occupied for several weeks by Russian forces in the initial phase of the full-scale invasion before they withdrew in March 2022.

Though Chornobyls reactors are decommissioned, there are still active projects at the site related to management of radioactive waste, spent nuclear fuel, and sources of ionizing radiation.

Read also: Polish FM: Poland should protect Ukrainian nuclear plants from Russian missiles

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Correction: A previous version of this story had the incorrect name of a fire department. The firefighter being honored at the ceremony is from the Caton Fire Department.

GANG MILLS, N.Y. (WETM)  Two first responders from the Southern Tier will be honored, and those who lost their lives on 9/11 will be remembered during a ceremony in Gang Mills on Wednesday.

A Patriot Day Remembrance Ceremony will take place at First Responder Honor Park, located at the corner of South Hamilton Street and Forest Drive in Gang Mills, at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 11. The 10th Annual Tri-County First Responder of the Year Award will be presented to a New York State Trooper from Horseheads during the ceremony.

Lawmakers promise more funding for 9/11 first responders

The Tri-County First Responder Honor Park Committee chose Trooper Brandon Salyerds to receive the award that recognizes the outstanding performance of a first responder in the Chemung, Schuyler, and Steuben tri-county area. Salyerds has been a trooper for 17 years and was involved in high-profile cases with his K9, Theo, last year. Salyerds will be recognized for his continuous work in the community and in schools in the area.

The Caton Fire Departments Robert Joe Richards Jr. will also be honored at the ceremony. Richards has been involved in the local fire service and the EMS community for more than 50 years. Richards has influenced many young people to join the fire service and EMS field over the years and has been a mentor and trainer for a large amount of local first responders.

The Honor Park Committee says that Assemblyman Phil Palmesano, Senator Tom OMara, and Congressman Nick Langworthy or their representatives will be at the remembrance ceremony to give statements. Erwin Town Manager Melissa Greenthall will also be speaking.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
It would take years, possibly decades. But Florida is looking at the possibility of adding nuclear power.

After state lawmakers this year required a study on the feasibility of expanding the use of nuclear energy, Florida Public Service Commission staff members Thursday met with experts and electric-industry officials to discuss what is known as advanced nuclear technology.

Myriad questions remain about issues such as costs and regulations. Also, future nuclear might not look like past nuclear. While advanced technology could include large nuclear plants, it also could involve small reactors that might be used by the military or industries.

Its not just Florida studying the issue. The Biden administration said in May it was forming a working group to " deliver an efficient and cost-effective deployment of clean, reliable nuclear energy and ensuring that learnings translate to cost savings for future construction and deployment. Other states have also been looking at advanced nuclear technology.

Read: Showers, storms will linger tonight; see your weekend forecast

Lauren Sher, senior director for development at Florida Power & Light who chairs a nuclear working group for the Florida Electric Power Coordinating Group, described the Florida study as a long-term view and a long game.

We think that this will help tee up these opportunities over the next several decades, Sher said during Thursdays meeting.

Jacob Williams, general manager and CEO of the Florida Municipal Power Agency and chairman of the Florida Electric Power Coordinating Group, said the state needs to diversify its energy sources, as about 75 percent of electricity is generated with natural gas. While utilities continue to build solar facilities, Williams said nuclear power could be important in meeting future needs.

Florida sits like a sore thumb. We are the most dependent (part of the country) on a basically single source of electricity, Williams said.

Read: Homeowner who caused flooding by plugging drainpipe could face criminal charges

Thursdays meeting was the first formal step as the Public Service Commission carries out a legislative directive to submit a report by April about the possibility of using advanced nuclear technology. That includes the possibility of adding nuclear power at military bases.

Lawmakers included the nuclear-power study in a bill (HB 1645) that drew attention for higher-profile issues such as eliminating references in state law to reducing greenhouse-gas emissions and barring offshore wind-energy production.

Nuclear plants generate about 13 percent of Floridas electricity, according to a state House analysis, with Florida Power & Light operating the St. Lucie and Turkey Point plants.

Read: Daytona Beach police use sweet treats to connect with children in the community

But the state hasnt had new nuclear plants since the 1970s and 1980s. Also, Duke Energy Florida decided in 2013 to permanently shut down a Crystal River nuclear plant that had sustained damage in a containment building.

Cayce Hinton, director of the commissions Office of Industry Development and Market Analysis, said Thursday the study will look at a variety of technologies. That includes large-scale reactors, known as AP1000 reactors, similar to generating units that began operating in 2003 and this year at a power plant in Georgia.

But Mary Lou Dunzik-Gougar, a professor of nuclear engineering at Idaho State University, said technology also could include much-smaller reactors that would be more versatile. That includes microreactors that would fit on the backs of trucks and could be deployed quickly by users such as the military.

Hinton asked Dunzik-Gougar about safety, what he described as the elephant in the room.

In laymans terms, are we comfortable that a small modular reactor on the back of a truck being used in a mobile fashion, that were not looking at radiological disasters? Hinton asked.

You mean, like a mobile Chernobyl? Dunzik-Gougar joked.

But she said nuclear has proven to be a safe source of electricity.

We already know nuclear is the safest, and its not going to be changed by having a very small reactor on a truck, Dunzik-Gougar said. You can talk about transporting any sort of fuel, same idea, theres risk, but its actually pretty much less with nuclear.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Mental health is not easy for anyone to discuss openly. But, in some religious communities, there is an added stigma that may hinder an open dialogue  and thats particularly true in the Islamic faith.

The South Florida Muslim Federation (SoFlo Muslims), an umbrella organization representing over 40 mosques and Islamic organizations across South Florida, has decided to tackle the sensitive issue by starting some tough, but potentially life-saving, conversations.

The local Muslim group is expanding its campaign Florida Muslim Mental Health, which focuses on improving mental health in the Muslim community, to include suicide and self-harm prevention. Its the first time the group has offered workshops and resources focused specifically on that difficult-to-discuss topic.

This is really big for us, having people come and slowly start the discussion about these things, said Dr. Nuha Mirghani, operations manager for SoFlo Muslims. Were hoping to reach everyone ... were going to provide pages with free services, and all the advice we can provide.

The project, originally launched in 2022, helps connect people with resources, including a network of Muslim mental health professionals, many of whom are offering discounted or free care services, as well as Islamic counseling. The goal is to be culturally relevant while providing professional care.

The problem of suicide has affected us, has touched us, unfortunately, in some pretty profound ways, said Waheeda Saif, a licensed mental health counselor and suicide prevention consultant for SoFlo Muslims. So we make sure that were having these really important conversations in our community and theres a really easy way to do that in September.

The four workshops  which coincide with Suicide Prevention Month  will be hosted at various mosques, community centers and restaurants throughout the tri-county area. They aim to educate people on the facts of suicide and self-harm, dispel any myths and help people learn how to recognize the warning signs.

Sessions are geared towards different demographic groups (teens, women, men, seniors), but anyone  regardless of religious background  can attend for free by registering here.

Stigma surrounding suicide

One of the most important aspects of the campaign, according to leaders of the Muslim Federation, is to simply provide a place for Muslims to talk about mental health and suicide  a topic that can be taboo in many Muslim households.

In a lot of our communities, these things are not talked about, said Mirghani. Were not allowed to talk about suicide and depression and these things in our houses. No matter how educated people are. Its still a big stigma in our cultures.

Part of this stigma stems from what Imam Azhar Subedar, development director of SoFlo Muslims, explains as cultural norms and how society dictates the teachings of the Quran.

We are not supposed to even consider harming ourselves, forget harming others, he said. A teaching of our religion is mercy. Lord is merciful so you are supposed to be a mercy to yourselves, to each other and to the creation at large.

The religion of Islam does condemn suicide, but Subedar said that he believes suicide is not spoken about much because people dont always understand the magnitude of the problem.

In many countries and in many cultures, suicide is deemed as  of course its wrong, its a sin, its something you shouldnt do  however the understanding as to why one shouldnt discuss it is not based out of religion, its based out of ignorance.

For Muslims who experience loss of a loved one due to suicide, its common for people to say the person had lost their religion, or is far from the religion, Subedar said.

While this may be true, there are multiple factors that contribute to someone deciding to end their life.

People often think that suicide is A to B causation. This happened. Thats why a person killed themselves. Thats never the reason why, said mental health counselor, Saif. Its really important to understand the suicide is a complicated, multifactorial event. Simplifying suicide to a single causation event is very dangerous.

A flyer of a suicide prevention workshop sponsored by the South Florida Muslim Federation advertises an event for young adults and middle-aged men. The events are open to the community.

A problem all over the world

The importance of mental health and wellness has become more pertinent in the years since the COVID pandemic, which worsened mental health, including stress and anxiety, among adults and young people in the United States. Suicide has been called a critical public health problem in the United States by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The most recent statistics on suicide in America speak volumes.

Nearly 49,500 people died by suicide in 2022, the highest number ever for the United States, according to the CDC. Another 1.6 million made an attempt at their own life and over 13 million seriously thought about suicide.

Thats a lot of pain, Saif said.

Health professionals encourage people to discuss their mental health problems with a trusted support system  a friend, family member, mental health professional  during tough times.

For people who attend religious services regularly, faith leaders are often a part of this network: 58% of regular attenders would be comfortable talking about their mental health with a religious leader, according to a Pew Research survey from earlier this year.

With an issue as complex as suicide, Saif acknowledges that there are many avenues to treatment, including talking with religious counselors. But, the point of the workshops is to educate everyone on the signs of suicide so people know how to spot them and urge someone toward finding help.

The campaign provides a safe space for Muslims to discuss the unique societal pressures they face, but the workshops are open to anyone.

While we are being very pointed and intentional about having this conversation, this is  not just a South Florida Muslim conversation, she said. This is decidedly a problem all over the world.

If the campaign on suicide prevention is successful, the leaders of the Federation are hoping to replicate the workshops for other sensitive problems such as depression or domestic abuse, for example.

Religion and suicide

In the world of religion, suicide is a complex issue. In many faiths, including Islam, harming oneself is believed to be an unforgivable sin, punishable by eternal damnation.

If a person in their sane right mind goes ahead and takes their life, they will be punished for eternity in the afterlife, Imam Subedar said.

However, as Subedar points out, many people who attempt or die by suicide are not mentally stable.

One must not pass judgment on people who commit suicide due to mental health issues, because they are not stable and sane, Subedar said. Sanity, in Islam is a prerequisite for many things.

In a post 9/11 world, many people, particularly Americans, still, over twenty years later, hold misconceptions about Muslims and Islam that have contributed to a rise in hate crimes against Muslims and anti-Muslim political rhetoric. Suicide bombings have been carried out by extremist and terrorist groups that have twisted the teachings of the Quran, Subedar said.

Islam does not promote that. Its just not permissible, Subedar said about suicide bombings. We have to take back the faith from those who have made the faith seem otherwise.

Subedar said that it is government officials that declare war, not religious leaders. And that any individuals involved in terrorist attacks and Al-Qaeda are fringe or rouge individuals.

From an mental health perspective, Saif said shes seeing people in general becoming more comfortable with talking about hard topics than in the past.

Its been a slow movement ... but breaking down the shame and the stigma, having these conversations has been hard, said Saif. The younger folks have been better. Theyre kind of the ones leading the way.

Leila Enver holds a sign encouraging people to talk about thoughts of suicide. The photo is a part of a new mental health campaign by the South Florida Muslim Federation.

FOR HELP

If you are having thoughts of harming yourself, call or text the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or reach out through chat by visiting 988lifeline.org/chat. Veterans can call 988 and press 1.

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is a hotline for individuals in crisis or for those looking to help someone else. To speak with a trained listener, call 988 .

Crisis Text Line is a texting service for emotional crisis support. To speak with a trained listener, text HELLO to 741741 . It is free, available 24/7, and confidential.

For Florida-based facts and resources on suicide prevention, visit the Florida Health website here.

This story was produced with financial support from Trish and Dan Bell and from donors comprising the South Florida Jewish and Muslim Communities, in partnership with Journalism Funding Partners. The Miami Herald maintains full editorial control of this work.
Florida police searching for puppy thief who fled pet store with dog in hoodie

Florida police searching for puppy thief who fled pet store with dog in hoodie

FORT MYERS, Fla. (WFLA)  Police are searching for a man who they said stole a puppy from a Fort Myers pet store and concealed it in a hoodie on Thursday.

The Fort Myers Police Department is asking for the publics help in identifying the man who entered the Pet Kingdom around 11:45 a.m. and removed a black and grey Maltipoo puppy.

Fort Myers Police Department

Fort Myers Police Department

Fort Myers Police Department

The man reportedly put the dog in a blue hoodie before leaving the store in an unknown direction.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or can identify the man or his whereabouts is asked to call the department at 239-321-770.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
The Florida state agency in charge of running its Medicaid program as well as licensing and regulating health providers is publicly targeting a ballot measure that would restore and codify abortion rights in the state, a move that critics say is a blatant violation of state law.

A website launched by the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) on Thursday openly blasted Amendment 4, which would enshrine abortion rights into the state constitution.

The amendment threatens womens safety, the website states, while current Florida law, which bans abortion after about six weeks gestation protects women.

Dont let the fearmongers lie to you, reads the top of the agencys page. Florida is protecting life.

The website uses language typically voiced by anti-abortion campaigns or politicians who oppose the amendment. It lists several truths about the amendment, while offering statistics about the procedure in the state.

We must keep Florida from becoming an abortion tourism destination state, it states.

It implies the amendment is vague and open-ended and could allow unregulated abortions at any point in pregnancy  an argument often made by those opposing the measure.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) is one of the most vocal opponents of the measure and has launched a political action committee targeting it.

A state panel, with members largely appointed by DeSantis, approved language for a required financial impact statement saying the initiative will have a negative impact on the state budget.

DeSantis oversees the health agency, but it is run by Jason Weida, a political appointee.

In a post on social media, Weida promoted the new website, saying it was an effort to combat the lies and disinformation surrounding Floridas abortion laws.

Similarly, the AHCA pushed back against the idea that it was improperly campaigning against the amendment and called the website a transparency page meant to educate Floridians.

Part of the Agencys mission is to provide information and transparency to Floridians on the quality of care they receive, the agency said in an unsigned statement to The Hill. Our new transparency page serves to educate Floridians on the states current abortion law, and provide information on the impacts of a proposed policy change on the ballot in November.

But critics including state Democrats and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) disagreed. State Senate Democratic Leader Lauren Book said that using an official government agency for political campaigning is a clear violation of state law.

The law states that no employee or officer of the state shall use the authority of his or her position to secure support for, or oppose, any candidate, party, or issue in a partisan election or affect the results thereof.

Bacardi Jackson, executive director of the ACLU of Florida, called the websites language a desperate attempt to further spread misinformation about the ballot measure.

With only 61 days before the election, launching misinformation about Amendment 4 is irresponsible and an attempt to sabotage the vote, Jackson said in a statement.

This kind of propaganda issued by the state, using taxpayer money and operating outside of the political process sets a dangerous precedent, she added.

Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried said the website was anti-Amendment 4  bulls.

Using state agency resources for campaign purposes is illegal, and were looking into any and all recourse to take this website down, Fried said.

Abortion is currently banned in Florida after the detection of fetal cardiac activity, which is usually around six weeks and often before many women know they are pregnant. The law has some exceptions for medical emergencies, including if the womans life is threatened.

Amendment 4 would enshrine the right to abortion up to fetal viability into the state constitution, ending the current ban.

A majority of Florida voters say they back the ballot measure, but it needs 60 percent to become law.

Ben Wilcox, the research director for government watchdog group Integrity Florida, said the AHCAs efforts are extremely problematic.

Theyre using public dollars to campaign against a proposed constitutional amendment that is not supposed to be decided by the government. Its supposed to be decided by the voters, Wilcox said.

Ive never seen a state agency, a publicly funded agency, put out a piece of information that, its essentially their opinion of what this constitutional amendment would do. I think it kind of smacks of desperation.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Photo via iStock / Getty Images Plus

Secretary of State Adrian Fontes told the Arizona Supreme Court on Friday that voters, and not the courts, should decide the fate of the Make Elections Fair Act.

With ballots in many Arizona counties already sent to the printers, theres no question that Proposition 140, as the proposed constitutional amendment is known, will be on those ballots. The question is whether the votes for or against it will count for anything after the Supreme Court last month ordered a trial court to reconsider a challenge to the petition signatures need for the measure to qualify for the ballot.

The trial court had previously rejected proposed evidence that some 40,000 signatures were actually duplicates, making them invalid. That judge had ruled Prop. 140 had about 32,000 petition signatures more than needed.

No provision in the Arizona Constitution permits a measure to go to the ballot, and allow millions of voters to vote on it, only for those votes to be invalidated, Kara Karlson, an assistant attorney general, wrote on behalf of Fontes in a Friday court filing.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX

After the Supreme Court told the trial court judge he needed to reopen the case and examine that evidence to determine whether Prop. 140 has the signatures required to go before voters in November, the chief justice issued an order spelling out how the courts could order elections officials to simply not count any votes cast on the measure if the renewed examination of the signatures results in the ballot measure being disqualified.

If voters favor it, the Make Elections Fair Act would amend the Arizona Constitution to create an open primary system where all candidates for federal, state and local offices would face off in a single primary election instead of segregated partisan elections. Those primaries would also include candidates who are politically unaffiliated.

All voters, regardless of party affiliation, would get the chance to vote for their favorite candidate without the need for separate ballots. Races that are currently considered safe bets for either political party would likely see new competition and upended expectations.

The political committee behind the Make Elections Fair Act argued on Aug. 28 that the Arizona Supreme Court should reconsider its decision since ballots would be printed before the court case concludes. The high courts decision not to rule on the signature challenge before the ballot-printing deadline, and then threatening to ignore votes cast on the measure, would disenfranchise voters in an unprecedented way, the campaign alleged.

But the plaintiffs in the signature challenge argued that the evidence of duplicate signatures submitted to the court deserved to be considered.

Daniel Arellano wrote last month on behalf of the challengers that some of the duplicate signatures were so obviously identical that there should be no question, specifically pointing out 15 signatures from a single voter.

The states high court had said it wasnt bound by ballot-printing deadlines when it sent the signatures back to the lower court.

(T)he courts role is to dispense justice, Chief Justice Ann Scott Timmer wrote in the Aug. 23 order. Courts cannot be forced to rule rashly to meet a ballot printing deadline or provide the parties with certainty.

But Fontes, echoing the Make Elections Fair committees argument, told the high court that it was upending decades of its own precedents by allowing a challenge to a ballot initiative to continue past the ballot-printing deadline.

The appropriate remedy is simple, Karlson wrote. Once the ballots have gone to print, it is in the hands of Arizonas voters. The person contesting an issue (or candidate) can make a case to the voters, but the Courts cannot usurp the voters decision once it goes to them.

She also alluded to a trend toward election denialism in Arizona that has occurred over the past four years, and that a court ordering the Secretary of State not to count votes that had already been cast could heighten already difficult conditions.

It is difficult to imagine a more opaque process than one in which voters will be faced with a dozen propositions to vote on, only to find out later that their vote on one of those issues meant nothing, because the Secretary was enjoined from including it in the final canvass, Karlson wrote. This is the wrong precedent to set, regardless of the circumstances surrounding the election.

Karlson pointed out that challengers and judges in election cases always know that theyre on a strict deadline and that they had ample time to make their case, adding that ballots sent to Arizona voters serving in the military and living overseas were due to be sent by Sept. 21. The court case might not be resolved by that date, which is closely followed by the beginning of early voting on Oct. 9.

Arizona has a strong public policy of favoring certainty and finality in elections, Karlson wrote. Arizonas election officials fulfilled their statutory duties by verifying hundreds of thousands of petition signatures within the unforgiving statutory deadlines.

In contrast, the challengers have not been held to the same strict deadlines, she argued.

Given the far-reaching implications of this Court potentially enjoining the canvass, the Secretary requests this Court to reconsider its previous ruling and affirm the principle that once the ballots have gone to print, any challenge must end, Karlson wrote.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
In their footsteps: FDNY and NYPD members follow in the paths of heroic 9/11 dads

Firefighters and cops who lost their parents on 9/11 were motivated to serve.

When the North Tower collapse on 9/11, Thomas Gambino III knew in his gut that his father, FDNY Firefighter Thomas Gambino Jr., was dead.

At his fathers funeral, he knew what hed be doing the rest of his life.

The younger Gambino, who was 20 at the time, is one of more than 75 sons and daughters of the 343 FDNY members lost on 9/11  or later succumbed to Ground Zero-related diseases  who went on to become firefighters or medics.

Detective Jillian Suarez is one of six known to have followed their Finest parents into the force. Brigitte Stelzer

Police Officer Ramon Suarezs on a subway in his younger days as an NYPD Transit cop. NEW YORK POST

I was actually supposed to go surfing with my friends and for whatever reason we had a late night and I didnt get up that morning, Gambino III, 43, told The Post.

I could hear the phone ringing in the kitchen of the house. I still lived at home. And it just kept ringing and ringing. I was like all right, Im getting up.

It was his friends calling to tell him to turn on his TV.

When the buildings collapsed, the South Tower first, it was gut wrenching, said Gambino III. Not just because of the overall magnitude of it. I had a really strong suspicion that my dad was in there pretty much right away.

Later that night, his family got confirmation that his dad, who worked at Rescue 3 in the Bronx, was in the pile somewhere under the North Tower.

For years before he had thought about joining the department but never fully committed to it. Instead he joined a band, and got his two-year degree at Suffolk County Community College.

The pivotal moment was really arriving at the funeral, said Gambino III. It struck something in me hearing the bagpipes and seeing these guys line up.

Kathy Vigiano with her husband Joseph Vigiano, who was killed in the World Trade Center on 9/11.

Joe Vigiano Jr., whose father Joseph Vigiano, died on 9/11, is honored with a student award. in front of other ESU officers. James Messerschmidt for NY Post

Though I was completely grief stricken and overwhelmed by my pain, I knew at that point that I was going to do this, added Gambino III, whos been with the FDNY since 2004 and works at Ladder 126 in Jamaica/South Ozone Park in Queens.

The NYPD lost 23 officers in the 9/11 terror attacks, and Detective Jillian Suarez is one of six known to have followed their Finest parents into the force.

Her dad, Roman Suarez, a 45-year-old NYPD transit cop, saved two women, one an asthmatic and the other, seven-months-pregnant, from the North Tower before dying in the terror attacks. He was posthumously awarded the NYPDs Medal of Honor.

New NYPD officer Barry Driscoll getting his badge from Police Commissioner Ray Kelly at the police academy wearing the badge number of his father, who died at the World Trade Center on September 11th. William Farrington

Memorial service today for Sgt.Timothy Alan Roy at St. William the Abbot Roman Catholic Church in Seaford L.I. His wife Stacy and three children, Caitlyn 10, Brittney 8 and Timmy Jr 3, attend the service with other family members and friends. New York Post

Her fathers death made Jillian want to go into actual law enforcement, and honor her father and wear his badge, her mom, Carmen Suarez, recalled.

Jillian, who joined the NYPDs ranks in 2018, is now a detective in the departments crime scene unit, working all over the five boroughs, her mother said.

I am absolutely beyond proud of her, Carmen said. I get scared, of course. Theres a lot of danger out there in law enforcement, and sadly, some people forget that its not just a blue uniform  behind that uniform is a person just like you and me,

Joe Vigiano Jr, whose father Joseph Vigiano, died on 9/11, is with his son Joseph Vincent Vigiano II at ESU graduation. James Messerschmidt for NY Post

Barry Driscoll joined the NYPD in 2010 and was given the shield number of his father, Police Officer Stephen Driscoll who died at the World Trade Center.

Brothers Joe and James Vigiano both followed their dad, NYPD Detective Joseph Vigiano Sr.  and their mom  to become Big Apple cops.

James was 6 years old when his father died on 9/11 trying to rescue victims as a member of the departments Emergency Services Unit 2.

The now 29-year-old son remembers being in school, seeing teachers in the hallway crying, then being led into the cafeteria  where he saw his brother and other children of cops and firefighters.

Firefighter Thomas Gambino (3rd from right) who died during the Sept. 11 attacks on the World Trade Center Courtesy of the Gambino Family

It wasnt until later that day that his mom, now-retired Police Officer Kathy Vigiano, told James and Joe that their dad wouldnt be coming home, James said in a video produced by the NYPD.

Honestly, Ive wanted to be a police officer since I could talk, he said. I had two dreams: I wanted to be a Marine and I wanted to be a police officer and Ive done both.

Today, James works in the 75th Precinct in East New York, the same precinct where his mother once served. Joe, now 31, is a member of the NYPDs Emergency Service Squad 7 in Brooklyn.

Firefighter Thomas Gambino, who died during the September 11 attack on the World Trade Center, right with his sons, left is Thomas Gambino III who has also joined the FDNY. Courtesy of the Gambino Family

The helmet worn by Firefighter Thomas Gambino Jr. at the World Trade Center. Courtesy of the Gambino Family

The third Vigiano brother, U.S. Marine John Vigiano, who is stationed in Hawaii, also plans to become a police officer, his mother told The Post. Whether its in Gotham is still up in the air.

He keeps going back and forth, Kathy said, explaining that he plans to either join the NYPD or the Suffolk County Police Department.

They were so young that we never talked about what they might do when they grew up, she said. But I think he would be very proud.
Thirteen former cadets at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy accused overseers of the Connecticut school on Thursday of failing to prevent sexual violence on campus and covering it up, in federal complaints seeking $10 million apiece in damages.

The former cadets, who all say they were sexually assaulted at the academy from the 1980s to more recent years, filed Federal Tort Claims Act administrative complaints against the Coast Guard, its parent agency, the Department of Homeland Security, and its former parent agency, the Department of Transportation.

They allege the Coast Guard's failure to put adequate policies and practices in place allowed sexual violence to go unchecked at the academy in New London, Connecticut, and that officials covered up the prevalence of sexual assault and harassment at the school.

How a Coast Guard email erupted into a reckoning of sexual assault

Coast Guard officials said in a statement that the service had received the complaints, but they were barred by federal law from discussing them. They said the service is devoting significant resources to improving prevention, victim support, and accountability.

Sexual assault and sexual harassment have no place in our Service, the statement said. The Coast Guard is committed to protecting our workforce and ensuring a safe and respectful environment that eliminates sexual assault, sexual harassment, and other harmful behaviors.

The complaints follow revelations the Coast Guard kept secret a probe, called Operation Fouled Anchor, into sexual assault and harassment on campus. The investigation found that dozens of cases involving cadets from 1990 to 2006 had been mishandled by the school, including the prevention of some perpetrators from being prosecuted.

The revelations, first reported by CNN, sparked calls for major reforms and long-awaited accountability for offenders and those who protected them. There are multiple government and congressional investigations underway looking into the mishandling of serious misbehavior at the school and beyond.

What happened to these individuals at the academy has really had a lifelong impact, said Christine Dunn, a lawyer who is representing the former cadets. Some of them are still suffering from active PTSD. As a result, their careers have been ruined. As a result, marriages have been ruined.

Coast Guard officials have previously said theyre taking action to change and improve the culture at the academy and in the service in response to the allegations raised in the Operation Fouled Anchor investigation.

Among the former cadets who filed a complaint Thursday is a woman named in the papers as Jane Doe 1, who said she was raped twice at the academy and later gang-raped multiple times while serving on a ship after graduating from the school.

After the first rape on campus, she said she didn't think she could report it because it would be her word against that of the well-liked senior cadet she said attacked her. She also said she had heard of other female cadets who were not believed when they raised sexual misconduct allegations.

About a year later, she said she did inform a campus official that she was attacked, although she did not provide details or the name of the alleged attacker. The official did not formally report it, she said. Years later, she reported it herself to Coast Guard officials. Disciplinary proceedings were held against the alleged attacker but were dismissed, she said. Officials told her too much time had passed for a successful prosecution, she said.

She said she didn't feel like she could report the subsequent rapes.

The culture of silence and victim-blaming perpetuated in the Coast Guard prevented me from immediately reporting what happened to me each time, and caused me to completely lose my physical, emotional, and mental stability, she said in her complaint.

She said she not only has suffered psychological anguish but physical trauma as well. She said she has suffered chronic pain because of the attacks including a pelvic disorder and migraines and that she had several abdominal surgeries including a hysterectomy because of her injuries.

Another former cadet, named as Jane Doe 2, said she was raped at the academy but did not immediately report it because of how other women were treated when they raised similar allegations. She said when she did report it to a superior, she was never called to testify as part of any investigation. She also alleged school officials discouraged her from reporting the rape and said her written statement about the attack had been lost.

She said the mental and physical trauma she suffered affected her career and personal life, including low-rated performance reviews and the end of her first marriage.

I have chronic insomnia and constantly need to ensure my sleeping and living space is safe and all doors are locked, she said in her complaint. I have severe anxiety. I have experienced stress related health problems including low thyroid, infertility, core issues, and a lack of sexual satisfaction. It has harmed my current marriage.

After the filing of such complaints under the Federal Tort Claims Act, the Coast Guard has six months or longer to investigate the allegations. If the service dismisses the complaints, the former cadets could file federal lawsuits, Dunn said.

The former cadets' lawyers say they expect more victims to come forward because of the complaints filed Thursday.

Today marks a historic turning point in addressing the epidemic of sexual violence at the Coast Guard Academy, said J. Ryan Melogy, another lawyer for the former cadets. For far too long, the Coast Guard has relied on a culture of silence, fear, and retaliation to keep survivors from seeking accountability for the horrific injustices they faced as cadets.
Charles Huang, co-founder of Pasadena's Innova Medical Group, arrives at L.A. County Superior Court in Pasadena to testify about an alleged plot to extort $20 million from him. (Ringo Chiu / For The Times)

A former employee of a Pasadena businessman whose company made billions of dollars selling COVID tests was ordered Friday to stand trial, along with two alleged accomplices, for attempting to extort $20 million from him by threatening to post sex tapes online.

Sunny Xiaolei Sun, 41, a former employee of Pasaca Capital, and Lihua Stearns, 58, and Xiadong She, 64, a Nevada couple, will each face trial on one count of extortion in the alleged plot against founder Charles Huang. They are not in custody, with the trial expected sometime next year.

Read more: Inside the legal drama embroiling a Pasadena startup that grossed billions selling COVID tests

Judge Rupa Goswami issued the ruling after a preliminary hearing in Pasadena Superior Court during which Huang testified over two days about his relationship with Sun, who was hired in April 2022 to be the chief of communications and public relations for his business, despite her background as a personal trainer.

Huang, 60, said Sun, who was living in New York, moved to Pasadena and was put up in a company condominium where the pair had "consensual" sex "five or six times" over the course of about six months  before their relationship broke down later in the year.

Huang testified that at an Arcadia Starbucks in January 2023 he met with Stearns, a friend of Sun, who said that the executive wanted $200 million in exchange for not posting the surreptitious videos she had made of them having sex.

Huang called the figure "laughable" because he didn't have that kind of money, and he said the defendants eventually agreed that $20 million was a more reasonable amount. He said he made an initial payment of $600,000.

The businessman said he took the threats seriously because the public release of the videos could discourage potential business partners from working with him and destroy his marriage of more than 30 years. Court records show his wife filed for divorce this year but then dismissed the petition.

"I wanted to protect my reputation. As a businessman I have a reputation. As a private individual I have a reputation," Huang, a native of Wuhan, China, said in the court hearing. "Once the video was exposed ... my family could absolutely be ruined."

After the alleged extortion started, Huang said, he hired an attorney and a private detective and began surreptitiously recording conversations with the defendants. He also informed sheriff's deputies of what was happening, and Stearns was arrested May 2, 2023, at a park in Arcadia where she went to meet Huang.

Her husband was arrested the next day after he went looking for her at Huang's house in Arcadia. Sun turned herself in after the charges were filed on May 4, 2023. Sun, Stearns and She have pleaded not guilty.

The case comes amid bitter civil litigation between Huang and his former partners at Innova Medical Group, a subsidiary of Pasaca Capital that grossed more than $5 billion selling COVID antigen tests to the British government during the pandemic.

Huang has accused two former partners of stealing $106 million in commissions, while he has been accused by former partners, executives and business associates of wasting funds on poor investments and an extravagant lifestyle, including hiring his girlfriends. He has denied the accusations, though he admitted on the witness stand to having had sex with another executive at his companies.

Sun's attorney, Garo Madenlian, argued in court that no extortion actually took place, because his client was actually trying to "foolishly" negotiate a settlement after her attorney at the time sent letters to Huang in early 2023 accusing him of luring Sun to Pasadena under the pretense of a job.

Prosecutors never presented any video as evidence. Huang testified that Stearns showed him a very brief video clip on her iPhone of him taking his trousers off, but it was unclear from the testimony if the video had been surreptitiously recorded.

Attorney David Lopez, who represents Stearns and She, argued that Stearns was acting under the direction of Huang to help resolve Sun's claims. Huang acknowledged that in communications with him Stearns referred to him as "boss" in Mandarin and that he had offered the woman shares in one of his companies if she could sell COVID tests to hotel and casino chains in Las Vegas.

"They were trying to help," Lopez said. "They are literally working for Mr. Huang."

To have defendants stand trial, prosecutors need only show probable cause that a crime was committed.

Goswami ruled that the threat to "expose a secret"  a key element of extortion  was met by the prosecution. "It could be damaging on multiple different levels," she said of the purported tapes. The crime, a felony, is punishable by up to four years served in a county jail.

In April, an anonymous plaintiff filed a civil lawsuit against Huang, accusing him of sexual battery, sex trafficking and other wrongdoing.

Huang's attorneys filed a cross-complaint this week, accusing the plaintiff, Stearns and She of extortion.

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.
Ex-federal prosecutor Thomas Dupree on Friday weighed the impact of election results on former President Trumps hush money case sentencing, which will happen in late November.

I think in New York, for my perspective, I think the judge will not be able to sentence him to an immediate term of incarceration, Dupree told NewsNations Blake Burman on The Hill on the topic of Trump recapturing the White House in early November. I dont think constitutionally you could condemn [an] incumbent or soon-to-be president of the United States to sit in a jail cell.

Trumps sentencing in the hush money case was pushed on Friday to Nov. 26, a few weeks following Election Day. It had been previously set to occur later this month.

When asked about the possibility of Trump failing to regain the office of the presidency before sentencing, Dupree responded that he believes number one, it at least creates the possibility of a jail sentence, because obviously you wouldnt be infringing on a president-elects power, to exercise the power of his office.

With only around two months to go to the election, Trump is neck-and-neck with Vice President Harris in polling in some battleground states like Pennsylvania, Georgia and Arizona, according to averages of polls from The Hill/Decision Desk HQ. However, Harris is leading the former president in an average of national polls from The Hill/Decision Desk HQ by 3.8 points.

Harris and Trump are set to go head-to-head in a presidential debate next Tuesday night hosted by ABC News, the first debate of the cycle in which Harris has been at the top of the Democratic ticket.

NewsNation is owned by Nexstar Media Group, which also owns The Hill.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 President George W. Bush will not make formal election endorsement, office says

Former President George W. Bush doesn't plan to make an endorsement or voice how he or his wife Laura will vote in November, his office told ABC News Saturday.

PHOTO: President Bush Holds Press Conference At White House (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

The announcement came a day after Bush's vice president, Dick Cheney, announced he would cross party lines and vote for Vice President Kamala Harris.

MORE: Former Republican Vice President Dick Cheney says he'll vote for Harris

Cheney said former President Donald Trump "can never be trusted with power again."

"In our nations 248-year history, there has never been an individual who is a greater threat to our republic than Donald Trump. He tried to steal the last election using lies and violence to keep himself in power after the voters had rejected him," he said in a statement.

Cheney's daughter, former Wyoming member of the House Liz Cheney, also announced this week that she would be voting for Harris.

Former President George W. Bush will not make formal election endorsement, office says originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Gov. Roy Cooper, left, shakes hands with House Speaker Tim Moore, center and Senate Leader Phil Berger prior to Coopers biennial State of the State address to a joint session of the General Assembly at the Legislative Building Monday evening, Feb. 26, 2019.

At the end of August, the North Carolina Supreme Court rejected Gov. Roy Coopers request for Justice Phil Berger, Jr., son of Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger, to recuse himself from two cases centering over whether the General Assembly should have appointment authority to various boards, one of which was the State Board of Elections. The recusal request came over the fact that, as Senate leader, the elder Berger is named as a defendant in the cases.

I agree with my colleague Dr. Andy Jacksons conclusion that Justice Berger could hear both these cases since the elder Berger is named as a defendant only in his official capacity. Nevertheless, I do believe that the legislature has overreached in these cases and violated the separation of powers.

My work on election law and in the appointment process at the state legislature leads me to take issue with the changes made to the state and county board of elections appointments. The administration of elections is an inherently executive function. For that reason, the General Assembly appears to have violated the state constitutions separation of powers clause by moving the appointments from the executive to the legislative branch.

In order to understand the existing law, one must be familiar with two court cases regarding appointment authorities: McCrory v. Berger (2016) and Cooper v. Berger (2018). The McCrory case established that for boards and commissions charged with the execution of law, appointments must be done by the executive branch. The McCrory case was the reason why a state superior court rejected the legislatures initial proposal to combine the Board of Elections and State Ethics Commission.

The court rejected the proposed joint Board of Elections and Ethics because the legislature attempted to control the appointments, not because the change would make the Board of Elections evenly split between the two largest parties. While I question the constitutionality of the legislature controlling the appointments, I believe that an evenly split Board of Elections is not only constitutional but also a better system than our current one.

To support a balanced board, the court needs to reject the decision made in Cooper v. Berger (2018) that the governors party must retain a majority on the board to implement the governors policy preferences. That decision distorted the McCrory decision like a funhouse mirror, wrote Justice Mark Martin in his dissent. Martin, who had authored the McCrory decision, correctly discussed the separation of powers between the legislature and the governor.

When a boards function is executing the law, [the governor] must have an appropriate combination of appointment and removal powers, to ensure the laws are faithfully executed. It does not mean that the governors party must also have the majority of members or that the governor himself has the final say on the execution of the law.

The best result of the latest appointments cases would be to apply the intent of McCrory v. Berger laid out by Justice Martin. This means rejecting some of the board changes made by the General Assembly in Senate Bill 512, such as to the Board of Transportation, which saw a majority of its appointments move from the governor to the legislature. In the State Board of Elections case, the court should meet the legislature halfway, keeping the appointment of its members within the executive branch while allowing an evenly divided Board of Elections so that no one party has a distinct advantage.

Jim Stirling is a Research Fellow at the John Locke Foundations Civitas Center for Public Integrity in Raleigh. He served in the General Assembly as an intern in Sen. Phil Bergers office (2016-2019), a Research assistant (2020), and a Legislative assistant (2021).
The much-anticipated high-speed railway connecting Hangzhou and Wenzhou officially began operating from Friday, marking a significant milestone in the transportation infrastructure of Zhejiang province.

With this, the "one-hour transport circle" between the two cities has become a reality, connecting key urban areas and bringing high-speed railway access to more regions, according to experts.

The inaugural trains G9505 and G9508, simultaneously departed from Hangzhou West Station and Wenzhou North Station at 9 am.

With the total length of the main line at 276 kilometers and a design speed of 350 kilometers per hour, the journey from Hangzhou West station to Wenzhou North station can now be completed in just 87 minutes.

Zhang Yi, general manager of the Rail Transit Department of Zhejiang Communications Investment Group Co, said: "It strengthens the rapid connection between the southernmost part of the Yangtze River Delta region, Wenzhou, and other key cities in the region, further accelerating the integration of'the Yangtze River Delta region on rails.'"

Nanxi River Station, located in Fenglin township, Yongjia county, Wenzhou, is one of the stations along the line. Situated in the core area of the national scenic spot Nanxi River, the station is only a 10-minute drive from Huolu village in Fenglin. This village, with its idyllic landscape of mountains and rivers, is poised to benefit from the railroad's opening.

On Wednesday, Huang Shaowang, deputy director of the village committee, said: "Through the renovation of our village, we are creating a new model of rural development that combines agriculture, culture, and tourism. The railway's opening will bring more tourists to our village, thereby increasing the income of our villagers."

The benefits also extend to Xianju county in Taizhou, particularly in the development of its medical technology industries. Xianju is home to a medical device manufacturing town located just 5 kilometers from Xianju Station on the railway.

In recent years, manufacturing medical devices has become the strongest sector for entrepreneurship and innovation in Xianju.

The high-speed railway enhances Xianju's connections with Shanghai and Hangzhou, facilitating easier business travel and commuting for employees in the town and improving market circulation and business development opportunities.

The railway has also brought significant advantages to Hengdian World Studios, located in Dongyang city. Once passengers arrive at Hengdian Station, they can reach Hengdian World Studios within 9 minutes by light rail, significantly easing travel for both tourists and film industry professionals who previously had to transfer at Yiwu.

Bao Xiuming, director of Wenzhou Railway and Urban Rail Transit Construction Management Center, emphasized the railway's broader impact.

"The improvement of the railway network will accelerate the flow of people, goods, capital, and information, stimulate economic and social development along the line. It supports Zhejiang's efforts to build a demonstration zone for common prosperity and integrated development in the Yangtze River Delta," he said.

The Hangzhou-Wenzhou Highspeed Railway was built in two phases.




Former Tri-Cities judge should be banned from the bench, WA judicial commission rules

A former Tri-Cities judge should never be allowed to serve on the bench again, state commission ruled on Friday.

An eight-member panel of Washington state Commission on Judicial Conduct ruled that former Superior Court Judge Sam Swanberg should be censured and banned from serving as a judge.

The commissions decision now goes to the Washington State Supreme Court for a final determination.

Swanberg served nearly seven years in Benton and Franklin counties. He stepped down voluntarily on May 17 even though hed been acquitted by a Franklin County jury of domestic violence involving his former wife.

He is still an attorney and a censure by the Supreme Court would not change that.

Three days after he left his job as a judge, the state commission held its fact-finding hearing. Swanberg refused to defend himself, but he was called as a witness and gave some testimony.

The state commission found the judge violated three of the rules that guide the behavior of judges by engaging in physically violent and emotionally abusive behavior over the decades of his marriage and that he harassed and stalked his ex-girlfriend after the end of his relationship.

The panel found that Judge Swanberg admitted to being dishonest; that he engaged in an ongoing pattern of manipulative conduct; and used the tools and prestige of judicial office for his personal benefit in an attempt to keep other people under his power and control, said the ruling.

As an aggravating factor, the Commission panel found that the judge made multiple public statements to decry and denigrate the Commissions constitutionally-mandated proceeding; and declined to participate in the hearing process to the extent that he could; and that he invoked his Fifth Amendment rights as a witness most likely because he could perceive the likelihood that he would perjure himself under oath, according to the statement read by Chair Kristian Hedline.

The decision was announced Friday in front a meeting of the entire commission. A 26-page decision was later posted on the commissions website.

His unrestrained manifestations of self-pity and personal suffering upon rejection that he (at times) admitted he brought upon himself further demonstrate his narcissistic self focus, said the decision.

Judge Sam Swanberg, right, leaves a Franklin County courtroom with his defense attorney Scott Johnson after a jury acquitted him of domestic violence in 2022.

Swanberg was invited to attend Fridays commission decision, but he did not. The former judges attorney Scott Johnson told the Tri-City Herald that the commission has its mind made before its hearing was ever held.

The commission decided to believe the allegations of a disgruntled former spouse, even when video evidence showed her to be dishonest in order to advance their own narrative, Johnson said in a statement to the Herald.

Swanberg has admitted that he could have behaved in a better manner at the end of his relationship with his ex-girlfriend, Johnson said.

Despite multiple attempts to resolve this matter in which Judge Swanberg was willing to admit to behavior he actually engaged in and accept sanctions, the commission said, no, Johnson said in the statement.

The only resolution the Commission would agree to was one where Judge Swanberg would have had to lie about being a domestic abuser. Because he was never a domestic abuser and because he would not lie so the Commission could further their agenda, Judge Swanberg elected to resign in order to spare the people of Benton and Franklin Counties a prolonged and unfair process with a conclusion that was already decided.  said Johnson.

Judicial commission hearing

The commissions ruling followed a day-and-a-half hearing in May, when the seven members heard testimony from his ex-wife and a former girlfriend.

During the hearing, Terry Scanlan, the attorney who argued the case against Swanberg to the state board, called the former judge a very sad, damaged and disturbed individual, who never had any business of being on the bench in the first place.

Swanbergs ex-wife, Stephanie Barnard, now a state representative, has alleged that he was physically and emotionally abusive during their marriage. Theyd been married 33 years and have six children. Swanberg denied her claims.

The former wife of Benton Franklin Superior Court Judge Sam Swanberg submitted these photos in a court filing claiming he dragged her out of a room against her will in February 2021.

He also allegedly harassed his former girlfriend, a Franklin County deputy clerk, after she ended their relationship.

He was acquitted in 2022 of domestic violence assault of Barnard and was never charged with a crime involving his former girlfriend. Swanberg did not fight the ex-girlfriends anti-harassment order.

Swanberg had hoped the judicial commission hearing would be canceled once he resigned, but Commission Executive Director Reiko Callner of Olympia previously told the Tri-City Herald that its important to reach a conclusion in these cases because it can serve as a future precedent for how judges should behave.

The commission isnt required to meet the same standards as a criminal case when judging behavior and considering evidence because they are not judging a specific crime but a pattern of behavior for an officer of the court.
Former Vice President Dick Cheney says he will vote for Kamala Harris

Former Vice President Dick Cheney, a lifelong Republican, will vote for Kamala Harris for president, he announced Friday.

Liz Cheney, who herself endorsed Harris on Wednesday, first announced her fathers endorsement when asked by Mark Leibovich of The Atlantic magazine during an onstage interview at The Texas Tribune Festival in Austin.

Wow, Leibovich replied as the audience cheered.

Like his daughter, Dick Cheney has been an outspoken critic of former President Donald Trump, notably during Liz Cheneys ill-fated reelection campaign in 2022.

Read: Showers, storms will linger tonight; see your weekend forecast

Dick Cheney put out a statement Friday confirming his endorsement, which read almost entirely as opposition to Trump rather than support of Harris.

He can never be trusted with power again, the statement said. As citizens, we each have a duty to put country above partisanship to defend our Constitution. That is why I will be casting my vote for Vice President Kamala Harris.

Trump responded on his Truth Social platform by calling the former vice president an irrelevant RINO, along with his daughter. The acronym stands for Republican in name only.

Read: Homeowner who caused flooding by plugging drainpipe could face criminal charges

Asked for comment, Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung said, Who is Liz Cheney?

The campaign confirmed Cheung was being sarcastic by also pointing to a comment Liz Cheney posted online four years ago in which she called Harris a radical liberal.

Dick Cheney, 83, has made few if any public appearances over the past year or more. He has dealt with heart issues since his 40s and underwent a heart transplant in 2012.

Read: Daytona Beach police use sweet treats to connect with children in the community

Dick Cheneys statement Friday was similar to a 2022 campaign ad for Liz Cheney as she sought a fourth term as Wyomings lone congressperson. In it, he called Trump a coward for trying to steal the last election using lies and violence to keep himself in power after the voters had rejected him.

The ad did little good for his daughter in a deep-red state that once held the Cheney family dear but is now thoroughly in Trumps corner. By a more than 2-to-1 margin, Liz Cheney lost her Republican primary to Trump-endorsed attorney Harriet Hageman.

Dick Cheney has been friends with Democrats over the years but never supported one for president.

Both Cheneys backed Trump in 2016, but after Liz Cheney criticized Trumps foreign policy decisions and Trump criticized the endless wars in Afghanistan and Iraq launched when Dick Cheney was vice president, their support waned.

If either Cheney supported Trump in 2020, they were mum about it. Meanwhile, their home state of Wyoming that year delivered Trump his widest margin of victory.

By 2021, Liz Cheneys vote to impeach Trump and her investigation into him for the 2021 U.S. Capitol riot made them irredeemable to Trump  and soon most of the GOP.

There were exceptions. One was Cheney ally Rep. Adam Kinzinger of Illinois, a Republican Trump critic who earlier this year endorsed Biden and spoke in support of Harris at the Democratic National Convention in August.

Several other top Republicans have come out in support of Harris while some, including Sen. Mitt Romney and former Vice President Mike Pence, say they wont be voting for Trump.

Of them only Romney, who is not seeking reelection, is still in office.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  The founder of the Special Needs Advocacy Program (SNAP) in Central Florida was charged with sexually abusing children, according to the FBI Tampa Field Office.

James Jamie Grover, 62, was arrested by Special Agents on Thursday after they searched his Deltona home and his workplace, at the Seminole Town Center Mall in Sanford.

VIDEO: Assistant Principal, teacher arrested after student put in chokehold at Tampa middle school, deputies say

The FBI believes Grover has been targeting young boys since 2010 while working at SNAP, and serving as Group Director of Autism on the Seas.

SNAP is a program that offers opportunities to the special needs community. Autism on the Seas is an international organization offering cruise actions for adults and families living with special needs, the FBI said.

Seminole County Sheriffs Office

The FBI believes Grover could have more victims. Anyone who believes they have been victimized, or has any information on this investigation is asked to fill out this form. Victims identities will remain confidential.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
With weeks before Florida voters start casting mail and early ballots in the fall elections, Gov. Ron DeSantis administration has pulled an unprecedented move that appears intent to undermine a proposed constitutional amendment to protect abortion rights.

Floridas Department of State has sent requests to supervisors of elections in four large counties to examine 36,000 petition signatures that were used to get Amendment 4 on the Nov. 5 ballot. If approved by at least 60% of voters, the measure will restore the right to an abortion up to viability, normally around 24 weeks, which was the standard before DeSantis signed a 15-week and, then, an extreme six-week ban.

DeSantis deputy secretary of state Brad Mcvay sent a list of names to election supervisors of petition circulators suspected of fraud. McVay told Hillsborough Countys supervisor that the state wants to review petitions that were submitted by those individuals, even though the signatures were already deemed valid, the Tampa Bay Times reported.

Its unclear why the state is targeting only Amendment 4, or whether this could be used to strike it from the ballot.

A deadline to question the validity of the signatures has long passed under state law. Even one of the organizations opposing the amendment told the Times that it didnt find anything when it looked with a fine-tooth comb earlier this year into whether the signatures were incorrectly gathered.

To give the DeSantis administration the benefit of the doubt: Its important to root out any suspicion of fraud  and two people were arrested this year for forging petition signatures in support of Amendment 4.

But the latest request from the state is highly unusual so close to an election. DeSantis is leading the campaign against the amendment, which, according to a July poll, has a good chance of approval.

The four counties targeted  Orange, Hillsborough, Osceola and Palm Beach  lean Democratic. Osceola Supervisor of Elections Mary Jane Arrington told the Times shes never seen a request like this one.

Its understandable that Floridians Protecting Freedom, the organization that sponsored Amendment 4  surpassing the required 900,000 valid petition signatures by 100,000  believes this is part of the states continuing efforts to prevent voters from deciding on abortion rights.

Our petitions were validated over the course of eight months by hand by the supervisors of elections, Lauren Brenzel, campaign director for Floridians Protecting Freedom, told the Herald Editorial Board.

Its incredibly disturbing to see attempts to intervene with that process at the 11th hour.

Earlier this year, Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody tried to convince the state Supreme Court, albeit unsuccessfully, to ban Amendment 4 from the ballot, arguing the measure was worded too vaguely.

Then, a state panel made up mostly by Republican appointees, approved a loaded financial impact statement that will appear on the ballot next to Amendment 4 that deviates from the norm by including the cost of litigation of hypothetical lawsuits related to the amendment. The states longtime top economist Amy Baker told her colleagues at the Financial Impact Estimating Conference the statement strayed from neutrality, but she was outvoted 3-1.

DeSantis and his allies have also tried to scare voters, claiming Amendment 4 would allow abortions up to the time of birth. The measure would only allow abortions after viability when necessary to protect the patients health, as determined by the patients healthcare provider.

Fewer than 1% of abortions in the U.S. happened at or after 21 weeks in 2021, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Those procedures can cost upwards of $30,000, according to KFF Health News, and are performed by very few specialized doctors on women facing harrowing circumstances such as fatal fetal abnormalities or extreme health risks, Brenzel said.

If Floridas state government is truly interested in investigating ballot petition fraud, so be it. But the state has a poor track record of meddling with efforts to restore abortion rights. Theres little trust that this latest move isnt yet another effort to silence the voice of voters on reproductive rights.

Click here to send the letter.
TOPEKA (KSNT)  This weekend, local teens are getting the chance to learn special driving skills that could save a life the next time theyre behind the wheel.

BRAKES is a free teen driving program that provides hands-on training in a controlled environment. Students learn how to protect themselves and their riders in a variety of situations including crash avoidance, distraction and car control.

Organizers say these skills are not normally taught in drivers education.

Teaches them something that will help them in the future to avoid accidents, or just increase awareness of them driving they didnt realize they can do in the car to help protect them and their family, said Michael Palmer, one of the lead instructors.

Historic Huey helicopter takes flight in Topeka

The BRAKES driving school will take place in the Stormont Vail Event Center parking lot from Sept. 7-8. Drivers ages 15-19 are welcome as well as parents.

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.
CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP)  Freedom Credit Union is happy to announce it will be offering western Massachusetts residents a chance to securely get rid of any unwanted paperwork, bank statements, or other important documents.

Chicopee police locate missing woman

According to Freedom Credit Union, there will be free Community Shred Days at four of its branches this fall. Saturdays event will be held at the Chicopee branch from 9 AM to 10:30 AM and at the Ludlow branch from 11 AM to 12:30 PM.

The other shred days are as follows:

Saturday, September 14

Tri-County Fair Office  910:30 a.m.

74 Main Street  Greenfield  11 a.m.12:30 p.m.

Members and non-members can bring up to five file boxes or paper bags per vehicle full of old bills, bank statements, tax returns, and other sensitive documents.

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.
A few of the books in the young adult section of the Ozark-Dale County Library Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023 in Ozark, Ala. (Alabama Reflector Photo by Stew Milne)

Garland County Judge Darryl Mahoney on Friday ordered that a proposal to reduce the property tax funding the local library not be placed on the November ballot because the petition is deficient.

In his three-page order, Mahoney declared the petition deficient because it does not accurately state the qualifying language required by Amendment 38 to the Arkansas Constitution.

The Petition does not set forth the material, qualifying condition that the signatories must be taxpaying electors, rather than merely registered voters, Mahoney wrote. The Court finds the Petition language to be misleading and deficient for the purposes of Amendment 38.

George Pritchett, a supporter of the measure, told the Advocate Friday afternoon that hes consulting with legal counsel and exploring next steps. Pritchett argued that the ballot measure met the requirements for a proposed constitutional amendment, but the requirements for initiatives and referendums are being applied.

Were disappointed; however, we met and exceeded the constitutional requirements to put it on the ballotseveral counties in the state of Arkansas have done this, Pritchett said. No other county has been scrutinized in this way or denied the right to go onto the ballot.

Pritchett said the Garland County measure was based on similar proposals, including one in Craighead County where voters in 2022 narrowly approved a measure to cut the county libraries funding in half. The library system reduced its hours and made staff cuts to adjust to the budget cuts as a result.

Amendment 38 requires at least 100 people to support any changes to a property tax that funds a local library to submit the petition at least 30 days before the election in which they want the matter on the ballot. Supporters of the measure submitted 131 signatures to County Clerk Sarah Smiths office on Aug. 2.

Leslie Kauffman, Smiths chief deputy clerk, said 110 signatures were from registered voters in the county and 101 of those voters were taxpayers. The signatures deemed invalid were from citizens who either were not registered voters or were registered at a different address than the one they wrote on the petition, she said.

In Fridays order, Mahoney cited other issues, including that petitions did not contain an attorneys certification and that one page didnt include the printed name of the canvasser, both of which are required by state law.

Additionally, he said supplemental petitions submitted on Sept. 3 are deficient because they do not include the ballot language or form required by Amendment 38.

Little Rock attorney John Adams, representing library executive director Adam Webb, made similar arguments during a public hearing Wednesday. Many of the 20 speakers at the meeting said the ballot language would confuse people into voting for the measure even if they do not actually support cutting funding for the library.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Gaza enters its 2nd school year without schooling. The cost could be heavy for kids' futures

KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip (AP)  This week, when they would normally be going back to school, the Qudeh familys children stumbled with armfuls of rubble they collected from a destroyed building to sell for use in building graves in the cemetery that is now their home in southern Gaza.

Anyone our age in other countries is studying and learning, said 14-year-old Ezz el-Din Qudeh, after he and his three siblings  the youngest a 4-year-old  hauled a load of concrete chunks. Were not. Were working at something beyond our capacities. We are forced to in order to get a living.

As Gaza enters its second school year without schooling, most of its children are caught up helping their families in the daily struggle to survive amid Israels devastating campaign.

Children trod barefoot on the dirt roads to carry water in plastic jerricans from distribution points to their families living in tent cities teeming with Palestinians driven from their homes. Others wait at charity kitchens with containers to bring back food.

Humanitarian workers say the extended deprivation of education threatens long-term damage to Gazas children. Younger children suffer in their cognitive, social and emotional development, and older children are at greater risk of being pulled into work or early marriage, said Tess Ingram, regional spokesperson for UNICEF, the United Nations agency for children.

The longer a child is out of school, the more they are at risk of dropping out permanently and not returning, she said.

Gazas 625,000 school-age children already missed out on almost an entire year of education. Schools shut down after Israel launched its assault on the territory in retaliation for Hamas Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel. With languishing negotiations to halt fighting in the Israel-Hamas war, its not known when they can return to classes.

More than 90% of Gaza's school buildings have been damaged by Israeli bombardment, many of them run by UNWRA, the U.N. agency for Palestinians, according to the Global Education Cluster, a grouping of aid organizations led by UNICEF and Save the Children. About 85% are so wrecked they need major reconstruction  meaning it could take years before they are usable again. Gazas universities are also in ruins. Israel contends that Hamas militants operate out of schools.

Some 1.9 million of Gazas 2.3 million people have been driven from their homes. They have crowded into the sprawling tent camps that lack water or sanitation systems, or U.N. and government schools now serving as shelters.

Kids have little choice but to help families

Momen Qudeh said that before the war, his kids enjoyed school. They were outstanding students. We raised them well, he said.

Now he, his four sons and his daughter live in a tent in a cemetery in Khan Younis after they had to flee their home in the eastern neighborhoods of the city. The kids get scared sleeping next to the graves of the dead, he said, but they have no alternative.

The continual flow of victims from airstrikes and shelling into the cemetery and the plentiful supply of destroyed buildings are their source for a tiny income.

Every day at 7 a.m., Qudeh and his children start picking through rubble. On a recent day of work, the young kids stumbled off the pile of wreckage with what they found. Qudehs 4-year-old son balanced a chunk of concrete under his arm, his blonde curly hair covered in dust. Outside their tent, they crouched on the ground and pounded the concrete into powder.

On a good day, after hours of work, they make about 15 shekels ($4) selling the powder for use in constructing new graves.

Qudeh, who was injured in Israels 2014 war with Hamas, said he cant do the heavy work alone.

I cry for them when I see them with torn hands, he said. At night, the exhausted children cant sleep because of their aches and pain, he said. They lie on their mattress like dead people, he said.

Children are eager for a lost education

Aid groups have worked to set up educational alternatives  though the results have been limited as they wrestle with the flood of other needs.

UNICEF and other aid agencies are running 175 temporary learning centers, most set up since late May, that have served some 30,000 students, with about 1,200 volunteer teachers, Ingram said. They provide classes in literacy and numeracy as well as mental health and emotional development activities.

But she said they struggle to get supplies like pens, paper and books because they are not considered lifesaving priorities as aid groups struggle to get enough food and medicine into Gaza.

In August, UNRWA began a back to learning program in 45 of its schools-turned-shelters that provide children activities like games, drama, arts, music and sports. The aim is to give them some respite, a chance to reconnect with their friends and to simply be children, spokesperson Juliette Touma said.

Education has long been a high priority among Palestinians. Before the war, Gaza had a high literacy rate  nearly 98%.

When she last visited Gaza in April, Ingram said children often told her they miss school, their friends and their teachers. While describing how much he wanted to go back to class, one boy abruptly stopped in panic and asked her, I can go back, cant I?

That was just heartbreaking to me, she said.

Parents told her they had seen the emotional changes in their children without the daily stability provided by school and with compounding traumas from displacement, bombardment and deaths or injuries in the family. Some become sullen and withdrawn, others become easily agitated or frustrated.

Gaza's schools are packed with homeless families instead of students

The 11-month Israeli campaign has destroyed large swaths of Gaza and brought a humanitarian crisis, with widespread malnutrition and diseases spreading. More than 40,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to Gaza health officials. Children are among the most severely affected. Ingram said nearly all of Gazas 1.1 million children are believed to need psychosocial help.

Israel says its campaign aims to eliminate Hamas to ensure it cannot repeat its Oct. 7 attack, in which militants killed some 1,200 people in southern Israel and abducted 250 others.

The conflict has also set back education for Palestinian children in the West Bank, where Israel has intensified movement restrictions and carried out heavy raids.

On any given day since October, between 8% and 20% of schools in the West Bank have been closed, Ingram said. When schools are open, attendance is lowered because of difficulties in movement or because children are afraid, she said.

Parents in Gaza say they struggle to give their children even informal teaching with the chaos around them.

At a school in the central town of Deir al-Balah, classrooms were packed with families, their laundry draped over the stairwells outside. Made of bedsheets and tarps propped on sticks, ramshackle tents stretched across the yard.

The childrens future is lost, said Umm Ahmed Abu Awja, surrounded by nine of her young grandchildren. What they studied last year is completely forgotten. If they return to school, they have to start from the beginning.

___

Keath reported from Cairo.
But only if theres bigger POGO crimes mastermind

The Department of Justice on Saturday said there was still a small possibility of turning dismissed Bamban Mayor Alice Guo into a state witness following her return to the country from Indonesia.

However, Justice Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Mico Clavano said this was only possible if Guo could point out the mastermind behind illegal POGO activities in the country.

- Advertisement -

As of right now, as far as we know because of what appears in the, investigation, she still stands as the most guilty, thereby disqualifying her to become a state witness, Clavano said.

But if we can identify and meet someone even bigger involved in the illegal activities of POGO, then she might become a state witness, because she wouldnt be the most guilty anymore if theres an even bigger mastermind out there, Clavano said.

On Thursday, Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission Executive Director Gilbert Cruz said they are now tracking down Duanren Wu, a former Chinese police officer whom he described as the boss of Guo and her associate, Cassandra Li Ong.

That is who were after now. We are not the only ones interested in him, even the international authorities are interested in him because of his significant participation and involvement in money laundering, not just in our country but worldwide, Cruz said.

Wu is the top executive of Whirlwind Corporation  the firm that leased land to the Lucky South 99 POGO hub raided in Porac, Pampanga.

He is also the godfather of Ong who helped her and Guo flee the country on July 17.

Guo returned to the Philippines on Friday following her arrest in Indonesia. She faces several charges, including human trafficking, misrepresentation, graft, and corruption.

Clavano said details of government personnel involved in the illegal exit of Guo will be revealed soon.

According to the DOJ Secretary (Jesus Crispin Remulla), any action seems to be happening this month. Although I cant guarantee that either, because if other factors or new information come up, it might get pushed back, Clavano said.

The POGO network is quite large. Theres a web of bosses, managers, supervisors that may be helping each other as well, he added.

Earlier, President Marcos reiterated his firm resolve to hold accountable anyone implicated in aiding Guo escape the country.

All of those who are implicated in assisting Alice Guo to leave the Philippines illegally as a fugitive from justice will certainly pay the price, he said.

Youre asking who will be booted out? Its not just that well kick them out. Were also going to file charges against them because what they did is against the law and goes against all the interests of the Philippine judicial system, he added.

Mr. Marcos earlier said he already has a very, very good idea as to who should be held responsible, including those from the Bureau of Immigration.

Editors Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline Alice Guo as state witness possible if mastermind behind illegal POGOs named  DOJ.
GBI arrests former Toombs Co. teacher for sexual relationship with student

TOOMBS COUNTY, Ga. (WSAV)  On Saturday, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) said a former Toombs County teacher is in custody on criminal charges after an investigation.

According to GBI, on Tuesday, agents arrested and charged 25-year-old Chasity Cheyenne Knight, of Uvalda, with one count of Improper Sexual Contact by Employee, Agent, or Foster Parent; Consent Not a Defense.

The investigation indicates that Knight had a sexual relationship with a student in January, while employed as a teacher, GBI stated in a press release.

On Monday, August 19, the Toombs County Sheriffs Office requested the GBI to assist with an investigation into possible sexual abuse by a teacher with students in the Toombs County School District.

Police booked Knight into the Toombs County Detention Center.

Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to contact the GBI Regional Investigative Office in Eastman at 478-374-6988.

Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-8477, online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app.

Once the investigation is complete, GBI says, it will be given to the Middle Judicial Circuit District Attorneys Office for 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 WSAV-TV.
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV)  The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) has responded to an increase in school threats in the aftermath of the Apalachee High School shooting on Wednesday.

According to GBI, most of the threats have been non-credible. Nevertheless, these threats come with repercussions.

As of Friday, at least 18 Georgia counties have already seen investigations into shooter threats:

Franklin, investigation

Columbia, investigation

Forsyth, two arrests

Monroe, arrest

Bartow, investigation

Fulton, investigation

Gwinnett, two arrests

Pickens, investigation

Rockdale, investigation

Oconee, investigation

Hall, two arrests

Jackson, arrest

Laurens, investigation

Bleckley, investigation

Liberty, investigation

Toombs, arrest

Brooks, arrest

Evans, arrest

If you see or hear a threat, report it to local law enforcement immediately, the GBI advised. Notify authorities but dont share or forward the threat until law enforcement has had a chance to investigate.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  Students and staff of the Greece Central School District and surrounding districts are mourning the loss of a beloved teacher.

Jillian Branciforte, an English and new language teacher at Greece Olympia, died in a vehicle accident, the district announced Saturday. According to GCSD, the accident happened on Friday. Nothing further has been confirmed at this time, though News 8 has reached out to police to learn more.

This loss affects not only Olympia but also the entire district, as Jillians influence extended across multiple schools, the district said in a statement.

Abby, a high school student, described her relationship with the late educator as a special one, even though she wasnt in the classroom as Brancifortes direct student.

Shes always been lifting me up, laughing about something. We would always be joking around, Abby said. After school, I would talk to her for hours before she would go home [when] I would stay after for my soccer games. And I would just talk to her about the most random stuff. And when she would see me in the hallway, she would be so excited to see me and we would talk for a little bit. She was just always there for me.

Abby said she was in disbelief upon being told of the devastating news Friday night by a friend, just a short while after the crash happened.

She called me and just said, Miss Branciforte died. And I was like, What are you talking about? And I was just, I, like, didnt believe it, Abby said. A counselor at school confirmed that it was her, and I was just in shock, because  I had just seen her at school. I was just with her.

Saturday, the Greece community came together for a private vigil. Each person who knew Jillian could only spotlight the good she brought to the district.

Shes a very young teacher, and at least 40 players have gone through the Varsity program because shes worked with them when theyve come in, and she tries to tap into everyones talents and strengths, Abbys mother, Amanda, told News 8.

Abby told News 8, shell miss the wisdom and light Branciforte brought to so many, including herself in times of need.

She really was so kind, Abby said. I never saw her upset with anyone. Everyone just talked about all the amazing things that she had done for them, and that theyve talked about with her.

The Hilton Central School District wrote on Facebook that Jillian was a 2013 graduate of the district.

According to the Greece Central School District, the Trauma, Illness, and Grief team will be available to support students and staff in the coming days.

This is a developing story. You can check back here for more 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 RochesterFirst.
GEORGETOWN COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD)Government agencies and community leaders in Georgetown County are coming together to help incarcerated men who are battling with substance abuse issues.

According to a 2023 statistic from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Opioid overdoses are a leading cause of death among recently incarcerated people. A recent study from the South Carolina Department of Alcohol and Other Abuse Services found that Georgetown is one of the ten counties with the most opioid overdoes.

The problem is here. Its everywhere, but its here at a level thats just not acceptable. I commend the sheriffs initiative to call upon the community to be a part of the solution, said Jim Coggin, the president of Damascus House.

Damascus House Ministries, a faith-based group focused on rehabilitation, is working to change that.

Were now committed to our mission to transform people with addiction into disciples through three essential tasks: rescue, redeem, and restore through their family and friends. The process is happening at the Georgetown County Detention Center Right now.

Georgetown County Sheriff Carter Weaver said hes seen the programs success firsthand.

The program has been going on in our detention center since April. They have mentors, are housed together, and go through the three-week program together. Theyre different individuals compared to when they were booked into our facility, said Sheriff Weaver.

Officials from Damascus House said theyre planning to build a new facility in Georgetown in the coming 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 WCBD News 2.
There was genuine risk of Russia using nuclear weapons at start of Ukraine war, CIA boss reveals

CIA said there was a flurry of diplomatic activity over the risk Putin would use nuclear weapons in autumn 2022 - Russian Defense Ministry Press Service

There was a genuine risk Russia would have used tactical nuclear weapons in the early months of the Ukraine war, the head of the CIA has revealed.

Bill Burns said the sudden breakthrough of troops in the north east of the country stoked fears Putin would use the most extreme measures, causing a flurry of diplomatic activity.

Speaking alongside the head of Britains foreign intelligence agency, MI6, for the first time, Mr Burns said: There was a moment in the fall of 2022 when I think there was a genuine risk of a potential use of tactical nuclear weapons.

Addressing the FT Weekend Festival in London, he added: The president sent me to talk to our Russian counterpart, Sergei Naryshkin, at the end of 2022 to make very clear what the consequences of that kind of escalation would be, and weve continued to be very direct about that.

I dont think we can afford to be intimidated by that sabre rattling or bullying [but] weve got to be mindful of it.

CIA boss Bill Burns (R) and Richard Moore, chief of MI6, spoke about their fears over nuclear weapons being used by Putin - Belinda Jiao

Mr Burns had raced to Ankara, Turkey, in November 2022 to confront Mr Naryshkin in what was thought to be the first in-person meeting between senior officials of the two countries since Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

In a statement issued at the time, the White House said: He is conveying a message on the consequences of the use of nuclear weapons by Russia, and the risks of escalation to strategic stability.

In October 2022, fears were sparked of a potential Russian false-flag attack after defence minister Sergei Shoigu claimed that Ukraine was going to use a radioactive dirty bomb.

Russian state media claimed Kyiv was gathering nuclear material to use on the battlefield in a dirty bomb or low-yield nuclear weapon

The claims were immediately dismissed by the UK while Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, said it was clear that Russia was itself planning a dirty bomb attack.

Deeply irresponsible

Putin had previously used false accusations to justify his full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

On Saturday, Sir Richard Moore, the head of the Secret Intelligence Service, better known as MI6, said: Theres only one party talking about nuclear escalation and thats Putin.

Its deeply irresponsible [but] nobody in the West is going to be intimidated by such thoughts or any other behaviour by the Russian state.

Asked about the Kremlins continued stoking of fears in the West that the war in Ukraine might see nuclear weapons used, the CIA director said: I had never thought, however, and this is the view of my agency, that we should be unnecessarily intimidated by that.

Putins a bully. Hes going to continue to sabre rattle from time to time.

Sir Richard said he and the CIA director were appearing in public for the first time to explain their work as they had to earn [the] licence to operate in a democracy

He said the use by Russia of criminal elements showed Putin was becoming desperate.

Russian intelligence services have gone a bit feral he said, resorting to reckless actions such as the Novichok attack in Salisbury in 2018.

Dawn Sturgess, a mother of three, was killed after becoming contaminated by poison used to target Sergei Skripal, a former colonel in the GRU.

Mr Burns said his organisation along with MI6 had provided credible, early [and] accurate warning of Russias plan to invade Ukraine, noting many other Western intelligence agencies had dismissed warnings of a Russian assault.

Almost all the others thought it was a bluff on Putins part, Mr Burns said.

The joint SIS-CIA action put Putin in the unaccustomed and uncomfortable position of being on the wrong foot, Sir Richard added.

He said the Ukrainian incursion into the Kursk region, which started on August 6, has brought the war home to ordinary Russians.

The Kursk operation had put a dent in Putins cocky and smug attitude, the CIA director said, although he said he saw no evidence Putins grip on power was weakening.

Sir Richard said the use by Russia of criminal elements showed Putin was becoming 'desperate' - Sergei Ilyin

Speaking of the emerging axis of states opposed to the West, Sir Richard said there was pragmatic cooperation between China, Russia, Iran and North Korea, but the relationships are of a profoundly different quality to that between the US and the UK.

Mr Burns said Russia will eventually chafe at being the junior partner to China, and that although Beijing is not thought to have directly supplied weapons, many dual-use technological items that could be converted for military use had been sent from China to Russia.

This has allowed Putin to significantly rebuild his defence industrial base, Mr Burns said.

The head of the CIA refused to be drawn on whether Iran has sent ballistic missiles to Russia and said such a move would be a dramatic escalation.

However, he said the export from North Korea of short-range ballistic missiles to Russia has made Pyongyang a more dangerous threat to regional allies such as Japan and South Korea.

The SIS Chief said that despite Beijings increasing belligerence under President Xi, both he and the CIA head speak to their Chinese counterparts.

Keeping those intelligence channels open is really important even in competitive relationships to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings, Mr Burns added.

Both Mr Burns and Sir Richard said the international world order is 'under threat in a way we havent seen since the Cold War' - Em Fitzgerald

Discussing the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Sir Richard said that without a ceasefire the world will continue to be in a very highly fragile place in the Middle East.

Mr Burns said after the barbaric Hamas attack the Israelis had severely degraded Hamass military capabilities. However, he warned that the despicable terrorist organisation is as much an idea as a military force.

Reiterating the need for a two-state solution, Mr Burns said: In my experience, the only way to kill an idea is with a better idea, and thats why its so crucial to offer some sense of hope for the day after [a ceasefire].

It is easy to be a pessimist about the Middle Eastbut there is a possibility here that will offer, not just Israel but all our friends in the Arab world, the ultimate counter to the ambitions of this particular Iranian regime.

Both Mr Burns and Sir Richard said the international world order is under threat in a way we havent seen since the Cold War.

In a joint article for the FT, they wrote: There is no question that the international world order  the balanced system that has led to relative peace and stability and delivered rising living standards, opportunities and prosperity  is under threat in a way we havent seen since the Cold 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.
In 1918, a crowd of 300 people hung a Black farmer named George Taylor upside-down from a tree and took turns cutting him while he dangled there, finally riddling his body with more than 100 bullets.

Taylor was accused of assaulting a white woman named Ruby Rogers, knocking her unconscious while she held her baby in her lap, presumed guilty though she could not identify him as the culprit when deputies presented him  only later by the sound of his voice.

Before a deputized citizen could drive Taylor to jail, four masked men stopped their car and dragged him to the Rolesville pasture where he would hang for more than 12 hours.

This grim moment marked the only lynching in Wake County history, and until Saturday, it received little mention in historys pages.

But after eight years of community effort, Taylor has a tall blue marker in Rolesvilles Main Street Park, recording his death in unflinching detail.

His family embraced as Town Manager Eric Marsh unveiled it, some of them learning of the lynching only within the last few weeks.

It was buried in our family history, said Sharin Wilson, Taylors great-great-granddaughter who came from New York. We feel like we are attending a funeral. We went to school here. We were living here, and we did not know this. ... Not only are we George Taylor, but we all are George Taylor.

Sharin Wilson of New York holds hands with Kimberly McDowell-Lois of New Jersey as a marker to their ancestor George Taylors lynching is unveiled in Rolesville.

Saturdays recognition came as racial justice activists nationwide try to calculate the scope of lynching over a century.

It is strange, they note, that many locations remain unknown though the mobs who carried them out were deliberate enough to photograph themselves in the act.

The nonprofit Equal Justice Initiative documents 120 racial terror lynchings in North Carolina alone, but the Red Record Project counts 175 between the end of the Civil War and the 1940s  four in Orange County and one in Wake.

Lynching was much more than just a response to crime, write its authors, one of whom is Seth Kotch, American studies professor at UNC-Chapel Hill. It was part of a narrative of white supremacy that sought to write out Black success, Black families and Black personhood.

And even when the spot is known, so much time has passed without any official marking that the landscape makes any memorial difficult.

In 1921, a mob lynched 16-year-old Eugene Daniel in Chatham County, believing him guilty of attempted rape without a trial. About 1,000 people watched, and Daniels body hung from a chain for more than 12 hours. But because the site is now under Jordan Lake, soil from the site was collected and placed in a jar in the Chatham Community Library  an exhibit that includes soil from five other lynching sites.

Rolesvilles marker came about through the Wake County Community Remembrance Coalition, which includes help from both Rolesville and the Equal Justice Initiative. But over the last seven years, several Wake County teachers have made Taylor and lynching a project for their students, including a fund-raiser to create a website for their research.

We must resist the urge to look away from this history, said Mikhaila Lambert, a student at UNC-Greensboro who started her research at Middle Creek High School. Lynching is all about the dehumanization of Black bodies, but let me humanize them for you. These people were somebodys children.

Members of George Taylors family stand with Rolesville Mayor Ronnie Currin near the spot where Taylor was lynched in 1918, now commemorated with a marker.

Bettie Murchison, co-chair of the remembrance project, recalled growing up around Rolesville when it was largely farmland, and being unable to eat in the towns only restaurant.

When integration arrived 50 years after Taylors lynching, she said, the restaurants owner closed its doors rather than allow Blacks to eat there.

It has taken over 100 years for this recognition to occur, she said. Today is a day of reckoning. Were talking about race. Were talking about murder. Were talking about cover-ups. Were talking about oppression. I have survived Jim Crow laws meant to make me feel less-than. ... Ive watched my mother proudly dress up to exercise her right to vote.

Several speakers addressed the unspoken question, Why dig this up now? Many answered their own question: The only way to end injustice is to place it under bright lights, or in this case, in the middle of a town park.

Would George Taylor ever have imagined he would be remembered this way? asked Ann-Michelle Roberts, chair of the historical marker committee. It changes what racism looks like: this marker, his story, his legacy.
A memorial is seen at Apalachee High School after the Wednesday school shooting, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, in Winder, Ga. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

The mother of the 14-year-old who has been charged with murder over the fatal shooting of four people at his Georgia high school called the school before the killings, warning staff of an extreme emergency involving her son, a relative said.

Annie Brown told the Washington Post that her sister, Colt Grays mother, texted her saying she spoke with a school counselor and urged them to immediately find her son to check on him.

Brown provided screen shots of the text exchange to the newspaper, which also reported that a call log from the familys shared phone plan showed a call was made to the school about 30 minutes before gunfire is believed to have erupted.

Brown confirmed the reporting to The Associated Press on Saturday in text messages but declined to provide further comment.

Colt Gray, 14, has been charged with murder over the killing of two students and two teachers at Apalachee High School in Barrow County, outside Atlanta, on Wednesday. His father, Colin Gray, is accused of second-degree murder for providing his son with a semiautomatic AR 15-style rifle.

Their attorneys declined to immediately seek bail during their first court appearance on Friday.

Investigators previously interviewed the suspects

The Georgia teenager had struggled with his parents' separation and taunting by classmates, his father told a sheriff's investigator last year when asked whether his son posted an online threat.

I dont know anything about him saying (expletive) like that, Gray told Jackson County sheriffs investigator Daniel Miller, according to a transcript of their interview obtained by the AP. Im going to be mad as hell if he did, and then all the guns will go away.

Jackson County authorities ended their inquiry into Colt Gray a year ago, concluding that there wasnt clear evidence to link him to a threat posted on Discord, a social media site popular with video gamers. The records from that investigation provide at least a narrow glimpse into a boy who struggled with his parents breakup and at the middle school he attended at the time, where his father said others frequently taunted him.

Father says his son was bullied at school

He gets flustered and under pressure. He doesnt really think straight, Colin Gray told the investigator on May 21, 2023, recalling a discussion hed had with the boys principal.

Middle school had also been rough for Colt Gray. He had just finished the seventh grade when Miller interviewed the father and son. Colin Gray said the boy had just a few friends and frequently got picked on. Some students just ridiculed him day after day after day.

I dont want him to fight anybody, but they just keep like pinching him and touching him, Gray said. Words are one thing, but you start touching him and thats a whole different deal. And its just escalated to the point where like his finals were last week and that was the last thing on his mind.

Shooting guns and hunting, he said, were frequent pastimes for father and son. Gray said he was encouraging the boy to be more active outdoors and spend less time playing video games on his Xbox. When Colt Gray killed a deer months earlier, his father swelled with pride. He showed the investigator a photo on his cellphone, saying: You see him with blood on his cheeks from shooting his first deer.

It was just the greatest day ever, Colin Gray said.

Theres no mention in the investigators report and interview transcript of either Gray owning an assault-style rifle. Asked if his son had access to firearms, the father said yes. But he said the guns werent kept loaded and insisted he had emphasized safety when teaching the boy to shoot.

He knows the seriousness of weapons and what they can do, Gray said, and how to use them and not use them.

Family evicted in 2022

An eviction upended the Grays' family in summer 2022. On July 25 of that year, a sheriffs deputy was dispatched to the rental home on a suburban cul-de-sac where Colin Gray, his wife, Colt and the boys two younger siblings lived. A moving crew was piling their belongings in the yard.

The Jackson County deputy said in a report that the movers found guns and hunting bows in a closet in the master bedroom. They turned the weapons and ammunition over to the deputy for safekeeping, rather than leave them outside with the family's other possessions outside.

The deputy wrote that he left copies of receipt forms for the weapons on the front door so that Gray could pick them up later at the sheriff's office. The reason for eviction is not mentioned in the report. Colin Gray told the investigator in 2023 that he had paid his rent.

It was following the eviction, he said, that his wife left him, taking the two younger siblings with her. Colt Gray struggled at first with the separation and all, said the father, who worked a construction job.

"Im the sole provider, doing high rises downtown, he told the investigator. Two days later, there was a follow-up interview with Colin Gray while he was at work. He said by phone: Im hanging off the top of a building. ... Ive got a big crane lift going, so its kind of noisy up here.

Boy described as quiet

The investigator also interviewed the boy, then 13, who was described in a report as quiet, calm and reserved.

He denied making any threats and said that months earlier hed stopped using the Discord platform, where the school threat was posted. He later told his father his account had been hacked.

The only thing I have is TikTok, but I just go on there and watch videos, the teen said.

A year before they would both end up charged in the high school shooting, Colin Gray insisted to the sheriffs investigator that his son wasnt the type to threaten violence.

Hes not a loner, Officer Miller. Dont get that, the father said, adding: He just wants to go to school, do his own thing and he doesnt want any trouble.

___

Rush reported from Portland, Oregon. Associated Press reporter Trenton Daniel contributed from New York.
Georgia shooting: You cant explain away US gun violence by saying mental illness | Opinion

Near Atlanta, barely a month into their school year, a 14-year-old opened fire, killing 4, wounding at least 9 more. Im sure well hear that the perpetrator was mentally ill, that guns dont kill, people do. True. But, IT IS STILL THE GUNS. Unless we Americans are willing to claim that we have more mentally ill individuals than any other nation on earth, there is no other way to explain why we have more gun violence.

Im talking about our right for ordinary citizens to own assault weapons, minimal background checks and requirements for licensing or training. Yet we require an automobile driver to be registered, undergo physical examination, and demonstrate competency before being allowed to drive. And they arent allowed to drive a military tank.

Diantha Daniels, Hillsborough







Kidney deaths

The author is Principal, Coalition to Modify NOTA

Last month, the U.S. House introduced bill H.R. 9275 with bipartisan support. It proposes providing a reimbursable tax credit of $50,000 ($10,000 over 5 years) to anyone that donates a kidney to a stranger.

As the bills name implies, the goal of this 10-year pilot program is to end the needless deaths of those with kidney failure on the kidney transplant waiting list. Over 90,000 people in the U.S. are on that list and half of them will die before receiving a life-saving kidney. No one should die while waiting for a kidney.

H.R. 9275 specifically requests to modify the National Organ Transplant Act (NOTA) of 1984. The End Kidney Deaths Act will change that and save up to 100,000 lives and $37 billion in taxes over the next decade.

Matthew Harmody, Southern Pines







Whats at stake

Elon Musk, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Tulsi Gabbard offer help clarifying whats at stake in the election.

Gabbard, an Iraq war veteran and former Democrat representative from Hawaii, describes our international situation under the Biden-Harris administration:

This administration has us facing multiple wars on multiple fronts in regions around the world and closer to the brink of nuclear war than we ever have been before.

Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., in endorsing Trump, describes the modern Democratic Party as the party of war, censorship, corruption, big pharma, big tech, big ag and big money.

Elon Musk believes Censorship is a certainty if Dems win.

Tom Shuford, Lenoir

Grocery bags

If the big grocery store merger between Kroger and Albertsons occurs, I hope that one line in the merger contract might read: And, by the way, finally, we will now collectively abandon plastic bags at the check-out, or at least make customers pay for them. Krogers Harris Teeter stores locally still pile up petroleum-based, future-landfill and ocean-clogging plastic. Now might be the moment to make a change.

Rosemary Haskell, Chapel Hill

Investing in libraries

Wake Countys libraries are more than just bookstheyre vibrant community hubs that foster learning, connection, and growth. For many, they provide essential access to technology, helping people find jobs, connect with loved ones, and learn new skills. Seniors, too, find companionship and support through dedicated programs.

As Wake County grows, our library system needs continued investment to keep up. Last year, 3 million visits were made to our 23 libraries, but many locations are aging and our countys population has outgrown others. This fall, voters will decide on a $142 million bond referendum to build new libraries in expanding areas like Rolesville and Apex, replace others, like Wendell, and renovate multiple existing branches.

Passing this bond will ensure that our libraries remain a vital resource for learning, connection, and community. Please join me in voting yes and supporting the Wake County Library Bond Referendumits an investment in our future.

Adam Eggenberger, Raleigh

Flagstock 2024

Regarding Rager for the broletariat: UNC frats party at Flagstock 2024 (Sept. 3):

As a once-proud UNC alumnus who values civil discourse and peaceful protest, I can think of many ways to spend $500,000+ dollars of charitable donations rather than throwing a beer party for needy fraternity brothers and sorority sisters.

James Womble, Raleigh
The Georgia Insitute of Technology announced Friday that it was ending a longtime partnership with Tianjin University in China.

According to the university, the two institutions had worked together since 2014 to establish the Georgia Tech Shenzhen Institute In December 2016, the university entered an agreement to establish the institute in Shenzhen, which they said was considered to be Chinas Silicon Valley.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

However, in 2020, the U.S. Department of Commerce placed Tianjin University on its list of foreign organizations deemed to be national security concerns, prompting Georgia Tech to begin a review of its activities and partnerships in China.

At the time, Georgia Tech says they chose to cancel a planned Ph.D. program and limited the number of students at the Georgia Tech Shenzhen Institute to just 10% of the original planned number.

TRENDING STORIES:

As a vital driver of American innovation, we are proud of the global experiences and education we have been able to provide to our students as the next generation of leaders, Steven McLaughlin, provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs said in a statement. The choice to end our many years of successful educational development initiatives to grant Georgia Tech degrees in the region was a difficult one.

On Friday, the university said they were discontinuing their participation in the program and are asking for approval from the universitys accreditor to end their degree programs in Shenzhen.

Citing their extensive role in national security, Georgia Tech said Tianjin Universitys presence on the Entity List from the Department of Commerce made the partnership no longer tenable.

For the nearly 300 students currently studying degree programs at GTSI, Georgia Tech said theyll have the opportunity to finish their degrees and that the university remains committed to giving its students meaningful global experiences through study abroad programs, including in Shenzhen.

Connecting globally remains one of our core values. Students who gain global experience during their time at Georgia Tech bring critical problem-solving skills that are required in todays workforce, McLaughlin said. We look forward to continuing to expand the international experiences available to our students.

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]

IN OTHER NEWS:
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier visits Siemens Gamesa. Steinmeier visited Siemens Gamesa's offshore machine house production facility as part of his "Workshop of Change" series of events, which aims to shed light on structural changes in society and their effects. In Cuxhaven and Stade, Steinmeier's visits focus on the energy transition in industrial production. Sina Schuldt/dpa

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier called on Saturday for willingness to compromise from all involved in next week's cross-party talks on migration amid an increasingly heated atmosphere in the country.

Steinmeier, whose role is largely ceremonial, said in Berlin that he was following the consultations between Chancellor Olaf Scholz's centre-left government and the conservative opposition in the expectation of a common understanding between them.

"I'm convinced that it is up to the parties of the democratic centre to work out solutions to questions that are causing concern to many people," Steinmeier said, adding that a general effort across party lines was needed.

The cross-party initiative has been called following a mass stabbing by a 26-year-old Syrian man at a festival on a central square in the western German city of Solingen on August 23. Three people died and eight others were injured.

Steinmeier earlier pledged that Germany as a whole would strive to find a solution to the problem of irregular migration.

"We have to undertake every, really every, effort to implement the rules on limiting access already in place and those that we are now creating in addition," he said.

Two state elections held in the immediate aftermath of the Solingen attack saw strong performances from anti-migration parties on both the right and the left.

Coalition agrees on details of security package

Scholz's three-party coalition has agreed on the details of a package of measures aimed at strengthening security in the wake of the attack, Justice Minister Marco Buschmann said on Saturday.

A draft bill has been submitted to the coalition's parliamentary groups for consideration, he said, adding that it could discussed in the full legislature as soon as next week.

The broad outline of the proposal was unveiled late last month and includes stricter rules on carrying knives in public, faster deportations, tight new limits on benefits for asylum seekers, and greater police powers to address suspected Islamist threats.

"It is now in the hands of parliament to get all of this moving quickly," Buschmann said.

But the measures may not go far enough for the conservative CDU/CSU opposition bloc, which has demanded tough limits on the number of asylum seekers entering country.

CDU leader Friedrich Merz has called for migrants entering the country unlawfully to be immediately turned away at the border.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Saturday announced the Philippines and Indonesia have agreed to strengthen law enforcement collaboration, focusing on cross-border crime and security challenges.

The case of Alice Guo is just one example, but there are many criminals who might use similar escape routes. Thats why we spoke with the Indonesian police to make this kind of cooperation permanent, Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos said in a news forum.

- Advertisement -

Indonesia has large water borders, and so do we. We only have a few boats and helicopters to patrol. So, there will be talks, an exchange of information, and joint operations, he added.

Guo, who had been hiding in Indonesia, was arrested in Tangerang City on Wednesday then brought back to the Philippines on Friday.

In addition to Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO)-related crimes, Abalos pointed to other common issues that both nations face, including illegal drugs and smuggling.

This will be the start of something big because we have common enemiesdrugs, smuggling, and more. Weve even traced some operations passing through the Philippines, Abalos said.
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier visits Siemens Gamesa. Steinmeier visited Siemens Gamesa's offshore machine house production facility as part of his "Workshop of Change" series of events, which aims to shed light on structural changes in society and their effects. In Cuxhaven and Stade, Steinmeier's visits focus on the energy transition in industrial production. Sina Schuldt/dpa

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier called on Saturday for willingness to compromise from all involved in next week's cross-party talks on migration amid an increasingly heated atmosphere in the country.

Steinmeier, whose role is largely ceremonial, said in Berlin that he was following the consultations between Chancellor Olaf Scholz's centre-left government and the conservative opposition in the expectation of a common understanding between them.

"I'm convinced that it is up to the parties of the democratic centre to work out solutions to questions that are causing concern to many people," Steinmeier said, adding that a general effort across party lines was needed.

The cross-party initiative has been called following a deadly mass stabbing by a 26-year-old Syrian man at a festival on a central square in the western German city of Solingen on August 23.

Steinmeier earlier pledged that Germany as a whole would strive to find a solution to the problem of irregular migration.

"We have to undertake every, really every, effort to implement the rules on limiting access already in place and those that we are now creating in addition," he said.

Two state elections held in the immediate aftermath of the Solingen attack saw strong performances from anti-migration parties on both the right and the left.
Nancy Faeser German Minister of the Interior, presents the Federal Situation Report on Organized Crime 2023 in the Federal Press Conference building. Jorg Carstensen/dpa

Germany's coalition government on Saturday presented a package of measures to speed up deportations and reduce knife crime, two weeks after a deadly stabbing in the western city of Solingen reignited debates on the country's immigration policies.

"We have delivered," Interior Minister Nancy Faeser told dpa in Berlin. "We are providing more protection against Islamist terror, stricter deportations of violent offenders, bans on knives and facial recognition of criminals," she added.

Justice Minister Marco Buschmann earlier said Chancellor Olaf Scholz's three-party coalition had agreed on the details of the package, aimed at strengthening security in the wake of the attack in Solingen which saw three people killed by a 26-year-old Syrian suspect.

A draft bill has been submitted to the coalition's parliamentary groups for consideration, Buschmann said, adding that it could be discussed in the full legislature as soon as next week.

The broad outline of the proposal was unveiled late last month and includes stricter rules on carrying knives in public, faster deportations, tight new limits on benefits for asylum seekers, and greater police powers to address suspected Islamist threats.

"It is now in the hands of parliament to get all of this moving quickly," Buschmann said.

But the measures may not go far enough for the conservative CDU/CSU opposition bloc, which has demanded tough limits on the number of asylum seekers entering the country.

The three coalition parties and the conservative opposition are to meet along with the leaders of the country's 16 federal states on Tuesday to hammer out a joint position.

Ahead of the talks, opposition leader Friedrich Merz said that he was prepared to continue the talks only if undocumented migrants are immediately turned back at Germany's borders.

Steinmeier calls for unity

Earlier, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier called for all parties involved in the cross-party talks to show willingness to compromise.

Steinmeier, whose role is largely ceremonial, said in Berlin that he was following the consultations closely in the expectation of a common understanding between them.

"I'm convinced that it is up to the parties of the democratic centre to work out solutions to questions that are causing concern to many people," Steinmeier said, adding that a general effort across party lines was needed.

Steinmeier also pledged that Germany as a whole would strive to find a solution to the problem of irregular migration.

"We have to undertake every, really every, effort to implement the rules on limiting access already in place and those that we are now creating in addition," he said.

Scholz had earlier said Germany's coalition government would play its part in ensuring the success of the cross-party talks.

"It won't be our fault if they don't work out. I hope that they do work out, because it would be good for society and peace," he told a meeting in his Teltow constituency in the eastern state of Brandenburg near Berlin.
Germanys sudden migration about-turn is not what it seems

When news broke that a jumbo jet full of hardened criminals had taken off from Leipzig, in eastern Germany, to Kabul in the early hours of Aug 30, the world was caught by surprise.

No Western country has officially dealt with Kabul since the Talibans chaotic takeover of power in Afghanistan in 2021.

But Berlin was determined to rid itself of 20 convicts, among them murderers and rapists, and show it was serious about putting public safety first.

It was the latest shock migration move by Germany, once the European country most welcoming to refugees.

On Thursday, another plan from Berlin sent shock waves across the continent. The countrys migration commissioner proposed taking over Britains axed migration deal with Rwanda to put an end to people crossing into the EU from Russia.

The scramble to take a hard line on the issue of migration has exposed a country with a government on the brink, fighting a string of crises as it struggles to cling on to power.

What are presented as serious plans appear to be attempts to stave off electoral defeat to the hard-Right Alternative for Germany (AfD) on migration.

Down and out in polling, the flight to Kabul was just the elixir that Olaf Scholz and his bedraggled government needed.

German politicians led by Olaf Scholz, centre, lay flowers near the scene of the attack in Solingen - CHRISTOPER NEUNDORF/EPA-EFE/SHUTTERSTOCK

Days beforehand, an Islamist terrorist had rampaged through the streets of Solingen, killing three people and injuring eight more.

At state elections the following weekend, anti-migrant AfD were set to humiliate the chancellors Social Democrats (SPD) as voters vented their anger at rising crime associated with the arrival of hundreds of thousands of migrants.

Nancy Faeser, the interior minister, hailed it as a signal that our security is what matters, our state has shown that it can act.

The first deportations to Afghanistan since the Taliban came back to power three years ago have done little to quell the public debate, though.

Instead, centrist politicians have entered a bidding war for who can offer the toughest proposals on cutting migration in an attempt to take the wind out of the AfDs sails.

Enough is enough, Friedrich Merz, leader of the opposition Christian Democratic Union (CDU), responded the day after that terror attack, calling for no more Syrians or Afghans to be allowed into the country.

Deportations need to increase massively, Alexander Throm, the home affairs spokesman for the CDU in the German parliament, told The Telegraph.

We need to start deporting to Syria and to keep deporting people to Afghanistan, he added, claiming that the security situation in these countries now makes this possible.

Mr Throm also called for an end to the European practice of providing subsidiary protection to migrants from Syria and Afghanistan.

When refugees started arriving en masse from Syria in 2015, EU countries started offering this more basic form of protection to people who arrive from countries affected by civil war.

Those who have this form of asylum need to get their visas renewed on a yearly basis, meaning that withdrawing it would raise questions over the long-term futures of hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees.

The AfD is on the rise in Germany - F BOILLOT/SNAPSHOT PHOTOGRAPHY/SHUTTERSTOCK

Deportations to Syria have been taboo for more than a decade in which Germany has taken international plaudits for providing shelter to over a million people who fled the president Bashar al-Assads brutal crackdown against dissidents.

However, even inside Mr Scholz centre-Left SPD a consensus is emerging that it is time to reopen channels to the Syrian dictator in order to get rid of the most dangerous criminals who arrived among refugees.

Nils Schmid, the SPDs foreign affairs spokesman, advocates deporting hardened criminals to Syria. We wont get around carrying out technical discussions with the regime in Damascus on issues like deportation, he says.

Such calls would appear to directly contradict Berlins own assessment of the security situation in Syria.

In March the German foreign ministry stated flatly that a safe return of refugees cannot currently be guaranteed for any region of Syria.

Another proposal that has raised eyebrows was made by Mr Scholzs migration commissioner Joachim Stamp, who said that the EU should make use of the detention facilities built in Rwanda for Britains now cancelled deportation scheme to the African state.

Berlins interior ministry swiftly distanced itself from the comments, saying that Mr Stamp was speaking in his capacity as a politician for the Free Democrats, a junior partner in Mr Scholzs coalition.

The UKs Rwanda plan, which the Conservatives dragged on to the statute book through tortuous legal challenges, was ditched in July by the new Labour government after it cost a reported 700 million without a single migrant ever being forcibly expelled to the African country due to repeated legal challenges.

Experts have emphasised that the plans being bandied about in Berlin face similar defeat in the courts unless Berlin can bring about a change to EU law in Brussels, a feat that often involves months of exhausting negotiations.

Matthias Hartwig, an expert on international law at the Max Planck Institute, described all the proposals made in recent days as problematic.

Turning people back at the border or deporting migrants to Rwanda would require changes to EU law, while the latter would face a likely legal challenge in the European Court of Human Rights, he points out.

Then UK home secretary Suella Braverman sees houses being constructed in Rwanda for deported migrants - STEFAN ROUSSEAU/PA

Questioning whether the deportations to Kabul were legal, Mr Hartwig said: Everything that we know suggests that the European Court would not accept deportations to the Taliban-run country.

Mr Hartwig added that it appeared that none of the deportees on the flight to Afghanistan had appealed the decision, meaning that a dramatic last-minute intervention by the European Court on Human Rights similar to the one that stymied the UKs Rwanda plan couldnt take place.

Protection against expulsion to countries where persons might be subject to torture applies regardless of whether a person is law-abiding or a criminal, he pointed out.

Berlin has also come in for criticism from rights groups for implicitly recognising the Taliban via its deportation arrangement.

However, Berlin has insisted that, by using Qatar as an intermediary, it was able to square the circle of improving public safety without playing the Islamist groups game.

We dont need to talk to the Taliban, and we wont, said foreign minister Annalena Baerbock in conversation with Der Spiegel in which she insisted that Germany would not become the first democratic country to recognise Taliban rule.

Why should we court the Taliban, who lock women inside their homes, when we dont have to? she asked.

In reality, Germany has never completely broken off contact with Kabul.

Afghanistans embassy in the leafy west of Berlin never closed after the Taliban takeover in the summer of 2021.

Ambassador Yama Yari, who was appointed before the Taliban captured power, has been seen entering and leaving the foreign ministry building in recent months.

Whether those visits were connected to the recent deportation flights is unclear.

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.
Nancy Faeser, Germany's Minister of the Interior and Home Affairs, speaks during a press conference at the Federal Ministry of the Interior and Home Affairs. Kay Nietfeld/dpa

German authorities turned back more than half the people entering the country without proper documentation over the first half of 2024, a clear rise from last year, the Interior Ministry in Berlin reported on Saturday.

During 2023, the federal police, who are responsible for the country's external borders, sent back only around 28% of those entering illegally. The figures came in a response to a parliamentary question from a member of the hard-left Die Linke party.

According to the response, 42,307 people entering without permission were recorded during the first six months of this year, with 21,661 sent back. In 2023, the federal police stopped 127,549 people, sending back 35,618.

The rise in the number of people refused entry was particularly marked along the borders to Poland and the Czech Republic.

During the period, the number of people requesting asylum at the border fell. Last year, an asylum application was accepted from around 45%, while in the first half of this year, the figure was 23%.

Interior Minister Nancy Faeser ordered permanent checks on the borders to the Czech Republic, Poland and Switzerland in October last year.

Permanent checks have been in place on the Austrian border since 2015. All these countries lie in the Schengen Area allowing free travel across borders, and the imposition of restrictions has to be reported to the European Commission.
Glad no kids were there: Bronx teacher recounts being shot in classroom

Glad no kids were there: Bronx teacher recounts being shot in classroom

BRONX, N.Y. (PIX11)  Another tragic school shooting in the country that killed and wounded educators and students is top of mind for a Bronx teacher.

Jhairo Colon feels lucky to be alive after being shot in his Fordham classroom. He was not targeted; rather, it was by a stray bullet. He was forced to sit out the start of the school year to recover at home after being hit through his sixth-floor window on Wednesday.

More Local News

Its unfortunate what happened to me, but Im glad no kids were there, Colon said.

Colon, 33, and his paraprofessional were preparing for their students at PS 391 in the Bronx when a single bullet shattered the window. The bullet hit the special education teachers palm, requiring seven stitches.

Im thankful to be alive; thats all, Colon said.

It happened inside the public school building off Webster Avenue. The NYPD says they are following a path to the shooter.

The shot came from a long-range outside, not a block distance, said NYPD Chief of School Safety Tracy Mulet. I can tell you detectives have already figured out the trajectory.

The gun violence is rattling parents nerves, as on the same day, a teenage gunman shot 11 people in a Georgia high school, four of whom were killed.

I could have been one of those too, but God had different plans, Colon said.

That stray bullet grazed the 8th-grade teacher of seven years.

Just think how much more tragic that could have been, said David Banks, DOE Chancellor.

Banks says all of it highlights the ongoing battle against gun violence, especially near NYC school corridors.

Police and legislators are working on ways to take guns off the street. Its very unfortunate, and Im happy it wasnt worse, Banks said.

Colon says he will reflect on this timeless lesson when he feels mentally and physically ready to return to school.

We can solve our problems with words, not with bullets.

The NYPD has not made any arrests in this case.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT)  Select small business entrepreneurs in Alabama will participate in a new investment program offered by Goldman Sachs.

The Investment in Rural Communities program launched last September. The Alabama cohort will allow 30 small business entrepreneurs to launch or grow their businesses with help from Goldman Sachs business education program.

Participants will be provided business education classes through a partnership with Jefferson State Community College at no cost.

Woman to plead guilty to using stolen identity to vote in elections, obtain passports

Through an established partnership with Hope Enterprise Corporation/Hope Credit Union, Goldman Sachs will deploy $20 million of capital to small businesses in the rural South. HOPE will commit $3 million for small business loans provided through community development financial institutions or CDFIs in Alabama.

On Friday afternoon, U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-AL) and U.S. Representative Terri Sewell (D-AL) spoke at a press conference held at the Innovation Lab in Birmingham to highlight the importance of the initiative.

Giving them these tools without any cost to them will only create resiliency not only within the small businesses but within our communities statewide, Sen. Britt said.

Whats great is when you have programs like this that will help them create pathways to capital access and also when you get the money knowing what to do with it, Rep. Sewell said.

Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses also provides access to business support services. Alabama is the fifth state to participate in the new expansion, joining North and South Dakota, Arkansas and Missouri.

While this years Alabama cohort is full, more information on how to apply 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 CBS 42.
DES MOINES, Iowa (KCAU)  Governor Kim Reynolds has ordered all flags to fly at half-staff on Monday to honor an Iowa sailor.

According to a release, flags will be flown at half-staff to honor Navy Fireman 1st Class Everett C. Titterington, who was killed at Pearl Harbor during World War II. He was 21 years old from Milford, Iowa, and will be buried in Riverside National Cemetery in California.

Sioux City musician Johnnie Bolin dies at 70

Titterington was on the USS Oklahoma when it was moored at Foord Island, Pearl Harbor, and capsized during multiple torpedo hits on December 7, 1941.

The release states that scientists with the military have been using advanced technology to identify the remains of sailors lost at Pearl Harbor.

Former Sioux City bike shop owner dies at 100

Flags will be at half-staff on the State Capitol Building and the Capitol Complex, along with public buildings, grounds, and facilities throughout the state.

Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties, and other government subdivisions are encouraged to fly the flag at half-staff as a sign of respect.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Government Scientist Investigating Whether Aging Parts of Your Brain Can Be Replaced With Cloned Tissue

A biologist with the US government's research and development arm is working on a radical new approach to anti-aging treatments: replacing parts of the human brain with cloned tissues.

As the MIT Technology Review reports, researcher Jean Hebert was recently hired by the US Advanced Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) for his revolutionary plan to bring for "functional brain tissue replacement."

Created in 2022 by President Joe Biden as a medical "moonshot" incubator, ARPA-H is all about funding the kind of "bold, urgent innovation" presented by researchers like Hebert. His brain tissue-cloning theory, however, may be a bit more far-out than the AI schemes and MRI updates being funded by the agency.

While there are already transplants for things like hips and kidneys, the concept of replacing one brain for another is terrifying on an existential level because on a fundamental level, our brains make us who we are.

Hebert's research, however, is more focused on "progressively" replacing parts of the brain using young, lab-grown tissues. If done slowly enough, the Tech Review explains, the idea is that the brain could adapt by moving around memories and other key identity facets to accommodate its new biological material.

A genetics and neuroscience professor at the Albert Einstein School of Medicine in The Bronx, Hebert has already begun setting the groundwork for his bold theory by removing parts of mice brains and injecting them with what the MIT magazine describes as "slurries of embryonic cells." While it's still too soon to tell whether or not this anti-aging moonshot works, it's certainly provocative.

As outrageous as the idea of replacing brains may seem, the scientist told the Tech Review that when he made his pitch to ARPA-H to fund his research with monkeys and other animals, the agency "didn't blink" at the $110 million he asked for.

If the brain stuff isn't wild enough, Hebert has also advocated for so-called "full-body replacement"  attaching your head to a youthful body, basically  and suggested that embryonic cells from fetuses could be used in future anti-aging technologies.

Alongside his study into the brains of mice and monkeys, the 58-year-old scientist told the magazine that his personal work is focused on the neocortex, the Udon-noodle-looking exterior part of the brain that hosts our memories and senses.

To him, the neocortex is "arguably the most important part of who we are as individuals." To study it, Hebert has been studying the brains of aborted human fetuses between five and eight weeks of age, which could easily become a politicized issue a la the stem cell debate of the 2000s should right-wingers get hip to this government-funded scientist's work.

"What we're engineering is a fetal-like neocortical tissue that has all the cell types and structure needed to develop into normal tissue on its own," he said of the research, which has been funded in part by a New York State grant and also by a "brain engineering" startup called BE Therapeutics.

With his hiring at ARPA-H necessitating the closure of his lab at the Albert Einstein campus, Hebert isn't sure what the future of the more controversial side of his work will entail, but he's optimistic regardless.

"We're, you know, a couple steps away from reversing brain aging," he told the Tech Review. "A couple of big steps away, I should say."

More on aging moonshots: Scientists Intrigued by Drug That Extended Lifespans of Mice While Keeping Them Young-Looking
Members of the Alaska House watch for the vote tally on House Bill 17 on Thursday, March 21, 2024. (Photo by James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)

Members of the Alaska House watch for the vote tally on House Bill 17 on March 21. The bill, vetoed by Gov. Mike Dunleavy, would have allowed women to get up to a year's worth of contraception medicine at a time. Initial passage in the House was by a 29-11 vote, with Democrats, Republicans and independents voting in favor. (Photo by James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)

Gov. Mike Dunleavy has vetoed a bill that would have eased access to contraceptives.

Dunleavy on Wednesday vetoed House Bill 17, a measure that the Legislature passed with bipartisan support. The bill would have allowed women to receive a 12-month supply of prescription contraceptive medicine all at once. In Alaska, such medicine is typically distributed in increments of one to three months, according to the Alaska Public Health Association.

In a brief veto letter sent to House Speaker Cathy Tilton, R-Wasilla, Dunleavy said he objected to that idea.

Contraceptives are widely available, and compelling insurance companies to provide mandatory coverage for a year is bad policy, he said in the letter.

The bill got final passage in the House by a 26-13 margin, with all Democrats and independents, along with several Republicans, voting in favor. An earlier version passed the House by a 29-11 margin. It passed the Senate by a 16-3 margin. All the votes in opposition were from Republicans, including Tilton.

Reproductive rights advocates blasted the veto, saying it would maintain a barrier to public health.

Vetoing HB 17 is a blatant failure of leadership and an insult to the public health of people in Alaska. Governor Dunleavy has chosen to keep barriers in place that make it difficult for all folks to access essential medication, Rose OHara-Jolley, Alaska state director of Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates, said in a statement.

Rep. Ashley Carrick, D-Fairbanks and the bills main sponsor, said she was frustrated by this and other Dunleavy vetoes.

I believe theres a growing sense of distaste for the administration. They dont seem to want a collaborative process with the Legislature. Until the governors office shows a willingness to have a conversation and collaboration, it will be very hard for our state to move forward and get things done, she said.

About half of U.S. states have passed laws requiring insurers to increase the number of months for which prescription contraceptives are distributed, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. In those states, the usual duration is 12 months, according to the NCSL.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Local officials in Seminole County teamed up in support of their veterans on Saturday.

They hosted a special event in partnership with the Department of Health and County Veteran Services. I come here every year man, this is great, said Pete Lozado, a Marine Corps Veteran. I went in 1978, I got out in 1998. I traveled a lot, seen a lot of death, a lot of sorrow. But I made it back, in one piece.

There was a little bit of everything - from health care services, to dental screenings, from haircuts to clothes - the hope is to empower and bring back some quality of life to the former servicemen and women.

READ: NASA admin Bill Nelson to join Hidden Figures Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony

We inform them we have a facility where they can turn to once a year into a place where theres no judgment. We want to help the homeless veterans find their way back home, Bob Dallari, Seminole County Commissioner.

Its also a chance for volunteers to give back to their community. It just something that brings everybody together, making sure everyone is getting along, and becoming one, Jason Garcia, volunteer.

READ: NASAs Pegasus barge delivers parts to Kennedy Space Center

Hundreds showed up at the event on Saturday; it is the first event of this kind since COVID19 - the county is already planning for next year.

I think its so easy for certain populations like the veterans to just be forgotten and I think an event like this really brings them back to the forefront, Dr. Ethan Johnson, with Florida Department of Health, Seminole County.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
TODAYS WORD is hangry. Example: After a long day at work, he came home hangry and ready to raid the fridge.

THURSDAYS WORD was solidarity, meaning community of feelings, purposes, interests, or responsibilities. Example: In times of crisis, the community came together in solidarity to support one another.

Authors

The Spencer-Penn Centre has released the list of the 2024 author lineup that will be present at this years MHC Is For Book Lovers event on Sept. 21.

They are: Allie Marie, Amber Joi Scott, Betsy Ashton, Beverly B. Woodsy, Cindy Ray Hale, Debbie Youngman, Donnie Stevens, Gale Buck, Heather Weidner, Joyce Graham, Kate Lyn Beck, Les Epstein, Melodie Parrish, Michael Rigg, Miski Harris, ML Nystrom, Nancy Naigle, Pam Cobler, Robert Bailey, Rose Cushing, Samson Ray, and Stephen Mark Rainey.

The authors will be at Spencer-Penn during the Spencer Revival Fall Festival from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Cherokee legend

There is an old Cherokee legend that describes two wolves who are always fighting. One of the wolves is darkness and despair and the other is light and hope. As the story goes, the winner is always the same; the one you feed.

Sweet corn

Sweet corn is especially popular here in the South. The variety of corn is high in sugar content and is the result of a naturally occurring recessive mutation in the genes.

The Poor Farmers Market in Patrick County is selling fresh sweet corn for $3.99 per dozen as long as it lasts.

Chuckle

A police officer pulls over a tractor-trailer and when he gets out of his car, he hears strange noises, so he asks to look inside the trailer and finds 50 penguins.

Sir, why do you have 50 penguins in your truck? the officer asks.

Theyre my friends, said the truck driver. We go on journeys together in my truck.

Im sorry sir, but you cant keep 50 penguins in your truck, said the officer. Youre going to have to take them to the zoo.

The man agrees and drives off. The next day the same officer pulls the truck over again, hears the strange noises, and discovers the same 50 penguins.

I though I told you to take these penguins to the zoo, says the officer.

I did take them to the zoo, said the driver. They loved it! Today were going to the beach.

Quote of the day

The secret to a happy marriage is if you can be at peace with someone within four walls, if you are content because the one you love is near to you, either upstairs or downstairs, or in the same room, and you feel that warmth that you dont find very often, then that is what love is all about.  Bruce Forsyth

THURSDAYS TRIVIA ANSWER: The frescoes on the ceiling, collectively knows as the Sistine Ceiling, were commissioned by Pope Julius II in 1508 and were painted by Michelangelo at the Sistine Chapel in the years from 1508 to 1512.

TODAYS TRIVIA QUESTION: In Star Trek, what planet is Spock from?
A teacher in the Greece Central School District was killed in a vehicle crash on Friday, according to a statement released by the school district on Saturday.

Jillian Branciforte, an English as a New Language teacher at Greece Olympia, died in the crash just two days after the first day of school at Greece Olympia.

"This loss affects not only Olympia but also the entire district, as Jillian's influence extended across multiple schools," said Laurel Heiden, communications director for the district.

The district did not provide additional details about the accident and has requested privacy for the school community during this difficult time.

Branciforte's LinkedIn profile indicates that she graduated from Hilton High School, earned her Bachelor's degree in Spanish from St. John Fisher University, and completed her Master's in Education at Nazareth College.

The Hilton Central School District posted on Facebook to express their condolences.

"The entire Hilton community is mourning the loss of 2013 Hilton graduate Jillian Branciforte," the post stated. "Our sincerest condolences to all who knew and loved her."

Many who knew Branciforte shared their grief and affection for her in the comments section of the post.

Alexandra Braggins Martin wrote, "My heart just sank. Jill was one of my best friends in high school. This is the biggest tragedy. I am sending all of my love to her family and friends. A beautiful soul was taken far too soon. There are no other words."

Amy Gallton added, "She was one of a kind. Sending love and prayers to all who love her."

Students also expressed their sadness on Facebook, with one writing, "R.I.P Ms. Branciforte, you will be missed."

The Greece school district said its Trauma, Illness, and Grief Team will be available to support students and staff in the coming days.

Madison Scott is a journalist with the Democrat and Chronicle who edited our Weld Street Project and also did reporting for it. She has an interest in how the system helps or doesn't help families with missing loved ones. She can be reached at MDScott@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Jillian Branciforte, a teacher in Greece NY, killed in crash
By Renee Maltezou and Lefteris Papadimas

ATHENS (Reuters) -Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis promised on Saturday to increase pensions, cut taxes and social security contributions, and increase the minimum wage in 2025, as thousands rallied to protest a high cost of living.

In his annual economic policy speech at the Thessaloniki trade fair in northern Greece, he said Greece will create more jobs, increase pensions by up to 2.5% in 2025 and will raise the monthly minimum wage from 830 euros ($920) to 950 euros gradually by 2027. He added that social security contributions would be cut by 1 point.

Greece is still recovering from a debt crisis that wiped out nearly a fourth of its economic output in 2009-2018, due to austerity measures that included repeated wage and pension cuts.

But over recent years it has been achieving strong economic growth, which is seen at 2.5% this year.

Mitsotakis said Greece has changed, with strong economic growth that should be distributed in a balanced way, and be reflected in pensions and wages.

He also promised to maintain fiscal prudence in line with European Union rules.

"I don't have with me today a bag with unreasonable handouts but only suggestions for useful and effective choices," said the leader of the centre-right New Democracy party, which came to power in 2019 and won a second term last year.

Outside the venue, thousands of people rallied chanting slogans and holding banners reading "No to wages of starvation!" and "We can live differently".

A special levy on the self-employed will be scrapped next year, while 243 million euros, a revenue from a windfall tax on energy companies, will be distributed to vulnerable citizens in December, he said.

A lingering cost of living crisis after the COVID-19 pandemic, the impact of devastating wildfires and floods, along with certain reforms, have put off some core voters of New Democracy, which has seen a drop in popularity according to opinion polls.

Greece will also spend 1.6 billion euros in 2025 to boost its defence, Mitsotakis said. And to help halt a tumbling birthrate, he pledged to extend a housing plan and support young parents with benefits and tax exemptions.

Mitsotakis also promised to boost civil protections, support farmers who have been hit by climate change, and reduce a property tax for home owners who insure their home against natural disasters, among other measures.

According to sources, the government plans to spend 3 billion euros in 2025 alone, amounting to about 1.5% of GDP.

Mitsotakis is expected to hold a press conference on Sunday.

($1 = 0.9023 euros)

(Reporting by Renee Maltezou, Lefteris Papadimas and Stamos Prousalis; Editing by David Holmes and David Gregorio)
GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP) Greensboro city leaders are concerned about safety and the operations of the Interactive Resource Center.

One month ago, the Greensboro City Council approved additional funding of $463,000 for the center.

City leaders say after the IRC received that funding one month ago, they expected the center to have additional 24/7 security on site by Sept. 1, which the IRC doesnt have.

They could have been making arrangements right after we took the vote, Greensboro Mayor Nancy Vaughan said.

Security is one of the things IRC Executive Director Kristina Singleton said is currently in the works under the centers 30-60-90-day plan.

Singleton said additional 24/7 security is expected to be at the center next week.

We were waiting for our contracts from the city. We have a go from them to go ahead and start being able to move forward with the things that we need to do. Were super excited for all of the changes that we have coming up, Singleton said.

Some city leaders say thats not good enough. Last month, the city and the IRC agreed to a plan to address safety, and the mayor feels like the nonprofit isnt executing that plan.

I dont feel that its being handled properly. I was very frustrated regarding the lack of security. We had extended conversations about making sure that there was 24/7 security. We voted on it a few weeks back. And the way that the contracts work is that their funds are reimbursable, Vaughan said.

Since that additional funding was approved on Aug. 5, there have been 72 911 calls for service to the IR.

We havent had any increase  Theres always going to be people here that are suffering in some way that may need EMS support, and we support calling on that, Singleton said.

Some of those calls include disorderly conduct, assault and suspicious activity.

Councilman Zack Matheny said hes worried.

This all really came about when  the EMS decided that they would not go to the IRC until the police department came down and cleared the building. Thats how this all started. So if EMS is saying, We dont feel safe at the IRC to go help somebody. We need police to come in. Theres a problem, Matheny said.

Greensboro City Councilmember At-Large Marikay Abuzuaiter said additional security is necessary.

I dont think any of us can afford another week of delay  Im hoping that it will come through quicker than one week and that things will be in place  Were still going to have issues and problems, but at least we know the area would be secure, Abuzuaiter said.

City leaders want open communication with IRC leaders if they need help making the planned improvements.

At this time, there are also plumbing renovations underway at the IRC to allow its bathrooms to accommodate the significant increase in people the center has been serving.

City leaders plan to follow up with IRC leaders.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX8 WGHP.
Miles Morrisseau

ICT

WINNIPEG, Manitoba, Canada  In a moment that shocked and saddened First Nations and allies across Canada, Grand Chief Cathy Merrick died abruptly Friday, Sept. 6, after collapsing outside a Winnipeg courthouse during a press conference.

Merrick  who became the first woman elected as grand chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs in 2022  was a history-maker who worked tirelessly and fearlessly to defend the rights of her people and those most vulnerable.

SUPPORT INDIGENOUS JOURNALISM. CONTRIBUTE TODAY.

She had been speaking to reporters about the acquittal of a corrections officer in the death of a First Nations inmate and another case when she collapsed.

It is with profound sadness that we confirm the sudden passing of our beloved Grand Chief Cathy Merrick, the assembly said in a statement. After experiencing a medical emergency outside the courthouse earlier today, she was rushed to the hospital, where her passing was confirmed, marking the beginning of her final journey home.

The statement offered condolences to family, friends and community from the assembly staff, as well as from the dozens of the First Nations represented by the assembly.

We share in their grief, feeling the immense loss of a remarkable leader whose voice and tireless advocacy touched countless lives, the release stated. Grand Chief Merricks presence, both powerful and kind, left a lasting impact on those privileged to know and work alongside her.

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew, the first First Nations provincial premier and a longtime friend and mentor to Merrick, announced Saturday that Merrick would lie in state at the provincial legislature in what could be a first for a First Nations leader.

Merrick, 62, is survived by her husband, Todd, three children and eight grandchildren, according to the CBC.

Her sudden death sent waves of shock across the country, with condolences flooding social media as the news spread.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called her death a shocking and heartbreaking loss, in a post to X, formerly Twitter.

Grand Chief Cathy Merrick was a relentless and incredibly effective advocate for First Nations peoples, especially for those most vulnerable, Trudeau said in the post. As the first woman to lead the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, and throughout her entire career, she inspired so many of us.

Grand Chief Cathy Merrick was a relentless and incredibly effective advocate for First Nations peoples, especially for those most vulnerable. As the first woman to lead the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, and throughout her entire career, she inspired so many of us.



Her sudden  Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) September 6, 2024

Kinew also posted to X his condolences to someone he knew as a leader, Sundancer and Kookum (grandmother).

I will miss her wise counsel, her drive to get things done and most of all  her hugs, Kinew said. No matter how challenging or difficult any political conversation was, Cathy Merrick always greeted you and said farewell by hugging you.

Kinew also referenced demands for landfill searches for the remains of the victims of a serial killer that targeted Indigenous women in the provincial capital of Winnipeg. Merrick had been active in calling for the government to search the landfills in what became a defining issue in the campaign that propelled Kinew to the highest office in the province.

Searching the landfill for the remains of Morgan Harris and Marcedes Myran, and other important steps to improve the lives of First Nations people in our province, we rededicate these efforts to the memory of the late Cathy Merrick, Kinew stated in his post. On behalf of the people of Manitoba, I extend my heartfelt condolences to Cathys husband, family, friends and supporters on the loss of our grand chief.

Lisa and I have known Cathy for years  as a grand chief, First Nations leader, sundancer and kookum. She was the first woman to be elected as grand chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs  something that made so many Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in our province proud. pic.twitter.com/GmCWb1n0ls  Wab Kinew (@WabKinew) September 6, 2024

Champion for her people

Merrick, a member of Pimicikamak (Cross Lake) Cree Nation, began her political career in her northern Manitoba community, which is one of the largest with nearly 10,000 members and nearly 6,500 living on reserve.

She was first elected to council and then in 2013 she was elected to chief, a position she held until 2018.

In 2022, she was elected as the first women to be grand chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, and in July 2024 she was re-elected to the position. The AMC represents 63 First Nations in the province.

In the statement released after her death, the assembly noted her leadership as a champion on crucial causes, including missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people.

She fiercely advocated for the urgent need to search the landfill, believing that our loved ones deserve a proper and respectful resting place. She also brought attention to the MMIWG2S+ epidemic, stressing the importance of proactive measures, the statement said.

She was also remembered for her commitment to equitable healthcare in First Nations communities and as a true Treaty warrior and made sure that governments knew her position of the role First Nations played in shaping this country.

Standing strong

Condolences poured in as the news spread.

Cambria Harris, who has been leading the fight to have the landfill searched and as advocate in the ongoing MMIP crisis, posted on her Facebook page what it has meant to have Merrick as an ally in the fight.

Harris mother, Morgan Harris, was one of the victims of the serial killer who preyed on Indigenous women in Manitoba.

We have had the honor to have such a powerful figure stand by our families side, Harris said. The gratitude and respect I hold for you is immense and your presence will be greatly missed by all in the community. You were someone with the purest heart I know, who welcomed my family in with open arms as you helped fight for my mom Morgan Harris and our loved ones.

A protest site outside the Brady Landfill in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, shown here in February 2023, has been named Camp Morgan, for one of several Indigenous women targeted by a serial killer. Protesters have demanded that police search the landfill for the bodies of three women, including Morgan Harris. Remains of a fourth victim were found at the site in 2022. (Photo by Miles Morrisseau/ICT)

Harris recalled times when Merrick stood strong for the people.

Our Warrior Grand Chief, you were so deadly, she posted. I will never forget standing at the Winnipeg Police Fire Games last year as we painted red handprints on our faces in response to the injustices our MMIWG2S+ face. Ill forever hold the powerful rattle you held that day, close to my heart.

She also describes a point in the nations capital of Ottawa when Merrick threatened a sit-in if a decision was not made to search the landfills. A search is scheduled to begin at Prairie Green landfill in October.

I dont know where this fight towards searching, and the fight for our people, could have gone if it werent for your words and guidance, and strength every step of the way, Harris posted. Im devastated, and my heart breaks for your family.

I love you Grand Chief and will never forget those big hugs you gave to all. Rest in power.

Merrick had been speaking to the media outside the courthouse about what she called a gross miscarriage of justice after the acquittal of a Manitoba corrections officer in the death of a First Nations inmate, according to the CBC.

She collapsed while speaking to reporters, and CPR was immediately begun. She was rushed to the hospital but could not be revived.

The assembly held a press conference on Saturday, Sept. 7, with chiefs in attendance from across the province as well as Kinew and National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak.

Chief Gordon Bluesky, Brokenhead Ojibway Nation, was representing the Chiefs of Treaty 1 when he broke down into tears as he reflected on the loss of Merrick.

When I look back on the time that I had, a very short period, it feels like you know what I did notice and obviously acknowledge, was that our grand chief was a very, very brave soul, Bluesky said.

And unfortunately, today, I realized that I took that for granted, the work that she did for our communities. I should have told her more how truly inspired I was by her and by her bravery and her passion for our people.

Our stories are worth telling. Our stories are worth sharing. Our stories are worth your support. Contribute today to help ICT carry out its critical mission. Sign up for ICTs free newsletter.
CHICAGO  After possible bullet holes were discovered at the Muslim Community Center this week, the Chicago office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations announced Saturday that they are calling upon police to investigate the incident as a potential hate crime.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations wrote in their news release that the targeted act of violence against the mosque appears to be yet another attack aimed at the Muslim community. Established in 1969, the Muslim Community Center in Irving Park is one of the oldest and largest Muslim organizations in Chicago.

According to Saif Mazhar, chair of the security committee for the Muslim Community Center, office staff first found what looked like bullet holes on the buildings glass doors during Labor Day weekend. When multiple new holes were found on Tuesday two days later, Mazhar said he then realized that the mosque was being targeted.

The community has since been very shaken up, Mazhar said. On Thursday, he reached out to the Federal Bureau of Investigation to request they look into the incident as a potential hate crime, concurrent to the Chicago Police Departments own investigation.

We dont want to be targeted again, Mazhar said. What we would like is for the FBI to really investigate the situation, as were citizens too. We live here as well. Were American too. So we dont want to be the others we want to be part of the same team.

Damage to the front windows and doors of the Muslim Community Center was reported to police at approximately 6 a.m. on Tuesday, according to the Chicago Police Department. No offenders have been taken into custody and detectives are investigating the incident, police said Saturday.

Chicago police could not provide comment on whether the incident is specifically being investigated as a hate crime.

However, leaders of CAIR-Chicago reiterated that the choice to damage a mosque was likely not made at random.

Its unclear what the source of what look like bullet holes is, whether a gun, a BB gun, or something else, but what seems clear is that the person who inflicted this damage on a Muslim house of worship did not come in peace, wrote Ahmed Rehab, executive director of CAIR-Chicago, in their Saturday news release. This attack is not just on a building; it is an attack on the Muslim communitys safety and right to worship freely.

The vandalism of the Muslim Community Center occurred at night when the mosque was closed, Mazhar said. Security footage did not capture the incident, he said, as the cameras were not directly facing the doors.

The mosque had delayed repairs of the damage to the building for days since the incident, Mazhar said, as they were hoping that the FBI or other investigators would stop by to analyze the potential bullet holes. Yet since no one has come by, they now plan to begin fixing their building up, he added.

Mazhar, who was born and raised in Chicago, said though hes felt more Islamophobia recently, for years and years its always been this thing where you know, we seem like the others, and not a part of the community.

Hafsa Haider, spokeswoman for CAIR-Chicago, said that there has been a marked increase in hate crimes against Palestinians and the Muslim community in general since the Democratic National Convention in August. This recent attack on a Muslim house of worship is especially concerning, Haider said, as mosques are meant to be the place where people feel the most safe and comfortable and vulnerable.

We want to make sure that this is taken as seriously as if it was another religious group that was being targeted, Haider said. Were finding that sometimes our voices and our community needs arent made a priority.

The incident at the Muslim Community Center is not the only of its kind this week, CAIR officials noted. Another act of vandalism on a visibly Muslim property occurred during Labor Day weekend, when the Palestinian-owned coffee shop Nabala Cafe in Uptown had its window shattered. A Palestinian flag had been displayed in the vandalized window.

This is the second attack on Muslim property in recent days that the police have chalked down as mere destruction of property; hate motivation should not be ruled out without a thorough investigation, wrote CAIR-Chicago staff attorney Joseph Milburn in the organizations release.

From January to June of 2024, CAIR received 4,951 complaints of Islamophobic discrimination  a 69% increase compared to the same period in 2023, according to the nonprofit.



(Tribune reporter Deanese Williams-Harris contributed to this report.)


Since Vice President Kamala Harris took over the Democratic ticket, shes received support from plenty of prominent conservatives  who are largely endorsing Harris out of their opposition to Donald Trump. They have said that the former president is amoral, crude, and simply untenable  so much so that they will be defecting from their own party when they vote for president in November.

In a Sept. 18 letter published by The New York Times, 111 former Republican officials and members of Congress endorsed Harris. We expect to disagree with Kamala Harris on many domestic and foreign policy issues, but we believe that she possesses the essential qualities to serve as President and Donald Trump does not, they wrote, attacking Trumps unusual affinity for other authoritarian leaders, contempt for the norms of decent, ethical and lawful behavior, and chaotic national security decision-making. The list includes a host of national security and foreign policy figures who served under the last four Republican presidents, including Trump.

Harris signaled in August that she could reach across the aisle when filling out her Cabinet, should she win the race. I have spent my career inviting diversity of opinion. I think its important to have people at the table when some of the most important decisions are being made that have different views, different experiences, Harris told CNN. And I think it would be to the benefit of the American public to have a member of my Cabinet who was a Republican.

Below is an incomplete list of Republicans who are throwing their weight behind the vice president.

Liz Cheney

The former Republican congresswoman endorsed Harris during an event at Duke University on Sept. 4. She is the daughter of former Vice President Dick Cheney.

I dont believe that we have the luxury of writing in candidates names, particularly in swing states, Cheney said. As a conservative, as someone who believes in and cares about the Constitution, I have thought deeply about this. And because of the danger that Donald Trump poses, not only am I not voting for Donald Trump, but I will be voting for Kamala Harris.

Cheney was the vice chairwoman of a committee that investigated the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. We owe it to the American people to investigate everything that led up to, and transpired on, Jan. 6th, she said in 2021. We will not be deterred by threats or attempted obstruction and we will not rest until our task is complete.

The committee ultimately referred Trump to the Justice Department for prosecution. Earlier this year, Trump called for Cheney to be put in jail.

Dick Cheney

Despised by liberals during George W. Bushs presidency, Dick Cheney is apparently voting for Harris, too.

Speaking on Sept. 6 at the Texas Tribune Festival, Liz Cheney said, Dick Cheney will be voting for Kamala Harris, prompting cheers from the audience.

Later in the day, Dick Cheney released a statement endorsing Harris.

In our nations 248-year history, there has never been an individual who is a greater threat to our republic than Donald Trump, he said. He tried to steal the last election using lies and violence to keep himself in power after the voters had rejected him. He can never be trusted with power again. As citizens, we each have a duty to put country above partisanship to defend our Constitution. That is why I will be casting my vote for Vice President Kamala Harris.

Harris touted the endorsement in a statement from her campaign chair, Jen OMalley Dillon. The vice president is proud to have the support of Vice President Cheney, and deeply respects his courage to put country over party, she said, adding, For every voter who cares about America and understands the fundamental threat Donald Trump poses to our democracy and our Constitution, this campaign has a home for you.

Jimmy McCain

The late Sen. John McCains youngest son, Army 1st Lt. Jimmy McCain, said in early September that he would be voting for Harris.

Many of these men and women, who served their country, chose to do something greater than themselves, McCain told CNN. They woke up one morning, they signed on the dotted line, they put their right hand up, and they chose to serve their country. And thats an experience that Donald Trump has not had. And I think that might be something that he thinks about a lot. McCain served in the military for 17 years.

Trump famously insulted John McCain, who was a prisoner of war in Vietnam, in 2016 when he said, Hes not a war hero. He is a war hero because he was captured. I like people who werent captured. When the senator died, Trump reportedly told his staff: Were not going to support that losers funeral.

Olivia Troye

Troye, who worked on national security issues for Vice President Mike Pence during the Trump administration, spoke at the DNC as well.

To my fellow Republicans, you arent voting for a Democrat; youre voting for democracy. You arent betraying your party; youre standing up for our country, she said.

Troye resigned from the administration in 2020.

John Giles

The Republican mayor of Mesa, Arizona, endorsed Harris in an op-ed for the Arizona Republic. Now more than ever, we need leaders who will put country over party, he writes.

We can choose a future for our children and grandchildren based on decency, respect and morality, he adds, or succumb to the crudeness and vulgarity of Trump and J.D. Vance and the far-right agenda they would champion.

Geoff Duncan

Georgias former Republican lieutenant governor endorsed Harris in an op-ed for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He also spoke at the DNC.

Many asked if my choice to support Vice President Kamala Harris for president was difficult, he writes. Lets be clear: Theres not an ounce of regret in my decision. I care far more about the future of our country  the one that my kids and their kids will inherit  than I do the future of Donald Trump.

Duncan was a prominent public critic of Trump following his efforts to overturn the 2020 election results in Georgia.

Stephanie Grisham

Trumps former White House press secretary spoke at the Democratic National Convention in August in support of Harris.

She said that Trump has no empathy, no morals and no fidelity to the truth.

I love my country more than my party, Grisham continued. Kamala Harris tells the truth. She respects the American people and she has my vote.

Grisham resigned from her job as Melania Trumps chief of staff the evening of the Jan. 6 insurrection.

Former Trump WH Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham tells the DNC that Trump "mocks his supporters" and calls them "basement dwellers" behind closed doors. pic.twitter.com/XPxELfypCt  nikki mccann ramirez (@NikkiMcR) August 20, 2024

Adam Kinzinger

The former Illinois congressman spoke at the DNC in support of Harris. Im proud to be in the trenches with you as part of this sometimes awkward alliance to defend truth, democracy, and decency, he said.

He added, Donald Trump is a weak man pretending to be strong. He is a small man pretending to be big. Hes a faithless man pretending to be righteous. Hes a perpetrator who cant stop playing the victim. He puts on quite a show but theres no real strength there.

Kinzinger is also a senior political commentator for CNN and a lieutenant colonel for the Air National Guard.

Barbara Comstock

Comstock, a former Republican congresswoman from Virginia, endorsed Harris in mid-August.

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 told CNN. Thats why I will be voting for the vice president.

Ana Navarro

The Republican co-host of ABCs The View and CNN commentator hosted a night of the DNC. Navarro was recently in Florida as part of a bus tour in support of reproductive freedom.

She has criticized the former president for abortion restrictions, after his conservative Supreme Court appointees overturned Roe v. Wade. Does Donald Trump think were stupid? Does he think we dont remember? Navarro said. Listen, you dont get to create a problem and then pretend you have the solution.

In 2020, Navarro posted on Facebook: I love Kamala Harris. I love her story. Her contagious laugh. Her warmth. Her intellect. Her tenacity.

Chuck Hagel

Hagel, who was secretary of defense during the Obama administration, endorsed Harris as part of the group Republicans for Harris. He is also a former senator from Nebraska.

Denver Riggleman

The former Republican congressman from Virginia endorsed Harris in the beginning of August.

I was heartbroken and horrified to see how close we came to losing our democracy on Jan. 6, because of one man  Donald Trump, Riggleman said in a statement. Ive seen with my own eyes how Trumps thirst for power, revenge, and retribution is his real motivation, and thats why I cannot stand by while he tries to destroy our country.

Trump endorsed Riggleman during two different races.

Christine Todd Whitman

The former New Jersey governor and administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency during the George W. Bush administration endorsed Harris in early August.

I was a proud Republican, but Donald Trump is unfit to lead our nation, she said in a statement. We saw during his four years in office how he consistently chose himself, his pursuit of power, and his billionaire friends over the American people while spewing lies and spreading chaos at every turn.

Rich Logis

The once pro-Trump pundit spoke in support of Harris at the DNC.

He said that Trumps response, or lack thereof, to the Covid pandemic was a turning point for him. I finally stepped outside the MAGA echo chamber, I stopped listening to what Trump said and looked around with my own eyes. And I realized that he had been lying about pretty much everything, he said.

We need to be able to trust our leaders, he continued. Thats why Im all in for Kamala Harris.

Logis was named co-chair of Republicans for Harris in Florida.

J. Michael Luttig

The conservative legal scholar and retired federal appeals court judge endorsed Harris in August over the war on Americas Democracy that was instigated by the former president and his allies on Jan. 6, 2021.

Luttig was appointed by George H.W. Bush. He also worked as an attorney in the Reagan White House and clerked for the late conservative Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia.

Bill Weld

The former Massachusetts governor endorsed Harris in early August.

Donald Trump belongs nowhere near the White House, he said. With democracy hanging in the balance in this election, Im standing with Kamala Harris to defeat Donald Trump and his attacks on our democratic institutions,

Weld also worked as an assistant U.S. attorney general under President Ronald Reagan.

Christopher Shays

The former congressman from Connecticut as part of the group Republicans for Harris.

I am thrilled to support Kamala Harris, he said. Shes a very good candidate, and has the possibility and potential of being an excellent president. Obviously time will tell on that.

Shes speaking to our better angels, he added. Trump, in my opinion, is doing the opposite.

Shays had previously considered backing Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as a protest vote.

Joe Walsh

Former Illinois Congressman Joe Walsh visited New Hampshire in late August to campaign for Harris.

This aint about policy, he said. We believe, and I think damn near every Republican for Harris believes, that Trump is a genuine threat to our democracy.

This is a dramatic change for Walsh, who posted on X in 2016: [If] Trump loses, Im grabbing my musket. You in?

On November 8th, I'm voting for Trump.



On November 9th, if Trump loses, I'm grabbing my musket.



You in?  Joe Walsh (@WalshFreedom) October 26, 2016

Ray LaHood

LaHood, who served as transportation secretary in the Obama administration, endorsed Harris in early August. I will not support Donald Trump for election, he said. Im on the bandwagon for Vice President Harris. He added that he was going to do all he could to help her get elected.

Trump doesnt represent what I believe we need in the White House, he said. Almost all the people that worked with him whether in his cabinet or in the White House either are in jail or have had their reputations besmirched by him.

Susan Molinari

The former Rep. from New York endorsed Harris in August. Shes not crazy, she said.

In 2020, she spoke out against Trump at the DNC. Ive known Donald Trump for most of my political career  so disappointing and lately so disturbing, she said.

Jim Edgar

Edgar, the former governor of Illinois, endorsed Harris when the campaign launched Republicans for Harris in early August.

Former Republican staffers

More than 200 former staffers who worked for former President George H.W. Bush, former President George W. Bush, former Arizona Sen. John McCain, and Utah Sen. Mitt Romney endorsed Harris in an open letter.

Re-electing President Trump would be a disaster for our nation, they write. They add, Of course, we have plenty of honest, ideological disagreements with Vice President Harris and Gov. Walz. Thats to be expected. The alternative, however, is simply untenable.

Among the signatories are Jean Becker, former President George H.W. Bushs chief of staff; David Garman, undersecretary of energy during the George W. Bush administration; Mark Salter, chief of staff of the office of Sen. McCain; and Greg Brower, U.S. attorney for the District of Nevada.

Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung said the letter was hilarious because nobody knows who these people are.

More from Rolling Stone

Best of Rolling Stone

Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
The Match-e-be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians (Gun Lake Tribe) on Friday held its annual sturgeon release into the Kalamazoo River.

Some 160 hatchery-raised lake sturgeon were released at the New Richmond Bridge County Park in Fennville, Mich. A couple hundred people gathered to witness the release of the sturgeon, known as nme to the Potawatomi, with many children participating by helping to release the fish by hand.

Never miss Indian Countrys biggest stories and breaking news. Click here to sign up to get our reporting sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning.

The sturgeon eggs were collected in April by the Tribes Environmental Department using mats placed in the Kalamazoo River. After being hatched and raised in a stream-side facility, the young sturgeon grew to about six to eight inches long before their release. These fish will likely remain in Kalamazoo Lake or the river for the fall and winter before eventually migrating to Lake Michigan. Along with the 160 hatchlings, five larger sturgeon from the 2023 release, which had been living in a tank at the Gun Lake Tribal Government office, were also released with trackers to allow environmentalists to monitor their movements. Caring for these sturgeon at the government campus has provided the community, staff, and visitors a unique chance to observe and learn about these remarkable fish.

The hatchery operates as a mobile rearing facility, using water from the Kalamazoo River that circulates through the holding tanks, allowing the sturgeon to imprint on the rivers environmental code. This process helps ensure they will return to this part of the river to spawn later in life. Once abundant throughout the Great Lakes, sturgeon are now a threatened and protected species, making this yearly release all the more significant.

"The Tribal approach to sustainable management is to recognize the impact that our current actions have on the next seven generations, said the Tribes Environmental Director Liz Binoniemi-Smith. The long life of the sturgeon requires careful management with this forward-looking approach, and through careful conservation, we hope to support this animal that is so important culturally to Neshnabek (Anishinabe People) as well as to the Great Lakes ecosystem."

The Tribe maintains a reciprocal relationship with nme and all the natural world. The nme historically supported the Neshnabek by providing food and other resources. Now, this reciprocal relationship continues with the Neshnabek supporting the nme.

The Tribe respects nme as kin, and nme are a clan animal that are highly regarded for their wisdom from living on the earth for so long, said Tribal Council Member and Elder Jeff Martin.

About the Author: "Native News Online is one of the most-read publications covering Indian Country and the news that matters to American Indians, Alaska Natives and other Indigenous people. Reach out to us at editor@nativenewsonline.net. "

Contact: news@nativenewsonline.net
Senior political correspondent Maggie Haberman suggested that former President Trump dissed his legal team during a press conference after another day in court as a way to show dominance.

Haberman joined CNNs Kaitlan Collins Friday after Trump spent the day in a New York courtroom attempting to appeal the verdict against him in writer E. Jean Carrolls lawsuit. Afterward, Trump spoke to the media, where he alternated between praising and criticizing his attorneys.

Its a way to show dominance. Its a way to show what he wants, knowing theyre not going to say anything back to him, because this is a public setting, and theyre not going to turn to him and argue, the New York Times correspondent told Collins, the host of CNNs The Source.

And its a way to humiliate, Haberman added. And that is something that we know that he has done with any number of aides, and lawyers, and advisers, and employees, over a number of decades.

Trump said Friday that he has a lot of legal talent, but they cant overcome rigged judges.

Im disappointed in my legal talent, Ill be honest with you, he said in an address from Trump Tower in New York City. Theyre good, theyre good people, theyre talented people.

Haberman said she didnt know of anyone who advised the former president to attend the court hearing Friday or to address the media. He was not required to attend the court proceedings, she noted.

He chose to go to this hearing. And I understand it. He has made it very clear he wants to be at legal proceedings connected to him, she said. That is invariably going to draw attention to this news conference, and he didnt take questions from us  All this is going to do is call more attention to that as well at a moment when he is trailing badly with women in polls.

Earlier this year, a federal jury in New York ordered Trump to pay $83.3 million for defaming Carroll. The author alleged that Trump defamed her after she brought forth sexual assault allegations against him.

Haberman referenced his comments about Carroll specifically, where he laid out the legal case in graphic detail.

He talked about allegations that frankly, I suspect much of the public doesnt remember anymore, but if they were tuning in, they will, she said.

Collins pointed out that he outlined talking points that his Democratic rival, Vice President Harris, could use as political fodder.

Im sure they will be after that press conference, Haberman said.

The remarks also come after New York Judge Juan Merchan delayed the GOP nominees sentencing in his hush money case until after the presidential election, handing Trump a win.

Haberman also pointed out that while Trump likely doesnt want to go to prison, sentencing could have been used as a political opportunity for him.

His supporters have been galvanized around moments like that in the past, she said, echoing comments made Friday by GOP strategist Karl Rove.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
MOSINEE  Former President Donald Trump addressed about 7,000 people in central Wisconsin on Saturday in his fourth Wisconsin rally of the 2024 campaign.

Speaking behind a bulletproof barrier, Trump made a litany of promises  including ending the Russia-Ukraine war before being sworn in to office, abolishing the federal Department of Education and fending off World War III.

The former president was expected to deliver remarks focused on the economy, but his discursive speech bounced from topic to topic following his mindset at any given moment.

Replay: Trump holds campaign rally in Mosinee, brings out Eric Hovde

Democratic Vice Preisdent Kamala Harris and Trump are in a statistical dead heat in Wisconsin, according to the first Marquette University Law School poll measuring the relatively new head-to-head matchup, released about a month ago.

Among registered voters, 50% supported Trump and 49% supported Harris. Among likely voters, 50% supported Harris and 49% supported Trump, according to the poll. When polling for President Joe Biden and Trump, Biden was at 42% and Trump at 47% among registered voters.

Here's what to know about Saturday's rally.

Trump addressed Mosinee crowd guarded by bulletproof barrier

Former President Donald J. Trump rallies supporters with a speech at Central Wisconsin Airport in Mosinee, Wis. on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, behind a bulletproof barrier.

Trump addressed supporters from behind a bulletproof barrier.

Trump was last in Wisconsin a week ago, when he held a town hall event in La Crosse. In July, he accepted the Republican Party's presidential nomination at its national convention in Milwaukee after being wounded in an assassination attempt during a rally in Pennsylvania.

More: Ron Johnson speculates without evidence U.S. government could have been involved in Trump assassination attempt

"It's a little tough life. It's not the easiest. You get shot at, other things happen, other routine events happen. But we're going to do it for one reason," Trump said.

"Just a little while ago, a reporter said, 'Sir If you had to do it again, would you do it again?' I said, 'Absolutely, because we're going to make America great again. And that's better than my life.'"

Trump pledges to send education policy to states 'so Ron Johnson can run it'

Trump pledged to, as president, eliminate the U.S. Department of Education and send such policymaking back to the state level.

"We'll send it back to the states so that Ron Johnson can run it," he said, referring to Wisconsin's Republican U.S. senator. "OK, we'll send it back here. Mr. Tiffany, we'll get our congressman (U.S. Rep. Tom) Tiffany involved."

More: Trump surrogates on 'Agenda 47' Milwaukee tour stop downplay talk of Project 2025

Neither Johnson nor Tiffany play a role in state government or the state Department of Instruction, which oversees education in Wisconsin. Jill Underly, a Democrat, was elected to lead DPI in 2021. State education policy is set by that agency and the state Legislature and governor. Wisconsin's governor, Tony Evers, is a Democrat and the former head of DPI.

"No thanks," Evers said in a post on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter.

"If someone in your family said something this bonkers, youd take the keys away. WI, lets come together to elect @KamalaHarris & @Tim_Walz so this doesnt happen. Lets protect kids, trust our educators, and make the investments to ensure kids can access to a quality education," Underly posted on X.

Trump was at times nonsensical, rambling

The former president often mispronounced the name of his opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris, and referred to her as "Comrade Kamala."

Harris "will be the worst president," Trump said, "And Trump is never wrong. I am never, ever wrong."

His speech, which lasted nearly two hours, followed the whims of Trump's train of thought, rapidly spinning through different topics. Going from criticizing Harris for her lack of action on the southern border, Trump would then switch to blaming the media's portrayal of his rhetoric.

At one point, he brought up Hannibal Lecter, the fictional serial killer from the early 1990s.

"When I say Hannibal Lecter, the press says 'Oh why did he mention that? They say he rambled and started talking about Hannibal Lecter,'" he said. "What does that have to do with this? That's a representative of people that are coming into our country."

He also took time to praise his own performance as a public speaker.

"Not since Franklin Delano Roosevelt has a speech been made so brilliantly or delivered so well," he said of the last State of the Union address he gave as president.

At another point, he spoke about JD Vance, his vice presidential running mate.

"You know, I picked the best athlete," he said. "I could have picked anyone, they would have been great. But JD had an incredible life."

Trump claims he's been more indicted 'more than Al Capone'

"You know, he's the ultimate criminal," Trump said of the late Chicago gangster Al Capone. "I got indicted more than him. My parents are up there. They're great people. They're looking down at me right now: 'I can't believe this has happened to my son. He's been indicted more than Al Capone.'"

Trump has been indicted four times. Capone was indicted at least six times.

"He would take that man sitting right in the front row  Look at him. He's tough as hell. (Capone) would take him out to dinner; if he didn't like him, you were gone. You would never be found again. You'd be in the foundation of a building. You would form the foundation of a building in some place in Wisconsin. Now, Alphonse Capone led a very vicious, violent life, but according to the statistics, I am a much worse person than Alphonse Capone. I don't think so."

More: A new public TV documentary reveals Al Capone's happy place: Wisconsin

Trump claims Ukraine war wouldn't have happened under his watch

"If I were president, attacking Ukraine would have never happened. I knew Putin. I knew him well," Trump said of Russian President Vladimir Putin. "Nobody was tougher on Russia in history than Trump, and the person that knows that better than anyone is President Vladimir Putin. He knows it better than anyone. And I'll tell you what  I will have that war finished and done and settled before I get to the White House as president-elect. I will get that done."

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy aims to present a "victory plan" this month to President Joe Biden.

Trump says RFK Jr. is a meaningful endorsement

Trump reveled in Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s endorsement and shared praise for his former opponent for the presidential office. Kennedy dropped out of the race in late August and threw his support behind Trump.

Kennedy this week filed a lawsuit against the Wisconsin Elections Commission seeking to have his name removed from the state's presidential ballot. The suit is part of an effort by Republicans in battleground states to keep Kennedy's name off of the ballot out of concern he could siphon votes from Trump.

Trump said that alongside him, Kennedy would help him take on the corruption at the Food and Drug Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization and other institutions and would find solutions to autism and obesity.

We will establish a panel of top experts to investigate what is causing the decades-long increase in chronic health problems and childhood diseases, he said. And Bobbys going to be very much involved in that. Were going to get him involved because thats what he likes.

At the end of his speech, Trump again turned to Kennedy.

We will make America healthy again. Thank you Bobby! he said.

Trump brought a number of guests on the stage

Trump paused his speech several times, allowing guests to take the stage and share their thoughts.

Gretchen Wilson, who wrote the song "Redneck Woman," serenaded the crowd before Trump arrived and later took the podium. She shared her story of growing up in a small Illinois town, and fighting her way out of poverty.

"My story isn't really all that rare, but the American dream that I have been fortunate enough to find will more most certainly be lost forever if we do not show up and vote for freedom in November," she said. "It is on us. Let's make sure we, the people, do all we can to save our country by voting for President Trump and JD Vance."

Eric Hovde, who is running against Democratic U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, also took the stage alongside Trump to criticize his opponent and encourage voters to cast their ballot for all the Republican candidates in November.

"What they are experts at is lying. Kamala Harris and Tammy Baldwin are expert liars," he said. "We have 59 days. This is the time. We can't go another four years."

Laura Schulte can be reached at leschulte@jrn.com and on X at @SchulteLaura.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Takeaways from Donald Trump's rally in Mosinee, Wisconsin
What happens when a black cop goes undercover with the Crips and Bloods in Mormon County

What happens when a black cop goes undercover with the Crips and Bloods in Mormon County

Faced with the dilemma of devoting their lives to their religion or firebombing the homes of rivals, Mormon gangbangers decided they could do both.

Back in the 1980s and 1990s, youngsters in Salt Lake City engaged in vicious beatdowns, stabbings, and drive-by shootings over drug-trade turf and in solidarity with members of their crews.

Some of these hooligans did so while carrying pocket-size copies of The Book of Mormon in their pockets.

When I and others in the criminal justice field attempted to sound the alarm about the emerging threat from street gangs, the church would not accept that its faith was failing their children, writes Ron Stallworth in his upcoming memoir.

A scene from the movie BlacKkKlansman, which tells the life of author Ron Stallworth. David Lee

How did Utahs capital city  known for snow-capped mountains, Karl Malone and John Stockton pick-and-rolls and being a hub of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints  become a hotbed for criminality?

When Ron Stallworth arrived there in 1986 to launch and lead an anti-gang police unit, he saw the answer clear as day: Southern California Crips and Bloods were trekking nearly 700 miles to sell crack cocaine to the Beehive States devout, mostly white inhabitants and recruit followers into their gangs.

When I and others in the criminal justice field attempted to sound the alarm about the emerging threat from street gangs, the church would not accept that its faith was failing their children, writes Ron Stallworth in his upcoming memoir, The Gangs of Zion: A Black Cops Crusade in Mormon Country (out Sept. 17, Legacy Lit/Hachette).

No one was willing to see past their religion and accept the fact that when not attending sacrament meetings, these children were throwing Molotov cocktails through windows, he adds.

Stallworth had already padded his law enforcement resume after successfully infiltrating the Ku Klux Klan in Colorado Springs, Colo., in 1979  an undertaking he recalls in vivid detail in his first book, 2014s Black Klansman. (John David Washington depicted him in the Spike Lee-directed film adaptation, BlacKkKlansman, released in 2018.)

His newest hardcover tells of the ways his black and blue identities would often clash in the minds of others.

While Stallworths race allowed him to easily blend in as an undercover cop, he writes that he was also undercut by coworkers, distrusted by civilians who looked like him, and provoked by racists who didnt.

Gang members found fertile ground for their nefarious criminality first in California  and then in Utah. Getty Images

Yet he never backed down from a challenge. Stallworths stories read like excerpts from the script of Shaft, as he regularly emphasized his point by testing the limits of police protocol and ending conflicts with a quip.

Outnumbered by racists at a bar, he once responded to a skinheads slurs and threats by propositioning his mother  and then pulling out his Glock.

When a Crip began spreading lies about having beat up Stallworth, the officer challenged the much-larger man to a fistfight until he stood down  an effective bluff that was anything but by-the-book.

It was that doggedness and bold behavior that helped Stallworth on his mission to solve Salt Lake Citys gang problem and save the souls of local youngsters falling into the lure of the underworld.

Temple Square in Salt Lake City, the historic and spiritual heartland of the Mormon Church. AP

Youth who become involved in gangs always get out; the question is how, writes Stallworth. We had to do whatever was in our power to encourage them to leave gangs  if not avoid them altogether  before prison or death were the only exits that remained.

Stallworth learned the lingo, customs, and culture of the Bloods and Crips, attempting to foster relationships with members. He also gave underage lawbreakers a one-time leniency pass by bringing them home to their parents rather than the precinct.

Yet Stallworth faced resistance from multiple fronts.

Many parents were skeptical of the anti-gang units efforts, accusing Stallworth and his colleagues of biases or ulterior motives. Church officials refused to cooperate, with some insisting only non-white Mormons  primarily Polynesian believers  were the problematic ones.

But the most steadfast opposition came from police and government officials who would not act on evidence that a federally funded vocational youth program called Job Corps had become an incubator and pipeline for SoCal gang members arriving in Utah.

The Gangs of Zion: A Black Cops Crusade in Mormon Country is written by Ron Stallworth.

Among those ranks was Gary Nicolas Babyface Avila, who, according to Stallworth, used a fabricated L.A. persona to build his Surenos 13 syndicate into Salt Lake Citys largest Hispanic gang  and inspired several others to follow in its wake.

Throughout the mounting violence, Clearfield Job Corps officials lied adamantly about gang members in their program, denying their contribution to the crime in Salt Lake City so that they could continue to get federal dollars, writes Stallworth, who later testified in a Washington, DC, congressional hearing focused on Job Corps efficacy.

When Stallworth learned that gang culture was being transmitted through gangster rap, he familiarized himself with songs by the likes of N.W.A and Ice-T.

Despite initially being repulsed by the musical genre, hed eventually develop an appreciation for its sharp social commentary and unbridled expression, becoming a rare police badge-wearing advocate for the artform during an era when politicians and other activists pushed for censorship.

Bloods-related contraband confiscated by police. Gregory P. Mango

We must recognize the music as a tool to make us better cops, writes Stallworth, who would bewilder peers, gangbangers, and, one time, even rapper Ice Cube, with a word-for-word recital of N.W.As Fk tha Police. Cops must listen to the songs, and if you fail to do so, shame on you.

That self-education not only bolstered Stallworths work in his home city; it also made him an industry authority who would be called upon to share his expertise in high-profile legal cases in other jurisdictions.

Stallworth testified in the 1993 capital murder trial of Ronald Ray Howard, who killed Texas Highway Patrol Trooper Bill Davidson the prior year while listening to Tupac Shakurs anti-police song Soulja Story. He later testified in a related First Amendment case in support of Shakur and his record labels parent company, Time Warner.

I had to explain why gangster rap was a valid sociological expression for inner-city minority youth, writes Stallworth. Yet I also felt an obligation to denounce the idea that the music could be legitimately used as a defense for killing a police officer.

Stallworth ultimately became a champion for freedom of speech and artistic expression, and an opponent against the criminalization of minority youth  especially black children. His more than 30 years in law enforcement have given him a keen perspective on how to best protect and serve underserved communities.

Still, Stallworth bookends his memoir by addressing critics who fail to reconcile his former profession and his race  namely filmmaker Boots Riley, who, in a scathing critique, insisted that BlacKkKlansman is fiction.

Filmmaker Boots Riley criticized Stallworths book Black Klansman. Getty Images for IMDb

Blinded by their quest to assert their own Blackness, these radically militant individuals cannot accept me in the collective club of Blackness that requires everyone elses sense of racial identity to pale in comparison with theirs, Stallworth writes about Riley and his ilk.

Elsewhere, he opens up about intimidating the Sorry to Bother You filmmaker during a run-in at the 2019 Directors Guild of America Awards.

I wrote The Gangs of Zion not only to recount my experience of policing in a highly unusual context during a pivotal cultural moment, Stallworth writes, but also to inform the Booty Rileys of the world that I am a cop who understands American history, is protective of his race and takes unwavering stands for civil and constitutional rights for all people.
Vice President Harriss campaign is seeking to highlight support from prominent anti-Trump Republicans ahead of November as she looks to expand her base of support.

On Wednesday, Harris gained her biggest backing of a Republican to date when former Rep. Liz Cheney (Wyo.) said that she would vote for Harris. Multiple Harris campaign officials shared the remarks on the social platform X, with the campaign saying it was proud to have earned the endorsement. On Friday, Cheney said that her father, former Vice President Dick Cheney, also planned to vote for Harris.

The Harris campaign has also touted support from more than 200 former GOP staffers for the past four Republican presidential nominees, after several high-profile anti-Trump Republicans, including former Rep. Adam Kinzinger Ill.), took prominent speaking roles at the Democratic convention.

Democrats and anti-Trump GOP groups say they are not expecting to make major inroads among Republicans but hope to create a permission structure through which moderate Republicans and center-right independents might find that someone does not have to be a liberal or even a Democrat to vote for a Democratic candidate.

There is a sense of party identity that is very real, said Olivia Troye, a former national security adviser to former Vice President Mike Pence and a Republicans for Harris surrogate.

Its saying, I understand where youre coming from, she said. Yes, I know its hard to walk away from your party, especially in this moment, but maybe if we all band together  you take a stand together and maybe thats how you will impact change even within our own party.

Polling suggests there could be an opportunity for Democrats to appeal to moderate Republicans.

An ABC News/Ipsos poll released last week found that 24 percent of Republicans said they had a positive view of Harriss campaign, while 56 of independents said the same. Thirty-eight percent of independents and 13 percent of Democrats said the same about former President Trumps campaign.

For our center-right swing voters that our campaign is targeting, theyre Kamala curious. They are open to the pitch that she is making, said John Conway, director of strategy of the anti-Trump group Republicans Against Trump.

For our voters, this is going to be a choice for them about Donald Trump first most and foremost, he continued. These are voters that are primarily motivated to go out and vote in November because of the dangers that Donald Trump represents to the country, and I think Kamala Harris is reintroducing herself to the voters.

The group launched an $11.5 million ad buy earlier this week, targeting Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, Arizona and Nebraskas 2nd Congressional District.

Theres a little bit of Trump amnesia with some voters, where theyve forgotten all the reasons why they couldnt stand Donald Trump ahead of the 2020 election, Conway said. We have to do our best to remind voters why they couldnt support Donald Trump in 2020.

A number of other anti-Trump groups, including the Lincoln Project, are also deploying their efforts in swing states.

Weve identified 1.3 million of these voters spread across four states that were keying in on: Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin and Arizona, said Jeff Timmer, executive director of the Lincoln Project. Theyre former Republicans, they cant support Donald Trump, he said, describing the groups targeted voters. It took them a while to vote for a Democrat, maybe they havent yet, but this is the time to do it, and we create that messaging and infrastructure. Thats what all of these efforts do.

Democrats and Never Trump Republicans point specifically to Trumps handling of the coronavirus pandemic; his connection and response to the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol; and his past comments about foreign adversaries, particularly Russian President Vladimir Putin.

But other anti-Trump Republicans push back on the theory that there is Trump amnesia, pointing to post-2020 election developments.

Mike Madrid, a Republican strategist who co-founded the Lincoln Project, said there needed to be more of a focused message on the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, Trumps denial of the 2020 election results and the Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.

The messaging has not been right from the Republican groups. It needs to be much more focused on direct advocacy, especially on the extreme elements, Madrid said. Everyone of those three issues is new since 2020. These were not reasons that you were doubling down on or tripling down on in 2016.

Madrid also pushed back on the use of a permission structure to appeal to center-right and conservative voters who have been turned off by Trump, saying it isnt really relevant anymore.

They seem to be caught in this old model of what they call a permission structure, Madrid said. We show one voter saying, Im a Republican and Im doing it, you can do it, too.

Pro-Trump Republicans brush off the strength of the Never Trump movement and its ability to appeal to swing voters, calling it a vanity project.

Theyre only doing this to be included in the media conversation, said Republican strategist Ford OConnell, referring to the group as just a bunch of grifters.

In a statement to The Hill, the Trump campaign said the Harris team is desperately grasping at straws in trying to appeal to Republicans.

No conservative in their right mind will be voting for radical Marxist, weak-on-crime, open border, high tax Kamala Harris, said Karoline Leavitt, Trumps national press secretary.

But Democrats point to what they say is a crack in the GOP coalition going back to this years presidential primaries. Former GOP presidential candidate Nikki Haley drew a significant number of protest votes during the primary season, even after she dropped out of the race in March. Haley picked up more than 26 percent of the GOP primary vote in Michigan. She also picked up more than 100,000 votes each in Arizona and Pennsylvania, both key battleground states.

She was mobilizing the anti-Trump coalition because she was running directly at Donald Trump, Conway said. She was talking about why he was unfit for office, why he was responsible for Jan. 6, all of the issues that for these center-right, Trump-skeptical voters really resonate.

Prior to President Biden dropping out of the race, his campaign sought to target Haleys voters. In June, the-then Biden campaign announced it hired Kinzingers former chief of staff, Austin Weatherford, as its national Republican engagement director. And in April, the campaign rolled out an ad targeting Haley voters titled Save America, Join Us.

Still, there is no guarantee that these voters are sure bets for the Harris campaign.

Those people that didnt [vote for Trump], theyre going to come home, OConnell said. The ones that are Democrats, are going to go back to being Democrats and some of them just might not vote at all.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
LONDON (AP)  The heads of the British and American foreign intelligence agencies said Saturday that Ukraines surprise incursion into Russia is a significant achievement that could change the narrative of the grinding 2 1/2-year war, as they urged Kyiv's allies not to be held back by Russian threats of escalation.

Richard Moore, the head of MI6, said Kyivs surprise August offensive to seize territory in Russias Kursk region was typically audacious and bold on the part of the Ukrainians, to try and change the game. He said the offensive  which Ukraine said has captured about 1,300 square kilometers (500 square miles) of Russian territory  had brought the war home to ordinary Russians.

Speaking alongside Moore at an unprecedented joint public event in London, CIA Director William Burns said the offensive was a significant tactical achievement that had exposed vulnerabilities in the Russian military.

It has yet to be seen whether Ukraine can turn the gains into a long-term advantage. So far the offensive has not drawn Russian President Vladimir Putins focus away from eastern Ukraine, where his forces are closing in on the strategically situated city of Pokrovsk.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has repeatedly pressed allies to let Kyiv use Western-supplied missiles to strike deep inside Russia and hit sites from which Moscow launches aerial attacks. While some countries, including Britain, are thought to tacitly support the idea, others including Germany and the U.S. are reluctant.

U.S. President Joe Biden has allowed Ukraine to fire U.S.-provided missiles into Russia in self-defense, but the distance has been largely limited to cross-border targets deemed a direct threat, out of concerns about further escalating the conflict.

Burns said the West should be mindful of the escalation risk but not be unnecessarily intimidated by Russian saber-rattling, revealing that there was a moment in late 2022 when there was a genuine risk of the use of tactical nuclear weapons by Moscow.

He also warned of the growing and troubling defense relationship between Russia, China, Iran and North Korea that he said threatens both Ukraine and Western allies in the Middle East. North Korea has sent ammunition and missiles to Russia to use against Ukraine, while Iran supplies Moscow with attack drones.

Burns said the CIA had yet to see evidence of China sending weapons to Russia, but we see lot of things short of that. And he warned Iran against supplying ballistic missiles to Moscow, saying it would be a dramatic escalation of the relationship.

He did not say whether such missiles had already been sent. But two people familiar with the matter said the United States has told allies that it believes Tehran has transferred short-range ballistic missiles to Russia. They spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss a matter that has not been publicly disclosed.

Ahead of their joint appearance at the FT Weekend Festival at Londons Kenwood House, the two spymasters wrote an opinion piece for the Financial Times, calling for a cease-fire in Israels war against Hamas and saying their agencies had exploited our intelligence channels to push hard for restraint and de-escalation.

Burns has been heavily involved in efforts to broker an end to the fighting, traveling to Egypt in August for high-level talks aimed at bringing about a hostage deal and at least a temporary halt to the conflict.

So far there has been no agreement, though United States officials insist a deal is close. Biden said recently that just a couple more issues remain unresolved. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, however, has said reports of a breakthrough are exactly inaccurate.

I cannot tell you how close we are right now, Burns told the London audience. He said negotiators are working on new, detailed proposals that would be presented within several days.

Burns said that while 90% of the text has been agreed between the warring sides, the last 10% is the last 10% for a reason, because its the hardest part to do.

Burns said ending the conflict would require some hard choices and some difficult compromises from both Israel and Hamas.

The U.S. and the United Kingdom are both staunch allies of Israel, though London diverged from Washington on Monday by suspending some arms exports to Israel because of the risk they could be used to break international law.

The intelligence chiefs' speech came ahead of a busy week of trans-Atlantic diplomacy that includes a meeting in Washington between Biden and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The White House said the talks would touch on Ukraine, Gaza and other issues.

In another sign of the intensification of the special relationship, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will also travel to London early next week for talks with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy and other officials.

The State Department said Blinken would participate in the U.S.-U.K. strategic dialogue on Monday and Tuesday that will cover Ukraine, the Middle East, China and the Indo-Pacific.

In their article, Burns and Moore stressed the strength of the trans-Atlantic relationship in the face of an unprecedented array of threats, including an assertive Russia, an ever-more powerful China and the constant drumbeat of international terrorism  all complicated by rapid technological change.

They highlighted Russias reckless campaign of sabotage across Europe and the cynical use of technology to spread lies and disinformation designed to drive wedges between us.

U.S. officials have long accused Moscow of meddling in American elections, and this week the Biden administration seized Kremlin-run websites and charged employees of Russian broadcaster RT with covertly funding social media campaigns to pump out pro-Kremlin messages and sow discord around Novembers presidential contest.

Russia has also been linked by Western officials to several planned attacks in Europe, including an alleged plot to burn down Ukrainian-owned businesses in London.

Moore said Russia's spies were acting in an increasingly desperate and reckless way.

The "Russian intelligence service has gone a bit feral," he said.

___

Associated Press writers Aamer Madhani, Zeke Miller and Matthew Lee in Washington contributed to this report.
Hillary Clinton offered Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris straightforward advice for taking on GOP rival Donald Trump at the upcoming presidential debate: Bait him.

Clinton, who lost the 2016 White House race to Trump, said in a New York Times interview published Saturday that the Republican is going with a scorched-earth approach and will just try to tear her [Harris] down, which is his usual go-to strategy.

To combat Trump, Clinton suggested that Harris go on the offensive, arguing that this would hit directly at Trumps weaknesses.

She just should not be baited. She should bait him. He can be rattled, Clinton told the Times. He doesnt know how to respond to substantive, direct attacks.

Earlier this week, Harris reluctantly agreed to ABC News debate rules, which state that candidates microphones will only be turned on when it is their turn to speak. That rule had also been implemented in Trumps June debate against President Joe Biden, who was the presumptive Democratic nominee before his disastrous debate performance led him to drop his reelection bid.

In a letter to ABC News, Harris campaign said that the vice president would be fundamentally disadvantaged by the format of the debate, which will serve to shield Donald Trump from direct exchanges with [Harris].

Her camp further said that it agreed to the format because Trump is a risk to skip the debate altogether, adding, We do not want to jeopardize the debate.

The Trump campaign, for its part, said in a statement that We are thrilled that Kamala Harris and her team of Biden campaign leftovers ... have finally accepted the already agreed upon rules of the debate, nodding to Bidens earlier preference for muted microphones.

During the 2016 and 2020 presidential debates, Trump was known to frequently interrupt Clinton, Biden and moderators, who struggled to tame Trumps aggression. An analysis by The Washington Posts The Fix estimated that Trump was responsible for more than three-fourths of the interruptions that took place during one 2020 debate, with Biden accounting for the rest.

In a September 2016 debate against Clinton, Vox found that Trump interrupted her 51 times, with 25 of those disruptions happening in the first 26 minutes of the event. Clinton, on the other hand, was recorded interrupting Trump 17 times.

In the Times interview, Clinton pointed to a moment in an October 2016 debate when she called Trump a puppet for Russian President Vladimir Putin, citing this as an example of how to expose Trumps weaknesses.

I mean, when I said he was a Russian puppet and he just sputtered onstage, Clinton told the paper, I think thats an example of how you get out a fact about him that really unnerves him.

During that infamous debate, Trump claimed that Putin had no respect for the former secretary of state, to which Clinton replied, Thats because hed rather have a puppet as president of the United States.

As Clinton continued to speak, Trump talked over her, saying: No puppet, no puppet. Youre the puppet.

Harris and Trump are scheduled to meet at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia for Tuesdays debate, hosted by ABC News.

Read more at The New York Times.

Related...
Orlandos Hope & Justice Foundation is marking five years of work in support of the immigrant community across Central Florida.

The nonprofit was created in 2020, and its work is focused on domestic violence and human trafficking prevention, specifically involving immigrants.

Hope & Justice also offers programs to empower immigrants who are survivors of domestic or sexual violence. On Saturday, they hosted a celebration to mark the nonprofits work. Unfortunately, Orlando, in Florida, is the third place for human traffic in the country, said Anna Alves-Lazaro, the Founder of Hope & Justice Foundation. We have counseling, lawyers, we have lots of professionals here to help the survivors.

Read: NASA admin Bill Nelson to join Hidden Figures Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony

The organization says its helped more than 1,200 people over the past 5 years just in Central Florida. It also has offered Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking Awareness programs to more than 12,000 people worldwide.

Back in 2022, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer proclaimed September 7th as hope and justice day.

The day is part of the official city calendar.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
The Capitol is seen in Washington, Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, as Congress plans to return to work following a lengthy break. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

WASHINGTON (AP)  House Republicans unveiled on Friday their legislation to avoid a partial government shutdown at the end of the month and fund the government into late March, when a new president and Congress would make the final decision on agency spending and priorities for fiscal year 2025.

Republicans are also adding a hot-button immigration issue to the measure by requiring states to obtain proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or passport, when someone registers to vote. Inclusion of the citizenship requirement is a nonstarter in the Senate, complicating prospects for the spending bill's passage.

Lawmakers are returning to Washington next week following a traditional August recess spent mostly in their home states and districts. They are not close to completing work on the dozen annual appropriations bills that will fund the agencies during the next fiscal year, so they'll need to approve a stopgap measure to prevent a shutdown when the new fiscal year begins Oct. 1.

Today, House Republicans are taking a critically important step to keep the federal government funded and to secure our federal election process, Speaker Mike Johnson said in a statement. Congress has a responsibility to do both, and we must ensure that only American citizens can decide American elections.

But in a joint statement, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Appropriations Committee Chair Patty Murray said avoiding a shutdown requires bipartisanship, not a bill drawn up by one party.

If Speaker Johnson drives House Republicans down this highly partisan path, the odds of a shutdown go way up, and Americans will know that the responsibility of a shutdown will be on the House Republicans hands," Schumer and Murray said.

Johnson's decision to add the proof of citizenship requirement to the spending measure comes after the House Freedom Caucus called for it in a position statement last month. The group of conservatives, banking on a win by Republican nominee Donald Trump, also urged that the measure fund the government into early next year so Republicans could get more of their priorities in legislation.

Some Republican leaders had wanted to pass the final spending bills by the end of this Congress so that the new president, whether it be Trump or Democratic nominee Kamala Harris, could focus more on getting staffed and pursuing their own top priorities rather than dealing with spending disagreements.

Republicans say requiring proof of citizenship would ensure American elections are only for American citizens, improving confidence in the nations federal election system. But opponents say the available evidence shows that noncitizen voting in federal elections is incredibly rare and such a requirement would disenfranchise millions of Americans who dont have the necessary documents readily available when they get a chance to register.

What remains to be seen is what happens if the bill passes the House this week and the Senate declines to take it up or votes it down.

The bill would fund agencies at current levels until March 28, though there's also money to help cover additional security costs associated with Inauguration Day and $10 billion for the Federal Emergency Management Agency's disaster relief fund.
As the allies gathered at the Ramstein Air Base for the 24th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG), President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in person to lobby for faster deliveries of air defenses and long-range weapons.

Despite new aid pledges, the result has been rather lackluster. Kyiv has been promised at least one "vintage" air defense system, along with missiles, tanks, armored vehicles, artillery, and other munitions.

The much-coveted long-range weapons like additional ATACMS or Storm Shadow were not on the menu, nor were changes to restrictions on their use  at least publicly.

While the new weaponry promised by the U.S., Canada, Germany, Spain, the U.K., and the Netherlands is an undeniable boon to Ukraine's Armed Forces, this week's pledges do not compare to some of the earlier summits, which saw pledges worth dozens of billions of dollars.

We are presenting an overview of the key weapons systems pledged to Ukraine during the Sept. 6 summit.

America's 'evergreens'  Bradleys, HIMARS missiles, shells, and more

Washington's newly pledged defense aid tranche worth $250 million includes well-known but sorely needed articles, largely mimicking earlier packages.

The RIM-7 Sea Sparrow is a ship-borne short-range anti-air missile that has been repurposed for ground-based platforms in Ukraine's possession, namely Soviet-era Buk-M1 systems.

In service with the U.S. military since the 1960s, this naval offshoot of the AIM-7 Sparrow missile has been supplied to Ukraine since last year, repurposed to fill up Kyiv's dwindling air defense supplies.

The new package further included armored vehicles, specifically Bradley IFVs, which Ukrainian crews praised as life-savers on the battlefield.

The Bradleys serve primarily to transport and protect infantry but are also capable weapons platforms. Their armament includes a 25 mm M242 chain gun and TOW missile launchers.

Famously, a Ukrainian-operated Bradley even defeated a Russian T-90M "Breakthrough" tank  lauded by the Kremlin as the best tank in Russia's arsenal  in an engagement in winter.

Ukraine is further receiving NATO-standard 155 mm and 105 mm rounds. Artillery shell shortages were one of the key reasons for Kyiv's battleground losses in early 2024.

Ammunition for HIMARS launchers, Stingers, TOW missiles, and other aid were also included.

Germany's PzH howitzers and veteran tanks

As the U.S. pledged new artillery shells, Germany promised whole new systems, specifically 12 Panzerhaubitze (PzH) 2000 self-propelled guns. Altogether valued at 150 million euros ($165 million), they are to be provided by the German industry.

The first half of the batch is expected to arrive in early 2024, while the rest is scheduled for next year.

This weapon system, developed by KMW and Rheinmetall in the 1980s and 1990s, fires 155 mm artillery shells  the new bread-and-butter of Ukrainian artillerymen  at a range of over 30 kilometers (20 miles) with conventional rounds, and even more with extended-range projectiles.

Thanks to its tracked chassis, it boasts high maneuverability and can sustain a continuous fire rate of 10 rounds per minute for two minutes, making it ideal for shoot-and-scoot tactics.

Ukraine already operates at least 28 of these guns, which were supplied by Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands. In early 2024, Berlin ordered another 18 PzHs for Ukraine.

In the first year of the full-scale war, Germany and Ukraine were discussing a contract to purchase 100 PzHs at once, a deal that would make Kyiv the second-largest user of this platform.

But the deal was never finalized. Possible reasons why the contract fell through were technical and maintenance issues the howitzers suffered after intensive use when compared to their counterparts like the Polish Krab or the French CAESAR.

Together with the Netherlands and Denmark, Berlin also pledged to deliver 77 Leopard 1A5 tanks as soon as possible. These older models with a 105 mm gun do not match up to their modern successors, the Leopard 2, but their numbers still help to at least decrease Russia's material battlefield advantage.

Fifthy-eight Leopard 1A5 tanks have been delivered to Ukraine as of August 2024 by Germany and Denmark.

The Leopard 1A5's advantages include maneuverability and accuracy, though they have weaker armor and guns than their Soviet peers like the T-72. Their age also presents an additional challenge, as Ukraine has reportedly refused to accept some of them in the past due to their poor condition.

Canada's pile of rocket motors, with 1,000 warheads on top

Canada also announced a new defense aid package, including 80,840 motors of decommissioned small air-to-surface unguided CRV7 rockets and 1,300 warheads. Canadian Defense Minister Bill Blair said the supplies will be delivered in the coming months.

The announcement came after prolonged pressure on the government to supply Ukraine with over 83,000 of these rockets that were already not being used by the Canadian military and were scheduled for demolition.

Introduced in the 1970s, the CRV7 can be used by both helicopters and fixed-winged aircraft and remains one of the most powerful weapons of its class to this day. Kyrylo Budanov, the chief of Ukraine's military intelligence (HUR), said in February that Ukrainian helicopters and ground launchers could use them to target Russian tanks and artillery.

Complications arose when the Canadian Defense Ministry's inspections discovered that only the CRV7 motors were in good enough condition to be donated in most cases. The donation of the first 2,300 motors was announced in June.

"In response to a specific request from Ukraine," Canada also agreed to "donate decommissioned chassis from 29 M113s and 64 Coyote LAVs" previously used by the Canadian military.

The M113 armored personnel carrier is a veteran U.S.-made vehicle that has seen action as far back as the Vietnam War and is widely used by Ukraine. The Coyote armored car is a somewhat newer model, used by the Canadian Armed Forces primarily in light reconnaissance roles.

British missiles boosting Ukraine's air defenses

Shortly before the Ramstein summit began, the U.K. announced it would provide Ukraine with 650 Lightweight Multirole Missile (LMM) air defense projectiles worth over $213 million by the end of this year.

The LMM are versatile guided missiles that can be launched from platforms on land, sea, or air. They are manufactured by Thales in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

The missiles weigh only 13 kilograms and have a range of 6 kilometers, with a special feature of a two-channel guided system using both laser beam and infrared guidance.

According to the weapon's manufacturer, the LMM is suitable against targets such as "static installations, Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC), asymmetric threats, fast in-shore attack craft, and UAVs."

A Hawk anti-aircraft system from Spain

Spain's contribution comprises an additional HAWK battery  including six launchers  that will be sent to Ukraine immediately. Madrid announced the delivery already back in July, promising to supply the system by September.

Developed in the late 1950s in the U.S., the Hawk is a medium-range surface-to-air guided missile system that provides air defense coverage against low-to-medium-altitude aircraft.

Spain provided Ukraine with the first battery of six Hawk launchers in the fall of 2022 and has since sent additional firing units. The U.S. provided the necessary equipment and recently pledged to supply new Hawk missiles.

While a far cry from the more advanced systems like the Patriots, Hawks have nevertheless received praise from Ukrainian soldiers. They have been employed not only against Russian cruise missiles but also Shahed-type drones, even though the systems were not originally designed against the latter.

Dutch supplies for the F-16s

Dutch assistance focused on reinforcing Ukraine's F-16 capabilities. As one of the few countries that has pledged  and likely delivered  F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, the Netherlands pledged additional air-to-air missiles, maintenance equipment, and other materials.

"The Netherlands will supply 80 million euros ($90 million) worth of materials. Besides large quantities of spare parts, these include generators, small vehicles, essential maintenance materials, specialized tools, and stairs," Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans said.

"With the air-to-air missiles, Ukraine can take down enemy aircraft."

The country did not reveal the exact type of missiles or the timeframe for their delivery for security purposes. The air-to-air weaponry that the handful of Ukraine's F-16s employ seems to include short-range AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles and beyond-visual-range AIM-120 AMRAAMs.

The fourth-generation fighter jets have already been deployed in air defense missions, namely in intercepting Russian mass aerial attacks. One F-16 has crashed during such deployment.

Read also: We asked weapons experts to review Ukraines two new drone innovations

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
The human papillomavirus (HPV) is responsible for the vast majority of cervical cancer cases, but this isn't a sexually transmitted infection that just one half of the population needs to worry about.

Researchers from Argentina have found strains of HPV which put people at high risk of cancer are associated with a greater percentage of dead sperm.

In semen samples from those with high-risk strains, scientists noticed a lower count of white blood cells and an elevation of reactive oxygen species, which can damage sperm and alter DNA.

Samples from those with low-risk HPV did not show the same correlations.

The findings are only based on semen samples from 205 adult males, however they align with previous findings linking HPV to lower sperm count and reduced motility and viability, indicating an insidious impact on male fertility.

"Here we show that genital HPV infection is very prevalent in men, with variable effects on semen inflammation and sperm quality according to the infecting viral genotype," explains infection microbiologist Virginia Rivero from the National University of Cordoba in Argentina.

"Specifically, infections caused by high-risk HPV genotypes appear to have more negative effects on male fertility and the immune system's ability to clear the infection."

Currently approved clinical tests for HPV look for the virus in cervical screens. This is probably one reason why today, the full range of effects that HPV can have on male bodies is relatively under-explored.

HPV is known to cause cancer in the penis, anus, mouth, and throat of male patients. Its DNA can be detected at these sites with the right diagnostic tools. But historically, this infection has been 'feminized' in a way that some researchers argue is dangerous for public health.

When the HPV vaccine first became available in 2006, it was only approved in the US for young female patients. It took three years before the US Food and Drug Administration also approved the medicine for young male patients, and another two years before the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices seconded that advice.

As of 2022, the World Health Organization recommends that the HPV vaccine is included in routine childhood vaccinations for males and females. Yet even still, the "primary target of vaccination is girls aged 9 to 14". Boys are only considered "secondary targets" where "feasible and affordable".

Only about one third of the 107 nations with vaccination programs for HPV have included boys in their roll-out. In 2019, about 4 percent of boys globally had received the full course of the vaccine compared to 15 percent of girls.

In the US specifically, HPV vaccination rates among teen boys are slightly lower than for girls  at 61 percent versus 65 percent in 2022.

In Australia, which has the most successful HPV vaccination program in the world, coverage rates in 2023 were as high as 85.9 percent for females and 83.4 percent for males.

"A lot of men object to the HPV vaccine and will say, 'Why should I get this when it is for girls?'" explains public health scientist Nosayaba Osazuwa-Peters from Duke University, who led a recent study on disparities in HPV vaccine uptake.

The new research from Argentina offers a new reason.

The study analyzed the sperm of 205 adult male volunteers who had not been vaccinated against HPV but who had presented at a urology and male reproductive health clinic.

Their semen was tested for the presence or absence of HPV and other STIs. Nearly 20 percent tested positive for HPV, and 20 men had strains that were deemed 'high risk'.

Compared to 43 men with no HPV infections, those with high-risk HPV showed some disturbing changes to their semen that weren't picked up by WHO-recommended analysis methods.

Using a more sensitive test, Rivero and colleagues found men with high-risk HPV showed increased sperm death, possibly due to oxidative stress and a weakened local immune response.

"Our study raises important questions about how high-risk-HPV affects sperm DNA quality and what implications it has for reproduction and offspring health," says Rivero.

Cervical cancer cases have dropped  by almost 90 percent in the UK  thanks to the HPV vaccine, but throat and penile cancers associated with HPV are on the rise.

In 2021, two public health scientists from Uppsala University in Sweden argued that vaccinating everyone against HPV, regardless of their sex, "is the only way" to eradicate this all too common infection and its long-term health consequences.

If HPV continues to be primarily regarded as a 'woman's problem', this virus may forever wreak havoc on both male and female fertility.

The study was published in Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology.

Related News
(NewsNation)  Hunter Biden pleaded guilty because his defense was eviscerated and to avoid further harm to his family, attorney Mark Geragos told The Hill on NewsNation.

The presidents son was accused of not paying at least $1.4 million in taxes while earning millions from foreign business entities between 2016 and 2019.

On Thursday, he pleaded guilty to nine federal tax counts despite previously pleading not guilty and attempting to secure a special plea that would maintain his innocence. His attorneys previously argued he didnt act willfully or with intent to break the law, citing struggles with alcohol and drug addiction.

How to watch the Trump-Harris presidential debate

Geragos, a Los Angeles-based criminal defense lawyer, said the decision came after the special counsel effectively stripped Hunter Biden of his defenses.

He said the special counsel disallowed the fact that Hunter Biden had paid his taxes and eliminated the defenses expert on addiction, both of which the judge allowed.

We were not allowed to talk about the death of his mother and his sister at a very young age, or the death of his brother, as contributing or being causal to the addiction, Geragos explained.

Once you eliminate that, those traumas, then he had a very tough, tough decision to make: Do I go forward with this case, put my family through all of the salacious details of my addiction?  Or do I just plead open and hope that the judge realizes that was a dark, dark period in my life? he added.

New details published about Iran-backed plot to kill Trump, Biden

Hunter put his family first today, and it was a brave and loving thing for him to do, defense attorney Abbe Lowell told reporters outside the federal courthouse in Los Angeles.

Geragos explained that Lowell had tried the case in Delaware, which was by all accounts  traumatic for everyone involved.

The attorney said trying the case in California and pleading guilty was a way to avoid another invasive, horrible parade of a trial.

Geragos also questioned the trials point in the first place.

Why in the world would somebody whose paid all their taxes, filed all their returns, had demonstrable addiction issues at the time  why, when President Biden has already said hes not going to run, what was the purpose of taking this case to trial? Why did we spend, as taxpayers, over $4 million for a case where no harm, no foul? he said.

Hunter Biden issued a written statement about his decision to plead guilty, saying, I will not subject my family to more pain, more invasions of privacy and needless embarrassment. For all I have put them through over the years, I can spare them this.

Will Joe Biden pardon Hunter Biden? Analysts debate

A plea deal and diversion agreement that would have prevented both his federal tax and gun trials collapsed in July 2023 under a judges questioning. Shortly after, a special counsel indicted Hunter Biden, splitting the deal into the Delaware gun charges and the California tax case.

Sentencing in the Delaware conviction is set for Nov. 13. Biden could face up to 25 years in prison. He could get up to 17 years and a fine of up to $1.3 million on the tax charges at a scheduled Dec. 16 sentencing.

The Associated Press and NewsNations Nancy Loo and Courtney Han 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 NewsNation.
BATON ROUGE, La. (AP)  An abandoned, 22-story building in Lake Charles, Louisiana  once an icon in the city that became a symbol of destruction from hurricanes Laura and Delta  was imploded Saturday after sitting vacant for nearly four years.

The Hertz Tower crashed down in a matter of seconds after a demolition crew set off a series of explosions inside. The tower fell in a large cloud of dust into a pile about five stories high.

The building, formerly known as the Capital One Tower, had been a dominant feature of the city's skyline for more than four decades. However, after a series of hurricanes ripped through southwest Louisiana in 2020, the building became an eyesore, its windows shattered and covered in shredded tarps.

For years the owners of the building, the Los Angeles-based real estate firm Hertz Investment Group, promised to repair the structure once they settled with their insurance provider Zurich in court, The Advocate reported. The estimated cost of bringing the building back up to code was $167 million. Eventually, the two parties settled for an undisclosed amount.

The demolition was funded by $7 million in private money secured by the city. Hertz still owns the property and the future of the site is undetermined, according to the city.

Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter described the implosion of the building as bittersweet.

I know how hard the city tried to work with several development groups to see it saved, but ultimately ... it proved to be too tall a task, Hunter said before the implosion. He was in office during the hurricanes. At this juncture, I am ready for a resolution. Its been four years. Its been long enough.

Lake Charles, which sits on the banks of the Calcasieu River and is a two-hour drive from Houston, is home to around 80,000 residents. While the city is known for its copious amounts of festivals, bayous, casinos and its Cajun flair, it also has been labeled by the Weather Channel as America's most-weather battered city.

Hurricane Delta crashed ashore in southern Louisiana in October 2020 just six weeks after Laura took a similar, destructive path onto the U.S. Gulf Coast. At the time, Lake Charles was already reeling from damage caused by Laura, which battered roofs, claimed more than 25 lives in the region and left mud and debris filling streets.

The Hertz tower offers an example of the citys long road to recovery following back-to-back hurricanes that inflicted an estimated $22 billion in damage, according to the National Hurricane Center.

While there are signs of rebuilding and growth in much of Lake Charles, there are still buildings that remain in disarray and residents living in the same conditions as four years ago  waiting for financial relief to rebuild their homes, looking for affordable housing after the hurricanes' destruction exacerbated the housing crisis or stuck in court with their insurance provider to get a fair payout.
The second session of the U.S.-Egypt Joint Economic Commission (JEC) took place on September 4-5, 2024, in Washington, D.C., focusing on digital transformation, energy security, and renewables. The U.S. delegation, led by Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment, Jose W. Fernandez, and the Egyptian delegation, led by Assistant Foreign Minister for American Affairs, Ambassador Sameh Aboul-Enein, discussed enhancing bilateral economic cooperation.

Established during the U.S.-Egypt Strategic Dialogue in November 2021, the JEC aims to promote investment opportunities and strengthen business ties between the two nations.

The delegations reaffirmed their commitment to advancing economic cooperation and engaged in dialogue on economic reform and a dynamic private sector. They explored collaboration in digital transformation, energy security, and economic growth, agreeing to pursue rapid implementation of their commitments.

Additionally, the delegations participated in a day-long dialogue with the private sector on AI, digital transformation, energy, investment, and manufacturing. They decided to hold the third JEC session in Egypt in 2025, continuing their annual meetings.
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (MyValleyTributes)  Ida Theresa Michael passed peacefully on Friday September 6, 2024, at her residence.

She was born January 1, 1929, in Youngstown, the daughter of the late Peter and Marie Khoury Michael and was a lifelong area resident.

Find obituaries from your high school

Ida graduated from South High School in 1946 and still had her yearbook.

She enjoyed her job for 24 years at The United Steel Workers of America as a telephone operator, until her retirement in 1984.

Ida belonged to a bridge club and several other card clubs. She loved dancing and other fun functions.

She was a longstanding member of St. Maron Maronite Church and helped during the elections as a poll worker for over 20 years.

Ida leaves to cherish her memory her nieces, Karen Snyder, Barbara Jo Young, Cheryl Michael, Pat Greenwood and nephew Ronald Snyder. She also leaves several great nieces and great nephews plus many dear friends.

Ida was preceded in death by her parents and siblings Julia Kovach, Mable Lubic, Margaret Snyder, Fred Michael and Minnie Michael.

And her longtime companion Frank Viola of Grove City Pennsylvania, who passed away July of 2007.

Family and friends may call on Tuesday September 10, 2024, from 12 noon to 12:50 p.m. at St. Maron Maronite a Church 1555 S. Meridian Rd. Youngstown, followed by a Divine Liturgy at 1:00 p.m. with Father Tony Massad as celebrant.

Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that material tributes be made to St. Maron Maronite Church, 1555 S. Meridian Rd. Youngstown, Ohio 44511.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Edward J. Fox & Sons Funeral Home, 4700 Market St. Boardman.

Family and friends of Ida may visit www.foxfuneralhome.org to leave condolences for the Michael family.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ida Theresa Michael, please visit our floral store.

A television tribute will air Monday, September 9 at the following approximate times: 7:10 a.m. on FOX, 12:22 p.m. on WKBN, 5:08 p.m. on MyYTV and 7:27 p.m. on WYTV. Video will be posted here the day of airing.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Idaho man dies in crash on I-84 on Saturday morning. State Police are investigating

A Nampa man died Saturday morning after he was hit by a car on Interstate 84, according to the Idaho State Police.

The man, who was 23, was crossing the westbound lanes of I-84 on foot when a Nissan Altima traveling westbound hit him just before 3 a.m. He died at the scene.

The left two lanes of Interstate 84 were blocked for approximately 4 hours, an Idaho State Police news release said. This incident remains under investigation by the Idaho State Police.

The victims name has not been released.

Last year, 236 Idaho pedestrians were involved in crashes  31 of whom died, according to Idaho Transportation Department data. The 31 deaths were a 94% increase from 2022, when 16 pedestrians died in crashes.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  An Independence man has been sentenced to 11 years in prison for making threats to a Jackson County judge.

The Jackson County Prosecutors Office claims that Michael Deblois, 44, of Independence, was convicted in July of tampering with a judicial officer and harassment motivated by discrimination to frighten or disturb another person.

On Friday, September 6, Deblois was sentenced to 7 years in prison on the tampering charge, and 4 years in prison on the harassment conviction.

Police officer charged in Missouri K-9 officers death

Court documents show that on March 27 and 28 of 2023, a judges office received voicemails from Deblois that contained threatening messages. When the office reached back out to him, he used profanity and racial slurs.

Judge Kenneth R. Garrett III made the following statement to the court today, September 6:

Today I come before you not only as the victim in this case but also as a public servant. My whole career has been serving the public as my Mother too was a public servant for over 40 years before her retirement in 2009.

Public service is a honor and sometimes a difficult task but, we strive to serve the public the best we can so citizens can have the utmost confidence in our government. That is important to me.

Without confidence in our system of government our republic will fail and chaos will ensue.

As a judge I work as hard as I can to follow the rule of law through the U.S. Constitution, Missouri Constitution and the statutes enacted by our legislative and executive branch. I also work hard to ensure that people are treated fairly and courteously. I work everyday, even on weekends and holidays to achieve this goal.

I am not alone in this resolve as there are countless public servants who do the same. Today, I represent them from all three branches of government. Legislative, from the local level from city councils to school boards to our members of Congress. Executive from mayors and police officers, governors to the President of the United States and judicial from municipal judges to Justices who sit on the United States Supreme Court.

Threats to public servants should not be tolerated and under no circumstances are these threats appropriate. Simply put, threats to public servants undermine the government and serve no legitimate purpose but to stifle government action. Unfortunately, we have seen people bypass threats entirely and physically attack public servants. This has happened in not only this community but also throughout this nation with public servants who have lost their lives for doing their job. This is a sad state of affairs in todays society for those who are attempting to do their job and serve the public. Instead of going through the proper channels to challenge a public servants decision, citizens are now bypassing this avenue for relief and proceed to threaten them with violence. This behavior must stop for government to function properly and we as citizens must begin to air our grievances with civility and humility instead of discord and chaos. This public discord and chaos empowers individuals to act in the same manner and have a lack of civility toward their public servants.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Infants wait more than six hours to be seen in broken A&E departments

Report will warn that 100,000 infants a year are facing waits of at least six hours in A&E departments

More than 100,000 infants were left waiting longer than six hours to be seen in A&E in England last year, a landmark report has found.

The findings, relating to children from newborns to two years of age, were uncovered by an independent investigation into the NHS which this week will lay bare critical failing across the health service which are putting the most vulnerable at risk.

Childhood is precious because it is brief; too many children are spending too much of it waiting for care, the report is expected to conclude. It is apparent that the NHS must do better.

A week after Labour won the election, Wes Streeting, the Health Secretary, commissioned Lord Darzi, a leading surgeon who was a health minister under Gordon Brown, to carry out a warts and all investigation of the NHS.

The report, due to be published this week, will detail a catalogue of failings and highlight a sharp deterioration in the quality of service in the last decade.

It will warn that 100,000 infants a year are facing waits of at least six hours in A&E departments  up 60 per cent since 2009.

Challenges weve inherited are stark

Sir Keir Starmer said the broken NHS was impacting Britons of all ages.

The impacts of a broken NHS are being felt across the whole of our society  our children included, the Prime Minister said.

The challenges weve inherited are stark, but Im determined to fix the foundations so that we not only rebuild our health service but crucially also reform and renew it for the benefit of future generations.

That also means equipping the NHS to prevent ill health, not just to treat it  so that all of us can live longer, healthier lives, from childhood to old age.

Lord Darzis review is understood to have found that approximately 800,000 children and young people are on NHS waiting lists for hospital treatment, with 175,000 waiting between six and 12 months and 35,000 waiting for more than a year.

The pioneering cancer surgeon, 64, has uncovered that nearly 500,000 children and young people are on waiting lists for mental health support  with 160,000 of them waiting for over 12 months.

The peer also found that 80 per cent of the 50,000 people waiting for more than a year for community services were children, mainly those with conditions such as autism or ADHD.

Falling vaccination rates

Elsewhere, there has been an 82 per cent rise in hospital admissions for children and young people with eating disorders since 2019-20 and a 10 per cent annual growth rate in the number of prescriptions for ADHD medications given to children and young people between 2004 and 2023.

The prevalence of life-threatening and life-limiting conditions among children has also soared by 40 per cent over the past two decades.

Falling vaccination rates for many of the key childhood vaccinations  some of which have been declining for a decade  are making outbreaks of measles and other infectious diseases more common.

Within hours of Labour winning the election, Mr Streeting declared the NHS broken and pledged to turn our health service around.

The investigation published this week will provide a forensic analysis of the failings of the NHS, and come ahead of a 10-year plan to radically reform the NHS which is expected within months.

Lord Darzi is a pioneering surgeon who won the nickname Robo Doc for spearheading the use of keyhole surgery and robotics in operating theatres.

Under the last Labour government, he recommended the rollout of polyclinics  major sites bringing together GPs with a wider range of services from 8am until 8pm.

The peer has also said that hospitals should provide far more care seven days a week, saying: British Airways does not leave its planes on the tarmac over the weekend.

Currently, half of NHS hospitals close their operating theatres at weekends, with the number of elective operations, such as hip replacements, falling by 80 per cent on Saturdays and Sundays.

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.
Injured bear cub found on highway fed Taco Bell while in transit to receive treatment

Injured bear cub found on highway fed Taco Bell while in transit to receive treatment

COCHRANE, Ont. (WFLA)  A small black bear found injured in the middle of a Canadian highway was fed an American staple before being handed over to animal services.

Over Labor Day weekend, a local news outlet reported that the cub was found by two men in Cochrane, Ontario. The duo transported the cub on a 10-hour drive, feeding it Taco Bell, as they drove to Windsor.

84-year-old woman bit by 7-foot alligator while walking dog, FWC says

According to the Pet and Wildlife Rescue (PAWR), the bear was frightened and listless when it arrived. The cub was taken to another facility, Bear with Us, which specialized in bear rehabilitation.

It looked like hed been hit by a vehicle, which the people who took him back to Windsor surmised, Bear With Us founder and president Mike McIntosh told the outlet.

The cub, believed to be around nine months old, had severe head trauma and body bruises.

The video shows the bear receiving food and liquids and being transferred to the Bear With Us facility.

Hes come right around. I wouldnt say hes better yet. He still walks like hes pretty sore, but hes eating and drinking like a little bear should. I would say hes probably 80 percent recovered now, McIntosh 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 WFLA.
Illustration of Leonard Leo, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and conservative federal judge Matthew Kacsmaryk. (Photo illustration by Oona Tempest for KFF Health News).

A federal lawsuit in Texas against Planned Parenthood has a web of ties to conservative activist Leonard Leo, whose decades-long effort to steer the U.S. court system to the right overturned Roe vs. Wade, yielding the biggest rollback of reproductive health access in half a century.

Brought by an anonymous whistleblower and later joined by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, the suit alleges the Planned Parenthood Federation of America and three Planned Parenthood affiliates defrauded the Texas and Louisiana Medicaid programs by collecting $17 million for services provided while it fought state efforts to remove it as an approved provider.

The suit claims violations of the False Claims Act, an obscure but powerful law protecting the government from fraud, and seeks $1.8 billion in penalties from Planned Parenthood, according to a motion that lawyers for the whistleblower filed in federal court in 2023.

The lawsuit builds on efforts over years by the religious right and politicians who oppose abortion to deliver blows to Planned Parenthood  which provides sexual and reproductive health care at nearly 600 sites nationwide  now bolstered by Leos work reshaping the American judiciary.

Anti-abortion groups and their allies secured a generational victory in 2022 when the Supreme Court overturned Roe vs. Wade, which ended the constitutional right to abortion and paved the way for bans or severe restrictions in 20 states. The court challenge in Texas demonstrates how the forces behind the end of Roe threaten access to other health and family planning services.

The Planned Parenthood clinics being sued do not provide abortions. They are in Texas and Louisiana, which banned nearly all abortions, respectively, in 2021 and 2022.

Leo, an anti-abortion Catholic, is connected to the key players in the Texas lawsuit  the whistleblower plaintiff, an attorney general, and the judge  according to a KFF Health News review of tax records, court documents from multiple lawsuits, statements to lawmakers, and website archives.

Leo provided legal counsel to the anti-abortion group at its center, and he has financial and other connections to Paxton.

They filed the case in federal court in Amarillo, Texas, where Matthew Kacsmaryk is the only judge. He is a longtime member of the Federalist Society, the conservative legal juggernaut for which Leo has worked for over 25 years in various capacities and currently serves as co-chair.

Kacsmaryks rulings have curtailed access to reproductive health since the Senate confirmed him in 2019. He suspended the FDAs approval of mifepristone, a drug used in medication abortion, propelling the issue to the Supreme Court, which ultimately threw out the case. In another case, Kacsmaryk ruled to limit young peoples access to birth control through a federal family planning program.

Leo did not respond to questions for this article and a spokesperson declined to comment. Through a court spokesperson, Kacsmaryk declined to comment for this article.

The anonymous whistleblower in 2021 accused the Planned Parenthood Federation of America and Planned Parenthood affiliates of defrauding the Medicaid programs of Texas and Louisiana. Paxton, who has repeatedly acted to thwart abortion rights and joined the case in 2022, alleges in the lawsuit that clinics received payments they werent entitled to from Texas Medicaid from early 2017 to early 2021 as the state was pushing to end Planned Parenthoods status as a Medicaid provider. Louisiana and the Department of Justice have not joined the complaint.

The lawsuits origins go back a decade. The anonymous whistleblower, between 2013 and 2015, conducted an undercover investigation to determine whether Planned Parenthoods fetal tissue procurement practices were continuing, and if they were legal and/or ethical, according to the whistleblowers complaint filed in 2021.

The explanation mimics how the Center for Medical Progress, a California-based anti-abortion group founded by activist David Daleiden in 2013, has publicly described its work. The Human Capital project is a 30-month-long investigative journalism study by The Center for Medical Progress, documenting how Planned Parenthood sells the body parts of aborted babies, the group states on its website.

In a November 2022 court order, Kacsmaryk said the private party initiating the lawsuit is the president of CMP, the title Daleiden held at that time, according to a Center for Medical Progress tax filing.

The Center for Medical Progress and Daleiden did not respond to requests for comment.

By law, federal funds cant pay for abortions unless the pregnancy threatens the life of a woman or is the result of rape or incest, but the program reimburses for other care such as contraception, screenings for sexually transmitted infections, and cancer screenings. Medicaid, which provides health coverage for people with low incomes, is jointly financed by states and the federal government.

According to its 2022-23 annual report, Planned Parenthood affiliate clinics provided 9.13 million health care services to 2.05 million patients nationally in 2022. Testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections accounted for about half of those services, contraception amounted to a quarter, and abortions constituted 4%.

Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast, which operates clinics in Texas and Louisiana, is among the branches Paxton and the whistleblower are suing. From July 2022 to June 2023, its clinics provided patients more than 86,000 tests for sexually transmitted infections, 44,000 visits for birth control, and nearly 7,000 cancer screening and prevention services, CEO Melaney Linton told KFF Health News.

All of these services and more are at risk in this politically motivated lawsuit, Linton said. The lawsuits allegations are false. Planned Parenthood did not commit Medicaid fraud.

Linton has said the lawsuits purpose is clear: trying to shut Planned Parenthood down.

Texas terminated Planned Parenthoods Medicaid participation in March 2021. Until then, affiliates were entitled to receive reimbursement for services to Medicaid patients because their provider agreements with Texas Medicaid program were valid, attorneys for the Planned Parenthood clinics wrote in a February 2023 court filing in support of their motion for summary judgment.

Louisiana has not removed Planned Parenthood from its Medicaid program.

Leo served as legal counsel to the Center for Medical Progress, according to documents produced as part of a separate lawsuit Planned Parenthood filed in federal court in California against the anti-abortion group. Among those, a July 2018 document lists 25 emails Leo and Daleiden traded in June and July 2015, including in the days before the anti-abortion group released its first video.

Paxtons ties to Leo can be traced back at least a decade to when the former state senator and rising conservative star was about to begin his first term as attorney general.

In 2014, Leo, then executive vice president of the Federalist Society, was a rare non-Texan named to Paxtons attorney general transition advisory team. Tax filings show that the Concord Fund, one of several Leo-linked groups that spend money to influence elections and arent required to disclose their donors, gave $20.3 million from July 2014 through June 2023 to the Republican Attorneys General Association, the political nonprofit that works to elect Republicans as states top law enforcement officers. Known as RAGA, the group funneled more than $1.2 million to Paxtons campaign over three election cycles from 2014 to 2022, Texas campaign finance records show.

Texas government officials knew the state was reimbursing Planned Parenthood clinics for medical services from 2017 to 2021, which renders the states argument that clinics violated the False Claims Act without merit, said Jacob Elberg, a professor at Seton Hall Law School and an expert in health care fraud.

The law is intended for situations where essentially someone submits a claim for payment or keeps money that theyre not entitled to where they have information that the government doesnt have, Elberg said. And they essentially know that if the government knew the truth, the government wouldnt pay them or would be demanding money back.

But with Planned Parenthood, everything involved here happened out in the open, Elberg said. They were submitting bills and the government knew what was going on and was paying those bills.

The plaintiffs arguments are a tortured use of the False Claims Act, said Sarah Saldana, a former U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Texas.

Things like this, which have these obvious political overtones, tend to undermine further the view of the public of the judicial courts system, Saldana said.

The office of the attorney general did not respond to requests for comment.

Anti-abortion groups support the Paxton lawsuit even though abortion is essentially outlawed in the Lone Star State. Planned Parenthood is still a pro-abortion organization, said John Seago, president of Texas Right to Life. Even though Planned Parenthood provides other care, all of those services are tainted by their pro-abortion mindset, he said.

Planned Parenthood is a danger to Texans. We wish that Planned Parenthood didnt have a single location within our state, Seago said. Whenever the state pays Planned Parenthood to do something, even if its a good service, we are building up their brand and giving them more reach into our Texas communities.

Roughly three dozen Planned Parenthood clinics in Texas continue to provide non-abortion services like birth control and STI screenings. The $1.8 billion the whistleblower is seeking is equivalent to nearly 90% of Planned Parenthoods annual revenue, according to its most recent annual report.

The Campaign Against Planned Parenthood

The Center for Medical Progress was little known in 2015 when it began releasing videos containing explosive allegations that Planned Parenthood was illegally selling tissue from aborted fetuses, which Planned Parenthood denies.

The group and Daleiden had ties to powerful anti-abortion organizations. They include Live Action, where Daleiden worked before creating the Center for Medical Progress, and Operation Rescue, the Kansas-based group that staged demonstrations against George Tillers abortion clinic in that state before a gunman killed the physician in 2009.

The evidence I am gathering deeply implicates Planned Parenthood affiliates across the country in multiple felonies and can trigger severe legal and financial consequences for PP and their associates, while providing new justifications for state defunding efforts and turning public opinion against Planned Parenthood and abortion, Daleiden wrote in a May 2013 email produced as part of the litigation Planned Parenthood brought in California. The subject line: Meeting to Take Down PP.

Texas tried to remove Planned Parenthood clinics from its Medicaid program following the centers release of the undercover videos, a move that was part of a larger political firestorm. Roughly a dozen states launched investigations into the reproductive health provider, and Republicans in Congress renewed calls to strip Planned Parenthood of government funding.

Paxton made his feelings clear about abortion as he pursued an investigation of Planned Parenthood in Texas. During a July 29, 2015, legislative hearing, he said the true abomination in all of this is the institution of abortion.

We are rightfully horrified by what weve seen on these videos, Paxton said. However these videos also serve as a larger reminder that, as a society, weve turned a blind eye to the gruesome horrors that occur in abortion clinics across America every single day. They remind us that this industry as a whole has lost the perspective of humanity.

Planned Parenthood denied selling fetal tissue and other claims in the videos, some of which contained graphic footage. It said the videos were deceptive and heavily edited to be misleading. A grand jury in Texas cleared Planned Parenthood of wrongdoing.

Daleiden worked on the centers Human Capital Project for years, receiving advice from Leo and his associates, according to the Center for Medical Progress website, and Daleidens email correspondence and other documents produced as part of the separate lawsuit in federal court in California.

The July 2018 document filed as part of the litigation in California describes emails between Leo and Daleiden as providing legal communication with counsel regarding legal planning and for counsel to provide legal advice regarding investigative journalism methods and the legality of fetal tissue procurement practices, among other descriptions. Daleiden sent one email to Leo regarding legal planning on July 13, 2015, the day before the Center for Medical Progress released its first video.

A November 2018 letter from the Center for Medical Progress lawyers stated CMP was receiving legal advice from Leo, as well as other conservative lawyers and organizations. Lawyers representing the center and Daleiden in a December 2018 legal filing said Leo provided legal advice on how to ensure successful prosecutions of the criminal actors which CMP identified.

In its defense, Planned Parenthood has said it billed the Texas Medicaid program for reimbursement for lawfully provided services from February 2017 to March 2021 as a participating Medicaid provider in the state.

In 2015 and 2017, federal courts in Louisiana and Texas blocked those states from terminating Planned Parenthoods Medicaid provider agreements. Judge John deGravelles of the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana said the state was prohibited from suspending Medicaid payments to (Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast) for services rendered to Medicaid beneficiaries.

The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals in November 2020 vacated the Texas and Louisiana injunctions, but the court never weighed in on clawing back Medicaid funds that had been paid to clinics. Texas terminated Planned Parenthood in March 2021, following a state court ruling.

Texas and the whistleblower argue that, once the court injunctions were lifted, Planned Parenthoods termination from each states Medicaid program became effective years earlier  2015 in Louisiana and 2017 in Texas  due to the dates that state officials gave clinics final notice.

Planned Parenthood has argued that it is under no obligation to return payments received while injunctions were in place. Kacsmaryk disagrees. In a recently unsealed summary judgment order in the case, the judge wrote that Planned Parenthood clinics had an obligation to repay the government payments they received as a matter of law.

The order was unsealed after attorneys for the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press intervened. The committee argued the public has a presumptive and constitutional right to access judicial records, and that Kacsmaryks stated concerns  which included the tainting of a potential jury pool or jeopardizing the safety of those involved in the lawsuit  didnt justify keeping the document secret.

Kacsmaryks brief justification for sealing the document, contained in the order itself, was very thin, said Katie Townsend, legal director for the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press.

She said his decision to seal such an important document was highly unusual and very troubling.

Those orders are almost always completely public, she said.

What Paxton Gains

Paxton has publicly toyed with the idea of pursuing federal office, and former President Donald Trump has said hed consider him for U.S. attorney general should Trump return to the White House.

For Republicans in Texas, there are political benefits to going after Planned Parenthood, said Mark Jones, a political scientist at Rice University in Houston. Doing anything punitive against Planned Parenthood and anything that would reduce the ability of Planned Parenthood to be active and effective in Texas is going to be greeted with near-universal consensus within the Republican primary electorate, Jones said. Theres no downside to it.

The Republican Attorneys General Association, which can accept unlimited political donations that it distributes to candidates, is a Paxton supporter. Campaign finance records show it gave more than $730,000 to Paxtons attorney general campaigns in 2014 and 2018.

Tax filings show that the Marble Freedom Trust, a political nonprofit where Leo serves as trustee and chair, gave the Concord Fund $100.9 million from May 2020 through April 2023. During the 2022 election cycle, the Concord Fund gave $6.5 million to RAGA, which then contributed $500,000 to Paxtons campaign. It was tied as the highest contribution to the Texas attorney general, matched by a $500,000 contribution from a political action committee backed by conservative Texas billionaires, according to Transparency USA, a nonprofit that tracks spending in state politics.

RAGA has praised Leos role, calling him its greatest champion.

Leonard Leo has helped shape the trajectory of RAGA and the conservative legal movement more than anyone else. As RAGAs greatest champion, Leonard Leo reimagined the role of the state attorney general and promoted men and women dedicated to the persistence of the rule of law and the original meaning of the Constitution, reads a RAGA website post from 2019 that has since been deleted.

You want access to Leo because Leo gives you access to money, said Chris Toth, former executive director of the National Association of Attorneys General.

In many conservative states like Texas, Toth said, the issue is worrying about getting primaried. And that is where playing nice with Leonard Leo and the Concord Fund come in because if youre on their side, basically, youre going to have no problem gettingreelected.

The Concord Fund gave $4 million to RAGA between July 1, 2022, and June 30, 2023, four times what it gave the prior fiscal year.

Abortion rights supporters have warned that they anticipate ongoing reproductive health battles in Texas and beyond, with access to contraception, fertility services, and other types of care under threat.

As an example, some point to the Griswold vs. Connecticut decision from 1965, in which the Supreme Court legalized the use of contraception among married couples. The high court ruled that a state law violated a constitutional right to privacy, a rationale that was central to Roe vs. Wade eight years later.

In a 2017 speech at the Acton Institute, a conservative think tank, Leo criticized Griswold as a decision amounting to the creation of rights found nowhere in the text or structure of the Constitution.

The Planned Parenthood lawsuit in Texas is expected to go to trial, potentially this year. The central question is whether Planned Parenthood knowingly withheld money owed to the government.

All the while the public is expressing greater uncertainty about rights once considered constitutionally guaranteed. In a KFF poll conducted in February, 1 in 5 adults said the right to use contraception is threatened and likely to be overturned.

Fewer than half of adults considered it to be secure.

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.
Originally appeared on E! Online

By the time police found the body of Diane Ruiz in a field in Cape Coral, Fla., on Oct. 10, 2019, the man who'd eventually be sentenced to death for killing her was already in custody.

Wade Steven Wilsondubbed the "Deadpool Killer" because Wade Wilson is the Marvel character's regular-guy namewas arrested Oct. 8 after sharing grisly details about his crimes in a phone call with his father, who helped relay the information to police.

But when officers first picked Wilson up at an unoccupied residence he'd apparently broken into, the 25-year-old wasn't arrested on suspicion of murder.

Rather, Wilson was charged with burglary, larceny and damaged property, as well as with battery for attacking a woman (identified during his June 2024 murder trial as his then-girlfriend Melissa Montanez) on the morning of Oct. 7 in Fort Myers, Fla.

Days later, the Cape Coral Police Department confirmed that Wilson was a person of interest in the deaths of Ruiz, 43, and Kristine Melton, 35, both of whom were killed that same morning.

More from E! Online

The CCPD said in a news release at the time that detectives, working closely with the State Attorney's Office, were awaiting test results from the crime lab and conclusions from the Lee County Medical Examiner's Office before they brought "additional criminal charges" against Wilson.

And on Nov. 19, 2019, Wilson was indicted on two counts of first-degree murder.

Lee County Sheriff's Office

Announcing the charges at a press conference alongside State Attorney Amira Fox, Cape Coral Police Chief Dave Newlan acknowledged that there had been "questions as to why Wilson was not immediately charged with the deaths of Melton and Ruiz." (The suspect was also charged with one count each of battery, grand theft of a motor vehicle, burglary of a dwelling and first-degree petty theft.)

"Let me be clear: Securing a successful prosecution, and ultimately, a conviction, in this case is paramount," Newland said. "A hastily conducted investigation, simply for the sake of speed, where steps could be missed, benefits no one."

Here are all the details on the case that resulted in Wilson being convicted of murder and sentenced to death almost five years later:

Who were Wade Wilson's victims, Kristine Melton and Diane Ruiz?

Melton, who was originally from Illinois, worked as a waitress and was helping to care for her mother, Katie Melton, who was starting to show the effects of Alzheimer's disease, according to the victim's brother Richard Melton.

"Kristine was her best friend," Richard told Newsweek after Wilson was sentenced on Aug. 27. "They had coffee every morning."

He described his sister as a "fun-loving and super light-hearted person, as well as "super kind" and "non-judgmental."

The brother said that their mom hadn't processed that Melton is dead and persists in believing she's "alive, well, and married."

Melton met Wilson on the night of Oct. 6, 2019, at Buddha LIVE, a bar in Fort Myers, according to the prosecution's accounting of events during Wilson's trial.

Melton was with her friend and co-worker Stephanie Sailors. Per prosecutors, they stayed until closing and, along with Wilson, went to the home of Jayson Shepard, where they they spent a few hours before Sailors and Wilson went back to Melton's place in Cape Coral.

Sailors and Shepard both testified at Wilson's trial that the defendant and the victim had sex while at Shepard's house.

When she left Melton's house later that night, Sailors testified, "everything was fine."

Melton "hugged me, kissed me, said she'd see me tomorrow," Sailors said.

Wilson told his father he met a girl at a bar and strangled her while she was sleeping, according to a sentence order obtained by E! News. (The prosecution later argued at trial that Melton had injuries indicating she woke up and tried to defend herself.)

Police found Melton's body at her house on the night of Oct. 7 after her car was found in Fort Myers and they went to check on her.

Wilson's now ex-girlfriend Montanez testified at his trial in June that she had been with him at Buddha LIVE but didn't want to go back to Shepard's house, and Wilson drove off in her car without permission. He started calling her the next morning before 8 a.m., she told the court, and he came to her business in downtown Fort Myers.

He was driving Melton's black Nissan Versa when he showed up, a vehicle Montanez didn't recognize. Wilson tried to pull her into the car, Montanez continued, and when she resisted he punched, slapped and choked her.

She testified that Wilson then dragged her upstairs to her business and held her against the wall by her throat. But when he hit her again, she continued, he seemed startled by all the blood and she took the opportunity to run. He left in the Versa after that, she said.

That morning, Fort Myers police responded to 911 calls coming in around 8:50 a.m. to report a man and a woman fighting, with witnesses saying the guy was dragging a woman outside of a business, according to a 2019 probable cause statement obtained by USA Today Network's News-Press.

How did police find Wade Wilson?

Fort Myers Police Officer Timothy McCormick testified during Wilson's murder trial that he was part of the search for Wilson following his attack on Montanez when he spotted him parked outside of Joe's Crab Shack at around 3 p.m. on Oct. 7, 2019.

Wilson told him he was waiting for his girlfriend and was otherwise "uncooperative," McCormick said, explaining that he couldn't give chase when the suspect drove away because he was only wanted on a misdemeanor battery charge. Police did not yet know about the murders, the officer said.

Wilson's biological father, Steven Testasecca, testified at trial that the defendant called him multiple times on Oct. 7 and started describing what he'd done that day, calling himself "a killer."

He admittedly didn't believe what Wilson was telling him at first, he testified, but eventually put the young man on speaker phone so his wife could hear and she relayed what he was saying to police.

Testasecca (who said he and Wilson's biological mother were teenagers when they placed him for adoption) told the court that he asked Wilson to tell him where he was, that he'd send an Uber to pick him up. In court, Testasecca agreed with the prosecution's characterization that Wilson didn't show any remorse when they spoke.

Ruiz, meanwhile, was last seen walking on her way to her 10 a.m. bartending shift at the Moose Lodge in Cape Coral.

According to prosecutors, Wilson asked for directions to a nearby school as a way to lure her into the car. When she tried to get out, he told police, he started beating her, and then choked her. He said he then pushed Ruiz out of the car and ran her over with the vehicle at least 10 times while she was still alive.

Co-workers called police when Ruizwho was engaged to be married and a mother of two sons, ages 29 and 19failed to show up after never missing a shift in five years.

Ruiz's body was found three days later in a field behind a Sam's Club.

Cape Coral Police Sgt. Justin DeRosso, one of the officers who found her, testified that they saw "a single vulture circling an area to our east," and that's what led them to the right spot.

"Diane was the heartbeat of the bar," Moose Lodge co-worker Linda Giancola told NBC 2 in June. "She always had everybody's back. She just had that personality that was really magnifying. She has this really loud laugh that you could hear it like a mile away."

How did police find Wade Wilson?

Fort Myers Police Officer Timothy McCormick testified during Wilson's murder trial that he was part of the search for Wilson following his attack on Montanez when he spotted him parked outside of Joe's Crab Shack at around 3 p.m. on Oct. 7, 2019.

Wilson told him he was waiting for his girlfriend and was otherwise "uncooperative," McCormick said, explaining that he couldn't give chase when the suspect drove away because he was only wanted on a misdemeanor battery charge. Police did not yet know about the murders, the officer said.

Wilson's biological father, Steven Testasecca, testified at trial that the defendant called him multiple times on Oct. 7 and started describing what he'd done that day, calling himself "a killer."

He admittedly didn't believe what Wilson was telling him at first, he testified, but eventually put the young man on speaker phone so his wife could hear and she relayed what he was saying to police.

Testasecca (who said he and Wilson's biological mother were teenagers when they placed him for adoption) told the court that he asked Wilson to tell him where he was, that he'd send an Uber to pick him up. In court, Testasecca agreed with the prosecution's characterization that Wilson didn't show any remorse when they spoke.

Cape Coral Police Department/Facebook

Authorities subsequently arrested Wilson at an unoccupied home, where he had broken a window to get in.

Wilson was charged with murdering Melton and Ruiz a month later.

"Over the past several weeks, while Wilson was in custody," police chief Newlan told reporters at the Nov. 19, 2019, press conference announcing the charges, "Cape Coral police officers, detectives and support staff worked tirelessly around the clock on these two separate, but related cases."

He emphasized how important it was to conduct a thorough investigation in service of building the best case possible for prosecutors.

"We had to ensure that we provided State Attorney Fox and her team with the best investigation with all of our i's dotted and all of our t's crossed, to ensure that justice will be served," Newlan said. "The community as a whole, specifically the families of Kristine Melton and Diane Ruiz, deserve nothing less."

Did Wade Wilson say anything about the murders?

While police had his taped confession, Wilson denied having anything to do with killing Melton and Ruiz in a Nov. 15, 2019, phone interview from jail with NBC 2.

When the interviewer asked if he meant to say Melton was alive and well when he left her house in her car, Wilson said, "Yes." He further said that Ruiz asked him for a ride and he dropped her off at a bus stop.

"I agree that their deaths are tragic and sad but do I find it strange [that he interacted with two women who ended up dead in one day]?" he said. "No, I do not, because I know what I've done and I have not."

Speaking to the station again in 2023, Wilson said "absolutely not" when asked if he killed the women.

"I'm not a monster," he said. "I'm not a saint either by any means. I've made bad decisions in the past, of course. Everybody has."

What happened at Wade Wilson's murder trial?

The prosecution gave its opening argument June 10, 2024, and each side rested its case the following day.

After Wilson killed Melton, Assistant State Attorney Sara Miller told the jury in her closing argument, per the News-Press, "He didn't stop there. He was looking for more prey. He was the lion and she was his prey."

When he killed Ruiz, Miller continued, "The defendant testified [to police] that he saw her in fear."

The prosecutor concluded, "He killed two innocent victims, one trying to go out and have a good time, and the other trying to get to work."

Cape Coral Police Department Facebook

In his closing argument, defense attorney Lee Hollander said he was not there to say that Wilson didn't do it.

"There's solid evidence he is responsible for the two deaths and the battery of Melissa Montanez," the lawyer said. "I'm not arguing insanity. I'm arguing he's whacked out of his mind for any of this."

He asked for a finding of second-degree murder, rather than first-degree.

On June 12, the jury came back with guilty verdicts on all charges, including two counts of first-degree murder, after two hours of deliberations, according to CourtTV.com.

Why did Wade Wilson get the death penalty?

During the penalty phase, Ruiz's son Zane Romero, who was 19 when his mom was killed, testified for the prosecution that he had just made the high school marching band and she was so excited to watch his debut.

"I never got to see her in the crowd," Romero said. "My mom will never get to see me get married."

Melton's cousin Samantha Catomer lamented during her testimony that her relativewho was the godmother of Catomer's childwould "never experience motherhood, a role she was born to play."

Defense attorney Kevin Shirley argued in court that Wilson's life should be spared. He said that his client's mental state wasn't an excuse, but an explanation for his actions.

Law & Crime Network / YouTube

Shirley pointed to Wilson's face tattoos, including a swastika and the Joker-esque smile inked around his mouth that he had acquired since the murders, as an example of his "diseased mind."

The attorney argued that there was no conclusive evidence that Melton was awake when she was killed, and that Wilson embellished his account of killing Ruiz because "he's sick."

"If she wasnt conscious, then she wasnt experiencing the pain and fear the state wants you to believe," Shirley said. He told the jury, "You gotta be hard-pressed to vote for death when you don't even know what the truth is."

On June 25, the jury came back after about 90 minutes voting 9-to-3 in favor of death as punishment for killing Melton and 10-to-2 for Ruiz, agreeing in both cases that the offense was, per Florida law's definition of aggravating factors, "heinous, atrocious or cruel." (In 2023, Florida joined Alabama as the only states where juries don't have to be unanimous to recommend death; the vote must be at least eight in favor.)

In Ruiz's case, per the factors, they additionally found her murder to be "cold, calculated and premeditated."

On Aug. 15, Lee County Circuit Judge Nicholas R. Thompson denied the defense's motion, filed July 3, for a new trial.

At Wilson's Aug. 27 sentencing hearing, Shirley read a letter from his client's adoptive parents, Steve and Cindy Wilson, in which they apologized to the victims' families and maintained that their son's drug addiction made him delusional, per the News-Press.

"Wade was a joyful child," they wrote. "Loved his parents." But, they continued, "The system failed him on that fateful day in 2019. Please see it in your heart to not take our son."

Wilson returned to court Aug. 29 to plead no contest to drug trafficking charges and was sentenced to 12 years in prison, to run concurrently with his time on death row. (As part of the plea deal, charges of criminal mischief and attempting to escape from jail, stemming from when he was accused of tampering with a cell window in 2020, were dropped.)

Early the following morning, according to public booking records, he was transferred from Lee County Jail, where he'd been held since his arrest in 2019, to Union Correctional Institution in Raiford, Fla., to await execution.

Death penalty cases are automatically appealed to the Florida Supreme Court.

Neurologist Dr. Mark Rubino testified during a Spencer hearing (when a defendant facing death has the right to appeal directly to a judge) that images of Wilson's brain, as well as his performance on various cognitive tests, indicated he may have brain damage that could make him prone to impulsive behavior without regard for consequences.

Medical Examiner Dr. Thomas Coyne, called to rebut Rubino, said that scans he reviewed showed no signs of structural defects, and that people don't need to have brain damage to do "evil things."

Judge Thompson subsequently sentenced Wilson to death for each murder.

Shirley said after court that the sentence was "kind of anticipated," telling Newsweek, "It takes quite a bit of extra evidence in a Spencer hearing to convince a judge to override a jury recommendation. The unfortunate thing is we didn't have a lot of other information to provide to the court. We gave what we have."

Why was Wade Wilson going viral?

Because accused (and convicted) murderers have their fans too, Wilson had his share of supporters who started online petitions and fundraisers"Our donation campaign aims to raise funds to help Wade Steven Wilson afford a reputable, specialized, and competent legal defense team," read an appeal on FUNDLY that as of Sept. 6 had raised more than $86,000as well as took to TikTok to share how unfair they thought the legal process had been in Wilson's case.

The judge in the case also got letters from people all over the world arguing why Wilson deserved a life sentence rather than death, according to NBC affiliate WYFF.

Law & Crime Network / YouTube

"I don't know how many tens of thousands of people are communicating with him or communicating with each other about him," Shirley told Newsweek of the fanfare. "There's donations that are set up for him. I think it's ridiculous, but there's a lot of people that think otherwise."

Prosecutors, meanwhile, slammed the rally of support for Wilson.

"It has not gone unnoticed that this defendant has beenis beingidolized by some people who are somehow proud to mix their name with his through public comments, fundraising for him or holding him up to be some sort of positive representation of a man," State Attorney Fox said at an Aug. 27 press conference, "ignoring that he is nothing more than a vicious killer and about the most poor representation of a man there could ever be."

Where is Wade Wilson now?

Lee County Sheriff's Office

Wilson returned to court Aug. 29 to plead no contest to drug trafficking charges and was sentenced to 12 years in prison, to run concurrently with his time on death row. (As part of the plea deal, charges of criminal mischief and attempting to escape from jail, stemming from when he was accused of tampering with a cell window in 2020, were dropped.)

Early the following morning, according to public booking records, he was transferred from Lee County Jail, where he'd been held since his arrest in 2019, to Union Correctional Institution in Raiford, Fla., to await execution.

Death penalty cases are automatically appealed to the Florida Supreme Court.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  The beginning of September in KELOLAND brings a lot of different things. The weather changes, water parks close down and events keep their pace in Sioux Falls.

DOC commission members want more active role

In this weeks Inside KELOLAND, well sit down with the Alzheimers Association of South Dakota about the upcoming Walk to End Alzheimers towards the end of the month. After that, well see how 2 men get started on holiday light displays early and how they arent just for Christmas anymore.

Then, well talk with Downtown Sioux Falls about this months Pork Showdown and what you can expect from it.

And finally, well hear about two South Dakota athletes that are making waves on the international stage in their respective events.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  What a difference a few minutes can make. The Mecklenburg County Board of Elections went from printing ballots and stuffing envelopes to a complete halt Friday.

Mecklenburg County Board of Elections Director Michael Dickerson walked into the room saying, Breaking news. Ballots will continue to hold, he continued as he read the new order. The court has also ordered that the We the People partys line be removed [from the ballot].

Queen City News was at Mecklenburg County Board of Elections when the court of appeals sided with Robert F. Kennedy Junior to grant his request to be removed from the ballot in North Carolina.

Former Pres. Trump speaks at Fraternal Order of Police event in Charlotte

You guys? Did you hear that? Public Information Manager Kristin Mavromatis said to election workers, Stop. A court of appeals wants it removed. The court of appeals wants it removed, so stop everything.

Up to that point, workers were stuffing envelopes with absentee ballots in preparation to send them out Friday.

Were here to just do the job, said worker Gayle Benton. We dont make the decisions. I think we were probably a little frustrated, but its natural.

Theyre now all in a holding pattern to see if the State Board of Elections intends to appeal that decision, which the board announced late Friday that they intend to do. If things move forward under this latest ruling, all nearly 20,000 absentee ballots that have been printed for Meck. The county would have to get reprinted without RFKs name. That number jumps to 2.9 million ballots statewide.

Well end up destroying this, make sure thats shredded, and then well start the new process, Dickerson said.

RFK Jr. removed from NC ballot, Court of Appeals rules; no ballots can go out Friday

Dickerson says at the earliest, it will take 7-10 days to reprint, retest and send out the new ballots. That means theyll likely miss a federal requirement that ballots get released to military overseas by September 21st.; however, Kennedys attorney argued state law allows for a delay under this circumstance.

These laws were written way before email, he said. Now its all electronically done for the overseas and the military. I press a button, and in seconds they get a copy of it.

If the order stays, these election workers will get back to work packing envelopes to ensure absentee voters get their ballots as soon as possible hopefully they can do it with fewer paper cuts.

In fact, I was using chopsticks, said Benton. Tools and Band-Aids, she added. Liquid bandage. That stuff is really helpful.

Each ballot costs about a dollar to $1.25, meaning the change could cost the county roughly $20,000.

The North Carolina State Board of Elections has said it will appeal the decision to the states Supreme 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 Queen City News.
Person hit, killed at intersection of SH 21 and FM 535

BASTROP COUNTY, Texas (KXAN)  Part of State Highway 21 was closed in Cedar Creek Saturday morning after a person died in an auto-pedestrian crash in the area.

Texas Department of Public Safety troopers responded to the crash at 6:17 a.m.

DPS said a person was struck by a vehicle and died.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

The Bastrop County Office of Emergency Management said the intersection of Highway 21 at FM 535 closed around 6:30 a.m.

The office said in an update the roadway reopened at 10:45 a.m.

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 KXAN Austin.
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:

Mothers described the complex physical, mental and emotional work needed to provide a 'good' school lunch. Credit: August de Richelieu/Pexels

Parents of school-aged children have plenty on their plates as they transition back to school routines. For most Canadian families, beyond concerns about school supplies or new experiences, it also means another year of packing lunchesan essential daily task that can feel overwhelming.

Children need reliable access to healthy food at school to fuel learning, growth and nutrition needs. Despite the widely recognized importance of feeding children well on school days, manyincluding mothers we interviewed for a research studyunderestimate the complexity, time, effort and significance of this seemingly mundane daily work.

In Canada, where fewer than 10% of kids regularly eat school-provided meals, parents, especially mothers, are left to juggle school lunches, often under major pressure.

Social factors affecting health

My work with The Public Health and Urban Nutrition research group at University of British Columbia is concerned with understanding the complex social and contextual factors that shape the health of individuals, communities and the environment.

Our team works with community partners, including public health staff and school districts, to understand and improve school food programs.

In a recent study I collaborated on with the late sociologist Sinikka Elliott, master's student Seri Niimi-Burch interviewed 14 mothers from a suburban British Columbia school district where a new lunch program was available for purchase, although most students still brought a packed lunch.

Ten participants were employed outside the home full- or part-time. Two were looking for work and four reported raising children or keeping house full-time. Twelve participants self-identified as white, one self-identified as Middle Eastern and another as Punjabi. Most described themselves as middle-class, while three self-identified as poor, low-income or working class.

Complex work to provide good lunch

These mothers taught us about the complex physical, mental and emotional work needed to provide a "good" school lunch. This included trying to live up to high expectations related to sending healthy and balanced meals that were also tasty and enjoyed by children.

These mothers spoke about the heavy responsibility for ensuring children are well-fed at school. One mother, aware her parenting may be judged based on her lunch-packing quality, told her son's teachers, "don't judge us for the foods we send to school."

Another mom, a teacher herself, reflected on how she judged other parents, saying, "I think like oh, if I glanced as a teacher and looked in at this lunch kit, would I be thinking like oh, that looks like a healthy lunch or would I be thinking oh my God, what the heck is in there?"

The study revealed that mothers often felt scrutinized not only by teachers and other parents, but also by their own children.

Emotional weight of meeting needs

On one hand, mothers described enormous care and effort required to make lunches. Yet mothers also commonly downplayed their lunch-packing efforts, not wanting to look like they'd gone overboard, cared too much or were overly controlling.

While mothers developed routines to reduce the mental load of lunch planning, and described some tasks as repetitive and mundane, many detailed the complex planning and math involved in budgeting and buying the right amount and types of food, and the emotional weight of meeting their children's needs and preferences.

Mothers' responses reflected societal pressures about how women are expected to live up to ideals about good mothering, which often matched up with longstanding gender norms about middle-class mothering, including wanting their kids to "eat right" and being responsible for protecting children from future health risks and obesity.

Meaning in daily acts

Despite the strain, mothers also expressed pride and meaning cultivated through these daily caring acts. One mother said, "being able to know that he's going to have something hot in his system at lunch time to keep him warm makes me feel good as a parent."

Another shared: "I know if I'm feeding her good things in the day, it makes me feel good." Others said packing lunch made them feel connected to their children.

Even when the same parents described how school lunch work is exhausting and stressful, they recognized food work as an important place for connecting with children and expressing their love and care.

The emotional, physical and cognitive work described in this research deserves more recognition. Food work, including lunch packing, is often ignored in health and nutrition research.

It's time to actively recognize the value of school lunch work, and better support those who do itwhether it's parents, other family members, caregivers or school lunch workers.

Directions for new school food approaches

In light of Canada's new national school food policy, these findings could have implications as provinces seek to develop school food programs. The policy builds on a $1 billion commitment to create a new National School Food Program.

For parents who are already stretched thin, school-provided meals can reduce the time, money and mental load draining many Canadian families.

Canada ranks poorly compared to other wealthy countries in investments supporting children's food and nutrition needs. In 2022, one in four children lived in a household experiencing food insecurity.

Our previous research found that more than one in 20 Canadian students reported eating no lunch at school on a nationwide survey, and students were twice as likely to miss school lunch altogether if they experienced food insecurity.

Much work involved in feeding children well

But school food initiatives will need continued support, evaluation and investment to reach their full potential.

Part of this will depend on developing programs that acknowledge the labor of connecting kids to food and how it matters as part of caring for them.

As Canadian policymakers work towards improving school food programs and better supporting families' basic needs, we must acknowledge the vital roles of parents and lunch workersand the complex realities of what it takes to navigate the physical, emotional and cognitive work needed to feed children well.

Recognizing the labor of lunch

Our research finds the daily act of packing lunches is more than a mundane chore. Mothers' experiences of caring for children's food needs were complex and wrapped up in notions of what it means to be a "good" mom.

Being responsible for providing a "balanced" lunch required not only a nutritious meal, but balancing emotional, physical and cognitive work.

Feeding children is a complex and meaningful form of care that fosters connections between caregivers and children and contributes to nutritional and social well-being, and children's sense of being cared for.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Turkey and Iran are building aircraft carriers for drones to project naval power.

These drone ships offer new possibilities but are far short of the power of a traditional flattop.

"They will still lack the survivability of a warship, but they may be good enough," an expert said.

Turkey and Iran say they're building navies capable of projecting power far from their shores, and at the center of these ambitions are motherships for aerial drones.

These regional powers are betting they can build an expendable air force without the massive costs of aircraft carriers, fighter jets and pilots trained to fly them.

"I think both navies will use these carriers in the same way  to attack enemy troops and facilities ashore and enemy ships in littoral areas where they can be targeted by shore-based radar and spotters," Bryan Clark, a naval expert at the Hudson Institute think tank, said.

Naval experts agree that drone ships represent new possibilities while pointing out that these ships fall far short of the aircraft carriers and amphibious assault ships that top navies sail. Indeed, an amphibious flattop capable of launching helicopters and short-landing and take-off jets was Turkey's original vision, but things didn't go according to plan.

The US banned Turkey from acquiring the F-35B, the jump-jet version of the Joint Strike Fighter it had planned to fly from the deck of its TCG Anadolu flagship. Consequently, Turkey made some modifications in the final stages of the Anadolu's construction, ultimately transforming it into a first-of-its-kind drone carrier.

Turkey developed the Bayraktar TB3 naval drone for the Anadolu and claims the unmanned Kizilelma fighter jet it is developing could also operate from it. Ankara has plans for a second, larger vessel like the Anadolu, which it claims will have even more domestic components.

This is all part of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's plans for a naval force that "will protect our rights and interests in overseas impact areas on our national aircraft carrier," as he said in an Aug. 24 speech.

Neighboring Iran has also been busy developing drone-carrying ships, which are much more makeshift than the Anadolu.

Undated imagery, most likely taken this year, showed additional construction work on Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corp Navy's Shahid Bagheri drone carrier, which resembles a Soviet aircraft carrier, especially with its distinctive ski jump. Unlike the Anadolu, which was a purpose-built warship from the start, the Shahid Bagheri is a modified container ship with an angled flight deck added for launching drones. It can also carry helicopters and small fast attack boats.

In May, Iran's other drone-carrying ex-container ship, the Shahid Mahdavi, completed a 39-day voyage in the Indian Ocean. During that trip, it steamed near Diego Garcia, home to a critical American base. Iran's IRGC gloated the voyage represented "a message to Americans that we are able to reach the closest point to you." The IRGC also test-fired ballistic missiles from the deck of the Shahid Mahdavi in February to demonstrate the reach of its naval firepower.

Turkey's TCG Anadolu sailed in a July parade with the Bayraktar TB-3 and Bayraktar KIZILELMA drones on deck. Emin Sansar/Anadolu via Getty Images

'Cheap solutions'

While nothing compared with the supercarriers of the US Navy, ships like the Shahid Bagheri and Shahid Mahdavi could still have a strategic impact.

Professor Shaul Chorev, leader of the Maritime Policy and Strategy Research Center at the Israeli National Center of Blue Economy, contrasted these DIY Iranian ships with the Israeli Navy.

"Unlike us, they use cheap solutions," Chorev recently told Haaretz. "They take a merchant ship, equip it with a flight deck, and turn it into a poor man's helicopter or drone carrier. It meets all their needs."

"Ultimately, such drones  and eventually unmanned surface vessels  can be positioned at strategic points that would allow them to do what our Sa'ar 6 corvettes cannot."

Although far from the might and versatility of flattops, these vessels enhance Turkey and Iran's respective capabilities to project naval power.

Clark, the senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, believes these ships will "elevate" both navies by giving them "reach well beyond their own regions."

Nevertheless, he highlighted some critical deficiencies.

"Drone carriers will not really make the Iranian Navy a blue water force because the IRIN [Islamic Republic of Iran Navy] will still lack the wide-area surveillance and targeting needed to use drones against opposing ships or the underway replenishment ships needed to keep ships at sea," Clark told Business Insider. "Turkey's navy has these capabilities and is already a blue-water force."

These drone-carriers also have inherent shortcomings when compared to aircraft carriers and amphibious assault ships in other navies.

"These carriers initially will lack attributes needed in a true amphibious ship, such as a well deck or transport helicopters to deploy troops, medical facilities and berthing for troops, and repair facilities," Clark said. "They could add some of these capabilities, though, and be a version of an amphibious ship."

"They will still lack the survivability of a warship, but they may be good enough for the situations these countries could face against regional competitors," Clark added.

Nor are these attempts equal. Andrew "Woody" Lewis, a retired US admiral who's a distinguished fellow at the Center for European Policy Analysis, views Iran's attempts at projecting naval power as second-rate compared to Turkey.

"Iran's intent to project power far from its shores with drones from the Shahid Bagheri does not give them a capability to attain sea control in a blue water environment," Lewis, a former US 2nd Fleet commander, told BI. "It is nothing more than an attempted terror attack in open water without the ability to hide behind surrogate forces ashore."

"The Iranian aspirations are in no way comparable to the tremendous capabilities of the US and our Allies to reconfigure the payload of large- and medium-sized naval platforms to project power in a blue water environment," Lewis said.

Read the original article on Business Insider
While Ukraines Western allies continue to pledge additional weapons to its cause, a report from The Wall Street Journal, as well as other outlets, state that Iran has begun to deliver ballistic missiles to Russia, in a potentially significant shift in the dynamics of the conflict. While there have been previous reports that some of the Iranian-made missiles may already have been handed over, according to an unnamed U.S. official, the weapons have finally been delivered.

The shipment is said to involve a couple of hundred short-range ballistic missiles, according to Western officials. The exact type of Iranian missiles supplied is unconfirmed, but Iran has no shortage of such systems, with the latest examples offering a high level of accuracy and enough range to cover all of Ukraine.

"A Ukrainian defence source said: If civilians in #Ukraine die from these missiles then #Iran will pay a double price for that. The response will be severe. The source did not elaborate on the nature of that response."https://t.co/kPLYNEnEl0  Jason Brodsky (@JasonMBrodsky) September 7, 2024

According to an unnamed Ukrainian source speaking to Sky News today, the missiles are short-range Fath-360 types, delivered by a Russian ship from Iran to a port in the Caspian Sea. This is a shorter-range missile, with a range of around 75 miles, but is understood to use accurate satellite navigation, as well as an inertial guidance system. The availability of these missiles in large numbers would also allow Russia to concentrate its Iskander short-range ballistic missiles  which have a range of at least 310 miles  against more distant targets across Ukraine.

The same report also notes that there are indications that Russian troops have been training to use the missiles in Iran in the last few weeks.

In related news, ballistic missiles previously supplied to Russia by North Korea may have been the target of a Ukrainian overnight attack on the Voronezh region, in the central belt of the European part of Russia.

One of the targets of the long-range Ukrainian strikes was reportedly an ammunition dump, said to have been used to accommodate KN-23 short-range ballistic missiles, supplied to Russia by North Korea and used in Ukraine, albeit apparently with only mixed results. Presumably hit by one-way attack drones, the strike resulted in a series of dramatic secondary explosions and blazing fires.

Ukrainian forces reportedly hit a Russian ammunition dump in Voronezh Oblast early this morning.



Footage posted from nearby shows a constant series of secondary explosions. pic.twitter.com/NLR5Uca4kI  OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) September 7, 2024

Warehouses with ammunition in the Voronezh region are still detonating.



Residents of Soldatskoye are being evacuated, a state of emergency has been declared in the area. pic.twitter.com/l4dJhgW95g  MAKS 24 (@Maks_NAFO_FELLA) September 7, 2024

Head of Ukraines Center for Combating Disinformation Kovalenko stated that the ammunition warehouse in the Voronezh region, struck by Ukrainian forces last night, contained North Korean KN-23 ballistic missiles. pic.twitter.com/27xwXsIrge  WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated) September 7, 2024

Latest:

Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived yesterday in Germany for talks with Western defense officials, aimed at getting more military assistance  and faster. It is crucial that all the weapons from the already announced support packages finally reach the combat brigades, Zelensky said after his aircraft touched down at Ramstein Air Base.

Willkommen in Deutschland Herr Prasident! Heute eskortierten wir @ZelenskyyUa in der Luft nach Ramstein. Dort tagt die sogenannte Ukraine-Kontaktgruppe. #StandWithUkraine pic.twitter.com/U0iEsCJa40  Team Luftwaffe (@Team_Luftwaffe) September 6, 2024

We also need strong long-range decisions from our partners to bring closer the just peace we are striving for, the Ukrainian leader added, referencing Ukraines continued requests for more capable and further-reaching standoff weapons, especially urgent now that stocks of previously delivered Western munitions in this class are said to be running low.

Zelenskys Ramstein visit saw him meet defense representatives from key partners including U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and German Minister of Defense Boris Pistorius. The Ukrainian leader also met with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

Work with partners to strength Ukraine continues. I have arrived at the Ramstein Air Base to participate in the Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting.



We need our partners' determination and the means to stop Russia's aerial terror. It is crucial that all the weapons from the  Volodymyr Zelenskyy /   (@ZelenskyyUa) September 6, 2024

Im grateful to all partners for the fact that the NATO Summit in Washington was marked by decisions on air defense systems for Ukraine, Zelensky said. However, many systems have yet to be delivered.

Turning to the much-needed long-range strike capabilities, Zelensky praised France, the United Kingdom, and the United States for their previous deliveries of weapons in this category, with specific mention being made of the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), plus the Storm Shadow and SCALP-EG air-launched cruise missiles.

Thanks to our joint courage, we have implemented very important operations, in particular in Crimea, Zelensky explained, in regard to long-range strike capabilities. These operations allowed us to return security to the Black Sea and our food exports. Now we hear that your long-range policy has not changed, but we see changes in the ATACMS, Storm Shadows, and SCALPs  a shortage of missiles and cooperation.

From left to right: Chief of Staff of the US Armed Forces Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr., U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky, and Minister of Defense of Ukraine Rustem Umerov, take part in the Ukraine Contact Group meeting at Ramstein Air Base yesterday. Photo by Andreas Arnold/picture alliance via Getty Images picture alliance

While its no surprise that the stocks of these weapons are likely becoming exhausted, the Ukrainian presidents point about cooperation refers to the continued unwillingness on the part of many Western officials to allow longer-range weapons to be used against targets within Russias borders.

We think it is wrong that there are such steps, Zelensky continued. We need to have this long-range capability not only on the occupied territory of Ukraine but also on the Russian territory so that Russia is motivated to seek peace.

Ukraines defense priorities were also outlined yesterday by the countrys Minister of Defense Rustem Umerov. Specifically, these are air defense systems and interceptors; ammunition and equipment; and strengthened long-range capabilities. As well as donated equipment Umerov called for Western allies to support and finance the Ukrainian defense industry, to encourage local development and production.

The 24th UDCG meeting in the Ramstein format began.



Our focus areas are:

1. Providing Ukraine with air defense systems and interceptors.

2. Ammunition and equipment for our brigades.

3. Strengthening Ukraine's long-range capabilities. In particular, by supporting and financing pic.twitter.com/7Xbo3dvb99  Rustem Umerov (@rustem_umerov) September 6, 2024

For its part, Germany says it wont relent on its policy of prohibiting long-range strikes with donated weapons deep into Russian territory, although the same country has also stubbornly resisted calls to transfer the air-launched Taurus KEPD 350, a cruise missile in broadly the same class as the Storm Shadow and SCALP.

Speaking yesterday, German Minister of Defense Pistorius said that Germany has not changed its position on long-range strikes.

Nevertheless, Chancellor Scholz stressed that Germany remains the strongest supporter of Ukraine in Europe and that Berlin will support Ukraine for as long as it takes.

Germany is and will remain the strongest supporter of Ukraine in Europe. We will support Ukraine for as long as it takes.

It was good meeting you today in Frankfurt, @ZelenskyyUa! pic.twitter.com/reGEp4yesz  Bundeskanzler Olaf Scholz (@Bundeskanzler) September 6, 2024

The latest German support for Ukraine is reportedly coming in the shape of 12 more Panzerhaubitze 2000 155mm self-propelled howitzers, as well as 77 more Leopard 1A5 tanks, which will be provided as part of a joint arrangement with Denmark, which you can read more about here.

Germany to transfer 12 Panzerhaubitze 2000 SPGs to Kyiv.



In addition, 77 Leopard 1A5 tanks will also be sent to Ukraine in cooperation with Denmark. pic.twitter.com/mED0TTMftN  WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated) September 6, 2024

Pistoriuss words were echoed by Secretary of Defense Austin who, when asked whether Ukraine would be permitted to strike (non-airbase) targets deep within Russia using ATACMs, reportedly responded that Kyiv should instead use its own long-range one-way attack drones.

Q: There are many strategic targets in Russia other than airbases that Ukraine wants to hit with ATACMS, why won't you let them?@SecDef Austin: Ukraine can use their own UAS to hit them.



Absolutely outrageous.



pic.twitter.com/DCleXn3zqX  Colby Badhwar (@ColbyBadhwar) September 6, 2024

There was a sign, however, of a potential shift in Washingtons position on strikes inside Russia using U.S.-supplied weapons, when U.S. Senator Mark Kelly, a Democrat from Arizona, told The Kyiv Independent that the restrictions needed to be reconsidered.

Based on the conditions near the front and the territory [Ukraine is] currently slowly losing, I think its appropriate to reevaluate this and consider allowing (Ukraine) to use our weapons deeper into Russia, Senator Kelly said.

To go after military targets, whether its supply lines, supply depots, military bases, its something we need to reconsider. We should always be reevaluating and reconsidering what our role is.

Notable shift from @SenMarkKelly in support of lifting U.S. weapons restrictions on Ukraine. Just 3 weeks ago on @FaceTheNation, he was pushed on this and wasn't ready to call on the @WhiteHouse to #LetUkraineStrikeBack. That's changed. pic.twitter.com/uRkkOgK4E2 https://t.co/LhdFqg892N  Doug Klain (@DougKlain) September 4, 2024

Meanwhile, the United States announced another $250 million in security assistance for Ukraine yesterday.

Today, we announced additional security assistance for Ukraine. This package will surge more capabilities to meet Ukraines evolving requirements, to include additional support for Ukraines air defense and artillery needs. pic.twitter.com/C6tSpBgrUJ  Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III (@SecDef) September 6, 2024

The package includes the following:

Bradley infantry fighting vehicles

M113 armored personnel carriers

Mine-resistant ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicles

RIM-7 Sea Sparrow missiles and support for air defense

FIM-92 Stinger air defense missiles

Ammunition for HIMARS

155mm and 105mm artillery ammunition

TOW missiles

Javelin and AT-4 anti-armor systems

Small arms ammunition and grenades

Patrol boats

Maritime training equipment

Demolition equipment and munitions

Spare parts

Canada is also sending more aid to Ukraine, as outlined in the tweet below.

Canada announced a new military aid package for Ukraine!



The package includes:

80,840 additional CRV-7 rocket motors

1,300 CRV-7 warheads

970 C6 machine guns

10,500 9mm pistols

29 M113s decommissioned chassis

64 Coyote LAVs decommissioned chassis

50 pic.twitter.com/4ILpSRUMul  Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) September 6, 2024

Spain, for its part, has committed more ground-based air defense systems to Kyiv, according to the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense. During the meeting in Ramstein, Spains Minister of Defense Margarita Robles reportedly announced the immediate dispatch of a complete HAWK battery, which includes six missile launchers.

Despite being an older system that was rushed to Ukraine when it became clear that additional ground-based air defenses were in dire need, the HAWK appears to have been a notable success, as you can read about here.

Finally, the United Kingdom announced yesterday that it would supply 650 examples of the Lightweight Multirole Missile (LMM) to Ukraine. The LMM, also known as the Martlet, is the British Armys successor to the Starstreak  also known as the High-Velocity Missile (HVM)  that has previously been supplied to Ukraine, both as a man-portable air defense system and mounted on Stomer tracked armored vehicles. The Martlet may well be used by Ukraine in the same applications, but its notable that it has been developed for air-launch and ship-launch, as well.

In response, Ukraines defense ministry said: We are grateful to our British partners for their ironclad support and strengthening Ukraines air defense. Thanks for making us stronger.

The UK will supply 650 Lightweight Multirole Missile (LMM) systems to Ukraine worth 162 million. The delivery will start this year.



We are grateful to our British partners for their ironclad support and strengthening Ukraine's air defense. Thanks for making us stronger. pic.twitter.com/SgV1DulppU  Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) September 6, 2024

Ammunition and maintenance for Ukrainian F-16s has also been pledged, by the Netherlands. Speaking at Ramstein, Dutch Minister of Defense Ruben Brekelmans announced that the Netherlands will provide undisclosed air-to-air missiles, together with maintenance equipment and materials.

The F-16 aircraft need support materials and spare parts for maintenance, otherwise they cannot fly. The Netherlands will supply 80 million worth of materials. Besides large quantities of spare parts, these include generators, small vehicles, essential maintenance materials, specialized tools, and stairs. With the air-to-air missiles, Ukraine can take down enemy aircraft.

Citing reasons of operational safety, the minister did not provide any specifics about the quantities or types involved. However, the Dutch F-16 fleet is armed with AIM-120 AMRAAM and AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles.

The Netherlands has promised to supply Ukraine with air-to-air missiles for F-16 fighters  the head of the Kingdom's Defense Ministry Brekelmans pic.twitter.com/VXyQy7pI3W  NEXTA (@nexta_tv) September 6, 2024

Meanwhile, on the battlefield, Russias Ministry of Defense said the countrys forces have taken control of the village of Zhuravka in Ukraines eastern Donetsk region.

While this claim cannot be independently verified, theres no doubt that fierce fighting is taking place elsewhere in the eastern Donbas region, with the video below showing human-wave-type attacks launched by Russian forces, purportedly near the coal-mining city of Vuhledar. The assault, reminiscent of World War I infantry tactics, results in heavy casualties as the Russian troops come under Ukrainian artillery and mortar fire.

Russian assaults near Vuhledar. Lots of infantry simply running toward Ukrainian positions under heavy mortar and artillery fire. Meat waves. pic.twitter.com/06kPKkOuH1  NOELREPORTS (@NOELreports) September 5, 2024

In the Kursk region, the Ukrainian offensive continues, although Russian President Vladimir Putin claims that it has no effect and that by bringing quite well-prepared units into Kursk from elsewhere, Ukraine has actually helped Moscows advance in Donbas. The enemy weakened itself in key areas, our army has accelerated its offensive operations.

Ukraines top military commander, Oleksandr Syrskyi, has countered Putins claims, saying the Kursk incursion was working and that there had been no Russian advances on Pokrovsk, a key sector of the Ukrainian front, for six days. The enemy hasnt advanced a single meter in the direction. In other words, our strategy is working, he told CNN. Syrskyi said the military had also noted a decrease in shelling, and in the intensity of the Russian offensive in other sectors.

One apparent recent target of the Ukrainian offensive in Kursk is this pontoon bridge, located near Zvannoe, on the left bank of the River Seym. The second part of the same video shows the destruction of a Russian Osa (SA-8 Gecko) mobile surface-to-air missile system, reflecting the fact that Ukrainian fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters are also operating over Kursk.

Damage to Russian pontoon bridges and destruction of the "Osa" air defense system. pic.twitter.com/YJ8upJMhdi  TOGA  (@TOGAjano21) September 7, 2024

The following video purportedly shows a Russian defensive position somewhere in the Kursk region that was captured by the Ukrainians  apparently by a squad of just nine soldiers.



Footage from a long video from Yuriy Butusov showing a well-built Russian company defensive position in Kursk oblast. He says the position was captured by just 9 Ukrainian soldiers.https://t.co/3YUuMSdflC pic.twitter.com/3ayjitmOBT  Rob Lee (@RALee85) September 5, 2024

As well as the invasion of Kursk, Ukraine is meanwhile conducting more covert activities elsewhere in Russia and in Russian-occupied territories in Ukraine. A video released by the Main Directorate of Intelligence (GUR) purports to show operatives from this organization, or affiliated with it, in various different parts of Russia and in Crimea.

The Ukrainian Main Directorate of Intelligence GUR released a video showing operations far behind enemy lines. Their places are in Russian-occupied territories in Ukraine such as Sevastopol, but also deep inside Russia itself. Moscow, Sankt Petersburg, Smolensk, Kaluga, Oryol, pic.twitter.com/A4OHiXkwPB  (((Tendar))) (@Tendar) September 7, 2024

Another grim scene from the war in Ukraine is provided in the following video, for which viewer discretion is advised.

In this incident, a Ukrainian soldier captured by Russians attempts to grab a weapon from one of his captors. The desperate move ends in his demise, together with at least one other Ukrainian soldier who had also been taken prisoner.

Ukrainian soldier attempted to grab a machine gun from a Russian soldier, sealing his own fate and that of his two comrades while surrendering. pic.twitter.com/p7s4rqh84t  Clash Report (@clashreport) September 5, 2024

Surrendering of another kind is seen in the next video. Here, seen from the perspective of a nearby Ukrainian drone, a Russian soldier apparently offers an item of electronic equipment, in a hardened case, presumably in an effort to spare his life. It seems the equipment on offer was an electronic warfare jamming device, ironically intended to defeat drones. It remains unclear whether the soldier was successful in their efforts to survive.

1. A russian soldier surrenders to a #Ukrainian #drone by offering a trade. What is this thing that the russian is offering in exchange for his life? Is this a fair exchange? pic.twitter.com/ek5fT9Qp5f  DanielR (@DanielR33187703) September 5, 2024

As the drone war over Ukraine rages on, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense posted a video compiling air-to-air kills of Russian unmanned aerial vehicles, praising what it says was the incredible work of Ukrainian drone operators who managed to shoot down 49 Russian reconnaissance UAVs. While that figure cannot be independently verified and, moreover, no dates are provided for these alleged shoot-downs, the video does show some very interesting camouflage patterns applied to the Russian drones, reflecting the very real nature of the threat now presented by Ukrainian UAVs attempting to bring them down.

An incredible work of Ukrainian drone operators who managed to shoot down 49 russian reconnaissance UAVs.



: Signum Unit pic.twitter.com/dYpc9lBVbX  Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) September 6, 2024

Another recent example of a Ukrainian air-to-air drone kill involved the destruction of a Russian Lancet, apparently one of the more recent izdeliye 51 versions of the UAV.

Ukrainian FPV drone shoots down Russian "Lancet" kamikaze drone pic.twitter.com/ki5tmXqVyE  NEXTA (@nexta_tv) September 5, 2024

The M1910 Maxim machine gun, a design that predates World War I, is a weapon that we have seen in use in the conflict previously. The footage below shows how the water-cooled weapon is still providing useful firepower in Ukrainian anti-drone units, in this case, a female mobile fire group that is active against the threat of Russian Shahed-type long-range one-way attack drones.

Women's fire mobile groups shoot down Russian "Shahed" with "Maxim" near Kyiv. pic.twitter.com/MIRSOhjUM6  MAKS 24 (@Maks_NAFO_FELLA) September 6, 2024

Back to Ukrainian drones next, with reports that Ukraine has launched a tender for a first batch of 10,000 drones incorporating artificial intelligence (AI).

According to the reports, Minister of Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov announced the launch of the tender, which aims to encourage competition among manufacturers and drive down the prices of such drones. Fedorov disclosed that more than 10 companies have already applied for the tender, with the expectation that the unit cost of an AI-equipped drone will only be a few hundred dollars more, with that cost difference subsequently coming down to tens of dollars, Fedorov said. You can read all about the implication of infusing AI into lower-end drones, especially in regards to the war in Ukraine, in our special feature linked here.

Ukraine ordered the first 10.000 drones with AI through Prozorro,  Minister of Digital Transformation Fedorov



Such drones will become cheaper in the future due to the competition of state-ordered manufacturers. Also, drones with AI will help bypass enemy EW systems. pic.twitter.com/HMZoNK5mxo  MAKS 24 (@Maks_NAFO_FELLA) September 4, 2024

A highly bizarre and brutal incident is captured in the next video. Presumably taken from a nearby drone, it shows a purportedly Russian soldier catching a first-person view (FPV) type drone in his hand, and continuing down the road with it. Exactly what happens next is unclear, but the soldier, already apparently injured, either drops the drone which then detonates, or it explodes in his hand, seemingly with lethal results.

Russian soldier catches FPV drone & runs with it.



Then drops it and it blows up. pic.twitter.com/9igNeASpaD  Clash Report (@clashreport) September 5, 2024

In Russia, the fire that raged at a Russian oil facility in Proletarsk, in the Rostov region, after it was hit by Ukrainian drones on August 18, has reportedly finally been extinguished. The facility was struck by one of the many recent Ukrainian attacks on Russias energy infrastructure, but the fact that it burned for more than two weeks after it was hit remains remarkable.

It is only now, more than two weeks after the hit in Proletarsk, Rostov region of Russia, that a fire at an oil depot has managed to be completely extinguished. https://t.co/ZLdZ1yULKW pic.twitter.com/jlXSpMfr1Z  Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) September 4, 2024

The civilian population of Ukraine continues to suffer under Russian aerial bombardment, as evidenced in the video below, showing the aftermath of an attack on the city of Kharkiv. In this case, a Russian 1,102-pound aerial bomb purportedly struck a high-rise building in the eastern Ukrainian city, leading to the collapse of several floors.

What a horrific aftermath of a 500-kilogram Russian bomb hitting a high-rise building in Kharkiv. Several floors have collapsed under the weight of the impact, turning once cozy homes into soulless ruins. Screams and panic cover everything around, leaving behind only pain and a pic.twitter.com/hkNMiFb5Hl  Andrii Naumov (@Naumov_Andrii) September 4, 2024

The remains of another 1,102-pound aerial bomb are seen here, specifically an RBK-500 cluster bomb, a type which can be loaded with various types of submunitions. This example is also fitted with a UMPK, or Unifitsirovannyi Modul Planirovaniya i Korrektsii, meaning unified gliding and correction module  a combined guidance package and range-extended wing kit that you can read more about here.

Among the other weapons that have been extensively used in the Russian bombardment of Ukrainian cities and other targets are air-launched Kh-101 cruise missiles  also known by the Western reporting name AS-23A Kodiak.

In the past, we have seen evidence of these missiles deploying their infrared countermeasures, to protect them from Ukrainian air defenses, although the video below provides a particularly spectacular view of these flares, being filmed at night.

Russian Kh-101 cruise missiles with L-504 IR decoy system hit Ukraine's Lviv.



This system allows the missile to deploy decoy flares and other countermeasures to mislead enemy air defense systems. pic.twitter.com/hvlWJj3sts  Clash Report (@clashreport) September 5, 2024

In related news, the Ukrainian InformNapalm, which describes itself as a volunteer intelligence community, has published details that it says explain how Russia has been able to continue and even increase the production output of the Kh-101 cruise missile, despite stringent Western sanctions. The volunteer group reports that the Raduga factory near Moscow, which builds Kh-101s, among other missiles, has expanded its production facilities and capacity. The group claims that this has been enabled by a supply of equipment from China, but also from manufacturers in Europe, including Germany and Italy.

As a result, Raduga plans to increase Kh-101 missile production from 420 missiles in 2023 to a planned 700 units in 2025, the group reports.

How Russia continues to produce missiles despite sanctions?



 Raduga, located near Moscow, produces X-101 cruise missiles used in attacks on Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure.



 Despite sanctions from multiple countries, Raduga has expanded its production facilities and pic.twitter.com/2WPCWW20S1  Clash Report (@clashreport) September 6, 2024

According to reports in the Ukrainian press, Belarus has, for the first time, successfully shot down Russian drones that entered its airspace.

The Belarusian Air Force downed two Russian attack drones on September 5, near the Belarusian city of Homel, was shot down.

While Belarus has so far not disclosed the nationality of the drone, The Kyiv Independent cites claims from a monitoring group that the drones brought down were Russian  likely Shahed-type one-way attack drones.

The drones were said to have been shot down by Belarusian MiG-29 Fulcrum fighter jets. A previous Belarusian attempt to use MiG-29s to intercept wayward Russian drones, on August 29, was not confirmed to have led to any UAVs being brought down.

Belarus downs Russian drones over its airspace for first time, monitoring group reports.



The Belarusian Air Force downed two Russian attack drones on Sept. 5 near the Belarusian city of Gomel, the monitoring group Belaruski Hajun claimed. https://t.co/Hk8w6UfrMp  The Kyiv Independent (@KyivIndependent) September 5, 2024

MiG-29s are also used by the Ukrainian Air Force, of course, with at least one example having apparently ended up in a sunflower field in the spring of this year, the result of an emergency landing, the cause of which is unknown. The damage would appear to be fairly light, suggesting the chances of the fighter having returned to service are good.

Ukrainian MiG-29 after making an emergency landing in the spring of 2024. pic.twitter.com/pSDUeHcZRE  Clash Report (@clashreport) September 6, 2024

The prominent Russian nationalist ex-militia commander Igor Girkin (also known as Strelkov), who had accused President Putin and the Russian military command of failure in the war in Ukraine, and who was convicted by a Moscow court in January this year, has reportedly been released from prison. Girkin, a former Federal Security Service (FSB) agent, had denied the charge of inciting extremism. Although he had been jailed for four years, he is now said to be heading to Ukraine to fight. While the news is yet to be independently verified, it is by now common practice for Russian prisoners to negotiate their release in exchange for providing combat service in Ukraine.

Former FSB agent and Russian commander Igor Strelkov (Girkin) is out of prison, heading to Ukraine to fight now. pic.twitter.com/42uyzpYING  Clash Report (@clashreport) September 6, 2024

Contact the author: thomas@thewarzone.com
Iranian missile transfer to Russia 'dramatic escalation' in war, US official says

Iran's transfer of ballistic missiles to Russia constitutes a "dramatic escalation" in Tehran's support for Moscow's full-scale war against Ukraine, White House National Security Council Spokesperson Sean Savett said on Sept. 6.

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on Sept. 6 that Iran has sent an unspecified number of short-range ballistic missiles to Russia.

The U.S. is "alarmed" by reports of the transfer, Savett said in a statement issued to Reuters and other media outlets.

"Any transfer of Iranian ballistic missiles to Russia would represent a dramatic escalation in Iran's support for Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine," he said.

Savett did not directly confirm reports that the missile transfer had in fact taken place.

Prior to the WSJ story, Reuters reported in August that Russia may receive "hundreds" of Fath-360 short-range missiles and other ballistic missiles from Iran.

Earlier this week, Bloomberg also reported that Iran would begin shipping the weapons "in a matter of days."

Iran is one of Russia's closest allies. Tehran has provided Moscow with thousands of Shahed kamikaze drones since the start of the full-scale war, and the two nations continue to deepen their military and political cooperation.

Read also: What Irans ballistic missiles, in Russian hands, could mean for Ukraine

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Iran's cyber operation against the Trump campaign is likely still going, FBI official says

Former President Donald Trump arrives for a campaign rally in Bozeman, Mont., on Aug. 9.

Irans cyber operation targeting the campaign of former President Donald Trump is likely still active, an FBI official said Friday, even after U.S. officials and tech firms exposed a successful Iranian hack.

Iran and other foreign adversaries are seeking to shape the outcome of the upcoming election and Tehran will probably continue the operation as part of its broader goals aimed at undermining Americas democratic process, said the FBI official, who spoke on condition of anonymity along with intelligence officials at a briefing for reporters.

They will likely still have that kind of longer-term strategic interest in that type of activity, the FBI official said, referring to the recent hack. They may just have to reconstitute or pivot to different access points and kind of make tweaks to how they are conducting those operations.

The Trump campaign said last month it had been hacked and that Iranian actors had stolen and distributed internal documents. Stolen confidential material was leaked to three news organizations, Politico, The New York Times and The Washington Post. But those outlets have not revealed details or published what they received.

Iran also tried but failed to hack the now-suspended re-election campaign of President Joe Biden.

Cybersecurity experts say Iran likely has more stolen information in reserve and could try to leak that material closer to the election.

Im sure they didnt send the whole treasure trove over, said Javed Ali, a former senior counterterrorism official and now an associate professor at the University of Michigan.

The FBI officials comments were part of a teleconference by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence on foreign actors efforts to meddle in the U.S. election.

Former President Donald Trump reacts at a rally, in Johnstown, Pa., on Aug. 30.

Irans hack reflected how Tehran is mounting a greater effort to try to influence this years election, intelligence officials told reporters. Iran is using spear-phishing tactics to gain access to people with ties to both presidential campaigns and covert social media accounts to try to denigrate Trump.

Microsoft last month released a report describing how in June an Iranian military intelligence unit sent a spear-phishing email to a high-ranking official of a presidential campaign from a compromised email account of a former senior advisor.

Russia, Iran, China and other actors are all ramping up their efforts to influence the November vote as Election Day approaches, intelligence officials said.

U.S. intelligence agencies have concluded that Russia poses the biggest threat by a foreign actor to this years elections as it employs ever more sophisticated tactics to undermine the U.S. and weaken U.S. support to Ukraine.

Through veiled propaganda and disinformation on social media and websites that purport to be legitimate news outlets, Russia is trying to bolster support for Trump and undercut his opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris, intelligence officials said.

An array of activities are supporting Moscows efforts to influence photo preferences in favor of the former president and diminish the prospects of the vice president, an intelligence official said. U.S. officials have said that the Kremlin aims to back Trump in its information warfare, a pattern that dates to 2016.

Earlier this week the Biden administration announced a series of measures designed to expose and counter Russias election meddling efforts. The actions included sanctions, the seizure of web domains that Moscow allegedly used to churn out disinformation about Ukraine and an indictment outlining an effort to funnel money to right-wing commentators in the U.S.

The Justice Department indictment accuses two employees of the Russia-backed media network RT of orchestrating a scheme to send millions of dollars to prominent conservative influencers through a Tennessee-based media company, while keeping links to Russia hidden. The project funded English-language videos that were often consistent with Moscows interest in amplifying U.S. domestic divisions in order to weaken U.S. opposition to Russian interests, including its invasion of Ukraine, according to the indictment.

Despite the crackdown on Russias activities and the seizure of web domains, intelligence officials said Moscow still has a substantial capability to interfere in the election.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said publicly that he favors Harris in the election, but intelligence officials said the statement is not credible.

The intelligence community does not take Putins public statements as representative of Russias covert intentions, the intelligence official said. There are many examples over the past several years where Putins public statements do not align with Russian actions. For example, his comments that he would not invade Ukraine.

As for China, intelligence officials said Beijing is not attempting to shape the outcome of the presidential contest but is focusing instead on down ballot races, targeting candidates it sees as threatening the regimes core interests.

China also is continuing its longstanding efforts to build relationships with U.S. officials and entities at state and local levels, because it perceives Washington as largely opposed to China, the intelligence official said.

Apart from Russia, Iran and China, other countries are testing the boundaries of election meddling, with some foreign governments lobbying political figures to try to curry favor in the event they are elected, the intelligence official said.

The official declined to say which countries were lobbying.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Former President Donald Trump trashed former Vice President Dick Cheney in a post to Trump's own social media platform Truth Social on Friday night.

Dick Cheney is an irrelevant RINO, along with his daughter, who lost by the largest margin in the History of Congressional Races! Trump wrote in a long-winded post to Truth Social, going on to praise himself for pardoning Bush-era criminal and Iraq War champion Scooter Libby before labeling himself as the Peace President.

The tantrum came after Cheney shared that he would be voting for Vice President and current Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris in the upcoming election.

"In our nation's 248-year history, there has never been an individual who is a greater threat to our republic than Donald Trump, Cheney said in a statement. He tried to steal the last election using lies and violence to keep himself in power after the voters had rejected him. He can never be trusted with power again.

Trump shot back at Cheney, proving the old adage about broken clocks when he called the War on Terror architect the King of Endless, Nonsensical Wars.

Cheney's statement about his intention to vote for the Democratic candidate came hours after his daughter Liz Cheney shared her father would be voting for Harris. The younger Cheney wasn't spared in Trump's Truth tirade.

Trump picked at an old wound, attacking Liz for her outspoken criticism of Trumps role in the Jan. 6 attacks.

What Liz Cheney did with the Unselect Committee of Political Losers is unthinkable. She and her Unselects deleted and destroyed all evidence and information - ITS GONE, Trump said, repeating debunked claims about the bipartisan Jan. 6 investigation commission. Cheney and the others should be prosecuted for what they did, but Comrade Kamala is even worse!

Trump, whose social media posts and public appearances have become increasingly angry and incoherent, has faced increasing opposition from legacy Republican politicians in recent weeks.
By Nidal al-Mughrabi

CAIRO (Reuters) - Israeli military strikes across the Palestinian Gaza Strip killed at least 61 people in the space of 48 hours, medics said on Saturday, as Israeli forces battled Hamas-led militants in the territory.

Eleven months into the war, numerous rounds of diplomacy have so far failed to clinch a ceasefire deal to end the conflict and bring the release of Israeli and foreign hostages held in Gaza.

Airstrikes on two former schools that were housing displaced people, one in Gaza City and one in Jabalia, killed at least 12 people, Palestinian medics said.

The Israeli military said the strikes targeted Hamas gunmen who were operating in the compound. Five more people were killed in a strike on a house in Gaza City, Palestinian medics said, with a total of 28 people killed on Saturday.

The armed wings of the Hamas, Islamic Jihad and Fatah groups said they had fought Israeli troops across Gaza with anti-tank rockets and mortar bombs, and in some incidents detonated bombs to target tanks and other army vehicles.

The two warring sides continued to blame one another for the failure of mediators, including Qatar, Egypt and the United States, to broker a ceasefire. The U.S. is preparing to present a new proposal, but the prospects of a breakthrough appear slim as gaps between the sides remain wide.

CIA Director William Burns, the chief U.S. negotiator, told an event in London that a more detailed proposal would be made in the coming days.

Tens of thousands of Israelis joined protests in Tel Aviv and other cities, demanding Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government make a deal under which the remaining 101 hostages would be released.

The killing of six hostages last week triggered an outpouring of anger and grief that led to mass protests. The hostages had been shot in the head by Hamas, Israel said, not long before their bodies were found by troops in a Gaza tunnel last Saturday.

"They could have been saved," said Einav Zangauker, whose 24-year-old son Matan had been abducted by militants from his home in Nir Oz kibbutz. "As long as Netanyahu is in power, we will keep getting the hostages back in body bags."

POLIO VACCINATIONS CONTINUE

On Thursday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said it was incumbent on both Israel and Hamas, which seized control of Gaza almost two decades ago and was responsible for the Oct. 7 killing spree in Israel that triggered the war, to make concessions to reach a deal.

On Saturday, senior Hamas official Hossam Badran said the group had made no new demands and remained committed to a July 2 proposal put forward by the United States, accusing Netanyahu of attaching new conditions that would not end the war.

Netanyahu says it was Hamas that introduced unacceptable conditions.

Despite the deadlock, the United Nations, in collaboration with local health authorities, has pursued a campaign to vaccinate 640,000 children in Gaza after its first polio case in around 25 years. Limited pauses in the fighting have allowed the campaign to proceed.

U.N. officials said they were making progress, having reached more than half of the children needing the drops in the first two stages in the southern and central Gaza Strip.

On Sunday, the campaign will move to the northern Gaza Strip. A second round of vaccination will be required four weeks after the first.

The latest bloodshed in the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict was triggered by the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel, killing 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and in which about 250 hostages were taken, according to Israeli tallies.

Israel's subsequent assault on the enclave has killed more than 40,900 Palestinians, according to the local health ministry, while also displacing nearly the entire population of 2.3 million.

The Palestinian health ministry does not distinguish between combatants and non-combatants in its casualty reports, but health officials say most the fatalities have been civilians.

Israel, which has lost 340 soldiers in Gaza, says at least a third of the Palestinian dead are fighters.

(Reporting and writing by Nidal al-Mughrabi; Additional reporting by Ali Sawafta in Ramallah, Maayan Lubell in Jerusalem and Nicoco Chan and Miro Maman in Tel Aviv; Editing by Kevin Liffey and David Holmes)
Israelis surge into the streets again in protest as the toll in Gaza grows

A demonstrator waves the Israeli and U.S. flags during a protest against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government and call for the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip by the Hamas militant group, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP)  Huge numbers of Israelis again poured into the streets to protest the government's failure to secure the return of remaining hostages in Gaza, while hospital and local authorities said Israeli air raids in the territory killed more than a dozen people overnight into Saturday.

The new protest came a week after one of the largest demonstrations of the war following the discovery of another six dead hostages in Gaza, and after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pushed back against pressure for a cease-fire deal and declared that no one will preach to me.

I think even those who were maybe reluctant to go out, who are not used to protest, who are sad but prefer to be in private space within their sadness, understood our voice must join together to one huge scream: Bring the hostages with a deal. Do not risk their lives," said one protester in Tel Aviv, Efrat Machikawa, niece of hostage Gadi Moses.

Israel has been under increasing pressure from the United States and other allies to reach a cease-fire deal, but Netanyahu insists on continued Israeli control of the Philadelphi corridor, a narrow band along Gazas border with Egypt where Israel contends Hamas smuggles weapons. Egypt and Hamas deny it.

Inside Gaza, health workers wrapped up the second phase of an urgent polio vaccination campaign designed to prevent a large-scale outbreak. The drive, launched after the first polio case in the Palestinian enclave in 25 years, aims to vaccinate 640,000 children during a war that has destroyed the health care system. The third phase of vaccinations will be in the north.

Israel kept up its military offensive. In central Gazas urban refugee camp of Nuseirat, Al-Awda Hospital said it received the bodies of nine people killed in two air raids. One hit a residential building, killing four people and wounding at least 10, while five people were killed in a strike on a house in western Nuseirat.

Separately, Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, central Gazas main hospital, said a woman and her two children were killed in a strike on a house in the nearby urban refugee camp of Bureij.

In northern Gaza, an airstrike on a school-turned-shelter for displaced people in the town of Jabaliya killed at least four people and wounded about two dozen others, according to Gazas Civil Defense authority, which operates under the territorys Hamas-run government. Israel's military said it struck a Hamas command post embedded in a former school compound.

The war began when Hamas and other militants attacked Israel on Oct. 7, killing around 1,200 people, primarily civilians. Hamas is believed to still be holding more than 100 hostages. Israeli authorities estimate about a third are dead.

Israels retaliatory offensive in Gaza has killed more than 40,000 Palestinians, according to the Health Ministry, which doesnt distinguish between civilians and combatants in its count. The ministry says more than 94,000 people have been wounded.

Violence has also spiked in the occupied West Bank. A dayslong military operation in Jenin left dozens of dead.

A day after an American protester was shot and killed in the West Bank, her family urged President Joe Biden to order an independent investigation, saying that given the circumstances of (her) killing, an Israeli investigation is not adequate." Their statement called the 26-year-old recent university graduate a ray of sunshine and an advocate for human dignity.

Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, who also holds Turkish nationality, was shot in the head, two Palestinian doctors said. She had been demonstrating against Israeli settlements in the West Bank. Witnesses said she was shot during a moment of calm following earlier clashes.

The White House has said it was deeply disturbed and called on Israel to investigate. The Israeli military said it was looking into reports that troops had killed a foreign national while firing at an instigator of violent activity."

More than 500,000 Israeli settlers live in the West Bank, a territory captured by Israel in 1967. Israeli raids, attacks by Palestinian militants on Israelis and attacks by Israeli settlers on Palestinians have left more than 690 Palestinians dead since the Israel-Hamas war began in October, according to Palestinian health officials.

In Gaza, Hamas has accused Israel of dragging out cease-fire negotiations by issuing new demands. Hamas has offered to release all hostages in return for an end to the war, the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces and the release of a large number of Palestinian prisoners, including high-profile militants  broadly the terms called for under an outline for a deal put forward by Biden in July.

Along the border with Lebanon, near-daily clashes continued between Israeli forces and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.

An Israeli drone strike hit a Lebanese Civil Defense team fighting a fire in the town of Froun, killing three volunteers and wounding two others, Lebanons Health Ministry said. The blaze was sparked by a previous Israeli strike, the statement said. There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military.

Israel's military said some 45 rockets were fired at northern Israel in several barrages, many targeting the Mount Meron area but falling in open areas. Several rockets fell in Shlomi and around the city of Safed. There were no injuries. The military later said its jets struck Hezbollah military infrastructure and a rocket launcher in the area of Qabrikha in southern Lebanon.

___

Magdy reported from Cairo and Jeffery from Ramallah, West Bank. Associated Press writer Ellen Knickmeyer in Washington contributed to this report.

___

Follow APs war coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war
The launch of the Iranian-made Fath-360 missile during a military exercise. Photo: Wikipedia

Analysts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) believe that the supply of Iranian-produced ballistic missiles to Russia is part of a strategic partnership between Iran and Russia. Iran needs Russia to inject money into the country's economy, Russian Su-35 fighter jets and Russia's help in modernising its cyber capabilities and space and missile programmes.

Source: ISW

Details: Analysts from ISW have frequently documented the increasing economic, media, military, and political collaboration between Moscow and Tehran since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

In a report from September 2023, ISW highlighted Iran's efforts to secure economic and military benefits from its alliance with Russia, including seeking financial aid to support its faltering economy in return for supplying weapons to the Kremlin. Furthermore, Iran has shown interest in acquiring Russian Su-35 fighter jets, with Iranian officials reportedly applying pressure on Moscow to deliver these jets during a meeting with Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu in Tehran in August 2024.

In addition, Iranian leaders have asked for Russian cooperation to modernise their cyber capabilities and advance their space and missile programmes as part of their expanding military ties.

It is also reported that the United States and European countries have prepared a new sanctions package against Iran in response to these actions.

To quote the ISWs Key Takeaways on 6 September:

US and European officials reported that Iran delivered hundreds of short-range ballistic missiles to Russia to support Russian leader Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine.

The transfer of Iranian ballistic missiles is part of the deepening strategic partnership between Iran and Russia.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated on 6 September that no specific weapon would be a "game changer" for Ukraine and that allowing Ukrainian forces to use US-provided weapons for long-range strikes against Russian military targets within Russia would not change the status of the war.

Austin is correct that no single weapon system will change the course of the war, but his comments ignore how weapon systems and their accompanying rules of engagement do affect Ukrainian capabilities and that changes in capabilities can change the course of wars. Western military assistance remains crucial for Ukraine's ability to defend itself, and Austins statement ignores the Ukrainian long-range strike capability requirement necessary to disrupt Russian rear staging areas.

Ukraine's Western partners pledged additional military aid to Ukraine during the Ukraine Defence Contact Group at Ramstein Airbase in Germany on 6 September, a significant portion of which will reportedly not be delivered in the immediate future.

Russian forces are increasingly executing surrendering Ukrainian soldiers throughout the front line, likely in part because Russian commanders appear to be endorsing the proliferation of such war crimes.

Russian officials attempted to use a meeting with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi to pursue longstanding efforts to legitimise Russia's occupation of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) and Zaporizhzhia Oblast, while also promoting false narratives about a Ukrainian threat to the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant (KNPP) to weaken Western support for Ukraine's incursion into Kursk Oblast.

Russian federal censor Roskomnadzor published and immediately deleted a draft procedure to implement a recently adopted law designed to deanonymise Russian Telegram channels, possibly after receiving backlash from the Russian ultranationalist Telegram community.

The Kremlin signalled its commitment to establish full control over the Russian information space in the future and will likely reattempt to deanonymise Russian social media and Telegram channels even though Roskomnadzor withdrew its recently proposed regulations for now.

The Kremlin continues to appoint Russian Presidential Administration Deputy Head Sergei Kiriyenko to positions overseeing Russia's informational efforts as part of efforts aimed at shaping Russian identity and ideology.

Russia continues efforts to develop a capability to use information operations on social media platforms to trigger kinetic activity and has been using the Ukrainian information space for several years to hone this capability.

Russian forces recently regained lost positions in Kursk Oblast amid continued fighting throughout the Ukrainian salient on 6 September.

Ukrainian forces recently regained lost positions near Pokrovsk, and Russian forces recently advanced near Toretsk.

Open-source tracking of confirmed Russian military deaths in Ukraine suggests that more Russian volunteers have died in Ukraine than Russian convict recruits and mobilised personnel.

Support UP or become our patron!
Italian officials want to charge admission to this iconic site as overcrowding leads to chaos: Too many tourists

A visit to Rome could soon cost amore.

Tourism bosses in the Eternal City are desperate to curb overcrowding at the iconic Trevi Fountain  to the point where theyre floating the idea of an admission fee and reservation system for visits to the beloved Baroque-era site.

The idea of staggered entry and a modest fee of a couple of Euros comes as the Italian capital experiences surging numbers of visitors, with the historically sacred location absorbing approximately 1,200 sightseers every hour, the AP reported.

Officials in Rome are weighing the idea of a tourist tax on the Trevi Fountain. AP

Many of the tourists are poorly behaved, officials complain  last summer, a woman shocked locals by climbing in to fill her water bottle.

Others have been caught attempting the famous plunge into the fountain from La Dolce Vita  a soaking act that carries a steep fine.

Romes mayor Roberto Gualteri has expressed support of the plan, put forth by tourism official Alessandro Onorato, who noted that the admission fee would be on par with the amount of money many visitors toss into the world-famous wishing well, which already rakes in well over $1M annually.

We have to avoid, especially in a fragile art city like Rome, that too many tourists damage the tourist experience, and damage the city, Onorato told the AP. We need to safeguard two things, that tourists dont experience chaos and that citizens can continue to live in the center.

Close by at the Colosseum, one visiting scofflaw got caught chiseling his initials into its stone.

Overcrowding at the Trevi Fountain is becoming unbearable. REUTERS

Visitors would be allowed to view the fountain for free from a distance, but access to the amphitheatre-style viewing area would now be tightly controlled.

Romans would be exempt from the charge.

Aside from the issues of criminal disruption and trespassing, Oronato said that the fee would discourage loitering  some visitors like to hang around eating their lunches on the steps, feeding scraps to the pigeons.

[Rule breaking] would happen less, or maybe it wouldnt happen at all, because whoever would enter, we would know their names and where they live. It becomes more complicated, he said.

The influx of tourists at Trevi Fountain is causing local issues in Rome. REUTERS

Further up the boot in Venice, a five Euro per day tourist charge to protect ancient heritage sites  experts say overtourism puts landmarks at risk globally  was put in place last April.

That didnt stop a tourist from recently disrespecting a cemetery  by jumping into the adjacent canal for a swim.

Down in Sicily, officials are cracking down on banning mafia-related souvenirs.

Inappropriate behavior has lately been on the upswing at Romes fabled Trevi Fountain. AP

Meanwhile in Spain, where overtourism has become the norm in some cities  leading locals in Barcelona to go after tourists with water pistols recently  officials recently raised the idea of a fee for visitors to the Plaza de Espana in Seville.

With the City Councils budget alone we cannot preserve our heritage, nor guarantee the safety of the monument, a frustrated Mayor Luis Sanz wrote on X.
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

Many people with atrial fibrillation don't have any symptoms. But this heart conditionwhich involves an irregular and often rapid heartbeatincreases the risk of stroke and heart failure, especially if untreated.

Wearable devices such as smart watches are playing an increasing role in monitoring heart conditions like atrial fibrillation.

Our recently published study is the first to examine how older Indigenous people living remotely can use wearables to monitor their health.

Although it was only a small studywith 11 people over five daysin that time one woman was able to realize her husband could be at risk. And her knowledge ended up saving his life.

Using wearables for heart health

Research has rarely explored the potential of wearables in monitoring atrial fibrillation for Indigenous people. That's despite them being affected at a higher rate and younger age than non-Indigenous Australiansand with worse outcomes.

Indigenous people are three times more likely to be diagnosed with atrial fibrillation after they have already had a stroke or heart attack, compared to non-Indigenous Australians. Using wearables is one way to detect and treat the condition before it escalates.

In previous research with Indigenous people in rural, remote and regional New South Wales, a majority (92%) of older women participants told us they wanted to try a wearable to track their health and fitness.

This aligned with other research showing Indigenous people can be enthusiastic adopters of new technology.

What we did

In our new study, we collaborated with an Aboriginal-controlled health service in remote New South Wales. We worked side-by-side to co-design and evaluate a health program using wearable technology.

Evidence shows health programs for Indigenous people tailored to local culture, and designed in collaboration with the community, are more effective.

Together we recruited 11 Indigenous people aged between 55 and 78 who had high blood pressure and were at risk of developing atrial fibrillation. Participants had at least one other risk factor:

another chronic disease

heart disease affecting the heart's structure (for example, its walls or valves)

previous stroke

history of alcohol use disorder.

Those with diagnosed atrial fibrillation, or another irregular heartbeat condition, could not take part.

For five days, participants wore a chest patch that monitored their heartbeat and blood pressure. Nine people also wore a smart watch which recorded heart rate and fitness measures such as step count.

In daily meetings at the clinic, the researcher downloaded and reviewed the data, and the participant discussed their experience. We asked participants about four issues: comfort, cultural safety, convenience and any concerns.

To collect data, our study used traditional research methods (such as a survey), alongside yarning. This Indigenous conversational process encourages people to share stories, reinterpret questions and add information. Compared to the pre-determined structure of a survey, yarning prioritizes what the participant finds most important.

What we found

Despite challenging conditionsincluding variable internet connection and temperatures above 36Cparticipants were enthusiastic about the program. Their responses showed the watches and patches were a comfortable, convenient and culturally safe way to monitor heart health.

Many participants reported the program increased their confidence and knowledge about their health. The study also suggested increased knowledge may have flow-on benefits for other community members.

Similar to our previous research, older women in particular spontaneously shared health information they acquired with family and community members. This underlines the influential role of mature Indigenous women in their communities.

The knowledge gained helped one participant, Aunty Mary, to recognize her husband Lindsay's risk for atrial fibrillation.

She encouraged him to attend the clinic for testing where he was found to have the condition. Not long after, Lindsay underwent urgent quadruple bypass surgery that saved his life. Aunty Mary told us:

"I was really amazed by how things happened and happened really fast for Lindsay. [] He had no symptoms, he had no pain. Nothing. No pain to say [] he was (at risk) of a heart attack."

Participants were also keen to see the program be offered to more and younger people in their community. Aunty Mary told us she'd been speaking to people about how important testing is:

"It just takes 30 seconds, you put your fingers on this little machine. 30 seconds, it'll save your life. I recommend it to my people."

For a future clinic-based program, participants suggested health education sessions in person or online, in small groups if not individually.

Although it wasn't part of the study, we also found participants used the watches as motivation to be more active, for example, by monitoring step counts.

Concerns about the wearable program were minimal. Two participants indicated some concern about how tech companies handle privacy. One told us they trusted the universities to keep their data private but were less sure about the companies that made the wearables.

This has prompted us to create a phone application to extract data from the devices and a new research database to store the data. This database provides greater autonomy, allowing participants to decide whether or not they share data with researchers.

What's next?

Several participants said they believed they hadn't historically been prioritized for new health technologies because they lived remotely. But our research suggests older Indigenous people can be keen adopters of health technology, and want to share its benefits.

Our study is a first step in showing how this kind of program could work. But as it included only 11 people for five days, we are keen to investigate further. Participants expressed interest in a program that combines personalized health data from wearables with fitness.

Our new project will do this through online health education and using wearables to monitor heart activity, blood pressure and exercise (such as step count) over 28 days.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
I've been to France over a dozen times. Skip Paris and check out these 5 must-visit cities instead.

Over the past few years, I've been to France 14 times.

Although Paris is amazing, there are lots of other cities in France that are worth visiting.

A few of my favorite cities include Lyon, Bordeaux, and Marseille.

Over the past couple of years, I've fallen in love with France and all it has to offer.

I live just a four-hour train or ferry ride from France, so I've been able to visit the country 14 times so far.

Although Paris has a lot to offer  the French capital was named one of the top cities for international travelers in 2023  the country has other wonderful cities worth visiting.

Here are five of my top recommendations.

Lyon is home to roughly 400 underground passageways known as traboules.

I recommend visiting the traboules in Lyon, France. J. Photos/Shutterstock

A piece of my heart definitely belongs to Lyon. There's so much to love about the city, from beautiful winding streets and mouthwatering food to the lively nightlife scene.

I also found the people there to be very friendly. When I traveled to Lyon with my best friend, we found lots of the locals we interacted with were happy to share tips and ask us how our day was going.

There's also so much to do in the city. I recommend exploring the traboules, a massive network of hidden passageways that have been around for many years.

The historic tunnels and stairwells played a role in France's silk trade and World War II  and about 50 of the roughly 400 passageways in Lyon are still open to the public.

Bordeaux has a great food and wine scene.

I was lucky enough to visit the stunning Bordeaux wine region. Alexander Spatari/Getty Images

In my experience, Bordeaux has some of the best food and red wine in France. Since I was there for a few days, I had time to venture into the Bordeaux wine region and go on a vineyard tour at the stunning Chateau Pape Clement.

I also recommend making time to visit a market like the Marche des Capucins, where I joined locals to sample fresh food and wine.

Nice offered a great balance of relaxation, history, and culture.

Nice is a stunning southeastern coastal city in France. Alexander Spatari/Getty Images

France's opulent southeastern coastal city didn't disappoint, giving my friend and me a great balance of relaxation, history, and culture.

Apart from one or two very touristy spots (beach clubs, we're looking at you), we found that the nightlife was still generally cheaper than going out back home in the UK.

Over five days, we visited four different beaches, which were easy to reach by train. We also took a trip up the mountain to the stunning medieval village of Eze, which was one of the most picturesque places I've ever been.

In the evenings, we enjoyed delicious food, headed to bars, and drank wine on the beach after the sun went down.

Marseille is a lively port city.

Marseille is one of the many cities I loved visiting in France. Steve Lorillere/Getty Images

A stunning port city, Marseille is known for its artistic influences and seafood-focused cuisine. Head there to enjoy traditional French dishes like bouillabaisse (a hearty seafood soup), the beautiful beaches, and the nightlife.

When I visited with family, I fell in love with Marseille's old town in particular. The city is very walkable and I'd recommend wandering the streets, stopping off occasionally for delicious food and drinks.

Rouen is full of beautiful architecture.

Rouen is located about two hours outside Paris. Lucy Skoulding

Normandy's capital, Rouen, has some of the most beautiful architecture I've ever seen.

Located about two hours outside Paris, this city has impressive historical buildings, delicious foodie spots, and great shopping.

Of course, no trip to Rouen would be complete without a visit to the Joan of Arc museum. Whether you know much about her or not, the museum's interactive nature made it one of the most fascinating I've ever been to.

Read the original article on Business Insider
A Boeing 737 carrying Senator J.D. Vance, former President Donald Trump's running mate for Vice President, and others, inadvertently intruded briefly into some of the most restricted airspace on the planet earlier this week as it left Washington, D.C.'s Reagan National Airport.

A Boeing 737 carrying Senator J.D. Vance, former President Donald Trumps running mate for Vice President, and others, inadvertently intruded into the heart of one of the most restricted pieces of sky on the planet earlier this week as it left Washington, D.C.s Reagan National Airport. The jet passed over the World War II Memorial across from the Washington Monument along a route that also took it between the White House and the Lincoln Memorial, all of which is decidedly off-limits to commercial air traffic.

Vance and the rest of his entourage left Reagan National Airport on board the Boeing 737, which carries the civil registration number N917XA and is owned and operated by Eastern Air Express, on Wednesday. The aircraft, which is currently wrapped in Trump-Vance campaign livery and is also sometimes referred to as Trump Force Two, was using the callsign BBQ917 at the time. That a potentially serious flight error had occurred during the departure first came to our attention thanks to @thenewarea51 on X, a friend of The War Zone, who shared flight tracking data and a brief recording of air traffic control audio online.

Eastern Express 917, I have a phone number I need you to take down I need you to call when you get down on the ground in reference to a possible pilot deviation, the air traffic controller can be heard telling the crew of Vances jet in the audio clip @thenewarea51 posted. Additional air traffic control audio subsequently surfaced where the instruction make a left can also be heard.

Also interesting, for those who watched the VAS video already, there is an overlap between the tower and departure freqs when tower says to "make a left".

Likely they had already switched over and didn't hear tower (unless they were still monitoring). pic.twitter.com/6duXCAYgeM  Carol Thurlow (@CarolThurlow5) September 6, 2024

Washington, DC (but technically Arlington, VA)@JDVances wife, Usha, his three kids, Ewan, Vivek & Mirabel and his dog, Atlas, join him on his west coast swing. Vance is set to speak at @TPUSA Action Event in Mesa, AZ tonight and hold a rally in Phoenix tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/BpuGj6Hxrz  Taurean Small (@taureansmall) September 4, 2024

Pilot deviations can occur in several different ways, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Airborne deviations can result when pilots stray from an assigned, heading, altitude, or instrument procedure, or if they penetrate controlled or restricted airspace without ATC [air traffic control] clearance.

For a pilot in command, the first sign of trouble is being ordered to copy down a phone number, according to a page on pilot deviations on the website of the Aero Law Center legal firm. This is called a Brasher warning. Like a Miranda warning, it is a legal formula meant to put the pilot on notice about a possible violation and its consequences. ATC will create a mandatory occurrence report (MOR) about the deviation, unless an electronic occurrence report (EOR) suffices instead. Although a pilot is expected to call when the flight is over, there is no need to call right away. It is wise to prepare by reviewing your actions, recordings, and data.

Brasher warnings are not rare and can be regularly heard in public air traffic control audio, especially for major airspace violations, such as violating temporary flight restrictions put in place for VIP security reasons.

Pilot deviations are still serious business and where N917XA flew after leaving Reagan National Airport takes this to a different level. Since 9/11, Washington, D.C., has been at the center of a Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA) that extends 30 miles in all directions and from the ground up to 17,999 feet, which comes along with a host of unique requirements for commercial and other civilian pilots, including those taking off from and landing at Reagan National Airport.

The SFRA is within a larger dedicated Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) for the nations capital. Two additional zones inside the SFRA are completely off-limits. One encompasses the National Mall (to include the White House, the Capitol Building, and the Washington Monument, among other landmarks) and the other is around the Naval Observatory, which is the Vice Presidents residence.

FAA

The airspace over Washington, D.C. is heavily guarded by an array of U.S. military assets, including U.S. Air Force F-16 fighters sitting on alert and National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) and Avenger air defense systems deployed on the ground. Less-than-lethal capabilities are also in place, including ground-based laser systems. You can read more about these airspace restrictions and how unresponsive intrusions are handled, with the potential for the use of deadly force, here.

Flying in and out of Reagan National Airport has always presented certain challenges given its location on the bank of the Potomac River to the south of D.C. proper and outside Arlington, Virginia. Today, aircraft departing from the airports Runway 01, as M917XA did earlier this week, typically bank left to follow the river to the north, though they also sometimes take hard right turns to exit the area. Regardless, there is always an eye toward avoiding the National Mall.

A graphic showing a typical departure flow to the North (in red) from Reagan National Airport. Of the two runways used for departures in that direction, Runway 01 is seen at the right, while Runway 33 is to the left of it. The two zones of prohibited airspace over Washington, D.C., are also shown here. Reagan National Airport

An official FAA notice also advises that especially with a west wind pilots need to execute a left turn as soon as practicable  to maintain a ground track over the Potomac River when departing Reagan National Airport to the northwest.

What factors, including wind and other weather, may have led to the deviation and what repressions the pilot may now face are unknown. The War Zone has reached out to Eastern Airlines and the Trump-Vance campaign for more information.

A more complete look at N917XAs flight path after departing Reagan National Airport on September 4, 2024. ADS-B Exchange

We investigate every airspace violation and take appropriate action based on the circumstances, an FAA spokesperson told The War Zone in response to our queries about the incident.

The U.S. Secret Service is aware that an aircraft entered restricted airspace in the National Capital Region on Sept. 4 while departing from Reagan National Airport, Nate Herring, a spokesperson for that agency, told The War Zone, as well. U.S. Secret Service agents spoke to the pilot, and it was determined that there was no protective nexus.

The U.S.-Canadian North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) separately told The War Zone that it had taken no action in response to M917XA passing through prohibited airspace over the National Mall.

Otherwise, the rest of N917XAs trip from Reagan National Airport to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport in Arizona looks to have been uneventful. Vance attended a campaign event in Mesa, Arizona on September 4 as planned.

Since being unveiled as the official campaign jet for Vance in July, N917XA has already been involved in a number of other incidents. On July 18, the jet found itself circling outside of Milwaukee, Wisconsin because it did not have the proper clearances to enter airspace over the city. Temporary flight restrictions had been put in place as part of security measures for this years Republican National Convention, which was held in Milwaukee. The aircraft was subsequently diverted to Madison before being allowed to continue on to Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport.

The new Trump/Vance airplane arrived in Milwaukee only to be turned away by air traffic controllers for not having clearance into the restricted airspace. It was sent to Madison for a security check then allowed to fly to MKE about an hour later. pic.twitter.com/ph6fN92h8q  Andrew Leyden (@PenguinSix) July 19, 2024

Last month, N917XA made an emergency landing at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport soon after departing from there due to an issue with the seal on one of the aircrafts doors that created a serious risk of cabin depressurization. As soon as the issue was resolved, the plane returned to its originally planned flight path back to Cincinnati, Taylor Van Kirk, spokesperson for Vance, told Newsweek after that incident.

Vice Presidential candidate J.D. Vance's campaign plane, a Boeing 737-800 known as "Trump Force Two" (N917XA), made an emergency landing in Milwaukee after the pilot reported a door seal issue that could cause cabin depressurization. #Airways#Newspic.twitter.com/5Zq4ccYJM7  Airways Magazine (@airwaysmagazine) August 17, 2024

Aircraft used to support presidential campaigns generally draw additional attention and incidents involving them often make news. In August, Trumps Boeing 757, also known as Trump Force One, had to divert to Billings-Logan International Airport in Montana due to a mechanical issue. Back in 2016, another Boeing 737 carrying then-candidate for Vice President and Indiana Governor Mike Pence went skidding off the runway at LaGuardia Airport in New York. The plane and its occupants were saved from a potentially even more serious accident by an obscure safety feature you can read more about here.

At the time of writing, N917XA is currently in San Diego, where it brought Vance earlier today for more campaign events.

Special thanks to @thenewarea51 on X for bringing the incident involving N917XA over the skies above the nations capital on September 4 to our attention.

Contact the author: joe@twz.com
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  Millions of dollars worth of property for one Jackson County man transferred out of his name. A week after calling collections, county assessments and political leaders, there was no action.

Just had ran into a brick wall so thats when I decided that I would call Channel 4, Mike Huff said.

Those questions led to the discovery of a glitch in Jackson Countys real estate properties system.

Theres a couple million dollars worth of property, over $2 million, Huff said.

Police officer charged in Missouri K-9 officers death

When asked what his reaction was when he realized all of his property was no longer under his name.

Well, my heart rate picked up. Of course, I havent been able to sleep since I found this, Huff said.

A discovery that would knock anybody off their feet.

Huff had sold a strip mall location to an LLC group three weeks ago. When he went to renew his license plates he found on his tax receipts that the countys system showednthat he had sold not just the one piece, but all of his property.

So, he got to work calling his elected officials, the county and more.

I just couldnt get any help to try and figure this out, he said.

FOX4 took his concerns straight to the director of the record of deeds.

Why some Social Security recipients wont get checks in September

For hours we went back and forth, with Huff there on Facetime. Their system was showing he was still the owner, but when he went to register his vehicle over and over again he was told the opposite.

More than two hours into our visit refusing to leave until we had answers, FOX4 discovered that in fact the issue, of how this LLC became the owner of all of Huffs property was because of a glitch.

A glitch with the countys third-party vendor Payit and their payment processing service.

Huff says he figured hed get the problem fixed, his concern, however, is that other people may not have the same luck and may not even know that this has happened.

His advice, check your tax receipts and if you see these issues, call the collections 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 FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
A Jacksonville man has pleaded guilty to a bank fraud conspiracy involving stolen mail, facing up to 30 years in federal prison for his role in the scheme.

Jonathan Benavide Hidalgo, 27, of Jacksonville pleaded guilty to multiple charges including one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, eight counts of bank fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit theft of mail, and one count of theft of mail.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

Hidalgo faces up to 30 years in federal prison for each count of bank fraud and conspiracy, along with up to 5 years for the mail-related charges. He will also be responsible for restitution to the victims of the fraud scheme.

Hidalgos co-defendant, Frank Anthony Acanda, also 27 and from Jacksonville, entered a guilty plea on June 12,, with his sentencing scheduled for September 30.

According to court documents, Hidalgo, Acanda, and others drove through areas in Fleming Island, Jacksonville, and St. Augustine, stealing large amounts of mail from both residential and business mailboxes They would then open the stolen mail, taking checks and money orders, which were deposited into accounts they controlled. The group used ATMs to withdraw cash immediately, and in some cases, altered checks to increase the withdrawal amounts.

The case was investigated by the Clay County Sheriffs Office, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service in Jacksonville. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Frein, with asset forfeiture handled by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer M. Harrington.

[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.
CNN anchor Jake Tapper called out the pro-Palestinian protesters that targeted his colleague Dana Bash earlier this week, saying the attacks amount to antisemitism.

These protesters target Dana at her home and this event because shes Jewish, Tapper wrote Friday in a post on social media platform X, sharing a video of the exchange.

There is nothing about her coverage of the Israel-Hamas war that is different from most other news coverage, covering both Jewish/Israeli and Palestinian pain, he added. This harassment is antisemitism.

The video attached to his comment shows a pro-Palestinian protestor interrupting an event Bash was hosting in Washington for the release of her new book, Americas Deadliest Election. The protester was shouting at the CNN host, calling her bloody Bash, a killer and complicit in genocide.

After World War II, every single journalist that was complicit in their war crimes was charged, the protestor shouted. You belong behind bars.

Another demonstrator joined in, saying her friends have been dying in Gaza amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. But, they added, Bash hasnt covered it.

You call yourself a journalist? Report the truth! the protestor said.

Bash remained calm during the interaction with protesters. The women wore masks and people in the crowd told one of them to take off your mask.

In the past, Bash criticized pro-Palestinian protesters that have roiled college campuses in recent months. She said earlier this year that their rhetoric toward Jewish students was unacceptable.

Protesting the way the Israeli government, the Israeli prime minister is prosecuting the retaliatory war against Hamas is one thing, the news anchor said at the time. Make Jewish students feel unsafe at their own schools is unacceptable.

And it is happening, way too much, right now, she added.

The tension comes as the Middle East conflict nears the one-year mark since Hamass Oct. 7 attack on Israel, which sparked the war. The initial attack left more than 1,200 Israelis dead and over 250 people were taken hostage. Since the onset of the conflict in Gaza, more than 40,000 Palestinians have also been killed, according to local health officials.

Cease-fire and hostage deal negotiations are slowly continuing, but many have criticized the leaders on both sides of the conflict for not doing enough.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
AUSTINTOWN, Ohio (MyValleyTributes)  Janet Rae Yacopi, 71, passed away Friday, September 6, 2024 surrounded by her family at Hospice House, Poland.

Mrs. Yacopi was born May 21, 1953 in Youngstown, OH, the daughter of the late Harold and Margaret OBrien McCoy and had lived in the area all of her life.

Find obituaries from your high school

She was a graduate of Cardinal Mooney High School and Youngstown State University.

She dedicated her entire career to child development and education mainly at Thumbs Up Preschool in Youngstown where she worked for over 35 years as a teacher and director. She was also a member and past president of the Moose Lodge, Niles.

Most of all she will be remembered as a beloved wife, mother, sister, Nana, and friend. She was a truly selfless woman with a huge heart for others. If you are the one of many who had the privilege of knowing her, for even a moment, you immediately knew her love, compassion, kindness, and empathy that she showed to everyone.

She is survived by her husband, Alfred Yacopi and they were to celebrate their 50th anniversary September 14; her daughter, Stacy (Michael) Schesler of Gibsonia, PA; a brother, Terry (Cindy) McCoy of Leetonia; and her three grandchildren, Evan, Emma, and Eli.

It was the request of Mrs. Yacopi that no services be held.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County, 305 Wick Avenue, Youngstown, OH 44503.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Warrick-Kummer-Rettig Funeral Home, Columbiana.

Family and friends may sign the online guest book and send condolences to the family at www.familycareservices.com.

A television tribute will air Monday, September 9 at the following approximate times: 5:17 a.m. on WKBN, 8:39 a.m. on FOX, 5:21 p.m. on WYTV and 6:35 p.m. on MyYTV. Video will be posted here the day of airing.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Former President Jimmy Carter is talking about politics again following the ascension of Vice President Kamala Harris to the top of the Democratic ticket.

After my grandmother passed, he had a pretty long low period when he wasnt really engaging much at all, his eldest grandchild Jason Carter told The Washington Post. But now hes talking about politics again.

Two members of the Carter family told the paper that after the death of his wife, former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, in November last year, his health has worsened. He has been in hospice for 18 months.

As he watched President Joe Biden announce that he wasnt seeking re-election, he said, Thats sad.

But he has recently been talking more and engaging others about the 2024 race for the White House, apparently buoyed by the progress of the Harris campaign.

James Carter III, who goes by Chip, told The Post that the former president watched all of the speeches from the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

Former President Jimmy Carter greets attendees as he departs the funeral service for his wife, former first lady Rosalynn Carter, at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Ga., Nov. 29, 2023. Carter has begun talking about politics again after the nomination of Kamala Harris (AP)

He thought Michelle Obama was the best, and he thought Kamala was great, too, the presidents son told the paper.

Carter is set to turn 100 on October 1, and several events have been planned, including a concert in Atlanta and a 100-mile bike ride close to his hometown of Plains, Georgia.

Chip Carter told his father that many think hes trying to stay alive to reach his birthday, something the former president rejected.

He said he didnt care about that. Its just a birthday. He said he cared about voting for Kamala Harris, Chip Carter told The Post.

Carters home state of Georgia is one of the key battleground states that will decide the outcome of the 2024 election. In 2020, Biden won the state by less than one percentage point. The Carter family told The Post that the former president is looking forward to sending in his mail vote for Harris.

He does not believe Donald Trump should be president again, Chip Carter told the paper.

No one knows how long Carter will live, with Jason Carter telling The Post, I really think at this point he has given up his thought of being in control. I think he is waiting for Gods plan to run its course.

On his late wifes birthday, August 18, Carter was taken to her grave near a pond at their home.

He was looking at her tombstone, and I started talking, and he told me to be quiet, Chip Carter said.

The former president sat in front of the grave for about 20 minutes, not saying a word.

No doubt he was praying, but he could have been just having a conversation with Mom, Chip Carter added.

The Democratic National Convention began the next day. He has been shielded from TV news, particularly the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. But he wouldnt miss the DNC.

It took most of the day to watch the convention session from the night before with some breaks, Chip Carter told The Post. He is big-time interested in this campaign.

Carter was the first president to appoint a Black woman to the cabinet, tapping Patricia Roberts Harris to lead the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
(KRON)  After more than 20 years of federal oversight, U.S. District Court Judge William Orrick told the Oakland Police Department on Wednesday they still have some work to do.

After addressing issues of police oversight with OPDs Internal Affairs (IA) department, an order filed on Wednesday stated an ongoing failure of OPD to police itself. The order credits a failure of leadership requiring immediate correction.

Man mauled to death by dogs in Oakland, 1 arrested

According to Judge Orricks order, OPDs organizational chart needed to be restructured so that its internal affairs division is a direct report to OPDs current police chief, Floyd Mitchell.

The judge recognized that the chief has a myriad of other important responsibilities that this may interfere with, but it said it can no longer tolerate the lack of integrity, consistency, and transparency with which internal affairs has operated, the order read in part.

Additionally, Orrick said, representatives from the mayors office, city administrator, city attorneys office and the police chief must begin meeting with the monitoring team every two weeks to discuss the status of what they dub as important investigations.

orrick-orderDownload

OPDs federal oversight has been in place for over 20 years.

In 2003, a settlement stemmed from a federal civil rights lawsuit known as the Riders case, where over 100 plaintiffs accused four OPD officers of misconduct in West Oakland. The city agreed to enact several reforms under federal supervision and a court-appointed monitor as part of the settlement.

John Burris, one of the plaintiffs attorneys who filed the initial lawsuit over 20 years ago, says the Courts order reflects its dissatisfaction and frustration with the Departments inability to police itself.

The new structure should hold the Chief accountable for all investigations and hopefully will change the culture of officers protecting each other when one of them is the subject of an investigation. The integrity of internal affairs investigations and the task involving consistency of discipline remains as the last two intractable problems. Hopefully, this new structure will assist the department in getting to compliance, Burris said.

The city is required to file a status report that explains how this order has been implemented by Oct. 8. The next case management conference is set for Jan. 8, 2025, the order 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 KRON4.
Judge orders VA to build more housing for homeless veterans in Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES  The VA must build more than 2,500 units of housing for homeless veterans on its sprawling campus in west Los Angeles, a federal judge ruled Friday.

U.S. District Judge David O. Carter also said in his 124-page ruling that leases on portions of the Veterans Administration property to private schools, UCLA and businesses are illegal because they do not benefit veterans.

"Each administration since 2011 has been warned  by the VAs own Office of the Inspector General, federal courts, and veterans  that they were not doing enough to house veterans in Los Angeles," Carter wrote.

Despite these warnings, the VA has not made good on its promise to build housing for veterans., he continued. The cost of the VAs inaction is veterans lives.

He ordered the VA to build 750 temporary housing units within 12 to 18 months and gave the agency six months to plan another 1,800 units of permanent housing.

He also ordered the agency to begin construction within 18 months on a town center and wellness area for veterans on the nearly 400-acre campus.

The VA said in a statement that it's "committed to providing permanent supportive housing to homeless Veterans on the grounds of the West LA Campus as quickly as possible."

"While we do not comment on ongoing litigation, we at VA are carefully reviewing the Courts decision and will continue to do everything in our power to end Veteran homelessness  both in Los Angeles and across America," the statement said.

The VA did not say how it would disengage from the leases nor how much it would cost.

Friday's ruling stems from a yearslong battle over the campus that was founded in the late 1880s as a soldiers home for disabled volunteer service members.

Portions deteriorated over generations and homeless encampments gradually began to pop up outside its perimeter. The stretch of tents, some displaying American flags, became a dystopian symbol of government failure.

In 2022, a group of disabled veterans experiencing homelessness filed a complaint over the lack of housing on the campus near the affluent neighborhoods of Brentwood and Westwood.

"This nation cannot genuinely hold itself out as the home of the brave so long as the brave do not have a home," Mark Rosenbaum, lead counsel for the plaintiffs, told reporters Friday.

The decision comes after the federal government changed a policy last month that had disqualified some disabled veterans from receiving subsidized housing.

The new policy raised the limit on how much income a veteran can earn to qualify for housing assistance through the Department of Housing and Urban Developments supportive housing program.

Before the adjustment, some veterans who received full disability benefits did not qualify for subsidized housing because their benefits were considered compensation and made their income too high.

The VA said the change was not directly tied to the Los Angeles case but instead reflected the departments commitment to ending veteran homelessness nationally.

No Veteran should be homeless in this country they swore to defend, and we will not rest until Veteran homelessness is a thing of the past," the VA said in a statement at the time.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL)  The first hearing in a federal civil lawsuit alleging civil rights violations against sexual assault victims by Johnson City police proved tough sledding for the plaintiffs Friday, though the judge delayed any ruling on two important motions.

Attorneys for the unnamed plaintiffs  who claim police corruptly overlooked downtown resident Sean Williams as he allegedly drugged and raped multiple women  aimed to convince Judge Jill McCook that officers named as individual defendants should be forced to produce years of financial and bank records.

Sean Williams Oct. 22 trial date still firm as new lawyer appears on scene

The plaintiffs hope to reach trial and convince a jury that police violated the federal Trafficking Victims Protection Act and the womens right to equal protection by not adequately investigating Williams, who is now suspected in dozens of rapes.

But McCook delivered at least a temporary setback to the plaintiffs after attorney Julie Erickson made a stunning claim: that recently provided credit union records from one officer offer the strongest direct evidence yet of financial corruption.

Weve come into a whole new set of evidence that bolsters the claims that officers were financial beneficiaries (of corruption), Erickson said.

One immediate problem surfaced. She was talking about Johnson City Police Department (JCPD) officer Justin Jenkins, who was among three named defendants dismissed from the suit last week.

What were seeing in our initial review is mind-blowing, really, Erickson said. She asked McCook to clear the room of media so attorneys could review the records with the judge. McCook declined, and Erickson pressed the issue in hopes she would at least allow review later in what turned out to be a nearly four-hour hearing.

Keith Grant, who represents Jenkins and another defendant officer, Jeff Legault, quickly rose to tell the judge he hadnt seen the documents yet. I would object to actually talking about this at this hearing, he said.

McCook ordered Erickson to stick to whats in the record already, and later refused the plaintiff attorneys request to proffer the evidence, under seal, for McCook to accept and consider.

Diametrically opposed foes

Erickson tried to lay out a case that more documents can help connect the dots. She said case law shows that when theres evidence of multiple wrongdoers working in concert, judges should allow deep dives into their financial records.

Even if that results in a mainly circumstantial case, we need leeway to piece things together and that the jury will decide if thats enough, Erickson said.

Fifth and Final Warning: Court appoints new attorney for Sean Williams

Defense attorneys for the city and several individual officers, meanwhile, stuck to their contention  that whatever atrocities Sean Williams may have committed without JCPD ever interviewing him about rape claims, plaintiffs havent found a smoking gun because there wasnt corruption.

Grant made a point of saying the primary foundation of the plaintiffs corruption claim was a 2023 Facebook post made on Williams behalf. That post claimed that his ex-business partner had paid police $2,000 a week after being caught with drugs, and that police also stole $419,000 from his safe when they seized it in September 2020 after a woman fell from his window.

That paragon of human virtue that he is, Grant said of Williams, thats the only evidence Ive seen that any officers were receiving money.

Erickson, aided at times by plaintiffs counsel Heather Moore Collins, argued that if money laundering was occurring, it would involve a very complex scheme that might even require a forensic accountant to help successfully uncover. The best path there, she said, was being granted sufficient access to records  a request she said was not out of bounds or overly intrusive.

I do think these documents are critical to the motion, Erickson said. They 100% corraborate (the circumstantial corruption claims made so far).

We ask that we not be shut down at this point based on what the defense has called conspiracy theory, she later added.

Ben Allen, an attorney for the one officer (Toma Sparks) specifically named in the suit as receiving payoffs, also referenced the Facebook post and said theres been zero evidence that payments were made to him (Sparks).

We are not opposed to providing financial records, Allen said, noting they had offered a good bit of what the motion to compel requests.

Were opposed to providing financial records that go well beyond the relevance in this case.

Allen said while procedures surrounding the seizure of Williams safe with money in it werent executed perfectly, that situation didnt amount to definitive evidence of money disappearing from the safe. He said authorities had investigated the incident and found no wrongdoing.

67 possible Sean Williams sexual assault victims now

Erickson, though, recounted what she said was a situation in which no logs were made showing multiple officers counting and verifying the money, adding that the money just disappeared.

Erickson said even without a smoking gun, circumstantial evidence will show what they still claim  that money went out from Williams or his former business partner through bribes or extortion, made its way to some officers, and that officers intentionally obstructed proper efforts to uncover what they say was sex trafficking by Williams.

We need evidence in the form of financial records to tease that out, Erickson said. This is not a fishing expedition, and in reality our allegations are the truth.

McCook didnt tip her hand beyond saying she wouldnt immediately admit the new documents from Jenkins finances. She did ask plaintiffs how the new evidence was relevant to what they want from current defendants Sparks, Legault and former JCPD Chief Karl Turner.

We need the records to connect the dots with the other defendants, Moore Collins said.

McCook said she would provide a written order once shes decided on the motion to compel.

A second motion, to prevent defense attorneys from deposing three witnesses who are now unnamed class members of what the plaintiffs aim to make a class action suit, also didnt appear to go the plaintiffs way.

Defense attorneys said the three possessed highly relevant information that could only be effectively drawn out through deposition (interview). Plaintiffs attorneys pointed to what they said were highly intrusive and traumatic depositions of other witnesses, who are also sexual assault victims, and said they believed the defense could get the information it needed in less intrusive ways.

McCook ended the day by telling both sides to meet in the coming days and try to agree on parameters that would allow for depositions while protecting the three women from undue trauma or irrelevant questions.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Judge Mike Menahan tells the Select Committee on Judicial Oversight and Reform that he and other JSC members have been waiting to address the committee's questions for several hours. (Photo by Blair Miller, Daily Montanan)

Judge Mike Menahan tells the Select Committee on Judicial Oversight and Reform that he and other JSC members have been waiting to address the committee's questions for several hours. (Photo by Blair Miller, Daily Montanan)

Judges on the Judicial Standards Commission tried to convince Republican legislators this week they are working to increase transparency, and the lawmakers grilled them about their work.

But one judge said he wished the questions were about the substance of their work.

In the three-plus hours that Ive been here, nearly every question that Ive heard has to do with process, which tells me that you dont seem to be very interested in the proposed rule changes, said Judge Mike Menahan, commission chairperson. I may be wrong, but I would like to answer a few questions about the rules if you have any.

Supreme Court Administrator Beth McLaughlin answers questions from the Senate Select Committee on Judicial Oversight and Reform regarding proposed Judicial Standards Commission rule changes. (Photo by Blair Miller, Daily Montanan)

The Judicial Standards Commission reviews complaints about Montana judges.

In recent years, Republican lawmakers have clashed with the judiciary, and the commission has received complaints it operates with less transparency than it should.

This summer, Senate President Jason Ellsworth, R-Hamilton, formed a judicial oversight committee after a series of court decisions struck down laws passed during the past two legislative sessions that went against Republicans favored outcome.

The commission itself also started working on some rule changes to increase transparency and align rules with legislation passed last year.

At an all-day meeting Thursday, Republican committee members fired questions at the judges about why the proposed changes were being made as well as the procedure behind the changes.

A public comment period for the changes in particular became a sticking point at the meeting. The judges, however, told the Republican lawmakers and a Republican citizen lawyer there was nothing nefarious afoot and they wanted all the input they could get.

Ellsworth, of Hamilton, had subpoenaed the five Judicial Standards Commission members, its secretary, Supreme Court Administrator Beth McLaughlin and the courts staff attorney to appear at the meeting.

The judges said the proposed changes were being made to adhere to recommendations from the Legislative Audit Division in a report that was also released Thursday, as well as changes made to the commissions appointment structure and transparency measures through Senate Bill 313 last year.

Friday, Chief Justice Mike McGrath extended the public comment period to Sept. 23 on the proposed rule changes following a request from Judges Mike Menahan and Randal Spaulding, chairperson and vice chairperson of the commission.

Thursdays meeting of the Senate Select Committee on Judicial Oversight and Reform meeting was at times both tedious and tense, but the public comment period extension and some likely small tweaks to the proposed rule changes were the primary outcome of the seven-hour hearing.

A public meeting on the proposed changes is scheduled for Sept. 24.

Chief justice questions committees subpoena authority

Thursdays meeting was the first for which Ellsworth used his subpoena power, which he said he would utilize last month because he believed the committee was not getting answers and was at times having trouble bringing witnesses in to testify.

Ellsworth and McGrath, the chief justice, have disagreed about the committees legitimacy, subpoena powers, and whether any judicial branch members would ever attend one of the committee meetings for at least a month, according to letters Senate Republican leadership released this week.

Senate President Jason Ellsworth, R-Hamilton (center), chairs the Select Committee on Judicial Oversight and Reform's meeting on Sept. 5, 2024. (Photo by Blair Miller, Daily Montanan)

At the start of the hearing Thursday, Ellsworth had the legislatures chief legal counsel Todd Everts reiterate the committees legitimacy and powers and told the committee and audience that Supreme Court administrator McLaughlin had provided him with another memo from McGrath that contends the committee does not have legislative subpoena powers because of its makeup, which includes nonvoting members and members of the public.

Accompanying the memo was a letter from McLaughlin saying the Supreme Courts staff attorney and JSCs secretary should not be subject to questioning by a legislative working group because they are not elected or appointed, nor do they have policy-making authority.

One of them was already scheduled to be out of town this week, and neither of them appeared at Thursdays hearing. The lawmakers on the committee said at the end of the meeting they would consider whether to try to seek contempt charges for the two employees in the coming days and weeks.

Committee presses JSC on rule change process, transparency

For the first three hours of the meeting, the committee, largely led by Ellsworth and attorney Joan Mell, a citizen member, pressed JSC members Roger Webb and Seth Berglee, both appointed by the governor, and attorney Jill Gerdrum, appointed by the Supreme Court, mostly about the process behind the rule changes and whether the members believed they should have made it a public one.

The Judicial Standards Commission is established under the judiciary in Article VII of the constitution as an autonomous commission created by the legislature that investigate complaints about members of the judiciary, can submit formal complaints to the Supreme Court to hand down discipline, and whose proceedings are confidential except for any carve outs created by the legislature.

Judge Randal Spaulding answers questions from the Select Committee on Judicial Oversight and Reform on Sept. 5, 2024. (Photo by Blair Miller, Daily Montanan)

In short, the JSC members told the committee Thursday, its meetings are not typically open to the public, and its crafting of the proposed rules alongside a Supreme Court attorney was not done in a public hearing.

They said they received the original draft proposal in June following meetings with the Audit Division and draft recommendations that would be coming forward in the audit, which were implemented in the rule changes. The commission had also discussed implementing legislative changes in its rules.

Prior to them being adopted and signed, there would be a public participation through the Supreme Court side of the process, Berglee said.

Mell needled at Gerdrum over the six-day notice for an original Sept. 10 hearing, which was set by the court and not the JSC, asked her to read aloud the commissions meeting minutes from August, which she declined to do, and asked why the court would even need to have its rule changes approved by the Supreme Court.

Ceding JSC authority to the Supreme Court, I would not approve of that. Do I approve of the Montana Supreme Courts final approval of our rules? I do because the rules still allow us to adopt them with a majority of commissioners, Gerdrum said.

Sen. Barry Usher, R-Yellowstone County, pushed the question for Gerdrum, who was appearing remotely, saying that the JSC was ceding authority to the Supreme Court on the commissions ability to change rules. But Menahan went to the podium and interrupted.

Judge Mike Menahan pressed the committee to allow the judges from the Judicial Standards Commission to testify. (Photo by Blair Miller, Daily Montanan)

He said he had not been properly subpoenaed and that he and the JSC members had shown up to the hearing on their own free will, but he and Spaulding, from Musselshell County, had not yet been called three hours into the meeting.

I promise you that if I had an attorney who subpoenaed witnesses to appear in my court and I saw they sat outside the courtroom for three hours, that attorney would hear from me, he said. At what point are you going to ask a question of us?

Ellsworth agreed to have Menahan speak with the committee at 1 p.m. following a shortened lunch break. At the start of the break, Menahan showed Ellsworth that comments from Usher regarding how the JSC is appointed after last years legislative changes were incorrect, which Usher apologized for when the committee returned to hear from Menahan.

Judge Menahan addresses transparency concerns

When Menahan took the stand, Ellsworth and Mell continued to press about open meetings law, alleging there was secrecy involved in adopting the proposed rule changes. Menahan outlined the process for rule changes he learned when joining the commission a decade ago saying it had not changed since.

As I stated, the reason I came before the committee here today is to answer questions about the legislative rules. I havent heard many questions about the legislative rules, Menahan said.

Judicial Standards Commission Chairperson Judge Mike Menahan talks with the Select Committee on Judicial Oversight and Reform on Sept. 5, 2024. (Photo by Blair Miller, Daily Montanan)

He pushed back on lines of inquiry implying that the Supreme Court should not be able to sign off on the JSCs rule changes, saying he believed it was important because it has the final decision over whether a judge served with a formal complaint should be censured, disciplined, reprimanded or removed from office.

Another sticking point for the committee was the proposal to move to using the word grievance for initial complaints filed by people against judges, changing it from complaint. Some committee members postulated the JSC might be changing the rules so that they dont conform with the constitution because it does not speak to any grievance.

Menahan explained that the Office of Disciplinary Counsel, which regulates lawyer discipline, uses the term grievance for initial complaints, and that the JSCs change would align its language with that offices to make things less confusing for the public. He said perhaps the JSC or Supreme Court, before signing off on the final proposal, could add a definition of grievance.

Menahan also said a claim the JSC hides unethical conduct of judges is completely false and discussed some of the audit findings, which said Montana has a relatively high sanction rate compared to other states and found no instances in which the commission failed to address ethical misconduct or other problems.

Ellsworth, who chairs the Legislative Audit Committee that will hear the report on the audit next Wednesday, has also been pushing Menahan to produce a separate biennial report the JSC must report to the legislature every two years.

But Menahan pointed out there are two conflicting statutes about that legislative report, which he says the JSC has always interpreted as being due at the end of December before the legislative session starts, but which Ellsworth believes should be handed over in September in even years.

Menahan said setting a deadline is the legislatures prerogative, but issuing a report that details every complaint filed against a judge, even if it was unsubstantiated, would open up judges who are up for election in November to facing political attacks based on unsubstantiated complaints.

I think that could have very negative consequences, he told the committee.

The committee voted to give the chair of the committee discretion as to when it wants the report between the two options.

Spaulding and McLaughlin address other concerns

To wrap up the meeting, Usher said he still believes that the JSC rulemaking should be subject to a public process, saying if the legislature did not follow that process, its bills would get struck down in court. The committee is moving ahead with draft legislation discussed at its previous meeting and is scheduled to meet twice more this month.

We were working at a pretty fast clip, starting to get some draft legislation. This was obviously not a planned event, it was reactionary, and all for the right reasons, Ellsworth said of the meeting Thursday. So Im not disappointed that we stepped in and did what we did.

Democrats appointed to the committee are not participating, calling the committees efforts a waste of time and resources.

comment-extension-jsc-rules
Junior Achievement of the Heartland is excited to invite educators, media, and the community to an open house event at the JA Inspiration Center on Tuesday, Sept. 17 from 4-6 p.m. 600 44th Ave., Suite 3, Moline.

Junior Achievement of the Heartland serves 23 counties in eastern Iowa and western Illinois.

The open house offers educators an opportunity to explore the dynamic learning environment and resources available at JA BizTown and JA Finance Park. The event will also feature a special press conference to unveil the official naming of JA BizTown, marking a significant milestone in the centers mission to inspire and prepare young people for success in a global economy.

During the open house, educators from across the region are invited to tour the JA Inspiration

Center, engage with interactive exhibits, and learn how JA BizTown and JA Finance Park provide

students with hands-on experiences in financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship. This is a unique opportunity for educators to discover how JA programs align with curriculum standards and support student achievement.

At 4:30 p.m., Junior Achievement will hold a press conference to announce the official naming of JA BizTown in recognition of a generous donors support which has made the vision for JA BizTown a reality. The newly named JA BizTown will continue to serve as an essential component of the JA Inspiration Center, providing students with an immersive experience in running a simulated economy.

We are thrilled to host this open house for our educators and to celebrate the naming of JA

BizTown, said Dougal Nelson, president & CEO for JA of the Heartland. This is a significant

moment for Junior Achievement as we continue to expand our impact, empowering students with the skills they need to succeed in life and work.

About Junior Achievement of the Heartland

Junior Achievement is dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their future, and make smart academic and economic choices. JA programs are delivered by corporate and community volunteers, and provide relevant, hands-on experiences that give students from kindergarten through high school knowledge and skills in financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship. Visit here for more 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 WHBF - OurQuadCities.com.
Just a bunch of Hocus Pocus at this upcoming murder mystery show

Editors note: a previous version of this story said the show would run from 2 to 4 p.m. The show is set for 6 to 8 p.m. The correction is reflected below.

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  Oh look, another glorious murder mystery. Makes me sick!

Want to put your knowledge of the Sanderson sisters to the test? Dont miss Queen City Murder Mystery Co.s upcoming Hocus Pocus-themed murder mystery at Bock Family Brewing.

Set for Oct. 6 from 6 to 8 p.m., this three-act show unfolds with spelling-binding musical performances and Winnie or rather, witty, dialogue.

Must-visit pumpkin patches across the Miami Valley

In addition to the show, guests will enjoy a trivia challenge and a costume contest. Awards will be given to the top detective, trivia masters and the best dressed.

A cash bar with themed specialty cocktails and a full menu of German-themed foods will be available for purchase.

Tickets cost $25 (food and drinks not included) and can be reserved online.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  A male juvenile was shot multiple times while sitting in the driver seat of a vehicle in Bay Terraces Friday, authorities said.

According to the San Diego Police Department, the violent incident occurred just before 9 p.m. in a parking lot at 400 Deep Dell Rd.

Some North County residents say the Escondido Lithium Ion battery fire could be a wake up call

Police said some sort of altercation went down between the victim, whose age was not released, and a group of unknown suspects. Thats when several shots rang out, with the victim being struck several times in his upper torso.

At that point, police said the victim tried to drive away from the scene and ended up hitting multiple parked vehicles. Once authorities responded, the juvenile was taken to a local hospital with serious injuries. Hes expected to survive.

The departments Street Gang Unit is handling the investigation. No suspect information is available at this time.

Anyone with information related to the shooting is encouraged to call 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.
HONOLULU (KHON2)  Melissa Jubane, 32, was reported missing after she didnt show up for work on Wednesday at her job in Beaverton, Oregon.

Beaverton Police said early Saturday morning that Jubane had been found dead after an extensive investigation.

Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You

Her neighbor, 27-year-old Bryce Johnathan Schubert, was arrested and charged on suspicion of her murder.

Helicopter landing on Los Angeles freeway shuts down traffic

She had just married her boyfriend of 10 years on Aug. 24 and had a ceremony with family and friends at Waimea Valley on Aug. 25.

Her husband is from Kalihi, and family members here at home spoke fondly of Melissa before heading to Oregon to help search for her.

She is very humble, shes very pretty, shes smart, shes very intelligent, and very respectful, said her mother-in-law back in Hawaii. Shes like a daughter to me, shes very close to me.

The husbands mother told KHON2 that the couple met about 10 years ago when Jubane was visiting Hawaii with her friends from Washington.

From there, Jubane and him would travel back and forth to see each other.

She said the couple flew home from the wedding on Aug. 31, but didnt land until the early morning hours of Sept. 1.

From there, the newlyweds enjoyed Labor Day off, and on Tuesday Jubane went to work. But when she didnt show up on Wednesday, her co-workers grew concerned.

Beaverton police said they searched her apartment complex Wednesday night and used a blood hound to search the property but found no leads at the time.

The husbands family flew out there to be by his side.

Friends also started a search party on Friday.

Anyone with information related to the case is asked to call (503) 526-2280.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
MADISON  A Kenosha resident will tell the story of her pregnancy complications in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court's decision overturning Roe v. Wade, Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris's campaign shared with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

"The overturning of Roe almost killed me. I had a blood clot in my uterus that caused my labor to have to be induced. Because of the overturn of Roe v. Wade, I wasn't able to get life-saving treatment sooner. I almost died, and that's because of the decision that Donald Trump made," Laurel Marcinkus says in the ad, which will air on streaming platforms including Hulu, Roku, YouTube, Paramount, Spotify and Pandora.

The ad then cuts to a clip of Trump saying, "I was able to get Roe v. Wade terminated, and I'm proud to have done it."

The former president has not endorsed a national abortion ban but has boasted about appointing the U.S. Supreme Court justices who made sweeping new abortion restrictions possible in many states. In Wisconsin, the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Care ruling effectively reactivated the state's 1849 abortion ban.

A Dane County judge in December declared that the state's ban does not apply to consensual procedures. The issue awaits a ruling from the state Supreme Court. Abortions were not available in Wisconsin for about 15 months before the judge's ruling.

"The doctors and nurses were afraid if they treated me in the incorrect way, that they would be prosecuted for that, and that's appalling," Marcinkus says in the ad.

More: Wisconsin mom decided ending pregnancy was safest, most humane option. Then she had to leave state.

Trump has said the Dobbs ruling put the question of abortion regulations in the control of state legislature and state courts, something he argues has public support.

Jessie Opoien can be reached at jessie.opoien@jn.com.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Kamala Harris to feature Kenosha woman's pregnancy complications in ad
Taxes! If ever there was a word in any human language that could immediately command an audiences attention, that is the word guaranteed to waken even the most dullard sleepyhead.

School students are familiar with the history of the Boston Tea Party and the hate Americans have for taxation without representation, but its extensive history is even more curious.

In Kansas, a tethered hot air balloon can be taxed, while in South Carolina one can receive a tax deduction for contributing a deer carcass.

In Denmark, citizens must pay a tax of $110 for each cow they own, and until 2002 bribery was actually legal in Germany, where its amount could be charged off as a business expense. In Sweden, new parents who fail to obtain governmental approval for their babys name must pay a tax. Step across our northern border and you will find that Canadian companies packaging cereal are given a tax break if they include a toy in the cereal box.

Peter the Great (Tsar Peter I of Russia) in 1698 introduced a tax for men sporting beards. It seems that Peter viewed his own nation as culturally and economically backward and desired to bring them into the Industrial Age. He was not wrong! Russians, sociologically speaking, were the descendants of the Vikings and had for generations reveled in their caveman mentality as well as continued an economic system based upon the European feudal social structure that was being quickly surpassed by the Industrial Age.

As large and populated as it was, Russia was not a world power.

Peter wanted to change that. To do so, he discouraged every outward display of the old culture and encouraged the Russian population to accept the appearance of the prevailing European model. Beards had to go. However, as all who attempt to alter human behavior learn quickly, humans resist change. His police roamed the streets forcefully shaving the non-adherents and levied an extravagant tax upon those who were willing to pay. Eventually, under Catherine the Great, the tax was lifted.

Perhaps surprisingly, the Russian Orthodox Church, who normally are among the most fervent supporters of the Kremlin, was his most ardent detractor, and its position was based upon tradition and scripture. In the churchs religious culture, beards were emblematic of masculinity whereas a clean-shaven face indicated arrogance (similar to the beard necessity of Amish men where it is a sign of humility, but the inclusion of a mustache is equated with flaunting ones attractiveness). Church leaders interpreted the Tsars action as a deterrent to their religious expression.

We Americans have long toyed with the concept of religious toleration. Long before the United States Constitution was written, various faiths arrived here because they could not worship in Europe as they believed. Continuing to this day, we have dealt with issues of Sunday blue laws, the inclusion of one nation under God in the Pledge of Allegiance, the election of a Catholic president and the words One nation under God on our coinage.

We have yet to discover a solution to the conundrum that virtually any legal action taken to allow one persons religious expression will almost certainly to be seen by another as forcing unwanted religion upon them.

We are all familiar to some degree with some who would impose conformity of their religious values or behaviors on others  what days of the week to conduct business, in which political party to register, what language to speak  but it seems that such an attitude is, using the words of Jesus, omitting the weightier matters of the law. The true evidence of Godliness is not found in any outward token of religiosity, but, as Paul wrote to the church in Corinth, love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control are the fruits of the spirit.
Republican strategist Karl Rove indicated Friday that allowing sentencing to proceed in former President Trumps New York hush money case could have given Trump a boost in the polls.

I also agree with the notion that was offered up by several other of  your analysts. And that is, that if he had gone forward with this, it would have, ironically enough, served the interest of Donald Trump, Rove said Friday on Fox Newss America Reports.

Donald Trump has risen in the polls the more the people have reacted negatively to his treatment in the courtroom, he continued in remarks highlighted by Mediaite, making reference to Judge Juan Merchan, who oversaw the case. And if the judge had gone ahead with this, it could have easily been the October surprise.

The sentencing date, which was originally set for Sept. 18, was delayed by a judge until Nov. 26. Fridays ruling ensures the GOP nominee will not face any criminal punishment until after the election.

That is to say, [Merchan] would have potentially gone after Donald Trump in his verdict and the reaction of the American people might have been wholly negative on it and helped advance the cause of Donald Trump in the election, Rove added, but he noted he supported the judges ruling.

But a wise decision. Its good for the country that this not be forced into the final stages of a presidential campaign, he said.

The former president was found guilty in May on 34 counts of falsifying business records related to a payment made to an adult film star to buy her silence during his 2016 campaign over an alleged past affair.

Trump and his legal team have continually pressed the judge to move the sentencing back, most recently citing the Supreme Courts ruling on presidential immunity. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg (D) said previously that he wouldnt oppose a delay, but his office wrote in a letter Tuesday that the case should not be paused while the GOP nominees team seeks to move the case to a federal court.

The latest win for Trump comes as he and his Democratic rival, Vice President Harris, are set to go head-to-head in a debate next Tuesday hosted by ABC News.

It also marks the second presidential debate of the cycle, after the disastrous debate between President Biden and Trump led to calls for the incumbent to step aside. Biden announced he would withdraw from the race in late July and put his support behind Harris.

The Hill/Decision Desk HQ national polling index shows Harris currently leading Trump by 3.8 points  49.5 percent to 45.7 percent. However, averages of polls in some battleground states like Arizona, Pennsylvania and Georgia, show the candidates tied or Harris with a much narrower lead.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
KANSAS CITY, Kan.  Police in Kansas City, Kansas were called to dispose of a Claymore mine on Friday.

Someone found the explosive while walking through an abandoned home in the Quivira Hills Estates Mobile Home Park.

Explosives have been found several times in the Kansas City metro in the past month alone.

One shell was discovered in Overland Park in August. No one knows where it was found or who found it. It was dropped off at a donation site.

KCKPD makes arrest in cold case rape where victim was 91 years old

When an employee saw it, they did the right thing by contacting the police department. Have us come out and check it out, said Officer John Lacy with Overland Park police.

Now a Claymore mine was found in a KCK neighborhood. The only way to safely dispose of these explosives is to call police.

You dont know what it is, Lacy said. It looks like it could be anything that could be explosive, give us a call, well come out and well take care of it.

Lacy told FOX4 that many times, people just stumble upon these ordinances and if you find one, whatever it is, safety is the number one priority.

Download the FOX4 News app on iPhone and Android

Were not trying to charge, were not going to ask 5,000 questions. If its something that grandpa had in his shed, or something like that, let us come out, let us take a look at it and well go from there, Lacy added.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD)  Police in Kalamazoo say a man is facing multiple felony charges after an investigation into drug sales yielded crack cocaine and a loaded gun.

Investigators say they made contact with the suspect, a 34-year-old man, Friday on the 1300 block of Portage Street near Washington Avenue. As officers tried to arrest him on an outstanding warrant, the man discarded illegal drugs and resisted arrest, according to a release from the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

He was eventually taken into custody and no officers were hurt, the release says. When investigators searched the car he was driving, they found a loaded gun, according to KDPS.

Later that day, investigators say they carried out a search warrant on the 1100 block of Hotop Avenue near Riverview Drive.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

In total, they seized distribution amounts of crack cocaine, as well as powder cocaine, a gun, drug paraphernalia and suspected profits of drug sales, according to the release.

The man, whose name was not released Saturday, was arrested and jailed. KDPS says he will face multiple felony 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 WOODTV.com.
There can be no room for doubt now. Whatever this Starmer government is, it is certainly not Blair Mark II. It is not New Labour, or even New New Labour. It is New Old Labour.

This was presumably the intention all along but we had no way of knowing that because nobody bothered to ask. The country was so disgusted with the Conservatives that it was ready to give a blank cheque to any opponent who looked remotely palatable. Not that there was any great enthusiasm for this whatever-it-was that would replace the disarray and incompetence that had prevailed for so long. The result was bizarre: a landslide parliamentary majority on the basis of a third of the popular vote.

This phenomenon has been shaped by two significant misconceptions. During the campaign, there was a belief that being not-Jeremy Corbyn was sufficient to make Labour plausible as a moderate government which would not do anything very different from the Conservatives  they would just do it better, make everything work properly, have better relations with Whitehall and the public services, etc, etc. Then, after the election, it was assumed that the size of his Commons majority would ensure that Sir Keir Starmer could ignore the rump of far-Lefties on his backbenches. Neither of these things has turned out to be true.

We may never know whether the first of those beliefs  that Starmers Labour had no intention of undoing the reforms which had transformed the countrys economy and social attitudes over two generations  was ever well founded. There were clues of course which we can see, in retrospect, should not have been ignored. Remember Angela Rayners speech to the TUC conference in which she promised to roll back much of the 1980s legislation which had succeeded in controlling the anarchic strikes that had once all but destroyed British industry? No one believed that this was a serious threat. Surely she was just Starmers court jester the John Prescott de nos jours  whose working class persona and goofy belligerence were there to humour the old-timers into believing that this was still their party.

Nope. It was for real. It is Ms Rayner who is dominating the actual business of government and she meant what she said. Strike ballots would once again be legitimate without a majority of members turning out to vote, and so could be determined by a minority of activists. There would even be scope for flying pickets to disrupt workplaces that were not their own. New employees would be entitled to full job security from their first day without any probation period.

And all of these regressive measures were geared to giving more power, not to workers themselves but to the union leaders who were once again installed as major players in the democratic process, with the power to hold the population hostage in any political struggle with the government.

Indeed, some of the supposed protections to be instituted would be positively detrimental to prospective workers. The right to job security from the first day would make employers much less likely to hire extra staff or to take the risk of hiring someone who might prove unsuitable. It was also up to Ms Rayner to announce that the most momentous Thatcher reform of all  the right to buy your council house, which did more to transform working class aspiration than any measure in living memory  was to be revoked. Is this what Sir Keir always had in mind? Who knows?

But maybe this startling ascendancy of Angela Rayner into chief government policy dictator should not be so surprising. There are some other things that did not go as expected when Sir Keir took power. Surely, it was thought, he could not keep David Lammy  who was, to put it kindly, not renowned for his diplomatic wisdom  in post as Foreign Secretary. Nor could he retain Ed Miliband, who was an uncompromising climate change zealot, in charge of environmental policy. But there they both are. And the consequences have become as clear as they were predictable.

Lammy has announced a gratuitous, utterly meaningless restriction on arms sales to Israel, whose only effect is to cast a slur on the Israeli government and, more pertinently, to appease the Corbynite wing of the Labour Party and the Muslim vote in some constituencies. Mr Milibands crusade against fossil fuels and petrol cars has turned his title, Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, into a contradiction in terms. In order to achieve the latter, he has discovered, we will have to sacrifice the former  and this at a time of war and global uncertainty.

Couldnt Sir Keir have seen this coming? Given the size of his majority, could he not have dealt with both these troublesome problems with ruthless efficiency right at the start? Perhaps this is the greatest mystery of all: why isnt the most successful party leader of the current generation behaving with the confidence and courage that his electoral win would seem to justify?

When Tony Blair won his first electoral triumph, there was never any doubt that he would carry through the modernisations that he had pledged in the campaign: he would, as he famously said, govern as New Labour. There would be no going back: it was his way or the highway. Labour knew that the earth had moved beneath them during the Thatcher revolution and his parliamentary majority gave him the power to reconstruct his partys identity without any backsliding.

This was effectively stage-managed  Blairs ecstatic entrance into Downing Street, the photo shoots with his unprecedented contingent of women MPs. But Sir Keir has presented himself very differently  as the dour, humourless professional who accepts the great burden of the national plight with dogged determination and no showboating. Has there been a conscious decision to match the urgency of the times with a grim visage? Or is this just a reflection of his own lack of inspiration and inability to create enthusiasm?

Is this the future of governing: just sordid power struggles between sectarian interests and appeasement of activist factions? Is that what we thought we were getting?

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.
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  Higher education institutions around Kern County are coming together on Monday, to help students decide their next move.

College Night returns to Mechanics Bank Convention Center on Sept. 9, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Representatives from institutions such as Bakersfield College, CSUB and Taft College will be available to help with any questions and assist students.

Golden Empire Most Wanted: Sept. 5, 2024

Students also have a chance to learn how to obtain financial aid, write personal statements and manage the student athlete lifestyle.

Organizers say the event is free to attend and advise students to complete the StriveScan registration to connect with colleges after the event.



Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17.
Slates guide to the most important figures in politics this week.

Welcome to this weeks edition of the Surge, which continues to not be paid at all by the Russian government. (Nudge, nudge, Russian government )





This was the last week before the Big Debate, the first and perhaps last time that the candidates see each other before the election. Maybe theyll hit it off? Plus, Trump has an interesting new read of what happened in the 2020 electionthat he lost itand promised a government job in his new administration to another rich guy.





Lets begin with the Senate, where a key race may be falling off the map.

Photo illustration by Slate. Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images.

1. Jon Tester

Democrats Senate hopes grow dire.

The most straightforward scenario for Democrats to maintain control of the Senate is to hold all of its seats, excluding West Virginia, and win the presidency to earn the tiebreak in a 5050 chamber. Most Senate Democratic candidates in competitive races are doing quite well, running consistently a few points better than Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden before her. The biggest concern, though, has always been Sen. Jon Tester in Montana, a state that Trump won by 16 percentage points in 2020 and will comfortably win again. Tester has regularly polled behind Republican candidate Tim Sheehy in the race, and he got another poor result in a high-quality survey commissioned by the AARP this week. The poll showed Sheehy leading Tester by 8 points, 49 to 41, with third-party candidates included, and by 6 points, 51 to 45, in a head-to-head. The poll was enough for one forecaster, Sabatos Crystal Ball, to move the race from toss-up to leans Republican. Its hard to argue with that, and Testers dire condition puts Democrats deep in the hole. Unless Tester pulls a Susan Collins and wildly overperforms his polling, Democrats would need a stroke of luck in reach Senate battlegrounds like Florida or Texas to make up for the loss. Oh, and Democrats would still need to successfully defend in all of their other competitive races in Pennsylvania, Arizona, Michigan, Wisconsin, Nevada, and freakin Ohio. Sounds hard.

2. Donald Trump

An interesting new admission.

Perhaps at some point over the past four years, youve heard that Donald Trump believes he actually won the 2020 election, despite having lost it. No? Havent heard this? There was a whole big fiasco at the Capitol in January 2021 related to this sentiment? Maybe the Surge just reads too much news. In any event, Trumps long-standing public position that he secretly won the 2020 election makes a recent talking point of his all the more notable. In a podcast interview released this week, Trump said that he was told during the 2020 election that if I got 63 million, which is what I got the first time, you would win. You cant not win.  He added that I got millions more votes than that in 2020 but still lost by a whisker. He what by a whisker!? This was the second time he had used the phrase within a week, telling an audience at a Moms for Liberty gathering a few days earlier that Biden beat us by a whisker. He immediately went on to replay the hits about how the Democrats used COVID to cheat in that election. So hes not exactly found religion. But we dont know what to make of these new, bare-minimum admissions that he did not win the 2020 presidential election by a margin of 100 to 0. Wed say its a change in strategy pushed on him by strategists, but he famously doesnt listen to them.

3. Kamala Harris

Ice-cold mics.

The second presidential debate, which is also kind of the first presidential debate, is coming Tuesday on ABC News. To prepare, Trump is doing nothing, while Harris is hunkering down in Pittsburgh for a weekend of overpreparation. Last week, we mentioned one of the latest nitpicky rule disputes between the campaigns: whether the candidates mics would remain hot when it wasnt their turn to speak. The Harris campaign had wanted the mics to stay hot to lure Trump into being an overbearing jerk who consistently spoke over her and to allow Harris to cross-examine the former president. The Trump campaign wanted the mics shut off for the very same reason. The Trump campaign won that battle; the mics will Not Be Hot. It makes the Surge a bit uneasy to see how desperate the Harris campaign was in fighting for this. Politico reported this week that Karen Dunn, whos overseeing debate prep for the Harris campaign, was morose over the decision to mute the mics. The campaign should project a little more confidence in its candidate to debate well under any circumstances.

4. Elon Musk

One more thing to look forward to!

Trump announced in a speech this week that he would appoint Elon Musk, a right-wing troll who unfortunately has more money than any person in history, to serve as the head of a new government efficiency commission to audit the entire federal government and make recommendations for drastic reforms. This was an idea Musk himself had put forward. Now, were this commission to have teeth, it would be an actual nightmare. Musk doesnt have a clue how the federal government works, and he reveals every day, on the social media platform he owns, that net worth isnt directly correlated with smarts. And allowing the man who has business before numerous federal agencies to be in charge of shrinking those agencies would also represent a multifront conflict of interest. Fortunately, a commission to study government efficiency and make reform recommendations to cut waste, fraud and abuse is the direct D.C. definition of a toothless entity.

5. Juan Merchan

The Trump hearings resume (to announce further delays).

After a sleepy few months in the Trump legal world, we finally had some action this week. There was at last a new hearing in federal court over the Jan. 6 case, and although there wont be a trial before the election, the pretrial process will move forward, with filings due in a few weeks. Trump himself was back in Manhattan court on Friday as his lawyers seek to overturn a verdict in the E. Jean Carroll abuse and defamation lawsuit, and Trump also delivered a Trump Tower press conference during which he criticized his legal team as they stood directly behind him. The newsiest Trump legal development, though, was in the New York hush money case, in which Trump already has been found guilty on 34 felony counts. Justice Juan Merchan decided to delay the sentencing from Sept. 18 to Nov. 26 to avoid any appearancehowever unwarrantedthat the proceeding has been affected by or seeks to affect the approaching Presidential election in which the Defendant is a candidate. A Thanksgiving treat! Our only bone to pick here is that Nov. 26 is being described as after the election. Do people not remember what happened in 2020? Election Day is only the beginning of the election, friends. Only after Election Day are there the phony lawsuits, street unrest, certifications, casting of electoral votes, and delivery of electoral votes, unless theres a blockade of lunatics preventing the electoral votes from being delivered. Another delay might be needed.

6. Liz Cheney and Pat Toomey

A contrast in approaches.

Four years ago, Liz Cheney was a high-ranking member of House Republican leadership who described Kamala Harris as a radical liberal who would raise taxes, take away guns & health insurance, and explode the size and power of the federal govt on social media. And this week, Cheney endorsed Harris for president. At this pace, Dick Cheney will be the Democratic nominee for president in 2028. (According to Liz, her father will vote for Harris as well.) What was interesting about Cheneys announcement, which she made in a speech at Duke University this week, was how she took on fellow anti-Trump Republicans who prefer to simply write in a candidate. I dont believe we have the luxury of writing in candidates names, particularly in swing states, she said. As a conservative, as someone who believes in and cares about the Constitution, I have thought deeply about this, and because of the danger that Donald Trump poses, not only am I not voting for Donald Trump, but I will be voting for Kamala Harris. Compare that with the words this week from former Pennsylvania Sen. Pat Toomey, who had voted to convict Trump on impeachment charges in 2021. Toomey said on CNBC of Trump: When you lose an election and you try to overturn the results so that you can stay in power, you lose me. You lose me at that point. He also said, though, that he couldnt vote for Harris, arguing that it is an acceptable position for me to say that neither of these candidates can be my choice for president. Uh-oh. Liz Cheney is going to beat you up!

7. Mike Pence

Its good to hear that Trumps still defending this guy.

The former vice president is firmly in the Toomey camp of conservatives who wont be supporting Trump but cantsimply cannot!support Harris either. And its a real shame that he wont let bygones be bygones and get behind Trump, his president, because Trump will always be out there fighting for Mike Pence. In a Fox interview this week, Trump was going on about how Harris is a nasty person for dressing down those shes interrogating on the debate stage or in committee hearings. For one thing, he said, the way she treated Mike Pence was horrible, referring to their 2020 vice presidential debate. And truly, the way she treated Pence was unacceptable, repeatedly insisting that she be able to finish her comments. Its not as if she summoned and directed a mob of people who wanted to kill Pence into his place of work, but it was so rude. Thank you, Mr. Trump, for always having Pences back. Its a shame Pence cant do the same.
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW)  One person was arrested at the Kansas State Fair for allegedly brandishing a gun.

Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper Tod posted to social media saying troopers responded to the fairgrounds on Friday night.

KHP arrests person at Kansas State Fair for allegedly brandishing gun

Trooper Tod said the subject was placed under arrest on suspicion of felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a firearm while intoxicated.

The Kansas State Fair runs through Sept. 15 in Hutchinson. For more information, 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 KSN-TV.
Russias meddling in the U.S. presidential elections is more sophisticated than before, U.S. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby told Voice of Americas Russian service on Sept. 7.



According to him, Russia is using artificial intelligence and funding companies in the U.S., including an unnamed Tennessee-based company, identified by the media as far-right propaganda outlet Tenet Media.



It's not just about Russian bots, trolls, and fake personas in social networks, although that's part of it too, but they've become much more sophisticated," Kirby said.

He claimed there is no doubt the Kremlin is using propaganda and disinformation to sow discord among the U.S. population. He urged citizens to take the threats seriously.



Kirbys comments come as the U.S. launched a crackdown on Russian propaganda machines on Sept. 4, particularly state media RT, formerly Russia Today, and its subsidiaries. Washington seized 32 internet domains and imposed sanctions on RT Editor-in-Chief Margarita Simonyan, RT Deputy Editor-in-Chief Elizaveta Brodskaia, and Director of the RT English-Language Andrey Kiyashko.



The U.S. has nicknamed Russias propaganda operation Doppelganger and initially warned of a disinformation campaign in July. An internal planning document stated that the Russian government's goal is to "secure Russia's preferred outcome in the election," U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland said.



According to a senior U.S. intelligence official, the Kremlin is pushing U.S. voters toward presidential candidate Donald Trump, Reuters reported. Russia has previously been accused of election meddling and using social media disinformation, bot farms, and other means to back Donald Trump against his Democratic opponents  Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden  during the 2016 and 2020 elections.



"We will allow investigators to discover the facts as they are received and will take appropriate measures, Kirby said.

Read also: Americans split on whether Harris or Trump would be better suited to handle war in Ukraine, poll suggests

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
The Symposium on Cities and Biodiversity: Aligning Cities with the Global Biodiversity Framework was held in Shenzhen on Sept. 6, exploring how cities can align with the goals of the new Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Over 190 countries adopted the framework in December 2022 during China's presidency of the U.N. Convention on Biological Diversity.



The Shenzhen symposium emphasized the role of cities in achieving global biodiversity goals. It brought together government officials, leading academics, NGOs, legislators, and representatives from the private sector, both from China and internationally. The event was co-organized by the Paulson Institute and other organizations.

Wendy Paulson, vice chairman of the Paulson Institute, highlighted cities' vital role in global biodiversity efforts. "Not only do cities host resident wildlife, but many also witness the passage of millions of migratory birds each spring and autumn," Paulson said. "With some small changes to the way cities design and manage urban green spaces, by tackling light pollution and requiring buildings to be 'bird-safe,' cities can become great places not only for people but also for nature."

Sun Lili, founder and deputy board chairwoman of the Mangrove Conservation Foundation (MCF), emphasized the need for interdisciplinary and cross-sector collaboration in urban biodiversity conservation. She highlighted the MCF's commitment to socially inclusive nature conservation and improving habitats for migratory birds along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway, a major bird migration route stretching from Arctic Russia and North America to Australia and New Zealand.

Cities are home to 4.4 billion people, or 56% of the global population, a figure expected to reach about 70% by 2050. Urban areas are crucial for educating the public about nature's importance and our dependence on it. They also serve as key migratory routes for birds traveling across countries and continents.

Scott Loss, a professor from Oklahoma State University, reported that light pollution and glass collisions lead to the deaths of approximately 1 billion migratory birds annually in North America. He emphasized that these issues can be easily prevented, and cities can greatly improve bird safety with simple measures.

Li Binbin, a professor at Duke Kunshan University and founder of the China Anti-Bird Collision Action Alliance, noted that citizen science is helping to quantify bird collisions in China. This data is key for creating policies to reduce light pollution and improve building standards, helping China protect migratory birds and support the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

Wang Shi, chairman of the Vanke Foundation and founding board chair of MCF, expressed anticipation for proposals and plans that will aid urban biodiversity conservation. He called for a collective effort to protect global biodiversity and create a better environment.

The symposium also featured discussions on establishing baseline data and regular monitoring of urban biodiversity, designing and managing urban green spaces, and tackling the issue of bird collisions with buildings.

Following the event, the co-organizers released the Insights for Cities on Biodiversity, offering practical recommendations for aligning urban strategies with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.




DAVIESS COUNTY, Ky. (WEHT)  Knottsvilles blue water tower will soon have a new look. Crews are preparing the 750,000 gallon tank to go from blue to white. The project will cost over half a million dollars.

The East Daviess County Water Association says the Knottsville water tower was painted all blue 13 years ago, and its taken a hard hit due to weather over the years.

Officials say crews will spend part of a 45-day deadline sand blasting the tank to prepare to replace the baby blue with white.

DUI crash leads to drug trafficking charges in Daviess County

Theyre putting in the containment structure pieces for the containment to go over top of the tank. So, when they start sandblasting everything will not come out and around to the community, says Kasey Emmick, the General Manger of EDCWA.

Officials say the decision was based on longevity and came after a recent inspection revealed the need.

We hope to get 25 to 30 years out of the white color. Then, were going to have additional lighting on it to make it look really nice for the communityWe used to have lighting on it, and we had a bad lightning storm one time that messed the lighting up, says Emmick.

Emmick says over $500,000 in funding from the Daviess County Fiscal Courts clean water program will allow them to identify the best methods for protecting the lighting.

This water tower here is to supply water and also storage in case we have emergencies. It feeds a lot of different parts of Hancock, Daviess and Ohio county, says Emmick.

The fiscal court program is funded by the American Rescue Plan Act and has helped replace water mains, update water lines and pump stations and improve water quality across the county.

Experts say they expect to be done with the repainting project before the 45-day window.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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).
What you need to know for Primary Day

About 2.4% of eligible voters had already cast early ballots in the Sept. 10 primary election as of Friday afternoon. (Getty image)

Rhode Islands 2024 primary elections are Tuesday, Sept. 10. Heres what to know before going to the polls:

When are polls open?

7 a.m. to 8 p.m.  except in New Shoreham, where polls open at 9 a.m. If you are waiting in line at 8 p.m., you will be able to vote. A list of early voting locations can be found here.

How do I find my polling site?

Voters can find their polling place online here.

Whats on the ballot?

Three of Rhode Islands congressional seats are up for election this year  with only one contested primary.

U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) faces a challenge from Michael J. Costa, a former Republican who briefly ran for governor in 2022. On the Republican side, State Rep. Patricia Morgan of West Warwick faces off against former Warwick City Administrator Raymond T. McKay.

Incumbent Democratic U.S. Reps. Gabe Amo and Seth Magaziner are running unopposed in their respective primaries, as are their Republican challengers  Allen Waters and Steven Corvi.

Rhode Islands senior senator, Democratic U.S. Sen. Jack Reed, is not facing reelection until 2026.

There arent too many contested primaries for the General Assembly, given that nearly half of the 113 races  57  feature an incumbent running unopposed in both primary and general elections.

Cranston, Pawtucket and Woonsocket each have contested mayoral races.

Is it too late to send in my mail-in ballot?

At this point with the primary just days away, the Rhode Island Secretary of States office discourages mailing your ballot. If you have your mail-in ballot, you have until 8 p.m. Tuesday to drop it off at your local Board of Canvassers or at designated drop-boxes in your municipality. A list of dropbox sites can be found here.

You can also bring voted mail ballots to your local polling place on Primary Day.

I have not registered to vote, is there still time?

No, sorry, that deadline was Aug. 11. You can still vote in the Nov. 5 general election if you register by Oct. 6.

Whats needed to vote?

Voters will be asked to show a valid photo ID. If you do not bring an acceptable photo ID when voting in person, you will vote with an emergency mail ballot.

If you do not bring an acceptable photo ID to the polls, you may cast a provisional ballot. Provisional ballots will then be returned to the local Board of Canvassers where election officials will determine if you have already cast a mail ballot or if the provisional ballot should be counted.

I am an independent. How do I vote?

Unaffiliated voters can vote in either partys primary, but automatically become affiliated with either the Democrats or Republicans for that election. In past elections, independents would have to fill out paperwork to disaffiliate after casting their primary ballot.

But thanks to a new law the state passed this year, independent voters will automatically return to their prior status as unaffiliated following the primary.

How many voters are eligible to vote in this years election?

A total of 782,621 Rhode Islanders are registered to vote in this years primary election, according to the Rhode Island Secretary of States office. Of those, 38% are registered as Democrats, 14% are Republican, and 47% are unaffiliated.

As of 4:30 p.m. Friday, the Rhode Island Secretary of States office reported 19,110 Rhode Islanders had voted either by mail or early in person. That represents 2.4% of eligible voters.

In the April presidential preference primary, 5% of registered voters cast ballots.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Kosovo closes two border crossings with Serbia after protest

Police officers stand guard as protestors partially block the road near the main Kosovo-Serbia border crossing in Merdare

Police officers stand guard as protestors partially block the road near the main Kosovo-Serbia border crossing in Merdare

MERDARE, Serbia (Reuters) - Kosovo said on Saturday it had closed two border crossings with Serbia after protesters on Serbian soil partially blocked roads and turned back passengers with Kosovo documents in protest over recent tensions in Kosovo's volatile north.

A small group of protesters gathered a few kilometres inside Serbia, near at least three border crossings, and were checking whether drivers had Kosovo-issued travel documents.

"Masked extremists groups inside Serbian territory are selectively and with a fascist approach stopping citizens who use Serbia as transit," Kosovo's interior minister, Xhelal Svecla, said on his Facebook page, announcing the closure of crossings in Merdare and Bernjak.

Four other border between the Balkan neighbours remained open.

The group was protesting against Pristina's recent actions in northern Kosovo, mainly inhabited by ethnic Serbs, which closed Belgrade-run parallel institutions.

Some 50,000 Serbs live in that area and, like Serbia, do not recognise Kosovo's independence. They consider Belgrade their capital.

In the past two years, northern Kosovo has experienced its worst ethnic tensions since the Albanian-majority country declared independence in 2008 after a years-long guerrilla uprising against repressive Serbian rule.

Although Kosovo is recognised by more than 100 countries, Serbia deems it part of Serbian territory. It accuses Kosovo's central government of trampling on the rights of ethnic Serbs and denies accusations of whipping up strife within its neighbour's borders.

(Reporting by Fatos Bytyci in Merdare; Editing by William Mallard)
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT)  Kentucky State University and the Kentucky Community and Technical College System announced a new scholarship for Pell-eligible KCTCS associate degree earners and transfer students working on a two-year degree.

According to a release, the Kentuckians Pathway Scholarship is a renewable, last dollar and non-refundable scholarship program for students transferring from KCTCS. The scholarship covers fall and spring college tuition after federal and state aid and external awards have been applied.

We are very excited to offer the Kentuckians Pathway Scholarship to support incoming KCTCS transfer students, said KSU President Dr. Koffi C. Akakpo. KSU is committed to removing barriers and expanding opportunities in higher education and we see that this scholarship has the potential to positively change students lives.

To be eligible, students must be Pell-eligible, enroll full-time in a bachelors program, file a FAFSA and submit a scholarship application. Scholarship applications for the spring semester opened September 1 and close November 15.

For more information, including how to apply, visit KSUs 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).
The Los Angeles Ethics Commission has accused real estate developer Samuel Leung of committing 444 violations of the city's campaign finance laws, including those that prohibit the laundering of campaign money.

The agency, in a filing released Friday, said it had determined that "probable cause exists" to believe that between 2009 and 2015, Leung reimbursed campaign donors in violation of city law and exceeded the city's limits for political contributions.

Leung was at the center of a Times investigation in 2016 that revealed a sprawling network of people and companies tied to him had made political donations totaling more than $600,000 while city leaders were reviewing his proposed 352-unit apartment project, then known as Sea Breeze.

When reporters from The Times contacted those donors, some denied making the contributions or said they didn't remember doing so.

The Times reported that the "pattern of donations from unlikely sources, some of whom profess to have no knowledge of contributions made in their name, suggests an effort to bypass campaign finance laws designed to make political giving transparent to the public."

Sea Breeze, located in L.A.'s Harbor Gateway neighborhood, was approved by the City Council in 2015. It opened several years ago under the new name Seacrest.

The Times' coverage sparked investigations by both the Ethics Commission and the L.A. County District Attorney's Office, which filed a case against Leung. In 2020, he pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit campaign money laundering. He was sentenced to five years of probation and 500 hours of community service.

At the time, Leung also agreed to pay a yet-to-be-determined amount of restitution to the city.

In the filing released Friday, Ethics Commission officials said that their probe began with the web of contributors identified by The Times and expanded to include other political donors.

The commission said it had found "extensive evidence" that at least 66 donors had made contributions that "were directly or indirectly reimbursed, or outright paid for" by Leung. More than 400 contributions to political committees created by or for local politicians were attributed to those donors, according to the filing released Friday.

Los Angeles prohibits donors from making "assumed name" contributions  donations attributed to one person but actually funded by someone else. That law is designed to prevent contributors from circumventing the city's limits on political donations. It also provides clarity on the true source of political contributions.

The Ethics Commission filing states that Leung "reimbursed or caused the reimbursement" of the more than 400 contributions to political committees  both campaigns and officeholder accounts  that exceeded contribution limits by a total of more than $210,000.

"The evidence shows that ... Leung directly solicited and reimbursed contributions from family, certain individuals who worked for him, and family members of the individuals who worked for him," the commission said in its 148-page filing, which detailed the donations in depth.

A lawyer for Leung did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Leung also was involved in reimbursing eight contributions totaling $80,000 to an independent expenditure committee that had no limit on the size of each donation it received, according to the accusation.

In the coming weeks, the five-member Ethics Commission will select a hearing officer for an administrative hearing. The commissioners will then determine whether the alleged violations occurred and, if so, what Leung's penalty should be.

According to the commission, the maximum penalty is either $5,000 per violation or three times the amount of money that was improperly contributed or reported, whichever is greater.

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 problem with most of the policies Labour has announced so far is that they arent just politically flawed but actually quite stupid.

Whatever common sense Labour had in Opposition appears to have completely deserted the party in office. A prime example is the wrongheadedness of taking the winter fuel allowance from pensioners and giving the money to already well-paid train drivers. Another is Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayners idea that beauty in buildings doesnt matter and that Right to Buy should be scrapped, as if that will magically solve the housing crisis.

If the notion of slapping VAT on school fees wasnt harebrained enough, Labour now intends to introduce the policy in January rather than next September. This will inevitably result in some parents having to pull their children out of school in the middle of the school year, causing maximum disruption. Classrooms in oversubscribed areas are set to become even more crowded.

Similarly senseless are the suggestions that the proposed ban on smoking outdoors in pubs in the interests of public health could include vaping  when passive vaping in the open air is thought to pose a minimal health risk, and electronic cigarettes are in any case a smoking cessation device.

Is releasing prisoners from our overcrowded jails  when a court is handing out a 15-month prison sentence for a woman who posted an inflammatory message on Facebook  a sign of whats to come? Who poses more of a risk to society, a 53-year-old social media troll  or someone convicted of a violent crime? Now there is even talk of sending prisoners to Estonia  where the crime rate is so low, the prisons are only half full. Wouldnt it have been a better idea for Sir Keir Starmer (a former director of Public Prosecutions, dontchaknow?) to learn  rather than rent  from Estonia?

The gormlessness isnt just confined to domestic policy, sadly. Foreign Secretary David Lammys announcement of a suspension of 30 arms export licences to Israel  obtusely timed as six hostages were being buried  means that Hamas can now add the Labour government to its list of useful idiots. Six weeks in and the useful part of that description is starting to look rather generous.

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.
Labour planning reforms are a wolf in sheeps clothing, warns former head of National Trust

Dame Fiona Reynolds, who served as Director General of the National Trust between 2001 and 2012 - David Rose

The former head of the National Trust has warned that Labours planning reforms are a wolf in sheeps clothing.

Dame Fiona Reynolds said the Government risks building in the wrong places in its determination to construct as many new homes as possible.

The situation could get much worse, she said, as attempts are made to cram in energy infrastructure and new settlements, produce more food and create space for nature.

At the end of July, Angela Rayner, the Deputy Prime Minister. announced the changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) which sets the Governments strategy and aims for infrastructure building.

The plans include mandatory house building targets for local councils to reach Labours overall commitment of constructing 1.5 million homes within five years and reclassifying green belt land as grey belt.

Dame Fiona  who was Director General of the National Trust between 2001 and 2012  is concerned that local authorities will struggle to find enough sites to build on and that there still wont be enough affordable new homes.

Writing in Country Life magazine, the 66 year old, who is the current chair of the National Audit Office, said: Its a wolf in sheeps clothing. In a handful of subtle, but devastating amendments, the planning system is to be focused on delivering a constant five-year supply of land for housing, with generous buffers and a new methodology designed to lift numbers.

Anywhere such a supply does not exist will have development imposed on it. These requirements mean that many local authorities will genuinely struggle to find suitable sites to provide for the numbers that will emerge from the new methodology. Therefore, it will be imposed  expect fireworks.

Why not set targets for affordable housing instead? That way, the crisis of people in genuine need of housing would be addressed.

Dame Fiona added that developers simply wait if the market isnt favourable and try to get out of affordable housing commitments.

She proposes giving local governments more powers to build their own social housing and work with local builders.

Local authorities need to be empowered and funded to build, commission or collaborate to provide social housing

These and other mechanisms  including local partnerships, using smaller, sympathetic builders who care about beauty and local character  are possible and, in small numbers, are happening.

Efforts such as these need rocket-boosting, because they will deliver high-quality, affordable housing where its needed, in both towns and the countryside.

Instead, the NPPF proposes to rely on a by-product of a market led by a handful of volume house builders who create lookalike homes that many people dislike, Mrs Reynolds said.

As chair of the Royal Agricultural University, Dame Fiona is also worried that the Governments targets on green infrastructure will mean solar panels being built on land needed for farming.

She said: The determination to get houses built at apparently any cost creates another risk  that we put things in the wrong place.

We are embarrassingly good at this  building houses on floodplains; planting trees on peatland soils; installing solar farms on prime agricultural land and overhead power lines in protected landscapes.

This could get worse, much worse, as we try to cram in energy infrastructure and new settlements, produce more food and create space for nature (only a few of the Governments targets).

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 Governments new teacher training policy risks becoming a straitjacket and driving talented people away from the profession, a leading academy chief has warned.

Officials at the Department for Education (DfE) are working on implementing a Labour manifesto pledge to introduce a requirement for all new teachers to either hold or be working towards qualified teacher status.

Under current rules, academies and free schools have the same freedoms as private schools to employ teachers who do not necessarily have a qualification in teaching.

The plans risk would-be teachers being squeezed out of or deterred from joining the sector, according to Reverend Steve Chalke, the founder of Oasis  one of the largest multi-academy trusts in the country.

This could include those who are university lecturers but decide they want to teach in schools, or those who have trained as a teacher overseas and are working in a British school as a foreign language teacher.

It is only those in local-authority run state schools who must have qualified teacher status, under current rules.

Reverend Chalke, whose multi-academy trust runs 54 schools across England, told The Sunday Telegraph: You dont want to keep people with passion, who are inspiring, great teachers out of teaching.

He added that the teacher qualification risks becoming a straitjacket which squeezes people with the inspirational capacity.

Critics warn that Labour's policy could deter many people from choosing the teaching profession - Pancake Pictures/Getty

Reverend Chalke said that any new system for mandating teacher qualifications must be designed in a way that is intuitive enough to pick up on the skills of people who can lead young people. If it is a straitjacket that is lobbed in afar, it is kids that lose out.

Of the almost half a million full-time teachers who work in English schools, around 3 per cent (14,060) are unqualified, according to official data.

Iain Mansfield, head of education at the Policy Exchange think tank and a former adviser at the Department for Education, said: This will make it harder to recruit those with real-life experience.

If you have a university lecturer who wants to teach sixth form maths, or a Spanish person with tutoring experience to teach Spanish, why shouldnt they, if the headteacher believes they are good enough?

He added that teachers who do not have qualified status are most likely being used in subjects with an acute shortage.

Instead of believing the state knows best we should trust headteachers to make the right decisions, and we have Ofsted to hold them to account, he said.

Bridget Phillipson, the Education Secretary, is adamant that every child should be taught by a 'qualified professional' - Wiktor Szymanowicz/Future Publishing

Labour promised in its manifesto to introduce a requirement for all new teachers coming into schools to hold or be working towards qualified teacher status, as part of the guarantee that every child will be taught by a qualified professional.

Bridget Phillipson, the Education Secretary, has also said she will enforce the new national curriculum, which her department will develop following a review, on all state schools including academies and free schools.

Details of the Governments teacher training policy are still being worked on, and it is yet to be decided whether the qualification requirement will be imposed on teachers when they want to move to a new school, as well as those entering the profession for the first time.

A DfE spokesman said: Driving high and rising standards in our classrooms is vital to improving life chances for all children, and recruiting and retaining qualified teachers goes to the heart of achieving this.

Were committed to working with the education sector to re-establish teaching as an attractive, expert profession and working with them as any changes are introduced.

The vast majority of teachers already have Qualified Teacher Status, which is a legal requirement in many schools and the change will only apply to teachers new to the classroom.

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.
Labours plan to impose VAT on private school fees in January faces a High Court legal challenge over claims it breaches human rights law.

Lawyers have written to HM Treasury arguing the policy discriminates against special needs children and has threatened court action if it is not dropped.

The letter says so-called SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) children risk being forced out of private school if their parents can no longer afford higher fees, with the state sector unable to meet their more demanding educational needs.

It marks the first official legal challenge to Labours plans which have come under heavy criticism. Further legal claims in relation to military families and those who attend faith schools may also be put forward at a later date, The Telegraph understands.

Paul Conrathe, senior consultant solicitor at Sinclairslaw, which is leading the challenge, said: It is remarkable that the Government is pressing ahead with this punitive tax that will have a devastating impact upon the education and welfare of children with special needs.

The blow that this tax inflicts will fall heaviest on this vulnerable group at a time when special needs provision in the state sector is inadequate and a complete shambles.

These ill-thought-out plans will not only harm children with special needs; they are plainly a violation of their human rights to education and freedom from discrimination.

The law firm, which previously defeated the government in 2022 over its failure to protect care homes during the first wave of the pandemic, is making the case on behalf of a single parent and her daughter rather than a class action.

It is hoped the case could be used as a legal test to block Labours plans.

Labour has previously defended the impact of its plan on special needs children, saying those with an Education and Health Care Plan (EHCP), a certificate issued by local authorities that can be used to cover private school fees, will be exempt from paying VAT.

However, of the 111,000 SEND pupils in private schools, fewer than 8,000 have the certificate.

Click here to view this content.

The Telegraph has previously revealed it can take up to two years to be granted an EHCP due to the backlog among some local councils. While in opposition, Bridget Phillipson, the Education Secretary, admitted the process was broken and said it needed to be reformed.

The pre-action letter says the policy breaches Article 2 of Protocol 1 of the European Convention of Human rights. This says no person shall be denied the right to education which when read with Article 14 includes the right not to be disadvantaged in the provision of education on any ground such as sex, race, religion or in this case children with special needs.

The letter claims the VAT levy will hinder a childs right to access education at private schools because some parents will no longer be able to afford the fees and therefore any hindrance must be justified as rational, necessary and proportionate and must be done in a way that does not discriminate.

The letter was sent to the Treasury on Friday night and warns that if the VAT legislation is passed following the Budget on Oct 30, the law firm will seek an expedited claim so it is considered by the High Court before January.

Sinclairslaw will also today launch a crowdfunding campaign to fund the legal challenge, with fears the cost of litigation could reach several hundred thousand of pounds.

Mr Conrathe said: We are launching a crowdfunder because this case is not backed by some rich person who went to Eton or Harrow, this case will be funded by the great British public.

A government spokesman said: We do not comment on ongoing legal cases.

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.
Architects are asked to do all kinds of projects. We may know nothing about the business, but the contract makes us think and look into the details of that business. When we were asked to do a renovation of a retail/apartment project we had designed, I was skeptical when they said it was going to be a nail salon. What do I know about nail salons? I thought a little investigation would be valuable before I said "no."

Of course, I always start my investigations with history. Archeologists discovered 7,000-year-old Egyptian mummies with gilded nails and henna-tinted fingertips. Around the same time, Indian women stained their nails with henna, while ancient Babylonian men colored their nails with kohl. Whats old is new again.

Ventilation and constant air exchanges are essential. The health hazards facing nail technicians across American nail and hair salons is extraordinary. Worker exposure to dangerous chemicals found in glues, polishes, removers, emollients and other salon products face asthma, respiratory illnesses, skin disorders such as dermatitis, liver disease, reproductive loss, and various cancer. Additionally, workers often endure muscle strains from awkward positions or repetitive motions; and have a high risk for infection from contact with client skin, nails, or blood. We made sure the ventilation systems exchanged air every 10-12 minutes, each station has an exhaust rate of 50 cubic feet per minute and specified special posture chairs for the technicians. As to the chemicals, all we could do was ask the management to follow OSHA standards for technician hand protection and masks. Next time youre in for a nail or pedicure, ask for a mask.

Tippi Hedren reinvents the nail business

If any of you have had your manicure or a pedicure done, you probably noticed that they were often of Vietnamese background. In fact, everywhere in America, virtually every city, state and strip mall throughout America, has nail salons. According to UCLA's Labor Center, about half are owned by Vietnamese-Americans, entrepreneurs that dominate the $8 billion nail industry.

Here's how that happened: In 1975 with the collapse of the South Vietnamese government, hordes of Vietnamese fled their country, crossing oceans and continents to get to America. As thousands of refugees settled throughout California and across America, most had few skills to make a decent living. One movie star, Tippi Hedren, famous for her '60s Hitchcock movies including The Birds, was helping to run a Vietnamese refugee women resettlement program in Northern California. Tippi was dedicated to helping humanity and was determined to help these refugees. The 20 young women there spoke little English, and their skills were not marketable. However, they all admired Tippis nails and the care she took with her fingers and hands.

Tippi called her personal manicurist, Dusty Coots, and asked her to come to her camp to teach the women how to do manicures, just as it would be done in Beverly Hills. This became the original and magnificent spark for Vietnamese refugees to do something different and enter the nail industry. It became the calling card for both women and men as they escaped the Communist country.

This was how the Vietnamese found their footing in the nail salon industry because they brought the price down to a point where working-class women could afford this luxury.

You might remember Tippi Hedren as the 1960s blonde aristocratic Hollywood star, but she was also the mother of Melanie Griffin who has had her own string of movie successes, such as Working Girl." Tippis granddaughter is Dakota Johnson, daughter of Melanie Griffin and Don Johnson, and is carving her own repertory of successful movies. Tippis dedication to life includes her work at Shambhala, a sanctuary for lions, tigers and other big cats in Africa. At 94, she's still as feisty and smart as ever. But we would not have had an expanded nail salon reaching every hamlet in America had it not been for her. In a documentary called Nailed It it shows the depth of the work she did and how it will live on forever.

As to my nail salon experience, the air exchange still works and I enjoy an occasional pedicure.
Rachel Reevess winter fuel raid will hit poorer pensioners in Red Wall constituencies hardest, Telegraph Money analysis has revealed.

Thousands of low-income retirees in Labour heartlands face losing 300 payments for energy this winter after the Chancellor decided to mean-test the benefit.

It comes as the Government, which is facing a growing backlash over the move, was accused of taking a sledgehammer approach to the winter fuel raid after research suggested most pensioners living in poverty will lose out.

Northern constituencies that helped hand Keir Starmer the keys to No 10 are among those where the loss of winter fuel payments is likely to cut deepest.

All but one of these seven Red Wall seats, which have the highest proportions of pensioners and low income households in the country, were won by Labour from the Conservatives in July.

They are Bishop Auckland, Blackpool North and Fleetwood, Rother Valley, Scarborough and Whitby, North Durham, and Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland. Only Redcar was held by the party at the last election.

Incomes after housing costs across the constituencies are as low as 22,000 a year on average, while the proportion of the population that are pensioners is as high as 26pc.

The revelation will increase pressure on Ms Reeves who is facing calls from a growing number of backbench Labour MPs to reconsider the plan.

Sam Rushworth, Labour MP for Bishop Auckland, a constituency in the Red Wall where low-income pensioners are most at risk, voiced his concern during Prime Ministers Questions this week.

He asked: Theyre not entitled to pension credit. They live in cold, stone-built houses. What assurance can the Chancellor give to those pensioners that this government will help to warm their homes and ensure that they do not struggle to heat their homes this winter?

A motion tabled by Neil Duncan-Jordan, Labour MP for Poole, said the decision to remove the winter fuel allowance from 10 million pensioners had come without sufficient time to put in place a proper and effective take-up campaign for pension credit.

Under the Governments plans, only pensioners in receipt of pension credit will remain eligible for winter fuel payments. There are estimated to be 880,000 pensioners eligible for the support who are yet to claim.

The Treasury conducted no impact assessment on how the policy would affect the nations pensioners, The Telegraph reported last month.

Ms Reeves has justified the policy as necessary to help fill a 22bn black hole in the nations finances it is claimed was left by the Conservatives.

However, Baroness Ros Altmann, a former pensions minister, said the Labour policy was wrong socially, economically, morally and indeed politically too.

She said: This has nothing really to do with politics, but politically it is just as misguided. The damage done to the pensioners living in the worst conditions and coldest parts of the UK this winter is not justifiable on any grounds.

Telegraph analysis of Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures shows Bishop Auckland had an average household income of just 24,667 in the financial year ending 2020 after household expenditure, and 24pc of the population were pensioners at the time of the latest census.

The constituency also includes the village of Copley, which is the snowiest place in Britain.

Thirteen constituencies in total were analysed as being among the top quartile for share of pensioners and bottom quartile for average household income of every parliamentary seat in the UK.

Pensioners in three seats won by Reform UK  Clacton, Great Yarmouth, Torbay and Boston and Skegness  are also likely to have relatively little household income to afford the loss of winter fuel payments.

Those in three Conservative seats, including Bridlington and the Wolds, Louth and Horncastle and South Holland and the Deepings, could also struggle to afford energy bills without winter fuel payments, which range from 200 to 300.

MPs will debate the scrapping of winter fuel payments in a session in the House of Commons on Tuesday, when further concerns over the policy are expected to be raised.

Simon Francis, of the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, a charity network, said: A lot of these names will be familiar to politicians for having very high levels of fuel poverty already because of the quality of their housing. The people who are going to suffer the most are indeed the poorest pensioners in the country.

What we have to see is support for households to stay warm each winter until our energy bills come down. This cut has come at the last minute and has not given households any time to prepare.

Richard Tice, Reform UK deputy leader and MP for Boston and Skegness, said: My inbox is full of desperately concerned pensioners who fear they will be colder and poorer this winter.

They are furious about this while the government is paying billions to evermore asylum seekers and sending billions overseas in climate aid.

The Government declined to comment.

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.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  A 28-year-old woman was held without bond on Friday, Sep. 6, after being charged with first-degree murder and battery against a household member, according to the Third Judicial District Attorneys Office in Las Cruces.

The Third Judicial District Attorneys Office says Selena Carrillo, 28, will remain in the Dona Ana County Detention Center until her trial after allegedly beating her partner and fatally stabbing her partners brother last month.

On Thursday, Aug. 29, Las Cruces Police were dispatched to Buchanon Avenue for a disturbance with a possible stab victim.

Officers then found Michael Mata, 30, in the back bedroom suffering from multiple stab wounds. He was transported to MountainView Regional Medical Center where he died as a result of his injuries, according to the Third Judicial District Attorneys Office.

Matas sister, who was also present at the time, was transported to a local hospital for a laceration on her hand and visible bruising to her face and body, the District Attorneys Office said.

Matas sister told police that she had been beaten by Carrillo. Police had been dispatched to multiple domestic incidents involving Carrillo and Matas sister in the past, according to the District Attorneys Office.

Witnesses at the scene told police that an individual was seen running away from the area and gave a description of the individual. Carrillo was then located, matching the description, and also had blood on her clothing and shoes with visible injuries to her hands.

The Third Judicial District Attorneys Office says victims of any crime, including domestic or sexual violence, should call 911 in an emergency.

Help is available for anyone experiencing domestic or intimate partner violence through the La Pinon 24-Hour Crisis Hotline (575) 526-3437.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Las Vegas Metro police arrested an evangelical pastor for allegedly having guns and drugs in a hotel room in an incident that initially sparked a counter-terrorism response, Nexstars 8 News Now Investigators have learned.

David McGee, 61, faces drug and gun-related charges connected to his Aug. 20 arrest at the Strat Hotel Casino & Tower, records said. McGee was the senior pastor at the closed The Bridge Fellowship, outside Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Though its building shuttered in 2023, the evangelical ministry continues online and through radio programs.

Recovery of drugs, stolen vehicles in Charlotte leads to 5 arrests: CMPD

On Aug. 20, drug and counter-terrorism detectives responded to the hotel after McGee reported a piece of property missing, documents said. McGee told police he was visiting Las Vegas from North Carolina and had arrived in a private jet to find his daughter.

When officers asked McGee if he had any weapons in his room, he reportedly replied, Yes, I have a gun in my guitar case, documents said. Hotel employees had previously warned McGee about the policy after he allegedly brought a shotgun to his room days earlier.

McGee was the senior pastor at the closed The Bridge Fellowship, outside Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Though its building shuttered in 2023, the evangelical ministry continues online and through radio programs. (WGHP)

The discovery of the firearms, including an AR-15 with a scope, prompted responding officers to suspect McGee was planning a 1 October-style shooting, documents said. Since the 2017 mass shooting, Metro police have investigated suspicious situations where multiple firearms are located inside hotels on the Las Vegas Strip, police said.

On the day of McGees arrest, social media posts incorrectly claimed polices response to the hotel for a failed terror plot. Metro police sent out a news release saying the information was false.

Inside the hotel room, police said they found suspected fentanyl pills and powder, they said.

McGee advised [the detective] that he brought the fentanyl from North Carolina on his private jet to Las Vegas and paid approximately $1,000, documents said. McGee stated that he was a user of fentanyl and intended to distribute the fentanyl to his daughter when he locates her.

In the days before his trip to Las Vegas, McGee posted on a public Facebook page that he was traveling to find his daughter who he believed was living in a flood control tunnel.

Pls [sic] pray for me as I go get my daughter from the worst [and] scariest place for my daughter in America the Las Vegas tunnels, McGee posted. On Aug. 19, a day before his arrest, McGee posted a photo of himself in front of the Strat.

McGee has not posted since Aug. 20. Records said that he did not appear for his probable cause hearing in Las Vegas Justice Court on Aug. 21 due to medical records. A judge did not set bail in the case as prosecutors had not filed a criminal complaint. McGee was due to return to court on Dec. 19.

On Aug. 29, McGees wife posted on his behalf, writing he had been in touch with their daughter and that he was asking for prayers for his health, wisdom, safety [and] discernment.

FILE  In this Dec. 5, 2020, file photo, a man who identified himself as Wheeler, left, speaks with Dave Marlon of CrossRoads of Southern Nevada, during an outreach in the underground tunnels to offer counseling, food and water to the homeless living beneath the city in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/David Becker, File)

Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, is 50-to-100 times more potent than morphine. Just a few grains can kill a person.

Metro police did not take a booking photo of McGee when they brought him to the Clark County Detention Center. The 8 News Now Investigators have repeatedly attempted to contact McGee and his wife 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 Queen City News.
HARTINGTON, Neb. (KCAU)  A high-profile murder trial is set to begin in Siouxland son.

Jason Jones is accused of killing four people in Laurel, Nebraska more than two years ago. His trial began Monday with jury selection underway. Court officials say they expect the selection to take three days before opening statements.

The trial is expected to take about three weeks.

Back in July, a judge granted Jones a request to not appear in the courtroom during the trial. He has burns on 40 to 49 percent of his body, including his back and lower and upper extremities.

Jones is charged with four counts of first-degree murder, four counts of use of a firearm to commit a felony, and two counts of first-degree arson. He is charged in connection with the deaths of Dana, Gene, and Janet Twiford and Michele Ebeling, along with setting their two homes on fire. Jones has pleaded not guilty.

Inmate serving time for Buena Vista County conviction dies

The trial was moved to Dakota County after a judge ruled Jones would not receive a fair trial in Cedar County. If hes convicted, Jones faces the possibility of the death penalty.

Meanwhile, Jason Jones wife, Carrie Jones, has a pre-trial conference scheduled for November 25. That will take place at 11 a.m. in the Cedar County District Court.

Carrie Jones is charged with one count of first-degree murder in connection to the death of Gene Twiford; tampering with physical evidence; and accessory to a felony. She has pleaded not guilty.

To view KCAU 9s previous coverage of this case, 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 SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  A panel of lawmakers will spend three days in October investigating whats gone wrong in two departments of South Dakota state government.

Former employees allegedly engaged in financial deceptions at the Department of Social Services and the Department of Revenue. The Attorney General says he will meet with lawmakers to give them his input.

How a school resource officer helps avoid tragedy

The Division of Criminal Investigation is currently investigating several areas of state government. Attorney General Marty Jackley says he expects more charges to come out of those investigations.

In an interview this week, Jackley told us he plans to meet with members of the legislatures Government Operations and Audit Committee (GOAC). One of GOACs primary missions is to evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of state agencies. Members have already indicated they are interested in what Jackley has to say.

I plan to talk in general about what weve found and that helps them, Jackley said. I plan to talk about in general about the investigations and what weve found and that helps them better appreciate perhaps what safeguards can be put in place, additional resources for audits those kind of matters to better protect tax payer dollars.

Jackley says with ongoing court cases he is constrained in what he can tell lawmakers. Like the one against Lonna Carroll, the former Department of Social Services worker accused of embezzling more than $1.7 million.

Neighbors react to shootings at west Sioux Falls home

Im limited because these individuals are presumed innocent and I need to make sure I dont do something as attorney general that would affect their ability to have a fair trial, he said.

Jackley also says he plans to ask the legislature for tougher laws. He did the same thing back in 2017.

I as Attorney General proposed stronger conflict of interest statutes, whistle blower protections for those employees who come forward as well as some mandatory reporting requirements to the Attorney General, Jackley said.

Lawmakers passed some of those bills into law, but Jackley says now is an opportunity to strengthen some of them and revisit the ideas that were rejected.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
BOSSIER CITY, La. (KTAL/KMSS)The issue of term limits has gone to court after the Bossier City Council continued to vote against sending it to voters.

Cassie Mae Rogers, a Bossier City resident and member of the Bossier Term Limits Coalition, filed a writ of mandamus, a legal directive from a higher court to compel a government official or entity to perform their duties correctly.

Bossier Citys public health emergency did exist, ordinance details

Attorney Dannie Garrett represents Rogers.

Its our belief that once the petition was signed by the requisite number of people, as certified by the registrar of voters, and submitted to the city, then the charter says they shall put that proposition before the voters, said attorney Garrett.

Shreveport Attorney Jerald Hopper sat alongside the plaintiff, representing Bossier City Mayor Tommy Chandler and the council members supporting term limits, Chris Smith (At Large) and Brian Hammons (District 1).

The Bossier Term Limits Coalitions petition was submitted and more than 2,900 signatures were certified on July 25 by the Bossier Registrar of Voters. However, several council members have stated in meetings that they will never agree to term limits and continue to vote down the resolution.

The five council members opposing term limits were represented by Baton Rouge attorney, Andrew Kolb.

Attorney Kolb argued that the language in the proposed amendment, the petition for term limits, is invalid. The city council is not able to amend, so all they can do is vote up or down.

Kolb says the language in the petition can suggest an official will have his or her term shortened.

Attorneys Garrett and Hopper responded to this argument by emphasizing the use of the word additional in the petition.

Bossier City residents can expect no 2024 tax increase

In an interview, Garrett said, The provision, the proposal says that they would be ineligible to run for an additional term, nobody is looking to kick anyone off the council today.

Attorney Kolb also argued that the petition mentioned a November 5th election date.

The petition was not certified in time for that ballot, so the next available date for a vote would be December 7th.

Rogers testified that the date was not a factor in her signing of the petition. She says she just wants term limits to be brought before voters.

In closing arguments, Attorney Garrett said that the citizens have done all they can do in gathering the signatures needed to bring the issue to voters. He asked that the court order city council to do what they are supposed to do.

The charter sets up a process so that the citizens of Bossier City can propose a charter amendment outside of the council, that they can come up with it, and if they get enough signatures, then the charter says its supposed to go to the voters and thats all this group of citizens want, said Garrett in an outside interview.

Attorney Kolb declined to comment.

Judge Parker Self will review closing arguments as well as the August 13th and August 27th city council meetings before making a ruling.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
A 39-year-old man who drove drunk on the Key Peninsula last year and severely injured a woman working on the side of the road in a hit-and-run was sentenced Friday to five years in prison.

Michael Anthony Tisdale pleaded guilty to DUI vehicular assault and failure to remain at an injury accident in Pierce County Superior Court for the Sept. 16, 2023 incident. According to court records, Shawna Dailey was working on a power box that afternoon for telecommunications company CenturyLink when the defendant struck her and a set of mailboxes with a van.

At Tisdales sentencing hearing, the victims husband, Shannon Ridge, told Judge Grant Blinn that people walking their dog found Dailey face down hours after the collision occurred. She was knocked out of her work boots, he said, and nearly every bone in her body was broken.

In all intents and purposes she was dead on that country road, and you left her there, Ridge said, gesturing toward Tisdale.

Pierce County Sheriffs Department deputies were dispatched at about 6 p.m. to the scene at 88th Avenue Northwest and Danforth Street, according to court documents. Key Peninsula Fire Department personnel were there providing aid to Dailey.

Tisdale was located a short time later at a residence about three blocks away. Records state there was a dent in the hood of his van and other damage to the grill. An open can of Bud Light was found in the vehicles center console.

Deputy prosecuting attorney Elizabeth Dasse said Friday that a blood draw measured Tisdales blood-alcohol content to be 0.30. The legal limit is 0.08. According to court records, the defendant has prior DUI convictions, from 2006 in Lakewood and 2008 from Kittitas County.

While Dailey was hospitalized, Ridge said, doctors told him and their three sons that she wasnt expected to survive, and they were trying to keep her alive long enough so that one of their sons, a U.S. Marine, could make it home to see her at Harborview Medical Center. Ridge said his wife was on life support for four weeks.

She wakes up weeks if not months later, Ridge said. And shes a different person physically, mentally. Its just terrible. And its not just a simple mistake. Its mistake after mistake after mistake on the defendants part.

Months later, Dailey had to return to the hospital for an emergency tracheotomy, and she has continued to need to undergo surgeries.

Victim addresses driver who struck her

Dailey, 52, entered the courtroom with her husband and the assistance of a walker to speak to the judge and the man who hit her. She recounted what she remembered from the incident, telling the judge how she had laid face down in the gravel and called out for help while cars passed by.

Her calls for help were blocked by her work truck, she said. Before she lost consciousness, she said she faintly saw two people and heard one cry out, Somebody help her!

I blacked out. I died, Dailey said. That was the last thing I remember on Sept. 16, 2023.

Dailey had worked for CenturyLink for 24 years before the incident and last worked as a cable maintenance technician. She said she had volunteered to work that Saturday afternoon to make money for Christmas. Shes since lost her job, and Dailey said she was sure she would never be able to work again.

I was a badass, Dailey said. I repaired everything. I was the only female. Most men didnt want to do my job. I worked high in the air, using ladders and a bucket truck.

She gasped for breath at times while she spoke. Dailey said she now walks like shes an 80-year-old woman, her breathing is three-quarters of what it was, she lives in chronic pain, and she struggles with her mental health.

If it was her choice, Dailey said, Tisdale would be sentenced to life in prison.

This all could have been avoided if you had just called Uber, she said.  You left me to die.

Defendant apologizes for driving drunk

After Dailey and her husband spoke, Tisdales defense attorney from the Department of Assigned Counsel, Laura Carnell, told the court that Tisdale has felt horrible about the incident and had only ever wished the best for Dailey and her recovery.

Tisdale was visiting Pierce County from Mississippi at the time to help with his father, who was diagnosed with terminal cancer, according to the defense attorney.

Carnell said the defendant accepted responsibility for his actions and agreed to a sentencing recommendation that was three times the high end of the standard sentencing range. According to court records, the standard range for defendants prosecuted in similar cases is 15 to 20 months in prison.

When it was Tisdales opportunity to speak, he said he wanted to apologize to the court, Dailey and her family. He said he comes from a small place where they care about each other, and he wouldnt leave someone on the side of the road for hours.

I was intoxicated. I knew I hit a truck. I didnt know someone was around it. Thats all I got to say is, I apologize.

Blinn told Tisdale that only luck separated vehicular assault from vehicular homicide.

You had gotten lucky in that sense a number of times and you continued to gamble, and eventually it caught up with you, Blinn said.
With the 2024 presidential election only two months away, college students  many of them first-time voters  are faced with the choice of Republican nominee Donald Trump, Democratic nominee Kamala Harris, someone else, or none of the above.

The Deseret News spoke to several students at Brigham Young University to ask them how they feel about the race, who they support, and why.

BYU is a cultural outlier in higher education, with a student body thats a lot more politically diverse than other campuses because of the higher number of conservative students.

While university students typically are more progressive than the general population, a 2022 survey found that BYU has more conservative students than the norm, with 32% of its student body identifying as liberal, 20% as moderate and 48% as conservative.

Many of the BYU students who spoke up said they believe there isnt a decent a candidate in the 2024 race. Others said they can ignore their candidates glaring problems in order to focus on the issues that matter most to them, whether economic or social.

In other words, most agreed they arent happy with their options. There is only, as was said verbatim several times, the choice of the lesser of two evils. While some students said they are willing to vote for a candidate they wouldnt otherwise support, others said they wont make that choice. As sophomore Caleb Johnson put it, he believes voting for the lesser of two evils is still voting for evil.

Among the six BYU students interviewed  three men, three women, all Latter-day Saints and one person of color  two said they would vote for Trump, two for Harris and two said they would vote third party. One of the students is married, one is from Utah and one is from Idaho, while the rest are single and come from different parts of the United States.

Who are you voting for and why?

Brandon Waits (Ohio, 22, applied math): In the upcoming election Ill be voting for Donald Trump because I believe he embodies conservative values (and) I believe the liberal candidates running do not uphold American values.

Caleb Johnson (Illinois, 21, mechanical engineering): I will probably write in. I dont have anyone specific right now, and the person that I write in probably wont be running.  I dont agree with the two-party system.

Audrey Moessing (California, 22, economics): Im planning on voting for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz, primarily because I dont want to vote for Trump  shes the lesser of two evils. I respect her as a person (and I like her) tax policy.

Jessica Martin (Wisconsin, 21, accounting): I dont know who Im voting for. Im not voting for Trump. I will probably not vote for Kamala  so Im looking at third-party, but what I think will happen is that Ill probably just pick a politician that I actually like.  I refuse to do the lesser of two evils.

Andres Chavez (Texas, 23, exercise science): Im voting for, most likely, Kamala Harris. She is the most representative of me. The values that she carries are more in line with my point of view and my beliefs than the other candidates, (though) I dont necessarily know if anyone in politics is a net positive person.

Camryn Fillmore (Idaho, 23, communications): Im going to vote for Donald Trump. Hes put it all out there on his campaign, and as much as I think hes obnoxious, I think hed be a good leader and has overall good relations with other leaders.  I think he is the better of the two evils.

BYU student Camryn Fillmore poses for photos in Provo on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

What policies matter most to you?

Fillmore: I really am just worried about the economy.  Id like to afford to live. I like that (Donald Trump) is a businessman and I think we need a businessman in office.

Johnson: I want to see a  federal government that can take care of foreign threats, not just to us but threats against democracy. Examples that come to mind, issues in Russia but also issues in Venezuela.

Do you feel like your faith impacts your politics?

Waits: Yes, but  on an issue-by-issue basis. For example, issues with the nuclear family, abortion, welfare policies  because of my faith I have a more clear understanding of what I should believe.

Moessing: My faith affects how I view our responsibility towards other people. I feel like one of the core things that Christ taught was you care for other people (and) you respect other people.  Going out of your way to help other people is important in our religion and should be important in our governing system.

How are the candidates doing at appealing to young voters?

Martin: Different sides are addressing different concerns. (One thing for Republicans) is that my demographic doesnt want to get into a war right now, which the Republicans vibe with. (On the other hand) Democrats support putting anti-trust laws against companies buying up single-family houses. But neither side is addressing all of the main things for us.

Chavez: I dont think either candidate is doing an adequate job when it comes to addressing young voters. It feels like theyre more focused on playing to the crowd to secure votes rather than genuinely solving the problems that matter to young people  like student debt, economic inequality and job insecurity. I think candidates could do better by being more genuine and focusing on real solutions instead of just making promises to win votes. They should  involve young people in the process and build trust through transparency and follow-through.

BYU student Andres Chavez poses for photos in Provo on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Do you think your vote matters?

Johnson: My vote is most important to me, and not necessarily to the nation or to this state.  I believe that voting for the lesser of two evils is still voting for evil (and I want) to know that I voted in a way that makes my conscience happy.

Moessing: Voting always matters, but I think your vote matters more in some cases. (If there was a candidate I preferred) I would still vote for one of the larger, name-brand candidates.

If there was a candidate who represented you better, would you vote for them?

Chavez: Thats a tough one.  Lets just say  Trump has a pretty strong chance of winning, but I feel like Kamala has made some really good strides, so I think she stands a fighting chance against something that I really dont want.  I think that shes possibly the lesser of evils If (someone I preferred) was available, I probably would not vote for them still, just because in this race, which is close, I want her to win.

Fillmore: Yeah, I would. Every vote matters, but Donald Trump is going to win Utah. (Personally) I would vote for someone that aligns best with me.

How do you feel about todays political climate?

Waits: I think people overexaggerate the polarization that is seen in America.  Challenging political times have always been a part of American history. Im more concerned about the unwillingness of people to communicate about their political views in a respectful and civil manner.

Martin: Im looking for consistency  a set of consistent rules to play by. Donald Trump is a man who will tell you he did not say something that he was on national television saying. I want to be able to agree on the facts of the case and debate on effectiveness and values.
Letters to the Editor: Hamas killed six hostages. Why is the world blaming Netanyahu?

Mourners wave Israeli flags as they accompany the family of Israeli-American hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin, who was killed in Hamas captivity, on their way to his funeral in Jerusalem on Sept. 2. (Leo Correa / Associated Press)

To the editor: Hamas executes six hostages, including one American. What are the repercussions? ("After hostage killings, can the Israel-Hamas cease-fire talks be revived?" Sept. 3)

Instead of universal condemnation of Hamas and its barbarity, the world focuses on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for not having done more to release the hostages. Memories are short, and Israel has accepted a number of cease-fire terms that Hamas has rejected.

Blaming Israel for the hostage deaths emboldens Hamas leaders, because it tells them that their strategy is working. There is no reason for them not to kill more hostages, because the result is not anger at Hamas, but at Israel and its government.

Zach Samuels, Los Angeles

..

To the editor: While the tragic killing of six Israeli hostages, and the continuing agony of the remaining Hamas-held hostages and their families, has rightly dominated the news cycle and drawn widespread condemnation, the other part of the hostage story has been mostly underplayed.

And that is the 2 million people in the Gaza Strip and the 3 million in the West Bank who are being held hostage by Israeli occupation. In Gaza, people are being slaughtered with American-made weapons, with more than 40,000 deaths during the Israel-Hamas war.

While the Israeli hostages, thanks to wall-to-wall news coverage, are known by their faces, names and families, the Palestinians are just numbers, and disputed ones at that.

If this situation doesn't cause us to question the loss of our collective humanity, what will?

Saif M. Hussain, Woodland Hills

..

To the editor: There is only one solution to Netanyahu's demand that the border between Egypt and Gaza be secured  put an international force there controlled by Americans.

When Germany and Japan were being rebuilt and secured after World War II, the American presence was necessary, and both countries saw that they would be treated fairly. Today they are among our strongest allies.

After the state of Israel was declared in 1948, the result was the widespread bulldozing and takeover of Palestinian lands, which is still going on today. Jews deserve a safe homeland, but so do Palestinians.

Enlist young men from Gaza to man border checkpoints. Give them dignity and take the apartheid issue away from Hamas.

Chuck Heinz, West Hills

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Napa County winery clashes in local and federal courts this past week raised the same question  are the rules legitimate attempts to protect agriculture from over-commercialization or illegal business-busters?

One case is in Napa County Superior Court. The county sued Hoopes winery in 2022 for allegedly hosting visitors illegally and other violations. On Friday, Judge Mark Boessenecker heard an attempt by Hoopes to have the case dismissed, though he hadn't announced a decision by the time the courthouse closed to the public.

The other case is new and is in federal court. Hoopes and two other wineries filed suit Thursday to try to overturn county restrictions on how many visitors they can host for tastings and events, the county's 75% grape rule and other restrictions.

Here is what happened on both fronts:

Hoopes case in Napa County Superior Court

The Hoopes trial took place in February and Boessenecker has yet to announce a verdict. On Friday, Boessenecker heard Hoopes attempt to have him dismiss the case.

Lindsay Hoopes of the winery is an attorney and presented her own case. She described how new information has arisen since the trial.

Residents submitted to Hoopes versions of the countys winery database from 2012 and 2015. These charts of all county wineries and their entitlements show the Hoopes winery as being able to have tastings by appointment. Subsequent versions show no tastings allowed.

According to Lindsay Hoopes, the county should have submitted this information before the trial.

In addition, Lindsay Hoopes said, her side suspected from testimony during the trial that the county hadnt submitted all requested, relevant information during discovery. The winery submitted a public records request to the county in February and this summer the county provided more than 4,000 pages of information.

Why the county opted to produce them after the trial, only the county can answer, Lindsay Hoopes said.

Lindsay Hoopes claimed the new information casts doubts on county assertions that the winery cannot have by-appointment visitors. Rather, she said, it suggests the county's interpretation has changed over the years and raises the question of which interpretation is correct.

Attorney Geoffrey Spellberg on behalf of the county said there is no legal basis for the court to dismiss the case before a verdict is delivered. He also said the databases have errors and dont create winery entitlements.

A court filing by the county accuses Hoopes winery of making a backdoor effort to augment the trial record. Spellberg during the hearing also accused the Hoopes side of trying to garner media attention for the new, federal lawsuit.

The county's position is Hoopes winery, which was established under a small winery exemption program, would have to obtain a use permit to host visitors. That could prove costly if Hoopes had to upgrade its wastewater system.

The federal lawsuit

Hoopes is also involved in the newly filed federal lawsuit, along with Summit Lake and Smith-Madrone wineries.

County laws are based on an "ever-changing patchwork of undocumented 'polices' and procedures." Wineries can't decipher what is and is not allowed, the filing said.

"Napa County's actions have violated numerous Constitutional rights of county wineries, including plaintiffs, and it is time they end," the filing said.

Among the regulations being challenged are the visitation restrictions and the requirement that wine production entitled after 1990 must use at least 75% county grapes. The lawsuit considers the grape restriction to be unlawful economic protectionism.

Napa County officials early Thursday afternoon said they can't comment on the lawsuit, as the county had yet to be formally served with the complaint. But the county stated its position on its rules in the 2022 lawsuit it filed against Hoopes winery for allegedly hosting visitors illegally.

The county seeks to protect the Agricultural Preserve where farming is to be the dominant use, the county said in that lawsuit.

Because most commercial uses and services are directly at odds with this agricultural purpose, permissible land use in the agricultural preserve district, even at Napa Countys most famous wineries, are quite limited and are carefully spelled out in the countys zoning code, it said.

Attorney Joseph Infante of Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone is representing the three wineries in the federal lawsuit.

"We have seen the same sort of restrictions Napa County has put in place in other jurisdictions around the country and those wineries who have finally had enough with the government overreach have been very successful in having federal courts strike down unconstitutional ordinances," Infante said in a news release.

Infante has represented wineries in Peninsula Township, Michigan, that are trying to overturn winery regulations there. The township has said the rules are designed to protect agriculture.

There had been talk in Napa Valley for several months that the Michigan attorneys had approached Napa County wineries about filing a similar lawsuit. One vintner mentioned this at a county Board of Supervisors meeting during public comments.

Napa County's winery world is highly regulated. Wineries obtain use permits, usually after Planning Commission hearings, that stipulate how much wine they can produce, how many visitors they can host and how many events they can hold.

But the rules have changed over several decades. That leaves some wineries with rights grandfathered in that other wineries don't have, depending on when the winery was established.

A landmark came with the 1990 winery definition ordinance. It does such things as require tasting room visitation to be by appointment-only and 75% of wine production to use Napa County grapes. This applies only to rights granted subsequent to the ordinance.

The three wineries in the lawsuit are all in different situations.

Smith-Madrone was established by a use permit in the early 1970s at 4022 Spring Mountain Road near St. Helena. The lawsuit says the use permit allows for no drop-in visitation, but allows by-appointment tasting and event visitation with no restrictions mentioned.

However, vintner Stuart Smith last fall said he looked at the county's winery database and found it stated his winery is limited to zero visitors daily but 10 visitors weekly.

"This is insane government overreach. Kafka would be pleased," Smith said in the news release.

The Summit Lake and Hoopes cases are different. Both were established in the 1980s under the county's now-defunct small winery exemption program. According to Napa County, applicants in the program in return for streamlining agreed to such limits as 20,000 gallons of annual wine production and no visitors.

But both wineries have had visitors for years and don't concede they are barred from by-appointment only visitation. Napa County says they must obtain use permits to do so legally.

Summit Lake winery is located at 2000 Summit Lake Drive near Angwin. Its owners say to obtain a use permit, the winery would be required to improve a private road at a cost of $1 million. That is due to the county's interpretation of state-imposed road standards in fire-prone areas.

If Summit Lake had visitor rights dating back to the 1980s, it would not have to make road improvements.

"We are a small family-owned business trying to protect our constitutional rights," said Heather Brakesman-Griffin of the winery in the news release.

Hoopes winery is located at 6204 Washington St. near Yountville.

PHOTOS: Justin-Siena vs. Vintage High School Girls Golf
As shots rang out Wednesday morning at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, terrified students pulled out their cellphones. Through frantic texts that they feared would be their final messages, they told their families that they could hear gunshots, that they were scared and that they loved them.

Screenshots of their texts circulated on social media after the shooting, which killed two students and two teachers and injured nine other people. The texts have reignited a long-running debate: Should schools allow cellphones, which can be a major distraction in class but a lifeline during emergencies?

There is clear research showing the detriments of smartphones, particularly to adolescents. The phones and their addictive social media platforms have been tied to poor sleep, cyberbullying and unhealthy body esteem in young people. A 2023 study by technology and media research group Common Sense Media found that adolescents are overwhelmed with notifications from their smartphones  receiving a median of 237 alerts daily, with about a quarter arriving during the school day.

At least 13 states have passed laws or put policies in place that ban or restrict students use of cellphones in schools statewide, or recommend that local districts enact their own restrictions, according to Education Week. Individual school districts, both large and small, have also implemented policies that limit or prohibit cellphone use, with a growing number relying on magnetically sealed pouches to lock up the devices so students arent tempted to check them when they should be learning.

Being able to get in touch if theres an emergency is the top reason parents say they want their children to have access to phones at school, according to a National Parents Union survey conducted in February of more than 1,500 parents of K-12 public school students.

Yet fatal shootings in schools are exceedingly rare. And while parents may want to reach their children should there be shots fired or another emergency, phones can actually detract from the safety of students, according to Ken Trump, president of National School Safety and Security Services, a consulting firm that focuses on school security and emergency preparedness training.

If you have 20 kids in a classroom and theyre texting, calling parents, livestreaming  theyre not paying full attention to the directions of adults and not being fully situationally aware of things they may need to quickly do to save their lives, he said. You have seconds to follow directions and move locations.

Phones can create other hazards too, he said. Their ringing or buzzing might draw unwanted attention to classrooms where people are trying to hide. Having an influx of students making calls home or to 911 at the same time can overload phone networks or the emergency response system. And having parents race to school to check on their child after they receive an alarming text could block traffic, meaning emergency personnel cant get in or out.

Parents are going to come to the school anyway, but cellphones expedite that flocking to the school, Trump said, calling phones more of an emotional security blanket for parents than something that actually makes kids safer.

Still, Apalachee High School students who werent able to contact their parents immediately said they felt an extra layer of fear during the shooting.

I was shaking, scared, and I didnt have my phone on me, and I couldnt communicate with my mom for a half an hour, one teenager who did not identify himself told NBC affiliate WXIA of Atlanta. I didnt know what was going to happen because you could hear the gunfires right down the hall. I dont know if it was, like, the last chance I had to talk with her.

According to Apalachees student handbook, cellphones are permitted in class under direct supervision of teachers as long as they are being used for instructional purposes. In between classes and at lunch, students are allowed to "use their electronic devices appropriately," the handbook says.

Kim Whitman, co-founder of the nonprofit advocacy group Phone-Free Schools Movement, said the school shooting was every parents worst nightmare. But she said phones in schools are not where efforts should be focused to prevent more tragedies.

We must address school shootings, she said. We cant allow this to continue. But they are separate  they are an unrelated issue to phone policies.

Robin Gurwitch, a psychologist who specializes in supporting children after disasters and other traumas and a professor in the Duke University department of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, said she understood why parents want to be able to communicate with their children during such an event.

Still, she said, it is a very sad state of affairs that one of the reasons we think we have to have phones in the classroom is so when the shooting starts, students can call and say goodbye or let people know that this is happening.

Amy Klinger, director of programs for the national nonprofit organization Educators School Safety Network, said there is room for compromise.

She pointed to schools that have decided to keep phones in locked pouches with students in their classrooms as opposed to in lockers or elsewhere in the building, which enables them to be quickly unlocked by their teachers should they need to.

Every parent that gets a text that says Im OK does not have to go through the trauma that people had to go through on Wednesday, Klinger said, referring to families who did not immediately hear from their children at Apalachee.

Thats what middle schools in Marietta, Georgia, about two hours west of Apalachee, do. Every classroom has a device to unlock the pouches that hold cellphones when it is safe to do so in the event of an emergency.

The decision was made after consulting with law enforcement, parents and teachers, Marietta City Schools Superintendent Grant Rivera told NBC Nightly News earlier this week.

One of the dynamics theyve shared with us is that we dont want students being distracted by cellphones while they are listening to the directives and commands of adults whove been trained on how to respond, he said.

At Apalachee, the activation of an emergency alert system has been credited with saving lives. The panic buttons, which are on teachers badges, immediately notified law enforcement that there was trouble.

Smartphones can do that too, Klinger said. But they also are sometimes used to record emergencies rather than running from them.

We as a society have not done a very good job of really fighting against that notion and saying to kids, You move away from the danger, whether its a tornado, a vicious dog, a fight, whatever it is, she said. Our culture says you run toward it and you film it.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
SYRACUSE N.Y. (WSYR-TV)Brighton Academy to kick off this years Light a Candle for Literacy event featuring book giveaways, author meet and greets, book readings, live performers, snacks and vendors.

Light a Candle for Literacy is an after-school and summer literacy program based in the Brighton neighborhood of Syracuses Southside. It serves youth from Kindergarten to fifth grade. Their programs operate daily after school and focus on reading, homework help, and character development.

Latest local news

For young readers, books are like tickets a gateway to exploring new places right at their fingertips. Featured author and illustrated.

Susan Keeler, shares that a book can help you develop your ideas your feelings about things. How does the character respond? What do you learn from that character? What about this world that you never heard of but you can travel to in your mind on the pages of the book.

Founder of Light a Candle for Literacy, Geneva Haden, began this mission in her home over 20 years ago. She worked at Brighton Academy and devoted her spare time to the well-being of children who attended the school.

She later opened a library in her home started doing child care and tutoring after school added a summer program that eventually involved a nonprofit sharing her love of books with her students and for generations to come.

One of her students told Keeler Her daughter who is a toddler expects to be read to every single day. She credits Mrs. Geneva with instilling that love of books in her and now shes instilling that in her child.

Remind attendees today that a book is something to be treasured.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSYR.
Lincoln Fire Dept. details fire response, thanks community in press release

LINCOLN, Ill. (WCIA)  The Lincoln Fire Department is thanking the community for its support while also detailing the massive effort they and other fire departments made in battling a major fire in the downtown area on Thursday.

UPDATE: Lincoln fire under control, building likely a total loss

Lincoln Fire Chief Aaron Johnson said in a press release that all Lincoln firefighters, both on and off duty at the time, ended up being dispatched to the scene at 127 1/2 South Sangamon Street. They were joined by personnel and resources from over two dozen fire departments and emergency response agencies from across Central Illinois.

Upon arrival at 8 a.m., firefighters were informed that everyone was out of the building, Johnson said. Crews encountered flames and heavy smoke on the second floor and found fire in the ceiling. One truck company tore a hole in the roof to gain further access to the fire.

Gaining access was a challenge, Johnson said, due to the age and construction of the building. The building is older than many others in the downtown area.

As firefighting continued, Johnson said more and more resources were requested. These resources included water shuttles and drop tanks to help set up a sustainable water supply at three locations around the building. As many as 4,000 gallons of water were flowing each minute over the course of six hours, Johnson added.

Investigation underway after former Springfield police officer crashes, severely injures two on motorcycle

A total of five trucks were positioned around the building, including ladder units that could provide an elevated position to shoot water streams from. Johnson said these aerial units were requested to be on standby in the event firefighters had to switch a defensive attack from the outside of the building. That happened after about 90 minutes of fighting the fire on the inside, Johnson said.

Firefighters were also positioned in neighboring buildings on the block to prevent the fire from spreading. Thermal imaging from a drone also helped firefighters direct water streams, as visibility was extremely poor due to the smoke.

The fire was declared to be under control at 3:31 p.m., Johnson said, but firefighters remained on the scene through the night.

Johnson added that two of his firefighters were hurt battling the flames, but both are ok. One firefighter was treated at the scene and the other was released from the hospital after being kept there for observation.

Jurisdiction over the scene of the fire has since been transferred to the Office of the State Fire Marshal so they can begin investigating the cause of the fire. The Springfield office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives also sent personnel to the scene.

Central IL first responders gather for support after 3 officer-involved shootings

In his press release, Johnson thanked all of the fire departments and emergency response agencies for their assistance in battling the fire. He also thanked the community of Lincoln for the overwhelming support and response it provided to first responders, in ways both direct and indirect.

There was not a single incident of anyone hampering the efforts of the emergency crews. Spectators respectfully followed all orders and stayed a safe distance away from the scene, Johnson said. The water and food graciously donated to the scene was so plentiful that I cannot possibly list the names of all the citizens of businesses that selflessly donated their time, money or staff to make this happen.

Johnson added that any coolers and other items that were left behind at the scene can be picked up by their rightful owners at the LFDs fire station starting Monday. People can contact the LFD at 217-735-4020 to claim their items.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Dick Cheney says he will vote for Harris in 2024 and issues stark warning about Trump

Another well-known name has joined the expanding list of conservatives casting a ballot for Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris in 2024: former Vice President Dick Cheney.

"In our nations 248-year history, there has never been an individual who is a greater threat to our republic than Donald Trump," Cheney, a Republican who served as the No. 2 to President George W. Bush, said in a statement on Friday.

"He tried to steal the last election using lies and violence to keep himself in power after the voters had rejected him. He can never be trusted with power again," added Cheney, a controversial figure himself during a decades-long government career that includes roles leading the Pentagon, as White House chief of staff and serving as a Republican leader in the U.S. House.

The 83-year-old former vice president has largely stayed out of the political spotlight since the end of the Bush administration in January of 2009. Once demonized by Democrats for his roles pursuing aggressive pro-energy development policies and in leading the push for the U.S. to launch a war in Iraq, Cheney has in recent years gained a new level of popularity across the aisle by taking issue with Trump.

In one hard-to-reconcile scene in early 2022, more than a dozen House Democrats lined up to shake Cheney's hand while he was visiting the House floor on the first anniversary of the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.

Dick Cheney's statement on Friday endorsing Harris alluded to the events surrounding Jan. 6. "As citizens, we each have a duty to put country above partisanship to defend our Constitution," he said. "That is why I will be casting my vote for Vice President Kamala Harris."

News of Cheney's voting intentions was first shared earlier Friday by his daughter, former Rep. Liz Cheney, at the Texas Tribune Festival in Austin. Liz Cheney, who served on the now-defunct House panel that investigated the Jan. 6 insurrection, had made her own endorsement of Harris Wednesday in remarks at Duke University's Sanford School of Public Policy.

"As a conservative, as someone who believes in and cares about the Constitution, I have thought deeply about this," Liz Cheney said. "Because of the danger that Donald Trump poses, not only am I not voting for Donald Trump, but I will be voting for Kamala Harris."

Former Vice President Dick Cheney in 2015 in Mclean, Va., with his daughter Liz Cheney, who would serve in Congress from 2017 to 2023.

The former Wyoming congresswoman has been a fierce critic of the former president and 2024 GOP presidential nominee, and has said she regrets voting for Trump in 2020.

Her father's statement about the 2024 race comes on the heels of a mass endorsement of Harris by Republican alums.

Last month, 238 Republicans who previously worked for Bush, the late Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., or Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah pledged their support to the Democratic nominee in an open letter.

Contributing: Joey Garrison and David Jackson, USA TODAY

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Dick Cheney to vote for Kamala Harris, issues warning about Trump
Local church builds beds for children in need in Montgomery County

Local church builds beds for children in need in Montgomery County

CENTERVILLE, Ohio (WDTN)  Volunteers from a local church spent Saturday morning building beds for kids who do not have one to sleep in each night.

Members of Fairhaven Church in Centerville worked with the Montgomery County Chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace, a non-profit that builds beds and delivers them to children in need.

Each one of these beds represents a child in crisis in our area, Lisa Magoffin, community engagement director for Fairhaven Church, said.

Ohio Cash App users may be eligible to receive payment from the company

Volunteers of all ages were involved in every aspect of the build, from cutting down the boards to assembling the bed frame.

Since starting in 2022, Sleep in Heavenly peace has delivered more than 1,000 hand-built beds in Montgomery County.

Sleep in Heavenly Peace co-president Jeff Mogg said there are still hundreds of children in need of beds in the county.

Kids that do not have a bed or are sleeping on the couch or sleeping on the floor, sleeping on pallets, Ive seen all of that, do not get a good nights sleep, do not grow, Mogg said.

Mogg said it costs $250 to build each bed. Fairhaven Church sponsored 40 beds for Saturdays build, a commitment of around $10,000.

Speedway/7-Eleven owner makes decision on buyout proposal

They can stand back when were done and we load these beds in this big truck over here that they really made a difference, Mogg said.

Each bed build will also come with a mattress, pillow and quilt made by the Dayton Sewing Collaborative.

Not only do we deliver a bed, but we try to make it special for them, and we always want them to know that they matter, Magoffin said.

To find out more about Sleep in Heavenly Peace and how to request a bed, 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 WDTN.com.
SANTA NELLA, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE)  Local valley representatives and influential voices in water management are looking for ways to improve water reliability and abundance.

Congressman John Duarte says the lack of water supply across the Valley and all of California is affecting working families.

Saving up for a home, buying a home, having home affordability, developers cant build homes unless they can prove a supply of water, Congressman Duarte said.

Communities in the Central Valley experienced widespread flooding from historic rain. However, those areas started the 2024 water year with just 15% water allocation for Californias south-of-delta farmers.

That is impacting the American dream for American families here in the Valley and nationwide, to be quite honest, Congressman Duarte said.

Congressman Duarte says a reliable water supply is important.

When we cant deliver affordable, reliable surface water to our communities, we lose our ability to farm. We also lose our ability to deliver treated surface water to the residential communities up and down the valley here, Congressman Duarte said.

He says smaller rural towns are working off groundwater and there needs to be a change.

Clean surface water deliveries into these towns will allow us to supply surface water treatment plans that will then provide healthy, clean drinking water to the working families, Congressman Duarte said.

Congressman David Valadao says he agrees, and explained the impact water abundance has on both farmers and working families.

The lack of water has been devastating. I have pictures of Mendota when Mendota used to be part of the district, that I had the honor representing, Congressman Valadao said. The shanty little towns, the shacks, and bringing those up in committee, bringing those up on the floor, reminding the American people that this is having a real life impact on folks who work in the fields.

Chairman Cliff Bentz with the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries says the Central Valley is a key producer in food supply, which is being impacted by the lack of water.

This Valley creates 25% of the United States food supply, 25%. So, if youre going to take a whole bunch of water away, you are affecting the nations food supply. That means prices at the grocery store will go up, Bentz said.

For more information about these water reliability issues, visit Congressman Duartes 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 YourCentralValley.com | KSEE24 and CBS47.
Local elected officials are calling for the resignation of New York City Police Commissioner Edward Caban in the wake of a federal probe involving him and several other top Adams administration advisers coming to light this week.

Cabans cell phone and other electronics were seized and his home was searched Thursday by federal investigators who also confiscated devices from other top NYPD officials as well as Cabans brother, James Caban, according to multiple sources.

No one targeted by the searches and seizures has been accused of wrongdoing.

But Queens Councilman Bob Holden, a conservative, pro-police Democrat, said the appearance of wide-ranging corruption in the NYPD means the top cop should step down. 

Even the appearance of impropriety casts a dark shadow over the integrity of our police department, Holden said in a statement. The magnitude of this issue is too significant, causing far too many distractions, and for the good of both the department and the city, the police commissioner should resign.

When asked on a Friday evening appearance on PIX11 if he had full confidence in Caban, Mayor Adams replied: Yes, I do.

Commissioner Caban could continue to perform the job, Adams said.

Lincoln Restler, a progressive Council member representing north Brooklyn, also said Caban should be removed from his position.

Police Commissioner Edward Caban must go, Restler said in a tweet. The NYPD partners with FBI all day to keep New Yorkers safe and their leader cannot do his job if hes an FBI target.

Queens Councilwoman Tiffany Caban, a democratic socialist and former public defender, agreed the commissioner should resign.

Commissioner Cabans failures are a product of personal failures, systemic failures and the failures of this mayor, said the Council member, who sits on the Councils Public Safety Committee, which has jurisdiction over the NYPD. Commissioner Caban should resign, but simply changing top brass wont resolve those failures.

Jack Jaskaran, a retired NYPD Captain who now works as a lawyer, called for immediate independent oversight of the NYPD.

If a federal agency conducted a search warrant on a police officers home, the NYPDs Internal Affairs Bureau would have stripped that officer of their gun and badge and removed them from police duties pending the outcome of the investigation, Jaskaran said. Why is the same standard not applicable to the police commissioner?

One senior Council member who did not call on the police commissioner to resign was Gale Brewer.

Innocent until proven guilty, said the Upper West Side Democrat who chairs the Councils Investigations and Oversight Committee.
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  Veterans make up seven percent of Oklahoma Citys homeless population; Maka Kauvaka is one of them.

Ive been staying in my car for three months, said Kauvaka. Its really hot I just got used to it, kind of. I dont have AC in my car as well.

He served in the Air Force for six years.

Ive served in South Korea, Japan, Guam, said Kauvaka.

But now hes facing a different battle at home.

Now Im here just trying to survive, but Im also seeking work, said Kauvaka.

Several organizations took part in Fridays Sooner Stand Down event, which strives to help veterans like Kauvaka.

These are people who didnt even know us and signed up to defend us and defend our freedom and keep us safe, said Christine Cleary, the event coordinator.

Edmond athlete competes in Paralympics

At the event, veterans had access to services for housing assistance, vision, dental, mental health and primary health care. Clothing, personal hygiene kits, hot meals and bottled water were also provided.

We create kind of a one stop shop for veterans and especially ones experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless, said Taylor Self, with The Homeless Alliance. Any person is just one catastrophe away from homelessness Thats what were seeing here with veterans as well.

Organizers said they have the goal of housing at least 10 veterans this month, including Kauvaka.

I just see a lot of people coming together. Ive just received so much help right now since Ive been here, said Kauvaka.

Kauvaka said he hopes to get a job with the Oklahoma National Guard soon.

Any veteran who missed Fridays event can reach out to the VA or The Homeless Alliance for assistance.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
If the absolute rage being voiced by the New Popular Front (NPF)  the French Left-wing electoral alliance dominated (in words, anyway) by Jean-Luc Melenchons France Unbowed  is any indication, Emmanuel Macron, at the end of his 51 days meandering search for a prime minister, has pulled a real blinder.

Its not that Michel Barnier, of Brexit fame, looks and sounds terribly exciting. But thats not a bug, thats a feature. A bit boring, especially for a Gaullist politician, is an effective shield against being thrown out immediately by a vote of no-confidence in Frances new, unworkable Parliament, with its three blocs of irreconcilable MPs. Not having been seen on the frankly unedifying national political scene in recent years is also an asset.

Barnier was last a Cabinet minister under Nicolas Sarkozy, and left office in 2009 to become the vice president of the European Commission. He has been foreign secretary under Jacques Chirac, as well as a Senator, earlier an MP, for his home departement of Savoie. His point of pride was the success of the 1992 Winter Olympics held in and around his home town of Albertville, which he co-organised with the great ski champion Jean-Claude Killy. In short, come the Revolution, its not his head that will get chopped off first, and carried atop a pike. This is definitely a plus after seven years of Macrons very own brand of narcissistic provocations.

The Melenchonista Left (and their cowed Socialist and Green allies  they know France Unbowed cant win elections alone, but can effectively spoil their candidates chances in hundreds of cities and constituencies) are incandescent that, after they swore to table a no-confidence vote on any PM picked out of Macrons hat, the embattled President discounted them altogether, and started horsetrading with the one silent partner that was amenable, Marine Le Pen herself.

She has not spoken since the Macron-inspired Republican Front robbed her young deputy Jordan Bardella of victory in the second round of Julys legislative elections. (With 11 million votes to the Lefts 7 million and the Macronistas 6.7, she would have won more MPs than Keir Starmer under the UKs first past the post system.) She nixed the two former PM frontrunners, Bernard Cazeneuve (a reasonable, competent Socialist whod also been vetoed by his friends in the NFP) and the Republicain regional baron Xavier Bertrand, who is her personal enemy in the Northern region of Hauts-de-France. She said she wanted a prime minister who would not despise her voters and her party.

Barnier filled the bill. It helped that, in his short-lived run for the presidency of France in 2022, he ran on a strong anti-unchecked immigration platform, calling for a four-year moratorium on legal entries onto French soil, as well as a referendum to ask the French what number of legal immigrants they would agree to. Barnier has also made noises on altering European laws allowing free movement within the Schengen space, which, coming from such a former top Eurocrat, carries weight.

The Left is howling that this is essentially allowing Le Pen to play a role on the political scene, making a mockery of the Front Republicain. But thats the only hand left to play for Macron, who from several accounts hadnt entirely made up his mind by Thursday morning. The decision was forced by his powerful Chief of Staff at the Elysee for the last seven years, the discreet Alexis Kohler, who for weeks had been sounding out French business and civil society grandees on Barnier, and gained their approval. Barniers steadfastness during the Brexit talks, and mastery of detail, helped clinch the way. Stability is what the French have lacked since June; stability is what they, and the countrys economy  faced with a 5.6 per cent of GDP deficit  need most. Revolutionary posturing must wait and Macron has persuaded himself that he has pulled a victory out of the ashes of defeat.

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.
HONOLULU (KHON2)  Police records show 49-year-old Micah Araneta was arrested on suspicion of murder Friday night.

Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You

According to HPD, the 41-year-old victim was lying in his tent when Araneta approached and allegedly shot him multiple times just before 2 a.m.

The victim was able to walk to a bus stop and EMS was called while the suspect left the area in a truck.

Paramedics took the victim to a hospital in critical condition.

Police records show that Araneta and the victim knew each other.

The suspect was charged with attempted murder and a firearms charge. His bail was set at $2 million.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Military air training set for 2 days at NC coastal town; exercise against ferry attack set near coast for 1 day

SWANSBORO, N.C. (WNCN)  The U.S. military and NATO countries will train in a North Carolina coastal town for two days this week while, in an unrelated exercise, the U.S. Coast Guard trains with various law enforcement another day nearby.

The week of training starts Monday in Swansboro when U.S. Marines from Camp LeJeune will work with NATO allies in urban close air support training exercises, according to a news release from Camp LeJeune and II Marine Expeditionary Force.

Close air support is typically air-to-ground actions (sometimes at low altitudes) such as strafes or airstrikes by military aircraft against enemy targets close to friendly forces. An urban training scenario would be in a town or city  in this case Swansboro.

A U.S. Marine Corps UH-1Y Venom assigned to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1) fires rockets during an urban close air support exercise at Yodaville, near Yuma, Ariz. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Zachary M. Ford

The training in Swansboro is set for Monday and Friday.

During these dates, the public may notice increased military aircraft activity in the skies over Swansboro, the Camp LeJeune news release said.

Officials did not say which NATO countries would be involved in the training.

The Marines have coordinated extensively with local government officials and emergency services to ensure these activities are conducted safely and with minimal impact on the local community, the news release said.

A Mil MI-24 Hind conducts assault support tactics in support of Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1) during Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course. DVIDS photo by Lance Cpl. Zachary M. Ford

On Tuesday, the U.S. Coast Guard  along with federal and state partners  plans an active-shooter/active threat full-scale exercise, a Coast Guard news release said.

The training is planned from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. along the Neuse River near the Cherry Branch Ferry Terminal in Havelock, the news release said.

The ferry M/V Rodanthe during a Hatteras run. File photo from North Carolina DOT

Residents and community members around the Havelock area should expect to see large numbers of public safety personnel, vessels, sirens, and simulated activities, the news release said.

The drill includes activities at the terminal on a moored dedicated ferry and on the same ferry while it is underway, officials said.

The Coast Guard did not say which other agencies would be involved in the training near Havelock.

NCDOT image of the NC ferry Frisco along the coast.

This full-scale exercise is organized by the regional Area Maritime Security Committee and will simulate a response to an attack against the marine transportation system, the news release 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 CBS17.com.
BROOKLYN, N.Y. (PIX11)  A man is accused of plotting a terrorist attack in New York City with the goal of killing as many Jewish people as possible, federal authorities said Friday.

Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, a 20-year-old Pakistani citizen living in Canada, was arrested in Canada on Wednesday as he allegedly tried to enter the United States to carry out a mass shooting at a Jewish center in Brooklyn, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

The defendant is alleged to have planned a terrorist attack in New York City around Oct. 7 of this year with the stated goal of slaughtering, in the name of ISIS, as many Jewish people as possible, U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland said.

Khan is charged with one count of attempting to provide material support and resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization, authorities said. He faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison if convicted.

More Local News

In November 2023, Khan allegedly began posting on social media and communicating with others on an encrypted messaging app about his support for ISIS, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

At some point, Khan began communicating with two undercover law enforcement officers, authorities said. During those conversations, Khan allegedly instructed the undercover officers to obtain AR-style assault rifles and ammunition in order to carry out the terrorist attack.

Khan allegedly told the undercover officers that he planned to carry out the attack on or around Oct. 7, one year after Hamas deadly attack in Israel.

Khan allegedly said that Oct 7th and oct 11th are the best days for targeting the jews because oct 7 they will surely have some protests and oct 11 is yom.kippur.

The defendant was allegedly determined to kill Jewish people here in the United States, nearly one year after Hamas horrific attack on Israel. This investigation was led by the FBI, and I am proud of the terrific work by the FBI team and our partners to disrupt Khans plan, FBI Director Christopher Wray said.

Finn Hoogensen is a digital journalist who has covered local news for more than five years. He has been with PIX11 News since 2022. 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.
A man living in Delaware is accused of fatally stabbing his former girlfriend, who was found dead 28 years ago in a ditch along a highway in Florida, officials announced Wednesday.

Stephen L. Ford, 72, was charged with second-degree murder with a weapon in the death of his live-in girlfriend, Doris Korell, who was reported missing on Dec. 11, 1996. She was found dead four days later, lying face-down in a drainage canal in Palmetto, and had been stabbed 83 times, according to the Manatee County Sheriffs Office  though it would be months before law enforcement identified her.

Doris A. Korell, 45, was found dead in a ditch in Manatee County via Manatee County Sheriffs Office Manatee County Sheriffs Office

Korells daughter, who was living in Maryland at the time, reported her mother missing on Dec. 12 after Ford called her, claiming Korell had driven off after an argument to go shopping, state prosecutors said. Korells car was located on Dec. 18 at a nearby mall with no evidence that a struggle or attack had taken place inside, the sheriffs office said.

St. Petersburg detectives investigating Korells disappearance interviewed Ford days after she was reported missing and noticed a decomposing smell inside his home, according to the press release. Authorities also found stains on the bedding and mattress that were not there during an earlier search, as well as a suicide note Ford had written to his sons, describing how he wanted to be with [Korell] if she was dead, according to the sheriffs department.

Detectives said that when they questioned Ford about Korells death, he stated, If I killed her, I should get the death penalty.

Ford had also allegedly rented a storage unit a day after Korell went missing and moved her jewelry, clothing and photos there.

Fords ex-girlfriend told detectives that he had sent her a letter approximately two months before Korells disappearance, reading, I hope she gets the message that I dont want her here anymore, the sheriffs office said.

Despite the law enforcement agencies findings, Ford continued to deny his involvement in his girlfriends disappearance, the sheriffs office said. He was eventually discovered inside his home on Christmas Eve that year semi-conscious and foaming from the mouth. The sheriffs office alleged that Ford had tried to kill himself by ingesting bleach.

But by 1997, Ford had already moved to Delaware and the case had gone cold. In 2017, the sheriffs office reopened the investigation, and new information began to come to light, the office said.

Korells acquaintances said that she and Ford had been having domestic and financial problems at the time of the killing and that Korell had feared her spouse, according to the sheriffs office.

Forensics analysis from DNA evidence resubmitted this year revealed that the bed stains found at Fords home decades ago were Fords own bodily fluids, the result of a suicide attempt, the sheriffs office said. His behavior, statements to law enforcement and suicide attempts gave authorities probable cause to charge him with Korells killing.

Ford was taken into custody on Aug. 16 during a traffic stop near his home in Georgetown, Delaware and booked into the Manatee County Jail on Aug. 30, the sheriffs office said.

Need help? In the U.S., call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) for the National Domestic Violence Hotline.

Related...
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  A Bakersfield man who allegedly used a slingshot-type weapon to hurl objects at police pleaded no contest on Friday to two felonies.

Francisco Monge, 45, pleaded no contest to recklessly evading and resisting peace officers and was sentenced to three years in prison, court records show. An assault charge was dismissed.

Police said they were performing a routine traffic stop on Monge in July when he got out of the vehicle and started throwing objects at them using what police called a Balearic-style slingshot  a weapon used by hunters and warriors as far back as the 4th century B.C.

Board of Supervisors allocate over $1 million for expanded spay and neuter program

An officer fired twice at Monge but missed. He was taken into custody.

Four years ago, Monge was arrested when he was found with 31 Molotov cocktails he said were for home defense, according to prosecutors. He was charged with 32 felony counts of possession of a destructive device and one felony count of possession of an arson device.

In that case, Monge accepted a plea bargain that included specific mental health terms  including a requirement to take all psychiatric medications prescribed.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17.
MACOMB, Ill. (WTVO)  Shaiking Mathis, 38, who is accused of shooting two Macomb officers, appeared in court via video on Friday afternoon.

Mathis is facing four counts of aggravated battery to a police officer and one count of aggravated discharge of a firearm.

Mathis allegedly shot Detective Severs in the hip and Sergeant JP McLaughlin was shot in the leg when they attempted to execute a search warrant at Mathiss residence. Mathis is also accused of shooting at Leuitenant Todd Tedrow, who was not hit.

The States Attorney Matt Kwacala said the authorities went to the suspects home to get his side of the story regarding a alleged sexual assault.

Mathis did not asnwer his door when officials arrived the first time and police then obtained a search warrant to knock again, according to Kwacala. The suspect did not answer again after police announced themselves two times, Tri State Public Radio said.

Officials were fired at immediatly once forcing their way into the home, according to the states attorney. Kwacala closed by telling the judge Mathis should be detained until his next court hearing because he is a danger to the public.

A standoff with authorities lasted for nearly 20 hours until his lawyer from the Chicago area arrived. He then surrendered in the afternoon Thursday.

Mathis has two prior felonies making him a felon who cannot own firearms or have a FOID card.

Mathiss Defense Attorney Michael Jarard said his client has never been involved in a violent crime, did not know they were police and should be placed on house arrest with pretrial monitoring.

Judge Nigel Grahm decided the shooting was a violent crime and the suspect should have known they were police after a 20 hour standoff.

Mathis was denied pretrial release and faces his next preliminary hearing on September 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.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  A man has been arrested and accused of murder in Astoria, authorities said.

Stephen G. Foxon, 58, was taken into custody and charged with second-degree murder, first-degree assault, first-degree burglary and unlawful use of a weapon, the Astoria Police Department said in a release.

The stabbing was reported in the early morning Saturday at Helping Hands at 286 W. Marine Drive. Police responded after several residents of Helping Hands awoke to the sounds of a struggle at 2:15 a.m., the release said.

Missing nurses remains found, arrest made

Witnesses said they saw Foxon stabbing the victim then called for assistance and rendered first aid until police and fire arrived, police said.

Foxon, a former Helping Hands resident, was located on the Riverwalk and taken into custody at 2:39 a.m.

The victim, whose name has not been released by police, was taken to Columbia Memorial Hospital in an ambulance, where he was pronounced dead.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Astoria 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.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP)  Louisville police arrested a man for allegedly sexually assaulting women and making homicidal and suicidal threats in the downtown area Friday.

Police sent out a Duty to Warn notice on social media around 1 p.m. EST, telling people if they see him to call police. They issued a photo of the man in the lobby of a downtown hospital.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

Were alleging this man has made both homicidal and suicidal threats after sexually assaulting several women downtown, Louisville police wrote on social media.

The man, 38-year-old Daralle A. Oliver, was arrested across the river in Jeffersonville, Indiana, about 45 minutes after the warning was issued, police said.

Louisville police said he sexually assaulted at least four women, including during two incidents on Friday morning.

LATEST KENTUCKY LISTS AND RANKINGS:

Police sent marked and unmarked units to search in an area of downtown known as the hospital corridor.

Police have not said what charges Oliver is facing.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
A Pakistani man who resides in Canada was arrested this week for planning to carry out a mass shooting at a Jewish center in New York City around Oct. 7, the first anniversary of Hamas' terrorist attack on Israel, the Justice Department said on Friday.

Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, 20, had allegedly planned to attack a Jewish center in Brooklyn in support of the Islamic State group, or ISIS. He also considered carrying out a shooting on Oct. 11, which is Yom Kippur, the holiest day in Judaism, federal officials said.

Khan, also known as Shahzeb Jadoon, was arrested on Wednesday in or around Ormstown, Canada, which is about 12 miles from the U.S. border, the Justice Department said. The U.S. government said it will seek to extradite him from Canada.

Khan has been charged with one count of attempting to provide material support and resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization, which carries up to 20 years in prison. Its unclear if he has obtained legal representation. The Federal Defenders of New York did not immediately respond to NBC News' request for comment on Friday.

According to the criminal complaint, Khan began expressing his support for ISIS and his desire to carry out terrorist attacks in support of the group as early as November 2023 by way of social media and in communications with an FBI informant.

From late July 2024 on, Khan started communicating with two undercover law enforcement officers, telling them through encrypted messages that he was planning an attack on Jewish Chabads in a U.S. city with AR-style rifles and claiming that he had found a smuggler to take him across the border from Canada into the U.S., the complaint states. He then allegedly changed his location target to New York City, citing its large Jewish population.

The defendant is alleged to have planned a terrorist attack in New York City around October 7th of this year with the stated goal of slaughtering, in the name of ISIS, as many Jewish people as possible, Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement. Jewish communities  like all communities in this country  should not have to fear that they will be targeted by a hate-fueled terrorist attack, he added.

There has been a sharp increase in reports of antisemitism and anti-Muslim hate in the U.S. since Oct. 7, when Hamas launched its attacks on Israel, killing over 1,200 people. Israel responded with a mass assault on Gaza that has killed more than 40,000 people to date, Palestinian health officials say. The war has also sparked multiple violent  even deadly  incidents against Jewish and Muslim people in the U.S.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
ATHENS, Ohio (WCMH)  Police arrested a Pickerington man Tuesday and banned him from Ohio University after concerning social media posts.

Michael Rinthalukay, 27, was arrested on Tuesday and charged with having weapons under disability by the Athens Police Department. Thursday, the Ohio University Police Department also announced he has been banned from all Ohio University campuses.

OUPD said community members reported concerning posts from Rinthalukay, which he posted under the username Mike Rinks. Police said they do not believe there is an ongoing threat to the community, after a thorough 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 NBC4 WCMH-TV.
WOBURN, Mass. (WPRI)  A Massachusetts man has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of a Burrillville teenager.

Shane Curry, 20, was initially charged with assault and battery on a household member and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury.

BACKGROUND: Massachusetts man held in connection with Burrillville teens death

Officers were called to Currys home in Stow on April 5 after his mother reported not hearing from her son in two days.

Curry prevented the officers from coming inside for roughly two hours, according to authorities. The officers eventually made their way inside and found 17-year-old Nevaeh Goddards dead body.

Investigators believe Curry stabbed Goddard during an altercation. The circumstances surrounding Goddards death remain unclear.

Curry is currently being held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing scheduled for a later date.

Close

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

Breaking 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 WPRI.com.
Man charged for plotting Oct. 7 attack on Jewish Center in New York

A Canadian resident was arrested this week over a terror plot against a Jewish Center in New York City that was planned for Oct. 7, the one-year anniversary of Hamass initial attack on Israel which sparked the ongoing war in Gaza.

The plotter, according to the Justice Department (DOJ), was a supporter of the Islamic State.

Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, also known as Shazeb Jadoon, planned the attacks to coincide with the anniversary. The 20-year-old Pakistani national intended to travel to Brooklyn to carry out a mass shooting, according to a DOJ press release.

The defendant is alleged to have planned a terrorist attack in New York City around October 7th of this year with the stated goal of slaughtering, in the name of ISIS, as many Jewish people as possible, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland said in the release.

The FBI began investigating Khan after he started posting about his support for ISIS on social media and encrypted apps in 2023.

The defendant was allegedly determined to kill Jewish people here in the United States, nearly one year after Hamas horrific attack on Israel, FBI Director Christopher Wray said. The FBI will continue to work closely with our partners to investigate and hold accountable those who seek to commit violence in the name of ISIS or other terrorist organizations.

Fighting terrorism remains the FBIs top priority, he added.

Khan was arrested in Canada on Sept. 4, and was charged with one count of attempting to provide material support and resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization.

He faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

The news comes as the Israel-Hamas war enters its 11th month. During the initial Oct. 7 attack on Israel, roughly 250 hostages were taken captive, and more than 1,200 Israelis were killed. Cease-fire and hostage deal negotiations continue, as tension in the Middle East continues to rise.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
33-year-old man dead after shooting in west Phoenix

A 33-year-old man was killed in a shooting early Saturday morning in west Phoenix.

About 4:20 a.m., officers responded to reports of gunfire in a neighborhood near 51st Avenue and Thomas Road, according to Phoenix police Sgt. Brian Bower.

Officers found a man lying outside a residence with a gunshot wound. They immediately moved him away from the house and administered lifesaving measures, Bower said.

Phoenix firefighters arrived and pronounced the man dead at the scene.

He was identified as Humberto Ortiz.

Investigators learned that Ortiz had been shot by an unknown person who left before police arrived.

Anyone with information on the shooter's identity was encouraged to call Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS or 480-TESTIGO.

Officer dies: Phoenix police Officer Zane Coolidge dies from injuries after shooting

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Here's what we know about a west Phoenix shooting that left a man dead
Man dies after crashing into tree in Ste. Genevieve County

STE. GENEVIEVE COUNTY, Mo.  A man died after crashing into a tree Friday evening in Ste. Genevieve County, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

MSHP has identified the victim as Keegan Schubert, 21, of Arnold, Missouri. Next of kin have been notified.

Missouri secretary of state decertifies Amendment 3 petition, one day before supreme court ruling

The crash happened around 8:30 p.m. Friday after Schubert was heading westbound on Missouri Route O, near Missouri Route 32.

A MSHP crash report states that Schubert traveled off the left side of the roadway, then struck an embankment before he struck a tree. He was rushed to a hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.

No other injuries were reported in the crash. MSHP Troop C, which covers much of the St. Louis region, is investigating the crash.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Man fighting for his life after suspect beat him with skateboard on N High St

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  A suspect was charged with felonious assault after repeatedly striking a man with a skateboard, sending him to the hospital in critical condition.

Columbus Police Patrol officers were dispatched to the 1300 block of N High Street shortly before 2 p.m. Friday after reports of a fight between two men near the Kroger. Upon their arrival, officers said they found the victim with severe head injuries.

Officers also located a suspect near the scene on the direction of witnesses. Adrian Ashley, 46, was arrested and charged with felonious assault. He is scheduled to appear in court for his arraignment Monday at 9 a.m.

According to witnesses, Ashely knocked the victim out, then struck him repeatedly with his skateboard. When walking away, Ashley allegedly kicked his head as well.

The victim was transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition. Police said due to the severity of the injuries, the homicide unit is investigating the case. The victim is still hospitalized as of Saturday afternoon, according to a spokesperson with Columbus police.

Ashley has past charges ranging several decades, including a three-year sentence in 2004 for involuntary manslaughter and felonious assault, according to court documents.

Police said they believe several witnesses may have recorded the assault, and detectives would like to speak with them regarding their observations and any video they may have captured. If anyone has information about the incident, they are asked to call the homicide unit at 614-645-4730, or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers to report anonymously at 614-461-TIPS (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 NBC4 WCMH-TV.
Man hospitalized after shooting on Weyl Street in Rochester

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  One person was hospitalized after a shooting in Rochester Friday.

Officers were called to Weyl Street near Joseph Avenue around 6:00 p.m. for the reported shooting. They found a 33-year-old man who had been shot at least once.

The man was taken to Strong Memorial Hospital with what police said were not life-threatening injuries.

The area around the scene was closed for the police investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call 911.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  One man was injured after a stabbing inside an apartment on State Street overnight Saturday.

Rochester police say they responded to State Street near Morrie Silver Way around 1:15 a.m. for the report of a person stabbed and found a 43-year-old man who was suffering from at least one stab wound to the upper body.

The man was transported to Strong Memorial Hospital by AMR with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

According to police, the stabbing happened during an altercation between the victim and suspect inside an apartment on State Street. There are no suspects in custody at this time.

Rochester police ask for anyone with information to call 911.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Man injured during shooting in Southeast DC

WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) said a man was injured after a shooting in Southeast D.C.

Police said it was dispatched to the 2800 block of Shipley Terrace for a shooting.

Maryland State Police looking for suspects involved in armed carjacking

The man was conscious and breathing.

He was transported to the hospital.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
One man died and another was injured in the wee hours of Saturday morning after gunfire erupted in a residential neighborhood northwest of the intersection at Broadway and Stockton Boulevard.

Just after 2:30 am, officers responded to reports of a shooting in the 4000 block of 4th Avenue, said Officer Anthony Gamble, a spokesman for the Sacramento Police Department. Responding officers located two male adults: One had at least one non-life-threatening gunshot wound. The other had a life-threatening gunshot wound.

Homicide detectives and crime-scene investigators are investigating what happened, collecting evidence, and interviewing witnesses in the North Oak Park neighborhood, Gamble said, and they do not have a suspect at this time.

The identity of the victim will be released by the Sacramento County Coroners Office after relatives have been notified. Gamble asked anyone with any information to contact police at 916-808-5471.
(KRON)  A person was attacked by dogs and mauled to death in Oakland, California police said. Oakland Police Department officers were alerted about a canine attack at noon on September 1, an OPD spokesperson said.

When officers arrived at the scene, they found the victim suffering from several dog bites, police said. The victim never made it to a hospital, and was pronounced deceased by paramedics at the scene.

The victim was a 53-year-old man, East Bay Times reported.

The vicious dogs owner, identified by prosecutors as Brendan Thomas Burke, appeared in court on Thursday. The Alameda County District Attorneys Office spokesperson said Burke is charged with felony failure to control an animal killing a human.

A judge allowed Burke to remain out of custody on his own recognizance. He is scheduled to return to Wiley Manuel Courthouse in Oakland on September 12 for a plea hearing.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
(KRON)  A person was attacked by dogs and mauled to death in Oakland, police told KRON4. Oakland Police Department officers were alerted about a canine attack on 36th Avenue at noon on September 1, an OPD spokesperson said.

When officers arrived at the scene, they found the victim suffering from several dog bites, police said. The victim never made it to a hospital, and was pronounced deceased by paramedics at the scene.

The victim was a 53-year-old man, East Bay Times reported.

The vicious dogs owner, identified by prosecutors as Brendan Thomas Burke, appeared in court on Thursday. The Alameda County District Attorneys Office spokesperson said Bruke is charged with felony failure to control an animal killing a human.

Calif. homeowner reverses decision for renting to rapist

A judge allowed Bruke to remain out of custody on his own recognizance. He is scheduled to return to Wiley Manuel Courthouse in Oakland on September 12 for a plea hearing.

The Oakland Police Department is asking anyone with information about the dog attack to contact its Criminal Investigations Division at 510-535-5602. If you have any videos or photographs that could assist with the investigation, send them to cidvideos@oaklandca.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 KRON4.
Man who robbed mail carrier at gunpoint sentenced

A Dayton man who robbed a mail carrier at gunpoint has learned his sentence.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

20-year-old Marvin Brown Jr. of Dayton assaulted a mail carrier in December 2023, according to court documents.

TRENDING STORIES:

He and another person drove around a Dayton neighborhood on Dec. 18, 2023, looking for a mail carrier to rob.

Brown approached the victim and pulled out a handgun, demanding the mail carriers mailbag.

Brown shot the victims postal vehicle at least twice. Then Brown and the other person sped away with the mailbag and its contents.

Brown was federally charged in January of 2024 and pleaded guilty in June 2024.

Brown was sentenced to 10 years in prison.

[SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]




Man shot by cop in Rumson released from hospital to jail, now facing burglary rap

RUMSON - The Newark man shot by police during a burglary investigation in this affluent borough early Friday has been released from the hospital and, along with a codefendant, is in the Monmouth County Jail, facing burglary, theft and conspiracy charges.

The individual who was shot is identified in court documents as Nnamdi Atumudo.

Atumudo, 27, was just released from New Jersey State Prison in Trenton on June 28 after serving a term for a 2020 robbery in Hudson County, according to the state Corrections Department's website.

He had been in Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune after being shot early Friday - his 27th birthday - by an unidentified Fair Haven police officer during a burglary investigation in Rumson.

An operator at Jersey Shore said late Saturday afternoon that Atumudo had been discharged.

Nnamdi Atumudo

Now, Atumudo and codefendant Rasheen Yarbrough, 20, are in the Monmouth County Jail in Freehold, pending hearings to determine if they will be held without bail to await trial, according to court documents.

Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago said in a news release Friday that his office was investigating the police-involved shooting of a 27-year-old Newark man during a burglary investigation in Rumson that day.

Santiago said a police officer from neighboring Fair Haven who responded to a 911 call just before 4:45 a.m. encountered two suspects in a moving vehicle in the vicinity of Avenue of the Two Rivers and Shrewsbury Drive and discharged his firearm, wounding one of the suspects.

The wounded suspect was taken to a hospital, suffering from injuries that were not life-threatening, the prosecutor said. Meanwhile, a prosecutor's spokesman said the second suspect had been taken into custody, pending charges.

The prosecutor did not identify either of the two suspects or the officer who discharged his firearm and said an investigation is underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

A prosecutor's spokesman said no additional information was expected to be released Saturday.

However, complaints and related court documents identify Atumudo and Yarbrough as the defendants.

Municipal court records listing the charges against the pair said the crimes occurred at 4:43 a.m. Friday in Rumson and that Atumudo was shot by law enforcement.

Atumudo and Yarbrough are charged in complaints with conspiring to commit burglaries to multiple vehicles and homes in Rumson. They also are charged with burglary by entering a vehicle in the driveway of Woodmere Drive, burglary by entering a garage on Avenue of the Two Rivers, conspiring to commit a burglary into a home at the same address on Avenue of the Two Rivers, and theft of a motorcycle valued at $328.99..

A preliminary law enforcement incident report said the defendants fled in a motor vehicle.

Municipal court records indicate no weapon was used and no one was injured during the alleged burglaries.

Kathleen Hopkins, a reporter in New Jersey since 1985, covers crime, court cases, legal issues and just about every major murder trial to hit Monmouth and Ocean counties. Contact her at khopkins@app.com.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Man shot by cop during Rumson burglary investigation is now in jail
(PUEBLO, Colo.)  A man has been sentenced to almost a century behind bars for a 2021 incident in which he shot at four Pueblo Police officers as they were responding to a menacing call.

44-year-old James Justice was found guilty in July of several charges, including four counts of attempted first-degree murder after he fired shots at officers in January of 2021 on the northside of Pueblo near Elizabeth Street.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Man found guilty for shooting at PPD officers in 2021

According to the Pueblo Police Department (PPD), Justice initially shot at one officer and then ran from police to a nearby mobile home park where he shot at three more officers. None of the officers were injured. Justice was eventually taken into custody inside the mobile home park. PPD said he has been in the Pueblo County Jail since his arrest in January 2021.

Courtesy: Pueblo County Sheriffs Office

On Friday, Sept. 6, Justice was sentenced to 24 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections on each of the four attempted first-degree murder charges, with all sentences to be served consecutively.

Im grateful justice was served in this case, said Pueblo County Sheriff David J. Lucero. This defendant presented an extreme risk to the citizens of Pueblo as well as to the law enforcement officers doing their job to protect the community.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado.
MANILUS N.Y (WSYR-TV)  The Village of Manlius now has until the end of the year to decide what to do with its four swans.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) says there are only two choices: sterilizing all four swans or keeping only two of the same gender to prevent breeding.

For many families in Manlius, a trip to the village pond to watch the swans is a cherished traditiona moment for parents and children to spend time together. Sean Campbell, a Manlius resident, takes strolls with his two-year-old son around the pond to see the swans.

For Sean, the best part about this scenery is watching his son being happy to them and pointing them out. Hes only 2, so he can barely say a few things, so hell say ducks. and hell say, Ohh see swan. just happy moments of him coming around here.

For over 100 years, the tradition of swans has been a beloved feature of the village the main reason this village would hate to see them go.

The mayor of Manlius, Paul Whorall, shares that the DEC does not want to work with us. They have it set in their mind what they want. But what they want does not conform with what our needs are and how important those swans are to our community.

But the question this community wonders is why now? Mayor Whorall feels theyre unfairly targeting Manlius by taking actions on swans they cant take in other parts of New York State.

They say we dont want this to happen in other areas, whats happening. If youre talking about whats happening in Chesapeake Bay, handle Chesapeake Bay, handle Lake Ontario, dont attack us, said Whorall.

A tradition for families in this community is grabbing some ice cream at Sno Top and making their way down the street to see the swans.

It is a focal point for residents who live here and are returning to their roots.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSYR.
BOSTON (WWLP)  Massachusetts and Rhode Island announced New Englands largest-ever offshore wind project at a press conference on Friday afternoon.

The energy savings from the project are predicted to be the equivalent of taking one million gas-powered cars off the road.

Massachusetts selected three sites to procure offshore windtotaling 2,878 megawattsthat will power 1.4 million homes across the state.

This project will represent almost twenty percent of the states total electric demand.

For decades, our entire region has experienced significant volatility in prices while also worrying about reliability. Massachusetts cannot continue down this path, said Secretary of the Executive Office of Energy and Environment Affairs, Rebecca Tepper at the press conference. Offshore wind is our future, and its vital that we build that future today.

Governor Healey said that in addition to strides in clean energy, the projects will create thousands of jobs and generate billions in economic activity.

What we do today is make an investment in our competitiveness, our economic growth, and in our future, said the governor. Massachusetts is going to be the global hub for clean energy and climate technology.

The three sitesthe SouthCoast Wind project, New England Wind 1, and Vineyard Wind 2are each expected to provide over 3,000 high-paying jobs.



This project was originally in collaboration with Connecticut, and the governor says they are still welcome to rejoin the procurement.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
NEW YORK  New York City Mayor Eric Adams said Saturday he supports a good healthy review of Police Commissioner Edward Caban, after declaring he has full confidence in the top cop amid a federal probe involving him and other key administration advisers.

Several local elected officials have called for Cabans resignation since the feds searched his home Thursday, seizing his cellphone and other electronics, but Adams said he stands by his side.

I support a good healthy review, and all members of my administration  they know my rules, Adams told reporters near 44th St. and Fifth Ave. in Manhattan as the 2024 Labor Day Parade kicked off.

Everyone must follow the rules and that is what I believe we must be focused on. I support due process and a complete review, he said.

One of Cabans critics, Queens Councilman Bob Holden, a conservative, pro-police Democrat, said the appearance of wide-ranging corruption in the NYPD means he should should step down. 

Even the appearance of impropriety casts a dark shadow over the integrity of our police department, Holden said in a statement. The magnitude of this issue is too significant, causing far too many distractions, and for the good of both the department and the city, the police commissioner should resign.

Asked during a Friday evening appearance on PIX11 if he had full confidence in Caban, the mayor replied: Yes, I do.

The mayor noted Cabans accomplishments and said he could continue to do his job.

Being the commissioner or the mayor or the chancellor of this city, you better be prepared for all the incomings that could happen. It is part of the job, the mayor said.

Lincoln Restler, a progressive Council member representing north Brooklyn, also said Caban should be removed from his position.

Police Commissioner Edward Caban must go, Restler said on social media. The NYPD partners with FBI all day to keep New Yorkers safe and their leader cannot do his job if hes an FBI target.

The flurry of FBI activity began early Wednesday, when agents searched the homes of First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, her partner, Education Department Chancellor David Banks, Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Phil Banks, their younger brother Terence Banks and City Hall adviser Tim Pearson, seizing their electronic devices.

Sources told The New York Daily News that Cabans twin brother James Caban also had his home searched and electronics confiscated by the feds during the same time span as the top administration officials.

A former NYPD officer, James Caban works as a consultant providing security for nightlife venues in the city.

His professional role is under scrutiny as part of the federal probe, and investigators are specifically looking at whether he sold police protection to nightlife establishments, according to two sources familiar with the matter.

The feds also seized devices belonging to Cabans chief of staff and some precinct commanders in Manhattan.

No one targeted by the searches and seizures has been accused of wrongdoing.
CERNOBBIO, Italy (Reuters) - Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Saturday her government has not been weakened by a controversy over a consultancy role offered to the former lover of a minister who resigned after a tearful televised apology to his wife.

Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano, 62, quit on Friday after being embroiled in a scandal which has dominated front pages and become an embarrassment for the government.

"If someone thinks that situations such as these could be a way to weaken the government, I am afraid that's not case," Meloni said when asked to comment on the situation at a business forum in Cernobbio.

Praising Sangiuliano's work over the past two years, she said she had followed the events "like other women" have.

Meloni added: "And I must say that my idea of how a woman earns a role in society is the complete opposite."

Sangiuliano had faced a media storm over the role of Maria Rosaria Boccia, a self-proclaimed fashion entrepreneur who last week posted on Instagram that she had been nominated "Advisor to the minister for major events".

Meloni - who had initially rejected Sangiuliano's offer to resign - also criticised Italian media for giving disproportionate attention to the events over the past two weeks.

"I eventually accepted Sangiuliano's resignation to spare the government from such media pressure," she said. "A minister has quit, let's welcome the new minister."

Sangiuliano was replaced shortly after his resignation on Friday by Alessandro Giuli, head of the MAXXI contemporary arts museum in Rome.

It was the first change in Meloni right-wing coalition government, which currently chairs the G7 forum of leading democracies and has over the past two years looked solid, with high popularity ratings and facing a divided opposition.

Sangiuliano was politically close to Meloni, but not a member of her party. He was also gaffe-prone, saying for example at an awards ceremony that he would "try to read" the books that, as a juror, he was supposed to have already read.

Italy's European Affairs Minister Raffaele Fitto is set to leave his cabinet post after being nominated for a role in the European Commission, but his appointment needs to be confirmed by the European Parliament.

"As Italy's national recovery plan has been in good hands with Raffaele Fitto, I have no doubt that it will be in good hands also in the coming years," Meloni said, referring to the imminent appointment of a new minister to manage EU funds.

(Reporting by Elvira Pollina and Giuseppe Fonte; Editing by Mike Harrison)
As soon as Islamic extremists were identified as having carried out four deadly, coordinated attacks on U.S. soil in the early morning of Sept. 11, 2001, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta started hearing calls from the public to ban Arab Americans and Muslims from all flights  and even to round them up and detain them.

In the chaotic hours and days following the attacks, Mineta did not yet know that his childhood incarceration by the federal government in the aftermath of Japans Pearl Harbor bombing nearly 60 years earlier would be a crucial element in decisions about how the George W. Bush administration responded to 9/11.

The Mineta family was sent to a camp surrounded by barbed wire and guard towers near Cody, Wyoming. Pictured here with relatives and friends, Norman Mineta is in the front row, second from right, in the white shirt. Mineta Family Archives, Heart Mountain Wyoming Foundation via Mineta Legacy Project

Enduring the wartime hardships

Earlier that spring, President Bush had invited Mineta and his wife, Deni, to spend time at Camp David, the presidential retreat. One night after dinner, the president asked Mineta about his imprisonment during World War II.

For three hours, Mineta, an 11-term member of Congress who also had served as President Bill Clintons secretary of commerce, shared his experience of wartime detention and its effects on him and his family.

On Feb. 19, 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt had issued an executive order authorizing the military to round up and remove people of Japanese descent from their homes on the West Coast. Mineta, his parents, three sisters and a brother were among the approximately 110,000 men, women and children of Japanese ancestry who were escorted by armed guards to hastily constructed government detention facilities in desolate inland locations.

Promotional image for podcast



Find other ways to listen to The Conversation Weekly podcast here.

Without any charges brought against them, they were held under harsh conditions for the duration of the war simply because they were the same race as the enemy.

Minetas parents, Kunisaku and Kane Mineta, and other first-generation immigrants from Japan were prohibited by federal law from becoming naturalized citizens. After the declaration of war, they were classified as enemy aliens, no matter their loyalty to America, their adopted country. Their U.S.-born children, like young Norm, were included in the military detention orders as non-aliens  the governments term invented to avoid recognizing that they were natural-born U.S. citizens.

In the spring of 1942, before the family was rounded up by the military, Minetas fathers business license for his insurance agency was suspended, and the family bank accounts confiscated. The family scrambled to dispose of their household belongings since they could only take what they could carry. Ten-year-old Norms great heartbreak was having to give away his dog, Skippy. And yet, when he boarded a train with his family for an unknown destination, Mineta was wearing his Cub Scout uniform to show his patriotism.

Japanese Americans incarcerated at the Heart Mountain Relocation Center, where the Mineta family was sent. Tom Parker, via University of California Berkeley

The Minetas arrived at the Santa Anita Assembly Center in Arcadia, California, in May 1942, and six months later were transferred to the Heart Mountain Relocation Center near Cody, Wyoming. During the war years, the Minetas and those incarcerated at nine other camps run by the governments War Relocation Authority lived behind barbed wire, under searchlights, with armed soldiers in guard towers pointing guns at them.

From San Jose to Washington

In his foreword to my book, When Can We Go Back to America?: Voices of Japanese American Incarceration during World War II, Mineta describes how he was raised to be positive about the privilege of being an American citizen, in spite of the crushing injustice of indefinite imprisonment without cause.

When the Mineta family was able to return to San Jose, California, following the end of the war, they put the challenges of their incarceration behind them and prioritized rebuilding their lives and standing in the community. Mineta was elected student body president at San Jose High School in his senior year and graduated from the University of California, Berkeley in 1953.

After serving three years as an Army intelligence officer in the Korean War, he joined his fathers insurance business and got involved in local politics. In 1971, he became the mayor of San Jose, the first Asian American mayor of a major American city. Then in 1974 he became the first Japanese American from outside of Hawaii to be elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.

In addition to being the first Asian American to hold a presidential cabinet position, he was one of the few individuals to serve two presidents from different political parties; in Bushs cabinet, he was the only Democrat.

In December 2006, President George W. Bush presented Norman Mineta with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Eric Draper, via National Archives and Records Administration

Changing the course of history

The day after the 9/11 attacks, Secretary Mineta was at the White House in a meeting with the president, Cabinet members and Democratic and Republican congressional leaders. The discussion turned to the concerns of Arab Americans, Muslims and those from Middle Eastern countries over the growing demands reported in the media that they be placed in detention facilities.

Mineta later recalled the president saying, We want to make sure that what happened to Norm in 1942 doesnt happen today.

Bush later explained: One of the important things about Norms experience is that sometimes we lose our soul as a nation. The notion of all equal under God sometimes disappears. And 9/11 certainly challenged that premise. So right after 9/11, I was deeply concerned that our country would lose its way and treat people who may not worship like their neighbor as non-citizens. So, I went to a mosque. And in some ways, Norms example inspired me. In other words, I didnt want our country to do to others what had happened to Norm.

At Minetas direction, on Sept. 21, 2001, the Department of Transportation emailed major airlines and aviation associations cautioning against racial profiling or targeting or otherwise discriminating against passengers who appeared to be Middle Eastern, Muslim or both. The message reminded the airlines that not only is it wrong, but it is also illegal to discriminate against people based on their race, ethnicity, or religion. It said the department would be on the lookout to ensure that airport security measures were not unlawfully discriminatory.

Five years later, in December 2006, Bush presented Mineta with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the countrys highest civil honor, paying tribute to Minetas lifetime of public service. While the government of the 32nd U.S. president would not acknowledge Mineta as a citizen, the 43rd president called him a patriot and an example of leadership, devotion to duty and personal character to his fellow citizens.

In 2019, Mineta reflected on how his childhood experience, and the events of 9/11, taught him about how vulnerable U.S. civilians are to being rounded up and detained when the nation is under threat: You think it wont happen again? Yeah, it can.

[Like what youve read? Want more? Sign up for The Conversations daily newsletter.]

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: Susan H. Kamei, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences

Read more:



Susan H. Kamei is a member of the Japanese American Citizens League and the Japanese American National Museum. She worked with Secretary Norman Y. Mineta in the campaign for Japanese American redress and he authored the foreword for her book "When Can We Go Back to America? Voices of Japanese American Incarceration during World War II" (Simon & Schuster 2021).
The mother was charged with child abuse and child neglect or endangerment, carrying a weapon on school property, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor

Memphis Police Department Ke'Erinie King

A mother in Memphis, Tenn., was arrested and charged after her 6-year-old son brought a loaded gun to his school.

The Memphis Police Department responded to a call about an armed individual at Geeter K-8 School before 8:40 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 5, after a resource officer told police a child had a handgun on school property, reports ABC News, WREG-TV, and Fox13 Memphis, citing a police affidavit. The Memphis Police Department says in a statement shared with PEOPLE that another student alerted staff of the firearm  "a loaded 9mm Ruger handgun"  and a teacher recovered it from the 6-year-old's bookbag.

The affidavit stated that the child's mother, KeErinie King, allegedly admitted it was hers and said she had gotten it from an "unknown person," per the outlets. Officers later checked the serial number and discovered the weapon was stolen.

Getty Stock image of police vehicle

Related: Maryland Student, 15, Shot and Killed in High School Bathroom, 16-Year-Old Suspect in Custody

King, 22, was arrested and charged with child abuse and child neglect or endangerment, carrying a weapon on school property, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor, the affidavit says, according to the outlets.

Fox13 Memphis reports that King was booked into the Shelby County Jail and released without bond. Her next court date is scheduled for Oct. 4, WMC-TV reports. It is not clear if she has an attorney.

King's mother, Lakeisha Williams, spoke out about the charges in an interview with WMC-TV, stating, "They made it look as if she gave the child a gun to take to school or she had it somewhere where he can just go and pick it up."

Memphis Police Department Ke'Erinie King mugshot

Related: Father of Georgia School Shooter Told Police in Newly Released 2023 Audio That Greatest Day Was When Son Killed 1st Deer

"We dont have our guns lying around for kids to just go and easily get them. My grandson went out of his way," she added. "He pulled up a little chair and got his mom, and he got a hold of that gun."

"Sometimes, as parents, maybe we need to not let our kids know exactly where we hide our guns, and also when you purchase a gun off the street, make sure that is a clean gun because you dont know what youre purchasing off the street these days and where they come from," continued Williams while speaking about the station.

Memphis-Shelby County Schools released a statement about the incident and said the "school resource officer and leaders acted swiftly to address the situation."

Getty Stock image of yellow police tape

"We encourage all parents and guardians to check their students backpacks before they come to school each day. It is also important to discuss the serious consequences of bringing any weapon or replica weapon to school," the statement obtained by WREG-TV read.

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.

"Our priority remains the safety and well-being of all students. We appreciate our communitys support in ensuring a secure learning environment," the statement continued.

PEOPLE reached out to Memphis-Shelby County Schools for comment.



For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on People.
PONTIAC, Mich. (AP)  A suburban Detroit judge is no longer handling cases after a court official turned over recordings of her making anti-gay insults and referring to Black people as lazy.

Oakland County Probate Judge Kathleen Ryan was removed from her docket on Aug. 27 for unspecified misconduct. Now the court's administrator has stepped forward to say he blew the whistle on her, secretly recording their phone calls.

I just want to make it right. ... I want to keep my job and do it in peace, Edward Hutton told WXYZ-TV. "And I want the people in Oakland County that come to court to get a fair shake, to have their day in court, to have an unbiased trier of fact."

The judge didn't talk to the TV station, but her attorneys, Gerald Gleeson and Thomas Cranmer, said: We look forward to vindicating Judge Ryan in the appropriate forum.

Probate judges in Michigan handle wills and estates, guardianships and cases that involve the state's mental health laws.

In the phone recordings, Ryan uses a anti-gay slur against David Coulter, the county's highest elected official, who is gay. She also referred to Blacks in the U.S. as lazy.

I'm not systemically racist. I'm a new racist, said Ryan, who was first elected in 2010.

It is legal to record phone calls in Michigan if one party consents. In this matter, it was Hutton, who said Ryan had called him at work and after-hours for years.

Hutton said he sent the recordings in August to Coulter; Elizabeth Clement, the chief justice of the Michigan Supreme Court; and other officials. Chief Probate Judge Linda Hallmark then suspended her, with pay, while she's investigated by a judiciary watchdog, the Michigan Judicial Tenure Commission.

Her father, James Ryan, was a state and federal judge. A brother, Daniel Ryan, was also a judge.
LANSING  Which names will appear on the Nov. 5 presidential ballot in Michigan remained uncertain late Friday as decisions were pending from the Michigan Supreme Court.

Though Michigan's Department of State said Friday was a statutory deadline for notifying clerks of final ballot changes, it appeared unresolved issues would carry into early next week, before actual printing of ballots begins.

Vote Here sign at the Southfield City Hall.

The Michigan Court of Appeals has ruled that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will not appear on the list of candidates but that Cornel West, another independent candidate for president, will appear. Based on a late Friday court filing from lawyers for Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, that's the information that was communicated Friday to local clerks.

But clerks were also advised that appeals were pending before the Michigan Supreme Court, and it was not clear at press time Friday when the state's highest court would rule on either case. Benson's attorneys, in seeking an emergency stay and reversal of the Kennedy ruling, asked the Michigan Supreme Court to act by 3 p.m. Monday.

Definitely on the ballot for president are Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee, and former President Donald Trump, the Republican nominee. Also on the Michigan ballot is Jill Stein, the Green Party nominee for president.

Minor party and independent candidates could have an impact in Michigan, a key battleground state, with polls showing a close race between Harris and Trump.

Kennedy, a member of one of America's most prominent Democratic families, suspended his independent campaign for president on Aug. 23 and endorsed Trump. Kennedy, who was drawing 3% of the vote in a recent Free Press Michigan poll, has since sought to have his name removed from the ballot in Michigan and several other states, in an apparent bid to help Trump.

The Bureau of Elections under Benson, a Democrat, said that because Kennedy qualified for the Michigan ballot as the nominee of the Natural Law Party, which held a convention, he is ineligible to remove his name from the ballot. A Michigan Court of Claims judge agreed. But on Friday, in a 3-0 opinion, a panel of the Michigan Court of Appeals said that the section of Michigan law state officials were relying on applied only to state candidates, not presidential candidates such as Kennedy. His name should be removed, as requested, the panel said.

More: Russia ramping up election-meddling efforts to help Trump beat Harris, intel officials say

More: Walz's distant MAGA cousins spark conversation about family dynamics during election

But in a strongly worded emergency appeal, lawyers for Benson criticized the Michigan Court of Appeals ruling as "erroneous" and badly reasoned.

Regardless of what statutory wording applies, Kennedy's repeated delays were by themselves sufficient reason to refuse his request to have his name removed from the ballot, Assistant Attorney General Heather Meingast said in a court filing.

Leaving the Natural Law Party without a candidate would unfairly threaten that party's ballot eligibility in the future, since that eligibility is based on drawing a certain percentage of the vote, the appeal said.

As for West, a civil rights activist and philosopher who has been polling at 1% or lower, the Bureau of Elections ruled that problems with West's affidavit of identity made him ineligible for the ballot. But both the Michigan Court of Claims and the Michigan Court of Appeals disagreed, saying West was not required to submit such an affidavit and that therefore any problems with the affidavit were irrelevant. Benson and her officials did not appeal that ruling to the Michigan Supreme Court, but voter Rosa Holliday, who is represented by former Michigan Democratic Party chair Mark Brewer, did appeal.

Both the Bureau of Elections and the Board of State Canvassers agreed that West filed the required number of valid signatures. But Holliday's appeal also alleges that a significant number of West's signatures were forged.

Michigan Supreme Court justices appear on the nonpartisan ballot but are nominated by the state's two major political parties. Currently, Democratic nominees hold a 4-3 edge on the court.

Contact Paul Egan: 517-372-8660 or pegan@freepress.com. Follow him on X, @paulegan4.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan's presidential ballot not finalized as Friday deadline passes
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  According to the U.S. State Department, since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, American taxpayer money has provided more than $55 billion in assistance for Ukraine.

Much of that money is funneled to American companies to train and advise Ukrainian forces battling the Russians.

According to Jack Byrd, CEO of Solaren Risk Management, his Middle Tennessee security company was awarded a $6 million contract to help train the Ukrainian military, specifically in drone technology.

On Friday, Sept. 6, Byrd was in the Kurdistan region of Iraq, but he said he has been all over Ukraine, as well.

Ukraine gets a new chief diplomat as the war with Russia enters a critical phase

Were over here assisting with training as non-combatants and technical advisors, Byrd summarized.

According to Byrd, he is training troops to use drones that range in price from $400 up to $150,000. He added that some of the drones can carry payloads weighing between 300 grams and 15 kilograms.

Drones up here are incredibly effective because of our ability to utilize thermal imagine or utilize night vision, he said.

He told News 2 that drones do difficult tasks without putting people at risk.

In Ukraine, a city grieves for a family killed in a deadly Russia missile attack

They undergo a six-week training program on drone piloting. They learn how to maintain them, how to fly them, all the laws and regulations around them, how to arm them with explosives, how to return them, how to repair them, Byrd explained.

Byrd introduced News 2 to Ukrainian commanders on the front lines. We spoke to them through a translator.

He made sure to thank Americans for the help of companies like Solaren that enable Ukrainians to fight Russia because, as Valerii Korotkov said, Without you, it is not possible.

Korotkov picked up components involved in drone technology and demonstrated: This is the glasses with the radio signal. We put it on here and have the screen in here.

Zelenskyy presses US military leaders to let Ukraine strike deeper in Russia

The translator showed News 2 an example of the technology Byrds company is teaching them to use, including a sophisticated visor that allows troops to see events on the battlefield in real time.

This is our eyes. This is the devices that we use for delivering the drone to go to Russia, Korotkov said.

They are on the front lines. Every day, theyre being shelled. Every day, theyre using technology thats been provided to them by our government, Byrd explained. Drones have been kind of the great equalizer in warfare. This has written a whole new chapter in warfare and training and combatants, but drones are so much more than just weapons. I mean, they provide surveillance, they provide search and rescue operations, fire prevention.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Migrant butchers set to be paid more than British workers

Migrant butchers could be paid more than British abattoir workers because of new immigration rules and a post-Brexit labour shortage, the meat industry has warned.

Laws introduced by the Tories that came into force in April raised the salary threshold for a skilled worker visa by more than 12,000 to 38,700.

Before the law change, anyone who was brought in was paid the same as a similarly qualified UK worker. They earn a starting wage of 26,200, the previous minimum visa threshold.

EU citizens make up 70 per cent of abattoir staff in the UK and the industry is struggling to recruit domestically.

It forces companies in need of migrant workers to take on overseas butchers at 38,700, The British Meat Processors Association said, adding that was a 49 per cent increase on current salary levels.

Highly skilled, experienced butchers can eventually earn about 40,000.

Migrant butchers are also more expensive to recruit than domestic workers because of the extra costs, of up to 10,000 to 15,000 per person, to bring them in, the association said.

Most migrant workers are brought in to work in skilled, specialised roles in the abattoir and boning halls. Those jobs are the hardest to recruit British workers for.

String of lawsuits

The British Meat Processors Association warned that the high salaries for migrant slaughtermen would trigger a string of equal pay lawsuits from UK workers.

This would ultimately lead to British customers paying more for their food, it added.

Abattoirs could also be unable to fill vacancies, forcing them to scale down, which would have a knock on effect on British livestock farming and food security.

Abattoir numbers have already declined from around 2,500 in the 1970s to just 203 in the UK today.

If they can recruit neither British nor overseas workers theyre left with one choice  contract their business and reduce the number of animals they buy from British farmers and the amount of food they produce in the UK, the association said.

Losing more abattoirs would be anti-growth and make the UK more dependent on food imports and vulnerable to external shocks like the war in Ukraine, the lobby group warned.

British livestock farmers cant survive without abattoirs, it said in its Meat Industry Manifesto,

It will expose the UK to risks beyond our control like wars, climate change-driven shortages and export bans where supplies are suddenly cut-off.

It would also decimate the UK dairy industry, which relies on the domestic abattoir industry, with all dairy cows eventually going to a slaughterhouse.

The industry blamed the decline in British abattoirs on the labour shortage, post-Brexit red tape stifling the meat trade with the EU and failing farm production.

The association wants the Government to replace the one size fits all visa threshold with a system that can adapt to different industries.

It has also urged Sir Keir Starmer to fulfil his pledge of striking a veterinary deal with the EU.

That would remove some of the post-Brexit barriers against imports and exports of perishable products with the UKs largest trading partner.

This is seen as vital to achieve carcass balance, the term to describe finding an outlet for parts of the animal for which there is no market in the UK, which helps keep food prices down in Britain.

A government spokesman said: We have set out a clear plan to bring down historically high levels of legal migration by linking immigration, the labour market, and skills systems to ensure we train up our homegrown workforce and address the shortage of skills.

We will introduce a new deal for farmers to strengthen our food security and drive rural economic growth.

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.
Friedrich Merz, leader of the centre-Right CDU, in Brandenburgh, which goes to the polls this month - Bernd von Jutrczenka/AP

Migrants are to blame for the nightmare of gang rapes, Germanys opposition leader has said.

Friedrich Merz, leader of the centre-Right Christian Democrats (CDU), also claimed new arrivals to the country were largely responsible for almost daily cases of knife crime and sexual assault.

Ahead of a key election in eastern Germany, he said: On average there are two gang rapes per day, far more than half of which are carried out by migrants.

Speaking on the campaign trail in Brandenburg, Mr Merz, 68, accused young migrant men of a complete lack of respect for women.

This country needs to be able to live in freedom and security once again, he said, adding that we will find a majority to ensure that this nightmare is ended.

The CDU leader appeared to be referring to statistics published in July that showed that 761 cases of gang rape were reported to police last year.

A little under half of the suspects did not have German citizenship.

Knife crime also rising

With knife crime also on the rise, the German interior ministry last month announced plans to ban knives in criminal hotspots and to reduce the length of a legal blade.

Mr Merz, who is widely expected to run against Olaf Scholz, the German leader, in next years federal election, has sharpened his broadsides against migrants since a terror attack in Solingen a fortnight ago.

In an attack claimed by Islamic State, a young Syrian man who arrived in Germany in 2022 murdered three people and injured eight more at a diversity festival.

Mr Merz called on the chancellor to stop taking in any more arrivals from Syria and Afghanistan, where most migrants to Germany originate.

This week, he gave Mr Scholz a deadline of next Tuesday to agree to his demands, saying he would otherwise walk away from cross-party talks on the issue.

Far-Right poses election threat

Mr Merzs comments come in the middle of a series of key elections in the east of the country where the AfD  the anti-immigrant, far-Right political party  recently scored landmark successes.

In voting in Saxony and Thuringia on Sunday, the AfD won over 30 per cent of the vote after promising mass deportations of migrants.

Brandenburg, the rural state that surrounds Berlin, is going to the polls on Sept 22.

The AfD lead the polls on 27 per cent. Mr Scholzs Social Democrats, who run the state government, are second on 23 per cent. The CDU are polling third on 18 per cent.

Mr Merz sought to distinguish his hawkish stance from that of the AfD by emphasising that the vast majority of migrants are fantastic people whom the country couldnt do without.

Large-scale migration under Merkel

With former German leader Angela Merkel in charge, the CDU opened Germanys borders to refugees. Large-scale migration started during the autumn of 2015, when up to 10,000 people arrived every day.

But, faced with stiff electoral competition from the AfD, Merz has sought to distance himself from Ms Merkels legacy, saying that it would be unforgivable to make the same mistake twice on migration.

Mr Scholz has also gone on a migration offensive in recent months.

Last month, he broke the taboo of dealing with the Taliban by sending a plane carrying 28 convicted criminals to Kabul.

His government has also suggested that deportations to Syria will start very soon.

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.
GROVE CITY, Pa. (WKBN)  Former Vice President Mike Pence made his professor debut this week at Grove City College.

In April, the college announced that Pence would be a distinguished visiting fellow for the colleges new Center for Faith and Public Life, teaching a political science class alongside College President Paul McNulty.

I just have immense respect for the mission of Grove City College, Pence said in a news release. The opportunity to teach several courses with young men and women who I know are going to be Christian leaders in this country in the years ahead is a great privilege.

On Thursday, Pence and McNulty taught two classes  Christianity and Public Policy, a small seminar course for students affiliated with the Colleges Institute for Faith and Freedom think tank, and Faith and Public Service, a larger lecture class that has more than 200 students signed up.

The classes meet once a week with McNulty presiding in person and Pence videoconferencing from his home base in Indiana if he isnt on campus.

Pence asked students to be patient with him and mentioned that his wife, a retired teacher, said teaching is harder than it looks.

Im extremely impressed with the graciousness of the student body, Pence said. The warm welcome that Ive received from students from literally every background has been very humbling.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory in Minnesota has a lot to celebrate after a "historic" birth welcoming two endangered Tiger cubs into the world.

On September 4, 2024, the Como Park Zoo & Conservatory in Minnesota shared the happy news about the "historic" birth of two Tiger cubs. Take a look!

In a quick video shared to Instagram, Como Park Zoo shared a really cute Reel welcoming two Tiger cubs.

Related: Tiger Cub Triplets at Saint Louis Zoo Enjoy Their Very First Swim

"We are thrilled to announce the birth of two critically endangered Amur tiger cubs on the morning of August 29th," the zoo wrote.

"These cubs  a male and a female  are the first tigers born at Como Zoo in more than 41 years, marking a historic and exciting moment for the zoo and its conservation efforts," the zoo concluded in the caption of their video shared.

"This is an extraordinary milestone for Como," the zoo's director, Michelle Furrer, told CBS News.

"The birth of these tiger cubs is not only a testament to the dedication and expertise of our animal care team but also a beacon of hope for the conservation of Amur tigers worldwide."

The mom, 7-year-old Bernadette is doing well, and while she won't be seen by visitors for a bit while she bonds with her cubs, the care team will keep watch and make sure she has everything she needs, and her cubs, too.

In the comment section, people were excited to see the new cubs, and are happy that their birth went well.

One wrote, "Oh my god! Sending Bernie all my love, from the Oregon Zoo. I used to clean her glass when she was here."

Someone else shared, "This was so good. Miss you all and congratulations!"

Another wrote, "Yaaaaaaas!!! Congrats!!"

One added, "Congratulations! That is sooo exciting!"

Another TikTok user added, "Omg Im going to have to plan a visit now!"

Facts About Amur Tigers

According to the Wildcats Conservation Alliance, Amur Tigers, also known as Siberian Tigers, are among the largest cats in the world.

"The average weight for males is 160-190 kg, while females are smaller, at 110-130 kg," the alliance explained. "Males, females, and cubs can be distinguished by their tracks: a males paw pad measures 10.5  14.5 cm across, a females 8.5  9.5. cm, and a cubs  from 5.5  10 cm."

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Amur Tigers are critically endangered. The most recent assessment estimates the population to be around 265 to 486 worldwide.

"In Russia, key threats to both the Amur tigers and leopards are almost identical, as a result, both are considered Critically Endangered species, predominantly due to human activities including poaching, development, and conflict situations," the Wildcats Conservation Alliance explained.
A missing newlywed nurse has been found dead  and her neighbor arrested

Three days after a just-married Oregon nurse was reported missing, she has been found dead and police have arrested one of her neighbors.

Melissa Jubane, 32, was reported missing on Wednesday after she didnt arrive for her morning shift as a nurse at Providence St. Vincent Center in Portland, raising concerns among her coworkers, friends, and family, the Beaverton Police Department said in a Saturday morning Facebook post.

Police searched her Beaverton apartment but could not find her, according to the post. Her absence without communication was deemed unusual and alarming.

Efforts by officers and family members to contact Melissa throughout the day were unsuccessful, as her phone appeared to be turned off, the post said. Additionally, searches of Melissas bank and credit card records yielded no new information regarding her location.

After an extensive investigation, police identified one of Jubanes neighbors, 27-year-old Bryce Johnathan Schubert, as involved in her disappearance, according to the post.

He was arrested Friday night, and Jubanes remains were recovered, the post adds.

Records show the suspect is being held at Washington County Jail and may face charges of second-degree murder. CNN has not been able to identify an attorney for Schubert or locate family members.

Jubane was married last week, according to CNN affiliate KHLN

In a statement shared with CNN, Providence Health & Services, which operates the hospital where Jubane worked, said her death comes as a shock to us all and she is mourned by her co-workers.

Melissa was an exceptional nurse, committed to our Providence Mission and daily demonstrating our values of compassion, excellence and integrity, the organization said. Melissa was a person of Providence, and we will miss her.

Schubert had previously worked as a nurse for another Portland hospital operated by Providence Health & Services, the company told CNN.

A friend of Jubanes said she loved helping people according to CNN affiliate KATU. She had a really big heart. No matter the situation or what it was, she was always willing to help people.

Beaverton Police say the investigation into Jubanes death is still active.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Mississippi teens 3rd most likely to die while driving: report

JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV)  For many teenagers, driving is synonymous with freedom, but a recent report reveals that doing so in Mississippi is also correlated to risk.

Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death among those aged 16 to 19 nationally. Those drivers have a fatal crash rate almost three times higher than older drivers per mile driven. As more teenagers drive on Mississippis roads every day, WalletHub data indicates that they are the third most likely nationally to die behind the wheel.

The strength of Mississippis motorist regulations is average compared to most states. The cost of vehicle ownership is also among the lowest nationally. However, WalletHub ranked driving Mississippis safety rank as the second lowest nationally. Among Southern States, the Magnolia State is the most dangerous place to get behind the wheel.

Friend describes Mississippi teens killed in crash as amazing people

WalletHubs analysis relied on government and non-profit data. Below is how Mississippi ranked:

Overall Rank: 45th

48th  Teen driver fatalities per 100,000 teens

26th  Teen DUIs per 100,000 teens

34th  Average cost of car repairs

32nd  Premium increase after adding teen driver to parents policy

15th  Provision of teen drivers graduated licensing program laws

47th  Vehicle miles traveled per capita

41st  Quality of roads

23rd  Presence of impaired-driving laws

Mississippi has a graduated license program, which grants young drivers more driving privileges as they get more driving experience and age. Under Mississippi law, a new learners permit may be purchased for 15-year-olds. All 15- or 16-year-olds who receive a learners permit must hold that permit for at least six months. After the waiting period, they may complete the road test requirement to get an intermediate drivers license.

With that license, the applicant can legally drive between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. without a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old in the vehicle with them. The intermediate drivers license must be held for six months or until the applicants 17th birthday. After that point, the applicant will receive an unrestricted license. All applicants under 18 must have a valid school attendance form to obtain an original drivers license or to renew one.

Below are some tips to help prevent driving fatalities among Mississippis youngest drivers:

Avoid speeding and going past the speed limit. Always follow traffic rules and regulations

Eliminate all distractions, especially phone usage behind the wheel

If you know you have to drive long distances, bring a responsible driver along so that you can split the driving to avoid becoming drowsy behind the wheel

If you have consumed any alcohol, either get a designated driver (a friend, sibling, etc) or parents should go and pick them up from the location

Pay attention to surrounding areas while driving to watch out for other motorists or pedestrians

Wear a seatbelt at all times when the vehicle is in motion

For more information about relevant rules and procedures, visit the Mississippi Department of Public Safetys 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 WJTV.
In 2021, Amanda Burrows had an answer to a giant Confederate flag that was erected along a popular route to the Lake of the Ozarks: a billboard with the anti-racist message, EQUALITY BIGGER THAN HATE.

She raised money through GoFundMe to lease the billboard so visitors would not leave with the impression that the area was stuck in a place of ignorance, hate, & racism. She wanted to let visitors know the flag did not speak for everyone in the community.

The goal was to cover expenses for six months.

But when news of the billboard spread, donations rolled in and she secured leases for both sides of the billboard along U.S. 54 highway just south of Eldon, Missouri. She raised just under $50,000 and was able to keep her message there for three years, a fact which fills her with pride.

You know, outside of my personal life, like my family life, its one of the things Im most proud of, she said, as she also gave credit to the others who played a role in the campaign.

But now, with the funds exhausted, Burrows said her involvement is now ending, despite the overshelmingly positive feedback shes gotten for the effort. In fact, she said the support she received over the years outweighed the negative comments nearly five to one.

The initial campaign for the billboard was unexpectedly successful, Burrows said. The fact that we raised as much money as we did, and we were able to keep the space for so long was a true surprise to me.

Although Burrows is stepping away, the message will carry on from a different voice in a different way.

The Missouri Conference of the United Methodist Church will take over the billboard spaces when the leases run out, one side this month and the other in October, using its Love Unites campaign.

Soon, the billboard will be red and black, the colors of the United Methodist Church, with the words, HATE DIVIDES LOVE UNITES.

The Missouri Conference of the United Methodist Churchs Love Unites campaign

Amazing act of bravery

The Missouri Conference works with more than 500 United Methodist churches within the state, with a staff that travels extensively around the state.

After one trip, a staffer mentioned someone had placed a billboard under the big Confederate flag at the Lake of the Ozarks with the message about equality being greater than hate.

The next time Kim Jenne, a pastor and director of connectional ministries for the Missouri Conference, was down that way, she saw the billboard and noted it was paid for by the Friends of Amanda Burrows. That piqued Jennes interest, and she searched online and a Kansas City Star article popped up. Jenne then went to Burrows GoFundMe page and saw shed raised quite a bit of money.

I thought, Wow, what an amazing act of bravery for an individual to do, to say not everyone thinks like you do, Jenne recalled thinking.

Around the same time, Bishop Bob Farr had challenged Jennes communications team to come up with an advocacy campaign for love as opposed to hate. They brainstormed ideas, including possibly helping fund Burrows billboard, but decided to promote their own message to stand alongside what Burrows had started.

Thats what birthed our board, said Jenne, who said their billboard is closer to the Lake of the Ozarks, also on U.S. 54.

The Missouri Conference started developing that message into yard signs and stickers, and then churches started inquiring how they could get their own billboards. Jenne said she worked with her team to try to allocate funds for additional billboards, using the Southern Poverty Law Centers Hate Map of Missouri to prioritize locations where there are known hate groups.

At their annual conference in June, Bishop Farr shared what they were doing and several churches started fundraising. Currently, there are at least six billboards up and at least two more coming, Jenne said.

Take a stand

In early August, Jenne received a voicemail from John Huhman of Columbia, saying they might have a mutual friend  Amanda Burrows.

When Jenne returned the call, Huhman relayed that Burrows was ready to pass the baton, but didnt want to give up the billboard location to anyone who isnt going to advocate against hate symbols or hate.

After meeting over a video conference call, Burrows helped coordinate the Missouri Conferences takeover of the contract for the billboard spaces indefinitely  one side of the billboard in mid-September and the other in mid-October, using the Love Unites campaign.

The Missouri Conference has made a verbal commitment that if it ever decides to pass that off, theyll work to identify another group that will carry on the advocacy work as long as the Confederate flag remains, Jenne said.

Around 15 million people travel to the Lake of the Ozarks each year, many passing the flag. Jenne said it breaks her heart knowing the harm the flag causes to people of color driving past and the idea that visitors might think it represents the way Missourians think.

I know that there are a lot of people who in this state who are silent, who havent spoken up, but think its wrong, Jenne said. So on behalf of all those people, we want to take a stand.

Huhman, who grew up in the area and owns a farm with his brother in Miller County, remembers visiting the Lake of the Ozarks while he was a kid. He said that he was happy to see that the United Methodist Church was taking up the billboard.

Its sad that the United Methodist Church has identified my backyard as a place where hate needs to be addressed, Huhman said.

To Jenne, the move is a necessary one to counteract a symbol that to far too many represents white supremacy and racism.

It can be dressed up in all sorts of pageantry and nostalgia, but at the end of the day, I know that that symbol causes people harm, and for that reason it should be put to rest, she said.
Mary Catherine Martin, an attorney with the Thomas Moore Society, represented a group of Missouri anti-abortion lawmakers and activists Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, during a trial at the Cole County Courthouse (Anna Spoerre/Missouri Independent).

A Missouri judge ruled Friday evening that a reproductive-rights amendment did not comply with state initiative petition requirements, leaving the door open to potentially withhold it from the November ballot.



Cole County Circuit Judge Christopher Limbaugh ruled that the coalition behind the citizen-led ballot measure failed to meet the sufficiency requirement through a failure to include any statute or provision that will be repealed, especially when many of these statutes are apparent.

Need to get in touch?

Have a news tip?

CONTACT US

A spokesperson for Missourians for Constitutional Freedom, the campaign behind the reproductive-rights amendment, said they plan to appeal.

Limbaugh also wrote that while he found a blatant violation of state law, he recognizes the gravity of the unique issues involved in this case, and the lack of direct precedent on point.

As a result, he wont issue an injunction preventing the amendment from being printed on the ballot until Tuesday to allow time for further guidance or rulings from the appeals court.

The constitutional deadline for ballots to be printed is Tuesday.

Amendment 3 would establish the constitutional right to an abortion up until fetal viability and grant constitutional protections to other reproductive health care, including in-vitro fertilization and birth control. It would also protect those who assist in an abortion from prosecution.

The courts decision to block Amendment 3 from appearing on the ballot is a profound injustice to the initiative petition process, Rachel Sweet, campaign manager with Missourians for Constitutional Freedom, said in a statement. And undermines the rights of the 380,000 Missourians who signed our petition demanding a voice on this critical issue.

The lawsuit was filed two weeks ago by a group of anti-abortion lawmakers and activists against Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, who certified the citizen-led ballot initiative for the Nov. 5 ballot nine days earlier. The group is arguing that the initiative should never have been allowed on the ballot.

The plaintiffs  state Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman, state Rep. Hannah Kelly, anti-abortion activist Kathy Forck and shelter operator Marguerite Forrest  said in a statement Friday evening that the amendments scope is staggering.

Missourians have a constitutional right to know what laws their votes would overturn before deciding to sign initiative petitions, they said. Amendment 3 isnt just about abortion.

The plaintiffs were represented in court by Mary Catherine Martin, an attorney with the Thomas More Society who argued during a brief bench trial Friday morning that the campaign behind the amendment fell short of the law by failing to list the specific laws or constitutional provisions which would be repealed if the amendment is approved by voters.

Missouri law requires that initiative petitions include all sections of existing law or of the constitution which would be repealed by the measure.

No one disputes, she said, one of its primary purposes and effects is to repeal Missouris ban on abortion.

Speculation isnt necessary to come to this conclusion, Martin said, pointing to the ballot summary which reads, in part, that a yes vote would remove Missouris ban on abortion.

Loretta Haggard, an attorney representing the campaign supporting the amendment, said that while the amendment would supersede existing law, it would not erase it from the current constitutional text, and therefore would not truly repeal the current statute.

She told the judge in court that this is because the two texts do have some overlapping similarities: both protect women who get abortions from prosecution and both restrict abortion after the point of fetal viability.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX

Fetal viability is an undefined period of time generally seen as the point in which the fetus could survive outside the womb on its own, generally around 24 weeks, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

When it comes to everything else, Haggard said, the amendment would leave the current law to be interpreted through the lens of the new law, meaning any restrictions implemented by the government on abortion prior to fetal viability will have to withstand strict scrutiny in court to remain. She ventured that most of Missouirs current restrictions would not survive for this reason.

Ultimately, Limbaugh sided with the plaintiffs, writing that the page attached to the initiative petition forms included no disclaimer or any equivalent to a disclaimer.

In fact, he concluded. The full and correct text failed to identify any sections of existing law or of the constitution which would be repealed by the measure.
A Missouri judge on Friday ruled against an abortion rights measure set for the November ballot, a decision that throws the proposals fate into uncertainty.

Cole County Circuit Judge Kirby Limbaugh said the initiative petition submitted to overturn the states abortion ban and enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution was insufficient because the individual who submitted the petition didnt comply with state law.

The decision, which came hours after a bench trial, is virtually certain to be appealed and could end up in front of the Missouri Supreme Court in a matter of days. Election officials must soon finalize the November ballot.

Limbaugh put a stay on his decision to give time for a higher court to weigh in.

Missouri has banned abortion since moments after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022. The current ban only allows abortion in medical emergencies.

The amendment would prohibit bans on abortion before fetal viability, and require that any ban after fetal viability contain exceptions for the life, health and safety of the mother.

Limbaugh found that the amendment didnt fulfill a requirement to describe what existing Missouri laws would be changed by the proposal.

Rachel Sweet, campaign manager for Missourians for Constitutional Freedom, the main group in favor of the measure, said in a statement that the campaign, remains unwavering in our mission to ensure Missourians have the right to vote on reproductive freedom.

The courts decision to block Amendment 3 from appearing on the ballot is a profound injustice to the initiative petition process and undermines the rights of the 380,000 Missourians who signed our petition demanding a voice on this critical issue, Sweet said.

Sweet vowed to appeal the decision, saying the campaign hopes for a swift resolution so that Missourians can vote on Nov. 5 to protect reproductive freedom, including access to abortion, birth control and miscarriage care.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  A new video posted on South Dakotas Department of Health Website explaining when physicians can perform abortions in the state is getting mixed reactions.

Were so grateful that Melissa Magstadt, that our South Dakota Secretary of Health, put out very thorough and very clear guidance to medical professionals to know how to handle these situations, Life Defense Fund spokesperson Caroline Woods said.

I get the sense when I watch the video that the state is honestly a little embarrassed about the effects of the abortion law, or at least concerned, Nancy Turbak Berry, chair of the Coalition for Freedom Amendment said.

Abortion lawsuit proceeds to late Sept. trial

Turbak Berry said she thinks the states recent video raises more questions than it does answers for physicians.

It says that no statement in the video is legally binding, Turbak Berry said. If our own Department of Health and Attorney General arent sure what South Dakotas abortion law means, if its so vague that even they wont go on record to make any binding statements, then how in the world are doctors supposed to navigate the mess?

Other groups, like the Life Defense Fund, would argue the video does exactly what it was designed to do  clear up false information and help medical professionals navigate situations.

If there was any ambiguity, theres certainly not anymore, Woods said. Were very thankful for that because women now in South Dakota can get the care and the protection they need for any cases like ectopic pregnancies or miscarriages in general.

State law makes it a felony crime to perform an abortion except if the mothers life is in danger. Woods adds this video further clarifies that.

Lawmakers form panel to discuss state employee fraud

The life of the mother is always first and foremost, Woods said. I think most doctors and nurses know that already. But this is just to push out without a shadow of a doubt that women here in South Dakota are protected.

But one physician, Dr. Marvin Buehner whos been practicing OB-GYN for over 30 years, said it only provides a political cover.

I would suggest that doctors dont use it, he said. I think it would be foolhardy for a doctor to use this video as a guide to navigating the waters of the abortion of the of our medical landscape after the abortion ban.

No matter what people think of the video, the future of abortion in South Dakota will be up to voters in November.

KELOLAND News also reached out to the South Dakota Department of Health for an interview or comment on the video but have not heard back.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Then-Gov. Larry Hogan (left) and Gov.-elect Wes Moore in happier times, two days after Election Day in 2022. Moore this week targeted Hogan's bid for U.S. Senate in a new ad. File photo by Danielle E. Gaines.

A political action committee connected to Gov. Wes Moore (D) has begun airing its first ad targeting former Gov. Larry Hogans bid for U.S. Senate.

Like most attacks on Hogan (R) since he entered the Senate race, the 30-second digital ad from the Unity First PAC, which is now live, focuses on abortion. Hogan, who has scrambled to ease fears that he will be an anti-abortion vote on Capitol Hill, began airing two ads of his own on abortion and womens rights on Thursday.

When Marylands legislature passed a bill to expand abortion access, Larry Hogan vetoed it, a narrator begins in the Unity First ad. And he blocked funding for Planned Parenthood, too. All because he opposes abortion.

The ad then features a soundbite of Hogan saying, You know, I happen to be personally opposed to abortion.

The narrator continues that Hogan was recruited by extreme Republicans to run for the Senate and has been endorsed by former President Donald Trump. Hogan, the ad concludes, could be the deciding vote to ban abortion nationwide. Thats a risk Maryland cant take. Separate photos of Trump with three Supreme Court justices appear on the screen as the ad ends.

Christine Freudlich, a consultant with Unity First PAC, said the political committee is making a six-figure buy to put the ad on digital platforms that reach younger voters. Freudlich said the PAC plans to air other ads on TV and cable this fall and will also invest in youth engagement efforts.

Unity First PAC was launched earlier this year by Moore and his political associates, and its primary goal is to keep his predecessor from reaching the Senate. Ned Miller, Moores campaign manager in 2022, is overseeing the PAC.

Hogan is in a tight race with Prince Georges County Executive Angela Alsobrooks (D), and Democrats are convinced that abortion is the issue that will lead to Hogans defeat. For most of his political career Hogan has said that hes personally opposed to abortion but wouldnt take steps to overturn abortion protections. During this campaign he has promised to oppose efforts to impose nationwide abortion bans and said he would support measures to restore Roe v. Wade.

Hogan seeks to reinforce that message in two new TV ads that feature his daughters and granddaughters. Its the same playbook he used on the abortion issue when he first ran for governor in 2014.

The Hogan ads were first reported by The Hill newspaper.

One ad has two of his daughters, Jaymi Sterling and Julie Kim, addressing the camera, just as Sterling did during the 2014 campaign.

When Larry Hogan married my mom, he became a father to three strong, independent women, and he gained our trust, said Sterling, who was elected St. Marys County states attorney in 2022. Now, once again, theyre attacking him as anti-women.

Kim then says Hogan wants to restore abortion rights that were eroded by the U.S. Supreme Courts 2022 Dobbs decision. The ad is infused with footage of Hogan with his wife, daughters and granddaughters.

The other ad contains some of the same footage and also features Sterling, who touts Hogans record as governor supporting expanded access for contraception in Maryland and equal pay measures.
The Mosaic Institute unveils plans for new project at Aullwood Audubon

The Mosaic Institute unveils plans for new project at Aullwood Audubon

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  A new project from the mosaic designers of the 8/4 Memorial is set to begin construction next year at a local nature center.

Englewoods Aullwood Audubon will be receiving its newest addition in the form of a glow-in-the-dark mosaic.

I think the Glosaic is really going to blow everyones mind. I just cant wait for everybody to see it. Its so amazing its hard to explain, said Jes McMillan.

Shoppers impacted by unexpected outage on Kroger app, website

The project, set to debut a year from now, comes from The Mosaic Institute.

McMillan describes the process as making two different pieces of art, one for the daytime and one for the night.

Utilizing glow-in-the-dark technology, charged from UV rays produced by the sun, the new mosaic stones will stay lit even when night falls.

The luminary quality is just off the charts and we are so excited to introduce it to the world. That will soak in the uv during the day and you just cant miss it at night, it will glow so bright, said McMillan.

The mosaic will be designed to fit into the nature-centered atmosphere at Aullwood Audubon.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Most Wanted fugitives for week of Sept. 6, 2024

Most Wanted fugitives for week of Sept. 6, 2024

EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  Crime Stoppers of El Paso, Inc. distributes pictures of fugitives wanted by the El Paso Police Department and the El Paso County Sheriffs Office weekly through the Most Wanted feature. The following fugitives are individuals which attempts to locate have been unsuccessful.

Macias, Cesar Jalil H/M

Pizana, Freddy H/M

Cuevas, Eric H/M

Garibay, Ramon H/M

Barraza, Ruth Angelica H/F

Soto, Joaquin Jared

Solis, Susana

Morales, Emmanuel Ruben

Perez, Jesus Manuel

Quinonez, Solei

El Paso Police Department

Cesar Jalil Macias: Age 35; 6-foot-3; 230 pounds; brown hair and brown eyes; wanted for assault of a family/house member impeding breath/circulation, unlawful restraint; $75,000 bond.

Freddy Pizana: Age 29; 5-foot-9; 165 pounds; black hair and brown eyes; wanted for aggravated robbery; $75,000 bond.

Eric Cuevas: Age 43; 5-foot-7; 240 pounds; black hair and black eyes; wanted for two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon; $60,000 bond.

Ramon Garibay: Age 42; 6-foot-2; 210 pounds; black hair and brown eyes; wanted for burglary of habitation; $50,000 bond.

Ruth Angelica Barraza: Age 24; 5-foot-8; 248 pounds; black hair and brown eyes; wanted for two counts of credit card or debit card abuse; $10,000 bond.

El Paso County Sheriffs Office

Joaquin Jared Soto: Age 21; 5-foot-7; 129 pounds; brown hair and brown eyes; wanted for operation of stash house; $35,000 bond.

Susana Solis: Age 41; 5-foot-8; 165 pounds; black hair and brown eyes; wanted for burglary of habitation; $75,000 bond.

Emmanuel Ruben Morales: Age 30; 5-foot-8; 150 pounds; black hair and brown eyes; wanted for abandon endanger of a child criminal negligence; no bond.

Jesus Manuel Perez: Age 36; 5-foot-8; 147 pounds; black hair and brown eyes; wanted for driving while intoxicated; $100,000 bond.

Solei Quinones: Age 26; 5-foot-5; 120 pounds; brown hair and brown eyes; wanted for assault causes bodily injury of a family member; $5,000 bond.

Anyone with information on the location of any of these fugitives should call Crime Stoppers of El Paso immediately at (915) 566-8477 (TIPS) or submit the information online at www.crimestoppersofelpaso.org.

You will remain anonymous, and if your tip leads to an arrest, you can qualify for a cash reward.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
WASHINGTON PARISH, La. (WGNO)  A 53-year-old Mount Hermon woman was killed in a wreck with two other vehicles in Franklinton on Friday, Sept. 6.

The Louisiana State Police reports that troopers responded to the crash just before 4:30 p.m. on Louisiana Highway 10 near Oak Tree Road.

It was determined that a Nissan Altima, driven by Rose Tate, was driving east on the highway. At the same time, a Toyota RAV4, followed by a Toyota Sienna, was driving west on the other side of the road.

New Orleans Labor Day weekend shooting suspects court records show prior offense

According to the LSP, Tate lost control of her vehicle and crossed the centerline before crashing into the RAV4. After hitting the other vehicle, the Altima hit Tates vehicle.

Troopers report that Tate wasnt wearing a seatbelt and was killed in the crash. A passenger in the Altima, who also wasnt wearing a seatbelt, suffered moderate injuries. Additionally, the driver of the RAV4 was wearing a seatbelt but also suffered moderate injuries. They were both taken to a hospital for treatment.

While not all crashes are survivable, statistics show that properly wearing your seat belt will dramatically reduce your chance of being injured or killed in a crash. Louisiana law requires that every person in a vehicle, regardless of seating position, always remain buckled up. Properly wearing your seat belt is one of the most effective ways to save your life and reduce injuries in crashes. Louisiana State Police

Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter.

Latest Posts

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGNO.
A metal mosaic mural created in 1960 by Greek-born artist Nikos Bel-Jon and titled "Medical Research Through the Ages" is in the lobby of the old Pfizer headquarters in New York on Thursday, August 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Ted Shaffrey)

NEW YORK (AP)  A mural honoring ancient and modern figures in medicine that has hung in the lobby of Pfizers original New York City headquarters for more than 60 years could soon end up in pieces if conservationists cant find a new home for it in the next few weeks.

Medical Research Through the Ages, a massive metal and tile mosaic depicting scientists and lab equipment, has been visible through the high glass-windowed lobby of the pharmaceutical giants midtown Manhattan office since the 1960s.

But the building is being gutted and converted into residential apartments, and the new owners have given the mural a move-out date of as soon as Sept. 10.

Art conservationists and the late artists daughters are now scrambling to find a patron who is able to cover the tens of thousands of dollars they estimate it will take to move and remount it, as well as an institution that can display it.

I would ideally like to see it as part of an educational future, whether its on a hospital campus as part of a school or a college. Or part of a larger public art program for the citizens of New York City, said art historian and urban planner Andrew Cronson, one of the people trying to find a new home for the piece.

The 36-foot-wide and 14-foot-high (11 meters by 4.3 meters) mural by Greek American artist Nikos Bel-Jon was the main showpiece of Pfizers world headquarters when the building opened a few blocks from Grand Central Terminal in 1961, at a time when flashy buildings and grand corporate art projects were a symbol of business success. He died in 1966, leaving behind dozens of large brushed-metal works commissioned by companies and private institutions, many of which have now been lost or destroyed.

In recent years, Pfizer sold the building  and last year moved its headquarters to a shared office space in a newer property. The company said in an emailed statement that it decided the money needed to deconstruct, relocate and reinstall the mural elsewhere would be better spent on patient-related priorities.

The developer now turning the building into apartments, Metro Loft, doesn't want to keep the artwork either, though it has been working with those trying to save the piece with help like letting art appraisers in. The company declined to comment further, but Jack Berman, its director of operations, confirmed in an email that it needs to get the mural out.

Bel-Jons youngest daughter, Rhea Bel-Jon Calkins, said theyve gotten some interest from universities who could take the piece, and a Greek cultural organization that could help fundraise for the move. But the removal alone could cost between $20,00 and $50,000, according to estimates cited by Cronson.

If they cant immediately find a taker, the mural wont end up in landfill, Bel-Jon Calkins said. But it would have to be broken up into pieces  nine metal sections and eight mosaic sections  and moved into storage, likely with some of her relatives.

Time is ticking away. Workers gutting the building have been carrying out ripped-up carpeting, drab office chairs and piles of scrap wood and loading them into garbage trucks.

For the past few decades, the artwork's metal  brushed tin and aluminum panels in the shape of laboratory beakers, funnels and flasks, surrounded by symbols, alchemists and scientists  has been a dull gray and white. But Bel-Jon Calkins remembers its original, multicolored lighting scheme.

As you moved, the color moved with you and changed. So there was a constant dynamic to the mural that no one really has ever been able to achieve, she said.

Richard McCoy, director of the Indiana nonprofit Landmark Columbus Foundation, which cares for local buildings and landscapes, said the piece might lack commercial value, describing Bel-Jon as extraordinary, but not super well-known.

But then you realize 20 or 30 years from then how great it was, he said, adding that it might merit preservation for its historical value.

Bel-Jon Calkins tracks her fathers 42 large-scale metal murals in a spreadsheet and on the artist's website. She said only about a dozen are confirmed to exist.

A 12-foot (3.6-meter) metal mosaic depicting saints and commissioned by a Greek Orthodox church in San Francisco was destroyed in the Loma Prieta earthquake of 1989. General Motors commissioned a hubcap-shaped metal mural that was larger than a car for a trade show, but she confirmed it was later melted down into scrap.

Its the corporations that have lost them, she said in a phone conversation from her home in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. They valued them enough to commission them but not enough to preserve them.

___

This story was first published on Sep. 7, 2024. It was updated on Sep. 9, 2024 to correct the size of the mural, which is 36 feet (11 meters) wide and 14 feet (4.3 meters) tall, not 40 feet (12 meters) wide and 18 feet (5.5 meters) tall.
CONCORDIA PARISH, La. (WJTV)  A Natchez man, who worked as a hospital security guard in Louisiana, has been arrested and is facing multiple charges.

Investigators with the Concordia Parish Sheriffs Office said Javontrics Murphy, 27, was a hospital security guard and had been employed by the Concordia Parish Sheriffs Office since March 2024. They said Murphy was fired after he was charged with three counts of malfeasance in office, three counts of first-degree rape, obstruction of justice and simple battery.

Starkville teen charged with murder after fight

According to investigators, the sheriffs office received a criminal complaint on August 30, 2024, alleging misconduct by Murphy involving a 15-year-old. He was placed on administrative leave, and the investigation was referred to the Louisiana State Police for review.

Once the investigation was completed, Murphy was arrested and fired from his position with the Concordia Parish Sheriffs Office.

We uphold our core values to the highest degree and any misconduct that meets the threshold for criminal prosecution will be dealt with as such. I am saddened by the details of this case and stand by my commitment to protect the children in Concordia Parish, said Concordia Parish Sheriff David Hedrick.

Louisiana State Police said the investigation remains active and ongoing.

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.
Nate Silver, the celebrity statistician who gained notoriety for his FiveThirtyEight election models, is facing backlash over alleged skewing in his new model.

Silver left the ABC-owned company and launched his own Substack, the Silver Bulletin, last year. Since then, hes become increasingly critical of the FiveThirtyEight projection and its behind-the-scenes assumptions and adjustments.

Theres a fine line between an objective statistical model and just some dudes opinion, Silver wrote in mid-July, a month after launching his own competing election model. But the 538 model falls somewhere on the wrong side of this line, in my view.

Some social media users have denounced his complaints as not based in math, especially as he makes similar adjustments to his data. Silver has adopted the FiveThirtyEight system of weighting polls differently, ostensibly based on reliability. He's facing criticism for allegedly favoring junk polls over respected pollsters.

Patriot Polling is literally run by two right wing high school students that is ranked 240th on FiveThirtyEight, former pollster Adam Carlson noted on X, asking why that poll was weighted more highly than a YouGov poll, which they called an internationally respected pollster that is ranked 4th on FiveThirtyEight.

Some users believe that Silvers methods of weighting polls are dubious, especially as his swing state calculated polling averages move in the opposite direction as recently released swing state polls.

So over the past couple of days, Nate Silver has been tweeting multiple times a day insisting that things are looking worse and worse for the Harris campaign.



One state he claims has moved 1.2 pts to Trump since the convention is WI. Let's take a look at the recent polls there. pic.twitter.com/KzwgocTw2O  Tom Bonier (@tbonier) September 6, 2024

Silver's now being scrutinized for a potential conflict of interest after joining the crypto-based gambling company Polymarket as an advisor in July, and pushed his model while promoting election betting opportunities.

Feels like it should be a bigger deal that Nate Silver is employed by Polymarket, a site that allows you to bet on political outcomes, and also runs a prediction model that has the ability to directly affect betting behavior, journalist Brett Meiselas wrote on X.

Silvers model gives Trump a greater chance of winning than most forecasts, which has earned him fans in MAGA World. Those new boosters include former President Trump, who used Silver's model as evidence that he wasnt losing as badly as polling averages suggested.

Trump: "If you look at the, uh, Nate Silver -- very respected guy, I don't know him -- but he has me up by a lot." pic.twitter.com/OEEG7hO2cT  Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) September 6, 2024
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  Tennessees economy got a $2.2 billion boost in 2023 thanks to millions of visitors to the states national parks.

The National Park Service reported that the state saw over 10.5 million visitors to its 13 national parks last year. Those visitors reportedly spent $1.4 billion across the state  the same amount as in 2022.

That spending resulted in the creation of over 20,000 jobs, which led to the $2.2 billion state economic benefit.

Tennessee State Parks launches How To program series to teach basic outdoor skills

Parks reflect the diversity of our countrys shared heritage and offer unique experiences, for learning, recreation, inspiration, and fun, the National Parks Services regional director for southeast parks, Mark Foust, said in a press release. Visitors come to parks for a variety of experiences and their spending supports the economies of gateway communities.

Visitors spent $26.4 billion in communities across the U.S. in 2023, according to additional reporting from the National Park Service. That spending supported more than 415,000 jobs, with the lodging sector seeing the highest direct effect, followed by the restaurant sector.

Metro Parks and Recreation Board meeting covered Cumberland Park name change, outreach permits and more

Im so proud that our parks and the stories we tell make a lasting impact on more than 300 million visitors a year, National Park Service Director Chuck Sams said in a press release. And Im just as proud to see those visitors making positive impacts of their own, by supporting local economies and jobs in every state in the country.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Christopher Lomahuahu and Eshaan Sarup

News 21

WOLF POINT, Mont.  Louise Smith sits at her daughters dining room table on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation, poring over photographs and newspaper clippings  the everyday scraps that weave a tapestry of her 101 years of life.

She revisits the decades she spent as an Indian Health Service nurse; her retirement to care for her husband, Buck, before he died; and how, late in life, she was named the grand marshal at a parade this year marking the 100th anniversary of the Indian Citizenship Act.

With an umbrella in hand to shield her from rain, she rode the parade route in a convertible clad with a banner that read: Montanas Oldest Native American Voter.

The Indian Citizenship Act of 1924 took effect nine months after Smith was born, recognizing Native Americans as U.S. citizens and, on paper, extending the privileges of citizenship to them. Yet for decades, states continued to block Indigenous people from voting.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

Utah considered anyone living on tribal lands nonresidents and ineligible to vote. Other states, including Arizona, barred people under guardianship from registering to vote and used a court case that likened the relationship between tribal nations and the U.S. to that of a ward to his guardian to enforce that ban against Native Americans.

It wasnt until Smith was in her 40s that the federal government overruled state laws and guaranteed Indigenous people the right to vote by way of the 1965 Voting Rights Act.

Smith, left, and her daughter, Edna, look through newspaper clippings and family photos. (Photos by Christopher Lomahquahu/News21)

Even now, Smith still casts a ballot every election. Its important, she says, because you want to know who youre voting for or what theyre supposed to do for you after you get them in.

We all should be voting, you know?

Today, though, experts warn that some states are once again restricting Native Americans access to voting  even as a few, including Nevada, work alongside tribal nations to expand their ability to participate in democracy.

Weve consistently been bringing new cases every year, said Jacqueline De Leon, a senior staff attorney at the Native American Rights Fund (NARF), which provides legal assistance to the nations 574 federally recognized tribes and has brought numerous lawsuits over voting rights violations. Theres more cases than we have the capacity to cover.

Those cases include a battle to ensure Native Americans in Thurston County, Nebraska  where more than 50% of residents are Indigenous  have an equal shot at representation on the Board of Supervisors.

And one in North Dakota, where lawyers for years have fought state officials over electoral maps that courts say discriminate against Native Americans.

And yet another in Arizona, where the Tohono Oodham Nation and the Gila River Indian Community sued over a law requiring voters registering for federal elections to provide proof of residency using a physical address. A judge last year struck down the requirement after advocates noted homes on tribal land often have no address.

Some experts blame these recent efforts on changes to the federal Voting Rights Act. In 2013, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a section of the act that forced some counties and states to get clearance before changing election procedures, a mandate intended to protect against discrimination.

Since that ruling, efforts to suppress the vote have increased, said voting rights attorney Patty Ferguson-Bohnee, who directs the Indian Legal Program at Arizona State Universitys Sandra Day OConnor College of Law.

Now you can pass all kinds of laws without being precleared, she said. Theres been an erosion of voting rights over time  and its really up to Congress to do something.

In 2021, President Joe Biden directed a steering group to study voting barriers Indigenous voters face, and the resulting report included several recommendations for state and federal lawmakers  including a push to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. Named for the late congressman and civil rights leader, the bill includes provisions specific to Indigenous voters.

From left, Fort Peck Indian Reservation employees Ona Windchief and Colleen Birdsbill discuss voter history with Wayne Martell, tribal executive board member, at the tribal headquarters in Poplar, Mont., on June 26, 2024. (Photo by Christopher Lomahquahu/News21)

In July, a congressional committee published another report that found Indigenous voters continue to face persistent and substantial barriers to the right to vote in federal, state and local elections. Its author, U.S. Rep. Joseph Morelle, D-N.Y., said he hoped a better understanding of the problems would compel Congress to take strong action to protect Indigenous voting rights.

Advocates describe the Lewis Voting Rights Act as a revitalization of the landmark 1965 law and argue it would restore needed protections against discriminatory practices that target Native Americans and other voters of color. The bill, however, continues to languish in committee.

Restrictions in Big Sky Country

Some 2,000 miles from the nations capital, the Fort Peck Reservation is tucked amid expansive grassy plains and cattle pastures a five-hour drive from Montanas largest city, Billings.

The Assiniboine and Sioux peoples called this land home for centuries before European settlers arrived. While they once traded bison meat and horses, the tribes now rely on metal fabrication, production sewing and other industrial activities to bolster their economies.

The original inhabitants of Montana left their mark on politics, too. In 1932, Assiniboine woman Dolly Akers became the first Native American elected to the state Legislature. And each year since 1989, at least one American Indian has held a seat in the state House or Senate.

The state is home to about 73,000 Indigenous people, constituting 6.4% of the population. Nevertheless, the Republican-controlled Legislature has joined other states in passing restrictive measures that advocates say harm Native American voters.

Dubbed election security bills by Republicans, the measures were approved in the wake of unproven allegations of fraud during the 2020 election. One eliminated same-day voter registration; the other did away with third-party ballot collection.

After advocacy group Western Native Voice and tribes including the Blackfeet Nation and the Fort Belknap Indian Community sued, the state Supreme Court in March found the laws unconstitutional, saying they made it much more difficult  for people living on reservations to get to a polling place or mail an absentee ballot.

At the time of the ruling, Ronnie Jo Horse, executive director of Western Native Voice, said it reinforced the principle of equitable access to voting services and the protection of the rights for all voters, especially those residing on reservations where voting barriers are much higher.

In an interview with News21, Horse said shed like Montana lawmakers to make an effort to visit Indigenous communities to see firsthand the voting challenges they face.

Im hoping that representatives are more open to coming to Native communities to really understand what the environment is and the lengths that we have to travel, she said. If we can all come together and discuss things, theres more that we have in common than (not).

Despite attacks on their voting rights, leaders on the Fort Peck Reservation are focused on getting people to the polls and encouraging the next generation to get more civically engaged.

Smith recalls taking young voters to the polls to encourage them to get involved in democracy and exercise a right their forebearers fought long and hard to secure.

My friend and I used to take them in her car. Some dont have rides, she said, adding that even today, I visit all my grandkids sometimes when its voting time to ask them if they voted already.

Fort Peck Tribal Executive Board member Wayne Martell has done the same. You have to go knock on their door, and you have to sit there, and you have to educate them, he said. You have to educate them to how the policy personally affects them.

At 72, Martell has long seen how lawmakers and special interest groups create hardships for Indigenous people. He said voting is about giving his people the power to choose leaders who will make decisions in the best interests of Native Americans.

He points to health care as one example.

After COVID-era Medicaid waivers ended, more than 100,000 Montanans  including more than 12,000 with a tribal affiliation  lost health coverage, according to state data. This November, Montana voters will decide their next governor, along with how the states Medicaid situation will be handled.

Other state races, including that of Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, could be decided by such a small margin that Native American turnout would be the factor. In 2006, Tester won by about 3,500 votes, and campaign officials attributed that  and his re-election in 2012  to Indigenous voters.

In March, the state Democratic Party launched a multimillion-dollar campaign focused on turning out the Indigenous vote.

A Western Native Voice sign promoting voter registration sits on top of a truck in a field near Poplar, Mont., on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation. (Photos by Christopher Lomahquahu/News21)

Indian Country is facing tough battles in 2024, and the outcome of this election couldnt be more important, Cinda Burd-Ironmaker, the partys Native vote political director and a member of the Blackfeet Nation, said in a news release announcing the initiative.

From honoring tribal sovereignty, to improving health care delivery, to combating the missing and murdered Indigenous people crisis, she added, we deserve elected officials who will fight for us and be our partner.

Improving access in the Silver State

In stark contrast to Montana, Nevadas 28 tribal nations have made great strides toward making voting more accessible for members.

In 2016, members of the Walker River and Pyramid Lake Paiute tribes filed a lawsuit alleging their constitutional rights had been violated because state and county officials failed to establish in-person polling places on their lands  forcing members to travel 70 to 96 miles round trip just to vote.

The tribes won  and soon after, the Inter-Tribal Council of Nevada sought additional satellite polling places for nine additional tribes. Those efforts proved largely successful.

This November, Nevada tribes will have 16 local polling stations  including at the Walker River Paiute tribal courthouse in Schurz and the Pyramid Lake Paiute tribal administration building in Nixon.

Because of the push from people  not only here on our reservation, but the surrounding Native communities  weve been able to create equal voting rights, said Walker River Chairwoman Andrea Martinez.

That push continued during the COVID-19 pandemic, when it became essential to provide Nevadas many rural residents  including Indigenous voters  the ability to vote safely.

A law enacted before the 2020 election ensured all registered voters automatically received a mail-in ballot. It also allowed someone other than the voter to collect and turn in a ballot  a process Republicans call ballot harvesting but advocates say helps disabled and elderly people and other voters who lack the means to get to a polling place.

Those provisions helped increase turnout among Native American voters in the state that year by 25% compared with the 2016 election, according to an analysis by the group All Voting is Local Nevada.

In 2021, the states Democratic governor signed a measure making those pandemic-era provisions permanent and extending the deadline by which tribes could request a polling place on tribal land.

Then last summer, Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo signed yet another bill, requiring the state to allow Indigenous people living on tribal land to use an electronic system called EASE to register to vote or cast a ballot.Nevada has obviously been responsive to a lot of push by tribal communities to make voting easier, said Steven Wadsworth, chairman of the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, located northeast of Reno.

Stacey Montooth, executive director of the Nevada Indian Commission and a citizen of the Walker River Paiute Tribe, said all of these successes are due to leaders in Nevada  and the nation  recognizing the growing power of Native Americans.

Across the U.S., the Native American population grew by almost 12% from 2010 to 2020, according to census data. As for those who identify as Native American in combination with another race or ethnicity, that population nearly doubled.

More than 54,000 people who identify solely as American Indian live in Nevada. Thats about 1.7% of the population  enough to make a difference in a tight race.

In 2020, Biden beat then-President Donald Trump in neighboring Arizona by just 10,457 votes, and many credit increased turnout among Native American voters as a key factor. Yet the states 22 federally recognized tribes still face unique barriers to voting.

The demands of each of those groups are very different  and they operate in different spaces, in different places, said Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes.For example, election officials use a helicopter to fly equipment to the bottom of the Grand Canyon to ensure the Havasupai Tribe can cast ballots. And some Navajo Nation residents must travel nearly 150 miles round trip to vote.

Fontes acknowledged that in the past, officials sought to intentionally prevent Indigenous people from voting. Now, he said, the main issue is a lack of funding by the state and counties where tribal lands are located.

They use words like sacred when it comes to voting, he said. But they dont want to pay for it.

In Nevada, Montooth said the growing power of Native Americans and efforts to collaborate more closely with state officials have made a difference  not just with voting services, but with all the essential services that the state of Nevada provides.

Were at a point now where plans are not made, policies are not implemented, without someone saying: What about the first people of this land? she said. Things are definitely improving, but dont be fooled. We still have a lot of work to do.

That work includes ongoing battles over voting access.

In the past two years, the voting rights group Four Directions has had to fight for a polling location for Nevadas Yomba Shoshone Tribe and equal voting access for the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes.

And other barriers remain. For example, a lack of internet connectivity in some Indigenous communities makes the new EASE system impossible for many to access.

One of the biggest obstacles, advocates say, is low engagement among Native American voters  younger ones in particular. A 2020 report by the Native Americans Right Fund found more than 1.5 million eligible Native American voters were not registered.

Its not surprising that people dont see (the electoral process) as something that they want to participate in, because theyre being told in a million different ways that its not for them, said De Leon, who co-authored that 2020 report.

We get hit with this label of apathy, when in reality what we have is a bunch of compounding difficulties that are telling us the system is not for us, she said. All of these combined factors are what make it difficult for Natives to vote and, also, indicate how much power is at stake.

https://news21.com/

This report is part of Fractured, an examination of the state of American democracy produced by Carnegie-Knight News21. For more stories, visit https://fractured.news21.com/
HONOLULU (KHON2)  Four prominent figures from Hawaii have journeyed to Washington D.C. to share their perspectives on Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander issues at the White House.

Senators Dru Mamo Kanuha and Jarrett Keohokalole, Representative Darius K. Kila and Honolulu City Council Vice Chair Esther Kiaaina are participating in the inaugural White House Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander (NHPI) Convening.

Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHONs morning podcast, every morning at 8

This significant event aims to bring together a diverse group, including NHPI community advocates, private sector leaders, elected officials, federal appointees, and artists.

The gathering celebrates NHPI cultures and achievements while spotlighting the Biden-Harris Administrations commitment to addressing key concerns impacting these communities.

Rep. Kila has been an advocate for Native Hawaiian intellectual property rights.

We recognize the Biden-Harris Administrations efforts to address key issues affecting Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders, said Rep. Kila. But beyond acknowledgments, this meeting offers a crucial opportunity to tackle pressing issues head-onprotecting indigenous intellectual property and preserving our cultural identity.

He also addressed concerns about increasing gun violence on the Leeward Coast, urging a comprehensive response to ensure the safety of residents.

Sen. Kanuha is the Senate Majority Leader, and he expressed his pride in representing his community at the White House.

As a proud Native Hawaiian, its a deep honor to represent our community at the White House, and to bring the voices of our people into this important national dialogue, he said. This convening is a vital opportunity to address the unique challenges our people face while celebrating our cultural legacy.

Sen. Keohokalole, Co-Chair of the Legislatures Native Hawaiian Caucus, also spoke on the significance of the event.

It is a privilege to speak at the White House on issues facing Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders, he noted. Our communities deserve a voice, and our issues require creative and collaborative solutions. Mahalo to the Biden-Harris Administration for the invitation and their ongoing commitment to improving the lives of Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders.

Kiaaina, who has extensive experience working in Washington, D.C., said she felt proud of the NHPI leaders engaging at the federal level.

Im heartened and proud of the breadth of the Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander community and political leaders who are engaging at the federal level on issues that are important to our communities, Kiaaina said. She will be part of a panel titled Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Trailblazers.

The legislators and Kiaaina will participate in discussions with community leaders, federal agencies, and panels focused on critical issues facing NHPI communities.

For more information, click here.

Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHONs morning podcast, every morning at 8

The White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI), established by President Joe Biden through Executive Order 14031, is dedicated to advancing equity, justice, and opportunity for these communities.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
A state budget deal that will help 55,000 families pay for private school tuition this year is drawing both cheers and anger among North Carolinians.

Republican legislative leaders announced Friday that they have reached a deal to provide $463 million in additional taxpayer funding to clear the 55,000-student backlog in the Opportunity Scholarship program. Its welcome news for families whove been waiting for months to find out if theyd get any state help to cover private school costs.

This is great news for working class families who are trying to make ends meet given inflation, Rachel Brady, a Wake County parent on the voucher waiting list, said in an interview Friday.

But the deal is being blasted as a handout to wealthy families that is coming at the expense of supporting students in public schools. The North Carolina Association of Educators launched a digital ad campaign on Friday to urge lawmakers not to approve the voucher expansion.

While the majority of North Carolinians believe in the value of our public schools, some state lawmakers are planning to undermine those schools with a massive expansion of taxpayer-funded private school vouchers, NCAE President Tamika Walker Kelly said in a statement Friday.

The plan is dangerously irresponsible for the financial health of our state government and threatens the future of local school budgets statewide.

The General Assembly plans to vote on the bill within the next week. It will likely be vetoed by Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper, but Republicans hold a veto-proof majority in the legislature.

GOP keeps promise on voucher funding

Last year, GOP lawmakers created what they called universal school choice by eliminating income eligibility limits for getting a private school voucher. In response, a record total of nearly 72,000 applicants applied in March for the Opportunity Scholarship program.

But legislators adjourned at the end of June without reaching a deal on voucher funding. At the time, House Speaker Tim Moore said the House GOP Caucus wanted the voucher spending to be coupled with higher raises for teachers.

Teacher raises are not part of the deal announced on Friday. Instead the deal includes items such as requiring sheriffs to honor federal immigration detainers and more money to fund public school enrollment increases.

.The past few months have seen families on the wait list lobby lawmakers. Some parents went to Moores office on July 31 after rallying outside the Legislative Building.

House Speaker Tim Moore accepts a letter on Wednesday, July 31, 2024 signed by N.C. parents urging Republican lawmakers to keep their promise to fully fund private school vouchers for 55,000 students on a state waitlist. Critics of the voucher expansion say lawmakers should prioritize public schools.

Families and students let their voices be heard, and the legislature is now poised to make good on a promise to expand the scholarship programs and send another clear message that in North Carolina we are committed to funding students over systems, Mike Long, president for Parents for Educational Freedom in North Carolina, said in a statement Friday.

Voucher deal a blessing for families

Under the deal, any Opportunity Scholarship applicants who are attending a private school by Oct. 1 will be funded. The funding would be retroactive to the beginning of this school year so families would be eligible for tuition reimbursement from their school.

Whats unclear is how many of the 55,000 students on the waitlist still plan to use their new voucher.

If they pass it, it will be a blessing, said Kathy Whitehill, a parent from Charlotte, in an interview Friday. But its sad for the families who had to financially drop out because they couldnt afford it.

Whitehill picked up a second job to help pay for her daughters tuition when legislators failed to reach a deal in June.

Im shocked theyre bringing it forward because I had lost faith, Whitehill said.

House Speaker Tim Moore accepts a letter signed by parents that urged Republican lawmakers to keep their promise to fully fund private school vouchers for the 55,000 students on the Opportunity Scholarship waiting list on Wednesday, July 31, 2024 at the Legislative Building.

Several of Rachel Bradys friends also dropped their plans to attend a private school when no deal was reached in June. But Brady, the Wake County parent who organized he July 31 rally outside the Legislative Building, said she scraped by to cover private school costs this semester.

This puts parents in the drivers seat to make the choice that meets their kids needs, Brady said.

Vouchers for the wealthiest North Carolinians

Parents like Brady and Whitehill would have qualified for a voucher back when the program had income limits. But 70% of the families on the waiting list made too much money to have qualified in previous years.

The wealthiest North Carolina families who applied for an Opportunity Scholarship this year would get at least $3,360 per child under the deal reached by GOP lawmakers.

Theyre coming back to take hundreds of millions of taxpayer money out of the public schools to give it to private school vouchers for the wealthiest North Carolinians, Gov. Roy Cooper and other Democratic leaders said at a news conference Thursday. This is devastating for education across the board and we have evidence from other states to prove it.

Senate Democratic Leader Dan Blue of Raleigh, at podium, talks about private school vouchers and planned votes in September at the N.C. General Assembly. From left, Rep. Cynthia Ball, House Democratic Leader Robert Reives, Gov. Roy Cooper, Blue, Sen. Michael Garrett and Sen. Lisa Grafstein, during a news conference at the Albemarle Building.

One of the changes lawmakers made to the program was eliminating the requirement that older students had to have previously attended a public school to get an Opportunity Scholarship. Its uncertain how many of the students on the waitlist were attending private schools before this school year.

They mostly benefit people who already have children in private school and many of these private schools are simply raising tuition in anticipation of the vouchers, Cooper said.
NC political scientist: Young voters could be the difference in November  if they show up

Professor Michael Bitzer (Photo courtesy Catawba College)

If the nations young voters show up Nov. 5, they could be game changers in the General Election, according to Michael Bitzer, the Leonard Chair of Political Science and professor of politics and history at Catawba College.

Bitzer, who holds forth regularly on North Carolina politics at the website Old North State Politics, said students often complain that politicians and others arent addressing their concerns, which includes such issues as housing affordability, student loan debt and other challenges that 1822-year-olds face.

The political apathy, Bitzer said, tends to follow them into full adulthood.

I think what the normal pattern that political science knows is that as you age into your life cycle, you do become more engaged, you do understand the dynamics, you do see the importance of showing up to things like voting, Bitzer said. The millennials, however, arent necessarily tracking the same dynamic as weve seen in previous generations, so those voter turnout rates where those millennials who are now into adulthood, who are now establishing families, now have what we think of as secure jobs and employment, theyre still not showing up necessarily, at least not in this state at the rates that they should be.

Bitzer made his remarks Friday on the final day of the North Carolina Affordable Housing Conference held at the Raleigh Convention Center. The conference brought together more than 1,300 housing advocates, developers, bankers and others in the housing industry to discuss challenges of producing affordable housing and to celebrate successes.

The disturbing trend of young voters sitting out elections could change with Vice President Kamala Harris replacing President Joe Biden atop the Democratic ticket, Bitzer said.

Were seeing enthusiasm and [an increased] energy level and basically a realignment of youth vote back to what we normally expect, but well just have to wait and see how November 5 comes along, Bitzer said.

He shared charts showing that 62% of registered millennials voted in the 2020 election and 61% of Gen Z voters. Those number dipped dramatically in the 2022 mid-term elections when just 35% of millennials and 24% of Gen Z voters went to the polls.

If you take both Gen Z and millennials as percentage of the voter registration pool, thats a plurality right there, Bitzer said. But, getting them to be invested and to recognize what they can do, I think is a continuing struggle.

Bitzer told conference attendees that he expects another tight election in North Carolina, which former President Donald Trump won in 2020 by about 75,000 votes.

He said 97% of the states voters are evenly divided between voting for candidates of one of the major parties with a 3% set of potential swing voters.

So little movements within North Carolinas electorate can have huge effects, Bitzer said. All politics aint local in all deference to former Speaker Tip ONeill.
Negotiations underway on Azeri gas transit to EU via Ukraine, Azerbaijan says

Negotiations are underway between Azerbaijan and the EU, Moscow, and Kyiv on supplying natural gas to Europe via Ukraine, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said on Sept. 6 at the Cernobbio Forum in Italy

Ukraine currently transits Russian gas to the EU as part of a deal signed in 2019, which is set to expire in December 2024.

Russia cut much of its pipeline gas transit to Europe in 2022, but countries like Austria, Hungary, and Slovakia remain heavily reliant on Russian imports.

The EU and Kyiv have said they would not seek an extension of the contract and would look for a different gas supplier. President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed in an interview with Bloomberg on July 3 that Kyiv is in talks to transit Azeri gas to the EU.

"Russia, Ukraine, and European institutions have approached us in connection with the continuation of gas transit through the territory of Ukraine," Aliyev said in a speech. "For several months we have been making great efforts to come to a common denominator."

If gas transit through Ukraine stops, "the gas distribution system of Ukraine will be completely paralyzed," and several EU countries "will face serious difficulties," Aliyev added.

Read also: Putin in Azerbaijan: Depleted by Ukraine, Russia plays a weaker hand in the South Caucasus

Gas supplies from Azerbaijan would have to first transit through southern Russia before reaching Ukraine.

Azerbaijan already supplies gas to Italy through an alternative route, called the Southern Gas Corridor, which is a network of pipelines that stretches from the Caspian Sea through Turkey and into the Mediterranean Sea.

According to Aliyev, Azerbaijan is Italy's number one oil supplier and number two gas supplier, and currently supplies gas to six other EU countries.

Baku is also in the process of negotiating gas supplies with at least three more European states, he added.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen signed a deal with Aliyev in Baku in July 2022 to bring imports of Azeri natural gas to "at least" 20 billion cubic meters annually by 2027.

Read also: Ukraine, Russia have no intention of halting gas flows to Europe amid fighting in Kursk Oblast, Bloomberg reports





Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Police arrested the neighbor of Melissa Jubane, a nurse whose remains were found on Friday after she was reported missing by her co-workers in Beaverton, Oregon, earlier in the week.

Bryce Johnathan Schubert, 27, was charged in Jubane's murder and investigators said on Saturday he was involved in her disappearance.

Jubane, 32, a nurse at St. Vincent Hospital in Portland, had not reported for her shift on Wednesday morning, "Raising concerns among her coworkers, friends, and family," the Beaverton, Oregon, Police Department said in a statement.

PHOTO: Melissa Jubane (Photo via Beaverton Police Department)

"Her absence without communication was deemed unusual and alarming," the police said.

MORE: Body of woman missing for 2 years found under backyard firepit, roommate charged with murder

Investigators searched Jubane's apartment building, phone, banking and credit card records but could not find a trace of the missing woman. Investigators were led to Schubert "through an extensive investigation," and ultimately found her remains, accoring to the police.

Exact details about her death and how investigators discovered the remains were not immediately disclosed.

MORE: Human remains found after neighbor arrested for murder of couple missing from nudist ranch

Attorney information for Scubert wasn't immediately available.

St. Vincent's Hospital released a statement Saturday expressing their condolences to Jubane's family.

"This comes as a shock to us all and she is mourned by her co-workers. Melissa was an exceptional nurse, committed to our Providence Mission and daily demonstrating our values of compassion, excellence and integrity," the hospital said in a statement. "We stand in support of her loved ones and those who worked so closely with Melissa. We appreciate all the expressions of concern from the community."

Neighbor arrested after missing nurse's remains found: Police originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Erie, PA (WJET/WFXP) Tragedy struck a family as a four-year-old boy lost his life in a house fire overnight.

This fire also injured an 11-year-old boy with the cause still under investigation. Now the community is mourning the loss of a young boy who stayed in this four-person residence.

A four-year-old boy has died after fire engulfs home in Erie

Around 1 a.m. crews arrived in the 500 block of East 4th Street, finding heavy flames pouring from the front of the structure.

Once crews had the fire under control they were able to enter the house though the investigation had to be put on hold pending a warrant for police and fire crews to further look into the cause

One individual is being treated on scene, a firefighter, for falling through the porch floor, said Captain Thomas Cooper, acting deputy chief for the City of Erie.

Fire Marshall Donald Sauer said the fire was called in by two individuals who were sitting down the street and noticed the flames.

More Erie Co. mosquitoes, bird test positive for West Nile Virus

The only people present in the home were two children, a four-year-old boy and an 11-year-old boy.

According to Erie County Coroner Lyell Cook, the four-year-old died as a result of the fire who was on the second floor of the structure.

It looks like the fire started on the first floor, there was no doors or anything around the stairs so it went right up to the second floor, Fire Marshall Sauer said.

The second child was taken to the hospital to be treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Close

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

Daily News

Investigators said it was the quick action of neighbors that helped the 11-year-old escape the house.

He tried to exit his bedroom into the main part of the house, the dining room, but there was too many smoke and too much heat so he went back in his bedroom closed the door and he stuck his hand out a window on the west side of the house, Fire Marshall Sauer said. One guy boosted up another guy because the window was a little higher off the ground and the second gentleman was able to pull the 11-year-old boy out of the house.

Another aspect that saved the 11-year-olds life is his door being closed.

Sauer said to close before you doze to keep all family members safe.

Update work starting this month at Cranberry St., Bayfront intersection

Its always hard no matter how old or young an individual is when they pass away from injuries from a fire  Were all pretty shook up about it, he went on to say.

Erie City police detectives are assisting with this 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 WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com.
Happy Saturday! Heres another edition of my weekend column for WPRI.com  as always, send your takes, tips and trial balloons to tnesi@wpri.com and follow me on Twitter, Threads and Facebook.

Close

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

Nesi's Notes

1. Its been a fairly quiet primary season in Rhode Island  unless youre in Cranston. The states third-largest city has eight contested primaries on Tuesday, which helps explain why its currently leading the state for early voting turnout. Theres plenty to watch, including that five-way Democratic contest to replace retiring state Sen. Josh Miller. But what has people talking most is the Republican primary for mayor. As our WPRI 12 debate showed last week, there is no love lost between former allies Ken Hopkins, the incumbent, and Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung, a state rep and the wife of Hopkins predecessor. Primaries are always hard to handicap; in this case its expected that just 5,000 or so voters will choose the winner. Hopkins has the advantages of incumbency and the city GOPs endorsement. But hes been knocked sideways in the last week by the revelation that he took a car three years ago and has yet to pay for it. Hopkins insists its a political hit job, but the allegations have raised real questions  and given fresh ammunition to Fenton-Fung, who is trying to paint Hopkins as bumbling and unethical. He has hit back by playing to the GOP base, airing a TV ad on Fox News this week that suggests her record on Smith Hill is too liberal. As Dan McGowan noted Friday, all this creates an opening for Cranston Democrats, who have only held the mayors office for six years total since John F. Kennedy was president. Their nominee, Republican-turned-Democrat Robert Ferri, will get a boost in November from higher Democratic turnout in a presidential year. He should also have plenty of money: the Ferri campaign has scheduled a major fundraiser for Sept. 22, with a host committee headed by the entire congressional delegation plus Speaker Shekarchi.

2. I loved this stat from Cranston elections registrar Nick Lima: the youngest local voters who are eligible to cast a ballot in next weeks primary are age 17 (thanks to this new law), while the oldest is 109-year-old Henry Polichetti  who also happens to be the countrys second-oldest living World War II veteran. And sure enough, there was Polichetti on Friday flanking Jack Reed at a 75th anniversary celebration for the Cranston Historical Society, looking hale and hearty. If his last name sounds familiar  yes, his daughter is former Projo reporter Barbara Polichetti, now a Cranston Herald contributor. You can learn more about him in this Street Stories feature we aired last December.

3. There are 18 contested primaries for General Assembly on the ballot next Tuesday, per the secretary of states office  all Democratic Party nomination contests. The most high-profile of the bunch is over in North Providence, where Senate President Dominick Ruggerio has an army of surrogates knocking doors on his behalf as he seeks to fend off a third straight challenge from Lenny Cioe. As for the rest of the legislative races, I cant do a better job summarizing them than the Projos Patrick Anderson did in Mondays Political Scene  so Ill direct you over to his good work.

4. National political forecasters keep updating their U.S. Senate race outlooks, and they all keep classifying Democratic incumbent Sheldon Whitehouse as a lock for reelection in November. That hasnt stopped two Republicans  Ray McKay and Patricia Morgan  as well as Democrat Michael Costa from giving him some opposition on the ballot. As with the Cranston mayoral primary, the McKay-Morgan primary is hard to handicap due to the low expected turnout and unusual dynamics with the two candidates. (Morgan has a much longer political resume than McKay but seemingly many more intraparty critics.) Costa, who briefly ran for governor as a Republican in 2022, unexpectedly filed to challenge Whitehouse in the Democratic primary and is using some of his own wealth to fund a five-figure TV ad buy. Whether planned all along or spurred by Costa, Whitehouses campaign announced this week he was going back on the air with 30-second and 60-second spots ahead of Tuesdays primary. (He already did a big TV buy targeting Olympics viewers, as well.) Will Whitehouse beat his 77% showing in the 2018 primary, or will Costas late effort push his number lower?

5. Across the border in Massachusetts, incumbent Democrat Elizabeth Warren is also viewed nationally as a sure thing to win reelection. But unlike Sheldon Whitehouse  who is poised to have a massive cash advantage over his GOP rival, barring a surprise influx of outside money  Warren cant take for granted that she will have the financial upper hand. The winner of this weeks GOP primary to challenge her was John Deaton, who moved out of Rhode Island early this year for the chance to run against the incumbent senator. Deaton is best-known as a major advocate for the cryptocurrency industry, which Warren has repeatedly targeted. (That includes a bill she cosponsored with Jack Reed in 2022, the Digital Asset Sanctions Compliance Enhancement Act.) As Politicos Kelly Garrity notes, billionaires with interest in crypto have been putting big money into super PACs this election cycle to sway voters.

6. Seth Magaziner is facing only token opposition this fall from Republican Steven Corvi, who has raised almost no money and was down double-digits as of June. That hasnt stopped the freshman congressman from keeping up an aggressive fundraising schedule to pad his $1 million war chest. On Aug. 29, Connecticut Congressman Jim Himes headlined a Magaziner fundraiser at Newports Laurelawn estate, owned by the prominent D.C. lobbyist Tom Quinn. And he has another fundraiser on the calendar for Sept. 16, this one hosted by Kate and Macky McCleary at their East Side home. He also did a fundraiser this week that benefited the DCCC, House Democrats campaign arm, via Zoom. At the same time, Magaziner has started to speak out about what he sees as a lack of organizing among local Democrats on behalf of Kamala Harris. What Im not seeing yet is as much engagement in the form of door-knocking, phone-banking, volunteering today that there was for the Joe Biden campaign four years ago, he told me Tuesday in an interview that raised eyebrows among other political insiders. He followed up Friday with a selfie video posted to social media, emphasizing that his message is about rank-and-file Democrats, not Harris. Shes doing her job, but the rest of us need to do our job, too, he said. And the sense I get from too many Democrats who are out there is they think, Oh, well, Kamalas our nominee, things are better than they were before, were good. Thats not how this works. Magaziners call to arms has so far helped generate 100 registrations for a phone bank he is hosting Thursday.

7. Rhode Islands other freshman congressman, Gabe Amo, is if anything even more favored in his own reelection race. Amos Republican opponent is Allen Waters, who is making his fourth run for Congress in the last five years (one of which was as a Democrat). That has freed up time for Amo to serve as a frequent campaign surrogate for first Joe Biden and now Kamala Harris. Hes racked up Frequent Flyer miles with visits to Georgia, Nevada, North Carolina and New Hampshire on behalf of the partys presidential ticket. Hes also doing regular media appearances for Harris, including a hit Wednesday on Bloomberg Radio as well as a speaking slot on a Black Voters for Harris Zoom event. Amo has also been on the campaign trail locally, knocking on doors Thursday in Pawtucket with longtime mayor Don Grebien, who is facing a Democratic primary challenge Tuesday from Camron Segalla.

8. Not something you see every day: a juicy leak about Jack Reed from a private meeting.

9. Once the primary is over, keep an eye on the race for Warwick mayor. Independent incumbent Frank Picozzi is seeking another term after ousting the late Joe Solomon in 2020 and then running unopposed in 2022. Democrats have drafted School Committee member Leah Hazelwood as their nominee against Picozzi. While the race hasnt received much attention, Hazelwood is getting a financial boost at a fundraiser later this month hosted by a whos who of Rhode Island Democrats  including Warwicks most powerful pol, Joe Shekarchi  which if nothing else suggests they view her as a credible candidate for mayor.

10. Theres no lack of news about Rhode Islands hospital industry these days. Lifespan is advancing into Massachusetts with the $175 million purchase of two Bristol County hospitals from Steward. South County Hospital CEO Aaron Robinson is on the defensive as he faces public criticism over how he is leading the money-losing facility. Prospect Medical Holdings and the attorney generals office are still at odds over transferring ownership of Roger Williams and Fatima. And Blue Cross & Blue Shield is arguing that the health insurance commissioner isnt allowing rates to increase enough to keep up with ever-rising medical costs (hospital and otherwise). There is a common thread across these stories: health care is expensive, and nobody seems to think there is enough money flowing into Rhode Islands health sector to meet the demands of patients, providers and state leaders. South Countys Robinson used a striking analogy in an interview with my colleague Eli Sherman: Just like the Washington Bridge had signs of a failing infrastructure, theres a failing infrastructure in health care in this state and weve kicked the can down the road year after year.  Lets not be in the same position where the house burns down, or the Washington Bridge fails, before we act on it.

11. R.I. Education Commissioner Angelica Infante-Green is our guest on this weeks Newsmakers, joining Tim White and me for a wide-ranging conversation on everything from the future of the Providence schools takeover to how Rhode Islands pension changes make teacher recruitment more difficult. Infante-Green has served as commissioner since 2019, when she was hired by then-Gov. Gina Raimondo, and her contract is up next year. She didnt hesitate when asked whether she wants to stay in place for another tour of duty. Absolutely, she said. Im a Rhode Islander  my kids are in school and we are staying here.

12. People in the news  Governor Healey is hosting the 45th annual New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers Conference on Monday and Tuesday; Governor McKee is expected to attend  George Nee will retire as president of the Rhode Island AFL-CIO after 15 years in the job  Newport Mayor Xay Khamsyvoravong has been named to NewDEALs fall 2024 class of rising state and local Democrats  Time magazine named Gina Raimondo as one of the key people shaping the future of AI  Aaron Mackisey has departed as Mayor Picozzis chief of staff to take a job in D.C.; Bill Facente has replaced him  local author Phil Eils book Prescription for Pain is slated to come out in paperback next spring  Democratic operatives Mark LeBeau and Matt McDermott have launched an Out for Harris Rhode Island volunteer group to rally LGBTQ+ voters for the Democratic ticket  Rhode Island Monthlys Lauren Clem filed a story on two up-and-coming local reporters.

13. PCs James Bailey asks a fair question: What is vision insurance good for?

14. GQ has an entertaining new joint interview with George Clooney and Brad Pitt. Can you believe theyre both in their 60s now?

15. Set your DVRs: This week on Newsmakers  R.I. Education Commissioner Angelica Infante-Green. Watch Sunday at 5:30 a.m. on WPRI 12 and 10 a.m. on Fox Providence, or listen on the radio Sunday at 6 p.m. on WPRO. You can also subscribe to Newsmakers as a podcast via Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. See you back here next Saturday.

Ted Nesi (tnesi@wpri.com) is a Target 12 investigative reporter and 12 News politics/business editor. He co-hosts Newsmakers and writes Nesis Notes on Saturdays. Connect with him on Twitter, Threads and Facebook.

Your Local Election HQ

 Latest Headlines 

 Race Results 

 Voter Guide 

 Where They Stand 

Your Local Election Headquarters

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
India's trade with Kuwait has surged remarkably, with Indian exports to the Gulf nation reaching an impressive USDS 2.10 billion in the fiscal year 2023-24, as per the official data by Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The surge in trade marks a significant increase of 34.78 per cent in FY-2023-24 compared to the USD 1.56 billion reported in the previous fiscal year. This surge in exports also highlighted the robust trade relationship between the two countries, reflecting a substantial year-on-year growth. As per the data the key sectors driving this export growth include aircraft and spacecraft parts, cereals, and a diverse range of precious and semi-precious stones. Additionally, the export of imitation jewelry, coins, vehicles (excluding railway or tramway rolling stock), and pharmaceutical products have contributed to this impressive performance. Kuwait's economy, predominantly driven by its vast petroleum resources, has maintained its position as a significant trading partner for India. The country boasts estimated crude oil reserves of 101.5 billion barrels, accounting for approximately 6 per cent of the world's total reserves, and proven natural gas reserves of 1,784 billion cubic meters, or about 63 trillion cubic feet, according to the latest OPEC data. The country also stands as the fourth-largest economy among the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries, trailing only the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. This competitive and open market presents substantial opportunities for Indian exports, particularly in the consumer goods and project sectors. As per the official statement, historically, trade has been a cornerstone of India-Kuwait relations. India has consistently ranked among Kuwait's top trading partners. For the fiscal year 2023-24, the total bilateral trade between India and Kuwait reached USD 10.479 billion. Of this, Indian exports constituted USD 2.10 billion, reflecting a notable increase of 34.7 per cent year-over-year. Furthermore, Kuwait continues to play an important role in meeting India's energy requirements. During the fiscal year 2023-24, Kuwait was the sixth-largest crude oil supplier to India, fulfilling approximately 3 per cent of the country's total energy needs. (ANI)
FRANKFORT, Ky. (FOX 56)  Tony Bryants love for cooking began at six years old in Wilmington, NC.

It was Easter Sunday, so I decided to surprise my mom, said Bryant, owner of Big Daddys Fried Chicken, I cooked fried chicken and instant mashed potatoes, which was nothing but a big bowl of milk, basically, because I didnt do it right, and some canned corn.

RELATED:

Closure of Singing Bridge in Frankfort following inspection: What to know

Boaters remember Frankforts Singing Bridge as safety concerns force detours

By age 11, his mother declared she was retired from the kitchen, so Bryant and his sister took over the cooking and cleaning.

His passion led him to Frankfort, where he opened Trifectas BBQ, Cap City Cigar Bar, and Big Daddys. Business boomeduntil it didnt.

For lunch, I was doing 40, 50 tickets a day, now during the week, its about 20 all day, said Bryant.

Last week, the state closed the Singing Bridge, just feet from Big Daddys, the bridge saw nearly 4,000 vehicles a day. Now, customers said getting to the restaurant, is a struggle.

I realized I couldnt go that way, and I didnt know the name of it, so I couldnt do it, and so I just kind of ended up having to follow the river down and try to figure out a path back over here, said Issac Bradford, Frankfort resident.

Just steps away, is yet another business with low traffic coming to its doors. This one might not be known for its smells in the air, but it is a hobby many enjoy.

Frankfort native Austin Smith, owner of Retros: The Vault, always wanted to bring people together through video games. Just days before his business opened in its new location, the bridge closed.

We came down here thinking that we would have a lot more action going on. And then with this immediate closure of the bridge, it just has come almost to a screeching halt, said Smith.

Steven Pardi, longtime friend of Austins, is doing what he can to drum up business while the bridge remains closed.

I said, well, hes got to be stressed, you know. So I said, welp, let me put together some letters for you, you know, and well send off a call to action, said Pardi.

Local business owners are also joining forces to support the community, planning movie nights and city partnerships to keep people coming to the area.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

Were going to combine with them and my friends right around the corner, and see if we can continue getting traffic flowing on this side of the bridge, said Bryant.

Bryant and Smith said they would not give up hope that the bridge would soon be open again, benefiting business and traffic for daily commuters.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  The National Hurricane Center is monitoring a disturbance in the Eastern and Central Atlantic, as of Saturday morning.

The tropical wave is showing a 70% chance for development over the next seven days.

Reel Talk: Amanda goes diving with goliath grouper

According to the NHC, the elongated trough of low pressure is already producing shower and thunderstorm activity and is expected to develop slowly over the next few days.

The storm will continue to move westward across the Atlantic during the middle, to the later part of next week.

One tropical wave in the Bay of Campeche is expected to become our next named storm as it moves north. It has a 70% chance of development over the next few days. It is expected to make landfall next week near the Texas/Louisiana border. There are two other tropical waves in the far eastern Atlantic that have low chances for development, but may develop slowly in the coming days. None of these waves appear to impact the Tampa Bay area, Max Defender 8 Meteorologist Eric Stone said.

Another disturbance, near the coast of Mexico, has a medium chance of development as it approaches the Yucatan peninsula and enters the southern Gulf.

Watch Tracking the Tropics on Tuesdays at 12:30 p.m. ET/11:30 a.m. CT.

Be prepared with the 2024 Hurricane Guide and stay ahead of tropical development with the Tracking the Tropics newsletter.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Prosecutors in Pennsylvania say the death penalty is on the table for a Ph.D. student accused of killing a 6-week-old baby and severely injuring his twin brother while she was babysitting them in June.

Nicole Virzi, a 30-year-old from California, was charged with homicide, aggravated assault and child endangerment in the case involving the newborn twin boys in Pittsburgh.

According to a criminal complaint and a death penalty notice obtained by TODAY.com, the medical examiner determined one of the boys, Leon Katz, died of blunt force trauma on June 16.

Virzi was charged with homicide in connection with the boy's death, as well as the abuse of Leon's twin brother.

David Shrager, Virzi's defense attorney, told NBC News that he would pursue acquittal for his client.

This was not the direction we hoped the case would go, Shrager said. We strongly disagree with the allegations made by the DAs office regarding the death penalty. We will of course be litigating this case aggressively until the truth comes out.

What happened to Leon Katz?

Leon Katz was a 6-week-old infant who died on June 16 after sustaining multiple head injuries while in Virzi's care.

According to a verified GoFundMe page, he and his twin brother, Ari, were born in May to Savannah Roberts and Ethan Katz, who lived in Pittsburgh.

On the day before he died, Leon spent time with Virzi on an outing with his parents and twin brother, according to a police complaint.

At some point that day, police said, Virzi pointed out to Roberts and Katz that Ari had blood in his diaper and that his penis was red and swollen, the complaint said.

Virzi said Leon was left in her care sometime around 6:30 p.m. at Roberts and Katz's apartment while they brought Ari to the hospital.

Virzi told investigators that she had fallen asleep while Leon was in a bouncer seat. When she woke up, she said she went to the kitchen to get a bottle for him while he remained unstrapped in his bouncer seat. While in the kitchen, Virzi heard the boy screaming, she said.

When she found the boy, he was lying on the ground and had a large bump on the left side of his head, she told police. She said she called the boys parents, and then called police at around 11:17, p.m., according the complaint. She told police the baby was conscious and breathing, but becoming non-responsive.

Emergency medical and fire teams responded to the scene, and Leon was taken to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center- Children's Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 5:47 a.m. the next day, the complaint said.

An investigator for the Allegheny County medical examiners office reported that a CT scan showed Leon sustained a severe skull fracture to the left side of his head and had multiple brain bleeds, according to the complaint.

A physician from Child Advocacy Center informed detectives that the injuries found on Leon were consistent with ones sustained as a result of child abuse, and the injuries were inflicted "not natural and not accidental."

Who is Nicole Virzi?

At the time of Leon Katz's death, Nicole Elizabeth Virzi was pursuing a Ph.D. at the University of California, San Diego, studying behavioral medicine. Her student profile on the UCSD website was recently taken down.

The GoFundMe page described her as a "trusted family friend" of Savannah Roberts and Ethan Katz.

At the time of the incident, Virzi was staying at an Airbnb about an eight-minute drive away from the family apartment where the alleged incidents took place, police said.

What are the charges against Nicole Virzi?

In addition to homicide, she has been charged with three counts of aggravated assault and two counts of endangerment of child welfare.

Virzi waived her preliminary hearing in July, and was formally arraigned on Aug 23. She was not present for the arraignment, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported.

Where is Nicole Virzi now?

Virzi is currently being held without bond at the Allegheny County Jail.

Her next scheduled court appearance is a pre-trial conference set for Sept. 13.

Why could Nicole Virzi face the death penalty if convicted?

According to the Death Penalty Information Center, a nonprofit that publishes data and analysis on capital punishment, if convicted, Virzi could face the death penalty under Pennsylvania law due to aggravating factors  or conditions that make her alleged crimes more serious  that prosecutors say are relevant to her case.

Those factors include the fact that Leon Katz was under the age of 12, and also that Allegheny County prosecutors have alleged that torture was a factor in his death.

A death penalty case in the state would be rare; only three people have been executed in Pennsylvania since 1978, according to the Post-Gazette. There are no women on death row in the state.

The decision to seek such is made only after careful and serious consideration of whether we believe we have evidence beyond a reasonable doubt that the aggravating factors outweigh potential mitigating factors, Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen A. Zappala Jr. said in a statement to CNN.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
Nikki Haley, the onetime GOP presidential candidate who endorsed Donald Trump, despite once saying voting for him was like suicide for our country, could only muster a general acknowledgment of Trumps existence when asked if she thinks hes a good candidate.

I think he is the Republican nominee, Haley said, in an interview with CBS News Margaret Brennan. And I think putting him against Kamala Harris, who is the Democrat nominee  for me, its not a question. Now, do I agree with his style, do I agree with his approach, do I agree with his communications? No.

CBS News shared those remarks from Haley Friday. The full interview is slated to air Sunday.

Brennan pressed the former United Nations ambassador for her views on Trumps candidacy because Haley, in part, said shed run because she could do a better job than him. Throughout her campaign, Haley slammed Trump as unhinged and diminished as compared to 2016, questioned whether he would abide by the Constitution and said he was not qualified to be the president of the United States.

Despite those comments, Haley endorsed Trump after suspending her campaign in May.

She added during her interview with Brennan that shes offered to help Trumps campaign if it needs her.

Trump knows that Im on standby, the former South Carolina governor said. I talked to him back in June. Hes aware that Im ready if he ever needs me to do that.

Haleys remarks in limp support of Trump were shared the same day former Vice President Dick Cheney announced he was backing Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris. So far, the only person from a GOP presidential ticket to back Trump is former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin.

Related...
No spying took place by employees of Iraqi prime minister's office, adviser says

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - A political adviser to Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has rejected recent allegations that employees at the premier's office have been spying on and wire-tapping senior officials and politicians.

Since late August, Iraqi local media outlets and lawmakers have alleged that employees at Sudani's office had been arrested on charges of spying on senior officials.

"This is an inflated lie," said Fadi al-Shammari in an interview with an Iraqi broadcaster published late on Friday, the most explicit denial by a senior member of the prime minister's team.

He said the allegations were aimed at undermining Sudani ahead of parliamentary polls expected to be held next year.

"Everything that has happened in the last two weeks consists of media exaggeration contrary to reality and the truth."

The reports have caused a stir in Iraq, which has seen a period of relative stability since Sudani was brought to power in late 2022 as part of an agreement between ruling factions ending a year-long political stalemate.

While there had been one arrest at the prime minister's office in August, it had nothing to do with spying or wire-tapping, Shammari said. The employee in question was detained after contacting lawmakers and other politicians while posing as a different person, he said.

"(He) talked to lawmakers using different numbers and fake names and asked them for a number of different files," he added, without providing details.

"There was no spying, no wiretapping."

(Reporting by Timour Azhari; Editing by Ana Nicolaci da Costa)
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration unveiled its official plan for the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary on Friday.

If designated, the sanctuary would protect 4,543 square miles of the Pacific Ocean from the Gaviota Coast in Santa Barbara County to just below the Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant in San Luis Obispo County, according to the final environmental impact report released Friday morning.

The purpose of the sanctuary is to protect marine ecosystems, shipwrecks and underwater Chumash cultural and historic sites off the Central Coast. Offshore oil drilling and certain sea floor disturbances would be prohibited in the sanctuary.

This historic designation will come not a moment too soon, Rep. Salud Carbajal said in a news release. Our oceans and our communities are facing unprecedented challenges from a changing marine environment. This new sanctuary comes at a critical time for our region.

He continued: I look forward to working with our tribal and local stakeholders and federal partners to finalize these boundaries  which will nearly double the coastline protected along the Central Coast  and build on them to protect every coastal community and ecosystem in our region.

This is the first national marine sanctuary nominated by a Native American tribe and the first that would include collaborative management with tribes.

While NOAA would be the lead agency managing the sanctuary, the Northern Chumash Tribal Council and other Native American tribes would be included as co-stewards on numerous boards governing the sanctuary.

This is a huge moment for the Chumash People and all who have tirelessly supported our campaign over the years, Northern Chumash Tribal Council chairwoman Violet Sage Walker said in a news release. My father, the late Chief Fred Collins, began the journey to protect these sacred waters many years ago, and we have been so proud to continue his work. I am delighted to celebrate his vision, todays success, and the future of our People who will always be connected to past, present and future by this special stretch of coastline and the true magic its waters hold.

NOAA considered 110,000 public comments on the draft environmental impact report while revising the sanctuary boundaries and management plant.

The Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary will protect 4,543 square miles of the Pacific Ocean from just south of the Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant in San Luis Obispo County to Naples Reef on the Gaviota Coast in Santa Barbara County.

Marine sanctuary leaves room for offshore wind development

The final proposed boundaries for the sanctuary would protect 4,543 square miles of the Pacific Ocean.

If designated, the sanctuary will stretch across 116 miles of shoreline from just south of the Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant in San Luis Obispo County to Naples Reef on the Gaviota Coast in Santa Barbara County.

It spans westward 60 miles to catch geologic features like Rodriguez Seamount, Arguello Canyon and Santa Lucia Bank. The sanctuary reaches a maximum depth of 11,580 feet below sea level.

The proposed boundaries are slightly smaller than what was initially being considered.

In 2015, the Northern Chumash Tribal Council proposed a sanctuary design that started at the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary and extended north to meet the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. The sanctuary would have also stretched 80 miles offshore to include the seabed west of Santa Lucia Bank.

This design would have protected about 7,600-square-miles of the Pacific Ocean and created a contiguous strip of national marine sanctuaries on the California coast.

NOAA, however, shortened the northern boundary to allow for the development of underwater cables that would carry electricity generated by offshore wind turbines in the Morro Bay Wind Energy Area to shore.

The administration decided that the final sanctuary boundaries struck an acceptable balance between resource use and conservation of sanctuary resources, the report said.

At the request of the Northern Chumash Tribal Council, offshore wind companies in the Morro Bay Call Area and numerous elected representatives, the final sanctuary management plan will also include a pathway for expanding the sanctuary boundary to meet the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary at Cambria.

That plan would require NOAA to start exploring lengthening the sanctuary boundaries by January 2032 if it wished to pursue a larger sanctuary.

Meanwhile, NOAA extended the southern boundary to the Gaviota Coast to protect beaches, kelp forests and reefs there, as well as area that was previously home to numerous, large Chumash villages at the time of European first contact, the report said.

Fish-eating sea anemone live on the rocky reef off Point Estero, where NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries and partners are listening to underwater sound inside the proposed Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary.

Sanctuary would prohibit oil drilling, hunting

The management plan will prohibit certain activities to protect resources in the sanctuary, the report said.

New oil, gas and mineral exploration, development and production would be prohibited in the sanctuary. Current leaseholders would be allowed to continue their operations, the report said.

Discharges, such as sewage, would not be allowed in the sanctuary.

It would also prohibit the harming or taking of a marine mammal, sea turtle or bird from within its boundaries. Releasing non-native species would also be prohibited.

The sanctuary would not allow disturbances to the seabed or historical resources.

NOAA will establish a permit process for otherwise prohibited activities that will promote or enhance local Native American cultural or ceremonial activities, research, education and management, the report said.

The management plan will also include regulations for the beneficial use of dredged materials from Morro Bay and Port San Luis. Those materials must be used for habitat protection or restoration purposes, the report said.

The sanctuary management plan will not regulate vessel speeds or establish new fishing regulations, the report said.

Comments on the draft designation documents urged NOAA to establish a special treatment area between Morro Bay and Cambria with regulations that restrict vessel speeds but allow subsea cables.

That is not likely to happen, however.

Applying a different set of regulations to one spatial area was rejected because NOAA intends to impose the same regulations across the entire sanctuary area to facilitate public understanding of sanctuary regulations and to assist enforcement, the report said.

Meanwhile, the sanctuary will protect Chumash sacred sites, such as Point Conception, which is considered the place where the soul departs to the afterlife. The sanctuary also protects submerged Chumash villages and other cultural sites.

Protecting these submerged ancient villages from future industrial encroachment will ensure the resting places of their ancestors remain undisturbed, Mission Blue founder Dr. Sylvia Earle said in a news release. The cultural significance of Chumash heritage makes this National Marine Sanctuary the only one of its kind.

A humpback whale kicks up its tail in the proposed Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary on July 12, 2023, just offshore from Morro Bay.

How would marine sanctuary impact the environment?

The marine sanctuary would be largely beneficial to marine habitats that support a diversity of ecosystems in the study area, the report said.

Sanctuary vessels, deploying buoys or monitoring equipment and uncrewed underwater systems could have temporary, negligible adverse impacts on the environment  but otherwise, the protections afforded by the sanctuary will have long-term positive impacts on the environment, the report said.

According to a news release from the Northern Chumash Tribal Council, the sanctuary would support climate solutions by promoting the health of kelp forests and other ocean habitats that serve a host of vital ecosystem functions, including carbon storage.

It will protect a globally significant ecological transition zone that is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including many at-risk species such as snowy plovers, southern sea otters, leatherback sea turtles, black abalone and blue whales, the release said. The sanctuary will also provide opportunities to advance cultural and environmental education and outreach.

Painted greenling, convict fish, bat star and sea urchins inhabit a rocky reef off Point Estero near the sound monitoring station in the proposed Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary.

What happens next?

NOAA must now decide whether or not to designate the sanctuary within 30 days after releasing the draft environmental impact report.

After the 30 days, if NOAA decides to designate the sanctuary, it will release the final boundaries, regulations and management plan, according to its website.

After that, the documents would then need to go to Gov. Gavin Newsom and Congress for final review.

The release of the final EIR puts us one step away from the final designation, State Senator John Laird said in a news release Friday. I am grateful for the leadership and years of advocacy by the Northern Chumash Tribal Council, the Sierra Club and tens of thousands of local residents.

I am proud to have been part of this effort to sustain the beauty and vitality of the Pacific Ocean along the Central Coast  and look forward to the sanctuary designation and implementation.
All the nominations, all the votes: The Tennessean Student of the Week is returning

The Tennessean's Student of the Week initiative is set to return this week with a new look.

Last year, the newspaper began experimenting with categories within the Student of the Week program. We asked high schools from across Middle Tennessee for student nominations within their drama department, band program and more, and the results were overwhelmingly positive.

We saw more schools send in student nominees.

We saw more votes being cast.

We saw more engagement across social media platforms.

And we are hoping for more of the same this year, which is why we plan to continue to ask our schools to provide us with students who excel in certain areas week to week. One poll might feature students who are very active in the ROTC. Another might feature students with the most school spirit. You never know?

But, because we knew that week one was probably chaotic at school, with everyone just coming back and getting into the swing of things across our Middle Tennessee districts, we decided to play it cool and ask for an outstanding student submission this time around.

As of the writing of this story, we had six students submitted for the week one poll.

We hope to be able to grow that number going forward.

And that's where you come in, dear reader. The Student of the Week initiative requires school participation. We are seeking the nominations for our weekly polls directly from the schools, so we can make this as fair as possible. It is also a big honor for the students who are chosen.

If you're reading this, and your school isn't participating, please say something. Let them know we want to hear from them. We want to recognize their amazing students. We've collected more than 150 names and email addresses of staffers from schools across Middle Tennessee. These are the people we've been told to reach out to, but we could have a wrong name or address for a school. It happens from time to time.

High schools can reach out directly to me. My email address is nyoung@tennessean.com. I'd be happy to hear from them, and I'd be even happier to include their students in our initiative.

In the meantime, be sure to check out and vote in our week one poll this week. It will go live on tennessean.com first thing Monday morning.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: New polls, new honors: The Tennessean Student of the Week is returning
Some North County residents say the Escondido Lithium Ion battery fire could be a wake up call

Some North County residents say the Escondido Lithium Ion battery fire could be a wake up call

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  A lithium-ion battery fire at the San Diego Gas & Electric storage facility in Escondido is raising concerns among residents over a proposed battery storage plant in North County.

The developer behind the project wants to construct a 23-acre facility in a residential neighborhood near the SDG&E storage yard, where the fire erupted on Thursday afternoon.

Super Rides Car Restoration, one of hundreds of nearby businesses evacuated due to toxic fumes from the burning batteries, reopened less than 24 hours after the incident.

We couldnt stand the smell, said Jordan Quintal, owner of Super Rides. Hundreds of others were also asked to shelter in place as smoke drifted through the area.

Fire breaks out in Escondido SDG&E battery storage facility

Fire officials said extinguishing battery fires can be challenging because the chemicals inside the batteries prevent the use of water to fight the flames. We respect how dangerous these things are, said Division Chief Tyler Batson. Now, were just trying to hone our tactics so we can deal with the different things that come up.

The incident has also created more concerns over the proposed Seguro Project, a battery storage plant that energy company AES plans to build at a former horse ranch off Country Club Drive in Eden Valley, just a few miles from the SDG&E site. The 23-acre facility would store dozens of battery containers as a zero-emission energy source.

Residents, including JP Theberge, a member of the Elfin Forest Harmony Grove Town Council, are pushing back against the project because of the potential risks of battery fires like the recent one in Otay Mesa that burned for 11 days.

If this had happened in Eden Valley in a residential area, we just spoke with the fire chief about it. He said, yeah, we would have evacuated those hundreds of homes around it, Theberge said.

Some schools to close due to fire at Escondido SDG&E battery storage facility

Resident Kendra Correia added, This is an incredible visual for us all to have, to know what will happen to residents at ground zero and surrounding the Seguro site.

Next week, county supervisors will consider imposing a moratorium on the construction of battery storage plants in residential areas. Theberge hopes they will prioritize public safety.

Let them build them in industrial areas where they are zoned for it, and lets figure out what needs to be done before we even think about putting these things near peoples homes, Theberge said.

AES has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the fire and the Seguro 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 FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
ROCKPORT, In. (WEHT)  The North Posey Vikings beat the South Spencer Rebels, 31-16 Friday night. The Rebels will head to Heritage Hills next week, while the Vikings will face off against the Tell 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 Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW).
Number of people injured in Russian missile attack on Pavlohrad in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast rises to 82

The aftermath of the Russian attack on Pavlohrad in. Photo: Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Military Administration

The number of people injured in the Russian missile attack on the city of Pavlohrad, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, has risen to 82, within more than 24 hours after the strike.

Source: Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Military Administration

Details: Seven out of 82 injured are minors.

The Ukrainian authorities noted that 60 people remain in hospital.

A 69-year-old man is in a serious condition. He suffered a craniocerebral injury and shrapnel wounds.

All others have moderate or light injuries.

Background: On 6 September, Russian forces fired five Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missiles on Pavlohrad.

Support UP or become our patron!
After the launch of the 7th Rashtriya Poshan Maah, so far 1.37 crore activities have been reported from 752 districts of 35 States and UTs, according to the Ministry of Women and Child Development. The ministry said on Saturday that Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh are among the top contributing states so far. The 7th 'Rashtriya Poshan Maah' was launched on 31st August 2024 at Mahatma Mandir, Gandhinagar, Gujarat. It focuses on key themes such as anemia, growth monitoring, complementary feeding, and Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi, along with technology for better governance. The campaign also emphasized environmental sustainability through the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' initiative, in which plantation is encouraged across all the operational 13.95 lakh Anganwadi centres. In terms of key focus as per the ministry, as of Saturday, over 39 lakh activities have been conducted on anemia, over 27 lakh activities on growth monitoring, almost 20 lakh activities on complementary feeding, over 18.5 lakh activities on 'Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi', and 8 lakh activities on environmental sustainability through 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam'. "One of the key focus areas, namely Technology for Better Governance, has encouraged the designated functionaries of WCD to mark more than 10 lakh activities that aim to help in effective implementation and monitoring of nutrition indicators and programmatic areas at large, linked to the ICT application Poshan Tracker," said the ministry. It also highlighted that the top contributing ministries to the ongoing 'Poshan Maah' have been Ministry of Education (MoE) with 1.38 lakh activities, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoH&FW) with 1.17 lakh activities, Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) with 1.07 lakh activities, Ministry of Ayush with 69 thousand activities, and Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) with 64 lakh activities in support of one or the other theme of 'Poshan Maah 2024'. (ANI)
NYC Dems woke bill wants to provide trans inmates with wigs, prosthetic penises and breasts

Transgender detainees in NYC jails would be able to score wigs, hair extensions, chest binders, tucking undergarments, prosthetics and other items used to help affirm their self-proclaimed gender identity under a new bill by Councilwoman Crystal Hudson (D-Brooklyn.

Transgender jailbirds in NYC can score wigs, hair extensions, chest binders, tucking undergarments, prosthetics and similar items under a far-left Brooklyn Democrats woke new bill  which might slap taxpayers with the tab.

But its not only detainees whod be able to express their true selves.

Guards on Rikers Island and other city jails would also have access to such gender-affirming items and medical devices under Councilwoman Crystal Hudsons legislation, which she plans to introduce at Thursdays City Council meeting.

Councilwoman Crystal Hudson (D-Brooklyn) said she believes providing gender-affirming care to all New Yorkers  including those in custody in city jails  should be our priority. Gregory P. Mango

Our goal as legislators should be to affirm New Yorkers civil liberties, Hudson told The Post. Providing greater access to gender-affirming care to transgender, gender non-conforming, non-binary, and/or intersex (TGNCNBI) people in our citys jails is part of achieving this mission.

Its unclear whether taxpayers, detainees or outside sources would ultimately pick up the tab for packers, stand-to-pee prosthetics and other gender-affirming equipment, because the legislation leaves that decision in the hands of the citys Department of Correction.

Meanwhile, The Post learned this week the DOC quietly began providing chest binders to trans detainees last year.

The agency said it received the binders  which go for $14.99 or higher on Amazon.com  as a donation, but refused to say from whom.

The DOC also said in a statement it is committed to affirming the identities of the individuals in our care and is reviewing the legislation.

Critics, however, slammed the legislation, saying it would create serious safety issues as fake penises, binders and other items can be used by detainees as weapons or to conceal them.

A look at some of the more cheaper prices on Amazon.com and other retail websites for gender-affirming items. Shutterstock

While COBA fully supports individuals having the freedom to affirm their own gender identity, we cannot support any legislation that compromises the safety and security of our officers and the people in our custody, Benny Boscio, president of the Correction Officers Benevolent Association, told The Post.

Allowing inmates access to prosthetics would also enable them to hide drugs and weapons, such as make-shift razor blades, that could easily be used to assault other inmates and our officers.

Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Queens) called the bill ridiculous and unconscionable.

Wigs could soon be available to trans detainees at NYC jails. AAAAAaAAAAAA AaAAAAaAaAAAA  stock.adobe.com

The far left already led the recent push to remove punitive segregation [in city jails], so this is just another way for them to create new havoc and make our jails even more of a safety risk, she said.

It would put correction officers, other staff and inmates in danger because these items could be used as weapons or to hide them, so I hope this bill never sees the light of day.

Forty-two of the 6,135 detainees who were on Rikers Island and other city lockups recently identified as trans, intersex or non-binary, records show.

The DOC said it doesnt track trans staff.

Under the bill, the DOC would have the power to reject a detainees request for gender-affirming items but would have to cite its reasons in writing for review by the Board of Correction and the New York City Commission on Human Rights.

Hudsons legislation is not unprecedented in New York and in some other parts of the country, but many jail systems currently providing gender-affirming items only did so after being sued.

Upstate Broome County last year reached a landmark settlement with a former transgender female detainee that led to sweeping changes in how it deals with the trans, intersex and non-binary people in custody at its 536-bed jail.

Breast prosthesis are among the of gender-affirming items covered under Hudsons bill. ThamKC  stock.adobe.com

This included picking up the costs for inmates to buy gender-affirming items as a medically prescribed treatment for gender dysphoria, the severe discomfort when a person believes their biological sex does not match their gender identity.

In 2020, a similar settlement was ironed out for transgender people in custody in upstate Steuben County.

Providing gender-affirming care is about basic human dignity, insisted Allie Bohm, senior policy counsel for New York Civil Liberties Union, which assisted the plaintiffs in the Broome and Steuben cases.

Yet, too often, our city jails fail to comply with their legal and constitutional obligations to provide basic care for people in their custody, which can lead to serious medical problems for trans people who are incarcerated.

Roughly 42  or 0.7%  of the 6,135 detainees who were on Rikers Island and other city lockups from April through June identify as trans, intersex or non-binary, records show. Joe DeMaria

As jails across the state and country have recognized the importance of access to gender-affirming care, it is critical to ensure incarcerated New Yorkers have access to the care they deserve.

However, Councilman Robert Holden (D-Queens) said he believes Hudsons bill would compromise safety and lead to reckless spending at taxpayers expense.

This is just another attempt to screw hardworking New Yorkers with more insanity, he said.
NYC mom suffered very severe allergy reaction after biting into unlabeled tahini cookie  that barista insisted was OK to eat: suit

NYC mom suffered very severe allergy reaction after biting into unlabeled tahini cookie  that barista insisted was OK to eat: suit

An Upper West Side mom with a severe sesame allergy went into anaphylactic shock when she ate a chocolate-chip cookie  made with tahini  at a local coffee shop, a new lawsuit says.

The cookie was only labeled chocolate chip  and while the barista knew it contained tahini, the worker didnt realize tahini is made from sesame seeds and told her it was safe to eat, the Manhattan suit says.

Melissa Schwartz Nemeths reaction was so severe that the 36-year-old mother and wife is still undergoing medical treatment months later as a result, her suit claims.

Nemeth says in her suit that she was at Orens Daily Roast on Broadway in April when she decided to purchase a treat while on a walk with her 4-year-old and 18-month-old daughters.

Just one bite into a tahini chocolate chip cookie like this one from Orens Daily Roast sent an Upper West Side mom into allergic shock, a new lawsuit says. Peter Senzamici/NY Post

The womans husband, Greg Nemeth, told The Post that his wifes always asks if something contains sesame before biting into any food she didnt prepare herself.

You wouldnt think necessarily that a chocolate chip cookie would have sesame seeds, but we always ask because you never know, Greg said. Its a life-or-death scenario every time she eats sesame.

Melissa told the Orens barista of her severe allergy but was reassured that the cookie was free of sesame, court documents say.

Orens Daily Roast is located on Broadway near West 112th Street in Manhattan. Peter Senzamici/NY Post

It only took one bite, thanks to her crippling allergy, for Melissa to learn the truth.

As her throat was closing up, Greg told The Post, his wife was determined to get the truth from the barista and asked once again if the seemingly innocuous cookie contained sesame.

Tahini, it turns out, is made from sesame seeds. chandlervid85  stock.adobe.com

They said, No, no, its a tahini chocolate chip cookie. Theres no sesame,  Greg said.

Melissas lawyer, Scott Koltun, told The Post, Fortunately she had her EpiPen with her and was able to somehow get her way home.

Greg rushed home from work after his wife called and had to take several days off to watch their two kids while Melissa  a former fashion buyer at Bloomingdales and now full-time mom  was bedridden for the better part of a week as a result of her very severe reaction, he said.

Her suit alleges that the coffee shop failed to listen when she told them of her allergy, nor did they have the common allergen listed on any labels near the cookie display or on a menu.

The plaintiff, a mother of two, says that the cafe needs to better train its staff to understand the basics of food allergen safety. Peter Senzamici/NY Post

As of last year, state law requires all establishments serving food to post a food allergy awareness poster, which implores workers to take it seriously if a customer says they have an allergy.

But currently there is no requirement to list allergens on a menu.

According to the suit, the cookie was not made in-house, and the menu has since changed to note that it is a tahini chocolate chip cookie.

Its important that employees be educated on what exactly theyre selling, Koltun said.

Orens Daily Roast is known for its impressive array of coffee from around the world. Peter Senzamici/NY Post

Melissa previously sued an East Village Mexican restaurant in 2020 over a similar sesame exposure, but the incident appears to have been much less severe, according to the complaint. That suit was eventually settled.

In a recent high profile case, a Long Island doctor died after eating food at Disney Springs restaurant in Florida when a waiter assured her the meal was allergen-free.

Its concerning that sesame, a common food allergen, and the primary ingredient in tahini, isnt always well-known or disclosed in food establishments, said Sung Poblete of the allergen-awareness group, Food Allergy Research & Education.

This highlights the need for better restaurant training and clearer food allergen labeling.

Greg Nemeth said his wife Melissa is still undergoing various medical treatments because of the reaction but declined to provide further details. Peter Senzamici/NY Post

Greg said the effect that the tahini cookie has had on his family is immense, saying that Melissa  who did not want to be interviewed for this story  is still seeing multiple doctors for ongoing medical issues because of her reaction. He declined to elaborate on what exact conditions his wife may be suffering from.

Its kind of scary to eat anything thats out of the house at this point, Greg said, adding that theyre mostly cooking all their meals at home these days.

Every time she takes a bite of food now, shes taking a very, very small first bite to see if theres anything there. And its scary, he said.

For their 4-year-old daughter, the experience of watching her mother suffering from such a severe reaction was terrifying.

She was scared, Greg said, she saw Mommy not being able to breathe.

Orens Daily Roast did not reply to a Post request for comment.
NYC radio host Rita Cosby seriously injured after being conked on the head by speaker at swanky charity gala: suit

composite image left rita cosby in a red dress smiling and looking at the camera; upper right the american museum of natural history lower right the crowd at the 2023 gala

A swanky charity gala turned into a painful night out for WABC radio host and former television anchor Rita Cosby  who was conked in the head by a sound speaker, she claimed in a lawsuit.

Cosby, 59, was attending the Catholic Charities event at the Museum of Natural History when a JBL speaker toppled over and injured her during the June 7, 2023 event, she claimed in a Manhattan Supreme Court lawsuit.

The longtime reporter and author who worked for Fox News from 1995 to 2005, and co-hosts the Cats & Cosby show on WABC radio, said in court papers that she was seriously hurt as a result of the incident but did not detail the injuries.

Rita Cosby claims she was seriously injured at the event. Patrick McMullan via Getty Images

The gala was held June 7, 2023. Instagram @catholiccharitiesny

The gala was held in June 2023 at the Museum. NurPhoto via Getty Images

Cosby is suing the city, Catholic Charities and a Staten Island company, Pro Sho Sound Services, which provided video, audio and staging services for the fundraiser, for unspecified damages.

Pro Sho Sound and the city Law Department declined comment.
NYPD Commissioner Edward Cabans twin brother is ex-cop with checkered past thats being eyed by feds as alleged fixer for NYC hotspots: sources

NYPD Commissioner Edward Cabans twin brother is ex-cop with checkered past thats being eyed by feds as alleged fixer for NYC hotspots: sources

Police Commissioner Edward Cabans twin brother  a former cop with a checkered past  is being eyed by the feds over his alleged work as a fixer for swanky restaurants and nightclubs in Manhattan, sources said Friday.

Investigators are looking into a variety of consulting work James Caban, 56, apparently did for ritzy Big Apple hotspots, and allegations that he helped to smooth things over between the businesses and cops giving them trouble, police sources said.

It wasnt old-school Mafia, If you dont pay, we break your windows, one source said.

Police Commissioner Edward Cabans twin brother, James Caban, 56, is currently being watched by federal agents over his alleged work as a fixer for swanky restaurants and nightclubs in Manhattan. james.caban.7/facebook

But [it was], My brother is a big shot, and he can make your fines and underage drinking go away.

Some of the restaurants and clubs Caban was involved with, the sources said, include the likes of Marquee and PhD, owned by the TAO Hospitality Group, and Creatures at Selina Rooftop in Chelsea, which has racked up 158 noise complaints over the last two years, public records show.

Caban was allegedly called when cops hit the hotspots with a noise citation or an underage drinking complaint, and he would then go to the local precinct heads  many of whom are also under investigation by the feds, according to the sources.

Bars and restaurants facing repeated violations could be hit with hefty fines or be stripped of their liquor license.

Sources have said Caban, his brother and others in the police department were targeted with raids on their homes and subpoenas Wednesday as part of a sweeping corruption probe involving influence peddling.

The investigation is being led by prosecutors from the Southern District of New York  who are also looking into top aides to Mayor Eric Adams and have mounted a separate investigation into his 2021 campaign funding, sources said.

Investigators are looking at police reports that involve Manhattan bars and restaurants  and parsing through emails from the NYPD brass, sources said.

Sources have said Caban, his brother and others in the NYPD were targeted with raids on their homes. James Keivom

They are probing whether the complaints were handled correctly  did the cops take reports? Were they written up to favor the establishment? according to the sources.

Sources said James Cabans alleged involvement in the bars and restaurants dates back at least to when his brother was the first deputy commissioner under then-top cop Keechant Sewell, who suddenly resigned in July 2023 amid friction with Mayor Eric Adams administration.

One source claimed Caban was reportedly pitching his services to cops working concerts on Manhattans West Side, boasting of his influence in the NYPD with is brother set to soon take over as the top cop.

Neither James nor Edward responded to multiple inquiries Friday.

A man who answered the door at James million-dollar house in Rockland Countys New City pleasantly said no one would be willing to talk to the press.

One source said, It wasnt old-school Mafia, If you dont pay, we break your windows. Facebook / James Caban

The general manager at Selinas admitted to having faced noise complaints over loud parties but said, weve dealt with it ourselves.

A PR rep for TAO Hospitality Group denied the claims Saturday, saying the organization never reached out to or worked with James Caban.

An NYPD spokesperson said the department was fully cooperating with the investigation.

But they declined to comment further, instead directing questions to the US Attorneys Office.

James and Edward Caban  neither of whom have been accused of wrongdoing  have another brother, Richard Caban, who runs a Bronx restaurant, Con Sofrito, that is popular with local politicians. Theres no indication he was targeted in the raids.

It wasnt clear whether James Caban did his alleged work under a companys umbrella, or all on his own. Its also not clear when he started, and how the businesses found out about him.

But for an often-troubled former police sergeant with a shady history, the seedy world of Big Apple bars seemed an appropriate landing spot.

He started with the NYPD in the summer of 1989, but was hit with a slew of complaints and allegations that eventually led to an early exit in January 2001, according to online records.

These included substantiated charges that he used excessive force and abused his authority two different times, in July and September of 1996.

Despite that, he rose to the rank of sergeant before the NYPD kicked him out in 2001 for wrongfully detaining and threatening a cabbie who he thought snuck money from his wifes purse, according to City & State New York.

Later, he bought a Bronx apartment building  but was such an awful landlord that then-Public Advocate Bill de Blasio put him on a list of the citys worst in August 2013, the outlet said.

Two months later, a judge threw him in jail for 30 days as punishment for failing to make hundreds of necessary repairs to his then-run-down, 12-unit building on Commonwealth Avenue, according to The Real Deal.

The housing court judge, Jerald Klein, said at the time that Caban had ignored every request by the city to fix the buildings 308 open property violations  and the city had already spent $115,000 to fix other emergency issues.

Caban argued that he was too broke to repair the building, which was one of the 200 most distressed structures in the city, according to the Daily News.

But he never proved it.

If you neglect your property and your tenants, disregard your legal responsibilities, and defy court orders, we will seek the maximum penalties available under the law, RuthAnne Visnauskas, then-commissioner of the citys Department of Housing Preservation and Development, told the News.
Officials say a troubled and delayed Baltic high-speed rail project still set for completion by 2030

FILE - People walk at Baltic train station, with the Stenbock House, left, and St Mary's Cathedral, top, in background, in Tallinn, Estonia, Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023. (AP Photo/Pavel Golovkin, File)

HELSINKI (AP)  Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania said Saturday they are committed to completing by the end of the decade a financially troubled and badly delayed high-speed rail project integrating the three Baltic countries with the continental European rail network.

Set to link the Baltic capitals of Tallinn, Riga and Vilnius on a new track with passenger trains running at speeds of up to 250 kph (155 mph), the Rail Baltica project was launched in 2014 as a pan-Baltic joint venture with financing primarily provided by the European Union.

Vladimir Svet, the Estonian infrastructure minister, said Saturday after an earlier meeting with the Latvian and Lithuanian transport ministers that it is still our goal to start passenger and freight train traffic on the entire Rail Baltica route from 2030.

However, we still have to keep an eye on the growth of costs and find ways to save money and build more efficiently, he said in a statement.

While the initial 2010 plan saw the projects total cost at around 3.5 billion euros ($3.9 billion), a June joint report by auditors from the three Baltic states showcased the ventures ballooning costs and said the project may need up to 19 billion euros ($21 billion) more funding to be completed.

It is unclear how much the EU, which has identified Rail Baltica as one of the key European transport projects, is willing to inject money into the venture.

Construction of new rail track, running a total length of 870 kilometers (540 miles) from Tallinn, Estonia to Kaunas, Lithuania and onward to the Polish border, started in 2019 but has been marred by delays and disputes between the Baltic governments of the trains routing.

The venture is running at least five years behind as the first pan-Baltic passenger and cargo trains were supposed run on the new tracks in 2025.

Critics of the project say the meager population base in the Baltics  just over 6 million people live in the three Baltic states  makes the project economically unfeasible for passenger travel and its emphasis should be more on cargo, also a key element in the venture.

Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, all former Soviet republics, inherited the Soviet rail infrastructure system and the wider Russian gauge of 1,520 mm rails, when they regained their independence in the beginning of the 1990s.

The Rail Baltica project is a symbolic return of the Baltic States to Europe  until the Second World War the Baltic States were already connected to Europe with 1,435 mm wide (gauge)," the Rail Baltica website says.

But since the middle of the 20th century the Baltic countries have been mainly linked to an East-West railway axis using the Russian gauge 1520 mm rails, it said.

Once completed, the high-speed train is set to cover the 660 kilometer (410 mile) journey from Tallinn to the Lithuanian capital, Vilnius, in 3 hours and 38 minutes, offering a substantial time savings to the current car or bus ride of up to nine hours.

With additional rail connections, the north-south Rail Baltica will connect the Baltic states with Warsaw, Poland and, eventually, Berlin  a key target of the Baltic governments.

Due to the changed geopolitical situation in Baltic Sea region following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania  all sharing border with Russia  are stressing that the need to invest in infrastructure, which enables fast and large quantities of military equipment to be transported, has grown significantly.

Finland, strongly linked to Estonia by numerous ferry connections from Helsinki to Tallinn through the Baltic Sea, is indirectly involved in the venture.
The Ohio fire marshal has issued a regional ban on open burning in 24 counties because of drought conditions.

COLUMBUS  Ohio Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon issued a regional ban on open burning in 24 counties effective Friday because of extremely dry conditions.

The ban covers Ohio counties identified by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and U.S. Department of Agriculture as being in the Extreme Drought or Exceptional Drought categories.

The ban covers Athens, Belmont, Carroll, Fairfield, Fayette, Gallia, Guernsey, Harrison, Highland, Hocking, Jackson, Jefferson, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Muskingum, Perry, Pickaway, Pike, Ross, Scioto, Tuscarawas, Vinton and Washington. Additional counties may be added, the state said.

Fire safety is a responsibility we all share, Ohio State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon said in a prepared statement. Its critical that Ohioans understand and appreciate the significant risks associated with fires, especially during the current drought conditions. Together we can protect our communities and environment.

More drought news: 'It's pretty bad': Summer drought puts stress on Tuscarawas County farmers

The open burning ban includes:

Lighting or maintaining a fire of any type at any location

Smoking, including cigarettes or similar devices, and as part of a cooking process

Non-electric cooking (regardless of fuel source)

Using or discharging any type of fireworks

Throwing down/discarding lighted or smoldering material, including matches or cigarettes

Campfires and bonfires

Live fire training events

Flame effects-based displays or exhibitions, including sky lanterns and cold spark machines

Using spark causing devices for recreational purposes

'A struggle to grow things': Ohio's drought has become worse and is threatening farmers

The Division of State Fire Marshal, Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry and the Wayne National Forest urged all Ohioans to take special precautions due to the dry weather, whether they are in a county impacted by the Ban on Open Burning or not.

All Ohioans, particularly homeowners, farmers, and woodland owners, should be cautious during this dry period, Division of Forestry Fire Prevention Manager Aaron Kloss said in a prepared statement. Most of the plant materials in Ohio that can fuel wildfires are currently dry and will stay this way until we have significant rainfall. Current dry weather patterns with warm temperatures, low humidities, and wind are increasing the risk of wildland fires in Ohio.

Anyone who sees any signs of wildfire is asked to call their local fire department immediately to report it.

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Ohio issues open burning ban in 24 counties because of drought
COWETA, Okla. (KFOR)  An Oklahoma teen who happens to share the same name and age as the person suspected of shooting and killing four people in a Georgia high school Wednesday says he was shocked to see a viral social media post containing his picture, claiming he was the shooter.

The Oklahoma teens mom says social media companies need to be held responsible for allowing misinformation like this to spread.

Teen suspect in Ga. school shooting and his father to remain held after hearings

I mean, all my life Ive always wanted to be, like, famous, said Colt Gray, a 14-year-old eighth grader from Coweta, Okla.

But the attention Gray got this week is not what he had in mind.

But, I mean, you could say that Im going viral or famous, but in a bad way, Gray told News 4.

And what a week its been for Gray.

I wish I could just forget all about this, but I cant do that, he said.

Gray, whose pictures News 4 has blurred in this article for his protection, lives in the Tulsa suburb of Coweta, Oklahoma.

Hes a good kid. And really into baseball.

I play for my school and I play for a competitive team, Gray said.

In fact, he wants to play in college someday. Its why he created a profile on a baseball recruiting website, complete with his picture and stats.

It was a decision he and his family thought nothing of, until Wednesday.

Thats when authorities in Georgia announced another 14-year-old, who also happens to be named Colt Gray, allegedly shot and killed four people in a high school near Atlanta.

Later that day, a verified account on X, formerly known as Twitter, made a post claiming to have found a picture of the Colt Gray accused in the shooting.

There was just one problem: the picture shared by the X account was not of the suspected shooter, but instead of the innocent Colt Gray from Oklahoma.

One of my friends texted me and sent me the photo and Im just like, what the heck, Gray said. Like, what? What? What is this?

His mom, Jessie Gray couldnt believe it either.

I was scared and in shock, Jessie Gray said. I was like, is this like a dream?

Colin Gray, father of Georgia school shooting suspect, arrested on multiple counts

After all, Colt was more than 800 miles away from Georgia when the shooting happened.

I live in Oklahoma, and that day I was at school, Colt Gray said. Like, theres no possible way I could have gotten there.

I mean, who could be so careless to post it, Jessie Gray said. Its not like the picture didnt obviously say something underneath it. And then the website that the picture came off also gave stats and it was very clear where he was from. So it was just very shocking that it could be used and misinterpreted and put out there.

Numerous users on X pointed that fact out in the posts comments.

But the account refused to delete it, and instead doubled down, posting:

This may be the wrong photo, but this is what others are saying at this point.

Nothing can be fully verified until the police report it.

The name has been verified.

The original post containing the incorrect picture gained more than 200 thousand views before X added a community note to it, indicating the post contained false information. Still, the post remained up for several more hours, until it was finally deleted.

By that time, other accounts on X and even Facebook had saved the picture and made their own posts also incorrectly identifying the Colt Gray from Coweta as the shooter.

Those posts still come up in the google search results for Colt Gray.

Just seeing my picture out there is just its just kind of crazy because people think like, oh, this was the shooter, Colt Gray told News 4.

His mom says the past few days have been hectic at times, and downright scary during others.

Its been a whirlwind of emotions, Jessie Gray said. I had people texting me and calling me and stuffnumbers Id never heard or seen. So I was just immediately blocking those. And then once I got those, I was locking down my social media, my Facebook and stuff to maybe try to figure out where it was coming from.

Social platform X edits AI chatbot after election officials warn that it spreads misinformation

She turned her attention to X and Facebook, where she reported all the posts she could find with her sons picture on them.

In the last day or two its just been the stress and thinking how in the world am I going to get all these pictures down, she said. I dont want these to pop up later down the road. So just stress and overwhelming and just feeling helpless, too. And then just overall mad and, you know, my child has done nothing. Just every emotion basically.

The fact that, of all things, someone would accuse her son of committing a school shooting, hurts even more.

I mean, its something just so awful, she said. Its to me, the worst crime possible in the most awful setting.

The inaccurate post about Gray is all part of a troubling trend experts say has been plaguing social media platforms lately.

These days it feels like almost half the things I read on social media are fake or misleading, said Patrick Allmond, a social media strategist from Oklahoma City. Or kind of gray news versus hard, black and white news.

He says, its quite possible there may not have even been a real person behind the account that made the post incorrectly identifying Gray as the shooter.

100% a bot account is capable of finding a name in a news headline, scouring the internet, looking for images and other news related to that name and then re-sharing it automatically, Allmond said.

As social media guardrails fade and AI deepfakes go mainstream, experts warn of impact on elections

Allmond said the problem with misinformation being spread on X grew rapidly when the social media platform changed its criteria, that an account needed to meet, to become verified and receive a blue check mark.

I believe on X and other social media platforms these days, its just verifying your ID along with paying a particular fee, Allmond said. It used to be like a badge of honor that you didnt have to pay for. Twitter was saying you were a legitimate person. But these days, a PayPal account and a drivers license gets you a blue checkmark.

Increasingly, he said people with certain agendas have chosen to use X to spread misinformation.

I think because people learned it was such a good way to spread information and specifically misinformation in the past couple of years, you know, probably the political community has taken it over, he said. A lot of people have found it very easy to re-share information, even if its completely false or partially true.

TikTok to start labeling AI-generated content that may otherwise confuse or mislead viewers, company says

Regardless of whether a bot or a real person made the post about Gray, his mom says responsibility also has to lie with the social media platforms themselves.

They do bear that responsibility, especially once weve taken our time and due diligence to report these things and theyre not being taken down, Jessie Gray said.

She said she and Colts father have considered taking legal action in response to everything, but have not made a final decision.

As for Colt

Im like, what the heck, he said.

Hes trying to keep his head up.

The emotions are mixed, he said. I mean, Ive been happy because all my friends are backing me and my parents are backing me.

And he has his own message that he would like to share with whoever is behind the post.

You kind of ruined my reputation, he said. I mean, like, why? Why would you do something to ruin someones reputation who didnt even do anything? I mean, I get it. I share the same name with him. But if you look at my profile on anything, Im from Coweta, Oklahoma. Not Georgia.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
One dead, another injured in New Bern multi-vehicle wreck Saturday

NEW BERN, N.C. (WNCT)  One person died and at least one other person was injured in a multi-vehicle, midday wreck Saturday in New Bern.

According to New Bern Police, the wreck happened around 11 a.m. Saturday at the intersection of South Glenburnie and Elizabeth Avenue.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox was traveling north on Glenburnie Road when the vehicle abruptly went left of center, a news release from NBPD stated.

The Chevrolet was struck by a 2000 Ford Super Duty truck which was traveling south on Glenburnie Road. A secondary collision occurred between the truck and a 2015 Toyota Highlander.

The Toyota Highlander flipped over as a result of the collision.

Police said Clifford Oliver, 90, of New Bern died at Carolina East Medical Center as a result of his injuries. Oliver was the driver of the Equinox, police said. The driver of the Highlander was taken to the hospital, as well.

New Bern Police continued their investigation into the wreck.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
One killed in officer-involved shooting on Sybil Drive, police say

LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY)  One person was killed in an officer-involved shooting after an officer who was responding to a burglary in progress was struck by a suspect vehicle, according to the Lafayette Police Department.

The incident, which occurred around 3:30 a.m. in the 100 block of Sybil Drive, is now being investigated by the Louisiana State Police Criminal Investigations Division.

State police said the shooting claimed the life of 27-year-old Rigoberto Sanchez of Lafayette.

Lafayette police said in a news release that officers responded to the area about a residential burglary in process. When they arrived, police said the suspect vehicle was seen in the immediate area.

As officers approached the suspect vehicle, the suspect vehicle proceeded to accelerate towards a responding officer. The suspect vehicle subsequently struck a responding officer, Lafayette police said.

Shortly after being struck by the suspect vehicle, an LPD officer discharged their LPD issued firearm at the suspect vehicle, Lafayette police continued.

Second victim of barbershop shooting has died, Lafayette police say

As a result of the shooting, one person was pronounced dead at the scene.

The officer who shot their weapon will be placed on paid administrative leave per the Lafayette Police Departments protocol, Lafayette police said.

State police said their detectives were called around 4 a.m. Saturday to investigate the incident.

In a Saturday afternoon update, state police provided the following information:

The preliminary investigation revealed that shortly after 3:00 a.m., an officer with the Lafayette Police Department responded to a burglary complaint on Sybil Drive. While conducting the investigation, the officer located a suspect vehicle at a nearby residence. As the officer approached the vehicle on foot, the vehicle moved toward the officer. During the encounter, the officer discharged their service weapon, striking the driver who was later identified as Sanchez. Louisiana State Police

State police said the Lafayette Police Officer involved in the incident suffered minor injuries.

Anyone with information, photos, or video of the incident is asked to share that information or recordings with Louisiana State Police detectives.

You may anonymously report information through the Louisiana State Police online reporting system by visiting Isp.org, clicking on Report Suspicious or Criminal Activity, or calling the LSP Fusion Center Hotline at 1-800-434-8007.

This report has been updated to include additional information from state police.

Close

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

KLFY Daily Digest

Latest 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 KLFY.com.
VMPL New Delhi [India], September 7: In recent years, digital marketing in India has transformed from a fledgling field into a crucial aspect of business growth across sectors. Companies now rely heavily on digital strategies to engage their audiences and drive success. One individual leading this transformation is Chiranjib Deb, the co-founder of Digital Veda, a leading digital marketing agency known for its expertise in delivering measurable growth for educational institutions. With over two decades of experience in digital marketing, Deb has witnessed this shift firsthand. "When digital marketing first made its mark in India, it was an uncharted territory. Today, it's indispensable for any business looking to scale," he noted recently. The evolution, he explained, is marked by the rise of social media platforms, AI-driven analytics, and personalized content, all of which have redefined how brands connect with their audiences. Brands such as boAt and Mamaearth exemplify the impact of adopting digital-first approaches. These companies have thrived by leveraging influencer marketing, data analytics, and performance marketing to build a loyal consumer base. Deb believes that the success of such companies highlights the growing need for businesses to adopt agile and data-driven strategies in the highly competitive digital marketplace. However, he acknowledges that digital marketing is not without its challenges. "The digital space is becoming increasingly saturated," he observed. "It's not just about being visible anymore--it's about staying relevant." To overcome this, brands like Zomato have embraced creative social media strategies to engage consumers through humor and bold messaging, which Deb describes as essential for maintaining audience attention in today's fast-paced digital world. Digital Veda, which Deb co-founded, has emerged as a standout player in this evolving landscape, particularly in the education sector. Under his leadership, the agency has focused on utilizing cutting-edge digital tools, including machine learning and advanced analytics, to carve out a niche by delivering tailored, scalable, and measurable marketing solutions. The agency's success lies in its ability to integrate these technologies with a client-centric approach, enabling brands to not only reach but deeply engage their target audiences. "What sets Digital Veda apart is our ability to stay ahead of the curve," he shared. "We've developed a model that focuses on creating sustainable, measurable growth for our clients by embracing innovation and adapting to trends like vernacular content for Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets." This localized approach, according to Deb, provides brands with an advantage as they look to expand into untapped regions where consumers increasingly demand content in their native languages. Deb also highlighted the growing importance of trust and transparency in the digital age. As consumers become more conscious of how their personal data is used, brands that can maintain authenticity and responsibly manage data will foster stronger, lasting relationships with their customers. "Data privacy is no longer a luxury; it's a necessity," he emphasized. "Brands must focus on building trust at every touchpoint." Looking to the future, Deb predicts that technologies like AI, machine learning, and augmented reality will play a pivotal role in shaping the next wave of digital marketing. These tools, he believes, will enable businesses to deliver even more personalized and immersive experiences. For brands eager to stay ahead, continuous innovation, understanding shifting consumer behaviors, and offering genuine value are essential. As the digital marketing landscape in India continues to evolve, industry leaders like Chiranjib Deb and his agency, Digital Veda, are proving instrumental in helping businesses navigate these changes. With a forward-thinking approach and a commitment to delivering measurable results, Digital Veda is not only assisting educational institutions to grow but also setting a new standard for how brands can thrive in the digital era. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
OPD looking for teen who has been missing for over 2 weeks

OPD looking for teen who has been missing for over 2 weeks

(KRON)  The Oakland Police Department is searching for a missing teenager who has been missing for two weeks, named Isreal Myers.

Isreal is described as a Black teenage boy, who is 16 years old. Isreal is 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighs around 120 pounds. He has brown eyes. Israels hair is black with yellow highlights.

Police searching for at-risk missing man who left care home

Isreal was last seen in the 1200 block of 65th Avenue on Aug. 20. Authorities said it is unclear what he was wearing at the time.

Anyone with information regarding Israels location is asked to contact the OPD Missing Persons Unit at (510) 238-3641.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
What is a news site in 2024? What is a journalist? In many cases, I cant tell any longer.

In a nation and a world crying out for honest, non-biased investigative journalism, we are often getting reporting that either supports an ideology or political party, or continually attacks and smears people who hold different views. Goodbye independent reporting, and hello state-sanctioned propaganda.

Take the war in Ukraine, for instance. Just over a year ago, U.S. officials estimated that approximately 500,000 Russian and Ukrainian troops had been killed or wounded since the war started in February 2022. That number is likely now over 1 million. A casualty count that does not include in the tens of thousands of civilians killed and wounded in the conflict.

Over 1 million soldiers killed and wounded, along with thousands of innocent civilian men, women and children. Do you remember reading or hearing about that on your preferred news site? No? What you have heard mostly  especially from the media in the U.S. and the U.K.  is: As Ukraine just reportedas Zelensky just told us

Members of the media are human. They do have personal biases. I get that they might strongly oppose Vladimir Putin and Russia or that they may actively hate former President Donald Trump. But the rules of their chosen profession declare that they must suppress their personal biases in favor of the facts on the ground. Does anyone truly believe that is happening?

Since the beginning of the war, far too many journalists and news sites have come across as cheerleaders for Ukraine. My question to them: Is that unprofessional activism helping the people of Ukraine  or, in reality, unintentionally delaying a cease-fire that would save countless lives and valuable infrastructure?

If the rationale for these activist journalists or news sites was to save the people and infrastructure of Ukraine then they dont need me to inform them that they have failed miserably. However, if their true purpose was to oppose Putin while acting as surrogates for President Volodymyr Zelensky, then they must accept the (hopefully) unintended consequences of that deliberate strategy.

The two most disturbing of those consequences are that the governments of the U.S., the UK and other nations are seemingly using Ukraine and its men, women and children as cheap disposable pawns to be sacrificed in a proxy war against Putin and Russia. The second is that the continuation of this increasingly unpredictable war is leading us to the razors edge of World War III.

Here are some examples of questions our independent and professional media should be asking. Is Ukraine being used to fight such a proxy war? Are defense contractors in the U.S. and Europe using the war to test out new weapons systems while reaping tens of billions in profits? How many Ukrainians have actually been killed or wounded in the war? How many civilians? How many have fled the nation?

Next, are any of the officials in Ukraine corrupt? There was a great deal of reporting on that subject before the war, but there has been precious little since. On that subject, what is the true accounting of the billions of U.S. taxpayer dollars sent into that nation? How much as been stolen and by who? With the continual demonization of Russia and its people, are we pushing that nation deeper into the arms of China, Iran and North Korea?

To my concern that much of the media has abandoned its objectivity and professionalism when it comes to this war, I recently reached out to an editor at a major news site in Europe to ask about submitting a column raising some of these questions. I was told it would be a waste of time. I pushed back saying that it was an opinion piece for their opinion section. The answer I got back was that their unofficial position was that they were strongly opposed to Putin and Russia and would not entertain pieces that might put Ukraine or the prosecution of the war in a negative light.

Call that whatever you want, but it is not honest and ethical journalism.

Final questions for those journalists actively opposed to Putin or carrying water for Ukraine: With your non-reporting reporting or selective use of supplied facts, have you inadvertently prolonged the war by creating false narratives? How many soldiers and civilians are killed and wounded per day? With more accurate and honest reporting of the absolute horrors on the ground in Ukraine, might a cease-fire have been achieved earlier? If so, how many days, weeks or months ago?

Now, take the daily number of soldiers and civilians killed and wounded per day and multiply it with those time frames. Final question: Has biased reporting resulted in excess deaths in that war?

I look forward to the in-depth piece of investigate journalism that will seek to answer that question.

Douglas MacKinnon is a former White House and Pentagon official.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Restraints are shown on the lethal injection table in the execution chamber at the Utah State Correctional Facility after the execution of Taberon Honie, Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024, in Salt Lake City. In 2021, Utah was on the verge of joining nearly half the other states and most of the world in banning capital punishment. | Rick Bowmer

In 2021, Utah was on the verge of joining nearly half the other states and most of the world in banning capital punishment. Then just weeks ago, for only the eighth time in the last 48 years and the first time since 2010, a man woke up one day to be dead the next because the state of Utah chose to have him executed.

Given what we know today about capital punishment, none of us should be comfortable when the state of Utah, in all our names, decides to kill as a form of punishment.

Back in 1972, the U.S. Supreme Court banned capital punishment. The Court recognized that the punishment was plagued by flaws. It was arbitrarily imposed, had little if any proven deterrent value, was costly and was infected with race and class bias.

Four years later, the Court reversed course. But every reason cited in 1972 for banning the punishment remains true today. The only difference is that we now have considerably more evidence.

That Utah spent $200,000 to secure the drugs used to execute Mr. Honie is but one example of the cost to taxpayers. One report found that a death penalty trial costs eight times as much as a similar trial where death is not a possible result.

We often hear that the death penalty is needed as a deterrent. There is no evidence that is true. Over the years, as states have abolished the death penalty across the country, they have done so with no resulting impact on their murder rates. Conversely, after the federal government executed 13 people in the final months of 2020 into 2021 (after executing only three people between 1976 and 2019), the national murder rate went up. Admittedly, there is likely no direct correlation, but all those executions didnt deter anyone, either.

Death penalty proponents will point to victims, but we know even that claim has its limits. A therapist who works with victims family members in Florida has said, More often than not, families of murder victims do not experience the relief they expected to feel at the execution. Taking a life doesnt fill that void, but its generally not until after the execution that families realize this.

Sharon Wright Weeks, whose family members were killed in one of Utahs most notorious crimes, said waiting for one of the defendants to be executed  as opposed receiving a life sentence  has been absolutely torture.

Former Rep. Lowry Snow, who led the push to end the death penalty a few years ago, said that Utah is very prone to a recognition that there can be redemption in everyone. He made these statements in the context of the need to eliminate extreme punishments for children who commit crimes. Our state responded by pursuing a path towards mercy by abolishing life without parole for our children.

But the death penalty continues to exist. Maybe some of us believed we could keep it on the books but not have to face its horrors. That all changed on August 8.

Please do not mistake what I am saying: Mr. Honies crime was horrific, and punishment was deserved. However, do not make the mistake of thinking that what was done to him will do anything to make our state and our communities safer.

We can never change what Taberon Honie did when he killed Claudia Marie Benn, and we can never change what the state of Utah did when it killed Taberon Honie. We can seize upon the reality that the death penalty is fully operational in Utah and work to change our laws. We can insist that we dont ask only if a person deserves to die for a crime; we must also ask whether the state, in all our names, deserves to kill. We should all use our voices in whatever way we can to see that the answer is no.

Ben Miller lives in Salt Lake City. He has been a criminal defense attorney for over 15 years and practices throughout Utah.
The news that two students and two teachers were killed, and nine people were wounded, in a Wednesday shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, should draw forth our full fury.

What should have been a joyous back-to-school season in Winder, Georgia, has now turned into another horrific reminder of how gun violence continues to tear our communities apart, President Joe Biden said in a press release that day. Students across the country are learning how to duck and cover instead of how to read and write. We cannot continue to accept this as normal.

But it is normal, in America. It has been normal. And the system has been intentionally designed to keep this  the lack of gun regulation, egregiously, in the name of freedom  the norm. Congress has been largely unwilling and, arguably, even resistant to pass gun control legislation since the 1994 Federal Assault Weapons Ban, which President George W. Bush allowed to expire in 2004. The first major piece of gun control legislation since this ban was the 2022 Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which implemented background checks for gun purchases under the age of 21 and outlawed the trafficking of illegal firearms.

Even more egregious is the fact that books have been deemed dangerous and must be banned while guns have been protected fiercely. And therein lies the tragic reality of present-day America.

Rather than ban guns as a nationwide public safety effort, this political negligence (thanks in large part to a powerful gun lobby) has forced school administrators and teachers to emend school curricula and the environment around the credible threat of gun violence, with traumatizing active shooter drills and the instillation of carceral apparati like metal detectors and fences and locked doors.

Still, such limitations are not enough to create a safe educational environment or one that is conducive to learning, a vulnerable experience that requires the freedom of known security. Children like the 14-year-old Apalachee shooter can still get their hands on a gun, or five, especially when guns saturate our culture. The nonprofit The Trace estimates that there are more than 378 million guns in circulation in the United States, not accounting for 3D-printed or DIY guns. Thats more guns than people. More weapons designed to kill than people to be killed.

Theres a logic to the priorities of banning books over controlling guns: Conservative ideology seeks to conserve the societal status quo in order to maintain societys sexist and racist power structures. Education, as a key indicator of social mobility and determinant of health, thus has been a perennial battlefield in America. Ignorance is bliss, the saying goes, but it is also a necessity for conservatives who do not want traditions and traditional ways tested or overturned.

Books, and all the potential they possess within their pages to stimulate curiosity and encourage deep and critical thinking, thus have been political targets for conservatives. They are vehicles of liberation, of opening the mind, of wandering into corners of thought yet unexplored. And they are being banned at a greater frequency than ever before. According to a 2024 PEN America report, 4,239 books were banned in fall 2023 semester  more than were banned during the entire previous academic year (3,362).

As I wrote in my book, Breaking Free: The Lie of Equality and the Feminist Fight for Freedom:

Guns are weapons that kill or maim. Books are published to educate and enlighten. One is a barrier between the self and the world, representing aggression, intimidation, and violence misconstrued as protection. The other is a conduit between the self and the world, connecting the reader to people unlike themselves and fostering critical thinking and a self-awareness born from empathic connection. Yet US legislators and a vocal minority of the public would rather a teacher be armed with a gun than teach a book that has a gay character. That guns  and not books  are cherished as an emblem of American freedom tell us everything about the meaning of freedom in this country. The predominant understanding of freedom in Americaa definition that stretches back to the nations founding in slavery and genocideis what both historian Tyler Stovall and writer Ta-Nehisi Coates have called white freedom.Entitlement without accountability, either personal or structural. As author Ta-Nehisi Coates described it in The Atlantic, white freedom is freedom without consequence, freedom without criticism, freedom to be proud and ignorant; freedom to profit off a people in one moment and abandon them in the next; a Stand Your Ground freedom, freedom without responsibility, without hard memory; a Monticello without slavery, a Confederate freedom.

Guns kill. Books liberate. So why are books being banned, while guns are not? That guns are valued more than books in our society represents a devastating reality that the United States is hostile to our collective freedom.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
The profile of right-wing podcaster Darryl Cooper (aka Martyr Made) got an unfortunate boost this week, thanks to an already-infamous appearance on Tucker Carlsons podcast.

As of this writing, The Martyr Made Podcast is the top-ranked show on iTunes  ahead of The New York Times Daily, the Joe Rogan Experience and Carlson himself. Hes got over a quarter-million followers on X; his sit-down with Carlson was even boosted by Elon Musk (who later quietly deleted his supportive post). Cooper counts Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance among his X followers. Among New Right influencers, Coopers kind of a big deal.

Carlson praised Cooper as the best and most honest popular historian in the United States, and lauded his work on the forbidden topic of trying to understand World War II.

Putting aside the abject silliness of saying World War II is a forbidden subject anywhere on this planet, the appearance was of a piece with Coopers just asking questions style of ahistorical revisionism, which frequently includes Nazi apologia and Holocaust skepticism. He called Winston Churchill the chief villain of World War II and said that the murder of 6 million Jews was humane because there was no food to feed the prisoners of war.

These sentiments are hardly uncommon in Coopers output. In a since-deleted tweet from July, Cooper posted two photos. One was of Adolf Hitler and his high command stalking through Paris, with the Eiffel Tower in the background. The other was of drag performers in the Paris Olympics opening ceremony  who appeared on the TV broadcast for mere moments. Cooper wrote that the Nazi victory lap photo was infinitely preferable in virtually every way to the Olympics photo. And theres no reason to believe this was mere trolling.

Pretty gross, right? So where did this guy come from? How did he cultivate such a large audience?

It all started with a long Twitter thread back in July 2021, in which Cooper credited discussions w/enough Boomer-tier Trump supporters who believe the 2020 election was fraudulent for his ability to extract a general theory about their perspective. In dozens of tweets, Cooper purported to explain the reasons that tens of millions of Americans believed Trumps thoroughly and decisively debunked Big Lie.

In short, he claimed, its all the mainstream media and institutions fault. Trump-supporting boomers cant be expected to have agency, nor can they be blamed for believing grifters and media scam artists selling them conspiracy theories. In Coopers telling, they are mere victims in a grand conspiracy to mislead the public  and therefore cant be blamed for latching on to Trumps craven, democracy-assaulting lie.

According to Cooper, the behavior of the corporate press is really what radicalized them. They hate journalists more than they hate any politician or govt official, because they feel most betrayed by them.

The thread continued with vague innuendos and a gish-gallop of semi-relevant information, but at no time did it put any responsibility at the feet of Trump, Carlson or any other grifters and media scam artists who brain-poisoned their followers with an entirely false narrative that most of them believe to this day.

Coopers thread went viral thanks to endorsements by numerous high-profile MAGA influencers like Donald Trump Jr. as well as fellow travelers spanning the far-right to the MAGA-friendly faux-center. Cooper went from 7,000 followers to 70,000 in 4 days, marveled the normally unsentimental Glenn Greenwald, who also published Coopers absolutely brilliant exposition as an article on his personal website.

Cooper didnt endorse the Big Lie. But he did lay the blame for the lies effectiveness on the people who said it was a lie, rather than the person (Trump) who created the lie and the people who spread it (Tucker Carlson included). Its the look what you made me do defense, but about a baseless fraud that continues to rip the country apart.

So thats essentially the Martyr Made origin story. Three years later, his reach is far wider, but it seems as though Coopers Nazi revisionism was the bridge too far for a lot of right-wingers who might have been previously inclined to credulously boost his message (like Musk)  although Andrew Tate still appears to be a fan.

What ties the two moments together is the just asking questions revisionism that makes a big show of challenging the supposedly manufactured institutional narratives (e.g. the 2020 election was not stolen and the Nazis were the villains of World War II) through sloppy, misleading or sometimes just flat-out-wrong arguments.

And this kind of reflexive contrarianism can be seen among other MAGA-friendly podcasters with huge platforms, distorting reality fields by holding onto a mantra that if an institution says its true  then it cant be.

Were headed into another election where one of the two candidates has indicated that if they lose, they wont lose gracefully. People like Cooper, through their deranged brand of anti-establishment activism, are already helping lay the groundwork for another Big Lie  even one they dont necessarily believe in.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
After two and a half years of brutal aggression and growing evidence of war crimes committed by Russian soldiers, some people abroad still cling to the hope that the reality of whats happening in Ukraine isn't as grim as it seems: a nation of nearly 150 million people cant possibly support the invasion of its neighbor and Russian soldiers have no choice but to obey orders  its Vladimir Putins war.

But the reality is grim. People need to come to terms with the fact that a seemingly ordinary man with a family, with his own hopes and dreams, can also take part in the invasion of a country where he commits acts of torture, rape, and murder. It is this capacity for cruelty  his ability to suppress his humanity, if it ever truly existed  that makes him so terrifying.

Hannah Arendt famously explored this unsettling truth in her 1963 book, Eichmann in Jerusalem: A Report on the Banality of Evil. Against the backdrop of the trial of Adolf Eichmann, a high-ranking Nazi official who helped to orchestrate the logistics of the Holocaust, Arendt wrote about how evil manifests itself not in monstrous aberrations that belong to the realm of fairy tales but in individuals who choose to follow horrific orders without much hesitation or introspection.

The worlds failure to fully comprehend the threat Russia poses has allowed apologists for genocide to find a platform within some of the worlds most esteemed cultural institutions. A documentary film that attempts through the fog of war to humanize Russian soldiers fighting a war of aggression against Ukraine has not only been screened recently at the Venice Film Festival and will soon be shown at the Toronto Film Festival, but reportedly also received funding from the Canadian government.

The director of Russians at War, Canadian-Russian filmmaker Anastasia Trofimova, claims that she secretly embedded with Russian troops fighting in their war of aggression against Ukraine without getting permission from the Russian Defense Ministry. (Maybe her contacts at Russian state-controlled RT, which produced several of her previous documentaries, fizzled out?) In press coverage for the film, she spoke about not wanting to judge the Russian soldiers and discovering that they were absolutely ordinary guys with a sense of humor. The interviewers just listen and nod.

It's unsettling to hear such statements, especially after seeing photos of Yaroslav Bazylevych at the funeral of his wife and three daughters who were killed in the Sept. 4 Russian attack on Lviv, a city in the west of Ukraine. It's surreal after speaking with the friends of Nika Kozhushko, a talented 18-year-old artist killed in the Aug. 30 Russian strike on Kharkiv, a city in the east of Ukraine. It's outright maddening while an air raid siren wails in the background. Surely, we must inhabit two different worlds.

Though I have yet to view the full documentary, the commentary from those who attended its screening at the Venice Film Festival, combined with the footage available in the online trailer, started to paint a pretty clear picture. Nothing that Ive heard or seen suggests its an anti-war film. In the trailer, for example, one soldier claims that Ukraine and Russia are "inseparable" and that he misses the "brotherly union." This conveniently overlooks the reality that, in both the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union, the Russian language and culture dominated. Throughout different periods in history, this dominance was enforced through the violent subjugation of Ukrainians and other groups. What this soldier is actually expressing is nostalgia for an era when the Ukrainian nation-state was denied the right to exist.

Nothing that Ive heard or seen suggests its an anti-war film.

And how are Russians trying to prove to Ukrainians that they are brotherly nations? By launching ballistic missiles and drones that kill civilians, reducing cities to rubble, occupying cities, taking those living under occupation who resist for some "reeducation" in basements, raping women and children, executing Ukrainian soldiers taken prisoner, sending abducted Ukrainian children to the far reaches of Russia The scale of Russian war crimes committed in Ukraine is staggering, with the Prosecutor Generals Office documenting 141,739 cases to date. As long as the full-scale war continues, that number will only continue to grow.

Priests pray by the bodies of those killed during the Bucha massacre, committed by Russian forces at the start of the full-scale war, at a mass grave discovered on the grounds of a church in Bucha, Kyiv Oblast, on April 7, 2022. (Ronaldo Schemidt /AFP via Getty Images)

Trofimova, the director of Russians at War, has publicly stated that she witnessed no war crimes being committed during her time on the front line. But what is she suggesting  that the survivors of these atrocities are somehow mistaken? Are their testimonies to be valued less than her own? By making such claims, she engages in a dangerous narrative, sowing doubt in what should be a clear and undeniable truth: Russia is conducting a genocide against Ukraine, and those who carry it out must be held accountable.

Wanting to look through the fog of war and humanize these Russian soldiers is only meant to portray them in a sympathetic light. Are we supposed to say, Sure, Misha raped a Ukrainian woman in front of her small children, but he has kids of his own back home, so he cant be all that bad, right?

In the war against Ukraine, Russian soldiers made a conscious choice to participate, just as they and their fellow citizens chose to allow Russian President Vladimir Putin to remain in power and oversee the rise of an increasingly authoritarian regime. While some Russian families claim indifference to politics, others are deeply entrenched in the state propaganda that floods their television screens, so much so that they are willing to report their own sons for attempting to flee the country and evade military service. The vast majority of Russians bear responsibility for this war. It is not solely Putins war  it is theirs as well.

To describe Russian soldiers as mere "tools in a larger political game," as Trofimova suggests, edges dangerously close to echoing the very talking points propagated by the Russian government  claims like Russia's supposed right to invade in order to halt NATOs encroachment on its "sphere of influence."

Its not always the bombastic voices on state-controlled television shouting about taking Kyiv in three days that pose the greatest threat. More nefarious are the seemingly neutral voices  those who claim to be just asking questions, with no allegiance but to the truth. These quiet skeptics, who foster uncertainty in an otherwise clear-cut narrative, can ultimately inflict the most harm. The moment we begin to blur the truth is the very moment when falsehoods risk becoming accepted as reality.

It is our responsibility to categorically reject any attempts to excuse or rehabilitate the Russian war crimes being committed in Ukraine, and to ensure that the suffering of Russias victims is neither forgotten nor minimized  its the very least we can do for the tens of thousands of Ukrainians whose lives they stole and destroyed.

The opinions expressed in the op-ed section are those of the authors 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.
Members of the Policy Project watch as Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson signs legislation for SB 205, the Policy Project's initiative to prevent child sexual abuse, at the University of Utah Bennion Center in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, April 10, 2024. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

Earlier this year, the Utah Legislature unanimously passed Senate Bill 205, known as the Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Amendments. SB205 marks a significant milestone in Utahs history and arrives at the perfect time, with kids headed back to school.

What does SB 205 do?

SB205 provides $1.5 million in funding for age-appropriate prevention education in Utah elementary schools. The bill allows the state to hire a primary provider to oversee prevention education, including outreach and reporting. It also allows schools to use other approved providers with the funding.

Raising awareness and preventing future abuse means parents and educators need to facilitate important conversations in their schools and homes. Introducing these topics at an early age is essential, given that 1 in 7 children in Utah experience sexual abuse before the age of 18. According to a 2022 research brief published by Saprea, the most vulnerable age group is 7-13 years old.

These numbers are alarming. However, the general Utah population remains largely unaware of the prevalence of child sexual abuse and its associated risks. A survey conducted last year by Utah State Universitys Bolder Way Forward Utah program revealed that 65.4% of respondents  mostly parents  either disagreed (40.8%) or were neutral (24.6%) when asked if child sexual abuse was a problem in their immediate community.

Students themselves also lack education on what sexual abuse looks like and how to get help. In general, Utah students who had previously experienced sexual abuse said that they did not fully understand what was happening to them until they received prevention education. One fourth grade student shared, They taught me how to listen to my feelings and who to tell. So I did.

With abuse cases increasing and the ongoing lack of awareness, its essential to make sure sexual-abuse education is happening in Utahs education system. Parents can contact their local elementary school today, ask if prevention education is being offered and request that state-approved education be provided to children, parents and staff. This collective effort is key to driving generational change.

What can you do?

And of course, parents need to have these conversations with their children. Improvement begins at home, and this is an area where progress is possible. While discussing these subjects might be challenging, its a necessary step in creating a safe space where children can learn and ask questions. Ultimately, parent relationships with children will have the most profound impact on preventing abuse.

Parents can utilize the homework and materials offered through the prevention education funded by SB205. We also recommend these additional resources to continue the discussion:

Raise is a free digital app that teaches parents how to navigate the challenges of todays digital landscape while encouraging their children to develop healthy relationships with technology. To learn more or to download the app, visit joinraise.com.

Prevent Child Abuse Utahs website and social media have resources for talking to children and signing up for abuse prevention presentations in classrooms or for community groups.

It is imperative to continue efforts to build a safer and more supportive community for Utahs children  and the best way to start is to talk about it with families and schools. Thank you for being a part of this movement.

Chris Yadon is the managing director of Saprea. Jake Neeley is the executive director of the Malouf Foundation. LaurieAnn Thorpe is the executive director of Prevent Child Abuse Utah.
Opinion - To tackle crime, spend less on prisons and more on people

With two months until Election Day, crime and criminal justice have emerged as core issues for campaigns up and down the ballot. Candidates across the political spectrum are eager to present themselves as tough on crime, particularly in the presidential election.

Last month, former President Donald Trump vowed to make America safe again through an increase in policing and the use of the death penalty, while Vice President Kamala Harris has honed a stump speech that positions her as a tough prosecutor who has made a career of holding convicted felons accountable.

With campaign rhetoric dominating the news cycle, it can be hard to tell which tactics will lead to real results. But it is clear that people want action: A recent Gallup poll indicates that 79 percent of Americans worry about crime and violence, and the majority of Americans believe our justice system is not tough enough.

Even though violent crime rates have fallen back to their pre-pandemic levels, lawmakers are under pressure to help their constituents feel safe  so jurisdictions from San Francisco to Louisiana are rolling back reforms and increasing sentences.

Instead of ineffective policies, policymakers who are serious about public safety should look at evidence-based solutions rooted in decades of data, which emphasize economic stability, early intervention and community involvement. These options are our best opportunity for long-term community safety.

Community violence intervention programs have proven to be successful models, even in the current political climate. Notably, Philadelphia and Baltimore have implemented holistic community violence intervention programs that have improved public safety.

In Philadelphia, former mayor Jim Kenny and his administration created a group violence intervention program that connected individuals at risk for gun violence to jobs and city services. A 2023 evaluation revealed that this program, which was launched in 2020, reduced shootings among participants by about half.

Baltimore experienced similar success when Mayor Brandon Scott made community violence intervention a cornerstone of his broader violence reduction strategy.

The strategy identified individuals at high risk for violence and then deployed community partners to connect them to community resources. Early studies showed the initiatives reduced homicides and shootings in Baltimores Western District by 25 percent and decreased carjackings by about a third. The city paired this strategy with other measures, including a gun buyback program to reduce the number of guns, which is proven to increase community safety.

To signal its support for programs like those in Philadelphia and Baltimore, last year the Biden administration announced a $5 billion investment in community violence interventions.

Community violence intervention programs are promising, but theyre a fraction of the policies that could reduce crime: Research has shown that everything from job programs to continued access to Supplemental Security Income for youth who have aged out of the program to basic income and stable housing could help.

Unfortunately, instead of turning to evidence-based reforms, many cities and states have been returning to policies that simply do not work well. Long sentences increase the prison population, but they do not prevent crime: People who serve long sentences are more likely to commit more crimes in the future.

In addition, high incarceration rates and long sentences are expensive, costing the government and the families of justice-involved people as much as $182 billion a year. Thats more than double what the federal government spends on elementary and secondary education.

Most of these policies  from increased surveillance to lengthy prison sentences to the emphasis on low-level crime  weigh heavily on communities of color. Police are more likely to stop, search and arrest Black people; juries are more likely to convict people of color and communities of color are more likely to face the poverty that creates the conditions suitable for crime.

Studies continue to demonstrate the American public wants smarter, more effective approaches toward crime and criminal justice. To reduce crime and increase public safety, turning toward evidence-based solutions that emphasize early intervention and community involvement offers the best opportunities for success.

By addressing the underlying causes of crime, employing evidence and involving communities, we can create safer, more secure environments for everyone.

Sarah Rosen Wartell is president of the Urban Institute. David Pitts is vice president for justice policy at the Urban Institute.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Opinion - Why is America so slow to exonerate the wrongly convicted?

While the wheels of justice turn slowly, the old aphorism goes, they grind exceedingly fine. Yet, as the civil rights activist Rev. Benjamin Chavis told me almost 50 years ago, they rarely operate in reverse.

Back then, I covered Chaviss post-conviction hearing for the New York Times. Chavis led the Wilmington Ten, whose criminal case became a political cause. Their 1971 arrest for arson and conspiracy followed urban unrest in the North Carolina port city. Armed white vigilantes and Ku Klux Klansmen had attacked the Black community. The United Church of Christ dispatched Chavis to reduce racial tensions.

Chavis and the others found sanctuary in a church during the violence and steadfastly denied the subsequent charges. Testimony from three Black men  one mentally unstable and a convicted felon who later recanted  brought conviction. Most of the 10 sentences involved about 30 prison years.

Despite numerous investigation and trial irregularities, including alleged prosecutorial misconduct, Chaviss wheels of justice proved prescient here: A state judge ruled the Wilmington Tens trial was fair and their lengthy prison sentences just in 1977.

Ultimately, an international campaign to free those still imprisoned included Amnesty International, writer James Baldwin and U.N. Ambassador Andrew Young.

Notwithstanding, in 1978 North Carolinas politically timid Democratic governor, Jim Hunt, declined to pardon the men (the groups lone womans sentence had completed), or commute their sentences. Instead, he reduced sentences so they would be paroled within 24 subsequent months. Chavis was the last paroled, on Christmas Day 1979.

A year later, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals overturned the Wilmington Tens convictions. In 2012, Gov. Beverly Perdue issued them a pardon of innocence. Chavis is now a Duke University fellow in environmental justice and racial equity.

What recalls this past travesty of justice is a new book, Bringing Ben Home: A Murder, a Conviction, and the Fight to Redeem American Justice, by Barbara Bradley Hagerty, who for many years covered the Justice Department and religion for NPR.

Hagertys focus is Ben Spencer, a 22-year-old Black man, newly married and expecting his first child, with no previous violent offense record, whose 1987 murder conviction brought nearly four decades behind bars.

The victim, a 33-year-old white businessman named Jeffrey Young, was bludgeoned while working late at his Dallas, Tex., clothing import office. Forced into the trunk of his BMW and driven to a poor Black neighborhood, his body was found in the street near his abandoned car.

Youngs father was a senior executive with Ross Perots Dallas-based Electronic Data Systems. Perot, about to launch his third-party presidential run, offered a $25,000 reward for any suspected killers indictment.

The initial police investigation was pitiful: an unsecured site; no crime scene photos; no physical evidence (fingerprints, DNA, etc.) recovered. The prosecutions case involved three residents claiming they witnessed Spencer exiting the car in darkness, and a jailhouse snitch claiming he overheard Spencer confessing his guilt.

At its root, Hagerty argues, the systemic problem with Spencers conviction, and countless similar others, is a form of investigative tunnel vision that academics call confirmation bias. Once police and prosecutors develop a case theory, they ignore new information undermining it. To reinforce their scenario, they sometimes cut corners  or worse.

Police, rushing to find the culprit while the trail has scent, have been known to discard or ignore evidence that points away from their suspect, Hagerty writes. Prosecutors have rationalized burying a piece of evidence because it muddies the clear story they are trying to tell in the interest of serving justice.

Spencers case result was predictable.

Convicting an innocent person is easy, Bradley concludes. Undoing this mistake is almost impossible.

Centurion Ministries, an Innocence Projects movement forerunner, took on Spencers case in 2001, over a decade post-conviction. Centurions guiding inspiration from Deuteronomy (16:18-20) admonishes legal authorities: You shall not judge unfairly: you shall show no partiality; you shall not take bribes, for bribes blind the eyes of the discerning and upset the plea of the just. Justice, justice shall you pursue.

Years later, Hagerty joined Centurions efforts, asking herself the fundamental question many writers do: How could I, a journalist without subpoena power, with no weapons but curiosity and a tape recorder, reinvestigate a settled conviction?

Notwithstanding, Hagerty actively assisted Centurion and the Dallas district attorneys Conviction Integrity Unit, conducting scores of interviews, making key discoveries  and identifying the likely killer.

Two purported eyewitnesses admitted lying about seeing Spencer at the scene. A third received a hefty chunk of Perots reward money before testifying, something the prosecutor illegally failed to disclose to the defense. The jailhouse snitch, whose lengthy prison sentence was reduced to two months for his testimony, recanted his account of his cell mates confession.

Spencer was freed on bond in March 2021, after 37 years incarcerated. On May 15, 2024, Texass Court of Appeals vacated his conviction.

Hagertys account rings true to someone like me who has covered racial injustice and the death penalty in the South for over 50 years. For investigative journalists, tackling cold criminal cases can be intoxicating. Even more so, as Hagerty illustrates in Bringing Ben Home, when efforts transcend reporting to actually correcting an injustice.

Obviously, such investigations chief goal is exonerating the wrongfully convicted  frequently indigents and people of color. Then, where possible, identifying the undiscovered guilty, which Hagerty did, although prosecutors rejected her finding.

Some states compensate wrongfully convicted individuals for their lost years of incarceration. However, police, prosecutors, judges and parole officials responsible for these miscarriages are generally shielded from civil action.

Despite their arrogance and recalcitrance, some extrajudicial accountability exists for officials responsible for injustice: Naming and shaming them in our articles and books, damning them with their own words. Much as they demanded of people whose lives they ruined, let them take responsibility for their actions. And, if they have any conscience, let them demonstrate their remorse and ask forgiveness.

Mark I. Pinsky is a journalist based in Durham, N.C. He is the author of Met Her on the Mountain: The Murder of Nancy Morgan and Drifting into Darkness: Murder, Madness, Suicide and a Death Under Suspicious Circumstances.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 remains of a missing Oregon nurse were found after a three-day search and her neighbor was arrested, Beaverton Police said in a social media post.

Oregon nurse's Melissa Jubane remains were found after 3-day search / Credit: Beaverton Police Department

When Melissa Jubane, 32, didn't report for her morning shift at St. Vincent Hospital in Portland earlier this week, her coworkers, friends and neighbors were concerned as that behavior was unusual for the dedicated nurse.

They called the police on Sept. 4 at 10:18 a.m. and requested a welfare check. Beaverton officers said they arrived at Jubane's apartment in the Portland suburb shortly afterward.

Authorities searched the complex and ran searches of her bank and credit cards but Jubane was nowhere to be found. Her phone appeared to be turned off, police said, and attempts to reach her throughout the day were fruitless.

Police entered her information in the national missing person's database. After an intense three-day investigation, police said, they determined 27-year-old Bryce Johnathan Schubert was involved in her disappearance. Schubert lives in Beaverton and is Jubane's neighbor in their apartment complex.

Police said they arrested Schubert and charged him with murder.

According to online records Schubert is being held in Washington County, Oregon jail on 2nd-degree murder charges. Police did not provide further details on Schubert's involvement in Jubane's death.

Jubane's remains have been recovered. The investigation is ongoing.

Vice President Harris and former President Trump will meet in Philadelphia for first debate

FBI says it foiled a terror plot aimed at America's largest Jewish community

Ultra Processed: How Food Tech Consumed the American Diet | CBS Reports
ATK New Delhi [India], September 7: Dhanuka Agritech, a leading name in Indian agri-input, has released a touching new mini-feature film as part of its acclaimed 'India ka Pranam, Har Kisaan ke Naam' campaign. The film delivers a powerful message about the future of farming in India through the eyes of a young boy who dreams of becoming a farmer--a profession that nurtures the nation. Building on the momentum of the 2022 campaign, this second instalment has already garnered widespread attention. Teasers and social media buzz have created excitement, and today's release has been met with overwhelming appreciation. The film's simple yet profound message--the future of India lies in the hands of its farmers--is resonating deeply with audiences across the country. Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=St1x3EjrpM0 Behind this impactful campaign is Dhanuka Agritech, which has been a trusted partner in Indian agriculture for 44 years. "We are thrilled to unveil this film," said Ratnesh Kumar Pathak, Senior Deputy General Manager at Dhanuka Agritech. "This initiative is a continuation of our mission to uplift and honor the farming community. Through this film, we challenge the outdated belief that brilliant young minds cannot pursue farming--a profession that is the backbone of our country. Farming is not just a livelihood; it's a legacy, and we want to celebrate it. This film is our way of expressing deep gratitude to every farmer for their unwavering dedication and invaluable contributions." For decades, Dhanuka Agritech has stood alongside Indian farmers, understanding their struggles, successes, and the tireless effort behind each harvest. The film serves as a tribute to those efforts, and a call to inspire the next generation to embrace farming with pride. It plants seeds of hope for a future that is rooted in the enduring values of agriculture, which remain integral to the fabric of India. As the film reaches homes across the nation, it reinforces Dhanuka's ongoing commitment to supporting the people who feed the country. This campaign celebrates not just today's farmers, but also the future ones, reminding us that farming is more than a profession--it's a legacy worth cherishing and nurturing. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by ATK. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
Over $1 million worth of drugs found in vehicle on I-8

PINE VALLEY, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI)  A driver suspected of attempting to smuggle drugs at a U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint is in custody, authorities said.

The seizure occurred Thursday afternoon on Interstate 8 near Pine Valley, U.S. Customs and Border Protection said in a news release Friday.

One of the vehicles required a secondary inspection when the Border Patrols K-9 team found nine cellophane bags containing suspicious blue pills inside the trunk, according to authorities.

The blue pills were determined as fentanyl, weighing around 168 pounds and worth an estimated street value of $1.3 million.

Fire breaks out in Escondido SDG&E battery storage facility

The driver of the vehicle, a man described as a 22-year-old U.S. citizen, and the drugs were turned over to the San Diego Border Crime Suppression Team, while U.S. Border Patrol seized the vehicle. State charges are being sought for the suspect, according to CBP.

Fentanyl is a major factor in the record number of overdoses occurring in our nation, said San Diego Sector Chief Patrol Agent Patricia McGurk-Daniel. I applaud our agents vigilance and commitment to keeping our communities safe from this dangerous poison.

In the current fiscal year, San Diego Border Patrol agents have captured around 600 pounds of fentanyl, per border officials.

To report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol, contact 911 or San Diego Sector at 619-498-9900.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Over $80,000 seized from drug trafficker courier at Charlotte Douglas Airport

Tens of thousands dollars were seized from a man suspected of being a courier for drug traffickers at Charlotte Douglas Airport.

According to federal court filings, a drug detection dog alerted officers to Deliang Hes luggage with nearly $80,000 in cash stashed inside. Investigators learned that he made 33 trips from San Francisco to the east coast in just two months, which included several trips to Charlotte.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: 9 Investigates: Criminals sneaking millions in cash through Charlotte airport

Feds have now filed to keep the money.

Channel 9 has reported in the past that millions of dollars get funneled through Charlotte Douglas every year.

(WATCH BELOW: Woman faces more animal cruelty charges after serving prison time for crime)
Ozark Chinquapin tree making comeback in Arkansas

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)  The Ozark Chinquapin tree is making a comeback to Arkansas thanks to a partnership between Hobbs State Park, The Ozark Chinquapin Foundation, and the University of Arkansas.

The tree was nearly wiped out in the late 1950s by blight, a plant disease caused by a fungus. This partnership is working on developing a blight-resistant seed.

Some of the historical uses for Ozark Chinquapin Trees include fence posts, medicine and furniture. One of the most important uses is food for the wildlife.

Steve Chyrchel, an interpreter from Hobbs State Park, says the tree provided a super nutritious food source for our animals and we need to bring it back.

Northwest Park in Rogers plans for repairs caused by May tornadoes

Compared to a White Oak acorn, the nut from the Chinquapin tree has

31% more carbohydrates

230% more protein

380% more fat

After many years of cross-pollination to create a more blight-resistant seed, theyre working on test plots not only at Hobbs State Park, but 34 other Arkansas State Parks. You too, can get involved in generating more Ozark chinquapin trees by heading to the Ozark Chinquapin Foundation and joining.

There are some requirements for a suitable area. You have to have a south-facing slope, a well-draining area, and eight hours of sunlight. You can also volunteer to help water test plots at the parks.

Having an abundant, nutrient food source, is crucial for a happy and healthy ecosystem.

Chyrchel, somewhat like the Lorax, the Dr. Suess character who speaks for the trees, says But now says the Onceler, now that youre here, the words of the Lorax seem perfectly clear, UNLESS someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothings going to get better, its not!

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24.
CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP)  The father of the teen who killed four people at a Georgia high school was arrested Thursday for letting his son possess a weapon.

Springfield school shooting threat led to arrest of teenager

22News spoke to a local attorney about why theres been a growing trend of holding parents accountable for their childrens actions in recent shootings.

The father in the Georgia shooting is facing charges of involuntary manslaughter, second-degree murder, and cruelty to children. According to law enforcement, the father gave his son an AR-15-style rifle as a gift *after* they were interviewed by authorities last year following an online threat.

It wasnt until 2021 that parents started to face direct charges of involuntary manslaughter. Two parents were arrested after their son shot and killed four classmates in Michigan.

We want parents to take responsibility we dont these types of weapons to minors, if they have a weapon in the house we want to make sure the gun is secured and that a child cant get it and its putting a responsibility a liability on the parent if they dont, said Attorney at Winston Law Offices in Northampton, James Winston.

The Georgia high school shooting was the 30th mass killing in the U.S. so far this year. At least 127 people have died in those shootings.

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.
Passenger dies after Eatonville-based biplane goes missing on way to Oregon airshow

A WW II-era biplane that departed from a private airstrip in Eatonville Friday afternoon crashed 70 miles away, killing the passenger and injuring the pilot, according to multiple authorities. The plane was missing for several hours until it was located by a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter crew in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.

The 1943 Stearman Kaydet, a two-seater plane, was piloted by Christopher M. Paulson, 72, of Eatonville, according to the Skamania County Sheriffs Office.

Sometime after departing Eatonville, the Stearman joined a formation of two other planes headed to the Annual Hood River Fly-In at the Hood River Airport.

They separated for some reason and the other two continued on and landed at Hood River, said state Department of Transportation aviation emergency services manager Tom Peterson.

A Stearman Kaydet biplane similar to this one on display at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum went missing Friday, Sept. 6 in southwest Washington. It was later found crashed with a deceased passenger.

When the other pilots landed at Hood River and reported the plane missing, Peterson was contacted, he said. He then traced the planes route and contacted the U.S. Air Force Rescue Coordination Center. Using flight tracking data, Peterson determined the plane crashed about 1 p.m., approximately 12 miles northwest of Stevenson, Wash.

An air crew stationed at Coast Guard Air Station Astoria was dispatched to search for the missing plane, according to USCG spokesperson Petty Officer Briana Carter. Meanwhile, volunteers from the Volcano Rescue Team and the sheriffs search and rescue team, along with medics from North Country Emergency Medical Services, responded to the area.

Rescuers searching the forest heard faint cries for help near Sunset Falls campground, according to sheriffs office search and rescue coordinator Sgt. Ryan Taylor.

The pilot was able to self-extricate himself from the downed aircraft, Taylor said. He was very unstable on his feet.

At that point, search crews still had not located the plane, due to the thick forest in the area, he said. However, the USCG MH-60 helicopter crew found the plane nearby at the 3,000-foot elevation.

FILE PHOTO: A Coast Guard MH-60 helicopter.

Coast Guard rescue personnel were lowered to the ground and placed Paulson in a rescue device, hoisted him into the helicopter and flew him to Portland International Airport around 7 p.m., Carter said.

They transferred him to waiting emergency medical services there, she said.

Ground crews found the passenger deceased at the scene. In the Stearman, the passenger sits in front of the pilot, Peterson said.

The passenger was identified as Jed Paul Kelly, 45, of Eatonville.
Ryan Primosch, of Lehi, drops his ballot in a ballot drop box during primary election voting held at the Lehi Public Safety Building in Lehi on Tuesday, June 25, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

This article was first published in the On the Trail 2024 newsletter

. Sign up to receive the newsletter in your inbox on Tuesday and Friday mornings here. To submit a question to next weeks Friday Mailbag, email onthetrail@deseretnews.com.

Hello, friends. Were less than two days away from Election Day, and days away from the first  and possibly only  debate.

3 things to know

60 days till showtime

Were officially on the homestretch. Todays newsletter is dedicated to mapping out the next 60 days, between now and Election Day: what you need to know, what to watch, and why any of this matters.

A lot to cover. Here we go:

Timeline. Voting gets underway, in one state, today: North Carolina will begin shipping out its mail-in ballots this morning. For our Utah readers, ballots will be shipped between Oct. 15 and 29. In Arizona, theyll be mailed Oct. 9; in Nevada, on Oct. 16. Ballots for military personnel and overseas absentee voters will be shipped by Sept. 21, regardless of state. You can find more details on your states vote-by-mail process by visiting the website for your secretary of state or lieutenant governor.

In-person early voting, meanwhile, kicks off soon: in Pennsylvania, polls open in 10 days, on Sept. 16. Out West  in Arizona, Nevada and Utah  early voting does not begin until October. Axios compiled a helpful, interactive grid laying out those dates here.

Between now and Election Day, there are a number of big events, starting with Tuesdays debate in Philadelphia (Sept. 10). It will be the first time Harris and Trump meet in person, ever. The vice presidential candidates  Sen. JD Vance and Gov. Tim Walz  will meet for a debate in New York City on Oct. 1. A date for a second Harris and Trump debate has not yet been announced.

In the midst of it all, Trump is set to be sentenced in his hush money trail on Sept. 18, a decision that could affect whether Trump is able to vote in the election. But thus far, Trumps convictions have had little consequence among voters, as hes stayed stable in polls amid his legal challenges.

That takes us to ...

Poll pulse: President Joe Bidens decision to drop out instantly reshaped the race. Trump held a lead over Biden in polls for months; almost overnight, Harris took the lead, and she has slowly increased her cushion, according to poll averages: FiveThirtyEight (Harris +3), The Economist (Harris +3), RealClearPolling (Harris +2).

What changed? For one, Harris favorability: as soon as Harris became the Democratic nominee, Americans decided that they liked her better. Just a week before Biden dropped out, Harris favorability ratings were under water: 54% of Americans said they had an unfavorable view of her, compared to just 37% who had a favorable view (a net unfavorable rating of +17). Now, shes at a net neutral: 46.7% have an unfavorable view, while 46.4% have a favorable view.

Somehow, Harris has managed to convince voters to separate their views on her from their views of the Biden-Harris administration. In a Deseret News/HarrisX national poll last month, only 27% of U.S. voters said the country is on the right track, compared to 62% who say it is on the wrong track. (That tracks with other current polling.) Those numbers have improved since Biden dropped out  when he was atop the ticket, nearly 70% of Americans said the country was on the wrong track  but lots of people have lost the presidency with the wrong-track rating the Biden-Harris team now has, said Bill McInturff, co-founder of Public Opinion Strategies, during AEIs Election Watch panel Wednesday.

The structural forces are not good for an incumbent vice president in the Democratic Party, McInturff said.

States to watch: For Harris to win, she doesnt need to convince every American that the country is on the right track  she just needs enough voters in enough swing states to think so. Prognosticators have long held that the election will boil down to seven states: the Sun Belt battlegrounds, including Arizona, Georgia, Nevada and North Carolina; and the Blue Wall, including Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

The chief among these is Pennsylvania, which has 19 electoral votes, more than any other swing state. There, the polling is neck-and-neck: Harris currently leads by one-half of a percentage point, according to the Financial Times polling average.

But dont count out the Western states. A candidate has won the presidency without winning Nevada only once since 2000 (Trump in 2016), and both Nevada and Arizona saw razor-thin margins in 2020. Both have large populations of religious conservatives  a key bloc of swing voters.

Both of those Western states, along with Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, have tight U.S. Senate races that could drive turnout  and determine which party controls Congress.

Key issues: If polls are any indication, voters are honed in on three main issues: the economy, immigration and abortion. Both Harris and Trump have given more attention to the economy than any other policy issue in recent weeks, but Trumps flip-flopping on abortion and Harris on the border will provide fodder for the opposing campaign. Whats more, abortion measures will be on the ballot in ten states this November, including Arizona and Nevada, and an immigration-related measure will be on the ballot in Arizona.

Weekend reads

Do ideas matter anymore? Thats at the heart of this Oren Cass column, who chastises both Harris and Trump for failing to engage in salient policy debates, instead staking out milquetoast positions (or switching positions) on everything from the economy to clean energy to abortion. Cass, the brains behind Romneys 2012 domestic policy, argues that the candidates are spending too much time convincing voters they are on their side, and not enough time explaining what, exactly, that side is. The problem with empty US campaign promises (Oren Cass, Financial Times)

RFK Jr.s Trump endorsement was a big boon for MAGA  if, for no other reason, it consolidates support from Kennedy voters in tight swing states. But in three battlegrounds  Michigan, North Carolina and Wisconsin  Kennedy will still be on the ballot. Will that matter? It depends on how close the race is. RFK Jr. is stuck on 3 swing-state ballots. Thats a headache for Trump. (Aaron Blake, The Washington Post)

While in line at Chipotle in Chicago last month, a middle-aged man asked me who Id be voting for. (I was en route to the DNC, and hed seen my credential.) I asked him, and he said Trump. I cant vote for a woman, he told me. Look at Hillary. Americas not ready. Will Saletan attended over 20 focus groups with voters across the country to find out how common this sentiment is. Are American voters, in the aggregate, sexist? If Harris loses, will it be because of her gender? Is America Ready to Elect a Female President? (Will Saletan, The Bulwark)

BONUS: At the heart of the American democratic ideal is the peaceful transfer of power. This short essay draws from the lessons taught by some of my political heroes, Washington and Adams, and one of my religious ones, Joseph Smith. History and the peaceful transfer of power (Paul Reeve, Deseret)

See you on the trail.

Editors Note: The Deseret News is committed to covering issues of substance in the 2024 presidential race from its unique perspective and editorial values. Our team of political reporters will bring you in-depth coverage of the most relevant news and information to help you make an informed decision. Find our complete coverage of the election here.
PELHAM, Ala. (WIAT)  A school resource officer with the Pelham Police Department was placed on paid administrative leave when an investigation started Wednesday evening.

According to Pelham police, the department received information from a parent of a former Pelham Park Middle School student Wednesday evening. The parent shared with police that a student communicated via texting with the school resource officer at the middle school.

Pelham police stated the messages, which were from late May, may be deemed inappropriate. An investigation started into the allegations. The school resource officer was placed on paid administrative leave and has not been at Pelham Park Middle School since Wednesday. Police did not name the school resource officer.

Florida high school football player dies after collapsing during game

The department stated it has no evidence any physical contact occurred or was suggested between the former Pelham Park Middle School student and officer. Police are updating Pelham City Schools on the situation. There is an officer assigned to Pelham Park Middle School.

Pelham police announced they will not release more information until the investigation is finished.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
FRANKLIN, W.Va. (WBOY)  Since it was established in 1958, the National Radio Quiet Zone (NRQZ) has limited wireless communication over Pendleton County and other remote parts of West Virginia in the name of science. However, as technology has advanced and people rely more on cell phones and the internet, local officials are struggling to find solutions.

The National Radio Quiet Zone (NRQZ) covers approximately 13,000 square miles. (Wikimedia Commons: Arlo Barnes  Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license)

On Tuesday, the Pendleton County Commission adopted a resolution condemning restrictions imposed by the NRQZ. The zone covers more than 10,000 square miles of land in West Virginia, Virginia and Maryland and limits what kind of radio transmissions can be broadcast. This is all done to reduce interference that can affect sensitive communication sites like the NSA Sugar Grove station and the Green Bank Observatory.

While radio transmissions arent outright prohibited in the NRQZ, restrictions in certain areas can cause big problems for first responders, who need to be ready for emergencies no matter where they might happen.

Rick Gillespie, the Emergency Coordinator for Pendleton County, told 12 News that the regulations are strangling the county and its first responders and are keeping us farther and farther behind the technology of the day.

In our world today, we rely not only on digital radio systems, but data systems such as mobile data terminals and police vehicles, ambulances, Gillespie said. In several ways, there is no workaround because everything we rely on is being limited by the quiet zone.

(Photo Credit: Rick Gillespie)

(Photo Credit: Rick Gillespie)

(Photo Credit: Rick Gillespie)

However, this problem is far from new, and officials have worked together in the past to try and find ways to communicate wirelessly without disrupting the work at Green Bank and Sugar Grove.

Internet-based communication

One option that provided some hope to responders and residents was Starlink, a broadband internet service that enables users to access high-speed internet almost anywhere on Earth using thousands of satellites.

A string of SpaceX StarLink satellites pass over an old stone house near Florence, Kansas, in a long-exposure photo taken in May 2021. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann, File)

However, Chris De Pree, the Radio Spectrum Manager for the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO), told 12 News that Starlink may not be the silver bullet everyone wants it to be.

The problem now is youve got things flying overhead and potentially right in the most sensitive part of the beam of the telescope; right where its pointing in the sky. You can have a satellite pass through that beam. Not only does that cause RFI (radio frequency interference), but that even has the potential to damage sensitive receivers, De Pree said.

Forest Service proposes large-scale red spruce restoration project in southern & central Appalachia

Gillespie told 12 News that some Starlink users in Pendleton County had been able to use the service until recently. Starlink informed them that they would be unable to use the service any further due to being located in the NRQZ, although no regulations in the quiet zone have actually changed. Gillespie described this as one of the final straws to break the camels back.

We rely on that to deploy Starlink to have communications at remote command postsat sites of emergencies. And at the suggestion of the Quiet Zone, weve considered equipping our ambulances with the mobile Starlink and motion systems so that they would have the ability to communicate no matter where they are. So were finding every means of modern communication being limited by the quiet zone restrictions, Gillespie said.

Starlink officially announced that it was available nationwide in October 2023, but the map it shared showed a significant dead zone in the area of the NRQZ.

Starlinks coverage in the U.S. (Courtesy: Starlink)

Starlinks coverage in West Virignia. (Courtesy: Starlink)

Radio-based communication

Over the years, officials on both sides have also butted heads over the issue of wireless communications. Gillespie told 12 News that the NRQZ has executed a waiver for VHF-based communication devices, but that emergency services in Pendleton County only use UHF-based ones and that a transition to VHF would be too expensive.

This is akin to telling us that we need to transition to diesel vehicles, moving from an all-gasoline fleet, all while providing us zero funding to make the transition, Gillespie said.

De Pree said that if there is a money-based solution, [the NRAO] will work with them to find it. He also said that within the past week, the NRQZ office has been in touch with the West Virginia State Police on the topic of switching to a dual-band system in order to use both UHF and VHF radio channels.

Cellular-based communication

So what about communicating over cell towers? The NRAO told 12 News that its worked with AT&T to create a minimal modification of the current tower at Long Ridge, a site just east of Franklin, that would provide cellular overage while remaining within the guidelines of the NRQZ.

Gillespie said that while this improvement has helped the area surrounding Franklin, its still not enough because much of the county is still within a dead zone.

A map published by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) shows that multiple areas of Pendleton County are lacking broadband coverage including Miles and the region south of Brandywine.

What to do going forward?

One change proposed by the Pendleton County Commission is for Green Bank and Sugar Grove to adopt signal filtering technology at their sites instead of requiring radio silence over such a large area. However, De Pree said that this isnt practical for places like Green Bank.

There are solutions which are things called notch filters, right? A notch filter would allow you to sort of block a certain part of the observing band. Those will reduce the noise by a certain amount, they dont eliminate it, De Pree said. Electronics, you can reduce the signal by a certain amount, but there are limitations to how much you can reduce it. There are limitations to sort of how much of a band you can notch out.

Mothman: The Film That Never Was to premiere at this years Mothman Festival

With all of these issues, the National Science Foundation has committed to a $2 million study to find permanent solutions to the emergency communications issue, with Pendleton County set to be the pilot community and main beneficiary of the study. However, the study will take time to complete and wont be an immediate solution responders can use tomorrow.

There is a technical solution and we will work hard to get there, De Pree said. Theres a technical solution that may cost money, but there is a technical solution, and NRAO is committed to making sure that the people of Pendleton County are safe and that the missions of Sugar Grove and the National Radio Astronomy Observatory can continue.

However, Gillespie and officials in Pendleton County arent convinced that theyre being prioritized.

The response so far has been that they need these restrictions to do their mission and we keep turning it around. When is our mission going to be important? We provide services to the community in their darkest hours and our mission is very important as well. And somehow weve got to find the middle ground that weve not reached as of now, Gillespie said.

The resolution issued by the Pendleton County Commission earlier this week also mentioned plans to make formal requests to the United States Congress and the Biden Administration for additional funding to meet the demands of the NRQZ. It also said that while it will settle for fewer restrictions, it would prefer the NRQZ be dissolved entirely.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
CENTRE COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ)  The Penn State College of Engineering celebrated its newly constructed Engineering Collaborative Research and Education Building (ECoRE) with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The new building is the culmination of its West Campus expansion. On Friday, Sept. 6 those who helped design and construct the building along with Penn State leaders and College of Engineering friends and alumni attended the ceremony.

Penn State soccer rising among international ranks

The Penn State College of Engineering is the largest academic college at Penn State and now the 290,000 square foot building is the largest academic building on any Penn State campus.

The entire university. Engineering is such a big collaborator in doing work across disciplines, so it gives us the modern spaces where we have people from different departments working together on key issues, Tonya Peeples, Harold and Inge Marcus Dean for the College of Engineering, said.

Get the latest news, weather forecasts and sports stories delivered straight to your inbox! Sign up for our newsletters.

The building includes the Center for Engineering Outreach and Inclusion and the Engineering Advising Center, as well as academic unit offices, research space, and teaching labs for aerospace engineering, architectural engineering, acoustics, and civil and environmental engineering.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
In alignment with the Government's Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has partnered with Swiggy to introduce the 'Swiggy Skills' initiative. According to the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, this Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aims to enhance skilling and employment prospects within Swiggy's food delivery and quick commerce network by offering a variety of opportunities in restaurant operations and retail management. The 'Swiggy Skills initiative will integrate Swiggy's partner platform with the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH), granting access to a range of online skill development courses, certifications, and training modules. This collaboration is expected to benefit approximately 240,000 delivery partners and restaurant staff associated with Swiggy. Minister of State for the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Jayant Chaudhary, emphasised the importance of the logistics sector in achieving the Viksit Bharat 2047 goals. He said, "For India to realise the goal of Viksit Bharat @2047, the logistics sector will play a key role. Keeping that in mind, our government has launched the National Logistics Policy in India. He added, "We are also creating an enabling ecosystem for the growth in this sector where skilling and education work hand in hand. Today's partnership showcases how public-private partnerships can accelerate and create new avenues for the workforce in the sector. There are huge opportunities in this space, and we wish to see more corporations engaging with us." Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, said, "The partnership will drive transformation at two levels. It will increase the economic contribution of the retail and supply chain logistics sector while creating skilling, upskilling, and reskilling opportunities for the workforce, aligned with the vision of our Prime Minister." He added, "Integrating with Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH), under the initiative, Swiggy Skills, the Swiggy partner platform will enable its ecosystem to access skill loans, courses, credits, and certifications, empowering individuals to enhance their skills and livelihood opportunities through this platform." Sonal Mishra, Joint Secretary of MSDE, along with other senior officials, attended the launch event. Under the Swiggy Skills initiative, the Swiggy partner platform will be integrated with Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) to provide certification courses and training modules across Swiggy's ecosystem. This will enable delivery partners and the staff of restaurant partners to easily access online skill development courses, certifications, and training modules for enhanced employability. Further, Swiggy will assimilate youth, who have undergone training under MSDE's schemes and programs into their ecosystem in various job roles. Additionally, there are also plans to provide internship opportunities to the youth, who can then be absorbed in Swiggy's quick commerce operations. At the signing of this partnership, Rohit Kapoor, CEO of Swiggy Food Marketplace, said, "We plan to integrate with MSDE's Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) across our partners' apps, enabling almost 2.4 lakh delivery partners and the staff of our 2 lakh restaurant partners to easily access online skill development courses, offline certifications, and training modules." He further said, "Second, youngsters who have undergone training under MSDE's program for operational roles such as retail and logistics management, and operational aspects of F&B business, will be connected to Swiggy's ecosystem of restaurants and retail backend operations, where they can find suitable opportunities." "In Swiggy Instamart operations, we will be able to provide recruitment to 3,000 individuals across the country. We have also planned to provide training and internships to 200 people trained by MSDE, in our quick commerce operations at the senior level, and finally Swiggy, under our employee volunteering program, will be able to provide in-house expertise to create training modules on emerging issues such as artificial intelligence (AI), marketing, retail, quick commerce, logistics, and more," he added. (ANI)
Editors Note: A version of this story appears in CNNs Meanwhile in the Middle East newsletter, a three-times-a-week look inside the regions biggest stories. Sign up here.

In southern Israels Negev desert, residents of the Bedouin village of Khirbet Karkur live in tents and metal-clad makeshift homes. Not far from the border with Gaza, they hear the sounds of the war unfolding next door.

There are some 300,000 Arab Bedouins living in the Negev. As Muslim-Arab citizens of Israel, many are still struggling to find their place in Israeli society 75 years after the Jewish state was established, despite many of them serving in the military.

The war with Hamas has only deepened that sense of uncertainty. Bedouins living near the Gaza border feel they have been doubly victimized: first by being within striking distance of Hamas rockets with minimal protection, and second by state marginalization that has only grown worse since Hamas October 7 attack on Israel.

The village of Khirbet Karkur is not recognized by the Israeli state. Residents live a semi-nomadic life, in an open desert area and in dwellings that arent connected to the Israeli electricity grid or water supply. Like many other unrecognized villages, it has no schools or hospitals, and residents say that women have been forced to give birth in cars on the way to hospital because ambulances struggle to reach the town.

Farhan Al-Qadi, a Bedouin Israeli hostage who was kidnapped on October 7 by Hamas, is greeted by his friends and family after he is rescued, at his village near Rahat in southern Israel, on August 28. - Saeed Qaq/NurPhoto/Getty Images

And unlike millions of other Israelis during the war, they dont have air raid sirens or access to bomb shelters to hide from Hamas rockets. Israels Iron Dome missile defense system often skips interceptions above their village, residents say, as it ignores projectiles that arent expected to fall in population centers. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) told CNN it is not possible to provide details on the aerial defense array policy due to considerations of information security.

Villagers say the rest of the country had all but forgotten them  until last week, when a swarm of journalists travelled along dirt roads to the dusty village to mark the release of 52-year-old Farhan Al-Qadi from Hamas captivity. Khirbet Karkur is his hometown.

Al-Qadi was abducted along with 250 others by Hamas-led militants on October 7. He was taken from Kibbutz Magen, where he was working as a security guard, and was rescued last week from a tunnel in Gaza by Israeli security forces, the Israeli military said.

Speaking to reporters the day after his rescue, Al-Qadi said he wishes that the war ends for all Palestinian and Israeli families.

Israeli officials have said that Al-Qadis kidnapping and release shows that all its citizens  Jews and Muslims alike  are equally vulnerable to terrorism, adding that the state is committed to securing the freedom of every citizen.

Israels Bedouin community is considered a subset of the countrys Arab population, which makes up about 20% of the total population in the country of 10 million.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Al-Qadi the day he was released, and according to a transcript supplied by the Prime Ministers Office, said: I want you to know that we do not forget anyone, just as we did not forget you. We are committed to returning everyone, without exception.

In November, the prime minister visited the IDFs so-called Bedouin battalion in the Negev, a unit mostly made up of Muslim Bedouin soldiers, saying that Jewish and Bedouin commanders are standing shoulder-to-shoulder, and that our partnership is the future of us all against these savages.

But some Bedouin leaders and residents of Al-Qadis village say the state is celebrating his rescue without taking proper action to address the communitys decades-long needs.

Waleed Alhwashla, a Bedouin member of Israels parliament, the Knesset, said that while Netanyahu and his coalition portray Israeli Arabs as equal to Jewish citizens, the reality on the ground is starkly different.

Netanyahu lies to the families of the hostages, to the world, he lies at negotiations, to (US President Joe) Biden and to America, Alhwashla told CNN. He cannot change the reality inside (Israel), where there are violations of freedom, human rights, the rights of the Arab minority, he said.

Displacement and segregation

The semi-nomadic Bedouin group is predominantly tribal, with family trees that extend into Gaza and Egypts northern Sinai. Many identify distinctly as Bedouin Israelis, while others see themselves as Palestinian citizens of Israel.

Unlike most Jewish Israelis, Bedouins are not required to serve in the Israeli military, though some choose to do so anyway, often in specialized units operating in the Negev desert.

Bedouins who join the military receive support from the state to complete high school studies, Hebrew courses and driving lessons. Some also join up to protect the land they live in, Israeli media reported, especially after October 7.

Most Bedouins live in the 4,700-square-mile Negev, which before Israels founding in 1948 was home to some 92,000 Bedouins. Only 11,000 remained after the Arab-Israeli war that followed.

Israeli security forces demolish the unrecognized bedouin community of Wadi al Khalil in the southern Negev desert, on May 8. - Oren Ziv/AFP/Getty Images

Today, over 300,000 Bedouin citizens of Israel live in the Negev, including more than 80,000 who reside in unrecognized Bedouin villages, according to Adalah, the Legal Center for Arab Minority Rights in Israel. Many of those settlements predate Israels founding.

These villages are often situated next to waste dumps, with little access to water and electricity, said Fayez Sohaiban, a relative of Al-Qadi and former mayor of the nearby Bedouin city of Rahat.

This is a humanitarian issue, Sohaiban told CNN, adding that all Bedouin families in the Negev suffer the same challenges. They dont have schools, they dont have water, they dont have power.

People are suffocating, he said.

Residents of unrecognized villages regularly face demolition orders for their buildings due to lack of building permits, they say.

Demolitions have occurred on a weekly basis this year, according to the rights group Negev Coexistence Forum for Civil Equality (NCF). In the first half of 2024 alone, 2,007 Bedouin structures were demolished by the state despite a temporary halt in the early months of the war, the group said, up from 1,767 demolitions during the same period of the previous year.

Bedouin residents and leaders say their plight has worsened since the war started.

Alhwashla, the lawmaker, told CNN that the government has erased the village of Wadi Al-Khalil during the war, adding that there are thousands of other orders for demolition currently in place.

A man points to a hole in the roof of a building caused by a projectile that injured seven-year-old Bedouin girl Amina in her unrecognized village, in the southern Negev desert, in Israel on April 14. - Ahmad Gharabli/AFP/Getty Images

In May, Amnesty International said that Israel had demolished 47 homes in the unrecognized village of Wadi al-Khalil without proper consultation or compensation, adding that Israeli authorities have over the years employed numerous pretexts to push for the displacement and segregation of the Bedouin community in the Negev, from expanding highways and industrial zones, to establishing forests for the Jewish National Fund and the designation of military zones. A report by the NCF said in the case of Wadi al-Khalil, the demolition was justified by the Israeli state as necessary for the extension of Highway 6, a project not yet scheduled for construction nor budgeted by the state, despite the humanitarian crisis it caused.

Bedouin-Israeli communities are also among the poorest in the country, with close to 80% of Bedouin children living below the poverty line, NCF said, citing data from Israels National Insurance Institute.

Their plight has worsened significantly since a far-right government came to power in 2022, residents told CNN. In August of last year, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir attended the demolition of an unrecognized village near Tel Arad in the Negev, Israeli media reported. The minister called the demolition sacred work, and said the residents should understand that we govern here, that there are landlords in this country.

Some villagers are afraid to criticize the government, citing fear of retribution by the authorities, which they say has increased since October 7. Villagers say authorities closely monitor their social media for any signs of support for Palestinians in Gaza, or criticism of Israels conduct in the war.

United Nations officials have repeatedly called on Israel to stop demolishing homes and property belonging to the Bedouin community.

CNN has reached out to Israels Land Authority for comment.

Victims of October 7

When Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 22 Bedouins were killed, seven of them by rocket fire that fell onto unrecognized villages, according to Alhwashla. A total of eight Bedouins were kidnapped, according to the Hostage Families Forum. Three have been freed, one is believed to be dead in Gaza, one was killed by IDF fire while attempting to flee, and three remain in Hamas captivity, according to the forum.

In April, when Israel and Iran traded direct fire for the first time, a 7-year-old Bedouin girl in the Negev was severely wounded by shrapnel from an intercepted missile, according to Israeli officials.

Last week, residents of unrecognized Bedouin villages filed a petition with the High Court of Justice demanding that the state provide protective measures against rocket and missile fire, according to the Association for Civil Rights in Israel, a partner to the petitioners.

Ali al-Zayadana, the brother of Youssef and the uncle of Hamza, two Beduin men who were taken hostage by Hamas on October 7, prays for them in the Al-Aqsa mosque compound, in Jerusalem on March 22. - Ahmad Gharabli/AFP/Getty Images

Approximately 85,000 residents of these unrecognized villages lack any means of protection against rocket, missile, or drone attacks, the association said, adding that residents have since October 7 been forced to rely on makeshift protective measures, such as sheltering under bridges, digging trenches, or finding narrow crevices in the ground.

These villages are without sirens, Iron Dome coverage, or any formal state-regulated protection, due to their unrecognized status, the association said, citing the petition.

The IDF told CNN that the Home Front Command maintains regular contact with the heads of local authority, the Ministry of Social Equality, and the Bedouin Administration to ensure optimal protection whenever possible, adding that since the beginning of the war, the Home Front Command has been working to deploy protective measures in the Bedouin dispersal areas.

Still, Bedouin communities feel that such efforts have done little to alleviate their longstanding hardships.

Despite their Israeli citizenship, they feel underrepresented, neglected and that their plight has even worsened as the war grinds on.

When members of the international community visit villages of the Negev, they are shocked to see citizens of Israel living this way, Sohaiban told CNN.

We hold the Israeli passport and Israeli ID card. We live in this country and respect the law, so we must be treated the same way Jews are treated, he said.

CNNs Tamar Michaelis contributed reporting.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  Peppermint Boutique celebrated its expansion in the Culver Road Armory Friday.

Its the home of the original 585 Gifts, selling handmade artwork, clothing, and jewelry.

More than 1,200 square feet of space has been added to the original location. The business celebrated with a party Friday, including a gift card raffle for customers.

Owner Tanvi Asher said the expansion would allow her to create new job opportunities, and encourage people to shop local.

I think its important to invest in your communities, she said. This is basically a huge achievement for me and my team.

Asher said the business chooses a charity to donate to each year. This years charity is Dimitri House, a non-profit that helps underserved communities in the Rochester area.

Customers who donated were entered for a chance to with a $250 gift card.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Person Hospitalized with Bird Flu in Missouri Had No Known Contact with Animals

The milestone case  the 14th reported in the U.S. this year  contributes to growing concerns about the virus spreading among humans

Getty H5N1, a strain of avian influenza or bird flu

A person in Missouri has been infected with bird flu despite having no immediate known animal exposure.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced the human case of avian influenza  and more specifically the H5 subtype  in a news release on Friday, Sept. 6.

The individual (who had underlying medical conditions, per the CDC) was hospitalized on Aug. 22, state officials told The New York Times. After they were treated with the antiviral medication Tamiflu, the patient recovered and was sent home, the outlet reported.

Related: First Human Dies from New Bird Flu Strain, World Health Organization Confirms

The case, which was identified through Missouris seasonal flu surveillance system, marks the first human case of bird flu detected in the state and the 14th reported in the United States this year, according to the CDC and the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.

Coupled with the fact that it is also the first case of bird flu without a known occupational exposure to sick or infected animals, the milestone case adds to growing anxiety about the virus spreading undetected among humans.

Getty A stock image of a CDC sign

All of the previous human cases reported by the CDC occurred in individuals who had known contact with poultry or dairy cows, the latter of which are currently experiencing a multistate bird flu outbreak.

Related: World Health Organization Expresses 'Enormous Concern' About Bird Flu Spreading to Humans

The outbreak, which was first reported in March, marks the first time that the specific bird flu virus, HPAI A (H5N1), was found in cows. In April, a human case was confirmed in the first instance of likely mammal to human spread of the virus, per the CDC.

It is important to note that, while rare, there have been novel influenza A cases where an animal source cannot be identified, the CDC said of the Missouri case. The main concern in these situations is that no onward transmission is occurring.

According to the organization, the risk among the general public remains low, though it noted that as always, circumstances may change quickly as more information is learned.

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.

Dr. Nahid Bhadelia, director of the Center on Emerging Infectious Diseases at Boston University, told The New York Times that the route of transmission will determine how much more escalated the risk of the disease is to the general public.

Bhadelia also told the newspaper that she has been advocating for a greater percentage of hospital flu samples to be included in the routine testing and surveillance to cast a wider net.

We are always later than we think we are in outbreaks, she added.

For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on People.
In the days after the Georgia school shooting that took the lives of two students and two teachers, a disturbing picture has emerged about the alleged shooters home life. The 14-year-old lived with his father, apart from his mother and two siblings. The mother had numerous run-ins with law enforcement regarding domestic violence and drug possession. The father owned guns that the alleged shooter had access to, including an AR-15, although he said they were always unloaded.

Authorities believe they have ample evidence to charge the father, Colin Gray, with involuntary manslaughter, second-degree murder and cruelty to children. If convicted, his son, despite his age, will surely spend much if not all of his life in prison.

With the loss of innocent life, its hard to summon sympathy for the Gray family, especially now that we know there were signs, more than a year ago, that the teen may have been flirting with the idea of violence.

And yet.

Listening to snippets of audio released from interviews with law enforcement more than a year ago, it also becomes clear that the enormity of the tragedy includes a father who seems to have been struggling with how to best parent his child in the midst of domestic chaos.

In the audio, obtained by an Atlanta TV station, the teen denies being involved in a discussion on a gaming platform about a school shooting, which federal authorities learned about via a tip. I promise I would never say something like that, the boy says, in a tone of voice that every parent has heard from a child desperately trying to avoid punishment for something theyve done.

And then the father is heard, expressing frustration. Yes, he has guns and allowed his son to use them, because he wanted his son off video games and wanted him to spend more time outdoors. Hed taken his son hunting and hed recently shot his first deer. He said he talked to his son about school shootings and talked to him about how hed been picked on by classmates. The father said he was on a first-name basis with people at the school because hed been going there so often to see is everything OK  thats why I keeping going up there.

A jury will decide if Gray did enough to help his son and to prevent what happened this week at Apalachee High School. And there will be many more details to come that may alter the picture. But any parent who has ever lost sleep over a child can understand, at least a little bit, the frustration in Colin Grays voice. He sounded like a man who was trying to get this parenting thing right, and couldnt understand how, despite his best efforts, he was falling short.

Parenting books and the advice of other parents are helpful for learning how to get a child to sleep through the night, or potty-trained, or how to get them through a losing T-ball season or a bad grade, or any other manner of challenges. Theyre not as useful about what to do when a childs world has imploded because of bad choices their parents made, and what to do when they are growing older and acting out in troubling ways, and your objectivity about your child and his behavior is compromised because of your blinding love for your child.

Ever since the Columbine shootings rocked America in 1999, parents of school-aged children have struggled with a challenge our own parents didnt have, or at least didnt think much about  how can we know if a future school shooter is sleeping under our roof? Weve been told what warning signs to look for  including loneliness, social isolation, irritability, anger  traits that can be seen in even the most well-adjusted kids.

And amid increasing distrust of institutions, many parents believe, on some level, that its their family against the world. Weve heard stories, or know firsthand of, of overreach by authorities, such as the case of Justina Pelletier, the Massachusetts teen whose parents took her to a hospital for medical care and then were prevented from taking her home for more than a year after doctors refused to release her to her parents custody. There are enough of these sorts of cases that theyve been given a name: medical kidnapping.

Worries like these are not driven by political ideology. Both liberals and conservatives worry about the ways in which a single report to Child Protective Services can upend a familys life, with some arguing that these agencies need to be abolished because of the effects on Black families, in particular.

These are the kinds of fears that percolate under the surface when a parent is faced with the terrible question of whether their child might be capable of unimaginable violence. This is not to excuse Colin Gray of mistakes he may have made, or James and Jennifer Crumbley, the parents accused of involuntary manslaughter in the school shooting their son carried out in Oxford, Michigan, in 2021.

The texts presented to the jury in Jennifer Crumbleys case were truly shocking, including messages from the son to his mother asking for help that went unanswered, to the mother laughingly telling her son to learn not to get caught with ammunition at school. The parents were both found guilty and sentenced to prison.

Similarly, there are reports that the teen charged in the Georgia shooting had asked for help, which he had not received. The adults around him failed him, the teens aunt told The Washington Post.

All of this is a somber reminder that parenthood is not just a blessing, but a grave responsibility, and as states are increasingly empowered, even pressured, to hold parents accountable for their childrens deeds, there are three possible outcomes.

First, knowing that they may go to prison if their child becomes the next school shooter, some parents will be more attuned to their childrens mental health, and less likely to let their children have access to guns.

Conversely, some parents might be scared into doing nothing, afraid of being blamed for their childs problems, afraid of their child being taken away if they seek help for them  and for themselves. To counter this risk, communities must conduct frank assessments not only what is necessary to keep schools safe, but also what resources are available to assist parents struggling to deal with troubled children, often completely on their own.

And finally, there may be parents who did everything they could, parents who were conscientious and thoughtful and did what they thought was right by their child and their community, who might go to prison if every parents nightmare still happens despite their best efforts.

Thats a trade-off that families grieving in Georgia right now might be willing to accept.
NEW YORK (PIX11)  Federal investigators seized the phones of several members of the NYPD on Wednesday, including Police Commissioner Edward Caban, in an investigation led by the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of New York.

Federal agents asked Caban to surrender his cellphones, along with six other NYPD officials who work closely with the police commissioner. They include Cabans chief of staff Raul Pintos, two precinct commanders, a lieutenant, and two detectives who work on Cabans detail.

More Local News

The feds are looking into the departments quality-of-life initiatives and enforcement, specifically allegations of nightlife corruption, sources told PIX11 News.

The police commissioners two brothers, Richard and his twin James, are both in the nightlife industry. They are part of the investigation as well, sources said.

Commissioner Caban and the others have not been accused of a crime or any wrongdoing.

A spokesperson for the NYPD said the department is fully cooperating with 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 PIX11.
Riyadh Air has been the most active of all Gulf airlines in pursuing British pilots

Saudi Arabias new luxury airline Riyadh Air is fuelling a war for talent in the aviation industry as it poaches British pilots.

The British Airline Pilots Association (Balpa) said the impact of a recruitment drive by Riyadh Air, together with Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad, was being felt at carriers including British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and easyJet.

Large numbers of pilots retired during Covid, forcing airlines worldwide into a battle to retain captains and first officers.

Amy Leversidge, the Balpa general secretary, told The Telegraph that wealthy Gulf carriers were making it harder for British carriers to retain staff by offering generous salaries and benefits.

She said: There are airlines in the Middle East that are trying to recruit, and not just Riyadh Air. We keep hearing stories of them hosting events to try and get pilots to go over.

We are seeing pilots saying that they are moving from airline to airline. Not in massive numbers, but big numbers for aviation.

Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad all recently staged recruitment roadshows in the UK, seeking to lure British pilots with the offer of high salaries, according to Balpa.

Riyadh Air, in particular is recruiting heavily as it seeks to build an entire airline from scratch. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Saudi ruler, announced the creation of Riyadh Air last year as part of efforts to diversify the Kingdoms economy away from oil.

The company is headed up by British aviation veteran Tony Douglas.

British talent has already risen to the upper reaches of Riyadh Airs management, with the companys top job being held by Tony Douglas - Dilara Senkaya/Reuters

A spokesman said news of Riyadh Airs impending launch had been enough to trigger a flurry of inbound interest from pilots, with 15,000 applications received from across the world.

Riyadh Airs pilot team includes a former chief pilot from Virgin, which last week signed a cooperation pact with the Middle Eastern carrier after announcing a new route to the Saudi capital.

Riyadh Air has hired 29 management and instructor pilots and will commence large-scale recruitment at the end of 2024 to meet a requirement for 700 flight crew within three years. Its likely to need 1,000 more than that for the fleet of 200 jets envisaged after five years.

British Airways and Virgin have both hosted events of their own in the Gulf in response to the competition for staff, targeting pilots seeking a change of scenery. However, takeup was disappointingly low as people were generally unwilling to turn their back on the regions generous tax regimes, the union said.

Ms Leversidge said that if UK airlines start haemorrhaging staff in greater numbers they will need to do a huge amount of work to attract people back in.



She said: Airlines need to focus on retention and thats an argument were making in our negotiations. They need to look for the early warning signs that people might not be happy, for example in the results of employee-engagement surveys.



Its no good waiting until the figures show that you have a problem, because by then its already too late. There is loyalty there and pilots do closely identify with the airlines they fly for. But we are in a buyers market.



Balpa has negotiated three-year pay deals with BA, Virgin, easyJet, Ryanair and Tui since the start of 2023. While those accords provide some assurance, airlines need to offer other inducements and embrace greater flexibility to maximise their appeal, Ms Leversidge said.

She said: Its not necessarily that people are wanting to make that move. You can see the attraction, but there are considerations beyond pay. Family life and all those sorts of things.

So employers need to consider their scheduling arrangements, how they treat things like fatigue, and the general work-life balance.

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.
Pittsburgh police officer accused of strangling ex-wife, placed on administrative leave

A warrant is out for the arrest of a Pittsburgh police officer accused of strangling his ex-wife and attacking a man at her house.

Willie Arnold, a Zone 6 officer, allegedly attacked his ex-wife in May. He has since been placed on paid administrative leave.

The victim, who reported the incident Friday, told police she was afraid to file the report but could not live in fear any longer.

Arnold faces a list of charges, including strangulation, terroristic threats and assault.

A Pittsburgh Bureau of Police spokesperson sent Channel 11 the following statement:

Officer Arnold has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of an internal investigation.

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW

TRENDING NOW:

Local school bus driver, police chaplain facing child pornography charges SKYLIGHTS 2024: Week 2 high school football final scores PHOTOS: Severe storms move through western Pennsylvania, bringing down trees, damaging homes VIDEO: Heres how a local school district is working to address the nationwide teacher shortage DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts
NEW YORK (PIX11)  Federal investigators seized the phones of NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban and other high-ranking department officials as part of a city corruption investigation this week, according to law enforcement sources.

PIX11 reporters Henry Rosoff and Nicole Johnson sat down with PIX on Politics host Dan Mannarino following Mayor Eric Adams comments regarding the ongoing investigations into top members of his administration.

More Local News

Adams stood by his peers, claiming he did not know why there were investigations into his circle.

Meanwhile, Nicole Johnson said the mayor is loyal to a fault sometimes and shared insight into what she has heard about the investigation.

Specifically the police commissioner, they are looking into his dealings with quality-of-life initiatives. What that means is contracts, permits, and things with nightclubs, bars, and restaurants. They want to see the relationship the NYPD has with those establishments, particularly the owners, said Johnson.

First of all, they wouldnt take phones without probable cause. Think about the police commissioners cellphone, information, NYPD information about the community, all on that phone, added Johnson.

Legal, political ramifications of searches on top NYC officials

Henry Rosoff, who recently spoke with Gov. Kathy Hochul about the ongoing issue, discussed the avenues she could take if things go too far.

The governor could suspend the mayor for 30 days. If the mayor is indicted, theres an additional power to begin a removal process. That removal process says the mayor would have a chance to defend himself, but the law is very vague. This was only almost attempted when FDR was the governor of New York and there was a corrupt mayor who ended up resigning before this could happen, said Rosoff.

The governor seemed to really not take any interest in going down either of these roads when we pressed her about it in Long Island, added Rosoff.

Watch the video player for the full panel.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
JOLIET  An investigation is underway after police say a 2-year-old boy was fatally stabbed by his 6-year-old brother in Joliet on Friday night.

According to Joliet police, the investigation began just after 5 p.m. when officers were called to a home in the 2700 block of Fairway Drive following a report that a 2-year-old boy had been stabbed.

Authorities arrived on the scene and found the child who had suffered multiple stab wounds inside the home.

Officers quickly rendered aid to the child until paramedics arrived and transported him to the hospital.

Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

After arriving at the hospital, the young boy was pronounced dead.

In an update on Saturday afternoon, Joliet police provided new details on the incident, offering some clarity on the preliminary investigation.

Police said it is believed that the victims 6-year-old brother allegedly stabbed the child with a kitchen knife while in the family room of the home.

Police said the child was then discovered by his mother who called 911.

Officers who responded to the scene took the 6-year-old boy into protective custody and he was taken to the Joliet Police Department while accompanied by family members.

According to police, the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) was notified about the situation and the child was transferred to DCFS.

DCFS then coordinated with the Will County Health Department Screening Assessment Support Services (SASS) to transfer the child to a nearby hospital for a mental health evaluation.

LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland

Our community is reeling from this devastating incident as I am unable to come up with a sufficient statement that can adequately express the sorrow and pain we all feel following this heartbreaking event. Most importantly, I wish to express our thoughts and deepest sympathies to the family and loved ones that have been deeply impacted by such a tragedy. Your community stands with you in your grief, and we are here to support you in any way we can, Joliet Police Chief Bill Evans said in a statement on Saturday. It is natural to want to search for answers and to seek understanding in the face of such a painful tragedy. As your Police Chief, I want to assure you that the men and women of the Joliet Police Department are committed to a thorough investigation and to providing support to the family and our community during this incredibly difficult time. Lastly, I wish to acknowledge the response by our first responders of both the Joliet Police Department and the Joliet Fire Department who responded with compassion and professionalism in the wake of such a heart-wrenching incident.

Police say detectives continue to work with the childs family, adding that they have fully cooperated with police throughout the investigation.

According to officers, the investigation is still in its early stages and more details will be provided to the public as they become 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 WGN-TV.
Speaking with ANI, the 'Dabangg' star said, "We all should opt for eco-friendly ways to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi. We should not forget our environment while indulging in festivities. Bring eco-friendly Bappa your home."

Ganesh Chaturthi, a vibrant ten-day festival, is celebrated across India with great enthusiasm.

Devotees across the country are engaged in preparations, including bringing Ganesh idols into their homes, observing fasts, preparing traditional offerings, and visiting pandals.

From visiting temples to seek the blessings of the almighty to bringing Ganpatti Bappa home to decorating the place with flowers, devotees celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi in their special ways. The festival will conclude on Anantha Chaturdashi.

Meanwhile, on the work front, Sonu is all set to be seen in 'Fateh'. It marks his directorial debut as well.

Seeking Lord Ganesha's blessings for the film's success, Sonu said, "Fateh is a special film. With it, I am making my directorial debut. I hope 'Fateh ki fateh' zaroor ho."

'Fateh' also stars Jacqueline Fernandez. The movie will hit theatres on January 10, 2025. (ANI)
WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) was at the scene of a shooting that broke out Friday evening in Southeast D.C.

The shooting happened in the 900 block of Varney Street, SE.

Second day of trial wraps for teen girls accused in DC murder

MPD confirmed five people were shot  three women and two men. They were all taken to the hospital conscious and breathing.

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 DC News Now | Washington, DC.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  Military Police were seen assessing a situation at one of the medical clinics on Fort Bliss on Friday, Sept. 6.

The 1st Armored Division said there was police activity in the vicinity of the Mendoza Clinic.

After investigating, Military Police found no credible threat and cleared the scene, according to the 1st Armored Division.

We appreciate the Fort Bliss Military Police and Directorate of Emergency Services for their continued efforts to ensure the safety of our community, read a Facebook post from the 1st Armored Division.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Police ask for help to locate missing 17-year-old last seen in SW Bakersfield

Police ask for help to locate missing 17-year-old last seen in SW Bakersfield

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  Police are asking for help to locate a 17-year-old who was reported missing and last seen in southwest Bakersfield on Thursday.

The Bakersfield Police Department said Myah Raleen-Angel Chavez was last seen on Sept. 5 in the 3000 block of Woodstead Street at around 11:40 a.m.

Chavez is considered at-risk because she has no prior history of being reported missing.

Myah Raleen-Angel Chavez, 17 / Photo: Bakersfield Police Department

Chavez is described as 5 feet, 9 inches tall, weighing 110 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a pink and white crop top and black sweats.

Video alleges child was left crying outside of classroom in heat

Anyone with information on Chavezs whereabouts is asked to call the Bakersfield Police Department at 661-327-7111.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17.
ST. LOUIS  A man is behind bars after a attempted business robbery Friday morning in Downtown St. Louis.

The St. Louis Circuit Attorneys Office has charged Tyron Griffin, 42, with one count of first-degree robbery amid the investigation.

The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department says Griffin is accused in an attempted robbery at a business in the 700 block of Olive Street.

Driver shot overnight on I-70 in St. Louis

Investigators say, around 9:30 a.m. Friday, Griffin went into an undisclosed business and gave the front desk a note that announced his intent of a robbery. He also demanded money.

A short time later, one employee was able to call police about the situation. Officers arrested Griffin near the scene of the incident shortly after that.

A police crime summary report did not disclose whether Griffin may have been armed or took off with any items from the business successfully. No injuries were reported in the robbery.

Griffin was booked into the St. Louis Justice Center shortly after his arrest.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
(FOX40.COM)  The Sacramento Police Department is investigating a fatal shooting that happened early Saturday morning.

Around 2:30 a.m. SPD said it responded to reports of a shooting in the 4000 block of 4th Avenue. There, officers found two men with gunshot wounds. Both of the men were taken to a local hospital where one of them died from his injuries. Police said the other man is expected to survive.

Sacramento domestic violence victim dies after 2 days in hospital

No arrests have been made and SPD has no suspect. Anyone with information is advised by law enforcement to call the Sacramento Police Department at 916-808-5471.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Police investigating after man walks into Los Angeles fire station with stab wounds

Authorities are investigating after a man walked into a fire station in Hollywood with stab wounds early Saturday morning.

According to Los Angeles Police Department Officer Chaves, a man walked inside the fire station on Hollywood Boulevard with stab wounds just before 7:30 a.m.

It was not immediately clear if the man transported himself to the station, but first responders quickly took him to a nearby hospital. His condition is not known.

Transient steals baseball bats, batting gloves from Walmart before punching officer, spitting on deputy in hospital

A crime broadcast was put out, LAPD said, and officers were seen canvassing the area for clues.

The suspect was described as a man around the age of 30 who stands 5 feet, 10 inches tall and weighs approximately 190 pounds.

Sofia Pop Perez and KTLA photojournalist John Greenwood 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 KTLA.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  The Kansas City Police Department is investigating a potentially connected deadly shooting and crash early Saturday morning.

According to KCPD, at about 4 a.m., officers were dispatched to the area of 12th Street and Benton Boulevard on reports of a non-injury accident.

Shawnee Mission Northwest honors fallen player with opening victory

Upon arrival, officers found an unoccupied car that appeared to have been involved in a crash.

However, after more investigation, police said the car also showed potential gunshot activity, as well as evidence that someone may have been injured inside.

Officers said they started gathering information and searching the area for anyone who may have been injured. While searching, they were led behind a nearby apartment building where a man was lying unresponsive with gunshot wounds.

Officers called EMS and the man was later declared dead at the scene. KCPD identified the victim as 20-year-old Michael B. Waylee.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the initial crash report took place on westbound 12th Street just after 1 a.m.

The car involved in the crash had been speeding down the road near the intersection of Benton Boulevard when it sideswiped a car, lost control and crashed into another parked vehicle. Police said the victim then fled the scene.

Detectives are also investigating a reported shooting that took place at about 1 a.m. near 12th Street and Hardesty Avenue.

Police officer charged in Missouri K-9 officers death

Police said one man was found shot before being taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Police also said detectives are investigating the potential connection between the two scenes.

If you or anyone you know has information regarding the shooting or the crash, police ask that you call homicide detectives directly at (816) 234-5043 or the TIPS Hotline anonymously at (816) 474-8477.

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 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  A Savannah, Missouri police officer is now charged in the death of a K-9 officer earlier this year after being left in a hot car overnight.

Charges were filed Friday in Andrew County against Savanah Police Lt. Daniel Zeigler. Hes charged with one count of animal abuse.

The charges were filed by the Missouri Attorney Generals Office.

According to court documents, on June 20, Zeigler and his K-9 partner Horus completed their overnight shift just before 5 a.m.

Missouris first case of bird flu confirmed by the CDC

Just before 6 p.m. the same day, Zeigler contacted Savannah Police Chief Dave Vincent and informed him Horus was dead.

Vincent determined Horus had been left in the police vehicle following the end of the shift and had died of heat exposure, court records say.

Court documents state the nearest weather reporting location at Kansas City International Airport, reported a high of 88 degrees at 5:53 p.m. on June 20.

One witness described seeing the deceased K-9 officer in the yard near the police vehicle that evening and described Zeigler flipping out and yelling in disbelief that he thought he had brought the K-9 in at the end of his shift, according to court document.

A second witness described assisting in the burial of Horus later on June 20 and stated during the burial he heard Zeigler tell Vincent that Horus death was his (Zeiglers) fault.

Court documents say on June 26, a functionality test was performed on the police vehicle that was operated by Zeigler on June 20. As part of the test, the vehicle was parked outside in direct sunlight with the ignition turned off. When the internal temperature reached 90 degrees, the vehicle began to honk repeatedly, rolled down the rear windows and activated a fan.

KCKPD makes arrest in cold case rape where victim was 91 years old

The test was to demonstrate the AceK9 system inside the police vehicle was in working order and would have had to been manually turned off/deactivated on June 20, contributing to the death of Horus by removing a safeguard to prevent such an incident, court documents say.

The Savannah Police Department announced this week that a farewell service will be held on Saturday, Sept. 7, at 10 a.m. to honor K-9 Officer Horus. Horus had served the community for over three years.

Since K-9 Horuss death, the community of Savannah and many others have been expressing their outrage and seeking justice for the loss of the young German Shepherds life on social media.

Many community members shared frustration after Horus was originally buried with no marker and created a makeshift memorial at the burial site.

An anonymous donor purchased a permanent headstone that was placed at the burial site last month.

FOX4 reached out to the police department on Friday for a statement and to see if Zeigler was still employed with the department.

A bill was recently signed by Gov. Mike Parson called Maxs Law. It was created after a St. Joseph K-9 was killed in the line of duty in 2021 and would increase penalties for injuring and killing animals in law enforcement.

Download the FOX4 News app on iPhone and Android

It states that if a law enforcement animal is assaulted and dies, the person responsible could face a Class D Felony charge in the state of Missouri.

A Class D Felony is the second-lowest class of felonies in the state and could lead to a prison sentence of no more than seven years, one year in a county jail or a court-imposed fine of up to $10,000.

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 FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
San Leandro police searching for at-risk missing man who left care home

(KRON)  Authorities are asking for community assistance in the search for a 59-year-old missing at-risk person, Lionel Askew, according to the San Leandro Police Department.

Around 10 p.m. on Thursday, police said Askew left his care home Heritage Haven, and did not return.

Oakland PD seeks help finding missing teen not seen for over 50 days

San Leandro PD said Askew suffers from mental health and physical ailments requiring medication.

Anyone with information regarding Askews whereabouts is asked to contact the San Leandro Police at (510) 577-2740.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 actor made a stylish appearance in a dapper brown shirt. The actor also posed for photographers stationed at the residence.

Earlier, Kareena Kapoor Khan and her husband, actor Saif Ali Khan, were seen arriving at Antilia, making the star-studded event even more special.

The couple was spotted arriving at the Ambani family's grand Ganpati puja at their lavish home, Antilia, turning heads with their stunning attire.

Kareena looked stunning in a bright red salwar suit, accessorized with heavy earrings. Saif coordinated perfectly in a dark red silk kurta, white dhoti, and traditional mojris.

The couple were all smiles as they posed for the paparazzi at the Ambani residence.

The Ambani family is celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi with extra joy this year, as it is Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant's first festival together as a married couple.

At their grand residence, Antilia, the family is hosting a large pooja, continuing their tradition of celebrating the festival in style. The celebrations are even more special this year as the Ambani family welcomes the festival with their newly extended family.

Ganesh Chaturthi, a 10-day festival, that commenced today (September 7) and will continue until Anantha Chaturdashi.

This festival, is also known as Vinayak Chaturthi or Vinayak Chavithi. During Ganesh Chaturthi Lord Ganesha is worshipped as the god of new beginnings and the remover of obstacles. Devotees across India and abroad celebrated Lord Ganesha's wisdom and intelligence.

Devotees welcomed Ganesh idols into their homes, offered prayers, and visited the colourful pandals. The streets were filled with the sounds of devotion and joy, as people came together to celebrate the festival with enthusiasm and heart. The colorful decorations, lively chants, and the fragrance of sweets added to the festive spirit that could be felt everywhere. (ANI)
Police: Suspect arrested in connection to fatal shooting of man in Silver Spring alley

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) The Montgomery County Police Department said it has arrested a suspected in connection to a fatal shooting in an alley in Silver Spring.

Police said that through investigating, they identified 33-year-old Jeriel Demitri Martin as the suspect who shot and killed 34-year-old Jamar Emmanuel Jenifer, of Washington D.C in an alley in the 8000 block of 13th Street.

Woman killed, man injured after shooting in Northwest DC

Officers said that during a search warrant at Martins home in Silver Spring, where he was arrested, they found items that connected him to Jenifers murder.

Martin was charged with first-degree murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony/violent crime.

He was transported to the Montgomery County Central Processing Unit and is being held on no 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 DC News Now | Washington, DC.
Police: Toddler is fatally stabbed by 6-year-old brother in Joliet, Illinois

JOLIET, Ill. (WTVO)  A 6-year-old Joliet boy stabbed his 2-year-old brother to death on Friday afternoon, according to Joliet authorities.

Around 5:04 p.m., officials responded to the 2700 block of Fairway Drive for a call saying a child had been stabbed. Police said they found the child in the home with multiple stab wounds.

During investigations, authorities determined the 2-year-olds older brother stabbed him in the family room with a kitchen knife.

An ambulance rushed the toddler to Ascension St. Joseph Medical Center, but he died at the hospital.

The childs mother and grandmother were in the house during the incident and the mother called 911 when she found the 2-year-old, according to Joliet Police Sergeant Dwayne English.

English said they may never know exactly what happened that afternoon.

Its a very fluid investigation, and you know, its important to state that our hearts go out to this familybecause in our opinion, everyone in this incident is a victim, said English.

The older brother and his grandfather were both at the police station with officers on Friday night, English told CBS.

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is also investigating the incident.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski is in favor of shooting down Russian missiles in Poland, warning of a potential nuclear disaster, he told BBC Radio 4 on Sept. 6.



Speaking from his own viewpoint, Sikorski said Poland has the legal right to down stray Russian missiles and drones that enter Polish airspace. However, he acknowledges that Poland has not yet shot down anything and that Warsaw has not yet made a decision.



Russia can no longer...dictate to us how we defend our own country. We have both a constitution and recognized in international law to defend our airspace, Sikorski said.



He warned that a Russian missile could hit a Ukrainian nuclear power plant, referencing the Chornobyl disaster of 1986 that leaked radiation across Ukraine and Belarus. A similar nuclear disaster could also impact Poland.



I think we should help Ukraine to protect its nuclear power plants against such stray Russian missiles, he said.



This is my personal view that we would be legally in our right of self-defense.



Polands Foreign Ministry has not shared Sikorskis views. On Sept. 2, he said that Poland and Ukraines EU neighbors have a constitutional duty to intercept Russian missiles. But Foreign Ministry spokesman Pawel Wronsk emphasized that this was Sikorksis opinion and not the position of the Polish government, in a comment to Ukrainian media Ukrinform.



Russian missiles have violated the airspace of Ukraines neighbors, particularly Poland. Usually, the missiles circle back to enter Ukraine leading to debates about how involved NATO should be in defending Ukraines airspace.



In May, President Volodymyr Zelensky appealed to Western allies to intercept Russian missiles over Ukraine. However, Polish Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz said in July that Warsaw wont act without approval from NATO.



So far, NATO has not greenlit the proposal. NATO's outgoing Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg opposes the idea, saying on July 14 that while the Alliance supports Ukraine, it wont be involved in this conflict.

Read also: Ukraine warns Iran against providing ballistic missiles to Russia

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Flags, signs and bumper stickers are expressive. But they are not persuasive. The slogans and symbols of the campaign season risk driving us deeper into our silos.

In my neighborhood, political flags are popping up like mushrooms. A house on a corner lot flies two large Trump flags, one on each side. Across the street, a Harris-Walz yard sign glares back. Around the corner, another yard sign says Country Over Party. Every so often, you still see those Science is Real, Black Lives Matter signs. Some houses wave the rainbow flag. And on a main street nearby, a God, Guns and Trump flag plays in the breeze.

Opinion

I worry that by politicizing our front yards we increase our polarization and isolation.

In a typical California neighborhood, folks go from car to house without talking to one another. Fences and hedges keep us apart. Flags and yard signs are often the only form of communication between neighbors. But rather than inviting conversation, political placards act as cudgels and shields.

These political banners are prime examples of one-way communication. Like a sermon, they proclaim without listening. They broadcast an idea or an identity, and they make an argument.

They do not, however, inquire into the ideas and identities of others. These are badges of a fixed affiliation. They are monologues that do not invite dialogue.

About a hundred years ago, the philosopher Martin Buber published a famous book, I and Thou, that celebrated genuine dialogue. Buber understood dialogue as a way of turning toward each other. The etymology of conversation is instructive  it means turning with or turning together. A genuine conversation involves reciprocity, hospitality and openness. It also requires a sustained face-to-face interaction that cant be reduced to a slogan.

The art of dialogue and conversation is missing in a society of one-sided communication. Social media encourages this. As does a world of cars, fences and media silos. Instead of turning toward other people, we turn inward. We label others without ever knowing them. And we surround ourselves with like-minded voices.

Our political banners may also produce more practical problems. A recent column in Money asked whether political flags can affect real estate values. There is no hard data about this, but the column suggested that a political flag may influence a prospective buyers view of the neighborhood.

This could mean a variety of things: Some people will seek neighbors who fly friendly flags, while others may be scared away by a menacing flag. But given the housing crunch, many will simply grit their teeth and keep their heads down when they move in.

It is also possible to imagine some neighbors deliberately using flags to keep people out  or drive them away. Racists could fly flags intended to scare people off. Anti-racists could plant yard signs intended to intimidate those racists. And on it goes.

We might think that a solution is to ban such signs and flags. But in the United States, we have a right to freedom of expression. Autonomy is an important value. You are free to adorn your house or car however you want, unless your sign or flag is a true threat or outright menace.

But liberty is insufficient for a good life. Freedom ought to be understood in connection with other values. The point here is not regulation or limitation  it would be wrong to limit peoples autonomy. Rather, free expression ought to be leavened with compassion and hospitality. Decent neighbors should talk together rather than asserting themselves in a narrow-minded way.

We all ought to ask ourselves whether our flags and signs are friendly and inviting, or whether they are menacing monologues and one-sided sermons.

In general, we need less isolation and more connection.

You are free, of course, to isolate and assert yourself. But genuine community occurs when you relinquish that kind of lonely liberty and turn your attention to the face of the other.

Buber suggested that mature human freedom should be responsive. This isnt easy. It is simple enough to plant a flag and shut your door. It is much more difficult to open your door and invite your neighbor to have a conversation.

Andrew Fiala is a professor of philosophy at Fresno State University.
Whats with pols who dont want to talk? We have questions about FW schools and more | Opinion

If someone came to your job, stood in front of everyone and called out your performance, youd probably be eager to respond. If the news media were there, you might knock people over to get before the cameras and tell reporters your side of things.

And if thats your reaction, apparently you wouldnt fit in on the Fort Worth ISD board of trustees.

After Mayor Mattie Parker stood before the board on Aug. 27 and called out the districts miserable performance in basic student achievement, the Star-Telegram newsroom sought comment from all of the trustees. Its a potential watershed moment, with dozens of civic and business leaders signing onto Parkers letter outlining the districts failures and demanding change.

Eight of the nine trustees had nothing to say to their constituents. New board President Roxanne Martinez issued a written statement pledging that the board would cooperate with city leaders to rise to the challenges before us and strengthen our public education system for the betterment of our students, families, and community.

Her colleagues shared no ideas for improvement. None would talk about whether Superintendent Angelica Ramsey is the right leader going forward. None even tried to muster a defense of FWISD. They said nothing. And it wasnt just us  the Fort Worth Report, a digital news site, reported the same lack of responses.

Its part of a frustrating trend journalists around the nation have noted. Elected officials increasingly refuse to answer (and sometimes even acknowledge) questions about their governments. Locally, we see the effect when journalists  and thus citizens  cant get simple answers from Tarrant County leaders on juvenile justice issues, the Tarrant Appraisal District and, yes, the school board.

Some elected officials do better. Fort Worth City Council members are generally responsive and accessible to their constituents.

This is not about the media. We know trust in journalists is low, and some people think its fine, even commendable, when elected officials they support dont even acknowledge reporters questions.

But what were doing is not for ourselves. Were looking into issues and problems that the average citizen doesnt have the time or inclination to hunt down and asking questions on their behalf. Were trying to shed light on mistakes or misplaced priorities so that voters have the information they need to hold leaders accountable.

When the Star-Telegram recently reported on school districts concerns about how changes to the property-appraisal process would affect their revenue, none of the three recently elected board members commented on the issue. The entire point of adding elected positions to appraisal districts governing bodies was to address concerns that the public did not have representation and give voters a modicum of input on appraisal issues. Thats pretty hard to do if the elected members wont talk.

Our public officials need to take more questions from the public as well. Too many make too few appearances, or they limit themselves to friendly audiences, especially if they occupy a partisan elected office. But part of the job is listening to constituents whether they voted for you or not and engaging with those who disagree.

The school boards response to direct criticism was the most troubling. Its time for robust debate on what it will take to improve instruction in basic skills. Tens of thousands of kids are being left behind, or at least face monumental challenges that a better education would mitigate.

Its a clear danger to our citys future, too. Without a properly educated workforce, business expansion and growth take a hit. And its that kind of sustained prosperity that makes progress for all possible.

We want answers to questions so that we can better serve you. But ultimately, its not about us.

If you arent getting the information you need, its impossible for you to determine whether your representatives are doing their jobs. And maybe thats the point.

If public officials dont want to talk to reporters, fine. But voters should insist that they talk to someone.

Do you have an opinion on this topic? Tell us!

We love to hear from Texans with opinions on the news  and to publish those views in the Opinion section.

 Letters should be no more than 150 words.

 Writers should submit letters only once every 30 days.

 Include your name, address (including city of residence), phone number and email address, so we can contact you if we have questions.

You can submit a letter to the editor two ways:

 Email letters@star-telegram.com (preferred).

 Fill out this online form.

Please note: Letters will be edited for style and clarity. Publication is not guaranteed. The best letters are focused on one topic.
Pope Francis, left, meets with indigenous people at the Holy Trinity Humanistic School in Baro, near Vanimo, Papua New Guinea, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024. Pope Francis celebrated the Catholic Church of the peripheries on Sunday as he traveled to the remote jungles of Papua New Guinea, bringing with him a ton of medicine and toys and a message of love overcoming violence for the people who live there.(AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

VANIMO, Papua New Guinea (AP)  Pope Francis traveled to the remote jungles of Papua New Guinea on Sunday to celebrate the Catholic Church on the peripheries, bringing with him medicine, musical instruments and a message of love for the people who live there.

Francis flew aboard a Royal Australian Air Force C-130 transport plane from Port Moresby to Vanimo, on the northwest coast of the South Pacific nation. There, Francis met with the local Catholic community and missionaries from his native Argentina who have been ministering to them.

For an Argentine pope who marveled in 2013 at having been chosen from the end of the Earth to lead the church, it was a voyage to another end of the Earth on the longest, farthest trip of Francis' pontificate.

Francis has previously traveled to the edge of the Arctic (to apologize to the Inuit people for church abuses), and into the Peruvian Amazon (to draw attention to its plight), and to the plains of Ur, Iraq (to boost Christian-Muslim ties). But even by his standards, Sunday's trip to remote Vanimo was extraordinary.

An estimated 20,000 people were singing and dancing on the field in front of the Vanimo cathedral when Francis arrived, and he promptly put on a feathered headdress that had been presented to him.

In remarks from a raised stage, Francis praised the church workers who go out to try to spread the faith. But he urged the residents of Vanimo to work at home at being good to one another. He urged them to be like an orchestra, so that all members of the community come together harmoniously to overcome rivalries.

Doing so, he said, would help to drive out fear, superstition and magic from peoples hearts, to put an end to destructive behaviors such as violence, infidelity, exploitation, alcohol and drug abuse, evils which imprison and take away the happiness of so many of our brothers and sisters.

It was a reference to the tribal violence over land and other disputes that have long characterized the countrys culture but have grown more lethal in recent years. Francis arrived in Papua New Guinea to urge an end to the violence, including gender-based violence, and for a sense of civic responsibility to prevail.

Francis echoed the theme on Monday morning in a final encounter with young people in Port Moresby, the capital, before flying to East Timor on the next leg of his trip.

Francis was elected pope largely on the strength of a speech he gave to his fellow cardinals in 2013 about the need for the church to go out to the peripheries where people need God most. In keeping with that philosophy, Francis has largely shunned foreign trips to European capitals, preferring instead far-flung communities where Catholics are often a minority.

Vanimo, population 11,000, certainly fits the bill of being remote. It is near Papua New Guineas border with Indonesia, where the jungle meets the sea, and is for the most part only reachable by plane or boat.

There is a small airport, but no ambulift, the wheelchair elevator Francis needs to get on and off planes. Because of that, and the donated and purchased cargo Francis was bringing in, the C-130 was used so he could be wheeled on and off using the back ramp.

Francis, historys first Latin American pope, has a special affinity for the work of Catholic missionaries. As a young Argentine Jesuit, he had hoped to serve as a missionary in Japan but was prevented from going because of his poor health. As pope, he often holds up missionaries as models for the church.

The Rev. Martin Prado, an Argentine missionary of the Institute of the Incarnate Word religious order, was responsible for inviting the pope to Vanimo.

As he waited for Francis to arrive Sunday, he recounted for reporters the crazy story of how he accompanied a group of Vanimo parishioners to Rome in 2019, and ended up scoring an audience with the pope after his parishioners insisted that they wanted to give him some gifts.

Prado, who has spent the past 10 of his 36 years working as a missionary in Vanimo, said he wrote a note, left it for the pope at the Vatican hotel where he lives, and the next day received an email from Francis' secretary inviting his group in.

I invited him, but he wanted to come, Prado said. He has a big heart for people. Its not just words: He does what he says.

Prado said some people deep in the interior of the diocese, in the jungle where cars have yet to arrive, need clothes, and for them a plate of rice and tuna fish is glorious.

Francis brought about a ton of medicine, clothing, musical instruments and toys, the Vatican said. Prado said Francis was also helping to build a new secondary school. He said half of the children of the diocese are unable to go to high school because there simply arent enough spots for them.

The event had a very Argentine flair to it: On the stage was a statue of the Virgin of Lujan, the patron of Argentina who is particularly dear to Francis and whose name also graces the local girls' school. When Francis met privately after the event with the nuns and missionary priests, they served him mate, the Argentine tea.

There are about 2.5 million Catholics in Papua New Guinea, according to Vatican statistics, out of a population in the Commonwealth nation believed to be around 10 million. The Catholics practice the faith along with traditional Indigenous beliefs, including animism and sorcery.

Francis visit to Vanimo was the highlight of his visit to Papua New Guinea, the second leg of his four-nation tour of Southeast Asia and Oceania. After first stopping in Indonesia, Francis heads on Monday to East Timor and then wraps up his visit in Singapore later in the week.

___

Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the APs collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.
By Joshua McElwee

PORT MORESBY (Reuters) -Pope Francis on Saturday called for better treatment of workers in Papua New Guinea, a nation of some 600 islands in the Southwestern Pacific that has become a major target of international companies for its gas, gold and other reserves.

In a speech to political authorities in the country, which is home to hundreds of tribal groups and more than 800 spoken languages, the 87-year-old Catholic pontiff also made a heartfelt appeal for an end to a spate of ethnic violence that has killed dozens in recent months.

The pope, visiting as part of an ambitious 12-day trip to four countries, said PNG's natural resources were "destined by God" for the whole community.

"Even if outside experts and large international companies must be involved in the harnessing of these resources, it is only right that the needs of local people are given due consideration when distributing the proceeds and employing workers, in order to improve their living conditions," said Francis.

The pope said natural resources should be developed in a sustainable manner that "improves the wellbeing of all, excluding nobody, through ... international cooperation, mutual respect and agreements beneficial to all parties".

Arriving for his speech at the APEC Haus, a conference centre built for the 2018 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, Francis was greeted with a dance from a group of Papua New Guineans wearing traditional outfits featuring feathered headdresses and beaded skirts.

The pope, who uses a wheelchair due to knee and back pain, was rolled past an entry foyer with a curved timber screen inspired by a typical lakatoi tattoo design.

In a speech welcoming Francis, PNG Governor-General Bob Dadae thanked the pope for his humanitarian advocacy and called the Catholic Church one of the country's "key development partners".

PNG contains some of the largest known gold deposits and is a major exporter of natural gas and oil. The government, led by Prime Minister James Marape since 2019, has sought to boost local benefits from projects undertaken by international conglomerates such as Exxon Mobil Corp and Newcrest Mining.

An economic update in May said that growth in the country was a modest 2.7% last year. The World Bank has said it is suffering a "human capital crisis," with nearly half of children showing stunted growth.

Home to hundreds of tribes, PNG has a long history of ethnic warfare. Violent attacks in three remote villages in July likely killed at least 26, according to the United Nations.

Francis on Saturday said it was his "particular hope that tribal violence will come to an end". He said he was appealing "to everyone's sense of responsibility to stop the spiral of violence and instead resolutely embark on the path that leads to fruitful cooperation".

He called for a "definitive solution" to the status of Bougainville Island, the largest island in the Solomon Islands archipelago. Currently an autonomous region of PNG, the island voted overwhelmingly for independence in 2019. But years of political deadlock in PNG's parliament have stalled the vote's ratification.

A sprawling country of mountains, jungle and rivers, PNG has a population estimated at anywhere from 9 million to 17 million. The Vatican estimates there are around 2.5 million Catholics in the country.

Francis landed in PNG on Friday evening, after a trip to Indonesia, and will stay until Monday. He will then visit East Timor and Singapore before heading back to Rome on Sept. 13. It is his longest overseas trip yet.

Although Francis' speech on Saturday touched on serious issues, the pope also showed some of his trademark humour. Noting the number of languages spoken across PNG, he said the diversity of expression fascinated him.

"I imagine that this enormous variety is a challenge to the Holy Spirit, who creates harmony amid differences!" the pope said.

(Reporting by Joshua McElwee; Editing by Leslie Adler and Sam Holmes)
Pope urges church in Papua New Guinea to be close to women after hearing of sorcery 'superstitions'

Pope Francis, left, with Cardinal Archbishop of Port Moresby John Ribat, right, attend a traditional dance performed by the pupil of the Caritas Technical Secondary School in Port Moresby, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024. As a second leg of his 11-day trip to Asia and Oceania Pope Francis's visit to Papua New Guinea will take him to a remote part of the South Pacific island nation where Christianity is a recent addition to traditional spiritual beliefs developed over millennia. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea (AP)  Pope Francis called Saturday for the Catholic Church in Papua New Guinea to be particularly close to women who have been abused and marginalized, speaking out in a country where violence against women is reported to be more than twice the global average.

Francis heard first-hand about the plight of women during his first full day in the South Pacific nation. A nun told him of the churchs work caring for women who have been attacked and accused of witchcraft and sorcery, and then shunned by their families.

I think too of the marginalized and wounded, both morally and physically, by prejudice and superstition sometimes to the point of having to risk their lives, Francis said. He urged the church to be particularly close to such people on the peripheries, with closeness, compassion and tenderness.

According to U.N. Women, 60% of Papua New Guineas women have experienced physical or sexual violence from an intimate partner at some time in their lives, double the global average. Allegations of sorcery against women are common. Papua New Guinea ranked 151 out of 166 countries on the U.N. Development Program's gender inequality index in 2022.

Francis amended his remarks throughout the day to include reference to women after the governor general of Papua New Guinea, Bob Dadae, welcomed him to Papua New Guinea by calling for greater protection of women and respect for their rights.

Women are the ones who carry the country forward, they give life, build and grow a country, Francis said in his first ad-libbed speech to political leaders and diplomats. Let us not forget the women who are on the front line of human and spiritual development.

The issue of women and inequality is particularly fraught for the Catholic Church, given women are barred from the priesthood and are often treated as second-class citizens by the all-male hierarchy. Francis has denounced gender-based violence, appointed women to top Vatican positions and called for women to have greater decision-making roles in the church, but he has still reaffirmed the ban on womens ordination.

It was an improvised first day of Francis visit, the second leg of a four-nation journey through Southeast Asia and Oceania that represents the longest and most challenging of his pontificate.

Dancers in swishing grass skirts performed for Francis to the thump-thump-thump of drums as he presided over a mix of political and church business. In his opening remarks, he called for an end to the tribal violence that has troubled the country for decades and for equitable, sustainable extraction of its resources.

Francis marveled at the diversity of Papua New Guineas people  there are some 800 languages spoken here  saying their variety must be a challenge to the Holy Spirit, who creates harmony amid differences!

But he also noted that such diversity has long created conflict, a reference to the tribal violence over land and other disputes that have long characterized the countrys culture but have grown more lethal in recent years. Francis appealed for a sense of civic responsibility and cooperation to prevail, to benefit everyone.

It is my particular hope that tribal violence will come to an end, for it causes many victims, prevents people from living in peace and hinders development, he said.

But the issue of women as victims of violence and discrimination, including within the church, punctuated Francis' day, including when Francis met with local priests and nuns gathered at a Marian sanctuary.

Sister Lorena Jenal told Francis about an organization, House of Hope, that provides shelter to women accused of witchcraft and sorcery and works with community leaders to try to change attitudes about women.

She told him about one woman who was nearly burned to death and was shunned by her family, but was eventually welcomed back after the church intervened.

A Catholic mother of three, Grace Wrakia, addressed the gathering about her experience being named to participate in Francis big meeting in Rome last year on the future of the Catholic Church, where women were given equal voice and a vote for the first time in Vatican conversations.

She said the church in Papua New Guinea should develop and use more of such conversation methods so that the wisdom of the simple people in our peripheries may be heard, respected and valued.

I long to see more men and women as partners, she said.

A nun with the Sisters of Charity, Sister Genevie, was in the pews with other sisters and acknowledged the problem of violence and discrimination was real.

In our country, men, they still hold onto leadership, she told The Associated Press. Mother Teresa told us to help the women.

On his first day, Francis also called for fair and environmentally sustainable extraction of Papua New Guineas vast natural resources, which include gold, nickel and natural gas.

Francis, who has written entire encyclicals about the environment, has long insisted that development of natural resources must benefit local people, not just the multinational companies that extract them.

These environmental and cultural treasures represent at the same time a great responsibility, because they require everyone, civil authorities and all citizens, to promote initiatives that develop natural and human resources in a sustainable and equitable manner, he said.

Finally, Francis called for a definitive solution to the question of Bougainville, an island region whose people voted overwhelmingly to become independent from Papua New Guinea in 2019. The outcome of the nonbinding referendum has not been implemented.

Despite the rigors of the trip and jet lag  Papua New Guinea is eight hours ahead of Rome time  the 87-year-old Francis appeared in relatively good form, though he coughed throughout the day. He smiled and laughed as he handed out candies to young children who had performed for him, and even took a turn playing a kundu drum, a traditional hand-held hourglass-shaped drum that one group of children gave him.

He was warmly welcomed by crowds outside at each of his stops, with people young and old dressed in traditional grass skirts, face paint and headdresses dancing and singing. And several South Pacific leaders came to Port Moresby for the rare chance to greet the pope, including the prime minister of Vanuatu, the president of Nauru and the prime minister of Tonga.

Francis is the second pope to visit Papua New Guinea, after St. John Paul II visited first in 1984, then in 1995 to beatify Peter To Rot, a Catholic layman who was declared a martyr for the faith after he died in prison during World War II.

___

Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the APs collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.
Larissa Miller spent the early years of her life steeped in evangelical communities.

She attended an evangelical high school and college and spent more than 16 years working for the association tied to one of the best-known evangelists of the last century, Billy Graham. When Graham died in 2018, she produced the livestream of his 10-day memorial.

But by her late 30s she could no longer bury the feeling that her sexuality wasnt compatible with the religious community shed called home for most of her life.

It was really hard to reconcile that, and to figure out, Can I be gay and be a Christian? Miller, a 44-year-old director and producer based in Charlotte, told CNN. It took many years, deconstructing and reconstructing, trying to figure out, What is God telling me?

In 2021, Miller left her job, came out as a lesbian and married her wife. Shes now part of a community where her spirituality and sexuality arent in conflict: Charlottes Watershed Church, one of a growing number of post-evangelical institutions that have broken away  theologically and politically  from conservative places of worship.

Larissa Miller speaks to CNN during an interview. - CNN

Over the last few decades, a growing number of Christians have left traditional, predominantly White evangelical churches. Some have left Christianity altogether, while others have joined communities that preach inclusivity, are affirming of LGBTQ rights, and take a social justice approach to the major moral issues of the times  from racial equality to the plight of refugees.

The post-evangelical movement predates former President Donald Trumps political rise, but has been accelerated by his alliance with White conservative evangelical leaders. Its also part of a broader community of Christians whove been turned off by mainstream evangelicalisms embrace of Republican politics  a group Democrats are hoping to make inroads with in November in battleground states.

Theres room to grow. In a Fox News poll released late last month that found Vice President Kamala Harris and Trump virtually tied in a head-to-head matchup, 79% of White evangelicals in North Carolina said they would vote for Trump, compared to 20% who would vote for Harris.

Its not clear what post-evangelicals voting patterns are, though many of their political stances align with Democrats. At its core, however, the movement isnt about encouraging people to vote for Democrats  if anything, they have urged people to decouple their partisan and spiritual identities altogether.

The tension is not to become the rigid, judgmental reverse side of what you just left when it comes to evangelicalism or conservative, said Matt ONeil, the lead pastor at Watershed Church. We create environments where people can come and ask questions.

A shrinking voting bloc

The evangelical label covers a broad swath of Christian denominations and people of all races. But politically, the predominant image of an evangelical Christian has become a White conservative who votes Republican; opposes same-sex marriage and abortion; and, in the last eight years, supports Trump.

White evangelicals have been a key part of the Republican coalition since the 1980s. About 80% of White evangelicals voted for Trump in the 2016 election, while 76% voted for him in 2020, according to CNN exit polls. The exit polls estimated that 26% of 2016 voters and 28% of 2020 voters were White evangelicals.

But the voting bloc is shrinking. Between 2006 and 2023, the number of White evangelicals dropped from 23% to 13%, while the number of those with no religious affiliation rose from 16% to 27%, according to the Public Religion Research Institutes 2023 Census of American Religion.

Attendees pray during a Commit to Caucus event held by former President Donald Trump's campaign in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in December 2023. - Jordan Gale/The New York Times/Redux

Randall Balmer, an Episcopal priest and religion professor at Dartmouth College, attributed the decline in White evangelicalism in part to a growing generational divide between younger and older evangelicals before Trumps political rise, fueled by different views on abortion and LGBTQ rights.

For the older generation, they were really big into the anti-abortion movement, they were opposed to changes in sexual identity politics, he said. The younger generation, as Ive encountered them  those were issues that just didnt resonate with them.

Its unclear how many people have left the evangelical church for post-evangelical faith communities. The Post Evangelical Collective  a network of churches and academics  has about 100 member congregations on its website of various sizes spread across the country, primarily around major cities.

Theres no question that the evangelical embrace of Trump from 2015 forward has definitely turbo charged the post-evangelical movement, said David Gushee, a Christian ethics professor at Mercer University, post-evangelical and the author of After Evangelicalism.

Watershed, located in Charlottes historic Chantilly neighborhood, has a congregation of a few hundred people. On a recent Sunday morning the congregation gathered in a dimly lit auditorium for a service that, structurally, resembled a typical evangelical church, with worship music, announcements and a sermon.

But the updates included a recap of the churchs recent pride parade float and a reminder that Flamy Grant, a drag queen and Christian musician, would be visiting the church soon as part of her No More Trauma tour, a nod to the challenges faced by queer Christians. And the sermon challenged the idea of prosperity gospel, popularized by televangelists, which teaches that deep faith in God leads to physical health and financial wealth.

We are loved, teaching pastor Shawn Bowers Buxton told the congregation. Loved in our feelings, loved in our brokenness, loved in our imperfection, loved in our wholeness, not healedness.

ONeil, the lead pastor at Watershed, said describing their church as post-evangelical has been helpful language for people who are still holding on to their evangelical roots but have changed their thinking in key ways.

While many of the churchs discussions center around politics in the broad sense, ONeil warned against the dangers of Christians hitching their wagon to any candidate. White evangelicals embrace of Trump has left him heartbroken, he said.

Evangelicals that wrap themselves in MAGA  my perception is that theyre afraid that something is happening in the world and theyre not able to keep up with it or theyre not finding traction with the way the world is unfolding, he said.

Watershed Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. - CNN

Christians off the sidelines

Trump  a former Presbyterian who told Religious News Service in 2020 that he is a non-denominational Christian  has not leaned on his faith to the same extent as past US leaders. Critics have said his personal conduct  such as his divorces, his alleged affair with an adult film star and a verdict that found him liable for sexual abuse  are in sharp contrast with the evangelical emphasis on traditional family structures.

Evangelicals have also been frustrated over his changing stances on abortion access and his decision earlier this year to endorse a patriotic Bible  which includes the Declaration of Independence and other historic American texts alongside the holy scripture.

Still, Trump has maintained overwhelming support among White evangelicals since consolidating their support during the 2016 Republican primary. He has been endorsed by more than 1,000 evangelical leaders whove joined his Believers for Trump coalition, according to Karoline Leavitt, a campaign spokesperson.

The former president appeared in June at the annual Road to the Majority conference of the Faith & Freedom Coalition, a group with close ties to Republicans that works to boost turnout among conservative evangelicals. Trump endorsed the display of the Ten Commandments in schools and said Christianity would be in tatters if President Joe Biden, the former Democratic nominee, won a second term.

The radical left is trying to shame Christians  silence you, demoralize you, and they want to keep you out of politics. They dont want you to vote, Trump said in June. But Christians cannot afford to sit on the sidelines.

The Faith & Freedom Coalition announced in March that it plans to spend $62 million boosting evangelical turnout through text messages, knocking on doors, sending out voter guides and holding registration drives at tens of thousands of churches.

Ralph Reed, the founder of the coalition, said the mistake Democrats make is assuming that voters of faith are focused on a candidates religious identity instead of the policies theyre backing.

If that was true, they would have voted for Jimmy Carter in 1980, who was a born again Christian and who taught Sunday school on the weekends, Reed said in an interview. Instead they voted for Ronald Reagan, who was the first divorced man to ever be president.

Reed said White conservative evangelicals are motivated by issues such as abortion and supporting Israel, but also the strengthening and defense of the traditional family and the belief that traditional gender roles are part of Gods plan. Post-evangelicals have a right to start their own churches, he said, but he pushed back on the criticism that the churches they left behind are too closely linked to Republicans.

Theres a great respect for the understanding that Jesus and the gospel message are above any political party, any politician or any political ideology, Reed said. Now, having said that, we do believe very strongly that Christians should be registered to vote.

Liberals are also seeking to gain ground with White evangelical voters. Evangelicals for Harris has launched a digital ad campaign to explicitly boost turnout for the vice president. The campaign also plans to organize at hundreds of churches.

State Rep. James Talarico, a Texas Democrat and surrogate for the group, said there is a fine line between participating in the democratic process and letting democracy drift into idolatry.

I think the key difference is that we dont worship Kamala Harris, were just voting for her, he said. A vote is like a chess move for a better world.

Another group, Vote Common Good, is seeking to encourage White evangelicals and Catholics who are open to changing their conservative voting patterns to take that next step. The organization launched its fall bus tour in Georgia this month, with visits concentrated in the three Blue Wall states of Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania.

If you watch Donald Trumps behavior and youre still for him, theres nothing were going to say thats going to get you to change your mind, said Pastor Doug Pagitt, the executive director of Vote Common Good. Were talking about the voters whose minds have already changed, but theyre conflicted about their voting habit.

A similar, but spiritual, shift has taken place for post-evangelicals like Miller.

My heart already knew that I was loved and affirmed by God, Miller said. But I had to figure it out.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
KENOSHA, Wis. (WFRV)  A 22-year-old pregnant woman and her unborn child were pronounced dead at a southeastern Wisconsin hospital after she was found in a car after reportedly being shot sometime on Friday afternoon.

According to the Kenosha Police Department, officers responded to the 1200 block of 65th Street just before 4:30 p.m. on September 6 after reports of a shooting.

Illinois man charged in shooting of UW-Whitewater national gymnastics champion Kara Welsh

Officers arrived at the scene and found a woman in a car that was stopped against a concrete pillar of the viaduct on 65th Street and 13th Avenue. The 22-year-old woman, who reportedly had been shot, was then taken to a local hospital for treatment.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

Around 10:50 p.m., the Kenosha PD updated its original Facebook post and confirmed that the victim and her unborn child had died as a result of the shooting.

Woman in Ashwaubenon charged with attempted homicide after allegedly stabbing a traveling nurse outside a hotel

Authorities stayed at the scene until roughly 10 p.m. collecting evidence and canvassing the area for witnesses.

Our entire community is impacted when a tragedy like this occurs. We encourage anyone with information that may assist our investigators to contact the Kenosha Police Departments non-emergency phone number at 262-656-1234. Kenosha Police Department

No other details have been 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.
In a joint operation, the Agartala GRP (Government Railway Police) and RPF (Railway Protection Force) conducted a search based on secret information at the Agartala railway station. During the raid, the police seized 100 bottles of Eskuf cough syrup, which were likely being transported from outside the state via train, said police on Friday. The seized items have been marked as unclaimed and confiscated, as the authorities have not yet identified the individuals responsible for the illegal consignment. The Agartala GRP has launched an investigation to determine the ownership of these contraband substances. The market value of the seized Eskuf cough syrup is estimated to be Rs 21,120, according to police. More details into the matter are awaited. Earlier in August, in a crackdown on drug trafficking, the Agartala GRP and the RPF seized 33 kilogrammes of dried cannabis worth Rs 2.31 lakh that was suspected to be destined for another state by train, said police. The cannabis, which was found unclaimed, has been seized as part of the operation. The Agartala GRP has initiated an investigation to identify the individuals or groups responsible for this illegal consignment, said police. The estimated market value of the seized cannabis is approximately Rs 2.31 lakh, said police. (ANI)
President Joe Biden on Friday appointed Janie Hipp (Chickasaw) to be a member of the Community Development Advisory Board within the U.S. Department of Treasury.

The Community Development Advisory Board serves to advise the Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund. The Community Development Advisory Boards mission is to promote access to capital to underserved communities. The CDFI Fund, in partnership with the Board, partners with and invests in local lenders and financial service providers around the country. Since inception, the CDFI Fund has awarded more than $5.2 billion dollars to its partners.

Never miss Indian Countrys biggest stories and breaking news. Click here to sign up to get our reporting sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning.

Hipp is the president and CEO of Native Agriculture Financial Services, a lending institution focused on economic development for tribal communities.

Prior to this, Hipp was nominated by President Biden and confirmed by the Senate to serve as the General Counsel of the Department of Agriculture. She is the first enrolled tribal citizen to hold that role, as a citizen of the Chickasaw Nation. Hipp has worked in agricultural law and economic development for nearly 40 years, including serving as the CEO of the Native American Agriculture Fund and as a senior advisor to USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack and Director of the USDA Office of Tribal Relations.

Hipp holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in social work from the University of Oklahoma, a J.D. from Oklahoma City Universitys School of Law and a LLM in agricultural law from the University of Arkansas School of Law.

About the Author: "Levi \"Calm Before the Storm\" Rickert (Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation) is the founder, publisher and editor of Native News Online. Rickert was awarded Best Column 2021 Native Media Award for the print\/online category by the Native American Journalists Association. He serves on the advisory board of the Multicultural Media Correspondents Association. He can be reached at levi@nativenewsonline.net."

Contact: levi@nativenewsonline.net
Edmundo Gonzalez, the Venezuelan opposition candidate who has been recognized by multiple nations as the rightful winner of the countrys contested July election, hasnt been seen in weeks. Amid a wave of arrests and violent repression against members and supporters of the opposition, Gonzalez has gone into hiding. In his absence, Maria Corina Machado, a former industrial engineer who served as a member of Venezuelas National Assembly, has become the driving figure of a movement that seeks to electorally oust President Nicolas Maduro after more than a decade in power.

Machado is an economic liberal who has long been public about her opposition to former President Hugo Chavez and the Maduro regime. In the last year, she has become a political phenomenon leading a ground up movement that seeks to end decades of repression, corruption, and economic hardship.

In 2023, the Maduro government barred Machado from participating in an election for 15 years. The decision, based on dubious accusations of financial irregularities during her time in the national assembly, came weeks after Machado had overwhelmingly won the 2023 Unitary Platform presidential primaries. The opposition scrambled to find a viable replacement for Machado, landing on Gonzalez  a former ambassador  after their first pick, Corina Yoris Villasana, was also barred from registering as a candidate.

Machado and Gonzalez spent months on the campaign trail, traversing across Venezuela and drawing crowds of thousands. While Gonzalezs name is on the ballot, its clear Machado remains a driving force of enthusiasm for the opposition. On July 28, millions of Venezuelans took to the polls, and it seems that Gonzalez may have prevailed.

Maduro was declared the winner on July 29 by the government-controlled electoral council, but the lack of transparency behind vote tallies cast immediate doubt on the results. In the weeks since election day, several independent reviews of polling place data made public by the opposition  including by CNN, The Washington Post, The Associated Press, and The Electoral Observation Mission  suggest that data provided by the Democratic Unitary Platform is both authentic, and that Gonzalez had won in a landslide of 67-30.

In the weeks since the election, the United States, Argentina, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, and Uruguay have recognized Gonzalez as president-elect. Some regional allies, including Brazil and Mexico, have hesitated to recognize Maduros claim to victory and called for transparency. In response to opposition protests and increased international pressure, the Maduro regime has carried out a campaign of violence and repression. Dozens have been killed, thousands detained, and an arrest warrant has been issued for Gonzalez.

In an interview with Rolling Stone, Machado discusses her experience over the last few weeks, her social and economic vision for the beleaguered nation, and her hope that those in America and abroad will see the value of protecting democracy and their institutions  before they must fight to reclaim them.

This interview was translated from Spanish, and edited for length and clarity.

Its been a little more than a month since the election. Where do things now stand for you and the opposition party?

During these last few years, we were told that it was impossible to get here. They told us a year and a half ago that it was impossible to once again raise up, excite, and create trust within a country as beaten and disappointed as Venezuela was. All the divisions that they made among us between whites and blacks, rich and poor, left and right, those on the outside, and those on the inside  which is typical of these totalitarian systems  we tore them down and really united a country.

I won [my primary] with more than 90 percent [of the vote.] Afterward, the regime arbitrarily removed me from the race and told us it would be impossible to make it to the election. We were able to get Edmundo Gonzalez [to take my place on the ballot], and not only did we win in an overwhelming fashion  67 to 30  but for the first time we were able to demonstrate our victory. Chavismo [the left-wing populist political ideology formed by former Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez] in these last 25 years has conducted more than 30 elections, all of them containing a degree of fraud, but this is the first time that we have proof of our victory.

This puts us in a unique position of strength, of legitimacy. Of course the regime, which is a criminal system, finds itself exposed and has responded in a ferocious and brutal manner. They have imprisoned children, young people, women, the disabled. But deep down they are insulating and isolating themselves more and more every day because the only thing they have left is violence. We are going to continue advancing until we achieve a transition to democracy in our country.

The Maduro government has issued an arrest warrant for Gonzalez  and dozens of members of the opposition have already been arrested or imprisoned. Where would an attempt to incarcerate Gonalez leave you and the Democratic Unitary Platform?

First you have to understand one thing. The world knows he is the president-elect. This is an arrest warrant against the president-elect. The point here is not where it leaves us; its where it leaves the world, because this is certainly a red line.

And what were also seeing is that the support we are getting goes across the entire ideological spectrum. That is, you have [Chilean President Gabriel] Boric, from the left, [Argentinian President Javier] Milei a right-wing libertarian, all understanding and supporting us because this is not an ideological issue, but rather this is an issue of asserting freedom in the face of an oppressive and totalitarian system, of giving value to justice against the most corrupt system.

Lets stick to the U.S. for a moment. How do you view their role in this? The Trump administration imposed increased sanctions on Venezuela, which seemed to exacerbate a lot of the economic problems that were there. What would you like to see the United States do now? Especially given that we have our own election soon.

Well, first of all, Venezuelas economic and social problems began long before [Trump.] Its important to say that.

Of course.

Second, It is important to say, I believe, that the two approaches are complementary. You have to put pressure so that there can be negotiation. And I think that is what we have learned from these years. I think we are in a unique moment, because the regime has never been as weak as it is today.

The whole world knows that Maduro was defeated. His own followers in his party know it, the Armed Forces know it, everyone knows it. The policy of repression that Maduro has carried out in recent weeks is so brutal that even the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights described it as state terrorism.

That is to say, the only thing Maduro has left is to surround himself with a group of high-ranking military personnel and repress through violence and lies. Maduro feels today that he can kill citizens, torture, imprison children  there were more than 150 children imprisoned  accused of terrorism. More than 200 women who were taken to prison and some have reported sexual abuse and cruel treatment. So, he feels like he can do that with zero cost.

What must be demonstrated is that this is not true, that repression has consequences. I believe that the United States has the obligation and duty to make the United States and the rest of the international community understand that the costs are increasing every day, that the best option that Maduro has is to sit down and negotiate a transition.

I want to express my gratitude because there have been voices in Congress, both in the House of Representatives and in the Senate, from both parties, who have put forward an increasingly firm position on the administration and I know that that will be maintained, whatever the outcome of the election in the United States, because its an issue of national security.

Given the way things stand now, do you still see a viable path to a transition? What would need to happen in order for your movement to be successful at this point?

The answer is absolutely yes.

Venezuela is experiencing very powerful social forces, from below, from within. On the one hand, there is general indignation at the fact that Maduro intends to ignore popular sovereignty. Its aberrant. And the people know, his own people know, that Edmundo Gonzalez won.

Second, theres the anger and pain over the repression, the fear that they want to sow in society. And the third force is the deterioration of the economy, which has nothing to do with sanctions; its the corruption of the regime and the total absence of the rule of law.

Venezuela is in the last world of global rule of law. There is no trust here, no one is going to invest. The economy is falling, as is the consumption of goods in the popular sector. So you mix these three forces, and what can happen? Well, obviously huge popular unrest, but also internal conflict, and a stampede of people across the border. So, I mean, this has to stop now. This is the moment. And the way to do it is to make it clear to Maduro that the world is not going to look the other way in the face of his crimes. They tell their followers, No, the world is going to get tired and turn the page. Thats not going to happen.

No matter how much pressure they put on Edmundo and I, we are not going to give up, we are going to keep going. TAnd this is a process that, I insist, is not only existential for Venezuelans and for everyone who believes in freedom, in democracy, in justice. It is for the entire hemisphere. What happens in Venezuela is going to affect the entire hemisphere.

Speaking of this hemisphere, several countries have suggested an internationally monitored election. Are you open to that or are you determined to see the results of Julys election enforced?

Its a negotiation that has to start from the recognition of July 28.

I mean, I want this to be clear. Imagine if in every country in the world, the government in power that doesnt like an election outcome says No, no, no, lets have another one. Because I didnt like the results. So lets do it, and if I dont like the second one, Ill do a third, a fourth. Would they accept that in Mexico, in Colombia, in Brazil or in the United States? Of course not.

We were in an election with the rules of tyranny. They werent clean elections. I won the [primary] and they didnt let me participate. Four and a half million Venezuelans, who are registered and live abroad, were not allowed to vote. Three million of us who turned 18 years old were not allowed to register here. And we still won with 67 percent of the vote. If those young people would have voted, those who are outside and inside, this election would have ended up 90-10.

So, this is not a polarized country, this is not a divided country. Venezuela is more united than ever and has already made its decision. And all negotiations must start by recognizing the popular sovereignty expressed in the vote. From there, we are determined to negotiate  but with recognition of that point.

[Editors Note: Machado clarified to Rolling Stone after publication that she does not support holding a new election, and that she misunderstood the question to be about a negotiation, not a new election. Machado has said previously that she opposes a new election.]

Many Americans know something is happening in Venezuela, but dont have a lot of context around the details, your story, and the movements plan for the country. So heres a very American Election question. Edmundo Gonzalez wins. Hes sworn in as president. What would the first 100 days of that administration look like? What are your priorities?

The priority is absolutely the people, our people. We have made it this far because this has been a movement that has been based on building trust, which had been destroyed in Venezuela. Trust among ourselves as citizens. And that starts with speaking the truth.

This brought us together. Thats what this new government is going to be  a new government where the center is the people. Today were a country where there is no education, and where children in public education go to class two days a week to receive the worst education on the planet. We have to make up ground. I want to turn Venezuela into a trilingual country. Every child, from the poorest ones to the one with the most opportunities, will be trilingual: They will speak Spanish, they will speak English, and they will speak the digital language.

We are going to make Venezuela fly. We are going to turn Venezuela into the energy hub of the Americas. We have the capacity to become a renewable energy powerhouse. Venezuela has the ninth-largest freshwater resources on the planet. We have a capacity for hydroelectric energy that I want to take to the big producers of the worlds data centers to ask them to come here and generate jobs with clean energy. That can be done here.

But that means we need a system of freedoms. People are not going to invest in a country where there is no trust, where private property is worth nothing. Most importantly, I want to stop migration, not by putting obstacles, not by closing the border, but rather people voluntarily returning to their country because everything can be done here. To make this possible, we need you right now  Im not talking about the U.S. government, Im talking to the American citizens and Latin Americans. We need your voices, hard and clear, alongside ours. Because this is the moment to secure change.

You have received many threats, so have your staff and your allies. I want to know a little more about how thats been affecting you, but also how you would address the overall lack of security in Venezuela.

So one thing is repression. In other words, we are talking about the fact that we carried out a campaign with my entire command either imprisoned or under asylum in an embassy. Every day there were threats, and more and more people were taken away. Journalists were taken prisoner, media outlets were closed. They tried to besiege me, and what did they want? For me to leave the country.

Im not going to leave, and every day they threaten me with something else. Now Im a terrorist  accused of terrorism. Whats more, my colleagues are being tried in court for terrorism. And Edmundo Gonzalez has an arrest warrant for him from an anti-terrorism court. They have no limit.

Your colleague mentioned ahead of our interview that a member of your team was kidnapped last week?

Theyve kidnapped a lot of people. There is a young woman, 30 years old, our coordinator in Portuguese, Maria Oropeza. They went to look for her at her house. She had the strength to transmit it live through Instagram, and we were able to see how they forced their way into her house and kidnapped her.

This was a month ago and her mother hasnt seen her. Last night I spoke with Flor, her mother. She stops in front of the prison every day and brings her what she can  medicine or some food  but she has not seen her daughter.

Last week they detained my lawyer, Perkins Rocha, who was also a magistrate of the First Court of Venezuela, a jurist, a university professor, just for defending those of us whove been imprisoned. They took him prisoner, he went out to buy some medicine and they dragged him away from the pharmacy.

This is happening as we speak. What do they want? They want Edmundo and I to leave Venezuela and throw in the towel.

We will prevail, we have a mandate, they want to terrorize people, for Gods sake.

They blocked X in Venezuela. They have stopped young people on the street to check their phones, and if you have something on WhatsApp thats supportive of us, they take them to prison or extort them and take $300, 400, which for them is a fortune.

This is a regime of terror, but they are not going to break us. We are going to move forward and once we come to power, you can be sure that this isnt going to be a system based on revenge. On the contrary, we are going to go through a process where there is justice, and where never again will a Venezuelan be afraid to say what they think.

What would you like Americans to understand about the situation in Venezuela?

Many people describe Venezuela as the country that has the largest [energy] reserves in the world, the richest on the planet. But the wealth of this country isnt in the ground, the wealth is in well-formed people and democratic institutions.

Its a hard lesson. You have to take care of your institutions. We took freedom and democracy for granted until we lost it. And once you have a perverse system like the one in Venezuela  by the way, an ally of Putin, of Iran, of Syria  operating as the window to the West to reach the United States, its very hard, very difficult to defeat it.

We Venezuelans have given everything, and I feel proud to be part of this movement. Weve done everything, we defeated them, we need you now. We need the citizens of the worlds

par excellence free country raising their voices not only for the good of Venezuela, but for the good of the United States.

We are going to make Venezuela a prosperous country, a country that is going to integrate and become a great ally to freedom and democracy in the West. This is the time to move forward, this is the opportunity.

More from Rolling Stone

Best of Rolling Stone

Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Prichard police seek missing, endangered man  can you help?

PRICHARD, Ala. (WKRG)  Prichard Police are asking for the communitys help in finding a missing and endangered man.

Mobile County breaks ground on new aquatic center

65-year-old Kenneth Jordan, who is said to be homeless, was last seen in the area of Allenby Street around July 25 or July 26.

Kenneth Jordan. (Prichard Police Department)

Kenneth Jordan. (Prichard Police Department)

A family member went to PPD headquarters to file a missing person report for Jordan on Aug. 21.

Jordan was last seen wearing dark colored jeans, a T-shirt and unknown color sneakers. He stands at 5-foot-11 or 6-foot and weighs about 220 pounds.

Freeport man, Special Forces veteran, accused of child sex abuse bonds out of jail: WCSO

The family member told PPD that Jordan suffers from seizures.

Those who know of Jordans whereabouts can contact PPD at 251-452-2211.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Kenyan police officers, part of a UN-backed multinational force, drive past residents in armored vehicles on the streets of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Odelyn Joseph)

UNITED NATIONS (AP)  The United States and Ecuador circulated a draft resolution on Friday asking the United Nations to begin planning for a U.N. peacekeeping operation to replace the Kenya-led mission now in the Caribbean nation helping police to quell gang violence.

The proposed Security Council resolution, obtained by The Associated Press, says U.N. peacekeepers are needed in order to sustain the gains made by the U.N.-backed multinational mission which has seen almost 400 Kenyan police deploy since June to help the Haitian National Police.

The circulation of the short resolution to all 15 council members follows U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinkens visit to Haiti on Thursday where he reaffirmed the U.S. governments commitment to the multinational mission and pushed for long-awaited general elections.

Americas top diplomat also said a U.N. peacekeeping force was an option to address a funding crisis for the Kenya-led mission, which depends on voluntary contributions. The U.S. and Canada have provided the bulk of funds so far. Peacekeeping operations, by contrast, are funded from a special U.N. budget.

The United Nations has been involved in Haiti on and off since 1990.

A 2004 rebellion had the country on the brink of collapse, leading to deployment of a U.N. force. It helped stabilize the impoverished nation after successful elections and a devastating 2010 earthquake that killed as many as 300,000 people and ended in October 2017.

But U.N. peacekeepers left under a cloud, with troops from Nepal widely blamed for introducing cholera that has killed about 10,000 people in Haiti since 2010 and other troops implicated in sexual abuse, including rape and the targeting hungry children.

Since 2017, the U.N. has had a series of small missions in Haiti. The latest, political mission, BINUH, has a mandate to advance a Haitian-led political process toward elections, the rule of law and human rights.

Many Haitians have rejected the proposal of another peacekeeping operation, given the introduction of cholera and sexual abuse cases that occurred when U.N. troops were last in Haiti. Some Haitians also see U.N. peacekeepers as an occupying force.

Haiti asked for an international force to combat gangs in 2022, and U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appealed for months for a country to lead the force before the Kenyans came forward and pledged 1,000 police. They are expected to be joined by police from the Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Benin, Chad and Jamaica, bringing the multinational force to 2,500 personnel..

They would be deployed in phases that would cost roughly $600 million a year. Currently, the U.N. has $85 million in pledges for the mission, out of which $68 million has been received.

The gangs have grown in power since the July 7, 2021, assassination of President Jovenel Moise and are now estimated to control up to 80% of the capital. The surge in killings, rapes and kidnappings has led to a violent uprising by civilian vigilante groups.

In February, gangs launched coordinated attacks on police stations and the main international airport, which remained closed for nearly three months. They also stormed Haitis two largest prisons, releasing more than 4,000 inmates.

The violence subsided somewhat before the first contingent of Kenyan police arrived in late June, with Blinken noting that economic activity has restarted in some areas of Port-au-Prince, and that joint operations have led to successes including regaining control of Haitis biggest public hospital.

However, gangs continue to attack communities surrounding Port-au-Prince.

The draft resolution would determine that the situation in Haiti continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security and to stability in the region.

Extending gratitude to Kenya, it would extend the mandate of the Multinational Security Support mission until Oct. 2, 2025 while the U.N. plans a transition to a peacekeeping operation,.

Security Council experts held their first meeting on the text of the resolution Friday afternoon and negotiations are expected to continue, a council diplomat said, speaking on condition of anonymity because discussions were private. No date has been set for a vote.

U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric reiterated Friday that any new peacekeeping force requires approval from the Security Council. U.N. member nations must then volunteer troops and needed equipment, and the force then needs to be deployed  all of which takes time, he said.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  Dozens of volunteers gathered in downtown Grand Rapids to help clean up along the Grand River Saturday morning.

It was the 21st year of the Mayors Grand River Clean Up. It started around 9 a.m. at Sixth Street Park. Volunteers heard from public officials and then grabbed gloves and bags to get to work cleaning up around the river.

The West Michigan Environmental Action Council said last year volunteers picked up more than seven thousand pounds of trash. The event is a week-long effort to promote keeping our waterways clean.

Its about protecting our water as Michiganders. Its a lifeline. Its a life source and we have to do our part to protect it. So many of the things that we fish out of this river and take from our communities and storm drains are manmade things, Marshall Kilgore, the director of engagement for the council, said. Its a collective problem, pollution is. Now things like our clean up are a collective solution to these problems.

Registered volunteers will be cleaning up sites along the river until Sept. 14. The event continues Sunday in East Grand Rapids. Volunteers will be able to clean up around Reeds Lake starting at 10 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 WOODTV.com.
Demonstrators gather under the statue of Marianne, a symbol of the French Republic, during a protest opposing the appointment of a new Prime Minister, Michel Barnier, in Paris, France, on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024. Credit - Michel EulerAP

PARIS  Thousands of protesters took to the streets across France on Saturday, responding to a call from a far-left party leader who criticized as a power grab the president's appointment of a conservative new prime minister, Michel Barnier.

The protests directly challenged President Emmanuel Macrons decision to bypass a prime minister from the far-left bloc following a deeply dividing and divided  legislative election result in July. Authorities did not record a huge turnout nationwide.

The left, particularly the France Unbowed party, views Barniers conservative background as rejecting the electorates will, further intensifying the EUs second economys already charged political atmosphere. Saturday's demonstrators denounced Barniers appointment as denying democracy, echoing France Unbowed leader Jean-Luc Melenchons fiery rhetoric from recent days.

In Paris, protesters gathered at Place de la Bastille and tensions ran high as police prepared for potential clashes. Some carried placards reading Where is my vote?

At the head of the Parisian procession, Melenchon spoke passionately, declaring that the French people are in rebellion. They have entered into revolution.

There will be no pause, no truce. I call you to a long-term battle, he added.

In the southwestern city of Montauban, a rally speaker told the crowd that the people have been ignored. Other protests took place is some 150 locations nationwide.

While Barnier was meeting with healthcare workers at Paris Necker Hospital for his first official visit as prime minister, opponents say the unrest in the streets is shaping his governments future.

Barnier, who is working to assemble his Cabinet, expressed a commitment to listening to public concerns, particularly about Frances public services.

Jordan Bardella, leader of the far-right National Rally (RN), warned that Barnier was under surveillance by his party as well. Bardella, speaking at the Chalons-en-Champagne fair, called for the prime minister to include his party's priorities in his agenda, particularly regarding national security and immigration.

Barnier, 73, is the oldest of the 26 prime ministers that have served modern Frances Fifth Republic. He replaces the youngest, Gabriel Attal, who was 34 when he was appointed just eight months ago.

Attal was forced to resign after Macrons centrist government performed poorly in the July snap legislative elections. Macron called the election in the hopes of securing a clear mandate, but it instead produced a hung parliament, leaving the president without a legislative majority and plunging his administration into turmoil.

Attal was also Frances first openly gay prime minister. French media and some of Macrons opponents, who immediately criticized Barniers appointment, quickly dug up that, when serving in parliament in 1981, the new prime minister had been among 155 lawmakers who voted against a law that decriminalized homosexuality.

Though Barnier brings five decades of political experience, his appointment offers no guarantee of resolving the crisis. His challenge is immense: He must form a government that can navigate a fractured National Assembly, where the political spectrum is deeply divided between the far left, far right, and Macrons weakened centrist bloc. The outcome of the snap poll, far from providing clarity, has only served to destabilize both the country and Macrons grip on power.

The presidents decision to turn to Barnier, a seasoned political operator with deep ties to the European Union, is seen as an attempt to bring stability to French politics. And Barnier, who gained prominence as the EUs chief Brexit negotiator, has faced daunting tasks before.

Critics say Macron, elected on the promise of a break from the old political order, now finds himself battling the instability he once promised to overcome.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. (WTAJ)  Penn State trustees discussed several items at their latest meeting, one being a request for more state funding.

The university wants to invest billions into infrastructure with its new capital plan, saying that many buildings are in need of an update  with some being over 50 years old.

Penn State completes West Campus expansion with new building

The board is also now moving forward with a request for an increase of 40 million in state funding. They say PSU is not receiving as much aid as other state-related institutions.

The $30 million would be spent on financial aid and student success, talent retention for faculty and staff, asset preservation and strategic investment in areas like engineering, IT, health care and education that are priorities for the commonwealth, Senior V.P. for Finance and Business Sara Thorndike said.

The board approved the request unanimously.

Get the latest news, weather forecasts and sports stories delivered straight to your inbox! Sign up for our newsletters.

You can learn more about what was discussed on the Penn State University 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 WTAJ - www.wtaj.com.
ST. LOUIS  Family members of Ted Drewes Jr. have organized a public memorial for the St. Louis community and loved ones to pay their respects.

Ted Drewes Jr. died at the age of 96 on August 26. He is well remembered as a boisterous businessman who took his fathers frozen custard business to new heights in St. Louis over several decades.

Driver shot overnight on I-70 in St. Louis

A memorial church service will be held in Ted Jr.s memory on Saturday, Sept. 14 at 11 a.m. at the Chapel at St. Timothy & St. Titus at Concordia Seminary of St. Louis. The church is located at 801 Seminary Place.

Family members, friends and community members are all welcome to the memorial service.

Organizers say the service will celebrate the life, service, and legacy of Ted. Organizers are asking for memorial donations tp be made to Historic Trinity Lutheran Church in Soulard in lieu of flowers.

Close

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

Daily News

Ted Jr.s father, Ted Sr., opened his first frozen custard shop in St. Petersburg, Florida, in 1929, then set his footprint in St. Louis one year later. When his father passed, Ted Jr. fully embraced the family business, spending countless hours behind the counter at the iconic Chippewa location.

In his memory, the Chippewa frozen custard stand will be closed on Sept. 14.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
UPPER ARLINGTON, Ohio (WCMH)  A hailstorm briefly accompanied rain moving through central Ohio, and left behind sizable chunks on a swath of Upper Arlington.

Sarah McCaig shared photos of hail she found outside in the Columbus suburb. She placed a quarter next to the balls of ice for reference on their size.









Walking down her driveway, McCaig saw more hail covering her yard. A rainstorm passed hard and swift northeast through Columbus around 4 p.m. While those storm clouds lingered in Westerville, another wave of rain may be on the way from the southwest as of 5 p.m.

Track the path of storms in central Ohio with Storm Team 4s VIPIR radar.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
Congress MLA Bishan Lal Saini expressed happiness for receiving a ticket for his candidature from the Radaur assembly seat and said that he will carry forward the development works in Radaur and that the party will sweep victory. "I am very happy that my name is there in the list (for Haryana Assembly polls). Receiving a ticket is not an easy thing. I got the ticket, and I am very happy. I believe we will win by more seats. We will carry forward the development works in Radaur," said Bishan Lal Saini. Meanwhile, in a big boost to Congress, Olympian wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat joined the Congress on Friday. Congress has fielded former wrestler Vinesh Phogat from Julana assembly seat in Haryana.The party released its first list of 31 candidates for Haryana polls, which also contained Vinesh Phogat's name. Punia and Phogat joined the party in the presence of Congress general secretary KC Venugopal, party leader Pawan Khera, Haryana Congress chief Udai Bhan, and Babaria. Vinesh Phogat recalled women wrestlers' fight over sexual harassment allegations against former BJP MP and former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. "The fight is continuing, it hasn't ended yet. It's in court. We will win that fight as well. With the new platform that we are getting today, we will work for the service of the nation," she said. The two well-known wrestlers joined the Congress almost a month before the Haryana assembly polls. Polling for the 90-member Haryana assembly will be held on October 5, and votes will be counted on October 8. The wrestlers resigned from their respective positions in Northern Railways on Friday. In response to Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia's decision to join Congress, Haryana BJP president Mohan Lal Badoli said on Saturday that players are the pride of our country and that the party does not do politics on them. "Players are the pride of our country. We don't do politics on them. They will work as members of Congress after joining," the Haryana BJP president told ANI. Punia won bronze at the Tokyo Olympics, while Vinesh Phogat became the first woman wrestler to reach the Olympics final. Earlier on Friday, a crucial meeting of the Central Election Committee (CEC) of the Congress party in the run-up to the Haryana Assembly elections commenced at AICC headquarters in Delhi. The meeting was chaired by Indian National Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and was attended by Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Congress General Secretary (Organisations) KC Venugopal, among others. After the meeting the Congress released its first list of 31 candidates. Voting for the 90-member legislative assembly in Haryana will be held on October 5, with the last date for filing nominations being September 12. Votes will be counted on October 8. (ANI)
Editors note: This article includes a description of a racist attack, including references to slurs.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  Three years after a racial attack at a Kentwood hotel, the man behind it has begun serving time in a Michigan prison.

A Kent County judge in late July sentenced Joel Peter Venema of Allendale to at least two years in prison and a maximum of 10.

A booking photo of Joel Venema from the Michigan Department of Corrections.

Venema pleaded guilty in April to ethnic intimidation, assault with intent to do great bodily less than murder or by strangulation and assaulting, resisting or obstructing police.

The attack happened in August 2021 at Staybridge Suites in Kentwood, but Venemas guilty plea and sentencing were delayed due to appeals.

The justice system works for us, said Jackie Beard, the victim in the assault. It might take a while, but, hey, it got done.

On the evening of Aug. 7, 2021, Beard had just gotten off work and was enjoying the pool at Staybridge Suites with his family.

Then all of the sudden, this guy comes in with a lot of kids, recalled Beard, speaking to Target 8 recently. Were sitting in the hot tub, and I was like, Please dont come over here. They came over here. Then he got to body slamming one of the kids, and, you know, a hot tub is very shallow. So, I was like, Can you please stop that and take that away from me and my family?

Thats when Venema unleashed a racist rant, according to Beard and several pool guests who witnessed the assault.

VICTIM: HE SAID YOU NEED TO BE HUNG

He said, (Expletive) you, N-word. Ill (expletive) you up. Ill beat your (expletive). You need to be hung, relayed Beard, adding that he tried repeatedly to de-escalate the situation by walking away.

We got up and walked toward the gate, explained Beard, and all of a sudden, hes like, Im gonna kill you, you N-word, and he jumps on my neck and starts strangling. I shook him off  and he jumped on my neck again and started saying, Im gonna kill you. Im the baddest (expletive) out here. Youre gonna die tonight, you N-word.

A still image from police body camera video shows Joel Venema as he was arrested after assaulting a fellow poolgoer in Kentwood on Aug. 7, 2021.

A still image from police body camera video shows Jackie Beard Jr. after he was assaulted by a fellow poolgoer in Kentwood on Aug. 7, 2021.

A witness account of the assault was captured on police body camera footage, recently obtained by Target 8.

He attacked him for no reason, the hotel guest told a Kentwood officer. He got him by the throat, and (Beard) said, Get off me. (Venema) said N-word, N-word, N-word. Im not gonna get off you.  I said, Stop it. Youre gonna kill him. Let go of his neck. Youre gonna kill him. He just wouldnt let go.

Later, handcuffed and seated in the back of a Kentwood police cruiser, Venema continued spewing racist venom.

You know what N-words (do), Venema told the officer from the back seat. You know exactly what they do. They assault white people, and they get away with it. You know what I mean?

When the officer said he did not know he meant, Venema mentioned the Black Lives Matter movement.

Youre not part of the defund the police (movement)? Venema asked incredulously. Give me a break, dude. Seriously? Youre part of that whole movement? (Expletive), dude. Youre a piece of (expletive).

DUTCH LIVES MATTER TOO

Venema has shared his perspective publicly before.

A photo taken in 2020.

A protestor reportedly snapped a picture of Venema at a BLM rally wearing a t-shirt with Dutch Lives Matter Too scrawled across the front in marker.

Venemas criminal history includes three assault arrests and two alcohol-related driving offenses, according to the Michigan State Police criminal history database.

Venemas attorney, Frank Stanley, told Target 8 that his client has accepted responsibility for his actions at the hotel pool, acknowledged it and apologized to the victims family as well as his own.

Stanley said the incident was fueled by alcohol.

Kentwood police gave Venema a preliminary breath test on the scene, and his blood alcohol level registered at .27.

This is alcohol, Stanley said, referring to Venemas actions. He was drinking excessively, and if you look at the (bodycam) video, its an indicator. Hes being arrested by white police officers, and hes using racial slurs against them. In my opinion, almost beyond a reasonable doubt, this proves race had nothing to do with it. He was extremely intoxicated, and people say stupid things when intoxicated.

Stanley said Venema was embarrassed by the incident.

He recognized this was not appropriate behavior, said Stanley. When hes not drinking, hes a very productive, hardworking individual.

Stanley pointed out that Venema remained free on bond for a very long time and never violated the no-alcohol condition.

When Target 8 reached Beard three years after the assault, he said he was happy with the sentence.

The judge could have given him a little more, but she gave him some time, and that was a good thing. Its a start to teach other people that you just cant walk up and put your hands on anybody. I dont care what color you are, what race you are. You cant do it.

VICTIM: TAKE THE HIGHER GROUND

Beard urged people to change their approach.

Dont throw gasoline on a fire thats already lit, advised Beard. De-escalate. We want to de-escalate, not escalate. Thats what I tried to do, and thats what I did.

Beard, a former professional boxer who was well-known and well-decorated, had no interest in fighting Venema.

Take the higher ground, said Beard. Im a bigger man. Something small to a giant. Gotta get past the little stuff.

Beard said he refuses to let racist taunts get to him.

Blow it off, Beard said of his response to slurs. They want it to bother me. They want me to erupt. They want to see that hawk in me. Theyll never see that. Ill never give them a pleasure. They wont get me with that word.

He hopes the 2021 assault breeds unity in the end.

We all bleed the same blood, said Beard. Were all the same people. I dont know why theres so much hate.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Princeton University was ranked the No. 1 university in the U.S. by Forbes 2024-2025 ranking.

For the second straight year, Princeton University tops the list in Forbes Americas Top Colleges ranking.

In fact, Forbes annual ranking of 500 colleges across the U.S. has all the schools youd expect at the very top: Stanford University comes it at No. 2, followed by Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Yale University, and University of California-Berkeley to round out the top five.

Forbes 2024-2025 list is the first of several major undergraduate college rankings we expect in the next couple of weeks. Wall Street Journal/College Pulse also ranked Princeton first in its 2024 ranking released last September with its 2025 list likely coming in the next week. While neither of these rankings focus on undergraduate business schools, many of the top-ranked undergrad business programs are housed in high-ranking universities from both lists. (More on that later).

U.S. News & World Report does put out ranking specific to undergraduate business schools part of its annual best colleges ranking, but that isnt expected for a couple more weeks.

FORBES TOP 15 COLLEGES

Forbes annual list is based on metrics such as student success, return on investment, and alumni influence.

The 15 most highly-ranked schools are almost all private and many are among the prestigious Ivy League. Two, however, are public colleges: University of California-Berkeley (No. 5) and University of California-Los Angeles (No. 13).

1 Princeton University NJ Private not-for-profit $59,792 $7,559 $189,400 2 Stanford University CA Private not-for-profit $60,619 $12,999 $177,500 3 Massachusetts Institute of Technology MA Private not-for-profit $45,591 $13,792 $189,400 4 Yale University CT Private not-for-profit $63,523 $4,926 $168,300 5 University of California, Berkeley CA Public $21,669 $7,238 $167,000 6 Columbia University NY Private not-for-profit $61,061 $16,849 $156,000 7 University of Pennsylvania PA Private not-for-profit $57,175 $12,499 $171,800 8 Harvard University MA Private not-for-profit $61,801 $9,004 $171,400 9 Rice University TX Private not-for-profit $51,955 $10,818 $152,100 10 Cornell University NY Private not-for-profit $54,219 $8,309 $155,400 11 Northwestern University IL Private not-for-profit $61,716 $6,973 $141,300 12 Johns Hopkins University MD Private not-for-profit $54,405 $9,843 $142,300 13 University of California, Los Angeles CA Public $21,766 $6,418 $144,400 14 University of Chicago IL Private not-for-profit $48,422 $12,150 $150,600 15 Vanderbilt University TN Private not-for-profit $53,932 $8,872 $148,000

TOP UNDERGRAD B-SCHOOLS FROM THE LIST

Of course, Poets&Quants For Undergrads primarily serves students and parents looking for top-notch business programs. The Forbes list, like many rankings of undergraduate schools, is a university-wide ranking. It doesnt differentiate between majors or areas of specialization.

Therefore, several of the top universities and colleges from the Forbes list dont have dedicated business majors to speak of, including Princeton or Stanford. Or, they may have business programs only for graduate students  like Stanfords world leading Graduate School of Business or Harvard Business School.

Still, the list can tell prospective business majors important information about the resources, cost, earning potential, and rigor of the home schools of the business programs they are most interested in. Several of the top undergrad business programs previously ranked by Poets&Quants for Undergrads are housed in schools ranked in top 50 on the Forbes list.

The No. 1 business program for undergraduates in our 2024 ranking, for example, is The Wharton School. Its host school, University of Pennsylvania, is the No. 7 university in the country according to Forbes. Cornell University, meanwhile, was ranked No. 10 as a whole by Forbes while its business school, SC Johnson College of Business, finished No. 6 in the P&Q ranking for its business major.

Below, you can see how the home universities of each of the top 10 undergraduate business schools for our 2024 ranking fared in Forbes latest list. (P&Qs 2025 undergraduate business school ranking will come out in March.)

BIGGEST RISES AND FALLS

Just as it did last year, Princeton landed the No. 1 spot in both the Forbes and Wall Street Journal rankings. It had an undergraduate population of 5,444 with an average grant aid package of $59,792 and an average annual cost of $80,415, according to Forbes. It also tied for the largest median 10-year alumni salary at $189,400. It offers 37 degree concentrations and over 50 interdepartmental certificate programs. Princeton also provides generous financial aid, covering 100% of tuition and housing for families earning up to $65,000.

Yale University came in second this year, jumping up from number eight last year. The school scored highly for its impressive $58,715 average grant aid and low average debt of $4,968. Yale grads also cash in comfortable salaries with a median 10-year salary of $163,900. Stanford University ranked third this year, dropping one spot from last year. The California institution had an average grant aid of $56,211 and average debt of $8,868. Median 10-year salary for Stanford grads was $173,800.

Stanford University (No. 2) and MIT (No. 3) both rose one spot compared to last years Forbes ranking while Yale University (No. 4) fell two spots.

Of the top 50, the biggest risers were California Institute of Technology which rose 25 spots to No. 22 and Claremont McKenna College which rose 22 spots to No. 19.

University of Washington-Seattle, meanwhile, fell the farthest, slipping 18 spots to No. 44 overall. University of Texas-Austin fell 15 spots to No. 46.

2024 Rank Name State Type 2023 Rank YOY change 22 California Institute of Technology CA Private not-for-profit 47 25 19 Claremont McKenna College CA Private not-for-profit 41 22 25 Bowdoin College ME Private not-for-profit 44 19 14 University of Chicago IL Private not-for-profit 28 14 9 Rice University TX Private not-for-profit 22 13 30 Washington University in St. Louis MO Private not-for-profit 40 10 11 Northwestern University IL Private not-for-profit 18 7 15 Vanderbilt University TN Private not-for-profit 19 4 2024 Rank Name State Type 2023 Rank YOY change 44 University of Washington, Seattle WA Public 26 -18 46 University of Texas, Austin TX Public 31 -15 28 University of Southern California CA Private not-for-profit 14 -14 24 Amherst College MA Private not-for-profit 11 -13 32 Georgetown University DC Private not-for-profit 20 -12 35 University of California, Santa Barbara CA Public 24 -11 50 University of Wisconsin, Madison WI Public 39 -11 40 University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign IL Public 30 -10 17 Williams College MA Private not-for-profit 10 -7 41 University of Maryland, College Park MD Public 34 -7

MIT & PRINCETON GRADS EARN TOP PAY

For those looking for a long term return on their education investment, Princeton and Massachusetts Institute of Technology graduates have the highest median salaries ($189,400) 10-years after earning their degrees. Harvey Mudd College (No. 184 overall) ranks second in pay at $179,600  beating Stanford University alumni by $2,100.

Babson College (No. 96 overall) ranks fifth in terms of pay with grads earning an average 10-year salary of $175,200.

If youre looking to get out of college relatively debt free, Hanover College (No. 492) in Indiana, has the lowest student debt at just $2,452. Other private colleges with low debt include Berea College (#456) at $2,559 and Boston College (#59) at $3,5888.

METHODOLOGY

To compile its ranking, Forbes starts with a list of U.S. colleges based on the Carnegie Classification which categorizes institutions by degree offerings, research output, and specialty focus. This list included doctoral research universities, masters universities and colleges, baccalaureate colleges, and colleges with specialized programs in engineering, business, and art.

Schools were evaluated using data from several sources, including federal education databases, such as the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System and College Scorecard. Additional data came from PayScale, a Seattle-based software and data company, Third Way, a Washington, D.C.-based public policy think tank, the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics, and Forbes own lists.

It calculated its list based on the following metrics:

Alumni Salary (20%): Forbes assessed alumni earnings by considering median income data from two sources: PayScales 6-year and 10-year post-graduation earnings and College Scorecards median earnings data for graduates 6 years and 10 years after enrollment. Each of the four income segments was weighted at 5%.

Debt (15%): Forbes measured typical student debt by multiplying the median federal loan debt per borrower by the percentage of students with federal student loans. Additionally, Forbes examined each colleges five-year loan repayment rate.

Graduation Rate (15%): Forbes evaluated colleges using their six-year graduation rate, accounting for transfer students and other factors. 10% of Forbes model considered the overall six-year graduation rate, while an additional 5% looked at graduation rates for Pell Grant recipients.

Forbes American Leaders List (15%): Forbes assessed the leadership and entrepreneurial success of college graduates by comparing mentions across various Forbes lists, including the Forbes 30 Under 30, Forbes 400, Richest Self-Made Women, Most Powerful Women, and others.

Return On Investment (15%) : To determine return on investment, Forbes looked at price-to-earnings for each college. This was calculated by comparing the total net cost of a degree to post-enrollment earnings compared to high school graduate salaries in the state (weighted at 10%). Additionally, Forbes also considered a price to earnings for low-income students (weighted at 5%).

Retention Rate (10%): Forbes measured student satisfaction by calculating a three-year average retention rate using IPEDS data, excluding the year 2020 due to COVID-19 disruptions.

Academic Success (10%): Forbes assessed academic performance by looking at the number of recent graduates who received prestigious scholarships, such as the Fulbright, Truman, Goldwater, and Rhodes. It also considered the average number of alumni who earned PhDs over the past three years. Each measure was weighted at 5%.

Go to next page to see how where top 100 colleges and universities finished, along with school data on average grant aid and post-graduate pay and debt.



The top 100 colleges and universities in Forbes 2024-2025 ranking of the 500 best universities and colleges in America are list below.

See Forbes full list here.

1 Princeton University NJ Private not-for-profit $59,792 $7,559 $189,400 2 Stanford University CA Private not-for-profit $60,619 $12,999 $177,500 3 Massachusetts Institute of Technology MA Private not-for-profit $45,591 $13,792 $189,400 4 Yale University CT Private not-for-profit $63,523 $4,926 $168,300 5 University of California, Berkeley CA Public $21,669 $7,238 $167,000 6 Columbia University NY Private not-for-profit $61,061 $16,849 $156,000 7 University of Pennsylvania PA Private not-for-profit $57,175 $12,499 $171,800 8 Harvard University MA Private not-for-profit $61,801 $9,004 $171,400 9 Rice University TX Private not-for-profit $51,955 $10,818 $152,100 10 Cornell University NY Private not-for-profit $54,219 $8,309 $155,400 11 Northwestern University IL Private not-for-profit $61,716 $6,973 $141,300 12 Johns Hopkins University MD Private not-for-profit $54,405 $9,843 $142,300 13 University of California, Los Angeles CA Public $21,766 $6,418 $144,400 14 University of Chicago IL Private not-for-profit $48,422 $12,150 $150,600 15 Vanderbilt University TN Private not-for-profit $53,932 $8,872 $148,000 16 Dartmouth College NH Private not-for-profit $62,293 $6,404 $173,300 17 Williams College MA Private not-for-profit $57,121 $4,143 $169,200 18 Brown University RI Private not-for-profit $55,847 $10,059 $155,000 19 Claremont McKenna College CA Private not-for-profit $50,020 $7,631 $167,000 20 Duke University NC Private not-for-profit $57,444 $6,351 $158,700 21 University of California, San Diego CA Public $20,782 $6,437 $151,500 22 California Institute of Technology CA Private not-for-profit $59,192 $12,553 $168,600 23 Wellesley College MA Private not-for-profit $61,328 $5,608 $134,100 24 Amherst College MA Private not-for-profit $58,693 $9,293 $139,700 25 Bowdoin College ME Private not-for-profit $53,534 $10,512 $152,900 26 University of Florida FL Public $10,555 $6,122 $123,700 27 Swarthmore College PA Private not-for-profit $47,703 $7,705 $154,900 28 University of Southern California CA Private not-for-profit $45,262 $7,526 $150,100 29 University of Michigan, Ann Arbor MI Public $15,121 $8,470 $137,500 30 Washington University in St. Louis MO Private not-for-profit $58,188 $9,495 $142,800 31 University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill NC Public $18,066 $7,953 $118,200 32 Georgetown University DC Private not-for-profit $45,949 $8,982 $163,400 33 Emory University GA Private not-for-profit $48,914 $7,280 $138,600 34 University of Virginia VA Public $26,818 $8,639 $149,100 35 University of California, Santa Barbara CA Public $20,389 $7,453 $148,600 36 Brigham Young University UT Private not-for-profit $6,325 $5,457 $133,900 37 Pomona College CA Private not-for-profit $57,848 $9,049 $138,900 38 Georgia Institute of Technology GA Public $13,992 $7,027 $163,500 39 University of California, Irvine CA Public $17,411 $6,561 $148,400 40 University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign IL Public $16,552 $6,697 $139,900 41 University of Maryland, College Park MD Public $11,232 $10,201 $134,700 42 University of Notre Dame IN Private not-for-profit $49,859 $7,390 $160,200 43 University of California, Davis CA Public $20,548 $5,965 $142,700 44 University of Washington, Seattle WA Public $14,731 $6,169 $136,800 45 Colgate University NY Private not-for-profit $54,647 $9,018 $173,800 46 University of Texas, Austin TX Public $8,321 $5,851 $137,000 47 Washington and Lee University VA Private not-for-profit $55,567 $7,714 $162,500 48 Davidson College NC Private not-for-profit $46,496 $8,422 $140,300 49 New York University NY Private not-for-profit $47,096 $8,550 $147,100 50 University of Wisconsin, Madison WI Public $11,171 $9,299 $125,900 51 Middlebury College VT Private not-for-profit $56,639 $8,541 $139,500 52 Tufts University MA Private not-for-profit $51,613 $7,034 $144,400 53 Boston University MA Private not-for-profit $51,565 $10,425 $144,400 54 Wesleyan University CT Private not-for-profit $59,825 $9,716 $149,200 55 William & Mary VA Public $15,134 $8,882 $134,200 56 Barnard College NY Private not-for-profit $53,817 $7,339 $149,300 57 California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo CA Public $10,065 $6,132 $148,600 58 Carnegie Mellon University PA Private not-for-profit $43,966 $6,525 $162,100 59 Boston College MA Private not-for-profit $49,992 $3,588 $142,200 60 Lafayette College PA Private not-for-profit $24,981 $8,349 $158,700 61 Santa Clara University CA Private not-for-profit $25,295 $7,778 $173,100 62 University of Georgia GA Public $11,559 $6,778 $124,800 63 Purdue University IN Public $8,950 $9,125 $126,300 64 Lehigh University PA Private not-for-profit $44,116 $9,603 $168,200 65 Florida State University FL Public $10,169 $6,953 $111,900 66 Hamilton College NY Private not-for-profit $52,497 $4,749 $125,400 67 George Washington University DC Private not-for-profit $35,257 $10,893 $148,300 68 North Carolina State University, Raleigh NC Public $9,181 $7,194 $128,600 69 Franklin W Olin College of Engineering MA Private not-for-profit $40,522 $9,042 70 Texas A&M University, College Station TX Public $12,278 $8,518 $139,700 71 Trinity College (CT) CT Private not-for-profit $46,929 $7,819 $141,600 72 Haverford College PA Private not-for-profit $57,999 $10,152 $146,900 73 Northeastern University MA Private not-for-profit $42,331 $8,278 $130,300 74 CUNY, Baruch College NY Public $9,423 $5,495 $132,100 75 University of Minnesota, Twin Cities MN Public $11,388 $9,722 $125,700 76 Binghamton University, SUNY NY Public $11,305 $7,783 $136,600 77 San Diego State University CA Public $9,934 $8,240 $124,100 78 Cooper Union NY Private not-for-profit $39,305 $8,310 $156,500 79 Rutgers University NJ Public $12,785 $8,040 $137,000 80 Bates College ME Private not-for-profit $51,414 $8,728 $150,500 81 Grinnell College IA Private not-for-profit $42,231 $7,707 $121,900 82 University of Miami (FL) FL Private not-for-profit $37,322 $8,432 $120,000 83 Virginia Tech VA Public $7,649 $10,100 $136,000 84 Stony Brook University, SUNY NY Public $11,584 $7,068 $129,700 85 University of Connecticut CT Public $14,678 $8,108 $126,000 86 Ohio State University OH Public $10,993 $7,842 $116,900 87 Villanova University PA Private not-for-profit $42,834 $10,781 $140,400 88 Wake Forest University NC Private not-for-profit $54,233 $10,075 $145,200 89 California State University, Long Beach CA Public $9,478 $5,404 $121,700 90 Michigan State University MI Public $8,684 $8,138 $118,800 91 University of Rochester NY Private not-for-profit $39,715 $7,198 $140,900 92 Indiana University, Bloomington IN Public $10,336 $9,757 $117,300 93 Bucknell University PA Private not-for-profit $37,775 $11,397 $155,500 94 University of Utah UT Public $9,696 $8,287 $125,900 95 Trinity University (TX) TX Private not-for-profit $33,614 $9,574 $130,600 96 Babson College MA Private not-for-profit $30,513 $9,137 $175,200 97 University of California, Riverside CA Public $22,042 $5,140 $128,800 98 Clemson University SC Public $10,430 $11,748 $125,200 99 Southern Methodist University TX Private not-for-profit $35,344 $12,369 $139,000 100 California State University, Fullerton CA Public $9,194 $5,834 $118,200

DONT MISS: POETS&QUANTS BEST UNDERGRADUATE BUSINESS SCHOOLS OF 2024 AND RANKING: WALL STREET JOURNALS 2024 BEST COLLEGES IN AMERICA

The post Ranking: The Forbes 2024-2025 Top Colleges in America appeared first on Poets&Quants.
RCSD School No. 16 officially renamed after Dr. David and Ruth Anderson

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  A ribbon cutting was held at the former John Walton Spencer School Number 16 in Rochester, which was renamed in honor of Dr. David and Ruth Anderson.

Dr. David Anderson is a renowned Frederick Douglass historian who has a legacy of helping folks in the community understand and appreciate African-American history.

Ruth Anderson taught elementary school for 23 years, and she has produced educational materials including the multimedia interactive curriculum Our Stories/Our Selves 19th century Afro-Rochester.

They were both able to take part in Fridays naming ceremony.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  The New Mexico Cannabis Division, which oversees legal cannabis sales in New Mexico, issued a health and safety advisory that some cannabis flower sold in the state is being recalled after testing positive for a prohibited pesticide.

See the health and safety advisory below:

Recall-Notification-9.4.241Download

Two dispensaries in the Borderland region have sold the contaminated cannabis, according to the advisory.

The affected products, which includes bud, shake and trim, were produced and sold by WH Agriculture, LLC, which does business under the Maggies Farm name.

According to the NM Cannabis Division, R. Greenleaf in both Sunland Park and Alamogordo sold this companys products.

WH Agriculture has been ordered to immediately remove any of the affected cannabis products from the market, said the New Mexico Cannabis Division.

The CCD is committed to protecting public health and safety by ensuring that all cannabis products comply with state regulations. This advisory includes cannabis products that tested positive for pyrethrins, a pesticide exceeding legal limits, according to the advisory put out by the Cannabis Control Division.

No health-related complaints have been reported to the CCD in connection to this recall, the agency said.

However, anyone with concerns should contact the New Mexico Poison Control Hotline at 800-222-1222 or consult their healthcare provider.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Dean Lagunas, 9, cools off with his sister Delilah, 6, in the Arthur J. Will Memorial Fountain at Gloria Molina Grand Park in Los Angeles while attending a friend's birthday party on Saturday. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)

For the record:

11:07 a.m. Sept. 8, 2024: An earlier version of this article incorrectly quoted Elaine Lagunas as saying her students have been fussier because their classrooms were not equipped to deal with 100-degree afternoons. She said it can get hot at her school but the schools air conditioning has worked amid the heat wave.



The record-breaking heat wave pummeling Southern California will continue through the weekend, delivering a miserable combination of triple-digit highs and unrelenting overnight heat.

The National Weather Service in Oxnard said Saturday morning that "dangerously hot conditions" will continue in the region through Monday. On Saturday, temperatures were expected to be 2 to 10 degrees lower than Friday's record-breaking heat, meteorologists said, but still hovering 15 to 25 degrees above normal. They will climb again Sunday.

"This is about the most significant heat wave we've had in the metro area for several years," said John Dumas, another meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Oxnard.

There is light at the end of the tunnel: Much cooler temperatures are expected to arrive on Tuesday and last through the end of next week. An upper-level trough of low pressure will move into the area, allowing more onshore flows of cool ocean breezes, said Joe Sirard, another National Weather Service meteorologist in Oxnard.

Friday's temperatures shattered five daily records in Los Angeles and Orange counties set in the summer of 2020. A reading of 102 at Los Angeles International Airport broke the 2020 record of 99 degrees, and 109 degrees at Long Beach Airport surpassed the 2020 record of 104. A temperature of 114 degrees at Burbank Airport marked an all-time high since the weather service began keeping records in 1939.

On Saturday, daily records were set by temperatures reaching 101 at Long Beach Airport, 111 at Woodland Hills and 95 at Camarillo. Elsewhere in Southern California, some cloud cover Saturday helped keep temperatures down, Dumas said, but overcast conditions at night will prevent the region from cooling off and the mercury will rise again Sunday.

"Don't let down your guard," Sirard said. "Stay out of the heat and drink plenty of liquids. Go to the theater or mall; go get ice cream. It's too dangerous to hike."

As the temperature neared 100 degrees in downtown Los Angeles on Saturday, kids zipped around the splash pad in Gloria Molina Grand Park.

"It's intolerable," said Elaine Lagunas of Covina, a teacher, who said the heat had caused her 6-year-old daughter to complain of a stomachache a few days before.

She said it can get hot at her school as teachers are forced to contend with 100-degree afternoons. But she noted her school has air-conditioning units, which have worked throughout the heat wave.

Saturday brought humidity as well as heat. A few showers hit the eastern San Gabriel Mountains and eastern Antelope Valley Mountains, but there were no thunderstorms, as had been forecast. Thunderstorms did bring lightning, thunder and heavy rain over mountains in the counties of San Bernardino, Riverside and San Diego. By 6:30 p.m. Saturday, 282 lightning strikes were recorded in Highland and Big Bear with 3,337 other lightning flashes that stayed in the clouds, the National Weather Service in San Diego reported.

The Line fire jumps Highway 330 as an emergency vehicle drives near Running Springs, Calif., on Saturday. (Eric Thayer / Associated Press)

Meteorologists said outflow winds around the thunderstorms may have exacerbated an uncontrolled wildfire in San Bernardino County, which forced thousands of residents to evacuate the mountain communities of Running Springs, Arrowbear Lake and other areas. Images from a live video feed posted on social media showed a long line of cars slowing moving down a single mountain lane.

The Line fire doubled in size early Saturday from 3,800 acres in the city of Highland to 7,122 acres by the evening as it spread northeast toward Running Springs and Arrowbear Lake. Steep terrain and lack of access impaired the ability of crews to access some areas of the fires, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said in a statement.

Five hundred firefighters were using hand lines, hoses and fixed-wing aircraft to fight the blaze, which was 0% contained as of Saturday night.

The extreme heat also left thousands of households without power across Southern California.

Southern California Edison said that as many as 8,600 households in Los Angeles County, and nearly 1,600 in San Bernardino County, had lost power Saturday.

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power also reported outages affecting thousands of households across the eastern and northern swaths of its coverage area Saturday morning, including Silver Lake, Exposition Park, University Park, Mission Hills, Sylmar, Pacoima and Arleta.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said the LADWP was working around the clock with extra staff to repair equipment and restore power. More than 7,000 LADWP customers were without power at noon Saturday, the city said.

Los Angeles libraries and park buildings are open for people who need relief from the heat, Bass said. The city also has a half-dozen "augmented cooling centers," which offer charging stations and refrigeration for medications.

We will continue to urgently provide resources for Angelenos throughout Los Angeles in order to beat the heat," Bass said.

In Torrance on Saturday afternoon, traffic slowed to a crawl at Hawthorne Boulevard and Carson Street, where traffic lights had gone out. The power was also out in portions of Del Amo Mall, including the Macy's department store.

The California Independent System Operator, which manages the states energy grid, said there was enough power statewide to meet demand.

Marcos Gutieres, 47, sought refuge from the heat under a tree in Elysian Park with his brother Saturday afternoon.

Gutieres tries to avoid turning on the air conditioning in his apartment near downtown L.A. He spent about $250 cooling the place in July and $350 in August, he said, and is nervous about this month's bill.

At his job lifting pallets in a warehouse, he tries not to stray too far from the portable fans, he said.

Jose and Angela Suarez also try not to turn on the air conditioning at home in Long Beach.

Angela Suarez said the cost of cooling their home has nearly doubled this summer. If it's below 80 degrees outside, she said, they leave the A/C off.

The Suarezes have left home less frequently this summer because of the heat. On Saturday, they made an exception for a particularly sweaty R&B concert in downtown Los Angeles.

And when they return home, they'll crank up the A/C.

"On a day like this, you have to eat the cost," said Angela Suarez, 37, waving herself with a patterned fan.

Times staff writer Teresa Watanabe contributed to this report.

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 month of August, as well as the summer overall, were the wettest on record for the Sarasota and Bradenton region, according to a climate summary from the National Weather Service in Ruskin.

It rained a total of 47.32 inches over the summer in Sarasota-Bradenton, the highest rainfall total in 2024 for an area in West Central and Southwest Florida. The figure includes rainfall between June 1 and Aug. 31. Normal summer rainfall for the area is 23.55 inches, according to the weather service data.

The Sarasota-Bradenton area also saw 23.55 inches of rain in August alone, compared with the normal total of 9.11 inches. The figure doesnt include rainfall that was not captured on Aug. 5 because of equipment failure, but local rain gauges indicate that 3-4 inches of rain on that date would increase the total August and summer rainfall even more.

Venice also saw its wettest August on record with a total of 21.96 inches of rain. Normal rain in August for Venice is 8.34 inches.

September is also off to a wet start, with 2.76 inches record in the first five days, more than an inch greater than the normal 1.53 inches by this point in the month.

In case you missed it: Bullseye: Sarasota, Bradenton area deluged, again and again by Debby, as totals vary

The combined June, July and August period also measured as the fifth warmest summer on record, with an average temperature of 83.7 in Sarasota-Bradenton, compared with the normal 82.8 degrees.

National Weather Service Forecaster Austin Flannery said that without a doubt Debby was the highest contributor of rain, dumping a high amount of rain in a short amount of time. The area also saw intense rainfall that led to flash flooding in downtown Sarasota in early June. Those couple of events will skew everything on the high side, but it has overall been a wet summer, Flannery added.

More: Hurricane Debby brings one-day record rainfall to Sarasota-Manatee; many streets flooded

Trailing behind the Sarasota-Bradenton area for highest rainfall: Fort Myers had 43.87 inches, Tampa had 38.52 inches, Myakka River State Park had 38 inches, Venice had 37.69 inches and Plant City had 34.35 inches.

The increase of rainfall can be attributed to an increase of easterly winds, Flannery said. Summer thunderstorms are driven by the wind patterns and sea breeze. Since land heats faster than water, the cool air from the sea acts like a shovel, pushing the air upward and causing storm development.

Flannery said that the increase of easterly winds can be attributed to the location of the Bermuda high, a high-pressure system in the western Atlantic that dictates what the winds do.

One of the expected outcomes of climate change is that wetter places will get wetter. Since historically Florida is a wet location in the summer months, we can expect an overall increase of rain.

Its difficult to say that climate change is the causation of it, but its certainly a factor, Flannery said.

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Record rainfall: Sarasota-Bradenton sees wettest summer, August
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  The remains of a Providence St. Vincent Hospital in Southwest Portland, Oregon, nurse who reported missing after not showing up to work on Wednesday have been found and her neighbor has been charged with her murder, according to authorities.

Beaverton police say that as a result of an extensive investigation, 27-year-old Bryce Johnathan Schubert was arrested on Friday and has been charged in the murder of 32-year-old Melissa Jubane.

Jubane, a nurse at Providence St. Vincent Hospital, did not report for her morning shift on Sept. 4, raising concerns among her coworkers, friends, and family, according to Beaverton police in a statement released overnight Saturday.

Investigators say officers responded to Jubanes apartment complex in Beaverton shortly after, where they were met by the apartment complex staff and searched her home.

Dont want it to be real: Community searches for missing Providence nurse in Beaverton

Melissa was not present, and her absence without communication was deemed unusual and alarming, Beaverton police said.

Police say officers and family members efforts to contact Jubane throughout the day on Wednesday were unsuccessful, as her phone appeared to be turned off. Jubanes bank and credit card records also didnt reveal new information about her location. She was entered into national law enforcement databases as a missing person by Wednesday afternoon.

In a statement, Providence officials expressed their shock and heartbreak at the news of Jubanes death.

Our hearts are broken at the news of the death of our Providence St. Vincent nurse and colleague, Melissa Jubane. This comes as a shock to us all and she is mourned by her co-workers. Melissa was an exceptional nurse, committed to our Providence Mission and daily demonstrating our values of compassion, excellence and integrity, a Providence spokesperson said in a statement. We stand in support of her loved ones and those who worked so closely with Melissa. We appreciate all the expressions of concern from the community. Melissa was a person of Providence, and we will miss her.

WATCH: Plane hits power line, turns to fireball moments before deadly crash in Fairview

About 100 community members showed up for morning and evening searches of the areas near Jubanes apartment complex on Friday.

You hear about it and you see about it all around different areas around the world about missing people and when its someone that you really care about and youre really close to, it just doesnt feel real, former co-worker Samantha Oregon told KOIN 6 News on Friday. Its like you dont want it to be real.

No other details were immediately available about the ongoing investigation, as Beaverton police say they must withhold further details to preserve the integrity 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 PIX11.
ATLANTA (AP)  Residents in one of Georgias poorest counties say they will appeal a ruling that allows a railroad to forcibly purchase portions of their land.

The Georgia Public Service Commission ruled Wednesday that Sandersville Railroad Co. can use eminent domain to acquire land for a rail line in Sparta, Georgia, which is 85 miles (135 kilometers) southeast of Atlanta. The five Republicans on the elected regulatory commission voted unanimously to uphold an earlier decision from a hearing officer that property owners appealed. Last year, the board heard multiple days of testimony on the case.

The Institute for Justice, which represents the property owners, is working across states to limit the use of eminent domain. Any court ruling could have national implications for the use of eminent domain, which allows governments, and sometimes private companies like a railroad, to legally condemn properties for a project that serves a public use.

Eminent domain has been abused consistently in our nations history, Bill Maurer, an Institute for Justice lawyer representing property owners Diane and Blaine Smith, told The Associated Press. Were going to be fighting this for as long as they can.

The commissions decision is not an accurate reflection of Georgia and federal law, Maurer says. In August, he argued that Sandersville Railroad did not provide enough evidence that the railroad served a necessary public purpose.

But the Sandersville Railroad, which is owned by a prominent Georgia family, said it already has five prospective customers who need the rail line to reduce the cost of shipping important goods and connect them further north. The 4.5-mile (7.3 kilometer) Hanson Spur rail line would connect a rock quarry and the CSX Transportation rail line at Sparta so that local manufacturers could deliver agriculture, timber, asphalt, and other products into new markets.

Although we do not take the use of eminent domain lightly, without it we would not have roads, airports, electrical lines, gas lines, or a host of other infrastructure that allows our communities to thrive, Benjamin Tarbutton III, president of the Sandersville Railroad, said in a statement.

The railroad says the line will generate 12 immediate jobs and $1.5 million annually for Hancock County, where Sparta is.

Tarbutton told AP that he tried to negotiate with property owners to avoid using eminent domain. He came to an agreement with owners of half of the parcels he wanted for the railroad. Now that Tarbutton has the approval of the Public Service Commission, Sandersville Railroad will begin the condemnation process for the remaining nine parcels with seven owners.

Were going to see this thing through, Tarbutton said.

Property owners had asked for a stay to halt the condemnation process until the courts got involved, but the all-Republican board declined to consider the motion. Property owners say they will appeal to Fulton County Superior Court, seeking to overturn the commissions ruling.

Janet Paige Smith, who formed the No Railroad in Our Community Coalition to organize against the railroads construction, said Sparta residents dont want more noise near their homes. And they worry about the expansion of an already disruptive quarry, which the railroad would serve.

Why wont they come and see and smell and hear and feel what we as a county have to go through? Smith said.

Sandersville Railroad says the line would enable Heidelberg Materials, which owns the quarry, to move mining operations farther away from residents. The company also said trains would travel less than 20 mph and only during daytime hours on weekdays.

Even though Sandersville Railroad has to pay owners for the portions of land they condemn, Blaine and Diane Smith say they want their property, not the railroads money.

Todays decision is incredibly disappointing, but were determined to keep fighting against this attempt to take our ancestral land from us, Blaine Smith said in a statement.

Blaine Smith said that his property used to be a part of the plantation where his grandmother was born. His grandfather, who was a sharecropper, bought the land in the 1920s.

Were not done yet, Smith said of the eminent domain battle. 

__

Charlotte Kramon is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. Follow Kramon on X: @charlottekramon

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
I respect Le Pens ideologies, says Barnier as he calls French borders sieves

Michel Barnier promised to crack down on immigration and compared Frances borders to sieves as he signalled a shift to the Right in his first interview as the countrys prime minister.

The remarks came as Left-wing parties accused the hard-Right National Rally (RN) of exercising outsize influence over the new prime minister and called for nationwide demonstrations.

Speaking to national broadcaster TF1 on Friday, the former Brexit negotiator said: There still is a feeling that our borders are sieves and that migration flows arent being controlled.

I dont have much in common with the ideologies of the National Rally, but I respect it.

Barnier is welcomed by National Assembly president Yael Braun-Pivet to her Hotel de Lassay residency two days after he was appointed prime minister - THOMAS SAMSON/AFP via Getty Images

It is not the first time Mr Barnier has called for a harder line on immigration.

In 2021, he called for a three to five-year suspension of all immigration to the European Union except students and refugees, saying the current policy was not working.

Emmanuel Macron nominated Mr Barnier as prime minister on Thursday, ending a two-month search for a candidate that would not be vetoed by a hung parliament that includes large voting blocs representing the RN and the New Popular Front, a Left-wing alliance.

Mr Barnier, 73, is a conservative and the nomination relied on tacit support from the RN, which said it would not veto his nomination.

The move infuriated Left-wing parties, who together won the most votes but who Mr Macron overlooked when they failed to win an outright majority in Julys National Assembly election.

Click here to view this content.

Lucie Castets, the NPFs candidate for prime minister, said Mr Barnier is completely dependent on the RN.

Jean-Luc Melenchon of France Unbowed, a hard-Left party, called for marches across France on Saturday.

Thousands of people, including union members and student groups, responded by taking to the streets and attending around 150 protest rallies.

In Paris, protesters gathered at Place de la Bastille. Tensions ran high as police prepared for clashes.

In the southern town of Montauban, a rally speaker told the crowd: The people have been ignored.

Mr Melenchon said at the head of the rally in Paris: The French people are in rebellion. They have entered into revolution.

There will be no pause, no truce. I call you to a long-term battle, he

Protestors take part in a demonstration against the appointment of Mr Barnier, in Bordeaux, France on Saturday - PHILIPPE LOPEZ

In an apparent attempt to address allegations of Right-wing bias, Mr Barnier said he would draw on talent from across the political spectrum in forming his government.

There is no red line, he said of his likely choices for ministers. We need to open the door ... to all those who want it.

Mr Barnier said talks between centre-Right conservatives and centrist supporters of Mr Macron on forming a cabinet were going well.

But he also said Left-wing party members would be welcome.

Mr Barnier added that he would press ahead with some of Mr Macrons flagship policies, including an unpopular reform that would raise the retirement age from 62 to 64.

RN and NPF, who together control a majority in the new parliament, both bitterly opposed the reform.

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.
Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi said on Friday that it was unacceptable for the type of politics that is being done around the rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Speaking to ANI, Sanghavi said that it was "our duty" to provide safety to women, especially when there is a female Chief Minister in the state. "Providing safety to women and girls is our duty, especially when there is a female CM; everyone expects from her... The type of politics being done (in Bengal in the RG Kar Medical College & Hospital rape-murder case) is not acceptable," he said. He further said that action is more important than act while commenting on the new anti-rape law, "Aparajita Woman and Child Bill (West Bengal Criminal Laws and Amendment) 2024," passed by the West Bengal government on September 3. "Act is not important; action is important... This is very sad that, being a woman, you (Mamata Banerjee) are not able to understand the pain of other women," Sanghavi added. On Friday, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel had urged West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to prioritize action over words on women's safety.Patel emphasized the need for timely and fair enforcement of laws like the POCSO Act to ensure justice. Addressing the West Bengal CM, Bhupendra Patel, in a post on X said, "Mamta Didi, we need actions, not just words. The POCSO Act and other laws for women's safety are robust, but their impact depends on swift and fair action by local police. From investigation to conviction, timely justice is crucial." Earlier on Tuesday, the West Bengal assembly unanimously passed the Aparajita Woman and Child Bill (West Bengal Criminal Laws and Amendment) Bill, 2024, following the rape and murder case at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, which the West Bengal government called "historic," and on the other hand, the Bharatiya Janata Party termed it "dramabaazi" of the state government. He provided examples from Gujarat to explain his point. In Surat, the Pandesara POCSO case saw a chargesheet filed in 10 days, with the rapist sentenced to death in just 22 days. In another case from Puna, the rapist was sentenced to death within 32 days. Patel also noted that in the murder of a 22-year-old daughter, Gujarat Police filed a chargesheet in 9 days, with the murderer sentenced to death within 75 days. The trainee doctor was found dead in the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata on August 9. (ANI)
The Riviera Beach City Council gave preliminary approval to a $199 million budget Thursday, Sept. 5, that does not include the modest property tax reduction city staff members had recommended.

Instead of the property tax rate being reduced to $8.29 per $1,000 of assessed property value, it will remain at $8.35 per $1,000 of assessed property value. Staff members had recommended a reduction in the property tax rate  frequently referred to as the millage rate  as a way to cushion the blow of future increases in debt-service costs as the city moved ahead with a series of large-scale and expensive infrastructure and development projects.

Even if council members had agreed to reduce the property tax rate, most homeowners would still have seen larger property tax bills because of rising property values.

A view of the future of Riviera Beach's new water treatment facility from Avenue L and Blue Heron Blvd.

Council members said the importance of having property tax owners face an increase only slightly less than they would have at the reduced rate was outweighed by the city's expansive infrastructure needs, which includes an estimated $98 million in roadway repairs and a new water treatment facility expected to cost more than $300 million.

"My concern is that we need to start aggressively addressing all the infrastructure needs," council member Douglas Lawson said. "These roads and re-doing some of the pipes under these roads, we're going to have to do the entire community since they haven't been addressed in years. We're trying to make sure we find the money to get this done."

Council member Glen Spiritis agreed.

"We just need so much work here, infrastructure-wise," he said. "I don't think this is the right time to lower the millage rate. I think we should maybe consider that next year, but we just have too much to do right now."

RIVIERA NEWS: Why the city could be a gem of a place to live in the future despite past struggles

The council voted 4-1 to approve the budget and keep the property tax rate at $8.35 per $1,000 in taxable property value. Council member Tradrick McCoy cast the lone vote against the budget, which will be up for a final vote on Sept. 18 before the next fiscal year begins on Oct. 1.

"We need to be more concerned about our current spending levels," McCoy said.

The $199 million overall budget includes the $11.4 million general fund budget as well as other areas such as the Utility Special District, solid waste, stormwater, parking and debt service.

The overall budget is up by about $22.2 million or $12.6% from the year before. Police and fire services account for a combined $51.1 million, more than a quarter of the city's overall budget, and both agencies would get funding increases  $2.9 million for police and a little more than $3 million for fire.

RIVIERA NEWS: City adds 110 units of affordable housing with opening of Berkeley Landing

The budget includes a debt service amount of $8.6 million, a figure sure to rise as the city sells bonds to raise $115 million for police, fire and recreational facilities. McCoy speculated that that debt service figure could double.

City staff members built a proposed a budget with future debt costs in mind. The small property tax reduction, which would have been the third decrease in the past nine years, would have allowed property owners to collectively pay $544,000 less than they otherwise would have paid.

How much more will residents pay in property taxes?

Now, with council members deciding to hold the rates steady, their bills will rise higher as property values continue to rise.

The average home value in Riviera Beach is $403,176, according to figures from Zillow. Based on that figure, the owner of a home valued at that amount will have a property tax bill of $2,949, not including additional costs for debt or public safety service. That tax bill is about $23 higher than it would have been if council members had followed the staff's recommendation to reduce the property tax rate.

Some seniors in Riviera Beach are eligible for additional homestead exemption help that would reduce the taxable value of their homes and, in turn, their property tax bills.

RIVIERA NEWS: Why the city passed on two CRA director finalists and instead will hire a search firm

Eschewing the staff's suggested property tax reduction means the city will have an extra $468,000 to spend, with the Riviera Beach Community Redevelopment Agency, which uses taxpayer money to revitalize distressed areas, getting about $76,000 more.

As council members were discussing the property tax rate, Randy Sherman, the city's director of finance and administrative services, said the city could use the money gained by holding it steady on infrastructure in the upcoming budget year and for debt service in the years after that. That suggestion dovetailed with one from Spiritis, who made a motion to have the money directed to infrastructure or service on debt incurred to pay for infrastructure.

McCoy, however, said the suggestion was not germaine to a discussion of the property tax rate, and Spiritis rescinded his motion, leaving it unclear how the additional money will be spent.

Wayne Washington is a journalist covering West Palm Beach, Riviera Beach and race relations for The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at wwashington@pbpost.com. Help support our work; subscribe today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Riviera Beach declines to reduce property tax rate in 2025 budget
Road closure roundup: See which streets to avoid in Downtown Boise this weekend

Idaho drivers should look out for road closures coming to Interstate-84 and downtown Boise this weekend.

On Sunday, the blocks around the record exchange and the Arthur will be closed: Main and Idaho Streets from 11th to 12th streets, and 11th and 12th streets from Idaho to Main streets, the Ada County Highway District said on social media. Those closures are due to work related to a new development  but are only slated to last a few hours.

A helicopter will be delivering materials on the top of the building, the highway district said. The roads will reopen once the work is finished, which is expected to be by the end of the day.

Also starting Sunday, the Idaho Transportation Department will be closing parts of Interstate 84 between Meridian and Nampa for work on the future interchange of State Highway 16 and I-84.

From Sunday at 9 p.m. until Monday at 5 a.m., eastbound I-84 will be closed between Garrity Boulevard and Ten Mile Road, with traffic detouring down Franklin Road.

Starting Tuesday at 10 p.m. until Wednesday at 6 a.m., westbound I-84 will be closed between Ten Mile Road and Garrity, with traffic detouring down Franklin Road.

However, nighttime lane restrictions on I-84 will continue through September  but with at least two lanes open in each direction. At night, the speed limit will be lowered to 45 mph.

The expansion of Highway 16 will bring another North/South connection through the Treasure Valley, eventually connecting Emmett and I-84, according to previous Statesman reporting.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  A man was hospitalized after a shooting in Rochester Friday night.

Officers were called to the area at the corner of South Plymouth Avenue and Columbia Avenue around 8:30 p.m. They found a 28-year-old store employee who had been shot at least once. He was hospitalized with what police said were not life-threatening injuries.





The shooting is under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call 911.

Police said the area around the scene would remain closed into Friday night for the investigation.

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 RochesterFirst.
Russian attacks on the afternoon of Sept. 7 killed and injured multiple people in Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, and Kherson oblasts, Ukrainian authorities reported.



Russian glide bombs struck Kharkiv and the surrounding suburbs at 4 p.m. local time. Two residential buildings were destroyed and 10 houses were damaged in a nearby village, injuring four people, according to the Kharkiv Prosecutors Office.



Another man was injured at a private business in the city while fire caused by the attack also engulfed a warehouse.



In Kherson Oblast, the Russian army fired shells at a village, Ponyativka, killing a 45-year-old man, reported Kherson Oblast Governor Oleksandr Prokudin. A Russian drone dropped explosives on another village, Odradokamyanka, causing leg and abdominal injuries to a 69-year-old woman, reported the local military administration.



Russian artillery killed a 76-year-old woman and wounded a 60-year-old woman in two settlements near Nikopol, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, according to Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Governor Serhii Lysak. Three houses were damaged and over a dozen livestock were killed.



In Nikopol city, drones damaged infrastructure and outbuildings. No casualties were reported.



Earlier, Russian attacks across Ukraine killed at least four people and injured 105, including children, regional authorities reported on Sept. 7.



Russia attacked Kyiv with drones in the early hours of Sept. 7, causing debris to land near the parliament, several residential buildings and possibly a kindergarten, the Kyiv City Military Administration reported.



Several buildings were damaged by falling debris elsewhere in Kyiv Oblast. No casualties were reported.

Read also: Updated: Ukrainian drones hit ammunition warehouse in Russias Voronezh Oblast, source confirms

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Updated: Russian attacks against Ukraine kill 4, injure more than 100 over past day

Editor's note: The article was updated with the latest casualty figures in Pavlohrad.

Russian attacks across Ukraine killed at least four people and injured 105, including children, regional authorities reported early on Sept. 7.

Ukrainian air defenses downed 58 of the 67 Shahed-type drones launched by Russia overnight, the Air Force said.

Three drones were "lost" on Ukrainian territory, likely due to electronic warfare means, while six others flew to Russia, Belarus, and the occupied parts of Luhansk Oblast, according to the report.

Russia attacked Kyiv with drones in the early hours of Sept. 7, causing debris to land near several residential buildings and possibly a kindergarten, the Kyiv City Military Administration reported.

Several buildings were damaged by falling debris elsewhere in Kyiv Oblast. No casualties were reported.

Russia launched a ballistic missile attack against the city of Pavlohrad in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast on Sept. 6, killing one person, injuring 82, and damaging a residential building, authorities said.

Seven children were among the injured. Sixty residents remain hospitalized, and a 69-year-old man is in a serious condition, Governor Serhii Lysak reported.

A 49-year-old man was also injured during attacks against the Nikopol district.

Russian attacks against Donetsk Oblast killed three people and injured three others, according to Governor Vadym Filashkin.

Two of the fatalities were reported in Toretsk and one in Raihorodok. The injuries occurred in Izmailivka, Hirnyk, and Kurakhove.

In Kharkiv Oblast, eight people were injured by Russian attacks over the past day, said Oleh Syniehubov, the regional governor.

An attack against the town of Liubotyn injured six people, including two girls aged 14 and 16. A 46-year-old man was injured in an attack against the village of Solonytsivska, and an 88-year-old woman was wounded in an attack against Kupiansk.

Russian attacks against Kherson Oblast injured seven people, Governor Oleksandr Prokudin said. A critical infrastructure facility, a shop, a multi-story building, and 11 houses were damaged.

In Sumy Oblast, Russian attacks against the Krasnopillia community with mortars, bombs, and drones killed one person and injured four, the regional military administration said.

Chernihiv, Khmelnytskyi, Luhansk, Mykolaiv, Zaporizhzhia, Kirovohrad, Vinnytsia, Rivne, Poltava, and Cherkasy oblasts also came under attack but no casualties were reported.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Azov brigade regains ground in Niu-York; West pledges more military aid for Kyiv

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Debris from a Russian Shahed-type kamikaze drone downed overnight was discovered outside the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, on the morning of Sept. 7.

Due to the threat of drones, an air alert was active in Kyiv between 3 a.m. and 3:20 a.m. on Sept. 7, and air defense was audible. The Verkhovna Rada is located in Kyiv's central Pecherskyi district.

Shortly after the end of the alert, the Kyiv City Military Administration reported that a fire had broken out in an open area of the Pecherskyi district due to falling debris, but there was no damage to property or reports of casualties.

"After today's night attack by Russian drones, the wreckage of a downed drone was found near the building of the Verkhovna Rada," the parliament reported on Telegram. "No damage was found."

Ukrainian air defenses downed 58 of the 67 Shahed-type drones launched by Russia overnight, the Air Force said.

Read also: Russian attacks against Ukraine kill 4, injure almost 100 over past day

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Editor's Note: This is a developing story and is being updated.

Russia attacked the city of Kyiv with drones in the early hours of Sept. 7, causing debris to land near several residential buildings and possibly a kindergarten, the Kyiv City Military Administration reported.

Residents heard the sound of drones and a series of loud explosions shortly after 3 a.m. local time on Sept. 7, according to correspondents for the Kyiv Independent. Serhii Popko, head of the Kyiv City Military Administration, said that air defense units were repelling a drone attack on the capital.

Debris from an intercepted drone landed in the yard of an apartment building in the city's Pechersk district, causing a fire, Popko said. The fire occurred in an open area covering 50 square meters and has been extinguished.

Popko later said that another fire broke out at a different address in the Pechersk district due to falling drone fragments. In total, debris landed near four different addresses in the district after the attack, he said.

According to preliminary reports, falling debris also struck a kindergarten in the Dniprovsky district. Popko later clarified that the details of the Dniprovsky strike are still being investigated.

Emergency workers were dispatched to all attack sites. No casualties have been reported.

Air defense units intercepted all drones over the city, Popko said.

Russia launched a series of devastating missile and drone attacks against Ukraine's cities in the first week of September, hitting educational facilities and other civilian targets in Poltava, Sumy, Lviv, and Kryvyi Rih.

Read also: As Ukrainian children return to school, Russia launches missiles at educational facilities

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Aftermath of Russian attacks on Nikopol district on 7 September. Photo: Serhii Lysak on Telegram

A 76-year-old woman was killed and another woman was injured in the Marhanets hromada in the Nikopol district of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. [A hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories  ed.]

Source: Serhii Lysak, Head of the Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram

Quote: "Today enemy forces deployed heavy artillery to attack the Myrove and Marhanets hromadas in the Nikopol district.

A 76-year-old woman was killed [in the Marhanets hromada]... Another woman, aged 60, was injured.

Several fires broke out in these hromadas [following the attacks], with dead wood burning. Three private houses and a fence were damaged. A cow and a dozen geese were killed."

Details: Lysak also said that Russian drones attacked the city of Nikopol, damaging infrastructure and an outbuilding. There were no casualties.

Support UP or become our patron!
Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) candidate from the Dabwali assembly constituency, Digvijay Chautala congratulated wrestler Vinesh Phogat for entering politics and making a new beginning. Digvijay Chautala said, "Vinesh is just like my sister. She has struggled a lot for the country. Twice she came very close to winning an Olympic medal. Once she was injured and this time she got trapped in a controversy. We welcome her in politics and congratulate her for a new beginning and hope she serves the people of Haryana." He further expressed confidence that JJP would be winning from the Dabwali assembly constituency. He said, "In the second round of campaigning huge gatherings were addressed. People from every walk of life have decided to vote for JJP. Even in the late-night people are attending the campaign." He further added that if former Chief Minister Om Prakash Chautala from Indian National Lok Dal filed his nomination then he would take back his candidature as a mark of respect. Earlier the Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) and Aazad Samaj Party (Kanshi Ram) alliance issued a list of 19 candidates for the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections and fielded Dushyant Chautala from Uchana and Digvijay Chautala from Dabwali. The JJP has released the list of 15 candidates, while ASP named four candidates.JJP leader Dushyant Chautala will contest the elections from Uchana, while Digvijay Chautala will fight from Dabwali. JJP and Chandra Shekhar Azad's Azad Samaj Party (Kanshi Ram) have allied for the upcoming Haryana Assembly polls. The alliance will contest all 90 Assembly constituencies in Haryana, with JJP competing on 70 seats and ASP on 20. The Congress on Friday released its first list of 31 candidates for Haryana assembly elections and fielded former wrestler Vinesh Phogat from Julana. In a big boost to Congress, Olympian wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat joined the Congress earlier in the day. Within hours of his joining the party, Bajrang Punia was appointed working president of All India Kisan Congress. Punia won bronze at the Tokyo Olympics, while Vinesh Phogat became the first woman wrestler to reach the Olympics final. Phogat announced her retirement from wrestling a short while after she was disqualified from the Paris Olympic Games after being found overweight by about 100 gm in her 50-kg category weigh-in ahead of the gold medal match. The voting to the 90-member legislative assembly in Haryana will be held on October 5 and the last date for filing nominations is September 12. The counting of votes will be held on October 8. In the 2019 elections, the BJP, with 40 seats in the 90-member assembly, formed a coalition government with the JJP, which had won 10 seats, while the Congress secured 31 seats. Earlier this year, the BJP-JJP alliance was dissolved. (ANI)
Russian forces have captured considerably less territory in the Pokrovsk direction over the past week than during earlier periods, the independent Russian outlet Agentstvo reported on Sept. 7.

Citing data from defense analysts, Agentstvo backed Ukraine's Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi's recent claims that Moscow's push near the key town is losing steam.

Ukrainian officials have described Pokrovsk as the most difficult sector of the front. Russia has deployed experienced troops in an effort to capture this crucial logistics hub.

The crowd-sourced Ukrainian monitoring site DeepState reported that over the past week, Russian forces had captured only 10 square kilometers (4 square miles) near Pokrovsk.

This is a sharp drop compared to the 73 square kilometers (28 square miles) reportedly seized between Aug. 26 and Sept. 1 and 59 kilometers (23 square miles) in each of the two preceding weeks.

Estimated Russian advance in the Pokrovsk sector, Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine, as of Sept. 6, 2024. (DeepState/OpenStreetMaps)

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) also wrote that according to geolocated footage, Ukraine was able to regain some ground near the villages of Mykhailivka and Halytsynivka, lying roughly 20 and 30 kilometers southeast of Pokrovsk, respectively.

The Russian Defense Ministry reported capturing four settlements near Pokrovsk over the past week  Zhuravka, Skuchne, Karlovka, and Zavitne  while it claimed to have captured five settlements a week earlier.

The claims could not be independently verified.

Speaking to CNN in an interview published on Sept. 5, Syrskyi said that Russia's advance in the Pokrovsk direction had been halted in the past six days.

The general linked this to Ukraine's incursion into Russia's Kursk Oblast, which was designed to divert Russian forces from Pokrovsk and other hot sectors in Donetsk Oblast.

"In other words, our strategy is working," Syrskyi added.

Read also: What the fall of Pokrovsk would mean for Russias war in Ukraine

President Volodymyr Zelensky was more cautious, saying it is far too early to say that the situation near Pokrovsk has been stabilized.

Speaking to journalists in Italy, Zelensky said that the battlefield situation in the area "is definitely not easy," even though it has improved over the past three to four days.

The president claimed already back on Aug. 27 that Russia's advance toward Pokrovsk had slowed down thanks to the Kursk incursion, while other sources contradicted this statement at the time.

After weeks of losing ground to Russia in Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine also celebrated tactical success in the Toretsk sector, regaining some ground in Niu-York. In turn, Russia has ramped up attacks against the town of Vuhledar in southern Donetsk Oblast.

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Russian outlet RT trying to push US viewers toward Trump, Reuters reports

Russian state media channel RT is attempting to push U.S. viewers toward voting for Donald Trump in the presidential election through a network of Western media personalities, Reuters reported on Sept. 6, citing a senior U.S. intelligence official.

American intelligence officials previously warned in July that Russia is planning information campaigns to sow division in U.S. society and undermine support for Ukraine in swing states during the upcoming presidential race.

According to the official quoted by Reuters, RT "has built and used networks of U.S. and other Western personalities to create and disseminate Russia-friendly narratives."

"These actors, among others, are supporting Moscow's efforts to influence voter preferences in favor of the former president (Trump) and diminish the prospects of the vice president (Kamala Harris)."

Reuters said that the official did not provide more details of how these personalities are trying to sway voters.

The U.S. announced on Sept. 4 a sweeping crackdown on supposed Russian election interference, seizing 32 internet domains linked to Kremlin propaganda campaigns and sanctioning several high-profile propagandists working for RT.

The U.S. Treasury Department designated 10 individuals and two entities as part of Russia's coordinated propaganda campaign, nicknamed "Doppelganger."

These individuals included RT Editor-in-Chief Margarita Simonyan, Deputy Editor-in-Chief Deputy Elizaveta Yuryevna Brodskaia, and Director of the RT English-Language Andrey Kiyashko.

The same day, the State Department designated RT, among other Russian state media, as a foreign mission under the U.S. Foreign Missions Act, requiring RT to notify the department of all personnel working in the U.S. and disclose all property held in the U.S.

RT has been banned from broadcasting in the U.K. and the EU since March 2022, when the Council of the EU announced the channel would be sanctioned due to disseminating "disinformation and information manipulation."

Read also: Documentary humanizing Russian soldiers fighting in Ukraine sparks outrage at Venice, Toronto film festivals

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
A Russian artillery attack on the city of Kostiantynivka killed three people and injured three others, Donetsk Oblast Governor Vadym Filashkin reported on Sept. 7.

Kostiantynivka is located 10 kilometers (6 miles) southwest of the front line at Chasiv Yar. The city had a population of around 67,000 before the start of Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022.

The artillery attack killed three men aged 24 to 69, and damaged a high-rise building, a local administration building, a shop, a pharmacy, six cars, and three power lines, Filashkin said on Telegram.

The news of the attack comes after a Russian artillery attack on Aug. 24 killed five people and injured five others in Kostiantynivka.

Earlier in August, a Russian strike on a supermarket in Kostiantynivka killed 17 people and injured over 40 others. Among the dead were three children.

Another Russian attack on a local market in Kostiantynivka in September 2023 killed 17 people and injured more than 30 others.

In recent weeks, Russian forces have also been closing in on the city of Pokrovsk, located 45 kilometers (28 miles) southwest of Kostiantynivka.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Azov brigade regains ground in Niu-York; West pledges more military aid for Kyiv

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
A Sacramento woman, who had been missing for 12 days, was found alive Friday afternoon severely dehydrated and emaciated in a remote area of Nevada County.

Esmeralda Marie Pineda, 24, required immediate medical attention and was taken to a hospital in a California Highway Patrol helicopter, the Nevada County Sheriffs Office announced in a news release.

Sheriffs officials said the extent of Pinedas condition and her injuries were unknown.

Pineda reportedly went missing Aug. 26 and was last seen at a mining claim camp near the middle fork of the Yuba River and Sweetland Creek, five miles northwest of Nevada City.

Sheriffs officials said their search for the missing woman began the same day in an area thats treacherous in nature and required the sheriffs Search and Rescue volunteers to rappel into and out of the canyon to look for her.

When the search began, sheriffs officials said Pineda is from Sacramento and could possibly be trying to return.

About 12:40 p.m. Friday, deputies spotted Pineda on the top of the river canyon in the vicinity of the Yuba River and Sweetland Creek, not far from where she went missing 12 days earlier.

Sheriffs Sgt. Dustin Moe, who was among the deputies who found Pineda Friday, was on the sheriffs offices Razor, an off-road vehicle used to search in more mountainous areas.

The Sheriffs Office and our search and rescue volunteers covered extensive ground throughout our search, and we are thankful today to find her alive, Moe said in the news release.

North San Juan Fire Department firefighters responded to provide medical care at the scene. The deputies radioed for an airlift, and the CHP responded with its helicopter.
Wendy's is an international fast-food chain with stores in 30 countries worldwide. Known for its fresh burgers, chicken sandwiches, and the iconic Frosty, Wendy's has over 6,000 locations in the United States alone and was named the third most popular dining brand in 2024 by YouGov. With all this success, it's easy to forget the humble beginnings of Wendy's and its founder, Dave Thomas.

As an avid lover of hamburgers who saw a need for a good, old-fashioned burger in Columbus, Ohio, Thomas opened the first Wendy's restaurant there on November 15, 1969. Like many good ideas, the first Wendy's fast-food restaurant may have borrowed ideas from other successful chains. Legend has it that the creation of Wendy's was inspired by a chain called Kewpee Hamburgers  many believe that this small Midwestern burger chain gave Dave Thomas the idea for a restaurant that serves square-shaped burger patties made of beef that had never been frozen. Regardless of who did what first, Wendy's did it the best and quickly expanded beyond its original Columbus location. Sadly for many locals who have fond memories of the first-ever Wendy's, fans can no longer visit this historic site.

Read more: The Ultimate Ranking Of American Fast Food Restaurants

Sadly, This Piece Of Wendy's History Is Gone Forever

First Wendy's location exterior - Wendy's/Facebook

The original Wendy's stood for nearly four decades. In addition to its usual operations as a restaurant, the first-ever location also served as a time capsule celebrating the company's milestones. Fans would visit to gaze at historical artifacts, including famous campaign ads, the hamburger test griddle first used by Dave Thomas, and Wendy's iconic blue-and-white pinstriped outfit worn by its mascot. Unfortunately, the original Wendy's closed in 2007. According to NBC News, Wendy's spokesperson Denny Lynch said, "This is a very difficult decision, but the truth is we kept it open for sentimental reasons much longer than we should have."

Part of the reason this historic site became difficult to run is because of rising maintenance costs. Despite the incredible number of Frostys Wendy's sells each year, this flagship site ran into major financial setbacks. Lynch claimed that the restaurant's location, which was positioned close to many government buildings, struggled for a long while due to a lack of sales during evenings and weekends. A lack of drive-thru and minimal parking spaces made it a less convenient location for customers to visit, which also impacted earnings. The building itself required major upgrades that the company could no longer justify. The artifacts once housed there were relocated to Wendy's corporate office in Dublin, Ohio, and a historical marker was erected in 2007 honoring the site, sharing Dave Thomas's story with visitors who can no longer visit the original store.

Wendy's Found Its Footing At Its First Ever Location In Columbus, Ohio

Dave Thomas's daughter outside Wendy's - Will & Deni Mcintyre/Getty Images

While the original Wendy's location is no longer operating, it does not take away from the historical impact it made on the franchise. Dave Thomas's fast food chain is named after his daughter, Melinda, known as "Wendy." (In all fairness to the other Thomas children, their father workshopped all five of their names before landing on his daughter's nickname.) Melinda's likeness inspired the redhead mascot, and the adorable logo was proudly displayed on signs all over the first-ever location.

With the success of this location, Wendy's began expanding in 1970 and quickly made history. Wendy's changed fast food culture in a revolutionary way with its innovative drive-thru system. The concept of a drive-thru -- or a pickup window, as Thomas called it -- was not new at the time. However, Wendy's was one of the first to find a way to implement a drive-thru process successfully by having customers order from their cars using an intercom system, then pulling forward to a window on the side of the restaurant where an employee was conveniently waiting with their food without the customer ever leaving their vehicle. Rivals like McDonald's and Burger King did not introduce this model until 1975, four years behind Wendy's. As innovative as this technology was, however, the first-ever Wendy's did not have a drive-thru window, which would eventually contribute to its closure.

Read the original article on The Daily Meal.
Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, has received criticism after he expanded Ulez to every borough in Greater London last year - STEFAN ROUSSEAU

Sadiq Khans Ulez expansion to outer London failed to lower pollution levels, a report has found.

Bromley Council measured no overall lowering in pollution in the months after the mayor expanded his 12.50 daily charge zone to cover the whole city last year.

The partly rural borough, which is the largest in London, saw pollutants emitted by vehicles increase after the charge was imposed on Aug 29 2023, a report by the councils environment committee said in June.

It found that in November last year, three months after the Ulez expansion, levels of pollutant nitrogen dioxide were higher across all the boroughs 32 air quality monitoring locations than they were in the preceding August.

The increase was blamed on seasonal weather and temperature variations and only eight of the locations saw more nitrogen dioxide in December 2023 than in August that year.

However, when comparing the data with 2022, the report concluded: What cannot be seen at present is an overall lowering in pollution levels that can be directly attributed to the implementation of Ulez in outer London.

The report added that the pollution levels in 2022 it compared its recent data with may have been artificially suppressed by the after-effects of Covid restrictions. The last major pandemic restrictions on travel were removed in July 2021.

It comes as City Hall maintains its own research, released in July measuring the success of the Ulez expansion in reducing air pollution, proves the scheme is working even better than expected.

The report measuring pollution across the capital released by the mayors office claimed that exhaust emissions from cars in outer London were estimated to be 22 per cent lower than without last years expansion.

Mr Khan faced widespread criticism for expanding Ulez to every borough in the capital and campaigners warned it would be unaffordable for the poorest Londoners who rely on cars in areas with poor public transport.

Simon Fawthrop, a Bromley councillor who opposed the expansion of the clean air zone, accused the mayor of using the Ulez expansion to carry out a tax grab to raise revenues.

He said: We always said that the Ulez expansion would have no, or negligible impact on air quality, so far it looks like we were spot on and Khan was wrong. Its time for Sadiq Khan to finally come clean and confess this was nothing more than a regressive and iniquitous tax grab, by a mayor desperate to raise revenue.

Mr Khan has defended the scheme as necessary to tackle air pollution in London, which he is legally obliged to ensure is within a certain limit, and reduce the number of premature deaths attributed to toxic air in London every year.

Bromley residents have campaigned against the expansion of the Ulez to their borough - JAMIE LORRIMAN

Several claims about the benefits of Ulez, made by City Hall and independent academics, have been called into question in recent years.

The London School of Economics was recently accused of verging on irresponsible after researchers at its Grantham Institute published a study claiming the grades of children in schools had been improved by Ulez.

The Telegraph revealed last year that an independent peer reviewer who approved a report used to justify the expansion of Ulez to outer London worked for a research group at Imperial College London that had received funding from the mayors office.

A spokesman for Sadiq Khan said: The mayor is committed to improving air quality in London and has taken world-leading action to tackle toxic air pollution, which prematurely takes the lives of an estimated 4,000 Londoners each year.

The London-wide Ulez six-month report shows the scheme is working even better than expected, with pollutant emissions lower than if the mayor hadnt expanded the scheme.

Air quality in London is improving at a faster rate than the average for the rest of England, and with 96 per cent of vehicles now Ulez compliant, thousands of Londoners have made the switch to cleaner vehicles.

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.
WARREN, Ohio (MyValleyTributes)  Samuel R. Cafaro, age 85, entered into eternal rest Wednesday, September 4, 2024 at Cortland Health Care.

He was born August 4, 1939 in Youngstown, the son of John Anthony Butch and Anna (Bodnar) Cafaro.

Find obituaries from your high school

Sam was a 1957 graduate of The Rayen School and retired from Youngstown Steel Door.

He served his country honorably in the U. S. Army and was stationed in Germany for thirty-one months, working in communications. After he was discharged, he had always wanted to return to Germany. He was fond of antique cars.

His two greatest loves were his dogs and the log cabin he built in 1963 in Brandon, Vermont. He was happiest spending months at a time at his cabin.

Preceding him in death are his parents; his two wives, Mertie (McKeighan) Cafaro and Mary Ann (Strizack) Cafaro and his brother, John Cafaro.

He is survived by many nieces, nephews, and their families.

Private graveside services will be held at Tod Homestead Cemetery. To honor Sams good life, do a good deed for someone, and remember Sam and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

Arrangements are entrusted to Staton-Borowski Funeral Home, 962 North Road NE, Warren, Ohio 44483, 330- 394-6200. Dedicated To Serving Your Loved Ones. This obituary may be viewed and condolences sent to www.statonborowskifuneralhome.com.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.

A television tribute will air Monday, September 9 at the following approximate times: 6:47 a.m. on WYTV, 9:43 a.m. on WKBN, 10:58 a.m. on FOX and 8:12 p.m. on MyYTV. Video will be posted here the day of airing.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 Savannah, Missouri, Police officer has been charged with animal abuse in relation to the death of his K-9 partner named Horus.

Lt. Daniel Zeigler and Horus completed their overnight shift at 4:49 a.m. on June 20, according to the probable cause statement filed by the Missouri Highway Patrol. At 5:54 p.m., Zeigler contacted Savannah police chief Dave Vincent and said Horus was dead.

When he arrived, Vincent found out Horus had been left in the police vehicle all day and died of heat exposure.

Horus, a German Shepard, joined the department in 2021 when he was almost 2-years-old, police said. He worked for the Savannah Police Department,. Savannah is about an hour north of Kansas City.

A functionality test was done on the vehicle on June 26, however, that found AceK9 system safeguard was fully functional the day Horus died.

When tested, the AceK9 safeguard system inside the vehicle repeatedly honked, rolled down the rear windows and activated a fan when the internal temperature of the vehicle reached 90 degrees; proving the system was working and had to have been manually deactivated to bypass the safeguard, court documents said.

A witness saw Zeigler flipping out before Vincent arrived on June 20, saying he thought he brought Horus in after his shift, according to court records. A second witness who helped bury Horus later that day reported they heard Zeigler tell Vincent Horus death was his fault.

The nearest weather reporting location, Kansas City International Airport, reported a high of 88 degrees Fahrenheit at 3:53 p.m. on June 20, 2024, the probable cause statement said.

As of Sept. 6, no judge has been assigned to the case.
Responding to the entire matter, sources within IndiGo stated that the AC was functioning properly, but a temperature shift caused the cabin to heat up, leading to panic among the passengers.

"We extend our apologies for the inconvenience experienced on flight 6E 2235 operating from Delhi to Varanasi on September 5, 2024," read a press statement from the airlines.

" The discomfort was attributed to fluctuations in cabin temperature, which were adjusted in response to passenger requests. Our cabin crew promptly extended assistance to the affected passenger to address the situation," added the statement.

The video of the incident, which took place on Thursday on flight 6E 2235, shows flyers in utter discomfort.

Reportedly, several passengers fainted due to intense heat and suffocation, while others were seen using magazines to cool themselves.

In a similar incident earlier in June, a similar incident took place in June this year on the Delhi-Bagdogra flight when the AC of an IndiGo flight stopped working for an hour.

Elderly people among the passengers faced breathing difficulties due to suffocation. Angry passengers said they had no idea what had happened and they felt like being 'hijacked'.

Responding to the entire chaos, IndiGo issued a statement and said, "IndiGo flight 6E 2521 between Delhi and Bagdogra was delayed due to high ground temperatures impeding operations. IndiGo prioritises passenger safety above all else and is taking steps to enable a prompt departure. Passengers are being provided with regular updates, and we regret the inconvenience caused due to factors beyond the airline's control." (ANI)
Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz speaks at the opening gala of the 100th edition of IFA. Carsten Koall/dpa

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has shrugged off deeply negative polling figures and predicted that he will lead his Social Democratic Party (SPD) to a renewed term in office in elections set for September next year.

Scholz told the Saturday edition of Berlin's Tagesspiegel newspaper that he was "firmly banking on the SPD and me gaining a mandate that will be strong enough for us to lead the next government."

The prediction came despite low polling figures for the party and for the chancellor himself, and poor results for the SPD in the June elections to the European Parliament and a catastrophic performance in two German state elections held earlier this month.

"Governing is not getting any easier, so we should do it," Scholz said, setting out the aim of a coalition led by the SPD.

He expressed concerns amid an increasingly fragmented German political landscape that there would be "many implausible proposals" before the next federal elections.

Any honest and truthful consideration of reality could soon be silenced, he said, predicting that the election would turn on character and integrity.

"For the SPD and me, it is important to put forward pragmatic and realistic proposals on how Germany can truly make progress," he said.

Scholz said that he had learnt to pay little attention to the polls and that a key potential challenger within the SPD, Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, was in fact backing him, Scholz, as candidate for the chancellorship.
Edge Case

A decade of observations with the Subaru Telescope in Hawaii has uncovered the existence of an intriguing cluster of objects at the edge of our Solar System.

The resulting studies, set to be published in the Planetary Science Journal, suggest that there could be an entire structure of objects lying beyond the uncharted darkness of the Kuiper Belt, a vast disc of icy bodies encircling the most distant reaches of our Sun's domain.

This could drastically shift our understanding of how our planetary system formed  and tantalizingly, perhaps of the prevalence of life throughout the universe.

"If this is confirmed, it would be a major discovery," said Fumi Yoshida, a planetary scientist from Japan's University of Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences and co-author of one of the studies, in a statement about the work. "The primordial solar nebula was much larger than previously thought, and this may have implications for studying the planet formation process in our Solar System."

Beyond the Belt

The Kuiper Belt lies about 40 to 50 astronomical units  that's 40 to 50 times the average distance between our planet and the Sun  from the center of our system. Because the region is so dark, documenting the small objects that reside there with telescopes has proved tricky.

NASA's New Horizons spacecraft is currently flying deeper into the belt to get up close observations, a course it's been heading on since 2015. These latest observational efforts were intended to assist New Horizons, and in so doing, have picked up something even further than the belt.

Specifically, the researchers discovered a cluster of 11 objects orbiting in a ring at a heliocentric distance between 70 to 90 AU, which are separated from the belt by a large, empty gap.

This sudden void is the real kicker: it suggests that the objects comprise a distinct structure from the known Kuiper Belt  perhaps even an entire region or extension of it we've never seen before.

Size-Up

If true, this would mean the Kuiper Belt is much larger than once believed. As the researchers note, this gap is a feature that's commonly been observed in other planetary systems.

"Our Solar System's Kuiper Belt long appeared to be very small in comparison with many other planetary systems, but our results suggest that idea might just have arisen due to an observational bias," said Wes Fraser, a co-investigator on the New Horizons mission and lead author of one of the studies, in the statement. "So maybe, if this result is confirmed, our Kuiper Belt isn't all that small and unusual after all compared to those around other stars."

In other words, our Solar System might be less unique than we think it is. The prevailing theory on how it formed is that it coalesced from a solar nebula  essentially a dense cloud of gas. But the Kuiper Belt's apparently small size put constraints on this nebula that suggested it would have needed to be unusually small.

That may not be the case anymore, so our Solar System's prerequisites for life might be more common  and ergo, life throughout the universe might be more common, too.

More on space: Scientists Calculate "Settings" of the Universe Using AI
Holy Fail

When SpaceX's Starship rocket blew up  again  it punched a hole open in our atmosphere, according to new research.

Four minutes after launching from SpaceX's facility in Boca Chica, Texas on November 18, the Starship's superheavy booster exploded at an altitude of roughly 56 miles after separating from its second stage.

This was followed by another explosion minutes later, when the surviving portion of the spaceship reached an altitude of 93 miles, and then combusted itself.

Now, as detailed in a new study published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters, it appears that these events combined to create a temporary hole in a region of the upper atmosphere called the ionosphere, where charged particles, stripped of their electrons by solar radiation, form the final boundary between the Earth and the vacuum space.

Sounds About Right

The ionosphere spans approximately 50 to 400 miles above the Earth's surface. According to the researchers, the velocity of the Starship itself, which was traveling faster than the speed of sound, sent cone-like acoustic shock waves through this region.

"They had a very large amplitude, but the most unexpected thing was that there were many oscillations and that the waves were propagating in a northerly direction," study lead author Yury Yasyukevich, an atmospheric physicist at Russia's Institute of Solar-Terrestrial Physics, told Russian state-owned news agency TASS, translated from Russian. "Usually, when spacecraft are launched, waves are observed to propagate to the south."

Then when the explosions followed, the resulting sound waves caused the electrons to "disappear," neutralizing the charge of atoms nearby  thus forming the ionospheric hole that spanned up to 1,200 miles. This is noteworthy, because "usually, such holes are formed as a result of chemical processes in the ionosphere due to interaction with engine fuel," Yasyukevic said.

As such, the researchers say this is the first documented detection of a non-chemical hole in the ionosphere formed as the result of a man-made explosion.

Ions Be Bygones

Fortunately, this hole more or less healed after 30 to 40 minutes, the researchers said. Though the circumstances behind this one were unique, these are relatively common events, as the exhaust from rocket launches can cause ionized atoms to recombine and lose their charge. Natural phenomena, like volcanic eruptions, can also create ionospheric disruptions.

Starship's fiery demise actually provided a rare glimpse of how the ionosphere is impacted by such events, especially weaker ones, which can be difficult to detect, Yasyukevich said.

And what they've learned so far is puzzling: the researchers didn't expect the size of the disruption to be this big. "It means we don't understand processes which take place in the atmosphere," Yasyukevich told Nature. Let that be food for thought.

More on the atmosphere: SpaceX's Starlink May Be Keeping the Ozone From Healing, Research Finds
PORTSMOUTH, Ohio (WCMH)  A Scioto County couple is in custody and four children were hospitalized after their home was found to be in deplorable condition.

According to the Scioto County Sheriffs Office, deputies were alerted to a home north of Portsmouth after the Scioto County Children Services received an anonymous call asking for a welfare check.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

Authorities arrived to a home in the 1200 block of Riddlebarger Road and found four children, ages 1 through 7, living inside the home. Detectives noted that the children were filthy and had multiple injuries. The house was reportedly in deplorable condition, filled with trash and infested with bugs.

The children were taken to the hospital for treatment and two adults, 27-year-old David Shepherd and 29-year-old Amanda Shepherd, were arrested.

Scioto County Sheriff Deputies removed children through a home after responding to a wellness check at a home north of Portsmouth, Ohio, Sept. 5, 2024. (Courtesy/Scioto County Sheriffs Office)

Charges to the Shepherds include four counts of endangering children in the third degree, three counts of endangering children in the second degree, and three counts of second-degree felonious assault. They are being held at the Scioto County Jail on a $410,000 bond.

The sheriffs office says the investigation remains active and more charges could be added presented to a grand jury at a later date.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
Scott Hastings wife missing latest: Jenny disappeared after swim in Firth of Forth, say heartbroken family

Jenny Hastings never returned after going swimming in Wardie Bay in Edinburgh on Tuesday afternoon (Police Scotland/PA Wire)

The wife of former Scotland rugby international Scott Hastings has been missing for days after she went for a swim in the Firth of Forth, her absolutely heartbroken family said.

Jenny Hastings never returned after going swimming in Wardie Bay in Edinburgh on Tuesday afternoon.

In a statement, the Hastings family announced the news with huge sadness, adding that Ms Hastings has struggled with her mental health for a number of years.

The statement signed Scott, Corey, Daniel, Kerry-Anne & Ian said: We miss our Jenny. She leaves a gaping hole in all our hearts and hope that she is returned to us safely so that we can celebrate her remarkable life.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency said they received a report of concern at about 2.45pm on Tuesday, and a helicopter, coastguard rescue teams, lifeboats and other nearby vessels all took part in a search.

However the agency said the search failed to find anything, and was called off at 8.20pm that evening.

If you need to speak to someone, Samaritans are available on 116 123 or by emailing jo@samaritans.org.

Key Points

Scott Hastings wife goes missing after swim in Firth of Forth, say heartbroken family

Full statement from Hastings family

Jenny Hastings has struggled with mental health for number of years, say family

Social media post shows Jenny Hastings swimming in Wardie Bay

Friday 6 September 2024 16:21 , Alex Croft

A photo shows Jenny Hastings swimming in Wardie Bay, Edinburgh, in March.

Six months later, she went for a swim in the same place, before going missing.

Her family said Wardie Bay was a regular and healing place for Ms Hastings.

..& thanks for coming along to be a second back up lifeguard @Chick_Chalmers & @ScottHastings13 before you went golfing, two   & a lot of  pic.twitter.com/amgh7urpf5  Jenny Hastings (@JennyHastings17) March 23, 2024

ICYMI: Full statement from Hastings family

Friday 6 September 2024 14:55 , Alex Croft

In a statement, the Hastings family said they were absolutely heartbroken at the news, adding that Jenny had struggled with her mental health for a number of years.

The statement said: Its with huge sadness that we write to advise you that Jenny went for a swim in the Firth of Forth on the afternoon of Tuesday September 3 2024, and that the incident is being treated by the police as a high risk missing person case.

The Hastings family are absolutely heartbroken.

Jenny and Scott have a huge following of friends from all walks of life including those that work in the media and we ask that at this moment in time we are allowed to grieve privately with family members.

For the time being we request that you hold off from messaging us directly and/or posting on any social media until further news.

We know that you all care for us deeply and as soon as we hear any update from the police we will advise you accordingly.

We miss our Jenny. She leaves a gaping hole in all our hearts and hope that she is returned to us safely so that we can celebrate her remarkable life.

The statement is signed Scott, Corey, Daniel, Kerry-Anne & Ian.

Rugby legend Brian Moore shares anguish

Friday 6 September 2024 14:12 , Alex Croft

This is so painfully sad for all concerned. Words are simply inadequate on occasions like this. https://t.co/yGU2n07Y9k  Brian Moore (@brianmoore666) September 5, 2024

Pictured: the Edinburgh bay where Jenny Hastings was last seen

Friday 6 September 2024 13:25 , Alex Croft

The beach at Wardie Bay, where Jenny Hastings went for a swim before being reported missing (Getty)

The lighthouse on the harbour walls of Newhaven harbour, part of Edinburghs Wardie Bay waterfront (Getty)

Everything we know about Jenny Hastings' disappearance

Friday 6 September 2024 12:09 , Alex Croft

We know that Jenny Hastings went for a swim in Wardia Bay, in the Firth of Forth in Edinburgh on Tuesday, September 3 - but didnt return to shore.

A report of concern was issued regarding Maritime and Coastguard Agency at about 2.45pm on Tuesday, before a helicopter, coastguard rescue teams, lifeboats and other nearby vessels opened a search.

But the search was called off at 8:20pm that evening, with no sign of Ms Hastings.

On Thursday, the family issued a statement saying they were absolutely heartbroken, announcing the news of her disappearance with huge sadness.

They added that she struggled with her mental health for a number of years.

Jenny Hastings has been open about her mental health struggles, spearheading positive mental health campaigns in the past with husband Scott.

Seven years ago, she disappeared for 36 hours while she was suffering from depression, before going to a police station when she needed help to get home.

Jenny Hastings has campaigned for positive mental health

Friday 6 September 2024 09:50 , Alex Croft

Ms Hastings has always been very open in the media about her mental health struggles.

She has campaigned to end the stigma and encourage those suffering with poor mental health to take active steps to improve their wellbeing.

In 2017, she spearheaded the 100 Streets Challenge in support of Support in Mind, with husband and rugby star Scott Hastings.

The aim was for people to walk, jog, or cycle 100 streets, to encourage outdoor activity.

"I know I can talk with people and maybe that's one of the messages we are trying to get out, Ms Hastings said about the challenge.

"We all can talk with people. The stigma is definitely breaking down - even the Royals are talking about mental health."

Jenny Hastings has struggled with mental health for number of years, say family

Friday 6 September 2024 09:05 , Tara Cobham

Jenny Hastings has struggled with her mental health for a number of years, her family said in the statement announcing that she is missing.

Ms Hastings has spoken about her mental health struggles in interviews in the past.

She and Mr Hastings have also previously spearheaded a charity campaign to keep people active and improve their mental wellbeing.

Ms Hastings previously disappeared for 36 hours while suffering from depression

Friday 6 September 2024 09:02 , Tara Cobham

Jenny Hastings has told of previously disappearing from her Edinburgh home for 36 hours while she was suffering from depression.

Seven years ago, she and Scott Hastings told the BBC: I just had to get away from everyone. I felt I was in everybodys way and I needed to have some time away myself without telling anyone. I didnt want to be in contact with anyone.

She became frightened because she had no way to contact anyone, having left her phone at home, eventually getting help by going to a police station.

Mr Hastings told the broadcaster: The way she gets out of the low periods within her life is actually to get out and get fresh air.

Full statement from Hastings family

Friday 6 September 2024 08:57 , Tara Cobham

In a statement, the Hastings family said they were absolutely heartbroken at the news, adding that Jenny had struggled with her mental health for a number of years.

The statement said: Its with huge sadness that we write to advise you that Jenny went for a swim in the Firth of Forth on the afternoon of Tuesday September 3 2024, and that the incident is being treated by the police as a high risk missing person case.

The Hastings family are absolutely heartbroken.

Jenny and Scott have a huge following of friends from all walks of life including those that work in the media and we ask that at this moment in time we are allowed to grieve privately with family members.

For the time being we request that you hold off from messaging us directly and/or posting on any social media until further news.

We know that you all care for us deeply and as soon as we hear any update from the police we will advise you accordingly.

We miss our Jenny. She leaves a gaping hole in all our hearts and hope that she is returned to us safely so that we can celebrate her remarkable life.

The statement is signed Scott, Corey, Daniel, Kerry-Anne & Ian.

Scott Hastings wife goes missing after swim in Firth of Forth, say heartbroken family

Friday 6 September 2024 08:55 , Tara Cobham

The wife of former Scotland rugby international Scott Hastings has been missing for days after she went for a swim in the Firth of Forth, her absolutely heartbroken family said.

Jenny Hastings never returned after going swimming in Wardie Bay in Edinburgh on Tuesday afternoon.

In a statement issued on Thursday, The Hastings family announced the news with huge sadness, adding that Ms Hastings has struggled with her mental health for a number of years.

The statement signed Scott, Corey, Daniel, Kerry-Anne & Ian said: We miss our Jenny. She leaves a gaping hole in all our hearts and hope that she is returned to us safely so that we can celebrate her remarkable life.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency said they received a report of concern at about 2.45pm on Tuesday, and a helicopter, coastguard rescue teams, lifeboats and other nearby vessels all took part in a search.

However the agency said the search failed to find anything, and was called off at 8.20pm that evening.

Jenny Hastings never returned after going swimming in Wardie Bay in Edinburgh on Tuesday afternoon (Police Scotland/PA Wire)
SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS)  When the COVID-19 pandemic stalled her junior year of high school in 2020, Tara Lauther decided shed accelerate her education and never stopped.

The 20-year-old New Yorker became the second-youngest student to complete a Master of Health Administration degree from LSUS, her fourth degree since 2021.

Lauther enrolled in community college classes in Long Island, New York, while finishing her high school degree, obtaining both degrees within two months of each other in 2021.

Two short years later, Lauther had a bachelors degree in health sciences with a concentration in healthcare administration, which led her to explore MHA programs.

LSU Shreveport designated as Military and Veterana Friendly Campus

I came into college being very clinical oriented, but I had never considered healthcare administration until I started that concentration, Lauther said. I was applying to medical school, so (an MHA degree) felt like a great use of that year to strengthen my administration background.

Lauther completed her MHA degree in 12 months using LSUSs accelerated, seven-week terms. She finished her degree in July, and summer commencement exercises will occur next Friday.

The Long Island native is going through another cycle of medical school applications with a dream of being a physician in cardiology or pediatric care.

Shes contemplating adding another masters degree, an MBA from LSUS, during this medical school application cycle.

Lauther said shes always been interested in the sciences, but her dads medical diagnosis of coronary artery disease when she was 14 launched her on a path to medical research.

I was involved in my high schools science research program, and then I started to research my dads condition and fell in love with clinical research, said Lauther, who added that her dad is now healthy. It was a great segue way into medical research and is why I want to be a physician.

Two LSUS professors tapped to provide lectures for the Smithsonian Institute

While her rapid educational attainment might suggest that Lauther spends most of her waking hours doing schoolwork, shes squirreled away time to pursue other opportunities.

Lauther is a medical assistant at a pediatric urgent care clinic and an intern with the United Nations, something she started as an undergraduate.

During the MHA program, Lauther showed her innovative skills when she won an entrepreneurial competition called Pilot Pitch. In this competition, LSUS students developed a business plan over several months with guidance from business faculty.

Lauther leaned on her medical experience to present Tag It, a tracking system that would assist hospitals and clinics in better managing their medicine inventory and reducing medical errors and waste from expired medicines.

While Lauther hasnt further pursued that product line, which would use radio frequency identification tags that can be scanned, since winning the competitions graduate student division in November, theres always the possibility of future exploration.

Lauthers research with the United Nations stems from the Unitive Thematic Cluster, a non-governmental organization focused on global unity and interconnectedness. Lauther cofacilitated and served as a youth respondent for a UN High-Level Political Forum that explored those topics in July.

I definitely want to work on the clinical front of medicine, but I also want to contribute to greater international understanding of medicine through an organization like the World Health Organization, Lauther said. Ive done research on community health projects, and a lot of my passion lies in community health.

Because her MHA degree was all online, Lauther enrolled in flight school and is working toward her pilots license for single-engine airplanes.

My grandfather was in the Air Force, and Ive always been interested in aviation, Lauther said. Because Im completing my degree remotely, I had a perfect opportunity to pursue this.

Maybe after medical school and becoming a doctor, I can look into getting my own plane.

Sleep is something at which Lauther says she does her best, but that doesnt mean Lauther is all work and no play.

LSU Shreveport First Gen Bridge to Success students share experiences as first college students in family

Lauther hopped on commercial flights for trips to Italy and Spain while working on her masters degree, bringing her computer to complete her assignments.

Working on Long Island, pursuing a masters degree in Louisiana, the program provides a lot of flexibility with how you can spend your time, Lauther said. And LSUS delivers the same quality of education because the professors are engaged and supportive.

The key is to have interactions with your professors in order to experience the same caliber of learning that youd have in person.

Information courtesy of Matt Vines, Communications Specialist, LSUS Public Relations.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Senators announce more than $37 million for Safer Streets projects in Georgia

U.S. Sens. Rev. Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff announced Georgia would be getting more than $37 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Laws Safer Streets program.

The funds will be used to help local governments across Georgia strengthen road safety for cyclists, pedestrians and drivers, as well as improve connections between communities, according to a statement from Warnocks office.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Together, the two senators from Georgia said the funding will help with construction of new streets, bridges, pathways and more, all meant to enhance the quality of life for Georgia communities.

I am glad to see Georgians continue to benefit from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law I was proud to champion, Warnock said in a statement. Safer streets are not just about protecting the vehicles we drivethey are about protecting lives and bolstering safety for all our neighbors. Senator Ossoff and I will continue to work to deliver even more investments to upgrade our states transportation infrastructure so Georgians can have safer communities and stronger connectivity.

TRENDING STORIES:

The announcement from the senators showcased nine projects that will now be funded, some getting as much as $10 million for safety improvements and other transportation needs.

In the metro Atlanta area, Buckhead, Carrollton, East Point and Gwinnett County are all receiving funding.

Through the bipartisan infrastructure law, Senator Warnock and I are delivering upgrades to ensure pedestrian and commuter safety across Georgia, Ossoff said. We will continue delivering infrastructure upgrades across Georgia through this historic bipartisan effort.

The following projects are receiving funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Safer Streets program:

Buckhead Community Improvement District, $10,000,000 to construct a half-mile path and elevated pedestrian and bicycle bridge

City of LaFayette, $163,200 to develop a comprehensive safety action plan

Coweta County, $315,480 to develop a comprehensive safety action plan

Macon-Bibb County, $5,630,440 to improve Gray Highway and East Macon Loop, enhance pedestrian safety

City of Carrollton, $9,200,000 to construct safer walking and biking routes

City of East Point, $400,000 to develop a comprehensive safety action plan

City of Savannah, $9,999,520 to upgrade intersections that need systemic safety improvements, such as updated signals and timing, dedicated left turns with protected phasing, sidewalks, crosswalks, and extended bicycle lanes

Gwinnett County, $1,600,000 to pilot test speed management solutions and evaluate additional actions to enhance safety

Montgomery County $263,050, to develop a comprehensive safety action plan

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]

IN OTHER NEWS:
Several people sentenced in stolen identity tax refund scheme that defrauded the IRS of $30M

AUSTIN (KXAN)  Seven people, six of whom are from Texas, have been sentenced for the roles they played in a stolen identity tax refund scheme that defrauded the IRS of $30 million.

The U.S. Department of Justice announced Friday the leader of a scheme to defraud the IRS of over $110 million was sentenced to more than 14 years in prison, and co-defendants involved in the scheme were also sentenced. The people involved in the scheme ultimately defrauded $30 million of the $110 million they sought.

The DOJ identified the leader of the scheme as Abraham Yusuff, of Round Rock, Texas.

RELATED | Seven, including six from Texas, charged in $111 million scheme to defraud IRS

According to the DOJ, in addition to the terms of imprisonment, U.S. District Court Judge Robert Pittman sentenced Yusuff to three years of supervised release and ordered him to pay restitution and a forfeiture judgment in the amount of $30,370,365.

Meghan Inyang, of San Antonio, and Christopher Eduardo, of Round Rock, two of Yusuffs co-defendants, were also sentenced Friday, according to the DOJ.

Inyang was sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $762,512 in restitution to the IRS. Eduardo was sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $2,823,377 in restitution to the IRS.

The DOJ said in total, seven individuals have been sentenced to prison for their involvement in the scheme.

The DOJ said according to court documents and statements made in court, from 2018 to 2021, Yusuff led a stolen-identity-refund-fraud scheme with Eduardo and Inyang, as well as Christian Mathurin, of Nashville, Tennessee; Dillon Anozie, of San Antonio; Babajide Ogunbanjo, of Austin; and Aydin Mammadov, of Houston.

The below co-defendants have already been sentenced to prison, according to the DOJ:

Dillon Anozie (30 months)

Aydin Mammadov (18 months)

Babajide Ogunbanjo (16 months) and

Christian Mathurin (12 months).

The DOJ announcement said Yusuff recruited and directed Eduardo, Mathurin, Anozie, Ogunbanjo and Mammadov to provide addresses to him that could be used in the scheme.

Yusuff and others then contacted the IRS posing as authorized agents of multiple taxpayers, and used stolen information relating to the taxpayers and their tax preparers to act as legitimate representatives, according to the DOJ.

They then directed the IRS to change the addresses on file for the taxpayers and to send their tax information, including account transcripts and wage records, to the addresses and emails the defendants controlled.

Yusuff also had the others send him photographs of the mail the IRS sent and then had them destroy the mail, according to the DOJ.

The DOJ said the defendants electronically filed more than 370 tax returns claiming fraudulent refunds and directed the IRS to split the refunds among several prepaid debit cards registered in the names of the victim taxpayers.

According to the DOJ, the IRS sent verification letters to the addresses the defendants controlled before sending the returns, and the defendants and others pretending to be the taxpayers instructed the IRS to release the refunds.

Yusuff, Inyang, Eduardo, Anozie, Ogunbanjo and Mammadov used the prepaid debit cards to further conceal the money by purchasing money orders from local stores in amounts that were designed to avoid having to furnish identification or trigger reporting requirements, according to the DOJ. They also used prepaid debit cards and money orders to purchase designer clothing, home renovation materials and used cars at auction.

The defendants kept or received money orders purchased with the fraudulent refunds as their share of the illegal proceeds, the DOJ announcement said.

IRS-CI and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration investigated the case.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
The Indian Army continued its Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) to contain critical breaches by using Gabion baskets in Vijayawada amid the ongoing floods in Andhra Pradesh. "The Indian Army HADR operations column has been pro actively addressing the situation in Vijayawada following breaches in three critical locations. The initial breaches, identified as Breach 1 and Breach 2, each ranging from 10-15 meters in width, have been temporarily plugged by the Civil administration stabilising the situation momentarily." said an official statement. However, the temporary solution to plug the two breaches led to a funnelling effect, which increased the water flow at the third breach. "This temporary solution has led to a funnelling effect, increasing the water flow significantly at the third breach site, which spans approximately 80-100 meters. The water current at this location is currently between 6-8 knots, with projections suggesting it might escalate to 10-12 knots." the statement added. The HADR team is reportedly going to use Gabion and HESCO baskets to contain the breaches in critical areas. According to the statement, "The team plans to employ a robust two-layer strategy using Gabion baskets, each measuring 5x2x2 meters. These baskets will be stacked atop one another and filled with stones to fortify the breach. Following the placement of the Gabion baskets, a protective bund reaching up to 4 meters in height will be constructed, accompanied by necessary earthwork to support the outer side of the baskets." The Army HADR team is using local resources for the construction of gabion baskets to ensure quick deployment. "Furthermore, the fabrication of these Gabion baskets is underway using local resources at the site for immediate deployment. Additionally, trials will also include the use of HESCO baskets filled with sandbags to evaluate their effectiveness in this scenario." the statement said. Gabion baskets are a type of wired basket filled with rocks and/or soil to help prevent erosion, or retain a slope. HESCO baskets are a type of wire mesh container and heavy duty fabric liner, used as a temporary levee. The Indian Navy has also continued its relief and rescue operations in the flood-affected areas of Andhra Pradesh. The Flood Relief Teams (FTR) evacuated people to safety and distributed food to affected households. (ANI)
Severe turbulence on flight from Singapore to Guangzhou in China leaves 7 injured

A flight operated by Scoot airline from Singapore to Guangzhou in southern China encountered severe turbulence on Friday, leaving seven people injured.

The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, carrying an undisclosed number of passengers and crew, hit turbulence while approaching Guangzhou in the Guangdong province, injuring four passengers and three crew members.

One passenger was hospitalised, Scoot said in a statement.

We can confirm that four passengers and three crew members received medical assistance immediately upon arrival in Guangzhou. As at [6 September], 8.30pm local time, one passenger was hospitalised for further observation, said Scoot in a statement shared with The Independent.

The airline added that its priority was the welfare of its passengers and cabin crew and it would provide the necessary support and assistance to those affected.

Photos obtained by Singapore Chinese news outlet 8world showed airport emergency personnel assisting injured passengers and crew members.

Scoot flight TR100 departed from Singapore around 5.45am, landing uneventfully in Guangzhou at 9.10am local time, reported the Strait Times, citing data from flight-tracking website FlightRadar24.

Data from the website indicated that the plane, flying at 20,000 ft at about 500 knots, experienced a sudden drop in altitude and speed before returning to its original flight path.

This incident comes after a Singapore Airlines flight encountered severe turbulence in May, resulting in one fatality and multiple injuries.

One person dead as Singapore Airlines flight diverts to Bangkok due to severe turbulence (EPA)

A 73-year-old British man died of a heart attack, while seven people were critically injured as passengers in flight were dramatically flung into the air after the plane was forced to drop 6,000ft within minutes due to weather conditions. The pilots were then forced to carry out an emergency landing in Thailand.

In a similar incident, a Turkish Airlines flight departing Istanbul to Taipei encountered severe turbulence on 5 September, injuring two crew members and five passengers. Two were taken to hospital for treatment.

Turbulence-related accidents are the most common type, according to a 2021 study by the National Transportation Safety Board.

Between 2009 and 2018, the agency found that turbulence accounted for more than a third of reported airline accidents, most of which resulted in one or more serious injuries but no aircraft damage.

A recent study cited by the BBC reported that aircraft experience moderate to severe turbulence approximately 68,000 times annually.

The Independent has reached out to Scoot for comment.
SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  The Bedford Tenants Union is working to defend renters rights in Bedford County. The group held an awareness event to promote a four-part plan to help tenants.

The group has claimed that area landlords have not made repairs or provided safe living environments for their tenants, adding that some landlords have gone as far as evicting tenants for no reason.

If you dont have the money to move, then you feel like youre stuck and you have to put up with things like not having heat, Bedford Tenants Union member, Angelia Collier, said.

Nashville man named in scheme to defraud millions from IRS

I have been threatened with eviction by my landlord and it seemed that it came out of nowhere, Collier added. I dont know if its because Im a part of this or for other reasons.

The union believes that landlords get away with more in rural areas because state law only puts tighter rules on landlords in counties with more than 75,000 people as of the 2010 U.S. Census.

That population requirement means that the Uniform Residential Landlord Act (Landlord Tenant Act) applies to counties like Davidson, Maury, Montgomery, Rutherford, Sumner, Williamson, and Wilson  not Bedford.

Counties that are not affected by the law set their own rules. Renters in Shelbyville are organizing.

We are here to unveil our renters platform. We are going to be asking all of the candidates that are running for city council this election to show up at our forum which is going to be on October 19th, organizer Joanne Vasil said. We are going to explain the platform to them and then ask them to personally endorse the platform in front of the community so that we can get them on record on where they stand for renters rights.

Music City Center to study need for expansion

Their plan has four parts:

Create a landlord registry

Level the playing field in court by raising money to have lawyers for tenants

Protect against retaliation for tenants who report unsafe conditions

Build affordable housing

Its a commitment that the group hopes will lead to more respect to renters. If you would like 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 WKRN News 2.
The Shocking Suspect In The Murder Of Wisconsin College Gymnast, 15 Real Black Crime Stories With a Plot Twist, Georgia Woman Concealed Friends Death, Florida Woman Allegedly Ordered Dog To Maul Boyfriend's Daughter And More

21-year-old Kara Welsh - Screenshot: GoFundMe

Police have found a suspect in the murder of a title-winning University of Wisconsin-Whitewater student Kara Welsh, who was found dead from apparent multiple gunshot wounds on Aug. 30. - Phenix S Halley Read More

Photo: Getty, Hoover Police Department

All good stories that keep peoples attention until the end are the ones with insane plot twists. No, were not talking fictional tales. Real life humans do things that make us say, Wait, what?! Where do you think all these movie plot twists come from? Real life - Kalyn Womack Read More

Joe Cornelius and his daughter Keisha Miles

- Screenshot: Facebook

Updated as of 9/04/2024 at 10:30 a.m. ET (Correction: The suspect is reportedly 11 years old, not 10 years old.)

Residents in a small Louisiana city are wondering what went wrong to lead a young boy to kill one of the citys notable community leaders.



Early Sunday morning, police responded to a call reporting shots fired around 6:30 a.m., according to KTBS News. When authorities arrived, they found 82-year-old Joe Cornelius and his daughter, Keisha Miles, 31, dead with multiple gunshot wounds. - Phenix S Halley Read More

Screenshot: Michigan Department of Corrections

Sometimes its better to bet on yourself, and in the case of Gregory Dean Tucker, his decision to represent himself in court just worked out in his favor. To the surprise of many, the Detroit man was able to persuade a judge to toss his burglary conviction after doing the one thing legal experts say not to do. - Phenix S Halley Read More

Chance Byron (Left) and Damari Dennis (right)

- Screenshot: Seminole County Sheriffs Office

At this point, its well known that crazy things happen in Florida, but this story certainly takes the cake. Imagine casually walking into a gas station expecting to buy a soda or bag of chips, but instead, you leave out with a heavy grade weapon? What kind of luck is that?! - Phenix S Halley Read More

Screenshot: Fox5 Atlanta

A Georgia woman was arrested almost twenty years after her friends dismembered body was discovered on the side of the road. Angel Marie Thompson is not considered a suspect in the death of her friend Nicole Alston, but she is being charged with concealing Altons body as part of an identity theft scam that went on for nearly a decade. - Angela Johnson Read More

Tyshael Elise Martin - Screenshot: Lake County Sheriffs Office

Emergency responders were called to an Orlando home in June to treat an unresponsive child. When they arrived, they found 9-year-old Jamaria Sessions bloodied and severely wounded - Phenix S Halley Read More

For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
From a star on the Walk of Fame in front of Hollywood Toy & Costume to a whole "experience" devoted to his latest film, plus a plethora of products and promos tied to the iconic green-haired ghoul with an affinity for stripes, aka the "ghost with the most" Beetlejuice, Tim Burton is having a wickedly good week.



Beetlejuice Beetlejuice opens in theaters nationwide today, but fans of its characters have been celebrating for the last couple of weeks at Beetlejuice Beetlejuice: The Afterlife Experience at Ovation Hollywood.



Los Angeles magazine attended the preview party and got to chat with our favorite characters from the original including Miss Argentina (who's sadly, not in the sequel) and the Juice himself.

Lina Lecaro

Lina Lecaro

Lina Lecaro

Taking over the space where the Bob Marley One Love Experience was housed, Afterlife takes guests on an uproariously immersive death journey. From filling out passports and doing interviews with dead clerks about your visit, to a disco-themed "soul train" that leads to "final departure," to a museum-like sandworm environment.



If you're looking for photo ops, there are some good ones: sharing a couch with deathly characters in the waiting room seen in the movie; hanging out with Bob, the shrunken headed zombie and his co-workers in an office scene; and becoming part of the cover of The Handbook for the Recently Deceased. There's even a cafe with Beetlejuice-themed food.



Due to its popularity, Afterlife in association with Fever events, just announced that it's getting extended. It will now run through Nov. 3.

NYX Cosmetics

We also saw an early preview of the film thanks to NYX Cosmetics, who just released a huge collaboration with the movie. Bob gets some prominent play on a makeup blender and case, and under eye patches, while the line's lip glosses, eyeliners and pencils reference stripes of all kinds in packaging with bold colors and formulas.



Before the makeup-influencer-packed screening at the Grove, Nyx threw a pre-party at another thematic space Beetlejuice fans should check out: the latest incarnation of Beetle House LA in Hollywood. The horror-inspired venue, which calls itself "a year-round celebration of Halloween" and "a safe place where every goth, punk, freak, weirdo, artist, and visitor is welcomed and celebrated" was created by Zach Neil and opened as a pop-up restaurant in New York around 2016.

View the original article to see embedded media.

The Los Angeles location first opened in 2017 at the space that now houses The Bourbon Room. It moved a few years later to another Hollywood club space and now it's on La Brea and Hollywood Blvd, hosting horror character-driven dinner shows.



Though not officially partnered with the movie or "any one specific film, studio, producer, or television program" as the club's website stresses, it's still a great place for those who fancy dark-themed nightlife, and it makes for the perfect pre or post movie pitstop. They even have a new Beetlejuice inspired menu now thru Sept. 15.

We enjoyed the film while munching out of Handbook for the Recently Deceased popcorn tins, but there's other munchy merch options available depending on what theater you go to. Or forget about stressing over what might be sold out when you get there and just buy online. Check out Cinemark and Regal Theaters for the best designs.

Click links below for more of the Beetlejuice bonanza:

Denny's Afterlife Menu

Fanta Beetlejuice Drinks

Pink and Boujee L.ABeetlejuice Menu

View the original article to see embedded media.

Beetlejuice Welcome Skateboards

Beetlejuice X Vixen by Micheline Pitt

Rodarte Beetlejuice Collection
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  Long-time Sioux City musician Johnnie Bolin has died at 70.

Bolin first started his career playing drums with his brothers. One of them, Tommy Bolin, returned to Sioux City in 1990 and started a music festival, which celebrated its 30th year earlier this summer.

Former Sioux City bike shop owner dies at 100

The director of the Sioux City Public Museum, Steve Hanson, said he remembered Johnnie Bolin saying this festival was going to be his last one.

The Bolin musical legacy was established in Sioux City, and Johnnie was certainly well-known throughout the community and throughout the region, Hanson said. Its a void, and we are just privileged to be a part of it with the exhibits and the festival.

The cause of Johnnie Bolins death has not been determined yet.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Kyle Rasmusson of First Stop Guns in Rapid City gives tips on safe gun-storage devices and techniques to Moms Demand Action members, from left, Rachel Lindvall, Donna Robinson, Mary Garrigan, Diane Grant, Chris Coleman and Karen Pettigrew. (Kevin Woster/For South Dakota Searchlight)

Kyle Rasmusson of First Stop Guns in Rapid City gives tips on safe gun-storage devices and techniques to Moms Demand Action members, from left, Rachel Lindvall, Donna Robinson, Mary Garrigan, Diane Grant, Chris Coleman and Karen Pettigrew. (Kevin Woster/For South Dakota Searchlight)

Imagine leaving a gun in an unlocked vehicle. Imagine that gun is stolen and ends up shooting a kid. Killing a kid.

Its more than an exercise in imagining. It happens. It just did in Sioux Falls.

Unsecured guns are dangerous. Unsecured guns can kill.

That was my wifes main message when she addressed the Rapid City Council at its Aug. 19 meeting, speaking on behalf of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America on the need to promote safe handling and secure storage of firearms.

Without safe gun handling and storage, terrible things can and do happen.

A few hours after my wife made that point to the council here in Rapid City, it was exemplified in the most tragic of ways across the state in the states largest city, when a teenager was fatally shot with a 9 mm handgun that had been stolen from an unlocked vehicle the previous week.

Investigators are still unraveling the details of what happened around 2:30 a.m. Central time Aug. 20, when the handgun went off in a Sioux Falls home striking 17-year-old Deontae Boehrns in the face. He died at a Sioux Falls hospital.

A 33-year-old woman and her 13-year-old son were arrested in the case. The woman faces multiple charges, including accessory to manslaughter. It appears that a group of minors had gathered at the home, and that the 13-year-old was handling the gun when Boehrns was shot.

However the case plays out and whatever the exact details, its another example of the horrid potential of guns that arent stored securely.

Which is exactly what took my wife, Mary, and several other volunteers for Moms Demand Action, a grassroots-volunteer arm of the national nonprofit Everytown for Gun Safety, to the Rapid City Council to continue their work to prevent gun violence.

One proven risk-reduction step to prevent gun violence that adults can take is secure gun storage, Mary said. Secure gun storage prevents kids and other unauthorized users from accessing guns. This makes our homes, communities and schools safer.

My wife spoke of the gold standard of secure gun storage: They should be unloaded, locked and stored separately from ammunition.

Such responsible storage saves lives. And it likely would have saved a life in Sioux Falls recently.

The message my wife brought to the council was timed just prior to the start of the new school year.

School is starting tomorrow in Rapid City, Mary said. And we encourage everyone to think about the risks that unsecured guns in homes and vehicles pose to kids and to our community.

With school starting across the nation, Everytown for Gun Safety and its affiliated organizations promoted Aug. 26-30 as SMART Week. SMART is an acronym encouraging people to SECURE all guns in homes and vehicles, MODEL responsible gun behavior, ASK about unsecured guns in other homes and vehicles, RECOGNIZE the role of guns in suicides and TELL friends and neighbors to be SMART.

According to data from Everytown, up to 500,000 guns are stolen each year in this nation. In 2020, more than half of gun thefts were from vehicles.

Each year, Everytown statistics say, 700 kids die by suicide with a gun. And each year since 2015, from 300 to last years high of more than 400 kids under 18 unintentionally shot themselves or someone else.

Everytown tracks those shootings across the nation through media reports. So far this year Everytown has confirmed 168 unintentional shootings by children, 56 of them fatal.

Intentional shootings by teenagers are another potentially deadly part of the unsecured-gun problem, as shown by Wednesdays tragic shooting at a high school outside of Atlanta, Georgia.

A 14-year-old student was arrested in the case and charged with using an assault-style rifle to kill two students and two teachers. Eight more students and one teacher were hospitalized. The suspects father was also arrested in the case for allowing his son to possess the firearm used in the mass shooting.

In June, U.S. Surgeon Vivek Murthy declared gun violence a health crisis in America. And gun violence is the nations No. 1 cause of death for children and teens.

Careless handling and storage of firearms is an important part of that problem. Leaving firearms in an unlocked vehicle is beyond careless. Its reckless. If a firearm must be left in a vehicle, that vehicle should be locked. But even locked vehicles arent the best option for safe gun storage, says Rapid City Police Department spokesman Brendyn Medina.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX

Responsible gun ownership starts with being accountable for a firearm at all times, and a vehicle is not a gun safe, Medina said. It is not a safe practice to leave a firearm in an unattended vehicle. Its always best practice to take firearms with you for storage in a safe location inside.

Stolen guns end up in the wrong hands, which can lead to unintended shootings or more criminal activities.

Gun thefts are highly concerning for law enforcement, Medina said. In most cases, stolen firearms are not recovered until theyre associated with another criminal act.

The link between stolen guns and more serious crimes was shown in Rapid City eight years ago, when three guns stolen from a Rapid City business were recovered in Colorado from suspects involved in serious crimes.

One of the stolen guns was taken from a suspect killed in an officer-involved shooting, after the suspect was involved in a carjacking and high-speed chase in Aurora, Colorado. The other two were recovered after a murder suspect was arrested following a standoff in a Lakewood, Colorado, motel.

Wherever and however guns are stolen, they end up in the wrong hands with lethal potential.

RCPD uses public-information work to help reduce gun thefts from vehicles in the city. In 2022, 85 guns were reported stolen from unlocked vehicles. With the public-information campaign in 2023 that number dropped to 48 for the year and sits at 17 so far in 2024.

So public-information work can make a difference, whether it comes from professionals like those with the RCPD or volunteers like my wife and the millions of others like her across the nation. It can lead to more responsible gun storage, in homes and vehicles. It can prevent gun thefts or unauthorized use. It can save lives.

And thats something wed all rather imagine.

More information on the Be SMART program is available at besmartforkids.org. South Dakota Moms Demand Action can be reached at (605) 681-6862 or southdakota@momschapterleaders.org.
We skipped the Blue Lagoon in Iceland and went to its competitor instead  it was less crowded and way easier to get to

Sky Lagoon is located just outside Reykjavik. Megan duBois

I went to Sky Lagoon in Iceland  a geothermal spa that cost me $222 for two people.

The lagoon was less crowded than the more popular Blue Lagoon Spa.

I loved going through the intricate seven-step ritual at the relaxing spa.

I recently went to Iceland and spent three days in the capital city of Reykjavik.

The country is known for its geothermal spas, so I knew I wanted to visit one on the trip. Although Blue Lagoon is probably the most famous spot  it was all over social media while I was planning  I ended up booking a day at Sky Lagoon.

One big selling point was that it's not located too close to an active volcano, which can sometimes result in closures or evacuations. Just last week, Blue Lagoon guests had to be evacuated when one erupted nearby for the sixth time since the end of 2023.

Sky Lagoon's highest-level day pass for two people cost me $222. Here's everything it included and why I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

The drive from Reykjavik to Sky Lagoon was short.

There was a dedicated taxi waiting area near the hotel. Megan duBois

My travel buddy and I were staying in the middle of downtown Reykjavik. Even though Sky Lagoon looks close on the map, walking was not an option.

Instead, my hotel called me a taxi, and the drive took about 15 minutes.

The one downfall was that taxis in Iceland are pretty expensive  the short drive cost me about $45. But Blue Lagoon is closer to an hour away and would've been much pricier to get to.

From the outside, Sky Lagoon didn't look like much.

The spa sort of blended in with the environment. Megan duBois

A small sign welcomed us to the property, and a short walking path led to a panoramic ocean view.

The main building was dark and covered in green and brown dirt and moss. It didn't look that luxurious to me, but I kept an open mind.

Upon entering, I was surprised at how luxurious the space felt.

The decor was minimalist and comforting. Megan duBois

The Sky Lagoon lobby felt like the entrance to a luxury spa, with deep colors, inspirational quotes on the wall, and hushed tones from the staff.

The check-in process was easy since I booked my visit online weeks prior. I purposefully got one of the early entry times so we'd be able to spend most of the day here.

When we visited, Sky Lagoon's most expensive day pass started at $124 an adult. It included access to private changing rooms and showers, a dedicated entrance into the lagoon, and a seven-step ritual.

I found a discount code online that gave me 10% off, so we decided to spring for the luxury package.

The private changing rooms were spacious.

We had access to private changing rooms. Megan duBois

I was surprised by how nice the locker rooms were. Each hallway had a ton of lockers that could be opened with the touch of a wristband.

The locker rooms also had multiple changing rooms, which were refreshed after each guest. The changing rooms featured a stand-up shower with shampoo, conditioner, and body wash to use after your time in the lagoon.

There was also a dry area with towels, a basket for clothes, a hair dryer, and a large countertop.

Sky Lagoon is known for its seven-step ritual.

The sauna and steam room were built into the side of the hill. Megan duBois

Once I had my swimsuit on, I was ready to enjoy Sky Lagoon's famous seven-step ritual.

The process started with a deep soak in the warm man-made lagoon followed by a cold plunge, a lounge in a sauna, a cold-mist shower, a body scrub, a steam room, and a final rinse before returning to the warm lagoon.

My favorite part of the ritual was the sauna, which had a massive window overlooking the ocean. Even though the small room was fairly full, I still found a spot to sit, which was nice.

The lagoon had plenty of nooks and crannies, so it never felt too crowded.

There were other people, but we all had our own space. Megan duBois

The rockwork around the lagoon was stunning, it was designed to look like the lava flow that can be found all around Iceland.

I also loved that the main lagoon had lots of little spaces to hang out, so no area ever felt too crowded.

The main area had an infinity edge that overlooks the ocean.

The photo ops were plentiful. Megan duBois

The largest part of the lagoon  where most people were hanging out  had an infinity edge overlooking the ocean.

The view was incredible, the water was warm, and even in this popular area, I never felt like I was getting too close to others.

I loved the waterfall feature in the lagoon.

It was lovely to stand under the running water. Megan duBois

The lagoon even had a waterfall feature.

The sound of the falls was very relaxing, and having the water hit the back of my neck felt great after a long flight to Reykjavik.

The on-site bar had some great local beers and nonalcoholic drinks.

My rhubarb lemonade was refreshing. Megan duBois

A swim-up bar in the lagoon served local beers, cocktails, and various nonalcoholic drinks. I tried the rhubarb lemonade and loved the mix of sweet and tart flavors.

It was nice to have something cold to drink while soaking in the warm water.

Overall, I loved my day at Sky Lagoon and would recommend it to anyone visiting Iceland.

I can't wait to go back to Sky Lagoon. Megan duBois

After doing a lot of research before my trip and spending the day at Sky Lagoon, I think it might be a better geothermal-spa option than the tourist-favorite Blue Lagoon.

The spas are fairly similarly priced, but Sky Lagoon was easy to get to, peaceful, and spacious. I've seen photos of the crowds at Blue Lagoon, and they weren't nearly as bad at Sky  even in peak tourist season.

If I come back to Iceland, I'd definitely book another day pass here.

Read the original article on Business Insider
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  The capital city has reached a tentative agreement with Skyline at Waterplace in a months-long eviction dispute, 12 News has learned.

Josh Estrella, a spokesperson for Mayor Brett Smiley, confirmed to 12 News that the Providence Committee on Claims and Pending Suits will take up the proposed settlement on Monday.

Skyline and the capital city have been embroiled in a legal battle since April 2023 when the venues owners were accused of violating their lease agreement by not keeping the property in good condition.

The city warned that if the venue didnt address the supposed violations, it would demand Skyline pay back nearly four years worth of rent, which was abated throughout the pandemic due to financial hardships.

The capital city was given the greenlight last November to evict Skyline for missing several key deadlines throughout the legal proceedings. Skyline at Waterplace quickly appealed the decision, which allowed the venue to remain in the space for the time being.

Skyline attempted to transfer its lease to East Greenwich-based Ithaka, LLC earlier this year, but the Providence Board of Park Commissioners refused to allow it citing financial concerns.

Its unclear exactly what the proposed settlement entails, other than that it is connected to the eviction case.

In a statement to 12 News, Skylines lawyer Michael Lepizzera acknowledged that it is in their best interest to mutually resolve the ongoing dispute.

I anticipate that neither party will be completely satisfied if the claims committee approves the proposed settlement, he wrote. But the settlement will achieve complete finality for Skyline and the city.

Estrella said the settlement was in the works long before the decomposing body of a former employee was discovered inside the venue last week. Police said the man was living there at the time of his death, but Skyline later claimed that he was sick and resided with his family.

Alexandra Leslie contributed to this report.

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.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico arrives to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the opening of the renovated premises of the colliery during his regional trip in Handlova. Jan Krolak/TASR/dpa

Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico, who was critically injured in a shooting earlier this year, has warned that another assassination attempt could be possible.

The populist Fico accused his opponents of inciting hatred and violence against the government in comments to public broadcaster STVR on Saturday.

"I am 100% convinced that there will be another assassination attempt against a government representative if the opposition and certain media do not stop what they are doing," Fico said.

Fico was shot on May 15 as he met supporters after a cabinet meeting in the small town of Handlova. The man, a pensioner, was arrested and said he acted out of hatred of Fico and his policies, in rhetoric recalling that of opposition media.

Since the assassination attempt, police protection measures have increased, making a new attack more complicated, Fico said. "But it can happen that someone might target a gathering of voters of the government parties for example. I fear this," he said.

Fico is the leader of Smer, the largest ruling party.

The prime minister and other governing politicians have repeatedly accused the liberal opposition and media of being to blame for the May attack.

They claim that opposition misinformation and demonization of the ruling parties as "mafia" and "criminals" have created an aggressive climate.

However, the opposition accuses the government of exploiting the attack to silence criticism of its policies.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico speaks to the media during his regional trip in Handlova. Jan Krolak/TASR/dpa
Slovenia's Tomaz Vesel has withdrawn his bid to join Ursula von der Leyen's team of European Commissioners, after the Slovenian government came under pressure to nominate a female candidate, according to Slovenian press agency STA.

The decision was based on "talks" with von der Leyen that "concluded that they had divergent views on the functioning of the new European Commission", STA reported.

The news comes after von der Leyen pressured smaller EU member states to pick female candidates to serve in the next EU executive, to enable her to achieve gender balance in the next team, according to diplomatic sources.

The Slovenian government had initially defied such pressure, saying in a statement on Tuesday that the coalition government remained "united" around Vesel's candidacy.

But on Wednesday, von der Leyen voiced frustration at EU governments for undermining her efforts to ensure equal representation of men and women in her next college, the 27 senior officials who'll steer the EU's powerful executive over the next five years.

"I have throughout my whole political life been fighting for women having access to decision-making positions and leading positions," von der Leyen said on Wednesday in Brussels.

"And my experience is that if you don't ask for it, you don't get it. It does not come naturally," she continued. "This is why I sent my letter. Because if I had not sent this letter, there would not have been a hook (...) to look at the diversity topic."

In July, she explicitly asked member states to name two candidates, one male and one female. Only one country, Bulgaria, heeded that request, meaning the roster of candidates bidding to join von der Leyen's team stood at nine women and 17 men.

Von der Leyen also said competence and relevant experience were prerequisites for joining her team, adding that a European Commissioner needs a track record in government, diplomacy or EU institutions.

Vesel, a lawyer who previously served as the president of the Slovenian Court of Auditors, may have fallen foul of those criteria.

Von der Leyen has also asked the bloc's smallest member state, Malta, to propose a woman as an alternative to Glenn Micallef, the 35-year-old former Head of Secretariat of Prime Minister Robert Abela.
The Territorial Army unit of the Indian Army has rescued two labourers trapped while carrying out clearance of a choked stream in Khongsang while the search operation is still underway to find a missing labourer, said the Indian Army in an official statement. The rescue operation was carried out on Friday. These three labourers were working to clear mud and debris that had accumulated under minor bridge 60 between Thingou and Khongsang Railway Station. All of a sudden there was a rise in the speed of the flow of debris and mud, due to which the earthmoving equipment was washed away and the labourers were trapped in the stream. As soon as the information was received, a team of soldiers from Territorial Army launched a search and rescue operation and successfully rescued two workers. However, the search for the third missing worker is still in progress and additional troops have been sent to the site. The official statement from the Territorial Army reads, "Three labourers were involved in clearing mud and debris that had accumulated and choked the flow of stream under minor bridge 60 (near Tunnel 11) between Thingou (8 kms West of Khongsang) and Khongsang Railway Stations, when the debris suddenly gave way, causing a rush of water, mud, and rocks that swept away the earthmoving equipment and trapped the three workers." It added, "Upon receiving information about the incident, the soldiers of Territorial Army swiftly deployed a search and rescue team from their Company Operating Base (COB) at Thingou, Manipur. The team, led by one Officer, one Junior Commissioned Officer and 10 Other Ranks, successfully rescued two workers. The search for the third missing worker was still in progress at the time filing the report. Additional troops have reached the site." (ANI)
When, then?

Georgia governor, in response to the latest mass shooting, says this not the time to talk about gun control. Will this make their grieving easier? Sen. Vance says we need to have better safety protocols. Anything but controlling access to guns. Nobody needs an assault weapon to hunt or protect your home. The NRA owns some of our legislators by donating to their campaigns.

Immigration bill

Former president Donald Trump may have encouraged the defeat of the latest bill before Congress on immigration, but Republicans have enough sense to do this without his support. There are more than enough illegal immigrants in our country. We need to eliminate the criminals and then do something about helping the ones already here. Most seem to be living in conditions less than favorable. That bill would continue to allow more illegal immigration. At a limit of 4,000 to 5,000 a week, that still adds up to millions a year. Deal with the ones here first.

Its not fear

I dont think either candidate is actually scared to debate but it would be very, very difficult to find a network and moderators who everyone would agree are 100% neutral. We do know that true to form, Donald Trump has made his excuses for not showing well ahead of time. They were biased, crooked, out to get him and cheated in the vice presidents favor, and blah ... blah ... blah.

Senseless

Why in the world would anyone in their right minds think that its a good idea to give a 14 year old an AR-15 rifle as a gift? Its insane.

Not racism

So, a recent Sound Off laments that the fans attending Crusin The Coast get better treatment than the Black spring breakers. The lament says its racism, naturally. But what is it, really? Could it possibly be behavior?

Hes unfit

Donald Trump more often than not puts his foot in his mouth. Its a sure sign that he is out of control and is unfit to represent the USA in any way against countries that would want to take advantage of him as president. He speaks without thinking which can be a fatal flaw.

Trump at Arlington

Is there no limit to the shenanigans Donald Trump will use to boost his ego at the expense of others. His campaign fiasco at Arlington National Cemetery is an affront to the military members who died for our freedom, and their families. I find it offensive for him to use this opportunity for self-serving purposes. And to berate an employee at the cemetery is reprehensible. Wake up, America. This guy is an ego-maniac that will stop at nothing to become the autocratic ruler of our precious democracy.

Send your Sound Offs to soundoff@sunherald.com.
HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW)  South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilsons office paid nearly $3,000 for his first trip to the southern border earlier this week, a spokesman told News13.

Wilson spent one night at a private residence along with a senior advisor, stopping in El Paso, Texas on Tuesday. The commercial airfare was $2,647, his office said.

Wilson said in a news release he was briefed by Texas Department of Public Safety officials about the many issues there that affect South Carolina, and joined by attorneys general Chris Carr of Georgia and Jason Miyares of Virginia.

Last year, 3.3% of South Carolinas crimes were immigration-related, compared to 30% nationally, according to U.S. Sentencing Commission figures.

Wilson spokesman Robert Kittle told News13 the attorney general met with Texas Border Czar Mike Banks and officials from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency.

Illegal drugs from Mexican cartels come up through the southern border and end up in SC every day, Kittle said. He was also briefed and given updated information on human trafficking and how our current border policies have lent themselves to increases in human trafficking.

Since 2021, the U.S. Department of Justices Joint Task Force Alpha  created specifically to human trafficking and smuggling from Central American nations and Mexico  have made more than 300 arrests yielding roughly 240 convictions.

Wilsons efforts at strengthening South Carolinas illegal immigration laws and policies have been part of his administration. Last month he joined a federal suit looking to block taxpayer-funded healthcare services for children brought into the nation by non-citizens.

Kittle said the State Grand Jury has taken on nine recent cases involving 527 defendants, some of whom are undocumented immigrants.

Examples include:

Devil in Disguise: An investigation centered on fentanyl and methamphetamine thats resulted in 90 defendants

Las Senoritas: An investigation primarily involving methamphetamine thats resulted in 54 defendants

Triple Crown: An investigation primarily involving cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and fentanyl thats resulted in 63 defendants

Los Banditos: An investigation involving methamphetamine resulting in 44 defendants including undocumented immigrants

Rocket Fuel: An investigation involving methamphetamine resulting in 35 defendants

Groundhog Day: An investigation centered on methamphetamine resulting in 39 defendants

Prison Empire: An investigation involving methamphetamine resulting in 100 defendants including undocumented immigrants

Polar Express: An investigation involving methamphetamine resulting in 56 defendants including undocumented immigrants

Graceland: An investigation primarily involving methamphetamine resulting in 46 defendants

In a statement, Kittle said Wilson had no faith in a high-profile bipartisan border security bill that was derailed earlier in the year.

It did a great job of throwing large amount of money at the symptoms of the crisis while ignoring the root causes of the crisis, Wilsons office said. It did a great job of funding the pipeline for processing illegals into the interior but did very little to disincentivize the illegal border crossings to begin with.

Kittle told News13 Wilson has no plans for a return trip to the border.

* * *

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.
A local hospital needs help to identify two patients who were found injured in Los Angeles County.

The patients are described as a man around 55 years old and a woman who is believed to be 58, according to the Los Angeles General Medical Center.

The patients were found injured and have been hospitalized for some time, including one whos been in the hospital all year. Hospital staff are hoping to locate their family members.

The first patient is a man around 55 years old. He is described as possibly Asian, standing 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing around 160 pounds. He has dark brown hair, brown eyes and a medium build.

A male patient around 55 years old who was found injured in Los Angeles has been hospitalized since Dec. 17, 2023. (Los Angeles General Medical Center)

He has been hospitalized for nearly nine months since being admitted on Dec. 17, 2023. He was found lying on the ground in Los Angeles, staff said.

The second patient, the 58-year-old woman, is 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighs around 140 pounds. She has salt and pepper hair, brown eyes and an average build.

A 58-year-old female patient who was found injured in L.A.s Skid Row area has been hospitalized since Aug. 27, 2024. (Los Angeles General Medical Center)

Officials said the woman is originally from Shreveport, Louisiana. She was found injured on the ground near 6th and Hill Streets in L.A.s Skid Row area.

She has been hospitalized since Aug. 27.

Neither patient has any personal belongings to help staff identify them or contact loved ones.

Anyone who recognizes these patients is asked to call clinical social workers Mercedes Mark at 323-409-3786 or Jocelyn Mayo at 323-409-4463.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Special prosecutor calls behavior of Franklin officials irregular. But was it a crime?

Two of three Franklin County officials being investigated for misconduct, witness tampering and making false or misleading statements will not be charged with crimes.

Franklin County Commissioner Rocky Mullen and Franklin County Auditor Matt Beaton both faced felony charges after being accused of committing crimes in connection with a complicated conflict and alleged cover-up centered on a $12,500 payment to the former HAPO Center management company.

The case was reviewed by Elise Deschenes, chief deputy for the Snohomish County Prosecutors Office, who sent a notice dated Aug. 6 declining to prosecute the cases. The Franklin County Prosecutors Office had asked her to handle the case to avoid a conflict of interest, since it is the countys lawyer.

Deschenes wrote that both Mullen and Beaton engaged in irregular behavior but that there was insufficient evidence to prove criminal behavior beyond a reasonable doubt.

The notices concerning Mullen and Beaton were released Sept. 6 in response to a Washington state Public Records Act request by the Tri-City Herald. It is not clear if a final decision has been made concerning the third person implicated in the dispute, Commissioner Clint Didier.

Deschenes notices  one for Mullen and one for Beaton  did not mention Didier.

Scott Johnson, Beatons criminal defense attorney, released a statement to the public on Friday calling the investigation wrongheaded and politically motivated.
I spent a night at Azulik, the most famous hotel in Tulum. I wouldn't go back.

Azulik is a stunning resort in the Tulum jungle, but it's not worth staying the night. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

I recently spent the night at Azulik, a luxury eco-resort nestled in the jungle of Tulum, Mexico.

I thought my treehouse suite, lit by candlelight, was beautiful.

But the food at both of the resort's restaurants was a disappointment.

"Reconnection" is a word that appears often on the website of Azulik, a luxury eco-resort nestled in the jungle of Tulum, Mexico.

It welcomes you to a "sanctuary for reconnection and wellness." It promises spaces that were created for "reconnection and spiritual alignment." And it instructs you to "reconnect with the wonderful ecosystems around you."

Reconnection wasn't what I found at Azulik's famed sunset hour, where guests were glued to their phones as the sky changed from orange to gold. Nor was it at the resort's beach club, where I spotted multiple camera tripods, or by my treehouse suite, where a security guard ensured no one got a free photo opportunity.

Azulik's breathtaking scenery and treehouse suite made for some beautiful pictures, and my massage at the spa was heavenly. But from the hidden fees to the lackluster dining, I found a resort whose appeal mostly runs Instagram-deep.

Azulik didn't respond to a request for comment.

Azulik is one of the most famous hotels in Tulum.

The Azulik resort features 48 villas, two on-site restaurants, and a private beach club. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

Azulik's picturesque rooftop and restaurants have become as ubiquitous to Tulum's online image as the pink-and-white checkered swimming pool at Hotel Panamera or the swinging velvet chairs at Casa Malca. Celebrities such as Shay Mitchell and Kristin Cavallari have stayed in Azulik's treehouse suites, and Vanessa Hudgens tied the knot at its nearby museum.

"I felt like I was transported to some kind of utopia, unlike anything I had ever been to before," Hudgens told Vogue following her December 2023 wedding. "It was whimsical and magical, and I just fell in love."

On my first two trips to Tulum, I drove by Azulik a number of times and was extremely intrigued by the idea of a candlelit luxury treehouse. So when I headed back in May to check out the brand-new Tulum airport, I knew exactly where I would stay.

Before I left for Tulum, I wanted to learn more about Azulik's origins.

Tulum's resort is connected via these unique suspended pathways, made of branches. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

Azulik was dreamed up and designed by the architect Eduardo "Roth" Neira, who was hailed by Forbes in 2019 as "the hotelier seeking to save Tulum." Dismayed with how Tulum's landscape had been razed to build hotels for the growing influx of tourists, Roth set out to create a resort that would "reconnect people with the natural world."

"We are destroying everything," he told Forbes. "So what I tried to do is respect nature, and not cut any trees."

Azulik's restaurants and villas are connected via pathways made of linked logs suspended over the ground, meant to "make space for the animals to crawl below," the resort's website states. Their windy trails, which twist and turn around the jungle, are an intentional rejection of straight lines  "a human invention." Lush trees and fauna provide a protective canopy around the resort, allowed to "continue their journey" in the jungle.

Call me a hopeless romantic or an easy target, but it all sounded poetic. Would the experience live up to its admirable origins?

My stay began in the check-in lounge, where I was immediately handed a clipboard with a two-page disclaimer.

The lobby at Azulik. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

Starting our stay with paperwork didn't exactly scream luxury. It was quite different from the peaceful check-in process I had experienced two days earlier at La Valise, where my mom and I had been greeted with fresh margaritas.

But we dutifully carried our clipboards to a couch, where I began reading the disclaimer. It first noted that we were "assuming the risk of staying in a place surrounded by the lushness of the jungle" and advised that we do not come into contact with or feed the animals. Fair enough!

Then there were the fees: $20 in case we lost the "access control wristband" (a piece of string), $20 if we lost the magnetic key, and $200 for smoking. But most surprising was the note that it was strictly forbidden to use a professional camera within the hotel, the noncompliance of which could result in a charge of $15,000. By signing the disclosure, I authorized the resort to use my credit card on file for "the full payment of all charges."

Even with no professional camera, I balked at the over-the-top fee. Welcome to Azulik.

Once our disclaimers were signed, it was time for a tour.

Waterways glisten under the suspended pathways throughout the resort. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

A woman in a flowing Grecian dress introduced herself as one of Azulik's "angels," the term they use for their staff members.

As we left the dark lounge and walked out into the lush jungle, I was briefly struck by the resort's beauty. The waterways throughout the hotel glistened under the sun, and the flourishing trees provided gorgeous scenery and comforting shade.

But as we began to walk around, I realized that the pathways were quite  bumpy. The curvy branches were of different sizes and lengths, creating an irregular floor. On its website, Azulik says this "invites us to pay attention to our every step." It also notes that this is one of the reasons children aren't permitted on the premises.

While I was fine to walk the pathways, my mom, who is in her 60s, struggled a bit. The website notes that the Azulik rooms are "not suitable for people with disabilities," but the pathways could be tough even if you just have issues with your back or knees.

As we walked through one of the lounges, I stopped to check out the event schedule written on a chalkboard.

The activity board in an Azulik lounge showcased a range of classes and workshops. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

Azulik has a range of activities for its guests, including daily vinyasa yoga at 8 a.m.

Workshops on ego masks, flower mandalas, and "healing the inner child" are also offered throughout the week.

Then, it was time for Azulik's traditional "energy cleansing" welcome ceremony.

We had our welcome ceremony in this tent, standing on the wooden platform. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

My mother and I dutifully waited as three friends handed their phones to one of the angels to take a video of them as the ceremony began. They stepped onto a wooden platform, grasped each other's hands, and shut their eyes as a woman wafted incense around them. We learned that this ceremony was meant to help guide us into a state of deep relaxation and leave the negative energies and stress behind.

Is this just an Instagram gimmick? I tried to push down the cynical thought as my mother and I stepped onto the platform and grabbed each other's hands when it was our turn. I took a deep breath, reminding myself that this was all part of the experience.

Once the tour was complete, we arrived at our treehouse villa.

My villa for the night was framed with a lush of beautiful trees. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

My mom and I stayed in the Mayan Villa, which cost $510 for one night during my May trip.

Room rates at Azulik can fluctuate widely depending on the villa you choose and when your trip is booked. The price tends to increase if you stay during Tulum's peak season from December to April.

Our dreamy suite was one of my favorite parts of Azulik.

I paid $510 to spend a night in the Mayan Villa. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

As we walked in, the room was drenched in sunlight, its many windows covered by blinds made from branches.

A round king bed stood in the center of the room. It was plush and cool, flanked by a gauzy mosquito net that hid a small ceiling fan. Our suite also had an air conditioner, a welcome reprieve as temperatures hit above 80 degrees.

You can find my full room tour at Azulik here.

Since the villa has no electric lights, there were candles spread throughout the space.

A staff member comes into each room to light the tea candles every night when the sun sets. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

While every Azulik villa has WiFi and a power outlet to charge your phone, there are no lamps. Instead, a staff member comes by every night to light all the tea candles as the sun goes down.

According to its website, this is an intentional choice that Azulik hopes will "create an atmosphere of tranquility." The resort also notes that it wanted to forego any "light pollution that severely impacts the environment of creatures like sea turtles."

We were also surprised to find that there was no shower.

My room's handmade mosaic bathtub. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

Every villa at Azulik comes with a handmade mosaic bathtub. Its website says this is meant to encourage guests to "take your time, soak in the tub with bath salts, and relax."

The beautiful mosaic bathtub, decorated with hand-painted blue flowers, matched the nearby sink. Half a coconut shell rested on the edge to help with bathing. The usual provided toiletries were available, but alas, no bath salts.

As my mom and I walked around the resort, we realized much of the space was dedicated to the spa.

One of the spa's many pools and massage beds. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

We saw several pools, like the one above, which featured two massage beds set up for upcoming appointments.

Many of the beds overlooked the ocean, allowing guests to enjoy the sound of crashing waves during their services. It was a stunning setup that matched the unique design of the spa, which I got a full view of the following morning.

But I found it a bit strange that there were so many miniature pools dedicated to decoration when Azulik didn't have an actual pool for guests to swim in. Tulum's beaches are frequently covered in sargassum during its seaweed season (around May to October), so no pool seemed like a strange choice  especially for a luxury resort.

We then headed to the rooftop for Azulik's famed sunset hour.

The rooftop had suspended nets, allowing you to sit over the resort. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

Azulik's daily sunset hour begins at 5 p.m., and there are no reservations  spots are given on a first-come, first-served basis. The experience is free for guests and $50 for the general public, which includes a complimentary drink.

After making our way up several staircases, we were met with the sounds of melodic techno. "This feels like Burning Man light," I wrote in my notes as I spotted the moody DJ with a leopard-print pashmina slung over his head.

Despite being a popular event, only a few small tables were set up on the expansive roof. Most people stood and held their drinks, while some opted to lie down on the suspended nets over the trees.

Most of the seating was reserved for the private VIP "nests."

One of the nests on the rooftop at Azulik. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

Depending on which table you reserve, the nests cost 10,000 to 12,000 Mexican pesos, or around $500 to $600, for eight to 12 people. The cost does not include food or drinks.

Every nest I saw on the rooftop was empty, save for one. It seemed like another instance in which profit had won over guests' comfort.

The rooftop offered a 360-degree view of the jungle and the sea, which was undeniably stunning.

We caught a stunning sunset during the rooftop hour. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

It was a beautiful sight, especially as the sun began to set and the sky shone gold.

We then made our way to Tseen Ja for dinner.

The bridge to Tseen Ja. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

We walked across a swing bridge from Kin Toh to Tseen Ja, Azulik's two on-site restaurants.

The design choice represents the "connection between Mexican and Japanese culture," according to the website. I thought it was a sweet touch that added to the resort's treehouse effect.

Our meal began with the yin and yang bao buns and truffle edamame.

The yin and yang bao buns at Tseen Ja. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

The first dish  which cost 500 pesos, or about $25  featured a white bao bun filled with delicious Kurobuta pork belly, its tender meat slick with a rich and savory sauce. But I thought the black bun, filled with crab, was strange. The texture was dry and crunchy, while the meat was tasteless.

We made up for the latter's lack of flavor with the edamame, which cost 390 pesos, or about $19, came covered in truffles, and was packed with umami.

We also tried both bowls of ramen on the menu.

The miso kurobuta ramen at Tseen Ja. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

The miso kurobuta ramen  which cost 1,120 pesos, or about $56  featured a panko pork belly that was so soft and tender, its crispy skin soaking up the silky broth.

But the more expensive ramen shifudo, costing 1,300 pesos, or about $65, was almost inedible with its undercooked noodles and overwhelmingly fishy seafood stock.

Even with its beautiful setting, the food at Tseen Ja was a pricey disappointment.

Glowing orbs illuminated the resort's stairs and pathways, guiding us on our walk back to the villa.

The pathways of Azulik at night. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

When we walked through the door, our room was glowing in candlelight. It was a lovely and relaxing sight, especially right before bed.

We began the next morning by enjoying room service on our terrace.

Our small breakfast on the terrace. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

While dinner had been a bust the night before, our Mayan hot chocolate and fresh "energizing" juice were both delicious.

My mom and I listened to the sounds of the crashing waves, soaking up our last few hours in Tulum as we ate the plate of fresh fruit.

We then headed over to Imix, Azulik's private beach club.

Azulik's private beach club is clothing-optional. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

The beach club was just opening as we made our way to Imix at 9 a.m., but the three friends we had seen at the "energy cleansing" ceremony were already filming content with their tripods.

The sand was dotted with comfortable sun loungers and daybeds, their plush white cushions glimmering under the hot sun. Pillows had been arranged to make the shape of a heart.

After soaking up some sun, we checked out Azulik's stunning spa.

The spa at Azulik is beautifully designed. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

The open-air spa was breathtaking, full of lush trees and glistening waterways. The extensive menu included the typical massages and facials, as well as temazcal and cacao ceremonies, sound healing, tarot and solar return readings, meditation classes, and more.

After strolling past all the massage beds the day before, my mom and I couldn't resist booking a service. Our massage beds were set up by one of the cliffs overlooking the sea, and the experience was downright heavenly. It's been months since our trip, and my mom and I still reminisce about those massages. They were among the best we've ever had.

They were also cheaper than I expected, costing 6,600 pesos, or around $330, for both services. Since the spa is open to non-guests, I highly recommend visiting it if you want some pampering on your next Tulum vacation.

Before checking out of the resort, we stopped by Kin Toh for lunch. Unfortunately, the food was just as disappointing as Tseen Ja.

Our plate of tacos at Kin Toh. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

Like Tseen Ja, Kin Toh, located right under the rooftop, is beautifully designed. The restaurant's many windows let you spot the tops of trees. The wooden tables are decorated with lovely runners, designed to look like sand dollars.

The beginning of lunch was promising as our frothy pina coladas and fresh guacamole arrived at the table. Then the tacos came out.

We tried four different tacos, costing between 220 to 230 pesos, or around $11. It's quite the excessive price per taco, and they didn't make up for it in flavor. The flank steak we tried was dry, the shrimp was flavorless, and everything lacked sauce. The only taco my mom and I kind of enjoyed was the chicken, which had been marinated in orange juice. We regretted only ordering one, but we had a plane to catch.

Stomachs still grumbling, our journey at Azulik had come to an end.

Azulik is a stunning place, but much of our experience felt like a tourist trap rather than a luxury resort.

The entrance to Azulik's Kin Toh restaurant. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

There's no denying that Azulik is beautifully designed. Walking over its waterways and climbing the stairs to its treehouse restaurants, I felt transported to a real jungle escape.

However, the food was nowhere near the quality of what a luxury resort should offer, especially at such exorbitant prices. The hidden fees and emphasis on VIP nests also felt like the resort was just trying to make as much money off its guests as possible.

The spa was a lovely experience, though. It's a much better way to see the resort as a non-guest than going to sunset hour or eating at one of the restaurants.

They say a picture's worth a thousand words. But at Azulik, there's far more to the story than what you see on Instagram.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Stamford student made online threat to shoot up the school

STAMFORD, Conn. (WTNH)  A female student at Stamford High School was arrested and charged for making online threats using the social media app known as Snapchat.

On Friday at 2:00 p.m., the FBI notified the Stamford Police Departments Dispatch Center about a shooting threat made online. Police say the student threatened to shoot up the school, which prompted investigators to search for her location rapidly.

Investigators determined the phone number linked to the Snapchat account belonged to a resident in Stamford, and the exact location was pinpointed to Stamford High School.

Detectives identified the student, and she was apprehended by the schools resource officer and officers with the patrol division.

Police say no weapon was found in the school.

The student was associated with two separate residences, which officials thoroughly searched, and no weapon was discovered.

The student was charged with threatening and breach of peace in the first degree. The student will appear in court on September 13.

This investigation is ongoing, and officials are working with Snapchat to obtain additional 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 WTNH.com.
(Bloomberg) -- Prime Minister Keir Starmer blamed his Conservative predecessors for leaving Englands health service in a broken state, in his latest effort to frame the political narrative ahead of whats expected to be a difficult budget proposal next month.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Successive Tory-led governments dealt unforgiveable damage to the National Health Service in the 14 years before his Labour Partys landslide election victory in July, Starmer told the BBC in an interview set to air on Sunday.

It was the latest in a series of appearances by the prime minister in which hes sought to shift the blame for the UKs mounting problems away from Labour.

Everybody watching this who has used the NHS, or whose relatives have, knows that its broken, Starmer said, according to excerpts released on Saturday. That is unforgivable, the state of our NHS.

The interview comes ahead of a report expected to be published on Sept. 12 that finds reforms under Conservative Health Secretary Andrew Lansley in 2012 were hopelessly misconceived. Starmer said the review by a prominent surgeon, Dr. Ara Darzi, would reveal that too many children were being let down by the NHS.

The NHS, which was set up under Prime Minister Clement Attlees Labour government in the wake of World War II, has long been a totemic issue in British politics. Its recent strains  illustrated by a surge in wait times to get doctors appointments since the Covid pandemic  have been a chief contributor to a sense that the British state is broken.

While Starmer has pledged to improve public services, he has little money to invest in them, with Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves considering tax hikes and spending cuts to plug what she says is a 22 billion ($29 billion) black hole left by the Conservatives in the current years budget. Starmer warned last month that Reevess first fiscal plan on Oct. 30 would be painful.

Victoria Atkins, the Conservatives shadow health secretary, dismissed the criticism of the partys record as political. Labours instinct is to politicize childrens health, rather than provide solutions and reform our NHS, she said in a statement.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  Several organizations and individuals have filed a preliminary injunction claiming Amendment D  which is set to be on Utahs November ballot  uses deceitful language to mislead Utah voters.

According to court documents, the League of Women Voters of Utah and Mormon Women for Ethical Government, along with several individuals, are claiming that the summary of Amendment D that will be on the voting ballot seeks through deception to mislead Utah voters into surrendering their constitutional rights.

The ballot language violates the Constitutions and Codes requirements for submitting amendments to voters, the document read.

Mark Gaber, an attorney on the case, said the wording on the ballot and the amendment have nothing to do with each other.

When I read that language, I guess I was shocked, he said. I was shocked at the level of deception that the speaker of the house and the senate president were willing to engage in on a ballot in a democracy.

The court document claims that the Utah Constitution requires that the amendment itself  or at the very least an accurate summary  is submitted to voters to approve, not a misleading and false summary of it.

RELATED STORY: Utah Supreme Court ruling means gerrymandering lawsuit can move forward

President J. Stuart Adams and Speaker Mike Shultz sent a statement to ABC4 on the filing of the injunction saying, Its ironic that the very people who claim to advocate for greater voter engagement are the same ones trying to obstruct Utahns from having the opportunity to vote on this important matter.

The plaintiffs are clearly concerned about leaving it to voters to decide. Before initiatives overwhelm and significantly alter our state, Utahns should have the opportunity to voice their opinions, the statement read.

The injunction is the latest in a series of complaints that ultimately culminated in the Utah State Legislature calling a special session in August. During the session, legislators approved the passage of Senate Joint Resolution 40 which secured a spot for the constitutional amendment on the November ballot.

Gaber said this issue began in 2018 when voters passed Proposition 4 calling for an independent redistricting process to combat gerrymandering in the state of Utah. The legislature later repealed Proposition 4 and replaced it with a watered-down version that put no limits on the legislature, he said.

A bipartisan group then challenged the legislature through a lawsuit that the Utah Supreme Court unanimously passed in July. Gaber said the court agreed that theres an existing constitutional right that Utah voters have to alter and reform their government, and the legislature cant just then repeal those initiatives.

Adams and Schultz, however, previously said the ruling was one of the worst outcomes they had seen from the Utah Supreme Court. They said the courts ruling allowed voter initiatives to become immutable super laws.'

Gaber said the house speaker and senate president previously expressed their desire to weaken the initiative process when responding to the courts ruling, however, Amendment D now claims to strengthen the initiative process.

It just straight-up lies about what the amendment would do, Gaber said. It is really just an amazing effort to trick the voters of Utah into forfeiting their constitutional rights and transferring them over to the legislature.

Gaber encourages voters to do research and educate themselves on the amendment.

The voters of Utah need to band together. This isnt a partisan issue. This is not an ideological issue. Its about whether or not the people have the power over the legislature, he said.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

Matthew Drachman contributed to reporting.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President Sanjay Singh said on Saturday that the joining of wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia to the Congress party was proof that the Congress was behind the wrestlers' protest and that Deepender Hooda and the Hooda family were the masterminds behind it. Speaking to ANI, Singh said that this move was bound to happen and that this entire protest was happening at the behest of the Congress party. "They joined the Congress, so this proves that they were behind that protest. Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh was associated with the BJP. I am not associated with any party or person but they still opposed me too... This whole protest was politically motivated," he said. "This was bound to happen. It is known to the whole country that this entire protest was happening at the behest of Congress and its mastermind was Deepender Hooda, the Hooda family. The foundation of this protest was laid on the day when our Prime Minister praised Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, saying that wrestling is in safe hands," he added. He further stated that the entire protest had halted the wrestling activity for two years, due to which the country got fewer medals in the Paris Olympics. "They started the protest and Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh distanced himself from wrestling, so the issue should have ended there, but it was politically motivated and Congress was behind it...This entire conspiracy was also hatched because 4-5 wrestling medals were going to come in the Olympics. The protest also affected those medals. There was no wrestling activity for 2 years in the Olympic year, so due to that, we got fewer medals. Our wrestlers were not able to practice... Now these people are not going to have any impact on our wrestling association."," the WFI president said. Earlier today, former WFI president and Bharatiya Janata Party leader Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh said the joining of Phogat and Punia to the Congress party proves that the entire wrestlers' movement was a "conspiracy" against him and the Congress party was behind it. Brij Bhushan further stated that just when the wrestler's protest started at Jantar Mantar in January last year, he had claimed that it was not a movement of sportspersons and Congress was behind it, led by Bhupinder Hooda. "On 18th January 2023, when the protest started at Jantar Mantar, I said that this is not a movement of sportspersons; Congress is behind it. Especially Bhupinder Hooda, Deepender Hooda, Priyanka Ji, and Rahul Ji. This is a movement of Congress. And today this thing has been proved. In this entire movement, the conspiracy that happened against us, Congress was involved in it and Bhupinder Hooda was leading it," he said. Singh further alleged that the wrestler's protest was not for the dignity of women, adding that because of the protests, the 'daughters' of Haryana are facing embarrassment. Earlier on Friday, the two ace wrestlers, Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia, joined the Congress almost a month before the Haryana assembly polls. Punia won bronze at the Tokyo Olympics, while Vinesh Phogat became the first woman wrestler to reach the Olympics final in Paris last month. The wrestlers resigned from their respective positions in Northern Railways earlier on that day. Within hours of them joining the party, wrestler Vinesh Phogat was fielded in the Julana constituency for the upcoming Haryana polls. Whereas, Bajrang Punia was appointed working president of the All India Kisan Congress. Punia and Phogat joined the Congress in the presence of Congress general secretary KC Venugopal, party leader Pawan Khera, Udai Bhan, and AICC incharge of Haryana Deepak Babaria. (ANI)
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  Residents across North County reported smelling a strong chemical scent outside Friday afternoon, with many taking to social media to speculate about its origin.

Those as far north as Oceanside and as far south as Encinitas said they began to encounter the odor around 5 p.m. in a flurry of posts on Twitter and Reddit. Some described it as toxic while others said it had a kind of smoke-like stench.

Many speculated that the smell blanketing North County was linked with a fire at a San Diego Gas & Electric-operated battery storage facility in Escondido, but San Diego County Air Pollution Control District officials said in a statement around 8:30 p.m. Friday that it was not related.

Our field inspectors are on-site and have documented odors resembling a mix of plastic and asphalt/oil in certain areas but the odors dissipate quickly, the district continued. Due to the fleeting nature of the odors, we have been unable to identify the source at this time.

Heat Hub tracking extreme temperatures to learn how to adapt

An investigation remains ongoing into smells origin. Hazmat teams were dispatched to the Interstate 5 corridor where the smell was reported for air sampling, Oceanside police said in a post on X around 6:20 p.m.

Environmental Protection Agency officials, the U.S. Coast Guard, county health and emergency services, and local officials also coordinated in efforts to respond to the stench reports.

An incident page through the countys emergency alert system, Alert San Diego, was launched around 6 p.m. to provide updates about the investigation into the stench. No further details were immediately available.

While the lithium-ion battery fire at the storage facility was ruled out as a contributor to the stench, strong fumes did impact part of North County on Thursday, as a mandatory evacuation warning was put in place for surrounding area.

Thats why we left, we couldnt stand the smell of it, one business owner told FOX 5/KUSI on Friday regarding the Escondido fire.

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 FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
Super Typhoon Yagi is making landfall on Chinas Hainan island, bringing heavy rain and powerful winds to much of the southern Chinese coastline as well as Hong Kong and Macau.

Chinese state media said 400,000 had been evacuated in Hainan as schools were closed for a second day and flights were cancelled across the region.

The storms windspeeds reached 245kmph this morning, making Yagi the second-most powerful tropical cyclone anywhere in the world for 2024.

The eye of storm reached the northern tip of Hainan island on Friday afternoon, weather maps showed. It is expected to impact a large swathe of China before moving off towards Vietnam and Laos over the weekend.

Hainan had relocated 419,367 residents, transport links and businesses have been shut across the region, including the Hong Kong-Macau-Zhuhai bridge, the worlds longest sea crossing. The storm also closed the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

Four airports in northern Vietnam, including Hanois Noi Bai International Airport, have been shut.

Yagi doubled in strength after striking northern Philippines where it killed 16 people.

Scientists warn that typhoons are becoming stronger due to warmer oceans, fueled by climate crisis.

Key Points

Yagi makes landfall on Chinas Hainan

Yagi to make second landfall in Guangdong

China evacuates over 400,000 people ahead of Typhoon Yagi landfall

Mapped: Super Typhoon Yagi path and arrival time

Vietnam cancels hundreds of flights and shuts down airports ahead of Typhoon Yagi arrival

Why super typhoons like Yagi are becoming more common

This blog has been paused

Friday 6 September 2024 18:09 , Tom Watling

We are pausing our blog for now.

Please check in later for more coverage.

Photos: Rescue operations in Philippines following landslide triggered by Storm Yagi

Thursday 5 September 2024 06:30 , Stuti Mishra

Search and rescue operations continue in Antipolo, Rizal, at the site where people may be buried following a landslide triggered by Tropical Storm Yagi (Anadolu via Getty Images)

Search and rescue operations continue in Antipolo, Rizal, at the site where people may be buried following a landslide triggered by Tropical Storm Yagi (Anadolu via Getty Images)

Search and rescue operations continue in Antipolo, Rizal, at the site where people may be buried following a landslide triggered by Tropical Storm Yagi (Anadolu via Getty Images)

Super Typhoon Yagi is strongest tropical cyclone of 2024 so far

Thursday 5 September 2024 06:58 , Stuti Mishra

Super Typhoon Yagi, also known as Enteng in the Philippines, is the strongest tropical cyclone of 2024 worldwide, Matthew Cuyugan, a disaster management office in the Philippines, wrote on X.

It achieved this status with a minimum central pressure of 915 millibars and winds likely exceeding 160 mph, making it a Category 5 equivalent typhoon by various classifications, including the Japan Meteorological Agencys (JMA) highest storm classification as a violent typhoon.

BREAKING: #Yagi (formerly #EntengPH) becomes the strongest tropical cyclone WORLDWIDE this 2024.



It is now a VIOLENT typhoon by Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) - the highest storm classification by the RSMC Tokyo in the Western Pacific (WPAC) basin, and becoming the first pic.twitter.com/MV16vU6k0p  Matthew Cuyugan (@mscuyugan) September 5, 2024

How Hong Kong's typhoon alert system works

Thursday 5 September 2024 07:10 , Stuti Mishra

As Super Typhoon Yagi approaches Hong Kong, the city is set to raise the No 8 typhoon signal, prompting widespread closures and disruptions.

The Hong Kong Observatory uses a numbered typhoon warning system to alert residents to the severity of approaching storms and guide them in taking appropriate action. Heres how the system works:

No 1 Signal: The first level, No 1, is issued when a tropical cyclone is within 800 kilometres of Hong Kong. At this stage, the storm does not pose an immediate threat, but the signal serves as an early alert for the public to stay informed and monitor updates on the storms development.

No 3 Signal: As the storm draws closer and winds intensify to between 41 and 62 kmph, the No 3 signal is raised. This warning typically results in the closure of kindergartens and special schools, as seen earlier when Typhoon Yagi approached. Residents in exposed or vulnerable areas are advised to secure loose objects and take precautions against potential wind damage.

No 8 Signal: When winds reach 63 to 117 kmph, the No 8 signal is issued, as will be the case with Super Typhoon Yagi at 6.20pm local time (10.20am GMT) on Thursday. This is a critical alert, leading to the closure of businesses and a halt to most public transport services. Residents are urged to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.

No 9 and No 10 Signals: For the most severe conditions, No 9 and No 10 signals are issued, indicating winds above 118 kmph. These warnings signal extreme danger, advising residents to stay away from windows, avoid coastal areas, and remain indoors until the storm passes.

As Yagi is expected to pass 300 kilometres southwest of Hong Kong, the observatory has warned of deteriorating weather and stronger winds, with further alerts possible if the storm intensifies. Residents were asked to prepare for the impact expected from Thursday night through Friday morning.

Which countries will be affected by Super Typhoon Yagi?

Thursday 5 September 2024 07:30 , Stuti Mishra

Super Typhoon Yagi is expected to bring heavy wind gusts and rainfall to several countries in Southeast Asia. Starting with Chinas southeastern coast, particularly Guangdong and Hainan Island, Yagi will also affect northern Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand as it moves westward.

In China, Yagis landfall on Hainan will bring dangerous winds and torrential rain, with the strongest impact from Friday through Sunday. Major cities like Hong Kong, Macau, and Guangzhou are bracing for possible flooding and disruptions.

As the storm moves inland, northern Vietnam will experience heavy rains and strong winds, with the risk of flooding and landslides in mountainous areas.

Northern Laos and Thailand are also expected to face similar conditions, with intense rainfall potentially causing flash floods and landslides. Although the storm will weaken by the time it reaches these areas.

Photos: Residents in Philippines clean flooded homes after Tropical Storm Yagi

Thursday 5 September 2024 08:10 , Stuti Mishra

Residents sweep mud off the street, in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Yagi, locally known as Enteng, in Pilila, Rizal province, Philippines (REUTERS)

Jefernell Cervantes, 28, takes a break from cleaning the mud off their home after it was flooded due to Tropical Storm Yagi, locally known as Enteng, in Pilila, Rizal province, Philippines (REUTERS)

Workers collect garbage after floods caused by Tropical Storm Yagi, locally called Enteng, subside in Antipolo city, Rizal province, Philippines (AP)

Rainfall from Typhoon Yagi could exceed 30 inches as storm strengthens, forecaster warns

Thursday 5 September 2024 08:43 , Stuti Mishra

Typhoon Yagi, known as Enteng in the Philippines, is expected to intensify further as it tracks westward across the northern South China Sea in the coming days, according to warnings from AccuWeather meteorologists.

The storm, which is already generating substantial rainfall, is forecasted to bring between 16 and 30 inches (400 to 760 mm) of rain to regions including southern China, Hainan Island, northern Vietnam, northern Laos, and northern Thailand from Friday through Sunday. Such heavy rainfall could lead to severe flooding, mudslides, and significant transportation disruptions.

Wind speeds associated with Yagi are also projected to be extreme. Gusts could reach up to 160 mph (260 kmph), with AccuWeather forecast showing it potentially peaking at 180 mph (290 kmph). These powerful winds pose risks of substantial structural damage, widespread power outages, and major logistical delays. The most intense winds are expected near the storm's landfall, potentially impacting the Leizhou Peninsula or Hainan Island.

Photo: Funerals held for victims of landslide triggered by Storm Yagi

Thursday 5 September 2024 09:00 , Stuti Mishra

A funeral wake of Arlene Patangan Calano, 44 years old died due to the onslaught of Tropical Storm Yagi are seen with their family in Antipolo, Rizal. Arlene died by saving her siblings and grandchild against the flash flood. (Anadolu via Getty Images)

Dozens of flights cancelled in Hong Kong amid Super Typhoon Yagi

Thursday 5 September 2024 09:30 , Stuti Mishra

Thirty-eight flights were cancelled in Hong Kong today as the city prepared for Super Typhoon Yagi. The Airport Authority announced that transport arrangements will be made for affected passengers.

Chapman Fong Shui-man, deputy director for airport operations, said that all cancelled flights will be rescheduled on Friday, according to SCMP.

The most impacted airlines were Cathay Pacific Airways, budget carrier HK Express, Greater Bay Airlines, and Hong Kong Airlines.

Some bus services to the airport will also be suspended, with MTR trains adjusting services to fill the gaps left by the buses, Mr Fong said.

Hong Kong is set to issue its third-highest typhoon signal, No 8, at 6.40pm local time, which will shut many businesses and reduce transport in the region.

The city's weather observatory warns of intense rain bands affecting the territory, with heavy showers expected to continue today and tomorrow.

Macau under alert ahead of Super Typhoon Yagi

Thursday 5 September 2024 09:55 , Stuti Mishra

Macau has raised its alert level as Super Typhoon Yagi, currently in the northern South China Sea, moves west-northwest toward the region between Guangdong and Hainan Island.

Yagi is expected to pass within 300 kilometres south of Macau tomorrow bringing strengthening winds and frequent thunderstorms.

Due to the storm's extensive circulation, the Tropical Cyclone Signal No 8 may be issued on tonight, a government statement said.

Hong Kong is also expected to raise No 8 alert this evening.

In addition to the typhoon warning, low-lying areas in Macau's inner harbour could experience minor flooding of up to 0.5 meters, it said, raising the possibility of a Blue or Yellow Storm Surge Warning, depending on Yagi's exact path and intensity.

Photos: Waves thrash Chinese shore and dark clouds cover the sky ahead of Typhoon Yagi

Thursday 5 September 2024 10:15 , Stuti Mishra

A ship passes by as storm clouds gather over Victoria harbour in Hong Kong on September 5, 2024, as super typhoon Yagi tracked across the South China Sea towards the southern China coast (AFP via Getty Images)

Tourists take photos on the promenade at Victoria harbour in Hong Kong on Thursday as super typhoon Yagi tracked across the South China Sea towards the southern China coast (AFP via Getty Images)

A man looks up on a promenade at Victoria harbour in Hong Kong on Thursday as super typhoon Yagi tracked across the South China Sea towards the southern China coast (AFP via Getty Images)

Urgent action ordered as Vietnam prepares for Super Typhoon Yagi

Thursday 5 September 2024 10:30 , Stuti Mishra

Vietnam's prime minister Pham Minh Chinh has issued a call for urgent action as Super Typhoon Yagi approaches, with the storm expected to impact northern the and central regions of the country.

The typhoon, which intensified on Thursday while churning towards China's Hainan province, is expected to bring dangerous winds and heavy rains to coastal and inland areas of Laos, Vietnam and Thailand over the next few days.

A directive was sent by the Vietnamese PM to leaders of provinces and cities, including major regions such as Hanoi, Haiphong, and Quang Ninh, urging them to prioritise storm preparedness and public safety, according to Vietnam Plus.

The storm is forecast to impact the Gulf of Tonkin in Vietnam on Friday as it makes landfall in China, bringing strong winds, heavy rainfall, and the risk of floods and landslides.

Local authorities are instructed to postpone non-essential meetings, focus on securing vulnerable communities, and protect critical infrastructure like dykes, dams, and transportation networks, the news outlet reported.

Coastal areas and offshore vessels are also being secured, and all efforts are being made to prevent urban flooding and damage to agricultural production.

Deputy prime minister Tran Hong Ha has been tasked with overseeing response efforts, ensuring swift action to minimise the storm's impact on lives and property.

Photos: People wade through knee-deep water in Philippines after flooding from Typhoon Yagi

Thursday 5 September 2024 10:50 , Stuti Mishra

Roshien Bantog, 33, cooks a stew in the flood, during Tropical Storm Yagi, locally known as Enteng in Apalit, Pampanga, Philippines (REUTERS)

A resident cycles through a flooded street following heavy rains brought about by Tropical Storm Yagi at a village in Cainta town, Rizal province, East of Manila (AFP via Getty Images)

Residents push their motorcycle through a flooded street following heavy rains brought about by Tropical Storm Yagi at a village in Cainta town, Rizal province, East of Manila (AFP via Getty Images)

Hong Kong schools to stay closed on Friday as Super Typhoon Yagi approaches

Thursday 5 September 2024 11:10 , Stuti Mishra

Hong Kong will halt all school classes tomorrow as Super Typhoon Yagi approaches, bringing heavy rain and strong winds.

The suspension affects all day schools, including kindergartens, primary, secondary, and special schools, the Education Bureau announced on Thursday.

The Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) will issue its No 8 typhoon signal  the third level in a five-tiered system  at 6pm (local time) on Thursday, and it is set to remain in effect until at least noon on Friday.

Thursday evening classes have also been cancelled as a precaution.

Super Typhoon Yagi is expected to pass 300km southwest of Hong Kong on Friday morning. The current No 3 warning has been in place since yesterday night.

Dozens of flights have also been cancelled.

Mapped: Super Typhoon Yagi path and forecast

Thursday 5 September 2024 11:30 , Stuti Mishra

Storm Yagi has intensified into a super typhoon as it churns towards China, making it possibly the strongest storm to hit the country in nearly a decade.

Packing maximum sustained winds of 209kmph (130mph) near its eye, Yagi registers as the world's second-most powerful tropical cyclone in 2024 so far, after the Category 5 Atlantic Hurricane Beryl.

Its epicentre was located around 400km southeast of Zhanjiang City in Guangdong province on Thursday evening, moving westward at 10-15kmph.

The storm will have the biggest impact on Guangdong and Hainan, with landfall expected between Qionghai and Dianbai on Friday but Vietnam, Laos and Thailand can also expect heavy rainfall.

Major cities like Hong Kong, Macau, and Guangzhou are bracing for possible flooding and disruptions.

Here's the path for Super Typhoon Yagi and forecast for next few days.

Mapped: Yagi becomes a super typhoon as it heads for Chinese coast

Super Typhoon Yagi rainfall forecast: Up to 30 inches of rain expected

Thursday 5 September 2024 11:50 , Stuti Mishra

The latest rainfall forecast from AccuWeather shows Yagi is expected to bring up to 16 inches (400 mm) of rain, with some areas possibly receiving as much as 30 inches (760 mm), across southern China, Hainan Island, northern Vietnam, northern Laos, and northern Thailand between Friday and Sunday.

Map shows rainfall forecast from AccuWeather across southern China, Hainan Island, northern Vietnam, northern Laos, and northern Thailand between Friday and Sunday (AccuWeather)

Super Typhoon Yagi to lash east and west coasts of Thailand

Thursday 5 September 2024 12:10 , Stuti Mishra

Thailand's Meteorological Department has warned of heavy rain and windstorms this weekend as Super Typhoon Yagi approaches.

The storm, moving slowly westward from the South China Sea, is expected to pass over Hainan Island in China and reach northern Vietnam by Friday or Saturday, bringing significant weather impacts.

Thanasit Iam-ananchai, acting director-general of the Meteorological Department, said northern and northeastern Thailand will see heavy downpours and strong winds on Saturday and Sunday as a result of Yagis outer bands.

Coastal areas along the Andaman Sea and the upper Gulf of Thailand will also experience monsoon-driven rains on Thursday and Friday, with warnings of potential flash floods and runoffs.

Small boats are advised to remain ashore along both coasts until Sunday due to rough seas.

While Yagis main impact is centred on southern China, it is also expected to affect Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand, bringing significant rainfall to the region over the weekend.

Hong Kong Stock Exchange to close on Friday amid Typhoon Yagi disruptions

Thursday 5 September 2024 12:30 , Stuti Mishra

The Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX) will be closed on Friday morning due to Typhoon Yagi and could remain shuttered for the whole day.

The storm has prompted a No 8 alert from the Hong Kong Observatory, the third level in a five-tier warning system.Issued at 6.20pm local time, this alert indicates gale or storm-force winds near sea level and is expected to remain in effect at least until noon on Friday.

Under the current rules of the HKEX, a Typhoon Signal No 8 leads to the cancellation of the morning trading session.The status of the afternoon session will depend on whether the alert is lowered by noon.

If the signal is still in place, trading for the day will be entirely suspended.In addition to financial market impacts, Typhoon Yagi has also led to dozens of flight cancellations in Hong Kong and Hainan.

In photos: Rescue operations in Philippines after landslides

Thursday 5 September 2024 12:50 , Stuti Mishra

Rescuers carry the body of a resident who was found dead following a flooding that crushed a house, after Typhoon Yagi (Enteng) bringing heavy rains and strong winds hit the country, in the mountainous area of Antipolo, Rizal, The Philippines, on Tuesday (Anadolu via Getty Images)

Shoes are seen near a site that has seen three people missing following a flood, as Typhoon Yagi (Enteng) bringing heavy rains and strong winds hit the country, in the mountainous area of Antipolo, Rizal, The Philippines (Anadolu via Getty Images)

How typhoons like Yagi are getting stronger and more dangerous

Thursday 5 September 2024 13:10 , Stuti Mishra

Typhoons have been growing more intense in recent years, a phenomenon closely linked to the effects of the climate crisis.

Warmer ocean temperatures are providing the fuel that intensifies these storms, increasing their wind speeds and the amount of rain they produce.

Scientists warn that as the planet continues to warm, typhoons and hurricanes will become more frequent and destructive.In 2024 alone, weve seen several powerful storms, including Super Typhoon Yagi, which devastated the Philippines and is now heading towards China, and Hurricane Beryl that tore through the Caribbean, Mexico and the US.

Yagis winds have exceeded 200kmph, placing it among the strongest storms on record. Similarly, Typhoon Shanshan, which hit Japan last week, was the countrys most powerful storm in decades.

These supercharged storms pose significant threats to coastal regions, as they bring not only strong winds but also the risk of extreme flooding and landslides.

Rising sea levels exacerbate this risk, making coastal areas even more vulnerable to storm surges.

Read how tropical storms are intensifying:

Climate crisis driving increasingly damaging hurricanes on US East Coast

Video: Flooded streets in Philippines after Typhoon Yagi

Thursday 5 September 2024 13:30 , Stuti Mishra

What does 'Yagi' mean?

Thursday 5 September 2024 14:00 , Stuti Mishra

Yagi is the Japanese word for goat and for the constellation of Capricornus, a mythical creature that is half goat, half fish.

Tropical storms in the Western Pacific are named by the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) and the Regional Specialised Meteorological Centre (RSMC) Tokyo. They use a pre-determined list of names contributed by countries in the region, such as Japan, China, and the Philippines. Each list cycles every four years.

Fishing trips, rail services and flights cancelled

Thursday 5 September 2024 14:20 , Jane Dalton

Chinas official news agency, Xinhua, said tens of thousands of fishing boats returned to ports in Hainan and elsewhere to seek shelter, along with nearly 70,000 fishermen.

State broadcaster CCTV said some railway services were suspended, starting Thursday evening.

Hainan Meteorological Service forecast that the typhoon would make landfall tomorrow along the region from Qionghai in Hainan to Dianbai in neighboring Guangdong province.

Meteorological authorities said it could be the strongest typhoon to hit Hainan in the past 10 years, Xinhua reported. The tropical island is a popular tourist destination known for its holiday resorts and duty-free shopping allowance.

In Guangdong, all coastal tourist attractions and beaches were ordered to close from Wednesday evening, with dozens of flights cancelled at the airport in Zhuhai city, state media China Daily reported.

Check emergency kits, embassy in Vietnam suggests

Thursday 5 September 2024 14:50 , Jane Dalton

The US embassy in Vietnam has advised people to check emergency kits to ensure they have medicines and other supplies in case they have to flee their homes in an emergency.

It also advises residents to reinforce roofs and secure loose objects.

An urgent directive issued by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, states that Yagi is highly likely to affect the sea and mainland of the northern and north-central regions. Coastal provinces from Thanh Hoa to Quang Ninh are advised to prepare for the storm, it says.

(US embassy in Vietnam)

Vietnam predicted to be hit on Saturday

Thursday 5 September 2024 15:15 , Jane Dalton

After causing havoc on Chinas Leizhou Peninsula, Typhoon Yagi is forecast to hit northern Vietnam on Saturday, according to hurricane tracker Zoom Earth.

After pummeling Chinas Leizhou Peninsula, Typhoon #Yagi is forecast to pass straight into the Gulf of Tonkin and strike northern Vietnam on Saturday  pic.twitter.com/LnzMa7diQF  Zoom Earth (@zoom_earth) September 5, 2024

Yagi may be strongest in nearly a decade

Thursday 5 September 2024 15:45 , Jane Dalton

Super-Typhoon Yagi could turn out to be the strongest storm to hit the country in nearly a decade. Heres how it developed:

Mapped: Yagi becomes a super typhoon as it heads for Chinese coast

Storm chasers ignore warnings

Thursday 5 September 2024 16:15 , Jane Dalton

Storm chasers have ignored warnings to stay safe and have been seen travelling to areas to view the typhoon, according to the South China Morning Post.

Some were seen at spots such as Heng Fa Chuen and the East Coast Park Precinct, it reported.

In may the government pledged to step up enforcement and prosecution against such dangerous behaviour, which could put rescuers in danger.

People who enter public beaches or country parks that are closed during a typhoon face a HK$2,000 fine or 14 days in jail.

Yagi second only to devastating Beryl

Thursday 5 September 2024 16:45 , Jane Dalton

Yagi registers as the worlds second-most powerful tropical cyclone in 2024 so far, after the Category 5 Atlantic hurricane Beryl.

In early July, Beryl tore through the southeastern Caribbean, killing seven people and leaving two islands of Grenada in almost complete destruction.

Seven people killed and islands flattened as hurricane Beryl devastates Carribean

Selfie time in Hong Kong

Thursday 5 September 2024 17:15 , Jane Dalton

(REUTERS)

(REUTERS)

Typhoon strongest yet in South China Sea area

Thursday 5 September 2024 17:45 , Jane Dalton

Yagi is the strongest typhoon on record in that part of the South China Sea, one meteorologist says.

The eye of Typhoon Yagi is now within radar range of the southern coast of China 



With 10-minute sustained wind speeds of 195 km/hr, Yagi is the strongest typhoon on record in this part of the South China Sea.#11 | #Yagi | # pic.twitter.com/wnFiCthUjC  James Cosgrove (@MrJamesCosgrove) September 5, 2024

Philippines clearing up

Thursday 5 September 2024 18:15 , Jane Dalton

Householders in the Philippines are still clearing up after the super-typhoon struck on Wednesday, killing 14 people.

Jasper Miranda, 26, wades through floodwaters with his pet ducks (REUTERS)

Storm Yagi heads for Chinese coast after leaving 14 dead in the Philippines

Surfers flout beach closure order

Thursday 5 September 2024 18:45 , Jane Dalton

Police in Hong Kong searched a popular beach for a group of surfers who flouted a closure order, just an hour before the city issued a severe No 8 warning over Super-Typhoon Yagi on Thursday, the South China Morning Post reported.

Typhoon equivalent to category 4 hurricane

Thursday 5 September 2024 19:15 , Jane Dalton

The typhoon has wind speeds equivalent to a category 4 hurricane, according to the US Navys Joint Typhoon Warning Center, with maximum sustained winds of about 150 mph.

The storm is forecast to hit Guangdong and Hainan provinces after moving west over the South China Sea on Friday evening.

A window is taped in anticipation of typhoon Yagi at a clothing store in Hong Kong (REUTERS)

Yagi intensifies slightly

Thursday 5 September 2024 20:00 , Jane Dalton

Gale-force winds are hitting Hong Kong and the Pearl River Estuary, with occasional storm winds offshore and on high ground, the Hong Kong Observatory said.

Yagi, which is skirting the southwest of the territory, has intensified slightly.

Intense rainbands associated with Yagi will continue to bring heavy squally showers, the observatory said, adding: Members of the public should remain on the alert.

Typhoons fuelled by climate crisis

Thursday 5 September 2024 21:00 , Jane Dalton

Yagi strengthened into a super-typhoon on Wednesday night as it barreled towards China.

Typhoons are becoming stronger, fuelled by warmer oceans, amid climate change, scientists say. Read more here about typhoons around the world since 2017.

Airport footage shows gale-force winds

Thursday 5 September 2024 22:00 , Jane Dalton

Footage from Hong Kong International Airport illustrates how strong the winds already are in the region.

#HCHInternacionales | En imagenes desde la zona de la plataforma del Aeropuerto Internacional de Hong Kong mientras avanza el super tifon Yagi, que podria convertirse en el ciclon tropical mas poderoso de 2024.



 Un total de 38 vuelos fueron cancelados en el Aeropuerto pic.twitter.com/7zsFrArzak  HCH Television Digital (@HCHTelevDigital) September 5, 2024

Three people injured in high winds and rain

Thursday 5 September 2024 23:00 , Jane Dalton

Two men and a woman in Hong Kong were injured during the storm and needed hospital treatment, the South China Morning Post reports.

And 32 reports of fallen trees have been received, it said.

A second amber warning of heavy rain was issued.

Six people killed by Japan storm last week

Friday 6 September 2024 00:01 , Jane Dalton

Its only a week since Typhoon Shanshan lashed Japan, killing six people and injuring at least 130.

It also caused flight cancellations, train suspensions and factory shutdowns:

Typhoon Shanshan wreaks havoc across Japan despite weakening to tropical storm

Residents of Haikou city in great danger'

Friday 6 September 2024 01:20 , Jane Dalton

Residents of the city of Haikou on the island of Hainan are in the direct line of super-typhoon Yagi, its claimed.

This is a very dangerous situation for the city of Haikou, #Hainan, a city that has 2 million people who are in great danger as it looks like Typhoon #Yagi is making a direct aim on it, said @StormHQwx, a social media account that gives storm forecasts and analysis.

This is a very dangerous situation for the city of Haikou, #Hainan, a city that has 2 million people who are in great danger as it looks like Typhoon #Yagi is making a direct aim on it.



With the recent trends of the storm with it at least maintaining strength/strengthening a pic.twitter.com/ftAqvONtxD  StormHQ  (@StormHQwx) September 5, 2024

How storm threatening Hainan and Vietnam

Friday 6 September 2024 02:45 , Jane Dalton

A map from Accuweather shows the worst of the storm sitting east, west and south of the island of Hainan, and just off Vietnam.

(Accuweather)

Yagi left 14 dead in Philippines

Friday 6 September 2024 04:00 , Jane Dalton

Storm Yagi heads for Chinese coast after leaving 14 dead in the Philippines

Super Typhoon Yagi drenches southern China as it inches closer

Friday 6 September 2024 05:02 , Stuti Mishra

Powerful gales and heavy rain from Super Typhoon Yagi drenched southern China on Friday, with schools shut for the second day and flights cancelled.

China's government sent task forces to Guangdong and Hainan to guide flood and typhoon prevention, official news agency Xinhua said as authorities issued high risk warnings for geological disasters in northern Shanxi, southern Guangdong and most areas of Hainan island.

In Hainan's capital Haikou, streets were deserted as people stayed indoors, photographs on social media showed.

Typhoon Yagi to make landfall as it inches closer to Hainan

Friday 6 September 2024 05:53 , Stuti Mishra

Super Typhoon Yagi is inching closer to Chinas southern coast as it is set to make landfall today.

Packing winds of 152mph, the storm is one of the strongest in Asia this year and equivalent to a Category 4 hurricane.

The storm is moving at a speed of 20km and is about to make landfall somewhere between Hainans Wenchang city and Xuwen county in neighbouring Guangdong province this afternoon.

Yagi has maintained its intensity as a super typhoon and is likely to weaken slightly as it interacts with land, but it will still hit the region with significant force.

After China, Yagi will move towards Laos and Vietnam.

Heres the storms path:

Typhoon Yagi inches closer to Hainan (Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA))

Hong Kong Stock Exchange shut today

Friday 6 September 2024 06:14 , Stuti Mishra

Trading on the stock market, bank services and schools were halted in Hong Kong after the citys weather authority raised a No. 8 typhoon signal for Typhoon Yagi, the third-highest warning under the citys weather system.

The warning will stay in place until noon before potentially getting downgraded as the storm moves away from Hong Kong.

Tourists walk on the promenade under stormy skies over Victoria harbour in Hong Kong (AFP via Getty Images)

Hainan residents brace for Typhoon Yagi

Friday 6 September 2024 06:51 , Stuti Mishra

In Hainan, a tropical holiday island in southern China, residents were bracing for the powerful storm.

Schools were shut for the second day and flights were halted as the storm inched closer.

The province's meteorological service expected Yagi to make landfall somewhere between the province's Wenchang city and Xuwen county in neighboring Guangdong province later Friday.

People built sandbag barriers outside buildings to guard against possible floods and reinforced their windows with tape on Thursday, China's official Xinhua news agency reported.

The official China Daily said classes, work, transportation and businesses were suspended in parts of the province as early as Wednesday evening.

Some tourist attractions were closed and all flights at its international airport in Haikou city were grounded on Friday.

Why Super Typhoon Yagi's landfall is rare

Friday 6 September 2024 07:10 , Stuti Mishra

Super Typhoon Yagi is expected to make landfall in Hainan in a few hours, marking the most severe storm to hit the island since 2014.

Before Yagi, the last super typhoon to hit Hainan was Rammasun, which killed 88 people and caused over 44 billion yuan ($6.25 billion) in damages.

Following a similar path as Rammasun, Yagi formed over the warm waters east of the Philippines and was projected to arrive as a Category 4 storm, bringing winds strong enough to overturn vehicles, uproot trees, and damage infrastructure.

Landfalls of this magnitude are rare for Hainan, where only nine out of 106 typhoons between 1949 and 2023 were classified as super typhoons.

Vietnam cancels hundreds of flights and shuts down airports ahead of Typhoon Yagi arrival

Friday 6 September 2024 07:31 , Stuti Mishra

Four airports in northern Vietnam, including Hanois Noi Bai International Airport, will be closed on Saturday, Vietnam's civil aviation authority said.

Hanoi's Noi Bai International Airport will remain closed from 10am to 7pm local time (3am to noon GMT).

Airports in the coastal cities of Quang Ninh and Haiphong will be shut from early Saturday until 4pm the same day, and the airport in Thanh Hoa will suspend services from midday until late Saturday, CAAV said.

Airports are also shut in the port city of Haiphong and the province of Quang Ninh, home to the UNESCO heritage site Ha Long Bay and many large factories.

About 240 domestic and 70 international flights would be suspended to "ensure absolute safety" and "prevent the impact of the storm on the technical infrastructure."

Photo: Workers cut redundant branches off of trees in Hainan

Friday 6 September 2024 07:50 , Stuti Mishra

Workers cut redundant branches off of trees along a street ahead of the landfall of typhoon Yagi in Haikou, south Chinas Hainan Province (AP)

Super Typhoon Yagi making landfall in Hainan

Friday 6 September 2024 08:15 , Stuti Mishra

The eye of Super Typhoon Yagi has reached the northeastern tip of Hainan Island in southern China.

The typhoon's bands have been lashing the island province since yesterday with the wider region, especially the Guangdong province, also feeling the impact.

Over the next few hours, the storm will slowly move westwards, eventually coming out into the waters again as it takes aim at northern Vietnam next.

Powerful Typhoon #Yagi is making landfall over the northeastern tip of #Hainan Island in southern #China. It is the strongest typhoon to hit the island since Typhoon Rammasun in 2014. pic.twitter.com/DUo0HizB4d  Met Office Storms (@metofficestorms) September 6, 2024

China evacuates over 400,000 people ahead of Typhoon Yagi landfall

Friday 6 September 2024 08:24 , Stuti Mishra

China's southern island of Hainan has evacuated more than 400,000 people ahead of Yagi's arrival, state media said.

"The southern Chinese province of Hainan had relocated 419,367 residents as of 11.30am on Friday with super typhoon Yagi approaching," state news agency Xinhua said, citing local authorities.

Photo: Businesses tape glass windows as Typhoon Yagi brings strong winds to Hainan

Friday 6 September 2024 08:48 , Stuti Mishra

A worker reinforces a glass window with tape at a cafe after the State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters raised its emergency response for flood and typhoon prevention for Typhoon Yagi (AP)

Satellite image shows Typhoon Yagis eye at the tip of Hainan island

Friday 6 September 2024 08:55 , Stuti Mishra

Infrared image from Japans Himawari-9 satelite shows the eye of Super Typhoon Yagi over the northern tip of Hainan island as it continues to churn westward (Himawari-9)

Tracing Super Typhoon Yagi path as storm makes landfall in China

Friday 6 September 2024 09:28 , Stuti Mishra

Yagis eye has reached the northwest tip of Hainan. The storms outer bands have been generating heavy rainfall and wind gusts in southeast China, Hong Kong, Macau, Vietnam, and Laos.

The storm is expected to weaken over the next few hours as it moves over land, but it will continue on its path to northern and western Vietnam, intensifying rain in Laos and impacting Thailand over the weekend.

Heres the path of the storm:

Map from Japan Meterological Agency (JMA) shows path of Typhoon Yagi as it enters Hainan province of China (JMA)

Typhoon Yagi downgraded from 'violent' to 'very strong'

Friday 6 September 2024 09:45 , Stuti Mishra

Yagi is now graded as a "very strong" typhoon instead of a "violent typhoon" by the Japan Meteorological Agency after it made landfall in Hainan, China.

The storm has a central pressure of 925 hPa and is packing winds of up to 180 kmph near the centre. But wind gusts can reach as high as 252 kmph.

Very strong typhoons, equivalent to a Category 4 hurricane, have maximum sustained wind speeds of 157-193 kmph, while violent typhoons have maximum sustained wind speeds of 194 kmph or greater, according to the JMA classification.

Hurricane vs typhoon: What is the difference?

Friday 6 September 2024 10:04 , Stuti Mishra

Hurricanes and typhoons are essentially the same weather phenomenon, but they are distinguished by their geographic location.Hurricanes are tropical storms that form in the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico.

Typhoons form in the western Pacific Ocean, including the seas around Asia.Essentially, the same storm would be called a hurricane if it formed in the Atlantic and a typhoon if it formed in the Pacific. They are known as cyclones in the Indian Ocean and Australia.

All tropical storms are characterised by low pressure centres and a warm core in which the minimum sustained surface wind is 119 kmph (74 mph).

They cause strong thunderstorms, heavy rainfall and high winds.

In photos: Inactive cranes and containers stand idle as Dinh Vu port in Vietnam shut

Friday 6 September 2024 10:20 , Stuti Mishra

Inactive cranes and containers at the closed Dinh Vu port ahead of the approaching Typhoon Yagi in Hai Phong (AFP via Getty Images)

Containers at the closed Dinh Vu port ahead of approaching Typhoon Yagi in Hai Phong (AFP via Getty Images)

Yagi to lash east and west coasts of Thailand

Friday 6 September 2024 11:00 , Stuti Mishra

Thailand's Meteorological Department has warned of heavy rain and windstorms this weekend as Yagi approaches the country.

The storm, which is nearing the southeastern Chinese coast, is expected to pass over the Hainan Island in China and reach northern Vietnam by Friday or Saturday, bringing significant weather impacts.

Thanasit Iam-ananchai, acting director general of the Meteorological Department, said northern and northeastern Thailand will see heavy downpours and strong winds on Saturday and Sunday as a result of Yagis outer bands.

Coastal areas along the Andaman Sea and the upper Gulf of Thailand will also experience monsoon-driven rains today, with warnings of potential flash floods and runoffs.

Small boats were advised to remain ashore along both coasts until Sunday due to rough seas.

While Yagis main impact is centred on southern China, it is also expected to affect Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand, bringing significant rainfall to the region over the weekend.

Why super typhoons like Yagi are becoming more common

Friday 6 September 2024 11:20 , Stuti Mishra

Super Typhoon Yagi, one of the most powerful storms of 2024, is part of a growing trend of increasingly intense typhoons and hurricanes in recent years.

Yagi was a "violent storm" this morning, according to Japanese Meteorological Agency (JMA) classification, equivalent to a Category 5 hurricane. Storms of this magnitude are rare for Hainan, where only nine out of 106 typhoons between 1949 and 2023 were classified as super typhoons.

But these storms are more common now both in the Atlantic and Pacific, a phenomenon closely linked to the effects of the climate crisis, scientists say.

Warmer ocean temperatures are providing the fuel that intensifies these storms, increasing their wind speeds and the amount of rain they produce.

Scientists warn that as the planet continues to warm, typhoons and hurricanes will become more frequent and destructive.

In 2024 alone weve seen several powerful storms, including Super Typhoon Yagi, which devastated the Philippines and is now heading towards China, and Hurricane Beryl that tore through the Caribbean, Mexico and the US.

Similarly, Typhoon Shanshan, which hit Japan last week, was the countrys most powerful storm in decades.

These supercharged storms pose significant threats to coastal regions, as they bring not only strong winds but also the risk of extreme flooding and landslides.

Rising sea levels exacerbate this risk, making coastal areas even more vulnerable to storm surges.

Yagi to make second landfall in Guangdong

Friday 6 September 2024 11:40 , Stuti Mishra

Typhoon Yagi, which made landfall in Hainan this afternoon, will make another landfall in Xuwen County in neighbouring Guangdong province, Chinas national meteorological authorities said.

Yagi was the strongest autumn typhoon to have landed in China. It made landfall in Hainan provinces Wenchang city at around 4.20pm (8.20am GMT).

It is expected to sweep toward other parts of the island before moving to the Beibu Gulf, it said.

Hong Kong downgrades warning after Typhoon Yagi halts stock market trade

Friday 6 September 2024 12:00 , Stuti Mishra

The Hong Kong Observatory today downgraded its warning signal for Typhoon Yagi from No 8, the third highest alert, to No 3, a level down, as the storm moved away from its 400km radius.

Heavy rains and wind lashed the financial capital for hours starting yesterday evening.

With the warning in force, schools and business activities shut down, roads were emptied as people were asked to stay home, and trading was halted on its $4.9trillion stock market.

However this will likely be the last time a typhoon automatically halts trading in Hong Kong, as the financial hub is ending its decades-long practice of shutting markets during severe storms from 23 September, according to Bloomberg.

In photos: Hong Kong's skyline covered in dark clouds

Friday 6 September 2024 12:20 , Stuti Mishra

Storm clouds gather over buildings in Hong Kong on Thursday as super typhoon Yagi tracked across the South China Sea towards the southern China coast (AFP via Getty Images)

Storm clouds gather over buildings in Hong Kong on Thursday as super typhoon Yagi tracked across the South China Sea towards the southern China coast (AFP via Getty Images)

Super Typhoon Yagi to hit Vietnam's northern coast tomorrow, agency says

Friday 6 September 2024 12:45 , Stuti Mishra

Super Typhoon Yagi is expected to make landfall in Vietnam tomorrow, according to the country's National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting.

The storm is currently located about 230 km southeast of Quang Ninh, a coastal province in northern Vietnam, as it hovers over China's Hainan province.

The storm is the third to enter the East Sea this year and is packing winds of 184-201 kmph near its centre, with even stronger gusts, the agency said in its forecast.

Yagi is moving west at around 20 kmh and is forecast to enter the Gulf of Tonkin by early Saturday.

By morning, Yagi is expected to be about 160 km from Quang Ninh, with winds ranging from 133-166 kmph.

The storm will weaken as it approaches the coast later in the day, with wind speeds dropping significantly as it reaches the mainland.

Several airports in northern Vietnam will close temporarily on Saturday due to the storm.

Flights resume as Typhoon Yagi causes little damage in Hong Kong

Friday 6 September 2024 13:15 , Stuti Mishra

Flights and businesses resumed in Hong Kong as Super Typhoon Yagi moved away, causing minimal damage in the city.

The Hong Kong Observatory downgraded its typhoon warning to T3 at 12.40pm (4.40am GMT), allowing daily life to return to normal after the storms passage.

The citys stock exchange and schools were closed as a precaution, but the airport authority said that operations had mostly returned to normal after 50 flights were cancelled the previous day, according to the Hong Kong Free Press.

A total of 918 flights were rescheduled during the typhoon, but by this morning the Hong Kong international airport was running smoothly.

The world's longest sea bridge, connecting Hong Kong, Macau, and Zhuhai, also reopened in the afternoon after being shut during the storm.

While winds weakened, intense rain bands from Yagi continued to bring squally showers to the region. At least five people were hospitalised with injuries during the typhoon period, and authorities reported 79 fallen trees across the city.

Temporary shelters set up by the Home Affairs Department provided refuge to 269 people, while beaches remained closed as a safety measure.

By afternoon, public transportation, including MTR, ferries, and buses, had fully resumed, with the MTR increasing service frequency to meet demand as people returned to work.

A window is taped in anticipation of typhoon Yagi at a clothing store in Hong Kong (REUTERS)

In photos: Rainfall from Typhoon Yagi continues as people wade through flooded streets in Philippines

Friday 6 September 2024 13:45 , Stuti Mishra

Pedestrians wade through a flooded street in Manila caused by heavy rains due to the southwest monsoon influenced by Tropical Storm Yagi which hit the main island of Luzon (AFP via Getty Images)

Jasper Miranda, 26, wades through floodwaters with his pet ducks that he saved from their flooded house during Typhoon Yagi, locally known as Enteng in Apalit, Pampanga, Philippines (REUTERS)

Which countries are affected by Typhoon Yagi?

Friday 6 September 2024 14:15 , Stuti Mishra

Typhoon Yagi has impacted several countries in East and Southeast Asia, bringing strong winds, heavy rainfall, and widespread disruption as it moves through the region. Heres a breakdown of the countries affected by Yagi:

China: Typhoon Yagi has made landfall on Hainan Island and will make another landfall in the southern coast of Guangdong Province, bringing powerful winds and torrential rains.

Cities like Hong Kong and Macau also experienced storm signals, business closures, and flight cancellations as the typhoon passed by, though it left minimal damage in Hong Kong. The storm also disrupted transportation and forced the closure of major infrastructure, like the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau bridge.

Vietnam: Next in Yagi's path is Vietnam, where the northern regions, particularly along the Gulf of Tonkin, are expected to experience heavy rains and strong winds. Vietnams Quang Ninh Province and coastal areas may face flooding and storm surges.

Laos and Thailand: As Yagi moves inland, it will weaken but still bring significant rainfall to Northern Laos and Northern Thailand, raising concerns about flash floods and landslides in these areas. While Thailand may not be in Yagi's direct path, the storms outer bands affect the country.

Hurricane vs typhoon: What is the difference?

Friday 6 September 2024 14:45 , Stuti Mishra

Hurricanes and typhoons are essentially the same weather phenomenon, but they are distinguished by their geographic location.Hurricanes are tropical storms that form in the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico.

Typhoons form in the western Pacific Ocean, including the seas around Asia.Essentially, the same storm would be called a hurricane if it formed in the Atlantic and a typhoon if it formed in the Pacific. They are known as cyclones in the Indian Ocean and Australia.

All tropical storms are characterised by low pressure centres and a warm core in which the minimum sustained surface wind is 119 kmph (74 mph).

They cause strong thunderstorms, heavy rainfall and high winds.

Heres a quick guide to all atmospheric terms:

What a super typhoon is as Category 5 storm barrels towards Philippines

Vietnam's Noi Bai airport to delay opening on Saturday due to typhoon Yagi

Friday 6 September 2024 15:32 , Tom Watling

Vietnams civil aviation authority said Hanois international airport would open two hours later than planned on Saturday due to the impact of Typhoon Yagi, which is expected to make landfall in Vietnam late on Friday.

Hanois Noi Bai airport will be shut from 1000 to 2100 (0300 to 1400 GMT), it said in a statement, adding typhoon Yagi had caused damage when moving through Chinas Hainan Island and was gaining in intensity.

Yagi registers as 2nd most powerful cyclone in 2024

Friday 6 September 2024 16:01 , Tom Watling

Packing maximum sustained winds of 245 km per hour (152 mph) near its eye, Yagi registers as the worlds second-most powerful tropical cyclone in 2024 so far, after the Category 5 Atlantic hurricane Beryl.

Mapped: Super Typhoon Yagi lashes China and takes aim at Vietnam next

Friday 6 September 2024 16:43 , Tom Watling

Mapped: Super Typhoon Yagi lashes China and takes aim at Vietnam next

Yagi hits second part of China

Friday 6 September 2024 17:21 , Tom Watling

Super typhoon Yagi has made a second landfall in Chinas southeast province of Guangdong, the countrys meteorological centre has reported.
Super typhoon Yagi has killed at least 59 people in Vietnam [Reuters]

Super typhoon Yagi, Asia's most powerful storm this year, has killed at least 59 people and injured hundreds in northern Vietnam, according to local authorities.

At least 44 victims were killed by landslides, the country's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development said on Monday.

Yagi, which made landfall in Vietnam on Saturday, has been downgraded to a tropical depression, but authorities have warned of more flooding and landslides as the storm moves westwards.

Among the victims were four family members who died after parts of a hill collapsed onto their house in the mountainous Hoa Binh province on Sunday.

A 51-year-old man was able to escape while his wife, daughter and two grandchildren were buried. Their bodies were recovered later, AFP news agency reported.

State media reported that a landslide in Sa Pa, in the northern mountainous Lao Cai province, occurred around noon on Sunday, burying 17 people. Six of them have since been found dead, with nine others left injured.

A 68-year-old woman, a one-year-old boy and a newborn baby were among those said to be killed.

After Yagi made landfall in northern Vietnam on Saturday, the storm hit Hai Phong and Quang Ninh provinces with winds of up to 203 km/h (126 mph), the Indo-Pacific Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre said.

It lifted roofs from buildings and uprooted trees, leading to power outages across the region, including in the capital, Hanoi.

Videos online showed car drivers slowing down to shield motorbike riders trapped on the roads due to strong winds.

State media said four people died in the northern Quang Ninh province, with another killed in Hai Duong, near Hanoi.

A bridge in the northern Phu Tho province collapsed on Monday morning, plunging 10 cars and two scooters into the Red River, according to Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc. Local media reported that at least three people had been rescued and 13 were missing. It is unclear if there were casualties as a result of the bridge collapse.

Footage online showed part of the bridge still standing, while the collapsed sections were swept away in the raging river.

A metal roof seen laying on the ground after strong winds hit the capital, Hanoi [EPA]

Some 41 fishing boats are among vessels sunk or adrift in the wake of the storm. Search and rescue personnel found 27 people drifting at sea after a dozen fishermen were reported missing.

In the port city of Hai Phong, several areas were under half a metre (1.6 feet) of flood waters on Sunday, with power lines and electrical poles damaged, according to AFP.

Metal roof sheets and commercial sign boards were seen flying across the city of two million, which faced the brunt of the storm.

Power outages hit parts of Hai Phong - home to multinational factories - on Saturday, while four of north Vietnam's airports suspended operations for much of the day.

At the Hai Au boat lock on Tuan Chau island, north of Hai Phong, at least 23 boats were seriously damaged or sunk, according to local residents.

51-year-old sailor Pham Van Thanh told AFP he had never experienced such a strong and violent typhoon.

He said all the crew had remained on board his tourist boat since Friday to stop it from sinking.

"The wind was pushing from our back, with so much pressure that no boat could stand," he told AFP.

"Then the first one sank. Then one after another."

Fallen trees are seen across the streets in Hanoi [EPA]

Nearly 50,000 people have been evacuated from coastal towns in Vietnam, with authorities issuing a warning to remain indoors.

Schools were temporarily closed in 12 northern provinces, including Hanoi.

Duong The Hung, a restaurant owner in Ha Long Bay, a Unesco world Heritage site, said his business's signs had all fallen off.

"The ceiling has collapsed. The metal roof needs repairs. The damage is severe."

The storm is expected to move into northernmost Laos by Sunday evening.

Thousands were uprooted after Yagi struck [EPA]

Before hitting Vietnam on Saturday, the typhoon brought devastation to the Chinese island of Hainan - a popular tourist destination dubbed China's Hawaii - and to the Philippines, killing at least 24 people and injuring dozens of others, AFP reported.

On Friday, China evacuated some 400,000 people in Hainan island. Trains, boats and flights were suspended, while schools were shut.

Local media there reported widespread power outages, with about 830,000 households affected. Valuable crops have also been wiped out.

A super typhoon is equivalent to a Category 5 hurricane.

Scientists say typhoons and hurricanes are becoming stronger, more frequent and staying over land for longer due to climate change. Warmer ocean waters mean storms pick up more energy, which leads to higher wind speeds.

A warmer atmosphere also holds more moisture, which can lead to more intense rainfall.

Additional reporting by Aleks Phillips, Lipika Pelham and Kelly Ng
CHULA VISTA, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI)  The man arrested in connection to a fire at a Chula Vista 7-Eleven last month is now facing murder charges after the 44-year-old woman critically burned in the incident died at the hospital.

Jose Carlos Villanueva, 47, was arrested on suspicion of premeditated attempted murder and arson, among other charges, on Saturday, Aug. 24 following the fire at the convenience store. Two store employees were severely injured in the incident.

Villanueva pleaded not guilty to the original felony charges late last month. However, he was arraigned again in a South Bay courtroom on updated counts Friday following the death of one of the two employees, Amanda Buchanan.

The 47-year-old pleaded not guilty to the revised charges, which included murder with the special circumstances of lying in wait, mayhem and torture; arson; and assault by means likely to produce great bodily injury.

Former TikTok star sentenced in double murder

According to Chula Vista police, Villanueva was taken into custody hours after the fire occurred at the 7-Eleven in the 800 block of Broadway late last month.

Authorities were first notified of the incident around 8:12 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 24. Upon arrival, officers found the inside of the convenience store filled with smoke and an employee walking out of the building with burn injuries, CVPD said at the time.

Officers then heard a voice coming from inside the burning building, prompting them to run inside. A second victim, who was later identified as Buchanan, was discovered with severe burns.

First responders were able to remove Buchanan from the building, as she was unable to walk on her own. She was later transported to the hospital for treatment, but succumbed to her injuries about a week later, on Aug. 29.

Amanda Buchanan

Preliminary information from the investigation identified Villanueva as the likely suspect in the fire. According to CVPD, Buchanan and Villanueva previously dated at a point before the fire.

The 47-year-old was arrested after the suspect vehicle, which fled the scene after the fire began, was picked up on Automated License Plate Readers near a gas station in Redland, California  about 100 miles away from the convenience store.

Villanueva, who has two previous felony convictions, is being held without bail pending trial, according to court records.

Should he be convicted on all charges, he could face the death penalty  although California does not carry out this punishment  or life without 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 FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF)  The Richmond County Sheriffs Office is searching for a suspect in a recent assault.

21-year-old Marquez Bryant is facing charges of Aggravated Assault in connection with an incident that happened on Tuesday, September 3, on the 2000 block of Acapulco Drive.

Investigators say Bryant is known to frequent that area and Bahama Drive in Augusta.

Bryant is considered Armed & Dangerous.

If you have any information on where he may be, please contact investigators at 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.
A Swiss city cut red tape and ended up with many more homes. It's a model for the US.

Kamala Harris says she wants to 'cut red tape' to boost the housing supply and reduce costs.

There's new evidence out of Zurich that reducing restrictions on housing construction boosts supply.

But upzoning is a long-term solution that's necessary, but not sufficient, to address the crisis.

As part of her housing policy agenda, Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris has promised to "cut red tape and needless bureaucracy" to build millions of additional homes and bring down costs.

Economists and urban planners say that to make housing more abundant and affordable, we need to loosen zoning regulations in many neighborhoods and legalize the construction of denser, taller housing, such as duplexes, townhomes, and apartment buildings.

A few countries have already figured out how to do that.

Zurich, Switzerland offers the latest model. As a small, mountainous country with limited buildable land and high demand, Switzerland has long been sensitive to urban sprawl. Starting in the mid-1990s, Swiss citizens voted to densify various parts of the Canton of Zurich, one of the country's 26 states and home to its biggest city.

Apartment buildings behind farm houses in Affoltern, just outside Zurich, Switzerland. Michael Buholzer/Reuters

The canton didn't uniformly alter its zoning laws. The citizens of each municipality voted on various proposals to "upzone" or allow more housing units by loosening zoning restrictions. The process was slow and staggered, and the average upzoning was quite incremental  think of a home with three floors that can add one extra floor. Much of the rezoning took place in neighborhoods surrounding Zurich's medieval city center, which is protected by historic preservation.

Twenty-five years into this process, a new study by Swiss researchers has found that upzoning boosted living space and housing units by a significant amount  about 9% in the subsequent five to 10 years  while keeping rent growth under control. The study found that areas that were hungriest for new housing were the most responsive to the policy changes. Areas with high demand, evidenced by high rents and home prices and already constrained by limits on housing, saw the most new construction. And the more density allowed, the more impactful the effect.

One of the study's key findings is, "if you upzone, upzone a lot," said Simon Buchler, coauthor of the study and an assistant professor of finance at Miami University. "Give people the incentive to build."

It provides more evidence that supply and demand can be harnessed to keep housing prices in check. Another example comes from New Zealand, where Auckland's upzoning measures legalizing the construction of medium-density housing slowed down skyrocketing housing costs. And a study of Sao Paulo's upzoning found similarly positive impacts.

Zurich shows that upzoning is necessary but not sufficient. Allowing for more housing boosts affordability, but it takes time. There are a slew of other necessary fixes to bring housing costs down  from building-code changes to long-term expansion of services, infrastructure, and amenities.

"People think they're going to upzone and they're going to solve the affordability crisis in a couple of years. They're wrong," Buchler said. "This is a long-term solution, but it is a solution that's necessary and that works."

Homes in the town of Kusnacht on the banks of Lake Zurich in Switzerland. Christian Hartmann/Reuters

Knee-capping NIMBYism

There are a few elements of Swiss law and society that make parts of the country more welcoming to development and resistant to NIMBYism, or "Not In My Backyard" anti-development sentiment, that cripples so much new construction in the US.

Unlike most American cities, Zurich is a society of renters rather than homeowners. More than 70% of households are tenants. While property owners are incentivized to oppose additional housing in their neighborhoods that would boost supply and depress their home values, renters tend to be much more supportive of development that keeps rents affordable.

It also helps that European cities are generally more accomodating of higher-density living. A whopping 64% of Swiss residents live in apartments, compared to just 28% of US residents, and the country also has an especially comprehensive and well-connected public transportation network. While Zurich's population has grown significantly over the last quarter century, European cities tend to have more restrictive immigration laws than their counterparts in Canada, the US, and New Zealand.

"This evidence from Europe is important as it shows that upzoning can increase supply even in places where density is relatively more common and accepted, and overseas migration is less of a factor," Matthew Maltman, an Australian economist who's closely studied New Zealand's housing reforms, told Business Insider.

There's also a lot of certainty around how regulations function in Zurich, as opposed to in the US or New Zealand, which include more veto points in the building process, Maltman said. While developers can't apply to local authorities to bypass zoning regulations, local residents also can't lobby to stop a project from happening if it abides by the rules.

At the government level, municipalities are incentivized to welcome new residents because they disproportionately rely on income taxes for revenue, Buchler noted. Property taxes in Switzerland are very low, so the more density a city or town allows, the more income tax they can collect.

Buchler plans to investigate how rent changes in Zurich compare with other parts of Switzerland to get a better sense of the price impacts of upzoning. Ideally, deregulating zoning would bring prices down. But Buchler considers it a win that rents were unchanged in Zurich, when adjusted for housing quality, even as the canton's population and demand for housing grew. "It doesn't mean that upzoning didn't help. What it means is that without the upzoning, we would have seen even more rent increases than what we've seen," he said.

Zurich's example is crucial in informing policy change in places like the US because real-world evidence of the effects of upzoning can help convince governments and voters to act.

"Economists have argued the case for zoning reform based upon other evidence  usually based upon economic theory or sophisticated economic models," Maltman said. "It can be easier to sell the public on place X implemented policy Y and it had Z effect."

Read the original article on Business Insider
CLEVELAND (WJW)  The FOX 8 I-Team uncovered the story of a life-saving rescue on the water.

Cuyahoga County sheriffs deputies patrolling Lake Erie on Aug. 30 found a woman fighting for her life.

Semi, dump truck collide; 2 local drivers hurt

We got the call around 2:15 last Friday, said Sgt. Steven Veverka. A storm popped up quickly. The storm hit hard. The waves kicked up. The wind kicked up.

The deputies rushed to the area and found the woman, Rose Jaworski, struggling in the water.

When we got close enough, we could actually hear Rose coughing up water, said detective Kurt Stamm.

He said they threw a life ring to Rose and then were able to pull her safety. They then helped her get on their boat.

Rose and her husband Ken said they were out on a water scooter when the storm started. They tried to turn around and go back to shore, but the strong winds and waves knocked them off the watercraft.

Akron chemical fire still burning, air quality remains safe: Akron officials

Ken was able to get back on the water scooter.

We entered the lake out of Rocky River and were heading east and when we left it was a beautiful day, Ken said. The waves got a little choppy when we got to Edgewater and we decided to turn back. But then the waves and wind made it impossible. We started using our safety whistles and two other boaters came to help us.

A person that was in one boat was a doctor. She jumped in the water to help Rose. A few moments later, deputies arrived.

I felt like I was drowning, Rose said. The rain was real hard. It was just really scary. But when the deputies arrived I felt 100% better. They are my heroes.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan performed the Ganesh puja and aarti at his residence, 'Jal Bhushan,' in Raj Bhavan on Saturday to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi. The Governor was joined by his family, as well as officers and staff from Raj Bhavan. Those present at the Aarti included Principal Secretary to the Governor, Pravin Darade, Joint Secretary Shweta Singhal, and Comptroller of the Governor's Household, Jitendra Wagh. The aarti was part of the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations at the Governor's residence. Earlier, on the eve of Ganesh Chaturthi, President Droupadi Murmu extended her greetings to Indians worldwide. "On the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, I extend my warm greetings and best wishes to all Indians living in India and abroad," she said. The President highlighted the festival's role in promoting harmony and called on citizens to work for a peaceful and prosperous India. PM Modi also wished the nation saying, "Heartiest greetings of Ganesh Chaturthi to all countrymen. Ganpati Bappa Morya." Sharing his wishes on the occasion, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said, "Ganpati Bappa Morya! Heartiest greetings of Shri Ganesh Chaturthi to all the countrymen. I wish that Vighnaharta Shri Ganpati Bappa brings happiness, peace and prosperity in the life of all of you." Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar also shared his wishes, saying, "Lord Ganesha, the embodiment of wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune, holds a special place in the hearts of millions." Ganesh Chaturthi, a ten-day festival, begins today and will end on Anantha Chaturdashi. Devotees across Maharashtra are preparing for celebrations by bringing idols home and visiting pandals. Also in the news is Shri Ganesh Mandir Tekdi in Nagpur, which began Ganesh Chaturthi with traditional morning prayers and 'aarti'. This temple, reportedly 250 years old, is known for its self-existent deity, whose shrine is said to grow over time.(ANI)
Teens arrested after stolen vehicle pursuit ends in crash in Visalia, police say

VISALIA, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE)  Two teenagers were arrested following a pursuit of a stolen vehicle that ended in a collision in Visalia, according to the Visalia Police Department.

Visalia detectives say just before 9:30 a.m. on Friday, the Tulare County Regional Auto Theft Taskforce spotted a stolen vehicle near Conyer Street and Walnut Avenue.

Officers say when they attempted to stop the vehicle, it fled westbound toward Mooney Boulevard and tried to enter the Ross parking lot.

The vehicle then lost control and collided with an unoccupied parked car in the parking lot, according to officials.





Officers say both occupants got out of the stolen vehicle and fled on foot. A perimeter was set up, leading to the arrest of both suspects.

According to officials, the 17-year-old driver has been arrested multiple times and is currently

on probation for a previous stolen vehicle offense. The 17-year-old now might face new charges including theft of a vehicle, possession of stolen property, evading police, hit and run, probation violation, and resisting arrest.

Police say the passenger of the stolen vehicle was a 13-year-old. The teen was booked under suspicion of possession of stolen property and resisting arrest.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
NILES, Ohio (WKBN)  Two teenagers from Trumbull County are facing charges after police say they stole a mini bike in Niles. How police caught them is an example of one neighbor following the see something, say something model.

Two 16-year-old boys, one from Niles and one from Masury, are facing criminal charges, accused of stealing the mini bike from behind a home in the area of Bellair Court.

A concerned citizen, who saw the teens pushing the mini bike down W. Third Street around 4 a.m. Friday, tipped police off to the case.

It dont mean theyre doing anything wrong, its just a weird time to be pushing a mini bike, if you know what Im saying, the caller said.

When police responded to the area, officers say the teens ditched the bike and took off in the woods behind Prospect Street, where both boys were found.

There is a curfew that they really shouldnt be out at that hour anyway, but no explanation as to the existence of the mini bike or where it came from, said Niles Police Captain John Marshall.

The boys were taken to the police department and released to their families.

Officers say this is a classic example of why you should speak up if something seems off.

Where it could have been, you know, nothing at all, in this case, they did have something that didnt belong to them and very likely came from somewhere in the immediate neighborhood. So one neighbor paying attention potentially helped another neighbor, Marshall said.

The mini bike has been returned to its rightful owner.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
The Telegram messenger app is "harmful" and a "threat to our national security," Ukraine's military intelligence chief, Kyrylo Budanov, said in an interview published on Sept. 7.

Budanov made the comments weeks after the arrest of Russian-born Telegram CEO Pavel Durov in France.

A French court has charged Durov has with several crimes, including the management of an online platform that allows for illegal transactions, child pornography, drug trafficking, and fraud.

Speaking to Radio Khartiya, Budanov said he has "never been afraid to say" that Telegram represents a threat to Ukraine's national security.

"Telegram is harmful," Budanov said, adding that blocking Telegram would be feasible.

Budanov said that he was not in favor of blocking Telegram in the same way that Ukraine blocked Russian social media VKontakte in May 2017, but that Telegram channel owners should not be anonymous.

Read also: Opinion: Examining Telegram founder Pavel Durovs alleged ties to the Kremlin

Channel owners should be required to register their identity "so that everyone understands that this is a channel of a citizen of the Russian Federation or a citizen of Ukraine," he said.

Telegram remains one of the most popular social media platforms among Ukrainians. A September 2023 poll by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology indicated that 44% of Ukrainians use Telegram to receive information and news.

Telegram is also widely used by Ukrainian officials and various government institutions against the advice of Ukraine's TV and radio-broadcasting body.

Pavel Durov, who has an estimated net worth of $15.5 billion, left Russia in 2014 after refusing to comply with government demands to shut down opposition communities on the Russian social media platform VK, which he subsequently sold.

Durov has claimed he is a pariah and has been effectively exiled from Russia, but has in fact visited Russia over 60 times since leaving the country, according to Kremlingram, a Ukrainian group that campaigns against the use of Telegram in Ukraine.

Read also: Is Telegram, Ukraines most popular messenger app, a Russian Trojan horse?

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Terminator-style robots to be used to train soldiers

The robots, called SimStriker, react to the soldiers' movements and what they say

Terminator-style robots that can speak and react to soldiers will be used by the British Army in battleground scenarios for the first time.

The machines, created with the same-size head and torso as an average male, are fitted with AI software ChatGPT and can engage in conversation with soldiers in training sessions.

The robot, called SimStriker, then reacts based on how the soldier moves and speaks.

Calmer words can control the situation but if the soldier becomes angry the robot can become hostile, even firing BB pellets from its abdomen.

In one training scenario, soldiers encounter the SimStriker when entering a village where locals need food, electricity and medical supplies. The mood of the robot changes and it will become more antagonised if the soldier chooses to not provide help.

The technology can also be altered by an instructor watching from a safe room, who can alter the robots mood to make a more challenging scenario for the soldier.

Click here to view this content.

It is the first time soldiers can train against a thinking enemy and represents a new generation of intelligent training for soldiers in urban warfare environments.

Started in 2020, the SimStriker project is in use with personnel at 16 Air Assault Brigade in Colchester. It is fitted with sensors capable of accurately recording the precision and fire rate of soldiers.

A camera inside the robots forehead detects motion and light. It then sends a signal for the robot to engage if it recognises someone entering a room.

When resting it can even burp to simulate a guard who isnt paying attention. When alert it will say phrases such as whos there? and can shout commands such as stop from a speaker located on its collarbone.

The robot was created by 4GD, a company set up by two former royal marines which provides combat training to soldiers through using virtual reality and special effects.

It has plans to develop the robot even further by virtually simulating organs on its torso to more realistically demonstrate battlefield injuries.

James Crowley, 4GD business development director, said: Although it gives the impression of a terminator, unlike the movie we arent trying to subordinate soldiers to a robot. Rather, we want to use a robot to enhance the soldier.

We want to use it to bring the training environment as close to the operating environment as possible. Thats why it shouts, talks and fires back. It is a leap forward in how the military can train for urban environments.

The robot is a move away from static wooden targets which are still widely used to train soldiers for urban fighting.

Mr Crowley added that this new generation of smart adversaries has increased the realism and effectiveness of soldier training.

He hopes SimStriker will be rolled out across the military in future.

Trainers can control the robots and their responses to soldiers in different training scenarios - 4GD

It comes as the Army has pivoted towards using AI more often in everyday life.

Earlier this year Capita, the outsourcing company responsible for recruitment, said it was using artificial intelligence to speed up the hiring of new soldiers amid a staffing crisis across the Armed Forces.

AI software is being used to process prospective recruits medical records provided alongside their application.

Last summer, Capita built its own AI software, it said, which its medical professionals use to scan and summarise these records. According to the company, it can cut the time needed to process would-be recruits medical records by almost a third.

Soldiers pictured during a training exercise involving the AI-powered robots

It comes after the Ministry of Defence announced last year that fewer troops will be needed on future front lines because of the rise of AI.

In its updated Defence Command Paper in July 2023 under Sir Ben Wallace, the defence secretary at the time, the MoD said it had drawn lessons from Russias invasion of Ukraine.

It added the conflict would change the way we think about the size of our Armed Forces.

The paper set out the militarys intended future capabilities on the front line, including the use of robots, human augmentation to modify soldiers performance, and weapons using laser or radio frequency to discreetly target adversaries.

Meanwhile, a new Defence Strategic Review, announced earlier this year when the Labour Government took power, said it will focus on the changing nature of conflict.

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.
Texas was fascinated with its Civil War veterans. The last one died here at 117.

Today, most people realize its insensitive to celebrate those who fought for the Confederacy.

But we also know that has not always been the case. Well into the 20th century, monuments were erected to them on public grounds, their graves were decorated on Memorial Day, and the state of Texas maintained a Confederate veterans home that did not close until 1954.

Texas Civil War veterans received a pension check from Austin for $100 every month if they were unmarried, $150 if they were married. (Union veterans were pensioned by the U.S. Congress.) The pension fund was maintained by an ad valorem tax of 2 cents on every $100 valuation.

The United Daughters of the Confederacy and Sons of Confederate Veterans kept the memories alive of those who had departed with regular meetings and sponsored public works.

In 1946 there were still 16 survivors of the Civil War living in Texas, all of whom were more than 100 years old. They lived in 16 different communities, none in Fort Worth. The nearest lived in Wichita Falls: 98-year-old Thomas Evans Riddle, who had enlisted near the end of the war at the age of 18 in the Twelfth Tennessee Infantry.

The oldest still alive in 1946 was Jeremiah P. OBrien of Kirbyville, who celebrated his 102nd birthday that year. He began serving in the Confederate army on July 1, 1864, in Company K, First Virginia Cavalry. He surrendered with Robert E. Lee at Appomattox Court House on April 9, 1865, and later made his way to Texas.

While the nation was gearing up to honor its veterans from World War II and still celebrated Armistice Day (Nov. 11), honoring its World War I veterans, the fact that there were still men alive who had fought in the Civil War (1861-65) was remarkable.

An article on the dwindling ranks of Confederate veterans still alive in the country was big news in Fort Worth, Longview, Wichita Falls, Lubbock, Abilene, and Longview in 1946. The numbers were reported variously as either 110 or maybe just 80. Either way, Texas had the most surviving veterans plus 1,049 widows of veterans.

Only 12 of Texas Confederate veterans were still alive two years later. Every year that passed, reporters came around to interview them and ask what they thought and how they explained their longevity. One-hundred-year-old Joseph Whitsett in 1948 said, Some Yankees are a noble lot ..., and I tell you theres a feeling among brave men that nobody else understands.

A year later, Texas counted only seven living Confederate veterans, among them Thomas Evans Uncle Tom Riddle and Walter W. Williams. They were the last two alive in 1953.

Riddle was the last resident of the Confederate Veterans Home in Austin. In 1951 at 104-years-old he filed suit to get a share of the $4 million estate of Samuel D. Riddle of Kentucky, the late owner of legendary racehorse Man O War. The suit was tied up in court when Riddle was given a birthday party at the Confederate home on the occasion of his 107th birthday. Gov. Allen Shivers sent birthday greetings and promoted the former Confederate private to colonel. The Texas House of Representatives passed a resolution congratulating him.

Riddle eventually dropped his lawsuit against the Samuel Riddle estate.

Riddle suffered from tuberculosis, but the U.S. government would not admit him to a VA hospital because he was not a United States veteran. The United Daughters of the Confederacy and Gov. Shivers stepped in to allow him to occupy an entire wing of the Confederate Veterans Home. The rest of the facility had been converted in 1949 to a state hospital for the mentally ill.

Meanwhile, 110-year-old Walter W. Williams was still alive. He passed his latest medical exam at the Houston Veterans Administration (VA) hospital with his 80-year-old, second wife at his side. He pronounced himself fit as a fiddle. There was a small glitch in the medical exam, however. Legally, the VA could not treat Williams because, as a former Confederate soldier, he was not entitled to federal benefits. His doctors were willing to ignore that technicality, but not administrators. The local chapter of Disabled War Veterans paid for the examination and announced they would pay all costs in the future.

Thomas Riddle died of pneumonia in 1954 at the age of 107 at the Confederate home. He was one of just five living Confederate veterans in the nation at the time. Williams, living on a farm near Franklin, was another member of that small band.

Williams outlived every other Civil War veteran, North or South, dying on Dec. 19, 1959, at the age of 117. The cause was given as complications of old age. Two years earlier, the Texas legislature had passed a bill raising his monthly pension to $300 a month. His body lay in state in Houston while thousands interrupted their Christmas shopping to file by respectfully. He had a block-long military procession to the church where the service was held and the cemetery afterward. President Dwight Eisenhower and Texas Gov. Price Daniel were among those attending his funeral.

Thus, Texas has the distinction of being home to the last Confederate soldier, Williams, and the last Confederate general officer, Felix Huston Robertson (who died in 1928).

With the death of Williams, the book could finally be closed on the Civil War, it seemed, though debate erupted decades later about memorializing Confederate soldiers. Tempers rose and statues came down, including a marker on the Tarrant County Courthouse lawn honoring Confederate veterans and all their descendants who fought in Americas wars from the Spanish-American to World War II. Put up by the United Daughters of the Confederacy in 1953, it came down in 2020 by order of county commissioners.

Author-historian Richard Selcer is a Fort Worth native and proud graduate of Paschal High and TCU.
AUSTIN (Nexstar)  Two of the lawmakers running to unseat Dade Phelan as Speaker of the Texas House presented a united front on Friday, telling a crowd at the Texas Tribune Festival they will both work to enact sweeping procedural changes and prioritize more conservative legislation in an already deeply-conservative chamber.

Its time for change in the Texas House, and not little change. Its time for big change, said Dr. Tom Oliverson, a Cypress Republican and candidate for speaker.

Oliverson and Stephenville Republican Shelby Slawson were the first two challengers to announce their bid for the speakership. Both have criticized Speaker Dade Phelan, their former ally, of inadequately championing conservative priorities in the chamber.

Oliverson, an anesthesiologist, carried the bill to ban gender transition surgery for minors, a conservative priority that ostracized him among House Democrats.

Shelby Slawson earned conservative credentials for carrying the states major abortion ban as a first-term member.

Mansfield Republican David Cook also announced his run for Speaker this week, though he declined an invitation to participate in the Tribunes panel. Nexstar extended him an interview invite, which his team also declined, explaining he will spend his time speaking with members one-on-one.

Both candidates support appointing only Republicans to chair committees  a break from longstanding tradition to name members of both the majority and minority parties to lead committees. Oliverson said this practice is outdated and Texas is essentially the last of a dying breed on this.

Having Republicans as committee chairs does not mean the minority party would be silenced, Slawson said.

Its incumbent upon us to model a leadership style that the majority is respecting of the minority and the voices are still heard in the chamber, Slawson said.

Slawson and Oliverson were also in agreement that the impeachment process was mishandled. They both echoed similar sentiments that the process was rushed.

I know that nobody, other than the people directly involved, had any knowledge that this was going to happen, Oliverson said. We were all just literally dumb struck on the House floor. It was as if an atom bomb had just dropped out of space and just hit us right squarely on the House.

Its a frustration throughout the House chamber that we have been conscripted into a war with the other chamber that our voters didnt send us to be a part of, Slawson said. Not a single time on a doorstep did anybody tell me what I really want you to do is go pick fights with the lieutenant governor and the senate, thatd be great.

Phelan is intent on keeping the gavel and has enlisted top talent to strategize. Former Governor and U.S. Energy Secretary Rick Perry is joining his office as a senior advisor. At the festival Thursday, Perry said he hopes to maintain decency and bipartisanship.

Hes an honest and fair broker, Perry said of Phelan. We can get on that House or Senate floor and we can cuss and discuss and be passionate about what we believe in, but at the end of the day, were human beings.

Phelan will need 75 votes to maintain the gavel. That path may involve keeping the 64 Democrats united behind him  Oliverson said Phelan does not have a pathway to keeping a majority of the Republicans.

It has been the case in the past, and it can be the case again, that we move from mutually assured destruction to mutual respect and cooperation, Oliverson said. But its going to take a change in leadership to get there. Youre not going to be able to get there with the same two people.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Texas sues for medical records of women who are seeking out of state abortions

Texas sues for medical records of women who are seeking out of state abortions

Texas has sued the federal government to try and get around federal health privacy protections so officials can get information on women who've had out-of-state abortions.

The state filed a lawsuit on Wednesday in Lubbock, Texas, targeting a law enacted in 2000 to protect Americans' medical privacy. In April, an addition to the law prohibited the disclosing of medical records for criminal or civil investigations if they dealt with the mere act of seeking, obtaining, providing or facilitating reproductive health care.

In simple terms: if an entity wants to bring a criminal or civil suit against a woman who sought an abortion outside of the state, under the current law they cannot access her records. Texas is suing to get access to those records and will use them to prosecute anyone who assists a woman who leaves the state to have an abortion.

The lawsuit argues that the current rules contradict other federal laws that allow investigators to access protected medical records for "law enforcement purposes."

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said the change to federal law was a "backdoor attempt" to weaken Texas's strict anti-abortion legislation, according to the New York Times.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton speaks during the annual Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) meeting on February 23, 2024, in National Harbor, Maryland. Paxton is fighting federal laws protecting the private medical records of women who have traveled out of Texas to receive abortions (AFP via Getty Images)

The Biden administrations motive is clear: to subvert lawful state investigations on issues that the courts have said the states may investigate," he said.

The April regulation was a response to abortion bans in Republican state legislatures following the Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v Wade in 2022. Several states, including Texas, are trying to expand their bans to include women who travel out of state to seek reproductive health care services.

While it's currently unclear if Texas has tried to dig up the records of women who have traveled out of state for abortions, Paxton has demanded records concerning gender-transition procedures conducted in Washington state and Georgia.

A judge blocked his attempts to access those records in March.

States have worked with investigators to dig into individual's medical records, but that is typically when the investigation is focused on fraud that involves a person's health claims, according to the Times.

The federal government has made clear it does not want Texas poking around in women's medical records, and several states with Democratic legislatures have passed laws or executive orders to protect women and their doctors from states with far-reaching abortion bans.
Thatcherites have joined forces to back plans for a museum commemorating Brexit to counter the European Unions one-sided narrative.

Leading figures including Lord Lamont and Lord Lilley, who both served in Cabinet under Baroness Thatcher, are spearheading a funding drive for the project.

They have issued warnings that the history of Brexit is currently being left to be rewritten from one biased vantage point by Brussels-funded institutions.

The EU has spent hundreds of millions of pounds to tell their side of the story, including at the House of European History, which has almost 60 staff.

Based in a park next to the EU Parliament the museum only contains a small exhibition on Brexit, with a few exhibits such as fliers from the referendum campaign.

In a letter, the supporters of the Brexit museum warned that if the story of the referendum is left to the EU then much will simply be consigned to oblivion.

They wrote: The risk is obvious. Left to the EU institutions, the story of Brexit will be at best ignored, at worst rewritten from one biased vantage point.

Whats needed is a fair and balanced museum, accessibly based in the UK. Something that doesnt just assume that EU integration is unquestionably a good thing, and Brexit has been merely a brief and irrational aberration.

Even if the ambition is a tenth the size of just one of the Brussels museums, and on a hundredth of the budget, the simple fact of its existence creates a counterweight and a challenge to any one-sided narrative.

Former Tory chancellor Lord Lamont supports the idea of a Brexit museum - Karwai Tang/Wireimage

The high-profile signatories include Lord Frost, the former Brexit negotiator, and Edward Fox, the actor who supported the Leave campaign.

Efforts to set up the museum are cross-party, with Lord Owen, a former Labour foreign secretary, and Graham Stringer, a Labour MP, also supporting it.

Others backing the project include the Prof Robert Tombs, the historian, and Major-General Julian Thompson, who commanded UK forces in the Falklands.

Lord Lawson, who served as chancellor under Lady Thatcher for six years, also supported the campaign for a museum, before his death last year.

The funding drive is aiming to raise between 1m and 1.5m, which would be enough to buy a building in a major city outside London with good transport links.

Supporters have said the museum would not only cover the EU referendum and subsequent Brexit talks, but also a wider history of UK relations with Europe.

Plans have also been drawn up for an exhibition on the special relationship, highlighting how ties with the United States have shaped British history.

Former Minister of State for EU Relations Lord Frost is another backer of the project - David Neal/Getty

A key feature of this project is that the museum will tell the story in a fair and balanced way, the letter states.

The trustees want the site to be a place where people from all sides can visit and better understand points of view across what was often a heated and divisive debate.

Exhibits for the museum have already been collected after a network of drop-off points was set up in the aftermath of the referendum result.

Full list of signatories

Edward Fox

Lord David Frost

Baroness Kate Hoey

Robert Gascoyne-Cecil, The Marquess of Salisbury

Lord Norman Lamont

Lord Peter Lilley

Lord Jon Moynihan

Lord David Owen

Prof Gwythian Prins

Graham Stringer MP

Prof Robert Tombs

Major-General Julian Thompson

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.
Reacting to the speculations of the AAP-Congress alliance in Haryana, BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala hit out at them on Saturday and said the INDIA alliance lacks mission and vision. He further said that they are the same parties that are against each other in Punjab and Delhi but their possible efforts regarding alliance shows their desperation in Haryana. BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla said, "INDI alliance has no mission and vision. They have their own ambitions and operate through their confusion and they have obsession with Modi. They want to protect their corruption. That's why they form an alliance in some places, however, it breaks later on. In Punjab, AAP and Congress are against each other. In Delhi, they were together earlier. And now there are uncertainties (between AAP and Congress) in Haryana." "Now in Haryana, sometimes its yes and sometimes its no. Don't know how long this film will take place and in all these sequences, Congress party admits one of their (AAP) members, Rajendra Pal Gautam, in their party. It was the same person whom Congress used to criticise. So, there is no vision and mission in this alliance, they are just afflicted by their ambitions. It shows their desperation in Haryana. Political parties standing against each other in Haryana are also having to come together. It means they have no surety of people's support in Haryana if they contest the elections alone," said Poonawala. On September 6, Aam Aadmi Party MP Raghav Chaddha announced that the Congress and AAP were dicussuing to form an alliance for the Haryana Assembly Elections in the national interest, and every possible effort is being made for it. "Talks are going on. We are hopeful that an alliance will form in favour of Haryana and the country. Every possible effort is being made," the AAP MP said. Earlier, AICC in-charge of Haryana, Deepak Babaria, confirmed talks with AAP for the Haryana polls. He said that apart from the AAP, INDIA bloc partners, including the Communist Party of India (CPIM) and the Samajwadi Party, have also approached them to fight the assembly elections together in the state. The voting for the 90-member legislative assembly in Haryana will be held on October 5, with the last date for filing nominations being September 12. The counting of votes will take place on October 8. (ANI)
Three killed in Israeli airstrike were emergency workers, Lebanon says. Israel says it targeted terrorists

Three people were killed and two wounded in an Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon, authorities in the country said Saturday.

The Lebanese Ministry of Public Health said three emergency workers were killed in the attack as they tried to contain a fire in the town of Froun, Nabatieh district. It said the attack was the second time an ambulance team had been targeted within 12 hours and was a violation of international law.

However, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said the strike had eliminated terrorists from the Amal movement, a Hezbollah-allied Shia group. The Amal movement released a statement saying two of its members had been killed while performing their humanitarian and national duty in defense of Lebanon and the South.

Hezbollah said in a statement Sunday that its fighters bombed the Kiryat Shmona settlement with a salvo of missiles in response to Israeli strikes in Lebanon, singling out the airstrike that killed the three emergency workers.

The IDF said early Sunday that about 50 projectiles were launched from southern Lebanon toward Kiryat Shmona in upper Galilee, Israels northernmost territory. Most were intercepted, and no injuries were reported, it said.

The Israeli military said Sunday its air force struck Hezbollah military structures overnight in the areas of Aitaroun, Maroun El Ras, and Yaroun in southern Lebanon. It also said it struck and eliminated terrorists from the Amal movement in the area of Froun.

Lebanons caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati characterized Saturdays deadly airstrike as a blatant violation of international laws and a blatant aggression against human values, and called on Western ambassadors and other international representatives to attend an emergency meeting at his headquarters in Beirut on Monday.

He said the meeting aimed to demand accountability and pressure the Israeli enemy that does not care about any law and continues to ignite the fire of its crimes against Lebanon and the Lebanese.

Cross-border fire between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah has been an almost daily occurrence since the war in Gaza began.

Lebanons Civil Defense director Brigadier General Raymond Khattar extended his deepest condolences to the families of those affected.

He also wished a speedy recovery to one of the injured men, whom the Civil Defense identified as Mohammad Amasha. The injured man had been transferred to Tebnin Governmental Hospital, where he is undergoing surgery due to a serious injury he sustained as a result of the raid, the Civil Defense said.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
MINNEAPOLIS  Amid the chatter of mid-day grocery runs and pharmacy orders being filled at Afrik Grocery in Minneapolis' Cedar-Riverside neighborhood, Fardousa Yossuf stuck out her hand and introduced herself as "a storyteller."

Her story in this adopted home began in 1999, where she came after fleeing the civil war in Somalia. In the years since, she has noticed big changes: Minneapolis is bigger and more prosperous now, and "it's because of the immigrants," said the 59-year-old who now teaches Somali language in the local public schools. "We are really contributing to the betterment of the country."

But now her community has once again become a point of focus in conservative circles since Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris chose Minnesota's governor, Tim Walz, as her running mate.

Within hours of Harris announcing her pick, social media was riddled with the false rumor that Walz fashioned the states new flag to resemble Somalias. Stephen Miller, former senior Trump advisor and a close confidante, piled on by saying Harris and Walz planned to turn the entire Midwest into Mogadishu, the capital city of Somalia. An article from Fox News published a week after the VP announcement suggested Walzs immigration policy contributed to a rise in Somali gangs.

These attacks aren't new. Former President Donald Trump has specifically targeted Somali immigrants in every campaign cycle in Minnesota since he first ran for president in 2016, a local variation on the anti-immigration rhetoric he's long embraced. Before President Joe Biden dropped out of the race, Trump's team claimed Republicans would win the reliably blue state this November, as they said in 2020.

A key difference is that a brand new Democratic ticket has given Trump an opening to go after Harris and Walz on their biggest Achilles' heel: immigration and the border.

The rhetoric is just "politics," Yossuf said in an interview just days before Walz would formally accept his party's nomination some 400 miles away at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

But she said she has also noticed a few of Trump's campaign promises have rattled members of the Minnesotan immigrant community, including the 2024 Republican presidential nominee's proposal to enact mass deportations and reinstitute a travel ban on majority-Muslim countries. Others who spoke with USA TODAY similarly expressed concerns that anti-immigrant rhetoric in this year's election could create a more hostile environment for transplants.

"Making people fear all that, I think, is wrong," she said. Most of the East African immigrants she knows fled hardship, are in the U.S. legally, and are working hard and paying taxes, thanks to refugee resettlement policies, she said. "So to demean them and make that they are nothing, its not right.

Fardousa Yossuf, 59, teaches Somali language in the Minneapolis public schools.

At least 44,000 Minnesota residents were born in Somalia and another 29,000 first-generation Somali Americans call the state home, according to data compiled by Minnesota Compass.

In the decades since the first wave of Somali migrants came to the state, they have established flourishing cultural and business districts, sent their children to its colleges and universities, and elected leaders from their own communities to Minnesota's city councils, mayorships, legislature and to the U.S. Congress.

They have also been met with some resistance in the predominantly white and Christian Midwest state of 5.7 million people  including everything from violent threats and vandalism to general racial and religious tensions. Somali immigrants have been the focus of local efforts to stop refugee resettlement and have feared targeting by local police. The community's most high-profile elected official  U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn.  has been a frequent target of anti-Muslim threats and rumors, including from Trump himself.

Still, most Minnesotans have been welcoming, according to around a dozen Minnesota Somali community members, leaders and allies who spoke with USA TODAY, and generous state policies for refugee resettlement, most recently championed by Walz, has made the state a popular destination for East Africans fleeing dangerous conditions back home.

U.S. Republican Presidential nominee former President Donald Trump leaves the stage after speaking during a rally at Herb Brooks National Hockey Center on July 27, 2024 in St Cloud, Minnesota.

In the national political spotlight

During a visit to Minnesota in July  for a campaign rally in St. Cloud, where some local opposition to Somali refugee resettlement has gained national attention  Trump said Harris wants to deposit thousands of jihadist sympathizers in Minnesota.

You know that, you already have enough, he added. I mean, how the hell do you have these Congresspeople elected  Ilhan Omar, who is the first Somali American to serve in Congress.

"On Day 1 of the Trump presidency, I will restore the travel ban, suspend refugee admission, stop the resettlement, and keep the terrorists the hell out of our country," he added, referencing the 2017 travel ban from majority-Muslim countries  including Somalia  as he addressed the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas against Israel.

In a statement to USA TODAY, Trump campaign press secretary Karoline Leavitt said that Harris is allowing "a border invasion of illegal immigrants from all over the world."

"It's hurting ALL Americans, regardless of race, and ESPECIALLY minority Americans in inner cities, where illegal immigrants are taking up housing supply and committing heinous crimes," she said. "President Trump wants to put ALL American citizens first, including those who LEGALLY immigrated to this country."

Salman Fiqy, a Republican who recently lost a state House primary, supports Trump and attended the rally in St. Cloud. He argued Republicans could win over Somali voters, who often share socially conservative values with the GOP, if they took a different approach.

Its the same mistake that they did in 2020. I think its very, very sad, Fiqy said. Biden won Minnesota in 2020 by 7.2 percentage points. I was thinking that the Republican Party is going to wise up this time around, that they would tone down that populist, race-based, ethnic-based politics to rally up their voter base. I think thats the reason why now theyre losing momentum, honestly.

Welcoming policy, economy bring refugees to Minnesota

In the Minneapolis Cedar-Riverside neighborhood, nicknamed Little Mogadishu, immigrants and their families dine at Somali restaurants filled with the smells of cumin, coriander and turmeric, shop at grocery stores stocked with everything from halal meats and halwa to camel milk, and advertise for local political campaigns, social services and community events in both Somali and English.

Nearby, a spacious indoor mall is packed with stalls selling Somali clothing, housewares, food and services to help new immigrants send money to loved ones in East Africa. Calls to prayer play five times per day over the loudspeaker and echo through the winding hallways, inviting shoppers to the mosque upstairs.

Shoppers peruse stalls at Karmel Mall in south Minneapolis, Minnesota. The mall primarily serves East African immigrants to the area.

It's a sliver of the expansive Somali community that grew in Minnesota because of the state's generous social services, good public schools, low housing costs and plentiful employment opportunities, said Ahmed "Jaffer" Mohamed, a refugee resettlement coordinator for the Minnesota Council of Churches. In addition to the large number of Somali residents, Minnesota is home to the countrys second-largest Hmong population, who fled Southeast Asia after the Vietnam War.

Walz did not initiate those policies, but he has expanded upon them in the nearly six years since he's been in office. When Trump as president signed an executive order in 2019 allowing state and local governments more power to reject incoming refugees, Walz approved continued resettlements. Later, Walz approved programs providing drivers licenses, free college tuition and health insurance to undocumented immigrants.

"Minnesota has a strong moral tradition of welcoming those who seek refuge," Walz wrote in a letter to the Trump administration's State Department affirming that the state would continue to accept refugees. "Refugees strengthen our communities. Bringing new cultures and fresh perspectives, they contribute to the social fabric of our state. Opening businesses and supporting existing ones, they are critical to the success of our economy."

The Harris-Walz campaign did not respond to requests for comment from USA TODAY for this story.

Rich Stanek, a Republican who served as Hennepin County Sheriff from 2007 to 2019, said he believes it's a good thing that Minnesota is a welcoming state, but he still criticized Walz's tenure.

"The issue is, Gov. Walz, under his administration the last six years has been so welcoming to the extent that he's cut out local law enforcement," he said. He cited Walz's letter welcoming additional migrants and said he didn't tell police "when they're coming, who's coming, doesn't give us the names, doesn't tell us how they fare in terms of being in the country legally, illegally."

Most Somali residents who spoke with USA TODAY said they hadn't heard what Trump and conservative commentators were saying about refugees in Minnesota. But they also didn't say they were surprised.

Ahmed Ali, 32, moved to Mankato  where Walz himself lived for decades  from Somalia nearly five years ago. He thinks Walz has been a good governor, especially because of the school lunch program he approved last year, but had a conversation recently with a neighbor who disagreed, saying he has done too much to support undocumented immigrants.

Asked how that felt as an immigrant himself, Ali said his neighbor "has the right to question who is coming into this country if that is affecting him, the way he lives. If there is going to be job competition, you have the right to ask. If there is a resources issue, do we have the resources to accommodate people?

But he said Trump is trying to scare the Midwestern people with comments like those he made in St. Cloud.

Theres a lot of people who are not open minded, people who never travel, people who are never exposed to other cultures, he said. Those people may believe what Donald Trump may say.

A sign urging people to vote for Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., in Somali hangs on a wall in Karmel Mall in south Minneapolis, Minnesota. Omar won in her district's Democratic primary in August.

Changing attitudes on welcoming immigrants

Periodically, white Minnesota residents renew complaints against their Somali neighbors or a scandal deepens distrust. A decade ago, dozens of Somali youth were targeted in jihadi recruitment, something that even got the attention of the Obama administration. Recently, Minnesotan Somalis were at the nexus of a massive fraud case involving a nonprofit taking advantage of federal COVID relief funding - a topic that House Republicans in Washington are now investigating.

Somalis are just like other human beings. There are criminals among them, there are towering civic figures among them, said Abdi Ismail Samatar, a geography professor at the University of Minnesota who came to the U.S. from Somalia.

Overall, the population in Minnesota are very thoughtful people, Samatar said, and make judgments based on their own experiences  now, decades since their migration to Minnesota began, with Somali community members working at every professional level.

For former President Trump to use Somalis as bait says more about him than it says about the country and the communities hes talking to," Samatar said.

For example, in St. Cloud, where Trump held his most recent rally and where Somali refugee resettlement has been a point of contention for years, candidates championing restrictions on refugee resettlement have lost elections in recent years. Now two Somali candidates are running for a seat on the local city council, beating out ten other candidates in a crowded primary last month.

Attendees recite the pledge of allegiance at a rally for U.S. Republican Presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Republican vice presidential nominee U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH) at Herb Brooks National Hockey Center on July 27, 2024 in St Cloud, Minnesota.

Hamse Warfa is a Somali Minnesotan who previously worked in state government for the Walz administration and at the State Department under President Joe Biden. He is now volunteering for the Walz campaign around the country.

How welcoming native-born Minnesotans have been has ebbed and flowed over time, Warfa said. "I feel as it gets closer to the election, unfortunately there are some politicians that create more divisions."

"I'm a strong believer that everything rises or falls on leadership," he said. He visited St. Cloud a few weeks before Trump to speak to the local Somali community: "My message to Somali Americans was that this is your country as much as it is for Donald Trump."

Yossuf, the Somali teacher, said she has come to that conclusion herself.

"People who have seen a lot of problems really are the best citizens," she said. "We are very committed to vote because we have seen what without democracy is."

She remembered the authoritarianism and violent rivalries that drove the Somali diaspora for decades, and argued that racial, religious and ethnic divisions in the U.S. can get in the way of all the opportunity her adopted home has to offer.

"I have seen Arabia, I have seen Europe, I have seen Africa. I really feel America is the best country. If you follow the rules and do the best you can, you really reach very high," Yossuf said. "It's the only place I feel when people say the sky is the limit, it's true."

Yossuf described herself as a storyteller because she reads and sings to children in Somali at the local library, or maybe, as she said with a laugh, because she "likes to talk." But she also tells her peers as often as she can about the rights they have in their new home in Minnesota and the United States, to vote and to tell the nation their own story  regardless of who holds the microphone on the campaign trail.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: In Tim Walzs home state, Somali immigrants push back on GOP attacks
OCEANSIDE, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI)  Though his artists eye was searching for SpaceXs Falcon 9 rocket launch Thursday, a North County photographer found himself capturing the picturesque descent of a Waxing Moon instead.

Rocket launch was just a tad too late, and the sun was too low below the horizon to illuminate the rocket well, said Vladimir Medvinsky, who posted up near the iconic Oceanside Pier around 8:20 p.m. with hopes of photographing contrasts worth freezing in time.

He accomplished just that, but it wasnt the rocket stream.

When I got to the coast, I was torn on what to focus on. The Crescent Moon seemed to align perfectly with the remains of what used to be Rubys Diner at the end of the pier, but the timing of the Moon to align just above Rubys was turning out to be exactly when SpaceX was launching, Medvinsky explained. And soaring at approximately 17,000 mph, the rocket doesnt give you much time to fiddle around with the camera; it clears the entire sky in a matter of minutes.

On Sept. 5, 2024, Earths celestial neighbor was in a Waxing Gibbous phase, meaning its illumination  brightened, of course, by the Sun  was at 70%. Only visible as a slender arc-shape, the Crescent Moon appeared to hide behind the singed diner that sits on the end of the pier.

The former restaurant, now held in the memory of many North County locals as a once nostalgic meeting place, caught fire this past April. Now known by most as the old Rubys Diner, the then-vacant building faced its final demise during the firefight.

REALTED: A very special place: Community returns to Oceanside Pier

The Moon above Oside Pier was just too beautiful to miss, especially since Ive been hearing on the news about upcoming demolition and construction, said Medvinsky. I havent shot the pier since the fire and thought this may be my last opportunity, so I left the telephoto lens on my camera and proceeded to photograph the Moon as it set through the rubbles.

Medvinsky was able to snap a photographic time-lapse of Thursdays dipping Crescent Moon, as seen in the compilation below:

Crescent Moon dips behind Oceansides singed pier diner on Sept. 5, 2024. (Credit: Vladimir Medvinsky Photographic Art)

Crescent Moon dips behind Oceansides singed pier diner on Sept. 5, 2024. (Credit: Vladimir Medvinsky Photographic Art)

Crescent Moon dips behind Oceansides singed pier diner on Sept. 5, 2024. (Credit: Vladimir Medvinsky Photographic Art)

Crescent Moon dips behind Oceansides singed pier diner on Sept. 5, 2024. (Credit: Vladimir Medvinsky Photographic Art)

Crescent Moon dips behind Oceansides singed pier diner on Sept. 5, 2024. (Credit: Vladimir Medvinsky Photographic Art)

I think I can speak for majority of Oceanside locals and San Diegans alike we will miss Rubys but are excited to see the renovations and whats to come, said Medvinsky.

Was the Crescent Moon offering a solemn nod of farewell to the beloved diner? Only the universe knows.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Jim Walsh, seen here at an event in early 2024, chairs the Washington State Republican Party, which is suing King County over its use of an online platform to help people fix signature problems on their ballots. (Bill Lucia/Washington State Standard)

With only six weeks before voting begins in Washingtons November election, state Republican Party Chair Jim Walsh acknowledged that time is tight for his partys legal challenge against recount results in the state lands commissioner primary.

On Thursday, the party filed a lawsuit against King County over the use of an online system to aid voters in fixing, or curing, signature problems on their ballots, allowing them to be counted. With the lawsuit, the party is trying to get about 2,000 ballots invalidated  more than enough to potentially overturn the primary results.

The party filed the suit in Snohomish County Superior Court. The court had not indicated whether it would expedite review of the case, Walsh said midday on Friday. Were asking them for a quick review, but thats up to the court, he said.

Critics of the suit are trashing it as a desperate attempt to cast doubt on the outcome of a race where the votes have already been tallied twice statewide  once in a hand recount.

The drama centers on the second-place spot in the lands commissioner primary. Democrat Dave Upthegrove won it by 49 votes, according to the results of the statewide hand recount, which the secretary of states office certified on Wednesday. Sue Kuehl Pederson, who the state Republican Party endorsed, finished third, and out of the general election.

In its suit, the state GOP claims the online tool used  OmniBallot  doesnt comply with a provision in state law that calls for information that voters use to cure ballots to go directly and securely to county auditors. The problem, according to the complaint, is that this information goes first to the company that operates OmniBallot.

King County Elections says it has used the OmniBallot platform for more than a decade to provide ballot access to military and overseas voters, for King Conservation District elections, and  since last November  as an online tool for voters to resolve signature issues on ballots.

Were extremely confident in the security of this system, and were proud of the way it has increased access for all voters  including older voters and voters with disabilities  to ensure their voices are heard, Courtney Hudak, a spokesperson for King County elections said.

Walsh counters that security issues are not at the center of whats driving the lawsuit. He said his partys beef hangs more heavily on the word directly, rather than securely in the state law. What we are challenging is the lawful use of the app, he said.

Hudak declined to comment on the lawsuit and said, as of Friday morning, it was her understanding that the county had not received notice of the legal action. She also said that in the August primary, 5,456 signatures were challenged and 2,083 voters cured their challenged ballots by submitting forms via the online tool.

The lawsuit pegs the number of ballots cured in the county using OmniBallot at 2,092. It seeks to have all of those cured ballots invalidated.

Time to print ballots is approaching

Charlie Boisner, a spokesperson for the secretary of states office, said he would not speculate on hypothetical litigation scenarios.

But he said ballots must start going out in the mail to military and overseas voters no later than Sept. 21. Ballots will be mailed to most Washington voters on Oct. 18.

Boisner also said that Washington law allows county auditors to provide voters with electronic options for curing signatures for challenged ballots. The voter is still required to submit a handwritten signature on the ballot return envelope that is compared to a valid signature that appears on their voter registration record, he explained.

He said OmniBallot provided a secure and accessible tool for voters to submit their ballot cure forms electronically as authorized under state law. King County is the only county that uses this service in Washington, Boisner said.

Upthegrove, in a statement on Friday, called the suit frivolous and irresponsible and said it would disenfranchise thousands of legal King County voters who had their challenged ballots cured before the certification deadline.

That constitutes a direct attack on voters rights and is just the latest evidence-free MAGA effort to undermine public confidence in the integrity of our election system, he added. I am confident the courts will quickly reject it.

Walsh called this statement from Upthegrove hysterical and preposterous.

This is a very narrowly crafted challenge to one specific element of the election, he said.

Pressed on whether he thought the lawsuit could disenfranchise voters who fixed signature problems on their ballots using a process sanctioned by a county government, Walsh replied: You cant disenfranchise a cured ballot that wasnt cured legally.

Thats putting the cart before the horse, he said, adding that use of the online platform raises fairness concerns for voters outside of King County, where its unavailable.

Former Washington congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler, who is also a Republican and topped the primary field, kept her distance from the suit.

Im going to keep talking about how Ill better manage lands for biodiversity and fire resilience while the courts figure out who my opponent will be, she said.

Sue Kuehl Pedersons campaign manager did not respond to a request for comment.

Democracy Live, the Washington-based company that provides OmniBallot, would not comment in detail due to the pending litigation but said its on-screen, handwritten signature form has been implemented in multiple states and used by hundreds of thousands of voters since 2019, without incident and said it undergoes rigorous ongoing, persistent testing.

Walsh said that in addition to raising issues about OmniBallot in this election, the partys lawsuit leaves open the possibility that the court could weigh in on how the platform is used going forward. Maybe we can get an order thatll clear it up for future years, he said.
Unforgivable sin: Tooele man charged with murder of daughter, an SLC sheriffs deputy

This post contains graphic images and/or details. Reader discretion is advised.

TOOELE, Utah (ABC4)  A Tooele father who has reportedly fled the country after allegedly killing his daughter, a Salt Lake County sheriffs deputy, was charged with murder on Sept. 6.

Hector Martinez-Ayala, 54, previously a person of interest, was charged in the Third District Court after his daughter Marbella Martinez, 25, was found dead by Tooele City Police on Aug. 1.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Salt Lake County Deputys death being investigated as suspicious

Along with the murder charge, Hector Martinez-Ayala has been charged with the following:

Two counts of obstructing justice, second-degree felonies.

One count of stalking current or former cohabitant, a third-degree felony.

One count of unlawful transaction, possession or transfer of a financial transaction card, a third-degree felony.

Two counts of unlawful use of a transaction card, class A misdemeanors.

One count of unlawful possession of anothers identification documents, a class A misdemeanor.

Charging documents stated Hector Martinez-Ayala reportedly sent a text message to his brother saying the suspect may never return.

My brother, you know much I love you. I made a big mistake, an unforgivable sin, now Im too scared and I dont know what to do. I think I will never come back, Martinez-Ayala said.

Previously, ABC4.com reported Marbella Martinez was found dead by police at a Tooele home after 8 a.m. when officers responded to a welfare check.

The Salt Lake County Sheriffs Office stated in August that Tooele Police were investigating this as a suspicious death.

READ NEXT: Provo mother accused of 76 counts of child sex crimes involving 10-year-old daughter

Charging documents state that the last known video of Marbella Martinez came from an indoor camera around 12:30 p.m., Hector Martinez-Ayala came home just after 2 p.m. according to the camera notifications on his phone.

The camera notifications stopped afterward. Video after that does not exist or was deleted because of the disabling of the cameras.

Charging documents say Martinez-Ayala took Martinezs phone and disposed of it on his way to Salt Lake City International Airport. It was found on I-80 near mile marker 101. He flew from Salt Lake to San Francisco, then to Houston. After leaving Houston, there are no cell phone records available.

He allegedly used his twin brothers identification when he landed in another country.

Documents stated whereabouts of Martinez-Ayala are not known, however his last known location was outside of the United States.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Troy man arrested and charged in the murder of his wife, police say

TROY, Ala. (WDHN)  A Troy man is behind bars after police claim he shot and killed his wife.

39-year-old Benjamin Joshua Hill of Troy was arrested this afternoon after his wife, 37-year-old Jennifer Paramore Hill, was found with a gunshot wound inside their residence on County Road 2221.

Jennifer Hill was immediately transported by ambulance to a hospital in Montgomery, where she unfortunately succumbed to her injuries.

Joshua Hill was present at the scene and was taken into custody for questioning. Following the investigation, Hill has been charged with murder.

Hill was processed at the Troy City Jail and later transported to Pike County Jail, where he is being held without bond pending an Aniyahs Law hearing.

Troy Police Department is being assisted in this investigation by the District Attorneys Office and the Pike County Coroners 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 WDHN - wdhn.com.
The Assam Police have arrested the two absconding accused of raping a minor in Dhing area of Nagaon district on Friday, said a top police official. According to the police official, both the accused had surrendered in front of police on Friday and now, they will be produced before the court. Nagaon SP, Swapnaneel Deka, said on Friday, "Both have surrendered today (September 6). We are now interrogating them. We will take action as per law. We will arrest them. Procedures are going on. Tomorrow we will produce them before the court and will seek remand. We were searching for them following the incident and the family members told us that they wanted to surrender. Today they surrendered." Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also informed about their arrest through a social media post on X and wrote, "The Assam Police have arrested both absconding accused in the Dhing rape incident." The minor girl was allegedly gang-raped by three persons in the Dhing area on August 22 evening while she was returning to home from tuition classes. According to reports, locals found the girl in a semi-conscious state by the side of a road and immediately admitted her to a hospital. The prime accused was arrested on the night they had allegedly committed the crime but, police said they have recovered the body of the prime accused from a pond on August 23 a day after allegedly escaping from police custody. On August 28, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma asserted in the state assembly that he won't let "Miya Muslim" take over the state. Speaking in the state assembly on the adjournment motions brought by the opposition Congress and AIUDF to discuss the law and order situation in the state in the backdrop of a 14-year-old minor girl gang rape incident that took place at Dhing area in Nagaon district and a recent incident in Upper Assam, the Assam Chief Minister said that - "I won't let Assam become a land of Miyas." (ANI)
Just when Donald Trump thought he had put his latest weird controversy behind him, the son of the late Senator John McCain dragged it back into the news. This week, Jimmy McCain, who followed his father into military service, announced that he was all in for Kamala Harris, going so far as to register as a Democrat for the upcoming election. The catalyzing event for McCain was a scandal that made huge news last week: the Trump campaigns bizarre attempt at a publicity stunt at Arlington National Cemetery on August 26, which ended in an altercation between members of his campaign staff and an official at the cemetery, who attempted to enforce a rule barring cameras in one section of the grounds.

The fracas spurred a weeklong festival of potshots, recriminations, andas with all things Trumpthe specter of political violence, as the official who ran afoul of Trumps campaign thugs was left fearful of retaliation. It was all too much for McCain fils, who referred to the Trump teams actions as a violation. As true as that may be, the whole hullabaloo is also quintessential Trumpand perhaps the best example of how he will rule in a second term: as a bully, bent on pushing around, publicly maligning, and punishing those who earn their living in public service.

This is no mere supposition on my part. Its no secret that Trump and his GOP allies plan to radically reconceive the federal workforce into an engine of personal gain and retribution. Indeed, it was a latter-day plan of Trumps first term that never ended up coming to fruition: In October of 2020, he issued an executive order that would have recategorized a wide swath of the civil service under something called Schedule F, giving Trump broad leeway to apply political loyalty tests to executive branch employees and fire those who could not pass them.

Trump was unable to fully implement this design, and President Joe Biden was swift to rescind the order upon taking office. But Trump and his alliesnotably the far-right weirdos of the Peter Thiel Extended Universe, which includes vice presidential hopeful J.D. Vancedream of purging the federal government of anyone who isnt a true MAGA believer and bringing back a souped-up spoils system that would transform the government into an engine of retribution.

Trump learned during his first term that the federal workforce was often a de facto blockade against his corrupt designs, simply because throughout its ranks are people who follow the rules. And while purging this workforce of its dedicated lifers and replacing them with cronies and trolls wont make the civil service smarter or more efficient, it will reduce resistance to unlawful orders and create opportunities for corruption. Currently, federal employees are protected if they refuse unlawful orders. Trump wants to change that, so that the massive federal workforce might be transformed into the fist of an authoritarian president.

In particular, attorneys are a big focus of Trumps plans, because these are the referees who tell government managers and political leaders which potential actions are either illegal or unauthorized. If these civil servants are dispensed with and replaced with flunkies, not only will there be no one left to slow a corrupt administrations plots and schemes; the American people will lose vital advocates, sworn to uphold the Constitution. These will be replaced by revenge-minded vipers, with loyalty only to Trump, his financial interests, and his lust for revenge.

The potential for mayhem if Trump gets his way with the federal workforce is boundless. As I previously wrote:

Democrats might find their Social Security or veterans benefits delayed or denied. They might no longer be able to obtain passports. Emergency disaster aid might flow only to those deemed loyal to the administration. Corporations that refuse to pay tribute might be punished. Transform the civil service from an open hand to a closed fist, and things get very frightening very quickly.

With this in mind, its not hard to see how last weeks incident at Arlington National Cemetery might have gone down under a Trump presidency. With Biden in office, rules and norms were respected, and officials at the U.S Army had a free hand to support the woman who tried to stop Trumps team from filming in a restricted area, saying publicly that her professionalism was unfairly attacked. If Trump returns to office, those same officials would be risking their livelihoods for trying to uphold the law against a Trump allyor be promoted for letting them break the law.

Trumps plans for the federal bureaucracy have received some mainstream attention, but theyve not jumped into the public psyche yet, despiteor perhaps because ofthe pure comic-book villainy of the scheme. But theres a lesson for Democrats here: Harris and her allies were successful in popularizing Trumps association with Project 2025and his faltering attempts to distance himself from itthrough a literal and figurative billboard-size campaign. These efforts paid off handsomely.

Can Democrats repeat this success? Trumps plans to weaponize the government are cut from the same antisocial cloth. Its proponents fit squarely within the weird frame that Democrats used throughout the summer. Schedule F has a similarly ominous name. And most importantly, these are plans that Trump and his fellow Republicans openly discuss, and which theyve already tried to implement once. The explosive incident at Arlington Cemetery is a fitting way to illustrate the larger malevolence of Trumps designs and get people to recognize the same thing that Jimmy McCain saw this weekthat it was disqualifying.

This article first appeared in Power Mad, a weekly TNR newsletter authored by deputy editor Jason Linkins. Sign up here.
(Bloomberg) -- Pennsylvania is emerging as the top battleground in the White House race with Kamala Harris and Donald Trump increasingly focusing their attention and resources on the Keystone state.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The most populous of the swing states, Pennsylvania  with its 19 Electoral College votes  has drawn repeated visits from the candidates in recent weeks. And voters face a media torrent with campaigns and party committees booking $153 million in ad time for the post-Labor Day sprint, according to tracker AdImpact.

The candidates treatment of Pennsylvania as more important than other battlegrounds underscores the significance of a state that saw close contests in 2016, when Trump carried it by less than three-quarters of a percentage point, and 2020, when President Joe Biden narrowly flipped it.

The race there is a microcosm of the presidential contest at large. Trump and Harris have been barnstorming the state, seeking to address economic anxiety driven by high prices and worries about jobs and wages  particularly among blue-collar workers in western Pennsylvania  and to court suburban and independent voters in vote-rich suburbs around Philadelphia.

The states importance will be further highlighted Tuesday when Philadelphia hosts what could be the only debate between Harris and Trump.

Pennsylvania is the biggest electoral prize, said Aubrey Montgomery of Democratic consulting firm Rittenhouse Political Partners, explaining the frenzied focus and full-state blitz. Not only are they turning up their communities but theyre also providing resources to turning out the rest of the state.

Lisa Camooso Miller, a Republican strategist, called Pennsylvania incredibly interesting right now, adding that we just dont know how its going to go.

For more: See {ELEC GO} on the Bloomberg Terminal for US election news

An August Bloomberg News/Morning Consult poll shows a tight race, with Harris leading Trump in Pennsylvania by four percentage points.

The Democratic nominee decamped to Pittsburgh on Thursday in what the campaign said was her 10th visit to the state this year. Shes expected to remain there this weekend preparing for the debate.

Western Pennsylvania has been a focus for her campaign with Harris and running mate Tim Walz taking a bus tour through the region ahead of last months Democratic convention and with the vice president returning to Pittsburgh on Labor Day with Biden. Walz undertook his own swing this week, visiting Lancaster and Erie.

Winning over organized labor and rural communities in western counties will be critical to both campaigns. While Harris boasts the support of union leaders, Trump has made deep inroads with rank-and-file workers once solidly in the Democratic column but drawn to his populist agenda.

Its important to go everywhere and make sure that youre not just deciding where you go based on whats the biggest media market, said Brendan McPhillips, senior adviser for the Harris campaign in Pennsylvania.

Trump has held at least eight events in the state this year, including the rally in Butler where he survived an assassination attempt. He held a rally last week in Johnstown and a town hall Wednesday in Harrisburg.

Fracking, Steel

Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro, who was on Harris running-mate shortlist, has said economic issues will be paramount in the state.

Two topics are flashpoints in western Pennsylvania: fracking and steel.

Biden is poised to kill a $14.1 billion deal for Nippon Steel Corp. to purchase Pittsburgh-based United States Steel Corp., a transaction opposed by the United Steelworkers union. Trump has vowed to block the deal if elected.

The Republican nominee is also hammering Harris over her past opposition to fracking, the technique used to produce most US oil and gas today. Fracking has boosted the economy of Pennsylvania, the second-largest US producer of natural gas, with Pittsburgh sitting in the Marcellus shale formation.

If she won you wont have any fracking in Pennsylvania, Trump said at Wednesdays town hall.

Harris during her presidential campaign in the 2020 cycle said she was in favor of banning fracking. In an interview with CNN last month, Harris said she had reversed her opposition, saying she would not ban it if elected.

Campaign Resources

The candidates are also pouring money into the state. Pennsylvania is shaping up to be the state with the most political ad spending according to AdImpact, with Democrats accounting for $80 million of the $153 million booked post-Labor Day.

The biggest spenders are Make America Great Again Inc., Trumps allied super political action committee; and pro-Harris Future Forward PAC, followed by the candidates campaigns. Eight other groups have reserved at least $1 million, though those numbers can change as resources shift during the race.

Roughly a dozen ads have run on broadcast, cable and connected television since Labor Day in Pennsylvania markets, including a pro-Harris spot vowing to lower costs for middle-class families and a Trump campaign ad targeting her over immigration and Social Security.

Harris thanked former Vice President Dick Cheney and his daughter, former Representative Liz Cheney, for saying theyd vote for her in November. Both Cheneys portrayed Trump as a threat to Americas constitutional order.

Its time to turn the page on the divisiveness, Harris told reporters during a stop at a Pittsburgh spice shop Saturday. Its time to bring our country together, chart a new way forward.

Harris has set up 50 coordinated offices and has more than 350 staff on the ground in cities as well as rural counties, according to her campaign. Democrats are eager to turn out voters in heavily blue cities.

Pennsylvania Democratic Party Chair Sharif Street said outreach would intensify ahead of Election Day to more focused engagement where were more focused on encouraging people to return mail-in ballots.

Trumps campaign has more than two dozen offices across the state, according to an official familiar with their organizing who spoke on condition of anonymity. The campaign also staffed a Hispanic-outreach office in Reading and an office for Black outreach in Philadelphia  part of a broader bid to peel away support from key Democratic blocs.

Acknowledging the tight race, Republican National Committee co-chair Lara Trump has said the party would consider putting more resources in, calling Pennsylvania a must-win.

Every election cycle we have seen consistently how important that state has become, she said in a Bloomberg Television interview last month.

Sign up for the Washington Edition newsletter to find out how the worlds of money and politics intersect in the US capital.

--With assistance from Bill Allison, Gregory Korte, Stephanie Lai and Akayla Gardner.

(Updates with Harris comments on Cheney starting in 23rd paragraph.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
Trump responds to DOJ announcement on election interference efforts: I dont know what it is with poor Russia

Trump responds to DOJ announcement on election interference efforts: I dont know what it is with poor Russia

Former President Trump dismissed findings Saturday from the Department of Justice (DOJ) about Russias covert efforts to influence the 2024 U.S. elections and joked about whether he should be offended that Russian President Vladimir Putin had offered a tongue-in-cheek endorsement of Vice President Harris.

Trump held a rally in Wisconsin, where he referenced a Justice Department announcement earlier in the week that it seized 32 web domains Russia has used for its influence campaigns.

Three days ago it started again. The Justice Department said Russia may be involved in our elections again, Trump said. Russia. Its Russia. And you know the whole world laughed at them this time.

They said just the other day, the attorney general, We are looking at Russia. And I said oh no. Its Russia, Russia, Russia all over again, Trump said, referring to the investigation into his 2016 campaign by special counsel Robert Mueller. But they dont look at China and they dont look at Iran. I dont know what it is with poor Russia.

The Biden administration earlier this week condemned Russian efforts to influence the 2024 U.S. election.

The Justice Department seized web domains and targeted two employees of RT, formerly known as Russia Today, a Russian state media outlet with content available in English, charging the duo with violating the Foreign Agents Registration Act. The indictment accuses the two of partnering with a conservative-leaning media company to help sow division in the U.S.

Collectively, the two actions are some of the strongest moves taken under the Biden White House to confront accelerating efforts by the Russian government in what the intelligence community has deemed the predominant threat to U.S. elections.

Trump has in the past cast doubt on the intelligence communitys findings that Russia was attempting to influence U.S. elections, including during a meeting he had alongside Putin in 2018.

The intelligence community determined Russia attempted to influence the 2016 election, which Trump won, and the Justice Department investigated the Trump campaign for possible coordination with Moscow. The final special counsel report found no evidence of collusion.

Trump also quipped Saturday about comments from Putin, who earlier in the week joked that he is supporting Harris in the upcoming election, citing her infectious laugh and potential to change U.S. sanctions on Russia.

He endorsed Kamala. I was very offended by that. I wonder why he endorsed Kamala. No, hes a chess player, Trump said.

The former president has repeatedly said Putin does not fear or respect the current administration, though Trumps critics have accused him of cozying up to autocrats and dictators.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 President Trump responded to former Vice President Dick Cheneys decision to back his Democratic rival in November late Friday, calling the former GOP vice president an irrelevant RINO  or Republican in name only.

Dick Cheney is an irrelevant RINO, along with his daughter, who lost by the largest margin in the History of Congressional Races! the former president wrote in a post on Truth Social, referring to former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.), who lost her 2022 midterm election to a Trump-backed challenger.

The criticism comes after Cheney, who served under former President George W. Bush, said Friday in a statement that he will support Vice President Harris in the fall.

As citizens, we each have a duty to put country above partisanship to defend our Constitution, Cheney said. That is why I will be casting my vote for Vice President Kamala Harris.

The GOP presidential nominee noted in his Friday post that Cheney was unable to get his former adviser, Lewis Scooter Libby, pardoned.

Libby was convicted in 2007 in an investigation centered on the leak of a CIA officers identity and later sentenced to 30 months in prison. Trump issued a pardon to the former Bush official in 2018.

Trump wrote, They couldnt get Scooter Libby, who did so much for them (but was so unfairly treated!), PARDONED. I did it!

The former president also argued that Cheney is the King of Endless, Nonsensical Wars, wasting Lives and Trillions of Dollars, just like Comrade Kamala Harris.

I am the Peace President, and only I will stop World War III! he claimed.

Liz Cheney has emerged as one of Trumps most vocal critics following the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol. The younger Cheney, one of 10 Republicans who voted to impeach the former president for his efforts to remain in power following the 2020 election, also served on the House select committee investigation the Jan. 6 riots.

Trump blasted Cheney in his Friday evening rant, saying she served on the committee of Political Losers and her actions were unthinkable.

She and her Unselects deleted and destroyed all evidence and information  ITS GONE. Must of it proved that [former Speaker] Nancy Pelosi was responsible for J6  DIDNT PROVIDE SECURITY, he wrote.

The Wyoming Republican announced earlier this week her decision to back Harris, saying she thought a lot about the decision and could not support Trump.

The former president wrote in his post that those who sat on the Jan. 6 select committee should be prosecuted for what they did.

But, he added Comrade Kamala is even worse!

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Trump to speak at event hosted by conservative nonprofit in Westmoreland County

Former President Donald Trump is scheduled to visit Westmoreland County at the end of September to speak at an event held by a conservative nonprofit.

Trump is being hosted by the Protecting America Initiative, a conservative nonprofit, on Sept. 23 in Smithton.

The nonprofit says the events discussion will focus on the Chinese Communist Partys growing threat to Americas food supply and how to help our agriculture community combat this threat.

Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, along with their running mates, have made several trips to the Keystone State in recent months.

Just this week, Kamala Harris campaigned in Pittsburgh with President Joe Biden on Labor Day, and she returned to the city on Thursday for debate prep. Trump also appeared in Pennsylvania, holding a town hall event with Sean Hannity in Harrisburg.

Trump has said he plans to return to Butler in October, but no details for that event have been released.

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW

TRENDING NOW:

Local school bus driver, police chaplain facing child pornography charges SKYLIGHTS 2024: Week 2 high school football final scores PHOTOS: Severe storms move through western Pennsylvania, bringing down trees, damaging homes VIDEO: Heres how a local school district is working to address the nationwide teacher shortage DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts
Trump tries to manage expectations for Tuesdays debate by predicting media will say he was humiliated

Donald Trump wants his supporters to know that even if he loses his upcoming debate with Vice President Kamala Harris, he really won.

During a rally in Mosinee, Wisconsin on Saturday, Trump prepped his base, telling them that even if he does well in his debate with Harris, he'll still be blasted by the media.

"If I destroy her in the debate, they'll say Trump suffered a humiliating debate tonight," he told a crowd of MAGA faithful on Saturday.

While it's no secret that Trump  who for years has called members of the press enemies of the US and encouraged his crowd to boo them at his rallies  is regularly fact checked by reporters, few people leapt to Joe Biden's defense after his disastrous performance earlier this year.

Biden's poor debate performance  and the resulting pressure from the public, press, and other Democratic lawmakers  led to him ultimately dropping out of the presidential race in July.

Trump at a campaign event at Central Wisconsin Airport, in Mosinee (AP)

Despite that, Trump is insisting that he'll be treated unfairly by the media after his upcoming debate. But that may just be expectation setting by the former president.

In addition to trashing the broader media, Trump has already specifically attacked the network hosting the debate, ABC News, calling it the "worst network in terms of fairness."

Some Republicans are privately afraid that Trump will blow his debate performance, according to a recent report from Politico.

I think  I pray  he can be disciplined, Tricia McLaughlin, a Republican strategist, told the outlet.

But she also admitted that her prayers may not be answered.

Trump: If I destroy her in the debate, they'll say Trump suffered a humiliating defeat tonight. pic.twitter.com/GMEJvAgrmH  Acyn (@Acyn) September 7, 2024

If Trump feels like hes backed into a corner and feels like its three on one, that could be a problem, she said.

Trump's own words suggest her fears may be well founded.

Podcaster Lex Friedman, who tends to be friendly to right-wing guests, recently spoke with Trump and encouraged him to share a "positive vision of the future" rather than criticizing his opponent.

Senator Lindsey Graham expressed a similar position in a New York Times op-ed.

Every day that the candidates trade insults is a good day for [Harris] because its one less day that she has to defend the failures of the Biden-Harris administration, he said.

Trump disagreed.

Yeah, I think you have to criticize though, he told the podcaster. I think theyre nasty.

Trump and Harris will face off on ABC on September 10 in Philadelphia at 9pm EST.
Donald Trump urged members of the largest police union in the US to watch for voter fraud at a meeting of the Fraternal Order of Police in North Carolina.

The former president yet again pushed his baseless and debunked voter fraud claims regarding the 2020 election, claiming that Democrats could only win by fraudulent means in November.

Watch for the voter fraud, because we win without voter fraud, he told the meeting of the national board of the police union in Charlotte on Friday. We win so easily.

Trump spoke to the Fraternal Order of Police, which has more than 370,000 members, just hours after the union endorsed him, as they did in 2016 and 2020. They most recently backed a Democrat in 1996, when President Bill Clinton was running for re-election.

He argued that police officers could make some voters afraid.

You can keep it down just by watching, because, believe it or not, theyre afraid of that badge, Trump told the group. Theyre afraid of you people. Theyre afraid of that more than anything else.

Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks to the Fraternal Order of Police in Charlotte, N.C., Friday, Sept. 6, 2024. He urged the members to watch for voter fraud (AP)

Before a single ballot has been cast, Trump has claimed that the November election will be riddled with fraud as he prepares to possibly call the integrity of the election into question if he loses again. While he has told his followers to monitor voters, telling a police union to do so increasingly makes it appear as if hes pushing for voter intimidation.

Katie Reisner, a senior counsel at the nonpartisan States United Democracy Center, told The New York Times that election officials and law enforcement have tried for years to improve community relations surrounding the police and elections.

She added that Trumps statements could negatively affect years of planning and work.

The idea of Trump telling the Fraternal Order of Police to take matters into their own hands and kind of go rogue, its certainly not a positive from a healthy elections standpoint, she told The Times.

But its also really counter to a lot of work thats happening in a lot of jurisdictions to make sure that law enforcement are both adhering to the law and not surprising their communities on Election Day or during voting, she added.

Law enforcement has previously been sent out to intimidate certain voters in the US, such as in the Jim Crow-era South. Poll taxes and tests supposed to restrict the poll access of Black voters were used to enforce racist laws.

As recently as in 1981, New Jersey Republicans employed off-duty officers to monitor polling places in mostly Black communities. They carried weapons and wore armbands stating they were part of a ballot security task force, The Times noted.

A lawsuit followed, and the Republican National Committee had to adopt a consent decree for the next 40 years, requiring the GOP to get permission from the courts for any new ballot security efforts.

Police tend to play a smaller role in probing election-related crimes. Such violations are usually investigated by state agencies alongside election officials. But election denialists have pushed law enforcement to take a more active role since 2020.

Trump has told officers to be more aggressive and has praised police who have done so, and he has said that he will work to pass legislation to improve police protection. Back in May, he promised to give officers immunity from prosecution.
Donald Trump on Saturday floated changing the 25th Amendment to allow Congress to impeach a vice president for covering up a presidents incapacity less than two months after President Joe Biden exited the 2024 contest amid concerns about his age and acuity.

I will support modifying the 25th Amendment to make clear that if a vice president lies or engages in a conspiracy to cover up the incapacity of the president of the United States  if you do that with a cover-up of the president of the United States, it's grounds for impeachment immediately and removal from office, because that's what they did, the former president said during a rally in Mosinee, Wisconsin.

The former president has repeatedly, and without evidence, accused Vice President Kamala Harris and Democrats more broadly of covering up the state of Bidens health  particularly his mental fitness  after the presidents disastrous June debate performance that ultimately led to his exit from the race. Some Republicans in Congress had called for invoking the 25th Amendment, which provides a process to take power away from a sitting president, to remove Biden after the debate  the same rule Democrats attempted to wield against Trump after the Jan. 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot. But changing a Constitutional amendment, as Trump is now suggesting, is highly unlikely to actually occur.

Trumps remarks on Saturday are also the latest sign of his continued struggle to adjust to running against a new opponent. Trump has repeatedly lamented the change at the top of the Democratic ticket, and has at times even appeared to confuse who he is competing against.

If he didnt go to that debate, hed still be running, Trump told his rally crowd.

After the rally, Trump appeared to ramp up his calls to prosecute his political enemies, saying on his social media platform that those caught interfering in the election will "be sought out, caught, and prosecuted."

Trumps return to Wisconsin, a key battleground state he lost to Biden in 2020 and where polling averages show he is narrowly trailing Harris, comes as his campaign drills down in the seven core battleground states on an electoral map that appears to be shrinking for the former president.

Harris, meanwhile, made an appearance at a spice store in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where she is preparing largely out of public view for her debate Tuesday against Trump. There, she told reporters she was honored to have the endorsements of Republican former Vice President Dick Cheney and his daughter, former Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney. Both recently said that theyd back Harris.

They both, as leaders who are well respected, are making an important statement  that its OK and important to put country above party, and Im honored to have their support, Harris said.

Trump slammed the senior Cheney as an irrelevant RINO and blasted his daughter for her involvement with the Houses Jan. 6 committee in a Friday post on his Truth Social platform, but did not mention the endorsements during his Saturday rally.

Instead, in a speech that was meant to focus on draining the swamp, Trump pledged to cut the fat out of our government by creating a government efficiency commission  an idea he endorsed earlier this week that was first raised by ally Elon Musk. He repeated his vow to cut 10 federal regulations for every new one. And he again called to dismantle the Department of Education.

But, in typical Trump fashion, the former president veered into other topics  and off script. He misleadingly claimed sentencing in his hush-money case was delayed until after the election because everyone realizes that theres no case because I did nothing wrong. (Trump was convicted of 34 felony counts.)

He joked that he was very offended by Russian President Vladimir Putins apparent mock endorsement of Harris. He also claimed, without evidence, that Colorado would be taken over by migrants if he didnt win the state in November. And he called it a great miracle that Biden won the 2020 election  an acknowledgment of his own defeat four years ago.

As the Harris campaign on Saturday released new television advertisements reminding voters that Trump has taken credit for overturning Roe v. Wade  spots that will air in Wisconsin and other battleground states  the former president continued his attempts to thread a difficult needle on the issue. Trump said he did a great thing by appointing three of the Supreme Court justices who returned abortion matters to states and he decried allowing the procedure later in pregnancy. But he also expressed support for exceptions to abortion bans in cases of rape, incest and the life of the mother.

I happen to go with the exceptions, Trump said. You have to go with your heart.
Former MLA Balkaur Singh resigned from the Bharatiya Janata Party in Haryana on Saturday and is planning to join Congress. Singh submitted his resignation to the BJP state president Mohanlal Badoli and said that despite him supporting the party in difficult times, he has not gotten his due respect in the party. "I have worked wholeheartedly for the party and kept the flag of BJP high in difficult circumstances, despite this, I did not get the respect in the organisation or a government post," said the former MLA. Balkaur Singh further criticised the BJP candidate Rajendra Desujodha, said that former Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar had made serious allegations against the candidate in 2019. "CM Manohal Lal had made serious allegations against him that he sells drugs, his family sells drugs, and even bullets were fired in the village. We did not know this before. The ticket given by the Bharatiya Janata Party is wrong. I have also asked the senior leaders of the party that he (Rajendra Desujodha) was rejected by calling him a drug smuggler, what are you saying about me? I and the people of my constituency are saddened by this," he added. He further criticised the BJP for claiming that they will stop drug abuse in the state and seize property of drug smugglers, but there has been no action taken against the candidate. "Now let's see what action is taken against the candidate who has been made, what investigation of his property is done." the former MLA said. The former MLA is set to join the Congress party after going to Delhi. "Today, I will go to Delhi with my supporters under the leadership of former Chief Minister Bhupendra Singh Hooda and Kumari Selja and join the Congress. I will continue to serve the people." the former MLA said. (ANI)
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks during a campaign event at Central Wisconsin Airport, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, in Mosinee, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

MOSINEE, Wis. (AP)  With just days to go before his first and likely only debate against Vice President Kamala Harris, former President Donald Trump posted a warning on his social media site threatening to jail those involved in unscrupulous behavior this election, which he said would be under intense scrutiny.

WHEN I WIN, those people that CHEATED will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the Law, which will include long term prison sentences so that this Depravity of Justice does not happen again, Trump wrote late Saturday, sowing doubt once more about the integrity of the election, even though cheating is incredibly rare.

Please beware, he went on, that this legal exposure extends to Lawyers, Political Operatives, Donors, Illegal Voters, & Corrupt Election Officials. Those involved in unscrupulous behavior will be sought out, caught, and prosecuted at levels, unfortunately, never seen before in our Country."

Trump's message represents his latest threat to use the office of the presidency to exact retribution if he wins a second term. There is no evidence of the kind of fraud he continues to insist marred the 2020 election; in fact, dozens of courts, Republican state officials and his own administration have said he lost fairly.

Just days ago, Trump himself acknowledged in a podcast interview that he had indeed lost by a whisker.

While Trump's campaign aides and allies have urged him to keep his focus on Harris and make the election a referendum on issues like inflation and border security, Trump in recent days has veered far off course.

On Friday, he delivered a stunning statement to news cameras in which he brought up a string of past allegations of sexual misconduct, describing several in graphic detail, even as he denied his accusers allegations. Earlier, he had voluntarily appeared in court for a hearing on the appeal of a decision that found him liable for sexual abuse, turning focus to his legal woes in the campaign's final stretch.

Earlier Saturday, Trump had leaned into familiar grievances about everything from his indictments to Russia's meddling in the 2016 election as he campaigned in one of the most deeply Republican swaths of battleground Wisconsin.

The Harris-Biden DOJ is trying to throw me in jail  they want me in jail  for the crime of exposing their corruption, Trump claimed at an outdoor rally at Central Wisconsin Airport, where he spoke behind a wall of bulletproof glass due to new security protocols following his July assassination attempt.

Theres no evidence that President Joe Biden or Harris have had any influence over decisions by the Justice Department or state prosecutors to indict the former president.

Trump has eschewed traditional debate preparation, choosing to hold rallies and events while Harris has been cloistered in a historic hotel in downtown Pittsburgh, working with aides since Thursday.

Harris has agreed so far to a single debate, which will be hosted by ABC.

At the rally, Trump outlined his plans to Drain the swamp  a throwback to his winning 2016 campaign message as he ran as an outsider challenging the status quo. Though Trump spent four years in the Oval Office, he vowed anew to cast out the corrupt political class if he wins again and to cut the fat out of our government for the first time, meaningfully, in 60 years.

As part of that effort, he repeated his plan, announced Thursday, to create a new Government Efficiency Commission headed by Elon Musk that will be charged with conducting a complete financial and performance audit of the entire federal government" to root out waste.

After again maligning the Congressional committee that investigated the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the nations capitol by his supporters after his election loss in 2020, Trump told the crowd of thousands that he would rapidly review the cases of every political prisoner unjustly victimized by the Harris regime and sign their pardons on his first day back in office.

Trump has repeatedly defended those who have been jailed for crimes including violent attacks on law enforcement.

And he said he would completely overhaul what he labeled Kamalas corrupt Department of Injustice.

Instead of persecuting Republicans, they will focus on taking down bloodthirsty cartels, transnational gangs, and radical Islamic terrorists, he said.

Harris campaign spokesperson Sarafina Chitika responded to his comments with a statement warning that, if Trump is reelected, he will use his unchecked power to prosecute his enemies and pardon insurrectionists who violently attacked our Capitol on January 6."

Both Harris and Trump have been frequent visitors to Wisconsin this year, a state where four of the past six presidential elections have been decided by less than a percentage point. Several polls of Wisconsin voters conducted after Biden withdrew showed Harris and Trump in a close race.

Democrats consider Wisconsin to be one of the must-win blue wall states. Biden, who was in Wisconsin on Thursday, won the state in 2020 by just under 21,000 votes. Trump carried it by a slightly larger margin, nearly 23,000 votes, in 2016.

As Trump was campaigning, Harris took a short break from debate prep to visit Penzeys Spices in Pittsburghs Strip District, where she bought several seasoning mixes. One customer saw the Democratic nominee and began openly weeping as Harris hugged her and said, Were going to be fine. Were all in this together.

Harris said she was honored to have endorsements from two major Republicans: former Vice President Dick Cheney and his daughter, Liz Cheney, the former Wyoming congresswoman.

People are exhausted, about the division and the attempts to kind of divide us as Americans, she said, adding that her main message at the debate would be that the country wants to be united.

Its time to turn the page on the divisiveness, she said. Its time to bring our country together, to chart a new way forward.

Trump held his rally in the central Wisconsin city of Mosinee, with a population of about 4,500 people. It is within Wisconsin's mostly rural 7th Congressional District, a reliably Republican area in a purple state.

During his speech, he railed against Harris in dark and ominous language, claiming that if the woman he calls Comrade Kamala Harris gets four more years, you will be living (in) a full-blown Banana Republic" ruled by anarchy and tyranny.

Trump also railed against the administration's border policies, calling the Democrats approach suicidal" and accusing them of having imported murderers, child predators and serial rapists from all over the planet."

Many studies have found immigrants, including those in the country illegally, commit fewer violent crimes than native-born citizens. Violent crime in the U.S. dropped again last year, continuing a downward trend after a pandemic-era spike.

He dismissed warnings from U.S. officials about ongoing Russian attempts to spread disinformation ahead of November's election, including an indictment this past week that alleged a media company linked to six conservative influencers was secretly funded by Russian state media employees.

The Justice Department said Russia may be involved in our elections again, Trump told the crowd. And, you know, the whole world laughed at it this time.

Among those in the crowd was Dale Osuldsen, who was celebrating his 68th birthday Saturday at his first ever Trump rally. He hopes a second Trump administration will take on cancel culture and bring the country back to its foundational past.

Weve had past administrations say they want to fundamentally change America, Osulden said. Fundamentally changing America is a bad thing.

Many supporters embarked on hours-long drives from across Wisconsin to see Trump speak. Some came from even further.

Sean Moon, a Tennessee musician who releases MAGA-themed rap music under the stage name, King Bullethead, blasted his songs from a truck in the event parking lot. As a musician, he said Trump rallies approximate the experience of a raucous concert.

Trump is a rockstar, Moon said. Hes incredible. People see he represents them and the deep state trying to kill him and take him out. But hes standing strong, and he stands for the normal person.

Democrats have relied on massive turnout in the state's two largest cities, Milwaukee and Madison, to counter Republican strength in rural areas like Mosinee and the Milwaukee suburbs. Trump must win the votes in places like Mosinee to have any chance of cutting into the Democrats' advantage in urban areas.

Republicans held their national convention in Milwaukee in July and Trump has made four previous stops to the state, most recently just last week in the western Wisconsin city of La Crosse.

Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, last month filled the same Milwaukee arena where Republicans held their national convention for a rally that coincided with the Democratic National Convention just 90 miles away in Chicago. Walz returned Monday to Milwaukee, where he spoke at a Labor Day rally organized by unions.

___

Bauer reported from Madison and Colvin from New York. Associated Press writer Josh Boak in Pittsburgh contributed to this report.
From the G-File on The Dispatch

Dear Reader, (especially those of you shredding the gnar before Sunday service)

I realize I am late to this, but I am also on vacation so I think I should at least be able to write about what I want to write about. So, lets do a deep, deep dive on crop rotation in the 14th century.

Just kidding.

Tucker Carlsons latest jackassery is to suggest youve been spoon-fed a load of guff about  checks notes  Adolf Hitler.

I understand that in an age of hot takes and well, ackshuallies   there arent a lot of taboos left to violate, not many places where the dont go there sign hasnt been torn up. When enough people are addicted to alcohol and the normal supply runs out, watch your mouthwash, cans of Sterno, and Aunt Helens rum cake, because the addicts will come for that. And when the supply of plausible youve been lied to hot takes runs dry, dont be surprised when the dealers start selling you prison toilet wine with a fancy label. Hey man, did you hear? Most frogs in the United States are now gay. The next dealer has something even better. All those aliens among us? Youve been sold a bill of goods, man. Theyre not aliens. Theyre interdimensional demonsand the U.S.government has struck a deal with them.

Not your cup of tea? Okay. How about: Hitler wasnt really the bad guy, it was Winston Churchill. Oh yeah, thats the stuff. Put that straight into my veins.

Now, I get it. Someone out there is going to say, Hey, arent you the guy who wrote the book with the smiley face with the Hitler mustache on the cover?

Yeah, thats me (it was a reference to a George Carlin bit, as I explain on page 2). But, you know what? I never disputed that Hitler was a bad guy. You know why? Because Hitler was a very bad guy. Even if you take the Holocaust out of the equationsomething I do not think morally serious people can ever do, except to make a specific pointHitler was still a really bad guy. He ordered the murder of countless Germans, including hundreds of fellow Nazis, political opponents, and tens to hundreds of thousands of Lebensunwertes Lebenlives unworthy of life. Ever the stickler for etymology, he revived the view that Slavs were, in fact, slaves. The crowd that bleats about Americas forever wars and decries imperialism should have the baseline consistency to deplore the invasions and annexations of most of Europe.

I resent having to argue that Hitler was bad because it means I took the bait. And, yes, I know Tucker and his pet didnt quite say Hitler was the good guy, they just floated the idea that the real bad guy was Winston Churchill, which is almost worse because its part of an attempt to undermine Americas and the allies moral standing. A lot has already been written about this nonsense. I dont think I can improve much on Niall Fergusons take about this ahistorical claptrap.

But I would add a point or two. First, its true that in the early 1930s Hitler fashioned himself as a champion of peacehe needed to while he prepared for war. Virtually every serious historian agrees that it was pure propaganda. But it was successful. Its purpose was to buy Hitler time to consolidate power and remilitarize. Germanophiles in America and the U.K. either wanted to believe the Germans didnt actually want waror wanted everyone else to. People make mistakes when they dont have all the facts. Lots of decent people were soft on Germany and Hitler in the 1930s in part because they were desperate not to repeat the folly and carnage of the First World War. Wanting to give Hitlers Germany the benefit of the doubt so as to avoid a replay was a mistake, but an understandable one.

But its one thing to believe the propaganda before it was proven to be propaganda. Its another thing entirely to retroactively believe the propaganda after it was decisively disproved by Hitlers own words and deeds, not to mention voluminous documentation, and millions of corpses. Thats not what historians do, its what cranks and crackpots do. Which is why Tucker found a guy (the author of Twitter  A How to Tips & Tricks Guide) to do exactly that. This goofball takes Hitlers propagandistic lies and gambits at face value, then Tucker tells everyone: Dont take my word for it, this guy is a great historian. This is like meeting a ditch digger at a bar who says that drinking raw elk milk will enlarge your penis and, because you either desperately want it to be true or you want other people to believe its true, you go around telling people the ditch digger is Americas most important doctor.

Whats Tucker doing?

Does Tucker want to believe its true or does he simply want you to believe its true? Or does truth not even enter into the transaction? Maybe he just wants the attention, money, and perverse admiration of know-nothings, goobers, bigots, and cranks that comes with controversy? Is he like the Joker and just screwing with people for fun? Or is he, as Nick Cattogio compellingly suggests, trying to burn down all established norms and knowledge because he thinks he can be a powerful warlord in the new illiberal wasteland where the courage to spread intoxicating lies is the new standard of leadership? My answer to all of these questions is, to one extent or another, yes.

It doesnt matter that Tucker doing all those things raises contradictions, because contradictions only matter when one is trying to discover the truth. But when the goal is to make all lies plausible and create personality cults around passionate liars, contradictions are the point.

Vladimir Putin spews contradictory lies all the time, but he doesnt care because, for him, truth is a meaningless fiction or a luxury for fools. When the standard of objective truth no longer matters, power becomes a new kind of subjective truth. Some of you may recall my longstanding gripes with philosophical pragmatismwhich was ultimately a faux philosophy of powerand Bertrand Russells critique: In the absence of any standard of truth other than success, it seems evident that the familiar methods of the struggle for existence must be applied to the elucidation of difficult questions, and that ironclads and Maxim guns must be the ultimate arbiters of metaphysical truth. This is Putins version of truth-seeking. Saying that Stalin was an ally of Hitler or that Russias invasion of Ukraine is lawless butchery may be objectively true, but that doesnt matter if Putin can have you jailed or killed for saying it. The barrel of a gun becomes the ultimate arbiter of truth.

Of course, Tucker isnt Vladimir Putin, but he is an apologist for him and his approach to questions of fact. Hes also a practitioner of Steve Bannons Putinesque flooding the zone with st. Contradiction fuels chaos, and chaosmoral, intellectual, political chaosis Tuckers preferred medium.

The only prominent What is Tucker doing? theory I disagree with is the idea that hes trying to get Kamala Harris elected. The number of things Tucker could saytruthfully!that could get Trump in Dutch is very long (including things hes said to me). Choosing to boost Hitler apologetics to get Kamala Harris elected is some four-dimensional chess fantasy stuff. I do think causing headaches for Trump and J.D. Vance is a benefit for him, because forcing them to either kowtow or denounce him is a flex move. Vance has already made it clear he wont criticize Tucker, which is a demonstrationin Tuckers estimationof his power.

No, the most likely explanation is that he likes Nazi apologetics, either on the merits or because of the reaction, or both.

So whats to like? Again, I dismiss entirely the suggestion that he thinks hes telling the truth. He might have convinced himself he believes it, but veracity isnt the point. So what is appealing about the idea that the West took a wrong turn by opting to destroy Hitler? Giving antisemitism and Holocaust denial some lebensraum might be part of it, sure. Im not trying to minimize the evil of that.

But I think that to the extent theres an ideological project behind Tuckers latest schtick, antisemitism isnt the primary motivation. Sure, pissing off the Jews has its joys for him. But thats probably gravy. Tucker is an acolyte of Patrick Buchanan and sees himself as the Buchanan of the 21st century. Its worth recalling that Buchanan fellor leaptinto the same intellectual bog Tucker is rolling in now. In 2008, Buchanan wrote Churchill, Hitler, and the Unnecessary War. As bad as his argument was, it was far more serious than the nonsense spewed by Tuckers historian.

Buchanans larger project, laid out in that book and several others, was to make the path America followed after World War II a wrong turn. In the postwar era, America turned its back on many of the things Buchanan thought made America great. Now, Buchanans version of greatness is saturated with just-so stories, nostalgia, dyspepsia, grievances, and a lot of correlation confused for causation. But in his telling, we became an empire and stopped being a republic. We admitted a lot of immigrants who had no business becoming Americans. Feminism, gay rights, Israel, free trade, civil rights, and other problems emerged in the postwar era. If the past is a foreign country, he liked that country better.

Buchanan was by no means entirely wrong in all of his criticisms of postwar America, but his fixation that it was all both entirely lamentable and entirely avoidable was entirely wrong. Buchanan changed as he got older (I was friendly with him, as were my parents). He got bitter and cranky. Tragically childlessno one tell J.D. Vance!I think he was cut off from the best ambassadors of the country-that-is-the-present we can have in this life: our own children.

The advantage of Tuckers 1945 Project is that its easier to sell than the similar Wrong Turn projects swirling on the right. The new right nationalists and postliberals have been peddling the idea that we took a Wrong Turn with John Lockes Second Treatise of Government, Englands Glorious Revolution, or the Enlightenment generally. Its hard to sell the poorly educated or miseducated on that stuff, in part because most of them have no idea who John Locke was or what the Enlightenment was about. But everybodys heard of Hitler and Churchill.

The one problem with selling people on the idea that everything went ass-over-tea-kettle with World War II is that you have to say the 1950s were the beginning of the bad times, rather than the last years of the good times. The standard conservative complaint is that Happy Days was awesomewho didnt like the Fonz?and the damn hippies ruined everything. Thats basically Donald Trumps vision of American Greatness. The upside of saying World War II was the fons et origo of our problems is that it lets you open a can of whup-ass on American global leadership, free trade, the U.N., Israel, immigration, feminism, civil rights, etc. Its a way of saying the original America Firsters warned us about all of this. I have no idea if Tucker has thought all of this through to that extent, but hes on a path of discovery toward this theory.

What amazes me is how unoriginal all of this is. The new right is simply taking the techniques of the radical left and retrofitting them to a right-wing narrative. In A Peoples History of the United States, Howard Zinn explicitly sides with the victims, the losersin a crass political and economic sense. He writes:

Thus, in that inevitable taking of sides which comes from selection and emphasis in history, I prefer to try to tell the story of the discovery of America from the viewpoint of the Arawaks, of the Constitution from the standpoint of the slaves, of Andrew Jackson as seen by the Cherokees, of the Civil War as seen by the New York Irish, of the Mexican war as seen by the deserting soldiers of Scotts army, of the rise of industrialism as seen by the young women in the Lowell textile mills, of the Spanish- American war as seen by the Cubans, the conquest of the Philippines as seen by black soldiers on Luzon, the Gilded Age as seen by southern farmers, the First World War as seen by socialists, the Second World War as seen by pacifists, the New Deal as seen by blacks in Harlem, the postwar American empire as seen by peons in Latin America.

Theres a place for this in history. But for Zinn and the radical left, the losers arent just worthy of sympathy, the losers are always right. The marginal and marginalized always have the better argument, the powerless are always the victims of the powerful. Being a winner is proof youre the villain of the story. This oppressor-oppressed garbage is the motivating passion behind so much of the anti-Israel, pro-Hamas garbage of the left, and increasingly segments of the new right.

For most of my life, the radical left owned this space (except for a few marginal right-wing cranks) and this technique in their denunciations of American Empire, neoliberalism, even anti-globalism (which was still a major neo-Marxist obsession well into the early 2000s). But now, the radical right wants in on the action. The left used to make wild claims on behalf of the white working class, but now thanks in part to the lefts obsession with race, the white working class has moved to the cultural right, and its the new rights turn to attack the American regime, American empire, neoliberalism, etc.

The specifics of the argument vary here and there, but strategy is the same: Take things that normal Americans are, and should be, proud of and say theyre bad. They use the same Nietzschean and Foucauldian analysis to reduce everything to victims and oppressors, to sow distrust of elites and power, to demonize the system, only this time instead of fomenting righteous grievance on behalf of sexual or racial minorities or persecuted Communists, the righteous victims are Christians, heterosexuals, white men, etc. Proclaim that our enemies are actually the good guys, and were the baddies. Hitler was misunderstood is the new rights version of the old lefts Stalin was misunderstood. Its the same game, just with different jerseys.

Various & Sundry

Canine Update: Pippa loves Lake Michigan. I mean loves. If spaniels had suicide bombers, theyd be told that their paradise would be Door County, Wisconsin. Every morning, she basically says to me, Human, there is a large pile of hundred dollar bills on the beach. I will take you there. But we must hurry! I know shes lying but I cant blame her. If she had her druthers, she would fetch sticks out of the drink until she collapsed on the sand. And then she would demand a blood transfusion and B12 shots so she could do it some more.

Zoe likes it here, too. But shes more interested in patrolling the backyards of the houses in town, looking for rabbits and chipmunks, which she has been led to believe are full of Renards Cheese. Though she really liked the Black Hills of South Dakota. Still, this whole trip has really shown how much Zoe has mellowed. She is happily lying down next to me on our little patio while I type. When she was younger she would have disappeared on me and I would have had to chase her down and pry a critter out of her maw. It makes me a little sad, but its also really nice having a loyal companion who comes when you call her without much drama.

Reports from home are that Gracie is just fine. Weve had two different house sitters since we left, and Gracie has trained them both nicely. She lets them tap on their keyboards while she snuggles next to them or monitors their movements. Shed love it here, too. But she would not be well-suited to van life, and I shudder to think of the logistics of driving with a litter box.

Anyway, we leave here in the morning for Michigan. Were gonna check out Traverse City, have dinner with friends in Grand Rapids, then make our way to Ohio for a speech, and then home, sweet home. Thanks for all the suggestions for places to stop to eat, camp, or exercise the beasts. Keep em coming.

The Dispawtch

Owners Name: Perry Lane

Why Im a Dispatch Member: My husband and I became members when our daughter, Wendy Lane Cook, joined the staff. We are enjoying the various points of view and especially enjoy the G-Files and the quadruped updates!

Personal Details: We are city people who have retired to the Texas Hill Country. We enjoy our horses, cats, chickens, and dog, as well as the many species of wild animals who are part of our lives.

Pets Name: Molly

Pets Breed: Border Collie

Pets Age: 2

Gotcha Story: We got Molly soon after we lost our beloved Abby to epilepsy. She has been a challenge, as many who have Border Collies will understand. Extremely intelligent but very willful. Now that she is 2, we think we have turned the corner. She will be a great dog in a year or two more!

Pets Likes: Molly has never met a person whom she doesnt love, and she is especially enthusiastic about Wendy! She also likes playing with her cats and herding her horses. She loves riding in the Gator to help her dad with farm chores. Playing chase the ball is her favorite game, and she loves her agility classes, where I try to keep up with her. Running in the hills behind our house is a favorite daily activity. So Molly has a busy life!

Pets Dislikes: Molly doesnt like water, unfortunately, since we live on a river. She doesnt like thunder and retreats to my closet when she hears it.

Pets Proudest Moment: She has recently conquered the teeter in agility and now loves to go on it.

Moment Someone (Wrongly) Said Pet Was a Bad Dog: She has been called neurotic, but she is a pretty normal example of her breed.

Do you have a quadruped youd like to nominate for Dispawtcher of the Week and catapult to stardom? Let us know about your pet by clicking here. Reminder: You must be a Dispatch member to participate.

ICYMI

Pontificating in the parking lot

Campfire songs

Dear Jonah

Thank You Mr. Trump for Trying to Save America

Cute stuff

Farewell to Liberalism

Now for the weird stuff 

A different kind of Octagon

Monitoring every move

Jonahs next road trip companion?

Putin of the sea

Two DUIs with one stone

Barrier to entry

King of the Midwest

Girls just wanna have fun

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.
ISTANBUL (Reuters) -Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday Islamic countries should form an alliance against what he called "the growing threat of expansionism" from Israel, drawing a rebuke from the Israeli foreign minister.

He made the comment after describing what Palestinian and Turkish officials said was the killing by Israeli troops of a Turkish-American woman taking part in a protest on Friday against settlement expansion in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

"The only step that will stop Israeli arrogance, Israeli banditry, and Israeli state terrorism is the alliance of Islamic countries," Erdogan said at an Islamic schools' association event near Istanbul.

He said recent steps that Turkey has taken to improve ties with Egypt and Syria are aimed at "forming a line of solidarity against the growing threat of expansionism," which he said also threatened Lebanon and Syria.

Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz said in a statement that Erdogan's remark was "a dangerous lie and incitement," and that the Turkish leader has been working for years with Iran to undermine the region's moderate Arab regimes.

Erdogan hosted Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in Ankara this week and they discussed the Gaza war and ways to further repair their long-frozen ties during what was the first such presidential visit in 12 years.

Ties between them started thawing in 2020 when Turkey began diplomatic efforts to ease tensions with estranged regional rivals, including the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.

Erdogan said in July that Turkey would extend an invitation to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad "any time" for possible talks to restore relations between the two neighbours, who severed ties in 2011 after the outbreak of the Syrian civil war.

Israel's military said after Friday's incident that it was looking into reports that a female foreign national "was killed as a result of shots fired in the area. The details of the incident and the circumstances in which she was hit are under review."

There was no immediate comment on Friday's incident fromIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office.

(Reporting by Daren Butler, Editing by Timothy Heritage)
Oklahoma City-based, unionized Apple retail workers secured a tentative labor agreement Friday after three days of negotiation sessions, becoming the second store in the United States to succeed in collective bargaining with the global tech giant.

Today is a historic day for our members who have now secured a contract at the worlds most profitable company," said Derrick Osobase, CWA District 6 vice president.

Apple Inc. agreed to new terms under the tentative labor agreement, ultimately giving workers safer working conditions and more incentives. Penn Square Mall Apple Store employees will receive a new three-year contract that includes 11.5% wage increases over the contracted time, job protection and health benefits. New arrangements for guaranteed paid time off, especially to vote in the election season, also will change in favor of employees.

Today, my 80 coworkers and I have just secured a tentative agreement with the worlds most profitable corporation," said 31-year-old Kirsten Matson. "Its thanks to our work that Apple retail stores are the most profitable retail stores per square foot across any industry  and we finally have an agreement that will ensure we earn our fair share for our work."

More: Union pickets at OKC Apple store: 'It shouldn't take two years to negotiate a contract'

A joint safety and health and working relations committee also will be formed to create a "safer and more democratic workplace."

Apple Genius admin Michael Forsythe said Tuesday at a rally held outside Penn Square Mall that a lack of communication and consistent messaging from the management team led to discrepancies in disciplinary processes.

"There wasn't a single way that things were being handled," said 36-year-old Forsythe. "Two people could do very similar things at work and someone would be disciplined for it and others wouldn't ... A lot of it, too, is that we're fair and consistent about things like discipline."

Union members gathered outside Penn Square Mall on Sep. 3 to gather public support before bargaining sessions to employment contracts.

The new committee will address workers' concerns about unfair disciplinary actions taken against employees through a structured grievance and attribution policy, one of the biggest aspects of the new contract, according to Darren Griffis, Apple business expert.

"Overall, I am feeling good, and I am incredibly proud of the work we've done to establish a first contract," said 41-year-old Griffis. "We now truly have a seat at the table and have a voice. This is a monumental moment."

Agreement comes after two years of delayed bargaining sessions

Apple Retail Union-Communications Workers of America, which represented local Apple Store workers, said the total process took almost two years of delayed bargaining sessions. Unionized workers authorized a strike last August, which may have motivated the parent corporation to agree to new terms.

CWA could not release more details regarding the new contract and whether a new pay scale will be made. They also did not respond to questions about whether bilingual workers will be paid for any additional work they perform or if their work performances will be graded fairly. Workers will officially vote to ratify the contract Sept. 22, according to the release.

The Oklahoma-based Apple Store became the second location in the country to reach an agreement through a collective bargaining agreement after a store in Towson, Maryland, finalized a similar agreement last July. Workers unionized October 2022 and have since battled with Apple Inc. to move forward with discussions.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma City Penn Square Mall Apple workers to get new labor contract
U.S. Army Materiel Command inducts six into Hall of Fame

REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. (WHNT)  The U.S. Army Materiel Command honored its 2024 Hall of Fame class Friday.

The AMC Hall of Fame honors soldiers and civilians who have made significant and enduring contributions to AMC and the Army.

Below is the list of 2024 Army Materiel Command inductees:

Lt. Gen. (retired) Kenneth Dahl

Mr. John Nerger

Maj. Gen. (retired) James Myles

Command Sgt. Maj. (retired) Rodger Manske

Mr. Frank Zardeck

For more information on the AMC Hall of Fame inductees, 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 WHNT.com.
HONOLULU (KHON2)  Last minute preparations are underway for the UH medical schools annual Hawaii Health Workforce Summit.

Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news

This year, it really was last minute. The event has been held at the Hilton Hawaiian Village for the last ten years. But because of the hotel workers strike, school officials decided on Tuesday to move the conference to campus.

The hotel workers dont have a contract, we feel for them, as this is a health care conference, or health worker force conference, were trying to make our lives better in healthcare, theyre trying to make their lives better in their careers, said Prof. Kelley Withy, MD, organizer of the summit.

Accept offer or be locked out: Kapiolani to nurses

This last minute change is costing the UH med school tens of thousands of dollars. First they lose out on the deposit on the Hilton. And second, theres the added costs of all these tents, set up and food for tomorrows event.

Hilton Hawaiian village declined to comment on this story.

Now that the location is set, the summit can focus on the big issues. The biggest  how to attract and retain healthcare professionals here in Hawaii and fill the 4,000 worker shortage.

That will make everybody able to see a doctor, less wait time, able to get all the procedures or labs, or whatever it is you need, get it done here at home, said Withy. Not have to go to the continent, and get it done easily and be healthier.

Ask a Specialist: Dehydration

What doesnt help, the recent news between the nurses union and Kapiolani Medical Center.

Were also feeling for our nursing fellows and their strike too, said Withy.

Despite the hurdles, the school wants to focus on making this summit the best it can be.

Our goal is help figure out solutions to challenges that we face in healthcare, said Withy. And by doing that, we hope we can make it better for patients and everybody, because then, well have more doctors. More nurses. More everybody.

Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You

The school is expecting 500 attendees tomorrow, plus a couple hundred more virtually.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
UK Defence Intelligence has stated that the Russian army has managed to make tactical advances near Vuhledar in recent weeks, and it is likely to remain a difficult front.

Source: UK Defence Intelligence update dated 7 September on Twitter (X), as reported by European Pravda

Details: Analysts note that Russian forces have made tactical advances around Vuhledar, which has long been a target for the Russians and whose defence is holding back the Russian army's advance in southern Donetsk Oblast.

Quote: "Russia has previously made repeated attempts to assault the town, which resulted in heavy losses, but with little territory gained. However, in August 2024, Russian forces made advances to the east and west of Vuhledar, taking control of the nearby villages of Prechystivka and contesting Vodiane.

In the next month, it is likely that Russia will continue attempts to advance around Vuhledar and threaten the town itself," the report says.

Background:

In a previous review, UK intelligence suggested that Russia's heavy casualties in August were due to Ukraine's Kursk operation and intense fighting on the outskirts of Pokrovsk.

Estonian intelligence, in its 6 September review, noted that Russia had not made significant advances in recent days.

Support UP or become our patron!
By Michael Holden

LONDON (Reuters) -The head of the CIA, who is also the chief U.S. negotiator for an end to the Gaza war and release of hostages held by Hamas, said a more detailed ceasefire proposal would be made in the next several days.

After 11 months of conflict in Gaza, CIA Director William Burns said he was working very hard on "texts and creative formulas" with mediators Qatar and Egypt to secure a ceasefire, by finding a proposal which satisfies both parties.

"We will make this more detailed proposal, I hope in the next several days, and then we'll see," said Burns, speaking at a Financial Times event in London alongside Richard Moore, head of Britain's MI6 foreign spy agency, in an unprecedented joint public appearance.

Burns added that it was a question of political will and he hoped leaders on both sides recognised "the time has come finally to make some hard choices and some difficult compromises".

He said 90% of the paragraphs had been agreed but the last 10% were always the hardest.

"My hope is that you know, they'll recognise what's at stake here and be willing to move ahead on that basis," he said.

Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7 killing 1,200 people and taking about 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies, while Israel's retaliatory offensive in Gaza has killed nearly 41,000 Palestinians, Gaza's health authorities have said, largely levelling the coastal enclave.

BACKING UKRAINE

In an joint op-ed for Saturday's FT newspaper, Burns and Moore highlighted joint efforts to help Ukraine in its war against Russia, and the British spy chief said it was critical the West maintained its support.

Discussing Ukraine's offensive into the Kursk region of Russia where Kyiv has seized land, Moore called it an "audacious and bold" move to try and change the game.

"It's too early to say how long the Ukrainians will be able to hang on in there (in Kursk)," he added, saying the incursion had brought the war home to ordinary Russians.

While Burns called the offensive a "significant tactical achievement" for the Ukrainians. But while he said it had exposed the Russian military's vulnerabilities, he did not see any evidence that Russian President Vladimir Putin's grip on power was weakening.

"It did raise questions on the part of people we could see across the Russian elite about where is this all headed," he said.

Burns also disclosed that earlier in the conflict he had been sent by U.S. President Joe Biden to meet one of his Russian counterparts to warn him of the consequences of the use of nuclear weapons.

"There was a moment in the fall of 2022 when I think there was a genuine risk of the potential use of tactical nuclear weapons," the CIA director said. "We've continued to be very direct about that. So I don't think we can afford to be intimidated by that sabre rattling or bullying."

In their op-ed, the spy chiefs also warned about a reckless campaign of sabotage being waged across Europe by Russian intelligence operatives.

"I think Russian intelligence services has gone a bit feral, frankly, in some of their behaviour," Moore said. The fact that they are using criminal elements shows you that they're becoming a bit desperate ... It's become a bit more amateurish."

He added: "Amateurish can actually be more reckless and more dangerous as well."

(Writing by Michael Holden, Jonathan Landay and Sarah Young; Editing by David Gregorio and Andrew Cawthorne)
(Bloomberg) -- Ukraines daring offensive into Russias Kursk region impressed Kyivs allies with its quick initial success, upending perceptions the war had settled into a stalemate and exposing the hollowness of Vladimir Putins vows to defend his territory at all costs.

Most Read from Bloomberg

But a month into the operation, US and European officials still question what Kyivs endgame is for the 500 square miles (1,300 sq. km) of Russian territory it says its forces now occupy. Some allied officials fear Kyiv could be forced to give up that land within a few months if Moscow mounts a larger counterattack.

With Russian forces pressing an offensive of their own in Ukraines east, using superior numbers to crack Kyivs lines, some European officials expressed concern that the cost of the Kursk operation may prove high. They spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss private deliberations.

Ukraine kept its allies in the dark about its plans for the operation, the largest incursion suffered by Moscow since World War II. The lightning campaign has revealed the weakness of Russian defenses, challenging the view that Putins two-year-old invasion had become a grinding war of attrition played to the Kremlins advantages.

The lack of a major Russian retaliation has also bolstered Kyivs argument that Putins oft-touted red lines are empty threats aimed at scaring the US and Europe. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is citing the muted Kremlin response as he pushes allies to allow Ukraine to use longer-range weapons on targets inside Russia and take the pressure off his outnumbered forces. Privately, some allied diplomats now agree the fears about Putins retaliation appear overblown.

Putin has shed so much blood that his red lines are meaningless now, Zelenskiy told allied officials at a meeting in Germany on Friday. He repeated appeals to be allowed to use western long-range weapons to hit targets inside Russia so that Russia is motivated to seek peace.

Hes said Kyiv could use the territory its taken as a bargaining chip in talks. But with no sign from Moscow that it is ready to negotiate in earnest, some allies worry that Ukraine may not be able to hold it long enough to provide leverage in any diplomatic efforts.

Moscow so far hasnt redeployed large numbers of troops from the east of Ukraine to fight in Kursk, instead continuing a deadly push against Kyivs lines around key logistics hubs. Allied officials said Russia would need to send many more troops to Kursk in order to eject Ukraines forces.

At the same time, the Kursk incursion aims to create a buffer zone that helps protect other Ukrainian cities from Russian attacks, according to Zelenskiy.

Ukraines move is a strategic success, according to Ann Marie Dailey, a policy researcher on Russia and military issues at Rand in Washington.

This is a small incursion in one region but if Ukraine wanted to, it could do this again in a different part, Dailey said. Theyre forcing Russia to reassess how it defends its entire border with Ukraine.

Publicly, western officials have been tight-lipped about the operation, not wanting to appear to encourage a move that may yet precipitate Russian escalation.

The Kremlins army of aggression is now on the defensive on its own turf, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Friday alongside Zelenskiy.

But there is little sign allies are ready to grant Zelenskiys appeals to use longer-range weapons against targets in Russia. I dont believe one capability is going to be decisive and I stand by that comment, Austin said after the meeting, noting that Ukraine has a pretty significant capability of its own for long-range strikes.

Still, the incursion has shown allies that Ukraines forces can execute the kind of coordinated offensives using a range of western-provided weapons that US and European officials have long encouraged.

Kursk is a great example of Ukraines innovative approach to the military operations, said Krzysztof Nolbert, Polands senior defense attache in Washington. After an initial messy response, Russia will likely push back, the question is how long it will take to do so, he said, noting that maintaining supply lines will be more difficult for Ukraine once winter sets in.

For Zelenskiy, facing growing fatigue at home as the war grinds through its third year and rising concerns that allied support may flag, as well, the Kursk operation was a risky gambit to gain leverage in talks, according to a senior European official.

Zelenskiy said last month he hopes to present a new peace plan to US President Joe Biden soon. Western diplomats say the Kremlin is likely waiting for the outcome of the US election in November before making any serious diplomatic moves, hoping that a Donald Trump administration might be less supportive of Kyiv.

So far, there is little evidence that Ukraines forces are building deep fortifications to defend the land theyve captured, for instance by building trenches or laying mines and dragons teeth, according to Seth G. Jones, Director of the International Security Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington.

Theyre not really preparing for large-scale, long-term defense, he said, adding it could be part of Kyivs calculation to be able to retreat quickly but also leave open the option to continue advancing forward and take more territory.

Kyivs risky bet comes as it has complained about delays in promised weapons deliveries from allies and doubts grow about prospects for a $50 billion aid package. Russia has focused its most capable forces on an offensive around Pokrovsk, a key logistical hub in Ukraines east, and has been advancing steadily.

Across Ukraine, months of Russian airstrikes on power plants and other energy infrastructure have triggered widespread rolling blackouts and fueled fears of a broader crisis this winter.

--With assistance from Milda Seputyte, Jenny Leonard, Aliaksandr Kudrytski and Alberto Nardelli.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
Russia deployed its "Grom-E1" hybrid missile bomb in Kharkiv this week.

The Grom-E1 is equipped with wings and an engine and has a range of up to around 75 miles.

Russia has continually sought to adapt its weapons systems during its invasion of Ukraine.

Russia has hit Ukraine's northeastern city of Kharkiv with a wave of strikes in recent days as Russian President Vladimir Putin's forces continue their offensive operations in the region.

One of the attacks saw Russia deploy its "Grom-E1" munition in Kharkiv for the first time, the city's mayor, Ihor Terekhov, said on Telegram.

According to the Ukrainian government-backed platform United24, the Grom-E1 is a hybrid of a missile and a bomb that Russia began producing in the mid-2000s.

Based on the Kh-38 missile, the Grom-E1 is equipped with wings that deploy mid-flight and a jet engine, allowing operators to strike targets much further away (up to 120 km, or roughly 75 miles) than conventional aerial bombs, United24 reported. The hybrid weapon weighs around 1,310 lbs and has a roughly 695-lb warhead.

Serhiy Bolvinov, the head of the investigative department of the Main Directorate of the National Police in the Kharkiv region, said that Russian forces rarely used the Grom-E1, the report added.

The munition is first thought to have been used by Russia in Ukraine in March 2023 in an attack on the eastern Donetsk region, United24 said. It has also been used in strikes on Kupiansk and Kherson, it added.

Michael Purcell, who teaches Russia & International Security at George Washington University's Elliot School of International Affairs, told Business Insider that the weapon allowed Russian forces "to launch at a greater standoff distance, which prevents them from being targeted, effectively, by Ukrainian air defenses."

"Instead of a dumb bomb, you're taking a missile and adding wings to it," he said, adding: "You can think of it like it is an incremental improvement to a system based on the requirements of this tactical situation."

Russia has continually sought to adapt its weapons systems during its invasion of Ukraine.

One key to Russia's advances has been its use of glide bombs, relatively cheap Soviet-era bombs that have been modified by attaching wings and satellite navigation systems.

Such munitions allow Russian aircraft to release them from safer distances, making it hard for Ukraine to defend against attacks.

That difficulty has forced Ukraine to target Russian aircraft stationed at air bases inside Russian territory.

But it is limited by restrictions imposed by the West on the use of Western weapons to strike targets deep inside Russia.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has repeatedly called for such restrictions to be lifted as he seeks to increase pressure on Moscow.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Following the statement made by former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh on Congress regretting the joining of wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia to the party, Congress leader Kuldeep Vats said that Singh was saying all this riding on the arrogance that he has in him. Speaking to ANI on Saturday, Vats alleged that the slogan "Beti Padhao, Beti Bachao" by the BJP was "just a lie for them" and that they have "disrespected the jawans and farmers" by introducing Agniveer for the jawans and by making farmers sit for one and a quarter year at the Delhi border. "The arrogance that he has with him (Brij Bhushan)--he is saying all these ridings on the arrogance that he has in him," he said. "I want to tell the people of the BJP that they had a slogan, "Beti Padhao, Beti Bachao." It is just a lie for them... The people in BJP used to talk about "Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan,"... They disrespected the Jawan by introducing Agniveer... The farmer had to sit at the border for one and a quarter year. They were pelted with rubber bullets, tear gas was thrown at them, and water cannons were used. That time also Modi Ji asked for forgiveness. Coming to our wrestlers and daughters, when they got some medals for the nation, then every BJP leader and PM Modi congratulated them. But when they raised their voice against atrocities, it was our duty to stand with our sisters and daughters. Congress stands with everyone," he added. Earlier today, former WFI president and Bharatiya Janata Party leader Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh said the joining of Phogat and Punia to the Congress party proves that the entire wrestlers' movement was a "conspiracy" against him and the Congress party was behind it. Brij Bhushan further stated that the Congress would regret their decision and claimed that the wrestler's protest that started in Jantar Mantar in January last year, was not a movement of sportspersons and Congress was behind it which was led by Bhupinder Hooda. "On 18th January 2023, when the protest started at Jantar Mantar, I said that this is not a movement of sportspersons; Congress is behind it. Especially Bhupinder Hooda, Deepender Hooda, Priyanka Ji, and Rahul Ji. This is a movement of Congress. And today this thing has been proved. In this entire movement, the conspiracy that happened against us, Congress was involved in it and Bhupinder Hooda was leading it," he said. "One-day Congress will have to regret it," he further added. Singh further alleged that the wrestler's protest was not for the dignity of women, adding that because of the protests, the 'daughters' of Haryana are facing embarrassment. Earlier on Friday, the two ace wrestlers, Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia, joined the Congress almost a month before the Haryana assembly polls. Punia won bronze at the Tokyo Olympics, while Vinesh Phogat became the first woman wrestler to reach the Olympics final in Paris last month. The wrestlers resigned from their respective positions in Northern Railways earlier on that day. Within hours of them joining the party, wrestler Vinesh Phogat was fielded in the Julana constituency for the upcoming Haryana polls. Whereas, Bajrang Punia was appointed working president of the All India Kisan Congress. (ANI)
Ukrainian air defenses shot down a Russian attack drone over Ukraine's parliament building early Saturday morning during a widespread drone assault in which 58 of 67 drones tracked were shot down. Photo by Sergey Dolzhenko/EPA-EFE

Sept. 7 (UPI) -- Russia launched 67 Shahed drones at various targets in Ukraine Saturday, but Ukrainian officials on Saturday said they destroyed 58 of them while several others flew into other regions.

Russia launched the drones overnight Friday and into early Saturday morning from Kursk, Yeisk and the Russia-occupied Crimean Peninsula, Ukrainska Pravda reported.

Ukraine's air surveillance systems tracked the 67 drones, including six that the Ukrainian military said flew toward Russia, Belarus and Russia-occupied Luhansk Oblast.

Three other drones disappeared from radar while over Ukraine.

Debris from one of the intercepted drones landed outside Ukraine's parliament building while other drones targeted several locations, including Sumy in the northeast, Kherson in the south, Poltava in central Ukraine and Kyiv.

Defense Sec. Lloyd Austin during am meeting with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky and others in Ramstein, Germany, said Ukraine has the capability of striking back at Russia with its current munitions and there are no decisive arms available to defeat Russia. File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI

Kyiv military region leader Serhii Popko called it a "massive drone attack" on Kyiv and said one drone was shot down over the parliament building.

The Russian drones approached Kyiv at 3 a.m. local time, but none reached their targets.

Air raid sirens sounded for more than eight hours with no casualties reported from the drone attack.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky recently asked for more help with Ukraine's air defense systems to fend off Russian missiles, attack drones and bombs used to attack Ukrainian cities and villages.

Russia launched missile attacks against Kharkiv in western Ukraine on Sunday and Monday, and a military school in Poltava on Tuesday.

More than 55 people died from the missile attacks.

A Russian missile attack on Lviv in western Ukraine killed seven Wednesday after striking civilian infrastructure.

U.S. Sec. of Defense Lloyd Austin met with Zelensky and other representatives of the Ukraine Defense Contract Group on Saturday in Ramstein, Germany.

The ad-hoc group is composed of 57 nations, including all 32 NATO nations.

"There's no one capability that will ... be decisive in this campaign," Austin said, adding that Russia is a large nation with lots of targets.

"There's a lot of capability that Ukraine has in terms of [unmanned aerial vehicles] and other things to address those targets," he said.

Austin's made his comments in response to requests for more offensive firepower from Zelensky and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.
The Ukrainian military is using "dragon drones" that employ molten metal as payload against the Russians on the battlefield, CNN reports.

Source: CNN

Details: The CNN report says Ukraine appears to be using a fleet of fire-spewing "dragon drones" in the war against Russian invaders  a modern version of the munitions that had a terrible effect in both world wars.

Videos posted on social media by Ukraine's Ministry of Defence show low-flying drones dropping torrents of fire  actually molten metal  on Russian-held positions in the tree lines, CNN reports.

The white-hot mixture of aluminium powder and iron oxide, called thermite, burns at temperatures of up to 2200 degrees Celsius. Falling from a drone, thermite resembles fire coming out of the mouth of a mythical dragon, which is how the drones got their name.

"Strike Drones are our wings of vengeance, bringing fire straight from the sky! They become a real threat to the enemy, burning his positions with an accuracy that no other weapon can achieve," the 60th Separate Mechanised Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said in a Facebook post. It also posted a video.

Nicholas Drummond, a defence industry analyst specialising in land warfare and a former British Army officer, told CNN that using this sort of drone strike "is quite innovative".

Quote from Nicholas Drummond: "But used in that way its effect will have been psychological more than physical."

Drummond does not believe that the use of such drones can change the course of the hostilities. But the thermite gives Russian forces another reason to be wary of Ukrainian drones, he said.

CNN notes that thermite can easily burn through almost anything, including metal, so there is little protection against it. It was discovered by a German chemist in the 1890s and was initially used to weld railway tracks. But its military effectiveness soon became apparent: the Germans dropped it over Britain during the First World War. Both Germany and the Allies used thermite bombs in World War II.

According to UK-based anti-war advocacy group Action on Armed Violence (AOAV), Ukraine has already used thermite dropped from drones to disable Russian tanks.

Thermite is just one type of known incendiary weapon  others include napalm and white phosphorus. The UN Office for Disarmament Affairs says incendiary weapons can cause massive destruction and environmental damage.

Under international law, thermite is not prohibited for use in hostilities, but its use on civilian targets is banned due to the terrible consequences it can have on the human body, CNN says.

The report notes that Ukraine accused the Russians of using incendiary munitions against civilian targets early on in the full-scale war, including one case in the village of Cherkaski Tyshky, Kharkiv Oblast, in May 2022.

The Ukrainian military has also accused Russia of using incendiary substances during an attack on Bakhmut, Donetsk Oblast, last year.

Update: Two Ukrainska Pravda sources from different units that use drones with thermite mixture said that such weapons are mainly used to destroy Russian infantry that have taken cover in strips of forest.

They are not separate fire-spewing drones, but regular FPVs to which a container of thermite mixture is attached. The principle of operation is as follows: the FPV drone lifts the container into the air, flies to the forest, ignites the mixture above the forest, pours it through the opening, and ideally returns to the base.

Support UP or become our patron!
Ukraine's Foreign Ministry said on Sept. 7 that if Iran provides ballistic missiles to Russia, "it will have devastating consequences for Ukrainian-Iranian bilateral relations."

Kyiv made the statement in reaction to recent media reports that Iran has sent ballistic missiles to boost Russian forces amid their ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

"For more than two years now, Ukraine has been suffering daily Russian terror attacks with all types of deadly weapons, including Iranian-made drones," the Foreign Ministry said.

Moscow and Tehran have deepened military cooperation in recent years, with Russia receiving extensive supplies of Shahed kamikaze drones regularly used to target Ukrainian cities and infrastructure.

The Iranian government has denied providing weapons to Russia during the full-scale war.

"The deepening military-technical cooperation between Russia and Iran poses a serious security threat not only to Ukraine but also to the whole of Europe, the Middle East, and the world," the Foreign Ministry commented.

The British news outlet The Times wrote that according to an undisclosed Ukrainian military source, a shipment of 200 Iranian ballistic missiles already arrived at an unspecified port in the Caspian Sea on Sept. 4. The missiles in question were said to be Fath-360, with a range of 120 kilometers (over 70 miles).

Experts told the Kyiv Independent that these tactical missiles are most likely to be employed at the front line.

"It's more likely they'd be used on targets related to action on the front line, military targets, logistics centers, command posts, barracks, fuel depots  these are the kind of targets you'd strike with a tactical missile," Fabian Hinz, a research fellow for defense and military analysis at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, told the Kyiv Independent.

A White House spokesperson said that the U.S. is "alarmed" by the reports and that Iran supplying ballistic missiles to Russia would constitute a "dramatic escalation" in Tehran's support for Moscow's war.

Washington has not officially confirmed that the transfer had taken place, but the Wall Street Journal said that the U.S. had informed its allies about the move in the past few days.

Russia has its own ballistic missile arsenal that it employs in Ukraine, such as Kinzhal or Iskander-M missiles. Moscow has also received ballistic missiles from North Korea, which have been used to target Ukrainian cities.

Read also: What Irans ballistic missiles, in Russias hands, could mean for Ukraine

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Ukraine's Defence Minister Rustem Umierov has detailed the achievements from the 24th meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group, which include new aid packages from the US, Canada and the UK.

Source: Umierov on Facebook

Quote from Umierov: "Our partners and allies have a great interest in investing, financing, and cooperating to strengthen the Ukrainian defence industry. We are already in active communication with a number of countries regarding the possibility of financing our Ukrainian weapons, missiles, and drones.

This opens up new opportunities for joint development of defence potential. And what is most important  it strengthens our battlefront. Ukrainian long-range drones are already demonstrating their effectiveness; our allies also note this."

Details: Umierov stated that the US has announced another US$250 million military aid package for Ukraine. It will include critical weapons and equipment, M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles and missiles for HIMARS multiple-launch rocket systems.

Canada will provide a large batch of engines for rockets and 1,300 warheads, significantly enhancing Ukraine's capabilities in aerial operations.

Umierov notes that the new assistance package also consists of thousands of machine guns and handguns, military equipment, and fifty ambulances to help meet Ukraine's medical needs on the battlefield.

In addition, Canada has taken on an essential role in training Ukrainian pilots to fly F-16 fighter jets under the FLIT programme. The Canadian government will allocate US$389 million for a five-year pilot and technician training initiative.

Meanwhile, the United Kingdom will provide Ukraine with 650 Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMM) worth 162 million, significantly strengthening Kyiv's air defence capabilities.

For its part, the Netherlands will provide Ukraine with air-to-air missiles and auxiliary materials for F-16 aircraft worth 80 million. This assistance will significantly enhance the defence capabilities of Ukraine's Air Force.

Sweden has reportedly joined the mine action coalition, pledging 5 million to the Coalition Fund to support mine clearance efforts. Meanwhile, Spain will provide Ukraine with a battery of HAWK air defence systems, which includes six launchers.

Quote from Umierov: "Another key result of the meeting with the allies was the signing of the Terms of Reference of the Maritime Capabilities Coalition (MCC).

I am grateful to the United Kingdom and Norway for their leadership in the Coalition.

We are waiting for other partner countries to join.

Work within the framework of the MCC will provide long-term support for Ukraine in ensuring Black Sea security.

This year, Ukraine places special emphasis on maritime defence. We have already driven russian ships off the shores of the Crimean Peninsula. Together with our allies, we continue to implement the Maritime Security Strategy.

We are strengthening our positions on all fronts thanks to international support and the heroism of our warriors.

Together, we are bringing peace and security in Europe closer."

Support UP or become our patron!
Ukraine's new foreign minister holds first conversations with his US, German and Romanian counterparts

Andrii Sybiha, Ukraine's newly appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs, has held telephone discussions with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and Romanian Foreign Minister Luminita Odobescu.

Source: European Pravda

Details: Sybiha noted that during his conversation with Blinken, they discussed accelerating the delivery of military aid, the implementation of the Ukrainian Peace Formula and enhancing sanctions against Russia.

Great call with @SecBlinken to reaffirm the Ukraine-U.S. strategic partnership. We discussed ways to speed up military aid, advance the Peace Formula, and tighten sanctions against Russia. I look forward to working closely together to defend shared democratic values   Andrii Sybiha  (@andrii_sybiha) September 6, 2024

"I look forward to working closely together to defend shared democratic values," the Ukrainian foreign minister tweeted.

The US State Department noted that in his first conversation with Sybiha, Blinken congratulated him on his appointment and reaffirmed the strength of the US-Ukraine partnership. The ministers discussed the upcoming diplomatic calendar.

In a conversation with his German counterpart, Annalena Baerbock, Sybiha expressed his gratitude for Germany's support for Ukraine. The ministers coordinated their positions before the opening of the UN General Assembly session.

Earlier, Baerbock had posted a tweet congratulating Sybiha on his appointment, emphasising that both he, as minister, and Ukraine could rely on continued support from Germany.

During a call with his Romanian counterpart, Luminita Odobescu, the ministers discussed ways to deepen good-neighbourly relations between Ukraine and Romania. Sybiha thanked Romania for its decision to supply Ukraine with a Patriot air defence missile system.

Background:

On 5 September, the Verkhovna Rada (Ukrainian parliament) appointed Andrii Sybiha as Foreign Minister, replacing Dmytro Kuleba.

The first conversation Sybiha had after his appointment was with his Polish counterpart Radosaw Sikorski, and on Friday, he communicated with several European counterparts.

Support UP or become our patron!
Ukraines Foreign Ministry has expressed deep concern over media reports that Iran has already supplied its ballistic missiles to Russia and has called on Tehran to refrain from providing Moscow with any weapons.

Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement on 7 September, as reported by European Pravda

Quote: "Ukraines Foreign Ministry is deeply concerned about reports in the international media about Iran's possible supply of ballistic missiles to the Russian Federation.

Once again, we call on the leadership of the Islamic Republic of Iran to refrain from supplying any types of weapons and military equipment to Russia, which is an aggressor state under the UN Charter and international law," the Foreign Ministry said.

Details: The Foreign Ministry recalled that Iranian-made Shahed drones have been used by Russia for aerial terror of Ukrainian cities for two years and stressed that deepening military-technical cooperation between Russia and Iran poses serious security threats not only to Ukraine but also to the whole world.

"We call on the international community to increase pressure on Tehran and Moscow to protect international peace and security. Iran must completely and finally stop supplying weapons to Russia in order to prove by actions, not words, the sincerity of its political leadership's statements about its non-involvement in fuelling the Russian military killing machine.

We warn Tehran that if it is confirmed that Iran has supplied ballistic missiles to the Russian Federation, it will have devastating consequences for Ukrainian-Iranian bilateral relations," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine said.

Background:

On 6 September, the WSJ reported, citing sources among American and European officials, that Iran had already supplied Russia with short-range ballistic missiles.

Reuters, which originally reported on the imminent supply of ballistic missiles from Iran, speculated that it may be the Fateh-360 system, which fires ballistic missiles with a maximum range of 120 kilometres and a warhead weighing 150 kilogrammes.

The White House National Security Council said that if Iran has supplied or will supply Russia with ballistic missiles, it would be a "dramatic escalation".

Support UP or become our patron!
'Ukraine's not asking for anything more than you already have,' Zelensky says in Italy

Ukraine is grateful for air defenses provided by its partners, but they are still "not enough to secure our entire territory and repel every Russian attack," President Volodymyr Zelensky said during his visit to Italy on Sept. 6.

"Ukraine is not asking for anything more than what your country or any other country already has," Zelensky said in a speech at the 50th Cernobbio Forum in northern Italy.

The Ukrainian president arrived in Italy to meet with local business leaders and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni as Kyiv increasingly calls for additional air defenses and other aid to repel Russian aggression.

Zelensky's trip to Italy came right after his visit to Germany, where he received additional pledges of military assistance at the 24th Ramstein group meeting and held talks with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

"Our people are under constant threat of Russian missile and drone strikes every, every night and every day," Zelensky said in Italy, reminding recent deadly attacks against the Ukrainian cities of Kharkiv, Poltava, and Lviv.

"Fortunately, we have air defense systems  also thanks to Italy. But it is not enough to secure our entire territory and repel every Russian attack."

Jointly with France, Italy has provided Ukraine with a SAMP/T air defense system in 2023 and pledged to deliver a second one this year. There has been no confirmation on the delivery of the second battery, with Zelensky complaining on several occasions that the pledged air defenses are being delayed.

Read also: Zelenskys visit to Ramstein secures air defense, weapons for Ukraine

"We just want no father in our country to have to bury his wife and daughters because they were killed by Russian missiles We just, we just want Ukrainian boys and girls to never again suffer because they cannot help their parents who are in Russian-occupied territories," the president said.

A Russian attack against the western city of Lviv on Sept. 7 killed seven people, including a mother and her three daughters, leaving only the father of the family alive.

"What does (Russian President Vladimir) Putin want to achieve with all this? Ukrainians did not want his land. We did not want to take anything from Russia. But it was Putin who wanted to take our land  and he occupied our territory," the president stressed.

Zelensky met with representatives of over 30 leading Italian companies on the sidelines of the Cernobbio summit, thanking them for developing projects in Ukraine. Ukraine's head of state thanked the business leaders for providing energy equipment, including in the form of humanitarian aid, and discussed post-war reconstruction.

According to the Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW Kiel), which tracks international aid for Ukraine, Italy has committed a total of 1.7 billion euros ($1.8 billion) in economic and military assistance to Ukraine as of June 2024.

Holding the Group of Seven (G7) rotating presidency in 2024, Italy hosted a summit that saw the announcement of a $50 billion loan for Ukraine covered by frozen Russian assets proceeds.

Italy will also host the 2025 Recovery Conference, inviting officias from 77 countries and 500 companies.

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Ukraine's spy chief says "serious changes" coming to Russia's security forces

Major changes are coming to Russia's security forces in the next two months, predicts Kyrylo Budanov, Head of Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU).

Source: Budanov in an interview with Ukrainian radio station Radio Charter

Quote from Budanov: "The turning point [in the war  ed.] has not yet happened. But everything is close. It can't go on like this forever  the resources are not infinite, neither ours nor theirs...

As for the Russian side, they have serious changes planned for the security forces in the next two months. We'll see how that unfolds soon. It won't take long."

Background:

On 12 May, Russian leader Vladimir Putin proposed appointing First Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Belousov as Defence Minister, replacing Sergei Shoigu.

Shoigu had held the post since 2012.

At the same time, Putin appointed Shoigu as Secretary of the Russian Security Council and dismissed the previous Secretary, Nikolai Patrushev, "in connection with his transfer to another position".

Support UP or become our patron!
Ukrainian air defence responds to Russian attack drones in Khmelnytskyi Oblast overnight

Ukrainian air defence destroyed two Russian Shahed attack UAVs on the night of 6-7 September in Khmelnytskyi Oblast.

Source: Khmelnytskyi Oblast Military Administration

Details: The places where the drone wreckage fell are being established.

The authorities emphasised that as of this morning, there have been no reports of casualties or damage to property.

Support UP or become our patron!
Ukrainian forces had four or five brigades in reserve, which are now operating on the Pokrovsk front, conducting minor counterattacks that are slowing down and pushing back the Russians. The once seemingly inevitable capture of Pokrovsk by Russian forces now appears less likely.

Source: Forbes

Details: According to Forbes, the Russian 2nd Combined Arms Army, comprising dozens of regiments and brigades, outnumbers Ukrainian forces near Pokrovsk, which are part of the Tavriia Operational Strategic Group of Troops, by about four times.

Ukrainian forces have been retreating along the Pokrovsk axis since at least mid-February, after the Russians breached the defences of the fortress city of Avdiivka at the eastern end of the axis.

Forbes stated that the Ukrainians held four or five brigades in reserve, each consisting of up to 2,000 soldiers and hundreds of vehicles. Russian propagandist Yevgeny Norin described these units as "reasonably intact and well-equipped".

Now, some of these reserves are joining the fight along the last line of trenches and fortified towns five to six miles from Pokrovsk and its vital supply routes. A Russian blogger noted that "what is happening is exactly what was predicted  the Ukrainian armed forces have begun counterattacking", which is helping to stabilise the frontline, at least for now.

Forbes stressed that no immediate drastic changes should be expected around Pokrovsk. Ukrainian reinforcements, at least the Kara-Dag Brigade of the National Guard, the 12th Special Operations Brigade and the 93rd Separate Mechanised Brigade of Ukraines Armed Forces, are conducting small counterattacks now. These actions primarily slow or slightly push back Russian forces.

The fierce actions of the Kara-Dag Brigade in Selydove, a frontline town southeast of Pokrovsk, may be the most significant of the recent counterattacks. The brigade's T-64 tanks have been destroying and capturing Russian tanks and combat vehicles attempting to enter Selydove along the main east-west road for several days.

The Russians need to pass through Selydove to launch precise fire on Pokrovsk. However, the capture of Pokrovsk by Russian forces seems much less likely than before when fresh and well-equipped Ukrainian troops are deployed and advancing in Selydove.

Support UP or become our patron!
Promotion event in Munich boosts China-Germany cooperation

Xinhua) 09:40, September 07, 2024

People attend the "Hello, Shenyang" global promotion event in Munich, Germany, on Sept. 6, 2024. (Xinhua/Ren Pengfei)

German representatives expressed strong interest in expanding cooperation with Shenyang, particularly in sectors such as industrial development, consumer markets, technology, and cultural exchange.

MUNICH, Germany, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- The "Hello, Shenyang" global promotion event took place in Munich on Friday, drawing over 100 attendees, including German political and business leaders, along with a trade delegation from Shenyang, China.

Organized by the Shenyang municipal government, the event aimed to showcase Shenyang's evolving image, attract foreign investment, and forge stronger international partnerships.

Officials from the capital city of Liaoning Province in northeast China highlighted the success of the global campaign launched last year, focusing on the city's steady economic growth and its ambition to become a national central city and a key hub for Northeast Asian cooperation. They underscored Shenyang's commitment to fostering international openness across ten key development areas.

People attend the "Hello, Shenyang" global promotion event in Munich, Germany, on Sept. 6, 2024. (Xinhua/Ren Pengfei)

Wang Xinwei, deputy secretary of the CPC Liaoning provincial committee and secretary of the CPC Shenyang municipal committee, emphasized the deep-rooted economic and cultural ties between Shenyang and Germany. He highlighted opportunities for collaboration in areas such as industrial development, consumer market expansion, technological innovation, and cultural exchange.

"In 2023, trade between Shenyang and Germany reached 33 billion yuan (4.66 billion U.S. dollars), making Germany Shenyang's largest trading partner among the 219 countries and regions it trades with," said Zhu Ling, director of the Shenyang municipal commerce bureau. By June 2024, 205 German-invested enterprises had been established in Shenyang, placing Germany 10th among the 137 countries investing in the city.

Lin Kai, acting consul general at the Chinese consulate in Munich, praised the thriving China-Germany partnership, noting that German investment in China hit a record 7.3 billion euros in the first half of 2024. He encouraged German businesses to further explore opportunities in the Chinese market.

This photo taken on May 8, 2024 shows a roll-off ceremony of the 6 millionth car produced by BMW Brilliance Automotive (BBA) in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

German representatives expressed strong interest in expanding cooperation with Shenyang, particularly in sectors such as industrial development, consumer markets, technology, and cultural exchange.

BMW, a key player in Shenyang's economy, was cited as a success story. Since its plant was established there in 2003, Shenyang has become one of BMW's largest global production bases, responsible for one-third of the company's total output. Volker Letzgus, vice president of Joint Ventures China at BMW Group, reaffirmed the company's commitment to deepening its partnership with Shenyang.

Frank Steinbacher, CEO of eLoaded GmbH, also underscored Shenyang's strategic importance for the company's energy innovation projects, praising the city's strong industrial foundation and favorable business environment.

Several agreements between Chinese and German companies were signed during the event, further solidifying Shenyang's role as a global economic hub.

Since its launch, the "Hello, Shenyang" campaign has been held in major cities such as Tokyo, Seoul, Paris, Geneva, and Sydney, positioning Shenyang as a platform for fostering international cooperation and driving high-quality development. (1 euro = 1.11 U.S. dollar)

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Wu Chaolan)
 Flash

China's ambitious initiative to construct an international lunar research station (ILRS) is paving the way for a new era of global space collaboration, drawing in developing countries without their own space missions and igniting widespread enthusiasm for participation.

In 2017, the China National Space Administration (CNSA) officially launched the ILRS cooperation initiative to the international community. To date, over 40 institutions from across the world have signed cooperation documents with China.

The ILRS is a scientific experimental facility designed to be an expandable and maintainable system capable of long-term robotic operation with short-term human participation on the moon.

The project will be implemented in two phases. The first phase will see a basic facility built by 2035 in the lunar south pole region, while the second phase aims to establish a network connecting the moon's south pole, equator and far side by 2050.

CONCERTED EFFORTS

Wu Weiren, director and chief scientist of Deep Space Exploration Lab (DSEL), said at an ongoing space conference in east China's Huangshan city that the ILRS adheres to the principles of mutual consultation, joint construction and shared benefits to foster collaborative efforts with global partners.

Speaking at the conference, Wu Yanhua, chief designer of the country's major deep space exploration project, extended an invitation to nations worldwide to participate in the two-phase program at various levels, including concept study, equipment, system and even mission levels.

Wu Yanhua also announced that China is planning to establish multiple international organizations, including a cooperation committee, an expert consultative committee, a tech innovation alliance, a science alliance and a coordination headquarters, to enhance global collaboration efforts.

Following the successful operation of payloads from the European Space Agency (ESA), France, Italy and Pakistan in China's Chang'e-6 mission, the country's Chang'e-7 lunar exploration mission, scheduled for launch around 2026, will carry six international scientific instruments. Chang'e-8, targeting a launch around 2028, will offer 200 kilograms of international payload capacity. Chang'e-8 and Chang'e-7 will finally be part of the basic model of ILRS.

Ayman Ahmed, senior director of space program at the Egyptian Space Agency, proudly introduced an AI-enabled camera at a seminar during the two-day conference on Friday. This camera, set to be part of the Chang'e-7 mission, is currently in the testing phase, supported by the Changchun Institute of Optics under the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

ILRS is a space program that aims to provide "a synergy in international lunar exploration on the basis of the set of complex research facilities on and around the Moon," said Dmitrii Zarubin, an engineering fellow of the Space Research Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Russia's payload PmL-Ch7 is slated to be brought into orbit by Chang'e-7, according to Zarubin.

"Free riding plus data sharing is the selection principle and cooperation philosophy," said Han Siyuan, an official of the CNSA, on Friday.

PASSIONATE PARTNERS

Senegal is a new partner in the ILRS cooperation initiative. On Sept. 5, the CNSA and its counterpart in Senegal signed an agreement, following a joint statement released earlier this week that emphasized deepening bilateral relations and establishing a high-level China-Senegal community with a shared future.

During the conference, the DSEL inked memoranda of understanding with 10 institutions from countries including Serbia, Indonesia, Pakistan, Panama and South Africa. Among the institutions are the Belt and Road Alliance for Science & Technology, the Foundation for Space Development Africa, and the Africa Business Alliance.

Adriana Marais, director of the Foundation for Space Development Africa, expressed her excitement about the collaboration between China and Africa at the educational, scientific and partnership levels for lunar exploration.

Marais, a visiting scientist in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen, is advancing her Africa2Moon Project, which aims to send Africa's first mission to the moon. She is now particularly focused on the Chang'e-8 mission and considers it a significant opportunity.

Wiphu Rujopakarn, deputy director general of the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand, said that space cooperation with China will benefit the people of his own country.

"This year, we have collaborated with the Shanghai Astronomical Observatory to connect our radio telescope in Thailand with Chinese ones, forming a very long baseline interferometry observation network," Rujopakarn said.

Thailand has also worked on the development of a science payload set to enter the lunar orbit with Chang'e-7. "If the collaboration is successful, it could also serve as a model to demonstrate to other ASEAN members," Rujopakarn added.

Among Asian nations involved in China's lunar exploration programs, Pakistan has already begun to reap the benefits. In May, China delivered data provided by a cube satellite aboard its Chang'e-6 spacecraft to Pakistan.

The cube satellite, ICUBE-Q, developed by Pakistan's Institute of Space Technology and China's Shanghai Jiao Tong University, was sent to space, together with the Chang'e-6 orbiter, to carry out exploration activities such as capturing images of the moon.

China and Pakistan have also signed a cooperation agreement on the ILRS and China has already received Pakistan's application for payload cooperation on the Chang'e-8 mission.

EDUCATION FOR FUTURE

Nurturing young talent for future space exploration is equally crucial, if not more, for numerous nations in the Global South.

"Our population may not yet fully realize the importance of developing lunar exploration or space programs," said Maram Kaire, director-general of the Senegalese Space Studies Agency, noting that the country is still facing challenges in power supply and space education.

China's lunar exploration initiatives could be "one of the best ways for Senegal to seize the opportunity to cultivate young space scientists and simultaneously build the necessary infrastructure," Kaire said.

Highlighting Africa's large youth population, Marais said that space education collaboration with China can "prepare the next generation of humans to become excited about space exploration and to share knowledge, skills, infrastructure and capabilities."

"The idea of looking back at Africa from the moon with African designed, African-built mission, in partnership with China, will be a huge inspiration for young people for years to come," Marais said.

Jing Guifei, deputy director of the regional center for Space Science and Technology Education in Asia and the Pacific affiliated to the United Nations, outlined the goals of ILRS education and training. The goals include nurturing specialized engineering technicians and project management experts for developing countries in areas such as short-term projects, space law and policy, and the design of micro and cube satellites.

Relying on this UN institution, China has trained nearly 1,000 space professionals, according to a white paper released by the country in 2022.

China deems the peaceful exploration, development and utilization of outer space as rights equally enjoyed by all countries, the white paper stressed.

"As a major spacefaring nation, it is our country's responsibility to provide a platform for scientists and peers from countries around the world," Wu Weiren said.

"Space is a shared domain, a common dream, and a collective treasure for humanity," said Chinese astronaut Zhai Zhigang who made history as the country's first person to conduct a spacewalk. "Our aspiration to build and seek new homes in space is a testament to the unity and relentless efforts of global space pioneers."
Delhi's Rouse Avenue is set to pronounce an order on summoning Lalu Prasad Yadav, Tejaswi Yadav and others in connection with the land for job money laundering case at 2 pm on Saturday. ED submitted that the co-accused Lallan Chaudhary's wife confirmed the death of her husband and it also submitted the post-mortem report. He expired in July 2024. However, the death certificate is not submitted as it has not yet been issued by the panchayat. ED said that it will file the death certificate as and when it is issued. A total of 3 co-accused have expired. Earlier the court directed the ED to file the death certificate of a co-accused, Lallan Chaudhary, who has expired. "Since the matter is at the stage of considering the summoning of additional accused persons, the ED is directed to file the death certificate of accused No. 10 (Lallan Chaudhary) by the next date," the court ordered on August 24. The present supplementary complaint pertains to proposed additional accused Nos. 8 to 16 whereas accused No. 17 (Kisun Deo Rai) and 18 (Lal Babu Rai) are stated to have expired. Their death certificates have been filed with the supplementary complaint, the court said in today's order. However, a perusal of the supplementary complaint reveals that the proposed additional accused No.10 (Lallan Chaudhary) is also known to have expired. Yet, no death certificate has been filed and only a report from the police authorities regarding the purported demise of Lallan Chaudhary has been filed, the court noted in the order. The Rouse Avenue court on August 17 reserved order on summoning former Railway Minister and Bihar's former Deputy CM Tejaswi Yadav and others in the Land for Job Money Laundering case under PMLA. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has recently filed a supplementary charge sheet. The ED on August 6, filed a supplementary charge sheet against Former Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, former deputy CM Tejaswi Yadav and other accused in land for job scam. This supplementary charge sheet has name of Lallan Chaudhary, Hazari Rai, Dharmender Kumar, Akhileshwar Singh, Ravinder Kumar, Late Lal Babu Rai, Sonmatia Devi, Late Kishun Dev Rai and Sanjay Rai. It also has 96 relied-upon documents. On July 6, the Rouse Avenue court granted time and directed that ED shall file additional/ concluding charge sheet by the next date of hearing. Joint director of Enforcement Director had also appeared pursuant to the direction of the court. He apprised the court about the status of the investigation and steps taken by the agency. Former Bihar CM Rabri Devi, Misa Bharti and Hema along with other accused had already been charge-sheeted by the ED in this case. ED's SPP Manish Jain along with Snehal Sharda appeared for ED before the court. Special public prosecutor (SPP) clarified that it is a supplementary charge sheet based on the evidence and material agency has till now. Earlier, the court had directed the ED to expedite the investigation, it had directed that ED shall file additional/concluding charge sheet by the next date. In April, the court directed the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to finalise the conclusion of the pending investigation in the Land for Job money laundering case within two weeks. In this case, Bihar's former CM Rabri Devi, her daughters Misa Bharti and Hema Yadav have been charge-sheeted along with Amit Katyal and Hridyanand Chaudhary. All accused except Amit Katyal appeared through video conferencing. On February 28, court granted regular bail to Rabri Devi, Misa Bharti, Hema Yadav and Hridyanand Chaudhary. On January 27, the court issued summons to former Bihar CM Rabri Devi, Misa Bharti, Hema Yadav, Hridyanand Chaudhary and other accused in the Land for Job money laundering case. Amit Katyal was arrested by the ED during the investigation. Two firms namely A K Infosystem and A B Export, have also been accused in this case. ED had submitted that in 2006-07, A K Infosystem was formed by Amit Katyal and its business was IT data analysis. No real business was done. Instead, several land parcels were bought by the company. One land parcel pertains to the main predicate offence, which is land for a job. This company was transferred in the name of Rabri Devi and Tejaswi Yadav in 2014 for the consideration of one lakh rupees, ED submitted. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on January 9, 2024, filed a Prosecution Complaint (Charge sheet) in Land for job scam money laundering case. ED submitted that A B Export was supposed to be in the business of export. It was incorporated in 1996. In 2007, Rs. five crore came through five companies and a property in the New Friends colony was purchased. In this case, seven land parcels are involved. Out of these, Rabri, Hema Yadav, and Misa Bharti got land parcels. Later on, they sold out their land parcels. ED's Special Public Prosecutor had apprised the court that the Yadav family members are beneficiaries of the proceeds of crime. Katyal is said to be a close aide of former railways minister Lalu Prasad Yadav. The Delhi High Court had refused to quash Enforcement Directorate (ED) proceedings against Amit Katyal, who is accused of engaging in transactions with the family members of former railways minister Lalu Prasad Yadav. According to the ED in March, based on the specific intelligence inputs, searches were conducted at 24 locations at various places in Delhi NCR, Patna, Mumbai and Ranchi in the Railways Land for Job Scam, which resulted in the recovery of unaccounted cash of Rs 1 crore, foreign currency including USD 1900, 540 grammes of gold bullion and more than 1.5 kg of gold jewellery (worth approximately Rs 1.25 e), as well as several other incriminating documents, including various property documents, sale deeds, etc., held in the names of family members and benamidaars, indicating illegal accretion of huge land bank and electronic devices. Searches resulted in the detection of proceeds of crime amounting to approximately Rs 600 crore at this point in time, which are in the form of immovable properties of Rs 350 crore and transactions of Rs 250 crore routed through various benamidars, ED stated. According to the ED PMLA investigation conducted so far, it has been revealed that several pieces of land at prominent locations in Patna and other areas were illegally acquired by the family of the then Rail Mantri, Lalu Prasad Yadav, in lieu of jobs provided by the railways. The current market value of these land parcels is more than Rs 200 crore. In this regard, several benamidars, shell entities and beneficial owners of these lands have been identified. Further, investigation under PMLA revealed that the property situated at New Friends Colony, Delhi (an independent 4-story bungalow, registered in the name of M/s A B Exports Private Limited, a company owned and controlled by Tejashwi Prasad Yadav and family) was shown to have been acquired at a value of mere Rs 4 Lakhs, the present market value of which is approximately Rs 150 Crore. It is suspected that a huge amount of cash of Crime has been infused in purchasing this property and few Mumbai based entities, dealing in the gems and jewellery sector were used to channel ill-gotten proceeds of crime in this regard. The property has been, on paper, declared as the offices of M/s A B Exports Private Limited and M/s AK Infosystems Pvt. Ltd. It is being exclusively used as residential premises by Tejasvi Prasad Yadav, son of Lalu Prasad Yadav. During the searches, Tejasvi Prasad Yadav was found to be staying at this house and was found to be using this house as his residential property. ED investigation has found that 4 parcels of land acquired by the family of Lalu Yadav for just Rs 7.5 lakhs from poor Group-D applicants were sold to Syed Abu Dojana, Ex-RJD MLA by Mrs. Rabri Devi with huge gains of Rs 3.5 crore in a collusive deal. The ED investigation further revealed that a major portion of the amount thus received, was transferred to the account of Tejashwi Prasad Yadav.Investigations revealed that, in a similar fashion, lands were taken from several poor parents and candidates in lieu of Group D jobs in the railways. It has been revealed during the investigation that in many railway Zones, more than 50% of recruited candidates were from Lalu Yadav families' constituencies, stated ED. (ANI)
A picture of a Ukrainian drone operator posted on the Instagram account of Volodymyr Zelensky - Volodymyr Zelensky

A Russian munitions depot in the region of Voronezh was hit by multiple drones overnight, according to Ukrainian security sources.

The unnamed sources said Saturday that Kyiv believed the depot was being used to transfer munitions and equipment to Ukraine.

Alexander Gusev, the provinces Russian governor, said in a statement on Telegram that explosive objects had detonated after a fire in the regions Ostorogozhsky district.

He said there had been no casualties, but that a state of emergency had been declared locally, with several hundred people evacuated and a major road closed.

The Ukrainian source, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters the operation was conducted by the SBU, Ukraines internal security service.

Follow the latest updates below

04:58 PM BST

Thats all for today. Thanks for following the Telegraphs live blog.

We'll be back tomorrow with the latest updates on the war.

04:36 PM BST

Ukraine mourns dead from major Russian strike

Funeral services were held Saturday for victims of one of the deadliest Russian airstrikes since the war in Ukraine began, as Ukraines president vowed to increase domestic military production by creating underground weapons factories.

The funerals took place in the eastern Ukrainian city of Poltava for the victims of a Russian missile attack on a military training facility that left over 50 dead and more than 300 injured.

Hundreds of mourners, including grieving families, local residents, and officials, gathered at the Cathedral of the Assumption in the city, some 350 kilometers (200 miles) southeast of Kyiv, for the solemn ceremony. Sobbing relatives, many holding red carnations, stood over caskets placed outside the church, draped in yellow-and-blue Ukrainian flags. An air raid siren sounded during the service.

Local residents knelt in silent tribute as hearses carrying the victims passed by on their way to a military cemetery outside the city for burial.

03:56 PM BST

Pictured: Georgia Meloni meets Volodymyr Zelensky

Giorgia Meloni, the Italian prime minister, reaffirmed her strong support for Ukraine Saturday after talks with President Volodymyr Zelensky, as he visited allies to press for more weapons to fight Russia.

"We must not give up on Ukraine," Ms Meloni said after the meeting on the sidelines of an economic forum in Cernobbio, northern Italy, which focused on reconstruction and efforts to end the war with Russia.

Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni meets Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the sidelines of the 50th Economic Forum - Handout /AFP

Mr Zelensky had on Friday addressed the European House-Ambrosetti forum, hours after pressing for more weapons at a meeting of allies at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, where Washington unveiled $250 million in new military aid.

Ms Meloni's government - which this year holds the rotating G7 presidency - has been among the strongest supporters of Ukraine since Russian forces invaded in February 2022.

03:24 PM BST

Ukraine sounds alarm over Iranian ballistic missiles sent to Russia

Ukrainian officials have said they are deeply concerned over reports that Iran has been supplying Russia with ballistic missiles.

US and European officials have confirmed for the first time that at least 200 Iranian missiles with a range of up to 500 miles have now been sent to Russia.

This is not the end, a senior European official told the Wall Street Journal, adding that Iranian missiles are expected to continue to flow to Russia.

Ukraines foreign ministry said Saturday that the deepening military co-operation between Tehran and Moscow was a threat to Ukraine, as well as the whole [of] Europe and the Middle East, and called on the international community to increase pressure on Tehran and Moscow.

02:36 PM BST

Russian drone downed outside Ukraines parliament

Debris from a downed drone was found next to Ukraines parliament building after an overnight Russian air attack, according to Kyiv.

Ukraines air force said earlier Russia launched 67 drones in a nationwide overnight attack, 58 of which it was able to shoot down.

Debris of the Russian drone that was downed outside Ukraine's parliament - Ukrainian Government

The air force said in a statement on the Telegram app that air defence units were scrambled into action in 11 regions across Ukraine.

Reuters correspondents in Ukraines capital, Kyiv, heard a series of explosions shortly after 3 a.m. (00:00 GMT) on Saturday, some of which resounded loudly around the city centre.

02:20 PM BST

Ukraine hits munitions depot in Russia with drone

Ukrainian drones hit a munitions depot in the Russian region of Voronezh overnight, a Ukrainian security source told Reuters on Saturday, adding that Kyiv believed the depot was being used to transfer munitions and equipment to the frontline.

The source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the operation was conducted by the SBU, Ukraines internal security service.

At this moment, there are still four pockets of a powerful fire observed at the site, as well as the unceasing detonation of munitions, the source said.

The source said the facility was in the village of Soldatskoe.

02:01 PM BST

US concerned over deepening Iran-Russia alliance

Iran sends weapons to Russia across the Caspian Sea, writes James Kilner. In return, it receives oil, space technology support and Russian fighter jets.

Sean Savett, a US National Security Spokesman, said that Washington was concerned about Irans intensifying alliance with Russia.

We have been warning of the deepening security partnership between Russia and Iran since the outset of Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine and are alarmed by these reports, he said.

Iran has officially denied that it is supplying missiles to Russia but US officials told media that increased sanctions on Tehran were likely.

01:34 PM BST

UK spy chief says too early to say how long Ukraine can hang on in Kursk

The head of Britains MI6 foreign spy agency, Richard Moore, said on Saturday that it was too early to say how long Ukrainian forces would be able to hang on in Kursk, the part of Russia where they now occupy some land.

William Burns, the CIA Director, speaking at an FT event which Mr Moore also attended in London, called Ukraines Kursk offensive in Russia a significant tactical achievement.

12:55 PM BST

Ukraine concerned over reports of possible Iranian missile transfer to Russia

Ukraine's foreign ministry said on Saturday it was deeply concerned by media reports about a possible impending transfer of Iranian ballistic missiles to Russia.

In a statement emailed to reporters, the ministry said the deepening military co-operation between Tehran and Moscow was a threat to Ukraine, Europe and the Middle East, and called on the international community to increase pressure on Tehran and Moscow.

12:25 PM BST

Zelensky discusses peace plan with Geert Wilders

Volodymyr Zelensky said on Saturday he met Geert Wilders, the leader of the largest Dutch parliamentary party, at the Ambrosetti forum in Italy.

Volodymyr Zelensky thanked the Netherlands and the entire Dutch people for their comprehensive support of Ukraine: defence, financial and humanitarian, a statement on Mr Zelenskys website said.

The statement added that the two men discussed Ukraines peace plan for ending the 30-month war with Russia.

12:05 PM BST

Washington: Russia building unit dedicated to sabotaging underwater cables

Russia has increased its military activity aimed at sabotaging key undersea cables, US officials told CNN.

Moscow is building up a military unit consisting of a fleet of surface ships, submarines and naval drones, dedicated to underwater operations, the officials told the US broadcaster.

They warned that as a result Russia is now more likely to carry out sabotage operations on key underwater arteries of the worlds communications infrastructure.

We are concerned about heightened Russian naval activity worldwide and that Russias decision calculus for damaging US and allied undersea critical infrastructure may be changing, a US official told CNN.

Russia is continuing to develop naval capabilities for undersea sabotage mainly through Gugi (General Staff Main Directorate for Deep Sea Research) a closely guarded unit that operates surface vessels, submarines and naval drones.

11:47 AM BST

Ukraine says forces hit Russian ammo depot

Kyiv on Saturday said it had struck an ammunition depot in a Russian region bordering Ukraine where a large fire broke out overnight after a drone attack.

The Russian governor of the Voronezh region said debris from a downed drone triggered a fire and series of explosions, ordering the evacuation of nearby settlements.

Russian anti-air defence systems "detected and neutralised a drone" early on Saturday morning over the western part of the region, under 150 kilometres (90 miles) from Ukraine, Alexander Gusev wrote on Telegram.

11:14 AM BST

Zelensky discusses peace plan with Meloni

Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, discussed his peace plan to end the war with Russia and reconstruction with a focus on Ukraines energy system in a meeting with Giorgia Meloni, the Italian prime minister, he said in a post on social media platform X.

The two leaders met on the sidelines of the Ambrosetti Forum in Italy.

10:50 AM BST

Listen: We have stopped Russia in the East

10:29 AM BST

Moscow: Russian troops take Kalynove in Ukraines Donetsk region

Russia's Defence Ministry said on Saturday that its forces had taken Kalynove, a village in eastern Ukraine's Donetsk region, Russian new agencies reported.

10:12 AM BST

Three killed by Russian shelling of Ukraines Kostyantynivka

Three people were killed and three others wounded by Russian artillery shelling of the town of Kostyantynivka in eastern Ukraine on Saturday, according to Vadym Filashkin, the Donetsk region governor.

Three men aged between 24 and 69 were killed and a multi-storey block, administrative building and a shop were damaged, Filashkin said in a post on the Telegram social media platform.

09:49 AM BST

Meloni: Italy will never waver in decision to support Ukraine

Giorgia Meloni, the Italian prime minister, said on Saturday that Italy would never waver in its support for Ukraine, and that the current stalemate in the war showed that the Western response to Russia's invasion of its neighbour was the right one.

"I believe China and India have a role to play to resolve the conflict. The only thing that cannot happen is to think that the conflict can be solved by abandoning Ukraine," Ms Meloni said after meeting Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, on the sidelines of a conference.

"The choice of supporting Ukraine has been first and foremost a choice of national interest, and it's a choice that won't change," Ms Meloni told the annual TEHA business forum in northern Italy.

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 Ukrainian Air Force reported that 58 of 67 drones in Saturday's Russian attack on Kyiv were shot down - Evgeniy Maloletka/AP

An overnight Russian attack left debris from a downed drone strewn on the doorstep of Ukraines parliament building, according to Kyiv.

Maksym Buzhanskyi, a Ukrainian MP, said that the Kremlin had deliberately targeted the countrys parliament, called the Verkhovna Rada.

The drone tried to crash into the Rada building, but was shot down and was destroyed on the threshold, he said.

Photos of the neoclassical building showed charred wreckage from at least one destroyed Russian drone scattered across the parliaments squares and front lawns.

The Verkhovna Rada press office said that the building was undamaged and the Ukrainian Air Force reported that 58 of 67 drones in the Russian attack were shot down.

Charred wreckage from at least one destroyed Russian drone was left scattered outside Kyiv's parliament building - Ukrainian Parliament/Reuters

Missile defence systems ring Kyivs hilltop government quarter that also houses Volodymyr Zelenskys offices, the cabinet and the central bank.

Russia has increased its bombardment of Ukraine over the past month in revenge for Kyivs invasion of the Kursk region. The Kremlin also wants to knock out Ukrainian energy infrastructure and undermine civilian morale ahead of winter.

The 30-month invasion of Ukraine has turned into a war of attrition, with both sides desperate to maintain ammunition supplies.

Iranian ballistic missiles

US and European officials have now confirmed that Iran has been supplying Russia with ballistic missiles.

They told the Wall Street Journal that at least 200 Iranian missiles with a range of up to 500 miles have been sent to Russia and that Iran will continue to send arms across the Caspian Sea to Russian ports.

Previously, the Kremlins only foreign supplier of these weapons had been North Korea.

This is not the end, said a senior European official.

The Wests confirmation of Iranian missile supplies to Russia backs up similar reports earlier this year from Iranian officials.

Up to now, Irans main arms export to Russia had been thousands of Shahed drones which the Kremlin then fired at cities in Ukraine. In return for weapons, Iran receives oil, space technology support and Russian fighter jets.

The Institute for the Study of War, a US-based think tank, reported that it was unclear which type of missiles Iran had sent to Russia, but said that the Kremlin intended to fire them at civilian infrastructure over the coming fall and winter to further destabilise Ukrainian society.

Kursk invasion has backfired

On the frontline in Ukraines eastern Donbas region, Russian forces continue to press on towards the strategically important town of Pokrovsk.

Russian military bloggers said that Ukraines invasion of Russias Kursk region in August has backfired because it failed to draw Russian forces away from Donbas and instead weakened its own frontlines.

There are only three miles left to the city, said the Two Majors Russian military blog. The Russian Army is drawing up the southern flank and twisting the front from the north towards Kurakhovo, forming a pocket.

The Kremlin has also been using Ukraines Kursk invasion to drive propaganda to use in its military recruitment.

Data from the Telegram social messaging app, which is heavily used in Russia, showed that Russian defence ministry recruitment adverts were viewed 13.8 million times in August, compared to the usual 1.5 million monthly views.

Analysts said that an increased signing-on bonus, as well as propaganda from the Kursk invasion, has fuelled growing interest in joining the Russian army.

Russian regional elections

Despite the invasion, Kursk is one of 21 of Russias 83 regions voting in governor elections this weekend. There are also local legislature elections in 13 regions, including in occupied Crimea.

Putin wants to use the elections to create the image of a supportive Russia with high turnouts and big wins for his United Russia candidates. Independent observers have already reported vote rigging.

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.
Ukraine's consul-general in Toronto, Oleh Nikolenko, has urged the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) to remove a documentary centering Russian soldiers fighting on the front lines in Ukraine.

"Russians at War," a documentary by Russian-Canadian filmmaker Anastasia Trofimova, sparked outrage when it screened at the Venice Film Festival on Sept. 5. Trofimova shot the film while embedded with Russian troops participating in the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

"It is irresponsible to allow the Toronto International Film Festival, one of the most reputable world film stages, to be used to whitewash the responsibility of Russian soldiers committing war crimes in Ukraine during the ongoing Russian invasion," Nikolenko said in a letter obtained by The Globe and Mail.

The film is set to have its North American premiere at TIFF on Sept. 10.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) reported that the documentary received funding from the Canadian Media Fund, a public-private partnership backed by the Department of Canadian Heritage, in amount of 340,000 Canadian dollars ($250,358).

Nikolenko in his letter criticized the Canadian government for helping to fund the documentary. He also said that by joining a Russian military unit on occupied Ukrainian territory, Trofimova "grossly violates Ukrainian legislation."

Trofimova issued a statement on Sept. 6 defending the documentary against what she characterized as attacks.

"I want to be clear that this Canada-France co-production is an anti-war film made at great risk to all involved, myself especially," she said.

Trofimova has previously shot documentaries for the Russian state news agency RT, which has been sanctioned by Canada and the United States.

Nikolenko said that the Consulate General's office, the Ukrainian embassy in Ottawa, and UCC has been in "intensive communication" with TIFF senior management for weeks.

Read also: Documentary humanizing Russian soldiers fighting in Ukraine sparks outrage at Venice, Toronto film festivals

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
FILE - Palestinians are storming trucks loaded with humanitarian aid brought in through a new U.S.-built pier, in the central Gaza Strip, May 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana, File)

UNITED NATIONS (AP)  The U.N. independent investigator on the right to food accused Israel of carrying out a starvation campaign against Palestinians during the war in Gaza, an allegation that Israel vehemently denies.

In a report this week, investigator Michael Fakhri claimed it began two days after Hamas surprise attack in southern Israel that killed some 1,200 people, when Israel's military offensive in response blocked all food, water, fuel and other supplies into Gaza.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said accusations of Israel limiting humanitarian aid were outrageously false.

A deliberate starvation policy? You can say anything  it doesnt make it true, he said in a press conference Wednesday.

Following intense international pressure  especially from close ally the United States  Netanyahus government gradually has opened several border crossings for tightly controlled deliveries. Fakhri said limited aid initially went mostly to southern and central Gaza, not to the north where Israel had ordered Palestinians to go.

A professor at the University of Oregon School of Law, Fakhri was appointed by the Geneva-based U.N. Human Rights Council as the investigator, or special rapporteur, on the right to food and assumed the role in 2020.

By December, Palestinians in Gaza made up 80% of the people in the world experiencing famine or catastrophic hunger, Fakhri said. Never in post-war history had a population been made to go hungry so quickly and so completely as was the case for the 2.3 million Palestinians living in Gaza.

Fakhri, who teaches law courses on human rights, food law and development, made the allegations in a report to the U.N. General Assembly circulated Thursday.

He claims it goes back 76 years to Israeli's independence and its continuous dislocation of Palestinians. Since then, he accused Israel of deploying the full range of techniques of hunger and starvation against the Palestinians, perfecting the degree of control, suffering and death that it can cause through food systems.

Since the war in Gaza began, Fakhri said he has received direct reports of the destruction of the territory's food system, including farmland and fishing, which also has been documented and recognized by the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization and others.

Israel then used humanitarian aid as a political and military weapon to harm and kill the Palestinian people in Gaza, he claimed.

Israel insists it no longer places restrictions on the number of aid trucks entering Gaza, including food.

At Wednesdays press conference, Netanyahu cited figures from COGAT, Israels military body overseeing aid entry into Gaza, that 700,000 tons of food items had been allowed into Gaza since the war began 11 months ago.

Nearly half of that food aid in recent months has been brought in by the private sector for sale in Gazas markets, according to COGAT figures. However, many Palestinians in Gaza say they struggle to afford enough food for their families.

Israel allows trucks of aid through two small crossings in the north and one main crossing in the south, Kerem Shalom. However, since Israels invasion of the southern city of Rafah in May, the U.N. and other aid agencies say they struggle to reach the Gaza side of Kerem Shalom to retrieve the aid for free distribution because Israels military operations make it too dangerous.

U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric called the humanitarian situation in Gaza beyond catastrophic, with more than 1 million Palestinians not receiving any food rations in August and a 35% drop in people getting daily cooked meals.

The U.N. humanitarian office attributed the sharp reduction in cooked meals partly to multiple evacuation orders from Israeli security forces that forced at least 70 of 130 kitchens to either suspend or relocate their operations, he said Thursday. The U.N.s humanitarian partners also lacked sufficient food supplies to meet requirements for the second straight month in central and southern Gaza, Dujarric added.

He said critical shortages of supplies in Gaza are stem from hostilities, insecurity, damaged roads, and Israeli obstacles and access limitations.

___

AP writer Lee Keath contributed from Cairo.
The United Nations is seeking a full investigation into the death of Aysenur Egzi Eygi, a Turkish American activist who was killed recently in the West Bank amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in the region.

Eygi, who was born in Turkey, was shot during an antisettlement protest, The Associated Press, reported.

Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres, was asked about the death during a press conference Friday.

The person noted in their question that Eygi, 26, was shot in the head and killed by Israeli occupation forces in Nablus, West Bank. And as far as I know, that is not a war zone.

What is your reaction to this? Do you condemn it? And do you have a call for the [Israel Defense Forces], who has also taken responsibility for her death? the reporter added, according to a transcript of the exchange.

I had not heard of this case, Dujarric responded. I can tell you that we, of course, we would want to see a full investigation of the circumstances and that people should be held accountable. And again, civilians must be protected at all times.

The White House, in a statement following the news, said the administration is deeply disturbed by the death and also called for a probe.

We are deeply disturbed by the tragic death of an American citizen, Aysenur Egzi Eygi, today in the West Bank and our hearts go out to her family and loved ones, White House National Security Council spokesperson Sean Savett said in a statement Friday. We have reached out to the government of Israel to ask for more information and request an investigation into the incident.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) has acknowledged aiming at demonstrators in the past and said it is probing the incident. The military group said it responded with fire toward a main instigator of violent activity who hurled rocks at the forces and posed a threat to them.

Israels Ministry of Defense directed The Hill to the IDF.

The Hill has reached out to The IDF.

Updated at 3:43 pm.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
FILE - A Qadr H long-range ballistic surface-to-surface missile is fired by Iran's Revolutionary Guard during a maneuver in an undisclosed location in Iran, on March 9, 2016. (AP Photo/Omid Vahabzadeh, File)

WASHINGTON (AP)  The United States has informed allies that it believes Iran has transferred short-range ballistic missiles to Russia for its war in Ukraine, according to two people familiar with the matter.

They did not offer any details about how many weapons have been delivered or when the transfers may have occurred, but they confirmed the U.S. intelligence finding. They spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss a matter that has not been publicly disclosed.

The White House declined to confirm the weapons transfer but reiterated its concern that Iran is deepening its support of Russia. The White House has been warning Iran for months not to transfer ballistic missiles to Russia.

"Any transfer of Iranian ballistic missiles to Russia would represent a dramatic escalation in Irans support for Russias war of aggression against Ukraine and lead to the killing of more Ukrainian civilians," National Security Council spokesman Sean Savett said in a statement. "This partnership threatens European security and illustrates how Irans destabilizing influence reaches beyond the Middle East and around the world.

The U.S. finding comes as the Kremlin tries to repel Ukraine's surprise offensive that has led to the seizure of about 500 square miles (1,300 kilometers) of Russias Kursk region. Meanwhile, Ukraine's president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, is pressing allies to allow his country to use Western-supplied missiles to strike deep inside Russia and hit sites from which Moscow launches aerial attacks.

Iran, as it has with previous U.S. intelligence findings, denied providing Russia with weapons for its war in Ukraine.

Iran considers the provision of military assistance to the parties engaged in the conflict  which leads to increased human casualties, destruction of infrastructure, and a distancing from ceasefire negotiations  to be inhumane, according to a statement from Iran's mission to the United Nations. "Thus, not only does Iran abstain from engaging in such actions itself, but it also calls upon other countries to cease the supply of weapons to the sides involved in the conflict.

CIA Director William Burns, who was in London on Saturday for a joint appearance with his British intelligence counterpart, warned of the growing and troubling defense relationship involving Russia, China, Iran and North Korea that he said threatens both Ukraine and Western allies in the Middle East.

The White House has repeatedly declassified and publicized intelligence findings that show North Korea has sent ammunition and missiles to Russia to use against Ukraine, while Iran supplies Moscow with attack drones and has assisted the Kremlin with building a drone-manufacturing factory.

China has held back from providing Russians with weaponry but has surged sales to Russia of machine tools, microelectronics and other technology that Moscow in turn is using to produce missiles, tanks, aircraft and other weaponry, according to U.S. officials.

The White House has been on edge for months about a possible deal between Iran and Russia.

The Democratic administration said in January that U.S. intelligence officials had determined a Russian-Iran deal had not been completed, but officials were concerned that Russias negotiations to acquire missiles from Iran were actively advancing.

Last September, according to the White House, Iran hosted a top Russian defense official to show off a range of ballistic missile systems, adding to the U.S. concern that a deal could come together.

The U.S. and other countries have taken steps aimed at thwarting the supply, sale or transfer involving Iran and ballistic missile-related items, including issuing guidance to private companies about Iranian missile procurement practices to make sure those companies are not inadvertently supporting Irans development efforts.

President Joe Biden is set to host British Prime Minister Keir Starmer for talks at the White House on Friday. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said continuing robust support to Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression will be on their agenda.

The Wall Street Journal first reported on the U.S. intelligence finding.

___

Associated Press writers Edith M. Lederer at the United Nations and Jill Lawless in London contributed to this report.
As US colleges raise the stakes for protests, activists are weighing new strategies

University of Southern California law student Elizabeth Howell-Egan isnt allowed on campus because of her role in last springs anti-war protests, but she is keeping up her activism.

She and like-minded students are holding online sessions on the Israel-Hamas war and passing out fliers outside the campus, which is now fortified with checkpoints at entrances and security officers who require students to scan IDs.

Change is never comfortable. You always have to risk something to create change and to create a future that we want to live in, said Howell-Egan, a member of the schools Students for Justice in Palestine chapter, which is calling on USC to divest from companies profiting off the war.

The stakes have gone up this fall for students protesting the war in Gaza, as U.S. colleges roll out new security measures and protest guidelines  all intended to avoid disruptions like last springs pro-Palestinian demonstrations and protect students from hate speech. Activism has put their degrees and careers at risk, not to mention tuition payments, but many say they feel a moral responsibility to continue the movement.

Tent encampments  now forbidden on many campuses  so far have not returned. And some of the more involved students from last spring have graduated or are still facing disciplinary measures. Still, activist students are finding other ways to protest, emboldened by the rising death toll in Gaza and massive protests this month in Israel to demand a cease-fire.

Tensions over the conflict have been high on American campuses since the war began on Oct. 7, when Hamas-led militants killed 1,200 people in Israel and took 250 hostage. The war in Gaza has killed more than 40,000 people, according to Gaza health officials.

As the pro-Palestinian demonstrations took off nationally, Jewish students on many campuses have faced hostility, including antisemitic language and signs. Some colleges have faced U.S. civil rights investigations and settled lawsuits alleging they have not done enough to address antisemitism.

A desire to be part of something

Temple University senior Alia Amanpour Trapp started the school year on probation after being arrested twice last semester during pro-Palestinian protests. Within days, she was back on the university's radar for another demonstration.

As she reflects on the fallout from her activism, she thinks of her grandfather, a political prisoner killed in 1988 massacres orchestrated by Iran's Ayatollah Khomeini.

He paid the ultimate price for what he believed in. And so I feel like the least I can do is stand my ground and face it, she said.

Trapp, a political science major, devotes much of her time outside classes to Students for Justice in Palestine, which led her to the back-to-school protest on Aug. 29. The group of a few dozen protesters made several stops, including outside the Rosen Center, a hub of Jewish life that is home to Temples Hillel Chapter.

Some Jewish students inside said they were shaken by the demonstration. Protesters used megaphones to direct chats toward people inside, Temple President Richard Englert said. The university called it intimidation and opened an investigation.

Targeting a group of individuals because of their Jewish identity is not acceptable and intimidation and harassment tactics like those seen today will not be tolerated, Englert said.

Trapp said they were not out to intimidate anyone, but to condemn Hillel for what she called its support of Zionism. To the students inside that felt threatened or harmed, Im sorry," she said.

Trapp is appealing a Temple panels ruling that she violated the college's conduct code last spring. As she reflects on the discipline, she recalls a Temple billboard she saw on Interstate 95 after her first visit to campus.

Because the world wont change itself," the ad beckoned. It reassured her that Temple was the right fit. I so badly wanted to be part of something, you know, meaningful, she said, a community committed to change.

A renewed push for divestment

At Brown University, some students who were arrested last spring are taking another tack to pressure the Ivy League school to divest its endowment from companies with ties to Israel.

Last spring, the university committed to an October vote by its governing board on a divestment proposal, after an advisory committee weighs in on the issue. In exchange, student protesters packed up their tents.

Now students including Niyanta Nepal, the student body president who was voted in on a pro-divestment platform, say they intend to apply pressure for a vote in favor of divestment. They are rallying students to attend a series of forums and encouraging incoming students to join the movement.

Colleges have long rebuffed calls to divest from Israel, which opponents say veers into antisemitism. Brown already is facing heat for even considering the vote, including a blistering letter from two dozen state attorneys general, all Republicans.

Rafi Ash, a member of the Brown University Jews For Ceasefire Now and Brown Divest Coalition, declined to say what activism might look like if the divestment push fails. A Jewish student who was among 20 students arrested during a November sit-in at an administrative building, Ash dismisses critics who see the anti-war protests as antisemitic.

The Judaism I was taught promotes peace. It promotes justice. It promotes tikkun olam  repairing the world, said Ash, who is on disciplinary probation. This is the most Jewish act I can do, to stand up for justice, for everyone.

Barred from campus, but strategizing on protests

For Howell-Egan, the crackdown at USC and her suspension only deepened her desire to speak out.

Even with this threat of USC imposing sanctions and disciplinary measures, I am at peace with it because I am standing up for something that is important, Howell-Egan said. There are no more universities in Gaza. We are in an incredibly privileged position for this to be our risk.

She is not allowed to attend in-person classes because she was suspended in May for joining protests at the private school in Los Angeles.

There has been a trend of heavier punishments for students engaging in activism than in the past, including banishment from campus and suspensions that keep students in limbo for months, said Tori Porell, an attorney with the nonprofit Palestine Legal, which has supported student protesters facing disciplinary measures. Howell-Egan sees it as part of a strategy to stifle free speech.

In a memo this month, USC President Carol Folt said the campus has seen peaceful protests and marches for years. "However, the spring semester brought incidents that tested our values, disregarded our policies, sparked fears, and required unprecedented safety measures, she said.

For now the focus of the USC Divest Coalition, which includes several student organizations, has moved off campus, to incorporate the wider community and take a cautious approach as students get a handle on the universitys new rules, Howell-Egan said.

In addition to the community outreach, students have been holding teach-ins.

The idea is to raise our skill set and our understanding of where we stand in this moment, and where we are in this fight," Howell-Egan said, "especially as we continue with it.

___

The Associated Press education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find APs standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde offered 'Aarti' along with his family members on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi and wished for the happiness and prosperity of countrymen on the festival. Speaking to ANI, Chief Minister Shinde said, "I send my heartfelt best wishes to all the people of the country. I wish that Lord Ganesha's blessings be upon everyone and that everyone's life be filled with happiness, prosperity, and joy." "We all should pray to Ganpati Bappa wholeheartedly today. Ganeshotsav has begun in Maharashtra. Ganpati Bappa has arrived today. Prayers are being offered, and idols are being installed with devotion everywhere," said CM Shinde. Adding further, CM Shinde said, "May the lives of farmers be joyous too. This time there has been good rainfall. The state government is working hard to support the farmers where there has been heavy rainfall." "The state government has taken several decisions for the development of the public of Maharashtra. The youth will get more employment opportunities. Various schemes have been implemented to empower women," said CM Shinde. Meanwhile, former Maharashtra CM and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, his wife Rashmi Thackeray and their son and party leader Aaditya Thackeray arrived at the Lalbaugcha Raja in Mumbai to offer prayers to Lord Ganesh on the occasion. Earlier in the day, Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan performed the Ganesh puja and aarti at his residence, 'Jal Bhushan,' in Raj Bhavan on Saturday to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi. The governor was joined by his family, as well as officers and staff from Raj Bhavan. An Aarti was performed at the governor's residence as part of the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. Ganesh Chaturthi, a ten-day festival, begins today and will end on Anantha Chaturdashi. Devotees across Maharashtra are preparing for celebrations by bringing idols home and visiting pandals. The first look of Mumbai's famous Lalbaugcha Raja was unveiled on Thursday evening, days ahead of the Ganesh Chaturthi festival. The history of the Lalbaugcha Raja has been quite famous as it is the popular Ganesh Idol of Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal, located at Putlabai Chawl, a worship place founded in 1934. The Lalbaugcha Raja Ganapati idol has been taken care of by the Kambli family for over eight decades. In Nagpur's Shri Ganesh Mandir Tekdi the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations began with traditional morning prayers and 'aarti'. This temple, reportedly 250 years old, is known for its self-existent deity, whose shrine is said to grow over time. (ANI)
US election 2024: A really simple guide to the presidential vote

Americans will head to the polls in November to elect the next US president. The vote will be closely watched around the world.

They will also be voting for members of Congress, who play a key part in passing laws that can have a profound effect on American life.

[BBC]

When is the US presidential election?

The 2024 election is on Tuesday, 5 November 2024. The winner will serve a term of four years in the White House, starting in January 2025.

The president has the power to pass some laws on their own but mostly he or she must work with Congress to pass legislation.

On the world stage, the US leader has considerable freedom to represent the country abroad and to conduct foreign policy.

[BBC]

Who are the candidates and how are they nominated?

The two main parties nominate a presidential candidate by holding a series of votes called state primaries and caucuses, where people choose who they want to lead the party in a general election.

In the Republican Party, former president Donald Trump won his party's support with a massive lead over his rivals. He became the official Republican nominee at a party convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Trump chose Ohio senator JD Vance to be his vice-presidential running mate.

For the Democrats, Vice-President Kamala Harris joined the race after President Joe Biden dropped out and no other Democrats stood against her. Her running mate is Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.

There are also some independent candidates running for president.

One of the most prominent was Robert F Kennedy Jr, nephew to former president John F Kennedy, but he suspended his campaign in late August and has endorsed Trump.

[BBC]

What do Democrats and Republicans stand for?

The Democrats are the liberal political party, with an agenda defined largely by its push for civil rights, a broad social safety net and measures to address climate change.

The Republicans are the conservative political party in the US. Also known as the GOP, or the Grand Old Party, it has stood for lower taxes, shrinking the size of the government, gun rights and tighter restrictions on immigration and abortion.

[BBC]

How does the US presidential election work?

The winner is not the person who gets the most votes across the country. Instead, both candidates compete to win contests held across the 50 states.

Each state has a certain number of so-called electoral college votes partly based on population. There are a total of 538 up for grabs, and the winner is the candidate that wins 270 or more.

All but two states have a winner-takes-all rule, so whichever candidate wins the highest number of votes is awarded all of the state's electoral college votes.

Most states lean heavily towards one party or the other, so the focus is usually on a dozen or so states where either of them could win. These are known as the battleground or swing states.

It is possible for a candidate to win the most votes nationally - like Hillary Clinton did in 2016 - but still be defeated by the electoral college.

[BBC]

Who can vote in the US presidential election?

Most US citizens who are aged 18 or over are eligible to vote in the presidential election.

Every state except North Dakota requires people to register before they can vote.

Each state has its own voter registration process and deadline.

US citizens who live abroad can register to vote and request an absentee postal ballot by completing the Federal Post Card Application (FCPA).

[BBC]

Who else is being elected in November?

All of the attention will be on who wins the presidency, but voters will also be choosing new members of Congress - where laws are passed - when they fill in their ballots.

Congress consists of the House of Representatives, where all 435 seats are up for election, and the Senate, where 34 seats are being contested.

Republicans currently control the House, which initiates spending plans. Democrats are in charge of the Senate, which votes on key appointments in government.

These two chambers pass laws and can act as a check on White House plans if the controlling party in either chamber disagrees with the president.

[BBC]

When will we know who has won the election?

Usually the winner is declared on the night of the election, but in 2020 it took a few days to count all the votes.

The period after the election is know as the transition, if there is a change of president.

This gives the new administration time to appoint cabinet ministers and make plans for the new term.

The president is officially sworn into office in January in a ceremony known as the inauguration, held on the steps of the Capitol building in Washington DC.

[BBC]

[BBC]

North America correspondent Anthony Zurcher makes sense of the race for the White House in his weekly US Election Unspun newsletter.

Readers in the UK can sign up here. Those outside the UK can sign up here.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to discuss Ukraine and Israel during London visit

Antony Blinken will be in London on Monday and Tuesday - Shutterstock

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will head to London next week to discuss the Middle East and Ukraine, ahead of Keir Starmers trip to Washington.

The visit to London on Monday and Tuesday will be the senior-most by a US official since Sir Keirs Labour Party came into power, ending 14 years of Conservative rule.

Mr Blinken will take part in a strategic dialogue reaffirming our special relationship, State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said.

He will discuss Asia as well as the Middle East and our collective efforts to support Ukraine, Mr Miller said in a statement.

The White House earlier announced that Sir Keir, the Prime Minister, will visit next Friday. It would be his second trip to Washington since his election.

He met Joe Biden, the US President, at the White House on July 10, days after taking office, while in the US to attend a NATO summit.

Britain and the United States have cooperated in lockstep on most global issues, and Mr Bidens Democrats historically have been seen as closer to the Labour Party than the Conservatives.

Sir Keir, however, has taken a harder line on Israel since taking office, with his government announcing a suspension of some arms shipments, citing the risk that they could be used to violate humanitarian law.

Labour has also dropped plans by the former government, then led by Rishi Sunak, to challenge the right of the International Criminal Court to seek the arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The US is not a member of the International Criminal Court and has opposed the bid to target Mr Netanyahu, arguing that Israel has its own systems for accountability.

But the US, Israels primary weapons supplier, did not criticise the arms decision, saying that Britain had its own process to make assessments.

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.
Prosecutors charged a Utah man with murder Friday, alleging he killed his adult daughter, a Salt Lake County sheriffs deputy.

Hector Ramon Martinez-Ayala, 54, of Tooele, confessed in a text message to his brother of making a big mistake before fleeing the country and using his daughters bank card to withdraw money, prosecutors said in court documents.

The victim was Marbella Martinez, 25, said Tooele Police spokesman Colbey Bentley.

Martinez had started working as a corrections officer with the Salt Lake County Sheriffs Office in January. The department had memorialized her in a Facebook post Thursday, noting her death was being investigated as suspicious by Tooele police.

She had lived with her father in Tooele, west of Salt Lake City, until her fathers escalating series of obsessive texting, surveillance and stalking drove her to move into a hotel for a few days, according to court documents.

The charges alleged the stalking behavior had gone on for months, and that the text messages from the defendant to the victim are more of the nature of a jealous lover than a father. Martinez also found a bag of her underwear in his room, prosecutors said. Then, in mid-July he placed a tracking device on her vehicle while she was out of the country and later used it to find her and a romantic interest out by a hiking area, according to the charges.

When she returned to their house on the morning of July 31, her father strangled her, investigators said. Cameras on the property were quickly disabled or disconnected, but Martinez-Ayala left plenty of digital footprints, including location data on his phone and his daughters phone, as well as a text message to his brother that afternoon, according to investigators.

My brother, you know much I love you, I made a big mistake, an unforgivable sin, now Im too scared and I dont know what to do. I think I will never come back, the message said, according to the charging documents.

He flew to California, then Texas, before his cell records ceased, prosecutors said. He was then filmed passing through customs in an undisclosed country where he used his brothers identification.

Martinezs body was found on Aug. 1 in her bedroom after police were called to do a welfare check.

In addition to murder, Martinez-Ayala is charged with felonies related to obstruction of justice, stealing a bank card, and stalking, as well as misdemeanor identity theft.

Martinez-Ayala does not have an attorney listed in Utah online court records, and attempts to find alternative methods to contact him were unsuccessful.

Affiliate KSTU reported, The current location of Martinez-Ayala is unknown, but it is not in the United States.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Vance insists John McCain wouldnt have supported Harris if he saw the US-Mexico border

The late Republican senator for Arizona, John McCain, wouldnt have supported Kamala Harris if he saw the state of the US-Mexico border, according to GOP vice presidential candidate JD Vance during a Phoenix campaign stop this week.

Look, one of the things I love about Donald Trump, and I never knew John McCain, but I suspect that one of the things that I would have loved about John McCain is that they didnt let their personal grievances get in the way of serving the country, Vance said on Thursday.

OK, so John McCain, Im sure, disagreed with Donald Trump on a whole host of issues. And, yes, Donald Trump disagreed with John McCain on a whole host of issues. I do not believe for a second that if John McCain were alive today, and he sees whats going on at the American southern border, that he would support Kamala Harris and all the destruction shes wrought.

The Trump-Vance campaign has frequently sought to paint Kamala Harris, who as Vice President worked with Central American countries to address root causes of migration, as the border czar personally responsible for the record number of migrant encounters at the U.S.-Mexico border last year.

Arizona, a battleground state with both a high proportion of anti-immigration conservatives and immigrants from Mexico, is a testing ground for the appeal of the Trumps campaigns border message.

According to those who knew John McCain, Vances sentiment missed the mark. John McCain was working for a solution to the border, not just politicizing it, Wes Gullet, McCains former state director, toldPolitico.

Republican vice presidential nominee, JD Vance, speaks at the Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix on September 5. He claimed the late John McCain, a border-state Republican, wouldnt support Harris due to her immigration and border record (REUTERS)

In fact, one of McCains last actions in the Senate was to introduce a bipartisan border bill in 2018 - an effort with similarities to the Biden administrations bipartisan border bill that Trump encouraged Republicans in Congress to tank earlier this year.

Earlier this week, McCains youngest son Jimmy, a longtime member of the military, announced he would be supporting Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris after Trumps recent controversial visit to Arlington National Cemetery, where he was photographed giving a thumbs-up near graves of recently-fallen soldiers.

Vance appeared to brush off that endorsement during his Phoenix speech.

I mean, who cares what somebodys family thinks about a presidential race? Vance said, before arguing that the fact family members of Democratic VP pick Tim Walz support Trump is a bigger story than what John McCains son said.

McCains daughter, Meghan McCain, has also said that she wont vote for Trump, but remains a proud Republican and wont endorse Harris either.

I greatly respect the wide variety of political opinions of all of my family members and love them all very much, she tweeted.

In 2017, John McCain took to the Senate floor and gave a thumbs down gesture, indication his opposition to repealing the Affordable Care Act

Gullett, the former McCain official, said the views of the late senators family still carry weight in Arizona, a hotly contested battleground which President Joe Biden flipped to blue in 2020.

John McCain frequently criticized Trump, blasting him as dangerous during the 2016 campaign. The Arizona senator often issued scathing remarks that many saw as directed at his fellow Republican, including implications he was a draft dodger and a backer of half-baked, spurious nationalism.

The Arizona senator died in 2018 from brain cancer and Trump was not invited to his funeral, reportedly at McCains request.

Trump, who avoided the Vietnam War draft due to a medical condition, famously questioned whether McCain, a naval pilot who became a prisoner of war, really was a hero.

He was captured, Trump told an interviewer. Does being captured make you a hero? I am not sure.

In 2017, McCain cast a key vote that stopped the Trump administration from repealing the Affordable Care Act.
Republican vice presidential candidate JD Vance had nothing critical to say Friday about Tucker Carlson, with whom he recently taped a podcast interview, amid roiling controversy over the former Fox News host and his decision to platform the Holocaust revisionist and apologist Darryl Cooper earlier this week.

In a statement to The Jewish Insider, a Vance campaign official said that the Ohio Senator does not hold Carlson responsible for Coopers whitewashing of the Nazis genocidedespite the fact that Carlson called him possibly the best and most honest popular historian in the entire country.

Senator Vance doesnt believe in guilt-by-association cancel culture but he obviously does not share the views of the guest interviewed by Tucker Carlson, the statement read. There are no stronger supporters of our allies in Israel or the Jewish community in America than Senator Vance and President Trump.

Vance may not agree with Cooper, but he does currently follow him on X (as of Friday evening)and has been since at least Wednesday morning.

When asked directly about the controversy while near the U.S.-Mexico border on Friday, Vance argued that the solution to solve bad ideas is not to censor them.

We believe in free speech and debate, he claimed of Republicans, before pivoting into attack mode. This whole idea that has taken hold in the far left of this country, that if you see a bad idea, the way to solve it is to censor itI think its ridiculous.

"Tucker Carlson isn't affiliated with the campaign so I don't think that what Tucker Carlson does is a distraction or not."



-- JD Vance pic.twitter.com/u6DHEUUHG8  Howard Mortman (@HowardMortman) September 6, 2024

No clips or transcripts have emerged from Vances interview with Carlson. However, the pairs sit-down, in light of the criticism Carlson has received for giving a platform to someone who believes that Jews in concentration camps just ended up dead and that British Prime Minister Winston Churchill was the chief villain of World War II, is apparently a problem for the Trump-Vance ticket.

'Not ideal timing. But it is what it is, a Trump campaign official admitted, according to The Bulwark.

Not only did Vance tape the interview on Thursdaywell after Coopers appearance was releasedbut he is scheduled to appear with the conspiracy-promoting former Dancing With the Stars contestant at an event later this month in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

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.
By Lisandra Paraguassu and Vivian Sequera

BRASILIA/CARACAS (Reuters) -Venezuela's former presidential opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez has left for Spain in the wake of the South American country's contested election, Venezuelan and Spanish officials said on Saturday night after a day of rising diplomatic tensions.

Gonzalez, 75, who ran against President Nicolas Maduro in July, left after "voluntarily seeking refuge in the Spanish embassy in Caracas several days ago," Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez posted on Instagram.

"Edmundo Gonzalez has taken off from Caracas heading to Spain on a Spanish Air Force plane," Spain's Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares posted on X, saying Madrid was responding to a request from Gonzalez.

Gonzalez's exit from Venezuela is the latest political development since the country's election on July 28. Democracies around the world have criticized the Venezuelan government's handling of the vote, which election officials and its top court say was won by Maduro.

Venezuela's opposition say the election resulted in a resounding victory for Gonzalez, and published vote tallies online that they say show he won.

This week prosecutors issued an arrest warrant for Gonzalez in connection to the online publication of the tallies, accusing him of usurping functions, falsifying public documents and conspiracy, among other charges.

Earlier on Saturday, Venezuela's government revoked Brazil's authorization to represent Argentine interests in the country, including administering the embassy where six opposition figures are sheltering.

Venezuela broke relations with Argentina after the presidential election. Brazil, like Colombia and Mexico, has asked the Venezuelan government to publish the full results of the vote.

The government has not done so and the country's electoral authority said Maduro won re-election for a third term.

In a statement, Venezuela said the decision, effective immediately, was due to proof that the embassy was being used to plan assassination attempts against Maduro and Rodriguez.

Brazil said it had received the communication that its authorization had been revoked "with surprise." Argentina said it rejected the "unilateral" decision. Both countries urged Maduro to respect the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

"Any attempt to invade or kidnap asylum seekers who remain in our official residence will be harshly condemned by the international community," Argentina said in a statement. "Actions like these reinforce the conviction that in Maduro's Venezuela, fundamental human rights are not respected."

A Brazilian diplomatic source said on Saturday afternoon that Venezuela had assured Brazil it would not invade the embassy.

In its statement, Brazil insisted it would remain in custody and defense of Argentine interests until Argentina indicated another state acceptable to Venezuela to do so.

"The Brazilian government highlights in this context, under the terms of the Vienna Conventions, the inviolability of the facilities of the Argentine diplomatic mission," it said, adding that it housed six Venezuelan asylum seekers, assets and archives.

The escalation in the spat between the South American countries was first reported by Reuters.

In March, six people sought asylum in the Argentine embassy in Caracas after a prosecutor ordered their arrest on charges including conspiracy. Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado has denied the allegations against her collaborators.

On Friday night, some opposition members in the Argentine residence reported on their X accounts that the building was under surveillance and had no electricity. They posted videos showing men dressed in black and patrols from the government intelligence agency, SEBIN.

Argentina's Foreign Ministry asked the International Criminal Court on Friday to issue an arrest warrant against Maduro and other senior government officials for events that occurred after the elections.

(Reporting by Lisandra Paraguassu in Brasilia and Vivian Sequera in Caracas; Additional reporting by Jorge Otaola in Buenos Aires; Writing by Alexander Villegas, Stefanie Eschenbacher and Oliver Griffin; Editing by Franklin Paul, Sonali Paul and William Mallard)
CARACAS, Venezuela (AP)  Venezuelas government said Saturday that Brazil can no longer represent Argentinas diplomatic interests in the country, putting several anti-government opponents holed up for months in the Argentine ambassadors residence seeking asylum at risk.

Venezuela's foreign ministry said in a statement that it had notified Brazil of its decision, which will take effect immediately. It said it was forced to take action based on what it called evidence  which it hasn't shared  that those who sought refuge in Argentina's diplomatic mission were conspiring to carry out terrorist acts, including the assassination of President Nicolas Maduro and his vice president.

Saturday's move is the latest burst of friction between the countries. Argentinas president has been among those leading the charge against Maduro over alleged attempts to steal Julys presidential election. Electoral authorities pronounced Maduro the winner despite strong evidence collected at the ballot boxes by the opposition that it prevailed by a more than 2-to-1 margin. Since the election, thousands have been arrested in a brutal crackdown.

Magalli Meda, the former campaign chief of opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, was among a half-dozen government opponents who fled to the Argentina ambassadors residence after Maduros chief prosecutor issued an order for her arrest in March for allegedly propagating destabilizing political violence.

In retaliation, Maduro broke off diplomatic relations with Argentine President Javier Mileis right-wing government, which tapped neighbor Brazil to represent its interests and safeguard the asylum seekers.

Brazil's foreign ministry, in a statement, said it was surprised by Venezuela's decision. Under the Vienna Convention governing diplomatic relations, Argentina must now name a substitute custodian acceptable to Venezuela's government, the foreign ministry said. Meanwhile, Brazil will remain responsible for the diplomatic mission, whose physical integrity cannot be violated, the statement said.

Since Friday, armored vehicles from the SEBIN political police have been parked outside the Argentina ambassadors residence in a leafy Caracas neighborhood. Electricity to the diplomatic mission was also cut, according to Meda, who has taken to social media to denounce what she fears is an impending raid to arrest her and the other government opponents.

On Saturday, Mileis government blasted Venezuelas unilateral action. It also expressed gratitude for Brazils continued representation of its interests, indicating it wasnt in any rush to find a replacement.

In a statement, the foreign ministry said any attempt to raid its ambassadorial residence and kidnap its asylum seekers would be condemned by the international community.

Actions like these reinforce the conviction that in Maduros Venezuela the fundamental rights of human beings are not respected, the foreign ministry said.

Brazil has also refused to recognize Maduro as the victor in the presidential election, demanding instead that authorities release a breakdown of results, as is customary in Venezuelan elections.

But unlike Milei, a strident conservative ideologue, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has gingerly tried to avoid antagonizing Maduro to give space for a regional reconciliation effort led by him and fellow leftist leaders from Colombia and Mexico.

That diplomatic effort has so far yielded few results, prompting observers to question its utility. Meanwhile, police have arrested more than 2,400 people in a brutal crackdown on protests and dissent.

This past week, Human Rights Watch issued a report connecting security forces and pro-government armed groups to the killing of several of the 23 protesters. The report was based on forensic analysis of videos shared on social media as well as interviews with witnesses.

___

Associated Press writer Joshua Goodman contributed to this report from Miami.
VIGO COUNTY, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)  A Vigo County Librarian is starting a new chapter thanks to a lifesaving donation from a coworker.

Last year WTWO introduced you to Bonnie McNair. Shes a librarian at the Vigo County Public Library and desperately needed a living kidney donor.

Im a very private person but this is something where I need help, McNair pleaded last summerputting aside her pride in search of someone willing to save her life as a living transplant donor.

Since then, Bonnie has been celebrating a new chapter with a new kidney, thanks to Lauren Hackert, who just so happens to be Bonnies coworker at the library.

Hackert said, she already had a donor mindset, even before learning about Bonnies needs.

My dad had cancer in 2020 and I had signed up to be a bone marrow donor, Hackert said. He didnt end up needing that, thankfully, but I stayed on the registry in case somebody else needed it. Because, if you have something that someone else can use, you dont need to hang on to it just in case.

Hackert thought the least she could do was try. So, she underwent testing.

I thought at every different phase Id probably get kicked out for some reason, Hackert recalled. So, I tried not to get too excited until we were at the very end. There are just so many different levels to testing so you could be a match in one way and then get excluded in another. So, I really kept it under wraps until the very end.

Hackert managed to keep her gift a secret but continued the conversation with McNair through a mutual friend at work.

I didnt want her to think that no one was trying, I wanted her to know that it was still moving forward because it was a long process, Hackert said.

RELATED: I need help; Vigo County Librarian among 1K Hoosiers on kidney donor list

Eventually, Hackert learned she was a match.

The women recalled the day Hackert broke the news to McNair.

The day they finally let us schedule our surgery, I went up to her, she was working at the desk, and I said, Hey Bonnie, would you like to have a kidney transplant,' Lauren said.

And Im like, Is it you, Bonnie asked.

Lauren said it was very exciting. Bonnie said it was like fireworks went off inside her and the rest of the day was a blur.

I think I hugged her, Bonnie recalled. I might have mugged her, I dont know.

Bonnie said the conversation happened at the beginning of March. Around March 21, we both went to IU University Hospital in good old Indianapolis, we had operating room side by side, Bonnie said.

Its now been just over five months since the operations.

Im doing awesome, McNair said. Its like it never really happened. I have three kidneys now, one working strong, and a lot of the things that led to me having to have a kidney transplant, are so much better.

Im doing great, Hackert said. I feel like nothing happened, really, besides the emotional benefits of having done this and everybody being so nice to me.

With her familys support, Hackert says she never questioned the decision.

It wasnt a hard decision, I dont think, Hackert said. I wish it wasnt so shocking. So many people were like Wow, thats crazy. I wish it wasnt like that. I understand that its a big decision for people, but I wish it was normalized, like oh yeah, if you can do that, you should. I didnt really ever wrestle with it, they take you through the stages so slowly and at your own pace, and theyre really looking out for you, So I never felt stressed about it or pressured.

Friend gives gift of life as living kidney donor

The pair, now linked for life.

Words cannot express my thankfulness and gratefulness to Lauren and her family for her donation, Bonnie said. Its a very selfless gift.

A gift that demonstrates the importance of community and the power of giving.

She just did it out of the goodness of her heart, and its life-altering, Bonnie said. And so, when I look and Im reading my book, to my grandson, you know, hes giggling, Im like, yeah, Im getting that and thats because of Lauren.

According to the Indiana Donor Network website, more than 1,000 Hoosiers await a lifesaving transplant. More than 100,000 Americans are on the list. In the U.S., another person is added to the transplant waiting list every eight minutes and 16 people die each day because a donated organ wasnt available in time.

Hoosiers have four ways to sign up to be a donor:

By visiting an Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles branch or the BMVs online transaction system

Online via Donate Life Indiana

Through the Indiana DNR when purchasing a hunting, fishing, or trapping license

Through the Health app on an iPhone

To become a living donor to help someone waiting on a lifesaving organ donation, you can register directly with the patients transplant facility. In McNairs case, IU Health was her facility. According to its website, IU Health has been performing kidney transplants for over 50 years, transplanting more than 200 kidneys every year. They have a living kidney donation program for individuals who wish to donate a kidney to someone they know or to someone anonymously. Visit IU Healths website to learn more or to start the questionnaire.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Launching a scathing attack on Congress and the National Conference's manifesto, Union Minister and BJP leader Amit Shah said on Saturday that they want to bring back the old system and start talks with Pakistan but "till there is no peace, there will be no talks with Pakistan." Criticising the Congress and National Conference's manifesto, Shah said that they want to spread terrorism, snatch reservations of Gujjars, Bakarwal, Paharis and Dalits, release criminals and start LOC trade with Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir. Stating the BJP's 10 agendas for elections, Shah said, "Congress and NC want to bring back two flags, article in Jammu and Kashmir, will you? They want to snatch the reservation of Gujjars, Bakarwal, Paharis and Dalits. I want to tell one thing to Rahul Gandhi: no matter how much effort you put in, we will not let the reservation of Gujjars, Bakarwal, Paharis and Dalits be touched. Abrogation of Article 370 has given rights to women, will you let them snatch their rights? They want to release the criminals wrapped up in terrorism, but we won't let them spread terrorism in Jammu, Poonch, Rajouri, and Doda. They say we will re-start LoC trade, but who will benefit from it? There profit will be used in spreading terrorism. They want to talk to Pakistan but I want to say that till there is no peace, there will be no talks with Pakistan." "Three families want Jammu and Kashmir to incline towards terrorism. Gandhi, Abdullah and the Mufti family have looted money from Jammu and Kashmir; they want to restore the old system, which means there will be inequality in Jammu. No power can talk about giving autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir. They are fooling the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Rahul Gandhi should stop misguiding people. They want to snatch the reservation of Gujjars, Bakarwal, Paharis and Dalits," said Shah. The Home Minister said that the alliance was fooling people by saying they would restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir as only the government can do this and PM Modi will do this. "Congress and National Conference are saying they will restore statehood. Tell me who can give it? It is only the Central government, PM Modi who can give it. So stop fooling the people of Jammu and Kashmir. We have said that at an appropriate time after the elections, we will give statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. We have said this in Parliament. Rahul Gandhi should stop misleading the people of J&K," Union Minister Amit Shah said, In a veiled attack at the National Conference and the PDP, Shah said that there are people who became chief ministers when there was peace in the territory but whenever there was little disturbance, they rushed to Delhi in coffee bars. "Kashmir has suffered a lot from terrorism. There were governments in Kashmir that turned blind eye to terrorism. There are people who would come here and become chief ministers when there was peace and when there was terrorism, they would go to Delhi and drink coffee in coffee bars." Praising the Modi government, Shah said that the BJP government has reduced upto 70 percent terrorism in the territory and now Amarnath Yatra is carried out fearlessly. "The Bharatiya Janata Party has done the work of reducing terrorism by 70 percent in 10 years. After many years, the Amarnath Yatra was carried out fearlessly. After many years, night theatre started in the valley, Tazia procession was carried out in the valley. The people of Jammu and Kashmir especially the people of Jammu have to decide whether they want terrorism or peace, development. If NC and Congress come to power, terrorism will come and if BJP will come, then no one can infiltrate here," said Shah. Addressing the 'Karyakarta Sammelan', Shah, "We just don't have to defeat them, we have to seize their deposits. The movement started by Pandit Prem Nath Dogra was ended by PM Modi Ji on August 5, 2019. It is a coincidence that the first election rally of BJP is starting on the day of Ganesh Chaturthi and we all know that Lord Ganesh destroys all the obstacles of the path. I want to express my gratitude to the citizens on this occasion. The upcoming elections are historic elections. For the first time since the country's independence, the voters of Jammu and Kashmir will cast their votes under the tricolour. For the first time, votes will be casted under the Constitution of Baba Saheb Ambedkar and not under two constitutions. For the first time, no any PM will sit in Jammu and Kashmir as only one person can be PM. These elections are results out of the shadow of the article 370 and we have seen its results in Lok Sabha elections." Exuding confidence, Shah said that BJP will contest these elections with full strength and urged the booth workers of the party to work on ground by door-to-door campaigning. "I want to clear all the speculations that BJP will contest and win these elections with full strength. The biggest strength of Bharatiya Janata Party is booth workers and booth presidents. When our booth workers come on the election ground, best leader have flown from the field. This time, our booth workers have to go to each home and tell about the changes that were made in Jammu. For over 70 years, we have fought for our development, pilgrimage of Amarnath Yatra, we had to protest for it, but now, the day have come that you don't need to ask for or do protests for it because Modi Ji will give it," Shah stated. Urging the booth workers of the party, Shah said, "I want to tell our booth workers that along with their family, they have to take 3 families with them for voting before 11.30 am, which means total 4 families and then nobody can defeat BJP. We have to tell people about NC-Congress' division agenda. I did a press conference to expose NC-Congress' divisional agenda." Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday released the Bhartiya Janata Party's manifesto for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections. The BJP has made 25 promises, focussing on women, youths, Kashmiri Pandits, restoring temples and wiping out terrorism. Jammu and Kashmir assembly polls will be held in three phases on September 18, 25 and October 1. There are a total number of 90 assembly constituencies in Jammu and Kashmir, out of which 7 seats are reserved for SCs and 9 seats are reserved for STs. According to the Election Commission of India, Jammu and Kashmir has 88.06 lakh eligible electors. These are the first assembly elections to be held in Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370. (ANI)
(Bloomberg) -- Just days after securing his partys first election victory in almost two decades, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer got on a plane to Washington.

Most Read from Bloomberg

In the weeks since, a procession of his most senior advisers has followed in those footsteps, rushing to impart their winning strategy to the Democrats. Starmers team believes Kamala Harriss campaign can learn from how Labour drew a line under divisive, culture-war issues to win back voters whod overlooked them before.

We succeeded in reaching across to the working class voters that we lost in the past, Mike Tapp, a newly elected Member of Parliament whos one of those to have crossed the pond, said in an interview. Clearly the Democrats are looking to do the same, so being able to show them what worked for us can be really helpful.

Starmer has repeatedly said hell work with whoever wins Novembers presidential vote. But the visits by Labour officials betray that a Harris victory would be better at advancing the interests of the UKs governing party than a return to the White House of an unpredictable Donald Trump.

Tapp  who helped forge Labours policy on immigration, an issue that also looms large over the US vote  met with strategists at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago last month. Other British Labour luminaries in attendance included fellow MP Lucy Rigby, Starmers Head of Political Strategy Morgan McSweeney, and Jonathan Ashworth, head of the influential Labour Together think tank.

Over the last 30 years, theres been cross-pollination between progressive strategists in the US and the Labour party, Bob Shrum, a Democratic strategist who advised Labour former Chancellor and Prime Minister Gordon Brown, told Bloomberg. Theyre a natural fit together.

Harriss officials havent actively sought advice from Labour, but as a longstanding sister party, the Democrats have listened to what their allies across the Atlantic have to say.

Although theyre ideological bedfellows, the two left-of-center parties find themselves at a very different electoral juncture. While the Democrats are faring better in polls since Joe Bidens decision to step aside, the US race remains tight. Starmer, on the other hand, fought his July 4 victory as the clear favorite against a scandal-ridden incumbent. His Conservative opponents trailed him in the polls over two years out, which in the UKs winner-takes-all electoral system meant his victory  at least to pollsters  was a foregone conclusion.

Yet there are clear similarities between the Labour and Democratic campaigns. Starmer, like Harris, came to prominence as a prosecutor and was forced to navigate an election in which his opponents sought to focus on divisive issues like trans rights and immigration.

Just as Harris is trying to shore up her vote in Rust Belt states such as Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Michigan, Starmer had to bid  successfully, as it turned out  to win back the so-called Red Wall towns in northern England that had traditionally voted Labour but switched to the Conservatives in 2019.

Shrum added that Harriss messaging on the economy takes inspiration from Tony Blairs campaign in 2001, which he helped with.

There are a lot of parallels  people there saw their lives hollowed out, in Britain, in the last 14 years, he said. It goes back further than that in the US, and in 2016 thats why Donald Trump won those three blue wall states.

British and American voters share concerns on immigration, housing, and the cost of living. Shrum said Harriss focus on building more homes and helping first-time buyers echoes Labours housing plans. He said the Democrats may not win back all the working-class voters theyve lost, but they can cut the margins enough to win the key states needed.

Their methods are also comparable. In its campaign, Labour adopted what the British media dubbed a ming vase strategy of trying to preserve its polling lead by avoiding controversial policy commitments that could turn off undecided voters. That chimes with the vibes-based campaign adopted by Harriss team, giving little away as they seek to maintain a small but steady lead in pivotal swing states.

The US operation appears to have mirrored Starmers campaign on immigration, according to Tapp, who pointed to Democrat advertisements focused on Harriss prosecutorial background and her efforts as vice president to target people-smuggling gangs responsible for the transport of asylum seekers to the US.

In an appearance on the Political Currency podcast, Labour Togethers Ashworth pointed to the history of influential US political strategists joining UK election campaigns. That includes Shrum, and also Stan Greenberg  who both helped Labour when Blair was prime minister. Jim Messina, Barack Obamas former campaign manager, went on to work for the Conservative Party in the 2015 general election.

While Harriss campaign is self-sufficient and clear on what it wants to do, the visits from Labour arent stopping.

Next week, its the turn of Deborah Mattinson, who was the Starmer campaigns director of strategy, as well as the former boss of his policy team, Claire Ainsley. They plan to meet strategists with the Harris campaign in Washington to present findings from the Progressive Policy Institute, which Ainsley now runs, on how Labour won over what they call hero voters: working class Brits who switched from the Conservatives.

And at the end of the week, Starmer is set to make a return trip to Washington himself.

The ties are very deep, Ashworth told Political Currency. Were always learning from one another.

--With assistance from Jennifer Epstein and Ailbhe Rea.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
Vicksburg bicyclist injured after being hit by truck

VICKSBURG, Miss. (WJTV)  A bicyclist was injured after being hit by a truck in Vicksburg, according to the fire chief.

The incident occurred at the intersection of Washington Street and Johnson Street just after 5:00 p.m. on Friday, September 6.

Mississippi inmate dies after apparent overdose

Vicksburg Fire Chief Derrick Stamps said the 32-year-old male bicyclist was found lying in the street, suffering from a severe head injury.

The victim was transported to the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) in Jackson for treatment.

The incident 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.
Voting is a Constitutional right. The Right pushes these laws to choose their own voters.

As the November election approaches, voting rights continues to be an urgent topic of contention. The requirement for a photo ID for registered voters to cast ballots is challenged as an impediment to voting for those who have difficulties with monetary and physical access to the Department of Motor Vehicles and other entities providing such documents.

But IDs are required for buying liquor, cigarettes, air travel, etc., insist ID advocates. Why not for voting?

Not so fast: You need ID to drive, get hotel room or board plane. Using it to vote shouldn't be burden.

Of those actions, only voting is a guaranteed Constitutional right. A registered (therefore qualified) voter shouldnt need to show an ID if theyre already demonstrably on the rolls. You must recite your address. Why do you also need a photo ID?

I conclude the Right wants to put up hindrances to those who have difficulties getting IDs. They want to choose their voters, evidently. We need laws to change this draconian requirement.

Ann Meyers, Pewaukee

I'm mad and sad: Trump comments on Medal of Honor disrespects military and sacrifices of veterans

Rethink support for Trump: Milwaukee police union should rethink endorsing a convicted felon and insurrectionist

Tips for getting your letter to the editor published

Here are some tips to get your views shared with your friends, family, neighbors and across our state:

Please include your name, street address and daytime phone.

Generally, we limit letters to 200 words.

Cite sources of where you found information or the article that prompted your letter.

Be civil and constructive, especially when criticizing.

Avoid ad hominem attacks, take issue with a position, not a person.

We cannot acknowledge receipt of submissions.

We don't publish poetry, anonymous or open letters.

Each writer is limited to one published letter every two months.

All letters are subject to editing.

Write: Letters to the editor, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 330 E. Kilbourn Avenue, Suite 500, Milwaukee, WI, 53202. Fax: (414)-223-5444. E-mail: jsedit@jrn.com or submit using the form that can be found on the on the bottom of this page.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin laws that require ID to vote must be changed
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Tim Walz, Minnesota governor and vice-presidential candidate for the Democrat party, will arrive in Las Vegas Monday as part of a Sun Belt State Tour.

Walz will arrive at Harry Reid International Airport Monday evening as part of his first solo travel to the Sun Belt since becoming Vice President Harris running mate, a news release from the campaign said Friday.

Earlier in the day Monday, Walz is expected to participate in political events in Reno, the release said.

This is just the latest political visit for the Silver State. On Aug. 23, Republican candidate and former President Donald Trump visited Las Vegas restaurant II Toro e La Capra as part of a campaign trip. On Aug. 10, Vice President Kamala Harris made a campaign stop at the Thomas & Mack Center on the campus of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Walz is expected to participate in a campaign event in Las Vegas on Tuesday before departing for Phoenix, Arizona.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
How is a ballot cured? Answer is key to WA GOP suit challenging results of election recount

Democrat Dave Upthegrove, a current member of the King County Council and a former state representative, is a candidate for Commissioner of Public Lands.

The Washington state Republican Party filed a lawsuit against King County elections to challenge the results of the August primary election.

Republicans allege in their complaint that King County illegally used a third-party electronic system to cure ballots for the election.

The complaint was filed in Snohomish County Superior Court on Thursday, a day after the state certified the results of a hand recount for the Commissioner of Public Lands race. Dave Upthegrove, a Democrat, won second place in the primary by 49 votes, leaving Sue Kuehl Pederson, a Republican, in third place, according to the recount results.

Former congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler, also a Republican, won the primary and will face Upthegrove in the November general election, if the certified results stand, since the top two vote getters advance. If Pederson were to win second place, two Republicans would be on the ballot.

King County voters can use an electronic service called OmniBallot to verify their ballots when they have left them unsigned or their signatures dont match the signature on file. That system is operated by Democracy Live, a private company.

The Republican Party alleges that use of that system violates state law because it transmits voter information through a third-party before reaching King County elections.

If that system had not been used, the complaint says there is a less than one in a billion chance that Upthegrove would have advanced to the general election.

As a result, the Republican Party is asking the court to enjoin the reporting of ballots cured by this method. That would mean invalidating 2,092 ballot signature affidavits that were cured through OmniBallot, according to the complaint.

State law directly addresses the situation.

An auditor can use an electronic means to verify a signature provided they establish appropriate privacy and security protocols that ensure that the information transmitted is received directly and securely by the auditor and is only used for the stated purposes of verifying the signature on the voters ballot, according to RCW 29A.60.165(4).

Shasti Conrad, chair of the Washington State Democratic Party, reacted to the lawsuit in a prepared statement.

The WAGOPs last ditch embrace of election denialism and dog whistles to Q Anon conspiracy theorists is as sad as it is predictable, Conrad said.

WA Dems will be working day and night through Election Day to ensure Washingtonians know that there is only one candidate in the race for Public Lands Commissioner who believes in tackling the sources of human-caused climate change and building climate resilient communities through public lands policy and that person is Dave Upthegrove.

How does King County Elections cure ballots?

Courtney Hudak, a spokesperson for King County Elections, said the county received formal notice of the complaint Friday afternoon.

She declined to comment on pending litigation but did explain how King County Elections cures ballots.

The process occurs when a voters signature is challenged by the elections staff. That can happen when a voter forgets to sign their ballot or when the signature on the ballot does not match the signature in the voters registration file.

When these situations arise, Hudak said King County Elections sends the affected voter a letter and a paper resolution form in the mail. The voter may also receive an email or phone call if that information is on file or a ballot alert if they signed up for those, she added.

Voters must resolve any signature challenge before 4:30 p.m. the day before certification, Hudak said. This can be done a number of ways.

A voter may provide a signature that matches the signature on their ballot, the last four digits of their social security number, or their full Washington state identification card or drivers license number.

Additionally, Hudak said a voter may provide a copy of photo identification, a valid enrollment card of a federally recognized Tribe in Washington state, a copy of a current utility bill or current bank statement, a copy of a current government check, a copy of a current paycheck, or a government document (other than a voter registration card) showing the voters name and address.

Voters can return their signature resolution information by mail, email, in-person or online via OmniBallot, Hudak said. More information can be found on the King County Elections website.

King County Elections implemented the OmniBallot last November as an online option for voters to verify their identity and resolve signature challenges, Hudak said.

Were extremely confident in the security of the online signature resolution tool, and were proud of the way it has increased access for all voters  including older voters and voters with disabilities  to ensure their voices are heard, Hudak said. Were confident were complying with the law.
Waco, Texas (FOX 44)  The downtown Waco area has a new cultural gem: the Performing Arts Community Center (PACC).

This morning, the center celebrated its official grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a building preview, marking a significant milestone for owners David and Claire Corkill.

The PACC, a new addition to Wacos creative arts scene, aims to enrich the community with a variety of artistic opportunities. The center will offer classes, workshops, performances, and events for both children and adults.

David Corkill, a Baylor alum, and his wife Claire, a Waco native, returned to their hometown in 2015 after living away. The couples decision to move back was driven by their desire to contribute to the community they cherish.

Were happy to be back. I missed Waco a lot when I was gone, and we were just thrilled to be a part of it. And this growing revolution thats happening here, David Corkill said.

He emphasized that the PACC aims to be a space where people can be themselves, explore their creativity, and bring their artistic visions to life.

Davids background in theater has fueled his passion for expanding Wacos creative arts community. What began as an empty space in July has quickly transformed into a vibrant facility dedicated to fostering artistic expression.

City officials, including representatives from the Waco and Hewitt Chambers of Commerce, city council members, and Mayor Jim Holmes, joined the Corkills and their staff for the celebration.

In addition to the ribbon-cutting, a proclamation was issued declaring September 6th as Performing Arts Community Center Day.

With its doors now officially open, the PACC is hoping to become a cornerstone of Wacos cultural landscape, providing a dynamic space for creativity and performance in the heart of the city.

For more information on the new Performing Arts Community Center, 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 KWKT - FOX 44.
Babson College finished No. 2 in Wall Street Journals 2025 Best Colleges in the U.S. ranking. Babson has jumped 124 spots in the last two years. Courtesy photo

Another U.S. college ranking, another first for Princeton University.

Princeton topped Wall Street Journal/College Pulses 2025 Best Colleges in the U.S ranking, released today (September 5). Its the second straight year Princeton has been WSJs top school  and it continues an impressive winning streak for the private Ivy in New Jersey.

Last week, Princeton also topped Forbes Americas Top Colleges ranking  also for the second straight time  and it likewise came first in U.S. News & World Reports 2024 National University ranking, released last fall. If Princeton tops U.S. News 2025 ranking, expected to be published in the next couple of weeks, it will achieve repeats on all three of the major college rankings for U.S. schools.

WSJ TOP 10

Princeton topped the WSJ list with an overall score of 92.3. It scored a near-perfect graduation rate score of 99 (out of 100) and a salary impact score of 97. The universitys diversity score of 76 reflects a well-rounded student body, while its learning opportunities and preparation for career scores  73 and 77, respectively  underscore its commitment to academic rigor and real-world readiness. Princetons graduates see a value-added salary boost of over $81,000.

The table below shows the top 10 schools on WSJs 2025 ranking.

1 Princeton University NJ Private 92.3 2 Babson College MA Private 91.9 3 Stanford University CA Private 91.6 4 Yale University CT Private 89.3 5 Claremont McKenna College CA Private 89.2 6 Massachusetts Institute of Technology MA Private 87.4 7 Harvard University MA Private 86.2 8 University of California, Berkeley CA Public 86.1 9 Georgia Institute of Technology GA Public 85.8 10 Davidson College NC Private 85.6

BABSON COLLEGE RISES 124 SPOTS IN TWO YEARS

Perhaps the biggest story in WSJs latest list is the meteoric rise of Babson College.

Last year, Babson, a small private college near Boston, rose 116 spots to break the top 10 after ranking No. 126 in 2023. The large jump was the result of the WSJ putting more focus on value added to student success as a result of their college of choice.

Babson rose another eight spots on the 2025 list, finishing at No. 2  ahead of Stanford University, Yale, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Babson was rewarded for its strong salary impact on its graduates careers, earning a perfect 100. It ranked No. 8 overall in the category.

In fact, the Class of 2023 set a record for Babson undergraduates for starting salaries, earning an average of $75,579 a year  20% higher than the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) projected average for business majors, according to Babson news release. That record-breaking salary beat the previous record set by Babsons Class of 2022 graduates who earned an average of 14% more than the previous class in their first jobs.

Babson undergrads also posted a 98.6% employment rate.

At second-ranked Babson, the emphasis on hands-on experiences begins the moment students step on campus as freshmen. Built into the Babson curriculum are opportunities for experiential learning, like the mandatory Foundations of Management and Entrepreneurship class, where students launch startups in groups during their first two semesters of college using a loan of up to $3,000 provided by the school, WSJ writes in its ranking story.

Stephen Spinelli Jr, president Babson College

WSJ also ranked Babson No. 2 for Career Preparation and No. 11 for Student Experience.

Babsons recognition as the No. 2 college in the United States by The Wall Street Journal is a remarkable milestone for our community. Its also a signal that entrepreneurship as an academic discipline has transcended business education, says Babson President Stephen Spinelli Jr.

At Babson, we go a step beyond by producing entrepreneurial leaders who pioneer new approaches and creative ways of thinking across a broad spectrum of industries and professions. Those leaders and their myriad impacts around the world play a significant role in this historic milestone for Babson, and to a greater extent, for entrepreneurship education as a whole.

WSJ METHODOLOGY

WSJs is the second major ranking of undergraduate universities in the U.S. in as many weeks. Forbes list came out last week, and U.S. News typically drops mid September.

While neither the Forbes or WSJ rankings focus on undergraduate business schools, many of the top-ranked undergrad business programs are housed in high-ranking universities from both lists. Poets&Quants For Undergrads will publish its annual business school-specific ranking in March 2025.

WSJ has published its college rankings since 2016 along with its research partners College Pulse and Statista. It aims to evaluate how well U.S. colleges and universities prepare students for financial success, focusing on measurable outcomes such as graduation rates and post-graduate earnings.

Last year, it made significant changes to its methodology, eliminating the academic survey on schools reputations which rewards big brand schools superior name recognition. It also didnt reward schools for the amount of money it spends on instruction.

That has led to a significant rise in the rankings for public institutions, with six schools breaking into the top 20, including the University of California at Berkeley, at No. 8, and Georgia Institute of Technology at No. 9. Last year, no public universities were in the top 10 and only two were in the top 20.

WSJs ranking is divided into several categories by which students can further narrow down target schools based on their preferences: The full college rankings, Student Experience, Salary Impact, Social Mobility and Best Value.

The following table shows metrics and weights used to calculate the ranking.

Student Outcomes (70%) Salary Impact 33% Measures how much a college boosts graduates salaries beyond expected levels. Years to Pay Off Net Price 17% Combines average net price with value added to graduates median salary to estimate how long it takes to pay off education costs. Graduation Rate Impact 20% Assesses the colleges success in graduating students compared to expectations based on student demographics. Learning Environment (20%) Learning Opportunities 4% Student satisfaction with faculty interactions, feedback, and teaching quality. Preparation for Career 4% Evaluates career networking, advice, and applied learning opportunities. Learning Facilities 4% Student satisfaction with libraries, internet, and classrooms. Recommendation Score 4% Measures how likely students are to recommend their college to others. Character Score 4% Assesses the development of personal qualities like moral courage, resilience, and societal contributions. Diversity (10%) Opportunities to Interact with Different Backgrounds 5% Frequency of student interaction with diverse peers. Ethnic Diversity 1.70% Probability of random pairings being from different ethnic backgrounds. Inclusion of Students with Lower Family Earnings 1.70% Proportion of Pell Grant recipients. Inclusion of Students with Disabilities 1.70% Proportion of students with disabilities. Contextual Figures Average Net Price  The annual cost of attendance, factoring in grants and scholarships. Value Added to Graduate Salary  The difference in earnings attributable to attending the college compared to high school graduates.

See the full ranking methodology here.

THE 100 BEST U.S. COLLEGES BY WSJ

WSJ evaluated 500 U.S. private and public universities. For its full, overall ranking, it scored each school on student outcomes (70% weight), learning environment (20%) and diversity (10%).

It employed one of the largest independent student surveys and combined it with a rigorous statistical analysis of government data to calculate its school scores. It also factors cost of attendance (average net price) against student outcomes.

The top 100 schools from WSJs 2025 Best Colleges in the U.S. are shown in the table below. The full list is available here.

1 Princeton University NJ Private 92.3 2 Babson College MA Private 91.9 3 Stanford University CA Private 91.6 4 Yale University CT Private 89.3 5 Claremont McKenna College CA Private 89.2 6 Massachusetts Institute of Technology MA Private 87.4 7 Harvard University MA Private 86.2 8 University of California, Berkeley CA Public 86.1 9 Georgia Institute of Technology GA Public 85.8 10 Davidson College NC Private 85.6 11 Bentley University MA Private 85.3 12 University of California, Davis CA Public 85.3 13 University of Pennsylvania PA Private 85.1 14 Columbia University NY Private 85 15 Lehigh University PA Private 84.6 16 San Jose State University CA Public 84.4 17 University of Notre Dame IN Private 84.2 18 University of California, Merced CA Public 84 19 Virginia Tech VA Public 83.9 20 Harvey Mudd College CA Private 83.6 21 California State Polytechnic University, Pomona CA Public 83.6 22 University of Michigan, Ann Arbor MI Public 83.5 23 Loyola University Maryland MD Private 83.1 24 California State University, Stanislaus CA Public 83.1 25 Colgate University NY Private 83 26 University of Delaware DE Public 82.9 27 Cornell University NY Private 82.8 28 Texas A&M University, College Station TX Public 82.6 29 Rice University TX Private 82.4 30 University of California, San Diego CA Public 82.2 31 University of California, Irvine CA Public 82 32 Washington University in St. Louis MO Private 81.8 33 University of Virginia, Main Campus VA Public 81.8 34 Georgetown University DC Private 81.7 35 Swarthmore College PA Private 81.6 36 Brown University RI Private 81.6 37 Augustana College IL Private 81.3 38 Santa Clara University CA Private 81.3 39 California Institute of Technology CA Private 81.2 40 Towson University MD Public 81.2 41 University of Texas at Austin TX Public 81.1 42 St. Josephs University PA Private 81 43 University of Detroit Mercy MI Private 81 44 Vanderbilt University TN Private 80.9 45 Duke University NC Private 80.8 46 California State University, San Bernardino CA Public 80.5 47 University of San Diego CA Private 80.4 48 California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo CA Public 80.4 49 University of Southern California CA Private 80.3 50 Washington and Lee University VA Private 80.3 51 California State University, Fresno CA Public 80.2 52 Manhattan College NY Private 80 53 University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign IL Public 79.8 54 Albion College MI Private 79.7 55 Marquette University WI Private 79.7 56 Carnegie Mellon University PA Private 79.7 57 Dartmouth College NH Private 79.6 58 Lafayette College PA Private 79.5 59 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill NC Public 79.5 60 Michigan State University MI Public 79.5 61 Baruch College, CUNY NY Public 79.5 62 Northwestern University IL Private 79.5 63 Brigham Young University UT Private 79.5 64 Colby College ME Private 79.4 65 College of the Holy Cross MA Private 79.4 66 San Francisco State University CA Public 79.3 67 California State University, Long Beach CA Public 79.1 68 University of California, Los Angeles CA Public 79 69 Siena College NY Private 79 70 James Madison University VA Public 79 71 University of Portland OR Private 79 72 California State University, Sacramento CA Public 78.9 73 University of Wisconsin, Madison WI Public 78.7 74 Bryant University RI Private 78.7 75 University of Chicago IL Private 78.4 76 George Mason University VA Public 78.3 77 Florida International University FL Public 78.2 78 University of Dayton OH Private 78.1 79 Villanova University PA Private 78.1 80 University of La Verne CA Private 77.9 81 California State University, Northridge CA Public 77.8 82 University of Washington WA Public 77.7 83 University of Florida FL Public 77.7 84 University of Rhode Island RI Public 77.5 85 California State University, Fullerton CA Public 77.4 86 Wellesley College MA Private 77.4 87 University of the Pacific CA Private 77.3 88 Haverford College PA Private 77.1 89 Ohio Northern University OH Private 77 90 Worcester Polytechnic Institute MA Private 77 91 Quinnipiac University CT Private 77 92 Johns Hopkins University MD Private 76.9 93 Clemson University SC Public 76.8 94 The College of New Jersey NJ Public 76.7 95 California State University, Los Angeles CA Public 76.7 96 Bucknell University PA Private 76.7 97 California State University, San Marcos CA Public 76.5 98 Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology IN Private 76.3 99 University of Connecticut CT Public 76.3 100 Boston College MA Private 76.3

SCHOOLS RANKED BY STUDENT EXPERIENCE

The WSJ/College Pulse Student Experience ranking looks at the schools where students enjoy waking up to go to class. Student perceptions were measured by an independent survey of verified college students and recent graduates. Seven of the top 20 schools in this category are public.

Scripps College, a private school in California, has the best score in this category at 75.5. It also scored a 68 in community and social life and 83 in diversity. The average net price of attendance is $33,912 with a value added to graduate salaries of $44,706.

See the top 20 schools for student experience in the table below.

1 Scripps College CA Private 75.5 2 Harvey Mudd College CA Private 75.3 3 Florida International University FL Public 74.7 4 Hobart and William Smith Colleges NY Private 74.3 5 California Baptist University CA Private 73.9 6 Yale University CT Private 73.5 7 Pomona College CA Private 73.1 8 Oral Roberts University OK Private 72.4 9 Princeton University NJ Private 71 10 Claremont McKenna College CA Private 70.7 11 Babson College MA Private 70.6 12 Pitzer College CA Private 70.5 13 Amherst College MA Private 70.5 14 Alcorn State University MS Public 70.3 15 California State University, Fresno CA Public 70.2 16 Stanford University CA Private 70.2 17 University of Houston, Downtown TX Public 70 18 Savannah State University GA Public 70 19 Northeastern Illinois University IL Public 70 20 Brooklyn College, CUNY NY Public 69.8

SCHOOLS RANKED BY SALARY IMPACT

Here, five of the top 20 schools are public institutions, including Georgia Institute of Technology which ranked No. 9 overall.

Still, the Ivies and big brand powerhouses still dominate. Massachusetts Institute of Technology comes out on top with a salary score of 99.3.

The salary impact rating looks at the impact the school has on its graduates salaries in relation to the cost of attending. While the schools at the top generally have high price tags, the salaries their graduates earn 10 years later make up for the high cost.

Below, you can see the 20 schools with the highest salary impact from WSJs ranking.

1 Massachusetts Institute of Technology MA Private 99.3 2 Stanford University CA Private 98.4 3 Princeton University NJ Private 97.9 4 Georgia Institute of Technology, Main Campus GA Public 97.6 5 University of Pennsylvania PA Private 97.4 6 California Institute of Technology CA Private 96.6 7 Harvey Mudd College CA Private 96.6 8 Babson College MA Private 96.2 9 Missouri University of Science and Technology MO Public 96 10 Carnegie Mellon University PA Private 95.1 11 Claremont McKenna College CA Private 94.9 12 Milwaukee School of Engineering WI Private 94.7 13 Lehigh University PA Private 94.6 14 Bentley University MA Private 94.5 15 Michigan Technological University MI Public 94.2 16 Colorado School of Mines CO Public 94.1 17 San Jose State University CA Public 93.7 18 Yale University CT Private 93.5 19 Kettering University MI Private 92.8 20 Manhattan College NY Private 92.8

SCHOOLS RANKED BY SOCIAL MOBILITY

For social mobility, WSJ looked at how much schools enhance students social mobility after graduation. Institutions with the highest proportion of students that come from lower-income families, high graduation rates, high salary impact for graduates, and lower costs do the best in this metric.

Public schools dominate here with 17 of the top 20 spots.

University of California at Merced is the best school for social mobility at 86.8. It scored 83 out of 100 in salary impact and a 96 in graduation rate. It has an average net price of $13,450 with a value added graduate salary of $33,874.

A table with the top 20 schools for social mobility is presented below.

1 University of California, Merced CA Public 86.8 2 California State University, Stanislaus CA Public 82.1 3 California State University, San Bernardino CA Public 81.2 4 California State University, Fresno CA Public 80.4 5 California State University, Los Angeles CA Public 78.5 6 Florida International University FL Public 78.2 7 California State University, Long Beach CA Public 77 8 Baruch College, CUNY NY Public 76.8 9 California State University, Northridge CA Public 76 10 California State Polytechnic University, Pomona CA Public 75.8 11 California State University, Fullerton CA Public 74.9 12 University of California, Riverside CA Public 73.1 13 California State University, Sacramento CA Public 71.7 14 Fresno Pacific University CA Private 69.5 15 Albion College MI Private 68.8 16 University of Illinois, Chicago IL Public 67.7 17 University of La Verne CA Private 66.4 18 Montclair State University NJ Public 64.9 19 California State University, San Marcos CA Public 64.6 20 San Francisco State University CA Public 63.9

SCHOOLS RANKED FOR BEST VALUE

WSJs Best Value ranking looks at how quickly the difference between a schools graduates salaries and those of comparable high-school graduates pays back the average net price of four years of study, or Years to pay off net price.

Here, Baruch College, CUNY, scored highest here with a perfect 100 for value. It has an average net price of $3,644 with a value added graduate salary of $45,354. Its years to pay off net price is three months.

Public schools made up 14 of the top 20 in the category.

1 Baruch College, CUNY NY Public 100 2 Hunter College, CUNY NY Public 99.9 3 Princeton University NJ Private 99.8 4 City College of New York, CUNY NY Public 99.7 5 Brooklyn College, CUNY NY Public 99.5 6 Stanford University CA Private 99.3 7 University of Florida FL Public 99.1 8 Queens College, CUNY NY Public 99 9 Berea College KY Private 98.9 10 California State University, Stanislaus CA Public 98.8 11 California Institute of Technology CA Private 98.6 12 Massachusetts Institute of Technology MA Private 98.5 13 Florida State University FL Public 98.4 14 California State University, Los Angeles CA Public 98.3 15 Georgia Institute of Technology, Main Campus GA Public 98.2 16 California State University, Fresno CA Public 97.8 17 California State University, Fullerton CA Public 97.7 18 Missouri University of Science and Technology MO Public 97.5 19 Rice University TX Private 97.4 20 University of California, Irvine CA Public 97.2

DONT MISS: POETS&QUANTS BEST UNDERGRADUATE BUSINESS SCHOOLS OF 2024 AND RANKING: THE FORBES 2024-2025 TOP COLLEGES IN AMERICA

The post Wall Street Journals 2025 Best Colleges In America appeared first on Poets&Quants.
Through much of this week, AccuWeather meteorologists say that a persistent stretch of dry weather will grip the Central states. As a dry, warm air mass reigns over the Front Range and part of the Midwest, it will usher in mostly sunny skies and daily afternoon temperatures from the 80s to 90s Fahrenheit.

"An area of strengthening high pressure over the Central states will bring temperatures of 10-20 degrees above the historical average," stated AccuWeather Meteorologist Alex Duffus.

Temperatures may even eclipse the 100-degree mark across a small pocket of western South Dakota. Through Thursday, afternoon highs in Rapid City, South Dakota, will approach records set in the 1990s and early 2010s.

Cities like Denver, which typically have temperatures in the lower 80s from early to mid-September, will surge into the lower 90s Thursday.

For locations in northeast Minnesota and northern Wisconsin, the return of warmth may be quite noticeable following overnight low temperatures in the 40s Fahrenheit late last week and even dipping into the 30s F early Saturday morning.

Freeze warnings and frost advisories were in place this past Saturday morning, warning residents that sensitive outdoor vegetation could be harmed if left uncovered.

Across the rest of the country, residents may find it jolting to see reports of temperatures dipping into the 30s F by early September. However, it is not uncommon for the first frost to occur in northeastern Minnesota by late August or early September.

The lack of rain across the region may spell trouble for ongoing drought conditions. Widespread areas of moderate to severe drought are currently being observed across western portions of the Dakotas into Nebraska, according to the latest update of the U.S. Drought Monitor. Some locations along the border of Wyoming and South Dakota are even experiencing extreme drought conditions.

GET THE FREE ACCUWEATHER APP

This week, dry conditions are also projected to expand into the Ohio Valley for a time as the zone of high pressure builds eastward. A substantial pocket of extreme and exceptional drought levels is currently being observed across southern Ohio into West Virginia. Cities like Columbus, Ohio, have recorded less than 40% of the historical average rainfall since June 1.

With the prospect of rain looking bleak this week across the Central states and Ohio Valley, concerns continue to rise regarding river levels downstream, especially because the Ohio River basin is a main component for feeding the Mississippi River network.

"A drier pattern across parts of the Midwest and Ohio Valley over the upcoming weeks can place strain on businesses and farmers utilizing the Mississippi River for the transport of goods," explained Duffus.

As river levels dip, barges transporting goods along the Mississippi River could run the risk of facing additional limits with respect to how much can be loaded onboard. Low water levels could also lead to saltwater intrusion concerns for cities closer to the Gulf of Mexico.

By the end of this week, forecasters say that there may be some light at the end of the tunnel in terms of rainfall. A storm that is projected to surge onshore in the Northwest around midweek may advance into southern Canada and the northern Plains by the end of the week, bringing a round of much-needed precipitation to the region.

Around the same time, some rain from Francine is forecast to reach into portions of the middle Mississippi and Ohio valleys. How much rain falls will depend on the track of the then tropical rainstorm from Friday to Saturday.

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.
WARREN, Ohio (WKBN)  The Trumbull County Family and Children First Council hosted the It Suits You shopping experience at the Trumbull Metropolitan Housing Authority on Saturday.

The event allowed high school boys to get affordable new and gently used clothing for any kind of special event, such as homecoming and prom.

Clothing for the event was donated by the community with a special thank you to Goodwill.

Co-organizer Bonnie Wilson said the event was organized after they realized there are places girls can get affordable attire in the area but not boys.

Realizing that there was that need and that gap in our community  we joined forces and decided that we would put together an event and we would make it affordable and we would make clothing available for any Trumbull County student who needed male clothing for a special event, Wilson said.

The first 75 people who attended received a kit with personal care items.

Tino DiCenso 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 WKBN.com.
The incident, which took place at Hotel Gokul on the Pune-Solapur Highway, has gained widespread attention on social media.

According to a police report, the driver, travelling from Solapur to Pune, stopped at the hotel and asked for food. The hotel owner declined, stating that the establishment was closed for the day. Enraged, the driver then rammed his truck into the hotel, causing major damage. He also destroyed a two-wheeler and two four-wheelers parked nearby.

Locals attempted to intervene, but the driver continued his rampage until the truck's wheels got stuck. The police arrived at the scene, arrested the driver, and charged him under sections of the Motor Vehicles Act and BNS Section 109, 281, 324 (4)(5). The investigation is ongoing, and further details are awaited. (ANI)
BERLIN, Germany (KMID/KPEJ)  Germanys two-week-old panda twins born at Berlin Zoo are developing well, according to the zoo on Friday. They have more than doubled their birth weight, currently weighing 510 grams and 450 grams respectively.

The typical black and white panda look is also starting to show, with the once-pink baby pandas now sporting black ears and eye rings, as well as a dark stripe around their shoulders.

The Berlin Zoo said it was cautiously optimistic during this critical time, with panda cub at its highest mortality within the first two weeks of birth and through the first month. This is because they dont have a functioning immune system yet.

Without human help, one of the cubs likely would not have survived because giant pandas usually only raise one cub when they give birth to twins. So, the zoo stepped in with a team that included visiting experts from Chinas Chengdu Research base of Giant Panda Breeding.

WATCH: Firefighters rescue man from Leaning Tower of Pisa

China gifted friendly nations with its unofficial mascot for decades as part of its panda diplomacy policy. The country now lends pandas to zoos on commercial terms. There are about 1,800 pandas living in the wild in China and a few hundred in captivity worldwide.

The female twins were born on August 22 to their 11-year-old mother, Meng Meng. Female pandas are fertile only for a few days per year at the most. The twins father, 14-year-old Jiao Qing, is not involved in rearing the cubs.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
With less than two months until Election Day, former President Trump will make a campaign stop in Wisconsin Saturday, continuing his appeal to voters in critical swing states.

The event comes one day after New York Judge Juan Merchan granted Trump a delay in his hush money case by pushing the sentencing date back until after the election.

His last visit to the Badger State was just over a week ago, where he participated in a town hall discussion with former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (I-Hawaii). Earlier in the week, Gabbard officially endorsed the former president and she was asked to join his transition team if elected in November.

Vice President Harriss team has upped its pressure campaign against the GOP nominee this week, unveiling new ads targeting him on abortion and other issues ahead of their first debate between the candidates next week.

The Democratic National Committee also flew banners over college stadiums Saturday in the battleground states of Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania, seeking to link Trump and his running mate, Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), to the conservative Project 2025 agenda.

Harris is currently leading Trump in Wisconsin by 3 points  49.3 percent to 46.3 percent  according to The Hill/Decision Desk HQs polling index.

Watch the live 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.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  A new video shows the moments leading up to the deadly plane crash that happened in Fairview this past weekend.

The video was shared with KOIN 6 News by Larry Olsen. It shows a perspective from a mobile home park, a separate but adjacent area to where the plane impacted.

Crews gain upper hand on SE Portland structure fire

In the video, taken on Aug. 31 just before 10:20 a.m., the plane is seen streaking through the sky. It hits a powerline, then erupts into a fireball just before the crash that impacted a Fairview Terrace townhome. The camera pans over to the view of a black column of smoke on the horizon, behind some trees.

A plane hits a powerline and catches fire before crashing in Fairview. August 31, 2024 (courtesy Larry Olsen).

A plane hits a powerline and catches fire before crashing in Fairview. August 31, 2024 (courtesy Larry Olsen).

A plane hits a powerline and catches fire before crashing in Fairview. August 31, 2024 (courtesy Larry Olsen).

A plane hits a powerline and catches fire before crashing in Fairview. August 31, 2024 (courtesy Larry Olsen).

A plane hits a powerline and catches fire before crashing in Fairview. August 31, 2024 (courtesy Larry Olsen).

A plane hits a powerline and catches fire before crashing in Fairview. August 31, 2024 (courtesy Larry Olsen).

A plane hits a powerline and catches fire before crashing in Fairview. August 31, 2024 (courtesy Larry Olsen).

A plane hits a powerline and catches fire before crashing in Fairview. August 31, 2024 (courtesy Larry Olsen).

On Friday, authorities identified the three people who were killed, including the pilot, 73-year-old Michael C. Busher, and the resident of the townhome, 75-year-old Barbara J. MacDonald. The family of the 79-year-old pilot instructor, Jacqueline Whitford, who died as a passenger of the plane, has also set up a GoFundMe for her memorial.

Several adjacent homes were damaged in the crash from the explosive impact and fire, displacing residents.

When will heat wave end? When will it feel like fall?

KOIN 6 also spoke with a neighbor, Dawn York, who said her life is anything but normal these days. We spoke with her before investigators confirmed the victims identities.

Its still surreal for me right now, York said. Every time I walk down here I just cant believe this is where I live and this is what happened.

York said she and her neighbors are clinging to a fragile calm after the crash while also mourning the loss of their beloved friend, MacDonald.

Barb was just so sweet and so nice, York said. Just the sweetest person youd ever meet, seriously, she was justa little angel.

York said that when the crash happened, McDonald was asleep at home while her husband ran errands.

Community search underway for missing Beaverton nurse

The landscape of Fairview Terrace now bears a scar, a reminder of the devastation. The debris is still being cleaned up, including by residents like York.

I had a propeller part that was stuck in the roof, York said. It was like 4 feet long, it was stuck in there pretty long.

Each plane that soars overhead now echoes with the pain of that dreadful day, neighbors said.

Its just been really hard to describe, York said about the suddenness of what happened that day.

The pilot of the twin-engine Cessna 421C was reportedly having issues with the controls during the maintenance test flight before it went down, the National Transportation Safety Board said. The NTSBs full investigation into the crash may take up to 18 months to complete, officials said.

Outdoor workers navigate excessive heat in Portland

The homeowner association is now urging the Port of Portland to reroute flights from the nearby Troutdale Airport to not fly over their neighborhood. However, those paths, often impacted by weather and traffic, are controlled by the Federal Aviation Administration.

The Port of Portland told KOIN 6 Serco is the company that provides air traffic control tower services at the Troutdale Airport under contract with the FAA. The Port confirmed it reached Serco in response to the neighborhood request but has not returned KOINs request for comment.

KOIN 6 also spoke with some of the families who were displaced and seeking help through GoFundMe campaigns.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Weezer, Oktoberfest, The Clippers: How events in Columbus this weekend could snarl traffic

Weezer takes the stage at Value City Arena in Columbus during their tour with the Pixies and Basement on March 19, 2019.

Traffic could snarl your plans Saturday thanks to a host of events happening Downtown and in the University District.

On Saturday night, multiplatinum rock band Weezer will play Nationwide Arena for thousands of fans. Just a few blocks away, The Columbus Clippers' Harry Potter Day game will fill up the early afternoon and The Crew will be playing in the evening. And of course, the OSU Buckeyes will kick off their home game at the Horseshoe tonight against Western Michigan University.

All these events have a high chance of backing up traffic Downtown and in the University District as thousands search for parking.

Here's some things to know:

Plan your parking

If you're headed Downtown for one of these events, you can plan your parking in advance.

Using an interactive map on downtowncolumbus.org, you can see pricing and availability of parking garages and lots in the area. For the University District, use the interactive map on CampusParc to see pricing and availability for some garages.

If you're planning on street parking, download the ParkMobile app in advance and enter your car information to save yourself some time if you do find a spot.

Schedule of Saturday events

Weezer concert at Nationwide Arena: begins 7 p.m.

Clippers Harry Potter Day game: start time at 1:05 p.m.

Columbus Crew: Match starts at 7:30

Free movie night (Coco) at Columbus Commons: starts at 8:15 p.m.

Oktoberfest (Ohio Expo Center at Ohio State Fair Grounds): Noon to Midnight. Free admission (parking is $15)

Harvest Fair at Columbus Commons: event from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Cbehrens@dispatch.com

@Colebehr_report

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: These events in Columbus this weekend could snarl traffic
I went on board Embraer's next-generation rival to the Airbus A220. Look inside the regional jet that may never be used in the US.

Embraer showcased its new E195-E2 jet at the Farnborough Airshow in July.

The E195-E2 features automatic takeoff and has orders from Porter Airlines and KLM.

The scope clause in pilot contracts has hindered the E2's entry into the US market.

The Brazilian firm Embraer has made a niche for itself in the regional airplane market.

American, Delta, and United's regional subsidiaries operate its E175 jets.

With a 2-2 configuration, there is no middle seat, unlike its main competitor, the Airbus A220.

At July's Farnborough Airshow, Embraer exhibited its newest jet, the E195-E2. It is set to include a pioneering new feature that lets it take off automatically.

The jet has received orders from Canadian Porter Airlines and KLM in the Netherlands, but a US airline has yet to become a customer.

The contract between US airlines and their pilots' unions limits the number of passengers a regional aircraft can carry, and the E2 jets exceed this.

Unless this scope clause is renegotiated, it's unlikely that the E2 would come to the US.

Embraer displayed an E195-E2 at July's Farnborough Airshow.

The jet on the tarmac in Farnborough. Pete Syme/Business Insider

With a full load of passengers, the E195-E2 can fly for 2,600 nautical miles, which means that from Dallas, it could reach Venezuela, or just about get from Los Angeles to New York.

It has a maximum cruise speed of Mach 0.82, which is about 540 miles-per-hour at its altitude ceiling of 41,000 feet.

The planemaker also announced a pioneering automated takeoff technology for the E2 jets.

A side view of the Embraer E195-E2. Pete Syme/Business Insider

Automated landing systems have been used on commercial airliners since the 1960s, but an automated takeoff would be an industry first.

Embraer says it would require no pilot action to lift off from the runway, and that it produces more precise takeoffs and flight trajectories that could improve range by 400 miles.

Brazil's struggling rival for the Airbus A220 is getting a first-of-its-kind tech its competitors don't have

However, it's up against difficult competition in the Airbus A220.

An Airbus A220. Sebastian Kunigkeit/picture alliance via Getty Images

There have been nearly three times more orders for the A220 than for the Embraer E2.

The A220 began life as the Bombardier C-Series before Airbus acquired a majority stake in Bombardier in 2017.

Canada's Porter Airlines is the top customer for the E2, with 50 confirmed orders.

A Porter Airlines Embraer E195-E2. Courtesy of Porter Airlines

Other customers include Azul Brazilian Airlines, KLM, and Royal Jordanian Airways.

However, the E2 has no orders from the US  largely due to the scope clause.

A United Express Embraer E175. AaronP/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images

The scope clause, part of the contract between airlines and pilots' unions, limits the number of passengers a regional aircraft can carry.

As the hard cap is 76 seats, US airlines can't fly the higher capacity E195-E2.

The clause is designed to limit the role of regional aircraft to prevent mainline carriers from outsourcing too many flying jobs to their smaller partner airlines.

Stepping on board, there were a few rows of premium seats at the front of the cabin.

Premium seats on board the E195-E2. Pete Syme/Business Insider

In a three-class setup, the E195-E2 can seat 120 passengers according to the manufacturer.

Some of these were staggered so passengers could enjoy more space to themselves.

Staggered premium seats on board the jet. Pete Syme/Business Insider

Embraer says premium seats have a 36-inch seat pitch  the distance between the same spot on one seat and the one in front.

The economy seats are also laid out in a 2-2 configuration.

A view down the aisle of the E195. Pete Syme/Business Insider

The E195-E2 has a maximum capacity of 146 seats, with an extra three rows compared to the previous generation.

With no unpopular middle seats, this added comfort could be a key selling point.

A row of two seats on board. Pete Syme/Business Insider

By contrast, the A220 cabin is configured in a 2-3 layout.

The middle seat on an airplane is severely underrated

The new E2 jets also have larger overhead bins.

Larger overhead bins improve the boarding process. Pete Syme/Business Insider

This update allows every passenger to have hand luggage. It also opens flush to the ceiling, which speeds up the boarding process.

The legroom was also quite plentiful.

There's a seat pitch of 31 inches in economy in a three-class setup. Pete Syme/Business Insider

In a typical three-class setup of 120 seats, economy class has a 31-inch seat pitch. However, if an airline wanted to fit the maximum 146 seats instead, the seat pitch would be just 28 inches.

The E195-E2 is the largest aircraft that can operate out of London City Airport.

Embraer jets operated by British Airways at London City Airport. Victoria Jones/PA Images via Getty Images

London City is a unique airport that was built on an old wharf in the British capital's docklands. Nearby is a financial district so it's convenient for business travelers. But the shorter runway and nearby skyscrapers mean only certain planes can land there.

But with the scope clause, the A220 is likely to maintain its market dominance.

A Delta Air Lines Airbus A220 at LaGuardia Airport. Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty Images

In 2022, aviation outlet Leeham News reported that United Airlines wouldn't change the scope clause in its pilot contract as Embraer had hoped for.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Editors note: This story has been corrected to reflect the accurate date and time of the incident. We regret the error.

WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL)  The Wichita Falls Police Department has released more information about the train fatality that killed one person in downtown Wichita Falls on Thursday, Sept. 5.

According to WFPD spokesman Sgt. Charlie Eipper, police responded to the intersection of Seventh Street and the BNSF Railway track shortly after 10 p.m. on Thursday.

Upon arriving at the scene, officers found an adult man had been struck by a train that was traveling southbound. The mans body was found on the tracks, about 40 feet south of Seventh Street.

The trains conductor told police he saw the man lying on the track and repeatedly sounded the trains horn to alert them that a train was coming. The victim sat up and began to move off the track but was struck by the train.

The mans identity has not been released, and WFPD reports that his next of kin has not been notified.

The WFPD has not filed a crash report, and BNSF Railway is investigating the incident. There were no reported injuries to the trains crew.

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.
A bill on Gov. Gavin Newsom's desk would establish siting and design standards for industrial warehouses near homes and schools. Opponents deride the measure as "business as usual." (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Xochitl Pedraza moved to San Bernardino County eight years ago. After three decades of city living, unincorporated Bloomington offered a rural community where she could buy an acre of land and raise chickens.

But Pedrazas neighborhood has become more industrial in recent years, as developers have converted large swaths of property along the 10 Freeway into a logistics corridor for e-commerce, connecting goods shipped into Southern California ports with online shoppers across the nation. Although proponents of the developments say they bring jobs and infrastructure improvements, many residents living in their shadow lament the pollution, traffic and neighborhood disruption.

There was already an avocado distribution center across the street from Pedraza's home; now theres an Amazon fulfillment center on the corner that brings trucks after trucks after trucks, Pedraza said. The incessant beeping and honking penetrate her soundproof windows.

She and her 8-year-old grandson suffer from dry eyes, nasal congestion and a chronic dry cough  symptoms she attributes to dust from warehouse construction and the regions ozone pollution.

A bill on Gov. Gavin Newsoms desk would establish siting and design standards for industrial warehouses that, according to supporters, would better protect the health of residents such as Pedraza.

Assemblymember Juan Carrillo (D-Palmdale), co-author of the legislation, has described the measure as a very delicate compromise that resulted from lengthy negotiations among a working group that included labor, health, environmental and business representatives.

Nonetheless, the bill has generated staunch opposition from a diverse range of environmental, community and civic groups statewide who object to the secrecy in which the bill was crafted in the final days of the session and who say it fails to hold warehouse developers to higher standards.

Beginning in 2026, AB 98 would prohibit cities and counties from approving new or expanded distribution centers unless they meet specified standards. New warehouse developments would need to be located on major thoroughfares or local roads that mainly serve commercial uses. And warehouse sites would need to be set back several hundred feet from so-called "sensitive sites" such as homes, schools and healthcare facilities.

Additionally, if a developer demolishes housing to make way for a warehouse, the bill would require two new units of affordable housing for each unit that is destroyed. The developer would have to provide displaced tenants with 12 months rent.

Some regulations would need to be enacted in the state's warehouse concentration region  Riverside and San Bernardino counties and a dozen Inland Empire cities  by 2026, two years before the rest of the state.

Although some labor groups support the bill, it is opposed by a host of environmental, business and community organizations. Several cities also opposed the legislation, which, according to an analysis by the Senate Appropriations Committee, requires general plan updates that could result in one-time costs for cities and counties ranging from tens of millions to potentially hundreds of millions of dollars.

Environmental advocates are especially concerned about the bills setback requirements for projects involving warehouses 250,000 square feet and larger that are within 900 feet of homes, schools, parks or healthcare facilities.

In those cases, the bill would require that truck loading bays are located at least 300 feet from the property line in areas zoned for industrial use and 500 feet from the property line in areas not zoned for industrial use. Warehouses would also need to comply with design and energy efficiency standards.

Pedraza, the Bloomington resident, said the distances laid out aren't enough buffer. The rules also don't take into account that truck traffic and pollution issues are magnified in overburdened communities such as Bloomington, she said.

"The whole community is surrounded by warehouses now," she said. "It doesn't matter how far it is ... they still affect us."

Read more: 'Who's going to live here?' What happens when an e-commerce warehouse takes out your neighborhood

The bill would simply enshrine current warehouse development practices into law and undermine local efforts to advocate for the much bigger setbacks recommended by state agencies, said Andrea Vidaurre, senior policy analyst for the Peoples Collective for Environmental Justice in San Bernardino.

In a 2022 report on best practices for warehouse projects under the state's environmental laws, the state attorney generals office recommends locating warehouse facilities so that their property lines are at least 1,000 feet from the property lines of sensitive sites such as homes and schools. It cites the state Air Resources Board , which in 2005 estimated an 80% drop-off in pollutant concentrations at approximately 1,000 feet from a distribution center.

If this is signed into law, were basically saying, Business as usual is OK; lets keep building it like this, Vidaurre said. Were going to continue to see warehouses being put across the street from homes and schools, because it will be OK with the law.

Assemblymember Eloise Gomez Reyes (D-Colton), another co-author, acknowledged during a Senate committee hearing last week that AB 98 preserves jobs and enacts warehouse standards but is not the perfect bill.

She introduced a bill earlier this year that said warehouses could be sited within 1,000 feet of schools, homes, healthcare facilities and other sensitive sites only if they included a minimum setback of 750 feet and adopted specific mitigation measures. The bill was held in its first committee.

Gomez Reyes said the distance requirements in AB 98 could serve as a floor.

I do not believe the sensitive receptor setbacks in this bill adequately protect our most vulnerable communities, Gomez Reyes said during the hearing. It is important to note that these, however, are only a minimum. And nothing in this bill stops cities or advocates from pushing to put in place stronger standards with local cities and counties.

Read more: California's wealthiest farm family plans mega-warehouse complex that would reshape Kern economy

Karla Cervantes launched the Mead Valley Coalition for Clean Air earlier this year to fight the proliferation of warehouses in her unincorporated community of about 20,500 people in Riverside County. She said developers aren't going to agree to setbacks larger than what's required in the legislation.

Riverside County already recommends warehouses be designed so theres at least 300 feet between the property line of a sensitive site and the nearest dock door. Although it is "very rare" for developers to agree to a larger setback, she said, they will sometimes offer larger landscaped buffers to obscure people's view of facilities.

If AB 98 becomes law, she said, "it's going to be even harder for us to try to push for better."

Newsom has until Sept. 30 to sign or veto the bill.

This article is part of The Times equity reporting initiative, funded by the James Irvine Foundation, exploring the challenges facing low-income workers and the efforts being made to address Californias economic divide.

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.
Scotch on the rocks: Why your whisky risks being stranded on the isles

Six thousand Hebridean islanders and millions of pounds of whisky and seafood shipments face transport turmoil this winter after crisis-hit ferry firm CalMac slashed its timetable.

Residents of Islay and Mull will see services cut after Scottish Government-owned CalMac revealed that each island will be served by just one vessel instead of the usual two over winter.

The reduced services comes as CalMac grapples with a capacity crunch following years of underinvestment and delayed ship deliveries.

At best, the slimmed-down schedule will reduce the number of daily sailings to the two islands by as much as 40pc compared with the usual winter service.

At worst, engineering problems of the kind that regularly afflict the ageing CalMac fleet could spell weeks without adequate links to the mainland.

Distilleries on Islay fear that whisky exports worth tens of millions of pounds a week could be disrupted, while seafood producers on both islands fear shipments of oysters, mussels and langoustines will fail to reach clients.

The timetable reductions highlight the desperate situation facing CalMac, which has faced a six-year delay in the delivery of two new vessels from Ferguson Marine, which is also controlled by the SNP.

Distilleries on Islay fear whisky exports worth tens of millions of pounds a week are at risk of being disrupted - Rodrigo Narvaez/iStockphoto

The situation has been compounded by the late handover from Turkey of a third ship meant to serve Islay, together with the scrapping of one vessel and the timing of annual maintenance work on others.

Haulage firm B Mundell has been operating on Islay for 50 years and serves all nine of the islands distilleries, transporting whisky to the mainland and bringing in grain and empty casks.

Matthew Mundell, the businesss operations manager, is concerned that the winter timetable will prove unsustainable. The ferry is a lifeline for Islay both for business and the wider community, he says.

Serving the island with one vessel leaves very little fat on the bone to mitigate against mechanical breakdown and weather issues that are commonly seen at this time of year.

Anthony Wills, founder and managing director of the Kilchoman distillery, said previous disruption to the ferry service almost forced his company out of business.

Mr Wills said: The whole of the Hebrides is affected by the ferry issues, but particularly here because of the size of the whisky industry.

The infrastructure has not caught up with demand and it can be very challenging. With only one vessel and all of the distilleries operating flat out things would grind to a halt very quickly if anything went wrong.

The concerns have prompted Jenni Minto, SNP MSP for Argyll and Bute, to call a crisis meeting that will bring together CalMac chief Duncan Mackison, council chiefs, community groups and business leaders in the biggest gathering of stakeholders since Covid.

Ms Minto said she would be seeking answers from CalMac about what islanders could expect in coming months at the gathering at Islays Gaelic centre on Monday.

She said: I live on Islay so I share the same frustrations as everyone else. Its not just a timetable or a ferry. Its a way of life. We need to know what will happen before the new ferries arrive and what issue will remain after they do.

Islay will be left with a single ship, the Finlaggan, once the 39-year-old Hebridean Isles is sent for scrap in November - Ian Rutherford/Alamy Stock Photo

Islay McEachern, the Islay community council ferry committee convenor, said CalMac should consider 24-hour operations if only one boat is to be deployed. It is already the companys busiest freight route and set to grow further as two more distilleries are opened.

CalMac argues that is not possible because its vessels lack sufficient soundproofing to enable one crew member to sleep onboard while the other is working. However, McEachern believes an easy workaround would be to provide temporary modular accommodation ashore.

Islay will be left with a single ship, the Finlaggan, once the near 40-year-old vessel, Hebridean Isles, is sent for scrap in November after its certification expires.

The Finlaggan will itself be out of traffic for maintenance in the new year, with a smaller vessel taking over, something McEachern says will be unworkable.

On Mull, the Loch Frisa will operate solo to Oban on the mainland for extended periods.

Joe Reade, who heads the Mull ferry committee, says the Loch Frisa is too small and too slow to provide an adequate service. It is able to carry only half the vehicles and a quarter of passengers of larger vessels.

Reade resigned his membership of the SNP last year over its handling of the ferry crisis, saying the debacle risked costing the party votes.

While Loganair flights connect Islay with Glasgow, the planes have little cargo capacity and the harsh Hebridean weather means the islands airport has one of the worst cancellation records in the UK.

Alternative ferry routes from Mull, meanwhile, use far smaller vessels and deposit drivers in one of the most remote parts of Scotland, adding hours to journey times.

The service reductions, announced last week, mark a new low point in the fiasco surrounding CalMacs fleet replacement plans, which have left Scottish taxpayers picking up the 250m bill for cost overruns on the two new vessels from Ferguson Marine, the Glen Sannox and Glen Rosa.

CalMac told The Telegraph that it is due to receive the Glen Sannox by the end of this month. The Isle of Islay, another ship, is expected from Turkey before the close of the year. Both should enter commercial service later in the winter, CalMac said.

Scottish taxpayers have been left to pick up the 250m bill for cost overruns on the two new vessels from Ferguson Marine: the Glen Sannox (pictured) and Glen Rosa - Iain Masterton/Alamy Stock Photo

A spokesman said: We are currently planning timetables for both and will continue engagement with those communities in the following weeks and months. They dont factor in the winter timetable because we had to plan with the vessels we have at the moment.

Transport Scotland declined to comment, referring The Telegraph to remarks from SNP transport secretary Fiona Hyslop last Tuesday, when she told the Scottish parliament that a number of measures should begin to improve the resilience of the CalMac network.

Those include an extended lease on the Alfred, which usually serves Orkney, to provide emergency cover and the return to service of the Caledonian Isles, the second-largest vessels in the CalMac fleet. The procurement of seven small electric ferries has also begun.

Conservative MSP Graham Simpson, Scotlands shadow transport minister, said the SNP, which has been in power for 17 years, is ultimately to blame for the capacity crisis.

He said: You cant look beyond them because they control every part of the chain, from CalMac to Ferguson to the procurement company that orders the ships, as well as the actual investment decisions.

Really we should have had new ferries arriving every year so that the fleet is constantly being renewed.

I have some sympathy for CalMac because theyve been dealt a rotten hand. Theyre given these vessels that are getting older each year and told to get on with it.

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.
FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE)  The criminal complaint filed in federal court following the arrest of a Fresno Police cadet reveals new information in the case against 27-year-old Joshua Brown.

The Fresno Police Department announced Thursday that, in late June 2024, the department was made aware of an investigation initiated by the FBI involving then-police cadet Joshua Brown.

The Fresno Police Department says Brown was taken into custody by the FBI on Tuesday, Sept. 3, and booked into the Fresno County Jail. Browns employment was terminated by the City of Fresno. Brown has since been charged with possession of a machine gun and possession of an unregistered NFA (National Firearms Act) weapon.

Fresno Police cadet arrested by FBI

Federal court documents show that Fresno-based FBI agents were given legal permission in June to search the Instagram account and Google account associated with Brown. That search suggested that he had manufactured a fully-automatic MP5 submachine gun and he possessed an unregistered suppressor. On September 3, a special agent with the FBI authored a search warrant to search Browns residence in northwest Fresno.

On September 3, during the search of Browns apartment, prosecutors say they found a fully automatic MP5 submachine gun, a fully automatic AR-15-style rifle in the closet, and several firearm suppressors. They also found military and firearms-related decor and paraphernalia.

Both the MP5 and AR-15 were loaded, according to the complaint.

Investigators with the FBI say they reviewed Browns Instagram account and found that the MP5, AR-15, and one of the suppressors Brown posted to his account appeared to be the same MP5, AR-15, and suppressor recovered in his apartment.

Agents say he admitted that the MP5, AR-15, and suppressors belonged to him. He also admitted that he knew the MP5 and AR-15 were capable of fully automatic fire.

The Fresno Police Department says Brown was hired by the department in September 2023. After Browns arrest, police say two additional department personnel have been placed on paid administrative leave pending an internal investigation.

The Fresno Police Department takes its responsibility to those living and working in our city very seriously. Allegations of misconduct will be thoroughly investigated in an ongoing effort to build and maintain the trust of our community, Interim Chief Mindy Casto 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 YourCentralValley.com | KSEE24 and CBS47.
In an overnight operation, the Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar Aurangabad city police arrested six shooters involved in the recent Ferozepur triple murder case. The accused were apprehended while fleeing along the Nagpur-Mumbai Samruddhi Super Expressway. Along with the shooters, the police also arrested the driver of the vehicle, who is from Nanded. Police Commissioner Pravin Pawar confirmed that the city police successfully executed the operation, arresting seven individuals. The operation was carried out effectively, and the forces managed to arrest the accused who were trying to escape in a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), which was reportedly picked up from Nanded, said Pawar. According to reports, the arrests were part of a coordinated effort led by the anti-gangster task force of Punjab Police, headed by Additional Director General Pramod Bhan, Commissioner Pawar, and central agencies. The arrested shooters have been identified as Ravinder Singh alias Ravi, Sukhchain Singh, Akshay Kumar alias Bachcha, Daler Singh, Gurpreet Singh, and Prince, all from Punjab. The driver of the vehicle has been identified as Gajendra Shriram from Nanded. The arrests occurred near the Sawangi tunnel of the Samruddhi Super Expressway, which is within the city police limits. Punjab Police officials reported that the shooters were captured while exiting the tunnel. The Ferozepur triple murder case involved a violent attack on Tuesday afternoon. According to the police, the accused fired around 36 bullets at their targets as the victims' car approached Gurdwara Sri Akalgarh Sahib in Ferozepur. The attack resulted in the death of Jaspreet Kaur (22) on the spot, while her cousin Dildeep Singh (32) and an acquaintance, Akashdeep Singh, died later in the hospital. Jaspreet's brother Anmol Singh and another individual were injured and are currently in critical condition. Jaspreet Kaur was scheduled to marry in the coming days. The Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar city police set a trap after learning that the accused had fled to the Samruddhi Expressway and successfully captured them while they were trying to escape in an MPV hired from Nanded. (ANI)
On Thursday, Judge Tanya Chutkan held a status conference in Washington, D.C., to discuss how Donald Trump's federal election interference case  which carries four felony charges against the former president  should progress and how fast. Trump himself, however, was nowhere to be found.

Fast forward 24 hours to an ornate, immaculate courtroom in Manhattans federal appeals court, where a three-judge panel heard oral argument on Trumps appeal of E. Jean Carrolls first civil trial verdict that found him liable for sexual abuse and defamation. Yet after skipping the entirety of the first Carroll trial and despite not being obligated to attend, Trump showed up for the argument.

With four of his lawyers already seated at their assigned table, Trump entered slowly, flanked only by four Secret Service agents and trailed by two of his most loyal legal and political advisers, Alina Habba and Boris Epshteyn. The Republican presidential nominee wore his classic business formal outfit: dark suit, white shirt, and a long, shiny red tie.

And before the argument began, Trump did two notable  and chilling  acts. First, while still standing, he wheeled around and surveyed the gallery of assembled press and members of the public. Eyes narrowed, he glowered in an echo of trial days past. Then, taking his seat at the head of a table immediately behind his legal team, he turned to his right, seeming to appraise a tall blonde seated at a table directly across the room. But Carroll, in a nipped-waist skirt suit with her hair tied back with a girlish, satiny bow, stared straight ahead, just as she had for nearly all of her two trials.

Thus, even before the judges arrived, the scene was riveting. But a more fundamental question remains: Why did Trump come to court at all, especially given that this case involves his smallest outstanding liability and civil litigants are never required to appear?

Let me posit a few potential reasons.

First, should Trump win the November election, many legal experts assume he will either order his Department of Justice to withdraw the two federal cases against him and/or direct the attorney general to fire special counsel Jack Smith. But as president, he would have no ability to expunge any civil liabilities or halt his civil cases. Put another way, while a president could arguably pardon himself or end any criminal cases against him, Trump simply cannot campaign his way out of any of the civil judgments against him.

Still, the first Carroll trial, which dealt with statements Trump made in fall 2022, yielded a $5 million award for Carroll. Thats a gargantuan sum to most of us. But even assuming Trumps self-proclaimed net worth is exaggerated, thats likely pocket change to him. So why would he care? Because although Fridays argument was technically limited to evidentiary issues at the first trial, it could also impact the much larger, $83.3 million verdict in the second trial, which concerned Trumps June 2019 statements.

A courtroom sketch of Friday's hearing for Donald Trump's appeal of the verdict in the first E. Jean Carroll civil trial.

Last year, the trial judge overseeing both Carroll cases, Lewis Kaplan, determined that the first trial verdict established that Trumps substantively identical 2019 statements were also defamatory and, therefore, Trumps liability had already been adjudicated. All that was left for the second jury, Kaplan ruled, was to decide Carrolls damages. The flip side of Kaplans decision, however, is that if the appeals court overturns the first verdict, it would necessarily destroy the second. And it could have been that hope  specifically, the hope of erasing nearly $90 million owed to Carroll  that brought Trump to watch the appeal.

Yet my guess is that his wallet wasnt the only or even primary reason Trump cared enough to visit yet another courtroom. Rather, it was his supporters' wallets that prompted Trump to go to court and then hold court at Trump Tower for nearly an hour.

Trump and his campaign advisers well understand the perverse relationship between his perceived victimization through the civil and criminal cases against him, on the one hand, and his popularity among his base, on the other. And they recognize that Trumps fundraising peaks when he is  or simply portrays himself to be  in serious legal peril.

For example, according to Politico, Trumps best online fundraiser day of the first quarter of the year  and his third best overall since launching his presidential campaign in November 2022  came on the same day that New York Attorney General Letitia James took initial steps toward seizing his assets in the event he failed to make bond in her civil fraud case, where she won a $450 million-plus verdict.

Similarly, The Associated Press reported that of Trumps $141 million fundraising haul in May, more than a third came from online contributions in the 24 hours after a jury found Trump guilty on all 34 felony fraud counts in his New York hush money case. But by August  shortly after the Supreme Court handed Trump a huge victory through its presidential immunity decision and while virtually all of Trumps cases were quiet, if not dormant  Trumps fundraising total fell below May levels while Vice President Kamala Harris raised $361 million, nearly tripling Trump for the month.

The Carroll case, on the other hand, plays right into the twin pillars of Trumps messaging: martyrdom and misogyny. Put another way, Trump stewed silently during court so he could unleash his grievances after, all with the goal of filling his campaign coffer and pushing back on Harris prosecutor versus sexual abuser framing.

After all, sometimes you can only win by losing. And Trump knows that well.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL)  The Wichita Falls police department and city leaders honored several officers retiring and receiving promotions at a ceremony held at the MPEC Friday morning.

Twelve-year-old Enrique Hernandez was recognized with the departments letter of appreciation. Enrique said that when his family moved to the area, he made some friends when his mom took him to the police department for his birthday.

WCSO Citizens Academy making change in the community

Ever since, hes used his lemonade stand to raise money for the department. He said hes looking forward to helping the police and becoming a police officer someday.

Well, it started after church. I was just walking into a police officer, and he let me hop on his motorcycle, and he was just super nice. And he even let me keep a badge, he said. So ever since then, I just wanted to be a police. I dont know, its just very convincing for me to be a police because they have a whole community for them.

WFPD chief of police Manuel Borrego said hes happy to see young men and women show interest in a law enforcement career. Enrique graduated from the junior police academy this year and was the spokesperson for his class.

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.
The start of a new school year ought to be a happy time for families  full of hope for the future, tinged with perhaps a little sadness that those golden years of childhood are slipping by so quickly. This year, tens of thousands of parents are facing acute stress and anxiety as the Government introduces halfway through the school year a wicked and unprecedented tax of 20 per cent on those paying for their childrens education.

Many people simply cannot afford it and are frantically searching in vain for places in the state sector. These are not wealthy folk who can just pay up, and many of them have written to me with heartbreaking stories. A single parent struggling with two jobs to pay the fees for a child with special needs. Another terrified of the impact on their autistic son of uprooting him from his school and moving him to another unfamiliar environment.

Members of the Armed Forces who risk their lives to keep us safe are being forced to consider leaving the careers they love. One Forces family has moved 17 times in the line of duty, and boarding school is the only practical option for their children. This new tax, given their modest salaries, makes it no longer possible.

What has happened to the Armed Forces Covenant? How can it be right to impose a penal, unplanned tax on teachers, health workers, small business people, and others already squeezed by the cost of living crisis, who drive old cars, take inexpensive holidays, and scrimp and save to choose the schools that are best for their children? Children with special talents in dance, sport or music are facing the prospect of being forced out by Christmas.

The Government, like everyone else, has not got a clue as to how many children will be affected. No impact study or cost benefit analysis has been done. Given the speed of implementation, it is hard to avoid the conclusion that this is ideologically driven, and ministers simply do not care. As a result, councils cannot plan for the inevitable increase in state school class sizes. The Government denies that there will be problems with ballooning class numbers, but Emily Thornberry let the cat out of the bag when she said if we have to have larger classes, we have larger classes.

The position will be particularly egregious in Edinburgh, where one in four pupils attend fee-paying schools. Many of the children forced to move schools will find a different curriculum and exam boards. Its just astonishing that this cruel and stupid policy could come from the Labour Party of Tony Blair, who himself attended an Edinburgh private school and who campaigned for education, education, education.

Sir Keir Starmer is alone in imposing a tax on education, which every civilised country recognises as a public good. If VAT can be levied on schools, why not nurseries, university fees, or tuition costs? The Chancellor seems to believe it will raise 1.3 billion, but this is based on some very dodgy assumptions brilliantly demolished by the Adam Smith Institute, which estimates that it could cost the Treasury almost an additional 2 billion.

The Government prays in aid the Institute for Fiscal Studies, which itself urges caution. The fact that ministers have not done their own analysis and published it is a national scandal. On Thursday of last week, the minister, Baroness Smith of Malvern, told the House of Lords that the Office for Budget Responsibility agreed with the Governments assumptions on revenues. If, given the huge uncertainties, that is correct, I fear for the reputation of the OBR and its work should be published immediately.

The Labour peer Lord Hacking has prepared a formidable analysis, which suggests something very different. The key issue is the likely level of migration from the private sector to the public sector. He estimates that, if it reaches more than 10 per cent, there will be no saving but a cost and continuing burden to the state. This is because every child educated privately saves the taxpayer considerable sums of money. The Chancellors assumptions seem to be based on a migration figure of 5 per cent. A Times survey of parents in April of this year found a migration figure of more than five times that amount.

Many independent schools are small and tiny changes in pupil numbers can wipe them out. Scotland has already lost two schools since the tax was trailed. This means the numbers seeking places in the state sector can be substantial, triggered by small numbers of parents being priced out. Of course, the Etons of this world will survive, but these large, well-endowed schools make up less than 10 per cent of the independent sector.

So what can be done? The Government must abandon introducing the new tax in January 2025. Some people are suggesting exemptions from VAT for children with special needs or for parents in the Armed Forces. This shows a basic misunderstanding of how VAT works. It is a tax on a service not the consumer. I realise that the Government is in a bind, having said it would impose a tax on education in the manifesto. It was a foolish, uncosted promise which was not thought through and which did not consider the unintended consequences.

If the Prime Minister is determined to go ahead with this damaging and cruel policy, it should be phased in after the end of the current school year and the rate of VAT set at 5 per cent, not 20 per cent. That might even result in the Treasury getting some revenue instead of a substantial bill for increasing inequality and reducing choice in education.

Lord Forsyth is chairman of the Association of Conservative Peers and a former secretary of state for Scotland

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.
(COLORADO SPRINGS)  Widefield School District 3 (WSD3) has been awarded a $2 million grant by the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) to support science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) learning for K-12 students.

We are incredibly grateful for DoDEAs investment in STEM education within our district and for their support and commitment in helping us develop the next generation of scientists, engineers, and technology leaders, said WSD3 Superintendent Aaron Hoffman. This funding not only enhances the resources and opportunities available to our elementary students, but also fosters a culture of innovation and critical thinking that will benefit all of our students for years to come.

According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, as of May 2023, STEM workers earned a median annual wage of $101,650 compared to $46,680 for non-STEM occupations.

Introducing students early to STEM programming is key for equipping them with the skills they will need to thrive in our competitive job market, said Shane Skalla, Director of Innovation & Alternative Education. STEM-skilled graduates are highly sought after by employers across various industries, giving them a clear advantage in the workforce.

The district said there is excitement among principals and teachers about the new resources for little learners.

The resources will allow students to engage in STEM learning and activities in all elementary grade levels, kinder through 5th grades, said Michelle Blasko, Principal at French Elementary. The hands-on materials will allow teachers to facilitate high-quality instruction and allow students to engage critically in STEM reading, thinking, writing, and creating.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado.
(NewsNation)  A media company linked to six popular right-wing influencers was covertly funded by Russia to spread the Kremlins agenda, according to allegations in a Department of Justice indictment filed Wednesday.

The indictment doesnt name the company specifically, but the Tennesse-based online content company is likely TENET Media, which works with six prominent conservative creators.

The company was allegedly secretly funded to create English-language videos with an interest in amplifying U.S. domestic divisions in order to weaken U.S. opposition to Russias interests.

Bryan Kohbergers attorneys want death penalty off the table

The DOJ doesnt allege any wrongdoing by the influencers, some of whom it says were given false information about the source of the companys funding. Instead, it accuses two employees of RT, a Russian state media company, of funneling nearly $10 million to the company.

Creators who have publicly implicated they were impacted include Tim Pool, Benny Johnson, Dave Rubin, Taylor Hansen and Matt Christiansen, who are all featured on the companys YouTube channel.

Another influencer, Lauren Southern, is featured on TENETs website but has not yet publicly acknowledged the indictment.

Tim Pool

I have been contacted by the FBI as a potential victim of a crime, Pool shared on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Thursday.

Pool added that he will undergo a voluntary interview, as the FBI believes I have information relevant to an ongoing criminal investigation.

Tayler Hansen

Hansen took to X following the news to update his followers that TENET has ended after the DOJ indictment.

Hansen also posted a screenshot of a message from YouTube telling him, We have permanently removed your channel from YouTube. Going forward, you wont be able to access, possess, or create any other YouTube channels.

Andddd I just got permanently banned from YouTube. pic.twitter.com/ypkEeI65zT  Tayler Hansen (@TaylerUSA) September 7, 2024

Matt Christiansen

Christiansen hosted a stream on his platforms to make sure my core audience understands where Im coming from, and that people dont think Im some tricker or some person that was deceiving them or something.

Alongside the host of Quite Frankly, the Montana-based influencer talked through the development of TENET, his work with the company and the news of the DOJs indictment.

At no point has anyone ever directed me what to say or not to say, and I would never agree to anything otherwise, he shared on X.

Colin Gray latest parent to be charged in school shooting

Benny Johnson

I am the only person who ever had editorial control of my program. Period. My attorneys are engaged. We are being smart. Stay tuned, Johnsons X post reads in part.

Dave Rubin

In a post on X, Rubin emphasized his and the other creators innocence in the situation.

I knew absolutely nothing about any of this fraudulent activity. Period. People of the Internet was a silly show covering viral videos which ended four months ago, his tweet reads in part. The DoJ has never contacted me regarding this matter and I have no intention to comment further.

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 NewsNation.
Wis. (WTVO)  Multiple people in multiple states have been infected with salmonella due to consuming Milos Poultry Farms and Tonys Fresh Market branded eggs.

65 people in nine states have been infected, according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.

Around 42 individuals infected live in Wisconsin, while other cases are in Michigan, Iowa, Illinois, Virginia, Colorado and California. 24 people have been hospitalized but no one has been reported dead, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection said Milos Poultry Farms LLC has issued a recall of all infected eggs on Friday.

The Food and Drug Administration said to throw the eggs away after environmental samples tested positive for bacteria. From further testing, the FDA found this incident was related to an ongoing outbreak investigation.

The product was distributed through grocery stores and food service distributors in Wisconsin, Illinois and Michigan. Milos has stopped production as well as distribution and will be testing and sanitizing farms along with processing equipment.

Anyone who consumed the infected eggs should contact health officials if they are experiencing diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever and vomiting, the DHS 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 MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports.
Wisconsin man arrested for 5th OMVWI offense after hit and run incident in Madison

MADISON, Wis. (WFRV)  The Madison Police Department announced the arrest of a 27-year-old man on Thursday afternoon after he reportedly crashed into another car and fled the area on foot.

Madison officers responded to a reported incident at the intersection of East Springs Dr. and High Crossing Blvd. The suspect was identified by witnesses who saw him running and throwing items from his pockets.

Wisconsin man arrested after taking frustrations out on historical sculpture

The man, identified as Kyle Ward, got into his mothers vehicle attempting to flee. The mother reportedly didnt know what had happened, and she picked him up thinking his gas tank was empty.

Ward was arrested for his fifth OMVWI offense, a hit and run to an occupied vehicle and multiple other charges.

Illinois man charged in shooting of UW-Whitewater national gymnastics champion Kara Welsh

No more details are available 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 WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton.
JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV)  WJTV 12 News Melanie Christopher was honored during the 2024 NATAS Southeasts Gold and Silver Circle Awards ceremony.

Christopher was inducted by the Southeast Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) into the Silver Circle.

To be eligible for the Silver Circle, one must have 25 or more years service to the industry and have had notable achievements in the Southeast Chapter. The inductees are chosen by the President of the Chapter and affirmed by the Board of Governors.

Christopher is the evening anchor at WJTV 12 News in Jackson, Mississippi.

WJTV 12 News Walt Grayson was previously inducted into the Gold Circle, while Anchor Byron Brown, General Manager Jeff Guy, and News Director Tai Takahashi were also inducted into the Silver Circle.

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.
A Kansas City Chiefs fanatic has been sentenced to nearly two decades in prison for robbing or attempting to rob 11 banks, in a double life that saw him stealing close to $1m.

Xaviar Babudar became a social media sensation for his superfan ChiefsAholic persona, for which he would dress up in a full-body wolf costume complete with Chief's merch.

However, the 30-year-olds parade was only half the show, as he was at the same time secretly engaged in a violent crime spree of armed robberies and attempted robberies across seven states, said US attorney Teresa Moore after Babudar's sentencing on Thursday.

ChiefsAholic, also known as Xaviar Babudar, poses for photos while walking toward Empower Field at Mile High before a Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs game on January 8, 2022 (AP)

She said the convicted armed robber funded his expensive superfan lifestyle of chiefs tickets and transport using the money stolen from his heists, which came to a total of $847,725.

In addition to being sentenced to 17-and-a-half years behind bars, the court ordered Babudar to pay $532,675 in restitution to the banks he targeted, according to the US Attorney's Office.

The charges were related to a string of 11 robberies, or attempted robberies, including at the Tulsa Teachers Credit Union in Bixby, Oklahoma in 2022.

Entering the bank on December 16 that year, Babudar jumped the teller counter armed with what appeared to be a black handgun, ordering an employee at gunpoint to the credit union's vault.

He then demanded bank employees open the vault and move money from it to a plastic bag, threatening to shoot them if they did not comply.

According to a statement from Bixby chief of police Todd Blish at the time, the quick and decisive action of a witness in reporting the robbers description and the direction he fled enabled officers to respond in less than two minutes and have the suspect in custody within six minutes.

The man apprehended was identified as Babudar, who was carrying a large bag containing $150,250 in $100 and $50 bills.

NFL superfan Xaviar Babudar, known for attending Kansas City Chiefs games dressed as a wolf, has been sentenced for a string of bank robberies (Tulsa County Jail)

Officials found pairs of goggles and gloves, which he had used in other bank robberies, as well as two betslips for $4,000 and $20,000 and letters from Community America Credit Union related to his deposits of $20,000 and $50,000 in May.

The actions of Babudar were brazen and traumatic for the bank employees robbed in Bixby, Oklahoma, said US Attorney Clint Johnson of the Northern District of Oklahoma, who also thanked the Bixby Police Department for its work in collaboration with the FBI Tulsa field office, which helped detain Babudar.

The now orange jumpsuit-donning Babudar admitted robbing the Bixby bank and 10 other robberies or attempted robberies.

He also pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering and one count of transporting stolen property across state lines.

Following his arrest, Babudar was released on bond in February 2023.

Days after placing several bets ranging from $5,000 to $100,000, Babudar cut off his ankle monitor and fled from Oklahoma, according to court documents via the release, using his gambling winnings to purchase a vehicle in Henderson, Nevada.

He admitted robbing two of the 11 banks while on the run, before he was arrested for a second time in Sacramento on July 7, 2023.
(FOX40.COM)  The Nevada County Sheriffs Office said it found and rescued on Friday afternoon a 24-year-old woman who had been missing for 12 days in a remote area.

The woman, Esmeralda Maria Pineda, was found severely dehydrated and emaciated and needed immediate medical attention, the agency said.

Rescue crews walk with a woman toward a helicopter in Nevada County

Deputies located her at the top of a river canyon near the Yuba River and Sweetland Creek. That is a forested area south of New Bullards Bar Reservoir, about 90 miles northeast of Sacramento.

Firefighters with the North San Juan Fire Dept. attended Pineda before she was taken to a hospital in a CHP helicopter.

30 chihuahuas rescued from hoarding situation, overwhelm Northern California shelter

The Sheriffs Office and our search and rescue volunteers covered extensive ground throughout our search, and we are thankful today to find her alive, said Sergeant Dustin Moe in a statement issued by the sheriffs office.

The agency said that the area was treacherous in nature and that search and rescue volunteers had to rappel into and out of a canyon to search for Pineda.

Search crews also had been using off-highway vehicles during the 12-day search.

Pineda was reported missing after being seen for the last time at a Nevada County mining camp near the middle fork of the Yuba River and Sweetland Creek on August 26.

In the days after, the sheriffs office said she was considered at-risk and that she may have been trying to return to the Sacramento 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 FOX40.
BJP leader Prakash Reddy assured the people of Telangana on Saturday that all possible financial assistance will be given by the Union Government to the state amid the ongoing flood situation and that people of the state would be given all the support by the government. While speaking to ANI, the BJP leader mentioned the visit by the Union Agriculture Minister to Telangana and Andhra Pradesh to inspect the flood affected areas. "The agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, on the instructions of the Prime Minister, along with MoS Home, Bandi Sanjay ji visited the flood affected areas in Khammam district. He also visited Vijayawada, a major city in Andhra Pradesh, which is affected by the floods. Finally yesterday and the day before yesterday, the minister assured total support to both the states." he said. Khammam District Collector Muzammil Khan had described the floods in Khammam district as "unprecedented" and one that was not witnessed in the region for the last 30 years. Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy held a meeting with Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay on Friday, given the situation of floods in the state. In a post on X, CM Reddy said that discussions were held on flood damage and relief measures during the meeting and announced Rs 10,000 to the affected families as immediate relief. The BJP leader further mentioned that no specific figure has been declared for financial assistance but losses calculated by government officers, particularly losses to railways and national highways, will be borne out to the union government itself. "Whatever the government of India, in its rules and present position, will certainly help the Telangana government. No figure has been declared so far, but the government promised, by Shivraj Singh Chouhan, that all help will be given, all financial assistance will be given to help with the flood relief. Particularly the national highways, railway tracks, whatever the losses are there, they will be borne by the government of India only," said the BJP leader. Reddy further said that people of Telangana should understand that the Union government certainly feel that Telangana is part of the country. "So people of Telangana should understand that the Government of India certainly feels that Telangana is part of this country, and the people of Telangana will be given all support to come out of this crisis," he added. (ANI)
WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) said a woman was killed and a man was injured after a shooting in Northwest D.C. on Friday night.

Police said that at about 10:30 p.m., they were dispatched to 1001 Spring Road for the report of a shooting.

Man injured during shooting in Southeast DC

When officers arrived at the scene, they found a woman and a man who had been shot inside the home.

The woman died. She was identified as 33-year-old Tanisha Morris, of Northwest.

The man was transported to the hospital.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  A Maumelle woman who found a 1987 Bryant class ring hopes to return to its owner using the power of social media to widen the search.

Kathryn Wilson and her dog Maddie were beside the Pulaski County Courthouse when Maddie dug up the class ring. She said the ring has the name Michael on it along with Bryant High and 1987.

There is an engraving in here that says memories, Wilson said.

Texas postal worker delivers WWII veterans letters to Arkansas family

Wilson said she has been posting it in many Facebook groups and on TikTok to find the owner.

The community just came together and were like were going to find this person, Wilson said.

Despite a lot of help, she hasnt been able to reach who it belongs to yet, but she says they have possibly narrowed down a name.

They narrowed it down by class and the initials and they said that it seems most likely it belonged to a man named Michael Coney, Wilson said.

However, Wilson said she has not been able to get into contact with him to verify if its his or not. She said she hopes someone can help her return what could be a treasured item.

For me, if it was mine, I would want it back, she said. So I just thought, Hey I would give someone their memory back.

Shes special: lost photo from Wynne tornado reunited with owner

Anyone who may know who the owner is can email Wilson.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  Assistant District Attorney John Briggs has filed an explosive wrongful termination lawsuit against El Paso County stemming from his dismissal during the Yvonne Rosales administration.

The lawsuit alleges Rosales was a colossal disaster as the El Paso District Attorney. Her brief tenure was indelibly marred by incompetence and scandal so pervasive that it eventually culminated with her resignation, but only after she invoked her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination when asked to explain her actions.

Briggs, a 25-year employee at the District Attorneys Office who was at one time the lead prosecutor on the Walmart shooting case, was fired by Rosales in August 2022 amidst a massive controversy over who in the District Attorneys Office may have conspired to send an e-mail to media impersonating the family of Walmart victim Alexander Hoffmann.

Due to the controversy and Rosales ongoing failure to file cases on time, which resulted in hundreds of case dismissals, she was forced to resign in December 2022.

The lawsuit alleges that Briggs was increasingly uncomfortable with Rosales legal adviser, Roger Rodriguez, spending time around the office despite not being an employee. The lawsuit alleges he was seemingly ever present, including in highly confidential and privileged discussions.

Following a hearing on July 1, 2022, where Judge Sam Medrano issued a gag order, the DAs Office met with families to explain the next steps and reassure them the case was still on track. While Briggs explained the gag order to the families, Rodriguez allegedly interjected and told the group they would get the judge recused, encouraging them to file complaints with the Ethics Commission.

Briggs allegedly raised his concerns about Rodriguezs interference with then-First Assistant DA George Al-Hanna. He states he told Al-Hanna he would no longer attend Walmart shooter case meetings at which Rodriguez was present.

On July 15, just days after voicing his concerns, Briggs was removed from the Patrick Crusius case. At the time, Briggs was the only attorney in the office with trial experience in capital punishment trials.

On Aug. 4, 2022, media, including KTSM, received an e-mail purportedly from the family of Alexander Hoffman, one of the Walmart victims. The e-mail, which clearly violated Judge Medranos gag order, criticized the judge and a former prosecutor on the case, who was rumored to be running against Rosales in the next election.

Who is impersonating the family of a Walmart massacre victim?

KTSMs investigation revealed that the Hoffmanns didnt send the email, and the addresses it was addressed to were identical to the DAs media contact list.

The lawsuit says on Aug. 18, 2022, Senior Division Chief Curtis Cox advised Briggs to sign an affidavit indicating that Briggs failed to notify the Hoffmanns of the gag order, which Briggs says is false.

Briggs says he refused to sign the affidavit, believing the e-mail sent to the media originated from the DAs Office and Roger Rodriguez.

The following day, Aug. 19, Briggs had an unexpected annual performance evaluation by Division Chief Scott Ferguson. Briggs claims he was not given a copy of the review and only received a copy after filing a Public Information Act request. Briggs claimed Al-Hanna intentionally altered Fergusons evaluation of Briggs and sent the altered evaluation to Rosales.

Briggs was terminated from the District Attorneys Office on Aug. 22, 2022, and escorted out of the office after 25 years.

According to the lawsuit, even after leaving office, his former colleagues continued to harass him. Four days before Briggs was scheduled to appear at a hearing regarding a motion to recuse Judge Sam Medrano, Al-Hanna signed a grievance with the State Bar of Texas. The State Bar ultimately dropped the grievance.

After his termination, Briggs was hired for a brief period with the Ector County District Attorneys Office before returning to the El Paso District Attorneys office in February 2023, when Bill Hicks was appointed as DA following Rosales resignation.

Briggs lawsuit against El Paso County seeks damages and pay for the lost wages he allegedly incurred following his termination from the El Paso County District Attorneys Office.

John-Briggs-V-El-Paso-CountyDownload

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Xi Jinping had a clear aim as he hosted delegates from more than 50 African countries for a major summit in Beijing this week: proving beyond doubt that China is the continents premier foreign partner.

The Chinese leader made his case with ceremony on Thursday when, flanked by dozens of African leaders and the UN secretary general in the Great Hall of the People, he vowed to elevate ties between China and the continent to an all-weather community with a shared future  a status that Beijing reserves for its staunchest diplomatic allies.

He also made a raft of promises to the continent, to be fulfilled over the next three years: more than $50 billion in financial support; the creation of one million jobs; tens of millions in food and military aid  while vowing to deepen cooperation with Africa in industry, agriculture, infrastructure, trade and investment.

Leaders including South Africas Cyril Ramaphosa, Kenyas William Ruto and Nigerias Bola Tinubu assembled in the Chinese capital this week for the three-day forum that Beijing hailed as its largest diplomatic gathering in years.

Xis bid to African governments comes as China appears to be reining in its previously free-flowing funding for Africas development  amid its own economic slowdown and criticism its lending there had helped to saddle countries with unsustainable debt.

Now, other powers like the United States are ramping up their own efforts to boost ties with the resource-rich continent, as they seek to counter Chinas political influence and secure access to critical resources key to powering the green energy transition.

The three-yearly forum on China-Africa cooperation, which wrapped Friday, was a key opportunity for Xi and his officials to telegraph their commitment to the continent, whose backing has only grown in importance for Beijing in the face of its mounting friction with the West.

Here are the main takeaways from Xis pitch to the continent this week.

End of the infrastructure drive?

Xi and Chinese officials appeared keen to show that Chinese investment, including in African infrastructure, was not over  even as data show Chinese lending for Africas development and big-ticket infrastructure has fallen substantially in recent years.

The Chinese leader announced a commitment to back 30 infrastructure connectivity projects across unspecified countries and ambitions for a network of land-sea links. He said China would launch 30 clean energy projects, seen as part of a push from Beijing to make Africas market a destination for its green tech like solar panels and electric vehicles that now face tariffs in the US and Europe.

Deals cut in a procession of bilateral meetings this week also included infrastructure. China, Zambia and Tanzania inked a memorandum of understanding to revitalize the existing Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority line on Wednesday, and Nigeria and China referenced developing the West African countrys transportation, ports and free trade zones, in a joint statement.

However, such projects and Chinas overall pledge of roughly $50 billion in financial support for the continent, while heftier than that of the last forum in 2021, was still less robust than those of the previous decade, observers said.

It is not insignificant, but if you look at the details, it is not as striking as it used to be, said Yun Sun, director of the China program at the Stimson Center think tank in Washington, noting that this amount would be spread across many countries and a number of areas of cooperation from health to green technology.

It also means the funding for hard infrastructure will be reduced across the board. There might be a few major projects, but the more funding they take, the less there will be for other things, she said.

African country leaders had arrived in China seeking seeking investment, trade, and support industrializing their raw commodity sectors to create jobs. They are expected to be closely watching for follow-through on Beijings wide-ranging promises in the coming years, with analysts saying fulfillment of past commitments have been difficult to track.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan pose for a group photo with leaders from African nations ahead of a dinner reception in Beijing on September 4. - Ken Ishii/Getty Images

A debt crisis loomed large

This years gathering also played out under the shadow of a debt crisis across a number of African countries, which have struggled under heavy foreign debt, including from Chinese loans, in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic  and raised questions about Chinas role in fueling the issue.

Analysts have largely debunked earlier debt trap claims that Beijing was purposefully seeking to indebt countries in order to gain leverage over their assets, as it lent toward the construction of highways, rail lines and power plants across Africa under Xis flagship Belt and Road Initiative.

African leaders have also pushed back on the premise while in Beijing, with South Africas Ramaphosa rejecting the notion that when China (invests), it is with an intention of, in the end, ensuring that those countries end up in a debt trap or in a debt crisis in comments to reporters.

China is also not seen by observers to be the main cause of African debt distress in most cases, with debt to its lenders making up a comparatively small portion of the continents overall public debt.

But the influx of Chinese loans increased the debt burden, and while Beijing has defended its lending practices and its efforts to ease debt repayment, observers suggest it has moved too slowly or been inflexible in cases helping countries that are heavily indebted to it get relief.

These realities  along with Chinas own economic slowdown  are seen to have reduced its appetite for such lending. Even before the pandemic, Chinese lenders had already been slashing funding for the big-scale infrastructure projects and touting a transition to so-called small yet beautiful investments, with smaller budgets and environmental or social impact.

Xi highlighted such projects while laying out Beijings plan for supporting the region in the coming years, but did not address the debt shouldered by countries in his public remarks.

Competing visions

Instead, the Chinese leader reached back into history to paint the West as the driver of challenges both for China and for Africa  part of what observers say is Beijings effort to portray the continent as firmly on its side when it comes to its broader geopolitical rivalry with the US.

China, Africa and other developing nations have for decades been endeavoring to redress the historical injustices of Western modernization, Xi told visiting delegations, in an apparent allusion to colonialism and exploitative practices in centuries past.

Now, Xi predicted, China would, along with African countries, set off a wave of modernization in the Global South.

Analysts say Beijing sees the continents backing as crucial to Xis aim of positioning China as a champion of the Global South  and an alternative global leader to the US.

Playing up that backing was also a likely motivation behind Chinas elevation of diplomatic ties with attending African countries to a strategic level and its designation of the all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era, observers say.

The US and its Group of Seven (G7) allies have launched their own effort to fund infrastructure in developing countries, with US officials saying African countries should have choices when it comes to their partnerships.

Noting that more countries were increasing attention on ties with African nations, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday said Beijing welcomes such support for the continent  as long as its not done with a condescending approach.

Visiting leaders at the summit also rebuffed the idea of competition defining the relationship. Speaking on the summits sidelines, Senegals Foreign Minister Yassine Fall said that there would always be global competition, but noted that Africans today are saying that China is on our side.

African country leaders, however, are unlikely to be willing to choose between Washington and Beijing.

Overall (at the forum), the African side created the impression that China remains pivotal, said Paul Nantulya, a senior China specialist at the Africa Center for Strategic Studies in Washington.

But this does not mean that they will ditch the US and others. They clearly do not want to isolate themselves from opportunities and multiple engagements and partnerships, he said.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
NEW YORK (PIX11)  With the school year kicking off this week, for a lot of parents, safety is top of mind.

To deal with that, some nonpublic schools in New York will see increased security funding from the state.

More Local News

New York State Senator Michael Gianaris says that following the events of October 7, students across the state have faced increased levels of hate. Weve seen the world has gotten much smaller so when something happens across the world we feel it here in New York, said Gianaris.

Thats why along with Assemblymember Andrew Hevesi, he successfully pushed to increase security funding for religious and independent schools.

The states Nonpublic School Safety Equipment grants for this year have increased from $45 to $70 million.

This is a program that has been in place and is working but is too small given the need we have given the increase in hate crimes, said Gianaris.

According to the NYPD, hate crimes in the city alone are up nearly 18% year to date compared to the same period last year.

Phones banned in some New York City schools as students return

Syndey Altfield is with Teach NYS, a nonprofit group that advocates for safe education for nonpublic school students. The Jewish organization partnered with other religious groups to push for the increase.

This funding is going a long way not only to bolster security like cameras but also the physicality of a guard in front of the school.

We need to make sure all students are safe and unfortunately the targets are the religious institutions where we see hate crimes being perpetrated against.

Gianaris agrees and says these students deserve to be protected by the state.

We have a reason to believe there is danger at these schools so providing a relatively modest sum compared to many billions of dollars we provide to public schools to make sure our Muslim and Jewish students are safe seemed like a good idea.

The funding is available in the form of reimbursements for expenditures.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
President Volodymyr Zelensky met Dutch far-right leader Geert Wilders on the sidelines of the Cernobbio Forum in Italy on Sept. 7.

Wilders became the leader of the biggest party in the Netherlands following the Dutch elections in November 2023, when his political party, the Party for Freedom (PVV), secured 37 of the 150 seats in parliament.

Although he does not hold an official position in the cabinet of the Netherlands' four-party ruling coalition, Wilders is an influential political player and the country's longest-serving MP.

Zelensky "thanked the Netherlands and the entire Dutch people for the comprehensive support of Ukraine: defense, financial, and humanitarian," and noted "the significant contribution of the Netherlands to the strengthening of Ukrainian air defense," the Presidential Office said.

Read also: Ukraines not asking for anything more than you already have, Zelensky says in Italy

Zelensky also discussed the battlefield situation and Ukraine's peace formula with Wilders, the Presidential Office said.

Wilders described the meeting as a "good conversation," and said the two discussed a range of issues, including "corruption in Ukraine, the chance of peace and the conditions for it, the Nord Stream issue, and the Ukrainian men who stay in the Netherlands instead of helping in Ukraine."

The Dutch politician has voiced opposition in the past to sending financial support and fighter jets to Kyiv, arguing they should be used for domestic needs.

Wilders also spoke out against Ukrainian refugees, saying in February that they were coming to the Netherlands for "free housing, free healthcare, and our jobs."

Zelensky also met Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on the sidelines of the event.

Read also: Dutch PM makes surprise visit to Ukraine, announces new aid package

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Zelenskyy on long-range strikes on Russia: We need to find key to one country, others will follow suit

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says he is working with world leaders to secure authorisation for Ukraine to carry out long-range strikes on targets inside Russia and hopes to summarise the outcome of these talks with US President Joe Biden at the UN General Assembly in September.

Source: Zelenskyy told this to journalists from Ukraines national joint 24/7 newscast in an interview in Italy, broadcast on Saturday afternoon

Details: The president mentioned that during his meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, he discussed the supply of a SAMP-T air defence system to Ukraine, noting that the system "will be in Ukraine." Zelenskyy added that "were engaged in discussions and working to bring this day closer; its very near. This is a positive development."

He also noted that he and Meloni had discussed "long-range justice for Ukraine, and Italy is one of the countries we are counting on".

Quote: "Ive been working on this project in general. That's why I met with [US Secretary of Defence Lloyd] Austin, I met with German Defence Minister [Boris] Pistorius, I met with [German Chancellor Olaf] Scholz, I talked to [French President Emmanuel] Macron the night I left. And now I met with Georgia Meloni.

If the [security] situation in the country allows me to go to the General Assembly in September, well summarise the results of all these meetings with [US President Joe] Biden. Im very hopeful for the outcome."

Details: Zelenskyy acknowledged that there is yet no consensus among Western partners on Ukraines use of long-range weapons against targets inside Russia.

Quote: "I remember working on the [authorisation allowing Ukraine to] use long-range weapons on the territory of temporarily occupied Crimea. There was no consensus then, either. But it's important to find the key to at least one country, and then others will follow suit. We are counting on it."

Support UP or become our patron!
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, currently on a visit to Italy, has met with Geert Wilders, leader of the Dutch far-right Party for Freedom.

Source: the press service for the Ukrainian President's Office, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Zelenskyy met with Wilders at the Ambrosetti Forum, where he had previously met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

Geert Wilders (left) and Volodymyr Zelenskyy (right).

Photo: Ukrainian President's Office

At the meeting with Wilders, the Ukrainian president expressed his gratitude to the Netherlands and the entire Dutch people for all the support provided to Ukraine and specifically noted the contribution of the Netherlands to strengthening Ukraine's air defence.

"The head of state briefed [Wilders] on the security situation in Ukraine and the challenges faced by the country in countering the full-scale Russian aggression. Volodymyr Zelenskyy also outlined Ukraine's efforts to restore a just and lasting peace. In particular, he mentioned the process of implementing the Peace Formula based on the results of the first inaugural Peace Summit and preparations for the second Summit," the press service stated.

Background:

The right-wing populist Party for Freedom led by Geert Wilders, which opposed further military aid to Ukraine, won the last parliamentary elections in the Netherlands and claimed to lead the government.

However, in the end, Wilders had to forgo the prime ministerial role to form a government, and the key positions of foreign minister and defence minister, crucial for Ukraine, were assigned to representatives from other political parties.

The ministers of the new government visited Kyiv the very next day after their appointment and pledged that the support from the Netherlands would continue.

This week, Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof visited Ukraine and, alongside President Zelenskyy, travelled to the city of Zaporizhzhia. During the visit, Schoof announced a new aid package for Ukraine valued at over 200 million.

Support UP or become our patron!
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has held talks with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni during his visit to Italy.

Source: Zelenskyy on Twitter (X), as reported by European Pravda

Details: Zelenskyy noted that the meeting with Meloni took place on the sidelines of the Ambrosetti Forum.

On the sidelines of the Ambrosetti Forum, I had a meeting with the President of the Council of Ministers of Italy, @GiorgiaMeloni.



One of the key topics we discussed was Ukraines recovery and reconstruction, particularly focusing on the restoration of our energy system. We pic.twitter.com/ZKBFzoIniF  Volodymyr Zelenskyy /   (@ZelenskyyUa) September 7, 2024

Quote: "One of the key topics we discussed was Ukraines recovery and reconstruction, particularly focusing on the restoration of our energy system. We deeply appreciate Italys decision to host the next Ukraine Recovery Conference in 2025.

We also spoke about the implementation of the Peace Formula, where Italy plays an active role in each of its points. I thank Giorgia and the Italian people for their support and joint efforts in restoring a just peace," he said.

Background:

Zelenskyy travelled to Italy after participating in the 24th Ramstein format meeting and meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

Recently, the Italian government was suspected of having disagreements over Ukraine following the publication of various statements by the parties of the ruling coalition.

Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani stated on the sidelines of the EU Foreign Affairs Council on 29 August that Ukraine is not allowed to use Italian weapons for strikes on Russian territory, emphasising that Italy is not at war with Russia.

Support UP or become our patron!
Zelenskyy: Situation on Pokrovsk front is better, but I don't want to make any early comments

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that the situation on the Pokrovsk front has improved in recent days, though he refused to comment in detail until it stabilises.

Source: Zelenskyy in an interview with journalists from Ukraines national joint 24/7 newscast in Italy

Quote: "'Firstly, the situation there is not easy. I am grateful to our soldiers.

The situation has been better for 3-4 days prior to my arrival here [in Italy]. We were discussing all these details three times a day with [Ukrainian Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr] Syrskyi.

I don't want to make any early comments. If you can, please be patient. When everything is completely stabilised there, God willing, then we will talk about it."

Background:

On 5 September, Oleksandr Syrskyi, Commander-in-Chief of Ukraine's Armed Forces, reported that Ukrainian troops had managed to stop the Russians on the Pokrovsk front, the hottest area of the war zone, adding that "the enemy has not advanced a single metre on the Pokrovsk front over the past six days".

Forbes said the Ukrainian military had four or five brigades in reserve, which are now operating on the Pokrovsk front and conducting small counterattacks to slow and push back the Russians.

Support UP or become our patron!
The Delhi High Court in a recent order has directed power discom BSES to pay an ex-gratia compensation of Rs. 10 Lakh to the widow of a Sub Inspector who died due to electrocution in 2017. The petitioner's husband Afzal Ali died due to electrocution on May 21, 2017. His widow Shagufta Ali had sought compensation of Rs. 50 lakhs from the official respondents. Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav said the judgement, "In light of the benefits already extended to the petitioner, the Court, in its discretion, deems it appropriate to grant an ex-gratia lump sum compensation of Rs 10 Lakh, to be paid by BSES to the petitioner." "This payment shall be made to the petitioner within three months from the date of passing of this judgment. Any failure to comply with the aforesaid direction shall result in the petitioner being entitled to payment of simple interest at the rate of 6 percent per annum, accruing from the date of this judgment," Justice Kaurav said in the judgement passed on September 5. The petitioner herein has prayed for Rs 50 lakh to be paid as compensation. The High Court noted that in accordance with the status report filed by Delhi Police, the deceased's family has already been given Rs. 27,96,496 in family pensionary benefits and is also receiving a monthly pension of Rs. 17,150 till May 21, 2027 and shall receive Rs. 10,290 thereafter. The High Court said that the petitioner is also at liberty to pursue appropriate legalremedies in the Civil Court. The competent Civil Court is directed to adjudicate the matter within a period of one year from the date of institution of any such suit. BSES is also directed to not cause any undue delay in the proceedings by seeking unwarranted adjournments, the bench said. The bench further clarified that the ex-gratia amount awarded by this Court is independent of, and in addition to, any compensation that may be awarded by the Civil Court. Advocate Saeed Qadri alongwith Sahil Gupta and Mohd. Shakil argued for the petitioner Shagufta Ali. The facts of the case would exhibit that the husband of the petitioner, namely Afzal Ali was working as a Sub-Inspector since 1990 in Delhi Police (Traffic). The marriage of the petitioner with the deceased was solemnized in the year 1991 and three children were born out of the wedlock. On the fateful day of May 21, 2017, when the deceased had gone to the cycle market to buy a gift for his youngest child, it started raining. He ran to find shelter and while endeavouring to protect himself from rain, he came in contact with a channel gate located near a Shop in New Lajpat Rai Market and got electrocuted. He was then taken to Aruna Asaf Ali Hospital, where, he was unfortunately declared dead on arrival. The bench observed, "In the present case, the facts and contentions made by theparties indicate that the negligence that led to the leakage of current is attributable to an outgoing wire, leading to its flow to the shutter gate and subsequently to the channel gate, prima facie, cannot solely be attributed to BSES, at this stage." The regulations and the provisions of the Electricity Act, 2003 also do not conclusively establish that it was only the DISCOM (BSES in this case), who had the sole and directresponsibility to prevent such a leakage. Admittedly, the consumer-shopkeeper is the main accused in the charge sheet and BSES has not been named, it added. "In the absence of any material evidence on record which definitively demonstrates a lapse on the part of BSES, the Court cannot conclusively establish negligence on the part of BSES. The said position, however, can only be established by the parties while leading evidence in a competent Civil Court," the bench held. (ANI)
Canva wants you to pay a lot more for its AI features

Canva is dramatically increasing prices for some customers. Canva Teams subscribers on older pricing plans will see a 300% increase for a five-person plan, jumping from $119.99 per year to $500 per year. Users will get a 40% discount for the first 12 months before the switch takes effect. The company is pointing to its suite of AI-powered design features, including Magic Studio, to justify the price increase.

Google Photos AI-powered search feature is rolling out. Powered by Googles Gemini AI model, Ask Photos lets you search your photos using natural language queries that leverage the AIs understanding of your photos content and other metadata. Hypothetically, the feature could tell you what you ate the last time you were at a certain restaurant or what your childs last birthday party theme was based on your photo library.

Ilya Sutskevers AI startup Safe Superintelligence (SSI) has raised over $1 billion in capital. Prior to SSI, Sutskever headed the now-dismantled Superalignment team at OpenAI, which focused on general AI safety research. Sutskever quietly departed OpenAI months after a highly publicized fallout due to a breakdown in communications.

This is TechCrunchs Week in Review, where we recap the weeks biggest news. Want this delivered as a newsletter to your inbox every Saturday? Sign up here.

News

Bluesky butterfly logo and Jay Graber

A big bump for Bluesky: Bluesky continues to benefit from Xs shutdown in Brazil, having now added more than 2 million new users in a matter of days. Bluesky jumped to becoming the No. 1 app in Brazil after the ban, ahead of Metas X competitor, Instagram Threads. Read more

A pretty cool robotic wheelchair: Koreas Institute of Machinery and Materials has developed an early version of a wheelchair that can climb stairs and traverse rocky terrain by creating a compliant wheel with a smart chain structure that conforms to the ground around it. Read more

Anthropic plays catch-up with OpenAI: Anthropic is launching Claude Enterprise, a new subscription plan for its AI chatbot that will compete directly with OpenAIs business-specific solution, ChatGPT Enterprise. Read more

A tablet combining PC with paper: The new Paper Pro tablet from reMarkable adds color and capability while keeping the philosophy of focus intact. The tablet can also function as a typedeck for a truly focused writing experience. Read more

Spotifys daylist goes global: Spotify is globally launching daylist, its personalized playlist that evolves throughout the day. Now you can have a "bedroom pop banger early morning" or a "90s rave rainforest late night" wherever you are. Read more

A new way to terrorize the family group chat: Karo is a task management app that lets you assign tasks to your friends and family. The company says the apps biggest draw is the ability to send your contacts a reminder without them being on the app. Read more

Salesforces big buy: Salesforce has acquired Own Company, a New Jersey-based provider of data management and protection solutions, for $1.9 billion in cash. Its the companys biggest deal since buying Slack for $27.7 billion in 2021. Read more

YouTube stops recommending weight-loss videos to teens: YouTube is going to limit teens exposure to videos that promote and idealize a certain fitness level or physical appearance. The company has previously faced criticism for exposing teens to content that could encourage eating disorders. Read more

A cyberattack hits Halliburton: Energy giant Halliburton said intruders accessed and exfiltrated information following a cyberattack last week. The company says it is working to identify effects of the incident on its ongoing oil and fracking operations. Read more

Instagram gives your DMs a face-lift: Instagram is jazzing up the inbox by adding new features for photo editing, sticker creation and themes in an effort to make itself more appealing as a messaging app. Read more

Analysis

Emotion AI is on the rise. Is that a good thing? A new unexpected trend is emotion AI, in which companies turn to AI to help bots better understand human emotion. Its a very Silicon Valley approach: Use technology to solve a problem caused by using technology. But as Julie Bort writes, even if most AI bots will eventually gain some form of automated empathy, that doesnt mean this solution will really work. Read more

Before Midjourney, there was NightCafe: NightCafe doesnt get the same publicity as some of its rivals, like Midjourney, but it has an enormous reach of over 25 million users  and its still kicking. To pull back the curtain on one of the webs oldest generative art marketplaces, Kyle Wiggers spoke with co-founder Elle Russell about NightCafes origins and where it could evolve from here. Read more
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission.

Credit: Laptop Mag

If you're in the market for a new premium phone, your two best choices right now are Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra and (probably) Apple's soon-to-be-released iPhone 16 Pro Max.

We don't know for sure what the iPhone 16 will bring to the table  that will more than likely be revealed on September 9 at Apple's 'Glowtime' event  but we pulled together the most compelling rumors for a pre-comparison against Samsung's newest Galaxy flagship.

We'll take a speculative look at each phone's price, specs, design, cameras, and more to help you decide which device is the best suited for you.

iPhone 16 Pro Max vs. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: Price

Apple will likely debut the iPhone 16 Pro Max at the 'It's Glowtime' event on September 9, but right now, there's no way to know an official price for this flagship. However, based on recent history, we're guessing it'll start at $1,199.

Compared to its predecessor, the iPhone 15 Pro Max costs an extra $100. Because of this price hike just last year, the chances that Apple would raise the price again one generation later are slim. It could happen, but it's not likely.

If the iPhone 16 Pro Max is priced at $1,199, it'll be $100 cheaper than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra, which has officially launched starting at $1,299.

Winner: iPhone 16 Pro Max

iPhone 16 Pro Max vs. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: Specs

iPhone 16 Pro Max vs. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: Design

At first glance, the iPhone 16 Pro Max features rounded corners and a protruding, square-shaped bump with three cameras, whereas the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is rectangular and features only raised cameras, not an entire bump.

iphone 15s side by side

Looking a little closer, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is likely a tiny bit shorter, wider, and heavier than the iPhone 16 Pro Max, but we can't confirm this until Apple officially launches its next-gen flagship.

According to CAD models shared with 9to5Mac, the iPhone 16 Pro Max may have dimensions of 6.48 x 3.04 x 0.32 inches, slightly taller and slimmer than the Galaxy S24 Ultra, with confirmed dimensions of 6.39 x 3.11 x 0.34 inches.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra with S Pen on the back laying screen down on a green wooden wagon

The iPhone 16 Pro Max is expected to show off a 6.9-inch display, which would give it the largest display of the three biggest phone manufacturers: Apple, Samsung, and Google. If this rumor is true, the iPhone 16 Pro Max's display would be 0.1 inches larger than the Galaxy S24 Ultra's confirmed 6.8-inch screen.

No colorways have been confirmed yet for the iPhone 16 Pro Max, but the biggest prediction comes from reliable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who says the phone may arrive in "black, white (or silver), grey (I think it's natural titanium), [and] rose" colors.

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra is similarly available in gray and black colorways, as well as a dark violet and bright yellow.

Winner: It's a draw.

iPhone 16 Pro Max vs. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: Performance

The iPhone 16 Pro Max is expected to come equipped with an A18 Pro chip, which will undoubtedly be more powerful and more AI-focused than the iPhone 15 Pro's current A17 Pro chip. However, until we hear Apple's performance claims during the It's 'Glowtime' event on September 9 and eventually get our hands on an iPhone 16 Pro Max, we can't speak to how strong its performance capabilities are.

We can, however, talk about our hands-on experience with the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip. On the Geekbench 6.2.2., the Galaxy S24 Ultra earned a multi-core score of 7,249, the highest we had seen at the time of testing.

The Galaxy S24 Ultra also scored 20,627 in Wild Life Unlimited at 125.3 frames per second, which beat the iPhone 15 Pro Max by a landslide (15,399, 92.2). We'll run these same tests on the iPhone 16 Pro Max when we get our review unit, and be able to truly compare these two powerful smartphones then.

Winner: It's a draw.

iPhone 16 Pro Max vs. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: Cameras

We haven't heard many rumors surrounding the iPhone 16 Pro Max's camera setup, but it should at least match the setup on the existing iPhone 15 Pro Max, which includes:

48MP main camera with f/1.78 aperture

12MP ultrawide camera with f/2.2 aperture and 120 field of view

12MP 2x telephoto camera with f/1.78 aperture and second-gen sensor-shift optical image stabilization

12MP 5x telephoto camera with f/2.8 aperture and 3D sensor-shift optical image stabilization and autofocus

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra in Titanium Gray under an iPhone 15 Pro Max in Natural Titanium resting on a green wooden wagon

Based on a rumor sparked from analyst Jeff Pu in a research note covered by MacRumors, there's a slight chance we could see Apple's next-gen iPhone debut a 48MP ultrawide camera, a massive upgrade over its existing 12MP camera.

The Galaxy S24 Ultra, which has already launched, boasts an impressive camera setup that builds on the Galaxy S23 Ultra's top-of-the-line array. It boasts a 12MP selfie camera, matching that of the iPhone 15 Pro Max, but where the Galaxy S24 Ultra truly shines is in its rear camera array:

200MP main camera with f/1.7 aperture

12MP ultrawide camera with f/2.2 aperture

10MP 3x telephoto camera with f/2.4 aperture

50MP 5x telephoto camera with f/3.4 aperture

Samsung added a few AI-powered tricks to its camera system: the ProVisual Engine. This brings some automatic features that'll help you take better photos, like Adaptive Pixel which works alongside optical image stabilization in the primary and telephoto lenses. Then, there are multiple post-processing editing features that help you clean up your image.

We absolutely loved this camera setup in practice, noting it as one of the contributing factors for its high score in our Galaxy S24 Ultra review. That said, iPhone cameras are generally impressive as well. Until the iPhone 16 Pro Max launches, there's no clear winner.

Winner: TBD

iPhone 16 Pro Max vs. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: AI

Both the iPhone 16 Pro Max and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra offer next-level AI features, but we can't fairly compare the two right now.

The iPhone 16 Pro Max will most likely be capable of supporting Apple Intelligence features, which Apple plans to split between on-device and cloud-based processing. However, Apple Intelligence isn't expected to be released in full until sometime in October.

The Apple Intelligence feature demos we've seen so far look promising, but using these features in practice could be different.

Tim Cook on stage gesturing to an Apple logo beside the phrase

Meanwhile, the Galaxy S24 Ultra's enhanced AI capabilities impressed us in practice. Our favorite AI-powered features include Chat Assist to help respond to texts and Note Assist to provide AI-generated summaries of notes, but there's a plethora to choose from.

Because the Galaxy S24 Ultra runs on Android, it also features a few AI tools first seen on Google's Pixel devices, like Circle to Search, a tool that lets you long-press your screen and then either circle, write, or highlight content to search for it.

Winner: TBD

Outlook

Without all the important details, we can't declare a winner in this face-off just yet.

As we mentioned, Apple is expected to launch the iPhone 16 Pro Max on September 9 and until we get definitive info from this official launch, there's no way we can fairly compare it to the Galaxy S24 Ultra.

That said, from the rumors we've heard so far about the iPhone 16 Pro Max and what we know about the Galaxy S24 Ultra, it seems like the two phones are well-matched. The iPhone 16 Pro Max may feature a larger display and impressive Apple Intelligence features, but the Galaxy S24 Ultra could be equipped with a stronger camera setup, more RAM, and strong Galaxy AI features.

We'll update this face-off once Apple launches the iPhone 16 series and we're able to go hands-on with the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
Sony's PS5 Pro 'reveal' is the best kind of design Easter egg  and it was clearly no accident

When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission.

Credit: Technizo concept

While the most on-again/off-again piece of hardware in the gaming world has to be the oft-rumoured Nintendo Switch 2, Sony's PS5 Pro has also been the subject of countless rumours over the last couple of years. At last, it seems Sony is on the brink of revealing the souped-up PS5  and it may have already given us a hint of the design itself.

In an official blog post celebrating 30 years of PlayStation, Sony has included a graphic in which the famous button symbols are created from a mosaic of vector-style console designs from the company's history. And  what's that? A console we haven't seen before that somewhat resembles the PS5? How did that get in there? It must have been an accident!

PlayStaton 30th anniversay graphic

Yep, several news outlets and social media users have suggested that Sony may have 'accidentally' leaked the design of the upcoming PS5 Pro by including it in said graphic. Which suggests that an image released by a billion-dollar company didn't undergo several levels of sign-off during which the offending console design, clearly inserted by some villain within the design team, could have been spotted and swiftly removed. Yeah, come on, guys.

PS5 Pro

If that's the PS5 Pro, then Sony put it there on purpose. And like all of the best design Easter eggs, it's got people talking and 'sleuthing'. So what of the design itself? It appears to match recent renders based on leaked design details (see an example below), with those prominent diagonal grooves across the side of the machine.

It sounds like we don't have long to wait to find out if this is the real deal. Rumours are pointing to a Sony State of Play presentation next week, where the company might reveal the next-generation console. And if leaked specs turn out to be real, we could be looking at quite the gaming powerhouse.
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi took part in the Ganesh Puja procession at Rani Chennamma Maidan as part of the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in Hubbali on Saturday. The Union Minister tried his hands on a dhol as he joined in the festive celebrations. BJP MLA Mahesh Tenginkai also accompanied him on the occasion. Earlier in the day, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy participated in the Ganesh Puja celebration in Hyderabad on the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi on Saturday. In a message, CM Reddy wished that people celebrate the Ganesh festival with gaiety and fill the spiritual atmosphere at the decorated Ganesh pandals during the festivities. The Bhagyanagar Ganesh Utsav Samiti set up a beautiful 70-foot tall idol of Lord Ganesha in Hyderabad's Khairatabad for the occasion. Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu also participated in the Ganesh Puja at Vijayawada Collectorate. The Andhra CM also offered prayers to Lord Ganesh on the occasion. Earlier, on the eve of Ganesh Chaturthi, President Droupadi Murmu extended her greetings to Indians worldwide. "On the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, I extend my warm greetings and best wishes to all Indians living in India and abroad," she said. The President highlighted the festival's role in promoting harmony and called on citizens to work for a peaceful and prosperous India. PM Modi also wished the nation, saying, "Heartiest greetings of Ganesh Chaturthi to all countrymen. Ganpati Bappa Morya." Sharing his wishes on the occasion, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said, "Ganpati Bappa Morya! Heartiest greetings of Shri Ganesh Chaturthi to all the countrymen. I wish that Vighnaharta Shri Ganpati Bappa brings happiness, peace, and prosperity in the lives of all of you." Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar also shared his wishes, saying, "Lord Ganesha, the embodiment of wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune, holds a special place in the hearts of millions." Ganesh Chaturthi, a ten-day festival, begins today and will end on Anantha Chaturdashi. The festive period is also known as 'Vinayak Chaturthi' or 'Vinayak Chavithi'. It celebrates Ganesha as the 'God of New Beginnings' and the 'Remover of Obstacles' as well as the god of wisdom and intelligence. It is celebrated with much fervour across the country, with lakhs of devotees converging into mandals to seek blessing from Lord Ganesh. (ANI)
In the wake of wolf attacks, the Bahraich district administration has built shelter homes to protect the villagers from the menace. The district administration has converted the Panchayat Bhawan built earlier into a shelter home. In Chandpaiya village of Mahasi tehsil of Bahraich, the administration has converted the Panchayat Bhawan into a shelter home so that the villagers who do not have homes or houses with wooden doors can take shelter in these protected accommodations. Many people are living in these protected homes due to the fear of wolves and the dilapidated condition of their houses. The people living in the Panchayat Bhawan shelter home narrated their ordeal about the terror of wolves that had spread in the village as they were forced to leave their homes and live here. The elderly people living in the shelter home said that due to fear of wolf attack, they have shifted to this safe place. "Our houses have become dilapidated and we had to take shelter here," an elderly villager said. Two days ago a wolf was seen here at night and a woman was attacked last month and she was treated in the hospital," he said. The supervisor at the shelter home said, "Here arrangements have been made for the villagers to stay. 7 to 8 people come here to stay. Some people have been staying for the last 5 days and others for the last 10 days. As the number of people will keep increasing more arrangements will be provided. They are staying here due to fear and the poor condition of their homes. Here the MLA and panchayat officials are taking care. There is an adequate arrangement of drinking water and toilets." The search operation is underway in Bahraich to hunt the remaining two 'killer' wolves. So far 4 wolves have been caught. Drone visuals taken on Saturday morning at Harbaksh Purwa village showed a vast stretch of agricultural land under surveillance. On Saturday morning, 2-3 kilometres away from Harbaksh Purwa, forest officials conducted a search operation to capture the wolf as it was located here on Friday night with the help of thermal drones. The search for the "man-eater" wolves in Bahraich has been intensified, with the entire area being divided into four sectors and continuous monitoring operations underway. The affected area of 30-35 kilometres has been divided into four sectors, with 165 forest personnel, including senior officers, deployed to conduct the search operation. The Forest Department, Police Department, and District Administration have established coordination to conduct night patrols in affected areas, resulting in no incidents at night. General Manager of the Forest Department, Sanjay Pathak, said that after the casualties have been reported, forest officials and other officials have been on alert."The forest officials and other officials have been on alert after the casualties were reported. Drones are being used to catch the wolves. Four wolves have been caught so far, and cameras have been installed everywhere to track the wolves," said Pathak. (ANI)
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis extended wishes to people on Ganesh Chaturthi and prayed for the peace and prosperity of the state and country. "This is a moment of happiness for all of us. In Maharashtra and all across the country, people are very excited. I pray to Lord Ganesh to bring happiness, peace, health, and prosperity in everyone's life," said Devendra Fadnavis. Amruta Fadnavis, Maharashtra Dy CM Devendra Fadnavis's wife, also spoke on the occasion and said, "I am very happy, it is happiness everywhere. I pray to God that in Maharashtra, happiness and prosperity prevail and all the challenges go away." Meanwhile, former Maharashtra CM and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, his wife Rashmi Thackeray, and their son and party leader Aaditya Thackeray offered prayers to Lalbaugcha Raja in Mumbai on the occasion. Speaking to ANI, former Maharashtra CM and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray said, "The Ganesh Chaturthi festival begins today. I extend greetings to everyone. I prayed to Bappa to not let any crisis come before our state, our country, and protect us from any issue that comes." Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde also offered 'Aarti' along with his family members on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi and wished for the happiness and prosperity of countrymen on the festival. "We all should pray to Ganpati Bappa wholeheartedly today. Ganeshotsav has begun in Maharashtra. Ganpati Bappa has arrived today. Prayers are being offered, and idols are being installed with devotion everywhere," said CM Shinde. Ganesh Chaturthi, a ten-day festival, begins today and will end on Anantha Chaturdashi. Devotees across Maharashtra are preparing for celebrations by bringing idols home and visiting pandals. The first look of Mumbai's famous Lalbaugcha Raja was unveiled on Thursday evening, days ahead of the Ganesh Chaturthi festival. The history of the Lalbaugcha Raja has been quite famous as it is the popular Ganesh Idol of Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal, located at Putlabai Chawl, a worship place founded in 1934. The Lalbaugcha Raja Ganapati idol has been taken care of by the Kambli family for over eight decades. In Nagpur's Shri Ganesh Mandir Tekdi the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations began with traditional morning prayers and 'aarti'. This temple, reportedly 250 years old, is known for its self-existent deity, whose shrine is said to grow over time. (ANI)
LINCOLN -- Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol arrested 112 people on suspicion of driving under the influence during the end of the summer Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign.

The campaign ran from Aug. 14 through Labor Day weekend, according to a statement by the State Patrol. Since the Memorial Day weekend, Nebraska troopers arrested 444 people on suspicion of DUI.

This has been a busy summer across Nebraska, said Col. John Bolduc, superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. But now that summer travel is in the rear view, its still important that we all do our part to keep roads safe. Always have a sober driver, watch your speed, put your phone down, and buckle up.

Troopers also issued 1,792 citations for speeding, including 84 drivers cited for traveling over 100 mph during the campaign. Since the Memorial Day weekend, troopers have issued 7,882 citations for speeding, including 376 for over 100 mph.

Throughout the summer, troopers assisted more than the 3,600 motorists on Nebraska roadways, the statement said. Any motorist in need of assistance is urged to call the patrols Highway Helpline at *55.
New Delhi: Byjus, the Indian education technology giant has announced that its auditor, BDO Global has resigned. The decision came after the company failed to provide the necessary documents following the start of insolvency proceedings, Byjus said on Saturday. This marks another challenge for the startup as it navigates ongoing financial difficulties.

The Edtech firm is currently facing multiple challenges, including insolvency proceedings and a 1 billion dollar claim from US-based Glas Trust. BDOs resignation follows the exit of its previous auditor, Deloitte, who speed down over a year ago due to concerns about Byjus financial reporting.

In a letter sent on Tuesday, BDO Global stated that despite "inordinate" delays in submitting financials for the year ending March 2023, Byju's management did not provide enough support to complete the audit.

"We have reasons to believe that the management of the company lacks transparency with respect to providing full information to the auditor for their consideration and evaluation," According to the letter seen by Reuters, BDO stated its concerns.

Byju's explained that it couldn't provide the requested documents because BDO had asked the company's suspended board due to the insolvency proceedings. The edtech firm stated that the letter should have been addressed to the insolvency professional managing the company at that time.

In an email to the board, BDO stated it had requested a thorough forensic review of transactions related to a Dubai-based subsidiary. The auditor did not respond to inquiries about its resignation on Saturday.

Byju's has requested a forensic audit of BDOs resignation by the insolvency professional appointed by an Indian court. Once valued at 22 billion dollars in 2022 and backed by General Atlantic, Byju's has faced a sharp decline due to regulatory challenges and a recent dispute with U.S. banks over 1 billion dollars in unpaid dues, leading to its insolvency and an asset freeze.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has initiated a bulldozer action against illegal encroachments, signature style of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. In Kamrup district in Assam where some people were illegally residing on government land and also engaged in fish farming in a pond. However, the government bulldozer has destroyed everything, leaving these people distressed.

In Today's DNA, the Zee News anchor analysed the bulldozer action against illegal encroachments in Assam.

Here Is Today's Full Episode

Approximately 27 houses were demolished in this bulldozer action. According to Zee News reports, allegations claim that some outsiders, mostly Muslims, had illegally occupied government land, which has now been cleared.

In the affected area of Assam, the demolished lands included makeshift homes and fish ponds, with residents claiming they had lived there for 15 years. The residents asserted if they had received prior notice, they might have removed their belongings. While the administration maintains that notices were issued, locals contend that they were only provided after the demolition had already occurred.

As per the Zee News reports, accusations are surfacing that the government is targeting illegal homes of 'Miya Muslims', while similar encroachments by Hindu families in the area have not been addressed.
Kushinagar (UP): A man was allegedly compelled to "sell" his three-year-old son to secure his wife and newborn child's "release" from a private hospital after he was unable to pay the fee, officials said.

The incident sparked outrage and prompted swift action from authorities after they were informed, with police arresting five people on Saturday including a couple who took the child.

Harish Patel, a resident of Barwa Patti, had sought medical care at the hospital for his wife's delivery, police said. According to locals, it was the sixth child of Patel, who is a daily wager.

However, when he was unable to immediately pay the hospital fee, the mother and the newborn were not allowed to leave by the hospital staff. In his desperation, the father agreed to sell his three-year-old son under a fraudulent adoption deed for a few thousand rupees on Friday, the police said.

Upon learning of the incident, police launched an investigation and arrested five individuals involved in the crime including the alleged middleman Amresh Yadav, the "adoptive parents" Bhola Yadav and his wife Kalawati, a fake doctor Tara Kushwaha, and a helper at the hospital Suganti, Superintendent of Police Santosh Kumar Mishra said.

A police constable, who allegedly failed to take action in the case, has also been taken off active duty and sent to police lines by the SP.

"The child was safely rescued and returned to his parents," the officer added.
Displaced from their homeland three decades ago, the Kashmiri Pandit community is now striving to reconnect with their roots through political engagement. As elections approach, around 14 Kashmiri Pandit candidates are contesting from Kashmir, with more expected to file their nominations in the third phase.

On October 8, when Jammu and Kashmir election results are scheduled to be announced, the Kashmiri Pandit community will eagerly anticipate the outcome. They hope for representation in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly to address their concerns, including a dignified return to the Valley and proper rehabilitation. Traditionally, Kashmiri Pandits only contested the Habba Kadal seat in Srinagar, which has the highest number of Pandit voters. However, this election has seen the community expand their focus, with candidates running in Pulwama, Anantnag, and north Kashmir, in addition to Srinagar.

Unlike previous elections, many parties have fielded Kashmiri Pandit candidates, with some running as independents. Mohit Bhan, a PDP spokesperson, said, "The renewed enthusiasm for political participation among Pandits, despite past hindrances. Its a good thing Kashmiri pandits are participating.

Sanjay Tikoo, president of the Kashmiri Pandit Sangharsh Samiti, said, Its a good change if there is no agency behind this. I saw a lady who is contesting in Pulwama how people were welcoming her but there should be no agenda behind this. We should encourage people not to do politics, and in Habba Kadal many candidates are contesting there should have been a consensus then was hope that some Kashmiri pandit may get elected as MLA."

Candidates of the community say they want to work for their community and want their voices to be heard. They seek representation to advocate for their rehabilitation, alleging that political parties have lacked a comprehensive blueprint for their return over the past 35 years. They are hopeful that the majority Muslim community in Kashmir will support them.

Independent candidate Ashok Kumar urged voters to consider Pandit candidates, emphasizing that the community has much to contribute. He said that positive changes, such as a decrease in violence, and encouraged voters to move beyond traditional politics.

For the first time since the onset of terrorism in Kashmir, two Pandit women are also contesting elections: Daisy Raina from the Republican Party of India, a former Sarpanch from Pulwama, and Arti Nehru from Sopore in North Kashmir. Their candidacies represent a significant step forward for the community.
Reacting to Omar Abdullah's remarks on Afzal Guru, BJP leader Kavinder Gupta asked, "what does Omar Abdullah want to solve." Gupta further accused Abdullah of seeking support from terrorists. Former Deputy CM of Jammu and Kashmir and BJP leader Kavinder Gupta said, "After all, what does Omar Abdullah want to solve? If anti-national elements who hatched a conspiracy against India are given the death penalty, why do they object to this? They want to create a situation by taking support from terrorists. They are taking support from terrorists; that is why he is speaking such language." Earlier, regarding the execution of Afzal Guru, Omar Abdullah clarified that the Jammu and Kashmir government had no involvement in the process. He stated that if state approval had been required, it would not have been granted. "The unfortunate thing was that the J-K government had nothing to do with Afzal Guru's execution. Otherwise, you would have had to do it with the permission of the state government, which I can tell you in no uncertain terms would not have been forthcoming. We wouldn't have done it. I don't believe that any purpose was served by executing him," Abdullah said. Notably, these developments have come ahead of the assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir. Assembly polls in the territory will be held in three phases on September 18, 25 and October 1. There are a total number of 90 assembly constituencies in Jammu and Kashmir, out of which 7 seats are reserved for SCs and 9 seats are reserved for STs. According to the Election Commission of India, Jammu and Kashmir has 88.06 lakh eligible electors. These are the first assembly elections to be held in Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370. (ANI)
A Sealdah court in Kolkata expressed serious dissatisfaction on Friday due to the absence of the Central Bureau of Investigation's (CBI) investigating officer and lawyer during a crucial hearing concerning Sanjay Roy, the prime suspect in the rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor from Kolkatas RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The case, which has garnered widespread attention, saw further controversy as a CBI lawyer arrived at the court almost an hour late.

Court's Frustration Over Delays

According to reports, the court expressed clear displeasure with the CBIs lack of promptness, stating that the absence of key personnel demonstrated a lethargic approach from the investigating agency. The presiding judge, Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Pamela Gupta, sternly remarked, Shall I grant bail to Sanjay Roy? in response to the delays.

The court proceedings were disrupted when a CBI officer informed the magistrate at 4:10 p.m. that the public prosecutor, Dipak Poria, was delayed. Magistrate Gupta instructed the officer to call Poria and expressed dismay, saying, "Its 4:20 now. This is very unfortunate."

Poria eventually arrived at 5:00 p.m., 50 minutes late. Despite his delayed appearance, he briefly opposed Sanjay Roy's bail plea without providing specific reasons. After the hearing, the court rejected the bail plea and remanded Roy to judicial custody for 14 days, extending his detention until September 20, under CBI supervision.

Defense Argument for Bail

Roys defense lawyer, Kavita Sarkar, argued for bail, emphasizing that Roy had no prior criminal record and the CBI had not yet presented substantial evidence against him. Sarkar also questioned why the CBI had not been represented by the lawyer who was present at the prior hearing on August 23.

Despite these arguments, the court sided with the prosecution and denied Roy's bail, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation and the serious charges involved.

Trinamool Congress Criticizes CBI's Actions

The absence of the CBI's team and the delayed response by its lawyer sparked political reactions. Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Saket Gokhale accused the CBI and the BJP-led central government of trying to secure Roys release. Gokhale took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), alleging, "CBI wants to get the rape & murder accused monster released on bail."

He further criticized the agency for its alleged failure to represent the case diligently, accusing them of burying the investigation for political reasons. Gokhale demanded that the CBI answer why they were absent in such a high-profile case, calling it a shocking development.
Kerala Lottery Results Saturday 07-09-2024 LIVE: The Kerala Lottery Department, on behalf of the Keralan government, announces the "KARUNYA KR-670" Lucky Draw Result today Karunya Kr-670, September 07, 2024. The draw will be held at Gorky Bhavan near Bakery Junction in Thiruvananthapuram. The Kerala Lottery Result 2024 for "Karunya KR-670" will feature 12 series, with changes in series possible each week. A total of 108 lakh tickets are available for purchase weekly. The ticket prices may vary. Check the Karunya KR-670 results right here to see if youre the first-place winner of 80 Lakhs. Stay tuned to this website for the live update of Kerala Lottery Karunya KR-670 results today.

Kerala Lottery Result 07-09-2024 Sep: FULL LIST OF WINNING NUMBERS FOR KARUNYA KR-670 Draw

LUCKY NUMBER FOR 1ST PRIZE OF RS 80 LAKHS IS: KE 845385

LUCKY NUMBER FOR 2ND PRIZE OF RS 5 LAKHS IS: KJ 347436

LUCKY NUMBERS FOR 3RD PRIZE OF RS 1 Lakh ARE: KA 440912 KB 666734 KC 119971 KD 989206 KE 671778 KF 891048 KG 107732 KH 147467 KJ 394977 KK 122584 KL 805722 KM 677286

LUCKY NUMBERS FOR CONSOLATION PRIZE OF RS 8,000 ARE: KA 845385 KB 845385 KC 845385 KD 845385 KF 845385 KG 845385 KH 845385 KJ 845385 KK 845385 KL 845385 KM 845385

(For The Tickets Ending with The Following Numbers below)

LUCKY NUMBERS FOR 4TH PRIZE OF RS 5,000 ARE: 0268 0497 0893 2554 2923 2946 3805 3974 4091 5782 6291 6534 7503 7860 7944 8067 9557 9830

LUCKY NUMBERS FOR 5TH PRIZE OF RS 2,000 ARE: 0214 0383 0429 1418 3199 7370 8729 9772 9849 9996

LUCKY NUMBERS FOR 6TH PRIZE OF RS 1,000 ARE: 0278 0504 0732 1576 1934 2024 2958 3125 5073 5103 5967 8525 9201 9983

LUCKY NUMBERS FOR 7TH PRIZE OF RS 500 ARE: 0061 0186 0226 0415 0590 0879 0880 0939 0954 0968 69Z1 1125 1142 1206 1280 1290 1372 1450 1611 1747 2121 2134 2163 2226 2472 2503 2510 2511 2592 2995 3300 3356 3393 3641 3668 3671 3748 3865 3976 4063 4443 4454 4497 4908 4967 5315 5400 5426 5504 5665 5739 5743 5847 6249 6440 6473 6667 6897 7009 7076 7290 7395 7890 7924 7931 8039 8086 8120 8287 8295 8404 8868 8904 8912 9110 9373 9576 9911 9930 9974

LUCKY NUMBERS FOR 8TH PRIZE OF RS 100 ARE: 0009 0044 0115 0123 0167 0170 0204 0280 0341 0454 0520 0567 0594 0617 0690 0719 0864 0875 1024 1075 1216 1222 1264 1312 1538 1643 1687 1750 1778 1811 1876 1902 2029 2064 2090 2266 2382 2394 2441 2547 2556 3052 3215 3453 3521 3538 3615 3729 3751 3766 3892 3940 3990 4068 4081 4165 4180 4398 4403 4411 4670 4814 5072 5105 5264 5323 5329 5417 5494 5616 5746 5853 5946 6079 6408 6502 6542 6625 6745 6752 6835 6847 6900 6912 6922 6965 7008 7124 7125 7230 7249 7744 7840 7909 7933 7991 8064 8151 8362 8491 8509 8517 8605 8608 8672 8675 8798 8810 8829 8872 8982 8990 9022 9075 9198 9268 9293 9405 9470 9526 9541 9559 9739 9810

KERALA LOTTERY RESULT 07-09-2024 September TODAY: KARUNYA KR-670 LOTTERY PRIZE DETAILS

1st Prize: Rs 80 Lakhs

2nd Prize: Rs. 5 lakhs

3rd Prize: Rs. 1 Lakh

4th Prize: Rs. 5,000

5th Prize: Rs. 2,000

6th Prize: Rs. 1,000

7th Prize: Rs. 500

8th Prize: Rs. 100

Consolation Prize: Rs. 8,000

(NOTE: Lottery can be addictive and should be played responsibly. The data provided on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as advice or encouragement. Zee News does not promote the lottery in any way.)
The Madhya Pradesh government will provide financial aid of Rs one crore to the parents of Army personnel Pradeep Patel killed in a road accident in Sikkim.

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav offered floral tribute after the mortal remains of Sepoy Patel arrived at the Khajuraho airport Saturday afternoon.

The deceased soldier originally hailed from Hardua village in Katni district of the state.

"I offered floral tribute to the brave soldier at Khajuraho airport. Rs one crore will be given to his parents as the deceased was not married. The state government stands with the bereaved family in this hour of grief," Yadav said.

The last rites of Patel will be performed in Hardua village in the evening.

Four Army personnel, including sepoy Pradeep Patel, were killed when a vehicle carrying Army's EMC personnel skidded off a road along the Rhenock-Rongli highway and rolled down into a forest in Sikkim's Pakyong district on September 5, police said.
At least three individuals lost their lives in a new outbreak of violence in Manipur's Jiribam district. This incident followed a day after militants launched rocket attacks at two locations in Bishnupur, resulting in the death of an elderly man and injuring five more people.

A security force officer stationed in Manipur mentioned that the casualty count may rise.

Militants in Manipur launched rocket attacks at two separate locations, including the residence of Mairembam Koireng Singh, the states first chief minister. The incident occurred in Bishnupur district, resulting in the death of one person and injuries to five others, including a 13-year-old girl. This is the first known use of rockets in the conflict, which has been raging for 17 months.

The attack happened around 3:30 pm when a rocket, launched from an improvised device, landed dangerously close to Singhs home in Moirang town. Tragically, 72-year-old RK Rabei Singh, a Meitei man who was preparing for religious rituals, lost his life. The rocket hit just meters from the home, injuring several members of the former chief minister's family.

Mairembam Koireng Singh, who passed away in 1994, served as Manipurs chief minister for three terms between 1963 and 1969.

Earlier Attack in Tronglaobi Village

Earlier the same day, militants fired rockets at two buildings in Tronglaobi village, located in the same district. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in this attack, which occurred around 4:00 am. Security forces believe the rockets were fired from the nearby Kuki-dominated hills of Churachandpur, about 5 km from the targeted sites.

This use of improvised rocket explosives is a new development in the conflict, marking a dangerous shift in tactics by militants. Security officials indicated that the rockets were around four feet long and were likely constructed using galvanized iron (GI) pipes filled with explosives. These makeshift rockets were launched from a country-made launcher, signaling a growing sophistication in the conflict.

Use of Drones and Rockets Sparks Concern

Manipur has been engulfed in ethnic violence between the Kuki and Meitei communities since May 2023, and the use of drones and rockets adds a new layer of concern for security forces. Chief Minister N Biren Singh condemned the use of drone bombs, labeling them as "acts of terrorism." Authorities are now working to eliminate the threat posed by these technologies.

In response to the increasing violence, a central committee comprising top officials from the police, army, and paramilitary forces has been formed to investigate the use of drone bombs by militants. The committee is expected to submit its findings by September 13, examining how these drones are being used and how to counter them effectively.

Security Heightened in Conflict Zones

Following Fridays attacks, security forces have been placed on high alert. Troops are being deployed along the borders of Bishnupur and Churachandpur, as well as in areas near Imphal West and Kangpokpi districts. The central and state authorities are keen to prevent further escalations as militants continue to employ more dangerous tactics.

Officials believe the militants may have been practicing with these rocket launchers during a recent lull in the violence, adjusting explosive volumes to increase projectile range.

Manipur Schools Closed Amid Rising Violence

In response to the surging violence, the Manipur government has ordered all schoolsboth public and privateto remain closed. A notification stated that this decision was made with the safety of students and teachers in mind, considering the unstable situation in the state.

Meitei Group Declares Public Emergency

Adding to the tensions, the Coordinating Committee On Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), the apex body representing the Meitei community, declared a "public emergency" across five districts in the Imphal Valley. The group expressed its dissatisfaction with the government's ability to protect civilians, calling on the public to take matters into their own hands for their safety.
At least five people were killed when a building collapsed in Lucknow's Transport Nagar area on Saturday, with 28 reported to be injured. Both NDRF and SDRF contributed to the rescue operations.

As per information from the Uttar Pradesh Relief Commissioners office cited by PTI, the injured have been transported to multiple hospitals in the district, including Lok Bandhu Hospital.

Officials confirmed that five people lost their lives in the collapse, while 28 others, including five women, sustained injuries. They also mentioned that nearly everyone from the building has been accounted for, though rescue efforts continue to ensure no one else remains trapped beneath the debris.

Officials reported that the building housed a motor workshop and warehouse on the ground floor, a medical storage facility on the first floor, and a cutlery warehouse on the second floor.

Uttar Pradesh's Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took cognisance of the matter and directed to expidate the relief operations. UP CM's office said that the Chief Minister directed district administration officials, as well as SDRF and NDRF teams, to urgently reach the scene and accelerate relief efforts, ensuring that the injured receive immediate hospital treatment. He also expressed his hope for the swift recovery of those injured.

The deceased have been identified as Pankaj Tiwari (40), Dheeraj Gupta (48), Arun Sonkar (28), Raj Kishore (27) and Jasmit Singh (41).

#WATCH | Lucknow Building Collapse | Drones are being used to speed up the evacuation process.



So far, 15 people have been rescued. pic.twitter.com/1xj9IzrF2C  ANI (@ANI) September 7, 2024

According to District Magistrate (DM) Lucknow Suryapal Gangwar, one fatality is confirmed so far.

"So far, 13 people have been evacuated. The death of one person is reported... NDRF and SDRF teams are working. One more person is feared to be trapped," DM Gangwar.

In a social media post on 'X,' Lok Sabha MP from Lucknow and Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh said, "The news of the collapse of a building in Lucknow is extremely painful. I have spoken to the District Magistrate of Lucknow over the phone and got information about the situation at the spot. The local administration is carrying out relief and rescue operations on the spot and is engaged in helping the victims in every possible way."
Anti-Rape Bill: On Friday, West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose sent the 'Aparajita Bill' to President Droupadi Murmu for consideration. This step follows the Governor receiving the necessary technical report from Chief Secretary Manoj Pant.

Governor Bose had criticized the Mamata Banerjee administration the previous day for not including the technical report with the Bill, which is required for its approval. The Raj Bhavan also expressed concerns over the assemblys failure to provide the text and translation of debates as required.

The 'Aparajita Bill' is now among other Bills pending with the President from various states. The Governor has pointed out issues in the Bill and warned the state government against hasty decisions.

Bose emphasized that the state administration must act promptly to deliver justice for victims, referring to the recent case involving a young doctor at RG Kar hospital. The Bill, passed unanimously by the West Bengal assembly on September 3, proposes severe penalties for rape, including capital punishment for cases resulting in death or severe injury.
A 28-year-old man succumbed to his injuries at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College Hospital, with his mother accusing the hospital of medical negligence and a lack of available doctors. The man, who had been admitted after being struck by a truck, passed away on Friday. As per reports, the victims mother alleged that a significant amount of time had been wasted, during which her son's surgery could have been completed, but no doctor, not even an emergency doctor, was available.

However, Officials at RG Kar Medical College Hospital have reportedly denied the allegations made by the family.

The incident garnered attention as the hospital remains in headline for past month regarding the rape-murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor inside the hospital premises. Since the incident, doctors from the RG Kar and other hospitals are protesting against the brutal rape and demanding safer work environment for medical professionals.

The deceased, identified as Bikram Bhattacharjee, a resident of Konnagar in Hooghly, approximately 25 km from Kolkata, was taken to RG Kar Medical College Hospital. His mother, Kabita Bhattacharjee, claimed that the absence of doctors in the emergency ward caused a critical delay in her son's treatment.

Calling for a constructive protest, TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee reacted to the incident, he said, A young boy from Konnagar lost his life today following a road accident, after BLEEDING FOR 3 HOURS WITHOUT RECEIVING MEDICAL ATTENTION, a consequence of the ongoing protest by doctors in response to the #RGKar incident. Banerjee claimed that the boy did not receive any medical care till 3 hours.

While the demands of the junior doctors are both fair and valid, I urge them to protest in a way that doesn't disrupt essential medical services. Allowing a death due to PREVENTABLE NEGLECT is tantamount to CULPABLE HOMICIDE, Banerjees X post read.

He further urged the protesters to ensure that no more lives are put at risk through inaction or neglect.

Former Trinamool Congress MP and party spokesperson Kunal Ghosh alleged on social media that the patient was left untreated for three hours after being admitted to the hospital.

Request, strike of doctors. Let the movement go in an alternative way. Agitation by disrupting the treatment of common people cannot be a proper method of demanding justice. Who will give justice to this boy's mother? Ghosh tweeted.

Although the family of the deceased has not filed an official complaint, authorities have made a formal diary entry regarding the incident.
New Delhi: Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant celebrate their first Ganesh Chaturthi as a married couple by welcoming the Ambani Familys Ganpati 'Antilia Cha Raja' with a Grand Celebration. The couple was spotted bringing the beautifully adorned idol to their iconic Mumbai residence, Antilia, on Friday night, marking the occasion with elegance and festivity.

Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani was also seen attending, alongside his daughter Isha Ambani, who lovingly carried one of her twins, Aadiya and Krishna.

Watch The Glimpse Of Ambani Family's Ganpati:

The video captured a marigold-adorned truck delivering the majestic 'Antilia Cha Raja' Ganpati idol to the Ambani residence. Dressed in traditional orange, the serene idol became a stunning sight as it made its way to Antilia.

Radhika, in a red kurti and sharara with gold details, joyfully greeted the crowd, while Anant, in a tangerine kurta and jacket, led the festive celebration for 'Antilia Cha Raja.'

Mukesh Ambani and his daughter Isha were seen eagerly awaiting the arrival of Lord Ganesha at their home, as the beautifully decorated flower-laden truck brought the idol.

Watch The Video Below!

The Ambani familys Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, a cherished tradition for years, hold special significance this year as Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant celebrate their first Ganeshotsav as a married couple.

The couple tied the knot on July 12, 2024, in a grand wedding ceremony in Mumbai, attended by A-list celebrities and prominent figures from around the world, making it a star-studded affair

Earlier on Thursday, Nita Ambani graciously extended Ganesh Chaturthi wishes to the paparazzi at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) during an event in Mumbai.
New Delhi: Good News Soon? Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh were spotted at HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, Mumbai, on Saturday evening, accompanied by Ranveer's mom and sister. The couple was recently seen at Siddhivinayak Temple, Mumbai, seeking divine blessings ahead of the arrival of their first baby.

A recent video circulating on social media shows the couple in their car entering the hospital, fueling rumors of the arrival of DeepVeer's baby.

Watch The Video Here:

Soon after the video went viral, speculation began among fans about whether Deepika Padukone was admitted or just visiting for a routine check-up. However, this has not been confirmed yet.

Deepika and Ranveer were accompanied by their parents and sisters, adding to the occasion's significance. Ranveer wore an elegant cream-colored kurta, which complemented Deepika's stunning look.

According to IANS , While Deepika was reportedly set to deliver her baby in the last week of September, it looks like the families have planned to welcome the baby by C-section on Saturday.

Deepika - Ranveer tied the knot in an intimate wedding ceremony at Lake Como, Italy, in 2018.

Moreover, on the work front, Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh will soon be seen in Rohit Shetty's 'Singham Again,' which is set to release in November 2024.
New Delhi: The Jharkhand government has approved a medical insurance plan worth Rs 5 lakh for lawyers across the state. This decision is set to benefit 30,000 lawyers and aims to provide financial relief and healthcare security for those in the profession.

The cabinet has doubled the monthly pension for advocates aged 65 and above, increasing it from Rs 7,000 to Rs 14.000. This change was approved during a Cabinet meeting led by Chief Minister Hemant Soren.

The Jharkhand cabinet has also approved a monthly stipend of Rs 5,000 for newly enrolled advocates. Further, a grant of Rs 1.5 crore has been allocated to the Jharkhand Advocate Welfare Fund Trustee Committee for the financial year 2024-25 to support this initiative, according to an official statement.

It added that approval was given to pay a grant of a total amount of Rs nine crore to the Jharkhand Advocate Welfare Fund Trustee Committee in the financial year 2024-25 for providing the benefit of Jharkhand State Health Insurance Scheme provided to the State employees / retired employees.

Advocate General Rajiv Ranjan said that Jharkhand is the only state to implement the welfare of advocates and it is going to set an example for the entire country. He said that Chief Minister Hemant Soren has fulfilled his promises made to lawyers at a meeting held with them last year. Various lawyers bodies hailed the decision. The chief minister said the decision for the welfare of advocates will prove to be a historic one.

Soren in a post on X said: For the first time in the country.The state government will now provide monthly financial assistance to all new advocates of the state for five years so that they can get the strength to stay in this profession in the initial days. I am confident that taking advantage of this decision, young men and women from poor families will also now mark their strong presence in the temple of justice. Hearty congratulations and johar to everyone! he added.

The cabinet took several other decisions, including the construction of a hostel for tribal students, at a cost of about Rs 50 crore. The proposal to cover women aged 18 years and above under the state-run Jharkhand Mukhyamantri Mainiya Samman Yojana was also approved to provide financial assistance to the tune of Rs 1,000 per month to them.

Earlier, the scheme was applicable to only those women who had attained the age of 21 years. The cabinet also approved a proposal to exit from the centrally sponsored Fast Track Special Court Scheme while continuing the operation of 22 Fast Track Special Courts specially constituted in the state as per the current system by the State Government for execution of Rape and POCSO related cases. (With PTI Inputs)
On the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, Odisha's Deputy Chief Minister, Pravati Parida, flagged off the Subhadra Yojana awareness 'rath'. The van aims to create awareness about the upcoming Subhadra Yojana scheme, which is designed to empower over 1 crore women across the state. Speaking at the event, Parida said, "It is my good fortune that on the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, the Subhadra Yojana has been started by CM Mohan Charan Majhi." The scheme will deploy a 'rajrath' vehicle to travel across 338 units, reaching households directly. Parida highlighted the importance of the initiative, stating, "For the first time in Odisha, more than 1 crore women will benefit from the Subhadra Yojana." She also spoke about the scheme's goal of women's empowerment: "The main aim of the Subhadra Yojana is to empower women. When one woman becomes empowered, the entire family gets empowered. Hence, the initiative is to empower over a crore families in Odisha," Parida added. Parida also expressed hope that the scheme will substantially contribute to Prime Minister Modi's vision of creating 'lakhpati didis' and will inspire Odisha's women to become 'crorepatis' as well. The Deputy Chief Minister also invoked Goddess Subhadra's blessings for the success of the scheme. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Parida launched the 'Subhadra Awareness Van' on Saturday. Chief Minister Majhi, on the occasion, said, "The Subhadra scheme will be launched on September 17, which will help financially and empower women across Odisha. Therefore, on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, the 'Subhadra Awareness Rath' is being flagged off in Bhubaneswar, and later across Odisha, in a bid to make the beneficiaries aware of the scheme. More than 1 crore women will benefit under the Subhadra scheme in the state." Earlier, on Monday, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida unveiled the 'Subhadra Yojana' portal at Lok Seva Bhavan in Bhubaneswar. She explained, "Beneficiaries willing to apply for the flagship scheme can now visit the official website of Subhadra and avail themselves of the benefits by sharing the necessary details. It will be launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 17." The scheme, with a budget of Rs 10,000 crore, has prepared a list of 1.5 crore women. A standard procedure will be set up for distributing funds. Chief Minister Majhi added, "No development can be achieved by ignoring women. The dream of every woman for financial independence and empowerment will be fulfilled with the implementation of the scheme." Majhi also mentioned that the government too is committed to supporting the hopes and dreams of Odisha's 4.5 crore people and protecting Odia culture with a Rs 200 crore fund.(ANI)
Boeing's Starliner spacecraft has left the International Space Station (ISS) and is on its way back to Earth. However, its scheduled return doesn't involve the two astronauts who initially traveled to the ISS in the capsule  Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore  due to ongoing technical issues. The capsule is expected to land in the New Mexico desert after a six-hour flight, marking another chapter in the troubled history of Boeings astronaut transport system.

Starliners Uncrewed Return

On Friday, the Boeing Starliner undocked from the ISS, pushed away by springs, and began its return to Earth. The capsule was supposed to carry Williams and Wilmore back after their mission, but technical malfunctions, including thruster failures and helium leaks, led NASA to deem the return flight too risky for human transport. As a result, Starliner is making its journey back with no astronauts aboard, leaving empty seats and unused blue spacesuits behind.

Williams, speaking to Boeings Mission Control, bid farewell to the spacecraft with the words, Bring her back to Earth. Good luck, as Starliner began its descent.

Technical Problems Prevented Crew Return

Williams and Wilmore originally planned to return to Earth in June, following a scheduled eight-day mission that would have seen Starliner carry them safely back. However, shortly after the June 5 launch, the mission was marred by several issues. Small helium leaks were discovered before launch but were deemed manageable. Yet, during the mission, five thrusters failed, sparking concerns that more malfunctions could jeopardize a safe reentry.

Although Boeing conducted numerous tests, both in space and on the ground, throughout the summer to address the thruster problems, NASA ultimately decided it was too dangerous to bring the astronauts back in the Starliner.

SpaceX to Bring Astronauts Home in 2025

With Boeing's capsule out of commission, NASA has tasked SpaceX with returning Williams and Wilmore to Earth. The duo, now full-time members of the ISS crew, are expected to return via SpaceXs Dragon capsule in late February 2025. This means their original eight-day mission has now extended to more than eight months in space.

SpaceX's upcoming flight will mark its tenth crewed mission for NASA since 2020. The Dragon capsule will launch two astronauts for a half-year expedition, with two additional seats reserved for Wilmore and Williams for their return journey.
New Delhi: The Chinese smartphone brand launched the Realme 13 5G and Realme 13+ 5G smartphones in the Indian market. Now, the Realme 13 5G series goes on sale in the country with lucrative launch offers.

The Realme 13 5G is offered in 8GB+128GB and 8GB+256GB storage variants. Meanwhile, the Realme 13+ 5G comes in 8GB+128GB, 8GB+256GB and 12GB+256GB storage variants. The Realme 13 5G comes in two colour options: Dark Purple and Speed Green. The Realme 13+ 5G is offered in Victory Gold, Dark Purple and Speed Green colour options.

Realme 13 5G, Realme 13+ 5G Price And Launch Offers

The Realme 13 5G is priced at Rs 17,999 for the 8GB+128GB model, while the 8GB+256GB version carries a price tag of Rs 19,999. The Realme 13+ 5G is priced at Rs 22,999 for the 8GB+128GB variant. Meanwhile, the 8GB+256GB model costs Rs 24,999, and the 12GB+256GB version is priced at Rs 26,999.

It is interesting to know that the company is offering Rs 1,500 on the three variants of the Realme 13+ 5G which includes the 8GB+128GB, 8GB+256GB, and 12GB+256GB storage models. Moreover, consumers can also enjoy a Rs 1,000 cashback available on purchasing 8GB+128GB and 8GB+256GB variants of the Realme 13 5G.

Realme 13 5G Specifications:

The smartphone features a 6.72-inch LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate. It is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 processor and runs the Realme UI based on Android 14. The handset is powered by a 5,000mAh battery with 45W fast charging support.

On the optics front, the handset comes with a triple camera setup which includes a 50MP primary camera and a 2MP monochrome sensor. For quality selfies and video chats, there is a 16MP front camera positioned in a notch at the top of the display.

Realme 13 5G+ Specifications:

The smartphone features a 6.67-inch AMOLED display, also with a 120Hz refresh rate. The Realme 13+ 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 chip and runs on Realme UI 5.0, based on Android 14, providing a smooth and updated software experience. The phone is equipped with a 5,000mAh battery but offers a faster 80W charging.

On the optics front, the smartphone comes with a triple camera setup which includes a 50MP primary camera and a 2MP monochrome sensor. For quality selfies and video chats, there is a 16MP shooter on the front.
Washington DC: US President Joe Biden is set to host United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer, next week, and the two leaders are expected to have in-depth discussions on "a range of global issues of mutual interest," including the ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza amid other issues. The White House press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, said in a statement that the September 13 Oval Office visit will mark the second meeting between the two leaders since Starmer was voted as the British Prime Minister earlier this July.

Discussions between the leaders will include continuing robust support to Ukraine in its defence against "Russian aggression" and securing a hostage release and a ceasefire deal to end the war in Gaza. Protecting international shipping in the Red Sea from Iranian-backed Houthi threats, and advancing a free and open Indo-Pacific will also figure in the discussions, according to the White House press secretary.

Biden and Starmer will also discuss opportunities to strengthen US-UK cooperation to secure supply chains and increase climate resilience, the White House said. Starmer visited the White House in July this year and held one-on-one talks with Biden when he was in Washington for the NATO Summit. Earlier this week, US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby stated that the Biden administration believes that the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas is 90 per cent agreed on, adding, "That's how close we believe we are," Al Jazeera reported.

"Nothing is negotiated until everything is negotiated," Kirby said. He noted that several detailed issues remain to be resolved, adding that "that's when things get difficult." Earlier, British PM Keir Starmer was among other global leaders to express condolences on the death of six Israeli hostages, found dead in a tunnel in Gaza.

Starmer said he was "completely shocked" at the "horrific and senseless killing" of the hostages, and said that a ceasefire deal must be agreed by all sides immediately to end the suffering. "I am completely shocked at the horrific and senseless killing of six hostages in Gaza by Hamas. My thoughts are with their loved ones at this awful time. Hamas must release all the hostages now, and a ceasefire deal must be agreed by all sides immediately to end the suffering," Starmer posted on X.

US President Joe Biden said that he was devastated and outraged by the killing of Israeli hostages. He also informed that Israeli-US citizen Goldberg-Polin was among the people killed by Hamas.
US Presidential Elections: Hindus for America First, a newly created grassroots organisation, has announced it will endorse Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump and launch a campaign against Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris in the key battleground states of Pennsylvania, Georgia and North Carolina.

Announcing the decision on Thursday, Hindus for America First chairman and founder Utsav Sanduja claimed that Harris would be "very destabilising for Indo-US relations".

"The concern is that if Kamala becomes the president of the United States, then she might put in some liberal wolves on the bench who may actually reverse the Supreme Court on this (and) that impacting the Asian-American voters," he said.

The Biden-Harris administration has not kept the border secure. Harris is the second in command after President Joe Biden and did nothing to stem the flow of illegal immigrants into the US, he said.

"As a consequence of all these illegal immigrants, we've seen record crime, record drug smuggling... and it ends up affecting minority communities, in particular many of the Asian-American business owners," he said.

On the other hand, Sanduja praised Trump's efforts to make the immigration system more merit-based. He also lauded the former president's efforts to bolster defence and technology cooperation with India.

Trump is "very pro-India". He was able to cultivate an excellent relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and collaborate on many defence projects that would enable India to take on China, he said.

Unlike Harris, who made a lot of "disparaging remarks" about the government and people of India, Trump did not interfere in the country's internal affairs, Sanduja said.

"Kamala Harris would be very destabilising for Indo-US relations," he claimed.

He said Hindus for America First is organising efforts among Hindus in battleground states like Georgia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, Arizona, and Nevada against Harris.

Sanduja said the global Hindu community is concerned about the attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh.

"We would request all political entities concerned to raise this issue," he said, adding that the Hindus of Bangladesh are suffering.

"I give President Trump a lot of credit. Under his leadership, the State Department acknowledged the persecution of Hindus in various parts of the subcontinent, like in Afghanistan...Pakistan, it was President Trump that took the leadership in acknowledging Hindu genocide," he said.
He was received by Air Marshal SP Dharkar, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Air Command.

The CAS inspected a Guard of Honour on arrival and was introduced to all commanders and senior officers.

The Chief of the Air Staff reviewed operational preparedness of the EAC and commended all personnel for achievements that had ensured the highest level of Operational readiness as well as response towards HADR (Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief, and High Availability Disaster Recovery) and aid to civil administration.

In his address, the CAS emphasized the crucial role of EAC in maintaining a high operational preparedness. He stressed capability development and exhorted all personnel to imbibe the spirit of IAF doctrine which envisages IAF to transform into an agile, adaptive and decisive aerospace power in the near future.

He urged all the Commanders to continue their efforts towards providing a safe operational flying environment and to keep pace with global technological developments, especially in the newer domains of space, cyber and electronic warfare as well as to ensure a healthy work-life balance. The CAS awarded trophies to Stations for achieving excellence in the fields of Operations, Maintenance and Administration.

Earlier Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari attended the Joint Commanders' Conference in Lucknow on September 5.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addressed the apex leadership of the Indian Armed Forces at the Joint Commanders' Conference and commended their invaluable contribution to safeguarding national interests.

The Joint Commanders' Conference, with the theme 'Sashakt aur Surakshit Bharat: Transforming the Armed Forces', held at Headquarters, Central Command in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, from September 4 and 5, 2024.

Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan alongwith Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Choudhari led the convocation which brings together the apex-level hierarchy from the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces. (ANI)
The incident took place when the commando was out on a walk with his senior on Friday evening.

According to locals, the commando rescued the woman as she struggled in the lake.

Senior NSG officials confirmed that Team Commander Ravi Kumar Rai and Commando Ravi Kumar who were in Lucknow on VVIP protection duty were taking a walk around 6:30 pm along Kathauta Lake in Gomti Nagar when they noticed people recording videos of the drowning woman.

Without further delay, on the orders of Team Commander Ravi Kumar Rai, Commando Ravi Kumar immediately rushed into the water to rescue her, officials said.

While the commando was in action, the team commander sought assistance from locals to help pull the woman out of the water. After the successful rescue, the commando administered first aid to her.

Team Commander Ravi also informed senior police officers about the incident and a police team, along with an ambulance, arrived shortly after.

The woman was taken to the Community Health Centre (CHC) for treatment and is now in stable condition.

In recognition of their heroic efforts, the Task Force Commander in Lucknow praised both Team Commander Ravi Kumar Rai and Commando Ravi Kumar for saving the woman's life and recommended a cash reward for Commando Ravi. (ANI)
The Rouse Avenue court on Saturday deferred order on summons to former Railways Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, Tejaswi Yadav, and other accused persons in the land for job money laundering case. Special judge Vishal Gogne has listed the matter for order on summons to the accused persons on September 13. Accused Kisun Deo Rai, Lal Babu Rai and Lallan Chaudhary have expired. On August 6, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) filed a supplementary charge sheet against Lalu, Tejaswi and nine others. This supplementary charge sheet has name of Lallan Chaudhary, Hazari Rai, Dharmender Kumar, Akhileshwar Singh, Ravinder Kumar, Late Lal Babu Rai, Sonmatia Devi, Late Kishun Dev Rai and Sanjay Rai. It also has 96 relied-upon documents. In this case, Bihar's former CM Rabri Devi, her daughters Misa Bharti and Hema Yadav, and Amit Katyal and Hridyanand Chaudhary have been charge-sheeted. Two firms, namely AK Infosystem and AB Export, have also been accused in this case. ED had submitted that in 2006-07, AK Infosystem was formed by Amit Katyal, and its business was IT data analysis. No real business was done. Instead, several land parcels were bought by the company. One land parcel pertains to the main predicate offence, which is land for a job. This company was transferred in the name of Rabri Devi and Tejaswi Yadav in 2014 for the consideration of one lakh rupees, ED submitted. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on January 9, 2024, filed a Prosecution Complaint (Charge sheet) in Land for job scam money laundering case. ED submitted that AB Export was supposed to be in the business of export. It was incorporated in 1996. In 2007, Rs 5 crore came through five companies and a property in the New Friends colony was purchased. In this case, seven land parcels are involved. Out of these, Rabri, Hema Yadav, and Misa Bharti got land parcels. Later on, they sold out their land parcels. ED's Special Public Prosecutor had apprised the court that the Yadav family members are beneficiaries of the proceeds of crime. Katyal is said to be a close aide of former railways minister Lalu Prasad Yadav. The Delhi High Court had refused to quash Enforcement Directorate (ED) proceedings against Amit Katyal, who is accused of engaging in transactions with the family members of former railways minister Lalu Prasad Yadav. (ANI)
The leaders, including Chief Minister Pema Khandu participated in the long-life prayers for the Dalai Lama which were held on Saturday morning at the main Tibetan temple, Tsuglagkhang here in the north Indian hill town of Dharamshala.

After the prayer ceremony, the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) held an event to welcome the delegation from Arunachal Pradesh.

The delegation included Tapir Gao, MP and co-convener of the All Party Indian Parliamentary Forum for Tibet; Pasang Dorjee Sona, Minister for Education and Tourism; and Zingnu Namchoom, MLA Namsai.

Sikyong/ CTA president Pempa Tsering expresses his gratitude towards all the leaders and people of Arunachal Pradesh as they have organised this long-life prayer.

Addressing to the gathering here CM Khandu shared his experience of an audience with the Dalai Lama. He praised the Central Tibetan Administration for their dedicated efforts toward the Tibetan cause and highlighted the special bond between the people of Tibet and Arunachal Pradesh. (ANI)
Bharatiya Janata Party National President Jagat Prakash Nadda stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP and NDA have worked for the betterment of the country, whereas the constituent parties of the INDI Alliance have increased corruption and empowered anti-national elements, an official statement from the BJP released on Saturday said. JP Nadda said this while addressing the Rashtriya Sadasyata Abhiyan 2024 on Saturday in Patna, Bihar. During the event, Bihar BJP State President Dilip Jaiswal, Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Chaudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, Patna Sahib MP and senior leader Ravi Shankar Prasad, Speaker of the Bihar Legislative Assembly Nand Kishore Yadav, along with state BJP officials and karyakartas, were present. Nadda began his address by paying tribute to Guru Gobind Singh, acknowledging his contributions in fighting against the Mughals. Nadda emphasised that the BJP is the only party where the 'Pradhan Sevak,' along with party karyakartas from the National President to district and booth-level karyakartas, renews their membership every six years. Such a membership renewal process is unique to the BJP, as no other party could replicate it, he said. "While other parties are divided along lines of caste, region, and specific communities, or are centred around a single family, the BJP is a party that represents every section of society, working inclusively for the nation's welfare. The BJP is a party of 18 crore members and in this renewal drive the BJP aims for 10 crore members, and till now more than 1.25 crore members have joined BJP," the statement added. The statement further added that JP Nadda emphasised the BJP's commitment to equality, rights, and opportunities for all, contrasting it with other parties that prioritise specific castes or families for leadership roles. He highlighted the BJP's dedication to uplifting marginalised communities, including villages, the poor, oppressed, Dalits, farmers, youth, and women. While other parties, especially Congress, have historically ignored Dalit rights, the BJP has actively worked for their betterment. Congress had twice tried to prevent BR Ambedkar from being elected to the Lok Sabha, whereas the BJP-backed government under VP Singh honoured Ambedkar with the Bharat Ratna, the statement said. Nadda mentioned that PM Modi's government declared November 26th as 'Samvidhan Diwas' in tribute to Dr Ambedkar, a day that wasn't celebrated before 2014 because Dalits were treated as a vote bank by other parties. A grand memorial has been built in Mhow, where Ambedkar was born. In London, "Shiksha Bhoomi" marks the place where he studied, while "Diksha Bhoomi" in Nagpur, "Mahaparinirvana Bhoomi" in Delhi, and "Chaitya Bhoomi" in Mumbai honour his legacy. The BJP government under Atal Bihari Vajpayee made Baliyogi the first Dalit Speaker of the Lok Sabha. In the Modi cabinet, there are 10 Dalit ministers, 27 OBC ministers, and 5 Adivasi ministers. The BJP has successfully integrated Dalits into the mainstream of society and governance, the statement added. Nadda highlighted that under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, 1 crore 77 lakh homes were provided to Dalit families. He further emphasised that Dalits have been major beneficiaries of central schemes like Ayushman Bharat and Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana. Nadda expressed satisfaction at the enthusiastic public participation in the BJP's membership drive and urged everyone to spread the message. He called the karyakartas to take a pledge that no person from this region is left out from joining the BJP, the statement added. Earlier in the day, JP Nadda visited Patna Sahib Gurudwara in Bihar and offered prayers. Nadda, who arrived here on Friday, is on a two-day visit to the state. He inaugurated several health projects in the state. https://x.com/JPNadda/status/1832302412268499371 After offering prayers, he wrote on X, "Today I got the privilege of paying obeisance and receiving blessings at 'Gurudwara Patna Sahib' located in Patna, Bihar. Coming to this divine place always gives me immense energy and inspiration to serve the people. On this occasion, I prayed to Waheguru Ji for the happiness, prosperity and health of all the countrymen. 'Waheguru Ji's Khalsa, Waheguru Ji's victory.'" (ANI)
Noting that the security situation in the Kashmir valley has improved after Narendra Modi became Prime Minister, Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Saturday said that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was able to roam around the valley because of PM Modi. "It is because of PM Modi, that Rahul Gandhi is free to roam around and enjoy his time in Kashmir. When they were in the centre and the state, they never dared to come out of their security blanket. It is PM Modi who has ensured their 'Azadi' and security," Singh told reporters here. Earlier in the day, launching a scathing attack on Congress and the National Conference's manifesto, Union Minister and BJP leader Amit Shah said that the Congress-NC alliance wanted to bring back the old system and start talks with Pakistan but "till there is no peace, there will be no talks with Pakistan. Criticising the Congress and National Conference's manifesto, Shah said that they want to spread terrorism, snatch reservations of Gujjars, Bakarwal, Paharis and Dalits, release criminals and start LOC trade with Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir. Stating the BJP's 10 agendas for elections, Shah said, "Congress and NC want to bring back two flags, article in Jammu and Kashmir, will you? They want to snatch the reservation of Gujjars, Bakarwal, Paharis and Dalits. I want to tell one thing to Rahul Gandhi: no matter how much effort you put in, we will not let the reservation of Gujjars, Bakarwal, Paharis and Dalits be touched. Abrogation of Article 370 has given rights to women, will you let them snatch their rights? They want to release the criminals wrapped up in terrorism, but we won't let them spread terrorism in Jammu, Poonch, Rajouri, and Doda. They say we will restart LoC trade, but who will benefit from it? Their profit will be used in spreading terrorism. They want to talk to Pakistan but I want to say that till there is no peace, there will be no talks with Pakistan." Shah on Friday released the Bhartiya Janata Party's manifesto for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections. The BJP has made 25 promises, focussing on women, youths, Kashmiri Pandits, restoring temples and wiping out terrorism. Jammu and Kashmir assembly polls will be held in three phases on September 18, 25 and October 1. There are a total number of 90 assembly constituencies in Jammu and Kashmir, out of which 7 seats are reserved for SCs and 9 seats are reserved for STs. According to the Election Commission of India, Jammu and Kashmir has 88.06 lakh eligible electors. These are the first assembly elections to be held in Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370. (ANI)
The death of one person has been confirmed by Lucknow District Magistrate Suryapal Gangwar.

"So far, 13 people have been evacuated. NDRF, SDRF, fire brigade, and police are carrying out rescue operations at the spot," Municipal Commissioner Lucknow Indrajit Singh told ANI.

"The death of one person is reported... NDRF and SDRF teams are working. One more person is feared to be trapped," Lucknow District Magistrate Suryapal Gangwar told ANI.

Chief Fire Officer (CFO) Mangesh Kumar said that many people are still feared trapped in the collapsed building.

"More people are said to be trapped... The exact number of the trapped people is yet to be ascertained," Kumar said.

Rescue operations to evacuate the trapped people are underway. Fire Department, SDRF and NDRF teams are at the spot.

The injured people are being sent to the hospital.

Further details awaited. (ANI)
Bhartiya Janata Party MP Jyotiramay Singh Mahato on Saturday, in a letter to Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare J P Nadda, accused West Bengal government of 'misusing' hospitals to shield 'corrupt TMC leaders' and asked for an investigation. MP Mahato alleged that state-run hospitals, particularly SSKM hospital, have been 'repeatedly used' to 'obstruct justice' by shielding TMC leaders. "Government-run medical institutions, which are supposed to provide care and treatment, have been repeatedly used to shield TMC ministers and leaders from legal investigations, The misuse of state-run hospitals, particularly SSKM Hospital, to obstruct justice has been well documented and even observed by the Calcutta High Court," Mahato wrote in the letter. "For instance, when TMC leaders involved in the Teacher's Recruitment Scam (SSC) and Saradha chit fund scam were supposed to face legal proceedings, many of them conveniently ended up in SSKM's VIP wards under questionable grounds," Mahato further added. Mahato further alleged that the health officials were 'involved' in tampering the evidence in the recent rape and murder of the junior doctor at R G Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. "In recent tragic rape and murder of a young doctor at R G Kar Medical College has brought these issues to the forefront once again. There have been multiple attempts to tamper with evidence and cover up the crime. As you are aware, a leaked memo revealed the involvement of health officials in carrying out construction work near the crime scene just a day after the incident," Mahato said. Mahato asked for a thorough investigation from J P Nadda into the alleged malpractices in Bengal's health care system. "I humbly request your intervention and consideration for a thorough investigation into the malpractices in West Bengal's healthcare system. The involvement of health officials in shielding criminals, particularly in RG Kar case, demands urgent attention," Mahato wrote. The body of the trainee doctor was found in the seminar room of the R G Kar hospital on August 9. The incident sparked nationwide protests. A civic volunteer was arrested shortly after. The CBI also arrested Dr Sandip Ghosh, for alleged financial misconduct at the medical establishment. (ANI)
The Centre on Saturday discharged IAS Probationer Puja Manorama Dilip Khedkar with immediate effect from the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). This comes weeks after the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) cancelled Khedkar's provisional candidature. Khedkar has been discharged from the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) under Rule 12 of IAS (Probation) Rules, 1954, with immediate effect." Rule 12 of IAS (Probation) Rules, 1954, provides for discharge on ground of a probationer having been found to be ineligible to be recruited to the Service. According to sources, Khedkar was found to have availed of more number of attempts at the Civil services examination than her claimed category pf OBC and PwD permitted an had exhausted that that limit prior to 2022 the year of her selection. On July 31, the UPSC through a press statement stated that it has taken a decision to cancel the provisional candidature of Puja Khedkar, who was facing accusations of cheating and forgery. The UPSC found Puja Khedkar guilty of violating rules and debarred her from all the future exams and selections. The UPSC stated that it has carefully considered the request of Puja Khedkar and in order to meet the ends of justice, she was granted time till 3:30 pm of 30th July, 2024 so as to enable her to submit the response to the show cause notice. Former probationary IAS Puja Khedkar moved the Delhi High Court in August challenging Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) decision to cancel her candidature. The Delhi Police through a fresh status report filed has informed the Delhi High Court that suspended trainee IAS Puja Khedkar submitted two disability certificates, with the suspicion that one of them might be forged. In her recent reply to the Delhi High Court, Pooja Khedkar, who faces accusations of cheating and improperly securing OBC and disability quota benefits, stated that the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) does not have the authority to disqualify her. UPSC had argued that Puja Khedkar is a "mastermind" and that her actions would not have been possible without the assistance of others. This argument supports their position that custodial interrogation is necessary. (ANI)
Union Minister JP Nadda on Saturday inaugurated the super-speciality block of Shri Krishna Medical College and Hospital in Muzaffarpur and said that people will not have to go to Patna or Delhi for issues like cardiology, nephrology among others. Addressing the public, Nadda said, "A world-class, state-of-the-art super-speciality block is being built. The number of beds in this block will be increased, and this will take the total number of beds in the hospital to 1205. For issues concerning cardiology, vascular surgery, nephrology, neurology, and neurosurgery, among others, people will not have to go to Patna or Delhi. All facilities will be available in Muzaffarpur. These facilities have been extended to Darbhanga, Bhagalpur, Gaya, and Patna as well." "Did you ever imagine that medical colleges would be established in places like Purnia, Jamui, and Saran?" he asked. Further, the Union Minister highlighted that today, eight new medical colleges are being opened, and Bihar will soon have 35 medical colleges in total. "A new story of progress is being written. This has been made possible because you elected PM Modi for the third time. The power of your vote is immense. When you vote wisely, you get the right leadership, and with the right leadership, comes the establishment of medical colleges. There was a time when women couldn't step out of their homes after 5 pm because of the unsafe environment. You must understand the power of your vote," Nadda added. The BJP National President also mentioned that during the COVID-19 pandemic, even a country like America struggled, but under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, India developed two vaccines and carried out the world's largest vaccination program. "We also exported vaccines to many countries and provided free vaccines to 48 nations. India is no longer a country that asks; it has become a country that gives. Today, extreme poverty in India has dropped to less than 1 per cent. India, which was once the 11th largest economy, now stands strong even as major economies like the U.S., Russia, and Japan face financial crises. Under PM Modi's leadership, India has emerged as a robust economy," JP Nadda said. (ANI)
In a setback for the Bharatiya Janata Party ahead of the Haryana Assembly Elections, former state minister Bachan Singh Arya resigned from the party on Saturday. The development comes after the party denied ticket to Arya and fielded Ramkumar Gautam from Safidon in its first list of the candidates for the Haryana Polls. Arya has resigned from the primary membership and state executive of BJP, per the resignation letter submitted to the party. Bachan Singh Arya has decided to fight as an independent candidate. "I have said this earlier too. Today, public told me to leave it (the party), you saw that it was a crowd of 10,000 people...I had joined BJP when they (public) had told me. People were not satisfied with their work, Jind was not suited to their workstyle...People of the constituency have ignored BJP...I am contesting on the ticket of the public, they offered me and I accepted it because it is they who have to vote...Those who have come from outside have never won," Arya told ANI. The BJP released its first list of 67 candidates on Wednesday for the 90-member assembly. According to the list, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini will contest from the Ladwa constituency. Earlier, Haryana Minister and BJP leader Ranjit Singh Chautala on Thursday resigned from the Cabinet after being denied a ticket by the party for the upcoming assembly polls. Ranjit Chautala, brother of former Haryana Chief Minister Om Prakash Chautala, has decided to fight as an independent candidate from the Rania seat. "I will contest as an independent candidate from the Rania Assembly constituency. It is the decision of the people of my constituency. I have resigned from the minister's post. After I did not get the ticket, I took this decision," he told ANI. The BJP has fielded Shishpal Kamboj from Rania seat in its first list of candidates. Other prominent leaders in the first list are Gian Chand Gupta, Kanwar Pal Gurjar, Sunita Duggal, Bhavya Bishnoi, and Tejpal Tanwar. Gian Chand Gupta will contest from Panchkula, Kanwar Pal Gurjar from Jagadhri, Sunita Duggal from Ratia, Bhavya Bishnoi from Adampur, and Tejpal Tanwar from Sohna. Following the distribution of tickets, former Haryana Minister Karan Dev Kamboj, who held the post of state BJP OBC Morcha chief, announced his resignation from all the posts of the Bharatiya Janata Party and said there has been injustice with workers in the distribution of tickets. Voting for assembly polls in Haryana will be held on October 5 and votes will be counted on October 8. Jammu and Kashmir will go the polls on September 18, 25 and October 1 and votes will also be counted on October 8. (ANI)
Sanjay Kumar, Secretary of Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL), chaired an international conference titled "Spectrum of Literacy" on Saturday at the CIET, NCERT, New Delhi. The Ministry of Education, Government of India, organized this virtual conference as a prelude to International Literacy Day 2024, to be celebrated tomorrow in an event at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. Sanjay Kumar mentioned in his address how the definition of literacy now includes Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Literacy, critical life skills, like digital, financial, and legal literacy, etc. "Literacy should help people navigate through life," he emphasised. He said that ULLAS is the framework under which we must work to bring down the literacy gap between the urban and rural populations and between males and females, adding, "Literacy is to become a powerful force of change, and we must carefully negotiate with the strategies and frameworks that underpin our efforts." Highlighting this year's theme of International Literacy Day, Promoting Literacy Through Multilingualism, he mentioned that one of the central pillars of the National Education Policy 2020 is multilingualism. "Children learn best when they are taught in their Mother Tongue, he added." He underscored the importance of educating women so that their representation increases in the workforce. Archana Sharma Awasthi, Joint Secretary, Department of School Education & Literacy (DoSEL), delivered the inaugural address and gave a presentation highlighting the role of ULLAS-Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram, a program introduced to foster adult literacy across the nation. The conference featured two engaging sessions titled "Exploring the 'Spectrum of Literacy' in India" and "Global Perspectives on Literacy Chaired". The first session was chaired by Dr. Amarendra P. Behera, Joint Director, CIET, NCERT. The session focused on diverse perspectives on literacy within India. The second session was chaired by Prof. T.G. Sitharam, Chairman AICTE. This session provided an international perspective on literacy. Renowned global experts such as Nicholas Jonas from Germany, Prof. Iddo Gal from Israel, and Dr. Anke Grotluschen from Germany discussed critical issues ranging from adult literacy to the impact of artificial intelligence on literacy. Dr. John Benseman provided valuable insights on "Literacy in Social Spaces". The event concluded with a summary of the steps ahead. The conference, underscoring the theme "Spectrum of Literacy", reflected the broad and diverse challenges and opportunities in education globally. It concluded with a call to action to strengthen partnerships and collaborations to build a literate (Jan Jan Saakshar) and inclusive world. Archana Sharma Awasthi, Joint Secretary, DoSEL; Professor Dinesh Prasad Saklani, Director of NCERT; Joyce Poan, Chief of the Education Sector at UNESCO's Regional Office for South Asia; and other dignitaries attended the conference. It brought together global and national experts, educators, policymakers, and literacy advocates to explore the diverse and evolving dimensions of literacy in today's world. (ANI)
BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi on Saturday said that National Conference leader Omar Abdullah's remarks about the hanging of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru was an "expose of their nefarious, nasty, separatist anti-national design". Trivedi also targeted the Congress, an alliance partner of the NC in the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly election, saying that it "is showing their real nefarious design through proxy". In an interview, Abdullah had told ANI that he did not believe any purpose was served by "executing" Afzal Guru. "The recent statement of the main alliance partner of INDIA alliance of the Congress party, their old family friend and former Chief Minister of J&K, Omar Abdullah, is nothing but a clear-cut expose of their nefarious, nasty, separatist anti-national design," Trivedi told ANI. "When Omar Abdullah says that Afzal Guru's case was not fit for hanging, I would like to ask Congress if the investigating agencies working your regime wrong. Has the Supreme Court of India during the UPA government given a wrong judgment? I would like to remind the people of the country that in the judgment on the Parliament attack, SC used the word that this was a rare of the rarest crime. So whether the SC was wrong or the President of India," he added. He said that Congress cannot shed its responsibility by distancing itself from Omar Abdullah's remarks. "This is the same party that has given in its manifesto that they will restore Article 370 and Farooq Abdullah, the senior leader of the same party said in October 2020 that they will restore 370 with the help of China. Congress is showing their real nefarious design through proxy," Trivedi said. "They cannot shed their responsibility by saying it is their statement because Rahul Gandhi was present there giving moral support to those who were chanting 'Afzal ham sharminda hai, tere katil zinda hai'," Trivedi added. BJP leader Manoj Tiwari also slammed Omar Abdullah's remarks on Afzal Guru's hanging. "This statement of Omar Abdullah is a direct challenge to the Supreme Court's verdict. Afzal was hanged because he planned an attack on the Parliament. The terrorists did not succeed in entering the Parliament but around a dozen of our security personnel lost their lives. Omar Abdullah siding with a terrorist is directly against the Supreme Court's verdict," Tiwari told ANI. Jammu and Kashmir will go for assembly polls in three phases on September 18, 25 and October 1. Votes will be counted on October 8. These are the first assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370. Omar Abdullah is contesting from two constituencies - Ganderbal and Budgam. Congress and the National Conference are fighting the polls together as allies. (ANI)
The Assam government said in a notification that the Chief Minister shall hoist the National Flag on Republic Day at Dibrugarh in view of the establishment of the Chief Minister's Secretariat in Dibrugarh and in the larger public interest. The CM will continue to hoist the National Flag on Independence Day in Guwahati. This comes a day after CM Sarma completed his first day at the Chief Minister's Secretariat in Dibrugarh, inaugurated on September 6. The notification issued by the commissioner and secretary to the government of the Assam General Administration Department on September 6 said, "In view of the establishment of the Chief Minister's Secretariat in Dibrugarh and in the larger public interest, it is hereby notified that on Republic Day (26th January), the Hon'ble Chief Minister shall hoist the National Flag in Dibrugarh. An officer of the rank of Additional Chief Secretary and Special DGP/Addl. DGP shall assist the Hon'ble Chief Minister in Dibrugarh." "The Hon'ble Governor would kindly continue to hoist the National Flag in Guwahati on Republic Day (26th January) at the state-level ceremonial function organised by the Government of Assam. The Chief Secretary and Director General of Police shall be present at the central function in Guwahati, Kamrup (M), to assist the Hon'ble Governor of Assam, However, in the event the Hon'ble Governor is unable to hoist the National Flag in Guwahati on Republic Day, the Hon'ble Chief Minister takes on the responsibility of hoisting the National Flag in Guwahati and depute a senior minister for hoisting the flag in Dibrugarh," it added. Regarding the state-level ceremonial function on Independence Day (15th August), the Chief Minister of Assam shall continue to hoist the National Flag in Guwahati, the notification added. This notification shall come into force with immediate effect. (ANI)
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu emphasised the need to assert Himachal Pradesh's rightful claims in the court of law to maximise benefits to the people of the state. He was presiding over a meeting of senior officers of the Energy Department here on Saturday. He said that the 110 MW Shanan hydel project in Jogindernagar in Mandi district must be handed over to Himachal Pradesh, as the lease period of this project in favour of Punjab has expired, a release said on Saturday. CM Sukhu said that the state government would urge the Supreme Court to direct the Punjab government to handover the project back to Himachal Pradesh before October 31 this year. He said that the matter would also be taken up with the Centre and the Punjab government to ensure prompt transfer of the project. The State Government would also expedite the matter of securing Himachal Pradesh's legitimate rights in the BBMB, as adjudicated by the Supreme Court earlier, stated the Chief Minister. The state government will leave no stone unturned to achieve this goal, he affirmed, adding that a notice of non-compliance of the implementation agreement will be served to JSW Company regarding the 1045 MW Karcham Wangtoo Hydro Power Project as well. To safeguard the interests of the state in the hydel sector, it has been decided to ensure 12 percent, 18 percent, and 30 percent royalty slabs in the power projects, and after 40 years, the project will be handed over back to the state, reiterated the Chief Minister. He said that this step would also go a long way in strengthening the economy of the state. Hydropower and tourism were the key sectors for the economy of the state, and the present state government was giving top priority to both these sectors. The state government has envisioned making Himachal Pradesh a self-reliant state by the year 2027 and positioning it among the most prosperous states in the country by 2032, stated the Chief Minister. (ANI)
Before submitting his nomination papers, he held a roadshow here where many BJP workers participated. From the open vehicle, he waved to the BJP workers, many of them waved BJP flags as his vehicle moved.

Polling in Jammu and Kashmir will be conducted in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1, the results of which will be declared on October 8. This is the first election in Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370.

There are a total number of 90 assembly constituencies in Jammu and Kashmir, out of which 7 seats are reserved for SCs and 9 seats are reserved for STs.

According to the Election Commission of India, Jammu and Kashmir has 88.06 lakh eligible electors. These are the first assembly elections to be held in Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370.

On Friday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah released the BJP's manifesto for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections.

The BJP has made 25 promises, focussing on women, youths, Kashmiri Pandits, restoring temples and wiping out terrorism

BJP J-K chief Ravinder Raina described the manifesto as a 'people's manifesto'.BJP, in its manifesto, focused on women-led development in Jammu and Kashmir.

It promised to implement 'Maa Samman Yojana' to provide Rs 18,000 per year to the senior most woman in every household in Jammu and Kashmir.

It also promised to provide assistance through the state government for Women SHGs on the issue of interest on bank loans.

The National Conference and the Congress party are fighting the assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir together. The Samajwadi Party (SP) has also extended its support to the Congress and National Conference alliance in the J-K polls. (ANI)
Durga Vahini, the women's wing of Vishwa Hindu Parishad, held a protest march, demanding justice over the rape and murder of junior doctor at R G Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. Durga Vahini workers demanded strict actions against the accused. Chief of Durga Vahini Ritu Singh alleged that the Bengal government is involved in the case. "This fight will go on till we get justice, How can one man earn that much from the hospital, how can one man go inside the hospital like that, The government is involved in this case," Ritu Singh said. Arnimita Pal, a Durga Vahini worker, stated that their protest will continue until justice is delivered. "Everyone who is involved in this case shall be punished. We will continue our fight till they get punished," Arnimita Pal said. The body of the trainee doctor was found in the seminar room of the hospital on August 9. The incident sparked nationwide protests. A civic volunteer was arrested shortly after. The CBI also arrested Dr Sandip Ghosh, for alleged financial misconduct at the medical establishment. Earlier, BJP's Jyotiraditya Scindia targeted Mamata Banerjee, alleging that an 'environment of terror, fear, and violence has been created' in West Bengal. "...In our scriptures, it is written that where women are worshipped, god lives there. Sadly, an environment of terror, fear and violence has been created in West Bengal under the rule of TMC's Chief Minister (Mamata Banerjee), where women are not only exploited but also murdered," Scindia said. He added, "Today, no one, including women, youth, businessmen, and common people, is safe in West Bengal... What is the relevance of such a government under the leadership of a woman CM, if the women are not safe here?". (ANI)
In a giant step to redefine community policing in the state, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday attended and chaired a conference of 307 Thana level 'Nagarik Samitis' at Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra in Guwahati. Chief Minister chaired the conference of the Nagarik Samitis, which consists of the citizens and representatives of every police station and is expected to provide a robust framework to bridge the gap between the public and the police. Speaking on the occasion, CM Sarma said that he expected the Nagarik Samitis to play a crucial role in assisting the victims of crime, particularly children and women. He also said that the Nagarik Samitis should work in such a way that they should build public awareness on legal procedures such as filing of FIR, recovering reports, and obtaining certificates. The Chief Minister appreciated the entire team of Assam Police and all those who have worked hard to bring the 2022 decision on Nagarik Samiti to fruition. The Chief Minister also said that for making life disciplined and peaceful, police forces have an immense role. He also said that by police, people always visualise the police stations and police outposts. He said that within three months of coming to power, he held meetings with all the OCs of the police stations, where he elaborated on his vision of a police modernisation plan. In three years, Assam Police has gone through several transformations with the appointment of new officers, constables, etc., and modernisation and empowerment of battalions. "In the last three years, police have carried out their duties rather diligently and professionally, and as a result, the crime rate in the state has also gone down drastically. The low rates of crimes have helped the police file charge sheets on time. Strengthening of the facilities of forensic science in the state has also helped the police to zero in on crimes, which also expedited the filing of the charge sheets. Moreover, the SP conference held every six months has also had its role in declining the public complaints regarding their grievances. The adoption of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita will also help the people and police to expeditiously render justice," CM Sarma said. CM Sarma said that the state government will very soon issue directives to all police stations to expeditiously provide services to the people. He also said that for celebrations of different festivals, a NoC from the police is required. However, any delay in issuing the NoC from the police results in dissatisfaction among the citizens. Referring to Assam Police's Sewa Setu Portal, the Chief Minister said that the introduction of the portal has led to giving services to the people numbering 1,91,408 instances. The Chief Minister said that the Nagarik Samitis have to work to ensure that the police can give services to the people without any delay. They have to work as a bridge between the people and the police. CM Sarma underscored that with a notable decline in terrorist activities, there is a desire to transform police stations into vibrant centres for public service. Acknowledging the immense mental and emotional strain faced by police officers working tirelessly around the clock, the Chief Minister stressed the importance of creating a nurturing and supportive environment. In this spirit, he urged the Nagarik Samitis to initiate community-focused activities such as tree plantations as well as engage with local MLAs and MPs to support small-scale infrastructure developments. Such collaborative efforts would not only enhance the physical infrastructure of the police stations, but also uplift the morale of officers, empowering them to focus wholeheartedly on fostering peace and order. CM Sarma highlighted that societal change is a process that requires a positive mindset to take root. He emphasised that while the government can lay the groundwork for change, it is ultimately the collective effort and cooperation of the public that will drive lasting change. He entrusted the chairpersons of the Nagarik Samitis with the important responsibility of addressing and resolving public issues by collaborating closely with local police stations. By focussing on improving the quality of services provided to citizens, these Samitis would serve as a crucial link between the police force and the community. The CM announced that a meeting would be held on October 2, marking the start of the newly formed Nagarik Samitis, with the chairpersons and members stepping into their new roles. To recognise their contributions, chairpersons would receive a monthly honorarium of Rs 5,000, while non-official members would receive Rs 250 rupees for their participation in each meeting, which would be held four times annually. CM Sarma highlighted that police superintendents would engage with chairpersons every six months, ensuring ongoing dialogue and collaboration. He urged the Assam Police to develop a comprehensive handbook for these Samitis. CM Sarma also called upon police officials to ensure that on Independence Day, the flag hoisted outside police stations is raised by the chairpersons of the Nagarik Samitis. He announced that an SP conference would be held in Dergaon in mid-October to showcase the ongoing efforts of the Nagarik Samitis. Looking ahead, he said that dedicated funding would be provided to support the effective functioning of these Samitis. (ANI)
Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi on Saturday said the new Bharat is emerging with a destination in mind, and by 2047 the country will be a developed nation. "New Bharat is emerging and now it is emerging with a destination, a goal and a resolve that by 2047 we have to be a fully developed nation," Ravi said while speaking at golden jubilee celebrations of PS Educational Society here. The governor said that Sanskrit is a source of India's roots and also spoke about the need for multilingual experts. "Sanskrit is a source of your root. It is not that people become Sanskrit literate. It's a time when we need to have multilingual experts--experts in Sanskrit, Tamil, and English. "We often say that we do this for society; what is society? In our Bharatiya Adhyatm, a family is an extension of the individual, society is the extension of the family and the Rashtra is the extension of society," Ravi said. The governor said that the colonial British power, along with missionaries, tried to destroy the identity of Bharat by destroying the education system prevailing then. "British government, along with missionaries, tried to destroy the identity of Bharat. To kill the spirit of Bharat, they killed the education system. They took away our treasures and inscriptions. They fabricated history to give a new identity to people in our country. This was a well deliberate attempt," he said. The governor pointed out that the British colonial period in India was a period of "extreme atrocities." "Besides trying to change our identity, that was also a period when they took about a million of our people from this particular place our Tamil Nadu, especially south, as slaves to their colonies, what they call indentured labour. These are yet to be well-researched. "In fact, in the archives, there are documents that in 1839, 70,000 people of this place put their signature on a paper to the then Governor of Madras asking them to remove the condition that for admission in school, they had to change the religion. That was a period of extreme atrocities," Ravi said. (ANI)
PM said this on the occasion of 'Samvatsari', a festival of forgiveness celebrated by the Jain community.

"Samvatsari highlights the strength of harmony and to forgive others. It calls for embracing empathy and solidarity as our source of motivation. In this spirit, let us renew and deepen bonds of togetherness. Let kindness and unity shape our journey forward. Michhami Dukkadam!," PM Modi said in a post on X.

On this auspicious day, Jains greets each other with folded hands and say "Michhami Dukkadam" and observe a fast for the entire day.

Earlier today, Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan on Saturday joined the the Paryushan Mahaparva 2024 celebrations with Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur in the presence of global spiritual master, Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshji in Mumbai.

Along with Governor, Maharashtra Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha and others were also present on the occasion.

The sacred day of Samvatsari, is celebrated by putting the teachings of Jainism - 'Universal Compassion' into action alongwith experiencing inner cleansing through seeking forgiveness. (ANI)
Political parties have stepped up their electoral preparedness in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, going to polls in the third week of September. Polling would be held in three phases starting from September 18, 25, and October 1. The counting of votes will take place on October 8. The National Conference and the People's Democratic Party have mentioned the restoration of Article 370 in their manifestos. The BJP, on the other hand, said that Article 370 has become a thing of the past. The upcoming elections are the first polls to be held in the Union Territory after the abrogation of Article 370. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who released the party manifesto in Jammy on Friday, launched a scathing attack on Congress and the National Conference's manifesto on Saturday. Shah said that they want to spread terrorism, snatch reservations of Gujjars, Bakarwal, Paharis, and Dalits, release criminals, and start LOC trade with Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir. Stating the BJP's 10 agendas for elections, Shah said, "Congress and NC want to bring back two flags, article in Jammu and Kashmir, will you? They want to snatch the reservation of Gujjars, Bakarwal, Paharis, and Dalits. I want to tell one thing to Rahul Gandhi: no matter how much effort you put in, we will not let the reservation of Gujjars, Bakarwal, Paharis, and Dalits be touched. Abrogation of Article 370 has given rights to women, will you let them snatch their rights? They want to release the criminals wrapped up in terrorism, but we won't let them spread terrorism in Jammu, Poonch, Rajouri, and Doda. They say we will re-start LoC trade, but who will benefit from it? There profit will be used in spreading terrorism. They want to talk to Pakistan, but I want to say that till there is no peace, there will be no talks with Pakistan." In an interview with ANI, NC Vice-President, Omar Abdullah,, said that Article 370 is a long struggle. "Article 370 and the special status of J&K are part of the National Conference's ideology. It's not something that we will surrender. But it's not something that this assembly will be able to do. A couple of government changes will be needed at the centre before we even begin to address this issue. It took the BJP decades to do this, and we are not foolish to think that we will be able to undo it in 5 years. It's a long struggle. It's an issue that we believe is important to keep alive," he said. The National Conference and the Congress have forged a pre-poll alliance ahead of the polls. There are a total number of 90 assembly constituencies in Jammu and Kashmir, out of which 7 seats are reserved for SCs and 9 seats are reserved for STs. According to the Election Commission of India, Jammu and Kashmir has 88.06 lakh eligible electors. In the previous Assembly elections, the People's Democratic Party (PDP) won 28 seats, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured 25, the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC) won 15, and the Congress won 12.(ANI)
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Saturday that the state government is intensifying efforts to remove illegal immigrants from Assam. In a post on X, he said, "We are intensifying efforts to remove illegal immigrants from Assam. The State Government is initiating a series of coordinated actions that include enhanced surveillance, closer coordination with central agencies, and additional deployment of force, among others." The Assam CM also attached a statement of the state government. "The detection of illegal immigrants entering Assam through its international borders has long been a critical responsibility of the Assam Police Border Organization. However, recent reports indicate an increase in the number of illegal immigrants being detected, necessitating intensified efforts across the state," the statement read. He shared data that showed that from January this year to date, a total of 54 illegal immigrants have been found. Of these, 45 individuals were successfully pushed back into their country of origin, while nine were arrested in Karimganj."From January 2024 to date, a total of 54 illegal immigrants have been detected--48 in Karimganj district, 4 in Bongaigaon district, and one each in Haflong GRP and Dhubri district. Of these, 45 individuals were successfully pushed back into their country of origin, while nine were arrested in Karimganj. Additionally, there have been reports of suspected non-Indian nationals and foreign-origin individuals in certain areas of the state, particularly in Upper Assam and North Assam districts. The detection of such individuals is critical, given the potential threat to national security," the statement said. In the statement, CM Sarma further directed the Assam Police Border Organization to take all necessary preventive and precautionary measures to intensify detection and proactively curb the movement of illegal migrants."In light of the above, and with a view to strengthening efforts to detect illegal immigrants entering Assam via its international borders, the Assam Police Border Organization is hereby directed to take all necessary preventive and precautionary measures to intensify detection and proactively curb the movement of illegal migrants, while taking steps to repatriate these individuals," it said. CM Sarma also listed some of the measures to remove illegal immigrants and directed the Assam Border Police to implement them with all earnestness. "Strengthening Border Surveillance: Increase patrolling and surveillance in areas under the jurisdiction of Border Outposts to detect and prevent illegal border crossings. Coordination with Border Security Agencies: Establish stronger coordination with the Border Security Force (BSF) and other Central agencies to facilitate seamless information sharing and joint operations for enhanced border security. Frequent meetings on a monthly basis may be held by DGP, Assam, with DG, BSF for effective coordination," the statement said."Regular Intelligence Gathering: Enhance intelligence-gathering mechanisms, focusing on cross-border networks and infiltration routes. Deploy trained personnel in key areas to gather and process actionable intelligence for timely intervention. Community Engagement and Awareness: Conduct community awareness programs in border areas to encourage local residents to report suspicious movements or new settlers, aiding in the early detection of potential illegal immigrants," it added."Timely Legal Action: Ensure that all identified cases of illegal immigrants are promptly documented and forwarded to the Foreigners Tribunals for adjudication. Additional force deployment in border districts: In the border districts, APHQ may make efforts to deploy additional forces as per ground-level assessment to assist the Border Police in these sensitive border districts vulnerable to illegal influx. SPs of the border districts shall review the current strength and functioning of the police stations in the border areas and take additional support, if required, from the APHQ," the statement said."Strengthening Border Outposts and Documentation: Intensify checks in areas under Border Outpost jurisdiction to identify suspicious individuals lacking valid identification or documentation. Periodic verification of records should be conducted to prevent illegal immigrants from evading detection. Enumeration of suspected illegal immigrants: Activate village/field-level government functionaries such as VDPs, Gaon Panchayat members, and Land Revenue staff to gather information on new and unknown persons of suspected nationality. Upon receiving such information, conduct an enumeration of suspected illegal immigrants, including individuals involved in specific vocations, in consultation with Assam Police (HQ), District Administration, and District Police," it added. "Identification of Absconding Individuals Declared as Foreigners: Launch sustained efforts to locate and apprehend individuals who have absconded after being declared foreigners by the Foreigners Tribunals or the Illegal Migrants Determination Tribunals and who are currently evading the police. Capturing biometrics and Aadhaar numbers of Suspected Individuals: On identifying suspected individuals or families, their biometrics should be collected. If such individuals possess Aadhaar cards, PAN cards, voter IDs, or passports, their numbers should be recorded for future reference," it added. "Continued enforcement of provisions of the relevant provisions of the Citizenship Amendment Act: All concerned in the Border Wing are directed to ensure that the instructions issued by the State Government in this regard shall be kept in mind and strictly enforced while taking the steps in detection of illegal foreigners in the State," the statement said. The statement further mentioned that the Inspector General of Police (Law & Order), Assam, will simultaneously issue detailed instructions to District Police units to provide necessary logistical support and security cover to the assigned teams. All wings of the Assam Police Border Organization are directed to prioritize the aforementioned tasks and submit monthly reports on the progress made and actions taken. (ANI)
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Saturday urged Union Minister Pralhad Joshi to work towards getting approvals for the Mahadayi project and funds for the Upper Bhadra project rather than wasting his energy on raising issues like Muda and Darshan arrest. Speaking at his Sadashivanagar residence, he said, "I appeal to Pralhad Joshi with folded hands on the Ganesha Chathurthi to get us approval for the Mahadayi project and funds for the Upper Bhadra project." He was responding to Union Minister Pralhad Joshi's statement that the Congress government was trying to distract the people from the Valmiki Corporation scam by releasing a photograph of Darshan purportedly smoking inside the jail. "I will speak to the Chief Minister in about 15 days on whether to call for an all-party meeting, Mahadayi, or to call for a meeting of the Commission. We will discuss the nature of our fight for Mahadayi," he Shivakumar said. When asked about MP Sudhakar's challenge that he would call him 'Bhagiratha' if he can get Yettinahole water to Chikkaballapura and Kolar districts in the next two years, Shivakumar said, "I accept his challenge with love and respect. This is my duty and responsibility to deliver Yettinahole. He was also there for the inauguration of the 1st stage of Yettinahole, and it is natural for him to see Yettinahole water in his area." "I am not in town due to some personal commitment. I will discuss with the CM and try to resolve issues the project is facing, including forest lands, in Tumakuru and Doddaballapura regions," he added. Speaking on, if MP Sudhakar was praising him a lot lately because of the report on Covid, "I don't know about the Covid report. I was not part of the last Cabinet meeting that discussed the Covid report as I was in Yettinahole." "Isn't Sudhakar now an MP? There are two Sudhakar's in our party itself, and it makes three, including the MP," he said. (ANI)
Wrestler Bajrang Punia on Saturday extended his support to fellow wrestler Vinesh Phogat, who is contesting the Haryana Assembly elections from Julana, and said that he will work in the organisation and carry out the responsibility given by the party's 'High Command'. "We had decided that only one of us would contest the election, and she is contesting. I stand with Vinesh...I will work in the organisation and carry out the responsibility given by the High Command," he said. When asked about the allegations of wrestlers' protests backed by Congress in wake of them joining the party, Punia said that they had nothing to do with politics at that time. "Why were we made to sit on protest? Who were they? Congress party's or someone else's? We had nothing to do with politics at that time. We did not allow any politicians on our stage initially...It is their job to set a narrative...There is nothing like that," he said. "I would like to thank everyone. I think I will receive the same love in politics that I received through wrestling. I have come here with a sense of service to people. I will work hard by being in the grassroots," Punia added. Earlier on Friday, former Wrestling Federation of India president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh said the joining of Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia to the Congress party proves that the entire wrestlers' movement was a "conspiracy" against him and the Congress party was behind it. Brij Bhushan further stated that the Congress would regret their decision and claimed that the wrestler's protest that started in Jantar Mantar in January last year was not a movement of sportspersons and Congress was behind it, which was led by Bhupinder Hooda. "On 18th January 2023, when the protest started at Jantar Mantar, I said that this is not a movement of sportspersons; Congress is behind it. Especially Bhupinder Hooda, Deepender Hooda, Priyanka Ji, and Rahul Ji. This is a movement of Congress. And today this thing has been proved. In this entire movement, the conspiracy that happened against us, Congress was involved in it and Bhupinder Hooda was leading it," he said. "One day Congress will have to regret it," he further added. Singh further alleged that the wrestler's protest was not for the dignity of women, adding that because of the protests, the 'daughters' of Haryana are facing embarrassment. On September 6, the two ace wrestlers joined the Congress almost a month before the Haryana assembly polls. Within hours of them joining the party, wrestler Vinesh Phogat was fielded in the Julana constituency for the upcoming Haryana polls. Whereas, Bajrang Punia was appointed working president of the All India Kisan Congress. The voting to the 90-member legislative assembly in Haryana will be held on October 5 and the last date for filing nominations is September 12. The counting of votes will be held on October 8. In the 2019 elections, the BJP, with 40 seats in the 90-member assembly, formed a coalition government with the JJP, which had won 10 seats, while the Congress secured 31 seats. Earlier this year, the BJP-JJP alliance was dissolved. (ANI)
Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah on Saturday claimed "conspiracy" that people from prison are contesting against him in the upcoming assembly polls. Abdullah is contesting from Ganderbal and Budgam assembly seats which will go to polls in the second phase on September 25. "They bring in people from jails to contest against me. Had this been a one-time thing, it could have been ignored. But now when assembly elections were announced and I was declared as the NC candidate from Ganderbal, again I heard someone from prison is going to contest against me. This person has nothing to do with Ganderbal. He might not even be able to locate Ganderbal on a map. I sense a conspiracy in this," Omar said. Earlier today, Omar claimed that the BJP can form government with Engineer Rashid's party, Apni Party, Peoples Conference and Awami Itehaad Party. Addressing the party workers at Shalbugh area of Ganderbal, Omar said, "During a press conference in Jammu yesterday, Home Minister Amit Shah was saying the name of parties with which they will not be forming a government. There were many parties which were not even mentioned...However, he didn't mention several parties, including Engineer Rashid's party, Apni Party, Peoples Conference and Awami Itehaad Party. This means that tomorrow if the BJP wants, it can form the government with them." There are a total number of 90 assembly constituencies in Jammu and Kashmir, out of which 7 seats are reserved for SCs and 9 seats are reserved for STs. According to the Election Commission of India, Jammu and Kashmir has 88.06 lakh eligible electors. These are the first assembly elections to be held in Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. (ANI)
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari along with his family members on Saturday offered prayers at his residence in Nagpur on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi. The decoration at his residence was done on the theme of Chandrayaan 3. Gadkari stated that Ganesh Utsav is a symbol of our culture and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and full devotion. "For us, Ganesh Utsav is such a festival that it is celebrated with great enthusiasm and is also a symbol of our culture. It is celebrated with full devotion. Our Lord Ganesha is the God of knowledge...May Lord Ganesha bless us with such knowledge that we can guide the world with the help of knowledge. May there be happiness, prosperity and wealth in our lives and the sorrows and pains go away from our lives," the Union Minister said. The Ganesh Chaturthi festivities kicked off on Saturday with great excitement and joy across the country. Devotees, including those in big cities like Mumbai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Surat, and Delhi, are celebrating the auspicious occasion with devotion and happiness. Ganesh Chaturthi, a vibrant 10-day festival, commenced on September 7 and will continue until Anantha Chaturdashi. This festival, also known as Vinayak Chaturthi or Vinayak Chavithi, honours Lord Ganesha as the 'God of New Beginnings' and the 'Remover of Obstacles,' celebrating his wisdom and intelligence. In every city, people welcomed Lord Ganesha into their homes and pandals, filling the air with the sound of prayers, music, and festive chants. From grand processions to traditional rituals, the celebrations in the country began in full swing, marking the start of this joyful festival across India. Devotees welcomed Ganesh idols into their homes, offered prayers, and visited the colourful pandals. The streets were filled with the sounds of devotion and joy as people came together to celebrate the festival with enthusiasm and heart. The colourful decorations, lively chants, and the fragrance of sweets added to the festive spirit that could be felt everywhere. (ANI)
National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah said on Saturday said that BJP is keeing the door open for post-poll alliance with parties such as People's Conference and Apni Party. Addressing the party workers at Shalbugh area of Ganderbal, Omar said, "During a press conference in Jammu yesterday, Home Minister Amit Shah was saying the name of parties with which they will not be forming a government. He didn't mention several parties, including Engineer Rashid's party, Apni Party, Peoples Conference.... This means that tomorrow if the BJP wants, it can form the government with them." He further claimed that the BJP, if needed, they will form a government with independent candidates. Omar Abdullah is contesting on two seats and independent candidates have also filed nominations against him. Launching a scathing attack on Congress and the National Conference's manifesto, Union Minister and BJP leader Amit Shah said on Saturday that they want to bring back the old system and start talks with Pakistan but "till there is no peace, there will be no talks with Pakistan." Criticising the Congress and National Conference's manifesto, Shah said that they want to spread terrorism, snatch reservations of Gujjars, Bakarwal, Paharis and Dalits, release criminals and start LOC trade with Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir. The BJP has made 25 promises, focusing on women, youths, Kashmiri Pandits, restoring temples and wiping out terrorism. Jammu and Kashmir assembly polls will be held in three phases on September 18, 25 and October 1. (ANI)
The Taipei District Court verdicts can still be appealed. Former Major General Yueh Chih-chung was sentenced to 10 months in jail, retired Colonel Chang Chao-jan received a prison term of 18 months, and ex-Colonel Chou Tien-tzu was sentenced to 14 months. Ex-Colonel Wang Ta-wang was found not guilty, as per Taiwan News report on Friday.

Taiwan News reported that Chang, Chou, and Yueh reaped benefits from China for their business, and were invited on free trips, according to prosecutors. A national security official in the Chinese province of Guangdong told them to form a spy ring and collect secret information from Taiwan.

Chang was accused of arranging a trip to China for Wang, who revealed personal background information about colleagues to the Chinese officials.

After completing their investigation, prosecutors decided to charge the suspects with breaking the National Security Act by forming a spy organization and the National Intelligence Work Act by leaking secrets, Taiwan News reported.

On August 30, the Taiwanese Supreme Court sentenced a father and son duo for eight years in prison on the charge of enticing active military officers to pass on secret information about the annual Han Kuang drills to China.

The Supreme Court rejected final appeals on August 29. The two suspects, surnamed Huang, first came into contact with Chinese intelligence officials in 2015 when they were doing business in Xiamen.

As per Taiwan News, the duo recruited two officers in separate air defence and missile units, Yeh and Su.

The group passed on eight secret documents about the Han Kuang exercises. They delivered the information personally to China or sent images and graphics by messaging softwares. (ANI)
A Pakistani national residing in Canada was arrested after being charged with attempting to provide material support and resources to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a statement by the US Department of Justice said. The 20-year-old arrested accused, Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, allegedly planned a terrorist attack in New York City around October 7 "with the intent of slaughtering in the name of ISIS, as many Jewish people as possible," Attorney General Merrick B Garland said, as per the statement. "The defendant was allegedly determined to kill Jewish people here in the United States, nearly one year after Hamas' horrific attack on Israel. This investigation was led by the FBI, and I am proud of the terrific work by the FBI team and our partners to disrupt Khan's plan," FBI Director Christopher Wray said. "The FBI will continue to work closely with our partners to investigate and hold accountable those who seek to commit violence in the name of ISIS or other terrorist organizations. Fighting terrorism remains the FBI's top priority," Wray added. As alleged in the complaint, Khan, attempted to travel from Canada to New York City, where he intended to carry out a mass shooting in support of ISIS at a Jewish center in Brooklyn, New York. Khan began posting on social media and communicating with others on an encrypted messaging application about his support for ISIS in or about November 2023, when, among other things, Khan distributed ISIS propaganda videos and literature. Subsequently, he began communicating with two undercover law enforcement officers, the statement said. Khan repeatedly instructed the undercover law enforcement officers to obtain AR-style assault rifles, ammunition, and other materials to carry out the attacks, and identified locations where the attacks would take place. Khan also provided details about how he would cross the border from Canada into the United States to conduct the attacks. During these conversations, Khan emphasised that "Oct 7th and Oct 11th are the best days for targeting the Jews" because October 7 is the anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel. October 11 is Yom Kippur, a Jewish religious holiday. The Pakistani national is charged with one count of attempting to provide material support and resources to a designated foreign terrorist organisation. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the US Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The Israel Defense Forces on October 7 last year declared a state of readiness for war following a massive barrage of rockets from the Gaza Strip and infiltration of Hamas terrorists into Israel, and the war is on ever since. (ANI)
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday congratulated Maris Sangiampongsa on his re-appointment as the Foreign Minister of Thailand. Jaishankar said that he looked forward to continue deepening India and Thailand's close and multifaceted partnership. In a post on X, he said, "Congratulate Maris Sangiampongsa on his re-appointment as the Foreign Minister of Thailand. Looking forward to continue deepening our close and multifaceted partnership." https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1832081659736326327 Earlier on August 18, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended congratulations to Paetongtarn Shinawatra on her election as the Prime Minister of Thailand and expressed his best wishes for a successful tenure. Further, he looked forward to working with the new Thai leader to strengthen bilateral ties between both nations. In a post on X, he said, "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." https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1825038345845588262 Shinawatra expressed her gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his congratulatory wishes and 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 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. (ANI)
Abu Dhabi [UAE], September 7 (ANI/WAM): UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met today with His Excellency Felix Tshisekedi, President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), who is on a working visit to the UAE. The meeting explored ways to enhance bilateral cooperation and collaboration in various fields with the aim of promoting development and prosperity in both countries. During the meeting, which took place at Qasr Al Shati in Abu Dhabi, His Highness welcomed the visit of President Tshisekedi and expressed his hope that it would further strengthen relations between the two countries for the benefit of their peoples. He also conveyed his wishes for continued peace, prosperity, and growth for DRC and its people. The two leaders explored opportunities to expand cooperation in various sectors, particularly in development, the economy, trade and investment, renewable energy, and other vital areas that support the sustainable development of both nations. They also discussed several issues of mutual interest and exchanged views on the latest regional and international developments. He reaffirmed the UAE's commitment to strengthening cooperation with African nations in ways that advance their mutual interests and promote development, stability, and prosperity across the continent, for the benefit of all. President Felix Tshisekedi expressed his appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, commending the UAE's cooperation with the Democratic Republic of the Congo and its humanitarian and developmental initiatives in Africa, as well as its efforts to assist communities affected by crises worldwide. In attendance were Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs; Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State; Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Advisor for Special Affairs at the Presidential Court and the delegation accompanying the President of DRC. (ANI/WAM)
Pakistan's government imposed a "complete ban" on specific expenditures, including the purchase of new vehicles, machinery, and state-funded medical treatment abroad, a statement by the Finance Division stated, as per Dawn's report. The notification, dated September 4, was accessed by Dawn on September 6. It stated that with respect to the new budget, select expenditures will be completely prohibited to ease the burden on the overstrained national treasury. It said that a ban will be imposed on the "purchase of all types of vehicles, with the exception of operational vehicles, such as ambulances & other medically equipped vehicles, fire fighting vehicles, buses & vans for educational institutions, solid waste vehicles and motorbikes," Dawn reported. The procurement of machinery and equipment, except those required for hospitals, laboratories, schools, and the agriculture and mining sector, will also be prohibited. The notification further said that there will be a complete ban on the formation of new governmental posts, including temporary ones, while posts lying vacant for three years will be abolished. The notification stated that medical treatments in foreign countries using government funds will also be prohibited, while there will also be a ban on "non-obligatory visits abroad where GoP funding is involved," the notification added. "All Ministries / Divisions are requested to disseminate the above instructions to all departments under their administrative control for strict compliance," it stated. There would be a complete ban on the appointment of staff to federal universities and hospitals except for academic staff that would be hired on a lump sum remuneration package without any future liability on the federal exchequer, as per the report. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa finance department in April this year banned the creation of posts, the purchase of vehicles, participation in foreign training programmes and workshops, and the holding of seminars in five-star hotels when they implemented austerity measures, Dawn reported. The move came as the Pakistani budget drew flak for imposing high taxes and raising energy costs in its bid to secure a USD 7 billion economic bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) without implementing effective and proportional expenditure control in the public sector, Dawn reported. (ANI)
Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence (MND) said that it detected nine Chinese military aircraft and seven naval vessels, and one of the aircraft entered its Air Defence Identification Zone from 6 am (local time) on Friday to 6 am (local time) on Saturday. Of the nine Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), ONE aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's southeastern and southwestern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ). Taiwan's MND said that it has monitored the situation and responded accordingly. In response to China's military action, Taiwan sent aircraft and naval ships and deployed coastal-based missile systems to monitor PLA activity. In a post on X, Taiwan's MND said, "9 PLA aircraft, 7 PLAN vessels and 1 official ships operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 1 of the aircraft crossed the median line. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly." https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/1832222256485044632 On Friday, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence said that 19 Chinese military aircraft, seven naval vessels and two official ships were detected operating around Taiwan from 6 am (local time) on Thursday to 6 am (local time) on Friday. According to Taiwan's MND, 15 of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's eastern Air Defence Identification Zone. Taking to X, Taiwan's MND stated, "19 PLA aircraft, 7 PLAN vessels and 2 official ships operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 15 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's eastern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly." https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/1831859868640190706 This latest incident adds to a series of similar provocations by China in recent months. China has increased its military activities around Taiwan, including regular air and naval incursions into Taiwan's ADIZ and military exercises near the island. (ANI)
During a hearing on the Toshakhana case, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder got up from his seat and blamed NAB's investigating officer, Mohsin Haroon, for his wife Bushra Bibi's imprisonment, as per ARY News report.

Expressing his annoyance on the actions taken against him and Bushra Bibi, Imran Khan blamed Haroon and said, "When I go out, I will not leave you and the NAB chairman," ARY News quoted him as saying.

During the hearing, Khan urged party members not to criticize Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, showing his support for Gandapur during the hearing.

Earlier on August 27, Khan and Bushra Bibi filed separate post-arrest bail pleas in the new Toshakhana case related to a jewellery set gifted by the Saudi crown prince.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and his wife have filed the applications through Barrister Salman Safdar under Section 9(b) of NA Ordinance 1999 and Section 497 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC). The applications have requested the accountability court to grant post-arrest bail to the couple in the "interest of justice and fair play".

Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi have mentioned the state and National Accountability Bureau (NAB) chairman as parties to the case. The development comes at a time when Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi are on judicial remand in Adiala jail over the Toshakhana case filed by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) last week.

The couple was arrested in the said case on July 13, hours after a district and sessions court in Islamabad acquitted them in the iddat case (un-Islamic nikah case).

The reference, which comprises two volumes, was filed by NAB investigation officer Mohsin Haroon and case officer Waqar Hassan in an accountability court, according to a Geo News report. (ANI)
In a victory for the ruling coalition government and a blow to former Prime Minister Imran Khan, the Pakistan Supreme Court reinstated amendments made to the country's National Accountability Ordinance (NAO), overturning its own decision from last year, Geo News reported. A five-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faiz Isa and comprising Justice Aminuddin, Justice Jamal Khan Mandukhel, Justice Athar Minallah, and Justice Hasan Azhar Rizvi announced the unanimous verdict. Approving the intra-court appeals filed by the federal and provincial governments, Pakistan's apex court remarked that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan could not prove that NAB (National Accountability Bureau) amendments were unconstitutional. Notably, the top anti-graft body and the PTI founder were made respondents in the intra-party appeals. The majority judgement had struck down some amendments made to the National Accountability Ordinance (NAO), 1999. The amendments -- National Accountability (Second Amendment) Act 2022 -- were passed in a joint sitting of the parliament in April 2022 during the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM)-led government, which came into power after ousting ex-premier Khan via a no-trust move in 2022, as reported by Geo News. It modified sections 2, 4, 5, 6, 25 and 26 of the NAB laws, however, 9 out of 10 amendments were declared "null and void" by the CJP Bandial-led bench on the PTI founder's petition filed in June 2022. Referring to the September 15 ruling, the court today pointed out that the Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Act, 2023 -- which required that a plea must be heard by "not less than five judges of the SC" -- was enacted while Khan's petition was pending adjudication. The top court also noted that the petition challenging the amendments made to the Ordinance was not heard and decided in accordance with the SC (Practice and Procedure) Act -- hereinafter referred to as the "Act". In a 2-1 majority verdict announced in September last year, a three-member bench had approved Imran Khan's petition, challenging the NAB law amendments made during the tenure of the previous PDM-led government. Subsequently, the federal government, filed an intra-court appeal against the Pakistan SC judgement in October, stating that the majority judgement suffers from "procedural impropriety" and is, therefore, "liable to be set aside." Following the amendments, the NAB was restricted to investigating any graft case worth less than Pakistani rupees (PKR) 500 million. The accountability body's powers were also curtailed to probe into a fraud case unless its victims are more than 100. The amendments also modified the NAB law to keep an accused in its custody for a maximum of 14 days which was later exceeded to 30 days, Geo News reported. (ANI)
Boeing's Starliner on Saturday got the final "go" that allowed the spacecraft, which left the International Space Station on Friday to return to Earth but the NASA astronauts Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams it was supposed to be carrying are staying behind. Boeing on Saturday morning said that the deorbit poll of the empty Starliner spacecraft has been completed and the landing phase will take 44 minutes from deorbit burn to landing. Starliner switched to autonomous mode and undocked from the space station at 6:04 pm Eastern Time (2204 GMT), and is set to land at White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico at approximately 12:00 am Eastern Time after after making its dangerous plunge back into the thick of Earth's atmosphere. Both astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore called down to flight controllers today to thank teams for their support before the uncrewed Starliner spacecraft returned to Earth. "You guys it's time to bring Calypso home. We have your backs and you have got this. Bring her back to Earth," Sunita Williams said in the radio message referring to the spacecrafts nickname. After it re-enters the Earth's atmosphere it will use parachutes to slow its descent to land at the White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico. While on its way back to Earth, the Starliner capsule, the portion that would hold astronauts during routine trips home from space, jettisoned its service module. Thruster problems and helium leaks on the service module had caused issues that held up Starliner's return home and NASA and Boeing officials wanted to keep Starliner attached to the ISS for as long as possible so they could work to understand the leaks and thruster problems. Barry "Butch" Wilmore and Sunita "Suni" Williams launched aboard Starliner on June 5 from Cape Canaveral in Florida for its first crewed flight, arriving at the orbiting International Space Station on June 6. It was expected that the two astronauts would have returned on the same flight. As Starliner approached the orbiting laboratory, NASA and Boeing identified helium leaks and experienced issues with the spacecraft's reaction control thrusters. For the safety of the astronauts, NASA announced on August 24 that Starliner will return to Earth from the station without a crew. NASA said that while the Starliner makes its return to Earth, both Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams are safe aboard the International Space Station with a SpaceX Dragon vehicle available in case of an emergency, and later as part of the Crew9 mission. The uncrewed spacecraft's safe return could be vital for the overall Boeing Starliner program. After the US space shuttle fleet was retired in 2011, the US relied solely on Russia's Soyuz spacecraft to transport its crew and cargo to the ISS. The US space agency NASA then in the year 2014 awarded two American companies Boeing and Space X contracts to provide commercial spaceflights to take astronauts to space. So far SpaceX has sent nine crewed flights to space for Nasa, as well as some commercial missions. However for Boeign, the Starliner flight with Williams and Wilmore was its first crewed flight. (ANI)
US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin has said that the conflict in Ukraine will be ultimately settled at the negotiating table, but it is impossible to say when. "I think eventually this conflict will be decided at a negotiation table but when that point comes it is hard to predict still," Austin said after a meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (UDCG) at Ramstein Air Base in Germany on September 6. "We are going continue to work to put Ukraine in the best possible position" for peace talks, Austin stated. Austin and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Air Force General CQ Brown reaffirmed the commitment of the US and other nations to aiding Ukraine at the 24th meeting of the UDCG, a statement from US Department of Defence read. The UDCG, is a coalition of some 50 nations that meet regularly to discuss Ukraine's security needs, first met in April 2022 as a result of Austin's efforts to assemble the group after Russia had invaded Ukraine two months earlier. "This coalition has been indivisible in supporting Ukraine to repel Russian aggression," Brown said at a press conference following the meeting which hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as its special guest. Austin in his opening remarks at the meeting thanked allies and partners "who have given Ukraine's forces the tools to defend themselves" including air defence, armour, artillery ammunition and, F-16 fighters. This coalition has committed more than USD106 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since February 2022, he said. "Putin seeks a world of empires and autocrats, a world where might makes right, a world where bullies get to invade their peaceful neighbors with impunity. And that would be profoundly dangerous for the United States and for peace loving people everywhere," the US Defence Secretary said. Responding to a reporter's question Austin said, "...I think this war could end very quickly if Mr. Putin decided to pull his forces out of the places that he's occupied in Ukraine. I mean, this was started by Putin. It could end -- Putin could end it very quickly if he just made the simple and right decision to undo what he's done." (ANI)
Alice Guo, a former mayor who went on the run after she was accused of links to Chinese organised crime, has returned to the Philippines, where she is expected to face the Senate in connection of the case, Al Jazeera reported. Guo, dressed in an orange T-shirt with 'detainee' marked on it and wearing a black face mask, touched down in Manila in the early hours of Friday morning. Philippine media reported that Guo travelled on a chartered jet from Jakarta, where she was arrested for immigration offences earlier this week. She was also accompanied by Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos and Philippine National Police chief, General Rommel Francisco Marbil. Speaking to media after her arrival, she said she had been the target of death threats. She spent most of the time with her back to the media and looking at the wall. Abalos promised to provide security for the former mayor but urged her to speak out. "Disclose all the names in order to serve justice, and so all this ends. That is the only way we can help her," he said. Guo, the former mayor of Bamban town, fled the country in July and is wanted by the Philippine Senate for failing to appear before a panel investigating her alleged links to Chinese organised crime syndicates running cyberscam operations, as reported by Al Jazeera. In 2022, Guo became mayor of Bamban town, in Tarlac province, about 100 km (62 miles) north of Manila. Notably, Guo also has Chinese nationality and goes by the name Guo Hua Ping. She has denied all the allegations against her, terming them "malicious". According to Rappler, a Philippine media outlet, she was expected to appear before the panel on September 9. Philippine law enforcement agencies, including the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC), have filed several counts of money laundering against Guo and 35 others with the justice department, Al Jazeera reported. The Senate launched its investigation into Guo in May after a raid on a casino in Bamban uncovered what they said was a scamming centre run on land that she partly owned. An anticorruption office removed her as mayor in August on the grounds of grave misconduct over her alleged ties to illegal gaming operations in the town. (ANI)
US President Joe Biden is set to host United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer, next week, and the two leaders are expected to have in-depth discussions on "a range of global issues of mutual interest," including the ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza amid other issues. The White House press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, said in a statement that the September 13 Oval Office visit will mark the second meeting between the two leaders since Starmer was voted as the British Prime Minister earlier this July. Discussions between the leaders will include continuing robust support to Ukraine in its defence against "Russian aggression" and securing a hostage release and a ceasefire deal to end the war in Gaza. Protecting international shipping in the Red Sea from Iranian-backed Houthi threats, and advancing a free and open Indo-Pacific will also figure in the discussions, according to the White House press secretary. Biden and Starmer will also discuss opportunities to strengthen US-UK cooperation to secure supply chains and increase climate resilience, the White House said. Starmer visited the White House in July this year and held one-on-one talks with Biden when he was in Washington for the NATO Summit. Earlier this week, US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby stated that the Biden administration believes that the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas is 90 per cent agreed on, adding, "That's how close we believe we are," Al Jazeera reported. "Nothing is negotiated until everything is negotiated," Kirby said. He noted that several detailed issues remain to be resolved, adding that "that's when things get difficult." Earlier, British PM Keir Starmer was among other global leaders to express condolences on the death of six Israeli hostages, found dead in a tunnel in Gaza. Starmer said he was "completely shocked" at the "horrific and senseless killing" of the hostages, and said that a ceasefire deal must be agreed by all sides immediately to end the suffering. "I am completely shocked at the horrific and senseless killing of six hostages in Gaza by Hamas. My thoughts are with their loved ones at this awful time. Hamas must release all the hostages now, and a ceasefire deal must be agreed by all sides immediately to end the suffering," Starmer posted on X. US President Joe Biden said that he was devastated and outraged by the killing of Israeli hostages. He also informed that Israeli-US citizen Goldberg-Polin was among the people killed by Hamas. (ANI)
This would be the first visit of Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to India as the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.

He will be accompanied by several Ministers from the UAE government and a business delegation, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Saturday.

On September 9, the Crown Prince will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and hold discussions on a wide range of areas of bilateral cooperation. He is also scheduled to call on President Droupadi Murmu.

He will also visit Rajghat to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi.

On September 10, the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince will visit Mumbai to participate in a Business Forum, in which business leaders from both countries will participate.

"India and UAE share historically close and friendly ties. In recent years, the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and UAE has deepened in a wide range of areas, including political, trade, investment, connectivity, energy, technology, education, and culture," the MEA stated.

"The Crown Prince's visit will further reinforce strong India-UAE bilateral relations and open avenues for partnership in new and emerging areas," it added.

In February this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited UAE. He held discussions with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on the India-UAE bilateral relationship and witnessed the exchange of eight agreements.

PM Modi and President Al Nahyan welcomed the MoU for creation of an intergovernmental framework between India and the UAE on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC), which reflected the lead taken by the UAE and India in furthering regional connectivity.

The two leaders further endorsed the efforts from both sides to strengthen the strong economic and commercial cooperation and explore new areas of collaboration. They welcomed the strong growth witnessed in the UAE-India trade relations since the entry into force of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)

During his visit, PM Modi inaugurated the majestic Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Mandir, the first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

He also addressed the Indian diaspora at event titled 'Ahlan Modi'. (ANI)
Pakistani senators have expressed strong disapproval of the federal government's recent move to enhance the powers of security forces in Balochistan. This decision follows the federal cabinet's endorsement of amendments to the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) 1997, granting security personnel extensive authority for counterterrorism operations, Dawn reported. The revised legislation, intended to bolster the effectiveness of counterterrorism efforts, includes provisions allowing for the detention of individuals suspected of terrorism or posing national security threats for up to three months. The decision has ignited considerable controversy among lawmakers. Senator Jan Muhammad Buledi, a member of the National Party, criticized the government's approach during a parliamentary session. He warned that the new powers, which include warrantless searches and arrests, could worsen the situation in Balochistan--a province already reeling from recent coordinated attacks. Buledi emphasized that the recent escalation of violence in the region underscores the need for dialogue with disaffected Baloch youth rather than relying on stringent security measures, reported Dawn. Buledi's objections were underscored by his personal experiences. He recounted a recent incident where his party's vice president was detained during a raid, describing the current environment as a 'police state.' He condemned the government's actions, stating that they would likely exacerbate existing tensions rather than address the underlying issues. Buledi also criticized the amendment for its potential to facilitate enforced disappearances, a persistent problem in Balochistan. Aimal Wali Khan, Chief of the Awami National Party, also voiced strong opposition. He warned that if the legislation is passed by parliament, it will face challenges in the Supreme Court on grounds of violating fundamental rights. Khan expressed concerns that the expanded powers could lead to further human rights abuses and undermine efforts to resolve the region's longstanding issues, as per Dawn. The controversy surrounding the ATA amendments highlights the ongoing debate in Pakistan about balancing security measures with human rights considerations in the context of counterterrorism efforts. (ANI)
Goel is expected to take up the assignment shortly, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a press release.

Goel, a retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the 1985 batch belonging to the Punjab Cadre, did his post-graduation in Development Economics from Churchill College, University of Cambridge, England.

Notably, Arun Goel on November 21, 2022, had assumed the charge as the new Election Commissioner (EC) of India.

He also served as the Secretary in the Ministry of Heavy Industries under the government of India from 2020 to 2022.

Before that, he served as Secretary in the Ministry of Culture from 2018 to 2019.

Diplomatic relations between India and Croatia were established on July 9, 1992. Croatia opened its Resident Mission in New Delhi in February 1995. The Indian Mission in Zagreb was opened on 28 April 1996, and upgraded to Ambassadorial level in January 1998, according to the official website of the Embassy of India in Croatia.

From the Croatian side, there were a series of high-level visits. Then President Stjepan Mesic paid a state visit to India in November 2002. After a gap, high-level visits resumed with the then Croatian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Marija Pejcinovic Buric visiting India in October 2018. (ANI)
The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) has sharply criticized the Pakistani federal government for enacting the 'Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Act, 2024.' This new legislation empowers the defence forces to arrest and imprison individuals for organizing or participating in public meetings, a move the BYC condemns as a tactic to legally sanction and escalate the ongoing Baloch genocide. According to the BYC, Balochistan is already struggling with severe issues including infrastructural neglect, extrajudicial killings, and enforced disappearances. The residents frequently protest to voice their dissent against these conditions. In a statement posted on X, the BYC voiced serious concerns, saying, "We have grave concerns over the recent decision by Pakistan's federal government to grant the state military sweeping powers in Balochistan to arrest individuals on suspicion and detain them without trial for up to three months. This move is an attempt to justify and escalate the ongoing Baloch genocide legally." https://x.com/MahrangBaloch_/status/1832397934471868849 The BYC points out that the military already exercises similar authority in practice, routinely engaging in the enforced disappearance of Baloch people and detaining them in secret torture cells for extended periods, often without any legal process. This practice has been ongoing for several years and continues unabated. The new legal framework, which targets "suspects," is expected to worsen these abuses and provide a legal shield for severe human rights violations throughout Balochistan. The BYC says, across Balochistan, from Makuran to Koh-e-Sulaiman, enforced disappearances have become a daily occurrence. The BYC highlights that Balochistan is one of the most affected regions, with more than one Baloch disappearing daily. The recent legislation aims to grant the military full legal and constitutional authority for such actions, ensuring that every act of oppression and brutality is legally protected. The BYC warns that these measures could transform Balochistan into a centre of human rights violations, potentially leading to the disappearance of millions. They urgently call on international human rights organizations to condemn the decision and take immediate action. (ANI)
The powerful storm caused significant disruptions across the region, leading to widespread damage and prompting emergency responses to address the aftermath.

According to official data reported by Xinhua news agency, the two confirmed fatalities occurred in Ding'an County. Additionally, by Saturday morning, Wenchang City had reported 12 injuries, and Haikou City had reported 80 injuries.

As the winds and rainfall eased, Hainan lowered its typhoon alert level and began rapid recovery efforts throughout the province.

More than 2,200 workers have been deployed to restore electricity to over 1.5 million households impacted by the storm.

By 7 AM on Saturday, more than 20% of these households had their power restored, reflecting significant progress in the ongoing recovery efforts.

Efforts to repair roads are in progress, with 51 out of 89 main roads that were previously blocked now reopened.

High-speed rail services around the island are anticipated to resume by Saturday afternoon, while ferry services in the Qiongzhou Strait are expected to restart by Sunday evening.

Haikou Meilan International Airport will stay closed until noon on Sunday because of the aftermath of Typhoon Yagi. In contrast, Sanya Phoenix International Airport in the tourist city of Sanya began to gradually resume flights starting at 10 AM on Saturday.

At the same time, rescue teams are urgently working to restore communication services, as over 12,500 base stations across the province have been damaged. Wenchang City has experienced the most severe damage to its communication infrastructure.

Super Typhoon Yagi, the 11th typhoon of the year, made landfall twice in China on Friday, first hitting Hainan and then Guangdong Province. (ANI/WAM)
Islamabad [Pakistan], September 7 (ANI/WAM): Pakistan has reported its first polio case in Islamabad in 16 years, bringing the total number of cases reported this year to 17, according to health officials. This resurgence comes as the country grapples with ongoing efforts to eradicate the disease, despite continued detection of wild poliovirus (WPV1) in environmental samples. Aside from the confirmed wild poliovirus (WPV1) cases reported across all four provinces, the virus has also been identified in environmental samples from 64 districts, signalling its presence in those regions. The new case has been detected in Islamabad's Union Council Rural 4, near the Sangjani Toll Plaza, as confirmed by the Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio at the National Institute of Health. The affected individual, an eight-year-old boy, marks the first polio case in the city since 2008. As reported by the Pakistan's English-language newspaper Dawn, a senior lab official stated that environmental samples from the federal capital and Rawalpindi district have been testing positive for WPV1 since June, highlighting the "persistent threat of polio to children's well-being." Ayesha Raza Farooq, the Prime Minister's focal person for polio eradication, described the case as "incredibly heartbreaking." She mentioned that, in response to the virus outbreak, the polio programme has conducted "in-depth consultative sessions with the provinces and districts" to enhance its eradication efforts. Muhammad Anwarul Haq, the coordinator of the National Emergency Operations Centre for Polio Eradication, stated that the government is "ramping up efforts" to ensure every child receives polio vaccines, including those in Islamabad. The government has scheduled a new large-scale vaccination campaign across 115 districts from September 9 to 13. Farooq stated that teams will conduct house-to-house visits in 115 districts to administer vaccines to over 33 million children under five. The campaign will also include all 36 districts of Balochistan, which has seen 12 polio cases since February. (ANI/WAM)
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Saturday that India can play a role in resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict. She made the remarks after meeting Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. "China and India have a role to play in resolving this conflict. The only thing that cannot happen is to believe the conflict can be solved by abandoning Ukraine," Meloni said after meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy today, Italian Government TV was cited by Reuters. Meloni had a bilateral meeting today with Zelensky on the sidelines of the annual conference of The European House - Ambrosetti (TEHA) Forum at Cernobbio on Lake Como. She reiterated Italy's support to Kyiv as it battles against the Russian forces of invasion, ANSA reported. The Italian news agency cited Meloni telling reporters later that the 40-minute meeting went off well. "If the rules of international law are discarded, crises and chaos will multiply," Meloni told the forum as per the report in ANSA. "I have said this to my Chinese counterparts too," the Italian PM said, according to the report. "The only thing that cannot be done is to abandon Ukraine to its fate, Meloni said, adding, "this is the choice that Italy had made and which will not change". Meloni's office in a statement also "reiterated that support for Ukraine is a top priority on the Italian G7 Presidency's agenda and reaffirmed the ongoing commitment to Ukraine's legitimate defence and to a just and lasting peace".The statement published by the Italian news outlet said they also addressed the issue of reconstruction ahead of the next Ukraine Recovery Conference which will be held in Italy in 2025. The news outlet quoted a statement from Meloni's office which said that the two leaders discussed the latest on ground developments and Ukraine's most urgent needs ahead of winter and "in the face of continuing Russian attacks against the civilian population and critical infrastructure". Meloni's remarks follow Russian President Vladimir Putin's statement on Thursday that India, China and Brazil could mediate in potential peace talks over Ukraine. Addressing the plenary session of the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF), the Russian leader stated that leaders of India, Brazil, and China are making a sincere effort to contribute to resolving the situation in Ukraine. Putin was cited by Russian state media TASS as saying that he is in constant touch with India, China, and Brazil over the Ukraine conflict, as these countries are sincerely seeking to resolve all issues surrounding the conflict. Putin's statement comes months after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Moscow and the recent visit to Ukraine, where he reiterated India's stance on the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine and stated that India has always been on the side of peace. (ANI)
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Saturday and discussed reconstruction of Ukraine's energy system. She later said that India can play a role in resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Zelenskyy said in a post on X after his meeting with Meloni that he deeply appreciated Italy's decision to host the next Ukraine Recovery Conference in 2025. He also thanked Italy for its support and joint efforts for restoring "just peace". "On the sidelines of the Ambrosetti Forum, I had a meeting with the President of the Council of Ministers of Italy, Giorgia Meloni. One of the key topics we discussed was Ukraine's recovery and reconstruction, particularly focusing on the restoration of our energy system. We deeply appreciate Italy's decision to host the next Ukraine Recovery Conference in 2025," he said. "We also spoke about the implementation of the Peace Formula, where Italy plays an active role in each of its points. I thank Giorgia and the Italian people for their support and joint efforts in restoring a just peace," he added. A release from Ukarine President's office said that he informed Meloni about "the situation on the battlefield". He thanked for all the allocated military and technical assistance packages and "emphasized the importance of transferring the relevant weapons to Ukraine as soon as possible". "We are very grateful to you and your team, to all the Italian people for the support you have provided us," Zelenskyy said. Zelenskyy spoke about Ukraine's next steps on its path to European integration and praised Italy's support. After her meeting with Zelenskyy, Meloni said India and China can play a role in resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict. "China and India have a role to play in resolving this conflict. The only thing that cannot happen is to believe the conflict can be solved by abandoning Ukraine," Meloni said according to Italian Government TV, cited by Reuters. Meloni had a bilateral meeting today with Zelensky on the sidelines of the annual conference of The European House - Ambrosetti (TEHA) Forum at Cernobbio on Lake Como. She reiterated Italy's support to Kyiv as it battles against the Russian forces of invasion, ANSA reported.The Italian news agency cited Meloni telling reporters later that the 40-minute meeting went off well."If the rules of international law are discarded, crises and chaos will multiply," Meloni told the forum as per the report in ANSA. "I have said this to my Chinese counterparts too," the Italian PM said, according to the report."The only thing that cannot be done is to abandon Ukraine to its fate, Meloni said, adding, "this is the choice that Italy had made and which will not change".Meloni's office in a statement also "reiterated that support for Ukraine is a top priority on the Italian G7 Presidency's agenda and reaffirmed the ongoing commitment to Ukraine's legitimate defence and to a just and lasting peace". The statement published by the Italian news outlet said they also addressed the issue of reconstruction ahead of the next Ukraine Recovery Conference which will be held in Italy in 2025.The news outlet quoted a statement from Meloni's office which said that the two leaders discussed the latest on ground developments and Ukraine's most urgent needs ahead of winter and "in the face of continuing Russian attacks against the civilian population and critical infrastructure" Meloni's remarks follow Russian President Vladimir Putin's statement on Thursday that India, China and Brazil could mediate in potential peace talks over Ukraine. Addressing the plenary session of the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF), the Russian leader stated that leaders of India, Brazil, and China are making a sincere effort to contribute to resolving the situation in Ukraine. Putin was cited by Russian state media TASS as saying that he is in constant touch with India, China, and Brazil over the Ukraine conflict, as these countries are sincerely seeking to resolve all issues surrounding the conflict. Putin's statement came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Moscow in July and the visit to Ukraine in August, where he reiterated India's stance on the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine and stated that India has always been on the side of peace. During his Ukarine, PM Modi reiterated India's willingness to contribute in all possible ways to facilitate an early return of peace. He and President Zelenskyy reiterated their readiness for further cooperation in upholding principles of international law, including the UN Charter, such as respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty of states. They agreed on the desirability of closer bilateral dialogue in this regard. The Indian side reiterated its principled position and focus on peaceful resolution through dialogue and diplomacy, as a part of which, India has attended the Summit on Peace in Ukraine, held in Burgenstock, Switzerland, in June 2024. The Ukrainian side welcomed such participation by India and highlighted the importance of high-level Indian participation in the next Peace Summit. The Ukrainian side conveyed that the Joint Communique on a Peace Framework, adopted at the Summit on Peace in Ukraine, could serve as a basis for further efforts to promote just peace based on dialogue, diplomacy, and international law. The leaders appreciated various efforts to ensure global food security, including Ukrainian humanitarian grain initiative. The importance of uninterrupted and unhindered supply of agricultural products to global markets, especially in Asia and Africa, was emphasized. Prime Minister Modi reiterated the need for sincere and practical engagement between all stakeholders to develop innovative solutions that will have broad acceptability and contribute towards early restoration of peace. (ANI)
In a post on X, Jaiswal said, "India sends humanitarian aid to Zimbabwe. A consignment of 1000MT rice departed from the Nhava Sheva port for Zimbabwe today. This would help meeting food security needs of the Zimbabwean people."

https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/1832475878049398976

India also sent 1,300MT Maize to Zambia to meet food and nutrition needs of Zambian people.

In a post on X, Jaiswal said, "India's humanitarian assistance for the people of Zambia. A shipment of food grains (1300MT Maize) departed today for Zambia. This would help to meet food and nutrition needs of our friendly Zambian people."

https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/1832477133106475075

The MEA Spokesperson said that India also sent humanitarian assistance for the people in Malawi to address the consequences of the severe drought caused by El Nino phenomenon.

In a post on X, Jaiswal said, "Humanitarian assistance in solidarity with the people of Malawi. A consignment of 1000MT rice departed today for Malawi, to address the consequences of the severe drought caused by El Nino phenomenon."

https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/1832477672208810251

El Nino and La Nina are climate patterns in the Pacific Ocean that can affect weather worldwide.

Earlier on April 26, at least 155 people have lost their lives as a result of flooding and landslides caused by heavy rains in Tanzania, according to Al Jazeera.

In an address at the Parliament on Thursday, Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa said that the current rainy season has been made worse by the El Nino climate pattern, which has resulted in flooding and the destruction of roads, bridges, and railroads.

"The heavy El Nino rains, accompanied by strong winds, floods and landslides in various parts of the country, have caused significant damage," Majaliwa said. (ANI)
Renowned environmentalist and filmmaker conservationist, Mike Pandey has been honoured with the 2024 Jackson Wild Legacy Award, one of the highest honour and accolades in wildlife and environmental filmmaking at a gala event held at the AFI Silver Theatre in Silver Spring at Maryland in the US, as per a statement. The event was held on Thursday in the presence of a global audience and experts recognising his exceptional contributions to wildlife conservation through his powerful and hard-hitting films over the past 45 years, the statement said. "I'm deeply humbled and touched. Receiving the Jackson Wild Legacy Award is a deeply profound honor, not just for me, but for the voiceless we share the planet with; every voice and every species these films have sought to protect. Storytelling is a powerful tool, and, I hope to continue raising awareness and inspiring action to safeguard our planet's fragile ecosystems, At the end of the day we all...every life form on earth needs the environment and biodiversity to live," said Mike Pandey. He added, "This award not only recognizes the impact of storytelling in highlighting environmental issues but also celebrates the wider biodiversity of India and the remarkable efforts of institutions and individuals in environmental conservation." The Jackson Wild Legacy Award celebrates individuals who exemplify the transformative power of storytelling to drive real-world change. The Legacy awardees have been lauded for their lifelong dedication to effectively fostering a community of filmmakers, creators, and conservationists committed to using media to promote sustainability and support efforts for a more sustainable planet. Past Legacy Awardees include Sir David Attenborough, Jane Goodall and Sylvia Earle, among others. "Mike Pandey's incredible passion for wildlife conservation and environmental protection has left an indelible mark not just in India, but all across the globe," said Jackson Wild's Executive Director, Geoff Daniels. "His films have driven critical legislative changes and inspired millions, setting a benchmark for how storytelling can catalyse real-world impact. It has been a true honour to witness his tireless efforts and celebrate his remarkable legacy," he added. Mike Pandey's early experiences with wildlife, from his birthplace in Kenya to his later life in India, deeply influenced his unwavering commitment to environmental conservation. Through his acclaimed documentaries, including Shores of Silence: Whale Sharks in India (2000), Pandey has brought critical environmental issues to the forefront, with a strong emphasis on the delicate ecosystems of India and its surrounding regions. His work has not only heightened global awareness but has also led to significant legislative changes in India, resulting in the protection of species such as whale sharks, vultures, horseshoe crabs, and elephants. Pandey is also the presenter and director of Earth Matters, India's national environmental programme, which has reached 800 million people weekly in multiple languages for 18 years on television, extending to some of the most remote areas of the country. He also serves as the Chairman of the Earthwatch Institute India and the Earth Matters Foundation. A three-time Panda Award winner, Pandey has received numerous accolades, including the Rajiv Gandhi Wildlife Conservation Award and the "Hero of the Environment" title by Time Magazine USA. His influence extends beyond filmmaking; as the Brand Ambassador for the Uttar Pradesh Government, he continues to promote eco-tourism, wildlife, and heritage tourism in India. The 2024 Jackson Wild Legacy Award honors individuals whose work in storytelling has made a significant impact on environmental conservation efforts. This year's award underscores the vital role of media in addressing the pressing environmental challenges our planet faces today. Through powerful narratives, awardees have brought global attention to the urgent need for conservation, inspiring collective action and policy changes that support a more sustainable future. The award reflects the ongoing efforts by many to protect fragile ecosystems and biodiversity, ensuring that the stories of our natural world continue to inspire and drive positive change for generations to come. (ANI)
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar extended his felicitation to the Foreign Minister of Brazil, Mauro Viera, on the occasion of their independence day. Extending his wishes, Jaishankar said on Saturday in a post on X, "Warm felicitations to FM Mauro Vieira and the Government and people of Brazil on their Independence Day. Our strong bilateral and multilateral cooperation reflects our strategic partnership". https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1832278576198013108 On September 7, 1822, Brazil declared its independence from Portugal. A video attached with the post highlighted several bilateral milestones in the field of high-level interaction, parliamentary exchanges, multilateral cooperation, economic cooperation, India's participation in G20 presidency of Brazil, defence cooperation, cooperation in agriculture and diaspora connect. The video highlighted India handing over the G20 presidency to Brazil in September 2023. The 9th India Brazil joint commission meeting was held in August 2024. Second India Brazil foreign office consultations were held in Brazil in June 2023. On parliamentary exchanges, the video mentioned that Indian parliamentary delegation visited Brazil in June 2023. Brazilian parliamentary delegation visited India in July 2023. The Brazilian Congress held a special session in commemoration of 75 years of India's independence in November 2022. Regarding India's participation in G20 presidency of Brazil, the video showed a side event on LiFE economy organised by G20 Brazil in Rio de Janeiro in July 2024. On economic cooperation, the video mentioned that Brazil stands as India's largest trading partner in Latin America and the Caribbean. The bilateral trade and fiscal year 2023 is at US dollars 12.2 million. Indian investments in Brazil are around USD 8-10 billion. Brazilian investment in India is around USD 1 billion. The sixth trade monitoring mechanism meeting was held in October 2023. With respect to defence cooperation, the video mentioned that the first ever 2+2 India Brazil political and military dialogue was held in New Delhi, March 2024. The Latin American defence and security exhibition was held in Rio de Janeiro in April 2023. The INS Tarini visited Rio de Janeiro to participate in the Cape to Rio Race 2023 in January-February 2023. Brazil participated in Aero India 2023 in February 2023. INS Tarak was deployed in Rio de Janeiro to celebrate 75 years of India's independence in August 2022 and a delegation from Brazilian army visited India in July 2022. Officers from Brazilian Navy participated in exercise Milan 2022 in Visakhapatnam in February 2022. Regarding the cooperation in space and energy security, it mentioned that Brazilian President Lula participated in the launch ceremony of Global Biofuels Alliance held in September 2023. Brazil handed over the instrument of International Solar Alliance ratification in February 2023. Officials from Brazilian space agency participated in ISRO's UNNATI (UNispace Nano Satellite for Assembly and Training). A delegation from ISRO visited Brazil to attend SpaceBR show at Sao Paulo and the inaugural function of the space exhibition on India's space journey in Brasilia in May 2022. On agriculture, the video mentioned that Indian delegation visited Brazil to attend International Zebu cattle exhibition in April-May 2024. Brazilian business delegation attended World Food India 2023 exhibition in November 2023. On diaspora diaries and cultural connect, the video highlighted that around 4,000 Indians reside in Brazil. The 10th International Day of Yoga was celebrated in various parts of Brazil. A statue of Mahatma Gandhi was inaugurated in Cuiaba in July 2024. (ANI)
Ukraine's Azov Brigade says it has stabilised a previously "catastrophic" situation in Niu-York in the southeastern Donetsk Oblast, retaking part of the settlement from Russian forces.

Niu-York lies south of Toretsk, a key front-line town that has become one of the focal points of the Russian offensive in Donetsk.

"At the time the brigade was deployed to the area, the situation on the front line was catastrophic," the Azov Brigade said in a statement posted on X.

"However, thanks to the high morale, courage, and professionalism of the brigade's fighters, Azov managed to stabilize the situation, regain control of part of Niu-York, and unblock the Defense Forces, which were surrounded by enemy troops."

The brigade said the situation in the region remains tense as Russian troops conducted up to 15 ground assaults in the area within a single day.

Russia has been pushing deeper into Niu-York over the past weeks in an attempt to seize the town of Toretsk.

While Moscow has repeatedly claimed its forces have captured Niu-York, the Azov Brigade has dismissed that, saying Ukrainian forces continue to hold their positions.

Meanwhile, at least one person has been killed and dozens of others injured following a Russian airstrike on civilian infrastructure in the eastern Ukrainian city of Pavlohrad.

According to the regional governor Sergiy Lysak, three children are among the injured.

"We were at home, we live on the fifth floor. We no longer have a balcony. I was with a small child of one years old. We hid in the corridor. Frightening. Very frightening," said one survivor.

Local women walk near a residential building which was damaged by a Russian strike in Pavlohrad, September 6, 2024 - Mykola Tys/Copyright 2024 The AP. All rights reserved

The attack on Pavlohrad comes on the same day as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy travelled to a meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group in Germany to discuss Ukraine's need for long-range weapons with the US and European partners.

He also pressed his case for allies' permission to use weapons supplied in military aid packages to strike deeper into Russian territory.

And Russian shelling in the northeastern Sumy region started a wildfire in a border settlement, the State Emergency Service said. According to the SES, the fire spread across four hectares before firefighters could control and extinguish it.

The statement said the blaze was put out before it could damage a nearby forest plantation. Russian shelling also targeted a settlement near the city of Shostka, starting a fire in a residential building.

Firefighters there were forced to take cover multiple times due to continued shelling, SES said, adding that the fire was eventually extinguished.
KENTUCKY (FOX 56)  A northern Kentucky preschool teacher won big in August.

The Kentucky Lottery said McKenzie Florence, from Ft. Thomas, downloaded the Kentucky Lottery app and played an online game for the first time on Aug. 13.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

I had just downloaded the app because I saw an advertisement, Florence told lottery officials.

Two weeks later, on Aug. 26th, Florence won the $178,919.05 jackpot after wagering $10 on the Bankroll Jackpot Instant Play game.

I hit the button and played and it [prize amount] popped up, she said. I didnt think much about it. Im like, Ill wait until I get home to look at it. It didnt seem real.

Later that day, Florence read an email she had received from the Kentucky Lottery informing her of the big win.

Florence then called her mom to tell her the surprising news.

LATEST KENTUCKY LISTS AND RANKINGS:

I was at work, and she called. She never calls me at work unless theres something wrong. So, I immediately was like, What is wrong? Her mom told lottery officials. No, no, no, its good. I won the lottery! her daughter told her.

I made her call the lottery twice this week just to make sure it was real, her mom said. Until we were sitting here with you [lottery official], we 100% didnt believe it.

Florence made the drive to lottery headquarters in Louisville with her parents on Aug. 30, where after taxes, she walked away with a check for $128,821.72

Its life-changing, she said.

Latest central Kentucky weather forecast

The Campbell County woman told officials her winnings would allow her to buy a car and help pay for her college tuition.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
WORCESTER  It can start with a critical comment about someones attire or their choice of friends, intense questions about work or social plans, behaviors that may be appear innocent but can escalate into physical and sexual violence against a partner in a relationship.

Those comments could be the start of one partners attempt to control the other.

Coercive control is the very definition of domestic violence, said Tara Huard, director of domestic violence services at the YWCA of Central Massachusetts, who described the escalation process.

State Sen. Michael O. Moore, D-Millbury and Rep. Natalie M. Higgins, D-Leominster, discuss their roles in the passage of a bill that extends protections to survivors of domestic violence to include coercive control of one partner, revenge porn and use of the courts to harass, financially harm and otherwise intimidate intimate partners.

That definition was made part of Massachusetts statutes that protect victims of domestic violence and prosecute the perpetrators when Gov. Maura Healey signed the bill in June extending protections against coercive control, revenge porn and the use of the courts to harass and intimidate domestic partners into law.

A coalition of advocates and organizations under the umbrella Together Rising Above Coercion, which supports victims and survivors of interrelationship violence, gathered Friday to celebrate and honor the legislators who worked together to ensure the bills were passed by each branch of government to land on Healeys desk. The coalition includes advocates for survivors of domestic violence and agencies that offer supports and aid survivors when they make the move to leave their relationships.

One big piece of the legislation is to let survivors know about the changes in the law, said Rep. Natalie Higgins, D-Leominster. She worked alongside Rep. Tram Nguyen, D-Andover, and Sen. Michael Moore, D-Millbury, on the companion bills.

Under Massachusetts law, judges were already empowered to extend restraining orders to protect partners in relationships who feared physical or sexual violence. The threat of violence was enough to trigger the protection order. However, many judges failed to file the orders, Higgins said.

Now the law explicitly mandates restraining orders be granted regardless of whether the abuse has escalated into violence.

While the prevailing image of domestic violence is of a beaten or battered woman, advocates contend domestic violence should have a much broader definition of behaviors. And it starts with one partners attempt to gain and maintain power and control over a partners thoughts, beliefs, actions and/or spirit, according to a post on The Network/La Red website attributed to its executive director Beth Leventhal.

The tactics used to control include emotional and psychological abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, financial abuse, and/or cultural/identity abuse, Leventhal said. The Network/La Red works predominantly with LGBTQ+ survivors of partner abuse. It offers free services across the state, including a 24-hour hotline, safety planning, support groups, safe home, transitional housing and individual advocacy and support for LGBTQ+ survivors of partner abuse.

Psychological abuse is unbelievably prevalent, Higgins said. Every single person in the commonwealth knows someone who has been a victim of coercive control."

The abuse can occur regardless of cultural or ethnic affiliation, race, socioeconomic levels, age groups, married or partnered, straight, gay or nonbinary relationships.

One in three women in Massachusetts have been victims of domestic violence, one in seven men, Huard said, adding that interpersonal violence is also common in the LGBTQAI+ communities. However, violence against men in domestic relationships, regardless of who targets them, is more hidden, partially due to stigma.

The bill, now law, defines abuse between family or household members as an attempt at or actually causing physical harm, placing another under fear of serious physical harm, forcing another to engage in sexual activity and coercive control.

It defines coercive control as a pattern of behavior intended to threaten, intimidate, harass, isolate, control, coerce or compel compliance and causes the victim to reasonably fear physical harm or have a reduced sense of physical safety or autonomy. Isolating a partner from family and friends, controlling their technology and access to technology, and threatening to harm children or companion animals in the household are considered coercive control under the new law.

The measure also addresses revenge porn  when a partner or former partner exerts control by threatening to release sexually explicit photographs of another.

Thats how they exert control, holding photos over someones head and threatening to post them on the internet, leak them and have them go viral, said Moore, whose support was instrumental in the passage of the bills. That was not covered in the existing statutes.

Changes in technology prompted the revisions.

There are more ways to intimidate that were never thought of before, Moore said.

The statute also addresses the issue of filing civil complaints with the courts and using lawsuits to intimidate, harass and place financial burdens on former partners and spouses.

Its abusive litigation. The courts are there to help people, they are not a tool to use to victimize people, Moore said. While judges can adjudicate complaints as frivolous, Moore said, determining who is the injured party in lawsuits, who is being victimized, can be difficult.

In discussing the law, Higgins pointed out that it extends the statute of limitations for reporting the abuse from six to 15 years.

Survivors may not know what is happening to them while it is ongoing, Higgins said, explaining that the controlling behavior can be insidious and escalate slowly over time. It can also be misinterpreted as caring behavior by the victim. Survivors, she said, may also be reluctant to report the abuse for fear a spouse or partner will weaponize a custody battle over their children.

Survivors may wait until their children reach adulthood to leave an abusive relationship, Higgins said.

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Lawmakers behind state law against coercive control honored in Worcester
Method of death chosen in South Carolinas first execution in more than a decade

An attorney for the first person likely to be executed in South Carolina in 13 years has chosen lethal injection for his method of death.

The selection was made Friday by one of his attorneys, Emily Paavola, despite concerns over an affidavit attesting to the strength and potency of the drugs set to be used in the upcoming execution.

Freddie Owens is sent to be executed at 6 p.m. Sept. 20. Citing his Islamic faith, which he said would make choosing his own method of death akin to suicide, he petitioned the South Carolina Supreme Court to grant one of his lawyers power of attorney to make the selection for him.

Inmates in South Carolina are legally required to choose between lethal injection, firing squad and the electric chair for their method of execution.

I have known Mr. Owens for 15 years. Under the circumstances, and in light of the information currently available to me, I made the best decision I felt I could make on his behalf. I sincerely hope that the South Carolina Department of Corrections assurances will hold true, Paavola wrote in a statement provided to The State.

Owens was sentenced to death after being convicted of killing Speedway gas station clerk Irene Graves during an armed robbery in the early morning hours of Nov. 1, 1997. Owens shot and killed Graves, a mother of three, when she was unable to open the safe inside of the convenience store.

Owens converted to Islam while in prison. He also legally changed his name to Khalil-Divine Black Sun-Allah, but in all legal documents is still referred to as Freddie Owens.

Mr. Owens has a long-standing, deeply held religious conviction that physically signing the election form is taking an active role in bringing about his own death and is thus akin to suicide. Mr. Owenss Muslim faith teaches that suicide is a sin, and it is forbidden, Paavola wrote in a court filing submitted Aug. 29.

On Tuesday, the Supreme Court granted Owens motion to assign his lawyers power of attorney to sign the form selecting his method of execution.

The selection of the lethal injection comes after Owens attorneys objected to the affidavit provided by South Carolina Department of Corrections Director Brian Stirling about the drugs used in the execution.

South Carolina law requires Stirling to attest to the purity and strength of the lethal drugs. In his affidavit, Stirling said that the South Carolina Law Enforcement Divisions lab had verified the purity and strength of the correction departments pentobarbital, a powerful sedative used in executions to stop the inmates breathing.

While lawyers for Owens said that this affidavit did not provide enough information about the drug, its testing and storage, the South Carolina Supreme Court ruled that Stirlings affidavit was sufficient.

For their part, the South Carolina Attorney Generals Office accused Owens attorneys of using this objection as a pretext to breach the states shield law, which conceals the identity of companies that provide the drugs used in the lethal injection.

This is a breaking news story. Check back here for updates.
One of the years strongest typhoons has deadly impact in Chinas Hawaii before hitting Vietnam

One of this years most powerful storms made landfall in northern Vietnam on Saturday, after killing at least four people and injuring at least 95 others in southern China, according to state media.

Having recorded maximum sustained wind speeds of 230 kilometers per hour (140 miles per hour), Typhoon Yagi was the equivalent of a Category 4 hurricane  the worlds second most powerful tropical cyclone of 2024 so far, only eclipsed by the Atlantic hurricane Beryl which was a Category 5.

It was the strongest typhoon to make landfall in 10 years in the Chinese holiday island of Hainan, where all the deaths and injuries reported by state broadcaster CCTV have been located.

Local authorities said that the damage and impact of this typhoon were beyond imagination, causing huge losses to peoples lives and property, according to CCTV.

As of 12 p.m. local time on Saturday, the disaster had affected a total of 1.227 million people in the Chinese provinces of Hainan, Guangdong, and Guangxi to varying degrees, CCTV reported

Yagi slightly weakened after hitting China, but re-intensified to once again be a Category 4 hurricane.

It made further landfall in neighboring Vietnam on Saturday afternoon, about 120 kilometers (75 miles) east of the capital Hanoi, having also hit the southwestern end of Chinas Guangdong province.

The storm was expected to bring strong winds and significant storm surges to northern Vietnam over the next several hours, with heavy rains continuing through the weekend.

Motorcyclists struggle from the strong wind of Typhoon Yagi in Hai Phong, Vietnam on September 7, 2024. - Nhac Nguyen/AFP/Getty Images

More than a million people were evacuated to safer territory in Hainan and Guangdong while early reports from Chinese state media on Saturday morning said many trees were down and there was some local flooding, as well as power outages.

Scientists have found that hotter oceans caused by the human-caused climate crisis are leading storms to intensify more rapidly. Just two days ago, Yagi was a tropical storm with top winds of 90 kilometers per hour (60 miles per hour), but it quickly gathered strength over the warm waters of the South China Sea. As it thundered towards Hainan, Yagi had been classified as a super typhoon but it lost some strength before making landfall and was downgraded.

Known as Enteng in the Philippines, Yagi had brought heavy rainfall across the country earlier in the week. At least 13 people were killed, Reuters reported. In some parts of Luzon, rainfall totaling 400 millimeters (15.8 inches) was reported, and rain from the storms outer bands has continued to drench parts of the Philippines in recent days.

Residents protect their belongings as they negotiate a flooded street caused by heavy rains from Tropical Storm Yagi, locally called Enteng, in Cainta, Rizal province, Philippines, on September 2, 2024. - Aaron Favila/AP

When it hit Haikou, in northern Hainan, gusts as strong as 150 kilometers per hour (93 miles per hour) were recorded.

The approaching typhoon had already brought cities across Hainan (population 10 million) to a standstill, with schools, businesses, restaurants and beaches closed and public transport, including trains and flights, halted. Some cities in the neighboring provinces of Guangdong and Guangxi adopted similar measures.

On Chinese social media, Hainan residents shared footage of an intense storm churning across the island on Thursday evening, with streaks of lightning flashing across a purple night sky.

The holiday island received rainfall of up to 12 inches.

Hainan is often dubbed Chinas Hawaii, boasting sandy beaches, good surf, five-star resorts and duty-free luxury shopping. It is not currently peak travel season, however, and the island generally has a good track record of weathering powerful storms.

Yagi is the strongest typhoon to make landfall on the island since Rammasun in 2014. That super typhoon  defined as having wind speed of above 240 kilometers per hour or 150 miles per hour  killed at least 62 people across Hainan, Guangdong, Guangxi and Yunnan provinces, causing more than 38 billion yuan ($5.3 billion) in direct economic losses.

This year, much of southern China has been battered by weeks of extreme rainfall. Deadly floods and landslides blocked highways, destroyed homes and caused devastating financial losses as they wiped out crops and livestock.

In the Guangdong village of Gaozhou, banana farmer Qizhao said he and local residents prepared for the storm by reinforcing their trees with poles, worried that Yagi could destroy months of hard work.

The typhoon has not been as severe as initially feared and has so far caused minimal damage as the typhoon made landfall in Hainan (and not Guangdong), he told Reuters.

A staff member cuts branches of fallen trees in Haikou, Hainan Province of China on September 6, 2024. - Sun Shijie/VCG/AP

Trees lie uprooted on a street as typhoon Yagi brings strong wind in Qionghai, Hainan Province of China on September 7, 2024. - Meng Zhongde/VCG/AP

A fallen tree lies on a car as typhoon Yagi brings strong wind in Haikou, Hainan Province of China on September 7, 2024. - Xu Ersheng/VCG/AP

Most severe alert

Chinas Central Meteorological Agency renewed its red typhoon warning, the most severe alert, on Friday morning for Hainan and Guangdong.

Yagi had already sparked travel disruption across parts of southern China as authorities enacted storm warning systems to mitigate its impact ahead of arrival.

More than 400,000 residents across Hainan, including fishing and construction workers, have been moved to safety and more than 34,000 fishing boats have returned to port to take shelter from the typhoon, state media reported.

Authorities in Hainan ordered all tourist attractions to be shut down as they warned of massive and destructive winds.

Bracing for impact, people were seen taping windows and glass doors for additional reinforcement against the gusts. Some placed sandbags around door gaps to prevent flooding. Residents rushed to stock up on food and supplies, sparking long lines and empty shelves at supermarkets.

The outer bands of Yagi brought heavy rain and high winds to the southern Chinese city of Hong Kong overnight Thursday. Authorities raised the third-highest storm warning, a move that restricts some travel services and sparks school closures.

Multiple flights from Hong Kong have been canceled and the citys stock market, one of Asias largest, was suspended. That storm warning was lowered shortly after midday on Friday.

Known as Enteng in the Philippines, Yagi had brought heavy rainfall across the country earlier in the week. At least 13 people were killed, Reuters reported. In some parts of Luzon, rainfall totaling 400 millimeters (15.8 inches) was reported, and rain from the storms outer bands has continued to drench parts of the Philippines in recent days.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Are the Oxford and Georgia school shootings that similar? Not really. Here's why.

Though three years apart, the Oxford and Georgia mass high school shootings are hauntingly and tragically similar on a number of fronts, particularly on the issue of parental responsibility.

In both massacres, the parents of the gunman were charged, with multiple experts opining that the novel Michigan case paved the way for this latest prosecution in Georgia, where the alleged teenage gunman's father is facing criminal charges for the deaths of four people killed by his son in a shooting rampage this week at Apalachee High School in Winder, Ga.

Flags wave at the rear entrance of Oxford High School on Dec. 2, 2021, after an active shooter situation at Oxford High School that left four students dead and seven others with injuries.

Four people died in the Apalachee High School massacre: two students and two staff members. Nine others were injured.

Four people also died in the 2021 Oxford High School shooting, all of them students. Six more students were injured, plus a teacher.

While there are similar facts and allegations in both mass shootings, there are some key differences that could produce a different outcome in Georgia than the one in Michigan, where two separate juries convicted parents James and Jennifer Crumbley of involuntary manslaughter earlier this year for the deaths of four students  Tate Myre, 16; Hana St. Juliana, 14; Madisyn Baldwin, 17, and Justin Shilling, 17  killed by their son, Ethan Crumbley. The Crumbleys, who both are serving 10-year prison sentences after being found guilty in separate trials, are appealing, maintaining they had no idea their son was planning to shoot up his school; that they saw no signs of him being mentally ill, and that the gun at issue was secured in an armoire, unloaded, with the bullets in a separate drawer.

Their reasons for appealing may very well be some of the same defenses raised by the Georgia shooting suspect's father, Colin Gray, who is charged with four counts of involuntary manslaughter, two counts of second- degree murder and eight counts of cruelty to children.

Here's how the Oxford and Georgia cases are the same:

Four lives were lost. Both gunmen are young teens who surrendered to police: The Oxford shooter was 15 at the time of the killings, the Georgia suspect 14.

The guns used in both massacres were Christmas presents, gifted to the teens by their parents.

The parents in both shootings are accused of "knowingly allowing" their minor sons to have access to a weapon, though both sets of parents maintain their sons did not have unfettered access to guns.

Both teenage gunmen allegedly showed signs of having mental health issues and exhibited warning signs that allegedly went ignored by the parents.

Criminal charges were filed quickly against the parents in both shootings. The Crumbleys were charged three days after the Nov. 30, 2021 mass shooting. Gray was charged one day after the Georgia shooting.

On the morning before the shootings, both the Georgia and Michigan schools received warnings about the gunmen. In Oxford, those warnings came from teachers. In Georgia, the warning came from the gunman's mother, who said she alerted the school counselor the morning of the shooting that there was an "extreme emergency" and her son needed to be found, the Washington Post reported Saturday.

Given how recent the Georgia case is, more similarities  and differences  to the Oxford case could surface as police learn more about the shooting suspect and his family life, and new details continue to emerge. Within days of the Oxford shooting, prosecutors released numerous personal details about the Crumbleys, portraying them as selfish individuals who had affairs, drank excessively and spent more time on their horse hobby than their son.

No such salacious details have emerged in the Georgia case.

Here's how the Georgia and Oxford cases are different:

Only one parent has been charged in the Georgia case. In Oxford, both parents were charged.

The Oxford gunman used a 9mm Sig Sauer pistol in his rampage; Georgia's suspect used an AR-15-style semi-automatic rifle.

The Crumbleys were charged following a manhunt that ended with the couple getting arrested in the middle of the night in a friend's art gallery in Detroit. There was no manhunt for the Georgia father.

The Crumbleys were summoned to the school on the morning before the shooting over a troubling drawing their son had made on a math worksheet of a gun and the words: "The Thoughts won't stop. Help me." The Crumbleys went back to their jobs after seeing that drawing. Their son returned to class and two hours later, fired his first shot. There was no such immediate red flag in the Georgia case.

The Oxford shooter had no contact with police before the shooting, nor was he ever suspected or questioned about threatening to shoot up his school. However, the Georgia suspect was investigated and questioned last year by law enforcement about his possible connection to online threats to carry out a school shooting. The boy denied making the threats. His dad was also questioned and told investigators there were hunting guns in his home, but that his son did not have unsupervised access to them.

In the days leading up to the Oxford shooting, the gunman raised numerous red flags at his school that teachers reported to the office, including that he was seen researching bullets online and watching a video of someone gunning down people. So far, no such details have been reported in the Georgia shooting.

In the Georgia case, the dad said he bought the gun as a Christmas gift for his son in December 2023  nine months before the shooting. In the Oxford case, the dad bought the gun for his son during a Black Friday shopping trip, just four days before the shootings.

In the Oxford case, the Crumbleys have maintained that the gun at issue was not really a gift, much like when a parent buys their child a car: The vehicle really belongs to the parents and comes with restrictions. The Crumbleys said the gun was only to be used at a shooting range, with adult supervision. The Crumbleys also maintain they had no idea that their son was planning a school shooting.

The Georgia father may argue the same thing.

In both cases, it is unclear how the teens gained access to the guns that were used in the school shootings.

The Georgia suspect, Colt Gray, is currently locked up on four counts of murder. His father also is being detained.

Oxford school shooter Ethan Crumbley, who was charged as an adult, is serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole after previously pleading guilty to murdering four students and injuring seven others, including a teacher. He is appealing his sentence.

Contact Tresa Baldas: tbaldas@freepress.com.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Georgia school shooting not that similar to Oxford: Here's why
Putin is winning the new Cold War. Its time to go on the offensive

The US government this week revealed  in a treasure trove of never before seen material  the scale of covert Russian plots to influence Americas upcoming presidential election.

As Russian tanks and jets wage war in Ukraine, Moscow is employing other, more covert forms of warfare to take the fight to the West in the hope of a victory for Donald Trump and to reduce Washingtons vital support for Kyiv.

It is long past time for Washington and its allies to fight back.

But first, the details. According to the US Justice Department, Russian state media outlet RT, formerly known as Russia Today, funnelled $10 million to a US-based company as part of a scheme to create and distribute content to US audiences with hidden Russian government messaging.

The company, founded by former RT employees, pumped out content on social media, including by contracted American pundits. As an example, the company allegedly contracted an American commentator to accuse Ukraine of orchestrating a terror attack in Moscow that was actually committed by ISIS. The US government also accused RaHDit, a hacker group run by former and current Russian intelligence officials, of disseminating and amplifying RT disinformation and propaganda.

Separately, the Justice Department revealed that the Kremlin directed three Russian companies to covertly spread Russian government propaganda aimed at undermining support for Ukraine and influencing elections in the US and other countries. They used fake social media profiles, fabricated influencers, and impersonated legitimate news websites to spread their content.

As noted in internal documents from one of the companies, the Russians targeted voters in key swing states and pushed themes such as job loss for white Americans and purported crime committed by people of color and immigrants (including new immigrants from Ukraine).

This is not a new phenomenon. During the Cold War, Soviet operatives routinely conducted covert active measures aimed at weakening or influencing the United States and other foreign countries. Nowadays, Moscow draws on a similar playbook, updated for the age of social media, which can spread Russian disinformation faster and in a more targeted manner.

US intelligence views Russia as the predominant threat to US elections. Amid increased scrutiny on Russian disinformation, it says Moscow is working to better hide its hand, enhance its reach, and create content that resonates more with US audiences. In addition to using front companies and bogus social media accounts, the Russians have employed artificial intelligence to create deep fakes and boost their social media bots.

Of course, Russia is not only interested in US elections. Earlier this year, Moscow once again attempted to interfere in the UK and EU political realm. The United States, Britain, and Canada all accused Russia of trying to interfere in Moldovas upcoming presidential election in October; Moscow will also likely interfere with the elections in Georgia scheduled for that same month.

The revanchist Kremlin has worked diligently to capitalise on political, cultural, and socioeconomic divides in Western countries. In the US, the Russians exploit issues such as abortion, gun control, and migration, and the Israel-Palestine crisis, aiming to weaken the West while boosting preferred candidates and undermining Western support for Ukraine. China and other authoritarian adversaries are learning from Russias experience, increasing the threat to Western democracies.

Since Russias interference in the 2016 US presidential election, Washington has taken measures to safeguard American electoral processes and expose Russian influence operations.

This is a good first step  but its not enough. The US and its allies also need to go on the offensive. Western countries should conduct information operations that harness the truth to fuel opposition to Putin within Russia and other countries. These operations should not try to sell the American Dream but should rather play to messages that will resonate with their target audiences. For example, Western information operations could target ethnic minority groups in Russia that face systemic repression and have suffered disproportionate casualties for Putins war in Ukraine. The West should also challenge Moscow in the Global South, where Russian propaganda is often more popular than Western media.

Information operations are a key way Russia seeks to weaken America and its Western allies. It is high time for the US government to catch up and modernise its own information warfare playbook.

Only by giving Putin a taste of his own medicine can Washington compete against Moscow in the information space.

Dr Ivana Stradner is a research fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies in Washington DC

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.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken wrapped up a one-day visit to Port-au-Prince on Thursday by announcing an additional $45 million in humanitarian aid for the crisis-wracked country and reiterating the United States push for putting for elections and restoring security.

The United States appreciates Haitis leaders putting aside their differences, working together to put the country on the path to free and fair elections, Blinken said at a press conference, before flying to the neighboring Dominican Republic where he will spend the night and meet with President Luis Abinader on Friday.

Washington, the Secretary added, was looking forward to Haitis Transitional Presidential Council swiftly naming a provisional electoral council to organize those elections. That is the critical next step.

Gangs currently control more than 85% of metropolitan Port-au-Prince and large swaths of the neighboring Artibonite region. The Artibonite and the West region, where the capital is located, represented an estimated 57% to 60% of the countrys electorate the last time 2016  Haitians went to the polls to elect a president.

Haiti hasnt had an elected president ever since Jovenel Moise was gunned-down inside his home more than three years ago on July 7, 2021. Since then, the country has been in a free-fall with no elected leaders, and armed gangs expanding their control over new territories by the day.

READ MORE: Gangs fled a Haitian town as Kenya force moved in. But only for a day

In March, Blinken joined Caribbean leaders in Jamaica to help Haitis leaders forge a path forward after gangs united and launched a broad assault on the then government. But five months into the transition, the process has been hobbled by corruption allegations involving three members of the presidential panel, infighting among the sectors over who to name on the electoral commission, and a struggling international effort to restore security.

Blinken only touched on the corruption scandal in his closing remarks, saying that the United States welcomes Haitian efforts to address corruption allegations, promote transparency and accountability. These are essential for this transition government to maintain the trust of the Haitian people.

Then, he issued a warning, reminding Haitians of the U.S.s recent economic sanctions against former Haitian President Michel Martelly: We will use every tool that we have to hold accountable those who facilitate violence, drug trafficking, instability.

Blinken began his visit by meeting with Edgard Leblanc Fils, the current head of the Transitional Presidential Council, who in a press conference after the meeting said he discussed the general situation with the Secretary. He then met with Prime Minister Garry Conille and Foreign Minister Dominique Dupuy.

He also met with nine Haitian leaders whose political parties and civil society organizations are currently part of the transition. During the meeting at the U.S. embassy in Tabarre, the U.S. delegation sat on one side of a long conference table, while the Haitian invitees sat across on the other side. Haitian leaders expressed both their disappointment with the slow progress of the Kenya-led mission, as well as their concerns about the corruption scandal embroiling the ruling presidential panel.

Blinken acknowledged that progress hasnt happened as quickly as many would like, but sought to assure the room of Washingtons commitment.

Despite his efforts to paint a positive portrait of the security situation, recent decision and events say otherwise. Ahead of Blinkens visit, Haitian authorities expanded a state of emergency from 14 cities to the entire country. In another troubling reminder of the precarious security situation, the Haitian National Police Union, SYNAPOHA, on Thursday reported that a police officer, Wisly Villefranche, had been short by armed gunmen during an operation in the Magloire Ambroise neighborhood of the capital.

He was the second police officer killed in a week. Last week, officer Nathanielle Medjine Michel was killed when her police car received 13 bullets as she drove to work. Two others police officers, who were later visited by Conille and Haiti National Police Chief Rameau Normil, were injured in an anti-gang operation.

As this political process has moved forward in parallel, so, too, is the necessary efforts to provide a strong security foundation, and in particular the Multinational Security Support authorized by the United Nations last year has move forward, he later said during his closing press conference.

Rather than focus on the missions shortcomings, he touted what he deemed are its successes.

This is hard stuff, but weve already seen, thanks to the work of the MSS, supporting the HNP, the Haitian national police, the airport taken back and reopened, the main hospital in Port-au-Prince taken back, some neighborhoods where theres now economic activity, Blinken said. What Ive heard today, talking to the leaders of the Haitian national police and the MSS is a clear path for what theyll do next.

THE MISSION ITSELF NEEDS TO BE RENEWED

Even still, while trying to bolster support for the mission ahead of a U.N. Security Council vote on Sept. 30 about the end of its one-year-mandate, the U.S. is also trying to get support to transfer the mission into a formal U.N. peacekeeping operation.

The mission itself needs to be renewed, Blinken said. But we also want to make sure that we have something that is reliable, thats sustainable, and well look at every option to do that. So peacekeeping operationally is one such option. I think there are others. We just want to make sure that we have a way to first renewing the mission and then making sure we have a way to make it sustainable for the future, because this is going to take some time.

Such an arrangement would provide the mission with stabilized funding and personnel. Washington, however, will need to get the authorization of the U.N. Security Council, where both Russia and China have veto powers. The two have been critical of both the U.S. intervention in Haiti and past U.N. peacekeeping operations.

In addition to convincing Russia, U.S. officials would also need to secure the support of U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, a critic of peacekeeping operations.

Asked on Thursday if Guterres thinking has evolved on the matter, his spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters in New York, Im not sure of how much the Secretary-Generals thinking has evolved on this matter from what he said publicly.

Dujarric also said Im not aware or have not been made aware of any discussions that have been taking place here in this building with our peacekeeping colleagues on the U.S.s desire to transform the mission into a formal peacekeeping operation.

Dujarric said it is not for the secretary-general to grade the impact of the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support mission.

The fact that it managed to deploy, led by Kenya with the support of many others, I think, is a tremendous step forward. Its very helpful to the Haitian authorities as they try to lead a government of transition, he said. The force could, of course, use more funding.

The United States remains the largest funder of the mission. It has provided more than $300 to support the security mission, which has gone into providing more than two dozen armored vehicles, radios, night goggles and standing up the base of operations that is currently housing the more than 380 Kenyan police officers in the country. More assistance is also en route the secretary said, noting that Jamaica is sending personnel and El Salvador is providing a helicopter medivac team to assist.

As were projecting out, as were looking at growing the MSS mission itself, we also have to figure out whats going to be required to pay for that, and I think were going to need more funding to do that, Blinken said. Thats exactly why Im bringing together colleagues at the UN General Assembly on the margins of that, just to make sure that we are properly resourced.

Despite the missions presence attacks against police stations and neighborhoods by gangs have continued. One need not look further than a few miles east of the U.S. embassy where 6,000 people were forced to flee their homes as of July when the community of Ganthier fell under the control of the 400 Mawozo gang after residents lost a two-year fight to push them back.

The gang, which has been threatening to also attack neighboring Fond Parisien, recently began building a wall along National Road #8 in the area of Croix-des-Bouquets, which includes Ganthier.

Meanwhile, to the south of Port-au-Prince, gangs have forced more than 44,000 residents of Gressier to seek refuge in neighboring Leogane where many are sleeping in mud without as much a tarp to protect them from the elements.

In addition to funding Haitis security efforts, the U.S. is also a leading contributor on the humanitarian side. With nearly 600,000 Haitians internally displaced by the gang violence and more than 5 million in humanitarian need, the additional $45 million means more food, water or sanitation or health and support services for one and a half million more Haitians in the long term, Blinken said.
This shipwreck's gold, silver, and emeralds helped spawn a golden age of piracy in the Bahamas and excavators keep finding more treasure

One of the most famous treasure sites of the sea is the Nuestra Senora de las Maravillas.

It was pillaged for centuries, leaving little left. At least, that's what experts thought.

The latest excavations of the ship have uncovered thousands more artifacts worth millions.

Picture a legendary shipwreck full of silver coins, jewels, and other treasures, and you just might be imagining the Nuestra Senora de las Maravillas.

The ship sank 368 years ago near the Bahamas. In the centuries since, pirates and treasure hunters have made off with millions in silver pesos, dazzling emeralds, weapons, and other loot.

Experts once thought there was little of the wreck remaining. Since 2019, though, divers have found thousands of artifacts. They've helped scientists learn more about the Bahamas' past, including how piracy shaped the islands.

Experts think there's more to discover. What remains under the sand could be worth millions.

No one was sure if there was anything left of the wreck.

Explorers delve into the remains of the Nuestra Senora de las Maravillas. Chad Bagwell

In 2019, the Bahamian government gave multimillionaire Carl Allen and his company, AllenX, the rights to explore and salvage what was left  if anything  of the Maravillas. What the company uncovered was astounding.

In the years since, AllenX has found over 10,000 artifacts, including gold chains, silver bars, and emeralds. The company works with archaeologists, including Michael Pateman, director of the Bahamas Maritime Museum, to document both the site and the discoveries.

Even everyday items like olive jars, pipes, and wine bottles are a type of treasure because they help archaeologists working with AllenX understand who was on board, what they ate, how they dressed, and what personal items they traveled with.

Allen started the Bahamas Maritime Museum to hold the recovered treasures, which he said he has no current plans to sell. His company and the government split the finds.

We may never know how many riches went down with the ship.

Members of the AllenX team diving for artifacts from the Maravillas. Sean Kingsley/AllenX

The ship's artifacts are strewn across almost 2 miles of the ocean floor, some moved around by storms. Many are buried deep in the sand, so archaeologists use devices called magnetometers to detect them.

After all this time since the ship sank, it's difficult to know what remains. There may still be $100 million worth of artifacts under the sand, Jim Sinclair, who works with AllenX, told CBS News in 2023.

Before setting sail, the Maravillas took on gold and silver from another ship. There's no list of exactly what was brought aboard. The ship also stopped in Mexico, but there's no record of what that cargo contained, either.

"We're still trying to uncover that mystery," Pateman said.

Poor record keeping, marauding pirates, and hurricane-prone waters mean the extent of the original cargo and what's still on the seafloor is impossible to know.

There are other shipwrecks waiting to be rediscovered.

An illustration of a British Post Office boat under attack by an American privateer. Print Collector/Getty Images

The Maravillas is far from the only sunken ship in the Bahamas' waters.

Researchers looked at archival materials and found 176 shipwrecks near the Bahamas between 1526 and 1976. Most shipwrecks were due to reefs and storms, the researchers found. Unlike the treasure-laden Maravillas, many ships carried goods, including coal, lumber, rum, cigars, and coffee.

AllenX has also created a map of some known wrecks in the area. So far, it knows where 19 are, but there are dozens more that remain hidden beneath the sea. Exploring more sites may be tricky, though.

Bahamian politician Jomo Campbell has been critical of modern treasure hunting and said entities like AllenX shouldn't be able to hold licenses to explore and recover items from multiple wrecks, Tribune Business reported in 2023.

Over 600 people died when the ship sank.

An illustration of the Nuestra Senora de las Maravillas. AllenX

In January 1656, the Maravillas and another ship accidentally collided, causing the Maravillas to crash into a reef.

The other ship continued on, but the damage to the Maravillas dragged its many riches and hundreds of passengers toward the seafloor in under an hour.

"Shortly after this happened, what we call these winter storms in the northern Bahamas started to blow through," Pateman told Business Insider. "So it made the environment a lot more treacherous."

Over 600 people, a combination of sailors, passengers, and prisoners died by drowning or hypothermia, according to historian Leonardo Moreno-Alvarez. Only 45 people survived.

People immediately began salvaging the silver.

The Maravillas sank near Grand Bahama. Sean Kingsley/AllenX

The ship sank in relatively shallow waters about 30 feet deep off of what's now Grand Bahama Island. This attracted numerous groups, including pirates, who immediately began pillaging the wreck for its treasures.

In fact, this wreck likely helped launch a "golden age of piracy" on New Providence Island and its city Nassau, according to a recent report that Patement and his colleagues published in the Bahamas Maritime Museum's journal.

Pirate ships were able to loot the Maravillas site and then maneuver through waters too shallow for warships to follow, Pateman said. Nassau was sparsely populated, and the settlers were eager to trade with the pirates.

The island's governors often cut deals and pardoned the pirates. As the illegal salvage continued, "this helped to build Nassau to become what is now known as the 'Pirate Republic,'" Pateman said.

The golden age lasted until 1718 when Captain Woodes Rogers started pardoning pirates in exchange for them hunting down other looters.

"Some people in the Bahamas consider Woodes Rogers a hero," Pateman said. "I don't." His mission was to eradicate piracy and restore commerce, but he did that by restoring the plantation system and turning the Bahamas into a hub for slavery, he said.

Treasure hunting re-emerged in the 1970s.

A few of the artifacts recovered by AllenX from the Maravillas. Brendan Chavez/AllenX

There were a few attempts to bring up silver from the wreckage over the next 150 years, but the ship was mostly forgotten, Pateman said. Then in 1972, Robert Marx found artifacts belonging to the ship.

Archaeologists criticized Marx's work as destructive and unscientific because there was little documentation of where items were found. At least some treasure hunters used explosives to uncover buried artifacts, according to a report from "Ocean Dispatches."

In the 1980s, another treasure hunter, Herbert Humphreys Jr., claimed to have found emeralds, silver coins, and more artifacts worth the equivalent of about $11 million today. In 1987, his recovery company surfaced a 100-carat emerald.

As part of these salvage licenses, the treasure hunters kept 75% of what they found, and the remainder went to the Bahamian government.

Enough loot ended up in private collections that the Bahamian government put a moratorium on removing items from shipwrecks in 1999.

After a 2012 amendment to regulations on salvaging antiquities in the Bahamas, AllenX was able to apply for exploration and recovery licenses.

A more recent amendment gives treasure hunters and the government an equal split of recovered items, where it used to be 75% went to the finders.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Ukrainian forces in Kursk are readying for a long fight and may plan to 'bleed' the Russians just like in Ukraine, expert says

Ukraine has continued its invasion of Russia's Kursk region, where it is holding territory.

An aim as Ukraine's forces ready for a long fight may be to "bleed" Russian troops, an expert said.

Russia's losses in its war are high, with UK intelligence saying 70,000 Russians were likely lost in two months.

Ukraine's stated commitment to holding territory in Russia's Kursk region could give its forces the chance to "bleed" the Russians by drawing them into a grinding, attritional fight like the Ukrainians have on their own soil, a warfare expert told Business Insider.

The Ukrainians launched their shock assault into western Russia on August 6, and as of last week, per the military's estimates, controlled almost 500 square miles. That figure is more than the amount of territory Russia has seized in Ukraine so far this year.

The incursion took Russia and the world, including Ukraine's international partners, by surprise. As a further shock, the Ukrainian forces have held onto the captured territory, continuing to fight in Kursk and advance but at a noticeably slower pace as Russia's response kicks into gear.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told NBC News on Tuesday that his military plans to hold the territory indefinitely. The reason is not because it wants Russian land, but rather because it could help with negotiations. "For now, we need it," he said.

A Ukrainian soldier patrolling in the center square in Sudzha, which is part of Russia. Fabien Nachi/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

Matthew Savill, a military strategy expert at the Royal United Services Institute think tank and a former intelligence analyst at the UK Ministry of Defence, told BI it might come as "a slight surprise" that "the Ukrainians are trying to consolidate, to hold."

He said that for Ukraine's military, "the calculation that they might be making is that if they set themselves up in a strong defense, they can effectively bleed the Russians, that they can effectively do what has happened elsewhere."

Russian casualties in Ukraine have been high throughout the conflict, but particularly so in recent months.

The UK Ministry of Defence said in a July intelligence update that more than 70,000 Russian troops were likely killed or wounded in May and June, blaming "an effective Ukrainian defense and a lack of Russian training" as Russia fought in multiple sectors.

That's a rate of more than 1,100 casualties a day, and there are indications Russian forces are continuing to take heavy losses. Ukraine's armed forces said on Monday that Russia lost 1,300 soldiers in 24 hours. BI could not independently verify the reported figures.

If Ukraine can dig in and hold, then Russian attempts to fight back against Ukraine in Kursk could also result in heavy losses  particularly given how many Russian soldiers in Kursk appear to be poorly trained. A number of the responding Russian forces are young, inexperienced conscripts.

CIA Deputy Director David Cohen said late last month that retaking Kursk from Ukraine will be a "difficult fight" for Russia, and Michael Bohnert, a warfare expert at RAND Corporation, told BI the territory is "going to be very costly for the Russians to take back."

Holding is not without risks

But continuing to fight in Kursk also comes with big risks. For starters, Russia has seemingly welcomed grinding fights, with some war watchers even arguing that it is an element of Russia's theory of victory, considering the strains that this kind of fighting puts on Ukraine. And there are other challenges.

Savill explained that bleeding Russian troops in the Kursk region will require Ukraine "to set up some pretty effective defenses very quickly." He said that this is "difficult to do rapidly  not impossible, but difficult, especially if they're doing it under fire."

Ukrainian efforts in Kursk also risk leaving areas of the front in Ukraine inadequately defended by stretching thin their already smaller military.

A pair of Ukrainian soldiers walk in the Ukrainian-controlled city of Sudzha in Russia's Kursk region. Ed Ram/For The Washington Post via Getty Images

Mark Cancian, a retired Marine Corps colonel and a senior advisor at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said there have been a host of positive results from Ukraine's incursions: boosting troop morale, encouraging international partners that may have been weary from supporting Ukraine through years of war, presenting proof that Ukraine can go on the offensive and achieve victories, and providing potential negotiation fodder with Russia.

But he said there's also a danger that Ukraine's forces could get overextended and "get too widely spaced that the Russians can take advantage of it."

He said it makes him "a little worried" to see that Ukraine is continuing to try to advance forward. He said Ukraine won't try to capture the city of Kursk itself, as it would have to reinforce just to even have a shot.

Still, the bold move, as Cancian noted, has definitely yielded some positive results for the Ukrainians. For instance, Russia has pulled troops from various parts of Ukraine, but not in the Donbas, in which they are gaining territory.

Ukraine's successes have also proved rather embarrassing for Russia's military and for President Vladimir Putin, who wants to project an image of power and safety to the Russian people, experts previously told BI.

Furthermore, this unexpected invasion of Russian territory has allowed Ukraine to regain the initiative after months in a grueling defensive position.

But as to whether it was worth it, Savill said it might be "weeks or months" before it is clear if Ukraine's invasion was ultimately a good thing. "It all depends on what the cost is," he said. "What is the cost of the Ukrainians holding territory, and what's the opportunity cost elsewhere?"

Read the original article on Business Insider
The Bedford County Sheriffs Office is making major strides to achieving its goal of a full staff of school resource officers, according to a county news release.

A few years ago, only six schools had a dedicated school resource officer (SRO) with one in each of the three high schools and three middle schools with visits coordinated for elementary schools from time to time, the sheriffs office said.

The Bedford County Board of Supervisors accepted a grant in 2022 submitted by Sheriff Mike Miller that funded SROs for the countys 13 elementary schools and Susie G. Gibson Science & Technology Center.

Children are our most precious commodity, Miller said in the release. By filling these positions, we are not only keeping our local children safe in the event of a crisis, but we are also developing a strong foundation of trust with law enforcement.

Following the approval of the grant, the sheriffs office immediately hit the ground running on recruitment efforts, the release said.

When filling these types of positions, you have to invest a lot into the recruitment process because you have to make sure they are a right fit for the schools, Lt. Ryan Hilbish, Services Division, said in the release. Its a different way of thinking for an officer.

Recruitment efforts are paying off this year, the sheriffs office said: all but three county schools now have a dedicated SRO, going from having seven SROs to 17 in less than two years. The sheriffs office actively is recruiting to fill three remaining positions.

People are loving it, Hilbish said in the release. We get comments from parents and families all the time about how great the SROs are and what they [are] doing to improve the school communities.

Miller was among the countys first school resource officers when the program began in 1997. He will have to lobby the board of supervisors in the future for funding to continue funding the newer positions when grant money that contributes to much of the costs expires.

Two years ago this month, the board of supervisors voted to approve a $1 million grant from the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services for 14 positions. The local match was waived in the first year and a local match of 31% for three additional years is at $326,480 per year, according to county documents at the time.

Supervisor Bob Davis at the September 2022 meeting voted against the approval, citing concerns with long-term effects on the county budget. Supervisor John Sharp said in his view if the county board commits to supporting it, the county school board should commit also.

Beyond the four years the grant is approved for, in fiscal year 2027, the positions would be 100% locally funded, if continued, at a cost of just more than $1,042,300, according to county documents at the time of the supervisors September 2022 vote.

In elementary schools, SROs serve as mentors to students, such as eating lunch with at-risk students or encouraging children who need an extra push, the release said.

They conduct school security checks and speed enforcement at their assigned school. If certified, elementary school SROs will also lead the D.A.R.E. program, the release said. In middle schools and high schools, SROs focus on mentoring, school safety and are also available for enforcement if needed. High school SROs also teach the Virginia Rules program to teenagers, which focuses on how the law applies to young men and women. No matter the level, SROs strive to be a friendly face to all.

Sgt. Keith Hall, SRO at Liberty High School, added: Being an SRO is such a rewarding career because you get to have positive interactions with the community that you serve and make an impact on young peoples lives.

Miller said just after the boards September 2022 vote keeping the countys school children safe is worth the investment.

The sheriff added shortly after the boards vote two years ago: Theres nothing any more precious than our children.
YAMANASHI, Sep 08 (News On Japan) - As Mount Fuji's climbing season nears its September 10 closure, rescue calls have surged, and fatalities have more than doubled compared to last year. Over 170,000 climbers have ascended this season, facing harsh weather conditions, including cold temperatures and altitude sickness.

The Shizuoka side has reported six deaths, while three climbers have died on the Yamanashi side, bringing the total to nine.

Two unusual factors are contributing to this rise in fatalities. The first is the frequent occurrence of sudden thunderstorms, making rescue operations difficult or impossible during bad weather. The second factor is an influx of climbers from the Yamanashi side, where stricter entry regulations have pushed more climbers to the more challenging Shizuoka routes. This has led to more injuries, particularly among inexperienced climbers.

In response to the rising incidents, Shizuoka Prefecture is considering regulations such as climbing fees and time restrictions. Meanwhile, Yamanashi Prefecture has already implemented a cap on climbers and introduced a 2,000-yen fee to limit the number of climbers per day and reduce night ascents. The restrictions have proven effective in reducing the number of night climbers and improving safety.

Despite these measures, challenges remain, particularly with lightly equipped climbers and the need for better traffic distribution across routes. Yamanashi officials are exploring the possibility of year-round tourism at Mount Fujis 5th station to alleviate overcrowding during peak seasons. However, concerns about avalanches and illegal climbing during the off-season persist.

Source: ANN
Americas 50 state agriculture commissioners receive far less attention and news coverage than most other statewide officials, such as governors and attorneys general.

However, these individuals hold significant influence over local farming policies, oversee state agencies dedicated to food safety and often set the tone for how environmental regulations are enforced within the local agriculture sector.

Because of the power these sometimes overlooked officials have at a time when industrialization, immigration and climate change are bringing generational change and new challenges to the agriculture industry, Investigate Midwest wanted to better understand who these people are, how well they reflect the constituents they serve and how they are shaping Americas farming future.

The analysis found:

Agriculture commissioners are, on average, white, Republican and male, at higher rates than other state elected officials.

Twelve commissioners are elected, but the rest are appointed, most often by the governor, which gives state governors significant control over farming policy.

Ten of the 12 states that elect commissioners are located in the southeastern United States, which observers say gives that regions agriculture sector a more politically partisan tone.

Many states have expanded the powers of their agriculture agencies and recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings have also shifted more regulatory control to state agriculture leaders.

Most of the 50 commissioners  sometimes called secretaries or directors  oversee state programs that inspect food processing facilities, enforce price accuracy at grocery stores and issue permits for industrial farms.

However, different states give a variety of powers to their state agriculture leaders.

At least 36 agriculture agencies inspect fuel pumps for price accuracy. Fifteen manage school nutrition programs and several issue oil well permits. Floridas agriculture agency handles concealed gun permits.

Many state agriculture agencies oversee forestry management, an increasingly important area as climate change increases wildfire dangers.

The work is so broad with regards to fuel production, with regards to clothing (production), food safety, natural disaster response, forest management, said RJ Karney, senior director of public policy for the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture. Its not just about rural communities and their farms.

Appointed versus elected

Twelve states including Iowa, hold elections for agriculture commissioners, most of which are located in the south.

Currently, all 12 elected commissioners are Republican, white and male. Two states, West Virginia and North Carolina, have commissioner elections this November.

Thirty state agriculture commissioners are appointed by the governor, with the rest selected by a commission or board that is often made up of gubernatorial appointees.

Seven governors who appoint agriculture commissioners are up for election this November, meaning voters in those states  Indiana, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, Utah, Vermont and Washington  will indirectly select an agriculture commissioner later this year.

Karney said most commissioners he works with operate in a nonpartisan fashion, especially those who are appointed to the position.

It is often hard to tell who has an R or has a D next to their name, said Karney, referring to Republican or Democratic officials.

But many of the elected commissioners have increasingly latched onto partisan issues, including some that would not appear to have much of a connection to agriculture policies.

Protecting the right to life for every Kentuckian is one of the biggest reasons I got into politics in the first place, Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell, a Republican, said last year after receiving endorsements from anti-abortion groups.

Reproductive rights became a talking point during the campaign and Planned Parenthood, a supporter of abortion access, endorsed Shells Democratic opponent, marking the first time the group had weighed in on the agriculture commissioners race.

Once in office, some commissioners have continued to embrace partisan issues.

Earlier this year, 12 Republican agriculture commissioners penned a letter criticizing banks for steering investments toward companies with emission reduction goals, an issue that has recently angered many Republican politicians who refer to these as woke investments.

American agriculture is sending a clear signal: we will not bend the knee to the failed, left-wing climate agenda of the United Nations that seeks to cripple one of our countrys most critical industries, Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper said after signing the letter.

While all 12 elected commissioners signed the letter, none of the appointed commissioners joined.

Lack of diversity among agriculture commissioners

Steve Troxler might be North Carolinas most successful politician.

Serving as the states commissioner of agriculture for nearly 20 years, Troxler was reelected to a fifth term in 2020 with more votes than both the states Democratic governor or Donald Trump, the former Republican president who won the state.

With a white bushy mustache and a folksy tone to his voice, Troxler, a Republican who calls himself a tractor guy, has the image one might expect from an agriculture leader.

But Sarah Taber sees that as a problem.

(Voters) have just deferred to what they perceive as an expert in agriculture, said Taber, the Democratic candidate challenging Troxler in the November election.

Taber might accuse Troxler of being a stereotype of what voters think when picturing a farmer. But Troxlers demographics are also largely in line with those of many of his cohorts across the country.

While women make up 32% of all statewide officials, including governors, lieutenant governors, and attorneys general, they only make up 24% of state agriculture commissioners, according to Investigate Midwests analysis of multiple lawmaker demographic profiles.

All but one agriculture commissioner identifies as white, compared to 78% of all other statewide officials.

Ninety-five percent of the more than 3.3 million farmers and ranchers are white but the agriculture sector as a whole is more diverse. Nearly 80% of the nations 2.9 million agriculture workers identify as Hispanic, according to the National Center for Farmerwork Health. Nearly 65% of meatpacking workers are nonwhite.

Taber believes many voters defer to a stereotypical candidate because they dont believe they can offer an opinion on agriculture-related issues.

A lot of the time when I talk to folks here in North Carolina who aren't farmers, which is the vast majority of North Carolinians, they'll say things like, Oh, I'm sorry, I just don't understand that much about agriculture, or, I don't feel like I'm qualified to make a decision about this position,  Taber recalled. Thats wild because nobody would ever say I don't know if I can vote for an attorney general because I'm not a lawyer.

Many but not all commissioners were farmers

Anson Tebbetts was a television reporter when Vermonts governor tapped him to become the states agriculture commissioner. Colorados commissioner, Kate Greenburg, worked for a national nonprofit advocating for young farmers. Karen Ross, Californias secretary of agriculture, was formerly the head of the California Association of Winegrape Growers.

Americas 50 state agriculture leaders come from various backgrounds, although there are common themes.

At least 28 commissioners appear to actively work in farming, or at least were doing so when they were elected or appointed. Many others describe growing up on a family farm in public bios that Investigate Midwest reviewed.

Nineteen commissioners had worked in a lower level position at the state agriculture agency they now lead, or worked for the USDA.

Ten were former elected officials, most often in the state legislature.

At least 12 had some leadership position with the American Farm Bureau or a state chapter.

The background of an appointed commissioner allows a governor to set the tone and agenda for state agriculture policy. In Colorado, when Democratic Gov. Jared Polis appointed Greenberg, he highlighted the need to focus on conservation and new ways of farming.

Water scarcity and environmental stewardship have been important themes during her tenure.

Climate change is a big  one of the biggest  challenges we face in agriculture, and farmers and ranchers should be at the forefront of dealing with that, Greenberg said in 2019.

Appointed commissioners also work to present a governors policies to the agriculture community, or respond to criticism.

In 2019, Polis said he wanted the state to invest more in the plant-based meat industry, which angered many cattle farmers.

Speaking at a state fair, Greenberg tried to reassure ranchers that the state was committed to its $5 billion cattle industry.

Impossible Foods is interested in replacing meat; the governor is not, Greenberg told farmers in 2019, referring to a company that specializes in plant-based meat products.
Taxes paid by Iowa employers to fund the states unemployment insurance fund will remain at the lowest possible level allowed by law for a third consecutive year, the governors office said this week.

The rates are calculated using a formula that includes the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund balance, unemployment benefits history and wage growth. This years formula puts Iowa in the lowest of eight rate tables, meaning employers will be taxed between 0 and 7% to pay into the trust fund.

Im pleased that well be able to continue to support Iowa employers by maintaining unemployment taxes at their lowest possible rate, Gov. Kim Reynolds said in a statement. Smart management of state resources, combined with smart ideas like (Iowa Workforce Developments) Re-employment Case Management program, have helped us place Iowas Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund in one of the best positions its ever been in.  Iowa business owners will have one less thing to worry about as they try to navigate our uncertain national economy.

Iowas unemployment rate for July remained at 2.8%, unchanged since April, according to the most recent state workforce data. The 2.8% unemployment rate is 0.2% lower than July 2023 and is below the national rate of 4.3%.

Iowa flags to fly half-staff

Gov. Kim Reynolds has ordered flags to fly at half-staff from sunrise to sunset Monday to honor an Iowa native whose remains at Pearl Harbor have been identified by scientists.

Milford native and Navy Fireman 1st Class Everett C. Titterington will be buried in Riverside National Cemetery in California. Titterington was killed Dec. 7, 1941, at Pearl Harbor; he was 21 years old. Titterington was aboard the USS Oklahoma when it capsized after being struck by multiple torpedoes.

Flags will fly half-staff at the Iowa Capitol and on the Capitol complex, as well as on all public buildings, grounds and facilities throughout the state, the governors office said. Individuals, businesses, schools and local governments are encouraged to do the same.

Northwest Iowa Judge appointed

Andrew Smith has been appointed as a District Court judge in Judicial District 3A in Northwest Iowa by Gov. Kim Reynolds.

Smith, of Alta, has been serving as a district associate judge in District 3A. He received his undergraduate degree from Northeast Missouri State University and law degree from the University of Iowa, according to a news release.

Smith fills a vacancy following the resignation of John M. Sandy, who was appointed to the Iowa Court of Appeals.

Iowa Judicial District 3A covers Buena Vista, Cherokee, Clay, Dickinson, Emmet, Kossuth, Lyon, OBrien, Osceola and Palo Alto counties.
Solar panels shone in the light of a clear sky Wednesday morning, occasionally clicking as they followed the suns path.

Tucked underneath and around the arrays structure were plants  peppers, strawberries, raspberries, and grapes; even the beginnings of prairie plants, grass and clover.

Bugs flitted about in the breeze, though honey bees were likely staying close to their apiary home near the solar array due to the coolness of the day, said Iowa State University professor Matt ONeal.

The bees and other insects pollinate the plants found at the Alliant Energy Solar Farm at Iowa State south of Ames, where research is conducted into how agriculture and renewable energy production can coexist, also known as agrivoltaics.

The farm is a public-private partnership between the company and university, with both gathering data to learn how to better serve customers and growers.

Funded by a four-year, $1.8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, ISU researchers are exploring how certain crops grow underneath solar panels compared to plots grown outside of the array, among other projects.

Katie Hendrickson, chief of staff at the Department of Energys Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, visited the site Wednesday after speaking with researchers and engineers involved with the project.

Hendrickson said the Department of Energy has provided about $20 million to agrivoltaics projects across the U.S. She said ISUs solar farm is proof that there are creative solutions available to marry agriculture, where the most available land is, and solar energy.

Agrivoltaics, it brings jobs to communities, it diversifies incomes for farmers, so seeing this in action is really cool, Hendrickson said.

Alliant Energy finished construction on the solar array last fall after entering into a 20-year lease with the university for the 10-acre plot of land in 2021, said Alliant Energy Strategic Partnerships Manager Nick Peterson. Interdisciplinary teams of ISU faculty and students began working on the land this spring, starting off a three-year cycle of planting and harvesting broccoli, summer squash, bell peppers, strawberries, honey berries, raspberries, grapes, prairie plants and grasses.

The site houses both fixed and sun-tracking solar panels, Peterson said, producing enough energy to serve between 200-220 households. They are affixed at different heights to create different climates underneath the panels, so plants grown underneath can be compared to one another and energy production can be measured and compared.

ONeal said there are three big questions that all of the research being conducted on the site is seeking to answer: what can be grown under solar panels that is both economically and environmentally sustainable, how do the microclimates created underneath the panels by the plants impact energy production and how can these practices be replicated at other sites.

ISU Agrivoltaics project lead professor Ajay Nair said the equipment and practices utilized by the teams handling the crops are the same as what a commercial grower would use.

We are demonstrating that this is possible, that you can grow commercially on a sustainable scale within a solar array system, Nair said.

The broccoli and summer squash have already been harvested, as well as strawberries and raspberries, Nair said, and theyve started picking peppers. Data is collected throughout the growing season on everything from stem height and diameter to leaf and flower numbers. Once the harvest begins, researchers look at the yield, quality and marketability of the crops.

Sensors are also placed throughout the solar farm to measure data like humidity, soil moisture, air temperature and more.

Using the crops grown outside of the shade of the array as a control group, Nair said broccoli did better outside than under the panels, but the results were flipped for summer squash. Though they havent had the chance to collect data on the peppers yet, the plants under the panels are greener and larger. Nair said he hypothesizes that the yield will be better as there wont be as many nonmarketable peppers due to sun spotting.

Still growing at the solar farm were strawberries, which assistant professor Suzanne Slack encouraged people to pluck off and eat if they wanted. The researchers have seen larger strawberries from the plants under the panels and fewer bugs, which they will study further next year.

Food harvested from the solar farm goes to the universitys Horticulture Research Station, as well as to local food pantries. Nair said they made sure to bring philanthropy into their work, as making money isnt a part of the project.

Economic studies are also being conducted into the marketability of the crops coming from the solar array and whether people may be willing to pay more for items like honey that are part of a solar farm.

The team will keep growing these crops for two more years, rotating annuals and keeping perennials where they are. They will also expand their plots to plant crops underneath the fixed panels for further research.

Having crops under the shade of solar panels can also help those cultivating and harvesting them, Nair said, as they will be more comfortable in their work. Peterson said the company and university are thinking about possible future partnerships in order to bring more people, especially underserved communities and those who lack access to land, into the project and into agriculture.

The microclimate underneath the panels is consistently cooler and wetter, ONeal said, opening doors for better grazing land and providing habitats for wildlife that have lost theirs due to agriculture practices.

There are some opportunities, not only to farm, but also to conserve wildlife at a solar facility, if were thoughtful about the type of plants that we put into this unique landscape feature, ONeal said.

There are challenges that come with growing crops underneath the solar panels, Slack said, including the creation of optimal conditions for fungal growth and diseases. Data is still being collected on the strawberries post-harvest, but one of the things theyre looking at is the post-harvest rot compared to those grown out in the sun.

Nair said growers are approaching the project with caution, but specialty crop growers are expressing interest in the results. For those who grow fruits and vegetables alongside crops like corn and soybeans, leasing land to a company like Alliant Energy to put in a solar array could bring in a new income stream without giving up land that could be used for growing.

Now youve got dual use, you have an income from the lease and from the vegetables which you were already growing, Nair said. So those growers are particularly interested.
Sam Dutcher had just finished running errands when the 18-year-old's Honda Pilot suddenly began to accelerate, even though his foot wasn't on the gas pedal. The brake wouldn't work, he couldn't shift into neutral, and before long, the runaway SUV was speeding into the western Minnesota count
Climate change and global warming costs African countries 5% of their GDP, according to the UN.

The continent releases less than 10% of greenhouse gas emissions globally but continues to bear a disproportionate impact of global warming.

African countries spend 9% of their budgets to counter climate change. Meanwhile, they only receive 1% of annual global climate finance.

The climate crisis is an economic sinkhole, sucking the momentum out of economic growth, Simon Stiell, executive secretary of the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), told a meeting of African ministers of environment in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

Over the past 60 years, Africa has observed a warming trend that has become more rapid than the global average, said Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization Celeste Saulo.
Due to the surge of attacks on civilians by both warring sides in Sudan, the UN urged sending peacekeepers to the country and imposing an arms embargo there.

The call was made by the UNs Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan following its first report.

The report said Sudans warring parties have committed an appalling range of harrowing human rights violations and international crimes, including many which may amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Both the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), as well as their respective allies, were found to be responsible for patterns of large-scale violations, including indiscriminate and direct attacks carried out through airstrikes and shelling against civilians, schools, hospitals, communication networks and vital water and electricity supplies, the UN said.

Crimes included sexual violence, arbitrary arrest and detention, as well as torture and ill-treatment, it said.

The gravity of these findings underscores the urgent and immediate action to protect civilians, said Mohamed Chande Othman, Chair of the Fact-Finding Mission.

The conflict, which has spread to 14 of the 18 states in Sudan, has killed and wounded tens of thousands of civilians, displaced nearly 8 million people and forced two million more to flee to neighboring countries. The warring parties have exacerbated the crisis by obstructing humanitarian access, the report said.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis addresses the guests at the opening of the 88th Thessaloniki International Fair, in Thessaloniki, Greece, Sept. 7, 2024. Mitsotakis announced on Saturday a package of economic measures that will be implemented over the next year as part of a wider "road map to 2027." (Xinhua/Marios Lolos)

ATHENS, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced on Saturday a package of economic measures that will be implemented over the next year as part of a wider "road map to 2027."

Mitsotakis made the announcement while delivering a speech on next year's economic program at the 88th Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF), the country's largest annual trade fair.

The government's new term will end in 2027, and by then the goal is to achieve higher growth and fairly distribute it among all Greeks, he said.

"Our country needs to move forward faster, safely, with hope ... and prosperity in every corner (of Greece) for each citizen," Mitsotakis said.

The set of measures outlined is aimed at strengthening the income of households through further increases as of Jan. 1, 2025 in pensions and salaries in private and public sectors, as well as higher benefits for the most vulnerable groups, such as the unemployed and people with disabilities, he said.

Mitsotakis also announced the establishment of an investment fund that will support projects in sectors such as artificial intelligence. 

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis addresses the guests at the opening of the 88th Thessaloniki International Fair, in Thessaloniki, Greece, Sept. 7, 2024. Mitsotakis announced on Saturday a package of economic measures that will be implemented over the next year as part of a wider "road map to 2027." (Xinhua/Marios Lolos)
Leading UK barristers issued a legal opinion recognizing the right of the Kabylia people to self-determination, giving a push to the regions independence quest.

The nearly 10 million strong Kabyle people have protested against discrimination and economic marginalization by the central Algerian state. The regions independence movement MAK has a government in exile struggling peacefully for an independent state.

[T]he people of Kabylia are people under international law. As a consequence, the people of Kabylia have the human right to self-determination under international law, Professor Robert McCorquodale of Brick Court Chambers and Ms. Penelope Nevill of Twenty Essex Chambers in London, said in the legal opinion.

This is the first independent legal acknowledgment of the Kabyle peoples status as a distinct group entitled to self-determination under international law.

It provides a credible and authoritative basis for the Kabyle movements claims and could influence future discussions in international legal and political forums.

The opinion is submitted amid intensifying crackdown in Algeria ahead of a presidential vote. Hundreds of MAK peaceful activists and sympathizers have been jailed on bogus charges.

Amnesty International has reported a significant crackdown on human rights, including the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association.

The Movement for Self-Determination of Kabylia (MAK) welcomes this Legal Opinion as a historic validation of the Kabyle peoples right to self-determination and urges the international community to support their cause.

We call on the international community to stand with us and support the Kabyle peoples right to determine their own future, MAK leader Ferhat Mhenni said in a comment on the legal opinion.
Head of the Algeria-backed separatist Polisario militia Brahim Ghali is once again under the spotlight following corroborated accusations of fuel smuggling.

This time it was a pro-separatists media Futuro Sahraui that denounced the embezzlement of fuel by Ghali and his henchmen to enrich themselves.

The fuel is monthly provided by the mentor of the separatist militia, Algeria, which is later sold by Ghali and his men, Futuro Sahraui reported.

The media cited the connivance of gangs within the Algerian regime which facilitate the smuggling of oil outside Algerian borders to be sold illegally.

The embezzlement of fuel adds to foodstuff.

Recently the World Food Programme, in its latest report on the region, deplored the malnutrition in the Tindouf camps and the fact that the Algerian regime denies it control of food distribution, hinting at the practice of embezzlement of foodstuff echoing EU alerts a decade ago.

Human Rights Watch and Amnesty international have on multiple occasions decried the abject living conditions in Tindouf camps and the UN urged Algeria to allow a head-count of the camps population.

Algerias obstinacy to allow a head-count of the population of the Polisario-run camps prompted the EU to reduce aid sent to these camps in a bid to curb humanitarian aid diversion.

The decision was taken following a report by the EU anti-fraud office (OLAF) denouncing the embezzlement of humanitarian aid by the Polisario leadership and Algerian officials.

Therefore, the European Commission decided to cut aid commensurately with the estimated number of 90,000 people instead of the inflated 165,000 people put forward by the Polisario and Algeria in an attempt to sell the idea of the existence of a Sahraoui People with a republic in exile.

Polisario defectors estimate the figure of the population in the camps at around 40,000 including many non-Sahrawis.

Carrying out a head-count of the population held in Tindouf will enable international aid agencies to assess the needs of the population and will also pave the way for the camps dwellers to obtain refugee status. This status will grant them the right to return to their homeland Morocco or at least the right to freely choose their country of asylum, options that Algeria and the Polisario dread the most as they continue to trade in the suffering of Sahraouis living in abject conditions.
.

Harris is getting ready off the campaign trail at a hotel in Pittsburgh, where she has been doing mock-debate sessions using a replica stage with an adviser playing (and reportedly even dressing up as) Trump. Part of the Harris teams strategy has been to come up with ways to help Trump defeat himself during the event  which will be a lot harder without hot mics. But as Gabriel Debenedetti reports, Harriss debate prep isnt just about going on offense:

In mock-debate sessions in Pittsburgh, planning meetings in Washington, and briefing-book cram sessions between public events on the campaign trail, the vice-president and her aides have kept much of their focus on fine-tuning ways to keep presenting her as representative of a new political era for the benefit of curious voters who are still interested in learning more about her  and who may swing the race come November.

The debate, say Democrats close to Harris, is simply not the venue for just pumping up her partisans or trying to fulfill a liberal fantasy of so aggressively confronting Trump that his own supporters have second thoughts about voting for him. Instead, Harriss team believes it needs to be about finding moments to educate and convert the voters on the margins.

Trump doesnt do mock debates. But he has done a kind of debate prep aided by Representative Matt Gaetz, who has reportedly helped him practice defending himself against tough questions and attacks. Former Democrat Tulsi Gabbard, who debated (and went after) Harris during the 2020 primaries, is helping Trump prepare as well, along with advisers Chris LaCivita, Susie Wiles, and Jason Miller, according to Politico. Per multiple reports, Trumps allies and advisers have been warning him against launching personal attacks on Harris and steering him toward policy contrasts, instead.

Trump is also preparing for the debate by attacking its host and moderators and accusing them of rigging the event against him  which has become one of his standard ways of lowering expectation before any debate.
North Omaha leaders gathered Saturday morning to call for a special prosecutor to investigate the police killing of 37-year-old Cameron Ford while a no-knock warrant was served on his home Aug. 28.

During a press conference held at North 24th and Lake Streets, the Rev. Portia Cavitt, president of the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance of Metropolitan Omaha; Rev. T. Michael Williams, president of the Omaha NAACP; and Wayne Brown, president and CEO of the Urban League of Nebraska, called for an independent investigation into the shooting.

The speakers were joined by local advocates and members of Fords family. Some wore shirts or held signs calling for Justice for Cameron.

The press conference came after Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine announced Thursday that his office would not press charges against Adam Vail, the member of the Omaha Police Departments SWAT team who shot and killed Ford while serving the no-knock warrant. Ford was unarmed.

We acknowledge we do not know all the details of what occurred on Aug. 28, but we know enough to believe Mr. Ford should be in custody, not dead today, Williams said.

Both Kleine and Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer said the investigation preceding the no-knock warrant was related to Fords alleged involvement in dealing fentanyl. He was also believed to be in possession of a firearm, which he was barred from having due to felony convictions.

After Fords killing, officers searched his home and found both powder fentanyl and blue M30 pills containing fentanyl, as well as large amounts of cash and marijuana, police said. An AR-15 semiautomatic pistol was found underneath Fords bed.

Under Nebraska law, deadly force is justified if a reasonable ground existed for the person to believe that they were at risk of death or serious bodily harm, even if they were mistaken about the extent of the danger. Kleine said he concluded that Vails actions stemmed from a reasonable belief that his safety was in jeopardy.

Cavitt said Saturday that she believes a special prosecutor is needed to ensure the grand jury required by state law to review the case will review all evidence impartially.

Cavitt gave a list of factors that she thinks deserve scrutiny, including what she called the failure of Vail and other officers involved in the no-knock warrant to give commands or instructions to Ford.

No-knock warrants are not served death warrants to unarmed Black men by fearing-for-their-lives police officers, she said.

The speakers at Saturdays press conference also called for the Omaha Police Department to end its use of no-knock warrants.

The use of no-knock warrants has too often led to avoidable violence and heart-wrenching loss, Brown said. It is time to reevaluate these tactics and replace them with strategies that prioritize the well-being of both the officer and the residents.

Schmaderer said previously that the Police Department will review its policy on no-knock warrants after Thursdays shooting. The department will also conduct an internal affairs investigation.

Yvonne Hurt, Fords aunt, spoke to reporters after the press conference Saturday. Ford was a father of two who worked at Home Depot and always had a smile on his face, she said.

I just know that he made a mistake, and we all make them, Hurt said. He didnt deserve to die like that.

Photos: Omaha police investigating after man killed while serving search warrant
Chairman of the Bayelsa State Oil and Environmental Commission (BSOEC) and Archbishop of York, Dr. John Sentamu, has decried lack of political will by the Nigerian government to address environmental devastation in the Niger Delta region.

Senatamu, who spoke in Yenagoa on Tuesday when 60 communities approached his commission to present oral and documentary evidence of environmental pollution caused by oil companies operating in their areas, said it was time for total cleaning and remediation of the affected communities.

The 10-man commission inaugurated by Governor Seriake Dickson in March held a roundtable with non-governmental organisations, environmental and health experts.

The panel comprising international environmental and legal experts visited six ravaged communities in Southern Ijaw, Brass and Yenagoa local government areas of the state.

The commission held public evidence session and gave impacted communities an opportunity to give oral evidence of devastation and neglect by oil companies operating in their areas.

The Traditional Ruler of Agudama community, MC Kipasa, told the commission that they recorded many oil spill incidences from the operations of Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) and the Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC).

He said: We dont have fish in our river anymore. Even our land for farming is gone. Nothing is left for us due to these oil spills.

He, however, thanked Dickson for giving them hope by setting up the commission.

An Agbura community leader, Chief Igwe Napoleon, while giving evidence said the farmland and river in his community had been polluted because of oil exploration and accused Shell of reneging on terms of agreement signed with communities in the area.

Stephen Moses from Egbema-Angalabiri also spoke on the devastating effects of environmental pollution on his community, lamenting that oil production had become a curse to his community instead of a blessing.

The Representative of communities where the Obama oil field with about 12 wells are located, L. A. Eminah also complained about the effects of gas flaring in the area, saying the heat from the flares had resulted in blurred vision among the locals.

Other speakers were Donatus Gbame from Bakiri community in Ekeremor Local Government Area; Hitler Joseph from Okoroba community; Ken Again who represented the Amananaowei of Peretorugbene Federated Communities among others.

But Sentamu said: Change must happen even though the laws have not been effective and the issue of compensation have not been addressed. In some communities we visited, it looked like a bomb had been dropped but it was oil spillage.

The rest of the international community cannot just turn a blind eye. The pollution that has gone on in this particular state has affected the global village, he said.

He however urged the community leaders to be resilient in the midst of their challenges, adding that the commission under his leadership would make the right recommendations to the Bayelsa State government.
At least 10 Palestinians killed in Israeli bombings in Gaza

Xinhua) 09:45, September 07, 2024

GAZA, Sep. 6 (Xinhua) -- At least 10 Palestinians were killed in Israeli bombings targeting two residential houses in central and southern Gaza Strip on Friday, said Palestinian sources.

Palestinian security sources told Xinhua that Israeli aircraft struck a house located west of the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza.

Medical sources said that the airstrike killed five people, with several still trapped under the rubble.

Also on Friday, five people were killed and several others injured in an Israeli bombing of a home in central Khan Younis, southern Gaza, the Palestinian Civil Defense said in a statement.

The Israeli army has not made any comment on the incidents.

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 others taken hostage.

The Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip has risen to 40,878, Gaza-based health authorities said in a statement on Thursday.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Wu Chaolan)
KHARTOUM, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- Visiting World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Saturday vowed to mobilize international efforts to support Sudan's health system, according to a statement by the Sudanese Health Ministry.

Sudan needs more support from partners in the health field, the WHO chief said following talks with Sudan's Health Minister Haitham Mohamed Ibrahim in Port Sudan in eastern Sudan.

Ibrahim said Tedros' visit will strengthen the relations between Sudan and the WHO, which "has made great efforts in providing technical and material support," according to the statement.

Also on Saturday, Deputy Chairman of Sudan's Transitional Sovereign Council Malik Agar received Tedros in Port Sudan, during which he briefed the WHO chief on the health and humanitarian conditions in the country, according to a statement issued by the council.

Media outlets reported that Tedros arrived in Sudan earlier on Saturday for a visit, during which he is set to meet senior Sudanese officials and UN representatives, and inspect health facilities and shelters for internally displaced people.

The Sudanese Health Ministry said Saturday that recent heavy rains hitting parts of Sudan have killed 205 people, while the country has registered 5,081 cholera cases, including 176 deaths.

Since April 15, 2023, Sudan has been embroiled in a deadly conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, 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 latest UN data. 
Mr Femi Otedola has sold his 75 per cent majority stake in the oil marketing company, Forte Oil, divesting a total of his 970.17 million shares of Forte Oil, worth N64.38 billion on the floors of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) in an off-market trade.

Otedola on Wednesday announced his exit from Forte Oil Plc , in a deal, which according to TRW Stockbrokers Ltd., was negotiated between Stanbic IBTC Stockbrokers as buyer, while APT Securities and Funds Ltd., WSTC Securities and Quantum Zenith Securities were sellers.

Also, confirming his exit from Forte Oil, Otedola, in a message posted on his verified Instagram page, said he had divested from the business and would now concentrate on his power generation business.

In line with my principle of business focus, we have divested from our marketing and upstream businesses and shall from now on focus and consolidate on the gains of our power generation business, Geregu Power Plc. We wish our successors the very best and urge them to build on our legacies which have been established since 1964, Otedola said in his social media handle.

Otedola sold his 75 per cent majority stake in the oil marketing company to Prudent Energy, a local oil trading firm.

However, Forte Oil is yet to officially file a regulatory notice on the final disengagement of its former chairman and majority shareholder from the company to the exchange.

Otedola had signalled his intention to sell off his 75 per cent direct and indirect holdings in Forte Oil downstream business.

He reached an agreement with Prudent Energy team, investing through Ignite Investments and Commodities Ltd., to divest his 75 per cent direct and indirect shareholding in the companys downstream business.

It is not clear if the move by Otedola was part of his original plan to divest from the downstream business of the company to enable him take over the lucrative upstream and power assets of the firm.
The governors of Katsina, Sokoto and Zamfara States have jointly signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Governor of Maradi region in Niger Republic on best approaches to addressing the security challenges in their states.

This was contained in a statement issued by Yusuf Idris, the Director-General, Press Affairs to the governor of Zamfara and made available to newsmen on Sunday in Gusau.

He said that the meeting was called at the instance of the governor of Maradi region, Mallam Zakari Oumoru.

Idris added that the meeting was attended by Governors Bello Matawalle, Aminu Masari and Aminu Tambuwal of Zamfara, Katsina and Sokoto states, respectively.

He said that the meeting, which was held at the Government House, Maradi, dwelt on trans-border crimes, especially banditry, kidnappings and cattle rustling in the four states which share common borders.

Idris stated that the participating states agreed to maintain good neighbourliness and cooperation among themselves, while jointly addressing the issue of security.

He said that the MoU agreed to uphold the renewed efforts of the three Nigerian states and Maradi of Niger Republic in curbing the menace of armed banditry within their borders.

Other areas covered by the MoU included their resolve to join hands in the fight against banditry, cattle rustling, kidnapping and armed robbery within the affected borders for the purpose of having peaceful states.

In his speech at the meeting, Gov. Matawalle described peace, dialogue and reconciliation as necessary tools of curbing the insecurity situation in the four states.

He explained that his administration had adopted dialogue with bandits after very wide consultations and later created contacts with men of the underworld, which led to a joint meeting with all the groups.

The governor further said that the peace process had yielded positive results, as peace had since returned to the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) gathered that heads of security agencies, including the army, police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Directorate of State Security (DSS) in the participating states were present at the meeting.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State may have commenced war against the Saraki political dynasty built by late Oloye Olusola Saraki. The governor ordered the demolition of Sarakis family property popularly known as Ile Arugbo (old peoples home) in Ilorin, Kwara State, by the State governmenton Thursday.

It was gathered that the property was demolished in the early hours of Thursday in a scenario that the police had to disperse protesters of the government action who include old women.

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq earlier in December 2019 declared the revocations of the property belonging to late Dr. Olusola Saraki, father of former President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki. The governor noted that the property were allegedly illegality acquired.

Governor AbdulRazaq explained that the land was originally allocated for the construction of a secretariat and parking lot of the civil service clinic.

Report indicated that during the demolition on Thursday, about 50 Policemen were deployed to enforce the order at about 3.00 am but were initially resisted by some the old women who staged protest at the scene.

The police were said to have departed but later returned to the scene at 4.00 am when the building was eventually demolished.

It was highlighted that building was utilised as venue for political meetings when the Saraki dynasty had hegemony of Kwara State Government and politics.

Former Senate President Saraki had protested that the All Progressives Congress (APC) government was out to destroy the legacy of his father, arguing that the father lawfully acquired the land from the Kwara State government. He, therefore, cautioned the governor against attack on his fathers legacy in Kwara State.

PV: 0
In its bid at ensuring local production of milk, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), says it has restricted foreign exchange for milk importation to six companies in Nigeria.

The CBN who disclosed this in a circular signed by the Director, Trade and Exchange Department, Dr. O.S Nnaji on Tuesday explained that it has engaged the manufacturers because they have keyed into its backward integration to enhance their capacity and improve local milk production.

All authorised dealers are to note that all Forms M, for the importation of milk and its derivatives shall only be allowed for the following companies. They are Friesland Campina WAPCO Nigeria, Chi Limited, TG Arla Dairy Product limited, Promasidor Nigeria, Nestle Nigeria and Integrated Dairies Limited.

For the avoidance of doubt, all established Forms M for the importation of milk and its derivatives for companies other than the above for which shipment has not taken place should be cancelled immediately, the circular stated.

The aforementioned companies are said to have begun investing in local milk production in line with the CBNs backward integration plan.
Yaakov Litzman who is the Health Minister of Isreal and his wife Chava have just tested positive to the dreaded corona virus.

The Minister announced that him and his wife have tested positive to the virus and have been isolating after feeling unwell, in a press statement on the 2nd of April 2020. The statement further revealed that those who have been in contact with the Minster and his wife in the past two weeks , will be notified and quarantined.

Litzman who is a member of the United Torah Judaism, has often been criticized of how he handled the covid19 outbreak by delaying strict rules and restrictions on public gatherings and fought bitterly against closing the synagogues.

Before testing positive, the Minster often held meetings with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other top official of the Government and health sectors. The Prime Minister is said to have re-enter quarantine after just coming out when his adviser tested positive to the virus.




Femi Fani-Kayode

Nigerian politician and member of the opposition party, Femi Fani-Kayode has asked Nigerians not to be afraid after President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday extended the lockdown order to an additional 14 days in Abuja, Lagos and Ogun states.

Buhari had on Monday stated that the lockdown was to curtail the spread of coronavirus, otherwise known as COVID-19.

According to him, the disease is a matter of life or death.

Reacting, Fani-Kayode urged Nigerians to help the weak and vulnerable in their community.

He wrote, Another 14 days? Fear not, be strong, hold the line, be of good courage, stand firm and trust the Lord!

Help the weak, the vulnerable, the needy, those that are suffering and those that are in need and never forget that sooner or later this plague shall pass and we shall be free again.




The National and State Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Kaduna, on Wednesday dismissed the petition of Senator Shehu Sani of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP).





He had challenged the victory of the elected Kaduna Central Senator, Uba Sani of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).





Delivering Judgement in Kaduna, Chairman of the Tribunal, Justice A. H. Suleiman, said the petition lacked merit.





Lead Counsel to Senator Uba Sani Barrister Frank Ikpe, said the Tribunal upheld the election of the APC Senator based on the evidences before it.





Commenting on the Tribunals judgment, the second lead counsel to Senator Sani, Barr. Sulaiman Shuaibu described the judgment as appropriate, urging those that are not satisfied to go to the Court of Appeal.
BLOOMINGTON  Home Sweet Home Ministries, Midwest Food Bank, Thrivent Financial and local churches are partnering for "Big Give" this month.

The goal is to distribute more than 2,000 meal boxes complete with turkeys to give to families in need this Thanksgiving.

The organizations are asking for donations of the following items: boxes of stuffing mix, cans of corn, cans of green beans, cans of cream of mushroom soup, boxes of mashed potatoes, packets of gravy mix (no jars), pouches of French fried onions, cans of cranberry sauce, boxes of pie crust mix, cans of pumpkin pie, cans of evaporated milk, boxes of macaroni and cheese, boxes of brownie mix and frozen turkeys.

Last year, more than 1,800 families were served meal boxes from the Big Give. This year's distribution will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 23.

Donations will be accepted at Midwest Food Bank, 2031 Warehouse Drive in Normal, or at HSHM's Bread for Life Food Co-op, 301 E. Oakland Ave., Bloomington.

Hy-Vee is also partnering with Big Give to offer special case pricing. Those who wish to buy items by the case can contact Hy-Vee Customer Service for assistance. Orders can also be left at Hy-Vee for Midwest Food Bank to pick up. There will also be options to purchase $20 turkey cards at Hy-Vee.

Thrivent members are encouraged to apply their action teams to support the initiative at thrivent.com.

Photos: 2018 Give Thanks distribution begins 111818-blm-loc-4givethanks 111818-blm-loc-2givethanks 111818-blm-loc-1givethanks 111818-blm-loc-3givethanks 111818-blm-loc-8givethanks 111818-blm-loc-6givethanks 111818-blm-loc-10givethanks 111818-blm-loc-7givethanks 111818-blm-loc-5givethanks 111818-blm-loc-9givethanks
The Ghana Police Service (GPS) has arrested a law clerk for allegedly forging High Court orders with suit numbers, marriages and divorce certificates and other documents, in Accra.



Henry Odartey Lamptey, 39, is said to have forged the signatures of the Deputy Judicial Secretary and other judges in Adenta and Cape Coast High Court among others, dissolving marriages.



Lamptey, who has been charged with eight counts of forgery of judicial or official documents, pleaded not guilty.



The court presided over by Mr Isaac Addo, GH500,000 bail with two sureties to be justified, one of whom should be a public servant earning not less than GH3,000, to Lamptey.



The court also ordered that the suretys pay slip be endorsed by his or her head of department and adjourned the case to October 7, 2024.



Prosecuting, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Kofi Anane, told the court that in June 2014, the GPS received a petition from the Judicial Secretary of Ghana alleging that Lamptey and his accomplices, who are still at large, were forging marriage and divorce certificates, court orders, and other official documents



According to the prosecution, Lamptey worked as a clerk in a chamber at Zongo Lane.



ASP Anane led by Superintendent of Police Sylvester Asare, said that upon receipt of the petition, the police kept surveillance on the accused.



The court heard that on August 13, 2024, Seidu Adams, who is currently on trial in Circuit Court 11, Accra, was arrested after forging a letter dated November 22, 2023, with the judicial service seal signed by the Deputy Judicial Secretary.



ASP Anane said that following Lampteys arrest, his bag was searched and documents, including court orders purportedly signed and issued by Justice Patrick and Justice Mariam Sammo, Justices of the High Courts of Cape Coast and Accra, respectively were found.



The prosecution presented marriage documents, divorce certificates, letters signed by the Judicial Secretary, and letters from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Accra Metropolitan Assemblys (AMA) Marriage Department, to the court.



The court heard that Seidu Adams, mentioned Lamptey as his accomplice, and when Lamptey was arrested, he admitted the offence during investigations



The prosecution said Lamptey admitted that he forged the AMA letter at the cost of GH300, and that he always backdated the dates of letters to meet customers request.



ASP Anane told the court that Lamptey led the police to his office and room, where a search was carried out.



The prosecution said the police found divorce certificates from the Berekum and Madina District Courts, marriage and divorce certificates, customary marriage certificates, and other documents in Lampteys custody.

Source: GNA









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
A building accommodating offices for Danish Church Aid (DCA) and Norwegian Church Aid (NCA) was completely destroyed in Ukraine after a Russian missile attack  fortunately no one was hurt.

The headquarters of the Christian charities came under fire when Russia fired ballistic and cruise missiles at Kyiv, Ukraines capital city, on Monday, Sept. 2.

The Embassy of Denmark in Ukraine posted a short video and news update on LinkedIn about the incident the same day.

Standing outside the building ruins just hours after the attack, Jens Albirk, Deputy Head of Mission of the Danish Embassy in Ukraine, said the attack would only strengthen the resolve of Denmark to support Ukraine in its fight for freedom.

Im standing in front of the headquarter[s] of the Danish Church Aid and the Norwegian Church Aid, Albirk said in a short video posted on LinkedIn by the embassy. This building was completely destroyed in the early hours of this morning by [a] Russian missile attack.

Stay informed with The Christian Daily Newsletter Sign up

"And its a very sad thing for Denmark because we are [in] very close partnership with the Danish Church Aid. Theyre working hard to bring about the help to Ukraine, both in terms of demining and other humanitarian activities..

Both Christian organizations previously shared an office at the site as they coordinated relief efforts together in Ukraine.

A press release issued by DCA confirmed the attack and explained that exploded missile fragments fell over Kyiv, damaging several buildings including the site shared by DCA and NCA.

DanChurchAids office in Kyiv was hit, and the building has suffered extensive damage, said Jonas Nddekr, DCA Secretary General.

Fortunately, the damage is only material, and all our employees are safe and in good spirits. We are in close contact with them.

A damaged building in Kyiv will not prevent us from continuing our humanitarian and reconstruction work, including mine clearance, in eastern Ukraine. We are working especially in Mykolaiv, where we are helping to rebuild infrastructure and assist local communities in getting back on their feet.

NCA also confirmed the missile attack in social media posts, including a short video showing the damage on Instagram.

Last night our office in Kyiv was hit by a missile attack, read a translated NCA statement. Fortunately, no employees were injured.

Tonights attack shows how unpredictable and demanding the security situation is in Ukraine right now and our thoughts go out to all our colleagues who are doing an impressive job under such conditions.

We will not let ourselves be stopped, and continue our vital work!

Both Christian charities have been clearing mines on land once used to provide food and occupations for local Ukrainians.

A press release on the DCA website at the end of August (2024) explained that hidden dangers from the mines threatened the safety of civilians and food security for Ukraine.

DCA and NCA were tackling this urgent issue head-on with support from the European Union. The humanitarian mine action program had been clearing explosive remnants of war from the agricultural land to make it safe for farming again.

DCA/NCAs efforts are essential not only for safeguarding the lives of local farmers but also for ensuring that Ukraines agricultural sector can recover and thrive, the DCA said. The conflict has left thousands of hectares of farmland contaminated with landmines, unexploded ordnance, and other deadly remnants of war.

Without the systematic clearance of these hazards, farmers cannot return to work, and food production remains at a standstill.

By enabling farmers to return to their fields, DCA/NCAs work is helping to rebuild agricultural production in the region, contributing to both local livelihoods and national food supplies.

Safety measures put in place by non-technical survey teams should ensure the areas are safe for long-term use preventing future incidents and securing the well-being of the local population.

The project had made tangible progress, added the DCA statement, in restoring both safety and hope to the people of Mykolaiv and Kherson.

It is not yet clear at the time of publication where DCA and NCA would set up a new headquarters in Ukraine, following the missile attack.
Dr Mathew Opoku Prempeh has descended heavily on the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), accusing them of failing woefully to develop the crucial education sector when they were in political office.



He pointed out that the education sector, which is the future of the country, did not experience any meaningful transformation when the NDC stayed in power, so he urged to the electorates to reject the NDC on December 7.



Dr. Prempeh, who is the Vice Presidential Candidate of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), warned that the massive gains that have been achieved in the education sector under the NPP, would be eroded if the NDC wins power.



The future of the country is education and the record of NDC in education is poor, Dr. Prempeh, also known as Napo reminded Ghanaians, sternly warning that the NDC posed a serious threat to the education sector.



Speaking at the Fosu Nursing Training College as part of his campaign tour in the Central Region on Friday, Napo urged the electorates to renew the NPPs mandate in the interest of the country and the children, who are the future leaders.



NDC Sins Against Education Sector



Reminding the citizenry of the infamous decisions that the NDC made in government to hurt the education sector, he said It is the NDC who cancelled the teacher and nursing trainee allowance, with its disastrous effects on affected students.



Virtually highlighting all the unpardonable things that the NDC did against the education sector, Napo also said the infamous I wont give you chalk episode happened at their time, adding that failure rates in schools also soared under the NDC.



The NPP Vice Presidential Candidate, who is a former Minister of Education, lamented that over 40,000 school children could not get their results as a result of non-payment of school fees when NDC was in power.



Napo said time would not permit him to talk about other insensitive things that the NDC did in political office in eight years to jeopardize the education sector, warning that the NDC should not be allowed to get close to power again.



NPPs Positive Records In Education Sector



He reminded the people that the education sector has been rapidly and properly transformed since the President Nana Akufo-Addo-Bawumia NPP government took over political power through better policies and planning.



Napo, who supervised the smooth and successful implementation of the famous free Senior High School (SHS) policy as minister of education, said the free SHS alone increased enrollment and benefitted every student.



The free SHS social intervention policy, he explained, doesnt discriminate against anyone, saying that every school-going Ghanaian child has been benefiting from the policy irrespective of their political, tribal or social backgrounds.



Napo also said there has been an increase in the enrollment of nursing and teacher trainees despite the payment of their allowance, saying that the future of the country is education and the NPP are the better managers of that crucial sector so they should retain power.







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
Cape Coast was on Saturday set ablaze as high-profile dignitaries graced the grand durbar which climaxed the 60th anniversary of the Fetu Afahye festival and 25th anniversary of Osabarima Dr. Nana Kwesi Arthur II as Oguaamanhene.



The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, was the Special Guest of Honour and characteristic of him, made a majestic entry to the durbar grounds on his palanquin with his paramount Chief and Queen mothers.



Arousing the audience to excitement was Vice President and flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who made his way to the memorable event.



Dr. Bawumia was accompanied by by his Running Mate, Dr. Mathew Opoku Prempeh, a powerful government and party delegation while he exchanged pleasantries with the Chiefs and gathering.



Scores of supporters hoisting NPP flags and displaying the partys paraphernalia flanked him chanting his name to mark his victory in the upcoming presidential elections.





Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
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:

Kamilaroi Country lies in far northwest New South Wales, past Tamworth and crossing over the Queensland border. Here, the bunyip bird (Australasian bittern, Botaurus poiciloptilus), and the brolga (Grus rubicunda or burraalga in Kamilaroi) have been part of life, lore, spirit, dance and culture with Country for thousands of generations.

In this Country, these two species are now rare. Kamilaroi people want to turn this around. But to do that, we come up against a gap between Western conservation laws and culturally significant species/entities.

Under Australia's conservation laws, a species is considered threatened when its numbers fall so low, or its distribution shrinks so much, it might not recover. But the threatened species legal protectionsand any recovery funding it providesare focused on the Western approach of countable nature, not the Indigenous focus on nature-with-culture.

We are not splitting hairs. The difference is momentous, as we document in recent research. It determines whose environmental research and management is considered legitimate and resourced, and the terms on which knowledge is shared and exchanged.

Understanding this helps find common ground between ecological and Indigenous priorities. It will also be crucial to the now-delayed major overhaul of Australia's nature laws.

Threatened species on Country

To list a species as threatened under federal and New South Wales law, two things must be determined.

The first is how many animals or plants of a given species are still in their habitat and how consistent this is over generations.

Second is how widespread the species is compared to the past, and how much habitat is left.

This formulaabundance plus distributiondetermines if the species is in decline and if it needs urgent attention.

Kamilaroi Country is home to the Gwydir wetlands, an immensely sacred place where brolgas and bunyip birds were once present in great numbers.

Brolgas are known for their elaborate mating dances, and embodying their spirit is an important Indigenous dance. With long legs and necks, Brolgas are this continent's largest water bird. But their presence has fallen sharply in southern Australia. These days, brolgas appear in the Kamilaroi wetlands less often.

It's also rarer to see or hear the well-hidden bunyip bird. The Kamilaroi believe the bittern's' booming cry signals the presence of the bunyip, a creature from ancestral times whose songs and stories keep people away from sacred water holes.

Buruuugu (Dreaming) stories passed down from the old people connect these birds with Kamilaroi people and freshwater life, encompassing culture, lore, language, dance, meaning and existence.

The brolga is listed as vulnerable in New South Wales and the bunyip bird is endangered. Both species have been found or their presence predicted in regions close to Kamilaroi Country.

Because these species are present close by, it makes it harder for Kamilaroi people to access Country, government funding, resources and protections for these species.

The problem is worse where culturally significant species / entities are generally abundant, but on a shrunken range. Species important to Indigenous people may be lost entirely from Country where they belong, yet government programs offer very few options for protection or resources.

When one plus one does not equal two

There is a growing openness among ecologists, governments and Western land managers to foreground and include Indigenous knowledge in decision making, Indigenous people are ready and waiting. This respectful knowledge exchange is often called two-way learning.

It's common to think of these different value sets as additive: ecological values plus Indigenous values equals better conservation. At times, reports on threatened species will include a section on Aboriginal people's cultural values. And Indigenous caring for Country is seen as a vital tool in the toolkit for recovering threatened species.

But Kamilaroi knowledge is not just a management tool. And these species are not separate from the people who care for them. For Kamilaroi, the brolga and the bunyip bird are culture and kin. This is not nature plus culture, two categories alongside each other, but nature with culturea transformation rather than an addition.

Typically these two categories are divided for study and management, as in the natural and social sciences. But Country weaves nature and culture together and focuses on which relationships are important and why. From this viewpoint, ecological species and habitats become folded into Country, which also includes its people.

So what do we suggest?

Our current conservation policies look for ways for Indigenous peoples to fit in with biodiversity conservation approaches. Instead, we need to find protections and resources to support Indigenous people's knowledge and relationships with Country. The significant growth of Indigenous Protected Areas is a start, as these large areas of land and sea are managed by Indigenous groups and rangers.

But we need our environmental laws, reporting frameworks and levels of resourcing to include support for Indigenous governance across their systems. These matters go well beyond protected area boundaries.

It could mean writing laws to recognize and invest in culturally significant species under Indigenous guidance. It could mean programs supporting Indigenous peoples to set their own priorities and measures of success for Country and culture, and set the terms of how knowledge about Country is used and exchanged.

And it could mean flipping governance so conservation is increasingly led by Indigenous people, to be the voice for and with responsibilities to Countrythe enfolded relationships of brolga and bunyip bird and Kamilaroi peopleat the fore rather than an afterthought.

When the migrating brolga arrives in the Gwydir Wetlands to perform its hopping, swooping dance, to nest and mate, you get an ecological outcome: a vulnerable species is breeding. But you can also witness how and why the world's oldest living culture keeps brolgas close, as kin.

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:

Hippos descended from a small herd introduced by drug kingpin Pablo Escobar are seen in the wild in Antioquia Department, Colombia, in April 2023.

A Colombian court on Friday called for the hunting of hippos, introduced to the country in the 1980s by drug kingpin Pablo Escobar.

The Administrative Court of Cundinamarca set a three-month deadline for the Ministry of Environment to issue "a regulation that contemplates measures for the eradication of the species," which is affecting the area's "ecological balance."

In their homeland in Africa, the animals are responsible for more human deaths than almost any other animal, but in Colombia, the hippopotami have become loved members of the local community and a tourist attraction.

They've also been increasingly posing problems for the local community near Escobar's old ranch in Antioquia stateone that experts worry may soon turn deadly.

After Escobar's death, hippos from his private zoo made their way into nature, in an area of abundant vegetation and where there are no predators.

There are now some 166 of the two-ton beasts wandering freely.

Attacks on fishermen have been reported on the Magdalena River, and experts argue manatee populations could be threatenedthough animal rights activists and tourism workers oppose hippopotamus hunting.

The court specified that measures to eliminate the hippos should include "controlled hunting and sterilization."

The environmental ministry had already announced last year plans to sterilize part of the population, while euthanizing others, as part of an effort to contain the growing number of hippos.

The sterilizations have proceeded slowly while no cases of euthanasia have been carried out.

Plans to move the animals to Mexico, India or the Philippines have also floundered.

 2024 AFP
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Debris flies through the air in Hai Phong as Super Typhoon Yagi makes landfall in Vietnam.

Super Typhoon Yagi uprooted thousands of trees and swept ships and boats out to sea, killing one person, as it made landfall in northern Vietnam Saturday, after blowing past southern China where it left two dead.

The typhoon hit Hai Phong and Quang Ninh provinces, packing winds exceeding 149 kilometers (92 miles) per hour, the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting said.

In Hai Phong, metal roof sheets and commercial sign boards were seen flying across the city sky as the typhoon hit.

Further inland in Hai Duong province, a man was killed in the street after heavy winds brought down a tree as the storm approached landfall, according to state media.

"It has been years since I witnessed a typhoon this big," said Tran Thi Hoa, a 48-year-old woman from Hai Phong.

"It was scary. I stayed indoors, after locking all my windows. However, the sound of the wind and the rain was unbelievable," she told AFP.

Powerful winds

Before hitting the mainland, the typhoon unrooted hundreds of trees on Co To island, about 80 kilometers from mainland Quang Ninh.

Several office buildings, schools and houses on the island were unroofed by the powerful winds.

Signboards lay scattered around the island, while electrical lines were snapped and tangled by the wind.

Water is whipped up by high winds onto the shore of Phuong Luu lake as Super Typhoon Yagi hits Hai Phong.

Local authorities said the typhoon was the most severe to hit the island in decades.

The storm killed at least two people and injured 92 others on southern China's Hainan island before hitting Vietnam

State broadcaster CCTV said Yagi brought winds of more than 230 kilometers (143 miles) per hour, uprooting trees and prompting the evacuation of around 460,000 people.

The storm lashed "Hainan with heavy rain and gusty winds, leaving at least two dead and 92 injured", Xinhua said, citing local authorities.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh called on local authorities to evacuate residents from dangerous areas before the storm hit. He also urged other residents to stay indoors.

Evacuated

Around 20,000 people have been evacuated and moved to safer, higher ground in the north of Hai Phong, Thai Binh, and Hanoi, local authorities reported.

Motorcyclists struggle in the strong winds of Typhoon Yagi in Hai Phong city.

Many are being sheltered in schools, kindergartens, and other public buildings.

More than 457,000, many of who are professional men, were mobilized by the Ministry of Defense's rescue and relief department to deal with the fallout from the typhoon.

Some 2,000 vehicles and six planes have been sent to deal with the situation.

Northern Vietnam has been experiencing heavy rains and strong winds since Friday evening, including in the capital, Hanoi.

A woman was killed in the capital on Friday afternoon when a tree fell in the street after heavy rains.

Four airports in northern Vietnam, including Hanoi's Noi Bai International Airport, have been closed, while sailing has been banned since Friday.

Yagi killed at least 13 people in the Philippines this week when it was still classified as a tropical storm.

An aerial photo shows UNESCO heritage site Ha Long Bay ahead of the approaching Typhoon Yagi.

It caused flooding and landslides on the main island of Luzon before transforming into a super typhoon in recent days.

Southern China is frequently hit by typhoons in the summer and autumn, which form in the warm oceans east of the Philippines and Thailand.

Typhoons in the region are now forming closer to the coast, intensifying more rapidly, and staying over land for longer due to climate change, according to a study published in July.

 2024 AFP
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

A pottery sherd from Jackson Wall Manor (left), an image of Betty R. Ebanks's Monkey Jar-style pot (center), and a piece of a handle found during excavation at Jackson Wall Manor (right). Credit: Petras and MacDonald 2024; and Betty R. Ebanks

Ph.D. candidate Elysia Petras and archaeologist Dr. Brandi MacDonald recently discovered 15 sherds of Afro-Caribbean pottery ware at Jackson Wall Manor on the Cayman Islands. Through their analysis, they discovered that the pottery was not locally produced but originated in Jamaica, suggesting that local slaves likely participated in inter-island trade between the Caymans and Jamaica.

Afro-Caribbean ware is a type of Caribbean-made pottery manufactured by enslaved and free potters of African descent. Usually made from local clays, it was produced for both household use and market sale.

The discovery was made while excavating a historic property, Jackson Wall Manor. Today, it is owned by the National Trust for the Cayman Islands in the Newlands District of Grand Cayman. Initially built in 1828, today only a ruined staircase remains. The work is published in the International Journal of Historical Archaeology.

The current Historic Programs Manager for the Cayman National Trust, Stuart Wilson, felt the manor had the potential for archaeological investigations into the lives of the enslaved people of the Cayman Islands and thus supported archaeological excavations.

The history of the Cayman Islands has generally focused on its role in the seafaring industry, particularly its role in turtling and shipwreck salvaging. However, its role in the cotton and timber economy, in which slaves played a large part, tends to be neglected.

According to Wilson, the history of slavery is rarely discussed in the Cayman Islands, but this has not prevented locals who wish to know more about Jackson Wall Manor from being fascinated by archaeological investigations and what it reveals about the daily lives of the enslaved.

"The people of the Cayman Islands are fascinated by the fact that so much history occurred at the Jackson Wall site that was previously unknown. The site is one of the National Trust's more obscure properties, and the period of slavery was not always discussed openly or readily. However, the time seems to have come when this part of our journey and its significance to who we are as a people cannot be ignored. We in the Cayman Islands have often seen ourselves as different or somehow separate from the rest of the Caribbean story, but this site has connected us to that past in new and revealing ways."

Today, many Caymanians of both African and European descent trace their ancestry back to Jackson Wall Manor, making its history a fascinating topic for many.

The land on which the Manor would one day be built was first surveyed back in 1741 in the name of Mary Bodden. In 1774, Elizabeth Bodden and her husband, John Shearer Jackson, came to Grand Cayman; they had a son, James Shearer Jackson. In 1828, James Shearer Jackson started the construction of the Jackson Wall Manor after having completed a prison sentence for the murder of a man he had killed, for shooting his mare.

James Shearer Jackson owned slaves while at the manor. The slave records from 2 April 1834 reveal he had at least six: Chattam, James Carlow, Elizabeth Sophia, Catherine Rachel, Collins, and Paul Jones.

No slave records existed prior to this, so it is unknown how many other slaves James Shearer Jackson may have owned.

It may have been one of these enslaved individuals who brought the Afro-Caribbean pottery to Jackson Wall Manor. Similar Afro-Caribbean pottery can be found across the Caribbean; some are locally made, such as those from Jamaica, St. Croix, and Martinique, and others are traded for from the surrounding islands.

Such pots were often made in the houseyard, the skill likely originating in Africa and being passed down through the generations from mother to daughter. Many pots were used for household consumption, while others ended up in an extensive trade network.

At present, there is no indication that the Cayman Islands produced any pottery. Instead, all the pottery was likely traded from Jamaica. But why? It is possible that the local clay on Cayman was unsuitable for pottery making or that the enslaved were prevented from accessing good clay. However, further research is required to prove or refute this.

However, Elysia Petras has some theories as to why the Caymanians chose to trade for pottery instead of producing it themselves, "This is a question that I have put a lot of thought into, and there is one factor that I find very compelling. Historian Julius Scott found that in the Caribbean, sailors often purchased produce and likely other goods from enslaved peoples that they could store in a ship's cargo for their own personal trading activities.

"From these mobile sailors, enslaved peoples were able to receive news from other islands. He writes about this in his book 'The Common Wind.' By purchasing wares from Jamaica, enslaved Caymanians may have been able to send news to and maintain connections with the communities they were violently ripped away from, as many enslaved Caymanians had come to Grand Cayman from Jamaican slave markets."

This theory proposes that the active trade in pottery was maintained, perhaps despite local pottery-making skills, in order to maintain and foster community connections. If true, it speaks to the agency of the enslaved individuals, who, despite their circumstances, found ingenious ways to maintain strong ties even over large distances.

Enslaved Caymanians may have traded these pots for things they managed to produce themselves, such as excess food or perhaps their own local craft, Silver thatch weaving.

Elysia Petras says, "Other factors I have considered come from ethnographic sources (silver thatch weaving). Silver thatch weaving is a traditional industry on Grand Cayman. It is a craft that has been passed down through generations since the 1700s.

"It is possible that enslaved Caymanians focused on basket making for market sale, which they may have exchanged for pots produced on Jamaica where there was a strong established pot-making tradition."

Once acquired, these pots may be used for water storage. This is based on a photograph provided by a local Caymanian, Betty R. Banks, of her family heirloom, a Monkey Jar-style pot, brought over from Jamaica in 1913. In terms of color and consistency, the pot is similar to the excavated sherds.

In 1774, Edward Long described how the enslaved people of Jamaica produced such pots to store and easily transport water into the fields. The pottery kept the water clean and cool, ideal for long days in the field.

Considering four of James Shearer Jackson's slaves, Chattam, James Carlow, Elizabeth Sophia, and Catherine Rachel, were field laborers, it is possible they used a similar pot when they went out to work in the surrounding fields.

More information: Elysia M. Petras et al, Neutron Activation Analysis Reveals Jamaican Origin of Afro-Caribbean Ware Excavated from the Cayman Islands, International Journal of Historical Archaeology (2024). DOI: 10.1007/s10761-024-00752-8

 2024 Science X Network
The New York Department of Environmental Conservation has determined that a series whiskey warehouses located in Mineville are to blame for an outbreak of Whiskey Fungus throughout the unassuming hamlet.

The 13 warehouses in Mineville are used to store and age the rye whiskey products produced by Whistlepig, a distillery based in Vermont.

As the spirits age, ethanol vapor is released into the air.

According to a document from the DECs Bureau of Air Quality Surveillance Division of Air Resources investigation, Baudoinia Compniacensis, colloquially referred to as Whiskey Fungus, occurs naturally in the environment and has an affinity for ethanol exposed materials.

In 2023, the DEC took samples of black mold from the Whistlepig storage facilities as well as from homes and other locations within a 961-yard-radius and determined that the ethanol emissions from the whiskey warehouses were causing the fungus to spread.

Based on all the available information, it is concluded that the fungus from the residences is consistent with that collected from the property of WhistlePig, reads the DECs conclusive statement. The examination of the control sample shows evidence that the fungus material in the area is observed in greater quantities than what is naturally found in the environment.

In June 2024, Whistlepig submitted a corrective action plan to the DEC in which it agreed to power wash the effected homes within a 960-yard radius once a year.

As reported in the Adirondack Explorer on Aug. 28, In an email to the DEC, (Ahren Wolson, director of operations at WhistlePig and its subsidiary Moriah Ventures) said the company has agreed to the 960-yard radius despite our belief that any fugitive ethanol emissions from our warehouses would dilute quickly downwind.

The DEC region 5 office, which oversees Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Hamilton, Saratoga, Warren, and Washington counties accepted the distillerys plan on the condition that it could supply the department with an air quality report supporting its claim.

The environmental group Protect the Adirondacks is urging the DEC interim commissioner Sean Mahar to rescind the regions approval of that corrective plan.

Theres nothing corrective about it at all, its a remedial plan, not a corrective plan, said Christopher Amato, conservation director and counsel for the group, in an interview with The Post-Star Thursday. It doesnt require the company to do anything to reduce its emissions of the vapors that form the fungus.

The group also wrote a letter to the Adirondack Park Agency, asking that state agency to initiate its own investigation into the issue. Amato said the APA permit Whistlepig is under absolutely prohibits any off-site emissions.

DEC has already confirmed that there are off-site emissions, that this has caused black fungus, he said. Were basically saying, Do your job. Thats what it boils down to. Do your job.

In a response by the DEC to The Post-Star, the department said the department is engaged in ongoing communication with the distillery to address the issue.

DEC is taking residents concerns seriously and is in ongoing communication with WhistlePig on the requirements for a corrective action plan to address the result of the facilitys emissions, the message reads.

Representatives from Whistlepig did not respond to The Post-Stars requests for comment.
FORT EDWARD  A Whitehall man accused of having a sexual relationship with a child who was younger than 17, pleaded not guilty in Washington County Court Thursday.

Dylan T. Scoville, 25, appeared in court alongside his defense attorney, Steven Sharp, who entered a plea of not guilty on his clients behalf.

Scoville was arrested by State Police May 9 and charged with two counts of third-degree rape, a class E felony. The arrest came after troopers received information Feb. 18 that an adult man had had an inappropriate relationship with a child. State Police reported the investigation discovered Scoville reportedly had a sexual relationship with a child under the age of 17 in February, 2024, while in the Village of Whitehall.

Washington County Court Judge Kelly McKeighan read Scoville his rights in court Thursday, and explained that a Grand Jury had handed up an indictment in this case against Scoville.

There is a companion case, with another indictment pending, McKeighan said.

Shortly after Scovilles arrest on the two rape charges in this case, State Police issued an arrest warrant for Scoville on separate charges for an incident in late May.

He was arrested June 11 on charges of burglary, assault and petit larceny. Scovilles Bail was set $10,000 cash, $25,000 insured bond and $50,000 partially secured bond on these charges.

In court Thursday, McKeighan explained to Scoville that if he were to post bail it would satisfy bail the charges he is facing for both his June 11 arrest and his May 9 arrest.

Washington County Assistant District Attorneys Taylor Fitzsimmons and Christian Morris filed a certificate of compliance and a certificate of readiness in court Thursday.

Scovilles next scheduled court date in Washington County Court regarding the two rape charges is Nov. 7. His next court date regarding the burglary, assault and petit larceny is set for Oct. 4.

The latter three charges stem from a May 30 incident.

State Troopers responded to a home in Whitehall for a report of an assault in progress. Troopers reported that upon arrival they located a victim who was seriously injured.

The investigation determined that Scoville, along with two other people, Jessica Cleavland, 42, of Whitehall and a 17-year-old, had reportedly come onto the victims property uninvited.

The victim, who was known to the suspects reportedly felt threatened and fled into their home. Police reported that the suspects followed the victim inside, forced entry and assaulted the victim before fleeing the scene. The victim was treated for serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

State Police arrested Cleavland and the 17-year-old on May 31.

Cleavland faces charges of burglary, assault and petit larceny, she pleaded not guilty to the charges when she was arraigned August 18. Cleavland is scheduled to appear in Washington County Court October 18. Court information about the 17-year-old is not publicly available because they are a minor.

State Police located Scoville who was concealed in a home in Whitehall. During the execution of the arrest warrant, police reported he attempted to flea on foot. After a brief foot pursuit, he was taken into custody.

Following his arrest, State Police arrested another woman, Karissa M. Wilbur, 32, of Whitehall, for hindering prosecution. State Police reported that Wilbur allegedly had rendered aid to Scoville by counseling him in her Whitehall residence, while knowing he was wanted on felony charges. Scoville was located and arrested at Wilburs home on June 11. Wilbur was arrested June 15.
GALLOWAY TOWNSHIP  In the 54-year history of Stockton University, few staff members have had a more meteoric rise than Irvin Moreno-Rodriguez, who climbed from working as a busboy at a Ventnor pizzeria to taking over as the new director of the Sara and Sam Schoffer Holocaust Resource Center.

Moreno-Rodriguez, 30, of Pleasantville, was employed at Uncle Ginos Pizza & Ristorante in 2011 and was appointed the Holocaust Resource Centers director 13 years later.

He is the first Hispanic to head one of the 30 Holocaust centers in New Jersey.

Gail was mentoring him, said Leo B. Schoffer, a member of the Holocaust Resource Centers executive committee and the son of Sara and Sam Schoffer, about the previous executive director, Gail Rosenthal, who died last year. It was always her dream that he could succeed her. ... She knew she would not be there forever.

In 2011, Moreno-Rodriguez had graduated from Atlantic City High School and was working during the summer after graduation at Uncle Ginos, where his father was the manager. Rosenthal was a regular customer at the pizzeria.

I had applied to a number of schools that I wanted to go to. I couldnt afford it. She (Rosenthal) mentioned she worked at Stockton to my dad, Moreno-Rodriguez said.

Rosenthal sat down with Moreno-Rodriguez in the pizzeria, but eventually, Rosenthal picked up Moreno-Rodriguez at his house and took him in late August 2011 for a tour of the Stockton campus.

She asked me, Do I see myself coming to Stockton? Moreno-Rodriguez said.

Stockton celebrates 30th anniversary of Holocaust education mandate Stockton University celebrated the 30th anniversary of the state's Holocaust and genocide education mandate Monday.

When Moreno-Rodriguez said he could see himself as a Stockton student but couldnt afford it, Rosenthal said she, he and his parents, who emigrated to this country from Mexico, would figure it out. Besides seeing him at the pizzeria, other people in the community told Rosenthal about him, he said.

Moreno-Rodriguez, a first-generation university student, earned a four-year scholarship to Stockton and stayed on campus so he could do internships, volunteer and take advantage of campus life, he said.

While Moreno-Rodriguez was a Stockton undergraduate from 2011 to 2015, he was a frequent volunteer at the Holocaust Resource Center, acting as an informal tour guide for outside groups. He majored in criminal justice and minored in Holocaust and genocide studies.

Their (his parents) concern was not only that I represented them but also somebody in the community who stuck their neck out for me, Moreno-Rodriguez said. How can I repay what Gail has given me?

After Moreno-Roduguezs undergraduate graduation, he worked as a member of the loss prevention team as a store detective at ShopRite and was a member of the Ventnor Police Department. He had another conversation with Rosenthal. She asked him if he was happy in the criminal justice field. He said he was not, which led to another life change.

I havent looked back. Im glad I made this career change, Moreno-Rodriguez said.

Moreno-Rodriguez decided to earn his masters degree in the Holocaust and Genocide Studies program, which he did in 2022. During his second stint at Stockton, hed worked with Rosenthal since 2018, was a member of the New Jersey Commission on Holocaust Education since 2021 and was also the centers assistant director.

When Rosenthal, who was the second director of the Holocaust Resource Center, died Oct. 13, Moreno-Rodriguez filled the vacancy as interim director.

Gail Rosenthal, Stockton Holocaust Resource Center leader, dies at 77 Gail Rosenthal, the director of Stockton University's Sara and Sam Schoffer Holocaust Resource Center, died on Friday morning, members of her family said.

Moreno-Rodriguez, who has traveled abroad to visit concentration camps in Europe, helped organize a virtual discussion in January on combating antisemitism in the classroom with Holocaust scholar Michael Berenbaum.

The Holocaust Resource Center partnered with Kean Universitys Holocaust Center, the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ in Morris County and the Center for Holocaust Human Rights and Genocide Education at Brookdale Community College in Monmouth County.

Moreno-Rodriguez is also a strong believer in student study tours, whether that involves traveling abroad to visit concentration camps in Europe or participating in virtual tours of the Anne Frank House in the Netherlands or the Sobibor extermination camp in Poland, which the center was the first to offer to high school students earlier this year.

Her (Rosenthals) motto was One person can make a difference, Moreno-Rodriguez said. Even today, Gails legacy continues. ... The center will work in conjunction with the community to stand in solidarity against all forms of hate, including antisemitism.

GALLERY: Irvin Moreno-Rodriguez leads Stockton Holocaust Resource Center
A district court judge ruled Friday that the former Davenport city administrators letter that led to a $1.6 million payment is a public record because no party argued it was confidential.

The letter outlines alleged harassment and bias Corri Spiegel said she experienced while working for the city.

The city went to court in February to ask a district court judge to rule if Spiegels letter, sent Sept. 15, 2023, was confidential. The city asked secondly, if it was confidential, whether the city had the right to release it to records requesters. The city named frequent records requester, David Ezra Sidran, as the defendant, though it did not seek damages from him.

Sidran and the Iowa Freedom of Information Council, which intervened in the case, argued that the Spiegel letter should be declared a public record.

The citys attorneys contended the city did not have a position on whether the letter was confidential and would comply with whatever the court decided.

But the judge, Mark Lawson, took issue with that lack of position in his ruling issued Friday, writing that the citys position resulted in a significant delay in resolving this open records request.

Lawson said the city should be able to articulate an argument why a record is confidential or could be confidential and if it cant, the city should comply with records law and make that record public.

The city has not articulated any argument as to why the Spiegel letter is confidential. The court will not make that argument for it, Lawson wrote in the opinion. Since no party claims the letter is a confidential record, the court finds it is a public record.

Lawson also denied Sidrans request for sanctions, but left open the possibility of a future hearing on whether the citys delay in providing the record was unreasonable.

Sidran made the open records request in November, made a second request in January, and the city filed suit in February.

If a court does determine the delay to be unreasonable, Sidran and the FOI Council may be entitled to damages, costs, and attorney fees, Lawson wrote. Lawson asked a series of questions that he wrote need to be answered before determining if the delay was unreasonable:

Did the city internally decide the letter might be confidential under a particular code section?

Did the city acknowledge Sidrans request and provide an explanation of its decision?

Did the city provide other records he requested at the same time?

Did the city update him on the status of his request?

Did the city let him know they intended to initiate a declaratory judgment action to resolve the question?

Was the decision to seek a declaratory judgment made in good faith, with a reasonable belief the letter might be confidential under a particular code provision?

Until these questions are answered, the court cannot determine if the delay was reasonable or not; and thus, it cannot determine if the city impliedly denied the request, Lawson wrote.

In an email, Sidran wrote that the city did provide him with other records in his request but did not acknowledge the Spiegel letter existed until the city filed in court. Sidran wrote that the city did not inform him ahead of time it would seek a decision from the court.

It is apparent that the judge is encouraging me to amend and expand this lawsuit to include damages against the city of Davenport for willfully violating Chapter 22 (Public Records), Sidran wrote in his email.

In an emailed statement, Randy Evans, the director of the Freedom of Information Council, wrote that the council "is pleased with Judge Lawson's legal analysis and decision."

"He concluded  as we have contended  that the city had authority to decide for itself going all the way back to last November that the Spiegel letter was, indeed, a public record and should be released to Mr. Sidran, journalists and anyone else who requested it," Evans wrote. "The citys needless foot-dragging on this important issue has cost Davenport taxpayers thousands of dollars."

Its not clear whether this ruling will have any kind of an impact on other cases involving the citys settlements, including one where two other former employees allege the city negligently released their settlement request letters.

What led to this?

A year ago, the Davenport City Council voted to oust an alderman in a dramatic step intended to address alleged harassment against city staff.

Two administrative staffers left the citys employ with settlements, agreements that were signed Sept. 8, 2023, to settle claims of harassment from multiple current and former elected officials.

The former city administrator, Spiegel, would soon also depart with $1.6 million in lost wages and damages in a similar agreement signed in early October.

The city paid for those claims out of its risk management fund, not through insurance, the citys chief communications officer, Denise Hnytka, wrote in an email.

The agreements, which werent approved in a public meeting for months after they were signed, sparked a flurry of public records requests and court action that is still ongoing.

The legislature held a hearing and lawmakers introduced legislation to heighten penalties for open meetings and records violations that was stymied because of a last-minute amendment that worried open-records advocates.

Courts deciding on request from auditor

State Auditor Rob Sand requested a number of materials from the City of Davenport as part of a review of the city's approval of the three settlements.

The city produced the records requested except for closed session meeting recordings, arguing in court that producing those would violate attorney-client privilege with the city council.

The state auditor's office argued that the recordings were necessary to its review, and that state law required those being audited to provide materials requested, including confidential records. The auditor's office is precluded from releasing confidential records publicly, however.

In that case, a judge ruled in May for the city to produce the closed session recordings for the judge to review in order to make a decision, and the city filed an interlocutory appeal to the Iowa Supreme Court in July.

Former employees bring suit

In April, the two former administrative employees, Tiffany Thorndike and Samantha Torres, brought a lawsuit against the city and two employees that handled records requests arguing they negligently released confidential information to the public.

In defense, attorneys representing Davenport say the open records law permits but doesnt require the custodian to keep confidential records that meet conditions laid out in public records law. The attorneys also state that even if records are deemed to be confidential, the law still allowed Davenport to release them.

Thorndike and Torres suit asks the court to find liability where no Iowa court has ever found it. Plaintiff wants to hold the city and its employees liable for releasing documents the law requires, or, at the very least, permits them to release, the citys defense brief, filed in June in support of a motion to dismiss the case, states.

Thorndike and Torres in their petition to the court say that the city asked them to provide in writing details of their harassment and pledged that any written complaints they made would be put in their personnel file and wouldnt be released to the public.

Each requested a settlement. Torres received $140,500 and Thorndike received $157,000.

Frequent records requester David Ezra Sidran requested records in November 2023 relating to the employment of Thorndike and Torres, including any separation or settlement agreements.

Thorndike and Torres alleged that Brian Heyer, the assistant city attorney at the time, determined that Thorndike and Torres letters requesting separation were confidential documents but admitted he screwed up and forwarded the entire contents to Sidran in response to his records request.

Thorndike and Torres argue that these documents contained personal details about physical and mental health impacts of the harassment that caused embarrassment and humiliation when released to the public.

Attorneys representing Davenport argued that its irrelevant whether Heyer intended to release the records or not, nor whether the city pledged to keep the records confidential because the law still gives Davenport the discretion to release confidential records.

That suit is ongoing.

Davenport chiropractor asks court to void vote on settlements

A Davenport chiropractor, Allen Diercks, who is an open government advocate, filed suit through attorney Mike Meloy against the city, city council, and former City Attorney Tom Warner in January.

In that case, Diercks attorneys argue that the city attorney should not have signed the three settlement agreements without the approval in public by the city council since each were greater than $50,000.

A nonjury trial is scheduled in that case for May.

The city argues that the council acted lawfully and in good faith when it directed Warner to negotiate and settle the three cases, and to do so in public session would have been been "entirely impractical."

Former alderman's case in appeals court

After his removal from the Davenport city council, Cornette filed suit against the city alleging his ouster was improperly done.

A judge in that case ruled in Cornette's favor, issuing an opinion that Cornette's due process rights were violated because the city council did not provide a written reasoning for Cornette's removal.

The city filed an appeal, and that case is pending before the Iowa Court of Appeals.

Editor's note: this article has been updated to reflect that Allen Diercks is a practicing Davenport chiropractor.

Close Looking down a 60-foot bar screen, which filters large items that make it into the sanitary sewer system. A series of pumps then pump the wastewater up to ground level. This bar screen is slated for replacement at the Water Pollution Control Plant in Davenport. This is one of eight rectangular tanks called aeration basins. In these tanks, nutrient-rich wastewater is mixed with air to provide oxygen for a population of microorganisms that consume pollutants and reproduce. This aeration tank is seen Aug. 15, 2024. The city aims to replace blowers, flow gates, and diffusers in the aeration process. This is one of four secondary clarifier tanks in which activated sludge is allowed to settle and then is returned to the aeration tanks or wasted to anaerobic digesters. The treated water is now clear and flows through a pipe to the Mississippi River. This clarifier is seen Aug. 15, 2024. A secondary clarifier is seen Aug. 15, 2024. The city aims to replace the motors, scrapers, and do painting and structural work for the clarifier tanks. Brian Schadt, Davenport city engineer, gives a tour of the Water Pollution Control Plant in Davenport on Aug. 15, 2024. In the foreground is a secondary clarifier at the Water Pollution Control Plant. In the background with the domed ceiling is one of the anaerobic digesters. The city is looking at upgrading covers, mixing and heating elements of these digesters, plus installation of of a methane boiler because current credits for power generation are being phased out. Pat Erps, interim plant operations supervisor, holds a UV bulb at the Water Pollution Control Plant in Davenport Aug. 15, 2024. UV treatment was added in 2022 to add another disinfectant before treated water goes back to the Mississippi River. The Water Pollution Control Plant in Davenport added UV treatment in 2022 to add another disinfectant before treated water goes back to the Mississippi River. This UV system is seen Aug. 15, 2024. Treated water heads to the Mississippi River from the Water Pollution Control Plant in Davenport Aug. 15, 2024. Davenport City Engineer Brian Schadt gives a tour of the Water Pollution Control Plant on Thursday in Davenport. Anaerobic digesters, pictured here Aug. 15, 2024 at the Water Pollution Control Plant in Davenport, require costly upgrades. The city estimates the upgrades to cost $27.1 million. Scenes from the Water Pollution Control Plant Aug. 15, 2024. Testing tubes from the testing lab at the Water Pollution Control Plant in Davenport is seen AUg. 15, 2024. Brian Schadt, Davenport city engineer, explains mechanisms of the Water Pollution Control Plant on Aug. 15, 2024. In this building, a 60-foot bar screen filters out big items from the sewer system, such as dolls, branches, and once, dozens of feet of construction lights. The city aims to replace that bar screen, which is reaching the end of its useful life, to an estimate of about $5.3 million. In this building at the Water Pollution Control Plant in Davenport is a 60-foot bar screen that filters out big items from the sewer system at the start of the water treatment process. The city hopes to replace the bar screen for an estimate of $5.3 million. Scenes from the Water Pollution Control Plant Aug. 15, 2024. One of the four primary clarifier tanks at the Water Pollution Control Plant in Davenport, seen Aug. 15, 2024. This tank holds about 1.3 million gallons. Wastewater stays in this tank for 2-6 hours depending on rate of flow. It allows organic solids to settle and be removed from the cone-shaped bottom of the tank. It also allows grease and other floatable materials to rise up to the top of the tank where they can be skimmed off. About 65% of organic solids are removed here, according to a city fact sheet. Photos: Tour of the Regional Water Pollution Control Plant The Regional Water Pollution Control Plant in Davenport is set for $51 million in upgrades to various parts of the system. Looking down a 60-foot bar screen, which filters large items that make it into the sanitary sewer system. A series of pumps then pump the wastewater up to ground level. This bar screen is slated for replacement at the Water Pollution Control Plant in Davenport. This is one of eight rectangular tanks called aeration basins. In these tanks, nutrient-rich wastewater is mixed with air to provide oxygen for a population of microorganisms that consume pollutants and reproduce. This aeration tank is seen Aug. 15, 2024. The city aims to replace blowers, flow gates, and diffusers in the aeration process. This is one of four secondary clarifier tanks in which activated sludge is allowed to settle and then is returned to the aeration tanks or wasted to anaerobic digesters. The treated water is now clear and flows through a pipe to the Mississippi River. This clarifier is seen Aug. 15, 2024. A secondary clarifier is seen Aug. 15, 2024. The city aims to replace the motors, scrapers, and do painting and structural work for the clarifier tanks. Brian Schadt, Davenport city engineer, gives a tour of the Water Pollution Control Plant in Davenport on Aug. 15, 2024. In the foreground is a secondary clarifier at the Water Pollution Control Plant. In the background with the domed ceiling is one of the anaerobic digesters. The city is looking at upgrading covers, mixing and heating elements of these digesters, plus installation of of a methane boiler because current credits for power generation are being phased out. Pat Erps, interim plant operations supervisor, holds a UV bulb at the Water Pollution Control Plant in Davenport Aug. 15, 2024. UV treatment was added in 2022 to add another disinfectant before treated water goes back to the Mississippi River. The Water Pollution Control Plant in Davenport added UV treatment in 2022 to add another disinfectant before treated water goes back to the Mississippi River. This UV system is seen Aug. 15, 2024. Treated water heads to the Mississippi River from the Water Pollution Control Plant in Davenport Aug. 15, 2024. Davenport City Engineer Brian Schadt gives a tour of the Water Pollution Control Plant on Thursday in Davenport. Anaerobic digesters, pictured here Aug. 15, 2024 at the Water Pollution Control Plant in Davenport, require costly upgrades. The city estimates the upgrades to cost $27.1 million. Scenes from the Water Pollution Control Plant Aug. 15, 2024. Testing tubes from the testing lab at the Water Pollution Control Plant in Davenport is seen AUg. 15, 2024. Brian Schadt, Davenport city engineer, explains mechanisms of the Water Pollution Control Plant on Aug. 15, 2024. In this building, a 60-foot bar screen filters out big items from the sewer system, such as dolls, branches, and once, dozens of feet of construction lights. The city aims to replace that bar screen, which is reaching the end of its useful life, to an estimate of about $5.3 million. In this building at the Water Pollution Control Plant in Davenport is a 60-foot bar screen that filters out big items from the sewer system at the start of the water treatment process. The city hopes to replace the bar screen for an estimate of $5.3 million. Scenes from the Water Pollution Control Plant Aug. 15, 2024. One of the four primary clarifier tanks at the Water Pollution Control Plant in Davenport, seen Aug. 15, 2024. This tank holds about 1.3 million gallons. Wastewater stays in this tank for 2-6 hours depending on rate of flow. It allows organic solids to settle and be removed from the cone-shaped bottom of the tank. It also allows grease and other floatable materials to rise up to the top of the tank where they can be skimmed off. About 65% of organic solids are removed here, according to a city fact sheet.
Support Us

Your Support will ensure EPWs financial viability and sustainability.

The EPW produces independent and public-spirited scholarship and analyses of contemporary affairs every week. EPW is one of the few publications that keep alive the spirit of intellectual inquiry in the Indian media.

Often described as a publication with a social conscience, EPW has never shied away from taking strong editorial positions. Our publication is free from political pressure, or commercial interests. Our editorial independence is our pride.

We rely on your support to continue the endeavour of highlighting the challenges faced by the disadvantaged, writings from the margins, and scholarship on the most pertinent issues that concern contemporary Indian society.

Every contribution is valuable for our future.
A Davenport man has been arrested for allegedly sexually abusing a child under the age of 12, police said.

Daryl Lee Guinn, 53, is charged in Scott County District Court with three counts of second-degree sexual abuse.

Each charge is a Class B felony under Iowa law that carries a prison sentence of 25 years.

According to the affidavits filed by Davenport Police Detective Maureen Hammes, Guinn committed sex acts with a child under the age of 12. The acts took place between 2019 and 2021.

Guinn was arrested Thursday, Sept. 5.

During a first appearance on the charges Friday in Scott County District Court, Magistrate Stephen Wing scheduled a preliminary hearing in the case for Sept. 13.

Guinn was being held Saturday morning in the Scott County Jail on a $150,000 cash-only bond set by Wing.
In the quiet countryside of South Dakota, nestled on 12.5 acres, a unique rescue mission is underway.

Nuisance Farm and Sanctuary, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is dedicated to providing a safe haven for pigs and other farm animals. Founded by Marie Darling, the sanctuary seeks to address the growing need for care and rehabilitation of pigs that have been abandoned or mistreated.

"Were a nonprofit pig rescue and sanctuary," Darling said. Our mission statement includes other farm animals, but we primarily focus on pigs because theres no other resource in the area that caters to their specific needs.

The sanctuarys efforts to rescue pigs stem from the rise of "pet pigs"  animals purchased for their small size and cuteness, only to grow too large for their owners to manage.

People get pigs when theyre small and adorable, but as they grow, they dont have room or cant handle them anymore. Many are at risk of being slaughtered or worse," Darling explained.

The common misconception about the size of pigs leads to countless abandoned animals. Breeders often sell "mini" or "micro" pigs, convincing buyers that their pig will stay small. Unfortunately, the pigs grow into full-sized animals, sometimes weighing hundreds of pounds. Many owners are unprepared for the reality of pig ownership, leaving their pets in unsafe or exploitative situations.

Darlings love for pigs began in her childhood, growing up in rural Germany. She fondly recalls visiting a dairy farmer who raised piglets, forming a bond with the animals that left a lasting impact.

"I didnt realize until much later that pigs are the third smartest animal in the world. Its heartbreaking how poorly theyre treated, considering their intelligence," Darling said.

After 20 years of persistence, Darlings dream of owning a pig finally came true. Her first pet pig, originally expected to weigh around 65 pounds, now weighs more than 100 pounds. Despite the size, Darlings love for pigs only grew deeper.

"Pigs are emotionally intelligent and bond deeply with people. They cry real tears when theyre separated from loved ones," she said.

Nuisance Farm and Sanctuary, humorously named after Darlings husband called the pigs nuisances, has grown from a single pet pig to a full-fledged rescue operation. The sanctuary currently cares for 15 pigs, along with other rescued animals. Darlings compassionate efforts began small but soon expanded as she encountered more animals in need.

One pivotal rescue involved a severely overweight Kunekune pig found in a mobile home in Piedmont. The pig was unable to stand due to neglect, but after months of care, it regained its health.

"It was heart-wrenching," Darling said. "But seeing him running around like a spring chicken now makes it all worth it."

The sanctuary has since taken in pigs from various situations, including a 600-pound boar listed on Craigslist and piglets destined for slaughter. Many of the pigs rescued by Darling were victims of misleading breeding practices, where pigs are sold as "micro pigs" and encouraged to be underfed to stay small.

"Its a cruel practice that causes lifelong health issues for the pigs," Darling said.

Running the sanctuary comes with financial strain. Darling estimates she spent nearly $10,000 out of pocket last year alone on medical fees and supplies for the animals.

"Its not easy, but we do everything we can to make sure theyre happy and healthy," Darling said.

The pigs have access to six acres of pig-proof pasture and a constantly expanding barn.

Veterinary care is also a major part of sanctuary life. Town and Country Veterinary Clinic has been a crucial partner, ensuring the pigs receive the medical care they need.

"Theyre willing to try when other vets refuse, and thats invaluable," Darling said. "Weve had some tough situations, like figuring out how to anesthetize a 700-pound pig."

While there are plenty of lighthearted moments at the sanctuary  such as Darlings husband reluctantly building a stall for their first pig, only to find the pig sleeping in their bed weeks later  there are also difficult realities.

"People still make jokes about bacon when they see our pigs," Darling said. "Its hard to explain to them that these animals are like family to us, just like a dog or cat would be."

As winter approaches, Darling is focused on finding homes for six piglets still awaiting adoption.

"Were screening applications carefully. Pigs arent pets for everyone  they need space and proper care," she said. "We just want to make sure they go to homes where theyll be properly cared for and loved."

For those interested in supporting Nuisance Farm and Sanctuary, there are multiple ways to help. Donations can be made directly to their feed account at FMG Feed & Seed in New Underwood, or to their vet at Town and Country Veterinary Clinic. The sanctuary also accepts donations of pumpkins and produce, which the pigs love, according to Darling.

"If people cant donate, following and sharing our Facebook page helps spread awareness," Darling said. "And were always looking for volunteers to come spend time with the pigs. They love belly rubs, and it gives them the attention they deserve."

Looking ahead, Darling said she hopes to expand the sanctuarys facilities to better accommodate the growing number of rescues.

"Long-term, wed love to build a dedicated pig barn," she said. "Right now, our horses have given up their stalls for the pigs, so we need more space to keep everyone comfortable, especially in winter."

Beyond the daily care, Darling and the sanctuary's mission includes helping shift how people perceive pigs.

"People think of pigs as just bacon, but theyre so much more than that," she said. "Theyre emotional, intelligent, and form deep bonds with humans. My hope is that we can help change the way people view pigs and, at the very least, make people think twice before adopting an animal like this without knowing the responsibility."

For more information on how to support Darling's efforts, visit Nuisance Farm and Sanctuary on Facebook.
The scene on Sept. 8, 1974, was like something from a movie.

Stuffed with beer cans, a bra, rocks and other garbage, a tuba was rendered useless. Half-naked people were running all over the Snake River site. A biker gang or two converged on the area.

That's what three Butte High School band members, Mark Lisac, Jerry Weir and Judy Berry Staudinger, witnessed 50 years ago near Twin Falls, Idaho.

Plenty of hype surrounded the days and weeks before Evel Knievels attempt over the Snake River Canyon near Twin Falls. Naturally, Knievel wanted family, friends and fans in attendance at the historic jump, but he also wanted the Butte High Band and Purple Bz drill team there as well.

On Sept. 1, the Butte daredevil made a formal request to Rod Lewis, music director for School District No. 1. The problem was, to abide by the rules and regulations of the Montana High School Association, that request should have been made 30 days in advance.

Knievel said he would pay for transportation and meals, so Lewis made a plea to MHSA officials, arguing that the jump had educational value since there is historic significance. That logic worked as the MHSA approved the request.

The thumbs up was music to the ears of the nearly 150 members of the Butte High Band and Purple Bz drill team.

Lisac, Weir and Staudinger sat down recently to reminisce about the historic day.

We went nuts when we were told we were going, said Lisac, a tuba player.

In the early morning hours of Sept. 8, the band, drill team and chaperones boarded buses, destination the Snake River Canyon.

Looking back at old newspaper accounts, its obvious that a different kind of education awaited those Butte teens. The band and drill team would join an estimated 20,000 people who had already arrived on site to witness the historic jump.

Butte and other towns and cities across Montana were well represented. Fans from across the country were also in attendance, along with dozens of bikers. Many more were there just to party.

It was kind of like a small Woodstock, said Weir, who played the trumpet. I was a bit bewildered by it all.

Staudinger, a self-described naive Butte girl back then, was disappointed with the type of crowd at the jump and admitted she was a bit scared. She had not expected to see so many bikers and scantily clad people.

I was clueless that this was how it was going to be, said Staudinger, a flutist. The girls couldnt be left alone, and the Purple Bz were all getting grabbed.

Weir agreed.

The crowd was scary to a high school student, said Weir. We had to look out for each other down there.

Scary or not, the trumpeter felt good about representing Butte and being part of history.

That was the good part, said Weir.

Kathleen Cook, feature writer for The Montana Standard, confirmed in her report that the drill team was heckled and manhandled, while band members had to hold tight to their instruments.

Lisac, whose tuba was damaged by bikers, loved the whole experience.

I enjoyed it all, said Lisac. We saw things we hadnt seen before.

Although he was unable to play his instrument, Lisac marched with his fellow band members.

Escorted to the jump site by the Purple Bz, the band offered its rendition of the Evel Knievel song. They also played The Star Spangled Banner.

The place erupted when we started playing, said Lisac. We were a good marching band.

Montana Standard news reports indicated the band played that song just in time since security guards were getting ready to call in the National Guard to help control the crowd.

Sept. 8 was also a hot day in Twin Falls.

It was hot and dusty, said Weir.

A high temperature of 85 was noted and for the band members, dressed in their heavy uniforms, things got a bit uncomfortable. Add in the fact that a good deal of dust was swirling around, too.

It was the kind of dust that got into your nose and eyes, said Staudinger.

As for the jump itself, all three recalled the enthusiasm shown by the crowd, which reportedly had gotten even more out of hand.

As a precaution, the band and drill team were moved just east of the rocket launch ramp. Officials were afraid onlookers would crash through the fence.

The band was super excited as they stood near the ramp, which was shaking as Knievel was being lifted into the SkyCycle, said Lisac.

Once Evel took off, the crowd knocked over the fence, said Weir.

Lisac said the crowd busting through the fence nearly sent some, including himself, over the ledge of the canyon.

It was a wild and crazy situation, Lisac said. Evel was the real thing.

The daredevil did not make it across the Snake River, instead landing in the canyon below, bruised and battered, but safe.

Evel jumped, crashed and survived, reported The Montana Standard.

There was a final lesson to be learned at Snake River.

Looking back, Lisac, Weir and Staudinger said another important part of their trip was just being able to represent Butte.

We were so proud to be asked to be there, said Lisac.
From I-90, near the halfway point between Bozeman and Livingston, Malmborg Elementary might seem like a blur of redwood and distant playground equipment. But up close, this one-room schoolhouse pulses with energy, a stark contrast to the anonymity of the highway it parallels.

Built in 1905, Malmborg seems frozen in time, with its original hexagon shape still standing beside the old stables where children once boarded their horses. Although the exterior feels untouched by the centuries, stepping inside reveals a more modern story.

Nearly 120 years later, Malmborg  one of nearly 60 one-room schoolhouses in Montana, the state with the most in the country according to the National Trust for Historic Preservation  still opens its doors as the new school year begins.

Today, the school serves eight students in grades one, two, four, six, seven and eight. According to Alison Bramlet, Malmborgs lead teacher, it has the capacity to accommodate students from kindergarten through eighth grade.

This year marks Bramlets second year teaching at the one-room schoolhouse. Originally from Dillon and a University of Montana graduate, she fell in love with rural education during her senior year as a student teacher.

Despite being new to the profession, Bramlet says theres no place shed rather be than at Malmborg.

Its kind of a unique situation where I am literally everything, she said. I really hold a lot of the kid's stuff in myself just because Im with them all day, and I do have all these different hats I wear, but honestly, I wouldnt trade it.

Bramlets passion for teaching shines not only through her dedication and patience but also in how she brings her classroom to life.

Posters on state history, phonics and cursive writing decorate the walls, accompanied by soft instrumental versions of current pop music, including Taylor Swift, playing in the background.

Upon entering the classroom, students and parents are first greeted by Bramlets black lab, Barley, who is present daily, before engaging in lively conversation with the schools lead teacher.

The school day starts at 8:30 a.m., with handwriting practice, followed by raising the flag and saying the Pledge of Allegiance outside. Upon returning to the whiteboard tabletops that serve as the classrooms hub, Bramlet energizes her students with a brief morning meeting and a quick classroom game.

While she adheres to a set schedule, Bramlets role as the sole teacher allows her the flexibility to adjust it as needed to support both her students and herself.

This flexibility is particularly evident in her approach to reading, literacy and math. Bramlet groups students by ability, enabling those at similar levels to work together while she circulates to provide individualized support.

I care a lot more about the level the kids are at than what grade they are in, she said.

To help meet these needs, Bramlet isnt always on her own. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, shes supported by instructional aide Julie Hopewell, who primarily works with the younger students and provides individual support in areas where extra help is needed.

Before joining Malmborg, Hopewell, born in Billings and retired in 2018, taught kindergarten for 25 years. She first came to the school three years ago as a substitute but quickly accepted the role of instructional aide when she learned they were hiring.

Having been in the public schools for many years, it was just really a nice breath of fresh air to come back, Hopewell said. It was just a lot of fun for me to see where education is in the same year that Im leaving one big school district, to this, to see how different things are and see how family-oriented it is.

Reflecting this family-oriented environment, Malmborgs student body consists of three groups of siblings, with only one student being an only child. Most of them live just minutes away on the other side of the highway.

Theres not a lot of families involved, and yet theyre super involved in the school because they have to be the board members, and they dont need a parent organization because a parent shows up at pick up or drop off every day so they can have their informal meetings all the time, said John Nielson, the Gallatin County superintendent of schools. It kind of becomes an extended family.

When Bramlet first began teaching at Malmborg last year, she felt intimidated by the close-knit community and worried about how she would fit in and connect with the families.

Its scary to be a newcomer, but these families are so welcoming, she said.

Despite having the most one-room schoolhouses in the country, the future of this unique education model remains uncertain, both in Montana and nationwide, according to Nielson.

This uncertainty is underscored by a dramatic decline in numbers. Once the primary model of schooling, there were over 190,000 one-room schoolhouses in 1919. Today, fewer than 400 remain nationwide, according to NPR.

It really boils down to someone's definition of effective and efficient use of money. You have bigger schools and you put more resources in one school and you put 30 kids in one classroom and thats an effective way to spend your money and still get an education for kids. But as we all know, that doesnt work for every kid, Nielson said.

Despite these challenges, including low student populations, teacher shortages and cost-saving mergers, Nielson believes Montanas unique geography and tight-knit communities provide a strong foundation for one-room schoolhouses to continue thriving.

Its survived in Montana in part, because we like to think were fiercely independent with the fact that we like some local control, we like local school boards, we like to be able to have a say, he said.

This independent spirit aligns with what Nielson and Bramlet see as the key benefit of the one-room schoolhouse model: it offers rural students a quality education close to home, without long bus commutes or transportation hassles.

A study conducted by researchers at Temple and Syracuse University found that students with bus rides longer than an hour are more likely to be absent compared to those with shorter commutes.

Chronic absenteeism, as defined by Attendance Works, is missing 10% or more of school days for any reason. According to the nonprofit, chronic absenteeism can have severe, adverse effects on the ability to learn essential skills, such as reading, and can reduce students' chances of graduating high school.

Nielson acknowledges that Malmborg's small environment might not suit every student. However, he said that having both small schools like Malmborg  and larger ones in Bozeman and Belgrade  provides families with valuable choices for their children's education.

Eighth grader Lily Krushensky, the school's oldest and longest-attending student, has been at Malmborg since kindergarten. As she anticipates attending a larger high school next year, Krushensky expressed apprehension about the transition.

I want to stay here, she said.

Fourth grader Abby Eads, who has attended the school for three years, said her favorite experience at Malmborg was returning to the classroom after the COVID-19 pandemic improved.

When COVID-19 started, I was gonna go to school, but then I got home-schooled, so I never really learned anything, she said. The best thing is just coming to the school and having the new teacher.

Before Bramlet began in the 2023-2024 school year, the school had a series of one-year teachers, creating what she described as a disconnect between students, parents and the classroom.

To address this, Bramlet has hosted monthly family nights and encouraged neighbors to attend school board meetings. With continued local support, she hopes the school can soon host more events, including a science fair.

For now, as the new school year begins, she is content with being in the classroom with her students.

Im home. I love this place. I just feel like its so much fun. I dont ever not want to come to work. Everyday I get up and Im like I get to go to school and Im so excited about it, Bramlet said.
For several months, Friends of Chesterfield members have lobbied to speak with Dominion Energy representatives to voice concerns about a proposed natural gas plant in Chester.

On Thursday, they got their chance.

The community group and other county residents asked questions about the Chesterfield Energy Reliability Center at Dominions open house.

One of the questions weve been asking Dominion for a while is how much will this cost to build and operate, said Jason Woodby, a science teacher in Chesterfield. We also think its important to ask Dominion how they plan to protect families from toxic pollution.

Last September, Dominion submitted a permit application to the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, stating that the new plant would release as much as 28 tons of sulfur dioxide, 344 tons of nitrogen oxides and 819 tons of carbon monoxide to produce 1,000 megawatts of electricity.

While Dominion said the CERC would produce significantly fewer emissions compared to the now-deactivated coal units, many residents worry that the new plant will negatively impact nearby neighborhoods, schools and community centers.

The methane plant proposed by Dominion is a threat to our families health, said Susan Miller, a retired Chesterfield physician. Dominion wants us to focus on the fact that burning methane gas is cleaner, and they dont want us to focus on the fact (that) burning methane produces nitrogen dioxide, which is also a respiratory toxin.

If you go Dominion Energy is hosting two community open houses this month about the Chesterfield Energy Reliability Center. Tuesday at Bellwood Community Center: 6-7:30 p.m. at 9010 Quinnford Boulevard, North Chesterfield

6-7:30 p.m. at 9010 Quinnford Boulevard, North Chesterfield Sept. 17 at Varina Elementary School: 6-7:30 p.m. at 2551 New Market Road, Henrico County Visit dominionenergy.com/cerc for more information.

In the permit application to the DEQ, Dominion estimated that the CERC would run 37% of the time.

The plant is not intended to produce electricity all the time, around the clock, said Dominion spokesperson Aaron Ruby. This plant is really being developed to meet the needs of our customers on the highest energy use days of the year.

Ruby said about 90% of Dominions new power plants being built are carbon-free. In August, the company purchased its third offshore wind lease, the latest one located about 35 miles from the Chesapeake Bay.

He said natural gas plants like the CERC are needed because offshore wind, solar and battery storage will not generate enough power alone.

If those are the only three sources of power that we have, were not going to reliably be able to keep your power on 24/7, 365, Ruby said. Definitely not when weve got power demand growing 5% every year for the next couple of decades.

Last month, Dominion announced that based on community feedback, it was moving the CERC site from Battery Brooke Parkway to the site of its former coal plant on Coxendale Road. But the news did not alleviate the concerns of some residents.

They think that moving this gas plant a mile somehow makes a difference, said Glen Besa, board chair of Friends of Chesterfield. It changes nothing.

While Friends of Chesterfield members have been vocal opponents of the plant, some residents said they were in favor of it.

Steven Meadows, a Chesterfield resident of more than 30 years, said he supports the CERC because the county needs more electricity and the plant will produce less pollution than the coal units.

He added that he likes renewable energy but said solar would not provide enough power and that the county does not produce enough continuous wind for that type of energy.

Were going from a highly polluting coal plant to a less polluting gas plant that will maintain the electricity for a growing county, said Meadows, who is retired. Every time you put up an apartment complex, every time you build a new subdivision, you need more electricity.

Dominion expects the project cost and subsequent effect on customer bills to be determined early next year once it acquires an air permit from the DEQ and gains approval from the State Corporation Commission.

Friends of Chesterfield has sought a public hearing from county officials about the plant and is awaiting a response. In July, the group filed a request to the county, claiming that Dominion lacks the necessary zoning to build a plant at the proposed site.

Thursdays event, held at the Hyatt Place in Chester, is one of three open houses Dominion will host this month. The other events are Tuesday and Sept. 17 in the Bellwood and Varina areas, respectively.

From the Archives: Old Richmond buildings
A federal appeals court on Friday upheld the conviction of a former U.S. Capitol police officer who tried to help a Virginia fisherman avoid criminal charges for joining a mobs attack on the building that his law enforcement colleagues defended on Jan. 6, 2021.

A three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia ruled that the governments evidence against Michael Angelo Riley readily supports his conviction on an obstruction charge.

Riley, a 25-year police veteran, argued that prosecutors failed to prove a grand jury proceeding was foreseeable or that he deleted his Facebook messages to affect one. The panel rejected those arguments as flawed.

Riley was a veteran Capitol Police officer concededly aware of the role of grand juries in the criminal process, and his own messages showed he expected felony prosecutions of unauthorized entrants into the Capitol building on January 6, wrote Judge Cornelia Pillard.

In October 2022, a jury convicted Riley of one count of obstruction of an official proceeding but deadlocked on a second obstruction charge. In April 2023, U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson sentenced Riley to two years of probation and four months of home detention.

Riley, a Maryland resident, was on duty when a mob attacked the Capitol on Jan. 6. That day, Riley investigated a report of an explosive device at Republican National Committee headquarters and helped an injured officer.

The following day, Riley read a Facebook post by Jacob Hiles, a fisherman he knew from YouTube videos. Hiles wrote about his own participation in the riot and posted a video of rioters clashing with police.

Riley privately messaged Hiles and identified himself as a Capitol police officer who agreed with his political stance.

Take down the part about being in the building they are currently investigating and everyone who was in the building is going to be charged. Just looking out! Riley wrote.

Riley deleted their private messages after Hiles told him that the FBI was very curious about their communications, according to prosecutors.
Both DeAnne Roberts, 18, left, and Officer Miranda MJ Jones, right, are both beneficiaries of the College Bound Docket which is a specialty court for teens aging out of foster care.

Miranda "MJ" Jones and DeAnne Roberts don't know one another, but they have two crucial things in common. A Bexar County courts program helped them transition into college after foster care. And they have begun anew.

Jones, 28, became a San Antonio police officer in March. Roberts, 18, marked her first day of college at the University of Texas at San Antonio on Aug. 26.

Jones and Roberts credit the Bexar County College Bound Docket, a specialty court that started in 2019 to help teens aging out of foster care get a college degree or job training. It's run by the Bexar County Children's Court.

Kimberlee Morrison, right, Court Manager for the Bexar County College Bound Docket, presents DeAnne Roberts, left, with a certificate during the the Bexar County College Bound Docket graduation at the Courthouse on June 7. The Bexar County College Bound Docket helps youth who spent time in foster care with mentoring, advocacy and academic support as they age out of foster care and transition to college. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News

The idea for the College Bound Docket originated with just a few people: Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai, who worked for 26 years as a judge, with 15 on the 225th District Court and 11 as associate judge of Bexar County Children's Court; Peggy Eighmy, first lady of UTSA; and Marina Gonzales, former CEO of Child Advocates San Antonio.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

The College Bound Docket is part of the Bexar County Fostering Educational Success program, which began as a pilot project funded by a $3.5 million appropriation from the 2019 Legislature. Several Texas lawmakers, including state Sens. Pete Flores and Jose Menendez and state Rep. Trey Martinez Fischer, rallied together to sponsor it. The program has grown with additional funding from the city, state and federal governments, as well as private donors.

Today, it's a collaborative effort among UTSA, the Bexar County Childrens Court, Texas A&M University-San Antonio, the Alamo Colleges District and CASA, among a long list of other agencies, organizations and nonprofits.

The College Bound Docket receives about $50,000 per year from the BCFES program.

In collaboration with UTSA, A&M-San Antonio, the Alamo Colleges District and the Bexar County Childrens Court, BCFES has served more than 1,200 teens and young adults who have spent time in foster care.

Jones and Roberts endured childhoods in homes so traumatic that Child Protective Services removed them from their parents and placed them in foster care.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

In 2011, Jones was 14 and living in Tyler when a judge signed an emergency order to remove her and her two younger siblings from their home. There had been a series of police calls to the home for domestic violence and substance abuse. Jones and her siblings were put in foster care and then with an aunt who died of a drug overdose in 2020.

Roberts has been in and out of the Child Protective Services system since she was 5. Her mother, who struggled with drug addiction, died in September 2021 of sepsis after an infection brought on by dirty needles. Roberts' grandparents adopted her and her two siblings in December.

DeAnne Roberts tests out the mattress topper as her roommate watches, on Aug. 15. Roberts, 18, marked her first day of college at the University of Texas at San Antonio on Aug. 26. The Bexar County College Bound Docket program is helping her transition into college after foster care. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News

Support they never had

Many of the youth who were placed in foster care due to abuse and neglect were also exposed to domestic violence or substance abuse.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Children who spent time in foster care are at high risk for homelessness and mental health issues. More than 80% of 17- and 18-year-olds in foster care say they want to attend college, but only 20% enroll and only a fraction of those earn a bachelors degree, according to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

But programs such as BCFES and the College Bound Docket provide a new beginning, as they offer teens aging out of foster care the support they never had. Teens are referred to the College Bound Docket, a voluntary program, by judges and court staff.

Teens start the program in the 10th grade. Their first goal is to graduate from high school. During their junior year, the focus shifts to preparing for their next steps. A judge and three court staffers monitor grades, help schedule SAT exams and college tours, and submit financial aid applications.

Along the way, Bexar County Associate Judge Charles Montemayor, who presides over the College Bound Docket, takes special care in making the teens' experience a nurturing one. There's a more relaxed look and feel to his courtroom when he holds the quarterly sessions with the teens in the program.

He takes off his black judicial robe to proudly sport his Southern Methodist University necktie. And he's not behind his bench. Instead, he sits with the teens at a table set in front of it. Together, they set goals. He wants to hear from them about what they want to accomplish in life. And he works with their foster parents, peer advocates, mentors and organizations to help make it happen. Together, they find solutions for each obstacle that comes up.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Megan Piel, associate professor in the social work department at UTSA, helps measure the BCFES program's progress toward increasing college access, retention and graduation rates for students who spent time in foster care.

The higher education institutions that partner with BCFES have waived more than $19 million in tuition and fees, which is required by state law.

Since the College Bound Docket's inception, of the 81 teens who have graduated from high school, 66 have been accepted to college. Three participants, including Jones, have received college degrees. A total of 87 students in the program are enrolled in colleges and universities.

Jones and Roberts said the College Bound Docket helped them to not lose hope.

"It's taught me to just stay motivated and continue to create goals for myself and pursue them," Roberts said. "Even if you feel alone, they are there for you and there's resources to guide you through college."

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

DeAnne Roberts, 18, in her new apartment on Thursday, Aug. 15, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas with her friend and roommate Rashon Collins, 18. In high school Roberts, a Steele graduate, was in the the Bexar County College Bound Docket program that provides targeted advocacy, mentoring, and academic support to prepare children in foster care for college. Roberts will be attending UTSA to study social work.

'I never stopped'

Jones' time in foster care was harrowing. For a short time, she experienced a period of suicidal ideation, but she went through years of intensive therapy to process the trauma. She had tried to attend college but couldn't afford living expenses and tuition. The College Bound Docket was a turning point for her.

Jones entered the program later than typical participants, at age 23. She was a member of the first College Bound Docket class.

She was getting help from a social worker in Houston whose sister is Barbara Schafer, the Bexar County court administrator who coordinates and helps manage the College Bound Docket with Montemayor. Schafer helped Jones get into the program, even letting her live with her for a short time.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

In 2022, Jones graduated with a psychology degree from UTSA.

"It took me eight years to get a bachelor's degree, but I never stopped," she said.

Jones also gave back to the program by working as a mentor.

"She had that lived experience, and she did amazing things," Schafer said. "These kids found this connection with her."

Schafer said attending Jones' college graduation was surreal.



"Her transformation from struggling to thriving would not have been possible without the support, money and time investment," Schafer said.

After earning her degree at UTSA, Jones was accepted into the San Antonio Police Academy. She said she wanted to be a police officer because an officer who removed her and her siblings from their home in Tyler was kind to her. She had been taught to avoid the police, but this officer wanted to make sure she was safe.

"He took the time to talk to me," Jones said. "He pulled me aside and said, 'You can talk to me.' It made a difference."

Jones strives to make a difference as an officer. She aspires to work in the San Antonio Police Department's Mental Health Unit. Maybe one day, she'll become a counselor or therapist. And she'd also like to again serve as a mentor for College Bound Docket teens.

Miranda "MJ" Jones, pictured on Aug. 23, became a San Antonio police officer in March. She said she wouldn't be a college graduate or officer without the Bexar County College Bound Docket, a specialty court that started in 2019 to help teens aging out of foster care get a college degree or job training. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Officer Miranda MJ Jones starts her shift after roll call at a San Antonio Police Department substation on Aug. 23. Jones, 28, said she wouldn't be a college graduate or officer without the Bexar County College Bound Docket, a specialty court that started in 2019 to help teens aging out of foster care get a college degree or job training. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News San Antonio Police Officer Miranda MJ Jones, who became an officer in March, waits for roll call on Aug. 23. Jones, 28, spent time in foster care. She said she wouldn't be a college graduate or officer without the Bexar County College Bound Docket, a specialty court that started in 2019 to help teens aging out of foster care get a college degree or job training. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Officer Miranda MJ Jones prepares to start her shift at a San Antonio Police Department substation on Aug. 23. Jones, 28, spent time in foster care. She said she wouldn't be a college graduate or officer without the Bexar County College Bound Docket, a specialty court that started in 2019 to help teens aging out of foster care get a college degree or job training. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News San Antonio Police Officer Miranda MJ Jones begins her shift on Aug. 23. She's a graduate of the Bexar County College Bound Docket, a specialty court that began in 2019 to help teens aging out of foster care get a college degree or job training. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News

'You made it'

At a special graduation ceremony in June, held in the double-height courtroom of the Bexar County Courthouse, Montemayor and members of his staff celebrated 17 program graduates. The 13 present for the ceremony wore black caps and gowns and marched to "Pomp and Circumstance" before accepting their certificates.

Montemayor was emotional and proud as he acknowledged the trauma, sacrifices and hard work each one of them endured.

"You made it," he said. "What inspires me is that you refused to accept the role of a victim. You refused to let it define you."

E. Mata, right, Court Monitor for College Bound Docket, congratulates Christian De Leon, left, at the Bexar County College Bound Docket graduation at the courthouse on June 7. The Bexar County College Bound Docket helps youth who spent time in foster care with mentoring, advocacy and academic support as they age out of foster care and transition to college. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News

Roberts refuses to allow her troubled background to define her.

A 2024 Steele High School graduate, she was in the National Honor Society and took several advanced courses for college credit, allowing her to begin college as a sophomore. She plans to transfer to the University of Texas at Austin next year.

She wants to become a therapist  and she wants to be a College Bound Docket mentor. She wants to help give back to the program that helped her get started.

DeAnne Roberts, left, and her roommate Rashon Collins, 18, center, set up an internet router as they move into their apartment on Aug. 15. Roberts, 18, marked her first day of college at the University of Texas at San Antonio on Aug. 26. The Bexar County College Bound Docket program is helping her transition into college after foster care. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News DeAnne Roberts tries to decide on a task to tackle as she moves into her first apartment on Aug. 15. Roberts, 18, marked her first day of college at the University of Texas at San Antonio on Aug. 26. The Bexar County College Bound Docket program is helping her transition into college after foster care. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News DeAnne Roberts, right, consults her roommate Rashon Collins, work to move into their apartment on Aug. 15. Roberts,18, marked her first day of college at the University of Texas at San Antonio on Aug. 26. The Bexar County College Bound Docket program is helping her transition into college after foster care. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News DeAnne Roberts wraps her head in a new pillow as she moves into their apartment on Aug. 15. Roberts, 18, marked her first day of college at the University of Texas at San Antonio on Aug. 26. The Bexar County College Bound Docket program is helping her transition into college after foster care. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News DeAnne Roberts, right, peers out her bedroom window in her new apartment with her roommate Rashon Collins nervous on Aug. 15. Roberts, 18, marked her first day of college at the University of Texas at San Antonio on Aug. 26. The Bexar County College Bound Docket program is helping Roberts transition into college after foster care. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News DeAnne Roberts wears a gold necklace bearing her name as she moves into her apartment on Aug. 15. Roberts, 18, marked her first day of college at the University of Texas at San Antonio on Aug. 26. The Bexar County College Bound Docket program is helping her transition into college after foster care. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News

She wants others who came from troubled backgrounds to get the help she has received.

Move-in day on Aug. 15 before the start of classes at UTSA was a profound experience for Roberts.

"It felt really good," she said. "It's a really big step."

Roberts credits the College Bound Docket for preparing her for this next part of her journey.
Mexican fugitive handed over to Argentine agents

Mexico City, Mexico  The Government of Mexico has extradited a Mexican man considered a fugitive to Argentine agents. In compliance with the Extradition Treaty signed between Mexico and the Republic of Argentina, the Attorney General of the Republic (FGR) extradited a fugitive of Mexican nationality to the city of Buenos Aires.

According to the FGR report, Alejandro E was part of a criminal organization that illegally marketed ephedrine hydrochloride. The substance was introduced from Argentina to Mexican territory in the luggage of the defendant.

In addition, the extraditable acquired several properties and vehicles in Argentina to hide the profits from his illegal activities.

Alejandro E has been wanted by the National Criminal and Correctional Court No. 1, Secretariat No. 2 of the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires for the crimes of illicit association, money laundering of criminal origin and illegal drug trafficking since 2009.

He was finally arrested by Mexican law enforcement in Veracruz in 2020. He was handed over to Argentine agents at Mexico City International Airport (AICM) Thursday to return to that country to face charges.
Seven hour Ejido blockade leaves drivers stranded

Bacalar, Q.R.  After a seven hour blockade, Limones ejidos free the highway after reaching agreements with Sedena. Farmers from the town of Limones cleared the road after reaching payment agreements with representatives of the National Defense Secretariat (Sedena) Friday.

The El Cafetal ejidos of Limones began the blockade at 6:00 a.m., demanding compliance with nine agreements previously signed with Fonatur and Sedena.

The Representation and Surveillance Body of the El Cafetal ejido, together with the Advisory Council, blocked the stretch of road that connects with Chetumal due to non-compliance with these agreements.

The blockade left hundreds of vehicles stranded for nearly seven hours. Lieutenant Colonel Jose Luis Martinez Beltran, representative of Sedena, finally arrived to talk with the disgruntled ejido landowners.

Lieutenant Colonel Jose Luis Martinez Beltran meets with ejidos.

Photo: September 6, 2024.

Some of the re-agreements made include the construction of adequate access to plots and livestock areas, an access ramp to the Sabanitas ecotourism project, the repair of all the streets in the community of Limones and the maintenance of the access road to the town of Chacchoben.

Streets have been destroyed and power affected due to Maya Train work trucks. Photo: September 6, 2024.

They also agreed to stop soil extraction from the ejidos material banks and to carry out a census of the electrical appliances affected by the power outages due to Maya Train work.
Tulum taxi protests cause tourists to cancel reservations

Tulum, Q.R.  David Ortiz Mena, President of the Tulum Hotel Association, calls it unwise to seek personal gain by harming tourism. Otriz Mena says several groups of tourists canceled their reservations due to the repeated highway protests by Tulum taxi drivers.

In an interview Friday, Ortiz Mena, said while their actions caused several groups of tourists to cancel their stay, that is only what can be measured.

He said there is a greater impact, which we cannot quantify, which is the damage done to the image of the destination. This goes beyond a few hours or an afternoon as it undermines visitors confidence in coming or returning to the destination.

Ortiz Mena has strongly condemned the highway roadblock protests in recent weeks by members of the Taxi Drivers Union. He says it is unfortunate that taxi drivers are not more aware of the consequences of their actions because by hurting tourism, they also hurt their own economy.

It is unacceptable and we must not tolerate that visitors are affected in this way. We trust that the authorities will do everything possible to prevent events like this from happening again because the economy of Quintana Roo depends largely on our visitors, he said.

Tulum taxi protest. Photo: September 5, 2024.

Ortiz Mena also acknowledged the acts of violence being carried out by state taxi drivers, in particular, at the Cancun airport against Uber drivers.

The scenes of violence seen at the Cancun airport have an impact on the image we have as a destination. It affects us all, he said. We wonder why the summer was not as we expected. Here is an example of what not to do.

On two occasions last week, Tulum taxi drivers protested the arrest of their union leader. On Wednesday, hundreds of taxi drivers protested for the second time after their union leader Eliazar N was officially charged with the murder and attempted murder of four people.

Taxis were parked along the highway between Tulum and Playa del Carmen severely delaying traffic and in some instances, causing tourists to miss flights.
The Blacksburg Farmers Market was recently awarded a Gold Certification from the Virginia Certified Market Program.

The certification recognizes Virginia markets that are meeting and exceeding best practices as a way for these markets to distinguish themselves to consumers, vendors, and their communities, according to a news release from the Blacksburg organization.

We are honored to have been awarded this recognition, said Blacksburg Market Director Deborah Edwards. Everyone involved is committed to ensuring that we are operating at the highest level to keep our market safe, to offer top-quality, local food, and to serve the community.

The Blacksburg Farmers Market joins 18 markets in the state with the top certification, according to the release.

The standards of the program were developed by an advisory committee made-up of market managers, state agency and university staff. The process includes an application and a site inspection. There are three levels of certification  bronze, silver, and gold. Each level is based on a simple point system that covers categories such as food safety, continuing education, and public safety.

Certification lasts for a year and then the process begins anew, ensuring that markets continue to uphold these standards from one season to the next.

Running a safe and successful farmers market is an extremely challenging job, said Kim Hutchinson, executive director of the state organization.

The Blacksburg Farmers Market has operated for more than 30 years with the goals of supporting our local farmers, educating the community on the benefits of locally grown food, assisting people with limited income to access affordable healthy food and contributing to the vitality of downtown Blacksburg.

For more information about the Blacksburg Farmers Market, visit blacksburgfarmersmarket.org.
DAKOTA CITY  It's been just over two years since Laurel, Nebraska, firefighters made the startling discovery of a total of four dead bodies inside two burning homes in the middle of a summer night.

On Monday, lawyers will begin the lengthy process of choosing the jurors who will decide if the man charged with killing the four Laurel residents and setting fire to their homes is guilty or not guilty. They also could be tasked with deciding if circumstances of Jason Jones' case warrant consideration of a death sentence.

Jury selection is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. in South Sioux City's Marriott Riverfront hotel, where District Judge Bryan Meismer, lawyers and court staff will utilize a large convention space rather than the tighter quarters of the Dakota County Courthouse to choose 12 jurors from more than 200 Dakota County residents summoned for jury duty. Jury selection is expected to take at least up to three days. Once the the jury is picked, the trial will move to the courthouse in Dakota City and could possibly last three weeks.

Jones, 44, has pleaded not guilty to four counts each of first-degree murder and use of a firearm to commit a felony and two counts of first-degree arson for the Aug. 4, 2022, shooting deaths of Michele Ebeling, 53, in her home and Gene Twiford, 86, his wife, Janet Twiford, 85, and their daughter Dana Twiford, 55, in their home and setting both houses on fire.

Authorities responded to a reported explosion in the early morning hours of Aug. 4 at 209 Elm St., where they found Ebeling's body with two gunshot wounds. A second fire at the Twiford home at 503 Elm St. was reported a short time later, and responders found the bodies of the three family members, all with gunshot wounds.

Investigators believe the Twifords were killed first, then Ebeling soon after. According to court documents, authorities found receipts Jones had for gas at Ebeling's home and a Ruger pistol traced to Jones at the Twiford residence.

Assistant Nebraska Attorney General Corey O'Brien, who will prosecute the case with fellow assistant AG Sandra Allen, has filed notice the state will seek the death penalty if Jones is found guilty of first-degree murder. That sentencing option will add time to the jury selection process as lawyers will have to "death qualify" potential jurors, or identify anyone who has religious or moral reasons why they believe they can't be on the jury and follow the law if a death sentence is a possibility. In such cases, jurors will be questioned individually, extending the selection process.

Meismer moved the trial in May to Dakota County after Jones' attorney, Todd Lancaster, of the Nebraska Commission on Public Advocacy in Lincoln, filed for a change of venue, citing results of a questionnaire sent to potential jurors in Cedar County in which nearly 70% of the 200 respondents said they believed Jones was guilty. Many also said he deserved the death penalty. Lancaster argued that, given those results, it would be impossible for Jones to receive a fair trial in Cedar County. Citing those same statistics, Meismer agreed, saying the court would be hard-pressed to draw an impartial jury pool from which to select a jury.

The slayings received statewide media attention, as state and local law enforcement officers swarmed to the scene of the two burned homes and began searching for clues and suspects, and residents were shocked by a violent act the likes of which had never been seen in this community of some 1,000 people.

Jason Jones hearing Jason Jones, right, appears via video during a November 2022 hearing in Cedar County Court with his attorney, Todd Lancaster. Jury selection b

Jones, who lived across the street from Ebeling, was arrested without incident at his home about 24 hours after the bodies were discovered was airlifted to a Lincoln hospital for treatment of severe burns.

His wife, Carrie Jones, has told investigators she had just gotten home from work when she and her neighbors noticed Ebelings house was on fire and saw Jason Jones stumbling from the house. She told investigators she peeled her husband's burned clothes from his body and washed him in the bathtub before bandaging him and putting him in bed. He refused to seek medical care.

He remains at the Nebraska Department of Corrections' Reception and Treatment Center in Lincoln, where has been housed since being discharged from the hospital and continues to receive medical treatment.

Because of his injuries, Jones will not attend his trial. Lancaster said in a successful motion asking Jones to be excluded from being present at trial that Jones' burns on his upper and lower extremities and his back make it hard for him to sit upright for long periods of time. He also must use a wheelchair and can walk only short distances.

Carrie Jones, 45, was later arrested and has pleaded not guilty of first-degree murder, tampering with physical evidence and being an accessory to a felony. She is accused of aiding and abetting the death of Gene Twiford, whom she told investigators had continually harassed her. Her trial date has not been set.
Ed Gaida, shown here in his shop in 2001, displays a perforated music roll he produced for a busker organ, an instrument built for street performances. Courtesy John Talbot

(Local-history author) Ed Gaida passed away July 23. He has a lot of historical information we think hed like to donate to a library but we dont know where to begin. Any thoughts?

 John Talbot

Edwin Earl Gaida (1937-2024) will be remembered in different ways by different people  who might not all know the extent of his skills and interests. A retired educator, he had multiple parallel careers, pursuing his fascination with local history and the workings of mechanical devices, avocations that sometimes intersected.

Readers of this column may recognize his name; he was quoted as an author or researcher in 39 columns, on a glorious jumble of subjects including early license plates, legacy sidewalks, hitching rings, antique street lamps, landmark clocks, theater organs, amusement parks and more. His information came from credible records; if he didnt know the answer (rare), he said so.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

The Hertzberg Clock stands at the corner of Houston and St. Mary's streets. In 1878, Eli Hertzberg installed the clock outside his jewelry shop on Commerce Street. When the shop moved to Houston and St. Mary's streets in 1910, the clock followed. The clock was restored in 2008 by master clock mechanic Ed Gaida. Staff file photo/UTSA Special Collections The Hertzberg Clock stands at the corner of Houston and St. Mary's streets. In 1878, Eli Hertzberg installed the clock outside his jewelry shop on Commerce Street. When the shop moved to Houston and St. Mary's streets in 1910, the clock followed. The clock was restored in 2008 by master clock mechanic Ed Gaida. Staff file photo/UTSA Special Collections

He was unfailingly prompt, articulate and generous with his rich mix of arcane knowledge.

The first time he appeared in a local newspaper was one of those intersections of interests, in an April 15, 1957, salute from San Antonio Light columnist Renwicke Cary. Unsung heroes department: Edwin Gaida, a St. Marys University student from Victoria, coming up with that barrel organ the San Antonio Conservation Society needs for the Fiesta.

Ed, as he would be known in most contexts, was then not yet 20, a college junior. How did he know where to source a mechanical instrument that plays predetermined music when a crank is turned? (I had to look it up.) How did the Conservation Society know this kid would be able to find what must have been a Night in Old San Antonio prop?

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Thats one of the mysteries he left to solve.

He was born June 28, 1937, in DeWitt County to Edwin William Ed Gaida and his wife, the former Marilyn Mueller. The family, with four children, moved in 1951 to Victoria, where the elder Ed was a beer distributor, according to his obituary in the Victoria Advocate, Jan. 6, 1976. A graduate of Texas A&M University, where he played in the band for four years, our Eds father was president of the International Carnival Glass Association, devoted to the collecting of early 20th-century iridescent glass.

Ed the younger attended St. Josephs High School in Victoria, followed by two years at the Maryhurst Postulate in Clayton, Mo., a suburb of St. Louis. A postulate was a high school for boys with a serious interest in becoming a Marianist (brother), said Lisa Matye Finnie, archivist at the National Archives of the Marianist Province of the United States. Students who were interested in becoming a Marianist could apply to and attend the postulate for the final two years of high school with other boys with the same interest. They would live, study and pray together as they completed their high-school courses and learned more about the religious order.

Ed entered the postulate in 1952 and graduated in 1954. Not all boys who attended the postulate ended up continuing with their formation in the religious order in the novitiate, Finnie said, and our records indicate that Edwin did not.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Instead, he went on to St. Marys University, founded in 1852 by the Society of Mary, where Finnies late father, Richard Matye from Chicago, was his first-year roommate in Chaminade Hall. Her research in the Rattler student newspapers from 1954-58 show that Ed played in the ROTC Symphonic Band, wrote for the Rattler and the Diamondback yearbook, took part in multiple theater productions, was a member of the Honorary Speech Fraternity, and a DJ and program director for the schools KSTM radio station before graduating in 1958 with a bachelors degree in English.

Ed Gaida is shown as a graduating senior at St. Marys University in the 1958 Diamondback yearbook. Portal to Texas History

After graduation, Ed taught at Ollie Perry Storm Elementary School and Longfellow Junior High School in the San Antonio Independent School District and later at Churchill and MacArthur high schools in North East ISD. At some time during the 1960s, he hosted a long-lost program on science for KLRN-TV, where he later was an adviser for the San Antonio Remembered series of nostalgic programs.

Simultaneously or maybe in between educational gigs, Ed was pursuing other interests.

One was photography. He was sufficiently professional to have owned three cameras valued at more than $1,000 in a 1968 police report of a burglary at his home at 428 W. Woodlawn Ave.; and he was a photographer for the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, says the San Antonio Express and News, May 23, 1970.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

He also did some work for advertising mogul Lionel Sosa. I knew him well for many years, Sosa said. He was a great friend, amazing photographer and talented tinkerer who could fix almost any old machine from player pianos to Moviolas (devices used by film editors). Ed always had things to do and places to go, just like the Energizer bunny.

For a while during the mid-to-late 1970s, that included the Automatic Music Co. at 2806 N. Flores St., which advertised regularly in this newspaper that, We restore old pump organs. (Ed is noted on the Cinema Treasures website, www.cinematreasures.org, for having restored the original Robert Morton theater organ in 1958.)

This antique Wurlitzer theater organ is now in the Warrior Room of the restored Aztec Theatre. When the theater opened in 1926, it was furnished with a Robert Morton theater organ, restored in 1958 by Ed Gaida. Live Nation

Other mechanical devices that interested him included pinball and other coin-operated game or gambling machines, as described in his book Jimmy Johnsons Western Companies; the manufacture of perforated music rolls for busker organs and player pianos; and clocks.

Former neighbor John Worsham, Ph.D., read the manuscript of the pinball machine book and others while he and his wife, Helen, lived at the Bushnell Apartments, where Ed moved in sometime after 2007 and kept his house as a shop.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Worsham remembers his friend as a very smart man, an iconoclast, and knowledgeable in many areas.

One of them was the inner workings of old-fashioned clocks. A master clock mechanic, Ed repaired or maintained some of the more iconic timepieces in town. These include the clock installed in 1882 in the Quadrangle tower at Fort Sam Houston and the one on the 193-foot steeple of the Sacred Heart Conventual Chapel, completed in 1923 at Our Lady of the Lake University.

A close-up of the 193-foot bell tower on the chapel at Our Lady of the Lake University shows the clock that local-history author/mechanical wizard Ed Gaida maintained for the Congregation of Divine Providence. An air conditioner installed in the clock room during the early 2000s has improved the clocks accuracy. Our Lady of the Lake University The Sacred Heart Conventual Chapel at Our Lady of the Lake University, built 1921-23, was designed by Leo M.J. Dielmann in Late Gothic Revival Style. The clock in the bell tower has faces on the north, south and east sides. It is one of the clocks that Ed Gaida worked on. Courtesy Gerald Moorhead/Alexander Architectural Archives, University of Texas at Austin The 90-foot Quadrangle clock tower at Fort Sam Houston was built in 1876 as a water tank. Its first clock was installed in 1882 and replaced in 1907 by a new one that worked until 2007. Electric motors replaced the mechanism, which remains in the tower. Ed Gaida worked on the clock installed in 1882. Fort Sam Houston The Hertzberg Clock stands at the corner of Houston and St. Marys streets. In 1878, Eli Hertzberg installed the clock outside his jewelry shop on Commerce Street. When the shop moved to Houston and St. Marys streets in 1910, the clock followed. The clock was restored in 2008 by master clock mechanic Ed Gaida. Benjamin Olivo /San Antonio Express-News

He was also a friend of Walter Mathis, who started the restoration of King William, Worsham said, and kept all the clocks running in Villa Finale, referring to the preservationist/collectors restored mansion, now a house museum.

Probably the most famous of Eds clock projects is the 17-foot Hertzberg Clock, built in 1878 for Hertzbergs jewelry store on Commerce Street and moved in 1910 to the corner of Houston and St. Marys streets, where for many years it was a meeting place in the heart of the citys theater and shopping district.

Operated by a complex system of weights, the clock  then owned by the Conservation Society of San Antonio  broke down in 2008. Although Ed by then considered himself retired from clock-climbing, he came out of retirement to head a team that performed a complete restoration of the cast iron and brass clock, estimating that the repairs would last about 50 years, as quoted in this newspaper, Feb. 17, 2015.

Meanwhile, he also was working on his books. Ed was the author of Just for Fun! Jimmy Johnsons Playland Park, about the defunct but still beloved amusement park where he lived on-site for years as caretaker of the property at 2222 N. Alamo St.; and of Sidewalks of San Antonio about the marks and makers of some of the citys earliest concrete sidewalks.

He also republished pamphlets on early city traffic ordinances and a guide for streetcar motormen, as well as a collection of theater and concert programs from 1915 to 1922 that were held in San Antonio.



His books are still available in libraries and on Amazon, where his author bio mentions no biographical facts but a statement that conveys his fascination with understanding the workings of other times: History is a sleeping giant. You must awaken him to find the secrets he keeps. I have spent most of my life keeping him awake trying to uncover the jewels he hides so well. Sharing them with others is the gratitude I receive in return.

Ed Gaida found an old bell, shown on the left. It turned out to have been the first bell used at Holy Cross Catholic School in Yorktown, Gaida's father's hometown. After restoring it, he donated it to the Yorktown Historical Museum. "He was an interesting individual who was fond of the museum and blessed it with many items," says Beverly Bruns, president of the Yorktown Historical Society. Yorktown Historical Museum

Ed loved research, for his own projects or those of others. For several years from 2010, he worked in the City Archives, scanning city block tax maps and assist (ing) with projects including shredding and serving on the panel to hire the next city archivist, says For the Record, the newsletter of the Office of the City Clerk, July 2012.

Ed was truly a giving person, said Leticia Vacek, retired San Antonio city clerk and records management officer. He gave so much of his time when he volunteered to assist me and our archivist as we were creating the archives program and center for the city of San Antonio.

There is interest in acquiring his files at the Texana/Genealogy Department of the San Antonio Public Library, to which he donated materials from his Playland Park book.
SIOUX CITY -- The Sioux City Council will be asked Monday to approve a development and minimum assessment agreement with the owner of the former Holiday Inn on Gordon Drive.

Ajit Nursariwala, who purchased the property at 701 Gordon Drive in 2016, intends to move forward with a major investment to completely renovate the property into a Hilton DoubleTree branded hotel and full-service restaurant, according to city documents. The total project represents a capital investment of $10 million and is expected to be completed by the end of 2024.

In 2021, the Holiday Inn flag was removed, and the hotel operated as an independent hotel called the Riverside Plaza Hotel. The hotel eventually closed in 2022, followed by the restaurant shortly after.

"Staff has continued to work with the owner and encouraged him to consider additional investment into the property. While downtown has seen the closure of several older hotels in the last few years, there is an increasing demand for hotel rooms as the amenities and events in downtown continue to grow," the documents stated.

Nursariwala has increased the number of rooms from 114 to 120 rooms and incorporated the balconies into the building to add more square footage to each room. Plans also call for the construction of a new pool area, fitness center and breakfast kitchen. The adjacent restaurant will be transformed into 1854 Grille, which will commemorate the year Sioux City was founded and showcase local history with its decor.

"The property has continued to diminish in value over the last few years and without a major re-investment the property is likely to remain seriously undervalued and not commercially viable," the documents stated.

Under the terms of the proposed development agreement, Nursariwala would commit to investing $10 million to renovate the property into a 120-room Hilton DoubleTree and full-service restaurant. He would enter into a minimum assessment agreement of $10 million, beginning Jan. 1, 2025 and continuing for a period of ten years.

In turn, the city would provide 50% property tax rebates on the new incremental taxes created by the value added to the property for a period of 10 years. Total property tax rebates are estimated at $1,070,000, according to the documents.

Agape Community Services agreement

The council is also expected to weigh whether to accept Agape Community Services' proposal to purchase land at 3501 28th Street and authorize a development agreement with the nonprofit.

Agape wants to construct a $12 million, 50,000-square-foot cognitive behavioral therapy and faith-based inpatient treatment center for men on 38.82 acres of city-owned land. The property was previously gifted to the city. City staff has received and recorded a consent for use from the previous owner to allow for the sale of land to Agape. The city previously received a similar consent to release adjacent land that was sold for the Woodbury County Law Enforcement Center.

Under the terms of the proposed development agreement, Agape would purchase the property for $710,000, making a $500,000 payment to the city at the time of closing. The nonprofit would receive a $210,000 forgivable loan from the city for the community benefit provided by the development. Agape would also be required annually to furnish the city with evidence that it has provided services to at least 20 clients in its first year of operation, 35 clients in its second year and 50 clients in years three through 10.

Construction on the facility would have to begin before April 30, 2027 and be completed by Dec. 31, 2029.

The city, in turn, would forgive $21,000 of the forgivable loan per year for up to 10 years upon annual receipt of satisfactory evidence that Agape has provided services to the appropriate number of clients. The total amount of the forgivable loan would not exceed $210,000. The city would also maintain a permanent utility easement on the property to allow access to the existing sanitary sewer line and other utilities.

Proposed Knife River relocation

The council is also expected to give third and final consideration to a rezoning request for a 30-acre tract of land at 3700 Jefferson St., which would allow Knife River to relocate its operations there.

Dolf Ivener, a Sioux City businessman, made the request to rezone the property, which is currently general commercial, to general industrial. The site would be used for heavy industry, including aggregate storage and concrete/asphalt batch plants. Knife River, which specializes in aggregates, asphalt, ready-mix concrete and construction, has outgrown its current facility at 2220 Hawkeye Drive.

Residents of the Leeds neighborhood have expressed concerns about noise, dust and being able to sell their houses, as well as the proposed relocation's impact on quality of life.
Stewart Huff

Sioux City

The venerable Stew Huff, native of Sioux City, born during the July 4th Holiday, 1940 to Wallace and Marion Huff, died due to a severe stroke suffered the Friday of our Labor Day holiday, 2024. Stew grew up in Sioux City, attended Central High School, and then graduated from Wentworth Military Academy.

A private family service will be taking place soon and a celebration of life for friends and family will be scheduled in the coming fall 2024 and will be subsequently publicized shortly by family. This event will take place on a fall Friday late afternoon in Sioux City per Stew's detailed wishes. Stew wanted everyone to celebrate his life with him and not feel sadness, so the upcoming event will be a party and not a traditional funeral.

After graduation, Stew entered the University of Iowa, was a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity and received his Bachelor of Arts degree in political science in 1963 and thereafter his law degree at Go Hawkeyes not Cyclones College of Law in 1965. Upon graduation from law school, Stew joined the United States Army where he was stationed initially at Fort Knox, Kentucky and thereafter at Fort Gordon, Georgia for a period of two years of active duty before returning home and becoming the commanding officer of the Headquarters Company, Third Battalion, Fourteenth Artillery USAR in Sioux City, Iowa.

Upon returning to Sioux City in 1967, Stew became a member of what is now the Crary Huff law firm where he continued in active practice until July 2012. He then became of counsel' with Crary Huff for several years before fully retiring after having active licenses in South Dakota, Nebraska, and Iowa.

During his 50+ years of practice, Stew was actively engaged in leading many professional and community activities including:

Professional  He is a past member of the Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota State Bar Associations. Stew was also on the Board of Governors of the Iowa State Bar Association and past chair of the business law section of the Iowa State Bar Association. He also served on the Iowa Supreme Court Grievance Committee and the Iowa Supreme Court disciplinary board. He is a Past President of the Woodbury County Bar Association and served as a part-time attorney for the City of Sioux City for four years during his earliest years of practicing law.

Scholastic  Stew served as an adjunct professor at the University of South Dakota College of Law, teaching in the area of business transactions, business succession planning, and modern real estate law. The challenge of working with bright young professional minds was something he genuinely enjoyed.

Community Activities  Stew loved the Little Yellow Dog Foundation and was a consistent leader and donor to the Ancient and Effervescent Order of the Little Yellow Dogs, which provides assistance to local Siouxland families that need help each year. Stew served as a leader of the Siouxland Chapter of the American Red Cross, the Easter Seal Society of Siouxland, the Woodbury County Civil Service Commission, the Sioux City Transit Board, and he has served on numerous committees within his churches and various social organizations to which he belonged. He has also served as a member and Chairman of the Dakota Dunes Community Association and on the board of the Homeowners' Association for the Retreats at Stone Fountain at Arnold's Park, Iowa.

During his decades of legal practice, Stew worked in virtually every area of the practice of law but has particularly enjoyed over the past 25+ years of working with clients on business transactions and business succession planning. He has overseen hundreds of millions of dollars' worth of business transactions and has worked with a number of clients who are in their first, second, third, and even fourth generations of family ownership.

Stew and his wife Maureen "Mo" Huff reside in Dakota Dunes, South Dakota. She is a retired registered nurse in the tri-state area who has two adult children, Stew's stepson Mike Blankenship, who is president of Blankenship Paint and Glass in Dakota Dunes, South Dakota, and step daughter Kelly, who is a nurse anesthetist at the Surgery Center in Dakota Dunes.

Prior to marrying Mo, Stew was married to Jean Huff, now living in Yankton, South Dakota with whom he raised three sons, Peter, who owns a private equity firm called Blue Sage Capital in Austin, Texas and married to Kathleen, Steve who practices law in the tri-state area and married to Tracy, and Allen, who is a chiropractor practicing in partnership in North Platte, Nebraska and married to Monica. Stew enjoyed one last big trip with his sons in July and loved every minute of their time together. Stew also loved on his grandchildren, who were in his every thought. His grandchildren include Maxton Huff, Hudson Huff, and Addison Huff of Austin, Texas; Adrian and Noel Huff of Yankton, South Dakota; and Olivia Huff of North Platte, Nebraska. He was an important part in the lives of Mo's grandchildren, Mike and Jaime's two children Lainey and Jake and Kelly and Adam's children Bella, Ben and Breccan, of Dakota Dunes. Stew is survived by one brother, James, and his wife, Jeanette, of Dallas, Texas. Stew and Jim were soulmates as children and just as close as adults that loved to see each other often.

Together, Stew and Maureen were frequent travelers who enjoyed countless long and short "Sunday drives" to engage their many friends as well as traveling to enjoy the activities of their ten (10) grandchildren. Stew loved his family, serving his clients, and giving back to his community what he received during his decades of practice. Countless friends and family and family will miss him each and every day. We love you, Stew!
Four years ago, Liz Cheney was a high-ranking member of House Republican leadership who described Kamala Harris as a radical liberal who would raise taxes, take away guns & health insurance, and explode the size and power of the federal govt on social media. And this week, Cheney endorsed Harris for president. At this pace, Dick Cheney will be the Democratic nominee for president in 2028. (According to Liz, her father will vote for Harris as well.) What was interesting about Cheneys announcement, which she made in a speech at Duke University this week, was how she took on fellow anti-Trump Republicans who prefer to simply write in a candidate. I dont believe we have the luxury of writing in candidates names, particularly in swing states, she said. As a conservative, as someone who believes in and cares about the Constitution, I have thought deeply about this, and because of the danger that Donald Trump poses, not only am I not voting for Donald Trump, but I will be voting for Kamala Harris. Compare that with the words this week from former Pennsylvania Sen. Pat Toomey, who had voted to convict Trump on impeachment charges in 2021. Toomey said on CNBC of Trump: When you lose an election and you try to overturn the results so that you can stay in power, you lose me. You lose me at that point. He also said, though, that he couldnt vote for Harris, arguing that it is an acceptable position for me to say that neither of these candidates can be my choice for president. Uh-oh. Liz Cheney is going to beat you up!
The beauty of temples in the region is mixed with bunkers and tanks.

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.

https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=10KHWJcvMLglXsvpi4BUxk9MPFAOOHDI&ehbc=2E312F

The road from Medzilaborce to Svidnik is winding but filled with stops worth making. In the village of Mikova, the birthplace of Andy Warhol's parents, a newly opened memorial room, resembling a modern museum, awaits visitors.

The exhibition centres on the life of the famous artist's mother, Julia, who continued to support him even after he became a renowned pop art icon in New York. The exhibition was initiated by jeweller Petra Toth. The municipality does not own any Warhol family artefacts. It narrates the story of Julia's emigration and life in the USA. Admission is voluntary, and souvenirs are available for purchase. However, the birthplace of Andy Warhol's mother no longer stands in the village.

The war cementeries in Medzilaborce are hidden from tourists. (Source: SME-Jozef Rynik)

UNESCO World Heritage sites

As we travel from Mikova, we encounter several wooden churches in the villages of Mirola, Bodruzal, and Ladomirova. These churches, often located right by the roadside, are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites, making them well worth a stop to admire both their exterior and interior.

For those interested in military history, we recommend visiting the military cemeteries, such as the one in Hunkovce. One cemetery serves as the final resting place for nearly 3,100 German soldiers who died during the Carpathian-Dukla operation in 1944, while the other is the burial site for soldiers who fell during the First World War.

Tanks near Death Valley, the site of intense fighting during World War II. (Source: SME-Jozef Rynik)

Tanks and Lithuanian bikers

In front of Svidnik stands a monument to the Dukla tankmen. While visiting, we met a group of Lithuanian bikers who were keen on taking pictures of the tanks. They were particularly fascinated by a scene of a Soviet tank battling a German one, where the German tank was clearly losing the fight.

Not far from there lies Death Valley, an open-air museum showcasing military equipment scattered across the meadows. These meadows were the site of intense fighting during the Second World War as part of the Carpathian-Dukla operation. Soviet troops and the 1st Czechoslovak Army Corps fought through the Carpathians for many weeks during the autumn of 1944.

Although they eventually broke through the fierce German resistance, it came at a heavy cost, with over 60,000 Soviet and Czechoslovak soldiers losing their lives in the battle.

Additionally, near the village of Kruzlova, there is a bullet-shaped watchtower that offers a great viewpoint to overlook the entire Death Valley.

Another observation tower is located directly at Dukla on the Polish-Slovak border. Standing 50 metres high, it was completely renovated last year and offers a splendid view of both Slovak and Polish territories, where battles against the German fascists took place in 1944.

Tourists can also explore military history in the town of Svidnik, home to the Military History Museum. The museum offers an outdoor exhibition showcasing tanks and planes in the park. Visitors can also view military uniforms, badges, clothing, and authentic frontline film footage.

Aquaruthenia is a large outdoor swimming pool complex in Svidnik. (Source: SME-Jozef Rynik)

Swimming in the town of war monuments

If you are not interested in military history and prefer sunshine and water, you can visit the local water park in Svidnik. The park, named Aquaruthenia after the Ruthenians, a minority living in the region, has been in operation for over two decades and continues to expand with new pools, wellness facilities, and children's attractions.

Aquaruthenia primarily caters to families with children, featuring artificial waves, water slides, and playgrounds. While most visitors are local, the park's proximity to the Polish border means that Polish visitors also frequent the site. According to Jozef Kral, the owner, there are days when the number of Polish visitors exceeds that of locals. To encourage longer stays from abroad, the aquapark has started offering accommodation this year, in addition to the car camping that has been available for several years.

Kral notes that stays of two to three days are common, and during the summer, visitors can be found at the park on both weekdays and weekends.

Imperfect cooperation

According to Kral, there is still significant potential for cooperation among entrepreneurs in the tourism industry in the northern region of Slovakia. He believes that a coordinating entity that commands respect from entrepreneurs is key.

Slovaks could learn from the Poles in their willingness to collaborate in business and effectively utilise European funds, according to the businessman. Over the past decade, the Poles have made significant progress in tourism, both quantitatively and qualitatively, he notes.

Additionally, there are ambitious plans for the future at the aquapark. The intention is to cover some pools so visitors can swim there even in bad weather. There are also plans to renovate and expand the area's attractions to draw more visitors.

In Medzilaborce, you can enjoy a bath at the Typton Hotel, which offers the unique experience of beer baths in tubs. The hotel is well-regarded in the town, largely because of the Andy Warhol Museum of Modern Art.

During our visit, we encountered a group of Italian cyclists who were delighted to find a pizza place. The hotel also rents out bicycles, making it an ideal choice for this type of tourist. The surrounding forests feature long cycle paths that extend all the way to Poland.

Sights in northeastern Slovakia: Medzilaborce district Andy Warhol Museum of Modern Art: It is currently undergoing renovation.

It is currently undergoing renovation. Church of the Holy Spirit: Built in the Old Russian Renaissance style, it features exceptional interior decoration.

Built in the Old Russian Renaissance style, it features exceptional interior decoration. Miniskanzen (a small open-air museum): Here, you can view miniatures of traditional folk architecture.

(a small open-air museum): Here, you can view miniatures of traditional folk architecture. Mikova: Memorial room dedicated to Andy Warhol and his mother, Julia.

Memorial room dedicated to Andy Warhol and his mother, Julia. Certizne: Cemetery of notable Ruthenian figures, including writer Adolf Dobriansky.

Cemetery of notable Ruthenian figures, including writer Adolf Dobriansky. The Jewish cemetery: Commemorates the large Jewish community that once lived in Medzilaborce.

Commemorates the large Jewish community that once lived in Medzilaborce. Krasny Brod: Ruins of a monastery.

Ruins of a monastery. Habura: Heritage fruit orchard owned by Anna Fecakova, who has a large collection of plum trees.

Heritage fruit orchard owned by Anna Fecakova, who has a large collection of plum trees. Devil's Stone: A sandstone rock with a carved relief of a devils head. Svidnik district Military bunkers in Vysny Komarnik : reminiscent of the intense fighting during World War II in the forests of the Eastern Carpathians.

: reminiscent of the intense fighting during World War II in the forests of the Eastern Carpathians. Wooden churches in the villages of Prikra, Mirola, Bodrudzal, and Ladomirova.

in the villages of Prikra, Mirola, Bodrudzal, and Ladomirova. Farma Pod Ciernou Horou in Jurkova Vola offers horse riding.

in Jurkova Vola offers horse riding. Museum of Ukrainian Culture with an open-air museum.

with an open-air museum. Medvedie and Sarbov ski resorts. Stropkov district Stropkov Manor House: A historical museum.

A historical museum. The animal park is particularly suitable for families with children.

is particularly suitable for families with children. Domasa reservoir : Ideal for summer recreation and water sports.

: Ideal for summer recreation and water sports. Waterfalls in the village of Vladica.

in the village of Vladica. Museum of the Tokajik Tragedy: Located in the village of Tokajik, this museum and memorial commemorate the victims of fascism from the autumn of 1944, when the Germans killed 32 men and burned part of the village.

Spectacular Slovakia travel guides

Krasna Horka Castle (Source: Courtesy of Spectacular Slovakia)
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240907/china-africa-trade-yields-win-win-outcomes-while-west-only-seeks-to-exploit-continent-1120069571.html

China-Africa Trade Yields 'Win-Win Outcomes' While West Only Seeks to Exploit Continent

China-Africa Trade Yields 'Win-Win Outcomes' While West Only Seeks to Exploit Continent

Sputnik International

The recently concluded 9th summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FCAC), which was attended by leaders of over 50 African states, has once again highlighted the level of relations between China and Africa.

2024-09-07T18:46+0000

2024-09-07T18:46+0000

2024-09-07T18:46+0000

analysis

china

sub-saharan africa

trade

relations

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/09/07/1120069759_0:40:3072:1768_1920x0_80_0_0_63f63c22ed6d2a92afac750598756e70.jpg

The importance of the summit itself, which got branded by Chinese media as the biggest diplomatic event organized by Beijing in recent years, stems from the significance of its outcomes and the optimism generated by its final declaration and action plan for cooperation in a China-Africa Community with a Shared Future, said Prof. Alexis Habiyaremye from the University of Johannesburg.The elevation of China-Africa relation to the level of an all-weather strategic partnership is testament to the shared understanding of the unique importance of a strong connection between China and African countries in an increasingly multipolar world, said Habiyaremye, a senior researcher at the DSI/NRF South African Research Chair in Industrial Development. One in which a strong China can rely on a strong Africa to face common threats emanating from other poles.Commenting on the practical outcomes of the summit, the professor mentioned an action plan for cooperation covering knowledge exchange, industrialization, connectivity, trade links and security, as well as Beijings commitment to a considerable budget of $50 billion to implement the related projects.According to Prof. Habiyaremye, what makes China the major, if not the main, trading partner of the majority of African countries is the actual win-win outcomes of the Sino-African trade as opposed to exploitative trade with Western trade partners that established monopolies over natural resources in secret military cooperation arrangements with former colonial powers.Trade with China enables those countries to break established extractive monopolies and gain better deals for their products and resources, he said.Meanwhile, trade between African countries and the West is usually structured as extractive monopolies intended to keep Africa down and unable to produce anything else than raw materials for Western corporations, Prof. HabiyaremyeHe also pointed out that, as the most important global manufacturing powerhouse, China offers more affordable products with a higher value-for-money ratio.China has become the largest bilateral trading partner of sub-Saharan Africa, with the total trade volume reaching $282 billion in 2023, CNBC Africa noted this June.Some 16% of the African countries imports today arrive from China which also serves as the destination of about 20% of the African exports, the media outlet adds, citing the data from IMF.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240817/how-africa-is-stopping-the-hegemonic-craziness-of-the-us-and-the-west-1119805904.html

china

sub-saharan africa

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

china africa trade, sino-african relations, china africa cooperation
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240907/half-million-people-gather-in-tel-aviv-for-rally-in-support-of-gaza-hostages---organizers-1120071906.html

Half Million People Gather in Tel Aviv for Rally in Support of Gaza Hostages - Organizers

Half Million People Gather in Tel Aviv for Rally in Support of Gaza Hostages - Organizers

Sputnik International

Around half a million Israelis took to the streets of Tel Aviv to demand a hostage deal with Hamas.

2024-09-07T22:02+0000

2024-09-07T22:02+0000

2024-09-07T22:02+0000

world

benjamin netanyahu

gaza strip

hamas

israel

tel aviv

joe biden

middle east

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/09/07/1120071749_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_ef6ce1fbff18cde81717ad927214cf0e.jpg

The organizers of the largest rally in Tel Aviv claimed 500,000 activists in attendance, a Sputnik correspondent reported. The protesters once again called for an immediate deal to free the hostages from the Gaza Strip and blamed the Israeli government for the deaths of dozens of them. The largest protest action, which has become a weekly event, is taking place in the center of Tel Aviv near the government buildings complex, where, in particular, the Defense Ministry headquarters is located. Ambulance crews and large police forces are on duty at the scene, blocking traffic in the city center and setting up barriers to prevent possible riots and blocking of neighboring highways, which has happened repeatedly during previous protests. In particular, Russian native Andrei Kozlov, who was released from Hamas captivity, addressed the crowd of thousands of demonstrators, calling on them not to miss the chance to conclude a deal and free the hostages remaining in Gaza. Kozlov and three other hostages were rescued on June 8 during a complex military operation by the Israeli army in the area of the Nuseirat refugee camp in the center of the Gaza Strip. Mass anti-government demonstrations have flared up in Israel this week with renewed vigor in solidarity with the families of hostages amid news of the murder of six kidnapped Israelis in the Gaza Strip, including Russian citizen Alexander Lobanov. Gaza talks through mediators have been underway in Cairo and Doha for several weeks, but no specific progress or success has been reported. Earlier this week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the issue of control of the Philadelphi Corridor was far from being the only stumbling block to reaching an agreement, adding that there was no agreement on literally any of the key points. According to Netanyahu, Palestinian movement Hamas initially did not agree with the American settlement plan presented in May and made 29 adjustments to it. Israel, however, fully approved of the plan, as the prime minister himself has repeatedly stated. Hamas said on Thursday said that it did not need new proposals for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. The movement noted that it was necessary to put pressure on Netanyahu so that he fulfilled "what was agreed upon." A senior White House official recently said that the hostage exchange deal with Hamas has been agreed upon by 90%. The media reported that, amid the lack of progress in the negotiations, the US side was working on another proposal for the conflicting parties, which was based on Joe Biden's May plan, but would require Israel and Hamas to make compromises. US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director William Burns, who is actively involved in the negotiations as a mediator, said on Saturday that a new proposal for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip in exchange for the release of the hostages was being finalized, and stressed that ending the conflict would require some difficult decisions and political compromises from both Israel and Hamas. According to Israeli data, 101 people are still held captive by Hamas, including those believed to be dead. Through various operations and humanitarian efforts, 154 people were returned from Hamas captivity, including the dead hostages whose bodies were taken from the enclave.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240902/turkish-egyptian-leaders-to-discuss-gaza-ceasefire-at-upcoming-meeting---reports-1119985449.html

gaza strip

israel

tel aviv

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

tel aviv protests, hostage protests, do israelis like netanyahu, protests in israel
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240907/idf-says-attacked-hamas-command-center-located-in-gaza-school-1120065364.html

IDF Says Attacked Hamas Command Center Located in Gaza School

IDF Says Attacked Hamas Command Center Located in Gaza School

Sputnik International

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it attacked a command and control center of Palestinian movement Hamas, located in a school in the northern Gaza Strip.

2024-09-07T06:01+0000

2024-09-07T06:01+0000

2024-09-07T06:01+0000

world

middle east

gaza strip

israel

israel defense forces (idf)

hamas

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/08/11/1119801821_0:209:3072:1937_1920x0_80_0_0_8005cc046374d25ad4e6f576271bcbb2.jpg

"A short while ago, with the direction of IDF and ISA [Israel Security Agency] intelligence, the IAF conducted a precise strike on terrorists who were operating inside a Hamas command and control center. The command and control center was embedded inside a compound that previously served as the Halima al-Sa'diyya School in the northern Gaza Strip," the IDF said on Telegram on Saturday. Hamas members used the command and control center to plan and "execute terror attacks" against the IDF, the statement added. The Israeli military reportedly took measures "to mitigate the risk of harming civilians." 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 the military and civilians and took hostages. Israeli authorities say that about 1,200 people were killed during the raid. The IDF 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 40,800.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240814/idf-says-hamas-shelled-humanitarian-corridor-in-rafah-area-1119764656.html

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

the israel defense forces (idf) said it attacked a command and control center of palestinian movement hamas, located in a school in the northern gaza strip.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240907/india-successfully-test-launches-agni-4-ballistic-missile-1120065211.html

India Successfully Test-Launches Agni-4 Ballistic Missile

India Successfully Test-Launches Agni-4 Ballistic Missile

Sputnik International

India successfully test-launched the Agni-4 medium-range ballistic missile, the Indian Defense Ministry said.

2024-09-07T05:59+0000

2024-09-07T05:59+0000

2024-09-07T05:59+0000

military

india

agni-iii (agni-3)

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/0a/15/1102502740_0:0:600:338_1920x0_80_0_0_051d12ac28838a2645182579b780a94f.png

India successfully test-launched the Agni-4 medium-range ballistic missile, the Indian Defense Ministry said. India is also working on a new type ballistic missiles that can be launched from submarines."A successful launch of an Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile, Agni-4, was carried out from the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha on September 06, 2024. The launch successfully validated all operational and technical parameters," the ministry said in a statement on Friday.The Agni-6 missile is also being developed, with a range of up to 10,000 kilometers and the ability to be launched from a submarine.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240823/independence-vs-subservience-what-is-the-difference-between-india-and-ukraine-1119890172.html

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

india, indian ballistic missile, indian defense ministry, indian missiles, india army
Donald Trump announced Thursday that if elected president he would appoint billionaire Elon Musk to lead an audit of government spending and implement "drastic" reform.

Trump said that at Musk's suggestion, he would "create a government efficiency commission tasked with conducting a complete financial and performance audit of the entire federal government," with the Tesla CEO as its chief.

Trump, who is known for hyperbole and at times outright fiction, told the Economic Club of New York the effort could save "trillions and trillions of dollars."

"This commission will develop an action plan to totally eliminate fraud and improper payments within six months," Trump claimed.

Musk -- who has said he previously voted for Democratic candidates -- has thrown his weight and considerable wealth behind Trump since a gunman tried to assassinate the former president at a rally in July.

Musk has a history of sparring with regulators, as when the Securities and Exchange Commission required vetting of his Twitter posts following 2018 tweets that the agency characterized as "false and misleading."

Other Musk initiatives, such as his pursuit of autonomous driving technology, also face oversight by government agencies.

Jordan Libowitz, a spokesman for Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics, an NGO, said Trump's proposal to appoint Musk was still too vague to really know if there is a conflict of interest.

But he said Musk should recuse himself from policy influence on decisions that directly affect his businesses, such as government contracts for SpaceX or policy actions on autonomous driving.

Libowitz also thought it was likely that Musk would need to disclose his financial holdings, which would be made public under US regulations.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240907/japans-next-prime-minister-may-be-elected-on-october-1---reports-1120064192.html

Japan's Next Prime Minister May Be Elected on October 1 - Reports

Japan's Next Prime Minister May Be Elected on October 1 - Reports

Sputnik International

According to local media, the next prime minister of Japan will be elected during an extraordinary session of the Japanese parliament, which may be called on October 1.

2024-09-07T01:51+0000

2024-09-07T01:51+0000

2024-09-07T01:51+0000

asia

fumio kishida

japan

liberal democratic party (ldp) of japan

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/01/18/1116355283_0:159:3077:1889_1920x0_80_0_0_73012baa8739b6ef9d13b5271d4c9ca8.jpg

The ruling coalition of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the Komeito party is currently discussing the date of the extraordinary session of parliament with opposition parties, the report said on Friday, adding that the date is expected to be approved by the end of the month. The ruling coalition has a majority in both houses of the parliament, therefore, the winner of the election of the next head of the LDP will become the 101st prime minister of Japan, the report read. The election to choose a new head of the ruling LDP will be held on September 27. Incumbent Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida will not run for reelection as the party leader.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240901/us-bandwagoners-and-hawks-who-are-potential-japan-pm-candidates-1119977361.html

japan

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

japan's next prime minister, japanese election, liberal democratic party of japan elections
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240907/judge-delays-sentencing-in-trump-hush-money-case-until-november-26-1120063603.html

Judge Delays Sentencing in Trump Hush Money Case Until November 26

Judge Delays Sentencing in Trump Hush Money Case Until November 26

Sputnik International

New York Supreme Court Judge Juan Merchan delayed sentencing in former US President Donald Trump's "hush money" case until after election in order to not interfere with the 2024 presidential election.

2024-09-07T00:45+0000

2024-09-07T00:45+0000

2024-09-07T00:45+0000

americas

donald trump

alvin bragg

stormy daniels

us

new york supreme court

new york

manhattan

sputnik

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/05/07/1118325867_0:143:3284:1990_1920x0_80_0_0_3331aab6eaaf8f5a3861f4a6f698a479.jpg

"By letter dated August 14, 2024, Defendant requests an adjournment of his sentencing, currently scheduled for September 18, 2024, until after the 2024 presidential election," Merchan said in a letter to counsel filed on Friday. "Ordered, that sentencing on this matter, if necessary, is adjourned to November 26, 2024, at 10:00 a.m." Merchan scheduled a decision on a motion to set aside the jury verdict in the case and dismiss the indictment for November 12. According to reports, a spokesperson for the Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg said that a jury of 12 New Yorkers "swiftly and unanimously" convicted Donald Trump of 34 felony counts. Moreover, the report noted that the Manhattan DA's Office also indicated that it is ready for sentencing on the new date set by the court. In May, a jury found Trump guilty of falsifying records to cover up an alleged affair with adult film actress Stormy Daniels.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240830/new-indictment-against-trump-unlikely-to-lead-to-trial-ahead-of-election---expert-1119961124.html

americas

new york

manhattan

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

donald trump sentencing, trump hush money case, will trump go to jail
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240907/new-french-prime-minister-says-will-revisit-pension-reform-1120064949.html

New French Prime Minister Says Will Revisit Pension Reform

New French Prime Minister Says Will Revisit Pension Reform

Sputnik International

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Newly appointed French Prime Minister Michel Barnier announced his intention to resume discussions on the controversial pension reform. 07.09.2024, Sputnik International

2024-09-07T03:41+0000

2024-09-07T03:41+0000

2024-09-07T03:41+0000

world

europe

michel barnier

newsfeed

france

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/09/06/1120056541_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_c9ebd388b4cd1b6a2208d4c785c04a2c.jpg

Large-scale protests against the pension reform took place in France from January to June 2023. Mass actions involved more than a million participants across the country, but in September, a law on a gradual increase in the retirement age from 62 to 64 years came into force.. At the same time, he refused to confirm whether the provision on a gradual increase in the retirement age envisaged by the reform would be revised, limiting himself to saying that he wants to act taking into account the countrys budget. Barnier plans to speak on this issue before both houses of the parliament in the coming weeks, the report added. In addition, the prime minister outlined the priorities of his government, such as establishing control over migration flows through specific measures, improving public services and preventing the growth of France's national debt, the report read.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240622/frances-left-wing-parties-vow-to-scrap-macrons-controversial-pension-reform-if-elected-1119056289.html

france

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

europe, michel barnier, newsfeed, france
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240907/no-us-style-witch-hunt-in-russia--american-journo--1120067612.html

No US-Style Witch Hunt in Russia  American Journo

No US-Style Witch Hunt in Russia  American Journo

Sputnik International

U.S. authorities are dissatisfied with the inadequate policies of the regime of Volodymyr Zelensky, whom Washington may remove from office in light of the Russian strike on a training center in Poltava, American journalist Jackson Hinkle said in an interview on the sidelines of Estern Economic Forum.

2024-09-07T16:35+0000

2024-09-07T16:35+0000

2024-09-08T13:33+0000

world

eastern economic forum

2024 us presidential election

russia

brics

ukraine

donald trump

volodymyr zelensky

vivek ramaswamy

ukrainian armed forces

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/06/19/1119120914_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_5478e6798d0241d9c31eaebb8b354519.jpg

If Scott Ritter, a former US Marine Corps intelligence officer who cooperated with Russian media, and the assets of Dimitri Simes, a Russian political scientist with US citizenship, were in Russia and not within the reach of the presumably free US, they would not be threatened by a witch hunt, US journalist Jackson Hinkle told Sputnik on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum 2024.Ritter said that he was forced to stop cooperation with RT and Sputnik because of the new US sanctions against Russian media companies, while expressing gratitude to his Russian colleagues for their professionalism. For his part, Hinkle said that sanctions and the "witch hunt" waged against the Russian media cannot stop him, because he is in Russia and he is safe. Hinkle also noted that if Ritter were in Russia, his passport wouldn't have been confiscated.In June, Ritter told Sputnik that US Customs and Border Protection officers seized his passport on State Department orders, preventing him from attending the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.Likewise, if the paintings and all of Dimitri Simes Senior's belongings were in Russia, they wouldn't have been seized. In August, the FBI confirmed to Sputnik a search at his estate in the US. As Simes Sr. told Sputnik, he was not notified of the search in advance and had not been to the US since October 2022. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that American restrictions on the performance of Russian media indicate the degradation of the US and its transformation into a totalitarian neoliberal dictatorship.US May Oust Zelensky After Poltava Training Center Strike US authorities are dissatisfied with the inadequate policies of the regime of Volodymyr Zelensky, whom Washington may remove from office in light of the Russian strike on a training center in Poltava, American journalist Jackson Hinkle said in an interview on the sidelines of Estern Economic Forum.He noted that the U.S. has reasons to remove Zelensky and possess necessary experience. Hinkle stressed that the Ukrainian side believed it could act with impunity, but Russia, responding to a terrorist attack by the Ukrainian Armed Forces on the Kursk region, struck the training center in Poltava since Kiev crossed Moscow's red lines.Earlier Russian Armed Forces launched a high-precision strike on Poltava training center with foreign military instructors within. As a result of a missile strike, about 500 military pros including foreign mercs were killed or wounded.Western Citizens Unaware of Their Mercs in UkraineJackson Hinkle also commented on the Russian special operation in Ukraine saying that residents of the US and other Western countries do not know that their fellow citizens participate in combat operations as mercenaries on the side of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the Kursk region and in the special operation zone as a whole; the media do not inform the public of the truth about the conflict, he said.Well-trained mercenaries from several Western countries, including the US, France, and Britain, as well as professional soldiers acting as mercenaries, are involved in the terrorist attack on the Kursk region, Hinkle pointed out.The Russian Ministry of Defense previously reported the destruction of mercenaries from the US, the UK, Georgia, and other countries and regularly reports on the defeat of areas where foreigners fighting on Kiev's side are concentrated.US Knew Ahead About Ukrainian Government Reshuffle, Likely Pushed It The White House knew beforehand about the mass resignations in the Ukrainian government that were probably conducted under US pressure, Jackson Hinkle told Sputnik.Such a massive dismissal, he added, could not have happened without a serious dialogue with the US, even if it took place behind the curtains and didnt involve top officials of the State Department.On September 4th, Volodymyr Zelensky made a surprise reshuffle of senior officials in Kiev. Among them, Rostyslav Shurma, the deputy head of Zelenskys office, was dismissed, as was Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba.Earlier, experts said that the Cabinet reshuffle is likely a sham political reboot aimed at showing off democratic process in the country.Turkiye in BRICS Scares USWashington is alarmed by Turkiye, a key NATO member, seeking to join BRICS, Jackson Hinkle also suggested.Earlier, Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov confirmed that Turkiye had applied for full membership in BRICS, and its application is now under review.Trump May Accept New Russian RegionsThe US administration, should Donald Trump win, might recognize new Russias regions in exchange for diplomatic cooldown between Russia and China, US journalist said. However he stresses that the US is not in position to negotiate on its terms.He noted that a businessman close to Trump, former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, had proposed the idea of recognizing new Russian territories.However, Hinkle expressed doubt that Trump would be able to end the conflict in Ukraine within 24 hours. According to Hinkle, this idea has little prospect, as the US is not in a position to dictate its terms.Earlier, Trump claimed that he could stop the hostilities in Ukraine within 24 hours if he won the election. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, commenting on Trump's words, said the Ukrainian conflict was too complex a problem for such a simple solution.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240828/zelenskys-gas-threats-making-europeans-realize-its-not-profitable-to-go-to-war-with-russia-1119941367.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240906/russian-strike-on-training-center-in-poltava-killed-and-wounded-about-500-mercs-from-europe-1120059774.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240906/ukraine-govt-reshuffle-nothing-more-than-sham-political-reboot-1120051926.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240906/lavrov-on-turkiyes-movement-toward-brics-rules-do-not-ban-simultaneous-nato-membership-1120051674.html

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

eastern economic forum, eef 2024, eastern economic forum, ukraine reshuffle, zelensky ousted
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240907/orban-says-not-in-europes-interests-to-take-ukraines-stance-in-conflict-with-russia-1120068476.html

Orban Says Not in Europe's Interests to Take Ukraines Stance in Conflict With Russia

Orban Says Not in Europe's Interests to Take Ukraines Stance in Conflict With Russia

Sputnik International

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban believes it is irrational for the European Union to adopt Ukraine's stance in its conflict with Russia, as this draws European countries deeper into the conflict, he has told Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera.

2024-09-07T13:19+0000

2024-09-07T13:19+0000

2024-09-07T13:24+0000

world

viktor orban

ukrainian crisis

european union (eu)

ukraine

russia

donald trump

volodymyr zelensky

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0c/0e/1115592092_0:0:2971:1671_1920x0_80_0_0_9192cbe728f727872d5f8a7cea4dc3dd.jpg

Orban stressed that such stance would be harmful.Brussels is interested in terminating the conflict, but the EU has become one of its sides, the politician added. In July, Orban met separately with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Volodymyr Zelensky, as part of his diplomatic efforts to open up lines of communication to resolve the conflict in Ukraine. He also met with US presidential candidate Donald Trump. Some EU leaders protested what they saw as Orban's alleged misuse of the bloc's rotating presidency.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240711/west-declares-open-season-on-hungarys-orban-for-his-trip-to-russia-1119338936.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

russia's special military operation, ukrainian crisis, orban ukraine, orban ukrainian crisis, orban diplomacy, orban russia, orban putin, ukraine russia orban
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240907/pakistani-man-charged-for-plotting-terrorist-attack-in-ny-in-support-of-is---justice-dept-1120064060.html

Pakistani Man Charged for Plotting Terrorist Attack in NY in Support of IS - Justice Dept.

Pakistani Man Charged for Plotting Terrorist Attack in NY in Support of IS - Justice Dept.

Sputnik International

The US Justice Department said in a statement that it has charged a 20-year-old Pakistani man with plotting a terror attack in New York City.

2024-09-07T01:38+0000

2024-09-07T01:38+0000

2024-09-07T01:41+0000

americas

us

newsfeed

canada

us justice department

new york city

sputnik

terror plot

islamic state

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/101670/21/1016702102_0:31:600:369_1920x0_80_0_0_3d3c691bf69d0b3ed0dd6c4ffc368b34.jpg

"A Pakistani citizen residing in Canada, Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, 20, also known as Shahzeb Jadoon, was arrested on Sept. 4 in Canada in connection with a complaint filed in the Southern District of New York. Khan was charged with attempting to provide material support and resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization (FTO), the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham," the statement said on Friday. According to the complaint, Khan was accused of plotting a terrorist attack in New York City around October 7th with the intent to target Jewish individuals on behalf of IS. Khan has been charged with attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, and if found guilty, could receive a maximum of 20 years in prison, the statement added.*Also known as the Islamic State, IS, a terrorist organization banned in Russia

americas

canada

new york city

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

terror attack foiled, isis attack in new york,
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240907/russian-forces-liberate-kalinovo-settlement-in-donetsk-peoples-republic---defense-ministry-1120066734.html

Russian Forces Liberate Kalinovo Settlement in Donetsk People's Republic - Defense Ministry

Russian Forces Liberate Kalinovo Settlement in Donetsk People's Republic - Defense Ministry

Sputnik International

Russia's Tsentr (Center) group of forces has taken control of the settlement of Kalinovo in the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR), the Russian Defense Ministry said on Saturday.

2024-09-07T10:14+0000

2024-09-07T10:14+0000

2024-09-07T10:14+0000

russia's special operation in ukraine

russian defense ministry

russia

russian army

russian armed forces

ukrainian crisis

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/07/17/1119471382_0:0:3069:1727_1920x0_80_0_0_5e06cec059603a0505dba1edc8198b29.jpg

Russia's Tsentr (Center) Battlegroup has taken control of the settlement of Kalinovo in the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR), the Russian Defense Ministry said on Saturday. Likewise, Kiev lost up to 810 soldiers in battles with troops of Russia's Yug (South) Battlegroup in the past 24 hours, while the latter managed to eliminate an ammunition stockpile and two armored vehicles, the ministry said on Saturday.The Zapad (West) Battlegroup eliminated up to 450 Ukrainian soldiers, the ministry added.Kiev also lost up to 110 soldiers as a result of actions by the Vostok (East) Battlegroup, the ministry said, adding that Ukrainian forces also lost two vehicles, a US-produced 155 mm M777 howitzer, a Bukovel-AD electronic warfare station and a US-made AN/TPQ-50 counter-battery radar.In the past 24 hours, the Tsentr (Center) Battlegroup eliminated up to 470 Ukrainian soldiers and repelled seven counterattacks, the ministry informed.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240831/ukraine-losing-air-force-commander-in-blame-game-highlights-f-16-drawbacks-1119973266.html

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

russia's special military operation, ukraine crisis, ukrainian crisis, russian army, kalinovo liberation, russian offensive, ukraine death toll
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240907/sanctions-against-russian-media-aimed-at-discrediting-potential-trump-victory---expert-1120065494.html

Sanctions Against Russian Media Aimed at Discrediting Potential Trump Victory - Expert

Sanctions Against Russian Media Aimed at Discrediting Potential Trump Victory - Expert

Sputnik International

The recent US sanctions against Russias Rossiya Segodnya international media group and the RT broadcaster is an effort by Democrat-leaning federal government to contest a potential win by former President Donald Trump in the upcoming presidential election by rehashing anti-Russia narratives, historian and political analyst Paul Gottfried, told Sputnik.

2024-09-07T06:30+0000

2024-09-07T06:30+0000

2024-09-07T06:30+0000

world

donald trump

margarita simonyan

russia

treasury

democratic party

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/07/1a/1119509450_0:0:3072:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_643e93ae165b742eafbc884a08906bac.jpg

The recent US sanctions against Russias Rossiya Segodnya international media group and the RT broadcaster is an effort by Democrat-leaning federal government to contest a potential win by former President Donald Trump in the upcoming presidential election by rehashing anti-Russia narratives, historian and political analyst Paul Gottfried, told Sputnik. "It is clear why the departments of our federal government, which are now subsidiaries of the Democratic Party, are screaming 'Russia, Russia, Russia' for the umpteenth time. They are being mobilized to contest the presidential election if they cant prevent Trump from winning. Unfortunately [for them], the same actors were involved in the same farce throughout the Trump presidency and may be losing credibility," Gottfried, who is the editor-in-chief of "Chronicles: A Magazine of American Culture" and Raffensperger professor of humanities emeritus at Elizabethtown College, said. On September 4, the US Department of the Treasury announced sanctions against the editor-in-chief of Russias Rossiya Segodnya international media group and the RT broadcaster, Margarita Simonyan, and her deputies Anton Anisimov and Elizaveta Brodskaia. Deputy Director of the RT English-Language Information Broadcasting Andrey Kiyashko, RTs Digital Media Projects Manager Konstantin Kalashnikov and a number of other employees of the broadcaster were also added to the sanctions list. The US State Department, in a parallel move, tightened the operating conditions for Rossiya Segodnya and its subsidiaries, designating them as "foreign missions." Under the Foreign Missions Act, they will be required to notify the department of all personnel working in the United States and disclose all real estate they own. US authorities also announced restrictions on the issuance of visas to individuals they allege are "acting on behalf of Kremlin-supported media organizations." However, the Department of State refused to disclose the names of those subject to the new visa restrictions. Commenting on the new sanctions, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller claimed the measures did not target any particular individual Russian journalists, but rather the employees of the targeted companies who were involved in "covert activities." Meanwhile, US authorities have charged Kalashnikov and another RT employee, Elena Afanasyeva, with money laundering conspiracy and violating the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA).

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240905/moscow-on-us-sanctions-against-rossiya-segodnya-retaliatory-measures-being-worked-out-1120023426.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240906/benny-johnson-declares-nobody-influenced-his-content-policies-1120061577.html

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

the recent us sanctions against russias rossiya segodnya international media group and the rt broadcaster is an effort by democrat-leaning federal government to contest a potential win by former president donald trump in the upcoming presidential election by rehashing anti-russia narratives, historian and political analyst paul gottfried, told sputnik.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240907/thousands-protest-across-france-against-barniers-appointment-as-prime-minister---reports-1120070232.html

Thousands Protest Across France Against Barniers Appointment as Prime Minister - Reports

Thousands Protest Across France Against Barniers Appointment as Prime Minister - Reports

Sputnik International

Thousands of people took to the streets across France on Saturday at the call of left-wing parties to protest the appointment of right-wing Michel Barnier as the new PM, French media reported.

2024-09-07T18:53+0000

2024-09-07T18:53+0000

2024-09-07T18:53+0000

world

europe

france

emmanuel macron

michel barnier

new popular front (nouveau front populaire)

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/09/07/1120070074_0:0:3071:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_8d5692346f566032fc32f1fda9a3473e.jpg

The left-wing French parties of the New Popular Front alliance, which gained the most seats in the latest snap parliamentary elections, have called on the citizens to hold protests across the country after French President Emmanuel Macron refused to appoint their candidate, Lucie Castets, as the head of the government. The blocs largest left-wing France Unbowed party earlier announced that at least 138 demonstrations were to be held in different French cities. About 2,000 protesters have gathered in France's western city of La Rochelle, while about 300 people walked out on a demonstration in the neighboring city of Saintes, the France Bleu radio broadcaster reported. Another demonstration is scheduled for 13:00 GMT in the city of Angouleme.About 600 people joined protests in the western department of Dordogne, while between 300 and 400 people protested outside the prefecture building in the southwestern city of Pau, France Bleu said. Some 600 people have gathered near the prefecture's building in the northwestern city of Le Mans. The protests also hit the island of Corse where about 100 people gathered in its largest city of Ajaccio to rally against Macron, the broadcaster said. In Paris, people are participating in a rally against "power usurpation by Macron," which has been organized by left-wing parties, a Sputnik correspondent reported. The protest is joined by lawmakers and leaders of the left-wing parties, including the founder of the France Unbowed party, Jean-Luc Melenchon, the correspondent said. The rally was attended by 26,000 people, the BFMTV broadcaster reported, citing the city authorities. At the same time, the organizers said that 160,000 people had taken part in the rally in Paris and 300,000 across the country.On Thursday, 73-year-old Barnier was appointed by Macron to the top post in the French cabinet 60 days after the country's snap parliamentary elections. Barnier is the oldest French politician in the role, taking over from 35-year-old Gabriel Attal, who was the youngest to be appointed.The results of the French polls left the country facing a hung parliament, with no party holding a majority. The New Popular Front, a broad alliance that includes France Unbowed, the Socialists, the Greens and the Communists, came out on top in the runoff, seizing 182 seats in the lower-house National Assembly. Macron's coalition came in second with 168 seats, while the right-wing National Rally party won 143 seats.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240831/france-unbowed-moves-to-impeach-macron---lawmaker-1119972531.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240906/how-macron-played-the-populists-1120062254.html

france

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 france, macron picks new pm, french new pm, left-wing parties protest in france
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240907/uk-to-extend-interflex-training-program-for-ukrainian-soldiers-until-2025---ministry-1120064837.html

UK to Extend Interflex Training Program for Ukrainian Soldiers Until 2025 - Ministry

UK to Extend Interflex Training Program for Ukrainian Soldiers Until 2025 - Ministry

Sputnik International

The United Kingdom will extend its training program for Ukrainian soldiers until the end of 2025, the UK Ministry said.

2024-09-07T03:37+0000

2024-09-07T03:37+0000

2024-09-07T03:37+0000

military

united kingdom (uk)

military & intelligence

newsfeed

ukraine

ramstein

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/02/18/1107775217_0:0:3145:1770_1920x0_80_0_0_f88ce04f95bb971f1f057ba553c01e63.jpg

Earlier on Friday, the Politico newspaper reported that UK Defense Secretary John Healey will announce the extension of the training program at the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) meeting at Ramstein Air Base in Germany. Interflex is the UK-led training program for Ukrainian recruits, which was launched in June 2022. It is the largest military training program in the UK since World War II. Northern European countries, the Baltic states, Australia and Canada also participate in the program.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240821/us-uk-poland-took-part-in-preparing-ukraines-operation-in-kursk---russian-foreign-intel-1119855186.html

united kingdom (uk)

ukraine

ramstein

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

ukrainian training, uk training ukrainian soldiers, uk involvement in ukraine
J Quinn from 'Drag Race Philippines' Season 3, 3D fractal look World of Wonder Productions J Quinn from 'Drag Race Philippines' Season 3, 3D fractal look World of Wonder Productions J Quinn from 'Drag Race Philippines' Season 3, 3D fractal look World of Wonder Productions

"Relieved"  that's the first word J Quinn says when I ask how they're doing after "Drag Race Philippines."

It's no surprise. J Quinn often found themselves at the center of arguments on the show. It might have made for good TV but was overwhelming for J Quinn, whose anxiety was mistaken for being aloof and unfriendly.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

J Quinn spoke about being misunderstood, dealing with anxiety today and their love of anime and Kpop.

Why was "relieved" the first feeling that came to mind?

I was part of most of the fights the whole season. I didn't mean to. I'm not a very competitive person. I was just really overstimulated, and I just wanted to get it over with. If I was going to win that lip sync, still same energy. Going home, I feel like, "I don't have to fight these bitches anymore."

J Quinn from 'Drag Race Philippines' Season 3, per-yeah look World of Wonder Productions

It was tough to watch sometimes, especially that moment at the table when the others were coming for you.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

That was really hard for me because it was early in recording. Oh, this early? We're gonna fight this early? Where is this coming from? I felt like the other girls just really didn't feel me at that point. I was shutting off so hard in the beginning of episode 5 because I was really anxious.

What were you anxious about?

Maybe another fight is gonna happen. Am I gonna bomb the challenge? I was about to shut off because I was really overstimulated with everything that was happening. I was in the bottom for two weeks. I was in the bottom with my drag sister for two weeks.

What's been going through your mind as you've been watching this season?

A lot of people that rooted for me are gonna be so disappointed. I was thinking, "This is not me. We only see a glimpse of the people on "Drag Race," but a lot of the viewers assumed that was me. No, that is not me. This is just me in a very tight competition with other girls. I don't know how to act inside of a competition. So I was agitated the whole time, the ADHD, the anxiety.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

J Quinn from 'Drag Race Philippines' Season 3, trashion look World of Wonder Productions

How do you deal with anxiety and those feelings today?

Block all of the hating accounts. And I've been spending a lot of time out of drag with my friends, outside, without talking anything about, without including topics about drag and "Drag Race." Jiggly (Caliente) actually approached me and said, "You need a life outside of drag." I've been doing that a lot lately. It really lessens the anxiety. I don't want to be on any medication anymore because I don't want to feel like I'm a robot. My medication is my friends and my family and my team without all of the drag stuff involved. Just talking, having fun, eating out. With the Ru girl money.

What's something positive for you that came out of the competition?

The best part of me on "Drag Race" was showcasing my very unique and distinct drag, especially here in the Philippines, where branding isn't really that appreciated. A lot of gay kids from different parts of Asia are really inspired with all of the very cosplay-ish type of drag that I have been bringing on the runway. And that is the most important part for me because my drag is a love letter to every gay boy who wants to explore their femininity through cosplay.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

J Quinn from 'Drag Race Philippines' Season 3 World of Wonder

Where did your love for anime and Kpop come from?

I am part Japanese, my dad is part Japanese, but we are adopted into a very Chinese-centric family here in the Philippines. I grew up in a Chinese-Filipino clan. I wanted to learn about me and my dad's culture. I learned a lot of that by myself through the internet. And here in the Philippines, I grew up in a very Chinese culture. My year starts every February because of Lunar New Year. I grew up being in love with Kpop and anime. It's just a mix of those three cultures tied together.

What's your favorite anime, and who is your favorite Kpop artist?

My favorite anime is "Sailor Moon." When I first saw (Tuxedo Mask), I was like, "Oh my God, this guy is so hot," even though it's a cartoon. "Sailor Moon" is very gay. There's a lesbian couple. My favorite K-pop group is TXT, Tomorrow X Together. I love them so much. Their music saved me a lot in 2019, so they're very special to me.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

J Quinn from 'Drag Race Philippines' Season 3, hometown realness look World of Wonder Productions

How did their music help you?

I was dealing with a lot of dark stuff in 2019. I was about to stop doing drag because I was really tired of all of the comments, "You're just all branding." I was dealing with my family going bankrupt. It was a series of unfortunate events. But when I heard TXT's song "Crown" it's about dealing with your own personal struggles and making it your crown. That really helped me a lot. I cried when I heard it. I love TXT.

What's next for J Quinn?
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240907/ukraine-loses-over-10700-soldiers-84-tanks-in-kursk-region-attack---russian-ministry-1120069090.html

Ukraine Loses Over 10,700 Soldiers, 84 Tanks in Kursk Region Attack - Russian Ministry

Ukraine Loses Over 10,700 Soldiers, 84 Tanks in Kursk Region Attack - Russian Ministry

Sputnik International

The Ukrainian armed forces have lost over 10,700 soldiers and 84 tanks in the course of the offensive in Russias Kursk Region, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Saturday.

2024-09-07T14:13+0000

2024-09-07T14:13+0000

2024-09-07T14:13+0000

russia's special operation in ukraine

russian army

russian armed forces

ukrainian crisis

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/06/1e/1119195370_0:0:3072:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_29f4e146e3be0bb466b96bce21332b6a.jpg

Meanwhile, over past last 24 hours, the Russian forces eliminated over 280 Ukrainian soldiers, 13 armored vehicles, including three tanks and 10 armored combat vehicles, nine artillery units, including a US-made 155mm M777 howitzer, 9 vehicles and an electronic warfare station in the Kursk direction, the ministry added. The Russian armed forces have also defeated the Ukrainian forces in a number of regional settlements, including Apanasovka, Vishnevka, Borki, Vnezapnoe and Gogolevka.

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

russia's special military operation, ukraine crisis, attack kursk, ukraine losses, ukraine death toll, ukraine losses tanks, russian army
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240907/unifil-positions-on-lebanon-israel-border-attacked-dozens-of-times-since-october--official-1120064698.html

UNIFIL Positions on Lebanon-Israel Border Attacked Dozens of Times Since October- Official

UNIFIL Positions on Lebanon-Israel Border Attacked Dozens of Times Since October- Official

Sputnik International

The positions of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has been shelled by dozens of times by both the Hezbollah movement in Lebanon and the Israeli Defense Force.

2024-09-07T03:24+0000

2024-09-07T03:24+0000

2024-09-07T03:27+0000

world

middle east

newsfeed

lebanon

israel

united nations interim force in lebanon (unifil)

hezbollah

israel defense forces (idf)

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/06/18/1119085082_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_257a793d453945e307612f959c7c022a.jpg

"Several peacekeeping servicemen have been wounded since last October, fortunately, all the injuries were minor. At the same time, UNIFIL positions and equipment have been shelled dozens of times during shelling from both sides," Ardell said.He added that such a trend raises serious concerns, "since the security of our forces is the guarantor of our role in ensuring the conditions for compliance with Resolution 1701."Tensions on the IsraelLebanon border have escalated since the beginning of Israels military operation in Gaza in October 2023. The IDF and Hezbollah fighters regularly attack each others positions in border regions. According to the Lebanese Foreign Ministry, some 100,000 people have been forced to flee their homes in the south of Lebanon because of Israeli shelling. Israeli authorities have said that about 80,000 residents of northern parts of the country had to leave because of Lebanons attacks.

lebanon

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

unifl, un in lebanon, un being bombed, un shelled
Jiggy Jog S  a familiar face to the North American racing scene but representing Sweden, where she was bred  improved from second in last year's MGM Yonkers International Trot to first in this year's $1.35 million edition on Saturday, Sept. 7, prevailing for driver Dexter Dunn and trainer Ake Svanstedt in 2:25 flat for the mile and a quarter distance.

Canadian representative Logan Park, driven by Doug McNair, got away well from post five, but Dunn wanted the front with Jiggy Jog and moved her out of second to take over the lead beyond the :29.3 opening quarter. Jiggy Jog was well-rated and didn't face any outside pressure through a sensible tempo of :58.2 and 1:27.2 while Hail Mary S (Orjan Kihlstrom), another Swedish representative, went first-up from fifth on the way to three-quarters, giving cover to U.S. representative Periculum (Scott Zeron).

Hail Mary couldn't really make any progress on the rim towards the 1:55.4 mile marker, and that allowed Jiggy Jog to get separation on the others as Periculum went three-wide early on the last turn. There was no catching Jiggy Jog, though, as she kept clear and allowed Dunn to raise his whip in celebration through the stretch. Periculum, coming off a victory in the Maple Leaf Trot a week ago, was a good second, 3-1/2 lengths behind Jiggy Jog, and France's Ideal San Leandro (Bjorn Goop) got third. Logan Park held fourth from U.S. representative Its Academic (David Miller).

"She's an amazing mare. It's always a pleasure to sit behind her. For her to win a race like that just adds to her great career," Dunn said following the race. "She's been in such great form. I talked to Ake and Sarah before the race, and they were confident that she could go on the front today against these ones, but it was always going to be up to seeing what happened early. There was a bit of speed from outside and a little bit from inside, but she left so well herself. Once the option was there to re-move and go to the front, we took that chance. We got pretty good fractions after that. I was sort of waiting for a bit more pressure the middle of the race, but she was strong.

"She was a good and clear second last year, but she was only a four-year-old mare then. It's always a big step up when they finish their three-year-old year and in their four-year-old year they've got to race the open horses. She's just got so much stronger and bigger and mentally tougher this year. You'll see she's been raced pretty lightly so far. Ake and Sarah have been taking their time and not racing her too much to make sure she's there at the end of the year for the Breeders Crown. It's a fun ride to be on. It's always fun to sit behind her, and we'll be looking forward to that for the rest of the year."

A five-year-old daughter of Walner bred by Vestmarka AB, Jiggy Jog S is co-owned by Svanstedt in partnership with Steve Stewart, John Lengacher and Hickory Hollow Stables. She has a summary of 23-10-2 from 40 starts, has put away more than $3.4 million and paid $3.70 to win as the favourite. She was atop a $16.00 exacta and a $316 trifecta.

"Those races are never easy. She has kind of peaked the last couple of days," remarked Sarah Svanstedt. "She was a little bit tired after the Cashman and the Pocono race, too, actually. It's tough when you have those kind of plans you have to follow and you can't really give a week or two more off...it's tricky. I was so satisfied with her in the last turn. She's tremendous.

"Maybe the Caesar's Classic or Lexington (are next). We'll have to see how she gets out of this race to start with."

While Stewart is known more on the breeding side of the sport through his Hunterton Farms, he said that he hopes Jiggy Jog has plenty of more racing to do before she becomes a broodmare.

"I told Cindy (his wife) that I hope three years from now people come to us and say 'will you please take that damn filly and breed her?' I told all of our partners we have enough broodmares. We don't need another one at the moment, as long as she can compete at this level, and she appears to have a lot of fun with it," Stewart stated. "Ake and Sarah, I think, don't own a lot of broodmares, and so I think that their dream is to probably race her for many, many years, and that's our dream, is to continue racing. What an opportunity and I think it's good for the sport."

Desperate Man conquers foes in Aria Invitational Pace

After a downpour that caused a delay, the $337,838 Aria Invitational for older pacers at MGM Yonkers Raceway was sent on its way, and 1-5 favourite Desperate Man delivered for driver Matt Kakaley and trainer Travis Alexander in 1:57.4 for the 1-1/16 mile distance.

Desperate Man got away fourth from post one, but Kakaley put him in motion before the :26.3 quarter and got by MGM Borgata Pacing Series champion Hellabalou (Yannick Gingras) to take command past that station. From there, Desperate Man continued to show the way through a half-mile of :55.2 and three-quarters in 1:23 as he got separation from Hellabalou and a first-over Coaches Corner (Jason Bartlett), who vacated the pylons on the second turn, stalled out.

Around the final bend and to the wire Desperate Man remained well in front of the rest of the horses, and he hit the wire 4-1/4 lengths ahead of a game Coaches Corner. Dunkin (Tim Tetrick) wound up two-wide throughout and followed the cover of Coaches Corner to get third, Hellabalou faded to fourth and Its A Me Mario (Lauren Tritton), who also never saw the pylons and wound up in the outer tier, was the fifth-place finisher.

"He's a really good horse," Kakaley remarked post-race. "He perseveres. When I got parked here (in the MGM Borgata Pacing Series final), he bounced back, (the Battle of Lake Erie) at Northfield, he bounced back, two weeks ago at Batavia (in the Kane Memorial where he was bothered by a breaker and still won), that was a disaster in the last turn and he bounced back. He's special for sure."

A six-year-old Shadow Play gelding trained by Travis Alexander, Desperate Man was bred by Winbak Farm and is owned by Kathy Cecchin of Arthur, Ont. Desperate Man made his 26th appearance in the winner's circle, has now earned more than $1.86 million. He paid $2.70 to win as the 1-5 favorite, topping a $13.60 exacta and a $78.50 trifecta.

"Think about it, every time he races for money something happens... the rain (today). He just finally got a clean trip," said Alexander.

Ari Ferrari J burns rubber in Bob Miecuna Invitational Trot

Ari Ferrari J was the winner of the $337,838 Bob Miecuna Invitational for older trotters at MGM Yonkers Raceway after he covered the 1-1/16 mile distance in 2:00.4. With his share of the purse, Ari Ferrari J went past the $1 million mark in lifetime earnings.

After showing some speed from post two, driver Jason Bartlett wheeled Ari Ferrari J to the outside in the early stages from third and made his way by early leader Cecil Hanover (driven by Ake Svanstedt) past the 29-second opening quarter. Ari Ferrari J never faced a serious threat from there, as he glided through panels of :57.4 and 1:26 on his way to the win by two lengths. Cecil Hanover checked in second over Take All Comers (Jordan Stratton) and favoured M Ms Dream (David Miller) advanced from eighth to fourth. Amigo Volo (Dexter Dunn) collected fifth.

"Being off the inside there, the gate kind of takes off on us and at times you can just give them their head a little bit and they'll try to switch gears and run," explained Bartlett. "So, I was more worried about just getting him off on the right foot and then just taking the race how it came. Only a couple left, so I was actually in a really good spot going into the first turn.

"He won so easy last time out of the hole, and I was very excited when I saw he was in this race today. He had a start over the track and I kind of knew him at The Meadowlands and loved him there and loved him last week. We actually drew a good spot and he didn't disappoint."

Tony Alagna trains Ari Ferrari J, a four-year-old son of Walner bred by M Biasuzzi Stable Inc., for owner Ken Jacobs. Ari Ferrari J is an 11-time victor from 39 starts, has earned $1,095,745 and paid $16.00 to win as a 7-1 offering. The exacta was $156.50 and the trifecta was worth $2,841.00.

Champions crowned in NY Sire Stakes finals for trotters

Trotters of both sexes and gaits came to MGM Yonkers Raceway on Saturday afternoon to contest four $304,054 New York Sire Stakes finals.

R Melina kicked off the finals with a 1:54.4 triumph in the event for three-year-old fillies. Senorita Palema (Ake Svanstedt) blasted to the front from post three and led the way through fractions of :28, :57.3 and 1:26.1. Meanwhile, R Melina (Tyler Buter) tucked into fourth from post seven, came first-up passing the half and made it into second on the outside prior to three-quarters.

On the final turn, Buter was able to get into the pocket as Sister Mary Maude (Joe Bongiorno) gapped that position, and after briefly "bravening up," Buter brought R Melina back off the cones before they turned for home. Senorita Palema was game and dug in under Svanstedt's urging through the stretch drive, but R Melina wouldn't be denied and surged by her to prevail by half a length. Sadbirdstillsing (Jason Bartlett) turned a second-over trip into a third-place finish. Sister Mary Maude and Hippie Shake (Mark MacDonald) completed the top five.

"She raced huge. It was unfortunate to draw the seven-hole, but she overcame it," said Buter. "She's very gritty. As long as you give her a little breather, she's going to race good for you."

Trainer John Butenschoen said that R Melina will be heading to Woodbine Mohawk Park to race in the Elegantimage Stakes providing she comes out of today's contest in good shape.

A daughter of Chapter Seven, R Melina was bred by Marsh Valley Standardbreds and is owned by M And L Of Delaware LLC. and Alabama Harness Associates LLC. R Melina has 14 wins, two seconds and two thirds in 23 appearances, has pocketed $993,260 and returned $3.80 to win as the 4-5 favourite. She led a $14.00 exacta and a $56.50 trifecta.

MGM Yonkers Trot champion Sir Pinocchio (Bartlett) was a 1:54.2 victor in the final for sophomore male trotters. Sir Pinocchio drew post eight, but thanks to two scratches, moved into the six-hole. He took advantage of the improved starting position by blasting out and clearing Super Duper Cooper (Yannick Gingras) with little dispute on the first turn.

Once he had command, Sir Pinocchio was on top at the :28.2 quarter, :57.3 half and 1:26.2 three-quarters, then pulled away from his competition for a four-length victory. Super Duper Cooper held second, with Nottingham (David Miller), Thinker Monkey (Scott Zeron) and Keep Asking (Buter) coming in third through fifth, respectively.

"I worked hard all year to follow these horses and so far it's worked out pretty well," remarked Bartlett. "I was just worried a little bit about the first turn and making sure he got through there. On the last turn he had a lot of trot, I was just hoping he didn't over-trot himself. He was really good today again. It seems like he's getting a little better right now as the season's kind of winding down. He's been great all year, don't get me wrong, but he seems really good the last two starts."

Sir Pinocchio, a gelding by Mets Hall, was sent out by trainer Ed Hart for owner/breeder Carolyn Atherton. This was his tenth lifetime victory, he sent his earnings to $722,633 and returned $2.10 to win as the 1-9 choice. The exacta was worth $5.10 and the trifecta kicked back $41.60.

"He was really good today. He's just a good horse who takes care of himself," stated Hart. "He comes back in a week; he's going to Canada for the Canadian Trotting Classic and then he's got the Simpson and the Matron at Dover."

Variegated (Braxten Boyd) pulled off a 55-1 stunner in the two-year-old male trot, rallying up the inside from the pocket to break his maiden in 1:56.3. The complexion of the contest changed on the first turn when 1-5 choice Super Chapter (Dexter Dunn) made a break, allowing Happy Jack B (Buter) to go to the front and carve out a tempo of :28.1, :57 and 1:26.1 while Variegated sat in the two-hole and Civilian Drone (Gingras) made progress on the rim after going first-up from fourth on the third turn.

Civilian Drone sustained his bid into the lane and wrestled the lead away from Happy Jack B, but Variegated scooted through on the cones and got by Civilian Drone late for the victory by half a length. Moonshot S (Zeron) was the third-place finisher at 85-1, followed by Karinchak (Mark MacDonald) and Happy Jack B. Variegated did go inside one pylon coming off the last turn, but after posting the inquiry sign, the judges determined that he did not gain an unfair advantage and the result stood.

"He's been racing good in New York. He's three seconds. He got the trip he needed and he just got there," trainer Marcus Melander said, adding that Variegated is likely heading to The Red Mile. "Obviously I thought my other horse, Super Chapter, he was the one that was going to win that race because I think he was very much the best, but he made a break in the first turn."

Bred by Order By Stable, Variegated is a Chapter Seven colt owned by S R F Stable. He won for the first time in his seventh trip behind the gate, has put away $281,397 and returned $113.00 to win. The exacta was $1,042.00 and the trifecta $18,981.

Royal Mission ($4.70) gave Melander both halves of the two-year-old trots when she took the filly tilt in 1:58.2 for Zeron. After DWs Lady Diva scratched and Morning Angel (Bjorn Goop) and Beautiful Sight (Buter) broke early, just My Debt Collecter (Miller), Royal Mission and Calculus Risk (Jordan Stratton) were left in contention, and My Debt Collecter chopped out panels of 29.1, 1:00.2 and 1:29.4 with Royal Mission second and Calculus Risk third.

Zeron guided Royal Mission to the outside on the last turn and appeared to have an advantage on My Debt Collecter coming off the bend, but My Debt Collecter was game and battled all the way to the wire. She just couldn't rally back around Royal Mission, though, as she kept her head in front. Calculus Risk got third, followed by Beautiful Sight and Morning Angel.

"She raced good. She's done great all year to be honest. The final last time in the Peaceful Way, just forget it. She got a little excited there, too, and he might have choked her a little bit," Melander explained. "She raced good in the elimination and she's been racing good all year. This is the kind of trip she likes, too, chasing down other horses.

"She's staked to most stuff, so we'll see."

Jeffrey Snyder owns Royal Mission, now a three-time winner with $345,580 in earnings.

Streaking Howlenthehills leads winners in NY Sire Stakes finals for pacers

Starting from outside positions on the gate proved no problem for three-year-old male pacer Howlenthehills and three-year-old female pacer Tarrific as they cruised to victories in their respective $304,054 New York Sire Stakes championships Saturday.

Winning the $304,054 NYSS finals for two-year-old pacers were colt Courts On Fire and filly The Last Martini.

Howlenthehills, who started from post eight on the half-mile oval at Yonkers with Matt Kakaley in the sulky, bettered defending NYSS champ Boston Rocks by 1-1/2 lengths in 1:53 to capture his crown. Vandiemen Bluechip nosed out Taranaki for third.

Vandiemen Bluechip, driven by Braxten Boyd, and Boston Rocks, with driver Jason Bartlett, took turns on the lead before Howlenthehills grabbed the top spot for good prior to reaching the opening quarter in :27.1. From there, Howlenthehills got to the half in 56 seconds and three-quarters in 1:24.2 on his way to his sixth consecutive victory and 12th in 13 tries this season.

"[Getting to the front] was kind of my plan, but if they were going to mix it up, he's actually OK off a helmet, too," Kakaley said. "He doesn't need to be on the front. He's a good horse and he tries hard. It's been a good year."

Trained by Travis Alexander, Howlenthehills is owned by Symmetry Stables. The son of American Ideal-Arielle Lynn was bred by Crawford Farms. Winless in eight races as a two-year-old, the gelding has earned $723,289 lifetime.

Howlenthehills paid $6.50 to win as the 2-1 second choice behind even-money favourite Boston Rocks. The exacta paid $13; the trifecta $65.

Tarrific won the championship for sophomore fillies by 2-3/4 lengths over A Few Choice Words in 1:53. Avyanna finished third.

A Few Choice Words and driver Jim Marohn Jr. took the early lead from post six, but Tarrific, who started from post seven, pushed forward with Bartlett in the sulky and got to the front prior to reach the opening quarter in :27.4. She remained in control from there, hitting the half in :57.1 and three-quarters in 1:25.4.

"[Post] seven is not the easiest, so I was quite happy to see her make the lead without too much of a problem," winning trainer Chris Ryder said.

Tarrific, a daughter of Huntsville-Road Bet bred by Stephen Dey III, counts Dan Patch Award-winner Niki Hill (also trained by Ryder), millionaire stallion Cattlewash, and Grand Circuit-winner Earthwindfire among her siblings. Tarrific was winless in seven starts last year but finished second on four occasions. This year, she has won six of 10 starts for owners Margaret Dey and Let It Ride Stables.

"She went a lot of fast miles [last year] but finished second a bunch of times and never was able to get the win," Ryder said about Tarrific, who has earned $493,936 in her career. "But the two-year-old experience helped her a lot starting back this year. She's reeling off wins this year in New York very well. We're just very grateful."

Tarrific, the 1-5 favourite, paid $2.40 to win. The exacta returned $11 and the trifecta $55.50.

In the final for the two-year-old fillies, The Last Martini overtook 1-5 favourite Cowgirl Hanover in mid-stretch to win by 1-1/4 lengths in 1:54 in a battle between Jared Bako-trained stablemates. Send It Down Slim finished third.

Send It Down Slim and driver Mark MacDonald blasted from post seven to grab the lead heading to the first turn, but Doug McNair soon had Cowgirl Hanover in motion and was on top as they reached the opening quarter in 28 seconds.

Cowgirl Hanover hit the half in :56.4 and three-quarters in 1:25.3 but was under first-over pressure from The Last Martini and driver Bartlett, who were third for the first half of the race, as the field made its way to the final turn. The Last Martini got the job done from there, picking up her third win in six races this season.

The Last Martini had finished second to Cowgirl Hanover in her previous start on Aug. 23 at Vernon Downs. The two also met Aug. 14 at Batavia, where The Last Martini handed Cowgirl Hanover her only loss in seven starts heading into Saturday's NYSS final.

"They're an incredible pair of fillies to train," Bako said. "The Last Martini didn't get started as early as Cowgirl, that's why she doesn't have the same kind of record. But, at the end of the day, they both can't win every week.

"I thought Cowgirl was as good as anything off of that trip, and [The Last Martini] just really stepped up."

The Last Martini is owned by Glenview Livestock of Ingersoll, Ont. The daughter of Huntsville-Martinique was bred by Crawford Farms. She has earned $336,001.

"She was really good in her last start, she just got locked in, so I knew we had a good shot," Bartlett said. "It got a little scary leaving; she almost made a break because she was touching her knees a little bit, but as she got settled in, she was good."

Sent off as the 2-1 second choice, The Last Martini paid $6.40 to win. The exacta was $8.30, and the trifecta returned $28.

Courts On Fire closed the MGM Yonkers International Trot Day card with a 14-1 upset in his NYSS final, defeating 22-1 shot Holt Hanover by 3-1/2 lengths in 1:53.3. Thirsty Thursday, the 4-5 co-favourite with Fast Choice, who made an early break, finished third.

Yannick Gingras hustled Courts On Fire to the lead from post six before yielding the top spot to Thirsty Thursday and driver Kakaley on their way to a :27.1 opening quarter. Courts On Fire remained in the pocket through a half in :56.1, then was put in motion to challenge Thirsty Thursday just prior to hitting three-quarters in 1:25.

Courts On Fire took the lead exiting the last turn and continued on to his second win of the season in seven starts. He has finished in the top three a total of six times.

Trainer Blake MacIntosh owns Courts On Fire with Hutt Racing Stable, Tim Klemencic, and Daniel Plouffe. The son of Courtly Choice-Ashlees Spitfire was bred by Winbak Farm and has earned $269,910.

"He's been a nice colt all year," MacIntosh said. "He's a little bit of a lazy horse and Yannick woke him up a bit today and he got the job done.

"I knew that if he got a trip and Yannick was aggressive with him, he'd have a shot. I didn't know if he could get by Thirsty Thursday there, but he just dug in and kept going. Everything just worked out perfect for him. Yannick gave him a super drive."

Courts On Fire, who MacIntosh said was finished racing this year, paid $31.20 to win. The exacta returned $342, and the trifecta paid $683.

(Yonkers Raceway)
The New Jersey Classic finals, with purses totalling $2.1 million, were contested on Friday, Sept. 6 at Meadowlands Racetrack with eight divisional champions crowned.

Trotting Colts

Tony Adams S sustained a first-over push through the far turn, inherited the lead as 3-5 favourite Sig Sauer broke stride turning for home, and led trainer Ake Svanstedt's one-two punch in the $337,838 New Jersey Classic final for three-year-old male trotters.

Tony Adams S and Dexter Dunn settled just off the speed in fourth as 16-1 shot Benny J (Joe Bongiorno) controlled a :27.3 first quarter before yielding to Sig Sauer, whom Andy McCarthy activated from third to take charge on the backstretch. With three-eighths to go, Dunn gave the Muscle Hill-Dreamgirl Hornline colt his cue to advance uncovered and he worked up to the flank of Sig Sauer at three-quarters in 1:23.4. Sig Sauer faltered off the turn for home as the pressure intensified and Tony Adams S inherited a 2-1/2-length lead at the eighth pole. He held sway through a :27.1 sprint home, keeping stablemate Mr Bluebird, driven by Svanstedt, a half length at bay in a lifetime best 1:51. Bellas Musclehill (David Miller) rallied mildly to take third.

"He was marching up pretty good on the last turn; I was trying to get him to slow down a little bit, actually," Dunn said of Tony Adams S. "He felt tremendous tonight and raced a good mile."

Tony Adams S, who competes as a homebred for Stall Arsenal AB, has now won three of eight races this year and five of 15 lifetime. The winner's share of the purse elevated his career earnings over the $500,000 mark.

Sent off as the 6-5 second choice, Tony Adams S paid $4.60 to win.

The $337,838 New Jersey Classic final for two-year-old male trotters shaped up as a battle royale between Hidalgo, Go Boom and Go Ahead Makemyday, but Onajetplane and driver Andy McCarthy stunned them all, sweeping three-wide around cover in mid-stretch to post a 12-1 upset.

McCarthy took his time early with the Walner-Noble Lover colt, sitting fifth through an eventful but moderate :57 first half. Just after Hidalgo (Yannick Gingras) took charge from Go Ahead Makemyday (David Miller) on approach to the far turn, Onajetplane latched onto third-over cover behind Go Boom (Dexter Dunn) and Mountcastle (Scott Zeron) and was towed into contention at the 1:25.3 three-quarter stage. McCarthy switched the Noel Daley trainee off cover in upper stretch and he responded with a powerful :26.4 stretch kick to upend Go Ahead Makemyday by 1-1/4 lengths in 1:53, shaving over two seconds off his previous career best. Hidalgo was a beaten third.

"We just had to take our time with him," said Daley, who shares ownership of Onajetplane, now a two-time winner in six career starts with nearly $200,000 in the bank, with Sjoblom Racing Inc., L A Express Stable and Joonas Jarvinen. "He's always been very genuine; it's just a matter of him getting squared away, and he seems to have done it now."

Daley also indicated that a combination of a patient drive from McCarthy and racing Onajetplane barefoot likely contributed to his New Jersey Classic victory.

"You can't get away with it all the time, but the track was good tonight," Daley said of his decision to remove Onajetplane's shoes.

"He's not the greatest to steer," Daley continued. "Once [McCarthy] had him straightened out, he's got a good turn of speed."

Onajetplane paid $26 to win as the fifth choice.

Trotting Fillies

Hambletonian Oaks runner-up Buy A Round breezed over the top of her peers and R Charm burst off a helmet to win in the $337,838 New Jersey Classic finals for three-year-old and two-year-old trotting fillies, respectively.

Buy A Round ripped from third-over without any urging from driver Andy McCarthy to score a 1:51.4 win, pulling away at the end of the mile.

The Noel Daley trainee this time had speed to chase after just missing from a first-half crawl in the elimination. Once Chaparmbro (Yannick Gingras) planted onto the point past a :27.4 first quarter, all eyes waited on the move by 1-2 favourite Warrawee Michelle (Ake Svanstedt), who plotted her course of attack from fourth. Eventually the pursuers forced her hand and she led the two-wide tier first-up into a :56.4 half.

Warrawee Michelle blitzed Chaparmbro around the final turn and seized the lead trotting to three-quarters in 1:24.4, leaving second-over Soiree Hanover (Tim Tetrick) with open road into the straightaway. Despite the brazen far-turn rush, Warrawee Michelle levelled off in the stretch as did Soiree Hanover to her outside. But McCarthy came calling with Buy A Round without raising the whip or a muscle to swoop to the lead and pull clear to victory by a widening two lengths. Stablemate Miss I La (Joe Bongiorno) pounced off a ground-saving trip to take second with Warrawee Michelle holding third from Soiree Hanover in fourth.

The performance at Pocono was pretty dull [in the Delmonica Hanover]. That was first-time Lasix, so they decided to take her back off it and shes been super sharp ever since, said McCarthy. I figured if they moved along a little bit more, we should be okay tonight. Shes just so fast. Crazy fast. If you wait for the right time, she can usually pick them off.

A daughter of Walner out of the Cantab Hall mare On Your Tab, Buy A Round earned her third win from nine starts this season and her ninth victory from 18 starts in her career, good for more than $800,000 in earnings. She races for owner/breeder Fred Hertrich III.

The sophomore filly paid $8 to win.

R Charm emerged from the pack in a stretch sprint to collar tempo-setter Kendra and pull off a 19-1 upset in the two-year-old filly trot.

Everything worked out perfectly, for R Charm, as trainer Linda Toscano said after the race. Driver Scott Zeron found the daughter of Propulsion a seat to a :27.2 first quarter in fifth, a prime nest to catch a second-over ride as Lady Landia (Ake Svanstedt) began her uncovered pursuit out of fourth after Kendra to a :56.4 half.

Zeron steadily tipped R Charm from Lady Landias cover spinning off three-quarters in 1:26.1 and gathered steam while Kendra (Yannick Gingras) sputtered to the ropes. R Charm kept chugging and chugging, unfettered by the late-stretch break by Lady Landia, to overhaul Kendra in the last eighth and draw off to a two-length victory in a lifetime best 1:53.3. Delaney Hanover (Todd McCarthy), the 1-5 favourite, recovered from traffic trouble to snatch second from Kendra while Santa Caterina (Dexter Dunn) closed for fourth.

I like this filly  I loved her every start, said Toscano. It was unfortunate going for big money in Canada that she made a break [in the Peaceful Way Stakes], but tonight Im watching it unfold and Im saying, This is exactly what I was hoping. Lets just hope she has some trot in the stretch, and she did.

R Charm, out of the Credit Winner mare and Toscano graduate Jewels In Hock, won for the second time from eight starts and has now banked more than $200,000 for lessee M And L of Delaware LLC.

She paid $40.40 to win.

Pacing Colts

Two-year-old Captain Optimistic and three-year-old Arbitrage Hanover won the $202,703 New Jersey Classic finals for colt and gelding pacers.

Captain Optimistic, the prohibitive favourite at 1-9, floated off the gate for Yannick Gingras and followed Tom Horn (David Miller) through the first turn and into a :26.3 first quarter. Tom Horn moved to the lead and past Manolete (Todd McCarthy) into the backstretch, leaving Captain Optimistic on the outside.

First-over and gliding, Gingras volleyed Captain Optimistic past Tom Horn and guided the field to the half in :55.1.

"I didn't want to get to the lead," Gingras said after the race, "but he felt great and I didn't want to be stuck near the back."

McCarthy urged Manolete to challenge for the top again, passing Tom Horn and attempting to duel with Captain Optimistic as he clocked the 1:24.1 three-quarters. Captain Optimistic "responded well," said Gingras after the race, as the pair easily dismissed the challenge with a :26 final panel to win by 1-1/4 lengths in 1:50.1, a personal best.

Manolete held second-over a fast-closing Papis Pistol (Andy Miller), who made up a lot of ground after being rough-gaited around the first turn and forced to retreat.

Nancy Takter trains Captain Optimistic, a colt by Captaintreacherous out of the Art Official mare Cinamony. The win was the fourth in five starts and the lion's share of the purse raised the rookie's earnings to more than $145,000.

"The equipment changes worked well," said Gingras. "He was good in his mouth. He steered good and straight."

Fair Winds Farm bred the colt owned by 3 Brothers Stables, Marvin Katz and Caviart Farms.

The winner paid $2.20.

In the New Jersey Classic final for three-year-old colt and gelding pacers, favourites Arbitrage Hanover and Wish You Well dominated around the two turns and against the six other sophomores, but Arbitrage Hanover got the best of his major foe to win by a length in 1:50.2 with Todd McCarthy in the bike.

Longshot Swimwiththecurrent (Dexter Dunn) managed the top spot going into the first turn, but was quickly confronted by Arbitrage Hanover and Wish You Well (David Miller) heading to a :27.4 first panel. Wish You Well landed on the lead in the backstretch with all happy to sit behind him, all except McCarthy. Undaunted by his foe, McCarthy took to the outside and reclaimed control past a :55.4 half.

Arbitrage Hanover remained on the muscle to three-quarters in 1:24.3 and continued with all four cylinders revving. McCarthy ghosted Wish You Well in the lane as Arbitrage Hanover won easily. Wish You Well settled for second and Swimwiththecurrent, the bettors third choice, completed the top three.

Trainer Brett Pelling said that Arbitrage Hanover "had some glitches at two" but "we're super happy how he's come back [at three]. We think he's nice enough to race at four," Pelling said, noting that he won't be entered in this year's Breeders Crown.

Arbitrage Hanover is a son of Bettors Wish out of the Somebeachsomewhere mare Ana Hanover. Pelling Racing LLC, Rojan Stables and Bridle Path Stables own Arbitrage Hanover, who paid $5.60 to win.

Picking up his sixth win from eight starts this year and seventh win overalll, the gelding raised his bankroll to more than $380,000.

Pacing Fillies

Sophomore Rocket Deo and freshman My Sweet Lily had no problems making their early foot take them to the wire and then to Victory Lane in the $202,703 New Jersey Classic finals for pacing fillies.

Rocket Deo, a daughter of Captaintreacherous out of double millionaire Rocklamation, was sent off at 1-5 odds in the final for three-year-old pacing fillies and she lived up to that billing with a 1:50.1 victory.

Andy McCarthy was content to race Rocket Deo behind the early cover of his brother Todd, guiding second choice Miraculous Deo, as that one cleared just past a :26.3 initial split. Rocket Deo then moved to the front, reaching the half in :55.3 and then three-quarters in 1:23.3 as Donegal Spirit (Dexter Dunn) gained uncovered on the far turn. The race boiled down to these three, with Miraculous Deo edging out of the pocket late and Donegal Spirit lasting bravely after the grinding trip, but they were no match for Rocket Deo, who triumphed by a length over Miraculous Deo, with Donegal Spirit another neck back in third.

Rocket Deo, whom Brett Pelling trains, now has eight seasonal victories from 11 starts and nine wins overall, with a lifetime bankroll of over $460,000 for Morrison Racing Stables and John Fielding.

Shes a big, robust filly, noted McCarthy. I wasnt really worried about my filly [holding onto the lead]. I gave her a few taps to remind her to go on; she always gives her best every week.

In the New Jersey Classic for two-year-old pacing fillies, 4-5 favourite My Sweet Lily was driven like she was the best by Yannick Gingras, and she came home in :26.4 to set a lifetime mark of 1:51.2.

The daughter of Sweet Lou-Mimis Lily cleared longshot Fashion Terror (Andy Miller) just before a :27.4 quarter with Worklifebalance (Dexter Dunn) and Reckless Abandon (Todd McCarthy) landing in third and fourth, respectively. Gingras backed off the half to :56.4, then turned up the speed to reach the three-quarters in 1:24.3 as Worklifebalance went first-over entering the far turn, with Reckless Abandon on her back.

Into the stretch, My Sweet Lily opened a clear advantage with Fashion Terror not quite keeping tight in the pocket, Worklifebalance giving way after her two-move effort and Reckless Abandon not able to produce enough late kick. Instead, the best late foot came from Rodeo Drive Deo (David Miller), who flew home from fourth-over to get within 1-1/4 lengths of My Sweet Lily. Fashion Terror lasted for third in a photo over Daily Double Deo (Andy McCarthy).

Nancy Takter, who trains My Sweet Lily for Marvin and Lynn Katz and Caviart Farms, said, She may have been a bit short in her debut [ last time out at Harrah's Philadelphia] because she missed some time and I needed a race for her. But now she is showing the ability I thought she always had in her. Were considering the Shes A Great Lady [at Woodbine Mohawk Park] for her.

All-source handle on the 14-race program totalled $3,013,372 USD, marking the 42nd time from 64 programs that betting bettered the $3-million USD mark this year at The Meadowlands

Racing resumes on Saturday at 6:20 p.m., with the final live card of harness racing at The Big M until Oct. 18.

(With files from Meadowlands Racetrack; Photo of My Sweet Lily, R Charm, Captain Optimistic, Buy A Round, Rocket Deo, Tony Adams S, Arbitrage Hanover, Onajetplane)
Prepping for next weekend's Milton Stakes, the Nick Gallucci-trained Prohibition Legal nosed out stablemate Silver Label for the win in the $36,000 Fillies & Mares Preferred Handicap Pace on Friday, Sept. 6 at Woodbine Mohawk Park.

Coming off back-to-back wins in the top distaff class, Tells On A Roll and Travis Cullen left from the outer wing of the gate between the Gallucci-trained millionaire mares and hit the opening quarter on top in :26.3. She set middle splits of :56.1 and 1:24.2 with Prohibition Legal stalking in the pocket for driver Louis-Philippe Roy while Silver Label advanced first-over from the backfield in rein to Doug McNair.

Down the stretch, the Gallucci gals swept by with Huntress (Sylvain Filion) closing inside the pair and Caviar N Crackers (Ed Hensley) outside in a four-across finish. Tells On A Roll held on for fifth over 6-5 favourite Sylvia Hanover (Bob McClure).

Prohibition Legal prevailed in the photo finish with Silver Label in 1:51.2, paying $6.20 to win as the 2-1 second choice.

Prohibition Legal has earned a pair of wins and five other top three finishes in the Mohawk Mares Preferred this season along with a fourth-place showing in the Lady Liberty Stakes at The Meadowlands. The Millar Farms homebred mare by Big Jim has banked $93,531 from 10 starts during her five-year-old campaign.

A runner-up in last year's Milton Stakes, Prohibition Legal was entered in this year's $205,000 edition taking place next Saturday, Sept. 14 and will be joined by Silver Label, Sylvia Hanover and Tells On A Roll along with Always B Naughty and Twin B Joe Fresh.

In other action, the remaining $12,000 divisions of the first leg of a Pop-Up Series that were cancelled last Friday due to a late evening thunderstorm were contested with Lord Anthony (Dale Spence) pulling off a 25-1 upset in a 1:51 career-best mile for conditioner Ben Hollingsworth and the David Snowden-trained Control The Power prevailing in 1:52.2 as the 3-1 second choice.

The series is for pacers that are non-winners of $18,000 in 2024 with a minimum of 10 starts or horses not averaging $1,400 per start.

Melissa Lamoureux's Delightful Leader (Doug McNair), who won the only Pop-Up division contested last week as part of the opening round, scored again on Friday night in a similar conditioned class in 1:51.1.

To view Friday's harness racing results, click the following link: Friday Results - Woodbine Mohawk Park.

(Standardbred Canada)
This week's Rewind looks back at the decade of the 1950's as Robert Smith recalls many names, happenings and recollections from that time period in his regular monthly Years Ago feature.

1953 - Mr. Galvin Sets New Canadian Record

In 1953, Russell Miller of Dutton, Ont. brought out a great young two-year-old pacing star named Mr. Galvin. He was a standout from day one and rewrote the record books with his winning times and repeated victories at both Canadian and U.S. tracks.





Owners Jean and Russell Miller of Dutton, Ont. appear in the winner's circle at Ridgetown along with their colt sensation Mr. Galvin and driver Alfred Moore. On this occasion their sensational performer won the Supertest Stakes for two-year-old pacers in the record mile time of 2:09.4. This established a new Canadian record for age and gait. The Supertest logo appears on the front of the judge's stand as four officials watch the action.

Mr. Miller was quickly establishing himself as a skillful developer of young horses. This victory marked the third time in a span of just seven years that a horse from his stable had won this annual race. His previous victories were with David Dillon in 1947 and Little Joe Can in 1948. The purse in 1953 had risen to $3,368.

Mr. Galvin was bred in the U.S. but foaled in Canada. In January of 1951, Miller purchased the mare Claire Abbe from his close friend W.J. Galvin of Wilmington, Ohio in foal to Chief Counsel for $400 and the colt was foaled on May 5, 1951. The youngster was named after the man Mr. Galvin, who unfortunately died in 1952. He was an immediate star on the race track at both two and three and through his four-year-old season was out of the money on only three occasions. To this point he had 34 wins, six seconds and three thirds in 49 lifetime starts. The 1955 season saw him take a new lifetime mark of 2:02 at Buffalo Raceway which equalled the world record for a four-year-old gelding on a half-mile track.

1955 - Dufferin Park Closes Forever





A field of horses reaches the finish line at Dufferin Park. Racing conditions were often treacherous during the winter months but the races were not often cancelled.

On the afternoon of Saturday, March 19, 1955 the final day of harness racing took place at Dufferin Park. The day began with a daily ritual as track owner Fred Orpen played the National Anthem in his office. The organ music was piped throughout the premises for one last time. A hat belonging to his late father still hung on a hall tree in the office. It would appear that no one in attendance except perhaps the owner Mr. Orpen knew that this was the last day for the harness folks. In October, an announcement was made that the fall harness meeting was being cancelled.

The sale of Dufferin came as a surprise to many. As recently as 1949 Mr. Orpen had publicly stated "Even if somebody offered me a million dollars, I still wouldn't sell the place." In a span of five or six years the property value rose sharply. Orpen also cited the absence of male heir as part of his decision.

The days races consisted of five races each consisting of two heats. The total purse outlay for the day was $2,800 with the two feature races, a Trot and a Pace each carrying a purse of $700. The Trot was won in straight heats by the 10-year-old mare named Ginger Up, driven by Keith Waples. Both heats of the Pacing feature were won by the nine-year-old mare Nancy Patch, owner driven by Allan Walker of Owen Sound. While Allan was renown for his ability in developing trotters, he will forever be linked to the pacing horse that won the final race at Dufferin Park.





A group of hardy souls gather at Toronto's Dufferin Park to attend a day of harness racing. The normal racing season went from about November through the winter until late April. The grandstand was completely open and on many days only the bravest of racing fans watched the action from there.





An old Dufferin Park ad from about 1949 shows the slogan "Where Good Friends Meet." Interesting to note that a full course noon dinner could be enjoyed for just 50 cents.

Closing Note: I doubt there are too many people left that attended racing at this fabled spot.

1958 - Curran Stars At Connaught Park





A very young 21-year-old Ross Curran appears in the Connaught Park winner's circle after a victory with Simcoe Grattan. He was joined in the winner's circle by the horse's owner, C.W. Hodgson of Haliburton. His winning time of 2:16 4/5 was not unusual for that era.

On the evening of June 6th a number of very close finishes had not only the fans but the racing officials buzzing. An unusual number of races required long delays as the judges viewed the photo finish prints of several races in succession. One judge was heard saying "the photo finish camera ranks greatest among them all when it comes to inventions."

In the featured event fans were excited for a different reason as the lightly backed Leezoff, owner driven by local favourite Dr. John Findley, won his fourth straight and paid off at $18.30 for a two dollar wager. This race named "Champlain Invitation" carried the evening's highest purse of $400.

In other news, 64 drivers at the current Connaught meeting all signed up for membership in the United Harness Horsemen's Association (UHHA). Several benefits were to be provided to all members including insurance coverage. The policy was paid for and carried by the Connaught Park Jockey Club. This organization at about this time also became involved in the organization of a series of races for two-year-old pacers with purse money provided by a one percent take out of the wagering at both Richelieu Park and Blue Bonnets. It was estimated that a purse of as much as $20,000 may be up for grabs. Recent organizational changes in the UHHA saw Hector Clouthier become the second V.P. and Jack Waples appointed to the board of directors.

1958 - Windsor Ont. Banquet Held At Chuck's Tavern

Back in the mid to late 1950s as interest in harness racing in the Windsor and Essex County area was increasing an association of interested participants was formed. They held several meetings and hosted an annual gathering at a Windsor diner. The tavern owner Chuck Dunlop was also an aspiring owner and racing enthusiast. On January 27, 1958 one such gathering was held and a short report from a Harness Horse publication is shown below:

Night harness racing is needed to spur interest in the sport in the province of Ontario, Arthur Reaume, M.P. told a gathering of 135 horsemen and their wives and guests at the annual Essex County Harness Horsemen's Association banquet in Windsor, Ont., on January 27. In addition to the Canadian horsemen present there were many visitors from the states of Michigan and Ohio. After the dinner movies of the 1957 Hambletonian and Little Brown Jug were shown.

Among the prominent guests at the banquet were: Mrs. Arthur Reaume, Mr. and Mrs. Jack McIntosh of Wheatley, Mr. and Mrs. Lorne Johnston from the Dresden area, Mr. and Mrs. J. Dean, who have a training site near Kingsville and Kenneth Richardson, owner of Success Acres Farm, Sunbury, Oh.

CANADIAN NOTES - 1958



This winter there are more than 150 head of Standardbreds being trained in Essex County, the Sun Parlor of the Province of Ontario. Three years ago there were less than 25 in training. Kenneth Richardson, master of the Ohio nursery Success Acres, has sent two colts to the Windsor, Ont., trainers, Bruce and Bryce Fulmer. The youngsters are the three-year-old Success Babs, a pacer by His Honor-Countess Grattan, and the two-year-old Success Roger, a trotter by Cannon Ball out of Tamara. The Fulmer brothers are prepping eight head at their Windsor half-mile oval.





Above is a picture of Windsor area trainer Bruce Fulmer with Success Joan being prepped for the upcoming racing season. Bruce and his twin brother Bryce had one of the early training centres located just outside the city of Windsor.

Quote For The Week: More of a short story than a quote.

Many years ago while listening in my workshop to a radio call-in show, I remember the following little story. A medical doctor was taking questions and he told a caller "If only I could write a prescription for laughter, I could really help a lot of my patients." He went on to explain how being happy and able to laugh regularly is so beneficial to good health.

Who Is It?

Who is this young fellow? Among his many duties I wonder if he was in the cap selling business?

Who Else Is It?

On the left is Connaught Park parade marshal Mary Callahan and on the right is Roger LeBourdais, sales rep. for Molson's Brewery. The question is, Who is the man in the middle?

Blast From The Past

With Labour Day just passed the return to school is part of the late summer and early fall season. The above photo was taken 100 years ago in 1924 and told a tale of the times. With the school in the background, the entire eight grades along with their lone teacher make up this iconic picture. This old "schoolhouse" as they were often called, stood for parts of two centuries but disappeared many years ago. Our schools of today are quite a bit different to say the least.




In an eleventh-hour decision, the man who fatally shot a Vancouver mother and her 7-year-old daughter and dumped their bodies along a rural road near Washougal pleaded guilty Thursday in their murders.

Kirkland Warrens trial was scheduled to begin Monday in Clark County Superior Court. Instead, he pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and aggravated first-degree murder in the deaths of his former girlfriend, 27-year-old Meshay Melendez, and her 7-year-old daughter, Layla Stewart, respectively. The mother and daughter were killed between March 12 and 13, 2023. Warren also entered an Alford plea to first-degree child molestation  which allows a defendant to maintain his innocence but admit theres enough evidence to convict him  for sexually assaulting Layla.

Aggravated murder carries a mandatory sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole. Warren will be sentenced Oct. 8.

Warren, 28, was previously facing two counts of first-degree aggravated murder, one count of first-degree rape of a child, two counts of second-degree unlawful possession of a firearm and a slew of domestic violence charges with Melendez as the listed victim. Senior Deputy Prosecutor Toby Krauel previously filed a motion to amend those charges, mostly to consolidate or reduce some of the lesser charges, court records show.

Krauel told The Columbian that the defense notified him Wednesday that Warren wanted to accept his plea offer, which was extended weeks ago.

He offered the plea deal not because the case would be difficult to prove at trial, Krauel said, but because it allows the family to have closure without going into the difficult details of the case in a multiweek trial.

From our standpoint, he only has one life to live, and  hes going to spend the rest of his life in prison, Krauel said after Thursdays hearing. These charges adequately reflect the serious and horrendous nature of this offense.

Melendezs mother, Nichole Norris, through the National Womens Coalition Against Violence & Exploitation, declined to make a statement after the hearing.

Melendez and Layla were last seen the morning of March 12, 2023, with Warren who had been barred by court order from having contact with Melendez in connection with a prior domestic violence case, according to investigators.

Melendezs mother reported the pair missing March 18, 2023, after she couldnt reach them for their regular video chat session. Authorities found their bodies four days later in a rural area east of Washougal.

The Clark County Medical Examiners Office determined both Melendez and Layla died from gunshot wounds to the head.

Their murders spurred outrage from the community. Hundreds gathered to mourn and honor the mother and daughter. Their family questioned why Warren was out on bail in a Arkansas murder case and granted bail when he faced domestic violence allegations involving Melendez, and why protections, such as GPS monitoring, werent initially ordered.

Krauel said Thursday that Warren has agreed to plead guilty as charged in the 2017 shooting of Curtis Urquhart in Arkansas. Warren will enter guilty pleas to first-degree murder and abuse of a corpse and be sentenced from Washington. The date has not yet been set. Arkansas has agreed not to seek the death penalty, court records show, and whatever sentence Warren receives in that case will run concurrent with his life sentence here.

March 2023

According to a document filed by Krauel in anticipation of a trial, Melendez and Layla went to Melendezs friends home March 11, 2023. About 20 minutes later, Warren showed up, and he and Melendez began to argue.

Warren and Melendez left the friends home and returned throughout the night. Sometime before 6 a.m. March 12, 2023, Warren shot Melendez and left her body inside his Dodge Charger while he attended a house party. He then texted Melendezs friend from her phone, stating he was on his way to pick up Layla. He arrived there shortly after 9:30 a.m., the document states.

The friend, upset by Warrens loud music, reached inside the car to turn it down and found Melendez unresponsive in the front passengers seat, with clothing on top of her head. The friend said she thought Melendez was sleeping, and Warren shouted at her to close the car door, according to the prosecution.

The friend then gave Layla and her kitten, Rocky, to Warren. Prosecutors say Warren sexually assaulted Layla and shot her twice.

The next day, Warren drove from his Vancouver apartment to a remote area near Washougal and dumped the mother and daughters bodies down an embankment, court records state. Two men walking a dog found them along Wooding Road and reported it to authorities.

Prosecutors say text messages recovered by investigators showed Warren texted a woman March 13 and 15, 2023, asking if she knew of secluded areas, like some woods, and a place to bury a gun. He also texted a friend March 18, 2023, stating, I need to get rid of this stolo, slang for a stolen car. Prosecutors say he was referencing the Charger where Melendez and Layla were killed.

Investigators found the mother and daughters blood inside the car, as well as shell casings, a large blue tarp and evidence that Warren had sexually assaulted Layla, court records state.

On March 15, 2023, Warren transferred $4,200 from Melendezs account to his using her phone. And a number of other recovered text messages referenced Warrens prior violence against Melendez, according to the prosecution.

Records from December 2017 show Warren searched via Google how to get blood out of a car seat, how to beat murder, killing the only witness and other ways to get away with murder. Local prosecutors say the circumstances of the Arkansas case are similar to the murders of Melendez and Layla.
LAKEWOOD, Pierce County  Dread fills the 60-year-old truck drivers body whenever he has to drive past the Emerald Queen Casino off Interstate 5.

Thats where the Cascadia Juvenile Reception and Diagnostic Center stood before the Puyallup Tribe took over the land in the 1970s  and its where Fletcher Drew remembers, every time he drives by, the sexual abuse he says he endured at 8 years old.

Drew is one of 188 plaintiffs who filed a lawsuit, which seeks unspecified damages, Thursday against Washington alleging that the state failed to protect children who were sexually abused while they were in juvenile detention centers.

The state has previously faced allegations that it failed to protect children from sexual abuse in such facilities and in foster care. However, such a large number of people alleging abuse and together suing the state is rare. Attorney Vanessa Firnhaber Oslund said formerly incarcerated people are often underserved by lawyers. But when her team set out to connect with people who had stories of abuse in juvenile detention, they were inundated with people wanting to talk, she said.

The alleged acts occurred from the 1960s to the 2020s at nearly 20 detention centers and group homes across the state. Children as young as Drew was at 8 years old up to the age of 17 were allegedly abused.

The sexual abuse was neither the result of a momentary lapse in supervision nor a matter of a few bad apples among detention staff, states the lawsuit filed Thursday in King County Superior Court.

The lawsuit says what happened was instead an institutional failure: That the states disregard for the childrens well-being was willful, and at times even nefarious.

The state has faced several sexual abuse allegations against juvenile rehabilitation staff in recent years. In 2021, Washington paid a total of over $2 million to 10 plaintiffs who had sued the state alleging sexual abuse while in the Green Hill School in Chehalis.

Earlier that year, the state paid $805,000 to settle sexual abuse lawsuits brought by four former detainees at the now-closed Naselle Youth Camp who alleged they were assaulted by a counselor. The counselor was arrested and charged with multiple sex crimes, but the charges were later dropped. In some such cases, the settlement funds are the survivors sole legal recourse.

This is the tip of the iceberg, said attorney Firnhaber Oslund, who is representing the plaintiffs.

A culture of abuse

The 188 individuals recalled times when they were abused by staff members who worked as guards, counselors, doctors, Bible study coordinators, nurses or janitors. More than 20 different job titles were listed in the allegations, and the plaintiffs described more than 100 different state employees, according to the lawsuit.

The alleged abuses took place at Green Hill School, Echo Glen Childrens Center, Maple Lane School, Naselle Youth Camp and other detention centers or group homes.

In a statement, a spokesperson for Gov. Jay Inslees office declined to comment on the active case but said the governor cares deeply about the well-being of young people in the states care.

A spokesperson for the Department of Children, Youth and Families, which oversees juvenile rehabilitation, said in a statement Thursday the department acts swiftly when sexual abuse complaints are made and that it encourages people to report such abuse.

We take those reports seriously, spokesperson Nancy Gutierrez wrote. When we discover staff misconduct, we act in a swift manner to address any bad actors.

Drew, who grew up in Vancouver, and now lives in Lakewood, says its hard to remember most of the time he spent in juvenile detention from 1973 to 1975. He has blocked out much of it  including how long he spent there. Up until his participation in the lawsuit, he thought he had been incarcerated for just a few months.

Drew was incarcerated after he set fire to his school and ended up at Cascadia in 1973. On his intake form, his charges are listed as arson/incorrigible. Cascadia was a first stop for kids who were to then be transferred elsewhere. Drews abuse started there, according to the lawsuit, and continued once he was placed at Echo Glen. In an interview, he said one of the things he remembers best from Cascadia is the white, hospital-industrial type tiles he stared at while he was abused by a staff member.

At just 8 years old, he knew nothing about how to report the abuse, he said. Once he got older, he knew he didnt remember details well enough to identify any of his abusers by name. But 51 years after Drew was first incarcerated, he saw a post online about lawyers representing victims of sexual abuse in juvenile detention. He started learning how the state has handled allegations, and he got angry, he said.

Anybody that had anything to do with this needs to be gone, even if they just kept silent about it and they knew about it, Drew said. We should have been protected, but we werent.

Many plaintiffs recalled in the lawsuit that their abusers offered them special treatment after assaulting them or threatened to punish them if they disclosed the abuse to anyone. Several described having multiple staff members participate in or watch their abuse.

As a result of chronic mismanagement, overcrowding, inadequate supervision and negligent hiring practices, children and teenagers incarcerated by the state of Washington have been subject to a culture of fear, violence, and sexual abuse for decades, the lawsuit states.

Firnhaber Oslund said her firm has been contacted by more than 1,000 people in Washington regarding sexual abuse in juvenile rehabilitation. Every corner of the facilities has sexual predators, she said.

This is commonplace. This is just accepted. This seems to be a perk of the job for these people, said Firnhaber Oslund. This isnt a bad person, and then the state finds out about it, and they get rid of them. This is a culture.

Memories of trauma

With some of the allegations going back around a half-century, many of the plaintiffs can describe their alleged abusers only in vague terms: by their job class or memories of indistinct physical descriptions. For some of the men and women, enough time has passed that they have difficulty recalling details. Others have blocked out painful memories.

Some of the plaintiffs remember their alleged abuser vividly.

While incarcerated at Green Hill in 2000, Adam, who asked to only be identified by his first name to protect his privacy, alleges he was repeatedly abused at 16 by a doctor under the guise of getting physicals. Five other people accuse the same doctor in the lawsuit. The Seattle Times does not typically name people accused of crimes who have not been charged.

In the case settled in 2021, one of the 10 people who sued the state alleging sexual abuse in the Green Hill School described remarkably similar abuse by the same doctor as Adam did: When he was 15, he was abused under the guise of routine medical examinations, according to the lawsuit filed in Pierce County in 2018. The state later settled his case by paying him $200,000. The doctor has also been previously accused of abusing a minor in his care outside of juvenile rehabilitation.

Ive been punished a lot for my bad decisions, and those are my bad decisions, Adam said. Ive always accepted my punishments for them, so it does suck that he wont be punished for his.

Adam described a terrifying and isolating environment at Green Hill and said he was abused several times by the doctor, who repeatedly asked him to come to his office despite Adam not needing medical attention. In later years, Adam said he coped with his trauma with drugs whenever he remembered the abuse. Many of his crimes in adulthood related to drug use.

Adam said he spent decades feeling humiliated and ashamed of the abuse he faced. He didnt tell anyone about what had happened until he confided in his wife after he got involved with the lawsuit. He said he has tattooed his entire body to appear threatening  hoping he can escape the feelings of weakness that arose from his abuse.

Now, he wont see a male doctor. At 37, he avoids physicals and is afraid to let a doctor touch him. By participating in the lawsuit, he hopes to take some of his power back: to bury it in a healthy way, not like a scared little boy buries it, he said.

His name has never left my head, never, Adam said. I buried a lot of it down to where its even hard to trench up the exact specifics. But his name always just rang in my head, like the one thing that I never forgot.

The opposite of rehabilitation

A 2019 federal audit of Green Hill found that the prison met federal standards on paper, but not in practice. The school failed when it came to supervision and monitoring. Video cameras were not actively monitored and staffing levels were not always at federally mandated ratios demonstrated to deter sexual assault.

The Department of Children, Youth and Families has come under fire this summer for its management of the Green Hill School, where overcrowding has led to what even the agency leader has called terrible conditions. This year, two staff members were arrested for custodial misconduct after allegedly having inappropriate sexual relationships with a young man incarcerated at Green Hill.

Were making bad kids out of our good kids when we send them to these places where they are isolated from their communities, isolated from their families and not given any true help, Firnhaber Oslund said. I think what the state has done so far has been the opposite of rehabilitation.

In a recent interview with The Times, DCYF secretary Ross Hunter discussed the two custodial misconduct cases and reiterated the departments zero-tolerance policy, saying management tries to have multiple eyes all the time so you dont create an opportunity for that. But several of the 188 people now suing the state said they worry abuse is still happening, and they want the state to do more.

People need to know that this happened because the more people that know this happened makes it less likely that its going to happen again, Drew said. If you overturn a rock, all the creepy, crawly things have to go away because people see it, light comes in on it.
B52 Brewing Co., 11 Below Brewing, and Fortress Beerworks to joined forces as a trio in new merger, Submitted B52 and 11 Below Beerworks

Three breweries north of Houston will now operate as a taproom and a distribution-focused brewery after a new merger.

John Ohara, co-owner of Conroes B52 Brewing Co. and Springs Fortress Beerworks, said the market can be tough, and it made sense to strike a deal with his friends over at 11 Below on Bourgeois Road in Houston.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

He said 11 Below has closed the Bourgeois location after 9 years and has now taken over the taproom at the original Fortress location at 2606 Spring Cypress Road. B52 in Conroe will be able to expand distribution as a result of the merger.

Ohara said visitors to both locations will still be able to experience brews on tap.

I think as the industry changed kind of over the last five years, we wanted to focus on kind of a premium tap room experience while also supporting that big distribution piece, said Ohara.

B52 Brewing Co., 11 Below Brewing, and Fortress Beerworks to joined forces as a trio in new merger, Submitted B52 and 11 Below Beerworks

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Ohara said feedback about the merger was mostly positive, but some customers were disappointed with 11 Below moving away from the original location. A Labor Day celebration as the location closed drew a big turnout.

Theres some people that obviously lived really close to that and what we tried to highlight is were not really moving that far away, Ohara said.
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

The Australian government has released voluntary artificial intelligence (AI) safety standards, alongside a proposals paper calling for greater regulation of the use of the fast-growing technology in high-risk situations.

The take-home message from federal Minister for Industry and Science, Ed Husic, was:

"We need more people to use AI and to do that we need to build trust."

But why exactly do people need to trust this technology? And why exactly do more people need to use it?

AI systems are trained on incomprehensibly large data sets using advanced mathematics most people don't understand. They produce results we have no way of verifying. Even flagship, state-of-the-art systems produce output riddled with errors.

ChatGPT appears to be growing less accurate over time. Even at its best it can't tell you what letters are in the word "strawberry." Meanwhile, Google's Gemini chatbot has recommended putting glue on pizza, among other comical failures.

Given all this, public distrust of AI seems entirely reasonable. The case for using more of it seems quite weakand also potentially dangerous.

AI risks

Much has been made of the "existential threat" of AI, and how it will lead to job losses. The harms AI presents range from the overtsuch as autonomous vehicles that hit pedestriansto the more subtle, such as AI recruitment systems that demonstrate bias against women or AI legal system tools with a bias against people of color.

Other harms include fraud from deepfakes of coworkers and of loved ones.

Never mind that the federal government's own recent reporting showed humans are more effective, efficient and productive than AI.

But if all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail.

Technology adoption still falls into this familiar trope. AI is not always the best tool for the job. But when faced with an exciting new technology, we often use it without considering if we should.

Instead of encouraging more people to use AI, we should all learn what is a good, and not good, use of AI.

Is it the technology we need to trustor the government?

Just what does the Australian government get from more people using AI?

One of the largest risks is the leaking of private data. These tools are collecting our private information, our intellectual property and our thoughts on a scale we have never before seen.

Much of this data, in the case of ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Otter.ai and other AI models, is not processed onshore in Australia.

These companies preach transparency, privacy and security. But it is often hard to uncover if your data is used for training their newer models, how they secure it, or what other organizations or governments have access to that data.

Recently, federal Minister for Government Services, Bill Shorten, presented the government's proposed Trust Exchange program, which raised concerns about the collection of even more data about Australian citizens. In his speech to the National Press Club, Shorten openly noted the support from large technology companies, including Google.

If data about Australians was to be collated across different technology platforms, including AI, we could see widespread mass surveillance.

But even more worryingly, we have observed the power of technology to influence politics and behavior.

Automation bias is the terminology we use for the tendency for users to believe the technology is "smarter" then they are. Too much trust in AI poses even more risk to Australiansby encouraging more use of technology without adequate education, we could be subjecting our population to a comprehensive system of automated surveillance and control.

And although you might be able to escape this system, it would undermine social trust and cohesion and influence people without them knowing.

These factors are even more reason to regulate the use of AI, as the Australian government is now looking to do. But doing so does not have to be accompanied by a forceful encouragement to also use it.

Let's dial down the blind hype

The topic of AI regulation is important.

The International Organization for Standardization has established a standard on the use and management of AI systems. Its implementation in Australia would lead to better, more well-reasoned and regulated use of AI.

This standard and others are the foundation of the government's proposed Voluntary AI Safety standard.

What was problematic in this week's announcement from the federal government was not the call for greater regulation, but the blind hyping of AI use.

Let's focus on protecting Australiansnot on mandating their need to use, and trust, AI.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Shares of Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (TSE:AEM  Get Free Report) (NYSE:AEM) passed above its two hundred day moving average during trading on Wednesday . The stock has a two hundred day moving average of C$90.25 and traded as high as C$107.11. Agnico Eagle Mines shares last traded at C$105.80, with a volume of 1,133,591 shares changing hands.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of equities research analysts have recently issued reports on AEM shares. Canaccord Genuity Group upped their price target on Agnico Eagle Mines from C$105.00 to C$118.00 in a research report on Tuesday, July 23rd. Cormark upped their price target on Agnico Eagle Mines from C$110.00 to C$115.00 in a research report on Monday, June 24th. Eight Capital increased their price objective on Agnico Eagle Mines from C$105.00 to C$115.00 in a research report on Thursday, July 11th. Finally, National Bankshares set a C$104.00 price objective on Agnico Eagle Mines and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Monday, June 24th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating, Based on data from MarketBeat, Agnico Eagle Mines presently has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus target price of C$105.14.

Get Agnico Eagle Mines alerts:

Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on Agnico Eagle Mines

Agnico Eagle Mines Stock Down 1.9 %

The firm has a 50-day moving average of C$103.47 and a two-hundred day moving average of C$90.64. The company has a market capitalization of C$52.14 billion, a PE ratio of 66.44, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 22.97 and a beta of 1.05. The company has a quick ratio of 0.89, a current ratio of 1.51 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 9.94.

Agnico Eagle Mines (TSE:AEM  Get Free Report) (NYSE:AEM) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 31st. The company reported C$1.46 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of C$1.27 by C$0.19. Agnico Eagle Mines had a return on equity of 3.10% and a net margin of 8.49%. The business had revenue of C$2.84 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of C$2.36 billion.

Agnico Eagle Mines Increases Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, September 16th. Stockholders of record on Friday, August 30th will be given a dividend of $0.547 per share. This is a positive change from Agnico Eagle Miness previous quarterly dividend of $0.40. This represents a $2.19 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.10%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, August 30th. Agnico Eagle Miness dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 138.22%.

Insider Transactions at Agnico Eagle Mines

In other news, Director John Merfyn Roberts sold 2,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, August 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of C$111.84, for a total value of C$223,680.00. In other Agnico Eagle Mines news, Director John Merfyn Roberts sold 2,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, August 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of C$111.84, for a total value of C$223,680.00. Also, Senior Officer Carol-Ann Plummer-Theriault sold 25,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, August 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of C$101.85, for a total value of C$2,546,250.00. Insiders sold a total of 79,000 shares of company stock worth $8,411,677 over the last ninety days. Company insiders own 0.08% of the companys stock.

About Agnico Eagle Mines

(Get Free Report)

Agnico Eagle Mines Limited, a gold mining company, exploration, development, and production of precious metals. It explores for gold. The company's mines are located in Canada, Australia, Finland and Mexico, with exploration and development activities in Canada, Australia, Europe, Latin America, and the United States.

Featured Stories

Receive News & Ratings for Agnico Eagle Mines Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Agnico Eagle Mines and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Shares of British Smaller Companies VCT (LON:BSV  Get Free Report) rose 1.9% on Wednesday . The stock traded as high as GBX 79.50 ($1.05) and last traded at GBX 79.50 ($1.05). Approximately 5,000 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 92% from the average daily volume of 60,072 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 78 ($1.03).

British Smaller Companies VCT Stock Down 1.9 %

The company has a market cap of 238.10 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 1,300.00 and a beta of 0.02. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of GBX 78.18 and a two-hundred day moving average price of GBX 78.94.

Get British Smaller Companies VCT alerts:

British Smaller Companies VCT Dividend Announcement

The business also recently declared a dividend, which was paid on Friday, July 26th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, June 27th were paid a GBX 2 ($0.03) dividend. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, June 27th. This represents a dividend yield of 2.5%. British Smaller Companies VCTs payout ratio is 6,666.67%.

About British Smaller Companies VCT

British Smaller Companies VCT plc is a venture capital trust specializing in investments in early stage, mid and late venture, later stage, recapitalizations, growing capital-consuming businesses, acquisition funding and business development in mature, VCT qualifying and non-qualifying unquoted and quoted companies listed on alternative investment market and ISDX.

Further Reading

Receive News & Ratings for British Smaller Companies VCT Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for British Smaller Companies VCT and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
CapWealth Advisors LLC lessened its stake in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (NYSEARCA:IVV  Free Report) by 2.0% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 4,313 shares of the companys stock after selling 90 shares during the period. CapWealth Advisors LLCs holdings in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF were worth $2,360,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Proffitt & Goodson Inc. raised its holdings in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 21.2% during the second quarter. Proffitt & Goodson Inc. now owns 103 shares of the companys stock worth $56,000 after buying an additional 18 shares during the last quarter. Global Trust Asset Management LLC increased its position in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 5.3% during the second quarter. Global Trust Asset Management LLC now owns 379 shares of the companys stock worth $207,000 after acquiring an additional 19 shares in the last quarter. Independence Bank of Kentucky raised its holdings in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 0.9% in the 1st quarter. Independence Bank of Kentucky now owns 2,134 shares of the companys stock worth $1,122,000 after acquiring an additional 20 shares during the last quarter. Unionview LLC lifted its position in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 0.6% in the 1st quarter. Unionview LLC now owns 3,293 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,731,000 after acquiring an additional 20 shares in the last quarter. Finally, MTM Investment Management LLC lifted its position in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 6.9% in the 2nd quarter. MTM Investment Management LLC now owns 308 shares of the companys stock valued at $169,000 after acquiring an additional 20 shares in the last quarter.

Get iShares Core S&P 500 ETF alerts:

iShares Core S&P 500 ETF Stock Performance

Shares of IVV opened at $552.52 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $476.77 billion, a P/E ratio of 25.23 and a beta of 0.99. iShares Core S&P 500 ETF has a 52 week low of $411.02 and a 52 week high of $568.24. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $552.58 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $532.95.

iShares Core S&P 500 ETF Company Profile

iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (the Fund) is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the Standard & Poors 500 Index (the Index). The Index measures the performance of the large-capitalization sector of the United States equity market.

See Also

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IVV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (NYSEARCA:IVV  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for iShares Core S&P 500 ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Core S&P 500 ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
CCL Industries Inc. (TSE:CCL.A  Get Free Report) crossed above its 50-day moving average during trading on Wednesday . The stock has a 50-day moving average of C$75.10 and traded as high as C$77.69. CCL Industries shares last traded at C$77.69, with a volume of 135 shares trading hands.

CCL Industries Price Performance

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 48.08, a current ratio of 1.96 and a quick ratio of 1.31. The businesss 50 day moving average price is C$75.23 and its 200 day moving average price is C$72.15. The stock has a market capitalization of C$934.01 million, a P/E ratio of 21.14 and a beta of 0.56.

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.

See Also

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.
Croma Security Solutions Group plc (LON:CSSG  Get Free Report)s share price crossed below its 200-day moving average during trading on Wednesday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of GBX 70.84 ($0.93) and traded as low as GBX 70 ($0.92). Croma Security Solutions Group shares last traded at GBX 70 ($0.92), with a volume of 7,000 shares changing hands.

Croma Security Solutions Group Price Performance

The stock has a market cap of 9.68 million, a PE ratio of 320.45 and a beta of 0.85. The company has a current ratio of 4.01, a quick ratio of 1.51 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.66. The business has a 50-day moving average price of GBX 70.92 and a 200-day moving average price of GBX 70.84.

About Croma Security Solutions Group

(Get Free Report)

Croma Security Solutions Group plc provides various security services in the United Kingdom. The company operates through two segments: Croma Locksmiths; and Croma Fire and Security. The Croma Locksmiths segment supplies, installs, and maintains locks, padlocks, safes, ironmongery, UPVC mechanisms, security shutters, grilles, and doors.

Featured Stories

Receive News & Ratings for Croma Security Solutions Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Croma Security Solutions Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Invesco CurrencyShares Swiss Franc Trust (NYSEARCA:FXF  Get Free Report) shares were up 0.4% during mid-day trading on Wednesday . The stock traded as high as $105.02 and last traded at $105.02. Approximately 5,930 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 66% from the average daily volume of 17,580 shares. The stock had previously closed at $104.56.

Invesco CurrencyShares Swiss Franc Trust Price Performance

The firms fifty day moving average is $101.87 and its 200-day moving average is $100.00.

Get Invesco CurrencyShares Swiss Franc Trust alerts:

Institutional Trading of Invesco CurrencyShares Swiss Franc Trust

An institutional investor recently raised its position in Invesco CurrencyShares Swiss Franc Trust stock. NewSquare Capital LLC lifted its stake in shares of Invesco CurrencyShares Swiss Franc Trust (NYSEARCA:FXF  Free Report) by 1.1% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 17,411 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 196 shares during the quarter. NewSquare Capital LLC owned about 1.12% of Invesco CurrencyShares Swiss Franc Trust worth $1,723,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

About Invesco CurrencyShares Swiss Franc Trust

Guggenheim CurrencyShares Swiss Franc Trust, formerly CurrencyShares Swiss Franc Trust, is a grantor trust. The Trust issues shares (Shares) in blocks of 50,000 (Basket) in exchange for deposits of Swiss Francs and distributes Swiss Francs in connection with the redemption of Baskets. The investment objective of the Trust is for the Shares to reflect the price of Swiss Franc plus accrued interest, if any, less the expenses of the Trusts operations.

Featured Stories

Receive News & Ratings for Invesco CurrencyShares Swiss Franc Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Invesco CurrencyShares Swiss Franc Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
iShares Edge MSCI Min Vol Asia ex Japan ETF (NYSEARCA:AXJV  Get Free Report) traded down 0.4% during mid-day trading on Wednesday . The company traded as low as $33.63 and last traded at $33.67. 600 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 82% from the average session volume of 3,339 shares. The stock had previously closed at $33.80.

iShares Edge MSCI Min Vol Asia ex Japan ETF Stock Performance

The stocks fifty day moving average is $33.67 and its 200-day moving average is $33.67.

Recommended Stories

Receive News & Ratings for iShares Edge MSCI Min Vol Asia ex Japan ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Edge MSCI Min Vol Asia ex Japan ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
iShares iBonds Mar 2020 Term Corporate ETF (NYSEARCA:IBDC  Get Free Report) traded up 0.1% during mid-day trading on Wednesday . The stock traded as high as $26.04 and last traded at $26.02. 22,100 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 2% from the average session volume of 22,556 shares. The stock had previously closed at $26.00.

iShares iBonds Mar 2020 Term Corporate ETF Stock Up 0.1 %

The firms 50-day simple moving average is $26.02 and its 200-day simple moving average is $26.02.

Further Reading

Receive News & Ratings for iShares iBonds Mar 2020 Term Corporate ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares iBonds Mar 2020 Term Corporate ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Burger Fresh owner James Canada points out artwork he recently added after doubling the size of the long-standing restaurant by moving into the adjacent space, Tuesday, May 9, 2023. The popular burger joint is branching out with a second location in Humble. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer Burger Fresh owner James Canada talks about the opportunity to doubled the size of the long-standing restaurant by moving into the adjacent space, Tuesday, May 9, 2023. The popular burger joint is branching out with a second location in Humble. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer

Popular burger joint Burger Fresh & More Conroe is branching out with a second location in Humble.

The roughly 2,300-square-foot space will be at 12235 Will Clayton Parkway, Suite No. 1, in a newly constructed retail center.

"Were excited to establish a flagship location in this thriving area and to start serving old-fashioned burgers along with the myriad of menu items we now offer in Conroe. And of course we will have the full 16 flavors of Blue Bell for all to enjoy," said James Canada, owner of Burger Fresh & More Conroe.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

CONROE ISD LEGISLATIVE LIST: Lack of state funding pushes Conroe ISD to set priorities for upcoming legislative session

A burger with tater tots covered in chili and cheese at Burger Fresh & More in Conroe. Burger Fresh on Gladstell Street has chili all year long. The popular burger joint is branching out with a second location in Humble. Photo courtesy Burger Fresh & More

Aiming for a December opening in Humble

The new location is scheduled to open potentially in mid-December and the restaurant's position at the end of the center will allow for a drive-thru, Canada said.

The Conroe staple was opened in 1997 by Jay Lehman who died in 2019. When Lehman retired, Scott Levantino bought it and six years ago Canada bought the establishment.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

In 2009, Texas Monthly named Burger Freshs burger the No. 13 best burger in Texas.

The Texas Monthly award is Canadas favorite thing on the menu and features mayo, mustard, a sourdough jalapeno bun, bacon, avocado, pepper jack, grilled onion and pepper, lettuce, tomato, and pickle.

Menu favorites will remain the same

Other menu favorites include an expansive breakfast menu, old-fashioned burgers, po boys, hot sandwiches, baskets, salads, hot dogs, loaded fries and shakes, cones, malts and sundaes with 16 flavors of Blue Bell ice cream.

Burger Fresh owner James Canada doubled the size of the long-standing restaurant by moving into the adjacent space, Tuesday, May 9, 2023. The popular burger joint is branching out with a second location in Humble. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer

Canada, a 1966 graduate of Conroe High School, grew up in Conroe and has been in the restaurant business since 1982.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

When he bought Burger Fresh, he began to add memorabilia from the 1950s and 1960s. He also started using fresh meats and made upgrades to the menu items.

In spring 2023, the Conroe location doubled its size by moving into the space next door.

He said the menu will be almost identical to the Conroe location as will the 50s and 60s decor.

"We want you to walk in and know you are in a Burger Fresh," he said.

THE WOODLANDS GROWTH: Chicago Bridge & Iron announces return to The Woodlands after moving headquarters in 2018

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Burger Fresh owner James Canada doubled the size of the long-standing restaurant by moving into the adjacent space, Tuesday, May 9, 2023. The popular burger joint is branching out with a second location in Humble. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer

Canada said he's been looking to expand for some time but was looking for the right spot and the dense population of Humble, Atascocita and Kingwood area fit his vision.

"I think this area will be a great fit for another Burger Fresh," he said. "I just want to bring the old-fashioned hamburger back everywhere I can."

It is possible that the restaurant could expand into the space next door as well to allow for a party room.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad
JPMorgan Russian Securities plc (LON:JRS  Get Free Report) shares passed above its fifty day moving average during trading on Wednesday . The stock has a fifty day moving average of GBX 83 ($1.09) and traded as high as GBX 83 ($1.09). JPMorgan Russian Securities shares last traded at GBX 83 ($1.09), with a volume of 61,008 shares traded.

JPMorgan Russian Securities Trading Down 0.4 %

The stock has a fifty day moving average price of GBX 83 and a 200-day moving average price of GBX 83. The firm has a market capitalization of 33.56 million and a price-to-earnings ratio of 21.78.

JPMorgan Russian Securities Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

JPMorgan Russian Securities plc is an equity mutual fund launched and managed by JPMorgan Funds Limited. The fund is co-managed by JPMorgan Asset Management (UK) Limited. It invests in the public equity markets of Russia. The fund invests in stocks of companies operating across diversified sectors. It benchmarks the performance of its portfolio against the MSCI Russian 10/40 Equity Indices Index.

See Also

Receive News & Ratings for JPMorgan Russian Securities Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for JPMorgan Russian Securities and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Minera Alamos Inc. (OTCMKTS:MAIFF  Get Free Report) shares traded down 0.2% on Wednesday . The company traded as low as $0.18 and last traded at $0.18. 38,212 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 86% from the average session volume of 269,250 shares. The stock had previously closed at $0.18.

Minera Alamos Price Performance

The stocks fifty day moving average is $0.21 and its two-hundred day moving average is $0.23.

Minera Alamos Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Minera Alamos Inc engages in the acquisition, exploration, development, and operation of mineral properties in Mexico. The company explores for gold, silver, molybdenum, and copper deposits. It holds 100% interests in the Santana project consists of 9 mining claims covering an area of approximately 3,100 hectares located in the east-southeast of Hermosillo, Sonora; the Cerro de Oro project that includes an area of 6,500 hectares situated in Zacatecas, Mexico; and the La Fortuna project covering an area of approximately 6,100 hectares located in Durango State, Mexico, as well as the Los Verdes property located in the State of Sonora, Mexico.

Featured Articles

Receive News & Ratings for Minera Alamos Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Minera Alamos and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Molson Coors Beverage (NYSE:TAP.A  Get Free Report)s share price was up 1.9% during mid-day trading on Wednesday . The company traded as high as $59.10 and last traded at $59.10. Approximately 345 shares were traded during mid-day trading, a decline of 61% from the average daily volume of 893 shares. The stock had previously closed at $58.00.

Molson Coors Beverage Stock Performance

The firms 50 day moving average is $59.09 and its two-hundred day moving average is $61.44.

Get Molson Coors Beverage alerts:

Molson Coors Beverage (NYSE:TAP.A  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, August 6th. The company reported $1.92 EPS for the quarter. The firm had revenue of $3.25 billion for the quarter.

Molson Coors Beverage Announces Dividend

Molson Coors Beverage Company Profile

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 20th. Investors of record on Friday, August 30th will be paid a dividend of $0.44 per share. This represents a $1.76 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.01%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, August 30th. Molson Coors Beverages dividend payout ratio is currently 72.13%.

(Get Free Report)

Molson Coors Beverage Company manufactures, markets, and sells beer and other malt beverage products under various brands in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. The company offers flavored malt beverages including hard seltzers, craft, and ready to drink beverages. It provides its products under Aspall Cider, Blue Moon, Coors Original, Hop Valley brands, Leinenkugel's, Miller Genuine Draft, Molson Ultra, Sharp's, Staropramen, and Vizzy Hard Seltzer above premier brands; Bergenbier, Borsodi, Carling, Coors Banquet, Coors Light, Jelen, Kamenitza, Miller Lite, Molson Canadian Lager, Molson Dry, Molson Export, and Niksicko, Ozujsko under the premium brands; and Branik, Icehouse, Keystone, Miller High Life, Milwaukee's Best, and Steel Reserve under the economy brands.

Further Reading

Receive News & Ratings for Molson Coors Beverage Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Molson Coors Beverage and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
OPG Power Ventures Plc (LON:OPG  Get Free Report)s share price passed below its 200-day moving average during trading on Wednesday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of GBX 10.50 ($0.14) and traded as low as GBX 9.65 ($0.13). OPG Power Ventures shares last traded at GBX 10 ($0.13), with a volume of 482,956 shares changing hands.

OPG Power Ventures Trading Down 1.2 %

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 14.49, a quick ratio of 0.32 and a current ratio of 1.60. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of GBX 10.09 and a 200 day simple moving average of GBX 10.49. The company has a market cap of 40.57 million, a P/E ratio of 337.50, a P/E/G ratio of 0.15 and a beta of 0.71.

OPG Power Ventures Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

OPG Power Ventures Plc, together with its subsidiaries, develops, owns, operates, and maintains private sector power projects in India. The company operates 414 MW of thermal power and 62 MW solar power assets. It primarily sells electric power to public sector undertakings and heavy industrial companies.

Featured Stories

Receive News & Ratings for OPG Power Ventures Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for OPG Power Ventures and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Pernod Ricard SA (OTCMKTS:PDRDF  Get Free Report) shares were down 1.3% during mid-day trading on Wednesday . The stock traded as low as C$143.85 and last traded at C$143.85. Approximately 2 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 100% from the average daily volume of 1,804 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$145.74.

Pernod Ricard Price Performance

The companys 50-day moving average price is C$137.53 and its 200-day moving average price is C$148.64.

About Pernod Ricard

(Get Free Report)

Pernod Ricard SA produces and sells wines and spirits worldwide. The company offers whiskey, vodka, gin, rum, liqueur and bitters, champagne, tequila and mezcal, and aperitif under the brands 100 Pipers, Aberlour, Absolut, Absolut Elyx, Altos, ARARAT, Augier, Avion, Ballantine's, Becherovka, Beefeater, Blenders Pride, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo, Ceder's, Chivas, Church Road, Clan Campbell, Del Maguey, George Wyndham, Green Spot, Havana Club, Imperial, Imperial Blue, Italicus, J.P.

Featured Articles

Receive News & Ratings for Pernod Ricard Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Pernod Ricard and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Shares of Private Bancorp of America, Inc. (OTCMKTS:PBAM  Get Free Report) shot up 4% during mid-day trading on Wednesday . The stock traded as high as $44.73 and last traded at $44.73. 19,229 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 257% from the average session volume of 5,387 shares. The stock had previously closed at $43.00.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Separately, Stephens boosted their target price on shares of Private Bancorp of America from $41.00 to $53.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, July 23rd.

Get Private Bancorp of America alerts:

View Our Latest Stock Report on Private Bancorp of America

Private Bancorp of America Stock Down 0.6 %

The company has a current ratio of 1.04, a quick ratio of 1.04 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.24. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $40.99 and its 200-day simple moving average is $36.83. The firm has a market capitalization of $248.69 million, a P/E ratio of 6.50 and a beta of 0.20.

Private Bancorp of America (OTCMKTS:PBAM  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Friday, July 19th. The company reported $1.35 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.34 by $0.01. Private Bancorp of America had a net margin of 21.84% and a return on equity of 16.96%. The business had revenue of $40.20 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $24.80 million. As a group, research analysts predict that Private Bancorp of America, Inc. will post 5.55 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Private Bancorp of America Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Private Bancorp of America, Inc operates as the bank holding company for CalPrivate Bank that provides banking products and services to individuals and businesses in California. The company offers checking and savings, money market, certificate of deposit, sweep, zero balance, and individual retirement accounts; unsecured lines of credit, personal credit lines, and term loans; additional services, such as direct deposits, online banking, ATM and debit cards, credit cards, savings/line of credit overdraft protection, and safe deposit boxes; and certificate of deposit account registry services.

Recommended Stories

Receive News & Ratings for Private Bancorp of America Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Private Bancorp of America and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Shares of SLC Agricola S.A. (OTCMKTS:SLCJY  Get Free Report) shot up 2% during mid-day trading on Wednesday . The company traded as high as $3.30 and last traded at $3.09. 7,919 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 61% from the average session volume of 20,142 shares. The stock had previously closed at $3.03.

SLC Agricola Stock Performance

The business has a 50 day moving average price of $3.26 and a 200-day moving average price of $3.50.

SLC Agricola Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

SLC Agricola SA produces and sells agricultural products in Brazil and internationally. The company cultivates soybean, corn, cotton, wheat, seed corn, popcorn corn, mung beans, and brachiaria crops, as well as produces and markets seeds and seedlings, including soybean, wheat, and cotton seeds. In addition, the company is involved in the cattle raising business; acquiring and developing land for agriculture; property rental; and agro-industrial activities of industrialization of sugar cane, alcohol, and related derivatives, as well as reception, cleaning, drying, and storing of cereals.

Further Reading

Receive News & Ratings for SLC Agricola Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for SLC Agricola and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
TD Capital Management LLC cut its holdings in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (NYSEARCA:IVV  Free Report) by 1.3% during the second quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 81,877 shares of the companys stock after selling 1,072 shares during the period. iShares Core S&P 500 ETF comprises about 4.7% of TD Capital Management LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 4th biggest position. TD Capital Management LLCs holdings in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF were worth $44,806,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the business. Burkett Financial Services LLC purchased a new position in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $31,000. 1620 Investment Advisors Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF in the second quarter valued at $36,000. Thompson Investment Management Inc. acquired a new position in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF during the 1st quarter worth $37,000. Covestor Ltd increased its holdings in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 321.1% during the 1st quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 80 shares of the companys stock worth $42,000 after purchasing an additional 61 shares during the period. Finally, Ables Iannone Moore & Associates Inc. acquired a new stake in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF in the 4th quarter valued at about $44,000.

Get iShares Core S&P 500 ETF alerts:

iShares Core S&P 500 ETF Stock Performance

IVV stock opened at $552.52 on Friday. iShares Core S&P 500 ETF has a fifty-two week low of $411.02 and a fifty-two week high of $568.24. The companys 50 day moving average price is $552.58 and its 200 day moving average price is $532.95. The firm has a market capitalization of $476.77 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 25.23 and a beta of 0.99.

iShares Core S&P 500 ETF Profile

iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (the Fund) is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the Standard & Poors 500 Index (the Index). The Index measures the performance of the large-capitalization sector of the United States equity market.

See Also

Receive News & Ratings for iShares Core S&P 500 ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Core S&P 500 ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
WisdomTree Japan Hedged Equity Fund (NYSEARCA:DXJ  Get Free Report) shares crossed below its 200-day moving average during trading on Wednesday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of $107.53 and traded as low as $103.08. WisdomTree Japan Hedged Equity Fund shares last traded at $103.38, with a volume of 1,026,488 shares changing hands.

WisdomTree Japan Hedged Equity Fund Trading Down 4.2 %

The business has a 50-day moving average price of $107.36 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $107.49. The stock has a market capitalization of $4.37 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.00 and a beta of 0.65.

Get WisdomTree Japan Hedged Equity Fund alerts:

Hedge Funds Weigh In On WisdomTree Japan Hedged Equity Fund

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of DXJ. Avantax Advisory Services Inc. boosted its position in shares of WisdomTree Japan Hedged Equity Fund by 1.1% during the 1st quarter. Avantax Advisory Services Inc. now owns 10,102 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $1,096,000 after purchasing an additional 111 shares in the last quarter. Concord Wealth Partners boosted its position in shares of WisdomTree Japan Hedged Equity Fund by 1.0% during the 1st quarter. Concord Wealth Partners now owns 11,746 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $1,274,000 after purchasing an additional 114 shares in the last quarter. Brown Lisle Cummings Inc. boosted its position in shares of WisdomTree Japan Hedged Equity Fund by 2.2% during the 2nd quarter. Brown Lisle Cummings Inc. now owns 5,472 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $617,000 after purchasing an additional 120 shares in the last quarter. Natixis boosted its position in shares of WisdomTree Japan Hedged Equity Fund by 62.4% during the 1st quarter. Natixis now owns 414 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $45,000 after purchasing an additional 159 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Scotia Capital Inc. boosted its position in shares of WisdomTree Japan Hedged Equity Fund by 2.0% during the 4th quarter. Scotia Capital Inc. now owns 8,694 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $765,000 after purchasing an additional 169 shares in the last quarter.

About WisdomTree Japan Hedged Equity Fund

WisdomTree Japan Hedged Equity Fund (the Fund) seeks investment results that closely correspond to the price and yield performance of the WisdomTree Japan Hedged Equity Index (the Index). The Index is designed to provide exposure to Japanese equity markets while at the same time neutralizing exposure to fluctuations of the Japanese Yen movements relative to the United States dollar.

Featured Articles

Receive News & Ratings for WisdomTree Japan Hedged Equity Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for WisdomTree Japan Hedged Equity Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Shares of Global Payments Inc. (NYSE:GPN  Get Free Report) have earned an average rating of Moderate Buy from the twenty-six brokerages that are presently covering the firm, MarketBeat Ratings reports. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have issued a hold rating, seventeen have issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating on the company. The average 1-year price objective among brokerages that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $140.71.

Several brokerages have commented on GPN. Susquehanna lowered their price objective on shares of Global Payments from $157.00 to $147.00 and set a positive rating for the company in a report on Thursday, August 8th. William Blair upgraded shares of Global Payments to a strong-buy rating in a report on Wednesday, August 7th. Wells Fargo & Company began coverage on shares of Global Payments in a report on Wednesday, June 12th. They issued an equal weight rating and a $100.00 price objective for the company. Stephens lowered their price objective on shares of Global Payments from $145.00 to $130.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Thursday, August 8th. Finally, Mizuho lowered their price objective on shares of Global Payments from $129.00 to $105.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, May 15th.

Get Global Payments alerts:

View Our Latest Analysis on Global Payments

Insiders Place Their Bets

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Global Payments

In other Global Payments news, CAO David M. Sheffield sold 1,651 shares of Global Payments stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, August 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $100.73, for a total value of $166,305.23. Following the completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer now owns 20,531 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,068,087.63. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website . 0.98% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Pzena Investment Management LLC grew its position in shares of Global Payments by 194.2% during the 2nd quarter. Pzena Investment Management LLC now owns 6,423,463 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $621,149,000 after acquiring an additional 4,240,388 shares during the period. Norges Bank bought a new stake in shares of Global Payments during the 4th quarter valued at $365,933,000. AQR Capital Management LLC grew its position in shares of Global Payments by 188.1% during the 2nd quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 1,157,728 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $109,857,000 after acquiring an additional 755,898 shares during the period. Kodai Capital Management LP bought a new stake in shares of Global Payments during the 4th quarter valued at $69,029,000. Finally, Natixis grew its position in shares of Global Payments by 830.2% during the 1st quarter. Natixis now owns 589,520 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $78,795,000 after acquiring an additional 526,143 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 89.76% of the companys stock.

Global Payments Stock Down 0.9 %

NYSE GPN opened at $107.95 on Monday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.68, a current ratio of 0.92 and a quick ratio of 0.92. The stock has a market capitalization of $27.55 billion, a PE ratio of 21.42, a PEG ratio of 0.71 and a beta of 0.98. Global Payments has a 1 year low of $91.60 and a 1 year high of $141.77. The businesss 50-day moving average is $102.64 and its 200 day moving average is $111.70.

Global Payments (NYSE:GPN  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, August 7th. The business services provider reported $2.93 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.90 by $0.03. Global Payments had a return on equity of 11.93% and a net margin of 14.26%. The company had revenue of $2.57 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.32 billion. During the same period last year, the firm earned $2.48 earnings per share. Global Paymentss quarterly revenue was up 4.7% on a year-over-year basis. Sell-side analysts forecast that Global Payments will post 11.07 earnings per share for the current year.

Global Payments Announces Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 27th. Shareholders of record on Friday, September 13th will be given a $0.25 dividend. This represents a $1.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.93%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, September 13th. Global Paymentss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 19.84%.

About Global Payments

(Get Free Report

Global Payments Inc provides payment technology and software solutions for card, check, and digital-based payments in the Americas, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific. It operates through two segments, Merchant Solutions and Issuer Solutions. The Merchant Solutions segment offers authorization, settlement and funding, customer support, chargeback resolution, terminal rental, sales and deployment, payment security, and consolidated billing and reporting services.

Read More

Receive News & Ratings for Global Payments Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Global Payments and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Chinese association extends help to needy Ethiopians ahead of New Year

Xinhua) 09:51, September 07, 2024

A boy shows notebooks he received at the Eastern Industry Zone in Dukem town, Ethiopia, on Sept. 6, 2024. The Eastern Industry Zone Investors Association on Friday extended a helping hand to the needy people living in and around Dukem town, about 35 kilometers east of the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa. (Xinhua/Liu Fangqiang)

ADDIS ABABA, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- The Eastern Industry Zone Investors Association on Friday extended a helping hand to the needy people living in and around Dukem town, about 35 kilometers east of the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa.

The donations were made ahead of the Ethiopian New Year holiday, which falls on Sept. 11, on the premises of the Eastern Industry Zone (EIZ), benefiting more than 5,000 needy people, including about 4,500 students from three nearby schools.

The handouts included wheat flour, rice, sugar, edible oil, blankets, clothes, shoes and school supplies.

Speaking at the event, Lu Qixin, deputy director of the EIZ management committee, said this year's donation is worth about seven million Ethiopian Birr (around 61,000 U.S. dollars) and includes meal services for around 4,500 students and other basic supplies for 500 students in three schools.

"Since its establishment in 2008, the Eastern Industry Zone has taken root in Ethiopia. Guided by sustainable development principles, the association has been helping people in need. We wish we could help more people and improve the lives of the surrounding community," Lu said.

"Today, I received rice, edible oil and wheat flour. I am grateful to the Chinese companies. I hope I will have a wonderful New Year holiday celebration," said Simegn Nigussie, 36, one of the beneficiaries of the New Year donations.

Gemechu Abdi, a student who benefited from the school supplies donated by the association, said he is also one of the beneficiaries of a school feeding program and provision of solar lamps by the Chinese investors at Obay primary school on the outskirts of Dukem town.

"Had it not been for the support of the Chinese investors, we would have faced serious challenges. Especially, the solar lamp donation has helped us study at home where electricity is not available," Abdi said.

Awal Hasan, a local official from Dukem, said the donation is a sign of collaboration and a good relationship between the surrounding community and the Chinese investors in the industrial zone.

Hasan added that Chinese investments have played a crucial role in import substitution and job creation in the town.

"There are 141 investors in this compound. They are playing a significant role in replacing imported goods, reducing unemployment and fulfilling social responsibilities in the town," he told Xinhua.

Noting that the New Year gift program started long ago, Adugna Asnake, EIZ's site manager, said that donations have been given twice a year to the economically disadvantaged, elderly and disabled people, as well as needy students.

"The association sponsors school feeding programs in nearby schools to help needy students remain in school. It also supports 60 bedridden people in the surrounding areas," Asnake added.

People line up to receive donations at the Eastern Industry Zone in Dukem town, Ethiopia, on Sept. 6, 2024. The Eastern Industry Zone Investors Association on Friday extended a helping hand to the needy people living in and around Dukem town, about 35 kilometers east of the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa. (Xinhua/Liu Fangqiang)

People line up to receive donations at the Eastern Industry Zone in Dukem town, Ethiopia, on Sept. 6, 2024. The Eastern Industry Zone Investors Association on Friday extended a helping hand to the needy people living in and around Dukem town, about 35 kilometers east of the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa. (Xinhua/Liu Fangqiang)

A woman carries donations she received at the Eastern Industry Zone in Dukem town, Ethiopia, on Sept. 6, 2024. The Eastern Industry Zone Investors Association on Friday extended a helping hand to the needy people living in and around Dukem town, about 35 kilometers east of the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa. (Xinhua/Liu Fangqiang)

A boy receives donated notebooks at the Eastern Industry Zone in Dukem town, Ethiopia, on Sept. 6, 2024. The Eastern Industry Zone Investors Association on Friday extended a helping hand to the needy people living in and around Dukem town, about 35 kilometers east of the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa. (Xinhua/Liu Fangqiang)

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Wu Chaolan)
Kirbyjon Caldwell, senior pastor of Windsor Village United Methodist Church, speaks during the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day celebration on Monday, Jan. 15, 2018, at The Woodlands United Methodist Church. Caldwell, the former senior pastor for Windsor Village United Methodist Church, a Houston-based megachurch, was released from prison to home confinement, his wife says. Michael Minasi/Houston Chronicle

Kirbyjon Caldwell, the former senior pastor for Windsor Village United Methodist Church, a Houston-based megachurch, has been released from prison to home confinement, his wife said.

Caldwell was sentenced to six years in prison in 2021 for his role in a scheme to sell worthless Chinese bonds to investors. His transfer to home confinement was announced in a Facebook post by his wife, Pastor Suzette Caldwell.

PASTOR SENTENCED: Pastor Kirbyjon Caldwell gets six years in prison for fraud scheme involving worthless Chinese bonds

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Hello church family. I am so excited to tell you that our visionary, Kirbyjon Caldwell is back in Houston and doing well, she posted. I want to thank you, all of you, for your prayers, for your love and your support.

Caldwell was transferred out of a low-security facility in Beaumont on Thursday, his wife said. It remains unclear what prompted his transfer out of federal custody, but court documents show that in December 2023 he sent a handwritten letter to the judge in his case requesting he be released early.

Caldwell cited his lack of previous criminal offenses and deteriorating health as grounds for early release. He has suffered from an unspecified lung condition, heart problems and high blood pressure since his incarceration, according to the letter. The judge denied this request July 31, according to court documents.

Caldwell and his attorney could not be reached for comment.

9/12/03--President George W. Bush laughs with Senior Pastor of Windsor Village United Methodist Church and founder of the Pyramid Community Development Corporation Kirbyjon Caldwell at The Power Center's 10th Anniversary Celebration Friday afternoon, Sept. 12, 2003, in Houston. Bush praised the faith-based organization during the fundraising dinner. (digital image by Kevin Fujii/Chronicle) HOUCHRON CAPTION (09/13/2003): President Bush laughs with Windsor Village United Methodist Church Pastor Kirbyjon Caldwell at a fund-raiser at the Power Center, a multiservice center founded by Caldwell. Bush praised the faith-based organization during the fund-raising dinner. The money raised was to go to three social service organizations. Kevin Fujii/Houston Chronicle

The 70-year-old served as the spiritual adviser to Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama. In 2018, he was charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and accused of using his position at the church to sell defunct revolutionary Chinese bonds that were no longer recognized by the current Chinese government.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud in 2020 and was ordered to pay $3.5 million in restitution in addition to a $125,000 fine in 2021.

During his sentencing, Caldwell read a roughly seven-minute-long statement apologizing to his victims.

They trusted me with their money, and I abused that trust, he said. I misled them, I profited at their expense and for that I am very sorry. As a result of my actions, good people lost hard-earned money. Retirement funds were used, mortgages and other important bills went unpaid, and things that the victims wanted to do for their families and friends just went undone.
Shares of Anglo American plc (LON:AAL  Get Free Report) have been given an average rating of Moderate Buy by the eight brokerages that are currently covering the company, MarketBeat Ratings reports. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, one has assigned a hold recommendation and six have issued a buy recommendation on the company. The average 1-year price objective among brokerages that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is GBX 2,765 ($36.36).

A number of research firms have issued reports on AAL. Bank of America reissued a buy rating and set a GBX 3,100 ($40.76) price target on shares of Anglo American in a research report on Wednesday, June 26th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their price target on shares of Anglo American from GBX 2,735 ($35.96) to GBX 2,590 ($34.06) and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, July 3rd. Berenberg Bank reiterated a sell rating and set a GBX 2,100 ($27.61) price objective on shares of Anglo American in a research note on Friday, July 26th. Citigroup reissued a buy rating and issued a GBX 3,000 ($39.45) price objective on shares of Anglo American in a report on Friday, May 31st. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada raised their target price on Anglo American from GBX 2,300 ($30.24) to GBX 3,100 ($40.76) and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Monday, May 13th.

Get Anglo American alerts:

Check Out Our Latest Report on AAL

Insider Buying and Selling at Anglo American

Anglo American Stock Performance

In related news, insider Stuart J. Chambers purchased 694 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, June 21st. The stock was bought at an average price of GBX 2,464 ($32.40) per share, with a total value of 17,100.16 ($22,485.42). Over the last three months, insiders have acquired 706 shares of company stock valued at $1,737,272. Company insiders own 9.94% of the companys stock.

Shares of AAL opened at GBX 2,024 ($26.61) on Monday. The stock has a 50-day moving average of GBX 2,279.38 and a two-hundred day moving average of GBX 2,253.14. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 62.94, a quick ratio of 1.28 and a current ratio of 1.98. The stock has a market cap of 24.49 billion, a P/E ratio of -1,965.05, a P/E/G ratio of 2.29 and a beta of 1.14. Anglo American has a one year low of GBX 1,630 ($21.43) and a one year high of GBX 2,813 ($36.99).

Anglo American Increases Dividend

The firm also recently declared a dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 27th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, August 15th will be given a dividend of $0.42 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, August 15th. This represents a yield of 1.46%. This is an increase from Anglo Americans previous dividend of $0.41. Anglo Americans dividend payout ratio is currently -6,407.77%.

Anglo American Company Profile

(Get Free Report

Anglo American plc operates as a mining company in the United Kingdom and internationally. It explores for rough and polished diamonds, copper, platinum group metals and nickel, steelmaking coal, and iron ore; and nickel, polyhalite, and manganese ores. Anglo American plc was founded in 1917 and is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom.

Featured Stories

Receive News & Ratings for Anglo American Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Anglo American and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Bahamas Petroleum Company plc (LON:BPC  Get Free Report)s share price passed above its two hundred day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a two hundred day moving average of GBX 0.33 ($0.00) and traded as high as GBX 0.35 ($0.00). Bahamas Petroleum shares last traded at GBX 0.33 ($0.00), with a volume of 182,969,266 shares trading hands.

Bahamas Petroleum Price Performance

The firm has a market cap of 16.21 million and a P/E ratio of -1.63. The business has a 50-day moving average of GBX 0.32 and a two-hundred day moving average of GBX 0.33. The company has a current ratio of 3.84, a quick ratio of 3.82 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.14.

About Bahamas Petroleum

(Get Free Report)

Bahamas Petroleum Company plc engages in the oil and gas exploration activities in the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. Bahamas Petroleum Company plc was founded in 2005 and is headquartered in Douglas, the United Kingdom.

Further Reading

Receive News & Ratings for Bahamas Petroleum Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bahamas Petroleum and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Bank of America Co. (NYSE:BAC) shares dropped 0.2% during trading on Thursday after an insider sold shares in the company. The company traded as low as $40.32 and last traded at $40.40. Approximately 7,124,489 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 82% from the average daily volume of 39,115,910 shares. The stock had previously closed at $40.50.

Specifically, major shareholder Berkshire Hathaway Inc sold 5,031,014 shares of Bank of America stock in a transaction on Thursday, September 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $40.28, for a total transaction of $202,649,243.92. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 863,977,599 shares of the companys stock, valued at $34,801,017,687.72. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, major shareholder Berkshire Hathaway Inc sold 8,031,639 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, September 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $40.66, for a total value of $326,566,441.74. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 874,692,264 shares in the company, valued at approximately $35,564,987,454.24. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In other news, major shareholder Berkshire Hathaway Inc sold 7,938,699 shares of Bank of America stock in a transaction on Friday, August 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $40.61, for a total transaction of $322,390,566.39. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 882,723,903 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $35,847,417,700.83. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link.

Get Bank of America alerts:

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several equities analysts have weighed in on the stock. Jefferies Financial Group raised their target price on shares of Bank of America from $39.00 to $41.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, July 3rd. Seaport Res Ptn upgraded Bank of America from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 2nd. Evercore ISI upped their target price on Bank of America from $43.00 to $46.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 17th. StockNews.com raised Bank of America from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 17th. Finally, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods restated an outperform rating and issued a $48.00 price objective (up from $46.00) on shares of Bank of America in a research report on Wednesday, July 17th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have issued a hold rating, twelve have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $42.22.

Bank of America Stock Down 2.8 %

The stock has a market cap of $303.12 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.42, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.46 and a beta of 1.35. The firms 50-day moving average is $40.30 and its 200 day moving average is $38.49. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.09, a current ratio of 0.80 and a quick ratio of 0.80.

Bank of America (NYSE:BAC  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, July 16th. The financial services provider reported $0.83 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.79 by $0.04. Bank of America had a return on equity of 10.56% and a net margin of 13.28%. The business had revenue of $25.38 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $25.22 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $0.88 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up .7% on a year-over-year basis. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Bank of America Co. will post 3.28 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Bank of America Increases Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 27th. Stockholders of record on Friday, September 6th will be paid a $0.26 dividend. This is a positive change from Bank of Americas previous quarterly dividend of $0.24. This represents a $1.04 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.68%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, September 6th. Bank of Americas payout ratio is currently 35.99%.

Bank of America declared that its board has approved a stock buyback plan on Wednesday, July 24th that allows the company to repurchase $25.00 billion in outstanding shares. This repurchase authorization allows the financial services provider to buy up to 7.6% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock repurchase plans are typically a sign that the companys board believes its stock is undervalued.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Clear Rock Advisors LLC raised its stake in shares of Bank of America by 3.7% in the 2nd quarter. Clear Rock Advisors LLC now owns 85,025 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $3,381,000 after acquiring an additional 3,027 shares during the period. Brown Financial Advisors acquired a new stake in Bank of America in the 2nd quarter valued at $1,589,000. RiverFront Investment Group LLC raised its position in Bank of America by 1.8% in the second quarter. RiverFront Investment Group LLC now owns 15,610 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $621,000 after purchasing an additional 273 shares during the period. Birmingham Capital Management Co. Inc. AL lifted its stake in shares of Bank of America by 0.8% during the second quarter. Birmingham Capital Management Co. Inc. AL now owns 83,700 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $3,329,000 after purchasing an additional 625 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Kestra Investment Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Bank of America in the second quarter worth about $785,000. 70.71% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Bank of America Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Bank of America Corporation, through its subsidiaries, provides banking and financial products and services for individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses, institutional investors, large corporations, and governments worldwide. It operates in four segments: Consumer Banking, Global Wealth & Investment Management (GWIM), Global Banking, and Global Markets.

See Also

Receive News & Ratings for Bank of America Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bank of America and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Barclays assumed coverage on shares of Lincoln National (NYSE:LNC  Free Report) in a research report sent to investors on Wednesday morning, MarketBeat Ratings reports. The firm issued an equal weight rating and a $35.00 target price on the financial services providers stock.

Several other equities research analysts have also recently commented on the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their target price on Lincoln National from $28.00 to $34.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 2nd. Morgan Stanley cut their target price on Lincoln National from $30.00 to $29.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, August 19th. Jefferies Financial Group boosted their target price on Lincoln National from $34.00 to $38.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Friday, June 28th. Bank of America cut their target price on Lincoln National from $32.00 to $31.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, July 11th. Finally, Piper Sandler boosted their target price on Lincoln National from $30.00 to $34.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, June 28th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have issued a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $32.64.

Get Lincoln National alerts:

Get Our Latest Stock Report on LNC

Lincoln National Price Performance

Shares of LNC opened at $29.45 on Wednesday. Lincoln National has a 1 year low of $20.85 and a 1 year high of $36.46. The company has a current ratio of 0.27, a quick ratio of 0.27 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.82. The stock has a market cap of $5.01 billion, a P/E ratio of 4.03, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.33 and a beta of 1.84. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $31.42 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $30.23.

Lincoln National (NYSE:LNC  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 1st. The financial services provider reported $1.84 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.77 by $0.07. Lincoln National had a return on equity of 17.13% and a net margin of 12.24%. The business had revenue of $5.15 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.65 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $2.02 EPS. On average, equities analysts predict that Lincoln National will post 5.74 earnings per share for the current year.

Lincoln National Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, November 1st. Stockholders of record on Thursday, October 10th will be paid a dividend of $0.45 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, October 10th. This represents a $1.80 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 6.11%. Lincoln Nationals dividend payout ratio is presently 24.62%.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its stake in shares of Lincoln National by 0.8% during the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 21,854,837 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $697,825,000 after purchasing an additional 166,167 shares during the last quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA acquired a new position in shares of Lincoln National during the 2nd quarter worth about $142,148,000. Principal Financial Group Inc. increased its stake in shares of Lincoln National by 59.2% during the 2nd quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. now owns 3,086,324 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $95,985,000 after purchasing an additional 1,147,896 shares during the last quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP increased its stake in shares of Lincoln National by 14.1% during the 2nd quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 2,828,513 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $87,970,000 after purchasing an additional 348,601 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Bank of New York Mellon Corp increased its stake in shares of Lincoln National by 1.4% during the 2nd quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 2,249,725 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $69,966,000 after purchasing an additional 31,235 shares during the last quarter. 72.81% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Lincoln National Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Lincoln National Corporation, through its subsidiaries, operates multiple insurance and retirement businesses in the United States. It operates in four segments: Life Insurance, Annuities, Group Protection, and Retirement Plan Services. The Life Insurance segment provides life insurance products, including term insurance, universal life insurance (UL), indexed universal life insurance, variable universal life insurance (VUL), linked-benefit UL and VUL products, and critical illness and long-term care riders.

Featured Articles

Receive News & Ratings for Lincoln National Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Lincoln National and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Commonwealth Retirement Investments LLC lowered its holdings in Best Buy Co., Inc. (NYSE:BBY  Free Report) by 23.7% during the second quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 27,352 shares of the technology retailers stock after selling 8,515 shares during the quarter. Best Buy accounts for 1.1% of Commonwealth Retirement Investments LLCs holdings, making the stock its 27th biggest position. Commonwealth Retirement Investments LLCs holdings in Best Buy were worth $2,306,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the business. Rise Advisors LLC grew its position in Best Buy by 69.5% during the 1st quarter. Rise Advisors LLC now owns 322 shares of the technology retailers stock worth $26,000 after purchasing an additional 132 shares during the period. Palisade Asset Management LLC acquired a new stake in Best Buy during the first quarter worth about $27,000. PrairieView Partners LLC raised its position in Best Buy by 67.1% during the first quarter. PrairieView Partners LLC now owns 376 shares of the technology retailers stock valued at $31,000 after acquiring an additional 151 shares in the last quarter. Innealta Capital LLC purchased a new position in Best Buy during the second quarter valued at approximately $35,000. Finally, American National Bank acquired a new position in Best Buy in the first quarter valued at approximately $37,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 80.96% of the companys stock.

Get Best Buy alerts:

Best Buy Trading Down 0.9 %

Shares of BBY stock opened at $98.47 on Friday. Best Buy Co., Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $62.30 and a fifty-two week high of $103.71. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.37, a quick ratio of 0.33 and a current ratio of 1.01. The stocks fifty day moving average is $87.35 and its two-hundred day moving average is $81.99. The firm has a market capitalization of $21.24 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.25, a PEG ratio of 3.20 and a beta of 1.46.

Best Buy Dividend Announcement

Best Buy ( NYSE:BBY Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, August 29th. The technology retailer reported $1.34 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.16 by $0.18. Best Buy had a net margin of 2.96% and a return on equity of 47.19%. The firm had revenue of $9.29 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $9.23 billion. During the same period last year, the firm posted $1.22 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 3.1% on a year-over-year basis. Research analysts expect that Best Buy Co., Inc. will post 6.27 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, October 10th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, September 19th will be given a $0.94 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, September 19th. This represents a $3.76 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.82%. Best Buys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 65.85%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of equities research analysts have recently commented on the stock. Wells Fargo & Company raised their price objective on shares of Best Buy from $80.00 to $95.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Friday, August 30th. Piper Sandler restated an overweight rating and set a $114.00 price target (up previously from $100.00) on shares of Best Buy in a research report on Friday, August 30th. BNP Paribas upgraded shares of Best Buy to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Thursday, August 29th. Truist Financial increased their target price on shares of Best Buy from $86.00 to $107.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research note on Friday, August 30th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price target on Best Buy from $101.00 to $111.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, August 30th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have given a hold rating, nine have issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong 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 price target of $102.56.

Get Our Latest Research Report on Best Buy

Insider Activity at Best Buy

In other Best Buy news, Chairman Richard M. Schulze sold 691,328 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, July 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $88.46, for a total transaction of $61,154,874.88. Following the transaction, the chairman now owns 14,911,525 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,319,073,501.50. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. In other news, EVP Jason J. Bonfig sold 3,500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, July 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $83.02, for a total transaction of $290,570.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 50,714 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,210,276.28. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Also, Chairman Richard M. Schulze sold 691,328 shares of Best Buy stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, July 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $88.46, for a total transaction of $61,154,874.88. Following the sale, the chairman now directly owns 14,911,525 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,319,073,501.50. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last 90 days, insiders sold 1,383,370 shares of company stock valued at $122,233,276. 0.59% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

About Best Buy

(Free Report)

Best Buy Co, Inc engages in the retail of technology products in the United States, Canada, and international. Its stores provide computing and mobile phone products, such as desktops, notebooks, and peripherals; mobile phones comprising related mobile network carrier commissions; networking products; tablets covering e-readers; smartwatches; and consumer electronics consisting of digital imaging, health and fitness products, portable audio comprising headphones and portable speakers, and smart home products, as well as home theaters, which includes home theater accessories, soundbars, and televisions.

Read More

Receive News & Ratings for Best Buy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Best Buy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Bezeq The Israel Telecommunication Corp. Ltd (OTCMKTS:BZQIY  Get Free Report)s share price dropped 6.1% on Friday . The stock traded as low as $4.93 and last traded at $4.93. Approximately 300 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 22% from the average daily volume of 386 shares. The stock had previously closed at $5.25.

Bezeq The Israel Telecommunication Trading Down 6.1 %

The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $5.61 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $5.96.

About Bezeq The Israel Telecommunication

(Get Free Report)

Bezeq The Israel Telecommunication Corp. Ltd provides communications services to business and private customers in Israel. It operates through Domestic fixed-line communications, Cellular Communication, Internet, International Communication, and ICT Solutions, and Multi-Channel Television segments. The company offers telephony services, including basic telephony services on the household telephone line, as well as associated services, such as voice mail and caller ID; national numbering services; and transmission and data-communication services.

Further Reading

Receive News & Ratings for Bezeq The Israel Telecommunication Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bezeq The Israel Telecommunication and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Shares of BMO REX MicroSectors FANG Index 3X Leveraged ETN (NYSEARCA:FNGU  Get Free Report) saw unusually-high trading volume on Thursday . Approximately 666,871 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 38% from the previous sessions volume of 1,081,053 shares.The stock last traded at $370.84 and had previously closed at $349.50.

BMO REX MicroSectors FANG Index 3X Leveraged ETN Stock Down 12.8 %

The stocks 50 day moving average price is $415.12 and its 200-day moving average price is $368.92. The stock has a market capitalization of $230.70 billion, a PE ratio of 123.65 and a beta of 4.82.

Get BMO REX MicroSectors FANG Index 3X Leveraged ETN alerts:

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in FNGU. DRW Securities LLC bought a new position in BMO REX MicroSectors FANG Index 3X Leveraged ETN in the 2nd quarter worth about $226,000. VitalStone Financial LLC grew its position in shares of BMO REX MicroSectors FANG Index 3X Leveraged ETN by 245.9% in the 2nd quarter. VitalStone Financial LLC now owns 505 shares of the companys stock worth $225,000 after buying an additional 359 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Whittier Trust Co. purchased a new position in BMO REX MicroSectors FANG Index 3X Leveraged ETN in the first quarter worth $37,000.

About BMO REX MicroSectors FANG Index 3X Leveraged ETN

The MicroSectors FANG+ Index 3X Leveraged ETN (FNGU) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the NYSE FANG+ index. The fund tracks 3x the daily price movements of an equal-weighted index of US-listed technology and consumer discretionary companies. FNGU was launched on Jan 22, 2018 and is issued by REX Microsectors.

Read More

Receive News & Ratings for BMO REX MicroSectors FANG Index 3X Leveraged ETN Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BMO REX MicroSectors FANG Index 3X Leveraged ETN and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Rio Tinto Group (LON:RIO  Get Free Report) has earned an average rating of Moderate Buy from the seven research firms that are presently covering the company, MarketBeat.com reports. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating on the company. The average twelve-month target price among brokerages that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is GBX 6,305 ($82.91).

A number of research firms recently issued reports on RIO. Berenberg Bank lowered Rio Tinto Group from a buy rating to a hold rating and reduced their price objective for the company from GBX 5,900 ($77.58) to GBX 5,800 ($76.27) in a research report on Wednesday, June 26th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their target price on Rio Tinto Group from GBX 6,500 ($85.47) to GBX 6,430 ($84.55) and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, August 1st. Bank of America reissued a buy rating and issued a GBX 7,700 ($101.25) price objective on shares of Rio Tinto Group in a research note on Wednesday, June 26th. Royal Bank of Canada reaffirmed a sector perform rating and set a GBX 5,700 ($74.95) target price on shares of Rio Tinto Group in a research report on Thursday, August 1st. Finally, Citigroup reaffirmed a neutral rating on shares of Rio Tinto Group in a research report on Monday, June 17th.

Get Rio Tinto Group alerts:

Read Our Latest Analysis on RIO

Rio Tinto Group Price Performance

Rio Tinto Group Cuts Dividend

Shares of RIO opened at GBX 4,516 ($59.38) on Monday. The firm has a market cap of 56.45 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 905.01, a PEG ratio of -0.64 and a beta of 0.63. The stock has a 50 day moving average of GBX 4,951.15 and a 200-day moving average of GBX 5,161. The company has a current ratio of 1.70, a quick ratio of 1.34 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 25.01. Rio Tinto Group has a 52 week low of GBX 4,509 ($59.29) and a 52 week high of GBX 5,910 ($77.71).

The business also recently declared a dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, September 26th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, August 15th will be paid a dividend of $1.77 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, August 15th. This represents a dividend yield of 2.79%. Rio Tinto Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 6,833.67%.

About Rio Tinto Group

(Get Free Report

Rio Tinto Group engages in exploring, mining, and processing mineral resources worldwide. The company operates through Iron Ore, Aluminium, Copper, and Minerals Segments. The Iron Ore segment engages in the iron ore mining, and salt and gypsum production in Western Australia. The Aluminum segment is involved in bauxite mining; alumina refining; and aluminium smelting.

Featured Articles

Receive News & Ratings for Rio Tinto Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Rio Tinto Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Chicago Capital LLC boosted its stake in shares of Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT  Free Report) by 7.9% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 29,787 shares of the retailers stock after buying an additional 2,172 shares during the period. Chicago Capital LLCs holdings in Walmart were worth $2,017,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Walmart by 199.4% during the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 411,745,334 shares of the retailers stock worth $24,774,717,000 after purchasing an additional 274,229,968 shares during the period. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD grew its stake in shares of Walmart by 181.0% during the first quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 56,861,234 shares of the retailers stock valued at $3,421,342,000 after buying an additional 36,625,314 shares during the last quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp raised its holdings in shares of Walmart by 183.0% in the first quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 29,172,985 shares of the retailers stock worth $1,755,339,000 after buying an additional 18,865,484 shares during the period. Norges Bank bought a new stake in shares of Walmart during the 4th quarter worth approximately $3,674,652,000. Finally, Raymond James & Associates boosted its holdings in Walmart by 16.0% during the 2nd quarter. Raymond James & Associates now owns 16,282,129 shares of the retailers stock valued at $1,102,463,000 after acquiring an additional 2,246,656 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 26.76% of the companys stock.

Get Walmart alerts:

Insider Buying and Selling

In other Walmart news, major shareholder S Robson Walton sold 1,244,347 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, June 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $66.63, for a total transaction of $82,910,840.61. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 633,518,311 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $42,211,325,061.93. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. In related news, major shareholder S Robson Walton sold 1,244,347 shares of Walmart stock in a transaction dated Friday, June 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $66.63, for a total value of $82,910,840.61. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 633,518,311 shares in the company, valued at approximately $42,211,325,061.93. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, major shareholder Alice L. Walton sold 40,974 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, June 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $66.79, for a total value of $2,736,653.46. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 635,512,658 shares in the company, valued at approximately $42,445,890,427.82. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 10,144,237 shares of company stock valued at $730,497,016 over the last 90 days. Insiders own 45.58% of the companys stock.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of equities research analysts recently weighed in on the stock. Tigress Financial lifted their price objective on shares of Walmart from $75.00 to $86.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, July 23rd. TD Cowen lifted their price target on shares of Walmart from $80.00 to $85.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Friday, August 16th. BMO Capital Markets reissued an outperform rating and issued a $80.00 price objective on shares of Walmart in a research note on Friday, August 16th. HSBC raised their price objective on Walmart from $70.00 to $81.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, June 11th. Finally, Roth Mkm increased their price target on Walmart from $71.00 to $81.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Friday, August 16th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, twenty-six have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $78.99.

View Our Latest Analysis on WMT

Walmart Stock Performance

Shares of WMT traded down $0.32 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $76.64. 14,548,588 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 17,411,770. The stock has a market capitalization of $616.05 billion, a P/E ratio of 32.80, a P/E/G ratio of 3.87 and a beta of 0.51. The company has a quick ratio of 0.22, a current ratio of 0.80 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.46. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $71.45 and a 200-day moving average price of $65.38. Walmart Inc. has a 12-month low of $49.85 and a 12-month high of $77.81.

Walmart (NYSE:WMT  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 15th. The retailer reported $0.67 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.65 by $0.02. The firm had revenue of $169.30 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $168.56 billion. Walmart had a return on equity of 21.72% and a net margin of 2.34%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 4.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the business posted $0.61 earnings per share. Equities analysts anticipate that Walmart Inc. will post 2.44 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Walmart Profile

(Free Report)

Walmart Inc engages in the operation of retail, wholesale, other units, and eCommerce worldwide. The company operates through three segments: Walmart U.S., Walmart International, and Sam's Club. It operates supercenters, supermarkets, hypermarkets, warehouse clubs, cash and carry stores, and discount stores under Walmart and Walmart Neighborhood Market brands; membership-only warehouse clubs; ecommerce websites, such as walmart.com.mx, walmart.ca, flipkart.com, PhonePe and other sites; and mobile commerce applications.

Featured Stories

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding WMT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Walmart Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Walmart and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Chicago Capital LLC decreased its stake in Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (NYSE:AJG  Free Report) by 1.4% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 9,657 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 139 shares during the quarter. Chicago Capital LLCs holdings in Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. were worth $2,504,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Signaturefd LLC boosted its stake in Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. by 1.0% during the second quarter. Signaturefd LLC now owns 3,825 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $992,000 after buying an additional 39 shares during the period. J.W. Cole Advisors Inc. grew its holdings in Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. by 4.7% during the 1st quarter. J.W. Cole Advisors Inc. now owns 983 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $246,000 after purchasing an additional 44 shares during the last quarter. ERn Financial LLC raised its position in Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. by 1.9% in the 1st quarter. ERn Financial LLC now owns 2,542 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $636,000 after purchasing an additional 47 shares during the period. Signature Estate & Investment Advisors LLC boosted its position in shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. by 0.8% during the second quarter. Signature Estate & Investment Advisors LLC now owns 6,331 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,642,000 after buying an additional 48 shares during the period. Finally, Simplicity Wealth LLC grew its stake in shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. by 0.8% during the second quarter. Simplicity Wealth LLC now owns 6,469 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,677,000 after buying an additional 49 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 85.53% of the companys stock.

Get Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. alerts:

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Stock Down 0.3 %

Shares of AJG stock traded down $0.76 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $294.19. 671,525 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 826,065. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. has a 52-week low of $218.63 and a 52-week high of $298.24. The stock has a market cap of $64.28 billion, a P/E ratio of 59.56, a P/E/G ratio of 2.46 and a beta of 0.72. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.67, a current ratio of 1.04 and a quick ratio of 1.04. The stocks fifty day moving average is $279.84 and its two-hundred day moving average is $259.28.

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Dividend Announcement

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. ( NYSE:AJG Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, July 25th. The financial services provider reported $2.26 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.24 by $0.02. The company had revenue of $2.73 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.77 billion. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. had a net margin of 10.41% and a return on equity of 19.25%. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.s revenue was up 14.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the firm earned $1.90 earnings per share. Equities analysts predict that Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. will post 10.16 EPS for the current year.

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 20th. Shareholders of record on Friday, September 6th will be paid a $0.60 dividend. This represents a $2.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.82%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, September 6th. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 48.58%.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, CFO Douglas K. Howell sold 8,710 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, August 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $285.07, for a total transaction of $2,482,959.70. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now owns 75,963 shares in the company, valued at $21,654,772.41. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In other news, CFO Douglas K. Howell sold 8,710 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, August 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $285.07, for a total transaction of $2,482,959.70. Following the sale, the chief financial officer now directly owns 75,963 shares of the companys stock, valued at $21,654,772.41. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Also, General Counsel Walter D. Bay sold 8,303 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, June 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $262.74, for a total value of $2,181,530.22. Following the completion of the transaction, the general counsel now owns 36,388 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $9,560,583.12. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last 90 days, insiders sold 48,348 shares of company stock valued at $13,342,910. 1.60% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

AJG has been the topic of several research analyst reports. Bank of America upped their price objective on Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. from $233.00 to $255.00 and gave the company an underperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, May 22nd. UBS Group raised their price target on shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. from $260.00 to $292.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 31st. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods lifted their price objective on shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. from $241.00 to $252.00 and gave the company an underperform rating in a report on Friday, July 26th. Wells Fargo & Company raised their target price on shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. from $282.00 to $301.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, July 26th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group increased their price objective on Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. from $264.00 to $267.00 in a research note on Friday, July 26th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have assigned a hold rating and six have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $276.82.

Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on AJG

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Company Profile

(Free Report)

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co, together with its subsidiaries, provides insurance and reinsurance brokerage, consulting, and third-party property/casualty claims settlement and administration services to entities and individuals worldwide. It operates in Brokerage and Risk Management segments. The Brokerage segment offers retail and wholesale insurance and reinsurance brokerage services; assists retail brokers and other non-affiliated brokers in the placement of specialized and hard-to-place insurance; and acts as a brokerage wholesaler, managing general agent, and managing general underwriter for distributing specialized insurance coverages to underwriting enterprises.

See Also

Receive News & Ratings for Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Houston ISD will aim to have at least two functioning automated external defibrillators, or AEDs, at each campus, according to a presentation to its District Advisory Committee this week.

The district also plans to centralize its AED and CPR inspection and training process and launch a new beginning-of-year AED training course, said executive director of student supports Phuong Tieu, who resigned this week. HISD also plans to secure temporary nurses for the nearly two dozen campuses with vacancies.

The presentation on Monday follows the Aug. 14 death of Marshall Middle School student Landon Payton, who suffered a medical emergency in the schools gym.

Health and safety at HISD is a very important topic that HISD takes very seriously all the time, district public affairs and communications chief Alex Elizondo said at the meeting. I know because of the recent events at Marshall Middle School, its even more top of mind of parents in our community.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Both the Houston Federation of Teachers and Chris Tritico, who is representing Paytons family, reported that the school gyms AED was not working at the time of Paytons medical emergency. Tritico said the family will wait to potentially file a lawsuit once it is determined whether the AED was necessary in the emergency. The Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences has not released Paytons cause of death as of Friday afternoon.

Alexis Payton cried with his older son, Jalen, during a vigil for their son and brother Landon at Marshall Middle School on Monday, Aug. 19, 2024, in Houston. Annie Mulligan/Contributor

After Paytons death, the district reported it had at least one working AED at each campus, and that around 84 percent of its 1,038 AEDs were functioning. State law requires that at least one functioning AED be located at each school.

Still, 170 AEDs were not working across the district, and Houston ISD said it had ordered replacement parts to repair each nonworking AED.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Houston ISD now vows to have at least two working AEDs on each campus, Tieu said Tuesday. Staff will undergo new AED training at the beginning of the year.

Were going to develop a course to ensure that we are aligned in (our) approach and make sure that all of our staff are aware of the AED process and procedure before the start of the school year, Tieu said. We want to ensure that we have that readily available to all staff before we return to school.

Attorney Chris Tritico, right, speaks to the media after Alexis Payton, father of Marshall Middle School student Landon Payton, (second from left) and his family watched school footage surrounding the time of his sons death at the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center, Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2024, in Houston. Landon Payton, 14, was engaged in free play in the schools gym when he suffered a medical emergency, Wednesday, Aug. 14, according to Houston ISD. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer Belinda Moreno, left, paints stairs with Karen Cruz outside of Marshall Middle School on Tuesday, Aug. 27, 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 A man raises his hand in prayer during a vigil for Landon Payton on Monday, Aug. 19, 2024, in Houston. Annie Mulligan/Contributor Community leader Monique Howard speaks with Jalen Payton during a vigil for his brother, Landon Payton, on Monday, Aug. 19, 2024, in Houston. Annie Mulligan/Contributor Family members and community leaders release balloons during a vigil for Landon Payton on Monday, Aug. 19, 2024, in Houston. Payton died suddenly last week at Marshall Middle School on the third day of school. Annie Mulligan/Contributor

The district has 22 school nurse vacancies across the district, according to the presentation. There are 28 nurses prescreened and eligible for principals to interview, and another 16 nurse candidates undergoing screening to have a pool of ready-to-hire nurses, HISD wrote Aug. 26.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

The district is working to obtain temporary registered nurses at each campus with vacancies as principals screen potential candidates, Tieu said. It is unclear how long the screening process will take, but Tieu said temporary nurses will fill in at campuses for around eight weeks.

We recognize that having a school nurse is really critical to ensure the safety and the health of our students and of our staff, Tieu said.

A memorial for a Marshall Middle School student who passed away the first week of school remains on the fence on Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2024 in Houston. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer

Every nurse has a bachelors or associate degree and is CPR- and AED-trained with at least 12 months of relevant experience, Tieu said. At least two people on each campus, including nurses, are trained in emergency response including CPR and AED use, HISD wrote.

Tieu said the school district provides both online and in-person CPR and AED training to staff. Houston ISD is developing software to centralize its CPR and AED training and certification records for all staff across the district, Tieu said.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

That way, we have a centralized location to secure when were conducting the training annually, Tieu said.

The districts safety and security team will use software to centralize and streamline monthly and annual AED inspections across the district, according to Tieu. School nurses conduct monthly AED inspections at each campus, while an outside vendor  which the district confirmed was SafetyMed in August  conducts annual inspections, Tieu said.

Tieu announced her resignation from the district the day after the presentation to take a more active role in her familys business, according to an email sent to the districts Office of Academics on Tuesday.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

In the email, the district commended Tieus commitment to increase immunization rates in HISD, decrease student absenteeism and help lead its crisis management team during Houstons storms.

She has been a fearless leader helping to ensure all students have the support they need to show up to class ready to learn, the district said in an email. Dr. Tieu leads with her heart and we always leave a little bit better after working with her.
Cobblestone Capital Advisors LLC NY grew its holdings in shares of Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN  Free Report) by 3.0% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 2,137 shares of the information technology services providers stock after acquiring an additional 63 shares during the period. Cobblestone Capital Advisors LLC NYs holdings in Accenture were worth $648,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the company. SRS Capital Advisors Inc. grew its holdings in Accenture by 9.8% during the 2nd quarter. SRS Capital Advisors Inc. now owns 2,496 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $757,000 after acquiring an additional 223 shares in the last quarter. Oxbow Advisors LLC grew its stake in Accenture by 1.7% in the second quarter. Oxbow Advisors LLC now owns 24,529 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $7,442,000 after purchasing an additional 412 shares in the last quarter. Motiv8 Investments LLC increased its holdings in Accenture by 24.7% in the second quarter. Motiv8 Investments LLC now owns 2,084 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $632,000 after buying an additional 413 shares during the last quarter. Chicago Capital LLC lifted its holdings in Accenture by 6.5% during the 2nd quarter. Chicago Capital LLC now owns 13,491 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $4,093,000 after buying an additional 820 shares during the last quarter. Finally, One Wealth Management Investment & Advisory Services LLC lifted its stake in Accenture by 1.1% during the second quarter. One Wealth Management Investment & Advisory Services LLC now owns 3,048 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $925,000 after purchasing an additional 33 shares during the last quarter. 75.14% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Get Accenture alerts:

Accenture Price Performance

Shares of ACN traded down $1.09 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $339.84. The companys stock had a trading volume of 1,613,563 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,781,811. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $323.63 and a 200 day moving average price of $324.57. Accenture plc has a fifty-two week low of $278.69 and a fifty-two week high of $387.51. The stock has a market capitalization of $212.98 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 31.12, a PEG ratio of 3.81 and a beta of 1.24.

Accenture Announces Dividend

Accenture ( NYSE:ACN Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, June 20th. The information technology services provider reported $3.13 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $3.15 by ($0.02). The business had revenue of $16.47 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $16.55 billion. Accenture had a return on equity of 27.48% and a net margin of 10.79%. The companys quarterly revenue was down .6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $3.19 EPS. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that Accenture plc will post 11.95 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, August 15th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, July 11th were issued a dividend of $1.29 per share. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, July 11th. This represents a $5.16 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.52%. Accentures payout ratio is presently 47.25%.

Insider Buying and Selling at Accenture

In other news, General Counsel Joel Unruch sold 8,145 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, July 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $331.05, for a total transaction of $2,696,402.25. Following the sale, the general counsel now owns 22,849 shares in the company, valued at $7,564,161.45. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In other Accenture news, General Counsel Joel Unruch sold 8,145 shares of Accenture stock in a transaction dated Monday, July 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $331.05, for a total transaction of $2,696,402.25. Following the transaction, 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 document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, insider Ellyn Shook sold 5,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, July 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $329.82, for a total transaction of $1,649,100.00. Following the completion of 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 ninety days, insiders sold 21,421 shares of company stock valued at $6,912,635. 0.07% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several analysts have weighed in on the stock. Guggenheim reiterated a buy rating and set a $395.00 target price on shares of Accenture in a research note on Friday, May 24th. BMO Capital Markets decreased their target price on Accenture from $375.00 to $350.00 and set a market perform rating for the company in a research note on Friday, June 21st. Robert W. Baird dropped their price target on Accenture from $372.00 to $345.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, May 16th. TD Cowen reduced their price objective on Accenture from $294.00 to $293.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research report on Friday, June 21st. Finally, Wedbush dropped their target price on Accenture from $400.00 to $350.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, June 12th. Eleven investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $353.41.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on ACN

Accenture Company 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.

Featured Articles

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.
Cobblestone Capital Advisors LLC NY trimmed its stake in Lockheed Martin Co. (NYSE:LMT  Free Report) by 3.4% during the second quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 4,062 shares of the aerospace companys stock after selling 143 shares during the period. Cobblestone Capital Advisors LLC NYs holdings in Lockheed Martin were worth $1,897,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of LMT. GAMMA Investing LLC boosted its stake in Lockheed Martin by 130.0% during the 2nd quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 3,572 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $1,668,000 after purchasing an additional 2,019 shares during the period. Warther Private Wealth LLC lifted its stake in shares of Lockheed Martin by 86.1% in the 4th quarter. Warther Private Wealth LLC now owns 16,369 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $7,419,000 after acquiring an additional 7,575 shares during the period. Morningstar Investment Services LLC lifted its stake in shares of Lockheed Martin by 99.6% in the 4th quarter. Morningstar Investment Services LLC now owns 147,811 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $66,697,000 after acquiring an additional 73,774 shares during the period. Brevan Howard Capital Management LP lifted its stake in shares of Lockheed Martin by 414.2% in the 4th quarter. Brevan Howard Capital Management LP now owns 7,121 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $3,228,000 after acquiring an additional 5,736 shares during the period. Finally, New Mexico Educational Retirement Board lifted its stake in shares of Lockheed Martin by 20.5% in the 1st quarter. New Mexico Educational Retirement Board now owns 14,097 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $6,222,000 after acquiring an additional 2,400 shares during the period. 74.19% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Get Lockheed Martin alerts:

Lockheed Martin Trading Down 0.3 %

Shares of NYSE:LMT traded down $1.96 during trading on Friday, reaching $566.63. The stock had a trading volume of 976,688 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,069,765. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $524.33 and a 200-day moving average price of $478.58. The company has a quick ratio of 1.07, a current ratio of 1.24 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.10. The stock has a market cap of $135.96 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.74, a PEG ratio of 4.56 and a beta of 0.46. Lockheed Martin Co. has a fifty-two week low of $393.77 and a fifty-two week high of $578.73.

Lockheed Martin Dividend Announcement

Lockheed Martin ( NYSE:LMT Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, July 23rd. The aerospace company reported $7.11 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $6.45 by $0.66. The business had revenue of $18.12 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $17.05 billion. Lockheed Martin had a net margin of 9.48% and a return on equity of 95.03%. The companys revenue was up 8.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $6.73 earnings per share. As a group, analysts anticipate that Lockheed Martin Co. will post 26.65 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 27th. Investors of record on Tuesday, September 3rd will be given a dividend of $3.15 per share. This represents a $12.60 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.22%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, September 3rd. Lockheed Martins dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 46.10%.

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, insider Timothy S. Cahill sold 3,975 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, July 24th. The shares were sold at an average price of $515.36, for a total transaction of $2,048,556.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 8,877 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,574,850.72. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. 0.17% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several analysts have recently commented on LMT shares. Bank of America restated a buy rating and issued a $635.00 target price on shares of Lockheed Martin in a research note on Friday, August 30th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price objective on shares of Lockheed Martin from $518.00 to $560.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, July 25th. Royal Bank of Canada raised shares of Lockheed Martin from a sector perform rating to an outperform rating and boosted their price objective for the stock from $500.00 to $600.00 in a report on Monday, August 5th. Melius Research raised shares of Lockheed Martin to a strong-buy rating in a report on Tuesday. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company boosted their price objective on shares of Lockheed Martin from $483.00 to $525.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Wednesday, July 24th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have given a hold rating, eight have given a buy rating and two have given a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $553.43.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on LMT

About Lockheed Martin

(Free Report)

Lockheed Martin Corporation, a security and aerospace company, engages in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration, and sustainment of technology systems, products, and services worldwide. The company operates through Aeronautics, Missiles and Fire Control, Rotary and Mission Systems, and Space segments.

Further Reading

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding LMT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Lockheed Martin Co. (NYSE:LMT  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Lockheed Martin Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Lockheed Martin and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Equities researchers at StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of Comstock (NYSE:LODE  Get Free Report) in a note issued to investors on Thursday. The firm set a sell rating on the stock.

Separately, Noble Financial upgraded shares of Comstock from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $2.60 target price for the company in a research report on Monday, August 12th.

Get Comstock alerts:

Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on LODE

Comstock Stock Performance

NYSE:LODE opened at $0.30 on Thursday. Comstock has a twelve month low of $0.13 and a twelve month high of $0.63. The company has a quick ratio of 2.14, a current ratio of 2.14 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.11. The stock has a market cap of $41.68 million, a P/E ratio of 3.77 and a beta of 1.92. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $0.18 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $0.26.

Comstock (NYSE:LODE  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, August 8th. The company reported ($0.06) earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of ($0.04) by ($0.02). Comstock had a net margin of 230.15% and a negative return on equity of 8.67%. The company had revenue of $0.43 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $0.57 million. As a group, equities analysts predict that Comstock will post -0.17 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Insider Activity at Comstock

In other news, Director Leo M. Drozdoff bought 200,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, August 14th. The stock was acquired at an average price of $0.15 per share, with a total value of $30,000.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the director now directly owns 600,000 shares in the company, valued at $90,000. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. 8.50% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Comstock

A hedge fund recently raised its stake in Comstock stock. Renaissance Technologies LLC raised its stake in Comstock Inc. (NYSE:LODE  Free Report) by 137.9% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The fund owned 2,868,334 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 1,662,524 shares during the quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC owned 2.07% of Comstock worth $470,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. 7.96% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Comstock Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Comstock Inc engages in the systemic decarbonization business in Nevada and internationally. It operates through Renewable Energy, Mining, and Strategic and Other Investments segments. It will develop technology for the deploying of extraction and refining facilities that convert wasted and unused biomass and other natural resources; and a demonstration system to extract black mass containing lithium, graphite, nickel, cobalt, manganese, copper, aluminum, and other metals from up to lithium-ion batteries.

See Also

Receive News & Ratings for Comstock Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Comstock and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Columbine Valley Resources (OTCMKTS:TRXO  Get Free Report) and Magnolia Oil & Gas (NYSE:MGY  Get Free Report) are both oils/energy companies, but which is the better stock? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their risk, dividends, institutional ownership, earnings, analyst recommendations, profitability and valuation.

Risk and Volatility

Columbine Valley Resources has a beta of -49.51, meaning that its stock price is 5,051% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Magnolia Oil & Gas has a beta of 2, meaning that its stock price is 100% more volatile than the S&P 500.

Get Columbine Valley Resources alerts:

Institutional & Insider Ownership

94.7% of Magnolia Oil & Gas shares are owned by institutional investors. 18.4% of Columbine Valley Resources shares are owned by insiders. Comparatively, 1.2% of Magnolia Oil & Gas shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a company is poised for long-term growth.

Profitability

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Columbine Valley Resources N/A N/A N/A Magnolia Oil & Gas 29.44% 21.18% 14.45%

Analyst Ratings

This table compares Columbine Valley Resources and Magnolia Oil & Gas net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

This is a summary of current ratings for Columbine Valley Resources and Magnolia Oil & Gas, as reported by MarketBeat.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Columbine Valley Resources 0 0 0 0 N/A Magnolia Oil & Gas 1 4 6 0 2.45

Magnolia Oil & Gas has a consensus price target of $28.60, indicating a potential upside of 21.37%. Given Magnolia Oil & Gas higher probable upside, analysts plainly believe Magnolia Oil & Gas is more favorable than Columbine Valley Resources.

Valuation and Earnings

This table compares Columbine Valley Resources and Magnolia Oil & Gas revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Columbine Valley Resources N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Magnolia Oil & Gas $1.23 billion 3.82 $388.30 million $2.01 11.72

Magnolia Oil & Gas has higher revenue and earnings than Columbine Valley Resources.

Summary

Magnolia Oil & Gas beats Columbine Valley Resources on 8 of the 9 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Columbine Valley Resources

(Get Free Report)

Columbine Valley Resources, Inc. engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of oil and gas properties in the United States. The company owns various properties, which are primarily located in the Rocky Mountain region of Wyoming, as well as Nebraska. Columbine Valley Resources, Inc. is headquartered in Broomfield, Colorado.

About Magnolia Oil & Gas

(Get Free Report)

Magnolia Oil & Gas Corporation, an independent oil and natural gas company, engages in the acquisition, development, exploration, and production of oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids reserves in the United States. Its properties are located primarily in Karnes County and the Giddings area in South Texas principally comprising the Eagle Ford Shale and the Austin Chalk formation. The company was incorporated in 2017 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas.

Receive News & Ratings for Columbine Valley Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Columbine Valley Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Cqs Us LLC acquired a new position in shares of Equinox Gold Corp. (NYSEAMERICAN:EQX  Free Report) in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund acquired 600,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,138,000. Equinox Gold makes up 0.9% of Cqs Us LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 25th biggest position.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of EQX. SG Americas Securities LLC grew its stake in shares of Equinox Gold by 1.9% during the first quarter. SG Americas Securities LLC now owns 140,710 shares of the companys stock worth $847,000 after acquiring an additional 2,566 shares during the last quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp grew its position in Equinox Gold by 15.4% during the 2nd quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 26,460 shares of the companys stock worth $138,000 after purchasing an additional 3,528 shares during the last quarter. Private Advisor Group LLC increased its stake in Equinox Gold by 2.0% during the 2nd quarter. Private Advisor Group LLC now owns 201,057 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,052,000 after purchasing an additional 3,862 shares in the last quarter. Raymond James & Associates raised its holdings in shares of Equinox Gold by 0.8% in the second quarter. Raymond James & Associates now owns 645,727 shares of the companys stock worth $3,377,000 after buying an additional 5,143 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Kings Path Partners LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Equinox Gold during the second quarter worth $27,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 38.85% of the companys stock.

Get Equinox Gold alerts:

Equinox Gold Price Performance

Shares of EQX traded down $0.26 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $5.21. 3,156,075 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 2,841,905. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.42, a current ratio of 1.10 and a quick ratio of 0.45. Equinox Gold Corp. has a 12-month low of $3.95 and a 12-month high of $6.50. The firm has a market capitalization of $2.23 billion, a PE ratio of -57.88 and a beta of 1.31.

About Equinox Gold

Equinox Gold ( NYSEAMERICAN:EQX Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, August 7th. The company reported ($0.01) earnings per share for the quarter, meeting analysts consensus estimates of ($0.01). Equinox Gold had a return on equity of 0.42% and a net margin of 22.60%. The business had revenue of $269.43 million for the quarter. On average, equities research analysts predict that Equinox Gold Corp. will post 0.38 EPS for the current year.

(Free Report)

Equinox Gold Corp. engages in the exploration, acquisition, development, and operation of mineral properties in the Americas. It explores gold and silver deposits. It holds interest in properties in California located in the United States; Guerrero State located in Mexico; Maranhao, Bahia, and Mina Gerais state located in Brazil; and Ontario, Canada.

Featured Stories

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EQX? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Equinox Gold Corp. (NYSEAMERICAN:EQX  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Equinox Gold Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Equinox Gold and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Synovus Financial (NYSE:SNV  Get Free Report) and The PNC Financial Services Group (NYSE:PNC  Get Free Report) are both finance companies, but which is the superior stock? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their institutional ownership, profitability, analyst recommendations, risk, dividends, earnings and valuation.

Earnings and Valuation

This table compares Synovus Financial and The PNC Financial Services Groups revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

Get Synovus Financial alerts:

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Synovus Financial $3.45 billion 1.78 $543.71 million $2.92 14.62 The PNC Financial Services Group $31.88 billion 2.20 $5.58 billion $11.91 14.84

The PNC Financial Services Group has higher revenue and earnings than Synovus Financial. Synovus Financial is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than The PNC Financial Services Group, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Analyst Ratings

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Synovus Financial 0 6 10 0 2.63 The PNC Financial Services Group 2 6 9 0 2.41

This is a summary of current ratings and target prices for Synovus Financial and The PNC Financial Services Group, as provided by MarketBeat.

Synovus Financial currently has a consensus price target of $46.44, indicating a potential upside of 8.80%. The PNC Financial Services Group has a consensus price target of $177.02, indicating a potential upside of 0.18%. Given Synovus Financials stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, equities research analysts clearly believe Synovus Financial is more favorable than The PNC Financial Services Group.

Dividends

Synovus Financial pays an annual dividend of $1.52 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.6%. The PNC Financial Services Group pays an annual dividend of $6.40 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.6%. Synovus Financial pays out 52.1% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. The PNC Financial Services Group pays out 53.7% 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. The PNC Financial Services Group has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years. The PNC Financial Services Group is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and longer track record of dividend growth.

Profitability

This table compares Synovus Financial and The PNC Financial Services Groups net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Synovus Financial 8.40% 12.76% 0.95% The PNC Financial Services Group 15.53% 11.33% 1.03%

Risk and Volatility

Synovus Financial has a beta of 1.39, suggesting that its stock price is 39% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, The PNC Financial Services Group has a beta of 1.14, suggesting that its stock price is 14% more volatile than the S&P 500.

Insider & Institutional Ownership

83.9% of Synovus Financial shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 83.5% of The PNC Financial Services Group shares are held by institutional investors. 0.8% of Synovus Financial shares are held by insiders. Comparatively, 0.4% of The PNC Financial Services Group shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term.

Summary

The PNC Financial Services Group beats Synovus Financial on 9 of the 17 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Synovus Financial

(Get Free Report)

Synovus Financial Corp. operates as the bank holding company for Synovus Bank that provides commercial and consumer banking products and services. It operates through four segments: Community Banking, Wholesale Banking, Consumer Banking, and Financial Management Services. The company's commercial banking services include treasury and asset management, capital market, and institutional trust services, as well as commercial, financial, and real estate lending services. Its consumer banking services comprise accepting customary types of demand and savings deposits accounts; mortgage, installment, and other consumer loans; investment and brokerage services; safe deposit services; automated banking services; automated fund transfers; internet-based banking services; and bank credit and debit card services, including Visa and MasterCard services. The company also offers various other financial services, including portfolio management for fixed-income securities, investment banking, execution of securities transactions as a broker/dealer, trust management, and financial planning services, as well as provides individual investment advice on equity and other securities. The company was founded in 1888 and is headquartered in Columbus, Georgia.

About The PNC Financial Services Group

(Get Free Report)

The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. operates as a diversified financial services company in the United States. It operates through three segments: Retail Banking, Corporate & Institutional Banking, and Asset Management Group segments. The company's Retail Banking segment offers checking, savings, and money market accounts, as well as time deposit; residential mortgages, home equity loans and lines of credit, auto loans, credit cards, education loans, and personal and small business loans and lines of credit; and brokerage, insurance, and investment and cash management services. This segment serves consumer and small business customers through a network of branches, digital channels, ATMs, and through phone-based customer contact centers. Its Corporate & Institutional Banking segment provides secured and unsecured loans, letters of credit, and equipment leases; cash and investment management services, receivables and disbursement management services, funds transfer services, international payment services, and access to online/mobile information management and reporting; securities underwriting, loan syndications, customer-related trading, and mergers and acquisitions and equity capital markets advisory related services; and commercial loan servicing and technology solutions. It serves mid-sized and large corporations, and government and not-for-profit entities. The company's Asset Management Group segment offers investment and retirement planning, customized investment management, credit and cash management solutions, and trust management and administration services for high net worth and ultra high net worth individuals, and their families; and multi-generational family planning services for ultra high net worth individuals and their families. It also provides outsourced chief investment officer, custody, private real estate, cash and fixed income client solutions, and retirement plan fiduciary investment services for institutional clients. The company was founded in 1852 and is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Receive News & Ratings for Synovus Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Synovus Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Evercore ISI upgraded shares of Southwest Airlines (NYSE:LUV  Free Report) from an in-line rating to an outperform rating in a report published on Tuesday, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Evercore ISI currently has $35.00 price target on the airlines stock, up from their prior price target of $30.00.

Other equities research analysts have also issued reports about the stock. Argus reissued a hold rating on shares of Southwest Airlines in a research note on Tuesday, May 28th. Sanford C. Bernstein decreased their price target on shares of Southwest Airlines from $26.00 to $24.00 and set a market perform rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, August 5th. HSBC started coverage on shares of Southwest Airlines in a research note on Monday, May 13th. They issued a hold rating and a $27.80 price target on the stock. Melius reaffirmed a sell rating and issued a $26.00 price target on shares of Southwest Airlines in a research note on Monday, June 10th. Finally, Citigroup decreased their price target on shares of Southwest Airlines from $29.00 to $28.25 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, July 29th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have given a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Southwest Airlines has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $28.38.

Get Southwest Airlines alerts:

Check Out Our Latest Research Report on Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines Price Performance

Shares of LUV opened at $29.69 on Tuesday. The businesss 50-day moving average is $27.27 and its two-hundred day moving average is $28.40. The company has a market capitalization of $17.77 billion, a P/E ratio of 47.13, a P/E/G ratio of 27.27 and a beta of 1.16. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.48, a quick ratio of 0.85 and a current ratio of 0.90. Southwest Airlines has a fifty-two week low of $21.91 and a fifty-two week high of $35.18.

Southwest Airlines (NYSE:LUV  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, July 25th. The airline reported $0.58 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.51 by $0.07. The company had revenue of $7.40 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $7.32 billion. Southwest Airlines had a return on equity of 5.92% and a net margin of 0.41%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 5.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the firm earned $1.09 EPS. Research analysts predict that Southwest Airlines will post 0.23 earnings per share for the current year.

Southwest Airlines Announces Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, September 25th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, September 4th will be given a $0.18 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, September 4th. This represents a $0.72 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.43%. Southwest Airliness dividend payout ratio is presently 114.29%.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Southwest Airlines

Several institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of LUV. Capital World Investors lifted its position in shares of Southwest Airlines by 21.4% during the 4th quarter. Capital World Investors now owns 53,475,988 shares of the airlines stock worth $1,544,387,000 after purchasing an additional 9,444,279 shares during the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its position in shares of Southwest Airlines by 3.3% during the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 67,569,773 shares of the airlines stock worth $1,972,362,000 after purchasing an additional 2,148,435 shares during the last quarter. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board lifted its position in shares of Southwest Airlines by 629.5% during the 2nd quarter. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board now owns 1,590,298 shares of the airlines stock worth $45,498,000 after purchasing an additional 1,372,305 shares during the last quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP lifted its position in shares of Southwest Airlines by 21.6% during the 2nd quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 5,828,166 shares of the airlines stock worth $166,742,000 after purchasing an additional 1,034,496 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Norges Bank purchased a new stake in shares of Southwest Airlines during the 4th quarter worth $29,789,000. 80.82% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About Southwest Airlines

(Get Free Report)

Southwest Airlines Co operates as a passenger airline company that provides scheduled air transportation services in the United States and near-international markets. As of December 31, 2023, the company operated a total fleet of 817 Boeing 737 aircraft; and served 121 destinations in 42 states, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, as well as ten near-international countries, including Mexico, Jamaica, the Bahamas, Aruba, the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Belize, Cuba, the Cayman Islands, and Turks and Caicos.

Featured Articles

Receive News & Ratings for Southwest Airlines Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Southwest Airlines and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
AF Advisors Inc. cut its holdings in shares of Fair Isaac Co. (NYSE:FICO  Free Report) by 0.5% during the second quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The fund owned 359,142 shares of the technology companys stock after selling 1,642 shares during the period. Fair Isaac comprises approximately 98.1% of AF Advisors Inc.s holdings, making the stock its biggest position. AF Advisors Inc.s holdings in Fair Isaac were worth $534,640,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the company. EntryPoint Capital LLC acquired a new stake in Fair Isaac in the first quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Advisors Asset Management Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Fair Isaac during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $26,000. Tortoise Investment Management LLC lifted its position in shares of Fair Isaac by 81.8% during the 2nd quarter. Tortoise Investment Management LLC now owns 20 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $30,000 after buying an additional 9 shares in the last quarter. OFI Invest Asset Management acquired a new stake in Fair Isaac in the 1st quarter valued at $31,000. Finally, Family Firm Inc. purchased a new stake in Fair Isaac in the 2nd quarter worth $34,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 85.75% of the companys stock.

Get Fair Isaac alerts:

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several equities analysts have issued reports on FICO shares. Wells Fargo & Company raised shares of Fair Isaac to a strong-buy rating in a report on Tuesday, August 13th. Royal Bank of Canada increased their price objective on Fair Isaac from $1,350.00 to $1,500.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research note on Thursday, August 1st. Wolfe Research began coverage on shares of Fair Isaac in a research note on Tuesday, July 9th. They set an outperform rating and a $1,725.00 target price on the stock. Barclays increased their target price on shares of Fair Isaac from $1,500.00 to $1,800.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 7th. Finally, Oppenheimer began coverage on shares of Fair Isaac in a research note on Tuesday. They issued an outperform rating and a $1,967.00 target price on the stock. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have given a hold rating, seven have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Fair Isaac currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $1,553.42.

Fair Isaac Stock Down 1.4 %

Shares of Fair Isaac stock opened at $1,732.69 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $42.82 billion, a PE ratio of 90.95, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 5.57 and a beta of 1.34. Fair Isaac Co. has a 52 week low of $811.99 and a 52 week high of $1,818.02. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $1,650.13 and its 200-day simple moving average is $1,413.52.

Fair Isaac (NYSE:FICO  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, July 31st. The technology company reported $4.99 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $5.33 by ($0.34). The company had revenue of $447.85 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $448.53 million. Fair Isaac had a net margin of 28.94% and a negative return on equity of 60.67%. As a group, equities analysts expect that Fair Isaac Co. will post 19.33 earnings per share for the current year.

Fair Isaac declared that its Board of Directors has approved a stock buyback plan on Tuesday, July 30th that allows the company to repurchase $1.00 billion in shares. This repurchase authorization allows the technology company to reacquire up to 2.6% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares repurchase plans are generally a sign that the companys leadership believes its stock is undervalued.

Insider Transactions at Fair Isaac

In related news, CFO Steven P. Weber sold 1,800 shares of Fair Isaac stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, August 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $1,735.00, for a total value of $3,123,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now owns 575 shares in the company, valued at approximately $997,625. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In related news, CFO Steven P. Weber sold 1,800 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, August 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $1,735.00, for a total transaction of $3,123,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 575 shares in the company, valued at approximately $997,625. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, EVP Richard Deal sold 13,591 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, June 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $1,374.30, for a total transaction of $18,678,111.30. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 49,314 shares in the company, valued at $67,772,230.20. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last three months, insiders have sold 24,891 shares of company stock worth $38,037,731. 3.54% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Fair Isaac Company Profile

(Free Report)

Fair Isaac Corporation develops analytic, software, and digital decisioning technologies and services that enable businesses to automate, enhance, and connect decisions in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. The company operates in two segments, Scores and Software. The Software segment provides pre-configured analytic and decision management solution designed for various business needs or processes, such as account origination, customer management, customer engagement, fraud detection, financial crimes compliance, and marketing, as well as associated professional services.

Recommended Stories

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding FICO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Fair Isaac Co. (NYSE:FICO  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Fair Isaac Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Fair Isaac and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Federal Agricultural Mortgage Co. (NYSE:AGM  Get Free Report) Director Sara Louise Faivre-Davis sold 685 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, September 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $184.55, for a total transaction of $126,416.75. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 3,225 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $595,173.75. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink.

Sara Louise Faivre-Davis also recently made the following trade(s):

Get Federal Agricultural Mortgage alerts:

On Wednesday, September 4th, Sara Louise Faivre-Davis sold 685 shares of Federal Agricultural Mortgage stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $188.93, for a total transaction of $129,417.05.

Federal Agricultural Mortgage Trading Down 2.2 %

NYSE AGM opened at $183.85 on Friday. Federal Agricultural Mortgage Co. has a 12 month low of $140.44 and a 12 month high of $217.60. The company has a 50-day moving average of $192.92 and a 200-day moving average of $186.14. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.68, a current ratio of 0.49 and a quick ratio of 0.49. The company has a market cap of $2.00 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.21, a P/E/G ratio of 1.74 and a beta of 1.03.

Federal Agricultural Mortgage Announces Dividend

Federal Agricultural Mortgage ( NYSE:AGM Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Monday, August 5th. The credit services provider reported $3.63 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $4.09 by ($0.46). Federal Agricultural Mortgage had a net margin of 13.28% and a return on equity of 20.88%. The company had revenue of $406.23 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $91.77 million. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $3.86 EPS. As a group, equities analysts predict that Federal Agricultural Mortgage Co. will post 16.19 earnings per share for the current 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 $1.40 per share. This represents a $5.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.05%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, September 16th. Federal Agricultural Mortgages dividend payout ratio is currently 34.15%.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Boston Partners grew its holdings in shares of Federal Agricultural Mortgage by 8.1% during the 1st quarter. Boston Partners now owns 486,964 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $95,435,000 after purchasing an additional 36,560 shares during the period. American Century Companies Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Federal Agricultural Mortgage by 25.7% during the 2nd quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 178,008 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $32,187,000 after purchasing an additional 36,380 shares during the period. Captrust Financial Advisors purchased a new stake in shares of Federal Agricultural Mortgage during the 1st quarter worth about $24,137,000. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Federal Agricultural Mortgage by 1.7% during the 2nd quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 65,716 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $11,883,000 after purchasing an additional 1,098 shares during the period. Finally, Raymond James & Associates grew its holdings in shares of Federal Agricultural Mortgage by 0.5% during the 1st quarter. Raymond James & Associates now owns 62,234 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $12,253,000 after purchasing an additional 319 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 68.03% of the companys stock.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Separately, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods reissued a market perform rating and issued a $215.00 target price on shares of Federal Agricultural Mortgage in a research note on Tuesday, August 6th.

Get Our Latest Report on AGM

Federal Agricultural Mortgage Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation provides a secondary market for various loans made to borrowers in the United States. It operates through four segments: Corporate AgFinance, Farm & Ranch, Rural Utilities, and Renewable Energy. The company's Agricultural Finance line of business engages in purchasing and retaining eligible loans and securities; guaranteeing the payment of principal and interest on securities that represent interests in or obligations secured by pools of eligible loans; servicing eligible loans; and issuing LTSPCs for eligible loans.

Featured Stories

Receive News & Ratings for Federal Agricultural Mortgage Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Federal Agricultural Mortgage and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Fidelity D & D Bancorp Inc. trimmed its holdings in shares of iShares U.S. Treasury Bond ETF (BATS:GOVT  Free Report) by 81.3% during the second quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 20,114 shares of the companys stock after selling 87,408 shares during the period. Fidelity D & D Bancorp Inc.s holdings in iShares U.S. Treasury Bond ETF were worth $454,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Cahaba Wealth Management Inc. increased its holdings in iShares U.S. Treasury Bond ETF by 2.1% during the second quarter. Cahaba Wealth Management Inc. now owns 32,732 shares of the companys stock worth $739,000 after buying an additional 663 shares during the last quarter. Private Advisor Group LLC increased its stake in shares of iShares U.S. Treasury Bond ETF by 33.1% during the 2nd quarter. Private Advisor Group LLC now owns 766,610 shares of the companys stock worth $17,302,000 after purchasing an additional 190,641 shares during the last quarter. MCF Advisors LLC raised its holdings in shares of iShares U.S. Treasury Bond ETF by 2.7% in the 2nd quarter. MCF Advisors LLC now owns 4,306,589 shares of the companys stock worth $97,200,000 after purchasing an additional 112,000 shares during the period. MA Private Wealth lifted its stake in iShares U.S. Treasury Bond ETF by 143.8% in the second quarter. MA Private Wealth now owns 115,872 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,615,000 after purchasing an additional 68,337 shares during the last quarter. Finally, National Bank of Canada FI grew its holdings in iShares U.S. Treasury Bond ETF by 33.1% during the second quarter. National Bank of Canada FI now owns 84,733 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,921,000 after purchasing an additional 21,051 shares during the period.

Get iShares U.S. Treasury Bond ETF alerts:

iShares U.S. Treasury Bond ETF Price Performance

BATS:GOVT opened at $23.49 on Friday. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $23.02 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $22.68.

iShares U.S. Treasury Bond ETF Increases Dividend

iShares U.S. Treasury Bond ETF Company Profile

The company also recently disclosed a dividend, which was paid on Friday, September 6th. Investors of record on Tuesday, September 3rd were paid a $0.0629 dividend. This is a boost from iShares U.S. Treasury Bond ETFs previous dividend of $0.06. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, September 3rd.

(Free Report)

The iShares U.S. Treasury Bond ETF (GOVT) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the ICE U.S. Treasury Core Bond index. The fund tracks a market-weighted index of fixed-rate nonconvertible U.S. Treasury securities with a remaining maturity of one year or more. GOVT was launched on Feb 14, 2012 and is managed by BlackRock.

Featured Stories

Receive News & Ratings for iShares U.S. Treasury Bond ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares U.S. Treasury Bond ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Samantha Ketterer is a Houston Chronicle reporter covering higher education. She can be reached at samantha.ketterer@houstonchronicle.com.

Since joining the staff in 2018, Samantha has also covered criminal justice and the Harris County courthouse. She is a former reporting fellow for the Dallas Morning News' state bureau and a former city hall reporter for The Galveston County Daily News.

Samantha, who is from Houston's suburbs, graduated from the University of Texas at Austin and is a proud alumna of The Daily Texan.
Presbia (OTCMKTS:LENSF  Get Free Report) and Penumbra (NYSE:PEN  Get Free Report) are both medical companies, but which is the better business? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their valuation, earnings, institutional ownership, profitability, dividends, risk and analyst recommendations.

Analyst Ratings

This is a summary of recent ratings and recommmendations for Presbia and Penumbra, as reported by MarketBeat.

Get Presbia alerts:

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Presbia 0 0 0 0 N/A Penumbra 0 5 7 1 2.69

Penumbra has a consensus price target of $205.27, indicating a potential upside of 0.76%. Given Penumbras higher probable upside, analysts clearly believe Penumbra is more favorable than Presbia.

Institutional and Insider Ownership

Volatility & Risk

88.9% of Penumbra shares are held by institutional investors. 74.2% of Presbia shares are held by insiders. Comparatively, 5.0% of Penumbra shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, hedge funds and endowments believe a company will outperform the market over the long term.

Presbia has a beta of 5.91, meaning that its stock price is 491% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Penumbra has a beta of 0.54, meaning that its stock price is 46% less volatile than the S&P 500.

Profitability

This table compares Presbia and Penumbras net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Presbia N/A N/A N/A Penumbra 1.26% 8.39% 6.36%

Earnings & Valuation

This table compares Presbia and Penumbras top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Presbia N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Penumbra $1.06 billion 7.48 $90.95 million $2.37 85.96

Penumbra has higher revenue and earnings than Presbia.

Summary

Penumbra beats Presbia on 8 of the 10 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Presbia

(Get Free Report)

Presbia PLC, an ophthalmic device company, develops and markets optical lens implants for treating presbyopia. The company provides the refractive lens for patient surgeries, as well as accessories for procedures. It primarily operates in the United States, South Korea, Australia, Italy, the Netherlands, Ireland, Canada, and Germany. The company was founded in 2014 and is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland.

About Penumbra

(Get Free Report)

Penumbra, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, designs, develops, manufactures, and markets medical devices in the United States and internationally. The company offers peripheral products, including the Indigo System for power aspiration of thrombus in the body; Lightning Flash, a mechanical thrombectomy system; Lightning Bolt 7, an arterial thrombectomy system; and CAT RX. It also provides access products, including guide catheters and the Penumbra distal delivery catheters under the Neuron, Neuron MAX Select, BENCHMARK, BMX96, BMX81, DDC, SENDit, and PX SLIM brands; Penumbra System, an integrated mechanical thrombectomy system comprising reperfusion catheters and separators, the 3D Revascularization Device, aspiration tubing, and aspiration pump under the Penumbra RED, JET, ACE, Max, 3D Revascularization Device, and Penumbra ENGINE brands; and neuro embolization coiling systems that includes the Penumbra Coil 400, a detachable coil that provides an alternative for the treatment of aneurysms and other complex lesions, as well as Penumbra SMART COIL, a detachable coil to treat patients with a wide range of neurovascular lesions; and POD400 and PAC400 brands. In addition, the company provides peripheral embolization products, such as Ruby Coil System consisting of detachable coils for peripheral applications; Penumbra LANTERN Delivery Microcatheter, a low-profile microcatheter with a high-flow lumen; POD (Penumbra Occlusion Device) System, a single device solution; and Packing Coil, a complementary device for use in other peripheral embolization products. Further, it offers an immersive 3D computer-based technology platform under the real immersive system brand; and neurosurgical tools, such as Artemis Neuro Evacuation Device for surgical removal of fluid and tissue from the ventricles and cerebrum. The company sells its products through direct sales organizations and distributors. Penumbra, Inc. was incorporated in 2004 and is headquartered in Alameda, California.

Receive News & Ratings for Presbia Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Presbia and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Great Lakes Advisors LLC lowered its position in shares of Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (NYSE:FCX  Free Report) by 2.4% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 1,475,144 shares of the natural resource companys stock after selling 36,775 shares during the quarter. Great Lakes Advisors LLC owned about 0.10% of Freeport-McMoRan worth $71,692,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in FCX. Lynx Investment Advisory bought a new position in shares of Freeport-McMoRan in the 2nd quarter worth about $26,000. LRI Investments LLC bought a new stake in shares of Freeport-McMoRan in the 1st quarter worth approximately $26,000. RFP Financial Group LLC grew its stake in Freeport-McMoRan by 261.3% during the 2nd quarter. RFP Financial Group LLC now owns 589 shares of the natural resource companys stock worth $29,000 after buying an additional 426 shares during the last quarter. POM Investment Strategies LLC bought a new stake in Freeport-McMoRan in the 2nd quarter valued at about $31,000. Finally, Versant Capital Management Inc grew its position in Freeport-McMoRan by 209.9% in the 2nd quarter. Versant Capital Management Inc now owns 657 shares of the natural resource companys stock worth $32,000 after purchasing an additional 445 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 80.77% of the companys stock.

Get Freeport-McMoRan alerts:

Freeport-McMoRan Stock Performance

Shares of FCX traded down $1.40 on Friday, reaching $40.00. 13,200,142 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 13,271,306. The firm has a market cap of $57.46 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 35.40, a P/E/G ratio of 2.08 and a beta of 1.89. Freeport-McMoRan Inc. has a 12 month low of $32.83 and a 12 month high of $55.24. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $45.16 and its 200-day moving average price is $46.79. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.30, a current ratio of 2.40 and a quick ratio of 1.34.

Freeport-McMoRan Dividend Announcement

Freeport-McMoRan ( NYSE:FCX Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, July 23rd. The natural resource company reported $0.46 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.39 by $0.07. Freeport-McMoRan had a net margin of 7.83% and a return on equity of 7.60%. The firm had revenue of $6.62 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $6 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $0.35 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 15.5% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities analysts forecast that Freeport-McMoRan Inc. will post 1.68 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, August 1st. Stockholders of record on Monday, July 15th were issued a $0.15 dividend. This represents a $0.60 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.50%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, July 15th. Freeport-McMoRans payout ratio is currently 26.55%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several brokerages have recently issued reports on FCX. Scotiabank reduced their price objective on Freeport-McMoRan from $58.00 to $52.00 and set a sector outperform rating for the company in a research report on Monday, August 19th. Royal Bank of Canada reissued a sector perform rating and set a $60.00 target price on shares of Freeport-McMoRan in a research note on Wednesday, July 24th. Raymond James cut their target price on Freeport-McMoRan from $54.00 to $53.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, July 24th. BNP Paribas raised Freeport-McMoRan to a strong-buy rating in a report on Friday, June 21st. Finally, Morgan Stanley raised shares of Freeport-McMoRan from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and increased their target price for the company from $49.50 to $62.00 in a research note on Friday, June 21st. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, eleven have issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Freeport-McMoRan presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $53.07.

Read Our Latest Report on FCX

Freeport-McMoRan Profile

(Free Report)

Freeport-McMoRan Inc engages in the mining of mineral properties in North America, South America, and Indonesia. It primarily explores for copper, gold, molybdenum, silver, and other metals. The company's assets include the Grasberg minerals district in Indonesia; Morenci, Bagdad, Safford, Sierrita, and Miami in Arizona; Chino and Tyrone in New Mexico; and Henderson and Climax in Colorado, North America, as well as Cerro Verde in Peru and El Abra in Chile.

Read More

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding FCX? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (NYSE:FCX  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Freeport-McMoRan Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Freeport-McMoRan and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Great Lakes Advisors LLC lessened its stake in shares of The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE:HIG  Free Report) by 5.0% during the second quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 1,151,960 shares of the insurance providers stock after selling 60,074 shares during the quarter. The Hartford Financial Services Group comprises 1.0% of Great Lakes Advisors LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 20th biggest holding. Great Lakes Advisors LLC owned about 0.39% of The Hartford Financial Services Group worth $115,818,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Several other large investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Bailard Inc. boosted its holdings in The Hartford Financial Services Group by 0.5% in the second quarter. Bailard Inc. now owns 19,378 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $1,948,000 after acquiring an additional 101 shares in the last quarter. Dorsey & Whitney Trust CO LLC lifted its holdings in shares of The Hartford Financial Services Group by 3.1% in the 1st quarter. Dorsey & Whitney Trust CO LLC now owns 3,736 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $385,000 after purchasing an additional 114 shares in the last quarter. Covestor Ltd grew its position in The Hartford Financial Services Group by 28.8% in the 1st quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 519 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $54,000 after purchasing an additional 116 shares during the period. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC increased its position in shares of The Hartford Financial Services Group by 34.4% during the first quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 473 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $46,000 after acquiring an additional 121 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Avantax Advisory Services Inc. increased its holdings in The Hartford Financial Services Group by 2.8% during the 1st quarter. Avantax Advisory Services Inc. now owns 4,543 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $468,000 after purchasing an additional 122 shares in the last quarter. 93.42% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Get The Hartford Financial Services Group alerts:

Insider Buying and Selling

In other news, EVP Michael R. Fisher sold 4,088 shares of The Hartford Financial Services Group stock in a transaction dated Monday, July 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $101.47, for a total transaction of $414,809.36. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 14,818 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,503,582.46. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. 1.60% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

The Hartford Financial Services Group Stock Performance

The Hartford Financial Services Group stock traded down $0.59 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $114.49. The companys stock had a trading volume of 1,281,883 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,628,513. The firms fifty day moving average price is $107.40 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $102.36. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.28, a quick ratio of 0.32 and a current ratio of 0.32. The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. has a 12-month low of $68.82 and a 12-month high of $117.46. The company has a market capitalization of $33.86 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.01, a PEG ratio of 0.93 and a beta of 0.93.

The Hartford Financial Services Group (NYSE:HIG  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, July 25th. The insurance provider reported $2.50 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.24 by $0.26. The business had revenue of $6.49 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $6.02 billion. The Hartford Financial Services Group had a return on equity of 21.20% and a net margin of 11.44%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 7.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $1.88 EPS. Sell-side analysts predict that The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. will post 10.09 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The Hartford Financial Services Group declared that its board has approved a share buyback plan on Thursday, July 25th that permits the company to repurchase $3.30 billion in outstanding shares. This repurchase authorization permits the insurance provider to reacquire up to 10.9% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares repurchase plans are usually an indication that the companys leadership believes its shares are undervalued.

The Hartford Financial Services Group Announces Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, October 2nd. Investors of record on Tuesday, September 3rd will be paid a dividend of $0.47 per share. This represents a $1.88 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.64%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, September 3rd. The Hartford Financial Services Groups dividend payout ratio is 21.36%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several brokerages have weighed in on HIG. Bank of America dropped their price objective on The Hartford Financial Services Group from $113.00 to $111.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, July 11th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods boosted their price target on shares of The Hartford Financial Services Group from $120.00 to $133.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, August 1st. Royal Bank of Canada upped their price objective on shares of The Hartford Financial Services Group from $105.00 to $115.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research report on Monday, July 29th. Argus raised shares of The Hartford Financial Services Group to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Friday, August 2nd. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group upped their target price on The Hartford Financial Services Group from $105.00 to $111.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, June 13th. Nine analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, nine have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, The Hartford Financial Services Group has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $111.94.

Get Our Latest Report on The Hartford Financial Services Group

The Hartford Financial Services Group Company Profile

(Free Report)

The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, provides insurance and financial services to individual and business customers in the United States, the United Kingdom, and internationally. Its Commercial Lines segment offers insurance coverages, including workers' compensation, property, automobile, general and professional liability, package business, umbrella, fidelity and surety, marine, livestock, accident, health, and reinsurance through regional offices, branches, sales and policyholder service centers, independent retail agents and brokers, wholesale agents, and reinsurance brokers.

Further Reading

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding HIG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE:HIG  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for The Hartford Financial Services Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for The Hartford Financial Services Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Great Lakes Advisors LLC boosted its stake in shares of Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM  Free Report) by 0.5% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 316,452 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 1,574 shares during the period. Great Lakes Advisors LLCs holdings in Philip Morris International were worth $32,066,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

A number of other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of PM. Dearborn Partners LLC boosted its stake in shares of Philip Morris International by 3.2% in the 2nd quarter. Dearborn Partners LLC now owns 2,867 shares of the companys stock valued at $291,000 after purchasing an additional 89 shares during the last quarter. LRI Investments LLC grew its holdings in Philip Morris International by 1.5% during the 2nd quarter. LRI Investments LLC now owns 6,287 shares of the companys stock worth $637,000 after acquiring an additional 92 shares during the period. Bar Harbor Wealth Management raised its position in shares of Philip Morris International by 2.6% in the 2nd quarter. Bar Harbor Wealth Management now owns 3,919 shares of the companys stock worth $397,000 after acquiring an additional 100 shares in the last quarter. Stephens Consulting LLC lifted its stake in shares of Philip Morris International by 8.6% in the 2nd quarter. Stephens Consulting LLC now owns 1,266 shares of the companys stock valued at $128,000 after purchasing an additional 100 shares during the period. Finally, KCM Investment Advisors LLC boosted its position in shares of Philip Morris International by 2.8% during the 1st quarter. KCM Investment Advisors LLC now owns 3,868 shares of the companys stock valued at $354,000 after purchasing an additional 104 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 78.63% of the companys stock.

Get Philip Morris International alerts:

Insider Activity

In related news, insider Massimo Andolina sold 9,000 shares of Philip Morris International stock in a transaction on Thursday, August 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $115.35, for a total transaction of $1,038,150.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 85,629 shares of the companys stock, valued at $9,877,305.15. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. In related news, insider Massimo Andolina sold 9,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, August 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $115.35, for a total value of $1,038,150.00. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 85,629 shares of the companys stock, valued at $9,877,305.15. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, insider Wilde Frederic De sold 20,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, July 25th. The stock was sold at an average price of $113.01, for a total transaction of $2,260,200.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 158,447 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $17,906,095.47. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Company insiders own 0.13% of the companys stock.

Philip Morris International Trading Up 0.5 %

Shares of PM stock traded up $0.63 on Friday, hitting $125.81. 8,412,610 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 5,317,667. The firms 50 day moving average is $113.87 and its two-hundred day moving average is $102.23. Philip Morris International Inc. has a one year low of $87.23 and a one year high of $127.45. The firm has a market capitalization of $195.58 billion, a PE ratio of 24.57, a P/E/G ratio of 2.41 and a beta of 0.55.

Philip Morris International (NYSE:PM  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, July 23rd. The company reported $1.59 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.57 by $0.02. The company had revenue of $9.47 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $9.19 billion. Philip Morris International had a net margin of 9.41% and a negative return on equity of 113.32%. Philip Morris Internationals revenue was up 5.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the business earned $1.60 earnings per share. On average, sell-side analysts expect that Philip Morris International Inc. will post 6.45 earnings per share for the current year.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several analysts have recently commented on the stock. Stifel Nicolaus raised their price objective on shares of Philip Morris International from $120.00 to $138.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft upped their price objective on shares of Philip Morris International from $116.00 to $118.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, July 25th. Barclays raised their target price on Philip Morris International from $110.00 to $130.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 14th. StockNews.com raised Philip Morris International from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Monday, July 22nd. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price target on Philip Morris International from $110.00 to $125.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, July 25th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have given a hold rating and eight have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Philip Morris International presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $113.70.

Get Our Latest Report on PM

About Philip Morris International

(Free Report)

Philip Morris International Inc operates as a tobacco company working to delivers a smoke-free future and evolving portfolio for the long-term to include products outside of the tobacco and nicotine sector. The company's product portfolio primarily consists of cigarettes and smoke-free products, including heat-not-burn, vapor, and oral nicotine products primarily under the IQOS and ZYN brands; and consumer accessories, such as lighters and matches.

Read More

Receive News & Ratings for Philip Morris International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Philip Morris International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Great Lakes Advisors LLC lessened its holdings in The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TRV  Free Report) by 2.2% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 210,721 shares of the insurance providers stock after selling 4,782 shares during the quarter. Great Lakes Advisors LLC owned approximately 0.09% of Travelers Companies worth $42,848,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the company. Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund grew its holdings in shares of Travelers Companies by 21.3% in the second quarter. Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund now owns 90,143 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $18,330,000 after purchasing an additional 15,823 shares during the last quarter. Candriam S.C.A. increased its position in shares of Travelers Companies by 11.7% during the second quarter. Candriam S.C.A. now owns 25,904 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $5,267,000 after acquiring an additional 2,705 shares during the period. New York Life Investment Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Travelers Companies by 1.3% in the second quarter. New York Life Investment Management LLC now owns 34,915 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $7,100,000 after purchasing an additional 448 shares during the period. Addison Advisors LLC grew its stake in Travelers Companies by 19.9% in the second quarter. Addison Advisors LLC now owns 457 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $93,000 after purchasing an additional 76 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Arizona State Retirement System lifted its holdings in shares of Travelers Companies by 1.3% in the 2nd quarter. Arizona State Retirement System now owns 66,386 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $13,499,000 after buying an additional 842 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 82.45% of the companys stock.

Get Travelers Companies alerts:

Insider Transactions at Travelers Companies

In related news, EVP Michael Frederick Klein sold 10,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, July 25th. The shares were sold at an average price of $211.44, for a total value of $2,114,400.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 22,798 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,820,409.12. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Corporate insiders own 1.33% of the companys stock.

Travelers Companies Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE TRV traded up $2.61 during trading on Friday, reaching $234.46. 2,114,722 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 900,034. The stock has a market cap of $53.44 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.42, a PEG ratio of 1.20 and a beta of 0.62. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $214.78 and its 200 day simple moving average is $216.32. The company has a current ratio of 0.33, a quick ratio of 0.33 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.32. The Travelers Companies, Inc. has a 12-month low of $157.33 and a 12-month high of $236.59.

Travelers Companies (NYSE:TRV  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Friday, July 19th. The insurance provider reported $2.51 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $3.23 by ($0.72). Travelers Companies had a net margin of 8.37% and a return on equity of 15.90%. The company had revenue of $11.28 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $11.35 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $0.06 earnings per share. The firms revenue was up 11.7% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, research analysts anticipate that The Travelers Companies, Inc. will post 17.19 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Travelers Companies Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, September 30th. Investors of record on Tuesday, September 10th will be paid a $1.05 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, September 10th. This represents a $4.20 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.79%. Travelers Companiess dividend payout ratio is presently 31.20%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several equities analysts have recently commented on TRV shares. Piper Sandler cut their price target on Travelers Companies from $213.00 to $207.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, July 22nd. TD Cowen cut shares of Travelers Companies from a buy rating to a hold rating and lowered their price target for the stock from $252.00 to $230.00 in a research report on Monday, July 15th. Morgan Stanley dropped their price objective on shares of Travelers Companies from $220.00 to $210.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, July 19th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their target price on Travelers Companies from $220.00 to $242.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a report on Thursday, July 11th. Finally, Bank of America lifted their price target on Travelers Companies from $202.00 to $223.00 and gave the company an underperform rating in a report on Monday, July 22nd. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, thirteen have assigned a hold rating, five have given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Travelers Companies presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $227.05.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on TRV

About Travelers Companies

(Free Report)

The Travelers Companies, Inc, through its subsidiaries, provides a range of commercial and personal property, and casualty insurance products and services to businesses, government units, associations, and individuals in the United States and internationally. The company operates through three segments: Business Insurance, Bond & Specialty Insurance, and Personal Insurance.

Further Reading

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TRV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TRV  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Travelers Companies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Travelers Companies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Greencoat Renewables (LON:GRP  Get Free Report)s share price dropped 0.8% during trading on Friday . The stock traded as low as GBX 0.94 ($0.01) and last traded at GBX 0.94 ($0.01). Approximately 652,668 shares were traded during trading, an increase of 74% from the average daily volume of 376,133 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 0.95 ($0.01).

Greencoat Renewables Price Performance

The business has a 50 day simple moving average of GBX 0.91 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of GBX 0.88. The firm has a market capitalization of 10.72 million, a P/E ratio of 7.23 and a beta of 0.03. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 65.97, a quick ratio of 15.30 and a current ratio of 0.25.

Get Greencoat Renewables alerts:

Greencoat Renewables Announces Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a dividend, which was paid on Friday, August 23rd. Investors of record on Thursday, August 1st were given a 0.02 ($0.02) dividend. This represents a dividend yield of 1.87%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, August 1st. Greencoat Renewabless dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 4,615.38%.

Greencoat Renewables Company Profile

Greencoat Renewables PLC invests in, acquires, operates, and manages wind farms in France, Finland, Sweden, and Spain. As of December 31, 2021, the company operated 25 wind farms with an aggregate generating capacity of 800 megawatts. It also invests in solar generation assets. The company was incorporated in 2017 and is based in Dublin, Ireland.

Further Reading

Receive News & Ratings for Greencoat Renewables Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Greencoat Renewables and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Susquehanna restated their neutral rating on shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise (NYSE:HPE  Free Report) in a research report sent to investors on Friday, Benzinga reports. The firm currently has a $20.00 price target on the technology companys stock.

Several other equities analysts have also recently issued reports on the stock. Morgan Stanley reiterated an equal weight rating and set a $21.00 price target on shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise in a research report on Thursday, June 20th. Stifel Nicolaus increased their target price on Hewlett Packard Enterprise from $18.00 to $22.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, June 5th. StockNews.com upgraded Hewlett Packard Enterprise from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, June 5th. Evercore ISI increased their price objective on Hewlett Packard Enterprise from $18.00 to $22.00 and gave the stock an in-line rating in a report on Wednesday, June 5th. Finally, Sanford C. Bernstein boosted their target price on shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise from $17.00 to $19.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a report on Wednesday, June 5th. Eight analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Hewlett Packard Enterprise presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $21.09.

Get Hewlett Packard Enterprise alerts:

Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Hewlett Packard Enterprise

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Stock Down 0.7 %

Shares of NYSE:HPE opened at $17.53 on Friday. Hewlett Packard Enterprise has a 1 year low of $14.47 and a 1 year high of $22.82. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.34, a current ratio of 0.90 and a quick ratio of 0.59. The stocks 50-day moving average is $19.38 and its 200 day moving average is $18.46. The company has a market cap of $22.78 billion, a PE ratio of 12.79, a P/E/G ratio of 2.80 and a beta of 1.20.

Hewlett Packard Enterprise (NYSE:HPE  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, September 4th. The technology company reported $0.50 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.47 by $0.03. The company had revenue of $7.71 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $7.67 billion. Hewlett Packard Enterprise had a return on equity of 8.49% and a net margin of 6.38%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 10.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $0.35 earnings per share. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Hewlett Packard Enterprise will post 1.59 EPS for the current year.

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, October 18th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, September 19th will be issued a dividend of $0.13 per share. This represents a $0.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.97%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, September 19th. Hewlett Packard Enterprises payout ratio is currently 37.96%.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, SVP Kirt P. Karros sold 30,686 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, June 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $20.49, for a total value of $628,756.14. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other news, EVP Neil B. Macdonald sold 36,671 shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise stock in a transaction on Tuesday, June 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $20.51, for a total transaction of $752,122.21. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 111,054 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,277,717.54. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, SVP Kirt P. Karros sold 30,686 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, June 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $20.49, for a total transaction of $628,756.14. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last 90 days, insiders sold 90,141 shares of company stock valued at $1,874,608. 0.40% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Hewlett Packard Enterprise

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Ashton Thomas Private Wealth LLC bought a new position in shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise in the second quarter worth about $28,000. Hazlett Burt & Watson Inc. increased its stake in Hewlett Packard Enterprise by 571.5% in the 2nd quarter. Hazlett Burt & Watson Inc. now owns 1,343 shares of the technology companys stock worth $28,000 after buying an additional 1,143 shares in the last quarter. Rise Advisors LLC raised its holdings in Hewlett Packard Enterprise by 253.9% during the first quarter. Rise Advisors LLC now owns 1,465 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $26,000 after acquiring an additional 1,051 shares during the period. ORG Partners LLC lifted its position in shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise by 224.5% in the second quarter. ORG Partners LLC now owns 1,853 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $39,000 after acquiring an additional 1,282 shares in the last quarter. Finally, American National Bank boosted its stake in shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise by 89.4% in the first quarter. American National Bank now owns 1,949 shares of the technology companys stock worth $35,000 after acquiring an additional 920 shares during the period. 80.78% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company provides solutions that allow customers to capture, analyze, and act upon data seamlessly in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Asia Pacific, and Japan. It operates in six segments: Compute, HPC & AI, Storage, Intelligent Edge, Financial Services, and Corporate Investments and Other.

See Also

Receive News & Ratings for Hewlett Packard Enterprise Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hewlett Packard Enterprise and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund increased its holdings in Cummins Inc. (NYSE:CMI  Free Report) by 19.9% in the second quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm owned 57,882 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 9,615 shares during the period. Illinois Municipal Retirement Funds holdings in Cummins were worth $16,029,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in CMI. Wealthspire Advisors LLC boosted its stake in shares of Cummins by 15.5% in the 4th quarter. Wealthspire Advisors LLC now owns 2,170 shares of the companys stock valued at $520,000 after purchasing an additional 291 shares in the last quarter. Principal Securities Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Cummins in the 4th quarter valued at $339,000. Calton & Associates Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Cummins in the 4th quarter valued at $383,000. Versor Investments LP purchased a new stake in shares of Cummins in the 4th quarter valued at $407,000. Finally, VisionPoint Advisory Group LLC raised its holdings in Cummins by 154.3% during the 4th quarter. VisionPoint Advisory Group LLC now owns 1,302 shares of the companys stock valued at $312,000 after buying an additional 790 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 83.46% of the companys stock.

Get Cummins alerts:

Cummins Trading Down 1.2 %

NYSE CMI traded down $3.44 during trading on Friday, hitting $293.21. The company had a trading volume of 608,819 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,723,766. The company has a current ratio of 1.34, a quick ratio of 0.82 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.51. Cummins Inc. has a one year low of $212.80 and a one year high of $322.83. The company has a market cap of $40.11 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 21.48, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.82 and a beta of 0.99. The companys fifty day moving average is $292.17 and its 200-day moving average is $285.88.

Cummins Increases Dividend

Cummins ( NYSE:CMI Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, August 1st. The company reported $5.26 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $4.85 by $0.41. The company had revenue of $8.80 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $8.33 billion. Cummins had a net margin of 5.69% and a return on equity of 25.73%. Cumminss quarterly revenue was up 2.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the business earned $5.18 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts predict that Cummins Inc. will post 19.66 earnings per share for the current year.

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, September 5th. Investors of record on Friday, August 23rd were paid a $1.82 dividend. This represents a $7.28 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.48%. This is a positive change from Cumminss previous quarterly dividend of $1.68. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, August 23rd. Cumminss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 53.29%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of research firms recently commented on CMI. Citigroup began coverage on shares of Cummins in a report on Wednesday, June 26th. They set a buy rating and a $320.00 price target for the company. Evercore ISI upped their price target on shares of Cummins from $290.00 to $294.00 and gave the company an in-line rating in a report on Monday, August 19th. TD Cowen upped their price target on shares of Cummins from $272.00 to $292.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Friday, May 10th. Raymond James began coverage on shares of Cummins in a report on Friday, June 28th. They set a market perform rating for the company. Finally, Barclays upped their price target on shares of Cummins from $259.00 to $310.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Monday, August 5th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have given a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $299.55.

Get Our Latest Stock Report on Cummins

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, VP Sharon R. Barner sold 4,780 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, August 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $300.35, for a total value of $1,435,673.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president now directly owns 20,873 shares in the company, valued at approximately $6,269,205.55. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In related news, VP Sharon R. Barner sold 4,780 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, August 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $300.35, for a total transaction of $1,435,673.00. Following the sale, the vice president now directly owns 20,873 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $6,269,205.55. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, SVP Tony Satterthwaite sold 24,250 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, August 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $308.24, for a total transaction of $7,474,820.00. Following the sale, the senior vice president now directly owns 77,442 shares in the company, valued at $23,870,722.08. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.56% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Cummins Company Profile

(Free Report)

Cummins Inc designs, manufactures, distributes, and services diesel and natural gas engines, electric and hybrid powertrains, and related components worldwide. It operates through five segments: Engine, Distribution, Components, Power Systems, and Accelera. The company offers diesel and natural gas-powered engines under the Cummins and other customer brands for the heavy and medium-duty truck, bus, recreational vehicle, light-duty automotive, construction, mining, marine, rail, oil and gas, defense, and agricultural markets; and offers parts and services, as well as remanufactured parts and engines.

Recommended Stories

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CMI? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Cummins Inc. (NYSE:CMI  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Cummins Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Cummins and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Morgan Stanley began coverage on shares of Ingersoll Rand (NYSE:IR  Free Report) in a research note issued to investors on Friday, Marketbeat Ratings reports. The firm issued an equal weight rating and a $97.00 price objective on the industrial products companys stock.

Several other equities analysts have also recently issued reports on IR. Barclays reduced their target price on Ingersoll Rand from $106.00 to $101.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, August 2nd. Wells Fargo & Company decreased their price objective on shares of Ingersoll Rand from $102.00 to $100.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Friday, August 2nd. Cfra reaffirmed a hold rating and set a $85.00 target price on shares of Ingersoll Rand in a research note on Friday, August 2nd. Robert W. Baird increased their price target on shares of Ingersoll Rand from $109.00 to $115.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, August 2nd. Finally, Evercore ISI cut their price objective on Ingersoll Rand from $93.00 to $88.00 and set an in-line rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, August 19th. Five analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $100.00.

Get Ingersoll Rand alerts:

Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on IR

Ingersoll Rand Stock Performance

Shares of Ingersoll Rand stock opened at $86.88 on Friday. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $92.57 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $92.13. Ingersoll Rand has a 1-year low of $59.20 and a 1-year high of $101.30. The company has a current ratio of 2.18, a quick ratio of 1.52 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47. The company has a market cap of $35.05 billion, a P/E ratio of 43.22, a PEG ratio of 2.58 and a beta of 1.45.

Ingersoll Rand (NYSE:IR  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 31st. The industrial products company reported $0.80 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.74 by $0.06. Ingersoll Rand had a net margin of 11.73% and a return on equity of 13.00%. The company had revenue of $1.81 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.78 billion. As a group, analysts anticipate that Ingersoll Rand will post 3.21 EPS for the current year.

Ingersoll Rand Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, September 5th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, August 15th were paid a $0.02 dividend. This represents a $0.08 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.09%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, August 15th. Ingersoll Rands dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 3.98%.

Insider Transactions at Ingersoll Rand

In other Ingersoll Rand news, insider Kathleen M. Keene sold 4,629 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, August 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $89.99, for a total value of $416,563.71. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 3,829 shares in the company, valued at approximately $344,571.71. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. In other news, insider Vicente Reynal sold 50,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, August 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $92.51, for a total transaction of $4,625,500.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 100,367 shares in the company, valued at $9,284,951.17. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, insider Kathleen M. Keene sold 4,629 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $89.99, for a total value of $416,563.71. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 3,829 shares in the company, valued at $344,571.71. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 77,510 shares of company stock valued at $7,108,005 over the last three months. Corporate insiders own 0.68% of the companys stock.

Institutional Trading of Ingersoll Rand

Several hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Sanctuary Advisors LLC bought a new position in Ingersoll Rand during the second quarter valued at $1,038,000. Clearbridge Investments LLC bought a new position in Ingersoll Rand during the 2nd quarter valued at about $948,000. New Century Financial Group LLC purchased a new stake in Ingersoll Rand in the 2nd quarter worth about $200,000. Cetera Investment Advisers lifted its stake in Ingersoll Rand by 5.5% in the second quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 54,828 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $4,981,000 after purchasing an additional 2,835 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Truist Financial Corp boosted its position in shares of Ingersoll Rand by 7.3% during the second quarter. Truist Financial Corp now owns 93,672 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $8,509,000 after buying an additional 6,361 shares during the period. 95.27% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Ingersoll Rand Company Profile

(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.

Further Reading

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.
Flynn Zito Capital Management LLC increased its position in shares of Invesco New York AMT-Free Municipal Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:PZT  Free Report) by 10.3% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 192,457 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 17,926 shares during the quarter. Invesco New York AMT-Free Municipal Bond ETF comprises approximately 2.3% of Flynn Zito Capital Management LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 12th largest position. Flynn Zito Capital Management LLCs holdings in Invesco New York AMT-Free Municipal Bond ETF were worth $4,419,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other large investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Bank of New York Mellon Corp boosted its stake in Invesco New York AMT-Free Municipal Bond ETF by 7.9% during the second quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 9,438 shares of the companys stock worth $217,000 after buying an additional 691 shares during the period. Commonwealth Equity Services LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Invesco New York AMT-Free Municipal Bond ETF by 31.5% in the 1st quarter. Commonwealth Equity Services LLC now owns 26,130 shares of the companys stock worth $602,000 after acquiring an additional 6,252 shares during the last quarter. Ndwm LLC purchased a new position in shares of Invesco New York AMT-Free Municipal Bond ETF during the 4th quarter worth approximately $661,000. Hennion & Walsh Asset Management Inc. boosted its position in shares of Invesco New York AMT-Free Municipal Bond ETF by 173.1% during the 1st quarter. Hennion & Walsh Asset Management Inc. now owns 58,387 shares of the companys stock worth $1,345,000 after purchasing an additional 37,009 shares during the period. Finally, Miracle Mile Advisors LLC increased its holdings in Invesco New York AMT-Free Municipal Bond ETF by 22.6% in the 1st quarter. Miracle Mile Advisors LLC now owns 67,107 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,546,000 after purchasing an additional 12,362 shares during the last quarter.

Get Invesco New York AMT-Free Municipal Bond ETF alerts:

Invesco New York AMT-Free Municipal Bond ETF Stock Performance

NYSEARCA:PZT opened at $23.25 on Friday. Invesco New York AMT-Free Municipal Bond ETF has a 52 week low of $20.66 and a 52 week high of $23.89. The stocks fifty day moving average is $23.20 and its two-hundred day moving average is $23.01.

Invesco New York AMT-Free Municipal Bond ETF Profile

The PowerShares New York AMT-Free Municipal Bond Portfolio (the Fund), formerly The PowerShares Insured New York Municipal Bond Portfolio, is based on The BofA Merrill Lynch New York Long-Term Core Plus Municipal Securities Index (Index). The Fund will invest at least 80% of its total assets in municipal securities that comprise the Index.

Featured Stories

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PZT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Invesco New York AMT-Free Municipal Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:PZT  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Invesco New York AMT-Free Municipal Bond ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Invesco New York AMT-Free Municipal Bond ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Houston firefighters carry boxes, filled with more than 32,000 signatures to put equal pay on the ballot, over to the City Hall Annex building Monday, July 17, 2017, in Houston. ( Godofredo A. Vasquez / Houston Chronicle ) Godofredo A. Vasquez, Staff / Houston Chronicle Patrick "Marty" Lancton, president of the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association, foreground, talks to media about the more than 32,000 signatures Houston firefighters collected in an effort to put equal pay on the ballot during a press conference outside City Hall Monday, July 17, 2017, in Houston. ( Godofredo A. Vasquez / Houston Chronicle ) Godofredo A. Vasquez, Staff / Houston Chronicle

Houston Fire Chief Sam Pena said Thursday his firefighters deserve raises, but he would be hard-pressed to maintain his department budget without reducing his ranks if voters approve a measure granting firefighters pay parity with police.

This is not a scare tactic, Pena told a city council committee. Theyre simple numbers. In order to deliver the expected service this community wants, were going to have to do restructuring. Even at that, I wont be able to meet the entire gap.

Penas comments were in response to questions during a city council committee meeting Thursday in regard to a proposed pay parity measure the Houston firefighters union wants to appear on the November ballot.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Others, including city officials, business leaders and police union members, told the committee that passage of the parity measure would force the city to cut services and lay off workers and could risk a credit downgrade for City Hall.

Surely, we would agree that a budgetary impact approaching $100 million per year would put a severe strain on the city and warrant scrutiny, said Bob Harvey, CEO of the Greater Houston Partnership, the regions dominant business group.

For city officials, the issue is the cost of the pay parity measure. For the firefighters union, the issue Thursday was merely when it will appear on the ballot.

Union leaders skipped the committee hearing, calling it an unprecedented political stunt intended to distract and confuse the city council and public, the latest in a long line of machinations they say Mayor Sylvester Turner has undertaken to undercut a proposal he says is unaffordable. The councils legal duty, firefighters say, is to schedule the item for a vote, then debate its wisdom.

The meeting went about how we expected, Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association president Marty Lancton said. We lost count of the half-truths and false statements.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

The union last year circulated a petition to put the measure, which would grant firefighters the same pay as police officers of corresponding rank, before voters, but the city failed to verify the signatures until ordered by a judge earlier this year. The city secretarys office completed the verification process in May.

Now, the city council must vote to place the measure on the ballot.

The firefighters union wants the referendum on the November ballot, but Turner said he will let the council choose the election date at its Aug. 8 meeting. The deadline for getting something on the November ballot is Aug. 20.

Turner this week said the committee hearing was intended to be informational.

When youre talking to your constituents and they ask you approximately how much this will cost, Id like to think youll want to have an answer, he told the council Wednesday.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

The administrations cost estimate has risen over time, from an initial guess of about $60 million a year to Turners estimate earlier this month of $79 million.

By Thursday, that figure was out of date. Factoring in some updated pension figures and police officers previously negotiated raise that took effect this month, the proposal would add $98 million per year to the citys $2.5 billion general fund budget, according to the city finance department.

The cost will climb higher, Finance Director Tantri Emo added, if the police unions ongoing contract talks result in additional raises; the unions current deal ends in December.

Police have negotiated pay raises of roughly 30 percent between 2008 and 2019, while firefighters have received raises totaling about 13 percent  with just a 3 percent raise since 2011, while taking deep cuts to their pension benefits. The union declared an impasse with the Turner administration and sued the city over its contract last year. That case is pending.

Emo said the parity proposal would give firefighters, on average, a 25 percent raise. Firefighters could have higher salaries today, she noted, had they not voted down a 4 percent offer under former mayor Annise Parker or walked away from a 9.5 percent offer from Turner. Lancton disputes the validity of the latter point, saying the offer was made in bad faith after talks had broken down.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Pena said his first responders deserve a raise and acknowledged were lagging a little bit compared to similar-sized departments.

Still, the chief said, by targeting only staff raises and not the departments operational needs  its aging fleet and facilities, its meager training budget, its insufficient number of ambulances  the proposal risks busting HFDs budget without improving its performance. Asked how he would accommodate the cost without growing his $503 million budget, Pena said job cuts would be inevitable, noting that 91 percent of the departments costs are personnel.

When youre asking me to absorb 20 percent, thats personnel and theres no hiding that. Thats services, he said.

The discussion also featured fiery testimony from Houston Police Officers Union president Joe Gamaldi, who said his members support a pay raise for firefighters but vehemently oppose parity, which he said has been an albatross for police departments in other cities.

Our job functions are completely different, he said. Yes, we are all first responders. Yes, we all take very serious risks to protect our community. But asking for pay parity simply because were both first responders is like me saying, Well, I want pay parity with city attorney Ron Lewis because our officers handle legal issues all the time.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Gamaldi said firefighters pushing the issue talk of fairness, but he said the parity proposal would not require that police pay match firefighters pay if the fire union edged ahead, nor would it align the two groups pensions benefits. Firefighters hired between 2004 and 2017 were afforded much more generous pensions than police hired during that time.

While some at Thursdays committee hearing called the discussion premature, much of the talk focused on the potential cost of the measure.

I dont hear anyone denying that it would add a very serious financial burden to the city thats unfunded, District H Councilwoman Karla Cisneros said. What the consequences of that would be no one here is comfortable with. We need to get more money to our firefighters. This does not seem to be the best way to do it.

District I Councilman Robert Gallegos expressed concern about the financial impact across city departments.

I want to make sure our library hours will not be cut back, I want to make sure the swimming pool hours will not be cut back, I want to make sure BARC is out there picking up stray dogs, I want to make sure Solid Waste is picking up the trash on time and I want to make sure HPD doesnt cut any of the five cadet classes that are in our budget this year, he said.
Jaguar Mining (OTCMKTS:JAGGD  Get Free Report) is one of 112 public companies in the Metal Mining industry, but how does it contrast to its rivals? We will compare Jaguar Mining to similar businesses based on the strength of its valuation, dividends, risk, profitability, institutional ownership, analyst recommendations and earnings.

Dividends

Jaguar Mining pays an annual dividend of $0.25 per share and has a dividend yield of 6.6%. Jaguar Mining pays out 49.0% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. As a group, Metal Mining companies pay a dividend yield of 3.1% and pay out 99.8% of their earnings in the form of a dividend. Jaguar Mining is clearly a better dividend stock than its rivals, given its higher yield and lower payout ratio.

Get Jaguar Mining alerts:

Volatility & Risk

Jaguar Mining has a beta of 2.75, meaning that its stock price is 175% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Jaguar Minings rivals have a beta of 0.53, meaning that their average stock price is 47% less volatile than the S&P 500.

Analyst Ratings

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Jaguar Mining 0 0 0 0 N/A Jaguar Mining Competitors 1200 2574 3137 124 2.31

This is a breakdown of current recommendations for Jaguar Mining and its rivals, as provided by MarketBeat.

As a group, Metal Mining companies have a potential upside of 42.54%. Given Jaguar Minings rivals higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe Jaguar Mining has less favorable growth aspects than its rivals.

Earnings and Valuation

This table compares Jaguar Mining and its rivals revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Jaguar Mining $97.23 million -$150,000.00 7.42 Jaguar Mining Competitors $6.77 billion $972.86 million -5.13

Jaguar Minings rivals have higher revenue and earnings than Jaguar Mining. Jaguar Mining is trading at a higher price-to-earnings ratio than its rivals, indicating that it is currently more expensive than other companies in its industry.

Insider & Institutional Ownership

27.5% of shares of all Metal Mining companies are held by institutional investors. 12.8% of shares of all Metal Mining companies are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a company will outperform the market over the long term.

Profitability

This table compares Jaguar Mining and its rivals net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Jaguar Mining 28.17% 26.75% 17.80% Jaguar Mining Competitors -812.64% -11.64% -9.77%

Summary

Jaguar Mining beats its rivals on 7 of the 12 factors compared.

Jaguar Mining Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Jaguar Mining, Inc. engages in the acquisition, exploration, development and operation of gold producing properties in Brazil. Its mining operations include Turmalina, Paciencia and Caete. The firm is also developing the Grurupi Project and exploring the Iron Quadrangle and Pedra Branca Project. The company was founded by Daniel R. Titcomb in 1984 and is headquartered Toronto, Canada.

Receive News & Ratings for Jaguar Mining Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Jaguar Mining and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Letko Brosseau & Associates Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Bank of America Co. (NYSE:BAC) by 0.5% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 1,366,048 shares of the financial services providers stock after buying an additional 7,075 shares during the quarter. Letko Brosseau & Associates Inc.s holdings in Bank of America were worth $54,328,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the business. EFG Asset Management Americas Corp. acquired a new position in shares of Bank of America in the 2nd quarter valued at $207,000. Great Lakes Advisors LLC lifted its stake in Bank of America by 1.1% in the second quarter. Great Lakes Advisors LLC now owns 3,738,363 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $148,675,000 after buying an additional 41,885 shares during the period. Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund boosted its holdings in Bank of America by 78.5% during the second quarter. Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund now owns 485,064 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $19,291,000 after buying an additional 213,249 shares during the last quarter. Cullen Frost Bankers Inc. boosted its holdings in Bank of America by 7.4% during the second quarter. Cullen Frost Bankers Inc. now owns 931,789 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $37,057,000 after buying an additional 64,097 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Advisor OS LLC grew its position in shares of Bank of America by 5.2% during the 2nd quarter. Advisor OS LLC now owns 46,578 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,852,000 after buying an additional 2,309 shares during the period. 70.71% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Get Bank of America alerts:

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several research firms recently weighed in on BAC. Seaport Res Ptn raised shares of Bank of America from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 2nd. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft raised shares of Bank of America from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $45.00 price target on the stock in a research report on Tuesday. Jefferies Financial Group upped their price objective on shares of Bank of America from $39.00 to $41.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 3rd. Royal Bank of Canada lifted their target price on Bank of America from $39.00 to $46.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, July 17th. Finally, Piper Sandler raised Bank of America from an underweight rating to a neutral rating and raised their price target for the stock from $37.00 to $42.00 in a research report on Tuesday, July 9th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have issued a hold rating, twelve have given a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $42.22.

Bank of America Stock Down 2.8 %

Shares of NYSE:BAC traded down $1.11 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $38.76. The company had a trading volume of 47,007,588 shares, compared to its average volume of 39,322,148. Bank of America Co. has a 1-year low of $24.96 and a 1-year high of $44.44. The stock has a market cap of $303.12 billion, a PE ratio of 13.42, a P/E/G ratio of 1.46 and a beta of 1.35. The company has a quick ratio of 0.80, a current ratio of 0.80 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.09. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $40.30 and its 200 day moving average price is $38.49.

Bank of America (NYSE:BAC  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, July 16th. The financial services provider reported $0.83 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.79 by $0.04. The firm had revenue of $25.38 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $25.22 billion. Bank of America had a return on equity of 10.56% and a net margin of 13.28%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up .7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $0.88 EPS. Research analysts forecast that Bank of America Co. will post 3.28 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Bank of America Increases Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 27th. Shareholders of record on Friday, September 6th will be given a dividend of $0.26 per share. This is a positive change from Bank of Americas previous quarterly dividend of $0.24. This represents a $1.04 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.68%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, September 6th. Bank of Americas dividend payout ratio is 35.99%.

Bank of America declared that its Board of Directors has approved a share buyback plan on Wednesday, July 24th that authorizes the company to repurchase $25.00 billion in outstanding shares. This repurchase authorization authorizes the financial services provider to reacquire up to 7.6% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock repurchase plans are often an indication that the companys board believes its shares are undervalued.

Insider Buying and Selling at Bank of America

In other news, major shareholder Berkshire Hathaway Inc sold 12,291,807 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, July 19th. The shares were sold at an average price of $43.13, for a total transaction of $530,145,635.91. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 998,961,079 shares in the company, valued at approximately $43,085,191,337.27. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other news, major shareholder Berkshire Hathaway Inc sold 12,291,807 shares of Bank of America stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, July 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $43.13, for a total transaction of $530,145,635.91. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 998,961,079 shares in the company, valued at approximately $43,085,191,337.27. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, insider Bernard A. Mensah sold 92,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, August 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $39.80, for a total value of $3,661,600.00. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 96,082 shares in the company, valued at $3,824,063.60. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 112,670,620 shares of company stock worth $4,651,681,930 over the last quarter. 0.29% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Bank of America Company Profile

(Free Report)

Bank of America Corporation, through its subsidiaries, provides banking and financial products and services for individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses, institutional investors, large corporations, and governments worldwide. It operates in four segments: Consumer Banking, Global Wealth & Investment Management (GWIM), Global Banking, and Global Markets.

Featured Articles

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BAC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Bank of America Co. (NYSE:BAC  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Bank of America Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bank of America and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Los Angeles Capital Management LLC raised its position in shares of Armstrong World Industries, Inc. (NYSE:AWI  Free Report) by 46.0% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 460,568 shares of the construction companys stock after acquiring an additional 145,133 shares during the period. Los Angeles Capital Management LLC owned approximately 1.05% of Armstrong World Industries worth $52,155,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC raised its position in Armstrong World Industries by 41.0% during the second quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC now owns 306 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $35,000 after purchasing an additional 89 shares during the period. CWM LLC increased its position in shares of Armstrong World Industries by 17.3% during the 2nd quarter. CWM LLC now owns 644 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $73,000 after purchasing an additional 95 shares during the last quarter. Louisiana State Employees Retirement System raised its holdings in Armstrong World Industries by 0.5% during the 2nd quarter. Louisiana State Employees Retirement System now owns 22,000 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $2,491,000 after buying an additional 100 shares during the period. Covestor Ltd raised its holdings in Armstrong World Industries by 20.4% during the 1st quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 596 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $74,000 after buying an additional 101 shares during the period. Finally, UMB Bank n.a. boosted its stake in Armstrong World Industries by 67.3% during the first quarter. UMB Bank n.a. now owns 261 shares of the construction companys stock worth $32,000 after buying an additional 105 shares during the period. 98.93% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

Get Armstrong World Industries alerts:

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several equities research analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. UBS Group increased their target price on shares of Armstrong World Industries from $122.00 to $136.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 31st. Truist Financial increased their price objective on shares of Armstrong World Industries from $131.00 to $148.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 31st. Evercore ISI boosted their target price on Armstrong World Industries from $119.00 to $127.00 and gave the company an in-line rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 31st. Finally, StockNews.com upgraded Armstrong World Industries from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, August 20th. Two 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, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $135.75.

Armstrong World Industries Trading Down 1.2 %

NYSE:AWI traded down $1.45 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $121.20. The stock had a trading volume of 130,807 shares, compared to its average volume of 330,845. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $122.00 and a 200 day moving average of $119.30. The company has a market capitalization of $5.30 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 22.78, a PEG ratio of 1.80 and a beta of 1.14. Armstrong World Industries, Inc. has a one year low of $68.35 and a one year high of $134.90. The company has a quick ratio of 1.19, a current ratio of 1.76 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.97.

Armstrong World Industries (NYSE:AWI  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, July 30th. The construction company reported $1.62 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.55 by $0.07. The business had revenue of $365.10 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $360.36 million. Armstrong World Industries had a return on equity of 41.53% and a net margin of 17.92%. The businesss revenue was up 12.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $1.38 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that Armstrong World Industries, Inc. will post 6.07 EPS for the current year.

Armstrong World Industries Announces Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, August 22nd. Stockholders of record on Thursday, August 8th were issued a $0.28 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, August 8th. This represents a $1.12 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.92%. Armstrong World Industriess dividend payout ratio is currently 21.05%.

Armstrong World Industries Profile

(Free Report)

Armstrong World Industries, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the design, manufacture, and sale of ceiling and wall solutions in the Americas. It operates through Mineral Fiber and Architectural Specialties segments. The company offers mineral fiber, fiberglass wool, metal, wood, felt, wood fiber, and glass-reinforced-gypsum; ceiling component products, such as ceiling perimeters and trims, as well as grid products that support drywall ceiling systems; ceilings, walls, and facades for use in commercial settings; and manufactures ceiling suspension system (grid) products.

Featured Articles

Receive News & Ratings for Armstrong World Industries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Armstrong World Industries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Los Angeles Capital Management LLC trimmed its position in shares of W.W. Grainger, Inc. (NYSE:GWW  Free Report) by 17.5% in the 2nd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor owned 228,140 shares of the industrial products companys stock after selling 48,523 shares during the quarter. W.W. Grainger accounts for 0.7% of Los Angeles Capital Management LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 27th largest holding. Los Angeles Capital Management LLCs holdings in W.W. Grainger were worth $205,837,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Bfsg LLC bought a new stake in shares of W.W. Grainger during the first quarter worth $26,000. Valued Wealth Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in W.W. Grainger by 170.0% during the 1st quarter. Valued Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 27 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $27,000 after buying an additional 17 shares in the last quarter. Scarborough Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in W.W. Grainger in the 4th quarter valued at about $28,000. Newbridge Financial Services Group Inc. grew its stake in W.W. Grainger by 275.0% in the 4th quarter. Newbridge Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 45 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $37,000 after acquiring an additional 33 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Washington Trust Advisors Inc. raised its stake in shares of W.W. Grainger by 225.0% during the first quarter. Washington Trust Advisors Inc. now owns 39 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $39,000 after acquiring an additional 27 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 80.70% of the companys stock.

Get W.W. Grainger alerts:

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several research analysts have commented on GWW shares. Morgan Stanley started coverage on W.W. Grainger in a report on Friday. They set an equal weight rating and a $990.00 price objective on the stock. StockNews.com lowered W.W. Grainger from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, May 29th. Robert W. Baird lowered shares of W.W. Grainger from an outperform rating to a neutral rating and lowered their price objective for the stock from $1,000.00 to $975.00 in a research note on Wednesday, May 29th. Baird R W downgraded shares of W.W. Grainger from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, May 29th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price target on W.W. Grainger from $1,000.00 to $1,015.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Friday, August 2nd. Ten investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $1,014.11.

W.W. Grainger Stock Up 1.0 %

Shares of GWW traded up $9.45 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $947.93. 174,308 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 241,558. The company has a market capitalization of $46.51 billion, a PE ratio of 26.19, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.96 and a beta of 1.17. The company has a quick ratio of 1.40, a current ratio of 2.30 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.50. The business has a 50 day moving average of $951.88 and a 200 day moving average of $953.77. W.W. Grainger, Inc. has a 1-year low of $674.41 and a 1-year high of $1,034.18.

W.W. Grainger (NYSE:GWW  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, August 1st. The industrial products company reported $9.76 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $9.58 by $0.18. The company had revenue of $4.31 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.35 billion. W.W. Grainger had a return on equity of 53.25% and a net margin of 10.86%. The firms revenue was up 3.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $9.28 EPS. Equities research analysts anticipate that W.W. Grainger, Inc. will post 38.71 EPS for the current year.

W.W. Grainger Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Sunday, September 1st. Shareholders of record on Monday, August 12th were given a dividend of $2.05 per share. This represents a $8.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.87%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, August 12th. W.W. Graingers dividend payout ratio is presently 22.64%.

Insider Buying and Selling at W.W. Grainger

In related news, SVP Matt Fortin sold 511 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, June 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $915.20, for a total transaction of $467,667.20. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president now owns 1,848 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,691,289.60. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Company insiders own 9.50% of the companys stock.

About W.W. Grainger

(Free Report)

W.W. Grainger, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, distributes maintenance, repair, and operating products and services primarily in North America, Japan, the United Kingdom, and internationally. The company operates through two segments, High-Touch Solutions N.A. and Endless Assortment. The company provides safety, security, material handling and storage equipment, pumps and plumbing equipment, cleaning and maintenance, and metalworking and hand tools.

See Also

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding GWW? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for W.W. Grainger, Inc. (NYSE:GWW  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for W.W. Grainger Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for W.W. Grainger and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Los Angeles Capital Management LLC decreased its holdings in shares of ServiceNow, Inc. (NYSE:NOW  Free Report) by 44.9% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 194,324 shares of the information technology services providers stock after selling 158,364 shares during the quarter. Los Angeles Capital Management LLC owned about 0.09% of ServiceNow worth $152,869,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other large investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Creekmur Asset Management LLC purchased a new position in ServiceNow during the first quarter worth about $25,000. Versant Capital Management Inc grew its stake in shares of ServiceNow by 466.7% in the second quarter. Versant Capital Management Inc now owns 34 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $27,000 after buying an additional 28 shares in the last quarter. EntryPoint Capital LLC raised its holdings in shares of ServiceNow by 3,900.0% in the 1st quarter. EntryPoint Capital LLC now owns 40 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $30,000 after buying an additional 39 shares during the period. University of Texas Texas AM Investment Managment Co. acquired a new position in ServiceNow during the 4th quarter worth about $29,000. Finally, Ridgewood Investments LLC purchased a new position in ServiceNow during the 2nd quarter valued at about $32,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 87.18% of the companys stock.

Get ServiceNow alerts:

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several analysts have recently issued reports on NOW shares. BMO Capital Markets increased their price target on shares of ServiceNow from $830.00 to $860.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, July 25th. Robert W. Baird upped their price target on ServiceNow from $885.00 to $900.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, July 25th. Needham & Company LLC reissued a buy rating and set a $900.00 price objective on shares of ServiceNow in a research report on Thursday, July 25th. Canaccord Genuity Group reaffirmed a buy rating and issued a $835.00 target price on shares of ServiceNow in a report on Tuesday, July 23rd. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus raised their price objective on shares of ServiceNow from $820.00 to $900.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, July 25th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have given a hold rating and twenty-five have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $849.62.

ServiceNow Price Performance

NOW stock traded down $10.36 on Friday, reaching $825.04. The company had a trading volume of 1,070,842 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,286,472. The companys fifty day moving average is $799.33 and its 200 day moving average is $762.78. The company has a market cap of $169.13 billion, a P/E ratio of 88.28, a PEG ratio of 5.13 and a beta of 0.99. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.17, a quick ratio of 1.12 and a current ratio of 1.12. ServiceNow, Inc. has a 1 year low of $527.24 and a 1 year high of $863.85.

ServiceNow (NYSE:NOW  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 24th. The information technology services provider reported $3.13 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.85 by $0.28. ServiceNow had a return on equity of 14.52% and a net margin of 11.51%. The business had revenue of $2.63 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.61 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $0.77 earnings per share. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 22.2% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, research analysts forecast that ServiceNow, Inc. will post 6.78 earnings per share for the current year.

Insider Transactions at ServiceNow

In related news, CFO Gina Mastantuono sold 1,800 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, July 25th. The shares were sold at an average price of $825.00, for a total transaction of $1,485,000.00. Following the sale, the chief financial officer now owns 11,490 shares in the company, valued at $9,479,250. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In other news, insider Nicholas Tzitzon sold 1,857 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, August 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $829.68, for a total transaction of $1,540,715.76. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 3,649 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,027,502.32. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, CFO Gina Mastantuono sold 1,800 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, July 25th. The shares were sold at an average price of $825.00, for a total transaction of $1,485,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now owns 11,490 shares of the companys stock, valued at $9,479,250. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 6,914 shares of company stock worth $5,608,936 over the last ninety days. 0.25% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

ServiceNow Profile

(Free Report)

ServiceNow, Inc provides end to-end intelligent workflow automation platform solutions for digital businesses in the North America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Asia Pacific, and internationally. The company operates the Now platform for end-to-end digital transformation, artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotic process automation, process mining, performance analytics, and collaboration and development tools.

Recommended Stories

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding NOW? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for ServiceNow, Inc. (NYSE:NOW  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for ServiceNow Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ServiceNow and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Mandalay Resources Corp. (TSE:MND  Get Free Report) crossed above its 200-day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of C$2.18 and traded as high as C$2.93. Mandalay Resources shares last traded at C$2.88, with a volume of 14,205 shares changing hands.

Mandalay Resources Price Performance

The stock has a market cap of C$269.06 million, a P/E ratio of 7.05 and a beta of 0.41. The company has a quick ratio of 0.89, a current ratio of 1.77 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 12.67. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is C$2.59 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is C$2.20.

Get Mandalay Resources alerts:

Mandalay Resources (TSE:MND  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, August 7th. The company reported C$0.25 EPS for the quarter. Mandalay Resources had a net margin of 13.58% and a return on equity of 14.47%. The company had revenue of C$86.27 million during the quarter. Sell-side analysts expect that Mandalay Resources Corp. will post 0.1480392 EPS for the current year.

Insider Activity

About Mandalay Resources

In related news, Director Abraham Jonker sold 36,124 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, July 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of C$2.58, for a total transaction of C$93,199.92. 1.17% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

(Get Free Report)

Mandalay Resources Corporation, a natural resource company, engages in the acquisition, exploration, extraction, processing, and reclamation of various mineral properties. It explores for gold, silver, and antimony deposits. The company holds a 100% interest in the Costerfield gold-antimony mine covering an area of 7,540.78 hectares (ha) located in Central Victoria, Australia; and the Bjorkdal gold mine that comprises 9 mining concessions and 19 exploration permits located in Vasterbotten County in northern Sweden.

Recommended Stories

Receive News & Ratings for Mandalay Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Mandalay Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Mosley Wealth Management raised its position in Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA  Free Report) by 9.1% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 672 shares of the credit services providers stock after acquiring an additional 56 shares during the period. Mosley Wealth Managements holdings in Mastercard were worth $296,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the company. Chicago Capital LLC boosted its holdings in Mastercard by 5.1% in the second quarter. Chicago Capital LLC now owns 120,536 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $53,176,000 after acquiring an additional 5,802 shares in the last quarter. EFG Asset Management Americas Corp. boosted its stake in Mastercard by 42.5% in the 2nd quarter. EFG Asset Management Americas Corp. now owns 28,892 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $12,746,000 after purchasing an additional 8,616 shares in the last quarter. One Wealth Management Investment & Advisory Services LLC increased its stake in Mastercard by 2.2% during the 2nd quarter. One Wealth Management Investment & Advisory Services LLC now owns 3,225 shares of the credit services providers stock valued at $1,423,000 after purchasing an additional 69 shares in the last quarter. Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund raised its holdings in shares of Mastercard by 9.3% in the second quarter. Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund now owns 82,559 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $36,422,000 after buying an additional 7,056 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Intelligence Driven Advisers LLC grew its holdings in shares of Mastercard by 5.3% during the second quarter. Intelligence Driven Advisers LLC now owns 2,924 shares of the credit services providers stock valued at $1,290,000 after buying an additional 148 shares during the last quarter. 97.28% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Get Mastercard alerts:

Insider Transactions at Mastercard

In other news, major shareholder Foundation Mastercard sold 90,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, August 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $468.80, for a total transaction of $42,192,000.00. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 91,649,308 shares in the company, valued at approximately $42,965,195,590.40. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. In other Mastercard news, insider Raj Seshadri sold 3,464 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, June 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $447.84, for a total transaction of $1,551,317.76. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 13,736 shares of the companys stock, valued at $6,151,530.24. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, major shareholder Foundation Mastercard sold 90,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, August 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $468.80, for a total value of $42,192,000.00. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 91,649,308 shares of the companys stock, valued at $42,965,195,590.40. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 1,167,931 shares of company stock valued at $531,284,982 over the last 90 days. 0.10% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of brokerages recently issued reports on MA. Bank of America lowered Mastercard from a buy rating to a neutral rating and reduced their target price for the stock from $505.00 to $480.00 in a research note on Wednesday, July 10th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their target price on Mastercard from $500.00 to $570.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, August 20th. Barclays lifted their price objective on shares of Mastercard from $530.00 to $536.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, August 5th. TD Cowen increased their price objective on shares of Mastercard from $532.00 to $533.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, August 1st. Finally, Susquehanna boosted their target price on shares of Mastercard from $535.00 to $540.00 and gave the company a positive rating in a research report on Thursday, August 1st. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, twenty-one have given a buy rating and three have issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $510.88.

View Our Latest Stock Report on Mastercard

Mastercard Price Performance

MA stock traded down $1.24 during trading on Friday, hitting $476.12. The stock had a trading volume of 2,116,234 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,444,963. The companys 50-day moving average price is $456.26 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $459.59. Mastercard Incorporated has a twelve month low of $359.77 and a twelve month high of $490.00. The stock has a market capitalization of $442.61 billion, a P/E ratio of 37.86, a PEG ratio of 1.90 and a beta of 1.10. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.95, a current ratio of 1.14 and a quick ratio of 1.14.

Mastercard Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, August 9th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, July 9th were paid a dividend of $0.66 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, July 9th. This represents a $2.64 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.55%. Mastercards dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 20.99%.

Mastercard Profile

(Free Report)

Mastercard Incorporated, a technology company, provides transaction processing and other payment-related products and services in the United States and internationally. The company offers integrated products and value-added services for account holders, merchants, financial institutions, digital partners, businesses, governments, and other organizations, such as programs that enable issuers to provide consumers with credits to defer payments; payment products and solutions that allow its customers to access funds in deposit and other accounts; prepaid programs services; and commercial credit, debit, and prepaid payment products and solutions.

Recommended Stories

Receive News & Ratings for Mastercard Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Mastercard and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Narwhal Capital Management bought a new position in shares of Mueller Industries, Inc. (NYSE:MLI  Free Report) during the second quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The fund bought 13,932 shares of the industrial products companys stock, valued at approximately $793,000.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in MLI. Arizona State Retirement System increased its holdings in Mueller Industries by 2.0% in the second quarter. Arizona State Retirement System now owns 30,222 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $1,721,000 after purchasing an additional 584 shares during the period. TD Asset Management Inc increased its stake in shares of Mueller Industries by 12.8% in the second quarter. TD Asset Management Inc now owns 121,500 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $6,918,000 after buying an additional 13,800 shares during the period. Larson Financial Group LLC raised its position in shares of Mueller Industries by 61.7% during the second quarter. Larson Financial Group LLC now owns 967 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $55,000 after acquiring an additional 369 shares during the last quarter. Convergence Investment Partners LLC lifted its stake in shares of Mueller Industries by 114.7% in the second quarter. Convergence Investment Partners LLC now owns 15,547 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $885,000 after acquiring an additional 8,307 shares during the period. Finally, Natixis Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in Mueller Industries by 6.7% in the second quarter. Natixis Advisors LLC now owns 35,409 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $2,016,000 after acquiring an additional 2,235 shares during the last quarter. 94.50% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Get Mueller Industries alerts:

Mueller Industries Stock Performance

NYSE:MLI opened at $65.89 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $7.48 billion, a PE ratio of 13.20 and a beta of 1.06. Mueller Industries, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $34.96 and a fifty-two week high of $72.83. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $65.74 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $58.53.

Mueller Industries Dividend Announcement

Mueller Industries ( NYSE:MLI Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, July 23rd. The industrial products company reported $1.41 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.29 by $0.12. Mueller Industries had a net margin of 16.19% and a return on equity of 22.86%. The business had revenue of $997.75 million for the quarter.

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 20th. Investors of record on Friday, September 6th will be paid a dividend of $0.20 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, September 6th. This represents a $0.80 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.21%. Mueller Industriess dividend payout ratio is currently 16.03%.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other Mueller Industries news, CEO Gregory L. Christopher sold 50,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, August 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $69.92, for a total value of $3,496,000.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 1,214,311 shares of the companys stock, valued at $84,904,625.12. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. In other Mueller Industries news, CEO Gregory L. Christopher sold 50,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, August 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $69.92, for a total value of $3,496,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 1,214,311 shares in the company, valued at $84,904,625.12. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, Director John B. Hansen sold 8,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, August 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $67.24, for a total transaction of $537,920.00. Following the transaction, the director now owns 95,914 shares in the company, valued at approximately $6,449,257.36. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 103,000 shares of company stock valued at $7,081,770 over the last 90 days. Company insiders own 2.80% of the companys stock.

Mueller Industries Profile

(Free Report)

Mueller Industries, Inc manufactures and sells copper, brass, aluminum, and plastic products in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, South Korea, the Middle East, China, and Mexico. It operates through three segments: Piping Systems, Industrial Metals, and Climate. The Piping Systems segment offers copper tubes, fittings, line sets, and pipe nipples.

Further Reading

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MLI? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Mueller Industries, Inc. (NYSE:MLI  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Mueller Industries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Mueller Industries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
New York Life Investment Management LLC lessened its stake in shares of Invesco Senior Loan ETF (NYSEARCA:BKLN  Free Report) by 63.7% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 1,601,815 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 2,812,625 shares during the period. New York Life Investment Management LLC owned 0.48% of Invesco Senior Loan ETF worth $33,702,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Future Financial Wealth Managment LLC bought a new stake in shares of Invesco Senior Loan ETF during the 1st quarter worth approximately $26,000. Lynx Investment Advisory bought a new stake in Invesco Senior Loan ETF during the second quarter worth $29,000. SouthState Corp boosted its holdings in shares of Invesco Senior Loan ETF by 167.3% in the 2nd quarter. SouthState Corp now owns 1,363 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $29,000 after purchasing an additional 853 shares in the last quarter. Newbridge Financial Services Group Inc. bought a new position in shares of Invesco Senior Loan ETF in the 1st quarter valued at $35,000. Finally, RE Dickinson Investment Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of Invesco Senior Loan ETF during the 4th quarter worth $36,000.

Get Invesco Senior Loan ETF alerts:

Invesco Senior Loan ETF Stock Down 0.1 %

NYSEARCA:BKLN opened at $21.01 on Friday. Invesco Senior Loan ETF has a twelve month low of $20.61 and a twelve month high of $21.27. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $21.01 and its 200 day simple moving average is $21.08.

About Invesco Senior Loan ETF

The Invesco Senior Loan ETF (BKLN) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in high yield fixed income. The fund tracks a market-value-weighted index of senior loans issued by banks to corporations. BKLN was launched on Mar 3, 2011 and is managed by Invesco.

Featured Articles

Receive News & Ratings for Invesco Senior Loan ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Invesco Senior Loan ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
North West (TSE:NWC  Free Report) had its price objective raised by BMO Capital Markets from C$44.00 to C$56.00 in a research report report published on Friday, BayStreet.CA reports.

A number of other analysts have also recently commented on NWC. Royal Bank of Canada increased their price target on shares of North West from C$40.00 to C$47.00 in a research note on Friday. CIBC upped their target price on shares of North West from C$43.00 to C$44.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Thursday, June 6th. Finally, TD Securities boosted their price target on North West from C$52.00 to C$59.00 in a research report on Friday. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and one has assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of C$49.80.

Get North West alerts:

Read Our Latest Research Report on NWC

North West Trading Up 3.6 %

North West stock opened at C$50.70 on Friday. The company has a market cap of C$2.41 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.30, a P/E/G ratio of 1.11 and a beta of 0.63. The firm has a 50-day moving average of C$44.21 and a 200-day moving average of C$41.16. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 60.46, a current ratio of 2.14 and a quick ratio of 0.64. North West has a one year low of C$29.58 and a one year high of C$51.05.

North West (TSE:NWC  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, September 4th. The company reported C$0.73 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of C$0.71 by C$0.02. North West had a return on equity of 20.19% and a net margin of 5.37%. The firm had revenue of C$646.49 million during the quarter. On average, equities analysts expect that North West will post 3.3071325 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

North West Increases Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 15th. Shareholders of record on Monday, September 30th will be issued a $0.40 dividend. This is a boost from North Wests previous quarterly dividend of $0.39. This represents a $1.60 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.16%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, September 30th. North Wests dividend payout ratio is currently 56.32%.

Insider Activity

In other North West news, Senior Officer John King sold 5,230 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, June 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of C$42.70, for a total value of C$223,321.00. In other news, Senior Officer John King sold 5,230 shares of North West stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, June 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of C$42.70, for a total value of C$223,321.00. Also, Senior Officer Walter Pickett sold 767 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, June 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of C$42.64, for a total value of C$32,704.88. Over the last quarter, insiders have sold 11,662 shares of company stock valued at $497,015. 0.12% of the stock is owned by insiders.

About North West

(Get Free Report)

The North West Company Inc, through its subsidiaries, engages in the retail of food and everyday products and services to rural communities and urban neighborhood markets in northern Canada, rural Alaska, the South Pacific, and the Caribbean. The company operates Northern stores, which offers food, financial services, and general merchandise; NorthMart stores that provides fresh food products, apparel, and health products and services; and Quickstop convenience stores that provides ready-to-eat food products, and fuel and related services.

Recommended Stories

Receive News & Ratings for North West Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for North West and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
HFD firefighters bring support signs to the poll at the Fiesta Mart on Kirby Drive and Old Spanish Trail to advocate for Prop B on Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2018, in Houston. Yi-Chin Lee, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer Mayor Sylvester Turner and Houston Professional Fire Firefighters Association President Marty Lancton debated Proposition B, the November ballot referendum that would grant firefighters pay parity with police officers of corresponding rank and seniority, at St. Johns United Methodist Church on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018. Jasper Scherer Houston Firefighter Nick Buonarosa talks to Angelica Gonzales as he campaigns for people to vote for Proposition B, the ballot referendum that would grant firefighters pay "parity" with police officers of corresponding rank and seniority, during early voting at Trini Mendenhall Community Center Friday, Oct. 26, 2018, in Houston. Michael Ciaglo, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer Volunteers with the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association campaign for people to vote for Proposition B, the ballot referendum that would grant firefighters pay parity with police officers of corresponding rank and seniority. Michael Ciaglo, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer Houston Firefighter Nick Buonarosa campaigns for people to vote for Proposition B, the ballot referendum that would grant firefighters pay "parity" with police officers of corresponding rank and seniority, during early voting at Trini Mendenhall Community Center Friday, Oct. 26, 2018, in Houston. Michael Ciaglo, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer Volunteers with the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association talk to Evans Christ, center, as they campaign for people to vote for Proposition B, the ballot referendum that would grant firefighters pay "parity" with police officers of corresponding rank and seniority, during early voting at Trini Mendenhall Community Center Friday, Oct. 26, 2018, in Houston. Michael Ciaglo, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer Houston Firefighter Nick Buonarosa talks to a woman in her car as he campaigns for people to vote for Proposition B, the ballot referendum that would grant firefighters pay "parity" with police officers of corresponding rank and seniority, during early voting at Trini Mendenhall Community Center Friday, Oct. 26, 2018, in Houston. Michael Ciaglo, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer Houston firefighter Josh Vogel takes a sign from his truck as he and other firefighters put up campaign signs supporting Proposition B, the pay "parity" item on the November ballot, on Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2018, in Houston. Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer Houston firefighters Jason Beasley left, and Bucky Glenn carry a sign to a truck as they prepare to go out and talk to people about Proposition B, the pay "parity" item on the November ballot, on Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2018, in Houston. Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer

The city of Houston has alleged in a legal claim that the voter-approved charter amendment granting firefighters equal pay to police officers is unconstitutional and preempted by Texas local government code, echoing a similar contention from the Houston Police Officers Union.

The claim, filed in state district court as part of the police unions lawsuit against the Houston Professional Fire Firefighters Association and the city, comes 10 days after a judge issued a temporary restraining order blocking implementation of Proposition B, which passed with 59 percent of the vote last month. A hearing on the matter is scheduled for Friday.

In its argument, the city contends that the pay parity amendment, which applies to firefighters and police officers of corresponding status, directly conflicts with the collective bargaining process and guidelines for firefighter compensation laid out in the Texas Local Government Code, meaning it is expressly preempted and therefore invalid.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

The city filed the claim against both the fire and police unions because it is listed as a defendant in the police unions suit. An attorney for the fire union initially called the lawsuit a ruse, predicting the city would flop once the police sue over this charter amendment.

It is a fairly common legal maneuver to bring suit against someone on your side in order to involve them in the lawsuit, said Jay Kumar Aiyer, an assistant professor of public policy at Texas Southern University. In this case, it made sense for the police union to file the suit, he said, because it is raising the argument that the charter amendment ties the unions contract negotiating processes together.

You have this sort of odd situation where a defendant and the plaintiff are on the same side, Aiyer said. Strategically, it was a smart way of being able to sort of control the process.

Amid the developing legal battle, fire union president Marty Lancton has urged Mayor Sylvester Turner to work out a contract that Lancton says would supersede the amendment. Turner has refused, saying a judge first should settle a number of legal questions surrounding the issue, namely whether state law preempts the amendment. Lancton has argued that a legally negotiated contract with firefighters would settle this issue, once and for all.

The citys claim further includes a previous legal argument that the amendment is unconstitutionally vague, in part because it does not lay out the amount of compensation for each firefighter. Separately, it says the ballot item failed to meet the requirement of the Local Government Code section that says the referendum needed to include a proposed minimum salary for each firefighter rank.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Lancton previously noted that the city was tasked with drawing up the ballot language; a mayoral spokesperson said the city used the wording included on the union petitions seeking to put the charter amendment to voters.

Turner, who recently received City Council approval to hire an outside law firm to handle Prop B matters, has made the same arguments included in Mondays counterclaim. In a statement, he said that any salary negotiations requested by the union are nothing more than a distraction and an attempt to confuse the issue.

Lancton has said the union sought to negotiate with Turner for more than a year, and its offer to meet any place, any time, remains open. On Tuesday, he took issue with Turners use of the outside firm, Norton Rose Fulbright, to file a claim against the fire union. In a statement, he accused the mayor of using his army of city and corporate lawyers to defy the voters will.

The mayors million-dollar demand for taxpayer-funded legal fees to defend Prop B litigation was just a phony pretext to fund his continuing political and legal war against Houston firefighter families, Lancton said, contending the legal battle is a waste of taxpayer funds.

City Council last month approved a $500,000 contract with Norton Rose, roughly half Turners initial request.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Aside from arguments about the local government code, the citys counterclaim states that if the amendment is implemented, the city will suffer particularized injury, such as severely reduced staff, loss of essential city services, and erosion of the citys credit outlook.

Turner has said passage of the parity measure would results in the layoff of as many as 1,000 city employees, including firefighters and police.

Lancton called warnings a scare tactic, arguing it is possible to implement parity without slashing staff. Fitch Ratings last month downgraded Houstons credit outlook following Prop Bs passage.

Houston attorney Tony Buzbee, who announced in late October that he would run for mayor next year because he was disappointed in Turners performance, has offered to mediate the Prop B feud, an offer the mayor is unlikely to accept. Buzbee appeared to side with the fire union when he said in a joint statement with Lancton that the city should equally value our police and fire first responders.

Hanging over the ongoing legal battle is the prospect of mass layoffs of city employees, which Turner has said would be necessary due to the cost of implementing pay parity. The mayor and Controller Chris Brown have said the amendment would cost nearly $100 million a year, and Turner instructed each city department in September to submit budget reduction plans.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad
One Wealth Management Investment & Advisory Services LLC raised its stake in shares of BlackRock U.S. Equity Factor Rotation ETF (NYSEARCA:DYNF  Free Report) by 43.5% during the second quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 151,489 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 45,954 shares during the quarter. BlackRock U.S. Equity Factor Rotation ETF makes up 2.8% of One Wealth Management Investment & Advisory Services LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 9th biggest position. One Wealth Management Investment & Advisory Services LLC owned 0.09% of BlackRock U.S. Equity Factor Rotation ETF worth $7,111,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

A number of other large investors also recently modified their holdings of DYNF. Invst LLC bought a new position in shares of BlackRock U.S. Equity Factor Rotation ETF in the 4th quarter worth about $9,485,000. Foundations Investment Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of BlackRock U.S. Equity Factor Rotation ETF in the 4th quarter worth about $22,928,000. Legacy Capital Group California Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of BlackRock U.S. Equity Factor Rotation ETF in the 4th quarter worth about $284,000. BlackDiamond Wealth Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of BlackRock U.S. Equity Factor Rotation ETF in the 4th quarter worth about $1,739,000. Finally, Bush Investment Group LLC acquired a new stake in shares of BlackRock U.S. Equity Factor Rotation ETF in the 4th quarter worth about $1,140,000.

Get BlackRock U.S. Equity Factor Rotation ETF alerts:

BlackRock U.S. Equity Factor Rotation ETF Price Performance

Shares of DYNF stock traded down $0.78 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $46.58. The stock had a trading volume of 1,761,312 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,772,479. BlackRock U.S. Equity Factor Rotation ETF has a twelve month low of $33.31 and a twelve month high of $48.83. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $47.33 and a 200-day simple moving average of $45.38. The firm has a market capitalization of $8.06 billion, a PE ratio of 24.57 and a beta of 1.15.

BlackRock U.S. Equity Factor Rotation ETF Profile

The BlackRock U.S. Equity Factor Rotation ETF (DYNF) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in total market equity. The fund is an actively-managed fund of large- and mid-cap US stocks that uses five equity style factors. DYNF was launched on Mar 19, 2019 and is managed by BlackRock.

Read More

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding DYNF? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for BlackRock U.S. Equity Factor Rotation ETF (NYSEARCA:DYNF  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for BlackRock U.S. Equity Factor Rotation ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BlackRock U.S. Equity Factor Rotation ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Opes Wealth Management LLC grew its stake in shares of iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:AGG  Free Report) by 2.5% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 80,930 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 2,012 shares during the period. iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF accounts for 1.6% of Opes Wealth Management LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 16th biggest position. Opes Wealth Management LLCs holdings in iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF were worth $7,856,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

A number of other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in AGG. Vawter Financial Ltd. raised its stake in iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF by 0.9% in the 2nd quarter. Vawter Financial Ltd. now owns 11,001 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,068,000 after purchasing an additional 100 shares during the last quarter. Bank Hapoalim BM boosted its position in iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF by 1.2% during the second quarter. Bank Hapoalim BM now owns 8,782 shares of the companys stock worth $852,000 after acquiring an additional 106 shares during the last quarter. CGN Advisors LLC grew its stake in iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF by 0.4% in the 1st quarter. CGN Advisors LLC now owns 25,898 shares of the companys stock worth $2,536,000 after acquiring an additional 107 shares during the period. Ruedi Wealth Management Inc. raised its holdings in iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF by 44.8% in the 1st quarter. Ruedi Wealth Management Inc. now owns 346 shares of the companys stock valued at $34,000 after acquiring an additional 107 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Cambridge Advisors Inc. lifted its stake in shares of iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF by 1.7% during the 2nd quarter. Cambridge Advisors Inc. now owns 6,458 shares of the companys stock worth $627,000 after purchasing an additional 108 shares during the period. 83.63% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Get iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF alerts:

iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF Stock Performance

AGG stock opened at $101.18 on Friday. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $99.16 and its 200-day simple moving average is $97.66. iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF has a 52-week low of $91.58 and a 52-week high of $101.60.

iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF Company Profile

IShares are index funds that are bought and sold like common stocks on national securities exchanges as well as certain foreign exchanges. iShares are attractive because of their relatively low cost, tax efficiency and trading flexibility. Investors can purchase and sell shares through any brokerage firm, financial advisor, or online broker, and hold the funds in any type of brokerage account.

Featured Stories

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding AGG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:AGG  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
North Star Asset Management Inc. reduced its stake in Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM  Free Report) by 1.5% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 52,927 shares of the companys stock after selling 819 shares during the period. North Star Asset Management Inc.s holdings in Philip Morris International were worth $5,363,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Iron Horse Wealth Management LLC increased its stake in Philip Morris International by 684.4% during the 2nd quarter. Iron Horse Wealth Management LLC now owns 251 shares of the companys stock worth $25,000 after buying an additional 219 shares during the period. Boyd Watterson Asset Management LLC OH lifted its stake in shares of Philip Morris International by 250.0% in the first quarter. Boyd Watterson Asset Management LLC OH now owns 322 shares of the companys stock worth $30,000 after acquiring an additional 230 shares in the last quarter. Fortitude Family Office LLC lifted its stake in shares of Philip Morris International by 57.4% in the second quarter. Fortitude Family Office LLC now owns 318 shares of the companys stock worth $32,000 after acquiring an additional 116 shares in the last quarter. Northwest Financial Advisors purchased a new position in shares of Philip Morris International during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $33,000. Finally, Olistico Wealth LLC acquired a new position in Philip Morris International during the 2nd quarter worth $34,000. 78.63% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Get Philip Morris International alerts:

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

PM has been the subject of a number of research analyst reports. Barclays boosted their price target on Philip Morris International from $110.00 to $130.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, August 14th. Stifel Nicolaus increased their price objective on shares of Philip Morris International from $120.00 to $138.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Wednesday. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price target on shares of Philip Morris International from $110.00 to $125.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, July 25th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft raised their price objective on shares of Philip Morris International from $116.00 to $118.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, July 25th. Finally, Bank of America raised their target price on shares of Philip Morris International from $125.00 to $139.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have given a hold rating and eight have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $113.70.

Insider Transactions at Philip Morris International

In other news, insider Wilde Frederic De sold 20,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, July 25th. The shares were sold at an average price of $113.01, for a total value of $2,260,200.00. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 158,447 shares of the companys stock, valued at $17,906,095.47. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. In related news, insider Wilde Frederic De sold 20,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, July 25th. The shares were sold at an average price of $113.01, for a total transaction of $2,260,200.00. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 158,447 shares of the companys stock, valued at $17,906,095.47. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, insider Massimo Andolina sold 9,000 shares of Philip Morris International stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, August 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $115.35, for a total transaction of $1,038,150.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 85,629 shares of the companys stock, valued at $9,877,305.15. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.13% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Philip Morris International Stock Up 0.5 %

Shares of NYSE:PM opened at $125.81 on Friday. The companys fifty day moving average is $113.87 and its two-hundred day moving average is $102.23. The company has a market cap of $195.58 billion, a P/E ratio of 24.57, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.41 and a beta of 0.55. Philip Morris International Inc. has a 12-month low of $87.23 and a 12-month high of $127.45.

Philip Morris International (NYSE:PM  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, July 23rd. The company reported $1.59 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.57 by $0.02. Philip Morris International had a negative return on equity of 113.32% and a net margin of 9.41%. The firm had revenue of $9.47 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $9.19 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $1.60 earnings per share. Philip Morris Internationals quarterly revenue was up 5.6% on a year-over-year basis. Equities research analysts anticipate that Philip Morris International Inc. will post 6.45 earnings per share for the current year.

Philip Morris International Company Profile

(Free Report)

Philip Morris International Inc operates as a tobacco company working to delivers a smoke-free future and evolving portfolio for the long-term to include products outside of the tobacco and nicotine sector. The company's product portfolio primarily consists of cigarettes and smoke-free products, including heat-not-burn, vapor, and oral nicotine products primarily under the IQOS and ZYN brands; and consumer accessories, such as lighters and matches.

Featured Stories

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Philip Morris International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Philip Morris International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Saga plc (LON:SAGA  Get Free Report) shares crossed below its 200-day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of GBX 115.50 ($1.52) and traded as low as GBX 102.40 ($1.35). Saga shares last traded at GBX 107 ($1.41), with a volume of 182,763 shares changing hands.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Separately, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft restated a buy rating and set a GBX 154 ($2.02) price target on shares of Saga in a research report on Monday, June 24th.

Get Saga alerts:

View Our Latest Research Report on Saga

Saga Stock Performance

Saga Company Profile

The stock has a market cap of 141.85 million, a P/E ratio of -122.84, a PEG ratio of 1.22 and a beta of 2.57. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 368.86, a current ratio of 0.69 and a quick ratio of 0.67. The company has a fifty day moving average of GBX 107.44 and a 200 day moving average of GBX 115.35.

(Get Free Report)

Saga plc provides package and cruise holidays, general insurance, and personal finance products and services in the United Kingdom. The company operates through three segments: Cruise and Travel, Insurance, and Other Businesses and Central Costs. It offers car, home, travel, health, landlord, motorhome, caravan, and pet insurance products.

Further Reading

Receive News & Ratings for Saga Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Saga and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Vornado Realty Trust (NYSE:VNO  Free Report) had its price target raised by Scotiabank from $23.00 to $33.00 in a report published on Wednesday, Benzinga reports. Scotiabank currently has a sector perform rating on the real estate investment trusts stock.

VNO has been the topic of a number of other research reports. Truist Financial raised their target price on shares of Vornado Realty Trust from $26.00 to $31.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, August 27th. Piper Sandler raised shares of Vornado Realty Trust from an underweight rating to a neutral rating and raised their target price for the company from $22.00 to $30.00 in a research note on Thursday, August 8th. The Goldman Sachs Group raised their target price on shares of Vornado Realty Trust from $19.00 to $21.50 and gave the company a sell rating in a research note on Tuesday, August 27th. Evercore ISI lifted their price target on shares of Vornado Realty Trust from $38.00 to $39.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 28th. Finally, Bank of America lifted their price target on shares of Vornado Realty Trust from $26.00 to $35.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, August 22nd. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have issued a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $30.23.

Get Vornado Realty Trust alerts:

View Our Latest Research Report on VNO

Vornado Realty Trust Stock Down 0.6 %

Shares of VNO opened at $33.44 on Wednesday. The firm has a market cap of $6.37 billion, a PE ratio of 222.95 and a beta of 1.65. The companys fifty day moving average is $30.40 and its two-hundred day moving average is $27.40. Vornado Realty Trust has a fifty-two week low of $18.36 and a fifty-two week high of $35.26. The company has a quick ratio of 5.21, a current ratio of 5.21 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.78.

Vornado Realty Trust (NYSE:VNO  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Monday, August 5th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.18 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.55 by ($0.37). Vornado Realty Trust had a net margin of 4.51% and a return on equity of 3.21%. The company had revenue of $450.27 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $439.28 million. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $0.72 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was down 4.7% compared to the same quarter last year. Analysts forecast that Vornado Realty Trust will post 2.16 earnings per share for the current year.

Insider Transactions at Vornado Realty Trust

In other news, Director Russell B. Wight, Jr. sold 2,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, July 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $28.19, for a total value of $56,380.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 3,034 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $85,528.46. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Insiders own 8.14% of the companys stock.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of VNO. Norges Bank acquired a new position in Vornado Realty Trust during the 4th quarter valued at about $489,922,000. Nomura Holdings Inc. boosted its stake in Vornado Realty Trust by 2,410.2% during the 4th quarter. Nomura Holdings Inc. now owns 973,035 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $27,488,000 after purchasing an additional 934,271 shares in the last quarter. Bank of Montreal Can increased its position in shares of Vornado Realty Trust by 2,229.1% during the 2nd quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 855,572 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $22,502,000 after purchasing an additional 818,838 shares during the period. Natixis bought a new stake in shares of Vornado Realty Trust in the 1st quarter worth $21,564,000. Finally, Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co. lifted its holdings in shares of Vornado Realty Trust by 45.0% in the second quarter. Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co. now owns 1,973,190 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $51,875,000 after buying an additional 612,765 shares during the period. 90.02% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

About Vornado Realty Trust

(Get Free Report)

Vornado is a fully integrated real estate investment trust (REIT) with a portfolio of premier New York City office and retail assets and the developer of the new PENN DISTRICT. While concentrated in New York, Vornado also owns the premier assets in both Chicago and San Francisco. Vornado is a real estate industry leader in sustainability, with over 27 million square feet of LEED-certified buildings and over 23 million square feet at LEED Gold or Platinum.

Recommended Stories

Receive News & Ratings for Vornado Realty Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Vornado Realty Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Shares of SelectQuote, Inc. (NYSE:SLQT  Get Free Report) fell 5.8% during mid-day trading on Thursday . The stock traded as low as $3.43 and last traded at $3.44. 221,184 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 74% from the average session volume of 845,729 shares. The stock had previously closed at $3.65.

SelectQuote Stock Performance

The company has a quick ratio of 6.34, a current ratio of 6.34 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.87. The stock has a market capitalization of $553.15 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -10.22 and a beta of 1.08. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $3.59 and its 200 day simple moving average is $2.70.

Get SelectQuote alerts:

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of SLQT. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD increased its holdings in SelectQuote by 18.8% during the 1st quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 41,414 shares of the companys stock valued at $83,000 after purchasing an additional 6,555 shares in the last quarter. TFB Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of SelectQuote in the second quarter valued at $29,000. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio increased its stake in shares of SelectQuote by 882.6% in the first quarter. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio now owns 19,946 shares of the companys stock valued at $40,000 after buying an additional 17,916 shares in the last quarter. Headlands Technologies LLC bought a new position in shares of SelectQuote in the first quarter valued at about $36,000. Finally, Quadrature Capital Ltd acquired a new position in SelectQuote during the 1st quarter worth about $40,000. 34.59% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

SelectQuote Company Profile

SelectQuote, Inc operates a technology-enabled, direct-to-consumer distribution platform that sells a range of insurance products and healthcare services in the United States. The company operates through three segments: Senior; Life; and Auto & Home. It distributes senior health policies, such as medicare advantage, medicare supplement, medicare part D, and other ancillary senior health insurance related products, including prescription drugs, dental, vision, and hearing plans; life insurance products, such as term life, final expense, and other ancillary products, including critical illness, accidental death, and juvenile insurance; homeowners, auto, dwelling fire, and other ancillary insurance products; and non-commercial auto and home property, and casualty policies.

Recommended Stories

Receive News & Ratings for SelectQuote Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for SelectQuote and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Seven Post Investment Office LP boosted its position in shares of Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc. (NYSE:ELS  Free Report) by 0.8% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 186,095 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after acquiring an additional 1,411 shares during the period. Equity LifeStyle Properties accounts for about 2.2% of Seven Post Investment Office LPs holdings, making the stock its 10th biggest position. Seven Post Investment Office LP owned 0.10% of Equity LifeStyle Properties worth $12,120,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the company. Cim LLC purchased a new position in shares of Equity LifeStyle Properties during the 4th quarter valued at $2,586,000. Centersquare Investment Management LLC increased its stake in Equity LifeStyle Properties by 22.9% in the 1st quarter. Centersquare Investment Management LLC now owns 123,030 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $7,417,000 after acquiring an additional 22,900 shares during the last quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC increased its stake in Equity LifeStyle Properties by 36.0% in the 2nd quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 819 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $53,000 after acquiring an additional 217 shares during the last quarter. Farrow Financial Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Equity LifeStyle Properties in the 4th quarter valued at about $1,467,000. Finally, CANADA LIFE ASSURANCE Co boosted its position in shares of Equity LifeStyle Properties by 3.8% during the 1st quarter. CANADA LIFE ASSURANCE Co now owns 340,836 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $21,952,000 after acquiring an additional 12,444 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 97.21% of the companys stock.

Get Equity LifeStyle Properties alerts:

Insider Transactions at Equity LifeStyle Properties

In other Equity LifeStyle Properties news, COO Patrick Waite sold 20,820 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, August 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of $70.23, for a total transaction of $1,462,188.60. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief operating officer now owns 221,777 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $15,575,398.71. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Company insiders own 1.40% of the companys stock.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

ELS has been the topic of several research analyst reports. Evercore ISI raised their target price on shares of Equity LifeStyle Properties from $72.00 to $73.00 and gave the company an in-line rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 28th. Royal Bank of Canada reissued a sector perform rating and issued a $68.00 price target on shares of Equity LifeStyle Properties in a report on Wednesday, July 24th. Finally, Truist Financial lifted their price objective on shares of Equity LifeStyle Properties from $65.00 to $70.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, July 30th. Seven research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Equity LifeStyle Properties currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $68.88.

Get Our Latest Analysis on ELS

Equity LifeStyle Properties Trading Up 2.1 %

ELS stock opened at $73.87 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $13.78 billion, a PE ratio of 40.37, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 4.19 and a beta of 0.77. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.34, a quick ratio of 0.03 and a current ratio of 0.03. Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc. has a one year low of $59.82 and a one year high of $74.16. The companys 50 day moving average price is $68.96 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $65.52.

Equity LifeStyle Properties (NYSE:ELS  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Monday, July 22nd. The real estate investment trust reported $0.42 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.65 by ($0.23). Equity LifeStyle Properties had a return on equity of 23.71% and a net margin of 23.56%. The business had revenue of $380.00 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $334.53 million. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $0.66 EPS. Equity LifeStyle Propertiess revenue for the quarter was up 2.7% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, analysts predict that Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc. will post 2.91 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Equity LifeStyle Properties Increases Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, October 11th. Investors of record on Friday, September 27th will be issued a dividend of $0.4775 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, September 27th. This is a boost from Equity LifeStyle Propertiess previous quarterly dividend of $0.48. This represents a $1.91 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.59%. Equity LifeStyle Propertiess dividend payout ratio is currently 104.37%.

Equity LifeStyle Properties Company Profile

(Free Report)

We are a self-administered, self-managed real estate investment trust (REIT) with headquarters in Chicago. As of January 29, 2024, we own or have an interest in 451 properties in 35 states and British Columbia consisting of 172,465 sites.

Featured Articles

Receive News & Ratings for Equity LifeStyle Properties Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Equity LifeStyle Properties and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Sivia Capital Partners LLC bought a new position in Rio Tinto Group (NYSE:RIO  Free Report) in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor bought 3,945 shares of the mining companys stock, valued at approximately $260,000.

A number of other large investors have also modified their holdings of the stock. Northwest Investment Counselors LLC purchased a new position in Rio Tinto Group in the 1st quarter worth approximately $26,000. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Rio Tinto Group by 55.4% in the first quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. now owns 415 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $26,000 after purchasing an additional 148 shares during the period. YHB Investment Advisors Inc. acquired a new stake in Rio Tinto Group during the 1st quarter valued at $29,000. LifeSteps Financial Inc. purchased a new stake in Rio Tinto Group during the 1st quarter worth $33,000. Finally, Centerpoint Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in Rio Tinto Group by 110.0% in the 2nd quarter. Centerpoint Advisors LLC now owns 525 shares of the mining companys stock worth $35,000 after buying an additional 275 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 19.33% of the companys stock.

Get Rio Tinto Group alerts:

Rio Tinto Group Trading Down 1.1 %

Shares of RIO opened at $59.72 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 1.70, a quick ratio of 1.16 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.23. Rio Tinto Group has a 52 week low of $59.35 and a 52 week high of $75.09. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $64.12 and a 200-day moving average of $65.85.

Rio Tinto Group Cuts Dividend

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

The firm also recently announced a semi-annual dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, September 26th. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 16th will be paid a dividend of $1.77 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, August 16th. This represents a yield of 6.8%.

Several analysts have recently weighed in on RIO shares. Royal Bank of Canada upgraded Rio Tinto Group to a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 31st. Berenberg Bank downgraded Rio Tinto Group from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Thursday, June 27th. StockNews.com upgraded Rio Tinto Group from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Friday. Hsbc Global Res upgraded shares of Rio Tinto Group to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 23rd. Finally, Citigroup cut shares of Rio Tinto Group from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a report on Monday, May 20th. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, five have given a buy rating and two have given a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Rio Tinto Group presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy.

Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on RIO

Rio Tinto Group Profile

(Free Report)

Rio Tinto Group engages in exploring, mining, and processing mineral resources worldwide. The company operates through Iron Ore, Aluminium, Copper, and Minerals Segments. The Iron Ore segment engages in the iron ore mining, and salt and gypsum production in Western Australia. The Aluminum segment is involved in bauxite mining; alumina refining; and aluminium smelting.

Featured Articles

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding RIO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Rio Tinto Group (NYSE:RIO  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Rio Tinto Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Rio Tinto Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Sivia Capital Partners LLC raised its stake in shares of Chunghwa Telecom Co., Ltd. (NYSE:CHT  Free Report) by 26.1% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 10,222 shares of the utilities providers stock after purchasing an additional 2,113 shares during the quarter. Sivia Capital Partners LLCs holdings in Chunghwa Telecom were worth $395,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. O Shaughnessy Asset Management LLC raised its stake in Chunghwa Telecom by 27.7% in the first quarter. O Shaughnessy Asset Management LLC now owns 105,189 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $4,117,000 after buying an additional 22,835 shares in the last quarter. Catalina Capital Group LLC purchased a new position in shares of Chunghwa Telecom during the 1st quarter worth approximately $520,000. Natixis Advisors L.P. raised its position in shares of Chunghwa Telecom by 82.4% in the 4th quarter. Natixis Advisors L.P. now owns 27,621 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $1,079,000 after acquiring an additional 12,480 shares in the last quarter. Blue Trust Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Chunghwa Telecom by 115.0% in the 2nd quarter. Blue Trust Inc. now owns 19,623 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $768,000 after purchasing an additional 10,495 shares during the period. Finally, Kathmere Capital Management LLC boosted its position in shares of Chunghwa Telecom by 40.2% during the first quarter. Kathmere Capital Management LLC now owns 29,787 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $1,166,000 after purchasing an additional 8,541 shares in the last quarter. 2.11% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Get Chunghwa Telecom alerts:

Chunghwa Telecom Trading Down 0.2 %

Shares of NYSE CHT opened at $38.74 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $30.05 billion, a P/E ratio of 25.83, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 18.64 and a beta of 0.19. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.08, a current ratio of 1.28 and a quick ratio of 1.16. Chunghwa Telecom Co., Ltd. has a 1 year low of $35.44 and a 1 year high of $39.78. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $37.54 and a 200 day moving average of $38.33.

Chunghwa Telecom Cuts Dividend

Chunghwa Telecom ( NYSE:CHT Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, August 6th. The utilities provider reported $0.39 EPS for the quarter. Chunghwa Telecom had a return on equity of 9.27% and a net margin of 16.27%. The firm had revenue of $1.67 billion for the quarter. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Chunghwa Telecom Co., Ltd. will post 1.49 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently declared an annual dividend, which was paid on Thursday, August 15th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, July 3rd were issued a dividend of $1.4736 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, July 3rd. This represents a dividend yield of 2.9%. Chunghwa Telecoms payout ratio is presently 75.33%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Separately, JPMorgan Chase & Co. downgraded Chunghwa Telecom from an overweight rating to a neutral rating in a report on Tuesday, August 6th.

Get Our Latest Analysis on Chunghwa Telecom

Chunghwa Telecom Company Profile

(Free Report)

Chunghwa Telecom Co, Ltd., together with its subsidiaries, provides telecommunication services in Taiwan and internationally. It operates through Consumer Business, Enterprise Business, International Business, and Others segments. The company offers local, domestic long distance, and international long distance fixed-line telephone services; mobile services such as prepaid and postpaid plans; broadband plans; and internet and data services.

Read More

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CHT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Chunghwa Telecom Co., Ltd. (NYSE:CHT  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Chunghwa Telecom Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Chunghwa Telecom and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Visionary (NYSE:GV  Free Report) in a research report sent to investors on Wednesday morning. The brokerage issued a sell rating on the stock.

Visionary Stock Up 5.0 %

Visionary stock opened at $2.10 on Wednesday. Visionary has a 52-week low of $1.52 and a 52-week high of $8.85.

Get Visionary alerts:

About Visionary

(Get Free Report)

Further Reading

Visionary Holdings Inc provides education resources to students worldwide. The company offers educational programs for secondary school, college, university, and advanced degree students that include degree-oriented educational programs, such as OSSD program, career-oriented two-year college, four-year university programs, and masters programs; and high school education programs, real estate development, animation education, vocational education, online education, and other education-related consulting services.

Receive News & Ratings for Visionary Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Visionary and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Students and teachers could historically look forward to three major holiday breaks during the long school year at Thanksgiving, Christmas and spring break.

More recently, school districts, including many in the Houston region, are working in some extra fall vacation time for students outside the traditional days off, in the form of scheduled mid-October breaks.

In 2017, Garland ISD became one of the first districts in Texas to implement a week-long fall break into its school year calendar.

Parents and staff want more long weekends

An extra day or two for students and school staff has always been part of the calendar school year, but these fall mini breaks are a part of a growing trend with the idea of allowing students time off after their first grading period.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

HISD UNION LEADER RETURNS TO TEACHING: Houston Education Association president had waited for HISD board's decision

At Clear Creek ISD, other than a two-day break in 2009, the district has never had an extended October break until this year, and it was due to parent and staff feedback.

According to Susan Silva, the districts assistant superintendent of teaching and learning, survey results showed that parents and staff expressed the importance of to giving students a mental reset.

These (survey) results clearly indicated that CCISD families and staff members recognize the need for a mid-semester pause to recharge and maintain their well-being, Silva said in an email.

The districts survey also revealed a preference among for more flexibility in their own continuing development as educators.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Clear Creeks fall break for students and teachers will consist of a long weekend from Oct. 11-14 and will also allow for campus staff to substitute those days in their contracts by acquiring professional learning hours.

BAY AREA INSIDER: Must-read local news from League City, Clear Lake and other Bay Area communities

Students wait outside the front doors of Nelson Junior High for the first day of school in Katy Independent School District on Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024 in Katy. The Nelson faculty and staff welcomed 904 students to the new school. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

Houston-area districts with October days off

Like CCISD, Houston area districts such as Conroe, Pasadena, Galveston, Deer Park, Katy, La Porte, Spring Branch, Lamar, Alief, Channelview, Dickinson and others have adopted a long weekend option to offer students an abbreviated rest, according to their websites.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Dickinson and Deer Park ISD do not refer to their mid-October break between Friday and Monday as a fall vacation.

According to Dickinson ISD spokesperson Tammy Dowdy, when the district was developing its 2024-25 calendar, the intent was to include consecutive vacation days every month for students and teachers throughout the school year.

The goal was to give students and teachers the extra days off to rest and take care of things they need to get done, Dowdy said. Its the same reason why districts are working in fall breaks.

Deer Park ISD teachers and parents also responded favorably to a similar community/teacher/parent board suggestion of an extended break in October and can take advantage of it for the first time this year.

Both teachers and parents were excited about the prospect of having a long weekend in October. Teachers liked the idea of a short fall break, and parents appreciated the chance to schedule a fall mini vacation, said Matt Lucas, the districts spokesperson.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

For many of these districts, the flexibility to set their own calendars and add more holiday time is made possible through a designation known as the District of Innovation, which exempts them from certain sections of the Texas Education Code and allows districts to put in place innovative measures that benefit students and staff.

Others, like Clear Creek ISD, were able to build in the extra break while keeping to the 75,600 minute requirement, according to CCISD spokesperson Sydney Hunt.

Students get off a bus as they arrive for the first day of school at Nelson Junior High in the Katy Independent School District on Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024 in Katy. The Nelson faculty and staff welcomed 904 students to the new school. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

Week-long fall breaks in schools are a response to changing needs

Alvin, Goose Creek, Aldine, Texas City and Humble ISD are examples of districts that have opted to give students and staff a week-long break Oct. 1418.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

The Humble ISD board of trustees voted to include a week-long vacation in October when approving the 2019-20 school calendar, and amended the District of Innovation plan to do so, the Chronicle reported at the time.

Alvin ISD had already adopted some form of fall break years ago but reintroduced it into its calendar last year. The committee that adopted its five-day break in October is compromised of staff members, parents and community members, and it looked to surveys and parent and staff input.

According to Alvin ISD spokesperson Renae Rives, the results of the survey reflected changing needs in the daily lives of its community.

The fall break is not only beneficial to students and staff by giving them an academic pause, Rives said, but its a way to adapt to the increasingly busy schedules of students and their families.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Theres just a lot going on with students and their families, said Rives. A lot of our students are going 90 to nothing with sports, with jobs, and all the extracurricular activities, and we think this (fall break) is needed.
Stonebrook Private Inc. lifted its stake in Trane Technologies plc (NYSE:TT  Free Report) by 14.7% during the second quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The fund owned 5,299 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 679 shares during the quarter. Stonebrook Private Inc.s holdings in Trane Technologies were worth $1,743,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the company. PFG Private Wealth Management LLC increased its position in 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 purchasing an additional 32 shares during the last quarter. Center for Financial Planning Inc. raised its position in Trane Technologies by 1.7% during 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 lifted its stake in Trane Technologies by 4.1% in the second quarter. Muirfield Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 939 shares of the companys stock valued at $309,000 after acquiring an additional 37 shares during the last quarter. Pure Financial Advisors LLC grew its position in Trane Technologies by 5.2% in the second quarter. Pure Financial Advisors LLC now owns 765 shares of the companys stock worth $252,000 after acquiring an additional 38 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Simmons Bank increased its stake in shares of Trane Technologies by 5.6% during the 2nd quarter. Simmons Bank now owns 718 shares of the companys stock worth $236,000 after purchasing an additional 38 shares during the last quarter. 82.97% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Get Trane Technologies alerts:

Insider Activity

In related news, CEO David S. Regnery sold 29,450 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, August 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $321.25, for a total value of $9,460,812.50. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 132,946 shares of the companys stock, valued at $42,708,902.50. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In related news, EVP Raymond D. Pittard sold 1,805 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, August 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $328.65, for a total value of $593,213.25. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 83,517 shares of the companys stock, valued at $27,447,862.05. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, CEO David S. Regnery sold 29,450 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $321.25, for a total transaction of $9,460,812.50. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 132,946 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $42,708,902.50. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.38% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Trane Technologies Price Performance

NYSE TT remained flat at $342.07 during midday trading on Friday. 1,239,282 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,116,635. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $338.47 and a two-hundred day moving average of $319.71. Trane Technologies plc has a 52 week low of $184.02 and a 52 week high of $363.15. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.62, a quick ratio of 0.84 and a current ratio of 1.17. The firm has a market cap of $77.43 billion, a PE ratio of 36.55, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.51 and a beta of 1.01.

Trane Technologies (NYSE:TT  Get Free Report) last released its 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 business had revenue of $5.31 billion for 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 firms revenue for the quarter was up 12.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the business earned $2.68 earnings per share. As a group, equities analysts predict that Trane Technologies plc will post 10.82 earnings per share for the current year.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several equities research analysts recently issued reports on TT shares. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price objective on shares of Trane Technologies from $315.00 to $320.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a research note on Friday. UBS Group increased their price objective on Trane Technologies from $330.00 to $375.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Monday, June 3rd. Barclays raised their price objective on Trane Technologies from $385.00 to $394.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, August 1st. Morgan Stanley assumed coverage on Trane Technologies in a research report on Friday. They set an overweight rating and a $425.00 target price for the company. Finally, Robert W. Baird lifted their price target on shares of Trane Technologies from $360.00 to $365.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, August 1st. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have issued a hold rating and six have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Trane Technologies presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $337.29.

Read Our Latest Research Report on Trane Technologies

About Trane Technologies

(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.

Further Reading

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.
Stonebrook Private Inc. cut its stake in The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS  Free Report) by 45.5% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 850 shares of the investment management companys stock after selling 710 shares during the period. Stonebrook Private Inc.s holdings in The Goldman Sachs Group were worth $385,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other large investors also recently bought and sold shares of GS. Aveo Capital Partners LLC boosted its stake in The Goldman Sachs Group by 8.2% during the 4th quarter. Aveo Capital Partners LLC now owns 697 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $269,000 after purchasing an additional 53 shares during the period. Wealthspire Advisors LLC increased its position in The Goldman Sachs Group by 7.8% in the 4th quarter. Wealthspire Advisors LLC now owns 1,362 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $525,000 after acquiring an additional 99 shares during the period. Principal Securities Inc. purchased a new stake in The Goldman Sachs Group during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $1,282,000. Thompson Siegel & Walmsley LLC lifted its position in The Goldman Sachs Group by 93.3% during the 4th quarter. Thompson Siegel & Walmsley LLC now owns 16,363 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $6,312,000 after acquiring an additional 7,900 shares during the period. Finally, VisionPoint Advisory Group LLC grew its stake in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 113.3% in the 4th quarter. VisionPoint Advisory Group LLC now owns 1,105 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $426,000 after purchasing an additional 587 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 71.21% of the companys stock.

Get The Goldman Sachs Group alerts:

Insider Buying and Selling at The Goldman Sachs Group

In other The Goldman Sachs Group news, major shareholder Goldman Sachs Group Inc sold 4,000,000 shares of The Goldman Sachs Group stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, June 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $6.34, for a total transaction of $25,360,000.00. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 12,981,022 shares in the company, valued at approximately $82,299,679.48. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. 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 stock was sold at an average price of $505.99, for a total value of $1,770,965.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 12,095 shares in the company, valued at approximately $6,119,949.05. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, major shareholder Goldman Sachs Group Inc sold 4,000,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, June 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $6.34, for a total value of $25,360,000.00. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 12,981,022 shares in the company, valued at $82,299,679.48. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 4,013,500 shares of company stock valued at $32,181,365 in the last ninety days. Insiders own 0.54% of the companys stock.

The Goldman Sachs Group Stock Down 1.7 %

Shares of NYSE GS traded down $8.27 on Friday, hitting $479.61. The company had a trading volume of 1,995,561 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,266,371. The firm has a market capitalization of $154.66 billion, a P/E ratio of 18.73, a PEG ratio of 0.79 and a beta of 1.36. The company has a quick ratio of 0.72, a current ratio of 0.72 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.20. The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. has a 12-month low of $289.36 and a 12-month high of $517.26. The business has a 50 day moving average of $489.33 and a two-hundred day moving average of $447.76.

The Goldman Sachs Group (NYSE:GS  Get Free Report) last issued 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 Goldman Sachs Group had a net margin of 9.36% and a return on equity of 10.56%. The company had revenue of $12.73 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $12.60 billion. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. will post 35.07 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The Goldman Sachs Group Increases Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 27th. Investors of record on Friday, August 30th will be paid a dividend of $3.00 per share. This is an increase 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 yield of 2.50%. The Goldman Sachs Groups payout ratio is 46.86%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of equities analysts recently weighed in on GS shares. UBS Group lifted their price objective on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group from $490.00 to $535.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 9th. Morgan Stanley increased their price target on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group from $513.00 to $561.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, July 30th. Seaport Res Ptn lowered The Goldman Sachs Group from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, July 2nd. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods increased their target price on The Goldman Sachs Group from $485.00 to $520.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, June 27th. Finally, Barclays upped their price target on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group from $493.00 to $565.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 16th. Five analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and fourteen have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, The Goldman Sachs Group currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $495.94.

View Our Latest Report on GS

The Goldman Sachs Group Profile

(Free Report)

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc, a financial institution, provides a range of financial services for corporations, financial institutions, governments, and individuals worldwide. It operates through Global Banking & Markets, Asset & Wealth Management, and Platform Solutions segments. The Global Banking & Markets segment provides financial advisory services, including strategic advisory assignments related to mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, corporate defense activities, restructurings, and spin-offs; and relationship lending, and acquisition financing, as well as secured lending, through structured credit and asset-backed lending and involved in financing under securities to resale agreements.

Further Reading

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.
SVB Wealth LLC decreased its stake in shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (NYSE:BR  Free Report) by 3.5% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm owned 86,978 shares of the business services providers stock after selling 3,132 shares during the quarter. SVB Wealth LLCs holdings in Broadridge Financial Solutions were worth $17,135,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

A number of other large investors have also made changes to their positions in the stock. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its stake in Broadridge Financial Solutions by 0.3% during the first quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 13,991,206 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $2,866,238,000 after acquiring an additional 39,537 shares during the period. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD lifted its holdings in Broadridge Financial Solutions by 0.7% during the 1st quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 4,168,197 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $853,898,000 after purchasing an additional 28,180 shares during the last quarter. Capital International Investors increased its holdings in shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions by 0.3% during the first quarter. Capital International Investors now owns 3,061,983 shares of the business services providers stock worth $627,278,000 after buying an additional 7,970 shares in the last quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. raised its stake in shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions by 3.0% in the first quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 1,496,678 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $306,609,000 after acquiring an additional 43,958 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Bahl & Gaynor Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions by 1.9% in the 1st quarter. Bahl & Gaynor Inc. now owns 1,102,233 shares of the business services providers stock worth $225,804,000 after acquiring an additional 20,023 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 90.03% of the companys stock.

Get Broadridge Financial Solutions alerts:

Insider Transactions at Broadridge Financial Solutions

In related news, Director Leslie A. Brun sold 5,739 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, August 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $210.05, for a total value of $1,205,476.95. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 77,318 shares in the company, valued at $16,240,645.90. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. In other Broadridge Financial Solutions news, Director Leslie A. Brun sold 5,739 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, August 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $210.05, for a total value of $1,205,476.95. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 77,318 shares of the companys stock, valued at $16,240,645.90. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, President Christopher John Perry sold 31,539 shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions stock in a transaction on Wednesday, August 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $207.37, for a total transaction of $6,540,242.43. Following the transaction, the president now directly owns 67,215 shares in the company, valued at $13,938,374.55. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 94,914 shares of company stock worth $19,815,248 in the last three months. Insiders own 1.60% of the companys stock.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several equities analysts have issued reports on BR shares. StockNews.com upgraded Broadridge Financial Solutions from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 28th. DA Davidson reiterated a neutral rating and set a $185.00 price target on shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions in a research report on Tuesday, June 11th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price objective on shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions from $224.00 to $225.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Tuesday, August 20th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada boosted their target price on shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions from $239.00 to $246.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 7th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $213.33.

Read Our Latest Research Report on Broadridge Financial Solutions

Broadridge Financial Solutions Trading Down 1.5 %

BR stock traded down $3.26 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $207.59. The stock had a trading volume of 632,306 shares, compared to its average volume of 528,298. The firm has a market cap of $24.53 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 35.44 and a beta of 1.05. Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. has a twelve month low of $166.73 and a twelve month high of $223.81. The company has a quick ratio of 1.08, a current ratio of 1.08 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.55. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $208.46 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $202.66.

Broadridge Financial Solutions (NYSE:BR  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, August 6th. The business services provider reported $3.50 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $3.49 by $0.01. Broadridge Financial Solutions had a net margin of 10.73% and a return on equity of 42.77%. The company had revenue of $1.94 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.96 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $3.21 EPS. Broadridge Financial Solutionss revenue was up 5.7% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, research analysts expect that Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. will post 8.51 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Broadridge Financial Solutions Increases Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, October 3rd. Stockholders of record on Thursday, September 12th will be paid a $0.88 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, September 12th. This represents a $3.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.70%. This is an increase from Broadridge Financial Solutionss previous quarterly dividend of $0.80. Broadridge Financial Solutionss dividend payout ratio is 60.07%.

About Broadridge Financial Solutions

(Free Report)

Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc provides investor communications and technology-driven solutions for the financial services industry. The company's Investor Communication Solutions segment processes and distributes proxy materials to investors in equity securities and mutual funds, as well as facilitates related vote processing services; and distributes regulatory reports, class action, and corporate action/reorganization event information, as well as tax reporting solutions.

Featured Articles

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (NYSE:BR  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Broadridge Financial Solutions Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Broadridge Financial Solutions and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
SVB Wealth LLC reduced its stake in shares of iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:SGOV  Free Report) by 24.0% in the second quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 252,789 shares of the companys stock after selling 79,635 shares during the period. iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF comprises approximately 0.6% of SVB Wealth LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 29th biggest position. SVB Wealth LLCs holdings in iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF were worth $25,458,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of SGOV. Larson Financial Group LLC purchased a new position in shares of iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $31,000. Pineridge Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF during the 4th quarter valued at $33,000. Maryland Capital Advisors Inc. bought a new position in iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF in the 1st quarter worth about $36,000. Benjamin F. Edwards & Company Inc. purchased a new position in iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF during the 4th quarter valued at about $38,000. Finally, Signaturefd LLC bought a new stake in shares of iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF during the second quarter valued at about $48,000.

Get iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF alerts:

iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF Trading Up 0.0 %

Shares of iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF stock traded up $0.04 on Friday, reaching $100.42. The stock had a trading volume of 5,534,601 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,984,219. The businesss 50 day moving average is $100.51 and its two-hundred day moving average is $100.52. iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF has a 1 year low of $100.04 and a 1 year high of $100.75.

iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF Profile

Featured Stories

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SGOV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:SGOV  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
StockNews.com upgraded shares of TELUS (NYSE:TU  Free Report) (TSE:T) from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report released on Friday.

Separately, Canaccord Genuity Group lowered shares of TELUS from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, August 6th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and one has assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $27.33.

Get TELUS alerts:

View Our Latest Stock Analysis on TELUS

TELUS Trading Up 0.2 %

Shares of NYSE TU opened at $16.86 on Friday. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $15.93 and its 200 day simple moving average is $16.22. TELUS has a fifty-two week low of $14.63 and a fifty-two week high of $19.14. The firm has a market capitalization of $24.98 billion, a P/E ratio of 43.22, a P/E/G ratio of 2.53 and a beta of 0.74. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.46, a current ratio of 0.66 and a quick ratio of 0.61.

TELUS (NYSE:TU  Get Free Report) (TSE:T) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Friday, August 2nd. The Wireless communications provider reported $0.25 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.16 by $0.09. The business had revenue of $3.64 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.70 billion. TELUS had a net margin of 3.87% and a return on equity of 8.50%. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $0.14 earnings per share. On average, analysts predict that TELUS will post 0.73 EPS for the current year.

TELUS Increases Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 1st. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, September 10th will be issued a $0.284 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, September 10th. This is a positive change from TELUSs previous quarterly dividend of $0.28. This represents a $1.14 annualized dividend and a yield of 6.74%. TELUSs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 292.32%.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On TELUS

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Sanctuary Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of TELUS during the second quarter worth about $680,000. Fiera Capital Corp grew its stake in shares of TELUS by 9.9% during the 2nd quarter. Fiera Capital Corp now owns 16,670,713 shares of the Wireless communications providers stock worth $252,468,000 after acquiring an additional 1,501,742 shares in the last quarter. B. Riley Wealth Advisors Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of TELUS in the second quarter valued at approximately $163,000. Ninepoint Partners LP lifted its position in shares of TELUS by 10.0% in the second quarter. Ninepoint Partners LP now owns 195,895 shares of the Wireless communications providers stock worth $2,966,000 after purchasing an additional 17,864 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Lighthouse Investment Partners LLC boosted its holdings in TELUS by 55.1% during the second quarter. Lighthouse Investment Partners LLC now owns 17,991 shares of the Wireless communications providers stock worth $272,000 after purchasing an additional 6,389 shares during the last quarter. 49.40% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

About TELUS

(Get Free Report)

TELUS Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides a range of telecommunications and information technology products and services in Canada. It operates through Technology Solutions and Digitally-Led Customer Experiences segments. The Technology Solutions segment offers a range of telecommunications products and services; network services; healthcare services; mobile technologies equipment; data services, such as internet protocol; television; hosting, managed information technology, and cloud-based services; software, data management, and data analytics-driven smart food-chain and consumer goods technologies; home and business security; healthcare software and technology solutions; and voice and other telecommunications services, as well as mobile and fixed voice and data telecommunications services and products.

Recommended Stories

Receive News & Ratings for TELUS Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for TELUS and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Shares of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS  Get Free Report) have been assigned an average rating of Moderate Buy from the eighteen brokerages that are currently covering the stock, MarketBeat.com reports. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and fourteen have issued a buy recommendation on the company. The average 1-year price target among analysts that have covered the stock in the last year is $495.94.

Several research analysts recently weighed in on GS shares. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated a sector perform rating and set a $500.00 price target on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group in a research report on Tuesday, July 30th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price target on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group from $461.00 to $464.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, July 16th. BMO Capital Markets lifted their price objective on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group from $360.00 to $373.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a report on Wednesday, July 17th. Oppenheimer raised their target price on The Goldman Sachs Group from $504.00 to $559.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 16th. Finally, Barclays upped their price target on The Goldman Sachs Group from $493.00 to $565.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, July 16th.

Get The Goldman Sachs Group alerts:

View Our Latest Stock Analysis on GS

The Goldman Sachs Group Stock Down 1.7 %

The Goldman Sachs Group stock opened at $479.64 on Monday. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $489.33 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $447.76. The company has a market cap of $154.67 billion, a PE ratio of 18.73, a PEG ratio of 0.79 and a beta of 1.36. The Goldman Sachs Group has a fifty-two week low of $289.36 and a fifty-two week high of $517.26. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.20, a quick ratio of 0.72 and a current ratio of 0.72.

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 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $8.52 by $0.10. The business had revenue of $12.73 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $12.60 billion. The Goldman Sachs Group had a net margin of 9.36% and a return on equity of 10.56%. Equities analysts anticipate that The Goldman Sachs Group will post 35.07 EPS for the current year.

The Goldman Sachs Group Increases Dividend

The firm 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 $3.00 dividend. This is an increase from The Goldman Sachs Groups previous quarterly dividend of $2.75. The ex-dividend date is Friday, August 30th. This represents a $12.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.50%. The Goldman Sachs Groups dividend payout ratio is presently 46.86%.

Insider Buying and Selling at The Goldman Sachs Group

In other The Goldman Sachs Group news, major shareholder Goldman Sachs Group Inc sold 4,000,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, June 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $6.34, for a total value of $25,360,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 12,981,022 shares in the company, valued at approximately $82,299,679.48. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In other news, insider Brian J. Lee sold 3,500 shares of the firms 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 owns 12,095 shares in the company, valued at approximately $6,119,949.05. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Also, major shareholder Goldman Sachs Group Inc sold 4,000,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, June 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $6.34, for a total transaction of $25,360,000.00. Following the sale, the insider now owns 12,981,022 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $82,299,679.48. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last quarter, insiders sold 4,013,500 shares of company stock worth $32,181,365. Insiders own 0.54% of the companys stock.

Institutional Trading of The Goldman Sachs Group

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Capital World Investors increased its holdings in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 6.0% during the 4th quarter. Capital World Investors now owns 6,012,564 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $2,319,470,000 after buying an additional 338,181 shares during the last quarter. Fisher Asset Management LLC boosted its position in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 2.8% during the 4th quarter. Fisher Asset Management LLC now owns 5,516,093 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $2,127,944,000 after purchasing an additional 150,532 shares during the period. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA boosted its position in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 0.5% during the 4th quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 5,195,203 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $2,004,153,000 after purchasing an additional 27,524 shares during the period. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD boosted its position in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 5.9% during the 4th quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 4,953,461 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $1,910,897,000 after purchasing an additional 274,989 shares during the period. Finally, Bank of New York Mellon Corp boosted its position in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 3.0% during the 1st quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 4,895,928 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $2,044,980,000 after purchasing an additional 141,538 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 71.21% of the companys stock.

About The Goldman Sachs Group

(Get 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.

Read More

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.
Shares of The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. (NYSE:THG  Get Free Report) have been given a consensus rating of Moderate Buy by the five ratings firms that are currently covering the company, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and three have given a buy recommendation to the company. The average 12-month price objective among brokerages that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $157.80.

Several research firms recently commented on THG. JMP Securities upped their price objective on The Hanover Insurance Group from $150.00 to $160.00 and gave the company a market outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, August 1st. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods upped their price target on The Hanover Insurance Group from $142.00 to $144.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a research report on Tuesday, August 13th. Piper Sandler lifted their price objective on The Hanover Insurance Group from $147.00 to $162.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Friday, August 2nd. Finally, Bank of America lowered their price objective on The Hanover Insurance Group from $161.00 to $158.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, August 6th.

Get The Hanover Insurance Group alerts:

View Our Latest Stock Report on THG

The Hanover Insurance Group Trading Down 0.3 %

Shares of The Hanover Insurance Group stock opened at $145.56 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $5.23 billion, a PE ratio of 32.64 and a beta of 0.70. The Hanover Insurance Group has a 1 year low of $103.82 and a 1 year high of $149.25. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.31, a current ratio of 0.40 and a quick ratio of 0.40. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $134.07 and a 200-day moving average price of $131.62.

The Hanover Insurance Group (NYSE:THG  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 31st. The insurance provider reported $1.88 EPS for the quarter, hitting the consensus estimate of $1.88. The Hanover Insurance Group had a net margin of 4.44% and a return on equity of 12.42%. The business had revenue of $1.54 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.49 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted ($1.91) earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 2.2% on a year-over-year basis. Equities research analysts anticipate that The Hanover Insurance Group will post 10.85 EPS for the current year.

The Hanover Insurance Group Announces Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 27th. Stockholders of record on Friday, September 13th will be given a $0.85 dividend. This represents a $3.40 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.34%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, September 13th. The Hanover Insurance Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 76.23%.

Insider Activity at The Hanover Insurance Group

In other The Hanover Insurance Group news, EVP Richard W. Lavey sold 8,468 shares of The Hanover Insurance Group stock in a transaction dated Thursday, August 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $144.01, for a total transaction of $1,219,476.68. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 36,281 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,224,826.81. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. In related news, SVP Warren E. Barnes sold 500 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, August 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $138.25, for a total value of $69,125.00. Following the sale, the senior vice president now owns 3,013 shares in the company, valued at $416,547.25. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Also, EVP Richard W. Lavey sold 8,468 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, August 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $144.01, for a total value of $1,219,476.68. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 36,281 shares of the companys stock, valued at $5,224,826.81. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last three months, insiders have sold 10,852 shares of company stock worth $1,541,491. 2.40% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Institutional Trading of The Hanover Insurance Group

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of THG. Sanctuary Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of The Hanover Insurance Group in the second quarter worth approximately $385,000. Dana Investment Advisors Inc. increased its holdings in shares of The Hanover Insurance Group by 25.1% in the 2nd quarter. Dana Investment Advisors Inc. now owns 5,070 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $636,000 after buying an additional 1,017 shares during the last quarter. Point72 Asset Management L.P. purchased a new stake in shares of The Hanover Insurance Group during the 2nd quarter valued at $14,684,000. Quarry LP bought a new stake in shares of The Hanover Insurance Group during the 2nd quarter worth $78,000. Finally, Creative Planning grew its position in The Hanover Insurance Group by 3.1% in the second quarter. Creative Planning now owns 10,525 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $1,320,000 after acquiring an additional 317 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 86.61% of the companys stock.

About The Hanover Insurance Group

(Get Free Report

The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc, through its subsidiaries, provides various property and casualty insurance products and services in the United States. The company operates through four segments: Core Commercial, Specialty, Personal Lines, and Other. The Commercial Lines segment offers commercial multiple peril, commercial automobile, workers' compensation, and other commercial lines coverage.

Featured Stories

Receive News & Ratings for The Hanover Insurance Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for The Hanover Insurance Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
New York Life Investment Management LLC increased its position in shares of The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG  Free Report) by 1.2% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 360,169 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 4,392 shares during the quarter. Procter & Gamble accounts for about 0.6% of New York Life Investment Management LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 27th largest holding. New York Life Investment Management LLCs holdings in Procter & Gamble were worth $59,399,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Ruedi Wealth Management Inc. boosted its position in Procter & Gamble by 64.7% during the 1st quarter. Ruedi Wealth Management Inc. now owns 196 shares of the companys stock valued at $32,000 after purchasing an additional 77 shares during the period. POM Investment Strategies LLC bought a new position in shares of Procter & Gamble during the second quarter worth about $34,000. Transcendent Capital Group LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Procter & Gamble in the 4th quarter worth about $31,000. Vima LLC bought a new stake in Procter & Gamble in the 4th quarter valued at about $35,000. Finally, Redmont Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Procter & Gamble during the 1st quarter valued at about $42,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 65.77% of the companys stock.

Get Procter & Gamble alerts:

Procter & Gamble Stock Up 0.1 %

PG stock opened at $175.59 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.51, a current ratio of 0.73 and a quick ratio of 0.53. The firm has a market capitalization of $414.42 billion, a P/E ratio of 28.69, a P/E/G ratio of 3.72 and a beta of 0.41. The Procter & Gamble Company has a 52-week low of $141.45 and a 52-week high of $177.04. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $168.26 and its 200-day simple moving average is $164.65.

Procter & Gamble Dividend Announcement

Procter & Gamble ( NYSE:PG Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, July 30th. The company reported $1.40 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.37 by $0.03. Procter & Gamble had a net margin of 17.71% and a return on equity of 33.46%. The company had revenue of $20.53 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $20.69 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $1.37 EPS. The companys revenue was down .1% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities research analysts anticipate that The Procter & Gamble Company will post 6.97 EPS for the current year.

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 dividend of $1.0065 per share. The ex-dividend date was Friday, July 19th. This represents a $4.03 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.29%. Procter & Gambles dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 65.85%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of equities research analysts have recently weighed in on PG shares. Stifel Nicolaus lifted their price target on Procter & Gamble from $157.00 to $161.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Monday, July 22nd. TD Cowen began coverage on Procter & Gamble in a research report on Tuesday, July 23rd. They set a buy rating and a $189.00 price target for the company. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft raised their price target on Procter & Gamble from $171.00 to $176.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, July 17th. Royal Bank of Canada upped their price objective on shares of Procter & Gamble from $157.00 to $164.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a report on Wednesday, July 31st. Finally, Dbs Bank cut shares of Procter & Gamble from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, August 1st. Eight research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, fourteen have issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Procter & Gamble presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $175.79.

View Our Latest Analysis on PG

Insider Activity

In related news, insider Balaji Purushothaman sold 8,842 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, August 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $164.90, for a total transaction of $1,458,045.80. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 11,537 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,902,451.30. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. In related news, insider Balaji Purushothaman sold 8,842 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, August 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $164.90, for a total transaction of $1,458,045.80. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 11,537 shares in the company, valued at $1,902,451.30. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, CEO Ma. Fatima Francisco sold 96,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, August 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $170.00, for a total value of $16,320,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 13,721 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,332,570. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 375,553 shares of company stock worth $63,829,141 in the last 90 days. Company insiders own 0.17% of the companys stock.

Procter & Gamble Profile

(Free Report)

The Procter & Gamble Company provides branded consumer packaged goods worldwide. It operates through five segments: Beauty; Grooming; Health Care; Fabric & Home Care; and Baby, Feminine & Family Care. The Beauty segment offers conditioners, shampoos, styling aids, and treatments under the Head & Shoulders, Herbal Essences, Pantene, and Rejoice brands; and antiperspirants and deodorants, personal cleansing, and skin care products under the Olay, Old Spice, Safeguard, Secret, and SK-II brands.

Further Reading

Receive News & Ratings for Procter & Gamble Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Procter & Gamble and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Trane Technologies (NYSE:TT  Free Report) had its price target raised by Wells Fargo & Company from $315.00 to $320.00 in a research note released on Friday, Benzinga reports. They currently have an underweight rating on the stock.

A number of other research firms also recently weighed in on TT. Robert W. Baird upped their target price on Trane Technologies from $360.00 to $365.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Thursday, August 1st. Royal Bank of Canada increased their price objective on Trane Technologies from $334.00 to $350.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a report on Thursday, August 1st. Barclays upped their target price on shares of Trane Technologies from $385.00 to $394.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, August 1st. UBS Group lifted their price target on shares of Trane Technologies from $330.00 to $375.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Monday, June 3rd. Finally, Morgan Stanley assumed coverage on shares of Trane Technologies in a report on Friday. They issued an overweight rating and a $425.00 price objective on the stock. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have given a hold rating and six have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Trane Technologies currently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $337.29.

Get Trane Technologies alerts:

Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Trane Technologies

Trane Technologies Price Performance

Shares of TT stock opened at $342.07 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.62, a quick ratio of 0.84 and a current ratio of 1.17. Trane Technologies has a fifty-two week low of $184.02 and a fifty-two week high of $363.15. The firm has a market cap of $77.43 billion, a P/E ratio of 36.55, a P/E/G ratio of 2.51 and a beta of 1.01. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $338.47 and its 200-day moving average price is $319.71.

Trane Technologies (NYSE:TT  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 31st. The company reported $3.30 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $3.08 by $0.22. Trane Technologies had a net margin of 12.33% and a return on equity of 33.97%. The business had revenue of $5.31 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.13 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $2.68 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was up 12.8% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that Trane Technologies will post 10.82 earnings per share for the current year.

Insider Buying and Selling at Trane Technologies

In other Trane Technologies 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 completion of the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 83,517 shares in the company, valued at approximately $27,447,862.05. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this link. In other Trane Technologies news, CEO David S. Regnery sold 29,450 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $321.25, for a total transaction of $9,460,812.50. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 132,946 shares of the companys stock, valued at $42,708,902.50. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, EVP Raymond D. Pittard sold 1,805 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, August 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $328.65, for a total transaction of $593,213.25. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 83,517 shares of the companys stock, valued at $27,447,862.05. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Company insiders own 0.38% of the companys stock.

Institutional Trading of Trane Technologies

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. PFG Private Wealth Management LLC boosted its stake in 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 purchasing an additional 32 shares during the period. Center for Financial Planning Inc. grew its stake in Trane Technologies by 1.7% during 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. Bell Investment Advisors Inc increased its holdings in Trane Technologies by 26.5% in the 2nd quarter. Bell Investment Advisors Inc now owns 167 shares of the companys stock valued at $55,000 after acquiring an additional 35 shares during the last quarter. Muirfield Wealth Advisors LLC lifted its stake in Trane Technologies by 4.1% in 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. Finally, Pure Financial Advisors LLC lifted its stake in Trane Technologies by 5.2% in the 2nd quarter. Pure Financial Advisors LLC now owns 765 shares of the companys stock worth $252,000 after purchasing an additional 38 shares in the last quarter. 82.97% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About Trane Technologies

(Get 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.

See Also

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.
JMP Securities reissued their market outperform rating on shares of Vor Biopharma (NYSE:VOR  Free Report) in a report released on Friday morning, Benzinga reports. JMP Securities currently has a $12.00 target price on the stock.

A number of other equities analysts also recently issued reports on the stock. Wedbush reaffirmed an outperform rating and set a $11.00 price objective on shares of Vor Biopharma in a report on Friday, May 10th. HC Wainwright reaffirmed a buy rating and issued a $17.50 price objective on shares of Vor Biopharma in a research report on Friday. Oppenheimer reissued an outperform rating and set a $10.00 target price (down previously from $15.00) on shares of Vor Biopharma in a research report on Monday, May 13th. Finally, Barclays reduced their target price on Vor Biopharma from $10.00 to $3.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, August 14th. Six analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating, According to MarketBeat, Vor Biopharma presently has a consensus rating of Buy and an average price target of $10.92.

Get Vor Biopharma alerts:

Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Vor Biopharma

Vor Biopharma Price Performance

VOR opened at $0.91 on Friday. Vor Biopharma has a fifty-two week low of $0.70 and a fifty-two week high of $3.14. The firm has a market capitalization of $61.98 million, a PE ratio of -0.51 and a beta of -0.34. The companys 50-day moving average is $0.91 and its 200 day moving average is $1.46.

Vor Biopharma (NYSE:VOR  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 8th. The company reported ($0.41) EPS for the quarter, hitting the consensus estimate of ($0.41). As a group, analysts expect that Vor Biopharma will post -1.51 EPS for the current year.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of VOR. Point72 Asia Singapore Pte. Ltd. purchased a new position in Vor Biopharma in the second quarter valued at approximately $63,000. Cubist Systematic Strategies LLC purchased a new position in shares of Vor Biopharma during the 2nd quarter valued at $53,000. Hsbc Holdings PLC grew its stake in shares of Vor Biopharma by 177.0% during the 2nd quarter. Hsbc Holdings PLC now owns 49,038 shares of the companys stock worth $51,000 after acquiring an additional 31,333 shares during the period. Renaissance Technologies LLC increased its holdings in Vor Biopharma by 48.0% in the 2nd quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC now owns 495,300 shares of the companys stock worth $495,000 after acquiring an additional 160,642 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Acadian Asset Management LLC raised its stake in Vor Biopharma by 51.4% in the 2nd quarter. Acadian Asset Management LLC now owns 81,305 shares of the companys stock valued at $79,000 after acquiring an additional 27,597 shares during the period. 97.29% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

About Vor Biopharma

(Get Free Report)

Vor Biopharma Inc operates as a clinical-stage cell and genome engineering company. Its lead product is tremtelectogene empogeditemcel (trem-cel), an engineered hematopoietic stem cell (eHSC) product candidate that is in phase 1/2 trial to treat acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and other hematological malignancies.

Featured Articles

Receive News & Ratings for Vor Biopharma Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Vor Biopharma and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
In Tel Aviv on Sept. 1, a demonstration condemned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. An estimated 500,000 Israelis demonstrated countrywide ahead of a general strike announced in support of the Hostages and Missing Families Forum. David Silverman/Getty Images

Last weekend, Israeli soldiers in Gaza discovered the bodies of six hostages executed by Hamas. The response was an outpouring of protests: Israelis flooding the streets to call for a cease-fire that would bring all hostages back and end the war, a demand that a majority of Israelis support. The Histadrut, Israels national labor union, called a (swiftly ended) general strike.

The response from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was to double down on war. In a Monday night news conference, he insisted that any cease-fire would depend on Israeli control over a stretch of territory in southwestern Gaza called the Philadelphi Corridor  something Hamas is not prepared to give. Netanyahus presser was so belligerent, in fact, that it may have single-handedly torpedoed ongoing cease-fire talks.

Its clear that the Israeli public has no faith in Netanyahus handling of the war: Roughly 70% believe he should resign his position. Yet despite ongoing protests, its equally clear that the prime minister will not be changing course voluntarily.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

And it looks like hell likely get away with it, at least for now.

His government has weathered dismal polling on its war effort, as well as sporadic protests, since the war began last October. And yet, as with past demonstration flare-ups, there has been no evidence that this weekends events have brought his government to the brink of collapse. How can this be?

The answer is brute power politics. The 2022 election gave right-wing parties a clear majority in the Knesset (Israels parliament), allowing Netanyahu to build the most far-right government in Israeli history. Though this coalition has since become extremely unpopular, theres no way for voters to kick it out on their own.

The government could only collapse if it faces defections from inside the governing coalition. But at present, the greatest threat to Netanyahus coalition comes from his extreme right flank, which wants him to continue the war at all costs. And for that reason, he seems intent on doing so.

Why Netanyahus coalition has been so durable

In Israels parliamentary system, governments are formed by legislative majorities; Netanyahus government currently commands 64 out of the 120 seats in the Knesset.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Of those 64 seats, half come from Netanyahus own right-wing Likud party. Twenty-five seats come from ultra-Orthodox parties, and the remaining seven belong to the even further right Religious Zionism faction.

These parties dont agree on everything, but its hard to see any of them rebelling against the government to push for a cease-fire deal.

Likud, once Israels relatively normal center-right party, is now a hollowed-out vehicle for Netanyahus ambitions. Its parliamentary ranks are mostly made up of the prime ministers toadies. Yoav Gallant, the current defense minister, is an exception; he has bitterly and publicly feuded with Netanyahu over the prime ministers incompetent handling of the war. But so far, there is little evidence that Gallant has enough supporters inside the government to fuel a wave of defections that might topple the government.

The religious parties in Netanyahus coalition care less about the war itself than they do preserving the rights and privileges of the ultra-Orthodox community. Foremost among these priorities is fighting a recent Supreme Court ruling that ends the communitys exemption from Israels national conscription law, a court order that Netanyahu is slow-walking and that a center-left coalition would almost certainly implement in full.

Religious Zionism, by contrast, cares deeply about the war  and they want it to continue. Their partys raison detre is expanding Israeli Jewish control over all the land between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea, and the war has proven an extraordinary boon to this cause. The partys radical leaders, Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir, have repeatedly threatened to quit the coalition if Netanyahu strikes any kind of long-term cease-fire deal.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Netanyahu cares very deeply about maintaining his grip on power: its the closest thing to a literal get-out-of-jail-free card that a prime minister staring down criminal conviction could have. This means that he cares a great deal about the far-right threats to quit his government, and will want to maintain the war as long as he can, absent a major political threat on his other flank.

There are ways things could change, including the opposition getting its act together, linking up with the street demonstrations, and trying to force Netanyahus hand. You could also imagine Gallant finding a few more Likud defectors, Shas having an attack of conscience, or tensions over the conscription of ultra-Orthodox men boiling over.

But as of right now, none of this appears to be on the horizon.

For (the government to fall), Israeli political leaders would need common sense, political courage and a moral backbone. Too clearly, the overwhelming majority have none, Dahlia Scheindlin, a leading Israel pollster, writes in the Haaretz newspaper.

Zack Beauchamp is a senior correspondent at Vox, where he covers ideology and challenges to democracy, both at home and abroad.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

2024 Vox Media, LLC. Visit at vox.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC
Cinemark (NYSE:CNK  Free Report) had its price target hoisted by Wedbush from $28.00 to $31.00 in a report issued on Tuesday morning, Marketbeat reports. They currently have an outperform rating on the stock. Wedbush also issued estimates for Cinemarks Q3 2024 earnings at $0.46 EPS, FY2024 earnings at $1.53 EPS, Q3 2025 earnings at $0.60 EPS, FY2025 earnings at $1.92 EPS and FY2026 earnings at $2.21 EPS.

Several other brokerages have also recently commented on CNK. Roth Capital upgraded Cinemark from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Monday, June 24th. Barrington Research cut Cinemark from an outperform rating to a market perform rating in a report on Wednesday, August 28th. Roth Mkm upped their target price on Cinemark from $28.00 to $30.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Monday, August 5th. Morgan Stanley boosted their price target on Cinemark from $26.00 to $29.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, August 5th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price target on Cinemark from $22.00 to $25.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Monday, August 5th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, three have issued a hold rating, six have given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $25.20.

Get Cinemark alerts:

Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on CNK

Cinemark Stock Performance

NYSE:CNK opened at $28.10 on Tuesday. The stock has a market cap of $3.44 billion, a P/E ratio of 19.38, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.04 and a beta of 2.36. The company has a current ratio of 1.29, a quick ratio of 1.26 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 6.23. The stocks 50-day moving average is $24.37 and its 200-day moving average is $20.15. Cinemark has a 1-year low of $13.19 and a 1-year high of $28.70.

Cinemark (NYSE:CNK  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Friday, August 2nd. The company reported $0.32 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.07 by $0.25. Cinemark had a return on equity of 41.87% and a net margin of 5.05%. The company had revenue of $734.20 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $691.74 million. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $0.80 earnings per share. The businesss quarterly revenue was down 22.1% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities research analysts anticipate that Cinemark will post 1.35 earnings per share for the current year.

Insider Transactions at Cinemark

In other news, insider Valmir Fernandes sold 25,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, August 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $27.19, for a total transaction of $679,750.00. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 204,729 shares of the companys stock, valued at $5,566,581.51. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. 2.30% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Cinemark

A number of institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of CNK. NBC Securities Inc. raised its position in Cinemark by 17.2% in the 4th quarter. NBC Securities Inc. now owns 4,764 shares of the companys stock valued at $67,000 after buying an additional 700 shares during the last quarter. Point72 Asia Singapore Pte. Ltd. raised its position in Cinemark by 38.7% in the 2nd quarter. Point72 Asia Singapore Pte. Ltd. now owns 3,145 shares of the companys stock valued at $68,000 after buying an additional 877 shares during the last quarter. 1620 Investment Advisors Inc. purchased a new stake in Cinemark in the 2nd quarter valued at $79,000. Fifth Third Bancorp raised its position in Cinemark by 414.4% in the 2nd quarter. Fifth Third Bancorp now owns 4,480 shares of the companys stock valued at $97,000 after buying an additional 3,609 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Point72 DIFC Ltd purchased a new stake in Cinemark in the 2nd quarter valued at $144,000.

Cinemark Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Cinemark Holdings, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the motion picture exhibition business. As of February 16, 2024, it operated 501 theatres with 5,719 screens in 42 states and 13 countries in South and Central America. Cinemark Holdings, Inc was founded in 1984 and is headquartered in Plano, Texas.

See Also

Receive News & Ratings for Cinemark Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Cinemark and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Congressman Joe Wilson, a Republican, says border security is his biggest concern with the Democratic presidential candidate, Vice President Kamala Harris, and running mate Tim Walz.

It is very disingenuous when they say they want to maintain the border when clearly they are doing everything they can for an open border, which is dangerous, Wilson said Wednesday.

The congressman made a stop in Neeses during a tour of the second congressional district.

With the number of terrorists who have come across, every American is at greater risk of attack today than ever in history, he said.

Wilson said the continuation of open borders is his greatest concern with the Democratic ticket.

The level of crime that we are becoming, the dislocation to our health care systems, the inability of keeping up with housing, the overwhelming of schools, the fentanyl that we see coming in, the human trafficking, Wilson said. Having an open border  the consequence is catastrophic for many families and to me they have no intention to maintain the border.

Wilson said hes been very impressed with Republican presidential candidate Donald Trumps vice presidential pick: Sen. JD Vance.

He sounds like a very positive person. A person who can relate to the workers of America. That is his background, Wilson said.

Wilson expressed his disappointment with Harris' pick of Minnesota Gov. Walz.

I worked with Tim in Congress and at that time, I now look back, the district that he represented was moving Republican, Wilson said. I worked with him on different issues.

Once he became governor, he went far left, Wilson continued.

Wilson complained about Walz not answering a question about the Israeli Defense Forces recovering the bodies of six Hamas hostages from a tunnel in Rafah on Sept. 1. Walz was asked about it at the Minnesota State Fair.

To me it is outrageous when he was asked about the murder of the six hostages, including Americans, first he would not answer, Wilson said. That is inconceivable that an American pollical office holder would not recognize the horror of the hostages being murdered. To me the Democratic Party is being held hostage itself to the far left of the United States that hates Israel.

Walz posted on X, formerly Twitter, The anguish of losing a child is something no family should have to endure. Gwen and I send our deepest condolences to the Goldberg-Polin family, after Hamas murder of their son Hersh. Hamas is a brutal terrorist organization  and we condemn their continued atrocities against both Americans and Israelis in the strongest possible terms.

Wilson said he is thankful for Robert Kennedy's and former Hawaii congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard's endorsements of former president Trump.

Robert Kennedy is a well-respected individual and I have served with congresswoman Gabbard and I know she is a very substantive person and I love her military background, Wilson said.
Kuwait-based United Projects for Aviation Services Company has announced that it has been officially handed over the project site for carrying out the required provisions including management and operation of facility.

Spanning over a 70,334 sq m area, The Messila Beach project features water sports, swimming pools, restaurants, cafes, shops, a function hall, chalets, administrative offices, and parking lots for 350 cars.

UPAC in its filing to Boursa Kuwait said that much of the renovation work has been completed ahead of the planned opening.

The scope of redevelopment project also included demolition of existing facilities, landscaping, and underground utilities.

UPAC had early signed off a 17-year agreement with Kuwaits Tourism Enterprises Company (TEC) to manage and operate the Messila Beach (Plage 2) project in mid-July after its bid was selected.

The contract includes a monthly concession fee of KD171,000 ($560,000) over the contract duration, totalling to KD34,884,000 ($114.2 million).

The financial effect of the occurring developments will be reflected in the companys consolidated

financial statements starting from the operation date.-TradeArabia News Service
Saudi Ministry of Investment (MISA) and the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) have jointly signed a MoU with Elettronica, a leading Italian company in the defence sector, in bid to boost collaboration in areas related to investment in the Saudi defence sector, thus building its capabilities, and positioning it as a key player in the defence industry's global value chain.

The agreement further supports Saudi Arabia's ambitious goals of increasing foreign direct investment's (FDI) contribution to the kingdom's GDP to 5.7%, and the private sector's contribution to GDP to 65%, and Saudi Arabia's target to localise 50% of military equipment spending by 2030.

MISA signed the agreement at the Ambrosetti Forum, which was hosted by the Italian city of Como, attended by officials from many countries and a group of major international companies.

The ceremony was attended by Minister of Investment Engineer Khalid A. Al Falih and Deputy Governor of the GAMI for Localization Mohammad Alathel.

MISA participated in several dialogue sessions discussing investment opportunities in the kingdom, introducing the ministry's services in support of investors and investments, and highlighting the country's enablers and incentives offered to local and international investors.-TradeArabia News Service
Moro Hub, a subsidiary of Digital Dewa, the digital arm of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, said it has entered into a strategic technology collaboration agreement (TCA) with Salzer Technologies, a pioneer in IT services, consulting, system integration, branding, business solutions and mobility services.

This partnership signifies a pivotal step in the collaboration between the two companies, with a shared commitment to identifying and capitalizing on opportunities that align with the terms and conditions outlined in the TCA.

"We are excited to embark on this new journey with Salzer Technologies. Salzer has proven to be a reliable and forward-thinking collaborator, consistently aligning with our vision of driving digital transformation," said Mohammed Bin Sulaiman, the CEO of Moro Hub.

This agreement marks a significant milestone in our efforts to enhance our service offerings, allowing us to combine our strengths and expertise to deliver even greater value to our customers, stated Bin Sulaiman.

Through this partnership, we are confident that we will be able to accelerate our shared goals of innovation and customer satisfaction, ultimately contributing to broader technological advancement globally," he added.

According to him, this collaboration will see Moro Hub and Salzer leverage their combined expertise to provide enhanced solutions to the market, addressing the evolving needs of customers with greater efficiency and innovation.

Both companies believe that this partnership will not only benefit their respective operations but will also contribute to the broader industry by delivering superior offerings that meet the highest standards of quality and service, he stated.

Salzer Technologies CEO Sundar Lakshmanan said the partnership with Moro Hub marks a pivotal moment for the group as it continues to expand its footprint in the UAE market.

"This collaboration underscores our dedication to delivering outstanding cloud and hosting solutions while enhancing compliance and reliability for our clients," noted Lakshmanan.

By leveraging Moros cutting-edge infrastructure and robust regulatory framework, we are well-equipped to support partner businesses across the Middle East. Together, we aspire to provide exceptional service quality and unparalleled personalized partner satisfaction, further cementing our reputation as a trusted leader in the technology sector," he stated.

According to him, Salzer Technologies has been a trusted and supportive partner to Dewa for several years, playing a significant role in various technological advancements.

With this new agreement, Salzer is extending its collaboration to Moro Hub, further strengthening the relationship and paving the way for innovative solutions that will support the digital transformation goals of the UAE," he added.
Criminal charges have been laid against a man and woman in connection with the brutal attack
September is here. Its the time of the year when students return to school, which is a shame, because the only education they truly need is a selection of seemingly unconnected trivia facts. They can learn about bats, birds and brains. They might even learn a little something about the history of education itself.

15 Mono Tones Muzak  that simplified style of background music used in elevators and stores  wasnt designed like that to sound good or sound calming. It was designed to be simple enough to transmit over electrical lines, for the sake of people who couldnt access radio tech.

14 Cheese, Pepperoni, Rescue A Colorado pizza delivery guy found himself performing CPR on a customer in 2015, on just his second day on the job. Most agree that he earned that $25 tip.

13 Free Pee Pay toilets used to be much more common in America. There were 50,000 in 1970 but almost none 10 years later. The shift came thanks to lobbying by an Ohio group called the Committee to End Pay Toilets in America.

12 Seeing Double The left side of your brain processes the right side of your vision, and vice versa. So, each eye connects to the opposite side of the brain, right? Bizarrely, no. Instead, the left side of your left eye goes to the right side of your brain and the right side of your left eye goes to the left side of your brain. The right eye is split similarly. Advertisement Advertisement

11 Vampire Tower In 1929, Florida built a 30-foot tower that they hoped would house 100,000 bats. These bats would greatly reduce the areas mosquito population. But the builders had no method for obtaining bats other than placing bait, and no bats ever showed up. Ebyabe/Wiki Commons Maybe the bats had food elsewhere  in the form of mosquitos.

10 Final Exam An interloper landed a helicopter on the White House lawn in 1974. Security fired 300 rounds at him, then took him in alive. He laughed and said hed popped by to show how good of a pilot he was. Advertisement Advertisement

9 The Word Committee In 1833, two men  William Whewell and Samuel Coleridge  held a debate on what we should call people who study science. Whewell suggested scientists, and most people in the room thought that was a bad idea, but thats the word the world went with.

8 Drink and Drive The Michelin Man (the mascot for Michelin tires) has a name. Its Bibendum. It means to drink and comes from a Latin phrase that means, Now is the time to drink. Advertisement Advertisement

7 Background Check A man applied to work at a nursing home in 2019, and as part of the application, he had to submit his fingerprints. These were the same prints hed left at a murder scene 20 years earlier, and he was now arrested and was sentenced to life.

6 Size Matters Male bowerbirds build structures out of twigs to impress mates. They appear to use these for trickery. By arranging rocks in order of size, they force a perspective making the structure look deeper than it really is, and therefore making the male in the middle appear bigger as well. JJ Harrison If you cant tell, its because you dont have a bird brain. Advertisement Advertisement

5 The Cave of Death Dont stick your head in the Cueva de la Muerte in Costa Rica. It releases 30 kilograms of carbon dioxide every hour, so any little critter that wanders in there quickly dies.

4 Lets All Unplug Every June, Algeria periodically shuts down the internet nationwide, to stop students from using it to cheat on exams. But they dont just shut off access to schools  they shut off internet access to everyone for three hours a day. Advertisement Advertisement

3 Shocking Conclusion Ernest Hemingways last days were quite miserable. He underwent dozens of electroshock treatments (which were painful and damaging in those days, unlike now). Toward the end, he was crying and begging his wife for the treatments to stop.

2 The Worst System We could raise the number of representatives states have in Congress. But if we raise it just a little, its possible that some states will actually lose representatives, even if their share of the population remains unchanged. We call this the Alabama Paradox, after one time this happened to Alabama. Advertisement Advertisement
There were multiple reports Friday of threats directed at Tucson-area schools, the Pima County Sheriffs Department said.

Two students were arrested on unspecified charges and criminal investigations have been launched into each threat, the department said Friday in a news release.

It said Tucson police also were investigating campus threats.

No details about the Tucson-area threats were provided, but they come just two days after a shooting that killed four people wounded nine at a Georgia high school outside of Atlanta. A 14-year-old student and his father have been charged in connection with the Georgia case.

Deputies from the departments school resource unit were dispatched to several Tucson-area schools and will continue to maintain a heightened presence and security across schools in the county, the news release said.

It cited Sheriff Chris Nanos push to have law enforcement agencies and school districts here collaborate through the nationally accredited Comprehensive School Threat Assessment Guidelines. Among its safety strategies, the model helps local agencies strengthen their cross communication.

No specific schools were mentioned in the local news release. However, parents and staff at Orange Grove Middle School on Friday were notified of a threat made against the campus near East Orange Grove Road and East Skyline Drive.

We received a report this morning that a threatening message directed at a member of our school community was posted on social media, said a message from Principal Mark Rubin-Toles. We always work with law enforcement, and the Pima County Sheriffs Department has been notified and is currently addressing the situation.

It went on to say that a deputy would be on the campus Friday.

Earlier this week, a 12-year-old student at Los Ninos Elementary, near East Drexel Road and South Alvernon Way, was cited after deputies say he was found to be carrying an unloaded handgun. The student made no threats, the sheriffs department said.

And just before Labor Day weekend, students at Southgate Academy, a charter school on West Valencia Road near Interstate 19, told students the campus would be closed and classes on Sept. 3 would be held remotely following threats that were posted on social media.

In Fridays news release, Nanos urged parents to stay vigilant about school safety and to be aware of their childrens online activities.
Overlooked for years, Tucsons oldest neighborhood may soon be rediscovered.

A project fueled by volunteers and local business owners will see El Presidio Historic District become a pedestrian haven with sidewalk dining, adult and childrens playgrounds and murals to replace bland walls.

Bordered by Sixth Street, Alameda Street, Granada Avenue and Church Avenue, the district is about 12 blocks from downtown and home to over 80 architecturally significant homes built between the mid-1800s and 1912, historic records show.

It is also home to the Presidio San Agustin del Tucson, a reconstruction of the original Spanish fort.

The project, called Activate El Presidio, hopes to draw more people to the local businesses and highlight the history of Tucson within the project borders of Church Avenue, Main Avenue, Alameda Street and Franklin Street.

Washington Street, between Court and Meyer avenues, will be closed to traffic with movable furniture on the north side for emergency vehicle access.

An adult playground will feature games such as horseshoes and cornhole, and a childrens playground will be the centerpiece so parents can sit at a table with a cup of coffee and keep an eye on the kiddos, said Jannie Cox, who headed up the five-year effort on behalf of Rio Nuevo along with Amy Hartmann-Gordon, chairman of the working group, to get the project done.

We thought wouldnt it be amazing to make this wonderful, historic neighborhood more inviting to pedestrians, she said. This project is so different from anything theyve ever seen.

Along Washington Street, there will be designs on the sidewalks painted in colors that match the old Pima County Courthouse dome, and there will be five eating stations with 48 seats that dot the sidewalks on the south side, Cox said.

El Charro restaurant could benefit from more pedestrians feeling comfortable in that neighborhood after dark, Cox said, so festoon lights and planters will be installed leading up the restaurants entrance.

Our vision is that when we draw people to that street, people are going to look around and say, Im going to buy that building and put a business in there, she said. We want to draw the people with the temporary improvement to attract permanent improvement.

Two murals have been commissioned.

The 11-story Transamerica building will be adorned with a giant saguaro mural by Joe Pagac, funded by local philanthropist Jeanne McDonald. The cooling tower at the Tucson Museum of Art will be walled off with another mural entitled Looking Back by artist Bill Singleton that shows the view one would have had in the early 1800s from that spot before buildings were there.

Cox said the hope is that people who work downtown will discover this adjacent gem.

Its just so quiet over there, she said. Our goal is to bring families downtown after 5 oclock.

While the project was ultimately embraced by residents of the El Presidio, there was some hesitation when it was first proposed, said Guy Dobbings, co-president of the neighborhood association.

This wasnt a slam dunk, he said. There was some very vocal resistance from residents who thought we dont need to be activated.

Donations from neighbors and local businesses that were matched dollar-for-dollar by a donor and a $500,000 boost from the Rio Nuevo board helped keep the conversation moving forward.

It will give local residents more fun things to do, Dobbins said. If you go by JoJos and theres 20 people there instead of five people, thats a great thing.

In November 2023, nervous about the final vote on project, the neighborhood voted unanimously to support it.

We have some of the best history to offer of the whole city, Dobbins said. Theres no reason not to share the great neighborhood that it is.

History of El Presidio

Colonel Hugo OConnor platted the El Presidio in 1775. Spanish, Mexican and Native American people built the facility, historical records show.

A few of the homes survive on what remains of the old fort. The forts perimeter is generally bordered by Church, Pennington, Washington and Main Street.

The fort boasted of walls that were 3 feet thick and 12 feet high. Raised bastions at the northeast and southeast corners created an impressive site. In total, the fort encompassed about 10 acres.

The population increased, and ownership changed from Spanish to Mexican in 1821. However, the low, flat-roofed adobe buildings in Tucson remained the same.

La Casa Cordova is the oldest known adobe home in the city of Tucson within the area enclosed by the Presidio wall.

El Presidio became a historical district in 1975.

Construction on the Activate El Presidio project is expected to begin within a month and be completed by the end of the year.
Two investors have proposed offshore wind power projects in Can Gio District, Ho Chi Minh City, with a total capacity of up to 7,000MW, according to Nguyen Thi Kim Ngoc, deputy director of the municipal Department of Industry and Trade.

This update came during a working session between the Ho Chi Minh City Peoples Committee and the National Assemblys Committee for Science, Technology, and Environment on the revised Electricity Law project on Friday.

The first proposal is a cluster of offshore wind power plants in the island district of Can Gio with a total capacity of 1,000MW, spanning the coastal areas of Ly Nhon and Long Hoa Communes and Can Thanh Town.

This project will be situated within Ho Chi Minh Citys seaport waters.

The second proposal is a larger offshore wind power plant with a capacity of 6,000MW, of which 4,000MW will supply the national grid and 2,000MW will be used for green hydrogen production post-2030.

Ngoc noted that both projects are currently in the proposal and potential evaluation stage.

Regarding rooftop solar power, Ngoc reported that Ho Chi Minh City has over 14,000 projects, with rooftop solar systems totaling approximately 355MWp.

Nearly 99 percent of these systems are installed for on-site self-use.

The city is also developing a project to utilize public rooftops for solar power systems.

In terms of waste-to-energy, Ngoc revealed that the city is seeking investment in waste incineration technology for electricity generation.

The aim is to establish smart waste treatment plants that manage waste and produce safe, environmentally-friendly energy.

The city has proposed to the Ministry of Industry and Trade to include several waste incineration power projects in the national power development plan.

These include a 40MW project by Vietstar Group Joint Stock Company, another 40MW project by Tam Sinh Nghia Investment and Development Joint Stock Company, and a 40MW project by Tasco Joint Stock Company.

Additionally, Ngoc mentioned several waste-to-energy incineration projects in the planning stages, such as the solid waste treatment plant and energy recovery project at the solid waste treatment complex in the citys northwest part, which involves Vietnam Waste Solutions and Ho Chi Minh City Urban Environment Co. Ltd.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
Ca Mau Province, southern Vietnam, will begin work on a beach protection and anti-erosion project with a price tag of nearly 32 million euros (US$35.5 million) backed by local budget and two European agencies.

Relevant units are working to commence the construction of a sea dyke and wave barriers in critical areas, Phan Hoang Vu, director of the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper on Friday.

This project, which is of great importance to this southernmost province where coastal erosion has reached alarming levels and other natural disasters have taken a heavy toll, is part of an agreement signed between the Vietnamese Ministry of Finance and the French Development Agency (AFD) on August 22.

Of the total investment, the European Union will provide a non-refundable grant of 3.76 million euros ($4.1 million), the AFD will offer more than 19 million euros ($21.1 million) in loans, and the rest will come from the provincial budget.

The project will be executed between 2024 and 2028, including the construction of a 19km-long western sea dyke which will form a coastal route linking Cai Doi Vam Town with the Nam canal, boosting local socio-economic and tourism growth.

Wave barriers measuring some 11 kilometers long will also be built in erosion-hit areas and those with little to no protective forests left, with an aim at reducing the impact of waves on dykes and protecting existing forests.

This project will also restore 2,000 hectares of mangrove forests along the coast and river mouths, enhance the safety of the sea dyke system to safeguard 15,000 hectares of inland areas across Phu Tan and Tran Van Thoi Districts.

Many parts of a western sea dye system in Ca Mau Province, southern Vietnam are extremely vulnerable to wave impacts. Photo: Thanh Huyen / Tuoi Tre

An integrated coastal management strategy will be developed in this project.

Besides, local inhabitants of five coastal communes in these districts will receive support in diversifying income sources and reducing reliance on nearshore fishing.

The project is expected to make considerable contributions to the protection and restoration of the coastal mangrove ecosystem, fishery resource conservation, and environmental protection.

Bounded by the sea on three sides, Ca Mau has a coastline of more than 254 kilometers, but over 100 kilometers of coastal areas have been ravaged by erosion.

Over the past decade, coastal erosion has eaten away approximately 5,250 hectares of land and protective forests in the province.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
Tim Hughes, senior vice president for Global Business and Government Affairs at SpaceX, the U.S.-based provider of spacecraft, satellite launch services, and satellite communications, stated during a meeting with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in Hanoi on Friday that SpaceX is ready to invest and offer its Starlink satellite internet services in Vietnam.

Accoding to the Vietnamese Government Portal, Prime Minister Chinh hosted a reception in Hanoi on Friday afternoon for Hughes, who is on a business trip in the country.

The trip coincided with the first anniversary of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and the U.S., established in September 2023.

In September last year, Prime Minister Chinh visited the U.S. and met with various corporate leaders, including Hughes.

During their meeting on Friday, the Prime Minister expressed a desire to further enhance and deepen relations with the U.S., particularly in the areas of science, technology, innovation, high-tech industries, and semiconductors, which have been defined as key pillars of the bilateral relationship.

Acknowledging that the economic ties between Vietnam and the U.S. have not yet matched their potential or the scope of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the Prime Minister emphasized Vietnams commitment to creating favorable conditions for U.S. businesses, promoting a spirit of harmonious benefits and shared risks.

In discussing Vietnams development strategy, the Prime Minister highlighted the countrys focus on building a digital government, economy, society, and citizenry.

He expressed hope that major technology firms, including SpaceX, would collaborate and invest in Vietnam.

Hughes, in response, agreed with the Vietnamese PMs views.

He noted that SpaceX began offering Starlink satellite internet services in the U.S. in October 2020 and now serves nearly three million customers across over 100 countries.

Hughes praised Vietnams investment climate and its initiative to provide universal internet access.

He confirmed SpaceXs readiness to invest in and offer Starlink services in Vietnam, including for education, training, and disaster prevention.

He also suggested that Vietnam prepare the necessary infrastructure and conditions to ensure the projects success and contribute to achieving 100 percent internet coverage for the population.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (R) and Tim Hughes, senior vice president for Global Business and Government Affairs of SpaceX, at their meeting in Hanoi, September 6, 2024. Photo: Vietnamese Government Portal

Prime Minister Chinh welcomed SpaceXs interest and investment in Vietnam, commending the groups ideas and proposals for cooperation and expressing hope that these plans would soon come to fruition.

He assured that Vietnam offers the necessary infrastructure, mechanisms, and policies to support effective investment and business operations, including those of SpaceX.

The Prime Minister requested SpaceX to collaborate with relevant Vietnamese ministries, departments, and agencies to ensure the successful implementation of cooperation projects.

This includes adhering to legal regulations and maintaining network security and safety.

He also emphasized the importance of technology transfer, human resource training, and management expertise, which will aid Vietnam in developing efficient infrastructure, smart management systems, and open mechanisms.

Furthermore, the Prime Minister encouraged SpaceX to expand partnerships with Vietnamese businesses, focusing on high technology, digital technology, and green technology.

He also urged the development of supporting industries, ecosystems, and R&D initiatives to integrate Vietnam more deeply into the global value chain.

Hughes confirmed SpaceXs commitment to closely collaborate with Vietnamese partners and enterprises, particularly in the areas highlighted by the Vietnamese leader.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
Nguyen Thuy Hanh has been appointed CEO and head of Banking and Coverage at Standard Chartered Bank Vietnam, effective from October 1 this year, the bank announced on Friday.

Hanh becomes the first Vietnamese person to hold this senior leadership position at Standard Chartered Vietnam, reinforcing the banks approach to diversity and commitment to promoting local talent.

As a seasoned banker with 30 years of experience in the industry, Hanh brings with her deep local insights and international banking experience.

Since joining the bank in 1997, Hanh has been in several leadership positions including head of Financial Institutions (FI) for Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia; head of International Corporate and FI; and head of Commercial Banking.

Prior to this appointment, under Hanhs leadership as head of Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB) for Vietnam, the CIB business has grown profitably and sustainably, with a strong focus on the banks cross-border strategy.

Hanh will succeed Michele Wee, who has made significant contributions to the bank during her tenure.

Patrick Lee, CEO of Singapore and ASEAN at Standard Chartered Bank, elaborated that Vietnam is a dynamic and important market for the region and plays a key role in Standard Chartereds cross-border strategy.

He also expressed optimism about Vietnam's long-term growth prospects.

Our Vietnam franchise has delivered good profitable growth and made huge strides in advancing sustainability and our position as a leading international bank over the last 120 years here, Lee added.

Standard Chartered established its first branch in Vietnam in 1904.

In 2009, Standard Chartered Bank (Vietnam) Limited, a 100-percent foreign-owned bank subsidiary of Standard Chartered, officially commenced operations on August 1, marking a significant milestone of the banks development in Vietnam.

Standard Chartered Vietnam currently operates four branches, including two in Hanoi and two in Ho Chi Minh City. Its headquarters is based in Hanoi.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
CERNOBBIO, Italy -- Italy is looking to Mexico and Vietnam as it seeks alternative export markets for its production of automotive components, in anticipation of weaker demand from Germany amid the Volkswagen crisis, an Italian minister said.

"We are aware of the situation Germany is facing in the automotive industry," Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani on Friday told reporters on the sidelines of the TEHA business forum, adding Italian auto part exports could be impacted.

"That's why we are studying to see which could be the markets where we could strengthen Italy's presence," he said, citing Mexico and Vietnam.

On Monday, Volkswagen - Europe's top car maker by revenue and long a symbol of Germany's industrial might - said it would prematurely end a job security program in place since 1994 and set the stage for plant closures in Germany.

Germany is the largest market for Italy's auto components industry, with exports worth 5.2 billion euros ($5.8 billion) last year, according to Italian automotive lobby group ANFIA. ($1 = 0.9006 euros)
Vietnam, with its achievements in socio-economic development, is a role model for developing African countries and Guinea-Bissau in particular, Bissau-Guinean President Umaro Sissoco Embalo said during his talks with Vietnamese Party General Secretary and State President To Lam in Hanoi on Friday.

The talks came one day after President Embalo and his spouse arrived in Hanoi for a four-day official visit to Vietnam at Lams invitation, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

This is the first visit to the Southeast Asian country by a Bissau-Guinean president since the two nations established diplomatic ties 51 years ago, said Vietnamese Ambassador to Morocco and Guinea-Bissau Le Kim Quy.

Lam highly appreciated Embalos visit and commented that the visit will be a great success, contributing to creating new momentum for the relationship between the two nations.

Embalo affirmed Guinea-Bissaus consistent policy to boost cooperation with Asian countries, in which his country considers Vietnam a top priority partner.

Expressing his admiration for Vietnam's revolutionary cause and national construction and development, the Bissau-Guinean leader appreciated Vietnam as an example for developing African countries.

The two leaders reviewed the recent outcomes of the bilateral cooperation between Vietnam and Guinea-Bissau and discussed directions to enhance the effectiveness of the multifaceted ties, especially in economics, trade and investment.

Currently, Vietnam is Guinea-Bissaus third-largest export market, while the latter has been one of the formers top five African suppliers of raw cashew nuts for many years.

Last year, the two-way trade reached US$170 million, with Vietnam mainly exporting rice and textiles to Guinea-Bissau and importing raw cashew nuts from the West African country.

The two sides agreed to apply preferential policies to each other to promote the diversification of import and export products, and create conditions for businesses of both nations to seek cooperation and business opportunities in their markets.

They also pledged to expand potential cooperation in areas of Vietnams strengths and Guinea-Bissaus needs, such as agriculture, by negotiating and signing cooperative agreements.

Embalo announced that Guinea-Bissau will exempt visas for holders of Vietnamese diplomatic and official passports.

Discussing regional and international issues of mutual concern, the two sides agreed to strengthen close coordination and mutual support at multilateral forums, especially at the United Nations, the Non-Aligned Movement and the G77 Group.

Bissau-Guinean President Umaro Sissoco Embalo (L, 2nd) and Vietnamese Party General Secretary and State President To Lam (L, 3rd) witness the signing of a MoU on a political and diplomatic consultation mechanism in Hanoi on September 6, 2024. Photo: VNA

Regarding the East Vietnam Sea issue, the two leaders attached importance to ensuring security, safety, freedom of navigation and aviation in the waters, and advocated settlement of disputes through peaceful measures in line with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

On this occasion, Lam thanked Guinea-Bissau for sending a delegation to Vietnam to attend the funeral of late Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, who passed away on July 19 at the age of 80.

Embalo invited Lam to soon pay an official visit to Guinea-Bissau and the Vietnamese leader happily accepted the invitation.

After the talks, the two leaders witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on a political and diplomatic consultation mechanism between the Vietnamese foreign ministry and the Bissau-Guinean Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Community.

Another MoU that focused on agricultural cooperation was also signed between the two agriculture ministries.

Guinea-Bissau, a country that spans 36,000 square meters and boasts a population of two million people, established diplomatic ties with Vietnam on September 30, 1973.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
HANOI/HAIPHONG/BEIJING, Sept 7 -- Asia's most powerful storm this year made landfall in northern Vietnam on Saturday, the meteorological agency said, killing at least two people after tearing through China's island of Hainan, where it reportedly killed another two and injured dozens more.

Super Typhoon Yagi hit island districts of north Vietnam around 1300 local time (0600 GMT), generating winds of up to 160 kph (99 mph) near its centre, having lost power from its peak of 234 kph (145 mph) in Hainan a day earlier.

A body was recovered near the coastal city of Halong, while a dozen people were missing at sea, state media reported on Saturday. Earlier in the day, a 53-year-old motorcyclist was killed after a tree fell on him in the northern Hai Duong province, according to the state media.

View of damage in the aftermath of Super Typhoon Yagi in Haikou, Hainan, China September 7, 2024 in this screengrab obtained from a social media video. Photo: Reuters

Yagi had already claimed the lives of at least 16 people in the Philippines, the first country it hit, having formed east of the archipelago earlier in the week.

Vietnam's coastal city of Haiphong, an industrial hub with a population of 2 million people that hosts factories from foreign multinationals and local carmaker VinFast , was among the hardest hit by winds with speeds of up to 90 kph.

As the typhoon approached, the city experienced power outages on Saturday, authorities said. The strong winds smashed windows in buildings and waves were as high as three meters when they hit the coast, according to a Reuters witness. Trees fell and metal roofing sheets flew away from buildings and parking lots, pictures and footages on local media showed.

Earlier in Hainan, which has a population of more than 10 million, the storm felled trees, flooded roads and cut power to more than 800,000 homes.

A generic view of Vietnam's Noi Bai International Airport after it closed due to the approaching Typhoon Yagi, in Hanoi, Vietnam, September 7, 2024. Photo: Reuters

Airports closed

Vietnam evacuated nearly 50,000 people from coastal towns and deployed 450,000 military personnel, the government said.

It also suspended operations for several hours at four airports on Saturday, including Hanoi's Noi Bai, the busiest in the north, cancelling more than 300 flights.

High schools were also closed in 12 northern provinces, including in the capital Hanoi, which has a population of 8.5 million.

Authorities in the capital suspended public transport on buses and its two elevated metro lines on Saturday afternoon, state media reported. The meteorological agency has warned of risks of heavy flooding in the city centre.

A steel-framed, corrugated iron-roofed house in Thach That District, Hanoi collapses due to strong storm winds. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Hanoi resident Nguyen Manh Quan, 40, said: "The wind is strong enough to blow a person over."

Dang Van Phuong, also 40, said: "I've never seen a storm like this, you can't drive in these winds."

Typhoons are becoming stronger, fuelled by warmer oceans, amid climate change, scientists say.

Last week, Typhoon Shanshan slammed into southwestern Japan, the strongest storm to hit the country in decades.

Yagi is named after the Japanese word for goat and the constellation of Capricornus.
Typhoon Yagi, the third storm to strike the East Vietnam Sea this year, was centered in waters off Quang Ninh Province and Hai Phong City in northern Vietnam as of 9:00 am on Saturday, packing maximum sustained winds of 166 kilometers per hour near its center, according to the national weather agency.

The storm is moving west-northwest at some 20 kilometers per hour.

The National Center for Hydrometeorological Forecasting said that Yagi could make landfall in northern Vietnamese provinces on Saturday and bring powerful winds to coastal areas running from Quang Ninh to north-central Thanh Hoa Province.

From now until the morning of Monday, widespread heavy rainfall of 350mm is possible in the northern region plus Thanh Hoa, in addition to a heightened risk of flooding, flash floods, and landslides.

A satellite Image of typhoon Yagi at 5:00 am on September 7, 2024. Photo: Vietnams National Center for Hydrometeorological Forecasting

The national weather agency has issued a level-four natural disaster risk warning for the coastal and inland areas of Quang Ninh and Hai Phong, a level-three disaster risk warning for the Gulf of Tonkin, as well as the coastal and inland areas of Thai Binh, Nam Dinh, Ninh Binh, and Thanh Hoa.

Mai Van Khiem, director of the National Center for Hydrometeorological Forecasting, elaborated that Yagi is the most intense storm to hit the East Vietnam Sea over the past 30 years

He urged residents in the coastal locales like Quang Ninh, Hai Phong, Thai Binh, Nam Dinh, and Ninh Binh, which could be directly impacted by the typhoon, not to venture out during heavy downpours and strong winds throughout Saturday.

Strong winds sway trees in Hanoi, September 7, 2024. Photo: Pham Tuan / Tuoi Tre

He underlined the need for immediate evacuation of residents and assets in the mountainous and midland areas of northern provinces and Thanh Hoa, which are vulnerable to flooding, flash floods, and landslides.

People should stay alert to the possibility of flash floods and landslides a few days after the typhoon passes, he warned.

During a meeting with the National Center for Hydrometeorological Forecasting on Saturday morning, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha commended the weather agency for the accuracy of recent storm forecasts and urged authorities to keep a close watch on its path and impact.

Deputy PM Ha stressed the need to protect coastal dikes, warning that waves could reach 6-7 meters high.

Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha works with employees of the National Center for Hydrometeorological Forecasting in Hanoi, September 7, 2024. Photo: Tuan Phung / Tuoi Tre

By 8:00 am on Saturday, heavy rains accompanied by strong winds began lashing Ha Long City of Quang Ninh Province, prompting authorities to temporarily ban motorbikes from crossing the Bai Chay Bridge, while transport services were arranged to assist residents.

In Hai Phong City, winds picked up strength, accompanied by heavy rainfall and large waves crashing against the shore in Do Son District.

Meanwhile, powerful winds and excessive rains battered the island district of Bach Long Vi from 7:00 am the same day.

Typhoon Yagi wreaks havoc on Co To Island off Quang Ninh Province, northern Vietnam, September 7, 2024. Photo: Supplied

In related news, the education authorities of Bac Ninh, Lang Son, and Thai Nguyen Provinces in northern Vietnam announced that local schools are closed on Saturday to ensure student and teacher safety over the expected arrival of Yagi the same day.

The authorities said that further announcements will be made based on the typhoons developments.

Local authorities and schools across these provinces are on standby to timely respond to emergencies caused by the typhoon.

Students pose for a photo during the new school year opening ceremony in Bac Ninh Province, northern Vietnam, September 5, 2024. Photo: Ha Quan / Tuoi Tre

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
ABC is not just returning to the mystery genre years after abandoning Miss Fishers Murder Mysteries and The Doctor Blake Mysteries, it is embracing and elevating it with a prized 7:30pm Sunday slot.

How far we have come since management distanced itself from successful whodunnit titles, determined to chase younger audiences.

I cant say whether younger will necessarily check out a local adaptation of Death in Paradise, but weve gone from glamorous or noir period pieces to a blue sky sunny beach, somewhere in the Illawarra.

Return to Paradises Dolphin Cove certainly looks inviting enough with its mountain-meets-sea backdrop, if only it werent for the body count. This is the riskiest place to live since Blue Heelers Mount Thomas.

Every week someone is bumped off within the first few minutes of drama from writer Peter Mattessi. Thats because the formula demands it. Were here trying to link the clues before the ultimate denouement where we learn how close we are / arent (in episode 2 I was pretty close).

I havent watched Death in Paradise in years but I recall, as one of Britains biggest exports, it has an escapist setting, quirky characters, a charismatic lead and baffling cases all resolved before the credits roll.

In this ABC / BBC production you get all that through an Aussie lens, if leaning into some areas more than others. DI Mackenzie Clarke (Anna Samson) is returning to Dolphin Cove -not to be confused with Porpoise Spit- after fleeing it six years prior.

I cant believe you came back after what you did, Trevor, a local taxi driver declares.

We will also learn there is history in her exit from London back to Oz. She flees the scene more than a jewel thief, this one.

It helps she is skilled at her crime-busting occupation which comes in handy when a local Surf Club President or wellness influencer winds up dead. Snr. Sgt Philomena Strong (Catherine McClements) somewhat begrudingly seconds her to the skeleton offbeat, policing unit when she needs her most, although its not immediately clear how Mackenzies UK accreditation has jurisdiction in Dolphin Cove.

Theres also another Brit cop on the case, Det. Snr. Constable Colin Cartwright (Lloyd Griffith), who is living his Home & Away dream as a job on a surf coast. Can we say token Brit for the sake of Brit audience?

Theres also Constable Felix Williamson (Aaron McGrath) and retiree turned Community Police volunteer Reggie (Celia Ireland) plus forensic pathologist Glenn Strong (Tai Hara) with whom Mackenzie has history.

The procedural elements of red herrings and clues ticking alongside the sprightly humour and alluring backdrop are deftly handled by Peter Mattessi. By episodes end when Mackenzie reveals the killer, Jessica Fletcher-like, you had seen all the clues all along, dummy.

Its all very silly yet satisfying without tugging on your brain cells too much. Theres very little to tie this to the flagship series, but Ardal OHanlon will make a cameo appearance as DI Jack Mooney. Also featuring are Aussies Andrea Demetriades and the dependable Genevieve Lemon along with guests roles from other familiar faces.

Anna Samson brings irascible confidence to a central character where the plot is more important than the feels. Special mention goes to Celia Ireland for colouring every scene she is in and Catherine McClements for conviction in limited screen time.

Dipped in it aquas and pastels, this is a crowd-pleaser debut which deserves a shot at joining the Paraverse for an audience that demands a lot of the genre, without ever wanting to delve too deep.

On that front Return to Paradise surely stays in the shallows, and between the flags, as required.

Return to Paradise screens 7:30pm Sunday on ABC.
Interview: China has demonstrated constant commitment to Africa's development, says Madagascar's president

Xinhua) 10:15, September 07, 2024

ANTANANARIVO, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- China has demonstrated a "constant commitment" to Africa's development and opened up new prospects for countries including Madagascar in key areas such as infrastructure and industrialization, Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina told Xinhua in an interview.

Under the principles of sincerity, real results, amity and good faith, cooperation projects between China and Africa have significantly contributed to the continent's sustainable development, Madagascar in particular, said Rajoelina.

Madagascar has benefited greatly from "fruitful" cooperation with China, said Rajoelina, noting that the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative has brought significant opportunities for the African country to "integrate more deeply into global supply chains."

Cooperation between the two countries has achieved significant results in agriculture, infrastructure, and health, helping Madagascar address food security challenges and drive its economic growth, said the president.

He also highlighted the cultural exchanges between the two countries, which "are crucial for building enduring cooperation based on trust and mutual respect."

Last year, at the China-Africa Leaders' Dialogue in South Africa, Chinese President Xi Jinping launched 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, to help accelerate Africa's integration and modernization.

"These initiatives illustrate how China-Africa cooperation can promote the economic integration and modernization of the African continent and strengthen the pillars of Madagascar's transformation," said Rajoelina.

Rajoelina said the Initiative on Supporting Africa's Industrialization, in particular, aligns perfectly with Madagascar's ambition to become an industrialized country.

Thanks to this initiative, Madagascar could benefit from Chinese technical support to develop its industrial capacities, make the most of its natural resources, diversify its economy and create sustainable jobs for its population, he explained.

Furthermore, by investing in education and training, China could help Madagascar prepare its citizens to meet future challenges, support industrialization and build a resilient economy, he added.

He called the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) "an essential platform for strengthening ties between China and African nations."

"FOCAC is not only a forum for dialogue, but also a catalyst for concrete projects and win-win cooperation between Madagascar and China," he said.

He also praised China's "significant role" in promoting South-South cooperation, which has demonstrated that partnerships based on mutual respect and common interest can produce concrete results that benefit all parties concerned.

China has integrated its development experience into collaboration with Africa through technical cooperation, skills transfer and infrastructure building, said the president.

By joining forces with the Global South, "we can not only accelerate our own development but also make a significant contribution to building a fairer, more multipolar world," he added.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Wu Chaolan)
Geneva, Switzerland (PANA) - Top human rights investigators into Sudans brutal war called on Friday for a country-wide arms embargo as they recounted harrowing testimony of victims of horrific sexual attacks whose bodies are treated as a theatre of operation by fighters acting with total impunity
Mohammad Aatif Ammad Kanth, TwoCircles.net

Srinagar: Ghulam Nabi Bhat, a dedicated 65-year-old voter, has always prioritised casting his vote and has never missed an election. However, he now faces a dilemma about participating in the upcoming assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, which are the first in a decade. The last time he voted in an assembly election was in 2014, and no elections have taken place since then.

Support TwoCircles



Ghulam lives in Bariagan, a village that borders Shangus. Previously, Shangus was an assembly constituency that included over 100 villages, including Bariagan. In the current election cycle, however, Shangus has been renamed Anantnag East, and Bariagan and its neighboring villages have been reassigned to different assembly seats located about 40 kilometers away. This redistricting has complicated Ghulams participation in the election, as he now needs to travel through three different constituencies to reach Kokernag, the new constituency associated with Bariagan.

I dont even know who the candidates are for the upcoming elections, he told TwoCircles.net. People here hardly know them. How could we when they are miles away from us, and theres little opportunity for us to interact with them? It was only after the election dates were announced that they came around, making promises. But how can they truly understand our struggles when they arent part of our region? We were content with the Shangus constituency because it was close by, and we could easily visit our MLA to voice our concerns. Now, it feels almost impossible after the government included us in Kokernag.

These elections are particularly significant as they are the first since the abrogation of Article 370. Despite a complete communication lockdown and strict measures, Indian authorities insisted that Kashmiris were content with the abrogation. Nonetheless, many prominent leaders, including former chief ministers, cabinet ministers, religious clerics, activists, and journalists, were detained. Authorities justified these actions as necessary for maintaining peace and prosperity in the union territory.

Demographic Changes, Quest for More Hindu Majority Seats

Shortly after the abrogation of Article 370, the Indian authorities established the J&K Delimitation Commission in March 2020 to increase and reshape the number of assembly seats in the newly formed union territory. The commission added six seats to the Hindu-majority region of Jammu and only one to the Muslim-majority region of Kashmir, despite Kashmir constituting more than 56% of the population and Jammu less than 44%. Normally, seat allocation follows population figures, but in this case, the focus shifted to geographical area, with Jammu covering 62% of the total area while Kashmir occupies only 38%.

Of the six additional seats in Jammu, only one was allocated to the Muslim-majority Chenab Valley, which includes Doda and Kishtwar districts. Despite Kishtwars large size and sparse population, and Dodas substantial population, the region received only one additional seat. In contrast, smaller, predominantly Hindu districts like Reasi and Samba were each granted an extra seat due to their proximity to the international border, a rationale not applied to the Muslim-majority districts of Rajouri (62.7% Muslim) and Poonch (90.4% Muslim), which face more frequent shelling and firing than Samba and Kathua.

The Commission also reserved seven seats for Scheduled Castes, continuing previous practices, and nine seats for Scheduled Tribes for the first time. Notably, even districts with relatively low Scheduled Tribe populations, like Kokernag, were included in the reserved category.

Young political activist Aadil Nazir Khan criticised the delimitation process, stating, There was absolutely no need for it. The BJP carried it out for its own political gains, completely altering and disrupting the political map of J&K. As a result, Sub-District Magistrate and Tehsil maps will also need to be changed, creating significant confusion and obstacles for villages that have been moved to far-off constituencies.

Desperation for a Local Government

Despite Jammu and Kashmirs status as a union territory, with reduced local government powers and more authority granted to the Lieutenant Governor, there is strong enthusiasm for the upcoming assembly elections. This eagerness stems from the absence of locally elected leaders since 2018. In the most recent parliamentary elections, J&K recorded a historic voter turnout of 58.46%, the highest in 35 years, and expectations are high that turnout will increase further in the assembly elections.

Ilyas Ahmed Khan, 20, a first-time voter, emphasised the importance of the elections, saying, These elections are crucial for us. We need to choose our own representatives. How long will we be ruled by outsiders? Our minor demands go unheard because theres no one from our community to listen. At least local MLAs will pay attention to us, and we can approach them with our concerns.

After Article 370s revocation, political responsibilities in the region were transferred to bureaucrats under the Lieutenant Governor. With only limited local representatives, such as sarpanches and District Development Commissioners, who have less power and funding than MLAs and ministers, political portfolios have been managed by non-local IAS officers. This has created a significant disconnect between the people and authorities.

The central government and lieutenant governor introduced controversial policies, including the New Reservation Policy 2024, which restricted job participation for the general population to under 40%, despite their making up nearly 69% of J&Ks population. They also abolished Auqaf committees, removed the state election commissioner, and terminated hundreds of government employees, causing widespread dissatisfaction.

Kashmiri activist Angad Singh Khalsa highlighted the significance of the upcoming elections, noting that the lack of representation for six years led to authoritarian rule and heavy policing. Without political accountability, authorities ignored peoples demands and acted at their own will. The absence of representatives widened the gap between the people and the government, causing delays in local development projects. While the new government may not have as much power as before, people are hopeful that elected representatives will address their concerns and restore political accountability.
Sidra Fatima, TwoCircles.net

In a world tainted by the curse of masculinity, a word that translates solely to dominance, I walk as an object to be controlled  a mere silhouette in the landscape where my worth is measured by how easily I can be subdued. A lingering gaze capable of stripping me of my dignity follows while I weave my way through the crowd. This is not how they were born; rather, it is a learned behavior that is supported by a culture that denigrates women. Each day I traverse through this unforgiving battle called the world, where my safety remains perpetually uncertain.

Support TwoCircles



 an anonymous survivor

What could lead a person to commit a horrific act like rape, stripping humanity from the very being? Rape is an act motivated by dominance, power and control rather than passion. The psychological and physiological profiles of those who commit such heinous acts usually reflect a frightening lack of empathy and an inability to see in others what they recognise and demand themselves  a dehumanisation not just consequent upon their behavior but prerequisite to it.

When a criminal commits a crime, it is mostly them acting out of a momentary falling by the wayside in judgment  an impulse brought about by anger, fear or desperation. Normally, regret and feelings of guilt follow soon after when they realise the damage they have done, proving a faulty but existent moral compass. In the case of rapists, this emotional arc is disturbingly missing. Their actions are premeditated, driven not by passion but by a sense of entitlement and a wish for power, with no remorse or empathy. They see their victims not as humans but as objects to dominate, making rape an attack on the very essence of humanity, former Bihar DGP Abhyanand told TwoCircles.net.

Neuroscientific research has proved that, much like other violent offenders, rapists often show abnormalities in those regions of the brain that regulate moral judgment, empathy and impulse control. There is a lowered activity within the prefrontal cortex. Anger combined with uncontrollably strong desires is a deadly combination. However, DNA alone does not create a rapist. Social influences, upbringing and environment share equal weight among these people. They are symptoms of a culture that normalises unchecked violence against women, toxic masculinity and the commodification of women.

According to Farha Momin, a Delhi-based psychologist affiliated with one of the citys esteemed universities, The evolution of such behaviors can be linked to a history of abuse, exposure to violence and societal norms that foster toxic masculinity. Especially toxic masculinity breeds entitlement over others bodies and the idea that manhood is signaled by dominance and aggression.

Deeply held psychological issues and beliefs take long-term and broad intervention to change; hence, the rate of recidivism remains high. The key is in early intervention, societal change and a justice system that holds people accountable and reforms them, she said.

The Dhananjoy Chatterjee Case

The case of Dhananjoy Chatterjee, the first person to be hanged for rape in India, stands as a grim reminder of the countrys struggle against sexual violence. In 1990, Chatterjee, a security guard, was found guilty of the horrific rape and killing of a fourteen-year-old girl in Kolkata. After fourteen years of legal proceedings, he was finally executed by hanging in 2004, a decision that acted as a warning to others that the state would not stand for such brutality. Was it successful, though? The answer is complex.

While it provided a momentary sense of retributive justice to the masses, it did not help in curbing the continuing increase of sexual violence in India. Twenty years later, it is much more than a judicial problem. The recent rape and murder of a junior doctor at RG Kar Hospital in Kolkata and subsequent demonstrations and cries of the public on the streets emphatically reminded one important thing: sexual assault has to be addressed at the level of societal transformation and not just by legal means.

Public demonstrations, while raising consciousness and a great deal of noise at the moment, are simply not enough unless they represent part of a broad cultural and personal transformation.

Sexual violence in India is a problem that cannot be solely attributed to legal deficiencies; it is also about the cultural attitudes and practices followed. It reflects the way we raise our children, speak about women and deal with vulnerable people. It is heartening to see the loud demands for justice and, at the same time, shocking to note that the very fabric of society continues to perpetuate acts of such brutality.

There is no definitive conclusion, but one observed feature among rapists is antisocial personality disorder, regularly combined with sexual deviance. Traumatic experiences, like childhood abuse or neglect, increase the chances of acting out with violence in attempts to regain lost control. Narcissism, privilege and socialisation, including covering deviant acts, also feature prominently. The brain of a rapist, especially the amygdala, may be affected by prolonged abuse or bullying in such a way that their ability to be empathetic is diminished, stated Shreya (name changed on request), a psychotherapist based in Delhi.

A society serious about genuinely protecting women needs to go much further than punitive measures. It needs to prevent violence and ensure cultural attitudes and behaviors are aligned, justice systems are effective and responsive and secure an enabling environment in which women are valued equally. Only such a holistic approach will allow protests to translate into tangible change and safety in the future.

Entrenching Vulnerability

Sexual violence is of ancient origin and can be dated back to times even before the emergence of human civilisation. Women have been exploited and abused at the hands of people in power since time immemorial. During the feudal period, landlords often sexually assaulted their female tenants, realising that the ladies were at their mercy. More often than not, the system that diminished the value of their lives had entrapped these women; most of them were forced into a bargain to take gifts or money in return for their silence. This is rape, too; it is an invasion of ones dignity, a rape of the soul.

The exploitation of women hasnt ended; it has only changed its face. Now, this finds expression in much more insidious ways and often hides behind the veneer of consent. It sometimes means that at work, women are compelled to exchange sexual favors for promotion or job security. Here, another angle to exploitation seldom discussed is really by no means less injurious. It feeds into the cycle of abuse, where the power is not balanced and women are demeaned into being objects of convenience.

The exploitation of women in corporate settings is often donned in a more subtle, sinister mask. There is an inveterate culture abusing power dynamics, and women, oftentimes, are coerced into compromising positions in the masquerade of career advancement. Such is the fear of losing ones job or getting retaliated against that many such instances get perpetuated silently. It is not just men as perpetrators; it is about an environment subtly condoning this behavior through looking away, stated Shivangi (name changed on request), a sales manager at a multinational company.

Swift and Certain Justice System

While strong on other fronts, the Indian justice system is marred with inefficiencies, delays and resource crunches. Rape cases have been known to drag their feet in courts for years, whereby the victim undergoes further trauma in the process of trial. Sometimes, it takes years for the verdict to come; whereas, the conviction rates for rape in India are very low. Compared to the likes of other countries, such as Saudi Arabia, where the cases of rape are dealt with in an extremely fast fashion and the punishments meted out are very strict and public, the same cannot be said of India. Though the methods that such countries use may be extreme for Indian standards, there is something to be said about the deterrent effect of swift and certain justice.

In Japan, for instance, where many laws against sexual violence have been introduced, a premium is laid on the quick settlement of cases, where the perpetrator will be made to face the full force of the said law. Though this may indeed seem somewhat imperfect, the Japanese system does guarantee that a survivor is not victimised by the legal process.

In India, with a maze-like legal system, the plight of the victim cries is lost in the labyrinth of bureaucracy.

For rape, the government should make mandatory that the probe be conducted by women police officers and the entire investigation must be video recorded. If it can be ensured that investigations are completed within 30 working days, and further that the fast-track courts deliver verdicts in another 30 days, it would doubtlessly add glory to the great service of a nation and our society, said Dr Vikram Singh, former director general of police, Uttar Pradesh, who is now Chancellor of Noida International University.

A speedy trial and strict punishment have to be laid forth to create a deterrent. Criminals must realise that they cant evade the clutches of the law and that they would be prosecuted and punished with the full weight of the law. Only then plays the deterrent at work, making them think twice before they commit this heinous act.

The psychology of a rapist, the culture and its enablers and the failures in justice say a lot more than an act of rape. This act of rape is not merely an act of violence but an expression of a society that has gone wildly without a compass. It is symptomatic of a world that devalues women  a world in which women are perceived as objects to be used and thrown away.

Unless we do much more than punish a few perpetrators, we will not eradicate this scourge. We need to look into all this to the bottom, and our means of justice and our mentality and attitude toward the girls have to be changed.
The Kashmir Files Cant Fly

Kashmir Files maker, Vivek Agnihotri, who gave one on one pressers and tried to act to be on the right side of the history, turned down an offer from Oxford University for a debate on the Kashmir issue

Sunday September 8, 2024 0:14 AM , Raqif Makhdoomi

We as people of Kashmir are subject to many myths against ourselves. I must say we are subject to stereotype than myth. Often when I get to interact with people from outside, the first question I am asked is patthar baaz ho kya?[Are you a stone pelter?].

To this, I always have to reply Tu BJP ko vote karta ha kya? [Do you vote for BJP?].

I have most of the times been replied that being a Hindu doesn't imply being a BJP voter. So, when they reply to my question, I dont reply to their slur, because their reply is my justification.

You must be wondering why am I talking about the stereotype against Kashmiris. We all must be knowing a film director named VIVEK ANGNITHOTRI. Back in 2022, he released a movie titled THE KASHMIR FILES.

This movie is nothing but the lies regarding the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits put on screen. The movie has all in it which makes it fit to be banned. But, it was allowed to go on-screen and was also made Tax Free. Hate was allowed to be propagated without tax!

Far from reality. The only idea that Vivek had in mind was to fuel the fire and make the environment of hate grow stronger. But it didnt do what it was made for. Nonetheless, the maker of the film made a huge collection  INR 340.92 crore worldwide.

The film faced criticism on national and international levels both. But, as always, the section of the media close to the ruling dispensation covered it up and tried to make people believe that whatever is in the film is true though the Kashmiri Pandits themselves rebutted the lies in the movie.

The film is basically a documentary and was released on ZEE OTT platform. But how can the present regime let anything against Muslims, especially against Kashmiri Muslims, go without being fully publicized?

The maker of the film who gave one on one pressers and tried to act to be on the right side of the history declined an offer from Oxford University for a debate on the Kashmir issue.

A person who makes a documentary on a sensitive issue of Kashmir and then holds pressers after pressers, shouldnt have refused the offer. What made him reject the offer isn't known. But I can bet this that Vivek Agnihotri wont be able to win a debate on Kashmir with a 5th class student of far flung area of The Valley.

Our every youngster is well informed on Kashmir that anyone can rip apart anyone on any national TV debate and even on international level. Our every Kashmiri has witnessed important happenings around them. If I speak about myself, I am witness to Asiya and Neelofar rape and murder case [Shopian rape and murder case 2009], Amaranth land agitation, Tufail Mattu killing and Afzul Guru hanging, and most importantly abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.

No one can fool me on any of the above mentioned events. I know who is responsible for all the above mentioned events and who played what role. The youth of Kashmir is active on social media like no other. If you check replies to tweets made by right-wing politicians, he /she is countered with facts. The users dont step back from opening up their files full of sin.

The maker of Kashmir Files in a letter addressed to Ebrahim Osman-Mowafy, President of Oxford Union Society, wrote that the invitation to the debate titled This House belies in an Independent State of Kashmir, is a direct challenge to the sovereignty of India and is unacceptable to him.

He further added in the letter that he didnt only find it obnoxious but offensive. He continued this run away letter claiming himself to be a Spokesperson of 1.4 billion people of India and also the displaced INDIGENIOUS HINDUS.

He perhaps forgot to subtract the thousands of Kashmiri youths in jail and all the Kashmiri they call are responsible for exodus of indigenous Hindus.

In a paragraph that starts with LET ME BE CLEAR has three points. The first point speaks about the Kashmiri Pandits, the second is about the [unconstitutional] decision that was taken on 5th of August 2019, and the third one is, he says, there cant be any debate on Kashmirs sovereignty until Kashmiri Paindits remain displaced due to the threat of the Islamic terrorists.

Vivek Agnihotris third point needs to be read very carefully. He says that in Kashmir the threat of Islamic terrorists continue to loom and thats why Kashmiri Pandits are still displaced. I want to ask, is he speaking the truth or the Prime Minster of the country is lying?

For, the PM keeps on saying that Kashmir is free from terrorism and every terrorist has been eliminated. If this claim is being made, why is Vivek Agnihotri claiming that Kashmiri Pandits are still displaced because of the threat of the Islamic terrorists.

Either the Prime Minister of the country is lying or Vivek is running from the debate on a false excuse. Theres no in between, every other thing is a lie.

Vivek Agnihotris refusal letter to Oxford University ends with a very funny line. WITH HEART FULL OF BHARAT AND MIND OPEN FOR MEANINGFUL DIALOUGE. He must be asked, doesnt he consider a debate on Kashmir meaningful?

The fact is Vivek doesnt consider anything meaningful other than making a film based on lies and propaganda. Oxford is a very big platform. Vivek in fact cant win a debate with a Kashmiri boy studying in any government higher secondary school.

What people like Vivek consider political knowledge are just chats over tea for us. Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri must remember before making any such movie that this is the era of Information Technology and nothing remains hidden. He will be asked questions for every propaganda he makes.

[The writer, Raqif Makhdoomi is a Law student and human rights activist. Views expressed are personal and the writers own.]

Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates.

Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic.
The Strange Situation of Sheikh Hasina in India

Reports from New Delhi is trickling down that Bangladeshs former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been held incommunicado at a safe house in an airforce based near Delhi

Saturday September 7, 2024 8:53 PM , Saleem Samad

[Sheikh Hasina and Narendra Modi in a file photo.]

Reports from New Delhi is trickling down that Bangladeshs former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been held incommunicado at a safe house in an airforce based near Delhi.

The sources cannot confirm whether she was under house arrest at Hindon Air Base, soon after she fled Bangladesh on 5 August .

However, it is said that she is confined at the safe house after Bangladesh Chief Advisor Dr Muhammad Yunus of the Interim Government spoke with Indian Prime Minister Modi over phone a week after he took oath of office in the first week of August.

Hours after the Yunus-Modi phone conversation, all her incommunicado and communication devices were disrupted and she cannot speak to anybody.

Yunus told Indian news agency PTI that Sheikh Hasina, who was toppled after the Monsoon Revolution in August, should shut her mouth. Yunus reportedly also requested Delhi bigwigs not to allow her to speak.

Sources said she is not allowed to stroll outside the safe house compound and not permitted to go to a military supershop to buy essentials which is within walking distance.

Hasina's daughter Saima Wazed, who is the Regional Director of the World Health Organisation (WHO) South-East Asia office in New Delhi, has not been able to reunite with her mother to embrace her even after she was in exile for a month near the Indian capital.

Saima in posts on Twitter (X) has given several excuses for her tight schedule of a series of regional planning meetings, which was the reason not to hug her mother. Her elder brother Sajeeb Wazed Joy, who lives in Washington DC, soon after her arrival at the Air Force base announced that he would visit Delhi to meet her mother. He also said the meeting would be crucial to understand her future course plan. Unconfirmed news said that he was asked not to arrive in Delhi, as he was likely not to meet her.

Phones in the safe house are disconnected and she is unable to contact her loved ones. Both her son and daughter are conspicuously silent over Hasinas incommunicado in India.

Hasina is accompanied by her younger sister Sheikh Rehana, who is a British citizen. She is also stranded with her at the safe house. Incidentally, Rehana's daughter, Tulip Rizwana Siddiq, is a British Labour Party politician and is presently Britains city minister, responsible for overseeing the financial services sector.

Tulip seems to have avoided influencing the British government to intervene in her aunt Hasinas case and rescue her mother (Rehana) from unofficial confinement. It is unclear whether Rehana has sought counsellor service from the British High Commission in New Delhi.

Meanwhile, Yunus in an indirect threat to Delhi in an interview with PTI, categorically said that Hasina should be extradited to Bangladesh and face the music of justice for the deaths of nearly a thousand students and youths during the July massacre.

If deportation is requested to South Block, it would be a big problem for the Narendra Modi government. It is too early to understand how South Block will reverse to damage control mode if they are adamant about keeping Hasina for her safety and security.

[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 by the Northeast News, Guwahati, India on 7 August 2024.]



Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates.

Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic.
HCM CITY  As part of ongoing efforts to promote Malaysia as a preferred tourist destination, Tourism Malaysia took part in the International Travel Expo (ITE) HCM City held from September 5 to 7.

ITE HCMC 2024 serves as an excellent platform for Malaysia to showcase its unique tourism offerings and engage with both potential and returning travellers.

Visitors are invited to discover Malaysia's diverse attractions, from rich cultural heritage to a wide array of vacation packages available at competitive prices.

In addition, Tourism Malaysia is strengthening its partnerships with major tour operators and associations in HCM City to craft enticing tourism packages tailored to the preferences and interests of the Vietnamese market.

This year, Malaysias booth features participation from the Malaysia Homestay Entrepreneurs Association, Kampungstay Holiday Sdn Bhd, Myhistourism Adventure Sdn Bhd and Melaka State Government.

Throughout the three-day event, Malaysia will highlight its stunning tourism products, captivating destinations, and its global reputation as a safe, family-friendly destination.

Visitors will also be treated to special cultural performances by talented Malaysian artists, with air travel sponsored by Vietjet Air which operates daily direct flights from Viet Nam to Malaysia, further solidifying the bonds between the two nations.

Nor Hayati Zainuddin, director of Tourism Malaysia in Viet Nam, said Viet Nam remains a key source market for Malaysia.

It is crucial to maintain robust promotional initiatives to attract more Vietnamese tourists, especially with the new direct flights from Viet Nam to Malaysia.

We are eager to strengthen our collaboration with local travel agents. With increased direct flights, we aim to establish Malaysia as the preferred travel destination in this region.

Tourism Malaysia will also host a series of food and cultural promotion activities to showcase the richness of Malaysian cuisine and culture.

These events will be held at prestigious venues such as Daewoo Hanoi Hotel from September 12 and 16, Sheraton Saigon Grand Opera Hotel from September 6 to 10, and Lesung Saigon Restaurant from September 11 to 16 in Ho Chi Minh City.

These promotions aim to offer visitors an authentic taste of Malaysia, further enhancing its visibility as a vibrant tourist destination.

Malaysia aims to attract 27.3 million international tourists in 2024.

Currently, 142 direct flights are operating between the two countries.  VNS
By Le Huong

From the outside, Flow-ee cafe might seem like any other in downtown Ha Noi. But step inside, and youll notice something special. The staff, affectionately called "Flowers", are all hearing impaired, taking orders by exchanging written notes with customers.

Communication between the staff is done entirely through sign language, creating an unusually quiet atmosphere that patrons appreciate.

I find this cafe ideal for working," said regular Tran Phuong Uyen with Viet Nam News. "It's so quiet here. I enjoy coming to work and enjoy a drink."

Another patron, Hoang Minh Chau, frequents Flow-ee for a different reason. "I want to support the disabled in their jobs to help boost their confidence," she said. "The drinks here are as good as other cafes, and the staff are always enthusiastic and friendly."

Among the staff members is Vu The Duong, the youngest, who has been hearing impaired since childhood. His job at Flow-ee has greatly increased his confidence.

"I faced many challenges finding a job before," he said. "Then I came across this opportunity online and applied. Initially, it was difficult to adjust, but over time Ive improved my skills."

Duong noted that communicating with customers has not been a significant challenge, thanks to sign language and his ability to make quality drinks.

"Customers enjoy their time here," he said.

"Im confident in my role at Flow-ee. Many hearing-impaired people struggle to find jobs, and I hope society offers more opportunities for us to showcase our abilities."

Another server, Nguyen Thai Ha, also highlighted how he interacts with customers using sign language and writing.

"I often smile at them," said the 23-year-old. "I observe customers closely and serve them with care. Working here is wonderful because the customers are happy, and the staff are cheerful."

Flow-ee cafe was established to support the disabled by providing them with meaningful employment. The cafes co-founder, Hoang Thu Thuy, explained that hearing-impaired people are particularly well-suited for this environment.

"We dont face significant challenges communicating with our staff," Thuy said. "The operation runs smoothly because theyre skilled in sign language."

The staff at Flow-ee are given considerable autonomy.

"Our disabled employees have the highest level of self-management," Thuy said. "They run the cafe independently, handling all tasks without oversight. Over time, theyve become more adept at managing situations and communicating with customers."

Thuy expressed hope that more people will support this business model, allowing it to thrive and create more opportunities for the disabled to demonstrate their abilities.

Beyond its welcoming atmosphere, Flow-ee attracts customers with its unique offerings. Bingsu, a shaved ice dessert, is a standout, blending the sweetness of ice with the subtle bitterness of alcohol. The cafes lime, orange, and tiramisu-flavoured coffees are also popular.

Bingsu is relatively rare in Viet Nam, and creating it posed a challenge for the Flow-ee staff.

Initially, they aimed to combine fresh ice cream with wine, but after months of experimentation, they perfected a fruit-flavoured snow cream mixed with various wines. Each cup contains just a hint of alcohol, allowing guests to savour each bite.

To make sticky rice Bingsu, or watermelon Bingsu, it seems simple, but initially, we spent two months working from 6pm to midnight to perfect the recipe, said Ngo Quoc Hao, CEO of Flow-ee.

"The result is a truly unique menu, only found here. Each serving is small enough to be enjoyed leisurely."

Customers not only return but also spread the word about this unique cafe. Visitors range from family and friends of the staff to foreign tourists, children, and other hearing-impaired people. Many young people and children even visit to learn basic sign language from the staff to thank the "Flowers" for their delicious drinks.

"This is a great business model for creating jobs for disabled people," said customer Uyen. "Ill definitely come back and encourage my friends to visit as well."

Customer Chau echoed this sentiment, noting that this type of business can help integrate the disabled fully into society.

Flow-ee also hosts sign language classes every Wednesday and Saturday night, fostering a stronger connection between the hearing-impaired community and the broader public. VNS
HA NOI  Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh met Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embalo who is on an official visit to Viet Nam from September 5-8, during which the two leaders agreed to work together to develop the bilateral relations in the spirit of sincere, equal, and mutually beneficial partnership.

PM expressed his belief that the first visit to Viet Nam by the President of Guinea-Bissau will create a breakthrough and open up a new phase for the bilateral relationship in the coming time.

Congratulating Guinea-Bissau on its socio-economic achievements in recent times, he hoped that the West African country will soon realise the goals set in its 2025 strategy.

For his part, Embalo expressed his admiration for the host country's outstanding development achievements, and appreciated the role and sound leadership of the Party, State and Government of Viet Nam.

The Vietnamese revolution and President Ho Chi Minh and General Vo Nguyen Giap had inspired the path of national liberation of the Guinea-Bissau people, he said, calling Viet Nam a model in maintaining stability, innovation, and economic development.

Briefing the guest on Viet Nam's major development orientations, and its priorities in external relations, Chinh said Viet Nam treasures its traditional friendship and cooperation with African countries, continually expanding and developing the relations. He pointed out that a significant milestone in this effort is Viet Nam's official designation as an Observer of the African Union in December 2023.

According to him, cooperation between Viet Nam and Guinea-Bissau is also progressing positively based on a reliable political foundation formed by historical solidarity and mutual support in the struggle for national independence; an economic foundation built on similarities and complementary development conditions; and a foundation based on shared values, including support for and enhancement of multilateral and South-South cooperation.

Regarding future cooperation orientations, the two leaders agreed to develop relations in the spirit of "sincere, equal, and mutually beneficial partnership".

They identified three priorities for political-diplomatic cooperation, including strengthening delegation exchanges at all levels, supporting each other at multilateral forums, and promoting regional cooperation. Guinea-Bissau will support Viet Nam in advancing ties with the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), while the Southeast Asian country will bridge Guinea-Bissau's cooperation with ASEAN and its members.

PM Chinh welcomed Guinea-Bissau's decision to unilaterally waive visas for Vietnamese diplomatic and official passport holders, facilitating further exchanges and cooperation between the two nations.

The President of Guinea-Bissau praised Viet Nam's successful macroeconomic management and international integration and supporting PM Chinh's proposals for prioritising economic cooperation. Both sides agreed to diversify export products, focusing on cashew as a key item and expanding to other goods of strength such as rice, textiles, household goods, electrical equipment, and seafood.

They will also promote business delegation exchanges, market information sharing, and agricultural cooperation, thus helping Guinea-Bissau ensure food security and increase exports.

Additionally, the two countries will enhance collaboration in health care and education; complete and implement cooperation mechanisms and negotiate for the signing of agreements to create a favourable legal framework for bilateral cooperation.

The President of Guinea-Bissau expressed his desire to welcome PM Chinh in his country and the Vietnamese leader said he will arrange a visit at an appropriate time.  VNS
HA NOI  Chairman of the National Assembly Tran Thanh Man on Saturday met visiting President of Guinea-Bissau Umaro Sissoco Embalo in Hanoi.

Man stressed that Embalos Viet Nam visit from September 5-8 is the first delegation exchange at the head of state level between the two countries since they established diplomatic ties in 1973, and expressed his belief that it will significantly contribute to consolidating and developing the bilateral traditional friendship.

The top legislator noted his wish that Guinea-Bissau will successfully organise its parliamentary election on November 24, creating new momentum for the country to grow further in the time ahead.

Embalo stressed that Viet Nam is an example for Guinea-Bissau to follow in not only the past struggle for national liberation, but also poverty reduction at present.

The President noted that the visit demonstrates the resolve to deepen and advance the bilateral relationship to a new height, and step up closer and more effective cooperation between the two countries.

Man affirmed that the Vietnamese Party, NA and Government always attach importance and wish to promote the friendship and multi-faceted cooperation with traditional friends in Africa, including Guinea-Bissau.

He suggested the two countries enhance delegation exchange at all levels and in all the Party, State, and NA channels, as well as people-to-people exchange.

Pointing out that the two-way trade has yet to match the potential and desire of both sides, the Vietnamese NA leader said they should foster collaboration in economy and trade by boosting the exports and imports of such products as rice, cashew nuts, garment-textile materials, footwear, and agro-forestry-fisheries, which are of their strength and desire, while expanding cooperation to others like agricultural and aquatic processing, health care, education-training, and sea-based economy.

The two legislatures need to forge cooperation and promote the role of parliamentary diplomacy in strengthening the relations between the two countries, he continued.

Apart from delegation exchange and experience sharing, they should intensify coordination in supervising the implementation of agreements reached by the two countries, step up meetings and coordination at international parliamentary forums, support each other in regional and international issues of shared concern, and send delegates to multilateral events hosted by each side, Man said.

The Vietnamese NA is ready to consider building and promoting relations with the Pan-African Parliament and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament, the leader continued.

He asked the President to convey his invitation to the President of the National People's Assembly of Guinea-Bissau to pay an official visit to Viet Nam to seek ways to beef up the bilateral legislative ties.

Man said he believes that the traditional friendship between Viet Nam and Guinea-Bissau as well as its legislative ties in particular will be consolidated and grow further, for the sake of their people, and for peace, stability, and prosperity in each region and the world.

Embalo said after the parliamentary election, Guinea-Bissau will establish a friendship parliamentarians group between the two countries.  VNS
Blog Archive: Oct 2024 (40) Sep 2024 (149) Aug 2024 (155) Jul 2024 (155) Jun 2024 (150) May 2024 (153) Apr 2024 (149) Mar 2024 (155) Feb 2024 (145) Jan 2024 (156) Dec 2023 (155) Nov 2023 (150) Oct 2023 (155) Sep 2023 (150) Aug 2023 (155) Jul 2023 (155) Jun 2023 (150) May 2023 (155) Apr 2023 (150) Mar 2023 (155) Feb 2023 (140) Jan 2023 (155) Dec 2022 (156) Nov 2022 (150) Oct 2022 (155) Sep 2022 (150) Aug 2022 (155) Jul 2022 (154) Jun 2022 (150) May 2022 (155) Apr 2022 (150) Mar 2022 (155) Feb 2022 (140) Jan 2022 (156) Dec 2021 (156) Nov 2021 (150) Oct 2021 (155) Sep 2021 (150) Aug 2021 (155) Jul 2021 (155) Jun 2021 (150) May 2021 (155) Apr 2021 (150) Mar 2021 (155) Feb 2021 (140) Jan 2021 (155) Dec 2020 (155) Nov 2020 (150) Oct 2020 (158) Sep 2020 (150) Aug 2020 (130) Jul 2020 (124) Jun 2020 (120) May 2020 (124) Apr 2020 (120) Mar 2020 (124) Feb 2020 (116) Jan 2020 (125) Dec 2019 (126) Nov 2019 (120) Oct 2019 (124) Sep 2019 (120) Aug 2019 (125) Jul 2019 (124) Jun 2019 (120) May 2019 (123) Apr 2019 (121) Mar 2019 (124) Feb 2019 (112) Jan 2019 (125) Dec 2018 (126) Nov 2018 (120) Oct 2018 (124) Sep 2018 (121) Aug 2018 (124) Jul 2018 (125) Jun 2018 (120) May 2018 (124) Apr 2018 (121) Mar 2018 (124) Feb 2018 (112) Jan 2018 (123) Dec 2017 (124) Nov 2017 (124) Oct 2017 (141) Sep 2017 (135) Aug 2017 (138) Jul 2017 (137) Jun 2017 (134) May 2017 (138) Apr 2017 (135) Mar 2017 (139) Feb 2017 (129) Jan 2017 (143) Dec 2016 (135) Nov 2016 (138) Oct 2016 (142) Sep 2016 (128) Aug 2016 (133) Jul 2016 (136) Jun 2016 (138) May 2016 (164) Apr 2016 (311) Mar 2016 (348) Feb 2016 (320) Jan 2016 (348) Dec 2015 (314) Nov 2015 (338) Oct 2015 (363) Sep 2015 (358) Aug 2015 (399) Jul 2015 (374) Jun 2015 (331) May 2015 (337) Apr 2015 (319) Mar 2015 (320) Feb 2015 (271) Jan 2015 (286) Dec 2014 (254) Nov 2014 (238) Oct 2014 (287) Sep 2014 (267) Aug 2014 (259) Jul 2014 (260) Jun 2014 (238) May 2014 (241) Apr 2014 (228) Mar 2014 (240) Feb 2014 (217) Jan 2014 (263) Dec 2013 (226) Nov 2013 (254) Oct 2013 (256) Sep 2013 (252) Aug 2013 (263) Jul 2013 (261) Jun 2013 (251) May 2013 (250) Apr 2013 (221) Mar 2013 (193) Feb 2013 (164) Jan 2013 (157) Dec 2012 (155) Nov 2012 (240) Oct 2012 (526) Sep 2012 (411) Aug 2012 (394) Jul 2012 (284) Jun 2012 (229) May 2012 (213) Apr 2012 (213) Mar 2012 (253) Feb 2012 (269) Jan 2012 (298) Dec 2011 (273) Nov 2011 (219) Oct 2011 (204) Sep 2011 (201) Aug 2011 (236) Jul 2011 (217) Jun 2011 (211) May 2011 (206) Apr 2011 (215) Mar 2011 (215) Feb 2011 (186) Jan 2011 (215) Dec 2010 (107) Nov 2010 (98) Oct 2010 (55)
HA NOI  One of the main objectives of President of Mozambique Filipe Jacinto Nyusi's upcoming visit to Viet Nam is to promote economic relations between the two countries, said Mozambican Ambassador to Viet Nam Ilundi Dos Santos.

In an interview with the Vietnam News Agency ahead of the President's visit on September 8-10, to be made at the invitation of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam Central Committee and State President To Lam, the diplomat said the two countries share many similarities, from climate to crops. However, Viet Nam is highly developed in the fields of agricultural and fisheries research, the areas that Mozambique is very interested in cooperating with to improve the quality of agricultural products and ensure food security for its people, he noted.

She held that Mozambique is a country rich in minerals and energy resources, so the southeastern African country can work closely with Viet Nam, as its economy is rapidly developing, and the demand for minerals and energies will increase. Mozambique can supply these resources, creating opportunities for both countries to grow together.

The two countries will celebrate the 50th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties next year, she said, noting that over the past nearly five decades, the relationship between the two countries has achieved many remarkable accomplishments. Their solidarity, friendship and traditional cooperation have been inherited, nurtured, and continuously developed by generations of leaders and people of both nations.

In terms of politics, the two countries have always supported each other. Viet Nam supported Mozambique's bid to become a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, the diplomat said, adding that the southeastern African country has also contributed some ideas to Viet Nam in certain diplomatic initiatives. The diplomat said she expects that these efforts will continue over the next 50 years.

Regarding economic cooperation, Viet Nam has made significant investments in the Mozambican telecommunications sector. The Movitel mobile network, a project by the Military Industry and Telecoms Group (Viettel) in Mozambique, has proven as an effective model in bilateral economic cooperation. Since its launch in May 2012, Movitel has become one of the leading mobile networks in terms of subscribers and coverage, making a positive contribution to Mozambique's socio-economic development. It has helped the Mozambican people increase their access to telecommunications services over the past 10 years.

According to the ambassador, the two countries have strengthened trade relations, particularly in areas such as coal and finance. Both sides are also striving to capitalise on marine and agricultural advantages to make agricultural and fisheries cooperation a priority; boosting collaboration in trade, education and training; and expanding partnerships in potential fields such as minerals and culture.

She said that Mozambique wants to continue developing bilateral cooperation, especially in investment, economy, and trade. It commits to creating favourable conditions for Vietnamese businesses to invest and operate in such fields as telecommunications and mining, she added.

The diplomat said she hopes this visit will be a success, contributing to promoting the traditional friendship and partnership between Viet Nam and Mozambique in a stronger and more effective manner.  VNS
HA NOI  Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on September 7 sent a congratulatory message to Michel Barnier on his appointment as Prime Minister of France.

Barnier, 76, was appointed to become French PM by President Emmanuel Macron on September 5.  VNS
PRETORIA  The upcoming visit to Viet Nam by Mozambican President Filipe Jacinto Nyusi is expected to open new frameworks for cooperation, as well as provide momentum for the more effective and robust implementation of existing frameworks between the two countries, Vietnamese Ambassador to Mozambique Pham Hoang Kim has said.

In an interview granted to the Vietnam News Agency ahead of the September 8-10 visit, he said the trip holds great significance, marking the positive developments in the bilateral relationship over the past years.

He noted that it takes place in the context that Viet Nam and Mozambique will celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year. The visit aims to strengthen traditional areas of cooperation while expanding into new areas such as telecommunications, energy and minerals, fisheries, and digital transformation.

During the visit, President Nyusi is expected to meet and hold discussions with Viet Nam's top leaders, visiting several businesses, educational and cultural establishments and historical sites. The two sides are also anticipated to sign several important cooperation documents in areas of their strength and demand.

Viet Nam and Mozambique established diplomatic relations on June 25, 1975. In recent years, the exchange of delegations between the two countries as well as as cooperation mechanisms such as the Intergovernmental Committee and political consultation have been maintained, laying the foundation for promoting comprehensive cooperation. Both sides have actively coordinated and supported each other at multilateral forums.

Regarding trade and investment, Viet Nam raked in US$127 million from exports to Mozambique last year, with main items being fertilisers, garments, and farming equipment. Imports from Mozambique totalled nearly $420 million, with key products being coal and cashew nuts.

Vietnamese businesses' investment in Mozambique is a bright spot in economic cooperation between the two nations, notably the success of Movitel -- a joint venture between Viet Nam's Viettel Group and Mozambiques SPI company -- that was established in 2012 with an investment of over 600 million USD. It is now one of the top three contributors to Mozambique's national budget, providing diverse telecommunications and IT services.

In addition, the two countries successfully implemented several agricultural projects, notably the first phase of a project on cooperation in research and development of food crops in Mozambique during 2013-17, with potential for a second phase in the time to come.

Viet Nam has sent numerous healthcare, education, and agricultural experts to work in Mozambique under existing cooperation agreements. Both countries have also provided scholarships to each other's citizens for specialised training courses and skill enhancement programmes.

Regarding party-to-party cooperation, Mozambique's ruling party, the Mozambique Liberation Front (FRELIMO), was one of the first political parties to establish relations with the Communist Party of Viet Nam in the 1960s. Over the years, the two parties have continuously fostered their traditional friendship and multi-faceted cooperation based on their cooperation agreement signed in 1983.

The relationship between the two parties has developed positively, contributing to strengthening political trust and creating a crucial foundation for promoting all-round cooperation between the two countries, Kim said.

According to the diplomat, while bilateral trade and investment cooperation has seen some highlights, total trade volume remains limited, with few large investment projects in each other's country. However, both Viet Nam and Mozambique recognise the potential and strengths that can complement and support each other in many areas, particularly in agriculture, aquaculture, telecommunications, digital transformation, energy, and minerals.

With appropriate research and timely investment, Mozambique could become a suitable investment market for Vietnamese enterprises who want to do business in East Africa. Additionally, many Mozambican businesses have expressed interest in exploring investment opportunities in Viet Nam, particularly in agriculture and textiles.  VNS
HA NOI  Typhoon Yagi made landfall in Quang Ninh and Hai Phong provinces on Saturday afternoon, bringing with it strong winds of 118-149 kilometers per hour.

A widespread power outage affecting 238,000 customers in Quang Ninh was reported as a result of the storm. Power restoration is expected once weather conditions improve.

Strong winds battered Quang Ninh province starting around 11am, causing widespread damage. Metal roofs and other objects were blown into the sea, and numerous trees were uprooted. The streets of Ha Long were deserted as the storm intensified.

Many boats anchored in Ha Long Bay were swept away by the powerful winds, highlighting the storm's destructive force.

Rain and Wind intensifying in Hai Phong

As of 12am, the storm's intensity in Hai Phong had increased significantly, with stronger winds and heavier rain. Numerous trees and streetlights were uprooted, and debris littered the streets. Heavy steel awnings, weighing hundreds of kilograms, were torn from buildings and fell onto the roads.

A team from the Hai Phong Road Maintenance Company worked tirelessly to clear roads and debris, ensuring traffic safety amidst the severe weather conditions.

Nguyen Van Nam, an employee of the company, described the challenging and dangerous conditions they faced as they cleared debris from the roads. Despite the risks, Nam emphasised their commitment to maintaining road accessibility.

"Despite the dangers, we are dedicated to keeping the roads clear to prevent accidents," Nam said.

Emergency directives

On Saturday afternoon, the Ministry of Transport issued another emergency notice, calling on all agencies, departments, and provincial transport departments to focus on responding to storm No 3 and the subsequent heavy rain and flooding.

The ministry instructed these agencies and units to strictly adhere to the directives for storm preparedness previously issued. They are to prepare personnel, equipment, machinery, and materials for storm and flood responses, ensuring that the "four on-site" principle is followed. Special attention must be paid to the safety of people and equipment involved in storm and flood relief efforts.

According to the Vietnam Directorate for Roads, as of 11am on Saturday, the Road Management Unit 1 had closed Tan Vu - Lach Huyen Bridge to traffic, ensuring public safety ahead of the direct impact of typhoon Yagi on Hai Phong. Local authorities also prohibited traffic on Bai Chay Bridge in Ha Long City (Quang Ninh) and Kien Bridge on National Route 10 (Hai Phong).  VNS
CA MAU  A seafood processing and export company led by a Chinese national in Ca Mau Province has been fined nearly VN2.2 billion (US$90,000) for environmental violations, including the discharge of untreated waste.

According to Ca Mau authorities, the Thuan uc Import-Export Trading Company Limited, located in Cai Nuoc District, has had its environmental permit suspended for 4.5 months to address these issues and must dismantle illegally installed waste discharge pipes.

The company is awaiting approval from the provincial Peoples Committee regarding the payment of the fine.

It is headquartered in Nam am Hamlet, Luong The Tran Commune, and specialises in seafood processing and export.  VNS
By Thanh Nga

Nestled 25km from the bustling heart of Ha Noi, Phu Vinh Village in Phu Nghia Commune, Chuong My District, has been a hub of bamboo and rattan wickerwork for over 400 years.

Among its most renowned products today are the delicate rattan wicker dish-covers (rattan netting used for protecting food from flies) crafted by 75-year-old Tran Van Kha and his wife, Nguyen Thi Tien, 72.

These dish-covers, woven from thousands of rattan wickers as fine as silk threads, weigh just 290 grams but are valued at up to VN30 million (US$1,200) each. While originally designed to cover food trays, they are now cherished as valuable decorative pieces in homes.

Entering their modest home, one is immediately surrounded by an array of bamboo and rattan pieces, the essential materials for their creations. Kha meticulously prepares each rattan strand, while his wife Tien, who learned the craft since the age of six, skillfully weaves intricate patterns into the elegant dish-covers.

The rattan wicker dish-cover is our own creation, Kha told Viet Nam News. It takes about 16 to 20 days to complete a piece, as it involves many painstaking stages.

Born into a family with a long tradition of bamboo and rattan weaving, Tien has been perfecting her craft for decades. Her products are recognised as the finest in the region and are often ordered as prototypes.

Kha fondly recalled, "When my wife was young, she was the fastest weaver in the village, with a speed two to three times that of the average person."

In 2003, Tien proposed using rattan wicker to beautify the traditional dish-cover -- a utensil on the dining table in every northern Vietnamese household. At that time, no one in the village was producing it, so Kha quickly supported his wifes idea.

Back then, we worked day and night, and after more than a month, we completed our first product, Kha recalled. When we introduced it to the market, it was warmly received. Customers had to wait about five months to get one, and its price was around VN6 million.

Over the years, the elderly couple has refined their craft, increasing the number of rattan strands from 300 to 1,200. The process now takes about three days to create the knob, seven days for the tray, and another seven days for the frame.

Artisan Nguyen Van Tinh of Phu Vinh craft village praised the couple's work, saying, "These dish-covers are the culmination of the finest traditions of Phu Vinhs rattan and bamboo weaving, passed down through generations. The entire product weighs less than 300 grams, a testament to their meticulous craftsmanship. In the village, only Khas family creates these thinnest, lightest, and most exquisite rattan wicker dish-covers."

Thanks to their passion and dedication, the couples unique handmade dish-covers have attracted customers both locally and internationally. Their creations were exhibited by the Viet Nam Handicraft Exporters Association (VIETCRAFT) in early 2010, and from 2012 to 2014, the couple was invited to showcase their skills abroad.

Their craftsmanship has been recognised at the highest levels, with their creations winning first prize at the Viet Nam Handicraft Product Competition in 2020. These accolades are a testament to their unwavering commitment to their craft.

However, despite their success, the couple faces a bittersweet challenge. None of their children have followed in their footsteps, and they worry that this unique craft may be lost as they grow older.

My family has many children and grandchildren, but none have taken up the craft, Kha said.

Many people in the village have come to learn, and weve taught them wholeheartedly, but no one has yet mastered this type of dish-covers. Now that my wife and I are old, I fear that this craft will be forgotten, so Ive made one for each child in my family to keep as a lasting memento. VNS
In mid-August, FESCO Transportation Group, one of the largest logistics companies in Russia, launched a regular shipping line between Vietnam and Malaysia to expand foreign trade routes. The service takes place every 8-9 days, with the time between ports being three days.

Big firms seeing potential in logistics, Photo: Le Toan

Company representative Priskoka Aleksandr told VIR, This is our first intra-Asian service without calls to Russian ports. We already see a great demand for this service from customers: the first vessel from Malaysia to Vietnam arrived fully loaded, and left back with a 70 per cent load.

To be closer to Vietnamese customers, FESCO established its own office in Ho Chi Minh City. The group also continues to work on launching new and developing existing logistics services here.

Vietnam is one of the countries of key presence for us. Historically, the group has worked with Vietnam by transporting goods in one way or another, but in 2022, FESCO launched a direct sea service between the port of Vladivostok and the ports of Haiphong and Ho Chi Minh City, Aleksandr added.

In addition to this route, FESCO carries out shipments of containers by sea via the Suez Canal with the FESCO Baltorient Line service from the ports of Vietnam to St. Petersburg.

The most commonly transported goods from Russia currently are sawn timber and other wood processing products, aluminium, building materials, polymeric materials, minerals, baby food, cosmetics, and chemicals. From Vietnam comes a wide range of food products, coffee, fruits and vegetables, and clothing.

Over the two years of operation of the Vietnam direct line, container traffic on the line increased by 2.4 times, Aleksandr said.

The group transported more than 50,000 TEUs between Vietnamese ports and Vladivostok (from May 2022 to May 2024), which included not only cargo from Vietnam but also from other countries in Southeast Asia. Strengthening the partnership between Russia and Vietnam is a priority for us, and we plan to further increase this capacity and develop cargo transportation in this region, he added.

Also in mid-August, Alibaba announced the collaboration with express shipping service providers UPS and DHL to launch an online logistics service for Vietnamese sellers. The move is part of Alibabas efforts to facilitate the export of Vietnamese sellers goods to more than 200 countries and territories worldwide.

The service has been designed to help businesses optimise time and costs by supporting not only fast international shipping options but also integrating the whole process from packaging and warehousing to delivery. Alibaba guarantees timely and safe delivery of goods with this service, which also offers comprehensive cargo insurance options, customs consulting services, and order tracking tools.

Vianne Wang, director of Global Supply Chain at Alibaba, said, By leveraging advanced technologies and comprehensive solutions, Alibaba supports Vietnamese small- and medium-sized enterprises to enhance their competitiveness, ensure on-time delivery and respond quickly to market demand, thereby promoting their growth and success in the global market.

US-based logistics unicorn Flexport has a plan to develop its sea and air freight services in Vietnam, offering integrated domestic logistics services for international brands and launching new products to enable clients to manage their supply chains more flexibly using real-time.

Sanne Manders, president of Flexport, said, Many of our long-term clients have been making significant investments in Vietnam through increased sourcing from Vietnamese suppliers and establishing a local presence for logistics and supply chain operations. Flexport is capitalising on the global trend to diversify the supply chain sourcing and the positive macro trends in Vietnam, positioning ourselves to better serve our clients where they are going.

Vietnams position as a key player in manufacturing and logistics hubs is set to solidify over the long term, with the country continuing to attract foreign logistics firms, Manders added.

Forecasts suggest that the overall freight/logistics market is projected to exhibit a growth rate of 6.64 per cent between now and 2032. These positive indicators further enhance Vietnams standing as a hub for logistics operations in the region, Manders said.

An industry report released by VinaCapital in June also revealed that exports to the US, Vietnams largest market, rebounded from a 21 per cent drop in the first quarter of 2023 to a 24 per cent surge in the first quarter of 2024. The sharp increase in exports boosted Vietnams air and sea cargo volumes by an estimated 40 per cent and 30 per cent on-year respectively in the first quarter of 2024. Vietnams export recovery is forecast to continue beyond 2024.

FESCO to launch shipping line between Vietnam and Malaysia FESCO Transportation Group, one of the largest logistics companies in Russia, launched FESCO Intra Asia Service (FIAS) on August 15, a regular shipping line between Vietnam and Malaysia to expand foreign trade routes.

Ba Ria-Vung Tau to become a global logistics hub The southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau has implemented solutions to modernise its seaports and logistics infrastructure, as well as improve its investment climate by streamlining its administrative procedures in the hope of attracting further investment.

Ports poised for more growth amid ferocious competition Marine transportation is currently navigating turbulent times. Patrick Lenain, senior associate at the Council on Economic Policies, notes how Vietnams ports are ready for progress amid the fierce competition.

Logistics competiton: the story of globalisation and multilateralisation In the trend of strong globalisation, Vietnamese logistics businesses are in strong competition with foreign rivals. Le Duy Hiep, former chairman of the Vietnam Logistics Business Association, discussed with VIRs Bich Thuy the story of these rivalries and future investment trends.
At a National Assembly (NA) discussion session last week, Vice Chairman of the NA Nguyen Duc Hai said that after nearly 20 years of implementation and several amendments, the current Electricity Law is no longer suitable.

Electricity prices are gradually being altered in a way that is unsuitable for the market as a whole

Specifically, there is a lack of policy frameworks for renewable energy and new energy, as well as for managing electricity prices in the direction of a market economy, Therefore, the revised Electricity Law is being drafted by the government and is expected to be submitted to the NA at the eighth session taking place in October and November.

The revised law needs to be stable and sustainable with rapid changes in practice, especially changes in the design of the electricity market, to help achieve the set goals and policies. Therefore, it is necessary to create a legal basis for the changes, said Hai.

The draft law consists of nine chapters and around 120 articles, and is built in the direction of clearly defining the responsibilities of state management agencies in policymaking and management of the electricity sector; as well as the rights and obligations of organisations and individuals participating in electricity activities and use.

Chairman of the legislatures Committee for Science, Technology, and Environment Le Quang Huy requested the drafting agency to clarify the concretisation of policies stipulated in the draft law and other relevant laws to ensure feasibility in implementing state policies.

This is especially in regards to content on electricity prices, eliminating cross-subsidies, supplementing major policies related to environmental protection, human resources development, and meeting energy security requirements, Huy said.

Electricity prices are slowly changing, unsuitable for the market mechanism. Retail electricity prices do not fully reflect the costs from production to electricity consumption, and have not given signals to engage investment in this industry or participants in the electricity market, Huy added. On the other hand, many electricity projects are not funded properly, leading to not being put into use and causing great waste.

Expert Nguyen Tien Thoa said, Electricity prices must be calculated correctly and fully according to market principles, and must be transparent. Transparent electricity prices will remove all current barriers. However, calculating correctly for electricity prices does not mean a floating market. I agree that the electricity law should be amended and that there must be fundamental price reform.

In a document contributing comments on the law, a representative of Canon Vietnam said that electricity prices change frequently in an upward direction, affecting production and business activities that need to be stable and ensure competitiveness.

Electricity companies often report losses due to increased costs for production and business activities. However, determining whether the use of these costs is reasonable or not, and which agency is responsible for auditing these costs, needs to be made clear in regulations for the industry, the representative said.

It is necessary to supplement regulations on the responsibilities of the electricity industry and relevant parties in stable electricity distribution, she added.

Nguyen Ngoc Cuong, CEO of EverSolar Investment JSC, said that with the current economic development trend, the Electricity Law needs to open up mechanisms for developing power sources and grids to ensure sufficient power supply for economic development needs and towards net-zero emissions.

It is necessary to empower specialised agencies to decide on incentive mechanisms for pioneering, piloting, and testing activities, as a premise for large-scale investment in small-scale smart grids, Cuong said.

This is not technically difficult, but the main barrier that has prevented them from developing in the past is the problem of small-scale energy costs that are not allowed, but are now at a suitable threshold.

Truong Thanh Hoai, deputy Minister of Industry and Trade In Article 5 of the revised Electricity Law, we have clearly defined what state monopoly includes. The state will mainly have a monopoly in regulation and operation of the power system, and in terms of investment, we only invest in state monopoly in a number of important power projects. These are multipurpose power sources and power sources that play an important role in the system in ensuring the operation and stability of the system. Regarding deputies question about when the monopoly will be abolished, we have clearly included it in the law. Our current development has a very high demand for energy, and we will try to design the market in a transparent direction, but to ensure energy security, some core areas still have to be state monopolies, while in other parts we will promote private investment. Dinh Ngoc Minh, NA deputy, Ca Mau province Currently, Vietnam only has a market in electricity generation. Vietnam Electricity is still the sole buyer and seller. We have innovated the post and telecommunications industry very well. Nearly 20 years ago, a months salary could be spent only on the phone. Now we use it very comfortably and the system is very good. Will this amendment to the law prevent monopolies like the current ones? To what extent is the states monopoly, and how will it be transferred to other economic sectors? The draft law does not mention the monopoly on transmission, meanwhile the report of the NAs Committee on Science, Technology and Environment suggests that it is only high voltage and ultra-high voltage, and the levels below should be for private investment. Pham Van Hoa, NA deputy, Dong Thap province The amendment of the law is necessary to fix the limitations in our electricity operation, especially regarding electricity prices, planning, and consumption. It is necessary to study regulations on the periodic assessment of the planning to ensure harmony, and clearly stipulate the authority of state management agencies to ensure that the power work is safe and meets the requirements. It is necessary to assign the government to specify in detail the progress related to approval of projects, financial arrangements, and construction of power sources and power works. Similarly, regarding the mechanism for handling slow-progressing power source projects, it is proposed to add a regulation assigning the government to specify plans in detail, as the law only stipulates basic and core principles and mechanisms. To Ai Vang, NA deputy, Soc Trang province Soc Trang has 19 wind power projects and when they were put into commercial operation, many complaints arose. Households rely on provisions regulating the implementation of wind power projects and the standard power purchase contract for such projects to request compensation and support. This is because they believe that wind turbine blades cause noise that affects health, daily life, and also aquaculture. Localities have repeatedly petitioned and received written responses, but there is not enough legal basis for localities to act. We propose that the government assign ministries to conduct field surveys on the impact of wind turbine blades and noise, and to amend regulations on the distance of wind towers, in order to minimise the impact on peoples lives, and ensure safety for wind power projects.

Brand new mindset required for proper usage of electricity Electricity in Vietnam is being used at inferior efficiency compared to other countries, which is providing a challenge to find solutions on effectively using and saving it.

Daily electricity consumption exceeds 1 billion kwh for first time Due to intense heat waves, the electricity consumption across the country reached a new record of 1.001.9 billion kWh on May 28, surpassing the 1 billion kWh mark for the first time in history.

Durable electricity supply to be ensured Escalating power consumption has sparked an imperative to boost construction of a transmission line and simultaneously mobilise maximum capacity from coal-fired and gas-to-power plants to ensure adequate electricity supply this summer.
There is much interest from abroad when it comes to developing a major financial centre in Vietnam, Photo: Le Toan

In a significant move to bolster the planning for international financial centres (IFCs) in Vietnam, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, during a meeting with the United Arab Emirates Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, on August 26, urged the UAE to support the establishment and growth of an IFC in Ho Chi Minh City.

The visit was accompanied by leaders of 19 major UAE corporations, which the prime minister sees as an opportunity for both sides to explore further cooperation.

The actions from the government have raised hopes among investors who have long been interested in developing financial centres in Vietnam. While some have made thorough preparations in terms of capital and workforce, now they await policies that could greenlight such initiatives.

In July, the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI), tasked with coordinating the national steering committee for the construction of regional and IFCs, organised two working sessions with international organisations and representatives from various ministries, sectors, and localities to discuss a project on developing regional centres and IFCs.

The MPI is expected to consolidate feedback and report to the head of the steering committee to finalise the draft project, which will then be submitted to the Politburo for consideration and approval. The ministry will also lead efforts to develop a draft resolution outlining a specific mechanism for building and developing the IFC.

Jonathan Hanh Nguyen, chairman of Imex Pan Pacific Group, said he has been in contact with financial organisations in the United Kingdom, the United States, China, and Singapore, and since 2016 has been proposing a mechanism based on advice from a London-based financial company. Although we have received feedback from authorities to make further adjustments, there has been no significant progress so far. We hope that following these recent meetings, the state management authorities will be proactive in finalising the draft project and submitting it to the Politburo for consideration and approval soon, Nguyen added.

He added that two years ago, a number of US investors had committed to investing around $10 billion in Vietnam  $4 billion in the central city of Danang and $6 billion in Ho Chi Minh City  to build an IFC. However, those US investors have since withdrawn from the project.

I believe investors are still waiting for a more open and innovative mechanism, Nguyen said. They need a clear commitment from the government and a defined strategy to ensure this is a promising plan.

During his visit to Vietnam from July 31 to August 2, Hong Kong chief executive John Lee expressed his willingness to share Hong Kongs experience in building a global financial centre with Ho Chi Minh City. Many developed economies, international organisations, and banks are also willing to support Vietnam. In a meeting with Lee and Hong Kong businesses, Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City Peoples Committee Phan Van Mai reiterated the citys ambition to become a regional financial hub, drawing on Hong Kongs experience.

We hope to strengthen cooperation. Hong Kong businesses can share practical solutions and experiences to help us develop an effective regional and global financial centre, Mai said.

Earlier this year, Standard Chartered committed to leveraging its experience and best practices to support the development of an IFC in Ho Chi Minh City. Furthermore, in 2023, the UK government appointed TheCityUK to support Vietnams goal of developing a regional financial and business centre in Ho Chi Minh City, according to the British Embassy to Vietnam.

Nguyen Bich Lam, former general director of the General Statistics Office, highlighted the need for structural breakthroughs, particularly the establishment of an IFC, to unlock resources for economic development.

This will help Vietnams financial market develop healthily and efficiently, engage foreign financial resources, and seize opportunities to bring international capital into Vietnam, thereby upgrading the domestic stock market, Lam said.

The IFC will be developed in three phases. From 2025 to 2030, Vietnam will prepare the foundational conditions for the centres formation. Policymakers will integrate financial centre development into government strategies, planning, programmes, and action plans, including those of the localities where the centre is to be established.

From 2031 to 2035, pilot policies for the financial centres establishment will be implemented, alongside infrastructure development. Following that, Vietnam aims to fully develop the IFC into a regional financial hub, with the potential for expanding its scope also under consideration.

Vietnam sets sights on Ho Chi Minh City's transformation into a global financial hub by 2030 Vietnam established a steering committee, led by Deputy Prime Minister Le Minh Khai, on October 6 to guide the development of a new international financial hub, underscoring its ambition to elevate its global financial stature.

Japanese ambassador prioritises smart city development At a meeting between city leaders and the Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam on October 25, Ambassador Yamada Takio expressed a keen interest in accelerating major projects in Hanoi, particularly the Smart City initiative in the city's northern area.

Standard Chartered to aid development of Ho Chi Minh City financial hub During a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Le Minh Khai on June 27, group chairman of Standard Chartered Jose Vinals announced the banks commitment to supporting the development of an international financial centre in Ho Chi Minh City.

Riverfront Financial Centre a new landmark in Ho Chi Minh City Riverfront Financial Centre has opened in Ho Chi Minh City, becoming the most modern office building in the southern business hub.
The National Assembly on August 26 approved proposals for the appointment of three deputy prime ministers and two ministers for the current term, with the majority of deputies voting in favour.

Party General Secretary and State President To Lam handed over appointment decisions and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh presented flowers to the three new deputy prime ministers

The new deputy prime ministers are Nguyen Hoa Binh, Bui Thanh Son, and Ho Duc Phoc, whose positions before the appointments were chief justice of the Supreme Peoples Court, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Minister of Finance, respectively.

Deputy Prime Ministers Son and Phoc will continue working as foreign and finance ministers, respectively, while Deputy PM Binh had been relieved of his former post before the appointments.

Along with the two incumbent deputy premiers, Tran Hong Ha and Le Thanh Long, these new appointments have raised the number of deputies to Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh for the 2021-2026 term to five.

The legislature on the same day simultaneously also voted Do Duc Duy, Secretary of Yen Bai Party Committee, as Minister of Natural Resources and Environment; and Nguyen Hai Ninh, Secretary of Khanh Hoa Party Committee, as Minister of Justice.

Party General Secretary and State President To Lam asked the officials to continue enhancing the noble revolutionary tradition, uphold their moral qualities, stay loyal to the Party, Fatherland, and people, and keep following President Ho Chi Minhs morality and lifestyle.

He also asked the new officials to try their best to complete all assigned tasks, making positive contributions to the cause of national building and safeguarding in the new situation.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has assigned tasks to the newly appointed deputy prime ministers and ministers. PM Chinh called for their unity, discipline, integrity, innovation, and drastic actions to work with the government to effectively accomplish assigned tasks, especially meeting the goals set by the 13th National Party Congress, providing dedicated service for the nation and its people.

This will ultimately contribute to the interests of the Party and the nation, the strong development and prosperity of the country and the wellbeing and happiness of the people, PM Chinh stated.

Under the resolution of the 13th National Party Congress, the average annual economic growth during 2021-2025 shall be 6.5-7 per cent. By 2025, annual GDP per capita shall be $4,700-5,000.

By 2030, the country aims to be a developing country with a modern industry base and upper-middle income. By 2045, Vietnam sets its sights on becoming a high-income developed country.

According to the General Statistics Office, in 2024, the economys on-year growth hit 5.66 per cent in the first quarter, 6.93 per cent in the second quarter. The six-month rate ascended 6.42 per cent. The government expects that the economy will climb about 7 per cent this year.

Last year, the economy grew 5.05 per cent, with a scale of $430 billion and per capita income of $4,284, up by $160 as compared to 2022.
More specific regulations are still sought after to ensure solar potential is attained, Photo: Le Toan

At a forum on rooftop solar power for businesses more than a week ago in Ho Chi Minh City, most experts and companies shared the opinion that rooftop solar power helps them proactively provide electricity for manufacturing and operation.

Vo Tan Thanh, vice president of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) said that the nations Power Development Plan VIII proposed solutions in developing renewable energy sources, setting a goal that half of all office buildings and homes will install and use self-produced and self-consumed rooftop solar power by 2030.

This resource will develop with unlimited capacity due to not connecting to the national grid, Thanh said. This is a source of distributed solar power on-site, with many advantages over other renewable energy sources because there is no loss during transmission and distribution over long distances. It matches the needs of on-site loads.

This will be an additional source of clean electricity to reduce pressure on the transmission system and ensure a proactive power source for production and business enterprises, he stated.

To meet the needs of the economy and ensure energy security, the Ministry of Industry and Trade has provided the latest updates to propose and complete the draft decree and regulations on encouraging the development of self-produced and self-consumed rooftop solar power to submit to the government.

This preferential policy for the development and installation of rooftop solar power systems is the desire of all sectors, industries and businesses. Using clean energy not only saves production and business costs, reduces carbon emissions, but also maintains stable production during times of high load in the hot season, said the VCCIs Thanh.

Tran Thien Long, permanent vice president of the Vietnam Industrial Real Estate Association, said rooftop solar power for businesses is necessary for investors in industrial zones (IZs), export processing zones, and other secondary investors.

The potential for rooftop solar power in these zones is huge. In Ho Chi Minh City alone, there are nearly 2,000 investors. If they all deploy, about 2,000MW will be generated, Long said. Currently, we have 428 IZs and more than 1,000 industrial clusters, of which, there are nearly 80,000 secondary investors. This is an essential number to develop rooftop solar power.

There are a large number of secondary investors and exporters in IZs trying to convert to green and renewable energy. It will be a huge problem for them without green certificates, Long added. However, businesses still face many difficulties in implementation, especially in terms of legal regulations.

All firms and secondary investors hope that the legality of rooftop solar power must be obvious, specific, and must be implemented synchronously, Long stressed.

VCCI vice president Thanh said it is still difficult for businesses to invest and install rooftop solar power systems because of no specific regulations. Procedures and guidance documents from ministries and agencies are not clear and consistent, he claimed.

From a business view, Dang Khai Hoang from Solarvest Vietnam Company said that the first shock the company faced was the overwhelming number of administrative procedures, and it was difficult to know which procedures were necessary.

For us, it is very difficult to deploy other types of energy that can meet the greening demand for exporting abroad, Hoang said.

Nguyen Xuan Thang, general director of Schaeffler Vietnam, said that businesses are struggling with connecting to IZ power grids. Schaeffler has already deployed rooftop solar power systems in the form of self-production, self-consumption, and self-investment with a capacity of about 2.7MW. However, the industrial developer Amata does not allow Schaeffler to connect to the power grid of the industrial area.

Although the policies, decrees, and circulars seem reasonable, putting them into effect will raise many shortcomings at the local level, and at the management level of the IZs. Therefore, we hope that if the decree on self-produced and self-consumed rooftop solar power is issued, it will clearly state how to overcome these situations, Thang said.

Shaping Vietnams energy future with distributed solar power The governments firm dedication to attaining net-zero emissions by 2050 is grounded in the actual progress of renewable energy development in Vietnam. Notably, rooftop solar power assumes a crucial position in the resource composition of green energy exploitation.

Deputy PM highlights incentive policies for rooftop solar power installation Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha highlighted the importance of rooftop solar power in ensuring energy security, saying that there needs to be mechanisms and policies to encourage organisations and individuals to invest in solar power.

Rooftop solar power puts IPs on the map Transferring to renewable energy through installing rooftop solar power systems is set to help foster competitive capacity and further the sustainable development of businesses.
Viable startups could be found if they address large market needs using AI, Photo: Shutterstock

Marc Woo, managing director for Vietnam at Google Asia-Pacific, said that with its great potential, Vietnams digital economy is expected to grow 11-fold by 2030, reaching an astonishing $220 billion, equivalent to nearly half of Vietnams current GDP.

AI is a key factor in realising this forecast. With a dynamic startup community and a tech-savvy youth making up 20 per cent of the total population, Vietnamese startups are well-positioned to capitalise on the AI opportunity, Woo said at a conference at the National Convention Centre (NIC) organised on August 23 in Hanoi, aimed to unlock the power of generative AI by discussing the latest trends in AI adoption within enterprises.

The event featured prominent experts from Google Asia-Pacific, AI training and application pioneers AIVA Group, and the Vietnam Club of Faculties, Institutes, Schools, and Universities.

According to Google, the ongoing digital transformation trend, coupled with the regions readiness for AI, suggests that Southeast Asia could reap economic benefits of up to $835 billion from AI by 2030.

Vu Quoc Huy, director of the NIC, stated that AI is not just a short-term trend but is gradually becoming a core element in the development strategy of many startups.

In the future, AI is expected to continue changing the way businesses operate, from data management and process optimisation to the development of new products and services, Huy said. Keeping up with AI trends will be crucial to their survival and growth.

Thye Yeow Bok, head of Startup Ecosystems for Southeast Asia, South Asia, and Greater China at Google Asia-Pacific, noted that when applying AI to startup projects, founders must be aware of the key challenges and potential solutions that could lead to success.

The first challenge is identifying scalable use cases that not only fit the market but also have a clear path to profitability, which requires a deep understanding of users, careful experimentation, and a clear strategy, Bok said. In the world of AI, almost anything can be upgraded or transformed by it, from data analytics to recommendation systems. However, for startups, the key is to focus on building a viable and scalable business that addresses large market needs using AI, said Bok who believes that costs are a significant barrier that could deter any startup.

The second challenge is the relatively high development cost. Its not just about expensive infrastructure. Hiring top AI talent and continuously improving your AI products also require significant financial commitment. These costs can strain cash flow and make it difficult to convince investors of the businesss potential, Bok said. Startups need to demonstrate that they can effectively use the capital they receive and have a clear plan to turn investment into profit.

However, he pointed to the constantly changing nature of AI, suggesting that what is being built today may become obsolete in a few months or could be surpassed by competitors innovations. As a result, startups need an environment that allows them to quickly experiment and adapt to market changes, which is essential for maintaining competitiveness in a rapidly evolving field.

Though the challenges are considerable, startups are not alone on this journey, as the Vietnamese market is receiving significant support from the government and domestic corporations like Viettel and Vingroup.

Huy of the NIC noted, The Vietnamese government has been introducing various policies to encourage startups and investment in technology. This creates better conditions for Vietnamese AI businesses to grow and compete in the international market.

Moreover, based on experiences in AI development worldwide, Google believes there is an additional policy that the Vietnamese government should consider, ensuring that businesses can fully leverage AI for growth. It suggests that Vietnam open cross-border data flows to unlock the necessary data for AI research and development in Vietnam and for providing AI services. Allowing access to a larger volume and diversity of global data, beyond national borders, improves AI performance and accuracy, it said.

According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, cross-border data flows are particularly important for small- and medium-sized enterprises, enabling them to efficiently access critical knowledge and information to compete with larger organisations. At the national level, data access and sharing across borders may generate social and economic benefits up to 2.5 per cent of GDP.

Innovative solutions bridge startup ecosystem between Taiwan and Vietnam Startup Island Taiwan, the territory's startup brand, led 18 innovative startups to co-host the Taiwan Tech Solution Day at the National Innovation Centre (NIC) in Hanoi on August 13.

Japans deep-tech startups to make waves in Vietnam Despite being in a fledgling state, more Vietnamese deep-tech startups are looking for Japanese funding and backing to scale up their operations.
One person has been taken into custody after external threats against Unity Point Health-Meriter Hospital that prompted the facility to go into lockdown Friday, a Meriter spokesperson said.

Unity Point Health-Meriter Hospital was on a precautionary lockdown, the hospital said at midday Friday.

The safety of our patients, visitors and community is always a top priority for our organization, Meriter spokesperson Nicole Aimone said in a statement sent to the Wisconsin State Journal.

We would like to express our gratitude to our hospitals staff and security team, City of Madison Police Department and other local authorities for their work in keeping our hospital and community safe. We also want to thank the rest of the local healthcare community who partnered and supported us during the security event.

As of 2:05 p.m., the hospital had resumed operations as normal.

Earlier in the day, the hospital was placed in lockdown out of an abundance of caution, Aimone told reporters, adding that hospital officials were working with authorities regarding an external threat by an outside caller.

Aimone said the building had been locked down externally and confirmed patients were being screened and admitted through security for appointments and procedures.

Meriters security team and Madison police were on the perimeter of the Meriter campus, Aimone said, adding, We are confident that the hospital is secure.

Madison police spokesperson Korrie Rondorf said in a statement, We are currently investigating a threats incident at Meriter Hospital and working with a number of law enforcement partners.

No further details were released.

State Journal reporter Anna Hansen contributed to this report.
The 3,323-acre Bear Fire is now 100% contained.

The Bear Fire was reported at 2 p.m. on September 2 off Bear Valley Road on the Tahoe National Forest, south of the community of Sierra Brooks in Sierra County.

More information and tips on water conservation are available on the Sierra County Sheriff's Office Facebook page.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

---

SEPTEMBER 6, 7:05 A.M. UPDATE

The Bear Fire, in Sierra County, is slowly growing in containment.

CAL FIRE says the 3,327-acre wildfire is 15% contained.

Some mandatory evacuation orders due to the fire have been downgraded.

Residents of the Sierra Brooks community were able to return home today after days of mandatory evacuations after the orders for their community were changed to warnings.

Entry to the community requires identification.

Sierra County has opened a dumpster at the Sierra Brooks Lodge to help residents get rid of any food that may have spoiled while they were away.

---

SEPTEMBER 5, 7:15 A.M. UPDATE

The Bear Fire is now 3,327 acres and still 0% contained after starting early Monday afternoon south of Sierra Brooks in Sierra County.

Firefighters say they're made progress building lines around the perimeter of the fire in the last couple of days, but they're bracing for windier weather in the day ahead.

Evacuations are improving because of the fire, with the community Sierra Brooks now downgraded to a warning. However, some evacuations orders are still in place around the fire.

CAL FIRE, the Forest Service, and Sierra County Sheriff's Office will hold a community meeting on Thursday evening.

It will be in-person at Sierraville Elementary School at 7 p.m. - or you can watch it live on the Tahoe National Forest Facebook page below -

Hundreds of people in the Loyalton area were without power on Tuesday but it has since been restored to several areas.

The sheriff's office says Sierra County Social Services is available to address individual emergency needs at 202 Front Street in Loyalton or by calling 530-993-6700.

Sierra-Plumas Unified School District indicates they will continue to work with law enforcement, OES, and fire officials to make decisions about school one day at a time using all relevant information. They will continue to communicate school closure information through email and text systems, the District Facebook page, and the automated all-call system.

The cause of the wildfire remains under investigation.

2:30 +2 Bear Fire prompts Air Quality Advisory for Reno-Sparks area Smoke from the Bear Fire is expected to have the greatest impact Thursday evening through Friday morning.

(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

SEPTEMBER 3, 10:15 P.M. UPDATE:

The Liberty Energy and Water website, which has been tracking outages related to the Bear Fire since they first began, currently shows no outages in the area.

---

SEPTEMBER 3, 6:45 P.M. UPDATE:

The size of the Bear Fire has grown to 2,000 acres, 0% containment according to CalFire's website.

Utility outages should no longer be affecting anyone in Portola, according to Liberty Energy and Water.

Loyalton is still suffering outages - around 230 people are affected, and there are a small number of customers in South Lake Tahoe that are affected as well.

You can keep up with outage information using Liberty Energy's outage site.

---

SEPTEMBER 3, 5:25 P.M. UPDATE:

The Sierra County Sheriffs Office has expanded evacuation warnings for the Bear Fire.

In a thread on X, the U.S. Forest Service says fire crews are working effortlessly to establish containment lines. Air support is also helping to contain the fire.

Winds throughout the night are expected to blow steadily from the west at around 10 miles per hour.

A complete and updated list of evacuation orders and warnings associated with the fire can be found at this link.

---

SEPTEMBER 3, 3:40 P.M. UPDATE:

The size of the Bear Fire has grown to 1,578 acres, 0% containment according to CalFire's website.

---

---

SEPTEMBER 3, 2:32 P.M. UPDATE:

NV Energy, in coordination with Plumas Sierra, will be attempting a re-energization of most Loyalton customers currently without power.

To complete this re-energization, NV Energy will have to temporarily shut down power to Portola for about one hour.

---

SEPTEMBER 3, 1:51 P.M. UPDATE:

Outdoor watering is now suspended for residents of Sierra Brooks due to the Bear Fire.

Officials are asking everyone in the area to please conserve indoor use of water as much as possible while crews fight the fire.

For questions or to get additional information, contact the Sierra County Department of Public Works at (530) 289-3201.

---

SEPTEMBER 3, 11:21 A.M. UPDATE:

NV Energy has turned off its line serving portions of Sierra County due to the Bear Fire.

Liberty Utilities Lake Tahoe customers in that area are experiencing a power outage due to the shutoff.

No restoration time is currently available. NV Energy is preparing teams to assess the area once fire officials deem it is safe to do so.

Liberty Utilities customers can view an outage map on the Liberty Energy and Water website.

---

SEPTEMBER 3, 9:30 A.M. UPDATE:

The size of the Bear Fire has grown to 1,391 acres, 0 % containment according to CalFire's website.

---

7:04 P.M. UPDATE

Evacuation orders and warnings have been updated for the Bear Fire per CalFire's website.

Evacuation orders are in place for the areas of SIE-E030, SIE-E031 and SIE-E032.

An evacuation order is an immediate threat to life - an order by law enforcement to leave immediately. The areas are lawfully closed to public access.

Evacuation warnings are in place for the areas of SIE-E022, SIE-E023, SIE-E027, SIE-E028 and SIE-E029.

An evacuation warning is for a potential threat to life and/or property. Those who require additional time to evacuate, and those with pets and livestock should leave immediately.

---

6:47 P.M. UPDATE

The most recent update from the U.S. Forest Service says that sources are projecting the fire to be close to 800 acres in size.

---

5:15 P.M. UPDATE
By SA Commercial Prop News

While property fundamentals in SA have been weak, our international investments have performed well and are in strong and supportive property markets, says Norbert Sasse, Group CEO of Growthpoint Properties.



As domestic tenants continue to downsize space, its sheer size and diversity on three continents have helped Growthpoint Properties lift the distributable income of 5.3% to R6.4bn for the year ended June.

Demand for office space remains poor as tenants are spoilt for choice and cutting back on costs.

Growthpoint Properties, SAs largest listed real estate company, has seen a sharp increase in the vacancies across its buildings from 5.4% to 6.8%.

But the company on Wednesday recorded a 4.9% increase in group property assets to R139.4bn, with most of the increase coming from its international investments.

The JSE-listed Reit upped its dividend 4.6% to 218.1c per share, exceeding its guidance of 4.5% for the period.

The groups net asset value per share gained 0.7% to R25.39 and its share closed at R22.88 on Wednesday.

With the strained SA economy, the companys domestic portfolio, which carries the group overhead, diluted distributable income growth slightly by 0.2%. The Fund sold 14 assets for more than R2.9bn and has another seven assets of R325.4m held for sale. Property values remained flat at R78.3bn.

Norbert Sasse, Group CEO of Growthpoint Properties, attributes the performance to two of the companys strategies, internationalisation and generating new income streams from third-party trading and development and funds management.



The road has not been an easy one, but we have delivered a robust set of results with significant strategic gains achieved in an incredibly harsh operating environment, Sasse said.



Growthpoint owns a portfolio of 508 property assets including 450 properties across SA valued at R78.3bn and a 50% interest in the properties at V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, valued at R9.6bn. It also owns 57 properties in Australia valued at R38.7bn through a 66.0% holding in ASX-listed Growthpoint Properties Australia (GOZ). And owns 60 properties in Romania and Poland, 100% valued at EUR2.8bn through its 29.8% share in LSE AIM-listed Globalworth Investment Holdings (GWI).



With its investment in both Australia and Europe this year, 30.3% of Growthpoints assets are now offshore and contribute 23.3% to its earnings.



In SA, Growthpoints 50% stake in Cape Towns V&A Waterfront made a positive 1.5% contribution to its distributable income growth.



Growthpoints funds management business contributed 0.4% of the companys distributable income growth, with Growthpoint Healthcare Property Holdings (GHPH) investors receiving a 13.0% total return. The business has two active funds so far, GHPH and Growthpoint Investec African Fund (GIAP), and a pipeline of transactions that will soon see its combined assets under management surpass R10bn.



GHPH has a R2.6bn portfolio of five assets and has attracted some R700.0m in third-party investments. It is investing R100.0m in expanding two of its hospitals and has a significant pipeline of acquisitions and developments, including the Pretoria Head and Neck Hospital. GIAP drew down the first USD32.5m of its USD212m committed capital during the year to acquire 97.5% of Achimota Retail Centre in Accra, Ghana. Then, post year-end, it successfully acquired 100% of Manda Hill Shopping Centre in Lusaka, Zambia. All of its committed capital is expected to be invested by the end of 2019.



Despite constrained consumer spending, Growthpoint also invested R110.0m in the Edcon recapitalisation and reduced its exposure to Edcon by 11% during FY19 alone.

The group also entered talks to buy Capital & Regional, a UK property company with retail exposure to convenience centres in smaller towns and cities including Blackburn, Hemel Hempstead, Ilford, Luton and Maidstone. With many UK real estate investment trusts (Reits) trading at historic discounts to net asset values (NAVs), Growthpoint believes this is the right time to buy assets in the country despite ongoing uncertainty around Brexit.

The very tough and deteriorating domestic economy is placing pressure on all SA property fundaments, which are expected to deteriorate further. As such, earnings from SA are expected to be dilutive to the Group in the year ahead, concludes Sasse
All week we've been reporting on the recent school shooting in Georgia as well as several lockdowns and threat investigations at schools here at home.

We wanted to dig further into some of the ways our schools are working to keep students and staff safe. The school district has several different measures for safety, including the most commonly known one being 'secured campus' formerly known as code yellow and 'lockdown' formerly known as code red.

Washoe County School Police Chief Tracey Moore wants to assure parents the safety of their children. "When the fire alarm is activated, we evacuate and do a student accountability check. In a secured campus it's the same thing. We lock the perimeter of the campus down, the teachers lock their doors, and they stay instructional periods where they keep the kids and the teachers inside the building and safe."

Chief Moore says as a part of their crisis alert system, teachers and staff are provided a special badge with a button they can press that can call for assistance or initiate a lockdown. He says there has been some recent changes to their safety procedures such as creating a full-perimeter fence to help law enforcement secure school campuses and implementing single-point entry at every school.

"The single point entry keeps the perimeter secured and you can only come in through the school through one door during business hours."

Moore says this is where they also use the visitor management system to check the visitor's records and make sure they're clean.

The school district also plans several drills throughout the school year. So far this school year there have been 21 evacuation drills, 3 lockdown drills, and 4 secured campus drills.

The school district also shares that there have been almost a dozen non-planned emergency activations. A majority are fire alarm events requiring an evacuation, at least one lockdown, and a few secured campuses.

Moore says, "During these crisis emergency events of a lockdown or secured campus our communications department posts the information and the updates we can provide to the parents on the school district website. So, if they're looking for information, please don't call the dispatch center, please let them take the calls for emergency services."

Chief Moore says if parents need information, they can contact the school district's communications department or your school administrator.
A Yuba County man was charged with eight counts of attempted murder, among other felony charges, in connection with a violent attack on San Francisco pedestrians that left several people injured. Bill Hutchinson

A Northern California man was charged with eight counts of attempted murder among other felony charges in connection with a violent and unprovoked attack on San Francisco pedestrians Sunday, a three-hour rampage that injured several people, according to District Attorney Brooke Jenkins.

Anthony Carl Sheldone, 42, of Brownsville (Yuba County) was also charged with seven counts of assault with a deadly weapon, and one count of assault with force likely to cause great bodily injury, in addition to other charges, the DAs office said.

Prosecutors, citing a criminal complaint, also said Sheldone faces numerous allegations that he intentionally used a deadly and dangerous weapon and inflicted great bodily harm on multiple victims.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Sheldone is being held in San Francisco County Jail, according to jail records. The DAs office said it requested a judge detain him pending a trial because he is a risk to public safety.

At around 7:18 a.m. Sunday, Sheldone reportedly used a car to attack multiple people on Haight Street. He first ran over a person who was walking their dog in a crosswalk, then drove head on into an oncoming car, before physically assaulting another person at a bus stop on Stanyan Street, according to the DAs office, citing the court records.

Later, Sheldone reportedly ran over two people crossing the street at the intersection of Stanyan and Fulton streets, the DAs office said. He also asked a woman on the street to take her clothes off, before stabbing her husband after he confronted him, according to the DAs office. At about 8:55 a.m., Sheldone then allegedly ran over a 70-year-old person who was crossing the street at Van Ness Avenue and Golden Gate Avenue, according to the DAs office. Sheldone was finally taken into custody at around 10:10 a.m. after he dropped down from a 35-foot tree he had climbed in the Castro neighborhood, the DAs office said.

The DAs office added that Sheldone is accused of attacking San Francisco authorities.

I am grateful that no one lost their life in this horrific series of violent incidents that transpired last weekend, Jenkins said in a statement. Random, unprovoked violence like this shakes members of our community to the core. My office will now do everything in our power to ensure that there is justice in this case.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad
One of the most cherished and revered festivals in India, Ganesh Chaturthi also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, is a celebration of the birth of Lord Ganesha and is a 10-day festival that pays tribute and offers prayers to Lord Ganesha who is the remover of obstacles or the God of new beginnings and also the God of intelligence and wisdom. The festival is observed and celebrated throughout India by the Hindus, particularly in the states of Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Telangana, Karnataka, Goa, Kerala, and others. It is also celebrated in New Zealand, Singapore, Australia, etc by the Hindu diaspora living there.

This year Ganesh Chaturthi falls on September 7th, and it starts on the fourth day of Bhadrapada month. The elephant-headed deity is worshipped by placing his idols on raised platforms or in decorated outdoor tents. The worship begins with a ritual called Pranaprathishtha which is the evocation of an aspect of life in the idols for making them come alive and is followed by shhodashopachara or 16 days of paying homage. Idols are then covered with red sandalwood paste amid the chanting of Vedic hymns from religious texts such as the Ganesh Upanishad. Lord Ganesha is then offered his favorite sweet dumplings as many as twenty-one modaks, coconuts, and jaggery.

The propitious festival of Ganesh Chaturthi ends by carrying the idols of Lord Ganesha in big processions to the local rivers and coincides with the playing of devotional drumbeats, songs, and dancing, after which the idols are submerged in the rivers which represent Lord Ganeshas journey towards Mount Kailas, the home of Parvati and Shiva, his parents.

Ganesh Chaturthi became a grand public celebration when the Maratha ruler, Shivaji used it for invoking nationalist sentiments among his subjects fighting against the Mughals. Again in 1893 when the British banned political assemblies, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, the Indian nationalist leader led the revival of the festival.

Like every year, this year too brands celebrated Ganesh Chaturthi in full swing and optimistic spirit. Let's have a glimpse of the way brands celebrated Ganesh Chaturthi this year :

Simply Fresh





Cycle Pure Agarbatti

Amul

Blinkit

Swiggy Instamart

Parle G

Haldirams

Reliance Industries

Astroyogi

Itel

Happydent

Dominos

Uber
The Republic Digital Roundtable's first edition, Decoding the Budget Blueprint for Startups 2024, was successfully concluded on September 6 at Sterlings Mac Hotel in Bengaluru. The Round Table brought together founders, seasoned entrepreneurs, and influential leaders from various industry sectors to share insights on shaping the future of startups amidst a dynamic economic landscape.

Powered by Ultraviolette and supported by Indiazona  Bharat Ki Apni Dukaan and special partner EMO Energy, the Round Table served as a platform for forward-thinking dialogue on the role of policy, innovation, and investment in driving India's startup growth story.

Tapan Sharma, Chief Operating Officer of Republic Digital Business, commented on the event saying, "The Republic Digital Roundtable highlights the importance of collaboration in shaping a future-ready start-up ecosystem. By addressing key challenges and opportunities, Republic Digital is playing a crucial role in driving innovation, fostering investment, and promoting sustainable growth within India's start-up landscape.

Four high-impact panel discussions featuring leading experts and decision-makers provided valuable insights into key sectors of AI & technology, fintech, consumer goods & retail as well as automotive & mobility.

Key Highlights:

Government Support for Innovation: Panelists underscored the increasing focus on fostering innovation through government initiatives aimed at startups and MSMEs.  Investment Opportunities: The event offered a comprehensive understanding of the

budgets impact on funding opportunities and investment flows into the startup ecosystem.

Sustainability and Technology: Discussions covered how startups can align their business models with sustainable practices and emerging technologies to remain competitive in the global market.

Throughout the event, industry experts shared their insights across various sectors. Kamaljeet Singh, AVP of Product Management at JioCloud, remarked, AI is not only creating jobs but also enhancing how our systems process and handle tasks more effectively.

Singh highlighted the government's serious commitment to the AI sector and its inclusion in the budget, offering a forward-looking perspective on AI's role in entrepreneurship.

In the realm of mobility, Narayan Subramaniam, CEO and Co-Founder of Ultraviolette Automotive, provided a glimpse into the revolutionary potential of the Indian mobility market, noting, India has everything needed for the automotive sector to rise in the next five years.

Sheetanshu Tyagi, Co-Founder of Emo Energy, offered key insights, stating, Government support for businesses at the initial stage and for consumers at the end will be beneficial in certain cases.

With respect to the retail sector, Bhawana Pagaria, Co-Founder and CEO of Indiazona  Bharat Ki Apni Dukaan, discussed the evolving nature of consumer goods and retail. She observed, Consumers are increasingly accepting sustainable products, which is advantageous for startups in the consumer goods and retail sector.

The overwhelming success of the Republic Digital Roundtable sets the stage for future events that will continue to inspire and shape the trajectory of Indias startup ecosystem, ensuring that the momentum generated here will drive progress in the months and years ahead.
TVS Motor Company (TVSM), a global leader in two-wheelers and three-wheelers, has been pioneering state of the art engineering, innovation and manufacturing of high quality vehicles. Aligning with its commitment to continuous innovation and customer satisfaction, TVSMs leading premium motorcycle brand  TVS Apache becomes the first motorcycle brand globally, in the two-wheeler segment to use ingenious advertising with anamorphic display in key public spaces to catch both eye and awe of its audience.

Staying true to TVS Apache Series bloodline of redefining excitement through unmatched performance, agility, and building a passionate community for motorcycle enthusiasts, the brand has been captivating motorcycle enthusiasts and thrill-seekers globally. Through a series of smart and strategic partnerships TVS Apache has been creating a holistic journey for its aficionados online as well as offline, across age groups. These include partnership and associations with names like KidZania, Spartan offline as well as online engagement through Asphalt  Gameloft.

The anamorphic is done on TVS Apache RTR 160 4V that debuted in 2018 adding to the strong 5.5 million TVS Apache customers globally. By showcasing the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V on anamorphic display, TVS Apache brand has not only demonstrated their commitment to innovation but has also created a unique and memorable brand experience for their target audience. The display is in Pune and will be soon installed in many more key cities across India.

The TVS Apache series exemplifies cutting-edge engineering and performance innovation. Each model showcases advanced technology, from state-of-the-art engine design to sophisticated rider aids, all meticulously crafted to enhance performance, rider engagement and safety. The brand's Track To Road philosophy drives continuous innovation, translating race-proven technologies into street-legal performance. This relentless commitment to engineering excellence has transformed TVS Apache into a highly aspirational motorcycle brand, effectively democratizing racing technology for enthusiasts worldwide.
Dear friends,

The festive has begun in all earnest. After Raksha Bandhan and Janmashtami, the country, especially Maharashtra is all decked up to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi today. Brands are expecting a bumper festive season this year as market sentiments are largely positive.

However, alls not well in the media industry, which has been marred by job cuts. Ad revenues face a squeeze, resulting in media organisations going for, what they call, cost rationalisation. Mergers, acquisitions and consolidations have also resulted in companies going in for leaner teams.

Downsizing woes: Layoffs dampen Indian media industrys growth story

The year 2024 started off with a spate of layoffs in the media industry globally and in India. While there are no definitive numbers available, according to various industry sources, between 400 and 600 media personnel have been laid off so far in 2024 across print, television and digital news media.

Upskilling, relevance, AI adoption - Industrys mantra for future media jobs landscape

The downsizing happening in the media industry  both globally and in India  is an open secret that no one wants to talk about. While the mass layoffs in the IT industry always makes big news, the hundreds being asked to leave from media houses big and small remain under-reported.

Malayalam cinemas dark underbelly

Will Indias movie industry learn from Malayalam cinemas shocking exposure?

The Kerala government-appointed Hema committees report opened a Pandoras box, baring the dark underbelly of the Malayalam movie industry. The reports fallout has been cataclysmic, leaving the Malayalam cinema industry reeling, with a bevy of actors caught in a whirlwind of sexual harassment scandals.

New ASCI Chairman

Partha Sinha elected as new ASCI Chairman

The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) has appointed Partha Sinha, President & Chief Brand Officer, BCCL, as Chairman of the ASCI Board of Governors for 2024-25. Sudhanshu Vats, Deputy MD, Pidilite Industries, has been appointed Vice-Chairman, and S Subramanyeswar, Group CEO & Chief Strategy Officer - APAC, MullenLowe Lintas India, has been appointed Honorary Treasurer.

Amazon, eBay account wins

Amazon awards $20-billion global media account to WPP and Omnicom

Under the new arrangement, GroupM, a division of WPP, and Omnicom Media Group will manage Amazon's global media strategy, planning, and buying across all business segments, including e-commerce, Amazon Prime, AWS, and various subsidiaries.

eBay selects iProspect for global media duties in $350 mn deal

The review, which began in April, included the Australian market and saw three agencies competing: EssenceMediacom, iProspect, and Havas. Previously, EssenceMediacom managed eBays media account since 2019.

Subhash Chandra Vs SEBI Chairperson

SEBI Chairperson the main reason behind ZEE-Sony deal falling apart: Subhash Chandra

Essel Group Chairman and former Rajya Sabha MP Dr Subhash Chandra has levelled serious allegations against Madhabi Puri Buch, Chairperson, SEBI, at a press conference held this week.

Festive Fervour

Festive frenzy: Advertisers gear up for record-breaking spend

As we approach the second half of 2024, the global advertising landscape is poised for remarkable growth. Experts expect at least a 10% to 15% increase in ad spends compared to last year.

Luxury brands power festive push with social media, influencers, cross-brand partnerships

India has become one of the most thriving markets for luxury goods. As of 2024, prestige cosmetics and fragrances and luxury watches and jewellery have had the highest revenue, amounting to over $2 billion, respectively. Contrastingly, luxury eyewear has reported a revenue of about $344 million.

BFSI sector gears up for festive season with regionally relevant & personalized campaigns

With a surge in mobile banking, people adopting digital banking options and spending a considerable amount of time on social media, banks are increasingly relying on digital marketing, and social media marketing strategies to reach out to more customers, for retention of existing customers, and for resulting in more sales of their products and services, leading to higher revenue.

Other headlines:

WPLs value surges by 8% while IPLs value dips by 10%

Sunil Kataria on Raymonds significant ad spend hike for festive season this year

Raymond Lifestyle eyes on 7% share in mens-wear wedding market by 2027

Ayushmann Khurrana books 400% returns on angel investment in The Man Company

Were expecting 15-20% growth in H2 of 2024: Amit Pratihari, MD, De Beers India

Until next week...

Shanta Saikia

Editor

Adgully
Picture this: a newborn baby, barely a day old, with tiny fingers dipped in ink, their prints stamped into police records  labeled a criminal before they have even uttered their first cry. Hard to imagine, right? Yet, this is the grim reality faced by the Chitta community, where a child's fate is marked even before theyve had a chance to begin their life.

Drawing on audience insights from its innovative audience feedback initiative - Hamara Parivar, Zee TV breaks away from traditional storytelling moulds and transports viewers into a world rarely depicted on television, shining a light on an age-old system that continues to oppress the underprivileged. Jagriti - Ek Nayi Subah, set in the fictional town of Mokshgarh in Jharkhands Jamtara district, delves into the deep-rooted systemic injustice that has condemned the Chitta community to a life of perpetual marginalization. Here, children are branded as criminals from birth, denied access to education, forced into hunting, and exploited by feudal lords who control the region with an iron fist.

Produced by Guroudev Bhalla Productions, Jagriti - Ek Nayi Subah follows the courageous journey of 7-year-old Jagriti, a spirited young girl born into the Chitta community, who refuses to blindly accept the cruel fate imposed on her. Sharp-minded, hopeful, and resilient, Jagriti becomes the voice that questions the unfair branding of her people as criminals. With piercing eyes and boundless energy, she dreams of a future free from the shackles of this unjust system. Her relentless curiosity and unwavering sense of justice often land her in trouble, as she refuses to accept the norms that others have long resigned themselves to. Through her innocent yet powerful questions, Jagriti ignites a spark that will lead to a spirited struggle for the dignity and rights of her community. Young Asmi Deo is strikingly impressive as Jagriti and has been noticed ever since the shows promo has hit air!

In a never-seen-before avatar, Arya Babbar returns to television after an eight-year hiatus, portraying Kalikant Thakur  the wealthiest and most powerful man in the village. Cruel, corrupt, and deeply misogynistic, Kalikant bribes the local police and forest officials to ensure his illegal operations run smoothly. Whenever his smuggling consignments are intercepted by the authorities, an innocent man from the Chitta community is framed to take the fall. Kalikant's authoritarian rule and ruthless exploitation of the community underscore the dark and oppressive world that Jagriti is determined to challenge.

Mangesh Kulkarni, Chief Channel Officer, Zee TV, said, Having actively listened to our viewers via our innovative audience feedback mechanism  Hamara Parivar, we are taking them into a very different world rarely seen on television with our upcoming show Jagriti - Ek Nayi Subah. The story strikes at the heart of systemic injustice through the lens of a young child belonging to an oppressed community branded as criminals at birth. Her innocent questions demanding only her basic rights will tug at viewers heartstrings, making them root for her. As Jagriti gradually evolves into a powerful voice of resistance, the show invites viewers to join her on a journey of hope, empowerment, and the relentless pursuit of freedom. With a gripping storyline and standout performances, the show adds an interesting new flavour to Zee TV's vibrant content mix.

Producer Guroudev Bhalla said, Im thrilled to team up with the team at Zee TV yet again on Jagriti - Ek Nayi Subah. This gripping narrative delves into a world where a community is unjustly labeled as criminals from birth. Deprived of education and oppressed under Kalikant Thakurs tyranny, the Chitta people face systemic discrimination. To bring their plight to light, we have some really strong actors on board and theyre packing in impressive performances. If the show sparks conversations about social inequality and its lasting impact on real lives, we will feel truly validated.

Aarya Babbar said, Im excited to return to television with Jagriti: Ek Nayi Subah after an eight-year break. Working with this talented team has been a joy. I deeply immersed myself in my role, perfecting the dialect and body language. Playing Kalikant Thakur has been my most complex and compelling negative role yet. Im eager for audiences to experience our powerful story.

Asmi Deo said, Playing Jagriti has been a dream come true. This show stands out, and working with such a talented team has been a rewarding challenge. Jagriti is a girl of my age, but to see her being deprived of all the rights that I enjoy; makes me understand the unfortunate social discrimination in our society. It makes me value the opportunities that education provides. Ive poured my heart into my character and cant wait for everyone to see the magic weve created.

Join Jagriti on her quest for justice as Jagriti - Ek Nayi Subah premieres on 16th September, airing every day at 8:30 PM, only on Zee TV
Nevada County rescuers load Esmerelda Pineda onto a helicopter after the missing woman was found following a 12-day search in the wilderness. Nevada County Sheriff's Office

A woman who went missing from a Northern California mining camp was found alive Friday after 12 days in the wilderness, authorities said.

At 12:41 p.m., deputies with the Nevada County Sheriffs Office located Esmeralda Marie Pineda, 24, at the top of a canyon near the Yuba River and Sweetland Creek in Nevada City. Pineda was severely dehydrated and emaciated when she was found and needed immediate medical attention, officials said.

Less than an hour later, Pineda was airlifted by helicopter to a hospital for further treatment. The extent of her injuries and current condition were not known, the sheriffs office said.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Authorities began searching for Pineda on Aug. 26, when she was reported missing from the mining camp near the middle fork of the Yuba River and Sweetland Creek, according to the sheriffs office. The area where she went missing was treacherous in nature and search-and-rescue volunteers had to repel in and out of the canyon during attempts to find her, according to the authorities. On Friday, searchers used a special side-by-side vehicle when they came across the woman.
Mayawati Condemns 'Bulldozer Justice,' Advocates for Strict Adherence to the Rule of Law 2

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) leader Mayawati has strongly criticized the increasing use of Bulldozer justice by the government, calling for a return to the Rule of Law by Law. The former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh emphasized that legal actions should target criminal elements directly, without penalizing their families or close associates.

In a statement on social media platform X, Mayawati asserted, Actions against criminal elements must be conducted strictly according to the law. It is unjust to punish their families or loved ones for their crimes. She highlighted that her government had previously upheld this principle by ensuring justice was served within the boundaries of the law.

Mayawati expressed concern over the trend of using bulldozers to demolish properties, advocating that such measures should only be executed in line with Supreme Court directives. Ideally, there should be no need to resort to bulldozers, as criminal activities can be addressed through existing strict laws, she stated.

She further urged that instead of targeting the families of alleged criminals, the government should focus on taking stringent action against officials who, through collusion with criminal elements, fail to deliver justice to victims. All governments need to prioritize this approach, Mayawati added.

The BSP chiefs comments follow ongoing criticisms from opposition parties, who accuse the BJP-led government of practicing Bulldozer justice by demolishing properties linked to accused individuals before any legal proceedings are concluded.

Her remarks come on the heels of the Supreme Courts recent discussions on implementing nationwide guidelines to prevent the demolition of properties belonging to those accused of crimes. The apex court underscored that even unauthorized constructions should only be demolished in accordance with legal procedures, emphasizing that the demolition of a property should not serve as a form of punishment.

The Supreme Court also clarified that this principle applies to properties of both accused and convicted individuals, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring that justice is carried out within the legal framework, without endorsing unauthorized actions.
Supreme Court: Child Custody Cannot Be Treated as Transfer of Property, Welfare Paramount 2

The Supreme Court emphasized that courts dealing with habeas corpus petitions related to minors cannot treat children as movable property and transfer their custody without considering the emotional and psychological impact of disturbing their current custody. A habeas corpus petition seeks to produce a person before the court if they are missing or illegally detained.

A bench comprising Justices A S Oka and A G Masih declared that cases involving child custody should not be decided mechanically but based on humanitarian considerations, particularly the childs welfare.

The court delivered its verdict in a case involving the custody of a girl child, aged two years and seven months, whose mother had died in December 2022. The child was under the care of her maternal aunts after her mothers death, starting at 11 months old. Her father and paternal grandparents sought custody, which was initially granted by the Madhya Pradesh High Court in June 2023.

The Supreme Court, however, granted a stay on the high courts decision in July 2023 and noted that the high court had not adequately considered the childs welfare before deciding on custody, focusing instead on the fathers rights as the natural guardian.

The bench stressed that child custody decisions must prioritize the childs welfare over the rights of the parties involved. The court also observed that determining custody in such cases should be handled through substantive proceedings under the Guardians and Wards (GW) Act, 1890, which offers a more comprehensive process than a petition under Article 226 of the Constitution of India.

The bench directed that the father and paternal grandparents be allowed to meet the child once a fortnight, under the supervision of the District Legal Service Authority (DLSA) at Panna, Madhya Pradesh. Meetings will take place starting from September 21, on the first, third, and fifth Saturdays of each month.

The Supreme Court also instructed the maternal aunts to file for guardianship and permanent custody of the child under the GW Act within two months.
Alabama State University has approved plans to build more on-campus student housing.

Two new residential apartments will be built on Forest Avenue and South University Drive in Montgomery with 288 beds and 264 beds, respectively. The South University Drive site will include the demolition of the Cynthia Alexander Apartments while the Forest Avenue site will feature a student activity center with a cafe.

This announcement has been a long time coming. We have not had new construction on the ASU campus for a number of years, ASU President Quinton T. Ross, Jr., said in a statement.

The development plan and its financing was approved by the universitys board of trustees this month and will offer students apartment-style living. Both complexes will be built simultaneously with the goal to be ready for occupancy as quickly as possible.

The new construction supports Alabama State Universitys FOCUS 2030 Strategic Plan, which has as one of its goals to upgrade campus facilities for revitalization and expansion.

The need for new student housing is critical to the Universitys continued growth, said Donald Dotson, ASUs vice president of Facilities Management and Operations, who will oversee the development.

These projects will not only provide very nice living conditions for our students, but also will help us with new student enrollment and recruiting opportunities as prospective Hornets observe the impressive housing these two new facilities will provide, Dotson added.
A tropical depression could develop in the Gulf of Mexico next week, according to forecasters. And those along the western Gulf Coast need to keep an eye on it.

The National Hurricane Center has been tracking a tropical disturbance for much of the past week as it moved through the Caribbean, over Mexicos Yucatan Peninsula, and into the southern Gulfs Bay of Campeche.

It was producing disorganized rain and storms in the southern Gulf on Saturday, according to forecasters.

However, the hurricane center raised the probability of development from medium to high on Saturday afternoon.

As of Saturday afternoon an area of low pressure has formed, and the entire system could evolve into a tropical depression by midweek as it interacts with a frontal boundary to the north, which is currently draped across the northern Gulf Coast:

2 pm EDT Sat, Sep. 7: An area of low pressure over the Bay of Campeche is likely to become a tropical depression during the early or middle part of next week while moving generally northward. Interests along western Gulf of Mexico coast should monitor its progress. pic.twitter.com/DXoqNLGl5i  National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) September 7, 2024

The system is expected to move slowly to the northwest or north.

Its unclear how strong it could be, or where it could go, but those along the Gulf Coast will need to keep an eye on it for the next few days.

Interests along the western Gulf of Mexico coast should closely monitor the progress of this system, forecasters said Saturday afternoon.

It has the potential to bring heavy rain and gusty winds to part of the western Gulf Coast in the next few days.

A system has to have a defined center of circulation and winds of at least 39 mph to be considered a tropical storm and get a name. The next name on the list is Francine.

The hurricane center was also tracking a second tropical disturbance, and this one was in the central Atlantic on Saturday.

It has a 40 percent probability of becoming a tropical depression in the next seven days. Its expected to meander for a few days then begin tracking to the west-northwest across the central tropical Atlantic.

It could also become a tropical depression next week.

A third system was identified on Saturday afternoon in the eastern Atlantic east-southeast of the Cabo Verde Islands. Forecasters said some slow development will be possible early next week as it tracks to the west-northwest.

It had a 20 percent probability of becoming a tropical depression in the next week.

The Atlantic hurricane season is now in what is usually its most active period, with a climatological peak coming on Sept. 10. However, the basin has been unusually quiet since Hurricane Ernesto dissipated on Aug. 20.

NOAA had been anticipating 17 to 24 named storms in the Atlantic before the end of the hurricane season on Nov. 30. To date there have been five named storms, with three of them becoming hurricanes.
Russia is using a combination of covertly funded groups and its state-run RT media outlet to inflame U.S. domestic divisions and increase support for Donald Trump ahead of Novembers election, an intelligence official said Friday.

RT has built and used networks of U.S. and other Western personalities to create and disseminate Russia-friendly narratives while trying to mask the content in authentic Americans free speech, said the official with the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, who spoke to reporters on the condition of anonymity.

These actors, among others, are supporting Moscows efforts to influence voter preferences in favor of the former president and diminish the prospects of the vice president, the official said, referring to Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris.

The remarks come after the U.S. on Wednesday accused Russia of running a multi-pronged disinformation campaign that targeted voters ahead of election day. As part of the operation, $10 million in funding was wired through shell companies backed by the RT news agency to fund Tenet Media, a right-wing outlet in Tennessee that has since ceased operations.

The Justice Department in its accusations said RT funneled the money to help distribute content to U.S. audiences with hidden Russian government messaging.

Election security has been identified as a top cyber concern for 2024 by officials, researchers, and academics, as a record number of voters worldwide are casting their ballots in the era of social media and new AI tools aimed at consumers. The issue has taken center stage in recent weeks after the intelligence community confirmed that Iranian hackers breached Trumps campaign and have attempted to target the Harris platform.

Election threat briefings have been offered up to both campaigns, said another ODNI official who declined to say whether Trump or Harris campaign staff accepted them. Spokespeople for both campaigns did not return Nextgov/FCWs request for comment by publishing time.

Russias influence apparatus is very large and Kremlin spin doctors are puppeteering other active influence entities, said the first ODNI official.

The U.S. intelligence community in July assessed that Russia has not changed its political interests from previous elections, where its efforts largely benefitted the Donald Trump campaigns.

___

2024 Government Executive Media Group LLC. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Michigan Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer visited Alabama Friday to serve as the sponsor for the 14th and final U.S. Navy Expeditionary Fast Transport vessel that will be built at Mobiles shipyard and delivered within the next 36 months.

It was a visit without any comments about the tense presidential campaign in a deep red state expected to overwhelmingly back Republican former President Donald Trump.

Whitmer, co-chair of Vice President Kamala Harris presidential campaign, offered only praise toward Austal USA, Alabama and the workforce that will build a Navy ship named after the Michigan capital city, and her hometown of Lansing.

She took no questions from the local media, opting to spend a brief time taking pictures and meeting with the Austal USA workers who watched the keel laying ceremony from inside an Austal plant near downtown Mobile.

Lets continue to work together and deliver for this beautiful county we are so fortunate to call home, Whitmer said moments before she joined veteran Austal welder Emija Coleman to etch her name onto the future USNS Lansing (EPF-16). It was part of a keel laying ceremony that is common before the construction of a Navy ship at the Australian-based Austal plant that first opened in across the Mobile River from downtown Mobile in 1999.

Your work is critical especially concerning global national security threats we face on water ways and oceans around the world, Whitmer said. For over a century, Alabamians have churned out watercraft right here to shore up our national defense.

She added, There is one thing Alabamians and Michiganders have in common. We love to make stuff that continues to make the world move forward.

M3 Initiative

Whitmers visit to Mobile came more than a month after U.S. Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro announced the naming of the Navy ship after Lansing. It also comes after the Biden Administration announced the Michigan Maritime Manufacturing (M3) Initiative that includes $50 million to train and recruit a workforce in Michigan interested in manufacturing military submarines.

The M3 Initiative comes amid a labor shortage in the U.S. Navy and that has led to a backlog in ship production.

Navy shipbuilding is in a terrible state  the worst in a quarter century, according to Eric Labs, a longtime naval analyst at the Congressional Budget Office, in an Associated Press story posted recently in the Navy Times.

Austal USA held a keel laying ceremony for the future USNS Lansing (EPF-16) on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, at the company's shipyard in Mobile, Ala. Michigan Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer joined U.S. Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro and others for the ceremony of the final Flight II Expeditionary Fast Transport ship that will be constructed at Austal USA. The vessel is expected to be built and ready for use within 36 months.John Sharp

Del Toro, in Mobile, praised Michigans workforce and Austals ability to build ships.

Michigan has a world-class skilled world-class skilled workforce and is a leader in developing the techno-industrial workforce we need to build and assemble the ships, munitions, parts and pieces our Navy, Marine Corps, and indeed our nation need to promote peace around the world, Del Toro said. Austal, building this ship, represents another key line of effort under our new, national approach to Maritime Statecraft  a foreign shipbuilder establishing a U.S. subsidiary, investing in America, and partnering with us to build American ships.

The ship will be under construction for the next three years, when it will be officially christened and placed into active service.

EFP-16 is the final of the high-speed, shallow draft vessels to be built in Mobile. The first of the ships built in the EFP program was in 2010.

The American taxpayer is having a great return on these ships, said Larry Ryder, vice-president of business development and external affairs with Austal. There are 14 delivered to date. They are doing a wide range of missions. They are extremely flexible. They have a large capacity to move people and can move equipment and supplies.

The last three of the EFP vessels have enhanced medical capabilities, Ryder said, which include a full medical platform that includes an ICU ward, lab services, X-rays and more.

Full circle

U.S. Rep. Jerry Carl, R-Mobile, speaks during an Austal USA keel laying ceremony for the future USNS Lansing (EPF-16) on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, at the company's shipyard in Mobile, Ala. Michigan Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer joined U.S. Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro and others for the ceremony of the final Flight II Expeditionary Fast Transport ship that will be constructed at Austal USA. The vessel is expected to be built and ready for use within 36 months.John Sharp

The keel laying ceremony was also a bittersweet moment for U.S. Rep. Jerry Carl, R-Mobile, who will leave Congress in January after losing the Alabama Republican Congressional District 1 primary to U.S. Rep. Barry Moore of Enterprise. Moore, who represents the 2nd district, sought the 1st district seat following a congressional redistricting.

Carl said the funding for the USNS Lansing was included in his first defense appropriations package after he was sworn into office in early 2021.

Its kind of a closing and a coming full circle and seeing some of my efforts come together, Carl said.

Carl offered praised to Del Toro and the relationship he developed with the Navy secretary during his time in office. He also said that Whitmers appearance was strictly meant to be about national defense, and not politics.

We have to put our labels down and focus on national defense, Carl said. Thats what Austal is about. They have Republicans and Democrats and Independents building these (ships). We want to keep the pride of what were building here. You dont build that from being a party. You build it from being a nation.
Nearly a year after Decatur police shot and killed a Black man in his frontyard, two of the people arrested during the ensuing protests appeared in court today.

David Snyder said police arrested him while he was an observer during one of the protests last year. He pleaded not guilty to the charge of disorderly conduct today. Municipal Court Judge Eddie Alley set his trial for next month.

Quincy Crittendon turned himself in following a warrant for his arrest after supporters of Stephen Perkins protested at a bridge last year. He was found guilty of disorderly conduct today and chose to appeal the judgment to the Morgan County Circuit Court.

One of the cases stipulated an appeal so they can have a jury trial in the county courthouse across the street, Laura Terry Powell, attorney representing Snyder and Crittendon, said. And one of the cases chose to reject any settlement or wasnt able to reach a settlement, and was set for trial at a later date in the city of Decatur.

Protests have rocked the north Alabama city since Sept. 29 when an officer shot and killed Perkins in front of his house in the middle of the night. Officers came to the house with a tow truck driver who was there to repossess Perkins vehicle. Perkins was 39 and a gym enthusiast.

A now-fired police officer, Bailey Marquette , is facing murder charges. His trial was set for Nov. 18, but the District Attorney Scott Anderson said his office needed more time to prepare for the trial, court documents show. Judge Charles B. Elliott granted the request. Another trial date for the case has not been set.

Protest organizers say dozens of people have been arrested during protests against the police and the citys handling of the shooting.

They are primarily people who are called The Movement, which are citizens of Decatur who are still grieving the loss of Steve Perkins following his murder by a police officer approximately one year ago, Powell said.

Last month, the city dropped charges against three people arrested during protests at the 3rd Friday Street festival in April.

The prosecution has the discretion, city attorney Herman Marks told AL.com. He looks at the case, he looks at the facts, looks at all the factors and has the discretion to drop cases.
A north Alabama woman being held in the Morgan County Jail on $300,000 bond faces two murder charges.

Decatur police say Mary Hughes was involved in a series of events that began almost two weeks ago.

On August 25, Decatur police were dispatched to the 1600 block of Ororke Lane S.W. on a reported stabbing. Officers found a man with multiple lacerations inside of the residence.

The victim was transported to Huntsville Hospital by Decatur Morgan EMS. Hughes, who was also present at the scene, was charged for second degree domestic violence. She was later released on $10,000 bond from the Morgan County Jail.

On Aug. 31, at approximately 7:15 a.m., Morgan County Central Dispatch received a call about an assault at Line Street N.E. and Market Street N.E.

An elderly woman, Mimi Marquette, was assaulted with a hammer by a woman who left the scene in a vehicle. A witness was able to follow the suspect in their vehicle until officers arrived, police said.

Marquette was transported to Huntsville Hospital to receive treatment.

Hughes, who was identified as the suspect in the assault, was booked into the Morgan County Jail on a $50,000 cash bond.

The following day, Sept. 1, the body of a man was discovered in the 1000 block of East Moulton Street N.E.

An autopsy concluded the victim, James Jefferson, was the victim of a homicide.

Then on Thursday, Marquette died of her injuries. Hughes has been charged with his death.
Joe Biden and his progressives would sell out their parents.

Did you hear him blame Netanyahu for the absence of a ceasefire? The only action that he could take that would bring hostages home (maybe) is to surrender to Hamas.

I've never seen the stars lined up so unfavorably for the U.S. Ask any American who is reasonably familiar with what's going on in the Middle East, and it's apparent that we've lost control of the narrative; up is down, and white is black.

Start with the state of the Middle East:

Israel is at war, and everyone, even some of its own people, seems to want it to surrender to Hamas, Iran's proxy.

Iran continues its march to acquiring a nuclear weapon, with the Biden/Harris administration facilitating it through inaction. They may be further along than previously supposed.

Iran's proxies wage war on the West. The Biden/Harris administration focuses on the proxies and not Iran, which provides the money, weapons, training, command and control, and mission orders that see death and destruction without end. Not just in Israel but threatening world trade by ordering the Houthis to attack ships in the Red Sea and, separately, to kill and maim elsewhere. We also know that Iran has ordered the death of both Iranian and American citizens here and in Europe.

We have demonized Saudia Arabia, the only potential player in the Middle East that could exert enough pressure on the rest of the region to bring stability and an end to the Iranian menace.

We live in a world where optics and spin have become more important than facts.

How did this happen, and what does it portend for the rest of us?

Were Israel to agree to a ceasefire with Hamas that sees Hamas boss Yahya Sinwar go free, it would be the beginning of the end for the State of Israel. It would indicate that Israel possesses a fatal character defect heralding its undoing. Yet, with that fact so glaringly obvious, hundreds of thousands of Israelis demand a ceasefire with no preconditions. No wonder Hamas and Iran are believers that Allah is Great and about to deliver them a promised miracle.

American policy is not to negotiate with terrorists. Why is it then that Biden and Harris are doing just that with Iran and their proxies? Why isn't the United States militarily on the ground in Gaza to retrieve American hostages as we so often do? Why isn't that option employed to apply additional pressure on Hamas?

Instead, Biden/Harris plays directly into our enemy's hands by pandering to a world audience that wishes Israel harm and sends only weak platitudes for the loss Israel absorbed on October 7.

This war would have already been over if not for Biden and his progressive left demanding Israel fight with one hand tied behind its back and with a timer Washington has set for it to be over, regardless of victory. Israel has been intentionally held to an impossible standard.

What would we do if Mexico killed 1,200 Americans in a cross-border raid?

Like all wars, this one will end, too. It will be then time for Act II as Iran extends an olive branch to the new U.S. president, whoever that is.

Iran has been playing for time for over 30 years.

It's another truism that if you must have a deal, you'll get the worst end of any agreement. That's been what happened to Obama and Biden with the horribly deficient JCPOA. Iran was on the ropes when we led the world to apply sanctions that dried up their oil revenues. Biden and Obama opened the spigots and sent tens of billions of dollars to the Iranians.

How did that work out for us? All the Iranian proxies were bestowed billions of dollars in support and today possess tens of thousands of rockets and other weapons that threaten the region and have killed and maimed American and Israeli citizens. Iran even manufactures weapons for Russia to kill Ukrainians.

And, still, we don't seriously threaten the inevitable fight that must come to stop Iran's march to a nuclear weapon. According to the Free Press, they may be closer to having it than previously known.

We cannot allow them to possess or to conquer the Middle East, turning the region into a Muslim caliphate, which they have promised to do.

Waiting in the wings is problematic Saudi Arabia. A country we used to be tightly integrated with despite their radical Wahhabism that troubles us all and their ties to 9/11. Regardless of what you may have heard, Saudi Arabia, Israel, and the U.S. are tied together at the hip. Israel has been providing military technology to Saudi Arabia for the last thirty years, and the Saudis have a preference for American military tech.

Saudi Arabia is far from perfect, but is the only counterweight to an expansionist Iran. Woke Washinton, led by the progressive left, reflexively clings to the Palestinians, which is nothing more than a cudgel to overturn American policy in place since the end of the Second World War.

This strategy provided stability, cheap energy, and many years of business opportunities. The underlying concept is still valid, more so since the Iranian Revolution of 1979 led us to where we are today.

It is in our interest to see a stable Middle East that is no longer dominated by religious sects that hate each other; removing Iran from contention favors that outcome.

God Bless America.

Allan J. Feifer is a patriot, author, businessman, thinker, and strategist. Read more about Allan, his background, and his ideas to create a better tomorrow at www.1plus1equals2.com.
Human beings interface with the world on a spectrum between the two opposing poles of engagement and anxiety. Engagement is the state of being outward-looking. It drives the spirit of exploration and curiosity that has seen humanity traverse every corner of the globe while progressing from the first controlled fire to the launching of advanced rockets. Meanwhile, anxiety turns inward. It perceives the outer world as threatening and hostile, and so proceeds to build up fortifications and defenses. From this come various avoidance neuroses, but also a certain defensive acquisitiveness, as the anxious subject seeks to fortify his position and amass his forces against a hostile and hazardous world.

The key distinction here is that the for the engaged man, the outer world is an object of interest in and of itself. Sir Edmund Hillary climbs Mt. Everest for no other reason than that its there. Meanwhile, for the anxious man, the things of the world are of interest only insofar as they fortify or threaten his position in the world and are otherwise not just ignored, but invisible. A hypothetical subject at the polar extreme of anxiety will, upon listening to a piece of music, look around furtively, seeking social cues. Do I or do I not display enjoyment? What reaction is advantageous to me socially? His engagement with the music for its own sake is nonexistent. Every interaction between him and the outside world is mediated by his immersive concern with how it strengthens or weakens his position in the world.

Once one has a grasp on the anxiety-driven consciousness, a few otherwise perplexing social phenomena become more relatable. For instance, over the last four years, since the crisis of 2020, the Democrat partys progressive base has begun openly to advocate for censorship as a baseline policy, without any leavening pretext. This same base also advocated for aggressively authoritarian measures against COVID, with 29% of Democrat voters supporting state seizure of children from unvaccinated parents. Further, they demonstrate unshakeable trust in mass media, despite their continued forays into self-parodic propaganda.

We also see that this ideological cohort consists most disproportionately of economic, institutional, and academic elites. This gives rise to the question: why has the most accomplished cohort in America made a turn to this peculiar mode of authoritarianism, which combines covertness with sheer audacity? The strong Democrat will fiercely advocate for federal regulation of disinformation while at the same time denying he supports censorship. He will vouch for the veracity of mass media news even when presented with its mountain of falsehoods.

The solution to this paradox lies in the manner by which America selects its elite. The current institutional, academically credentialed class is a new category of elite. Earlier epochs produced hereditary elites, priestly and landed elites, martial and industrial elites, culminating in the scholarly and meritocratic elites of the mid-20th century. The modern American (really Western) elite is a new breed of Anxiety-Elite. Because this elite is anxiety-driven, it is inward-looking. It registers the outside world primarily as a constellation of prospects and threats.

This, it must be emphasized, occurs on a preconscious level. Anxiety undergirds the framework of their perceptual apparatus. It determines simultaneously how they perceive and what they perceive. This is not cynicism, as there is no calculation, no effort to deceive. This elite perceives whatever is to his advantage as truth itself.

Hence, when evaluating the prospect of mass censorship, the Anxious Elite perceives a relief from a potential threat. A world where correct opinion is straightforwardly delivered to him is easier to navigate. A world where reality has to be negotiated is perilous. There is a risk that one is wrong (note that wrong is perceived not in metaphysical terms, but as being on the losing side).

The anxiety of the new elite also yields insight as to its continued trust in mass media. Mass media are always right despite flagrant inconsistencies, errors, and outright lies, because they remain a signal of institutional authority, hence they remain a repository of correct information and views.

Again, the anxious subject, while capable at an abstract level of distinguishing between the categories of true and socially expedient, cannot perceive this distinction at the level of his personal, visceral commitments. That which is expedient registers in his mind automatically and unshakably as true. Because the anxious subject is inward-looking, he does not perceive outside reality as an object of inquiry in its own right. He has no conception or concern for the truth of a proposition in the abstract so long as there is any personal implication.

The Anxiety Elite comes into being with the degeneration of meritocracy. This degeneration comes with the extreme academic institutionalization of the vehicles for American social advancement. Academic institutions, starting from the later primary grades, cease to present activities of any intrinsic value. The curriculum does not reward, and increasingly punishes, any genuine interest in any subject matter. What the elite aspirant comes to understand is that his continued advancement in the institutions of managed upward mobility depends on his punctual, well managed completion of make-work, along with demonstrations of sundry resume-building activities that have no value outside their formal requirement for upward mobility. As such, the curriculum selects for prospects who are inward-looking, who thrive under conditions where it is assumed that the environment consists of nothing except fodder for personal gain. The qualities selected by this advancement mechanism are those of the Anxious Subject, and those who excel most are precisely those nearest the pole of anxiety.

A spirit of engagement in such environments is functionally a liability and must be suppressed. Explorers are by nature restless when placed on a life course that is functionally a competitive conveyor belt; they are the first to drop off, regardless of their intelligence or talent. Further, the profusion of academic credentialing requirements for ever more areas of productive work curtails the potential avenues of advancement for those who are more exploratory in their nature.

The arrest of progress in several fields  the decline of medicine, education, the arts, cinema, literature, education, politics  is indicative of the dysfunction of the anxiety-driven pseudo-meritocracy. Although a relentless focus on personal advancement will reliably lead to success in careerist terms, in order to drive progress, in order to create anything novel, original, or beautiful, one must at some point engage with ones professional domain on its own terms, for its own sake. Producing right answers reliably can advance ones career, but making progress, by definition, requires moving past the right answers and working with a genuine interest in the stuff itself.

The inability of our current elite to do this only heightens their sense of inadequacy, rendering their sense of their own station precarious. As such, they will continue to insist on authoritarian measures that will ensure that the right answers they are so adept at parroting will remain right, so that they will not be displaced by a meritocracy of legitimate competence.

Image via PickPik.
From left: Josias Velasquez Colindres, 17, has been missing since July, while Isreal Myers, 16, has been missing since August, Oakland police say. Oakland Police Department

Oakland police request the publics help locating two teens who have been missing separately for weeks.

Josias Velasquez Colindres, 17, was last seen July 15 on the 3500 block of East 16th Street. He is described as Latino, standing 5 feet, 2 inches and weighing 120 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.

Isreal Myers, 16, was last seen Aug. 20 on the 1200 block of 65th Avenue. Isreal is described as Black, standing 5 feet, 4 inches and weighing 120 pounds, with black hair with yellow highlights.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad
Donald Trump is likely to win the most votes in Pennsylvania, but unless he leads by at least 3 percent on Election Day, it is likely that Kamala Harris will be declared the winner.

If that happens, the Republicans will have to take extraordinary steps to dispute the stolen election.

To understand the need for an extra 3 percent, we must review the serious problems of the 2020 election, which remain today.

Two big problems

Pennsylvania does not require ID when voting by mail. That is bad enough. But just before the 2020 election, Pennsylvanias Supreme Court eliminated the only other way to determine if a ballot comes from a real voter: It ended signature matching. That absurd ruling remains in effect for the 2024 election, so there will be no way to determine if mailed ballots are submitted by legitimate voters. Indeed, there will be even less security for the 2024 election because the radical Pennsylvania Supreme Court just ruled that ballots no longer need to be dated.

The problem in Pennsylvania is not just theoretical: It led to an invalid certification of the 2020 election. On Dec. 28, 2020, nearly two months after the 2020 election, 16 members of the Pennsylvania legislature put out an urgent press release warning that 202,377 ballots (nearly 3 percent of the total vote) had not been matched to registered voters.

In response, the state's Secretary of State said, effectively, the check is in the mail. These were her words (almost two months after the election):

...some counties have not yet finished entering into the SURE system what are called voter histories. Each history is tied to the record of the individual voter who cast a ballot... [T]hese counties included Philadelphia, Allegheny, Butler and Cambria, which would account for a significant number of voters...

The Secretarys explanation was good enough for mainstream media fact checkers, who immediately declared that the problem raised by 16 Republican legislators was debunked. But no one in media bothered to follow up to see if the ballots were finally matched to registered voters. I can tell you, factually, they were not.

A high-quality data analysis firm called Verity Vote prepared a meticulous analysis that compared ballots received by each county to the number of registered voters who actually voted in each county. Pennsylvanias unique registration system, called the SURE system, indicates total registered voters as well as the number of registered voters who actually voted in the prior election. For that reason, it is possible to compare ballots to actual registered voters who voted.

To prepare the analysis, Verity Vote purchased voter registration updates from the Pennsylvania Secretary of State for each week from late October 2020 through the beginning of February 2021. At all times, there was a voter deficit ranging from 121,000 to 202,000. As a veteran auditor with over 40 years of experience, I independently obtained registration data and reviewed the Verity Vote analysis extensively. It was completely accurate.

If you wonder where the phony ballots came from, here is the answer. True the Vote (TTV), the data analysts behind the 2000 Mules movie, estimated that there were 210,000 to 275,000 Pennsylvania ballots harvested just before the 2020 election. Although the mainstream media declared that the TTV estimates were faulty (too imprecise), those fact checks were simplistic. As I note in a separate article, a review of six so-called fact checks showed that...

No fact checker mentioned the very precise cell phone tracking that is possible when multiple GPS signals are used. According to the U.S. federal government (GPS.gov), when two or more cell phone frequencies are combined, it is possible to obtain results accurate to within centimeters, or even millimeters (instead of several feet). That is information the fact checkers ignored.

GPS signals are used. According to the U.S. federal government (GPS.gov), when two or more cell phone frequencies are combined, it is possible to obtain results accurate to within centimeters, or even millimeters (instead of several feet). That is information the fact checkers ignored. Fact checkers also ignored TTVs claim to have used three different types of signals  not just one. TTV asserted that, by combining 3 signals, it achieved average real life accuracy to within 39 inches (not the 40 foot accuracy reported by fact checkers). By real life accuracy I mean the accuracy achievable after consideration of buildings, trees, and other obstructions.

Although no one can say for sure that the 210,000 - 275,000 ballot estimate is accurate, or that TTV was as meticulous as it claimed, it is virtually certain that a huge number of ballots were illegally harvested, and those harvested ballots probably accounted for much of the problem reported by the 16 PA legislators, and confirmed by Verity Vote.

Unfortunately, there is no reason to think that there wont be fake ballots in Pennsylvanias 2024 election. After successfully smearing the 2000 Mules movie, Democrat ballot harvesters probably feel more emboldened than ever before. They will cheat again.

The solution

As I stated earlier in the American Thinker, the Trump team must be prepared to accumulate strong evidence to prove that votes are suspect. Once the election is over, the only method that will work is post-election voter canvassing.

Although the exact method will vary by location, here are some of the specific steps that will be required:

The voter database of each large county must be obtained. It should include all registered voters and their addresses, and it must identify the voters who cast a mail-in ballot. A large sample of addresses must be selected from the population of people shown to have voted by mail. The sample must be representative of the countys population, and it should be selected by an expert statistician. Trained volunteers should knock on the doors of selected voters. When a resident responds at the door, the volunteers should identify themselves as private citizens who are conducting voluntary election integrity research. Several questions should be asked: Did you vote? What method did you use to vote (in person or absentee)? How many ballots did you receive in the mail for yourself? How many ballots did you receive for person(s) who do not live here? What did you do with any extra ballots received? When all data are received, the results should be compiled and analyzed.

After the 2020 election, a massive canvassing effort was performed in Maricopa County, Arizona. It determined that 5.7 percent of the alleged voters were unknown at the voting address. Unfortunately, the survey was produced far too late to be useful. In Macomb County, Michigan a survey determined that there was a problem with about 18 percent or more of the alleged voters. That canvass effort was shut down prematurely by Dana Nessel, Michigans radical Attorney General.

There are other factors to consider:

Even though canvassing activity is legal in most areas, Democrats will furiously try to block any canvassing, so lawyers must be familiar with election and solicitation laws for each community. The surveys must be completed within days after the election, before memories fade and people get confused. For each major county within a swing state, a bi-partisan group of leaders should be selected. If possible, these leaders should be retired judges, lawyers, doctors, engineers, and accountants, and they should have unblemished credentials. They will select and supervise the volunteers. A professional statistician must be used, and she must select a sample large enough to achieve high confidence with a small margin of error. For most counties the required sample might range from 500 to 1,000. Accurate records of all responses must be kept. If discrepancies are found, sworn affidavits should be obtained, if possible.

When done properly, the findings will be solid evidence that can be used in an election lawsuit. It wont prove that a particular candidate won, but it can show that a new election must be held.

There is one more option, and it is much better: Trump can avoid all of this by increasing his lead to over 3 percent by Election Day.

Joe Fried is an Ohio-based CPA who has performed and reviewed hundreds of certified financial audits. He is the author of the book, Debunked? An auditor reviews the 2020 election, and How Elections Are Stolen, which outlines 23 problems that must be fixed before the 2024 election. More information can be found at https://joefriedcpa.substack.com/, Joes permanently free Substack account.

Image: Pixabay / Pixabay License
New York Justice Juan Merchan surprised many by promising to delay President Trump's sentencing after the preposterous verdict in the Stormy Daniels hush money trial until after the election, on Nov. 26. The all-Democrat jury had convicted him on 34 felony counts over a bookkeeping classification last May in charges that have never been tried in the way they were tried. Merchan said he needed to go over the implications of a recent Supreme Court ruling on presidential immunity.

It's kind of dubious.

After all, there is zero doubt he wants to ship Trump off to prison. He was the judge in other cases against Trump executives on kangaroo-court charges, and publicly burned with fury that he couldn't give them longer sentences than the law allowed. You can just imagine what he'd like to do to Trump. Many say he would never jail Trump but that's not his pattern.

So why did he blink when he finally had him where he wanted him?

Most likely, he recognized that the more he stuck it to Trump, the higher his poll ratings went -- propelling him to a lead, actually, when he hadn't had one earlier. That was the pattern during the trial, because the public doesn't like lawfare, particularly lawfare that affects its voting choices, and this was politicized lawfare with a capital 'L.' Witnesses were forbidden to appear. The president was gagged. The jury was all leftist Democrats. Pervy creepy irrelevant witnesses with nothing to add but salacious stories were allowed to unspool on the stand, such as the porn "star" Stormy Daniels, in an obvious bid to embarrass President Trump and drive his poll numbers down.

A lot of black voters, for one, could recognize what was going on based on their own experiences, and as a result, decided to vote for Trump, driving his poll numbers up.

Now that Kamala Harris is in the saddle on the Democrat side, her own record as a lawfare prosecutor throwing the book at young black men convicted of minor crimes would make that experience even starker for some black voters.

Perhaps Merchan saw some internals.

That's not as farfetched a concern as might be supposed, given that his adult daughter Loren works for a company, Authentic Campaigns, that does work for Democrats, and according to Victoria Taft's report on PJMedia, has actually taken money from the Harris campaign. In the House, Rep. Elise Stefanik, and Rep Jim Jordan, are trying to sort that out, so more information may be out on it for sure. It definitely looks like a politicized conflict of interest for the justice.

The big one, though, is the admission from the Department of Justice that the whole trial was a political operation from the start. That ran in a video by Stephen Crowder. It confirmed what everyone was thinking and now one of the culprits, albeit to an undercover reporter, said it out loud.

Merchan worked in close cahoots with Prosecutor Alvin Bragg, with no daylight in their positions -- if Alvin wants something, Merchan gives it, and if Alvin doesn't want something, the judge accommodates. Trump's defense lawyers couldn't say the same.

And Bragg was up to his ears with the White House, having "hired" the number three man at the Justice Department and assigned him a lowly prosecutorial job in New York, as if maybe he had another job -- reporting to the White House. Nobody in the swamp takes that kind of demotion without being on some kind of mission.

Now there's an ethics complaint from Congress, filed by Stefanik, following news that Loren Merchan's company got money from the Harris campaign.

Wasn't Trump impeached for supposedly lobbying the Ukrainians to continue to investigate the corruption of Joe Biden's son Hunter? Funny how those conflicts of interest only go one way.

But it seems to have given Merchan pause, because so long as he's not sticking it to Trump, he probably won't have to deal much with Congress, and even if he does, it won't be covered much in the press.

Any of these factors might be why Merchan chose to delay sentencing. If Democrats can rig the election against Trump again, which they are already trying to do, he will be home free to sentence Trump to as many years in prison as the law allows, and we know he will. He might even try it if Trump is elected. But it's going to be harder.

That's why Trump has to win the election.

Image: Pixabay / Pixabay License
For years, Alan Dershowitz, despite parting ways with Democrats on myriad topics, has steadfastly retained his allegiance to the Democrat party. However, Dershowitz finally hit his breaking point after watching the Democrats convention. Even though the Democrats were very careful not to attack Israel during the convention, he noted how open antisemites and people who are viciously anti-Israel were given pride of place in the proceedings. For Dershowitz, this was finally a bridge too far:

(If you dont want to watch the video, Ive embedded a slightly cleaned-up transcript at the end of this post.)

Part of me wants to yell at Dershowitz, What took you so long? You might have made a positive difference to this country if you hadnt been so wishy-washy and had spoken out strongly in favor of conservative policies and candidates instead of just whining about your own party.

However, as a former Democrat, I understand how difficult leaving the Democrat party can be. Republicans think that party allegiance is about the political positions the party espouses. However, this changed in the sixties when the leftists made serious inroads into the Democrat party.

At that point, the Democrat party took on a more Manichean approach to party identification. Today, its no longer about whether a party advances policies that will make American life better. Instead, Democrats abandoned the good policy versus bad policy framework and replaced it with a good person versus evil person framework. Thats reflected in the old Republican saying that Republicans think Democrats are stupid; Democrats think Republicans are evil.

The problem with the Democrats Manichean world view is that its very difficult to shift party allegiance. Its one thing to disagree with your partys practical politics. Its another thing to say, Im going to become evil. It took me a decade to make the transition. For Dershowitz, whos been a public Democrat figure for a long time, the change proved to be even harder.

Now that Dershowitz has crossed the Rubicon, Im going to share this with Democrat Jews I know. Theyve been worried about antisemitism within the party but took renewed hope from the fact that the DNC didnt directly attack Israel. However, Dershowitzs pointwhich is that the DNC subliminally attacked Jews by showcasing antisemitesis a good one, and I hope they take it to heart on November 4.

BRENNER: I want to get to the Democratic National Convention thats passed. Were you happy with how everything transpired? DERSHOWITZ: I was so unhappy. It was the most anti-Jewish, anti-Israel, Anti-Zionist convention I have experienced, and I have been watching conventions since 1952 when Adlai Stevenson [sic]. Let me tell you why this was the worst convention in American history. They had more anti-Jewish, anti-Zionist people who were speaking, starting with AOC, a miserable anti-Zionist bigot. Then, of course, they had Liz Warren who is one of the most anti-Jewish people in the Senate. Then they had Bernie Sanders, one of the most anti-Jewish people in the Senate. Then to top it off, they have one of the worst anti-Semites in modern American history [on the] last night, at the Convention. And more and more and more. Now. BRENNER: Who is that person that they had...that number one? DERSHOWITZ: At CNBC [sic, he meant MSNBC], whatever his name is... Sharpton, Reverend Sharpton. You know the guy who provoked the pogrom in Crown Heights after that tragic accidental killing of that young boy, you man. BRENNER: [Unintelligible.] DERSHOWITZ: So heres the way the Democrats figured it out. Theyre not going to let these antisemites and anti-Zionists speak about Israel. And they didnt, you know. They did the pablum about Israel, [they] always supported ceasefire and support a return of the hostages. But they instructed them not to talk about Israel. But by giving them platforms...what it says is that when AOC does call Israel a genocidal country and rails against it, she now has the imprimatur of the Democratic Party. When Bernie Sanders rails against Israel, he has the imprimatur. When Liz Warren, and when everybody elseand they had so many speakers from the Black Congressional caucus who didnt attend Benjamin Netanyahus speech. And of course, there wasnt a single pro-Israel speaker but, okay, I understand that. They didnt want to have Israel at the center of this. So they didnt have any pro-Israel [and] they didnt have any anti-Israel speakers. But they had people speaking who they legitimated and gave the imprimatur of the Democratic Party who tomorrow will be making speeches and in the past have been making speeches against Israel and against Jews. Obviously, that gives them an imprimatur, and that gives them legitimacy from the Democratic Party. Then of course, every time I see Shapiro, Josh Shapiro, I understand that if his name was John Shepherd, not Josh Shapiro, hed have been the Democratic nominee. I dont think that. Kamala Harris is anti-Semitic. I dont think that she didnt Shapiro just because he was Jewish because she doesnt like Jews. I think that she got a lot of pressure. We know she got a lot of pressure from the hard left of the Democratic Party. And she knew that if she nominated Josh Shapiro, who would help her win the election by winning Pennsylvania, there would have been demonstrations not only outside but inside the Democratic Convention. And then my old friend, president of the United States, who I like, I really like...you know, Ive known Joe Biden since 1980. I worked with him on Ted Kennedys campaign. And he [Biden] had chutzpah to get up there and say that these people outside who were tearing down fences and demanding Hamas and... BRENNER: ...burning American and Israeli flags American flags... Speaker 2 ...they have good points. They have good points, and this is after he says, Im running for president because Donald Trump said about the people in Charlottesville, there are fine people on both sides. Well, he didnt say that. Lets be very clear about that. I have an op-ed in yesterdays Wall Street Journal that made that whole thing very clear. He never said that. What he said is he condemns the Neo-Nazis. He condemns the people who said Jews will not replace us. He said there were fine people on both sides of the debate about whether to take down Robert E. Lees statue. I know there are fine people on both sides of that debate because Im on that side of that debate. I dont believe we should be destroying statutes. I know there are reasonable alternativesput them in the museum with an explanation. OK. But there are fine people on both sides of the whole debate about what you do with historical monuments. But there were no fine people at the debate...stand outside of the Convention Center and screaming Hamas will win, screaming We are all Hamas, screaming There was nothing wrong with October 7th. Whats wrong with October 7th? somebody said. No, there arent fine people and they dont make fine points. And so I was disgusted at the Democratic National Convention. Absolutely disgusted. BRENNER: Were speaking to Harvard Law professor emeritus Alan Avi Dershowitz. So, are you ready to leave the Democratic Party? DERSHOWITZ: I have left the Democratic Party I am no longer a Democrat. I am an independent. Ill decide who to vote for at the last minute based on [the] totality of the circumstances. I want to see how they deal with Iran. I want to see how they deal with Iranian attacks on the United States, I want to encourage the current administration to support Israel, so Im not revealing my vote until, you know, maybe November 1st, to hear all the information, all the evidence, but Im no longer a member of the Democratic Party. BRENNER: When did you resign the Democratic Party? DERSHOWITZ: Well, gradually, over time. I think a lot of things pushed me in that direction: Kamala Harriss failure to comply with her constitutional obligation to preside over the Senate and the House Joint Sessions for Netanyahu pushed me a lot over that. And what Joe Biden said pushed me over that. But I think the thing that really pushed me is how the Democrats conducted their convention. I cannot be associated with the party that features as its speakers AOC, Sharpton, Liz Warren, and Bernie Sanders. Thats not my party.

Image: YouTube screen grab (edited).
Democrat politicians and their partners in the legacy media are trying to turn this country into their utopia, our nightmare. Seems they really believe in that utopia and think it will be a good thing.

In reality, the USA will become a socialist/communist hellhole, if we keep going under Democrats. So we need to stand up and fight for the next 60 days leading up to the election. Each of can still do a lot: remember, pray, vote, work, donate.

Remember -- Democrats have opened our southern border and allowed all manner of human beings to come flooding over. They claim this is having a heart. The truth is that it is terribly inhumane; hundreds of thousands of Americans and migrants have died because of this policy due to fentanyl coming into the USA and illegal criminal aliens committing crime. Women and children have been assaulted on the journey here and have been trafficked in the USA.

I went to an event this week in Aurora, Colorado in support of veteran and former ICE official John Fabbricatore, candidate for Congress, and Congresswoman Lauren Boebert. Tom Homan, formerly of CBP, and Congressman Chip Roy came in support too. Homan said he will be there to help President Trump with the border mess. I believe the others will too, if elected.

Fabbricatore commented that his opponent is silent; Congressman Jason Crow says nothing about the recent actions of Venezuelan illegal criminal aliens in Aurora. He also said that many people feel Colorado is too far gone. He urged people not to give in to that negativity and to take the state back.

Ever since Democrats enacted their notorious Blueprint in Colorado, the state seems to have been sliding faster and faster down a slippery slope. However, these men, alongside others, are standing up for Colorado anyway. Remember this. Take their lead and engage where you are.

Remember: At all levels, Democrat legislators have been extreme and careless about our economy, and they have caused harm to our communities and our Republic. Their profligate spending has been bad enough, but that spending coupled with their war on fossil fuels and the Green New Deal have done double damage. Trump spent a lot too, but he was about to start exporting energy to other nations to pay off debt and make the USA wealthy again. Democrats actions have victimized Americans most at the lower economic levels, but all but the wealthiest have felt the pinch. Young people cant buy a home anymore all across this country.

We have 60 days. What else can we do?

Pray:

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. -- 2 Chronicles 7:14

Seems like this is a starting point. From there we can pray for President Trump and for the protection for all candidates. You can also get other ideas and join with others by going to MyFaithVotes.org or PresidentialPrayerTeam.org or Flashpoint or TruthandLibertyCoalition.net. Some are more conservative than others; you can find the one that resonates with you.

Vote: We can register to vote and check our registration at TruetheVote.org.

We can fill out our ballots and mail them in as soon as we receive them or drop them in a drop box that you know is secure as soon as possible. Help others do the same.

Work: We can still get out there and walk for a Republican candidate or make phone calls for him or her. Yes, its a little scary for some. Thats okay. We can do hard things. Our country is worth it, right?

I walk for my husbands campaign for Colorado State Representative and Im a shy person. I just let the bad roll off and keep going, finish every walk at a house where people are nice, if I can. So far, Ive knocked on over a thousand doors.

Donate: Give what you can to candidates, even if its only $5. The Democrats are supported by big money people -- even though they say thats the Republicans gig -- so candidates need your help to compete.

Remember: Again. Elections have consequences. Seems like they get increasingly consequential. We have had the Democrats for almost four years and have seen them ruin nearly everything. They want to turn our great Republic into their utopia, and that wont be a good thing.

Lets go, American thinkers! Lets run through the tape. It will be a big celebration when we win.

C.S. Boddie writes for Meadowlark Press, LLC

Image: Tony Webster
A new movie about Ronald Reagancalled, simply, Reaganopened last weekend. The professional critics savaged it, while ordinary Americans loved it. I saw the movie myself, and Im glad I did. While Reagan isnt perfect, it is a classic of the Hollywood biopic genre, reminding us of a visionary president with the smarts and skills to make his visions a reality.

The movie is built around Paul Kengors biography, The Crusader: Ronald Reagan and the Fall of Communism. Given the movies plot origin, its no surprise that the movie is built around Reagan as the great Cold Warrior who brought down the Evil Empire. That explains the movies structure, which distressed so many reviewers.

Rather than being a simple linear retelling of Reagans life, the movie has Viktor Petrovich (Jon Voight), a former KGB analyst, explain to a rising Russian political star, Andrei Novikov (Alex Sparrow), how it was that one manRonald Reaganwas able to lead the charge that broke the Soviet Union. This framework allows the movie to show both how the Soviets viewed Reagan (from being a nonentity to being a supreme threat) and how Reagans views about communism developed over his life, leading to his desire to liberate people from that totalitarian prisonand to keep America from ever entering that prison.

Although critics complained about the movie having too many flashbacks, it really doesnt. However, the movies beginning is a bit befuddling.

The first scene shows Reagan speaking at an AFL-CIO event, leaving the event, and getting shot. Then, it suddenly moves to modern Moscow, as some rather confusing dialog (most of which I missed) explains that Novikov needs to talk to Petrovich. Ignore all that. The movie really starts when Petrovish explains how Reagan became the anti-communist Crusader.

Running to two hours and twenty-one minutes, Reagan manages to pack in a huge amount of life story. We get the small Illinois town upbringing, the loving and religious mother, the alcoholic father, Reagans roles as a lifeguard, radio broadcaster, and Hollywood actor, his failed marriage to Jane Wyman (played with no small cruelty by Mena Suvari), his election to and tenure as president of the Screen Actors Guild, his meeting and marrying Nancy, his years in the wilderness as a fading actor, his decision to enter politics, his role as governor, more years in the wilderness, his becoming president, the assassination, and his facing off against the Soviet Union, eventually weakening it financially and also destroying it morally in the eyes of the world. Its all there.

The movie would have been tighter had it left off the preliminary material about what shaped the young Reagan and, instead, presented Reagan as a fully formed Christian and anti-communist. Thats because the movies real starting point is Reagans tenure as SAG president.

It was then that he faced down Herbert Sorrell, a communist union organizer, and met Nancy Davis, who would become the single most important person in his life. Incidentally, it was Sorrells attack on the Disney studios, including the defamatory claim that Walt Disney was an antisemite, that turned Walt into a fanatic anti-communist. Walt Disney would weep at what cultural Marxism, a communist movement, has done to his studio.

From the SAG saga on, I was fully engaged in Reagans story. And even though I lived through Reagans political careermy memories start with Reagan as the governor of my home state, CaliforniaI didnt understand it. Like Reagan himself, I was raised in a Democrat home and was a Democrat until my 40s. In other words, I accepted as gospel the claims that Reagan was a dimwit who got real life confused with the movies.

Seeing Reagans story told from an admiring rather than a derogatory viewpoint was fascinating. In the 1980s, those people still untouched by a left-leaning public school system and a relentlessly (but carefully secret) pro-communist media realized how wonderful Reagan was. They saw and benefitted from his domestic policies and his brave fight to keep America free and liberate people whom communism had enslaved. Its no wonder that, back when America still had a majority of sane adults, Reagan swept 49 states in the 1984 election.

The movie also works because the actors do a great job. Dennis Quaid catches perfectly Reagans body language and speech cadence. I was especially impressed with Penelope Ann Miller, who does an even better job with Nancy Reaganand makes her a much more sympathetic character than Id ever understood her to be.

Between costumes, makeup, and competent acting chops, the actors who play historical characters such as George Schultz, James Baker, Margaret Thatcher, Dana Rohrabacher, Mikhail Gorbachev, Leonid Brezhnev, and Tip ONeill, all do a great job, too. Should all of them win Academy Awards? No, but they brought the characters alive, and that was enough for me.

The movie also has an incredibly funny riff about the last few Soviet leaders before Gorbachev came on board.

At the end of the day, the only problem I had with the movie was rather silly. It turns out that its easy enough to use Hollywood magic to age a young actor. Its harder to use that same magic to make an old actor appear young.

Dennis Quaid is 70 years old, and, no matter how the film tries, when Quaid appeared as Reagan in the 1940s and 1950swhen Reagan would have been in his 30s and 40sQuaid looks weirdly wrong. Periodically, his age peeps through the makeup and his hands, those of an elderly man, are always apparent. At those moments, it looked as if the movie might switch to a 1950s sci-fi flick when a character suddenly strips off the mask to reveal the alien hiding within.

Having said that, if a few weird moments at the beginning of the movie are the worst I can say about it, you can believe me when I say that Reagan is an excellent movie, well worth two-and-a-half hours of your time.

(This link will tell you where you can watch Reagan.)

Image: Fair Use.
Google is abusing its power in the ad tech business, alleged UK. The countrys Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has asked for Googles response to the provisional findings before the UK competition regulator reaches a final decision.

The UK accuses Google of abusing its power in the ad tech business.

Incidentally, the UK CMA has been investigating Googles role in the ad tech stack since May 2022. The regulator has essentially accused Google of abusing its dominance in the search and ad business to gain undue and unfair advantage. Moreover, the UK regulator also suspects Google is intentionally strong-arming its competition and publishers.

According to the CMA, a vast majority of the U.K.s thousands of publishers and advertisers use Googles technology to bid for and sell space to display ads in a market where players were spending 1.8 billion annually as of a 2019 study.

 On Sep 6, 2024, Google's ad tech practices are under investigation by UK regulators over potential market dominance abuse, adding to rising regulatory concerns. Meanwhile, YouTube faces scrutiny after actions against a media channel.  #GOOGL #AdTech #Regulation #BigTech pic.twitter.com/CB9yf5R5vg  Sherlock AI (@AskSherlockAI) September 6, 2024

Specifically speaking, the UK CMA has reportedly sent Google a formal statement of objections. This statement is based on provisional findings that accuse the ad tech giant of, self-preferencing its ad exchange at the expense of customers and rivals.

The UK watchdog suspects Googles practices, has harmed competition by using its dominance in online display advertising to favor its own ad tech services. Moreover, Google disadvantages ad technology competitors, preventing them from competing on a level playing field, the CMA has alleged.

What are the allegations against Google?

Google has been facing the heat for its ad tech business from multiple regulators across the globe. Competition Councils, Commissions, the judiciary, and other antitrust agencies have leveled allegations.

The UKs CMA has reportedly alleged Google of providing Google AdX with exclusive or preferential access to advertisers that use Google Ads platform. Its also alleging that Google was manipulating advertiser bids so that they have a higher value when submitted into AdXs auction than when submitted into rival exchanges auctions. Lastly, it alleges that Google allowed AdX to bid first in auctions run by DFP for online advertising space. Effectively giving it a right of first refusal  with rivals potentially not having any chance to submit bids.

The #UK's competition watchdog has accused #Google of being "anti-competitive" by using its ad tech services to stifle competition in the advertising market. #Forbes For more details: https://t.co/UFn7JDTd0g pic.twitter.com/XvhsQggnKo  Forbes Middle East (@Forbes_MENA_) September 6, 2024

Interestingly, the CMA has claimed there are multiple practices of the search giant that it has found objectionable. The CMA is therefore considering what may be required to ensure that Google ceases the anti-competitive practices and that Google does not engage in similar practices in the future, the agency added.

The UK competition regulator has hinted that Google may have to sell off certain ad tech units, presumably to ensure fair competition. However, for now, Google will have to respond to the allegations and present its arguments before the UK CMA.
By now, its no secret that Google is fully committed to AI. The company has integrated the power of LLMs into multiple apps and services. One of those is a platform that helps other companies streamline customer service tasks by analyzing calls. That said, an individual filed a lawsuit against Google for listening to his calls with a Home Depot agent. Recently, Googles name appeared in another potential conversation-listening case.

Individual files lawsuit against Google for call listening using AI tools

AI makes it possible to automate multiple processes and facilitate others. Regarding calls, we have seen that it is capable of generating summaries with key points, or even suggesting potential replies. These types of capabilities are especially useful for customer service agents. With that in mind, Google developed the Contact Center AI (CCAI) platform. Any external company can turn to CCAI if it wants to enhance the performance of its customer service agents. CCAI can help offer faster responses or better understand customer requirements.

That said, it seems that some people arent particularly comfortable with an entity listening to their calls.

Listening was happening in real-time

In February, California resident Christopher Barulich filed a lawsuit against Google and Home Depot over CCAI use. The plaintiff alleges that CCAI listened to and analyzed his calls with the retailers agents in real-time. Call-analysis platforms for customer service are not new. Even before AI, these platforms existed, but they relied on humans and recorded calls. However, some may find the feeling of an AI listening to them in real-time intimidating.

The lawsuit reflects the prevailing mistrust among people regarding the use of AI to manage sensitive data. Earlier this year, a survey by the auditing firm KPMG found that 3 in 5 people still distrust artificial intelligence tools. Plus, about half of respondents believe its benefits do not outweigh its risks.

Neither Google nor The Home Depot offered comments on the matter. Further developments on the matter are likely to emerge in the coming weeks.
Samsung One UI 6.1.1 update has a nifty little feature that makes copying files easier and quicker. The new feature is in the My Files app and appears only when copying or moving files from one location to another.

A new pop-up window in One UI 6.1.1 makes copying files easier

The Android OS ecosystem is optimized for apps and media consumption. However, the default file manager isnt as feature-reach as the one in Linux or Windows. However, Android devices have been doing the heavy lifting in many cases involving web services and online platforms.

Realizing the copy-paste feature is still rather rudimentary, Samsung has added a new feature in the My Files app. The default file manager on Samsungs One UI platform now makes it easy to quickly copy or move files on a Samsung smartphone.

A short video shows the updated My Files app in action. When users select a file and copy and paste it or move it to another location on the phones internal or external storage, a pop-up window hovers at the bottom of the screen. It displays folders available on the internal and cloud storage locations.

The hovering pop-up is an integral feature of My Files. It has segregated tabs at the top allowing users to paste or move files. Needless to say, Samsung has included internal, expandable, and cloud storage locations. For example, the file copying/moving pop-up window displays Google Drive, Internal Storage, and OneDrive locations.

Interestingly, the new pop-up does not disappear after the file copying or pasting process is over. It continues to stay on the screen after the file transfer operation is completed. It now allows users to quickly jump to the folder where they copied or moved the file.

Will all Samsung Galaxy smartphones get the new feature in My Files?

Samsung recently released the One UI 6.1.1 feature update. However, the company has currently sent out the update to the Galaxy S24, Galaxy S24+, Galaxy S24 Ultra, Galaxy Z Flip 6, and Galaxy Z Fold 6.

Others: We are getting One UI 6.1.1

S23 users: look I received August patch. pic.twitter.com/AjXdggqhR1  Samson Sir (@SamsonSirJi) September 6, 2024

As these are the only devices running One UI 6.1.1, they have the updated My Files app. However, Samsung has updated the app. In other words, Samsung could release the updated My Files app to other Galaxy smartphones. Moreover, the One UI 6.1.1 is reportedly being developed for several Samsung Galaxy smartphones and tablets. Hence, this feature should make its way to most Samsung devices eventually.
A park ranger walks in an emoty corridor of Fort Point, at the Golden Gate in the northwest corner of San Francisco. Carl Nolte/The Chronicle Cornelius Sullivan, who worked in the lifeboat crew at the emergency station just inside the Golden Gate, is featured in a multimedia presentation at Fort Point. Carl Nolte/The Chronicle A ranger attends the multimedia presentation of the history of Fort Point, the Civil War-era fort at the Golden Gate in the northwest corner of San Francisco. Carl Nolte/The Chronicle A tea party near the Fort Point lighthouse is featured in the multimedia presentation of the history of the Civil War-era fort and the surrounding area. The exhibit is viewable five days a week and is free. Carl Nolte/The Chronicle

When National Park Service ranger Angel Garcia was reassigned to San Francisco from duty on the East Coast, a single building intrigued him most: It was a Civil War fort under the Golden Gate Bridge on the edge of the continent, he said  not what he expected on the West Coast.

It was Fort Point, 171-year-old brick and granite bastion once bristling with guns, designed to stop an attack that never came. It was completed in 1853 to guard the only entrance to San Francisco Bay. At its peak it mounted 102 guns and had a garrison of 500 soldiers. But a Civil War-era fort soon became obsolete. It remains a National Historic Site and an architectural treasure.

And now theres a new way to see the old fort and listen to the stories of the men and women who lived and worked at the Golden Gate. They were ordinary people with extraordinary stories: A man who worked in the nearby life-saving station and saw shipwrecks; young women from a lighthouse keepers family who roamed the cliffs and played among old cannons; a Golden Gate bridge worker who fell from the bridge and lived to tell about it.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Their voices and flickering pictures are being projected on the walls inside the old fort five days a week through December. The exhibit is the work of Ben Wood, an artist who has done other historic video shows in San Francisco, notably at the Cliff House.

We wanted to arrange it so when visitors would walk up the spiral staircase to the second level, they would be able to listen to the voices of the past and bring the old place to life, Garcia said. Hes now a supervising ranger at Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

Some of the other scenes are pretty ordinary: lifeboat crews lined up, big sailing ships entering the harbor. Some are spectacular, like the shot of a steamship piled up on the rocks just inside the Golden Gate. Some are like a family album: two women having tea outdoors under the lighthouse. Thats my favorite one, Garcia said.

The show is called A Bastion of Memory. Wood combed oral histories, hundreds of photographs and old film. Wood calls it a video artwork project. The pictures dont include the military aspect of the old fort. It covers the lives of people who ran the lighthouse, saved shipwreck victims or built the great bridge.

The Golden Gate was both a prosaic and dangerous place. The show leads off with a memory from Cornelius Sullivan, who worked in the lifeboat crew at the emergency station just inside the Golden Gate. He remembers the day the steamer Alameda, lost in the fog, piled up right next to Fort Point. And the story of a man on night patrol who heard voices beyond the surf, a lifeboat with survivors from the wreck of the steamer City of Rio de Janeiro, which hit a rock in the Golden Gate. One hundred and thirty-five people were killed.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

There are less dramatic stories. During its Civil War days, the fort was staffed with troops, but later it was mostly empty. The families of the nearby lighthouse keepers played there. It was just a great place to grow up, said Josephine Hettel, of the lighthouse keeper family. It was our playground, said Louise Cook, her sister.

The sisters lived in a big house near the Fort Point lighthouse in the 1920s. In 1928, surveyors started coming around with blueprints and plans and in 1933, work started on the Golden Gate Bridge right over the fort.

The last part of the show features Evan Lambert, a bridge worker everybody called Slim. He was on a staging scaffold that fell through a safety net and in the bay. Ten men died. I was not hit by the staging, so I took a free fall, he says on tape. The only thing that went through my mind was survival. I knew that to have a prayer to survive I had to hit the water feet first. And I managed to do it ...

Lambert had a broken shoulder, broken ribs and a broken neck, but in the water he managed to help another man. His name was Fred Dummatzen and he was in such bad shape he died on the way to shore.

After a while, I heard this power boat coming in ... putt, putt, putt coming from out at sea ... with one man at the helm, Lambert said. He kept looking from side to side, and he almost went by us ... and he took another look around, and his eye hit me and what a relief. I figured, my gosh, were going to make it.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Lamberts words of life and death hang in the air at the conclusion of the video show. It was midmorning, midweek when Wood presented his show. The fog was so thick you could barely see the Golden Gate Bridge just overhead. The only sound in the empty old fort was the deep fog signal on the bridge echoing in the empty corridors. The past seemed very close.
Police searching for a British man in a mountainous area of Majorca where a British woman was found dead earlier this week have found a body.

Both are believed to have been swept away in a flash flood.

Spains Civil Guard said both people were on a trail that leads through a small canyon to the sea when the storm hit the Mediterranean island on Tuesday.

Emergency services have been searching the area near the Torrent de Pareis canyon in the Tramuntana mountains since Wednesday.

The mans body was found on Friday, the Civil Guard told Reuters.

The dramatic gorge which leads to a hidden beach is often flooded from autumn until spring, and has no easy exits because of its sheer cliffs, according to a local tourism website.

The Balearic Islands and a large area of Spains eastern coast were under alert for strong winds and heavy rains earlier in the week.

Thunderstorms over Barcelona forced the organisers of the Americas Cup sailing event to postpone racing.

A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office spokesperson said: We are supporting the families of a British man and woman following their deaths in Majorca and are in contact with local authorities.
Declan Rice and Jack Grealish returned to haunt the Republic of Ireland as Lee Carsleys first match as interim England manager ended in a comfortable Nations League victory in Dublin.

Saturdays sold-out Aviva Stadium clash marked the start of new eras for both teams as Heimir Hallgrimsson led the hosts against a nation beginning life after Gareth Southgate.

England impressed in their first match since losing Julys Euro 2024 final, with Rice and Grealish setting Carsley on course for an impressive 2-0 win over the nation he played for 40 times as a player.

The interim boss stayed silent during God Save the King, just as he had indicated he would before the match against the country his goalscorers previously represented.

Rice won three senior caps for the Republic and fired England into an early lead, which former Ireland Under-21 international Grealish added to during a one-sided first half.

Two nil to the Irish boys sung visiting fans on an afternoon when Hallgrimssons hosts never looked like getting back into it as Carsley enjoyed a winning start to life in the Nations League second tier.

There was a crackling atmosphere before kick-off at the Aviva Stadium, where Englands interim boss accidentally took a seat in the wrong dugout before kick-off.

 Manager in the wrong dugout alert!  pic.twitter.com/5qAEH8dYaS  ITV Football (@itvfootball) September 7, 2024

Irish fans ferociously booed a rendition of God Save the King, punctuated by cries of no surrender from some travelling supporters, before they bellowed out their own anthem.

Rice and Grealish felt the heat from the outset on their return to the Emerald Isle, where Jayson Molumby had a great chance to score a third-minute opener.

Robbie Brady swung in a corner that took a slight touch before the midfielder headed over at the far post, with England captain Harry Kane responding by heading over a chance of his own.

Sammie Szmodics was denied during a lively encounter, but England went ahead after 11 minutes as Trent Alexander-Arnold sensationally played Anthony Gordon in behind.

Declan Rice holds up his hands after scoring Englands opener (Evan Treacy/PA).

The forward struck straight at Caoimhin Kelleher but kept the move alive, eventually playing the ball across for Kane to get away a shot that was blocked, the ball falling for Rice to rifle into the top right-hand corner.

The Arsenal midfielder held his hands up after a goal that led to some England chants of hes one of our own.

Kelleher prevented Kane from making things worse, with rival fans trading some unsavoury chants as dominant England patiently probed, leading to a second goal in the 26th minute.

Rice was heavily involved in a brilliant passing move that ended with him cutting the ball back for Grealish to sweep home past the statuesque Kelleher in front of the England support.

Jack Grealish celebrates doubling Englands lead (Evan Treacy/PA).

The Manchester City playmaker jumped and punched the air  quite the contrast to Rices celebration.

That gut punch took the edge off the hostile atmosphere, although the way Hallgrimssons side struggled to get a grip on proceedings also had an impact on the mood.

Kane repeatedly threatened to add to Irelands misery before the break, from which England returned continuing to dominate possession without having to deal with much in return.

There was a blow for the hosts as captain Seamus Coleman limped off, but the Republic responded well as Szmodics went close before Molumby lifted over.

Lee Carsley got his tenure off to a winning start (Evan Treacy/PA).

Those opportunities increased the volume, as did the sight of Rice on the deck in pain as Gordon was stopped.

Grealish trotted off to a cacophony of boos as Carsley turned to his bench, with Morgan Gibbs-White and Angel Gomes coming on for their England debuts.

Kasey McAteer had come on for his Republic bow shortly before as Hallgrimsson continued to make alterations of his own.

Jarrod Bowen and Eberechi Eze had efforts to add gloss to the scoreline, but Carsley will no doubt be pleased with a winning start to life as interim England boss.
Pets can teach us so many valuable life lessons, from the pleasure of slowing down to the importance of stretching. Every now and again, though, an animal reminds us why love can be the greatest gift in life. Look no further than Winnie the Great Dane and her two foster kittens!

Although it's technically Winnie's human mom who's fostering the baby cats, the 4-year-old pup fell in love with the little ones faster than anyone imagined. Now, the gentle giant is acting as mama to the orphaned kittens! Their size difference may be a bit startling, but they're meant for each other just the same. Just try not to melt from the cuteness!

This may just be the sweetest thing on the Internet right now! Neither Winnie nor her kittens seem to mind their huge size difference, but it somehow makes their relationship even cuter than it already is. It's just like @warriormami6792 wrote: "Giant dogs in love with tiny kittens will never get old to me." You speak for more than just yourself with that comment!

Related: Great Dane Becomes the Sweetest Adoptive Mother to Pair of Rescue Kittens

For me, this mother-child relationship is especially unique because the dog adopted kittens. It's not the first time this has happened by any means, but it's a lot more rare than a mama dog adopting orphaned pups that aren't her own. Many female dogs will take it as far as nursing the kittens too, but Winnie's mom may already have these week-old kittens on soft food. Even so, the Great Dane is still Mom to these rescue babies thanks to her comfort, care, and love.

Why Do Dogs Adopt Babies?

There are many situations in which a female (or even a male) dog would adopt babies that aren't her own. This most often occurs as a result of a false pregnancy, when a dog experiences all the symptoms of pregnancy (and believes herself to be pregnant) without actually having any puppies. This can be the result of a pregnancy loss, a period, or other hormonal changes, but it can also happen seemingly randomly.

This is because many female dogs have strong maternal instincts! You may see this in simple actions when a dog grooms or guards a puppy, but it can also take the form of adoption. Some have even seen their dogs nurse puppies who aren't biologically hers, but this happens a lot more rarely.

These tiny black cats are in excellent paws with Mama Winnie around, but only time will tell if they'll stay with her forever or remain foster kittens. Viewers are hoping it's the latter choice, and secretly, so am I!

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.
Ministers are doing everything to ensure domestic abusers are not released early from prison as part of a scheme to relieve the near-full estate, Sir Keir Starmer said.

The Prime Minister made the claim as he heard concerns about a loophole in the early release scheme which could see domestic abusers released early.

The temporary scheme, which comes into effect on Tuesday, will see some prisoners released after serving 40% of their sentence behind bars in a bid to ease overcrowding.

There are exemptions from the scheme, including for domestic abusers, but newspapers have reported some domestic violence-related crimes are not always reported as such, leading to concerns these prisoners could be eligible for early release.

Sir Keir Starmer said the broken prison system was down to the previous Tory government (PA)

The prison population reached a new record high of 88,521 people on Friday and has risen by more than 1,000 people over the past four weeks.

The sharp rise is likely to have been driven by those involved in the recent disorder across parts of the country.

Asked about the concerns while visiting Dublin, the Prime Minister told broadcasters: Let me start with how frustrated I am to be in this position. The last government didnt build enough prisons and they are now full to bursting.

If we dont do something they will burst and we wont be able to put anybody new into prison and the criminal justice system will collapse. So I am forced into this. I do not want to be in this position.

Sir Keir insisted there were safeguards in place in relation to high-risk prisoners, including those convicted of domestic violence-related offences.

Pressed on the matter, he added: We are doing everything we can to make sure that high-risk and domestic abusers, domestic violence cases are not released.

After adding that the broken prison system was an utter failure of the last government, Sir Keir said: I am going to roll up my sleeves and fix it now.

Former Conservative justice secretary Alex Chalk had earlier said the justice system should not be locking up everyone were cross with as longer custodial sentences are expensive.

Former justice secretary Alex Chalk (PA)

In a new report for the Howard League for Penal Reform, five senior retired judges said the Government must reverse the trend of locking people up for longer, pointing out that custodial sentences have doubled in length in the last 50 years.

Speaking to BBC Radio 4s Today programme about sentence lengths on Saturday, Mr Chalk said: The fact is there are some people who deserve very long sentences. We think of the Wayne Couzens, Sarah Everard case, Levi Bellfield and so on.

But the fact is that overall sentences in Britain, in England and Wales anyway, are far, far longer than elsewhere in Europe. That is enormously expensive and the critical point is it doesnt necessarily protect the public.

So my strong view is that we should be locking up, including, sometimes for longer, those that were most scared of, but not necessarily everyone were cross with.

Mr Chalk, who lost his parliamentary seat of Cheltenham to the Liberal Democrats in Julys general election, said it cost around 50,000 a year to keep a person in prison, with the capital cost of each new place around 600,000.

He said he accepted the central premise of what judges were saying about sentence lengths but thought the Government was right to be having a sentencing review, adding: Lets try to take the politics out of this and ensure that there is always the supply available to meet demand.
The Kings second year as monarch has been less hectic than his first, with cancer treatment understandably having an impact on his schedule, though he has still undertaken dozens of visits, meetings and events.

Charles has carried out official engagements on 132 days during the past year, compared with 161 days in the previous 12 months.

The second year of his reign can be divided roughly into three sections: a full schedule during the autumn of 2023, with trips around the UK as well as to France, Kenya and the United Arab Emirates, a period out of the public eye following his prostate operation in January 2024 and subsequent diagnosis of cancer, and a gradual return to regular activity from May onwards, including visits to Scotland and the Channel Islands.

The figures have been compiled by the PA news agency using the Court Circular, which is the official record of the royal familys daily activities.

The King welcomes Sir Keir Starmer to an audience at Buckingham Palace on July 5 2024, where he invited the leader of the Labour Party to become Prime Minister and form a new government (Yui Mok/PA)

The data shows that Charles had 22 formal audiences with the UK prime minister during the past year: 18 with Rishi Sunak and four with Sir Keir Starmer.

This is only four fewer prime ministerial audiences than during his first year as King, when he held 26.

Both the first and second year of Charless reign have seen a change of prime minister  something not experienced by any previous UK monarch.

Liz Truss was succeeded by Rishi Sunak on October 25 2022, just 48 days after Charles became monarch on September 8, while Mr Sunak was succeeded by Sir Keir on July 5 2024.

Charless second year as King kicked off with a busy autumn in 2023, with trips in the UK to places including Aberdeen, Norwich, Didcot in Oxfordshire and New Malden in south-west London, besides travelling to Dubai for the UN Climate Change Conference and undertaking state visits with the Queen to France and Kenya.

The King and Queen paid a visit to Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Orphanage in Nairobi National Park on November 1 2023 (Victoria Jones/PA)

He has not travelled quite so widely since beginning cancer treatment in early 2024, though in recent months he went to Normandy in France for the 80th anniversary of D-Day, carried out engagements in Scotland and the Channel Islands, and visited Southport in the aftermath of the knife attack in the town that left three girls dead.

The Queen undertook trips on Charless behalf to the Isle of Man and Belfast in March 2024, besides representing him at the annual Commonwealth Day and Maundy Thursday church services in the same month.

But since May, the King and his wife have appeared together at a growing number of high-profile events, such as visits to the Chelsea Flower Show and Ascot Races, a trip to Cardiff to mark the 25th anniversary of the Welsh parliament, and the State Opening of Parliament

Charles meets schoolchildren after his visit to the Senedd in Cardiff to mark its 25th anniversary on July 11 2024 (Chris Jackson/PA)

PA has classed a day with engagements as one where the monarch is recorded as undertaking at least one visit, meeting or function in an official capacity, but not other, non-official events, such as attending church in a private capacity.

Using the same criteria, the Court Circular shows the Queen carried out engagements on 106 days during the second year of her husbands reign.

This is almost the same as the first year (104), showing she has managed to keep up a similar level of activity despite the Kings health issues.

The Court Circular also shows the King held 13 meetings of the Privy Council during his second year.

This is the body of advisers that meets regularly with the monarch to oversee the issue of royal proclamations, charters and other ceremonial matters.

Its members are mostly senior politicians past and present, though only a few serving ministers attend each session.

The council met slightly more frequently during Charless first year as King  16 times  perhaps reflecting the increased amount of official business that accompanies the arrival of a new monarch.

Queen Camilla delivers a speech on behalf of the King during a visit to Douglas Borough Council on the Isle of Man on March 20 2024 (Chris Jackson/PA)

Besides public appearances and political meetings, the King has peppered his second year with many official one-to-one audiences with leading figures from UK charities and businesses, as well as greeting ambassadors, high commissioners and dignitaries from around the world.

He has carried out these audiences for almost the whole of the year, even in the months of March and April 2024 when he was largely out of public view.
Liam Gallagher has said he wont have a bad word said about his brother Noel ahead of Oasis reunion and added that ticket issues for the concerts aint cool.

Speaking about his brother for the first time since the reunion concerts were announced on August 27, Liam said he would be blowing him kisses in between each song.

The tour will see the band reunite for the first time since breaking up backstage at Frances Rock en Seine festival in 2009 to play concerts in London, Edinburgh, Manchester, Cardiff and Dublin.

Speaking about his brother in reply to a tweet which asked is Noel still a potato?, Liam said: No he is b***** well not I wont have a bad word said about that gorgeous talented young man.

Replying to another asking if he would still be tweeting abuse about Noel, he replied: Nope its all done peace has prevailed, hes the man.

I cant wait to be on stage with him blowing him kisses in between each song.

Noel and Liam will reunited to perform a run of gigs in 2025 (Simon Emmett/Fear PR/PA)

He was also asked what happened when he met Noel again, to which he replied: It was a lovely day we shared our packed lunches together, we talked, giggled, cuddled and held hands, and scowled for the camera.

Next week were having a sleepover, gonna watch a few rom coms and just hang out in our jim jams and play frustration, have some fun, dya get me bruv, were gonna live stream it so keep n eye out for it.

Tweeting for the first time since Oasis Live 25 was announced, he also addressed one fans ticketing concerns, with issues seeing fans being labelled bots and being kicked out of the queue, with some ending up paying more than the advertised price of 148 as costs surged past 355.

Replying to a Twitter user who said he was kicked off the website while trying to buy tickets for the bands Cardiff gig, Liam replied: If thats what happened Im sure someone will be in touch coz that aint cool, good luck.

In another tweet, he added: Im seriously gutted for people that cant get tickets, I cant even go there it hurts my heart and I know people will think Im taking the piss, but Im not.

I want to celebrate this biblical moment with everyone I gotta go Im sorry.

Liam also addressed why the band were getting together and joked he was being paid in Curlywurlys.

The 51-year-old said: Theres lots of reasons for doing it, family, fans, music, biblical vibrations and Curlywurlys, as thats what Im getting paid in, so all those money rumours are just not true.

He was also asked what he and Noels mother Peggy said when the reunion was announced, to which he replied: Do you reckon Id be able to get a few tickets?

I said well if your lucky yes but its gonna be chaos as theres a big demand for them but fingers crossed.

In another post Liam said the reunion would see the band go out with a bang as they had planned all these years ago.

He also told one fan Dont Go Away from 1997s Be Here Now was not on the list to be performed at the reunion gigs, and added you can get a refund so Im being told just saying.

Liam was also asked whether Manchester band Blossoms would be among the support acts for the concerts, to which he replied: Im bringing a Mongolian five piece, who are heavily influenced by the moon and the stars their celestial.

He also revealed his recognisable star-shaped tambourine was being made as we speak.

Following the backlash over ticketing issues, and their string of UK and Ireland shows selling out in less than a day, Oasis have announced new Wembley Stadium dates on September 27 and 28 2025 using a lottery system.

The competition watchdogs for the UK and Ireland have both launched an investigation into Ticketmaster, including how so-called dynamic pricing may have been used during the sale of the Oasis tickets.
Albanian TikTok adverts are offering cannabis farm labourers up to 30 per cent of the profits from street sales of the drugs

Albanian drug gangs are openly recruiting cannabis farmers on TikTok amid worker shortages in Britain.

The gang bosses are using social media to advertise for live-in labourers to grow the cannabis crops - and are offering special deals where instead of being paid expenses, farm labourers will receive up to 30 per cent of the profits from street sales of the drugs.

The financial incentives have become necessary because of the dramatic fall in the number of Albanians entering the UK illegally on small boats, and a sharp increase in Albanians being jailed for cannabis farming or deported after arriving in Britain.

Commenting on the Telegraphs disclosures this weekend, Angela Eagle, the Border Security Minister, said: Its shocking that criminal gangs use social media to prey on vulnerable people, luring them into working in abhorrent conditions and cultivating drugs such as cannabis with false promises of profit.

Whether online or on our streets, there must be no hiding place for those who break the law. We are surging enforcement activity to make more arrests, increasing prosecutions not just in the UK but with partners across Europe, and ensuring all of our relevant partners are working hand-in-glove under our new border security command.

Angela Eagle, the Border Security Minister, said: Its shocking that criminal gangs use social media to prey on vulnerable people - Nigel Howard

Albanian gangs have come to dominate the domestic cannabis market, where plants are grown in houses or vacant industrial premises using hydroponic technology imported from farms in their homeland.

In the past decade, they have usurped the Vietnamese as the main suppliers of cannabis to UK users.

Their hold on the market was strengthened with the influx of a steady stream of workers from a pool of some 12,000 illegal Albanian migrants who arrived in 2022.

Fast-track deportation deals

Since then, however, numbers have dwindled as the Government has toughened enforcement and signed fast-track deportation deals with Albania. Last year, numbers dropped to just 900 and, for the first six months of this year, only 150 Albanians have crossed the Channel in small boats.

At the same time, the number of Albanians jailed for tending the illegal farms has surged. In July, 29 received sentences ranging from eight months to two years and four months for producing cannabis to supply the UK market. A further 24 were convicted in August, with most awaiting sentence this month.

Albanian organised crime are offering percentages on drug production for their countrymen to work as cannabis farmers, said an Albanian law enforcement expert. These unusual steps are linked to the shortages of people willing to be locked up in houses to grow cannabis.

Such advertisements are put on TikTok offering up to 30 per cent share of the sale depending on the quantity of cannabis produced.

Workers for grass houses requested

One advert in Albanian, seen by The Telegraph, said: I am the owner of a cannabis house. I chatted to my worker then all things went wrong. Now I am giving this employee 30 per cent of the profit made in that house without living expenses.

Another said: Workers for grass houses requested. If you look after 80 plants you get 25 per cent of the product and we pay expenses. Comment or DM.

A third offered a salary of 9,000 for three months work inside a cannabis house, including growing the plants, harvesting and packaging.

A fourth with a picture of a masked man with a heavy gold chain hanging across his chest simply said: Respect for all boys working for 30 per cent.

Typical of those jailed is Edison Cenaj, 21, who was arrested at a house in Brynmawr in south Wales where police found he was tending more than 120 plants worth up to 85,000. He was jailed for 32 weeks.

His solicitor Tochi Ejimofo told Cardiff Crown Court that Cenaj was vulnerable and had been working at the cannabis farm to repay debts to the gang that brought him into the UK illegally. He had come to the UK seeking work but now hoped to return to Albania and study sport science.

TikTok said it was committed to ensuring that the app is not used to take advantage of vulnerable people and did not allow any content facilitating or coordinating human smuggling or associated criminality.

It said the posts had been or would be removed and investigated for breaches of its community guidelines.
Shira Stein is the San Francisco Chronicle's Washington correspondent, covering California's role in national politics and policy from the nation's capital. She writes about issues that matter to California residents  like housing, abortion and LGBTQ rights  and California's influence on Congress and the White House. She was the primary chronicler of the last year of Sen. Dianne Feinstein's life, including her health, familial financial feud, and death.

Shira was born and raised in the Bay Area and now lives in Washington, D.C. She joined the Chronicle in 2022 after spending four years as an award-winning health care reporter for Bloomberg Law, where she was key in its coverage of the Covid-19, the fall of Roe v. Wade and health costs. She is a graduate of American University and interned at the Washington Post, Bloomberg Law and the Colorado-based Durango Herald.
Fine published her 95th book, On the Wall, on Thursday. Photograph: Christopher Thomond/The Guardian

The former childrens laureate Anne Fine has said parents should consider letting pupils learn online instead of going to school.

Instead of punishing families for child absenteeism, society should ask itself what school refusers are trying to say  and how it can accommodate them, she said.

Fine, who on Thursday published On the Wall, her 95th book, said absenteeism numbers in school were absolutely startling. She added: You have to ask yourself, why are the numbers so high and is there a way to bring them down?

I 100% think that an idea that needs pursued and thought about is that there should be a slipstream of online learning for the children who would prefer to learn that way, she said. Absenteeism is so bad now that were no longer in a situation where we can dismiss an idea like this. I think it might work out incredibly well.

The proportion of pupils classified as persistently absent  missing more than one in 10 lessons  has more than doubled in England since the pandemic. From 10.9% in 2018-19, it rose to 22.3% in 2022-23.

Data in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales is collected separately because education is devolved, but indicates a similar trend.

The research agency Public First has called the situation a full-blown national crisis, saying that pupils most likely to be absent include those on free school meals and with special educational needs.

Prof Chris Whitty, the chief medical officer for England, has emphasised the importance of attendance, saying that all children, even those with mild or moderate anxiety, are likely to be better off in school.

But Fine, who has won the Carnegie medal for writing twice, said: We learned that teaching online can work because it did for a lot of children during Covid. So, the question shouldnt be, Why arent these children going to school? because we shouldnt still be making the simplistic assumption that every child is better off in school.

She added: If the child doesnt want to go into school, we should ask if theyre really worse off at home. For many, the answer will be possibly not  and for those who cant manage to socialise at school, the answer will be probably not.

Fine counts herself as having been one of those children. I hated socialising at school, she said. Now choose a partner to work with are my least favourite words in the entire English language.

For those of my temperament, I dont think thats unusual  and I dont think my temperament is that unusual either. There must be lots of children who would be happier not learning in school.

Even now if you put me in a room with 29 other people I didnt choose to be with, all day and every day, and with whom my only link is that were of the same age, Id be miserable. Why shouldnt children feel the same?

Fine suggested society should question the entire assumption behind the way it educates its young people.

If you go back to first principles, would you invent a system where you take a load of children who have got nothing in common at all, and pump them in and teach them all together? she asked.

Fine has a theory: she said education had been changing long before Covid  children had been encouraged to be self-aware, autonomous individuals rather than empty vessels whose role it was to store the knowledge bestowed on them.

But then Covid came along. This, for everyone, was a watershed moment, said Fine, when society realised the internet offered an alternative way to learn. And children did too.

For the children who had already felt that school wasnt quite right the way it was before, they now saw an alternative, she said. And thats how we should be looking at this now. Not through the lens of it being a massive problem that needs to be dealt with through fines, which will be disastrous financially for families and do nothing for relations between the school and the family, or the parent and the child.

Absenteeism should be thought of as, Here are a lot of children trying to tell us something. How can we accommodate what it is theyre telling us?
Dr Hilary Cass, a retired consultant paediatrician, recommended sweeping changes in the way the NHS treats under-18s who are unsure about their gender identity or are experiencing gender dysphoria. Photograph: Yui Mok/PA

The British Medical Association has threatened the reputation of all UK doctors by rejecting the findings of the landmark Cass review of transgender healthcare, a leading member of the BMA has told the Observer.

Dr Jacky Davis claims that the doctors unions stance on the Cass review is irrational, has created a fracture between its leadership and the grassroots doctors it represents and left the medical profession in an uproar.

The BMA refused to endorse the findings of Dr Hilary Cass, whose review was published in April and was widely welcomed. It claimed the review contained unsubstantiated recommendations and its council called on members to publicly critique it. Last month, the BMA also called for the ban on prescribing puberty blockers for under-18s to be lifted.

The BMA is the only medical organisation in Britain to not accept and to find fault with Casss findings, which were accepted by the last government and its Labour successor. It has said that it wants to carry out its own evaluation.

Doctors on the BMAs ruling council who have dared to challenge its criticism of the Cass review have been subject to abuse and its decision-making body is now shrouded in a climate of fear and intimidation, Davis claims.

Writing in the Observer, Davis, who has been a member of the associations council for 18 years, says: The BMA now finds itself isolated in its opposition to Cass, and with its reputation and integrity damaged.

Other council members, talking on condition of anonymity, have shared similar concerns about the organisations standing, and the potential harm it could suffer over its internal strife on trans issues.

The toxic atmosphere around BMA council debates has left some of its 69 members fearful of speaking up to share their views on the issue, Davis says. Its refusal to endorse Casss findings means the reputation of the entire medical profession is now threatened, she adds.

The BMAs position, decided at a council meeting on 17 July, has led to around 1,500 doctors, including former heads of medical royal colleges, signing a letter of protest and some longstanding members resigning.

The union has adopted its position on Cass because a campaign group called DoctorsVote, which has led the junior doctors pay strikes, has used political entryism to gain a significant influence over the BMA and dictate its policy, Davis alleges.

Davis, an NHS consultant radiologist, challenges the unions leadership to embrace democracy and put its stance to a consultation of its estimated 185,000 members. If it fails to do this, one would be forced to conclude that it is afraid of the views of its wider membership, she writes.

She also claims in her piece that those driving the unions anti-Cass policy are sincere in their beliefs [but] have no hard evidence for their opposition, and that the union is in danger of undergoing what one critic describes as descent into madness.

Related: Undemocratic and secretive: the BMA no longer speaks for doctors trying to protect children

Responding to Davis, the BMA said it respected differences in opinion during its internal debates, which were fair and open. It denied that DoctorsVote was behind the controversial motion.

A spokesperson said: We do not accept any form of bullying, or inappropriate behaviours, and where these are brought to our attention due process is followed if further investigation is needed.

We are not aware of any bullying complaints from Dr Davis or supporters of her position through BMA channels or processes.

This is in contrast to the frankly abhorrent transphobic and homophobic abuse directed at BMA members and staff on social media in response to our work on the Cass review.

The union, which has spoken for the medical profession since 1832, did not respond to Daviss claim that it has harmed its reputation as a result of its stance on Cass.

DoctorsVote did not reply to a request for comment.
Jenny Hastings had spoken out in 2014 about her experience of battling depression for decades. Photograph: Police Scotland/PA

A body has been found in the search for the wife of Scott Hastings, the former Scotland rugby player, who went missing after swimming in an estuary in Edinburgh, police have said.

Jenny Hastings has been missing since Tuesday after failing to return from Wardie Bay after going for a swim in the Firth of Forth, according to her family.

At about 3.20pm on Saturday the body of a woman was found in the Hound Point area of South Queensferry, police said.

Formal identification has yet to take place but Hastingss family have been informed, the force added.

Police said on Saturday evening that there do not appear to be any suspicious circumstances and a report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency said it received a report of concern at about 2.45pm on Tuesday and a helicopter, Coastguard rescue teams, lifeboats and other nearby vessels all took part in a search but it was unsuccessful that day.

Earlier this week, the Hastings family revealed the police were treating her disappearance as a high-risk missing persons case, explaining that the 60-year-old mother of two had previously struggled with mental health problems.

As an ambassador for the Support in Mind Scotland mental health charity alongside her husband, one of Scotlands most-capped rugby players, Hastings spoke out in 2014 about her experience of battling depression for decades.
Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, shadow minister for Indigenous Australians, is being sued for defamation by Lesley Turner, CEO of the Central Land Council, over a July media release. Photograph: Mike Bowers/The Guardian

The chief executive officer of the Central Land Council has launched a federal case against Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price over allegations she defamed him in a media release in July.

The CEO, Lesley Turner, said the release, which has now been taken offline but was mentioned in two NT News articles, incorrectly reported that a no-confidence motion had been moved by members of the council against him.

The NT News later retracted the articles, publishing an apology that said: The NT News apologises to Mr Turner for any hurt or embarrassment caused by the publication of the articles.

In the apology, the NT News said the land council chairman, Matt Palmer, had put out a media release saying members at a full council meeting had moved to cut out Turner. Prices release quoted Palmer claiming there was majority support for change of direction and leadership in the CLC.

In her media release, Price, the shadow minister for Indigenous Australians and a senator for the Northern Territory, argued the no-confidence motion demonstrated the needs and concerns of Indigenous Australians are not a priority for the Albanese government.

She also called for a review into the Land Rights Act, to ensure greater transparency and accountability.

According to the claim filed in federal court, Turner alleged Prices media release was defamatory as it implied the CEO had behaved so unprofessionally that it warranted his dismissal, no longer had the support of the majority of the council and was unfit to continue to occupy the role of CEO.

By reason of the publication of the First Media Release, the application has been seriously injured in his character and in his personal and professional reputation and has suffered and will continue to suffer hurt and embarrassment and loss and damage, the claim said.

This hurt was aggravated by Price, the claim continued, as she allegedly did not attempt to check if the allegations were correct, intended the release to be published in the mass media, ignored contact from Turner asking for it to be retracted, and did not apologise, even after the NT News took their articles offline. As of early September, according to the claim, Price had still failed to retract her allegations about Turner.

Both Turner and Price were contacted for comment. A spokesperson for Price said the senator would not be providing comment while legal proceedings were ongoing.
Diane Abbott: I wasnt going to have them push me out. Photograph: Silvana Trevale/The Guardian. Dress shirt: kaicollective.com . Ring and bracelet: ottomanhands.com Photograph: Silvana Trevale/The Guardian

In Diane Abbotts Westminster office, alongside a picture of her with Jesse Jackson and the framed front page of The Voice from 1987 declaring A New Era with a picture of Abbott, Bernie Grant, Paul Boateng and Keith Vaz  the four newly elected Black MPs  there are a number of large empty packing boxes. Abbott points at them and laughs. Ordinarily I wouldnt bother. But when they called the election we didnt know whether I would be allowed to stand, so I had to get ready just in case, she says.

It has been a heady few months for Abbott. So much so, in fact, that the memoir she has written, A Woman Like Me, is already out of date. It includes the story about Tory donor Frank Hester, who had said Abbott made him want to hate all Black women and that she should be shot, which happened in March. At first I couldnt take in his words, she writes. It was a clear incitement to violence. But the book was finished and at the printers before her intense battle with the Labour leadership to keep her seat and her consequent elevation to mother of the House, the honorific title bestowed on the female MP with the longest uninterrupted service.

The way Abbott tells it, for several months going back to last year, she came under significant pressure to do a deal with the Labour leadership to stand down after she had the Labour whip removed for writing an appalling letter to the Observer which, among other things, compared being Jewish, a Traveller or Irish to having red hair. The deal was that they would restore the whip and then literally that day, within hours, I would stand down, she says. Not the same week. The same day. And then maybe I could go to the Lords.

Abbott would not agree for several reasons. First, she felt it so smacked of a deal that people might think she had sold her constituency, one of Labours safest seats, to salvage her reputation. Second, she didnt want to go to the Lords. The thing about the Lords is that its full of people you thought had died, she says. You should never say never, but its never appealed to me. Ive got a couple of friends there. But the people who go from the House of Commons to the House of Lords usually do so because they cant let go of the status. And the status has never been my thing.

But mostly she refused because she felt that the whole arrangement was designed to belittle her. My humiliation was their intent. Thats why I wouldnt agree to it. They thought there was political gain in it. Keir Starmer had kept saying, Its a new party, its a new party. If its a new party, then what could be more emblematic than getting rid of Diane Abbott. People tried to tell them to leave it. But they were insistent.

It was striking how most politicians wanted to call the rioters thugs. It wasnt random. It was racial violence

The leadership had already removed the whip from the former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn: Abbott was the next logical target. But Corbyn and Abbott, while longtime political bedfellows and, at one time, actual bedfellows (they had a relationship), do not have the same currency. Labour misjudged the symbolic resonance of her historic role as the first Black female MP, the optics of bullying a Black woman out of her job and the popular support she had in the Black community and beyond. I think they didnt understand how much resistance there would be to that because a lot of the people around Starmer are these young guys and have no sense of the history.

When the election was called, the question mark over her future and mistreatment dominated the news, forcing Labour to postpone key announcements. Demonstrations of support in her Hackney constituency drew large numbers. I held out and held out, and it was a question of who blinked first. And they blinked first. You dont become Britains first Black woman MP because you give in to being pushed around like that.

Abbott relates this story quite dispassionately: a vexing tale of defiance and gamesmanship, enunciated slowly and deliberately. Its as if she tastes her words before she shares them, in mellifluent tones, with such regal hauteur that it is difficult to imagine she was born and raised in the same area of London as RMT union leader Mick Lynch. Dressed all in blue, from her trainers to her headscarf, at 70 Abbott strikes a diminutive but by no means diminished figure. But when she brings her cup of tea to her lips, her left hand holds the right steady, to limit the shakes. She has diabetes and though she does not mention it the whole interview, she has been quite ill for some time.

The paradox is that if Labour had treated her more respectfully, she might have bowed out of her own accord. They knew this but insisted on the deal anyway. In the book she says she had wanted to stand down in 2017 but thought it would reflect badly on Corbyn. Seven years on, I ask her if everything else was equal, she might have stood down this time.

She pauses. I might have. But what I wasnt going to do was have them push me out. I would stand down when I was ready.

* * *

At the opening of parliament, in his first prime ministerial speech, Starmer singled out Abbott for praise. Referring to diversity in the House he paid tribute to the new mother of the House  who has done so much in her career over so many years to fight for a parliament that truly represents modern Britain.

Would the next insult, I ask, not be to elevate her to the status of national treasure? She smiles. Having spent 37 years in parliament not being a national treasure, I think its a bit too late for that. And there are things to talk about.

Her boss is not one of them. More than once during the interview she steps back from what might be a scathing comment about the Labour leader, saying, Its too early to criticise Starmer directly.

Uncharacteristically restrained in person, she is not particularly flattering about him in the book, where she describes his performance in Brussels in opposition as being reminiscent of the Brit abroad who talks loudly in English so that the silly foreigner can understand.

Abbott is unapologetic. What people forget about Keir Starmer is he hasnt been in the party very long. So though we were in the shadow cabinet at the same time under Jeremy, hes not somebody I know, in the way I know, say, Harriet Harman. Were not best friends or anything, but Ive known her for a long time. Theres a history. Theres no way Id know him in that way because hes not been around the movement in that way.

Abbott rose through the party, first as a councillor in Paddington, London, and as a supporter of Labour Party Black Sections, a group within the party, started in the early 80s, that called for greater Black representation and an affiliated society for non-white members modelled on women-only sections. The demand was opposed by the leadership and championed by the left at a time when there was significant racial tension and had not been an ethnic minority MP for over half a century.

Race and feminism were the two main strands of my politics. And it seemed the Labour party was potentially a way of progressing those issues. It wasnt the most obvious choice if you considered yourself a radical Black person, even then. And remember this was during the ascendancy of Tony Benn. So the idea you could move the party leftwards, it seemed within reach.

From the book one gets the impression she no longer thinks this is the case. She describes Corbyns era of leadership as an interlude [that] tested to destruction the idea that the left will be allowed significant influence in the Labour party any time soon.

Among the many regional variations that formed the background to Labours victory in 2024 is the fact that in the major cities, where ethnic minorities tend to live, there was a significant collapse in turnout and the Labour vote. (In Abbotts constituency turnout fell by 15.5% and Labours vote share dropped by 10%.) According to Focaldata, Labour still won more minority votes than any other party by quite a distance, but it was down 13 points among Asian voters and six points among Black voters to the lowest level of minority support for Labour since minority polling began.

For a long time Labour essentially had a client relationship with minority communities, Abbott says. But different generations have come through and a lot of them think, What is this? Im not your faithful follower. The younger generations are more sceptical and I think Labour are in danger, and have been for some time, in taking them for granted.

If she no longer sees Labour as a vehicle for the kind of change she wants to see, why stay in it?

During that whole period when they had withdrawn the whip, people were encouraging me to run as an independent, but I didnt want to do that. I hinted that I might to upset them. But I never intended to. Im a Labour party person. Not this particular version of Labour. But Ive been in the party for 45 years. If they wanted to ban me, well, that was up to them. But I wasnt going to leave.

So if she had her time again, would she join the Labour party now? A long sigh is followed by an even longer pause. I wouldnt want to say. When I ask if she thinks Labour have learned the lessons of this last election, her response is quick and brief. No.

* * *

Abbott was born in Paddington in 1953  five years after HMS Windrush docked, marking the symbolic start of postwar, post-colonial migration, and five years before the racist pogroms that swept through Notting Hill in London and St Anns in Nottingham.

1958 was a big moment, the late Jamaica-born academic Stuart Hall once told me. Before that, individuals had endured discrimination. But in that year racism became a mass, collective experience that went beyond that.

This summers wave of social unrest was another big moment, which Abbott describes as shocking but not surprising when we speak again a few weeks after our Westminster meeting. With racism theres always an undercurrent of violence, she says. But it was striking how most politicians wanted to describe them as thugs, as though it was just random violence. It wasnt random. It was racial violence. You didnt need to be a political scientist to work that out. They attacked mosques, Black people and asylum seekers hostels. My concern now is that [ministers] pivot to draconian anti-immigration legislation to address the root causes of the violence. But the root cause wasnt immigrants. It was racism.

Abbotts parents, among the earlier postwar migrants, came from Jamaica. Her mother, Julia, who became a nurse after she could not become a teacher in the UK, docked in Bristol in 1950. Her father, Reginald, a machine operator who became a sheet-metal worker, arrived about the same time.

People get sentimental about Windrush, Abbott says. Our parents are all national treasures now. But they left rural Jamaica in the 50s and 60s to come to Britain and it took a lot of courage and resilience to survive that. The racism was brutal. There was no race relations legislation. People could literally not employ you because you were Black and there was nothing you could do. My parents never spoke about racism. They just put one foot in front of the other and kept going.

If Black migrants were relatively rare, Black babies were even more so. While her mother was in hospital, recovering from the birth, she had to stop nurses and doctors coming to lift up the blankets and take a peek at Diane. No, please, she told them. Shes not a doll.

Her father bought a house in Paddington and rented out all the rooms bar one, where they lived, with the cooker on the landing. In the basement was an Irish family, headed by Uncle Jimmy, who took a shine to Diane. One day in the 50s, as her mother tells it, teddy boys came down the road banging on the door and attacking any Black person who answered. As they approached her home, Jimmy came up declaring, Theyre not going to get our Diane. When they opened the door, the teddy boys thought he owned the house and moved on. (A story that illustrates the point she was trying to make about being a visible minority in her Observer letter, without excusing what she actually wrote.)

That experience of being what TV super producer Shonda Rhimes refers to in her autobiography as FOD  first, only and different has persisted all her life. I went to Harrow county grammar school for girls, where I was the only Black girl  Then Newnham College, Cambridge, where there was a mixed-race girl and a south Asian girl. After Newnham I was a graduate trainee at the Home Office and again I was the first and only one at that level. Then I went to the National Council for Civil Liberties and I think I must have been the first Black person they ever employed. Then I went to work in television and I was the only Black person there.

So when she entered parliament in 1987, being the first and only Black woman was more of a novelty for Britain than it was for her. From my schooldays I was in institutions where I was the only Black person, so when I came here that was what my whole working life had been up until that point.

That took nothing away from the moment itself. With some pride, Abbott asks her assistant to pull up a picture of silver-haired Lord David Pitt, a Grenada-born Labour politician who unsuccessfully stood for parliament in the 50s and 70s before going into the House of Lords, throwing his arms around her on her first day.

African American novelist and essayist James Baldwin coined the term the burden of representation about the pressure brought to bear on the first and only minorities who make it to use whatever influence they have to reflect and respond to the interests of the communities from which they come. The fate of the second may arguably hang on the success of the first.

Abbott, who remained the only Black female MP for 10 years after her election, says she was aware of that pressure but never felt constrained by it. I never consciously saw it as a burden. I knew people would be going after me. But if you stop and say, What a burden, then you might as well give up. I was conscious that I was maybe being judged by harsher standards. But its one of the things I learned from my parents: to just put one foot in front of the other and keep going.

* * *

But everyone stumbles sometimes. Her letter to the Observer, which she apologised for unreservedly the same day, was not her first mistake. In 2012 during a Twitter exchange, she was forced to apologise after writing: White people love playing divide & rule. We should not play their game #tacticasoldascolonialism.

During an LBC interview in the 2017 election as shadow home secretary, she first referred to Labour plans for an extra 10,000 police officers costing 300,000, then corrected herself to say it would in fact cost 80m, only to eventually clarify the actual figure, which was closer to 300m. It was bad.

Compared with, say, Boris Johnson conspiring to have a journalist beaten up, being fired for plagiarism, lying about an affair, reciting a colonialist poem in Myanmar and calling women in burqas letterboxes  just the ones that spring to mind  others have got away with much worse. But then she knew that going in.

Id done about six radio interviews back to back that morning and then I made these mistakes. She knew shed get dinged for it but not below the bow.

I made mistakes and the world exploded. People presumed that I was an idiot, despite everything they knew about me

When the world exploded I was very taken aback, she says. I wasnt someone who no one had heard of before. But the fallout presumed that I was an idiot. I went to grammar school, Newnham College and had done a series of high-status jobs, and no one had ever thought that. So I didnt think of myself as that. And I didnt realise that people would slip so easily into thinking of me as that, despite everything they knew about me. Because its very hard to eliminate an idea that had no basis in fact in the first place.

At times its as though she floats in and out of a sharpened racial consciousness. One minute she is acutely aware that she will be judged more harshly because she is a Black woman; the next she is surprised when she actually is judged more harshly. Or maybe it is simply the scale and intensity of the attacks that is truly shocking.

Her name became a punchline. We heard that up in the north of England the Tories were running a campaign all about me, because what could be more horrific than a Black woman as home secretary, she says. On national radio I was brought up completely gratuitously by Tory ministers.

An Amnesty International report in the run-up to the 2017 election revealed that Abbott received almost half of all the abusive tweets sent to female MPs. The hate mail arrives with such regularity that learning how to deal with it is part of the training for all new staff in her office. On election day itself, a man pleaded guilty to three charges of sending letters conveying indecent or offensive messages. Abbotts office had alerted the police three years ago.

But it is one thing being targeted by Tories and racists; its quite another to find yourself attacked by your own side. The Labour minister Jess Phillips once claimed she told Abbott to fuck off.

She didnt, Abbott says. But by going around and telling everyone she did, she thought it gave her a sort of cachet.

Phillips apologised on Twitter for her behaviour that day but has never said sorry personally. Has Abbott ever taken it up with her? No.

Given Phillips was deeply hostile to Corbyns leadership, one might put even that down to factionalism. But its not as though it has been plain sailing on the left either. Even among those colleagues with whom she is ideologically aligned, Abbott is described as anything from difficult to impossible. Stubborn comes up a lot. She didnt go to parliament to make friends. And in this she has succeeded. Quite how many of these characteristics are necessary if you are going to persevere as a Black female politician of her generation in a place like the Commons is unknowable but important to think about. As the Kenyan MP Millie Odhiambo told the Kenyan speaker, in a clip that soon went viral, when she was asked to set a good example to the girls serving their first term, Mr Speaker, if they are good girls they will never get corner office. Be a bad girl like Millie Odhiambo and you will be the mother of this house.

* * *

A few days after the LBC interview, Abbott says, Karie Murphy, the executive director of Corbyns office, came to her home and told her she should stand down from the shadow cabinet for the rest of the election. Abbott refused. As far as we were concerned we had left matters unresolved. Then the next morning we heard on the radio we had been stood down. It was a bit of a shock. I think some people around Jeremy convinced themselves that if only I stepped down as shadow home secretary they could win. That was the idea.

So Abbott found herself embattled within the already embattled project that was Corbyns leadership. It wasnt great. How can I put it? It was a learning experience.

Did she ever take it up with Corbyn? No  If I took up everything with everybody and looked at all the nastiness that comes in, Id be paralysed. Has she just developed a thick skin? Nobody has skin that thick, she says, with melancholic emphasis. Nobody.

So how has she survived for 37 years with that level of hostility? She says she picks her battles and has a group of female friends that shes known for years, many of whom have nothing to do with politics.

But mostly, she says. I know what I know.

What does that mean, I ask. I know what I believe in and I know my own self-worth. I always have done.

She recalls a conversation she had with her teacher after she came back from a school trip to Cambridge and said she wanted to apply to the university. But youre not up to it, the teacher said. But I do think Im up to it, the 16-year-old Abbott replied. And thats what matters, isnt it?

In a way thats been my theme, she says. Even when the worlds fallen on my head because I got some figures wrong, which is a horrible, horrible experience, I know what I know. In the end I know my own worth.
A Flyeye telescope, designed to spot meteors capable of wiping out humanity - ESA/ESA

Eco-protesters have halted the construction of a telescope designed to spot meteors capable of wiping out humanity.

The observatory, called Flyeye, is designed to spot space rocks heading towards Earth as soon as possible. Construction was due to start this week in the mountains of Sicily.

But, just two days before a first stone ceremony atop Mount Mufara, a last-ditch appeal to delay construction by environmental groups was accepted by the local court on the Italian island.

Flyeye is a 20 million (16.9 million) project run by the European Space Agency (ESA) that was unveiled in 2016 and scheduled to be operational in 2026.

The programme has been plagued by delays as a result of local opposition, but will be the first of four connected telescopes around the world dedicated to spotting incoming asteroids.

Currently, thousands of asteroids that hit or skim Earth go undetected until hours before impact and astronomers are trying to improve this in order to buy more time to avert a collision.

The automated telescope will take an image of a large swathe of sky every few minutes and compare the photographs every night for any signs that a meteorite may be heading our way. Data will be analysed by other organisations for closer analysis if approaching meteorites are suspected.

Extremely dark skies and lots of clear nights are among the benefits of the remote location

But environmental groups, including WWF Sicily, have been granted an appeal in the local courts that has halted construction pending a hearing on September 24.

The suspension was decided  as a provisional precaution to guarantee the integrity of the mountain. We are cautiously satisfied, Pietro Ciulla, the WWF delegate in Sicily, told The Telegraph.

The appeal was made because we believe that the procedure is strongly flawed by irregularities and illegitimacy. There are, in our opinion, irregularities in the authorisation procedure.

Mr Ciulla said the campaigners are not against scientific research, but they believe the 13 metre-tall building should be located at another mountain site where the environmental impact would be less severe.

Italy is one of the 22 members of ESA, which also includes the UK, and was picked to lead the Flyeye project in 2018 after an application by the Italian Space Agency (ASI).

The 1,865-metre-high Mt Mufara was selected as the best location in Italy for the telescope as a result of the extremely dark skies above, lots of clear nights and low light pollution levels.

Ongoing legal battle

ESA considered moving the Flyeye project to the Canary Islands in 2023 amid years of delays due to local issues in Sicily, but the national government issued an emergency decree in October to salvage the project and exempt it from local government red tape.

Campaigners are also concerned the new precedent set by this ad hoc legislation could open the door for more construction in the mountains.

Adolfo Urso, the Italian minister responsible for space, told ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher following the postponement that he trust[s] that the administrative justice will confirm the strategic interest of this project and protect the reputation and international credibility of our country.

It is understood ESA officials are confident the legal proceedings will rule in favour of the project and allow the Italian space agency to push ahead with Flyeye.

A Flyeye telescope, designed to spot meteors capable of wiping out humanity - ESA/ESA

The council courtroom showdown in Palermo has far-reaching ramifications for the world, with Dr Rolf Densing, the ESAs director of operations and space safety, telling The Telegraph that Flyeye is a major step for planetary defence.

Impacts of near Earth objects, or NEOs for short, are a real threat. They led to the extinction of dinosaurs 66 million years ago.

More recently, an asteroid which disintegrated over Chelyabinsk [Russia], in 2013, injured around 1,500 people, and caused significant destruction to the area.

For this reason, this network is of utmost significance for Earth and its inhabitants. Early warning of hazardous objects such as asteroids or comets on a collision course with Earth helps protect life in general.

Detecting dangerous space rocks

Most rocks are too small to be of concern and burn up in the atmosphere, including a one-metre wide meteorite that created a fireball in the sky over the Philippines this week on the same day it was first spotted.

Scientists have been working on how to destroy or deflect approaching space rocks as well as trying to improve detection.

Sending a nuclear bomb into space to blow up a meteorite or comet, much like in Hollywood films like Deep Impact and Armageddon, is the preferred method for an approaching projectile bigger than 600 metres wide.

But astronomers think flying a large spacecraft into the rock will be sufficient to deflect smaller threats away from Earth.

Astronomers believe there are around 900 NEOs - defined as being within 120 million miles of our sun - that are more than 1 kilometre wide. One in 20 currently goes undetected.
South Wales Police urged people to avoid the area

Click here to view this content.

Wales has been hit by flash flooding with a deluge of rain expected across the UK on Saturday.

Several parts of southern Wales have been affected, including Cardiff, Port Talbot and Swansea, while hundreds of people have been left without power.

Firefighters told the BBC they are very busy with multiple 999 calls. South Wales Police have shut Talbot Road in Port Talbot in both directions after thunderstorms battered the region on Friday night.

Police have urged people to travel in the area only when necessary.

The Sir Anthony Hopkins theatre in Port Talbot, pictured, above, had to be evacuated due to flooding.

In the Whitchurch area of Cardiff, drains were overwhelmed following a heavy downpour, causing Merthyr Road to flood.

Just seen this video taken from @thebrookbistro in Whitchurch, Cardiff this evening.  pic.twitter.com/PVSp9PukNX  Derek Brockway - weatherman (@DerekTheWeather) September 6, 2024

The deluge of rain will continue across the UK, forecasters have said as four flood alerts were issued.

Properties may flood and there may be travel disruption in parts of the country, it said.

Low-lying roads and footpaths by the Thames are expected to flood from Putney Bridge to Teddington Weir, west London.

The Environment Agency (EA) has warned people to prepare for floods from London to the west of England.

It put the high water levels down to spring tides.

People near the Lower Avon river, south-west England, were told to consider activating any property flood protection products.

More rain is set to fall which could raise the Lower Avons levels and the Ringwood, Christchurch and Moyles Court areas are most at risk.

Today has been crazy in #PortTalbot and #Swansea regarding the weather! I heard the first rumblings of thunder this morning and it's been on and off ever since. Torrential rain, floodingI've never seen it this bad here  pic.twitter.com/jB1FLpK6d0  Cezzareena (@CeriDacey) September 7, 2024

Flooding on low-lying land and roads is possible into Saturday near the rivers Clyst and Culm, in Devon.

A flood alert also remains in place in Scrase Bridge and West Common Streams near Haywards Heath, West Sussex.

EA said both rivers had returned to near normal following intense rainfall on Thursday but further showers are expected and any river rise and flooding will likely occur quickly following intense downpours.

Grahame Madge, a Met Office spokesman, said: With a yellow weather warning across southern England and South Wales, these areas are the main focus of attention for todays forecast.

Forecasters said there is a slight chance of power cuts, flooding in homes and businesses, communities being cut off, travel disruption and damage from lightning strikes in the northern part of the warning area.

There is a small chance of fast-flowing or deep floodwater causing danger to life, they added.

Mr Madge said: Within the warning area we will see some heavy outbreaks of rain, possibly accompanied by lightning especially in the west of the warning area.

From central England and Wales northwards conditions will be largely fine and dry with temperatures reaching mid 20C in some locations.

Cloudy conditions along North Sea coasts will spread across more of the UK toward the end of today.

The outlook for tomorrow and into the weekend remains unsettled with further potentially very heavy rain to come.
CIA said there was a flurry of diplomatic activity over the risk Putin would use nuclear weapons in autumn 2022 - Russian Defense Ministry Press Service

There was a genuine risk Russia would have used tactical nuclear weapons in the early months of the Ukraine war, the head of the CIA has revealed.

Bill Burns said the sudden breakthrough of troops in the north east of the country stoked fears Putin would use the most extreme measures, causing a flurry of diplomatic activity.

Speaking alongside the head of Britains foreign intelligence agency, MI6, for the first time, Mr Burns said: There was a moment in the fall of 2022 when I think there was a genuine risk of a potential use of tactical nuclear weapons.

Addressing the FT Weekend Festival in London, he added: The president sent me to talk to our Russian counterpart, Sergei Naryshkin, at the end of 2022 to make very clear what the consequences of that kind of escalation would be, and weve continued to be very direct about that.

I dont think we can afford to be intimidated by that sabre rattling or bullying [but] weve got to be mindful of it.

CIA boss Bill Burns (R) and Richard Moore, chief of MI6, spoke about their fears over nuclear weapons being used by Putin - Belinda Jiao

Mr Burns had raced to Ankara, Turkey, in November 2022 to confront Mr Naryshkin in what was thought to be the first in-person meeting between senior officials of the two countries since Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

In a statement issued at the time, the White House said: He is conveying a message on the consequences of the use of nuclear weapons by Russia, and the risks of escalation to strategic stability.

In October 2022, fears were sparked of a potential Russian false-flag attack after defence minister Sergei Shoigu claimed that Ukraine was going to use a radioactive dirty bomb.

Russian state media claimed Kyiv was gathering nuclear material to use on the battlefield in a dirty bomb or low-yield nuclear weapon

The claims were immediately dismissed by the UK while Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, said it was clear that Russia was itself planning a dirty bomb attack.

Deeply irresponsible

Putin had previously used false accusations to justify his full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

On Saturday, Sir Richard Moore, the head of the Secret Intelligence Service, better known as MI6, said: Theres only one party talking about nuclear escalation and thats Putin.

Its deeply irresponsible [but] nobody in the West is going to be intimidated by such thoughts or any other behaviour by the Russian state.

Asked about the Kremlins continued stoking of fears in the West that the war in Ukraine might see nuclear weapons used, the CIA director said: I had never thought, however, and this is the view of my agency, that we should be unnecessarily intimidated by that.

Putins a bully. Hes going to continue to sabre rattle from time to time.

Sir Richard said he and the CIA director were appearing in public for the first time to explain their work as they had to earn [the] licence to operate in a democracy

He said the use by Russia of criminal elements showed Putin was becoming desperate.

Russian intelligence services have gone a bit feral he said, resorting to reckless actions such as the Novichok attack in Salisbury in 2018.

Dawn Sturgess, a mother of three, was killed after becoming contaminated by poison used to target Sergei Skripal, a former colonel in the GRU.

Mr Burns said his organisation along with MI6 had provided credible, early [and] accurate warning of Russias plan to invade Ukraine, noting many other Western intelligence agencies had dismissed warnings of a Russian assault.

Almost all the others thought it was a bluff on Putins part, Mr Burns said.

The joint SIS-CIA action put Putin in the unaccustomed and uncomfortable position of being on the wrong foot, Sir Richard added.

He said the Ukrainian incursion into the Kursk region, which started on August 6, has brought the war home to ordinary Russians.

The Kursk operation had put a dent in Putins cocky and smug attitude, the CIA director said, although he said he saw no evidence Putins grip on power was weakening.

Sir Richard said the use by Russia of criminal elements showed Putin was becoming 'desperate' - Sergei Ilyin

Speaking of the emerging axis of states opposed to the West, Sir Richard said there was pragmatic cooperation between China, Russia, Iran and North Korea, but the relationships are of a profoundly different quality to that between the US and the UK.

Mr Burns said Russia will eventually chafe at being the junior partner to China, and that although Beijing is not thought to have directly supplied weapons, many dual-use technological items that could be converted for military use had been sent from China to Russia.

This has allowed Putin to significantly rebuild his defence industrial base, Mr Burns said.

The head of the CIA refused to be drawn on whether Iran has sent ballistic missiles to Russia and said such a move would be a dramatic escalation.

However, he said the export from North Korea of short-range ballistic missiles to Russia has made Pyongyang a more dangerous threat to regional allies such as Japan and South Korea.

The SIS Chief said that despite Beijings increasing belligerence under President Xi, both he and the CIA head speak to their Chinese counterparts.

Keeping those intelligence channels open is really important even in competitive relationships to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings, Mr Burns added.

Both Mr Burns and Sir Richard said the international world order is 'under threat in a way we havent seen since the Cold War' - Em Fitzgerald

Discussing the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Sir Richard said that without a ceasefire the world will continue to be in a very highly fragile place in the Middle East.

Mr Burns said after the barbaric Hamas attack the Israelis had severely degraded Hamass military capabilities. However, he warned that the despicable terrorist organisation is as much an idea as a military force.

Reiterating the need for a two-state solution, Mr Burns said: In my experience, the only way to kill an idea is with a better idea, and thats why its so crucial to offer some sense of hope for the day after [a ceasefire].

It is easy to be a pessimist about the Middle Eastbut there is a possibility here that will offer, not just Israel but all our friends in the Arab world, the ultimate counter to the ambitions of this particular Iranian regime.

Both Mr Burns and Sir Richard said the international world order is under threat in a way we havent seen since the Cold War.

In a joint article for the FT, they wrote: There is no question that the international world order  the balanced system that has led to relative peace and stability and delivered rising living standards, opportunities and prosperity  is under threat in a way we havent seen since the Cold War.
classroom

Labour has been accused of dropping plans to depoliticise the teaching of the British Empire and slavery in schools.

The Government is said to have abandoned a Conservative-commissioned review of the history curriculum designed to prevent Britains imperial past being decolonised by teachers.

The review was led by Robert Tombs, professor emeritus of French history at the University of Cambridge, and Blondel Cluff, a member of the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities.

It had finalised its report on primary school history teaching when the election was called in July and was set to begin looking into secondary schools, according to The Times.

But after Sir Keir Starmers victory, members of the panel are said to have been told by the Department for Education (DfE) that their work, which started in 2022, was no longer needed.

Kemi Badenoch championed the review when she was equalities minister under Rishi Sunak.

She has previously said schools needed to teach students both sides of the story when it came to British imperial history.

Sources close to the Tory leadership contender said she felt strongly that teachers deserved more support to stop the teaching of history becoming politicised.

Highly regarded

This was a very serious piece of work by a panel of highly regarded historians, one source said.

But it appears that it has been abandoned straight away by the new Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, without any explanation.

It is completely the wrong thing to do.

Sources in the DfE told The Times that the review had come to an end but that its work would be considered as part of Labours broader curriculum review.

The specific review of the history curriculum was one of the recommendations of the Sewell report on race and ethnic disparities in Britain.

Neither the banning of white authors or token expressions of black achievement will help to broaden young minds, the report said.

We have argued against bringing down statues, instead, we want all children to reclaim their British heritage.

Serious about education

A government source told The Telegraph: The Tories waited 14 years to look at diversity in the curriculum. We began the process of reform within 14 days of winning power. It shows the difference between the parties.

Well look at the curriculum as a whole, not just history. Thats because this Government is serious about creating an education system that sets all young people up to succeed.

Badenochs whole bid for the Tory leadership has shown that she and her party are determined to learn nothing from their crushing electoral defeat.

They are clearly not serious about governing or the education of our children. We put children first where they put themselves first.

A spokesman for the DfE said: High and rising standards are at the heart of the Governments mission to break down the barriers to opportunity and give every child the best start.

The Curriculum and Assessment review will bring together leading education experts, leaders and staff, to consider how to ensure young people have access to a broad and balanced curriculum that reflects the issues and diversities of our society, as well as the crucial work and life skills necessary to succeed in both the workplace and throughout their lives.
Khasha Smith was last seen on a FaceTime call with a friend in October last year and was reported missing in January. Photograph: Family handout/PA

Police have charged a 39-year-old man in connection with the death of an Edinburgh woman who went missing 11 months ago.

Khasha Smith, a mother of three, from Calder, Edinburgh, was last seen on a FaceTime call with a friend on 10 October 2023, and was reported missing in January.

Police have yet to find Smith, 35, but they believe she is dead.

The man charged in connection with her disappearance will appear at Edinburgh sheriff court on Monday.

Smiths daughter, Calley Smith, and her mother, Nicola Neil, made a plea for information in March.

Neil said Smith was a brilliant mum who was loved by all our very close family. Calley Smith, 18, added: We miss her so much. We want nothing more than my mum to walk through the door and to be able to give her a massive hug. It feels like Im living the worst dream I could ever imagine.

Officers searched Smiths flat and a nearby section of the Union Canal, an area of woodland and metal containers. On Wednesday, police carried out a new search near her home, but have yet to find her.

DCI Bob Williamson, of Police Scotlands major investigation team, continued to appeal for information. He said: Our thoughts remain with Khashas family at this extremely difficult time, and they continue to be supported by specialist officers.

They are understandably devastated, and it is vital that we get answers for them.

Extensive inquiries remain ongoing to trace Khasha, and I would again encourage anyone with any information regarding her disappearance to contact the police as a matter of urgency.

Any piece of information, no matter how small or insignificant you think it is, could prove vital, so please get in touch.

Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland on 101. Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Celebration for 50th anniversary of China-Japan air routes held in Tokyo

Xinhua) 10:18, September 07, 2024

TOKYO, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the commencement of China-Japan air routes, a celebration ceremony was held in Tokyo on Friday with some 500 people from all walks of life in China and Japan attending the event.

Former Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda said that after the normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and China, the opening of airline service has promoted the exchange of personnel and goods between the two countries.

It is expected that the Japan-China air routes will play an increasingly important role in the future and promote the continuous improvement and development of bilateral relations, Fukuda added.

Tetsuo Saito, Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan, said the Japan-China air routes allow people of the two countries to travel easily to each other's countries, promote economic development such as the tourism industry, enhance mutual understanding among the peoples, and increase favorable views of each other's countries.

Chinese Ambassador to Japan Wu Jianghao said that over the past 50 years, China-Japan air routes have become increasingly frequent, facilitating personnel exchanges and mutual visits between the two countries and effectively promoting friendly exchanges and practical cooperation in various fields.

At present, the relationship between the two countries is at a critical stage of improvement and development. We look forward to active face-to-face exchanges between the two peoples to build a more solid public support for the improvement and development of China-Japan relations, Wu added.

Hosted by Air China, the ceremony featured music and dance by artists from the two countries.

In April 1974, China and Japan signed an aviation agreement, setting up flights between the two countries. On Sept. 29 of the same year, regular flights officially began between China and Japan.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Wu Chaolan)
Tony Bravo is the San Francisco Chronicles Arts & Culture columnist. He primarily covers visual arts, the LGBTQ community and pop culture. His column appears in print every Monday in Datebook. Bravo joined the Chronicle staff in 2015 as a reporter for the Style section and also wrote the relationship column Connectivity. He is the host of the live interview series Show & Tell every month at Four One Nine and created the VoiceMap Chronicle LGBTQ audio tour Over the Rainbow in the Castro available for download on the app. Bravo is also an adjunct instructor at the City College of San Francisco Fashion Department, where he teaches journalism.
In past cases, officials have sought to understand whether human cases are caused by the strain in wild birds and mammals or the one specifically in dairy cows. Photograph: Farlap/Alamy

A person in Missouri with no known animal contact has tested positive for H5 bird flu, the states department of health and senior services said Friday.

Its the first time a patient in the US outbreak has had no known exposure to sick animals. And it is the first time someone has been hospitalized with bird flu  though its not clear yet whether influenza was the reason for hospitalization or it was incidental.

The patient, who has underlying health conditions, was hospitalized on 22 August and tested positive for flu A. Doctors sent a sample to the Missouri state public health laboratory, where it was found to be of the H5 subtype, which is also known as highly pathogenic avian influenza  or bird flu.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed that it is H5 and said it is studying the specimen more.

Related: US repeating Covid mistakes with bird flu as spread raises alarm, experts say

In past cases, officials have sought to understand whether human cases are caused by the strain that has circulated in wild birds and mammals in the US since 2022 or whether it is more closely related to the variant specifically in dairy cows. They will also likely look to see whether it has picked up mutations to make it more transmissible or virulent among people.

In an exclusive interview with the Guardian in July, Nirav Shah, principal deputy director of the CDC, said there were several concerns officials were watching for in this outbreak.

One is increasing severity of disease, such as if a person were hospitalized or died from bird flu, he said.

The previous cases in the US have been mild, but they were among farmworkers, who tend to be healthy and strong. In the wider population, especially among those with other health conditions, bird flu could prove more dangerous. Globally, the mortality rate hovers at about 50% of confirmed cases  although there are likely less severe cases that go undetected.

The second would be the nature of transmission, Shah said. Are we seeing person-to-person transmission?

In the two decades since H5N1 was observed among people, onward transmission among people has been exceedingly rare, he said.

Another major cause for concern with transmission centers on who is getting sick.

If we were to see individuals with no connection to a farm whatsoever, or chicken exposure, developing signs and symptoms  that would be greatly concerning, Shah said. Even if there was no other transmission route identified, that would be a sign that something else is happening.

Officials will probably continue tracing the patients potential exposures and contacts with other people to see how the virus spread.

Bird flu is usually found in domestic and wild birds, but in recent years it has significantly expanded its range to circulate widely in mammals, including dairy cows and other livestock.

Two indoor cats in Colorado recently tested positive for the virus. House mice have also tested positive.

No bird flu has been detected in cows in Missouri, but it has been found in poultry and wild birds.

It can occasionally infect humans through close contact with infected animals or contaminated environments, according to the Missouri press release.

This is the 15th case of bird flu among people in the US since 2022  and the 14th this year. This is the first known human case of bird flu in Missouri.

The patient had recovered and was discharged from the hospital, the Missouri statement said.
The actress had just arrived in Venice when she found out her mother, Janelle Ann Kidman, had died - Getty

Nicole Kidman has been unable to receive an award for best actress at the Venice Film Festival in person after the death of her beautiful, brave mother.

Kidman, 57, won the award for her performance as a CEO having an affair with a young intern, played by Harris Dickinson, in director Halina Reijns Babygirl.

Speaking to the audience at the festival on Saturday night via a note read out by Reijn, Kidman said her heart is broken.

It read: Today I arrived in Venice to find out shortly after, that my beautiful, brave mother Janelle Ann Kidman has just passed.

I am in shock and I have to go to my family, but this award is for her, she shaped me, she guided me, and she made me.

I am beyond grateful that I get to say her name to all of you through Halina, the collision of life and art is heart-breaking, and my heart is broken.

We love you all.

Nicole Kidman won the award for her performance as a CEO having an affair with a young intern - Getty/Marco Bertorello

Twenty-minute ovation

The 81st edition of the film festival closed on Saturday, with Pedro Almodovars English-language debut The Room Next Door winning the festivals most prestigious prize, the Golden Lion, which is awarded for best film.

The movie, which stars Julianne Moore and Tilda Swinton, received a nearly 20-minute standing ovation when it premiered at the festival.

Venices last day also saw the world premiere of Horizon: An American Saga  Chapter 2, and Vincent Lindon won best actor for his performance as a single father whose son is radicalised by the far-Right in French drama The Quiet Son.

The Luigi De Laurentiis award for a debut film was won by Sarah Friedlands Familiar Touch, about an octogenarians transition to life in assisted living as she grapples with her age, memory and relationship to her caregivers.

The festival has seen the world premiere of Todd Phillips Joker: Folie a Deux, starring Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga, and Luca Guadagninos William S Burroughs adaptation Queer, which stars Daniel Craig as a junkie expat obsessed with a young student.
Sir Keir Starmer has been struggling to keep the party united over its stance on Israel since taking office - Chris J Ratcliffe/Getty Images

Downing Street has promised to review the case for proscribing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in an olive branch to Israel-supporting MPs.

Senior government figures have privately indicated to Labour backbenchers that the Government is considering taking further action against Iran, The Sunday Telegraph understands.

The reassurance given to MPs over Labours stance on Iran follows deep splits within the party following the announcement last week of an embargo on some arms sales to Israel.

The Prime Minister has been struggling to keep the party united over its stance on Israel since taking office, with several MPs from the moderate wing of the party becoming increasingly frustrated.

Quite a lot of us are quite p---ed off about the substance of the arms export licence and the fact that it looks like a pattern of decisions that are all heading in one direction. We would like to see some steering back, one Labour MP said.

They pointed to the decision in July to resume taxpayer funding to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine (UNRWA) which was suspended following claims that its members had taken part in the Oct 7 atrocity, in which 1,200 Israelis were killed and 240 people taken hostage. A number of employees were subsequently sacked.

This was followed by Sir Keir dropping the previous governments challenge to the International Criminal Court application for an arrest warrant against Benjamin Netanyahu.

The US, Canada and a handful of other countries including Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, have proscribed the IRGC as a terror group - but not the UK - IRANIAN PRESIDENCY OFFICE HANDOUT/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

The announcement about a partial arms embargo on Israel led a series of pro-Israel MPs, who tend to be drawn from the more moderate wing of the Labour Party, to make private representations to Downing Street about their misgivings.

Most of the people who would be unhappy are not the kind of people who are going to express it in the chamber, a Labour MP said. Its primarily the people who are most loyal and disciplined who are cross - we are not going to jump up and down disagreeing with our Secretary of State.

MPs are understood to have been told that the Government is looking to see what further action it can take on Iran, including proscribing the IRGC.

Whitehall sources point to the fact that a new round of sanctions was announced last week against three individuals within the IRGC Quds Force and an IRGC unit for threatening the stability of the Middle East, which they say indicates that the government is serious about taking tough action on Iran.

Labour called for the proscription of the IRGC in opposition but has not yet committed to the move since winning the election.

The Labour manifesto explicitly called out the IRGC, saying: From the Skripal poisonings to assassination plots by the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, threats from hostile states or state-sponsored groups are on the rise, but Britain lacks a comprehensive framework to protect us.

Labour will take the approach used for dealing with non-state terrorism and adapt it to deal with state-based domestic security threats.

Click here to view this content.

On Monday, David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, announced that he was suspending about 30 arms export licences, citing alleged Israeli breaches of humanitarian law.

Last week, three Labour MPs, including the Solicitor General, warned in a letter to Mr Lammy that Jewish voters were upset and angry over the move, which has been heavily criticised.

The MPs, all representing north London seats, include Sarah Sackman, who as Solicitor General is one of the Governments top legal advisers.

Her involvement in the letter is likely to prove embarrassing for the Prime Minister, who now faces a choice over whether to sack her for breaking ranks.

A spokesman for the Government said: Irans destabilisation of the Middle East, their human rights violations, nuclear escalation, and its threats against people in the UK are abhorrent.

We will not hesitate to take the most effective measures against the regime and the IRGC, as we did on Monday when announcing a fresh wave of sanctions against them.

We are working at pace to identify further ways to deal with state threats including those from the IRGC.
Naimh Reynolds, who studies fashion history at Central St Martins in London, claimed the mould in her student flat was causing her to wheeze and be sick. Photograph: Andy Hall/The Observer

Students across the country are demanding rent refunds from the UKs biggest university hall owner, claiming they have endured infestations of rats, mice and bed bugs, and had their health affected by mould and damp.

Flat Justice, a not-for-profit tenants rights group, has shared details with the Observer of group legal actions it is leading against Unite Students on behalf of hundreds of students who have lived in the companys halls in Liverpool, London, Coventry and Birmingham.

Unite owns and manages rooms for 68,000 students in 151 purpose-built blocks across 23 university towns and cities. It said this weekend that the welfare of students was always our top priority and it had invested 90m in the past year to upgrade accommodation and services.

A tribunal is reviewing cases from 346 dissatisfied students who lived in 10 Unite blocks in Liverpool in 2022-23. Rats and mice have been a particular feature of complaints at their Atlantic Point hall in the city.

Student Chakotay Williams, who submitted a complaint about his second-year flat there, said there were rats outside, and indoors they had a problem with mice. After the residents complained, the maintenance team put poison in the kitchen but he alleges the mice remained.

Another former tenant of this block, who asked to be known only as Tom, claimed he began having breathing problems after moving in. There was mould everywhere and the place was perpetually damp, he said. He spent hours removing silverfish, only for them to be back in the same numbers the next day.

Flat Justice is also investigating complaints at nine Unite blocks in Birmingham. One student who lived at Mary Sturge residence in 2023-24, who asked not to be named, said she complained after three separate sightings of a rat in their kitchen, but alleged it took months for someone to deal with the problem.

They said maybe one of my flatmates was secretly keeping a hamster, the student said.

Niamh Reynolds, a student of fashion history at Central St Martins in London, lived at Emily Bowes Court, Haringey, which is owned by Unite, in 2021. She said she did not know, when she signed up to live there, that year-long re-cladding work was planned, but that shortly before the start of term, Unite sent her and other residents a notice of works which warned there would be scaffolding.

Reynolds said: My flatmates window was completely covered [with scaffolding and tarpaulin] and they had no daylight, which had a big impact on their mental health. I had light but I had to keep my blinds shut for privacy because there were people walking around on the scaffolding.

By the summer, she said dust from the work had become really bad. A problem with the central heating meant her flat was boiling all the time. She says she has a mould allergy, and alleges mould in her room was causing her to wheeze and be sick.

Maintenance did not take the issue seriously, and it was not treated properly, she said. I feel let down.

Flat Justice is fighting for rent refunds for 113 students across three Unite halls in Haringey, including Emily Bowes Court. Lack of notification about the building work when students signed up is the top complaint. One students tenancy agreement, seen by the Observer, warned that it would be happening but named a different hall, Blithehale Court.

Other complaints at Emily Bowes included unbearable heat from broken radiators, an infestation of bed bugs, lifts broken for weeks, and students arriving to find an uncleaned flat piled with rubbish and a dirty fridge full of rotting food.

A spokesperson for Unite said that teams were constantly available to deal with such problems, adding: While we acknowledge issues may arise, our teams always work hard to resolve these as quickly as possible.

Guy Morris, director of Flat Justice, told the Observer: Unite portrays a shiny image to its prospective customers through their marketing  but the reality is often very different.

Morris said many students complained of infestations  of maggots, flies, silverfish, bed bugs or rodents.

Shortages of student accommodation have been a problem across the UK in recent years. With students in cities including Bristol, Manchester, Glasgow and Edinburgh reporting desperate struggles to find somewhere to live, and some freshers who accepted places in clearing finding themselves housed in towns miles away, Morris said that students were under pressure to accept whatever they were given.

Related: Have laptop, can travel: the rise and rise of the commuter student

Flat Justice found that many Unite properties were not signed up to local authority rental licensing schemes, designed to ensure that basic safety standards are met. Recent tribunals found that Unite should have licensed properties in Liverpool, Oxford, Coventry and Haringey. Unite has now done this.

Unite said it was confident it met the standards required by licences, but not all of its properties required them due to exemptions.

A spokesperson for Unite said: While not all of our 151 properties require these types of licences, once we were aware of missing licences we undertook a full audit and made all the applications needed to the relevant local authorities. New licensing schemes continue to be introduced by local authorities and weve implemented new procedures to ensure licensing compliance going forwards.
Sir Keir Starmer met Simon Harris, the Irish premier, on Saturday and announced measures aimed at 'reducing the friction' between Ireland and the UK - Peter Morrison/AP

Loyalists in Northern Ireland have warned that Brexit could be in danger after Sir Keir Starmer vowed to reset border and trade relations with the Republic of Ireland.

Sammy Wilson, the DUP member for East Antrim, told The Sunday Telegraph that Unionists would be watching the Prime Ministers actions very carefully after he spoke of his desire for a closer relationship with the EU on a visit to Dublin.

Sir Keir visited the republic on Saturday where he met Simon Harris, the Irish premier, and announced new annual bilateral summits on trade and security aimed at reducing the friction between Ireland and the United Kingdom.

We are also resetting our relationship with the EU and I have made it very clear that I want a closer relationship with the EU, the Prime Minister said.

That is of course on security, on defence, but also on trade, reducing the friction and any business here in Ireland will tell you that reducing the friction helps and so we want to reset that relationship.

Sammy Wilson, the DUP MP for East Antrim, said that Unionists would be watching Sir Keirs actions very carefully - Eddie Mulholland

But Loyalists in Northern Ireland reacted with concern to the developments.

It could be one or two things, Mr Wilson said. Northern Ireland could be used as the excuse for undoing Brexit.

Or Northern Ireland could find itself further sacrificed, where the UK government then agrees with Europe, Well, look, were not going to complain too much about what you do in Northern Ireland, your imposition of regulations in Northern Ireland, your disruption of trade in Northern Ireland, if youre prepared to do deals with us on the things that matter to Great Britain.

We warned the people of the United Kingdom that there was always a danger  despite what they said  with the Labour Party because they were never committed to Brexit.

In fact, they were opposed to it. Keir Starmer, dont forget, wanted a second referendum to try and undo it.

So the Labour Party has got form on this and it will be important to watch every move that they make very carefully.

The Prime Minister has previously said that the governments desire to reset relations with the European Union does not mean reversing Brexit.

Sir Keirs visit made him the first prime minister to visit the republic in five years.

Real intention to reset relationships

Jamie Bryson, the prominent Loyalist activist, said the talks represented a continuation of appeasement towards republicans in Northern Ireland.

The British government is storing up another round of political instability in Northern Ireland by continuing the policy of Irish nationalist prioritisation and appeasement, he said.

Political unionists are once again going to feel pressure from the grassroots who continue to legitimately question what the point of the power-sharing arrangements is in Northern Ireland when it operates on the ethos that unionism must give, and nationalism must get.

Mr Harris was the first international leader hosted by the Labour leader in Britain following the July election.

Sir Keir said meeting Mr Harris twice within his first nine weeks in office as Prime Minister shows a real intention to reset relationships to the great benefit of both the UK and Ireland.

But the Prime Minister would not be drawn into saying if Brexit had been an obstacle to resetting the UK and Irelands trade relationship.
Assisted dying raises an ethical quandary - RAFFI MAGHDESSIAN/CAVAN IMAGES RF

The state of end-of-life care in the UK means the country is not ready for assisted dying, Wes Streeting has suggested.

The Health and Social Care Secretary has previously voted in favour of having an in principle debate on the ethical question, but declared himself conflicted on the issue.

Speaking at the FT Weekend Festival in London on Saturday, Mr Streeting spoke about the importance of making sure people arent coerced into exercising their right to die because of a lack of support in end-of-life care.

He said having the right protections and safeguards in place was needed to make sure people dont take their own life thinking they were a burden on others.

He reiterated his moral quandary, saying: I struggle with this, unusually  Ive got strong views on most things.

Underneath that philosophical ethical question are a whole series of practical ones about which I am deeply uncomfortable.

Candidly, when I think about this question of being a burden, I do not think that palliative care, end-of-life care in this country is in a condition yet where we are giving people the freedom to choose, without being coerced by the lack of support available.

Wes Streeting, speaking at the FT Weekend Festival - BELINDA JIAO

He added: That is one of the reasons why I can buy into the principle and think about people in my own life who have really suffered at the end of life and not want to impose my views on assisted dying as to whether they should have a choice.

But I am not sure as a country we have the right end-of-life care available to enable a real choice on assisted dying.

It comes after a major report funded by the cancer charity Marie Curie described patchy and inconsistent care for people at the end of their life in the NHS.

The study, undertaken in part by Cambridge and Kings College London universities, found that one in three people dying in England and Wales was severely or overwhelmingly affected by pain in the last week of their life.

Marie Curie said the findings pointed to a crisis in palliative care.

A Bill which would allow terminally ill adults with six months or fewer to live to get medical help to end their own lives was introduced in the Lords by former Labour justice secretary Lord Falconer in July.

Meanwhile, in the past week Labour backbench MP Jake Richards has said he may bring forward a Private Members Bill in the Commons.

The issue regained prominence this year after Dame Esther Rantzen revealed she had signed up to the assisted dying clinic Dignitas in Switzerland, due to her stage 4 lung cancer.

Shortly after winning the election, Sir Keir Starmer said he backed giving MPs a free vote on the issue.

However, the intervention of Mr Streeting, as boss of the department likely to implement any changes, is significant.

He said on Saturday: How do you make sure that people arent coerced into exercising their right to die, if it were available?

I dont just mean direct coercion and inducement.

The burden of guilt  what one might feel about being a burden on their families, even if their families didnt even remotely feel like they were a burden.

I wouldnt want someone to take their own life thinking they were a burden on others.

How do you put the right protections and safeguards?

An attempt to allow doctors to help terminally ill patients to end their lives was overwhelmingly defeated by MPs in 2015, the first time the Commons had voted on the issue in 20 years.

There has been speculation that this Parliament would lean more favourably towards liberalising the legislation.
Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris could learn vital lessons from the UK election voter strategy devised by two former Labour party aides. Photograph: Steven Senne/AP

Keir Starmers former pollster, Deborah Mattinson, is to meet Kamala Harriss campaign team in Washington this week to share details of how Labour pulled off its stunning election win by targeting key groups of squeezed working-class voters who wanted change.

The visit comes ahead of a separate trip by Starmer to Washington on Friday to meet US president Joe Biden, his second since becoming prime minister. It will also be his first since Biden stepped down and Harris became the Democratic nominee.

With the race for the White House on a knife-edge, Mattinson, who stepped down from Starmers office after the election, and the prime ministers former director of policy, Claire Ainsley, who will also attend the briefings, believe the same strategy that delivered for Labour could play an important role in Harris defeating Donald Trump on 5 November.

Writing in the Observer, Mattinson and Ainsley say many of the concerns of crucial undecided voters will be similar on both of sides of the Atlantic.

These voters  often past Labour voters  had rejected the party because they believed that it had rejected them. Often Tory voters in 2019, they made up nearly 20% of the electorate. Labours focus on economic concerns, from affordable housing to job security, won them back.

For Harris, addressing core issues such as housing, prices and job creation could also win over undecided US middle-class voters, many of whom face similar economic pressures. Labour set about finding out as much as possible about these voters and applying that knowledge to all aspects of campaigning.

They were patriotic, they were family oriented, they were struggling with the cost of living: squeezed working-class voters who wanted change.

Mattinson coined the phrase hero voters to describe a group who were more often than not pro-Brexit and persuadable by political leaders if they felt they would address their fundamental core concerns.

The collaboration, they believe, could help tilt the balance by delivering voters in key US battlegrounds.

Before Novembers presidential election, Harris has turned on its head a contest that looked like a foregone conclusion in Trumps favour. However, as the data shows clearly, it is still too close to call. We believe that adopting a similar hero-voter approach could make a vital difference, just as it did here in the UK.

The start point is to identify and understand Harriss hero voters  undecided voters who have considered Trump and live in the handful of the most crucial battleground states.

Mattinson and Ainsley were invited by the Democratic thinktank the Progressive Policy Institute (PPI), with which Ainsley has been working since leaving Starmers team in late 2022.

Recently, they have been polling among US voters and conducting focus groups to try to understand what will win them over and which groups matter most.

Related: Kamala Harris will win election, predicts leading historian Allan Lichtman

The context is very different but the parallels are almost uncanny, they write. This group  who in the US self-define as middle class rather than working class, as the same group might in the UK  is struggling.

Its members believe that the middle class is in jeopardy, out of reach for people like them, denied the dream of homeownership that previous generations took for granted, unable to cover the essentials, and hyper-aware of the cost of groceries, utilities and other bills. Many work multiple jobs just to keep afloat.

Among those that the two former Starmer aides are likely to meet are Megan Jones, the senior political adviser to vice-president Harris, and Will Marshall, founder of the PPI, who had dealings with top New Labour figures, including Tony Blair, when the party was trying to learn from the electoral success of Bill Clintons Democrats in the early to mid-1990s, before the 1997 general election.

Mattinson and Ainsley say they had far more time to plan their strategy in detail than have members of the Harris campaign. But they suggest that fine-tuning the Democratic strategy could help sustain recent momentum and give the party a better chance of crossing the finishing line victorious.

From the point where we defined our hero-voter focus, we had three years to mainline the thinking through party activity. Team Harris has less than three months. But looking at what they have achieved in the past few weeks, success now looks within reach. Hero voters may just help to close that gap.
Jonathan Reynolds is leading the Governments efforts to overhaul workers' rights - Paul Grover

When Labour was last in power, its maxim was said to be: We dont do God.

But Jonathan Reynolds, the Business Secretary, has signalled a break with the Blairite era by revealing that his Christian faith is a driving force behind the controversial workers rights reform package he is attempting to drive through.

Known affectionately to colleagues as Rev Reynolds, he was until recently the chairman of Christians on the Left, the biggest Christian faith affiliate group to the Labour Party, a role he gave up only after the election when he became a Secretary of State.

In his first interview since becoming the Business Secretary, he told The Telegraph that he believes working from home is good for British companies and insists that employees do their best work when they are happy at home.

Mr Reynolds is leading the Governments efforts to push through an overhaul of workers rights that was designed when the party was in opposition. Its proposed New Deal for Working People, core to its election offer, has been the subject of years of internal discussion.

Labour now plans to deliver on a promise to submit draft legislation to Parliament to make the changes within 100 days of the election, by mid-October.

But the plans have been criticised by union bosses and business leaders, with even Left-wing think tanks warning that they could have unforeseen consequences for workers.

Right to switch off

Much of the public debate has focused on the right to switch off, which says employees should not be required to respond to emails after hours.

Compressed hours is also part of the package, meaning working more flexible hours, so that a job fits around other commitments.

Other flagship pledges include a ban on exploitative zero-hours contracts and making flexible working the default from day one, which was intended to prevent homes from turning into 24/7 offices in the wake of the pandemic.

Speaking about his faith, Mr Reynolds, said: If you are a Christian, its something that affects every part of your life, whether thats work, whether thats home. I do think that the kind of agenda that weve got, which is obviously very pro-business, and seeking these kinds of changes to give people the experience and the benefits of that.

Describing how there is a moral side to his reform package, he said the Governments plans were necessary for people to have the kind of opportunities and the prosperity that we want to see  what sometimes people call inclusive growth.

He added: For me, its just about your work, your wages, your life. I think that has got to be a priority  not just for economic policy, but the kind of country we want to be, for the kind of strong families, strong communities I dont think that can be done without addressing some of these long-term economic problems. And I very much feel that business is a force for good when its done well.

After the pandemic, Jacob Rees-Mogg, the former Cabinet secretary, led the drive to push civil servants back to work in an attempt to end the work-from-home culture in Whitehall. As part of his campaign, he started publishing a regular league table of government departments based on how many staff were present.

Embracing working from home

But in a marked shift from the previous Conservative governments stance, the Prime Minister has thrown his weight behind working from home, with Downing Street warning that a culture of presenteeism is bad for productivity.

Mr Reynolds described how he believes that embracing working from home will give a boost to British businesses, arguing that it allows them to access the best talent across the country. He said that in his own government department, he champions working from home, citing inequality in the housing market.

For this department, which employs nearly 8,000 people, I want it to be a department where people can, as much as possible, live in any part of the UK and work for it, he said. Its a UK-wide department with an international remit, but also one that is UK-wide. I think its incredibly important.

Sometimes, Ive got people in the room, sometimes Ive got people at home. Sometimes Ive got people in many of the different offices that we have  I often have people who are in completely different time zones. I think being open to that kind of talent makes the organisation I lead far more effective. I think a lot of business leaders recognise that.

Look at the UK compared to other European countries  we do have a very pronounced regional inequality housing market thats very different in different parts of the UK. So where businesses can be open to UK-wide talent and have the opportunity to access that talent, I think thats got to be a good thing.

He acknowledged that there are legitimate business reasons why people may need to be in the office, and that in some jobs it is not possible to work at home.

There has been growing concern in the City over Labours agenda, with business leaders warning they could end up drowning in red tape or being penalised for emailing workers outside of office hours.

But dismissing criticism of his workers rights package, Mr Reynolds insisted the right to switch off would not harm UK competitiveness.

You do your best work when youre happy at home and when youre happy at work, youre happy at home, he said. It is a much better labour market in terms of how you can balance the complexities of life today.

I want people to be in a position, as lots of people are but I think too many people are not, where they can have the kind of work and prosperity and opportunities that can be part of modern life in terms of family and caring responsibilities, he said.

I think people are happiest at home when theyve got fulfilling work. And I think thats the objective. Its not about a tick box of measures that have been composited together. Its about how I can work today in the UK and fit in with what peoples lives are like.

Click here to view this content.

Turning to future trade deals and the UKs relationship with the EU, Mr Reynolds emphasised his desire to not refight the battles of the past, but improve the relationship with the EU as well as maximise trade opportunities around the rest of the world.

He promised the business and investment environment in the UK will not only be better than the government of the previous 14 years but also relative to other countries, and for the European countries where theres a much greater amount of political uncertainty about the future. Mr Reynolds said he sympathised with businesses suffering as a result of Brexit.

I do recognise when businesses put it to me  if youre a smaller business exporting goods, youre not in a customs union, there is more bureaucracy, there is more friction, he said.

But I say to them, this is not just about the politics of moving forward, but the kind of uncertainty that would be created if you had a government that wasnt as serious as us about moving forward.

Practical things would make a huge difference, whether that is mutual recognition of professional qualifications, whether that is our ambitions on food and agricultural products, and the veterinary agreement that we are seeking.

These are real, practical things that can be delivered. Theyre not easy, but theres a mutual interest on each side of doing that in a good-faith way. I know it will be difficult, and it will take more time for those practical measures to improve that relationship and look at our chances and opportunities around the rest of the world.
In the world of wizards and The Boy Who Lived, no one is as clever or resourceful as Hermione Granger. She's brave, loyal, and a lover of literature, and she's never afraid to do the right thing. Okay, maybe she can be a bit of a know-it-all, but she can also be trustworthy and caring to those she loves. And so can her name twin, Hermione the dog!

This sweet hound mix is still a puppy, but she's already gone through so much in her young life. Even so, she has a positive and loving spirit that charms everyone she meets at her Tennessee rescue. The only thing that's left is to find her the perfect home! On August 26, the rescue that's caring for her posted another adorable video that shows off her spunky side. Could she be your new BFF?

What a sweetheart! Hermione approaches the woman in the video so gently, but she also isn't afraid to get comfy and have a great time. Like many dogs, she even performs adorable 'contentment ceremonies' when she's feeling happy!

Related: Heartfelt Moment Golden Retriever with Harry Potter-Inspired Name Meets Baby Brother Is Full of Magic

But do you know what I didn't notice at first? The other dog trying to nap in the dog bed while Hermione rolls around! Their opposite moods put a smile on my face, but it's also nice to see that this adoptable dog can get along with any number of canine friends. Some formerly stray dogs can be introverted or reactive because of their past traumas, but this little wizard is ready to love and be loved.

Hermione may be energetic for a while since she's a hound dog puppy, but because of her easygoing nature, her rescuers expect her to grow up into a 'chill lady.' She's already mastered crate training and is making progress on potty training, which is so impressive for a 5-month-old pup! She's a diamond in the 'ruff' to say the least, but it's only a matter of time before someone in the South scoops up this magical little girl.

Harry Potter-Inspired Pet Names

Since the rise of the Harry Potter movie series in the early 2000s, names like 'Hermione' have become exponentially more popular for muggles' pets and human babies. When it comes to naming furry friends after the Harry Potter series, though, you can choose almost anything!

Naming a dog or cat after any of the main characters is a classic way to go, but you can also never go wrong with the name of a mysterious creature, like the Hippogriff or Basilisk. Someone who also enjoys Greek mythology might even name their dog Cerberus after the three-headed dog who guards the Sorcerer's Stone! As this adoptable hound puppy from Tennessee will tell you, you can never go wrong with a name inspired by your favorite Hogwarts teachers or students.

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.
Thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators have once again marched through central London in protest at the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Campaigners set off from Piccadilly Circus shortly after 1.30pm on Saturday, with the march passing alongside Hyde Park before ending on Kensington Road.

Protesters held signs that read Starmer has blood on his hands and Stop the war coalition.

The march set off at 13:30 hours in line with conditions imposed. Participants are making their way through the planned march route. pic.twitter.com/qTQACI6ubY  Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) September 7, 2024

The march was briefly halted when at least two counter-protesters, including one holding up a sign reading Hamas is terrorist, blocked its progress outside the Park Lane Hotel near Green Park.

Two men were then detained by police after a significant struggle.

The protest is the 18th organised by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) since the conflict began last October.

Counter-protesters briefly held up the demonstration (Jordan Pettitt/PA)

The Metropolitan Police had imposed a series of conditions on the event, including that the demonstration must end by 5pm.

Another event which had been scheduled to take place on the intended route for the march was cancelled, the force said.

The demonstration comes after senior MI6 and CIA officials said in a rare public statement they were together working ceaselessly for a ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza, and have exploited our intelligence channels to push hard for restraint and de-escalation in the Middle East.
Breast cancer survivor Christina Kashiwada near her home in Sacramento. Researchers have noticed an uptick of breast cancer rates among Asian American and Pacific Islander women, a group that once had relatively low rates. Rich Pedroncelli/KFF Health News

Christina Kashiwada was traveling for work during the summer of 2018 when she noticed a small, itchy lump in her left breast.

She thought little of it at first. She did routine self-checks and kept up with medical appointments. But a relative urged her to get a mammogram. She took the advice and learned she had stage 3 breast cancer, a revelation that stunned her.

Im 36 years old, right? said Kashiwada, a civil engineer in Sacramento. No ones thinking about cancer.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

About 11,000 Asian American and Pacific Islander women were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021 and about 1,500 of them died. The latest federal data shows the rate of new breast cancer diagnoses in Asian American and Pacific Islander women  a group that once had relatively low rates of diagnosis  is rising much faster than that of many other racial and ethnic groups. The trend is especially sharp among young women such as Kashiwada.

About 55 of every 100,000 Asian American and Pacific Islander women under 50 were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021, surpassing the rate for Black and Hispanic women and on par with the rate for white women, according to age-adjusted data from the National Institutes of Health. (Hispanic people can be of any race or combination of races but are grouped separately in this data.)

The rate of new breast cancer cases among Asian American and Pacific Islander women under 50 grew by about 52% from 2000 through 2021. Rates for AAPI women 50 to 64 grew 33% and rates for AAPI women 65 and older grew by 43% during that period. By comparison, the rate for women of all ages, races, and ethnicities grew by 3%.

Researchers have picked up on the trend and are racing to find out why it is occurring within this ethnically diverse group. They suspect the answer is complex, ranging from cultural shifts to pressure-filled lifestyles  yet they concede it remains a mystery and difficult for patients and their families to discuss because of cultural differences.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Dr. Helen Chew, director of the Clinical Breast Cancer Program at UC Davis Health, said the Asian American diaspora is so broad and diverse that simple explanations for the increase in breast cancer arent obvious.

Its a real trend, Chew said, adding that it is just difficult to tease out exactly why it is. Is it because were seeing an influx of people who have less access to care? Is it because of many things culturally where they may not want to come in if they see something on their breast?

Theres urgency to solve this mystery because its costing lives. While women in most ethnic and racial groups are experiencing sharp declines in breast cancer death rates, about 12 of every 100,000 Asian American and Pacific Islander women of any age died from breast cancer in 2023, essentially the same death rate as in 2000, according to age-adjusted, provisional data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The breast cancer death rate among all women during that period dropped 30%.

The CDC does not break out breast cancer death rates for many different groups of Asian American women, such as those of Chinese or Korean descent. It has, though, begun distinguishing between Asian American women and Pacific Islander women.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Nearly 9,000 Asian American women died from breast cancer from 2018 through 2023, compared with about 500 Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander women. However, breast cancer death rates were 116% higher among Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander women than among Asian American women during that period.

Rates of pancreatic, thyroid, colon, and endometrial cancer, along with non-Hodgkin lymphoma rates, have also recently risen significantly among Asian American and Pacific Islander women under 50, NIH data show. Yet breast cancer is much more common among young AAPI women than any of those other types of cancer  especially concerning because young women are more likely to face more aggressive forms of the disease, with high mortality rates.

Were seeing somewhere almost around a 4% per-year increase, said Scarlett Gomez, a professor and epidemiologist at UCSFs Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center. Were seeing even more than the 4% per-year increase in Asian/Pacific Islander women less than age 50.

Gomez is a lead investigator on a large study exploring the causes of cancer in Asian Americans. She said there is not yet enough research to know what is causing the recent spike in breast cancer. The answer may involve multiple risk factors over a long period of time.

One of the hypotheses that were exploring there is the role of stress, she said. Were asking all sorts of questions about different sources of stress, different coping styles throughout the lifetime.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Its likely not just that theres more screening. We looked at trends by stage at diagnosis and we are seeing similar rates of increase across all stages of disease, Gomez said.

Veronica Setiawan, a professor and epidemiologist at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, said the trend may be related to Asian immigrants adopting some lifestyles that put them at higher risk. Setiawan is a breast cancer survivor who was diagnosed a few years ago at the age of 49.

Asian women, American women, they become more westernized so they have their puberty younger now  having earlier age at (the first menstrual cycle) is associated with increased risk, said Setiawan, who is working with Gomez on the cancer study. Maybe giving birth later, we delay childbearing, we dont breastfeed  those are all associated with breast cancer risks.

Moon Chen, a professor at UC Davis and an expert on cancer health disparities, added that only a tiny fraction of NIH funding is devoted to researching cancer among Asian Americans.

Whatever its cause, the trend has created years of anguish for many patients.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Kashiwada underwent a mastectomy following her breast cancer diagnosis. During surgery, doctors at UC Davis Health discovered the cancer had spread to lymph nodes in her underarm. She underwent eight rounds of chemotherapy and 20 sessions of radiation treatment.

Throughout her treatments, Kashiwada kept her ordeal a secret from her grandmother, who had helped raise her. Her grandmother never knew about the diagnosis. I didnt want her to worry about me or add stress to her, Kashiwada said. She just would probably never sleep if she knew that was happening. It was very important to me to protect her.

Kashiwada moved in with her parents. Her mom took a leave from work to help take care of her.

Kashiwadas two young children, who were 3 and 6 at the time, stayed with their dad so she could focus on her recovery.

Christina Kashiwada had to undergo eight rounds of chemotherapy and 20 sessions of radiation to treat her breast cancer. Rich Pedroncelli/KFF Health News

The kids would come over after school, she said. My dad would pick them up and bring them over to see me almost every day while their dad was at work.

Kashiwada spent months regaining strength after the radiation treatments. She returned to work but with a doctors instruction to avoid lifting heavy objects.

Kashiwada had her final reconstructive surgery a few weeks before COVID lockdowns began in 2020. But her treatment was not finished.

Her doctors had told her that estrogen fed her cancer, so they gave her medicine to put her through early menopause. The treatment was not as effective as they had hoped. Her doctor performed surgery in 2021 to remove her ovaries.

More recently, she was diagnosed with osteopenia and will start injections to stop bone loss.

Kashiwada said she has moved past many of the negative emotions she felt about her illness and wants other young women, including Asian American women like her, to be aware of their elevated risk.

No matter how healthy you think you are, or youre exercising, or whatever youre doing, eating well, which is all the things I was doing  I would say it does not make you invincible or immune, she said. Not to say that you should be afraid of everything, but just be very in tune with your body and what your bodys telling you.
Vaughan Gething, the Labour former first minister of Wales who stood down following a series of scandals, has announced he will not seek re-election for the Senedd.

Mr Gething, the MS for Cardiff South and Penarth, said it had been an immense honour to serve his constituents and in the Welsh Government as he made the announcement.

On X, formerly Twitter, he wrote: I have spoken to the First Minister to confirm that I will not be seeking a role in government and that I will support her leadership as a backbencher.

It has been an immense honour to represent the people of Cardiff South and Penarth, and to serve the people of Wales in government. Diolch i bawb am eich cefnogaeth.  pic.twitter.com/b2qtNxL5Yk  Vaughan Gething (@vaughangething) September 7, 2024

After paying tribute to his successor Eluned Morgan, Mr Gething added: I will continue to serve the constituency until 2026 and look forward to working on issues where I can further the causes of social justice that drew me into public service.

The Labour MS added: As a Welshman born in Zambia, it has been a great honour to serve in the Welsh Government for over a decade.

The opportunity to make a difference alongside inspiring people and movements, determined to make change happen, is a special privilege. One I will always be grateful for and proud of.

Mr Gething lasted less than 140 days as first minister, having presided over a turbulent period in office, beset by rows over donations and sacked ministers.

He took over from Mark Drakeford in March, and announced his intention to resign in July after four members of his government quit, criticising his leadership.

During the last leadership race, Mr Gething took a 200,000 donation for his campaign from a company owned by a man twice convicted of environmental offences, which led to some members of his own party criticising his judgment.

In June, Mr Gething lost a vote of no confidence in the Senedd, after rows over the donation, and his decision to sack Delyn MS Hannah Blythyn as a minister.

Baroness Morgan was health secretary from 2021 until she succeeded Mr Gething  himself a former health secretary  as leader of Welsh Labour on July 24, and was then sworn in as the first woman First Minister of Wales.

Eluned Morgan succeeded Mr Gething as First Minister (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

She paid tribute to her predecessor, and said he had made a truly historic contribution to Wales in some of the toughest of circumstances.

Baroness Morgan added: I know that Vaughan will go on to make important contributions to our country in the years ahead.

Diolch Vaughan am bopeth rwyt ti wedi neud dros ein gwlad (Thank you Vaughan for everything you have done for our country).

Nick Thomas-Symonds, the Labour MP for Torfaen, and a senior minister in Sir Keir Starmers Government at Westminster, said Mr Gething had given extraordinary service to Wales in a tribute on social media site X.

I will always remember how he stepped up during the pandemic, showing integrity and commitment in the hardest of times, he added.
Just over 100 law enforcement officials endorsed Vice President Harris on Friday, ahead of former President Trumps address to the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP).

In a letter signed by 101 law enforcement officials, the group declared that Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) are the only candidates we trust to keep our communities safe.

The group cited Harriss work as a prosecutor, district attorney, and attorney general, during which she took on issues ranging from child sexual assault to transnational crime organizations. It also noted that the Biden administrations American Rescue Plan, which President Biden signed into law in 2021, included public safety investments for states to hire and retain officers.

It also cited Walzs investment in law enforcement in Minnesota, including $300 million in public safety training and community engagement.

And the group argued that Trump has repeatedly shown he does not respect law enforcement or the rule of law, citing that the former president has said he would pardon those who stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, while police officers were injured during the riots.

This November, Americans will choose between someone who spent her career enforcing our laws and someone who has been convicted of breaking them, the group wrote.

Trump is set to speak to the FOPs national board of trustees on Friday in Charlotte, N.C., Spectrum News 1 reported.

Officers who signed the letter for Harris came from Colorado, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Texas, Illinois, Virginia and New York, among other states, and include ranks like sheriff, police chief, retired chief of police, retired detective, captain, state trooper and FBI special agent.

Former Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn, who unsuccessfully ran for Congress in Maryland in the Democratic primary, signed the letter.

Crime is a hot-button issue that Republicans ran on in 2022 and are using on the campaign trail in 2024, too. They are using crime in major blue cities as a talking point against Biden and Democrats.

Biden in March touted the decrease in crime in 2023, citing data from the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) that found the U.S. experienced 11 percent less crime in cities over 1 million people compared to 2022, 13 percent fewer murders overall and 6 percent less violent crime.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
A Maryland high school student shot his fellow classmate on Friday, killing the 15-year-old just two days after a Georgia school shooting left four victims dead.

The 16-year-old assailant fired a single shot at the younger boy, Warren Curtis Grant, in a men's bathroom at Joppatowne High School on Friday afternoon, Harford County Sheriff Jeff Gahler said at a news conference. Other students removed Warren from the bathroom soon after the shooting and he was treated by school nurses and the principal.

Warren died later that day at a trauma center, Gahler later told reports.

Police arrested the teenage suspect, whose identity has not been released because he has not been charged yet. Officers have not recovered the firearm used in the shooting, Gahler said.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of this amazing young man, with his friends, with all of our staff members, with all of our students," Joppatowne High School principal Melissa Williams told reporters. "Joppatowne is a loving and strong community who will, without a doubt, rally among our families."

Police knew suspect from 10 previous incidents

Police were well-acquainted with the 16-year-old shooter, as he's been the "victim, witness or suspect" in 10 incidents since 2022, according to Gahler.

"He's a 16-year-old student at the school. This was his first day, although there were four days into the school year, this was his first day," Gahler said.

Gahler said that officers have not been allowed to talk to the suspect due to a "criminal friendly legislature" in the state. He added that officials have enough "overwhelming evidence" against the suspect to file charges without interviewing him. He said the suspect is expected to be officially charged by early Saturday.

Two students, two teachers killed in Georgia shooting

The Maryland shooting comes two days after a shooter opened fire Wednesday at Apalachee High School in Barrow County, Georgia. Two teachers and two students were killed in the attack.

Authorities said a 14-year-old boy was armed with "an AR-platform style weapon" when he carried out the deadly shooting. He faces four counts of felony murder and "additional charges are expected," according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigations. The teen's father also was charged.

"We're all familiar with the horrible shooting that took four lives in Georgia just a couple days ago, and here we stand in Harford County with a school shooting," Gahler said.

Contributing: Thao Nguyen and Jeanine Santucci

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Maryland high school shooting: 15-year-old killed in bathroom
Birmingham, Alabama  When those blue lights appeared in the rearview mirror of her car about two years ago, then 20-year-old Abbie Rutledge knew she had done the wrong thing at the wrong place and time. But that all changed after she spoke to the trooper who pulled her over.

"I think it was the right person, right time and the right words said," Rutledge said.

She told J.T. Brown  the Alabama state trooper who pulled her over in August 2022 for speeding  that she couldn't afford a ticket. She was broke and in a dead-end job.

"And I told her, I said, 'Well, how about we talk about it then,'" Brown told CBS News.

Rutledge said their conversation "went on for about" 10 to 15 minutes, "just talking about different career paths."

Their conclusion was that Rutledge would make a great nurse. So Brown let her off with just a warning. And on it he wrote, "Promise me you'll go to scrub or nursing school, and slow down, and I won't give you a ticket."



However, Brown said he "never" imagined that she would take it as seriously as she did.

"As soon as he left, and as soon as I got to where I was going, I started pushing myself toward that career," Rutledge said. "And now I'm here."

Rutledge graduated last month from the two-year surgical technology program at Bevill State Community College in Jasper, Alabama.

She now works as a surgical technician at the University of Alabama Birmingham Hospital. She says she loves her new job and gives full credit to Brown, who attended her graduation.



"I wanted him to see the impression he made on me," Rutledge said. "Five minutes talking to anybody, even if you don't know them, can make the largest impact of their life, everYou never know when it could happen."

Brown went above and beyond asking for license and registration when he provided guidance and motivation to Rutledge. By taking the advice written on that warning, Rutledge not only helped herself, but she also returned the exact same favor.



"She made my entire career worth it," Brown said.

Video shows NFL star Tyreek Hill being detained by police before season opener

Princess Kate has completed chemotherapy, Kensington Palace says

House GOP report released on U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan
A former American Airlines aircraft mechanic was sentenced on Friday to nine years in prison after being convicted of trying to smuggle cocaine hidden beneath the cockpit of a flight to New York from Jamaica.

Paul Belloisi, 56, of Smithtown, New York, was sentenced by US District Judge Dora Irizarry in Brooklyn, after being convicted in May 2023 of conspiring to possess cocaine, conspiring to import cocaine and importing cocaine.

The case arose from a routine search of American flight 1349 following its Feb. 4, 2020 arrival at New Yorks John F. Kennedy International Airport, where Belloisi had been an American mechanic for more than two decades, from Montego Bay, Jamaica.

Paul Belloisi, 56, of Smithtown, New York, was sentenced to nine years in prison after being convicted in May 2023 of conspiring to possess cocaine. CBS New York/YouTube

Prosecutors said custom officers found 10 cocaine bricks weighing 25.6 pounds in an electronics compartment beneath the cockpit, and replaced them with fake bricks sprayed with a substance that glows under a special black light.

Belloisi allegedly drove up to the plane before it could take off again, and entered the electronics compartment.

Prosecutors said law enforcement confronted him, and showed that he handled the fake bricks because his gloves glowed under the black light.

They also said Belloisi was carrying an empty tool bag and wore a jacket large enough to hold the cocaine.

They also said Belloisi was carrying an empty tool bag and wore a jacket large enough to hold the cocaine. DOJ

The jacket had cutouts in its lining large enough to store the bricks. DOJ

The cocaine had a street value of more than $250,000.

American was not accused of wrongdoing.

Belloisis lawyer David Cohen, from the law firm Cohen Forman Barone, said his client plans to appeal his conviction.

Prosecutors said custom officers found 10 cocaine bricks weighing 25.6 pounds in an electronics compartment beneath the cockpit. CBS New York/YouTube

The cocaine had a street value of more than $250,000. CBS New York/YouTube

Given Mr. Belloisis personal history, as well as national and district-wide statistics, this was an excessive sentence, far beyond what is necessary to achieve the goals of sentencing, Cohen said in an interview.

Irizarry on Friday separately rejected Belloisis request for an acquittal.
A former MasterCard vice president of product shared her tips for avoiding account takeovers after almost falling victim to one. Peter Dazeley/Getty Images

A former Mastercard executive almost lost $100,000 to an account takeover scam.

Scammers accessed her real-estate agent's email and impersonated a title company.

Account takeover fraud surged 354% in 2023, causing $13 billion in losses, researchers say.

It can happen to anyone, it seems. Even those who work in the finance industry.

A former Mastercard executive told Business Insider she nearly lost $100,000 to an account takeover scam last year.

Catherine Woneis, former vice president of CipherTrace, a service owned by MasterCard that helps secure crypto transactions, says she almost lost most of her life savings after scammers accessed her real-estate agent's email.

Account takeover fraud is when scammers gain access to your social media, email, banking, or other personal accounts. Criminals usually gain access to accounts with stolen credentials that they purchase through the dark web or social engineering tactics that trick you into sharing your password, Woneis said. They then use these accounts to siphon away your hard-earned cash.

The number of known account takeover scams grew by 354% year over year in 2023, resulting in $13 billion in losses, according to AI fraud detection service Sift Science.

In Woneis's case, Scammers accessed her real-estate agent's email using "credential stuffing," a tactic that uses AI bots to try every possible username and password until they fall on the correct answer.

The fraudsters used information found in emails about Woneis's transactions to impersonate the title company for her home. The fake title company then emailed Woneis, asking for an "accelerated" payment.

"This is a very typical thing that criminals use in frauds: They try to implement some time piece," Woneis said.

Woneis said she checked to see if the email address was real and noticed it was appended with another address, but she assumed it was part of the company's automated email system.

"They sent me wire instructions that perfectly mimicked the wire instructions from the title company. They had an example of what that looked like," Woneis said. "It was the exact same typography, the exact same letterhead, and everything else."

The only differences from the real wire instructions were a fake phone number and email, along with incorrect bank information. Woneis said she thankfully called the phone number she originally received from the title company, who informed her the bank account information was incorrect on the form.

"Had I been in a rush and called the phone number on the form, that would have been them, and they would have pretended to be the real estate company saying, 'Yes this is authentic, and it's come from us,'" she said. "We could have potentially been caught in wire fraud."

Woneis said she would have lost about $100,000 if the transaction went through.

Woneis now works for a cybersecurity company called Fingerprint, which she says is developing tools to combat the rise of account takeovers. Some of the keys to fighting this kind of fraud are algorithms that can determine where a website visitor is located (if they're using a VPN) and systems to identify when bots are trying to access a website through brute force, Woneis said.

If you think any of your accounts may be compromised, Woneis says to quickly change all of your usernames and passwords, set up two-factor authentication for any sensitive accounts, and report any fraud to the FTC fraud reporting website.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Dick Cheney Kamala Harris Liz Cheney

Republican former Vice President Dick Cheney will vote for Kamala Harris over Donald Trump in the 2024 election, he said in a statement released Friday, shortly after his daughter, former Congresswoman Liz Cheney, revealed his intentions.

Dick Cheney will be voting for Kamala Harris, the former Wyoming Republican lawmaker said during an event at the Texas Tribune Festival in Austin.

If you think about the moment were in, and you think about how serious this moment is, my dad believes  and he said publicly  there has never been an individual in our country who is as grave a threat to our democracy as Donald Trump is, Liz Cheney added.

Liz Cheney has been staunchly opposed to Trump since the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the US Capitol. Sara Diggins/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK

Dick Cheney, 83, has been an outspoken critic of Trump, and in his statement, he argued that the former president can never be trusted with power again.

In our nations 248-year history, there has never been an individual who is a greater threat to our republic than Donald Trump, read the former vice presidents statement. He tried to steal the last election using lies and violence to keep himself in power after the voters had rejected him. He can never be trusted with power again.

As citizens, we each have a duty to put country above partisanship to defend our Constitution, he added. That is why I will be casting my vote for Vice President Kamala Harris.

The elder Cheney, who served as vice president under former President George W. Bush, similarly called Trump a threat to our republic and a coward in a 2022 campaign ad for his daughter during her failed House re-election bid.

Dick Cheney called Trump a threat to our republic on Friday. AP

In our nations 246-year history, there has never been an individual that was a greater threat to our republic than Donald Trump, Dick Cheney declared in the ad.

He tried to steal the last election using lies and violence to keep himself in power after the voters rejected him. He is a coward. A real man wouldnt lie to his supporters, the former vice president went on. He lost his election, and he lost big. I know that he knows it and deep down, I think most Republicans know it.

The former defense secretary and White House chief of staff concluded by touting his daughters effort to ensure Donald Trump is never again in the Oval Office.

Both Liz and Dick Cheney are backing Harris over Trump in 2024. Rick Cinclair/Telegram & Gazette / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Trump campaign responded to Liz Cheneys announcement by sharing a clip of the Republican nominee slamming the decision to invade Iraq as a big fat mistake during a February 2016 primary debate.

Dick Cheney is widely considered to be one of the architects of the Iraq War and responsible for convincing Bush to invade the Middle Eastern country and topple the late dictator Saddam Hussein.

Liz Cheney was one of 10 House Republicans who voted to impeach Trump in connection with the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the Capitol Building. She later joined former Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.), another outspoken critic of Trump, as the only other Republican member on the House select committee that investigated the riot.

Cheney, 58, lost her 2022 GOP primary to Rep. Harriet Hageman (R-Wyo.) in a landslide, mustering only 29% support in the deep-red state.

The former congresswoman endorsed Harris for president on Thursday.

Liz Cheney also announced Friday that she would be supporting Democrat Colin Allred in the Texas US Senate race over incumbent Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas).
Former Vice President Mike Pence, who served under President Donald Trump and made his own unsuccessful bid for the Republican presidential nomination, has started a new job.

Pence is teaching political science at conservative Grove City College in Mercer County, Pennsylvania.

Pence, who taught his first class Thursday, is joined in the classroom by Grove City College President Paul. J. McNulty.

Former Vice President Mike Pence is teaching political science at Grove City College in Mercer County, Pennsylvania.

Pence makes first visit to classroom

Pence was in Grove City for his first class, but might join at other times by videoconference, depending on his schedule.

Pence said in a college news release that his wife, Karen, a retired teacher, warned him that "it's harder than it looks."

"So, be patient with me," he asked students before beginning his first lecture.

According to the college, Pence is excited about his role

"I just have immense respect for the mission of Grove City College and the opportunity to teach several courses with young men and women who I know are going to be Christian leaders in this country in the years ahead is a great privilege, Pence said.

Pence is first to fill new Distinguished Fellow role

Grove City College is a 180-acre Christian private liberal arts and sciences. It does not accept federal funding, including federal student aid for its 2,400 students. The college on its website noted 97% of students live on campus, where tuition for the 2023-24 academic year is $20,890, and food and housing costs $11,770.

Earlier this year, the college established the Center for Faith & Public Life and named Pence as its first Distinguished Fellow for Faith and Public Life.

A former Indiana governor, Pence joined Trump in Washington, D.C., after they were elected in 2016.

He notably parted company with the former president when Pence declined to follow Trump's directive that he not certify the 2020 election that made Joe Biden president. Pence saw his role as ceremonial and argued that he did not have the authority to reject the votes before him.

That divide came to a head with the Jan. 6, 2021, siege of the U.S. Capitol by Trump supporters, many of whom were displeased with Pence.

According to Grove City College, there was little evidence of that divide Thursday as the former vice president toured campus and mingled with students, many of whom posted photos of their encounter.

I'm extremely impressed with the graciousness of the student body, Pence said. The warm welcome that I've received from students from literally every background has been very humbling.

Pence, an early candidate for the Republican nomination in 2024, dropped out in October.

Contact Jim Martin at jmartin@timesnews.com.

This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Where is Mike Pence? Former vice president is teaching a college class
Favorite pets and breeds of that pet grow and wane in popularity due to a variety of factors. A movie heavily featuring that kind of dog or pet, or a celebrity owner, can sometimes catapult a particular type of pet into fame (or infamy). Remember Paris Hilton and the Chihuahua? Luke Perry and the pot-bellied pig? The Obamas and their Portuguese Water Dog?

Its harder to pinpoint the reasons that people these days are going wild for Maine Coons. It seems odd that it was the 2019 remake of famous horror property Pet Seminary ignited a thirst for the breed. Rather, I bet its something to do with their popularity on pet-focused social media channels. The giant breed of cat is certainly striking on TikTok, and their antics on Instagram and similar sites have millions enthralled. Take this recent viral video of a giant Maine Coon working his refrigerators ice machine all by himself.

Or, at least, trying to.

In this video, a large Maine Coon named Jax has put together how the ice machine dispenser built into the fridge works. Well, almost. He knows if he presses the lever on the dispenser, ice will come out. He just hasnt figured out how long to hold it in for.

Im sure hell get there soon, and then look out, world!

Related: Maine Coon Brothers' Treat Training Tricks Have Everyone Seriously Impressed

I swear Maine Coons are humans in cat bodies, says one person in comments, and she sounds like she knows. Others chime in to say their Maine Coons are obsessed with ice too, and one has even worked out how to break into the countertop ice maker!

Guess you can take the breed out of Maine, but they still love the cold.

When Pets Learn How Things Work

Pets may not be as intelligent as we are, but that doesnt make them dummies. For instance, your cat knows that you have the ability to open doors, cans, and the tap on the sink. And if they watch you carefully enough, maybe they can figure it out too. They are keen observers with a predators intellect. (Well, okay, some of them are dummies.)

Everyone remembers that scene in Jurassic Park where the velociraptors figure out how to open the door. Many cat owners have gone through a similar scenario watching their cats figure out how to break into kitchen cabinets or even refrigerators. Some cats have figured out water taps orand Im speaking from personal experience herethe bidet controls on a toilet lid. (It wouldnt be a problem as long as they also figured out how to turn it off.)

Is a Maine Coon Right For You?

The breed of cat known as Maine Coons are growing in popularity due to their enormous size and supposedly winning personalities. They keep growing over a far longer period of time than regular domestic short hair varieties of cats. Some do not even reach their full size until they are four years old.

The cat here is obviously big enough to reach the ice dispenser by standing on its hind legs.

Maybe its mo cat, mo problems?

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 shopping cart with a person having fun laying inside it

Image source: Upsplash/The Motley Fool

The idea behind Costco has always been pretty simple: Buy big now, save big over your lifetime. This concept works on so many different products -- from jars of peanut butter to bottles of olive oil -- that Costco has become one of the most well-respected brands in modern grocery shopping.

One problem with Costco, however, is that it sells so much stuff that it's really hard to keep track of what's on sale and what's not. Often, the store has valuable products that you're missing out on, simply because you're not aware that it's selling them.

Costco shoppers all have their favorites. But if you're looking for a hidden gem, check out these four products the next time you're at Costco.

1. Contact lenses

Costco sells some of the most affordable contact lenses you'll find. Its best-valued lenses are in the Kirkland Signature brand. Its premium daily disposables cost $58.99 per box (90 lenses), but you can save $45 by purchasing four boxes or $110 by purchasing eight.

Big-box stores, like Walmart, often don't get much cheaper than that. Walmart, for instance, sells MyDay daily disposables (reportedly the brand behind the Kirkland Signature lenses) for $81.86 a box. That's significantly pricier than at Costco, even without its discount on multiple boxes.

That said, I'd look around online first, just in case you find a promotion. As one example, Opticontacts.com occasionally offers 50% off online orders. That would make the MyDay dailies about $47.95 a box. This discount isn't always available, but you could stock up when it is to save yourself hundreds of dollars.

2. Anti-itch (hydrocortisone) topical cream

This one might seem a bit off-the-wall. But I think there's a general principle we can pull from this, which I'll touch on below.

But first, the product. Costco sells eight ounces of hydrocortisone cream (four tubes of two ounces each) for $9.99 online. That comes out to about $1.25 an ounce. This is a steal and is difficult to beat, even from traditionally low-cost pharmacies. Just as an example, CVS Health sells the same hydrocortisone cream for $6.99 -- an ounce.

Hydrocortisone cream helps relieve itches, bug bites, swelling, and other skin conditions. But even if you don't have a use for it, the cream is just one of several skin care products that Costco sells at a very affordable price. For this reason, I'd check Costco before you purchase skin care products at other stores, as you can typically find the best value in higher quantities there.

3. Over-the-counter (OTC) medication

I knew Costco sold prescription and over-the-counter medications at affordable prices. But I didn't realize just how much you could save until my colleague Ben Gran dug into this question earlier this year. In his research, he found that Costco shoppers could save $739 or more annually by buying common drugs at Costco -- about $31 of which comes from OTC medication.

For example, Costco can save you about $11 per year on Advil Ibuprofen, $13 on Benadryl, and $7 on TUMS. Since this is just a small sampling of the drugs available, be sure to check Costco's prices if you're not currently purchasing your OTC medication there.

4. Laptops

In general, Costco offers low prices on its electronics. But its laptop sales are often where the money is at.

Costco typically runs promotions on several different laptops, like Apple MacBooks. Since this is in addition to a regularly low price, it can bring the cost of a laptop into a more affordable range. What's more, Costco gives you 90 days to return the laptop, which is double the normal timeframe offered by other stores.

For Apple laptops specifically, you can even get AppleCare+ at a lower price. Costco offers three-year coverage for $319.99. Meanwhile, Best Buy and Apple offer the same coverage for $399.

If none of these products appeal to you, perhaps a more general point could be made: Whatever you're shopping for, check Costco's prices first. Even a single one-time purchase could mean charging less to your favorite Costco credit card.

Top credit card to use at Costco (and everywhere else!)

We love versatile credit cards that offer huge rewards everywhere, including Costco! This card is a standout among America's favorite credit cards because it offers perhaps the easiest $200 cash bonus you could ever earn and an unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases, even when you shop at Costco.



Add on the competitive 0% interest period and it's no wonder we awarded this card Best No Annual Fee Credit Card.

Click here to read our full review for free and apply before the $200 welcome bonus offer ends!

We're firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers. The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.JPMorgan Chase is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Apple, Best Buy, Costco Wholesale, JPMorgan Chase, and Walmart. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
A new study found that the majority of people who reached out to their doctors billing office about a problem bill received some sort of resolution. Lori Van Buren/Times Union

Under the American health care system, frustrating medical bills are a part of life. But if you get a bill you cant afford or dont understand, its worth reaching out to try and resolve it, according to a new study.

The study, conducted by researchers at the USC Schaeffer Center for Health Policy and Economics, found that the majority of people who reached out to their doctors billing office about a problem bill received some sort of resolution. Most people reported their issue was resolved with less than an hour of effort. The study was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association Health Forum.

Our big takeaway is that its really worth the call when you get a bill that you cant afford or doesnt make sense to you, said Erin Duffy, a research scientist at the Schaeffer Center and the lead author of the study.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

About 1 in 5 of the people who responded said theyd recently received a medical bill that was troubling in some way. Of that group, about 3 in 5 reached out to someone to inquire about it. Typically, Duffy said, they reached out to the billing office for the place that had sent them the bill, like a doctors office or medical imaging center.

Of the people who did reach out, most of them got some sort of positive results, Duffy said. They got a bill corrected or got more flexibility in payment or lower payment requirements.

Researchers surveyed 1,135 participants in the Understanding America Study, which retains granular demographic data on participants such as income, education level, health status, financial literacy and personality characteristics. People of all income and education levels and sources of health insurance were about equally likely to report having received a problematic medical bill. But people who reached out about it were more likely to have a college degree, more likely to have a high rate of financial literacy, and more likely to have a more extroverted and less agreeable personality type.

The majority of people who reached out about a bill did so by phone. Gen Z and millennials have a reputation for phone anxiety, but Duffy said all age groups were roughly equally likely to make a call about a billing issue.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

People who didnt reach out about their bill were given a list of explanations to choose from and asked to choose all that applied. Eighty-six percent said they didnt think it would change anything. Thirty-four percent said they didnt feel comfortable reaching out. And 25% said they didnt have time.

Of course, theres a big-picture question here: Why are problematic bills so prevalent? Blame the system. More than 70% of Americans believe the health care system is failing them. The majority of Americans are unhappy with it.

Is the U.S. health care system expensive, complicated, dysfunctional, or broken? a doctor and senior editor for Harvard Health Publishing asked in a piece last year. The simple answer is yes to all.

Confusing medical bills are just a small piece of that vexing puzzle. Doctors dont like having to pay staff to sort out bills and fight with insurance companies. Patients dont like putting as much as a third of their income toward health care while still having to make the occasional disagreeable phone call about it. America spends more per capita on health care than any other wealthy nation without many improved health care outcomes to show for it  and in many metrics, such as life expectancy and infant mortality, Americans are doing worse.

The area of health care spending where America is far and away number one? Administrative costs.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

There are potential solutions. Duffy said more clarity in billing could reduce patient confusion, and health care providers could offer more information on payment plans and financial assistance.

Despite how many Americans are unhappy with the status quo, health care isnt taking up a lot of space in the presidential election at the moment. Neither presidential candidate had much to say about it in their convention speeches: Harris said that as president, she would lower the cost of everyday needs including health care, but didnt elaborate. Both vowed to protect Medicare.

Could a nationwide model come from California? A statewide universal single-payer health care plan died in committee again earlier this year.

So, for now, youre on your own. Getting health care in America shouldnt include an unpaid part-time job working the phones, but it does. Making that phone call will probably be worth your time.
Syndi Pilar / SOPA Images/Sipa USA/Newscom

Thirty-two percent of college students believe it can be acceptable in at least some circumstances to use violence to stop a campus speech, according to a newly released survey of over 50,000 college students from 258 universities. The survey, conducted by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), a First Amendment group, is the fifth released by the organization.

FIRE's survey polled students on a range of questions about their attitudes toward free expression and the general climate at their universities. FIRE also ranked schools based on student reports, as well as their formal speech policies and their administration's history of speech-stifling actions.

The public University of Virginia (UVA) took the top spot this year, while Harvardfor the second year in a rowcame in last place. However, FIRE's ranking process is complex. UVA, for example, came in first place primarily due to consistent administrative support for free speech. But when looking at subcategories that cover student opinion, UVA ranked 200th for support for disruptive conduct and 112th for self-censorship.

"The student body overturns a certain amount every year. Presumably every four or five years it's an entirely new student body," says Sean Stevens, FIRE's chief research adviser. "But the administrative culture, kind of the culture established there can stick for longer."

The survey also found sharp increases in students' support for disruptive or violent protest activities. Thirty-seven percent of students said it was "sometimes" or "always" acceptable to shout down a campus speaker, up from 31 percent last year. In all, less than 1 in 3 students said that it would "never" be acceptable to shout down a speaker.

The percentage of students agreeing that it was never acceptable to use violence to stop a speaker also declined five percentage pointsdeclining to 68 percent from 73 percent last year. While this means nearly 1 in 3 students expressed willingness to support violent protest, it's worth noting that this doesn't necessarily mean that those students would ever participate in violence themselves. Further, FIRE's survey didn't define violence or give an example of a violent action. Regardless, the upward trend in support for violence, in at least some circumstances, is troubling.

It's likely that the contentious, frequently disruptive anti-Israel protests that dominated many campuses last year played a role in the shift. Fifty-five percent of surveyed students agreed that it is "difficult to have an open and honest conversation" about the Israeli/Palestinian conflict, more than any other topic.

Over the past five years, "the trends are going in the bad direction," Stevens says. "More people are saying it's acceptable to shout down the speaker, to block entry, to use violence."



For the first time, FIRE's survey asked students about their mental health. Over 60 percent of students reported that they felt anxious at least half the timeincluding nearly 7 in 10 female students. Almost 40 percent of students reported feeling lonely or depressed at least half the time.

Over 1 in 4 students reported having three or fewer close friendsincluding 30 percent of Harvard students, a staggering 17 percent of whom said they had zero close friends.

Stevens says that those results were "more upsetting than I would have expected," adding that while it's unclear whether students "would get a diagnosis of depression or they would get a diagnosis of generalized anxiety, if they are saying they feel that way, I think that matters."

But FIRE's report didn't turn up all bad news. Student worries about self-censorship seem to be steadily declining. Forty-five percent of students reported that they felt they could not express their opinion on a subject because of how others would respond at least "occasionally" or more. Compare that to last year's 50 percent and the 202223 school year's 56 percent.

The post 1 in 3 College Students Say Violence in a Campus Protest Can Be Acceptable, Survey Finds appeared first on Reason.com.
(Reuters) - The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday confirmed a human case of avian influenza A reported by the state of Missouri.

The case was identified through that state's seasonal flu surveillance system, the agency said.

The case was confirmed on Thursday, the CDC said, adding that an investigation into the potential exposure is ongoing by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.

The patient, who was hospitalized, had underlying medical conditions and was treated with influenza antiviral medications. The patient was subsequently discharged and has recovered.

There is no immediate known animal exposure and no ongoing transmission among close contacts or otherwise has been identified.

This is the 14th human case of H5 reported in the United States during 2024 and the first case of H5 without a known occupational exposure to sick or infected animals.

While other novel flu cases have been detected through the country's national flu surveillance system, this is the first time that system has detected a case of H5, the CDC said.

H5 bird flu is widespread in wild birds worldwide and is causing outbreaks in poultry and U.S. dairy cows, with several recent human cases in U.S. dairy and poultry workers.

While, outbreaks of H5 have been reported in commercial and backyard poultry flocks in 2024, outbreaks in cattle have not been reported in Missouri.

Missouri's last reported case of bird flu in a commercial poultry flock was in February, according to USDA.

H5N1 bird flu has been detected in wild birds in the state in the past.

Fourteen U.S. states have reported an outbreak of the H5N1 virus in dairy cattle.

The virus's jump to cows from birds has heightened concerns it could adapt to spread among humans.

The CDC said the risk to the general public from H5N1 remains low, based on available data.

(Reporting by Sriparna Roy in Bengaluru; Editing by Maju Samuel)
By Mike Stone

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Pennsylvania, Arizona and Texas are among U.S. states benefiting most from funding and investment to arm Ukraine in its fight against Russia, a breakdown of spending by the Pentagon showed on Friday.

Pennsylvania, a swing state in the Nov. 5 presidential election, has received the most of any state with $2.52 billion in spending and investments to build arms and ammunition in support of Ukraine's effort to repel Russia's invasion, according to Pentagon documents released on Friday.

Ten months ago, the Biden administration first started circulating state level data on Capitol Hill to gather more support from Republicans.

Since last year, the Biden administration has been emphasizing that many of the weapons sent to Kyiv would be replaced through billions worth of new contracts won by U.S. companies that employ U.S. workers.

Companies such as RTX's Raytheon in Arizona, which makes Patriot missile systems, and General Dynamics, which makes the artillery shells that are manufactured across multiple states including Pennsylvania, Ohio and Texas, have seen billions in contracts.

Arizona saw $2.02 billion of spending and investments related to Ukraine, while Texas had $1.85 billion.

Friday's documents gave a state-by-state breakdown for the $41.7 billion worth of purchases, investments, and replacement spending on all manner of systems across more than 35 states to support Ukraine.

(Reporting by Mike Stone in Washington, editing by Deepa Babington)
By Kanishka Singh and Steve Holland

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Republican former Vice President Dick Cheney said on Friday he will vote for Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris over Republican former President Donald Trump in the Nov. 5 U.S. elections, following a similar statement made by his daughter Liz Cheney this week.

WHY IT'S IMPORTANT

Trump and Harris are locked in a tight race for the Nov. 5 vote and face off in a debate next week.

Some Republicans upset with Trump's control over their party and his actions have recently thrown support behind Harris, including dozens of former staffers of former Presidents George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush.

CONTEXT

Dick Cheney served as vice president under Republican President George W. Bush from 2001 till 2009.

He has faced criticism over the years from human rights groups as he played a large role in planning the U.S. wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, which produced a heavy civilian death toll and human rights abuses. In the case of Iraq, the war was based on lies that Baghdad had weapons of mass destruction that were never found.

Republican former congresswoman Liz Cheney, the former vice president's daughter, has also been a vocal critic of the current Republican presidential candidate, including over the Jan. 6, 2021 storming of the U.S. Capitol by Trump supporters.

KEY QUOTES

Dick Cheney said on Friday that "in our nation's 248-year history, there has never been an individual who is a greater threat to our republic than Donald Trump."

He added: "As citizens, we each have a duty to put country above partisanship to defend our Constitution. That is why I will be casting my vote for Vice President Kamala Harris."

The Harris campaign said on Friday that the Cheneys had joined "a growing movement of Republicans putting country over party" by supporting Harris.

Trump called the Cheneys "irrelevant RINO" in a social media post on Friday, using a term he applies to Republicans not loyal to him, which stands for "Republicans in Name Only."

(Reporting by Kanishka Singh and Steve HollandEditing by Chris Reese and Sandra Maler)
Democratic presidential nominee, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a campaign event at IBEW Local Union #5 on September 02, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Getty Images)

New voter registrations surged among Black women and young people in Pennsylvania when Kamala Harris became the Democratic nominee for president, according to newly released data.

In the week that Joe Biden announced he would not run for re-election, new registrations increased by 262 per cent among Black women under 30 compared to the same week in 2020.

Registrations among Black voters increased by 110 per cent, and among voters under 30 years old by 59 per cent, also compared to the same week in 2020.

All of those demographic groups lean heavily towards voting for Democrats.

The new data, shared with The Independent by Democratic political data firm TargetSmart, is likely to provide a significant boost to the Harris campaign in the must-win state.

Similar trends are showing up in other swing states, too.

It is the first voter registration data from the state to be released after the week of July 21, when Harris became the presumptive nominee, and may signal a shift in the race that is not yet showing in polls.

Current polling shows a virtual dead heat between Harris and Donald Trump in Pennsylvania, a state that Biden won by a little over 80,000 votes to clinch victory.

While the raw numbers of new voters may only number in the thousands, they show an enthusiasm among traditional Democratic voting groups that could be game-changing, according to Tom Bonier, a veteran Democratic political strategist and senior advisor to TargetSmart.

The big question were all trying to answer is whos going to turn out, where the energy lies, and if theres an asymmetrical distribution of enthusiasm between the parties, he told The Independent.

This data is suggesting that women, younger voters, voters of color, and then especially younger women of color are going to vote at a much higher rate than they did in 2020, and thats where youre talking about a significant potential impact on the outcome of this election, he added.

Pennsylvania does not include demographic information on its voter registration files, but TargetSmart matches identifying data on the files with consumer data from marketing firms to produce a breakdown model.

The firm produced a similar breakdown before the 2018 midterms that correctly predicted a large increase in the number of young voters, which contributed to the Democratic Partys blue wave victory that year.

The new data comes as volunteers for the Harris campaign are telling a similar story across Pennsylvania.

Craig Robertson, a campaign volunteer from Lancaster County, in Pennsylvania, told The Independent this week that his area had seen a wave of young volunteers reaching out to the campaign.

Just in our district, since Kamala took over at the top of the ticket, weve had almost three dozen additional volunteers skewed very much towards the younger people, he said.

Molly McKitterick, a Democrat and former journalist also from Lancaster, said she had seen the same thing.

I think one of the things that has not been factored into the polls is all these new people that are being registered, they are all women and young people, she said outside of a campaign stop by vice presidential candidate Tim Walz in the town.

So I just think were not seeing the true effects yet, she added.

The importance of Pennsylvania to both campaigns has seen an avalanche of advertising spending. Democrats have spent $114 million statewide this year, while Republicans have spent $102 million.

The Harris campaign has focused heavily on running up the margins in rural, stubbornly pro-Trump areas of the state. It has opened 50 campaign offices across the state, 16 of which are in counties that Trump won by double digits in 2016.

While the polls may not be able to tell the whole story, they have shown a remarkable improvement in the Democratic Partys prospects in Pennsylvania since Harris took over as the nominee. Harris improved upon Bidens polling average by nearly four points in a little over a month. Crucially, the improvements for Harris are appearing in the very same groups that Biden struggled with, namely young voters and voters of color.

Bonier said that the impact of the spike in voter registrations showed that the Democrats are now running a different campaign.

One of the main reasons Biden was lagging in the polls was because he wasnt getting the sort of support or enthusiasm Democratic candidates historically have gotten from younger voters and voters of color. That was his biggest deficiency, he said. To see an immediate reaction to Vice President Harris, where exactly those voters who were the most problematic for the Biden campaign are suddenly rallying with registration rates? That doesnt have a precedent that Im aware of, and it is a very good sign for the Harris campaign.
Two suspected Tren de Aragua gang members busted in connection with an attempted murder in the migrant hotbed of Aurora, Colorado, have been released from custody, The Post has learned.

Venezuelan brothers Dixon Azuaje-Perez, 20, and Nixon Azuaje-Perez, 19, who are charged with trying to tamper with evidence in the July 28 shooting, were sprung after posting $1,000 bond  and despite Immigration and Customs Enforcement issuing a detainer for their arrests, sources said.

Nixons mugshot Aurora Police Dept

Aurora Police Dept

The pair are being monitored with GPS technology and are located near an apartment complex in Denver, sources said.

Aurora Police Department confirmed to The Post that the two are no longer in custody.

Homeland Security sources told The Post that the brothers entered the US on Aug. 22, 2023 at a port of entry in Eagle Pass, Texas, using the CBP One app, even though they lacked proper documents to be allowed in.

Instead, they claimed to be seeking asylum and were ushered through, sources said.

Sanctuary cities do not protect United States citizens, they only protect criminals, said former Denver ICE director John Fabbricatore, who is running for Congress in Colorado. As we see in this case, wheretwo individuals that were let in on the CBP Oneapp were involved in a shooting and were released due to sanctuary policy, and ICE was not notified. Two men who will go back into the community and potentially commit more crimes.

CBP One allows 1,450 migrants to enter the US at ports of entry each day. AFP via Getty Images

Within hours of their entry into the US, the siblings were released and believed to be en route to New York  where they told federal authorities they were headed.

But the brothers were instead turned up in the sanctuary city of Aurora, where Tren de Aragua members have been taking over whole apartment complexes and terrorizing residents with violent crime.

The US Marshals didnt immediately respond to The Posts request about whether they arrested Nixon or Dixon.

A confirmed member of the gang, Jhonardy Jose Pacheco-Chirino, who sources previously said is a shot-caller for Tren de Aragua with the nickname Galleta, or cookie in Spanish, was also allegedly involved in the July 28 shooting.

In November 2023, Pacheco-Chirino allegedly brutally beat a man alongside a squad of gangsters and was eventually released on bail before failing to show up to court.

He then took part in the July 28 shooting at the same apartment complex.

Pacheco-Chirino and his brother Jhonnarty Dejesus Pacheco-Chirinos, also a Tren de Aragua member, face attempted murder and other charges,

Aurora Police release the names and mugshots of the four confirmed and suspected gangsters arrested in connection to a violent shootout in July. Aurora Police Dept

The brothers crossed the Texas border illegally on Oct. 2, 2022.

Pacheco-Chirino was let go at the time with a tracking device.

The Biden administration began using the CBP One app for asylum seekers in January 2023 in anticipation of the end of the Trump-era expulsion COVID-era order known as Title 42.

Migrants then began using the app to book entry appointments while in Mexico, with the intention that they wouldnt be exploited by cartels or expose themselves to danger by coming illegally.

However, sources say no extra vetting is involved.

AURORA POLICE DEPARTMENT CONFIRMS SUSPECTS ARRESTED FOR SHOOTING IN JULY ON NOME STREET HAVE GANG TIES



On July 29, the Aurora Police Department arrested Jhonnarty Dejesus Pacheco-Chirinos, age 24, for attempted murder and other charges related to an attempted homicide on July 28 pic.twitter.com/DFaSyANAkE  Aurora Police Dept (@AuroraPD) September 4, 2024

Theres hardly any vetting done with that app. So it doesnt surprise me that gang members get in so easily and frequently, a source told The Post.

The app allows 1,450 migrants to enter the US each day by availing themselves at ports of entry in Mexico.

The Mexican government also recently announced an initiative to bus migrants from southern Mexico to the US border to get them to their CBP One appointments more quickly.

CBP One also allowed three suspected ISIS terrorists from Tajikistan to enter the US, according to data the Department of Homeland Security provided to the House Judiciary Committee.

The three terror suspects were scooped up in June, along with five others from Tajikistan who crossed the border during the Biden administration, in an multi-state operation first reported by The Post.
By Michelle Nichols

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - The United Nations Security Council began considering on Friday a draft resolution to extend the mandate for an international security mission helping Haiti fight armed gangs and ask the U.N. to plan for it to become a formal peacekeeping mission.

The mandate of the Multinational Security Support (MSS)mission - first approved by the council for 12 months - is set to expire at the start of October, but has seen few results, with few troops on the ground and far less funding than hoped.

The United States and Ecuador circulated a draft text - seen by Reuters - that would renew the mandate for another 12 months and ask "the U.N. to begin planning to transition the MSS mission to a U.N. peacekeeping operation, in order to sustain the gains made by the MSS mission."

The 15-member council is due to vote on Sept. 30 on the mandate renewal.

The council would have to eventually vote on a separate resolution if they want to formally transition the mission into a formal U.N. peacekeeping operation in Haiti. Such a move would ensure funding for the mission.

Resolutions need at least nine votes in favor and no vetoes by the Russia, China, the United States, France or Britain to pass. China and Russia abstained from the vote last year to mandate the mission, wary of approving the blanket use of force.

The council's initial approval of the mission came a year after the Caribbean country asked for help to fight violent gangs that have largely overrun its capital Port-au-Prince. The response to Haiti's request was delayed due to a struggle to find a country willing to lead a security assistance mission.

Kenya stepped up and around 400 police officers arrived in Port-au-Prince in June and July from an expected total of 1,000.

A handful of other countries have together pledged at least 1,900 more troops, and hundreds of millions of dollars in support. So far $68 million has been paid into a dedicated U.N. trust fund for the mission.

Nearly 580,000 people have been internally displaced by the conflict, hundreds of thousands who fled the country have been deported back to Haiti, and close to 5 million people are facing severe hunger.

U.N. peacekeepers were deployed to Haiti in 2004 after a rebellion led to the ouster and exile of then-President Jean-Bertrand Aristide. Peacekeeping troops left in 2017 and were replaced by U.N. police, who left in 2019.

Many Haitians are wary of an armed U.N. presence. The Caribbean country was free of cholera until 2010, when U.N. peacekeepers dumped infected sewage into a river. More than 9,000 people died of the disease, and some 800,000 fell ill.

(Reporting by Michelle Nichols, Editing by Rosalba O'Brien)
The destroyer USS John S. McCain was recently involved in a near-miss in the Middle East during a refueling. US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman John A. Miller

The US Navy said it fired a warship captain last month due to "a loss of confidence" in his ability to lead.

An investigation shows he was removed after his destroyer had a near-miss in the Middle East.

The report shows the Navy failed to fix a known steering issue with the ship, which later led to the incident.

The US Navy sacked the captain of a deployed warship after an unresolved steering problem resulted in a near-miss incident in the Middle East, according to a command investigation reviewed by Business Insider.

The commander of the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group relieved Cmdr. Cameron Yaste, the commanding officer of the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS John S. McCain, last week over what the Navy called "a loss of confidence" in his ability to lead.

Earlier reports of Yaste's removal referenced a viral photo showing the captain holding a rifle with the scope mounted backward. But the command investigation said Yaste was relieved after the McCain lost steering during a July fuel replenishment that damaged a Navy oiler.

The August investigation into the steering loss said Yaste and his crew made mistakes that may have contributed to the incident, such as poor maintenance and failure to follow established procedures.

The investigation also showed, however, that the Navy failed to fix an ongoing steering problem that had stymied its own technical experts a month before the incident. The steering problems happened so regularly that the ship's crew seemed to eventually overlook the potential severity, the investigation indicated.

This steering issue glitched at a dangerous moment  while the McCain was hooked up to a replenishment ship to refuel.

A Navy spokesperson declined to comment on the investigation, saying that it's still ongoing. BI was unable to get comment from Yaste for this article.

The USS John S. McCain suffered a steering issue in July while refueling alongside an replenishment oiler. US Navy photo by Ryo Isobe

A persistent steering problem

The McCain deployed from its homeport in March and arrived the following month in the Middle East, where it joined other US warships tasked with defending against Iranian-backed hostilities, including unrelenting Houthi attacks on merchant vessels.

Yaste's career had been building up to this mission. The career surface warfare officer had previously been the McCain's executive officer and had taken command in late 2023, about five months before the deployment.

According to the investigation BI obtained, the McCain experienced steering loss multiple times. These losses were caused by the uncontrolled shifting of the hydraulic power units that direct one of its two rudders.

After the destroyer lost steering in April, the McCain sent out a casualty report, or CASREP, requesting technical experts to visit the ship. These experts tried to troubleshoot the warship while it was pier-side in Bahrain in June.

The McCain's crew experienced a series of steering problems in the two months before the near-miss. US Navy

The McCain's leadership requested to go to sea to address these issues properly, but the technical personnel were not funded or authorized to set sail with the destroyer. The warship left Bahrain in early July and immediately experienced the same problems.

The McCain released another CASREP over the recurring problems. Steering problems can become particularly serious if they involve the stuck or unresponsive rudder near another ship or in shallow water. The ship received remote support over the following days, but the results of those efforts were ultimately inconclusive, the investigation said.

The troubled destroyer remained at sea, and the command investigation said there was no evidence any notable troubleshooting efforts occurred after July 9.

The investigation said the McCain experienced a total of 18 problematic incidents with the steering system between May 17 and July 20, when the destroyer refueled at sea.

The command investigation attributed the recurring steering issues to improper maintenance practices by the crew, though it acknowledged no single issue could be identified as the source of the problem.

USS John S. McCain during a replenishment-at-sea, an operation where the ship's proximity to another vessel is so close that its steering and engineering setup are closely monitored. US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Declan Barnes/Released

The crew brought attention to the steering issue through the multiple CASREPs it released, indicating that the matter was beyond the capabilities of the crew.

It's not clear whether the crew ever received a response from the Navy that would effectively fix the ship's problems.

Replenishment-gone-wrong

On July 20, the McCain pulled up alongside the replenishment oiler USNS Big Horn in the northern Arabian Sea and connected for a replenishment-at-sea, where the ship received fuel over a tensioned wire between two ships that are typically less than 200 feet apart.

During the refueling, the destroyer suffered a severe problem. One of the two hydraulic power units that controlled the starboard rudder began spewing oil, and engineers raced to fix it.

Minutes passed. The watch team decided to switch over to the alternate HPUs, but then the system glitched. Control was stuck with the unit "gushing" hydraulic oil, as a crewmember reported. Engineers tried refilling the HPU, but it ran out of oil and shut down. Still, the alternate HPU failed to take over.

The John S. McCain, at left, was taking on fuel from USNS Big Horn on July 20 when it experienced a loss of steering control. US Navy photo

On the bridge, where watchstanders were steering to stay alongside the oiler, a crewmember noticed an alarming sign: the starboard rudder was stuck.

In response, the commanding officer ordered an emergency breakaway, which damaged some of the equipment on the Big Horn and temporarily rendered one of its refueling rigs inoperable. No personnel were injured on either vessel.

The August command investigation found that McCain crewmembers made a variety of mistakes, including failing to follow loss-of-steering procedures or communicating sufficiently between controlling stations.

The investigation blamed Yaste for his handling of the refueling, in part because he spent 10 minutes alongside the replenishment oiler trying to fix the steering problems before breaking away. The investigation sharply criticized other senior officers as well, including the executive officer and chief engineer.

Cmdr. Cameron Yaste speaks his crew during an all-hands call. US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kevin Tang

The investigation's findings also suggested that the McCain faced challenges well before the refueling. Specifically, it appears the captain and crew had been dealing with a broken ship for months, leaving them operating outside normal circumstances.

The command investigators concluded that the inability of technical experts to go to sea with the McCain prevented the steering issue from being properly resolved. It also said that on-board support at sea was the appropriate response and was warranted as early as July 3, the day after the destroyer left Bahrain.

Ten days after the July 20 near-miss incident, the McCain entered port in the United Arab Emirates for a brief fuel stop and issued another CASREP for the steering issues. Technical representatives who flew to the port to review the ship found multiple problems that needed to be fixed. The destroyer continued to experience steering issues into mid-August.

The Navy has not publicly disclosed what happened with the McCain or acknowledged the steering issues during the deployment.

The Navy released a brief statement on August 30 revealing that Yaste had been relieved of his duties as the commanding officer of the McCain "due to a loss of confidence in his ability to command the guided-missile destroyer." The sea service said that "there is no impact to the ship's mission or schedule due to the relief," without offering further details.

Read the original article on Business Insider
The U.S Supreme Court agreed in May to hear San Franciscos appeal of a ruling that said the city was failing to protect swimmers and bathers from sewage discharges into the Pacific Ocean. Mariam Zuhaib/Associated Press

Environmental groups and California water regulators have told the U.S. Supreme Court that San Franciscos challenge to rules on offshore pollution, which the court will hear next month, contradicts decades of clean-water rules and could harm the waters and those who use them.

The court agreed in May to hear the citys appeal of a ruling that said it was failing to protect swimmers and bathers from discharges of sewage into the Pacific Ocean. The ruling, due by next June, will determine whether local governments can be penalized for allowing pollution near their shores, or whether  as San Francisco and its allies contend  the law requires them only to limit contaminants to levels set in advance, like specific discharges per million parts of water.

The decision in this case will  affect the States ability to protect the San Francisco Bay, the Pacific Ocean, and other bodies of water in and around California, California Attorney General Rob Bontas office told the court this week.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Environmental advocates including the Natural Resources Defense Council, the Sierra Club and San Francisco Baykeeper said the 1972 Clean Water Act authorizes states to set standards for discharges of pollutants, subject to federal approval. They said San Francisco is trying to upend long-standing policies of California and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to hold local governments responsible for deteriorating water quality caused by discharges from their sewage systems.

These violations inflict real harm on real people, Earthjustice attorney Kirti Datla said in a filing on Tuesday.

But local governments in California and other states, joined by the National Association of Clean Water Agencies, have told the court that the EPAs standards turn (Clean Water Act) compliance into a moving target. And the citys lawyers contend federal and state regulators are unfairly holding San Francisco responsible for water quality in the Pacific that is affected by other discharges of pollutants.

The National Mining Association and the National Association of Home Builders have also filed arguments supporting San Francisco. The court has scheduled a hearing for Oct. 16.

San Francisco is appealing an EPA order, first proposed under President Barack Obama and issued in 2019 under President Donald Trump, that found the city was failing to prevent dangerous pollution by bacteria and other contaminants that flowed through its Oceanside Water Pollution Control Plant.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

The EPA cited the Supreme Courts 2018 ruling that said the Clean Water Act authorized the federal agency to regulate not only the amount of pollutants discharged by a sewage system but also other consequences of the discharges.

That means San Francisco can be required to monitor the waters outside its sewage plant and remove pollutants, the state and federal agencies say. Among the requirements the city is contesting are state Regional Water Quality Control Board mandates to clear offshore waters of grease, oil and other visible contaminants as well as any pollutants that discolor the waters.

They know (or should know) what they are discharging from their point sources, Chris Hu, deputy solicitor general in Bontas office, told the court. He said the city contends that it should not be held directly accountable for the effects of its discharges on the receiving waters.

In a separate suit pending in U.S. District Court, the state and federal agencies say the city has discharged an average of 1.8 billion gallons of sewage a year, some of it untreated, into the ocean and San Francisco Bay. The suit seeks hundreds of millions of dollars in penalties and court orders requiring the city to change its practices.

But the case on the scope of the Clean Water Act will be heard by a Supreme Court that has substantially limited the authority of regulatory agencies.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

In a 6-3 ruling in June, the court repealed a 40-year-old decision known as the Chevron doctrine, which required federal judges to accept agencies reasonable interpretations of disputed federal laws. Instead, judges will decide what the laws mean.
Keep your guns locked up.

Thats what sheriffs deputies told Colin Gray when they came to investigate a school shooting threat in May of 2023. Sixteen months later, Grays 14-year-old son Colt is accused of opening fire at his high school, killing two students and two teachers and wounding nine others.

Both Colin Gray and his son are now in custody, with the former charged with second-degree murder, involuntary manslaughter and cruelty to children because authorities said he gave access to firearms to his son despite knowing he was a threat to others.

Experts say it's unsurprising that the May 2023 investigation didn't prevent this week's tragedy.

Theres only so much law enforcement can do to stop a crime like a mass shooting from occurring in advance, said Adam Winkler, a law professor and gun policy expert at UCLA.

We have to be realistic about what you can accomplish in a society that has over 400 million guns and they're very easy to obtain, Winkler said.

Flowers are laid at the school marquee and around the flag pole at Apalachee High School on Sept. 6, 2024. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has ordered flags across the state to be flown at half staff in honor and memory of the shooting victims and their loved ones.

Was the FBI tracking the accused shooter?

The notion that the shooting suspect was on the FBIs radar for over a year is a misunderstanding of how law enforcement operates, according to Katherine Schweit, a former FBI agent who created the FBIs active shooter program.

Because somebody interacts with law enforcement doesn't give law enforcement the authority  federal, state or local or tribal  to constantly go back into somebody's personal life and check on them and check on them, Schweit said.

What did law enforcement do in 2023?

The FBI alerted local law enforcement about threats to commit a school shooting made on the online platform Discord. They traced the account that made the threats to an address where Colin Gray and his son previously lived and had since moved from in Jefferson, Georgia.

The Jackson County Sheriffs Office went to speak with them. The then 13-year-old told investigators at the time that he did not make the threat and that he had deleted his Discord account because it had been hacked, according to a report by the sheriffs office. When authorities tried to trace the source of the threat further using IP addresses, they said they could not confirm that it was made by the teen. The account appeared to have been accessed from multiple places in the U.S.

Colin Gray told them that he had rifles for hunting in the home, but that his son did not have unsupervised access to them.

I urged Colin to keep his firearms locked away, wrote Daniel Miller Jr., lead investigator.

Why didn't authorities do more?

Without confirmation of who made the threat and denials from the teen, the case was exceptionally cleared, Miller wrote in the report.

At this time, due to the inconsistent nature of the information received by the FBI, the allegation that Colt or Colin is the user behind the Discord account that made the threat cannot be substantiated, Miller wrote.

The FBI in Atlanta said in a statement that the county alerted schools so they could monitor the student, but that there was no probable cause for law enforcement on any level to take further action.

If there is nothing that indicates that there's probable cause to believe a crime is occurring or can or will be occurring, the law enforcement officer can't, for instance, arrest an individual or confiscate weapons that might be in somebody's home and lawfully owned, Schweit said.

Georgia also doesnt have a so-called red flag law, which would allow for authorities to confiscate guns if they believe the owner to pose a threat.

Who is responsible for preventing a school shooting?

The May 2023 investigation illustrates some of the constraints law enforcement faces when investigating threats.

That is what law enforcement  hundreds of thousands of law enforcement  deal with every day is having to evaluate: How serious is this threat, how serious is this situation on the street? And they have to make a determination, and then they have to keep moving, Schweit said. You can't just arrest everybody, because we don't live in that kind of a country, and we don't want to live in that kind of a country.

Meanwhile, some prosecutors are seeking to hold parents accountable when their children commit violent crimes with guns connected to the parents.

Colin Grays charges are only the second time in the U.S. that the parent of a mass school shooter has been criminally charged for deaths allegedly caused by their child. Just months ago, Jennifer and James Crumbley were each sentenced to 10 to 15 years in prison for involuntary manslaughter in the mass shooting their son committed at his Michigan high school.

A law enforcement warning puts parents 'on notice'

The visit from law enforcement in Georgia may not have resulted in arrests or guns being confiscated, but it could have helped prevent the tragedy anyway, experts said.

There were reasons to be concerned about the child's access to firearms, Winkler said. The warning to lock up guns helps show that the parent was on notice."

Schweit said any signs that the suspect may have exhibited over the last year are ones that the community may have witnessed, not just law enforcement. There are failures at a cultural and societal level when a shooting happens, she said.

Every time theres a shooting, there were failures. There's no question about that, Schweit said. We need to be more aware of when somebody is a troubled individual. We need to be more aware of when a troubled individual has access to guns."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Georgia school shooting warning signs didn't stop a tragedy
by Stefano Caprio

The first visit of a Russian leader to the then capital Karakorum took place in 1247, when the whole of Russia and the whole of Asia were subjugated to the Great Khan Baty, Genghis Khan's heir. Putin needs to show himself on international stages, and Ulan-Bator is a much more convenient location than China, where the Russian inevitably appears as a subject. As the troubled affair of the Siberia-2 gas pipeline shows.

Vladimir Putin's trip to Ulan-Bator provoked a lot of reactions, due to his tracotence in ignoring the international court's arrest order, his evident attempt to force China into energy trade agreements, and for various other reasons.

In reality, Putin wanted to show the true meaning of his entire policy of aggression and disruption of the international geopolitical landscape, in the deepest roots of Russian resentment against the entire world: not only for the loss of the Soviet empire, but going all the way back to the greatest humiliation in Russia's millennial history, for the invasion and two-century-old yoke of the Tatar-Mongolian horde.

The first visit of a Russian leader to Mongolia had in fact taken place in 1247, when all of Russia and the whole of Asia were subjugated to the Great Khan Baty, Genghis Khan's heir whom Prince Aleksandr Nevsky - one of the figures most extolled by Putin and Patriarch Kirill - met in the Horde's capital at Karakorum, where he stayed for two years.

Qara Qorum in classical Mongolian is the Black Mountains, located in the westernmost part of the country, and the city had been founded shortly after the death of the Khan of the Oceans, who had united the Turanian and Mongolian peoples and conquered the largest empire in all history, by his third son and first successor Ogodei. It remained capital of the Mongol Empire for thirty years until 1264, when Kublai Khan moved the seat to Khanbalig, today's Beijing, and was finally destroyed by the Ming a century later.

The importance of Karakorum at that time was such that even Pope Innocent IV had sent one of his best missionaries from Rome as ambassador, Giovanni da Pian del Carpine, one of the first disciples of Saint Francis of Assisi.

He described in the Historia Mangolorum the greatness of the empire and the devastation wrought, especially the total destruction of Kiev, the capital of Rus', which disappeared from history for almost four hundred years.

In Baty's reign he also met Prince Aleksandr, who in his agreement with the Mongols laid the foundations for the rise of Moscow, which flourished under them thanks to the commercial advantages, which also extended to the Orthodox Church.

Now Putin can land triumphantly at the airport of the capital of Mongolia, and show himself as the real Khan of the new world order, that of the invading Russian Horde, alongside President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh in the Yurt, the tent decorated like the palace of Karakorum inside the presidential palace of Ulan-Bator.

The new Russian tsar is the true ruler, and the leader of small and peaceful modern Mongolia appears as his devoted subject: it is the great revenge of all Russian history.

Putin wanted to celebrate the anniversary of another symbolic victory, that 85 years ago of the united Soviet and Mongolian troops against the Japanese army during the conflict on the Khalkhin-gol river, before the start of the Second World War.

It is one of the constants in the rewriting of Russian history that recurs most in the mind of the Kremlin Khan, the connection of 20th century victories with older wars, from Aleksandr Nevsky to Stalin, from Kievan Rus' to the Soviet Union.

Of course, the slap on the face of international conventions also counted a lot, showing the insubstantiality of the Hague Tribunal's arrest order to which Mongolia was bound, and which had previously kept Putin from travelling to Armenia and South Africa, two far less secure allies than the Mongols.

On top of all this, Putin chose a particularly delicate moment for the trip to Ulan-Bator, precisely during the particularly heated clash with Ukraine between the Ukrainian Kursk counter-offensive and the Russian counter-offensive in the Donbass, with countless casualties on both sides, including among the civilian population.

Moreover, in the very days of the trip to the East, which continued from Mongolia to the Russian Pacific capital of Vladivostok for the Eastern Economic Forum, there were days of mourning in North Ossetia in the Caucasus, for the 20th anniversary of the massacre by terrorists (and Russian special forces) at the Beslan school.

Putin had gone there a few days earlier, confronting the angry mothers of the 186 massacred children, who still demand justice, having to retreat with their tails between their legs.

In all motivations, the trip was intended to emphasise the normality of the situation from the Kremlin's point of view, as if the conquest of the thousand square kilometres of the Kursk region had not affected the plans for war and victory.

Putin's refrain since the start of the war has been that everything is going according to plan, when it is obvious that everything is working backwards, and instead of winning Berlin back we have to go to the Yurt of Mongolia, even though the recent electoral successes of the neo-Nazi right-wingers in Thuringia and Saxony have aroused great enthusiasm in Moscow, especially the demand to remove Ukrainian flags from German buildings.

Any victory makes broth, from Nevsky's in 1240 against the Swedes and the Teutonic Knights to that of 1938 against Japan, today an ally of the western Nazis against whom Russia has unleashed the universal war, although one certainly cannot compare the taking of Bakhmut and Avdeevka with that of Konisberg and Vienna.

All the more so since the Khalkin-gol victory was achieved together with the faithful Mongolian ally, and of true allies today's Russia cannot find many, neither in the West nor in Asia, even among the ex-Soviet countries.

Some commentators believe that Putin's trip was meant to boost approval ratings among the population, which have plummeted far below 70% even in official polls after the Ukrainian initiative in Kursk.

But popular approval in Russia is now a very minor and easily manoeuvrable factor, especially after the rededication to the throne last March, and the only concerns could come from a real economic crisis, for now contained thanks to the proceeds of the war itself.

There is, of course, also a propaganda aspect to the return to Karakorum, but it is more for abroad than at home, especially thanks to Ulan-Bator's condescension in ignoring the arrest order.

Putin needs to show himself on the international stage anyway, and Mongolia is a much more convenient location than China, where the Russian inevitably appears to be a subject of the eastern great power, and even of the Central Asian states, which are taking advantage of the war in Ukraine to find their own greatness independent of Moscow, beyond the smiles and the agreements of circumstance.

In any case, the visit to Ulan-Bator was precisely to push the Chinese to be more amenable to the Siberia-2 Force gas pipeline project, a crucial element of the economic turn towards the East that they regard with a certain condescension in Beijing, having many alternatives in the energy sector.

The Mongolians had blocked the plan, which envisages a passage through their territory, and Putin emptied his pockets in talks with Khurelsukh by offering anything to resume the planning of this crucial work for the future of Russia, which sells oil and gas to anyone and at any price, in order to maintain control over an economy gone mad.

Of course, Mongolia has been invited to the Brics Summit, which will be held in Kazan, Tatarstan, from 22 to 24 October and is to celebrate Russia's role in the new multipolar world order, the contemporary variant of the Putin-Khan empire.

Brics is the anti-West front making it more a Bricolage of countries in search of identity and opportunities to exploit, than a real power in the new world geopolitics. The Force of Siberia is transformed on the Mongolian side into an even more resounding title, the Sojuz Vostok, the Union of the East a thousand kilometres long to unite Moscow and Beijing, putting the two powers of the new world Horde on an equal footing, at least in the intentions of the Russians.

After Mongolia, Putin intervened in Vladivostok to explain to everyone how important it is to invest in the development of the Russian East to counter the West's claims of domination, which does not allow Ukraine to open negotiations with Russia and pointing out as possible mediators precisely the Brics countries, India and Brazil, at most even Turkey, which has also agreed to take part in the Kazan summit.

The only concern Putin expressed at the Vladivostok conference concerned demographics, promising to make multiple births a new fashion among the younger Russian generations.

To this end, the school curricula of the new year that has just begun are being reworked, trying to persuade even the underage generation to get involved in this sense right from the school benches, considering pregnancy the true traditional value to which they will then somehow aggregate that of the family, whatever it may be.

It is perhaps no coincidence that it is only now that rumours are spreading about Putin's two secret children with his unofficial wife Alina Kabaeva, aged 6 and 9, Ivan and Vladimir, to set a good example beyond the requirements of security and the more or less traditional officialdom of emotional ties. For the time being, the Russians do not seem very convinced of following this model, waiting rather for the end of the Putin yoke within a couple of centuries.

RUSSIAN WORLD" IS THE ASIANEWS NEWSLETTER DEDICATED TO RUSSIA WOULD YOU LIKE TO RECEIVE IT EVERY SATURDAY ON YOUR E-MAIL? SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSLETTER AT THIS LINK
by Anna Pozzi

The city where the pontiff will go tomorrow is located in a particularly remote area. Francis has expressly asked to add this stop to be able to meet the faithful of the diocese, but also the priests and religious of the Argentine Institute of the Incarnate Word in the parish of Baro, where he has contributed to the construction of a secondary school. The presence of Indonesian missionaries also among those who fled from across the border.

Vanimo (AsiaNews) - Dear Pope Francis, why don't you come to Vanimo? Perhaps Father Martin Prado, missionary of the Institute of the Incarnate Word, did not expect that the Pontiff would take that invitation literally. Because Vanimo is the outskirts of the outskirts of a country on the other side of the world. And the mission in Baro, where Father Martin is staying, is itself a periphery of Vanimo.

It takes another half an hour from the small airport of this small town made up of a few brick buildings, a few warehouses, a few houses scattered here and there, between ocean and forest, and a road winding its way to the mission, a few kilometres from the border with Indonesia.

Here Pope Francis, tomorrow afternoon, will pay a lightning visit to a small group of Argentine missionaries and sisters (Servants of the Lord and the Virgin of Matara) who look after the parish, the school complex and a home for girls victims of violence, which the Pontiff has been discreetly helping for years.

The secondary school, in particular - the only one in the area - was built and inaugurated this year thanks to Francis interest and funds from the Italian Bishops Conference.

When we went on pilgrimage to Rome in 2019 with a small group of parishioners, we fortunately managed to meet the Pope, says Father Martin, 36 years old from Mendoza, a large family, two brothers who are priests and a sister who is a nun: one is a monk a few kilometres from Vanimo, on the border with Indonesia, while his sister is currently the provincial superior in Papua New Guinea: We explained to him the meaning of the gifts we had brought him and invited him to come to Vanimo. An invitation that, evidently, Francis did not drop, explicitly asking to include this stage in this year's trip.

He wanted to return the visit to these simple people, comments Father Martin, as he walks around the mission overlooking the vastness of the Pacific Ocean. His Institute arrived in Vanimo in 1997, at the invitation of then PIME missionary Bishop Cesare Bonivento, who was succeeded in 2018 by a local bishop, Francis Meli. Father Martin joined his confreres ten years ago to devote himself in particular to proclamation and education: two paths strongly intertwined with each other.

We are here to promote men and women in the image of God, through Jesus, in their culture and tradition. And so, he who is the director of the schools and who aspires to make it anacademy, also spends long periods in the bush, in the forest, reaching remote villages with very small communities scattered over an immense territory on foot: I accompany them first of all spiritually and celebrate Mass, but I also take some medicine with me: many of them have no possibility of being cured.

It is recreation time in Baro: dozens of children swarm into the courtyards to play or have a snack sitting on the roots of imposing trees by the sea. Sister Sacrifice and Sister Virgo watch them from a distance.

Both Americans, they are respectively the headmistress of the primary-middle and high school. Truth, goodness and beauty are the three cornerstones around which they seek to realise an educational pathway that they would like to be as holistic as possible: We want to form people capable of thinking, of making connections, of developing a critical spirit, not only of storing notions, says Sister Virgo, as she shows us the new building of the secondary school started this year with about 90 students, equally divided between boys and girls: And in all subjects we try to offer a Christian perspective, to form them also in values and principles.

Not only that: among the subjects introduced is also music. And this has created a real miracle. In fact, thanks to the involvement of maestro Jesus Briceno, a member of the El Sistema project - the extraordinary network of youth orchestras born in Venezuela and spread all over the world with millions of children and young people involved - the Queen of Paradise Orchestra was born, the first and only one in Papua New Guinea. When I arrived here for the first time in 2018, there was no instrument, says the maestro.

The children did not even know what a violin was. Today the orchestra has 80 members aged between 10 and 18, to which some 40 may soon be added. At the beginning,' intervenes the parish priest, Father Miguel de la Calle, a great fan of the El Sistema method, we used to go to the villages together: I would celebrate Mass and Jesus would teach music. Little by little, and with many difficulties, they managed to get the musical instruments, except for the double basses, which will probably arrive on Pope Francis' plane. In 2021, they performed in front of the government and parliament.

They were all men, Father Miguel points out. Our orchestra, on the other hand, is made up of at least half of girls who are very receptive and often very talented. For them it also means gaining more self-esteem and is an opportunity for emancipation'.

Many musicians are also students at our secondary school,' Briceno points out, and they are often the ones who achieve the best results. Making music means discipline and harmony, human and spiritual growth. And this has an impact on their whole life. They prepared to perform in front of Pope Francis.

It is unimaginable the grace we will receive! - lights up Sister Virgo - the people here love the Pope and this visit makes them feel part of the Church. We are preparing ourselves, first of all with prayer, so that this visit will enter deeply into our hearts.

Also rejoicing at Pope Francis' stop in Vanimo is former Indonesian Consul Widayatmo in Papua New Guinea, who lived for a long time in the early 2000s in this town not far from the sensitive border with his country. He recalls that there is a significant Catholic community here, made up of ethnic Chinese Malaysians who worked in the lumber mills at the time, Australians and Indonesians who had fled from the other Papua across the border.

It was Msgr. Bonivento, he recalls, who went to Jakarta to meet Card. Julius Darmaatmadja, then President of the Episcopal Conference, asking to send some Indonesian missionaries to serve pastoral works in the diocese of Vanimo, alongside those of Indian origin. The first to arrive was Fr Edi, a Missionary of the Holy Family. Today, there are also the Sister Servants of the Holy Spirit and the Indonesian Missionaries of the Sacred Heart in Papua New Guinea'.

(co-authored by Mathias Hariyadi)
Started in 1992 at the height of the one-child policy, in over 30 years they have seen more than 160,000 children and mostly girls taken in by families around the world. The Foreign Ministry spokeswoman: Adjustment in line with international trends. Last year there were only 9 million new births across China, despite the fact that today - unlike yesterday - the authorities are calling for more children.

Beijing (AsiaNews/Agencies) - China will no longer send children abroad for international adoption. The government has announced this, thus cancelling a series of agreements that began in 1992 - when Beijing was still in the midst of its one-child policy - and that have seen more than 160,000 Chinese children adopted by families around the world in more than 30 years, half of them in the United States, according to data from China's Children International.

Responding to a question about such a notification received from the US State Department, Beijing Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said the Chinese government had adjusted its adoption policy to be in line with international trends.

The official explained that - apart from some cases related to relatives up to the third degree with people living outside the country - China will no longer send children abroad for adoption. We express our appreciation to foreign governments and families wishing to adopt Chinese children for their good intentions and the love and kindness they have shown, she added.

The rule change comes as Chinese politicians struggle to encourage young couples to marry and have children, due to the increasingly evident demographic crisis. China has one of the lowest birth rates globally and is trying to encourage young women to have children, but so far with little success.

New births in the People's Republic in 2023 fell by 5.7 per cent to 9.02 million and the birth rate reached an all-time low of 6.39 births per 1,000 people, down from a rate of 6.77 births in 2022.

Overall, the population decreased by 2.08 million, or 0.15%, to 1.409 billion in 2023. This is much higher than the population decline of 850,000 in 2022, which was the first since 1961, during the Great Famine of the Mao Zedong era.

China implemented a strict one-child policy from 1979 to 2015 to reduce its population. When families were restricted to having only one child, many had chosen to keep the male children and give the females up for adoption.

The international trends that the Beijing Foreign Ministry spokeswoman referred to refer to the decision taken in May by the Netherlands to ban its citizens from adopting children from foreign countries. Also in Denmark, citizens will no longer be able to adopt children from abroad after the only local agency dealing with this issue declared it would stop its activities.
Candlestick Point, where the Giants and 49ers played at Candlestick Park, has been slated for redevelopment for more than a decade. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle The latest plan to redevelop Candlestick Point has earned its first approval. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle

Significant changes to the longstanding redevelopment plan for Candlestick Point, a 280-acre swath of land in the southeasternmost stretch of San Franciscos waterfront, won the first in a series of required approvals this week.

The commission overseeing the citys Office of Community Investment and Infrastructure, the former Redevelopment Agency, greenlit the modified plan, which is expected to allow construction on the long-planned project to start next year. Candlestick Point was approved for development by FivePoint Holdings more than a decade ago. At the time, it was envisioned for more than 7,000 new homes and nearly 1 million square feet of commercial space.

The most tangible tweaks to that plan include taller buildings ranging between 120 and 180 feet and the transfer of nearly 2 million square feet of commercial space, that has yet to be built at the neighboring Hunters Point Shipyard, to the Candlestick project. The added square footage would bolster an innovation district that is envisioned to draw biotech and artificial intelligence companies to the southern waterfront, in an area that was previously slated to house a retail center.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

One of the more significant changes includes extending the time limits for the public financing and construction of the redevelopment program.

These types of projects are very large in scale  the infrastructure investment is significant before you can build a single vertical building, and the time limits were running out due to the delays, said OCII Senior Project Manager Lila Hussain. So we need to extend those time limits in order to somewhat restart the clock on Candlestick Point, and so that we have enough tax increment financing in order to reimburse (the developer) for public infrastructure and other qualified costs.

FivePoints work on the Shipyard, a former U.S. Naval outpost, has been on hold since at least 2018 in light of a botched environmental cleanup at that site, and the developer signaled in the wake of the pandemic that it would be shifting its focus on advancing phase two of the larger redevelopment for both sites  the Candlestick project  instead.

OCII Director Thor Kaslofsky said that the Candlestick project embodies the citys stated values of building more housing and steering San Francisco toward a robust economic recovery.

The Candlestick project has over 7,200 new homes planned that will make a significant contribution towards the citys housing efforts of creating 82,000 new units, he said, adding that its 32% affordability requirement puts it near the top in terms of affordability of developments in the city.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Suheil Totah, senior vice president at FivePoint, called the project a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a new future for Candlestick that includes much-needed housing and job opportunities, while also honoring its rich legacy.

We remain committed to collaborating with all stakeholders during the approval process, with the goal of delivering an inclusive and sustainable community that serves the needs of current and future San Franciscans, he said.

Despite overwhelming support for the tweaked development plan at Tuesdays hearing, it was not unanimous.

Ahead of the hearing, three community stakeholders  Faith in Action, Alliance of Californians Community Empowerment and the San Francisco Labor Council  penned a letter to OCII requesting that the vote be delayed.

The groups accused FivePoint of breaking a legally binding agreement to provide information on request, and spelled out six concerns that they said have yet to be addressed by the developer and by the city.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

These include FivePoints alleged failure to comply with its agreement to contribute over $28.34 million to housing and workforce development funds and allegations that the changes to the development plan would exclude residents of the area who are displaced by the future redevelopment from returning to new housing, due to income level restrictions. They said that, on average, certificate of preference-holders earn between 40% and 60% of (Area Median Income), but the modified proposal would make replacement housing available to those earning 120% of AMI.

It would be entirely unaffordable to the very communities that the program was designed to protect and serve, the groups said.

At Tuesdays hearing, more than a dozen artists who have had studio space at the shipyard for decades said that they are navigating a leaking roof while still waiting for a replacement building that was promised as part of the Shipyards redevelopment.

The Alice Griffith Apartments are seen from Candlestick Point in San Francisco. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle

In regard to the promised community benefits, FivePoint representatives have said that the developer has spent about $136 million funding the Southeast Family Health Center and a commercial kitchen for small food businesses, as well as the beautification and maintenance of state parks and workforce development. The investment has also gone toward the first phase of the Candlestick project, which focused on the rebuild of the 256-unit Alice Griffith public housing development at the top of the Candlestick site, completed in 2018.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Without generating revenue from the project, the developer has said that it could not fund additional agreed-upon benefits.

But John Eller, the political director for ACCE in San Francisco, was on the original team that, in 2008, negotiated the community benefits agreement for the shipyard redevelopment, said that the only reason that FivePoint was selected for the massive redevelopment effort at the Shipyard and Candlestick Point was because they were a billion-dollar company that had massive resources.

OCII Commission Chair Bivett Brackett delivered the only dissenting vote, after stating that she is disappointed with the proposal. Brackett said that she had previously requested that stakeholders evaluate an increase to the plans affordable housing component.

Totah, of FivePoint, said that the developer is anxious to add more housing in general, but could not commit to amending the documents on Tuesday.

Kaslofsky, of OCII, said that the scenario that Brackett was requesting  adding language that would allow for an open-ended unit count  was not analyzed by the department.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Brackett was also concerned that a 75,000-square-foot performing arts facility that was planned as part of the development in 2010 has been reduced to a paltry 5,000 square feet.

We did double the commercial space. However, the community space remains at 65,000 square feet, she said, referring to a community facility that was also promised under the original development plan.

Brackett also took issue with the income levels for the new housing planned at Candlestick, which would provide workforce housing for households making between 140% and 160% of the area median income.

It actually represents incomes of $175,000 and above, with the average income in Bayview being close to about $35,000 per year. How can we say that this development is being built for the community? Brackett said. We want to see this project more forward  however, this project sets in stone terms and conditions that will be there for the next 40 to 50 years, and if theres not equity built into this proposal, then how can we honestly say that were representing our ancestors who fought so hard for these projects to come forward?
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.
7 September 2024 20:15 (UTC+04:00)

Elnur Enveroglu Read more

The outcome of the U.S. presidential election holds significant potential to impact the Armenian Diaspora, a fact that many pro-Armenian politicians and lobbyists are keenly aware of. Speculations about Kamala Harris's potential favourability to Armenians, fuelled by Kim Kardashian's 100K USD donation, have sparked discussions about the influence of the Armenian community on the upcoming U.S. president. This prompts the question: Could Trump's policies pose a threat to the Armenian community?

Speaking to AZERNEWS, the US expert in the South Caucasus, Dr Frank Musmar, gave further insight into the political position and strategies of the candidates in the upcoming presidential elections in the United States. He also commented on what steps the Armenian diaspora will take in the future due to a president-elect.

"The Armenian Diaspora, a formidable force in the United States, is represented by numerous influential organizations. Notably, the Armenian Assembly of America (AAA), established in 1972, and the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA), the largest and most influential Armenian American grassroots political organization, stand as a testament to the significant influence of this community.

The Armenian Diaspora is well-positioned in competitive election states. The largest and most established Armenian population flourishes across California (750,000 people); however, newer communities are growing in Phoenix, Arizona, and Nevada, as many moved to these states from California. Moreover, many Armenian communities extend from New Hampshire to Virginia and sizable communities across the mid-west to Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania. While votes in California and Massachusetts may not sway the outcome much due to their usual blue-state status, Armenian votes in swing states like Nevada, Michigan, and Wisconsin can hold substantial importance during the pre-election period. In this regard, the Armenian votes in these states are vital for both Republicans and Democrats, making it essential to grasp the stance of the Armenian community on these elections.

According to Dr. Musmar, the Armenian lobby, which could not get what it wanted from the Biden administration, is currently hoping for Kamala Harris.

"The main topic that is most important to the Armenian Diaspora to cast their votes for either Party is condemning any U.S. complicity in what Armenia claims as Azerbaijan's genocide of Artsakh and its aggression against Armenia, arguing that the Biden Administration failed to support Armenia and Artsakh adequately, hold the Azerbaijani government accountable. The Diaspora met with pro-Armenian politicians and lobbyists of the Democratic Party, demanding Kamala Harris promise to agree on the 3 points mentioned above for their support in the election," Dr Musmar said.

However, according to the pundit, for the United States, foreign policy, democracy, human rights, energy, and security are believed to be the three central pillars of the U.S. South Caucasian policy.

"Due to the State's interest in transporting possibilities of the Caspian basin's energy resources to Western markets, energy will remain the main priority. Moreover, a continuation of certain inertia, the non-active policy will be preserved under Trump, the most expected to win the election, as he is famous for his declarations and practical approaches regarding decreasing U.S. interference in other countries, especially domestic affairs," he added.

Regarding Trump's relationship with Azerbaijan, the political expert said that after Trump's election as president for the second time, the United States may intervene less in the South Caucasus.

"Under a potential second Trump administration, we see reduced U.S. interference in the South Caucasus. Among the three countries in the region, Georgia could be the most affected by this policy, as it has traditionally relied on active Western, mainly American, support.

Azerbaijan-US relations are expected to flourish during Trump's second presidency as it corresponds to Trump's non-interference policy agenda. A less active policy of the U.S. in the region will have less interest in Armenia's pro-Western rhetoric during Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.

Accordingly, Azerbaijan will gain more economic interest to attract more Western and American partners and investments in its oil and gas, especially given the considerably decreased Russian contribution caused by the anti-Russian sanctions and the Ukrainian war.

The Iranian factor is another essential factor that will play a specific role in the South Caucasus region. In the second of Trump's presidency, the U.S. withdrew again from the Iran nuclear deal, and the imposition of significant U.S. economic sanctions against Iran is apparent, which will bring Azerbaijan a strong security partner for Israel and the USA on Iran's borders.

Under a potential second Trump administration, the U.S. is likely to engage more with some countries in the South Caucasus and disengage with others. The deterioration of business or other relations with Iran from Armenia and Georgia is evident. These South Caucasian countries could potentially lose more than they gain, as they may not receive adequate compensation from the U.S. for the loss of their business projects with Iran. However, this situation could present a golden opportunity for Azerbaijan to gain momentum and secure better energy and security deals with the new Trump administration," he said.

Touching on the processes related to the region, especially the Ukraine-Russia war, the expert also emphasized the possibility that the war will subside if Trump is elected president. However, it is inevitable that there will be certain conditions in front of the Kremlin.

"Donald Trump has repeatedly said he could settle the war between Russia and Ukraine in one day if he is elected president again. Two key advisers to Donald Trump have presented him with a plan to end Russia's war in Ukraine that involves telling Ukraine it will only get more U.S. weapons if it enters peace talks and, at the same time, warn Moscow that any refusal to negotiate would result in increased U.S. support for Ukraine. The proposed plan includes a ceasefire based on prevailing battle lines during peace talks and Moscow accepting to discuss NATO membership for Ukraine. Republicans and Trump supporters are reticent about paying for more resources for Ukraine under the plan. The U.S. has spent more than $70 billion on military aid for Ukraine since the war started.

However, during a podcast interview last week, Trump ruled out committing U.S. troops to Ukraine and appeared skeptical of making Ukraine a NATO member. He has indicated he would quickly move to cut aid to Kyiv if elected, a stance that could significantly impact the ongoing conflict."

Talking about the multi-vector policy of the USA, Dr. Frank Musmar drew attention to the situation in the Middle East at the same time. There are even many experts who think that the Biden administration is indispensable in solving the Middle East crisis.

Besides, the potential reshaping of the Middle East crisis under Trump's presidency is a topic of significant interest and anticipation. During his first term, Trump's pro-Israel stance significantly altered the dynamics of the region.

"During his first term, Trump was one of the most pro-Israel U.S. presidents. He recognized Israel's controversial annexation of the Golan Heights and the country's capital as Jerusalem, even though control of Jerusalem has been a sticking point in negotiations between the Israelis and Palestinians for decades.

This tarnished the U.S.'s ability to act as a credible broker of negotiations between the Israelis and Palestinians, who have increasingly sought diplomatic solutions outside of the peace process. Nevertheless, Trump has continued to boast of those measures as proof of his pro-Israel bona fides.

Though he has not elaborated on his plans for a second term, there is reason to believe that he would advance similar policies, with his son-in-law and former Middle East adviser, Jared Kushner, recently suggesting that Gaza's current borders can be altered in contradiction of current U.S. policy. This could potentially reshape the Middle East crisis, particularly the situation in Gaza. "Gaza's waterfront property could be precious," he said in February.

That said, it is notable that Trump has not highlighted the war as a top campaign trail issue. Furthermore, that is likely because he senses where the electorate is at. The fact remains that the war in Gaza is not a determinative electoral issue for the vast majority of voters, and even Republicans have soured on it: A majority now support a permanent ceasefire and de-escalation of violence, even as they still hold favourable views of Israel," he concluded.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
7 September 2024 17:35 (UTC+04:00)

From January to August of this year, 2,335,130 people traveled to Azerbaijan by air from 39 countries, Azernews reports.

This represents an increase of 7 countries (21.8%) and 526,485 people (35.2%) compared to the same period last year.

During these eight months, the highest number of passengers came from Russia, totaling 639,458, marking a 30.2% increase from the previous year.

From Turkey, 577,254 people traveled to Azerbaijan, an 18.7% increase year-on-year.

The United Arab Emirates also made it into the top three with 298,614 passengers (+47.5%).

Following this, Georgia had 149,842 passengers (+40.5%), Saudi Arabia 86,030 passengers (+14.8%), Kazakhstan 71,233 passengers (+31.1%), India 71,582 passengers (+6.6 times), Italy 40,599 passengers (+2 times), Uzbekistan 38,041 passengers (-16%), Kuwait 36,746 passengers (+33.1%), and Qatar 36,186 passengers (+75.8%).

The top ten now includes India and Italy, with Israel (29,034 passengers, -4.5%) and Germany (21,803 passengers, -6.3%) being removed from the list.

In August alone, 378,248 passengers traveled to Azerbaijan, representing a 27.6% increase compared to the same month last year.

Additionally, last month saw 106,044 passengers arriving from Turkey, an 8% increase compared to August of the previous year.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
7 September 2024 15:25 (UTC+04:00)

The COP29 Azerbaijan Operations Company has held its second briefing for members of the diplomatic corps accredited in Azerbaijan, focusing on the preparations for the COP29 conference and event plans, Azernews reports.

The briefing was conducted by the press office of the COP29 Azerbaijan Operations Company.

The briefing featured the Chair of the Board and Chief Executive of Operations of the COP29 Azerbaijan Operations Company, Nermin Carjalova; Ramin Taghiyev, Deputy Head of the Protocol Service of the President of Azerbaijan; Wasim Mir, Director of the UNFCCC Conference Affairs Division; and Kevin OHanlon, a representative of the UN Security Department.

The interactive briefing, held in a hybrid format, included over 150 diplomats from diplomatic missions operating in Azerbaijan, as well as representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in the country and stationed abroad.

Nermin Carjalova provided a detailed presentation on key events included in the COP process calendar, the intensive preparatory work across various areas, the zoning and infrastructure setup at the Baku Stadium where the COP29 conference will be held, and the progress in establishing the Blue Zone, where all official events will take place, and the Green Zone, which will bring together various stakeholders for innovative climate approaches.

Diplomats were informed about the steps taken to ensure efficient and smooth organizational aspects of participation in COP29. These include the registration process managed by the UNFCCC, the introduction of a special COP29 visa service, media accreditation, registration of radio-electronic equipment, allocation of temporary radio frequencies, and the reservation of infrastructure and venues in the COP29 Green Zone. Various portals for reservation services, including translation services, were also explained in detail.

Efforts to provide a positive visitor experience for thousands of international representatives traveling to Baku for the conference were highlighted, including transportation, accommodation, and catering arrangements. It was emphasized that one of the main goals of the operations is to keep environmental impacts and carbon footprint at an acceptable minimum throughout all phases of the operation.

Ramin Taghiyev addressed the protocol details related to the privileges, reception, accommodation, and transportation of heads of state and government attending the Climate Action World Leaders Summit organized under COP29. He also updated the diplomats on the operational scheme at Heydar Aliyev International Airport, city transportation arrangements, and the agenda of the World Climate Action Summit.

The event concluded with a live discussion and Q&A session addressing questions and concerns from the attendees.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
7 September 2024 17:00 (UTC+04:00)

A coordination meeting on the management of the social sector has been held at the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) headquarters, Azernews reports.

The meeting was attended by Hafiz Zeynalov, the Head of SOCAR's Apparatus, and other relevant officials.

During the meeting, the Head of the Apparatus discussed the significance of this sector for SOCAR, the goals set in this regard, strategic projects, the enhancement of employee welfare, and the establishment of social partnership relations. Participants' questions were answered, presentations were heard, and there was an exchange of views.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
7 September 2024 10:35 (UTC+04:00)

The Minister of Defense, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov and the Deputy Minister of Defense  Commander of the Land Forces, Lieutenant General Hikmat Mirzayev got acquainted with the social and living conditions of military personnel, who serve in units deployed in the direction of the conditional border, Azernews reports.

It was reported that all needed infrastructure has been created for the purpose of organizing high-level service activities of military personnel and full material and technical support is carried out in accordance with the norms.

At the meeting with the servicemen, the Minister spoke about the steps taken in the Azerbaijan Army to further improve the service and socio-living conditions of the military personnel thanks to the attention and care of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Mr. Ilham Aliyev.

Colonel General Z.Hasanov enquired about the concerns of the servicemen and gave relevant recommendations regarding the development of their professionalism, knowledge and skills.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
7 September 2024 11:05 (UTC+04:00)

Based on the instructions of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr. Ilham Aliyev, and in order to assist with combating the severe forest fires in the Republic of Turkiye, an amphibious "BE-200CS" aircraft from the Ministry of Emergency Situations has been sent to the brotherly country and is continuing its firefighting operations, Azernews reports.

As part of the operation, the aircraft has been deployed to combat the forest fires in the Izmir-Bergama region.

The efforts to extinguish the fires are currently ongoing. Note that series of wildfires broke out across multiple regions in Turkiye. Authorities across the affected regions are on high alert as firefighting teams work tirelessly to extinguish the flames and prevent further spread. The cause of the fires in each location remains under investigation.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
7 September 2024 12:11 (UTC+04:00)

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory letter to Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, President of the Federative Republic of Brazil, Azernews reports.

The lettter reads:

"Dear Mr. President,

On behalf of myself and the people of Azerbaijan, I am pleased to extend my sincere congratulations and my best wishes to you and, through you, to the entire people of Brazil on the occasion of Independence Day, September 7th.

We place great importance on the development of friendly and cooperative relations with Brazil. We are pleased with the expansion of Azerbaijan-Brazil relations, both bilaterally and multilaterally, over the past period.

I believe that during the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, which will be held in Baku this year, we will cooperate closely with Brazil. I highly value interaction with your country and the United Arab Emirates as part of Troika mechanism to maintain global warming at the 1.5C level.

Taking this opportunity, I wish your country success in hosting the G20 Summit.

On this significant day, I wish you good health, happiness, success in your endeavors, and continued peace and prosperity to your friendly nation.

Sincerely,

Ilham Aliyev

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Baku, 4 September 2024"

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
7 September 2024 18:35 (UTC+04:00)

At the end of August, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) announced the successful deployment of a solar sail as part of the Advanced Composite Solar Sail System (ACS3) mission, Azernews reports.

The agency has now released the first photo of the sail taken by a camera onboard the spacecraft that delivered the mission to Earth's orbit.

It is anticipated that solar sails will be used in the future to propel satellites in space.

The released photo may appear somewhat distorted. This is due to the spacecrafts slow rotation while in orbit. After sufficient telemetry data is collected regarding the sail and the composite guides holding it, NASA experts will stabilize the device. Clearer images are expected to be captured afterward.

The spacecraft is equipped with four cameras, one of which took the photo published by NASA. The lower part of the image shows reflective square sails supported by composite beams, while the upper part displays the back of one of the solar panels. The sail elements appear somewhat distorted due to the wide-angle view of the camera.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
7 September 2024 19:05 (UTC+04:00)

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi will attend the BRICS summit to be held in Kazan from October 22-24, Azernews reports, citing Iranian Ambassador to the Russian Federation Kazem Jalali as he informed TASS about this.

He noted that the Iranian President is expected to meet with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, as well as other counterparts and the Iranian community in Kazan. Raisi's speech at the summit is also planned.

The diplomat added that the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement between Iran and Russia might be signed during the BRICS summit or in a separate meeting of the presidents in Tehran or Moscow at a later date.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
7 September 2024 20:50 (UTC+04:00)

In Kuwait, six individuals, including three Iranian citizens, have been executed, Azernews reports.

These individuals were found guilty of murder. This is the first execution in the country in the past year. The last execution in the emirate took place in July 2023. Of the six individuals who received the death penalty, three are Iranian, two are Kuwaiti, and one is Pakistani.

It is worth noting that in November 2022, Kuwait faced a diplomatic crisis with the European Union over the execution of seven people for murder and other crimes.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
7 September 2024 22:30 (UTC+04:00)

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has met with Irish Taoiseach Simon Harris in Dublin, Azernews reports, citing Simon Harris announced the meeting on X.

"As new leaders, we are both working to strengthen relations between our countries. Our first meeting in the UK in July made it clear that we share high ambitions for what we can achieve together. Today in Dublin, we are putting those ambitions into action," he added.

Today I will welcome @Keir_Starmer for his first official visit to Ireland. Ahead of our meeting, we have written as two new leaders about the scale of our ambition for relations between our countries: https://t.co/ru7r68kDon  Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) September 7, 2024

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
Faculty at UVA Health in Charlottesville, Va., have signed a no-confidence letter against K. Craig Kent, MD, UVA Health's CEO and executive vice president for health affairs at the University of Virginia, and Melina Kibbe, MD, dean of the school of medicine, according to The Cavalier Daily.

A Sept. 5 letter from 128 U.Va. Physicians Group-employed faculty, addressed to the university's board of visitors and published by the student-run daily news organization, calls for immediate removal of the leaders. The five-page letter accuses Drs. Kent and Kibbe of fostering a negative work environment that compromises patient safety and "is contributing to an ongoing exodus of experience and expertise."

The letter specifically accuses the leaders of allowing "egregious acts" at the health system and medical school, including hiring physicians despite quality concerns; using threats against faculty who raise issues about safety, capacity, and moral distress; using promotion and tenure delays as retaliation; and excessive executive spending amid staffing shortages.

UVA Health shared the following statement with Becker's on Sept. 6: "UVA Health and our leaders are committed to providing high-quality care to our patients and an excellent work environment for our 17,000 team members and 1,400 faculty. Feedback is an important part of fostering a healthy culture built on strong relationships across the entire organization. UVA Health leadership looks forward to further understanding and addressing concerns that have been expressed by some faculty members."

Dr. Kent joined UVA Health in February 2020 and, late last year, the board of visitors extended his contract through Jan. 31, 2030. He has led the acquisition and integration of three hospitals in Northern Virginia, along with multiple multispecialty clinics and a physician group. In July, the health system completed the purchase of Warrenton, Va.-based Piedmont Family Practice.

Dr. Kibbe was selected as the 17th dean of the University of Virginia School of Medicine and chief health affairs officer for UVA Health in 2021. She is former chair of the department of surgery at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Oasis have topped the UK album charts for the first time in 14 years amid the furore over inflated prices for their upcoming reunion tour.

Their debut album Definitely Maybe has climbed from fifth last week to number one following a 408% week-on-week uplift, according to the Official Charts Company.

The record, which debuted at the top of the charts on its release in September 1994, has returned to the summit for the first time in three decades, bolstered by the release of a 30th anniversary deluxe edition released last Friday.

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

The album also tops the vinyl albums chart, with more than 50% of its weekly total made up of vinyl sales, and the record store chart, as it proved to be the most popular album in UK independent record shops in the past seven days.

The Manchester rock bands greatest hits compilation Time Flies 1994-2009 has also held on to its number three spot in the album charts while 1995 classic (Whats The Story) Morning Glory? remains at number four.

Over in the UK singles chart, their track Live Forever secured a new peak as it climbed to number eight, while their hit Dont Look Back In Anger returns to the top 10 for the first time in 28 years, coming in at number nine  marking the first time the group has had two singles in the top 10 simultaneously.

Their classic single Wonderwall has also risen six places to number 11.

Following the news, the band thanked fans for their support, writing on social media: A massive thank you to everyone whos supported Oasis this week.

It comes after the band announced last week that they were finally getting back together for a reunion tour in 2025 following their acrimonious split in 2009.

However, fans were beset with problems last Saturday when trying to get tickets, from being labelled bots and being kicked out of queuing to some ending up paying more than the advertised price of 148 as costs surged past 355.

Following the backlash and their string of UK and Ireland shows selling out in less than a day, Oasis announced new Wembley Stadium dates on September 27 and 28 2025 using a lottery system.

The competition watchdogs for the UK and Ireland have both launched an investigation into Ticketmaster, including how so-called dynamic pricing may have been used during the sale of the Oasis tickets.

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

Following their chart success, Official Charts chief executive Martin Talbot said: As if the huge demand for their tour dates wasnt evidence enough, the enduring power of Oasis is underlined by the success of Definitely Maybe this week.

Congratulations to Liam and Noel  topping the Official Charts together for the first time in 14 years.

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham added: Congratulations to Oasis on Definitely Maybes return to Number 1 on the Official Albums Chart.

Greater Manchester is in a different moment now with a thriving economy, and Oasis returning and playing shows in their home city will only boost this.

Manchester often has a tendency to talk about its past glories, of which Oasis were very much a part, but I think this is a fantastic opportunity for a new generation of Greater Mancunians to celebrate some of its most famous sons.

I was delighted to hear the news of Liam and Noel getting back together to reform as I never actually got the chance to see them live.

There has been a palpable buzz in Manchester since the news of Oasis reforming broke and it very much feels like the city is having another big moment.
Joel Dommett has said he will potentially steer clear of making jokes about the controversy surrounding BBC One show Strictly Come Dancing when he hosts the National Television Awards (NTAs).

It comes after an investigation was launched by the corporation following allegations made about professional dancer Giovanni Pernice by his former dancer partner Amanda Abbington, with the results yet to be made public.

The dance programme, which will return for its 20th anniversary series this autumn, is nominated for the talent show prize, which it has won 11 times.

Speaking about the event and his role as host, Dommett, 39, told the PA news agency said: Im there just to keep the energy up.

Dancers accepted the talent show award on behalf of Strictly at last years NTAs (Lucy North/PA)

I wouldnt want anyone to feel singled out in that audience, really.

Any sort of jokes we do make about people, hopefully theyre tongue in cheek enough to make people understand that its a bit of fun.

But that is the hard sort of thing with hosting an awards ceremony, its hard to figure out what that line is and making sure that you tread the right course.

But the NTAs is generally pretty fluffy and fun.

Discussing Strictly and whether the show could win this year, amid the controversy, he added: Its a hard one really. Its hard to know whats gonna happen with it.

Its definitely not something Im probably gonna joke about. Youve just got to be so careful with these things.

Joel Dommett attending the National Television Awards in 2018 (Matt Crossick/PA)

Different award ceremonies would definitely go for that joke. I just feel like were probably better, potentially, to steer clear of it.

Its also a great show. Who knows whats going to happen? Obviously its been horrible the stuff thats been coming out.

Abbington was the first to allege inappropriate behaviour on Strictly and claimed she was subject to a toxic environment while she danced alongside Pernice, who rejects the allegations.

Dommett also reflected on this years other nominations and said it has been an incredibly strong year for British drama with hit shows including Mr Bates Vs The Post Office, Baby Reindeer, Fool Me Once, and One Day all receiving nods in the new drama category.

Its gone from strength to strength, he told PA.

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

Mr Bates Vs The Post Office is the perfect example of something that  its sort of a sleeper hit, really.

Its not just been an incredible show, its also got politicians involved and things like that.

Its really changed the fabric of our country.

Its quite rare when shows like that come along and make a real difference.

It absolutely shows the power of television.

Then youve got Baby Reindeer.

You would never anticipate it being so huge.

Jessica Gunning and Richard Gadd from Baby Reindeer (Lucy North/PA)

I know Richard Gadd from the old comedy days of doing stand up, hes just always been such a talent and so brilliant. Such a great writer and performer. Always put on these really interesting shows up in Edinburgh.

Its just so great to see him get the credit that he deserves. Its mad, mad how massive that show became from sort of nowhere, really.

Baby Reindeer is said to be based on a true story and after it was released to Netflix, Fiona Harvey came forward claiming to be the inspiration behind Martha and filed a lawsuit against the streaming platform, alleging the story is inaccurate.

The NTAs ceremony will be broadcast live on ITV1 and ITVX on Wednesday September 11 at 8pm.
I was standing in Ukraine in a graveyard not far from the front line, and all these fresh graves with all the flowers on them and Im just saying to myself, whats this all about?
Favourite book

I love reading, and youll always find me with a book in hand when Im on holiday. When Im not reading books about RMS Titanic or effective leadership, youll find me reading a novel by my favourite author John Grisham. When it comes to favourite books though, hands down my favourite book has got to be Animal Farm by George Orwell. I studied it at school, it was teaching us about communism in the then Soviet Union. However, if applied to modern-day politics in the West, we can see how the manipulation continues  just in a different way.

Favourite song

Ive had the privilege of travelling all over the world for work and for pleasure, and my favourite song has been a favourite since the Nineties when I made one of my closest friends sing it in a bar in San Francisco! Its Wonderwall by Oasis. Unlike the brothers and their rumoured famous fall out, I still keep in contact with my friend! Oasis is my karaoke go-to band, as is well known by my rugby friends on our eventful rugby tours.

A scene from the film The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas

Favourite film

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas (above). I read the book under a recommendation from a friend. It was very moving to then see the movie. Although the storyline was based on the fictional novel set in Nazi-occupied Poland, it had a lot of similarities to the stories weve heard from that time. The story is based around Bruno, an eight-year-old German boy living in Berlin who is uprooted with his family after his SS officer father is promoted. Its harrowing how we can treat fellow humans, and yet the most unlikely of forbidden friendships can be forged in the most surreal of settings.

Favourite place

Ive worked in and partied my way around Shanghai, Denver, San Francisco, San Jose, Dallas, Kansas City, London, Dublin and Nairobi. Of all the places in the world Ive visited  recently I was stunned by the beauty of Croatia  San Francisco is my favourite. I spent over a decade in the city, honed my skills as a hotelier and made lifelong friends there. As Tony Bennett once sang, I left my heart in San Francisco, and part of mine is still there.

Favourite food

When Im at work, I have the joy of dining in the Wolff Grill at Titanic Hotel Belfast. Ill have a seafood starter, always followed by a perfectly cooked steak and finished off by anything chocolate for dessert. When Im at home and Im not in the kitchen meal prepping for the week on a Sunday afternoon, while sipping a glass of wine or baking my way through autumn so as to be ready to distribute my Christmas cakes during the festive season, Ill be ordering a Chinese every time. I lived in Shanghai and really appreciated authentic Chinese food thereafter. I love a good Chinese meal with good company, and always with chopsticks!

Adrian McNally is general manager of the multi-award-winning Titanic Hotel Belfast. www.titanichotelbelfast.com
Spectacular sights, wonderful people and beautiful weather were the highlights of a trip to the pilgrimage town in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Apparition Hill in Medjugorje, where visionaries claim to have first witnessed the Virgin Mary

We have just crossed the border from Croatia into Bosnia and Herzegovina. There seems to be beautiful countryside everywhere and as we move closer to our destination, rugged mountains appear  which is quite appropriate as the translation of Medjugorje is between mountains.

Im not typically one who enjoys being a passenger in a car (control freak, I know), but the two-hour journey from Dubrovnik to Medjugorje is a pleasant one, with beautiful scenery and helpful advice from our driver, Kristian.

Medjugorje has become well known since 1981 following a purported series of apparitions of the Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus, to six local children that are supposedly still happening to this day.

I asked Kristian whether the people of Medjugorje doubt what the visionaries say.

He is adamant: No, we all believe. I have seen people who could not walk, suddenly walking. I have seen people who could not see, gain sight. I have seen this with my own eyes. Once you see a miracle, there is no doubt.

During the journey Kristian shared some useful tips and places to visit, and then we arrived at our home from home for the week  the Irish House Hotel, an aparthotel close to the centre of Medjugorje.

The spacious living room at the Irish House

They also have a hotel in the centre itself, the Irish Centre (which runs the apartments and hotel), and it was this hotel that arranged for the transport from the airport in Dubrovnik to the apartments. This is really handy as arranging your own transportation in a foreign country is fraught with possible pitfalls.

They are beautiful, clean and spacious apartments which have everything you need for your stay there (yes, including the all-important wifi).

The staff are also really friendly and helpful, and willing to answer any questions or help make arrangements for day trips to various places of interest around the area.

I have to say, the people of Medjugorje are all really friendly and helpful  they go out of their way to help you  and there is a real genuineness there.

Kravica waterfall

After getting settled, we took a trip to Kravice waterfalls about 25 minutes outside Medjugorje. These truly are a sight to see  beautiful waterfalls that can be seen from a distance, but as you get closer they look even more spectacular. You can go for a dip in the lake at the bottom of them, and it is a great way to spend a day.

There are shops and restaurants beside the lake, and we took a small boat out to get even closer to the waterfalls  a wonderful sight.

With the sun shining brightly (temperatures were pushing 40C), it was also a great way to cool off.

The statue of Our Lady outside St James Church in Medjugorje

After several hours spent enjoying the sights and surroundings, we made our way back into Medjugorje.

In the evening we visited St James Church, which is at the centre of the town and holds and outdoor evening Mass. It is said in Croatian, but there were people from all over the world at it  from right across Europe, the US, South America, Asia and Africa  all praying respectfully in their own language.

It was powerful to see people from around the world come together, praying for peace. Afterwards worshippers can make confession with priests, who can speak a range of languages. There were large queues of people ready to divulge their sins.

At the back of the church is the statue of the Risen Christ  an amazing bronze sculpture where people line up to pray. Apparently a droplet of liquid emerges from the knee of this statue every few seconds  a phenomenon for which I have no explanation, despite inquiries and some research.

Following this, we called into the Hotel Leone for something to eat. This is a relatively new hotel and the place was spotless. We were greeted by one of the friendly staff and led to our table.

The Hotel Leone in Medjugorje

What followed was a glorious feast of food, beginning with a tasty vegetable soup, which was followed by crisp and fresh salad, and then beautifully flavoured chicken which came with a selection of potatoes that were just cooked to perfection.

This was then followed by a delightfully rich and moist chocolate fudge cake.

The food here was fantastic and the staff were just superb.

The next day we made an early start and took a trip to Apparition Hill (Mount Podbrdo). This is the place where the visionaries say they first witnessed the Virgin Mary.

Its a stony hill that can take about 30 minutes to climb, so make sure you have a good pair of trainers on you. Once up at the top, there are beautiful panoramic views looking over the whole area.

Apparition Hill in Medjugorje, where visionaries claim to have first witnessed the Virgin Mary

What I noticed was the peace and quiet, despite the large number of people at the top. There really was a hush over the place as people prayed and reflected in front of the statute of Our Lady.

The walk down was tricky, but the hill was well worth going to, with a lovely feeling of peace and those spectacular views.

Later that day we visited the Sports Centre Medjugorje, which has great facilities, including three outdoor swimming pools. It is a great way to spend the day, as you can relax by the pool or go in for a dip when it gets too hot, and there is a place inside that serves food and drink.

The next day we paid a visit to the Castle, which was built by Nancy and Patrick Latta who are from Canada and have made Medjugorje their home.

It is a retreat centre that hosts priests and nuns, while visitors can call in and hear Patricks story  which is fascinating. He was a very successful car salesman who made a lot of money and lived a lavish lifestyle. However, he felt something was missing from life and had a calling to return to his faith. So he gave up his business and sold up, heading to Medjugorje, where he built the castle to host religious visitors. This all started in 1999 and is continuing to this day, with all visitors welcome.

The buildings look fantastic  like something out of the 16th century.

Getting around Medjugorje and the surrounding areas is relatively easy, with a number of taxis operating that are all very reasonable. We had a driver, Djarko, who was so helpful and would even wait around for us while we visited places, at no extra charge  the first time Ive ever encountered that.

Unfortunately, all good things come to an end and it was time to move on from Medjugorje  a beautiful place that is filled with peace, and some of the most friendlies and welcoming people I have ever met.

Factfile

To book, or for more information on the Irish Centre and Irish House, visit https://www.med-irishcentre.com/

For details on Hotel Leone, visit https://www.leone-medjugorje.com/
Police are investigating the assault in Ballymena.

A man has suffered facial injuries and a suspected broken leg after a brutal assault in Co Antrim.

It happened in the Larne Road area of Ballymena last night.

Police were contacted at around 10pm with reports that a man, aged in his 50s, had been assaulted by a number of males.

He sustained deep cuts to both cheeks and a suspected broken leg.

Officers attended and searched flats on the Larne Road.

Four men were subsequently arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm with intent and are all currently in custody assisting with police enquiries.

The injured man remains in hospital receiving treatment for his injuries.

Anyone with any information about this incident or who may be able to help with the investigation, is asked to call detectives at Ballymena.
Court also hears he attempted to solicit sexual services a further four times

A policeman accused of paying for sex six times and attempting to pay for it another four has appeared in court.

Colin Jamison, with an address given as PSNI Ardmore in Newry, is alleged to have committed the crimes in Belfast on dates between 2021 and last year.

The 55-year-old, who appeared at the citys magistrates court, is alleged to have attempted to solicit sex on June 12, 2021, and to have obtained sexual services from another person three days later.

According to the charges, he obtained sexual services again on November 8, 2021, and attempted to obtain them on the 22nd of the same month.

Jamison is further charged with obtaining sexual services on December 15, 2021, and again on November 23, 2022.

He is said to have attempted to solicit sex once more on a date last year, as well as attempting to solicit prostitution.

A defence barrister said his client would appear in court again to face the charges on September 20.

Jamison is understood to have been arrested over the allegations earlier this year.
Parishioners claim loophole let Mercy Order sell Thornhill site

Thornhill was built 1885 in baronial style for A A Watt, owner of the vast Abbey St & Waterside distilleries.

Campaigners are continuing a fight to save a former Catholic church in Derry despite a Vatican ruling supporting moves to close the site, as it emerged the Charity Commission are also investigating the sale.
Taoiseach Simon Harris (left) and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, hold up their respective national soccer teams shirts, with their names on their opposing teams shirts, at Farmleigh House, the official Irish state guest house in Dublin, ahead of the Republic of Ireland v England football match in the Irish capital. Picture date: Saturday September 7, 2024. PA Photo. See PA story POLITICS Starmer. Photo credit should read: Peter Morrison/PA Wire
Thousands took to the streets of Sao Paolo on Saturday (AP)

Supporters of former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro have flooded Sao Paulos main boulevard for an Independence Day rally, buoyed by the governments blocking of tech billionaire Elon Musks X platform.

They say the ban on the social media site is proof of their political persecution.

A few thousand demonstrators, clad in the yellow-and-green colours of Brazils flag, poured onto Av Paulista, with references to the ban on X and images of Mr Musk abounding.

One banner praising the tech entrepreneur read: Thank you for defending our freedom.

A protester mocks Supreme Court judge Alexandre de Moraes (AP)

Saturdays march is a test of Mr Bolsonaros capacity to mobilise turnout ahead of municipal elections next month, even though Brazils electoral court has barred him from running for office until 2030.

It is also something of a referendum on X, whose suspension has raised eyebrows even among some of Mr Bolsonaros opponents, while stoking the flames of Brazils deep-seated political polarisation.

A country without liberty cant celebrate anything this day, Mr Bolsonaro wrote on his Instagram account on Wednesday, urging Brazilians to stay away from official independence day parades and instead join him in Sao Paulo.

Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes ordered Xs nationwide ban on August 30 after months of feuding with Mr Musk over the limits of free speech.

The demonstrations were spearheaded by former president Jair Bolsonaro (AP)

The powerful judge has spearheaded efforts to ban far-right users from spreading misinformation on social media, and he ramped up his clampdown after die-hard Bolsonaro supporters ransacked Congress and the presidential palace on January 8 2023, in an attempt to overturn Mr Bolsonaros defeat in the presidential election.

The ban is red meat to Mr Bolsonaros allies, who have accused the judiciary and President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silvas government of colluding to silence their movement.

Elon Musk has been a warrior for freedom of speech, staunch Bolsonaro ally and legislator Bia Kicis said in an interview. The right is being oppressed, massacred, because the left doesnt want the right to exist.

Mr Musk, a self-proclaimed free speech absolutist, has also urged Brazilians to turn out in droves for the rally, resharing someone elses post claiming that Xs ban had awakened people to the fact that freedom isnt free and needs to be fought for.

He has also created an X account to publish sealed court orders directing X to shut down accounts deemed unlawful.

The ban has provoked a free speech protest (AP)

But Judge De Moraes decision to ban X was far from arbitrary, having been upheld by fellow Supreme Court justices.

And while expression, online and elsewhere, is more easily censored under Brazils laws than it is in the US, Mr Musk has emerged as both a cause celebre and a mouthpiece for unrestricted free speech.

Since 2019, X has shut down 226 accounts of far-right activities accused of undermining Brazils democracy, including those of legislators affiliated with Mr Bolsonaros party, according to court records.

But when it refused to take action on some accounts, Judge de Moraes warned last month that its legal representative could be arrested, prompting X to disband its local office.

The US-based company refused to name a new representative  as required in order to receive court notices  and Judge de Moraes ordered its nationwide suspension until it did so.

We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content

A Supreme Court panel unanimously upheld Judge de Moraes decision to block X days later, undermining Mr Musks efforts to cast him as an authoritarian bent on censoring political speech.

The more controversial component of his ruling was the levy of a whopping 9,000-dollar daily fine (6,838) for regular Brazilians using virtual private networks (VPNs) to access X.

Some of these measures that have been adopted by the Supreme Court appear to be quite onerous and abusive, said Andrei Roman, CEO of Brazil-based pollster Atlas Intel.

The march in Sao Paulo is organized in parallel to official events to celebrate Brazils anniversary of independence from Portugal. Commemorations have been fraught with tension in recent years, as Mr Bolsonaro used them while in office to rally supporters and show political strength.
In Northern Ireland celebrity endorsement is more or less non-existent - for reasons that could best be filed under common sense
BENNINGTON  The accused New Jersey man charged in the October 2023 drug shooting on Twitchell Hill Road in Shaftsbury was charged Friday with three more counts, including charges he offered cocaine to witnesses and the victims of the shooting while in jail in order to secure changes to their stories.

Mohamed Hamdi, 33, was arraigned in Bennington Friday morning on three felony counts  obstruction of justice, obstruction as an accessory before the fact, an alternative theory charge, and accessory before the fact - cocaine sale or delivery. He faces five years behind bars if found guilty on one of the obstruction charges and an additional 20 years on the drug charge.

Hamdi is one of two defendants in a brutal shooting in October 2023 at a single-family residence on Twitchell Hill Road in Shaftsbury. It is charged that Hamdi and another individual, Matthew Osei, lured two individuals to the residence after discovering that one of those individuals had stolen $20,000 worth of narcotics from a trap, a slang term used by drug-related gangs for another persons residence to sell or store drugs. The two victims were made to strip, were beaten, and then, as one tried to escape, one was critically shot.

Both Hamdi and Osei are currently charged with attempted murder for the shooting incident.

According to an affidavit in the new obstruction case, an individual named Eric Sardo and Mohamed Hamdi are currently incarcerated at the Marble Valley Regional Correctional Facility in Rutland. Sardo is the boyfriend of Jill Lebert, who is also linked to the Shaftsbury property after she was charged and then pleaded guilty in February 2024 to Fentanyl trafficking. Police allege that Sardo passed along a jailhouse offer from Hamdi to the victims in the shooting case. The offer was seven grams of cocaine to each of the witnesses and victims to change their statements and say Mohamed was not involved in the shooting.

According to the affidavit, Jill and one of the victims later met with Ahmed Hamdi, Mohameds brother, and received narcotics in exchange for providing Mohamed Hamdis defense attorney, Matthew Hart, with new statements. The victims were allegedly told to say that some Spanish guy with tattoos on his face and a black guy named Eddie were responsible for the shooting.

The exchange, captured on audio recording, occurred before Lebert was incarcerated in April.

Additionally, subpoenas obtained for both Hamdis and Sardos jail communications allegedly revealed that Sardo was relaying information from Mohamed Hamdi to Lebert to impede the victims. In one of those conversations from April 2024, Sardo told Lebert that, Everybody will do what they need to do, and then, They all need to admit the truth, that he (Hamdi) was there, but there was another person in the house.

A later interview with a witness allegedly with personal knowledge revealed that the witnesses and victims were given cocaine in exchange for providing new statements, that Sardo relayed the information directly from Mohamed Hamdi, and that the plan was to have Hamdis attorney, Matthew Hart, meet with the victims of the Twitchell Hill shooting to obtain the new statements. After providing Hart with new statements, someone from the residence would then meet up with Mohameds brother, Ahmed, and receive the narcotics in exchange. The witness also told police the plan was hatched months before the exchange occurred.

On the day of the exchange, Hart allegedly arrived at the Shaftsbury residence with his wife and obtained the new statements. After Hart and his wife departed, according to the eyewitness, one of the shooting victims and Lebert allegedly met up with Ahmed Hamdi down the block, where Ahmed gave them a container with 50 grams of cocaine. The witness told police that there supposedly was more to come, and that there would be a big reward after the trial if everyone kept playing along.

Ahmed Hamdi, Mohameds brother, is currently wanted on an arrest warrant for obstruction related to his part in his brothers offer to the victims.

According to an affidavit in the shooting case, Hamdi and Matthew Osei fled Vermont right after the shooting on rural Twitchell Hill Road. The affidavit states that on Oct. 23, 2023, around 11:03 p.m., members of the Vermont State Police received a 911 call advising them that someone had been shot at the Shaftsbury residence. An investigation revealed that Hamdi  of Jersey City, N.J.  and Osei entered the residence and forced the occupants into the basement.

While in the basement, both victims were assaulted, and one victim was shot while attempting to flee. Mohamed was apprehended on Jan. 4, 2024, in Union, New Jersey, by the U.S. Marshals Service and the New Jersey State Police.

Police allege that Hamdi and Osei kidnapped and shot the victim in an attempt to get his drug money back. Both men are facing a maximum combined life sentence if found guilty of attempted murder or kidnapping charges. Hamdi is also facing a possible 15 years on each of the aggravated assault charges. Hamdi also faces a petty larceny and identity theft charge stemming from a Manchester incident involving a missing wallet.

Osei, 29, of Colonia, New Jersey, turned himself in to the Vermont State Police in Shaftsbury in April to face numerous counts stemming from the October 23, 2023, shooting incident. Charges include attempted murder in the first degree, five counts of kidnapping, and a single charge of aggravated assault. Osei is alleged to be the shooter.

Mohamed Hamdi has a criminal record in Vermont. He pleaded guilty in 2014 to several drug charges in which he was given a fine but served no jail time. On the same day, Hamdi paid the $15,000 fine to settle the drug charges, then violated a restraining order minutes after leaving the courthouse.

Hamdi was taken into custody when police outside Hartford (Vt.) spotted him getting out of a car driven by his girlfriend. After his court appearance, Hamdi was at the station to pick up personal items. The woman driving the vehicle had an active relief from abuse order against Hamdi at the time of his arrest.

Mohamed Hamdi was given conditions of release at the arraignment, including no contact orders for Sardo, Ahmed Hamdi, Lebert, and others associated with the Twitchell Hill residence.

Mohamed Hamdi is currently being held without bail at the Marble Valley Regional Correctional Facility as he awaits trial. Osei turned himself in to authorities in April. After a weight of evidence hearing, Osei posted bail on July 23. He is on a 24/7 curfew in New Jersey as he awaits trial. Both Hamdi and Osei have pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Don't miss the big stories. Like us on Facebook.

WEST DOVER  The Vermont Wildlife Festival is promised to be a day full of fascination and fun for all ages.

"The whole point is people who are interested in the outdoors of Vermont have a whole lot more in common than not and this is a great opportunity to experience that, whether you're hunting or you're bird watching," said Michael Clough, managing director of the Vermont Museum of Natural History, formerly known as Southern Vermont Natural History Museum.

Hosted at Mount Snow from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 22, the festival includes live programs, demonstrations and exhibits from more than 25 participating organizations.

"We'll bring all of our critters," Clough said, including snakes, turtles, bugs, hawks and an opossum.

Participating organizations include the Vermont Institute of Natural Science, Orienne Society, Turtle Rescue League, The Caterpillar Lab, Squam Lake, Wildlife Encounters, Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department, Audubon and Vermont State Parks.

"This year, we're going to do a little bit of a diversion from the past," Clough said. "We've been very only native animals but Wildlife Encounters is going to bring a variety of wild animals to meet."

Food trucks will be onsite. BSA Scout Troop 461 will be offering hotdogs, popcorn, fresh cider and an archery range using foam-tipped arrows. Strengthen Your Mind will be conducting a fly fishing demonstration. VINS is bringing birds.

Admission is by donation. Contributions will fund community outreach programs and caring for the museum's educational animals.

"It's something we always wanted to offer to people for free," Clough said of the festival. "We never charged people admission for it, the idea being anybody could go."

Clough said the Deerfield Valley tends to host events that can be expensive to attend.

"We wanted to make sure it was something everyone could access," he said of the festival. "We've had, over the years, a lot of different groups participate."

He noted that having the event at Mount Snow also allows attendees the chance to ride the chairlift, hike or bike.

Clough said the first festival was held in 2010 on Hogback Mountain next to what is now Beer Naked Brewery. Mount Snow began hosting the event in 2016.

"We were invited to piggyback on to the Wine & Harvest Festival," Clough said of the event put on by the Southern Vermont Deerfield Valley Chamber of Commerce. "They do Saturday and we do Sunday."

Clough said he sees "some overlap" in the attendees from both festivals, especially last year when he had a booth at the Wine & Harvest Festival. People asked what was going on with the wildlife festival, leading him to the conclusion that it draws locals, tourists and second homeowners alike.

A hiatus occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic and again last year when the museum was getting its footing.

Southern Vermont Natural History Museum's home in flux MARLBORO  The Southern Vermont Natural History Museum is closed for an indefinite period of

Last fall, the museum closed its location on Hogback Mountain in Marlboro due to building issues. A capital campaign is being planned to construct a new museum.

"It hasn't affected our educational programming at all," Clough said. "We're rocking and rolling."

Clough said the Pool Nature Center in Wilmington is working out well for his group. The building and adjacent grounds at the former Pool Learning Center on 117 Adams Cross Road were gifted to the museum in late 2021 after the learning center closed.

Gift to Southern Vermont Natural History Museum provides 'endless opportunities' MARLBORO  In search of more space for a while now, the Southern Vermont Natural History Mus

For the festival, the museum is looking for volunteers. Contact info@vermontmuseum.org for more information.

Sponsors include the town of Dover, Mount Snow, Deerfield Valley Chamber of Commerce, Green Mountain Tents, Vermont Distillers, Greenes Service Center, Berkley & Veller Greenwood Country Realtors, WW Building Supply and Food Connects.
PITTSFIELD  Brazilians flocked to the streets of Brasilia on Saturday to celebrate their nations 202 years of independence. Over 4,000 miles north, Pittsfields Brazilian diaspora readied for the citys first Brazilian Day celebration.

We are immigrants and we are devoted to work hard and build things, said organizer Marina Dominguez. But also, lets take a pause and celebrate who we are, where we are coming from and what we can [offer].

Dominguez was inspired to bring the event to Pittsfield after visiting New York Citys Brazilian Day before the pandemic. She organized the event, which kicked off at Brazzucas Brazilian Market at 2 p.m., with support from the city and Downtown Pittsfield Inc. The event was funded through MassDevelopments Transformative Development Initiative, a program designed to accelerate economic growth in Gateway Cities.

The Brazilian Day celebration kickstarted a series of events Dominguez is organizing that will highlight local businesses, artists and musicians for Hispanic Heritage Month.

She wanted to begin the series with Brazilian Day, Dominguez said, because the citys growing Brazilian community  and their culture, language and food  is sometimes overlooked in other celebrations of South and Central America.

We are connected, but sometimes were a little bit different, Dominguez said. So the idea of doing a special day for Brazilian Day was like okay, this is a space for you to be together and show the rest of the community what the culture is about and the music and food.

The celebration highlighted two Brazilian-owned businesses in Pittsfield: Brazzucas Brazilian Market and Espetinho Carioca.

Fabia Raquel Atherton and Nazira Vargas opened Brazzucas, a Portuguese nickname for Brazilians, last year. Before the store opened, Atherton said she would drive two hours to buy staples of Brazilian cuisine.

Now, people travel to her.

Every other day, theres a new face in here from all the ethnicities. We are receiving people who are actually from Albany, from Vermont, from Westfield, from a lot of people that can come visit us, Atherton said.

For the event, Atherton set up a grill outside the storefront, where she cooked churrasco, Brazilian kebabs. Inside, people ate flan, red velvet cookies and passion fruit mousse.

Across the street, Brazilian restaurant Espetinho Carioca also participated in the festivities.

Mariana Melo, 24, owns the restaurant with her brother and their parents. The restaurants roots are in the family's home kitchen, where they made and sold Brazilian food to friends. Eventually the business outgrew that kitchen, and in 2022, the family opened Espetinho Carioca.

Melo said the restaurant has received an outpouring of support since opening.

One of our missions here was to share more of the Brazilian culture and share more diversity with Pittsfield, Melo said. So were just so happy to be part of the celebration and share more of our culture to the city of Pittsfield, but also Berkshire County as a whole.

Rodriguez and Atherton said they hope this is the beginning of a celebration that will return to North Street year after year.

To be recognized  for your country to be recognized  in some place that is not your country, this feels amazing, Atherton said.
PITTSFIELD  Suicide affects not just the individual, but their family, their friends, their loved ones, Shawn Mille, chair of this year's Berkshire County Out of Darkness Community Walk, said at the event Saturday morning at The Common.

The walk saw approximately 200 community members complete a mile loop through downtown Pittsfield. It was the first Out of Darkness walk held in the state this year.

The walks, organized by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, are held across the country each year during Suicide Prevention Month, a campaign focused on breaking the stigma around suicide and equipping people with the resources to navigate suicidal ideation.

Each year, the walks raise millions of dollars for suicide prevention. In 2023, the Berkshire County walk raised $40,000. Theyre on track to meet that number again this year, said Jessica van der Stad, the executive director of the AFSPs Massachusetts chapter.

The walk welcomed anyone whose life has been touched by suicide  those who struggle with suicidal ideation themselves and those who have lost a loved one to suicide.

Participants donned colored beads and filled out name badges to pay homage to who they walked for.

Some wore gold, representing the loss of a parent. Some wore green, representing a personal struggle with suicide. Some wore white, representing the loss of a child.

Many wore multiple strands of beads around their necks.

Each of us has our own story. Each of us have been affected by suicide in some way, Mille told participants before the walk began. I just want to recognize that we are honoring our loved ones who[m] we have lost from many different organizations, parents, children, neighbors.

Mille organized this years walk with the goal of tailoring it to meet the people of Berkshire County.

Thinking about how I love Berkshire County, I dont want to think that some of our community members arent going to be part of the community because they feel like there isnt anywhere to turn to, Mille said.

Part of tailoring the national movement to the Berkshires was also about connecting with local nonprofits, many of whom tabled at The Common on Saturday, Mille said.

Among them were Love of T, Berkshire Pride, Berkshire Coalition for Suicide Prevention and Arts in Recovery for Youth.

Luke Fitzgerald founded Love of T three years ago, after his mother, Teresa, died of suicide. The foundation offers peer support to people struggling with ideation.

Its just about meeting people on a human level in a loving way. Its not a clinical or psychiatric type of care, Fitzgerald said. Its peer support, people that have been there and understand what people are going through and are able to just be an ear.

Berkshire Pride offers a certification training for individuals interested in learning how to use and respect peoples pronouns, and understand mental health challenges faced by LGBTQ+ youth.

We dont certify organizations, we certify people, said Cass Santos-China. And then wherever they go, they make safe spaces.

Organizations and businesses that were unable to table on Saturday sponsored the walk or contributed to the fundraiser and raffle, Mille said.
PITTSFIELD  Pittsfield's East Street reconstruction is one of 12 state projects to receive $171 million in federal aid.

The funds were given to Massachusetts after going unused in the states that originally received allocations. The projects receiving aid are shovel-ready.

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation announced the news early Thursday afternoon, saying it was part of the "annual funding redistribution process" at the Federal Highway Administration. MassDOT said the federal agency's authority to obligate money centers around a "use it or lose it" proposition, and projects vying for additional funding must be shovel-ready in the current fiscal year.

This year's haul exceeded Massachusetts redistribution funding average for the previous four years of $94.3 million, MassDOT said.

The East Street project will occur along less than a mile of road from Lyman Street to Merrill Road, according to the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission. It will see roadway reconstruction, sidewalk reconstruction, drainage improvement and upgrading/replacement of existing traffic signals.

It will also create on-road buffered bike lanes and continuous sidewalks on both side of East Street as well as "improved pedestrian accommodation" at intersections, among other measures aimed to calm traffic.

Other projects that received aid are:

Leominster: Rehabilitation along Route 12 (Central Street), including rehabilitation of a bridge carrying Route 12 over Fall Brook River.

Cohasset and Scituate: Corridor improvements and related work on Chief Justice Cushing Highway (Route 3A), from Beechwood Street to Henry Turner Bailey Road.

Wales: Reconstruction and improvements on Monson Road, from the Monson town line to Reed Hill Road (1.5 miles).

Lawrence: Bicycle path construction along Lawrence Manchester Rail Corridor rail trail.

Brockton: Intersection improvements and related work at Centre Street (Route 123), Cary Street and Lyman Street.

Lowell, Dracut and Methuen: Resurfacing and related work along Route 110.

Taunton: Corridor improvements and related work on Broadway (Route 138), from Purchase Street to Jackson Street (Phase 2).

Peabody: Bicycle path construction along Independence Greenway Extension.

Agawam: Road safety improvements near Robinson Park Elementary School (a Safe Routes to School project).

Harwich: Sidewalk installation on Route 28, from Bank Street to Saquatucket Harbor.

Dennis and Yarmouth: Bridge replacement project for the bridge carrying Route 28 over Bass River, including intersection improvements at Main Street (Route 28)/North Main Street/Old Main Street.
Stewart Edelstein, a Stockbridge resident, is author of several books, including Dubious Doublets: A Delightful Compendium of Unlikely Word Pairs of Common Origin, from Aardvark/Porcelain to Zodiac/Whiskey, The Covid-19 Zeitgeist: Fifty Essays, and An Alphabetical Romp Through the Flora of Berkshire Botanical Garden from Agave to Zinnia.
State housing officials kicked off outreach efforts on accessory dwelling units to municipal leaders Wednesday, as they prepare for zoning changes embedded in the Affordable Homes Act to take effect in February.
With a long history of education, BHS breaks new ground with its career pathways for RNs, other professionals
China, Cambodia to deepen law-enforcement cooperation

Xinhua) 10:39, September 07, 2024

Chinese State Councilor and Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong co-chairs a wrap-up meeting of the Year of Law Enforcement Cooperation activities between China and Cambodia with Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sar Sokha in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 6, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

BEIJING, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor and Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong co-chaired a wrap-up meeting of the Year of Law Enforcement Cooperation activities between China and Cambodia with Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sar Sokha in Beijing on Friday.

Noting that China and Cambodia are "iron-clad" friends, and the leaders of the two countries have reached important consensus on building a high-quality, high-level and high-standard China-Cambodia community with a shared future in the new era, Wang said China is willing to work with Cambodia to implement the important consensus, deepen political and security cooperation, carry out joint actions to combat crime, enhance law-enforcement capacity building cooperation, and jointly safeguard the security and stability of both countries and the region.

Sar Sokha expressed gratitude for China's long-standing support and selfless assistance, saying that Cambodia is willing to further strengthen law-enforcement cooperation between the two countries.

The two sides signed documents to deepen China-Cambodia law-enforcement cooperation.

Chinese State Councilor and Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong co-chairs a wrap-up meeting of the Year of Law Enforcement Cooperation activities between China and Cambodia with Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sar Sokha in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 6, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Wu Chaolan)
A brown bear has injured a walker in Croatia. Archivbild: Keystone

A bear has attacked a walker in the Croatian Plitvice Lakes National Park, 130 kilometers southwest of Zagreb, and injured him with bites to the arms. The 64-year-old man, a local resident, was taken to the hospital in the district capital of Gospic, Croatian television HRT reported on its website. Doctors described his injuries as not serious.

SDA

No time? blue News summarizes for you A bear has attacked a walker in Croatia's Plitvice Lakes National Park.

The 64-year-old man was injured by bites to his arms.

Doctors described his injuries as not serious. Show more

The incident had already occurred late on Friday evening. He was walking about 800 meters from his house, the man who was attacked said, according to HRT. The animal had approached him from a pasture, knocked him over, bitten him and then ran away again. The Plitvice Lakes National Park, with its picturesque waterfalls connecting the 16 lakes, is a popular tourist destination.

Around 1000 brown bears live in the wild in Croatia. Croatian wildlife protection tries to keep conflicts between bears and humans to a minimum through measures such as monitoring, public relations work, bear-proof garbage cans and regulation of the population through shooting. It is therefore rare for bears to attack humans in Croatia.

SDA
September 6, 2024: Military staffs strive to become efficient during peacetime, but rarely achieve that goal until they are actually in a wartime environment. In peacetime there is no life or death incentive to be efficient with planning. When the shooting starts, the need for speed is a matter of life or death. Even irregular forces, like Islamic terrorists or guerillas, survive because they were able to develop and execute plans quickly enough. That is often due to the efforts of one or a few leaders of these groups. By identifying and killing these leaders, using assassins or air strikes, the organizations these men controlled become less effective, at least temporarily, until new leaders can be installed. More effective military or terrorist organizations have succession plans indicating who will replace dead or disabled leaders and planners. This sort of thing does not get much or any media coverage. Instead there are reports of an organization becoming less effective due to the loss of leaders or planners.

While military organizations recognize this problem and seek to address it, irregular groups often do not. The irregulars depend on a charismatic leader to keep them well organized and effective. If that leader is killed, the organization is less effective until a new leader, whether planned or improvised, can take over.

As has been recently demonstrated in Ukraine, you cant teach experience. Its something that requires actually doing the deed or using training methods that accurately portray what you need experience in handling. This was evident during the 2023 Ukrainian counteroffensive in southern Ukraine. The nine new Ukrainian armored brigades involved were equipped with 230 tanks and 1,550 other armored vehicles. Some of the new tanks and IFVs (Infantry fighting vehicles) were Western models but most were the Russian type tanks and IFVs Ukraine had many of and had long used. There was also additional artillery ammunition, HIMARS missiles and long range Scalp guided bombs as well as short range anti-aircraft missiles. There were also specialized armored engineer vehicles for clearing paths through minefields. There were drones for reconnaissance, surveillance and spotting targets for artillery, missiles or longer range weapons. But those nine new brigades werent very effective.

Back in 1982 the U.S. Army came up with a solution to the problem the Ukrainians encountered. The Americans created a large National Training Center (NTC) where army combat brigades could confront a realistic Russian opponent. The NTC is a 147,000-hectare facility in the Mojave Desert at Ft Irwin, California. There the United States Army revolutionized the training of ground combat troops during the 1980s with the development of MILES laser-tag equipment for infantry and armored vehicles and the use of MILES in a large, wired to record all activities, combat training area. Other countries soon realized the importance of these innovations, and a few built their own NTC clones. NTC-type training centers are usually built to enable a combat brigade to go through several weeks of very realistic combat exercises.

NTC training was not only very close to the experience troops encountered in combat, but it also stressed commanders the same way actual combat does. This enables commanders to test themselves and their subordinate commanders before they get into a real fight. You can also use NTC facilities to experiment with new tactics in addition to keeping troops well trained in whatever the current tactics are. This includes counter-terror operations as well as the kind of novel combat tactics that might be encountered in the future.

Ukrainian troops had received several weeks of additional training before joining in their 2023 offensive. What was missing was enough additional training for the new brigades, as brigades, to learn how to operate effectively in a combined arms operation involving so many different types of equipment and capabilities. A few weeks of combined arms training for the brigades would have made a big difference by developing skills needed to integrate and operate all the new equipment effectively. That lack of training was evident after the offensive began and was slowed down by Russian defenders who were outnumbered and not as lavishly equipped. Defending does not require as much training or additional weapons to succeed.

While the NTC is primarily for peacetime training, it can be used in wartime if there is time to send the brigades to an NTC for three weeks of additional training. During the 2003-2011 Iraq War, several National Guard brigades, which were composed of reservists, were sent to the NTC before going to Iraq. NTC training was modified for Iraq War conditions and the troops who trained there found the training useful because many things later encountered in Iraq, they had already experienced at the NTC.

Ukrainian military leaders have long been aware of the NTC concept, which has been adapted by many nations since the 1980s. Ukraine does not have one and none of its brigades have actually used one. Nevertheless, Ukraine supplies the United States and other NATO nations with advice on how to modify their current NTC training to represent the current state of the Russian forces. The NATO countries report back to Ukraine any NTC revelations that might help the Ukrainian forces.

Ukraine has long been aware of how important NTC-type training is. For example, in 2014 Ukraine persuaded a German firm to cancel a signed $134 million contract to build a NTC-like military training facility for Russia. This cancellation was the result of the growing list of economic sanctions on Russia as a result of the 2014 Ukraine crisis. Many Russians feared the Ukrainian land-grab would cause major economic damage, but in the case of this German contract, the loss was meant to hinder Russian efforts to modernize and upgrade their armed forces. This training center contract was to enable Russia to join the United States, Germany, China, Israel, and many other major military powers who are benefitting from the use of instrumented combat training centers. Russia had hired Rheinmetall, a German firm that built such a training range in 2008 for Germany, to build a very similar training center in Russia.

Since 2003 Israel has been using and expanding its own NTC. This is a 39,000 hectare TTC Tactical Training Center at Ze'elim in the Negev desert. In addition to wide-open areas for the training of armor, infantry, and artillery units, there are several villages and urban areas wired for training troops to fight in close quarters. Israel has now developed a portable version of this technology and many other innovations as well.

China opened its own version of an NTC in 2010. The Chinese NTC was a big deal. It meant the Chinese were really serious about training their ground combat troops to the highest standards. This kind of training is serious business, in part because it's expensive to use an NTC. Not just the fuel and ammo the troops will use, but the expense of a staff to run the NTC and perform as the OPFOR opposing force. American intelligence officers identify and track which units go through the Chinese NTC and mark them as likely to be much more effective in combat.

Fort Irwin itself has been expanded and since the 1980s the United States has established many similar training centers, all using lots of electronics to assist the trainees in having a realistic experience while also enabling them to see their mistakes and learn from them. Israeli and American manufacturers have individually, or through collaboration, developed new features for NTC-type facilities. These include portable equipment that can allow any area to be wired to provide the same effect by constant monitoring and recording of everything everyone does. There are also Vehicle Player Units (VPUs) that make Hummers appear as armored vehicles, tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, or artillery as needed for the monitoring system. This saves a lot of money by not using the real thing. There is also a system that releases different colored smoke when a vehicle is hit, indicating if it is damaged or destroyed. Helicopters and warplanes, for example, were eventually modified so they could operate as part of NTC exercises.

One of the critical aspects of this type of training is the playback. Instructors can edit the electronic record of who did what when and show commanders and troops where they made mistakes. This feedback makes the troops and their commanders more effective in future combat operations. There will be fewer surprises.

Blocked from buying an NTC from Germany, Russia considered turning to China, which has built modern military training centers. These were not as effective as the one Germany was offering Russia but were probably good enough. Russia never did get a training center able to train brigade-size units in a realistic and effective fashion. Russia subsequently built smaller, more tactical training centers using some of the concepts found effective in NTCs. This did not make up for the absence of a proper NTC and that proved to be the case when Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022.
Liam Gallagher has said he wont have a bad word said about his brother Noel ahead of Oasis reunion and added that ticket issues for the concerts aint cool.

Speaking about his brother for the first time since the reunion concerts were announced on August 27th, Liam said he would be blowing him kisses in between each song.

Advertisement

The tour will see the band reunite for the first time since breaking up backstage at Frances Rock en Seine festival in 2009 to play concerts in Dublin, London, Edinburgh, Manchester and Cardiff.

Speaking about his brother in reply to a tweet which asked is Noel still a potato?, Liam said: No he is b***** well not I wont have a bad word said about that gorgeous talented young man.

Replying to another asking if he would still be tweeting abuse about Noel, he replied: Nope its all done peace has prevailed, hes the man.

I cant wait to be on stage with him blowing him kisses in between each song.

Advertisement

Noel and Liam will reunited to perform a run of gigs in 2025 (Simon Emmett/Fear PR/PA)

He was also asked what happened when he met Noel again, to which he replied: It was a lovely day we shared our packed lunches together, we talked, giggled, cuddled and held hands, and scowled for the camera.

Next week were having a sleepover, gonna watch a few rom coms and just hang out in our jim jams and play frustration, have some fun, dya get me bruv, were gonna live stream it so keep n eye out for it.

Advertisement

Tweeting for the first time since Oasis Live 25 was announced, he also addressed one fans ticketing concerns, with issues seeing fans being labelled bots and being kicked out of the queue, with some ending up paying more than the advertised price of 148 as costs surged past 355.

Replying to a Twitter user who said he was kicked off the website while trying to buy tickets for the bands Cardiff gig, Liam replied: If thats what happened Im sure someone will be in touch coz that aint cool, good luck.

In another tweet, he added: Im seriously gutted for people that cant get tickets, I cant even go there it hurts my heart and I know people will think Im taking the piss, but Im not.

I want to celebrate this biblical moment with everyone I gotta go Im sorry.

Advertisement

Liam also addressed why the band were getting together and joked he was being paid in Curlywurlys.

The 51-year-old said: Theres lots of reasons for doing it, family, fans, music, biblical vibrations and Curlywurlys, as thats what Im getting paid in, so all those money rumours are just not true.

He was also asked what he and Noels mother Peggy said when the reunion was announced, to which he replied: Do you reckon Id be able to get a few tickets?

I said well if your lucky yes but its gonna be chaos as theres a big demand for them but fingers crossed.

Advertisement

In another post Liam said the reunion would see the band go out with a bang as they had planned all these years ago.

He also told one fan Dont Go Away from 1997s Be Here Now was not on the list to be performed at the reunion gigs, and added you can get a refund so Im being told just saying.

Liam was also asked whether Manchester band Blossoms would be among the support acts for the concerts, to which he replied: Im bringing a Mongolian five piece, who are heavily influenced by the moon and the stars their celestial.

He also revealed his recognisable star-shaped tambourine was being made as we speak.

Following the backlash over ticketing issues, and their string of UK and Ireland shows selling out in less than a day, Oasis have announced new Wembley Stadium dates on September 27 and 28 2025 using a lottery system.

The competition watchdogs in Ireland and the UK have both launched an investigation into Ticketmaster, including how so-called dynamic pricing may have been used during the sale of the Oasis tickets.
A celebration of life for murdered Irish chef Shaun Brady is due to take place tomorrow in Kansas City, Missouri.

Shaun, who was due to turn 45 next month, was shot dead in Kansas City on August 28th last. The married father of two was targeted outside of his restaurant in the Brookside area of the city after he intervened in the robbery of a vehicle from a car park.

Advertisement

Two juveniles, who cannot be named for legal reasons, have been charged in connection with his murder.

Such was his popularity that a large amount of flowers and cards have been dropped off to Bradys KC, the restaurant that Shaun co-owned.

Bradys KC, at the request of the Brady family, delivered all of the flowers to the Shawnee Missionary Unitarian Church in the city.

Cards and other gifts have been handed over to Mr Bradys mother in law to hold on to until the right time comes to pass them on to her daughter Kate and the couples young children Seamus and Mary.

Advertisement

A remembrance ceremony for the talented chef who was born in Limerick, but grew up in Nenagh, Co Tipperary, will take place tomorrow from 5pm to 8pm (local time) at Drexel Hall in Kansas City.

Meanwhile, the family of Mr Brady have thanked the people of Ireland and the US for all their support and messages during this harrowing time".

In a notice on Rip.ie the loved ones of Shaun of Lenexa, Kansas City and formerly of Summerhill in Nenagh say that he was taken tragically from them on August 28th.

The doting father is survived by his wife and children. He is also mourned by his mother Mary and his siblings Vivian, Sandra and Damien.

Advertisement

The notice reads that Shaun is sadly missed by his heartbroken family, mother, sisters and brother, nieces and nephews, extended family relatives and friends.

Over $169,000 has been raised via a Go Fund me page to help support the young family of the deceased.

Bradys KC restaurant said in a recent statement that their hearts are broken following his death.

There are no words to express our sadness, anger and frustration. Our community is with Shaun's family - forever.We cannot express how much we appreciate the outpouring of support, offers to help, and your love.

Advertisement

"Together we are united. Together we will grieve. Together we will heal.

"We ask that you show compassion and aid in our healing by respecting the privacy of Shaun's family.

Shaun was well known and respected in Kansas City both for his culinary skills and his generosity of spirit.

He frequently appeared on local television doing cookery demonstrations and played a huge part in the Kansas City Irish Fest.

Mary Kate Gliedt, Executive Director of the Kansas City Irish Centre, previously said that they were heartbroken at the news of the death of their stalwart supporter and true friend Shaun.

His restaurant Bradys was an extension of himself  warm, open and welcoming to everyone.

"His excellent creations in the kitchen were no match for his innate hospitality and generosity.

Donations can still be made to the Shaun Brady Go Fund Me at https://gofund.me/b22217f6
A rally against UK arms exports to Israel has been staged in Dublin as British prime minister Keir Starmer visits Ireland.

More than 100 people staged a demonstration near the Spire on O'Connell Street on Saturday afternoon.

Advertisement

Mr Starmer was in Ireland to meet Irish business representatives and Taoiseach Simon Harris.

The Irish-Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC) said it was staging the demonstration to let the visiting British prime minister know that Ireland stands with Palestine.

Taoiseach Simon Harris greets British prime minister Keir Starmer (Brian Lawless/PA)

Advertisement

Speaking at the event on OConnell Street, IPSC spokesman Harun Siljak said the group was asking Sir Keir to end British complicity in the ongoing genocide and illegal occupation of Palestine.

He added: It is really concerning to see how persistent and unwavering the idea of the British Government maintaining support for Israel really is, especially at this stage when we cant even estimate the number of people who have been killed.

Demonstrators, some wearing keffiyehs, waved Palestinian and Irish flags as they chanted slogans including free, free Palestine.

The IPSC said the recent suspension of 30 arms export licences to Israel is a testament to the tireless work of Palestine solidarity activists in the UK.

Advertisement

However, it added: But it doesnt go anywhere near far enough  Britain is still exporting components for F-35 warplanes to Israel via the US, and still giving diplomatic cover for genocide.

This needs to end now.

Richard Boyd Barrett, a People Before Profit TD, said the protest was to highlight Britains shameful record of complicity with this apartheid regime.

He said: Keir Starmer is deeply complicit with Israels genocidal massacre that has claimed the lives of 40,000 Palestinians.

Advertisement

Right from the beginning, he has justified Israels actions  he even, shockingly, last year defended Israels decision to cut off water, electricity, and power to the entire population of Gaza.

His government continues to sell billions worth of arms to Israel which enables them to carry out the massacre in Gaza and the ongoing brutal occupation of Palestinian land.

During an interview on British radio station LBC in October, Mr Starmer appeared to suggest the Israeli government had the right to withhold electricity and water from Gazans.

The remarks, which Labour officials later sought to clarify as a general right for Israel to defend itself within humanitarian law, prompted resignations within the party.
Lady Gaga won best dressed at the Venice Film Festival with her new sophisticated and demure style. The star made her red carpet debut with fiance, Michael Polansky.

Advertisement

Lady Gaga and Michael Polansky confirmed their engagement in August 2024 while attending the Paris Olympics (Alamy/PA)

Gaga, 38, was celebrating Todd Phillips musical sequel, Joker: Folie a Deux, in which she plays Harley Quinn with her co-star Joaquin Phoenix. The film earned an 11-minute standing ovation at the festival.

Joaquin Phoenix and director Todd Phillips remained in keeping with Gagas sombre colour palette of the evening (Alamy/PA)

Advertisement

Gaga wore two Dior gowns on Wednesday, which were appropriately glamorous and avant-garde.

Her red carpet look was a voluminous black Dior gown with a plunging neckline, dropline waist and a concertina-like skirt. The piece de resistance however, was her two-pronged Philip Treacy lace headpiece.

Gagas headpiece evoked Disneys Maleficent with its sharp black drama (Alamy/PA)

Advertisement

Gaga accessorised the look with Tiffany & Co. jewellery and her go-to platform boots, which peeked out from beneath her dress.

The stars sumptuously sartorial and sophisticated look undoubtedly channelled the very demure, very mindful trend of the moment. Gaga wore two of Princess Dianas favourite designers  who is an iconic source of inspiration for the trend.

Princess Dianas love for Christian Dior led to the brand naming the Lady Dior bag after her (Alamy/PA)

Advertisement

Alongside Gagas Dior gowns, her lace headpiece was made by royal milliner Philip Treacy, who has not only dressed the likes of Diana and the current Princess of Wales, but infamously made Princess Beatrices pretzel ribbon headpiece for Prince William and Kate Middletons wedding.

Princess Beatrice wore a blush taupe fascinator by the Irish milliner to Prince William and Kate Middletons wedding in 2011 (Alamy/PA)

Gaga wore a more subtle Dior look prior to the red carpet  perhaps more in keeping with classic royal looks. The star wore a square-necked, long-sleeve black velvet midi dress with a small matching beret.

Advertisement

Gaga kept it simple and sophisticated in anticipation for her red carpet look (Alamy/PA)

The haute couture look was a perfect canvas to allow her colossal new engagement ring to pop.

Fans first spotted Gagas engagement ring in April 2024 (AP/PA)

Gaga is not the only star to channel the demure trend at this years Venice Film Festival however. Lesley Manville, 68, was the epitome of elegance in a custom Loewe gown.

Manville kept the look chic and refined with brushed-back hair and gold jewellery (Alamy/PA)

The gold silk was draped meticulously whilst looking totally effortless, transforming Manville into a Grecian goddess.

Actor Amy Ryan, 56, who walked the red carpet for her new film, Wolfs, offered a refreshingly feminine take on the demure trend. Amid a sea of dark hue, Ryan stepped out in a soft pink Alexis Mabille Couture gown.

Ryans bubble-gum pink gown brought a lightness to the otherwise sombre carpet (Alamy/PA)

The gown consisted of a dramatic pleated bodice and a perfect peplum that framed her silhouette delicately, but with flair. Ryan styled the dress with a Judith Leiber pink clutch and silver Jimmy Choo sandals.

Whilst some have leant into this subdued fashion trend, others have gone brilliantly bold with colour, print and sparkle.

Sveva Alviti channelled JLos green Grammy Award Versace dress of 2000 (Alamy/PA)

Italian actor Sveva Alviti, 40, wore a lime green Gucci gown with a plunging pleated neckline and flowing ombre trains. Alviti may be suggesting that brat summer isnt over just yet  brat girl autumn anyone?

Julianne Moore, 63, embodied liquid gold in a Bottega Veneta sparkling ensemble while attending the Room Next Door premiere on Monday.

Moore beamed in her bright long-sleeved gown (Alamy/PA)

Dubbed the queen of colour on the red carpet, Moores vibrant yellow gown suited her perfectly. The star complimented the look with a sleek low ponytail and minimal make-up with an autumnal bronze eye.

Another star to showcase that summer isnt quite over was French actor Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu, 61, who wore a bold crimson and white floral Erdem dress.

Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu proved summer isnt over yet with her white floral midi dress (Alamy/PA)

The dresss plunging neckline and midi cut planted it firmly in the summer season. Beaulieus bright florals injected texture and vibrancy into an otherwise neutral and demure array of red carpet looks.

Lets hope this is a sign of some late September sun.
Algerians head to the polls on Saturday to cast votes for president and determine who will govern their gas-rich North African nation, five years after pro-democracy protests prompted the military to oust the previous president after two decades in power.

Algeria is Africas largest country by area and, with almost 45 million people, it is the continents second most populous after South Africa to hold presidential elections in 2024  a year in which more than 50 elections are being held worldwide, encompassing more than half the worlds population.

Advertisement

Since elections were scheduled in March, ahead of the predicted schedule, there has been little suspense as military-backed President Abdelmadjid Tebboune appears poised to breeze to victory against the two challengers running against him: an Islamist and a leftist.

Voting has no meaning in Algeria like in the big democracies, Kaci Taher, 28, told The Associated Press a month before the election. Where I come from, the results and quotas are fixed in advance in the back room of the government, so whats the point of taking part in the electoral farce?



Supporters of presidential candidate and leader of the FFS party, Youcef Aouchiche, attend a rally on the last day of campaigning ahead of the presidential elections, in Algiers, Algeria (Anis Belghoul/AP)

Advertisement

Uncle Tebboune as his campaign has framed the 78-year-old, was elected in December 2019 after nearly a year of weekly demonstrations demanding the resignation of former president Abdelaziz Bouteflika.

Their demands were met when Mr Bouteflika resigned that April and was replaced by an interim government of his former allies, which called for elections later in the year.

Protesters opposed holding elections too soon, fearing the candidates running that year were close to the old regime and would perpetuate the corruption-ridden system they wanted to end.

Mr Tebboune, a former prime minister seen as close to Algerias politically powerful military, emerged the winner. But his victory was marred by low voter turnout, widespread boycotts from protesters and election day tumult, during which crowds sacked voting stations and police broke up demonstrations.

Advertisement

This year, Mr Tebboune ran as an independent candidate with the support of several political parties including the National Liberation Front, which has dominated Algerian politics since the country wrested independence from France after more than a decade of war in 1962.

The political veteran has framed his first term in office as a turning point, telling voters in a campaign rally the week before polls that he put Algeria back on track. To cement his legitimacy both domestically and to Algerias allies, he hopes more of the countrys 24 million eligible voters will participate in Saturdays election than in his first, when 39.9% turned out to vote.

It seems that what matters most to le pouvoir in this election is voter turnout to lend legitimacy to their candidate, whose victory is a foregone conclusion, said Algerian sociologist Mohamed Hennad, employing a term frequently used to describe the military-backed political establishment.

Twenty-six candidates submitted preliminary paperwork to run in the election, although only two were ultimately approved to challenge Mr Tebboune. Like the president, both have also emphasised turnout. They have avoided directly criticising Mr Tebboune on the campaign trail.

Advertisement



Abdelali Hassani Cherif, presidential candidate for the Movement of Society for Peace, addresses reporters in Algiers (Anis Belghoul/AP)

Abdelali Hassani Cherif, 57, an engineer from the Islamist party Movement of Society for Peace has made populist appeals to Algerian youth, running on the slogan Opportunity! and calling for efforts to boost employment and reform education, where French language has long played a major role in addition to Arabic.

Youcef Aouchiche, 41, a former journalist running with the Socialist Forces Front, campaigned on a vision for tomorrow, and referenced human rights issues plaguing journalists, activists and critics of the government in Tebbounes Algeria. It is the first time since 1999 that his party, which enjoys strong support among ethnic minorities in central Algeria, has put forth a candidate.

Advertisement

Andrew Farrand, the Middle East and North Africa director at the geopolitical risk consultancy Horizon Engage, said both opposition candidates were more aimed at the 2025 legislative elections than the 2024 presidential contest. Because Algerian law funds political parties based on the number of seats they win in legislative elections, they hope campaigning will position them for a strong performance in 2025.

Its a long game: How can I mobilise my base? How can I build up a campaign machine? And how can I get into the good graces of the authorities so that I can be in a position to increase my seats? he said. Weve seen that in their choice not to overtly criticise president  paired with a very strong message to Algerians to come out and vote.

Besides Mr Aouchiche and Mr Cherif, others boycotted the contest, denouncing it as a rubber stamp exercise that could only entrench the power of Tebboune and the elites that rule the country.
In December, Drew, a 36-year-old man from San Antonio, Texas, drove more than 400km to Mexico to buy cheap Ozempic to help him lose weight. Going home, he checked the pens. They looked unusual, so he shared photos on social media. The verdict: They were fakes.

Three people on Reddit said Drew's product looked like insulin. "If so, it would be dangerous to use," said one. A surge of insulin can cause a sharp drop in blood sugar that can lead to dizziness, seizures and death.

Advertisement

The incident sheds light on a wider problem in the manufacturing of highly sought-after drugs, one that lets criminal organisations circulate potentially lethal fakes: forged drug batch numbers.

Pharmaceutical companies, including Ozempic-maker Novo Nordisk, authenticate batches of drugs with combinations of letters and numbers printed on the packaging, which are then used to track the product in a given country.

The fake pens Drew bought carried the batch, or lot, number MP5B060 to make them look authentic. To Novo, that represented a shipment of the diabetes drugs destined for Egypt.

The fact Drew bought them in Mexico showed something was wrong  although as a consumer, he did not realise that.

Advertisement

The flaw, which is rooted in an effort to ensure the drugs are traceable and safe, is exacerbated by patchy regulation by health authorities globally.

The anti-diabetic medication Ozempic (semaglutide) is made by Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk. Photo: AFP via Getty

By the time Drew made his purchase, fakes with batch number MP5B060 had turned up in at least 10 countries from Azerbaijan to North Macedonia, according to a Reuters review of drug regulator announcements and documents obtained through Freedom of Information Act requests.

The World Health Organization (WHO) issued a warning in July 2023 about products with batch number MP5B060 and Interpol also warned last year that insulin pens were being relabelled and repackaged to look like Ozempic. Some countries banned products with the number. Others did not.

Advertisement

Mexico's drug regulator did not respond to a request for comment for this story.

In at least four countries, the fakes have resulted in hospitalisations.

In the US, Nigeria and Iraq, the fake Ozempic shots looked like insulin pens, according to Reuters' review of the documents and regulator announcements. In Iraq, a man fell into a coma after his blood sugar dropped to half normal levels after using one, before later recovering, Reuters found.

Multibillion-dollar market

Criminals can get hold of batch numbers through a corrupt connection at a drugmaker's manufacturing facility, or just by buying the drug and using scanning technology to copy the packaging, inserts and so on, Sam Louis, a former US Department of Justice lawyer focused on healthcare fraud matters, told Reuters.

Advertisement

With at least 890 million people suffering from obesity globally, according to the WHO, demand is huge. The active ingredient in Ozempic, called semaglutide, leads to an average weight loss of 15 per cent. It's part of a class of drugs that reduce food cravings and cause the stomach to empty more slowly.

Novo's franchise for Ozempic and Wegovy, a weight-loss version of semaglutide, brought in nearly $19 billion (17 billion) in net sales last year. It said it is working with authorities in several countries to tackle counterfeits of both.

Novo's head of global product security, Anne Devaud, told Reuters the company potentially has identified one source in connection with the batch number on the counterfeit that Drew bought, which it also suspects of distributing fake versions of other companies' injectable drugs.

The company declined to provide more details.

Advertisement

The wide recurrence of the same batch number suggests a global counterfeiting operation could be to blame, five anti-counterfeiting experts and a WHO official said.

"Our experience is that when you have the same batches and labelling, it is most likely the same people or maybe several smaller distributors that have purchased from one big source," said Rutendo Kuwana, the WHO team lead for incidents with substandard and falsified medicines.

Bootlegged batch numbers and repackaged insulin are just part of the picture: criminals can divert or steal drugs from hospitals or other healthcare systems before adding fake labels and packaging, or they can simply put any liquid in a vial or stamp out pills and place them in counterfeit packaging, a Novo spokesperson said.

"All these different potential origins, often via organised criminal networks involving multiple jurisdictions, represent serious challenges for those involved in fighting these crimes," the spokesperson said.

Even so, at least 18 different batch numbers have been found on fake Ozempic pens in 14 countries since the start of last year, adverse event reports and health regulator announcements show.

The solution is not simple. A legitimate Ozempic batch contains 280,000 pens; some countries ban all products carrying a batch number after finding fakes that carry it. Others do not, saying that to withdraw a whole batch on account of a few fakes could exacerbate shortages.

Jared Davis, a former US Food and Drug Administration and Homeland Security agent who is now a consultant on counterfeiting issues at law firm Oberheiden, said it is difficult for government agencies to stop the spread of fakes when demand is so high.

"Most countries aren't going to pull the entire line and get rid of it because an organisation or a few folks decided that they're going to run a counterfeit scheme and target that particular batch number," said Davis.

A deadly resemblance

Fake Ozempic adds to a glut of counterfeit pharmaceuticals that kill around a million people each year, according to the WHO. A September 2023 report from the US CDC said use of suspected fake pills, including painkiller Oxycontin, led to nearly 55,000 deaths in the US alone in 2021.

Overall, Ozempic faked in a variety of ways has been found in nearly 30 countries, Reuters found. Fakes have been linked to more than two dozen cases of serious harm globally, and to two deaths in the United States.

Ozempic can cost more than $1,000 in the US for a multi-dose pen that lasts a month. Drew said he had heard the drug could be bought for less in the Mexican border town of Nuevo Progreso.

"I called ahead and asked a few pharmacies first if they had it, and they said yes, telling me prices of like $200 a pen. So I was like, oh, this is going to be great," he told Reuters.

"I went down there, and most of the pharmacies actually had a much higher price, and the one I found was the lowest," he said, adding that the store he went to doubled as a restaurant. Drew paid around $350 per pen.

Bringing drugs into the United States across the border is a criminal offense. Drew, who asked to be identified by his first name only, said he did not use the pens, report the purchase to the authorities, or hand the product in for testing.

He said he couldn't remember the name of the store where he bought them and after initially speaking to Reuters, deleted his original social media post.

Rebadging insulin to look like Ozempic is lucrative. Like some types of insulin, Ozempic comes in a blue, prepackaged autoinjector. Insulin can be bought for as little as $8.81 per unit outside the US, according to a report from the RAND Corporation on the global cost of the drug.

When Drew opened the boxes he bought, the autoinjectors had Ozempic labels, but were thinner and a darker blue than pens he had seen before, his photos show.

An insulin product manufactured by French drugmaker Sanofi, branded Apidra Solostar, comes in a prepackaged blue autoinjector with a clipped lid similar to Ozempic.

A Sanofi spokesperson said the company was aware of illegally mislabeled Apidra pens being passed off as Ozempic, and has been working with partners to protect patients, but declined to comment on whether the company has since tried to distinguish its product from Novo's.

Novo, asked if it would make Ozempic pens more distinctive, said it was unlikely that any one change would prevent fakes because counterfeiters can adjust nimbly.

To ban or not to ban

Azerbaijan first flagged it had found fakes using batch number MP5B060 in December 2022.

The WHO's warning came after three more people suffered severe low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, after using fake Ozempic pens with the same Egyptian batch number: a woman in Britain who got her autoinjector at a beauty salon, a man in Serbia who bought his in the United Arab Emirates, and a woman in Lebanon, according to separate reports sent by Novo Nordisk to the FDA that were reviewed by Reuters.

In the US, a 39-year-old woman suffered severe hypoglycemia and was rushed to the emergency room after taking what she thought was Ozempic with that batch number, a US FDA document shows. The report said her outcome was not known.

Some countries, including Poland and Ukraine, said they have banned the importation and sale of drugs marked with bootlegged batch numbers identified by international agencies. But regulators in Britain, Finland, Ireland and Sweden told Reuters they had not.

The Department of Health here in Ireland said it found no fakes under batch numbers flagged by the European Union, so simply alerted wholesalers and others to be vigilant when buying Ozempic. It said it had other controls in place to block falsified packs, including scanning barcodes printed on them.

Britain's health regulator said in response to a Freedom of Information Act request in May that it had opted to focus on visual differences between the pens, such as differences in color and construction, rather than banning batch numbers. Asked why, it said in July that banning batch numbers risked causing shortages of legitimate medicines.

Britain and Ireland's regulators did not comment on the possibility that not banning batch numbers might help them circulate.

Massive profits

Reported counterfeits of Ozempic have been more common than those of Eli Lilly's Mounjaro, a newer rival. But these too are on the rise.

A US FDA report seen by Reuters said a 61-year-old woman in the US had been hospitalised for severe stomach pain and seizure after vomiting 70 times over four hours last January, having taken a fake version of Mounjaro sold to her in a vial by a health consultant, who was not named. As of early May, she was partly recovered, the report said.

Lilly said the proliferation of counterfeit and unsafe or untested versions of its drug is a significant safety concern; steps it has taken include a tool to help people determine if they have a genuine Lilly product.

But it called on the authorities to take more action against those who circulate knockoffs.

Sophisticated global counterfeiting operations can make massive profits from such fakes and often find ways to evade detection, said Rana Saoud, a special agent in charge at US Homeland Security Investigations.

The National Institutes of Health, the US government agency responsible for public health research, has said the counterfeit drug trade as a whole could be worth as much as $431 billion annually, citing analysts.

Identifying leaders of such a supply chain is a challenge. A New York woman, Isis Navarro Reyes, was in May charged with smuggling fake versions of Ozempic and other weight-loss drugs into the US, then using TikTok to help sell the products. Reyes could not be reached for comment.

"Until we get specifics...we're not going to know if it's a lone actor or part of a criminal organisation," said Saoud at Homeland Security Investigations. "But generally speaking, it's an organisation looking to profit."
Thousands of protesters took to the streets across France on Saturday, responding to a call from a far-left party leader who criticised as a power grab the presidents appointment of a conservative new prime minister, Michel Barnier.

The protests are a direct challenge to President Emmanuel Macrons decision to bypass a prime minister from the far-left bloc following a deeply dividing legislative election in July.

Advertisement

The left, particularly the France Unbowed party, views former EU chief Brexit negotiator Mr Barniers conservative background as rejecting the electorates will, further intensifying the EUs second economys already charged political atmosphere.



Former EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

Authorities expected tens of thousands of demonstrators. In Paris, protesters gathered at Place de la Bastille and tensions ran high as police prepared for potential clashes.

Advertisement

Other rallies nationwide include the southwestern cities of Montauban and Auch.

In Montauban, the demonstrators denounced Mr Barniers appointment as denying democracy, echoing France Unbowed leader Jean-Luc Melenchons fiery rhetoric from recent days.

The people have been ignored, a rally speaker told the crowd.



France Unbowed leader Jean-Luc Melenchon, centre, joins a protest in Paris on Saturday (Michel Euler/AP)

Advertisement

While Mr Barnier was meeting healthcare workers at Pariss Necker Hospital for his first official visit as prime minister, opponents say the unrest in the streets is shaping his governments future.

Mr Barnier, who is working to assemble his Cabinet, expressed a commitment to listening to public concerns, particularly about Frances public services.

Jordan Bardella, leader of the far-right National Rally (RN), warned that Barnier was under surveillance by his party as well. Mr Bardella, speaking at the Chalons-en-Champagne fair, called for the prime minister to include his partys priorities in his agenda, particularly regarding national security and immigration.

Advertisement

Mr Barnier, 73, is the oldest of the 26 prime ministers that have served modern Frances Fifth Republic. He replaces the youngest, Gabriel Attal, who was 34 when he was appointed just eight months ago.



New prime minister of France, Michel Barnier, right, and outgoing French prime minister Gabriel Attal arrive for a handover ceremony in Paris on Thursday (Michel Euler/AP)

Mr Attal was forced to resign after Mr Macrons centrist government suffered a major defeat in the July snap legislative elections. Mr Macron called the election in the hope of securing a clear mandate, but it instead produced a hung parliament, leaving the president without a legislative majority and plunging his administration into turmoil.

Advertisement

Mr Attal was also Frances first openly gay prime minister. French media and some of Mr Macrons opponents, who immediately criticised Mr Barniers appointment, quickly dug up that, when serving in parliament in 1981, the new prime minister had been among 155 MPs who voted against a law that decriminalised homosexuality.

Though Mr Barnier brings five decades of political experience, his appointment offers no guarantee of resolving the crisis.

His challenge is immense: He must form a government that can navigate a fractured National Assembly, where the political spectrum is deeply divided between the far left, far right, and Mr Macrons weakened centrist bloc.

The outcome of the snap poll, far from providing clarity, has served only to destabilise both the country and Mr Macrons grip on power.

The presidents decision to turn to Mr Barnier, a seasoned political operator with deep ties to the European Union, is seen as an attempt to bring stability to French politics. And Mr Barnier, who gained prominence as the EUs chief Brexit negotiator, has faced daunting tasks before.

Critics say Mr Macron, elected on the promise of a break from the old political order, now finds himself battling the instability he once promised to overcome.
Weve all experienced it: the urge to withdraw and avoid experiences we know well enjoy  even when a mood boost is what we need most. We skip the birthday party. We cancel lunch. They just dont seem worth the effort. And then, more likely than not, we feel worse than we did before.

So how do you find the motivation to get out there, especially when youre feeling low, stressed, tired or lonely? One proven strategy is to strengthen what psychologists call your reward sensitivity.

Our drive to seek out happiness is a muscle that we can develop. So is our ability to relish experiences. And almost anyone can learn to amp up their reward sensitivity by training themselves to notice and savour their positive emotions. Thats even true for people with depression and anxiety who struggle to experience pleasure, a condition called anhedonia.

Most of us dont just need to reduce pain, we also need to boost joy. Credit: iStock

Of course, all of us have trouble pursuing pleasure sometimes. I recently took my young sons to the beach for the weekend. Hours before our getaway, I learned a friend had died. Numbed by the news, I was in no mood to have a good time, even though I wanted to make things special for my family.
Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size This story is part of the September 8 edition of Sunday Life. See all 14 stories . I am not the queen of any of this stuff, Leeanna Walsman says, a finger tapping her video-call screen on a wintry July morning. Dressed in a leather bikers jacket and sitting cross-legged on the floor of her inner-city Sydney living room, she is framed by an orange couch and leafy potted plants, a small fluffy dog sleeping contentedly on a rug to one side. A respected stage, film and TV actor, Walsman, 44, is not enamoured with talking about herself. It doesnt come naturally to me, she says. I guess its part of the job, but its not the part of the job Im best at, thank god. She draws her hair up into a temporary ponytail and laughs. Theres always this fear that I will just talk all over the world, she says. I dont know how to be concise. With a script, Im fine. Eminently friendly despite her wariness, Walsman has been boning up on magazine stories after discovering old Sunday Life pages lining boards at the ceramics studio she attends. I had a read, she says of the issues cover story. And I saw that it was quite a few pages. She gives a broad smile, only slightly carpeting a look of doom. I mean, how many pages do you have to write about me? Walsman would much rather talk about ceramics, her trekking and motorbike travels, and her three-decade-long love of acting than herself. Performance is my absolute passion, she says. Always has been.

Advertisement

After falling in love with acting as a child, Walsman made a strong mark in her first two films, the crime drama Blackrock (also the late Heath Ledgers big-screen debut) in 1997, and the coming-of-age feature Looking for Alibrandi in 2000. Stage productions, starting with La Dispute in 2000 and including Saturns Return and The Shape of Things at Sydney Theatre Company, Melancholia at Malthouse Theatre, Othello for Bell Shakespeare and Opening Night at Belvoir, further revealed what Australian theatre director Benedict Andrews described as Walsmans acute emotional intelligence. Ginger & Smart Soloist jacket. Christian Louboutin So Kate shoes. Credit: Jesse-Leigh Elford Its the same for small-screen roles, which include Police Rescue, Wildside, Heartbreak High, Love Is a Four Letter Word and Safe Harbour, for which she was nominated for AACTA and Logie awards. Not to mention her short films, such as Tangles and Knots, which screened at the Berlin Film Festival. Walsmans most recent film, Bosch & Rockit, co-starring Luke Hemsworth, won her a 2022 Film Critics Circle Award as best supporting actress. And she is no stranger to Hollywood blockbusters, having been cast as bounty hunter Zam Wesell in Star Wars: Episode II  Attack of the Clones (keen fans can still buy an action figure based on her shape-shifting assassin). Today, Walsmans focus is less on blockbusters, awards or, as mentioned earlier, media attention. Uncrossing her legs she looks around. Rubes, she says, whistling gently. Rubes, come here. A fluffy rescue terrier stretches slowly before walking over and into her owners lap. This is Ruby, Walsman says. I love her. Shes my best mate. Ruby gives her owner a nuzzle.

Advertisement

Taking off her jacket, Walsman leans towards her screens camera. What did you think of it? she asks. Loading Shes talking about Human Error, Nines new crime drama series in which she plays Detective Holly ORourke, a seasoned investigator leading a homicide team in a Melbourne murder case (Nine is also the publisher of this masthead). Made by the creators of Underbelly, Romper Stomper, Wentworth, Offspring and Love My Way, Human Error also features Matt Day as ORourkes husband and Steve Bisley as her father, a retired detective. The series, inspired by actual events and with The Age crime reporter John Silvester as a consultant, bears shades of Scottish author Ian Rankins Rebus books as well as Sally Wainwrights TV drama Scott & Bailey. ORourke is a razor-sharp detective dealing with a labyrinthine investigation, treacherous colleagues, compromised parental responsibilities and an increasingly complex personal life. Carla Zampatti dress. Christian Louboutin Hot Chick shoes. Credit: Jesse-Leigh Elford Hollys a ferocious multitasker, says Walsman. Shes like the queen of being able. Shes just juggling so much. But just because shes a detective, a mother, a wife, all these different fragments, it didnt mean that she had to be so different from me.

Advertisement

I didnt give her a very different physicality from me and I tried not to fall into a stereotypical display of, Im in power, or As a woman in power, I have to make my voice louder and more ferocious to be heard. It was important that Holly led with compassion and empathy and was very open because, unintentionally, her situation isnt the norm. What you find out about Holly and the choices shes made, she isnt all apologetic or full of shame about them. That I find very exciting. I thought Id have to walk on set and do things that were different to how I usually perform. But actually, I was encouraged to be more myself. LEEANNA WALSMAN Its the first time shes played a lead role in a TV series. Ive been acting for a very long time, which is weird to say because I look in the mirror and I see how old I am, but I dont understand it in my mind. Whenever I get a new job, I always feel like its the first. With this one, I thought Id have to walk on set and do things that were different to how I usually perform. But actually, I was encouraged to be more myself. Walsmans love of acting began when parents Bob and Elaine, who started work at 5am on weekends at Paddys Markets in Sydneys Chinatown, began sending eight-year-old Leeanna to nearby acting and dancing classes. It was a natural fit. I would always be performing, in a way, with my dad, who was a lot more of an extrovert than me, she says. Carla Zampatti suit. Credit: Jesse-Leigh Elford

Advertisement

During high school, she joined the NSW Public Schools Drama Company. By the time she reached year 11, it was the only reason she wanted to be at school. I ended up dropping out and not doing year 12, she says. But being in that drama company and doing those Saturday classes in Chinatown organically navigated me into the world of acting. Another recent organic evolution is pottery, a lockdown hobby that developed after she joined a local art studio. I remember thinking, Oh God, do I have to have a purpose to do this? Do I have to sell these ceramics to allow myself to have this hobby? And then I thought, No. This is like going to the gym for me. Its got the same effect on my mental health as doing Pilates and yoga and eating well. Me funnelling my energy into something creative is very, very positive. She says the style of her ceramics (she recently had two pieces in a group exhibition in Bondi), constantly changes. Im technically sloppy but through all the mistakes something beautiful always comes out. Its like a true expression of me and whats happening in my mind. Loading Walsman reaches off screen to bring a sooty black-and-cream vase into view, its curves marked with banksia cone-like indentations. Then she shows me another, this one patterned with bright coils of blue, yellow and red. Working with clay, she says, is just like acting: If you fully drop in and are receptive to whats happening around you, something great happens. Conversation then turns to another of Walsmans passions: motorbikes. In 2022, she spent five days riding the frequently hairy 350-kilometre-long Ha Giang Loop in Vietnam. This year she visited again, travelling to the caves of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.

Advertisement
Police have contacted interstate and international agencies in their search for a man wanted in connection with the scalding of a baby in a Brisbane park last month.

On August 27, the boys mother was enjoying a picnic at Hanlon Park in Greenslopes with a friend and their two infant children when a man reportedly approached the nine-month-old and poured a Thermos of scalding coffee over him.

The infant suffered burns to his face, arms and legs, while bystanders helped his mother call emergency services.

A man captured running from a Brisbane park after hot liquid was poured over a nine-month-old boy in a random attack. Credit: Queensland Police

Police appealed to the public for information about a man captured on CCTV footage running from the scene who they want to question over the incident.
A police officer responding to a domestic violence call in Roma has been transferred to Brisbanes Princess Alexandra Hospital after being stabbed with a large pair of scissors.

The officer, who was part of a team called to a DV incident at 7am on Saturday, was reportedly assaulted while arresting a 35-year-old man.

Police said he was taken to Roma Hospital for initial treatment then flown to Brisbanes Princess Alexandra Hospital in a stable condition.

Acting Assistant Police Commissioner Andrew Massingham told 4BC the 35-year-old man tried to flee when police arrived.
The discovery of bone-crushing fossilised jaws has led Sydney palaeontologists to uncover three new ancestors of the thylacine, or Tasmanian tiger, amid a contentious effort to resurrect the marsupial carnivore.

The research unveiling the thylacines oldest direct ancestor was published on Saturday, 88 years to the day since a striped, hunched, shivering thylacine whod be mythologised as Benjamin  the last-known individual of the species  perished in the cold of a Hobart zoo.

Artists reconstruction of Badjcinus timfaulkneri, a newly discovered relative of the Tasmanian tiger, scavenging on the carcass of a prehistoric wombat. Credit: Peter Schouten

The new 2325 million-year-old jawbones came from the Riversleigh fossil site on Waanyi country in north-western Queensland, where rocks bristle with thousands of bones preserved within an ancient limestone cave system.

In the lab at the University of NSW, researchers submerged boulders from the site in weak acetic acid  aka vinegar  and stripped away limestone layers over months until fossils emerged.
The Australian National University has backed down on expelling a protest leader who declared Australians should support Hamas, according to the activist who is back on campus months after pro-Palestine tent protests sparked a ferocious debate on freedom of expression.

Beatrice Tucker was expelled and banned from stepping foot on the prestigious Canberra institutions grounds after saying Hamas, which carried out the worst massacre of Jews since World War II, should not be condemned for the October 7 attacks.

Pro-Palestine rallies on campus spawned a national debate on the limits of free speech earlier this year. Credit: AAP

The university believed the comments may have breached laws prohibiting support for terror groups. Its contentious call to kick Tucker off campus represented one of the toughest actions taken by universities as Coalition MPs and Jewish groups argued for the protesters to be booted off campuses, prompting civil libertarians to raise free-speech concerns.

I actually say that Hamas deserve our unconditional support, Tucker, a member of Students and Staff Against War ANU, said on ABC Radio in April.
Queen Elizabeth is still in isolation but back at work at Windsor Castle. (Photo: Victoria Jones/PA Wire/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo)

A new national memorial honoring Queen Elizabeth II, Britain's longest-reigning monarch, will be erected in St. James's Park, a location steeped in historical and constitutional significance. The British government announced on Saturday that the memorial will serve as a lasting tribute to the late queen's remarkable 70-year reign and her enduring legacy of service.

The memorial, expected to take the form of a statue or sculpture, will be situated within walking distance of Buckingham Palace, the residence of her son, King Charles III. This strategic location places the memorial near The Mall, a ceremonial route that has been the backdrop for numerous state events. It will also be close to existing statues of the queen's parents, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother, further cementing the area's royal heritage.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the significance of the chosen location, noting that it will offer a place for the public to reflect on the queen's contributions to the nation and the Commonwealth. "The national memorial will be located in St. James's Park, right in the heart of the capital, providing everyone with a place to honor the late queen and connect with the shared history we cherish," Starmer said in a statement.

The memorial is part of a broader initiative to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II, with additional projects planned in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. These efforts reflect the queen's wide-reaching influence and the deep affection in which she was held across the United Kingdom and beyond.

The final design for the memorial is expected to be revealed by 2026, coinciding with the centenary of Queen Elizabeth II's birth. The monument will be crafted to match the scale and ambition of her impact on national and global affairs. In addition to the physical memorial, there may be other forms of commemoration, such as facilities or services that benefit the community, reminiscent of how King George V was honored with the creation of playing fields and parks across the country.

The selection of St. James's Park, a location rich in royal connections, underscores the memorial's importance. The park is home to a section near Marlborough Gate, leading to The Mall, and the small blue bridge across the pond, which are among the proposed locations for the memorial. This area is already populated with monuments that celebrate Britain's royal history, including the Queen Victoria Memorial outside Buckingham Palace.

The Queen Elizabeth Memorial Committee, chaired by Lord Janvrin, who served as the queen's private secretary, is responsible for the planning and execution of the memorial. The committee will present its recommendations to King Charles III and the prime minister, ensuring that the memorial aligns with the values and legacy of Queen Elizabeth II.

In accordance with strict guidelines issued by the Cabinet Office, public commemorations of the late queen are tightly regulated. The use of her name for buildings, parks, or businesses requires official permission, which is granted sparingly. This policy ensures that any public memorials maintain the dignity and respect befitting the memory of Queen Elizabeth II.

This weekend marks the second anniversary of the queen's passing and the beginning of King Charles III's reign. The day is expected to be one of private reflection rather than public ceremony, with the king likely spending the time in Scotland, where he has spent much of the summer.
Sunita Kejriwal said that because of Arvind Kejriwal's work, Haryana's name is being glorified all over the world. | File Photo: PTI

Calling Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal "Haryana ka laal," AAP national convenor's wife Sunita Kejriwal said on Saturday that Arvind Kejriwal will not bow down before the Modi government. "Modi government has put him inside the jail. Modiji kehte hai, 'Kejriwal chor hai'. I want to say if CM Arvind Kejriwal is a thief, then there is no honest person in the world. I want to make it clear that Arvind Kejriwal, Haryana ka laal, will not bow down before PM Modi. BJP puts its opponents in jail and is only greedy for power. It knows how to break parties," Sunita Kejriwal said. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp

Sunita Kejriwal accused the BJP government in Haryana of lack of action for the people of the state in 10 years and urged the voters to caste their votes in favour of AAP to build 'a new Haryana'.

"In Haryana, 10 years of the BJP government have been completed. I want to ask you, did your children's future brighten in these years, or did any reform occur in the education system? Did the government schools, hospitals, and electricity better in these 10 years?.. All these things are happening in Delhi and Punjab," she added.

She further said that the Aam Aadmi Party government in Delhi and Punjab is working for the future of women, children.

"Did you get electricity 24 hours a day in your house? Or is it free? Nothing like this happens. There is a shortage of electricity, gas and water in every area. I want to tell you that all these works are happening in Delhi and Punjab. There is Aam Aadmi Party government in both these states. Government schools have become good and excellent. The future of children is becoming good there. Government hospitals have become excellent, where treatment is being done well. Mohalla clinics are being built at various places. You will get free and good treatment in Mohalla Clinic," she said.

Sunita Kejriwal said that because of Arvind Kejriwal's work, Haryana's name is being glorified all over the world.

"Bus travel is free for women. There are arrangements for pilgrimage for the elderly. Now there is a plan to give thousands of rupees to every woman every month. Your house will save about Rs 3 to 4 thousand every month. This is happening in Delhi and Punjab. You know that Arvind Kejriwal is the son of Haryana. Because of his works, Haryana's name is being glorified all over the world. No one had even dreamt that this boy from Haryana would become the CM of Delhi. Arvind was born on the day of Krishna Janmashtami. God wants to do something special through Arvind," she said.

The voting to the 90-member legislative assembly in Haryana will be held on October 5 and the last date for filing nominations is September 12. The counting of votes will be held on October 8.
The external affairs minister then explained what can a country like India do in response to such a situation. | File Photo: PTI

India would be willing to work with like-minded partners on specific agenda and its role in the Quad is an example of such an approach, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Saturday, while calling for reformed multilateralism. In a virtual address at the FPCI Global Town hall, Jaishankar, delving into major geopolitical developments, said the world is looking at a more "sharpened contestation" between the US and China on a range of areas. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp He underlined that even as the world looks "complicated", India's desire and determination to ensure its stability and contribute to its prosperity is only getting stronger.

The Quad, comprising India, the US, Australia and Japan, has emerged as a key coalition focusing on working towards ensuring a free, open and rules-based Indo-Pacific against the backdrop of China's growing muscle-flexing in the region.

In the context of key directions and developments in international relations over the last few decades, the external affairs minister observed that many big powers are now content to do less and the newer ones are more reticent in stepping forward.

"In many situations, it is left to the regionally significant players to sort out their own particular mess. Beyond this, we are also looking at a more sharpened contestation between the US and China on a range of areas," he said.

"If we also take into account that technology advances like AI, electric mobility, space or drone can shape balances of power more strongly, then the global calculus looks even more daunting," he added.

"This, in essence, is the world that we deal with," he said.

The external affairs minister then explained what can a country like India do in response to such a situation.

"First, it can build up its own national capacities so that there are more options and contributions that benefit the world. We have seen this recently during the Covid pandemic in terms of vaccine production capacity," he said.

"Or in the Arabian Sea to strengthen maritime security. As indeed, the supply of food grains to those in great need. Second, to de-risk the global economy from pandemics, climate events and conflicts, help build more resilient, reliable and redundant supply chains," he said.

This, Jaishankar argued, means working with global partners more efficiently and create an environment where it is easier to do business.

"Many of the recent infrastructure initiatives in India will make a difference in that regard. Third, in the digital domain, create trusted partnerships and trusted vendors," he said.

This will ensure that the sensitivities at home that we have about our data are equally respected when they cross the borders, he noted.

"Fourth, those who have relevant achievements and experiences in the Global South must share with others. India's digital public infrastructure is a case in point," he said.

"And fifth, while we must constantly build new mechanisms and press for reformed multilateralism, be willing to work with like-minded partners on specific agenda. The Quad is such an example," the external affairs minister said.
Adityanath said that Gorakhpur has been an important place mythologically and historically. | Photo: PTI

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday inaugurated the Sainik School in Gorakhpur in the presence of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and said that Gorakhpur is progressing rapidly under the inspiration and guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Addressing the inauguration programme, Adityanath said that Gorakhpur has become the dream destination for education, health and investment in the region. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp "Today the sacred purpose of building generations is fulfilled through Sainik School. This is an important day for eastern Uttar Pradesh," he said. Adityanath said that Gorakhpur has been an important place mythologically and historically. It is the place of worship of Mahayogi Guru Gorakhnath ji and also the centre for the publication of Sanatan literature all over the world through Gita Press.

In the fight for freedom, during the first freedom struggle of 1857, under the leadership of Shaheed Bandhu Singh, the foundations of British rule were shaken in the Gorakhpur region. The historic incident of Chauri Chaura in 1922 gave new impetus to the freedom struggle.

Adityanath said that the Sainik School of Gorakhpur, which was completed in a short period of three years, will play an important role in shaping the future of upcoming generations.

This Sainik School will build future generations and will prove helpful in making them understand the duties of life, he said and added that students passing out from this institute will pave the way for a developed India in future.

The first Sainik School in the country was established in Lucknow in 1960 by the then Chief Minister Sampurnanand. After that, in 1961, the then-defence minister also started five new Sainik Schools.

Welcoming the Vice President, he said "It is our pleasure that this Sainik School is being inaugurated by Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, an alumnus of Chittorgarh Sainik School during the period 1962 to 1969."



Adityanath on this occasion said that in this Sainik School, along with separate campuses for boys and girls, an auditorium has been built in the name of the country's first CDS General Bipin Rawat. A multipurpose hall has been also built in memory of Kargil martyr Captain Vikram Batra, along with an Eklavya shooting range and swimming pool.

An administrative building has been built on the Sainik campus based on ancient Indian culture and tradition. It has 20 classrooms, four laboratories, a dining hall, a multipurpose hall and a conference hall.

Residential halls have been constructed for students in the name of Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Shaheed Pt. Ram Prasad Bismil, Shaheed Bandhu Singh and Veerangana Rani Lakshmibai.
MHLANGATANE  Patients at Ndvwabangeni Nazarene Clinic are exposed to serious health hazards, as they use pit latrines to answer the call of nature.

It has been confirmed that patients are forced to relieve themselves using the pit latrines, because toilets inside the facility are malfunctioning due to the lack of water. This is a challenge some of the hospital personnel confirmed, has become normal despite being an obvious inconvenience to everybody. When this publication paid a visit to the health facility a week ago, the situation looked dire and desperate at same time. This clinic services over 3 000 residents under Mhlangatane Constituency, where Madala Mhlanga is the Member of Parliament (MP).The legislator also holds the position of Deputy Speaker in the House of Assembly and Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). He confirmed being aware of this challenge, which he assured, was getting due attention from the Inkhundla Council chaired by Indvuna Yenkhundla Mfanzile Fash Dlamini.

Challenge

However, the current water challenge has effectively compromised service delivery to an extent that some financially-abled residents now prefer taking the longer route to Mkhuzweni Clinic for health services. Mkhuzweni is situated just a few minutes away from the fast-growing Buhleni business area, which is yet to be officially gazetted as a town. Nurses at the facility shared the difficulties they were going through due to the water crisis at this facility. They did not hide the fact that this situation is making their work difficult, as it is compromising efficiency in terms of service delivery to the community they were mandated to serve when the facility was constructed.

One of the concerns from the nurses is that the use of pit latrines is exposing the patients to serious health risks. According to research, contaminated water and poor sanitation are linked to transmission of diseases such as cholera, diarrhoea, dysentery, hepatitis A, typhoid and polio. There are a number of known disadvantages of pit latrines even to healthy human beings, with flies and odours normally noticeable to the users. Given their frail health conditions, doctors would normally not recommend pit latrines as an alternative for patients.

Inconvenience

One of the blatant disadvantages and a serious inconvenience for patients is the fact that this kind of toilet has to be out-door, When you are sick, you are often weak and the walk to the toilet itself can be a taxing to the body , said a nurse. At Ndvwabangeni Clinic, the distance to the pit latrines for the patients takes up to a minimum 10 minutes walking distance, making it a tedious process for them, especially during summer. Mhlangatane is known to be one of the most humid areas in the northern Hhohho Region of the country during this time of year. Scientific results also show that pit latrines have low reduction in organic matter content and pathogens and have possible contamination of groundwater with pathogens and nitrate.

Further investigations revealed that besides attending to patients, the staff personnel must perform the duty of ensuring water is available in the tanks mounted around the facility. It was confirmed that the clinic spends E600 to buy litres of water that normally last less than two weeks. It is certainly not an ideal situation and not meeting the health requirements. You cannot operate a facility where patients cannot have access to proper sanitation; it is criminal in the health language.

Treatment

These patients come here for specific treatment but end up contracting other illnesses, because they have to use pit latrines. Mhlangatane is a big constituency and most of our patients are closer to Mpofu, the staffer said. She further confirmed that they service over 60 patients a day, confessing that the shortage of medical drugs was another challenge, even though manageable. There is no balance in our medical drugs stock, but we do have the medication that is frequently used by the patients. Otherwise, there are challenges on that part as well but we are doing the best we can, she added.

Her colleague said the health authorities needed to make time and visit these facilities to assess the situation instead of relying on reports from regional health departments. If they can just come here and see for themselves how tough our work with the water challenges we are facing is . We cannot continue to work like this because it is unfair on the patients. Our professional ethics are not in line with the kind of service we are giving at the moment, he said. MP Madala Mhlanga said they were now banking their hopes on World Vision to come up with a lasting solution. This is an old challenge facing the clinic and clearly, it is affecting residents who use this facility. Our constituency has water challenges and we are working around the clock to address this issue. We are hopeful that World Vision, as our partner, will assist in this regard, Mhlanga said.

Residents

The legislator said it is not acceptable that a clinic that services close to 60 residents in a day has no running water. He noted that water is very critical in any health facility, lamenting that patients are using pit latrines. The MP, however, gave assurance that they were not resting on their laurels, saying efforts were being made to find a lasting solution. Indvuna Yenkhundla Fash asserted the challenges facing the clinic in question, saying they were working around the clock to find a remedy.

The water challenge at the clinic is not a laughing matter, because it is affecting a lot of residents who use it. We are working as a collective to find solution to this challenge and we are hopeful that our partners will assist us, he said. World Visions Sakhile Dlamini did confirm to this publication that they have set up camp at Mhlangatane Constituency to offer assistance where possible. This was after unveiling E12 million Water project in the area, ensuring that residents are now using tap water through solar panel. As part of the funding, the organisation set aside E2 million to construct sanitary facilities for the residents as well.
Trump is "very pro-India, said the group. (Photo: Shutterstock)

Hindus for America First, a newly created grassroots organisation, has announced it will endorse Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump and launch a campaign against Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris in the key battleground states of Pennsylvania, Georgia and North Carolina. Announcing the decision on Thursday, Hindus for America First chairman and founder Utsav Sanduja claimed that Harris would be "very destabilising for Indo-US relations". Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp "The concern is that if Kamala becomes the president of the United States, then she might put in some liberal wolves on the bench who may actually reverse the Supreme Court on this (and) that impacting the Asian-American voters," he said.

The Biden-Harris administration has not kept the border secure. Harris is the second in command after President Joe Biden and did nothing to stem the flow of illegal immigrants into the US, he said.

"As a consequence of all these illegal immigrants, we've seen record crime, record drug smuggling... and it ends up affecting minority communities, in particular many of the Asian-American business owners," he said.

On the other hand, Sanduja praised Trump's efforts to make the immigration system more merit-based. He also lauded the former president's efforts to bolster defence and technology cooperation with India.

Trump is "very pro-India". He was able to cultivate an excellent relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and collaborate on many defence projects that would enable India to take on China, he said.

Unlike Harris, who made a lot of "disparaging remarks" about the government and people of India, Trump did not interfere in the country's internal affairs, Sanduja said.

"Kamala Harris would be very destabilising for Indo-US relations," he claimed.

He said Hindus for America First is organising efforts among Hindus in battleground states like Georgia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, Arizona, and Nevada against Harris.

Sanduja said the global Hindu community is concerned about the attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh.

"We would request all political entities concerned to raise this issue," he said, adding that the Hindus of Bangladesh are suffering.

"I give President Trump a lot of credit. Under his leadership, the State Department acknowledged the persecution of Hindus in various parts of the subcontinent, like in Afghanistan...Pakistan, it was President Trump that took the leadership in acknowledging Hindu genocide," he said.
MBABANE  Assistant ACC investigator Bonginkhosi Dlamini allegedly demanded nearly E200 000 from the head teacher of Lusoti High School to not investigate him for reportedly misappropriating school funds.

The accused allegedly first demanded a E100 000 tender from the head teacher of Lusoti High School to stop his colleague from investigating him. He is also alleged to have demanded a cow from the Director of Operations of Eswatini Railways, Sandile Stanley Dlamini, to stop Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) investigators from instituting an investigation against him. Bonginkhosi was arrested by his colleagues on Thursday morning. He has been charged with four counts under the Prevention of Corruption Act No.3 of 2006 and two under the Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism (Prevention) Act of 2011 as well as alternative extortion and attempted extortion charges. Deep Gold Investment (Pty) Ltd and Red Heart Investments (Pty) Ltd, where, in both, he is a co-director, are the second and third accused, respectively. In the first count, Bonginkhosi is accused of contravening the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Purpose

He, with Deep Gold Investments, in furtherance of a common purpose, allegedly solicited an advantage from Lusoti High School Head teacher Thamsanqa Masuku, for the benefit of his Deep Gold Investments, to prevent ACC investigators from investigating him for purportedly stealing and misappropriating school funds. Bonginkhosi and Deep Gold Investments, according to the charge sheet, accepted E100 000 from the head teacher as an inducement or reward so that he would not be investigated by the ACC investigators. The offence was committed in July 2021 at Madonsa Township in the Manzini Region.

The first alternative charge to the first count is that in July 2021, at Madonsa Township, Bonginkhosi and Deep Gold Investments, directly or indirectly, demanded payment of a tender to supply goods valued at E100 000 to Lusoti High School to their benefit. This, according to the charge sheet, amounted to an abuse of Bonginkhosis position of authority, alternatively an act amounting to a breach of trust. The charge sheet states that, alternatively, the act amounted to a violation of a legal duty and/or set of rules of the said head teacher of Lusoti High School. The second alternative charge against Bonginkhosi and his company is extortion.

Also reportedly committed in July 2021 at Madonsa Township, the ACC assistant investigator and Director of Deep Gold Investments, acting individually or jointly in furtherance of a common purpose, intentionally inspired fear in the mind of Masuku. He is alleged to have threatened the head teacher by threatening to continue with the purported investigations of misappropriation and/or theft of school funds instituted by the ACC against him. He is said to have made the alleged threat that unless Masuku gave his company Deep Gold Investments (Pty) Ltd the tender to supply goods valued at E100 000, he would be investigated for misappropriating school funds.

Extorted

As a result of this act, Bonginkhosi and Deep Gold Investments are alleged to have extorted and obtained the payment of E100 000 from the head teacher. In the second charge, Bonginkhosi and his other company, Red Heart Investments, in September 2023, reportedly solicited an advantage from one of the Lusoti High School head teacher in the sum of E83 000 as an inducement to and/or reward for and/or otherwise on account of Bonginkhosi persuading his work colleagues to not continue with purported investigations instituted by the ACC against Masuku.

Alternatively, Bonginkhosi and Red Heard Investments were charged with extortion, which was committed in September 2023 at Lusoti High School in the Lubombo Region. Bonginkhosi is accused of threatening to let his colleagues investigate Masuku unless he paid E83 000 to Red Heart Investments, without the latter supplying goods or rendering any services to Lusoti High School. The charge sheet states that the accused and his company intentionally attempted to extort and obtain the payment of E83 000 from Masuku. In count three, in September 2023, Bonginkhosi allegedly accepted payment of a sum of E1 607 as inducement for the accused to persuade his colleagues not to continue with the purported investigations instituted by the ACC against Masuku.

In the fourth count, which was committed in February 2024 in Mbabane, Bonginkhosi allegedly demanded payment in the form of a cow from the Eswatini Railways Director of Operations, Sandile, for him to bar ACC investigators from investigating him. He was alternatively charged with attempted extortion in that he allegedly threatened Sandile that he would continue with the purported investigations against him unless he gave him the cow, approximately valued at E10 000. By doing so, he allegedly committed attempted extortion.



In the fifth count, he is charged for allegedly contravening the Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism (Prevention) Act. He and Deep Gold Investments are said to have received payment of the sum of E100 000 from Masuku or Lusoti High School, which was deposited into his First National Bank Business cheque account 62677262025. He is alleged to have thereby concealed and or disguised the true nature, origin, location, disposition, movement or ownership of money, well knowing that he had derived the payment from a wrongful and unlawful action. He was charged under the same Act in respect of the amount of E1 607, which he reportedly received from Masuku into his Standard Bank Unayo Account.
By Cillian Sherlock, PA

A rally against UK arms exports to Israel has been staged in Dublin as British prime minister Keir Starmer visits Ireland.

More than 100 people staged a demonstration near the Spire on O'Connell Street on Saturday afternoon.

Mr Starmer was in Ireland to meet Irish business representatives and Taoiseach Simon Harris.

The Irish-Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC) said it was staging the demonstration to let the visiting British prime minister know that Ireland stands with Palestine.

Taoiseach Simon Harris greets British prime minister Keir Starmer (Brian Lawless/PA)

Speaking at the event on OConnell Street, IPSC spokesman Harun Siljak said the group was asking Sir Keir to end British complicity in the ongoing genocide and illegal occupation of Palestine.

He added: It is really concerning to see how persistent and unwavering the idea of the British Government maintaining support for Israel really is, especially at this stage when we cant even estimate the number of people who have been killed.

Demonstrators, some wearing keffiyehs, waved Palestinian and Irish flags as they chanted slogans including free, free Palestine.

The IPSC said the recent suspension of 30 arms export licences to Israel is a testament to the tireless work of Palestine solidarity activists in the UK.

However, it added: But it doesnt go anywhere near far enough  Britain is still exporting components for F-35 warplanes to Israel via the US, and still giving diplomatic cover for genocide.

This needs to end now.

Richard Boyd Barrett, a People Before Profit TD, said the protest was to highlight Britains shameful record of complicity with this apartheid regime.

He said: Keir Starmer is deeply complicit with Israels genocidal massacre that has claimed the lives of 40,000 Palestinians.

Right from the beginning, he has justified Israels actions  he even, shockingly, last year defended Israels decision to cut off water, electricity, and power to the entire population of Gaza.

His government continues to sell billions worth of arms to Israel which enables them to carry out the massacre in Gaza and the ongoing brutal occupation of Palestinian land.

During an interview on British radio station LBC in October, Mr Starmer appeared to suggest the Israeli government had the right to withhold electricity and water from Gazans.

The remarks, which Labour officials later sought to clarify as a general right for Israel to defend itself within humanitarian law, prompted resignations within the party.
MBABANE  Following South Africa ex-President Thabo Mbekis revelation about his reinvigorated interest in seeing the King, Alpheous Nxumalo has punched holes in his pursuit for dialogue with the head of State.

Despite Mbekis revered prowess in political philosophy, Nxumalo, the Government Press Secretary, seems to be equal to the challenge, pointing out that his (Mbeki) narration of the countrys leadership attitude required a respectable response, based on the fact that he is a former head of State. His Excellency Thabo Mvuyelwa Mbeki must choose between two political poles as it were, continue with his megaphone diplomacy or manage his political ego of dreaming about an imposed political regime change agenda in Eswatini.

This was an assertion by Alpheous Nxumalo, Eswatini Governments Spokesperson in reaction to allegations by the former South African President that His Majesty King Mswati III claimed to be sick when he was about to meet him to discuss among others, a political dialogue. Mbeki is said to have made these utterances last Wednesday at the University of South Africa during the Thabo Mbeki African School of Public and International Affairs. He informed those present that he (Mbeki) reminded His Majesty about the pending report to be delivered to him outlining how emaSwati want their country to be governed.

Apparently, Mbeki was responding to a question posed by one Qhawekazi Khumalo, who is said to be convenor of the SwaziLives Matter, which is considered as an organisation campaigning for democracy in the kingdom. Mbeki is quoted as having said: I said to His Majesty, I really want to listen to the population, emaSwati, to hear from them what they think about their country and its future in order to come back to him. We prepared the report; I went to Eswatini to meet His Majesty carrying the report to engage him. Unfortunately, he fell sick while we were there, I believed him, he actually got sick. I left the report and to cut the long story short, I saw him quite recently to say to him theres this outstanding meeting between him and me because I still owe him that report, so he agreed.

Mbeki insisted that the project to facilitate the political dialogue in Eswatini was done under the Thabo Mbeki Foundation, saying he was eager to see the political crisis in the kingdom resolved, because the country played a huge role in liberating them from the apartheid regime. In response, Nxumalo said many emaSwati have read and watched Mbekis utterances, making it clear that what was said by the former South Africa President, cannot go unanswered or responded to. He noted that any response to Mbekis utterances will always be measured and coughed in total respect, first, to his person as a former head of State, to his foundation and to the context of the measure of reciprocation.

Nxumalo pointed out that Mbeki did something not-so-many South Africans who were exiled and harboured in Eswatini in order to protect and shield them away from the grinding and deadly machine of the apartheid regime, which executed through the then Civic Cooperation Burio, would have. Nxumalo said this was mouthful although not comprehensive enough until the former South Africa president tells the full story of how and why he was evacuated from Eswatini by the late Doctor Sishayi Nxumalo at the order of His Majesty King Sobhuza II in order to save his (Mbekis life) from almost certain and satisfied assassination allegedly by the South African Civil Covet Burio (CCB) under the then Defence Minister Magnus Malan.

Threatening

Nxumalo said it was important to remind Mbeki that megaphone diplomacy, which is the practice of making strong or threatening statements in order to make another country do what you want, is not only counterproductive but also disrespectful. You do not do proper diplomatic business through public lectures, press releases or public announcements. Therefore, any dry running operation (a rehearsal of a performance or procedure before the real one) from the Thabo Mbeki Foundation or any other entity, wont work against the legitimate and constitutional interests of the Kingdom of Eswatini, he said.

Adding, Nxumalo said it is standard procedure and practice that any and every political or policy advice or opinion from outside the country will be measured against the yardstick of the countrys national Constitution, not against some political sentiments or pronouncements from somewhere else including from the Thabo Mbeki Foundation. He accused Mbeki of using the megaphone diplomacy in his lecture to tell the whole world about his alleged private meetings with the King or any other head of State for that matter. He said this was not only in bad diplomatic and political taste but also utterly shameful.

Former President Mbeki should feel good and lucky that our King felt sick after he (Mbeki) claimed to have told him about a privileged report from emaSwati concerning their problems and solutions. I could have been dead if Mbeki told me that. Since when are emaSwatis ventilation of their respective problems, challenges and solutions a business of former leaders, from foreign lands or foundations? Mbeki makes a bold claim that his foundation spoke to all emaSwati. Really Mr Mbeki? Hhayi Baba, can you kindly rephrase that at least, said Nxumalo.

Nxumalo said no one spoke to him about anything from Mbekis foundation. He said Mbeki, in public lecture went ahead and declared that the SADC intervention never took them any further with regard to the situation in Eswatini, stating that: Really now? Who are the us in this context? Whatever the us represents, Mbeki believes that his foundation could have done a better job than the collective intelligence and wisdom of all the SADC heads of State and Government including his own Head of State, President Cyril Matamela Ramaphosa.

Nxumalo said if this is true, then conspiracy theories are but real, making it clear that emaSwati under all circumstances cannot ask or beg Mbeki to convey their wishes to their King on what they want, deserve or desire.

He said Mbeki claimed that he presented the demands of emaSwati to His Majesty the King, stating clearly that Eswatini Government represents all emaSwati who are asking themselves when Mbeki came to ask them what they wanted their King to hear and correct. The spokesperson said the King was the first person to hear from emaSwati needs and has qualified people from villages, constituencies, Parliament, Senate, government and emabandla (advisory councils) who report to both His Majesty and Government.
MANZINI Historic!

Dignitaries who included members of the royal family, Cabinet ministers, Members of Parliament (MPs) and popular South African celebrated stars yesterday became part of a historic premier of a film that represents the culture and heritage of emaSwati. The film is titled Baka Ngwane and its executive producer is Minister of Foreign and Affairs and International Cooperations Senator Pholile Shakantu. The premiere was held at the Manzini Lifestyle Centre yesterday and was attended by Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini and Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla, among other dignitaries.

Also at the event was South African award-winning actors Jerry Mafokeng and Thobani Nzuza. The event started with the guests, who made sure that they came dressed to the nines in formal, evening and traditional wear, strutting their stuff on the red carpet to pose for pictures.As the photobooth spot became busy, other guests took time to mingle and pose with the South African stars and local celebrities.

Ambience

The ambience at the venue was characterised by smiles of joy and unending handshakes between the cast of the film and the entourage. After posing for pictures, the guests were ushered inside the main arena and this was minutes after the arrival of the PM, DPM and His Majesty King Mswati IIIs representative, Chief Senzangakhona. The guests listened to speeches after which they witnessed the unveiling of the plaque. They were then ushered into the different cinemas, where they spent over an hour enjoying the film.

The film features local actors such as Samkelo Dlamini, who plays the role of Matalatala, Mandisa Mamba, who plays the role of Queen Choshile, Lawrence Mhlanga, who plays the role of Tsekwane and Phiwinhlanhla Mondlane who plays the role of Nkosatana. Delivering her speech, Senator Shakantu shared that creating Baka Ngwane has been a journey she and her team will never forget.
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture, in collaboration with the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service, is excited to announce the launch of a new Tennessee Direct Hay Report. This tool will provide comprehensive insights into hay pricing and trends across the state, helping Tennessees farmers and producers make informed decisions.For farmers, the Direct Hay Report helps answer critical questions about commodity valuation, Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher, D.V.M. said.By launching this hay report, TDA aims to extend its market news presence beyond livestock auction barns, providing Tennessee farmers with a valuable new resource.A direct hay report is a crucial price-discovery tool, aggregating hay prices based on location, class, grade, and type. The report will display high and low prices and an average price for each category. This state-specific report reflects current market conditions and trends, providing an essential resource for local agricultural decision-making.The inaugural report was launched on Aug. 29, and is available here. All hay reports can be found online at www.ams.usda.gov/market-news/hay-reports.TDA plans to expand the information collected and seeks more farmers to add to the contact list. Participation is crucial, as the report's accuracy and relevance depend on the number of cooperators providing price information. Farmers interested in contributing to the report can contact their local TDA Market Reporter or TDAs Market News & Livestock Grading Supervisor Rob Thomas by email at Rob.Thomas@tn.gov.
Forward is an ecumenical group which offers mutual support for those who have lost a spouse. First-Centenary United Methodist Church in downtown Chattanooga will host a new small group, seven sessions in all, beginning Saturday, October 5, from 10 to 11:30 a.m., in the Parlor.

These support groups offer space for the newly and sometimes not so newly bereaved to share experiences and begin to find ways to step Forward into the future. If you or someone you know is interested in joining this group, please contact the Church office at 756-2021.

There is no charge to participate.
An end of summer Community Art & Craft Fair is set for this Sunday at Rivermont Presbyterian Church, 3319 Hixson Pike, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.Aside from a good number of local crafts vendors, there will be food and face painting.
We are a dog family. I grew up with several breeds always present in and around our mountain home. The first of those was a Collie, a baby gift the week I was born  seriously, somebody gave my parents a puppy to contend with the week I arrived. While many breeds are fine, it is the rescue dogs we have adopted over the last two decades that have been the best of the bunch.

In a sense, I am ashamed to say that though I have had people die in my arms, the strain in the moment when losing one of our mutts has been unexpectedly comparable. Maybe some reading this will understand.

With that as a backdrop, let me tell you a story about a Navy SEAL Veteran and his dog.

In my recent Profile of Valor on an exceptional American Patriot, PO1 Marcus Luttrell (USN), I noted that he describes himself as a God-fearing Christian and East Texas redneck, and despite his friendly demeanor, his 6'5", 240 lb. frame made him an imposing adversary.



Marcus first deployed to Iraq with SEAL Team 5 in April 2003 during Operation Iraqi Freedom, assigned to search and destroy missions to take out Saddams remaining Iraqi resistance. In 2005, he was deployed to Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom.

It was there in June 2005 that Marcus and two other SEALS were on a mission with LT Michael Murphy, who would receive a posthumous Medal of Honor for his actions. Their counterinsurgent mission was code-named Operation Red Wings, and by the end of that fateful day, a total of 19 special forces operators would be killed in action  the deadliest day ever for SF operators KIA.

Marcus was the Lone Survivor of that mission, as outlined in his outstanding book by that title and the movie that followed. For his actions, he was awarded the Navy Cross, the USNs second-highest decoration under the Medal of Honor. But it is the next chapter of his life  his recovery  that most people have not read.

When I met Marcus years ago, my first words were, Brother, I am sorry about DASY. He nodded and quietly said, Thank you.

In 2005, the year he returned from Afghanistan, Marcus received a yellow Labrador puppy from a Veterans support group, a pup to help him heal from the trauma he had suffered. He named her DASY  an acronym with the first letters of the names of his closest SEAL friends who did not survive his last mission. DASY was critical to his recovery.

Four years later, at about 0200 on April 1, 2009, a gunshot outside his home in Huntsville, Texas, startled Marcus, who at the time was recovering from surgery. Instinctively, he grabbed two 9mm Beretta pistols, then checked to see if his mother was okay.

Exiting his house, which he describes as being in the middle of nowhere, there was just enough moonlight to see a couple of strangers at the end of his driveway next to their car. He quietly crawled under a fence and approached their location. As he walked toward them, he recalls: I saw my dog in a ditch and two men standing outside their car. I could hear them laughing. He yelled, Which one of you guys killed my dog? and then, They started talking smack as they got into their car to flee. He found DASY dead: I could tell she tried to get away because there was a blood trail. When I saw she was dead, the only thing that popped into my head was, Ive got to take these guys out.

Marcus quickly got to his truck and gave pursuit, calling 911 to alert the police. As he caught up with the fleeing car, he let the dispatcher know, You better get someone out here because they got a gun, and I got one too, and this is going to turn into a gunfight. He declared, If I catch them, Im going to kill them.

That was the beginning of a 30-mile high-speed pursuit across Walker, San Jacinto, and Polk counties, with Marcus in his truck barely able to keep up with the thugs but on the line with the 911 dispatcher the whole way. Excerpts from that call, as he is patched through from one dispatcher to the next, can be heard here.

At the 4:30 mark into the 911 call, when asked his speed, Marcus said, 110. The dispatcher says, Sir, I dont need you to keep up with them. I dont want you to hurt yourself. He responded, Ma'am, Im a Navy SEAL and have been for 10 years. I am not worried about hurting myself; I know what I am doing.

Finally, a patrol officer was in position to give pursuit. He pulled out behind the fleeing vehicle and stopped the suspects. The officer was concerned about his personal safety confronting the three men in the middle of nowhere until Marcus pulled in behind his patrol car and advised the dispatcher he was going to provide backup. Two of the three suspects were arrested.

Of all the rural 0-dark-30 vehicle stops I made early in my career as a uniformed officer, I never had a SEAL as a backup  and on a few of those, that would have been helpful!

Texas Ranger Steven Jeter later noted: Marcus is trained to do certain things; he fell back on his training, but added, I wouldnt advocate to the general public to do what he has done.

Alfonso Hernandez and Michael Edmonds were both convicted of killing DASY, and they had been involved in at least five other animal killings in the same area. At their trial, Walker County Assistant District Attorney John Hafley said in his closing argument, This time they shot the wrong dog.

Ironically, it is clear from the 911 call recording that Marcus demonstrated a remarkable level of composure as he pulled in behind the arresting officer and confronted the three suspects. I say ironic because if not for his recovery with the help of DASY, those three might well be dead. Marcus says: I was trying to talk myself out of being who I am, talking to myself about not doing the one thing I am good at.



Though DASYs death was an enormous setback, Marcus soon received another yellow Lab named Rigby, and that service dog remained with Marcus until Rigby died in 2021.

Today, Marcus, his wife Melanie, and their family are doing well.

PO1 Marcus Luttrell and your fellow SEAL operators and Army Night Stalkers: Your examples of valor  American Patriots defending Liberty for all above and beyond the call of duty, and in disregard for the peril to your own life  is eternal.

Footnote: In a recent column, Congressional Veterans Condemn Walz for Stolen Valor, I referenced the current Veterans serving in the 118th Congress. Notably, one of them is Marcus Luttrells twin brother, Morgan (R-TX), who was also a seal. He joins other outstanding Texas warriors in Congress, including fellow SEAL Rep. Dan Crenshaw.

And friends because of our affinity for mans best friend combined with honoring wounded Veterans, we are longtime sponsors of two outstanding local organizations aiding Vets with PTSD. Those service groups are Honoring Their Sacrifice Foundation (https://honoringthesacrifice.com) and Warrior Freedom Service Dogs (https://www.warriorfreedom.org). They would welcome your support.

Greater love has no one than this, to lay down ones life for his friends. (John 15:13)



Live your life worthy of his sacrifice.

Semper Vigilans Fortis Paratus et Fidelis

Pro Deo et Libertate -- 1776

Join us in daily prayer for our Patriots in uniform  Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen -- standing in harms way in defense of American Liberty, and for Veterans, First Responders, and their families.

Please consider a tax-deductible gift to support our hometown National Medal of Honor Sustaining Fund. Make a check payable to NMoH Sustaining Fund and mail to: Patriot Foundation Trust, PO Box 407, Chattanooga, TN 37401-0407. Visit the National Medal of Honor Heritage Center at Aquarium Plaza. (https://www.MOHHC.org)






No. 23 ranked Covenant volleyball team began its first of three games in Kentucky with its first ever battle with Illinois College. After splitting the first two sets, Covenant won the third and fourth sets in close fashion to move to 4-0.



Final score was 3-1 (25-19, 14-25, 25-21, 25-22).



Freshman Kayley Shanfelt had a breakout game for the Scots with a career-high 12 kills on a .435 hitting percentage. Hannah Mathis made an impact on both sides of the net with eight kills and six total blocks.

Assist wise, Amber Snook tallied 17 while Cali Sandhoff totaled 16 to go with her eight kills. Kelsey Carman flirted with a double-double with seven kills and eight digs.



Defending CCS Defensive Player of the Week, Sarah Jennings, had 14 digs tonight.



Covenant takes on Centre and No. 19 Transylvania tomorrow afternoon.
The program offers both an undergraduate RN to BSN program and a Master of Science in Nursing degree.
In 2020, a fisherman in Galicia, Spain, tripped on what initially appeared to be a mossy rock while fishing for trout in the Sar River.

But upon closer inspection, he realized that it was no ordinary river rockit was definitely a statue of some sort.

I noticed the stone was square, which is odd in a river, and then I looked at its lines, at the cape, and at the shape of the head, Fernando Brey told a local newspaper. And I said to myself, Theres something here.'

Brey sent photos of the find to an expert on artifacts of local heritage, who identified the statue as a depiction of Mary and baby Jesus.

An analysis conducted by Castor and Galicias Ministry of Culture dated the figurine to the 14th century, which means it could be over 700 years old.

The moss-covered sculpture was carved out of granite and weighed around 330 pounds. The design was made in the Galician gothic style that was unique to the area.

The features of the piece were hard to decipher since time had caused them to fade. However, researchers were able to determine that the statues base was decorated with acanthus leaves and four-petaled flowers.

The figurine portrays Mary with her child nestled on her lap. On either side of Mary, two angels rest on top of her shoulders. They held up her cape or a similar object. The angels faces were still visible, but Marys was gone. The head of baby Jesus was also missing.

According to a statement put out by the government of Galicia, someone may have removed these features to try to desanctify the icon. The act could have been a sign of social unrest at the time when Galician culture was prospering during the 14th century.

Sign up for Chip Chicks newsletter and get stories like this delivered to your inbox.
When oranges are not sold loose on the shelves, they usually come in red mesh bags. You may have never thought twice about the fruits packaging since it seems so plain. But, it has a greater impact on human psychology than you ever could have realized.

The reason behind the strange red netting is to make oranges look more appealing, which makes customers want to purchase the product. Basically, its a marketing tactic used by supermarkets and food producers.

The color orange stands out more when paired with red. It helps give the impression that the oranges are richer in color. Therefore, your brain will assume they are fresher, juicer, and higher quality.

Plus, if the fruit is unripe, the red mesh packaging downplays its greenness. When you get home, you might be surprised to find that your oranges are an unattractive shade of green.

Its also why similarly colored fruits like tangerines and grapefruit are sold in red bags. In addition, lemons are often put in green bags to make the yellow hue pop. If lemons were also sold in red bags, it would cause the fruit to look somewhat like oranges, and they wouldnt be as enticing to shoppers.

The principle is based on the confetti illusion, a perceptual phenomenon in which objects seem to take on the color of a surrounding pattern.

In this optical illusion, a shape of a neutral color is placed within a grid of lines that are of multiple colors. The illusion works best with three colors, but more can be added. The stripes in the foreground make the color of the shape seem to blend in with the colors of the lines.

In a new study led by a psychologist named Karl R. Gegenfurtner from Giessen University in Germany, the authors further explain how the red mesh packaging of oranges at the supermarket utilizes the confetti illusion.

According to the study, Gegenfurtner buys juicy oranges every Saturday from his favorite fruit seller at the local market. On a more recent day, he went to purchase some oranges but found that she did not have any ripe oranges in stock.

Sign up for Chip Chicks newsletter and get stories like this delivered to your inbox.
The rusty patched bumblebee, named for the reddish-brown smudge on the backs of male and worker bees of the species, is endangered. Scientists are studying the species to try and find ways to work toward their recovery.

According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, they were once common across the eastern United States and Canada, but their populations have dwindled by almost 90 percent over two decades.

Now, they are only found in the Upper Midwest and Northeast United States. The rusty patch became the first bumblebee in the United States to be listed as endangered in 2017.

Scientists are collecting genetic material from rusty patched bumblebees by snipping off tiny pieces of their legs. This is a very common method and does not harm the creatures. Each sample is then sent to a lab, where DNA analysis will be conducted.

The tests will assist in estimating the number of colonies, patterns of inbreeding and the health and genetic diversity of rusty patched bumblebee populations. The whole initiative began in 2020 when bumblebee researchers held a meeting in Minnesota. They aimed to identify conservation tools that could help save the species.

After completing a comprehensive genetic study of the bumblebees, they found several ways to aid the conservation of the species. However, concerns were also raised about their ability to survive. The study showed that the number of rusty patched bumblebees was low, even in places they frequently inhabited.

Weve seen the Upper Midwest as the stronghold of the species, but what weve seen from the genetic data is that even within these strongholds for the species, they are still far fewer colonies than we might have expected, John Mola, the lead author of the study and an ecologist at Colorado State University, said.

Bumblebee populations are measured by colonies instead of individuals because only queens can create offspring.

Each spring, queen bees will come out of hibernation to make nests, where they produce female workers whose purposes are to forage, nurse larvae, and protect the nest. The queens switch to producing reproductive individuals later in the summer.

Sign up for Chip Chicks newsletter and get stories like this delivered to your inbox.
Home News Inside a Christian woman's fight to shut down Pornhub for distributing child abuse videos

Serena was only 14 and had never even kissed a boy when a guy she had a crush on convinced her to send him nude images and videos of herself, which he proceeded to share with classmates.

She fell into depression and attempted suicide several times after the content was viewed on Pornhub and uploaded to the site again and again.

When she was 19, Serena connected with longtime advocate Laila Mickelwait after she saw the girl's abuse video online. Mickelwait put out an alert video featuring the girl's face, which allowed the two to connect for help in taking the content off Pornhub.

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

"[Serena's story] could be the story of anybody's child, and just realizing that was a horrifying thought, but it really fueled my fight even more," Mickelwait told The Christian Post in an interview about her latest memoir Takedown: Inside the Fight to Shut Down Pornhub for Child Abuse, Rape, and Sex Trafficking.

Serena's story is one of many cases Mickelwait cites in the book of Pornhub distributing and monetizing child sexual abuse and rape.

Mickelwait allows readers to follow her throughout her quest to hold Pornhub, its parent company Aylo (formerly Mind Geek), accountable for distributing videos depicting sexual abuse.

From exposing abuse videos to putting pressure on credit card companies to cut ties with Pornhub, the founder of the Traffickinghub movement shares her strategies for going toe to toe with the billion-dollar pornography website Pornhub.

Another case cited in the book is that of a 15-year-old girl who had been missing for over a year before a Pornhub user told the girl's mother that he recognized the woman's daughter on the site.

The mother discovered over 50 videos uploaded to Pornhub by a user named "Daddy's_Slut" that showed her daughter being raped. As Mickelwait recounted in the book, the minor's assaults were monetized with advertisements, and over 100 million users could pay to download the content.

As an advocate who has fought against issues like human trafficking for over 15 years, Mickelwait said that she has always had a heart for children.

"For people to be able to care about this issue, I thought it was important for them to go on this journey with me," Mickelwait told CP.

"The journey of discovery, to meet the victims, the whistleblowers, to understand how this company works and the devastating trauma that it causes victims," she added. "Hopefully, by the end of the story, they can be as passionate about ending this as I am, and we can mobilize an army of activists to take this to the next level."

Her efforts to mobilize the public against sex crimes have resulted in a movement comprised of a diverse group of people, including those who work in the porn industry. Mickelwait said she is in touch with porn producers and performers on a regular basis, people she credited with helping her uncover abuse in the industry.

The changes she is calling for, such as age and consent verification on every user-generated porn site, are regulations supported by people in the porn industry, she said. She makes clear in her book that she wants to abolish sex trafficking and online sexual crime and not the legal pornography industry.

"When we're taking on abuse and criminal organizations this big, it's important for people to come together and set aside their differences, whether it's their religion or lack of religion, whether it's their political ideology," Mickelwait said. "Because this is a human rights issue. It's not a right or left issue; it's not an issue that's only for Christians."

Throughout the book, Mickelwait showcases her roles as an advocate and a mother. In one section, she described rocking her young son in the darkness of her bedroom one night while her thoughts turned to a story she read days after her son's birth about a missing girl from Florida.

While she stressed that anyone who cares about children can take action on this issue, Mickelwait noted that becoming a mother seemed to increase her empathy for the abused children she learned about through her work.

"I think it really took it to another level when I thought about the fact that these children who have been exploited could be my children in a few years because the things that were happening to them could happen to anyone's child in the digital age," she stated.

Taking on a major corporation is not without its emotional consequences, however.

Mickelwait is transparent with readers about the stress of dealing with doxing or having her face superimposed on graphic images. But during moments of emotional turmoil, the advocate thought of Pornhub's victims, and she would also turn to God.

"I do have a strong faith and belief in God," she said. "My spiritual side has played an important role in keeping me grounded and helping me to just keep going forward."

Another inspiration for Mickelwait that uplifted her in times of need was her late father, who she references frequently in the book. Her dad was a general and vascular surgeon and passed away in 2014 after suffering a heart attack.

Mickelwait recounts standing at her father's grave following his funeral and vowing to bring justice to abuse victims.

"He was just an amazing father and the reason why I am doing this work today," Mickelwait said.
Home Opinion Is America pro-abortion?

About 25 years ago, I had the privilege to sit down to interview the late George Gallup, Jr., the esteemed pollster whose father founded Gallup Polls.

One of the things Gallup, Jr. said that Ive never forgotten was his response to my question: Is America pro-abortion rights or pro-life?

He said 20% of Americans are strongly pro-choice. Twenty percent are strongly pro-life. And the other 60% are in the mushy middle, and they can go either way depending upon what you ask and how you ask. I imagine that is still roughly the case.

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

Fast forward to this election season, and abortion is on the ballot again, directly or indirectly.

Obviously, the key presidential candidates and their teams differ greatly on this, as do others running for office. But abortion is more directly on the ballot in 11 states that have referenda dealing with the issue. One of those is Florida, generally a pro-life state.

Since Roe was overturned, some states have voted to allow even more abortions than would have been accepted before. Is Ohio pro-life? If so, why did they vote for abortion up to the moment of birth last year?

Eric Scheidler, executive director of the Pro-Life Action League, remarks that if given a choice between two extremes: either zero abortions allowed or abortion without any restrictions, Americans will choose the latter not the former.

Dr. Chris Leader of Vote Your Faith has studied the ballot initiatives on abortion. As noted, Florida has Amendment #4 on the ballot. A vote yes on that referendum is a vote for abortion up to the moment of birth.

Surprisingly, some polls find Americans far less pro-abortion than the mainstream media would have us believe.

I interviewed Dr. Leader for a radio segment on this recently. He told our listeners: What we found at the America First Policy Institute through a Rasmussen poll that we commissioned is that 73% of Americans now believe that there are two lives involved in any abortion, the life of the mother and the life of the baby.

He noted that that finding is very different than polls conducted in the 1990s, where it was hard to get people to recognize the life of the baby. So, this new shift in thinking is a great improvement to the pro-life cause.

Furthermore, Leader said that their polling also found that 92% of Americans oppose late-term abortion, up to the moment of birth  or even after birth. Thus, the lefts hardcore position is out of step with the majority of Americans on this point.

Leader also said that 71% of Americans believe there should be some legal limits to abortion. However, he hastens to add that we disagree as to what those limits should be. Nonetheless, it is significant that the position taken by many on the hard left  abortion without limits  is not a position held by the majority of Americans.

If you support abortion, do you know what you are actually supporting? In testimony before Congress, Dr. Anthony Levatino, an OB/GYN, explains a common abortion procedure  what they actually do in second trimester abortions (not the majority of abortions, but there are thousands of them in America every year).

Here is a recent article about Dr. Levatino and some of his testimony before Congress on how they do abortions  and the left's attempt to ignore him.

Levatino used to do abortions (having performed more than 1,200), but then he became pro-life. How? One day, after completing one of those abortions, I looked at the remains of a preborn child whose life I had ended, and all I could see was someones son or daughter. I came to realize that killing a baby at any stage of pregnancy, for any reason, is wrong, he said.

But what about first trimester abortions? Surely, they are justified, argue some. But Lila Roses organization, Live Action.org, shows this too is a lie. And then there are third trimester abortions.

Meanwhile, abortion is sold in the name of choice, but Dr. Ingrid Skop, OB-GYN, notes that many women feel they were forced to abort. She writes, Some 20-60% of women obtaining abortions may desire their pregnancy but experience pressure or coercion to terminate.

Our Declaration of Independence, our nations birth certificate, says that we are endowed by our Creator with certain unalienable rights  the first one being, the right to life. But abortion undermines those rights.

If we continue down this pro-abortion path, I believe that future generations will look at us with horror  the way we look at previous Americans who blithely accepted human slavery as the norm.

One day God will hold us all accountable for these things, including how we vote on these matters. May God send a true revival, leading to a culture of life.
Home Opinion Joe Rogan, Kid Rock and Bill Maher can't lead the moral and cultural revolution

I appreciate the many secular, even atheistic and non-Christian voices that have pushed back against radical trans-activism. They spoke loudly and clearly and boldly and fearlessly. Good for them! But if America is to be changed in a lasting, positive way, we cannot only push back against what is wrong. We must also present what is right, namely, that human beings are created in the image of God, thereby endowed with morality and purpose and significance, and that He created us male and female. Thats why those of us with a biblically based faith must lead the way.

To be sure, we will not fight this battle alone, and thats why Im appreciative of all those who have taken a stand against radical transgender activism, in some cases, at real personal cost. At the same time, we cannot fully align ourselves with trans-opposing atheists who mock the Bible or gay and lesbian activists who embrace same-sex marriage while rejecting the transgender grooming of children.

So, I do appreciate Prof. Richard Dawkins for signing a declaration opposing gender reassignment surgeries and puberty blockers for children and affirming that biological sex is binary. For these acts, he was stripped of his Humanist of the Year award and was subjected to headlines like this: Richard Dawkins has abandoned science to justify his transphobia. But in no way can I imagine forming a society-impacting coalition with one of the most aggressive and influential religion-bashing atheists of all time.

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

Similarly, Bill Maher, another influential, religion-bashing atheist, has come under attack for his common-sense, anti-trans activism remarks, with the Queer Majority website noting that he is part of a growing trend  a no longer exclusively right-wing backlash against the excesses of trans activism. Here, too, Im glad to have him calling out the emperors lack of clothes. But can we join in spirit with Mahers totally non-spiritual approach?

I could list other voices here, including Kid Rock, who famously shot up cans of Bud Light in response to the ill-fated, ill-advised Dylan Mulvaney ad campaign. That helped launch a boycott that cost Anheuser Busch billions of dollars. But are we to embrace Kid Rock as an icon of morality and a partner in the Gospel?

Or how about the influential social media group Gays Against Groomers? I have often reposted their very forceful memes and comments exposing the dangers to children of radical trans-activism. At the same time, I do not believe we would be where we are as a society today if it were not for gay and lesbian activism in the past. As I wrote on May 23, 2023, you cannot separate the LGB from the T and the Q. (See also here.)

As for having limited solidarity with a group like Gays Against Groomers (despite my real appreciation for much of their work), I could hardly celebrate the news that one of the groups founders, a lesbian, was going to marry her female partner.

The same can be said for my appreciation for the clear-headed, anti-trans-activist comments of people like Piers Morgan, J. K. Rowling, Martina Navratilova, and Joe Rogan.

Im glad for their comments and stands, but I recognize that Morgan, for his part, has been well-known for challenging Christian conservatives on his programs (heres where he challenged me); Rowling, herself straight, has been a longtime LGB ally; Navratilova, is an out and proud lesbian; and Rogan  well, suffice is to say that when you think of Joe Rogan, the first word that comes to your mind is not Bible.

Again, I appreciate their level-headedness on many trans-related issues and their voices are certainly influential and helpful. Some of them have also been quite courageous, like Rowling, who virtually took on the nation of Scotland and won.

But none of these people are starting with a biblical worldview, which is the only worldview that can sustain human thriving in the long run.

It is a worldview that recognizes that we are, by nature and design, different than the animal kingdom and uniquely capable of being image bearers of God. And it this is concept that underlies our Declaration of Independence, which memorably states, We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed, by their Creator, with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.

Denying God as our Creator and Designer ultimately makes us nothing more than the random products of an unguided, purposeless, evolutionary process. Some would even argue that, based on naturalistic evolutionary assumptions, free will itself is an illusion, as we are simply doing what is inevitable for us based on biological determinism. This is a counsel of despair.

Denying that He created us male and female, with men designed for women and women designed for men, opens the door to an endless alphabet of relational and gender variants (think LGBTQIP+++).

Thats why those of us who honor God and respect His Word must help lead the way in todays cultural revolution, not by taking over and imposing our will but by living out our faith and demonstrating that Gods ways are best.

Surely, many in this hurting and confused generation will welcome this good news, especially when it comes with a note of mercy, redemption, and transforming love of the cross. This is something that others who are outside of Jesus cannot possibly offer.

Let us then, in His name, help lead the way.
Home News Pastor Jack Hibbs thanks Gov. Newsom for vetoing terrible illegal immigrant housing bill

Pastor Jack Hibbs of Calvary Chapel Chino Hills thanked Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom late Friday for vetoing a bill that would have given up to $150,000 to illegal immigrants as a down payment for home loans.

On Friday, Newsom vetoed AB 1840, which would have expanded the California Dream for All program that would have given illegal immigrants who were first-time homebuyers up to 20% of a home's value or as much as $150,000 as a down payment on a house.

In a short letter to the California State Assembly on Friday, Newsom explained why he vetoed the bill, noting in part that the home loan program already has limited funds.

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

"This bill seeks to prohibit the disqualification of applicants from one of California Housing Finance Agency's (CalHFA) home purchase assistance programs based solely on their immigration status," Newsom said in the veto letter.

"Given the finite funding available for CalHFA programs, expanding program eligibility must be carefully considered within the broader context of the annual state budget to ensure we manage our resources effectively.

"For this reason, I am unable to sign the bill."

In a lengthy post on X that began in all caps, the Calvary Chapel Chino Hills pastor wrote: "FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER IN MY LIFE  I am going to thank and complement [sic] California Governor Gavin Newsom."

Writing for himself and on "behalf of millions of Californians," Hibbs thanked the governor, saying he didn't know why he decided to veto the "terrible" bill, but it showed Californians that he can "be a man of conviction and courage as you lead your own California Democrat [P]arty."

Hibbs, an outspoken megachurch pastor who recently urged his congregation not to vote for Democrats, said he will pray that Newsom "will continue to do the right thing here in California" and urged the governor to secure the state's southern border and help reduce illegal immigration so that "our communities and our children can be safe again."

Some Democrats in the state Assembly defended the bill's effort to give illegal immigrants the same opportunities to receive housing benefits as other California residents.

"It isn't given out willy nilly to just anybody," Democrat Assemblymember Eloise Gomez Reyes said during a hearing on the bill in June, according to Fox News.

During an appearance on HBO's "Real Time" with host Bill Maher last Friday, House Speaker Emerita Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said that "making the American Dream of home ownership available to all people is something we have to do for people who are here now." She added that those who are in the state illegally should have their status changed to "documented."

Maher pushed back on Pelosi's assertion and the lawmakers who passed AB1840, noting that giving home loans to immigrants who are in the country illegally positions the Democratic Party to "a different place than the [party] used to be on immigration."

Following a brief back-and-forth about immigration and housing, Pelosi said the bill sought to make "the American Dream [] available to more people." She added that while she wasn't "familiar" with the details of the bill, "making the American Dream of home ownership available to all people is something we have to do for people who are here now."